Box Score: Suns 108, Cavaliers 83
March 25, 2012
While We’re Waiting… Ubaldo’s disposition, Jason Donald and Hannahan!
March 26, 2012With Opening Day a little over a week away and the Cleveland Indians having to cut down their 40-man roster by a handful of players, The Plain Dealer’s Terry Pluto chimes in about the situation at third base between the team’s 23-year-old prospect and a veteran journeyman who is back for another run.
From the start of spring training, the plan was for Lonnie Chisenhall to prove that he should open at third base by having a big spring where he showed better defense and more plate discipline — cutting down strikeouts and adding walks. Otherwise, Jack Hannahan would start. Well, otherwise appears to be the case as Hannahan is expected to be named the Tribe’s Opening Day third baseman, with Chisenhall sent back to the minors.
Chisenhall’s plate discipline has been a large reason why the former first-round draft pick will likely get some extended run prior to being called up to join the big league squad. He has 15 strikeouts in just 34 plate appearances this spring, hitting .242 (.537 OPS) with no home runs and just three runs batted in.
Convesely, the 32-year-old Hannahan was among the league’s best with his glove in 2011, and surprised many with a .250 average (.719 OPS), eight home runs and 40 runs batted in. His glove, along with that of first baseman Casey Kotchman, is expected to anchor what should be one of the better infields in the American League.
9 Comments
I’m fine with that. Chiz had his moments last year but had his struggles, as any rookie will do with his first taste in the majors. Hannahan’s defense was amazing last year. With Kotchman at first and average to above average defenders in Drubs and Kipnis up the middle we could turn our infield defense into a major strength.
With our lack of pop in the batting order we are going to need to turn our defense, along with our pitching, into a strength so we can cover up our shortcomings offensively.
Sad to see that Lonnie is not progressing along as fast as we hoped, but looking forward to getting plenty of Hannahan defensive highlights while we wait.
Indians – mostly GB pitchers w/ a great defense behind them (assuming Asdrubel is “in-shape”). makes sense at least.
Don’t forget that he’s extremely young. Not many guys hit the majors at 23. Would have been nice though…
Bring back Paul Byrd!
/loved that guy
dude killed alot of worms.
Disappointed but not surprised with Lonnie. I thought he was called up way too soon last year and needed more time in the Minors. However, Im also a huge fan of Jackie so Im very happy for the guy that he will get a chance to play everyday.
I am in the minority but would prefer letting Chiz get his shot. I know JH is a great defender but our offense needs help.
And the Red Sox!