Trade Deadline Preview: Cleveland Indians
By Aaron Somers
Jun 2, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson (63) delivers in the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Needs to be addressed:
1. Bench help
Mike Aviles is really the only productive member of the team’s bench so far, hitting .261/.281/.348. He won’t work a walk or hit much for power, but he’s still able to get a base hit in a pinch and brings some defensive versatility to the mix that always offers up some added value. With Ryan Raburn around to provide that same flexibility, the Indians have a lot of leeway towards how they construct their bench without having to rely strictly on positional splits. However, there is little production coming from the group and a complete lack of a power bat that can be relied upon (at least while Jason Giambi is sidelined).
2. What to do with Masterson?
Justin Masterson seemed like a prime candidate to talk to about a contract extension before the season, but his performance on the year may be leading the team in another direction at this point. Yes, he’s been pitching through an injury for much of the year but he hasn’t at all looked like the same pitcher. His ERA has ballooned to 5.03 and he’s walking batters at a higher rate (4.8 BB/9) than almost any other point in his career. Cleveland needs to decide if they are going to pursue re-signing him at season’s end. If not, perhaps it’s worthwhile to see if he’d bring back anything at the trade deadline.
3. Where does Carlos Santana play?
The experiment of moving Santana to third base doesn’t appear to be working. He’s only played a third of his games there on the year (with another third coming at first base and the last third split between catcher/designated hitter). Santana’s offensive production has been minimal and with Chisenhall’s emergence there isn’t as much of a need to play him at the hot corner. Perhaps finding a more permanent home for him will help him focus at the plate, letting him return to being the hitter he’d appeared to be developing into over the past few seasons.