Cleveland Indians: Previewing a dream lineup today in Goodyear

The Cleveland Indians are taking on the Chicago White Sox today in Arizona, and are featuring a dominant top half of the lineup.

The regular season is nearly upon us, and the Cleveland Indians’ lineup is beginning to take shape. Yes, there are the questions surrounding Jason Kipnis, Lonnie Chisenhall and Michael Brantley, but the core of the lineup is set. And it looks lethal.

The Indians are playing the White Sox today in Goodyear, featuring a lineup that starts with Carlos Santana, followed by Francisco Lindor, Michael Brantley and Edwin Encarnacion. Jose Ramirez did not start, but even his name could be penciled into that fifth spot for future games.

Given Brantley remains healthy, this top half of the lineup will open the season as one of the best in baseball.

That is what made Encarnacion’s addition so great. The Indians are not only adding him, but should also be adding a healthy Brantley in what serves as a major upgrade to the 2016 lineup, which is one that obviously took the team far.

Questions remain in the bottom half of the lineup, especially with Kipnis out, but fans don’t seem to be too worried. Yan Gomes should be able to bounce back after an atrocious offensive season, while players like Brandon Guyer, Tyler Naquin and Abraham Almonte should be able to hold their own and not serve as clear weak spots in the lineup.

But no matter who fills in the final four spots, the top five of this lineup should carry the team all season. And once Kipnis is back, it will only get stronger.

Next: 10 bold predictions for the Indians in 2017

Fans want every player on the team to remain healthy all season, but this team should be able to work through injuries given the depth all over the roster.