Cleveland Sports Forum

Does future hold multiyear deal for Justin Masterson and Cleveland Indians?

Paul Hoynes, Northeast Ohio Media Group By Paul Hoynes, Northeast Ohio Media Group

on February 18, 2014 at 10:15 PM, updated February 18, 2014 at 10:43 PM

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Contract wise, 2014 is in the books for the Indians and Justin Masterson.

Masterson and the Indians avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $9,762,500. They had a hearing scheduled for Thursday, but that won’t be needed.

With the completion of the Tribe’s arbitration cases comes a new question: Can the Indians and Masterson reach a multiyear deal before he disappears over the free-agent horizon at the end of the upcoming season?

The contract environment is player friendly. Ubaldo Jimenez finally found a team willing to take a chance on him Monday as he came to terms on a four-year, $50 million deal with Baltimore.

The Reds are reportedly getting close to signing Homer Bailey to a possible multiyear deal covering six years and $100 million. Bailey, a pitcher comparable to Masterson in many ways, is scheduled for a Thursday arbitration hearing.

Masterson said he and his agent, Randy Rowley, discussed multiyear options with the Indians while working on the one-year deal.

“It was just some food for thought,” said Masterson.

GM Chris Antonetti said the Indians would stay open minded.

“We haven’t set any sort of deadlines,” he said. “There’s a natural deadline at the start of the season. I think we agreed, not in Justin’s case specifically, but generally we want the focus to be on the field once the season starts. For that reason we tend not to negotiate contracts during the season.”

There is some give in the deadline. The Indians have completed plenty of deals during the season, but the bulk of the work was done in spring training.

Asked if it “bugged him’ that he didn’t get a multiyear deal, Masterson said, “I’m here for this year, man. We have plenty of time to work out anything like that.

“It’s just working through it. What is the value? What’s reasonable to pay? How do things work?”

Masterson was happy that Jimenez finally signed a multiyear deal after being one of the last unsigned free agents on the market. Masterson won 14 games last year, but it was Jimenez who pitched the Tribe into the postseason with a great September after Masterson strained an oblique muscle.
“It goes to show it’s a good market and he’s a good player,” said Masterson. “He did great things ... and they believe in what he did in the second half and that he’s going to be able to continue to do that.”

Do the Indians feel the same about Masterson? Antonetti couldn’t say enough good things about him, talking about his team-first attitude and the selflessness he shows on and off the field.

Yet talk and a multiyear deal are different things.

“I think that’s the hardest thing for teams to know about any player,” said Masterson. “Is this what we’re going to get or not? It takes someone to say, “All right, I think this is what we’re going to get.’”

The fact that the Indians have yet to say that about Masterson could cause tension. The Indians' No.1 starter said that will not be a problem.

“It doesn’t bother me because I get it,” said Masterson. “I understand."

Who's on third for Cleveland Indians? Lonnie Chisenhall says job belongs to him

Paul Hoynes


GOODYEAR, Ariz. – There has been much said and written this winter about Carlos Santana and his attempt to move from catcher to third base. There hasn’t been nearly as much attention paid to Lonnie Chisenhall, the player he’s trying to dislodge from that position.

The last time anyone took a good long look at Chisenhall he was going 3-for-4 in the 4-0 wild card loss against Tampa Bay that ended the Indians season and one-game playoff appearance on Oct. 2.

While the spring-training spotlight is on the moveable feast that is Santana, Chisenhall is certainly no stranger. He was the Indians’ No.1 pick in 2008 and he’s been trying to win the third base job for the last four years.

Now the Indians are challenging him with a converted catcher.

Chisenhall says he’s come to spring training confident with a clear vision of what he wants to do.

“I feel good, personally, coming into camp,” he said. “I’m working with Santana at third base right now. He’s on the team and I’m trying to make the team. “

Working is a polite word for competing.

