Cleveland Indians 2009 Starting Rotation Analysis

The 2009 Cleveland Indians look to rebound after a disappointing 2008 season. The rotation seems to be the biggest question in camp this year. For the first time in 10 years, CC Sabathia is not in a Tribe uniform, which may still startle a few. But even though the old anchor is gone, there is still optimism in the new starting staff.

Cliff Lee, who won the American League Cy Young award last year with a 22-3 record, will now be the ace who will hopefully lead the Indians to the promised land, October. With Lee now the No. 1 guy on the Indians roster, the rotation looks very different than it has in years. We probably won't see another 20 win season from Lee, but a 15-18 win record is very possible if he can come out with the same mentality as last year. 

The Tribe will need the rotation to be successful this year if they want to contend in the American League, and Fausto Carmona could be a large key to the Indians' success. He struggled in 2008 after a stunning performance in 2007 in which he was second in the majors in ERA. The Indians need him to master his patented sinkerball and go after hitters like in 2007.

If healthy, the Indians would have one of the best 1-2 punches in baseball. These are also the only two spots in the rotation that are secured.  

Carl Pavano is the newest addition to the Indians staff. After having a rough go in New York, Pavano looks to jump start his career like Kevin Millwood did in 2005.

Pavano could have a big impact on the Indians rotation if he can stay healthy. He doesn't have to win 18 games, but if he can be a consistent pitcher and win anywhere from 10-15 games, then I see the Indians being contenders this year. If he can't regain his old form, then he will be a filler piece until Jake Westbrook comes back around June or July.  

Anthony Reyes is scheduled to be the fourth man in the rotation. After having a falling out in St. Louis, he looks to continue his career in Cleveland, where he pitched decent last year. He came in midseason and had a couple of good outings before he went on the DL. He could be a big piece to this puzzle if he can be productive and give the Indians 8-10 wins.

The fifth spot is still up for grabs and looks like it will be until the end of camp. The favorite, as most of us know, is Aaron Laffey, who has had success with the Tribe when healthy. He looks like he could emerge as the No. 5 guy.

Scott Lewis is a guy that I have had my eye on for a while. He came in at the end of last year and pitched very well, better than anyone expected. He comes into camp as the underdog, but if he continues to exceed expectations, then he could very well come out on top.

Whoever fills the fifth spot in the rotation needs to be able to be a productive force this year. I think that if everyone stays healthy, this rotation has the potential to be one of the best in baseball.

The pressure really is on Fausto Carmona and Cliff Lee. Can they repeat their memorable seasons that we fans knew and loved? That is the real question, and only time will tell. Even if one of them goes down, I think the rotation can succeed because of the depth that the Indians have in the minors.