Indians reliever Cody Allen and catcher Roberto Perez discuss the team's versatile bullpen as it enters Spring Training
By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | February 18th, 2017
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Whether accidental or intentional, Indians manager Terry Francona has avoided specifically referring to Cody Allen as his closer over the years. Applying that label did not always provide the proper description for the reliever's duties. If a situation came up earlier than the ninth, Allen has been available out of the bullpen.
With relief ace Andrew Miller now in the fold -- an arm best described as a leverage weapon for Francona -- the manager has altered his tune some on Allen's job title. Miller is the versatile option for any inning that Francona sees fit. Allen gives Cleveland's talented bullpen an end point.
"Cody is our closer," Francona said after Saturday's full-squad workout. "For the most part, having him knowing he's there at the end is good. It's good for everybody else. It allows some flexibility for looking at matchups and things. When there's an end in sight for the guys, it's good for everybody."
Miller and Allen formed one of the all-time great bullpen duos last postseason.
Miller set single-playoff relief records for innings (19 1/3) and strikeouts (30), while logging 10 multi-inning efforts and posting a 1.40 ERA. For his efforts, the towering lefty took home the Most Valuable Player Award for the American League Championship Series against Toronto. In the postseason, Allen didn't allow a run in his 13 2/3 innings, ending with 24 strikeouts. The righty set a single-postseason record with 15.8 strikeouts per nine innings (minimum nine innings).
Throughout Cleveland's postseason run, Francona pushed his bullpen to the extreme. Miller entered the game in the fifth inning three times and also came in during the sixth (twice), seventh (four times) and eighth (once). Allen, for the most part, entered the game after the lefty, picking up six postseason saves. Only once, during Game 3 of the ALCS, did Allen enter before Miller.
"The reason I did it then was Andrew had been extended," said Francona, referring to how much Miller had been used in the previous games. "We were going to extend Cody. Then, we had Andrew to close if we were winning. If we weren't winning, we didn't use Andrew. That was really all it was."
That appears to be the blueprint for the upcoming season.
Miller, who was acquired from the Yankees in a blockbuster deal prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline, was most often utilized by Francona as a leverage arm in a variety of situations. During the final two months, the manager called upon Miller in the sixth (once), seventh (eight times), eighth (11 times), ninth (five times) and 10th (once). Francona's preference is to use the lefty in critical situations before the ninth, knowing Allen is there to finish the job.
"There could be times where we'd flip-flop it. It could be usage," Francona said. "I don't know the exact [reason]. I guess the one instance I can think of is like, if Cody hadn't been used for three or four days and we really wanted to pitch him. Well, then you don't wait for the ninth, because you might not have a lead. There's instances like that. But, I do like the idea of Cody finishing and Andrew pitching [against] the meat of the order."
No matter what kind of labels are attached to their names, Allen said the relievers will remain flexible for Francona.
"You're just waiting for your number to be called," Allen said. "We're not down there to make decisions. We're not down there to think about what he's going to do. We're just down there to do what he's about to ask us to do. If you start worrying about the other stuff, or you start thinking about it, it's going to take away from what you're out there to do."
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5687Nick Swisher announces retirement two years removed from last game
AP Published 6:40 p.m. ET Feb. 17, 2017 | Updated 7:34 p.m. ET Feb. 17, 2017
At spring training with the New York Yankees as a guest instructor, Nick Swisher says he has retired as a player.
Swisher issued a statement Friday on The Players Tribune.
Slowed by knee injuries the past several years, Swisher appeared in 76 games with the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians in 2015. The 36-year old slugger played in 55 games last season for the Yankees' Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team, then ended his season in July when his second child was born.
Swisher says "Your body tells you when it's time to call it quits. And this off-season, my body was screaming, 'The dream is over, baby!'"
Selected by Oakland with the 16th overall pick in the 2002 amateur draft, Swisher hit .249 with 245 homers and 803 RBIs in 12 major leagues seasons with the Athletics (2004-07), Chicago White Sox (2008), Yankees (2009-12), Indians (2013-15) and Braves (2015). He won the World Series in 2009 with the Yankees and was an All-Star the following year.
AP Published 6:40 p.m. ET Feb. 17, 2017 | Updated 7:34 p.m. ET Feb. 17, 2017
At spring training with the New York Yankees as a guest instructor, Nick Swisher says he has retired as a player.
Swisher issued a statement Friday on The Players Tribune.
Slowed by knee injuries the past several years, Swisher appeared in 76 games with the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians in 2015. The 36-year old slugger played in 55 games last season for the Yankees' Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team, then ended his season in July when his second child was born.
Swisher says "Your body tells you when it's time to call it quits. And this off-season, my body was screaming, 'The dream is over, baby!'"
Selected by Oakland with the 16th overall pick in the 2002 amateur draft, Swisher hit .249 with 245 homers and 803 RBIs in 12 major leagues seasons with the Athletics (2004-07), Chicago White Sox (2008), Yankees (2009-12), Indians (2013-15) and Braves (2015). He won the World Series in 2009 with the Yankees and was an All-Star the following year.
