The signs were all there during spring training. The Indians looked like they were going to struggle. The pitching couldn't get anyone out all spring. Did anyone really think it would be this bad? What can be done?
Excitement was in the air in Goodyear, Arizona this past February. The Cleveland Indians were about to arrive at a new, state of the art complex built to their specifications. The organization would use the facility for year-round player development, rehab and extensive training. The clubhouse, immense and loaded with every toy and tool essential and non-essential in building a baseball organization was in place. A shuttle bus took the players from the complex to the spring training stadium on game days. There was something very hopeful about everything being new. There was something very peaceful and uplifting about everything being new. Call it optimism. Freshness was in the air. The remains of all the bubbles that burst in 2008 had been swept away and left in places like Winter Haven, Florida and Cleveland, Ohio. This was a new day.
Reality hit quickly when the spring games began. Cliff Lee couldn't get anyone out. Oh, and Aaron Laffey couldn't either. And Jeremy Sowers. Or Anthony Reyes. Sense a pattern here? Laffey complained that the ball was too slippery. So did Sowers. Most of the pitching staff grumbled about the lack of humidity. A parade of potential relief pitchers took the mound day after day. Names like Vinnie Chulk, Jack Cassel, Greg Aquino, Kirk Saarloos, Tomo Ohka and of course, Masa Kobayashi. But spring training doesn't count. It's to be used to get in shape. To sharpen some rusty skills. To try a new pitch or two. Travis Hafner struggled in his rehab from shoulder surgery. Grady Sizemore was injured (and had to be pulled from the World Baseball Classic roster.) Young players like Chris Gimenez opened some eyes. So did Wes Hodges and Stephen Head. But the team struggled. The team looked lifeless. Bells went off in the minds of those who watch baseball closely. This team is not what had been advertised. Yes, Kerry Wood was on board to close games. Yes, Mark DeRosa, a real gamer was on his way after his stint playing for his country. There were some hopeful signs along with the warning bells.
Then the season started. The rest is history. A team pitching earned run average of 5.3. A shuttle system running between AAA Columbus and Cleveland. A revolving door from the bullpen to the Progressive Field mound to Columbus to the bullpen to the Progressive Field mound. Fans are dizzy. Infield instability. Outfield instability. Call up Matt LaPorta. Let Matt LaPorta watch how the game is played from his place on the bench. Send LaPorta back to Columbus so he can play. And hit. Trade for a different Perez than the one you have. Chris to be exact, while your own Perez , Rafael, can't find his slider or the plate. Use Mike Gosling as one of your starting pitchers before the break? Did I just write the name Mike Gosling? Give the manager a vote of confidence and assure the players that things will remain stable while they work themselves out of this collective flat tire.
What can be done? How does the Tribe dig themselves out of the deepest cave imaginable? There don't appear to be many life lines available. There is no magic pill to swallow. It will take time and money.
Thank you for wondering. Here's what I would do: (of course, financial considerations have to dictate everything)
- I- would place total team empahasis on player development and scouting. My emphasis would be to prepare with every resource I have for the 2010 first year player draft. The Indians haven't developed pitching-the most essential of their needs. They drafted a ton of pitchers this June. Now they have to be developed.
-2- I would continue to scour the world for free agent pitching.
-3- I would eliminate the word "untouchable" from any of my current players. If someone called about a player, I would listen. That includes Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee. The Indians have few, if any, impact players. Those players might bring the type of young, athletic and talented players the organization needs. Pitching is the greatest need. Power hitting is second. Speed is right up there as well. There are not many quality starting pitchers available for trade. If this is the year to trade Cliff Lee, so be it. But don't make a mistake in the return.
-4- I would work tirelessly to improve my team speed. I would talk with clubs about players that might add speed to my lineup. Speed is a valued commodity. The Indians have a surplus of excellent catchers to offer in trade. Consider: Victor Martinez, Kelly Shoppach, Wyatt Toregas, Chris Giminez and Carlos Santana. That's five catchers capable of fetching a quality player or players. Pitching and catching might be available for one of those very fine proven catchers and catching prospects.
-5- I would stop playing players out of position. Ryan Garko is not a right fielder and he cost the Indians and Cliff Lee runs last week. Jhonny Peralta does not have range at shortstop. I'm not sure he has the desire or will to play third base. I would probably give Andy Marte a shot at third base for the rest of the season. I want to see if his game has changed. He's hitting well at Columbus. Bring him up and let him play. See if Jhonny Peralta enjoys the view better while sitting on the bench. Make a decision about Josh Barfield. Is he in your plans or not?
I have little doubt that the Cleveland brass is not sleeping well. They have discussed and discussed every possible scenario. There are no quick fixes. Problems will escalate if the rotation isn't stablized. The season is lost. The toothpaste can not be put back in the tube. Use this as a developmental time and see what you have in LaPorta, Michael Brantley, Andy Marte, Jordan Brown and Chris Gimenez. Find out what kind of pitcher Hector Rondon can be. And hope for the best in the players you drafted. When it's all said and done, player development will carry the future.
That's my opinion. I'd be interested in what you think. Leave a comment or write me at thebigstrawhat@aol.com