IPI Inbox: Who is this Burns guy?

Cory Burns (Photo: Lianna Holub)

 My Minor Happenings column this week will be delayed until tomorrow (Friday) or Saturday.  In the mean time I have selected a few recent questions received via e-mail or on my Twitter page (@TonyIPI) and answered them below.  If you have a question on anything pertaining to the Cleveland Indians from the minors to the big leagues, feel free to contact me.  I also pull from questions in the comments sections in articles, and also from Twitter, so you can post your question there as well.

To the IPI Inbox we go.....

Gerry wrote: Cory Burns has "off the chart" minor league numbers. Most impressive are the low walks for a high strikeout pitcher. Can you tell us more about him? How hard does he throw? What is his array of pitches?

Me: Double-A Akron right-handed reliever Cory Burns is an interesting prospect.  After finishing second in all the minors last year with 42 saves in combined time at Low-A Lake County and High-Kinston last year (1.96 ERA, 2.3 BB/9, 13.3 K/9), he is once again shutting the door on opponents and closing out Akron wins this year.  In 10 appearances for Akron he is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 8 saves, and has some impressive peripheral numbers with just 1 walk allowed and 20 strikeouts in 9.0 innings of work.

When people see a strikeout rate like Burns’ has had so far in the minors – 12.8 K/9 in 86 career appearances – you would think he is blowing the ball by hitters with a mid to high 90s fastball, but this is hardly the case as his fastball clocks in regularly at 88-90 MPH and tops out at 91 MPH.  His success is mostly derived from the good movement he gets on his fastball as it has some tailing action and also two good secondary pitches in a changeup and knuckle-curveball.  He doesn’t have a true plus pitch, but all three of his pitches are average to above average pitches that he commands well with the changeup being his best offering and at times flashing plus ability.

Even with all the saves and impressive numbers to date Burns is not considered an upper-echelon relief pitching prospect.  There is some uncertainty on whether his gimmicky Hideo Nomo-like delivery will transition as he reaches Triple-A and perhaps the Major Leagues.  He creates a ton of deception with his “tornado” delivery as he has varying pauses in the delivery – sometimes as much as 2-3 seconds – which makes it uncomfortable for hitters.  He also turns his entire back to the hitter before twisting around and releasing the ball from a sidearm slot.  He certainly has potential as a big league reliever, but since he is generally viewed as a middle-tier relief prospect he will have to continue to put up ridiculous numbers to continue being noticed.  I'm a fan though….incredible makeup, solid pitches, and a crazy delivery….what’s not to like?

Burns pitching:

Dave H. wrote: [What about] Carlton Smith’s Pestano-like metamorphosis…he’s been a never-was and comes with a SSS warning but a guy with a 90’s fastball that has never been a bat-misser is producing [good numbers].  Has he perhaps gone from a 2-seamer to a 4-seamer producing more K’s and fly balls?

Me: I'm unaware of any change in Smith’s repertoire as he has always relied heavily on his hard sinker that sits at 91-93 MPH and has been up to 96 MPH.  He has definitely been pitching very well for Triple-A Columbus so far as in 9 games he is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, and in 12.2 innings has allowed 9 hits, 2 walks, and has 17 strikeouts.

It’s hard to believe a 24-year old pitcher like Smith had some sort of major metamorphosis though or changed his approach to pitching.  Coming into the season he had a career 5.5 K/9 rate, and while he throws hard, he is more of a pitch-to-contact guy who has always relied on groundball outs.  He throws a cutter, slider, and changeup, so it is possible he made a major change to one of them which is helping or that he has added a new pitch, but again I have not heard that as being the case.  Given that he is in his free agent year and may be pitching with a chip on his shoulder, I think that along with just another year of maturity and experience is the reason for the success.

Even with Pestano’s jump in his strikeout rate last year he had previous minor league success as a strikeout pitcher.  I liken Smith’s season more along the lines of Frank Herrmann last year who like Smith just never was a guy who put up big peripheral numbers and relied on pitching to contact.  Both throw about the same - and small sample size be damned right now for Smith - I think we see Smith continue to show he is a Major League middle relief depth option.

Derek D. wrote: Do you think after his awful start that it is finally time the Indians will release Wes Hodges?

Me: I certainly think Hodges' days are numbered.  He is no longer a priority player for the organization as when Jason Donald was initially brought to Columbus on a rehab assignment a week or so back Hodges had to sit out.  The surprising trade of Jordan Brown will help Hodges get more playing time, so hopefully he can make good on the opportunity and improve his numbers to date where through 13 games he is hitting .163 with 0 HR, 6 RBI, and a .456 OPS.

Hodges, 26, is an example yet again of how hard it is to make the big leagues and also how hard it is to continue success and development throughout the minors.  Going into the 2009 season Hodges was one of the Indians top prospects after a record-setting performance at Akron in 2008 (.290, 18 HR, 97 RBI, .821 OPS), but since reaching Triple-A his career has flat-lined because of injuries and sub par performance.  His defensive shortcomings have caught up with him, and now his hitting has taken a dive.  He may get a quick cup of coffee in the big leagues someday, but he has the “4A” label now firmly attached to him.  He may just be burned out and need a fresh start with another organization to maybe get that much needed spark, and I would be very surprised if after Nick Weglarz and/or Nick Johnson are possibly activated in the next month at Columbus if Hodges is not traded or released.

Eric Z. wrote: Any news on when Washington and Wolters will head to Lake County?

Me: No news at the moment.  The Indians have been conservative in Wolters return from his hamate injury this spring, and have done the same with Washington who has battled hip and leg injuries since the winter.  Both are arguably the two best young position prospects in the system, and while frustrating for both of them to sit and wait, the Indians have to do what is best for them long term and not rush them back.  If both were older, say a Jason Kipnis and Ezequiel Carrera kind of player in Triple-A, I believe both would be back already or very close.  But, due to their youth, you just want to ensure as best as possible they are 100% and at the same time you can develop other areas of their game while they are sidelined.

At this point, I expect both to be out of action until short-season leagues start up in mid-June with both going to short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley.  That’s not to say neither will go to Low-A Lake County before then, just I think waiting and starting them in Mahoning Valley seems more likely at this point.

Loran H. wrote: What happened and what is the status of Bryce Stowell?

Me: Stowell has been sidelined since the end of spring training with some shoulder fatigue.  He had a poor spring as his command was way off and even his velocity was down some, so near the end of camp the Indians just decided to shut him down.  From what I know he is not expected to be out much longer, but these things can always be fluid especially since when we are dealing with potential injuries the team cannot say much.

Another thing in play is the Indians have been able to be much more conservative with activating Stowell because of the crowded pitching situation in Cleveland and Columbus, so he as well as Anthony Reyes have continued to bide their time out in extended spring training in Arizona.  At the moment there is no ETA on Stowell (or Reyes), but I suspect that after lefty Nick Hagadone is soon promoted to Columbus that Stowell will slot into the Double-A Akron bullpen.

Matthew Z. wrote: What happened to Beau Mills?

Me: Mills has been battling an Achilles injury since spring training.  Last I heard he was playing in extended spring training, and as long as there have not been any setbacks he may be activated soon.  He had a very disappointing season last year at Double-A Akron (.241, 10 HR, 72 RBI, .689 OPS) and a sub par year in Akron in 2009 as well (.267, 14 HR, 83 RBI, .724 OPS).  It looks like he has plateaued at the AAA/AA level, but what a boost it would be for the team if he can get himself back on track as he has that big power bat the organization lacks.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).

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Tribe Removes Four From 40-man Roster, Lose Rivero

Carlos Rivero

The Cleveland Indians made some more roster moves today and reduced the 40-man roster by four players. They have outrighted infielder Wes Hodges, outfielder Chad Huffman, and infielder Drew Sutton to Tripe-A Columbus, and shortstop Carlos Rivero was claimed off of waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies.

After these moves the 40-man roster is currently at 34 players, though there are 36 players under control as catcher Carlos Santana and outfielder Grady Sizemore are still on the 60-day disabled list (they will be activated in the coming days). As first time outrights, Hodges and Huffman are still under control of the organization while Sutton is now a free agent since this was the second time he had been outrighted off a 40-man roster.

More on the moves this Sunday in my weekly Tribe Happenings notebook.

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Indians 40-man Review: Who Do They Remove?

Photo Credit: Tony Lastoria

With the World Series getting under way on Wednesday, the official start to the 2010-2011 offseason draws nearer for Major League Baseball.

The November 20th roster deadline is a little over three weeks away.  This is a key date in the offseason where teams set their 40-man rosters for the upcoming season by making decisions on which players to keep, which players to remove, and which young players to add in order to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft in December.  Decisions are also made by teams in regard to how many spots to leave open for potential free agents signings.

