May 20, 2013

Sunday Indians Notes: Beau Mills, the rotation and prospects

April 21, 2013 by 1 Comment

beau mills and tuve

Beau Mills and his bucking bulls: The Indians scoring 19 runs was not the strangest news I saw yesterday. No, not even close. It began with a pair of tweets from @Indians (here and here) sharing pictures of a young bucking bull named Tuve (after Astros infielder Jose Altuve) that happens to be owned by Indians third-base coach Brad Mills and his son Beau, Cleveland’s 1st-round pick in 2007.

I couldn’t believe it. The Mills family just owns a bull, named it after a Houston player and had it in front of Minute Maid Park on Saturday? So I Googled. And found the Plain Dealer‘s Paul Hoynes’ report from Friday night: It was true. Mills, the 26-year-old first baseman who the Indians pitched away to Cincinnati in June 2012, officially has retired from baseball and is raising several young bulls for a living. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… NBA Draft Board, Season Ending Grades, and More NFL Draft Talk

April 14, 2013 by 2 Comments

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.

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Leading off, SI’s Chris Mannix has an update to his draft board for the 2013 NBA Draft, slotting Nerlens Noel at the top, “I’m not sure whether it speaks to the weakness at the top of the draft or the potential of Noel, but multiple general managers of teams with lottery picks say that if they land at No. 1, Noel is the pick. “He is not Anthony Davis,” said an Eastern Conference executive. “Davis is better. But he [Noel] is a high-energy center who will rebound and block shots. He’s the guy.” [SI/Mannix]

Are All Baseball Sins Equal? Stephanie Liscio discusses the suspensions of Carlos Quentin and Carlos Carrasco, “For me though, I guess I can’t understand how Quentin got off with just eight games for starting a rather vicious fight and breaking a pitcher’s collar bone.  If Carrasco’s throw was intentional, yes it means that he’s immature and can’t control his temper.  He shouldn’t have thrown so close to Youkilis’s head if he meant to hit him.  On the other hand, Carrasco’s actions come across as a petulant tantrum to me.  Quentin’s outburst showed a level of rage and violence that you didn’t see from Carrasco.” [It's Pronounced Lajaway] [Read more...]

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MLB suspends Cleveland pitcher Carlos Carrasco for a second time; Indians activate Giambi

April 12, 2013 by 12 Comments

Cleveland pitcher Carlos Carrasco was fined an undisclosed amount and suspended 8 games for intentionally hitting Yankees hitter Kevin Youkilis during Tuesday’s game.  The start was Carrasco’s first start of the year, and came after serving a six game suspension for hitting a Kansas City Royal in his last start before injury.

Carrasco maintained that he did not intentionally throw at Youkilis, but that he slipped while throwing the pitch. The video evidence would suggest that Carrasco slipped after the ball had been released.

Carrasco could appeal the suspension, although if the team timed his recall correctly (which of course they would) he could miss just one start. He is currently on the Columbus Clippers roster and would have to be activated in order to start serving the suspension.

The Indians also announced some other moves to the active roster today-

“Recalled LHP NICK HAGADONE from AAA Columbus

Activated INF/DH JASON GIAMBI from the 15-day Disabled List

Placed RHP MATT ALBERS on the Paternity List

Optioned RHP COREY KLUBER to Columbus

Hagadone was optioned to AAA Columbus on April 2 and made 2 scoreless appearances with the Clippers, fanning 5 of the 12 batters he faced (2.1IP, 2H, 0R, 3BB, 5K). This spring Nick posted an ERA of 0.93 in 10 relief appearances (9.2IP, 6H, 1R/ER, 2BB, 11K).

Giambi is making his Indians roster debut after signing with the club on February 9. He was added to the Major League roster on March 25 and placed on the 15-day DL with a lower back strain.”

Kluber of course was brought up to take the place of Carrasco and start in Myers’ spot because Brett Myers pitched the rest of the game Tuesday after Carrasco’s ejection. Kluber did not get to make a start due to the rain-outs the last two nights.

[Related: Hoping the Indians used the rain to regroup]

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Video: Carlos Carrasco ejected after hitting Kevin Youkilis

April 10, 2013 by 13 Comments

As Matt Dery pointed out on Twitter, the most interesting thing about this video is Rick Manning not falling for Carrasco’s fake tripping routine and nearly admonishing him for doing what got him suspended last time.

“He didn’t fall down. That was intentional,” Manning said.

See it for yourself.

