Factory Of Sadness
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Cleveland Indians Mailbag Preview: Part One

By Joe Russo

May 5, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a Cleveland Indians cap and glove in the dugout prior to the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a Cleveland Indians cap and glove in the dugout prior to the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 25, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Marlon Byrd (6, left) is congratulated by first base coach Bill Hayes (58, right) after hitting a single during the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Will Marlon Byrd Make An Impact This Season?

I try to give concrete yes or no answers, but the best answer here is maybe. Factory of Sadness has been advocating the Cleveland Indians to go after Byrd all offseason.

When Byrd finally did sign, he showed early returns at the plate. His defense however won’t be anything to get excited about.

When you look back at who has been the fourth outfielder for the Tribe in years past, Byrd represents the best bench guy in a long time out there. His numbers from last season were excellent as a full-time player, with 506 at bats, .247 / .290 / .453, 23 HR, and 73 RBI.

Byrd might not play every day. However, he gives the Cleveland Indians great options in the corners to rotate with Rajai Davis and Lonnie Chisenhall, especially while Michael Brantley recovers from his setback following offseason shoulder surgery.

Byrd is also a legitimate power hitter, something the Cleveland Indians have sorely lacked from the right side. He is not going to hit 30 home runs at this point in his career, but he will provide plenty of pop and professional at-bats in spot starts and as a sub.

He also provides insurance in case of injury to Davis or Chisenhall, especially if the latter struggles at the plate again. All Byrd needs to do is stay healthy himself and get enough at-bats to change this answer from a maybe to a solid yes.

Next: Alternative If Lindor Struggles?

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