Cleveland Indians: Which Position Should Be Upgraded?

May 10, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; A general view of Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) jersey after defeating the Minnesota Twins 8-2 at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; A general view of Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) jersey after defeating the Minnesota Twins 8-2 at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Cody Allen (37) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Cody Allen (37) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Ric McElroy

Bullpen Is A Concern

The Cleveland Indians seem to be on a hot streak, although that could change at anytime. Yet, the substance of their streak is the team’s pitching, while Cleveland’s hitting is also coming together. Let’s hope that level of play continues!

But if I were the Indians I might be a little worried about the bullpen. Some have been good, but others are shaky. Although Cody Allen has done a good job in closing games out, sometimes he makes the game tight and it becomes a real nail biter.

More from Cleveland Guardians

The major weakness of the Cleveland Indians’ bullpen is their lack of steady relief during the seventh and eighth innings, which needs some bolstering. There are a few available relievers, but the Tribe will have to give up something to get one of them.

The Indians have assets in the minors as well as one or two players on the major league roster such as third baseman Juan Uribe. With the emergence of utiltyman Jose Ramirez at third and hopefully the return of Michael Brantley, Uribe becomes expendable.

In the minors, the Cleveland Indians have players like Yandy Diaz, Giovanny Urshela, and Ronny Rodriguez. All of them are third basemen who could be trade bait. Cleveland could also look to acquire someone to become their regular catcher due with the offensive troubles Yan Gomes is dealing with!

Next: Bullpen, bullpen, bullpen!