Spring Training 2013: News, Notes and Thoughts...

[Rocky55]

Heads up:

The MLB Network's 30 Clubs in 30 Days will feature the Tribe on Friday, 2/22. They don't go really in depth but it's nice to hear good things about your team. I haven't heard Hart's take yet but Plesac seems to like our chances to compete with the usual starting pitching disclaimer.

[GoTribe028]

Jerry Crasnick at ESPN has a story about Drew Stubbs up from yesterday afternoon. (link: http://espn.go.com/blog/spring-training ... rew-stubbs ) essentially the article says..keep it simple stupid. What a great idea !!

It makes sense for him to try and simplify his approach to make more consistent contact. It's ridiculous for a guy with his speed to use a leg kick and go for home runs. He needs to get on base.

At the moment everything is wonderful. Stubbs spent the offseason working on cutting down on his strikeouts and making better contact. Asdrubal showed up noticably lighter and said he worked out the entire offseason. Kazmir is supposed to be throwing 95 mph, and so is Carrasco. Bourn and Swisher are thrilled to be here and ready to rock-and-roll. Dice K is re-energized by playing for Francona again. All is wonderful in Tribeland.

Just wondering how long until reality smacks us in the face.

Anyway, if McGuiness doesn't make the team we lose him. So why would they keep a 42-year-old left-handed power hitter (or possibly a former power hitter) if it's going to cost them a 25-year-old left-handed power hitter who could realistically have a future in the bigs?

It's not like they have a young team and need a "clubhouse presence". The team is all veterans now, with the exceptions of Chiz, Bauer, and maybe Hags or Barnes if they make it. Swish, Bourn, Reynolds, Droobs, Stubbs, Brantley, Masterson, Ubaldo, Myers, Santana, Rage...all these guys have been in the league for a while. Why do we need Giambi, unless they think McGuiness can't play at this level?

I actually wondered if Giambi doesn't end up as "assistant hitting coach" before too long. I know he's not been connected with the Indians except when he was smacking HR against them, but I could see it happening if he doesn't make the team (regardless of McGuiness and no other teams show interest in him.

Just an outside the box thought I guess. IMO neither Giambi or McGuiness represent long term options for the Indians so I don't know if it's a concern of theirs.

[GoTribe028]

Heads up:

The MLB Network's 30 Clubs in 30 Days will feature the Tribe on Friday, 2/22. They don't go really in depth but it's nice to hear good things about your team. I haven't heard Hart's take yet but Plesac seems to like our chances to compete with the usual starting pitching disclaimer.

It's not the most in depth program MLBNetwork has but it is a fun preview show for teams. Thanks for the heads up.

[GeronimoSon]

Heads up:

The MLB Network's 30 Clubs in 30 Days will feature the Tribe on Friday, 2/22. They don't go really in depth but it's nice to hear good things about your team. I haven't heard Hart's take yet but Plesac seems to like our chances to compete with the usual starting pitching disclaimer.

Thanks for the heads up..

Plesac does seem to be a bit excited.. but, he's excited about most all teams.. Hart seems to be trying to be objective when he speaks of the Indians and Rangers.. almost like he's trying too hard.. All of the commentators have their own quirks, Chris Rose is an unabashed homer.. Kevin Millar & Harold Reynolds are more complex. Overall, the MLB Network has been on the positive side describing the Indians off season.. They all seem to be wary of the Starting Pitching staff.. The show should be good entertainment..

Oh..they will not go into depth (figured if everyone else is saying it, I might as well too.. :)

[GeronimoSon]

If the Indians couldn't get Torii Hunter during this off season.. I wish he would have stayed in LA or gone to the National League. That guy just kills the Indians.. His lifetime numbers v Cleveland read as: .283 /.344 /.482 with 28 home runs and 96 RBI's in what amounts to three games more than one full season. He's not exactly what you'd call "shy" about expressing his belief in what the TIGERS are and are going to do"

..."In the Central, if I was on MLB Network and I had to make a pick, I wouldn't tell you who it'd be," Hunter said Thursday, a day before the Tigers' first full-squad workout. "But, it'd be us."

and this:

..."Cleveland made some adjustments and some good acquisitions," he said. "They're going to be good. But I can't tell you that they're going to beat us. That doesn't make sense. I play with the Tigers, why would I tell you that? I've come to the best team."...

He's one of the reasons the Tigers are being picked to "run away" with the AL Central.. I hope he's wrong..

[homerawayfromhome]

Jerry Crasnick at ESPN has a story about Drew Stubbs up from yesterday afternoon. (link: http://espn.go.com/blog/spring-training ... rew-stubbs ) essentially the article says..keep it simple stupid. What a great idea !!

It makes sense for him to try and simplify his approach to make more consistent contact. It's ridiculous for a guy with his speed to use a leg kick and go for home runs. He needs to get on base.

