Lonnie Chisenhall, Utility Man?

Since his recall on July 30th, after more than a month and a half in AAA, Lonnie Chisenhall has been used exclusively in right field. One of the “advantages” of being out of the play-off race early is that a trial by fire at a new position (he played just four games there in AAA, the first time he has attempted outfield work at any level) isn’t really dangerous. With nothing to lose, Chisenhall has actually shown positive signs, being worth +2 defensive runs saved above average in his limited action, tied with David Murphy for the best work in right field by an Indians player in 2015.

While this is likely some more fun with small sample sizes, it at least brings up the option of using Chisenhall in right field in emergency situations, greatly increasing his value to the team. With Giovanny Urshela fairly firmly entrenched at third base and the newcomer, Chris Johnson, having very similar, but opposite skills as Chisenhall, finding further use needs to be on the top of the Indians list for the former first round pick.

High expectations have soured much of the Indians fan base towards Chisenhall as he never took off the way his rookie running mate, Jason Kipnis, did, but that shouldn’t have any effect on his worth now. No, he is not the starting third baseman of the present or future, that would appear to be Urshela. Instead, we should clean his slate and start over with what he is, a 26 year old second arbitration eligible (in 2016) career .255/.302/.409 hitter who can play three defensive positions at near league average.

Also important to note on the financial side is that Chisenhall made $2.25M this year, is due a raise of at least a million next year if signed, but is not guaranteed a cent for 2016 if the Indians do not want to continue with him. Also important is the fact that the Indians used his last minor league option this year and, while he can be sent down as many times as they want in 2015, he would have to clear waivers if sent down in any future seasons.

The point of separating the relevant information from the irrelevant (like where he was drafted) is to compare him to similar players. Not starting third baseman from around the league, but utility infield/outfielders who the Indians could be considering for the 2016 season. Below are a few names who have spent time with the team this year, keeping in mind that Mike Aviles will be a free agent next year, Ryan Raburn has a $3M option for 2016 and Chris Johnson is guaranteed money through 2017.

All these players can presumably play some outfield and some infield, although the ability to play short stop and second base are becoming less and less important barring injury situations. Looking at the present situation, the most valuable strengths in a utility man in 2016 will be the ability to hit first, then play first base and right field at least at a league average rate. Of course a litany of things could happen before then, so the best route at the moment is to find out how well each player plays in an extended look at each position they are willing to try.

Worth noting here is that Chisenhall is the only left hander listed (Ramirez is a switch hitter) and has been the best hitter of the five against right handed pitchers (who still make up the majority of the league). This creates more opportunities for him compared to the rest as he could be used to off-set the right handed Urshela or Johnson (who should both be more regular players in 2016) from time to time. While his numbers against left handers aren’t terrible for a utility man, they are also what has held him back the most as a Major League starter and if he is given a chance to hit only in those situations where he is likely to succeed (against right handers) he should be a much more valuable player.

One worry about how Chisenhall is if he can adjust to a more part time role. While the salary, defense level and offensive ability are similar to the Indians other options, one thing Raburn, Aviles and Johnson have is plenty of MLB experience being used as a platoon hitter. Whether this is a skill that needs to be learned or will just require a slight adjustment may be moot for Chisenhall.

In his first three seasons (2011-2013), Chisenhall was bounced between Columbus and Cleveland on multiple occasions, but was almost always the starter at either level. During that span he batted .244/.284/.411 in 682 plate appearances. It wasn’t until he was first given a part time role that he really excelled. In April of 2014, he took off hitting .362/.412/.489 as a part timer in 17 games and through another month and a half as a starter he continued this stretch batting .393/.438/.619 through June 11th. Once at this peak, however, he floundered. Whether it was MLB pitchers learning how to throw to him, personal fatigue or simple regression, his numbers consistently dwindled for the rest of the year as he continued to start at third nearly every game.

Placed in a starter role again this year, he saw similar issues, swinging at pitches outside of the zone and batting for little average or power. His demotion came at a necessary time for himself and the team. Since his return, he has hit as well as ever and started all but two games. This is an area where the Indians have to decide which is more important. Do they have to see him struggle against left handers more, or can they push him into a more complete platoon role? Is it more important to see him play right field every day or to see how he handles a bench role?

There is little question that a batting lineup with Chisenhall as a starter in 2015 would be less than ideal, but given his contract situation and success in specific situations, he could still have some value. Now is the time for Cleveland to see if that type of role is possible in 2016. If nothing else, regular playing time exclusively against right handers could increase his value enough that another team may want to give him another try in a similar role, allowing him to escape the pressures of high expectations unfulfilled.