MLB Playoffs: Analyzing the Cleveland Indians’ ALDS Roster
Analyzing the Cleveland Indians Playoff Roster.
The Cleveland Indians host the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series on Thursday, Oct. 6. The roster has been released. Here’s what you can takeaway as manager Terry Francona gets set to battle the Sox.
Infield
Locks: (5) Mike Napoli, Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Michael Martinez
The infield of the Indians was very easy to set. Either Mike Napoli or Carlos Santana will start at first base, with the likely option being Napoli. However, the power-hitting right hander has committed the most errors amongst first-basemen this year – thirteen. Still, Santana is best suited as the starting designated hitter.
Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor will start in the middle infield. There is no question about that. After scuffling a 2-43 slump over half of the month of September, Lindor found his footing in the final series against Kansas City. He hit .375 with a homerun and 6 RBIs. Kipnis had one of the best overall seasons of his career, setting career high’s in games played and homeruns.
The surprise of the season – Jose Ramirez – will be the Tribe’s starting third-basemen come Thursday and throughout the series. After acting as a super utility player his entire career, Ramirez came to life this season. He slashed .312/.363/.462 with 11 HRs and 76 RBIs. One of the most clutch hitters in baseball this year, the Indians will need Ramirez to stay hot to be successful in October.
Michael Martinez hung around to make the roster. I thought he’d be on the bubble. As a super utility player who can play most infield and outfield positions, it’s not a huge surprise to see Francona take Martinez.
Outfield
Locks: (5) Lonnie Chisenhall, Coco Crisp, Rajai Davis, Brandon Guyer, Tyler Naquin
On The Bubble: (0) Abraham Almonte ineligible for postseason due to PED suspension
Like the infield, this was an easy one for Francona. Lonnie Chisenhall started the majority of games in right field and is likely to do the same in the postseason against right-handed pitching. Coco Crisp and Brandon Guyer will likely split time at the other corner outfield position. Guyer has historically been good against left-handed pitching, while Crisp, a switch hitter, should see time against right-handers.
In center field, Rajai Davis and rookie-of-the-year candidate Tyler Naquin will share playing time. Davis will be a major key for the Indians, as his speed – he led the American League in stolen bases – and postseason experience will benefit a young team. There is also a good chance Davis sees starts in left field. Naquin will get playing time against right-handed pitching, though he has slowed down since his red-hot start to the season. Francona may limit his playing time and instead use him situationally.
As mentioned with the infield, Michael Martinez will also be a potential option as a defensive replacement should any games head deep into extra innings.
Catcher
Locks: (1) Chris Gimenez, Roberto Perez, Yan Gomes
Now, this is where things get interesting. Francona went and did a crazy thing: He kept three catchers! Gomes’ injury woes finally healed and he hit a home run in the final game of the regular season. The Tribe will need his pop, even though he’s been one of the unluckiest hitters in baseball.
Gimenez has established a connection with Game 1 starter Trevor Bauer. The Tribe needs to do everything it can to help Bauer be successful. Gimenez might be the weakest hitter among the catchers, but the Bauer factor makes up for it. A veteran manager like Francona sees his value.
Pitchers
Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, Josh Tomlin, Mike Clevinger, Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Dan Otero, Bryan Shaw, Zach McAllister, Jeff Manship, Cody Anderson
The locks above are pretty self-explanatory. Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber and Josh Tomlin are the three named starters right now. Mike Clevinger could potentially start Game 4 or act in long relief,
Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Dan Otero and Bryan Shaw have been the horses in the back of the bullpen all year. Zach McAllister and Jeff Manship are also key cogs in the bullpen.
It was a little surprising to see Cody Anderson added to the roster. He’s struggled all year, but Francona may need a guy who can throw multiple innings.
Clevinger’s role still has not been established, and if he ends up starting Game 4, Anderson will be the guy who is asked to eat innings in case of a blow out.
Next: Expert Predictions: Indians Have No Chance
Final Roster:
Position players: (14) Gomes, Gimenez, Perez, Napoli, Santana, Kipnis, Martinez, Lindor, Ramirez, Guyer, Crisp, Naquin, Davis, Chisenhall
Pitchers: (11) Bauer, Kluber, Tomlin, Clevinger, Miller, Allen, Otero, Shaw, McAllister, Manship, , Anderson