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Weekly Wroundtable: Cleveland Indians’ Spring Training Surprises
Mar 16, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians players celebrate a win over the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. The indians won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Indians have had a fairly mediocre Spring Training so far, with a 10-13 record. Some players have exceeded expectations, while others have struggled to perform, or missed time with injuries.
One of the best things about Spring Training is the ability for players to distinguish themselves from their peers. They can come out of nowhere, impressing a manager enough to make the roster either now or later on in the season. On the other hand, they’re also able to prove that they’re not quite ready for major league responsibility, and lose their chance to claim a spot on the team.
The Indians have a few of both, and this week, the Wahoo’s on First team took a look at the most unexpected trends from Spring Training.
Which Indians player has been the biggest surprise this spring (good or bad) and why?
Next: Brandon Moss and Jason Kipnis Return From Injuries
Mar 23, 2015; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Brandon Moss (44) reacts after hitting in the fifth against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Downing: Brandon Moss and his power swing have been the biggest surprise for me. I expected Moss to get a somewhat slow start, but he came out of the gates mashing like he was hitting golf balls with a billy club. His power stroke is a pretty good sign that he’s recovered from off-season surgery. And if he hasn’t fully recovered yet, I’m afraid to know what he can do when he does.
Katrina Putnam: The biggest surprise to me this spring is how rarely we’ve seen Jason Kipnis. It seemed like he had finally put his injury issues behind him, with an altered off-season workout regimen that focused more on flexibility than pure strength. Yet, he’s only played in eight games due to minor muscle strains, earning just 21 at-bats this spring. He’s hitting .238/.333/.333, without any home runs or stolen bases, or even so much as an extra-base hit. Hopefully he’ll return to his 2013 All-Star form once the season begins, but so far, he’s just been notably absent.
Next: Michael Bourn & Francisco Lindor Show Off Their Talents
Michael Bourn & Francisco Lindor Show Off Their Talents
Sep 24, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Michael Bourn (24) scores a run as Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) attempts the tag in the fifth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Clark: I am going with Michael Bourn. It seems like his off-season training has paid off. He has looked quick on the base paths despite not recording a steal (he was caught in his only attempt), and he has swung the bat well, hitting .382 with a homer and only five strikeouts in 34 at-bats. His hamstring seems to be fully healed, and Bourn looks more like the disruptive player the Indians targeted in free agency a few seasons ago.
Joe Gerberry: It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Francisco Lindor‘s spring has impressed me. This guy has long been one of the best prospects in the majors, and this spring he has shown why. He’s slashing .297/.308/.595 with two home runs, five RBIs and good – if not excellent – defense at the toughest position. He has forced the hand of the front office, and made the decision to send him to Triple-A Columbus a hard one.
Next: Shaun Marcum and Trevor Bauer Prove Their Value
Shaun Marcum and Trevor Bauer Prove Their Value
Mar 10, 2015; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer throws against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training baseball game at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Blazek: Shaun Marcum. He hasn’t pitched in the Bigs since a disastrous year with the Mets in 2012, which was followed by surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. He’s been as good as they’ve had this spring, and I think he should be considered for one of the remaining rotation spots. He was a solid starter prior to injury, and could be very valuable as a veteran starter on a young staff. Editor’s note: Now this is a surprise to me he’s not staying with the big league club. With Salazar’s struggles, they would be smart to keep him. If he takes a minor league assignment, the Tribe will be VERY lucky.
Andrew Schmid: My biggest surprise has been Trevor Bauer. Over 15 innings, he has allowed no walks while striking out 11. He has thrown two wild pitches, but only allowing two free passes across 72 batters is an incredible improvement for a pitcher who walked almost 10 percent of batters last year. The dip in his strikeouts is also a surprise, but I’m not too concerned, as this happens in Spring Training. A final surprising thing is how hard he has been hit, with almost a quarter of the hits he has allowed being home runs.
Next: C.C. Lee and Nick Hagadone Achieve Opposite Results
C.C. Lee and Nick Hagadone Achieve Opposite Results
Sep 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Carlos Santana (left) and relief pitcher Nick Hagadone (50) celebrate the win against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Cleveland Indians win 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Bretz: Probably the biggest surprise has been the struggles of C.C. Lee. After appearing in 37 big league games last season with varying levels of success, he appeared to be a guy that had the best shot at claiming the seventh bullpen spot. However, he’s really struggled this spring, and while spring stats can be fickle, he’s walked more batters than he’s struck out, showing that command is still an issue. That in and of itself isn’t truly surprising since he’s had issues with command in the past, but I was hopefully optimistic he’d take the next step this year. Hopefully this is just a small hiccup for Lee and he rebounds, but I’m surprised at just how off he’s looked this spring.
Justin Lada: Nick Hagadone hasn’t allowed a run this spring, and I think as of Wednesday, he hadn’t walked anyone. He took a big step forward last season in the second half. It seems like he’s really found what works for him and can settle in solidly. Another reliever who could make 60+ appearances, is left-handed, throws gas and isn’t a gas can anymore.