Covering the Corner - Francisco Lindor: From June call-up to Rookie of the Year finalistCleveland Baseball: A team that's accomplished some things.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52871/Covering_The_Corner_Favicon-ICO..png2015-11-16T18:48:52-05:00http://www.coveringthecorner.com/rss/stream/95051152015-11-16T18:48:52-05:002015-11-16T18:48:52-05:00Carlos Correa named American League ROY
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<figcaption>Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Maybe next year? Wait, maybe not. </p> <p> </p>
<p><span>It sucks to make this far and not win it, but Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor has officially lost the American League Rookie of the Year voting to fellow shortstop Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros. Correa finished with 17 first place votes and 124 total points overall, while Lindor finished with 13 first place votes and 109 points overall. </span></p>
<p><span>Most signs pointed to this outcome throughout the offseason, thanks in large part to Correa’s big home run numbers and because his team made the playoffs, but many felt Lindor could sneak away with more votes from the BBWAA based on being better overall statistically with much better defense. It would have been refreshing to see baseball writers starting to come around on evaluating actual player performance and not giving unfair boosts to another player just because his team happened to be built much better around him, however. Nothing against Correa, personally, but Lindor should be a runaway favorite when looking at these two in a vacuum. </span></p>
<p><span>Lindor finished 2015 with a .313/.353/.482 batting line, including 12 home runs; good for a wRC+ of 128. Coming up through the minor leagues, his glove was always his main selling point and it translated perfectly to the Majors. There is no guarantee that Lindor will always be able to hit so well throughout his career, but his excellent defense at shortstop should last until his legs start to fall off. </span></p>
<p><span>But it is what it is. Correa winning American League Rookie of the Year is not a travesty, but it would have been great to see Lindor win. </span></p>
<p><span>This marks the final chance that the Indians had at taking home any hardware this November. Several players missed out on Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards, and I have a hunch that Terry Francona is probably not going to win Manager of the Year when it is announced on Wednesday. This also would have been first Rookie of the Year award won by a Cleveland Indians player since current first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. took home the award as the Tribe’s catcher in 1990. Prior to that, ROY-winning Indians players included Joe Charboneau in 1980, Chris Chambliss in 1971, and Herb Score in 1955. </span></p>
<p><span>Regardless of whether he won the award or not the award, it has been a pleasure to watch Lindor handle shortstop since being called up for the final 100 games of the season. I feel that I can speak for all Indians fans when I say we cannot wait to watch him do it for many more years to come in an Indians uniform. </span></p>
<p><span>Get ‘em next year, Lindor. Keep on smiling</span></p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2015/11/16/9746560/carlos-correa-american-league-rookie-of-the-year-francisco-lindorMatt Lyons2015-11-11T12:52:21-05:002015-11-11T12:52:21-05:00My interview with Francisco Lindor
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<figcaption>Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>For the record, I always had him as my 2015 Indians MVP, even before I had the chance to talk to him on the phone. </p> <p> </p>
<p>Francisco Lindor, who was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2015/11/10/9707386/francisco-lindor-nominated-for-american-league-rookie-of-the-year">named one of the American League BBWAA Rookie of the Year Award finalists</a> last night, is currently in Camden Yards keeping busy working with Under Armor. He was kind enough to take a few minutes out his schedule yesterday afternoon to talk with me over the phone and answer a few questions. It was brief, and felt even shorter, but in that span we dished about family, what it's like getting your first call-up to the Majors, and--of course--the divisive act tearing our country apart at the seams: Bat flips.</p>
<p>Also, my dream of adding him as a friend on Xbox Live is probably dead.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">* * *</h4>
<p><span>Let’s Go Tribe: Obviously it was a blast to watch once you joined the Indians. What was it like when you first heard the news you were being called up?</span></p>
<p><span><b>Francisco Lindor: It was great. I was a little anxious, you know, I was with family at the time. I had the opportunity and the blessing to calm my family down and share the news with them. So it was pretty cool, a pretty cool experience. I was a little anxious that night waiting for that flight for me to go the airport to get on that plane and fly to Detroit.</b></span></p>
<p><span>LGT: I remember when they did the call-up… on our end it was a little confusing to know exactly when you were coming. Was there any kind of delay in letting you know? Or when you knew did you come right up?</span></p>
