Cleveland Sports Forum

as minor league fan, I was interested in this one:

Aiken spent the entire year working on his delivery and velocity in Arizona. I will have to confirm, but I'd imagine he'll show up to spring training in normal fashion.

he's 22 so still too early to give up on a once very promising kid. Indians took a gamble and could still profit from it. Although odds are not very high.

Cleveland Indians: Talkin' lineup changes with Yandy Diaz, Jason Kipnis -- Terry Pluto
Updated 6:02 AM; Posted 6:01 AM

Can Yandy Diaz be a consistent .300 hitter with the Tribe? It's time to find out. (Chuck Crow / Plain Dealer)

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By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealerterrypluto2003@yahoo.com
ABOUT MICHAEL BRANTLEY & YANDY DIAZ

For a variety of reasons, the Indians are going to have a different looking team next season:

1. Michael Brantley is a free agent. The Indians have to decide if they want to extend him a qualifying offer of $18 million. If they do that, they'll receive a draft pick as compensation if Brantley signs with another team.

2. The Indians also have to be prepared for Brantley to possibly accept the $18 million -- a $6 million raise from his $12 million salary in 2018.

3. The 32-year-old Brantley batted .309 (.832 OPS) with 17 HR and 76 RBI. I've heard whispers of Brantley being in line for a 3-year deal in the $45 million range from some team. Given Brantley's injury history (major ankle and shoulder surgeries), he should pursue a long-term deal. It's doubtful it will come from the Tribe.


4. My best guess is the replacement for Brantley in left field will be...Jason Kipnis. Fans say, "Trade him." The Indians will probably try to do just that. But Kipnis is due $14.7 million in 2019. He has a $2.5 million buyout In 2020.

5. In the last two years, Kipnis has batted .231 (.705 OPS), averaging 15 HR and 55 RBI. He was hurt in part of 2017. Healthy in 2018, he still batted .230, but showed some power with 18 HR and 75 RBI. He can probably do a decent job defensively in left field.

6. Kipnis to left field opens up third base for Yandy Diaz. Finally, the Indians seem prepared to give him a chance to be a regular. Kipnis to left, Diaz to third is not being discussed publicly by the Tribe. But I do know it's under serious consideration.

7. Since the 2017 All-Star break, Diaz is batting .312 (62-for-201) with 1 HR, 15 RBI and a .797 OPS. He is respectable at third base. The 27-year-old Diaz is a career .319 hitter (.848 OPS) in Class AAA. Just play him.

8. Assuming my theory is correct, that means Jose Ramirez plays second base. Francisco Lindor stays at shortstop. Yonder Alonso is at first base.

9. Some fans want the Tribe to re-sign Josh Donaldson. His calf injuries are scary. The Indians saw Lonnie Chisenhall deal with that for the last two years. It makes more sense (and saves a lot of money) to put Diaz at third and leave him alone.


10. He became the forgotten man because of his life-threatening bacterial infection in early August, but Leonys Martin could be a factor in center field. As of now, he is considered healthy. The 30-year-old wants to keep playing. He is an excellent center fielder. He is mostly a platoon player, batting .279 vs. righties as opposed to .176 vs. lefties.

11. Martin made $1.75 million. He is eligible for arbitration. I hope the Indians can work a reasonable 1-year deal. If healthy, he can platoon with Greg Allen in center field. Allen is a switch hitter. He batted .257 (.554 OPS) with 2 HR and 20 RBI last season. After the All-Star break, the rookie batted .310 (.784 OPS).

12. What about Bradley Zimmer? He was the opening day center fielder in 2018. He had major shoulder surgery on July 22. He was projected to be out 8 to 12 months. He is making progress, but shoulder injuries are tricky and scary. Remember what Brantley endured in 2016 and 2017. Hard to put him in the picture right now.

13. Outfield free agents: Brantley, Chisenhall, Rajai Davis and Melky Cabrera. Brandon Guyer has a $3 million club option. I doubt the Indians will keep Guyer, after he batted .206 (.671 OPS) with 7 HR and 27 RBI.


14. Who plays right field? At the moment, the best bet is Tyler Naquin. He has recovered well from his hip surgery on July 26. He batted .264 (.651 OPS) with 3 HR and 23 RBI in 174 at bats. Naquin had hip problems earlier in his career. The surgery should fix that. He was playing games against young prospects in Goodyear as the playoffs ended. His prognosis is good.

