Wraping up Arizona: Spring Training Reflections

As the Tribe officially moves out of their home away from home in Goodyear and on to two meaningless paid exhibition games with the Houston Astros, it is time to take a look back of the long adventure that was Cleveland Indians Spring Training. With the second installment of the WBC this season, the Cactus League was extended by two weeks and many, many games. The pitchers "got their work in". The position players "took it a day at a time". And manager Eric Wedge used countless other analogies to describe baseball games in March that don't count. Here were some of the highlights and low lights of the Spring that was...

Lowlights:

Cliff Lee's 12.46 ERA.

I never know how to judge a pitcher in exhibition baseball. Are they working on certain pitches? Is the Arizona air misrepresenting the flight of the hit baseballs? Do the pitchers really try? Besides one solid outing against the Rockies (6IP, 2ER), Clifton was shelled, but he wasn't the only one. Wedge opinioned about the pitching in general here. A few of his starts he was apparently just working on spotting his fastball, while others he said he just didn't have it. Lee seems to be the kind of guy who really gets focused on each and every start through scouting and mental preparation, so obviously his normal in season routine is fairly different. I am not too worried about Cliff, just a bit concerned especially when he has his first start in the band box that is The Ballpark at Arlington.

Shin Soo Choo .118 batting average.

Choo was gone for three weeks of camp due to the glorified exhibition that was the WBC. Even though his actual at bats were of more significance than a normal Cactus League game, they were far to infrequent. When Choo experienced some tightness in his left arm (where he had Tommy John surgery), the Indians asked the Korean team to use him strictly at DH. That seems to have made the right fielder a bit rusty, making mental mistakes out in the field and over swinging on high fastballs. Choo should be fine, but don't be surprised to see him sitting a few days a week against left handers in favor of rookie Trevor Crowe.

Masa Kobayashi 12.27 ERA in 11 innings.

When a soft tossing reliever can't keep his 85 MPH down in the zone, it may be time for his team to move on from said pitcher. Masa has been a disaster this spring, basically supplying batting practice for the various teams out in Arizona. If he wasn't on the hook for more than $3 million this season, he would have been jettisoned just like Tomo Ohka earlier in March. The way Wedge has been describing Kobayashi in the media ("Masa's pitches were flat and up," ) I wouldn't think it would take too many more clunkers to have him jettisoned off the club. The pen seems pretty solid with Wood, Perez, Lewis, Smith, and Betancourt. The other two roles may be a revolving door most of the season.

Highlights:

Mark DeRosa .367 batting average, 3 HR, 9 RBI.

Another WBC casualty, DeRosa was able to make an impact in limited time (30 AB) spent in Goodyear. He also led Team USA in RBI's, where he played like 5 positions. The former Cub has assimilated himself to the club very nicely and has immediately become a big threat in the 2 hole this season. This will provide much needed protection to Grady Sizemore in the order. In only a few weeks with his new mates, DeRosa has become a team leader and eventual fan favorite. Cubs fans sure were.

Kerry Wood/Rafael Perez/Jensen Lewis/Joe Smith Combined ERA 1.87 in 33 2/3 IP, 37 K's

If these guys pitch like this in the regular season, the Indians will be in contention all year. Newcomers Wood (0 ER in 6 IP) and Smith (12 K's in 7 2/3 IP) look like excellent acquisitions, while Perez (3.00 ERA, 9 K's in 9 IP) and Lewis (1.64 ERA, 10 K's in 11IP) picked up where they left off last season. Normally relief pitchers feed off of one anothers' success so hopefully their performances will spill into the regular season. Guys like Jackson and Kobayashi won't be relied upon as much and the fans can start putting last seasons' bullpen from hell out of their memories forever.

Trevor Crowe .304 batting average, 7 stolen bases, eventual David Dellucci Replacement.

