Tony%2520Lastoria Archive

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with right-handed pitcher Dylan Baker. There are a lot of unknowns about Baker as he could be a boom or bust prospect for the Indians, and because of that he comes in with a more conservative ranking in this year's countdown. Tony breaks down all of the unlimited potential, but the many question marks about him in this detailed scouting report.

It has been over a month since the last inbox, and since I am down sick this weekend and working feverishly to finish my new 2013 book, the regular Sunday morning format of “Tribe Happenings” will take a one week hiatus. But fear not, you will get your usual dose of Indians commentary on a variety of topics, but just in a different format this week.....via questions from the fans! The starting rotation among others things are the hot topics discussed...

Here are the 2013 coaching assignments at all levels of the Cleveland Indians Player Development system.
Columbus Clippers (AAA)
Chris Tremie, Manager
Tony Arnold, Pitching Coach
Phil Clark, Hitting Coach
Akron Aeros (AA)
Edwin Rodriguez, Manager
Greg Hibbard, Pitching Coach
Jim Rickon, Hitting Coach
Carolina Mudcats (A+)
Dave...

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with infielder Joey Wendle. He is an offensive-oriented infielder from a smaller school that may have been overlooked in the draft, but hit the ground running in his pro debut at Mahoning Valley. He is a lot like Cord Phelps, and may be a better hitter and have a little more versatility than Phelps had when he first came into the organization. Wendle is an interesting prospect, and Tony breaks him down in this detailed scouting report.

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with outfielder Tyler Holt. As one of the most fiery players the Indians have had in their system in a long time, Holt brings a lot of energy and emotion to his game and is a good top of the lineup prospect for the Indians. In this detailed scouting report Tony breaks down his qualities as a leadoff hitter, his skills defensively and on the basepaths, and what obstacles may hinder his chances of reaching the big leagues.

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with left-handed pitcher Matt Packer. Packer was another pitcher that dealt with a significant injury setback early last season, but was one of the few that was able to get back on a mound and pitch a good majority of the season and even went out to pitch in the Arizona Fall League. Tony discusses how his stuff was affected by the injury, his health going forward, and what kind of stuff he brings to the table in this detailed scouting report.

On Thursday afternoon the Cleveland Indians announced that they have signed free agent right-handed reliever Matt Capps to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to Major League spring training camp. He missed most of the second half of last season with a right shoulder injury and will look to rebuild his value this spring with the Indians.

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with outfielder Bryson Myles. He is one of the most exciting players in the entire Indians’ organization with his upside, ability to consistently hit the ball, and his ability to steal bases, but he has also battled some nagging injuries in each of his first two seasons which has affected his performance. Tony breaks down his abilities, looks at where he can improve, and much more in this detailed scouting report.

Three former Indians players Omar Vizquel, Travis Hafner, and Ryan Garko all found new homes with a team for 2013, but none of them are returning to Cleveland. Vizquel will coach with the Angles, Hafner looks to be close to signing with the Yankees, and Garko has signed with the Rockies.

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with right-handed starting pitcher Clayton Cook. Cook suffered an injury last season that resulted in an abrupt end to his season and had several setbacks in his return and finally ended up having surgery. Tony gives the details on how serious the injury was, how long he could be out, how his prospect value has changed, and what kind of pitcher he can still be in this detailed scouting report.

The MLB arbitration hearings begin next Monday February 4th and continue through until the 20th. Most of the arbitration eligible players around the league have already signed a one year deal a few days ago, but the Indians still have one player that is unsigned: Mike Aviles.

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with catcher Alex Lavisky. Lavisky continues to show good catching and leadership skills, but his questionable bat actually showed some improvement last season. Tony goes into detail on the improvement he showed with his swing, how his performance spiked in the second half of last season, all the value he provides as a good receiver, and much more in this detailed scouting report.

Today the Cleveland Indians have announced that they have a new five-year agreement with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Cleveland for WTAM 1100 AM to remain the “Flagship Home of the Cleveland Indians” through 2017. The deal also includes WMMS 100.7 FM as they will become the “FM home of the Indians” with at least 144 simulcast broadcasts.

Around the Farm will say good bye for the offseason in the next few days, but will return in a few weeks once minor league spring games kick up in mid-March. Tony takes a look at the performance of Ezequiel Carrera whose team played in a very important Game 5 on Monday night in a best-of-seven series that was tied 2-2.

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with right-handed reliever Bryce Stowell. He followed up a strange 2011 season with a lost season last year as he struggled with injuries once again. There is no doubt the stuff is still in there to be a high level prospect, but injuries every year and time is starting to creep up on him. Tony takes a look at this falling star and what has ailed him over his career, how his stuff has been affected, and what he may still offer as a pen prospect for the Indians going forward in this detailed scouting report.

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with first baseman Chris McGuiness. The Indians picked him up in the Rule 5 Draft this past December, and he has a decent chance to make the opening day roster as the designated hitter and left-handed power bat off the bench. Tony has all the details on the Tribe newcomer and talks about his hitting, power, defense, versatility, and much more in this detailed scouting report.