Cleveland vs. New York Mets series wrap-up

After dropping two out of three to the Miami Marlins, the New York Mets came to Cleveland for a weekend series hoping to bounceback. For the Indians, it began a two-series homestand after a 3-2 (One postponement) roadtrip to Chicago and Tampa. 
Game one took place on April the 15th, where Bartolo Colon made his 469th career start against the team he spent his first 5 1/2 seasons with. For Cleveland, 25 year old righty Cody Anderson took the mound, fresh off a 6 innings of 2-run ball debut in Chicago. The Mets jumped on Anderson early when Michael Conforto hit a solo homerun in the first, but Cleveland answered back in the bottom of the first with Mike Napoli's RBI single. Following Napoli's single was what may have turned out to be the most pivotal play of the game; Carlos Santana belted what was initially ruled a 2-run HR down the right field line but was overturned and ruled a foul, which resulted in a walk by Santana. Following that Yan Gomes struck out and left Napoli and Santana stranded, keeping the game tied at one. The game remained tied until the Mets had a five run 5th including two homeruns off Cody Anderson (Alejandro De Aza, Yoenis Cespedes), and one off Ross Detwiler (Neil Walker). In the bottom of the 5th Jason Kipnis hit an RBI double with no outs on the board cutting the Mets lead to 6-2, but was left stranded on second. In the 6th inning Cleveland managed to chase Colon by getting runners on first and second with two outs, but Antonio Bastardo came in and stranded the runners. Bartolo ended the night with 5.1 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, and 5 K's. Neither team scored again until the bottom of the 9th when Cleveland mounted a two out rally and the Mets had another pivotal play go there way, thanks to Alejandro De Aza. Jason Kipnis singled to start the inning, and when it appeared as if Lindor had followed that with a single of his own De Aza made a nice play to take it away.Following De Aza's nice play, Napoli lined out to Juan Lagares for the second out of the inning, leaving Kipnis still on first. Carlos Santana then stepped in and got his two-run homer back, this time going to center field over the glove of Lagares. The Mets then made the decision to bring in closer Jeurys Familia, who immediately gave up a single to Yan Gomes, threw a wild pitch to advance Gomes, and an RBI single to Marlon Byrd, making it a 6-5 game. After Byrd's single, Familia walked Juan Uribe making it first and second with two outs, but got Jose Ramirez to fly out to left to end the game, giving the Mets a 1-0 series lead.

Things to note about game one

*Jason Kipnis was 3-5 with two doubles

*Juan Uribe broke out of his 5-game streak without a hit, going 3-4 with a double

*Trevor Bauer continues to impress out of the bullpen, entered the game in the top of the 7th with a runner on second none out and stranded him, Tossed 2 scoreless innings 

*Dan Otero made an impressive second appearance in a perfect 9th inning, struck out two

*Yoenis Cespedes begins to heat up, going 3-5 with RBI and coming up a triple short of the cycle

*Neil Walker's homerun was his first from the right side of the plate since 2014

After Cleveland's rally in game one came up short, they looked to strike earlier against Matt Harvey and the New York Mets. However, it was again the Mets striking first on another first inning homerun, this time off the bat of Curtis Granderson. Matt Harvey started out the game for the Mets with four perfect innings, that all changed in a hurry in inning number five; Napoli grounded out to start the frame, but then Harvey issued his first walk of the game to Carlos Santana, and that's when the wheels came off of Harvey's start. After the walk, Harvey got Yan Gomes to flyout, but Santana then stole second base and Jose Ramirez drove him in with an RBI double. Juan Uribe followed the Ramirez double with an RBI single, and Tyler Naquin struck out to end the inning. In the bottom half of the sixth Cleveland was right back at it with a single and a steal by Rajai Davis, followed by and RBI double by second baseman Jason Kipnis. Lindor bunted Kipnis to third, and Mike Napoli drove him in with a single to center. Harvey then walked Santana again, and allowed an RBI single to Yan Gomes. After getting Jose Ramirez to pop-out, Harvey walked Uribe to load the bases and was taken out in favor of Rafael Montero, who struck out Tyler Naquin to end the frame. Cleveland would score to more in the 7th off of an RBI double by Francisco Lindor and a second RBI single by Mike Napoli, stretching the Indians lead to 7-1. In the top of the 8th, Bryan Shaw came in and the Mets mounted a rally. Shaw allowed a double to Curtis Granderson and a walk to David Wright to start the inning, and after getting Michael Conforto to strikeout gave up a three-run homerun to Yoenis Cespedes making it a 7-4 game. Terry Francona made the decision to stick with Shaw, and Shaw got Lucas Duda to pop-out before allowing a homerun to Neil Walker and being removed from the game in favor of closer Cody Allen. Allen shut the Mets down with a 1.1 inning save (His third save), walking one but allowing no hits or runs.