“I’ve tried to make the team since 2011, 2012, 2013 and this year,” said Chisenhall. “There’s no difference for me. There’s just a different guy working at third base with me.”

Make no mistake; Chisenhall feels that the hot corner is his.
I have confidence in myself and I think we're a better team with me at third base.

“I feel like the things I did last year helped us win games,’ he said. “I have confidence in myself and I think we’re a better team with me at third base. That’s the way I approach it.”

Manager Terry Francona and GM Chris Antonetti were blunt with Chisenhall in their meeting with him before camp opened.

“We told Lonnie the truth in our meeting,” said Francona. “We believe we’re a better team with him on it. But we want him to earn it. That’s being very truthful and I think he agrees with it.”

Said Chisenhall, “It’s the same message I’ve gotten every year. In 2012, I came in and had an awful spring training and I didn’t earn third base. I thought I played well enough in 2011, but in spring training I didn’t cut the mustard so I was sent down. Last year I had a good spring training and won the job, but started slowly and was in Triple-A before I knew it.”

The focus has always been on Chisenhall’s offense. Watch him swing the bat, and it’s easy to see why. Yet that smooth left-handed swing alone has not made him a starter.

Last year he platooned with Mike Aviles for much of the season. In 2012, he shared playing time with Jack Hannahan. In parts of three seasons with the Indians, the most at-bats Chisenhall’s has had in one year came last season with 289.

Chisenhall’s problem has been left-handed pitching. He hasn’t hit a lot of them at the big league level, which means he hasn’t faced a lot of them.

“It’s a Catch-22,” said Chisenhall.

Francona knows all about Catch-22. He faced it last year with Chisenhall and Aviles.

“I’m sure he can hit lefties,” said Francona. “He has bat speed, he’s a good hitter. Sometimes you have to grown into it. Sometimes before you get a fair opportunity, it comes in increments.

“It’s a balance that is hard. It tugs at me a little bit. You’ve got a young kid that’s talented and you’re trying to work him in. But you Aviles sitting over there and you’re in a playoff hunt. So you try to strike that balance, but sometimes it’s difficult.”

Last year Chisenhall hit .111 (4-for-36) with one homer and six RBI against lefties. Against righties, he hit .241 (61-for-253) with 15 doubles, 10 homers and 30 RBI.

In his career, Chisenhall is a .194 (24-for-124) hitter with six homers and 18 RBI against lefties. Against right-handers, he’s hitting .256 (133-for-519) with 17 homers and 56 RBI.

“Against some tough lefties, I’ve got to show I can do more things to put us in position to win,” said Chisenhall. “Last year I felt Mike and me made a heckuva third baseman, looking at the numbers.

“You can’t argue with that, but I’d like more at-bats. I’ve got to go out there and get them. I’ve got to show them when the games start in spring training that I can get it done.”

Chisenhall believes he can get better against lefties.

“I hit better against lefties than righties in 2011 (.260 vs. .253), but I slowed down some in 2012 (.184 vs. .298),” said Chisenhall. “Facing lefties out of the bullpen is not really when you’re going to have your success. They’re coming out because they’re a good matchup against me.

“Getting some starts against some (left-handed) starters is key. Last spring I hit lefties OK. At Triple-A I hit over .300 against lefties. I don’t think it’s an issue. I’ve just got to do better hitting against them.”

Chisenhall says he’s facing lefties every day in the batting cage.

He’s also facing a challenge from Santana for playing time at third base. Asked if he felt overshadowed by the interest surrounding Santana, Chisenhall said, “It’s fine. This possibly will be my fourth year with parts of time in the major leagues. I turn 25 in October and I have an option left.

“I’m still young in my baseball career. He’s working over at third base. I’m not too concerned. I still have a lot of baseball ahead of me whether it’s playing third base for the Cleveland Indians or . . .I’m going to continue to work on my game.”

I'm skeptical reading that article but I guess, overall, he has the right attitude.

