Cleveland Indians' End of the Year Awards

I wanted to stray from the triple play, which was great and all, but the one that sticks out the most is Grady’s diving catch in which he bounced off the Auxiliary score board. This was in Kansas City, and I do believe it was late in the game—typical Grady.

Lasting Memory: Jensen Lewis’ emergence

I think we will look back on this season and remember, besides Cliff Lee’s awesomeness, that we witnessed the birth of our new closer.

Biggest Disappointment: Franklin Gutierrez

Because I had so much stock in him having a good year, he was the most disappointing player we had. He never really seemed to get out of that funk either. He had a good end to the season and all, but it just wasn’t what I was expecting, especially after he hit the grand slam on opening day.

I do think next year is a new story though.

Best Offseason Move: Jamey Carroll

It seems kind of stupid of me to put this category up here when we only made two moves. But trading a rather useless minor leaguer for Jamey Carroll was brilliant. He will be a piece in 2009 as well.

Minor Leaguer of the Year: Beau Mills

I was expecting more people to pick Mills, but because they didn’t, so I had to. Mills was by far our minor league of the year with the numbers he put up. I’d also give an honorable mention to Kelvin De La Cruz for his year in Lake County and Kinston. We have another young Fausto Carmona on our hands.

Biggest Offseason Need: Third Baseman

I think a starting pitcher is just as big of a need because there is a lack of third baseman available. But we need to get some bodies in here to at least compete; Marte probably isn’t the answer.

'09 Breakout Pitcher: Tony Sipp

I’m going a little off the radar for this one. Sipp spent this year rehabbing and trying to get back on the track to the big leagues. He could start the year in Columbus but end it in the Cleveland bullpen, a la Rafael Perez, now that he is healthy.

'09 Breakout Hitter: Franklin Gutierrez

I said 2009 would be a different story, and I meant it. Gutierrez went through a maturity year, and I think he’s destined for better things. I also think Ryan Garko will have a “breakout” year, if you could call it that. One that makes us all say, “Wow, I’m glad we didn’t trade him.” Same for Franklin Gutierrez; the Indians' patience will be rewarded.

Prospect you want to see in '09: Jeff Stevens

I thought we would see him this year, and we probably would have if the Olympics didn’t get in the way. I’m eager to see what he has next year, though, and expect him to be a big part of the bullpen.

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