NEO High School Football Week 2: Wildcats take down Cardinals
September 6, 2016Buckeyes rout Bowling Green: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
September 6, 2016The Cleveland Indians (79-57) six-game winning streak—one which included sweeps of the Minnesota Twins and Miami Marlins and was bookended by a pair of walk-off victories1—was put to an end by the Houston Astros (73-64) on Monday night, 6-2. After errors nearly cost the Tribe Sunday’s affair, the defense once again disappointed, and the bullpen game for the Tribe could not hold the line.
Jose Altuve started the scoring in the first off Mike Clevinger, and Alex Bregman had the game-winning RBI with a two-run home run off Jeff Manship in the third inning. But, the game was put out of reach under the watchful eye of Bryan Shaw in the seventh inning. After giving up a home run on Sunday, it appears that another of Shaw’s horrendous weeks might be upon us.2 He could not locate his pitches despite relying almost exclusively on his cutter (16 cutters, 2 sliders). Of his 18 pitches, six were strikes not put into play. Carlos Correa walked on five pitches. Altuve and Correa were ignored with an extended-motion pitch allowing them to easily take third and second base on a double steal. That focused pitch was a ball. The only out recorded any of the four times an Astro hitter put bat to ball in fair territory scored a run on a sacrifice fly.
Despite the horrific outing from Shaw, the damage could have still been limited to a single run had the defense not collapsed upon itself. Rajai Davis made an incredible throw on the fly that nearly nabbed George Springer at home plate, which would have ended things before any runs had scored. An error on Jason Kipnis allowed the inning to continue. An infield single hit to Francisco Lindor allowed yet another run to score. The Lindor play would have been an incredible web gem to record an out, but it is the type of play that he is capable of and helps lift the team.
The Indians defense was expected to be incredible in 2016. It was expected to pick up pitcher’s when they were having bad outings and help gift the Tribe wins that would have otherwise been losses. There have been games where that has been the case. There have also been plenty of games where the defense has been sloppy and required the pitchers or hitters to pick up their slack. Overall, the unit has been solid, and it is absolutely picking nits to complain about the Indians defense considering how quickly the front office assembled a quality group from the disaster that started the 2015 season in the field. Yet, if the Indians are going to be a World Series contender, then they need their defense to be stellar group they are capable of being.
https://vine.co/v/5ZiEFndvIvJ
Quick defensive stat primer
Not everything below is pure stat-based. There is a bit of the good old eye test factored in with utilizing the numbers to ensure that those eyes are not too biased. Even with as much, defensive statistics are still in their infancy and small sample sizes are just part of the norm as not all that many balls are hit to any particular fielder. Other factors such as sun, rain, and even snow can throw off a player’s stats. So, while many are cited below, none are done so without also a steady dose of what has been seen on the field. If you disagree with any statements, then feel free to make note in the comment section.
DRS = Defensive Runs Saved (cumulative score)
UZR/150 = Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 innings (adjusted score)
Pitchers
The Indians starting rotation must have put some serious time in with the field coach. Corey Kluber (3), Carlos Carrasco (3), and Trevor Bauer (2) each have a positive DRS score. Bauer, in particular, has had a couple of phenomenal plays in recent starts including a back-handed over-the-shoulder leaping snare of a line drive on Saturday. Kluber was the only one of these pitchers to even barely have a positive defensive score in 2015 (1). Danny Salazar (-4) continues to hurt himself with his defense though. His DRS score is worst among all Tribe pitchers and has cost him both runs and in pitch count throughout the season.3
If you hold your breath when a slow roller heads to the hill that Zach McAllister stands upon, then I wouldn’t blame you as he continues to be a liability in the field. The flip side for the relievers is Dan Otero, who gets himself out of jams with his glove when needed.
Catchers
The Indians offensive black hole from the catcher position has been well-documented all season long. However, as Chris Gimenez has gotten more playing time, it is curious how the defensive numbers appear to not favor him. Roberto Perez undoubtedly has the stronger arm, but he also has done far better in getting strike calls outside the zone along with overall framing. While Perez is a Top 15 catcher in this regard, Gimenez grades out as a slight negative (average MLB). Fangraph’s DRS also favors Perez (3) to Gimenez (-2) though much of the difference is directly tied to the stronger arm of Perez.
Terry Francona must believe Gimenez calls a better game or handles the pitching staff better, but the Tribe could certainly use the return of Yan Gomes for his overall defense (assuming his shoulder allows him to have his full throwing capacity).
