Look ahead at Rule 5/40 man decisions--For Trade Discussion

[petes999]

I know that Tony hates these discussion so early … but hopefully we won’t have time for it in August/September as we will be counting down the games to a title. Plus, with the trade deadline coming, we can talk about using some excess we have for a bat before it is taken for nothing when December comes. But, looking at it all we have is excess pitching, mainly relievers … and we may not be that bad come December than I thought before looking at the list.

Starters (11) – Carmona, Masterson, Tomlin, White, Talbot, Gomez, McAllister, Klubler, Huff, De La Cuz, Rondon
Rule 5 eligible -- Barnes, Wright, A. Perez, Berger, MacFarland
Analysis – Honestly I don’t see Talbot with the team next year as he has no options left and it would mean someone is injured where we need him. But, will Tribe get rid of them in November … probably not. Thought that Huff had no options remaining after this year but he at least has 1 (2 per Tony’s list). I don’t see him as an option next year as they keep overlooking him and Rondon will be back. But, with the option remaining, they won’t cut him. Klubler, even with the rough season, has potential and options, so I don’t see cutting him. DeLaCruz, no matter how bad is going to get one more year as he is a hard throwing lefty- think Hagadone. And, the only one in this group to add is Barnes and possibly MacFarland.

Relievers (9) – Sipp, Perez, Perez, Smith, Pestano, Durbin, Judy, Hermann, Hagadone,
Rule 5 eligible – Putnam, Price, Landis, Langwell, Bryson, Stowell, Miller, Popham, C. Jones, Berger
Analysis – Here is the biggest decision as Durbin is gone but what do you do with Bryson and Stowell? I assume Putnam and Miller are added unless Miller loses his finger again. I assume Stowell is added, but Bryson may be left off due to how little he has pitched the last few years. One of Judy or Hermann may be traded for lower level talent with potential as they will never be a closer while Bryson and Stowell could.

Catchers (2) – Marson and Santana
Rule 5 eligible – Roberto Perez
Analysis – Do nothing as Perez is too far down and may be taken due to being a defensive specialist but little chance of sticking due to having no bat.

Infield (9) – Chisenhall, Laporta, A. Cabrera, O. Cabrera, Phelps, Donald, Hannahan, Goedert, Valbuena
Rule 5 eligible – A. Martinez , Juan Diaz, Beau Mills (Kipnis next year)
Analysis – The question is do you bring up Kipnis to fill a spot for his bat or do you hope Valbuena can fill in. Feel sorry for Valbuena though as he will only be up for a few days with All-Star break coming until 18th when we need the next starter. But, hopefully, Cabrera, Hanahan and Goedert are gone to free up space for those on 60 day (Crowe, White) and a few relievers/starters. Diaz may be picked but won't stick due to not having the bat like Rodriquez but has a better glove. Then the question is what to do with Nick Johnson…

Outfield/DH (10) – Brantley, Buck, Carrera, Choo, Crowe, Duncan, Kearns, Sizemore, Weglarz, Hafner
Rule 5 eligible – Abreu, Fedroff, Greenwell, McBride, Hufmann, Drennen, Head
Analysis – Really no one on this list sticks out except Fedroff and Abreu. However, Abreu won’t be picked as he has no plate discipline and Fedroff is a utility outfielder at best and Cleveland won’t protect him and leave off Crowe. And, there is room to cut with Kearns, Buck and Duncan (at least 2)

40-man count without DL is 41

Cuts (6) – Kearns, O. Cabrera, Durbin, Hanahan, Buck, Duncan
Adds (5) – Barnes, Stowell, Putnam, Miller, Johnson(?)

Maybe left unprotected – MacFarland, Bryson, Fedroff, Price, Langwell, Diaz
Trades – 2 of Talbott, Huff, Hermann, Judy, Klubler for whatever we can get to add MacFarland just because he is a lefty and Bryson

Most notable left off – Langwell and Fedroff

In the end, we have a deep minor league system. Yet, I don't think we have too many high rated spare pieces laying around to get a decent bat. What can a Huff, Hermann, Judy, Klubler get you ??? NY gave us McAllister (Klubler equivalent) last year for Kearns that's about it ....

But, any trade -- 2/3 for 1 value for a bat, will help a little.

[homerawayfromhome]

I don't see Talbot on this squad next yr if he is on the team then someone got hurt. Personally I can see McAllister, Gomez and Barnes competing for that spot. Rondon will be back and DeLaCruz could (?) make some noise for a spot at some point. Pomeranz will likely see some time along the way next season.

Don't rule out a 2/3 for 1 trade that helps clear this up like for instance... Valbuena and Judy for a bat. Maybe Huff and Roberto Perez for bench bat. Kluber could also get DFA or sold off.

CCLee could pitch his way onto the team next yr as well. The tribe could make some a trade or two this offseason as well that helps clear up some roster dilemmas as well.

[criznit2009]

I don't see Talbot on this squad next yr if he is on the team then someone got hurt. Personally I can see McAllister, Gomez and Barnes competing for that spot. Rondon will be back and DeLaCruz could (?) make some noise for a spot at some point. Pomeranz will likely see some time along the way next season.

Don't rule out a 2/3 for 1 trade that helps clear this up like for instance... Valbuena and Judy for a bat. Maybe Huff and Roberto Perez for bench bat. Kluber could also get DFA or sold off.