At the moment everything is wonderful. Stubbs spent the offseason working on cutting down on his strikeouts and making better contact. Asdrubal showed up noticably lighter and said he worked out the entire offseason. Kazmir is supposed to be throwing 95 mph, and so is Carrasco. Bourn and Swisher are thrilled to be here and ready to rock-and-roll. Dice K is re-energized by playing for Francona again. All is wonderful in Tribeland.

Just wondering how long until reality smacks us in the face.

Anyway, if McGuiness doesn't make the team we lose him. So why would they keep a 42-year-old left-handed power hitter (or possibly a former power hitter) if it's going to cost them a 25-year-old left-handed power hitter who could realistically have a future in the bigs?

It's not like they have a young team and need a "clubhouse presence". The team is all veterans now, with the exceptions of Chiz, Bauer, and maybe Hags or Barnes if they make it. Swish, Bourn, Reynolds, Droobs, Stubbs, Brantley, Masterson, Ubaldo, Myers, Santana, Rage...all these guys have been in the league for a while. Why do we need Giambi, unless they think McGuiness can't play at this level?

I actually wondered if Giambi doesn't end up as "assistant hitting coach" before too long. I know he's not been connected with the Indians except when he was smacking HR against them, but I could see it happening if he doesn't make the team (regardless of McGuiness and no other teams show interest in him.

Just an outside the box thought I guess. IMO neither Giambi or McGuiness represent long term options for the Indians so I don't know if it's a concern of theirs.

If you heard Francona the other day, Giambi has a good shot at making the team. If he does, it's bc Francona wants him on his bench. My initial thoughts were they plucked him bc they (Francona) see him as a potential coach / asst of some sort. I think that was in the their thinking, Francona just raved about how much respect he has for him, I actually thought he was going to cry at one point...Nice to see Francona is passionate about the game.

Agree that neither Giambi and McGuiness are not long term solutions for this team. I think McGuiness could have an MLB future as a bench / platoon bat at 1b / DH but I don't see him better than something like .250-260 10-15 hrs at best, which is useful but won't blow anyone away at 1b / DH. I'd guess at this point the Tribe may try to work something out to keep him and let him develop some more at AAA if he looks good during ST. IMO, he will have to be locked in to get a bench spot, unless they have it set in their minds they want to keep him around.

[homerawayfromhome]

It seems like there's really a lot up in the air for the Tribe. I think there's a number of options this team can take advantage of with guys like Kazmir, Matsuzaka, Capps, Raburn, Giambi all in camp on minor league deals. They could even deal from their depth to make a minor tweet or two to the roster as camp nears an end and some of these open competitions clear things up a bit. I hope they don't, and the Tribe has a number of tough choices to make, it would certainly be best for the team.

I mentioned in a post above neither Giambi and McGuiness may make the club, but I could see where having versatility with players such as Swisher, Aviles and even Raburn, if he makes the club that they may try to balance the bench a bit with a LH bat. It seems nothing is certain on the bench outside of Aviles, and maybe Marson who should remain the backup C. Once Gomes is deemed ready, it wouldn't be a shock to see the utilize Marson in effort to obtain other resources.

At one point I thought it was certain they would at least keep Carrera around but it seems like the bench could be really wide open. Raburn was ugly at the plate last yr but offers versatility and may get back to his career norms off what may have been simply a horrible yr for him. If Raburn makes the team it seems like Carrera won't, if one of the other LH bats (Giambi / McGuiness) seems productive.

[GeronimoSon]

It seems like there's really a lot up in the air for the Tribe. I think there's a number of options this team can take advantage of with guys like Kazmir, Matsuzaka, Capps, Raburn, Giambi all in camp on minor league deals. They could even deal from their depth to make a minor tweet or two to the roster as camp nears an end and some of these open competitions clear things up a bit. I hope they don't, and the Tribe has a number of tough choices to make, it would certainly be best for the team.

I mentioned in a post above neither Giambi and McGuiness may make the club, but I could see where having versatility with players such as Swisher, Aviles and even Raburn, if he makes the club that they may try to balance the bench a bit with a LH bat. It seems nothing is certain on the bench outside of Aviles, and maybe Marson who should remain the backup C. Once Gomes is deemed ready, it wouldn't be a shock to see the utilize Marson in effort to obtain other resources.

At one point I thought it was certain they would at least keep Carrera around but it seems like the bench could be really wide open. Raburn was ugly at the plate last yr but offers versatility and may get back to his career norms off what may have been simply a horrible yr for him. If Raburn makes the team it seems like Carrera won't, if one of the other LH bats (Giambi / McGuiness) seems productive.

The comments from Tito about Giambi are positive and encouraging.. as they are with just about anyone who a reporter brings up.. Asked if Trevor Bauer is going to factor into the starting rotation coming out of spring training, Tito says, unabashedly, without a doubt, that's why he's here.. Asked if Dice-K looks good.. Tito responds the he's looks great and has an excellent chance to make the club.. Ryan Raburn?.. he's had epic spring training results followed by sucking in the regular season.. Matt LaPorta?.. he's here to compete but won't be doing much on field work until mid March.. Giambi? ditto.

