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.
We continue on with the 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown with #14 first baseman Jesus Aguilar. He had a breakout season last year as a prospect with some impressive power numbers and is one of the most intriguing bats in the Indians' system to follow this upcoming season. Tony looks at his strengths and if his plate discipline concerns can be overcome.
We are about halfway through spring training and none of the camp battles have yet to sort themselves out. Tony looks at all the position battles and who the favorites appear to be, he looks at the latest Carmona/Hernandez news, he gives some injury updates on several players, and lots more.
The Indians celebrated St. Patty's Day yesterday with two short intrasquad games. Several players that played may be on the roster bubble as the first round of spring cuts appear to be looming. Tony recaps all the action from yesterday, with the standouts being Francisco Lindor, Jake Lowery, Adam Abraham, and Ryan Battaglia.
The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown rolls on with #15 outfielder Bryson Myles. He is yet another 2011 draftee that is in the Indians' Top 50 listing, and he has all the tools and potential to become a bonafide Top 5-10 prospect come this time next year. Tony talks about his very good power-speed combination and if his raw abilities can be harnessed so he can become a legit Major League option down the road.
Indians' minor leaguers played in their first games of the spring against another organization on Friday. Tony has all the stats for the players that participated in all four games, with big days coming from Jeremie Tice, Dorsyss Paulino, and Leonardo Castillo.
There are lots of new faces in Indians’ minor league camp this year, one of which is right-handed pitcher Shawn Armstrong. Tony talked to him briefly this week and looks at his potential role this year and what he needs to work on to become a more complete pitcher.
The 2013 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!
