Cleveland Sports Forum

Elliot (Youngstown OH): Cody Morris gave some signs of being another projectible major league starter with 111 K in 89 innings, although he issued an un-Bieber like 27 walks. What do you think about him?

Teddy Cahill: I like a lot about Morris and if you're looking for the next less-heralded college pitching prospect who the Indians turn into a stud, you could do worse than him. The control is something that he needs to work on, but I wouldn't be surprised if he broke out in 2020. He's long had real upside.

Alex (Cleveland): I've seen George Valera and Brayan Rocchio ranked next to each other in multiple lists and flipped back and forth as who is ranked higher. What gave Valera > Rocchio when compiling the top 10? Would you agree although Valera has the higher offensive ceiling, Rocchio has by far the higher floor due to being able to stick at SS as an above average defender all while offering advanced hitting, speed, and at least current line drive power?

Teddy Cahill: More conviction in Valera being an impact player because of his high-end offensive ability led to him over Rocchio. We've also been completely consistent with that order throughout their careers to this point. I would not agree that Roccho has "by far the higher floor" because of his defense. In some ways, the bat makes for a higher floor for Valera. But, regardless, they're two really talented players and it'll be interesting to see how they are valued over the next few years as they approach the big leagues.

Zac (NYC): Of the three RHP in the top 10, who are you most confident will stick as a top of the rotation starter?

Teddy Cahill: None of them. With McKenzie missing a whole season, you can't be particularly confident in him right now, though I still really love the upside. And Espino and Hankins are teenage righthanders in A ball. There's a long way to go between that and leading a big league rotation. But Espino ranks the highest for a reason.

(Boston): Do you like what you see from Aaron Bracho? Is he headed for a top 100 ranking or are we just overreacting to his rookie ball sample? I've read good things about his swing and feel for contact.

Teddy Cahill: He won't be a top 100 prospect when our new ranking comes out this spring, but I think he has it in him to become one over the next few years. He was a high-profile signing in the 2017 class, so while what you're reacting to is a rookie-ball sample, there's more track record for Bracho than that. He's behind Valera and Rocchio because they're a level ahead of him for now, but I think he can get to that same level in time.

10. Gabriel Rodriguez | SS


Born: Feb 22, 2002 [just 17]
Bats: R Throws: R
Ht.: 6'2" Wt.: 174 [good sized]
Drafted: Signed: Venezuela, 2018.


BA Grade: 55. Risk: Extreme
Tool Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 50. Run: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

Track Record: The Indians’ 2018 international signing class wasn’t as big as the 2017 group that produced three of the club’s top-10 prospects, but in Rodriguez it has a true headliner. The Venezuelan native was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 class and lived up to the hype with an impressive pro debut in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League.
Scouting Report: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop at least average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. He shows plenty of power potential during batting practice. The next step is to learn how to take it with him into games. His strong arm and instinctive actions will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he does need to move.
The Future: Rodriguez is advanced enough to follow an aggressive developmental track, much like the premium players in the 2017 class. That would likely mean he starts 2020 back in Arizona and will have a chance to advance to short-season Mahoning Valley later in the summer.

9. Aaron Bracho | 2B

Born: Apr 24, 2001 [just 18 although he's been around a little while]
Bats: B Throws: R
Ht.: 5'11" Wt.: 175

Drafted: Signed: Venezuela, 2017.

BA Grade: 55. Risk: Extreme
Tool Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 50. Run: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 45

Track Record: The Indians spent big on the 2017 international market. Bracho, who was ranked as a top-20 player in the class, as well as outfielder George Valera and shortstop Brayan Rocchio were a part of that class and now rank as top-10 prospects for the club. Bracho was banged up at the outset of his career and missed 2018 due to an arm injury. He was back to full health in 2019 and made his professional debut in the Rookie-level Arizona League and earned a late-season bump to short-season Mahoning Valley, where he joined Valera and Rocchio.
Scouting Report: A switch-hitter, Bracho has a smooth, compact swing from both sides of the plate and produces good bat speed. He has an advanced approach and walked more than he struck out in Arizona, a rarity for an 18-year-old with limited game experience. Listed at just 5-foot-11, he has more power than his frame suggests, and he could end up hitting for at least average power. Bracho was signed as a shortstop but he’s already moved to second base. His hands and range are good enough to keep him there, but he’s likely to be more of an offensive second baseman.
The Future: After an impressive debut, it’s easy to see why Bracho had as much hype as he did as an amateur. He’s probably advanced enough to start 2020 with low Class A Lake County as Rocchio’s double-play partner, but the Indians middle-infield depth and his minimal game experience may lead to him coming back to Mahoning Valley to start the summer.

Cy Mature (Cooperstown Rehab): Thanks for answering our questions. Of all these Indian prospects, who has the highest ceiling as a hitter?

