Cleveland Sports Forum

these chats do cover a lot of names. We havent' made it to Sicnarf Loopstok yet. Or for that matter Juan Hillman; or Julian Merryweather; or Merritt or Morimando; or etc

Dillon (Elyria, Ohio): Over the last few years, the Indians have seemingly targeted college infielders in Rounds 3-6 whose hit-over-power profiles tend to lead them to utility infielder projections (e.g., Mathias, Krieger). The club stayed true to form in last year's draft in taking Ernie Clement in Round 4 (excellent bat control, zero power). Do you have any insight on whether this is an organizational strategy or simply their system determining BPA in the draft?
Teddy Cahill: I don't think it's a conscious strategy to target college infielders in those rounds. I do think the Indians target hittability (and versatility) in the draft and it often leads them to taking players like Clement, Krieger and Mathias. But you can see them valuing hittability at all levels of the draft. That's what leads them to Greg Allen and Tyler Freeman and, internationally, to George Valera. So while it may be most obvious when you end up with three players as similar to each other as Clement, Krieger and Mathias, it is more widespread than that specific profile.

Mitch (Ashtabula, Ohio): There hasn't been much buzz on Tyler Freeman after he was a compensatory pick in last year's draft. But his debut in the AZL (.297 BA, 12 K in 128 AB) looked strong and pre-draft comps suggested a potential starting-caliber MLB second baseman. What do evaluators feel about Freeman after his pro debut?
Teddy Cahill: Speaking of Tyler Freeman, he had a solid pro debut and did a lot of the things that he was expected to. I don't think the evaluation changed much this summer. He was a bit divisive before the draft due to concerns about him staying at shortstop and, if he doesn't, whether he'll hit enough to profile at second base. The Indians obviously believe in him and we'll get a better feel for Freeman's potential after his first full pro season.

And we finish up with:

Elliot (Youngstown OH): Is there any way to assess McKenzie's future size and shape? Does projecting him as No. 2 starter mean you project him to be 20 or 30 pounds heavier?
Teddy Cahill: You can try, plenty have. I'm not sure how much bigger McKenzie will get, but he's still just 20, so he could conceivably put on more weight. But, at this point, I'm also not sure it matters that much. He threw 150 innings in 2017 (including the playoffs) and they were 150 really good innings. He did a good job of holding his velo and he finished his starts strong. I think I spent too much time worrying about McKenzie's build early in his career - going back to when he was a high school senior. He can really pitch and he's making it work. He's one of the most electric pitchers in the minors. That's good enough for me.

Dan (Augusta, ME): Johnathan Rodriguez seemed to handle the GCL pretty well for a 17 year old. [I LOVE THIS KID. HE WALKS A TON AND HIS STATS IMPROVED STEADILY OVER THE SUMMER AND HE'S THE BEST OF ARM IN THE SYSTEM] What kind of upside does he have? Thanks!
Teddy Cahill: Rodriguez had a pretty good pro debut. He was one of the youngest players in the draft class, and he more than held his own in the AZL. He's still really raw and he's probably going to move a little slower because of his age and experience. But he's got the raw tools to eventually develop into a prototypical right fielder. Certainly one to keep an eye on.

Grant (NYC): What are your thoughts on Ernie Clement[YUCK, ANOTHER OF THOSE 2Bs WHO HIT SINGLES IN CLASS A]?
Teddy Cahill: He's a good player and I think he checks a lot of boxes for the Indians. He's got incredible contact skills - he struck out just 31 times in three years of college. He runs well, is a very smart player and has up-the-middle versatility. I don't think he stays at shortstop, but he can play there sometimes, and you can also put him at second base or in center field. If he hits enough, he'll find a way into the lineup.

Drew (Chicago): Julian Merryweather looks like a top prospect on paper until you look at his stats. What's holding him back?
Teddy Cahill: If you look at Merryweather's peripherals at Columbus, they look a bit better than his overall stats. Some of it is that Columbus is a tough place to pitch, some of it is that he's still learning to start. It's not easy to pinpoint exactly why he struggled in the second half last year. But I think he's a solid bounceback candidate in 2018. [IF HE INDEED HAS THE BEST FASTBALL IN THE ORGANIZATION, I ASSUME HE'LL BE GROOMED AS A RELIEVER THIS SUMMER]

Frank (Indianapolis, IN): How many of these prospects could make the BA 100?
Teddy Cahill: All right, as promised, the Top 100 question. The top three - Mejia, McKenzie and Bradley - are going to make it, I would figure. I would rank Nolan Jones in my personal top 100 and would consider Bieber. I do not expect, however, that Jones makes the Top 100 this winter. I think the some are taking a more conservative approach on him until he does it in full-season ball, which is understandable. But, for me, a .912 OPS in the Penn League as a 19-year-old is pretty loud.

