Throws: Right, Bats: Switch
2011 Stats (AAA Columbus): .294, 14 HR, 63 RBI, .868 OPS, 1.75 K/BB
2011 Stats (Indians): .155, HR, 6 RBI, .494 OPS, 2.13 K/BB
When the Indians called Cord up on June 8th, a full month and a half before Jason Kipnis, it was not because the organization felt that he was more Major League ready. It was not because Phelps could theoretically fill-in at any of the three infield positions. He played only second for the Tribe. The rationale was to prevent happening to Kip exactly what has befallen the young Mr. Phelps. Coming off of his first 35 MLB games, Cord has shown a complete inability, both offensively and defensively (5 E, -4 Runs Saved, -0.4 Defensive WAR), to play the game at the highest level. He now finds himself squarely behind the 8-ball, entering a make or break season. I still have confidence in Phelps offensive approach and his intangibles. Notice the small difference between his K/BB ratios despite the catastrophic drop in all of his other metrics. This confirms something that we already knew: Cord is an intelligent batter who swings at good pitches. Obviously, the guy has some work to with squaring up the ball, but this is often the last piece to fall for big league success. He is a hard-nosed player who always gives the proverbial 110%. Cord is a ballplayer's ballplayer, an asset in the clubhouse, the kind of guy for whom you want to find a roster spot. Still, with Kipnis firmly entrenched at second (hopefully for the next 15 years), Phelps will be fighting for a utility spot. This is a battle that I believe he will ultimately lose to Jason Donald. The deciding factor is defense. Donald is capable at all three infield spots and showed great promise in the outfield during the Arizona Fall League. Cord, on the other hand, adventured away from second for the first time in his pro career in 2011. While he performed serviceably at short, the handful of innings he tried at the hot corner were less than stellar. With the game trending toward 13 man pitching staffs (I kid you not, Tony LaRussa did it en route to the World Championship), the utility spots lose all discretion. You need a back-up catcher, a pinch-hitter and a defensive sub/pinch-runner. The ability to effectively cover both infield and outfield spots will become increasingly desirable in a bench player. Again, advantage Donald. Even if the Tribe carries 13 hitters, it will likely take an injury to get Phelps back to lakefront. Long story short (too late), when this happens, Cord has to show up with the stick or a once promising future will descend in the dreaded purgatory of the failed prospect.
Up Next: #24 - OF Jordan Henry
P.s. I had to type this twice because Blogger crashed. My brain hurts from remembering.
