Cleveland Indians: What past winters have taught us

The offseason seems to have passed anticlimactically, especially in the case of the Cleveland Indians. Players were added, but there are a few things we should have learned from recent history.

The Cleveland Indians had “holes” they needed to address this offseason. In fairness, they did seem to address most of them. But just know that addressing them and fixing them aren’t the same thing. There were a few “marquee” free agents that the Tribe kicked the tires on, but it was a near given that none were coming to Cleveland. That’s one of the first things we’ve learned from the past.

The second is that one of the newest free agent signings will be an epic bust. Seeing as most additions to this year’s Indians are on minor-league deals as non-roster invitee’s, it really just leaves Rajai Davis and Mike Napoli as those potential disappointments. A quick glance around the internet will let you know that most have Napoli pegged as that guy.

I have my questions about Carlos Santana, but I feel like if the Indians were going to spend a little bit of money, first base wasn’t the spot. This is where the DH is a nice thing to have. You don’t have to make it look like Napoli is replacing El Oso, you’re just “splitting time” for them at first base and DH. Santana hasn’t been superb, but Napoli didn’t feel like an upgrade.

Once an All-Star in 2012, and really more for his 2011 season–Napoli appeared to be on his way out last season in in Boston. A trade to Texas along with a rejuvenated 35 game stretch led the Indians to signhim to a one-year deal for $7 million, plus incentives. Defensively, he is indeed an upgrade over Santana who was playing his third different everyday position. But with such a heavy platoon split, can Napoli handle the everyday duties? My guess is no.

Next: Forgot about Chamberlain already

One of the final lessons we should know by now is how the FO, and the media–which includes us–will sell us on the “positives” of the offseason additions. Most of it is lip service, to help validate the money spent, and the fact that it wasn’t on players that fans wanted to see. The biggest positive about Davis and Napoli might be that they aren’t Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn.

Even with all of this, the Indians may very well put a winning team on the field and make a run at the playoffs. What might have been if they signed one of the “coveted” free agents instead of has-beens and retreads?