Cleveland Indians Roundup: Rotation Similar to Mets; Prospect Countdown Continues; Marlon Byrd likely depth

Marlon Byrd gives the Cleveland Indians more depth in the outfield

Both the Cleveland Indians and the New York Mets have been the subject of ogling over young, quality pitchers. Between Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Steven Matz, the Mets have plenty of star power in their starting rotation. How well does this match up with the Cleveland Indians’ starters?

It turns out that while both teams have received much hype, the results are not too similar. When including relievers, the two teams put up strikingly similar statistics, but the individual rotations provide differing results. Perhaps many fans get caught up in the potential that both rotations have; and in that aspect they are quite similar. Each team has four starters with the potential to be aces, but the Mets’ pitchers appear to be closer to reaching that status.

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Speaking of potential, the prospect countdown continues with Mike Papi at number 13. Papi, a former first-round pick in 2014, has played in the outfield and at first base. The left-handed hitter showed an advanced bat in college, but it did not transfer to the minor leagues last year. Across 505 plate appearances he hit a depressing .236 with little power of which to speak. Fortunately, his 16% walk rate inflated his on-base percentage to a solid .362.

As Bretz notes, Papi should reach Double-A Akron at some point this season. The biggest question facing him is whether or not he will settle in to hit professional pitchers like he did in college, but plenty of time remains for the 23-year-old to put it all together.

Finally, Jeff Mount writes that Marlon Byrd gives the Cleveland Indians outfield depth. With Michael Brantley’s recent progress and Tyler Naquin’s impressive bid for the center field job, the outfield picture is beginning to look more official with each passing day. At this point, Byrd seems destined to begin the season in the minors with other hopefuls like Collin Cowgill and Joey Butler.

More from around the American League Central:

‘Cleveland Indians: Starting Rotation Bears Same Potential as the New York Mets’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Cleveland Indians 2016 Top Prospect: #13 Mike Papi’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Cleveland Indians: Marlon Byrd Gives Team Depth in Outfield’ – Wahoo’s on First