Cleveland Indians: Chernoff’s comment on Kipnis isn’t what we want to hear
By Ryan Rosko
Nothing (at least at times) can be easy for the Cleveland Indians’ outlook in a given season.
In a matter of a few days, Cleveland Indians pitchers and catchers will be in Goodyear, AZ for spring training. Soon afterward, the rest of the team will show up.
There will continue to be adjustments as spring training wraps up but didn’t you expect or at least wish the Indians did more the past few months? Even if the free agent market wasn’t as slow as it is, I doubt much difference would be seen.
In time, Cleveland should figure out how they want to use certain players across the diamond. With what they have to work with at the moment being led by manager Terry Francona, I am confident they will make the right moves.
However, had the Indians continued to improve in certain areas, some of the unknowns wouldn’t be a concern.
On Sunday, Indians general manager Mike Chernoff was on ESPN Radio where he discussed the possibility of Jason Kipnis being the starting second baseman. His response, well, was not preferred as it did not solidify anything. Thus, more questions than answers.
Indians GM Mike Chernoff on @ESPNRadio on if Jason Kipnis will be the Indians starting 2nd baseman this year: "That's a challenging topic..."
— Aaron Goldhammer (@HammerNation19) February 11, 2018
While the response wasn’t ideal, Chernoff’s statement does make sense given the options along with injury concerns.
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I’m not saying for Cleveland to become the Chicago Cubs or New York Yankees, but spending money would be appreciated to improve weaknesses.
In other words, spend wisely. Would you rather have left fielder Michael Brantley (who may not be ready for opening day) and first baseman Yonder Alonso or first baseman Carlos Santana and someone who can be relied upon in the outfield?
This could be a non-topic had Cleveland re-signed a member or two of their core this offseason. Unfortunately, with how the offseason has gone and seeing the different turns the Tribe has dealt with, no wonder nothing is solidified with a key player on the roster.
Perhaps Chernoff’s statement is because he is working on a trade that will help their outfield. Another possibility could be that Kipnis is a player a team like the Baltimore Orioles are interested in if they gave up 3B/SS Manny Machado. Cleveland will have to give up some salary and since they won’t give up on Brantley, Kipnis would be a good bet to help with that.
Something has to be in the works one would think. While the Indians will be good again this year, their window is closing if they don’t do something.
I hope Cleveland doesn’t turn into the Miami Marlins or the Pittsburgh Pirates in a couple of years. With that in mind, the Dolans do like to rebuild every so often, so just be prepared for that.
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Should Brantley miss some time, either Jose Ramirez will start in left or Kipnis will. Whoever doesn’t is going to be Cleveland’s second baseman with Yandy Diaz or Giovanny Urshela starting at the hot corner. Whatever the reasoning is behind Chernoff’s comment, I can only say it is what it is. Ideally, though, he is not content with the roster as-is and he makes a move soon.