FanPost

A Player by Player Preview of the 2018 Season

One thing constantly fascinates me about baseball and its the absolute necessary team nature of the game. Obviously (as in every team sport), each team must combine some offense with some defense; you cannot win a game without scoring a run. It is the cohesion which defines a team's overall strength. On the flip side baseball isolates players in a way which creates an illusion of singularity. Mike Trout and the Anaheim Angels offers a perfect example. Mike Trout is a brilliant ballplayer, arguably the best in history. You do not need a great team to appreciate the brilliance and majesty of Trout. However, the Angels stink and continued to stink despite fielding the best outfielder in the game by a wide margin. The pitchers win is another classic example: TEAMS win games, not pitchers, but we cannot help but shower praise on the individual pitcher for 'winning' the game. Intuitively, I think, most people recognize the starter cannot win the game on his own, but we remain (many of us) steadfast towards praising the individual.

Instead of previewing the team's results, I felt it might be fun to look at each player and decide how important this season is to them, and their individual careers. I declined to preview every player on the roster as some lack the history to really judge, and are probably just happy to find a team in need of their services at all. I will also include an urgency rating, a description of how the ranking works is below:

Urgency Rating 1: No more urgent than any other year

Urgency Rating 2: Moderately urgent, either for posterity purposes, or returning from an injury

Urgency Rating 3: Really urgent, could be due to it being a walk year, or some other reason

Urgency Rating 4: Do or die, this player is playing for his career

Starting Rotation

Corey Kluber

Last Year's Performance: A Cy Young Award candidate

Years in the Bigs: 8 Seasons

Outlook: Every year is big for Kluber at this point in his career, depending on how you look at it, because the longer he can keep his current rate of production up, the closer he gets to potentially reaching immortality. The odds are decidedly against him, but if he remains on path: he can find a way. It's also a big year for him, because it may be his last chance to redeem his mediocre post season performance in 2017 and 2018. 2019 could be the last year this franchise can keep easily winning the AL Central with ease, and Kluber's future is in flux with the team as we saw this offseason in the rumors section. At 33, Kluber is on the wrong side of the age curve and his career comps through age 32 are not good.

Urgency Rating: 2

Proposed Warmup Song: (Don't Fear) The Reaper, by Blue Oyster Cult

Kluber doesn't fear the age curve, and is primed to continue his dominance.

Trevor Bauer

Last Year's Performance: A Cy Young Award winner in his own mind

Years in the Bigs: 7 seasons

Outlook: Bauer has a lot more riding on this season than anyone in our rotation in my opinion. Trevor Bauer posted his best season and in some ways finally lived up to his potential as a first round draft pick. He was arguably on pace to win a Cy Young Award before breaking his leg in the final month of the season, and led the league in FIP & HR/9 regardless. However, it's also without a doubt his best year, with a career ERA north of 4 outside of this breakout season. Bauer's ambition is great, and in order to realize it he needs to start repeating this performance now. Overall, the outlook for Bauer is good: he developed another pitch, arguably boasts the best pitching mind in Major League Baseball, with a workout regimen second to none. I will be rooting for him to prove his doubters (including myself) wrong.

Urgency Rating: 3

Proposed Warmup Song: Carry on Wayward Son, by Kansas

Bauer neither needs nor wants our advice, and that's the way it should be. Keep proving the doubters wrong Trevor!

Carlos Carrasco

Last Year's Performance: Top 10-15 in the AL

Years in the Bigs: 9 seasons

Outlook: After signing another extension in Cleveland, Carlos Carrasco's future seems set. He's been quite consistent since returning to the rotation after an extended stint in the bullpen. Since 2014, Cookie boasts an ERA+ of 133 in 856 innings of work. Carlos fails to remain on the field as much as the two men slotted ahead of him, but he continues to either match or best both in terms of performance depending on the week.

Urgency Rating: 1

Proposed Warmup Song: Peaceful Easy Feelin', by The Eagles

Michael Clevinger

Last Year's Performance: Top 10-15 in the AL

Years in the Bigs: 3 seasons

Outlook: Like Bauer, Clevinger's star is rising, and may be rising quickly. Clevinger's raw stuff may be better than the three pitchers above him on this list, and just posed the lowest FIP of his career, with the most innings and strikeouts. This is a big year for Clevinger to prove he belongs in the same discussion as his rotation mates as a top AL starter. At 28, it could parlay into a big nine figure contract if he repeats. It's also his last year before arbitration; his first big payday.

Urgency Rating: 3

Proposed Warmup Song: Walking on Sunshine, by Katrina & the Waves

Shane Bieber

Last Year's Performance: Argument for AL Rookie of the Year

Years in the Bigs: 1 season

Outlook: The embarrassment of riches for Cleveland in our rotation ends with rookie Shane Bieber. Compared to anyone else on this list, Bieber's season was mediocre; but that says far more about the talent on the top of our rotation that it does about Bieber. Bieber would slot as most other teams #3 or #4 starter, not as the last man on the totem pole. This gives Bieber a chance to settle in, which is exactly what Shane needs to do. With Bauer leaving after 2020 regardless, and Kluber potentially leaving as quickly, the Indians will need Bieber to solidify himself and breakout this year.

