Cleveland Sports Forum

and more of for what's it worth, International League All Stars included: JD. Martin as top starter and Jairo Asencio top reliever; both formerly with the Tribe system.

Civ! I saw your post concerning Jose Ramirez. Talk about what a difference a year makes. This kid goes from absolute obscurity to Cleveland Ohio skipping high "A" ball going directly to Akron, skipping "AAA" ball and going directly to Cleveland. When you think about it, that is something short of insane. He most likely will start at Columbus next year. It appears that they are grooming him to be an all-around utility player. If he could improve upon his power numbers, he may develop into more than a utility player.

Probably right that he's "only" a utility player, but with his speed he could be very useful as a "regular" backup getting hundreds of at bats like Aviles. The problems he faces with Cleveland are named Kipnis and Lindor. And he doesn't hit enough to play 3rd.

Urshela is considered a terrific defensive 3B. His offense doesn't get worse as he moves up level by level but he doesn't steal bases or walk, so his only "extra" offensive tool is his power which is OK but nothing special. He's only 21 himself so perhaps has possibility of developing more power. [I'll always take a 270 with 15 homers guy like Casey Blake]

"Probably right that he's "only" a utility player, but with his speed he could be very useful as a "regular" backup getting hundreds of at bats like Aviles. The problems he faces with Cleveland are named Kipnis and Lindor. And he doesn't hit enough to play 3rd."

Right now who does hit well enough to play 3rd?

Most untility players have some power. Ramirez has none.

Showcase and trade him.

My attempt to summarize the season with an MVP, Cy Young, Surprise, Disappointment for each of our teams. In many cases there's nothing much to choose from:

AAA Columbus
Best Hitter: retread Jeremy Hermida 247/365/416/781 17 HR. I give extra credit to young players but no young position player was any good
Best Pitcher: Only 59 IP, but Danny Salazar wins: 2.73 era, 0.98 whip, 1.32 k/ip
Surprise: I guess I'm surprised that Guilmet continued his success 1.68/0.89/1.12
Disappointment: Bauer 4.15/1.58/.88

AA Akron:
Best Hitter: two choices on stats its Carlos Moncrief 284/354/470/824 17 HR 15 SB and good RF arm
or Jesus Aguillar, younger by a few years 274/349/427/776 16 HR 105 RBI is worth credit
Best Pitcher: only possible choice among starters is Matt Packer 3.27/1/40/0.63 some relievers were good but not spectacular
Surprise: Jose Ramirez at age 20 more than held his own: 272/325/349/674 38/54 sb success
Disappointment; Most players did as expected. I expected nothing of Cole Cook but some people did: 7.17/1.69/.85 I expected more of reliever Shawn Armstrong 4.09/1.61/1.30 but .65 bb/ip

High A Carolina:
Best Hitter: by the numbers its Joe Wendle 295/372/513/885 16 hr
but the best position player as a prospect is Lindor 306/373/410/783 and 4 years younger
Best Pitcher: only one and he won the league's all star award: Cody Anderson, 2.34/1.10/.91
Surprise: Maybe Tony Wolters who apparently did well as a catcher 3 errors, 28% caught stealing isn't exciting; offense 277/369/353/722
Disappointment: Luigi Rodriguez debuted ok 283/383/398/782 but injured the whole second half

Low A Lake County:
Best Hitter: no one did especially well but Eric Haase had power 250/322/439/761 15 hr
Best Pitcher: pick 'em: Dylan Baker 3.63/1.28/.82 or Ryan Merritt 3.42/1.27/.72 and a little time in Carolina
Surprise: Logan Vick, although too old for the league and little power: 281/413/407/820
Disappointment: that's easy Mitch Brown 11.49/2.05/1.149 recoverd somewhat in Arizona League

Short Season A Mahoning Valley
Best Hitter: Nellie Rodriguez 287/366/452/818 after poor month in Lake County
Best Pitcher: wins based on his age over a good field: Luis Lugo 1.97 /0.99/0.60
Surprise: Pitcher Cole Sulser 1.83/0.85/1.02 also strong were LH Matthews, LH Whitehouse, RH Hamrick
Disappointment: well I was hoping Sicnarf Loopstock would be as good as his name: 205/247/247/497 but only got 73 at bats do don't give up hope

