[18th is a big step up for our farm system. At this point we have two very high rated prospects and still not much with more than modest ceilings.]


Updated MLB Farm System Power Rankings Post-Winter Meetings

18. Cleveland Indians

USA TODAY Sports

Greatest Strength: Up-the-middle prospects

The Indians don’t have many projectable young hitters. However, the ones they do have, namely Clint Frazier, Francisco Lindor and Tyler Naquin, all play up-the-middle positions.



Greatest Weakness: Left-handed pitching prospects

The organization has added several intriguing right-handed pitchers over the last two years through the draft and trades, but it still lacks a southpaw with even marginal major league upside.
[I disagree: Kyle Crockett is a fast rising lefty reliever. Luis Lugo has not pitched beyond short season ball but is promising big lefthanded starter.]

One Prospect To Watch in 2014: Dylan Baker, RHP

Recent transactions:

Cleveland Indians
Signed: RHP Gabriel Arias, RHP Travis Banwart, RHP Tyler Cloyd (re-signed following non-tender), RHP Rainer Florez, RHP Jose Nina, OF Matt Carson (re-signed following non-tender)

Here's what I find online about the four new signings noted above:

Travis Banwart 27 year RHP, 3 1/2 years as a AAA starter for Oakland. Never in the majors. ERA last 3 years: 4.63, 3.85, 4.60. He helps fill the Clippers rotation

Gabriel Arias 24 year RHP 6-2 185. Never has pitched beyond High class A.

Aroni Jose Nina, 24 by opening day, RH 6-4 178. He spent 4 years in the Dominican SUmmer League, 1 in rookie ball and finally made it to a low Class A team in 2013. 4.19 and nothing that stands out statistically.

Rainer Florez, I cannot find anyone by that name who has ever played baseball. I did find:
Tim Florez, now a 44 year old RHP, who last played pro ball in 2000.
Austin Florez, will graduate HS in 2014, 5-10 160.
Dennis Florez, career average for Redwood HS, .111

Here's some information you certainly can live without:

CLEVELAND -- The Indians unveiled their planned player development staff Friday, revealing changes throughout the organization's Minor League system.

The new alignment includes three different managers among Cleveland's four full-time affiliates. Dave Wallace and Scooter Tucker moved up a level each as the new managers of Double-A Akron and Class A (high) Carolina, respectively. The Indians also hired Mark Budzinski (a former Tribe Minor Leaguer) as manager of Class A (low) Lake County.

That managerial shift was necessitated by the promotion of former Major League manager Edwin Rodriguez to the role of special assistant to baseball operations after he served as manager of Akron last season. Under his new title, Rodriguez will use his experiences as a manager, coach and scout to assist the Indians' staff.

Chris Tremie will remain the manager for Triple-A Columbus.

The 40-year-old Budzinski, who will be making his professional coaching debut, was selected by the Indians in the 21st round of the 1995 First-Year Player Draft. He spent seven seasons in the Indians' farm system before moving on to stints with the Cubs, Brewers, Reds and Phillies. Budzinski (an outfielder during his playing days) was a member of Team USA in the 2001 Baseball World Cup, debuted in the Majors with the Reds in '03 and retired in '05.

The Indians also promoted Luis Ortiz to the role of assistant field coordinator after he joined the club in 2013 as its cultural development and lower-level hitting coordinator.

Below is a full list of Cleveland's 2014 player development staff:

Field coordinator: Tom Wiedenbauer
Assistant field coordinator: Luis Ortiz
Pitching coordinator: Ruben Niebla
Lower-level pitching coordinator: Julio Rangel
Mental skills coordinator: Rangel
Hitting coordinator: Alan Zinter
Strength and conditioning: Todd Kubacki
Rehab coordinator: Thomas Albert
Strength and conditioning, Latin America: Nelson Perez
Special assistant: Travis Fryman
Special assistant: Jason Bere
Special assistant: Tim Belcher
Special assistant: Edwin Rodriguez
Advisor: Minnie Mendoza
Advisor: Johnny Goryl age 80
Advisor: Tim Tolman

Triple-A Columbus

Manager: Chris Tremie
Pitching coach: Tony Arnold
Hitting coach: Jim Rickon
Athletic trainer: Chad Wolfe
Strength and conditioning: Ed Subel

