Cleveland Indians: Final Regular Season Report Card Grades for Each Player

The Cleveland Indians 2013 season was a rousing success. A team that was projected to win just 77 games on the year, the Indians finished with a 92-70 record and find themselves in sole possession of the top wild card spot in the American League.

The Indians got key contributions from players like Jason Kipnis, Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Santana and several others, and were able to overcome their preseason deficiencies. These players helped guide the team to their first playoff appearance since 2007.

Others, e.g. Chris Perez, struggled through 2013 and could find themselves out of a job when 2014 rolls around.

With that said, here are end-of-season grades for every Cleveland Indians player in the 2013 regular season.

To avoid bland and content-less slides, we'll limit this article to players on the active roster. For positions players, we'll grade those who have amassed 15 plate appearances, for pitchers, we'll use a minimum of 15 innings pitched. Additionally, only a player's contributions to the Indians will be considered in the grading process. Minor league statistics may be referenced, but are not considered in the grading process. 

All stats come courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com—unless otherwise noted—and are current through play on Sept. 29, 2013.

Matt Albers

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2013 Stats

Category	G	GF	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Matt Albers	56	21	63	3.14	1.27	5.0	3.3	1.52	8.1	.242	.312	.309

Overview

Matt Albers represents one-third of the package the Indians received in the three-team deal this past offseason, between Cleveland, Arizona and Cincinnati. The two relievers—Albers being one of them—performed extremely well in the 2013 season and helped solidify what was, at times, a very shaky bullpen. 

Albers appeared in 56 games, allowing a 3.14 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Albers isn't going to blow anybody away, as evidenced by his 5.0 K/9 in 2013, but his 3.3 BB/9 and 0.3 HR/9 rates are indicative of a player who kept the ball around the strike zone, and in the ballpark.

The 30-year-old was certainly a welcome addition to the Indians bullpen, where he met all expectations for the 2013 season.

Final Grade: A-

Cody Allen

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2013 Stats

Category	G	GF	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Cody Allen	77	12	70.1	2.43	1.25	11.3	3.3	3.38	7.9	.233	.300	.380

Overview

At just 24 years old, Cody Allen had one of the best seasons of any Indians' reliever in 2013. The young righty showed an impressive ability to generate swings and misses, while allowing just a 2.43 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP.

Opposing batters slashed .233/.300/.380 on the season, and while the OBP is slightly higher than you'd like to see, the overall results are there.

One troubling sign from Allen's season though is the amount of inherited runners he allowed to score. Although he recorded 11 holds on the year, Allen allowed inherited runners to score at a 37 percent rate.

Overall though, Allen was one of the most reliable options for the Indians in 2013 and we'll look for him to progress in the 2014 season.

Final Grade: A

Trevor Bauer

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2013 Stats

Category	GS	W-L	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Trevor Bauer	4	1-2	17	5.29	1.82	5.8	8.5	0.69	7.9	.238	.395	.444

Overview

Trevor Bauer's prospect stock experienced a crash of epic proportions in 2013. Bauer, along with Bryan Shaw, made their way to Cleveland prior to the 2013 season and expectations were high for the 22-year-old.

Unfortunately for both Bauer and the organization, he failed to meet those expectations in a big way. Between the big league level, and Triple-A Columbus, Bauer managed a 4.20 ERA with a 1.58 WHIP and per-nine averages of 7.5 K/9, 5.7 BB/9, 8.5 H/9 and 1.1 HR/9.

Bauer's four starts at the big league level are what we're concerned with here though, and they're disappointing to say the least.

Over four appearances, Bauer worked just 17 innings—an average of 4.25 innings per-start—with an ERA of 5.29 and a 1.82 WHIP while averaging 5.8 K/9, 8.5 BB/9, 0.69 K/BB and 7.9 H/9. Bauer's strikeout potential plummeted in 2013, but his timid approach led to an astronomical walk rate, which was ultimately his undoing.

Bauer will get a second chance in 2014, but he'll need to work on being more aggressive, and allowing his catcher, and pitching coach, greater control over his appearances.