Rookie Arizona
Best HItter: Clint Frazier 297/362/506/868 5 hr
Best Pitcher: Sean Brady 1.97/0.94/1.09
Surprise: 17 year old catcher Francisco Mejia 305/348/524/872 4 homers in limited play
Disappointment: D'vone McClure back here for a 2nd try: 218/282/297/579


SPECIAL AWARD FOR PITCHER WHO DIDN'T HANG AROUND ANYWHERE LONG
Kyle Crockett: on 3 teams ending in Akron: 0.36 ERA 0.85 WHIP/ 1.28 K/IP. See him in Cleveland in 2024.

Ramirez is only 20. It's way too soon to know what may develop.

Organizational winners for Feller and Boudreau awards. Probably uncontested winners:

Lindor and Salazar.

Most untility players have some power. Ramirez has none. Showcase and trade him.

That's what they were saying about Dustin Pedroia

Some comparisons-
Unless the Indians cancel Ramirez's ticket to the Dominican this winter and get him started on some sort of strength program, I'll reserve my judgement on Ramirez for a couple of more years.

I have a feeling the Indians may do both (get him on some sort of strength program the first half of the winter season in Arizona, and then send him to the Dominican for the second half of their regular season, playoffs, and series del Caribe). That's what I would do anyway. I think the Indians are going to want to see Ramirez playing 2nd, ss, and 3b this winter.

600

From the Toros website for whom Jose Ramirez played his winterball-

Ramirez became the 600th Dominican to reach the major leagues since Ozzie Virgil debuted with the New York Giants in 1956.

Ramirez is the 4th youngest player in the major leagues this season.

Though he is the 4th youngest player in the majors now, the Indians are planning to use him in a variety of roles this September. "Now that he is here", Cleveland manager Terry Francona said, "He would still be with the (boys) if we had no plans to play him. He is at a level beyond his age. Shall we teach him certain things on the fly? Of course we will, but (Ramirez) has impressed everyone. It was remarkable how he handled spring training. His turns were always quality. By the way he handled his play in the field, it seemed that the game was not fast for him. There are many things about him that you can admire."

Minor Happenings: Sulser may be older, but he can pitch

By Tony Lastoria

September 6, 2013

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"Minor Happenings" is a bi-weekly column which recaps the important developments and news in the Indians farm system. Information in this report is compiled from my own research and through discussions with industry personnel inside and outside the Cleveland Indians organization. Unless otherwise noted, the intellectual property contained in this report is owned by IndiansBaseballInsider.com LLC, and any unauthorized reproduction of the information is prohibited.

Well, the minor league season is over for the Indians. But there are still lots of things to wrap up from this season and things for me to share, so a few more Minor Happenings reports will be coming your way over the next few weeks.

This piece was supposed to post earlier in the week, but a household full of sick people with strep throat (including yours truly) delayed things. In any case, expect another Happenings piece next week along with a Radar Report, 2013 Draft piece, and at least one year end Insider piece on an affiliate (AZL Indians). For a full list of things coming the next several months, check out my IBI update that I posted on Thursday.

In today’s piece I look at the sensational pro debut for short season Single-A Mahoning Valley right-hander Cole Sulser and his prospect future, look at the exceptional season that Low-A Lake County outfielder LeVon Washington had at the plate and some things holding him back, the amazing consistency of High-A Carolina outfielder Jordan Smith and what kind of prospect he truly is, and tons of comments from Triple-A Columbus pitching coach Tony Arnold on several of his pitchers such as Trevor Bauer, T.J. House, Bryan Price and others.

Onto the Happenings…

IBI Minor League Pitcher of the Week

(for games from August 20th through September 4th)

Cole Sulser (Right-handed pitcher – Mahoning Valley)
1-0, 0.53 ERA, 3 GS, 17.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 ER), 0 HR, 2 BB, 25 K, .111 BAA

Short season Single-A Mahoning Valley right-handed pitcher Cole Sulser had one heck of a professional debut this season. Overall, he made 15 appearances (9 starts) and went 3-2 with a 1.83 ERA, and in 54.0 innings allowed 37 hits, 1 home run, 9 walks and had 60 strikeouts. His most memorable showing came in his final two starts of the season where he threw 12.0 innings and allowed just 1 run on 3 hits, 1 walk and had 20 strikeouts. His final start on Tuesday was a near perfect game as he was perfect through six innings before yielding a hit in the top of the seventh of a 7-inning game because of a doubleheader.

