INDIANS - 8/21/02

LATEST TEAM INFO:

Recently promoted Covelli “Coco” Crisp has been on a tear, showing flashes of the future and providing some desperately-needed hope for the future. Filling in for Milton Bradley, who underwent an emergency appendectomy, Crisp has sparked the offense in recent games. He started the first four games in center field after his promotion and went 6-for-17. Equally impressive were his .310 average, 10 homers and 30 steals in the minors. Crisp, 22, has a legitimate chance at holding down a spot in the big leagues for years to come.

The team is in search of a new closer after losing Bob Wickman for the remainder of the 2002 season and much of 2003 after it was determined that he will need Tommy-John Surgery on his right elbow. Mark Wohlers will get the majority of save opportunities for now, but the Indians are looking at several candidates for the long-term closing job. A few names being mentioned include David Riske, Danys Baez, and recently-demoted Ryan Drese. Many feel that Drese and Baez are better suited for bullpen duties, and Riske has already proven effective in such a role. Keep a close eye on this situation throughout spring training early next year.

Drese never provided much hope for this season, but his future remains bright. Considered a key player by Tribe brass, he was rumored before the trading deadline to be one of three “untouchables” on the big-league roster, with the others being C.C. Sabathia and Baez. Ricardo Rodriguez has been promoted to take Drese’s spot in the rotation.

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:

Fans are being treated to a taste of the future with the promotion of Crisp. A quick hit around town, Crisp’s snappy name has made him an early fan-favorite. Crisp reminds many baseball observers of a young Kenny Lofton, and Crisp could follow along the same path as the aforementioned. Both have striking similarities: blazing speed, decent over-the-fence power, and both are of a similar build. Should these comparisons pan out, Crisp would fill a large need for this rebuilding process as a speedy, young outfielder.

The next cycle of young pitching has begun to arrive in Cleveland with the promotion of highly-hyped prospect Ricardo Rodriguez. Considered to be the Dodgers’ top prospect, Rodriguez was acquired by the Indians in the Paul Shuey deal. Rodriguez may struggle early during his stint in the big leagues, but is extremely talented and should make a large impact for years to come.

RUMOR MILL:

Could the Indians still be looking to move veterans for young prospects? Many baseball observes believe that’s the case, and speculation is beginning to grow that the Indians are not yet done dealing. The leading candidates to head out of town are Ellis Burks and Matt Lawton, with Burks having the best value of the two. While it is unlikely that a deal will occur, it is still possible that GM Mark Shapiro will make another deal to bolster the Tribe’s promising farm system.

DOWN ON THE FARM:

The Burlington Indians have struggled early in the year, but it’s time to recognize those players who are sticking out in the crowd. These players may or may not be considered “prospects”, but have been playing either well or poorly to this point in the season.

WHO’S HOT

SS Chris De La Cruz – De La Cruz has begun to stick out as yet another promising shortstop in an organization that already has a large amount of depth at that position. The speedy, slick-fielding shortstop has plenty of potential, and has a good knowledge of the strike zone for a player of his age. Keep an eye on him, as he could develop quickly.

RP Shea Douglas – This southpaw has dominated out of the bullpen, compiling a gaudy 0.44 ERA while averaging nearly 3 innings per appearance. All the ratios look outstanding, and Douglas could provide depth to the organization’s bullpen depth chart. Should Douglas continue his success he should be carefully watched.

WHO’S NOT

OF Teodoro Encarnacion – Encarnacion has the tools, but has yet to produce consistently. His sub-.200 average is unnaceptable, and he hasn’t shown any secondary tools. Unless Encarnacion improves, he may soon be out of the Indians’ organization.

RP Hector Santana – Santana’s talent is promising, but his numbers are not. The ratios are poor, as are his primary indicators. Unless he turns things around, it could be a very long season out of the bullpen for Santana.

QUICK PICKS

WHO’S HOT (last 7 days):

OF Ellis Burks: .458-1-3
OF Karim Garcia: .346-2-10
OF Covelli “Coco” Crisp: .353, 2 stolen bases
RP Carl Sadler: 0.00 ERA in 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 4 K
RP Dave Burba: 0.00 ERA in 2 IP

WHO’S NOT (last 7 days):

SS Omar Vizquel: .154-0-1
C Einar Diaz: .143-0-0
2B John McDonald: .143-0-0
SP Ryan Drese: 11.25 ERA, 1.80 WHIP
RP Mark Wohlers: 11.57 ERA in 3 appearances