On May 14th, Kinston was in first place. A nine-game losing streak dropped the Indians out of first place for the remainder of the season. Their 38-65 record at the end of July was the worst in minor-league baseball. Still, the Indians would begin August with a 13-2 record, and would finish out the month at 19-9. The K-Tribe stayed in the hunt for the second half title in the Southern Division until the final days of the season, finishing out of a wild card berth by only two games.
Lonnie Chisenhall and Eric Berger, the offensive and defensive stars during the bulk of Kinston’s season, left the team on their rise through the system during the summer. Other top prospects heading to other affiliates to start 2010 are second baseman Cord Phelps, outfielder Tim Fedroff and RHP Paolo Espino.
The 2010 starting rotation in Kinston will start the year off with the best overall talent in the Indians organization, and perhaps in the entire minor leagues. All five starters in the rotation are top twenty prospects. Lefties Kelvin De La Cruz, Nick Hagadone and T.J. House, and righties Alex White and Alexander Perez will likely find themselves in major league jerseys sometime in the next three seasons. Look for phenom Jason Knapp to take over a spot after he completes his rehab in June or July.
Offensively, the K-Tribe has many more questions to answer. The Indians will begin the year with outfielder Abner Abreu, and second baseman Jason Kipnis. Other potential value prospects are 3B Kyle Bellows, CF Jordan Henry and LF Donnie Webb. Outfielder Lucas Montero returns to the K-Tribe in a reserve roll after leading the club in triples (9).
The bullpen will be anchored by former Lake County Captains closer Steve Smith (not to be confused with Tribe 3B coach Steve Smith, who was recently eliminated from the Amazing Race) . The rest of the pen, led by Travis Turek and T.J. McFarland, should be familiar to fans in Kinston, since they all spent time with the K-Tribe in 2009. This will be an overlooked unit, but actually produced good numbers last season, in particular, late in the season when they were making a run at the second half title.
Minor League Affiliates
Columbus Clippers (AAA)
Akron Aeros (AA)
Kinston Indians (High A)
Lake County Captains (Low A)
Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Short Season A)
Arizona Indians (Rookie)
Coaching Staff
Manager: Aaron Holbert
1st season as Kinston manager, 3rd season in Indians organization
Hitting Coach: Rouglas Odor
2nd season as Kinston hitting coach, 22nd season in Indians organization
Pitching Coach: Tony Arnold
3rd season as Kinston pitching coach (1995, 2007), 18th season in Indians organization
Starting Rotation
Kelvin De La Cruz (LHP), Nick Hagadone (LHP), T.J. House (LHP), Alexander Perez (RHP), Alex White (RHP)
Kelvin De La Cruz returns to Kinston looking to rebound from a lost season. De La Cruz was likely the top left-handed pitching prospect in the organization heading into last season. The K-Tribe's season took a big hit when De La Cruz went down with an elbow injury in April. He started the season off by going 2-0 with a 1.5 ERA. In 12 innings, De La Cruz struck out an amazing 19 batters, while walking only two, while giving up six hits. He was named pitcher of the week for his first two starts, when a UCL strain shut down the rest of his season. What can De La Cruz bring to any rotation if he's healthy? He has a 91-93 MPH fastball with good down movement, that can top out at 95. His best pitch may turn out to be his 12-6 curveball that drops off the table, which has steadily improved over the past three years as his delivery has become more consistent. His change-up also projects to be a plus pitch, but is still developing. There are always questions when a pitcher with a live arm returns from an injury, but De La Cruz had a fantastic spring (1.08 ERA, 16 K's, 16 2/3 IP). He did walk 11 batters, but the velocity is back, and so should De La Cruz' standing as a top prospect. Of course, there is a question of whether or not he's even the best pitcher on a top-prospect-laden roster.
