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Hey, Hoynsie: If there is a season this year, a guy like Adam Plutko can be valuable as technically the Indians have six or seven starters, if you include Jefry Rodriguez. Can you picture manager Terry Francona using any of the young guys (Zach Plesac, Aaron Civale, Rodriguez) as long relievers until the starters get stretched out? With Francona it’s usually the more relievers the better. -- Tom, Mt. Vernon.
Hey, Tom: To give you a good answer we have to find out a couple of things first. If the rosters are going to be expanded because of a shortened spring, just how many players will teams be allowed to carry and for how long? We also have to find out if the cap rule on pitchers – 13 on a 26-man roster – will be lifted.
The other thing is if pitchers with options don’t make the team – Rodriguez, Plesac, Civale have options – where will they pitch to stay sharp? Right now the minor-league season seems to be in doubt. It’s hard to try and put together a roster until we know those things, but I like the way you’re thinking. Plutko is out of options and I think he’s too valuable not to make the final cut if and when the season starts.
Hey, Hoynsie: What a fantastic gesture from the Indians leadership to do that for their employees. That’s what you call selfless. Go Tribe. – Doug, Powell.
Hey, Doug: You hit the nail on the head, as 42 executives from every part of the Indians organization took a pay cut so the rest of the full-time employees could receive their full salaries through June 30. Hopefully, MLB has a better idea of where it stands regarding the 2020 season in the coming weeks.
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