10 Big Questions For The Indians After Signing Edwin Encarnacion

The Cleveland Indians signed Edwin Encarnacion, but now it’s time to ask some big questions about the team in 2017.

If you reacted anything like I did, your feet probably hurt from the running around your house or jumping up and down while reading the news that Edwin Encarnacion signed a three-year, $60 million deal to come to Cleveland. I myself wigged out in the car on my way back from the movies, scaring my wife half to death.

You should be excited. You should celebrate a win in the off-season. You should be excited about what Encarnacion brings to the lineup. Now that the ink has dried on his contract, it’s time to move on to all of the questions around what’s next. So in rapid fire fashion, let’s take care of a few of those questions.

1. Is the door closed on Rajai Davis?

Short answer, no. Long answer is that Davis could still come back at around the same price tag as last year, or maybe even less. No one is really sure, but Davis would be a huge boost to the outfield. It would allow Naquin a cushion to improve. It’s unlikely that he returns, meaning a Brantley – Naquin – Chisnehall outfield with Almonte as a fourth outfielder.

2. Where does Encarnacion bat in the lineup?

He likely slots in at clean up where Mike Napoli hit last year. He could potentially hit 3rd if there are some other shuffles, which we will get to later.

3. Does he potentially impact the rest of the lineup?

YES. What if Lindor hits leadoff? That means it could be a Lindor-Kipnis top two, followed by Brantley, Encarnacion, and Santana in that scenario. What if Santana hits lead off again? It could be Santana-Kipnis-Lindor-Brantley-Encarnacion-Ramirez. Either way, it’s a top flight power hitter that gives Tito some options.

4. Does Encarnacion play first base or simply DH?

He started 74 games at first base last year, so there is reason to believe that he will approach that number again as Carlos Santana is not a primary first baseman anymore. He will play first for sure in interleague play.

5. Was the $20 million worth it?

Yes, for sure. But beyond Encarnacion’s skills, the money isn’t terrible. $20 million per year for a guy projected to earn $25 per year is a win. By the time the deal expires in 2019 (with what seems like everyone else’s deal), $20 million per year might actually be a bargain. The shorter term of the deal also limits the long term risk. It’s a shrewd deal.

6. What does this say about the Dolans’ push to win?

Please, for all that is good and wonderful in this world, stop yelling about the Dolans. They poured a ton of their own money into the ballpark and have supported an honest to goodness minor league system with real money and resources. They have locked in young talent long term and built a fantastic on field product and a great fan experience. They could be the Browns, which people shell out far more than a Tribe ticket for and get 100 times more frustration.

This  move shows they are serious about investing in a title. 2019 is the last year in the current window, when the entire rotation and other deals expire. It shows that Tito and Mickey Calloway get to work with real stars along with their magic in the dugout.

7. Where do we set the bar for wins in 2017?

High. Very high. 90 wins should be the target, if not more. If the pitching stays healthy, 95 wins could be a real probability. The Indians and the Red Sox are really the only two teams in the AL to make real improvements. The Central seems to be going backwards. There is a real opportunity to have a season for the ages.

8. What’s next?

What’s next is to convince Rajai Davis to take a below market deal to join a heavy title favorite. There’s also making sure that the pitching and Michael Brantley are 100% healthy. Then you ask Tito how much money he needs to never leave. Ever. Get him a second scooter for all I care.

9. So what does the ideal batting order look like?

Assuming Davis comes back?

1. Davis
2. Kipnis
3. Lindor
4. Encarnacion
5. Brantley
6. Ramirez
7. Santana
8. Chisenhall
9. Gomes / Perez

If no Davis

1. Santana
2. Kipnis
3. Lindor
4. Encarnacion
5. Brantley
6. Ramirez
7. Chisnehall
8. Gomes / Perez
9. Naquin

10. Who does Encarnacion affect, for good or bad, the most?

Next: Behind The Scenes Of The Encarnacion Signing

It’s Michael Brantley. He could be returning to the best lineup protection he has ever had. In the batting orders above, he has All-Star level hitters on either side of him. Can you imagine a clutch hitter like Brantley hitting with the potential base runners out there? The way he gets on base, he will be able to benefit from Jose Ramirez clutch hitting as well. Even if he slots at 4 with Encarnacion behind him, it’s the same story. Brantley gets to be a high RBI and OPS guy without having to hit 30 home runs. What a way to come back.