Double-A Akron

Manager: Dave Wallace
Pitching coach: Jeff Harris
Hitting coach: Rouglas Odor
Athletic trainer: Jeremy Heller
Strength and conditioning: Jake Sankel

Class A (high) Carolina

Manager: Scooter Tucker
Pitching coach: Steve Karsay
Hitting coach: Tony Mansolino
Athletic trainer: Bobby Ruiz
Strength and conditioning: Scott Nealon

Class A (low) Lake County

Manager: Mark Budzinski
Pitching coach: Rigo Beltran
Hitting coach: Shaun Larkin
Athletic trainer: Matt Beauregard
Strength and conditioning: Paul Synenkyj

Class A (short-season) Mahoning Valley

Manager: Ted Kubiak [now age 71]
Pitching coach: Greg Hibbard
Hitting coach: Phil Clark
Athletic trainer: TBD
Strength and conditioning: Juan Acevado

Arizona League (rookie)

Manager: Anthony Medrano
Pitching coach: Mark Allen
Hitting coach: Junior Betances
Coach: Dennis Malave
Athletic trainer: Ted Blackwell
Strength and conditioning: Cesar Yepez

Dominican Summer League (rookie)

Field coordinator: Jose Mejia
Pitching coach: Jesus Sanchez
Hitting coach: Francisco Cabrera
Coach: Carlos Fermin
Strength and conditioning: Hasani Torres

Indians sent RHP Trey Haley outright to Triple-A Columbus.

Haley cleared waivers after he was designated for assignment last week to make room for John Axford on the 40-man roster. The 23-year-old posted a 4.70 ERA and 46/39 K/BB ratio over 44 innings this past season in Double-A.


Dec 23 - 4:34 PM

46/39 K/BB ratio over 44 innings

Yuck

BA's Tribe Top 10 prospect list out today.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/2 ... g-reports/

Chat is this p.m. but I have a work conflict and may miss it. Try to post some questions before I go to my conference. But there are not that many players I am interested in really. Maybe Crockett, Moncrief, Mejia, Nellie Rodriguez and Luis Lugo.

Highlight comments:

Between Frazier and Francisco Lindor, the Indians boast two elite prospects at up-the-middle positions, with Frazier having the most offensive impact potential of any hitter in the system. After a successful showing in the Rookie-level Arizona League in his pro debut, he’ll go to low Class A Lake County as a 19-year-old in 2014.

Other than an imminent changing of the guard at shortstop from Cabrera to top prospect Francisco Lindor, the Indians will have to lean heavily on their current core in the immediate future. The system has few true impact players outside of Lindor and 2013 first-rounder Clint Frazier, the reigning BA High School Player of the Year. Whatever contributions the team gets from young players in 2014 will probably be from relievers such as righthanders Austin Adams and C.C. Lee, along with a hoped-for rebound from Bauer.

3. At times Bauer still looks like a frontline arm, but skeptics who doubted he could hold up with his diligent throwing program had some vindication in 2013. He likely will begin 2014 back at Columbus, barring a spectacular spring training.

4. Tyler Naquin’s doubters see him as a future fourth outfielder, which will likely be his fate if he doesn’t make it in center field. If everything comes together, he’ll be a top-of-the-order table-setter and everyday center fielder. He’ll start 2014 at Double-A Akron.

5. Cody Anderson looked tired by the time he got a late-season promotion to Double-A Akron in 2013, and he’ll go back there to open 2014. He should top 150 innings for the first time as he attempts to fulfill his potential as a mid-rotation starter

6. Even if Dorsyss Paulino does have to move over to second base, he has the tools to be an offensive asset. He’ll go back to low Class A Lake County to open 2014.

7. While he’s unlikely to beat out Lindor at shortstop, Ronnie Rodriguez has the athleticism to shift to several other positions. His ultimate defensive home remains in question as he heads to Triple-A Columbus in 2014.

8. Chen Lee should pitch in the majors again in 2014. He has good stuff but may end up filling a situational role if he doesn’t hone his command.

9. A left thumb injury in winter ball could slow Jose Ramirez in spring training, so after getting a taste of the majors, he’ll begin 2014 at Triple-A Columbus to add more polish.

