Tag Archives: Yasiel Puig

Indians reunion with Yasiel Puig highly unlikely

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For anyone still holding out hope that the Cleveland Indians will bring back Yasiel Puig it might be time to move on. The rumored addition of Domingo Santana combined with the new-look Franmil Reyes seems to have ended any possibility of a Puig reunion in Cleveland.

Earlier this offseason it was rumored that Yasiel Puig wanted a multi-year deal worth around $15 million per season. Obviously no one has come close to the contract he was seeking as he is still a free agent. This is the complete opposite of a deal that Cleveland would make with someone of his age. Puig is 29 years old and is relatively inconsistent at the plate. There are moments when he performs well above his normal level. There are just not frequent enough to warrant Cleveland giving him the type of deal he is looking for. 

Cleveland isn’t the only team that has passed on Yasiel Puig this offseason. San Francisco did have interest, but opted to sign Billy Hamilton and Hunter Pence instead. These signings by the Giants instead of Puig should give everyone an idea of the perception of the man nicknamed Wild Horse and how he is valued. 

Defensively Yasiel Puig is still fantastic. Puig has an absolute cannon for an arm and makes baserunners think twice about taking an extra-base. Puig would clearly be the best defensive outfield in Cleveland. That alone is not enough as Cleveland needs offense from their outfield.

Unless something catastrophic happens in the Indians outfield or he is willing to lessen his contract demands in years and salary, Yasiel Puig will be playing elsewhere in 2020.

Terry Francona comments on Indians offseason

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Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona commented on the current roster construction of the team and if any future moves will be made.

This is not exactly what fans of the Cleveland Indians want to hear from Terry Francona.

It does not sound like the team is going to make any significant moves at this time. The “hot stove” has been freezing cold for the entirety of the offseason. While this is not all that surprising, it is a bit disheartening considering their unsettled outfield. Outside of Oscar Mercado there are a lot of question marks. This particular issue is not necessarily a new development. Cleveland had the exact same issue prior to last season. While moves were made during the season, there are still issues that remain.

The Tribe tried to put together an outfielder when buy-low, low-risk options. Options that included the likes of Leonys Martin and Carlos Gonzalez. Martin would go on to appear in 65 games and Gonzalez had 30 forgettable appearances.

An option in free agency does exist, although it does not seem very likely that a Yasiel Puig reunion is in the works. Puig apparently rubbed some people the wrong way, including Terry Francona. This is not the first time that Puig has been described in this manner and probably will not be the last. Add this to the fact Puig is searching for a multi-year deal and the Indians chances of bringing him back just went out the door.

Any additions the Indians make before the start of Spring Training will most likely be of the flier variety. Cleveland attempted this last season, it just did not work out. This is not the worst strategy and it could work if the right player is signed. Most teams take fliers on players every offseason, they just happened to work out for them while Cleveland’s signings did not.

Freezing cold stove for the Cleveland Indians

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The Cleveland Indians been nearly silent this offseason while their compeitiors in the American League Central have added talent.

Do you hear that? No? Exactly. The Cleveland Indians have done very little this offseason to supplement their roster. It was understood that after trading Corey Kluber that the team would use the money saved to bolster the roster. Ouside of signing Cesar Hernandez, they haven’t done much of anything.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox have spent money like it’s going out of style. Minnesota signed Josh Donaldson, Alex Avila, Rich Hill, Homer Bailey, and Tyler Clippard. Chicago signed Dallas Keuchel, Sio Gonzalez, Edwin Encarnacion, Yasmani Grandal, and Steve Cischek. Meanwhile, Cleveland has avoided arbitration with their key players. That’s it. Chicago is clearly looking to close the gap and Minnesota is looking to stay on top. The Indians appear to be attempting to thread the needle yet again.

It appears that the Tribe are waiting out the outfield market for a bargain basement type deal. That’s if they actually look outside the organization for outfield help. They very well could stand pat and sort things out with the likes of Jake Bauers, Bradley Zimmer, Greg Allen, Delino DeShields, and Daniel Johnson. Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com suggests a reunion with Yasiel Puig. A reunion which makes too much sense not to happen. Even a one-year deal can go a long way.

