Welcome to part two of the transactional posts. We now take a look to the upper level of the minors, with the Lake County Captains, Akron RubberDucks and Columbus Clippers players.

Lake County did finish with an overall record of 65-64 record, fifth in their division. They struggled in the first half, finishing tied for last, but were only three games under .500; in the second half, they were only 2 games back (third), but only four games over .500. Overall, the team had -63 run differential, and had the third worst overall OPS, 236/328/354, and stop me if you have heard this one before, dead last in homers and slugging. The pitching was not really all that better, finish 10th (of 12) with a 4.52 ERA, and 10th in WHIP at 1.40. CF Chase DeLauter was the best hitter by far with a 366/403/549 (hence his promotion to AA). For the guys who played more of a full season, 3B Dayan Frias slashed 260/356/426 with 11 bombs. There weren’t any real standout pitchers this year, but I can highlight Reid Johnston with 101K in 91.2 IP and a 1.31 WHIP and 3.83 ERA. Note: Lake County was the youngest team (hitting and pitching) in the Midwest League.

Following a familiar theme, Akron did not have a stellar year as a team. They finished 65-73 overall, 10.5 games back, 5th out of six in their division. In the first half, they finished 2nd, but only one game over and 2.5 games back. They crashed in the second half, but were not last(!), finishing 5th. For a team that was 8 games under .500, the run differential was pretty good at just -16. The team slash line of 237/332/369 was good enough for 8th (of 12), but the slugging (10th) and homers (11th) were still very low. Pitching is what thrived for Akron. The 3.87 ERA was 2nd and the 1.34 WHIP was 3rd overall. RF Johnathan Rodriguez was the star of the team, 289/364/512, with 18 homers although a 30% K-rate. 2B/3B Aaron Bracho also had 18 homers and a 245/340/441 with a slightly better 26% K-rate. 2B Juan Brito also did well after his promotion, 276/373/444 with 10 home runs and just a 20% K-rate. It is tough to highlight standout pitchers as 31 different players pitched for Akron, but Tanner Burns (3.01 ERA/1.26 WHIP) and Will Dion (2.60 ERA/1.11 WHIP) top the list. Note: Akron was the youngest hitting team and second youngest pitching team in the Eastern League.

Columbus finished last (10th; 17th overall) in the West division at 68-79. They were 33-41 in the first half and 35-38 in the second half, both were 7th place finishes. Interestingly enough, they finished with a dead even run differential. And to nobody’s surprise, Columbus was in the bottom half of the league in OPS, 16th of 20 at 777 (250/349/428). They were slightly better in homers at 13th with 176. The overall ERA and WHIP was 13th (5.32, 1.56 respectively), but the opponent BA was 5th best in league at .253. SS Jose Tena has an awesome 1061 OPS in just 60 AB, with 3B/C David Fry (947 OPS in 101 AB) shining in his limited time as well. After 1B Kyle Manzardo was activated from his injury after the Civale trade, he slashed 256/348/590 with 6 bombs in just 78 AB. Of the other players that would be considered regulars, RF Johnathan Rodriguez kept hitting after his promotion (280/376/560, 11 homers), with RF Oscar Gonzalez and 3B Daniel Schneemann hitting 13 homers each and 287/323/496 and 267/360/437 each. DH Zack Collins had 16 homers and 1B Micah Pries chipped in 14 as well. Like Akron, Columbus was a veritable revolving door, with 40 different pitchers making an appearance and nobody clearing 100 IP. Of the 13 pitchers with over 40 IP, only Gavin Williams was good, 2.93 ERA in 9 starts and 61 K in 46 IP. Cade Smith did have 66K in just 40.2 IP, but a 1.38 WHIP.

Notes: I have included compensation draft picks as being more than one degree as Cleveland obtained that pick based on a player they formally held rights to. Also, when I have identified a free agent year, it is the year they signed for (i.e. December 05 would be 2006). Additionally, whenever I could not find confirmation of an amateur free agent signing, the year defaults to their first appearance. [aFA = amateur free agent, mFA = minor league free agent, iFA = international amateur free agent (these usually sign for the highest $$ out of the international bonus pool money]

All data is through the end of the 2022 seasons (Oct 01); no transactions after this season, those will be captured next year.

