Cleveland Indians announce ALDS roster, debate ensues

The Cleveland Indians finally announced the ALDS roster and starting rotation, leaving many fans surprised at the decisions made.

Cleveland Indians fans are an opinionated bunch, and that remains true with the release of the ALDS roster.

The 25 names on the roster included some surprises, especially when it comes to the order of the starting rotation.

Here it is, in all its glory.

There is a lot to take in, so let’s break it down.

Those who didn’t make the cut

The bullpen is where some notable players were left off, with Nick Goody, Dan Otero and Zach McAllister being three players who could each have staked a claim to be included. Ultimately, Mike Clevinger and Danny Salazar both taking bullpen spots changed things.

In the field, Yandy Diaz was surprisingly left off as it is clear Terry Francona wants to ride with Giovanny Urshela‘s glove over Diaz’s potential at the plate. And instead of carrying Diaz as a backup, the decision was made to bring Erik Gonzalez aboard in the utility role.

This is an interesting move considering Jason Kipnis can play some infield, and if he had to there is enough depth in the outfield to make up for his absence. The addition of Greg Allen seems to be in a pinch-running/defensive replacement role, which makes the inclusion of both him and Gonzalez an interesting one.

The rotation

This is what currently has everyone talking on Twitter.

Trevor Bauer is going in Game 1 for the Indians, leaving Corey Kluber to start in Game 2 and be available for a potential Game 5. Carlos Carrasco gets the nod in Game 3.

But why not have Kluber and Carrasco pitch in Games 1 and 2, leaving Bauer for Game 3? It gives you two aces available for later in the series if necessary, if the four-man rotation needed to be ditched because of trailing in the series.

It is hard to question Francona, but the order of the rotation will be talked about if the Indians are upset by either the Twins or Yankees.

Baseball is such a random sport that the lack of Goody, McAllister, Otero and Diaz may never even come up in our minds if the Indians roll through the ALDS. However, a few errors or bad outing from those on the roster and the questions remain. It’s all part of the process.

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The Indians just need to win and everything will be fine. But knowing this fan base, everyone will be just a bit tense as Bauer taken the mound on Thursday night.