In what should become a competitive & fluid spring training, with the added distraction of the WBC, having 7 weeks to prepare instead of 6, a lot is going to happen between now & when the Indians are taking BP prior to RA Dickey's first pitch in the Roger's Center.. Lots and lots of questions to answer.. hopefully, some will have definitive answers..

[Prosecutor]

I think there's a number of options this team can take advantage of with guys like Kazmir, Matsuzaka, Capps, Raburn, Giambi all in camp on minor league deals.

They're not options until they show they can still play at the major league level. Or more accurately, that they can REGAIN the ability to play at the major league level by overcoming age or serious injury. Only then will the Indians be in a position to take advantage of having signed them. My guess is that maybe one or two of them at the most will end up being options, and quite possibly none.

Sorry, but last year we signed Johnny Damon and Kevin Slowey and Russ Canzler and some other guys that didn't really turn out to be options, so I'm not optimistic about this group.

[homerawayfromhome]

I think there's a number of options this team can take advantage of with guys like Kazmir, Matsuzaka, Capps, Raburn, Giambi all in camp on minor league deals.

They're not options until they show they can still play at the major league level. Or more accurately, that they can REGAIN the ability to play at the major league level by overcoming age or serious injury. Only then will the Indians be in a position to take advantage of having signed them. My guess is that maybe one or two of them at the most will end up being options, and quite possibly none.

Sorry, but last year we signed Johnny Damon and Kevin Slowey and Russ Canzler and some other guys that didn't really turn out to be options, so I'm not optimistic about this group.

Please don't mention those names again, im trying to eat.

The Tribe has traditionally landed one or two useful pieces over the yrs. (Hanny, Blake, Howry)

[homerawayfromhome]

Here's a audio link to a recent albeit brief CA interview with MLB Network...

https://soundcloud.com/siriusxmsports/c ... -cleveland

[Hermie13]

I think there's a number of options this team can take advantage of with guys like Kazmir, Matsuzaka, Capps, Raburn, Giambi all in camp on minor league deals.

They're not options until they show they can still play at the major league level. Or more accurately, that they can REGAIN the ability to play at the major league level by overcoming age or serious injury. Only then will the Indians be in a position to take advantage of having signed them. My guess is that maybe one or two of them at the most will end up being options, and quite possibly none.

Sorry, but last year we signed Johnny Damon and Kevin Slowey and Russ Canzler and some other guys that didn't really turn out to be options, so I'm not optimistic about this group.

Please don't mention those names again, im trying to eat.

The Tribe has traditionally landed one or two useful pieces over the yrs. (Hanny, Blake, Howry)

Yeah the Tribe has had some success with guys on minor league deals, plus they have virtually no risk. Guys like Damon, Slowey and even Canzler were not guys signed as minor league free agents really. Damon had a big league deal, Slowey was traded for and arbitration eligible making millions on a major league deal, and Canzler was a minor leaguer not expected to help.

Guys like Kearns, Duncan, Blake, Hannahan, etc are examples of guys that have helped on minor league deals. Rayburn, Dice-K, Giambi, etc could surprise. Most likely they won't help much but no risk right now. For what it's worth too...Giambi put up a better OBP last year than Michael Bourn...

[homerawayfromhome]

Btw, I noticed a clip of Giambi talking to Stubbs about his swing. Seemed like he was giving him a few pointers with a toe tap. I still have it in my mind that Giambi could end up on the coaching staff as a special asst. to Francona or something of the sort IF he doesn't win a bench spot...Btw, I'm thinking he will.

The audio clip I posted in a post above, CA seemed almost sure that Trevor Bauer will be in AAA to start the season, or at least long enough to extend the Indians control another yr.

[SwisherBuck11]

Heard Francona wants the top 3 of the line up to be (in order)

Bourn
ACab
Kipnis

and ST is going to determine who bats 4th/5th between Santana and Swisher, but the Indians like the Idea of Santana batting 4th and teams having to pitch to him or face Nick Swisher, plus Swisher doesn't really have a history of batting 4th just 13 ABs in the last 3 years out of 1629

[SwisherBuck11]

and Scott Kazmir was going to get the start Friday but has been scratched, not for an injury Tribe just felt he needed another BP session first, may start game 3

[Prosecutor]

Heard Francona wants the top 3 of the line up to be (in order)

Bourn
ACab
Kipnis

and ST is going to determine who bats 4th/5th between Santana and Swisher, but the Indians like the Idea of Santana batting 4th and teams having to pitch to him or face Nick Swisher, plus Swisher doesn't really have a history of batting 4th just 13 ABs in the last 3 years out of 1629

Makes sense. They don't want to have three left-handed hitters in a row. And this way Brantley can drop down to 6th or 7th where he's been very successful in the past. I'm thinking it will be...

