Cleveland Sports Forum

Morgan's size has kept him out of serious prospect consideration, and I have read that he relies mostly on off speed stuff and may not have a good enough fastball. So he's not the type to be rushed through the system but he keeps on having success. His one weak period came in the last month or six weeks of 2018, when either High A batters figured him out or he get tired out.

Triston McKenzie doesn't have the height issue, but as a beanpole his stamina has also been questioned. But it also has not been tested since he keeps missing the first couple months with injuries.

I'm really pleased with Bradley. Last year he showed up slim and impressed Tito. And didn't hit so well.
This year he put some weight back on, apparently got stronger, and is doing lots of good things offensively, including walking and doubling besides his steady diet of homeruns. He remains young for AAA and he's ready for a further test. Given the state of the major league lineup, there's no good reason to hold him back. Even if it's just at DH, his bat could be a big help and even if he fails, as most players do on their first crack, at least it's time to give him a chance to get that first look at the majors.

Morgan's fastball was low 90's last year. And he has what is called a "filthy" changeup. Can't argue with results. He has had more strikeouts than innings pitched at every stop in every season of his minor league career.

The Indians have a strength and conditioning program that pitchers who have attended have seen an increase in their velocity. He attended it before the '18 season and saw a tick up. I have been wondering if he attended again this winter and has seen another tick up, but haven't heard anything yet.

Morgan is also one of those pitchers with an unorthodox workout program. Lot's of throwing, weighted balls, etc.. Much like Bauer.

By the way, Pedro Martinez was "listed" at 5'11" ... Marcus Stroman is 5'8". I try not to put anybody in a box.

By the way Part II ... speaking of velocity ... I shared a video of a young 19 year old pitcher the other day, Vargas. Said keep an eye out for him. Well he hit 101 on the radar gun that day from the video I posted.

Indians young kids were playing Dodgers youngsters in extended spring training game today in Arizona. George Valera hit 2 home runs.

Call him up! Well, at least get him on the field for a real game, I'm eager to see Valera getting his at bats.

Q Holmes is actually beginning to look like a baseball player, not just a track star. 3 hits for the first time as a pro yesterday, including his 2nd homerun, both of them in the past 10 games. Closing in on the 200 level.

Typical Tyler Freeman game; on base 2 times, a triple and hit by a pitch, Daily OPS of 1.150. He's now second in the Midwest League behind a 3 year older slugging 1st baseman.

Nolan Jones is again warming up with the weather. his second homer of recent days and of the season.
And Oscar Gonzalez goes deep for the 5th time. Still hitting over 350. Did we comment on his second walk of the season a few days ago?

No we did not comment on that. I somehow missed it. I guess because it is becoming old hat for him now. Another walk. *yawn*

Thursday lines:

CLE AAA Bradley, Bobby 1B 4 1 2 2 .278 HR (10)
CLE HiA Gonzalez, Oscar LF 4 1 1 1 .354 HR (5)
CLE HiA Jones, Nolan 3B 4 1 1 2 .287 HR (2)
CLE LoA Benson, Will RF 3 0 0 0 .260 2 BB (22)
CLE LoA Freeman, Tyler SS 4 0 1 1 .316 3B (3)
CLE LoA Holmes, Quentin CF 5 1 3 2 .188 HR (2)
CLE LoA Naylor, Bo C 5 1 1 1 .214
CLE MAJ Haase, Eric C 4 0 0 0 .000 welcome to the big leagues, he put the ball in play once, struck out thrice
CLE MAJ Mercado, Oscar LF 2 0 1 0 .261
CLE AA Civale, Aaron 6.2 5 2 2 2 7 3.06 W (3-0) 2 solo homers; same as Plesac. they may both be Plutko-types meaning back of the rotation or depth starter, or perhaps fits better in the pen?

Indians Prospective
Lake County Captains LHP Raymond Burgos has been diagnosed with a stress reaction to his left elbow & will take 3-4 weeks off of no activities. Good news is seems to be precautionary as structure itself still looks strong. Burgos underwent TJ surgery in August of 2016.

Since he's my breakout pitcher of the year, you'd expect him to be out longer. My hitter, Steven Kwan, has dropped from 350ish to 300 or so. He's looking better than my picks over the years, but not necessarily becoming a prospect.

HR report: 1 for Bradley. 2 for Benson.

2 singles for Freeman; 2 singles and 2 walks for Clement

6 solid 1 run innings by Oviedo

Indians Prospective @indiansPro

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Columbus Clippers transactions
OF Greg Allen promoted to Cleveland
OF Daniel Johnson promoted from Akron

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Akron RubberDucks transactions
OF Daniel Johnson promoted to (AAA) Columbus
OF Mitch Longo activated off the 7-day IL

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#Indians 2018 13th Round Draft Pick 22yr old RHP Kyle Marman made his pro-debut tonight for Lake County earning a save in the teams 7-2 win. Marman missed last season as he underwent UCL repair surgery in April 2018.
- 3.0(IP) 2H 1R 1ER 0BB 5SO (34 pitches 25 strikes) #Indians

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Akron RubberDucks RHP Nick Sandlin over his last seven appearances:
- 10.1(IP) 3H 0R 0ER 3BB 17SO 0.00 ERA 14.85 SO/9

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Lynchburg Hillcats OF Oscar Gonzalez updated daily hit tracker.....
Tonight 2-4 2RBI SB
Hits now in 39 of his 43 games
In 39 games w/ a hit 18 have been multi-hit affairs
2 Hits) 12x
3 Hits) 5x
4 Hits) 1x
Leads organization
Hits 64
AVG .358

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LHP Josh D, Smith added to 40-man promoted to Cleveland

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Zack Meisel
Indians are calling up reliever Josh Smith, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me. Smith, 29, logged a 1.82 ERA at Triple-A Columbus this year, holding hitters to a .099/.215/.185 slash line.

More news.

Indians Prospective @indiansPro

Congrats to Lynchburg Hillcats 21yr old OF Oscar Gonzalez on his promotion to (AA) Akron! Gonzalez is set to join Akron tomorrow. Current Carolina League rankings:

1) RBI 36
2) AVG .358
2) Hits 64
3) SLG .542
3) wRC+ 158
4) OPS .910
4) 3B 3
6) 2B 12
9) ISO .184
11) HR 5

Zack Meisel @ZackMeisel
Asked about Bradley today. Reports are good. I'd imagine he'll get a look at some point this summer.

(he's talking about Bobby Bradley)