When it comes to filling out the 40-man roster at this time of the year, it all comes down to a combination of need and talent.  Most of the additions to the 40-man roster are who organizations view as their best young talent in the minors that is up for roster protection from the Rule 5 Draft.  The rest of the additions come from signings through free agency with a few waiver claims potentially sprinkled in.

Teams conduct several meetings from the final month of the season until the roster deadline date as they work to whittle down the roster and finalize it before the deadline.  Many decisions on who to remove and who to add from the roster are obvious, but other decisions are not so cut and dry.

Whether obvious or not, teams will wait until right around the deadline date to officially make the moves in order to let things play out.  Teams rarely make roster decisions on who to add well in advance of the deadline since there is no rush to do so and it could be a decision that results in disaster. What if the player being rostered is playing winter ball then goes out the next day and gets seriously hurt? This is a situation the team wants to avoid, and is why most of these decisions typically always go down to the last minute.

Occasionally, a team will open up a roster spot by trading a player already on the 40-man roster in exchange for a non-roster player that is not required to be protected.  Even more rare are trades at this time of the year involving Rule 5 eligible players that teams may not have room on their roster to protect.  This is mostly because other teams are in the same boat, and also because teams have little interest to acquire a player that if they are even interested in they can just go out and try to pick them up in the Rule 5 Draft for little cost.

With all this in mind, let's take a look at what decisions the Indians may make in creating room on the 40-man roster prior to the November 20th roster deadline.  In the next week or two I will follow this piece up with a look at what players from their farm system the Indians will consider adding to the 40-man roster.

Roster Analysis

The Indians currently have 44 players on the 40-man roster.  At the moment they are four players over the 40-man limit because they have four players that are on the 60-day disabled list: catcher Carlos Santana, outfielder Grady Sizemore, and right-handed pitchers Anthony Reyes and Hector Ambriz.  Players on the 60-day disabled list do not count toward the 40-man roster.

Since there is no disabled list in the offseason, all players on the 60-day disabled list have to be added back to the 40-man roster (or released) by the November 20th roster deadline.  As a result, in the coming days the Indians will have to remove at least four players from the 40-man roster just to create room for these four players on the 40-man roster who are on the 60-day disabled list.  If they want to add players from their minor league system and a free agent or two, they will need to remove more than four players.

Who Stays, Who Goes

Before we get into who stays or goes, it should be noted that players like outfielder Trevor Crowe, left-handed pitcher Aaron Laffey and right-handed pitcher Jensen Lewis are not in danger of being designated for assignment (DFA).  Well, at least not until spring training.

While all three are marginal major league talents, Crowe and Laffey still have one option remaining so have some value as at worst depth options in 2011.  Lewis may be on his way out of the organization, but he should remain with the club until spring training while the Indians seek a trade partner or his value increases because of injuries to other relievers.

Looking at the rest of the current 40-man roster, the following players appear to have a questionable status on the roster: Hector Ambriz (RHP), Luke Carlin (C), Shelley Duncan (OF/1B), Justin Germano (RHP), Chris Gimenez (C), Wes Hodges (1B), Chad Huffman (OF/1B), Andy Marte (3B/1B), Anthony Reyes (RHP), Carlos Rivero (SS), Drew Sutton (SS/2B), Jess Todd (RHP), and Luis Valbuena (2B).

That's a lot of guys ranging from low to high chances at being removed from the roster.  Here is a breakdown on the chances of each player being removed:

Hector Ambriz:  The Indians made it through all of 2010 without having to send Ambriz back to the Diamondbacks as a Rule 5 pick, so he is 100% the property of the Indians now as they have the full complement of three options and can pretty much do what they please with him for the next three years.  However, since he just underwent Tommy John surgery and won't pitch in the big leagues in 2011, it is very unlikely that if he were designated for assignment that anyone would claim him off waivers.  Even with the flexibility he provides respective to the 25-man roster with his three options they do not help in regard to creating room on the 40-man roster as he is still taking up space as a marginal player who is unusable in 2011.

Decision: The Indians DFA him, he clears waivers, and is outrighted to the minors.  He would still be under the Indians control as a first time 40-man roster removal, so unless claimed by another team he remains under their control in 2011 and beyond.  This is much like the Adam Miller situation from last offseason.

Luke Carlin: The Indians two catchers at the big league level next year will be Carlos Santana and Lou Marson, but if Santana needs more time to recover from his knee surgery or if they want to start Marson in Columbus to play everyday and get more seasoning, the Indians will need a third catcher on the roster.  If the Indians go this route, they could always find that third catcher on the free agent market like they did with Mike Redmond last offseason, or go with Carlin or even Chris Gimenez.  Carlin is a likeable guy who has some value as organizational depth at catcher, but not worthy of a 40-man spot.

Decision:  The Indians DFA Carlin, he clears waivers, and he becomes a free agent.  There is a good chance the Indians try and resign him to a minor league deal with an invite to major league camp this spring.  If resigned, he likely would be the regular catcher at Triple-A Columbus.

Shelley Duncan:  Duncan provided some much needed leadership for a very young team and also a powerful bat from the right side of the plate hitting .231 with 11 HR, 36 RBI and a .736 OPS in 85 games last year.  If he remains on the team he would serve as a right-handed complement to Travis Hafner at DH and also provide a right-handed bat off the bench to play left field and first base.  He’s 31 years old though and the very definition of a 4A player, which are the kind of players you don’t protect and instead look to sign (or resign) to minor league deals.

Decision: The Indians DFA Duncan, he clears waivers, and they try to resign him as a minor league free agent.

Justin Germano:  Germano was a bright spot in the Indians bullpen in the second half of the season posting an 0-3 record, 3.31 ERA, .205 BAA, and 0.99 WHIP in 23 appearances.  Maybe the Indians found a diamond in the rough, or maybe it just took awhile for things to catch up with him.  Bottom line, he's a dime a dozen pitcher and at best a long man or 6th inning guy, and with a team so deep with internal bullpen options they need to protect, it would be surprising if they kept him around.

Decision: The Indians DFA Germano, he clears waivers, and they look to resign him as a minor league free agent with an invite to major league spring training.

Chris Gimenez:  Gimenez has very good leadership skills and works well with a pitching staff.  He is also versatile as in addition to catching he can play third base, first base, and left field.  Unfortunately, with the Indians likely to be pretty versatile on the bench, his versatility is no longer as valued.  On top of that, even though the sample size is small, in the limited amount of at bats he has had in the big leagues he has performed poorly.

Decision: The Indians DFA Gimenez, he clears waivers, and the Indians try to resign him as a free agent.  As a second time outright he can chose to sign with any club as a free agent, so it will be interesting if he seeks greener pastures elsewhere.

Wes Hodges: This one should be the most obvious as the Indians already tried to remove Hodges from the roster back on July 27^th when they DFAed him only to have the Colorado Rockies claim him off waivers.  The Rockies then DFAed him shortly after that and tried to sneak him through waivers, but the Indians reclaimed him back on August 5th.  It was one of the more bizarre series of transactions for one player seen in awhile, and showed the lack of value he has to a big league 25-man roster not only in Cleveland but all the other 29 teams.

Decision: The Indians will once again DFA Hodges, and this time no one claims him.  Remember, he was never outrighted by the Indians or Rockies as in both cases he was claimed and remained on the 40-man roster, so he will have no choice but to accept an outright assignment to the minors with the Indians.

Chad Huffman:  Huffman was an interesting late season pickup by the Indians.  The Indians claimed him off waivers from the Yankees on September 17th, so it would appear they made the transaction for a reason seeing as he would not be able to play or do anything for them until this coming spring.  He is a right-handed power bat the organization really needs to balance out a very left-handed laden outfield in Cleveland, and more importantly he has two option years remaining.  While there appears to be little chance for impact, he could fill the role Duncan had in 2010 as a guy who opens the season in Triple-A but is one of the first promoted when a need arises.

Decision:  Huffman has a good chance at sticking, especially since he was a pickup so late in the season.  He’s not in the clear though as while he likely remains on the 40-man as of the November deadline, he will be one of the first candidates up for removal when a free agent is signed to a guaranteed major league deal later in the offseason.

Andy Marte:  A year ago Marte was kept around because he was considered the best option defensively at third base and first base for the major league team.  Sadly, this still appears true, even with Marte's defense these days decaying to maybe a tick above average.  He still has yet to ever show he can hit in the big leagues as he hit .229 with 5 HR, 19 RBI and a .680 OPS in 80 games last year, and in five seasons from 2006-2010 he has hit .218 with 20 HR, 96 RBI and a .635 OPS.

