Could this be the last Francisco Lindor Indians Card we get? This is also my current phone background
Lineup: I went with the line up I remember the Indians using a lot this season, Lindor leading off with a card that does everything, great defense, solid speed, home runs and doubles. It is a downgrade from last season but still a phenomenal card. Second is Jose Ramirez, and his card definitely is a downgrade from last year, but once you get past the 7 OB is very use able with his high defense and a nice home run rate. Third is the returning Carlos Santana with his 10 OB and tons of walks. In showdown terms he fits the lead off role perfect to get on base for the big hitters later in the lineup. Clean up is Yasiel Puig, I was so excited when the Indians got him because I love the heart and passion he plays with, there is never a dull moment when he is on the field, licking his bat, and waving while running the bases. His chart however isn't as exciting but another good 7 OB that the Indians have a ton of. Actually other than Lindor and Santana they are all 7 OBs. Fifth is Franmil Reyes, I am excited about him being in Cleveland the next couple of years, I see a 40 home run season coming soon, hopefully pushing for a 50 if he can stop swinging at every pitch that is thrown. His chart is better than last year, and hes going to smash some bombs when he gets the advantage. Jason Kipnis hitting 6th is another upgrade over last season, and his high defense gives the Indians a +12 infield defense between Lindor, Ramirez, and Kipnis. 7th is Roberto Perez and I believe he is the best value catcher in the set, +10 defense, with his home run at 15, and only out through 2. Young rookie Oscar Mercado is another value player with a speed A and positive defense in all outfield positions is a great option to hit 8th or 9th on a drafted team to turn the order over. Tyler Naquin bats last and isn't a terrible card, great +2 defense in the outfield, but the worst player in this lineup.
Bench: I'm still not convinced he deserves a card or a roster spot on the Indians but here he is. Can sub in for Puig as a defensive replacement in closing moments of a game.
Rotation: As said earlier the Indians rotation the last 3 years has basically been set, and knowing you were getting great starters 1-4. This year the injuries and trade of Trevor Bauer let some new guys step up and for the most part they did. Mike Clevinger slid into the Ace spot and never looked back, he dominated this season, and when he was on the mound you knew there was a great chance at a win. Shane Bieber had his bright moments this season, winning all star game MVP in Cleveland just like Sandy Alomar back in 1997. The two doubles on his chart makes him a little less desirable but that discount can help you pay up for more players somewhere else while still getting a top notch pitcher. Zach Plesac was the first guy thrown into the rotation and with the chance he was given he shined pretty bright. turning out a good third option card in the average showdown starter category. Finally Adam Plutko who was very inconsistent and that is why he gave up the home run ball this year. A few other hands were thrown in to the fire, unfortunately Aaron Civale didn't qualify for a card due to limited innings, but his card would be impressive, a good person to be on the look out for in the 2020 set if he can keep the momentum up.
Bullpen: The Indians bullpen sicne 2016 has been a wild ride, as a fan it was terrible because no lead ever felt safe. This years bullpen is actually pretty good and way better than I thought it was. Brad Hand will be the closer and has a favorable chart given he gets the advantage on the batters he is facing. Tyler Clippard was lights out this season and his card reflects the great year that he had.Oliver Perez was the lefty specialist for the Indians this season and in showdown there are no bonuses so you can use him and his great chart against lefties and righties. Adam Cimber is the leader of the roller coaster as he has almost the same chart as last season. Finally Nick Wittgren, whom early in the season I was most excited about as he dominated every time he was on the mound. His second half wasn't as kind and it resulted in a home run hitting his chart. If you can look past that you get a great chart as a 4th or 5th member of a bullpen.
So thats my hometown Indians, will they look the same by the time next season starts? Only time will tell, but like our "Great" owner said about Francisco Lindor "Enjoy Him" while he is here, who knows how much longer that will be. Indians come in at 4930 points with 19 players giving them an average of 259 points per player so they are at the bottom of the playoff teams when it comes to the players. Just like their record indicated. Here is an updated list of points per player for all the teams released:
1. Astros - 300
2. Nationals - 295
3. Twins - 293
4. Rays - 285
5. Red Sox - 269
6. Brewers - 268
7. Indians - 259
8. Braves - 256
9. Athletics - 248
10. Cardinals - 245
11. D-Backs - 236
12. Padres - 233
13. Phillies - 213
14. White Sox - 185
15. Blue Jays - 167
And just like that we are officially half way through the release of the 2019 set!!
Surprised at the restraint you showed not posting these guys earlier! haha
ReplyDeleteThat being said I agree with most of your points- a solid enough team, but definitely will fall short of the top tier teams. At the plate Santana leads the way at 5.35 expected runs- which makes sense give his 10 OB and HRs. Lindor is next at 4.48, and everyone else falls between 2.99 (Bauers and Kipnis) to 3.83 (Reyes), which isn't ideal, but doesn't have some of the drop off other teams have. The lack of OB really hurts them against an average pitcher (just shy of 4 control), but against a lower control they will rake.
Pitching: The rotation falls a bit short of what I was hoping- but I think that's accurate to the step back they took this year vs previous years. Clevinger leads the way at 5.95 expected runs which is very solid, and Bieber is next at 7.04 which is really hurt by that two double chart. That being said, as long as you're not facing a hot roller, you'll be able to do some good work with him. Plesac is .2 behind him, but Plutko is at 8.36 which isn't ideal at all. Hand is solid but the 3 control could cause problems (1/4 against an average batter you're going off their chart), which gives him 6.58 expected runs. Clippard actually slots in ahead of him at 5.84 expected runs due to his 6 control. Neither are studs, but both are good enough to get the job done. Wittgren adn Perez but slide in just below 7 and Cimber is at 7.37 actually.
Overall, like you said, this team has some great pieces and should be able to win a handful of games but has some clear weaknesses that will keep them from getting over the hump.
For anyone reading- be excited!!! BIG POST tomorrow that I think you'll be amped about