With David Dellucci and his 3 year $11 million dollar contract hovering over the Indians like a buzzard, it was nice to see a guy go out and really compete for an outfield spot who has more than one discernible skill. The former first rounder and top prospect amassed 56 at bats this spring and played all three outfield positions very well. Double D will start the season on the 15 DL with probable time spent in Columbus, opening up a roster spot for some new blood. Nothing against The Looch, but with the current make up of the corner outfield having question marks, a guy like him with his skill set (left handed pinch hitter) does not fit well on this current club. If Crowe hits, runs, and hustles like he did in Arizona, he will find himself on the roster as a guy who can play center field, switch hit, and run. Look for Trevor to play a few times a week also.

Many other positives (Young guys in Columbus, steady Grady, Victor, Fausto) came out of camp as well as other questions (Scott Lewis' last 2 starts, Shoppach's K's, fielding issues) popped up as well. The team as a whole hit extremely well and pitched pretty poorly. The only real answers will come as the season plays out an Opening Day begins a new year of baseball. Cliff Lee takes on Kevin Millwood Monday, finally putting to rest all of the reflections, prognostications, and hyperbole. Let's PLAY BALL already

Ed Mujica traded to Padres, Ryu sent back too.

The Tribe today dealt relief pitcher Ed Mujica to the San Diego Padres for a player to be named or cash. Mujica did not pitch well for the Indians in 3 plus seasons, so a change in scenery may be the best for him. Ed compiled a career 6.04 ERA for Cleveland in 53 career games. Unfortunately for the fans in the left field bleachers, they will be going home with less souvenirs on game day. Also, Korean pitcher Jae Kuk Rye was sent back to the Padres due to a preexisting condition, so his waiver claim was voided by MLB. So I guess San Diego pulled in a big day pitching wise. The Padres are in deep trouble.

Feather Farmhand Fodder: Indians AAA and AA Rotations Announced

Two of the four full-season Cleveland Indians starting rotations were announced today without any real surprises. Triple A Columbus will consist of Aaron Laffey, Jeremy Sowers, David Huff, Kirk Saarloos, and Jack Cassell. The beginning trio have all had their issues this camp and will battle to see who is the first option called upon from Cleveland. Saarloos is a solid veteran and a depth option for the bullpen as well The last spot going to Cassell (brother of Chiefs' QB Matt Cassell) is a mild surprise as he was used primarily out of the bullpen in Cactus League action. With the way Scott Lewis has been shelled the past cactus league outings (15 runs in 6 2/3 innings), the three lefties down I 71 should stay ready to be called up soon.

As for Double A Akron, the rotation rounds out with Chuck Lofgren, Hector Rondon (pictured top left), Steven Wright, Josh Tomlin, and Frank Herrmann. Most Tribe fans aren't too familiar with these young hurlers, so let's examine each of them and see what 2009 may bring.

Lofgren is a former big time prospect looking to regain his top status within the organization. A great piece by Tony Lastoria of Indians Prospect Insider can be found here.

Rondon is probably the Tribe's number 1 pitching prospect. The 21 year old out of Venezuela impressed Manager Eric Wedge during his first career Cactus League action as he pitched 3 shut out innings, allowing just 1 hit, 0 walks and 3 K's. His fastball has a real pop to it and he locates his secondary stuff (slider, curve). Some feel Rondon may be ready for the Majors late this summer as his fastball is often clocked in the 94-96 MPH range.

You can add phenom Hector Rondon to the list -- the 21-year-old will open at Class AA Akron. He has a fastball in the 94 mph range with an excellent change-up and really impressed manager Eric Wedge and the coaching staff. He could be ready by midseason. Terry Pluto/PD

More on Rondon to come in a future Down on the Farm Report.

Steven Wright was drafted in the 2nd round out of Hawaii in 2006. Posted a 3.66 ERA between Single A Kinston and Double A Akron in 28 starts. Seems to be a solid rotation option (with a possible bullpen future) down the road and one of the top 20 arms in the system.

Tomlin seems to be an in between starter/reliever guy who has put up some great stats (2.94 career minor league ERA) who can do a little bit of everything. He made a spot start in Buffalo last season (3 ER in 7 innings) which was a huge jump from his regular role a Single A Kinston. The 24 year old seems to have a bright future with the Tribe with his versatility and past success.