<p><span><b>FL: No, I found out. We were playing, but we stopped the game because of the rain. So I went into the clubhouse, you know, I grabbed my phone and saw a text message from Francona. That’s kind of how I found out. I saw a text message from him telling me to "hurry up and get up here." I was a little shocked, I looked around, I wanted to tell one of the guys, but you know what they say: "don’t say anything until it’s completely out there."</b></span></p>
<p><span><b>So, I ran out to the dugout to look for my family, and tell them "hey I think I got called up." The manager was in the dugout and he saw me smiling, and looking for the family. He asked me what I was doing. I said I was looking for the family and he was like "well, why are you so happy?" I said, "well my mom is gonna cook, [the game’s] rained out, I’m spending time with the family." And he knew at that point that I kinda had an idea, and he asked me about it: "You know, don’t you?" And I was like "yes, I know."</b></span></p>
<p><span><b>After that, I told the family to come down and share the news with them. It was the next morning that I was flying to Detroit. </b></span></p>
<p><span>LGT: That’s great! Did your family come to every game, or did they just happen to be at that one?</span></p>
<p><span><b>FL: No, they spent that whole week in Columbus with me in my apartment. They were leaving Sunday, and I just found out the news on Saturday night. They were going to go back to Florida, but since I got called up they stayed an extra week. </b></span></p>
<p>LGT: How has it been compared to your expectations since you’ve been called up to the big leagues?</p>
<p><span><b>FL: It’s been great, you know, I’ve had a blast. I’ve had the opportunity to share it with a great group of guys that help me get better, and they help the experience to be a lot more joyful and,, it’s a great experience and hopefully I get the opportunity and the blessing to play for a long time.</b></span></p>
<p><span>LGT: Yeah, we can see the joy in your face every game it seems like you’re always smiling. It’s great.</span></p>
<p><span><b>FL: Always. Gotta smile man. Gotta smile.</b></span></p>
<p><span>LGT: Definitely. Do you have a favorite moment so far in the organization? Either on the Indians or in the minor leagues?</span></p>
<p><span><b>FL: I think when I got called up, seeing my family there. Seeing my nieces, my nephew, my sisters, all of them. Seeing how happy they were and how proud they were. I think that was one of the coolest experiences I have ever shared so far. My dad didn’t get a chance to see me in person, you know, when I got called up. But when I went down to Tampa, I saw him over there. Every time I go up to hit, seeing my dad and my mom, I think that’s one of the biggest and better experiences I’m ever gonna have.</b></span></p>
<p><span>LGT: So now that you’re in the offseason, what do you do to fill time when you’re not either working with Under Armor like you are right now, or MLB or anything like that? Do you play any video games?</span></p>
<p><span><b>FL: No, no, I don’t do video games. I watch TV, I sleep, I travel, spend time with my dog, you know, and. of course spending time with the family is a very big part of the offseason. Just, I try to spend as much time as I can with them too, you now. Because they don’t see me every day during the season, so. Spending time with them, spending time with the dog, sleeping, eating.</b></span></p>
<p><span>LGT: I know you’re currently in Camden Yards working with Under Armor on products with the "Push the game" campaign. Do you have any favorite pieces of equipment you’ve had the chance to try out? </span></p>
<p><b>FL: Yeah, the cleats. I think the cleats are gonna be pretty legit next campaign, as well as the batting gloves. I like the batting gloves. Under Armor has been great about getting our opinions every time they try to do something different. Under Armor is all about getting better and winning, you know? And they’re trying to win at every aspect of the game. That’s why I like the company, that’s why I'm with them.</b></p>
<p>LGT: What are you expectations for 2016? For you, the team, and just in general?</p>
<p><span><b>FL: My personal expectations are to continue to get better, continue to help the Indians, and help the Indians win. And, you know, be a better person. I want to be a better person and a better teammate. As for team expectations, I want to win. Because ultimately, that’s what it’s all about. I want to win. We have to win. At the end of the night, everybody will go home happy if you win.</b></span></p>
<p><span>LGT: That is great to hear. So the last thing I’m going to ask is, what is your take on both Jose Bautista’s bat flip in the ALCS, and just bat-flipping in general?</span></p>
<p><span><b>FL: [long pause] I think it’s the moment of the game that will take you to a bat flip. I don’t think it has to be that much, but I loved it, you know. It’s just, I don’t think he was doing it to show up the pitcher or show the game up. I don’t think he thinks he’s bigger than the game. The moment takes you that reaction. It was a very big home run. </b></span></p>
<p><span><b>I was a Latin player back home, and we kind of play the game like that. We don’t think we’re bigger than the game because we’re not. The game will never stop because of us. It’s just adrenaline takes you to that point. He didn’t do it to show anybody up. He just obviously felt good as anybody would.</b></span></p>
