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Cleveland Indians (2018)

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It seems HRs are always what bites Kluber. Looking at his past three years, his HR/9 is a bit above average (at 0.91), yet it just seems in the crucial moments are when he gives up the longball. I tried to look up what his numbers were over that period against .500+ teams, but that's proven more difficult than I care to keep digging.

So, I found his numbers against general playoff teams over that period (BOS, HOU, NYY, TOR, and TEX). He's allowed a 1.40 HR/9 against those teams in 147.1 IP against those five. Link Against all the other teams, he's allowed 0.88 HR/9 in 411 IP. Link

Sure, the sample sizes are much different and you'd expect worse numbers against playoff teams, but his difference in home runs allowed is quite staggering.

TL;DR - Kluber was Kluber. He gives up an alarming out of HRs to good teams.
 
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Unfortunately, if this was the year the Indians were going to win the WS we are now screwed. They probably will be good enough to win the Central but that is not saying a whole lot unless the Tigers buy all of the Royals free-agents. The problem with us making the playoffs is that the Yankees are going to be there for a while. They are young and have the money and Dolan shot his wad for 2017. I have no idea what is going to happen to Santana but he is going to want close to Edwin money and I just do not know if the Indians can afford that. It is just sort of sad for Indians fans who are followed them for so many years and they have blown it when they had the opportunity
 
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I thought I was ready to talk about the future after last night...but I'm not. I need some time.
 
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Despite some people who seem to be wanting to jump off a bridge (though those are general the fans that don't really understand baseball), the Indians are still poised to compete at least 2018. They really aren't losing much.

Free Agents
Bryan Shaw: It seems a lot of people dislike him, but he's turned in a solid 3.11 ERA (3.45 FIP) and has averaged 76 Appearances in his 5 seasons with good peripherals. Though with the Indians bullpen depth, I would not expect him back.

Boone Logan: With the emergence of Tyler Olson and Kyle Crockett still a thing, I can't see them picking up his option.

Jay Bruce and Joe Smith: They were hired guns and anyone truly expecting them to be back are delusional.

Austin Jackson: He had a heck of a year and he could help the team to return, but (much like Rajai) he's set himself up for a nice pay increase and will likely be too much to bring back.

Carlos Santana: He's already been speculated to be a big interest in FA, but it seems like there could be a possibility of bringing him back. If not, I'd think he'd net a draft pick and 1B would be another appealing opening to other FAs.

Abraham Almonte: He's not a FA, but he seems like a non-tender candidate.

Now 2019 could be a different story with losing Miller, Allen, Chisenhall, McAllister, and Brantley.
 
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I expect Brantley to be gone, or back at a club friendly deal. I wouldn't mind Santana being back but not at Edwin numbers. The window is not closed as there are still plenty of talented players. A few key people will be eligible for arbitration too. Plus, there are some of the youngsters who came up at the end of the regular season who will be pushing for FT status at the majors level next year. It will be interesting to see what the front office does. All I know is the cupboard is not bare and I have a good deal of confidence in Antonetti and his staff.
 
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BuckBackHome said:
I expect Brantley to be gone, or back at a club friendly deal. I wouldn't mind Santana being back but not at Edwin numbers. The window is not closed as there are still plenty of talented players. A few key people will be eligible for arbitration too. Plus, there are some of the youngsters who came up at the end of the regular season who will be pushing for FT status at the majors level next year. It will be interesting to see what the front office does. All I know is the cupboard is not bare and I have a good deal of confidence in Antonetti and his staff.
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I would doubt Santana commands the money and Edwin got. Even with Santana being a few years younger, he doesn't have the production that Edwin displayed. I think the Indians are in a win-win situation with Brantley. Even in an injury-plagued season he was still worth more than his salary and more than his option ,according to Fangraphs. If he can't stay healthy, then you probably don't want him back anyways. If he's healthy, then you're poised to attempt to re-sign him or will be guaranteed to get a pick back for letting him go.

For this off-season, I'm interested to see if they trade Kipnis. With Francisco Mejia playing 3B in AFL, I think that's a sign of trying to make him the long-term starter. His receiving skills have been questioned a bit and the Indians seem fine with the defensive duo of Gomes and Perez behind the plate for years to come.
 
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I was sort of hoping that they could lure Hickey to be their pitching coach but Francona was probably afraid of him. Willis is too old for my book..
On some other topics, it will be interesting to see what happens to Santana. He was never one of my favorites but he sort of grew on me this past season.
Brantley will also be interesting. He probably will not be ready until June.. Maybe trade him with Kippy since they are such good friends.
For the money that Kippy makes, I would see what I could get for him in a trade. Maybe a third baseman or a real CF.
Would not surprise me to see Shaw become a Met and join Callaway..
 
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