Shortstop may be one of the most simplistic positions to analyze for the Cleveland Indians. In the present Asdrubal Cabrera will be the everyday shortstop, a switch hitter, and a daily Web Gem for those ESPN guys on Baseball Tonight. The future at shortstop is almost just as definite, in that most suspect a few years that this past season's #1 draft pick Fransisco Lindor will be the next mainstay at SS in what is turning out to be quite the impressive dynasty at that position.
Asdrubal Cabrera was clearly the MVP of the Indians offensively last season by hitting with a .273avg and a .332 OBP. Not that impressive right? Well we did miss the playoffs, but other than that, the A-Cab's homeruns increased from 3 to 25. That's impressive. The team is noticeably different with A-Cab on the field and in the lineup than when he missed 60+ games in 2010. Like many Indians, his health is the key, most would believe that he can only post up better numbers if he has another healthy season, especially if some of the big hitters can stay healthy to give A-Cab better pitches. My only concern is where in the lineup do you place him? If you put him at #2, you have to move Kipnis down, at #3, Choo is further down, at #4 Santana is down. It's a good problem to have, but it will be interesting to see how Manny Acta sets his Opening Day lineup card. My guess is that it will be A-Cab hitting 2nd, and Kipnis will be down a bit.
The projected opening day backup has to be Jason Donald. If I have already talked about him it shouldn't be a shock, because he can play most every infield position. However, I am not wanting to see him play SS anytime this year, because that would mean Asdrubal is injured, and for us to reach the playoffs, Jason Donald needs to get his reps at 3rd and 2nd this year. So expect Donald's competition at 2nd and 3rd to dictate if he opens on the MLB roster, not just because he can play SS too.
Prospects to Watch:
Francisco Lindor
Dorssys Paulino
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