Michael Bourn - OF - Indians

Michael Bourn said Wednesday that his surgically-repaired left hamstring is 100 percent healthy.
Bourn had the hamstring surgery in mid-October and only needed about 4-6 weeks of rehab.

The 31-year-old outfielder batted just .263/.316/.360 with six homers and 23 stolen bases in 130 games last season for the Indians and will be looking to bounce back in 2014. He had nine homers and 42 steals in 2012.

Chisenhall vs RHP: He hit .241 (61-for-253) with 15 doubles, 10 homers and 30 RBI.

That's not much to get excited about either. I wonder about his attitude, too, but the stats show whatever the attitude he hasn't done much at bat.

Vinnie Pestano working his way back to form for Cleveland Indians
Paul Hoynes

GOODYEAR, Ariz. –Three months. It took Vinnie Pestano that long to get to where he wasn’t thinking about it from the moment he rolled out of bed to the time he went to sleep.

He visited friends. Went on trips. He even went duck hunting with teammate Josh Tomlin.

The idea was to cleanse his mind from what happened last season. Pestano finally reached a spot close to that. Then came anger followed by motivation and a desire to be the pitcher he used to be.

“I want to get back to form,” said Pestano. ”I want to get back to being the same kind of pitcher I was in 2011 and 2012. I want to be dependable and I want to be counted on. Those are two things I care a lot about.”

Pestano is a gym rat. He’d usually take three to four weeks off after the season and be right back at the Indians complex in Goodyear. After last season, he stayed away from the complex.

There was just too much to put rest from 2012: a right elbow injury following his appearance in the World Baseball Classic, the loss of his eighth-inning setup job, his first trip to the disabled list, a demotion to Class AAA Columbus and one mechanical adjustment after another.

“Vinnie was spent at the end of the year,” said pitching coach Mickey Callaway. “He was searching for a reason why whatever happened, happened. He needed to go home and forget about baseball for a while and that’s what he did.”

But even in his search of a quiet place, Pestano kept running into the hard edges of the game. He was eligible for arbitration, and despite coming off the worst year of his career, he went to a hearing with the Indians. It broke a 22-year streak by the team of never going to arbitration with a player.

Pestano was excellent in 2011 and 2012, posting a combined 2.45 ERA with 59 holds and 160 strikeouts in 132 innings. In 2013, his ERA jumped to 4.08 as he struck out 37, walked 21 and allowed 16 earned runs in 35 1/3 innings.

When the two sides exchanged salary figures in January, Pestano asked for $1.45 million and the Indians offered $975,000. The three arbitrators ruled in favor of the Indians.
Last year was a rough year for me. I lived it. I spent every day with it.

Pestano felt he had a good case because arbitration isn’t just based only on the player’s previous year.

“It’s a battle I’d fight 500 times over,” said Pestano. “My career numbers were a lot better or comparable to a lot guys who were making way over our midpoint ($1,212,500). The only thing they had going for them is that I got sent down last year. Our argument was trying to show my value compared to their value of me even though I got sent down.”

Some arbitration hearings can be bitter, Pestano said that was not the case with the Indians.

“They weren’t disrespectful or demeaning,” said Pestano. “They just used the numbers they had to make their case.

“Last year was a rough year for me. I lived it. I spent every day with it. So nothing that was said in that room wasn’t something I’d hadn’t already said to myself.”

Indians’ pitchers have been throwing batting practice to their big league teammates for the last two days. Pestano hasn’t reached that stage of spring training yet. He’s still working on bullpen sessions.

“I wanted to give my body and mind as much time as they needed,” said Pestano.

Callaway watched Pestano’s bullpen session Friday and was impressed.

“ He’s been getting better and better just as far as the spin on the ball and looking like the old Vinnie Pestano,” said Callaway. “I’m very encouraged by the work he’s been putting in. It looks like he’s coming around.”

There are 20 relievers in camp. The five with jobs all but guaranteed are John Axford, Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, Marc Rzepczynski and Josh Outman. Pestano is on the bubble for one of the last two spots.

