Recap: Indians Q&A with Zack Meisel

Aaron C.
20h ago
The Dolans bought the Indians for $320 million in 1999. According to Forbes, the franchise is now worth $800 million. The Dolans stand to gain over $400 million dollars when they sell the team, but they don't have enough money to raise salary by $10 million. That just doesn't make sense to me.

2

Zack Meisel
20h ago
@Aaron C. Yeah, we'll never know the exact financial details, because they aren't required to share that (and no one does). I'm with you, though.

3

Aaron S.
21h ago
Will the AL Central actually push the Indians next year, or will they be able to coast after the All Star Game again?

2

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Aaron S. There's only one team that stands a chance: Minnesota. And they have a ton of work to do to be a credible threat. At least the Indians play the Nationals, Phillies, Twins and Angels next September?

2
MATTHEW L.
21h ago
Gun to your head- what's opening day lineup 2019?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@MATTHEW L. I hate these questions because I'm only going to look like a fool (this is also the exact question I would be asking if the tables were turned).

SS Lindor
3B Diaz
2B Ramirez
DH Encarnacion
LF Outfielder acquired via trade
1B Alonso
C Gomes
RF Naquin
CF Allen

I fear there's a chance Kipnis could be that LF, too.

3

Zack Meisel
21h ago
Oh, could be Martin instead of Allen.

1
Patrick P.
21h ago
Although the Indians' bullpen had a horrendous season, in my view, I can't attribute that fully to a few guys leaving, like Bryan Shaw. Was there an issue with the bullpen coaching? Was there an internal issue the fans aren't aware of that could account for the bullpen woes?

2

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Patrick P. First, I'd ask: what could a bullpen coach really do that would make a huge difference, one way or the other? I ask that even after asking Scott Atchison for every detail about his job. Now, I know Jason Bere had a good handle on things out there. But consider the names they trotted out to the mound: Alexi Ogando, Jeff Beliveau, Neil Ramirez, the list goes on and on. A lot of journeymen, who are journeymen for a reason. They got lucky Oliver Perez gave them what he did. Allen just ran out of steam and Miller couldn't stay healthy. And they didn't have backup plans. That's what hurt the most. Aside from Perez, they didn't hit on any of their gambles.

2
Chris D.
21h ago
Do you think any #randomjerseysighting alumni will pull a Mitch Talbot and randomly reappear in the organization next season? Or does Michael Martinez still fill that role?

2

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Chris D. Well, they need some outfield depth. Chris Magruder, come on down!

1
Trenton G.
21h ago
When will Christmas Ale be available in stores?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Trenton G. I believe the Great Lakes version is in their store today, and is out for distribution on Monday. I may have secured a six-pack this morning.

3
Steve L.
21h ago
Either, neither or both. Do the Indians keep Cody Allen and/or Andrew Miller?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Steve L. Neither. The Indians don't like handing out multi-year deals to relievers, and who knows how healthy Miller will be or how many bullets Allen has left.

3
Gavin P.
21h ago
Most likely scenario:

1. The Indians find a way to offload Kipnis/Alonso's contract, make a significant signing/trade for an everyday OF.
2. The Indians can't pull off a salary dump, but ownership bites the bullet and raises the payroll another $15 million to allow for the acquisition of an everyday OF.
3. The Indians can't dump salary, don't raise payroll, and we see an OF of familiar faces to open 2019.

1

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Gavin P. Good question. Because there's a lot I have to speculate on here, especially this early in the offseason, and based on the info I have at this very second, I'd say #3. But, obviously, all it takes to pull off #1 is a couple of willing trade partners. #2 is tough; Antonetti almost hinted that they need that to happen.

2
Quincy W.
21h ago
In thinking of the need for ownership to agree to add more payroll this year, is there any chance that the All-Star game being hosted here might allow for them to be open to that kind of risk?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Quincy W. It's bringing $65 million to Cleveland, so you'd think the Dolans would be benefitting greatly as well. And maybe that does provide the perfect storm. I mean, they're only a few years out from running a team that can have an $80M payroll, so why not splurge right now, right? I'm no economist, though; I just faked my way to an econ degree.

