Clippers Clips: The future of the Indians Bullpen?

After attending the Columbus Clippers game today against the Rochester Red Wings I could not keep from thinking about how HORRIBLE the Cleveland Indians pitching is...especially their bullpen. With this in mind, Aaron Laffey (his wife pictured front row center here) made his first rehab start today with the Clippers which is a good thing because it seems like he has been on the DL forever. I have to admit I was pretty excited to see him pitch today because god knows we need some help up in Cleveland. More on Laffey in a bit. The Clips ended up loosing today 4-2 in 10 innings. Although the Clippers seemed to have picked up the "Tribe Fever" in loosing 6 of their last 8 games there was one good thing that happened today. I can proudly report that your favorite Clipper Andy Cannizaro hit a two run homer giving the Clips their only runs of the game. I noticed Cannizaro warming up along side of Matt LaPorta today so I am guessing LPort is rubbing off on the little guy. On a side note A-Can is now hitting second in the lineup and they are still playing Notorius B.I.G.'s "Hypnotize" when he comes up to bat.

Over the past month or so I have noticed people posting on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, various other blogs, etc. that the Indians should ship their whole bullpen back to the minors and bring up some other guys. Having thought about that I decided to look up some International Leauge (Triple-A) stats to see where the Clippers players ranked in pitching. The International League has a ranking of the leagues 45 best pitchers. Guess how far down the list you have to go to find a Columbus Clipper? Three down on the list? Nope! Ten down on the list? Nope! You have to go all the way down to number 43 before you find a Columbus pitcher. That's right number 43 is Columbus Clippers right handed pitcher Kirk Saarloos (pictured right). The 30 year old Saarloos was drafted in the 2001 amateur draft by the Houston Astros in the 3rd round and he made his major league debut one year later. Over the past 7 years he has played for the Astros, the A's, and the Reds. Furthermore, his Major League ERA has never been below 4.17. In his 12 games played for the Clippers this year his ERA is 5.65. Saarloos has pitched a total of 71.2 innings giving up 86 hits, 31 walks, and has struck out 43. He was signed by the Indians in January of this year and according to Indians beat writer Anthony Castrovince, Saarloos spent most of '08 posting mediocre numbers in Triple A as a member of the A's organization. Sooo, that being said, seeing that Saarloos is already a washed up "has been" who never could cut it in the majors the Indians don't have many more guys they can bring up from Columbus (please note I am only refering to Columbus as I realize we have some studs still developing in Double and Single A) Next on the IL list of leaders is actually another Columbus player in Jack Cassel (his younger brother is Matt Cassel of the Kansas City Chiefs). Cassel has an ERA of 5.75 and has pitched in 13 games (76.2) innings. I could put down some of his stats over the years however I am not much of a stats person. I have watched Cassel several times this year and let's just say he is not a viable option up in Cleveland. The only two other guys that would be options that have not already been up to Cleveland this year are 2005 Indians Non drafted free agent Frank Herrmann and 2004 fourth round pick Chuck Lofgren. Neither of these two guys has enough experience yet and it would be worthless to bring them up for on the job training. With this in mind, to all you Wahoo Maniacs out there saying bring bring up some new blood, my question to you is, Who?

So seeing that we have nobody (pitching wise) that is quite ready to see "The Show" just yet we have to rely on what we currently have. As mentioned before, Aaron Laffey made his first rehab start today in Columbus. He pitched 3 innings giving up 5 hits 1 walk and a run. He topped out at around 88 which is all he really throws anyway. I was neither impressed nor unimpressed about his outing. I'd like to say he needs about three more starts/appearances before the Tribe consisders bringing him back up. They have waited this long to throw him, I just don't hope they rush him like they did with Rafael Perez. Ol' Raffey was down in Columbus for awhile but believe me he was not near ready to head back up to Cleveland. It seems like the Indians finally got it right by sending Fausto Carmona down to Rookie League Arizona. I sure hope they break him down and build him back up into the player that he should and can be. Now I just wonder if they have any room down their for a couple more guys?

Down on the Farm Report: Carlos Santana

When Casey Blake was traded to the Dodgers last July, most fans had no idea who the prospects were the Indians received for their former grinder. John Meloan was one half of the deal, a hard throwing bullpen arm. The other has turned into the by most prospect publications the number 1 prospect in the organization; catcher Carlos Santana. Most fans have heard of Santana by now, as he got to play in a few games with the Tribe in Spring Training and has been heavily talked about and mentioned. Here is what some in baseball have to say about the "smooth" switch hitter...

Comment from Ross Atkins, Indians director of player development: "Carlos is extremely gifted offensively. He has a lot of bat speed and he's disciplined. Defensively, he has above average skills when it comes to catching and throwing. He still needs to refine his receiving skills, his game calling ability and his ability to lead a pitching staff."

John Sickles of Minorleagueball.com: "...he's continued to produce power and terrific strike zone judgment while transitioning to Double-A.. I'm not sure he gets as much attention as he deserves: he's an excellent prospect, and will battle Buster Posey for "best catching prospect" plaudits once Matt Wieters graduates to the majors."

Mark Shapiro on catcher Carlos Santana's throwing ability: "He's as gifted throwing as any guy I've ever seen outside of Pudge [Ivan Rodriguez] early in his career."

