Well, we are barely three days into the start of the minor league season, and already it looks like we are going to have a couple of moves coming down the pipeline in the next 12-24 hours. The Indians earlier today placed lefty Scott Lewis on the 15-day disabled list with a left elbow strain, and purchased the contract of Vinnie Chulk from Triple-A Columbus.
Now, as a result of this move, you could have several moves in conjunction with it. First off, since one of Aaron Laffey, Jeremy Sowers, or David Huff will be recalled to Cleveland to fill Lewis' void for his next scheduled start on April 15th, a starter will have to be promoted to Columbus or they will need to move righty Tomo Ohka to the vacated starter role. A starter should not be called up until the day before or even the day of Lewis' scheduled start on the 15th, so it will be interesting to see over the next few days who gets the call (probably Laffey).
Now, if Ohka is moved into the starter's role in Columbus, then that will leave a bullpen spot open. Already there is one bullpen spot open since Chulk was added to the Cleveland roster, but when the new 5th starter is called up to Cleveland it is expected a reliever is sent down to Columbus. Who that reliever will be is a tough guess at this point, and each player has different restrictions to be sent down, but the best candidates to go down would be Chulk, Zach Jackson, Masa Kobayashi, Joe Smith, or Jensen Lewis. Looking at that list, it would almost seem likely Chulk is the odd man out unless he has another solid outing like he did today with Cleveland.
If Ohka is kept in relief, then it looks like righty Frank Herrmann may get the nod and go from Double-A Akron to Columbus. Most people, including myself, think he should be there anyway. If Ohka moves to starter, then that means one of the Akron relievers moves up, most likely righty Randy Newsom.
And then the domino effect begins, because as a starter or reliever is called up from Akron, a starter or reliever will need to be moved up from advanced Single-A Kinston to Akron, a starter or reliever will need to be moved up from Single-A Lake County to Kinston, and then a starter or reliever will need to be moved up from extended spring training to Lake County. There is the possibility no one is called up from Lake County, and instead the starter or reliever in extended spring training goes right to Kinston.
I think Ohka will be moved to starter, and then that would mean Newsom goes to Columbus, lefty Matt Meyer goes to Akron, and righty Mike Pontius is activated from extended and goes to Kinston. That's my guess at the moment.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Lewis DLed, Roster Changes Coming?
Everything on this site is free, but for those interested in making any monetary contributions to help support the stability and growth of this site please click on the "Donate" button below.
15 comments:
Hi TL,
I think Huff is the more logical candidate to move. He will have an extra days rest for the 15th to be sure. But any other pitcher will have to be finessed on short rest. You have a better handle than I do on the inner workings but I will not be surprised to see Masa released.
Tony, you should know that Chulk would have to clear waivers to be sent down and the chances of that are very remote. He's the safest one of the entire bunch. Castrovince said as much today too.
With the 40 man completly filled at this point, I have to figure that Huff faces an uphill battle to get the call at this point
-mt88
I think there is another option here. Wedge could give Jackson the starter's nod, and leave Chulk in the pen, which would leave only the one open bullpen spot in Columbus. Maybe Juan Salas could step in and take that (assuming he can).
lets hope it's Huff...like I haven't seen enough of Sowers and Laffey over the last year...lets try a new finesse lefty!
Yeah, I didn't want to get into explaining all the different roster restrictions (DFAing, waivers, optioning, etc). But yeah, Chulk would have to clear waivers. I think it is too early for Masa to be released.
As suggested, you may just see Jackson moved into the starter's role. That way no additional move is needed. If Jackson is not the starter, then I have to guess he is the one optioned out for one of Laffey/Sowers (it would be Laffey). Huff has no chance at this point due to the 40-man being full.
Laffey pitched the first portion of the double-header, so it probably won't be him. However, Ohka started the second game, so it may be Sowers (if Ohka is to be moved into the rotation.)
Yeah, I think they'll give Zach Attack Lewis's start. They'll want to sort out the pitching they already have. No need to hit the panic button just yet.
Laffey only threw 60 pitches....looks like it will be him. Ohka is just the spot starter because of the DH, but this would slide him perfectly into Laffey's vacancy seeing as they both pitched today.
With an off day on the 20th, the Indians would not need a 5th starter again until the 25th against MIN. My guess would be a spot start by Jackson.
Yeah, Laffey threw 60 shitty pitches. No location and no movement. He does not belong in the majors, pure and simple. Lousy spring continued. He will be Pavano II. If he is the best of the callups, we are in the crapper. Sorry Tony but Laffey is like throwing in the towel.
Not saying I want Laffey, but it looks like that is what the Indians will do. Me personally, I go with Huff.
Edell just promoted to Columbus. Maybe Ohka is moving to the rotation?
Yeah, like I said before, looks like Laffey will go to Cleveland and Ohka will slide into Laffey's spot. Since both pitched last night, Ohka would go on reg rest when Laffey's next scheduled start comes up.
Good call, Tony. That's why we pay you the bug bucks!
Post a Comment