Cleveland Sports Forum

All the analysis of the Indians' Opening Day lineup can finally come to an end. Manager Terry Francona gave some clarity Wednesday about how the club will handle both center field and first base to begin the season by starting Jordan Luplow and Yu Chang.

Francona said that because Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd will be on the rubber, Luplow will get the start in center over Ben Gamel, and Chang will play first base over Jake Bauers.

So much of the focus this spring was on Bauers and Bobby Bradley, but because both are left-handed hitters, it didn’t make sense for both of them to make the Opening Day roster. So the Indians tried to move Chang over to first base to see if his bat could get in the lineup there against southpaws, and the club was pleased with how his transition worked out.

“That's what we've been kind of pointing to the last week, 10 days of camp, is having [Chang] over there against left-handers,” Francona said. “That's why we had him play two games and a 'B' game and we put him over there several times in the last bunch of 'A' games, to get his comfort there. The way he's swinging the bat, he deserves a chance to play some. Against a lefty seems to make sense. It just so happens that Opening Day they're pitching a lefty.”

• Opening Day FAQ: Tribe vs. Tigers

The expectation was for Luplow to get more at-bats against left-handed pitching. In 274 career plate appearances against righties, Luplow has hit .193 with a .589 OPS. But in nearly the same number of plate appearances against lefties (269), he’s batted .275 with a .982 OPS.

Chang may be a little less experienced than Luplow, and he has yet to establish himself at the big league level, but the Indians are encouraged about his offensive upside after his performances in Spring Training this year and Summer Camp last July. The Tribe thinks he’s more prepared now than he was in his short stints in the Majors in 2019 and ’20.

“I think he went from a kid to a man,” Francona said. “Even when you watch him in his uniform, he's stronger, he's more agile, he's more sure of himself. Are there going to be hiccups? I don't know. There usually are. But he's situated to handle things better than he has in the past. You watch him at the plate, he looks confident. Even when he fouls balls off, you'll see him with a little smile on his face like, 'Man, I just missed that.' I just think he's maturing and growing up.”

Clarity on the bullpen
The Indians already told Emmanuel Clase, Nick Wittgren and James Karinchak to expect to pitch late in the game -- not necessarily the ninth inning -- when the Tribe has a lead. There’s not going to be one main closer to start the year, and it’s not just because of the inexperience that Clase and Karinchak both possess.

Francona has said since the start of camp that he doesn’t want to pigeonhole one of his relievers (especially if he believes it’s his best reliever) in the ninth inning when the most dire situation of a game could occur in the seventh. But this split workload is something that the team told all of its relievers to expect.

“You want to keep workloads under control,” Francona said. “Especially those first two weeks. The bell rings and everybody tends to forget we're still a couple days removed from Spring Training. You want to limit ups and downs. Until they get into the rhythm of the season, you don't want to ruin somebody's season the first two weeks.”

Allen staying sharp
The last thing the Indians would want is for Logan Allen, who was the highlight of their camp this spring, to sit for too long before he pitches in the Tribe’s home opener on Monday. The club has yet to determine if Allen will start that game or piggyback an opener, but to keep him as sharp as he’s been, he’ll use the off-day on Friday to pitch in a simulated game against the Tribe’s taxi squad, including Harold Ramirez, Ryan Lavarnway and Ernie Clement.

“[The taxi squad] can't work out with us,” Francona said, “but because it's an off-day, they will come in after we work out.”

How the Francisco Lindor trade looks now, and more: Jason Lloyd’s mailbag


By Jason Lloyd Mar 31, 2021 66
With Opening Day in 24 hours, the Indians get to lead off today. Cavs and Browns questions to follow …

Now that Francisco Lindor’s contract expectations are coming to light (12 years, $385 million), it is clear that the Indians (and most MLB teams) had no chance of meeting his demands. While (Paul) Dolan certainly could have phrased “enjoy him” better, I think the reality is he knew the unrealistic expectations of Lindor and his agent at that time, knew they had zero chance of an extension, and was basically treating fans like adults and saying “this guy isn’t gonna be here, and frankly for that price we wouldn’t want him.”

I’m no Dolan apologist, but don’t you think the way the media has portrayed him over the last year has been unfair? It’s obvious now Lindor’s comments were completely hollow and Cleveland never had a shot at an extension. Dolan’s made mistakes in the last couple years, but the “if Dolan doesn’t sign every player for their demanded salary he sucks” standard seems completely bogus to me. Rant over. — Kevin K

It became evident three or four years ago that the window to sign Lindor had already closed. It’s a shame because the Indians did everything right: They nailed a top-10 pick, they developed him in their farm system and watched him flourish into a superstar. They played by the rules, and they still lost. That’s baseball. My issue with the trade was actually more with Carlos Carrasco’s inclusion. Small-market teams always struggle to sign players to deals of this magnitude (and even when they do, rarely does that player survive the length of the deal in that same city). My issue was the fact the Indians had Carrasco on a team-friendly deal for this season and still couldn’t afford him. That’s a problem. The Lindor component is an unfortunate reality for baseball that isn’t changing anytime soon.

