While We’re Waiting… The waiting is the hardest part

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Baseball! “This is the first real place my predictions will deviate from elsewhere. It’s no secret that I liked what the Indians did this offseason; adding Nick Swisher, Mark Reynolds, and Michael Bourn to a lineup that already had Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana more than makes up for the departure of Shin-Soo Choo to Cincinnati. Drew Stubbs won’t be anything special in right field, but both Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall are young players that could take a step forward. Jason Kipnis was merely a tad above league average hitter last year, but for a second baseman that’s good enough to put him in the top ten in the league.

They’re also the best-fielding team in the division, which isn’t saying much because top to bottom the AL Central doesn’t play very good defense. Still, with three centerfielders in the outfield and generally average-to-above-average contributions across the infield, it’s a solid if unspectacular group of defenders with no glaring weak points, so long as Mark Reynolds remains firmly ensconced in his role as designated hitter and does not wander out on the field at first or, Heaven help you, third.” [Bernhardt/Sports on Earth]

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“First off, there is no guarantee that Grimes will be able to return to his former level as he is still recovering from the Achilles tear that knocked him out for the 2012 season in the opening game. While Grimes, who will turn 30 this year, told The Sun-Sentinel that he is “100 percent confident that I’ll be healthy in no time,” the reality is that players often struggle to return – especially at a position like defensive back that requires sudden stops, turns and other moves that stress the legs.

The Browns reportedly offered Grimes a contract for more than one year, but Grimes decided to bet on himself and sign a one-year deal with the Dolphins. If he can show he is the same player as he was in 2011 – when he was the third-best cornerback in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus – then Grimes can hit the free agent market again and look for a bigger payday.

That’s why it was smart for the Browns to offer a multi-year deal. If it turns out that Grimes was able to play at (or near) his previous level, the Browns would have prepaid for a second year of good play at a discounted price, rather than assuming the majority of the risk on a one-year deal.” [Moore/Red Right 88]

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“The Indians first round draft pick and 15thoverall selection in 2013, CF Tyler Naquin also spent some time in big league camp. His arm came as advertised, as he had an opportunity to uncork a few throws from his plus-plus cannon of a right arm. His bat impressed as well, going 2-10 with 2 RBI and a stolen base in big league camp. Scouts are still unconvinced about his eventual power output, but there’s little doubt that he has the type of swing that will consistently generate a high batting average. Combine that with an advanced approach at the plate that will provide plenty of walks, and Naquin profiles as a classic top of the order CF. The Indians believe he can stick in CF, and if he can remain there then his power profile isn’t as big of an issue than if he were to have to move to an OF corner.” [Ciammaichella/The DiaTribe]

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Ranking the 30 opening day starters. Oof. “26. Justin Masterson — Cleveland Indians (vs. Blue Jays, Tues. 7:07 ET) Hey, this isn’t Ubaldo Jimenez. What is going on here?” [Townsend/Big League Stew]

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Our old pal Carlos Boozer had an unfortunate celebration the other day. [Ball Don’t Lie]