“Every big league camp I’ve been in, I’ve broke with the team,” said Pestano, who has two minor league options left. “I’m not planning on breaking that streak right now. “

Carlos Carrasco studying his pitching ABCs: Cleveland Indians spring training notes
By Paul Hoynes, Northeast Ohio Media Group


GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Carlos Carrasco was doing some light reading Saturday morning at his locker.

In his hands was a copy of “The Mental ABCs of Pitching: A Handbook for Peak Performance Enhancement.”

Then Carrasco went out and threw his first round of batting practice to his teammates.

Carrasco is competing with Josh Tomlin, Trevor Bauer and Aaron Harang for a spot in the Indians starting rotation. Shaun Marcum could join the competition, but presently he’s still recovering from surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder.

“It’s a good book,” Carrasco said. “I bought it Friday night.”

If the Indians could pick a pitcher to fill the fifth spot in the rotation behind Justin Masterson, Danny Salazar, Corey Kluber and Zach McAllister, it would be Carrasco. They love his arm, but his performance over parts of five seasons has been spotty.

This year Carrasco is out of options. GM Chris Antonetti has already said he’s on the club, whether it’s in the rotation or in the bullpen.

The Indians believe that will relax Carrasco.

“He felt like he was pitching for his major league life,” said manager Terry Francona. “He knew there was a chance he’d go to Class AAA.”

Carrasco has made some adjustments in his delivery to give him more deception.

“He looks very strong,” said Francona. “I like his delivery adjustments. It’s just a matter of him settling in and taking what he has into competition.”

As for the competition for the rotation, Carrasco said, “I have to be honest with you, I don’t come in here to compete against pitchers. I come in here to compete against the hitters.

“I know everyone here is looking for a job. But I’ll say it again: I don’t come in here to compete against pitchers, I come in to compete against hitters.”

Running man: Ryan Raburn cut back on his normal running during the offseason to give his legs time to heal. Last season he suffered from calf, heel and Achilles' tendon injuries to both legs.

“I just rested and let the body take care of itself,” Raburn said.

Since the start of spring training, he’s has been doing extra running and says his legs are feeling better. One of the reasons for the extra running is that Francona wants Raburn to play first base to get him some additional at-bats -- especially against left-handers.

Last year Raburn had a .901 OPS, while hitting .272 with 16 homers and 55 RBI. He did it all in 243 at-bats.

Raburn is expected to see most of his playing time in right field, platooning with David Murphy. Asked if he ever wondered what he could have done last year if he could have gotten 450 at-bats, Raburn said, “Never. I don’t ever want to think like that. I could do the same thing wondering what I could have gotten if I’d filed for free agency. I don’t think about stuff like that. I just go out and play.”

The Indians signed Raburn to a two-year $4.85 million extension last year.

“I was ecstatic,” he said. “I really didn’t want to go anywhere else. I could have been a free agent again, but I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I just had a blast last year. It was so much fun. I’m hoping to have just as much fun this year.”

Testing, testing: David Aardsma pitched for Francona’s Boston Red Sox in 2008, going 4-2 with a 5.55 ERA and in 44 appearances. He struck out 49 and walked 35 in 48 2/3 innings.

He’s in camp as a non-roster player after going 2-2 with a 4.31 ERA in 43 appearances last year with the Mets.

“It’s going to be interesting to see where his velocity sits,” said Francona. “When I had him last time he was 94 to 95 with a wipeout split. The split has good action in the bullpen, but we want to see where his velocity gets to.”

Aardsma had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2011 with Seattle. Last year Aardsma’s fastball averaged 91.2 mph. He threw it 64 percent of the time along with a slider and splitter.

Real test: Francona has been impressed with Carlos Santana’s work at third base through the first week of spring training.

“To the trained or untrained eye, you wouldn’t say, ‘That’s a catcher player third base.’ He’s playing third,’” said Francona.

