The 2020 Cleveland Indians

[Derek]

Gotta disagree on that one. Overall Mercado is a fine player. But this season is like nothing we've seen. Going 2-22 in a week is like being in a slump for a month. Spring Training II has shown me some pretty interesting results so far. Giving some playing time to a player that the opposition might not be too familiar with could be a good thing.

I don't think that matters.

It doesn't make him any less likely to go 3-4 his next game out. As I said, unless there are mechanical issues, you have to trust your guys.

 

[AZ_]

To me, the leash is shorter during a 60-game sprint.

Mercado going 2-for-22 during a week might not bench him, but he's probably only getting 15 at-bats the next week and Zimmer (or whoever) gets 7 more.

The players we're discussing aren't established, and the active threat of competition SHOULD put pressure on these guys while they have a shortened chase for the division title and a playoff spot.

Nature of the beast on a deep team.

 

[sportscoach]

To me, the leash is shorter during a 60-game sprint.

Mercado going 2-for-22 during a week might not bench him, but he's probably only getting 15 at-bats the next week and Zimmer (or whoever) gets 7 more.

The players we're discussing aren't established, and the active threat of competition SHOULD put pressure on these guys while they have a shortened chase for the division title and a playoff spot.

Nature of the beast on a deep team.

Since you haven't been around to post, what do you think are the chances the Indians go all the way in this short season?

I agree with the depth, we dont have a position on paper we legitimately have a big hole in. Some spots are filled with unprovens, but they have potential as well. I really like our team from top to bottom this year and next year for the world series.

 

[Urban]

To me, the leash is shorter during a 60-game sprint.

Mercado going 2-for-22 during a week might not bench him, but he's probably only getting 15 at-bats the next week and Zimmer (or whoever) gets 7 more.

The players we're discussing aren't established, and the active threat of competition SHOULD put pressure on these guys while they have a shortened chase for the division title and a playoff spot.

Nature of the beast on a deep team.

Right, I don't think anyone in the infield should be an a short leash (unless Hernandez struggles and Chang continues to do what he's doing in these games.

But the Indians have no shortage of OF depth of similar caliber players. They can be creative and flexible out there.

 

[Derek]

To me, the leash is shorter during a 60-game sprint.

Mercado going 2-for-22 during a week might not bench him, but he's probably only getting 15 at-bats the next week and Zimmer (or whoever) gets 7 more.

The players we're discussing aren't established, and the active threat of competition SHOULD put pressure on these guys while they have a shortened chase for the division title and a playoff spot.

Nature of the beast on a deep team.

If the team considers two players to be that close in terms of ability then that timeshare would probably already be established. If that's the case, and two guys are relatively equal, then yes, whoever is playing better should earn more AB.

 

[LL3]

Who's prepared for complete over the top reactions to every game...perhaps every at bat? it is coming our way, but it will be more fun than virus talk.

 

[Huber.]

Who's prepared for complete over the top reactions to every game...perhaps every at bat? it is coming our way, but it will be more fun than virus talk.

With only 60 games it will be warranted this year.

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

Hopefully the Shitposters Union here negotiated a decent deal for themselves as well during the lockdown.

Knock it off. There is no way in hell I am going to let this forum re-live the trolls v. shitposters v. self-appointed quality police arguments, and this is cracking open that door.

Stick to baseball.

 

[Criznit]

If Mercado goes 2-22 you can bet Tito will give Zimmer a crack at more playing time.

 

[Derek]

If Mercado goes 2-22 you can bet Tito will give Zimmer a crack at more playing time.

If all it takes is one bad week, then Zimmer should have a share of the playing time from the start

 

[LL3]

More nebulous than 2-22, but in the case of Mercado, I imagine his play in the field, quality of at bats, etc. will still be a factor. Tito is not going to overreact to a week....but maybe two.

 

[sportscoach]

More nebulous than 2-22, but in the case of Mercado, I imagine his play in the field, quality of at bats, etc. will still be a factor. Tito is not going to overreact to a week....but maybe two.

Baseball can be fickle as well, you could be hitting the cover off the ball and go 2-22 and putting up bad swings and go 11-22. Zimmer has been looking very solid and Mercado isn't strong in the corners yet, so I think Zimmer could easily get ABs to give guys days off. I dont think this will be a traditional start to the season since the 17 games in 17 days means guys will be rotated in and out

 

[LL3]

Baseball can be fickle as well, you could be hitting the cover off the ball and go 2-22 and putting up bad swings and go 11-22. Zimmer has been looking very solid and Mercado isn't strong in the corners yet, so I think Zimmer could easily get ABs to give guys days off. I dont think this will be a traditional start to the season since the 17 games in 17 days means guys will be rotated in and out

Oh sure, I can almost guarantee Zimmer gets a CF start in the first 7-8 games , but I am guessing he is mostly a replacement for the corners in the early going ...some combo of Reyes, Luplow, Santana, and Naquin will get the bulk of the early time. I would love to see Zimmer grab a bigger role, but I guess that will mean somebody else is playing poorly. So it goes....

 

[Cavsfan1985]

I wonder with us only playing 9 teams this year how that will effect us and other clubs. You would think clubs that have better scouting coaching would be better shape, but on the flip side, with there only being 9 teams, does that help everyone, and maybe a net positive for some. So many variable with the season being so short.
The one excited part is that because each game matters so much more, we should see a lot more in game management, this will be basicly he like we are in August and on the post season hunt.

With that said, in games where another team jumps on a huge lead, will managers give up that game and pull/rest players earlier?

 

[bronko]

Hot hand, sure....but how will the hot hand be established with so many spots (Hernandez JRam, Franky, Carlos,Reyes, Berto) seemingly locked in? I think he gives his initial lineup about two weeks (13-15 games) before looking to give anyone different a real shot. It seems like the only real flexibility to at bats will be among Naquin (who did show better vs lefties last season), Luplow, and Domingo S. who are in a sense sharing an OF and DH slot. I have not seen any rumblings of a Mercado platoon, but a healthy, "adjusted" Zimmer may get more AB's than I am initially imagining.

I wouldn't have Hernandez and Reyes necessarily locked in. Chang could be a prime example of how I'm thinking. For once a scorching hot preseason won't be followed by a bunch of games in 40 degree weather. It should be easier for a player to carry a hot spell over to the start of the season. A quarter of the season is usually the benchmark to when Tito would consider making lineup changes. I think it should hold true and after two weeks, start making adjustments. All in all, sort of liking this short season we are stuck with. Everybody in the hunt for the stretch run. I hope we get to see it.