Cleveland Indians: In-House Options to Consider Down the Stretch (Slideshow)

Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

OF/DH/1B – Nick Swisher

So what about Swisher? As I said, he and Bourn have been “busts” by most standards. But in Swisher’s case it’s as much an inability to stay healthy as it is results based. So if he can return and stay physically able, can Swisher bring anything to the table?

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One plus for Swisher is his postseason experience and he’s a veteran. With the Indians making the move to so many young players, having a presence like his is valuable even if he’s not the same player he once was. But he could still provide some help down the stretch.

The plan of keeping Carlos Santana at first and Swisher playing primarily in the outfield may need to be adapted. First for Swisher’s sake, but also for Santana. He’s still showing great patience at the plate, but his slugging is well below his career average of .435, as he sits at .384. He doesn’t need to hit 40 home runs, but first base is a position generally counted on as a run producer.

Right now, Santana needs to be more aggressive and move runners. With rookie Giovanny Urshela slumping, you could see El Oso take some balls at third and let Swisher see time at first. Or if Sands was to come back up, he could figure into the first base rotation.

Next: Help will need to come from somewhere