Decision: Because the Indians have such a need at third base, it looks like Marte will survive another roster purge in the short term and go into spring training in competition for the third base job or as the right-handed bat off the bench.  The man has more lives than a cat, though like Huffman could be one of the first options to DFA later in the offseason if the Indians acquire a player via free agency or trade.

Anthony Reyes:  Reyes is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and has shown some progress of late in his recovery where the Indians may consider him as a fifth starter candidate next year or as a swing man in the bullpen.  It is also possible they could have him open the season on the disabled list to continue his rehab and sort of serve as a “reserve” pitching option until a need arises.  The problem is he offers very little flexibility as he needs to be pitching in the big leagues or be on the disabled list since he cannot be sent to the minors and remain in the organization unless he is on a 30-day rehab assignment.  The Indians have several pitchers who may have higher priority for the final two spots in the rotation, and while the need for a veteran starter seems to be a big target they want to acquire this offseason, Reyes probably doesn’t fit the kind of player they are looking for.

Decision: The Indians DFA Reyes, he clears waivers, and they resign him to a minor league deal with an invite to major league camp in spring training.

Carlos Rivero:  Every year Rivero is held in such high regard by the Indians, but every year he falls short of expectations.  Even with the absence of really any good minor league season under his resume or outstanding defensive skills, he continues to be held in that regard.  The Indians surprised many by rostering him last offseason, a move that at the time was questioned and in hindsight looks unnecessary as he is not held in nearly as high regard by those outside the wigwam.  After a very sub par return trip to Double-A Akron last year, the Indians may have finally wised up on him.

Decision:  The Indians DFA Rivero, he clears waivers, and is outrighted to the Indians minors as a first time 40-man roster removal.

Drew Sutton:  Sutton would appear to be a player the Indians will very much consider for a big league opportunity as their utility man to start the season next year.  With the absence of any real utility player options on the roster other than Luis Valbuena, both Valbuena and Sutton will probably stick around to at least compete for the job in spring training next year.  He could also be Jason Donald's left handed handcuff at second base.  He does offer some flexibility as he has one option remaining, but he also would likely create little interest on the waiver wire if he were DFAed.

Decision:  Sutton is likely DFAed, and as a first time outright - if he clears waivers - he has no choice but to accept the Indians decision to outright him to the minors for 2011.  He battles for the big league utility gig as a non-rostered player.

Jess Todd:  At first glance it would appear that Todd is safe on the 40-man for now considering the Indians picked him up as part of the Mark DeRosa trade in July 2009; however, it did not go unnoticed that the Indians chose not to call him up in September.  Even when Triple-A Columbus' season was complete, the Indians instead opted to purchase the contract of right-handed pitcher Vinnie Pestano and add him to the roster to give him a few looks rather than just callup Todd who was already on the roster.  This seems to show he is of lower priority now to the club, and one of the bullpen options likely to be discarded first.

Decision: Todd will very likely stick around for awhile longer, but could be one of the first bullpen options discarded next season unless his usage and role increases.

Luis Valbuena:  In 2010 Valbuena had one of the worst offensive seasons seen by an Indians player in some time.  For most organizations he probably would have already been shown the 40-man door, but the Indians often tend to be very patient with players on the 40-man roster, especially when the player was part of a significant trade like the one consummated in December 2008 with Seattle for Franklin Gutierrez.  Valbuena did show promise in 2009 with a good year at the plate, so there could be a sense that 2010 was just an extreme hiccup and that he will rebound to normal levels in 2011.  He does provide some versatility at third base, second base and even shortstop, and because of that could be one of the main candidates for the utility infielder role next season.  He also has one option remaining, so he provides some roster versatility next season.

Decision:  The Indians aren’t ready to pull the plug yet, and will give him at least half a season next year before considering giving him the axe.

Final Tally

Remember, guys like Chris Gimenez, Wyatt Toregas, and Andy Marte survived the November 20th roster cuts last year, so there are certain to be a couple of guys kept on the roster that will leave people scratching their heads.  As we saw though, a few “sacrificial lambs” are kept on the 40-man in the event roster room needs to be made to add a free agent or trade acquisition.  Teams keep a few of these players on the roster instead of loading up with straight prospects so as to not have to DFA a prospect they might otherwise not want to.

In the end, at this point it looks like Huffman, Marte, Todd, and Valbuena may be safe, but Ambriz, Carlin, Duncan, Germano, Gimenez, Hodges, Reyes, Rivero, and Sutton look to be on the outs.  That would leave five spots open on the 40-man roster to add players from within prior to the roster deadline

So what internal options will the Indians look to fill those open spots?  We'll take a look at all the options in the upcoming followup piece in about two weeks.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI.  His latest book the 2010 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is also available for purchase on his site for a special year end closeout sale of $10.00 (including shipping and handling).

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IPI Inbox: McAllister Adds More Pitching Depth

It's time to clear out the inbox again with some answers to some questions surrounding the Cleveland Indians big league team and farm system.  As a reminder, feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding the Indians.

Onto the Inbox...

Phil wrote: Which names you are hearing for the PTBNL from the Yanks? I know we won't be getting Montero as well as probably McAllister or Nova. So that makes the list a little shorter.

Well, turns out in the end it was right-handed pitcher Zach McAllister (good call by the way, you should be happy). McAllister is an interesting arm whose stock has dropped a little this year after an inconsistent season pitching for the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre going 8-10 with a 5.09 ERA in 24 starts (132.2 IP, 165 H, 38 BB, 88 K). Indians GM Mark Shapiro was in Columbus the last week since Scranton/Wilkes-Barre had been playing Columbus from Tuesday through Friday and caught his start against Columbus on Tuesday (5.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R/ER, 2 BB, 4K). He’s a command/control specialist with a two-seam fastball that sits 87-91 MPH though has touched as high as 93 MPH. He complements the fastball with a slider, curveball, and changeup, with the slider being his best pitch and an above average offering. He projects as back of the rotation arm, and in a lot of ways is similar to Josh Tomlin with his approach and stuff.

McAllister, 22, looks like yet more pitching inventory the Indians are adding to their roster. With so much uncertainty with the rotation for next year, they are stock piling arms in what looks like will be a year long evaluation process to fill two to three slots in the rotation. The only certainties for next year are Fausto Carmona and Mitch Talbot, and really how much of a certainty are those guys given Carmona’s rocky up-and-down career and this being Talbot’s first year pitching in the big leagues?

With McAllister in tow, along with right-hander Corey Kluber who they obtained in the Jake Westbrook deal, they appear to have two more backend rotation options at their disposal in addition to the likes of David Huff, Jeanmar Gomez, Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin, Carlos Carrasco, Hector Rondon, Alex White and others who will be options next year as well.

Stephen P. wrote: What in the world happened with Wes Hodges??? He went from top prospect at 3rd, to a position change to 1B. Then a he had a great spring and was doing OK in Columbus. Next thing he gets designated for assignment and dropped off the 40 man, picked up by Colorado, then cut again and back to the Tribe in Columbus. Has he fallen that far off the radar with the Tribe (and other organizations) that they consider him another Ryan Mulhern?

Yes, unfortunately for Hodges he is now pretty much viewed as a 4A player now. He will play in the Major Leagues someday, but it looks like it will be as a bit player and a constant shuttle from the big to Triple-A. When he was initially drafted by the Indians in the 2nd round in 2006 out of Georgia Teach he came highly regarded with his bat and was a solid defender, but injuries have taken their toll and he never was able to develop and improve enough to be viewed as at least an average Major League defender. In addition to that, while he has been solid offensively, his bat has never really progressed as well.

As a third baseman Hodge’s bat would have been just fine, but now that he has been moved to first base it is below average. You don’t see many first baseman with a .732 OPS like he has this year or .704 like he had last year, both numbers at the Triple-A level. His value was at third base, and now at first base he is swallowed up by a lack of big offense at a position which demands it. He just doesn't have an interesting enough bat at first base to be nothing more than a marginal part time player. This is why other teams passed on him and he had the adventures on the waiver wire. The Indians still value him, and like the depth he provides for them at a position of need at first base, which is why they claimed him back when the Rockies put him on the waiver wire. At this point, he is good depth to keep around, and I guess you never know about a guy what may happen down the road...but his prospect star has faded immensely.

Nate W. wrote: What do you make of the recent major league success of Jeanmar Gomez? I remember on many occasions you just weren't that impressed with his stuff, but he's consistently 91-94 MPH on his fastball with a lot of movement. He seems like he could develop into a pretty productive BOR or even MOR guy if he ever gets a consistent breaking ball.

