Rebuilding Wright: When Will Cleveland Return?

The worst thing you can do during a rebuild is peg a certain year that you will be competing.  If you miss that year then you’re either set up to be highly disappointed or screwed because you assembled a team with players in that same age range and have to further rebuild. And really, trying to assemble talent of certain ages is not a great idea either. Just acquire talent and all the rest will work itself out. Maybe it only takes you 3 years to rebuild, but even if it takes you 6 or 7 years, then the older prospects will now be reliable veterans in their prime.

However, for arguments sake, it’s not fun to say, “build it and the wins will eventually come.” Screw that! Let’s peg the Indians for a certain year.

I do give all of my rebuilds a “projected competing” year. I still rebuild the same. Acquire young peaked players with lots of team control to play during the rebuild. You never know, one of them could surprise you and be a worthy roster spot (in the bullpen, platooning vs LHP, super defensive 5^th OF, etc...) when you’re a playoff contender. Next, acquire talented prospects. Don’t worry so much about the age. Certainly you don’t want to get a bunch of 24 or 25 year old guys who have limited upside, but don’t necessarily avoid them at all costs. These guys could be your quality producers still in their prime at age 29 or 30. Lastly, draft picks. I do not like loading up certain draft classes. You could wind up with a gluttony of picks in a bad draft and I just like spreading the ages out a bit. If you have a trade piece that will stay hold their value in a year or 2, then holding onto them and getting the same value down the road isn’t the worst option.

Now, what year did I think Cleveland would be competing? My first reaction was to say 2057. Not that the Indians will be serious playoff contenders that year, but judging from where I project my prospects, that’s when I see most of them having the ability to crack the majors and seriously start the ascend to a playoff run. By then I think  a winning record is obtainable. 2058 is the real season when I forecast your Cleveland Indians will be back. Let’s take a look at the projected roster 3 opening days from now.

Starting 9

Eric Clouse, C
Current Value: 72/90 2058 Age: 22 Contract Status: 1^st Year in Majors  Drafted: HS--Philadelphia, PA, 2052 (1st Round, 3rd Overall), Indians

It might be questionable if he’ll be ready for opening day. Currently a 72 at age 19, he certainly should be major league ready with 2 more seasons of development. However, with those very young guys you can never tell. At any rate, he should eventually be very good and has the potential for mid 80’s or better contact, power, and eye.

Scouting Score Projection: 84 Con, 86 Pow, 90 Eye

Josh Corrigan, 1B
Current Value: 77/86 2058 Age: 28 Contract Status: 1^st Arbitration Year  Drafted: HS--Riverside, CA, 2050 (1st Round, 26th Overall), Indians

He’s already up and having a good rookie season. He’s a bit on the older side at 25, but surprisingly has yet to hit his career window. He’s also progressed slowly (and subsequently dropped very little when he’s aged), so I think he may not peak until he’s 27. He’s certainly not the prototypical 1B, but he’ll have elite contact, a great glove, and decent power.

Scouting Score Projection: 96 Con, 80 Pow, 80 Eye

“Captain” Steve Sparrow, 2B
Current Value: 73/84 2058 Age: 23 2058 Contract Status: 1^st Year in Majors Drafted: California State University, Fullerton, 2055 (4th Round, 113rd Overall), Indians

I drafted with the hopes of him breaking out, and so far, he has. He may never hit for much, but he’ll be serviceable, he’s a very smart base runner, and he has excellent defense. If his offense comes around to be good, he’ll be a top 2B.

Scouting Score Projection: 78 Con, 79 Pow, 87 Eye

Shane Littlewood, 3B
Current Value: 77/88 2058 Age: 24 Contract Status: 2^nd Year in Majors  Drafted: Auburn University, 2054 (1st Round, 21st Overall), Rays

With lack if his quality range, 3B is perfect for him. His arm is actually better at the hot corner as well. He likely won’t tear the cover off the ball, but he’ll have solid power and a good eye to go along with that very good defense.