Columbus Clippers (AAA – International League; West Division)

Players on the roster

One Degree (drafted or signed by Cleveland)

iFA 2014: Oscar Gonzalez [40-man roster]

Draft 2016: Zach Plesac (12)

Draft 2017: Johnathan Rodriguez (3)

iFA 2017: Brayan Rocchio [40-man roster]; George Valera [40-man roster]

Draft 2018: Adam Scott (4); Raynel Delgado (6); Cody Morris (7) [40-man roster]; Thomas Ponticelli (12); Brian Lavastida (15); Eric Rodriguez (21) [Development List]; Tim Herrin (29) [40-man roster]; Daniel Schneemann (33)

iFA 2018: Angel Martinez [40-man roster]

aFA 2018: Johnkensy Noel [40-man roster]

Draft 2019: Hunter Gaddis (5) [40-man roster]; Nick Mikolajchak** (11); Micah Pries (13); Nic Enright (20); Andrew Misiaszek** (32)

mFA 2019: Anthony Gose** (originally drafted 2 by Blue Jays in 2008 as OF)

aFA 2020: Cade Smith

Waivers 2022: Luis Oviedo [PIT] (originally iFA by Cleveland in 2015; Cleveland minors 2016-20)

mFA 2023: Jerad Eickhoff (originally drafted 15 by Rangers in 2011); Michael Kelly (originally drafted 1 by Padres in 2011); Daniel Norris (originally drafted 2 by Blue Jays in 2011); Zack Collins [Development List] (originally drafted 1 by White Sox in 2016); Sandy Leon (originally iFA by Nationals in 2007; Cleveland minors/majors 2011-19)

Waivers 2023: Jason Bilous [CHW] (originally drafted 13 by White Sox in 2018); Eric Haase [DET] (originally drafted 7 by Cleveland in 2011; Cleveland minors/majors 2020, 2022)

Purchase 2023: Chris Vallimont [BAL] (originally drafted 5 by Marlins in 2018)

** Did not appear in any Clippers games; injured

Two Degrees

Juan Brito (originally aFA by Rockies in 2018) [40-man roster]

1. Trade Rockies 2022 for Nolan Jones

2. Jones - Draft 2016 (2)

Kyle Manzardo (originally drafted 2 by Rays in 2021)

1. Trade Rays 2023 for Aaron Civale

2. Civale - Draft 2016 (3)

Three Degrees

Joey Cantillo [Development List] (originally drafted 16 by Padres in 2017) [40-man roster]

1. Trade Padres 2020 with Josh Naylor, Austin Hedges, Gabriel Arias, Cal Quantrill and Owen Miller for Michael Clevinger, Greg Allen and Matt Waldron

2. A. Clevinger - Trade Angels 2014 for Vinnie Pestano

B. Allen - Draft 2014 (6)

C. Waldron - Draft 2019 (18)

3. Pestano - Draft 2006 (20)

Players who have moved on

One Degree (drafted or signed by Cleveland)

Draft 2015: Justin Garza (8) [2022 FA - BOS-AAA/MLB; LAA-AAA]

aFA 2015: Juan Mota [2022 FA]; Jose Fermin [2022 Sold-STL; STL-MLB/AAA/A/GSL]

Draft 2016: Nolan Jones (2) [2022 trade-COL for JBrito; COL-MLB/AAA]; Gavin Collins (13) [2022 FA - American Association (Ind.) (KC)]; Trenton Brooks (17) [2022 FA - SFG-AAA; OAK-AAA]; Tanner Tully (26) [2022 FA; FA; NYY-AAA]

iFA 2016: Carlos Vargas [2022 trade-AZ for RCarver; AZ-AAA/MLB]; Marcos Gonzalez [2023 release - FA]

Draft 2018: Richard Palacios (3) [2023 Sold-STL; STL-MLB/AAA]; Kyle Marman (13) [2023 release - FA]; Eli Lingos (22) [2022 Waivers COL; COL-AAA]

Draft 2019: Kevin Kelly (19) [2022 Waivers COL; TBR-MLB]

