Trevor Bauer likely won’t win a spot in Cleveland’s rotation out of Spring Training, but he’s still impressing his new manager, Terry Francona. (Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

It’s no secret that Trevor Bauer is a talented pitcher with a fair amount of potential. It’s why there was such widespread surprise when the Arizona Diamondbacks were willing to part with him (despite his “character flaws” that made him “not D’backs material”) in what amounted to a three team trade on December 11th. Now in his first Spring Training as a member of the Cleveland Indians it would seem that Bauer has done nothing but impress his new manager, Terry Francona, but he still appears likely to start the season back in the minor leagues.

Bauer had a dominant 2012 season in the minor leagues. In 22 starts combined between Double-A and Triple-A he posted a 12-2 mark, 2.42 ERA, 1.289 WHIP, and 10.8 K/9 over 130.1 IP. Bauer also made four starts for the Diamondbacks – one in June, three in July – but with mixed results. He went 1-2 with a 6.06 ERA in 16.1 IP, striking out 17 but also walking 13.

There were concerns off the field within the Arizona organization, however, that ultimately led to him being available in the right deal. D’backs GM Kevin Towers appeared to have perceived Bauer as not being a hard worker or “gritty enough” to build a team around. It became obvious Bauer would be traded and the Indians appear to have been the victors who obtained his services. And so far this Spring it appears to be working in Bauer’s favor, as Francona himself spoke highly of the young 22 year old’s work ethic when speaking with the team’s beat reporters, including Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal Online.

When you tell him something, you have to have a reason, which you’re supposed to have anyway. It was like managing Doug Glanville. You would want to say, ‘I know you’re smarter than I am. You don’t have to apologize for it.’

Cleveland faces plenty of uncertainty at the backend of their starting rotation, but no matter how strong Bauer may pitch this Spring it appears unlikely that he will land a spot in the team’s rotation when camp breaks – as that final spot may actually end up going to Scott Kazmir, who’s attempting a comeback, or even Kyle Lohse, who the Indians have continued to be linked to. Bauer will get his chance to pitch in Cleveland this season, but some added experience in the minor leagues certainly can’t hurt him in the long run.

The names in this trade may not be as well-known as the Royals/Rays trade of this past weekend, but the talent level is just as high.

In addition to Choo, the Reds get utility infielder Jason Donald from Cleveland. The Indians receive shortstop Didi Gregorius and center fielder Drew Stubbs. Gregorius then goes to the Diamondbacks, giving them the shortstop they’ve been coveting, along with pitcher Tony Sipp and first baseman Lars Anderson. Right hander Trevor Bauer heads to the Indians with pitchers Bryan Shaw and Matt Albers.

Choo hasn’t played much in center, but the Reds think he has the athleticism to haandle it. Image: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

My initial reaction to this trade is that is seems incredibly well-balanced. Every team involved filled a need and each team gave up talent to get talent.

The Reds have been seeking a center fielder who hits lead-off and while Choo may not be the idea fit defensively, he showed last season that he can thrive at the top of the order. Though he’d previously been a middle-of-the-order bat, Choo was moved to the lead-off spot last season in an attempt to jump start the Cleveland offense. In 453 plate appearances in the role, Choo posted a .310/.389/.493 line.

While he is prone to strikeouts, he couples them with a very good walk rate. Over the past five seasons, Choo has a combined on base percentage of .384. The only significant concern is that he hasn’t played much center field. In fact, Choo has played just 83 career innings in center. He does have good speed and a very good arm, so he should be able to get by in Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark. When the Reds travel to some of the bigger parks in the NL, Choo’s comparative lack of ideal range could become a bigger issue. What they give up defensively should be more than overcome by the offensive boost Choo should provide.

Reds lead-off hitters reached base at a .254 clip last season, and their center fielders had a combined OPS of just .621. Choo should blow those numbers out of the water. That they get him by moving their former center fielder and a shortstop prospect means that the rest of the major league roster goes unchanged. This is how prospects are supposed to be used.