Scouting Score Projection: 77 Con, 85 Pow, 84 Eye

Mike Lansing, SS
Current Value: 71/84 2058 Age: 24 Contract Status: 2^nd Year in Majors  Drafted: Auburn University, 2054 (1st Round, 21st Overall), Rays

Like Sparrow, it’s doubtful that he’ll ever hit for a ton. However (again, like Sparrow), he should be a great defensive player. Overall, this infield is turning into one that pitchers will love. All three should be in the upper echelon at their positions defensively.

Scouting Score Projection: 82 Con, 69 Pow, 82 Eye

Tan Kubota, LF
Current Value: 68/84 2058 Age: 24 Contract Status: 2^nd Year in Majors  Drafted: University of South Carolina, 2054 (4th Round, 103rd Overall), Indians

Who would’ve thought that I would have an Asian player, much less one in line to be a regular starter for me? Maybe it’s the fact that he played college ball in the states, but he has a pretty balanced build. It’s doubtful that he’ll do anything great, but he should hit for a little power, walk a good bit, and hit for a decent average. His defense is also good enough as I’m more concerned about Glovework and he has a plus arm to boot.

Scouting Score Projection: 79 Con, 83 Pow, 85 Eye

Jonathon Woods, CF
Current Value: 81/93 2058 Age: 25 Contract Status: 3^rd Year in Majors  Drafted: HS--Gary, IN, 2051 (1st Round, 20th Overall), Mets

This guy should be a great, near-prototypical, leadoff man. The only thing missing is elite speed, but he still has good speed and can steal some bases. Defensively, Mogul says he’s not a very good CF, but I think Mogul is full of crap. His speed and defensive vitals both suggest he’ll do just fine there.

Scouting Score Projection: 99 Con, 68 Pow, 98 Eye

Alex Rose, RF
Current Value: 77/79 2058 Age: 28 Contract Status: 3^rd Year in Majors  Drafted: California State University, Fullerton, 2051 (5th Round, 141st Overall), Rangers

I fully expect, and certainly hope, to have a better option in place. Most likely via trade, but a quick rising draftee isn’t out of the question either. If we are stuck with Rose, I don’t think it’s all that bad. He should hit for a solid average, walk a bit, and has good range defensively.

Scouting Score Projection: 87 Con, 69 Pow, 80 Eye

Julio “Franman” Ramirez, DH
Current Value: 76/85 2058 Age: 25 Contract Status: 3^rd Year in Majors  Drafted: Pepperdine University, 2053 (4th Round, 119th Overall), Braves

The lovechild of former Indians, Julio Franco and Manny Ramirez, this guy looks to have a little from each of the elder’s batting approach. He’s quite a mixture with Franco’s discipline, but home run power and Manny’s ability to hit for average and double power.

Scouting Score Projection: 94 Con, 83 Pow, 84 Eye

Bench 

Dave Gilpin, C
Current Value: 82 2058 Age: 28 Contract Status: 3^rd Year of Extension  Drafted: HS—Mobile,  AL, 2048 (3rd Round, 69th Overall), White Sox

I’m gearing up to re-sign Gilpin to a 4 year (3 year extension) contact as soon as he hits 5.000 service. He’s fantastic defensively and packs some solid pop at the plate. I’m sure I’ll be overpaying a little from what I could get him in Free Agency, but it’s worth the risk from something surprisingly wanting to pay him.

Scouting Score Projection: 74 Con, 81 Pow, 78 Eye

Mike Verploegh, 1B
Current Value: 83 2058 Age: 26 Contract Status: 2^nd Year in Majors  Drafted: HS--Tuskegee, 2051 (4th Round, 113rd Overall), Royals

Recently picked up to be a potential platoon partner for the future. He has very nice gap power, can walk a little, and I guess having some Predicteds at 3B adds value. Since we know he’d play better at 3B than an All-Star SS with no Predicteds there. #MogulLogic

Scouting Score Projection: 79 Con, 84 Pow, 77 Eye

Nathan Lavelle, IF
Current Value: 75 2058 Age: 26 Contract Status: 3^rd Year in Majors  Drafted: HS--Meadville, PA, 2049 (6th Round, 154th Overall), Mets

Many wonder why someone would field a player like this, with sub-70 contact. As well all know, it’s tough to find bench players that can legitimately field multiple positions. I’ve already had a player just like this in Kyle Kerr. Defense, defense, defense, and when at the plate, you hope he draws a walk.

