2012 Indians First Baseman

Now this was one of the few question marks going into this season since Matt LaPorta hasn't been very productive like expected when then Indians acquired him in the CC Sabathia trade. He has been a disappointment since he was supposed to be an all-start potential at first. He really didn't have a horrible season, but because of high expectations and only about average defense, he lost his starting spot. So far in spring training he has shown his power in practice but hasn't shown much in games yet. LaPorta still has another option year so I actually expect him to play at AAA this season and hopefully next year he can take 1st base back over and reach his potential.

Kotchman

Casey Kotchman was a big free agent signing for the Indians and will be the everyday first baseman. He is a solid defensive player and a solid hitter. Last year was one of the best seasons in his career with a .307 batting average. Do not get me wrong here, I actually like Kotchman but my biggest question is he is a left handed bat and if Sizemore is healthy all of the project hitters against right handed pitchers will bat from the left side. Indians have a lot of left handed bats and we have a lot of players that bat from the right side at first. It was defensively a very smart signing. With the fact we have a lot of ground ball pitchers this signing does make a lot of sense. Just would have been nice to play a right handed bat at first.

Now here is the rest of the players that can play first. You have been introduced to LaPorta and Kotchman who are the top two in the organization at first but there is a few more that can play first. The Indians actually have a few guys that play multiple positions that may get some time at first if there is injuries.

Jack Hannahan actually could be our starting third baseman but could get some time at first when Kotchman needs a day off or is injured. Hannahan was a surprise to everyone including myself with his performance last season. He has always been known for a solid glove but last season was the first time he has had a good season with the bat. Either he will be starting at third or the utility man off the bench so he will see some action at first.

Carlos Santana will play most of the time at catcher but will have some starts at first against left handed bats. He is only average defensively at first, but he is a solid bat so the Indians want to keep him in the lineup almost everyday. He will get probably at least 20 games at first throughout the season.

Duncan

Shelley Duncan is another guy that will more than likely be off the bench for the Indians. I see him playing LF  more than first base but he has a fair amount of experience at first so he may see the field at first once in awhile because he is a right handed bat with power. He is average defensively at first but he has an attitude that is well liked in the Indians clubhouse.

Canzler

Russ Canzler is actually a wild card at first base this season. Now he had a breakout year last year for the Rays AAA team and was acquired for cash this offseason. He is an average defensive player but has shown he has a great bat. Now he has very little major league experience but potentially he could become a solid player for the Indians and he has another option year so he can also easily compete for the job next season. Now he can also play some left and right field as well.


Jose Lopez is another guy that can play first as well. Now I don't expect him to play much at all first, but he has been playing well this spring and has a chance to win an utility spot off the bench.

There is a few more players you may see if there are injuries like Andy LaRoche, Beau Mills, and yes even Michael Brantley