The Roller-Coaster Ride Comes to an End

The 2008 Cleveland Indians' season came to an end today with a 5-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Never mind that the White Sox were playing for a playoff spot. Personally, I could care less about who wins the A.L. Central. But to knock them out would have been nice.

On July 9, the Indians were 16 games UNDER .500. 16 games. In that month, they traded away their ace and 2007 American League Cy Young Award winner, CC Sabathia, a solid back-end starter in Paul Byrd, and also Casey Blake.

They were hit by the injury bug, losing Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner to big parts of the season. Also, add subpar seasons from Asdrubal Cabrera and Franklin Gutierrez and a bullpen that was the complete opposite of last year, and you have the makings of a disappointing season.

They could have given up, settled for 95 losses, and continue to be the biggest flop in Major League Baseball. But they didn't; they battled back.

They finish the year 81-81. So, since July 9, they are 16 games above .500. And were one of the hottest teams in baseball to end the year. As a fan, it was hard to watch a team fight for nothing but pride.

But to end the year like they did, it makes the offseason a little more bearable and should make Spring Training come fast and hard.

The end of the year showed us who to watch for in 2009:

• Shin-Soo Choo: He finished the year strong and should have right field locked down for next year. In just 94 games, he hit .309, had 14 home runs, and drove in 66. He had clutch hits down the stretch and has a decent glove. Doesn't have the power that a corner outfielder should have, but with what the Indians have, he is a nice asset to the lineup.
• Anthony Reyes: A nice pick up by the Indians in the middle of the season. Was a World Series champion with the Cardinals in 2006 and won a game during that series against the Tigers. Can be a good arm to have in the middle of the rotation in '09.
• Ben Francisco: We knew he had potential from last year, but he really improved throughout the year and really should be given a chance to hold down left field next year. Hit 15 home runs and drove in 54 runs in 115 games.
• Jamey Carroll: Isn't a proven starter, but he can be a real spark plug off the bench or can be called on to lay down a bunt. He is all hustle and can play pretty much anywhere in the field. He needs to come back next year as the main utility man.

Include those guys for 2009, and I believe the lineup, position wise, should look like this:

• Catcher - Victor Martinez: Stays healthy from the start and he will have a productive year.
• First Base - Ryan Garko: If nothing comes up in free agency, then give the job to him
• Second Base - Asdrubal Cabrera: Josh Barfield could take over if healthy.
• Shortstop - If Barfield takes over at second, Cabrera could be the new shortstop. And Jhonny Peralta could move to third or be traded.
• Third Base - Andy Marte had his shot. He needs to be traded or let go. So that means Peralta could take over or sign a free agent.
• Left Field - Francisco: Give him the everyday shot.
• Center Field - Grady Sizemore: Does anything need said?
• Right Field - Choo: Deserves to be in the line up everyday.
• D.H. - Hafner: Stay healthy and don't lie about it, and we will see the old Pronk.
• Starting Rotation: Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona, Anthony Reyes, Jake Westbrook, Jeremy Sowers: Lee and Carmona are a lock. Reyes needs to get healthy, same with Westbrook. Sowers is given the fifth spot by default. They need to explore free agents and sign a guy like a Byrd.
• Bullpen - Closer role should be given to Jensen Lewis. Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez need to get back to '07 form. The rest of the bullpen is up for grabs.
  

Overall, with a few additions and promotions from within, also being healthy, there is no reason why the Cleveland Indians of 2009 should be in contention for the A.L. Central crown and a World Series Title.

Wishful thinking like that happens every year in Cleveland, but really, if you think about it, this is the same team as 2007.

So let's look forward to a successful and positive winter season and let the heat of Arizona jumpstart the Indians back into contention.

Go Tribe!