Jason, does the news Francisco turned down a 10-year, $325 million contract and wants a 12-year, $385 million change the perspective of the Indians fans who think the Dolans are cheap? Do those fans have a short-term memory on how Jacobs/John Hart let a potentially Hall of Fame outfield (Belle, Lofton, and Ramirez) leave during their tenure? Also, could Frankie maybe be overplaying his hand? He’s looking to be a free agent along with Correa, Seager, Story and Baez. — Gil R.

It’s funny how perceptions change. When Albert Belle left as a free agent, fans were furious with him. When Lindor was traded because he wouldn’t sign an extension, fans were furious at ownership. I get it. I get why it’s so frustrating as fans. Unfortunately, I don’t see the system changing.

As for Lindor, I’m not at all surprised he wants to go to free agency. He has waited this long, so why settle now? He is better than all those other shortstops you mentioned.

Why is José Ramírez not viewed as a superstar like Lindor is? I get that Frankie is more marketable, but am I crazy for believing José is the superior ballplayer? The national media continues to push the narrative that the Indians lost their best player this offseason, including people on this site. — Kollin T.

To your point, Ramírez finished second in MVP voting last year and has twice finished third. Lindor has never finished higher than fifth. I think position has a lot to do with it. The fact that shortstop is one of the most important defensive positions gives Lindor bonus points, and the marketability absolutely plays a factor. Lindor is gregarious, he’s always smiling and his energy can carry a club. The language barrier makes Ramírez less marketable. It doesn’t prevent him from punishing baseballs, however.

Based upon your research and conversations with sources, do the Indians leave Cleveland? — Peg W.

No. This question keeps coming up, and I promise Zack Meisel and I are working toward providing you answers. We just had an hour-long conference call this week with a couple of editors here to discuss this very topic. Give us a few more weeks and we’ll give you all of the information we have. For now, however, no. I do not believe the Indians are in danger of leaving in 2023.

Jason, in April 2023, who do you think is in the infield on opening day and at what positions? — Ryan J.

That’s an interesting year you chose since 2023 is the last club option on Ramírez’s team-friendly contract. My best guess is Ramírez will still be at third base, Gabriel Arias at short, Tyler Freeman at second and Nolan Jones at first. Brayan Rocchio could have something to say about shortstop around 2023, and Jones’ arm might ultimately play better in the outfield with Josh Naylor moving to first.

Jason, why in the world did the Indians not talk contract extension with (Shane) Bieber this spring and does that suggest anything to you? — Ryan J.

I would’ve liked to have seen them come to an agreement this winter, yes. If I’m Bieber, I’m not very happy that my reward for winning a Cy Young award is the league minimum. When Corey Kluber won it in 2014, the Indians rewarded him with a five-year extension even though he wasn’t yet arbitration-eligible. But nothing for Bieber, who is four years younger than Kluber when he won his first Cy Young. Of course, a number of deals like this get announced hours before the first pitch on Opening Day. Maybe the Indians will surprise us yet.

A new era for Cleveland: What the Indians’ 2021 odyssey is really all about By Zack Meisel 6h ago 17
DETROIT — This is where Cody Allen recorded the final out, on Woodward Ave., where he powered a 95 mph fastball past Cameron Maybin and raised his arms in the air to ignite a long-awaited celebration. It’s where Terry Francona and Brad Mills hugged in the dugout as their players spilled out onto the infield to form a Motown mosh pit. It’s where they soaked the carpet in the visitors clubhouse with bottles of champagne and cans of Budweiser and where, the next afternoon, they coped with the world’s most welcome hangovers.

Five years ago at Comerica Park, the Indians secured the American League Central title for the first time in nearly a decade, and it signaled the start of a Cleveland baseball renaissance, a stretch marked by a stout rotation, a steady bullpen, a couple of budding stars in Francisco Lindor and José Ramírez, a few mainstays in Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana and Michael Brantley, and a manager who tended to pull the right levers.

The stench of stale beer has dissipated from that visitors clubhouse. Cleveland’s reign atop the division has ceased. All that remains from 2016 are Ramírez, Roberto Pérez and fans’ memories — some treasured, others haunting — of an unforgettable October.