Hagadone supplanted De La Cruz as the Tribe's top left-handed pitching prospect when he was acquired by the Indians for catcher Victor Martinez. Make no mistake, Hagadone is a power pitcher. He can consistently hit 95-97, and tops out at 99 MPH. Don't be surprised to see the big lefty reach 100 MPH as he continues to advance through the system and improve his mechanics and strength. His fastball has a natural sink, and his 6'5" frame helps the downward motion. Combined with his viscous fastball is a plus sinker that's nearly unhittable to left-handed batters. His changeup is a work-in-progress, but imagining a hitter trying to get the bat on the ball of an off-speed offering after a near 100 MPH fastball is enticing. Hagadone pounds the strike zone, and has solid command of all his pitches. He's confident, mature, has a fantastic work-ethic and is extremely confident. He goes after hitters with his plus pitches, and could advance quickly through the system. He did have Tommy John surgery at the beginning of the 2008 season after tearing his UCL, but is all the way back. He had a fantastic spring, with a paltry 0.75 ERA in 12 IP, with 14 K's and 7 walks. If he's all the way back, he won't be in Kinston long.
House enters his second season in the Cleveland organization climbing quickly through the prospect rankings. House has three plus pitches, beginning with a low 90's fastball that tops out at 95 MPH. His best pitch remains a wicked, mid-80's slider with late-break. He continues to develop a change-up in the low 80's, that he uses with growing confidence. What makes House special is his ability to mix up his pitches. He has command, isn't afraid to throw strikes, and has a high maturity level and work ethic that make him extremely coachable. If he continues to improve his location, I believe he could end up a top-of-the-rotation starter. He has that type of make-up.
Perez is often overlooked because of all the trades and signings over the past two years, but make no mistake, this kid can pitch. The story with Perez is command and control. His two best pitches are a curveball and changeup that he pounds the strike zone with. Both are plus pitches, and still developing. His fastball is in the low-90's, but his velocity hasn't reached its ceiling yet, as he's only 20-years old. He has a deceptive arm delivery which fools hitters, and makes his pitches that much better. Perez follows along with his fellow Kinston starters with regards to his maturity-level and positive outlook. He has the makings of a Tom Glavine-like starter, a level-headed, strike-zone pounder, who draws out ground ball outs. With improved mechanics, look for Perez to move up not only the prospect rankings, but the organization as well. Perez had a 1.50 ERA in 12 IP this spring, with 11 K's and five walks.
White returns to North Carolina after growing up in the Tar Heel state, and pitching his college ball at the University of North Carolina. White was the Tribe's first round pick in 2009 after being named the ACC Pitcher of the Year in 2008. White throws a mid-90's, heavy fastball that tops out at 97 MPH and has good, late sink. He also throws a plus splitter and slider. The splitter was developed in college, and projects as his next best pitch. It is virtually unhittable against lefty-batters because of the late fade. His slider is mid-80's, with sharp, late break when his mechanics are sound. He is extremely coachable and has a solid make-up. He can struggle a bit with focus and mechanics, which has led to a problem with mechanics and drops in velocity. As he continues through the organization, this should be an easy fix. In 11 spring innings, White had a respectable 3.27 ERA, with nine K's and three walks. Remember, this was his first real work as a member of the Indians organization.
Hagadone and White will likely be considered in both a starting roll and as a potential back-end relievers should the Indians need them there, although I find it unlikely that they'll see any work in the bullpen this year. But, don't be surprised in the next year if one or both find themselves pitching in the backend of the bullpen. They'll get long looks as starters, and would project high in either role.
Jason Knapp will also get a look in the rotation at some point during the summer. I'll have a more intensive write-up on Knapp as his rehab progresses in May and June.
Bullpen
Steve Smith (RHP-Closer), Matt Langwell (RHP), Bryce Stowell (RHP), Dave Roberts (RHP), Santo Frias (RHP), Joey Mahalic (RHP), T.J. McFarland (LHP), Travis Turek (RHP)
Smith has entered the equation as a prospect in the Indians organization, having saved 26 games last year. He's not a typical fireballing closer as he throws an upper 80's to low 90's fastball, but has more than exceptional control. He can be touched up though, as he proved this spring, with a 7.11 ERA in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out five, but walked five as well. I'm not sure Smith has the job locked up, but deserves a chance based on last year's numbers.
Langwell used his hard, low-90's sinking fastball to have a fantastic season in Lake County. He also throws a plus slider and changeup, and is worth taking a look at as the season progresses. In 45 games, Langwell led the Captains with a 1.95 ERA in 68 2/3 innings. He struck out 68, while walking only 22.
