Indians’ roster is loaded as the season beckons

A look at the Indians’ roster as they get set to defend the American League pennant with the goal to win the World Series in 2017:

Outfield

• Michael Brantley: It appears Brantley is past the shoulder problems that limited him to 11 games last season. He could have a monster season batting third ahead of Edwin Encarnacion.

• Brandon Guyer: Manager Terry Francona wants to do more with Guyer than platoon him against left-handed pitching.

• Tyler Naquin: Naquin isn’t ready to hit a steady diet of left-handed pitching. He will be platooned mostly against righties.

• Austin Jackson: Don’t confuse him with Rajai Davis. Jackson won’t steal 43 bases.

• Abraham Almonte: Almonte doesn’t have to start 100 games to be an important part of the Tribe’s playoff chase.

• Lonnie Chisenhall (*): Chisenhall will start the season on the 10day disabled list with a sore shoulder. His strong throwing arm in right is an asset.

Infield

• Edwin Encarnacion: First baseman adds fearsome power to the middle of a stacked lineup.

• Jose Ramirez: Ramirez is Mr. Clutch. He will start the season playing second base and vows not to get complacent after signing a long-term deal.

• Francisco Lindor: Shortstop flashes a dazzling glove and an equally dazzling smile every time he plays. He hits pretty well, too.

• Yandy Diaz: Diaz is normally an outfielder, but the Indians are hoping he can hold down third base in the short term. He hit .429 in spring training.

• Carlos Santana: Santana will DH when he doesn’t spell Encarnacion at first base. Francona likes him as a leadoff hitter because Santana gets on base.

• Michael Martinez: As a utility player, Martinez can do just about everything but pitch and play catcher. He is an excellent pinch runner.

• Jason Kipnis: Kipnis will start the season on the DL. The Indians are crossing their fingers hoping his shoulder strain doesn’t linger.

Catchers

• Yan Gomes: Pitchers love having Gomes behind the plate. He is finally healthy, as proven by his .366 batting average in Cactus League games.

• Roberto Perez: Perez won’t hit for a high average, but he has a knack of getting timely hits.

Pitchers

• Corey Kluber: Kluber is the ace, but does he have another Cy Young season up his sleeve? He’s hungry to get back to the World Series.

• Carlos Carrasco: A tender right elbow gave the Indians a scare in spring training. Carrasco will have to be monitored closely to get through six months in good health.

• Danny Salazar: Salazar has a wicked fastball, but health issues could be a concern in September.

• Josh Tomlin: Tomlin won’t overpower batters, so he will have to nip at the corners to be effective.

• Trevor Bauer: It is safe to say no one on the team is as competitive or as tightly wound as Bauer.

• Zach McAllister: McAllister is a solid bridge to the back end of the bullpen.

• Dan Otero: Otero is easy to overlook, but his consistency out of the bullpen is a major reason the Indians got as far as they did last year.

• Boone Logan: Lefthanded hitters batted .142 against Boone last year when he was with Rockies. The Tribe will take that again.

• Bryan Shaw: Shaw has a rubber arm and shows no sign of slowing down. He led the AL with 75 appearances last year.

• Andrew Miller: Miller needs only two pitches — a slider and a fastball — to be one of the most feared relievers in baseball.

• Cody Allen: Francona can juggle his three setup guys, but unless Allen needs a night off, Allen is the closer. He was 32 of 36 in save opportunities last year.

Jeff Schudel