Steve_424
Hall-of-Famer
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- Mar 22, 2009
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I'm zero percent concerned about the 2-3 start, but I'm very concerned about the health of Brantley and Gomes. Gomes seems likely to miss significant time while back injuries like Brantley's can bother players throughout a season.
With that said, I think it's time already to start looking at promoting Francisco Lindor. Let me start by saying I like Jose Ramirez and think he has plenty of value to this team. In fact, I don't think it's out of the question for 2016 to move Ramirez to 2B and push Kipnis back to the outfield.
Right now the Indians need some help against left-handed pitching and Lindor can provide that help. A switch hitter, Lindor has hit lefties better than righties in the minor and has (.313 in AA, .320 in AAA in vs LHP 2014). He would improve the defense, and would break up the trio of lefties at the top of the lineup. Pushing Kipnis down in the order would also help with Gomes out.
New Lineup:
L-CF-Bourn
S-SS-Lindor
L-LF-Brantley
S-1B-Santana
L-RF-Moss
L-2B-Kipnis
R-3B-Chisenhall
R-DH-Aviles
R-C-Perez
Moss would also DH with the other bench players rotating in that spot depending on matchups/off days for starters.
I know the Indians don't want to rush Lindor but if you want to contend for a World Series, you need your best team on the field. That team has Lindor at SS.
With that said, I think it's time already to start looking at promoting Francisco Lindor. Let me start by saying I like Jose Ramirez and think he has plenty of value to this team. In fact, I don't think it's out of the question for 2016 to move Ramirez to 2B and push Kipnis back to the outfield.
Right now the Indians need some help against left-handed pitching and Lindor can provide that help. A switch hitter, Lindor has hit lefties better than righties in the minor and has (.313 in AA, .320 in AAA in vs LHP 2014). He would improve the defense, and would break up the trio of lefties at the top of the lineup. Pushing Kipnis down in the order would also help with Gomes out.
New Lineup:
L-CF-Bourn
S-SS-Lindor
L-LF-Brantley
S-1B-Santana
L-RF-Moss
L-2B-Kipnis
R-3B-Chisenhall
R-DH-Aviles
R-C-Perez
Moss would also DH with the other bench players rotating in that spot depending on matchups/off days for starters.
I know the Indians don't want to rush Lindor but if you want to contend for a World Series, you need your best team on the field. That team has Lindor at SS.