In the end, the umpire might have done him a favor as Carrasco gave up 7 runs and 2 homers in helping the Indians to a 14-1 shellacking at the hands of the New York Yankees.

[Related: Yankees 14, Indians 1: One week in and the rotation is a big problem]

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Yankees 14, Indians 1: One week in and the rotation is a big problem

April 10, 2013 by 34 Comments

Carlos CarrascoI am not one to panic. Especially with 150-plus games left on the schedule. The hot starts for the Tribe the last two years resulted in nothing. But obviously you would like to see the lesser parts of your team do well early to give them confidence as the season starts to build.

It was no secret that the weak link of the 2013 Cleveland Indians would be their starting rotation. All five spots offered question marks. Would Justin Masterson regain his 2011 form? On perhaps his last chance here, would Ubaldo Jimenez ever be the guy he was in Colorado? Would Brett Myers be able to transition back into being a starter after spending 2012 in the bullpen? Was Zach McAllister ready for prime time? Who would emerge from the group of candidates to become the fifth starter?

Well we aren’t even two turns through the rotation and the Indians are already going to be on their seventh different starting pitcher tonight when someone – probably Corey Kluber –  will be called up from Columbus. This doesn’t even include the man who won the fifth starter spot this Spring, Scott Kazmir. His injury set things in motion and they haven’t stopped. [Read more...]

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Tribe Season Preview Part Two: The Pitching Staff

April 2, 2013 by 13 Comments

Justin MastersonTerry Francona’s re-made Indians will take the field full of confidence and excitement, ready to turn the page on the debacle that was the close of the 2012 season and the Manny Acta era. ActaBall is no more. Long Live TitoBall. Ownership had seen enough. The hiring of Francona signalled a new day was upon us. It was time to turn the page and move forward. There was an enormous amount of negative energy surrounding the franchise. Things had to change. We just had no idea how quickly and how massive the changes would be.

Gone (for now) are the days of seeing a band of merry-4A players rotating in left field, third base, and the utility spots. GM Chris Antonetti, with the help of Team President Mark Shapiro and owner Paul Dolan, added not one, but two big name, big money free agents. Between Francona, Nick Swisher, and Michael Bourn, the Indians want you all to know that they mean business. A once barren farm system is getting stronger with the addition of top prospect Trevor Bauer in the Shin-Soo Choo trade. Bauer joins Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Tyler Naquin, Ronny Rodriguez, and Shawn Armstrong as names to know down on the farm.

But it is no longer about the future. It is about the NOW.

[Read more...]

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MLB News: Kazmir, Giambi, Raburn make Indians roster

March 25, 2013 by 4 Comments

As expected, the Indians made some decisions and announcements this afternoon as it pertains to their Opening Day 25-man roster. The team’s official Twitter account broke some of the nuances, none of which were all that surprising based on existing predictions.

Notably: LHP Scott Kazmir, RHP Carlos Carrasco, LHP Nick Hagadone, RHP Bryan Shaw, 1B/DH Jason Giambi and IF/OF Ryan Raburn all officially will be on the team’s roster. Technically, Carrasco will be serving a six-game suspension at the start of the year, so the Tribe will be down to 24 men.

The fact that Kazmir and Carrasco might both make the team was not news today. Because of Carrasco’s suspension, and the fact the Indians start the season with 13 straight gamedays, it was thought that the front office might decide to roster 6 starters. This also delays the eventuality of deciding who might be the No. 5 starter long-term, as Kazmir had the better spring, but both haven’t pitched much since 2011.

On the position player side of things, both Giambi and Raburn were expected to land near-final 25-man nods. Along with C Lou Marson, these three beat out IF Cord Phelps and C Yan Gomes, who both were sent down to Triple-A Columbus.

The last decision remaining is for one final reliever on the roster. The two most likely candidates are RHP Matt Albers and LHP David Huff.

Finally, the @Indians added one vital caveat to these tweets today: “barring injury.” That’s almost the entire for now and we’ll see for certain if anything changes between now and next Tuesday, when the Tribe open the season in Toronto against the Blue Jays.

