Cleveland, OH (92.3 The Fan) – The Indians are going to sign a veteran outfielder before the season starts. You may be laughing at that statement, but it’s true.
Their roster is as unproven as it has been in a long time. The Indians’ outfield is filled with young players – including Greg Allen, Jordan Luplow, Tyler Naquin and Jake Bauers. The front office wants to get a look at some of the youngsters, which makes complete sense. They’re also favored to win a fourth-straight division championship. Is it wise to rely on Allen and Luplow, who have a combined 364 big-league at-bats?
The Indians have a smart front office. They know a backup plan is necessary. What happens if their corner outfielders both hit .200 in April? They’re hoping that Bauers proves to be a competent left fielder. What happens when two of these young outfielders go down with an injury? The Indians’ margin for error is smaller than ever. If every fan knows that, don’t you think the front office knows it?
They don’t have depth in the outfield and the players they do have are unproven. Bradley Zimmer and Leonys Martin both have their question marks. There’s no way the Indians are going to roll the dice and on inexperience when they can sign an outfielder that has something to offer on the field and can mentor their younger players. There are plenty of veterans who fit that mold.
In an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Reds outfielder Matt Kemp admitted he was surprised at the quality outfielders that are available.
“There’s a lot of good guys sitting at home right now that don’t have jobs,” Kemp said. “Guys like Denard Span, Adam Jones, Carlos González. It’s a shame because those guys can really help a team win games.”
Adding a player like Span, Jones or González is the perfect backup plan for the Indians. We’re talking about low-cost options that would be able to mentor players like Allen, Luplow and Bauers. The exact type of signing that ownership would agree to, despite their budget concerns.
It would give the Indians another option at designated hitter. Hanley Ramirez may have success and become the everyday DH, but the 35-year-old signed a minor-league deal for a reason.
Why would the Indians pass on signing one of these veterans, if one could be had at a reasonable price? They have a weakness and there are low-cost options available that could help. Martin may play well in center field. Allen may prove to be a great, young outfielder. Luplow or Bauers could have breakout campaigns and help lead this team to a fourth-straight division title. Those things could happen, but does anyone think all of them are going to happen?
The Indians aren’t naïve enough to think they can go into the season without adding to their inexperienced outfield. Their dream scenario includes Bauers proving to be a competent left fielder, so they can put Carlos Santana at first base. That sounds great, but what happens if Bauers struggles?
They could wait and see how the young players fare before bringing in a veteran. Why wait to bring in a backup plan? Wouldn't it be smart to sign González, Span or Jones now so they can get acclimated and comfortable? It would also give them more time to help develop the young players on the roster.
Adding a proven outfielder is a no-brainer. The Indians don’t have to do it this week, but signing a veteran that can help in a multitude of ways is exactly what a well-run organization would do. Say what you want about the Tribe, but they know how to build a winner.
Everyone understands they have to see what they have in Allen, Bauers and Luplow, but committing to unknown commodities, without a backup plan is bad business. The Indians are good at what they do, which is exactly why they’ll sign a veteran outfielder between now and the start of the regular season.
