MLB Network released their top position players and the Cleveland Indians have the best third baseman and shortstop in all of baseball.
When evaluating the top players in baseball, the names Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez may not be the first names in the discussion. This trend appears to have changed as MLB Network named the left side of the Cleveland Indians infield the best in baseball. With Lindor taking top honors at shortstop and Ramirez doing the same at third base.
Francisco Lindor
While Francisco Lindor will miss some to start the season, the Indians will at least have Jose Ramirez in their lineup. Missing Lindor will hurt, but when Lindor is in the lineup he is a dynamic hitter who can make opposing pitchers pay from either side of the plate. While his batting average is better against left handed pitching, Lindor has more power against right handers. Granted Lindor has over twice as many at-bats against right handed pitchers. Even when cutting Lindor’s production against right handers in half, nearly every stat that was better is still better. The lone exception being doubles, which just falls short of the total against left handers.
Jose Ramirez
Jose Ramirez may not be the first name many think of when thinking of the best third baseman in baseball, but that appears to be changing. Ramirez being named the best third baseman should make more people look at him more seriously when evaluating his talent.
The splits for Jose Ramirez are rather similar to that of Francisco Lindor. Better average against left handers, but more power production against right handers. Again this is also in over twice as many at-bats against right handers. Cutting these numbers in half Ramirez still has more power production in most categories against right handed pitchers. Just like Lindor, the only category that is not better when cut in half is doubles.
Indians star power should lead to success
Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez are both star players. What they are able to provide when on the field should lead to success for the Cleveland Indians. While it is a team game and more production is required from other players, having two of the best in the game at cornerstone positions can lead to Cleveland winning more games. That is at least the hope as the Cleveland Indians are looking to win their first World Series since 1948.
