Cleveland Sports Forum

+Yankees don't have great need for Frazier now, so that makes sense for both sides.

Zach Britton ruptured his achilles "working out" yesterday. (probably sky diving or something)

Orioles had been talking to teams about trade for him. Had interest. Indians had been sniffing around him for a while so not sure if we might have been one. But must admit, when I heard we lost Shaw and Smith I wondered if we might not go after him again. (let him close and Allen set up with Miller)

He's out 6 months. Should be back and innings under his belt before trade deadline.

BA's 2018 Top Ten for the Yankees lists Justus Sheffield No. 3. Frazier not in their top 10. I don't think he lost his minor league status based on his time with the major league club. Then again with 141 plate appearances, maybe he did.

Yep, he's no longer a "rookie: " player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the period of 25-player limit (excluding time in the military ..."

MLB to reach out to Miguel Sano accuser

The woman who has accused Miguel Sano of sexual assault will soon speak with MLB about the incident.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the league is expected to reach out to Betsy Bissen "sometime in the next 24 hours."

Bissen, a photographer for a Twins website, Twins Daily, shared her story Thursday on Twitter and alleged that Minnesota's All-Star third baseman assaulted her in 2015.

"This is not easy for me to share, but I feel I need to share it," Bissen captioned her statement. "This is my story. #metoo"

Bissen detailed her encounter with Sano at an autograph signing, saying he recognized her from the games she worked as a photographer. Bissen claimed Sano grabbed her wrist and forced her to accompany him to a nearby store afterwards, where he tried to kiss her and get her into a bathroom against her wishes. Despite cries let out during the 10-minute struggle, no one helped her.

"No, he didn’t rape me, but he sure did assault me," Bissen wrote. "When I said no, it should have been the end of it. He should have respected that and stopped. Instead he hurt me and kept going.

"The next day, my body was sore all over from having to fight off this athlete that thought he was entitled to take advantage of me against my will."

The Twins released a statement later Thursday, saying the organization has been "made aware" of the accusations and will gather more information regarding the incident.

Sano, who signed with the Twins in 2009 and made his MLB debut in 2015, also issued a statement Thursday asserting his innocence.

"I unequivocally deny the allegation made against me today — it never happened," Sano wrote. "I have the utmost respect for women, especially those working in professional sports, and I deeply sympathize with anyone who has experienced sexual harassment. There is no place for it in our society."

Sano, 24, could be subject to a suspension under MLB's domestic violence policy.

Dylan Baker moves on from the Brewers to the Dodgers. He was a waiver claim not a Rule 5 pick so we are unlikely to see back in our organization again. But stranger plots have unfolded.

J.D. Martinez - OF - Diamondbacks
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, Boston's five-year offer to J.D. Martinez is worth "in the range of" $100 million.

That explains why the marriage hasn't happened yet, as Martinez and his agent Scott Boras are said to be looking for a seven-year contract worth between $180 million and $210 million. There's talk that the 30-year-old free agent slugger might hold out into spring training to get closer to what he wants financially. Martinez batted .303/.376/.690 with 45 home runs and 104 RBI in 119 games last season between the Tigers and Diamondbacks.

I'll go on record saying that there is no way JD gets close to what Boras wants. The days of long term hitter contracts for defensively challenged 30+ years old guys is dead and gone.

I'll go on record saying that there is no way JD gets close to what Boras wants. The days of long term hitter contracts for defensively challenged 30+ years old guys is dead and gone

Boy, I sure would think so. He's played over 123 games in only one season. He just had the best by far of any season so it's a great time for him to be a free agent, but $20 times 5 years seems like the sky to me.

Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich to the Brewers !??!?

One part of the Andrew Miller package:

From a stuff standpoint, Sheffield has the goods to make a big push to the Bronx. The 21-year-old southpaw pitched 93 1/3 innings for Trenton a season ago and could have finished with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, had a strained oblique not kept him out for two months from July to September. The Yanks sent him to the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost time, and he took off. Sheffield's velocity started showing up in the upper-90s at times, and his slider and changeup gave him the three above-average offerings that serve as the foundation for quality Major League starters.

It was just a five-start stint last autumn, but the Yankees would love to see Sheffield bring the AFL version of himself back to the Minors, whether that's Trenton or Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin 2018.

"I think he was just going out there and having fun," Reese said. "That slightly different competitive environment in the Fall League is good for people, because the wins and losses aren't quite as important, there are more days off, fewer bus trips and stuff that can get tough on a guy. They just go there and let it fly. It was a good lesson for him because if he goes out there and trusts his stuff, he's going to have a really nice season."