Detroit will play host to the start of a new era for Cleveland’s baseball bunch, or perhaps the first few days of an awkward, caught-in-between year for a franchise motioning from one collection of players to the next. The Indians have steered toward this point for the past couple of years. They have gradually recalibrated the roster, trading starting pitcher after starting pitcher and, ultimately, the All-Star shortstop. Along the way, they stockpiled middle infielders too young to partake in one of those alcohol-infused celebrations.

This is a new dawn, a new universe, and what unfolded on the diamond from 2013 to 2020 is in the rearview. The 2021 season isn’t even so much about 2021; it’s about charting a path to that moment in time when halting the team’s 73-year championship drought again seems attainable.

If this winds up looking like a transition year, that’s because it is. If this winds up being the Indians’ worst season since Francona took the reins as manager, it won’t be shocking. If this winds up serving as a springboard for the next run of postseason appearances, well, that’s their hope and their top priority.

The theme of this season is learning who will be a part of the next wave and who will not, learning who deserves to stick around when Tyler Freeman and Nolan Jones and Owen Miller and Gabriel Arias and George Valera equip the club with some long-desired position-player talent to pair with a promising pitching staff.

To accomplish that, there will be some trial and error. (Clock’s ticking, Jake Bauers.) There will be some experimenting. (Good luck in center, Amed Rosario.) There will be plenty of roster shuffling. (Don’t get too comfortable in Columbus, Oscar Mercado, Daniel Johnson, Bobby Bradley and Nick Sandlin.)

Those strategies can be detrimental to the win column, but it’s a necessary evil to weed out who doesn’t fit and to figure out what works. The Indians have a roster filled with guys in their mid-20s who haven’t proven they can cut it in the big leagues. They have to get answers.

And, maybe in a twisted way, that makes this season more intriguing than certain 162-game campaigns in recent memory. There’s something alluring about the mystery clouding the expectations for guys like Zach Plesac, Aaron Civale, Logan Allen, Josh Naylor and Andrés Giménez. Some players will enjoy breakout seasons and firmly plant themselves in the team’s plans for 2022 and beyond. Others will disappoint and lose their grip on a roster spot.

It leaves the overall outlook for the team a bit murky. Teams can always surprise. They can conjure up an unquantifiable degree of magic that fuels fortunate bounces and narrow victories. Odds are against the 2021 team recapturing the flair of the 2016 team, but I suppose you never really know.

“Since I’ve been here the last couple years, that’s kind of been the theme, right?” said Shane Bieber, who was a Mahoning Valley Scrapper in 2016. “But we continue to win. We continue to battle, and it’s just the mantra and culture of this organization. We believe in what we’re doing here.”

Having games and player performances to analyze will be refreshing after a winter of discontent. So, too, will be the sight of actual, three-dimensional humans in seats instead of the same, emotionless cardboard cutouts. A productive season for the Indians would be to reach the fall with confidence that the 2022 roster could be loaded with young talent. That doesn’t completely rule out fielding a competitive team over the next six months, but that will prove far more difficult than it has for the past five years.

As Franmil Reyes wrapped up a recent postgame Zoom session, he paused after supplying a response to the final question. “Hey, one more thing,” he said, staring into the webcam.

“I swear, we’re going to surprise you. I swear.”

And, maybe in a twisted way, that makes this season more intriguing than certain 162-game campaigns in recent memory. There’s something alluring about the mystery clouding the expectations for guys like Zach Plesac, Aaron Civale, Logan Allen, Josh Naylor and Andrés Giménez. Some players will enjoy breakout seasons and firmly plant themselves in the team’s plans for 2022 and beyond. Others will disappoint and lose their grip on a roster spot.

LOL, sorta like a damn long version of spring training again!

If Opening Day rosters are any indication, this is shaping up to be a historically good year for Rule 5 draftees.

Coming off a 2020 Rule 5 Draft that saw 18 major league picks, tied for the most MLB picks since 2010’s 19 selections, 14 of this past draft’s MLB picks have made it through spring training and onto Opening Day rosters. Two of those picks are on the injured list. The other 12 are on active rosters.

That’s quite notable as it is far beyond the number of Rule 5 picks that have stuck in any recent season.