Scouting Score Projection: 68 Con, 69 Pow, 93 Eye

Miguel Evillatoro, RF
Current Value: 79/83 2058 Age: 24 Contract Status: 1^st Year in Majors  Drafted: HS--Cabera, Panama, 2053 (5th Round, 121st Overall), Rays

Contact may be an issue with him, but he’s got solid, gap, power and walks at an amazing rate. His defense leaves something to be desired, but he should be tolerable if he can hit LHP for what it looks like he should in the future.

Scouting Score Projection: 72 Con, 85 Pow, 91 Eye

James Aitkin, OF
Current Value: 82 2058 Age: 30 Contract Status: 1^st Arbitration Year  Drafted: HS--St. Louis, MO, 2050 (5th Round, 141st Overall), Nationals

I’m more than likely not going to be a guy like Aiktin through arbitration and this spot is most likely filled through Free Agency. But  to keep the theme of picking from what I already have, he’s the most probable candidate. He’s got solid range with a great arm. At the dish pretty much all he has is power, but if he doesn’t ask for much in arby, he might just stick around.

Scouting Score Projection: 76 Con, 82 Pow, 72 Eye

Rotation

Jose Vallarta, RHP
Current Value: 86/93 2058 Age: 22 Contract Status: 3^rd Year in Majors  Drafted: HS--Santo Domingo, D.R., 2052 (1st Round, 15th Overall), Indians

It’s hard to believe that when I took over, I thought he was overrated and would bust and I wanted to trade him. Now I love him and he’s the Tribe’s future Ace. I see a lot of Speedy Canamar in him, but just not the filthy sick Control-Movement combo. Once he gets settled him, he should be very fun to watch.

Scouting Score Projection: 88 Con, 75 Pow, 96 Mov

Peter Dempsey, RHP
Current Value: 83/84 2058 Age: 27 Contract Status: 3^rd Arbitration Year (Super 2)  Drafted: University of Washington, 2051 (4th Round, 120th Overall), Mets

Here’s to hoping he can sneak out 1 last, slight jump. Even if he doesn’t get it, he’s still a solid pitcher. He combines things that are mostly average; average OBA, (probable) average HR/9, average K/9, and average repertoire. What helps him is slightly above average control. This underrated pitcher has staying power if he’s not traded.

Scouting Score Projection: 85 Con, 75 Pow, 90 Mov

Andy Green, LHP
Current Value: 80/87 2058 Age: 26 Contract Status: 3^rd Year in Majors  Drafted: California State University, Fullerton, 2051 (2nd Round, 51st Overall), White Sox

He doesn’t have that sexy build, but he’s still pretty solid. Home runs don’t look like an issue and he should have a pretty nice fastball. I really like his strikeout ability and think that can elevate his game from a rather uninspiring build.

Scouting Score Projection: 80 Con, 86 Pow, 82 Mov

Russ Vandyke, RHP
Current Value: 82 2058 Age: 26 Contract Status: 4^th Arbitration Year (Super 2)  Drafted: University of North Carolina, 2051 (1st Round, 21st Overall), Indians

Another pitcher who’s a bit underrated.  He looks to be settling as a low 4’s ERA arm and should only get better once the rest of the defense shows up.

Scouting Score Projection: 85 Con, 68 Pow, 85 Mov

Todd Warnecke, LHP
Current Value: 76/82 2058 Age: 25 Contract Status: 2^nd Year in Majors  Drafted: Texas Christian University, 2053 (5th Round, 140th Overall), Rockies

If it wasn’t evident before, it should be now. The Indians lack quality starting pitching options for the future. Warnecke does have nice Control, but Movement is where it’s at and his Movement is pretty pedestrian.