Teddy Cahill: Nolan Jones is No. 1 for a reason. His power is real and he has a really advanced approach at the plate. But if you mean from a batting average standpoint, that's Tyler Freeman.

8. Ethan Hankins | RHP


Born: May 23, 2000
Bats: R Throws: R
Ht.: 6'6" Wt.: 200
Drafted: HS-- Gainesville, Ga., 2018 (1st round).

BA Grade: 55. Risk: Extreme
Tool Grades: Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.

Track Record: The Indians were thrilled to draft Hankins with the final pick of the first round in 2018. Following his performance the previous summer and fall, he had been considered the best prep player in the draft class but a minor shoulder injury in the spring caused him to slide on draft day. After introducing him to pro ball, the Indians eased back on the leash during his first full pro season and in August sent him to low Class A Lake County.
Scouting Report: Hankins has a long, lean frame and uncommon athleticism for a pitcher of his size. At his best, he ran his fastball up to 97 mph and typically sits in the mid 90s with plus life. He has the makings of quality secondary pitches, but they’ll need to become more consistent offerings.His slider and changeup both have the ability to be above-average offerings and he also throws a bigger curveball, though it lags behind his other pitches. Hankins controls his arsenal well, but it will be important for him to maintain his delivery as he grows into his large frame.
The Future: Hankins’ impressive first full season was a reminder of just how big his upside can be. He’s set to start back with Lake County where he and Daniel Espino will make for an impressive 1-2 punch that the Indians hope will stick together all the way to the big leagues.

7. Triston McKenzie | RHP

Born: Aug 2, 1997
Bats: R Throws: R
Ht.: 6'5" Wt.: 165

Drafted: HS--Royal Palm Beach, Fla., 2015 (1st round supplemental).
BA Grade: 55. Risk: Extreme
Tool Grades: Fastball: 60. Curveball: 60. Changeup: 55. Control: 60.

Track Record: McKenzie has ranked as the Indians’ top prospect the last two years but that standing has slipped after an upper-back injury cost him all of 2019. The Indians have been very cautious with him throughout his career, partially due to his rail-thin frame. But he’s always shown exceptional upside, and he pitched in the 2017 Futures Game and reached Double-A in 2018 as a 20-year-old.
Scouting Report: There have long been questions about McKenzie’s durability. He suffered from some forearm soreness early in 2018, but his 2019 injury might speak even more to his durability because it may stem from a lack of strength in his shoulder. If he can avoid similar issues going forward, however, he should be able to get back to the high-end upside he’s also long shown. His fastball sits at 92 and can touch 95. It plays up thanks to long extension and high spin rate. He also has a good feel for his curveball, which can be an out pitch, and his changeup has the potential to be an above-average offering. He commands the ball well and earns praise for his makeup and understanding of his craft.
The Future: After missing all of 2019, McKenzie needs to get back on the mound and show that he’s ready to pitch a full season. He’s still just 22 and hasn’t been challenged much yet on the field. If he can get back to the level he was at a year ago, he’ll soon again be in position to work himself into the mix for a spot in the big leagues.

6. Daniel Espino | RHP

Born: Jan 5, 2001
Bats: R Throws: R
Ht.: 6'2" Wt.: 205
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BA Grade: 55. Risk: Extreme
Tool Grades: Fastball: 70. Slider: 60. Curveball: 50. Changeup: 50. Control: 50.

Track Record: Espino was born in Panama before moving to the United States when he was 15. He enrolled at Georgia Premier Academy, where he was able to continue his education while also adopting a close to professional mindset. That approach was apparent when he arrived at the Indians’ complex in Arizona after they drafted him 24th overall. His performance and mentality allowed him to become first prep player the Indians have promoted to short-season Mahoning Valley during his pro debut since Francisco Lindor in 2011.
Scouting Report: Espino was one of the best prep pitchers in the draft class and has big overall upside. He’s on the shorter end of what teams look for in a righthander, but his excellent athleticism, explosiveness and flexibility help him access his lower half in a way most pitchers his size cannot. That helps him produce elite velocity and his fastball reach 99 mph and sit at 96. He throws both a curveball and slider, with the slider earning better grades as a potential plus pitch. He also throws a firm changeup that needs refinement but has a chance to give him a fourth at least average offering. He has a long arm action but typically pitches with average control. He’ll need to refine his command as he faces more advanced hitters who are less susceptible to chasing his offspeed stuff.
The Future: Espino has put himself on an accelerated track already and he’ll likely start his first full professional season with low Class A Lake County, where he and righthander Ethan Hankins will team up for a premium 1-2 punch the Indians hope will stick together all the way to Cleveland.

