Walking Out On Cavaliers A Bad Idea
August 3, 2010While We’re Waiting… LeBron’s “Thank You,” Browns Defense, and Headbands in Miami
August 4, 2010While the recent success of Josh Tomlin and Jeanmar Gomez has shocked many, it has not surprised those who have been around the Indians system all year. Assisted by last year’s moves at the trade deadline and then cemented in July 2010, Cleveland is now stacked with pitchers up and down the minor leagues. From dominant starters to shutdown relievers to potential situational lefties, there is certainly no shortage of arms for the future in the Indians system.
These two posts will introduce folks to new names thriving this season as well as updates on well-known entities. There are certainly enough studs and serviceable MLB parts to really give Cleveland an above-average pitching staff, at the least, within the next year or two.
Upper Levels: We’ll start off today with pitchers now playing for either Triple-A Columbus or Double-A Akron. All of these players have the upper level potential to contribute by September this year but all should be a part of the off-season plan and in Cleveland by 2011.
The best place to start is in the Clippers bullpen where a revolving door has today seen Jensen Lewis returned for the fourth time this season. On the opposite end of the track, however, four relievers on that team are posting impressive numbers after earning the promotion from Akron earlier this season.
RHP Vinnie Pestano, 6’1”, 195-lbs, 2/20/1985, 20th rd June 2006 Draft CS Fullerton
Akron: 1-1, 3 saves, 2.70 ERA, 14 games, 13.1 IP, 12 H, 2 BB, 18 K
Columbus: 1-1, 9 saves, 1.57 ERA, 31 games, 34.1 IP, 28 H, 12 BB, 46 K
Combined: 2-2, 12 saves, 1.89 ERA, 45 games, 47.2 IP, 40 H, 14 BB, 64 K
He missed the second half of last season with an injury but has returned to his dominant self of late. The 25-year-old did not allow a run in July and although he is older than the rest of the list, he might be the most MLB-ready right now. Expect a September arrival for Pestano.
RHP Josh Judy, 6’4”, 200-lbs, 2/9/1986, 34th rd June 2007 Draft Indiana Tech
Akron: 0-0, 9.00 ERA, 2 games, 2.0 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 2 K
Columbus: 2-0, 1 save, 3.00 ERA, 26 games, 33.0 IP, 36 H, 10 BB, 37 K
Combined: 2-0, 1 save, 3.34 ERA, 28 games, 35.0 IP, 42 H, 10 BB, 39 K
Judy jumped onto the scene in 2009 with a strong year at Lake County and has been with Columbus for most of the season. His strikeout-to-walk, projectable frame and mid-90’s fastball make him a keeper and one to watch in spring training next year.
RHP Bryce Stowell, 6’2”, 205-lbs, 9/23/1986, 22nd rd June 2008, UC Irvine
Kinston: 1-0, 1.42 ERA, 11 games, 25.1 IP, 16 H, 8 BB, 41 K
Akron: 1-0, 7 saves, 0.00 ERA, 14 games/1 start, 22.1 IP, 15 H, 11 BB, 33 K
Columbus: 0-0, 4.35 ERA, 9 games, 10.1 IP, 7 H, 12 BB, 15 K
Combined: 2-0, 7 saves, 1.40 ERA, 34 games/1 start, 58.0 IP, 38 H, 31 BB, 89 K
The biggest surprise of the 2010 season has been this starter-turned-reliever who began the year down with the K-Tribe. He then did not allow a run with Akron, and has struggled slightly with Columbus, but should be given time over the next calendar year to adjust there.
RHP Zach Putnam, 6’2”, 225-lbs, 7/3/1987, 5th rd June 2008 Draft Michigan
Akron: 4-1, 3 saves, 3.86 ERA, 20 games/7 starts, 51.1 IP, 58 H, 9 BB, 41 K
Columbus: 0-1, 9.00 ERA, 5 games, 7.0 IP, 12 H, 3 BB, 6 K
Combined: 4-2, 4.47 ERA, 25 games/7 starts, 58.1 IP, 70 H, 12 BB, 47 K
The first ’08 draft pick to play for Akron last season, he recently earned the promotion to the Clippers. The hit rate is not as low as you would like it to be, but he is as athletic as they come and should be in the same category as Judy for this upcoming off-season.
As DP noted earlier today in Da Clip Show, injuries and roster turnover continue to deplete the entire Columbus pitching staff. Thus, it is clear that the majority of the top level prospects in the organization currently play for the red-hot Akron Aeros, who lead the entire Eastern League in ERA and record since May 31st. For starters now, let’s begin with a pair of starting pitchers who might be helping out that Clippers rotation by the end of the year.
