When Indians All-Star center fielder Grady Sizemore went on the DL last season, it was Trevor Crowe who replaced him. A light hitting outfielder known primarily for his defense in the minors, Crowe has gotten fairly significant playing time in each of the last two seasons as Sizemore has struggled to stay healthy and on the field.
Showing posts with label Michael Brantley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Brantley. Show all posts
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
AL Central Injury Updates
It seems like yesterday, but I haven't done an Injury Update since the 27th. Apologies for that.
- Grady Sizemore (Knee): Still no closer to returning from off season microfracture surgery at this point. It seems highly unlikely he opens the season.
- Trevor Crowe (Shoulder): Has been taking cortisone shots, but also remains doubtful for the start of the season.
- Michael Brantley (legs): Has been experiencing fatigue and pain in legs. Will take a few games off.
- Shin-Soo Choo: (Elbow) He's been experiencing some discomfort but as of now isn't expected to miss time.
- Jared Goedert (Oblique): Is expected to miss at least two weeks. Was a long-shot candidate for a backup infield position. Will open the season in AAA.
- Jason Donald (Hand): He was hit in the hand by a pitch. X-Rays negative. Should be back playing within a week.
- Anthony Reyes (Elbow): Threw a 36-pitch bullpen without any reported issues.
Indians:
- Grady Sizemore (Knee): Still no closer to returning from off season microfracture surgery at this point. It seems highly unlikely he opens the season.
- Trevor Crowe (Shoulder): Has been taking cortisone shots, but also remains doubtful for the start of the season.
- Michael Brantley (legs): Has been experiencing fatigue and pain in legs. Will take a few games off.
- Shin-Soo Choo: (Elbow) He's been experiencing some discomfort but as of now isn't expected to miss time.
- Jared Goedert (Oblique): Is expected to miss at least two weeks. Was a long-shot candidate for a backup infield position. Will open the season in AAA.
- Jason Donald (Hand): He was hit in the hand by a pitch. X-Rays negative. Should be back playing within a week.
- Anthony Reyes (Elbow): Threw a 36-pitch bullpen without any reported issues.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Indians Sign Nick Johnson
Last week when I discussed the Chad Durbin signing I pointed out that Indians GM Chris Antonelli was being prudent about his limited free agent payroll and wisely waiting out players as options became scarce. Now he's done so again, bringing in first baseman and on base machine Nick Johnson on a Minor League contract.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Indians Temporarily Emerge From Hiberation - Sign Kearns
... Immediately return to hibernation.
Ok, that's not fair. We knew going into this off season that the Indians were going to have quite a bit less payroll flexibility than they had in 2010. Intuitively, we also knew that meant that significant free agent acquisitions were unlikely. Fear not though Indians fans, while other teams are handing out what I generally consider to be insane contracts to players entering (or already into) their decline years, the best free agent signings are typically made during the last couple months. Furthermore, they're generally deals of little overall value.
Need examples?
In signing Austin Kearns to be their 4th outfielder, the Indians have not only solidified their outfield for 2011 - they've also gained some measure of isolation against Michael Brantley having a repeat of his disappointing 2010 season. While Brantley was awful at the plate (.284 wOBA) he was similarly poor in the field. Kearns, by contrast has been a plus defender throughout his career and showed in 2010 that he can still be somewhat effective at the plate.
Most importantly, the signing ran the team just 1.3m - something Kearns and his 1.5 WAR in 2010 more than justified.
Ok, that's not fair. We knew going into this off season that the Indians were going to have quite a bit less payroll flexibility than they had in 2010. Intuitively, we also knew that meant that significant free agent acquisitions were unlikely. Fear not though Indians fans, while other teams are handing out what I generally consider to be insane contracts to players entering (or already into) their decline years, the best free agent signings are typically made during the last couple months. Furthermore, they're generally deals of little overall value.
Need examples?
In signing Austin Kearns to be their 4th outfielder, the Indians have not only solidified their outfield for 2011 - they've also gained some measure of isolation against Michael Brantley having a repeat of his disappointing 2010 season. While Brantley was awful at the plate (.284 wOBA) he was similarly poor in the field. Kearns, by contrast has been a plus defender throughout his career and showed in 2010 that he can still be somewhat effective at the plate.
Most importantly, the signing ran the team just 1.3m - something Kearns and his 1.5 WAR in 2010 more than justified.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Russell Branyan Joins Indians, Michael Brantley to AAA
This off season the Indians made a savvy play to pick up Russell Branyan late in the game to help shore up their rotation at first base and designated hitter. The Indians got Branyan, who led the Mariners in home runs in 2009 with 31, and OPS with .867 for the bargain basement price of two million. Considering that the Twins will be paying Justin Morneau, who provided similar production 14.0m for the next four years, that's an incredible deal.
Branyan missed most of spring training with a herniated disk and was placed on the 15-day disabled list to open the season. The Indians have struggled mightily for offense, and the presence of Branyan in the middle of the lineup should go a long way to fixing that.
To make room on the roster for Branyan, the Indians will be sending top prospect Michael Brantley who was acquired in the C.C. Sabathia trade back to AAA. Brantley struggled mightily with the big club, posting an OPS under .416 in 36 plate appearances while striking out in 28.1% of his at-bats. At 23 Brantley is still young even for AAA, so he's got plenty of time to iron out his offensive game, and being at AAA should help.