[Related: Four Stat-Lines to Watch on the 2013 Indians]

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The Weekend That Was in Wahooland

February 25, 2013 by 18 Comments

Scott KazmirThe weekend in Wahooland saw the games beginning in Arizona. We have been hearing about how great the vibe is in camp and how loose yet focused the Indians have been under new skipper Terry Francona. Now it was time to see how that translated into Spring Training games. The results in these tilts are meaningless, but the Tribe won all four, including two split-squad games Sunday afternoon. There was lots to like. Here were some of the takeaways:

The first lineup we saw will be something close to what will be on opening day, barring injury. Francona’s Friday nine was Michael Bourn, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jason Kipnis, Nick Swisher, Michael Brantley, Carlos Santana, Mark Reynolds, Lonnie Chisenhall, and Drew Stubbs. If seeing that batting order, with nine real legit major league ball players, didn’t make you feel better about the team, then nothing will. A full year of bottom fours that included the likes of Shelley Duncan, Jack Hannahan, Casey Kotchman, and Brett Lillibridge will make you wonder how your team can compete. This year’s one through nine looks to have no holes in it.

In that first game, the Indians trailed 5-0 after the top of the first, but struck back to take a 7-5 lead by the end of the third. All of the damage was done by those starters. The highlights a the two-run blast from Chisenhall, two doubles from Brantley, and an RBI single from Swisher in his first at-bat as in Indian. The Tribe won 11-10 on a walk-off bases-loaded double off the bat of Mike McDade. [Read more...]

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On the 2013 Indians starting rotation and narratives

February 23, 2013 by 4 Comments

Ubaldo JimenezLast year, in spring training, I remember the WFNY crew was banging our heads against a wall trying to come up with Indians content. There ain’t no shortage of narratives and storylines this year. And that’s fun for everyone. Positives!

But today, I hope to tackle one specific topic from Jon’s “optimism” article earlier this week: the starting rotation. It’s a topic that divides a lot of fans’ and analysts’ opinions regarding the potential of the 2013 Indians. And while I know there could be millions of other arguments, I wanted to do a three-step piece today.

First, I’ll share an debate as to how exactly the Indians were “historically” bad in 2012. Then, I’ll share some intriguing narratives behind three of the starters. And finally, overall about narratives and the upcoming season.

This won’t necessarily be all stats-y, again, but that’s how it will start off for now. I’d love to hear your thoughts and expectations in the comments as well. [Read more...]

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MLB News: Carrasco Likely To Be On Innings Limit In 2013

February 2, 2013 by 5 Comments

In an article primarily focused on the need for Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez needing to bounce back for the Tribe rotation to be effective in 2013, Indians.com’s Jordan Bastian also adds that it is likely that Tribe starter Carlos Carrasco, who had Tommy John Surgery late in 2011, will likely be on an innings limit next season as he looks to return to the starting rotation.

Bastian writes:

“‘In Carlos’ case,” Antonetti said, ‘we do have to be cognizant of him completing his rehab process and his innings restrictions this year.’

That said, Carrasco still has a realistic shot at making the Opening Day staff.

“We’ll try to go with the team that we feel gives us the best chance to win games to start the season,” Antonetti said. “That’ll be the primary driver in any decisions we make in Spring Training.’”

Carrasco went 8-9 with a 4.62 ERA in 21 starts before winding up on the DL. He also posted clips of 2.9 BB/9, 6.1 K/9, and 2.13 K/BB that season.

The Tribe rotation will feature Masterson, Jimenez, free agent signing Brett Myers, and a competition between new hot prospect acquisition Trevor Bauer, Carrasco, and the most consistent starter in 2012 Zach McAllister for the final two spots. Corey Kluber, David Huff, and Scott Kazmir, as Bastian mentions, all come to camp with a shot at the fifth spot as well.

Related: Hafner Heads East.. PEACE!

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Trevor Bauer, and the Indians’ starting pitching outlook

December 13, 2012 by 9 Comments

Trevor Bauer is a game-changer. Yes, the new Cleveland wunderkind is only 21 (he turns 22 in January) and has just 4 (bad) games of MLB experience under his belt, but his sheer presence drastically changes the starting pitching algorithm for the Cleveland Indians going forward.

Obviously, there’s a certain amount of risk associated with Bauer. I’d be amiss if I didn’t address that. According to all the reports out there, he’s eccentric, stubborn, abnormally intelligent, a bad rapper, practically revolutionary and thus, seemingly was at odds with Arizona’s upper management, which is why the No. 3 overall pick in 2011 was on the trade block at all. He could not become the star many expect him to be. That’s possible, and you always have to address that fact when dealing with a very limited MLB sample size.

But, undoubtedly, the UCLA product has more upside and MLB-readiness by far than any other starter in the entire Indians system. He could immediately slot into the starting rotation from day one — but it’s not exactly certain if that will be the case. Either way, with the Indians owning his rights through 2018 (at least), and the fact he’s dominated AA/AAA batters, he’s the bright future of the Indians pitching outlook for many years to come. [Read more...]