<p><span>LGT: Well, thank you so much for taking the time, Francisco.</span></p>
<p><span><b>FL: Alright my man, have a good one.</b></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">* * *</h4>
<p>One thing that does not come across in text is just <i>how </i>serious he was when a question about winning came up. It is something you can just hear in his voice: Francisco Lindor wants to win, and he wants to win badly. This was a fantastic experience and I cannot thank Lindor enough for taking the time to chat, and Under Armor for setting the whole thing up.</p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2015/11/11/9704858/francisco-lindor-interview-cleveland-indiansMatt Lyons2015-11-10T18:07:27-05:002015-11-10T18:07:27-05:00Lindor officially an AL ROY finalist
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<figcaption>David Richard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Because, duh. </p> <p> </p>
<p><span>In case you have not heard, Francisco Lindor is kind of good at baseball. So kind of good, in fact, that 21-year-old is officially a finalist in the 2015 American League </span>BBWAA Rookie of the Year voting. Despite the Sabermetric numbers being on his side (and maybe a <i>little </i>bit of personal bias on my side), there is absolutely no guarantee that the Cleveland Indians shortstop will win the award.</p>
<p><span>His main competition will be Houston Astros own shortstop Carlos Correa, who at one point looked like the runaway favorite for the AL Rookie of the Year award. It was not until Lindor surged toward the end of the season, and his defense had the chance to shine, that he began to make his claim on the award. Lindor will also be competing with Minnesota Twins’ designated hitter Miguel Sano. </span></p>
<p><span>Lindor finished 2015 with an outstanding .313/.353/.482 slash and 12 home runs in 99 games for the Tribe, all the while making spectacular plays night after night on defense. His 4.6 fWAR lead all American League rookies and had him 12th in the AL among batters with at least 100 plate appearances. And again, keep in mind: 99 games. </span></p>
<p><span>By most accounts, Lindor should have this award wrapped up. But as I talked about in a previous post, Correa has more "traditional" factors on his side, such as more home runs and his team making the playoffs. Either way, Major League Baseball has two great shortstops to look forward to for years to come.</span></p>
<p><span>The BBWAA voters submitted their ballots prior to the postseason—as they do every year—but if you really want to campaign for Lindor by putting posters on your front lawn or obnoxious bumper stickers on the back of your minivan, I am certainly not going to be the one to stop you. #Lindor2015, baby.</span></p>
<p>The winner will be announced next Monday, November 16.</p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2015/11/10/9707386/francisco-lindor-nominated-for-american-league-rookie-of-the-yearMatt Lyons2015-11-04T10:00:06-05:002015-11-04T10:00:06-05:00Lindor is easily AL ROY if defense matters
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<figcaption>Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Do you want to reward the all-around great season or the flashy home run power? </p> <p> </p>
<p><span>There was a time during the 2015 season that the American League Rookie of the Year award looked like it was in the bag for Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa. Thinking of scenarios where Francisco Lindor could win was fun for Cleveland Indians fans, but no would argue if Correa won it. Now, after he surged to be one of the best players in the second half of the season, Lindor is the easy winner if defense really matters in awards.</span></p>
<p><span>Lindor was called up six days after Correa, but both rookie shortstops played exactly 99 games in 2015. In that time, Lindor racked up 122 hits, 22 doubles, four triples, 12 home runs, and stole 12 bases. All of this adds up to an impressive .313/.353/.482 slash.</span></p>
<p>Post All-Star break (after July 17) is when Lindor really began to take off. Maybe those few days away from the game did something good, or maybe he elevated his play to help the Indians get into the playoffs, but either way he was phenomenal. Lindor hit for a .345/.386/.544 slash (154 wRC+), including 10 of his home runs in the final half of the season. All the while playing the same highlight reel defense that landed him in the Majors in the first place.</p>
<p><span>Comparing the seasons of Lindor and Correa, the offensive difference is obvious: Correa has more power. He hit 10 more home runs than Lindor and finished the season with a .030 higher slugging percentage (although Lindor hit more triples, but I do not usually count that as "power"). What he lacked in power, Lindor more than made up for in getting on base and striking out less. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" dir="ltr" border="1" style="table-layout: fixed; font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;">
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<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Player"]'>Player</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PA"]'>PA</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HR"]'>HR</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BB%"]'>BB%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"K%"]'>K%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"AVG"]'>AVG</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"OBP"]'>OBP</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SLG"]'>SLG</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"fWAR"]'>fWAR</td>
