2016-2017 Indians Off-Season Thread

[BimboColesHair]

That's only of we don't get Encarnacion.

Is he still a good defender? I wanted him here two years ago.

Don't think he played a single inning in the field last year...so who knows...

 

[Real Deal]

Oh please Justin MorNO is more like it.

 

[sportscoach]

Almonte has 1 option left.

Davis would be a poor re-sign IMO. Good if other options go elsewhere, but a poor option right now.

Notice how I never said I want to give out multi-year deals to these players? Notice my other post...I listed most of those names because they are guys who I think sign 1 year deals...

I did check that area and I am pretty sure you are right on Almonte, even though I know someone last spring training said he was (either an announcer/baseball analyst said it). He technically didn't get optioned in 2013, when he was added to Seattle's roster. In 2014 he was optioned by Seattle, and 2015 by Padres and 2016 was a suspension/rehab type assignment so no option was used. So I stand corrected!

I don't think Davis would be a poor resign since he won't be an everyday player. I know he didn't have great splits, but to me having a well liked guy as our last bench player would be a good option. I am going more towards someone who we know gelled well with the team. (Aka the psychological side rather than the numbers side) I would like a guy who can come off the bench and swip bags/pinch run a lot when he isnt playing out in the field. Now just my opinion, but either way we both agree on it wouldn't hurt to bring in another veteran OF.

 

[BimboColesHair]

I did check that area and I am pretty sure you are right on Almonte, even though I know someone last spring training said he was (either an announcer/baseball analyst said it). He technically didn't get optioned in 2013, when he was added to Seattle's roster. In 2014 he was optioned by Seattle, and 2015 by Padres and 2016 was a suspension/rehab type assignment so no option was used. So I stand corrected!

I don't think Davis would be a poor resign since he won't be an everyday player. I know he didn't have great splits, but to me having a well liked guy as our last bench player would be a good option. I am going more towards someone who we know gelled well with the team. (Aka the psychological side rather than the numbers side) I would like a guy who can come off the bench and swip bags/pinch run a lot when he isnt playing out in the field. Now just my opinion, but either way we both agree on it wouldn't hurt to bring in another veteran OF.

You are getting way too caught up in the "well liked, team chemistry, vet leadership" stuff, and ignoring or overlooking the lack of production, and potential of a 36 year old falling off a cliff a little too much...that's why Rajai would be a poor signing right now, because we can do much better than that with what is available out there right now. Lot of guys in the same position as Rajai last year, coming off a poor year and looking for prove it deals...and most of them are better overall players than Rajai.

You can find a number of guys who are "well liked" and can swipe a bag or pinch run...you can find career minor leaguers who provide that.

Rather add a better overall bat and sacrifice some of the stolen bases.

 

[sportscoach]

You are getting way too caught up in the "well liked, team chemistry, vet leadership" stuff, and ignoring or overlooking the lack of production, and potential of a 36 year old falling off a cliff a little too much...that's why Rajai would be a poor signing right now, because we can do much better than that with what is available out there right now. Lot of guys in the same position as Rajai last year, coming off a poor year and looking for prove it deals...and most of them are better overall players than Rajai.

You can find a number of guys who are "well liked" and can swipe a bag or pinch run...you can find career minor leaguers who provide that.

Rather add a better overall bat and sacrifice some of the stolen bases.

That is true, but Davis I think actually will have about the same production line as he did last season. He actually could be a bit better since he won't have the pressure on him to be more productive since hopefully Brantley is back and he also would know his role if he signs here and will do it well. I don't remember who you said on your list to be honest, could you say who you would think we should sign again?

 

[AZ_]

There is not much logic to suggest Davis will be better, there is ample evidence to suggest he's likely to perform worse based on his age, offensive regression from 2015, etc.

Odds are he's slightly worse than he was in 2016, in which he was slightly worse than he was in 2015.

Either way, I don't think the Indians have much incentive to resign him for what he'll command.

 

[NorthCoastBias]

View: https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/809000123816624128


Edwin Encarnacion is a perfect fit for the Indians. But barring a total collapse of his market, it’s difficult to see how the Indians would be a perfect fit for Encarnacion.

Last week, I wrote about how the Indians are in a stronger financial position than in the past due to their extra income from the postseason and the recent arrival of a new ownership partner, John Sherman.

The Indians, though, do not plan to change the way they operate, according to major-league sources; they ranked 28th in the majors in home attendance last season, ahead of only the Athletics and Rays, and their market remains a challenge.

So, the idea that the Indians could offer Encarnacion a version of Yoenis Cespedes’ first free-agent contract with the Mets -- three years, $75 million, with a one-year opt-out -- probably is far-fetched.

The best way for the Indians to land Encarnacion probably is on a one-year, high-dollar deal. But the Blue Jays made Encarnacion a qualifying offer, and the Indians surely do not want to sacrifice the 26th pick in the draft for a player they would keep for only one year.

Encarnacion, likewise, would figure to have little interest in a one-year offer. True, he would be an unrestricted free agent next offseason; a player, under the new collective-bargaining agreement, cannot receive more than one qualifying offer in his career. But surely, Encarnacion would prefer to avoid going back on the market entering his age 35 season.

Mike Napoli, who hit a career-high 34 homers for the Indians last season, continues to look like the most logical choice for Cleveland among the right-handed hitting, first-base/DH types; Mark Trumbo and Jose Bautista also are attached to draft picks, while Chris Carter is not.

