9 moves the Cleveland Indians must make this offseason
9. Make a plan for Danny Salazar
Danny Salazar is far too talented not to be able to help this team.
When he’s at his best, he’s an ace.
However, elbow and injuries have derailed the flame thrower ever since he made the 2016 All-Star game.
The Indians must figure out how to get Salazar to a place that he can be an effective weapon.
Here’s two plans:
1. Keep him as a starter, but put him on a strict innings limit/pitch count in the early going. Heck, even delay the start of the season if necessary.
The Indians need him to deal in October, not April.
Hopefully, by doing this, he won’t tax his elbow/shoulder, and he’ll be able to pitch deeper into the season.
2. Turn him into an Aroldis Chapman type reliever.
OK, so he’ not a lefty and he doesn’t throw 102. With that said he still throws the ball really really fast and is a proven strikeout machine.
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Plus, the Indians do need to start thinking about a post Andrew Miller bullpen. Miller’s entering the final year of his contract, and he may price himself out of the Indians’ range next offseason.