The Cleveland Guardians have a competition going on at a few key positions this spring training. Their outfield is in flux, with a few highly touted prospects trying to find a role among the returning veterans.
In addition, the middle infield is also unsettled, with Travis Bazzana possibly not ready to make his major league debut on Opening Day. That could leave second base open for Brayan Rocchio or Juan Brito, and allow Gabriel Arias to hold on to his job at shortstop.
Fortunately, the Guardians also have someone who can man all of those positions, plus he can give Jose Ramirez a rest at third base. Daniel Schneemann is the kind of player every team needs, and Cleveland is lucky to have him.
Manager Stephen Vogt recently raved about the versatility of the Guardians veteran and how it impacts the ballclub.
“’Schnee’ is always going to be bouncing around,” Vogt said. “That’s what he brings to the table is that he can play six positions at an above-average clip to go along with his hitting.”
Last year, in his second MLB season, Schneemann played every non-pitcher position other than first base and catcher in his 131 games. He made the majority of his appearances at second base, and his second-most starts in center field. Overall, he started 104 games at eight different spots, including DH.
However, he batted just .206, and that lack of offense, combined with his value filling in almost anywhere, is likely what will keep him from becoming a full-time starter. He did hit 12 home runs last season and is off to a good start at the plate in spring training, so perhaps an uptick on offense is in the cards.
It sounds like, from Vogt’s words, that Schneemann’s roster spot is safe, at least for now, but any additional contribution he can make at the plate will only help his cause. The Guardians have multiple prospects just waiting to break through, and it might be difficult to keep them down in the minors much longer.
With Bazzana, Brito, Khalil Watson, Jaison Chourio, and Angel Genao all on the horizon, Schneemann will need to keep proving his worth to stick around.
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