Arizona seemed to have their choice of either taking Gregorius or Cleveland’s Asdrubal Cabrera in the trade. The Tribe had been working on a deal with Arizona that would have sent Cabrera to the desert during the Winter Meetings, but the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement. In that proposed deal, Cabrera would have cost the D-backs two young pitchers. In this trade, they get Gregorius for the cost of one arm.

That arm, Bauer, is one of the most highly-regarded young pitchers in baseball, though he struggled in his first taste of the big leagues in 2012. In 130 minor league innings in 2012, Bauer was 12-2 with a 2.42 ERA and 157 strikeouts on just 130 innings of work. Walks were a problem he was able to overcome while overpowering minor league hitters, but he didn’t get away with them in 16 big league innings. I don’t love this deal for the D-backs.

Gregorius is a 22-year-old who is absolutely major-league ready as a defender. The real question is whether he can hit enough to be a productive regular. He’s posted a .271/.323/.376 line in over 1700 minor league at bats. He struggles to reach base with regularity and he offers virtually no power at all. I love his glove and he has good speed, but I think the D-backs would have done better to give up the second arm to land Cabrera.

Which brings us to Cleveland’s part of the haul. The Tribe get Stubbs, a defensive whiz in center field who has issues making consistent contact at the plate. He has loads of talent, however, and good power to go along with above average speed. He’s a guy who could really benefit from a change of scenery. I think he had become a bit of a whipping boy for Reds fans over the past couple of years and no doubt that weighed on him. Stubbs was supposed to have matured into the kind of impact bat that would have joined Jay Bruce and Joey Votto in forming the core of the next Reds Championship club, but it didn’t happen for him. Still, the talent remains. He’ll slot in as the center fielder in Cleveland with Michael Brantley moving back to his more natural left field.

In deals like this you typically see one team building for the future in some way, shape, or form. In this case, however, the D-backs dealt from a surplus to fill a need with a player of similar age and team control. The Indians moved a great player, but managed to keep Cabrera while still getting Bauer, who should step in and help right away. Cleveland desperately needed pitching and Choo was probably not sticking around beyond 2013 anyway.

The Reds only get one season of Choo, but get him by moving the guy he’s replacing and one of their two shortstops. By 2014, Billy Hamilton should be ready to step in to center field anyway.

September 5, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (13) makes a throw against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona has a clear mission of finding a shortstop this Winter and have dangled Upton as a way to accomplish this, but Cleveland, who is willing to part with Cabrera, wants pitching, not an outfielder, in return. Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com says the talks have been on going, but have picked up steam at the Winter Meetings.

The Indians and D-backs have discussed the framework of a deal that centers around Tribe shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and Arizona right-hander Trevor Bauer, an industry source said early Wednesday.

Bauer is Arizona’s top pitching prospect and one of the most highly regarded in baseball. He made his big league debut in 2012, but struggled to a 6.06 ERA in four starts. The biggest culprit in his struggles was the 13 walks he allowed in just 16 innings of work.

There are some within the Diamondbacks organization that have soured on Bauer, who goes through a unique and controversial warm-up routine against the wishes of the team, but if he stays healthy he has a chance to be an elite starting pitcher in the major leagues. In 22 starts between Double-A and Triple-A in 2012, Bauer was outstanding with a 12-2 record and 2.42 ERA and 157 strikeouts in just 130 innings. He still walked too many hitters, but the numbers were much more manageable in the minor leagues.

The Rangers, who need for Cabrera to be included in their talks with Arizona, would love to see this deal go away. Texas is lusting after Upton, but refuse to give up either of their two young shortstops to get him and instead have recruited the Indians to supply Cabrera. Presumably, Texas would surrender pitching to Cleveland.