Stowell was on the Tribe radar as a starter last year, but an injury and a bad season has bumped him down a bit in the prospect rankings. Stowell ended up in the pen, and never really recovered. His fastball, slider and circle change are all considered potential plus pitches, and he has a sinker for good measure. He can hit mid-90's when it's going good, and if he's healthy, he could move up the charts quickly. I wouldn't be surprised to see Stowell go after a rotation slot if he can return to form. He had a 5.00 ERA in the spring, but struck out 13 and only walked two.
Roberts is a guy who really hasn't lived up to his fourth round draft selection. After really struggling in 2008, he regained some form last year in Lake County, going 2-1 with a 2.44 ERA in 40+ innings. He struck out 39, and walked only 14. He moved up to Kinston, and struggled to a 2-5 record, and a 4.12 ERA. This may be Roberts last chance to prove any worth. He does have a live fastball, a power curve and a decent changeup, but he's yet to meet his potential as a back-end reliever.
Keep another eye on Santo Frias. He throws hard, and has topped out in the mid-90's with his fastball. He has struggled with arm trouble over the years, but if healthy, could really be a mover out of the bullpen. He also has an above-average slider, and has back-end reliever qualities. The key is health, and he appears to finally be ready to deliver.
Another sleeper could be Joey Mahalic. Mahalic had a solid campaign in 2008 with Lake County, and really seemed to be a mover in the organization as a starter. He started 2009 on fire, and after six outings, had a 1.91 ERA and hitters were batting a paltry .208 against him. He moved up to Kinston in May, and then felt a sting in his forearm. His velocity dropped, and an MRI revealed a sprained ligament in his forearm. It ended his season. He brings a fastball with sink, a slider and a changeup to the table, and all could be plus pitches. He may find his way back into the rotation, should the stud starting stable advance.
McFarland is another comer in the organization, and blazed through spring training with a 0.00 ERA, 7 K's and 0 walks in six innings. He's steadily improved in his two years in the organization, and is another starter-turned-reliever. The soon-to-be 21-year-old has a low-to-mid 90's fastball that drops, a slider and a changeup. He isn't afraid to hit the strike zone, and as he continues to mature could develop into valuable left-handed reliever. In a deep pen, he could thrive.
Travis Turek will round out the bullpen after a solid 2009 campaign with Lake County and Kinston. He combined for a 2.78 ERA, and struck out 52 in 68 innings. I'm not sure that Turek fits into the Indians long-term plans, but he's the kind of pitcher that can eat up some innings. That's never a bad thing in a bullpen.
Overall, the K-Tribe bullpen is laced with talent, and those typical, former starters that are given a second chance to move up through the system. There's some talent here that will be pushing closer Steve Smith, but competition never hurt anyone.
Catchers
Doug Pickens (C), Dwight Childs (C)
Pickens isn't going to be knocking the door down on a major league roster any time soon. He did have a solid season in Kinston last year, batting .288, but he's mostly a singles hitter, and at 24, he isn't likely to develop power. He's decent defensively, but has never thrown out more than 23% of baserunners.
Childs is a little more intriguing. He was outstanding defensively at Arizona, and does have a plus arm. He threw out 25% of baserunners in his limited play last year, and should eventually start for Kinston. There is potential for some offensive production as he continues to develop his game.
Infielders
Nate Recknagel (1B), Jason Kipnis (2B), Ron Rivas (SS), Kyle Bellows (3B), Karexon Sanchez (UTIL), Cristo Arnol (UTIL)
Recknagel has a big stick and some versatility. He'll be the starting first baseman, but can also log some time at catcher, DH and even the outfield in a pinch. He had 14 home runs and 75 RBI last season, splitting time in Lake County and Kinston, with a .274 average. He'll be 24 this year, so he should continue to hit in High-A ball. His versatility could make him valuable, but there are several similar position players with more offensive potential ahead of him. Still, the power is promising.
