2 more HRs: What are Quinn's odds of making Guardians' roster?

MESA, Ariz. -- Let’s get straight to the answer everyone is now wondering about: Yes, there is a realistic scenario where outfielder Roman Quinn can make Cleveland’s Opening Day roster.

We are far from the time in Spring Training when we will know the likelihood of this decision playing out, but it’s certainly not off the table. Quinn was signed as a Minor League free agent in January, and he spent last season split between the Phillies’ and Rays’ organizations.

The enticing qualities of Quinn are his speed and versatility, which would be ideal additions to Cleveland’s bench. He ranks in the 96th percentile in sprint speed, per Statcast, and if bigger bases cause teams to try to steal more, he'd be easy to call on. He also ranks in the 98th percentile in arm strength and has the ability to move all around the outfield, which makes him a reliable fourth outfielder.

What he’s not known for is his power, although that’s what has caused the buzz about him this early in spring. In Monday’s 12-4 victory over the Cubs at Sloan Park, Quinn smacked two homers, bringing his total to three long balls in two games.

Guardians manager Terry Francona is always quick to explain each spring that Cactus League stats only mean so much, considering it’s such a small sample size. Three home runs won’t guarantee Quinn a spot on the Opening Day roster, and he certainly won’t become some power machine for Cleveland, as he’s only hit eight home runs in 222 big league games over six seasons. But if he continues to make consistent quality contact, in addition to playing solid defense, he would be an intriguing option.

“Obviously, he feels good about himself,” Francona said. “And he’s taking some really good swings.”

The fact that Quinn is a non-roster invitee and isn’t on the 40-man roster makes the idea of him potentially making this team a little more complicated, but it doesn’t make it impossible. Cleveland will likely need to clear a spot on the 40-man (which is currently full) for a backup catcher to start the year. If Quinn would make the team, someone else would need to be cut.

Guys like catcher Bryan Lavastida or outfielder Richie Palacios could be candidates to fall victim to the numbers game. Both are in positions that are crowded with Major League-ready talent, and their paths to the big leagues may be more challenging. It will also be important to keep a close eye on Cody Morris, who is once again dealing with soreness in his right shoulder/back area like the last few seasons. If he would need more time to recover, he could be placed on the 60-day IL to make another opening.

Whether Quinn will earn a spot on this team remains to be seen. But if he consistently proves he belongs on this roster, there’s no doubt the Guardians will find a way to make that happen.

Bieber on the bump
In his Cactus League debut, Shane Bieber couldn’t have looked more like Shane Bieber.

In early spring outings, pitchers are looking to just get a feel for the mound again. Most haven’t faced live hitters more than a handful of times since the offseason began, especially in a competitive setting. The results rarely matter, as hurlers are hoping the ball feels good coming out of their hand and the shape of their pitches is as expected. But Bieber got the results he’s used to anyway, tossing two hitless (and scoreless) innings with a walk and a strikeout.

But the difference for the Guardians this year is their pitching staff will also be looking to build relationships with new catchers. And after outing No. 1, Bieber already feels like he and Mike Zunino are on the same page.

“He’s definitely what they call a pitcher’s catcher,” Bieber said. “Once I get the ball back, you’re obviously thinking of what pitch you think would sequence best after what you just threw -- and of the times I was thinking that and had a clear-cut decision, it was the first one he called. So, we’re pretty dialed in.”

Straw nearing game action
Outfielder Myles Straw got off to a slower start this spring after he reported to camp with some right knee soreness from running on concrete. Now that he’s gotten most of his baserunning tests out of the way, Straw is expected to get into the lineup by the end of the week.