Tag Archives: Greg Allen

Cleveland drops final game of series to Tigers 7-4

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The Cleveland Baseball Club dropped the final game of their three game series with the Detroit Tigers by a score of 7-4.

It was another short start for Cleveland starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco as he struggled yet again in Sunday’s 7-4 loss. Carrasco allowed 4 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk in just 3.1 innings. Two home runs in the 4th inning chased Carrasco from the game as Detroit took a 4-1 lead.

Things did not get much better as Detroit would score three more times off of Logan Allen. Allen would allow 3 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks in 4.2 innings. Surprisingly the only Cleveland pitcher to not give up a run was Dominic Leone. Leone gave up runs to Detroit in his previous two appearances.

While the score looked close, it is not an accurate depiction of how this game went. Cleveland’s bats were kept in check as they only managed 6 hits in the game. Cesar Hernandez hit a leadoff home rum in the bottom of the 1st to provide some early hope that was all for naught. Cleveland would get a few hits here and there, but they were not able to put together a legitimate threat until the 9th inning. By then the game was all but over as the Tigers held a six-run lead.

Jordan Luplow and Mike Freeman would walk to start the 9th. After Yu Chang struck out looking Greg Allen would hit a three-run homer, his second hit of the season. The Tigers would make a pitching change and Jose Cisnero would earn his first save of the season.

Cleveland needs their offense to wake up as they begin a three game series with the Minnesota Twins starting Monday. If they are unable to bust out of this season long slump it will be a long series against the current division leader.

Cleveland cuts roster down to 28

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The Cleveland Baseball Club has made four roster moves in order to cut the Major League roster down to 28 players.

Cleveland made four roster moves Thursday in order to get down to 28 players on their Major League roster. Greg Allen and Daniel Johnson were optioned to the Alternate Training Site Delino DeShields was activated, and Christian Arroyo was designated for assignment.

The moves in the outfield should hopefully provide a bit more clarity in regards to playing time. Cleveland had a ton of outfielders and none of them have necessarily been all that impressive. Taking Allen and Johnson out of the mix and inserting DeShields may help Cleveland find a solution in the outfield for the rest of the season. Worst case scenario is that more moves are made a later date that includes bringing back one or possibly both Allen and Johnson.

Cleveland takes on Cincinnati Thursday at 6:10 P.M.

Indians only manage 3 hits in loss to Rockies

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The Cleveland Indians lost their third consecutive game in Arizona, the latest being a 3-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies.

The Cleveland Indians got an early 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning thanks to a solo shot from Bobby Bradley. This was their second hit of the game and their last until the 8th inning. Cleveland was not able to score again as they lost to the Colorado Rockies by a score of 3-1. This was the third-straight loss for the Tribe. At least the bullpen was not the cause of the loss, unlike their losses to the Cubs and Athletics previously.

The outlook for Cleveland’s outfield situation did not get a whole lot better Sunday. Delino DeShields, Jake Bauers, and Greg Allen combined to go 0-8 with 4 strikeouts (Bauers was the worst with an 0-3, 3 strikeout performance). All three are candidates to make the team and with each passing day are welcoming the possibility of other options being called upon.

Jefry Rodriguez was the Indians starting pitcher, giving up two runs on four hits while walking two and striking out one. Not necessarily the best performance for Rodriguez who may have a larger role depending on the health of Carlos Carrasco.

James Karinchak has continued hist strong spring. Karinchak pitched the 5th inning and only allowed one baserunner on a walk while striking out another.

The Indians will have split squad games on Monday against the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels.

Indians: Greg Allen or Delino DeShields?

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The Cleveland Indians will have a decision in regards to two similar outfielders and who will make the team. Will it be Greg Allen or Delino DeShields?

There are only so many outfield spots on the roster and the Cleveland Indians need to address them carefully. There are corner outfield spots up for grabs and the reserve outfielder role also seems to be available. Cleveland has two very similar players to choose from in Greg Allen and Delino DeShields. Neither player is inspiring at the plate, although DeShields is a better defender.

The advantage Greg Allen has here is that he is a switch-hitter. With the current outfield having plenty of right handed outfielders, this could be a deciding factor. This group includes Franmil Reyes, Domingo Santana, Oscar Mercado, and Jordan Luplow. There are a few left handed options on the roster, but their roster status is also questionable. Jake Bauers and Bradley Zimmer highlight the left handers who could make the team out of spring training. Having a switch-hitter in the mix would give Cleveland the flexibility to adapt their lineup as needed.