On MLB Rosters
Pick Team Player Position Prev. Team
1 Pirates Jose Soriano RHP Angels
2 Rangers Brett de Geus RHP Dodgers
3 Tigers Akil Baddoo OF Twins
4 Red Sox Garrett Whitlock RHP Yankees
5 Orioles Mac Sceroler RHP Reds
6 Marlins Zach Pop RHP Orioles
7 Rockies Jordan Sheffield RHP Dodgers
9 Pirates Luis Oviedo RHP Indians
10 Mariners Will Vest RHP Tigers
12 Giants Dedniel Nunez RHP Mets
13 Marlins Paul Campbell RHP Rays
15 Indians Trevor Stephan RHP Yankees
16 Athletics Ka'ai Tom OF Indians
17 Orioles Tyler Wells RHP Twins
Returned To Original Team
Pick Team Player Position Prev. Team
8 Angels Jose Alberto Rivera RHP Astros
11 Reds Kyle Holder SS Yankees
14 Cubs Gray Fenter RHP Orioles

Over the previous 10 Rule 5 drafts, 2014 (10) is the only time that a Rule 5 draft produced half that many players who fulfilled the Rule 5 eligibility requirements. Last year, even with a shortened 60-game season only four Rule 5 picks stuck to fulfill their eligibility requirements.

Three picks stuck through the 2019 season and six did so in 2018. Since 2011, on average 5.3 players have stuck per year.

civ ollilavad wrote:If Opening Day rosters are any indication, this is shaping up to be a historically good year for Rule 5 draftees.

Coming off a 2020 Rule 5 Draft that saw 18 major league picks, tied for the most MLB picks since 2010’s 19 selections, 14 of this past draft’s MLB picks have made it through spring training and onto Opening Day rosters. Two of those picks are on the injured list. The other 12 are on active rosters.

That’s quite notable as it is far beyond the number of Rule 5 picks that have stuck in any recent season.

On MLB Rosters
Pick Team Player Position Prev. Team
1 Pirates Jose Soriano RHP Angels
2 Rangers Brett de Geus RHP Dodgers
3 Tigers Akil Baddoo OF Twins
4 Red Sox Garrett Whitlock RHP Yankees
5 Orioles Mac Sceroler RHP Reds
6 Marlins Zach Pop RHP Orioles
7 Rockies Jordan Sheffield RHP Dodgers
9 Pirates Luis Oviedo RHP Indians
10 Mariners Will Vest RHP Tigers
12 Giants Dedniel Nunez RHP Mets
13 Marlins Paul Campbell RHP Rays
15 Indians Trevor Stephan RHP Yankees
16 Athletics Ka'ai Tom OF Indians
17 Orioles Tyler Wells RHP Twins
Returned To Original Team
Pick Team Player Position Prev. Team
8 Angels Jose Alberto Rivera RHP Astros
11 Reds Kyle Holder SS Yankees
14 Cubs Gray Fenter RHP Orioles

Over the previous 10 Rule 5 drafts, 2014 (10) is the only time that a Rule 5 draft produced half that many players who fulfilled the Rule 5 eligibility requirements. Last year, even with a shortened 60-game season only four Rule 5 picks stuck to fulfill their eligibility requirements.

Three picks stuck through the 2019 season and six did so in 2018. Since 2011, on average 5.3 players have stuck per year.

26 man rosters this year

The ‘Gamplow’ gambit: Let’s talk about the Cleveland Indians’ lineup construction


By Zack Meisel Apr 5, 2021 30
CLEVELAND — In Cleveland lineup lore, luminaries have occupied the leadoff spot, from Kenny Lofton to Grady Sizemore to Francisco Lindor to … Ben Gamel and Jordan Luplow?

In a plot twist, manager Terry Francona has turned to the unlikely pairing in an unexpected position atop his batting order. Gamel and Luplow, the odd couple center-field tandem — at least until Amed Rosario further complicates matters — batted first during the Indians’ opening series in Detroit.

And that has sparked a popular question: Why?

A team’s priority should be to send its best hitters to the plate as often as possible. José Ramírez missed opportunities to deliver key hits when he spent the 2016 season batting fifth and sixth; it was even more egregious when that remained the case in 2017, until Francona finally shifted him to the No. 3 spot in August.

Let’s start with the most elementary fact: The further down the lineup a player bats, the fewer trips to the plate he’ll receive.

League-wide plate appearance stats, 2020 (Lineup position, then total plate appearances, then average per game)
1
8,169
4.548
2
7,957
4.430
3
7,768
4.325
4
7,599
4.231
5
7,417
4.130
6
7,213
4.016
7
7,018
3.908
8
6,799
3.786
9
6,566
3.656
It seems like a small difference between each spot in the order, but when extrapolated over 162 games, it’s profound.

In the 1995 World Series, Albert Belle was marooned on the on-deck circle at the end of Games 1, 2 and 6 — all three road games in Atlanta, all one-run losses. Imagine if the 50-home run, 50-double behemoth had as many chances to contribute as, say, the team’s No. 2 hitter, Omar Vizquel, who logged a .684 OPS that season.

