Thursday, July 29, 2004

Prospect Review - Michael Aubrey and Franklin Gutierrez
 
Moving onto Akron, where you'll generally find the highest concentration of prospects. Since Sizemore's promotion to Cleveland, these two are the #1 and #2 prospects in the organization, in no particular order.
 
1B Michael Aubrey
Age: 22 (Born 4-15-1982)
Roster Status: Off 40-Man Roster
Rule 5: Not Eligible (Drafted in 2003)
2004 Stats: (AA) 58 AB, .259/.357/.345, 2 2B, 1 HR
                  (A+) 218 AB, .339/.438/.550, 14 2B, 10 HR
 
The Indians got Aubrey with the 11th pick of the 2003 draft, and so far he looks like a steal. The Indians knew they were getting a polished hitter when they picked him, but his power production thus far has exceeded expectations. He walked (27) more times than he struck out (26) in Kinston. The fact that he slugged .550 on top of that is a real promising sign. Currently on the shelf because of a hamstring injury, which is the only thing to slow Aubrey down thus far. Depending on where you look, Aubrey will be the Indians' #1 prospect next year, and could make a couple overall top 10 lists.
 
OF Franklin Gutierrez
Age: 21 (Born 2-21-1983)
Roster Status: Off 40-Man Roster
Rule 5: Eligible (Signed in 2001)
2004 Stats: (AA) 249 AB, .309/.377/.478, 23 2B, 5 HR
 
Gutierrez was the first player received in the Milton Bradley trade this April, and his ceiling is pretty high. That being said, he's more of a projection type of prospect at this time, as evidenced by all his doubles (doubles generally turn into home runs as a prospect gets older). He'll probably move a bit slower than Grady Sizemore did, mostly due to his strikeout totals (72 in 249 ABs). Still, some scouts have been whispering Juan Gonzalez's name when talking about Gutierrez, and that would be more than OK with me. Baseball America might rate him in the top 20 or so when their prospect rankings come out this winter. I think Aubrey's a more sure bet than Gutierrez, but a right-handed power bat who can play center field is something you can't ignore. Unfortunately, Franklin is currently down with an injured elbow, which could sideline him for at least the next 3-4 weeks.

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Signed free agent OF Jason Tyner to a minor-league contract; Assigned him to Buffalo
 
That's right, Jason Tyner is replacing Russell Branyan on Buffalo's roster. Tyner is the other-dimension Evil Branyan, the guy who doesn't strike out, doesn't walk, and doesn't hit home runs. Jason could be an adequate fourth outfielder if needed. Pretty much a blah move, but if you view it in context, it's a hilarious turn of events.
 
 
 

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Distinguished Company
 
Here are the major-league leaders in VORP, regardless of position:
 
1. Barry Bonds, LF - 83.6
2. Albert Pujols, 1B - 60.2
3. Carlos Guillen, SS - 57.5
4. Todd Helton, 1B - 56.4
5. Vladamir Guerrero, RF - 53.7
6. Bobby Abreu, RF - 53.5
7. Manny Ramirez, LF - 53.2
8. Travis Hafner, DH - 53.0
9. J.D. Drew, RF - 52.7
10. Jim Thome, 1B - 50.9
 
That's some pretty good company Hafner is with.
 
 
Designated LHSP Jeriome Robertson for Assignment
 
I don't really like this at all. While fomer Astro phenom Scott Elarton is on his way to winning the Worst Starting Pitcher in Baseball Award, former Astro Jeriome "15-game winner with a 5.00 ERA" Robertson is designated for assignment. Picking between the two is like picking between the gas chamber and the electric chair, but I'd rather take my chances with Robertson than Elarton. While all this hand-wringing by yours truly will be made moot if Robertson clears waivers, I don't see it happening. A lot of teams are desperate for starting pitching, and pretty much everyone could use a left-hander, so Jeriome should be playing for another team this time next week.
 
Reinstated LHSP Brian Tallet from the 60-day Disabled List; Optioned him to Akron (AA)
 
The reason why Robertson was DFAd. Tallet had exhausted his rehab time-limit, and he was healthy, so the Indians had to put him back on the 40-man roster. It's doubtful that he'll help the Indians this season, but if his arm holds up, he might be in the Tribe's bullpen next year in some capacity.
 
