Indians Prospect Insider

Indians outfielder LeVon Washington did not have a very good season last year, but several things may have contributed to that. Tony talked to Washington this past week and he feels he is healthy and ready to go this year....and Tony believes it after some things he saw first hand. Tony also provides the first batch of releases from minor league camp.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown continues with #9 shortstop Ronny Rodriguez. In his professional debut last season Rodriguez showed a lot of raw ability both as a defender and hitter, and if his plate discipline ever comes around Tony believes he has the potential to become a special player.

Indians right-handed pitcher Steven Wright has been in the organization for some time. He picked up a knuckleball over a season a go and pitched with it all last season. Now he is working to make it a more consistent offering and take the next step with getting hitters out on a regular basis in the upper levels of the minors. Tony talked with him in Goodyear to get an update on where he is at with the new pitch.

Here is an update with all of the game action from Indians' minor league camp on Wednesday. Highlights from this day in camp came from LeVon Washington, Jeremie Tice, and Elvis Araujo, and Tony also provides some commentary on each of the 80-90 guys that played and where they may open the 2012 season.

We break into the Top 10 in the 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown with #10 left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes. He was really on a roll last season until a knee injury prematurely ended his season. He is healthy once again, is on the 40-man roster, and is a Major League starting pitching option for the Indians. Tony looks at what he needs to do to get that big league opportunity this year.

Tony is back home from his week-plus trip to Arizona to specifically watch the Indians' minor leaguers play every day. He shares his final notebook from camp with thoughts on Scott Barnes, the health of Alexander Perez and Matt Packer, the bright futures of three shortstops Ronny Rodriguez, Francisco Lindor, and Dorsyss Paulino....and more!

BABIP....what is it and how does it work? Most of all, can we use it to gain any insight into how some Indians players will perform this season? Many people do not understand this stat (or want to understand it), but Jeff Ellis explains what it is and why it is important in his latest article from his explaining stats series.

Elvis has entered the building as left-handed pitcher Elvis Araujo comes in at #11 in the 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown. After a promising pro debut in 2008 and then missing all of the 2009 and 2010 with an elbow injury, he came back last season and showed why the Indians were so high on him after back in 2008. Tony looks at his potential and what kind of pitching prospect he is.

The Indians' minor league affiliates were in action on Tuesday against the Dodgers. Once again close to 100 players were in action between the four games and Tony recaps it all. Highlights of the day were hard throwing right-hander Xavier De Los Santos and outfielder Thomas Neal, and even newcomer Ralph Stoneburner saw some action. (Note: Today's report does not require a subscription to view it.)

After being rained out on Sunday the Indians' minor leaguers were back in action on Monday. Here is a recap of all five games involving over 100 players from Monday, led by huge days from Ronny Rodriguez and Jake Lowery who both had two homer games.

It was another busy day at Indians minor league camp yesterday, and Tony shares all his notes in his latest notebook. Today he provides updates on the health of Austin Adams, Tyler Sturdevant, and Bo Greenwell, talks about the rising status of Cody Allen, Bryce Stowell looking strong, and lots more.

The Indians do not have much power in their system, but one player that has a powerful bat that could make some noise this year is catcher Jake Lowery. He has looked good so far in minor league spring training, and should land at either Carolina or Lake County to open the 2012 season.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown continues with #12 right-handed pitcher Felix Sterling. He is as raw as they come, but there is no denying the tools and potential with him. He has prospect helium where with a good season of development this year he could find his way into the Top 10 next year. Tony breaks down his talent and where he needs to improve.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown continues with #13 right-handed pitcher Zach McAllister. He had a nice bounce back season last year and made his Major League debut, and he is now an immediate big league starting pitching option for the Indians this season. Tony looks at what changed for him last year and where he could maybe still improve.

With over 150 players in minor league camp, there is always something interesting to note and report on. Today, Tony touches on shortstop and third base and how they may be the deepest positions in the organization, plus he also gives injury updates on Jordan Henry, Geoff Davenport and Antwonie Hubbard, talks about Juan Romero's power, Adam Abraham's growing value, and more!

With about two weeks to go in Indians' spring training, the competition for left field is still wide open with many possible options for the Indians to consider. Andy takes a look at all of the players battling to win time as the regular left field and who may be the one to emerge as the main left fielder.