Every year I watch spring training and end up seeing numbers in the 60's and 70's donning the uniforms of my favorite ball club, the Cleveland Indians and have no clue who they are. This year I have put an end to that as the following article has the names and numbers (with a brief commentary) of all 59 players invited to Goodyear, Arizona this Cactus season. Some will be huge contributors, others will be inevidably cut by the second week of March. Just print a copy off, tune into STO on February 25th, and start dreaming of another odd year playoff appearance. Today will focus on the Pitchers, and Sunday will focus on the position players.
Pitchers
63 Rafael Betancourt Raffy right's 2009 season is a big one for both the Tribe and him. Will he repeat his disappointing 2008 or rekindle the his magical 2007 campaign? Bet on somewhere in the middle to be true. Imagine Indians brass is betting on him not pitching in the WBC (Venezuela) and focusing on spotting his fastball. 2010 is a club option so Raffy will need to prove to the Indians he is back. Hopefully 2008 was more of an abberation than an impending decline.
Interesting Tid Bit... Victor Martinez is the Godfather to his Betancourt's son.
55 Fausto Carmona Can Fausto cut down his walks and baffle A.L. hitters with his wicked slider? The Indians are leaning heavily on Carmona to help stabilize the 2 slot in the rotation. If his walks are down, his consistancy will return. Showed toughness and grit while pounding Gary Sheffield's face in late September game against Detroit. Just turned 25 in December.
Interesting Tid Bit... Fausto favorite movie? Major League 2.
57 Zach Jackson Zach has an outside shot at the roster as either a 5th starter or 7th man out of the pen. More likely headed to the Columbus rotation. One of four players acquired from Milwaukee in CC trade.
Interesting Tid Bit... Jackson's last two starts of 2008 were impressive, earning wins against eventual A.L. playoff participants Boston and Chicago (13 innings, 4 earned runs, 8 K's).
30 Masahide Kobayashi Kobayashi has a lot to prove in 2009 after pitching inconsistant the second half of last season. Club feels that Kobayashi wore down and only allowed him to throw in 3 games in September, eventually shutting him down after September 13th.
Intersting Tid Bit... Cousin to world renown Hot Dog eating champion Kobayashi. (no, not really).
32 Aaron Laffey Was A.L. Rookie Pitcher of the Month for May, developed some elbow trouble, and was eventually shut down for the season. Leading candidate to be teams' 5th starter. Lived in Cleveland during off season to refocus and train for 2009. Tribe brass still high on him as he lefty is just turning 24 in April and despite struggles posted a 4.23 ERA in 16 starts.
Interesting Tid Bit... Loves listening to 2Pac.
31 Cliff Lee What can you say about ole Clifton? 2008 Cy Young winner, All-Star starter, 22 game winner. If he is anywhere close to the pitcher he was last year, losing CC will be much easier to deal with. Mind Boggling 2.54 ERA with 170 K's. Ace of the staff.
Interesting Tid Bit...Lee's middle name is Phifer.
50 Jensen Lewis Was 13-13 in save opportunities as Tribe's de facto closer. Stuggled with velocity early on in 2008, but rebounded quite well posting a 1.59 era over his last 10 outings. Lewis will be relied upon as a 7th and 8th inning guy with having the potential to fill in at closer if Kerry Wood needs a day off or is placed on the Disabled List.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was college teammate to fellow Tribe pitcher Jeremy Sowers.
46 Scott Lewis This Ohio State Alum has an outside shot at the 5th slot in the rotation, more likely headed back home to Columbus. Won all 4 starts he made for the Indians in September, posting a 2.63 ERA. Threw a shutout in his Major League Debut.
Interesting Tid Bit... Majored in Sociology at THE Ohio State University.
59 John Meloan Right hander acquired from the Dodgers in the Casey Blake trade. Pegged as a late inning option in Triple A. Throws fastball in mid 90's, will be one of the first call ups if bullpen struggles.
Interesting Tid Bit... K'd 2 in his 2 games pitched last season in the majors with the Indians.
72 Adam Miller The eternal prospect who only just turned 24 in November. Fastball in upper 90's, but can't stay healthy. Reportedly 100% (we'll see) as his finger problems are apparently behind him. Has been moved to the bullpen to try and keep him on the field for an extended time. Outside shot at making the team as the 7th option out of the pen. May still be a starter again someday.
Interesting Tid Bit... Enjoys meat sandwiches.