Traded 3B Russell Branyan to the Milwaukee Brewers for Cash
 
I view this more as a favor to Branyan than anything. The Bisons' offense definitely takes a hit, but the way Russ was hitting, he deserved a shot somewhere. I would have liked to see him in Cleveland coming off the bench, but the combination of a preponderance of left-handed hitters and Ben Broussard finally resembling a league-average first baseman probably sealed his departure. The Brewers are probably going to have him play everyday, as Wes Helms has been slugging an abysmal .324 this year; Branyan could do that with his eyes closed.
 
Demoted LHSP Aaron Laffey and RHSP Nelson Hiraldo to Mahoning Valley (SSA) from Lake County (A-)
 
Laffey has struggled in his first full season as a professional. The left-hander has struck out 67 batters in 73 innings, but has had control problems off (44 walks) and on (79 hits) the plate. Likewise, Hiraldo, a product of the Tribe's recently bountiful Latin America program, has been just as hittable (5.38 ERA), but has managed to keep his walks down (26 in 72 innings).
 
Promoted RHSP Chris Niesel to Lake County (A-) from Mahoning Valley (SSA)
 
Niesel was dominating batters in the NYPL, so he'll be given a shot against more advanced competition. He's one of the multitude of college arms drafted by the Indians in this year's draft, but he's the first one to see a full-season league.
 
Site Update
 
I'm going to try to update the depth chart within the week; I personally feel that it's the most useful tool for visitors looking for a quick overview of the team's system. I'm trying to pare down on the amount of external pages that I have to update, as I'd rather condense all the info down onto one page (this one). Some of the salary info will eventually make it onto this blog, as will the options; but right now I haven't figure that out. So please bear with me; before moving to blogger, the site was essentially a bunch of Word documents. Hopefully by the end of the year, everything is HTML-ized, including the player profiles. And yes, I will get to making new profiles eventually, but I don't want to waste time making them the old way when I'd have to convert them into the new format this fall.
 
So essentially, please bear with me :)

Monday, July 26, 2004

A Royal Flush
 
I certainly didn't expect that. Just when you think the team has been deep-sixed, they sweep a series or two.
 
Was I the only one who wondered if Shapiro took Paul Assenmacher aside this weekend and asked him if he could still pitch?

Anyway, the Indians still reside in baseball Purgatory, and judging by comments by Shapiro over the weekend, he really doesn't know what to do, either. There's really only a couple of teams ready and willing to deal their proven and expensive veterens before the week is out, and judging by what they're trading and what they want for them, you're better off just sticking with what you have. In a couple years, the Indians may just overpay for a Kris Benson or Eddie Guradado. But I just don't think the Indians are at that point yet. You can produce "what-ifs", mostly concerning the bullpen (or lack of one), all you want, but frankly, a lot has gone unexpectedly right with this team that you have to temper your enthusiasm a bit. Until Matt Lawton tweaked his hammy, not one of the main cogs in the lineup have missed any appeciable time. Of the pitchers, only Jason Stanford and Bob Wickman have been hurt. Compared to last year's MASH unit, that's peanuts.
 
But still...

 With the Twins trying deserately to get out of their own way, and the White Sox losing Frank Thomas and Magglio Ordonez within a week, winning the division doesn't really seem that far-fetched. There. I said it. I've tried to make excuses as to reasons why the Indians aren't good enough to at least make a run at the AL Central, and the team has obliterated them one by one. Horrific bullpen? No problem - we'll just win in extra innings! Scott Elarton's the 5th starter? No problem - We'll just bring up Chad Durbin, and he'll pitch a complete game! Weak bench? No problem - Lou Merloni will be a more productive first baseman than Jason Giambi!
 
At some point, you have to throw up your hands and join the keg party. There's still real issues with this club that Mark Shapiro has to address after the season, but when you're chugging, you don't really care how bad the hangover is.
 
Oh yeah...Grady Sizemore is pretty good. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a jello shot calling my name....