Cleveland needs to do something in order to upgrade their roster. They may able to be competitive in the division, maybe even compete for a Wild Card berth. The current team is far from a lock to make the playoffs. Unless the team goes outside of their current organization to add to the roster, the team could miss the playoffs for a second straight season. If that were to occur, trades of popular players may not be that far behind.

Indians need to re-sign Yasiel Puig

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As their free agent options in the outfield dwindle, the Cleveland Indians should seriously consider bringing back Yasiel Puig.

Eventually the free agent outfielders are going to run out. Well, at least any that will make any sizable impact. The option of Corey Dickerson went out the window since he is now a member of the Miami Marlins. Domingo Santana is a platoon bat and more a fringe option than anything. Nicholas Castellanos is going to cost to much for Cleveland, but there is good news. There is an outfielder available who the team is familiar with. Yasiel Puig.

Yasiel Puig is still available and the Indians have a glaring need in their outfield. This is a match that makes to much sense not too happen. Puig would slot right into their lineup and eliminate any sort of two outfield platoon situation. Right now they appear to have some super platoon situation which is not ideal. Outside of Oscar Mercado in center field, right field and left field are in flux. It will be a hard sell if Cleveland comes into next season with the likes of Greg Allen, Delino DeShields, Bradley Zimmer, Jordan Luplow, Jake Bauers and Franmil Reyes as options to be their regular corner outfielders in sort some of shared time situation. There is a better option.

Sign Yasiel Puig.

Yasiel Puig would bring clarity to the outfield and put other guys in better positions. Puig would be in right field, Mercado in center and Reyes as a designated hitter. This would allow for a platoon in left field and sort out the rest of the roster accordingly. If Jake Bauers stays in MLB or spends some time in Columbus. Whether or not Greg Allen remains in Cleveland. Figure out what, if anything, that Delino DeShields will bring to the table.

Signing Yasiel Puig makes the Indians outfield more clear in a time where nobody is quite sure what the immediate future is.

Outfield options for the Indians

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The Cleveland Indians need to address their outfield and will have plenty of options if they decide to go the free agent route.

The Cleveland Indians outfield is still relatively unsettled. Yes, Oscar Mercado seems to be a great find and is their starting center fielder. Franmil Reyes is more of a designated hitter than outfielder. Cleveland can have him play in the field if needed, but he is a liability defensively. They have an option in the minors with Daniel Johnson. Johnson finished last season with AAA Columbus. A leap to MLB is not out of the question, but cannot be their primary option at this time. Delino DeShields was acquired from the Rangers, but his bat is not necessarily all that exciting. Has more of the profile as a fourth outfielder who can pinch run if needed, a lot like another player already on the roster.

There is also the cluster of other options that the Indians have in the form of guys who have been around the block a few times. Tyler Naquin has a long road ahead while he is recovering from a torn ACL. Bradley Zimmer has had trouble staying healthy and worked his way back with a revamped batting stance. Greg Allen is nothing more than a fourth outfielder/pinch runner. What is known is that the Cleveland Indians need to sign someone, almost anyone to help their outfield this season.

Yasiel Puig

Let’s start here first. The Tribe acquired Yasiel Puig last season in the Trevor Bauer trade. Puig did perform better once landing in Cleveland, but only managed two home runs in 49 games. There is familiarity with Puig and that could help. Perhaps he could be convinced to return on a deal that won’t necessarily break the bank. Cleveland did shed some payroll in the deal that sent Corey Kluber to Texas. Some of that was spent in addressing their hole at second base with the signing of Cesar Hernandez. There are other options that may not be as expensive as Puig, but they are not necessarily as talented. Spend the rest of the money that was saved from dealing Kluber (and maybe a bit more) and keep Puig in Cleveland.

Domingo Santana

Domingo Santana has been someone that many have wanted the Indians to acquire for sometime now. Santana is an outfielder who is inconsistent and seems unable to put together two good years in a row. He is still young enough that he could hypothetically sign a short deal in an effort to build value before signing a much larger deal. If the Indians are looking at more cost efficient options, Domingo Santana could be their guy.