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5688From Hoynsie ...
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Cody Allen stared at Michael Brantley from the mound on Field 3 Monday morning in Goodyear, Ariz. and asked him a question after he sent a soft liner into left field.
"When he fisted that one over shortstop, I was just making sure that it was inside or did I leave it out over the plate," said Allen. "Then he had a little smart remark."
Brantley's smart remark when asked if Allen's pitch got in on his hands went like this, "No, it was a base hit to left field."
The fact that Brantley is swinging well in his fourth simulated game in the last eight days is good. The fact that he's cracking wise is better.
"That's good to see," said Allen.
The pain in Brantley's right shoulder limited him to 11 games last season. He appears to be in a better place this spring.
"He's staying on different pitches. He looks free and easy and very comfortable with his swing," said Matt Quatraro, assistant hitting coach.
Last spring the Indians targeted opening day for Brantley's return to the lineup after he had surgery in November to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. He played in one simulated game before appearing in two Cactus League games. When the shoulder resisted, he opened the season on the disabled list and eventually underwent surgery in August.
"We were shooting for opening day (last year)," said manager Terry Francona. "Right now, we're completely going on what the medical people say and they talk to Brantley every day.
"When they give him the go ahead, we'll gladly write his name in the lineup. Until then, I'm just listening to what they say and asking Michael every day how he feels."
Brantley spent the offseason in Cleveland rehabbing his shoulder. He took dry swings, soft toss, hit off pitching machines and took batting practice before graduating to simulated games.
"They wanted X-number of swings today because they've figured out what he averages per game," said Quatraro. "They want to get to that level where it is controlled before going into a situation that isn't."
Brantley took about seven swings against Allen and Bryan Shaw. Allen said he hit the ball well against him.
"It's awesome to see him back," said Allen. "A guy like him can change a club not only from an offensive and defensive standpoint, but he's a great clubhouse guy and a leader. Just having his presence around every day is awesome to see."
Allen said Brantley's body language and temperament lead him to believe he's more confident this spring.
"I felt I was throwing the ball really well today and he put some good swings on it," said Allen. "Last year was more unknown. There is still a little bit of reservation still because it's a touchy thing.
"But we're all pulling for him an hoping he continues to progress and gets to where he needs to be."
Allen said Brantley's swing looks the same as it did in 2015 when he hit .310 with 45 doubles, 15 homers and 84 RBI.
"It's a pretty swing," said Allen. "I don't think there's a better left-handed swing in baseball. It looks the same.
"He's the same guy. He works his tail off and knows what he's doing. His thing right now is to be able to go on the field and be healthy day to day. We're excited for him."
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Cody Allen stared at Michael Brantley from the mound on Field 3 Monday morning in Goodyear, Ariz. and asked him a question after he sent a soft liner into left field.
"When he fisted that one over shortstop, I was just making sure that it was inside or did I leave it out over the plate," said Allen. "Then he had a little smart remark."
Brantley's smart remark when asked if Allen's pitch got in on his hands went like this, "No, it was a base hit to left field."
The fact that Brantley is swinging well in his fourth simulated game in the last eight days is good. The fact that he's cracking wise is better.
"That's good to see," said Allen.
The pain in Brantley's right shoulder limited him to 11 games last season. He appears to be in a better place this spring.
"He's staying on different pitches. He looks free and easy and very comfortable with his swing," said Matt Quatraro, assistant hitting coach.
Last spring the Indians targeted opening day for Brantley's return to the lineup after he had surgery in November to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. He played in one simulated game before appearing in two Cactus League games. When the shoulder resisted, he opened the season on the disabled list and eventually underwent surgery in August.
"We were shooting for opening day (last year)," said manager Terry Francona. "Right now, we're completely going on what the medical people say and they talk to Brantley every day.
"When they give him the go ahead, we'll gladly write his name in the lineup. Until then, I'm just listening to what they say and asking Michael every day how he feels."
Brantley spent the offseason in Cleveland rehabbing his shoulder. He took dry swings, soft toss, hit off pitching machines and took batting practice before graduating to simulated games.
"They wanted X-number of swings today because they've figured out what he averages per game," said Quatraro. "They want to get to that level where it is controlled before going into a situation that isn't."
Brantley took about seven swings against Allen and Bryan Shaw. Allen said he hit the ball well against him.
"It's awesome to see him back," said Allen. "A guy like him can change a club not only from an offensive and defensive standpoint, but he's a great clubhouse guy and a leader. Just having his presence around every day is awesome to see."
Allen said Brantley's body language and temperament lead him to believe he's more confident this spring.
"I felt I was throwing the ball really well today and he put some good swings on it," said Allen. "Last year was more unknown. There is still a little bit of reservation still because it's a touchy thing.
"But we're all pulling for him an hoping he continues to progress and gets to where he needs to be."
Allen said Brantley's swing looks the same as it did in 2015 when he hit .310 with 45 doubles, 15 homers and 84 RBI.