Sulser, 23, was selected in the 25th round of the 2013 Draft out of Dartmouth College and left the school second all-time in wins (20). He was a fifth year senior because he missed the 2012 due to Tommy John surgery after he tore ligaments in his elbow during his junior season in 2011. He proceeded to enter into the pro ranks this year and really impress with his command (1.5 BB/9), ability to limit hits (.191 BAA) and the ability to get some swing and miss (10.0 K/9).

Sulser is a performer who consistently puts up good numbers every year and no matter what level he is pitching at even though his stuff is not eye-popping or dominant. He locates his fastball very well and has good pitch ability, and because of how well he locates his fastball in the strike zone it helps play up his secondary offerings – a slider and changeup. He does a very good job of locating his fastball to both sides of the plate which keeps hitters off balance. He just knows how to pitch and he used his experience as a five year college player to have a lot of success at the short season Single-A level this season.

The Indians are intrigued by Sulser’s showing this season and believe he is versatile where he could start or relieve. It remains to be seen whether he will be afforded the opportunity to start next season, but based on his impressive opening salvo as a pro and the Indians new philosophy with piggybacking several starters in the lower levels to keep many pitchers as starting pitching options, he has a great chance to at least be in a piggyback starting situation with someone at Low-A Lake County or even High-A Carolina next season. He is old to be taken seriously as a high level prospect at the moment since he will enter next season at 24-years of age, but even still he has put himself on the map.

Honorable Mentions:

Joe Martinez (RHP, COL): 0-0, 1.84 ERA, 2 GS, 14.2 IP, 11 H, 3 R/ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 10 K, .212 BAA
Josh Tomlin (RHP, COL): 2-0, 2.40 ERA, 3 GS, 15.0 IP, 12 H, 4 R/ER, 0 HR, 0 BB, 11 K, .222 BAA
Matt Packer (LHP, AKR): 2-1, 1.47 ERA, 3 GS, 18.1 IP, 17 H, 4 R (3 ER), 0 HR, 6 BB, 12 K, .266 BAA
Brett Brach (RHP, AKR): 1-0, 2.33 ERA, 3 GS, 19.1 IP, 16 H, 5 R/ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K, .222 BAA
Rob Whitenack (RHP, CAR): 1-0, 0.75 ERA, 2 GS, 12.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 5 BB, 9 K, .051 BAA
Nick Pasquale (RHP, CAR): 1-0, 2.08 ERA, 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 13 H, 3 R/ER, 2 HR, 2 BB, 9 K, .260 BAA
Joe Colon (RHP, CAR): 2-0, 2.50 ERA, 3 GS, 18.0 IP, 14 H, 7 R (5 ER), 0 HR, 4 BB, 10 K, .212 BAA
Dylan Baker (RHP, LC): 0-0, 2.65 ERA, 3 GS, 17.0 IP, 14 H, 5 R/ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 18 K, .230 BAA
Caleb Hamrick (RHP, MV): 2-1, 1.23 ERA, 4 GS, 22.0 IP, 17 H, 5 R (3 ER), 2 HR, 5 BB, 12 K, .210 BAA

Previous winners:

