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Cleveland Indians: 3 Spring Training Invitees And Their Chances of Making the Team

By Steven Kubitza

May 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Austin Jackson (10) celebrates in the dugout with teammates after scoring against the Minnesota Twins on a double by left fielder Melky Cabrera (not pictured) during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Austin Jackson (10) celebrates in the dugout with teammates after scoring against the Minnesota Twins on a double by left fielder Melky Cabrera (not pictured) during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Chris Colabello (15) waits for a pitch during the second inning in a game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. The New York Yankees won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Chris Colabello (15) waits for a pitch during the second inning in a game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. The New York Yankees won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Signing Chris Colabello was a smart move by the Indians. Who could turn down a utility player who batted .321 in his only full season at the MLB level? The answer is a lot of teams, but offering him a spring training invite was a low-risk move.

Colabello didn’t reach the MLB level until 2013, and has only played in 225 career games. His 2016 season was cut short when he was suspended for PED use.

But in 2015, he slashed .321/.367/.520 in 101 games for the Toronto Blue Jays. He did this while playing both corner outfield positions, along with some time at first base. This versatility will suit him well as he fights for a roster spot.

The problem for Colabello is that there just may not be room for him on the roster if everyone remains healthy. Even if Brantley is out, Austin Jackson seems to be first in line for that final spot.

The only way for Colabello to make it will be to play so well in spring training that the team can’t ignore him. He can also outplay Jackson and perhaps even Almonte, making him the favorite to earn a job.

But Colabello’s lack of major league service, and the fact he is 33 years old, may lead to the Indians going with a more proven option for that fifth outfielder/utility role.

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