CCLee could pitch his way onto the team next yr as well. The tribe could make some a trade or two this offseason as well that helps clear up some roster dilemmas as well.

CC lee will play at some point next year for sure, unless something happens where he physically can't....

[homerawayfromhome]

@ criznit2009 agreed CCLee will see the bigs next yr. Pointing that out but there is always the possibility of injury and trade, can't see the latter and hope against the former. With the depth in this system, in particular with bullpen arms seeing a bullpen arm moved in a pkg deal for a bat wouldn't be too suprising. Even a guy we'd all love to keep around like Lee.

[MadThinker88]

Everyone knows I like talking on this topic.
My initial comment is this- Rob Bryson will be protected this offseason if he is still with the organization (possibility of being part of a trade). Otherwise he will get taken and he will stick in someone's bullpen.

His injury at the start of this season was a fluke (running accident) so it shouldn't be held against him.
As he rounded into shape last season (coming back from his prior arm/ shoulder injury) he showed how good he could be going thru 3 levels: 33 games, 53.1 IP, 31 H, 5 HRA, 21 BB, 80 k, WHIP 0.975

The depth of the Tribe arms and late start to this season has made it easy for people to forget & overlook Rob's talent.

[Lloyd Christmas]

Relievers (9) – Sipp, Perez, Perez, Smith, Pestano, Durbin, Judy, Hermann, Hagadone,
Rule 5 eligible – Putnam, Price, Landis, Langwell, Bryson, Stowell, Miller, Popham, C. Jones, Berger
Analysis – Here is the biggest decision as Durbin is gone but what do you do with Bryson and Stowell? I assume Putnam and Miller are added unless Miller loses his finger again. I assume Stowell is added, but Bryson may be left off due to how little he has pitched the last few years. One of Judy or Hermann may be traded for lower level talent with potential as they will never be a closer while Bryson and Stowell could.

This is definitely the area that jumped out. Currently 5 very good ML relievers with more than a handful in the upper minors that project to be above average. Problem is, do any of the younger ones have much trade value?

I disagree that Miller is likely added, though I really hope he forces the Indians to make that decision. They just have so many good relievers. If Lee keeps performing like this he should start next year in the Majors. Putnam and Hagadone appear likely also. Bryson and Stowell are too talented to not keep and agree that Judy and Herrmann could and probably should be the ones let go.

[criznit2009]

I like Putnam but CC Lee is about 2 weeks away from jumping over him IMO.. We will see but don't think he (Putnam)is much of an option at this point though he will surely be protected if not traded. Quality depth is a wonderful thing. CC Lee might even make the majors this year if he keeps up those ridiculous K numbers.

[tribetime34]

I disagree that Miller is likely added, though I really hope he forces the Indians to make that decision. They just have so many good relievers. If Lee keeps performing like this he should start next year in the Majors. Putnam and Hagadone appear likely also. Bryson and Stowell are too talented to not keep and agree that Judy and Herrmann could and probably should be the ones let go.

I don't think it would be smart to get rid of Herrmann and Judy. These guys are major league ready and have shown that. They have been contributors to the team and should break camp with the team next year. Bryson and Stowell have a hard time staying healthy and probably won't contribute to the team for another 2 years. Putnam and Hagadone are inconsistent and not major league ready either.

[A.Zajac]

I disagree that Miller is likely added, though I really hope he forces the Indians to make that decision. They just have so many good relievers. If Lee keeps performing like this he should start next year in the Majors. Putnam and Hagadone appear likely also. Bryson and Stowell are too talented to not keep and agree that Judy and Herrmann could and probably should be the ones let go.

I don't think it would be smart to get rid of Herrmann and Judy. These guys are major league ready and have shown that. They have been contributors to the team and should break camp with the team next year. Bryson and Stowell have a hard time staying healthy and probably won't contribute to the team for another 2 years. Putnam and Hagadone are inconsistent and not major league ready either.

I disagree with you somewhat. Herrmann is, IMO, a very average major league reliever and easily replaceable, as is Judy. Judy has not performed at an elite when given the opportunity in Cleveland, while Herrmann has shown glimpses of promise, he's been inconsistent.

[Edible14]

There will be another spot, methinks. Crowe and Goedert would both probably clear waivers if DFA'd, and if not they're no big loss. Goedert's only tool is his bat, and that hasn't even been that great since his insanely hot start at AAA last year. Crowe is proven mediocrity, and the Indians have other options as 4th OF (Zeke!), so I'd be willing to gamble putting him on waivers. If Crowe ends up in the minors this year, he'll have to clear them anyway, as he only has one option year left. I expect that at some point, the Indians will make a trade for an OF near the trade deadline who would be our 4th next year, and Zeke and Weglarz being at AAA will provide the team some depth (along with Fedroff and whoever else who isn't on the 40).

As for who goes with that spot... could be a lot of things. It could be a veteran FA (because they happen). Could be Bryson. Can't imagine it being anyone else.

This is a year where we should have plenty of spots on our 40, and we won't have many guys that need to be added. Any one that ends up taken is not going to be a huge loss, and will likely come from a position of depth for the team.

[TonyIBI]

I've got a feeling De La Cruz may not escape a DFA this year or in the offseason.