Saturday, July 24, 2004

Promoted RHSP Adam Miller to Kinston (A+) from Lake County (A-)
 
A much deserved promotion. Miller struck out 106 and walked only 28 in his 91 innings with the Captains. The "sandwich" pick in 2003 (Jim Thome), Miller is flying up the prospect lists, and may be the best pitcher in the system right now. However, he's only made it to Kinston, and flameouts of young arms are the rule, not the exception. But it will be interesting to see his stuff fares against better competition for the next six weeks or so.
 
Promoted LHRP Shea Douglas to Akron (AA) from Kinston (A+)
 
Allowing only 18 hits in 32 innings generally gets you a promotion, and so Douglas heads to Akron. Douglas looks like a nice relief prospect thus far; however, he's Rule 5 eligible this offseason, and he's exactly the type of player clubs tend to pick in the draft.
 
Reinstated RHSP Travis Foley from the Disabled List (A+)
 
Demoted RHRP Kieran Mattison to Lake County (A-) from Kinston (A+)
 
Other News
 
Jason Stanford is done for the year (and probably 2005 as well), as he's going to have Tommy John surgery. For a guy who's had to fight his way up the ladder (he was signed by the Indians as an undrafted free agent), a setback like this has to be difficult for him. It's also a blow to the pitching depth, as this makes three left-handed starters to have the surgery in the past year. While Brian Tallet seems to be on track to be fully recovered by Spring Training, Billy Traber is lagging behind on his recovery. Needless to say, you can never have enough pitching.
 
VORP Update

  • Ben Broussard - 10.6 (11th among 1B)
  • Ronnie Belliard - 28.8 (2nd among 2B)
  • Omar Vizquel - 23.5 (8th among SS)
  • Casey Blake - 19.7 (8th among 3B)
  • Matt Lawton - 27.3 (6th among LF)
  • Coco Crisp - 7.3 (15th amond CF) *Note: there are 14 teams in the American League*
  • Jody Gerut - 12.9 (7th among RF)
  • Travis Hafner - 52.5 (1st among DH)
  • Victor Martinez - 39.8 (2nd among C)


Friday, July 23, 2004

Saturday's Starter Announced; Hoyman Signs
 
Purchased the Contract of RHSP Chad Durbin; Recalled him to Cleveland
 
This was Kyle Denney's job to lose, and he lost it. He's been pitching terribly ever since returning from a knee injury, so he was passed over by the Indians. Making the start in one of Saturday's two games is Chad Durbin, who is a bit more proven, and frankly, the best of the rest in Buffalo. Kenny Rayborn has a nice 3.30 ERA, but has a disturbing lack of strikeouts (48) in 84.2 innings pitched. Strikeouts aren't the end-all statistic in determining whether a minor-league pitcher will have success in the majors, but they're very important nonetheless. AAA finesse artists who can't strikeout International League hitters aren't going to get outs in the majors.
 
As for Durbin, he's still young enough (26) to have some promise as a starter, or at least a palatable alternative to Scott Elarton's string of losing perfection. Nothing against Scott, but I hope by Saturday evening, the Indians have a new 5th starter; I'm to the point where I don't necessarily care who the new guy in the rotation is.
 
Optioned LHSP Jeriome Robertson to Buffalo
 
He probably won't stay in Buffalo too long; because he was used in Wednesday's blowout, the Indians needed another arm to take the mound on Saturday, and Robertson was optionable. He'll probably replace Durbin in Buffalo's rotation, make a start or two, and should be recalled when his 10-day sentence is up.
 
Signed 2004 Draft Pick RHSP Justin Hoyman (2nd Round) to a minor-league contract; Assigned him to Mahoning Valley (SSA)
 

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Transactions
 
A whole mess of moves, some I'm just catching up to, and others that are real recent.
 
Recalled OF Grady Sizemore from Buffalo (MLB Debut)
 
This is obviously the big one of the bunch. Grady will probably be eased into his role with the Indians, sharing time with Coco Crisp in center field, and maybe spelling Matt Lawton in left. From the limited splits I've seen, Grady doesn't seem to have too much trouble with left-handers, so I don't think he'll be straight platooning with Crisp. But regardless, it's really cool to finally see Grady in an Indians uniform. Once Brandon Phillips returns to the big club, probably in September, all three prospects from the Bartolo Colon deal will be on the roster at the same time.
 
Designated OF Mark Little for Assignment
 
He'll probably clear waivers and take over for Grady in center field for the Bisons.
 
