Clevelinks: Bounce Backs, Right Fielders, and Lacing Up

Sep 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder David Murphy (7) at bat against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Several Players Will Need to Bounce Back in 2015

Continuing his series focused on the key questions surrounding the 2015 Cleveland Indians, Cleveland.com beat writer, Paul Hoynes addressed the issue of players needing to bounce back. Who are the best candidates to bounce back, and who is most likely to do so? Hoynes had the following to say:

"“Swisher, Moss, Kipnis and Raburn ended last season injured. Bourn was healthy, but only after three trips to the disabled list because of his left hamstring.The five players represent a critical part of the offense.Swisher represents the biggest unknown because he had surgery on both knees in August. If he can stay on the field, the Indians then must find out where he can play — right field, first base or DH.”"

Hoynes didn’t stop there, however. He also addressed on of the glaring weaknesses for this team – right field. Who will be the Opening Day starter and who is on the fast track?

"“Manager Terry Francona has a number of options, starting with Murphy, Brandon Moss and Nick Swisher. Murphy and Moss bat left-handed, Swisher is a switch-hitter.Murphy, at the moment, is the only one of those three capable of playing every day. So until the Indians get a better read on Moss and Swisher, Murphy stays. When the Indians get a better idea of what Moss and Swisher can do, Murphy or someone else might have to be traded to make the 25-man limit.”"

Hoynes isn’t the only one asking and answering his own questions. MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian is also tackling some tough questions. Chief among them, who will be the Indians fifth starter?

"More from Cleveland Guardians NewsCleveland Guardians tantalizingly close to locking up AL Central tiebreakersCleveland Guardians: Terry Francona becomes meme in profanity-laced ejectionSay goodbye to defensive shifts and hello to bigger bases, pitch clock in 2023Cleveland Guardians: Shane Bieber second-fastest to 800 strikeouts in major-league historyThe next week will make or break the Cleveland Guardians’ season“The two primary candidates for the final rotation job this spring appear to be right-hander Danny Salazar and lefty T.J. House, who each have a Minor League option. Righties Josh Tomlin (one option) and Zach McAllister (out of options) are also in the mix, but both could be bullpen candidates, too.”"

Meanwhile, here at Wahoo’s on First, Justin Lada broke down the best contracts in the history of the Cleveland Indians.

"“Where the Indians have excelled contract-wise, is locking up their own young players, a trail Hank Peters and John Hart blazed in the early 1990’s. That’s how they’ve landed most of their best business deals.”"

Are you wanting to get pumped up for the upcoming season? Well, then check out this hype video feturing highlights from the 2014 season along with the song “Invincible” by Machine Gun Kelly. Lace up!