49 Edward Mujica Posted a 6.75 ERA over 33 games, but actually went through a 10 inning scoreless streak, which means when he is bad, he is God awful. Out of options so has a shot at making the bullpen. More likely sent packing after lighting the Arizona sky with Rawlings products.
Interesting Tid Bit... Resides in Yagua, Venezuela. Hope he stays there come February 12th.
44 Carl Pavano Was blasted mercilessly and basically compared to a part of the female anatomy in Joe Torre's book. Dated Alyssa Milano. Pitched really crappy over his four years in New York. Indians hoping he can regain his 2004 form (big stretch) and be the teams' 3rd starter.
Interesting Tid Bit... May be arrested in June 2009 for stealing $1.5 million from Cleveland and its fans.
53 Rafael Perez Pitched solid in 2008, will probably be the only Lefty out of the pen. Likely main set up guy looking to continue his consistantcy. Posted a 3.54 ERA over 76 plus innings. An unsung contributor.
Interesting Tid Bit... Turns 27 in May.
27 Anthony Reyes Out of options, has inside track at 4th slot in the rotation. Put together 5 solid starts (2-1, 1.83 ERA in 34 plus innings) for the Tribe before being shut down September 5th as a precausion. Former top prospect for St. Louis needs to stay healthy to ever be counted on.
Interesting Tid Bit... Lost 10 straight games to start 2007 season.
75 Hector Rondon Soon to be 21 year old ticketed as ace of the Akron staff. Went 11-6 at Single A Kinston and rated as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America. Fastball clocked in the mid 90's.
Interesting Tid Bit... Played in the 2007 Futures game for the World Team during All-Star weekend.
56 Rich Rundles 6'5 Lefty gave up only one run over 5 innings of work over 8 games last September for the Tribe. Primarily a matchup lefty who is a great bullpen depth option who will probably start the season in Columbus. Will definitely see time in the Big Leagues in 2009.
Interesting Tid Bit... Throws side-arm.
70 Tony Sipp The off injured Sipp looks to rebound from Tommy John surgery. Looking to round out an impressive Columbus bullpen. Left hander experienced more arm pain in Winter Ball so the team is being cautiously optimistic in his return.
Interesting Tid Bit... Sports a career 2.74 ERA in the minors.
38 Joe Smith Acquired in December from the Mets as part of the 3 team deal involving Franklin Gutierrez. Sidearmer posted a 2.57 era over his last 10 games while New York was in the playoff hunt. Righties batted .192 against him. Virtual lock to make club as a matchup guy out of the pen.
Interesting Tid Bit... Grandparents live in Bay Village, Ohio.
45 Jeremy Sowers Jeremy's 2008 campaign was a roller coaster of a season that went primarily down, posting 4 wins in 22 starts with an ERA above 5. In the mix for the 5th slot, but pretty much a depth option. Former #1 pick has been unable to his 2006 form when he won 7 games and posted a 3.57 ERA. His velocity is up, but the difference between his fastball and changeup is to low (5mph) to be consistantly effective against major league hitters.
Interesting Tid Bit... Favorite music is New Wave and 80's. or loves the band AH-HA.
37 Jake Westbrook Jake signed a 3-year 30 million dollar contract in 2007 and subsequently needed Tommy John surgery causing Tribe fans to utter the phrase "only in Cleveland." Will try to make it back after the All-Star break to contrinbute to a hopeful playoff run. Westbrook is a hard worker and will be back to his regular form by 2010.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was traded to the Indians back in 2000 from the Yankees as part of the David Justice deal along with Zach Day and Ricky Ledee.
34 Kerry Wood Signed a 2 year, $20.5 million dollar deal with a $11 million vesting option in 2011. Saved 34 of 40 games for division winning Cubs. Tribe hopeful long history of arm troubles stay away. First fire baller to close for the Indians since John Rocker.
Interesting Tid Bit... Struck out 20 batters in one game in 1998.
Non Roster Invites
36 Greg Aquino posted a 2.45 ERA in 23 innings for Triple A Norfolk in 2008. Had 12.54 ERA in 9 games as an Oriole. Started season on 25-man roster.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was originally an infielder.
58 Jack Cassel 28 year righty pitched in 9 games for the Astros, posting a 5.64 ERA. Triple A bullpen option.
Interesting Tid Bit... Brother is New England Patriots QB Matt Cassel. Seriously!