08/13/13 to 08/19/13: Dylan Baker (RHP, Lake County)
08/06/13 to 08/12/13: Robbie Aviles (RHP, Lake County)
07/30/13 to 08/05/13: Joseph Colon (RHP, Carolina)
07/23/14 to 07/29/13: Danny Salazar (RHP, Columbus)
07/16/13 to 07/22/13: Matt Packer (LHP, Akron)
07/09/13 to 07/15/13: Joseph Colon (RHP, Carolina)
07/02/13 to 07/08/13: Bryan Price (RHP, Columbus)
06/25/13 to 07/01/13: Dylan Baker (RHP, Lake County)
06/18/13 to 06/24/13: Caleb Hamrick (RHP, Mahoning Valley)
06/11/13 to 06/17/13: Bryce Stowell (RHP, Akron)
05/28/13 to 06/10/13: Shawn Morimando (LHP, Carolina)
05/21/13 to 05/27/13: Matt Packer (LHP, Akron)
05/14/13 to 05/20/13: Cody Anderson (RHP, Carolina)
05/07/13 to 05/13/13: Danny Salazar (RHP, Akron/Columbus)
04/30/13 to 05/06/13: Danny Salazar (RHP, Akron)
04/23/13 to 04/29/13: Jordan Cooper (RHP, Carolina)
04/16/13 to 04/22/13: T.J. House (LHP, Akron)
04/04/13 to 04/15/13: Fernando Nieve (RHP, Columbus)

IBI Minor League Hitter of the Week

(for games from August 22nd through September 4th)

LeVon Washington (Outfielder – Lake County)
.355 AVG (11-for-31), 6 R, 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB, 8 K, 1 SB, 1.074 OPS

Low-A Lake County outfielder LeVon Washington finished up his 2013 season on a very strong note with a big showing over the final week and a half. He had been slumping since being reactivated from the disabled list in late July, but he regrouped and found a way to give himself a good spring board going into next year.

Washington, 22, had about as good a season as you could have at the plate as he hit .348 with 5 HR, 32 RBI, 16 stolen bases and .997 OPS in 61 combined games between rookie level Arizona and Lake County. He showed he can dominate the Low-A level and that he is ready for a challenge at High-A Carolina next year where he will really be tested not only as a hitter but as a defender in parks that are bigger than the ones in the Midwest League. His approach continues to improve, his swing is much more consistent, and his bat-to-ball and ability to make good, hard contact both saw significant improvements this season. The defense is still a work in progress and an area of his game the Indians are still trying to develop more consistency.

On the stats alone, the season was a success for Washington. But, as people know, the stats are usually secondary to many other things when it comes to the minor leagues. In my best attempt to not sound “negative” but to more accurately assess his season, a lot of people would consider his season a disappointment even in light of the stats.

When talking to industry personnel over the past few weeks and asking about their thoughts on Washington, the most common answer was that the tools and abilities are exciting, but the health concerns are a big red flag. That is kind of where I stand in that I believe Washington is definitely a prospect and it will be exciting to see how he does next season at advanced Single-A, but he played less than half the season once again because of injuries. In three full seasons from 2011-2013 he has yet to play in more than 79 games in a season out of a 140-game schedule, and has played in a total of just 153 games over that time (51 games a season on average).

The unfortunate reality is that no matter how much a player was paid, how high they were selected in the draft, or how talented they are, if they can’t stay healthy and on the field they will be passed by other players and see their priority drop. And that’s exactly what happened this season as there was no excuse for the Indians keeping him in Lake County when he came back healthy. There may have not been a place to put him on the High-A Carolina roster in late July, but when Tyler Naquin was promoted and a spot was opened up they promoted Logan Vick instead. It can’t be made any clearer than that that - even though Vick was deserving of the promotion.

It just goes to show that other outfielders have hopped ahead of Washington on the prospect totem pole, and again, is not because of his failure as a hitter as he has been brilliant there, but because of his inability to stay healthy. In a lot of cases injuries are uncontrollable and not the player’s fault, but they are a reality of the game and what often stalls or hinders minor league careers. Somehow, someway Washington has to put up a full, healthy season next year and show that he can compete at the advanced Single-A level, and if he does that there is no doubt that he will be squarely in the mix again as one of the Indians top outfield prospects. The talent is no doubt there.

