Tag: kluber

Look out Twins, the Tribe Have Turned it Around!!

On By Chris ElliottIn baseballLeave a comment

Things were looking ugly for the Tribe there. While things aren’t perfect yet, the last month or so makes it seem like this team is primed for a run.  However, to sneak into the playoffs the Cleveland Indians still need to make some adjustments.

First, please do not trade Trevor Bauer. Dude is a workhorse despite his weird tendencies. We need him on this roster without knowing what Kluber and Cookie can provide the rest of the way.

Next, we need another shutdown reliever. I like Brad Hand, but he makes me more nervous than a middle school boy at his first dance. It seems like every time he gets up there he lets base runners on. Maybe he just likes extra pressure (stop it Brad). We never seem to have a 3 up, 3 down inning with him. Some of this help may be on its way in the form of Danny Salazar. If he comes up and is the electric arm he can be, great! Regardless, I want them to go get someone. One more guy such as Kirby Yates or Shane Greene would be ideal but knowing the tribe it would probably be a slightly lesser known player.

Next, we need one more bat on this team. This is a young team in many spots and while guys are starting to get it together, I would really like to see us add some power somewhere. There have been a lot of names thrown out there from Charlie Blackmon (not happening) to Adam Jones to Domingo Santana. Regardless, of the decision one more bat could push this team over the edge.

With the deadline coming up, the Indians are in the perfect position to be buyers after all year looking like sellers. Let’s enjoy it while we can, right Dolan?

Chief Wahoo’s 2019 Roster

On By Chris ElliottIn baseballLeave a comment

I’m going to refer to the Cleveland Indians as the Wahoos as much as possible this year to honor the greatest mascot there ever was. Long live the Chief.

Spring training is here and the Wahoos have as many people in camp as mainland China has residents. It feels like every player who was without a contract that has seen MLB service time in the last decade got a minor league deal with an invite to camp from the Wahoos. I have heard Roger Clemens still has some life on his fastball. The front office should check to see if he wants to give it another go.

Trying to figure out who will make this team out of camp is pretty crazy. Lindor’s injury added another twist to it, but for this I’m going to assume he makes it out of camp healthy because even if he does not, it won’t be long before he is back.

One thing for certain is the rotation is set.

1. Kluber

2. Carrasco

3. Bauer

4. Clevinger

5. Bieber

The infield will consist of Roberto Perez, Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez. That’s ten spots gone right off the bat. Then we get Brad Hand as our closer. You’ll probably see the Indians carry 7-8 relief pitchers. My guess is Dan Otero, Nick Goody, Adam Cimber and Oliver Perez all make it. I think Nick Wittgren makes it as does Tyler Clippard. Giving us 7 relief pitchers. I know I am righty heavy but this team needs lots of bat diversity. The extra spot is needed in the outfield.

8 spots to go and we still need an outfield. Really we need an outfield. Anyone else want a camp invite from the Wahoos? Well how about that backup catcher spot first. I think that goes to Kevin Plawecki. Sorry to Haase and Navarro. 7 spots.

Leonys Martin, Tyler Naquin, Jordan Luplow, Greg Allen, Jake Bauers and Matt Joyce. It’s a lot of outfield bats but Bauers can play first as well. Leaving one utility infield spot. This will be Ryan Flaherty. The veteran beats out the young Max Moroff. There you go. The opening day Cleveland Indians. No way Hanley Ramirez’s fat ass makes this team.

2018 Tribe Roster

On By Chris ElliottIn baseballLeave a comment

It’s almost time for pitchers and catchers to report. So why not get a jump start on predicting the Cleveland Indians 25 man roster. Most of the roster is pretty much set, but there are a few key battles that will play out. While I think a trade could still happen, you never know if someone will get hurt or a free agent will be signed, I’ll assume none of those things will happen, except for one prior injury you’ll see below.

1. Two starting rotation spots

2. One to two bullpen spots

3. 1-2 backup infield spots

4. 1-2 outfield spots

Let’s review the players that will make the roster without question.

Rotation: Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco, Corey Kluber.

Relievers: Cody Allen, Andrew Miller, Nick Goody, Zach McAllister, Tyler Olson, Dan Otero.

Catchers: Yan Gomes, Roberto Perez

Infielders: Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Jason Kipnis, Yonder Alonso, Edwin Encarnacion

Outfielders: Michael Brantley, Bradley Zimmer, Lonnie Chisenhall

That is 19 for sure spots locked up. Let’s start with the two rotation spots. Mike Clevinger, Danny Salazar, Josh Tomlin and Ryan Merritt all have shots. However, I think it ends up being a fairly easy choice. Danny Salazar and Josh Tomlin get it and Clevinger goes to the bullpen and takes that spot. I would love to see Clevinger in the rotation and Salazar become a reliever but I don’t think it happens. This brings the total to 22. Three spots remain. At least one will be an outfielder, one will be an infielder and one open spot that could go a variety of ways.

For the infield I think it’s really between three players. Erik Gonzalez, Giovanny Urshella, and Yandy Diaz. I want Diaz to hit his way into the spot but he I think ends up in AAA. Urshella and Gonzalez are both major league level backups but are out of options. One of them will be on another team this year. Tito I think will go with Urshella. 23 spots gone.

Next, the outfield. Melvin Upton Jr., Tyler Naquin, Abraham Almonte, and Brandon Guyer are all options here. I think Guyer is not healthy to start the year. I’m going to cancel him out for now. The 4th outfielder could go so many ways here. I lean toward Almonte or Naquin winning out. Likely Almonte will snag it.

One spot left. Gonzalez, Naquin, Upton, or Merritt. With this spot I think Tito keeps an extra outfielder and leaves Naquin on the roster. Upton gets released and Merrit and Gonazalez are traded since they are out of option.

There you go. The 25 man Cleveland Indians roster. Let’s play baseball.