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MLB: Weaknesses of Current AL Playoff Teams

By Matthew Lively

Aug 6, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) is hit by a pitch in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) is hit by a pitch in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Indians

AL Central

Jul 19, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Chris Gimenez (38) runs after a wild pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Chris Gimenez (38) runs after a wild pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Indians really got burned at the trade-deadline in an unusual occurrence of a player vetoing a trade. Jonathan Lucroy declining the invitation to the Indians really put a gaping hole at the catching position.

When Yan Gomes went down with a separated shoulder in the middle of July, the Indians were forced to platoon both Roberto Perez and Chris Gimenez.

Both catchers have had a real tough time at the plate this season, a major concern for the team. Perez is currently batting under .100 and Gimenez has hit just .210 with 26 strikeouts in 105 at-bats. Both players have a strikeout rate above 24 percent and aren’t hitting higher than .233 with runners in scoring position.

The Indians also have to make sure the two can handle the pitching rotation. A major overlooked duty of a catching staff is making sure they can make sound decisions in pitch calling and defensive plays. With limited experience, those two may struggle. Since Gomes’ injury, the Indians have ranked last in the AL in ERA, opponent slugging percentage, and doubles allowed.

The Indians don’t have any viable options in the farm system to call up as their top catching prospect is only in single A. Yan Gomes isn’t expected back until about late August to mid September, but a separated shoulder will definitely limit his already weak bat.

The Indians have a couple of waiver-wire options they could inquire about. The first is Derek Norris, who the Padres were supposedly trying hard to get rid of at the deadline. He’s hitting .190/.252/.350, but has plenty of experience and has had two good offensive seasons before this year’s poor performance. Two other options are Kurt Suzuki and Carlos Ruiz.

Next: AL West

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