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Cleveland Indians: Brandon Guyer To See Time In CF

By Nick Dudukovich

Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Brandon Guyer is hit by a pitch with the bases loaded against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Brandon Guyer is hit by a pitch with the bases loaded against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Indians are adding more versatility to their outfield, by having Brandon Guyer spend time in CF.

Brandon Guyer will spend some time in Spring Training patrolling center field, according to Cleveland.com’s Zack Meisel.

"“He has primarily covered the corner outfield spots during his career, though he has appeared in 52 games in center over the last three years. ‘I love it. I played there a little in Tampa,’ Guyer told Meisel. “For me, I feel like that’s where you get the truest routes, the truest read off the bat. I love it out there.”"

If fans learned anything from watching the 2016 Indians outfield, its that versatility matters. Michael Brantley could never answer the bell last season. His absence left a void at the plate, but also good defense in left and center fields. His health is still a concern this Spring.

The Indians got as a creative as they could to fill the void. Rajai Davis played mostly left and center, and even a game in right. Marlon Byrd manned the corner outfield spots before getting popped for PEDs,. When Abraham Almonte returned from his suspension, he helped fill the void left by Davis.

Tyler Naquin made the team as a rookie out of Spring Training. He was optioned to Columbus twice May, but stayed for good after Byrd departed.

Naquin played 105 regular season games in center, in addition to four in right.  Jose Ramirez played some left. Carlos Santana started a World Series game there. In right field, Lonnie Chisenhall appears to have found his big-league niche. The Indians acquired Guyer before last season’s trade deadline. Together, they form a pretty good platoon.

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The Tribe also has prospect Yandy Diaz, who has hit over .300 at every professional level he’s played at. He played third base and left field for Class AAA Columbus last season, but has spent time in left and center with his Winter Ball team.

Naquin,  Chisenhall and Guyer are back in the fold. Ramirez is also an option, but he seems destined to stay at third. The Tribe signed switch hitter Austin Jackson, while Almonte–another switch hitter–is also back in camp.

Will you see a lot of Guyer in center? If all goes right, no. It’s Naquin’s job to lose when righties are on the hill. Jackson may be a good partner to help out again lefties, but he’s still troubled by a knee injury and is still limited by what he can do in camp. Almonte could also help Naquin split duties.

If things are going right for the Indians and Guyer, he’ll be starting in right against lefties. He hit .336 (1.021 OPS) off southpaws last season.

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Still, the point is you can never be flexible enough, and since Guyer did play some CF for Tampa, it makes sense to give him some time there this spring.

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