We’ll use this post to track the minor moves from around the MLB today…
- The Indians announced they are bringing back outfielder Brandon Barnes on a minor league deal with a non-roster invitation to spring training. Barnes, 32, received over 100 plate appearances in the big leagues in each of the five seasons from 2012 to 2016, topping out with a .240/.289/.346 mark over 445 PA with Houston in 2013. He saw only two starts with the Indians last season, being used mostly as a pinch-hitter and late-game replacement, collecting 5 hits in 19 at-bats with one home run. Barnes can play all three outfield positions, and he even covered second for two innings last year, but it would be a surprise if he broke camp with the big league club. Still, he’ll be given a chance to earn a roster spot in the spring for a Cleveland organization that is still actualizing their 2019 outfield.
- The Cleveland Indians also invited right-hander Brooks Pounders to major league camp after inking the former Rockie to a minor league contract, per a team announcement (via Twitter). Pounders, 28, posted great strikeout (9.98 K/9) and walk rates (1.17 BB/9) over 14 appearances in Colorado, but he struggled overall in run prevention at the big league level with a 7.63 ERA. Advanced metrics paint a rosier picture for the 6’5″ Pounders (4.27 FIP, 3.67 xFIP, 3.15 SIERRA), who has also had cups of coffee with the Angels (in 2017) and Royals (in 2016). Clearly, there is enough talent for teams to continue to give Pounders a look, but he will need to produce consistently to emerge from a robust spring competition with a spot in the Cleveland bullpen. Like with Barnes in the outfield, there is an open path to playing time as of today, but lots is expected to change between now and Opening Day.
Two Rs in SIERA?
How excited are you that Barnes is back? @sufferfortribe
(I like him as a depth option too)
I’m happy with the signing, for sure! I think he can produce more than a lot of the other stiffs they seem to invite every spring. Hopefully I can swing a trip to Goodyear in March.
I wonder if the Indians will actually address their OF issues. So far it’s an unproven Bauers in left (maybe) and a bunch of bench players.
Greg Allen has potential and when Zimmerman gets healthy that would be two solid CF options. They do need RF and LF but there is still time to address that.
I really think Greg Allen can develop into an everyday starter. He’s only 25, and hopefully takes the next step this coming season.
Article in the PD sad they see Bauers primarily as a 1B and you might see Santana get some games out in LF
When are you going to cover the Cubs minor league signings?
Brooks Pounders is both an amazing baseball and adult film star name.
Wish he played with Rusty Kuntz
haha I had to check if that was real, well played sir.
Rusty got the stubby clapp
From Dick Pole
Peter LaCock.
That is all.
Big, if true
Not sure if it was reported already but Boston is bringing Bryce to spring training on a minor league deal…Bryce Brent again…