Final Grade: D+

Carlos Carrasco

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2013 Stats

Category	G	GF	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Carlos Carrasco	15	5	46.2	6.75	1.76	5.8	3.5	1.67	12.3	.330	.384	.479

Overview

Carlos Carrasco filled two roles with the Cleveland Indians. Early in the season, Carrasco was a starter, but it didn't last long. The 26-year-old worked to an 8.99 ERA and a 2.12 WHIP while averaging 5.2 K/9, 3.54 BB/9, 1.46 K/BB and 15.5 H/9.

Carrasco also spent significant time in the minors where he made 14 starts with Triple-A Columbus.

The young righty finished the 2013 season as a member of the Indians though, and worked solely as a reliever. Carrasco may have found his niche though, as he worked to a 3.00 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP with per-nine averages of 7.5 K/9, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.5 H/9.

Carrasco's regular season turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag given his having worked in two distinctly different roles. However, it could turn into an overall success should he continue working in this capacity during the postseason.

Final Grade: C-

Nick Hagadone

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2013 Stats

Category	G	GF	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Nick Hagadone	36	1	31.1	5.46	1.44	8.6	6.0	1.43	6.9	.220	.344	.367

Overview

Nick Hagadone, much like the next left-handed reliever on this list, toiled in mediocrity throughout the 2013 season. The 27-year-old worked to a 5.46 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP over 31.1 innings pitched, while while walking batters at an alarming rate of 15.8 percent.

With a walk rate nearly double the major league average, it's difficult to imagine a scenario in which Hagadone could have succeeded this season. In fact, Hagadone's performance in the first half of 2013 was so bad, that he was demoted to Triple-A Columbus for nearly all of July, and all of August.

Hagadone pitched well enough to earn himself a promotion back to Cleveland, but his performance with the big league club in September may have been enough to earn himself a spot as a non-tender candidate for the 2013-14 offseason.

Over eight appearances in the month of September, Hagadone allowed a 6.00 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP with per-nine averages of 10.4 K/9, 7.5 BB/9 and 9.0 H/9. Hagadone, like several others on this list, may have burned their final bridge in 2013

Final Grade: D-

Rich Hill

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2013 Stats

Category	G	GF	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Rich Hill	63	3	38.2	6.28	1.73	11.9	6.8	1.76	8.8	.257	.381	.338

Overview

Rich Hill had a terrible season for the Indians in 2013. The 33-year-old lefty worked to a surprisingly high 6.28 ERA over 38.2 innings pitched, with a 1.73 WHIP and per-nine averages of 11.9 K/9, 6.8 BB/9, 8.8 H/9 and 0.7 HR/9.

Hill struck out batters at an impressive rate, but his alarmingly high walk rate was the root cause of most of his struggles in 2013. Hill made just seven appearances in the month of September, but comparatively, they were worse than his season as a whole.

Hill managed a 7.71 ERA and a 3.00 WHIP over just 2.1 innings pitched. Hill's role on the team was limited to being a left-handed specialist over the season's waining months, but even in a diminished role, he suffered through below-average production.

Final Grade: F

Ubaldo Jimenez

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2013 Stats

Category	GS	W-L	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Ubaldo Jimenez	32	13-9	182.2	3.30	1.33	9.6	3.9	2.43	8.0	.239	.317	.367

Overview

After a shaky start to the 2013 season, Ubaldo Jimenez managed to right the ship and post his best season as a member of the Indians.

In 32 starts, spanning 182.2 innings, the 29-year-old worked to a 3.30 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP and per-nine averages of 9.6 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, 8.0 H/9 and 0.8 HR/9. Jimenez's 3.30 ERA, 9.6 K/9 and 2.43 K/BB are all career bests, while the rest of his numbers mark a massive improvement over the rest of his tenure in Cleveland.

What's most impressive about Ubaldo's season though is the dominance he asserted over opposing batters  since the All-Star break. In 13 starts, Jimenez allowed a slash line against of .223/.286/.320 with a 1.82 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP and per-nine averages of 10.7 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, 7.4 H/9 and 0.3 HR/9.