Urgency Rating: 2

Proposed Warmup Song: Jailbreak, by Thin Lizzy

Lineup:

Francisco Lindor

Last Year's Performance: AL MVP Candidate

Years in the Bigs: 4 seasons

Outlook: Lindor really does not have much to prove. He's set himself up to become arguably the best shortstop in Cleveland Indians history, and also on a Hall of Fame career path. He's arguably tied for the best shortstop in Cleveland history after Hall of Famer Lou Boudreau, which should tell you enough about how good Lindor really is, and what he means to this organization. His injury does potentially put a damper on this season, granted he's young (although Chisenhall was not exactly old when he hurt his calf). However, barring a disturbing series of events I expect Lindor to maintain or improve upon his recent performances and cement himself as a perennial MVP candidate.

Urgency Rating: 1

Proposed Walkup Song: Already Gone, by The Eagles....

Just Kidding. Mr. Brightside, by The Killers

Jose Ramirez

Last Year's Performance: AL MVP Candidate

Years in the Bigs: 6 seasons

Outlook: Everyone expected Lindor to blossom, nobody expected Jose. The biggest issue with Jose is his disturbing slump at the end of 2018, which continued into the playoffs and arguably into this spring. It's strange to think Jose Ramirez (who has finished as a Top 3 MVP candidate twice) has something to prove, but in some ways he does...at least to calm the hearts of every Indians fan.

Urgency Rating: 2

Proposed Walkup Song: Radioactive, by Imagine Dragons

Carlos Santana

Last Year's Performance: Worst Season in Career

Years in the Bigs: 9 seasons

Outlook: If there is a known quantity on the team it is Carlos Santana. Cleveland politely let Philadelphia borrow him for a year, and they paid him a big chunk of change for the pleasure. However, outside the comforts of home Santana struggled; despite topping 20 home runs, his power sagged with a career worst .414 SLG, and 28 doubles. His batting average slumped to .229 due to a career worst BABIP. All things being said, most projection systems expect Santana's power to bounce back at age 33. For Carlos, this season is less impactful for his career as he has one more season guaranteed on his contract and already landed the biggest free agent deal he is likely to receive. 2020 is more important for his future than anything else.

Urgency Rating: 1

Proposed Walkup Song: I'm Going Home, by Chris Daughtry & Europa, by Santana

Jason Kipnis

Last Year's Performance: Bleak, with more injuries

Years in the Bigs: 8 seasons

Outlook: This is a big year for Jason Kipnis, as it basically represents his walk year. Barring a massive return to his All-Star performances in 2014 & 2015, or even his solid 2016 season: Kipnis will play elsewhere (if at all) in 2020. The Tribe does have an option for Kipnis worth $14.5M, but there are few scenarios I can see them actually exercising it. Even if Kipnis performs, I see them declining and letting him sign one free agent deal elsewhere. However, for Kip to even get to that point he has to prove 2017 & 2018 were mirages due to injury. He's off to a poor start because he's starting the season in the DL (I refuse to call it the IL).

Proposed Walkup Song: Come Back, by Bon Jovi

Hanley Ramirez

Last Year's Performance: Forgettable, but with good contact

Years in the Bigs: 14 seasons

Outlook: At this point for Hanley he's just trying to hang on. He signed a big deal with Boston and completely flopped. Overall, Hanley Ramirez was a dynamic and outstanding hitter for Florida before signing his one big deal with Boston in 2014. Since then he's posted exactly one good season while becoming unplayable at first base. Today, he just needs to prove he can hit enough to stick around somewhere. Anywhere. The deal is quite low risk for Cleveland, and his contact rate shows enough promise to hand him the DH job to start the season.

Urgency Rating: 4

Proposed Walkup Song: Hey, Hey What Can You Do?, by Led Zeppelin

Leonys Martin

Last Year's Performance: Great Defense and Good Offense before the bacterial infection

Years in the Bigs: 8 seasons

Outlook: This is Martin's walk year, and probably his only chance to create an impression enough to land another big deal. In some ways, after fighting for his life he is also fighting for his big league career. Martin's calling card since he played for Texas was his defense, which according to Baseball Reference has declined from his defensive peak, but remains solid. The key for Martin is to prove he can still patrol center field well, while hitting enough to remain in the lineup.

Urgency Rating: 3

Proposed Walkup Song: Get Up, Stand Up, by Bob Marley

Tyler Naquin

Last Year's Performance: Bad, and Injury Riddled

Years in the Bigs: 3 seasons

Outlook: Naquin is now two seasons removed from his breakout performance in 2016. Considering 2016 was aided by BABIP luck, Naquin has really struggled to prove himself in the big leagues, and 2019 is probably his last chance to stick in the Majors. At 28, Naquin is not so young that we can expect a massive amount of growth, and while the Indians lack many great starting options: we have enough other young players that Tyler needs to impress to hang around as a starter.

