Cleveland Indians: Outfield options are plenty, but not great

The Cleveland Indians loss of Abraham Almonte to an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test didn’t leave the team shorthanded, but the options aren’t great in the absence of Michael Brantley.

With the expected return date of Brantley unknown, the Cleveland Indians outfield figured to be a competitive one this spring. Now with Almonte’s suspension things could get a bit more interesting, and may include a few more names that will get tossed into the shuffle.

Almonte was far from a lock, but his numbers last season (.264/.321/.455 with five HR, 20 RBI in 51 games) gave him a solid chance of snatching a starting spot–at least until Brantley returned. With his past issues with alcohol, we first have to remember he’s a human being and not just an asset. Intentional or not with his use of PED’s, we wish him the best for his well-being.

With those two out for the start of 2016, the Indians’ outfield situation is a bit murky, at best. That would leave the projected starters as of now with Rajai Davis, Lonnie Chisenhall and Collin Cowgill. The issue there is none of the three are truly “everyday” players at this point. Chisenhall is still new to the outfield, and Davis is a reserve by most people’s opinion.

At 25, Cowgill could make an appearance with his fifth club in just six seasons. Originally acquired as possible depth, he could very well be thrust into a starting role. I could say this more than once throughout this, but the Indians passing on players like Dexter Fowler and opting for so many minor league deals could come back to haunt them.

Recently signed Will Venable could get an opportunity with the openings. The Indians had been in discussion with him for weeks, but he wanted a guaranteed spot. Eventually, he settled for the minor league deal and an invite to camp and will have as good a chance at a spot as anyone. Shane Robinson is another name to consider, but again he would fall into more of a reserve style player and not an everyday name. And we’re still made at Joey Butler for ruining Carlos Carrasco‘s no-hitter–so moving on.

Tyler Naquin could be the one to gain the most from Almonte’s suspension. Although he had a good chance already to make the team as a fourth outfielder, the opening is there for him to win a starting job out of camp. We’ve made the case for Naquin before, but it’s even more relevant now. A solid showing this spring could land him a spot not only on the Opening day roster but a starting one as well.

It’s possible that a few of the names mentioned could breakout this season and become more than just reserve or platoon guys. But those are high hopes, and the fact is the Indians outfield situation–even if Terry Francona says he’s okay with it–isn’t great. It’ll be a patchwork effort until Brantley returns, and maybe even Almonte depending on the path the Indians take with him.