Cleveland Indians Organization Discussion

Probably should have been pitching in the DSL as a 17 year old, but the Indians brought him over and he was pretty successful in the GCL. Was his stuff that good to come over, or was it needs based?

I’m also interested to see how aggressive a ranking Robbie Aviles gets.

I think the Indians system is quite strong, particularly in pitching. There aren’t any true blue-chippers, but there are a lot of guys at the top of the system who could be solid major leaguers; Chisenhall, Kipnis, Weglarz and White. Offensively, the depth thins out pretty quickly, but Phelps stock is rising and Chun-Hsiu Chen is a below the radar prospect at catcher. The pitching depth is fairly remarkable, though. White is at the top of the system, but behind him you have guys like Barnes, Hagadone, Knapp, De La Cruz, Soto, Kluber, McAllister, Packer, Gardner, Rondon, Adams, Cook, Sterling and A. Perez. The bullpen prospects like Judy, Stowell, Bryson, Putnam, Price, Burns, Guilmet and Pestano all had great seasons in 2010, also. Finally, the 2010 draft has gotten solid reviews with the likes of Pomeranz, Washington, Wolters, Blair, Cook and Lavisky. I think there is a lot to like.

I think their top 10 are very solid, but unspectacular. Chisenhall and Kipnis could have some occasional all-star appearances but I don’t think they’ll be ‘stars’. Similar, Pomeranz and White look like pretty good starters, but not the ‘ace’ types.

That being said, if half or better turn into solid regulars then this will look like it was a pretty crop five years or so down the road.

is a real interesting pitcher. Mid to low 90’s with the fastball, good feel for his change, and the slider is coming around. Has really shown good control at times and his ability to induce the GB has been impressive. Nice sturdy build.Sounds like he might have all the makings for a mid rotation innings eater, and to me thats saying a lot.