Scouting Score Projection: 86 Con, 71 Pow, 80 Mov

Bullpen 

Will Spitzer, RHP
Current Value: 82/84 2058 Age: 27 Contract Status: 3^rd Year in Majors  Drafted: Oklahoma State University, 2052 (4th Round, 104th Overall), Angels

His Movement is why I targeted him and I think eventually he’ll settle down to only giving up home runs ever so sparingly. If he doesn’t end up being Closer status, he should be a very good Setup Man.

Scouting Score Projection: 76 Con, 77 Pow, 91 Mov

Cam Lennon, RHP
Current Value: 68/87 2058 Age: 23 Contract Status: 1^st Year in Majors  Drafted: HS-- Philadelphia, PA, 2052 (1st Round, 14th Overall), Indians

He could still wind up a starter, but for now, he’s pegged for the bullpen. His less than stellar vitals and dominant fastball might play better out of the pen. Though if he does show big signs of improvement, he’ll certainly transition back to the rotation.

Scouting Score Projection: 80 Con, 77 Pow, 83 Mov

John Webb, LHP
Current Value: 81 2058 Age: 28 Contract Status: 3^rd  Year in Majors  Drafted: HS-- Marengo, IA, 2050 (2nd Round, 36th Overall), Royals

A buy low holdover that could stick around. In limited action so far, he’s done pretty well. Judging from his minor league stats, his low home run ability should stick. Ideally sticking him in short relief where Mogul sometimes uses lefties as a LOOGY is where he’ll end up.

Scouting Score Projection: 75 Con, 72 Pow, 81 Mov

Aaron Smith, RHP
Current Value: 65/81 2058 Age: 22 Contract Status: 1^st  Year in Majors  Drafted: HS-- Columbus, GA, 2054 (3rd Round, 65th Overall), Pirates

Low home runs is where it’s at and this guy does just that. Expecting him in the majors at 22 might be a little early, but he’s advanced for his age, so it’s possible. With a great defense behind him, he’ll have a wonderful career.

Scouting Score Projection: 70 Con, 60 Pow, 82 Mov

Rob Mashayekh, RHP
Current Value: 71/79 2058 Age: 22 Contract Status: 1^st  Year in Majors  Drafted: HS-- West Allis, WI, 2055 (6th Round, 154th Overall), Indians

What a guy to take a chance on in the 6^th round. He’s had an amazing jump and looks to be very advanced for his age. He shows low home runs and is tough to get a hit off of. He won’t ever have great ‘stuff’’, but a solid career in middle relief has his name written all over it.

Scouting Score Projection: 73 Con, 64 Pow, 82 Mov

Lewis Potter, RHP
Current Value: 78 2058 Age: 28 Contract Status: 2^nd Arbitration Year  Drafted: University of Virginia, 2051 (3rd Round, 69th Overall), Indians

After being rocked the past 2 years, he’s found a home in long relief. If he keeps it up and keeps his arbitration asking price down, he could stick around.

Scouting Score Projection: 81 Con, 76 Pow, 81 Mov

Final Thoughts

This team could definitely use a few things. For starters, a legit power threat in the corner outfield would greatly improve the offense’s performance. There’s enough guys that can get on base, they just need someone to drive them in. A boost in speed could help as well, but I think despite not having a lot of vroom, there’s players who are smart base runners and will make up for it with good decision making.

If the home runs stay low, this staff and defense should be good enough to fight for a Wild Card spot, but certainly not enough to truly expect great things. More pitching is definitely in order. There’s a lack of trade chips, so these needs likely have to come from the draft. It would be nice if I can get a pitcher heavy draft class or 2, but I’m usually someone who leans towards the best player available, so it’ll be interesting to see how the next couple of seasons play out. They will definitely determine just when Cleveland will be able to believe again.