Waivers 2020: Chris Roller [LAD] (originally drafted 30 by Dodgers in 2017) [2023 Sold-MIL; STL-AAA]

mFA 2021: Bryan Shaw (originally drafted 2 by Diamondbacks in 2006; played with Cleveland in 2013-2017) [2022 FA - CWS-MLB/AAA]; Seth Caddell (originally aFA by Pirates in 2016) [2023 release - FA]

Rule 5-minors 2021: (round 1): (round 2): Brett Daniels [from HOU] (originally drafted 17 by Astros in 2018) [2023 release - Atlantic League (Ind.) (Gastonia)]

mFA 2022: Mitchell Tolman (originally drafted 7 by Pirates in 2015) [2022 FA; FA; ATL-AA]

mFA 2023: Caleb Simpson (originally drafted 21 by Giants in 2013) [2023 release - FA]; Riley Smith (originally drafted 24 by Diamondbacks in 2016) [2023 retired]; Caleb Baragar (originally drafted 9 by Giants in 2016) [2023 release - FA]; Jhon Romero (originally aFA by Cubs in 2015) [2023 release - FA]; Phillip Diehl (originally drafted 27 by Yankees in 2016) [2023 release - FA]; Amir Garrett (originally drafted 22 by Reds in 2011) [2023 release - FA]; Roman Quinn (originally drafted 2 by Phillies in 2011) [2023 release - FA; COL-AAA; MIL-AAA]

Two Degrees

Ian Hamilton (originally drafted 11 by White Sox in 2016) [2022 FA – NYY-MLB/AA]

1. Trade Twins 2022 for Sandy Leon

2. Leon - mFA 2022

Konnor Pilkington (originally drafted 3 by White Sox in 2018) [2023 Sold-AZ; AZ-AAA]

1. Trade White Sox 2021 for Cesar Hernandez

2. Hernandez - FA 2020

Oscar Mercado (originally drafted 2 by Cardinals in 2013) [2022 FA - LAD-AAA; SDP-AAA; STL-MLB/AAA]

1. Trade 2018 Cardinals for Conner Capel and Jhon Torres

2. A. Capel - Draft 2016 (5)

B. Torres - aFA 2016

Three Degrees

Peyton Battenfield (originally drafted 9 by Astros in 2019) [2023 Waivers NYM; NYM-AAA]

1. Trade 2021 Rays for Jordan Luplow, DJ Johnson

2. A. Luplow - Trade 2019 Pirates with Max Moroff for Erik Gonzalez, Tahnaj Thomas, Dante Mendoza

B. Johnson - mFA 2021 (originally aFA by Rays in 2010)

3. A. Gonzalez - aFA 2009

B. Thomas - aFA 2017

C. Mendoza - Draft 2017 (12)

Akron Aeros (AA – Double-A Eastern League; Southwest Division)

Players on the roster

One Degree (drafted or signed by Cleveland)

Draft 2017: Jonathan Teaney** (20)

iFA 2017: Cesar Idrogo [Development List]

aFA 2017: Micael Ramirez;

Draft 2018: Korey Holland (14)

iFA 2018: Gabriel Rodriguez

aFA 2018: Jerson Ramirez**; Juan Zapata; Aaron Bracho; Alexfri Planez

Draft 2019: Daniel Espino** (1); Joe Naranjo (3); Trey Benton (15); Jordan Jones (16); Randy Labaut (35)

Draft 2020: Tanner Burns (1-C); Petey Halpin (3); Milan Tolentino (4); Mason Hickman (5)

aFA 2020: Jamie Arias [Development List]; Joe Donovan

Draft 2021: Doug Nikhazy (2); Tommy Mace (2-CB); Jack Leftwich (7); Will Dion (9); Franco Aleman (10); Hunter Stanley (11); Connor Kokx (12); Davis Sharpe (13); Tyler Thornton (21)

Rule 5-minors 2021: Erik Sabrowski [from SDP] (originally drafted 14 by Padres in 2018)

mFA 2023: Bryce Ball (originally drafted 24 by Braves in 2019)

Draft 2022: Chase DeLauter (1)