2
Quincy W.
21h ago
@Zack Meisel Here's hoping! I know it's easy to take a gamble like that when I'm spending someone else's money haha. Thanks!

Jamie L.
21h ago
I know health is the main sticking point, but is there any end is sight to platooning 2 of 3 outfield positions? Anyone who could be everyday player?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Jamie L. It's a Catch-22. It can be cheaper (and, sometimes, more effective) to have a platoon. But then if one or both ends of the platoon falter, it fails miserably. And it gets tricky when you have several platoons and then need help elsewhere but don't have the roster spots necessary.

So, yes. They could really benefit from an everyday, productive outfielder. Or two. Or three. But they'll probably have to find those guys elsewhere.

2
Alex L.
21h ago
Hey Zack,

Do you think Fransisco Lindor has watched the new Jurassic Park movie?

1

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Alex L. Is that your way of comparing the Indians' franchise to a Fallen Kingdom?

1
Gavin P.
21h ago
Last question from me: Have you heard any rumblings about Martin? Is he expected to play next season?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Gavin P. They expect Martin to be back and ready to go for spring training

2
Brian H.
21h ago
How much of the ~$30-$40 million coming of the books is going to be reinvested into the roster? Do you see anyone getting extended in the offseason? What is your realistic offseason wishlist? Are the Indians going to sit on their hands again this offseason?

Russell E.
21h ago
None because all of that money is going into arbitration for the players staying.

1

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Brian H. I mentioned this in my piece the other day, but much of that will go toward player raises and arbitration. If they can offload some salary (Kipnis, Alonso), that would help. They certainly won't *decrease* payroll. But whether they have the flexibility to increase it and make additions, that all falls onto Dolan's shoulders.

I do wonder if they'd talk to Clevinger about an extension. I'm guessing Bauer has no interest.

They need OF and bullpen help in the worst way.

1
Frank L.
21h ago
If you got to choose one of the free agents for the Indians to extend a QO who would it be? I think Donaldson but he probably declines


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Frank L. Since Donaldson was traded, he can't receive one. Maybe Brantley. That's probably it. If Miller had shown anything at the end of the season, I would've mulled that over too.

2
Frank L.
21h ago
Thanks! Didn’t know that about Donaldson

Trenton G.
21h ago
What piece of the outfield puzzle will the tribe go after this offseason


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Trenton G. The good(?) thing is they could literally use someone at any of the three spots, so they don't have to be picky. The group in play (assuming Brantley/Chisenhall/Guyer are gone): Allen, Mercado, Naquin, Martin, umm Trenton G. They can use all the help they can get.

2
Randy S.
21h ago
Any chance we resign Donaldson with money saved from Miller/Allen/Brantley?

1

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Randy S. I'd put the odds at 4%. (So I'm sayin' there's a chance. But no, I don't see it.)

1
Russell E.
21h ago
Will Kipnis be given an outfield role next season? Is Diaz at 3B and Ramirez at 2B the plan for the future?

1

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Russell E. I think Kipnis to LF is their last resort, but also a realistic resort. I do think Diaz at 3B and Ramirez at 2B is their hope. They'd love to part with Kipnis' salary, but that's easier said than done.

1
Dylan S.
21h ago
What are the chances of Brantley, Tomlin, Miller, and Allen remaining with the team next year (individually)? Also, is Napoli still with the team? I know he signed the minor league deal last year.

1

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Dylan S. Napoli's minor-league deal was just for this year, so he's a free agent, I believe. But the Indians covered all of his medical/rehab expenses. He started that process in Columbus and then spent much of the summer rehabbing in Texas.

I don't rule out a Brantley return because he's been through so much with the organization. He and Antonetti are close. But that'll depend on the market and how much $ the Indians have to deal with.