Bourn
ACab
Kipnis
Santana
Swisher
Brantley
Reynolds
Chiz
Stubbs

That way they get alternating left and right or switch hitters so teams can't just bring in a LOOGY or two every game to retire three lefties.

[GeronimoSon]

Heard Francona wants the top 3 of the line up to be (in order)

Bourn
ACab
Kipnis

and ST is going to determine who bats 4th/5th between Santana and Swisher, but the Indians like the Idea of Santana batting 4th and teams having to pitch to him or face Nick Swisher, plus Swisher doesn't really have a history of batting 4th just 13 ABs in the last 3 years out of 1629

The real question will be.. does Francona want to put the "pressure" on J-K by hitting him in the third spot or will Tito start the season with the third spot in the order determined by the pitching matchup. That is..

against RHP's...........against LHP's,
Bourn CF, LH...........Bourn CF, LH
Acab SS, SH............Acab SS, SH
Kipnis 2B, LH...........Reynolds 1B, RH
Santana C, SH..........Santana C, SH
Swisher 1B, SH........Swisher DH, SH

The permutations of the batting order could begin at the third spot in the order. Against RHP's, J-K in the 3-hole would be very interesting, indeed..

[daingean]

Heard Francona wants the top 3 of the line up to be (in order)

Bourn
ACab
Kipnis

and ST is going to determine who bats 4th/5th between Santana and Swisher, but the Indians like the Idea of Santana batting 4th and teams having to pitch to him or face Nick Swisher, plus Swisher doesn't really have a history of batting 4th just 13 ABs in the last 3 years out of 1629

Most of the time that will work but I like having a lefty in the #2 spot.

1. Hole between 1st and 2nd bigger if 1st baseman is holding runner
2. screens catcher if the runner tries to steal

[GeronimoSon]

Heard Francona wants the top 3 of the line up to be (in order)

Bourn
ACab
Kipnis

and ST is going to determine who bats 4th/5th between Santana and Swisher, but the Indians like the Idea of Santana batting 4th and teams having to pitch to him or face Nick Swisher, plus Swisher doesn't really have a history of batting 4th just 13 ABs in the last 3 years out of 1629

Most of the time that will work but I like having a lefty in the #2 spot.

1. Hole between 1st and 2nd bigger if 1st baseman is holding runner
2. screens catcher if the runner tries to steal

Good point on the hole in the infield and it works for both RH and LH batters, a little better for Lh'ers... The 'screen' works both ways as well.. that is, it impedes the runners view into the catcher.. Another thought about a lefty in the batters box (especially for those of us who have been behind the plate) is that it makes you have to throw around the batter if you're trying for a pick off giving the runner a wee bit more of a margin in his secondary...

[BrianM]

and Scott Kazmir was going to get the start Friday but has been scratched, not for an injury Tribe just felt he needed another BP session first, may start game 3

Welcome to the board Buck.

[SwisherBuck11]

i think i would like to see a line-up of

Bourn
ACab
Kipnis
Santana
Swisher
Chisenhall
Reynolds
Stubbs
Brantley

you have put a solid hitter behind Bourn, you protect Santana, you protect Reynolds in a way and you probably protect Swisher better with Chisenhall then with Reynolds due to Reynolds bad BA and K ratio, and Brantley has become a very solid guy at the plate to protect Stubbs, Drive Stubbs in, Move Stubbs over or get someone on base for Bourn and ACab

[GoTribe028]

i think i would like to see a line-up of

Bourn
ACab
Kipnis
Santana
Swisher
Chisenhall
Reynolds
Stubbs
Brantley

you have put a solid hitter behind Bourn, you protect Santana, you protect Reynolds in a way and you probably protect Swisher better with Chisenhall then with Reynolds due to Reynolds bad BA and K ratio, and Brantley has become a very solid guy at the plate to protect Stubbs, Drive Stubbs in, Move Stubbs over or get someone on base for Bourn and ACab

Wouldnt be shocked at all if the lineup looks like this from time to time

Michael Bourn, CF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Michael Brantley, LF
Carlos Santana, C
Nick Swisher, 1B
Jason Kipnis, 2B
Mark Reynolds, DH
Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
Drew Stubbs, RF

I think it's a waste of having Brantley in the 9 hole. He's easily the best, most consistent offensive player from last years squad. I want him batting with guys on base, as well as getting on base for the big bats in the middle.

Kinda fun doing the "lineup game" again. Freaking blows when there is sometimes as many as 4 black holes of death in there. The lineup sucked last year, and I don't care where the team ranked in K's then, it still K'd a lot and it didn't score anything. At least this year there is a very unique threat in almost every spot in the order.

It's clear Antonetti had 2 things in mind, no matter what type of the players acquired are. Run scoring on the offense and run prevention on the defense.