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<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Lindor"]'>Lindor</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,438]">438</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,12]">12</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.062]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>6.2%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.158]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>15.8%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.313]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,".000",1]'>.313</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.353]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,".000",1]'>.353</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.482]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,".000",1]'>.482</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,4.6]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"0.0"]'>4.6</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Correa"]'>Correa</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,432]">432</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,22]">22</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.093]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>9.3%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.181]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>18.1%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.279]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,".000",1]'>.279</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.345]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,".000",1]'>.345</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.512]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,".000",1]'>.512</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3.3]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"0.0"]'>3.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><span>Lindor’s biggest offensive benefit was his inflated .348 BABIP, compared to Correa’s .296--but should that matter? If I had a vote, I would say no. At least to me, awards are about rewarding the outcome of what a player does. If some level of "luck" is involved, so be it. The hits still happened, the balls were put in the right place, and it should not diminish one’s season-by-season accomplishments.</span></p>
<p><span>The deal-breaker, as far as setting these future All-Stars apart, is defense. By every measurable standard, Francisco Lindor was the superior defender in 2015. This should come as no surprise, as Lindor was never expected to have a bat; he has always been a defense-first shortstop. Conversely, Correa is a player who was no stranger to extra-base hits in the minor leagues, even if they weren’t always home runs, and he batted leagues above the competition at every level.</span></p>
<p><span>While it is always worth mentioning that errors are an imperfect way to measure defense, Lindor finished with 10, while Correa finished with 13. Correa leads Lindor in other counting defensive stats like putouts, double plays started, and assists, but he was also manning the infield behind a pitching staff was ranked 5th in ground ball percentage (47.7%), compared to the Indians being ranked 19th (44.5%). It wasn’t that Correa was magically better at turning double plays, he just had more opportunities to do so.</span></p>
<p><span>According to Inside Edge Fielding--a defensive metric that uses scouts to determine if every single play was Impossible, Remote, Unlikely, Even, Likely, or Routine--Lindor was better across the board than Correa. The two were close on Routine and Likely plays, as you’d expect from any competent shortstop, but Lindor successfully turned 14% more Unlikely plays than Correa. Neither turned any Remote or Impossible plays.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" dir="ltr" border="1" style="table-layout: fixed; font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;">
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<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Player"]'>Player</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Unlikely"]'>Unlikely</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Even"]'>Even</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Likely"]'>Likely</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Routine"]'>Routine</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Lindor"]'>Lindor</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.667]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>66.7%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.778]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>77.8%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.846]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>84.6%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.966]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>96.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Correa"]'>Correa</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.529]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>52.9%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.636]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>63.6%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.836]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>83.6%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.963]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>96.3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><span>And as the final nail in the defensive coffin, Lindor finished with a 10.5 UZR and an 18.9 UZR/150 (which normalizes the small sample size of a season's worth of UZR over 150 games), while Correa finished with a -6.0 UZR and a -13.7 UZR/150.</span></p>