Tomlin could return on a spring invite, I guess, but I'd have to imagine some other rebuilding team would give him a chance first. He wants to keep pitching. He'd be a great coach/advisor.

I don't see Miller or Allen returning.

1
Steve L.
21h ago
Any chance the Indians explore the trade market for Kluber? With the riches at SP and the major need for an OF bat, wouldn’t now be the best time to cash in?

Gavin P.
21h ago
@Steve L. No. 1. You don’t trade players when their value is down. 2. Any trade involving Kluber would result in Cleveland getting back prospects. Unless you are ready to rebuild, it isn’t the time for that.


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Steve L. This has become the popular question from the fanbase this month, it seems. He's still making pennies, relative to his worth (yes, even at the $17M he'll make next year). And trading him would kill their depth. Then you're banking on Bieber taking a huge leap, Clevinger/Bauer repeating what they did. You'd no longer have an advantage over all of your potential postseason opponents in that area. Plus, you'd be trading him to a contender. And that contender would have to have a surplus in the outfield. It's really tough to find that sort of match.

2
Zachary A.
21h ago
Any prospect/s you think are going to be a surprise addition to the opening day roster out of spring training? I know you're pretty high on Nick Sandlin.

2

Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Zachary A. Oscar Mercado (acquired from STL at the deadline last year) is a guy to watch. Sandlin should make his debut at some point next year, but I'd think over the summer.

Jamie L.
20h ago
Allen and/or Miller taking short term prove-it deals. Realistic? Worth it?


Zack Meisel
20h ago
@Jamie L. I'm not sure it's realistic, since they're relievers in their 30s. Reliever performance is so volatile, especially at that age.

1
Jordan E.
20h ago
When will Brenden Dassy be released?


Zack Meisel
20h ago
@Jordan E. Can the poor kid just get one chance to watch Wrestlemania with his mom? That's all we ask.

1
Adam M.
20h ago
What was your WAR for 2018? What was TJ's?


Zack Meisel
20h ago
@Adam M. All I know is I was headed for a Mike Trout-esque total until I choked on the final lap at Kalamari Desert against Jose Ramirez.

1
James K.
21h ago
Do the Indians give out bonuses for winning Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards? And what are the odds one of the four actually wins a Gold Glove?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@James K. That stuff is usually written into contracts, depends on each player. It'd help a guy like Lindor in arbitration. I have absolutely zero idea if Kluber will win the Gold Glove. That one is bizarre. Who evaluates that stuff? (Kluber did finish tied for second with 3 DRS. Sweet!)

As for the other three finalists (Lindor, Ramirez, Gomes) -- I'd think Simmons would beat out Lindor and Chapman would beat out Ramirez. Catcher is a toss-up. Any of the three could win.

1
Gavin P.
21h ago
Any real chance the Indians would decline Guyer’s option?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Gavin P. Yeah, I think so. If Naquin is a starter, they might still want that platoon partner. But they might feel they can use that $3M elsewhere.

1
Jake Y.
21h ago
Can I meet you in Goodyear? I live in El Paso and plan to visit spring training next year!


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Jake Y. Absolutely. Only 110-ish days until pitchers and catchers report.

1
Jake Y.
20h ago
Can't wait! I'll be in touch as spring training draws nearer.

Zachary R.
21h ago
Worst airport on the road?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Zachary R. Kansas City. Every few sections is its own concourse. In theory, maybe a good idea. But in reality, awful. It leaves zero space to walk around, especially when people line up to board, and there are very few dining options per concourse. Getting delayed there is torture.

Nick K.
21h ago
Do you think there’s a scenario where the fifth starter day could be used as an opener and Bieber/Plutko coming on after?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Nick K. Interesting. I suppose it's possible. But let's figure out what that bullpen might look like first, because right now it's a mess.


Zack Meisel
20h ago
Thanks for chatting, everyone. Have a great weekend.