Jimenez started the final game of the regular season, so he will remain unavailable for the one-game playoff on Wednesday. Should the Indians advance beyond the Wild Card Round though, Jimenez remains the likely candidate to start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox.

Final Grade: A

Scott Kazmir

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2013 Stats

Category	GS	W-L	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Scott Kazmir	29	10-9	158.0	4.04	1.32	9.2	2.7	3.45	9.2	.262	.316	.418

Overview

A two-time All Star in 2006 and 2008, Scott Kazmir had all but flopped out of Major League Baseball after his disappointing showing with the Angels just two seasons ago. Kazmir worked his way back into baseball through the Atlantic League, the Puerto Rican League and the Dominican League.

The Indians signed Kazmir to a minor league contract back in December and allowed him to make one minor league start prior to joining the big league roster.

In his time with the Indians, the 29-year-old lefty worked to a 4.04 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP while averaging 9.2 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 3.45 K/BB and 9.2 H/9. Kazmir was able to limit his walks in a way we've never seen. His BB/9 and K/BB rates were the lowest of his career, and he was able to stake his claim to the fifth spot in the Indians' rotation.

It's incredible what Kazmir has been able to do after years of disappointment, but the lefty looks to have plenty left in the tank. If Chris Assenheimer of the Chronicle-Telegram is correct, we may see Kazmir back in 2014, as he and the Indians have reportedly discussed a contract extension.

Final Grade: B+

Corey Kluber

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2013 Stats

Category	GS	W-L	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Corey Kluber	24	11-5	147.1	3.85	1.26	8.3	2.0	4.12	9.3	.271	.316	.413

Overview

Corey Kluber was a tremendous boost to the Indians starting rotation in 2013. Where the depth of the rotation was one of the Indians; biggest question marks heading into the season, it proved to be one of their biggest strengths in the season's final stretch.

Kluber got hit pretty often. Opposing batters owned a .271/.316/.413 slash line against the 27-year-old, but Kluber managed to keep the team in games. On the whole, the Indians went 15-9 in games started by Kluber and the young right-hander had five wins blown by the bullpen.

Kluber improved drastically over his 2011 and 2012 campaigns, and he could be a legitimate asset for the Indians both in the playoffs, and in the 2014 season.

Final Grade: A-

Justin Masterson

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2013 Stats

Category	GS	W-L	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Justin Masterson	29	14-10	193	3.45	1.20	9.1	3.5	2.57	7.3	.223	.313	.314

Overview

Outside of the month of September, Justin Masterson had a great regular season for the Indians. The Jamaican born starter earned his first All-Star Game nomination and cemented himself as the team's ace.

The 28-year-old was hit with an unfortunate oblique injury that cost him nearly the entire final month of the season. Even though he recently returned from the DL, the right hander hasn't started since Sept. 2.

Prior to that start, Masterson boasted a 3.49 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and per-nine ratios of 9.0 K/9, 3.5 BB/9 and 7.4 H/9.

Masterson has made two appearances since his injury, both coming in relief. In total, Masterson made 31 appearances this season—29 starts—and finished the year with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP while averaging 9.1 K/9, 3.6 BB/9, 2.54 K/BB and 7.3 H/9.

It remains to be seen whether Masterson would be healthy enough to start in the playoffs, but either way, his 2013 season was a solid one.

Final Grade: A-

Zach McAllister

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2013 Stats

Category	G	W-L9	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Zach McAllister	24	9-9	134.1	3.75	1.36	6.8	3.3	2.06	9.0	.257	.326	.413

Overview

Zach McAllister was somewhat of a surprise contributor for the Indians in 2013. After a decent rookie campaign in 2012, the 25-year-old took a big step forward in 2013, staking claim to the No. 4 spot in the Indians' starting rotation.

Over 24 starts—all at the big league level—the young righty worked through 134.1 innings pitched with a 3.75 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. McAllister also chipped in solid ratios, averaging 6.8 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 2.06 K/BB, 9.0 H/9 and 0.9 HR/9.