<p><span>Let’s not to lie to ourselves, though. Correa’s team went to the playoffs, Correa was the bigger prospect, and Correa hit more home runs--he is probably going to win the American League Rookie of the Year. It is not a tragedy by any stretch, but if defense really matters in the mind of voters, Lindor would be the easy winner. I just suspect that it does not.</span></p>
<p><span>Besides, we all know awards are stupid and do not matter anyway (unless our guy wins, then they are validating and a true measurement of skill).</span></p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2015/11/4/9668516/francisco-lindor-al-rookie-of-the-yearMatt Lyons2015-10-19T08:00:09-04:002015-10-19T08:00:09-04:00N&N: More praise for Lindor
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b7MERoq32EQFN9XRfBFogfjh-vQ=/0x0:4245x2830/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47463900/usa-today-8832276.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>He's only 21!</p> <p>Here's to a great week!</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/nlcs-game-2--mets-cubs-021656133.html">Murphy stays hot; Mets win again (Oz)</a></p>
<p>The New York Mets are two wins away from the World Series. Their hero, so far, has been Daniel Murphy, who has homered in four straight postseason games. Even more impressive is who's he's hit those home runs off of, a who's who's list of starting pitchers named Arrieta, Kershaw, Greinke, and Lester.</p>
<p>Noah Syndergaard earned the win, going 5 and 2/3 innings and allowing just one earned run on three hits. The young right-hander struck out nine.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2015/10/15/9454385/historical-comparables-for-rookies-francisco-lindor-and-carlos-correa" target="_blank">Historic rookie seasons by Lindor and Correa (Werner)</a></p>
<p>A glowing look at the top candidates for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. From Werner:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>But perhaps the most intriguing connection - one in which ties the rookies to two Hall of Famers - between the 21-year-old Lindor and the 20-year-old Correa is the rarefied company each is keeping following their dominant rookie performances. Lindor, in fact, has averaged the most wins above replacement last season than any other 21-year-old rookie with at least 80 games played, 100 OPS+, and 3.5 WAR since 1920.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.federalbaseball.com/2015/10/18/9563981/washington-nationals-rumors-will-the-nats-consider-trading-stephen-strasburg" target="_blank">Would the Nationals trade Stephen Strasburg this winter? (Reddington)</a></p>
<p>Changes are certainly coming to Washington, but would the Nats seriously consider moving their former number one pick? With Strasburg entering his walk year and a gigantic Bryce Harper free agency soap opera on the horizon, it might just happen.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-analysis-sabermetrics/2015/10/18/9562177/yankees-statcast-pitchers-2016-rotation" target="_blank">Statcast could change the game for pitchers (Chaturvedi)</a></p>
<p>Pitching coaches could certainly dig deep to make changes to their pitchers' stride lengths, spin rates, arm slots, and more.</p>
<p><a href="http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/154757716/marcus-stroman-starts-alcs-game-3-for-toronto" target="_blank">Marcus Stroman reinvents himself (Bastian)</a></p>
<p>The Blue Jays Stroman is scheduled to start game three on Monday and has featured an oddly gripped sinker for the last year and a half. The right-hander used to rely just on a traditional, hard and fast four-seam fastball, but now prefers his hard sinker. From Bastian:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>A traditional sinker hold positions the index and middle finger between the seams, creating the most common two-seam spin out of the hand. Stroman never liked the feel of that, so he never used a sinker. He always wanted one, though, and plenty of pitching coaches had suggested trying to add the pitch.</p>
<p><br>On this particular night, Stroman found the traditional sinker grip, and then slightly turned the ball in his hand. The top knuckle of his middle finger rested on the seams. He stopped, squeezed the ball, examined the grip and, for the first time, what looked and felt like a variation of a sinker was comfortable in his hand.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Stroman shows off his sinker grip. Slight turn from conventional grip. Knuckle of middle finger on the seams. <a href="http://t.co/sjJ62e4f1k">pic.twitter.com/sjJ62e4f1k</a></p>
