Here’s how Albert Pujols fits on Cleveland Indians roster
The Cleveland Indians need help offensively, and one of the all-time greats is currently available, with Albert Pujols being designated for assignment by the Angels.
Granted, Pujols hasn’t been elite in 10 years, there’s the belief he could power the Tribe at first base, a position that’s basically become an automatic out in Terry Francona’s lineup.
Yu Chang couldn’t hit water standing on the shore at Huntington Beach. We’re all celebrating because Jake Bauers finally cracked .200. At Triple-A, Bobby Bradley strikes out…a lot.
How Albert Pujols fits on Indians roster
MLB.com’s Will Leitch listed the Indians as one of the top-5 fits for Pujols, suggesting Pujols could platoon with Jake Bauers at first base.
Leitch noted Pujols would have to accept a role in which he shares with Bauers, because it’s the only spot available. With Franmil Reyes at DH, the Tribe won’t be taking him out of the lineup just to find Pujols at-bats.
Leitch wrote that it might be “a big assumption” that Pujols will accept this role after all he’s accomplished throughout his career.
And while some might want to cut the cord on Bauers, Chang is the obvious choice for a demotion. It’s amazing to me that he has zero home runs after displaying some intriguing power numbers during last July’s summer camp, as well during Spring Training. Plus, there’s the option thing hanging over Bauers’ head.
Alas, he’s finally showing a pulse at the plate. The Tribe and the fans have been very patient. Now is not the time to cut him.
As for Pujols, in an ideal world, he comes to Cleveland and assumes the role Jason Giambi had with the 2013 club. He was a calming veteran presence on that club who was still capable of inflicting damage with his bat. That team was fun to watch as it clinched a wild card berth.
Leitch listed the Nationals, White Sox, Royals and Cardinals as the top four best fits for the all-time great, however, the St. Louis connection is all about a feel good story, as the Cardinals don’t actually have room for him on the roster with first base locked up.
Tony La Russa has already said Pujols wouldn’t fit on the south side, while the Nationals are in last place. Really, the top two fits are Kansas City and Cleveland.
Money might have to do something with and while Pujols isn’t going to pull in mega millions from his new team, he’s probably not going to play for a Slider Dog, either. The Dolans won’t do anything to move the team out of last place in the payroll rankings.
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Wouldn’t it be something if former Tribe minority owner, John Sherman, now the owner of the Royals, antes up for Pujols?