Urgency Rating: 4

Proposed Walkup Song: Don't You (Forget About Me), by Simple Minds

Jake Bauers

Last Year's Performance: Promising at first, with a drop off

Years in the Bigs: 1 season

Outlook: Bauers is in a pretty good spot being a young prospect on a team without many good outfield options. He has options left, and can take the time to ease into Major League Baseball. Even if the Indians acquire an outfielder at the deadline, and continue to add outfielders afterwards, Bauers has the time, and the Indians will likely have the spots, for Jake to prove himself.

Urgency Rating: 2

Proposed Walkup Song: Believer, by Imagine Dragons

Greg Allen

Last Year's Performance: Mixed, started slow but finished strong

Years in the Bigs: 2 seasons

Outlook: Many on Let's Go Tribe are bullish on Allen due to his strong finish, and his strong spring. He's certainly young enough, at 26, to breakout and become a good starting player. He's never hit for much power, but frequently shown strong on-base ability in the minors. The projections don't love him, but he's never performed for a long period of time at the Major League Level. Overall, Allen's issue is one of pedigree, and time. He's already spent two seasons MLB-side without flashing much success, and with so many other outfielders now on the roster, he could get lost in the shuffle. He's probably not playing for his job, but if others break out he could lose it.

Urgency Rating: 3

Proposed Walkup Song:

Roberto Perez

Last Year's Performance: Disastrous offensively, with strong defense

Years in the Bigs: 5 years

Outlook: Roberto Perez never hit well in the Majors, but last year's below the Mendoza-Line performance was particularly awful. Perez always caught well (and still does), so he brings value to a pitching staff which lost its happy place in Yan Gomes. With Eric Haase, and Kevin Plawecki on the roster, it's easy to imagine Roberto Perez becoming trade bait this or next year, so Perez at least needs to out perform those two to remain on the Tribe's roster. Then again, since he already signed an extension with Cleveland he's guaranteed money the next two years anyway. Good defensive backstops are always in demand, so I can see Bebo sticking somewhere even if it's not in Cleveland.

Urgency Rating: 2

Proposed Walkup Song: La Bamba, by Los Lobos

Kevin Plawecki

Last Year's Performance: Mediocre

Years in the Bigs: 4 seasons

Outlook: Plawecki is a year removed from an above average offensive year, but has never played more than 80 games in the Majors. Overall, he's now on a team which needs him, and he's now a backup on a contender. He's not arbitration eligible until next year. Overall, Plawecki is in a good spot because he's the cheaper, younger backstop on a team, with Eric Haase potentially coming up. His job is secure.

Urgency Rating: 1

Proposed Walkup Song:

Bullpen

Brad Hand

Last Year's Performance: Standard Brad Hand Excellence

Years in the Bigs: 8 seasons

Outlook: Hand is under control for two more seasons, and young enough to still get another contract if he performs. He's now on a contender, so things are looking up. That being said, since he has two more years remaining on his contract he is not under pressure to perform this year to earn another one. Overall, things are about as you'd expect for Hand.

Urgency Rating: 1

Proposed Warmup Song: Indestructible, by Disturbed

Oliver Perez

Last Year's Performance: Excellent

Years in the Bigs: 16 seasons

Outlook: Pretty much every season is a gift for Ollie at this point in his career. The Indians can choose to keep or dump him next year, and at his age every season is do or die, because it's the only way he can guarantee to keep playing. The biggest concern for Perez is the potential rule change coming next year, so not only must Oliver Perez remain effective, but he may also need to prove he can perform against both right and left handers.

Urgency Rating: 4

Proposed Warmup Song: Into the Night, by Santana

Adam Cimber

Last Year's Performance: Mixed. Good in San Diego, Awful in Cleveland

Years in the Bigs: 1 season

Outlook: Cimber may suffer from the same problem Ollie has: the rule change next year. Overall, Cimber is young enough and has options, so he can potentially work stuff out in Columbus, so the need to perform is not quite as urgent for Adam. Adam is also young, and on a team in constant need of bullpen help, so he should continue to get chances until his salary increases in arbitration.

Urgency Rating: 2

Proposed Warmup Song: Timber, by Pitbull

Tyler Olson

Last Year's Performance: Mediocre in limited duty

Years in the Bigs: 4 seasons

Outlook: Olson is a little different than Perez & Cimber, in that he found a ton of success in 2017, not surrendering a run in 20 innings of work. Overall, I feel Olson's story is comparable to Cimber's in that he's young and cheap, on a team desperate for bullpen help except he's a year older, and closer to arbitration.

Urgency Rating: 3

Proposed Warmup Song: Humble, by Kendrick Lamar

FanPosts are reader-generated, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Covering the Corner or the Covering the Corner staff.

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