ESPN’s Buster Olney Ranks Royals, Tigers Ahead Of Cleveland Indians In Top 10 Rankings
Jun 12, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN baseball writer Buster Olney left the Cleveland Indians out of his recent top 10 rankings, but he did have some nice things to say about the Tribe, categorizing the club in the “honorable mention” section of his column.
Here’s what Olney wrote about the Tribe’s outlook for 2015 (link requires subscription):
"“A team of great promise, with a rotation that is good and getting better, a lineup that should be more productive and a defense that has to get better after hitting rock bottom last season. “"
Olney doesn’t break any state secrets here because it’s obvious the Indians are going to go as far as their rotation takes them.
Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber will anchor the staff, but after that, some still unproven arms are going to have to perform at a higher level. This includes Carlos Carrasco, who was actually second on the Indians last season with eight wins.
May 6, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Danny Santana (39) slides into Cleveland Indians second baseman Jose Ramirez (11) on a fielder
Carrasco started 2014 in the rotation, got sent to the bullpen, but returned to the staff in late summer with stuff worthy of Cy Young consideration if it could be sustained for an entire season. In August and September, the hard throwing right-hander made 10 starts, posting a 1.30 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 69 innings.
Besides Carrasco, others must step up. Trevor Bauer (2014: 5-8, 4.18 ERA, 4.01 FIP) and Danny Salazar (2014: 6-8, 4.25 ERA, 3.52 FIP) need to take a big step in their career development, while free agent Gavin Floyd (2014: 2-2, 2.65 ERA, 3.79 FIP) has to prove he can stay healthy, because when he’s able to pitch, he’s better than average.
The most interesting storyline to watch this season may be the team’s defense. As Olney points out, the Indians were awful at fielding in 2014, but in his short paragraph, he doesn’t account for Asdrubal Cabrera‘s horrible range at shortstop being nowhere near Progressive Field this season, while Jose Ramirez should start the season there. Ramirez had only four errors in 56 games compared to 14 in 92 games for A-Cab. That’s a BIG difference at the most important defensive position on the diamond.
Now, on to the rest of the Central.
While it was nice to see the Tribe get some run from Olney, it was a little surprising to see the Royals ranked freaking FOURTH after losing ace pitcher James Shields and slugger Billy Butler to free agency.
Here’s what Olney said about KC:
"“The defending AL champions have taken steps to hold their ground. James Shields and Billy Butler walked away, but the Royals added midlevel investments in Edinson Volquez, Kendrys Morales and Alex Rios to a strong core of defenders and relievers. They didn’t really scare anyone throughout 2014 and they won’t scare anyone now, because they aren’t a great offensive team and their rotation is good and not great. The Royals aren’t going to run away from what should be an incredibly competitive field in the AL Central. But the key pieces of this club — Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain, Yordano Ventura, the three dominant relievers — are all in their prime.”More from Factory of SadnessBet $1 on ANYTHING to Unlock $200 Guaranteed with Crazy Bet365 Ohio Promo!3 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers have a good shot to win the East next yearIt might be too soon to say it but it looks like the Cleveland Guardians are backAre the Cleveland Browns a Top 10 roster heading into the 2023 season?Eastern Conference Solidarity: Back the Heat with $5 Bet, Win $200 Bonus INSTANTLY with DraftKings Promo"
Volquez, Morales and Rios are all past their primes, and in no way should make up for the loss of Shields and Butler. Butler is a player in decline, having hit only nine homers last year, but Alex Rios hit four. FOUR! (Why Indians fans wanted to acquire him will forever be filed under Bizarre).
At No. 8, Olney gave the nod to the now Max-Scherzerless Detroit Tigers:
"“Now that Scherzer is gone for good, much will depend on how much they get out of their three best-known stars: Justin Verlander, who struggled much of last season; Miguel Cabrera, who is coming back from significant ankle surgery; and David Price, who was acquired to help fill the gap if Scherzer walked away. The Tigers could win the AL Central again, but it’s also possible they will finish fourth, given the improvement of other teams.”"
The Twins basically got ignored in the column, but the White Sox got about as much run as the Tribe. And depending on how you read into it, Olney listed the White Sox above the Indians on his honorable mention list. Just something to consider…
"“No team did more to get better this winter, with the additions of Jeff Samardzija, Melky Cabrera, closer David Robertson and setup man Zach Duke, additions to a team anchored by superstars Chris Sale and Jose Abreu.”"
What do you make of how Olney ranked the teams from the AL Central?