10. Austin Adams has the power arm to be a late-inning option, and he joined the 40-man roster after the 2013 season. He’ll begin 2014 at Triple-A Columbus at age 27 and make his big league debut during the season.

Here's the start of the chat:

Cleveland Indians Top 10 Prospects Chat With Jim Shonerd



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Moderator: Baseball America’s Jim Shonerd will answer your questions about the Cleveland Indians’ Top 10 Prospects and the rest of their farm system beginning at 2 p.m. EST.

Jim Shonerd: Why talk about the Hall of Fame when we can talk about Indians prospects? Let's get to it.

Frank (Chicago, IL): How many of these guys are top 100 eligible to you? Thanks.
Jim Shonerd: Lindor, Frazier and Bauer should be there, but I'd surprised if anyone else makes it.

@Jaypers413 (IL): I've read reports that Bauer's delivery has undergone a few tweaks in the off-season, to encouraging results. If true, could you still see him as a future frontline starter in the coming years?
Jim Shonerd: I can see it, but it's far from a given at this point. Will he be able to maintain his velocity? Will he be able to command his fastball and not resort to pitching backwards so frequently? If the answer to those questions is yes, then he can still become a frontline guy. This is an important year for him.

Jon G (Charlottesville): Jim, thanks for your time and expertise! Could you tell us if 2 lower profile farmhands, SS Erik Gonzalez and LF Bryson Myles made Cleveland's Top 30-- wasn't Gonzalez lately kept from the Rule 5 draft pool?--and say a bit about how they seem to be developing?
Jim Shonerd: Gonzalez is in the top 30, and yes, he was added to the 40-man after last season, even though he has just 39 games of experience above low Class A. It's questionable as to how much offensive upside he has, but the Indians love his defense at shortstop. He's really grown into his body and has plenty of athleticism.

Ben (Leland Grove): While Cole and Bauer were the talk of UCLA, what are your thoughts on Adam Plutko's upside? Did the Indians get a potential steal in him, and is he in your top 30?
Jim Shonerd: He could indeed be a steal, although his $300k bonus was actually the fourth-largest in the Indians' 2013 draft class. He doesn't have a ton of upside--he's probably a No. 4 starter at best--but he's got the feel and command to breeze through the low minors this year. And the Indians do think there's a chance he could add some to his 87-91 mph fastball once he's spent enough time in their throwing program. He's in the top 30.

CyMature (Hardball Heaven): Thanks for the reports and the chat, Jim. they are always a winter highlight. What have you heard about Francisco Mejia? specifically the hit tool? Thanks.
Jim Shonerd: Glad you brought up Mejia. Although he's not in the top 10, he's one of the guys I'm most excited about (and he was top 10 in some of my early iterations of the list). Indeed, his hit tool is his biggest selling point. He's got a simple swing and an advanced approach for his age. There's some power in there but he focuses on staying up the middle. In the end, he got dropped just outside the top 10. We didn't want to go overboard on an 18-year-old catcher with 30 games of experience, and he's very, very raw defensively. Definitely a name to watch though.

Brian (Denver): Hi Jim, Kyle Crockett is and interesting pitcher in my opinion. What do you see his future role being? Thanks,
Jim Shonerd: Crockett should get to the majors quickly, possibly even this year. He has deception and impeccable fastball command which gives him a chance to be more than a left-on-left specialist, though it would also help if his changeup comes along.

Grant (NYC): Between catchers Tony Wolters and Francisco Mejia, who ranked higher for you?
Jim Shonerd: Already touched on Mejia, who did rank higher, but Wolters is in the top 30 as well. Wolters still has plenty of development left but he's come a long way in just a year since converting to the position. The Indians felt he was playing passable defense for the minor-league level by the end of last season, and he would have an attractive profile as a lefty-hitting catcher if he makes it.

Frank (Chicago, IL): Is RHP Enosil Tejeda someone to keep an eye on?
Jim Shonerd: It's hard to argue with Tejeda's year (0.89 ERA in 40.2 IP at AA), but he's not that much of a real prospect. A 24-year-old Dominican, Tejeda is undersized and throws with average to below-average velocity at 87-90 mph, and his secondary stuff is fringy.