[daingean]

Wouldnt be shocked at all if the lineup looks like this from time to time

Michael Bourn, CF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Michael Brantley, LF
Carlos Santana, C
Nick Swisher, 1B
Jason Kipnis, 2B
Mark Reynolds, DH
Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
Drew Stubbs, RF

I think it's a waste of having Brantley in the 9 hole. He's easily the best, most consistent offensive player from last years squad. I want him batting with guys on base, as well as getting on base for the big bats in the middle.

Kinda fun doing the "lineup game" again. Freaking blows when there is sometimes as many as 4 black holes of death in there. The lineup sucked last year, and I don't care where the team ranked in K's then, it still K'd a lot and it didn't score anything. At least this year there is a very unique threat in almost every spot in the order.

It's clear Antonetti had 2 things in mind, no matter what type of the players acquired are. Run scoring on the offense and run prevention on the defense.

I still think that Brantley would fit better at number 2 because he's a table setter in my mind. I know he hit better in the 6 spot last year but did that really mean more runs for the Indians? My argument is better stats vs. better run production. Brantley had a better season last year than Kipnis (more hits/higher slugging because of his doubles) but even with his more doubles Brantley just doesn't drive in runners from 1st base which I think is a key for effective #3-#7 hitters. On the other hand, Brantley has the speed to score from 2nd on base hits which I value in table setters. With that in mind, I go:

Bourn
Brantley
ACab
Santana
Swisher
Kipnis
Reynolds
Chiz
Stubbs

[Hermie13]

Wouldnt be shocked at all if the lineup looks like this from time to time

Michael Bourn, CF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Michael Brantley, LF
Carlos Santana, C
Nick Swisher, 1B
Jason Kipnis, 2B
Mark Reynolds, DH
Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
Drew Stubbs, RF

I think it's a waste of having Brantley in the 9 hole. He's easily the best, most consistent offensive player from last years squad. I want him batting with guys on base, as well as getting on base for the big bats in the middle.

Kinda fun doing the "lineup game" again. Freaking blows when there is sometimes as many as 4 black holes of death in there. The lineup sucked last year, and I don't care where the team ranked in K's then, it still K'd a lot and it didn't score anything. At least this year there is a very unique threat in almost every spot in the order.

It's clear Antonetti had 2 things in mind, no matter what type of the players acquired are. Run scoring on the offense and run prevention on the defense.

I still think that Brantley would fit better at number 2 because he's a table setter in my mind. I know he hit better in the 6 spot last year but did that really mean more runs for the Indians? My argument is better stats vs. better run production. Brantley had a better season last year than Kipnis (more hits/higher slugging because of his doubles) but even with his more doubles Brantley just doesn't drive in runners from 1st base which I think is a key for effective #3-#7 hitters. On the other hand, Brantley has the speed to score from 2nd on base hits which I value in table setters. With that in mind, I go:

Bourn
Brantley
ACab
Santana
Swisher
Kipnis
Reynolds
Chiz
Stubbs

I would have no problem with either of these lineups. Probably my favorites of the ones listed. Agree completely that its a waste to have Brantley in the 9 hole. Anything lower than 6 is bad IMO. Better hitter than Bourn last year really.

I think the 2 or 3 hole are the best spots for Brantley. Get on base in front of the 4-5-6 guys while still letting hit hit with guys on base potentially. I like the 3 hole the best personally but that's if Swisher and his high OBP iis hitting in front of him.

I still like this lineup the best:

1. Bourn - don't think he is a great leadoff guy but fits here well.
2. Swisher - hit 2nd last year and his high OBP needs to be high in the lineup.
3. Brantley - very solid with RISP, should see lots of that here. Sill can get on base and run in front of the power guys next.
4. Santana - powwr is here and so is the OBP.
5. Cabrera - lack of OBP skills has him down here for me. Still a good hitter and should protect Santana well.
6. Kipnis - had a very solid first full season but struggled at times & could benefit from being lower. Needs to get the OBP up
7. Reynolds - power and ok OBP. Swing away big guy...the RBIs should come with the 3 guys hitting in front of him.
8. Chisenhall - still has stuff to prove
9. Stubbs - terrible year, hitting 9th hopefully helps. Also gets the 6-9 as a L-R-L-R leading to Bourn (a lefty).


Think you could flip-flop Swisher and Brantley. Or even Brantley and Cabrera. But don't think Brantley should hit lower than 5th after how he hit last year, especially in the 2nd half.