Teams are more knowledgeable about lineup construction than they were a quarter-century ago. The big, bad slugger doesn’t need an automatic ticket to the cleanup spot anymore. The adept bunter doesn’t need to bat second; that’s often where a club’s most proficient hitter now bats.

Fifteen years ago, three statisticians — Tom Tango, Mitchel Lichtman and Andrew Dolphin — contended in their work, “The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball,” that “your three best hitters should bat somewhere in the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 slots. Your fourth- and fifth-best hitters should occupy the No. 3 and No. 5 slots.” Their reasoning was based on a host of factors, including avoiding double plays and capitalizing on situations with runners aboard.

That brings us back to Francona’s assembly.

Here was the manager’s explanation on Opening Day, when Luplow led off against left-hander Matthew Boyd:

“(Luplow) is one of our better hitters against left-handed pitching, and if we want to pinch hit Gamel or somebody, we certainly can later, and that’s where they would go anyway, in that one-hole. So, it just seems to make sense.”

The leadoff hitter is only guaranteed to lead off in the first inning, so when we analyze the batting order, we should focus on the top hitters receiving the most opportunities more than the specific arrangement of the hitters.

Really, Luplow batting first against lefties isn’t blasphemous at all. Across the 2019 and 2020 seasons, he posted a .309/.419/.673 slash line against lefties, with 15 homers and 13 doubles in 198 plate appearances.

Highest OPS vs. LHP, 2019-20 (min. 175 PA)
Nelson Crúz
1.274
J.D. Martínez
1.184
Alex Bregman
1.141
Jordan Luplow
1.092
D.J. LeMahieu
1.054
That’s some elite company.

And right on cue, Luplow powered a two-run homer to left field on Sunday off southpaw Daniel Norris to pad Cleveland’s lead.

“It’s always hard, no matter what, no matter what spot you’re in,” Luplow said. “But I think middle of the order, it could get a little tougher because guys know they’re there to drive in runs. There could be guys on base for those guys in the middle of the order. Regardless, it’s tough to hit in the big leagues.”

Just because one member of a platoon bats in a certain spot, however, doesn’t mean the other half needs to follow suit, and the left-handed-hitting Gamel has no business batting leadoff against righties. In fact, Gamel has fared better against lefties in his career, so he doesn’t really fit in this center-field marriage anyway.

(For the record, neither does Rosario, who owns an .815 OPS against lefties and a .667 OPS against righties in his career. The pieces to this center-field puzzle fit like O.J. Simpson’s glove.)

During spring training, the Indians liked Gamel’s energy and leadership and the fact he can play all three outfield spots. Cactus League numbers often lack context, but Gamel didn’t hit much in Arizona (.584 OPS). Now, he’s hitting leadoff against righties.

Gamel vs. LHP in his career: .282/.354/.408 slash line (This is actually a guy who makes some sense batting higher in the order.)
Gamel vs. RHP in his career: .255/.326/.382 (This is a bench player.)

The optimal top of this order seems straightforward: César Hernández and Ramírez should hit first and second, with Eddie Rosario, Franmil Reyes and Josh Naylor following behind them. It’s a nice mix, with Hernández and Ramírez regularly reaching base, Rosario and Naylor skilled at making contact, and Reyes supplying plenty of power.

Hernández’s career 10 percent walk rate and .352 on-base percentage make him a logical choice for the leadoff spot. He batted leadoff in 43 of his 58 starts last season. He has occupied that spot in 61 percent of his 780 career starts. He has spent the second-most time in the No. 2 spot, where he batted in all three games in Detroit.

Hernández’s OPS as a No. 1 hitter: .749
Hernández’s OPS as a No. 2 hitter: .749

“However they want me to contribute,” Hernández said, “that’s what I’ll adjust (to) and try to do my best to help the team.”

Said Francona: “I think he’s a legitimate hitter. You can hit him wherever you want. He’s just a good hitter.”

Luplow’s prowess against lefties justifies his spot atop the order, but Gamel shouldn’t be prioritized over superior hitters. In the opposite of breaking news, the Indians really need to find either an everyday center fielder or, at minimum, a competent platoon partner for Luplow or Rosario. (Luplow could eventually shift to right field, leaving either Naylor or Yu Chang at first base against lefties.)

It’s important to keep in mind that the lineup in early April rarely remains the same throughout the summer months. In 2019, Leonys Martín batted leadoff for the first three weeks. Then, he spent two weeks batting second. He was later dropped to the bottom of the order and by June was no longer a member of the organization. Carlos González batted fourth one day and was designated for assignment the next. It’s up to the manager, obviously, to recognize when a particular setup isn’t working.