The Yankees invited both hurlers to Major League camp this spring with every intention of sending them back to the Minors for Opening Day. (Andujar and Torres, this is not.) In fact, Sheffield was reassigned to Minor League camp after giving up three earned runs on three hits in 1 1/3 innings out of the bullpen Thursday.

notice that somehow Ubalbo Jiminez remains unsigned. Now that Arrieta has a deal, Ubaldo can't be far behind, can he?

Far, far, far behind.

5 year 151 million dollar extension for Jose Altuve.

He can walk around a little taller now.

What will JRam and Frankie cost? It sure would be nice to keep them for their careers

American League Central: Sleeper prospects for 2018
More players to watch. . .
By John Sickels@MinorLeagueBall Mar 30, 2018, 10:52am EDT

CLEVELAND INDIANS: Eric Haase, C: Age 25, seventh round pick in 2011 from high school in Dearborn, Michigan; hit .260/.352/.578 with 27 homers between Double-A and Triple-A last year; hit three homers for the Indians in spring training this year until being assigned to Triple-A; glove has improved, threw out 37% last year and is a pretty solid receiver; as with Zavala in Chicago, Haase has real power, a viable glove, and can get to the majors this year.

MLB PROSPECTS & MINOR LEAGUES 2018

ORGANIZATION TOP 20 PROSPECT LISTS FOR 2018
Cleveland Indians Top 20 prospects for 2018 (updated)
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Francisco Mejia and Triston McKenzie lead the Indians farm system
By John Sickels@MinorLeagueBall Updated Mar 14, 2018, 1:49pm EDT
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Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Cleveland Indians Top 20 Prospects for 2018

The list and grades are a blending of present performance and long-term potential. Comments are welcome, but in the end all analysis and responsibility is mine. All of these grades are subject to change as the winter progresses.

This list was updated March 14, 2018

QUICK PRIMER ON GRADE MEANINGS

Grade A prospects are the elite. In theory, they have a good chance of becoming stars or superstars. Theoretically, most Grade A prospects develop into stars or at least major league regulars, if injuries or other problems don’t intervene. Note that is a major “if” in some cases.

Grade B prospects have a good chance to enjoy successful careers. Some will develop into stars, some will not. Most end up spending several years in the majors, at the very least in a marginal role.

Grade C prospects are the most common type. These are guys who have something positive going for them, but who may have a question mark or three, or who are just too far away from the majors to get an accurate feel for.

A few Grade C guys, especially at the lower levels, do develop into stars. Many end up as role players or bench guys. Some don’t make it at all.

Finally, keep in mind that all grades are shorthand. A Grade C prospect in rookie ball could end up being very impressive, while a Grade C prospect in Triple-A is likely just a future role player.

1) Francisco Mejia, C-3B, Grade A-/B+: Age 22, signed out of Dominican Republic in 2012, hit .297/.346/.490 with 14 homers, 24 walks, 53 strikeouts in 347 at-bats in Double-A, then .154/.214/.154 in 13 major league at-bats; switch-hitter with impressive track record adapted well to high minors; isolated power is steadily picking up; makes contact easily though not a high-walk bat; has made steady progress with the glove, cutting error and passed ball rates while throwing out 30% of runners; has the tools to catch and has improved his skills but not ready for the majors defensively just yet; has seen action at third base to enhance versatility and get him to the majors sooner; he looks like an excellent prospect to me, but not everyone buys into him to the same extent. ETA 2018.


2) Triston McKenzie, RHP, Grade A-/B+: Age 20, compensation round pick in 2015, posted 3.46 ERA with 186/45 K/BB in 143 innings in High-A, 105 hits; 6-5 but just 165 pounds, still throws 90-95; even if fastball doesn’t pick up much further his ability to locate it compensates enough for it to rate as a plus pitch; excellent curveball, change-up coming along nicely, throws strikes with everything, pitching instincts stand out; potential number two starter. ETA 2019.

3) Willi Castro, SS, Grade B/B+: Age 20, signed out of Dominican Republic in 2013; hit .290/.337/.424 with 11 homers, 19 steals, 28 walks, 90 strikeouts in 469 at-bats in High-A; good speed and more power than you’d expect from a 6-1, 165 frame, switch-hitter, too, and young for his levels; needs more polish on defense but has the physical tools to remain at shortstop; could stand to improve strike zone feel but overall he’s been quite successful at a young age and deserves far more attention than he’s received. ETA 2020.

4) Shane Bieber, RHP, Grade B/B+: Age 22, fourth round pick in 2016 from UC Santa Barbara; posted combined 2.86 ERA with 162/10 K/BB in 173 innings between Low-A, High-A, and Double-A; 185 hits allowed; obviously the K/BB is ridiculously good and accurately reflects stellar command of fastball, curve, change-up, and slider; secondaries are all respected and his fastball velocity reportedly increased in ’17, from 88-92 when drafted up to 90-94 with higher spikes; projects as number three starter if all goes well. ETA 2019.

