The Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the Indians Class A short season affiliate, began their 2015 season yesterday. The Scrappers, members of the New York-Penn League, are typically home to recently drafted players, international free agent signees and the youngest players in the organization in general with this year’s team being no different. So if you’re interested in catching some of the Indians’ youngest future stars before they make the big league team, here’s who to look out for.
Kieran Lovegrove (RHP)
The Indians 3rd round selection in the 2012 draft hasn’t developed like the Indians had hoped as this is his second go-round in the NY-Penn League. He’s struggled with his control since being drafted, but last season was particularly bad for him as he walked 23 batters in just 30 innings. He’s just 20 years old with lots of potential, he was a 3rd round draft pick after all. He’s arguably the Scrappers most talented pitcher as the season kicks off.
Devon Stewart (RHP)
The Indians’ 9th round pick in this year’s draft will get his first taste of professional action after leading Canisius to a College World Series birth this season.
Ryan Perez (LHP)
The Indians’ 12th round pick in this year’s draft is known for being a switch pitcher, Perez will likely throw exclusively left-handed as a pro. But you never know, he may utilize both arms this season.
Jared Robinson (RHP)
Robinson was an 11th round pick in last year’s draft who finished the year off in the Arizona League. In 22 innings of relief work Robinson allowed just 3 earned runs for a 1.23 ERA.
Johan Puello (RHP)
Puello made 14 relief appearances for the Indians of the Arizona League pitching 26.2 innings allowing just 5 earned runs for a 1.69 ERA.
Casey Shane (RHP)
Shane, a 6th round pick in the 2013 draft, is coming off a tremendous season in 2014 that was split between Arizona and Mahoning Valley. In 11 starts he pitched 57.1 innings, striking out 45 batters while walking just 16, and posting a 2.35 ERA.
Mark Mathias (2B)
Mathias was the Indians 3rd round pick in this year’s draft. Mathias is a hit-first prospect who isn’t expected to provide much in the field.
Emmanuel Tapia (1B)
Tapia had a tremendous season as a member of the Arizona Indians in 2014. He posted a .315/.404/.488 slash with 4 home runs and 27 RBI, which ranked near the top of the league. At 6’3″ 215 he’s a big kid and plays like it.
Li-Jen Chu (C)
Like Tapia, Li-Jen Chu also had a terrific season in Arizona last year. His slash line of .348/.431/.596 is outstanding for a catcher, he also added 3 HR and 13 doubles last year.
Nathan Lukes (OF)
The Indians’ 7th round pick this year set the Sacramento State record for hits in his career. Lukes is a solid hitter to go along with good defense.
Ka’Ai Tom (OF)
Tom, a 5th round pick this year, was one of the SEC’s best hitters this past season, no small feat considering the SEC is the country’s best baseball conference.
D’vone McClure (OF)
McClure was the Indians’ 4th round pick in 2012 but hasn’t panned out the way everyone had hoped. McClure had to be signed above slot so that the Indians could pry him from his commitment to Arkansas. He’s lauded as being one of the most athletic players in the entire organization but his tools are raw. He spent last season in Mahoning Valley but did not have much success. He’s still just 21 so there’s plenty of time for him to figure things out, but you have to wonder if skipping college didn’t stunt his growth.
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