The key to the Indians' lineup is .... (and other things early in spring training)

Greg Allen.

Here is the reason why.

I know Terry Francona likes Lindor in the leadoff spot but I don't think that is possible.   I really don't.   We have no middle of the order hitters.

So here is my lineup

1. Leonys Martin CF
2. Greg Allen LF
3. Francisco Lindor SS
4. Jose Ramirez 3B
5. Carlos Santana DH
6. Jake Bauers 1B
7. Tyler Naquin/Jordan Luplow/Zimmer/Mercado RF
8. Jason Kipnis 2B
9. Roberto Perez C

I just don't see Kipnis hitting 2nd in this weak lineup.   And that is why Allen is so key.   Between him and Martin they have to set the table for the 3-5 hitters.   Frankly, after Santana we have 4 relatively easy outs.  We need to have production from the top of the order and to do that we need Allen to bat second AND produce.

To be productive Allen has to be willing to take walks.   Not that he should get that many walks hitting in front of Lindor and Ramirez but he has to spring at strikes and be productive.   If he shows pitchers he will swing at balls and get himself out the pitchers won't have to come in to him and make him hit the ball.

So that is the key to this offense: Allen swinging at strikes and be successful with his swings.

How about our bullpen?

Well, the Indians, by being patient, have accumulated a lot of good options.   Not that spring training stats matter but just look at last night.   Everybody except for Perez put up zeros and all those guys, except for Pounders, have been equally effective in their other outings.   Add to it that this is less than half of the relievers in the camp who have shown they have a legitmate shot at making this team and it means we have depth AND experience AND young upside.   Yeah, we don't have Allen-Hand-Miller or Allen-Miller-Shaw, but if everything breaks just OK for us, the bullpen should not be a big issue.

So, to me, this season, everything else being equal, rides on the shoulders of Greg Allen. If he has a great year we likely do very well.  If we have to count on Kipnis/Zimmer/Naquin/Mercado/Luplow in the #2 spot.   At that point, given their on-base issues, we have a big, big problem and would likely need to sign a Carlos Gonzalez just to get to a true replacement level situation.

So, no pressure Mr. Allen...just our whole season.