Kelly (Saint Cloud, MN): What are your thoughts on Anthony Santander, and his potential?
Jim Shonerd: Tough year, but there's still reason for hope. He shows a feel for hitting and a quiet swing with the potential for average power. His arm gives him a shot to stick as a right fielder as well. And his bat was starting to show signs of life (.306 in July) before he went down with an elbow injury.u

Wendy (Cleveland): Did southpaw Sean Brady get any consideration for your list?
Jim Shonerd: Even though Brady got the second-largest bonus from Cleveland in 2013 ($800k in the 5th round), he wasn't very close to the top 10. He does have advanced feel for pitching for his age, but there's not a lot of projection with him and his curveball might be his only above-average pitch down the road.

Eric (Flagstaff, AZ): Can Jesus Aguilar make it to the Majors this year, and how does he look at first? Did he reach your 11-20 range?
Jim Shonerd: The Indians don't really have an opening at first base at the moment, but Aguilar's on the 40-man now and could certainly get a callup if an opportunity develops or he forces the issue. He's a bat-first guy all the way. He has the best raw power of any Indians prospect at the upper levels of the minors (Frazier of course has the most in the system). He's not a bad athlete, but he also had the most errors of any EL first baseman last year with 14.

jeff rose (raleigh): Very surprised to not see Joe Wendle on this list. He absolutely raked at carolina and in the fall league. Does he project as an everyday 2b in cleveland?
Jim Shonerd: I do like Wendle, who landed in the teens. He can definitely hit, but that will be his only plus tool. With Kipnis in the majors and the Indians' glut of middle infield prospects, it's tough to see where he fits in 3-4 years from now, other than a utility role.

Pete (North Coast of Ohio): I realize you've have a limited look at Clint Frazier but do you see him as a Top 20 overall prospect a year from now. Thanks for your time.
Jim Shonerd: Top 20 is probably too aggressive. The 30-50 range is more realistic.

Karl of Delaware (Georgetown, Delaware): So what position do you figure Ronnie Rodriquez will be settled in at five years from now?
Jim Shonerd: If he's still an Indian, my guess would be he's an outfielder.

Ken (Lakewood CA): Paulino's stock seemed to take a bit of a hit in 2013. But he's so young - plenty of time to build it back up. What do you view him as in the future - major league regular, future all star, etc?
Jim Shonerd: Can still be a first-division regular. Like you alluded to, he'll only be 19 this year, so playing in the Midwest League again shouldn't be viewed as a huge setback.

Clint (Miami, FL): Did Luis Lugo crack the top 30? What is the book on him?
Jim Shonerd: Lugo is indeed still in the top 30. The physicality in his 6-foot-5 frame gives you confidence he can add velocity to his currently average fastball. He has enough weapons to stay a starter, though his secondary stuff (a curve and change) have more developing to do.

Jon G (Charlottesville): Though you still have him in the list of Best Players under 25, the light seems dimmer on Luigi Rodriguez. He went from 11 HR to 1 in 2013, didn't impress in SB, and mostly moved out of CF to corners (where his body type seems unsuited). Does he now seem a 4th OF, at best, in MLB? Or is the jury out because injuries clouded the picture last season?
Jim Shonerd: There are still some tools you can see there in his swing, switch-hitting ability and athleticism. He needs to rein in his plate discipline though. The potential is there for him to be a regular, and the good news is he just turned 21 in November.

