civ ollilavad wrote: Maybe we should play our home games in Denver. Otherwise he looks like NO improvement over the range of mediocrities we have been auditioning for outfield spots this year.

civ - keep in mind it is incredibly commonplace for MOST players to do better at home than on the road. For example, Frankie Lindor hit only .251 on the road last season compared to .304 at home. Does that mean if he were traded he's a .251 hitter?

Bottom line we will see - but Carlos Gonzalez has done far more than most major leaguers, and he's still not terribly old. So I think it's a good low risk gamble.

Those splits were pretty dramatic, I was sorry to see. But still considering his long career and his competition in Cleveland I'm happy to have him.

Terry Pluto article today [which I'll copy and post in Articles] suggests Naquin could be starting in left with Bauers going down. Sorry to hear that; if Bauers is no better than Naquin then he's not very good. He does have the advantage at least of being 4 or 5 years younger.

Wow, Civ. Why all the hate towards Naquin?

Naquin is not the kind of guy I usually gravitate towards. He doesn't walk enough, K's too much, and doesn't have a high OBP. But c'mon, last time he got regular playing time he hit .296. Has .280 lifetime average over pieces of 3 seasons. Has a little pop, some speed.

I am looking forward to seeing what he can do in a healthy season with regular playing time. Nobody thinks he's a superstar but he could be a solid all around player. Not sure why you are on him like this. Not like he's a .205 lifetime hitter like Roberto Perez or something.

dont' hate him; just have noted all the same you did and would be startled if at age 28 he finally turns things up a few notches. He would not be the first player to do so. I would much prefer to see Greg Allen playing every day; unlike Naquin he can play CF as well as the corners; he has limited power but keeps progressing as a hitter and is a fine basestealer.

More obvious cuts: Brian Barnes, Tim Federowicz and Mike Freeman assigned to Minor League camp. And although Dioner Navarro will continue working out with the Indians, he was also informed he will not be making the Opening Day roster. [I bet he knew that already. I wonder how much they pay vet catchers to come to spring training and then get released?]

Oh Civ, at age 25 Naquin hit .296 with 14 homers in 360+ at bats, was a good player on that World Series team, and finished 3rd in Rookie of the Year voting. It isn't like he has been toiling in the minors till age 28 and hasn't did anything already or deserved more of a look.

He has had some injuries last couple years, and Indians decided to go for it with a veteran movement. But I hope he gets steady work this year and see for sure what he can do.

my choice for RF Anthony Santander was sent to AAA yesterday by the Orioles.
Meanwhile last year's RF when not hurt Lonnie Chisenhall hasn't been hurt yet this spring for the Pirates.

Matt Joyce we hardly knew you.

He’s been released and is a free agent.

Well, he had a decent career and made $11,000,000 over the past two years. He should have a happy life.

Since Hanley hasn't shown any power [might come with time] would it be outrageous to suggest Eric Haase at DH? 2 more homers yesterday, he has 4 for the spring, which is not surprise for him; he's been crushing doubles and homers at a rapid pace the past two summers.

While I read about Lindor hitting, getting some time in the field, starting to run the bases; Zimmer in some limited minor league action ahead of his projected scheduled; Meanwhile where is the $5M disabled Danny Salazar? I remain very puzzled why a team cutting more than just fat out of its budget felt comfortable that Danny in 2019 was worth that investment. We could have used the cash for an OF or a late inning reliever

Few prospects left in camp, BA does highlight:


Eric Haase, C, Indians. The Indians’ No. 25 prospect had two hits including a home run to right field on Tuesday.

CLE MAJ Gonzalez, Oscar LF 1 0 0 0 .000
CLE MAJ Haase, Eric PH-DH 2 2 2 2 .389 HR (2)
[correcting my earlier post that Eric has hit 4 bombs this spring]

He should be our starting catcher, not DH.

Jon Heyman @JonHeyman
2 minutes ago
Ryan Flaherty opted out of minors deal with Indians and is now a free agent. Reports out of Cleveland today suggested he wasn’t going to make their 25 man team.

Justin Grimm was also informed he was not going to make club and is weighing his opt-out option.

Alex Wilson has also been told he probably won’t make final roster.

Tyler Clippard was released from his contract and signed to a minor league deal. He's going to stay with major league club and continue his re-hab. (pec)

AJ Cole was sent down to minor league camp.