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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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Mar 19, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) jogs to first during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jose Ramirez, 3B

Jose Ramirez had the most shocking season of anyone last season for the Indians. Francona could stick J-Ram anywhere in the lineup and he did just that.

Ramirez was the only player on the Indians team to bat in every spot in the lineup, which he did effectively. Ramirez’s lowest average come from the lead off spot, where he only had six at-bats and failed to get a hit.

After that however, Ramirez only hit under .300 in two spots, the two hole and also the eighth spot. Everything else was .300+ and in some cases even over .400.

Ramirez started the season in left field because the Indians had Juan Uribe starting at third. Yet, that did not last long as Ramirez took over the daily third base duties and Uribe would eventually be released.

There is room for Indians fans to be kinda worried. 2016 was the first season Ramirez really showed us what he could do. Whether that be a fluke, a lucky season whatever fans want to call it, Ramirez will need to have it again.

According baseball-reference.com, Ramirez has posted averages of .262 in 2014, and .219 in 2015. So you can see why there is cause for concern. If that isn’t enough his OBP in those seasons were .300 and .291 respectively.

Next: WBC: Kinsler Can't Be More Wrong And The Tribe Is The Perfect Example Why

The Indians took a risk on Ramirez in the offseason much like they have early in careers before. Recently, the Indians signed Ramirez to a 4-year contract extension earning him a guaranteed $26 million dollars with two team options that could earn him close to 50 million.

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