CLEVELAND, Ohio – Is there life after Francisco Lindor? The Indians think so.
The Indians negotiated Lindor and Carlos Carrasco with the New York Mets on January 7. Lindor was recognized as the face of the franchise. Carrasco was his inspiration.
Asked if this was a serious blow to the organization, right-handed Adam Plutko, on Zoom’s call with reporters on Thursday of spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, said: “Personally, I felt sad because I was losing two friends who I really enjoy playing the baseball game every day. Cookie still calls me once every two weeks and we just talk and talk. Lindor and I have been very, very close to representing our team in the players’ association for the past 12 months.
“I was sad to lose friends. But if I believed for a second that whoever I joined this game with, I would play my entire career, I am a fool if I believe it. That’s how the game works. “
Plutko said he is focusing on who the Indians added this winter, not who they lost.
“Eddie Rosario is a guy who has abused us over the years,” said Plutko. “Now he’s on our team. It’s exciting for me and I love the way he plays. I still have, in my opinion, the best pitching team in all of baseball. “
The Indians signed a $ 8 million one-year contract with Rosario and re-signed second baseman Cesar Hernandez for a one-year deal and $ 5 million with a 2021 club option. Those were the two big changes for the cost-cutting tribe.
They acquired Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez inland fields, along with two Mets prospects. Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations, said Amed Rosario, Gimenez and Yu Chang will take a good look at shorts this spring.
Pitching coach Carl Willis, on his second tour with the Indians, remembered the Indians swapping the winners of Cy Young, CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee, in consecutive years in 2008 and 2009. He said the best prospect is to move on. ahead and focus on the talent you have.
“It happens to all teams,” he said. “I don’t think there is a baseball team that can roll out of bed the next day and replace a Frankie Lindor. And I don’t think we could roll out of bed and replace Carlos Carrasco, the pitcher and the person. This is difficult to do, but at the end of the day, you work with what you have.
“I think our front office did a great job, recovering talents that can help us win games. So you move on, but you always miss these guys. “
No. 1: Roberto Perez says he lost 25 pounds
Perez, who has a home in Cleveland, spent the winter in Florida strengthening the rotator cuff on his right shoulder. He says he lost 11 pounds and is ready to play an entire season after playing just 32 games last year because of his shoulder injury.
“I went to Florida, got a personal trainer and took care of business,” he said. “I wanted to put myself in a good position for spring training. I’m healthy, it was everything I wanted to be. I am healthy. I lost 25 pounds. I’m fine and ready to compete ”.
Perez has won Gold Gloves for his defense in the past two years. Last season, however, he reached just 0.165 (16 to 97).
No. 2: In search of experience
The Indians knew they needed experience in the bullpen for 2021. So they added veterans Bryan Shaw, Heath Hembree, Blake Parker and DJ Johnson. On Friday, they re-signed with leftist Oliver Perez, 39. They will be in the field for business in the minor leagues.
“We feel really good about some of the young pitchers we have, both the guys who are competing for a spot in the rotation and those who are competing for a spot in the bullpen,” said Antonetti. “But we thought it would make sense to bring in some more experienced pitchers to compete with that group for a spot on the team, especially outside the gate.”
Antonetti said the bullpen competition could be hot in spring training.
No.3: on your left, on your right
Eddie Rosario played mainly on the left field in his six years with the twins. The Indians are not sure if he will play left or right for them. The only thing they know is that he will be on the roster almost every day.
“It probably has less to do with Eddie than with the rest of the guys on the list and how we set up the best possible team,” said Antonetti.
Antonetti said Rosario is in position, regardless of position. Now the Indians need only separate the remaining outfielders. This includes Jake Bauers, Daniel Johnson, Jordan Luplow, Oscar Mercado, Josh Naylor, Franmil Reyes, Bradley Zimmer, Billy Hamilton and Ben Gamel. It looks like it might take a while.
No. 4: Fathers win Fernando Tatis, Indians lose Lindor
The Fathers on Wednesday reached an agreement with Fernando Tatis, a 22-year-old player, on a $ 350 million contract for 14 years. The Indians negotiated their shortstop with the Mets because they knew they could not hire him.
Antonetti was asked about his reaction to the Tatis signature and the implications it has for the Indians.
“Well, my reaction was, it’s great to be Fernando Tatis Jr.”, he said. “I can’t imagine what this business is like, but I imagine it was a very good day at your home.
“I can’t talk about the thinking process for individual franchises. … What we try to do is find a plan that works for us and allows us to be as successful as possible. This requires different decisions that can be applied in Cleveland and may be different in other markets. I would be reluctant – and again, it would be inappropriate to talk about San Diego’s reasoning, except, obviously, Tatis is a great player and they wanted to do everything they could to keep him. “
# 5: it offers Cy Young winners
When Shane Bieber beat Cy Young last year, Willis was happy. But their children were very happy.
Willis trained Cy Young winners at CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Felix Hernandez, Rick Porcello and Bieber. It looks good on the resume, but he knows it’s the guy on the hill who really makes it happen.
“What these guys do in the field, they do,” said Willis. “I have always been blessed to be a small part of it and to see it unfold. But honestly, at the end of the day, my kids’ reaction and pride in it is probably the most special thing. “
Willis and his wife Rachel have three children – Ally, Daniel and Bryson.
A variety of Cleveland Indians face masks available online today. (Fanatics.com)
New masks for Indians for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed facial covers for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a pack of 3 ($ 24.99). All MLB proceeds are donated to charities.
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