Pretty high praise for the young 23 year old Dominican. He seems to be developing into a pretty good receiver, while showing a cannon for an arm. Santana's leadership behind the dish has help lead to success for Akron as through May 12th the team had posted a combined 2.81 ERA, with the starting staff of Hector Rondon (29 IP, 1.24 ERA), Frank Herrmann (30 1/3 IP, 2.97 ERA) Chuck Lofgren (27 IP, 1.33 ERA) and Jeanmar Gomez (12 IP, 0.75 ERA) throwing lights out.

But what will eventually get him to Cleveland will be his bat, and he has been raking down in Akron again this season hitting .273 with a .416 OBP, .534 SLG and .950 OPS. Those are great numbers as he has demonstrated his keen eye of the strike zone while being pitched around in the middle of the Aero lineup (22 Walks to 15 K's). His 6 Home Runs and 22 RBI are amongst the leaders in the Eastern League as well. It will be interesting to see when young Carlos breaks in with the big league club, with Victor Martinez's 2011 free agent year looming. Santana's swing switch hitting swing is reminiscent of V-Marts', while sporting his #41 jersey behind the dish at Canal Park. Hopefully this Tribe phenom, he will have to choose a different numeral when he gets the call up to Cleveland while his mentor mans the bag over at first.

Note: from Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal May 14th: In the fifth, the Aeros’ Carlos Santana left with right forearm tightness. Aeros manager Mike Sarbaugh said after the game removing Santana was precautionary and that he’s day-to-day for now.

Hopefully he will be fine, but the way 2009 has went so far, you never know.

All of Ohio is a Winner

Quick game recaps from the Minor League affiliates of the Indians today as all 4 Ohio teams won. Many stars of the game for each team so let's get right into it...

Indians win 6-5 over the Tigers

A win is a win, even though my heart was pounding out of my chest, which is very unnecessary for a May 1st game. Maybe The Tribe just needed to get through that pesky month of April, put their crappy performances behind them, and move forward. Let's forget Jensen Lewis meltdown and slow bus trip to Columbus (along with Perez) and focus on the positive. Saturday may be a pretty exciting day for some Major League Debuts.

• Carl Pavano: 7 1/3 IP, 2 ER 5 Hits, 0 Walks, 3 K's. Hot Carl pitched a gem, making his longest start since 2005. Pavano commanded his pitches and was able to keep his stuff low in the zone. I believe he will be up and down all year, but I think he may be better than I think as his best buddy on the team (Cliff Lee) may be a good positive influence on him. He also could get bombed for 9 runs against Red Sox next week. What do I know (see below)
  
• David Dellucci: 4-5, 2 doubles. Double D came back with a bang. If as the DiaTribe refers to him as (the Looch) can be a positive bat off the bench and fill in for injuries, he may be able to salvage his Tribe career. One game does not make a season, so I will watch with cautious optimism. Give Davey some credit, but hold the applause until mid June.


• Jhonny Peralta: 2-5, HR, 2RBI. Jhonny woke up today and stopped over thinking at the plate. It's May so Peralta is happy April is over.


• Kerry Wood: Picked up his 5th save in 5 save opportunities. Went 1,2,3 and threw some wicked sliders and curves. They had a great gameplan against Laird and Inge to not show the fastball too much. He is worth every penny of his $10 million dollar salary (that's for you Jonny).

The Columbus Clippers rattled the Durham Bulls today 14-1, scoring 10 runs in the last two innings. Andy Marte hit a grand slam as the Clips wave goodbye to three of their starters (more on that later)

• David Huff: 6 IP, 4 hits, 2 walks, 4 k's, 0 earned runs. Is setting up to be the next starter called up to Cleveland


• Luis Valbuena: 2-4 BB, HR, 3 RBI. Continues to mash in Columbus and will be a welcomed addition to the big league club.


• Jordan Brown: 4-5 HR, 3 RBI. Guy hits everywhere he goes, just unfortunately for him be with the Indians.


• Chris Gimenez: 3-5 HR, 3 RBI. Has been raking as of late after his early season struggles. Will be an option for the Tribe sometime this summer.

The Akron Aeros won in extra innings today 8-6 to improve their record to an amazing 17-4.

• Chuck Lofgren: 5 IP, 4 hits, 4 walks, 1 earned run, 3 K's. Lofgren is slowly getting back on the organizations' radar with every quality start.


• Jerad Head: 2-4, HR, 3 RBI. Big late inning homerun to propel Akron to victory for the infielder.


• Nick Weglarz: 3-5. 2 doubles, HR, 2 RBI. Finally had a breakout game as he has been struggling mightily all season. The Canadian is a top 10 prospect and will bounce back to his usual form. Still only 21.

The Lake County Captains had a big win tonight against Kannapolis 8-3.

• Nate Rechnagel: 4-5, double, triple. The Wolverine has been crushing the ball at a .370 clip.


• Abner Abreu: 3-5, triple, 2 RBI. 19 year old right hand hitting Dominican is one to watch for the Captains and is ranked 15th best Indians propect by Indians Prospect Insider.

Tomorrow is another day, but let's enjoys these performances for what they are, a day in the life of a long baseball season.

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.