"It's a pretty swing," said Allen. "I don't think there's a better left-handed swing in baseball. It looks the same.
"He's the same guy. He works his tail off and knows what he's doing. His thing right now is to be able to go on the field and be healthy day to day. We're excited for him."
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5689Kipnis timetable could change complexion of infield
With veteran out at least 4-5 weeks, Tribe considering Ramirez at second
By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | March 19th, 2017
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- In sorting through their options for second base, the Indians needed a better understanding of how much time Jason Kipnis would miss with his ongoing right shoulder issue. Cleveland now has a clearer picture as Opening Day approaches.
On Sunday morning, the Indians announced that Kipnis is unlikely to be ready to play in a Major League game for another four to five weeks, meaning he could miss at least a couple weeks in April. Given that timetable, the Tribe is becoming more open-minded about potentially moving third baseman Jose Ramirez to second until Kipnis returns.
"That's probably his most comfortable position," said Indians manager Terry Francona, referring to playing Ramirez at second. "But he hasn't been over there very much, so we just want to give him some reps there just to keep every option open."
Kipnis met with Dr. Keith Meister on Friday, and it was confirmed that the second baseman is dealing with inflammation in his right (throwing) shoulder. Kipnis was cleared to continue a strengthening program, with the goal of resuming hitting and throwing in about a week.
Earlier this spring, when the Indians were unsure of how much time Kipnis would miss, Francona stressed that the team's preference was to keep Ramirez at third base. If Ramirez is now being considered for second, that shifts how Cleveland's infield could look at the outset of the regular season. Giovanny Urshela, Erik Gonzalez and Richie Shaffer could be temporary possibilities at third.
Of those three, Urshela has the most Major League experience with the Indians, having played 81 games as the team's third baseman in 2015.
"Urshela's in that mix, for sure," Francona said. "It's probably Gold Glove-caliber defense. He's a really aggressive hitter ... as he learns to swing at pitches that he can handle, he'll do more damage, because he's plenty quick. We've all seen him turn on good fastballs, things like that. He can be overly aggressive at times. It's also nice to know that, when the ball's hit down there, you're out. That's a good feeling."
Francona added that Michael Brantley's situation could also have a ripple effect on the roster.
The Indians also announced Sunday that Brantley is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Monday, and could also play on Wednesday and Thursday, barring a setback. Brantley is currently working his way back from August surgery on his right biceps, which followed right shoulder surgery in November 2015. Brantley played in a pair of Minor League games last week with no issues.
"I just want to be careful what I say," Francona said, "because we're starting to get to that point where people are pointing toward Opening Day. I don't want to do that to [Brantley]. This kid has done -- we've been over it 100 times -- he's done everything in his power. And by all accounts, he is feeling really good. So, for me, that's good enough. Wherever it leads, and whenever it leads, as long as he's feeling good, we're probably in pretty good shape."
If Brantley is deemed ready for Opening Day, that would impact the makeup of the outfield, which has Abraham Almonte, Austin Jackson, Shaffer and others vying for roles. That situation would also, in turn, impact the makeup of the bench, which has Gonzalez, Michael Martinez and Ronny Rodriguez jockeying for position in the race for a utility job.
"It's going to be interesting that last week [of Spring Training]," Francona said. "I'm sure we'll be pretty busy, because there's going to be a lot of decisions to be made, and I'm sure that one could affect the next."
With veteran out at least 4-5 weeks, Tribe considering Ramirez at second
By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | March 19th, 2017
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- In sorting through their options for second base, the Indians needed a better understanding of how much time Jason Kipnis would miss with his ongoing right shoulder issue. Cleveland now has a clearer picture as Opening Day approaches.
On Sunday morning, the Indians announced that Kipnis is unlikely to be ready to play in a Major League game for another four to five weeks, meaning he could miss at least a couple weeks in April. Given that timetable, the Tribe is becoming more open-minded about potentially moving third baseman Jose Ramirez to second until Kipnis returns.
"That's probably his most comfortable position," said Indians manager Terry Francona, referring to playing Ramirez at second. "But he hasn't been over there very much, so we just want to give him some reps there just to keep every option open."
Kipnis met with Dr. Keith Meister on Friday, and it was confirmed that the second baseman is dealing with inflammation in his right (throwing) shoulder. Kipnis was cleared to continue a strengthening program, with the goal of resuming hitting and throwing in about a week.
Earlier this spring, when the Indians were unsure of how much time Kipnis would miss, Francona stressed that the team's preference was to keep Ramirez at third base. If Ramirez is now being considered for second, that shifts how Cleveland's infield could look at the outset of the regular season. Giovanny Urshela, Erik Gonzalez and Richie Shaffer could be temporary possibilities at third.
Of those three, Urshela has the most Major League experience with the Indians, having played 81 games as the team's third baseman in 2015.
