Cleveland Indians 2015 Rule 5 Draft and Roster Decisions

Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

On the Fence

James Ramsey – OF (126 games, 12 HR, 42 RBI, .243/.327/.382, 107 wRC+ at AAA)

Had Ramsey been Rule 5 draft eligible last winter he’d have been a lock to have been added to the 40-man roster. He’s a former first round pick by the Cardinals (taken a few picks after Tyler Naquin) and was acquired by the Tribe for Justin Masterson at the deadline last summer. He had proven to be an on-base machine, posting a .369 on-base percentage in three seasons (including a stint in the Arizona Fall League). His OPS was also over .800 and he can play all three outfield positions.

However, 2015 was less than kind to James Ramsey. He struggled a bit with injury but even when healthy struggled at the plate. While he still posted a very healthy walk rate (10.5%), the rest of his game really suffered. His power was down as his .139 ISO was the worst since 2012 when he was fresh out of college, and his OBP was a career worst .327.  Given his struggles (most noticeably the lack of power), there’s a chance the Indians could leave him unprotected with thought he either won’t get picked or won’t stick with a club even if taken.

I personally think that’s a pretty big gamble though. He can still play all three outfield positions (and reasonably well) and could be a fourth or fifth outfielder on some teams, especially one looking to rebuild (like say, the Reds or Brewers). Given the openings on the 40-man and some of the guys still on it, I don’t think there’s much harm in rostering Ramsey.

Prediction: Rostered

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Shawn Morimando – LHSP (10-12, 28 starts, 158.2 IP, 3.18 ERA, 3.64 FIP at AA)

Morimando threw a career high 158.2 innings for the Double-A Akron Rubberducks this year, seventh most in the Eastern League.  Overall his numbers have been very solid for the Tribe, though very little jumps out at you. He’s not a big strikeout guy, though he did raise his K-rate to a career best 7.26 per nine innings this year.  Walk rate and WHIP are pretty average.  Nothing about him screams “must add” as he is also undersized at just 5’11”.  However, he is a lefty and pitched well enough that a team could take a chance on him as a bullpen arm. Tribe saw this with the Orioles grabbing T.J. McFarland several years ago. There’s definitely some risk in leaving Morimando unprotected, and he’s one of the toughest choices for me personally…

Prediction: Not Rostered

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Will Roberts – RHSP (6-2, 14 starts, 86.0 IP, 3.77 ERA, 4.00 FIP at AA; 3-4, 12 starts, 70.2 IP, 3.06 ERA, 4.26 FIP at AAA)

Roberts was on this list last year as well. He’s not flashy at all but a steady starting pitcher that also can work out of the bullpen.  He has limited upside as a starter but enough pitchability to potentially be a back-of-the-rotation starter or swing man in the bullpen.  He doesn’t strike many out (sub-5 per nine innings this season), but he also doesn’t allow many free passes (less than 1.5 walks per nine innings).  Overall though just too many better options to be rostered and enough depth in the system to leave him off the roster, again.

Prediction: Not Rostered

Next: The Longshots