Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answers questions about the team and Major League Baseball.
View full sizeIndians manager Manny Acta says he has no second-thoughts about taking the job in Cleveland.Q: Hey, Hoynsie: I'm wondering if Manny Acta has any second thoughts about choosing the Indians over Houston to manage this year? While the Astros' farm system consistently rates at the bottom of Baseball America's rankings, they have put together a nice run and their record is substantially better than the Tribe's at this point in the season. -- Rich Treibley, Pataskala, Ohio
A: Hey, Rich: Acta has said he's happy with the decision he made in picking the Indians over the Astros. The Indians' farm system was one of the reasons he made the decision not to mention getting an extra guaranteed year on his contract.
The one thing he didn't expect was losing Grady Sizemore and Carlos Santana for the season and Asdrubal Cabrera for more than 50 games because of injuries.
Q: Hey, Hoynsie: In your estimation, why does Manny Acta continue to play Jayson Nix at third base, when his fielding is bad and he has other options on the bench? -- Bob Carpenter, Richmond, Va.
A: Hey, Bob: Acta believes Nix is his best option at third base. As for his options on the bench -- would you really play Andy Marte or Luis Valbuena over Nix? At least Nix has a chance to hit.
Nix may hit enough to be the utility infielder, or get a shot at second base, next year. His play at third base has been unfortunate, but he's changing positions during the season, which is never easy.
Look, if the Indians felt they had a better option, he'd be playing third base right now.
Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Michael Brantley is the only Indians rookie to show any improvement at the plate during the course of the year. Trevor Crowe, Lou Marson and Jason Donald seem stuck in neutral. With rookies such as Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch putting up big rookie numbers, I'm starting to wonder if the talent is there. Do these guys project to get better or will they have to overachieve? -- Steve Alex, Gainesville, Fla.
A: Hey, Steve: At some point of the season, I've felt the same about Crowe, Marson, Matt LaPorta and Donald as you do right now about Brantley. That's the way it goes with young players.
There is no substitute for time, patience and putting a player in the right situation.
Remember, as well as Jackson has played for the Tigers, he's struck out 149 times in 535 at-bats.
When it comes to projecting greatness for Brantley, Crowe, Marson or Donald, I'm not qualified to make an accurate assessment. I will tell you that none of them, with the exception of Carlos Santana and Chris Perez, have grabbed me by the throat and hit me over the head with their talent. If I was in the Indians' front office, I'd be concerned about that. Then again, maybe they're just young guys getting used to the big leagues.
Q: Hey, Hoynsie: In your Sept. 7 article about the Indians' defense, you made an interesting comment. You said that if the Indians had a better option at third or shortstop they would have called them up from the minors. We all know third is a problem, but I was surprised you mentioned shortstop. How do the Indians feel about Asdrubal Cabrera? Do you think they are down on him and would like to see an upgrade at short? -- Alan Wilson, Fredonia, Wis.
A: Hey, Alan: I think there has been some concern about Cabrera's play at short since he returned from his fractured left forearm. I don't see the Indians making a change there this winter because bringing in a top-flight shortstop would be too expensive.
The Indians have two options at short, Cabrera and Jason Donald. Cabrera is the safer choice even though he doesn't have the greatest range or speed. He's heady, smart and probably isn't fully recovered from his forearm surgery.
Q: Hey, Hoynsie: With all of the defensive woes at third base this year, will the Indians consider bringing Omar Vizquel back to cover the position? He has shown his offense is still strong at 43 and his defense is still amazing. -- Brandon Reyes, Avon Lake
A: Hey, Brandon: It's a nice idea, but I don't see that happening.
Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Do you feel that Larry/Paul Dolan will follow through on the front office promotions? If so does Manny Acta get "Wedged?" Does anyone get pink slipped? -- M.K., Crestefield, Ohio
A: Hey, Morris: As far as I know, no one is getting fired, especially Acta.
Chris Antonetti, who had a big say in hiring Acta, is going to be the new general manager. Mark Shapiro will be the new president.
Why would Acta get fired? That would be like firing the conductor of a poorly built train just because it stalled on the track. Acta didn't build the train, he's just trying to run it.
-- Hoynsie