Clippers ready to test new mix of players
For the better part of three seasons, Clippers fans didn’t have to play a game of who’s on first and what’s on second with the likes of infielders Giovanny Urshela, Erik Gonzalez, Michael Martinez and Ronny Rodriguez and catcher Adam Moore being penciled in on the lineup card on a daily basis, and pitcher Ryan Merritt starting every five days.
The next generation of Cleveland Indians prospects and a slew of veterans with major league experience signed during the offseason will give the Clippers a vastly different profile going into the opener on Friday at the Indianapolis Indians.
“We have some really good prospects here and we have some experienced players, and it’s going to be an exciting year,” manager Chris Tremie said. “We just want to get going and see what we have here.”
Tremie, who is the Brandon Barnes, a new member of the Clippers this season, takes batting practice inside Huntington Park. The veteran outfielder has 465 games of major league experience.
first to manage the team in six straight seasons, will have Cleveland’s top-shelf prospects with center fielder Greg Allen, catcher Francisco Mejia and shortstop Yu Chang.
Allen was on the Indians roster during most of their 22-game winning streak at the end of last season.
“I’ve heard a lot
of good things about Columbus, the fans and the facility, and I’m looking forward to it,” Allen said. “I’ve heard this is a great league. I’ve heard about the veteran presence here and the professional way the guys go about their jobs.”
There are familiar faces in outfielder Richie Shaffer, first baseman
Nellie Rodriguez, third baseman Yandy Diaz and pitchers Adam Plutko, Shawn Morimando and Louis Head. Infielder Eric Stamets of Dublin Scioto, who was an All-Star last season, will start the season on the disabled list.
At least for now, the “Party at Napoli’s’’ — with first baseman Mike Napoli — will be in Columbus. Napoli was a vital player on the Indians’ American League pennant-winning team two years ago and has been assigned to the Clippers with a June 1 opt-out in his contract.
The red, white and blue bunting will be hung twice at Huntington Park, regardless of whether the Clippers reach the International League playoffs. The Triple-A All-Star Game is July 11 and the Triple-A National Championship Game on Sept. 18.
The 10-year-old stadium has been freshened with a new grass field and $1 million scoreboard in right-center field.
“I think the fans are really going to like the scoreboard because of the graphics and color,” president and general manager Ken Schnacke said. “We needed a new one.”
The 22-foot-high screen in right-center is being extended to the right side of the batter’s eye in center. That project might not be ready for the home opener on April 12 against Durham.
“We’re making the ballpark deeper at that part of the park because home runs were coming too easily,” Schnacke said.
The burning question is whether the Clippers can make the playoffs after missing out last season following three straight West Division championships.
Shaffer, who reached career highs with 30 home runs and 89 RBI in making the IL AllStar team last season, said the Clippers have the feel of a contending team.
“It’s always interesting when you put a team together,” he said. “I’m excited about this one. There are a lot of new faces, but the guys already get along well. It’s a good mindset with these guys, and that’s huge. Compatibility is important.”