Upton can block trades to four teams. Image: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

Upton, still just 25, is just a year removed from a top-five finish in the National League MVP balloting, but has been the subject of trade rumors for the past couple of seasons. Despite some down numbers in 2012, Upton will likely be the most sought-after hitter on the trade market this off-season and Towers can expect a King’s ransom in return for the young outfielder.

In addition to Upton, Towers is said to be fielding offers for right handed pitcher Trevor Bauer, who made his major league debut in 2012.

Bauer has reportedly fallen out of favor with the D-backs organization despite great success in the minor leagues. He uses a very unorthodox routine prior to every start that was been widely panned across baseball. Just 21 years old, Bauer would come with six years of team control and an extremely high ceiling as a prospect, if he can stay healthy. Heath is the concern with Bauer, especially so because of the unnecessary strain he puts upon himself during his warm up routine.

While the free agent market features elite talents that will cost enormous amounts of money but no prospects, the more thrifty shoppers this Winter can visit Arizona and spend far fewer dollars so long as they have prospects to spare. Not surprisingly, the market for both players is expected to be deep and full of teams from markets of all sizes. The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers are among the teams already mentioned as being interested in adding Upton.

Upton is under contract for three more years at a total of $38.5 million, so some money will have to be spent. For a player of this talent and one who is still in his pre-prime seasons, Upton’s contract will likely prove a bargain.

After a rough start Tuesday, Trevor Bauer has been demoted back to Triple-A. (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

talented young righty has struggled, and he had his worst performance of the year Tuesday.  So the Diamondbacks made the decision to send Bauer back to Triple-A Reno yesterday for some seasoning.  In the corresponding roster move, Arizona called up right-hander Jonathan Albaladejo.

In four starts, Bauer has a 6.06 ERA.  He has a slightly lower, but far from exciting, FIP of 5.15.  In his start Tuesday, Bauer lasted just three innings and gave up four runs.  He struggled with control and walked five.  He also threw two wild pitches.  He gave up seven runs in a July 3rd start against the Padres but managed to pitch six innings and walk less than his start Tuesday.  The two outings combined to send his ERA sky-rocketing.

Kirk Gibson talked about the demotion:

“You can’t replace experience,” manager Kirk Gibson said. “He doesn’t have a lot of it. This is a different game for him. They stole off him last night. He threw some wild pitches. I could chalk it up to he needs more seasoning.”

The Diamondbacks’ pitching staff has been hit by injuries.  Joe Saunders is on the DL and Daniel Hudson has been lost for the year to Tommy John surgery.  Ian Kennedy has not been himself this year either, making matters worse.  Arizona may have called Bauer up too soon to fill the holes, but they had no choice.  Some additional seasoning at Triple-A could help him regain his confidence and his control.

Albaladejo has pitched 75 2/3 Major League innings with three different teams in five seasons.  He had a stint with the Diamondbacks earlier this year and threw two innings while giving up two runs.  Albaladejo has a career 4.28 ERA.  He has pitched for the Nationals, Mets, and the Diamondbacks.

For more on the Diamondbacks, be sure to check out Venom Strikes.

The Diamondbacks rotation as it stands right now is Ian Kennedy, Trevor Bauer, Wade Miley, Josh Collementer, and Trevor Cahill.  Joe Saunders is on the disabled list and likely on his way out of Arizona altogether with Bauer’s call-up, and Daniel Hudson has been lost for the season thanks to a torn UCL and Tommy John surgery.  Arizona’s team ERA ranks just 18th in the league, they’ve opponents are batting .263 against them – good enough for just 23rd in the league, and they’ve given up the tenth-most total bases.  The staff needs help.

(more…)

Trevor Bauer made his Major League Debut yesterday. How'd he do? Solid, but not great. (Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE)

Let’s break down Bauer’s first Major League start to see what went right and what went wrong.  We’ll start with an overall recap – all numbers provided by Brooks Baseball.

