The depth of the Indians’ rotation is their biggest question, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Now that Carlos Carrasco and Mitch Talbot are on the disabled list, the Tribe’s other options are being tested. Here’s Rosenthal’s latest from around the league:
- The Mariners have the resources to bring in additional veterans when they want to, according to Rosenthal.
- Jose Bautista, one of the top players in the game right now, is impressing just about everyone, including his own skipper. “His game awareness is as good as you’re going to get,” manager John Farrell told Rosenthal. “His ability in that regard takes him to another level."
- A scout told Rosenthal that Manny Machado “looks like a man playing with little boys.” The Orioles selected the 18-year-old shortstop prospect with the third overall pick in last year’s draft and he has a 1.090 OPS in Class A.
- The Rays may need to upgrade over Casey Kotchman at first base, but a definitive improvement may be difficult to find. The Brewers are likely to keep Prince Fielder, as Rosenthal points out.
I remember when Kotchman was one of the Angels top prospects. I doubt the Rays could offer anything for Prince without making more holes in their team
Do the Rays have any top of the rotation potential arms in the minors?
yes lots
Target somebody on a team that isn’t going to compete this year. Billy Butler, you figure the Royals would listen if the return of talent is sufficient. Maybe Derek Lee is the O’s flame out.
If you want affordable you could try Alonso from the Reds. May have his transition struggles but he will stroke it in the majors when he gets his chance. He is turning it on down in Louisville after a slow start.
Difficult to find a definitive improvement over Kotchman? Really? I’m pretty sure the Rays could pluck Ron Coomer out of broadcasting and get better results than what Kotchman will deliver in the longterm.
kotchman’s been pretty solid offensively and defensibly so far. i’d argue it was an upgrade over pena because pena was so streaky
I am glad that I “reached” for Bautista in the 3rd round on my fantasy team…I’m pretty sure anyone in my league would gladly trade whoever their 3rd round pick was for him now.
Cool story, bro.
I’m with you. I snagged him up through waivers last year and kept him. Cost me a whole dollar.
“Manny Machado ‘looks like a man playing with little boys.’”
LOL
Ohhhhhhhhh I get it now hahaha
Insert priest joke here.
Wow how dumb was Toronto for signing that one year wonder Bautista!?… What a bust. Shoulda traded him while his value was highest!
great april? that settles it. deal was worth it
You assume im being sarcastic? :)
edit: wait, are you being sarcastic or not
A Reds/Rays deal involving Shields and Yonder Alonso et. al, perhaps?
Shields if off to a great start. Who knows if the Rays would move him mid-season. Probably not if they are in it and his great start continues.
They’re a sell-high type team with a tight payroll, and he’s headed for a huge raise in the offseason. The Reds need a top of the rotation starter, and have plenty to offer.
True. Interesting to see if the Reds could work it into their budget.
Rays will def move him, whether they are in it or not. Aslong as they get what they feel is fair value they will move him a la Kazmir a few years back
Can’t wait to see what Machado can do in the MLB!
I can’t resist… he’ll be a man playing with little boys.
Wow, so Rosenthal said the Mariners wouldn’t be able to keep Felix at his salary and now says they CAN take on salary?