5) Bobby Bradley, 1B, Grade B: Age 21, third round pick in 2014; hit .251/.331/.465 with 23 homers, 55 walks, 122 strikeouts in 467 at-bats in Double-A; scouting profile hasn’t changed much, huge power from the left side but with concerns about batting average/contact and defense; lowered strikeouts from 170 in 485 at-bats in 2016 to 122 in 467 at-bats in 2017, which is progress of course; defense has also improved a bit but may never be more than average, which is OK if he hits enough; I have been positive about him overall and remain so. ETA late 2018 (UPDATED 3/14/2018, grade change from B/B+ to regular B to reflect placement on Top 175 prospects list)

6) Nolan Jones, 3B, Grade B/B-: Age 19, second round pick in 2016 from high school in Pennsylvania; hit .317/.430/.482 in New York-Penn League with 43 walks, 60 strikeouts in 218 at-bats; draws praise for bat speed and strike zone judgment, hasn’t manifested big home run power yet but more may come as he fills out 6-4, 185 pound frame; defense at third base is very rough right now, very high error rate with minimal range so far, may wind up at first base or outfield if he can’t clean up footwork but bat could play at those spots as power develops. ETA 2021.

7) Yu-Cheng Chang, SS, Grade B-: Age 22, signed out of Taiwan in 2013; hit .220/.312/.461 with 24 homers, 11 steals, 52 walks, 134 strikeouts in 440 at-bats in Double-A; interesting dichotomy between scouting reports of polished bat and line drive approach vs. numbers that seem more like a free swinger, though all agree he has unusual power for a middle infielder; range, arm, and reliability all good enough for shortstop but he’s blocked there with the Indians; could be super-utility type with power bat. ETA late 2018.

8) Will Benson, OF, Grade B-: Age 19, first round pick in 2016 from high school in Georgia, hit .238/.347/.475 with 10 homers, 31 walks, 80 strikeouts in 202 at-bats in New York-Penn League; explosive raw power and bat speed from the left side, draws walks too but strikeout rate was very high and could be an issue at higher levels; runs well too and is 17-for-20 in stolen base attempts in his career so far; strong arm works in right field and could fit prototype for position. ETA 2021.

9) Aaron Civale, RHP, Grade B-: Age 22, third round pick in 2016 from Northeastern University, posted 3.28 ERA with 141/14 K/BB in 165 innings between Low-A and High-A, 160 hits; doesn’t throw as hard as Shane Bieber but similar profile based on fastball command and ability to locate complete arsenal of secondary pitches; need to see him in Double-A but what we’ve seen so far is good. ETA 2019.

10) Conner Capel, OF, Grade B-: Age 20, fifth round pick in 2016 from high school in Texas, hit .246/.316/.478 with 22 homers, 15 steals, 43 walks, 108 strikeouts in 439 at-bats in Low-A; solid full season debut worthy of more attention than he’s received; 70-runner though still learning how to use it, with more power than anticipated; good throwing arm, too; don’t overlook him. ETA 2021.


11) Greg Allen, OF, Grade B-: Age 24, sixth round pick in 2014 from San Diego State University; hit .264/.344/.357 with two homers, 21 steals, 22 walks, 55 strikeouts in 258 at-bats in Double-A, then .229/.282/.343 in 35 major league at-bats; broken hamate cost him eight weeks and may have impacted his hitting; relies on above-average speed and defense for value but he’s got a lot to offer in those categories, gets on base, and might develop more power than he showed in ’17. ETA 2018.

12) Tyler Freeman, SS, Grade B-: Age 18, compensation round pick in 2017 from high school in Rancho Cucamonga, California; no word on how much time he spent in Azusa or Anaheim; hit .297/.364/.414 with two homers, five steals, seven walks, 12 strikeouts in 128 at-bats in rookie ball; line drive bat, expected to hit for average with gap power and above-average speed; probably a second baseman long-term but bat is quite intriguing and a favorite of West Coast scouts. ETA 2021.

13) Johnathan Rodriguez, OF, Grade C+: Age 18, third round pick in 2017 from Puerto Rico, played pro debut at age 17, hitting .250/.381/.333 in 96 at-bats in rookie ball, drawing 21 walks; no power yet but the 6-3, 185-pound switch-hitter should develop more pop as he matures; 60-arm, 50-speed fit nicely in right field; possible breakout guy although probably more in 2019 than 2018. ETA 2022.