[SwisherBuck11]

People here overrate Brantley, putting him 3rd would be a bigger waste then 9th, he's a solid hitter with little to now power and thats about it which i expect out of my #9 hitter definatley not the #3 hitter

over the last 3 years the only spot in the top 4 of the line-up that he hit over .225 was the lead-off spot, he excells being lower in the line up batting .800 in the 8 spot, .294 in the 7 spot and .333 in the #6 spot, and that was with nobody worth a pag of peanuts behind him, you put Bourn and ACab behind him and he's going to hit even better (.800 is with only 5 ABs)

[daingean]

People here overrate Brantley, putting him 3rd would be a bigger waste then 9th, he's a solid hitter with little to now power and thats about it which i expect out of my #9 hitter definatley not the #3 hitter

over the last 3 years the only spot in the top 4 of the line-up that he hit over .225 was the lead-off spot, he excells being lower in the line up batting .800 in the 8 spot, .294 in the 7 spot and .333 in the #6 spot, and that was with nobody worth a pag of peanuts behind him, you put Bourn and ACab behind him and he's going to hit even better (.800 is with only 5 ABs)

I think you are underestimating Brantley a bit but I agree that he does not profile well in an RBI spot in the line-up (3-7) as his the only x-base hits he hits are doubles and a lot of those are a result of his speed. Putting him anywhere but 1-2-8-9 would be leaving runs on the bases. I will say that I think he'd play real well at #2. He has speed and hits with a productive average. A good #2 guy is similar to an Omar Vizquel who does the little things that like hitting behind runners, letting lead-offs steal to get in scoring position and hit the fast ball well. He really hasn't hit #2 enough for the stats sample-size to be significant and mostly before he blossomed last summer.

[SwisherBuck11]

Nah i have his value exactly where he is, in the last 3 year he's averaging roughly 30-34 XBH a season, thats little to no power especially when you factor in alot of his doubles are due to his speed, he's only got 16 HRs total over the last 3 years, Michael Bourn has 13 HRs total in the last 3 years for a comparison. Brantleys a solid contact guy nothing more nothing less and the facts prove it

as for batting 2nd, its his 5th highest ABs out of any spot in the lineup and his lowest batting average, OBP, SLG and OPS

[SwisherBuck11]

Tito on Kazmir

"He's pitching so well right now its scary. i just wish we could bottle it up for the season"

[GoTribe028]

FWIW on The Twitter

@Indians: First spring lineup for tmrw v CIN:
Bourn CF
Cabrera SS
Kipnis 2B
Swisher 1B
Brantley LF
Santana 2
Reynolds DH
Chisenhall 5
Stubbs 9
Soto P

[Prosecutor]

Interesting that Brantley is hitting 5th. I don't think anybody forsaw that. Although it makes sense; he hits better when he's down in the order rather than leading off, and this puts him in front of Santana and Reynolds. They want Carlos to hit lower in the order and concentrate on defense and handling the pitchers.

That's kind of interesting, too, because up until now we've looked at Santana as mainly an impact offensive player who you hope is merely adequate defensively. IOW, he's in the lineup for his bat and anything he gives you defensively is a bonus. Now it looks like they're trying to reverse that, or at least balance it out so he helps you win both ways. They think he'll hit better without the pressure of batting cleanup.

That would be awesome if he's better both defensively and offensively this year. He's lost 10 pounds and is in good shape.

That comment about Kazmir is the biggest news so far. What Francona seems to be saying is that this guy has won a starting job in the first three days, assuming he keeps throwing exactly as he's done so far.

[GoTribe028]

That comment about Kazmir is the biggest news so far. What Francona seems to be saying is that this guy has won a starting job in the first three days, assuming he keeps throwing exactly as he's done so far.

Hope it's true and just not smoke. It goes without saying health is key. Was strange just how quickly he "lost it" considering just how good he was. Even as a league average starter he would provide some stability. At this moment a stable rotation would, IMO anyway, be a considerable improvement over last year.

[daingean]

That comment about Kazmir is the biggest news so far. What Francona seems to be saying is that this guy has won a starting job in the first three days, assuming he keeps throwing exactly as he's done so far.

Hope it's true and just not smoke. It goes without saying health is key. Was strange just how quickly he "lost it" considering just how good he was. Even as a league average starter he would provide some stability. At this moment a stable rotation would, IMO anyway, be a considerable improvement over last year.

Not to criticise Francona but every he says is positive. Giambi is looking great, Kazmir is looking great, Carrasco is throwing great........ Now I agree a manager has to motivate his players and make them approach the game as if they are going to suceed (I've seen this approach work with athletes before) but as a fan, I hope he's right but I will have to be convinced about everything. Just saying.

[Hermie13]

Interesting that Brantley is hitting 5th. I don't think anybody forsaw that. Although it makes sense; he hits better when he's down in the order rather than leading off, and this puts him in front of Santana and Reynolds. They want Carlos to hit lower in the order and concentrate on defense and handling the pitchers.

That's kind of interesting, too, because up until now we've looked at Santana as mainly an impact offensive player who you hope is merely adequate defensively. IOW, he's in the lineup for his bat and anything he gives you defensively is a bonus. Now it looks like they're trying to reverse that, or at least balance it out so he helps you win both ways. They think he'll hit better without the pressure of batting cleanup.

That would be awesome if he's better both defensively and offensively this year. He's lost 10 pounds and is in good shape.

That comment about Kazmir is the biggest news so far. What Francona seems to be saying is that this guy has won a starting job in the first three days, assuming he keeps throwing exactly as he's done so far.