Kipnis is easily the star of this bunch. He's a diminutive second baseman, but packs a wallop at the plate. He has a compact swing that produced 12 extra base hits of his 34 total in his limited play last season. This spring, he hit four homers, while batting slightly under .400. He is still developing as a second baseman, but it's easy to see that he's likely got a postmark for the Indians infield in the next couple of seasons, should he continue to develop. He's tenacious, always finds a way to get on base, and to dirty his jersey. In other words, this is a guy who Cleveland fans are going to love for years to come.
Rivas may have moved up too soon last year after a solid 2008 season. The 6'2" shortstop does present potential power down the line, but he needs a lot more seasoning. He moves well at short, but his 25 errors last season need to improve, and his stick needs to start catching up to his size before he becomes a legit prospect.
Bellows is a power prospect at third base, who will only get better as his 6'3" frame continues to develop. In 54 games last season, the youngster hit seven home runs, with 32 RBI. He's a selective hitter who can take a walk, and has the ability to bat in the middle of the order. He's a versatile player who can play nearly all the infield and outfield positions. With Chisenhall ahead of him in the organizational depth chart, he eventually could do some moving around. He has the potential to be an above average fielder.
Sanchez is another multi-faceted infielder who is destined to be a utility guy in the majors. He's likely to never hit for much average, but he has a bunch of speed that can be an equalizer, and his OBP should always be a bit above average. He has surprising power, which should help him move up through the organization.
Arnol returns to the utility role from last season where he had a solid season playing in Kinston, Akron and Columbus. He'll likely find most of his time in the middle infield. He does have some speed on the basepaths.
Outfield
Donnie Webb (LF), Jordan Henry (CF), Abner Abreu (RF), Lucas Montero (OF), Roman Pena (OF)
Webb and Kipnis are going to get along just fine. Webb's forte is speed, rolling up 36 total stolen bases last year in Lake County and Columbus. He could become a consummate lead-off hitter if his stick continues to develop. He's tenacious on the basepaths, and goes for the extra base whenever possible. He's an above average fielder, and can play all three outfield positions. His biggest concern is strikeouts as in 129 games last year he struck out 117 times. If he's ever to be considered a serious threat to lead-off, he'll need to cut down the K's, and perhaps shorten his swing a bit.
Henry has outstanding speed, and is an above average defender. He stole 22 bases last season in Mahoning Valley, while only getting caught once. Not only that, but he's extremely selective as he walked 49 times while only striking out 37 times in nearly 250 at bats. He's a battler at the plate who tries to get the ball down so he can use his speed to get on base. He had one error in nearly 150 chances last year.
Just mentioning Abner Abreu's name gets me excited, especially in this outfield. He was on the verge of exploding last year in Lake County before a separated shoulder ended his season. He's still a raw talent, but he's improved by leaps and bounds over the past three seasons. He has a natural, aggressive swing that can spray the ball in all directions, and generally in a violent way. He's extremely strong, so power won't be an issue, and should continue to improve. He works hard and understands the game. Defensively, he solid. He likely could have stayed at third, but his cannon arm and deceptive speed moved him to the outfield. With Henry and Webb covering the better part of North Carolina's east coast, Abreu can focus on using his howitzer to pick off runners going for extra bases. It should be fun to watch.
Montero returns to Kinston for the third straight year, and has now begun treading water. He does have blazing speed, can play all outfield positions, and knows how to get on base, but needs to do something special to overtake some better prospects. Still, he's a solid #4 outfielder in Kinston, and will get some opportunity to show his wares.
Final Thoughts
This team is stacked, top-to-bottom, and it should be a fun ride, even if it's only for the first-half of the season. It should be interesting watching the starting staff, to see how long some of the arms last before moving upwards. The bullpen is full of potential to support the Big Five. The Infield is anchored by Kipnis, who has the feel of a guy that's about to explode. The outfield is quietly one of the best in the organization, with speed and power and potential. If this team stays together, it could be something special.
I think back to when the Indians acquired LaPorta and Brantley from the vaunted group at Huntsville, Milwaukee's Double-A affiliate. I wonder if this isn't the beginning of the same for Cleveland.
Jim Pete writes for his blog at http://bringingbackboudreau.blogspot.com/ and will be following and writing about the Kinston Indians this year for the IPI.
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2 comments:
How come Kipnis is listed as a 1b on the Kinston website?
It's just a misprint. Darn interns.;-)
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