2016 Cleveland Indians

[Steve_424]

Would you guys be satisfied with trading for Todd Frazier (likely Clint Frazier going to the Reds), signing Morneau, and signing R. Davis?

When Brantley returns you'd have:

L-2B-Kipnis
S-SS-Lindor
L-LF-Brantley
R-3B-Frazier
L-DH-Morneau
S-1B-Santana
R-C-Gomes
L-RF-Chisenhall
L-CF-Almonte

Pretty balanced, a little pop added, good defense.

 

[BimboColesHair]

Like this signing alot. Not exactly sure why he took a major step back last year, hopefully the Indians can get him right.

Good talent.

I like that they are seemingly just signing all the fringe OFers on the market...you have to think between Grossman, Butler, Cowgill, and some prospects like Naquin and Ramsey that they will catch lightning in a bottle like they did with Raburn a few years ago...at least thats what I am telling myself to feel better about Grossman, Butler, and Cowgill

 

[Steve_424]

I like that they are seemingly just signing all the fringe OFers on the market...you have to think between Grossman, Butler, Cowgill, and some prospects like Naquin and Ramsey that they will catch lightning in a bottle like they did with Raburn a few years ago...at least thats what I am telling myself to feel better about Grossman, Butler, and Cowgill

I agree and I will add that I am never going to complain about minor league deals. They add organizational depth, they are all no risk, all potential reward, and they seem to do well with at least one every year. I also highly doubt they are done.

 

[Steve_424]

Updated the OP

 

[JFT]

View: https://twitter.com/hoynsie/status/677261191438184448


View: https://twitter.com/CST_nickloparo/status/677248071361802240

 

[AZ_]

Lost in Off-Season thread, the lineup is starting to take shape without Brantley. The more I think about the Davis signing, the more I like it. It gives the team cover for the months they'll spend without Brantley.

Davis is a guy who can take on any role, and he'll likely have to take on the leadoff spot to start the year.


LF/CF - Rajai Davis - 101 wRC+
SS - Frankie Lindor (S) - 128 wRC+
2B - Jason Kipnis (L) - 126 wRC+
1B - Mike Napoli - 98 wRC+
DH - Carlos Santana (S) - 110 wRC+
RF - Lonnie Chisenhall (L) - 80 wRC+
C - Yan Gomes - 77 wRC+
LF/CF - Joey Butler 109 wRC+/Abe Almonte (S) - 111 wRC+
3B - Gio Urshela - 68 wRC+

There are a few options the Indians have in the outfield, I think it may end up:

vs. RHP:
LF - Rajai Davis, CF - Abe Almonte, RF - Lonnie C.

vs. LHP:
LF - Joey Butler, CF - Rajai Davis, RF - Lonnie C/Chris Johnson

 

[AZ_]

25-Man Roster Primer (as of 12/16):

Position Players
Locks:
C - Yan Gomes, Roberto Perez

IF - 1B Mike Napoli, 1B Carlos Santana, 2B Jason Kipnis, SS, Francisco Lindor, 3B Giovanny Urshela, UTIL Jose Ramirez

OF - Lonnie Chisenhall, Rajai Davis, Abe Almonte,

The Bubble (1-2 available):
Colin Cowgill^
Joey Butler^^
Jerry Sands
James Ramsey^^^
Zack Walters^
Tyler Naquin^
Shane Robinson*
Robbie Grossman*
Michael Choice*
Michael Martinez*
1B/3B/OF Chris Johnson - DFA limbo

One, possibly two of these guys are getting cut in lieu of the Davis and Napoli signings.

Starters
Locks:
1 - Corey Kluber
2 - Carlos Carrasco
3 - Danny Salazar
4 - Trevor Bauer

5th Spot Competition:
Josh Tomlin^^
Cody Anderson^^
TJ House (L)^


Bullpen
Locks:
Cody Allen
Bryan Shaw
Zach McAllister
Jeff Manship
Shawn Armstrong^^

The Bubble (2-3 available):
Austin Adams^
Kirby Yates (L)
Giovanni Soto (L)^^^
Kyle Crockett^
Jeff Johnson^^^
Joe Thatcher*
Joba Chamberlain*
Felipe Paulino*

^ Options Remaining
* NRI


Wouldn't surprise me to see a couple more veteran NRI guys added to the bullpen competition. Everyone on the bubble has options remaining, the Indians could afford some additional depth options.

 

[MoFlo]

If Terry carries his typical 8 man pen, 0 of the bubble guys get in..

 

[AZ_]

If Terry carries his typical 8 man pen, 0 of the bubble guys get in..

Cool with that, especially if it turns out Ramirez and Johnson can not embarrass themselves in the outfield.

 

[MoFlo]

Cool with that, especially if it turns out Ramirez and Johnson can not embarrass themselves in the outfield.

Agreed, though I'm really intrigued with Butler and hope he makes the roster somehow

 

[Steve_424]

Updated OP

 

[buckeyefan]

Lost in Off-Season thread, the lineup is starting to take shape without Brantley. The more I think about the Davis signing, the more I like it. It gives the team cover for the months they'll spend without Brantley.

Davis is a guy who can take on any role, and he'll likely have to take on the leadoff spot to start the year.


LF/CF - Rajai Davis - 101 wRC+
SS - Frankie Lindor (S) - 128 wRC+
2B - Jason Kipnis (L) - 126 wRC+
1B - Mike Napoli - 98 wRC+
DH - Carlos Santana (S) - 110 wRC+
RF - Lonnie Chisenhall (L) - 80 wRC+
C - Yan Gomes - 77 wRC+
LF/CF - Joey Butler 109 wRC+/Abe Almonte (S) - 111 wRC+
3B - Gio Urshela - 68 wRC+

There are a few options the Indians have in the outfield, I think it may end up:

vs. RHP:
LF - Rajai Davis, CF - Abe Almonte, RF - Lonnie C.

vs. LHP:
LF - Joey Butler, CF - Rajai Davis, RF - Lonnie C/Chris Johnson

You think Napoli is hitting clean up? I was thinking 6th or 7th.

 

[AZ_]

He'll be 4th or 5th depending on where Santana is.

 

[MoFlo]

They need to get Santana out of that cleanup spot

 

[macbdog]

Indians sign lefty Joe Thatcher. LOOGY.