I didn't really foresee it but said I thought it'd work with Brantley hitting 5th. He is very good with men on base. Don't need power to drive in runs. If guys are on base when he is up he can drive them in....just saw it in the first inning.

Santana 6th is interesting. Think he moves up eventually but not a bad idea for the early going. He clearly hasn't reached his offensive potential, maybe this will help.

[GeronimoSon]

... you can usually tell how a team is going to do with the first.....

At bat of the season.. well, it was the first game of spring training... perhaps that magic that was once a huge part of the Indians climb to contention back in 1995 with all those amazing walk off wins may be coming back to visit and get it right in 2013. I think there were about 122 walk off wins that year based on the highlight film entitled: " Wahoo!! What a finish" Now the Indians have to hit the road today..

[SwisherBuck11]

Myers making his Tribe Debut today vs the Reds

[homerawayfromhome]

Saturday's pitching lineup:

Brett Myers will start against the Reds. Chris Perez, Corey Kluber, Matt Albers, Scott Barnes, Edward Paredes and Bryan Shaw will follow.


The Indians have split-squad games Sunday against the Reds and Brewers.

Sunday's pitching lineup: gm1

Zach McAllister will start against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark followed by Daisuke Matsuzaka, Cody Allen, Jerry Gil, T.J. House and Preston Guilmet.

Sunday's pitching lineup: gm2

Carlos Carrasco will start against the Brewers at Maryvale, Ariz. Scott Kazmir, Trevor Bauer, David Huff, Danny Salazar and Nick Hagadone are scheduled to follow him.

[SwisherBuck11]

according to MLBTraderumors the 5th spot is Between Kazmir, Carrasco and Bauer, no Dice-K

[A.Zajac]

according to MLBTraderumors the 5th spot is Between Kazmir, Carrasco and Bauer, no Dice-K

IMO, it'll be down to Kazmir or Bauer. Carrasco still has to serve his suspension and with something like 13 straight games without an off day to start the year, can't see Carrasco being on the OD roster.

[BrianM]

If Kazmir continues to pitch fairly well, I would imagine he makes the team no matter what, whether it be in the BP or rotation.

[TheWord]

Interesting to see the thoughts on Brantley, no way he is going to be hitting ninth behind guys like Stubbs or Chisenhall. That said, I certainly don't think his game warrants that of a three hitter either.

Odds are he ends up right in the middle of that in the 5-or-6 hole. Guy is turning into a doubles machine, his slugging percentage has increased almost 80 points in the three year span SwisherBuck mentioned.

His body is finally filling out and were seeing more power come with age. Hard to believe he won't be 26 until May 15, he's been around a while. But he's just now hitting his prime, nothing but growth to show for it thus far.

[ChadS17]

Well, our good friend Steven Wright started for Boston yesterday against Lars Anderson's 5TH(!) team since the trade. This has the potential to be one horrible trade if it isn't already one. Here's an interesting read:

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/r ... story.html

[A.Zajac]

Well, our good friend Steven Wright started for Boston yesterday against Lars Anderson's 5TH(!) team since the trade. This has the potential to be one horrible trade if it isn't already one. Here's an interesting read:

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/r ... story.html

Are we still REALLY going to bring this up? Dear Lord....

[GeronimoSon]

Well, our good friend Steven Wright started for Boston yesterday against Lars Anderson's 5TH(!) team since the trade. This has the potential to be one horrible trade if it isn't already one. Here's an interesting read:

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/r ... story.html

He did a good job in his first spring outing.. good for him.. The uniqueness of that pitch and the willingness of the Red Sox to develop him should pay dividends...

[SwisherBuck11]

Masterson named the #1 and Jimenez the #2 for the start of the season

[Hermie13]

Well, our good friend Steven Wright started for Boston yesterday against Lars Anderson's 5TH(!) team since the trade. This has the potential to be one horrible trade if it isn't already one. Here's an interesting read:

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/r ... story.html

Or a great trade for Cleveland since we needed Lars to land Bauer

[Hermie13]

Interesting to see the thoughts on Brantley, no way he is going to be hitting ninth behind guys like Stubbs or Chisenhall. That said, I certainly don't think his game warrants that of a three hitter either.

Odds are he ends up right in the middle of that in the 5-or-6 hole. Guy is turning into a doubles machine, his slugging percentage has increased almost 80 points in the three year span SwisherBuck mentioned.

His body is finally filling out and were seeing more power come with age. Hard to believe he won't be 26 until May 15, he's been around a while. But he's just now hitting his prime, nothing but growth to show for it thus far.

I like him in the 5-hole now too but still think he could be moved up to the 2 or 3 spot at some point. Don't see him putting up 50+ steals, but I still think he can be like Carl Crawford near the top of the order (the Rays version, not Boston version). Think he can still develop 10-12 HR pop with 40-50 doubles. That still plays in the 5 or 6 spot but if he can keep his OBP up needs to be in front of the big boppers IMO.