Brian W.
20h ago
Brian W.: Zach, notice you have not written many columns with metaphors lately BUT I am still going to make a comment on the Indians. I am fed up with their performance in the postseason! April is far away and my anger might cool by then but how do you explain their
performance in the last two postseasons. It is dreadful! At least in the WS in 2016, they got to the big dance but they still dropped three in a row whether it be to the Cubs, the Yankees or the Astros. Also, do you think it reasonable that Jose R. Be instructed to learn how to hit the
Breaking Ball? The chances of him seeing fast balls much next year seem, to me, pretty slim.


Zack Meisel
20h ago
@Brian W. Ramirez will have to make adjustments. He has five months to solve it now, much more reasonable than trying to do that in-season. I think the two postseason results are independent of each other. In 2017, the stars didn't show up. If Kluber is Kluber or Lindor/Ramirez hit a little, they advance. This year, they just got smacked. The Astros were better.

Russell E.
20h ago
One final question, what are your thoughts on the slump Ramirez had at the end of the season. Do you see him working his way back tongue best during the spring training or should Indians fans be worried?


Zack Meisel
20h ago
@Russell E. I think the glass-half-full outlook would be that he's probably going to finish 3rd in MVP voting. A two-month slump and he still managed to do that. That said, a great regular season isn't enough anymore. And I'm sure he'll spend the next five months trying to get perspective on what went wrong and why he couldn't correct it.

Brittany H.
21h ago
Will there be a backup catcher competition between Perez and Haase in spring training? How do you see a potential catcher logjam of Gomes-Perez-Haase play out?


Zack Meisel
21h ago
@Brittany H. I found it interesting that Perez is playing winter ball. He clearly wants more at-bats/reps and wants to improve. Good for him. The issue is, he doesn't have much trade value at the moment. So I'd expect him to return to his role, and for Haase to be at AAA for that important depth.

Russell E.
21h ago
Which player in the minors we should be looking at to make the biggest impact to the Indians in 2019?


Zack Meisel
20h ago
@Russell E. Oscar Mercado, Nick Sandlin, Aaron Civale maybe. A lot of their impact guys are lower down on the farm.

Russell E.
20h ago
Any news on Danny Salazar's injury? Do you see home having a bullpen role next season?


Zack Meisel
20h ago
@Russell E. They'll try to bring him back as a starter and then switch over to a bullpen role at some point if it makes more sense. Whether he'll be ready to go for spring training, they won't know for another month or so.

2018-19 free agents, position by position

By Thomas Harrigan MLB.com

By now, you probably know this year's big-name free agents.

Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are the headliners. There's also Patrick Corbin, Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel. But what about the rest?

Below is a list of notable free agents and players who can opt out of their contracts, grouped by position -- using a player's most-played position in 2018 -- and ranked by '18 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Each player's 2019 seasonal age and '18 regular-season WAR total are included in parentheses next to his name. (WAR totals are from FanGraphs.)

Catchers
Yasmani Grandal (30 years old, 3.6 WAR)
Wilson Ramos (31, 2.4)
Kurt Suzuki (35, 2.0)
Robinson Chirinos (35, 1.6)
Martin Maldonado (32, 0.9)
Nick Hundley (35, 0.9)
Matt Wieters (33, 0.9)
A.J. Ellis (38, 0.8)
Devin Mesoraco (31, 0.7)
Jonathan Lucroy (33, 0.6)
Brian McCann (35, 0.5) -- Astros declined $15 million option (Oct. 31, 2018).
Rene Rivera (35, 0.3)
Chris Gimenez (36, 0.0)
Chris Stewart (37, -0.1)
Jarrod Saltalamacchia (34, -0.2)
Jose Lobaton (34, -0.3)
Drew Butera (35, -0.3)
Jeff Mathis (36, -0.5)
Bobby Wilson (36, -0.5)
Stephen Vogt (34, N/A) -- Didn't appear in the Majors in 2018.

