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Friday 5: Prospects to Watch in Cleveland Indians Spring Training

By Cody Norman |
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Jun 18, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Carolina Mudcats short stop Francisco Lindor (12) during the fourth inning of the California League vs Carolina League All Star Game at San Jose Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Unlike years past, the Cleveland Indians Opening Day roster is pretty well set.

There is significant depth at seemingly every position and, while Tribe manager Terry Francona has to be pleased with the uncommon situation, Tito must still keep his eye on a handful of prospects in big league camp this spring.

The injury bug is sure to strike, just as it is with every team, so Cleveland should arm themselves with scouting reports on a handful of young talent who is getting “big league” at-bats in Goodyear, Ariz.

The following is a list of five Indians prospects the team should be watching this spring, just in case they need an insurance policy at any point this season. Current roster players like Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher have not demonstrated an ability to stay healthy for 162 games since their arrival in Cleveland, so Tito and general manager Chris Antonetti cannot afford to be complacent with their current situation.

 

Francisco Lindor, shortstop

Jun 18, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Carolina Mudcats shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) during the first inning of the California League vs Carolina League All Star Game at San Jose Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

An Indians’ prospect list is not complete without the addition of shortstop-in-waiting Francisco Lindor.

Lindor has been the talk of Tribe spring training for the last several seasons, and for good reason. He is the hands-down top prospect in the Indians farm system and his much anticipated debut is finally just right around the corner.

The 21-year-old shortstop is widely considered the best defender in the Minor Leagues. Reminiscent of Tribe favorite Omar Vizquel, Lindor has incredible range to both sides and yields a strong arm across the diamond.

While he does not have a lot of power, Lindor has also shown an ability to make contact and recognize pitches at the professional level. He hit a combined .276 at Akron (AA) and Columbus (AAA) last season with 11 homeruns, 62 RBIs and 28 stolen bases.

There is little doubt that Lindor is ready for the show, but Cleveland is wise to keep him off the Opening Day roster in order to avoid starting his arbitration clock. But rest assured that Cleveland is keeping a close eye on Lindor this spring.

Should Jose Ramirez falter at all during the 2015 season, Lindor will get the nod to man the middle infield.

 

Giovanny Urshela, third base

Mar 8, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman

Rougned Odor

(12) throws to first base after forcing out Cleveland Indians third baseman Giovanny Urshela (73) during to a spring training baseball game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

It was a tale of two seasons for Lonnie Chisenhall in 2014.

One of the best third basemen in baseball during the first half of the season, the wheels came off on Lonnie Baseball after the All-Star break. Despite finishing with a respectable .280 average with 14 homeruns, Chisenhall posted a putrid .218 / .277 / .315 slash line after the break. That is not going to cut it for a serious title contender.

Enter Giovanny Urshela.

Urshela was one of the most highly regarded prospects in Colombia when Cleveland signed him back in 2008 and, after steady progress through the farm system, Urshela finally looks ready to realize his potential and help the big league club.

The Tribe’s 23-year-old third base prospect hit .398 with three homeruns and 22 RBIs in winter ball before spraining a ligament in his knee. Urshela is not particularly advanced at the plate and, despite being a free swinger, he is remarkably difficult to strikeout.

He is far and away the most talented defensive third baseman in the system so, even while he works to adjust his offensive approach in the big leagues, he remains a valuable asset at the hot corner.

If Lonnie Baseball struggles with the glove and puts together a first half more reflective of his post-All-Star break numbers, Urshela is likely to get a look at the big leagues.

Jesus Aguilar, first base

May 19, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Jesus Aguilar (36) hits a sacrifice fly during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Indians are not the healthiest bunch right now.

In particular, Nick Swisher is recovering from offseason surgery on both knees and Brandon Moss is recovering from offseason hip surgery.  Should either of those options start the season on the disabled list, Jesus Aguilar will likely get the first look to join the club for regular at-bats.

Aguilar has been a widely celebrated power bat for the last two seasons. He is the team’s No. 9-ranked prospect and as a right-handed bat, he can certainly fill in for the Indians at either first base or designated hitter.

In 19 games with the Tribe last season, Aguilar was just 4-for-33 with 13 strikeouts and a measly .121 average. Now with big league experience under his belt, Aguilar is primed and ready to make a big splash in Cleveland this season.

With prospects like James Ramsey and Carlos Moncrief putting together impressive springs, however, Aguilar will need to must keep pace to ensure he gets the first crack at the bigs.

Tyler Naquin, outfield

Jun 18, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Carolina League center fielder Tyler Naquin (6) during the home run derby of the California League vs Carolina League All Star Game at San Jose Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Naquin comes in as the Tribe’s No. 3-rated prospect behind only Lindor and Clint Frazier, who is still years away from debuting in Cleveland. Like Lindor, Naquin might just be one injury away from getting his first look with the Tribe in 2015.

More from Cleveland Guardians Prospects

Taken in the first round of the 2012 draft, Naquin is the perfect leadoff hitter. He has good speed and has demonstrated an ability to get on base at a high clip. He posted a slash line of .313 / .371 / .424 last season at Akron (AA) and was on pace to eclipse his career high in stolen bases before injuring his hand toward the end of June.

Now fully recovered and ready to go, Naquin is likely headed back to Akron to start the season, but he will get a long look in Columbus should an outfield position open in the near future. With Tyler Holt, Carlos Moncrief and James Ramsey all standing in the way of his progression, Naquin may still be a year away from Cleveland.

But should they find themselves in need of a defensive centerfielder and possible leadoff hitter come September, Naquin could very well get his first look in Cleveland.

Next: Carlos Moncrief

Carlos Moncrief, outfield

Mar 16, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians players celebrate a win over the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. The indians won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

At 26 years old, Carlos Moncrief seems a bit seasoned to be a high-level prospect in the big leagues.

Moncrief started his professional career as a pitcher before Cleveland moved him out to the outfield in 2010. From that point, Moncrief steadily worked his way through the ranks before putting together a wildly impressive 2013 season at Akron (AA). In that season with the RubberDucks, the Mississippi-native hit .284 and clubbed 17 homeruns. He knocked home 75 RBIs and struck out 98 times, epitomizing his significant improvements to his overall approach at the plate.

At 6-feet and 220 pounds, Moncrief has great power that should translate to the majors if he can cut down hit strikeout rate. Defensively, he has a rocket arm from right field and is a competent fielder.

At worst, Moncrief is an imposing fourth outfielder or platoon player. But, if he can continue to build upon the adjustments he has made to his approach, Moncrief could very well be a major contributor for the Tribe in 2015.

Next: 5 Questions Facing the Tribe this Spring

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