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5 Cleveland Indians Players Who Will Be Key To Their Success In 2017

By Eric Pitcher

Feb 17, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; A baseball sits on the field as Cleveland Indians pitchers throw during a workout at the Goodyear Ballpark practice fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; A baseball sits on the field as Cleveland Indians pitchers throw during a workout at the Goodyear Ballpark practice fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) hits a RBI single in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) hits a RBI single in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Michael Brantley, LF

Michael Brantley appeared in only 11 games last season for the Indians. Even without them they were a game away from winning it all.

Who knows what could have happen if the Indians have had a healthy Brantley.

According to baseball-reference.com, in 2014 and 2015 Brantley hit over .300 and drove in more than 80 RBI in both seasons.

With the injuries he endured, we often forget that Brantley was third in MVP voting back in 2014. Not only does Brantley add another solid bat to the lineup, but he also adds more depth in the outfield.

After losing outfielder Rajai Davis to the Oakland A’s in free agency, there is a hole in the outfield. That needs to be filled and Brantley is someone who can step into that spot and become an everyday guy like he used to be.

Cleveland played it safe last season, after bringing Brantley back a little too early last season, and as a result he re-injured his shoulder. Brantley was then placed on the 60-day disabled list and ended up missing the rest of the season.

Adding Encarnacion in the offseason makes things in the Indians’ lineup interesting. With Encarnacion, Brantley, second baseman Jason Kipnis, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and first baseman/designated hitter Carlos Santana, the top of the Indians’ lineup is very powerful.

Given the quality of talent in the lineup, manager Terry Franconca’s job is a little easier because knows he can put any of those guys anywhere. However, simultaneously, such abundance of talent also makes it hard because he can put any of those guys anywhere. Balancing playing time and rest as needed is going to be important.

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