Over the offseason the Indians signed several interesting free agent position players to minor league deals with an invite to Major League spring training. They also have a good young core of prospects ready to emerge and help out the roster at some point this season.
The way things sit right now eight of the nine spots in the lineup are known and Yan Gomes, Carlos Santana, Mike Aviles, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jason Kipnis, Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn, Michael Brantley, David Murphy and Ryan Raburn will be a part of the opening day lineup and bench. That is a total of 10 players, so if the Indians decide to go with a 12 man pitching staff and 13 position players on the opening day lineup, there are as many as three bench spots up for grabs this spring.
On Monday, I looked at the candidates to fill the last two or three open spots in the bullpen or starting rotation. Today I take a look at the top 10 candidates to fill the final few spots on the Indians bench.
David Adams (INF): The Indians signed Adams to a Major League deal in the offseason, so some might think that implies an immediate opportunity at the big league level; however, it is a minimum deal, he has an option remaining and his signing was more for roster depth to have on hand at Triple-A Columbus. He has big league experience and could be a backup option at third base if Lonnie Chisenhall or Carlos Santana gets hurt or if Santana has to play more catcher because Yan Gomes is hurt or struggling.
Way 2 Opening Day