Hey Nate, yeah, gotta say I am pleasantly surprised with Gomez so far. He is pitching well beyond what was expected of him, and definitely for me. Kudos for an outstanding job by him so far. One caveat though is it is only a handful of starts, and his true test will come once the league adjusts to him and how he handles that. He is still very young, and really has a lot more ceiling, so at this point the sky is the limit with him. But just like I don’t hold right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco’s poor performance last year in September against him, I also don’t take too much stock in a handful of good starts. Encouraging, yes, and what you want to see, but we need more games and data points to get a true read on Gomez and a lot of these other guys.

It is funny though how with the Latin Trifecta that included Gomez, right-handed pitcher Hector Rondon, and left-handed pitcher Kelvin De la Cruz, that the one guy I was least excited ended up making the big leagues first and is impressing! Good for him, and I am happy to be wrong. I never felt he was not good, I just felt that there were other better pitching prospects out there in the system and really those other guys still are better prospects. The difference is he has stayed healthy while guys like Rondon, De La Cruz and others have not. When opportunity knocks, sometimes players just answer the door!

Phil wrote: With Barret Loux being granted free agency on Sept 1 after not signing with the D-Backs due to the bone chips in his elbow, any chance the Indians would be in the mix for him?

From what I understand, the Indians have moderate interest in Loux. They like other teams are kicking the tires on him in gathering lots of medical information on him. Before anyone offers him a contract, it really comes down to what an organization’s people think of the medical information that is available for review. Teams may also require a second physical or additional tests, something I don’t believe he has to do, but considering his situation where he has little leverage, he just may have to so teams can get a better idea what they are dealing with in his elbow. The Indians actually had him rated as a second round talent at best going into the draft, but if they believe the risk is worth it I would not be surprised if the Indians end up being in the mix to sign him.

Dave wrote: Tony, Looking at today's Lake County box score, I was wondering whatever happened with the Greg Folgia to catcher experiment? Seems like it was abandoned pretty quickly?

Folgia is just another in a long line of guys (Jerad Head, Nate Recknagel, Adam Davis etc) in the last few years who go to Instructs or Spring Training to catch and then don't end up playing there. A lot of times it is just experimental purposes for these guys, and to also create some versatility for down the road. The deciding factor, though, is playing time at the position has to be available. Back in 2005 when Chris Gimenez made the switch to catcher there was time available to play him there in Lake County. The same was not the case this year in Lake County as the Indians had both Roberto Perez and Chun Chen open the season there, and both of those guys are priority catching prospects in the system. As a result, Folgia has not caught this year, but from what I understand he did well in Instructional League last year and showed some athleticism and a howitzer for an arm, so it is something that could be revisited in the future.

Raul wrote: Why don't the Indians put Jose Constanza in the 40 man roster? He's leading the league in stolen bases and is hitting over .300.

Constanza is in an unfortunate situation where the Indians just have so many outfield options as they already have center fielders Grady Sizemore, Michael Brantley, Ezequiel Carrera, and Trevor Crowe on the 40-man roster. That's a lot as it is on a 40-man where space is so limited. I think he has opened more eyes this year, and considering how well he has played I think he has created some value where the Indians can’t let him just walk away as a minor league free agent and instead end up putting him on the 40-man roster this offseason. I personally I would rather have him on the roster than Carrera or Crowe, so we will see. In fact, I would not be surprised to see Crowe traded or given the wazoo this offseason and his spot going to Constanza’s. Crowe has had almost an entire year in Cleveland, and has underwhelmed both offensively and especially defensively.

Erik J. wrote: In your opinion as of right now who would be the top 5 prospects in the system heading into the 2011 season.

This is a process that takes a lot of time and research with reviewing lots of subjective and objective information, so I am not one of those people who just throw out off the cuff rankings. I do think though, without much thought or analysis the top five guys in the system (in no particular order) would be third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, second baseman Jason Kipnis, right-handed pitcher Jason Knapp, outfielder Nick Weglarz, and right-handed pitcher Alex White. Do note though, this list is fluid until the end of the fall/winter leagues, and there are a handful of other guys who could still factor in there.

Joel K. wrote: Just wondering has there been any news on international signings?

There is nothing really to report at this time on the International front for the Indians. They have keep a tight lip these days and don’t talk much about their International dealings until the signing period is over, mostly so as to not affect any signings that are still being worked on. That said, they have made it a point to mention they don’t really just go by the signing period from July 2 to August 31, as they actually sign guys all year. This is actually true as they actually sign more guys outside of the International Signing Period than during it. Like last September, I hope to have a piece on their International process and some of their picks this year in a piece sometime in September.

Stephen P. wrote: Where in the world is Stephen Head?

Head was released in spring training. After all the injuries and inconsistent performance, the Indians ultimately decided to move on. Had there been a spot at first base or in the outfield for him they may have kept him, but first base and outfield was bursting at the seams with options at the start of the season. He signed on with an independent team, I believe in the Golden Baseball League if I am not mistaken, and is continuing his dream of eventually making the Major Leagues.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI.  His new book the 2010 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is also available for purchase on Amazon.com or his site.

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IPI Inbox: Indians Should Sign Their Top Picks

It's time to clear out the inbox again with some answers to some questions surrounding the Cleveland Indians big league team and farm system.  As a reminder, feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding the Indians.

Onto the Inbox...

Anthony S. wrote: Do you think the Tribe will not be as aggressive to sign Drew Pomeranz? We get the same slot next year and depending on who you ask next years draft is supposed to be much deeper.

I believe that at 11:59 p.m. EST on August 16th that Pomeranz will be signed and officially be an Indian. I understand that there is some anxiety and uncertainty because he is still unsigned and we are five days away from the signing deadline, but note that over half of the first round picks and almost all of the Top 15 are still unsigned.

From what I understand Pomeranz would like to sign and the feeling is mutual with the Indians in wanting to sign him, but what we are seeing right now is this ridiculous charade the whole signing process has become with a high majority of first round picks waiting it out until the deadline day. Also, a lot of overslot signings in all rounds are now being officially announced by teams, signings that would have been frowned upon by MLB if done shortly after the draft or even a month ago. This is why so many guys in the first five rounds have yet to be signed by a lot of teams, the most ever from what I have heard, and by far. Expect many move overslot announcements in the coming days for non-first rounders.

As for the thought of not signing Pomeranz and just taking the compensation pick next year and using it on a player in a supposedly deeper draft? First off, Pomeranz is projected as a Top 10 guy in next year’s draft, so I am unsure you really gain anything by not signing him. Secondly, and probably more importantly, is the Indians would be inclined to take a safer player with the compensation pick next year to ensure signability since there is no compensation the second time around. So, they would likely end up with a lesser talent anyway. Last, money saved this year that is not spent on the draft does not necessarily carry over to next year's budget. They will just reallocate it elsewhere, be it another player in this year’s draft or on the international front. So, bottom line, for me at least, I just sign Pomeranz and be done with it (which I am pretty sure is what will happen anyway). Same applies for the second rounder Levon Washington and third rounder Tony Wolters, two players we would also get a compensation pick for if unsigned.

Steve R. wrote: When is Hector Rondon coming back?

Rondon is expected to make his first rehab outing this coming Saturday August 14th in Arizona. All reports from the Indians and staff members out in Goodyear are very positive, so at the moment it appears they dodged a bullet with the elbow. The injury and rehab is very similar to that of Kelvin De La Cruz last year where he had a long shutdown and then pitched late in the year and in the fall. If Rondon does well in his rehab outings in Arizona then he is expected to be activated and pitch for a full season affiliate near the end of August, and would seem to be in line to pitch in the Arizona Fall League or Instructional League to help make up innings.

Joey wrote: I had a quick question, are the Indians making Nick Hagadone into a reliever?

Yes, Hagadone has officially been moved to the bullpen, which I will have a full story on in the next few days. This is a transition that was planned back in January and something Hagadone knew about all along where the plan this season would be to start the year in the rotation in a piggyback situation and then in the second half make the transition to the bullpen. He is now viewed as a bullpen option going forward and will be developed that way, so his starting days are all but over.

This should not come as too much of a surprise as Hagadone was a reliever in college at Washington and only initially started in the minors in order to help develop his pitches and expedite his exposure to as many game situations as possible and develop a routine. Ideally you would love to see an arm as talented as his in the rotation, and his prospect standing takes a hit as a reliever rather than a starter, but this move may help him by pitching in shorter spurts and being able to let it all air out and just exclusively using his outstanding fastball-breaking ball combination.

