Although many Cleveland Indians fans are still unhappy with losing Francisco Lindor, there are a few positives that the team can glean from the trade with the New York Mets.
What’s that old saying?
There’s a silver lining in every cloud.
Here are three positives that came from the Lindor trade.
1. The Constant Contract Talk Distraction is Gone
"I want my family to be happy. I want my family to be in a safe place. I knew they could be safe in Cleveland and I know they can be safe in New York, so we'll see what happens." #LFGM
~ Francisco Lindor on what he's looking for in regards to a contract extension… pic.twitter.com/ezh6nsWJbq
— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) March 16, 2021
Sure, this positive is basically addition by subtraction.
For several years the entire Indians organization had to put up with the constant distraction of Lindor wanting a lucrative extension.
Yes, the switch-hitting shortstop definitely deserves a big money contract.
This is especially true when we consider the money that young stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. just got paid.
However, Lindor was apparently distracted by the contract concerns the entire 2020 season as he only hit .258 through 60 games.
Tribe fans have to be chuckling a bit when reading the constant ping-pong type of contract talks going on between Lindor and the Mets.
It is kind of like breaking up with a former lover.
They are someone else’s problem now.
2. Newcomer Andres Gimenez Looks to be a Decent Replacement
We really miss Saturday afternoon baseball.
Andrés Giménez can cover some ground and flash the leather, by the way. 😍 pic.twitter.com/XvnYxkiAb8
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) January 23, 2021
No, Andres Gimenez is not Lindor, but he is already looking like a decent option for the Tribe as their starting shortstop.
The 22-year old is an exciting young player who has shown some pop in his bat during spring training with two triples and two homers.
Indians manager Terry Francona has not officially given Gimenez the starting job, but in all likelihood that will happen soon.
Some outlets project Gimenez to produce double-digit homers and stolen bases this year.
If the youngster from Venezuela can attain those numbers, the Tribe coaching staff will be more than thrilled.
Gimenez had a decent rookie campaign for the Mets last year by hitting three homers and scoring 22 runs in only 118 at-bats.
3. Some Money Put Back into the Team
Eddie Rosario delivers four RBIs with one swing…
#MINvsMIL #MNTwins #BombaSquad
pic.twitter.com/QELfUKK3so— SBR Sports Picks (@SBRSportsPicks) August 11, 2020
It is no secret that trading Lindor and Carrasco saved Indians owner Paul Dolan lots of cash.
Tribe president Chris Antonetti has made good on a promise to reinvest some of those funds back into the ballclub.
Possibly the best use of the added resources was when the Indians signed slugger Eddie Rosario.
Rosario will bring the added power that the Tribe outfield has lacked for several years.
Though he has not hit well this spring, Rosario should still be penciled in for around 30 bombs for the Indians in 2021.
Another key move was bringing back Gold Glove second baseman Cesar Hernandez.
Not only does Hernandez possess a stellar glove, he also led the American League in doubles last season with 20.
Rounding Third and Heading for Home
The Lindor trade is still a sore spot for many Indians fans and it is easy to understand why.
Lindor was the face of the Cleveland franchise for several seasons and created a lot of good memories.
However, all logical Tribe fans knew that the team simply would not pay Lindor anywhere near what he may get in free agency.
It was a better move to trade Lindor and at least get a few good players in return for him.
Hopefully, the former Mets players and the new free agent signees will catapult the Tribe into the 2021 playoffs.
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