Optimizing And Projecting the ALDS 25-Man Roster

Throughout a 162 game season, the 25-man roster is a dynamic force of nature; constantly changing to meet the demands of a long campaign. Clubs often make rational decisions based off long-term needs and upcoming off days. If a change in the roster is needed throughout that span, the organization can simply make a roster move as needed.

Not so for the postseason roster. It must be set prior to each series and can only be modified if there is an injury or illness to a player. As such, each player selection must be the final call for the 25 men that the organization will turn it’s hope in for the American League Division Series.

Here’s my estimation of the postseason roster:

Position Players

C Roberto Perez (starter)
C Chris Gimenez
1B/DH Mike Napoli (starter)
1B/DH Carlos Santana (starter)
2B Jason Kipnis (starter)
SS Francisco Lindor (starter)
3B Jose Ramirez (starter)
IF Michael Martinez
OF Coco Crisp (LF vs LHP)
OF Rajai Davis (LF vs RHP, CF vs LHP)
OF Tyler Naquin (CF vs RHP)
OF Brandon Guyer (RF vs LHP)
OF Lonnie Chisenhall (RF vs RHP)

The only player I reluctantly included on the position player list was Michael Martinez, but I do see where he might be valuable in October from a situational standpoint. If Terry Francona needs a pinch runner late in the game, he can turn to Martinez. Yes, there are plenty of other options available, such as Greg Allen, to fill that role. However, it would be asking a lot for a player who has never seen Major League action to be asked to perform on its highest stage.

The jury is still out on Yan Gomes. The Indians activated him Friday night but the question is: Will he be game ready for the postseason? Has he seen enough at-bats for his timing to be well?

Starting Pitchers

RHP Corey Kluber (G1, G4/G5)
RHP Trevor Bauer (G2, G5)
RHP Josh Tomlin (G3)
RHP Mike Clevinger (G4/bullpen)

Process of elimination made this easy as there are no other starting pitching options available. The only question remains who starts which game. As of this publishing, the Indians would open up the American League Division Series at Fenway Park for games 1 and 2. This would factor into who Tito decides to start. We would assume Corey Kluber will be healthy enough to start game 1.

Relief Pitchers

RHP Cody Allen (8th/9th)
LHP Andrew Miller (7th/8th/9th)
RHP Bryan Shaw (6th/7th/8th)
RHP Dan Otero (5th/6th/7th)
RHP Zach McAllister (middle relief)
LHP Kyle Crockett (matchup vs LHB) RHP Jeff Manship (matchup)
RHP Danny Salazar (long relief)

The only spots up in the air are the #6 and #7 reliever slots. Crockett makes the team if the ALDS opponent has a good left-handed hitter. Since they will face Boston they may go with Manship because he has pitched well against the Red Sox in the past, albeit a small sample size (0 H, 0 ER in 7 AB).  Clevinger would go to the bullpen if the Indians decide to pitch Corey Kluber on short rest for Game 4.