Then again, what if the Rangers sign Napoli? There would be no obvious suitors for Encarnacion other than the Indians and possibly the Rockies, unless new clubs jumped in.

The Indians also want to add an outfielder, but they can stay patient in that market as well. The right-handed hitter they need to re-sign or replace, Rajai Davis, had only a .670 OPS against left-handed pitching during the regular season (though he did hit a rather memorable home run off Cubs lefty Aroldis Chapman in Game 7 of the World Series).

Tyler Naquin led the team in OPS last season (minimum 300 at-bats) and club officials are confident with him in center or in a corner. The return of left fielder Michael Brantley would be a boost, Abraham Almonte will be back, and two of the Indians’ top outfield prospects, Bradley Zimmer and Greg Allen, are center fielders, though neither is ready yet.

A platoon partner for the left-handed Naquin in center probably would be the best fit, but the Indians can be flexible in their approach.

 

[sportscoach]

Well stats say Santana is better at first than Encarnacion is so more than likely Santana will get more days at first than him more than likely. Gomes would be our 3rd guy at first which I can see once in awhile getting some play at first to give guys a day off and him from behind the plate

Just looking back glancing at Jesus Aguilars numbers, he did finish the season strong with 30 HRs in the minors, but for whatever reason he struggles against left handed hitters. Doing just quick math he is around .280 hitting RH and .240 against left handers at AAA. That is some unusual numbers since its usually the other way around. His HR numbers say he has more power against RH pitchers as well.

Also looking at Gomes's numbers, it says he hits poorly if he gets to two strikes and hits very well if he just swings early. I am thinking he needs to work on his two account approach, aka the choking up of the bat/hitting the other way more. This could help him at least become a decent hitter again.

 

[Derek]

Well stats say Santana is better at first than Encarnacion is so more than likely Santana will get more days at first than him more than likely. Gomes would be our 3rd guy at first which I can see once in awhile getting some play at first to give guys a day off and him from behind the plate

Just looking back glancing at Jesus Aguilars numbers, he did finish the season strong with 30 HRs in the minors, but for whatever reason he struggles against left handed hitters. Doing just quick math he is around .280 hitting RH and .240 against left handers at AAA. That is some unusual numbers since its usually the other way around. His HR numbers say he has more power against RH pitchers as well.

Also looking at Gomes's numbers, it says he hits poorly if he gets to two strikes and hits very well if he just swings early. I am thinking he needs to work on his two account approach, aka the choking up of the bat/hitting the other way more. This could help him at least become a decent hitter again.

Aguilar blows, you can forget about him.

Gomes does swing early. He swings early, and misses early, which digs himself into pitcher's counts, which nobody hits well in.

 

[sportscoach]

Aguilar blows, you can forget about him.

Gomes does swing early. He swings early, and misses early, which digs himself into pitcher's counts, which nobody hits well in.

I don't think Aguilar is worthy of an MLB spot but you never know until one is given a true chance. The issue is with Gomes if you look at his numbers when he is swinging early in counts he actually has a fairly decent average while when he waits in counts and takes pitches he doesn't do so well. Something has to change for him next season though to make adjustments

 

[Derek]

I don't think Aguilar is worthy of an MLB spot but you never know until one is given a true chance. The issue is with Gomes if you look at his numbers when he is swinging early in counts he actually has a fairly decent average while when he waits in counts and takes pitches he doesn't do so well. Something has to change for him next season though to make adjustments

Same could be said for any minor leaguer. Aguilar doesn't deserve a chance. He blows.

Gomes increased his Swing% by a substantial margin last year, and it was by far a career high. He proceeded to have his worst season. Him swinging more is not the answer.

 

[AZ_]

Aguilar has had ample opportunity to take on a role for a team so desperate to find right-handed power.

He's been consistently passed over because he has a slow bat and provides zero defensive skill.

He's an org player, and a non-factor unless injuries become a critical concern.

 

[BimboColesHair]

He's also prime DFA candidate #1 should they need another 40 man spot.

0 options left , 1B only with a similar, younger player in Nellie Rodriguez breathing down his neck.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

Well stats say Santana is better at first than Encarnacion is so more than likely Santana will get more days at first than him more than likely. Gomes would be our 3rd guy at first which I can see once in awhile getting some play at first to give guys a day off and him from behind the plate

Just looking back glancing at Jesus Aguilars numbers, he did finish the season strong with 30 HRs in the minors, but for whatever reason he struggles against left handed hitters. Doing just quick math he is around .280 hitting RH and .240 against left handers at AAA. That is some unusual numbers since its usually the other way around. His HR numbers say he has more power against RH pitchers as well.

Also looking at Gomes's numbers, it says he hits poorly if he gets to two strikes and hits very well if he just swings early. I am thinking he needs to work on his two account approach, aka the choking up of the bat/hitting the other way more. This could help him at least become a decent hitter again.

Gomes also pretty much only hits low balls. I have no stats to back this up, but from my memory, almost every homer he hit was low, even out of the strike zone. Once pitchers figure this out, his stats take a big dip.

 

[BimboColesHair]

Gomes also pretty much only hits low balls. I have no stats to back this up, but from my memory, almost every homer he hit was low, even out of the strike zone. Once pitchers figure this out, his stats take a big dip.

Here are Yan's contact % heatmaps from 2013-2016:

2013:

2014:

2015:

2016: