The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Gimenez, Rosario ready to contribute
Both players, along with prospect Josh Wolf, were part of Lindor trade
Andres Gimenez grew up idolizing former Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel. In less than three months, he could be roaming the same part of the Progressive Field infield Vizquel patrolled from 1994-2004.
Gimenez and Amed Rosario were acquired from the Mets on Jan. 5 for All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco. The Indians also got pitching prospect Josh Wolf and outfield prospect Isaiah Greene in the deal.
Rosario and Gimenez were on Zoom Jan. 21 with media covering the Indians. Both players have their eyes on taking over for Lindor.
The Indians also have an opening at second base. Cesar Hernandez, the second baseman last season, is a free agent.
“They haven’t reached out to us yet,” Gimenez said through an interpreter. “I mean I’m aware that we’re capable of playing the position, but they haven’t let us know yet. I’m sure they’ll let us know in spring training. But the thing for sure that I know is that all of us are capable and willing to help the team win any way we can.
“Normally I feel more comfortable at shortstop because that’s where I’ve played before. But I work hard, especially in the offseason to be able to defend all the positions on the infield and be able to do a good job in any of them.
Gimenez, 22, started 22 games at shortstop, four at second base and three at third base as a rookie with the Mets last year when the season was shortened to 60 games because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. He played in 15 games at second as a substitute.
Rosario, 25, started 141 games at shortstop in 2018, 151 in 2019 and 37 last year, all with the Mets.
“I’ve been a shortstop my whole career,” Rosario said. “I’ve never been in another position. In ‘19 I had to help in left field, but that was for one game.
In Triple-A I played a couple games at third base, but I consider myself a shortstop. However, I know I’m here to the help the team, and I know I’m happy to help them any way I can.”
“Normally I feel more comfortable at shortstop because that’s where I’ve played before.” — Andres Gimenez, Cleveland shortstop