Chad wrote: With Hagadone being moved the bullpen, I was thinking about the future of our starting rotation. Is there anybody who can be an "ace" in Cleveland besides Knapp? White has had two bad starts recently, but does he have top of the rotation stuff?

If you ask me, predicting who ultimately becomes an ace in a big league rotation is almost impossible. I mean, Cliff Lee was never viewed in the minors as an ace in the making. It took him three to four minor league seasons and four big league seasons before it came together for him. Prior to that he was a solid middle of the rotation pitcher. There are just as many aces who were never thought to be one who become one as there are those who become one who were always believed to be one (does that make sense?). So, we will see.

Now, as for "potential" to be an ace? That's something based on stuff and makeup and other intangibles of course. I still say Carlos Carrasco has the stuff to be an ace, but the biggest thing is what is between the ears as the mental aspect is really the one thing holding him back. The same could apply to the guy already in the big league rotation, Fausto Carmona. Alex White has the stuff to be a Halladay-like ace with exceptional work ethic, makeup, discipline, and front-line stuff, but again, how does the mental part translate when he reaches the big leagues? Jason Knapp probably is the best ace candidate because of his unbelievable makeup, size and stuff, but he is a huge projection since he is still in Single-A. Heck, Joe Gardner could become an ace along the lines of Brandon Webb with that sinker. You just never know. I don't think any of these guys get to that level ace level, but who really knows. We’ll find out in time.

Llama said: Any word on how Hodges came back to the Tribe yet? As both a Rockies fan and an Indians fan I'm dying to know!

Sorry to disappoint, but it's really not too juicy of an account from what I have heard. As far as I know, there were no backroom deals between the Indians and Rockies to circumvent the waiver process so the Indians could keep Hodges. It looks like it was just basically a case of the Indians kind of lucking out that they could reclaim him. Basically, we waived him to create a 40-man roster spot and then the Rockies claimed him, and then the Rockies waived him to create a 40-man spot and then we were able to get him back. An odd coincidence indeed, but from what I understand that is exactly what it ended up being, a coincidence. Definitely a weird year with transactions between this one and the Jensen Lewis DFA that really wasn’t a DFA.

Dan wrote: What has happened to Wyatt Toregas this year? He's only hitting .227 and played in 38 games. Injuries? I thought I heard he had an encounter with the front office about his playing time in the big leagues? Any chance he is tanking it to get released?

Toregas struggled this year offensively and had been in and out of the lineup for various reasons. After not making the big league opening day roster he was sent to Double-A Akron where he struggled, so the Indians sent him to Goodyear, AZ in May to get in better playing shape. He was sent to short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley in mid-June to get some work in and then was sent to Triple-A Columbus in mid-July where he had been playing until recently having his season come to an end after suffering a severe groin injury last week.

Yes, there are other issues which have affected Toregas this season, something of which was documented here on this site in mid-June. But he certainly was not tanking it this year as that would do him no good as at the moment he has very little interest from other teams in acquiring/signing him. The Indians had offered him up for trade back in April and May to every other club for no compensation and were unable to find takers, so it was important he played well considering he is a six-year minor league free agent this offseason. It will be interesting to see what happens to him this offseason, and I wish him nothing but the best of luck and hope he lands on his feet somewhere.

Robert wrote: Although Shane Lindsay has been wild and being hit thus far in Columbus, is the organization still intrigued by this guy despite his recent performance because of his overpowering fastball? I'm rooting for this guy because he reminds me of "Wild Thing" Rick Vaughn (from the "Major League" movie series). If he improves his performance in AAA, will we attempt to hold onto him next year or is he a minor league free agent?

I think Lindsay is more pitching inventory at this point. The arm is intriguing, yes, but there are a lot more options available right now with much higher priority (Josh Judy, Bryce Stowell, Vinnie Pestano, Bryan Price, Zach Putnam, etc) now and more will be by next year. I am still unsure exactly why the Indians made a waiver claim on him in the first place other than to add some pitching depth for moves they expected down the road with trades/releases. In any case he has since been put on the disabled list and he is a six-year minor league free agent this offseason, so his time in the organization may be short anyway.

Tyler S. wrote: Last year, Michael Valadez was a catcher for the Lake County Captains. I was a big fan of him. About midseason, it was announced that he was being converted to a pitcher. I know that he was released in May. Do you know how far into the process he was?

Valadez was 100% into his transition from catching to pitching this spring as he was throwing in games in spring training, throwing bullpens, and everything else. It was a long shot and he was ultimately released in the spring. After being released he signed with an independent team in the Golden Baseball League to try and continue his playing career.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @tlastoria.  His new book the 2010 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is also available for purchase on Amazon.com or his site.

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Hodges Returns, Santana Done & Another Trade

The Indians today have reclaimed infielder Wes Hodges from the Colorado Rockies and have sent him back to Triple-A Columbus. Hodges was originally designated for assignment by the Indians on July 27th to make room for right-handed pitcher Josh Tomlin as the Indians 40-man roster was full at the time, and then he was claimed by the Rockies on August 3rd. Don't ask me to explain how he is back with the Indians, yet.

Right-handed pitcher Anthony Reyes has had his rehab temporarily shutdown because of back tightness. He is supposed to throw a bullpen tomorrow in Cleveland in front of the Major League staff, and if things go well he will go back on his rehab in five days.

Also, the Indians completed a minor trade today as they acquired catcher Juan Apodaca and infielder Argenis Reyes from the Red Sox for cash considerations. The Indians were extremely thin at catcher at Columbus after catcher Lou Marson had to be recalled when catcher Carlos Santana got hurt on Tuesday, and catcher Wyatt Toregas out for the season with a groin injury he suffered the same night.  Catcher Damaso Espino was also promoted to Columbus from Double-A Akron, and Apodaca will report to Akron.

Last, Santana is officially done for the year as he will undergo left knee surgery tomorrow at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Rick Parker will stabilize the lateral side of Santan's knee with a repair of his lateral collateral igament. He is expected to be out 4-6 months and expected to be ready for the start of the 2011 season.

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Tomlin Up, Hodges DFAed, Brantley Optioned

Today the Cleveland Indians announced they have purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Josh Tomlin from Triple-A Columbus. To make room on the Major League roster outfielder Michael Brantley was optioned to Columbus following last night’s game. To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Wes Hodges was designated for assignment. Tomlin will make his Major League debut tonight as he starts vs. the New York Yankees at 7:05PM ET in Progressive Field.

Tomlin, 25, has spent the entire season at AAA Columbus going 8-4 with a 2.68 ERA (107.1IP, 83H, 34R/32ER, 33BB, 80K, .212 avg) in 20 games/17 starts for the Clippers. He currently leads the International League in average against (.212), 2nd in hits per 9.0IP (6.96/9.0IP) and ranks 2nd in the league in ERA (2.68). Tomlin, who was selected to the International League All-Star team, started the year in the Clippers bullpen and 3 of his first 4 appearances on the year came out of the pen before being inserted into the rotation for good on April 28th. He has allowed 3 or fewer earned runs in 16 of his 17 starts this season and since June 18th he is 3-2 with a 2.33 ERA (46.1IP, 37H, 12ER).

A native of Tyler, TX, Tomlin was selected by the Indians in the 19th round of the 2006 June Draft out of Texas Tech University. Last year, he went 14-9 with a 4.16 ERA (145.0IP, 149H, 67ER) in 26 games/25 starts at AA Akron. His 14 wins led both the Eastern League and the entire Indians Player Development System while his 125 strikeouts were 2nd most in the EL and 4th most in the Indians system. Tomlin will be the 2nd Tribe starter (Gomez) and 4th pitcher (Ambriz, Gomez & Herrmann) to make his Major League debut this year. He wears #43.

Brantley returns to Columbus for the second time this season where he has hit .315 (76-241) with 9 2B, 2 3B, 3HR and 26RBI in 59 games. He has also scored 47 runs and stolen 11 bases during his tenure with the Clippers. Brantley has appeared in 26 games for the Indians this year over two different stints (16-102, .157).

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Minor Happenings: Brantley Centers In On Callup

"Minor Happenings" is a weekly column which covers the important developments and news in the Indians farm system. While most of the information in this report is from my own research and through interviews I have conducted with organizational personnel, some information in this report is collected and summarized from the various news outlets that cover each team.

A little bit different format this week with the Happenings.  With the holiday weekend and also yours truly about to pull my hair out with the car shopping process which has engulfed my life over the past few days, I decided to go with a more notes style approach this week.

As a reminder, a pre-recorded interview with Triple-A Columbus third baseman Jared Goedert was aired on my Smoke Signals show I do with co-host Paul Cousineau every Thursday 9:30-10:30 PM.  To listen to the show and the interview, click here.  Also, the International Signing Period just kicked off, so for some background on how that works, click here as well.