Announced the Retirement of C Brian Luderer (AA)
 
Faced with the possibility of returning to A-ball with the promotion of Ryan Garko, Brian chose to hang it up.
 
Promoted LHSP Dan Cevette to Lake County (A-) from Mahoning Valley (SSA)
 
A prospect that has flown under the radar since being drafted in 2002 (3rd Round), Cevette was picked with his upside in mind. He's 6'3", left-handed, and now he's throwing in the mid-90s. After dominating the New York-Penn League, Cevette will now join a rotation featuring another teenage fireballer, Adam Miller. Needless to say, you can strike gold sometimes with high school pitchers, but you have to pick your spots. The Indians picked another high ceiling pitching prospect, Chuck Lofgren, in the 4th round this year after hedging their bets with picking Jeremy Sowers and Justin Hoyman in the first two rounds.
 
Reinstated SS Ivan Ochoa from the Disabled List (A+)
 
Ivan really needs to pick up the offensive pace. He was hitting .232/.309/.307 before his shoulder injury, and no amount of defensive ability is going to make up for that. He's already on the 40-man roster, but he looks like John McDonald's heir apparent more than anything.  
 
Purchased LHP Landon Stockman from Amarillo of the Central League; Assigned him to Kinston (A+)
 
Promoted RHP Ryan Prahm to Akron (AA) from Kinston (A+)
 
Traded IF Mayobanex Santana to the Oakland Athletics for Future Considerations (or nothing)
 
Ahh, the circle of minor-league soldiers. Santana was traded from Arizona for Todd West, a minor-league Rule 5 pick from Milwaukee. He was essentially a stopgap for Ivan Ochoa, and now he's moving on to his next temp job.

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

You Cannot Stop the Pronk!
 
The past two days have been nothing short of amazing for Travis Hafner. 5 home runs off of 4 pitchers, including Francisco Rodriguez. I know it's not going to last, but boy has it been fun watching him hit.
 
Jumping the Gun
 
This article concerns me. Ronnie Belliard is having the season of his life, is 29 years old, and Mark Shapiro wants to sign him to a three-year deal? The Indians still retain his rights next year, as he's not yet eligible for free agency as we found out about a month ago. The more I see of Ronnie, the more I like him, but signing him to a long-term contract now is taking a big risk. I'd rather the Indians just offer him arbitration, pay him a little bit more, and then see what he does in a year. With Brandon Phillips deserving of another look and the signing of Aaron Boone, the infield looks crowded as is; locking up Belliard makes it even more crowded.

Saturday, July 17, 2004

Transactions
 
Signed free agent 1B Pat Magness to a minor-league contract; assigned him to Kinston (A+)
 
Placed 1B Michael Aubrey on the Disabled List (AA)
 
This will probably give recent callup Ryan Garko more starts at first base, with David Wallace behind the plate. This hasn't been a good couple weeks for top prospects in the organization, as Franklin Gutierrez was placed on the AA DL with elbow soreness about 10 days ago.
 
What Slump?
 
So much for the prolonged slump Victor Martinez was in. Three home runs generally means you're seeing the ball well, regardless of who was throwing the ball. Now I'll turn my attention towards Ben Broussard's prolonged slump.
 
Prospect Review - Francisco Cruceta
 
RHSP Francisco Cruceta
Age: 23 (Born 7-4-1981)
Roster Status: On 40-man Roster
2004 Stats: (AAA) 24.0 IP, 2.25 ERA, 15 SO, 9 BB
                  (AA)   88.2 IP, 5.28 ERA, 45 SO, 33 BB
Ranked #14 in Cleveland's organization by Baseball America
 
"That's strange," you might be saying, "Cruceta was promoted to AAA after an awful year in Akron, and has pitched lights out in four starts at Buffalo." I can't explain it either. Maybe it's a mental thing with Francisco; after all, he was sent back to Akron after pitching the entire season there in 2003. Regardless, he's a decent pitching prospect with a fairly high ceiling. He's a ground ball pitcher who also throws a good slider, and has good strikeout rates. Like most other young pitchers, his control is going to determine when he makes the majors. He should get a September callup if he hasn't reached his inning count.

