Gotribe31,

The Indians have had some problems developing players in many areas, but it appears the reason for that is a resistance, for the most part, to invest heavily in the draft for the better part of the last decade.

Many young players are going to fail, so while the majority of clubs are stockpiling their system to give themselves a better chance at producing talent, the Indians are one of the 8-12 that punted high in the draft, went safe rather than for the best talent or simply made scouting mistakes -- which is going to happen to every team.

I wrestled with the idea of proposing a trade of Francisco Lindor for an outfield bat such as Oscar Taveras or a starting pitching prospect, but I tried to stay as realistic as possible and I know how much the Indians love Lindor.

Thanks Jason, I dig this kind of never-gonna-happen-but-fun-to-think-about stuff.

Can you expound on Yelich's defense? I know this is simplistic, but he stole 30 bases in '11 and 20 in '12 and KG graded him at 55-60 speed last season - how can a guy with above-average speed and some semblance of athleticism be so totally unacceptable in LF? Or is it just that his bat is so far ahead of the D, that it's not worth waiting? I can think of Gerald Perry and Gregg Jefferies, but not many others.

Yelich does run well enough, but his lateral range is fringy. The biggest issue is his throwing motion, however, and as he fills out his speed grade is likely to move closer to average, too. Although considering baseball speed includes being able to round bases without losing momentum as well as move laterally, I'd never have given him a 60 grade.

In the end I wouldn't call Yelich's projected outfield defense totally unacceptable, but the scouting world is always looking for the most ideal situation. He's better out there than Logan Morrison.

I don't understand the Arrendo trade suggestion. Basically, you think the Rockies should trade down by trading a third baseman for a first baseman with an inferior bat? Why not just move Arrendo over to 1B?

Richard,

In circumstances like Arenado's, there are times when a change of scenery is needed for both club and player. This may be one of those times.

Also, there's not a lot of evidence that Yelich's bat is inferior. It could go either way and I'd bet on Yelich, despite the slight power advantage for Arenado. Probability is a major factor in evaluating developing talent.

Enjoyed the article, glad to see the prospect content here is going to continue to be excellent.

batts40,

Thanks for the kind words. The group BP has put together here is very good and the areas of expertise spread across all areas of the game, too. Pretty cool.

Fun article. Everyone of these trades should be made. I expect GMs are too timid, and like most people overweight the risk versus the gain.

I would suggest Darin Ruf and a pitcher to Colorado for Arenado would fit both teams' needs

Ruf isn't an everyday player on a first division team. Arenado at least has a chance to be that kind of player.

Richard,

Arenado does have more power potential, but Yelich could be a .300 hitter with on-base skills to go with his John Olerud level power. Not saying he's Olerud, though if he maxes out that's not a bad standard to cite.