15. An outfield prospect is Oscar Mercado, acquired from St. Louis at the end of July. He batted .278 (.738 OPS) with 8 HR, 47 RBI and 37 stolen bases in Class AAA last season. He's 23 and could be a factor later in the 2019 season.

16. I doubt the Indians will open the season with a starting outfield of Kipnis (LF), Martin/Allen (CF) and Naquin (RF). They will add some players. The outfield screams for help via a trade. The Indians are not going to spend much money on free agents, it's futile to discuss that possibility.

17. But I do expect Kipnis to be in the outfield, Ramirez at second and Diaz at third.




ABOUT TERRY FRANCONA

I received this email from a guy named Terry...no, not me!

"Terry, Do you think Terry Francona should stay? He lost the last 3 (playoff) games in last 3 years. Great pitching, bad managing. Tribe needs young aggressive manager like (Alex) Cora.


"I'd hire Omar Vizquel! Would not be boring and be a good in-game manager. Francona over the hill...out of shape...no energy!!"

Where to begin?

1. Maybe Omar Vizquel will be a good manager. Or maybe not. He was a great shortstop and received my Hall of Fame vote. He is one of my all-time favorite Indians. After he retired, he was a first base coach from 2013-17 for the Tigers.

2. Last season, he managed at Class A Winston-Salem and was the Carolina League Manager of the Year as his team had an 85-54 record. His roster was loaded with top prospects, but he did the job well.

3. He is on the road to becoming a big league manager. He did interview for the Angels job, but reportedly was told he is no longer a candidate.

4. I've received a few emails from frustrated fans wanting to replace Francona. Fire the guy who has had six consecutive winning seasons...four playoff berths...one World Series...IN CLEVELAND?

5. In Francona's six seasons, the Indians have a .542 winning percentage...best in the American League over that span.

6. The previous four seasons (2009-12) before Francona arrived, the Tribe's average record was 70-92. As Tribe President Chris Antonetti said at the postseason press conference, the team has to take the long view - and not just react to playing poorly against Houston.


7. Francona has delivered winning, contending baseball with a team that has not been higher than 16th out of 30 teams in payroll -- and that was this year. Most years, the Tribe was in the bottom 30 percent in payroll.

8. One of the reasons the Indians are contenders in a small market is their stability in the front office and with the manager. It's a competitive advantage, assuming the key people continue working well together.

9. Some fans have wondered about Francona's stance of no changes to the coaching staff. That has some fans angry. Ike emailed: "My friend, summa cum laude from CWRU, watched almost all the games and he agrees with me that the hitting coach job should go to someone else."

10. The Indians changed bullpen and pitching coaches last season. The pitching coach move was forced on them when Mickey Callaway was hired to manage the Mets. Carl Willis is a solid pitching coach, but I thought Callaway was fabulous -- and missed.

11. Callaway is still the Mets manager. The team is coming off a dismal season and is looking to hire a new general manager. After that happens, then Callaway's future will be discussed.

12. Scott Atchison replaced Jason Bere as bullpen coach. I don't know how much (if any) of the bullpen's struggles had to do with the change of coaches.


13. Some fans fans want to change hitting coaches. Batting .144 in the 3-game sweep by Houston has fans angry. In the regular season, the Indians ranked No. 3 in runs scored. They were ahead of Houston. They only trailed Boston and New York.

14. In 2017, the Indians were No. 6 in runs scored. In 2016, they were No. 2. So they have ranked high in the last three seasons. Francona said changing hitting coaches would be "reactionary."

15. My guess is most coaching staffs should probably make a change nearly every year, partly because good people become available when they are fired elsewhere. But the core people with the Indians deserve to stay in place.

12. Scott Atchison replaced Jason Bere as bullpen coach. I don't know how much (if any) of the bullpen's struggles had to do with the change of coaches.

If you're going to make coaching changes, this is a good place to start.

The outfield screams for help via a trade

And even that statement is an understatement.

Address the bullpen and the barren outfield. Pretty simple really.

Naquin. He has recovered well from his hip surgery on July 26. He batted .264 (.651 OPS) with 3 HR and 23 RBI in 174 at bats.

Pretty impressive numbers.

I like Allen in center, and Naquin in right. They both can get on base and have some speed (at least Allen does). Kip in left because we own him, or Brantley if he stays. Leonys and Oscar can round it out. Speed, ability to get on base, and can play well defensively. I liked Melky, arm like a cannon, but getting to the ball could be an adventure. Our infield, including catcher, produced 125 HR's. Get on, get over, get in!

As to the Pen, I like Salazar there, after Brad Hand and the kid, then who knows. Would love to have Perez back.