Outfield
Unfortunately, the Indians will not be able to fix their center field defense this season. Davis has been a blessing with his career resurgence at the plate and on the basepaths, but he is an average defensive center fielder at best. His DRS (-4) and UZR/150 (11.1) scores disagree a bit. Davis has had trouble with the sun, snow, and Tropicana Field’s roof. His biggest issue, however, has been some interesting routes to the ball. He has the speed and arm to make some incredible plays, so when he does take a proper route he can be a plus defender. Coco Crisp (-11 DRS, -19.3 UZR/150) will not be a defensive salve either. Oh, and Tyler Naquin’s defense will not be discussed further here in the event children might read this post (-18 DRS, -16 UZR/150).
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For as much flak as Michael Martinez rightfully gets about his bat, his addition to the outfield has been a major positive in limited time (2 DRS, 49.1 UZR/150) especially since Jose Ramirez was a net negative throughout his outfield defensive tenure.4 Brandon Guyer has also demonstrated decent MLB ability (2 DRS, -3.9 UZR/150) to help solidify the outfield rotations since his arrival.
Despite those other players, it was expected that Abraham Almonte and Lonnie Chisenhall (especially Chisenhall) would be the defensive stars of the outfield. Both have been above average players as Almonte (5 DRS, 16.4 UZR/150) has shown off his plus-arm on a couple occasions. Chisenhall though has been the biggest defensive disappointment of the season despite being MLB average there (3 DRS, 1.1 UZR/150). The last two months of 2015 had shown Chisenhall to be capable of being a true defensive star who could make several game-changing plays. However, 2016 has seen Chisenhall fall back to the realm of a normal player. The wrist and forearm injuries that began his season might have affected him, but Chisenhall has not demonstrated the cannon arm that was highlighted last year.
Infield
First base defense was supposed to be solved with the addition of Mike Napoli. He had been among the better defensive first basemen the past several seasons. While the Indians will gladly trade a few defensive miscues for the 30 home runs and overall positive offensive contributions he has given the team, the fact remains he has disappointed with his glove (-6 DRS, -7.8 UZR/150). Napoli has especially struggled picking up balls out of the dirt on short-hops, which happen to be the types of throws that both Lindor and Ramirez utilize to help their accuracy on throws from the left side of the infield. Carlos Santana, on the other hand, has shown a particularly good acumen for digging balls out of the dirt, which is part of the reason he has been better than Napoli on defense this season for the Tribe (2 DRS, 2.3 UZR/150). But, Napoli is better at the instinctual portions of the position, which leads Francona to a difficult choice.5
Kipnis has continued being who Kipnis is in the field (3 DRS, 5.6 UZR/150). He generally makes the routine plays with ease and has some great lateral movement (Monday nights play notwithstanding). However, his slow transitions and turns have hurt the Indians ability to turn double plays, which is disheartening when paired with Lindor at short.
Ramirez is the opposite of what Juan Uribe was at third base. While Uribe made nearly every play that came his way, his range was severely limited. Ramirez (-2 DRS, 2.1 UZR/150) has had a few bad plays on somewhat routine balls, but he also has the ability to range much further than Uribe did. Overall, Ramirez has been solid and is not hurting the Indians with his defense.
And, then there is Lindor. It is difficult to say anything negative about Lindor’s defense without sounding petty because Lindor is among the best defensive shortstops in MLB (12 DRS, 20.4 UZR/150). And, he is still young and will likely continue to get better over the next few seasons. Lindor makes the plays hit his way with ridiculous ease. He makes plays that would be out of a normal player’s range routinely. The only worries are the double play turns have been an issue (again, mostly on Kipnis there but it might be hurting Lindor’s development) and there are plays where Lindor attempts to do too much, which can lead to mis-plays. Then again, naw. Keep doing what you do Lindor.
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Last Word
The 2016 Cleveland Indians defense has been good. They have turned groundballs into outs as well as any American League team. They have positive contributors at most positions. They are so far ahead of the 2015 Opening Day squad, the front office deserves some type of reward. However, there is still room for improvement and that room might be the difference between an extended October run or a quick playoff exit. The Indians are capable of being among the best defensive teams in MLB, so it is time they start reminding everyone.
- Nine walk-off wins by the Indians in 2016 have been accomplished by eight different players as the last batter. Crazy. [↩]
- Note: Shaw is a fantastic pitcher for long stretches as the run allowed on Sunday was his first since July 18. He also tends to get into funks for a week once they go downhill before he fixes himself again. [↩]
- Josh Tomlin has a DRS score of 1 for both the 2015 and 2016 seasons. [↩]
- Not dissing him on it as he provided what the Indians needed, but Ramirez is an infielder, which the numbers demonstrate. [↩]
- For the record, I would start Santana more often especially with a ground ball heavy pitcher on the mound. [↩]
25 Comments
We’re talking about a World Series this year, the defense needs to be superb.
You left out Naquin dropping a fly ball last night that was, surprise, scored a double in Cleveland. That run scored as well.
