Cleveland Indians: Bradley Zimmer is not an answer yet in the OF

Cleveland Indians outfielder Bradley Zimmer is quite talented, but believing he can be a long-term option is very premature.

Following the numerous injuries the Cleveland Indians recently endured, they called up their top prospect, Bradley Zimmer. It was only a matter of time before such a move was made.

There is a lot to like about Zimmer’s upside, but believing he can be an answer in the outfield for years to come right now is wrong.

Earlier today, Zimmer accomplished two milestones with his first hit and first career home run. Overlooking his complete game, the defense is there, but there are questions with his bat. Yes, it was great to see him achieve those milestones, but we must keep in mind that he has a tendency to strike out often.

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According to baseball-reference.com, Zimmer has struck out 378 times in the minor leagues in less than four complete seasons! Although he has appeared in just two games so far, watching him play in the minors and seeing what he has done in Cleveland has not changed my opinion of him… yet.

Zimmer and fellow outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall plays different positions, but I would not be surprised to see the former turn into the next Chisenhall-type of player.

Zimmer is a highlight-making player, but he is also too inconsistent for me. I know he has done a solid job so far with the Columbus Clippers prior to the call-up. That is why I am not strictly looking at just this season when evaluating him.

The strike out stat is just one example why. If Zimmer can build upon today’s game, then that will be great for he and the team. Regardless of what happens though, Zimmer is going to struggle soon enough. It’s not if, but instead an actual fact. All players will struggle at times during the season and for those adjusting to the big leagues, that impact only increase.

I hope to see big things out of Zimmer, but how long will they believe in the former first rounder when he starts to slump? Chisenhall is the perfect comparison in that after his struggles, Cleveland expected him to eventually take the next step forward. How many chances is it now and that has yet to happen?

For whatever reason, Cleveland cannot separate themselves from players like Chisenhall. Hopefully Zimmer does not fall into that category, but he very well could.

When the Tribe acquired reliever Andrew Miller, I wished that Zimmer was part of the trade package instead of former Indians’ prospect Clint Frazier. I envision a higher ceiling for Frazier with more potential. Time will tell.

If all goes to plan, Zimmer could be part of the long-term future in Cleveland roaming center field. Thinking he already belongs with the Indians for the foreseeable future should not be considered as of now.

Next: Surprised Zimmer over Naquin?

On the other hand, continued progress is needed. If that is seen, Zimmer will have more of an influence on the Indians’ season than fellow outfielder Tyler Naquin did last season. Maybe one day we will talk up Zimmer like a former Indians outfielder by the name of Kenny Lofton (but with obviously more power).

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