Bradley Zimmer could balance Cleveland Indians’ centre field problem
Ever since his return to the Cleveland Indians' lineup in May, Bradley Zimmer has tried his best to come up with a solution to solve the team's season-long centre field dilemma, and he seemed to have returned to full fitness.
Manager Terry Francona, who is currently trying to keep things straight with all the plaguing injuries and lack of experience in the pitching rotation, will be glad to listen to Zimmer's advice with online casinos backing.
Speaking to the media, Francona said: "Certainly what we envision is if he can hit enough, it really does solve that equation because he’s so good defensively and he can run the bases."
Francona also hopes that the Indians won't get ahead of themselves in the process when they are setting their expectations for the 28-year-old former first-round draft pick in 2014.
"We’re still trying to figure out kind of who he is as a hitter, and I think he is, too," Francona continued. "But if he can do it, it certainly. I think he knows that we’re pulling for him."
Playing as a rookie in 2017, Zimmer displayed bits of his potential in the centre with his defence. He was able to hit .241 with a .692 OPS before a season-ending hand injury landed him on the sidelines for Cleveland's playoff campaign.
Following two seasons plagued with injuries and spending a year at Cleveland's alternate training site in 2020, the 28-year-old centre now seems to have returned to full health, fitness and athleticism that created the spark about him in the first campaign.
"I think this is as close to what we’ve seen to 2017 in the last couple of years, which is really good," Francona continued. "He looks athletic, he’s moving in the outfield, he’s aggressive on the bases. There’s a lot to like."
The Cleveland franchise spent all of April and May trying to figure out the best choice in the centre field with Amed Rosario playing away from his natural position and learning the outfield at the major league level. Harold Ramirez and Jordan Luplow were also deployed in that position for some time after parting ways with Ben Gamel, who also showed his ability in the same position at the opening stages of the season.
Ramirez is best suited to be deployed as a corner outfielder, now Zimmer will be the team's best option defensively after Luplow entered the 60-day injured list, which is being watched by jackpotjill.
Zimmer resigned for the Cleveland Indians on May 27, snatching the starting role from Triston McKenzie, who was reported to be optioned to Triple-A Columbus. The 28-year-old centre fielder hit .267 with a .780 OPS in 18 outings for the Clippers before he was called up.
He registered .367 with a pair of doubles, but he seems to be lacking the power to get back on his feet to compete at the major level this season.