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

2017 Cleveland Indians

Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Kevalier said:
@Out of the Rafters at the Q, not sure why you found this post funny, but the only mistake I made in my prediction was choosing Diaz over Gonzalez. Everything else was accurate.
Click to expand...

Why Erik over Yandy? defense I assume, but is that not Urshela's job? Plus cant Kipnis play 2nd if needed too?

Just curious if anyone is in Tito's head on this.
 
Lee said:
Why Erik over Yandy? defense I assume, but is that not Urshela's job? Plus cant Kipnis play 2nd if needed too?

Just curious if anyone is in Tito's head on this.
Click to expand...

Here's my take on his reasoning:

Based on the exclusion of Yandy, Tito must obviously value Gio's glove over Yandy's bat, and went with him as the starter at 3rd

So what does that mean for Yandy's role?

Brantley will be the first off the bench players to pinch hit in any game. In the event he reaches base, someone will presumably pinch run for him. Should Brantley be hitting for Gio, Gonzalez is quicker and a better baserunner than Yandy. Additionally, he is probably a better fielder than Yandy and offers flexibility to slide to 2B should Tito feel the need to move Jose to 3B.

From a reserve perspective, there are other guys who can do the jobs of a reserve better than he.
 
Lee said:
Why Erik over Yandy? defense I assume, but is that not Urshela's job? Plus cant Kipnis play 2nd if needed too?

Just curious if anyone is in Tito's head on this.
Click to expand...

I feel it goes like this, Urshela is the better fielder and Francona has given the 3rd base job to him for the playoffs.

Diaz is limited as a fielder and is an average base runner even with a good bat, he isn't a good bench player. Thus it makes him have a very limited role if pinch hitting and that's it

Gonzalez has played every position in the minors but CF and C so he gives flexibility off the bench. He has swiped over 20 bases before in the minors so he is a much more efficient runner if not slightly above average when it comes to speed (Though he isn't a great base stealer if you look at his of actually stolen bases, but still is a faster runner than average)

So since Francona was looking at the bench spot rather than starting spot, Gonzalez makes more sense in that factor. Allen and Gonzalez likely will only play when they need pinch runners/upgraded defense.
 
Last edited:
I guess examples for how Gonzalez comes into play. Allen is likely going to go to CF if possible

So for Gonzalez has two scenarios in my opinion that we may see.

One is when someone like EE leads off an inning like 7th/8th and gets on base. We may pinch run Gonzalez there since he is much faster on the basepaths. Thus any hit Gonzalez will be able to take an extra base unlike the slower EE

Secondly I see something like Urshela getting pinch hit for with someone like Brantley. If they bring in a right handed bullpen arm. After the inning Gonzalez is the guy who comes out into the field at 2B/3B.

Now if they decide to keep Diaz instead, the potential runs scored could go up in a sense of Diaz is a better hitter, but it actually lowers roster flexibility which is something Francona favors. Urshela then would just be a bench guy and come in late innings for Diaz.
 
Thanks for the info guys.

So i am not as big of a baseball fan as many of you. It seems to me this team has an insane amount of flexibility among many of its players. Do we have an insanely high amount of flexibility compared to other teams?
 
Lee said:
Thanks for the info guys.

So i am not as big of a baseball fan as many of you. It seems to me this team has an insane amount of flexibility among many of its players. Do we have an insanely high amount of flexibility compared to other teams?
Click to expand...

I would honestly say on paper we do. I mean we have the choice between offense or defense for multiple positions. We put a 3 ERA starting pitcher in the bullpen and left off 3 guys who have sub 3 ERAs off the playoff roster. When it comes to our roster on paper, we are the team to beat since we don't really have a weak spot.
 
sportscoach said:
I would honestly say on paper we do. I mean we have the choice between offense or defense for multiple positions. We put a 3 ERA starting pitcher in the bullpen and left off 3 guys who have sub 3 ERAs off the playoff roster. When it comes to our roster on paper, we are the team to beat since we don't really have a weak spot.
Click to expand...
And a manager who can play the chess game.
 
The reason also is that Diaz hit .250 in last 14 games from Sept 10th. Why have him at 3rd when pitchers may have started to figure him out.

He will hit better next year. I just assume Tito went defense instead of a rookie trying to get his swing back in playoffs yet gave Brantley they benefit of doubt.
 
Yandy walked 15 times in 14 games after being recalled August 22. 0 times in his next 17 games. That's the bigger concern, he continued to hit fine.
 
sportscoach said:
I would honestly say on paper we do. I mean we have the choice between offense or defense for multiple positions. We put a 3 ERA starting pitcher in the bullpen and left off 3 guys who have sub 3 ERAs off the playoff roster. When it comes to our roster on paper, we are the team to beat since we don't really have a weak spot.
Click to expand...

I was surprised of Otero being left off as he was used in high pressure situations. Yet, McAllister sub 3 ERA is different than Salazar and Clevinger 3+ ERA as they had to face heart of lineup from 1st inning and are left in to struggle longer versus McAllister probably seeing more bottom half of lineup. Thus, our pen is even stronger than you suggest... I am stoked as Salazar and Clevinger can do the same as NY pen did last night and come back the next night fir 6th inning role. Saw a USAToday article suggesting their two guys need a few days off now and thus may not go Game 1.
 
Kipnis preparing to play CF this postseason:

giphy.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Video

Episode 3-14: "Time for Playoff Vengeance on Mickey"

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Spotify

Episode 3:14: " Time for Playoff Vengeance on Mickey."
Top