39 Vinnie Chulk In the mix (longshot) for last bullpen spot. Posted a 4.83 ERA in 27 games for the Giants. Never was recalled after being sent to the minors in June, pitched adequately in Triple A Fresno, with a 3.65 ERA over 24 plus innings. Major contributor to SF bullpen in 2007 where he pitched in 57 games, going 5-4 with a 3.57 ERA.
Interesting Tid Bit... Has a degree in sports management.
64 Ryan Edell Lefty posted a 7-8 record with a 3.80 ERA over 26 starts in Double A Akron in 2008. Has excellent arm control meaning he slots the arm angle on his pitches mostly the same. Not much of a power pitcher as he throws in the low 90's. Likely an eventual bullpen candidate as a long man in Columbus.
Interesting Tid Bit... Likes eating Hamburgers.
40 Matt Herges 38 year old pitched in 58 games for Colorado in 2008, going 3-4 with a 5.04 ERA. Has appeared in 537 games over his 12 major league career for the Dodgers, Expos, Padres, Giants, Diamondbacks, Marlins and Rockies. First try at the A.L. Long shot to make bullpen, but may give Triple A a try. Threw 3 shutout innings in 2007 World Series.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was named in the Mitchell Report for taking Performance Inhancing Drugs.
69 David Huff 2008 Indians Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Lefty was 1st round pick out of UCLA in 2006. Real shot at rotation out of Spring Training, will definitely be first call up if doesn't break camp with the big league club. Demonstrates outstanding control as he only walked 29 batters in 26 minor league starts in 2008. Compiled a 5-1 record with a 1.92 ERA in Akron over 11 games. Went 6-4 with a 3.01 ERA in Buffalo over 16 starts. A Strike Trower who has a solid velocity (94mph fastball).
Interesting Tid Bit... Favorite player growing up was Tom Glavine.
16 Tomo Ohka Triple A Starting Pitching Depth Option. Has career 50-62 record in the big leagues. Went 5-11 with a 4.18 ERA in Triple A Charlotte in 2008 (White Sox affiliate).
Interesting Tid Bit... Mentioned in 2003 episode of The Simpsons.
54 Kirk Saarloos Spent most of 2008 season in Triple A Sacramento for Oakland as a starter, posting a 9-4 record and 4.22 ERA in 22 starts. Should make the rotation in Columbus.
Interesting Tid Bit... Career Record is 29-30 with a 5.02 ERA.
Special thanks to Tony Lastoria's book "2009 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects" for his analysis on Tribe minor leaguers. You can purchase his book at his site http://www.indiansprospectinsider.com/. Phenominal Tribe Resource!
Pitchers
63 Rafael Betancourt Raffy right's 2009 season is a big one for both the Tribe and him. Will he repeat his disappointing 2008 or rekindle the his magical 2007 campaign? Bet on somewhere in the middle to be true. Imagine Indians brass is betting on him not pitching in the WBC (Venezuela) and focusing on spotting his fastball. 2010 is a club option so Raffy will need to prove to the Indians he is back. Hopefully 2008 was more of an abberation than an impending decline.
Interesting Tid Bit... Victor Martinez is the Godfather to his Betancourt's son.
55 Fausto Carmona Can Fausto cut down his walks and baffle A.L. hitters with his wicked slider? The Indians are leaning heavily on Carmona to help stabilize the 2 slot in the rotation. If his walks are down, his consistancy will return. Showed toughness and grit while pounding Gary Sheffield's face in late September game against Detroit. Just turned 25 in December.
Interesting Tid Bit... Fausto favorite movie? Major League 2.
57 Zach Jackson Zach has an outside shot at the roster as either a 5th starter or 7th man out of the pen. More likely headed to the Columbus rotation. One of four players acquired from Milwaukee in CC trade.
Interesting Tid Bit... Jackson's last two starts of 2008 were impressive, earning wins against eventual A.L. playoff participants Boston and Chicago (13 innings, 4 earned runs, 8 K's).
30 Masahide Kobayashi Kobayashi has a lot to prove in 2009 after pitching inconsistant the second half of last season. Club feels that Kobayashi wore down and only allowed him to throw in 3 games in September, eventually shutting him down after September 13th.
Intersting Tid Bit... Cousin to world renown Hot Dog eating champion Kobayashi. (no, not really).
32 Aaron Laffey Was A.L. Rookie Pitcher of the Month for May, developed some elbow trouble, and was eventually shut down for the season. Leading candidate to be teams' 5th starter. Lived in Cleveland during off season to refocus and train for 2009. Tribe brass still high on him as he lefty is just turning 24 in April and despite struggles posted a 4.23 ERA in 16 starts.