Justin (Cleveland): It looks like Dalbert Siri has the arsenal to be a back of the bullpen reliever. Could he be a quick mover if he can hone his command a bit more?
Teddy Cahill: Siri has a chance. He's got a live arm and some good stuff. I think in addition to improving his command, he's got to improve the consistency of his stuff, especially his breaking ball, to really take off. But it's in there, if he can just figure out how to do it on a more consistent basis.

Teddy Cahill: Thanks for all the questions today. Hopefully that helped break up the polar vortex. If you have more questions that I didn't get to, drop them in the comments and I'll try to get to them there. You wanted something that we offer, so make sure to order the 2018 Prospect Handbook. If you order directly from us (https://store.baseballamerica.com/colle ... t-handbook) you'll get an extra prospect per team and it'll ship faster.
[PROSPECT NO. 31 IS ALWAYS AN EXCITING ADDITION TO ONE'S LIBRARY]

Speaking of 31, I count 31 players discussed in that chat, including one bonus who [Naquin] who is no longer a rookie; plus one [Santander] who is no longer an Indian

One of the top 10: Greg Allen, had no discussion.

Some of the players also not commented on include 40 man roster members Plutko, Merritt, Morimando, all of whom made last year's BA Top 30 as well as others in that group: Logan Ice [best defensive catcher this year again], Juan Hillman [he out-disastered Aiken in 2017], Nellie Rodriguez [who was pretty awful himself in 2017; and the bottom 5 from 2017: Rob Kaminsky [dl all year[, Oscar Gonzalez, Jose Fermin and Marcos Gonzalez [all of whom are just kids and were ok in '17, so might reappear on this year's full list; and Micah Miniard who along with Aiken and Hillman really stunk at Lake County,

NO. 1: MEJIA

BORN: Oct. 27, 1995 [STILL ONLY 22 ON OPENING DAY IN COLUMBUS -- and catchers usually move slowly]
B-T: B-R | HT: 5-10 | WT: 175
SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2015
SIGNED BY: Ramon Pena
MINORS (2 teams): .297/.346/.490 | 14 HR |7 SB | 347 AB

Track Record:Mejia's precocious talent has been apparent since the Indians signed him out of the Dominican Republic in 2012 and sent him to make his pro debut in the Rookie-level Arizona League the following season. He had an eventful path through the minors that included a historic hitting streak and nearly being included in a blockbuster trade before making his major league debut in September 2017 as a 21-year-old. Mejia broke out in 2016 and authored a 50-game hitting streak at two Class A levels that is the longest in the modern era of the minor leagues (dating back to 1963). He kept hitting in 2017 as he advanced to Double-A Akron. He finished the year in the Arizona Fall League, where he was one of the circuit's leading hitters.

Scouting Report: Mejia has long been known for his hitting ability, and the switch-hitter consistently makes hard contact from both sides of the plate. He has matured as a hitter to use the whole field to hit, instead of relying on the pull-oriented approach he had when he was younger. His bat speed gives him more raw power than his lean 5-foot-10 frame would suggest, but he more typically drives balls into the gaps than over the fence. He has an aggressive approach and doesn't walk much, but his excellent feel for the barrel means he also doesn't strike out much and is comfortable working behind in the count. Mejia has made strides defensively, has elite arm strength and has become a good receiver. He has gotten comfortable speaking English, a key skill for him to work with his pitchers, and has developed more consistency behind the plate. For all his progress defensively, however, Mejia's bat remains ahead of his glove. Because his bat isn't far off from being ready for the big leagues, and because the Indians have Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez, a pair of excellent defensive catchers, in Cleveland, Mejia went to the AFL to get experience at third base. He is naturally still learning the position but he will continue to see action at the hot corner in 2018.


Projected Future Grades On 20-80 Scouting Scale
Hit: 60. Power: 45. Speed: 40. Field: 50. Arm: 80.

