Cleveland Sports Forum

Was Ronnie Rodriguez close to the top 10? 5 tool SS a fair assessment?

Ben Badler: Five tools might bit a little rich, but he's definitely one of the toolsiest guys in the system. The arm is a 70, [80 is best possible rating; BA gave Lindor's arm a 65] speed and power are both above-average, but the bat and the glove are both raw. All the defensive tools are there for him to be a quality defensive shortstop, but he's a young guy who's still prone to a lot of mistakes. Right now the biggest concern I hear from scouts with him is at the plate, where he needs to be much more disciplined and iron out some things with his hitting mechanics. The tools are there, but he's still pretty raw.


Did Beau Mills' performance restore any kind of prospect sheen to him, or is basically a future 4A player at this point?

Ben Badler: Most likely he's a good Triple-A hitter, with an occasional cup of coffee in the big leagues. Didn't talk to any scouts who saw enough bat to be an everyday major leaguer.


Is Bryce Stowell still a serious prospect, or did his reduced velocity and undisclosed reason for a leave of absence diminish his status?

Ben Badler: A little bit of each. I had reports of him touching 100 mph in 2010, but last year the highest I heard on him was 95, which is more in line with what he had done prior to 2010. There's middle relief potential here if he can stay healthy and learn to throw more strikes.

This wasn't my question but I asked virtually the same thing:

The Indians system is not what it once was, but there are a number of interesting young players in the lower levels (Felix Sterling, Elvis Araujo, Ronny Rodriguez, Jorge Martinez, Robel Garcia, etc.) who did not make your top 10. Instead you went with some older, lower upside prospects such as McAllister, Barnes, Putnam, etc. Was this a conscious decision? Do you not like the youngsters, or do you think they need to prove themselves a little more before being worthy of a top 10 ranking?

Ben Badler: There's something to like with all those guys, but the risk-reward profile just wasn't as palatable compared to guys like Hagadone or Lee who don't have huge ceilings but are fairly certain to have major league value right away. With some of the younger guys like Lindor, Howard, Luigi Rodriguez and Tony Wolters, the risk factors aren't quite as high (though they're still up there) compared to guys like Sterling, Araujo, et. al. who have greater question marks. I could absolutely see a guy like Araujo jumping into the Top 10 next year, but there has to be a little more development and less risk for some of those guys to make the jump.

What's the estimated arrival time for Lindor in the bigs?

Ben Badler: He just turned 18 a couple months ago, so not any time soon. Probably around 4-5 years away.


Trevor (Roanoke, VA): Ben - Thanks for the chat. In terms of the '15 lineup, how concerned are the Indians with Chisenhall's strikeout rate? Do you expect him to be league average or better offensively?

Ben Badler: I don't think they expect elite contact rates out of him, but he was 22 and only had a few months of experience above Double-A before he got to the big leagues. He has a compact swing, good bat path and a track record of hitting in the minors, so I think he'll be able to make adjustments at be at least an average big league hitter, probably more.


Jonny (San Jose): Any chance Kyle Bellows develops into a big leaguer? Seems like he struggles at the plate but I've heard his glove is big league ready. Thanks for the chat! [Questioner must be a pal of Kyle's.]

Ben Badler: Very good defender but he's got to show a little more juice in the bat to get a big league role.


Ben, The Indians have a lot of young Latin players in short season ball. Ronny Rodriguez, Leonardo Castillo, Jorge Martinez, Felix Sterling, Elvis Araujo to name a few... Which, if any of them could breakout and who has the highest ceiling?

Ben Badler: I touched on a few of those guys above, but if you want a young Latin name to watch from the Indians, keep an eye on Dorssys Paulino. Not under the radar by any means, given that the Indians gave him $1.1 million out of the Dominican Republic last year on July 2, but he had one of the better bats among Dominican amateur infielders last year. I don't think he's going to play shortstop, but he could be an offensive-oriented second baseman or third baseman down the road.

The Indians are one of the teams interested in Yoenis Cespedes. What are the chances they can land him?

Ben Badler: I would be very surprised if that happened.

[He's not alone on that opinion.]

Last question is Jesus Aguillar.

Chris H (Boston, MA): Hi - the scouting report seems underwhelming for Tony Wolters. Below average power and perhaps slightly above average speed? Looks like he may end up as some type of utility player down the road

Ben Badler: It's possible, although I'd like to see what he does this year further removed from the hamate injury, which probably cut into his power. That's never going to be a big part of his game, but if he can play up the middle and be a 10-12 HR guy, he has the contact and on-base skills where you can see upside as an everyday guy.