Frank Herrmann pitched at both Double A and Triple A for the Indians in 2008 and threw fairly well. Frank went undrafted out of Harvard and has rocketed through the system. He struck out 10 in a spot start for Buffalo in 2008 and will help headline the staff in Akron in 2009. Probably should be up in Columbus right now, but will have to wait his turn as the big league club sorts out their own rotation issues.

The future seems bright for the Columbus and Akron starting rotations respectively. If only the major league clubs' top five looked so promising.

Zach Jackson wins last spot in the Pen

The Indians announced today that the final spot in the bullpen will be filled by left-hander Zach Jackson. Acquired from the Brewers as part of the CC Sabathia trade, Jackson has been selected probably due to his ability to either start or relieve. His spring training numbers were not too impressive (18 plus innings, 6.87 ERA), but he will serve as an innings eater if one of the starters get pounded for runs in the first few innings, or as a spot starter if rainouts occur early. The loser in the race, right-hander Vinnie Chulk, has been sent to Columbus. Chulk has an opt out clause in his contract that allows him to leave the organization after May 15th if he is not on the major league roster. Chulk compiled a 1.72 ERA in 9 games this spring and will be the first bullpen option out of Triple A. The way Masa Kobayashi has been pitching (10.00 ERA in 9 games), Vinnie shouldn't have to wait very long. Masa will be on a very short leash in 2009. Only one more week to go until opening day, so it looks like the roster is finally set.

Trevor Crowe makes the Ballclub! Dellucci to DL

As speculated yesterday, Cleveland Indians rookie outfielder Trevor Crowe will break camp with the big league club. David Dellucci's nagging injuries (thumb, calf) and his one dimensional game (hitting left handed) made the move an easy one for the Tribe. Crowe had a great spring, batting .289 with six stolen bases. His all out hustle and speed will be an added component to the team. Don't expect him to waste away on the bench, because I have a feeling that the skipper will definitely find at bats for him a few times a week to keep Francisco and Choo (maybe even Hafner) fresh. We may fortunately have seen the last of ole' Double D, since he will be out a minimum of two weeks with a Triple A rehabilitation surely to follow. If Crowe rips it up at the major league level and Dellucci is wallowing in mediocrity it Columbus, the Tribe will probably cut bait a la Aaron Fultz last season and eat his robust $4 million dollar contract. 35 year old outfielders who can't field, run, or throw and can barely hit are not much of a hot commodity within baseball in these economic times. David seemed to be a good clubhouse guy, but an albatross out in the field. This move reminds me a bit of when Grady Sizemore was going to be sent down in 2005 in favor of Juan Gonzalez. While Crowe will probably never be Grady, more youth and position flexibility is never a bad thing to have off of your bench. Here is what Wedge had to say about Sizemore back then...

After coming close to not making the team in Spring Training, he stepped into the starting lineup after Juan Gonzalez's injury and made it impossible for manager Eric Wedge to pull him out of the lineup.
"He plays the game hard," Wedge said of Sizemore. "He's plays the game the right way." indians.com

The skipper had high praise for Trevor also...

Crowe played well enough to make the ballclub,'' Wedge said. ''He has every tool that you want to see in a young player

ohio.com

We will have to wait and see how it plays out. Crowe is in the in the lineup for tonights' game against San Diego (televised locally on STO), so it will be interesting to see how he responds to his good fortunes. These roster issues usually seem to work themselves out overtime (Michaels, Borowski, Julio circa 2008) so this move seems to be a positive one. All I know is that I am not upset at the idea of seeing Trevor Crowe get some major league at bats instead of a broken down aging veteran.

Down on the Farm Report: Trevor Crowe

It may be sooner rather than later for Cleveland Indians prospect Trevor Crowe's major league debut. With aging veteran David Dellucci experiencing a nagging calf injury, the Tribe may be calling on their top draft pick of 2005 to fill in. Crowe, with his ability to play all three outfield positions, switch hit, and run well would be a natural fit off of the bench in 2009.