RHP Corey Kluber, 6’4”, 215-lbs, 4/10/1986, 4th rd June 2007 Draft Stetson
Acquired via trade w/ San Diego Padres on July 31, 2010 for RHP Jake Westbrook
San Antonio: 6-6, 3.45 ERA, 22 games/21 starts, 122.2 IP, 121 H, 40 BB, 136 K
The focus of this first feature is on the most recent acquisition of the Indians organization, this hard-throwing right-hander from the Padres organization. He led the Double-A Texas League in strikeouts this past year and now has 167.2 IP in San Antonio. He will make his Akron debut Wednesday at first-place Altoona but it will be a very important rest of the season for him. As an ’07 draft pick, Kluber is up for roster protection in the off-season or could be picked up via the Rule 5 Draft. Expect the Indians to test Kluber over these next several months to identify if he is worthy of a spot on the ever-important 40-man roster.
RHP Alex White, 6’3”, 200-lbs, 8/29/1988, 1st rd June 2009 Draft North Carolina
Kinston: 2-3, 2.86 ERA, 8 starts, 44.0 IP, 32 H, 19 BB, 41 K
Akron: 6-4, 1.49 ERA, 13 games/12 starts, 78.1 IP, 62 H, 18 BB, 57 K
Combined: 8-7, 1.99 ERA, 21 games/20 starts, 122.1 IP, 94 H, 37 BB, 98 K
Many people have been on the White bandwagon for a while, most notably Ryan Isley, and for very good reason. His 1.99 ERA is unreal for a right-hander in his first full season and he has dominated the Eastern League . Time will tell he moves up to Columbus soon, making him the fastest moving Indians pitcher since Jeremy Guthrie in 2004.
Moving down to the Akron relievers, here is a list of four arms acquired in recent trades that all still are on the major league track. They might be older than some other well-known prospects, but the key here is that three are 6’4″ are taller and come from outstanding prospect pedigrees. More likely than not, these four will remain in Double-A for the rest of the season but could contend to help fill up that Columbus staff next year.
RHP Connor Graham, 6’6”, 256-lbs, 12/30/1985, 5th rd June 2007 Draft Miami (OH)
Acquired via trade w/ Colorado Rockies on July 23, 2009 for RHP Rafael Betancourt
Akron: 3-5, 1 save, 3.43 ERA, 30 games/4 starts, 60.1 IP, 62 H, 36 BB, 44 K
This big local product began as a starter this year before moving into his more gradual fit as a reliever. He now has a 2.18 ERA in 26 relief outings with a 4.29 ground out-to-air out ratio, a change from his previous strikeout-heavy ways.
RHP Bryan Price, 6’4”, 210-lbs, 11/13/1986, 1st rd June 2008 Draft Rice
Acquired via trade w/ Boston Red Sox on July 31, 2009 for C Victor Martinez
Akron: 4-2, 1 save, 3.26 ERA, 49.2 IP, 52 H, 13 BB, 55 K
The other prospects acquired with Masterson are both now playing in Akron and Price has been very impressive. Scouts drool over a 4+ strikeout-to-walk ratio and Price also has a 0.62 ERA at Canal Park, the easiest spot for Indians administrators to watch the team.
LHP Nick Hagadone, 6’5”, 230-lbs, 1/1/1986, 1st rd June 2007 Draft Washington
Acquired via trade w/ Boston Red Sox on July 31, 2009 for C Victor Martinez
Kin.: 1-3, 2.39 ERA, 10 GS, 37.2 IP, 28 H, 29 BB, 45 K
Akr.: 1-1, 4.88 ERA, 10 GP/7 GS, 31.1 IP, 30 H, 24 BB, 30 K
Comb.: 2-4, 3.52 ERA, 20 GP/17 GS, 69.0 IP, 58 H, 53 BB, 75 K
The prized prospect of the Martinez trade, Hagadone has had an up-and-down year with a handful of injuries and a switch to his natural role as a reliever. Still recovering from June 2008 Tommy John surgery, everyone knew it was just a matter of time before he moved back to the job he had in college. Hagadone is just starting to find some comfort at this new position, and it will be a while, but there is going to be some added pressure too. As an 07 pick, he is in the same boat as Kluber for roster protection and will need to find a niche quickly.
RHP Rob Bryson, 6’1”, 200-lbs, 12/11/1987, 31st rd June 2006 Draft Seminole CC
Acquired via trade w/ Milwaukee Brewers on July 7, 2008 for LHP C.C. Sabathia
Lake County: 4-0, 4.05 ERA, 8 games, 13.1 IP, 13 H, 2 BB, 21 K
Kinston: 2-1, 1 save, 2.25 ERA, 13 games, 20.0 IP, 7 H, 8 BB, 38 K
Akron: 0-0, 2.25 ERA, 4 games, 4.0 IP, 3 H, 6 BB, 6 K
Combined: 6-1, 1 save, 2.89 ERA, 25 games, 37.1 IP, 23 H, 16 BB, 65 K
Bryson is a usually forgotten trade piece included in the Sabathia deal two years ago before facing surgery. He is back this year and moved quickly up to Akron, where has impressed in his past three outings after a rocky debut at Canal Park.
(Photo of Corey Kluber above via Shawn E. Davis/MiLB.com and photo of Nick Hagadone via Tony Lastoria/Indians Prospect Insider)
14 Comments
thanks for the extensive write-up, a good read.
wish I could have enjoyed it more, but still worried about the announcement that should be forthcoming on Santana any minute now.