In 2017, the Indians used six leadoff hitters: Lindor (63 games), Jason Kipnis (42), Carlos Santana (37), Bradley Zimmer (17), Brandon Guyer (two) and Daniel Robertson (one). Ten players shuffled in and out of the No. 2 spot.

If the “Gamplow” tandem doesn’t produce at the plate, Francona will eventually rearrange the top of his lineup in an effort to ensure the team’s top hitters receive the most opportunities to hit.

old tradition was to hit a guy who runs fast on the top of the order; wound up with various 250 hitters who could steal 40 bases if they happened to get on base. We're generally beyond that now. Gamel walks a bunch, that's all that warrants hitting higher than some of the other weak offensive players who are playing for this team this year so far. Wouldn't it be nice to see Owen Miller at the top of the order?

The sentence that stated Albert Belle was left on deck 3 times during that Series says it all.

That said you still have to balance that with the type of hitters they all are near the top.

Eight Cleveland Indians thoughts: Emmanuel Clase’s heat, Shane Bieber’s feat and the lineup’s heartbeat


By Zack Meisel 55m ago 1
CLEVELAND — On Wednesday, Emmanuel Clase threw nine of his patented cutters, the missiles that spin toward lefties’ hands and tail away from righties. The “slowest” clocked in at 100.0 mph.

One registered at 101.3. Another at 101.0. One at 100.9. Another at 100.7. Those numbers seem more like medical thermometer readings than radar gun displays. Then again, anyone battling a fever or battling Clase is bound to experience chills and discomfort.

Clase pairs the cutter with a slider, which secured his two strikeouts in a scoreless inning against the Royals. His six sliders averaged 91.4 mph. Aaron Civale’s average fastball on Sunday, by comparison, averaged 91.1 mph.

1. Clase pitched the eighth inning on Wednesday, carving up the middle of Kansas City’s lineup with the score tied. Manager Terry Francona turned to James Karinchak in the seventh to relieve Shane Bieber with a pair of runners aboard. Nicky Lopez smacked Karinchak’s first pitch for a game-tying RBI single. After José Ramírez vaulted the Indians back into the lead, Nick Wittgren retired the Royals’ 6-7-8 hitters in the ninth to seal the victory.

Those are the three relievers Francona trusts the most in high-leverage situations. But they won’t always be deployed in that specific order.

“It’ll be different on different nights,” Francona said. “It just depends on who’s hitting, what the situation is.”

It says a lot that he already trusts Clase enough to insert him into a tie game with the heart of the opposition’s order scheduled to bat. Clase logged 23 innings with the Rangers in 2019, but he spent last season at home in the Dominican Republic after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug and receiving a season-long suspension. The Indians only started getting to know him this spring.

There’s no clarity on whether Francona will ultimately identify one, specific closer or if he’ll stick with this committee approach. He has said his primary focus for the first few weeks is to ensure every reliever in the bullpen gets enough work. Oliver Pérez is the only one yet to see action, though he did warm up during the home opener on Monday.

2. Since the start of the 2020 season, Ramírez has five multi-homer games. No one else in the sport has recorded more than three. The eight players with three: José Abreu, Ronald Acuña Jr., Pete Alonso, Nelson Cruz, Teoscar Hernández, Manny Machado, Marcell Ozuna and Luke Voit.

“This just in: José’s pretty good,” Francona said.

3. There isn’t an objective soul who pegged the Indians as a potential offensive juggernaut in 2021. At first glance, their game-by-game run totals — 2, 2, 9, 0, 4 — indicate they’ll wind up precisely as many projected. Beneath the surface, however, there are some encouraging signs. Granted, the team has played five games. And encouraging signs guarantee nothing. And they certainly don’t fix the messes at center field and first base.

But the team has had some lousy luck at the plate through the first week. The Indians have the lowest strikeout rate in the league, at 18.4 percent. They own the eighth-best walk rate, at 11.2 percent. That’s a healthy combination.

The issue: When they put the ball in play, which they have done often, it hasn’t proven beneficial. Their batting average on balls in play (BABIP) is .227, which ranks 27th in the majors. The league average is .287. Last season, the league average was .292, and Cleveland’s was .277.

Lowest team BABIP in the league in 2019: .280
Lowest team BABIP in the league in 2018: .277
Lowest team BABIP in the league in 2017: .276

So, .227 isn’t sustainable. Eventually, Tribe hitters will find holes.

