Signed free agent OF Jason Tyner to a minor-league contract; Assigned him to Buffalo
That’s right, Jason Tyner is replacing Russell Branyan on Buffalo’s roster. Tyner is the other-dimension Evil Branyan, the guy who doesn’t strike out, doesn’t walk, and doesn’t hit home runs. Jason could be an adequate fourth outfielder if needed. Pretty much a blah move, but if you view it in context, it’s a hilarious turn of events.
2000s
Distinguished Company
Here are the major-league leaders in VORP, regardless of position:
1. Barry Bonds, LF – 83.6
2. Albert Pujols, 1B – 60.2
3. Carlos Guillen, SS – 57.5
4. Todd Helton, 1B – 56.4
5. Vladamir Guerrero, RF – 53.7
6. Bobby Abreu, RF – 53.5
7. Manny Ramirez, LF – 53.2
8. Travis Hafner, DH – 53.0
9. J.D. Drew, RF – 52.7
10. Jim Thome, 1B – 50.9
That’s some pretty good company Hafner is with.
Designated LHSP Jeriome Robertson for Assignment
I don’t really like this at all. While fomer Astro phenom Scott Elarton is on his way to winning the Worst Starting Pitcher in Baseball Award, former Astro Jeriome “15-game winner with a 5.00 ERA” Robertson is designated for assignment. Picking between the two is like picking between the gas chamber and the electric chair, but I’d rather take my chances with Robertson than Elarton. While all this hand-wringing by yours truly will be made moot if Robertson clears waivers, I don’t see it happening. A lot of teams are desperate for starting pitching, and pretty much everyone could use a left-hander, so Jeriome should be playing for another team this time next week.
Reinstated LHSP Brian Tallet from the 60-day Disabled List; Optioned him to Akron (AA)
The reason why Robertson was DFAd. Tallet had exhausted his rehab time-limit, and he was healthy, so the Indians had to put him back on the 40-man roster. It’s doubtful that he’ll help the Indians this season, but if his arm holds up, he might be in the Tribe’s bullpen next year in some capacity.
Traded 3B Russell Branyan to the Milwaukee Brewers for Cash
I view this more as a favor to Branyan than anything. The Bisons’ offense definitely takes a hit, but the way Russ was hitting, he deserved a shot somewhere. I would have liked to see him in Cleveland coming off the bench, but the combination of a preponderance of left-handed hitters and Ben Broussard finally resembling a league-average first baseman probably sealed his departure. The Brewers are probably going to have him play everyday, as Wes Helms has been slugging an abysmal .324 this year; Branyan could do that with his eyes closed.
Demoted LHSP Aaron Laffey and RHSP Nelson Hiraldo to Mahoning Valley (SSA) from Lake County (A-)
Laffey has struggled in his first full season as a professional. The left-hander has struck out 67 batters in 73 innings, but has had control problems off (44 walks) and on (79 hits) the plate. Likewise, Hiraldo, a product of the Tribe’s recently bountiful Latin America program, has been just as hittable (5.38 ERA), but has managed to keep his walks down (26 in 72 innings).
Promoted RHSP Chris Niesel to Lake County (A-) from Mahoning Valley (SSA)
Niesel was dominating batters in the NYPL, so he’ll be given a shot against more advanced competition. He’s one of the multitude of college arms drafted by the Indians in this year’s draft, but he’s the first one to see a full-season league.
Site Update
I’m going to try to update the depth chart within the week; I personally feel that it’s the most useful tool for visitors looking for a quick overview of the team’s system. I’m trying to pare down on the amount of external pages that I have to update, as I’d rather condense all the info down onto one page (this one). Some of the salary info will eventually make it onto this blog, as will the options; but right now I haven’t figure that out. So please bear with me; before moving to blogger, the site was essentially a bunch of Word documents. Hopefully by the end of the year, everything is HTML-ized, including the player profiles. And yes, I will get to making new profiles eventually, but I don’t want to waste time making them the old way when I’d have to convert them into the new format this fall.
So essentially, please bear with me 🙂
A Royal Flush
I certainly didn’t expect that. Just when you think the team has been deep-sixed, they sweep a series or two.
Was I the only one who wondered if Shapiro took Paul Assenmacher aside this weekend and asked him if he could still pitch?
Anyway, the Indians still reside in baseball Purgatory, and judging by comments by Shapiro over the weekend, he really doesn’t know what to do, either. There’s really only a couple of teams ready and willing to deal their proven and expensive veterens before the week is out, and judging by what they’re trading and what they want for them, you’re better off just sticking with what you have. In a couple years, the Indians may just overpay for a Kris Benson or Eddie Guradado. But I just don’t think the Indians are at that point yet. You can produce “what-ifs”, mostly concerning the bullpen (or lack of one), all you want, but frankly, a lot has gone unexpectedly right with this team that you have to temper your enthusiasm a bit. Until Matt Lawton tweaked his hammy, not one of the main cogs in the lineup have missed any appeciable time. Of the pitchers, only Jason Stanford and Bob Wickman have been hurt. Compared to last year’s MASH unit, that’s peanuts.