The Indians open the Cactus League season Wednesday against the Reds. Francona says that’s when Santana’s real test begins.

“The game will tell us a lot more,” said Francona. “It goes fast and the other team is trying to find ways to have you make errors. It’s not just a coach hitting a fungo and making a physical play. It’s slowing the game down and knowing situations.”

Finally: The Indians will meet with MLB officials Tuesday to have a crash course in how the new replay system will work this year. Francona, Antonetti, assistant GM Mike Chernoff, Derek Falvey, director of baseball operations, and bench coach Brad Mills will attend. There will be two sessions for both teams.

A sneak peek at the Cleveland Indians: AL Central preview 2014
By Dennis Manoloff, The Plain Dealer


CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Indians were the most interesting of playoff teams last year because they seemingly spent as much time struggling as succeeding.

During several stretches, the Indians played poorly enough that even their most ardent supporters had doubt. They did not fare well, in general, against teams with winning records. They needed to win their final 10 games to rip a wild-card spot from the Texas Rangers by the narrowest of margins. They finished 92-70 without the benefit of a .300 hitter, 90-RBI man or 15-game winner.

So just how did the Indians do it? They were a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Numerous players had decent years and picked up each other during slumps. They feasted on bad teams. And they took their cues from an eternal-optimist manager, Terry Francona, who engineered a 24-victory turnaround in his first season in Cleveland.

The Indians’ postseason consisted of one game -- a loss to Tampa Bay at Progressive Field. It was a sudden end to a wild ride, but Francona and the organization still could feel good about what they had accomplished.

Then came the hard part: Ownership, the front office and Francona needed to figure out how to build on the momentum of 2013. Francona, who didn’t join the Indians in order to achieve one-game playoffs, had talked to reporters about the challenge of going from 92 victories to 95-96.

One time-tested way to sustain success year over year is to make sure more talent is added than lost, by trade and/or free agency. The Indians, though, have taken a different tack. For a multitude of reasons ranging from budget to current roster to players available on the market, the Indians have remained relatively quiet. On paper, they actually have lost more than they added. Meanwhile, multiple teams in the American League have upgraded in key areas.

Among those gone from Cleveland via free agency are starting pitchers Scott Kazmir (Oakland) and Ubaldo Jimenez (Baltimore), setup man Joe Smith (LA Angels), closer Chris Perez (LA Dodgers) and reliever Matt Albers (Houston) and via trade, right fielder Drew Stubbs (Colorado).

Imports expected to make an impact are right fielder David Murphy (free agent, Texas), closer John Axford (free agent, St. Louis) and lefty reliever Josh Outman (trade, Colorado).

The Indians can argue that their bullpen will be fine, especially because Perez was erratic and Albers pitched in low-leverage situations. Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw are coming off good seasons and expected to fill the Smith void. Outman and Marc Rzepcynski better equip the Indians to match up against lefties.

The Indians can point to metrics suggesting that Murphy, even after a down year, is an upgrade over Stubbs.

The Indians cannot as easily make the case that the rotation will absorb the exits of Kazmir and Jimenez, who take with them 340 2/3 innings, 356 strikeouts and 23 victories. Danny Salazar, slotted to replace Jimenez, is projected for big things but has made just 11 major-league starts – 10 in the regular season, plus the wild-card game. Carlos Carrasco, the likely replacement for Kazmir, has been erratic for several years and unable to stay in the Tribe’s rotation.

Even if Salazar and Carrasco turn out to be reliable winners, the rotation still might have issues. The Tribe’s ace, Justin Masterson, went 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA last season. He has not won 15 games in a season. The other two incumbents, right-handers Corey Kluber and Zach McAllister, combined for 20 victories and dealt with middle-finger injuries.

No member of the projected rotation has logged back-to-back good years in the majors.