Honorable Mentions:

Chun Chen (1B, COL): .289 AVG (11-for-38), 5 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 BB, 10 K, .872 OPS
Matt Lawson (INF, AKR): .349 AVG (15-for-43), 6 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K, .869 OPS
Joey Wendle (2B, CAR): .306 AVG (15-for-49), 9 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 BB, 6 K, .912 OPS
Jordan Smith (OF, CAR): .333 AVG (16-for-48), 7 R, 4 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 8 K, .896 OPS
Bryson Myles (OF, CAR): .298 AVG (14-for-47), 10 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 9 BB, 10 K, 2 SB, .809 OPS
Nick Hamilton (OF, LC): .407 AVG (11-for-27), 4 R, 0 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K, .985 OPS
Nellie Rodriguez (1B, MV): .271 AVG (13-for-48), 6 R, 4 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 BB, 17 K, .843 OPS
Grant Fink (1B, AZL/MV): .351 AVG (13-for-37), 5 R, 4 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 9 K, 1.036 OPS

Previous Winners:

08/15/13 to 08/21/13: Clint Frazier (Outfielder, AZL Indians)
08/08/13 to 08/14/13: Jordan Smith (Outfielder, Carolina)
08/01/13 to 08/07/13: Jesus Aguilar (First Baseman, Akron)
07/25/13 to 07/31/13: Nellie Rodriguez (First Baseman, Mahoning Valley)
07/18/13 to 07/24/13: LeVon Washington (Outfielder, AZL Indians)
07/11/13 to 07/17/13: Carlos Moncrief (Outfielder, Akron)
07/04/13 to 07/10/13: Erik Gonzalez (Infielder, Lake County)
06/27/13 to 07/03/13: Joey Wendle (Second baseman, Carolina)
06/20/13 to 06/26/13: Claudio Bautista (Infielder, Mahoning Valley)
06/13/13 to 06/19/13: Yhoxian Medina (Infielder, Lake County)
05/30/13 to 06/12/13: Lonnie Chisenhall (Third baseman, Columbus)
05/23/13 to 05/29/13: Lonnie Chisenhall (Third baseman, Columbus)
05/10/13 to 05/22/13: Chun Chen (First baseman, Akron/Columbus)
05/09/13 to 05/15/13: Tim Fedroff (Outfielder, Columbus)
05/02/13 to 05/08/13: Matt LaPorta (First baseman, Columbus)
04/25/13 to 05/01/13: LeVon Washington (Outfielder, Lake County)
04/18/13 to 04/24/13: Chun Chen (First baseman, Akron)
04/11/13 to 04/17/13: Joey Wendle (Second baseman, Carolina)
04/04/13 to 04/10/13: Francisco Lindor (Shortstop, Carolina)

IBI Minor League Player of the Month

(for August)

Jordan Smith (Outfielder – Carolina)
.369 AVG (41-for-111), 22 R, 10 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 17 HR, 23 BB, 12 K, 5 SB, 1.027 OPS

High-A Carolina outfielder Jordan Smith had about as impressive a month as any player in the Indians system had this season. He racked up 111 at bats and still hit a blistering .369 in August, 14 of his 41 hits went for extra bases, and he had an outstanding 23:12 walk to strikeout ratio. Oh, and he also chipped in with 5 stolen bases too.

Smith, 23, had his third straight good season as a pro. In 134 games he hit .292 with 5 HR, 54 RBI and .768 OPS, and also had 18 stolen bases and a 62-72 walk to strikeout ratio. His showing this past season is right in line with seasons of the past as he hit .316 with a .820 OPS last year at Low-A Lake County and hit .300 with a .794 OPS in 2011 at short season Single-A Mahoning Valley.

It is that consistency and Smith’s ability to hit that makes him so intriguing. But in addition to that he is a very good corner outfielder with a good arm, and even though he has a long frame and stands at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds he moves well, has a lot of athleticism, and is deceivingly quick for his size.

The power is still an area that Smith is working to develop as for a player his size he plays smaller, some of which has to do with his approach with his swing to work the other way. The Indians want him to be more aggressive and turn on balls and pull them to right field, and believe when he does that he will show more power. But in the meantime they are happy with his performance as a hitter and rave about his abilities in the field and on the bases.

Smith should move on to Double-A Akron next season where he will have a chance to continue his steady path to the big leagues. He is not a prospect that will wow you when you watch him one time, but when you see him play night after night what really impresses is his consistency and the way he competes in every at bat. In a lot of ways he reminds me of Indians outfielder Michael Brantley as a guy that hits for average, has a little pop, plays good defense, and just has an overall good feel for the game.

