Cleveland Indians: Sandy Alomar’s Decision to Stay Speaks Volumes

Alomar’s decision to stay in Cleveland speaks to the state of the Indians organization

After Cleveland Indians‘ first base coach Sandy Alomar‘s name came up as a possible replacement for the White Sox Mark Parent, some worried the Tribe would lose one of their most beloved to a division rival. Replacing Parent might have just been a small step towards a managerial position, but with Robin Ventura on the proverbial hot seat that opportunity may have come much sooner in Chicago. In the end, Alomar decided to sign a two-year deal to remain with the Indians with an option for a third year.

The decision to remain in Cleveland is just part of the story. There are also several open positions for managers–four to be precise–and although Alomar’s name hasn’t been mentioned yet in those, the fact that he signed a deal without delving further into those opportunities not only shows his loyalty to the Indians, but also his faith the team isn’t that far off.

Alomar played for the Indians for a decade from 1990 to 2000. He returned as the first base coach in 2009 when Manny Acta was managing in Cleveland and pushed for his hiring. When Acta was fired in 2012, Alomar took over as interim manager. He was Terry Francona‘s bench coach in 2013 before moving to first in 2014.

With Alomar turning down the job in Chicago, it’s reported that Acta is a possible replacement for Parent. It’s funny how the names come back around. The man that gave Alomar the job in Cleveland might get a job in Chicago because he turned it down.

Alomar is and always will be an Indian. His decision to stay in Cleveland shows the belief and faith he has that the organization is close and that this year’s struggles were the exception and not the rule. Stadium improvements. Young talent. Key pieces already in place. The power of the A.L. Central has shifted from Detroit to Kansas City. It may be shifting again soon and Alomar wants to be part of that again.

Next: Tribe and Royals closer than they appear