Last, an article on Double-A Akron second baseman Jason Kipnis, a conversation with Low-A Lake County pitching coach Mickey Callaway, and the 411 on the Russell Branyan trade posted this week.

Everyone have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Onto the Happenings…

(By the way, if you see any typos this week, cut me some slack this week as I didn’t have a chance to do my usual second and third looks through this piece...thanks!)

Indians Minor League Player of the Week
(for games from June 24 to June 30)

Michael Brantley (Outfielder – Columbus)
.462 AVG (14-31), 9 R, 3 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K, 4 SB, 1.034 OPS

Triple-A Columbus outfielder Michael Brantley is not long for the minor leagues.  The speedy table-setter at the top of the Columbus lineup looks to be back in top form in all phases of his game be it offensively, defensively, or running the bases.  With that, his days in Columbus appear to be numbered, and he will likely be back in Cleveland sometime this month, possibly for good.

Brantley just finished off a very good month of June where in 21 games he hit .352 (31-for-88) with 2 HR, 13 RBI and a .903 OPS, and on top of that retained his excellent walk to strikeout ratio with 10 walks and 8 strikeouts.  Currently, he is squaring the ball up well and using the entire field and just looks so much more comfortable at the plate than he did in spring training and the first two weeks of the season where in nine games with the Indians he hit .156 (5-for-32) with 0 HR, 3 RBI and a .416 OPS.

In addition to the offense, Brantley’s defense has been better than ever.  He remains under control and glides to balls in the gaps like a gazelle and makes it look easier than it really is out there.  He goes back or in on balls with such ease, which may be why so many casual observers tend to think less of his defense as compared to a maximum effort guy like Trevor Crowe who really works hard going back and in on balls in the outfield.  The Indians could certainly use an upgrade defensively in center field because Crowe is not cutting it as an everyday guy there, so Brantley could be the answer in the short term, and perhaps the long term if the injured Grady Sizemore is moved to left field next year.

Brantley has handled his assignment to Columbus like a trooper even though he knows he probably should have been in Cleveland all year.  His focus to handle the task at hand and not get caught up in the day-to-day roster decisions has been incredible.  He never sulked or lost his confidence when he was sent down to Columbus in April, he instead used it as an opportunity to get better and attack some of the things the Indians challenged him with to get even better.  The result today is he feels like a better player overall where his swing at the plate has improved, he is getting better reads on the balls in the outfield, and physically he feels as good as he has ever felt.

Honorable Mentions:

Jordan Brown (OF – COL): .375 (9-24), 1 R, 3 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K, .907 OPS
Jared Goedert (3B – COL): .241 (7-29), 8 R, 0 2B, 0 3B, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB, 12 K, .979 OPS
Jerad Head (OF – AKR): .588 (10-17), 3 R, 4 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 SB, 1.650 OPS
John Drennen (OF – AKR): .393 (11-28), 6 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K, .933 OPS
Roberto Perez (C – LC): .412 (7-17), 3 R, 1 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K, .971 OPS
Adam Abraham (1B – LC): .364 (8-22), 4 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 0 BB, 1 K, 1.091 OPS
Alex Monsalve (C – AZL): .438 (7-16), 2 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 4 K, 1.033 OPS
Alex Kaminsky (RHP – MV): 1-1, 2 G, 2.70 ERA, 10.0 IP, 11 H, 4 BB, 9 K, .297 BAA
Matt Packer (LHP – LC): 1-0, 1G, 0.00 ERA, 8.0 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 K, .185 BAA
Clayton Cook (RHP – LC): 1-0, 2 G, 1.64 ERA, 11.0 IP, 9 H, 1 BB, 13 K, .220 BAA
Alex White (RHP – AKR): 1-1, 2 G, 0.73 ERA, 12.1 IP, 12 H, 1 BB, 7 K, .255 BAA

Previous Winners:

06/17 to 06/23: Jason Kipnis (2B – Akron)
06/10 to 06/16: Jared Goedert (3B – Columbus)
06/03 to 06/09: Josh Rodriguez (INF – Columbus)
05/27 to 06/02: Paolo Espino (RHP – Akron)
05/20 to 05/26: Kyle Bellows (3B – Kinston)
05/13 to 05/19: Carlos Santana (C – Columbus)
05/06 to 05/12: T.J. McFarland (LHP – Kinston)
04/29 to 05/05: Trey Haley (RHP – Lake County)
04/22 to 04/28: Jason Donald (INF – Columbus)
04/15 to 04/21: Bo Greenwell (OF – Lake County)
04/08 to 04/14: Carlos Santana (C – Columbus)

Director’s Cuts

Indians Farm Director Ross Atkins was in Columbus to see his Triple-A affiliate in action, and one player of interest who appears to be on the verge of a callup is right-handed starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco.  Here is what he had to say about him:

On Carlos Carrasco:  "He has been consistent all year.  He is easily the most talented pitcher in the rotation [in Columbus], and arguably the most talented pitcher in any of our minor league rotations.  I think as we have talked about on many players, the time is valuable being in the minor leagues and making sure [he does] everything [he] can to make sure it is the last time in the minor leagues and there is not the up and down transition.”

On what Carrasco is working on:  “The things that we are challenging Carlos to do are controlling the running game, to be more consistent with his fastball, and pitch in more to right-handers better.  We think he has been more consistent with his fastball, particularly down in the zone.  It is really easy to miss up with the fastball and you have to work really hard to keep it down at 100% intensity.  That's something that at his young age he is pretty good at, he could just be better at it.  It is easier to challenge these guys with these adjustments when 1.) you have the carrot of the major leagues ahead of them and 2.) you have the lower caliber of play."

On Carrasco’s room for growth: "Yeah, he can because of the body and what he has already accomplished in Triple-A and he has already been in the big leagues.  Most people his age are just coming out of college.  He has been extremely durable, and there has been a lot of physical and fundamental progress.  As you know the mental part of the game is a huge part of it.  He is by no means limited there, but the natural maturation that occurs in professional baseball and the ups and downs dealing with soreness, failure, and success, those are all things that affect each pitch and each outing and things he is going through the growing pains with.  There is no question he is a major league pitcher.  Really we are just walking the balance of making sure we maximize his time in player development."

Manager’s Minute: Mike Sarbaugh

As many know, I was in Triple-A Columbus last weekend, and during my time there I had the chance to sit down with manager Mike Sarbaugh to get caught up on how several of his players have looked.

On Michael Brantley: "He has been very consistent all year long.  When he first got here there were some things that he and [hitting coach] Lee [May Jr.] worked on with his swing and he has made some really good strides.  He is hitting the ball the other way and really hitting the ball well.  [With the stolen bases] I think it is a combination where the pitchers really know what he did here last year so they have done a very good job of controlling the running game with him.  They will throw over three or four times in an bat, they hold the ball, and they slide step.  I think Michael maybe has not been as aggressive as he probably was last year, but he can steal bags when he needs to."

On Matt LaPorta: "He looks okay [health-wise].  He is not the fastest guy in the world.  I think offensively he has down a good job here, and done a good job laying off pitches out of the zone.  I think the big thing was when he did come down he got hot right away, so that was a good sign.  I think the everyday at bats have helped him out a lot as I think he was playing maybe three or four days a week up there.  So I think just to get that and get the feel for his swing has helped him out."

On Jared Goedert: "I think that's what it is (past injuries), because I have never seen him do what he has done here.  The power that he has displayed it has been really good.  Defensively he has also played very well too.  I think it is confidence which has helped, and his spring training was unbelievable and then he just continued it.  Sometimes you have to get that to get it going again.  I am happy for him.  He has a solid approach and fits right in with this club and has done a nice job for us."

On Jordan Brown: "He came back from the knee and was getting into a little bit of a groove, and then his back went on him and he missed about 10-12 days.  He has been working hard trying to get a feel for it and has been good.  Recently he kind of went into a slide where he was getting a little bit quick and jumping at the ball, but Jordan knows how to hit.  I think it has been a tough year overall for him as he has not been able to get into a groove.  He has played some first base and done well there and in the outfield as well.  With LaPorta here he has also played some right, so the more versatility he has will help him out."

On Vinnie Pestano: "Vinnie did a great job as a closer last year, and then he has come here in a different role and we have him at two innings now.  It is like how I saw him last year when he was on.  The other day he got second and third with no out in a 5-3 game in the 9th, and got a pop up and two strikeouts to get out of it.  The one thing about Vinnie is it seems like when he has his back up against the wall he really steps up and makes his pitches."