McAllister may get a call in the postseason if the ALDS, but even still, his 2013 campaign was an all-around success.

Final Grade: B+

Chris Perez

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2013 Stats

Category	G	SV	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Chris Perez	54	25	54.0	4.33	1.43	9.0	3.5	2.57	9.3	.263	.340	.507

Overview

Chris Perez's 2013 season was a roller coaster ride to say the least.

After spending a month on the shelf between May 27th and Jun. 27, Perez worked his way back into form over 16 appearances between Jun. 28 and Jul. 31. Over that time span, Perez allowed a 0.53 ERA with a 0.82 WHIP and per-nine averages of 6.3 K/9, 1.6 BB/9 and 5.8 H/9.

Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, his next 21 appearances didn't follow suit. Over 20.1 innings pitched, Perez allowed a 7.52 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP and per-nine averages of 10.6 K/9, 3.5 BB/9 and 13.3 H/9.

Perez got bashed over those 21 appearances, so much so that he lost his job in the final week of the season—per ESPN.com. It's unlikely that Perez will reprise his role as the team's closer in the playoffs, but he could assume a lesser role with the team if given the opportunity by management.

Final Grade: D

Vinnie Pestano

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2013 Stats

Category	G	GF	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Vinnie Pestano	37	21	35.1	4.08	1.64	9.4	5.3	1.76	9.4	.274	.371	.467

Overview

Vinnie Pestano was expected to be the closer-in-waiting should Chris Perez falter—which he did. However, much like Perez's season, Pestano suffered through disappointment in 2013.

The 28-year-old appeared in 34 games between Apr. 2 and Jul. 28, allowing a 4.05 ERA with a 1.53 WHIP and per-nine averages of 9.2 K/9, 5.1 BB/9 and 8.6 H/9.

Pestano's appearances were enough to earn him a demotion to Triple-A Columbus for the entire month of August, but he returned for three appearances in the month of September. In his three appearances, Pestano pitched 2.2 innings, allowing an earned run, on five hits and two walks, while striking out three.

Final Grade: C-

Marc Rzepczynski

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2013 Stats

Category	G	GF	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Marc Rzepczynski	27	6	20.1	0.89	0.84	8.9	2.7	3.33	4.9	.239	.320	.354

Overview

Prior to joining the Cleveland Indians, Marc Rzepczynski was struggling through his worst season as a professional. However, since joining the Indians back in July, Rzepczynski has turned things around, and has been easily the best reliever in the team's bullpen. 

In 27 appearances with the club, the man they call Scrabble finished with an incredible 0.89 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP and per-nine ratios of 8.9 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 4.9 H/9 and 0.4 HR/9.

Rzepczynski may serve almost exclusively as a lefty specialist in the playoffs, but he's been as important to this team as anybody since coming to Cleveland.

Final Grade: A+

Danny Salazar

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2013 Stats

Category	GS	W-L	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Danny Salazar	10	2-3	52.0	3.12	1.14	11.3	2.6	4.33	7.6	.226	.281	.374

Overview

Outside of his 2009 and 2010 seasons, Danny Salazar breezed through the minors. After spending seven seasons with the club's minor league affiliates, Salazar finally made the jump to the big leagues as a 23-year-old.

The young starter was masterful in his short rookie season, allowing a 3.12 ERA over 10 starts. While exhibiting stellar control—just 2.6 BB/9 in 2013—Salazar managed to strike out an incredible 11.3 batters per-nine innings pitched.

Salazar was a key contributor down the stretch for the Indians. In the month of September, the longest Salazar pitched in a game was six innings, but the young starter managed to keep his team in the game through all but one of his five starts.

Salazar will likely make the postseason roster and could start a game in the ALDS should the Indians advance to that point. Whether he starts again or not though, Salazar has a bright future ahead of him.

Final Grade: A

Bryan Shaw

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2013 Stats

Category	G	GF	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Bryan Shaw	70	11	75.0	3.24	1.17	8.8	3.4	2.61	7.2	.216	.295	.291

Overview

Bryan Shaw was a part of the three-team trade involving the Indians, Diamondbacks and Reds. In the end, the trade netted the Indians Shaw, Matt Albers and Trevor Bauer.

