Cody Allen called up to the Indians
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By Jim Pete July 20, 2012
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The Cleveland Indians purchased the contract of the organizations top right-handed relief prospect, Cody Allen, from the Triple A Columbus Clippers on Friday afternoon. To make room for Allen, the Indians sent down LHP Scott Barnes.
Allen was selected by the Indians on June 7, 2011 in the 23rd round out of High Point University in Florida. Allen was a re-draft, as the Indians had selected him in the 16th round of the 2010 draft, but was unable to sign him. Allen refused to sign, feeling he should have been taken in the top ten rounds, but was coming off of Tommy John surgery. Nobody seemed to agree with his money matters, so back in the draft he went. His numbers remained strong, but the Indians were able to re-draft him in the 23rd, and signed him.
His first year turned into a hint of things to come. In 2011, Allen started in Mahoning Valley, and ended in Akron. Overall, he went 5-1, with a 1.65 ERA, and had 75 K's in 54 2/3 innings. While there were many other relievers being touted for the bigs, IPI started the season with their eyes directly on the star, as site editor Tony Lastoria and I witnessed his first two appearances for the Mudcats at High A Carolina. He quickly was moved to Double A Akron, then Triple A Columbus. Overall, he went 3-2 in 31 games covering 43 1/2 IP. He gave up only 25 hits and nine walks, while striking out an impressive 53 batters. His ERA on the season is 1.87.
Allen was dominating in Columbus. after struggling a bit in May. Since Jun 7th, his ERA has been a ridiculous 0.56, and it was only a matter of time until the Indians either called him up, or included him in a deal. Clearly, he wasn't going anywhere.
With Scott Barnes getting sent down, the interesting move will be next Wednesday, when Rafael Perez is ready to come up. Will the Indians do the right thing and keep Allen with the Indians, or will they send him down for Perez.
Let's hope they continue their trend with the initial move of Allen, and do the right thing. KEEP...ALLEN...UP....
Jim is currently the co-site editor, the ATF/Carolina Mudcats/Indians/General Site Columnist, and the co-host of IPI's weekly online radio show, Smoke Signals. You can follow Jim on Twitter @Jim_IPI, or contact him via e-mail at jpete@indiansprospectinsider.com.
User Comments
While young, you could really make a case that talent-wise, Allen is a top 3 guy in the bullpen right now. He's got plus velocity and can top out in the upper 90's...can locate...and is a future back-end reliever.
The only thing he doesn't have...is experience...but he's better than several other guys that are "ahead" of him in the pen. IMO...he slots very well in that Accardo/Emil Rogers role right now, with the option of using him wherever you need him...as Tony said...a la Jensen Lewis.
Tony is sure that they won't send him down...and I'd tend to agree with him...but wouldn't be surprised if they did send him down...
As for the 40-man move, Crowe was not on the 40-man. In fact, he has not been on the 40-man since he was DFAed in the offseason. Right now Hagadone simply does not count on the 40-man as someone else noted.
Maybe there is another move or 2 developing.