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MLB News: Indians activate Carlos Carrasco

November 2, 2012 by 4 Comments

The Cleveland Indians announced on Friday that they have activated right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco, left-handed pitcher Rafael Perez and right-handed pitcher Josh Tomlin from the 60-day Disabled List.

Also today the Indians claimed right-handed pitcher Blake Wood off outright waivers from the Kansas City Royals, bringing the total number of players under control on the 40-man roster to 38.

Wood, 27, missed the entire 2012 season after experiencing right elbow soreness in spring training that eventually led to reconstructive surgery on May 25. The Georgia Tech alum was KC’s 3rd round pick in the 2006 draft and owns a 2-year Major League career record of 6-6 w/a 4.30 ERA in 106 relief appearances (119.1IP, 120H, 57ER). The hard-throwing right-hander was a mainstay in the KC ‘pen in 2011, going 5-3 with a 3.75 ERA in 55 games (69.2IP, 66H, 29ER, 32BB, 62K).

Carrasco, acquired in the trade for former Cy Young-winner Cliff Lee, missed the entire 2012 MLB season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He is expected to be ready for the 2013 training camp.

[Related: The Tigers Get Swept, Your Boy Rejoices, And The Tribe Decisions Three Days Away]

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Only Losers Live Here: Re-imagining What Might Have Been In The Cliff Lee Trade

March 23, 2012 by 34 Comments

It is a sore subject for Tribe fans as it should be.

Back on July 29th of 2009, the Indians sent Cy Young award winning starting pitcher Cliff Lee to Philadelphia. At the time, the Phillies were streaking towards the postseason while the Indians were in full regression mode. It was the second consecutive year in which the Tribe dealt their best assests to reload with prospects. Lee was their biggest chip and it was of the utmost importance that they cashed in on him big time.

The Phillies were flush with top tier prospects. In 2009, everyone knew their best guy was AA starting pitcher Kyle Drabek. Next on the list were a pair of outfielders, Domonic Brown and Michael Taylor. The Indians tried everything they could to hold out for Drabek, but the Phillies refused to include him. Brown and Taylor were intriguing, but at the time, the Tribe thought they were set long-term with Grady Sizemore, Shin-Soo Choo, and a soon to be ready Michael Brantley in the outfield. They wanted arms. So they settled for the next best options.  [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…Feeling Kinda Sunday

September 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I think the Browns are going to look good on offense throughout the game, but the Bengals’ defense isn’t one we can just walk all over. Cleveland’s running game is a bit questionable right now because we didn’t get to see it on display during the preseason much, and the offensive line is shaky too. Dalton is going to have a tough time to start off the game, and I see Cleveland jumping out to an early two-possession lead. From there, I expect Cincinnati to grind things out on the ground and Dalton to start hitting a couple of throws to put the pressure back on Cleveland. The Bengals will score with a couple of minutes left in the fourth quarter, but Cleveland will close out the game from there.” [Chris Pokorny/Dawgs by Nature]

[Read more...]

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Carlos Carrasco to Have Tommy John Surgery – Out for 2012 Season

September 6, 2011 by 16 Comments

Rumors began to swirl last week that Carlos Carrasco would need Tommy John surgery – ending not only his 2011 season but almost certainly wiping out all of his 2012 season. Those rumors were confirmed this afternoon, with the AP’s Tom Withers, among others,  reporting that he will indeed undergo TJ surgery and have the 2012 season wiped out. Carrasco was 8-9 with a 4.62 ERA in 21 games this season.  He was the club’s best and most reliable starter through this season’s rough June stretch.  Carrasco went to the DL on August 8th, in the middle of serving a suspension for throwing at the Royals’ Billy Butler.  He experienced elbow inflammation – a symptom which often portends Tommy John and missed seasons.  The surgery will take place next Wednesday in New York City.  Paul Hoynes reminds us that the only healthy and contributing (use that term loosely) bodies left from the Cliff Lee deal are Lou Marson and Jason Donald.

MLB.com and Tribe beat reporter Jordan Bastian tweets that Tribe trainer Lonnie Soloff has said that Carrasco likely suffered a traumatic elbow injury as a teenager as the MRI revealed damage consistent with an old injury.

To add a little extra spice to the Tuesday afternoon pitching news, Tracy Ringolsby is reporting that Drew Pomeranz will make his Major League debut for the Rockies this Sunday.  As the Lee deal reminds us, though, TINSTAAPP!

