Tito Talks: Yan Gomes and Trevor Bauer

Sep 28, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (10) walks in from the bullpen before the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Yan Gomes and Trevor Bauer have the confidence of Terry Francona

Two of the bigger questions in camp the spring are, “can Yan Gomes be the everyday catcher?” and “Can Trevor Bauer win the fifth spot?” Well, Terry Francona seems optimistic about both as the Indians prepare for the start of the 2014 season. And it’s a good thing too. Both figure to play prominent roles for the Tribe this season.

In a recent video posted on Indians.com, Francona explains how Yan Gomes took an opportunity last season, Carlos Santana playing in the WBC, and used it as a launching pad to establish himself with the organization. Having been acquired via trade a few weeks earlier, nobody knew what to make of the Brazilian. Was he a catcher? Was he a third baseman? Would he be nothing more than a quad-A player?

Well thanks to the opportunity to play every other day with Santana gone and no real options in Triple-A Gomes was afforded the chance to show what he could do. Once the injury bug struck, Gomes got his opportunity and the rest is history. Now Gomes starts the 013 season as the everyday catcher and will look to build on what was a solid first season playing legitimate innings at the big league level.

As for Bauer, Francona feels like he can legitimately compete for a spot in the rotation. Last season, Francona cites, Bauer dealt with some injuries that really affected how well he could pitch. This season, he comes into camp refreshed and looking more like the stud prospect he was once believed to be. It should make for an interesting competition for the fifth and final spot in the rotation between Bauer, Carlos Carrasco, Shaun Marcum, Josh Tomlin, and Aaron Harang.

You can watch the video of Francona’s comments below. (Refresh is page fails to load)