Cleveland Indians: FoS’ Mailbag Preview Part Two
By Joe Russo
It is getting closer to the 2017 regular season for the Cleveland Indians! What is on the minds of Tribe fans as we continue with our previews?
We have less than one week until opening day. If you missed part one of our preview, you can still get caught up, but we moved on to part two of our Cleveland Indians Mailbag Preview for 2017. So without further ado, here we go!
Does Edwin Encarnacion earn his money this year?
Based on attendance? Maybe, since those attendance bonuses aren’t too far fetched. Based on production, absolutely. The Dolan’s picked the right free agent in 2017 instead of making a bad trade in earlier years.
Remember how mad everyone was that the Indians didn’t trade for Chicago White Sox’s Todd Frazier? Or what about the Carlos Carrasco for Jorge Soler potential deal, who is now with the Kansas City Royals that was discussed?
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Encarnacion’s $20 million/year salary for three years is a solid shorter-term investment. He’s a potent right-handed bat that has been among the league leaders in many categories for years. Encarnacion is a great fit for this offense.
Any glaring defensive liabilities you see?
Wherever Yandy Diaz plays. Seriously, the man can hit, but there are reasons why there is so much discussion about the extra work needed to be ready to play the infield.
After that, first base is an issue. Neither Encarnacion nor Carlos Santana are “good” first basemen.
Tyler Naquin struggled last year, but he has a track record of being a good defensive center fielder. Any questions about his defense should be reserved for later in the season.
Wil the Indians surpass their 94 win total from last year?
Yes, the Indians will win 95 games. One more still counts as more.
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How long before Sandy Alomar Jr. gets a skipper job?
2018, especially if the Indians have another great season. He has earned it.
Does the Chief Wahoo debate intensify?
Can we pass on this question? No? Okay. The debate will intensify because of the Dolan’s decision to move to the “C” logo as the primary logo and reduce the visibility of the Chief Wahoo image.
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I hate the block C with a passion, but understand the issues with Chief Wahoo. The debate won’t go anywhere anytime soon.
Will the Dolans make another trade mid-season if needed, to go all-in? Or was Encarnacion the most cash they were willing to part with?
There’s bound to be some movement somewhere along the line, especially if Cleveland is in the title race again. If there is a weakness that the Dolans will identify, it will be the catcher position, just like in 2016. They’ll spend shrewdly and does have enough minor league depth to put a solid package together as needed.
What should we expect from the back end of the rotation from Trevor Bauer/Josh Tomlin? Do you think they will improve with their postseason performances?
Bauer will be fine and will make a leap in 2017. Tomlin? How much more magic is left in that elbow?
He’s one bad pitch away from blowing his arm out again. However, he has been steady for the last few seasons. There really shouldn’t be much done with the rotation, aside from injury, in 2017.
Does Bradley Zimmer make it to the show this year?
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Maybe in September when the rosters expand, just to rest guys or make a cameo. That said, if Zimmer sees meaningful time in Cleveland in 2017, the season would have gone poorly or every outfielder got hurt.