@Jaypers413 (IL): Thanks for the chat, Jim. Had Danny Salazar retained his prospect eligibility, where would you have ranked him on this list and why?
Jim Shonerd: The Top 15 Players 25 and Under chart has your answer: No. 2.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): I agree that the Indians system is thin, after the top two. Do any of last year's draft's pitching choices stack up as potential big league starters? Dace Kime didn't get in many innings and Adam Plutko didn't pitch at all, while Sean Brady, Kenny Matthews and some lower picks looked good.
Jim Shonerd: Touched on a few of these guys already, but I’ll add something on Kime. He wasn’t always a starter for Louisville, but the Indians do see a potential rotation piece in him. He has four pitches, a durable frame and sits in the low 90s. His curve looks like it’ll be his best secondary pitch, and he can mix in a slider and changeup.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): I've been a Carlos Moncrief since he was a hard throwing pitcher. As a strong-armed OF he had a breakthrough season in the tough Eastern League. Does he rate a big league prospect, maybe a platoon RF?
Jim Shonerd: Moncrief is another guy that was in some work-in-progress versions of the top 10 but ended up just outside it. He’s a definite prospect. He’s got real power, albeit mostly to his pull side, and his approach made big strides last year — he cut his K rate from 31 percent in 2012 to 18 percent last year. However, there are worries about his inability to hit lefties (.215) along with a wrap in his swing.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): Besides Ronnie, the Indians have a couple other interesting Rodriguezes: Luigi, who has been in the top 10 before but missed much of 2013, and Nellie, who for awhile was the NYPL's hottest slugger at age 19. How do you like them?
Jim Shonerd: Already hit on Luigi. As for Nellie, he’s very similar to Jesus Aguilar as a powerful, right-handed hitting first baseman. His approach did get better as last year went along, but he doesn’t project to be more than an average regular.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): During the second half of 2013 Levon Washington was healthy and hit well, although he is yet to debut in High A. What can we expect from this 2nd round pick?
Jim Shonerd: He’s shown some potential with the bat when healthy, but he just hasn’t been on the field enough and his secondary skills haven’t really developed. Scouts in the Midwest League weren’t too enamored with his athleticism or effort level either.

Dave (New York City): Does Kenny Mathews have enough talent to be considered for this list in the next few years and/or to eventually contribute at the major league level?
Jim Shonerd: There are some things to like about Mathews, the Indians’ 7th rd pick in 2013. He’s a good athlete with a good delivery and he throws strikes. But there’s nothing that really stands out about his stuff. Ceiling is a back-end starter.

Matt (Philadelphia): Is Dylan Baker a starter or reliever?
Jim Shonerd: The Indians believe in him as a starter, though some scouts outside the org are more skeptical. He’s got low to mid-90s velocity and a swing-and-miss slider, which would make him an attractive relief prospect. He’s still learning to repeat his motion and working on his changeup, which will do a lot to dictate his future.

Karl of Delaware (Georgetown, Delaware): Comparing last years Indians top 30 prospects with this year's list, who went up the most spots and who dropped down the most places?
Jim Shonerd: Of guys that were in last year’s top 30, Cody Anderson made the biggest jump, from 29 to 5. Won’t give away the exact rankings for the book, but Scott Barnes and Mitch Brown were a couple guys that took big falls.

The Indians announced on Twitter that they have released six minor leaguers: right-handers Kyle Blair, Owen Dew, Rafael Homblert and Michael Goodnight; infielder Manuel Boscan; and outfielder Victor De Jesus.

The Indians announced on Twitter that they have released six minor leaguers: right-handers Kyle Blair, Owen Dew, Rafael Homblert and Michael Goodnight; infielder Manuel Boscan; and outfielder Victor De Jesus.

Blair was a fairly high draft choice who peaked at about No. 12 on the draft prospect list and then fell apart. Goodnight never could manage his control. Others never did anything of note.

In case you couldn't make the link to the BA Top 10 work, here are the prospect reports:

Scouting Report: Lindor brings everything to the table with his tools, instincts and makeup. He’ll fit more as a No. 1 or 2 hitter in a future big league lineup rather than as a run-producer, but there’s very little he can’t do. He has a compact swing from both sides of the plate and drives balls to all fields. Raw power is the only tool where he’s not above-average, but he could still be a threat to hit 15 homers once he fills out. He does have a little more power from the right side that would sometimes cause that swing to get bigger, but he did a better job of keeping it more consistent in 2013. Lindor has an uncanny feel for the strike zone, especially for his age. He rarely chases bad pitches or gives away at-bats, drawing more walks than he had strikeouts across two levels in 2013. Though he’s still polishing the small-ball aspects of his game, such as bunting and stealing, he’s an intelligent baserunner with above-average speed. Lindor shines even brighter on defense, where he has the potential to be a Gold Glove shortstop. Beyond just his soft hands and above-average arm, Lindor has an advanced feel for anticipating plays. He slows the game down and always plays under control. His work ethic is second to none as well. He doesn’t just settle with getting by on talent and is driven to be a complete player.