First basemen
Steve Pearce (36 years old, 1.6 WAR)
Joe Mauer (36, 1.0)
Matt Adams (30, 0.8)
Mark Reynolds (35, 0.1)
Lucas Duda (32, 0.0)
Adam Rosales (36, -0.1)
Hanley Ramirez (35, -0.2)
Logan Morrison (31, -0.7) -- Twins declined $8 million option (Oct. 30, 2018).

Second basemen
Jed Lowrie (35 years old, 4.9 WAR)
Asdrubal Cabrera (33, 2.7)
Ian Kinsler (37, 2.3)
DJ LeMahieu (30, 2.0)
Daniel Descalso (32, 1.6)
Brian Dozier (32, 0.8)
Daniel Murphy (34, 0.8)
Josh Harrison (31, 0.3) -- Pirates declined $10.5 million option (Oct. 31, 2018).
Andrew Romine (33, 0.1)
Neil Walker (33, 0.1)
Sean Rodriguez (34, 0.0)
Gordon Beckham (32, -0.1)
Logan Forsythe (32, -0.2)
Brandon Phillips (38, -0.3)

Third basemen
Eduardo Escobar (30 years old, 3.5 WAR) -- Agreed to three-year, $21 million contract with D-backs (Oct. 22, 2018).
Mike Moustakas (30, 2.4) -- Declined $15 million mutual option (Oct. 30, 2018).
Josh Donaldson (33, 1.3)
Adrian Beltre (40, 1.2)
Jung Ho Kang (32, 0.0) -- Pirates declined $5.5 million option (Oct. 31, 2018).
Chase Headley (35, -0.4)
Ryan Flaherty (32, -0.4)
Danny Valencia (34, -0.4)
Jose Reyes (36, -0.9)
Luis Valbuena (33, -0.9)
Yangervis Solarte (31, -1.3) -- Blue Jays declined $5.5 million option (Oct. 31, 2018).

Shortstops
Manny Machado (26 years old, 6.2 WAR)
Jose Iglesias (29, 2.5)
Freddy Galvis (29, 1.2)
Jordy Mercer (32, 1.0)
Adeiny Hechavarria (30, 0.4)
Alcides Escobar (32, -0.3)
Eric Sogard (33, -0.8)

Left fielders
Michael Brantley (32 years old, 3.5 WAR)
Marwin Gonzalez (30, 1.6)
Denard Span (35, 1.5) -- Mariners declined $12 million option (Oct. 30, 2018).
Curtis Granderson (38, 0.9)
Craig Gentry (35, 0.6)
Cameron Maybin (32, 0.5)
Matt Joyce (34, 0.2)
Matt Holliday (39, 0.1)
Gerardo Parra (32, 0.0) -- Rockies declined $12 million option (Oct. 30, 2018).
Gregor Blanco (35, -0.7)
Hunter Pence (36, -0.9)

Center fielders
A.J. Pollock (31 years old, 2.5 WAR)
Adam Jones (33, 0.5)
Eric Young Jr. (34, -0.3)
Rajai Davis (38, -0.2)
Austin Jackson (32, -1.0)

Right fielders
Bryce Harper (26 years old, 3.5 WAR)
Andrew McCutchen (32, 2.6)
Nick Markakis (35, 2.6)
Carlos Gonzalez (33, 1.7)
Jose Bautista (38, 1.0)
Jon Jay (33, 0.8)
Lonnie Chisenhall (30, 0.8)
Melky Cabrera (34, 0.4)
Brandon Guyer (33, 0.1) -- Indians declined $3 million option (Oct. 30, 2018).
Carlos Gomez (33, -0.5)
Chris Young (35, -0.5)

Designated hitters
Nelson Cruz (38 years old, 2.5 WAR)
Evan Gattis (32, 0.0)
Pedro Alvarez (32, -0.2)