"Urshela's in that mix, for sure," Francona said. "It's probably Gold Glove-caliber defense. He's a really aggressive hitter ... as he learns to swing at pitches that he can handle, he'll do more damage, because he's plenty quick. We've all seen him turn on good fastballs, things like that. He can be overly aggressive at times. It's also nice to know that, when the ball's hit down there, you're out. That's a good feeling."
Francona added that Michael Brantley's situation could also have a ripple effect on the roster.
The Indians also announced Sunday that Brantley is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Monday, and could also play on Wednesday and Thursday, barring a setback. Brantley is currently working his way back from August surgery on his right biceps, which followed right shoulder surgery in November 2015. Brantley played in a pair of Minor League games last week with no issues.
"I just want to be careful what I say," Francona said, "because we're starting to get to that point where people are pointing toward Opening Day. I don't want to do that to [Brantley]. This kid has done -- we've been over it 100 times -- he's done everything in his power. And by all accounts, he is feeling really good. So, for me, that's good enough. Wherever it leads, and whenever it leads, as long as he's feeling good, we're probably in pretty good shape."
If Brantley is deemed ready for Opening Day, that would impact the makeup of the outfield, which has Abraham Almonte, Austin Jackson, Shaffer and others vying for roles. That situation would also, in turn, impact the makeup of the bench, which has Gonzalez, Michael Martinez and Ronny Rodriguez jockeying for position in the race for a utility job.
"It's going to be interesting that last week [of Spring Training]," Francona said. "I'm sure we'll be pretty busy, because there's going to be a lot of decisions to be made, and I'm sure that one could affect the next."
Re: Articles
5690Sure hope Jason's 2017 doesn't turn into an encore of Brantley's 2016.
And also hope Brantley's 2017 doesn't turn into an encore of his own 2016
And also hope Brantley's 2017 doesn't turn into an encore of his own 2016
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5691Cleveland Indians fans have reasons to hate World Baseball Classic -- Terry Pluto
on March 20, 2017 at 4:18 PM, updated March 20, 2017 at 7:04 PM
GOODYEAR, Arizona -- I hate the World Baseball Classic.
Actually, I like the idea of the WBC.
I just hate seeing it in spring training when players (pitchers) are very vulnerable to injuries because they are not in regular season shape.
Yet, they are expected to perform like it in games where a lot of national pride is on the line. The WBC is great for international exposure, but it's tough for big league teams.
So like Tribe manager Terry Francona, I'm worried.
The Indians manager knows his team is picked the win the American League pennant once again. He knows how much can go wrong after a team has been to the World Series.
Francona won the World Series in 2004 with Boston. The Red Sox lost in the wild card in 2005.
Francona's Red Sox won the World Series in 2007. They lost in the ALCS in 2008.
Teams recently have been to the World Series in consecutive years. Kansas City (2014-15) just did it.
But the Indians are not a powerhouse. They reached the World Series partly because the bullpen was magnificent, especially Cody Allen and Andrew Miller.
The WBC does interrupt the flow of spring training. None of the MLB teams like it -- especially when they have several key players taking part.
MILLER'S WORKLOAD
Miller was the MVP of the American League Championship Series. He was 2-0 with a 1.40 ERA in 19 postseason innings.
The lefty is with Team USA. Consider the following:
1. Counting the postseason, Miller threw 83 innings in 2016. By far, that's the most of his career since he moved to the bullpen.
2. The previous two years, Miller threw 63 and 69 innings -- including the playoffs.
3. Francona mentioned how Miller would be just easing into his preparation for the season, using mostly fastballs in Arizona. But in the WBC with 30,000 fans watching and emotions high, Miller will go to his sharp slider.
Miller has pitched three times for Team USA:
1. He was shelled for four runs in 2/3 of an inning his first time out, including two homers. He allowed only three homers with the Tribe in 26 games.
2. His other two outings were 1/3 inning (scoreless) and 1 inning (scoreless). The Indians have a promise from Team USA that Miller will not work in back-to-back games.
Francona mentioned how every manager "holds his breath" when watching his pitchers in the WBC. It's not just him. It's a natural reaction.
"You want your pitchers pitching for you," he said.
Francona recalled former Tribe pitcher Vinnie Pestano, who played in the 2013 WBC.
"He threw too hard, too soon and never really came all the way back," said Francona.
Pestano had a 2.41 ERA with the Tribe from 2011-12. He pitched in the WBC in the spring of 2013 and has not been the same since. He was in Class AAA with the Yankees last season.
That's not to say this will happen to Miller. But you can understand why Francona also said "your heart kind of skips a beat" when thinking about your pitchers in the WBC.
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Players are invited to the WBC. Major League Baseball encourages them to play. But they can refuse.
The Tribe's Edwin Encarnacion skipped playing for the Dominican Republic to stay in Goodyear and get to know his new teammates.
First baseman Carlos Santana (Dominican Republic) and shortstop Franciso Lindor (Puerto Rico) jumped at the chance to play for their respective teams.
Cather Roberto Perez and minor league reliever Joe Colon also are playing for Puerto Rico.
