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| (Photo: Tony Lastoria) |
Anyway, while we are nowhere close to baseball weather here, it is still sunny and warm in Arizona. We are in the home stretch of spring training with the big league team (and the Columbus Clippers) now a week away from breaking camp and playing an exhibition game in Columbus, Ohio next Wednesday. The rest of the minor leaguers are about ten days away from breaking camp.
Here is a quick update today on the happenings in minor league camp. I'll continue to provide these short updates the rest of spring training, and in addition to that have several player features coming.
Rule 5 Update: Still no word on if Rule 5 pick infielder Josh Rodriguez will make the Pirates opening day roster, but reports over the past few days have mentioned that the Pirates would prefer he opens in Triple-A so are trying to work out a deal with the Indians to acquire his full rights. Also, Rule 5 pick right-handed pitcher Jose Flores supposedly has been offered back to the Indians. No word on whether the Indians take him back or work out a trade with the Mariners, but if he comes back to the Indians he would first have to clear waivers (he will). My guess is we see something official on the Flores front very soon, maybe even today.
Tuesday games: It was a camp day yesterday so the Indians had three games going on between Columbus-Akron, Kinston-Lake County, and an extra game with players from all levels to get at bats and innings.
Columbus recap: Right-hander Josh Tomlin breezed through five innings of perfect work where he did not allow a hit, run, or walk and struck out five. Right-hander C.C. Lee went one scoreless inning (1 H, 1 BB, 2 K) and touched 94 MPH. First baseman Wes Hodges went 1-for-3 with a HR and 2 RBI, and right fielder Jerad Head went 2-for-3 with 2 2B and 2 RBI.
Akron recap: Catcher Lou Marson was down with the team to get at bats and went 0-for-5 with a BB. Lefty Kelvin De La Cruz had his best outing of the spring with three perfect innings of work without allowing a hit, run, or walk and struck out five (up to 94 MPH). Lefty Nick Hagadone went 3.0 innings (3 H, 1 R/ER, 3 BB, 3 K) and was up to 96 MPH.
Kinston recap: Kinston was held to just two hits, with catcher Alex Lavisky being the only noteworthy offensive contributor as he went 1-for-1 with a 2B and BB. Lefty Drew Pomeranz went 3.0 innings (0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K) and was up to 96 MPH. Righty Kyle Blair went 3.0 innings (1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K) and was up to 91 MPH.
Lake County recap: Shortstop Ronny Rodriguez (big helium prospect) went 4-for-4 with a 2B, 3B, and RBI. Third baseman Juan Romero went 1-for-3 with a HR and RBI. Righty Jordan Cooper went 2.0 innings (2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K) and was up to 90 MPH. Lefty Mike Rayl went 3.0 innings (2 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 K) and was up to 91 MPH.
Extra game recap: Outfielder Jordan Henry went 3-for-4. First baseman Jeremie Tice went 2-for-3 with a BB and RBI. Catcher Dwight Childs went 1-for-3 with a HR and RBI. Righty Adam Miller went 1.0 inning (0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K) and was up to 94 MPH. Righty Owen Dew went 2.0 innings (0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K) and was up to 94 MPH.
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5 comments:
Hagadone needs to show improved control if he wishes to remain a SP. Notwithstanding his statements that he's fixed his mechanical problems, early results are disappointing.
I think De La Cruz is capable of a rebound year and depending on how well he does could even make it to Cleveland in September. But, he needs to resolve the command/control problems he had last year, and possibly add 1-2 mph to his FB. Yesterday was an encouraging start.
How succesful Pomeranz becomes may come down to his ability to command the strike zone. The 5 Ks and 3 BBs in 3 innings reflect both his strength and weakness. Hopefully, with hard work Pomeranz can improve the repeatability of his delivery and cut down on his walks.
Disappointed in Marson's lack of hitting. Expected more, and it doesn't seem to be getting better.
Tony, Weglarz's injury would seem to open the door for Drennen and Fedroff to earn some AAA at-bats. How have they looked this spring? Is the organization still harboring any hope for these guys?
Seems to me the real issue for them is power; if they're not going to slug, then a guy like Henry with all their plate discipline and more speed and defense has the edge.
@ Tyler (and Tony) - does the Tribe really have a power hitter in the minors? I don't think there is one guy in the system that could project to hit 20+ hrs. what a contrast to the system of 20 yrs. ago.
Tyler,
I don't see Welarz's injury opening at bats for Henry or Fedroff. They'll start in Akron. His injury may open up an opportunity for Head or Hodges to make the Columbus team rather than being cut.
Brent,
I can see Weglarz, Abreu, Chisenhall, and Chen as a few who could be 20+ home run hitters. I feel that the drafting of more athletic guys rather station to station power hitters reflects a change in the game. Teams want Shin Soo-Choo's rather than a player like Mark Reynolds. Not that they don't want 40+ home run guys, but pitching and defense does win.
I don't think the Weglarz injury opens up a spot for Drennen/Fedroff in COlumbus, though I could be wrong. With guys like Jordan Brown, Matt McBride, Jerad Head, Chad Huffman, etc all to get into the OF mix there, I don't see an opp for anyone else at the moment.
As for 20+ guys, no doubt Abreu can be a 30 homer guy. Mills/Weglarz have the potential. Romero. Maybe even Chen. As to if any of these guys ever do? Who knows. But the power is there. But yeah, there is a lack of true power hitters....though some of that is just the game now as its like that in almost every system. 20 homers now is like 30 homers 5-10 years ago.
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