Things to note about game two

*Josh Tomlin left the game while warming up before the top of the 6th with a cramp in his right hamstring, the Indians starter had gone 5 innings allowing one run on four hits with six strikeouts in his season debut

*Indians reliever Zach McAllister pitched a scoreless 7th inning and has started the season with four innings in four relief appearances allowing just one hit and one walk

*Indians reliever Bryan Shaw continues to struggle, Shaw ended 2015 with a rough second half ERA of 4.18, including a 3.95 in August, 4.73 in September, and 6.75 in October, Shaw has continued his struggles in 2016 with an ERA of 8.64 in the Spring and has given up nine runs in 3.1 innings this season

*Jason Kipnis was 2-4 with another double

*Mike Napoli was 2-4 with 2 RBI

*Yoenis Cespedes and Neil Walker each homered in their second straight game

*Matt Harvey continued his rough start to the year and is now 0-3 with an ERA of 5.71 and has given up 11 earned runs in 17.1 innings

*Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud left the game after being hit by a pitch on the elbow and is currently listed as day-to-day

Going into the rubber match on Sunday, Cleveland felt confident that their bats would be able to ride their 7-run outburst from the previous night and help their ace Corey Kluber beat Steven Matz of the Mets. Not only did Matz entirely shut-down the Cleveland offense (7 innings, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K's), but Kluber gave up six earned runs in six innings while striking out nine. However, Kluber pitched far better than the box score would indicate, as an error by Kluber and Rajai Davis struggles in the outfield led to the Mets capitalizing on big opportunities. The Mets scored three clean runs in the first on an RBI double by Michael Conforto and an RBI single by Lucas Duda, but after that the next three were all aided. In the top of the second the Mets had Curtis Granderson on third (After a sun-aided triple) and Asdrubal Cabrera tried a two out drag bunt to drive in Granderson; Kluber threw the ball away trying to throw out Cabrera and the inning continued. Conforto once again hit an RBI double and then Cespedes came up with an RBI double, this one again aided by the sun. Cleveland never did recover from the miscues, and the Mets bullpen followed Matz brilliant start with two perfect innings striking out six more hitters.

Things to note about game three

*Mike Napoli went 0-4, snapping his 8-game hit streak

*Corey Kluber has started the season 0-3 with an ERA of 6.16 while striking out 19

*Ross Detwiler, Joba Chamberlain, and Dan Otero combined for three scoreless innings allowing just one walk (Detwiler) and no hits following Kluber's departure

Cleveland Announces Rotation, Bauer Not in it

When Cleveland packed up their trucks and headed for Arizona, one of the few things they knew for sure was that their rotation was going to be good this season and that they would have a tough battle for the number five rotation spot. Throughout the course of the Spring, the battle turned into not just a competition for the number five spot, but the number four spot became up for grabs as well. With Josh Tomlin, Cody Anderson, and Trevor Bauer all in the mix, it seemed very likely that one of them would be placed in the bullpen and they would try to avoid sending any of them to the Minor Leagues. With Bauer as the front runner for the fourth spot, Cleveland hoped for the long awaited breakout season from the once highly regarded prospect. With the veteran but injury prone Josh Tomlin and young Cody Anderson competing for the fifth spot, it seemed likely Tomlin would land in the bullpen. The rotation wound up working out a bit differently than expected, however, and it will go as following:

1 Corey Kluber (2015 stats: 9-16, 3.49 ERA, 245 strikeouts. 2016 Spring Stats: 3-1, 2.21, 20 K's)

2 Carlos Carasco ('15: 14-12, 3.63, 216 K's. '16: 1-1, 4.00, 17 K's)

3 Danny Salazar ('15: 14-10, 3.45, 195 K's. '16 2-1, 6.33, 21 K's)

4 Cody Anderson ('15: 7-3, 3.05, 44 K's. '16: 1-2, 5.50, 15 K's)

5 Josh Tomlin ('15: 7-2, 3.02, 57 K's. '16: 1-0, 4.67, 19 K's)

Bullpen - Trevor Bauer ('15: 11-12, 4.55, 170 K's. '16: 1-0, 2.25, 19 K's)

While Bauer being in the bullpen may not last long, and it is surprising to see, it might be the best possible route. Anderson and Tomlin both excelled in brief 2015 rotation stints, while the 25 year old Bauer has struggled to find consistency and has had several control problems. In recent memory, bullpen stints have worked wonders in Cleveland. Carlos Carasco was a big pitching prospect for a number of years that was held back by poor performance, Tommy John, and suspensions, but ever since a 2014 bullpen role he has turned into one of the best starters in the American League. Only time will tell if Bauer sees similar results, but the Cleveland coaching staff certainly knows what they're doing with this move. Bauer joins closer Cody Allen, and reliever Bryan Shaw, Zach McAllister, Jeff Manship, Dan Otero, Joba Chamberlain, Ross Detwiler, and Dan Otero in the Cleveland bullpen. 

Carlos Santana Ready To Rock in 2016

While Carlos Santana certainly has not been the player Cleveland though he would be when he made his debut as a catcher in 2010, he has been the receiver of a lot of unfair criticism. He may not have traditional stat line of a player that jumps out at you, but it is in the lesser considered stat lines that his true value comes out. While his .231 batting average over the past two seasons wouldn't reflect it, Santana is one of the smartest hitters in baseball that can beat you in a number of ways. While yes, he is an inconsistent player, what he can do is consistently play in 150+ games, consistently draw as many walks as players like Joey Votto (539 career walks,resulting in a .365 on base percentage), provide a decent power threat (Career high 27 HR in 2011 and 2014, career low 18 in 2012), and has quietly become one of the games better clutch hitters (.261 with 68 RBI with runners in scoring position last season). However, what people like to jump on with Santana is the poor defense, the inconsistency, the low average, etc. and often fail to realize that he has been the one true power hitter in Cleveland throughout his career, and has been asked to do the majority of the heavy lifting in a sub-par Cleveland lineup. The truth is he is the kind of player that can carry an offense, but the kind of guy who compliments a solid lineup very nicely and that is when his best production will show. The pressure of being the player to carry the offense when you're not that type of player along with pitchers ability to pitch around you and let you take the walk rather than hit a homerun can really zap your offensive numbers. In 2014, Santana was 1st in all of baseball in walks (113) yet he was tied for 82nd in runs scored with 68, followed by 2015 where he was 5th in walks (108) and tied for 75th in runs scored (72). These numbers point to pitchers taking advantage of a weak lineup behind a guy they know can hurt them with his bat, and allowing him to walk and get stranded on the bases. 

This Winter, Cleveland did not necessarily make the big move to improve their lineup that everybody was thinking they would, but they quietly did an incredible job of improving their lineup. Cleveland added veterans Mike Napoli, Juan Uribe, Marlon Byrd, and Rajai Davis, players like Kipnis and Brantley turning into stars, Lindor on the rise, and the expected bounceback from catcher Yan Gomes all make the Indians lineup a very deep one. While it may not be the most dangerous lineup out there, it is a much deeper lineup than we have seen in Cleveland in a long time. The lineup depth will help Sanatana see more good pitches to hit as pitchers start to consider the other hitters around him more, and that could lead to a jump in production. With Napoli and Byrd around, Santana also does not have to worry about being the teams big slugging cleanup hitter as much anymore. As if the relieved pressure on Carlos isn't already enough to point towards a better season, he worked out with Miguel Cabrera all winter, the best hitter on the planet. While working out with a star doesn't make you one, you have to think he picked up something that will help him out along the way. While often criticized by Cleveland fans, Santana has the potential to really change the way Cleveland fans view him in 2016, and maybe, just maybe, finally reach that 30 HR plateau.