Opening day is two weeks away.
Francona mentioned how the team will be "working on fundamentals" the last week of the spring when everyone returns from the WBC.
"It's kind of backwards," said Francona. "But other teams are dealing with it."
Nonetheless, the job of every manager is to prepare for the regular season.
"This is not a club sport," said Francona. "We're playing for keeps."
And the WBC makes it harder -- for everyone.
on March 20, 2017 at 4:18 PM, updated March 20, 2017 at 7:04 PM
GOODYEAR, Arizona -- I hate the World Baseball Classic.
Actually, I like the idea of the WBC.
I just hate seeing it in spring training when players (pitchers) are very vulnerable to injuries because they are not in regular season shape.
Yet, they are expected to perform like it in games where a lot of national pride is on the line. The WBC is great for international exposure, but it's tough for big league teams.
So like Tribe manager Terry Francona, I'm worried.
The Indians manager knows his team is picked the win the American League pennant once again. He knows how much can go wrong after a team has been to the World Series.
Francona won the World Series in 2004 with Boston. The Red Sox lost in the wild card in 2005.
Francona's Red Sox won the World Series in 2007. They lost in the ALCS in 2008.
Teams recently have been to the World Series in consecutive years. Kansas City (2014-15) just did it.
But the Indians are not a powerhouse. They reached the World Series partly because the bullpen was magnificent, especially Cody Allen and Andrew Miller.
The WBC does interrupt the flow of spring training. None of the MLB teams like it -- especially when they have several key players taking part.
MILLER'S WORKLOAD
Miller was the MVP of the American League Championship Series. He was 2-0 with a 1.40 ERA in 19 postseason innings.
The lefty is with Team USA. Consider the following:
1. Counting the postseason, Miller threw 83 innings in 2016. By far, that's the most of his career since he moved to the bullpen.
2. The previous two years, Miller threw 63 and 69 innings -- including the playoffs.
3. Francona mentioned how Miller would be just easing into his preparation for the season, using mostly fastballs in Arizona. But in the WBC with 30,000 fans watching and emotions high, Miller will go to his sharp slider.
Miller has pitched three times for Team USA:
1. He was shelled for four runs in 2/3 of an inning his first time out, including two homers. He allowed only three homers with the Tribe in 26 games.
2. His other two outings were 1/3 inning (scoreless) and 1 inning (scoreless). The Indians have a promise from Team USA that Miller will not work in back-to-back games.
Francona mentioned how every manager "holds his breath" when watching his pitchers in the WBC. It's not just him. It's a natural reaction.
"You want your pitchers pitching for you," he said.
Francona recalled former Tribe pitcher Vinnie Pestano, who played in the 2013 WBC.
"He threw too hard, too soon and never really came all the way back," said Francona.
Pestano had a 2.41 ERA with the Tribe from 2011-12. He pitched in the WBC in the spring of 2013 and has not been the same since. He was in Class AAA with the Yankees last season.
That's not to say this will happen to Miller. But you can understand why Francona also said "your heart kind of skips a beat" when thinking about your pitchers in the WBC.
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Players are invited to the WBC. Major League Baseball encourages them to play. But they can refuse.
The Tribe's Edwin Encarnacion skipped playing for the Dominican Republic to stay in Goodyear and get to know his new teammates.
First baseman Carlos Santana (Dominican Republic) and shortstop Franciso Lindor (Puerto Rico) jumped at the chance to play for their respective teams.
Cather Roberto Perez and minor league reliever Joe Colon also are playing for Puerto Rico.
Opening day is two weeks away.
Francona mentioned how the team will be "working on fundamentals" the last week of the spring when everyone returns from the WBC.
"It's kind of backwards," said Francona. "But other teams are dealing with it."
Nonetheless, the job of every manager is to prepare for the regular season.
"This is not a club sport," said Francona. "We're playing for keeps."
And the WBC makes it harder -- for everyone.
Re: Articles
5692I keep hearing, "Well, there's no other good time to have the WBC"
What's wrong with February?
What's wrong with February?
Re: Articles
5693Well then you would need pitchers and catchers to report in January cause you want the MLB pitchers to get ready before going full bore.
Re: Articles
5694I suppose right after the World Series wouldn't be too bad, but most players will have been resting for a month, and 2 months for minor leaguers. And that also probably conflicts with all the Winter Leagues. So forget that option too.
Re: Articles
5695Cleveland Indians' infield should get younger (and better): Yandy Diaz, Erik Gonzalez in; Michael Martinez out
By Zack Meisel, cleveland.com on March 21, 2017 at 6:00 AM
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Michael Martinez's offensive credentials match that of a Baseball Hall of Famer who also captured a Most Valuable Player Award.
That player is Dizzy Dean. He was a pitcher. He batted .225 and drew nine walks in 766 career trips to the plate.
Martinez has his offensive limitations. And those can't be ignored when the Indians assemble their Opening Day roster.