Corey Dickerson

There once was a time where Corey Dickerson was a guy who would hit over 20 home runs on a fairly consistent basis. That was before spending two seasons in Pennsylvania (179 games with Pittsburgh and 34 with Philadelphia). Dickerson’s average was above .300 during that time but only managed 25 home runs. Perhaps a scenery change could do some good here. Dickerson still managed to hit his fair share of doubles, 35 in 2018 and 28 in an abbreviated 2019 campaign (78 games). Dickerson can hit for average and he can hit for extra-bases.

The fact he is over 30 might be a bonus for Cleveland. Players over 30 have had a tough time getting deals in recent years and have had to wait a bit longer than their younger counterparts. Dickerson might be able to be convinced to play for a contender for less money than a non-contender. (For what it is worth, MLB Trade Rumors predicted him to go to the Padres on a two-year $15 million deal). Would the Indians go two years? Maybe, but only if the second year was an option year. That type of deal just screams Indians at this moment in time.

Yasiel Puig saying goodbye to Indians?

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It appears that Yasiel Puig is saying goodbye to Cleveland. Puig posted a thank you to Cleveland, the Indians and their fans.

Yasiel Puig may be departing in free agency. This is hardly a surprise. Most considered Puig to be a rental bat only and his departure inevitable. Puig did take the time to thank the Indians on social media.

The overall tone of the post seems like a goodbye. With lines such as “The love that I feel from my fans from all over is something that I will always be eternally grateful for” and “you will always be a part of me”. This certainly points towards the direction of Puig wearing a different uniform next season.

There is one part that does provide hope for a return to the Indians. Yasiel Puig says “our Tribe”. This could be looking too much into something that is in reality nothing, but it is worth noting.

Puig has stated he would like to remain with the Indians. Providing further hope that the mention of “our Tribe” has some merit.

Puig explicitly mentions that he loved playing with some of the Tribe’s best players. Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Franmil Reyes and Carlos Santana. Puig also mentions that he leaves whether or not he returns up to his agent. This is not necessarily a good sign for those hoping he returns. The Indians are not in the business of paying top dollar for free agents and Puig should garner interest from several clubs in need of an outfielder.

Yasiel Puig slashed .297/.377/.423 with an OPS of .800 with 15 doubles, two home runs, one triple and 23 RBI’s in 49 games with the Indians. This was an improvement in some areas and a bit of a dip in others compared to his 100 games in Cincinnati.

If Cleveland somehow is able to re-sign Yasiel Puig this offseason and will help provide some stability to the outfield. An issue that the Indians dealt with all season long and is mentioned in the Indians end of season podcast.

Yasiel Puig delivers for Tribe in extras

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Yasiel Puig came up to the plate in the bottom of the 10th inning with the bases loaded and came through with a walk-off RBI single for a 2-1 Indians win.

Yasiel Puig is a boss. In last night’s 2-1 walk-off win Puig decided to make matters into his own hands.

With the bases loaded Puig hit a walk-off RBI single to win it in extras for the Tribe. Puig said the following after the game. 

“I’m a little tired. I said ‘Somebody hit a home run, please. I don’t want to be playing anymore.’ I saw all the moves and everything happening. The inning before, I told Lindor and a couple of players ‘Hey. I’m going to finish this one.”

Yasiel Puig after Wednesday’s walk-off win

That’s a big time quote from a big time player. It certainly takes some guts to not only say something like that. But to actually come through and deliver is absolutely legendary. 

Yasiel Puig has been hot and cold since coming to the Indians. This type of on and off streak has been typical of his career. Puig is a player who will be impossible to get out and then suddenly he can’t buy a hit. 

In his 41 games with the Indians Yasiel Puig is slashing .295/.373./417 with an OPS of .790. This includes 14 extra-base hits (11 doubles, two home runs and a triple) with 18 runs driven in. Puig has been very productive as a rental bat for the Indians as they make their playoff push and he approaches free agency. 

Indians screwed again by replay

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For what seems like the trillionth time this season, the Cleveland Indians draw the short straw yet again by a flawed replay system.

