Cleveland's Primary Need: Impact Infielder
Mark Shapiro isn't limiting himself to third base. He would prefer to get someone who can play the hot corner, but the pool of third baseman is so shallow, he's willing to be flexible.
If the Indians can't get someone to play third, they'll presumably make a play to get a second baseman. That would involve shifting Jhonny Peralta to third base and Asdrubal Cabrera to his natural position of shortstop.
It would be believed that Peralta's future is at third base to begin with. His defense isn't the sharpest and his numbers aren't one that a shortstop puts up.
Wes Hodges is someone the Indians feel strongly about for the future, but he is probably slated to start the year in Triple-A and if he is ready at some point next year, it wouldn't be for a few months, and that's a best case scenario.
Andy Marte ended the year as the man at third. He had an extended try-out period after the Indians traded away Casey Blake to the Dodgers. It's quite obvious that the Indians weren't impressed with the results.
The Solution?
As mentioned, Garrett Atkins has been a possibility even before this offseason. He was said to be on the market by the Rockies during last season and the Indians probably would have had interest if they were in the race.
Atkins' power numbers aren't that different between home and road, but his average away from Coors' Field is one to worry about.
The top free agent possibility is probably the return of Casey Blake, but he could be searching for a longer deal than the Indians would want to give him.
Joe Crede could be a nice one-year plug in that would help him establish himself for a big contract next year and also bridge the gap for the Indians to Hodges. Crede is also a Scott Boras client and he could be demanding a steep price, especially for someone injured as much as he is.
Trade options would include any third baseman that is on the market, Shapiro will leave no stone unturned.
It gets to a point where there may not be a third baseman to be had at the right price and the right fit for the Indians. They would have to go into an equally depleted second base pool.
In the end, I think the Indians might sign a cheap filler, or bring in a few guys on minor league deals to compete with Marte. They could go with someone like Marte or a cheap alternative and if they are in the race later in the season, make their move then.
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