Cleveland Indians Notes: Third Base, Outfield, Napoli, Rotation, Possible Opening Day Lineup

While Juan Uribe has been limited to 12 Spring at bats due to visa issues, dark horse for the Opening Day third base job Giovanny Urshela has taken full advantage of the extra playing time. Uribe seemed to be a shoe-in for the every day third base job in April, but Urshela has made it a very difficult choice. In 16 games and 36 at bats, Urshela has cranked five homeruns while sporting a .306 batting average and driving in 12. While he is still likely to start the year in AAA, he has not made it an easy choice for the Indians management no matter how you slice it.

Going into Spring Training, Cleveland knew they would have a very tough outfield battle on their hands, but they didn't know it was going to be as tough as it has been. While they expected Brantley to miss at least the first month and possibly the second of the regular season, and expected Abraham Almonte to be the every day Center Fielder, a lot has changed. Many also felt that the competition that they brought in to fill the Outfield holes was not enough, and somehow even that has changed. After Almonte got suspended for 80 games, the need for Outfield looked like it could destroy the Indians season all together. However, not only does it appear as if Brantley may be back for the April 4th opener, but they have a few outfielders who have been very impressive this Spring. The number one Outfielder who has been impressive, is red hot Tyler Naquin. Naquin came into Spring Training as somebody with an outside shot of making the club, and it was more than likely he would make his way onto the roster before the season ended but not on Opening Day. Again, a lot has changed. Naquin has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball this Spring, as evidenced by his two mammoth homeruns today, and his .447 batting average. This is finally the big break Naquin has been waiting for, considering he has spent the past four seasons in the Cleveland farm system being held back by nagging injuries. However, Naquin has not been the only outfielder to impress Cleveland this Spring, and he still has plenty of competition fighting for a spot. 30 year old Joey Butler, who has a nice season in Tampa Bay last year, has done well in Spring action despite his .233 batting average. While Butler hasn't been in the headlines as much as some other outfielders, he reminded Cleveland he is still around with a grand slam last Friday. Finally, the late arrival who is likely to land a spot, veteran Marlon Byrd. Byrd has been less than impressive on defense thus far, but is 3-8 with the bat and has a good track record. It will be a tough  decision for Cleveland to make, and Naquin, Butler, and Byrd among others have not made it easy, but Indian fans can feel a lot better about their outfield situation.

While some criticized the signing of veteran 1B/DH Mike Napoli, there were some who thought it would turn out as it has early in the Spring. Not only does Napoli appear to be healthier than he has been in a while and ready to bounce-back in 2016, he has become a big leader for a young Indian clubhouse. Napoli has quietly hit .455 with three homeruns and 12 RBI this Spring, and while we may not see the 2011 30 HR Napoli this year, we can expect good things.

The battle for the fifth rotation spot is neck-and-neck between Josh Tomlin and Cody Anderson, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out. After optioning T.J. House to AAA Columbus, Terry Francona stated that he would like to use Tomlin as both a starter and reliever in April. However both Tomlin and Anderson were very good in small sample sizes last season, and have had somewhat rocky Spring camps. It would be very surprising to see both Tomlin and Anderson on the Opening Day roster, and it is something to watch very closely for the rest of the Spring. While the top four (Kluber, Carasco, Salazar, Bauer) seemed to be locked up, the fifth is still very much in question.

Since it looks as if Brantley is likely to be back on Opening Day, here is what I think the Opening Day lineup could look like. (Cleveland opens against Boston, while it has not been made official it is more than likely Price will start for Boston, this lineup is based off of the fact that he is a lefty)
1 Rajai Davis - CF
2 Francisco Lindor - SS
3 Michael Brantley - LF
4 Mike Napoli - 1B
5 Carlos Santana - DH
6 Jason Kipnis - 2B
7 Marlon Byrd - RF
8 Yan Gomes - C
9 Juan Uribe - 3B
If a righty were to start it might look something like this
1 Jason Kipnis - 2B
2 Francisco Lindor - SS
3 Michael Brantley - LF
4 Carlos Santana - DH
5 Mike Napoli - 1B
6 Yan Gomes - C
7 Lonnie Chisenhall - RF
8 Juan Uribe - 3B
9 Rajai Davis - CF