Hot Start in a New Town

Tyler Naquin showed a lot of promise when he was first promoted to the Indians in 2016. 14 homers, a .372 on-base percentage and good defense in center field. Numbers impressive enough to earn a third place finish for American League Rookie of the Year.

But he stalled on the way to stardom, with injuries and inconsistency leading to being non-tendered after the 2020 season.

After signing with the cross-state rival Reds, Naquin seems to have rediscovered his 2016 form. Monday night was a fine example, as he homered and added an RBI single -- all he drove in four of Cincinnati's 14 runs as they pummeled the Pirates. 

Eight homers in 28 games is a promising sign as the Reds fight to stay in the NL Central race and Naquin demonstrates that he belongs in the show.

(My image of Naquin is from the Indians/Yankees game on July 7th, 2016 at Progressive Field.)

Something else struck me when I looked back to that 2016 series at Progressive Field.


Both clubs have almost completely turned over their rosters. Take a look at the video board. The Indians have just one regular left from the team that won the AL Central, Jose Ramirez. Then, check that Yankee lineup, where only Brett Gardner remains, and he's now their fourth outfielder.

Ironically, one of the best Cleveland prospects in '16, Clint Frazier, is now a Yankee regular, having come to New York in a deadline trade for reliever Andrew Miller, who helped get the Indians to their most recent World Series appearance.



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