Where the offense is concerned, the Tribe bosses are banking on the returnees to continue grinding and playing well collectively. The bosses expect youngsters such as Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis to keep improving and for veterans such as Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher to be more consistent.

Division success: The Tribe went 44-32 against the Central -- and that includes a 4-15 record against Detroit.

The skinny: The Indians will be solid again under Francona, but their rotation will hold them back from bigger and better things.

Predicted record/finish: 88-74, third, miss playoffs.

Editor's note: As the spring training schedule commences, it is time for a sneak peak at the AL Central Division. This is the third of five team capsules to appear over five days, in reverse order of Dennis Manoloff's predicted finish.

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/index.s ... ck_in.html

http://www.cleveland.com/datacentral/in ... _spor.html

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/index.s ... nd_ev.html

Above are links to an interesting series of articles. A bit too long to post.

Manager Terry Francona said first baseman Nick Swisher will be held out of the first “four to five" Cactus League games.

“I think he felt like we went too quickly last year,” said Francona. Swisher came down with a strained left shoulder last spring that bothered him during the season.

Center fielder Michael Bourn is expected to play on Thursday against the Reds, but relievers Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw will probably be held back for at least a week before appearing.

“Cody and Shaw pitched a lot last year and they’ll throw a lot this year,” said Francona. “We’d like to start them a week later than the other guys and it gives us a chance to look at everybody else.”

New closer John Axford could be on the same program. So with regulars such as Michael Brantley, Bourn, David Murphy, Swisher and Carlos Santana not starting, the guys who came to camp to compete for a job will get a chance to do just that.

Morgan and Francoeur are in camp on minor-league deals. Cooper and Adams are on the 40-man roster. Cooper, a former No.1 pick of the Blue Jays, is coming off radical back surgery in 2013.

Adams played 43 games with the Yankees last year.

“If we’re going to (ease some regulars into the lineup), I’d like to give the at-bats to some guys who are competing,” said Francona. “It would be good to give them some extra at-bats.”

The same goes for the pitchers. None of the seven pitchers scheduled to face the Reds on Wednesday – Bauer, Aaron Harang, Nick Hagadone, Colt Hynes, Chen-Chang Lee, Preston Guilmet and J.C. Ramirez – are guaranteed a job.

Cleveland Indians outfielder Carlos Moncrief pulls down a long fly ball in the kitchen, hit by Kristopher Negron of Cincinnati Reds, for the 2nd out in the 7th inning in Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear, Arizona on Feb. 26, 2014. The picture of the kitchen was for an ad of K. Hovnanian Homes on the right field wall. Reds won 8-3. (Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)

February 27, 2014 at 10:55 AM, updated February 27, 2014 at 1:37 PM

It's every photographer's dream. Capturing the "money shot". Whether it's at an event, a game or just being at the right place at the right time, snapping the perfect picture is key.

The Plain Dealer's Chuck Crow snagged an unbelievable shot Wednesday as the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds were battling in a spring training game in Goodyear, Arizona.

Indians outfielder Carlos Moncrief was tracking down a fly ball hit by Kristopher Negron of the Reds in the 7th inning in Goodyear Ballpark. Crow was able to capture Moncrief at the perfect time, which resulted in a mind-bending photo.

The photo makes Moncrief appear he's making the catch inside a kitchen, which really is an ad of K. Hovnanian Homes on the right field wall.

I like that one!

Article on Lindor from a fantasy magazine:


Does Francisco Lindor Make the Grade?

By Matt Mattingly @mattmattingly81 on Feb 12 2014, 10:00a


Let's take a look at 10 of the most important attributes that should help to indicate what a prospect’s future might hold in fantasy leagues. Players are ranked on a scale of 1-10 by their qualities for each aspect, accumulating in a final prospect grade. Grades are based on what prospects can bring to the table from the current position they are projected to play in the major leagues.