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/655868756711882754">October 18, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>What Indians pitcher could benefit from a hard sinker like Stroman's?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hardballtimes.com/ball-four-part-i/">"Ball Four's" characters revisted (Markusen)</a></p>
<p>Jim Bouton's <i>Ball Four </i>is a fantastic read and here we've got an update on all those zany players.</p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2015/10/19/9565555/more-praise-for-francicso-lindor-and-his-historic-rookie-seasonJason Philipps2015-10-14T13:00:07-04:002015-10-14T13:00:07-04:00Lindor chatted with fans in Twitter Q&A
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-VGxSYu7xzk91xAz3x3kMUKaQkM=/883x138:3277x1734/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47419730/usa-today-8803060.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>He is apparently fueled by cologne and pizza. </p> <p> </p>
<p>Francisco Lindor has kept busy since the Cleveland Indians regular season ended. The Rookie of the Year candidate spent yesterday guest hosting on Baseball Tonight and SportsCenter over at ESPN (<a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/2015/10/13/9524357/francisco-lindor-officially-a-multi-sport-athlete-after-visiting-espn" target="_blank">while also playing some horseshoes</a>), and now he is apparently hanging out at the MLB.com offices.</p>
<p>As with most players that find themselves anywhere near MLB's social team, Lindor did a quick Twitter Q&A with some fans.</p>
<p>First off, the question that always pops up ever single time the Indians official Twitter does a Q&A during a rain delay: is a hot dog a sandwich. it should not even be a question, because obviously it's not and if you think it is you are wrong. Lindor quickly shot down any notion that he is pro-hot dog sandwich by being on the right side of history:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It is not a sandwich - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/2yQMVfxQ9y">https://t.co/2yQMVfxQ9y</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654302577455198208">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>He also revealed his pregame routine, which seems pretty standard...</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I shower, eat, sleep, hit in the cage, come back, put some cologne on, and go back outside. - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/qAQQFW0qfb">https://t.co/qAQQFW0qfb</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654303611359481860">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
...his love for a certain cowl-sporting superhero...</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Batman - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/GrxAifWMdu">https://t.co/GrxAifWMdu</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654304873182306304">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
...and his favorite pregame meal.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="sv">Pizza - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/eHxUk4Ok77">https://t.co/eHxUk4Ok77</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654304627106672640">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Seeing all the photos of him and fellow-rookie Giovanny Urshela throughout the season makes this answer not a surprise, but yes, his favorite playing to hang out with is Monstro.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="sk">Giovanny Urshela - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/9pgxumYACZ">https://t.co/9pgxumYACZ</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654304238743519232">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
A couple of my favorites include his lofty expectations for the Tribe this year, and the fact that he enjoys taking away a run more than scoring a run. Swoon.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Make it all the way. - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/hbEL8zeiOC">https://t.co/hbEL8zeiOC</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654303709426544640">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Taking away. - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/tuoCqGseon">https://t.co/tuoCqGseon</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654304415025917952">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Maybe he is just sucking up to his first base coach, but Lindor is (and always has been) a big Roberto Alomar fan. But then again, who isn't? Bonus Chris Archer sighting.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Roberto Alomar - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/5UjvNVnmLR">https://t.co/5UjvNVnmLR</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654304793444392960">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Roberto Alomar. And what's up! - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/k7YU0w3hdI">https://t.co/k7YU0w3hdI</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654305258244542464">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
One of the more surprising answers is the fact that he sees Mike Aviles as the biggest role model on the Indians. Aviles' play on the field was a little more than disappointing in 2015, but it is good to know he has such an influence over the team's young players.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mike Aviles - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/o5CWoEkGKZ">https://t.co/o5CWoEkGKZ</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654304693192105984">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