Friday, July 16, 2004

Transactions
 
Released LHSP Mike Porzio from Buffalo (AAA)
 
Demoted LHRP Carl Sadler to Akron (AA) from Buffalo (AAA)
 
Promoted 1B/C Ryan Garko to Akron (AA) from Kinston (A+)
 
Garko has mainly been playing 1B the last month. However, with Michael Aubrey entrenched there in Akron, Garko will probably see more time behind the plate, or at DH. Regardless, there wasn't much left to do in the Carolin League for Ryan; he had been hitting .328/.425/.609 in Kinston, with 17 doubles and 16 home runs. Kinston isn't left with many prospects for now, though some Captains should be promoted fairly soon, including Kevin Kouzmanoff, Ryan Goleski, and Brad Snyder
 
 
 
 
Tough Loss
 
Jake Westbrook deserved much better than a complete-game loss. The lineup he faced is right now arguably the worst (or second-worst) lineup in the league, but the way Jake's pitches were moving, he would have pitched well against any team in baseball. He made just two mistakes. Frustrating, to say the least.
 
The fan in me really wants the Indians to go on a run the last two weeks of July and make things interesting for the Twins and White Sox, but the realist in me sees the offense propelled by two players who haven't played a full season in the majors yet (Martinez and Hafner) and two veterens having career years (Belliard and Lawton). Lawton will probably continue to hit, but Victor Martinez is in the midst of a prolonged slump, and Belliard's numbers are leaning heavily on his hot April. That being said, it's pretty exciting to see some pieces fall into place. The Lee/Hafner/Martinez/Gerut group is the just the first wave of prospects that the Indians should be receiving in the next couple years. In 2005, you could see Kyle Denney, Grady Sizemore, Jhonny Peralta, Brandon Phillips, and Fernando Cabrera make contributions to the big club. This doesn't include the returns of Jason Stanford, Brian Tallet, Billy Traber, Ryan Ludwick, and Josh Bard from extended injuries.
 
As I've said before, the Indians don't have a lot of guarenteed contracts that continue after this season; Matt Lawton, CC Sabathia, and the recently-signed Aaron Boone are the one ones due money next year. Jake Westbrook and David Riske are probably going to get big raises in arbitration, and the Indians have expressed interested in signing Victor Martinez through his arbitration years. But as a whole, the Indians still have a lot of good pre-arbitration players on the roster. So this offseason is the time to open the checkbook and bring in some strategic free agents.
 
 

Thursday, July 15, 2004

Prospect Review: Grady Sizemore and Fernando Cabrera

Wrapping my overview of Buffalo's prospects with two highly-regarded players:

RHRP Fernando Cabrera
Age: 22 (Born 11-16-1981)
Roster Status: On 40-man Roster
2004 Stats (AAA): 50.0 IP, 4.68 ERA, 57 SO, 35 BB
Ranked #5 in Cleveland's organization by Baseball America

The above numbers can be deceiving, as Fernando has been lights out in the last month or so, as he was adjusting to the bullpen. In the past two years, the Indians, seeing Cabrera's good fastball/split combo, have eased Cabrera into a relief role. Cabrera can throw in the mid 90s, but he still has to throw them for strikes in order to succeed in Cleveland. However, with the Indians bullpen in flux, Cabrera should get a September callup at the very least. He projects as a major-league closer, or at least an effective setup man.

OF Grady Sizemore
Age: 21 (Born 8-2-1982)
Roster Status: On 40-man Roster
2004 Stats (AAA): 374 AB, .302/.368/.457, 21 2B, 7 HR
Ranked #1 in Cleveland's organization by Baseball America (#7 overall in their midseason rankings)

The crown jewel of the system, Grady has just about everything you want in a major-league hitter; good plate discipline, the ability to hit for average, power potential, a quick bat, and the ability to hit to all fields. If he can stick in center field, he has All-Star potential. With Franklin Gutierrez a year behind him and only Coco Crisp in front of him, the time is now for Grady to get a long extended shot in center. Sizemore's arm is his only real weakness, and the reason he might move over to left when Matt Lawton departs. This time next year, it's very possible to see Victor Martinez, Brandon Phillips, Jhonny Peralta, and Grady Sizemore playing up the middle in Cleveland, with all four 25 or younger.