This Portland, Oregon native was highly touted coming out of the University of Arizona where he played with current Clipper teammates Jordan Brown and John Meloan. Being the 14th overall selection, Crowe was immediately put on a fast track to move on through the Indians organization as by the end of his first full professional season (2006) he had already logged 154 at bats at Double A Akron. A myriad of injuries and bad luck, coupled with a failed change of position experiment (move to second base) seemed to derail his top prospect standing within the organization. Hard nosed and the eternal fighter, Crowe quickly regained respect in the front office posting a solid 2008 campaign (.302, 41 extra base hits, 18 steals) between Akron and Buffalo.

Originally and probably unfairly compared to Grady Sizemore, Crowe plays and athletic style of baseball possessing most of the prototypical five tools a baseball player should possesses. His career minor league on base percentage is .361 and has steadily climbed over the past two seasons. The Indians feel that more pop in his bat will come in the future as he matures and learns the game. His ability to drive the ball to both outfield gaps will ultimately be the deciding factor of whether Crowe is an everyday player or a fourth outfielder. Some also that he may not have the range to play centerfield on a daily basis, but what I have scene in person of Trevor is a tough, hard nosed kid who could definitely handle the challenge. As the current roster is made up, the Indians really doesn't have a guy to fill in in center if Sizemore needs a day off, so Crowe would be the most logical choice.

Trevor Crowe came in to spring camp as a man on a mission, impressing manager Eric Wedge along the way.

Crowe played well enough to make the ballclub,'' Wedge said. ''He has every tool that you want to see in a young player. But there is no downside to sending him back, because it will help him fine-tune his game. When he comes up — and I think he will at some point in the season — he will be a better player. ohio.com

That "some point" may be to start the season. He hit .289 (13-for-45) with a homer, a triple, a double and three RBIs, while going 6-for-6 in stolen-base attempts. Crowe would also be a much needed steady outfield replacement for both Shin Soo Choo and Ben Francisco if either struggles early on. In his last game up with the big league club, Crowe slugged a long homerun and a double which impressed the front office.

"When Crowe hit his HR to right (which was huge), Antonetti and Shapiro exchanged a raised eyebrow glance." letsgotribe.com

With the lack of first round homegrown talent on the current big league roster, it would be a big win for the organization for Trevor Crowe to become a solid major league contributor. His game reminds some of Arizona Diamondbacks' outfield Eric Byrnes, which would not be a bad thing at all. Look for Crowe to make some type of impact in 2009 with a shot at an everyday spot in 2010.

Barfield wins Indians' last bench spot; Gimenez and Crowe Optioned to Columbus

In a not so surprising development, Josh Barfield has made the Cleveland Indians as a super utility guy. Although he hasn't been exactly knocking the cover off of the ball (.184, 9-for-49 .216 on-base percentage in 19 spring games, entering Saturday.), J-Barf has shown the ability to adjust to various positions around the diamond. He seems to be playing pretty well out in the outfield, and is getting more comfortable at third base. The Indians will use Barfield as a pinch runner, late inning defensive replacement with an occasional start here and there. Manager Eric Wedge has liked what he has seen out of the former Padre...

"Josh's versatility was part of the decision,'' Wedge said Saturday. ''Also his speed, his ability to steal a base. We still feel like his hitting is coming. It has yet to translate into a game, but I feel like it will.
''He's probably a little better in right than in left. Of course, second base is his best position, and he needs some work at third.''

With the announcement, the Indians optioned the Chris Gimenez and Trevor Crowe to Triple A Columbus. Both played great in the spring, so don't be surprised if you see them up with the big league club sometime in 2009.

Gimenez showed outstanding position flexibility, playing both corner outfielders, first base, and his everyday position as a catcher. He also posted outstanding stats (.357, 10-28 2 HR, 7 RBI, .486 OBP, .670 SLG) in 20 spring games. The guy is major league ready and will force the Indians to make some pretty hard decisions on the roster very soon.

Crowe also played great, (.289, 13-45, 6 SB) and played all out in every game he appeared in. Trevor is a player to watch and will be the first call up position player wise in 2009 when an injury occurs. Crowe looks to be poised to make an impact in 2009 as well.

The final bullpen slot seems down to Vinnie Chulk and Zach Jackson. Jackson seems to still have the inside edge as a left handed long man, but Chulk has pitched great as well. Look for a decision Monday or Tuesday.