On Josh Judy: "I think when he first got here he was a little tentative [coming back from the injury].  It took about a good two weeks to get settled in.  He has been throwing the ball really well downhill, and his slider has been really good.  It took him a little bit to get there, but he has been throwing the ball well and I think he is right where he should be right now."

On Nick Weglarz: "Nick has swung the bat well.  The power hasn't really been there and he missed about six games with tendonitis with his knee.  But overall his approach has been good and he has played well in the outfield."

On Luis Valbuena: "Right now he is going to play short, second and a little bit of third.  So he will move around just to get in more games, especially at shortstop."

More All Stars

The mid-season All Star teams at the Double-A and Triple-A level were announced this week, and the Indians had several of their players selected to their respective league’s All Star games.  For Triple-A Columbus, outfielders Michael Brantley and Jose Constanza were named to the team.  Brantley was named to the team as a starter by the fans while Constanza will be a reserve.  The game will be held in Allentown, PA on July 14^th.
At Double-A Akron, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, outfielder John Drennen, and right-handed reliever Bryce Stowell were named to the team.  Chisenhall and Stowell were fan selections for the game while Drennen was voted in by the managers.  The Eastern League All Start game is on July 14^th and is in Harrisburg, PA.

Upper Level Random Notes

Triple-A Columbus infielder Brian Buscher was released earlier this week.  Since the arrival of third baseman Jared Goedert earlier in June he had been inactive for about three weeks and on the Mahoning Valley roster (paper move).  Having not played since June 10^th and with Goedert playing well along with lots of other options at third base and the rest of the infield, the Indians parted ways with him.  In 47 games he hit .265 with 4 HR, 26 RBI, and a .749 OPS and had a nice 17 walk to 10 strikeout ratio.

Triple-A Columbus third baseman Wes Hodges has to be elated that the month of June is over.  His June swoon saw his overall numbers take a significant dive as in 23 games he hit .202 with 1 HR, 7 RBI and a .568 OPS for the month.  Since a hot start in April where in 22 games he hit .321 with 2 HR, 15 RBI and an .887 OPS, he has been on the decline as in May he hit .265 with 3 HR, 12 RBI and a .702 OPS, and then fell off the table in June.  He started July off with a bang on Thursday going 2-for-4 with 2 2B and 3 RBI, so maybe he is on the road to recovery.  He recently made a minor adjustment with his hands as he was dropping them when he swung which caused his swing to get long, so he raised them and is a little more fluid in his swing to shorten it up.

Triple-A Columbus outfielder Jose Constanza is often overlooked because of the presence of so many high profile prospects on the Columbus roster.  Even still, he is doing his best to be noticed and judging by his performance to date and his selection in the Triple-A All Star Game, he has been noticed.  He has rotated in the outfield and is playing about four to five games a week because of the presence of so many outfielders on the team throughout the season, but it has not affected his play as in 59 games he is hitting .312 with 1 HR, 17 RBI, 21 stolen bases and a .764 OPS.

Double-A Akron left-handed pitcher Nick Hagadone has had an up and down season.  His numbers are solid as in 15 combined starts between Akron and High-A Kinston he is 2-3 with a 3.65 ERA (56.2 IP, 48 H, 45 BB, 66 K).  Batters are only hitting .226 off of him, he is striking out more than a hitter an inning, and the ERA is good; however, the walks are a big concern.  His outings have been inconsistent just like his numbers, and really inning to inning he has not been consistent.  He will have some very good innings or games, and then follow it up with a rough inning or game.  The Indians are working very hard with him to repeat his delivery in order to help improve his command, and they are also working to get him to control his emotions a little better on the mound since he is so competitive on the mound that sometimes he is his own worst enemy.

Double-A Akron right-handed reliever Bryce Stowell continues to be the talk of the Indians minor league system this year as far as relief pitchers go.  He was promoted to Akron from High-A Kinston in the middle of May, and since arriving has yet to yield a run.  In his 13 Akron appearances he is 1-0 with 7 saves and a 0.00 ERA (21.1 IP, 15 H, 9 BB, 30 K).  He was 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA in 11 appearances for Kinston, and in 24 combined appearances between the two stops he is 2-0 with 7 saves and a 0.77 ERA (46.2 IP, 31 H, 17 BB, 71 K).  Batters are only hitting .193 off him this year and his 13.7 K/9 rate is very impressive.  He is coming quick and could be in the Indians big league bullpen plans for sometime next season.

Double-A Akron right-handed reliever Bryan Price really started to settle in the past two months.  After an awful April where he was 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA (9.0 IP, 14 H, 3 BB, 10 K) in five games before going on the disabled list with an injury, he has come back looking like the high level relief prospect many consider him to be where in 15 appearances since he is 2-0 with a 3.81 ERA (26.0 IP, 26 H, 3 BB, 26 K).  Most impressive is the low walk rate this year, which is a byproduct of the work he and Akron pitching coach Greg Hibbard have done in getting to consistently command the ball down in the zone.  They also adjusted his placement on the rubber from the far third base side to more the middle to have him work where he starts over the plate a little more (similar with what they did with right-hander Erik Stiller last year).

Double-A Akron right-handed pitcher Paolo Espino is quietly having a very good season this year.  In 16 appearances (11 starts) he is 7-3 with a 3.86 ERA (77.0 IP, 67 H, 27 BB, 64 K), and has really done well in whatever role the Indians have used him in.  His versatility is a big plus, and he just continues to put up solid numbers.  He has been working on the command of his fastball to keep it down in the zone, and his curveball continues to be a deadly weapon for the hitters he faces.

Lower Level Random Notes

Here are two quick injury updates:  Low-A Lake County right-handed pitcher Danny Salazar is not having arm surgery, but his return is also not imminent.  Indians’ doctors were expected to evaluate him this week and determine a timeframe for his return, though the results of that evaluation are not known at this time.  In the case of High-A Kinston right-handed pitcher Rob Bryson has some right shoulder soreness and was placed on the disabled list this week.  Considering his injury history, the Indians are being conservative with the injury and he should be back soon.

High-A Kinston is likely to see a change of the guard at shortstop with the newly acquired Juan Diaz (Branyan trade) replacing Ron Rivas as the everyday shortstop.  Rivas has been a disaster defensively as he has committed a Carolina League-high 23 errors, so a change seems necessary.  Diaz is a switch-hitting shortstop who has a little pop in his bat who also is good defensively showing good hands and a strong arm.   Prior to the trade, Diaz was hitting .295 with 7 HR, 41 RBI, 8 stolen bases and a .779 OPS for High Desert in the High-A California League.  In three games for Kinston so far he is hitless in eleven at bats.

High-A Kinston right-handed pitcher Joe Gardner has proved to be mortal in his last two outings.  In his first 15 outings of the season, six of them were in Low-A Lake County where he was 1-0 with a 3.24 ERA (25.0 IP, 17 H, 11 BB, 38 K) and the other nine with Kinston where he was 6-1 with a 1.58 ERA (53.1 IP, 28 H, 18 BB, 49 K).  In his last two outing though he has gone 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA (12.0 IP, 11 H, 4 BB, 12 K).  His peripheral stats have been good in the last two outings, and though he has not been as sharp of late it is likely just a result of the law of averages working against him with teams putting up an unusually high success rate of plating runners in scoring position off of him.  Overall this season he is still 7-3 with a 2.65 ERA in 17 combined starts between Lake County and Kinston (88.1 IP, 56 H, 33 BB, 99 K).

High-A Kinston right-handed reliever Cory Burns has been on quite the roll this year closing out games for both Kinston and Low-A Lake County.  He is now an amazing 26-for-26 in save situations, and in 31 appearances this year is 0-0 with a 1.93 ERA (32.2 IP, 28 H, 9 BB, 50 K).  Interestingly, he has only retired the side in order once in all of his save opportunities.  Also, in the five games he has pitched without a save opportunity he has pitched six total innings and allowed five runs (7.50 ERA).  In his 26 save situations he has allowed just two runs in 26.2 innings (0.67 ERA).

High-A Kinston right-handed pitcher Austin Adams will continue to be in a piggyback situation where he starts one game and goes four to five innings and then the next game comes in relief in the fifth or sixth inning and finished the game.  He will piggyback with right-hander Marty Popham, his piggyback partner that he opened the season up with in Low-A Lake County before Popham was called up to Kinston.  In his Kinston debut last Sunday he went four innings and allowed two runs on three hits, two walks and had seven strikeouts.  In 13 appearances at Lake County he was 2-4 with a 3.54 ERA (53.1 IP, 40 H, 21 BB, 61 K).