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

It's Alive!

Outrighted LHRP Scott Stewart to Buffalo (AAA)

Outrighted RHRP Jose Jimenez to Buffalo (AAA)

Jimenez will be starting in Buffalo, taking over presumedly for Jack Cressend. Stewart will just try to scrape himself off the pavement.

Sunday, July 11, 2004

Transactions

Reinstated RHRP Rafael Betancourt from the 15-day Disabled List

Optioned LHRP Cliff Bartosh to Buffalo (AAA)

Saturday, July 10, 2004

Prospect Review: Kyle Denney and Eric Crozier

Moving on with my look at the minors:

These two players aren't going to make any prospect lists due to their age, but they also have good chances of helping out a major league club before their careers are over.

RHSP Kyle Denney
Age: 26 (Born 7/27/1977)
Roster Status: Off 40-man roster
Rule 5: Eligible
2004 Stats: 86.0 IP, 3.77 ERA, 78 SO, 24 BB

As far as starting pitchers, he's the best option the Indians have in the minors to come in and contribute. Like Jason Stanford, Denney has quietly overcome higher draft picks throughout every level in the organization, and it looks like the Indians are finally fitting him into their long-range plans. He's not going to blow anyone away with his stuff, but he has good enough command to avoid walks and even miss bats. You could do much worse for a 5th starter, as the Indians have found out recently. With the demotion of Jason Davis, all that's standing in Denney's way is Scott Elarton. Do I really need to say anything else?

1B Eric Crozier
Age: 25 (Born 8/17/1978)
Roster Status: Off 40-man roster
Rule 5: Eligible
2004 Stats: 221 AB, .299/.382/.615, 16 2B, 18 HR

Eric is a full two years younger than Ben Broussard, so there's a legitimate case to be made that Eric deserves a shot at first base before the end of the year. He fought injuries in 2003, and this is his first year in Buffalo, so I think he still should be considered a prospect. Like Denney, Crozier wasn't a top draft pick, so he too has had to fight past more celebrated prospects to get where he is. He recently was named the International League Player of the Month for June. You could argue that Crozier is the best player the Indians drafted in 2000, and Eric was drafted in the 41st round. Only Brian Tallet has made the majors, and Crozier might be the second if he beats out Ryan Church.



Friday, July 09, 2004

The Forgotten Prospects

With the Indians slowly sinking into oblivion this year, now is probably a good time to talk about the future of this team.

I'd like to start with two players that aren't considered prospects anymore because of their major-league experience, but their age, position, and success really makes them de facto prospects.

I'm talking about Jhonny Peralta and Brandon Phillips. Both can play shortstop, but the similarities really end there. Phillips projects as a slick-fielding shortstop who should be able to hit for a high average and steal bases. Peralta looks more like a power-hitting third baseman if he continues to fill out.

Both were rushed to the majors in 2003, and both were among the youngest position players in the majors. And both didn't fare too well. However, their age had more to do with that than their ability. Witness what they are doing in Buffalo this year:

Phillips 291 AB, .299/.354/.416, 17 2B, 5 HR, 23 BB, 35 SO
Peralta 338 AB, .334/.385/.500, 27 2B, 9 HR, 29 BB, 77 SO

While it's nice to see some improvements from Phillips, especially in the plate discipline, Peralta is having a breakout season. 36 extra base hits is very impressive, and even more impressive that 7 of his 9 home runs have come within the last three weeks.

So where do the two fit next year? Both look ready for another shot in the bigs, but there might not be room enough for the two of them. Shortstop will be vacant, but unless someone is dealt or non-tendered, the rest of the infield has been spoken for, as I've stated when the Indians signed Aaron Boone. Phillips probably has the advantage because of his defensive ability, but will the Indians ignore the power that Peralta could provide from that position? That's a question that might not be answered until late March of 2005.

