The Indians Rotation and Signing Bonderman
There is no doubt in any Indians fan’s mind that the team has a weak starting rotation. Much focus is put on the offense, but the pitching staff is very thin. It is hard to establish a rotation with the inconsistency of Carmona, Masterson, Talbot, and David Huff.
Carmona has improved greatly ever since his trip to the pits of the minors. Masterson was in his first year as a starter in 2010 so I can understand his struggles. Talbot was Mr. First Half after his second half collapse. David Huff did awful.
The addition of Jeremy Bonderman could help round out the rotation. As of now the rotation is Carmona-Masterson-Talbot-Carrasco with the fifth starter being a competition between Josh Tomlin, Jeanmar Gomez, Alex White, and David Huff.
Bonderman could bring somewhat of a veteran presence at 28 years old. He also knows the division as he pitched in the AL Central with the Tigers. He has a career record of 67-77 with an ERA of 4.89. It is not great, but he was injury prone throughout his stay in Detroit. Signing in Cleveland can be a new beginning for him.
A dark horse for the making the team in spring training is Anthony Reyes. He sat out the entire 2010 season following Tommy John surgery. He is invited to Spring Training but is not assured a spot in the majors. Either way, he is still under contract in the Indians minor league system. The signing of Bonderman could leave the Clippers with a very strong rotation, with major league experience.