Comments on: What Pitching Options Remain?

By: Chris Burnham

Chris Burnham — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 06:29:51 +0000

GET OUT OF MY HEAD, LADY.

By: Stephanie Liscio

Stephanie Liscio — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:28:16 +0000

That’s quite true…I keep forgetting how young Bauer is, which still makes me surprised the D-Backs gave up on him. You’re right about them having success with projects – Millwood and particularly Carl Pavano too.

By: Stephanie Liscio

Stephanie Liscio — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:27:03 +0000

I really want Carrasco to succeed, not just because they need the pitching, but also because I’d like to see something of value come out of that Cliff Lee deal. If Carrasco puts together a few great seasons, it makes that trade sting a little bit less.

By: Stephanie Liscio

Stephanie Liscio — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:26:11 +0000

I agree…these definitely are 3-5 guys. Hopefully at some point Bauer could be that 1-2 they seem to lack, but I think it’s too soon for that now.

By: Stephanie Liscio

Stephanie Liscio — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:25:12 +0000

I know, it’s quite frustrating that he was ignored to the point that he didn’t even attract 5%. I’d love to see them sign a DH that could spot start in left if necessary, but I’m not sure that person exists at this point!

By: DaveR

DaveR — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 23:10:18 +0000

I’m not a fan of rushing young guys like 21 yr old Bauer into starter roles. It seems like everyone aggressively lifts weights in pro sports. Guys in their early 20s haven’t fully filled out so throwing a ton of muscle on then throwing a ball very hard seems detrimental to their longevity. Just my thoughts…

One thing Cleveland has done really well, other than a solid bullpen, is resurrect dead pitching careers (for a few months anyways…Lowe). Hopefully Kazmir has something left in the tank and finds a way into the rotation.

By: Chris Burnham

Chris Burnham — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:38:29 +0000

My gut tells me that they’ll give Carrasco every opportunity to grab a spot in the rotation. Personally, I still think he’s got loads of talent and potential to be a top-of-the-rotation guy. Whether he actually does that is anyone’s guess.

By: Cadfael

Cadfael — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:40:54 +0000

I’d take a flyer on Jurrjens, and that’s coming from someone who really doesn’t like him. But, for the right price, it could be a pretty big get for us. Overall, I feel better than last year, but it seems like all of our pitchers are 3-5 guys in any other rotation. We have no 1-2 guys, and that worries me. To be fair, last year we had all 5/minors guys outside of Masterson so, improvement I suppose.

By: Steve Alex

Steve Alex — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:57:15 +0000

P.S. I read Shepherd’s piece on Lofton. The statistical comparison is spot-on. 7th best defensive CF ever, 8th best WAR, 4th most steals, and he doesn’t survive the 1st ballot to even be considered in the future? That’s a crime. Lofton got the boot because of the bloated offensive numbers put up by the drug-enhanced peers he played with, which made Lofton’s numbers appear weaker by comparison. He got snubbed because he was playing small ball during an era of 60 homer per year steroid freaks. If you compare Lofton’s numbers with the other HOF center fielders, he’s right there, especially if you take his defensive prowess into account.

By: Steve Alex

Steve Alex — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:36:59 +0000

I forgot about Jurrjens and didn’t realize he was still available. He would be an excellent low-risk, high-reward player at the right price. He has a good track record when healthy. Beyond that, Marcum and Lohse are probably too expensive for the Indians now that they chose to spend their money on Myers and Jimenez. Like it or not, those are the starters they have hitched their wagon to so that’s who it’s going to be. It’s a shame because as spring training approaches and some of these free agents tied to draft compensation remain unsigned, there could be some real bargains available. However, if they did find a few quarters in the couch cushions, I’d much rather see them use that money on a DH at this point, because that is a starting position that remains unfilled. We found out last year what happens when you try to carry a weak player (or two) at a key offensive position. It puts too much pressure on the rest of the lineup, especially with a young team.