2021 Spring Training Thread

[Gson]

With a week to go, its time for the annual 'my favorite spring training quotes'...all of which we are sure to hear. Only the names have been changed, to protect the innocent.

Humbert came to camp in the best shape of his life.

Vladimir lost twenty pounds since the end of last year.

Garth gained ten pounds, all muscle.

Ricardo will be ready by opening day.

Josiah can start baseball activities next week.

We are looking at five guys for two spots in the pen.

Percy is in a good place.

Barnaby has added two notches to his fastball.

Penrod has looked good with his new stance.

The organization is looking into these allegations.

Georgio has taken his game to a new level.

We are putting no limits on Wilberto's innings.

Jaime will go to Columbus to work on his defense.

Larson has a big future in this game.

***************

Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.

Spring training is a time for mirages, .400 averages, 500 ft home runs, 99 MPH heaters...some from guys who are within weeks of being DFAd.

But the competition for jobs doesn't start in a week. It has been going on for years. Any baseball person who makes decisions, based mainly on what he sees in the March desert is a moron.

Pedro has been having trouble getting a work visa so he will arrive late

 

[LL3]

Ben Gamel is our newest minor league deal/NRI -- solid add in context.

 

[Criznit]

Ben Gamel is our newest minor league deal/NRI -- solid add in context.

Meh.. As Seattle is the closest ML team for me to go see live games, Gamel rather quickly became my least favorite Mariner. He is a tease and will break your heart.. However a solid addition to our Columbus team.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

With a week to go, its time for the annual 'my favorite spring training quotes'...all of which we are sure to hear. Only the names have been changed, to protect the innocent.

Humbert came to camp in the best shape of his life.

Vladimir lost twenty pounds since the end of last year.

Garth gained ten pounds, all muscle.

Ricardo will be ready by opening day.

Josiah can start baseball activities next week.

We are looking at five guys for two spots in the pen.

Percy is in a good place.

Barnaby has added two notches to his fastball.

Penrod has looked good with his new stance.

The organization is looking into these allegations.

Georgio has taken his game to a new level.

We are putting no limits on Wilberto's innings.

Jaime will go to Columbus to work on his defense.

Larson has a big future in this game.

***************

Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.

Spring training is a time for mirages, .400 averages, 500 ft home runs, 99 MPH heaters...some from guys who are within weeks of being DFAd.

But the competition for jobs doesn't start in a week. It has been going on for years. Any baseball person who makes decisions, based mainly on what he sees in the March desert is a moron.

I'll add one.

...the Indians are hoping [Amed] Rosario returns to the offensive form he displayed in the second half of the 2019 season. He hit .322 with a .806 OPS in his final 372 plate appearances that year, but struggled in 2020, managing just a .252/.272/.371 slash line and a 76 wRC+ in 147 trips to the plate.

This offseason, he’s made trips to Los Angeles to work with hitting instructor Doug Latta, a former high school coach who is credited with turning Justin Turner’s swing around in 2014. Prior to that season, Turner was a career utility infielder with a .260 career average. He’s hit .302 with an .886 OPS and 116 home runs since working with Latta.

Rosario said his hitting mechanics are completely different from what was working for him in 2019.

“They’re very different,” he said. “But the important part is that I’m feeling good with these mechanics."

 

[macbdog]

I'll add one.

...the Indians are hoping [Amed] Rosario returns to the offensive form he displayed in the second half of the 2019 season. He hit .322 with a .806 OPS in his final 372 plate appearances that year, but struggled in 2020, managing just a .252/.272/.371 slash line and a 76 wRC+ in 147 trips to the plate.

This offseason, he’s made trips to Los Angeles to work with hitting instructor Doug Latta, a former high school coach who is credited with turning Justin Turner’s swing around in 2014. Prior to that season, Turner was a career utility infielder with a .260 career average. He’s hit .302 with an .886 OPS and 116 home runs since working with Latta.

Rosario said his hitting mechanics are completely different from what was working for him in 2019.

“They’re very different,” he said. “But the important part is that I’m feeling good with these mechanics."

As long as he takes the same steroids as Turner then I will get excited.

I just hope this team gives the Bradley's enough burn to determine once and for all that they don't have it and move on. Tito loves his veteran bandaids, can only hope he gives the youngsters who don't immediately grasp things a true shot.

 

[LL3]

There was a time when more than a few thought Billy Hamilton would look swell in the CLE outfield. Dreams do indeed come true...

 

[Benway]

I remember when the Indians invited Matt Alexander to Spring training. I was more excitable then, I guess.

In any case, at least we know the 25th and 26th players on the roster now.

 

[Criznit]

There was a time when more than a few thought Billy Hamilton would look swell iin the CLE outfield. Dreams do indeed come true...

Reno is rolling and we just found our 4th/5th OF.

 

[CDAV45]

There was a time when more than a few thought Billy Hamilton would look swell iin the CLE outfield. Dreams do indeed come true...

Thanks for the chuckle!

 

[Criznit]

Current roster projection for the 2021 season... Position Players only... Subject to Chang.

LOCKS
C - Berto/Hedges
3B - JRAM
2B - Cesar
OF/RF - E. Rosario
OF/1B - Naylor
SS/CF - A. Rosario -SEE BELOW
DH - Reyes

The way our lineup stands now, that's 6-7 regulars to count on.

