Nick Swisher: (Knee) Looking To Play RF In 2015

Swisher (knee) may profile as the Indians' starting right fielder in 2015, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

Analysis:

With the offseason addition of Brandon Moss, there are some lineup issues to sort out in Cleveland. It sounds like manager Terry Francona does not necessarily view Swisher as the primary designated hitter, and Swisher thinks playing right field would be easier on his knees than playing first base. With Moss coming off hip surgery, it sounds like Moss will be the primary DH, with Carlos Santana handling the bulk of the first base duties, and Swisher playing right field as long as his body and performance hold up. Last season was a complete disaster for Swisher, as he slashed just .208/.278/.331 with eight home runs in 401 plate appearances, which is completely unacceptable from a player who is also a defensive liability. All told, he ended up having a negative 1.6 WAR in 2014, but just a year before he was able to post a 2.3 WAR, hitting 20-plus home runs for the ninth straight season. If he can come into camp with healthy knees, there is a chance that he could regain some of his past offensive utility, and the Indians will certainly give him that chance, as he still has two years and $30 million remaining on his contract. His disastrous 2014 campaign will mean that he costs nothing on draft day this season, but the questions surrounding the health of his knees make him a risky proposition entering his age-34 season.