Interesting Tid Bit... Loves listening to 2Pac.
31 Cliff Lee What can you say about ole Clifton? 2008 Cy Young winner, All-Star starter, 22 game winner. If he is anywhere close to the pitcher he was last year, losing CC will be much easier to deal with. Mind Boggling 2.54 ERA with 170 K's. Ace of the staff.
Interesting Tid Bit...Lee's middle name is Phifer.
50 Jensen Lewis Was 13-13 in save opportunities as Tribe's de facto closer. Stuggled with velocity early on in 2008, but rebounded quite well posting a 1.59 era over his last 10 outings. Lewis will be relied upon as a 7th and 8th inning guy with having the potential to fill in at closer if Kerry Wood needs a day off or is placed on the Disabled List.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was college teammate to fellow Tribe pitcher Jeremy Sowers.
46 Scott Lewis This Ohio State Alum has an outside shot at the 5th slot in the rotation, more likely headed back home to Columbus. Won all 4 starts he made for the Indians in September, posting a 2.63 ERA. Threw a shutout in his Major League Debut.
Interesting Tid Bit... Majored in Sociology at THE Ohio State University.
59 John Meloan Right hander acquired from the Dodgers in the Casey Blake trade. Pegged as a late inning option in Triple A. Throws fastball in mid 90's, will be one of the first call ups if bullpen struggles.
Interesting Tid Bit... K'd 2 in his 2 games pitched last season in the majors with the Indians.
72 Adam Miller The eternal prospect who only just turned 24 in November. Fastball in upper 90's, but can't stay healthy. Reportedly 100% (we'll see) as his finger problems are apparently behind him. Has been moved to the bullpen to try and keep him on the field for an extended time. Outside shot at making the team as the 7th option out of the pen. May still be a starter again someday.
Interesting Tid Bit... Enjoys meat sandwiches.
49 Edward Mujica Posted a 6.75 ERA over 33 games, but actually went through a 10 inning scoreless streak, which means when he is bad, he is God awful. Out of options so has a shot at making the bullpen. More likely sent packing after lighting the Arizona sky with Rawlings products.
Interesting Tid Bit... Resides in Yagua, Venezuela. Hope he stays there come February 12th.
44 Carl Pavano Was blasted mercilessly and basically compared to a part of the female anatomy in Joe Torre's book. Dated Alyssa Milano. Pitched really crappy over his four years in New York. Indians hoping he can regain his 2004 form (big stretch) and be the teams' 3rd starter.
Interesting Tid Bit... May be arrested in June 2009 for stealing $1.5 million from Cleveland and its fans.
53 Rafael Perez Pitched solid in 2008, will probably be the only Lefty out of the pen. Likely main set up guy looking to continue his consistantcy. Posted a 3.54 ERA over 76 plus innings. An unsung contributor.
Interesting Tid Bit... Turns 27 in May.
27 Anthony Reyes Out of options, has inside track at 4th slot in the rotation. Put together 5 solid starts (2-1, 1.83 ERA in 34 plus innings) for the Tribe before being shut down September 5th as a precausion. Former top prospect for St. Louis needs to stay healthy to ever be counted on.
Interesting Tid Bit... Lost 10 straight games to start 2007 season.
75 Hector Rondon Soon to be 21 year old ticketed as ace of the Akron staff. Went 11-6 at Single A Kinston and rated as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America. Fastball clocked in the mid 90's.
Interesting Tid Bit... Played in the 2007 Futures game for the World Team during All-Star weekend.
56 Rich Rundles 6'5 Lefty gave up only one run over 5 innings of work over 8 games last September for the Tribe. Primarily a matchup lefty who is a great bullpen depth option who will probably start the season in Columbus. Will definitely see time in the Big Leagues in 2009.
Interesting Tid Bit... Throws side-arm.
70 Tony Sipp The off injured Sipp looks to rebound from Tommy John surgery. Looking to round out an impressive Columbus bullpen. Left hander experienced more arm pain in Winter Ball so the team is being cautiously optimistic in his return.
Interesting Tid Bit... Sports a career 2.74 ERA in the minors.
38 Joe Smith Acquired in December from the Mets as part of the 3 team deal involving Franklin Gutierrez. Sidearmer posted a 2.57 era over his last 10 games while New York was in the playoff hunt. Righties batted .192 against him. Virtual lock to make club as a matchup guy out of the pen.