Other LOCKS to play
OF - Luplow
OF - Mercado
1B - Bradley or Bauers
UTIL - ?
SS - Gimenez

Guys who could fight their way on to the team
UTIL/SS - Chang
OF - Johnson
UTIL/SS - Clement
OF - Hamilton

So I really think it makes the most sense for the tribe to see if Amed Rosario can play centerfield, or is that to much of a stretch? Sure he can play SS in lieu of Gimenez for a bit, but what if he somehow and to our extreme benefit ends up crushing the ball? What do you do then?

Try him in center. You almost have to I think.

Edit.

Another angle would be having Reyes play some games in the field. As an OFer he is built like an average-ish 1st baseman, which he may be able to do. But if he could play 1st base well, he'd probably know it by now....I have no problem given him reps at the bag, in fact I welcome it.

 

[sportscoach]

Current roster projection for the 2021 season... Position Players only... Subject to Chang.

LOCKS
C - Berto/Hedges
3B - JRAM
2B - Cesar
OF/RF - E. Rosario
OF/1B - Naylor
SS/CF - A. Rosario -SEE BELOW
DH - Reyes

The way our lineup stands now, that's 6-7 regulars to count on.

Other LOCKS to play
OF - Luplow
OF - Mercado
1B - Bradley or Bauers
UTIL - ?

Guys who could fight their way on to the team
UTIL/SS - Chang
OF - Johnson
UTIL/SS - Clement
OF - Hamilton

So I really think it makes the most sense for the tribe to see if Amed Rosario can play centerfield, or is that to much of a stretch? Sure he can play SS in lieu of Gimenez for a bit, but what if he somehow and to our extreme benefit ends up crushing the ball? What do you do then?

Try him in center. You almost have to I think.

Edit.

Another angle would be having Reyes play some games in the field. As an OFer he is built like an average-ish 1st baseman, which he may be able to do. But if he could play 1st base well, he'd probably know it by now....I have no problem given him reps at the bag, in fact I welcome it.

I guesss everything is subject to Chang eh? lol

At the moment, I see a different lineup honestly mostly because of where guys have played a lot in the past.

1B-Winner of Naylor, Bauers and Bradley competition.

I have Naylor higher, but we don't know how the other two progressed and they either make it or they are off the roster honestly.

2B-Hernandez, 3B-JRam, Catcher- Perez/Hedges are set in stone in my mind.

Eddie Rosario, I am actually putting in LF, 5K innings there, only 500 in RF. Also Cleveland has gotten away with a weaker LF a fair amount and it hasn't hurt them.

RF - Platoon of DJ and Luplow-DJ is a plus RF, but struggles against lefties, so it will be a platoon there.

SS at the moment will be Amed Rosario, while CF is Mercado.

Reyes is DH a that sometimes fields.

Last two spots, are likely an OF -winner of Zimmer, Hamilton etc, then winner of utility between Chang, Clement and Mike Freeman.

Now that being stated, Amed may get some reps in the OF, Mercado will get reps in all OF positions, we also may see Eddie get reps at 1B. Gimenez has a legit shot at starting SS as well. I think we will see the best hitters out of camp with fielding position secondary in a lot of ways.

 

[2Tall]

Spring training schedule has been changed, any rumors on how and if fans will be allowed. It's already been said, no fans allowed at workouts.

 

[sportscoach]

Spring training schedule has been changed, any rumors on how and if fans will be allowed. It's already been said, no fans allowed at workouts.

My money would be on it would be whatever is the local ordinance towards events. I would guess since Arizona isn't as strict as some other states, (@Lee can you confirm what the local Covid rules are since you live that way?) there will be some fans allowed, but it would be a limited capacity, but there likely won't be any contact with the players like you would normally see in spring training. It is possible they only allow families and friends of the players and select media personal into the games. Since they are all outside, id be surprised if it there wasnt a small number of fans, but the interactions between fans and players will likely be almost nonexistent, so no autographs etc before and after games.

Edit: Welcome to the boards, don't be afraid to post, everyone here is harmless (even if they dont act it lol)

 

[Gson]

Spring training schedule has been changed, any rumors on how and if fans will be allowed. It's already been said, no fans allowed at workouts.

The plans are in flux.. however, it looks like fans are going to be permitted with face masks and seating restrictions.

example from the Arizona Republic:
Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Home of the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds:

• 22% capacity, allowing 2,268 fans instead of the usual 10,311.
• Face masks required for everyone 2 years old and up, except when eating or drinking.
• Socially distanced "pod" seating for groups of up to six people.
• No bags allowed other than medical bags, diaper bags and clutch purses.
• Plexiglass will be installed between concession workers and fans. Contactless payment systems are planned to be installed.
• Staff will wear face coverings and gloves and complete daily COVID-19 self-screenings.

.

Significant changes to infection/hospitalization rates will be met with draconian responses..

 

[Lee]

My money would be on it would be whatever is the local ordinance towards events. I would guess since Arizona isn't as strict as some other states, (@Lee can you confirm what the local Covid rules are since you live that way?) there will be some fans allowed, but it would be a limited capacity, but there likely won't be any contact with the players like you would normally see in spring training. It is possible they only allow families and friends of the players and select media personal into the games. Since they are all outside, id be surprised if it there wasnt a small number of fans, but the interactions between fans and players will likely be almost nonexistent, so no autographs etc before and after games.

Edit: Welcome to the boards, don't be afraid to post, everyone here is harmless (even if they dont act it lol)

We are laxed, havent looked into the football games or basketball games because i have zero interest in going to a sporting event till covid passes