Cleveland Indians Wrountable: Predicting Francisco Lindor’s First Season

Jun 14, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Francisco Lindor (12) reacts to tripping over first base after he hits a single in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Last Sunday, Cleveland Indians’ shortstop Francisco Lindor made his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs. He struck out in his first at-bat, but recorded a single in his second plate appearance. It might have even been a double, had he not gotten overly excited as he rounded first base, falling down and having to retreat back to the bag.

Lindor has long been heralded as the Tribe’s greatest prospect, and one of the top ranked shortstops in all of baseball. Everyone in Cleveland knew his name before he ever stepped onto the field as a major leaguer. With all that weight on his shoulders, how will the 21-year-old react? In 19 at-bats so far this season, he has six hits – all singles – and no walks, but he does have an RBI and a stolen base.

Lindor’s success or failure greatly affects Jose Ramirez, who lost his spot on the roster thanks to bad defense and even-worse offense. If Lindor takes off, Ramirez might not ever have a starting job with the Tribe again.

With that in mind, the Wahoo’s on First team answered this week’s Wroundtable question:

What are your projections for Lindor for the rest of the season, and do we see Ramirez again in 2015?

First up, those who don’t believe in his offense, but love his defense:

Next: His Defense Will Be Stellar, But Not His Bat