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Cleveland Indians: Tigers not standing pat; add Justin Upton

By Nicholas D. Blazek

Sep 13, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) runs to third base on a triple against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Mike Leake (13) during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) runs to third base on a triple against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Mike Leake (13) during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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While the Cleveland Indians are picked to finish first in the division by Fangraphs, the rest of the Central is loading up to prove them wrong.

The Fangraphs prediction that the Cleveland Indians will win the A.L. Central are nice, but those are also fluid. The first iteration had the Tribe on top, but both the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers have made some strong acquisition, while the Indians–well, are being the Indians.

The Tigers addition of Justin Upton for a six-year, $132 million dollar deal comes as quite a surprise. The Tigers looked to be done adding–at least in the outfield–but owner Mike Ilitch said back in November that he would look to add players that would help bring a World Series back to Detroit. Upton is one of those guys.

The Tigers had a competent outfield with Cameron Maybin, Anthony Gose and Tyler Collins but there were definitely some questions there. Adding Upton to left field immediately solidifies them with a strong glove and a power bat. The Tigers will need to make a corresponding move to keep their roster under 40.

Outside of Yoenis Cespedes, Upton was one of the most intriguing outfielders left on the market. One intriguing note to come out of Tigers camp is how close they were to signing Chris Davis. When the Orioles signed him to his big deal, many wondered who they were competing with.

The Indians issues in the outfield will hopefully short-lived, as Michael Brantley is–as of now–on pace to return late April or early May. Until then, there will be an absolute mishmash of outfielders vying for time–none of who are truly established at the Major League level.

More guardians: Aiken working his way back from TJ surgery

The hope is that Abraham Almonte can replicate just a bit of the player he was in his short time last season. Lonnie Chisenhall looked like a new man in the outfield, but many know you have to let Chiz play more than half a season. After that, then we can make a judgement. The biggest thing to be thinking here is—get well soon Dr. Smooth.

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