Cleveland Indians: Urshela’s strong start creates questions

After the Cleveland Indians signed Juan Uribe, it seemed apparent that Giovanny Urshela would open the season at Columbus. But if he continues to play like he has so far, then what?

Last season, the Cleveland Indians broke from their Modus Operandus and called up prospects to help try and jumpstart a scuffling season that had high aspirations when it began. The move worked as players like Cody Anderson, Urshela and A.L. Rookie of the Year runner-up Francisco Lindor helped push them into the Wild Card Race–barely, but there was hope.

For Lindor and his talent, the sky is the limit. For Anderson, he’s battling for a rotation spot with several others. And there’s Urshela. Of the three, it can be said he had the least “success” out of the three, but that’s not indicative of the player he can be. In 81 games he played a strong third base–but his offensive inconsistencies are what led to the acquisition of Uribe. The Indians’ front office didn’t seem sure that Urshela could hold up his end of the bargain on offense. But was half a season enough to make that decision?

It seemed as if the answer was no with Uribe’s arrival and Jose Ramirez being the more versatile player to fill in around the infield–and possibly even the outfield at times. But many fans have argued that his sample size wasn’t enough to discount him and that he simply needed more time to prove himself at the plate.

Now, Spring Training isn’t where you look at numbers to crown a guy the next superstar, and especially after just a handful of at-bats. But the quality of opposing pitcher’s faced thus far has been an 8.5, which is just below MLB quality. So he’s facing solid pitching–or at least some that are near the major league level. This spring he’s 5-for-16 with two doubles, two home runs and six RBIs. That’s good for a .313/.353/.813 slash line. Again, small sample but so far, so good.

So the Tribe have committed to Uribe, but what if this quality of hitting continues for Urshela? They believed he was ready enough last year to give him the chance, so how could they not this year if he has a solid spring?

Next: Indians Top Prospects: No. 19

In recent years it’s been a matter of free agents being signed and counted on to produce that don’t. But if Urshela can turn the corner at the plate, the signing of Uribe could simply end up being abundance over disappointment, and that would be a nice change of pace in Cleveland.