In case your a fan of the writings of Bernie Pleskoff, he posted an article on Rotowire on 5/25/20. It appears he has made a series of posting at the site...
While most of the article is behind a paywall, they are offering a free 10 day trial..
10-day free trial:
http://rotowire.com/free
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Bernie offered some comments regarding McKenzie & Karinchak (along with other non-Tribe players) in the 5/25 posting..
Triston McKenzie, RH, Indians, 6-5, 165, Age 22
We often forget that
Triston McKenzie was only 17 when he was selected out of Royal Palm Beach (Florida) High School by the Indians in the first round of the 2015 draft.
McKenzie has thrown only 329 innings in four seasons in the Indians organization. He missed the entire 2019 season with a severe back injury. He is beginning to work his way back, but I have great concern about his future. I have seen before the issues back problems can bring. Who knows when the situation will return? It may not. But it certainly may. Proceed with caution, as the Indians are doing.
In my opinion, McKenzie's mega-slender frame contributes to his back woes. His shoulder was also barking last year when his back was bad. He also experienced forearm tightening and soreness in the 2018 season. So so far, he has been injury prone.
McKenzie repeats his delivery well. He throws a low-to-mid-90s fastball, but it is his curveball that gets the swings and misses and is his "put away" pitch.
Once the top pitcher in the Indians organization, McKenzie's health issues have taken some of the bloom off the rose. He will have to show that he can remain healthy and dispatch hitters in an economical manner with his repertoire of fastball, curveball and changeup.
All of McKenzie's pitches are better than average, as is his command and control. Every time I have seen him pitch, he has shown very good mechanics that are both smooth and conventional. He doesn't try to overthrow. He knows his limitations. He knows how to pitch. But so far, he hasn't stayed healthy. And he will fall further behind if he doesn't get enough innings in the coming season. I look for him to be in the Fall League.
For me, McKenzie is like electricity. I won't touch him. Not until he proves he is totally healthy. I don't know if that will be possible with his slender frame and bum back. McKenzie's value has dropped due to the injuries.
GRADE: 55
James Karinchak, RHP, Indians, 6-3, 230, Age 24
James Karinchak is a player to remember. I really believe either he or
Emmanuel Clase (currently suspended) will be the Indians' next closer. Now is the time to grab him if he is available in your keeper league.
Karinchak has two well developed pitches. He throws his power, high-velocity fastball between 96-98 miles per hour. I have seen him hit 100 with no problem. It is his wicked curveball that gets the swings and misses and ends at-bats. He's just a typical two-pitch, late inning reliever.
A ninth-round pick by the Indians out of Rhode Island's Bryant University in the 2017 draft, Karinchak likely will out pitch his draft round. He can be very, very good.
Last year, Karinchak struck out 74 hitters in 30.1 innings over three Indians minor league classifications. He also pitched for the parent Indians, working 5.1 innings and striking out eight. He walked one.
The problem I have seen with Karinchak rests with inconsistencies in his stiff delivery. He does't always finish his delivery, loses his arm angle and as a result, has bouts of bad control. He gets behind in counts or hangs curveballs that the hitter can pound.
The Indians like what they have seen of Karinchak and he has a future with the club, as soon as this year. I have some doubts about him being able to maintain command of the high velocity fastball as well as the curve, so I am being a bit guarded. I want to see him in high-leverage situations at the back end of games. I want to see him throw strikes and not fall behind hitters.
Once he gains experience, I have little doubt he will succeed. He certainly doesn't lack confidence, and if he can gain some consistency, watch out.
GRADE: 55
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Rotowire has a fantasy baseball tilt but I did find another prospect listing for the Tribe (fantasy based)..
Cleveland Indians (Top 1-10 in 1st box, then next box has 11-20)