2. Pedro Alvarez: First Base/Third Base
Alvarez is primarily a first baseman and is not known for his defense at either of the corner infield positions, but what he is known for is power; something that the Indians don’t appear to possess in large quantities.
Just like Jackson, Alvarez is 29 years old, so it’s not like the Tribe would be adding a washed up veteran if they did invite Alvarez to Spring Training.
He hit 27 home runs in 2015. That’s more than anyone on the Tribe hit last season. In 2012, the left-handed slugger hit 30 home runs, and he went yard 36 times in 2013, driving in 100 runs.
The counter argument to signing Alvarez would be that the Indians already have a few players who can play first base. Carlos Santana and Mike Napoli are the top two on the depth chart as of now. Santana is a switch-hitter, who most would expect to start at either first base or designated hitter every game.
Napoli on the other hand may not be an every day player. If the Tribe were to sign Alvarez, they could possibly use a DH platoon with Napoli facing left-handed pitching and Pedro going against righties. Of course this wouldn’t have to be followed religiously to a tee, but for a lineup lacking middle of the order bats, Alvarez might be a solid candidate to hit between 4-6.
Another factor to consider is the possibility of Alvarez playing third base. The last time he played third base regularly was 2014 and his defense was a liability. But right now the Tribe has four players who could be penciled in as third base options, if needed.
The top two options would be Juan Uribe and Giovanny Urshela. Uribe would be expected to provide a bit more offense, but Urshela was known for his glove in his rookie season. Both of these two players hit from the right side of the plate.
The other two options, less likely to be used at third base are Chisenhall and Ramirez. Chisenhall’s time at third base seemed to be a failed experiment in recent years. Ramirez is a utility infielder, who can play some left field, but is more likely to be a backup middle infielder at shortstop and second base.
Although Alvarez would not be a top option at third base, it’s not like he’d be in unfamiliar territory, if needed there for a spell.
Jackson and Alvarez would be the top two position players on my list and then there is somewhat of a drop-off for the remaining candidates. Let’s move to the next tier.
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