• Changing RCF's index page, please click on "Forums" to access the forums.

2017 Spring Training Thread

Do Not Sell My Personal Information
sportscoach said:
Gotta remember we have 2B, utility and likely an OF spot available at the beginning of the season. So you named two people *sighs*
Click to expand...

Nah.

I think we move Ramirez to 2B and have a 3B up, between Diaz, Urshela, and Shaffer, 1 of Gonzalez or Martinez is the UTIL (going with Gonzalez), and then the battle between Almonte and Jackson for the platoon CF spot.

Don't assume Brantley is on the DL to start the season...I don't think he is. I get why Tito and the team are being cautious with what they say to the media, so fans are being cautious themselves because its all they get to hear, but I think they are expecting him to be ready...at least I feel like they've been giving clues that they expect that...
 
BimboColesHair said:
Nah.

I think we move Ramirez to 2B and have a 3B up, between Diaz, Urshela, and Shaffer, 1 of Gonzalez or Martinez is the UTIL (going with Gonzalez), and then the battle between Almonte and Jackson for the platoon CF spot.

Don't assume Brantley is on the DL to start the season...I don't think he is. I get why Tito and the team are being cautious with what they say to the media, so fans are being cautious themselves because its all they get to hear, but I think they are expecting him to be ready...at least I feel like they've been giving clues that they expect that...
Click to expand...

Is Kip for sure out for the opener? What about opening day in CLE?
 
Lord Mar said:
Is Kip for sure out for the opener? What about opening day in CLE?
Click to expand...

Yes and yes.

Game action will resume in 4-5 weeks depending on his recovery.
 
Lord Mar said:
Is Kip for sure out for the opener? What about opening day in CLE?
Click to expand...

4-5 weeks puts him back in mid April. So he's missing both.

He'll start on the 15 day DL, then join the team in Minnesota on April 17th, is my guess.
 
BimboColesHair said:
Nah.

I think we move Ramirez to 2B and have a 3B up, between Diaz, Urshela, and Shaffer, 1 of Gonzalez or Martinez is the UTIL (going with Gonzalez), and then the battle between Almonte and Jackson for the platoon CF spot.

Don't assume Brantley is on the DL to start the season...I don't think he is. I get why Tito and the team are being cautious with what they say to the media, so fans are being cautious themselves because its all they get to hear, but I think they are expecting him to be ready...at least I feel like they've been giving clues that they expect that...
Click to expand...

I always plan the worst case scenario honestly, since in my mind you should be ready for it.

Now the question is are we keeping Jackson if Brantley is able to go?
 
sportscoach said:
I always plan the worst case scenario honestly, since in my mind you should be ready for it.

Now the question is are we keeping Jackson if Brantley is able to go?
Click to expand...

Well, we're going to find out if Brantley will be good to go this week. He's playing today, they have an off day tomorrow, then he is playing in back-to-back games on Wednesday and Thursday...at least I'm pretty sure that's what I heard. He gets through 3 games in 4 days without a problem, he's good to go. That's what he couldn't get over last year, consecutive days workload and heavy weekly workload, so that's his last big step I think.

As for the Almonte and Jackson thing. I'd rather have Almonte. But knowing that he has an option, I'm guessing they start with Jackson on roster. If he struggles, it's easy to cut bait with him, then bring up Almonte a little later.
 
BimboColesHair said:
Well, we're going to find out if Brantley will be good to go this week. He's playing today, they have an off day tomorrow, then he is playing in back-to-back games on Wednesday and Thursday...at least I'm pretty sure that's what I heard. He gets through 3 games in 4 days without a problem, he's good to go. That's what he couldn't get over last year, consecutive days workload and heavy weekly workload, so that's his last big step I think.

As for the Almonte and Jackson thing. I'd rather have Almonte. But knowing that he has an option, I'm guessing they start with Jackson on roster. If he struggles, it's easy to cut bait with him, then bring up Almonte a little later.
Click to expand...

Gotcha, Jackson though hasn't looked bad this spring and i expect Brantley isn't going to play everyday when he starts off anyways. I'd rather increase his time playing as the season goes along. So he will have some days off early nonetheless in April and May, and likely be increased if he is feeling and performing well.
 
sportscoach said:
Gotcha, Jackson though hasn't looked bad this spring and i expect Brantley isn't going to play everyday when he starts off anyways. I'd rather increase his time playing as the season goes along. So he will have some days off early nonetheless in April and May, and likely be increased if he is feeling and performing well.
Click to expand...

We're going to have 5 OFs, with or without Brantley.

With Brantley, he would be joined by Naquin, Lonnie, Guyer, and Jackson. So we don't need him to play every day anyways, because we'll have 2 bench OFs who can play LF easily.

I'm guessing they do exactly what you just mentioned...start him off slow, then increase his workload...and they can do that because they'll have 5 OFs.
 
Dre Knott is on the radio, and brought up something interesting.

He said, in his simulated games this year, there was a clear difference in Brantley's swing against off speed pitches in comparison to last year. Said he could tell something was up with him and his swing last year when he was thrown those pitches and swung through them or was fooled by them, but that labored swing is no longer there in the simulated game ABs he's had this year, and in his 2nd AB today.

Also, 2nd AB was typical Brantley. Got behind 0-2, fought off pitches, RBI single.
 
Brantley is a lethal weapon added to a World Series lineup. I really hope his hard work pays off and he's in the opening day lineup. Lindor and Dr. Smooth are a duo no opposing pitcher wants to work against back to back.

On a ST note, Utley just hit a HR, still kind of salty he didn't sign with us.
 
Another single for Brantley. Down 2 strikes against a lefty. Lifted for a pinch runner. Now we wait and see how he feels tomorrow.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Video

Episode 3-13: "Backup Bash Brothers"

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Spotify

Episode 3:11: "Clipping Bucks."
Top