The team has plenty of right handed options to begin with. If Allen does not make the roster and Delino DeShields does, that puts Cleveland in a tough spot. With some combination of Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, and Carlos Santana all hitting in the top four spots in the lineup, that leaves a lot of righties afterward. In addition to all of their outfielders, Roberto Perez is also a righty, as are Yu Chang and Christian Arroyo. With the lack of lefties it would make some bit of sense to have another switch-hitter in the mix. The last thing the team needs is to be in a situation with multiple righties in a row and their opponent going to their best right handed reliever.

So which one will it be, Greg Allen or Delino DeShields?

The determining factor here could very well be whether or not their pure left handed outfield options are able to produce. If the Indians determine that Jake Bauers, Bradley Zimmer, and Daniel Johnson are not necessarily in the best position to help the team right now, going with Greg Allen seems like a likely move only because he is a switch-hitter. It is also worth noting that Allen is better when facing right handed pitching than left handed pitching. If Terry Francona is looking to play the matchup game then Allen is a superior option against right handers when compared to DeShields.

It really seems like the decision between these two will ultimately be determined by other decisions made beforehand. This is more of a secondary group that needs to be addressed. Once Cleveland sets their starters, the team will make a decision of who they prefer. Greg Allen or Delino DeShields.

Indians outfield position battles

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The Cleveland Indians will be positioning certain players in certain outfield spots this spring. This should help the team figure out exactly how their roster will be put together come Opening Day. 

Franmil Reyes

Whether or not Franmil Reyes would actually play in the outfield this season was up for debate until fairly recently. A combination of dropping 18 pounds and the signing of Domingo Santana points in the direction of Reyes seeing a good amount of time in the field. Corner outfield to be exact. Reyes will work in both right and left field this spring to gauge his ability as an everyday outfielder. 

Bradley Zimmer 

It was not too long ago that Bradley Zimmer was an exciting player to watch in the Indians outfield. Inconsistent performances at the plate combined with injuries have put his career on pause. Center field is now occupied by Oscar Mercado and others are under consideration for outfield spots. Zimmer will work in center and right field. Being a left handed outfielder could help his case. The only other options in that regard are Jake Bauers and Tyler Naquin. Naquin’s season debut could be delayed and Bauers is not necessarily a lock to make the big league roster. 

Greg Allen

Greg Allen will have every opportunity to make the roster as a switch-hitting outfielder. Cleveland will use him in all three outfield spots this spring. The reality is Allen is someone who shouldn’t start more than twice a week. Allen could make the team as a reserve outfielder, but anything more than that is a cause for concern. 

Jake Bauers 

This is an interesting situation. Like Bradley Zimmer, Jake Bauers is a left handed hitter. Bauers will see time in left field, but also has the ability to play first base. This versatility could lead to Bauers making the roster in one way or another. Having the option to rotate outfield, first base, and the DH positions should be very appealing to Terry Francona. Bauers is the youngest outfielder of this group and has proven enough in AAA, the jump in performance for Bauers could come fairly soon.

Domingo Santana 

This is Cleveland’s other option that they are looking at in regards to left field. Domingo Santana can play the field, but probably shouldn’t. Santana may be better off as a designated hitter while players such as Franmil Reyes and Jake Bauers see time in left. 

Indians should look for upgrades with trades

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There are a few players that the Cleveland Indians should look into trading in order to make some upgrades on their roster.

No, this is not a complete tear down conversation. This is not about trading Francisco Lindor, Mike Clevinger, Corey Kluber, etc. This is about exploring the trade market for players that the Cleveland Indians do not have room for. Finding a way to upgrade the roster with players who are more expendable than others.

Bobby Bradley

Yes, Bobby Bradley. The Assassin. The profile of Bobby Bradley is the epitome of three true outcomes. Strikeout, walk or home run. A little less of a focus on the walk aspect of this description when it comes to Bradley. The most Bradley has walked in a season above “A Ball” is 56 times. Typically more walks are warranted to be classified as three true outcomes guy. Right now, Bradley is more of a two outcome guy with the occasional walk sprinkled in. Bradley will hit home runs (maybe), but will strike out a ton.

If Bradley was someone who could walk more he might be of more interest to the Indians at the MLB level. The fact of the matter is that it is not likely that he will improve upon this particular aspect of his game. If Cleveland was rebuilding, sure, give Bobby Bradley a shot and see what he can do. The reality is that Cleveland has one, possibly two years of serious contention left and need to do what they can in order to do so. If that means trading Bobby Bradley to improve the roster so be it.