Without further ado, let’s find out if Francisco Lindor makes the grade…

1) Baseball IQ – Baseball America says Lindor, "looked more like a wily veteran than an overmatched teenager, drawing as much praise for his leadership skills and high baseball IQ as his physical tools.... Lindor can do it all defensively. He has above-average range to both sides, soft hands and a strong arm." Rating: 10 out of 10.

2) Batting-Eye – In 2013, Lindor actually totaled more walks than strikeouts in the minors. After posting excellent walk to strikeout ratios throughout his minor league career, it is easy to see why Lindor has played in back-to-back Future’s Games. His batting-eye will carry him to the majors quickly, and may be his best offensive tool. Rating: 10 out of 10.

3) Hit-Tool – The switch-hitter produces above average bat speed to go with an excellent hitting approach. After batting .316 in 2011, Lindor suffered a hiccup in 2012 when his average dropped to .257, before returning his average back above the .300 mark in 2013. Rating: 9 out of 10.

4) Power – After hitting 6 homeruns in 2012, Lindor followed it up by hitting just 2 long-balls in 2013. There is still plenty of time for the young prospect to muscle up, as scouts think he will develop more power as his body fills out over time. Rating: 7 out of 10.

5) Speed – Fangraphs contends that Lindor’s excellent defensive range is due more to the quickness of his first step, and not his speed. However, the prospect does possess above average speed for a shortstop, which has helped Lindor rack up 52 SB’s in the past two minor league seasons. Rating: 9 out of 10.

6) Body – At the current age of 20, Lindor checks in at 5’11" and 175 pounds. He still has some growing left to do, and some scouts believe the power will come as his body fills out. After totaling just 8 HR’s in his first 3 minor league seasons, fantasy managers would welcome the uptick in power. Rating: 8 out of 10.

7) Durability – Towards the end of the 2013 season, the Indians shut Lindor down because of a nagging back injury that wouldn’t go away. The team hopes the extra rest will pay off. The young prospect still managed to play over 100 games for the second consecutive season. Rating: 9 out of 10.

8) Ceiling – If Lindor fulfills his potential, we could be looking at a shortstop that can hit over .300, and rack up the SB’s while hitting the occasional homerun. Depending on what becomes of the power, I think we could be looking at a Jean Segura clone for fantasy leagues if everything breaks right. Rating: 9 out of 10.

9) Floor – The shortstop is considered to have a very high real-baseball floor, as he should at least become a top defensive shortstop that isn’t a drain in the offensive department. His fantasy floor isn’t as high though, as the power is still more projection than real. Lindor’s defense will carry him to the majors no matter what, but he has the floor of a borderline fantasy option. Rating: 7 out of 10.

10) Future – The future is bright for the young shortstop in Cleveland. With Asdrubal Cabrera currently occupying the shortstop position, it will be interesting to see how the ball-club clears room for Lindor, as he should be ready to contribute in the majors this season. Rating: 9 out of 10.

Overall Grade: 87% - B

Future Outlook: Francisco Lindor is already a stellar defender, and many scouts consider him the top defensive prospect in baseball. Much in the same mold of an Austin Hedges, Lindor’s value will be higher in real baseball than in fantasy leagues. For that reason, he gets overrated by many dynasty managers. He ranks among the top shortstop prospects on many non-fantasy prospect lists, but his future fantasy value won’t rival the Xander Bogaert’s, Carlos Correa’s, Javier Baez’s, or Addison Russell’s of the world. However, the gap between fantasy and reality isn’t as significant for the shortstop as it is for Hedges, as Lindor should become a nice fantasy weapon in the future. We should still be looking at a top 10 shortstop option in his prime, capable of contributing a nice batting average while stealing a handful of bases, with the possibility of more. We could see the prospect arrive at Progressive Field sometime during the 2014 season.

Could be a better "reality" player than a fantasy player.

Yes. Because he won't put up gaudy numbers, especially in the homerun column.

But he will be a great defender and the type of lineup guy who makes contact. Those are great assets in reality that don't translate to fantasy.