Weekly Wroundtable: Christmas Wishes

Nov 27, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dressed as Santa Klaus, Larry Kennedy of Solon looks at Cleveland Cavaliers merchandise before a game against the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

With the Christmas season in full swing, I decided to ask the staff what they wanted for Christmas. I figured I would get some quality answers out of everyone seeing as how this is a fun question and not the standard “what do you think about the Indians and ______?” I guess I was wrong and my staff is full of a bunch of Scrooges. Instead I got two serious answers and an email chain full of headaches. Bah humbug! Anyways, here are the answers I was provided.

Michael Chaney: This year, I’ve gotten a lot that I’ve wanted. The Indians made the playoffs. I was brought aboard the staff here at Wahoo’s on First. Girls even talk to me every now and then. So, with those being some of the things I might have asked for last year, my list this year is a bit simpler. For the last few years, I’ve really wanted an iPhone. I’m not sure if that will happen, but it’s at least worth mentioning. If that doesn’t work out, I’m really hoping that I can get the newest Grand Theft Auto game. I’ve played it a few times at a friend’s house, and I can already say that I love it. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll never turn down a chance to get more baseball cards (my collection of them is practically taking over my house) or some more sports memorabilia or clothing. To wrap everything up (no pun intended, I swear), seeing Paul Maholm under the Indians’ Christmas tree would conclude a great holiday.

I’m really excited for this Christmas, and I’m looking forward to a break from school and the opportunity to spend time with my family. Last year, I finally got the pair of Hulk Hands I had been wanting since I was four (they’re technically “Gamma Green Smash Fists,” but I’ll settle), so last year certainly set a high bar.

I’m also hoping that I can have washboard abs by spring, but I might have to take a rain check on that. If all else fails, maybe I’d take a fruitcake.

Steve Kinsella: As an Indians fan what I would really like for Christmas is a guarantee of a World Series victory but that isn’t going to happen. What I would like from Santa in 2014 is to see the arms in the Indians organization take that giant leap forward to the next level.

I would like to see Corey Kluber join Justin Masterson and breakthrough that 200 inning mark. I’d like to see Danny Salazar realize that potential as a starting pitcher and make +30 starts.

Sep 17, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians manager

(17) makes a pitching change against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Zach McAllister is caught in a numbers game with Carlos Carrasco being out of options and most likely taking the #4 spot in the rotation; therefore, he will have to fight to grab a rotation spot from Shawn Marcum in spring training. Even if he begins the season in Triple A McAllister will be called upon at some point of the season to make a start or two due to injury or scheduling issues. Whether in Columbus or Cleveland I want McAllister to be able to go deep into games without a dropoff in production.

Most important, I want Carlos Carrasco to grab a hold of a starting spot, push out +30 starts, log close to 200 innings and be looked as a dependable starting pitcher for the next several years.

I’ll also be keeping an eye on the Indians minor league starting pitching. Most important there is to see Trevor Bauer regain control of his arsenal, have an uptick in velocity, and pitch with confidence.

Josh Tomlin. The mystery man. Is he the guy that befuddled hitters in his first dozen or so starts or is he the guy who was used as batting practice thereafter? Was his ineffectiveness a product of predictability or injury? I’ll be interested to see how his season unfolds.

Finally, Cody Anderson. After a tremendous season at the Indians High A affiliate Carolina he ended the year getting roughed up in 3 appearances with the Double A Akron Aeros. We shouldn’t make too much of a pitcher on a career high for innings having a rough finish and I will be more than happy to give him the benefit of the doubt. I would like to see Anderson kick the door in at Double A and finish the season with the Triple A Columbus Clippers.

Geordy Boveroux: I asked for an iPad and I think I’m getting it. I also need some new shoes.

Steve Kinsella: I can also answer for Ed:

Andy Marte

Adam Dunn

The End

Ed Carroll: Yeah Steve had most of mine. I suppose I will put my Xmas on the backs of broken prospects and hope for a return to form for Trevor Bauer and a Jason Knapp signing.

Oh and for Steve to admit he only says he prefers Tupac to Biggie because he likes to be difficult cause nobody in their right mind would actually believe Biggie was inferior to Tupac.

Brian Heise: What do I want for Christmas? I honestly don’t know. Can I say a World Series title for the Indians, or is it too soon? Is that asking too much? Can Santa make that happen some way, some how? I hope so, because that would be awesome.

Oh, and I could use some new shoes too…