But still…
With the Twins trying deserately to get out of their own way, and the White Sox losing Frank Thomas and Magglio Ordonez within a week, winning the division doesn’t really seem that far-fetched. There. I said it. I’ve tried to make excuses as to reasons why the Indians aren’t good enough to at least make a run at the AL Central, and the team has obliterated them one by one. Horrific bullpen? No problem – we’ll just win in extra innings! Scott Elarton’s the 5th starter? No problem – We’ll just bring up Chad Durbin, and he’ll pitch a complete game! Weak bench? No problem – Lou Merloni will be a more productive first baseman than Jason Giambi!
At some point, you have to throw up your hands and join the keg party. There’s still real issues with this club that Mark Shapiro has to address after the season, but when you’re chugging, you don’t really care how bad the hangover is.
Oh yeah…Grady Sizemore is pretty good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a jello shot calling my name….
Promoted RHSP Adam Miller to Kinston (A+) from Lake County (A-)
A much deserved promotion. Miller struck out 106 and walked only 28 in his 91 innings with the Captains. The “sandwich” pick in 2003 (Jim Thome), Miller is flying up the prospect lists, and may be the best pitcher in the system right now. However, he’s only made it to Kinston, and flameouts of young arms are the rule, not the exception. But it will be interesting to see his stuff fares against better competition for the next six weeks or so.
Promoted LHRP Shea Douglas to Akron (AA) from Kinston (A+)
Allowing only 18 hits in 32 innings generally gets you a promotion, and so Douglas heads to Akron. Douglas looks like a nice relief prospect thus far; however, he’s Rule 5 eligible this offseason, and he’s exactly the type of player clubs tend to pick in the draft.
Reinstated RHSP Travis Foley from the Disabled List (A+)
Demoted RHRP Kieran Mattison to Lake County (A-) from Kinston (A+)
Other News
Jason Stanford is done for the year (and probably 2005 as well), as he’s going to have Tommy John surgery. For a guy who’s had to fight his way up the ladder (he was signed by the Indians as an undrafted free agent), a setback like this has to be difficult for him. It’s also a blow to the pitching depth, as this makes three left-handed starters to have the surgery in the past year. While Brian Tallet seems to be on track to be fully recovered by Spring Training, Billy Traber is lagging behind on his recovery. Needless to say, you can never have enough pitching.
VORP Update
- Ben Broussard – 10.6 (11th among 1B)
- Ronnie Belliard – 28.8 (2nd among 2B)
- Omar Vizquel – 23.5 (8th among SS)
- Casey Blake – 19.7 (8th among 3B)
- Matt Lawton – 27.3 (6th among LF)
- Coco Crisp – 7.3 (15th amond CF) *Note: there are 14 teams in the American League*
- Jody Gerut – 12.9 (7th among RF)
- Travis Hafner – 52.5 (1st among DH)
- Victor Martinez – 39.8 (2nd among C)
Saturday’s Starter Announced; Hoyman Signs
Purchased the Contract of RHSP Chad Durbin; Recalled him to Cleveland
This was Kyle Denney’s job to lose, and he lost it. He’s been pitching terribly ever since returning from a knee injury, so he was passed over by the Indians. Making the start in one of Saturday’s two games is Chad Durbin, who is a bit more proven, and frankly, the best of the rest in Buffalo. Kenny Rayborn has a nice 3.30 ERA, but has a disturbing lack of strikeouts (48) in 84.2 innings pitched. Strikeouts aren’t the end-all statistic in determining whether a minor-league pitcher will have success in the majors, but they’re very important nonetheless. AAA finesse artists who can’t strikeout International League hitters aren’t going to get outs in the majors.
As for Durbin, he’s still young enough (26) to have some promise as a starter, or at least a palatable alternative to Scott Elarton’s string of losing perfection. Nothing against Scott, but I hope by Saturday evening, the Indians have a new 5th starter; I’m to the point where I don’t necessarily care who the new guy in the rotation is.
Optioned LHSP Jeriome Robertson to Buffalo
He probably won’t stay in Buffalo too long; because he was used in Wednesday’s blowout, the Indians needed another arm to take the mound on Saturday, and Robertson was optionable. He’ll probably replace Durbin in Buffalo’s rotation, make a start or two, and should be recalled when his 10-day sentence is up.
Signed 2004 Draft Pick RHSP Justin Hoyman (2nd Round) to a minor-league contract; Assigned him to Mahoning Valley (SSA)
Transactions
A whole mess of moves, some I’m just catching up to, and others that are real recent.
Recalled OF Grady Sizemore from Buffalo (MLB Debut)
This is obviously the big one of the bunch. Grady will probably be eased into his role with the Indians, sharing time with Coco Crisp in center field, and maybe spelling Matt Lawton in left. From the limited splits I’ve seen, Grady doesn’t seem to have too much trouble with left-handers, so I don’t think he’ll be straight platooning with Crisp. But regardless, it’s really cool to finally see Grady in an Indians uniform. Once Brandon Phillips returns to the big club, probably in September, all three prospects from the Bartolo Colon deal will be on the roster at the same time.
