Taking the Next Step: What to Expect This Season From Greg Allen
The Cleveland Indians are about to begin their 2018 season and make another run at that long coveted World Series title. The Tribe has lost some familiar faces, including Carlos Santana, Bryan Shaw and Jay Bruce, however; the Indians have a loaded farm system with tons of young talent ready to help out. With the loss of Bruce and health concerns surrounding Michael Brantley, CF Greg Allen will look to make a big impact filling in for the Indians this season.
Allen has been in the Indians farm system since being drafted by the team back in the sixth round of the 2014 MLB draft. Allen has managed to quickly climb up the ranks of the farm, even getting some time in September at the MLB level and making the playoff roster this past season. Starting this year in Triple-A Columbus, Allen looks to be a guy that should be up in Cleveland in no time to help wherever he’s needed.
Allen has two major strong suits that will help the Indians immensely this season – his glove and his speed. He plays a long outfield, able to cover all corners of the outfield and make plays all over. This is also, of course, accredited to his speed. Allen is one of the fastest guys in the Indians farm system racking up 145 stolen bases in just four seasons of play, an average of about 36 per season. Last season, the Indians entire team had just 88 stolen bases, Bradley Zimmer leading the way with 18. The speed Allen brings is much-needed in Cleveland to make things happen throughout games and get an extra base in late game situations.
At still just 25 years old Allen, he has an incredibly high ceiling to be the base stealing, Gold Glove outfield the Indians need. With his ability to get on base and turn singles into doubles, he’ll be able to make a lot happen for this year’s Indians team and improve the lineup around him.
The Tribe is unfortunately without some of their top players from last season, however, with an ever rebuilding farm system, Allen and the rest of the top prospects look to help this team continue to compete for the coming years.
Image: Indians.com