The Future: Mejia will open 2018 at Triple-A Columbus, and if he continues to hit the way he has throughout his career, he will find his way into the big league lineup during the summer. His long-term future remains behind the plate, but his added defensive versatility will help him as he breaks into the majors.

2. THE BLADE

BORN: Aug. 2, 1997. [STILL ONLY 20 ON OPENING DAY IN AKRON]
B-T: R-R| HT: 6-5 | WT: 165
DRAFTED: HS--Royal Palm Beach, Fla., 2015 (1st round supplemental)

Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/ ... Gr0sir4.99

Track Record: McKenzie continued to build on his track record of success in 2017 and ranked second in the minors with 186 strikeouts. He presents the same challenge to evaluators today that he did as an amateur: His track record is unimpeachable and he has impressive stuff, but he is listed at a rail-thin 6-foot-5 and 165 pounds.

Scouting Report: McKenzie's fastball can get up to 95 mph and averaged about 92 in 2017. He held that velocity throughout the season, and while it would dip during starts, he also showed the ability to reach back for more at the end of his outings. His fastball plays up and gets swings and misses thanks to the extension in his delivery and the high spin rate on the pitch. He also has a feel for spinning his curveball, which can be an out pitch. His changeup isn't as advanced but has the potential to be above-average. McKenzie needs to improve his routines and physique to allow him to manage a starter's workload.

The Future: McKenzie is speeding toward the big leagues and has the upside to be a frontline starter. He will advance to Double-A Akron in 2018 for his first taste of the upper minors.

3. BRADLEY

BORN: May 29, 1996. [STILL ONLY 21 ON OPENING DAY IN AAA]
B-T: L-R| HT: 6-1 | WT: 225.
DRAFTED: HS--Gulfport, Miss., 2014 (3rd round)
SIGNED BY: Mike Bradford.
MINORS: .251/.331/.465 | 23 HR | 3 SB

Track Record: Bradley has been one of the most productive players in the Indians' farm system since they drafted him. He won the Rookie-level Arizona League triple crown in 2014 by hitting .361 with eight home runs and 50 RBIs. He led the Midwest League with 27 home runs in 2015 and the Carolina League with 29 home runs in 2016. He fell short of making it four straight home run crowns, however, when he ranked sixth in the Eastern League with 23 homers at Double-A Akron in 2017.

Scouting Report: Bradley's raw power is the best in the system, and he has shown he is adept at getting to it in games. He has a strong, physical frame and creates excellent bat speed that allows him to drive the ball out to all fields. That power comes with a lot of swing and miss, but he cut his strikeout rate in 2017 from 29 percent to a much more manageable 22 percent. Bradley is a well below-average runner with an average arm, limiting him to first base.

The Future: Bradley will advance to Triple-A Columbus in 2018, where he could take advantage of Huntington Park's hitter-friendly dimensions. He has the potential to become a middle-of-the-order hitter.

4. JONES

BORN: May 7, 1998.
B-T: L-R | HT: 6-3 | WT: 195
DRAFTED: HS--Bensalem, Pa., 2016 (2nd round).
SIGNED BY: Mike Kanen.
MINORS: .317/.430/.482 | 4 HR | 1 SB | 218 AB

Track Record: Jones was regarded as one of the best prep hitters in the 2016 draft class, but he slipped to the second round, where the Indians were happy to take him at No. 55 overall. He got back to his elite hitting in 2017 at short-season Mahoning Valley, where he led the New York-Penn League with a .912 OPS as a 19-year-old.

Scouting Report: Jones has an easy lefthanded swing and uses the whole field to hit. He is a patient hitter who led the NYP in with 43 walks. He reduced his strikeout rate, but his patience means he works many deep counts and will always strike out a fair amount. He has proven to be an advanced hitter but also has above-average raw power that he is still learning to get to consistently in games. As he physically matures, he projects to hit for plus power. Jones fits the third-base profile, but he still has work to do to ensure he can stick at the hot corner. He has plus arm strength but needs to improve his glove work and infield actions. If he moves, his athleticism and average speed will play in right field.

The Future: Jones provides plenty of upside. He will get his first taste of full-season ball in 2018 when he opens the year at low Class A Lake County.

Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/ ... Gr0sir4.99

5. BIEBER

BORN: May 31, 1995. [STILL ONLY 22 ON OPENING DAY IN COLUMBUS]
B-T: R-R. | HT: 6-3 | WT: 195
DRAFTED: UC Santa Barbara, 2016 (4th round).
SIGNED BY: Carlos Muniz.
MINORS (3 teams): 10-5, 2.86 ERA | 162 SO | 10 BB | 173.1 IP

Track Record: Bieber took over as UC Santa Barbara's ace in 2016 and led the Gauchos to their first appearance in the College World Series. He made a smooth transition to pro ball and excelled in 2017, his first full season, by reaching Double-A Akron.

Scouting Report: Bieber came to pro ball with a reputation for relying more on his command than his stuff to succeed. He has continued to show above-average control as a professional, and his walk rate of 0.5 per nine innings in 2017 led all full-season minor leaguers. But Bieber is starting to outgrow the command-and-control label, because his stuff made a jump in 2017. His fastball, which sat around 90 mph in college, now sits 92-94 and touched 96. His curveball got sharper and more consistent, developing into his best secondary pitch. He also throws a slider and changeup, which can both be average offerings. He has a clean, easy delivery and has shown he can handle a heavy workload--his 173.1 innings led all minor leaguers in 2017.

The Future: Bieber made one of the biggest jumps in the Indians' system in 2017 and now profiles as a potential No. 3 starter. He will advance to Triple-A Columbus in 2018 and could pitch his way into the big league mix.

6. CHANG


BORN: Aug. 18, 1995. [STILL ONLY 22 FOR HIS AAA DEBUT IN COLUMBUS, AND FIRST SHOT AT 3RD AND OF]
B-T: R-R | HT: 6-1 | WT: 175.
SIGNED: Taiwan, 2013.
SIGNED BY: Allen Lin/Jayson Lynn.
MINORS: .220/.312/.461 | 24 HR | 11 SB | 440 AB

Track Record: Chang was a prominent prep player in Taiwan and was one of the top amateur free agents to sign out of Asia in 2013. His profile has risen in 2016 and 2017 as his power has developed.

Scouting Report: Chang has solid all-around offensive tools and is now tapping into his raw power. He has produced 104 extra-base hits in the last two years, more than half his total hits (205) in that time. His swing is still geared to hit line drives, but he has done a better job of incorporating his lower half into his swing and understanding what pitches he can drive. He is a patient hitter, but his willingness to work deep counts leads to an elevated strikeout rate, which spiked to a career-high 26 percent in 2017. Chang's tools are good enough to play at shortstop, though his future as an everyday player may be elsewhere. He is an average defender with average or better speed and arm strength.

The Future: Chang has exclusively played shortstop in full-season ball, but that will likely change at Triple-A Columbus in 2018. With Francisco Lindor holding down shortstop in Cleveland, and with the Indians' predilection for versatility, Chang will likely begin gaining exposure to other infield positions.

7. WILLI

BORN: April 24, 1997. [ONLY 20 WHEN HE DEBUTS IN AKRON IN APRIL]
B-T: B-R| HT: 6-1 | WT: 165
SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2013.
SIGNED BY: Ramon Pena/Felix Nivar.
MINORS: .290/.337/.424 | 11 HR | 19 SB | 468 AB

Track Record: The Indians have pushed Castro since signing him out of the Dominican Republic in 2013, and he had been the youngest player on his team at every stop of his pro career until 2017, when he was edged by Triston McKenzie and had to settle for being the youngest position player. Despite his youth, Castro has held his own at every level and had a breakout 2017 season at high Class A Lynchburg.

Scouting Report: A switch-hitter, Castro sprays line drives from both sides of the plate. He started coming into his power more in 2017, when he hit 11 home runs to more than double his previous career total. He is an aggressive hitter, limiting his walks, but he controls the strike zone well and makes a lot of contact. He has above-average speed and is a threat on the bases. Defensively, he has an above-average arm, good hands and sound infield actions at shortstop. He still has to work on his consistency after making 25 errors in each of the last two years, but his tools and instincts give him a good chance to stay at shortstop.

The Future: Castro is a confident player whose approach to the game has matured in the last year. He will advance to Double-A Akron in 2018.

