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Cleveland Indians Mailbag Preview: Part Two

By Joe Russo

Oct 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; A general view of a Cleveland Indians helmet prior to a game between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; A general view of a Cleveland Indians helmet prior to a game between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 16, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Mike Napoli (25) hits a three run home run against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Is The Only Way For More Power To Be Added To The Lineup Is Via Trade?

The only way to add the kind of game-changing and fan satisfying power is via the trade market. But when you look back at the power bats the Tribe was linked to this past offseason, no one really fits that bill.

Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier? Sure, if you only look at the first half of 2015. Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce? Not at all. Chicago Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler? Soler is unproven to the point where he is the odd man out on a crowded roster.

Are any of those guys worth giving up a top pitcher for, especially at the prices Cleveland’s starters are locked in at? No way.

Unfortunately, the reality is that there will be a bat “available” at the deadline that Cleveland radio and Indians fans will clamor for and then go nutty bananas when the trade does not happen. It is the natural cycle of being a Tribe fan. The other part of that same reality is that power bats come at a premium the Cleveland Indians cannot afford.

4. Who Is poised For The Biggest Bounce Back Year?

I have already written about how catcher Yan Gomes is ready to win back the Silver Slugger in 2016. If we assume this pick is correct, next in line would be first baseman Mike Napoli. His well-chronicled sleep apnea issues have been resolved and once healthy in 2015, Napoli really put his swing back together.

If Napoli can continue what he has started this spring and provide a power bat at first base, he could be a real upgrade over Carlos Santana in that spot. Napoli was brought in to hit and he still has that ability.

I am also convinced Terry Francona will use his presence to light a fire under Carlos Santana. It could be an interesting back and forth between Santana and Napoli as they rotate first base and designated hitter duties.

Napoli has done that plenty of times in his career, but Santana has never really been challenged for his spot in the lineup ever since he became a full-time big leaguer. This could work out well for both players involved.

Next: Who Gets Moved If The Tribe Does Not Contend?

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