Indians will pay more attention to defense during Spring Training
SAN DIEGO -- Since the middle of last season, Terry Francona and Chris Antonetti have had many conversations about how to fix a defense that was the worst in the majors. The Indians' 116 errors in 2014 were the most since 2006, when they had 118.
With a little more than two months until the start of Spring Training, Francona said there will be a greater focus on live drills.
"We'll try to have drills where we run them to completion," Francona said. "What we'll do, I think, next year is whatever the play ends up, we'll just play it like we do in a game. I think the intensity of the drill will help."
There will also be more of a focus paid to infield defense. The Indians led the majors in errors at third (31) and were tied for third in errors at first with 16. They were tied for the lead in catcher errors (17) but Yan Gomes really settled down after the first six weeks of the season.
A particular area of work during Spring Training will be on fielding ground balls in shift situations. The shift has become a part of life in baseball the past two seasons at an alarming rate. According to the 2015 Bill James Handbook, the Tribe used the infield shift 516 times, which is 202 more than 2013. They were eighth in the American League in shifts last season.
Added Francona: "So we need to have (Jason) Kipnis out in short right and take ground balls there. We probably didn't do enough of that."
Antonetti reaffirmed his confidence in the infield that is in place. Carlos Santana made a lot of athletic plays at first and also saw his offensive numbers improve. Shortstop Jose Ramirez, who took over after Asdrubal Cabrera was traded, made only four errors and hit .280 the last two months, which was third on the team.
At second, Jason Kipnis made only six errors (he had 12 in 2013) but he also struggled with an oblique problem for most of the year and saw his average fall 44 points to .240. The Indians have discussed an offseason program with Kipnis that stresses more speed and agility work.
In terms of upgrades, that would leave all eyes on third. Lonnie Chisenhall's bat got him a regular spot back in the lineup but the defense at times was brutal as he led the team with 18 errors.
"There were other times and periods where he played stellar defense. What we're looking for is consistency," Antonetti said. "He has all the ingredients of a successful third baseman. The important thing for him is to take all the things he learned from this year but knowing what he has to do to get things on track.
ABOUT LINDOR: With Ramirez's success and Francisco Lindor continuing to develop, Antonetti said the odds are long for Lindor to make the Opening Day roster, which is in line with what has been said since August.
Lindor batted .276 after being called up to Columbus but he remains the youngest player in Triple-A and the franchise wants to make sure that when he is called up, he has the best chance of success.
"There would be a number of things that would have to happen for Francisco (Lindor) to make our major-league team," Antonetti said. "Can I see a scenario (where he makes the Opening Day roster)? Sure. Is it probable? No."
WINDING UP: The Winter Meetings will conclude on Thursday with the Rule 5 Draft. Antonetti said it was unlikely that the Indians would select anyone.
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