From this vantage point, Yandy Diaz's upside at the plate should outweigh any other factor in the club's decision on who will replace Jason Kipnis for the first few weeks of the regular season. Maybe Diaz lacks that vague, subjective polish the Indians desire at the hot corner. Maybe the club would prefer he log more hours at Triple-A Columbus so his major-league service clock doesn't tick too soon.
The choice doesn't seem all that challenging, though. Diaz deserves a daily look. Jose Ramirez can shift to second base until Kipnis heals. Beyond that, Erik Gonzalez should earn the utility role.
Let's start with Martinez. Across parts of six big-league seasons, he has posted a .197/.241/.266 slash line, with six home runs in 578 plate appearances. That all translates to 35 wRC+ (weighted runs created), which is a fancy way of valuing a player's offensive contributions, with 100 serving as the league average.
Who else in baseball history has registered a 35 wRC+?
Dizzy Dean (a Hall of Fame pitcher), Ben Cantwell (a pitcher; and just look at the last name), George Winter (a pitcher), Bert Adams (a catcher who hit two homers from 1910-19), Claude Osteen (a pitcher), Fred Frankhouse (a pitcher), Joe Haynes (a pitcher), Rip Sewell (a pitcher), Lloyd Brown (a pitcher) and Van Mungo (a pitcher who never homered in 838 trips to the plate).
Mario Mendoza, who was so putrid at the plate that his surname is forever linked with a paltry .200 batting average, even posted a 38 wRC+.
As a hitter, Martinez ranks slightly ahead of Orel Hershiser, Steve Carlton and Whitey Ford. They all earned their hefty incomes on the mound.
Tribe manager Terry Francona often pokes fun at Kevin Cash -- a former catcher and Indians bullpen coach who now manages the Tampa Bay Rays -- for his limitations with the lumber. Martinez ranks ever so slightly ahead of Cash by wRC+ (35 to 34).
This isn't meant to pile on Martinez, who clearly possesses some value to have logged major-league minutes each of the last six seasons. Francona is particularly fond of his defensive versatility, as the 34-year-old can handle virtually any spot on the diamond.
He isn't getting younger, though.
Francona has raved about Gonzalez's glove, even suggesting the 25-year-old had award-winning ability in the field. Martinez's only edge on the rookie comes in the form of experience, which can't be attained without opportunity.
Diaz, meanwhile, owns a .417/.548/.625 slash line in 12 Cactus League games. He has walked six times and struck out thrice. He has hit for average and displayed plenty of patience at every minor-league stop. If his biceps -- each one about the size of a ripe, summer watermelon -- are any indication, he should develop more power, too.
The Indians have cautioned that his glove needs fine-tuning, and that may be valid. A scouting summary from MLB.com's prospect evaluation, however, notes that Diaz boasts "soft hands" and a "strong arm," which make him "an above-average defender at third base." The Indians' stance could just buy them some time should they prefer Diaz start the year at Triple-A.
After all, Chris Antonetti contended that Francisco Lindor had "a litany" of items to work on in the minors in 2015. A short time later, Lindor was with the big-league club. He hasn't looked back.
The Indians have fared well in determining when to call upon their young players. They didn't hesitate to include Tyler Naquin on the Opening Day roster last spring. They should follow suit with Diaz and Gonzalez at the end of the month.
By Zack Meisel, cleveland.com on March 21, 2017 at 6:00 AM
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Michael Martinez's offensive credentials match that of a Baseball Hall of Famer who also captured a Most Valuable Player Award.
That player is Dizzy Dean. He was a pitcher. He batted .225 and drew nine walks in 766 career trips to the plate.
Martinez has his offensive limitations. And those can't be ignored when the Indians assemble their Opening Day roster.
From this vantage point, Yandy Diaz's upside at the plate should outweigh any other factor in the club's decision on who will replace Jason Kipnis for the first few weeks of the regular season. Maybe Diaz lacks that vague, subjective polish the Indians desire at the hot corner. Maybe the club would prefer he log more hours at Triple-A Columbus so his major-league service clock doesn't tick too soon.
The choice doesn't seem all that challenging, though. Diaz deserves a daily look. Jose Ramirez can shift to second base until Kipnis heals. Beyond that, Erik Gonzalez should earn the utility role.
Let's start with Martinez. Across parts of six big-league seasons, he has posted a .197/.241/.266 slash line, with six home runs in 578 plate appearances. That all translates to 35 wRC+ (weighted runs created), which is a fancy way of valuing a player's offensive contributions, with 100 serving as the league average.
Who else in baseball history has registered a 35 wRC+?
Dizzy Dean (a Hall of Fame pitcher), Ben Cantwell (a pitcher; and just look at the last name), George Winter (a pitcher), Bert Adams (a catcher who hit two homers from 1910-19), Claude Osteen (a pitcher), Fred Frankhouse (a pitcher), Joe Haynes (a pitcher), Rip Sewell (a pitcher), Lloyd Brown (a pitcher) and Van Mungo (a pitcher who never homered in 838 trips to the plate).
