Opening Day Brings Plenty of Excitement

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Opening Day Brings Plenty of Excitement

Spring training lasts six weeks because of the starting pitchers. They have to get enough time to get stretched out enough to throw around 100 pitches in a game once the regular season starts.Because it lasts so long, there is plenty of time resolve most questions, but here are some we would like to have answers for, and maybe we will once the calendar changes from April to May.What about centerfield? Our gue s was the Tribe front office was hoping that Oscar Mercado would regain his 2019 form and seize the job, but the 26-year Sean Newcomb Jersey -old still has problems distinguishing a ball from a strike, so he will not be in Detroit today.Bradley Zimmer has the same i sue and was also sent down. So, Terry Franconas options to start the season are veteran Ben Gamel, converted shortstop (and recently converted at that) Amed Rosario, and Jordan Luplow.Its not like Gamel Darren O Day Jersey hit his way on the roster either, he kind of walked his way on, drawing seven walks. He batted .171 (7 for 41). Luplow has been more of a corner outfielder since coming to Cleveland, although he is good enough defensively to play in the middle of the outfield.The question to us, is why wasnt Daniel Johnson given a look out there during exhibition play? He was 7 for 19 against fairly experienced pitching in Arizona.You have to wonder how quick he will be back with the big club?Outfield defense or lack of it? Compounding the lack of an experienced true major league centerfielder is that the two men who will play the majority of time in the corner positions are Eddie Rosario and Josh Naylor, neither of whom are known for their glove work.Scroll to ContinueThe infield defense should be solid. Cesar Hernandez won a Gold Glove last year, and new shortstop Andres Gimenez won the job partly because of his glove. Jose Ramirez is very good at the hot corner.However, perhaps the front office is counting on a lot of strikeouts Jose Ramirez Jersey because a team based on pitching like the Indians should back that strength with good defense.Our gue s is a lot of late game substitutions for defense in the outfield in games where Cleveland is ahead. Thats why the Zimmer decision was a David Justice Jersey bit curious. Although we never have been a fan because of his lack of hitting, he can go get it in the field.Whos Still Here in August? If the Indians get off to a slow start, expect the trade winds to start swirling, mostly involving Ramirez. The front office learned from trading Francisco Lindor was that they probably moved him too late, just one year before he was a free agent.With Ramirez under club options through the 2023 season, it would seem the club could get maximum value dealing a superstar player with two full season left on a reasonable contract.And if Ramirez is moved, it wouldnt be a Robbie Erlin Jersey surprise to see Hernandez and/or Eddie Rosario also on the block.If the Tribe is in contention, Ramirez is probably off the table, at least until the end of the season, but Hernandez could still be moved if one of the Tribes infield prospects shows they are ready to come up.And if they are in contention, Eddie Rosario is probably having a big season.The Cleveland management have put a lot of pre sure on their young pitching staff for the 2021 season. Can they answer the challenge? If so, these questions wont be discu sed much, but if Terry Franconas squad cant muster up enough runs or the outfield defense is porous, you will hear a lot about all three.
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