Hanley Ramirez may debut early next week

During last night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona hinted at when Hanley Ramirez may debut.

During an in-game interview Terry Francona was asked about the status of Hanley Ramirez. The Tribe skipper was able to give some insight into when Ramirez could make his Cleveland Indians debut. Francona suggested that Ramirez could debut as early as Monday for Cleveland. Of course it may come later in the week, but a timeline as early as Monday is encouraging.

Hanley Ramirez figures to be Cleveland’s designated hitter this season. That is if all goes well. This puts Carlos Santana at first base and Jake Bauers in the outfield. Bauers projects to be the Indians left fielder this season, replacing the departed Michael Brantley in the field.

What the Indians get out of Hanley Ramirez is anyone’s guess. Ramirez could provide stability at the designated hitter spot or be not quite up to par, resulting in the team moving on from him. Ramirez did experience a decline in production last season which may be why he did not catch on with another team after Boston released him.

The presence of Hanley Ramirez in Cleveland allows the roster to take shape

There is uncertainty on what Hanley Ramirez’s production at the plate this season will be. However his presence does provide more clarity about this Indians team. There is now a definitive spot for both Carlos Santana and Jake Bauers. Conversations about Bauers seeing time at first base were present earlier this offseason. Now with the duo of Ramirez and Santana, Bauers will be an outfielder this season. Although he could see time at first if necessary.

With Bauers now in the outfield, one more piece of the puzzle falls into place for the Indians. The outfield was an area of concern coming into this season and with Bauers taking one of those spots, the roster begins to round into shape. While there are some position battles still going on, it makes things a bit more clear as Spring Training progresses.

For the time being Hanley Ramirez has provided more insight into just what the Indians lineup may look like this season. Allowing players to settle into positions earlier is best for all parties. Ramirez is making it easier to see how the team may look Opening Day. Considering that was a gigantic question mark just a week ago, this a step in the right direction.