Comments on: Options and the Regular Season Roster

By: sam waters

sam waters — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:07:45 +0000

Donald needs to stick as he is the only one who can play both 2nd base and shortstop. I can’t see Manny coming north without a backup to Asdrubal and Kipnis. But with Donald on the 25 man roster its hard to see Chisenhall opening the season in Cleveland.

Also we are paying too much to send Slowley back down to the minors, I see Garland as an insurance policy during the spring if someone comes up sore. Bullpen will still be the strength of this club.

By: Will McIlroy

Will McIlroy — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:46:24 +0000

Good article. Remaining options are a strong predictor for roster spots but also consider whether Acta goes with 12 or 13 pitchers as this will remove 1 position player.

My thoughts: the No. 5 starter comes from among Slowey/Gomez/Garland. If Garland makes the team another spot on the 40 man roster will have to be cleared. Slowey has 1 more option left.

Ray/Wheeler takes Hermann’s long relief spot. Ray/Wheeler and Hagadone round out the 12 pitching slots.

The position roster is more problematic. If we assume 13 spots, the key is Hannahan as utility infielder. Donald actually makes more sense since he can play 2B,3B,SS and OF, is right handed and hits LHs well. I love Hannahan’s grit and defense but likely he will not hit. Hannahan’s future also hinges on whether Chisenhall is deemed ready. I would prefer Chisenhall stays in Cleveland as he is the future which needs to begin now.

If both Chisenhall and Hannhan stick, that leaves 2 spots between Duncan, Cunningham and Canzler. The lack of options probably drive these decisions with Canzler the odd man out.

LaPorta is a Clipper absent a monster spring.

By: sam waters

sam waters — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:41:24 +0000

If the Indians decide to keep Duncan, Hanahan and Cunningham, that would leave one roster spot available (if they should carry 12 pitchers) which should go to Donald. Unless the plan is to send down Chisenhall I can’t see Duncan making this ball club. All the off season moves were made as if Duncan was no longer in our future plans. Adding Kotchman, Cunningham, and even Spilborghs, who if is healthy will make for some interesting decisions, make Duncan expendable. Most view the Kotchman signing as LaPorta’s ticket to Columbus and I agree, but it I view it as Duncans ticket out of Cleveland possibly by trade.

By: Cleveland Indians P.M. links: Pitchers and catchers’ reporting day countdown is at 4 – Cleveland Plain Dealer | Cleveland Christian Radio

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:40:59 +0000

[...] with remaining options and how they could affect the Indians’ Opening Day roster. By Stephanie Liscio for the blog “It’s pronounced ‘Lajaway.’ [...]