Cleveland Indians: Non-Roster Invitees Who Can Make The Team
By Joe Russo
Which players not currently on the Cleveland Indians’ 25-man roster could make some noise and be part of the opening day roster?
Each and every year, non-roster invitees who are a unique group of characters head to spring training in hopes of making the Cleveland Indians‘ roster. From old players trying to hang on to young career minor leaguers hoping to break through, this year’s group is no different.
Out of this year’s crop, there are only a few that have a real chance to make it on the big league’s opening day roster. So, which of the non-roster invitees can make the Tribe?
We’ll start with the most likely. Jackson has great odds for two reasons. First, he plays center field. Second, he plays center field at the major league level. Did I mention he plays center field?
Jackson has honest to goodness experience playing the position at a high level. If he can stay healthy, he should bump one of the potential “super utility” guys out to keep the needed outfield flexibility.
Michael Brantley isn’t 100%, and Tyler Naquin is the only true center fielder left on the roster. Unless Terry Francona sees Abraham Almonte as an option in center, it’s Jackson as the choice.
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Ugh. Just to be clear, it pains me to write out everything that follows. Francona is a loyal guy and appreciates players like Martinez.
These are guys that work hard, are great teammates, and that can play all over the field. Martinez played just about every position last year, neither of which he really played all that well.
However, it apparently was well enough to be re-signed even after being traded last year and subsequently released by the Boston Red Sox. He’s Francona’s guy, so he might get a shot to keep Yandy Diaz and Erik Gonzalez playing every day in Columbus, Ohio.
Did you know this guy made an all-star team as a reliever with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013? I’m not kidding. Delabar was a very effective reliever through that all-star season, but then he posted consecutive seasons of 4.91, 5.22, and 6.75 ERA.
That’s not exactly a player trending in the right direction. He’s a long shot given the relative depth in the bullpen, but there are worse players to take a chance on than a former all-star who is only 32 years old. He could compete with a guy like Zach McAllister for a roster spot.
4. Yandy Diaz
Diaz is far more of a positive case than a “what if” type of player. Martinez is not the answer as a utility guy. Erik Gonzalez needs to play every day. Giovanny Urshela isn’t versatile enough for an end of the bench spot.
Enter Diaz, who can play and has played all over the field in Columbus while still performing at the plate. He offers a higher ceiling player than Martinez and the 2017 version of Gonzalez. Diaz should at least be under consideration for the true “super utility” role that Francona covets.
Colabello has seen plenty of time in the majors like Jackson. He’s played for the Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins. Colabello even batted over .300 his last full season in Toronto as a reserve 1B/DH type that could cameo in the corner outfield.
Imagine this scenario: Francona isn’t convinced on Jackson and instead sees Almonte as a viable center fielder. That leaves a spot open for a fifth outfielder, maybe even a fourth if Michael Brantley isn’t ready.
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Why not Colabello? Bradley Zimmer isn’t ready and Diaz is needed as a utility man. With a proven major league bat and game experience, Colabello is a decent option to consider.