MNGuides

Was at openng game and was struck how weak the Indians lineup looked. Had to do a double take when we read the names. It is telling that the Indians pinch hit for their #3 hitter Tyler Naquin with Jordan Luplow. The casual baseball fan would have a hard time identifying the majority of the lineup. Between Berrios and Rogers 12 Ks, 2 hits allowed and 1 walk. Both are good pitchers, but the Indians lineup made them look even better. Here was 2018's opening day lineup as compared with 2019's opening day lineup for the Indians: 2018 (2018 OPS) 1. SS Francisco Lindor OPS .871 2. 2B Jason Kipnis OPS .704 3. 3B Jose Ramirez OPS .939 4. 1B Yonder Alonso OPS .738 5. DH Edwin Encarcion OPS .810 6. RF Lonnie Chisenholm OPS .846 7. C Yan Gomes OPS .762 8. LF Tyler Naquin OPS .651 9. CF Bradley Zimmer OPS .611 (Note Michael Brantley OPS .832 was not in 2018 opening day lineup) 2019 (2018 OPS) 1. CF Leonys Martin OPS .747 2. 3B Jose Ramirez OPS .939 3. RF Tyler Naquin OPS .651 4. 1B Carlos Santana OPS .766 5. DH Hanley Ramirez OPS .708 6. LF Jake Bauers OPS .700 7. C Roberto Perez OPS .519 8. 2B B. Miller OPS .724 9. SS Eric Stamets OPS .596 AAA) (Lindor, Kipnis hurt)

Good trade. Getting something is better than nothing. As far as roster I think Cave is making the team. This trade cements it. Bench to start season Cave Garver Adrianza Astudillo Relief Staff: Parker Rogers May Hildenberger Meija DL Reed Moya Sano Magill For me the question is do they keep both Harper / Austin or one of Morin/Guilimet. With more off days in the beginning of the season they could delay the decision on Austin and just go with 11 pitchers / 5 man bench. I am expecting them to go with 4 man bench and 12 pitchers. I also think it is highly likely they pull a trade and with this FO, very likely they could take another teams waivered player.