No questions on Aguillar, or just none posted yet? Indians sure could use a RH power bat at a corner spot, or even as DH. What are his chances to develop into a big leaguer?

Ben Badler: There are still questions there, but Aguilar was definitely one of the most pleasant surprises in the system last year. I don't want to put much stock into AFL or Venezuelan League performances, but what he did in both leagues was definitely a positive sign that he might be able to hit more advanced pitching. That's really the question on Aguilar, because he has huge power, but scouts do have questions about the swing and the plate discipline. I wouldn't project him as a starting first baseman at the big league level yet, but he

Here's that underwhelming report on Wolters:

7. Tony Wolters, ss Born: Jun 09, 1992 B-T: L-R Ht.: 5-10 Wt.: 165
Drafted: Rancho Buena Vista HS, Vista, Calif., 2010 (3rd round). Signed by: Jason Smith.


Background: Wolters signed for $1.35 million as a third-round pick in 2010, but an injury delayed what would have been his first full pro season. He broke the hamate bone in his right hand during spring training and required surgery. After reporting to Mahoning Valley in June, he led the New York-Penn League with 50 runs.

Scouting Report: Wolters shows a good feel for working the count with an advanced hitting approach. He makes consistent contact and is at his best when he works the ball back up the middle. While the hamate injury sapped some of his pop, he likely will top out with below-average power and be more of a gap hitter. Wolters is adept on the basepaths, but has fringy speed and isn't quite the threat his 19 steals in 69 games last summer might suggest. He has excellent hands and a strong, accurate arm, and he shows some flair at shortstop. Though he has made strides with his reads and footwork, some scouts think his lack of range ultimately may lead him to second base. He can be more aggressive instead of waiting for the ball to come to him.

The Future: Wolters will get the chance to remain at shortstop, but he might have a hard time getting time there at Lake County in 2012. Cleveland also could send superior defenders Francisco Lindor and Ronnie Rodriguez there.

More positive comments on LRod:

5. Luigi Rodriguez, of Born: Nov 13, 1992 B-T: B-R Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 160
Signed: Dominican Republic '09. Signed by: Lino Diaz.


Background: The Indians used to be one of the leaders in developing Latin American talent, with players such as Victor Martinez, Jhonny Peralta, Fausto Carmona and Rafael Perez coming through the system. That pipeline hasn't been as fruitful in recent years, with Rodriguez one of the few highlights. In his U.S. debut last year, he reached low Class A at age 18.

Scouting Report: A switch-hitter, Rodriguez tore up the Rookie-level Arizona League last summer, showing the ability to barrel the ball with some gap power. Considering his age, he's understandably raw at the plate, but he has some patience and uses his plus-plus speed to help him leg out hits. He's so fast that he often can outrun his mistakes on the bases and in center field. Signed as a second baseman, Rodriguez didn't have great infield instincts and moved to the outfield one month into his career. He's still improving his reads and routes but should have above-average range in time. He has an average arm.

The Future: Rodriguez must get strong so he can handle more advanced pitching. He wasn't completely in over his head in the Midwest League, and he'll still be one of the youngest players in the circuit this year.

Only serious prospect in the whole bunch:

1. Francisco Lindor, ss Born: Nov 14, 1993 B-T: B-R Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 175
Drafted: Montverde (Fla.) Academy, 2011 (1st round). Signed by: Mike Soper.


Background: Born in Puerto Rico, Lindor moved to the United States at age 12 and couldn't speak English when he arrived at Montverde Academy, an international boarding school in central Florida. In 2009, he captained the U.S. 16-and-under national team that won the gold medal at the World Youth Championships in Taiwan. He hit .500 in 11 games and started laying the groundwork to become a future first-round draft pick. Lindor further whetted scouts' appetites the following summer on the showcase circuit, which was highlighted by a surprise victory in the home run derby at the Aflac All-American Game at Petco Park. Even though he played a truncated senior season because Monteverde failed to qualify for the playoffs, Lindor earned third-team All-America honors in 2011 by hitting .528 in 53 at-bats with six homers and 20 stolen bases. The Indians drafted Lindor with the eighth overall pick in the draft in June, marking the first time since 2001 that the organization had spent a first-rounder on a high school player. Lindor signed with the Indians at the Aug. 15 signing deadline for $2.9 million, which is the largest bonus for a prepster and for a position player in franchise history. Lindor signed too late to play much, but he did hold his own for a week with short-season Mahoning Valley.

