Looking Ahead to 2009: Cleveland Indians Offseason Outlook

2008...What a let down from 2007!

The Indians came into 2008 with expectation that were sky high and rightfully so.  They had taken the mighty Red Sox to 7 games in the ALCS and even had a 3-1 lead on the eventual World Series Champs.  However it wasn't to be and Cleveland had to wait another year.

The optimism was quickly shattered as the Indians were inconsistent and fell off the map in the AL Central.  Many will blame injuries which robbed Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, Fausto Carmona, and Jake Westbrook among others of a large chunk of the season.  Many will also blame the trade of CC Sabathia to Milwaukee in early July. However there were some bright spots as players like Ben Francisco, Shin-Soo Choo, Kelly Shoppach, and Scott Lewis performed admirably.  Another bright spot was the return of Cliff Lee and his once in a decade 22-3 , 2.54 ERA performance.

Which brings us to 2009 and it seems that every "odd" numbered year is a good one for the Tribe--at least recently (see 2005 & 2007).  In order for the trend to continue bounce back years need to happen from Hafner, Martinez and Carmona and the youngsters need to continue to grow.

Taking a look at how they shape up as of now....

C - Victor Martinez
C - Kelly Shoppach
1B - Ryan Garko
2B - Asdrubal Cabrera
SS - Jhonny Peralta
3B - Andy Marte
IF - Jamey Carroll
LF - Shin-Soo Choo
CF - Grady Sizemore
RF - Franklin Gutierrez
OF - David Dellucci
OF - Ben Francisco
DH - Travis Hafner

SP - Cliff Lee
SP - Fausto Carmona
SP - Anthony Reyes
SP - Jeremy Sowers
SP - Scott Lewis

RP - Masahide Kobayashi
RP - Rafael Betancourt
RP - Rafael Perez
RP - Jensen Lewis 
RP - Edward Mujica 
RP - Tom Mastny 
RP - John Meloan

Off Season Needs and Targets

Of course the main needs lie in the Bullpen where an experienced closer would be preferable.  Available names include Free Agents Brian Fuentes,and of course Francisco Rodriguez.  Trade targets include Huston Street, and possibly J.J. Putz.

The next need lies at 3rd where Andy Marte has never proved to be as good as he was supposed to be.  Possible trades include Garrett Adkins from Colorado, and possibly Eric Chavez if he can be had cheap.  Don't rule out a return of Casey Blake.  Wes Hodges is also a long shot as he has developed quite well in Akron and Buffalo.

A veteran starter is also needed as the only sure thing in the rotation is Cliff Lee.  Jon Garland would be a good catch via free agency.  An interesting name to look at is Jake Peavy who is signed to a very reasonable deal and is an legitimate ace. 

Trade Chips

Some players who can (and should) be used as bait to address needs are : Ryan Garko (with Martinez @ 1st, Matt LaPorta in the Minors), Kelly Shoppach (with the emergence of Carlos Santana), Adam Miller (oft-injured top prospect), Ben Francisco/Franklin Guiterriez/Trevor Crowe (Crowded outfield), and possibly Jhonny Peralta (with improvement from Barfield).

All in all it should be an interesting off-season and we will see how it plays out after the World Series.  A big splash would be bold but don't expect much as Mark Shapiro isn't that type of GM.