To make room on the playing field, Matt LaPorta will be moving from first base into left field, where he'll be taking the spot that Brantley vacated. Like Brantley, LaPorta has struggled greatly on offense so far in 2010. However, given his production on offense in 2009 (.750 OPS) and his fantastic minor league numbers, I'd imagine LaPorta will be just fine long-term.
Branyan missed most of spring training with a herniated disk and was placed on the 15-day disabled list to open the season. The Indians have struggled mightily for offense, and the presence of Branyan in the middle of the lineup should go a long way to fixing that.
To make room on the roster for Branyan, the Indians will be sending top prospect Michael Brantley who was acquired in the C.C. Sabathia trade back to AAA. Brantley struggled mightily with the big club, posting an OPS under .416 in 36 plate appearances while striking out in 28.1% of his at-bats. At 23 Brantley is still young even for AAA, so he's got plenty of time to iron out his offensive game, and being at AAA should help.
To make room on the playing field, Matt LaPorta will be moving from first base into left field, where he'll be taking the spot that Brantley vacated. Like Brantley, LaPorta has struggled greatly on offense so far in 2010. However, given his production on offense in 2009 (.750 OPS) and his fantastic minor league numbers, I'd imagine LaPorta will be just fine long-term.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Indians Roundup: Week One
The Indians got their season off to a fine start with a two games to one series victory over the White Sox as they took the final two games after a miserable start by opening day pitcher starter Jake Westbrook who was hammered by Chicago. Thankfully they managed to get back on track with a pair of nice wins, including a come from behind, extra innings victory in the rubber match.
The second series against the Tigers didn't go nearly as well as they were shut down by two very mediocre pitchers in Dontrelle Willis, and and Jeremy Bonderman., and then blew a huge lead in the final game as they tagged Tigers ace Justin Verlander for 6 runs, only to see the bullpen blow the lead as they allowed nine runs in the final four innings, finally losing on a game tying walk, followed by a game losing wild pitch. Heart breaking stuff.
Offensively, the Tribe really struggled as the only two players to break the .800 OPS mark were second baseman Luis Valbuena (.806) and third baseman Johnny Peralta (.810). Obviously players like Grady Sizemore (.759), and Shin-Soo Choo (.619) aren't going to continue to hit so poorly, and the offense should be better. Actually, with Sizemore, Choo, Peralta, Asdrubal Cabrera, Travis Hafner and top prospects Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley, and Carlos Santana, I think the Indians offense will be pretty good in 2011. But as of right now, that future is still a little ways off.
The issue with the Indians on a long-term basis is going to be pitching. They simply don't have much of it. I believe Justin Masterson and Fausto Carmona can be above average arms, and prospects Hector Rondon, and Carlos Carrasco show varying levels of promise, but is that enough? I'm not sold.
Ultimately, the Indians season is going to depend on how quickly the young bats develop. It won't be enough to help them win this year, but it can at least lay the groundwork for 2011 and it'll be a progression we'll be following closely here at AL Central in Focus.
The second series against the Tigers didn't go nearly as well as they were shut down by two very mediocre pitchers in Dontrelle Willis, and and Jeremy Bonderman., and then blew a huge lead in the final game as they tagged Tigers ace Justin Verlander for 6 runs, only to see the bullpen blow the lead as they allowed nine runs in the final four innings, finally losing on a game tying walk, followed by a game losing wild pitch. Heart breaking stuff.
Offensively, the Tribe really struggled as the only two players to break the .800 OPS mark were second baseman Luis Valbuena (.806) and third baseman Johnny Peralta (.810). Obviously players like Grady Sizemore (.759), and Shin-Soo Choo (.619) aren't going to continue to hit so poorly, and the offense should be better. Actually, with Sizemore, Choo, Peralta, Asdrubal Cabrera, Travis Hafner and top prospects Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley, and Carlos Santana, I think the Indians offense will be pretty good in 2011. But as of right now, that future is still a little ways off.
The issue with the Indians on a long-term basis is going to be pitching. They simply don't have much of it. I believe Justin Masterson and Fausto Carmona can be above average arms, and prospects Hector Rondon, and Carlos Carrasco show varying levels of promise, but is that enough? I'm not sold.
Ultimately, the Indians season is going to depend on how quickly the young bats develop. It won't be enough to help them win this year, but it can at least lay the groundwork for 2011 and it'll be a progression we'll be following closely here at AL Central in Focus.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Michael Brantley makes the cut
The Indians have decided they'll be taking top prospect Michael Brantley north with them when they break camp this year reports Anthony Castrovince.
Brantley may be a tad bit overmatched this season as he struggled last year in his brief stint with the Indians last year, posting an OPS of just .707 last year. He didn't perform much better at AAA, with an OPS of jusy .711. All the same, he's a player I'm high on.
Brantley combines plus-plus speed on the base paths, plus range in left, very solid strikeout to walk ratios, and solid gap power that seems to be improving. Look for Brantley to begin making an impact at the top of the Indians lineup within a year or two. He could become a force as a leadoff or number two hitter very soon.
Indians fans should be excited.
Brantley may be a tad bit overmatched this season as he struggled last year in his brief stint with the Indians last year, posting an OPS of just .707 last year. He didn't perform much better at AAA, with an OPS of jusy .711. All the same, he's a player I'm high on.
Brantley combines plus-plus speed on the base paths, plus range in left, very solid strikeout to walk ratios, and solid gap power that seems to be improving. Look for Brantley to begin making an impact at the top of the Indians lineup within a year or two. He could become a force as a leadoff or number two hitter very soon.
Indians fans should be excited.
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