Comments on: Spring Battles: Week 4 Pitching http://www.baseballdigest.com/2009/03/22/spring-battles-week-4-pitching/ America's longest-running baseball-only magazine Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:34:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Michael Taylor http://www.baseballdigest.com/2009/03/22/spring-battles-week-4-pitching/#comment-429 Michael Taylor Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:00:10 +0000 http://baseballdigest.com/?p=1819#comment-429 Yeah, I watched most of the game on the MLB network...man I love that new channel! Anyway, Marte and even Wilson Valdez had solid days at the dish. But I really do not see either of them as options going forward, at least in Cleveland. I believe we are seeing Marte more recently because the Indians are trying to "showcase" him. Maybe work out a minor deal. But as far as Barfield, I am looking past his poor batting stats this spring. He has had a grueling camp focusing his time defensively, and I can't help but think that is part of why his stats are low. The Indians are looking at him, at least from what I can decipher, as a guy to come in, pinch-run, go in defensively, and maybe hit against some LH pitchers. He will not get a lot of playing time, which you'd expect from the 25th man on the roster. I truly see Gimenez coming up in-season and becoming a "super-utility" guy after the Indians see if Barfield can do his new job. As far as the overall offense, I'm not worried. As much as it is hyped up, I do not believe the offense hinges on Hafner returning. The Indians scored over 800 runs (top-8 MLB rankings) the last two seasons without the same old Pronk. Peralta is coming into his own as a more complete player, youngsters Francisco and Cabrera will only get better, Sizemore is Sizemore, Martinez is back, DeRosa will be the first legitimate #2 hitter the Indians have seen since Omar, and then there are the kids, LaPorta, Brantley and others at AAA. I haven't even mentioned CHoo, Shoppach, or Garko (who i still believe can breakout). There may not be that 40-HR threat, but this offense does not need that to be productive - but it would be nice :) Yeah, I watched most of the game on the MLB network…man I love that new channel! Anyway, Marte and even Wilson Valdez had solid days at the dish. But I really do not see either of them as options going forward, at least in Cleveland. I believe we are seeing Marte more recently because the Indians are trying to “showcase” him. Maybe work out a minor deal. But as far as Barfield, I am looking past his poor batting stats this spring. He has had a grueling camp focusing his time defensively, and I can’t help but think that is part of why his stats are low. The Indians are looking at him, at least from what I can decipher, as a guy to come in, pinch-run, go in defensively, and maybe hit against some LH pitchers. He will not get a lot of playing time, which you’d expect from the 25th man on the roster. I truly see Gimenez coming up in-season and becoming a “super-utility” guy after the Indians see if Barfield can do his new job.

As far as the overall offense, I’m not worried. As much as it is hyped up, I do not believe the offense hinges on Hafner returning. The Indians scored over 800 runs (top-8 MLB rankings) the last two seasons without the same old Pronk. Peralta is coming into his own as a more complete player, youngsters Francisco and Cabrera will only get better, Sizemore is Sizemore, Martinez is back, DeRosa will be the first legitimate #2 hitter the Indians have seen since Omar, and then there are the kids, LaPorta, Brantley and others at AAA. I haven’t even mentioned CHoo, Shoppach, or Garko (who i still believe can breakout). There may not be that 40-HR threat, but this offense does not need that to be productive – but it would be nice :)

]]> By: Peter Alexander http://www.baseballdigest.com/2009/03/22/spring-battles-week-4-pitching/#comment-420 Peter Alexander Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:44:28 +0000 http://baseballdigest.com/?p=1819#comment-420 Andy Marte had a good day today at bat against good pitching. I worry about Barfield's hitting this spring. Is top management locked in to Barfield - if he doesn't hit - or is there still a chance that someone else, Giminez, Marte, Graffanino or ?, could make the leap. Speed and defense are, of course, top priorities, but the Tribe offense seems a bit underwhelming so far. We may need another bat. What do you think, Michael? Peter Andy Marte had a good day today at bat against good pitching. I worry about Barfield’s hitting this spring. Is top management locked in to Barfield – if he doesn’t hit – or is there still a chance that someone else, Giminez, Marte, Graffanino or ?, could make the leap. Speed and defense are, of course, top priorities, but the Tribe offense seems a bit underwhelming so far. We may need another bat. What do you think, Michael?

Peter

]]>