Thursday, July 08, 2004

Transactions

Promoted LHRP Carl Sadler to Buffalo (AAA) from Akron (AA)

Reinstated LHSP Mariano Gomez, RHSP Jake Dittler, and RHSP Andrew Brown from the Disabled List (AA)

Optioned RHSP Jason Davis to Buffalo (AAA)

Recalled LHRP Cliff Bartosh from Buffalo (AAA)

Placed OF Alex Escobar on the Disabled List (AAA)

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Transactions

Reinstated RHRP Bob Wickman from the 60-day Disabled List

Designated RHRP Jose Jimenez for Assignment

Demoted OF Franklin Gutierrez to Akron (AA) from Buffalo (AAA); Placed him on the Disabled List (AA-elbow)

Monday, July 05, 2004

Transactions

Reinstated OF Ryan Ludwick and C Josh Bard from the 60-day Disabled List; Optioned them to Buffalo (AAA)

Transferred RHSP Joe Dawley to the 60-day Disabled List (elbow)

Designated LHRP Scott Stewart (AAA) for Assignment

This looks more complicated than it actually is. The Indians used up the block of time allowable on Bard's and Ludwick's rehab assignments, which is around 3 weeks. Therefore, they had to activate them from the disabled list. This meant the Indians had to clear two spots on the 40-man roster, since the two were formerly on the 60-day Disabled List.

One move was fairly easy; Joe Dawley probably isn't going to pitch in Cleveland the rest of the season, judging by the nature of his injury (elbow), the lack of progress reports, and the appearance of more appealing candidates (Tadano, Denney).

However, clearing the other spot wasn't going to be easy. The Indians for the past couple of years have had 40-man rosters chock full of good young talent, and very few, shall we say, fungible, players. Rick White might be that kind of a player on a team with a better bullpen, but that team isn't the 2004 Indians. Corey Smith is playing his way off the roster, but it's probably too soon to make a rash judgment on a player that young. So the Indians cut bait on Scott Stewart, and recognized a sunk cost when they saw one. Stewart's numbers were as awful in Buffalo as they were in Cleveland. A team with a free roster spot might want to take a shot at Stewart and hope he works out a year or so down the line, but he isn't going to help anyone this year. If he does clear waivers, I'm fairly certain the Indians can outright him to Buffalo without his permission. Still, that doesn't dull the pain of seeing Ryan Church light up the International League.

Reinforcements

Good news is on the way for the beleaguered bullpen. Bob Howry is back from injury, and to this point looks healthy and effective. Bob Wickman may return this week, or at the very least, after the All-Star Break. And Rafael Betancourt should be back after his 15 days on the DL are up. So what will the bullpen look like in two weeks? Here's my view:

CL David Riske
RP Rafael Betancourt
RP Matt Miller
RP Bob Howry
RP Bob Wickman
RP Rick White
LM Kaz Tadano

This probably means Jeriome Robertson, who was pretending to be a LOOGY, will be optioned back to Buffalo to presumedly start, and Jose Jimenez will be shown the door. Yes, you're left with 7 right-handed pitchers, but what's the use of keeping a left-hander around if he can't get left-handers out? Riske and Betancourt don't have too many troubles with lefties, and Matt Miller is probably the one guy you don't want facing a left-hander.

Not Selling, But What About Buying?

Mark Shapiro said over the weekend that the team wasn't going to unload any players, regardless of what happens over the month of July. This is probably a good thing, as the last thing the local media needs is more ammunition for the Dolan is Cheap! movement. And secondly, there isn't much to "sell;" the most attractive tradable commodity would have been Ronnie Belliard, but as we've found out recently, he's not a free agent after the season.

The bigger question has become, therefore, will the Indians be buyers? Shapiro has set a couple games over .500 as the mark where he feels the Indians will be contenders, and therefore be looking to acquire players in order to win the division. Given the upcoming schedule, it's not likely for the Indians to be above .500 in a couple weeks:

July 6-8 Texas
July 9-11 Oakland
July 15-18 @Seattle
July 19-20 @Anaheim

Texas and Oakland are playing extremely well now, and it might be too late for the Indians to get to contender status by the time they reach Seattle. And given who the Indians are looking at, standing pat doesn't seem such a bad idea. Of course, Minnesota and Chicago continue to tease the rest of the division by playing mediocre baseball, but you'd have to think one or the other is going to go on a run shortly. Meanwhile, the Indians are still ahead of schedule as far the rebuilding plan goes, and the added fan interest garnered by near-contention is an added bonus. Now it's up to Larry Dolan to spend the money like he promised during the off-season.

Saturday, July 03, 2004