Buried in the euphoria of the Sunday walk off was an absolutely horrible game by Giminez. He has a habit of setting himself up away from the pitch location, which makes it really difficult to block balls in the dirt. On top of that, he flat out missed a third strike on Ichiro that any high school catcher would have made, routinely.
It will be interesting to see if Urshela gets any playing time in September, and if they find room on the 40 man for Diaz. They need some of that defense going down the stretch. 1B is going to be what it’s going to be.
Oh, and Tyler Naquin’s defense will not be discussed further here in the event children might read this post
I mean, I try to be fair and start typing things about Naquin’s defense but combinations of words that I did not even realize could be put together start forming…
Sun-to-shade seemed to be a problem for both catchers and several batters due to that 4:10 start on Sunday. It was probably a factor in the dominant outings by both starters. Knott pushed Gimenez postgame about mid-afternoon games, and Gimenez said they all better get used to it with all the funky playoff start times. He fully acknowledged that he played quite poorly and needs to do better regardless of playing conditions, but the sun-to-shade factor made things very difficult.
Urshela’s bat should be nowhere near a major league roster. Especially if it’s going to be replacing a 1B bat.
Because Progressive Field is positioned different than any other MLB ballpark? Seriously, it is.
http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/general/facts/diamonds/
It really isn’t.
So glad Ramirez has replaced Uribe at 3B. Made a beauty yesterday on a high chop. Kipnis looks tired in the field to me. To be average he needs to be “all in” and yesterday’s error was just him forgetting fundamentals. A day off and some extr infield work may be in order there.
Watching Rajai is fun. Maybe it’s the mixture of regular rest and a guy going balls out for his last MLB payday. After so many late-career FA duds, the Tribe really is beating the odds by getting big contributions from both Davis and Napoli. Speaking of which, maybe Napoli’s blast portends him heating up again. They could really use that in this last push.
Was at the game last night. Bullpen day a failure. Starting Tomlin with an extremely short lease would not have been any worse. Two of their first Three runs were due to walks that came around to score. Bullpen guys absolutely must throw strikes to be of any value. Also, many chances to get some runs, but no big hits. Oh well, after 6 in a row this was bound to happen. I just hope our top end starters put together some great pitching the rest of the series. I am very concerned about Detroit this last month. They are beginning to hit, and their young starters are effective.
I’ve seen references to individual parks but hadn’t seen all 30 diagrammed together that way before. Thanks.
Also, interesting that Houston is the only ballpark with home plate in an Eastern quadrant. Of course, the roof is shut most games, so the effects are usually mitigated.
The shade line from the third base stands isn’t much of an issue at 1pm or 7pm for the infield.
And to your point, I’m pretty sure the only true no-no is having the catcher facing mostly-west.
Bullpen allowed four runs in nine innings of work (two unearned runs).
Tomlin also allowed four runs his last time out against the Twins; in 1 2/3 innings. He allowed 7, 7, 3, 6, 7, and those 4 runs in his last six starts (only once pitching more than 4 1/3 innings). So, I’d say bullpen day was a relative success 🙂
On Detroit…
Like KC in AUG, DET hot; winning 6of7 / 11of14
Step back & see 18-14 since Aug 1 in line w/ prev months
Expect “at best” 16-9 rest of way
16-9 DET leads to 91 wins
Indians need to go 12-14 to match. 13-13 to get to 92 wins
Urshela would be to 3B what M.Martinez is to the OF. A pure defensive replacement who is capable of some baserunning too. Could be a useful end of the bench player down the stretch on the few days J-Ram needs a day off, but nothing more (and yes, Yandy is probably a better player for that role).
Oh good… Tropicana Field got the memo, but it appears to have missed the one about actually being able to see the ball.
I kind of viewed yesterday as an intentional throw-away by Tito.
Goal 1) Don’t start a pitching controversy of Tomlin vs. Clevinger
Goal 2) Let’s see who we can count on in the post-season from the pen (kudos to Perci!)
I love Perci for all the narrative reasons that are attached to him
You can see the ball just fine at the Trop as long as it is a ground ball
#TeamYandy
As long as you can focus on the ball, not the WW2 naval battle reenactment every time the ball skips. Same goes for you, Rogers Center!
Should probably just stick to strikeouts.
At the Rogers Center those are tough to get too due to the Man in White.
We both owe all of Canada an apology. It’s “Centre”.
It’s not my fault they spell it wrong!
On ~one inning stints, relievers should be better at preventing runs than a fifth starter.
I’d normally be all for having the entire 40 man up in Cleveland, just in case, but you know I don’t trust Francona for a second with roster decisions.
Also: Clippers gotta at least try for the 3-peat