Mario Mendoza, who was so putrid at the plate that his surname is forever linked with a paltry .200 batting average, even posted a 38 wRC+.
As a hitter, Martinez ranks slightly ahead of Orel Hershiser, Steve Carlton and Whitey Ford. They all earned their hefty incomes on the mound.
Tribe manager Terry Francona often pokes fun at Kevin Cash -- a former catcher and Indians bullpen coach who now manages the Tampa Bay Rays -- for his limitations with the lumber. Martinez ranks ever so slightly ahead of Cash by wRC+ (35 to 34).
This isn't meant to pile on Martinez, who clearly possesses some value to have logged major-league minutes each of the last six seasons. Francona is particularly fond of his defensive versatility, as the 34-year-old can handle virtually any spot on the diamond.
He isn't getting younger, though.
Francona has raved about Gonzalez's glove, even suggesting the 25-year-old had award-winning ability in the field. Martinez's only edge on the rookie comes in the form of experience, which can't be attained without opportunity.
Diaz, meanwhile, owns a .417/.548/.625 slash line in 12 Cactus League games. He has walked six times and struck out thrice. He has hit for average and displayed plenty of patience at every minor-league stop. If his biceps -- each one about the size of a ripe, summer watermelon -- are any indication, he should develop more power, too.
The Indians have cautioned that his glove needs fine-tuning, and that may be valid. A scouting summary from MLB.com's prospect evaluation, however, notes that Diaz boasts "soft hands" and a "strong arm," which make him "an above-average defender at third base." The Indians' stance could just buy them some time should they prefer Diaz start the year at Triple-A.
After all, Chris Antonetti contended that Francisco Lindor had "a litany" of items to work on in the minors in 2015. A short time later, Lindor was with the big-league club. He hasn't looked back.
The Indians have fared well in determining when to call upon their young players. They didn't hesitate to include Tyler Naquin on the Opening Day roster last spring. They should follow suit with Diaz and Gonzalez at the end of the month.
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5696And here is the view from Pluto ...
Cleveland Indians Goodyear Scribbles: Why Yandy Diaz will likely open season in minors
By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on March 21, 2017 at 7:04 AM
GOODYEAR, Arizona -- Scribbles in my Cleveland Indians notebook about why Yandy Diaz is likely to open the season in the minors:
1. Yandy Diaz may be the best young hitter that I've seen in a Tribe spring training since Victor Martinez. He has the same confidence and knowledge of the strike zone of a young Martinez. Victor first came to Cleveland in 2002. Martinez is a switch hitter. Diaz is strictly a right-handed batter.
2. Martinez has the type of controlled swing and willingness to hit the ball to the opposite field that prevents long slumps. The same appears to be true of Diaz. It's easy to be fooled in spring training, so let's not get too carried away with Diaz batting .417 (1.173 OPS) in Arizona.
3. But once in a great while, you see a young hitter and you just know ... you know he'll hit in the Majors. I don't know if Diaz will have a 14-year career like Martinez. Victor owns a .301 lifetime batting average (.833 OPS). But you could put Diaz in the Majors right now, and he'd hit. He's a career .307 hitter (.814 OPS) in the minors. His on-base percentage is .410, showing his knowledge of the strike zone.
4. If the Indians were not a contender, they'd probably do just that. Or if they needed a DH, they could just let him hit. But they are a contender. They have Edwin Ecarnacion and Carlos Santana to play first base/DH.
5. The Indians have played Diaz at third recently. It's been rough. He kicked a grounder for an error. He nearly collided with Michael Brantley chasing a pop up into left field. Brantley wisely got out of the way. Diaz did catch a grounder and throw out a runner, but the ball was in the dirt and scooped up by first baseman Chris Colabello.
6. Meanwhile, Diaz homered to right. He also had two singles. It's fun to watch him swing the bat. As manager Terry Francona said, "That's pretty special."
7. After Monday's game, Francona also said: "His ability to swing the bat doesn't go unnoticed. But the other stuff (problems in the field) doesn't go unnoticed, eiher." Francona said Diaz is on the field early each morning taking extra infield practice with coach Mike Sarbaugh.
8. Perhaps Diaz is nervous when in the field, this being his first Major League camp. He knows his glove is a weakness. Since signing him out of Cuba in 2014, the Indians have not found a good position for Diaz. He has played mostly third. In Cuba, he played second. Last year, he played some in the outfield.
9. Last spring, Tyler Naquin hit his way on to the opening day roster. The Indians needed an outfielder. Michael Brantley (shoulder injury) was out. Abraham Almonte was suspended for 80 games after failing a test for PEDs. Lonnie Chisenhall opened the season on the disabled list. The Tribe's opening day outfielders were Marlon Byrd, Collin Cowgill, Rajai Davis and Naquin.
10. With Jason Kipnis expected to open the season on the disabled list, the Indians will probably use Gio Urshela at third base. Jose Ramirez will move from third to second base as Kipnis recovers.