14) Ka’ai Tom, OF, Grade C+: Age 23, fifth round pick in 2015 from University of Kentucky; hit .254/.340/.418 with 31 doubles, 10 homers, 59 walks, 100 strikeouts, 23 steals in 457 at-bats in High-A; showed speed, gap power, and some on-base ability as well as polish at all three outfield positions; some breakout potential this year in Double-A as multi-category sleeper. ETA 2019.

15) George Valera, OF, Grade C+: Age 17, signed out of Dominican Republic in July 2017 for $1,300,000; hasn’t played yet so tough to rank until we see his skills play against pro competition but scouting reports are uniformly glowing, focused on excellent offensive potential from the left side with chance to hit for both power and average. ETA 2023.

16) Ernie Clement, 2B-SS, Grade C+: Age 21, fourth round pick in 2017 from University of Virginia; hit .280/.315/.343 with six steals, six walks, 12 strikeouts in 175 at-bats in NY-P; reliable contact hitter with good speed, strong track record with wooden bats in summer ball; often projected as a second baseman but held his own when given a chance at shortstop for Mahoning Valley; ETA 2021.

ANALYST NOTE: Spots 17 through 20 as well as the subsequent C+ guys are more or less interchangeable.

Cleveland Indians v New York Yankees - Game Two
Ryan Merritt
17) Ryan Merritt, LHP, Grade C+: Age 25, 3.03 ERA with 85/25 K/BB in 116 innings in Triple-A, 1.74 ERA in 21 major league innings with 7/4 K/BB; very polished finesse pitcher with nothing left to prove in the minors, always behind other people on the depth chart because he doesn’t throw hard but has always been successful; I don’t see why that will change. ETA 2018.

18) Shawn Morimando, LHP, Grade C+: Age 25, posted 4.41 ERA, 128/57 K/BB in 159 innings in Triple-A, 177 hits; throws harder than Merritt with low-90s fastball and a plus breaking ball, but change-up and overall command still inconsistent; watch for any improvement in K/BB ratio, spike in strikeouts, or both. ETA 2018.


19) Eric Stamets, SS, Grade C+: Age 26, the Ryan Merritt of Triple-A infielders, hit .259/.336/.463 with 16 homers, 10 steals, 38 walks, 100 strikeouts in 374 at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A; very polished and reliable defensive shortstop who has looked good in trials at second and third base; problem has always been the bat but he started to show power in 2017; I have felt for years that Stamets could surprise us in his late 20s and that started to happen last season; several guys in the other Grade C+ section below have higher ceilings but aren’t as close to the majors; ETA 2018.

20) Mike Rivera, C, Grade C+: Age 22, sixth round pick in 2017 from University of Florida, hit just .170/.231/.234 in 47 at-bats in New York-Penn League, small sample of course but a faster start would have been nice given extant questions about his hitting; draws raves for defensive ability and threw out 50% of runners in debut; like Stamets, I think the bat could improve eventually and glove will keep him employed long enough for us to find out.. ETA 2021.

OTHER GRADE C+: Brady Aiken, LHP; Aaron Bracho, SS; Matt Esparza, RHP; Marcos Gonzalez, SS; Oscar Gonzalez, OF: Eric Haase, C; Juan Hillman, LHP; Quentin Holmes, OF; Rob Kaminsky, LHP; James Karinchak, RHP; Tyler Krieger, 2B; Jean Carlos Mejia, RHP; Julian Merryweather, RHP; Elijah Morgan, RHP; Francisco Perez, LHP; Zach Plesac, RHP; Gregori Vasquez, RHP; Luke Wakamatsu, INF

OTHERS OF NOTE: Jesse Berardi, SS; Sean Brady, LHP; Andrew Calica, OF; Ulysses Cantu, 1B; Jodd Carter, OF; Li-Jen Chu, C; Gavin Collins, 3B; Tommy DeJuneas, RHP; Luke Eubank, RHP; Sam Hentges, LHP; Cameron Hill, RHP; Logan Ice, C; Leandro Linares, RHP; Mitch Longo, OF; Sicnarf Loopstok, 1B; Mark Mathias, 2B; Kirk McCarty, LHP Kyle Nelson, LHP; Mike Papi, OF; Dorssys Paulino, OF; Adam Plutko, RHP; Nellie Rodriguez, 1B; Dalbert Siri, RHP; Emmanuel Tapia, 1B; Felix Tati, RHP; Jonathan Teaney, RHP; Tanner Tully, LHP; Matt Turner, LHP; Jose Vicente, 1B-C; Austen Wade, OF; Matt Whitehouse, LHP

I will be around in the comments section the next few days to answer questions, particularly about the “Other C+” guys.

Mejia vs. McKenzie at one-two is not a slam dunk and I may flip them ultimately when I reconcile all the lists in spring training.