An all too familiar sight for the Cleveland Indians. A challenge does not go their way. Yasiel Puig attempted a steal of third and was called out. At first glance that call appeared to be correct. After seeing the first and second angle of the replay, still looked correct. The third angle clearly shows that he was safe.

https://twitter.com/MLBReplays/status/1166527901434634242?s=20

The key part of the replay is the angle from behind third base. Tigers third baseman Dawel Lugo clearly splits the uprights that are Yasiel Puig’s arms. If you don’t want to watch the replay and prefer a still picture, I present the following from SportsTime Ohio.

Lugo clearly missed. It wasn’t even close. It is not like he grazed Puig’s arm as his glove was going to hit the dirt. This was a complete whiff. To put it simply, Lugo tagged the dirt.

This really is not a shocking development in regards to the Indians and the replay system. The MLB replay system sucks to begin with and has not been kind to the Tribe all season long. The two most notable instances being against the Twins when two HBP’s were called when they were clearly not HBP’s.

Major League Baseball has all the technology in the world and is apparently unable to get a simple tag play reviewed correctly. If someone sitting at home on their couch can see that Puig was clearly safe and MLB can’t, that is a major problem.

Luckily for Cleveland this play did not impact the game as they trounced the Tigers 10-1. The lesson here is that the Indians cannot rely on replay to get things right when they have proven they are unable to. Cleveland needs to be in a situation that a terrible replay system cannot impact the final score.

Indians must bounce back against Yankees

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The Cleveland Indians dropped two of three to Boston and now head out on a lengthy road trip starting with the New York Yankees.

The Indians may no longer be in first place but they are only half game back in the division. Cleveland saw their slight division lead disappear about as quickly as possible. Losing two consecutive games against the Red Sox will do that. Luckily the Brewers did the Tribe a favor by preventing the Twins from building their lead back up to multiple games. Now the Indians head out on the road and need to take care of business ASAP.

It’s road trip time

13 out of the Indians next 16 games are on the road. Thursday is the beginning of a weeklong stay in New York as they face the Yankees and Mets in consecutive series. A brief three game set at home against the Royals breaks up the two lengthy road trips. Afterwards Cleveland will take on the Tigers and Rays. Getting things started on the right foot will be integral to their future success.

The Yankees are a tough matchup. Even with all of their injuries they are able to still own the AL East. New York has truly embraced the next man up mentality. It will be up to the Tribe to do their best to shut this down and hopefully get back into the lead in the AL Central.

If the Indians are going to keep pace or even overtake the Twins they need to win in New York. Luckily the Indians will have Yasiel Puig returning to their lineup after serving a three-game suspension. Puig will provide a bit more of an impact at the plate over his temporary replacement Greg Allen.

A compete Indians lineup paired with Adam Plukto, Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger taking the mound should give Cleveland a more than fair chance to win this weekend. If things do not go their way they could find themselves in a familiar spot trailing Minnesota by more than half a game for the division lead.

Indians trade Bauer in blockbuster deal

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The Cleveland Indians dealt Trevor Bauer to the Cincinnati Reds in a blockbuster three team deal that also includes the San Diego Padres.

It was only a matter of time. Trevor Bauer is no longer a member of the Cleveland Indians. Trevor Bauer was sent to the Cincinnati Reds in a blockbuster trade. Cleveland receives Yasiel Puig, Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen to improve the big league roster. Cleveland also added minor league prospects Victor Nova and Scott Moss in addition to the Major League players they received.

The Indians entered this season stuck in-between a rock and a hard place in regards to Bauer. Bauer is a great pitcher but his contract status and his potential large salary next year through arbitration made a trade seem inevitable. The return that Cleveland got for Bauer right now is greater than if they would have waited to deal him after the season. For a team that has to work with financial constraints, this is a deal that had to be done now.

Adding Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes to the outfield provides a bit more pop in the lineup. The duo have combined for 49 home runs, 24 doubles and 107 runs driven in this season. Puig is only a rental for this season, but Reyes is under contract until 2025 and figures to be a fixture of the Tribe outfield for the foreseeable future.

Logan Allen may contribute in some form this season. Allen has started four games this season but has also come out of the bullpen for his last three appearances. While he has not had much success in San Diego (6.75 ERA, 1.776 WHIP in 25.1 innings), he should be able to help in the future. Allen is only 22 years old and has plenty of time to improve on his early performances.