What a great Memorial Day weekend to come if you are a fan of the Cleveland Indians. Your team gets to spend the long weekend in the Bronx, battling the defending champion (and 27 times overall, they don’t let you forget that!) Yankees.
Based on the recent outcomes, this series could wind up being a massacre, because the Tribe is not playing well, and the bottom of the order is giving them absolutely nothing.
Despite this "optimistic" view, we do have some questions for the Tribe management:
1). Exactly when will our top rated farm system start to show some dividends? The assumption is that catcher Carlos Santana could be here sometimes next week, but isn’t it time for guys like Carlos Carrasco to get an opportunity as well? Carrasco spent all of last season in AAA, and now has spent two months there this year. He’s ready to pitch in the big leagues, experience wise. With Justin Masterson struggling, Carrasco should be in the Indians’ rotation.
2). If you aren’t recognized as a top prospect, why don’t you get a chance? Many Tribe fans don’t realize there is a pitcher now in the Columbus rotation who is 5-1 this season, won 14 games last season at Akron, and has a career minor league record of 48-21. That would be Josh Tomlin, and why exactly isn’t anyone in the organization touting this guy for a chance. All he’s done is pitch well. OF Jose Constanza is another example.
3). Why is Rafael Perez still on the roster? This has been discussed before here. Manny Acta can’t bring him into a game that is still in doubt.
4). Why replace Masterson in the rotation with Aaron Laffey? This team still needs two southpaws in bullpen, well, three if you include Perez. Laffey has been okay as a starter before, but he is needed in relief. That is, of course, if the Indians don’t want Tony Sipp’s arm to fall off.
5). Why was Shapiro promoted? We have always respected Shapiro’s work, particularly with a limited budget. However, since 2007’s ALCS appearance, it’s been all downhill for this franchise. Why move the man responsible for this upstairs? And why let him promote his first lieutenant into the GM position? This team needs an outside voice badly. Yet, the front office acts like everything has been wonderful the past few years. A different set of eyes is definitely in order.
6). Will the Tribe draft the best player or the best player who will sign at a reasonable rate? Right now, the team is saying they will draft the best player, but with the recent history of the ownership, one has to be skeptical. This is an important draft for the Indians. Last year’s draft looks good so far, but the organization still needs a major talent infusion. Now is not the time to start pinching pennies.
Also, their are several local kids who are thought to be high draft picks in the up coming draft. Why not take someone like St. Edward’s Stetson Allie or Walsh Jesuit’s Tyler Skulina early? Or does the front office believe no one in this area can play the game?
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 