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On the Wisdom of Sending David Huff to Columbus

August 4, 2011 by 24 Comments

What if I told you we have a pitcher under club control for the next four seasons who is striking out more than 7.5 batters per nine innings, walking about 2.0, and hasn’t allowed a home run yet this season?

Now what if I told you that pitcher was David Huff, who just got optioned back to Columbus to make room on the Big League roster for the newly added Ubaldo Jimenez?

Now, what if I told you that Carlos Carrasco has been suspended for six games for doing something silly, opening up a spot in the rotation?  On top of that, since the beginning of July, Carrasco has a 9.13 ERA. Woof.  But he’s sticking on the roster for the time being, suspension and all, while David Huff dances down I-71 to ply his trade in the minors.

Finally, what if I told you only a stupid organization would have kept David Huff on the 25-man roster in light of all this? [Read more...]

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Royals Embarrass Tribe

July 30, 2011 by 6 Comments

Is it football season yet?  The Indians seem to be in an inexorable regression where each night is a contest to outdo the embarrassing woes of the previous game.  They have completely squandered a light schedule coming out of the All Star break but it’s how they have squandered that has been so soul-crushing.

Last night, on the heels of a 5 error, no-hitter by Ervin Santana, the Tribe was humiliated at home by last place Kansas City.  Carlos Carrasco came completely unglued.  He gave up 7 runs in just over 3 innings pitched.  However, he didn’t exit because of poor performance.  Carrasco threw right at the head of Billy Butler immediately after a Melky Cabrera grand slam put the game out of reach.  Cabrera stood there and admired his bomb but Carrasco completely lost it – you can’t throw at someone above the shoulders and Carlos was rightly ejected immediately and criticized by Tribe media, including Rick Manning.

[Read more...]

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Indians At the Break: The Starting Rotation

July 13, 2011 by 3 Comments

The Indians head into the All-Star break a surprising 47-42 and a half game out of first place in the AL Central. Many experts think they have done it with smoke and mirrors. I believe they have gotten this far thanks to Actaball- a combination of great pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting. Regardless of how they have gotten to this point, during the break from the action, WFNY will take a look at the four cogs of this roster, how they evolved during the first half, and where they look to be going forward through the rest of the season. On Monday we assessed the outfield and DH positions. Yesterday it was the infield and catching positions Today in the third of our four part series, we will move to the starting rotation. [Read more...]

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Big Weekend Set for the Tribe

July 9, 2011 by 1 Comment

The Indians head into the weekend with a half game lead in the AL Central and two crucial games remaining in the Blue Jays series before the All-Star break.  The first half of the season has been a roller coaster – unexpected success has Cleveland fans back “in the Tribe” and ready for a second half summer of thrills.  A brutal June has passed and the Indians are now looking to win their fourth series in a row after that debacle in San Francisco.

To be perfectly trite and Wedge-like, every game is just 1 of 162.  But this weekend seems bigger.  It would be deflating to enter the break having relinquished a lead in the Central.  They worked so hard to build the lead in May with amazing victories and then fight through poor play and a spate of injuries in June to stay up there.  There’s some mental component to getting in first and staying out there for nearly the entire season and then losing that title at the break. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Kyrie vs. Wall, Fickell Hiring Vrabel, and Cleveland’s Big Three

July 8, 2011 by 4 Comments

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

The Wall vs Irving comparison- “Kyrie Irving looked to be the much better college basketball player in his brief stint. As Beckley so often says, he played “a perfect 11 games.” I watched most of these, and was struck by the athleticism that many draftniks find lacking. Irving burned opponents on coast-to-coast drives with a control that looked effortless. He attacked with a methodical violence, often shifting pace like a pitcher changing speeds. In stylistic contrast, John Wall attacked with a predictable straight-line velocity that blurred my HD feed, but compromised Wall’s ability to keep possession. To continue the cross-sport analogy, Wall was a flame-thrower who struggled at taming his 103 MPH heaters into the strike zone.

Scouts prefer the latter skillset and they could be right. I recall not being impressed by Derrick Rose, the college player, and look at what young Derrick has already become in the NBA. Rose produced lukewarm NCAA stats, but did so with an athletic flair that draftniks correctly recognized as valuable. Wall is thought to be the next Rose and he did little to dispel such notions as a rookie. Injuries nagged an otherwise solid year and I have high expectations for his future. But I don’t think Wall will be better than Irving, a player Chad Ford compares to Mo Williams.” [Strauss/Hoopspeak.com]

[Read more...]

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