I do get all of UD's post and even agree.

Thing is, when you compare their outfield to Houston, Boston and even New York it's not competitive.

That's where the overhaul has to happen. If we are stuck with Kipnis at one of the OF spots fine, then all the more need to address the other two.

I like Naquin, Allen, etc but they are not top level outfielders.

As to the Pen, I like Salazar there, after Brad Hand and the kid, then who knows

I think Hand is good but he wasn't all that impressive while we had him. I think Salazar's stuff could work well in the bullpen but I doubt he can handle pressure situations regularly. Not sure who that third guy is?

I've always said I like Naquin in left, Zimmer in right, and Allen in center for the future. But I said that before Getting more of a look at Naquin and Zimmer. Not quite developing like I'd hoped. At least not as quick any way. Hopefully that will turn around next year. But we need more power out of Naquin and Zimmer if they play the corners. As I'm sure Civ would point out. 20+ type guys would be totally fine with me, considering the power of our infielders.

Zimmer seems likely to miss most of 2019. i'll locate a PD story on our 6 CF candidates and post it here. The most surprising thing in the article is that Allen's defense scored poorly statistically.

I think we have Kipnis in LF if we're stuck with him. If not it will be speed and defense in the outfield. OFs hitting 7-8-9 is unusual but could work if Ramirez returns to his April-July level of play and Yandy's 300 average also yields an 800 OPS.

Not the PD, it's from Indians.com

CLEVELAND -- The Indians entered the offseason with question marks hovering over all three outfield positions. The options in center field, in particular, currently include a long list of internal names, but it is hard to predict who will patrol that part of the outfield grass come Opening Day.

"That's an area that we will have to spend a lot of time addressing," said Chris Antonetti, the Indians' president of baseball operations. "Some of it depends on how we align our returning players. Also, obviously, it will be impacted by substantial departures."

Cleveland has opened each of the past five seasons with a different player in center field on Opening Day. There is a chance that streak will reach six in 2019. With that in mind, here is a look at six of the Tribe's in-house options for center field.

Jason Kipnis
Contract status: After earning $13.7 million last season, Kipnis is due to earn $14.7 million in 2019, which is the last guaranteed year in his six-year contract. His deal includes a $16.5 million team option (or $2.5 million buyout) for '20.

2018 recap: Kipnis, 31, hit .230 with 18 homers, 28 doubles, 75 RBIs and a .704 OPS in 147 games, marking his second consecutive subpar offensive campaign. Over the last two years combined, Kipnis has an 86 OPS+, meaning he has been 14 percent below league average offensively. He had a 114 OPS+ in the '15-16 seasons combined. That said, Kipnis did hit .295/.361/.589 (.951 OPS) over his last 28 games in '18. After opening the year at second base, Kipnis finished the season as the Tribe's center fielder.

CLEVELAND -- The Indians entered the offseason with question marks hovering over all three outfield positions. The options in center field, in particular, currently include a long list of internal names, but it is hard to predict who will patrol that part of the outfield grass come Opening Day.

"That's an area that we will have to spend a lot of time addressing," said Chris Antonetti, the Indians' president of baseball operations. "Some of it depends on how we align our returning players. Also, obviously, it will be impacted by substantial departures."

Cleveland has opened each of the past five seasons with a different player in center field on Opening Day. There is a chance that streak will reach six in 2019. With that in mind, here is a look at six of the Tribe's in-house options for center field.

Jason Kipnis
Contract status: After earning $13.7 million last season, Kipnis is due to earn $14.7 million in 2019, which is the last guaranteed year in his six-year contract. His deal includes a $16.5 million team option (or $2.5 million buyout) for '20.

2018 recap: Kipnis, 31, hit .230 with 18 homers, 28 doubles, 75 RBIs and a .704 OPS in 147 games, marking his second consecutive subpar offensive campaign. Over the last two years combined, Kipnis has an 86 OPS+, meaning he has been 14 percent below league average offensively. He had a 114 OPS+ in the '15-16 seasons combined. That said, Kipnis did hit .295/.361/.589 (.951 OPS) over his last 28 games in '18. After opening the year at second base, Kipnis finished the season as the Tribe's center fielder.

2019 outlook: If Cleveland is unable to trade Kipnis -- a move that could help the team's bottom line as it tries to address other needs -- then he could move back to second or stay in the outfield. The most likely scenario is the outfield, allowing the Tribe to give Yandy Diaz the keys to third base. Jose Ramirez would remain at second in that scenario. If outfielder Michael Brantley departs via free agency, Kipnis could take over in left field.