The Indians rank sixth in the league in barrel rate, at 10.3 percent. (A barrel represents a combination of exit velocity and launch angle that typically results in an extra-base hit. In other words, a player records a barrel when he strikes the ball exactly the way every player strives to strike the ball.) They also rank sixth in average exit velocity, at 90.5 mph.

And yet, Cleveland’s team slugging percentage is .386, only a tick higher than last year’s underwhelming output. So, they haven’t been rewarded for smacking the baseball around the diamond. If they maintain that hard-contact trend, it should fuel more consistent run production.

The question is, can this lineup keep stinging the baseball? The Indians won’t face the pitching staffs of Kansas City and Detroit forever. Five games of a season shouldn’t force anyone to adjust expectations, but while the run totals may match what many had predicted — and in the end, the run total is what counts — the process hasn’t unfolded as anticipated. There might just be hope for this offense after all … you know, to be average or a bit below average. Let’s not get crazy here.

4. Yes, strikeouts are en vogue. But no other starting pitcher racks them up like Bieber does. He effortlessly reaches double digits. Ho hum, another 12 on Wednesday. That’s 24 in two starts. He’s the first pitcher in major-league history to reach that total in his first two starts in consecutive seasons.

Royals batters waved at 20 of his sliders on Wednesday. They came up empty on 15 of those swings. Remember, it was his curveball that most often mystified hitters last year. Now, his new-and-improved slider is frustrating anyone foolish enough to offer at it. His toolbox is overflowing with options.

Bieber has struck out eight or more batters in 14 consecutive starts, which ties Corey Kluber’s franchise record, set in 2017. Only Randy Johnson (17) and Pedro Martinez (16) have mounted longer streaks. So, yes, strikeouts are commonplace in today’s game. But Bieber is etching his name in the record books at a rate that no other active starter can match.

5. Until the minor-league season begins in early May, the crew at the team’s alternate site in Columbus will play exhibition games against opponents stationed in nearby cities. They are limited to ground transportation during the exhibition slate.

Some noteworthy velocity readings from the club’s first few games this week:

Sam Hentges: 93.7 mph average fastball, topping out at 97.0 mph
Anthony Gose: 96.4 mph average fastball, topping out at 98.6 mph
Nick Sandlin: 94.7 mph average fastball, topping out at 95.5 mph

Nolan Jones has appeared at third base and in left field. Oscar Mercado, Daniel Johnson, Bradley Zimmer and Harold Ramírez have rotated through the outfield spots.

The team has been granted permission to host 500-1,000 fans at Huntington Park for its weeklong homestand beginning April 16.

6. Carlos Santana used to plant a good-luck kiss on the top of Francona’s dome prior to first pitch. He can’t do that any longer now that he’s a member of the Royals.

“Tito is like my dad,” Santana said. “He was my manager for a long time. I have a good relationship with Tito. We keep it tight. It’s great. He’s a great person, a winning manager, and I have great respect for him.”

Santana received a heartfelt ovation from the Cleveland crowd during introductions on Monday. Santana ranks tied for fifth in franchise history in home runs, second in walks and 14th in games played.

“Respect the fans, respect the team, respect the city,” Santana said. “Respect all of my fans. That’s what I was thinking. Respect the organization that gave me the opportunity for 10 years.”

7. Cleveland’s starting pitchers have limited hitters to a .193 average (21-for-109) through the first five games. The club will need a fifth starter for the first time Tuesday in Chicago. That could be Triston McKenzie, who formed a tandem with Logan Allen for the home opener.

8. You may have noticed Yu Chang flashing a smile when he greets an opposing player at first base. Or when he takes a strike. Or when he takes a ball. Or when he fouls off a pitch. Or literally any moment he’s on a baseball field.

“My smile can help me relax myself,” Chang said, “even when I don’t hit well or I’m having trouble on defense. I just try to relax myself with a smile. It really helps me.”

This article is not bullshitting when it says about the team having some bad luck hitting.

IF you've been watching or listening I remember many times they had runners in scoring position and tagged the ball right into - either a good defensive play or a shot right at a fielder.

I took at a look at the comparative stats for all AL teams and our offense is just about in the middle, or a few spots below, on categories from batting average to on base pct and slugging average. As has been noted elsewhere we are far ahead of the field in lowest frequency of strike outs.

The gaping holes in the lineup are not mirages but the offense is apparently not as bad as it appears.

Pluto notes that Naquin is suddenly a superstar and Lindor is a bum

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The season is about a week old, and some strange things have been happening with former Tribe players that has me talking to myself:

QUESTION: Did you see what Tyler Naquin is doing? ANSWER: I don’t want to talk about that right now.

Q: But he has four home runs... A: Next question, please.