Starting pitchers
Patrick Corbin (29 years old, 6.3 WAR)
Dallas Keuchel (31, 3.6)
J.A. Happ (36, 3.2)
Charlie Morton (35, 3.1)
Lance Lynn (32, 2.9)
CC Sabathia (38, 2.5)
Anibal Sanchez (35, 2.4)
Nathan Eovaldi (29, 2.2)
Gio Gonzalez (33, 2.0)
Hyun-Jin Ryu (32, 2.0)
Trevor Cahill (31, 2.0)
Derek Holland (32, 2.0)
Clay Buchholz (34, 1.9)
Wade Miley (32, 1.5)
Matt Harvey (30, 1.4)
Jeremy Hellickson (32, 1.2)
Garrett Richards (32, 1.0)
Tyson Ross (32, 1.0)
Brett Anderson (31, 0.9)
James Shields (37, 0.8) -- White Sox declined $16 million option (Oct. 29, 2018).
Jason Hammel (36, 0.8) -- Royals declined $12 million mutual option (Oct. 30, 2018).
Edwin Jackson (35, 0.7)
Adam Wainwright (37, 0.5) -- Reached agreement on one-year contract with Cardinals (Oct. 11, 2018).
Marco Estrada (35, 0.5)
Francisco Liriano (35, 0.3)
Doug Fister (35, 0.3)
Bartolo Colon (46, 0.2)
Yovani Gallardo (33, 0.1)
Jaime Garcia (32, 0.0)
Matt Moore (30, 0.0)
Martin Perez (28, -0.2)
Drew Pomeranz (30, -0.3)
Miguel Gonzalez (35, -0.3)
Chris Tillman (31, -0.4)
Ervin Santana (36, -0.5) -- Twins declined $14 million option (Oct. 30, 2018).
Nate Karns (31, N/A) -- Didn't appear in the Majors in 2018.

Relief pitchers
Adam Ottavino (33 years old, 2.0 WAR)
Jeurys Familia (29, 1.8)
Joakim Soria (35, 1.8) -- Declined $10 million mutual option (Oct. 30, 2018).
David Robertson (34, 1.5)
Craig Kimbrel (31, 1.5)
Jesse Chavez (35, 1.2)
Oliver Perez (37, 1.1)
Tony Sipp (35, 0.9)
Zach Duke (36, 0.9)
Brad Brach (33, 0.7)
Joe Kelly (31, 0.7)
Jordan Lyles (28, 0.6)
Sergio Romo (36, 0.5)
Jake Diekman (32, 0.5)
Justin Wilson (31, 0.5)
Tyler Clippard (34, 0.5)
Shawn Kelley (35, 0.5)
Andrew Miller (34, 0.4)
Kelvin Herrera (29,0.4)
Greg Holland (33, 0.3)
Tony Barnette (35, 0.3)
Aaron Loup (31, 0.3)
Adam Warren (31, 0.3)
John Axford (36, 0.2)
Bud Norris (34, 0.2)
Ryan Madson (38, 0.2)
Jeanmar Gomez (31, 0.2)
Zach Britton (31, 0.1)
Santiago Casilla (38, 0.1)
Carson Smith (29, 0.1)
Cody Allen (30, 0.0)
Jorge De La Rosa (38, 0.0)
Fernando Salas (34, 0.0)
Zach McAllister (31, 0.0)
Blake Wood (33, 0.0)
Daniel Hudson (32, -0.1)
Jerry Blevins (35, -0.1)
Matt Belisle (39, -0.2)
AJ Ramos (32, -0.2)
Hector Santiago (31, -0.2)
Jim Johnson (36, -0.3)
Randall Delgado (29, -0.3)
Boone Logan (34, -0.3)
Peter Moylan (40, -0.4)
Tim Collins (29, -0.4)
Junichi Tazawa (33, -0.5)
Brandon Maurer (28, -0.8)
Blaine Boyer (37, -0.9)
Josh Tomlin (34, -1.3)
David Phelps (32, N/A) -- Didn't appear in the Majors in 2018.
Joaquin Benoit (41, N/A) -- Didn't appear in the Majors in 2018.
Jandel Gustave (26, N/A) -- Didn't appear in the Majors in 2018.

