Why is he in CF when Almonte has capable of playing CF?
How much time will Lonnie Chisenhall see in center field?
“I honestly don’t know. Millsy’s been kind of in my ear for the last year, telling me how good he thinks he would be in center. The couple times we’ve played him in center, he’s done nothing to make you feel any different. I think good outfielders are good outfielders. I do think sometimes guys are better maybe in one position, but I think if you have the skills, being in center should almost be the easiest — as long as you can move good enough and things like that — just because you can see the ball better. When we were in San Antonio, he played center. And I remember, with the view you have, his jumps were, he was off the ball like a good center fielder. It really kind of stuck out. Again, we’ll see where it goes. I don’t think we have to be tied to anything, but it may help us defensively. And he can always play right, so we’ll see.”
Can you walk us through the decision to option Tyler Naquin and keep Abraham Almonte?
“It was something that, when I say we stressed over it, I mean it was a lot. I think for where we are now, with Brant maybe not quite ready to play every day, having the switch-hitter is really helpful. I think Abe is also, I think probably by everybody’s look, has done pretty well and got himself in a really good position where he can help. I don’t think coming off the bench necessarily suits Naquin right now. Nobody’s giving up on him being an everyday player. We talked about a lot of stuff, and we’re trying to get back to that guy that we saw in May and June and July last year. I thought he showed a lot of maturity, because we knew this was going to be a hard one for him. It was hard for us. He came back today and we talked some more and talked about a lot of stuff. He showed a lot of maturity, and I know he cares. It would surprise me if he’s not back here doing some really good things. That would really shock me.”
Update on Jason Kipnis (hit on left hand by pitch in rehab game Wednesday):
“He came back last night and got X-rayed. He just has a bruise, which is good news. He’ll miss a couple days. I think Saturday is best-case scenario — playing. It’s just going to be a matter of a few days.”
On Almonte taking advantage of his opportunity:
“We were talking about it last night. Having tough decisions, you don’t ever want to look forward to giving somebody news they don’t want to hear. But, having tough decisions because guys have played well is a good thing for the organization. I think we’re grateful for that. So many times, when you’re talking about one player maybe going down, there’s also a flip-side where somebody else is doing something good. Kind of like you’re alluding to. I think Abe, his game is showing that he’s paying attention to detail. He’s working hard. He’s giving himself a chance to be a good player. And, right now, the way we’re situated, having that switch-hitting bat is pretty helpful.”
What is Almonte’s best position in the outfield?
“Center was probably his most comfortable. And then on the corners, it’s right and then left. But, he hadn’t played much center, just because of need. So, I think right field probably right now might be the most he’s played. I think in the past, center field has been his most comfortable.
Highlights from pregame QA with Chisenhall…
How comfortable are you in center field?
“You’re able to see the ball a little bit better through the strike zone than you are in the corners. I’m working on anticipating some balls and making sure I’m not giving up on a few things — right-center, left-center, the ball carries a bit more. You run out of room on the corners.”
Was it fortunate that you already had a good base of spring at-bats before the injury?
“I was happy about it. I know last year I went through something a little bit different. To have, I think I had 40, 45 at-bats in Arizona, and then I got 15, I was able to put some aggressive swings on balls. Not necessarily great results or anything, but the timing felt pretty good — pitch recognition and things like that. I just had a little bit of a jump start where you don’t miss too many games.”
On timing of his activation:
“It has to be a good timing for everything, where I’m feeling pretty good and we’re in a situation where we’re able to make a move. You don’t want to come back before you’re ready and not be able to help the team to your fullest abilities. So, I feel good to go.”
On playing next to Michael Brantley in the outfield:
“I think I had a game with him in spring where I was in center, but I never got to play right alongside him. It will be fun trying to communicate. [There’s] a few different responsibilities in center than there are in right. Having to move him around, or peeking in to see what Millsy wants me to do, things like that.”
Has Francona talked to you about how much you’ll be in center?
“I don’t know. They haven’t discussed farther than today. I’ve played a few games out there and they encouraged it last spring and this spring. As much as they need me to be out there, I can be out there.”
On seeing Kipnis get hit by the pitch on Wednesday in Akron:
“Yeah, I was on deck, so it was tough to see something like that. I don’t know how close he was. … You never want to see anything like that, especially, it hit him pretty solid and [Justus] Sheffield was throwing the ball pretty solid, too. You never want to get hit with a fastball in the knuckles.”