Q: How about Francisco Lindor? A: Heading into Thursday night, the former Tribe player was 2-for-11 (both singles). He’s a good player, he’ll hit. But that’s not the most interesting part. Q: If he has a slow start to the season, won’t New York fans scream, “Hit it with the your wallet!” when he comes to bat?
A: Maybe. That’s what happens when you sign a 10-year, $341 million deal. But that’s not what I was thinking.

Q: So what where you thinking? A: Before the opener, Mets owner Steven Cohen said in a Zoom call said the team wasn’t necessarily going to win the World Series, “But we’re going to make the playoffs.” For the record, the Mets have not been to the playoffs since 2016. They have had losing records in three of the last four seasons. But that’s not what I really had in mind.

Q: What happened to Carlos Carrasco? A: He had minor elbow problems early in training camp, then he ripped a hamstring. He’s on the disabled list for the Mets.

Q: What about Tyler Naquin?“ A: Wait a minute. Back to Cohen. He also said this about Lindor: “I look at Francisco as a cornerstone of our present and future. I think he is going to lead us to division titles, pennants and World Series championships. He’s all in. I told you I’m all in and this should leave no doubt.” Q: Welcome to New York.

A: Exactly. Lindor has a history of enjoying the big stage. He is a .263 hitter (.790 OPS) in 25 postseason games with the Tribe. I actually thought it was lower, but he batted .321 in 2016 when the Tribe went to the World Series. This is a new kind of pressure for him, so it will be fascinating to see how he responds.

Q: Now, how about Naquin?

A: Did you see Brad Hand is out? The former Cleveland closer signed with Washington and is one of nine players who ended up on the COVID-19 list. Trevor Bauer is 1-0 with a 4.15 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 13 innings in his first two outings with the Dodgers. But the umpires confiscated one of his baseballs to be checked for foreign substances.

Q: Didn’t Bauer say the Houston pitchers used to cheat that way? A: Indeed he did. My guess is MLB is not thrilled with Bauer offering all his opinions. I doubt he’s cheating. Did you see his contract with the Dodgers? Q: I know it’s big...
A: It’s $102 million over three years. He receives $38 million in 2021. He can opt out after the season. Or he can stay and be paid $32 million in 2022 and $32 million again in 2023. He also can opt out after 2022. It’s very complicated with some deferred money, etc.

Q: Whatever happened to Jason Kipnis? A: He was cut by Atlanta at the end of spring training, but the Braves are bringing him back on a minor-league deal. He’ll probably open the season in Class AAA. When looking up Kipnis, I then checked out Adam Plutko. He has thrown 5 1/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen for Baltimore. Plutko and Kipnis are two good guys. Most of the players who have passed through Cleveland for several years fall under that category.

Q: What about Naquin?

A: Tribe fans were so classy, giving Carlos Santana a standing ovation. He signed a 2-year, $17.5 million deal with the Royals. The former Tribe first baseman is 4-for-19 with the Royals with a double and homer. He never hits in April (except in 2019). He turned 35 on Thursday. We’ll see if he hits .199 (.699 OPS) as he did in 2020, or if he will bounce back. Q: Isn’t he one of your favorite players? A: Yes. He is so unselfish. Plays hurt. Plays all the time. He started his career as a catcher. He moved to first baseman. He’s played a little outfield. In 2014 when the Tribe needed a third baseman, he tried that position and even opened the season at third. Just a good guy.

Q: Didn’t you also like Naquin? A: Another good guy. But unlike Santana, he had trouble staying on the field because of injuries. Q: Were the Indians too cheap to keep him? A: Nothing to do with money. Naquin signed a minor-league deal with the Reds. This first week has been ...incredible. He has as many HR (4) in six games as he had in 40 for the Tribe in 2020. He has 13 RBI in 23 plate appearances compared to 20 in 141 plate appearances a year ago.

Q: How do you explain it? A: I can’t. Naquin will be 30 on April 24. He is finally healthy. Over the years, he’s had ACL knee surgery, hip surgery, hand surgery and toe problems. He’s had some good moments with the Tribe. They decided to look at young outfielders such as Josh Naylor, Brad Zimmer and Daniel Johnson rather than bring back Naquin. Zimmer and Johnson are in the minors now, but they probably will get a chance this season.

Q: But how do you explain Naquin? A: He can get hot. He absolutely crushes low pitches, especially breaking balls. Maybe the National League doesn’t know he struggles with high fastballs. Bottom line: I’m happy for Naquin. But not even Tyler Naquin could imagine he’d start off like this.

He'll be injured any second now.

Hit another homer yesterday
Equally impressive his k/bb is 6/4 last year it was 40/5