Bauer stuck to what he knew in his debut; his four seam fastball.  The easiest to control pitch in his arsenal was also the most used pitch.  Bauer threw the four-seamer 43 times out of 74 total pitches.  He mixed in a change up and a curve ball, but threw his two-seamer just four times.  He tossed the change up 11 times and the curveball 16 times.

Bauer gave up his first Major League run in the third inning.  In that inning, he threw just 36.17% of his pitches for strikes.  Not a recipe for success by any stretch.  In the ill-fated inning, Bauer threw 30 of his 74 pitches.  In the fourth inning, when Bauer gave up his second run, he was still struggling.  Just not as much.  He threw 61.54%of his pitches for strikes, but still allowed a run.  He was pulled after the fourth due to cramping, but in all the outing was not bad.  He is expected to go longer in his next outing.

As Bauer gets more comfortable pitching in the Majors, he will mix his pitches up more often.  His fastball is his best pitch, so he will continue to use it frequently.  The four-seamer topped out at 95 mph yesterday.  However, he didn’t get any whiffs on the four-seam fastball.  He did get 12.5% whiffs on his curve.  But the fastball is the pitch with which he has the most control.  He threw strikes 60.4% of the time with the fastball.

Bauer is next schedule to pitch July 3rd against the Padres in Phoenix.  It will be his home debut, and the crowd is sure to be intrigued by the phenom.

For more on the Diamondbacks, be sure to check out Venom Strikes. 

Daniel Hudson's season is likely over after he was diagnosed with a torn UCL in his pitching elbow. (Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE)

anything but dominant.  Yesterday, we may have found out why.  After being lifted from his last start with tightness in his right forearm, the Diamondbacks placed Hudson on the 15-day DL yesterday with tear in his ulnar collateral ligament.

Hudson will likely be faced with season-ending Tommy John surgery, but Hudson may first seek a second opinion.  The number of pitchers to undergo Tommy John surgery this season is staggering, but the injury explains Hudson’s reduced command and effectiveness.

The injury wasn’t necessarily apparent in Hudson’s velocity, but there has been a slight reduction compared with last year.  According to Fangraphs, Hudson’s fastball is averaging about 0.4 mph less velocity.  His slider is averaging 4.2 mph less, which is probably most telling.

Hudson was 3-2 this season with a 7.35 ERA.  Last year, he was 16-12 with a 3.45 ERA, and in his career, he owns an ERA of just 3.68.  Hudson left his start Tuesday in the second inning complaining of discomfort in his pitching arm.  And things just got worse from there.  According to Nick Piercoro of the Arizona Republic, an MRI yesterday revealed a 100% tear of Hudson’s right UCL.

While the Diamondbacks have already called up Trevor Bauer to replace the injured Joe Saunders (Bauer makes his debut today), they will need more pitching help.  Tyler Skaggs, another highly-touted pitching prospect in the DBacks organization is not ready for a call-up.  Hudson’s injury almost forces Arizona to look at the trade market for help if they way to continue their rise toward the top of the National League West.

Hudson, who is just 25-years old, would likely return sometime after the All-Star break next year if he does in fact have to undergo Tommy John surgery.

For more on the Diamondbacks, be sure to check out Venom Strikes.  

It's news most DBacks fans couldn't wait to hear; Trevor Bauer will make his ML Debut Thursday. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE)

Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. There was no question Bauer would be called up this season, but there was question as to when it would happen. Bauer was scheduled to start for the Reno Aces yesterday which would have indicated his call-up to the Diamondbacks would have been delayed until after the All-Star break. However, he was pulled from the game after throwing only 50 pitches.

Bauer has rocketed through the DBacks minor league system. He started at High-A ball last season and finished at Double-A Mobile. This season, he pitched for Mobile for eight starts before being promoted to Triple-A Reno. In all, Bauer 11-1 witha 2.23 ERA between Mobile and Reno this year.

DBacks fans have been awaiting Bauer’s call-up since word of his dominance started trickling back to Phoenix, but they’ll have to wait a while longer before seeing him in person. Bauer is scheduled to start in Atlanta. Arizona wanted his debut to be on the road so as to limit the pressure on the 21-year old.

