Half-Empty: Infield Log-Jam (Part III - 2B)

We have all heard the cliché in sports, "You cannot have too much of a good thing." Often times, this is very true and can lead to a healthy dose of competition at the very least. Sometimes however, this is not necessarily the case.

In the case of the Cleveland Indians' infield and baseball in general, I would argue that sometimes, you can have too much.

Lets continue by taking a look at Second Base: "Great, Good, Average, or Below Average?"

• Asdrubal Cabrera may have been the X-factor offensively and defensively that allowed the Tribe to turn the corner and make a run for the playoffs. He provided a much needed spark at the top of the line-up and finally gave the Tribe a much-needed two-hole hitter. His ability to put down a timely bunt, make effective outs, get a clutch hit when needed, and display flashes of power led to a very successful season offensively. Many had predicted that Cabrera was still a year or two away, especially offensively, but he came in a proved many a naysayer wrong immediately. While he only played about 28% of the season, his numbers would project to: .283, 10 HR, 70 RBI, 30 Doubles, and 7 Triples. It must be mentioned that he would also be on pace to lead the league in SO with about 120-130 Ks. Overall, his offense is "Average" to slightly above for a second baseman in this league. Defensively, Cabrera was "Good" with flashes of greatness. There were times where I had to do a double take to remind myself that I was not watching a young Robbie Alomar.
• Josh Barfield was a classic example of a player going through a sophomore slump in 2007 (at least I hope that is all it was). His poor season has been written about and speculated upon many a time this year, so I will refrain from beating this dead horse any more. Here is a good article written on Nov. 1st about Barfield's season. Offensively, he was not only "Below Average", but just plain "Poor". Defensively, he was "Average". At times, Josh displayed flashes of brilliance, but he would bounce back the next day with a knucklehead play to balance it out.

Second Base Summary

This is one position that can be viewed a couple different ways, depending on the plans for Asdrubal Cabrera. If Shapiro is in fact, intent on keeping Jhonny at SS, then our starter at 2B is set with Cabrera. However, that leaves Josh kind of blowing in the wind. Barfield is not a utility player as he is not an option at 3B or 1B on a consistent basis. SS is also not really an option for Josh, although he could probably fill in in an emergency. That said, we would then actually have yet another log-jam at 2B. If Cabrera is our 2B, then expect the Tribe to trade Josh and get something for him while they still can. How much they can really get in return is not looking pretty. If they gave up a AAA prospect in Kouz for Josh following a solid season, then I wouldn't expect much more than a AA medium-level player for him after the 2007 debacle.

Now, if Asdrubal does in fact get consideration at SS, then Josh's value to the Tribe actually rises substantially. There is not much on the farm at the middle-infield positions, and at the very least, I would expect the Tribe to bring in either a journeyman second baseman or a utility player. The fact that they seem to be letting Gomez test free-agency suggests that they are not in the market for a utility player. This is a bit of a head scratcher to me, as Josh just is not a utility player. Who do they have in mind for that role? Shapiro did say, ''With Gomez, it's possible we'd try to bring him back, but there's a greater likelihood we'll look at what's out there."

Overall, it is clear that 2B is yet another position where some decisions need to be made. The theme of an unhealthy log-jam continues as we make our way around the infield. However, tomorrow, when we take a look at 1B and C, we will find that, while yes, we are quite full at those positions as well, at least it is in a much healthier way. Until then,

Goooooooooooooooooo Tribe!

Cheers!