Shaw was solid with the Diamondbacks in 2011 and 2012, but arguably his best all-around season came this year as a member of Indians' bullpen. Over 70 appearances, Shaw allowed a 3.24 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP, while striking out 8.8 batters per-nine and walking just 3.4.

Shaw recorded 12 holds on the year while allowing 25 percent of his inherited runners to score. Shaw's metrics were up across the board, over his 2012 campaign and he was a key component to the success of the Indians' bullpen down the stretch in 2013.

Final Grade: B+

Joe Smith

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2013 Stats

Category	G	GF	IP	ERA	WHIP	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	H/9	BAa	OBPa	SLGa
Joe Smith	70	20	63.0	2.29	1.22	7.7	3.3	2.35	7.7	.235	.313	.330

Overview

Joe Smith has been a solid contributor in the Indians bullpen since joining the team back in 2009. In his five years with the Tribe, Smith owns a 2.76 ERA to go along with a 88 holds, and a 26 percent inherited runners scored percentage.

Yet again, Smith was outstanding in 2013. The 29-year-old finished the year a strong stat line, including a 2.29 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP and per-nine ratios of 7.7 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 7.7 H/9 and 0.7 HR/9. 

Smith also recorded a career high, 25 holds while allowing just 22 percent of his inherited runners to score.

What's most impressive about Smith's season, is the amount of pressure he faced while posting such great numbers. Smith's aLI—average leverage index—clocked in at 1.524 for the year, signifying that the 29-year-old reliever faced well above average pressure in a given appearance.

Even in the face of immense pressure, Smith was able to work as one of the Indians best relievers.

Final Grade: A-

Mike Aviles

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Mike Aviles	124	361	9	15	0	54	46	.252	.282	.368	.650	41:15

Overview

Mike Aviles was the other half of the trade package the Indians received from the Toronto Blue Jays in the Yan Gomes deal.

In his first season with the Tribe, Aviles posted a .252/.282/.368 slash line over 124 games played. The 32-year-old middle-infielder also managed to chip in nine home runs, 15 doubles, 46 RBI and 54 runs scored.

Aviles served as a spot-starter and bench bat for the Indians and filled the role well. On top of playing most of his games at third base, or one of the two middle-infield positions, Aviles played five games in the outfield as well. Aviles is a capable fielder, able to lock down any position on the field—outside of catcher.

He'll certainly be back for the 2014 season.

Final Grade: B

Michael Bourn

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Michael Bourn	130	525	6	21	6	75	50	.263	.316	.360	.670	132:23

Overview

Michael Bourn was brought in prior to the 2013 season with a four-year/$48 million contract. The 30-year-old center fielder was expected to be a major threat at the top of the Indians order given his ability to get on base, and steal bases at a solid clip—80 percent for his career.

Bourn has done neither of those things this year, at least not at the rate he was expected to.

In 130 games played, Bourn worked to just a .316 OBP with only 23 stolen bases. In addition to the disappointing metrics, Bourn's defense took a hit as well.

The two-time Gold Glove Award winner ranked in the top five in total zone runs as a center fielder, RF/9 and RF/G in 2012. This season, he's nowhere to be found. All three values have seen significant hits, while his total zone runs value dropped all the way from 34, down to one.

Whether it was the change of scenery, or something else, Bourn's production declined sharply in 2013.

Final Grade: B-

Michael Brantley

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Michael Brantley	151	556	10	26	3	66	73	.284	.332	.396	.728	67:40

Overview

Michael Brantley's stock has been on the rise for several seasons now. Last year, the 26-year-old posted his best season as a professional. Now, in 2013, Brantley has resumed that same level of success.

Over 151 games played, Brantley compiled 10 home runs, 26 doubles, 73 RBI and 66 runs scored, to go along with a solid .284/.332/.396 triple slash. The young outfielder also chipped in 17 stolen bases on just 21 attempts. 

