Earlier today we published a piece on why the Cleveland Indians are going to miss Francisco Lindor in 2021.
That is not a hot take at all.
But fans can lament his loss while also getting excited about the future of the shortstop position.
The front office acquired both Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario from the New York Mets in the Lindor trade this offseason.
The group also added Gabriel Arias in last year’s Mike Clevinger deal with the San Diego Padres.
One could even argue getting Arias proved the Indians knew Lindor was never coming back.
There are three players right there who could realistically play shortstop in 2021 and in the coming years.
Gimenez appears to be the favorite over Rosario, who may be moved to the outfield or into a reserve role.
Arias may still be a year or two away because of Gimenez’s arrival and a pesky thing known as service-time manipulation.
But fans got a positive glimpse of the future Monday as both Gimenez and Arias were in action in a game that saw the Indians blowout the Seattle Mariners by a final score of 10-0.
#Indians Gabriel Arias w/ a two run double scores Jones & Clement. Arias is now 7-8 at the plate on the spring.
— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) March 8, 2021
Gimenez and Arias Combine For a Big Day
Gimenez got the start at shortstop and hit a three-run, inside-the-park home run.
He also drew a walk as his hot spring start continues.
Arias relieved him later in the game and managed to hit a two-run double that made the score 10-0 in the eighth inning.
That gives the young man seven hits in his eight at-bats so far in Arizona.
The front office has to be thrilled with this early production.
One potential scenario in the future is both Gimenez and Arias manning two infield spots, with another top prospect like Nolan Jones playing in the outfield.
Or, the Indians get good again fast and move one of those players in a blockbuster deal.
The goal of this team has always been to win while keeping costs controlled.
Having two top prospects at shortstop after trading Lindor is a nice consolation for what was a bummer of a move for many fans.
Other Positives From Monday’s Win
Sorry, was delayed by a Zoom call.
But we have the first *inside-the-park* diagram.
Andrés Giménez hits a three-run inside-the-parker to give the Indians a 4-0 lead in the fifth. pic.twitter.com/YOcKMk6ufr
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) March 8, 2021
The Indians were great as a whole Monday.
Non-roster catcher Ryan Lavarnway even drove in three runs thanks to a home run of his own.
Then there was the pitching staff.
Zach Plesac went three scoreless inning and had four strikeouts.
Emmanuel Clase ended up closing out the game with two innings of no-hit baseball.
He did walk two batters, but managed to get four strikeouts.
The well-oiled pitching machine is showing up as advertised.
Getting contributions from young players on offense is a whole other bonus that should have fans excited so far in 2021.
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