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February 19, 2018In an expected to be weak American League Central division, the Cleveland Indians are not only the favorites to win the division, but have one of the best odds to win the American League pennant, which would be their second World Series in three years. With that said, when the Indians decided to move on from first baseman Carlos Santana, many were unsure who would be the club’s starting first baseman on Opening Day. That question was answered when the Indians signed Yonder Alonso just a few days before Christmas.
Although people shouldn’t expect him to be Santana because he is quite a different player, the veteran first baseman also realizes he’s the new guy on one of the best teams in baseball. With Spring Training starting in Goodyear last week and with the entire squad in Arizona starting Sunday, Alonso has gotten a taste of being the new guy. Not only is it rarely easy being one of the lone new guys on the team, but it’s even tougher when you’re the new guy on a team that has won two straight AL Central titles and has been in the postseason in three of the last five years. The 30-year-old is loving his new club so far and is doing his best to fit in as much as he can right off the bat, according to The Chronicle’s Chris Assenheimer.
“Right now it’s just getting acclimated with the guys,” said Alonso. “This group has been together for quite some time now, so for me it’s just to come in, make sure I do my work, make sure I’m involved with the guys.
“It’s just a tight, tight group a bunch of guys who get along just great,” he said. “It’s a bunch of guys who are working every single day, just happy to be here, happy to get to work. They’re on a mission.
“Man, it’s nice to come in here and feel comfortable and knowing that everyone is pulling the same direction.”
Even with Santana’s departure, the Indians still have plenty of fan favorites and players with great personalities both on the field and in the clubhouse. Whether it’s Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, or a bunch of others, the Indians have plenty of players who both fans and teammates seem to love. Even Corey Kluber is well liked, even if he doesn’t show much emotion on the mound. With so many great personalities on the team, it has made life easier for Alonso while he continues to try and get acclimated with his new club.
“They’ve been opening their arms every single day I get here ready to work. They’re happy for me to be here. I’m excited. I can’t wait to get it going.”
At Tribe Fest, a weekend-long event where fans are allowed to get up close and personal with players, the coaching staff, and front office members of their favorite team, Alonso’s humorous side was put on the spotlight. With many fans not being familiar with him, the newest Indian went undercover and acted as if he were a fan, making plenty of players and fans laugh both while he was doing it and after making it known that he was actually the club’s biggest signee this offseason.
After spending time in Cincinnati, San Diego, Oakland, and most recently Seattle over his eight-year career, Alonso hasn’t had many opportunities to be on a winning team, let alone one that competes for division titles, league pennants, and World Series titles. The Indians’ recent success that they have built is one of the main reasons the veteran decided to come to Cleveland.
“These guys have created something here, they’ve built something here for quite some time and for me, it was just being around guys that are winning every single day,” Alonso said. “Their staff is great and their fans are behind us every single day. That was a no-brainer for me to go to a winning team.”
Although it will be tough to duplicate what Santana brought at first base in terms of the combination of offense and defense, Alonso will do his best to continue what Santana brought to the plate. After combining to his just 39 home runs during his first seven years in the league, the Indians new first baseman hit 28 home runs with the Athletics and Mariners last season, his first season as an All-Star. He will look to do the same this season, while continuing to fit in with his new club and having some fun along the way. If things go well, then his seasons could last a bit longer than he’s been used to in his career.