What to Make of the Cleveland Indians Free Agent Hitters

Jun 14, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Jeff Francoeur (21) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians Free Agent Hitters Could Make an Impact

I started making a list the other day of all the guys the Indians have signed this offseason, and it really is something to behold. The list of pitchers is especially staggering, but we’ll cover that another day. You could essentially field something close to a full lineup with guys that have signed minor league deals, which begs the point of what the plan is, because there is no reason to believe Terry Francona will go with fewer than thirteen pitchers again. Finding a spot for all of the Cleveland Indians free agent hitters will be tough.

Let’s review, and see if I am missing anything. You’ve got Gomes and Santana catching; Swisher, Kipnis, Cabrera, and Chisenhall in the infield; and Murphy, Bourn, and Brantley in the outfield. You have to assume the first two spots on the bench are just about certain to go to Raburn and Aviles, since they have guaranteed contracts. That leaves one spot open, and Jason Giambi would seem to have the inside track for that unless he suddenly can’t turn on a fastball in spring training.

So how many of the Cleveland Indians free agent hitters have an actual shot at making this team? Since I live in Columbus I probably have a better shot at seeing most of them than you do, but let’s look at them all.