11. Or the Tribe will leave Ramirez at third and play Michael Martinez or Erik Gonzalez at second. I'd be shocked to see the Tribe open the season with Diaz at third because of his defensive issues.
12. I expect the Indians to send the 25-year-old Diaz to the minors. Because he hasn't been a pro for four years, there has been no need to put him on the 40-man roster. That's another reason why the Tribe will probably send Diaz to Class AAA Columbus and have him work on his fielding.
13. If the Indians keep Diaz, it will be so he can play regularly. With a soft schedule in terms of off-days in April, it makes no sense for Diaz to sit on the bench.
14. I'd put Diaz in the outfield at Columbus. Another possibility will be first base. Santana is a free agent after the 2017 season. So some experience at first would be a good idea for Diaz.
15. The great news for the Tribe is Diaz will be one phone call away in Columbus. We've already seen players being injured, openings created. With two weeks left in camp, something could happen and suddenly Diaz would be needed on opening day. But right now, Columbus appears to be his destination.
Cleveland Indians Goodyear Scribbles: Why Yandy Diaz will likely open season in minors
By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on March 21, 2017 at 7:04 AM
GOODYEAR, Arizona -- Scribbles in my Cleveland Indians notebook about why Yandy Diaz is likely to open the season in the minors:
1. Yandy Diaz may be the best young hitter that I've seen in a Tribe spring training since Victor Martinez. He has the same confidence and knowledge of the strike zone of a young Martinez. Victor first came to Cleveland in 2002. Martinez is a switch hitter. Diaz is strictly a right-handed batter.
2. Martinez has the type of controlled swing and willingness to hit the ball to the opposite field that prevents long slumps. The same appears to be true of Diaz. It's easy to be fooled in spring training, so let's not get too carried away with Diaz batting .417 (1.173 OPS) in Arizona.
3. But once in a great while, you see a young hitter and you just know ... you know he'll hit in the Majors. I don't know if Diaz will have a 14-year career like Martinez. Victor owns a .301 lifetime batting average (.833 OPS). But you could put Diaz in the Majors right now, and he'd hit. He's a career .307 hitter (.814 OPS) in the minors. His on-base percentage is .410, showing his knowledge of the strike zone.
4. If the Indians were not a contender, they'd probably do just that. Or if they needed a DH, they could just let him hit. But they are a contender. They have Edwin Ecarnacion and Carlos Santana to play first base/DH.
5. The Indians have played Diaz at third recently. It's been rough. He kicked a grounder for an error. He nearly collided with Michael Brantley chasing a pop up into left field. Brantley wisely got out of the way. Diaz did catch a grounder and throw out a runner, but the ball was in the dirt and scooped up by first baseman Chris Colabello.
6. Meanwhile, Diaz homered to right. He also had two singles. It's fun to watch him swing the bat. As manager Terry Francona said, "That's pretty special."
7. After Monday's game, Francona also said: "His ability to swing the bat doesn't go unnoticed. But the other stuff (problems in the field) doesn't go unnoticed, eiher." Francona said Diaz is on the field early each morning taking extra infield practice with coach Mike Sarbaugh.
8. Perhaps Diaz is nervous when in the field, this being his first Major League camp. He knows his glove is a weakness. Since signing him out of Cuba in 2014, the Indians have not found a good position for Diaz. He has played mostly third. In Cuba, he played second. Last year, he played some in the outfield.
9. Last spring, Tyler Naquin hit his way on to the opening day roster. The Indians needed an outfielder. Michael Brantley (shoulder injury) was out. Abraham Almonte was suspended for 80 games after failing a test for PEDs. Lonnie Chisenhall opened the season on the disabled list. The Tribe's opening day outfielders were Marlon Byrd, Collin Cowgill, Rajai Davis and Naquin.
10. With Jason Kipnis expected to open the season on the disabled list, the Indians will probably use Gio Urshela at third base. Jose Ramirez will move from third to second base as Kipnis recovers.
11. Or the Tribe will leave Ramirez at third and play Michael Martinez or Erik Gonzalez at second. I'd be shocked to see the Tribe open the season with Diaz at third because of his defensive issues.
12. I expect the Indians to send the 25-year-old Diaz to the minors. Because he hasn't been a pro for four years, there has been no need to put him on the 40-man roster. That's another reason why the Tribe will probably send Diaz to Class AAA Columbus and have him work on his fielding.
13. If the Indians keep Diaz, it will be so he can play regularly. With a soft schedule in terms of off-days in April, it makes no sense for Diaz to sit on the bench.
14. I'd put Diaz in the outfield at Columbus. Another possibility will be first base. Santana is a free agent after the 2017 season. So some experience at first would be a good idea for Diaz.
15. The great news for the Tribe is Diaz will be one phone call away in Columbus. We've already seen players being injured, openings created. With two weeks left in camp, something could happen and suddenly Diaz would be needed on opening day. But right now, Columbus appears to be his destination.
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5699Jackson is there as the Brantley insurance policy. The decision on keeping him or letting him loose is no later than the first of next week