Spring Training Games thread!

[Tondo]

We have to remember that some current players are placeholders until others are ready in the minors to be full time major leaguers…

That day is coming soon for a couple of the bats…

If true, why waste time on prospect placeholders and not sign veteran stop gaps to 1y deals trying to win more games and just get rid of the placeholders? If you don't win enough with either group, at least vets often have trade value (see Luplow or C. Hernandez). If Zimmer and Chang suck, nobody will come calling, because they have no track record to sell them on.

This approach still makes zero sense to me, unless they severely overvalue those placeholders (and want their scouting ego's to be proven right)

 

[MadThinker88]

If true, why waste time on prospect placeholders and not sign veteran stop gaps to 1y deals trying to win more games and just get rid of the placeholders? If you don't win enough with either group, at least vets often have trade value (see Luplow or C. Hernandez). If Zimmer and Chang suck, nobody will come calling, because they have no track record to sell them on.

This approach still makes zero sense to me, unless they severely overvalue those placeholders (and want their scouting ego's to be proven right)

Tondo - we have interacted over many years and I value your opinions and insights on CLE prospects..
That said the plan of the FO does not need to be clear/ obvious/ agreed to by fans like us.
We can disagree. We can be critical. We can be disappointed by other moves not happening. But in the end we are not the decision makers or privy to all the info/ insights/ constraints that the FO have.

I doubt ego was the main reason for the long leash with Jake Bauer last year. I doubt it the case for certain guys this year (& I am beyond ticked regarding 3 of them still in the mix). So I will still encourage patience.. The rewards for waiting could pleasantly surprise all of us..

 

[Criznit]

Chang is certainly suspect, especially as a starter. However he still lacks a legit MLB track record IMO and should not be in the same camp as Bauers... At least for now.

I really like him as a "super-sub" - but as a starter even I am skeptical.

 

[sportscoach]

Chang is certainly suspect, especially as a starter. However he still lacks a legit MLB track record IMO and should not be in the same camp as Bauers... At least for now.

I really like him as a "super-sub" - but as a starter even I am skeptical.

He needs to get a legit chance... Both Bradley and Chang have shown some flashes, but now they got a monthish to show they deserve to stay in the bigs as starters...

 

[Criznit]

He needs to get a legit chance... Both Bradley and Chang have shown some flashes, but now they got a monthish to show they deserve to stay in the bigs as starters...

I agree, there are plenty of instances where I have stuck up for Chang. He deserves his shot, and I hope he can stick it.

Figured he would have started as a semi-reg myself. But they're going for it, haven't complained about that one bit, even if I am skeptical.

Feel free to go back in time/search - I even suggested once they may start Chang at 2B... That didn't go over well...

 

[petes999]

I agree, there are plenty of instances where I have stuck up for Chang. He deserves his shot, and I hope he can stick it.

Figured he would have started as a semi-reg myself. But they're going for it, haven't complained about that one bit, even if I am skeptical.

Feel free to go back in time/search - I even suggested once they may start Chang at 2B... That didn't go over well...

This will be the last 1/2 season look see .... he started ST of hot but cooled in April (1 for 11 with 3 ks and 1 walk). So we will see if it is just small sample size or he hits the AA pitchers well. I think he deserves a shot as he had a hot August. Yet, his splits were also heavily weighted to LHP (for power). This spring it was reversed (but very limited stats so we will see) -- Kind of like saying Morgan didn't let in a run all ST but in 2 MLB ST games and 5 innings. It all starts tomorrow

 

[CDAV45]

This will be the last 1/2 season look see .... he started ST of hot but cooled in April (1 for 11 with 3 ks and 1 walk). So we will see if it is just small sample size or he hits the AA pitchers well. I think he deserves a shot as he had a hot August. Yet, his splits were also heavily weighted to LHP (for power). This spring it was reversed (but very limited stats so we will see) -- Kind of like saying Morgan didn't let in a run all ST but in 2 MLB ST games and 5 innings. It all starts tomorrow

I understand why Chang may have been chosen to start at 2B over Miller. I think Chang's swing is higher maintenance and therefore requires consistent reps where Miller's is pretty simple and clean and may not need as many AB as Chang's to stay sharp. Pure speculation on my part, but it makes some sense. What I don't understand is having all of Chang, Miller, Clement, and Rosario on the roster. At least one should go. Oh well, who gives a shit? JRam is a Guardian for the next 7 yrs!

 

[sportscoach]

I understand why Chang may have been chosen to start at 2B over Miller. I think Chang's swing is higher maintenance and therefore requires consistent reps where Miller's is pretty simple and clean and may not need as many AB as Chang's to stay sharp. Pure speculation on my part, but it makes some sense. What I don't understand is having all of Chang, Miller, Clement, and Rosario on the roster. At least one should go. Oh well, who gives a shit? JRam is a Guardian for the next 7 yrs!

We are starting with 14, Naylor will be up eventually so two will be down from the current crew by May 1st... Zimmer and Miller/Kwan will be sent down it feels like.

 

[Tondo]

April OBP O/U:

Chang .275

I'll take the Under. Make your bets

 

[Criznit]

April OBP O/U:

Chang .275

I'll take the Under. Make your bets

Rather go with OPS here... O/U on .700? I'll take over despite better judgement..

 

[Tondo]

I truly don't care if he chucks one out down 5 runs in the late innings against the Royals Mop Up 28th AAAA arm.

If Chang truly starts at 2B through April, he'll be Top 10 in the league in LOB.

I have more hope for B. Bradley to hit, but he and Chang will strand a lot of runners. They'll pitch around Jose/Franmil, so they expand their zones and spin them into a funk too.

It's bad enough to have any black holes in the lineup, but it can kill a lineup if they're hitting smack in the middle of it, which they're projected (by default) to do.

 

[Criznit]

I truly don't care if he chucks one out down 5 runs in the late innings against the Royals Mop Up 28th AAAA arm.

If Chang truly starts at 2B through April, he'll be Top 10 in the league in LOB.

I have more hope for B. Bradley to hit, but he and Chang will strand a lot of runners. They'll pitch around Jose/Franmil, so they expand their zones and spin them into a funk too.

It's bad enough to have any black holes in the lineup, but it can kill a lineup if they're hitting smack in the middle of it, which they're projected (by default) to do.

Well.. The _____ is strong with this one... I hope he performs so well Yu Chang your mind..

I'll bet a beer he won't be in the top 10 in the league in LOB on April 29th..