High-A Kinston catcher Richard Martinez recently ended an unfathomable 1-for-56 slide at the plate when he went 2-for-4 at the plate last Friday.  He was on an 0-for-16 skid, which his only hit in the slide had broken up an 0-for-39 skid, and as a part-time player the slide lasted for over a month as it originally started back on May 22^nd.  In 45 games he is hitting .136 with 0 HR, 15 RBI and a .389 OPS.  Ouch.

Low-A Lake County left-hander Matt Packer had a career night last Saturday when he went eight shutout innings and allowed just five hits and one walk while striking out nine.  Overall this year he is 6-4 with a 1.86 ERA (63.0 IP, 51 H, 8 BB, 61 K), and though he was very effective in the bullpen this year (2.37 ERA, .203 BAA) and is where he ultimately projects, he has been sensational since moving into the starting rotation where in eight starts he is 4-3 with a 1.64 ERA (44.0 IP, 37 H, 6 BB, 44 K).  He has also been very effective in getting hitters to pound the ball into the ground (2.20 GO/AO).

Short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley outfielder Chase Burnette is probably the early season offensive MVP through the club’s first 15 games.  In the 14 games he has played he is hitting .286 (16-for-56) with 3 HR, 9 RBI and an .858 OPS.  Excluding catcher Wyatt Toregas from consideration, Burnette leads the Scrappers in batting average, doubles (5), home runs, RBI, slugging percentage (.536), OPS, total bases (30), strikeouts (12), runs (9), at bats (56) and is third in on-base percentage (.322).  This is no surprise really, as considering the makeup of the roster he has a very advanced swing and approach at the plate.  He is off to a good start, and will split time in left field and first base.

On Wednesday, short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley left-handed starter Mike Rayl put up his best outing of the season when he went five innings and allowed one run on three hits, no walks, and had six strikeouts.  He was the Indians’ 15^th round pick in the 2009 Draft, and is a guy to keep tabs on and someone the organization really likes.  He is the ace of the Scrappers staff so far this year where in three starts he is now 0-1 with a 1.84 ERA (14.2 IP, 14 H, 1 BB, 12 K).

On Friday night, short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley left-handed starter Jordan Cooper put forth his best outing in his short professional career.  He earned his first professional win and had a dozy of a start going six innings and allowing just one run on four hits, no walks, and had four strikeouts.  In three starts this year he is now 1-1 with a 5.02 ERA (14.1 IP, 15 H, 3 BB, 10 K).

Short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley right-handed pitcher Owen Dew is off to a great start to his professional career.  In his first two outings he has yet to allow a run as he has thrown ten shutout innings and allowed just four hits, no walks, and has five strikeouts.  He won’t blow anyone away with his stuff, but he is a strike thrower who shows good composure on the mound.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @tlastoria.  His new book the 2010 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is also available for purchase on Amazon.com or his site.

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First Base Offers New Opportunity For Hodges

The beginning of a new season brings new opportunity.

For players who had good years the previous season, it presents them with the opportunity to add to the success with another successful season. But for those that maybe struggled with their performance or with injuries, the turn of the page on the calendar to a new season is always welcomed as an opportunity to get back to performing at their best again. For Wes Hodges that is exactly the case.

It is no secret that Hodges had a tough year last season at the plate where in 91 games – mostly with Triple-A Columbus – he hit just .269 with 5 HR, 40 RBI and a .704 OPS, which paled in comparison with his near-MVP season at Double-A Akron the previous season where in 133 games he hit .290 with 18 HR, 97 RBI and an .820 OPS.

But a lot of his struggles from last season were the result of a wrist and bicep injury which forced him to miss almost 50 games over the first three months of the season and when he returned still plagued him the rest of the season.

Hodges is now 100% healthy and certainly looks like it as not only is he off to a solid start at the plate this season hitting .323 with 1 HR, 5 RBI and a .981 OPS in eight games, but he just looks healthy and stronger.

"It is exciting to get the season going," said Hodges in a recent interview last weekend at Huntington Park in Columbus. "It feels good. It is a long season and I am going to have down times and times I am doing well. I really don't try to get too high or too low. Last year I started off the first game and I think I was 0-for-5 with three strikeouts, so [it's definitely better right now]."

Hodges spent the offseason getting himself in good physical condition, and came into his second big league spring training camp with the mindset to get things right with his hitting and make some of the improvements defensively at third base he was unable to work on last year because of his injuries. But those plans changed rather quickly when he arrived at spring training when the Indians informed him that they were going to try him out at first base.

The initial plan was that he would split his playing time 50-50 between first and third base, but after he played a few games at first in the spring the Indians liked what they saw and decided to just make a full time move to first base.

"I don't know [what prompted the move]," said Hodges. "Going into camp they told me I was going to play there 50-50, then after I had a good game there they told me that they just want me to concentrate on first with [Matt] LaPorta being injured and [Russell] Branyan being injured as well."

By moving Hodges to first base, the Indians are attempting to fill a position of weakness at the moment in the organization. This past offseason when they looked at the internal options at first base they only had Andy Marte, Matt LaPorta and Jordan Brown. With two guys who are essentially rookies in LaPorta and Brown, Marte who is a third baseman by trade and not really considered an everyday option in a big league lineup, the inexperience at the position, and also with LaPorta still coming back from toe and hip surgery as well as Brown's injury history and less than favorable reviews about his defense at first base, the Indians needed more options for the big league team at the position. This is one of the main reasons they went hunting for an option to play first base in the free agent market last offseason, and why they eventually signed Branyan.

Branyan of course is not a long term fit, and while LaPorta is considered the first baseman of the future the only first base prospect in the system considered to have the potential to be an everyday player at first base is Beau Mills. However, Mills had a down season last year at Double-A Akron where he hit .267 with 14 HR, 83 RBI and a .724 OPS in 134 games and really won't be an option until maybe sometime during the 2011 season if things go right. Beyond Mills there really is nothing else in the system anywhere close to sniffing the big leagues in the next few years at first base at least as a potential everyday option.

Plus, you can't forget that uber third base prospect Lonnie Chisenhall is on the big league horizon. He impressed in his first big league camp this spring, and he is currently at Double-A Akron and hitting .313 with 0 HR, 3 RBI and an .812 OPS in eight games. Depending on who you talk to, Chisenhall is widely considered the best or second best third base prospect in the minors, and it looks like the position is his in Cleveland by sometime in 2011 if he continues to develop and perform.

So, with all that in mind, the Indians needed to find an alternative position for Hodges in the event Chisenhall does prove his worth and takes the third base position in the near future. Hodges also helps provide depth at a position of need at first base and still could end up an option at third base if Chisenhall falters. Hodges may even be the stop gap option at third base this year if current third baseman Jhonny Peralta is traded. Considering that Hodges is not considered much of a glove man at third base, this provides the flexibility to use his bat more effectively by plugging him into the lineup where needed at third base, first base or designated hitter.

All rationale aside, Hodges must now go through the adjustment process of learning the new position. Now that he is playing first base full time he is getting a crash course at the position, which is an entirely different way of playing than what he was accustomed to at third base.

"I am still learning where to be with situations that come up that I haven't really practiced yet," said Hodges. "I guess the biggest thing is trying not to play the position like third base, because at third you have to be really quick and make quick decisions, where at first you have a little bit more time. So I am just trying top be patient and not rush anything."

Since Hodges has really only been playing the position for six weeks, he is still picking up all the little things like lining up on throws from the outfield, pickoffs, picks on balls in the dirt, and so on. With that in mind there is no way that everything can be taught in such a short amount of time as new things will come up from time to time in games that he hasn't been taught yet and that really can't be taught until he is put such a situation in a game. Right now he finds himself thinking a lot out there rather than just reacting, but in time things should come more natural to him.

"[The hardest thing] is just thinking ahead where to go," said Hodges. "At third I just reacted, but now I have to think 'okay when the ball is hit where do I have to go'. Just stuff like that. It’s more about positioning."

In addition to making the position switch, Hodges is also adjusting to some changes outside of the game as he got married last November to his wife Katie. Unlike prior seasons, she is living with him in Columbus and he enjoys having her there though it is still an adjustment process early in the season since he spent the last three seasons waking up alone in his hotel room or apartment during baseball season.

“It's really good,” said Hodges about how things are going since the wedding. “It's been an adjustment, especially right now because she is with me this year so I wake up and there is someone with me whereas in the past I was home alone. It's been great and I am glad to have this opportunity to have her here."

Whether it be a big league opportunity, the opportunity to have his wife and family closer to him, or just the opportunity to make amends for his struggles last year, such is the excitement that the opportunity of a new season provides.

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