It's time to look back at every team from around the MLB and what they each showed us during the 60 game sprint!
We are going to explore a few things for each team: Review in-season transactions, what we learned, what we loved, what we didn't love, the most significant need(s), and lastly, the biggest takeaways.
Let's jump over the AL with the Cleveland Indians today. We talked about the Padres, A's, Marlins, Yankee's, Cardinals, Whitesox, Cubs, Twins, Reds, BlueJays, and Brewers so far; you can find all posts on the homepage https://www.theballboyblog.com/.
What moves did the 2020 Indians make?
Cleveland Indians placed RHP Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger on the restricted list.- This move was significant as both pitchers were pitching exceptionally well before the move. This move happened because both players broke team COVID-19 protocols.
Cleveland Indians traded RHP Mike Clevinger, LF Greg Allen, and Player To Be Named Later to San Diego Padres for C Austin Hedges, RHP Cal Quantrill, RF Josh Naylor, Gabriel Arias, Joey Cantillo, and Owen Miller.
Good good good moe for the Indians because of the high upside prospects in return for Clevinger and Allen. I do like this trade long term for both sides. Naylor was huge for this team down the stretch hitting .714 in the Indian's brief postseason.
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What did we love about the 2020 Indians?
The 4/5 playoff appearances were pretty sweet to see. I am glad I came pretty close to the prediction for the Indians. I had them projects at 38-22 and finishing second in the AL Central. They finished at 35-25 and with a 2nd place finish in a much tougher division. They came within one game of the division crown. Again, Jose Ramirez did it this season .292BA, 17HR, 46RBI, .386OBP, 64H and 31BB-43K, and 10SB. What a freaking season goodness. We did see excellent seasons from 2B- Cesar Hernandez and DH Franmil Reyes. Loved it! Another guy on the club who had one heck of a season was Shane Bieber. 8W, 1.63ERA, 122K-21BB gave him a 14.9K/9 have a season Bieber. There will be an AL CY Young on his shelf for the rest of his life. We also saw good seasons from Carlos Carrasco, Zach Plesac, Triston McKenzie, and Brad Hand.
What did we not love about the 2020 Indians?
This team should have been able to go deeper into the playoffs on paper, but when your best player has a down season, it hurts your morale. The only thing I did not love besides the Indians not going further was the season from Fransico Lindor. Lindor played in all 60 games, getting 61H, 8HR, 27RBI, 6SB, and a .258BA. These were all categories of regression for Lindor who's trade value dips a bit now because of this. That is about all that I didn't love this season from the Indians.
What do I personally not love? I don't love that you aren't using the extra storage space you have in the garage, the shed, the attic, or basement. You could be making money off of it. You could buy 1 $20 storage rack at Lowes and then rent that space out. Do I need to say no more, great! My friends over at Stash-It Self Storage has you covered; use the promo code "YOUNG" when you're done posting to let them know I sent you.
What is next for the 2020 Indians?
To trade or not to trade, Lindor is the question. While the superstar SS can still get one heck of a return, he expects a sign and trade kind of deal to a contender. The Indians may get in return the SS will be less than if he was to say have hit for a .280+BA, maybe 10HR, 35+RBI, and possibly turn that 24BB-41K into a more respectable 30BB-38K. Just a bit better uptick in production would have gotten the Indians a better haul. But they could still resign him to a long term deal. The Indians are a contending team in the AL as a whole.
What was the biggest takeaway of the 2020 Indians?
Pitching will win this team games and keep them in it. If Ramirez is up to bat, don't try to pitch to him. In a 162 game season, the Indians are one of the most dangerous teams to compete with.
Thank you for your time. Much love, gratitude, and blessings!