@mgbode – From the recent Indians press release:
“Today the Cleveland Indians announced they have placed DH TRAVIS HAFNER (right shoulder inflammation) & CA CARLOS SANTANA (left knee sprain) on the 15-day disabled list. To take Hafner and Santana’s place on the active 25-man roster, the Indians have recalled LHP DAVID HUFF and CA LOU MARSON from AAA Columbus.”
Thank you. I also see that he is now heading to Cleveland for the MRI? Boston-area MRI machines are not good enough for Santana.
Really would like to know if his knee is made of flubber. Now we have to wait more.
ok, nevermind that was a bad site, he flew back this morning and had MRI today.
still, no news on actual MRI results and Boston-area MRI = not good enough.
Here is the update from Bart Swain and the Indians that I just received:
“CA CARLOS SANTANA suffered a hyper extension injury to his left knee last night with a high grade sprain of his lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which is located on the outside of the left knee joint. The Indians medical staff is still gathering information and reviewing treatment options for Carlos at the present time. A better time frame length of time missed and the extent of the injury will be available later in the week. He is out at least 15 days after being placed on the DL earlier today. “
and that is why they pay Jacob the big bucks. thank you very much, it is greatly appreciated.
ok, here’s what the internet tells me:
http://www.sports-injury-prevention.com/lcl-tear.html
“Your LCL is injured by a force to the inside of the knee causing the knee to buckle outwards. The force causes the inside of your knee joint to collapse and the outside of your knee joint to widen (or open up). This mechanism of injury is called a varus force. The lateral collateral ligament are stretched too far, causing tears.
LCL tears occur more often when your knee is also forced into hyperextension. Athletes in contact sports have a higher risk of this type of mechanism of injury. The more severe LCL injuries usually occur with a varus force to the knee when the foot is planted on the ground.”
“Chronic instability of the lateral collateral ligament is a common problem. With repeated sprains to your LCL, long term instability develops because your ligament does not heal tightly. Your ligament develops more laxity which prevents it from being tight enough to support your knee.”
“Treatment for an LCL sprain does not require surgery. The initial focus of your treatment is to decrease the pain and swelling. Treatment includes:
R.I.C.E. – rest, ice, compression, and elevation
NSAID’s – Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Crutches – until you are able to walk without a limp or instability
Bracing
Physical Therapy – to treat swelling, regain normal range of motion, and improve strength (especially at the quadriceps)
“
“Your return to play criteria for sports includes:
Regaining full active range of motion of the knee
Improved strength of your quad
No tenderness or swelling along the LCL
No “giving out” or instability
Use of functional hinged brace during sports to provide added stability
If you are able to tolerate a safe progression of drills to mimic sports movements without instability. Begin with jogging, then progress to basic agility drills, and then finally to more sport specific agility drills.
“
I do not like the ‘chronic’ portion being mentioned as ‘common’
Thanks for the write up Jacob.
Still curious about the mix each guy brings to the table though. What have you seen from your time in Akron? Are Pestano, Judy and Stowell all bringing it in the mid 90’s?
Do you feel like these guys all profile to be potential 7th and 8th inning guys in front of Perez eventually?
Here’s what I could gather from my media information over the past two years about those three guys:
2009
Pestano: 2-seamer (88-90), Slurve, Change
This is from last year where he didn’t pitch after early July. From what I’ve heard, he has regained some velocity following his injury this year and has upped his delivery motion a bit from nearly submarine to about 3/4ths.
Judy: 4-seamer (90-94), 2-seamer, Slider, Change
He always was a flamethrower last year and used to be a part-time starter as well a few years back. His slider is also considered a plus pitch and he occasionally uses it to record his strikeouts.
2010
Stowell: fastball (91-95), slider, curve change
He was a starter back in college and even last year so the four pitches doesn’t surprise me. He can certainly bring it and will do so with his ability to enter the game late and throw as hard as possible.
And in terms of projection alongside Chris Perez in the bullpen, it’s far too early to tell. There are so many guys that decisions are going to have to be made upon that you can’t really slot anybody into any order for September let alone by late 2011.
Just take a look at all of the Triple-A/MLB-level arms: Justin Masterson, Fausto Carmona, Aaron Laffey, Mitch Talbot, Josh Tomlin, Jeanmar Gomez, David Huff, Carlos Carrasco, Yohan Pino, Paolo Espino, Eric Berger, Rafael Perez, Frank Herrmann, Joe Smith, Justin Germano, Jensen Lewis, Hector Ambriz, Chris Perez, Jeremy Sowers, Shane Lindsay, Josh Judy, Jess Todd, Carlton Smith, Bryce Stowell, Zach Putnam, Vinnie Pestano, Hector Rondon, Anthony Reyes, Adam Miller, Jason Grilli.
In an ideal world, we could make room for all of these guys. But in the end, somehow, only 12-13 will make the Indians in April 2011. I’ve got no clue what will happen between now and then.
I really appreciate the scouting info. Thanks for taking the time to do that.