6372
by Hillbilly
Interesting to note, in 204 at bats Uribe has put up similiar numbers to that of Gio Urshela in 288 at bats last year.
Urshela ... 288 AB ... 6 HR ... .225 BA ... .279 OBP
Uribe ... 204 AB ... 7 HR ... .226 BA ... .279 OBP
Uribe has shown a little more power, but Urshela better defensively. But all in all, we must do better at 3rd. Ridiculous to commend the Tribe for signing a veteran to improve offense at 3rd but act like Uribe is doing the job.
July and the hot stove is just around the corner. And for the stretch run I would like to see the Tribe make 3 moves.
First, an easy one. Bring up Yandy Diaz to play 3rd base. Hitting .303 with a .377 OBP at Columbus. 4 homers in 152 at bats. Not a ton of power, but just as good as we're getting, but should get on base more. And at age 24 room to get even better.
Next, I'd try to add a back end lefty reliever. A guy that we can match up against lefties late in games, maybe even use in the 9th on occasion. Shouldn't be too difficult.
Lastly, I would try to pry either Goldschmidt away from the D'Backs or Freeman away from the Braves. I feel like we are a stud hitter in the middle of the lineup away from being a legit contender for the World Series. Both Goldschmidt and Freeman have just entered their prime, and signed to long term deals I feel like the Indians could afford. And while you don't go trading away guys like that often, neither of those teams are going anywhere and both teams, especially Arizona who constantly ranks among leagues worst minor league system, could use an infusion of prospects. And we have enough legit pitching prospects throughout our system top to bottem to get it done. Not to mention 3 young CF'ers in Naquin/Frazier/Zimmer. A good looking shortstop in Gonzalez. We have assets to deal.
Goldschmidt being a righty, would be preferable, but Freeman would be a solid add as well.
Napoli hits 20 points higher against lefties. Santana 24 points higher against righties. That would be a formidable platoon at DH and further strengthen middle of lineup.
Imagine if Brantley came back 100% before seasons end. A lineup something like this going into October ...
1- Lindor
2- Kipnis
3-Brantley
4- Goldschmidt
5- Napoli / Santana platoon at DH
6- Chisenhall
7- Naquin
8- Gomes
9- Diaz 3B
With our pitching I would feel pretty good about going to battle with that lineup, and would be contenders for the next few years.