Spring Training was shortened as COVID-19 changed the way we live, but from what we could see, these three Cleveland Indians had a rough go of things.
There doesn’t seem to be any baseball on the horizon in the coming weeks for the Cleveland Indians, or anyone else looking to take to the diamond, so you better believe there will be an over analysis of the limited Spring Training we were treated to before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world.
The Cleveland Indians and manager Terry Francona were quietly getting through the Cactus League. Sure, there were bumps and bruises, but every team suffers a setback now and then.
Mike Clevinger required knee surgery, but ver well could be ready to go by the time the season commences. Carlos Carrasco is suffering some elbow problems, which is probably the most concerning pre-season injury.
As with any Spring Training evaluation, make your observations at your own risk. Anyone who’s watched baseball knows that Spring Training can be Fool’s Gold. The player you write off can go on to have an All-Star season, while the Cactus League MVP could be designated for assignment by May.
While there were several strong performances that should leave fans encouraged for 2020, these players had a rough go of things in Goodyear.
1. Jake Bauers
With the outfield problem far from being solved, Jake Bauers had a big opportunity to seize one of the jobs.
It didn’t happen, as the former top 100 prospect went 4-for-28 with 11 strikeouts. Only one of his hits went for extra bases.
The outfield got some clarity this offseason, thanks to Franmil Reyes, who was a capable defender during his time in right and left field.
As it stands now, Reyes and and Oscar Mercado could be penciled in as starters, leaving one more spot to fill. Jordan Luplow would take that spot against left handers, which makes it hard to see Bauers struggle. The left-handed hitting 24-year-old would be the perfect platoon partner to pair with Luplow.
Eventually, baseball will be played again, and players will need more Spring Training. Bauers is only 24. He’ll get more opportunities and hopefully, he’ll be able to turn things around.
2. Bradley Zimmer
Bradley Zimmer played in a 101 games during the 2017 season. Since then, injuries have slowed his once promising career.
In 2018, he played in 42 games between the Indians and the minor leagues. Last year, after coming back from injury, he appeared in nine games with the Tribe, while playing in 13 games in the minors.
In the shortened spring season, Zimmer was 5-of-25 at the plate (10 strikeouts).
It’s clear Zimmer just needs to play, that probably means he opens the season at Class AAA Columbus. There’s no point in making him the fourth outfielder because he won’t get regular playing time.
Ideally, with enough innings logged in Columbus, Zimmer will be able to remind everyone as to why he was once regarded as the Tribe’s top farmhand.
Arm-chair GM’s will think back to 2016, when the Tribe unloaded Clint Frazier to the Yankees for Andrew Miller. It’s perceived that the Indians had to make a decision on whom to part with. They chose Frazier. His career hasn’t blossomed, either, but a lack of playing time seems to be his biggest road block in New York.
3. Domingo Santana
With Franmil Reyes emerging as a candidate to log some serious innings in the outfield, Domingo Santana is being talked about as candidate to collect a lot of plate appearances at DH.
Santana led all of baseball last year with 11 outfield errors, and considering he dropped a fly ball, he was doing his best to make Reyes look like Roberto Clemente.
Naturally, Tribe fans will want to stick him at DH, but keep in mind he was 5-of-25 with 10 strikeouts. Of course there’s the caveat that you can never read too much into what happens in Spring Training, especially during a shortened Cactus League season.
But with Santana struggling, why not take another look at Bobby Bradley, who was having one of the better springs in 2020. Bradley was batting .333 with three home runs and a double in 28 plate appearances while striking out just six times.
You can never get too high or too low around a limited spring training performance, but considering all Bradley needs is a chance, why not let him start the season?
The thing Bradley really needs is a chance. Considering how he wilted after being called up last season, let him ride the momentum and see if that confidence carries into the season.
With the season moved back, the Cleveland climate should be a little more conducive to baseball, and that could be seen as an advantage for hitters.