Honorable Mentions:

Matt Carson (OF, COL): .314 AVG, 10 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6 BB, 21 K, 1 SB, .868 OPS
Jeremy Hermida (OF, COL): .283 AVG, 15 R, 8 2B, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 13 BB, 25 K, .835 OPS
Paolo Espino (RHP, COL): 3-2, 2.79 ERA, 5 GS, 29.0 IP, 28 H, 10 R (9 ER), 3 HR, 3 BB, 38 K, .248 BAA
Preston Guilmet (RHP, COL): 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 9 G, 12.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 HR, 1 BB, 11 K, .081 BAA
T.J. House (LHP, COL): 3-0, 2.30 ERA, 5 GS, 31.1 IP, 34 H, 12 R (8 ER), 0 HR, 8 BB, 27 K, .274 BAA
Bryan Price (RHP, COL): 0-1, 0.53 ERA, 9 G, 17.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R (1 ER), 1 HR, 1 BB, 17 K, .143 BAA
Jesus Aguilar (1B, AKR): .308 AVG, 16 R, 3 2B, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 8 BB, 20 K, .829 OPS
Bryson Myles (OF, CAR): .325 AVG, 20 R, 6 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 10 BB, 32 K, 5 SB, .829 OPS
Tony Wolters (C, CAR): .313 AVG, 12 R, 4 2B, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 18 BB, 11 K, .807 OPS
Louis Head (RHP, CAR): 3-1, 1.65 ERA, 9 G, 16.1 IP, 10 H, 3 R/ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 22 K, .172 BAA
Eric Haase (C, LC): .318 AVG, 11 R, 4 2B, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 10 BB, 16 K, .923 OPS
Dylan Baker (RHP, LC): 1-0, 2.31 ERA, 6 GS, 35.0 IP, 28 H, 10 R (9 ER), 1 HR, 10 BB, 30 K, .226 BAA
Luis DeJesus (RHP, LC): 2-0, 2.16 ERA, 6 G, 25.0 IP, 23 H, 9 R (6 ER), 3 HR, 11 BB, 20 K, .258 BAA
Grant Sides (RHP, LC): 2-0, 1.72 ERA, 12 G, 15.2 IP, 9 H, 4 R (3 ER), 0 HR, 5 BB, 20 K, .170 BAA
Trevor Frank (RHP, MV): 1-2, 1.54 ERA, 8 G, 11.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R (2 ER), 0 HR, 0 BB, 19 K, .205 BAA
Caleb Hamrick (RHP, MV): 1-1, 1.64 ERA, 6 GS, 33.0 IP, 29 H, 10 R (6 ER), 3 HR, 9 BB, 19 K, .238 BAA
Grant Fink (1B, AZL): .311 AVG, 13 R, 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 7 BB, 22 K, 2 SB, .857 OPS
Sean Brady (LHP, AZL): 0-0, 2.37 ERA, 5 GS, 19.0 IP, 14 H, 5 R/ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 17 K, .197 BAA

Previous winners:

July – Nellie Rodriguez (1B, Mahoning Valley)
June – Carlos Moncrief (OF, Akron)
May – Cody Anderson (RHP, Carolina)
April – Chun Chen (1B, Akron)

Coach’s Corner

The IBI’s Hayden Grove recently caught up with Triple-A Columbus pitching coach Tony Arnold to talk about some of the developments with his pitchers this season, and he shared the following:

On Trevor Bauer’s season: “Statistically and stuff-wise it was not as bad as it seems. Trevor consistently was working on revamping his delivery a little bit and it steadily got more consistent throughout the year. In aspects it was good. His stuff, his fastball, toward the end of the year the velocity started coming back up a little bit. The crispness to his breaking ball is coming around. So, I mean, overall, although it was a tough year for him, it’s a productive year for him. Dealing with adversity a little bit never hurts anybody and he dealt with it fairly well and he progressed.”

On Bauer’s delivery change: “I did not suggest his delivery change to him. It’s pretty much what he wanted to do, but I was just working with him, understanding what he wants to try to get to and trying to help him get there as quick as he could. You’re always in progress with deliveries and stuff. It’s fixed and (we’ll) never have to worry about it again. It’s just heading in the right direction and a more consistent direction.”