Looking at the profile of Bobby Bradley, he is someone with a skill set that is much easier to acquire than in previous years. Hitting for power and striking out a ton can be found on the free agent market every year. Cleveland could trade Bradley to find an upgrade they need while taking a one-year flier on a free agent.

Yu Chang

This was is relatively simple. Yu Chang is blocked at the Major League level. Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor have the left side of the field locked down at this moment. Yes, hypothetically Chang could fill the vacancy at second, but it is worth noting he has only played second base 34 times in his career. Chang has played third base 101 times and shortstop 485 times. Clearly he is viewed more of a shortstop/third base type than second baseman.

Looking at his performance at the plate is not anything that suggest he is going to become an elite hitter at any level. Chang’s .253/.328/.433/.761 slash line across all levels of competition is hardly impressive. There is no reason to bump anyone to a different position to accommodate Chang and there is no reason to depend on him to fill second base this season.

For some reason there was trade interest in regards to Chang before the last trade deadline. If a team is interested in acquiring the services of Yu Chang the Tribe better call them back this offseason. If Cleveland can improve their roster without trading a blue chip prospect, they better do it. Trading Chang would be just that.

Greg Allen

Here is what we know about Greg Allen. Greg Allen is a great fourth outfielder who should play no more than a couple times a week. In small sample sizes he can produce, but when is relied upon as an every day player reality comes crashing hard. The Indians outfield is still relatively unsettled (Oscar Mercado looks great and Franmil Reyes is a DH). Cleveland cannot afford to go into 2020 with Greg Allen in a starting role. Everyone knows what he is, and a starter is not it.

This does not mean that Greg Allen is useless. In fact, he is far from it. Allen is a switch-hitting outfielder with speed. You know where he would be perfect? The National League. Having someone like Allen be able to come off the bench provides an NL team with plenty of options. Allen could pinch hit, pinch run or come in as a defensive replacement. Greg Allen has much more value on a National League roster than he does on an American League one. There should be plenty of teams in the other league that will have interest in his services.

Bradley Zimmer

This is a more of a change of scenery type trade. Bradley Zimmer has not had a ton of success at the big league level in Cleveland. Some of that is related to his performance at the plate and his previously hideous batting stance. The other part is entirely related to his history of injuries. Zimmer just hasn’t been able to stay healthy consistently and the reality is the Indians cannot rely on him to contribute on a regular basis.

The return alone for Zimmer would not be great, but if Cleveland were to package Zimmer with some of the other names listed here that may increase what they can get. The return could be an established outfielder or a second baseman. Getting a proven commodity while the team is still in contention is something definitely worth considering.

Shane Bieber dominates in Indians win

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Cleveland Indians pitcher Shane Bieber only allowed one hit in a complete game shut out of the Toronto Blue Jays as the Tribe won 4-0.

Shane Bieber allowed only one hit in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Toronto. Bieber carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning. Eric Sogard broke up the no-no with a ground-rule double to lead off the inning. While Bieber was unable to complete the first Indians no-hitter/perfect game since Len Barker’s perfect game in 1981, he was still able to finish off his dominant performances. Bieber struck out 10 batters, allowed one hit and walked one over his nine innings of work.

While Bieber was busy not he mound shutting down the Blue Jays, the offense took a little while to get going. The Indians finally got on the board in the fifth inning with Kevin Plawecki driving in Greg Allen with a double.

Oscar Mercado would hit a sacrifice fly in the eighth allowing Francisco Lindor to score and give the Tribe a little more of a cushion.

The ninth inning saw the Indians scoring two more runs. Jose Ramirez scored on a Jordan Luplow groundout and Greg Allen drove in Jake Bauers with an RBI single.

Jose Ramirez went 2-4 on the day as his hot hitting streak continues. Ramirez has collected a hit in 13 of the 16 games in July.

Speaking of hot hitting, Greg Allen is quite productive at the plate. Since returning from Triple-A Allen is slashing .500/.581/.769 with an OPS of 1.350. This is far from sustainable, but it has certainly helped the Indians while Tyler Naquin is sidelined with an injury.

The Cleveland Indians are now only two games back of the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central. Cleveland also holds the first Wild Card spot at this moment in time. The Indians will take on the Kansas City Royals for a four game series starting Thursday.