Scouting Report: Lindor projects as a true shortstop with incredible baseball instincts and advanced feel for the game for his age. He drew comparisons to Omar Vizquel as an amateur and was the best defensive shortstop in the 2011 draft. Lindor is a quality athlete with excellent hands, fluid actions and good footwork at shortstop. He gets great reads off the bat and shows a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He has plus range with a plus arm and solid fundamentals, giving him all the ingredients to be a star defender. A switch-hitter since he was 13, Lindor has a smooth, line-drive swing and good bat speed from both sides of the plate. His best hitting approach comes when he works the ball up the middle. To be a productive offensive player, he'll have to hit for average and get on base at a good clip because his power is mostly to the gaps. He has more pop from the right side and perhaps could hit 10-15 homers per year in his prime. He has a tick above-average speed and at times he has shown flashes of being a plus runner as he has matured and gotten stronger. Even though he's not a major basestealing threat, his baserunning should be another positive because of his acumen. He has earned rave reviews from coaches and scouts for his work ethic, maturity and dedication.

The Future: Lindor will play his first full season of professional baseball at age 18, so the Indians won't rush him through the farm system. He's talented enough to start 2012 in low Class A Lake County, though with his age and the bitter weather early in the Midwest League season he's still not a lock to be there on Opening Day. Lindor's advanced feel for playing the game should help him move quickly relative to other 2011 high school draft picks. Cleveland's system has a shortage of high-upside players who could develop into above-average regulars, but Lindor stands out from the pack as an exception.

Cleveland's system has a shortage of high-upside players who could develop into above-average regulars

Shortage in this case means there's one guy fits that definiton.

Howard's writeup is much more nuanced.

Background: Howard established himself as a potential 2011 first-round pick as early as his sophomore year in high school in Arkansas. He didn't quite live up to expectations as a senior last spring, and signability questions helped drop him to the second round. The Indians signed him at the deadline for $1.85 million, the equivalent of mid-first-round money.

Scouting Report: Howard's best pitch is his lively two-seam fastball, which he runs in the low 90s with plus sink. He can get both groundouts and swings and misses with his two-seamer, and he can mix in a four-seamer that reaches 94 mph and changes hitters' eye level. His No. 2 pitch is an average changeup with good deception that could become a plus offering in time. His breaking ball needs some tightening, as he throws a slurvy curveball with the potential to become average if he learns to stay on top of it. Howard is a solid athlete whose arm works well, though scouts who saw him as an amateur had some concerns about his fastball command. They also raised questions his mound presence and energy level, though Cleveland doesn't share any of those worries.

The Future: Howard has the potential to become a frontline starter, though he'll need some time to develop. He'll make his pro debut in low Class A.

One of our very numerous relievers on the rise:

3. Nick Hagadone, lhp Born: Jan 01, 1986 B-T: L-L Ht.: 6-5 Wt.: 230
Drafted: Washington, 2007 (1st round supplemental). Signed by: John Booher.

Background: Hagadone has moved slowly for a college draft pick, but he finally made his big league debut last September, four years after the Red Sox made him a supplemental first-round pick. Tommy John surgery cost him most of 2008 and slowed him in 2009, though he recovered his arm strength quickly upon his return. The Indians sent Victor Martinez to Boston to acquire Hagadone, Justin Masterson and righthander Bryan Price at the 2009 trade deadline.

Scouting Report: Hagadone's fastball has excellent velocity, typically ranging from 93-96 mph and touching 98. His slider flashes as a plus pitch with late, short break and generates some swings and misses. He's still learning to vary its shape and to throw it to the back foot of righthanders. After walking 6.6 batters per nine innings in 2010, Hagadone cut sliced his walk rate to 2.8 in the minors last year. He started pitching exclusively out of the stretch, which helped him simplify his delivery and improve his fastball command.

The Future: If he can maintain the improvements in his control, Hagadone can be a late-inning reliever. In spring training, he'll get the chance to open 2012 in Cleveland.

And another:

4. Chen Lee, rhp Born: Oct 21, 1986 B-T: R-R Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 175
Signed: Taiwan '08. Signed by: Jason Lee


Background: Among the more active teams in Taiwan, the Indians scouted Lee since he was 16 and tried to sign him out of high school. He instead chose to attend college before signing with Cleveland for $400,000 in September 2008. He represented Taiwan at the Olympics that summer and again at the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He has had no trouble handling minor league hitters, averaging 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings in three pro seasons, with all of his pro appearances coming as a reliever.