On Bauer’s goals this offseason: “Just like every other pitcher, it is to get better at your craft, better command, better awareness of the hitters, and how to attack hitters. Just like everybody else.”

On Preston Guilmet’s season: “Guilly’s been solid all year long. He’s handled any role that we’ve put him in. Early in the year and all last year he was our closer and did very well in that role. With the needs of the Indians, we moved him out of that role so we could give them some length if he went up and when he went up. He was able to handle his two or three inning stints just like he handled the closing role, and then opportunity presented itself that he closed some games here and there and he bounced right back into that role. So, a very productive year for him and he continues to improve his fastball command as well as maintaining his off-speed pitches.”

On what is so impressive about Guilmet: “Part of Guilly is his makeup. He’s just unflappable. I mean, he’s blown saves this year and he comes back the next day and he’s the same guy. He goes out and does the job, he’s the same guy. He’s got a short memory and he just goes out and attacks hitters.”

On T.J. House’s season: “With his year, he’s pretty much been durable throughout his career really. I mean, he’s been able to take that and over the years he’s just built his stamina up to where he understands what it takes to get through a season. There’s been times where he’s backed off during bullpens when he wasn’t feeling 100% as far as being tired. Not soreness, but just being tired. But, just mentally he’s really progressed. He’s more mature about how he handled situations and that’s been the biggest key for him, because it’s allowed him to handle adversity on the field better, which lets him minimize damage and stay away from big innings. Therefore, he’s gotten deeper and had a successful year.”

On House’s strong finish: “It was more of getting adapted to facing better hitters, more consistent hitters, professional hitters, whatever you want to call them and it’s always an adjustment period and he’s had that. I’ve had him at other levels, and he’s had the same adjustment period. But, his second half, he’s been really good. I mean, he’s gone out, he’s competed, and he’s been very consistent throughout the second half after he’s made his adjustments.”

On Chen-Chang Lee’s goals: “It’s just the consistency in his stuff. His whole year is just getting back from his surgery and stuff and he’s done that. He’s shown he’s healthy. He’s taken the ball every day. Now, it’s just a matter of progressing and consistently going out and being able to command his stuff so he can attack hitters in the back end of a bullpen.”

On the turnaround by Bryan Price: “He gotten comfortable out there and he got aggressive with his stuff and quit giving hitters so much credit thinking he had to be so perfect and attack the hitters. And he’s seen the success. Then he just locked in on it and he’s been able to repeat it ever since. He’s been very solid throughout the second half.”

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIBI. Also, his new book the 2013 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider which profiles the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is available for sale.

Pitching coach on Bauer:

“I did not suggest his delivery change to him. It’s pretty much what he wanted to do"

That's Trevor's biggest problem. He's his own pitching coach.

Outfielder Tim Fedroff and shortstop Juan Diaz both cleared waivers on Saturday and were sent outright to Triple-A Columbus. Fedroff and Diaz were each designated for assignment on Sunday in order for the Tribe to selected the contracts of catcher Kelly Shoppach and infielder Jose Ramirez.

Forgot he had Shoppach. He's been very useful so far.

Other teams will get another chance at the dynamic Diaz and fearsome Fedroff as minor league free agents over the winter.

The Radar Report: 2013 Volume II

By Tony Lastoria

September 9, 2013

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"The Radar Report" is a premium feature that lists fastball velocities and other notes for several pitchers in the Indians' system which I have recorded during my visits to see the teams/players. Today's listing has almost 20 radar readings for pitchers in the Indians' minor league system, and where available I have also included the velocity ranges for their secondary pitches.

Of note the Indians saw several notable velocity increases to pitchers throughout the system this season, and I have noted several of them in this report. Also, some pitchers are also sustaining more velocity deep into games, of which is noted in the report as well.

This report was expected to post once a month this season, but due to some technical difficulties (i.e. my gun died) I was unable to record velocities for most of the season until it was fixed and I got out and recorded them over the last month of the season. I should have another report after I go to Arizona for Instructional League and the Arizona Fall League.

Note: The information obtained in the chart below is from myself and has not been provided by the Indians or anyone affiliated with them or from another team. The readings are recorded through the use of my own professional graded radar gun.