Waivers 2023: Bradley Hanner [MIN] (originally drafted 21 by Minnesota in 2019); Justin Lewis** [ARI] (originally drafted 12 by Arizona in 2018); Michael Berglund [TB] (originally drafted 8 by Tampa Bay in 2018)

** Did not appear in any Captains games; injured

Two Degrees

Ross Carver (originally drafted 20 by Diamondbacks in 2021)

1. Trade Diamondbacks 2022 for Carlos Vargas

2. Vargas - iFA 2016

Players with a mysterious status

Note: actual Akron roster does not have Robert Broom (10) on it but MiLB player profile has him as an Aero player; no games in 2023; assumption released or at spring training rehab site]

Players who have moved on

One Degree (drafted or signed by Cleveland)

aFA 2016: Jonathan Lopez [2023 release - FA]

Draft 2017: Angel Lopez Alvarez (13) [2023 release - FA]

Draft 2018: Alex Royalty (8) [2023 release - FA]; Shane McCarthy (18) [2023 retired]; Aaron Pinto (24) [2023 release - FA]

Draft 2019: Zach Hart (10) [2023 release - FA]; Julian Escobedo (17) [2023 release – Mexico (Union Laguna)]; Michael Amditis (21) [2023 release - FA]

Lake County Captains (A+ - High A Midwest League, East Division)

Players on the roster

One Degree (drafted or signed by Cleveland)

aFA 2016: Sergio Morillo

Draft 2017: Matt Turner (11)

Draft 2018: Ethan Hankins (1-C); Lenny Torres (1-CB)

iFA 2018: Elvis Jerez [Development List]; Dayan Frias; Junior Sanquintin

aFA 2018: Richard Paz; Victor Planchart

Draft 2019: Yordys Valdes (2); Christian Cairo (4); Will Bartlett (9)

aFA 2019: Hugo Villalobos**; Jorge Burgos

Draft 2021: Jake Fox (3); Ryan Webb (4); Aaron Davenport (6); Rodney Boone (8); Trenton Denholm (14); Alaska Abney (15); Reid Johnston (19); Jake Miller (20)

aFA 2021: Zac Fascia

Draft 2022: Parker Messick (2); Joe Lampe (3); Nate Furman (4); Magnus Ellerts (11); Tyresse Turner (13); Shawn Rapp (20)

Draft 2023: Cooper Ingle (4)

** Did not appear in any Captains games; injured

Two Degrees

Steve Hajjar (originally drafted 2 by Twins in 2021)

1. Trade Reds 2023 as PTBNL w Justin Boyd for Will Benson

2. Benson - Draft 2016 (1)

Khalil Watson (originally drafted 1 by Marlins in 2021)

1. Trade Marlins 2023 for Josh Bell

2. Bell - FA 2023

Justin Boyd (originally drafted 2 by Reds in 2022)

1. Trade Reds 2023 w Steve Hajjar (as PYBNL) for Will Benson

2. Benson - Draft 2016 (1)

Four Degrees

Josh Wolf (originally drafted 2 by Mets in 2019)

1. Trade 2020 Mets with Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario and Isaiah Greene for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco

2. A. Lindor - Draft 2011 (1)

B. Carrasco - Trade 2009 Phillies with Jason Donald, Lou Marson and Jason Knapp for Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco

3. A. Francisco - Draft 2002 (5)

B. Lee - Trade 2002 Expos with Lee Stevens, Brandon Phillips and Grady Sizemore for Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew

4. A. Colon - aFA 1993

B. Drew - Draft 1997 (1)

Isaiah Greene (originally drafted 2-C by Mets in 2020)

1. Trade 2020 Mets with Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario and Josh Wolf for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco

2. A. Lindor - Draft 2011 (1)

B. Carrasco - Trade 2009 Phillies with Jason Donald, Lou Marson and Jason Knapp for Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco

3. A. Francisco - Draft 2002 (5)

B. Lee - Trade 2002 Expos with Lee Stevens, Brandon Phillips and Grady Sizemore for Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew

4. A. Colon - aFA 1993

B. Drew - Draft 1997 (1)

Players who have moved on

One Degree (drafted or signed by Cleveland)

aFA 2017: Raymond Burgos [2022 FA – SF-AAA/AA]

Draft 2018: Jack DeGroat (11) [2023 retired]