Brantley is a steady producer for the Indians and, given his consistent improvement over five seasons, the Washington native should should be a major piece for the Tribe moving forward.

Final Grade: A-

Asdrubal Cabrera

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Asdrubal Cabrera	136	508	14	35	2	66	64	.242	.299	.402	.701	114:35

Overview

Asdrubal Cabrera hasn't had the same level of success we've become accustomed to seeing out of the seven-year-veteran. Cabrera played in 136 games this season and although his peripherals are good—14 home runs, 35 doubles and 64 RBI—Cabrera batted just .242, with a .299 OBP.

Cabrera seemed impatient at the plate this season, even with averaging 3.84 pitches seen per-at bat—the second highest number of his career. Because of that though, Cabrera has seen his K/BB rate balloon out to 3.3 K/BB, by far the highest of his career.

Cabrera's struggles are present in the field as well. Though he's never been a particularly good defender, the 27-year-old was terrible in 2013. In 128 games at shortstop, Cabrera has been worth negative-16 defensive runs saved, while his 4.04 RF/9 and 3.83 RF/G figures are both significantly below the big league average for shortstops.

Final Grade: C+

Lonnie Chisenhall

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Lonnie Chisenhall	94	289	11	17	0	30	36	.225	.270	.398	.668	56:16

Overview

Lonnie Chisenhall didn't have a very good regular season. Although there is time for redemption in the postseason, Chisenhall has shown little reason to believe he'll straighten things out.

Over 94 games played, the young third baseman managed just a .225/.270/.398 slash line with 11 home runs, 17 doubles, 36 RBI and 30 runs scored.

Chisenhall got a bad rap for his play in the field, which has actually been somewhat better than advertised. Although he has made nine errors, the 24-year-old is worth one defensive run saved above average.

Despite his being a capable defender, Chisenhall had a dismal season at the plate and it could cost him his job at some point in the very near future.

Final Grade: D

Jason Giambi

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Jason Giambi	71	186	9	8	0	21	31	.183	.282	.371	.653	56:23

Overview

Jason Giambi has made an impact on this team that can't be measured by statistics. The 42-year-old brought an extensive playoff baseball resume, an MVP Award and five All-Star Game selections.

If not for his involvement in steroid controversies, Giambi would be a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame. In any event though, Giambi had a season that was a bit of a mixed bag.

The Giambino finished the year with a disappointing .183/.282/.371 slash line, however, he came through in several clutch situations with late-inning home runs. Most recently, Giambi smashed a two-run, pinch-hit walk-off home run in the ninth inning of the Indians' Sept. 24 game against the Chicago White Sox.

Giambi isn't the 30-40 home run threat he was in his prime, but he's no spring chicken either. For the role he's been asked to fill, Giambi has had a decent season.

Final Grade: C+

Yan Gomes

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Yan Gomes	88	293	11	18	2	45	38	.294	.345	.481	.826	67:18

Overview

Yan Gomes came over to Cleveland—along with Mike Aviles—prior to the 2013 season and has been nothing but consistent since joining the team. Over 88 games played, Gomes boasts a .294/.345/.481 slash line with 11 home runs, 18 doubles and 38 RBI. 

Gomes has also offered a great alternative to Carlos Santana at the catching position. Gomes has thrown out an impressive 42 percent of runners attempting to steal and has committed just three errors all season.

Additionally, the pitching staff has responded well to Gomes, working to a 3.59 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP while averaging 8.4 K/9. Gomes commands the respect of the pitching staff, as well as at the plate and it shows in his grade for the season.

Final Grade: A

Jason Kipnis

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Jason Kipnis	149	560	17	36	4	85	84	.284	.366	.452	.818	143:76

Overview

Simply put, Jason Kipnis has been the Indians' MVP this season. The 26-year-old second baseman made his case as one of the best second basemen in baseball this year and earned the first All-Star Game selection of his big league career.

