2015 Cleveland Indians Season Review: Grades

4 of 5

Oct 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians general manager Chris Antonetti, left, stands with outgoing president Mark Shapiro before a game between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Shapiro and Chris Antonetti: B

I reserve the right to change this grade after 2016 when Shapiro has a payroll and power to let his talents shine through. But, while with the Tribe, Shapiro honestly did what he could. The baseball world applauded the Bourne and Swisher deals and the Moss trade. With Antonetti, he helped lock up bargain deals for Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, and Michael Brantley. Even more impressive was how these guys managed to offload both Bourne and Swisher for someone who may be productive in Chris Johnson. That trade sparked the roster and drove a late season rally to just shy of the Wild Card.

Every Starter Not Named Trevor Bauer: A

I’m not counting back-end fodder names such as Shawn Marcum, T.J. House, and Bruce Chen. Aside from Bauer, the rotation was what kept the Indians alive all season. They actually led the American League in Wins Above Replacement for starting pitchers with a 6.7 mark to make up for a -3.0 score from non-pitchers.

But Bauer’s second half meltdown led to too many lost starts and no offense can make up for an ERA well over 6. There was a stretch where it seemed as if Bauer would never make it past the second inning. He’s young and cheap, so the Tribe will give him every opportunity to turn it around. Bauer needs to devote himself completely to the Pitching Whisperer that is Mickey Calloway in order to capitalize on his tremendous potential.

Overall: B

Next: Final Report, Additional Comments

More from Factory of Sadness

Home/Cleveland Guardians