He said it: "We know he can play second. We know he can play center. My guess is he could hand left field just fine. But, we would need to see where we're at and what our needs are." -- Indians manager Terry Francona

Leonys Martin
Contract status: Martin earned $1.75 million on a one-year contract in '18, but the outfielder has one year left of arbitration eligibility. That means Martin will be due for a raise in his final season of contractual control.

2018 recap: Overall, Martin hit .255/.323/.425 in 84 games with the Tigers and Indians, though his stint with Cleveland consisted of only six games. After being acquired from Detroit prior to the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, Martin developed a serious bacterial infection that ended his season in August. When healthy, he played well in center (three Defensive Runs Saved and 15.3 UZR/150 in 678 1/3 innings) and hit .279/.348/.451 against right-handed pitching.

2019 outlook: Depending on which way Cleveland plans on going with its outfield -- especially as it weighs the financial situation -- Martin could be a non-tender candidate. Part of the reason Martin was an attractive trade acquisition, though, was that extra season of control. If Martin's offseason recovery continues to go well and he is retained, he would be a natural fit to handle righty pitching in center.

He said it: "As a starting point, we expect him to be back at full health next year. Exactly where that fits in, we'll have to work through that. He's arbitration eligible again this season for the last time. We'll have to just make an assessment of how that fits within the construct of the rest of our team." -- Antonetti

Greg Allen
Contract status: Allen is not eligible for arbitration until 2021 at the earliest and he has two Minor League options remaining.

2018 recap: Given the injuries and other issues that hit the Tribe's outfield, Allen appeared in 91 games. The fleet-footed rookie hit .257/.310/.343 with 16 extra-base hits, 21 steals and 36 runs scored. The advanced defensive metrics were not kind to Allen (minus four DRS and a minus 9.1 UZR/150 in 590 innings in center), but he made a number of dynamic game-saving plays.

2019 outlook: Allen stepped as a starter throughout last season, but the 25-year-old switch-hitter might profile best as a fourth outfielder. If he is not in the starting nine next year, Allen could have a home as a backup for all three spots, while offering speed off the bench.

He said it: "Early in the season, he was kind of getting beat up. Then, we went and got Leonys because of it. Leonys goes down and Greg -- like, right in front of our eyes -- was getting better. That's hard to do at the Major League level. He made a lot of strides. It was really, really a bright spot to see him do that in the middle of August." -- Francona

Bradley Zimmer
Contract status: Zimmer is not eligible for arbitration until 2021 at the earliest and he has two Minor League options remaining.

2018 recap: After a promising showing in '17, Zimmer began last season as the Tribe's Opening Day center fielder. He continued to be a stellar defender and baserunner, but his 38.6 percent strikeout rate led to a trip back to Triple-A Columbus in June. In 34 MLB games, he hit .226/.281/.330 for Cleveland. A right shoulder injury in the Minors then led to labrum repair surgery, ending his season.

2019 outlook: Zimmer's surgery came with an eight-to-12 month recovery timetable, meaning the outfielder may not be ready for the start of next season. In all likelihood, Zimmer will need to use the first half of '19 to get back up to speed. Do not expect Zimmer to be part of the Opening Day plans.

He said it: "We do expect him to be able to play for the majority of next year. Exactly when that will be will be determined by how he reaches each of those checkpoints, but he's still on track." -- Antonetti

Tyler Naquin
Contract status: Naquin is not eligible for arbitration until 2020 at the earliest and he has one Minor League option remaining.

2018 recap: Naquin began last season as the Indians' Opening Day left fielder, but spent time in all three outfield spots. In 61 games in the big leagues, he hit .264/.295/.356. His season ended in August due to right hip surgery. Naquin returned in time to take part in an intrasquad game during Cleveland's preparation for the postseason, giving him some confidence going into the offseason.

2019 outlook: The late-season return to the field -- even in a simulated environment -- was a big step for Naquin, who will be contending for a spot on the Opening Day roster in '19. While he could play center, Naquin looks like a better fit for right field, especially with Lonnie Chisenhall (a similar player) hitting free agency. Like Allen and Zimmer, Naquin could also be optioned to the Minors, if Cleveland addresses outfield needs externally.

He said it: "Nake did a great job. Sometimes when you're [rehabbing] in Arizona, you can feel kind of out of sight, out of mind. He not only came back quickly and healthy, he was swinging the bat so well. It was so obvious that he had put so much time into what he was doing. We were really proud of him." -- Francona

Oscar Mercado
Contract status: Mercado has not reached the Majors, but is on the 40-man roster and has two Minor League options remaining.