Indians drop Game 2 to Royals

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A first inning home run from Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier was the difference in the game as the Indians drop Game 2 1-0 to the Royals.

All in all Adam Plutko had a good start. Unfortunately he gave up the only run of the game in the first inning and Indians lost 1-0. Plutko went seven innings allowing one runs on two hits while striking out four. It is really hard to ask for much more from Plutko. The offense on the other hand could have pulled their weight.

Cleveland only managed to get three hits in the game. This poses a bit of a problem when trying to score runs. Francisco Lindor, Jason Kipnis and Greg Allen were the only Indians players to get a hit. Allen’s hit was an extra-base hit, a double with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Unfortunately Tyler Naquin struck out to end the inning.

Tribe hitters did reach base via the walk three times, Carlos Santana walked twice and Roberto Perez walked once.

Cleveland’s best chance at scoring came in the bottom of the first. Lindor led off with a single to start the inning and Santana walked to get runners on first and second with one out in the inning. Kipnis and Ramirez both flied in consecutive at-bats as the Indians were unable to score.

Even though the Indians lost they did not lose a game in the standings. Minnesota lost to Oakland keeping the deficit at three. This is the best possible outcome for Cleveland considering they were not able to come out victorious in Game 2. Cleveland will look to win their second consecutive series and the sixth out of their past eight with a win Sunday.

Game 3 will take place at 1:10 P.M. Sunday before heading out on the road.

Greg Allen channeling late 2018 form

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Greg Allen did not have the best of starts for the 2019 season but is returning to form and has been quite productive as of late.

There was some hope that Greg Allen would continue his hot run at the end of last season. A run that saw Allen slash .313/.380/.406/.787 with seven doubles, one triple, one home run with 15 RBI’s and 15 stolen bases over the final 47 games of the season. Unfortunately Allen was not able to build upon last season and struggled. Cleveland sent Allen down to Triple-A Columbus. Allen has since returned and is tearing the cover off the ball.

In six games since returning Greg Allen is slashing .500/.563/.929 with an OPS of 1.491. This includes one double, one triple and one home run. Allen has also driven in five runs and scoring five times himself. While these numbers are far from sustainable and is part of a very small sample size it is encouraging to see that he is hitting.

Greg Allen has only started four of the six games he has appeared in. This means he has come into two games late. Once as a pinch runner and the other time as pinch hitter. Allen would score back in Cincinnati on July 6th and drove in two runs Wednesday in the Indians 7-2 win over the Tigers.

Allen is not necessarily a regular outfield starter. Oscar Mercado is the everyday centerfielder and the group of Tyler Naquin, Jordan Luplow and Jake Bauers will see their fair share of time in the outfield, (although Bauers does DH and occasionally plays first base). Allen is still a better hitter against right handed pitching rather than left handed pitching. This leaves opportunities for Luplow to get the nod over Allen.

As long as Greg Allen is hitting it is hard to keep him from seeing at least semi-regular playing time. The Indians outfield just seems to more of a fluid situation for the most part rather than a group that is set in stone. There should be plenty of chances for Allen to produce for the Indians the rest of the season.

Allen’s stay with Indians may be short

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Greg Allen was called up last week due to an injury but his time with the Indians in Cleveland may be shorter than expected.

An injury to Oscar Mercado created a need in the outfield. The Cleveland Indians called up Greg Allen while Mercado received some rest. Now that Mercado is able to play again Allen’s time in Cleveland may be coming to an end.

Excluding Allen, the Cleveland Indians have a rather full outfield. Oscar Mercado, Jordan Luplow, Leonys Martin and Jake Bauers have been the regular outfielders for some time now. With these four in the mix there simply is no room for Allen. Add in the fact that Tyler Naquin is approaching a return soon and there really is no room. With Naquin in the outfield this may shift Jake Bauers to see more time as a designated hitter. Or at least a time share at first and DH with Carlos Santana, (Bauers does have some experience at first base). Even with Bauers sharing time with Santana there is not enough at-bats for Allen to justify him being on the Major League roster.

Looking at how Greg Allen has performed in limited time this season it has not been good. Allen has struggled at the plate and struck out in 39 percent of his plate appearances this season. This is nearly double than his career 20 percent strikeout rate coming into this season. For a team that is struggling in the power department and striking out quite frequently, Greg Allen does not help the team at this time.

Perhaps there could be a time when Greg Allen could rejoin the big league club. Although with a surplus of outfielders on the roster currently and the need for power hitting that time may be much later than some anticipate.