Before spring training began for the Cleveland Indians, we said one of the story lines in Arizona was how the Tribe would handle their top prospects. Remember, this was a team that lost almost 100 games a year ago, so it would seem that a bunch of jobs would be open.
Apparently, the ballclub has stayed with its tried and true method of bringing along players at a snail’s pace. They will tell us that they are sending guys out now to give the players who have a legitimate chance to make the team more opportunities, or so the players who will be playing in Columbus can build some comradery. However, that’s just an excuse.
Today, the Indians sent seven players back to the minor league complex, including catcher Carlos Santana, pitchers Hector Rondon and Jeanmar Gomez, and outfielder Nick Weglarz.
The question is why the rush to send these guys out, since they have done well thus far in camp. Granted, spring training numbers are not the same indicator they are in the regular season what with other teams playing their prospects as well, but why not let these guys play it out a little longer? Let them play themselves off the roster.
GM Mark Shapiro will tell you they don’t want to effect these player’s confidence.
Actually, the team’s top prospect, Santana, is the least accomplished of these guys during spring training, going 4 for 16 with two doubles and an RBI in exhibition play. The other hitter on this list, Weglarz, was 5 for 15, with a home run, five ribbies, and nine walks! He is coming off an injury plagued season, but he did play in the World Baseball Classic last year, so he has seen some higher competition.
For a team crying for effective pitching, the farming of Rondon and Gomez is curious at best. Rondon, arguably the Indians’ best starting pitching prospect in the higher levels of the organization, was unscored upon in 5-2/3 innings, allowing just five hits and no walks. He has fanned five as well. His last performance was yesterday when he threw three scoreless frames at Cincinnati.
He was joined in doing that by Gomez, who is unscored upon in 5-1/3 frames, allowing just three hits and a walk, while striking out four.
Yes, yes, the Reds didn’t exactly have their "A" lineup in yesterday’s contest, but Rondon and Gomez were still effective. More effective than some of the guys still on the roster have been. Why not continue to give both of these guys opportunities?
The likelihood is that the 2010 Indians will need three or all four of these guys during this season. They shouldn’t be sent out just because someone "thinks" they aren’t ready. The Tribe didn’t think C.C. Sabathia was ready in 2001, but Charlie Manuel pushed for him to make the team. He went 17-5 that season.
No one is suggesting these young players could have the same success in 2010. But why not let their performance dictate when they are ready, not some amateur psychologist who thinks they may be devastated if they fail.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 