The 2014 Cleveland Indians

[MoFlo]

To add to Hoynsie's news:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>CF Michael Bourn (hamstring) will open the season on the 15-day disabled list.</p>&mdash; Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/statuses/448142782612258816">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>3B Lonnie Chisenhall has been informed that he will be on the Opening Day roster.</p>&mdash; Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/statuses/448142907124363264">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RHP C.C. Lee and RHP Trevor Bauer have been optioned to AAA Columbus.</p>&mdash; Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/statuses/448142978519801856">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>1B Bryan LaHair, C Luke Carlin &amp; 1B David Cooper have been reassigned to Minor League camp. Carlin will stay on MLB side for now.</p>&mdash; Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/statuses/448143095717040128">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RHP Aaron Harang asked for and was granted his release. He is now a free agent.</p>&mdash; Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/statuses/448143165388644352">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[elcheato]

Nyjer Morgan is really weird

 

[Frank Stallone]

So I am wondering if LaHair will stay in the minors. Would like to see how he progresses. Good move on Bauer. Also, do we know anything about Elliot Johnson?

Oh, and, of course, Tony Plush. Too funny.

 

[Derek]

Elliot Johnson was confirmed on the roster last week

 

[Frank Stallone]

Elliot Johnson was confirmed on the roster last week

 

[Gimme Some Mo]

With Bourn out, any predictions on what the outfield will look like? I am hoping to not see too much of Tony Plush. Can Raburn and Murphy hold down LF and RF on a daily basis with Brantley moving to CF?

Also... who hits leadoff? You would think Brantley, but some managers seem to do weird things and move random guys into spots like that so you can keep a guy like Brantley in his normal spot in the order.

 

[AZ_]

With Bourn out, any predictions on what the outfield will look like? I am hoping to not see too much of Tony Plush. Can Raburn and Murphy hold down LF and RF on a daily basis with Brantley moving to CF?

Also... who hits leadoff? You would think Brantley, but some managers seem to do weird things and move random guys into spots like that so you can keep a guy like Brantley in his normal spot in the order.

I'd imagine you'll see:

SS - Cabrera
1B - Swisher
2B - Kipnis
3B/DH - Santana
CF - Brantley
LF - Raburn
RF - Murphy
C - Gomes
DH/3B - Chisenhall

 

[Gimme Some Mo]

I'd imagine you'll see:

SS - Cabrera
1B - Swisher
2B - Kipnis
3B/DH - Santana
CF - Brantley
LF - Raburn
RF - Murphy
C - Gomes
DH/3B - Chisenhall

That is what I was thinking. I haven't looked at the pitchers we will be facing early on, but if we face lefties, we will probably be seeing a lot of Aviles at 3B or even the outfield to fill in for Chiz and Murphy.

I wonder if the plan with Santana at 3B is to play him there against lefties and DH Raburn for our "right-handed lineup" and sit Chiz. That seems like it makes the most sense to me. I am still a little skeptical about Santana being the full-time 3B although I hope that it works out that way because I cannot stand Chiz.

 

[AZ_]

I wonder if the plan with Santana at 3B is to play him there against lefties and DH Raburn for our "right-handed lineup" and sit Chiz. That seems like it makes the most sense to me. I am still a little skeptical about Santana being the full-time 3B although I hope that it works out that way because I cannot stand Chiz.

That makes the most sense for me too.

Although I still have more hope for Chisenhall than you.

 

[elcheato]

I'd start Morgan at CF with Bourn out simply because Brantley is somewhat of a liability out in center.

 

[AZ_]

I'd start Morgan at CF with Bourn out simply because Brantley is somewhat of a liability out in center.

Unfortunately, Morgan is a liability just about everywhere...which is why Brantley will get the nod.

 

[elcheato]

Unfortunately, Morgan is a liability just about everywhere...which is why Brantley will get the nod.

With Brantley in center, you've got two guys on the corners playing every day, who should both be platoon players (which they are obviously slated to be when Bourn is healthy). You're going to have a dramatic drop off on offense anyway no matter who the opposing starter is because of this.

 

[AZ_]

With Brantley in center, you've got two guys on the corners playing every day, who should both be platoon players (which they are obviously slated to be when Bourn is healthy). You're going to have a dramatic drop off on offense anyway no matter who the opposing starter is because of this.

I'd gladly take Murphy and Raburn out of a platoon role when the alternative is playing Nyjer Morgan, who doesn't provide nearly enough defensively to compensate for his lack of offense.

 

[Frank Stallone]

That makes the most sense for me too.

Although I still have more hope for Chisenhall than you.

I think Chiz could not possibly have LESS pressure. Everyone, for the most part, has concluded he stinks. Might be a nice time for him to breakout.

 

[Stark]

If need be, Aviles can play LF and Swisher can still flail around in RF.

With Morgan as an emergency backup, our hands still are not tied. I love the flexibility our roster has.