Wow, the front office has their homework cut out for them! Time to recruit a few interns.

Hmm, think we could lure Bartolo back?

Don't know who this guy is:
Yangervis Solarte (31, -1.3) -- Blue Jays declined $5.5 million option (Oct. 31, 2018).
But he must be good. He tied Josh Tomlin for the highest negative WAR of any free agent.

Lol, good spot civ!

Actually I can't believe anyone was even in his WAR (negative) zip code.

They might have to invent a whole new stat to capture how horrible he was!

Back to the Tribe shopping Kluber or Carrasco. Related to the above free agent list.

Starting pitching is so precious these days that either of those guys would fetch a great return.

Looking at this list, you could raise Bieber up to #4 starter and there is a good list of much cheaper starting pitchers on that FA list. You could grab a Lance Lynn, Estrada, Buchholz type guy on a short deal for #5.

Hopefully get a really good outfield piece and prospect(s) back for Kluber or Cookie. And still have a better rotation then the vast majority of teams.

This could be an old fashioned trading from an area of surplus to shore up an area of weakness. And pick up ground in getting younger and cheaper.

Life as an Indians fan always has the attendance issue as a factor.

I'm sure we will sign a depth type guy for AAA and to bring up if need be but honestly I wouldn't worry about spending too much there. We have Anderson coming back. Salazar. McKenzie will be starting AAA. We could trade Kluber or Carrasco and still be fine.

Hillbilly wrote:I'm sure we will sign a depth type guy for AAA and to bring up if need be but honestly I wouldn't worry about spending too much there. We have Anderson coming back. Salazar. McKenzie will be starting AAA. We could trade Kluber or Carrasco and still be fine.

Love it, forgot about McKenzie HB! Good points!

The Baseball America prospect report on McKenzie, published today, suggested he could be ready for the big leagues in 2019, but that the Tribe has no need to rush him. I guess if the need arises, he could be ready.

Anderson perhaps.

Salzar, no way I'd attempt to rely on him as a starter again.

Like I said after the season, rumor is you shouldn't count on Salazar for anything. But he is under contract and will be in camp. Gotta try him somewhere.

(Or include him in a deal)

Bullpen. 7th inning role, maybe 8th. Not too much pressure.

Hillbilly wrote:Like I said after the season, rumor is you shouldn't count on Salazar for anything. But he is under contract and will be in camp. Gotta try him somewhere.

(Or include him in a deal)

If they need a 5th starter, he has to be in the mix. That's as low leverage as it gets.

Remember these days with "bullpenning", you can ask him to just get you 4-5 innings then out. A lot of teams will be doing creative things in their bottom rotation slots.

You don't even need actual traditional starters there. And perhaps that's also mixed into the Tribe's thinking on dealing one of those guys.

You're right; I read the prospect review of Justus Sheffield, saying he may only be good for 5 innings which used to rule him out as a starter, but not anymore.
Of course that emphasizes the need for a much stronger corral of relievers than we worked with in 2018

civ ollilavad wrote:You're right; I read the prospect review of Justus Sheffield, saying he may only be good for 5 innings which used to rule him out as a starter, but not anymore.
Of course that emphasizes the need for a much stronger corral of relievers than we worked with in 2018

No question - and that's the direction many teams are heading.

The Washington Nationals have ALREADY signed Trevor Rosenthal and traded for Kyle Barraclough this offseason!

Last offseason the one area where the market was booming was relievers.

I think that's another reason they'd like to particularly deal Kluber and use the money saved to address so many holes in their offense/bullpen.

I was thinking about a Kluber-Kipnis for an OF who earns the same as the two of them combined.

Well, it’s not that Salazar needs low pressure. The rumor is he just does not care. Doesn’t “want it”.

That being said I’d put him in the bullpen too. Lord knows we have holes there. Hopefully he’ll find something. And the lower workload won’t kill his shoulder or elbow or whatever boo boo he has this week.