8. ALLEN


BORN: March 15, 1993. [Well, he's not remarkably young, but still...]
B-T: B-R | HT: 6-0 | WT: 175
DRAFTED: San Diego State, 2014 (6th round).
SIGNED BY: Ryan Thompson
MINORS: .264/.344/.357 | 2 HR | 21 SB | 258 AB

Track Record: Allen got off to a strong start in 2017 at Double-A Akron before breaking the hamate bone in his right hand. The injury sidelined him for two months, but he played well enough upon his return to get called up to Cleveland in September to make his major league debut. He made the playoff roster and appeared in two games.

Scouting Report: Allen's game is built around his plus speed. He has good on-base skills, is a disciplined hitter and has walked about as often as he has struck out in his career. His approach at the plate is geared toward making contact, limiting his power potential and some of his offensive impact. He is a good baserunner and is always a threat to steal. Allen's speed also plays well in center field, where he is a plus defender. He takes good routes, has an above-average arm and has the speed to cover plenty of ground.

The Future: Allen doesn't fit the typical corner outfield profile, but with Bradley Zimmer set to man center field in Cleveland, that may be where the Indians ask him to play. He will open 2018 either in Cleveland or at Triple-A Columbus.

9. VALERA

BORN: Nov. 13, 2000. [born after my oldest graduated from high school]
B-T: L-L | HT: 5-10 | WT: 160
SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2017.
SIGNED BY: Jhonathan Leyba/Domingo Toribio.
MINORS: Did not play — Signed 2018 contract

Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/ ... R7d58fK.99
Track Record: The Indians took advantage of their recently revamped international scouting department and the rule changes in the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement to make a splash on the international market in 2017. Valera, the fifth-ranked player in the class, was their top target, and he signed a deal worth $1.3 million. He was born in New York and lived there until his family moved to the Dominican Republic when he was 13.

Scouting Report: Valera was one of the best hitters in the international class and drew comparisons with Nationals outfield prospect Juan Soto. He has a loose, compact swing and keeps his bat in the hitting 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 hitting ability the Indians look for. He has above-average raw power and gets to it in games, though he has more of a hit-over-power profile. Valera profiles as a corner outfielder with average speed and arm strength.

The Future: Valera will make his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League in 2018 as he begins his path to reaching his considerable ceiling.

10. BENSON


BORN: June 16, 1998. [TEENAGER MAKES THE TRIP TO BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN EASTLAKE]
B-T: L-L | HT: 6-5 | WT: 215
DRAFTED: HS--Atlanta, 2016 (1st round).
SIGNED BY: C.T. Bradford.
MINORS: .238/.347/.475 | 10 HR | 7 SB | 202 IP
SEE MORE

Track Record: Benson was a two-sport star in high school and, as a senior, was a member of the USA Baseball team that won the 2016 18U World Cup in Japan.

Scouting Report: Benson produces elite bat speed thanks to his strength and quick hands, and he turns that bat speed into tremendous raw power, rivaling Bobby Bradley for the best in the system. He is learning to get to that power more consistently and in 2017 led the short-season New York-Penn League in home runs (10). His power comes with a lot of swing-and-miss, however, and he has struck out in one-third of his plate appearances. He has frequently tinkered with his swing but seemed to be more comfortable in the second half. Those adjustments, as well as his ability to work a walk, led to some optimism that he will cut down his strikeout rate. He is an excellent athlete who runs well for his size, particularly once he is underway. He has a plus arm and is a solid defender in right field.

The Future: As a physical, athletic, lefthanded-hitting outfielder from Atlanta, Benson is often compared with Jason Heyward. Benson has a long way to go to reach his ceiling and will advance to full-season ball when he opens 2018 at low Class A Lake County.

I have less of a problem with that top prospect list by BA than in years past. They obviously think more of Chang than I do and have Allen further down than me but not bad, IMHO.

Thanks for sharing, Civ. And hey, you got a question in about my guy, Longo! Hopefully he will grow on you.

By the way, Todd, the Indians Prospective guy who tweets a lot of Tribe minor league info that I share here all the time, he is very high on Oviedo. Been saying to keep an eye out for him since he first saw him.

The Arizona club was so bad last summer that I didn't pay as much attention as I should have to anyone other than the three position players at the top of the draft. I have always enjoyed finding someone at our lowest level to track onward, sometimes with some modest success like Raffy Perez or Jeanmar Gomez, sometimes not quite so successful like Kelvin de la Cruz. Oviedo apparently looks like a pitcher and had an impressive debut. Sounds more interesting than an Eli Morgan who is tiny righty with a good change that mystifies other 20 year olds.