And finally, a question I am sure will be met with rational discussion and not at all cause any issues: His favorite thing about being on the Indians is Chief Wahoo, because they share a similar smile. Which, to be fair, they do.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Wahoo. I got a smile like him. - <a href="https://twitter.com/Lindor12BC">@Lindor12BC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskLindor?src=hash">#AskLindor</a> <a href="https://t.co/vSjciJUWuh">https://t.co/vSjciJUWuh</a></p>
— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/654303434334670848">October 14, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2015/10/14/9529961/francisco-lindor-twitter-qaMatt Lyons2015-10-06T15:15:20-04:002015-10-06T15:15:20-04:00The best second halves in Indians history
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<figcaption>Jason Miller/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Well, that's <em>one</em> way to finish a season.</p> <p> </p>
<p>Francisco Lindor was the best rookie in the American League this season, and on a per-game basis, he was the best rookie in all of MLB. Heck, on a per-game basis he was one of the dozen or so best <i>players</i> in baseball, rookie or not. Lindor wasn't up until June though, and we have no way of knowing if his season would have turned out the same way without those ten weeks in Triple-A. What we do know is that after the All-Star break Lindor was among the absolute best players in baseball.</p>
<p>Lindor hit .345/.386/.544 during the second half, good for a wRC+ of 154. He also played great defense at shortstop, which is awfully valuable. FanGraphs has him at 4.5 WAR during the second half, behind only Joey Votto (5.1 WAR) and Josh Donaldson (4.6) among all position players. Throw in pitchers Jake Arrieta and Clayton Kershaw, and that's the top five in my book.</p>
<p>When was the last time the Indians had a player post such an excellent second half, and where does Lindor rank among Tribe second halves from the last 40+ years? FanGraphs has first-half/second-half splits data that includes WAR dating back to 1974, so this list goes back to then.</p>
<h5>Top Indians second-half fWAR figures (1974-2015):</h5>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>1) Albert Belle (1995): 4.8</span></li>
<li><span>2) Francisco Lindor (2015): 4.5</span></li>
<li><span>3) Jim Thome (2002): 4.3</span></li>
<li><span>4) Corey Kluber (2014): 4.1</span></li>
<li><span>5) Victor Martinez (2005): 4.0</span></li>
<li><span>t6) Len Barker (1980): 3.8</span></li>
<li><span>t6) Grady Sizemore (2006): 3.8</span></li>
<li><span>8) Kenny Lofton (1992): 3.7</span></li>
<li><span>t9) Dennis Eckersley (1976): 3.6</span></li>
<li><span>t9) Jim Thome (1996): 3.6</span></li>
<li><span>t9) Manny Ramirez (1999): 3.6</span></li>
<li><span>t12) Wayne Garland (1977): 3.5</span></li>
<li><span>t12) Mike Hargrove (1979): 3.5</span></li>
<li><span>t12) Bert Blyleven (1984): 3.5</span></li>
<li><span>t12) Brook Jacoby (1987): 3.5</span></li>
<li><span>t12) Manny Ramirez (2000): 3.5</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Francisco Lindor is something special, already a superstar at the age of 21. The last time an Indians player was more valuable after the All-Star break than Lindor was this year, was twenty years ago, when Albert Belle put up offensive numbers that looked like someone left their Sega Genesis on easy mode while playing <i>World Series Baseball</i>.</p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2015/10/6/9412473/francisco-lindor-news-best-second-half-cleveland-indians-historyJason Lukehart2015-10-05T17:41:11-04:002015-10-05T17:41:11-04:00Lindor named September's AL ROTM
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uWLV-oBVD9Tsoez-T8pKHYoeAYc=/645x397:2932x1922/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47339920/usa-today-8785657.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Easiest award ever. </p> <p> </p>
<p>Francisco Lindor has officially been named the American League Rookie of the Month for September. MLB’s official Twitter account <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/651144268157816832">announced the award for Lindor</a>, as well as giving Miami Marlins rookie Justin Bour the National League honor.</p>
<p><span>Lindor lead all American League rookies in WAR for the month of September (2.0), and was fourth overall in the AL in that span. The Rookie of the Year candidate amassed an impressive 6 stolen bases, 39 hits, 9 doubles, 3 triples, and 5 home runs in his 133 September plate appearances. Most encouragingly he only recorded two sacrifice hits in September.</span></p>
<p><span>In mid-September, when the Indians were still in the midst of a potential Wild Card run, Lindor carried a seven-game hit streak, including two games where he had three hits. </span></p>
<p><span>Whether or not Lindor ends up winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award, everything he wins from here on out is entirely deserved, and it’s been a pleasure watching the young rookie make an impact on the Indians, the fans, and the Major League in general. </span></p>
<p>Congrats, Frankie!</p>
https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2015/10/5/9457111/francisco-lindor-rookie-of-the-month-September-statsMatt Lyons