[Prosecutor]

Good point about Brantley's increase in OPS, TheWord. That's not all that has increased. His offensive production is really trending up the last three years.

OPS has increased 127 points from 2010-2012, from .623 to .750.
Doubles increased from 9 to 37 from 2010 to 2012, in about twice as many at-bats. So his rate of hitting doubles has, well, doubled.
His slugging percentage is up 75 points in the last two years.
His batting average the last three years; .246, .266, .288.
His offense has steadily improved over the last three years to where he's a legitimate corner outfielder now. The only thing that hasn't increased is the home runs, but I'll take .288/.750 from a good defensive left fielder anytime, especially considering he's still working cheap.

The question is whether he's topped out or whether that upward curve will continue for another year. No way he adds another 20 points to his BA, but I'd like to see him edge up into the .290's with a few more extra base hits to get his OPS to that .800 level.

At the same time his stolen base percentage is declining. His first two years in Cleveland he was 14-for-16. The last two years he is 25-for-39. Francona said if you're not successful 80% of the time you shouldn't be running. In that case, Brantley will be about 6-for-10 this year. It will be interesting to see if Francona has him running at all.

It seems like he is getting stronger and hitting for more power but at the cost of speed. He's listed at 6'2", 200 pounds. He's not a slap hitter anymore. He's grown into a pretty big boy.

I say bat him 5th or 6th. If it ain't broke...

[Prosecutor]

Brantley is off to a great start this spring. He's 5-for-6 with four doubles.

"I wish we could bottle where his swing is at right now," said Francona. "His first four swings this spring were almost perfect. It was gorgeous."

He's estimated to be out for 10 days. Damn. At least he'll have 3-4 weeks to get back on track by Opening Day.

[GeronimoSon]

Brantley is off to a great start this spring. He's 5-for-6 with four doubles.

"I wish we could bottle where his swing is at right now," said Francona. "His first four swings this spring were almost perfect. It was gorgeous."

He's estimated to be out for 10 days. Damn. At least he'll have 3-4 weeks to get back on track by Opening Day.

Now comes a rehearsal to determine if the Indians have the depth necessary to be a contender in the 2013 season. The loss of a key player has led to the undoing in the past.. and will be, at the very least, rehearsed with Michael Brantley not available to play. Spring training reveals more than who's hot.. it reveals who's capable and who the front office and coaching staff trusts more than anyone or anything else..

[Hermie13]

Good point about Brantley's increase in OPS, TheWord. That's not all that has increased. His offensive production is really trending up the last three years.

OPS has increased 127 points from 2010-2012, from .623 to .750.
Doubles increased from 9 to 37 from 2010 to 2012, in about twice as many at-bats. So his rate of hitting doubles has, well, doubled.
His slugging percentage is up 75 points in the last two years.
His batting average the last three years; .246, .266, .288.
His offense has steadily improved over the last three years to where he's a legitimate corner outfielder now. The only thing that hasn't increased is the home runs, but I'll take .288/.750 from a good defensive left fielder anytime, especially considering he's still working cheap.

The question is whether he's topped out or whether that upward curve will continue for another year. No way he adds another 20 points to his BA, but I'd like to see him edge up into the .290's with a few more extra base hits to get his OPS to that .800 level.

At the same time his stolen base percentage is declining. His first two years in Cleveland he was 14-for-16. The last two years he is 25-for-39. Francona said if you're not successful 80% of the time you shouldn't be running. In that case, Brantley will be about 6-for-10 this year. It will be interesting to see if Francona has him running at all.

It seems like he is getting stronger and hitting for more power but at the cost of speed. He's listed at 6'2", 200 pounds. He's not a slap hitter anymore. He's grown into a pretty big boy.

I say bat him 5th or 6th. If it ain't broke...

For me the biggest thing has been his improved OBP, raised it over 50 pts from 2010 to 2011. Walk rate rose nearly 2% in that time as well (k-rate dropped too). His ISO did drop in 2012 from 2011 but just barely. Still see room for some added pop. Great athlete and good frame as mentioned.

I disagree a bit when you say there's "no way" he raises his batting average another 20 pts. A .308 AVG is not out of his reach IMO (though not a stat I'd worry about). He hit over .300 at several stretches last year. If he can continue to grow as a hitter a .310+ average and .360+ OBP is realistic in his future IMO. If he keeps that walk rate up (or even better, raises it) he is a top of the lineup guy. Throw in his reduced k-rate and he is a guy it'd want in that 2 or 3 hole doing hit and runs and hitting that open hole on the right side when a guy is on first.

Do think him hitting 5th to start the year is a fair spot though. Going to be interesting to see how he hits with a legit bat like Santana behind him. Was intentionally walked 12 times last year, good for 6th in the AL. He's should see more good pitches, which is another reason I think he can hit over .300 this year.