Tribe Targets: Hawking for a LOOGY

With many possible trade targets for the Indians, they need a lefty specialist first and foremost so let’s examine some possibilities. So far this year, the Indians have used Ross Detwiler, Kyle Crockett, Ryan Merritt and Tom Gorzelanny out of the bullpen as left handers, but combined they have pitched just 9.2 innings. Currently, the left hander is former starter T.J. House, although he is yet to pitch. While their numbers against left handers have been good, none have been trustworthy enough for Terry Francona to use them on a regular basis.

While the Indians would certainly love to obtain the services of Yankees Andrew Miller or Aroldis Chapman, the cost would be astronomical if New York does decide to sell at all. Instead, here are four other options if the Indians decide to improve the left handed side of the bullpen from outside the system. The stats below are through 7/2.

Sean Doolittle – Oakland – 1.88 ERA, 14.1 IP, .152 AVG, .170 OBP vs LHH

He’s owed about $8 million over the next two seasons and should be available sooner rather than later if the A’s choose to sell as they’re well back in the American League West and the Wild Card race. There’s a little injury history, but he’s throwing well right now, especially against lefties. He is currently throwing between 95 and 96 MPH and is generally just a fast ball hitter. The strategy seems to be “here it is, hit it,” but there’s something about it, hitters don’t see. Doolittle is fearless, the perfect demeanor for a bullpen guy.

Fernando Abad – Minnesota – 4.50 ERA, 12 IP, .158 AVG, .169 OBP vs LHH

Abad is currently having one of the best seasons in his career at the age of 30 with an overall ERA of 2.67. He is eligible for his third year of arbitration at the end of the year before becoming a free agent for the 2018 season. He’s filthy and while he can lose the zone on occasion, he can be effectively wild. Given the Twins current situation, they have little need for a back end LOOGY and would probably be willing to part with him, even within the division, for a decent minor league position player.

Tony Watson – Pittsburgh – 1.50 ERA, 12 IP, .200 AVG, .273 OBP vs LHH

Watson is another player who will be entering his third year of arbitration next year and the Pirates would really have to be out of the race or get a really decent prospect in return in order to deal him. Still, it’s not impossible and this is the type of pitcher the Indians should be going after. His current season numbers aren’t the only deciding factor as he’s the best one in the game in the eighth. If Andrew Miller is the best left handed closer in the league, Watson is the best setup man.

Boone Logan – Colorado – 3.21 ERA, 14 IP, .167 AVG, .216 OBP vs LHH

A pending free agent, Logan is having a resurgent season after posting ERAs of 4.33 and 6.84 the last two years. He’s been hit a little lately, but has big-game experience after pitching for the Yankees from 2010 to 2013. Overall, Logan . He has dealt with injuries the last couple years, but is currently throwing the ball really well.

Some of these relievers should be available soon while there’s no guarantee that the Yankees relievers will be. The Indians will probably search far and wide for lefties as well as righties. Whoever they decide on, The time for a move is getting closer.