Cleveland Indians 2015 Rule 5 Draft and Roster Decisions

Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

The Longshots

Todd Hankins – UT, Jeremy Lucas – C, Jake Lowery – C, Grant Sides – RHRP, LeVon Washington – OF, Dorssys Paulino – OF, Perci Garner – RHRP,  Ronny Rodriguez – UT

I try not to say something is “impossible” when it comes to roster decisions, but I would be very surprised if any of these players were added to the Tribe’s 40-man roster.  Hankins may have the best shot of the group as he’s able to play both the infield and outfield and is also currently playing in the Arizona Fall League. However, his bat is well below average and doesn’t have much power.  Lucas and Lowery are a pair of catchers that, while pretty solid are just too far from the big leagues (in my opinion) to seriously considering using a roster spot at this time.  Grant Sides made this list last year and while he still has some upside as seen by his 11.1 strikeout per nine in High-A this year, just not enough there to warrant as a reliever. Washington and Paulino are a pair of former high prospects with big tools that have just not panned out to this point. If a team thinks either can stick in the big leagues all year in 2016, by all means have at them.

Prediction: None are Rostered

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Conclusion

While the Indians have only four open roster spots, I see the Indians rostering five guys with a sixth a strong possibility.  There are still a couple guys on the current 40-man roster that can be let go, most notably Jerry Sands who could easily be resigned to a minor league deal like Michael Martinez and Adam Moore were.  Michael Choice, Jayson Aquino, C.C. Lee and Tony Wolters would appear to be four others that could be removed should the Tribe decide to roster more than five (or decide they just really like Sands).

For me this is a much stronger Rule 5 class than the Indians had a year ago. I realistically could see the Tribe lose a guy or two this year. Whether those players stick or return I don’t know, but an intriguing mix of bullpens arms and athletic outfielders that could make the Tribe’s final decisions tough.

So who do you think the Cleveland Indians should add before the Rule 5 Draft? Did I miss someone?  What players (if any) do you think should be removed?  Let us know in the comments section below.