Kipnis appeared in 149 of the Indians' 162 games, and worked to a .284/.366/.452 slash line with 17 home runs, 36 doubles, 84 RBI, 85 runs scored and 30 stolen bases. Kipnis led the team in stolen bases and leads all of his list mates in total bases, while ranking third in slugging percentage, second in OBP and tied for third in batting average.

All-in-all, Kipnis put in a fantastic year of work, including a fantastic .300/.361/.500 slash line with runners in scoring position. Kipnis will have to come up big yet again if the Indians are going to make an impact in October, but his performance in the regular season was nearly unrivaled on this roster.

Final Grade: A+

Jason Kubel

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2013 Stats

Category

G

AB

HR

2B

3B

R

RBI

AVG

OBP

SLG

OPS

K/BB

Overview

Jason Kubel has been nearly unrecognizable in the 2013 season. As a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, Kubel slugged 30 home runs.

This season, Kubel has managed a grand total of five, to go along with a .216/.293/.317 slash line and 32 RBI. Since coming to Cleveland on Sept. 1, Kubel has played in just eight games, in that time, he's compiled a .167/.348/.222 slash line with a double, no RBI, no runs scored and a 10:5 K/BB ratio.

Kubel is likely to be left off the postseason roster in favor of just about any player on the Indians' roster. 

Final Grade: F

Ryan Raburn

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Ryan Raburn	87	243	16	18	0	40	55	.272	.357	.543	.901	66:29

Overview

Ryan Raburn had an outstanding season as a utility player, and sometimes starter for the Indians. He even pitched an inning and struck a batter out. 

Raburn's contributions to this team though, lie in his unexpected performance at the plate. In 86 games, the former Detroit Tiger managed a .272/.359/.548 triple slash with a whopping 16 home runs, to go along with 18 doubles, 55 RBI and 39 runs scored. 

The Indians have started the 32-year-old in 12 of his 15 appearances during the month of September, and they could look to start him again in the AL Wild Card round.

Final Grade: A+

Carlos Santana

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Carlos Santana	154	541	20	39	1	75	74	.268	.377	.455	.832	110:93

Overview

Carlos Santana was one of the Indians' best offensive producers in the 2013 season. The 27-year-old is slowly making the transition from full-time catcher, to a catcher/first base/DH hybrid due largely in part to his below-average defensive ability behind the plate.

Santana made the most of his opportunities at both positions though. In 153 games played, the Dominican Republic native worked to a .269/.378/.455 slash line with 20 home runs, 38 doubles, 73 RBI and 74 runs scored.

Santana put together a great season and has been easily the second best player on the roster, behind Jason Kipnis.

Final Grade: A

Drew Stubbs

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2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	HR	2B	3B	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Drew Stubbs	146	430	10	21	2	59	44	.233	.305	.360	.665	141:44

Overview

Drew Stubbs hasn't quite panned out to be the player everyone thought he would when the Cincinnati Reds selected him eighth overall in the 2006 MLB Draft. However, taken at face value, Stubbs is still a serviceable player, capable of locking down any of the three outfield positions—although his arm is better suited for center field.

In addition to being a capable defender, when he actually does get on base, Stubbs offers plus speed on the base paths.

This season was merely par for the course though as Stubbs has gone from being a potential 30-30 threat, to a player who strikes out an awful lot more than he walks, and who struggles to post a .300 OBP.

Final Grade: B-

Nick Swisher

Jason Miller/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Category	G	AB	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	K/BB
Nick Swisher	145	549	27	2	22	74	63	.246	.341	.423	.763	135:76

Overview

Nick Swisher didn't quite have the season that fans expected him to when he and the Indians inked a four-year/$56 million deal this past offseason. The 32-year-old has put together some decent home run numbers, logging 21 on the year.

With that said though, Swisher's power production as a whole was rather disappointing. Over 14x games played, Swish managed just a .417 slugging percentage. Luckily for the Ohio native, his .341 OBP proved to be his saving grace—he ranks fifth among players on this list in on-base percentage.

Overall though, Swisher's season was below average. All three of his triple-slash components were below his career averages, while his home run, RBI, runs scored and double numbers all dipped below the 162-game averages he's earned over his career.

Final Grade: B+