The 2020 Cleveland Indians

[LL3]

I hope I’m wrong, but Zimmer not being in the lineup today makes me think he’s on the chopping block when Naquin returns

I was not quite ready to verbalize that, but that was the way I was leaning, too. I believe there is not much faith in his ability to man center field at this point...he really needs to get back into the defensive swing, as that is the position he needs to play. Lots of RH bats remaining in OF, but hard to see them punting on Luplow or Domingo. DeShields would be the main defensive sub/pinch runner.

 

[Derek]

I was not quite ready to verbalize that, but that was the way I was leaning, too. I believe there is not much faith in his ability to man center field at this point...he really needs to get back into the defensive swing, as that is the position he needs to play. Lots of RH bats remaining in OF, but hard to see them punting on Luplow or Domingo. DeShields would be the main defensive sub/pinch runner.

Not sure why his defense in CF would be an issue. He has a track record of being GG caliber in that position.

My guess is it comes down to options. We can move Zimmer to Lake County and bring him back whenever. The same cannot be said for DeShields or Santana.

 

[LL3]

Not sure why his defense in CF would be an issue. He has a track record of being GG caliber in that position.

My guess is it comes down to options. We can move Zimmer to Lake County and bring him back whenever. The same cannot be said for DeShields or Santana.

He is not that anymore. He is very reluctant on balls, both forward and back...I think noticeably so. I have to imagine it is injury concern rather than a physical issue...he can get back to it but he is not there right now. Mercado is no Gold Glover, but has pretty clearly been better.

 

[Derek]

He is not that anymore. He is very reluctant on balls, both forward and back...I think noticeably so. I have to imagine it is injury concern rather than a physical issue...he can get back to it but he is not there right now. Mercado is no Gold Glover, but has pretty clearly been better.

Mercado has been better so far this year, yeah, but I think that has more to do with Zimmer playing every position and not having a chance to settle in anywhere.

 

[LL3]

Mercado has been better so far this year, yeah, but I think that has more to do with Zimmer playing every position and not having a chance to settle in anywhere.

As is well noted, Mercado has not been hot with the bat...if Zimmer were the defender he was before injury he would have taken more at bats. That said, let's see what happens until Naquin arrives...with that guy's injury luck, it could be a while.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

I'm with @LL3 on this one. Even when he's in center, Zimmer has not looked good. He's getting poor jumps and covering less ground than he should.

I'm hoping it's one of those things where he continues to get stronger and better the further he moves away from his injury woes. But it's also possible that sort of athletic range just doesn't come back.

 

[CDAV45]

I absolutely hate the idea that a high upside, young player like Johnson is being reassigned for the likes of DeShields.

I can't see Zimmer being sacrificed for Naquin either, but I've been wrong before.

What a mess this OF is at the moment. It consists of Zimmer, Mercado, Santana, Luplow, Reyes, and now DeShields. Zimmer being the only LHH until Naquin returns. At that time, if my name was Santana or Luplow I would be concerned. Again, DeShields should not be in the equation and I can find no logical reason he should.

 

[Otsego Mar]

I'm with @LL3 on this one. Even when he's in center, Zimmer has not looked good. He's getting poor jumps and covering less ground than he should.

I'm hoping it's one of those things where he continues to get stronger and better the further he moves away from his injury woes. But it's also possible that sort of athletic range just doesn't come back.

You can tell he is nowhere near as "reckless" as he used to be out there. But, perhaps it's more mental for him at the moment, as in not wanting to go balls to the wall and risk another injury in a short/odd season.

 

[Kevalier]

I would imagine they would send down Chang instead of Zimmer when Naquin is activated. There’s no use in having six infielders when our starters are playing just about every game. Plus, Zimmer has been productive overall and needs to continue to be in the mix. When Naquin returns they can go with:

LF- Zimmer/Luplow
CF-Mercado/DeShields
RF-Naquin/D. Santana
DH-Reyes/D.Santana

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

I would imagine they would send down Chang instead of Zimmer when Naquin is activated. There’s no use in having six infielders when our starters are playing just about every game. Plus, Zimmer has been productive overall and needs to continue to be in the mix. When Naquin returns they can go with:

LF- Zimmer/Luplow
CF-Mercado/DeShields
RF-Naquin/D. Santana
DH-Reyes/D.Santana

If you send down Chang, who do you have backing up 2B/3B/SS?

 

[LL3]

You can tell he is nowhere near as "reckless" as he used to be out there. But, perhaps it's more mental for him at the moment, as in not wanting to go balls to the wall and risk another injury in a short/odd season.

I think this Is a big part of it for sure, but if you watch his games in center, it is also jumps and reads.

 

[LL3]

If you send down Chang, who do you have backing up 2B/3B/SS?

You would still have Freeman, but I think Yu Chang stays.
I am rooting for Zimmer, so I would like him to stay. I have no love for DeShields, but that CF situation is what will keep him in CLE...Brad’s is not getting many CF reps with Delino here.

 

[LL3]

Cookie has created some difficulties...great to see him work through it.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

You would still have Freeman, but I think Yu Chang stays.
I am rooting for Zimmer, so I would like him to stay. I have no love for DeShields, but that CF situation is what will keep him in CLE...Brad’s is not getting many CF reps with Delino here.

I completely forgot about Mike Freeman. My bad.

I'd like to see Yu get the first crack at at bats over him.

 

[Derek]

I completely forgot about Mike Freeman. My bad.

I'd like to see Yu get the first crack at at bats over him.

They’ve already seemingly placed Freeman ahead of him in the pecking order.

Will be interesting decisions if/when Naquin returns.