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The Cleveland Indians finally decided the starting rotation they’ll be opening the 2016 season with, but not without some drama.
The consensus belief was four pitchers were locks to be in the rotation: Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar and Trevor Bauer. The final spot was either going to innings-eater Josh Tomlin or up-and-comer Cody Anderson. Smart money was on Tomlin, mainly due to his experience and Anderson’s lack of it. The latter would no doubt be called up during the year, and his being sent to the minors certainly wouldn’t have been an indictment on his abilities.
However, in a bit of a surprise move, nobody was sent down. Both Tomlin and Anderson made the final rotation. To make room, the Indians sent Bauer to the bullpen.
It was a major surprise from Cleveland, one which comes with some risk. Bauer, known league-wide as a bit of a stubborn player, might not take this move very kindly. He was no doubt sent to the bullpen because the Indians want to continue working with him, but he’s never been a player who openly accepts critique.
As a result, you have to wonder if the risk will be worth the reward when it comes to moving Bauer to the ‘pen.
Bauer has always been a bit of an inconsistent pitcher. He’s shown an ability to completely shut down opponents one night right before having major control issues the very next game. It’s been his M.O. ever since he joined the Tribe.
The problem, though, is Bauer’s unwillingness to deal with criticism. He’s maintained the same routine ever since joining the big leagues and has rebuffed multiple requests from coaches trying to change him.
Knowing this, I can’t imagine Bauer took the move lightly. His feuds with coaches are well-known, and such a thing eventually resulted in his getting traded to Cleveland from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Adding a little more intrigue to the move is the fact Bauer had a strong spring this year. He maintained his control for the most part, cutting down on walks. Bauer also threw six scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners this past Tuesday, striking out seven.
That said, the Indians must feel there are still issues to work out, otherwise they would’ve given him a starting spot.
Whether or not this is the case, it doesn’t erase the fact Bauer likely doesn’t approve of his new position on the team. If there are issues the team feels he needs to work out, the coaches need to handle with care. Bauer’s trademark stubbornness could be increased by being sent to the bullpen, and it could also have lasting effects on his performance.
If there’s a bright side here, it’s that the move is not going to be permanent. Odds overwhelmingly favor Bauer getting starts this year, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they came as early as April.
There’s always the chance, too, that this move could be the opening stage of a trade. The Indians need more offensive power, particularly in the outfield. With a gluttony of starting pitchers, Cleveland can afford to move one in a deal. Sending Bauer to the pen may be the team’s way of telling the league he’s available.
At the end of the day, if the Indians are trying to get Bauer to realize he needs fine-tuning, they certainly got the message across. The question, though, is whether or not the message was well-received.
My guess is no, but we’re sure to find out soon.
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