Evan (Cleveland): In addition to Oviedo (who you addressed earlier), what do you make of Raymond Burgos? As a projectable 6'5" LHP with (reportedly) a 91-95 fastball, I was surprised he wasn't on more radars at the start of the season. Obviously, he missed most of 2019 with an injury, so that complicates matters. But what is the prognosis/projection of Burgos at this point?

Teddy Cahill: I'm a big fan of Burgos. I picked him as a breakout candidate going into the 2019 season, obviously the injury means that didn't happen. If he can stay healthy, he has significant upside. But he's going to have to show that he can handle a full-season workload first. How quickly does that happen? That's the biggest question right now. He'll need to refine his control as well, but that's a secondary concern right now.

[I followed Teddy's lead and took Burgos as my breakout pick of 2019 and it didn't work out, as my picks usually don't. Maybe I'll try him again.]

5. Brayan Rocchio | SS

Born: Jan 13, 2001

Bats: B Throws: R
Ht.: 5'10" Wt.: 150 [when a kid is that small we're supposed to say "he'll grow into his body and develop power"
Drafted: Signed: Venezuela.

BA Grade: 55. Risk: Very High
Tool Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 30. Run: 60. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50.

Track Record: While the Indians made a big splash on the 2017 international market with the heralded signings of Aaron Bracho and George Valera, their move to ink Rocchio flew more under the radar. The Venezuelan native has quickly made his own mark, however. After a strong 2018 in Rookie Ball, he advanced to short-season Mahoning Valley, where he held his own as the third-youngest position player.
Scouting Report: Rocchio doesn’t stand out physically but was nicknamed “The Professor” because of his high baseball IQ and game awareness when he was in the Rookie-level Arizona League. A switch-hitter, he has a smooth, consistent swing from both sides of the plate and excellent pitch recognition. He’s an aggressive hitter and consistently barrels up the ball. He’s likely always going hit be hit over power but as he physically matures he’ll start sending some of his line drives over the fence. Rocchio has largely answered any questions about his ability to stick at shortstop. He’s a plus runner, and his hands and arm are good enough for the position, especially because his instincts and baseball IQ help his tools play up.
The Future: Rocchio is on an accelerated track and there’s no reason to slow him down now. He’ll head to low Class A Lake County for his first taste of full-season ball.

The Mauling Tiger (CPL): Last off season I was buying stock in Carlos Vargas, Lenny Torres and Luis Oviedo... Which one would you pick to sell, hold and buy more of?

Teddy Cahill: Buy Vargas, hold Oviedo and I guess sell Torres. That's not meant to be a knock on Torres, but he's coming off a major injury and, of that group, I had the least conviction of him to begin with. But I know the Indians were very happy to land him a year ago and started his career really well. So maybe he'll make me look dumb for this one. Clip and save it for Old Takes Exposed, just in case.

asked this for Forum Friend:

Elliot (Youngstown OH): It's mostly infielders in the Indians' top prospect list, but what do you think about teenagers Jhonksensy Noel and Alexfri Planez? I can't pronounce their names but they look like potential power bats.

Teddy Cahill: I covered Planez already, but I'm really intrigued by Noel. He's huge - he's built like a defensive end - but he moves well for his size and has a shot at third base. And the power is serious. You won't see him in the 30 this year - you can only have so many teenage infielders in rookie ball - but he's someone to watch going forward.

4. George Valera | OF
Born: Nov 13, 2000
Bats: L Throws: L
Ht.: 5'10" Wt.: 160 [wouldn't object if he grew a little more]
Drafted: Signed: Dominican Republic, 2017.

BA Grade: 55. Risk: Very High
Tool Grades: Hit: 60. Power: 55. Run: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50. [thought the arm was supposed to better than that]

Track Record: The Indians made a splash on the international market in 2017 and signed Valera, the fifth-ranked player in the class to a $1.3 million deal. He was born in New York and lived there until his family moved to the Dominican Republic when he was 13. After a broken hamate limited him to six games in 2018, he spent most of 2019 with short-season Mahoning Valley, where he was the youngest position player in the league, before a late-season promotion to low Class A Lake County.
Scouting Report: Valera has a loose, compact swing and keeps his bat in the zone for a long time. His feel for the barrel, bat-to-ball skills, pitch recognition and discipline all help him to make consistent, hard contact and give him the kind of hittability the Indians covet. He has above-average raw power and gets to it in games well, hitting eight home runs in 46 games as an 18-year-old in the New York-Penn League. Valera profiles as a corner outfielder with average speed and arm strength.
The Future: As an amateur, Valera drew comparisons to Juan Soto. He’s not going to match Soto’s meteoric rise to stardom, but he’s proven to be advanced enough to handle challenging assignments. He’ll likely return to Lake County to begin 2020 and another mid-season promotion could be in the cards.