Bauer became an internet sensation earlier this year when video and reports of his long-toss routine flooded the web. During Spring Training, Bauer put on a show while warming up. He showed off a cannon that allowed him to throw from foul pole to foul pole in the outfield.

Bauer was drafted third overall by the Diamondbacks last season. He was the 9th best prospect in all of baseball prior to the start of this season according to Baseball America. Bauer pitched the UCLA to the College World Series last season and posted a 13-2 record with a 1.25 ERA in 2011 for the Bruins.

Bauer is making his debut in part because he is ready but also because of Joe Saunders‘ injury. Saunders was placed on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. This, of course, opened up a roster spot for Bauer, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the DBacks. They are currently two games over .500 after sweeping the Cubs and just 5.5 games back of the Dodgers. Bauer’s addition could help the club close the gap as pitching has been a struggle of late.

The Diamondbacks, though, don’t want to put too much on Bauer too quick. They still have Tyler Skaggs in Double-A Mobile who will likely see action later this season. Bauer does not have to be the team’s savior, he just needs to be solid.

For more on the Diamondbacks, be sure to check out Venom Strikes. 

• The Los Angeles Dodgers are the hottest team in baseball.  Despite losing Matt Kemp twice this season, they
  

  The Dodgers still have the best record with Matt Kemp on the DL. Imagine what they can do with him in the lineup. (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

  have the best record in the Majors.  At 37-21, they have a four game lead on the surprising Giants, but San Francisco’s pitching is heating up.  San Francisco has the third best team ERA in baseball at 3.27.  They’ve also tossed the fifth most shut-outs this year.  The Dodgers will look to hold on to their lead and build on it when Matt Kemp returns, but according to J.P. Hoornstra of the San Bernadino Sun, Kemp is expected to be out at least a month still.

• ESPN Los Angeles is reporting that Bob Wolfe will join the Dodgers front office as their executive vice president.  Wolfe has worked with numerous organizations including the Braves and Nationals.  Wolfe served as the Braves senior vice president of administration from 1992-2003.
• The injuries keep piling up for San Diego.  Eric Stults, who the Padres claimed off waivers from the White Sox to fill the void already left by injuries to their pitching staff, has been hit with the injury bug himself.  According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, Stults suffered a strained left lat muscle and has hit the 15-day disabled list.  The Padres have made the decision to promote Andrew Cashnerfrom his current set-up man role to starter.  He will start Saturday for the Padres and will likely continue in the rotation says Brock.Cashner was a starter in the Cubs organization and has a career 10-8 record in the rotation.  Since suffering a shoulder injury last season, Cashner has not returned to the starting rotation.  When the Padres traded for Cashner, they promised to give him a shot as a starter starting next season.  He is getting that shot early.  So far this year, Cashner has pitched 26 innings, has a 3.81 ERA and carries a 10.0 strikeout per nine innings ration.  He routinely hits 100 mph on the radar guns.
• 

  Stephen Drew made his first rehab start yesterday. He went 1 for 4. (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

  The Arizona Diamondbacks will be getting two key pieces added to their team very soon.  Stephen Drew is expected to return from his gruesome ankle injury soon, and Trevor Bauer is inching ever-closer to a Major League promotion.Drew made a rehab start last night for the Reno Aces.  He was 1 for 4 in his first live game action.  Sports Illustrated has indicated the Diamondbacks and Drew do not know when he will finish his rehab assignment.  It will depend on how his ankle responds to game action.

  Trevor Bauer, the Diamondbacks top pitching prospect, was promoted to Triple-A last month.  He has since gone 2-0 with a 2.52 ERA.  With the Dbacks struggling still, they can use all the help they can get.  However, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com says Arizona is in no rush to promote Bauer. The team i not pushing to make room on the roster for Bauer, and General Manager Kevin Towers has said it will work itself out.