There was no question the bullpen of the Cleveland Indians was dragging them down. The Tribe projected record, based on their run differential, should be 55-40, three games ahead of their actual mark.
Much of the blame for that was the bullpen. If they weren’t blowing leads or allowing tie breaking runs, they were giving up tallies which made a one run deficit, that could be overcome by the offense, into three or four run leads which put contests out of reach.
That’s why Chris Antonetti and GM Mike Chernoff made a huge move on Thursday, getting All-Star Brad Hand and Adam Cimber from the San Diego Padres in exchange for top prospect Francisco Mejia.
Hand has made the Midsummer Classic each of the last two years, and has served as the Padres’ closer in those years, saving 21 games last year and 24 to date this season.
If Andrew Miller’s knee heals up, and he returns to the form of a year ago, together with Cody Allen, this forms a potentially dominant back of the bullpen. Three proven power arms.
It also moves the two guys who have been fairly good as the set up guys, Neil Ramirez and Oliver Perez into hurlers you can use in the 6th and 7th innings. That in turn takes pressure off of the starters.
And if Miller isn’t healthy, then Hand takes over the role of “used when needed most” for Francona, and that could be any time between the 6th and 9th innings.
While we know more about Hand, Cimber could be a weapon for Terry Francona too, as he can be lethal vs. right handed hitters. Coincidentally, the Red Sox, Yankees, and Astros, the three best teams in the American League, have a plethora of right-handed power hitters.
Hitters from that side of the plate are hitting .210 (482 OPS) against Cimber, who has a very funky delivery. He could fill the Joe Smith role from a year ago.
The price was very high to be sure. Our opinion of Mejia may be different from others because we believe his frame physically does not lend itself to being a full time catcher. Having him squat behind the plate for 100-120 games a year would take away his best tool, which is hitting.
Our guess is the Indians felt the same way because they have spent much of the last year trying him a different positions, which Mejia, depending on who you believe, was or was not receptive to.
Adding Mejia to Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, could have formed a very formidable 1/3rd of a lineup in a year or two.
And while Antonetti pointed out organizational depth at catcher, no organization has depth at “elite hitter”, which is what we consider Mejia to be.
On the other hand, if Mejia did buck the decision to move to the outfield, this may be the best option for both parties.
It will be interesting to see what kind of major league player Mejia will be down the road.
For the present, the Indians addressed their biggest need. This deal also should allow Terry Francona to not lean so heavily on his starters, thus keeping them strong for the post-season.
Cleveland Sports Perspective 