2018 recap: The Indians acquired Mercado at the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline from the Cardinals, adding an intriguing depth piece to the mix. He played all three outfield spots in '18, but is viewed as a center fielder. In 132 games between Triple-A Memphis and Columbus, the 23-year-old right-handed hitter turned in a .278/.349/.390 slash line. In the process, Mercado had eight homers, 26 doubles, 37 steals, 49 walks, 85 runs and 87 strikeouts.

2019 outlook: The expectation is that Mercado will open the '19 season back with Columbus, but he will be a name to monitor as the year progresses. It was an under-the-radar trade for Cleveland, but Mercado could soon find himself on the Major League radar. Francona and his staff will get a good look at him during Spring Training.

He said it: "He's a very athletic player. He transitioned from shortstop to center field a couple of years ago and has really made that transition well. We think he's an above-average defender with above-average speed that adds a very good option for us in the near-term at the Major League level in the outfield." -- Antonetti, on July 31

I don't think Zimmer plays much in the bigs in 2019, I can see him at First Base in 2020, keep him away from walls. EE and Yonder are gone in 2020. I love his height and stretch at First.

those are good reasons to try Zimmer at 1st. He's said to have a great arm so it's sort of a waste, but he is far less likely to get hurt at first. Of course, he also needs to prove he can hit.

This is not the time for the Cleveland Indians to trade Corey Kluber: Tribe Take
Updated Oct 25, 2:51 PM; Posted Oct 25, 1:22 PM
By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com phoynes@cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio - David Price did all right Wednesday night for a pitcher who can't pitch in the postseason.

Price started Game 2 of the World Series and allowed two runs on three hits in six innings in Boston's 4-2 win over the Dodgers at Fenway Park. The Red Sox lead the Dodgers, 2-0, as the series moves to Los Angeles.

This postseason Price is 2-1 with a 4.42 ERA in four starts. He's struck out 18, walked nine and allowed nine earned runs in 18 1/3 innings. Not great, eye-popping numbers, but certainly good enough when supported by an offense that outlasted Houston in the ALCS - and that's saying something - and a maligned bullpen that seems to be populated with relievers who throw only 98 mph and above.

To be sure Price, at this stage of his career, will never be known as the next Andy Pettitte, Orel Hershiser or Whitey Ford when it comes to postseason success. He's 4-9 with a 4.91 ERA in 21 postseason appearances.

What he does is offer an example that talent, given an opportunity, can play and succeed in any situation.

It brings to mind Corey Kluber and the speculation, some of it in the media and some among fans, that now would be a good time for the Indians to trade the two-time Cy Young winner. One of the reasons given is Kluber's poor performance in the last two postseasons. He went 0-1 with a 12.79 ERA in two starts against the Yankees in the 2017 ALDS. This year he went 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA against Houston in Game 1 of the ALDS.



But in 2016, Kluber carried an injured rotation to Game 7 of the World Series by going 4-1 with a 1.83 ERA (seven earned runs in 34 1/3 innings) over six starts. He made three starts in the World Series, winning the first two. Kluber's six starts are tied for first place and his four wins are tied for third among single-season performances in postseason history.

Kluber, 33 in April, went 20-7 with a 2.89 ERA in 33 starts during the regular season this year. He led the AL in innings pitched with 215 and while his strikeouts decreased, he still finished fifth in the league with 222.

The track record of postseason success is there. Who's to say he won't have it again?

The Indians haven't traded a pitcher of Kluber's status since they dealt Cy Young winners CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee in 2008 and 2009, respectively. They dealt Sabathia because he was in his walk year and they had no chance of keeping him. They dealt Lee, who still have a year left on his contract, because ownership said they were leaking money.

Kluber is expected to make an estimated $17 million in 2019. The Indians hold club options on him for 2020 and 2021 worth an estimated $17.5 million and $18 million, depending on how he finishes in the Cy Young voting in November.


The Indians have a lot of holes to fill this winter and a trade of Kluber would help. But who would replace him as the team's No. 1 starter? Considering production and cost, few do it better. Price will make $31 million next year, Max Scherzer $42 million and Justin Verlander $28 million.

Despite facing the prospect of losing several quality players to free agency after the World Series, the Indians are still a good team. Trading Kluber would not help them.

Ahhh, but one has to wonder if all these postseason appearances and innings pitched are starting to show on Kluber, especially as the year and the seasons wear on.