Scouting Report: Lee throws from a low three-quarters arm slot and has more velocity than most pitchers who drop down from that angle. His fastball sits at 92-93 mph, hits 95 and has plus movement. His fastball and the deception in his delivery help him miss bats and keep the ball down in the zone. Lee has a solid slider at times but he struggles to stay on top of it because of his low arm slot. He does a nice job of throwing strikes and getting groundballs.

The Future: With just 32 innings of Triple-A experience, Lee could return to Columbus to begin 2012. He's in line to make his major league debut at some point during the season and projects as a future set-up man.

Depth starter ranks No. 6

6. Zach McAllister, rhp Born: Dec 08, 1987 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-6 Wt.: 240
Drafted: Illinois Valley Central HS, Chillicothe, Ill., 2006 (3rd round). Signed by: Steve Lemke.

Background: McAllister pitched well in the Yankees system up until 2010, when his velocity dropped. At the trade deadline that July, the Indians sent Austin Kearns to New York for a player to be named, which three weeks later became McAllister. Buying low on him could pay off, as he rebounded in 2011 and made four starts in the majors. His father Steve is the Midwest crosschecker for the Diamondbacks.

Scouting Report: Cleveland gave McAllister a higher leg kick and a little more rotation in his upper half, helping him get more shoulder tilt. The mechanical adjustment helped him get more power to his fastball, which returned to the low 90s and touched 94 mph with sink. He did a better job of staying over the rubber last year and his control improved. The rest of McAllister's repertoire is fringy. He has a changeup and a slurvy slider, also mixing in an occasional curveball as a show-me pitch.

The Future: McAllister doesn't have huge upside, but he could be a durable back-of-the-rotation starter if everything clicks. The Indians' offseason acquisition of Derek Lowe means they don't have any rotation openings, so McAllister could be ticketed for a third season in Triple-A.

Indians like to treat Adams as a starter but everyone sees him as yet another reliever

8. Austin Adams, rhp Born: Aug 19, 1986 B-T: R-R Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 185
Drafted: Faulkner (Ala.), 2009 (5th round). Signed by: Chuck Bartlett.


Background: The Brewers drafted Adams as a shortstop in the 27th round in 2008, but he turned them down to return to Faulkner (Ala.), an NAIA program, for his senior season. A two-way star for the Eagles, he didn't become a full-time pitcher until he signed with the Indians for $70,000 as a fifth-round pick in 2009.

Scouting Report: Adams has outstanding arm strength, as evidenced by a mid-90s fastball that has touched 100 mph. It's by far his best pitch. Both his curveball and slider are average pitches at times, with the slider more advanced largely because of his pure arm speed. His changeup is below average. Adams is still raw as a pitcher but has made mechanical improvements with his lower half thanks in part to his athleticism. He's staying over the rubber better, leading to better balance and weight transfer. He's doesn't throw across his body quite as much as he did in the past, getting better direction to the plate. His walk rate rose to a career-high 4.2 per nine innings when he got to Double-A Akron last year, so he'll need to challenge hitters more.

The Future: With his one dominant pitch and lack of size, many scouts peg Adams as a future reliever. Cleveland broke him into pro ball in the bullpen but has kept him in the rotation since. He'll move up to Triple-A in 2012.

Again the report says, "Many scouts see him as reliever"

9. Scott Barnes, lhp Born: Sep 05, 1987 B-T: L-L Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 185
Drafted: St. John's, 2008 (8th round). Signed by: John DiCarlo.

Background: Barnes posted a 2.60 ERA in the lower levels of the Giants system before San Francisco traded him to the Indians for Ryan Garko in July 2009. He struggled in Double-A in 2009 and 2010, then rebounded last year, only to have his season end on July 10 when he tore the anterior-cruciate ligament in his left knee while fielding a bunt. Cleveland added him to its 40-man roster in November to protect him in advance of the Rule 5 draft.

Scouting Report: Reports on Barnes' fastball velocity vary, with some scouts seeing an average fastball that tops out in the low 90s while others have seen him reach as high as 96 mph. He has an unorthodox delivery that has some effort involved, but he's athletic and made improvements repeating his delivery in 2011, which helped his fastball command take a step forward. His solid slider shows flashes of being a plus pitch, and his changeup could become average in time with further refinement.

The Future: Many scouts see Barnes as a reliever, but he could end up as a No. 4 or 5 starter. He's expected to be 100 percent by spring training and could get a big league look in the second half of 2012.