Interesting Tid Bit... Grandparents live in Bay Village, Ohio.
45 Jeremy Sowers Jeremy's 2008 campaign was a roller coaster of a season that went primarily down, posting 4 wins in 22 starts with an ERA above 5. In the mix for the 5th slot, but pretty much a depth option. Former #1 pick has been unable to his 2006 form when he won 7 games and posted a 3.57 ERA. His velocity is up, but the difference between his fastball and changeup is to low (5mph) to be consistantly effective against major league hitters.
Interesting Tid Bit... Favorite music is New Wave and 80's. or loves the band AH-HA.
37 Jake Westbrook Jake signed a 3-year 30 million dollar contract in 2007 and subsequently needed Tommy John surgery causing Tribe fans to utter the phrase "only in Cleveland." Will try to make it back after the All-Star break to contrinbute to a hopeful playoff run. Westbrook is a hard worker and will be back to his regular form by 2010.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was traded to the Indians back in 2000 from the Yankees as part of the David Justice deal along with Zach Day and Ricky Ledee.
34 Kerry Wood Signed a 2 year, $20.5 million dollar deal with a $11 million vesting option in 2011. Saved 34 of 40 games for division winning Cubs. Tribe hopeful long history of arm troubles stay away. First fire baller to close for the Indians since John Rocker.
Interesting Tid Bit... Struck out 20 batters in one game in 1998.
Non Roster Invites
36 Greg Aquino posted a 2.45 ERA in 23 innings for Triple A Norfolk in 2008. Had 12.54 ERA in 9 games as an Oriole. Started season on 25-man roster.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was originally an infielder.
58 Jack Cassel 28 year righty pitched in 9 games for the Astros, posting a 5.64 ERA. Triple A bullpen option.
Interesting Tid Bit... Brother is New England Patriots QB Matt Cassel. Seriously!
39 Vinnie Chulk In the mix (longshot) for last bullpen spot. Posted a 4.83 ERA in 27 games for the Giants. Never was recalled after being sent to the minors in June, pitched adequately in Triple A Fresno, with a 3.65 ERA over 24 plus innings. Major contributor to SF bullpen in 2007 where he pitched in 57 games, going 5-4 with a 3.57 ERA.
Interesting Tid Bit... Has a degree in sports management.
64 Ryan Edell Lefty posted a 7-8 record with a 3.80 ERA over 26 starts in Double A Akron in 2008. Has excellent arm control meaning he slots the arm angle on his pitches mostly the same. Not much of a power pitcher as he throws in the low 90's. Likely an eventual bullpen candidate as a long man in Columbus.
Interesting Tid Bit... Likes eating Hamburgers.
40 Matt Herges 38 year old pitched in 58 games for Colorado in 2008, going 3-4 with a 5.04 ERA. Has appeared in 537 games over his 12 major league career for the Dodgers, Expos, Padres, Giants, Diamondbacks, Marlins and Rockies. First try at the A.L. Long shot to make bullpen, but may give Triple A a try. Threw 3 shutout innings in 2007 World Series.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was named in the Mitchell Report for taking Performance Inhancing Drugs.
69 David Huff 2008 Indians Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Lefty was 1st round pick out of UCLA in 2006. Real shot at rotation out of Spring Training, will definitely be first call up if doesn't break camp with the big league club. Demonstrates outstanding control as he only walked 29 batters in 26 minor league starts in 2008. Compiled a 5-1 record with a 1.92 ERA in Akron over 11 games. Went 6-4 with a 3.01 ERA in Buffalo over 16 starts. A Strike Trower who has a solid velocity (94mph fastball).
Interesting Tid Bit... Favorite player growing up was Tom Glavine.
16 Tomo Ohka Triple A Starting Pitching Depth Option. Has career 50-62 record in the big leagues. Went 5-11 with a 4.18 ERA in Triple A Charlotte in 2008 (White Sox affiliate).
Interesting Tid Bit... Mentioned in 2003 episode of The Simpsons.
54 Kirk Saarloos Spent most of 2008 season in Triple A Sacramento for Oakland as a starter, posting a 9-4 record and 4.22 ERA in 22 starts. Should make the rotation in Columbus.
Interesting Tid Bit... Career Record is 29-30 with a 5.02 ERA.
Special thanks to Tony Lastoria's book "2009 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects" for his analysis on Tribe minor leaguers. You can purchase his book at his site http://www.indiansprospectinsider.com/. Phenominal Tribe Resource!