Designated OF Mark Little for Assignment
He’ll probably clear waivers and take over for Grady in center field for the Bisons.
Announced the Retirement of C Brian Luderer (AA)
Faced with the possibility of returning to A-ball with the promotion of Ryan Garko, Brian chose to hang it up.
Promoted LHSP Dan Cevette to Lake County (A-) from Mahoning Valley (SSA)
A prospect that has flown under the radar since being drafted in 2002 (3rd Round), Cevette was picked with his upside in mind. He’s 6’3″, left-handed, and now he’s throwing in the mid-90s. After dominating the New York-Penn League, Cevette will now join a rotation featuring another teenage fireballer, Adam Miller. Needless to say, you can strike gold sometimes with high school pitchers, but you have to pick your spots. The Indians picked another high ceiling pitching prospect, Chuck Lofgren, in the 4th round this year after hedging their bets with picking Jeremy Sowers and Justin Hoyman in the first two rounds.
Reinstated SS Ivan Ochoa from the Disabled List (A+)
Ivan really needs to pick up the offensive pace. He was hitting .232/.309/.307 before his shoulder injury, and no amount of defensive ability is going to make up for that. He’s already on the 40-man roster, but he looks like John McDonald’s heir apparent more than anything.
Purchased LHP Landon Stockman from Amarillo of the Central League; Assigned him to Kinston (A+)
Promoted RHP Ryan Prahm to Akron (AA) from Kinston (A+)
Traded IF Mayobanex Santana to the Oakland Athletics for Future Considerations (or nothing)
Ahh, the circle of minor-league soldiers. Santana was traded from Arizona for Todd West, a minor-league Rule 5 pick from Milwaukee. He was essentially a stopgap for Ivan Ochoa, and now he’s moving on to his next temp job.
You Cannot Stop the Pronk!
The past two days have been nothing short of amazing for Travis Hafner. 5 home runs off of 4 pitchers, including Francisco Rodriguez. I know it’s not going to last, but boy has it been fun watching him hit.
Jumping the Gun
This article concerns me. Ronnie Belliard is having the season of his life, is 29 years old, and Mark Shapiro wants to sign him to a three-year deal? The Indians still retain his rights next year, as he’s not yet eligible for free agency as we found out about a month ago. The more I see of Ronnie, the more I like him, but signing him to a long-term contract now is taking a big risk. I’d rather the Indians just offer him arbitration, pay him a little bit more, and then see what he does in a year. With Brandon Phillips deserving of another look and the signing of Aaron Boone, the infield looks crowded as is; locking up Belliard makes it even more crowded.
Transactions
Signed free agent 1B Pat Magness to a minor-league contract; assigned him to Kinston (A+)
Placed 1B Michael Aubrey on the Disabled List (AA)
This will probably give recent callup Ryan Garko more starts at first base, with David Wallace behind the plate. This hasn’t been a good couple weeks for top prospects in the organization, as Franklin Gutierrez was placed on the AA DL with elbow soreness about 10 days ago.
What Slump?
So much for the prolonged slump Victor Martinez was in. Three home runs generally means you’re seeing the ball well, regardless of who was throwing the ball. Now I’ll turn my attention towards Ben Broussard’s prolonged slump.
Prospect Review – Francisco Cruceta
RHSP Francisco Cruceta
Age: 23 (Born 7-4-1981)
Roster Status: On 40-man Roster
2004 Stats: (AAA) 24.0 IP, 2.25 ERA, 15 SO, 9 BB
(AA) 88.2 IP, 5.28 ERA, 45 SO, 33 BB
Ranked #14 in Cleveland’s organization by Baseball America
“That’s strange,” you might be saying, “Cruceta was promoted to AAA after an awful year in Akron, and has pitched lights out in four starts at Buffalo.” I can’t explain it either. Maybe it’s a mental thing with Francisco; after all, he was sent back to Akron after pitching the entire season there in 2003. Regardless, he’s a decent pitching prospect with a fairly high ceiling. He’s a ground ball pitcher who also throws a good slider, and has good strikeout rates. Like most other young pitchers, his control is going to determine when he makes the majors. He should get a September callup if he hasn’t reached his inning count.
Transactions
Released LHSP Mike Porzio from Buffalo (AAA)
Demoted LHRP Carl Sadler to Akron (AA) from Buffalo (AAA)
Promoted 1B/C Ryan Garko to Akron (AA) from Kinston (A+)
Garko has mainly been playing 1B the last month. However, with Michael Aubrey entrenched there in Akron, Garko will probably see more time behind the plate, or at DH. Regardless, there wasn’t much left to do in the Carolin League for Ryan; he had been hitting .328/.425/.609 in Kinston, with 17 doubles and 16 home runs. Kinston isn’t left with many prospects for now, though some Captains should be promoted fairly soon, including Kevin Kouzmanoff, Ryan Goleski, and Brad Snyder