Indians on the lookout for a reasonably priced bat

Now that the Indians have solidified their rotation for next year with the acquisition of Derek Lowe, the next item on the offseason to-do list is to add a hitter.

The need to bolster their offense is obvious. In 2011, Cleveland ranked ninth in the American League in batting average, ninth in runs scored, ninth in home runs, eighth in on-base percentage and 10th in slugging percentage.

General manager Chris Antonetti has said the Indians will attempt to add a hitter during the offseason. The question will be how, and at what position?

Ideally, the Indians would like to find a player in a situation similar to that of Lowe, a veteran, proven performer who can offer immediate help at a modest price. Lowe in 2012 will be in the last year of his contract, which will pay him $15 million, but in trading him to the Indians, the Braves agreed to pay $10 million of that figure.

Finding the position-player equivalent would allow the Indians to add a big-ticket player at a reasonable price, minus any long-term commitment. Whether the Indians can find a fit with another team who has a player like that remains to be seen.

The other option would be to sign a free agent, although those types of players typically are more expensive, which would make it more of a challenge for the budget-conscious Indians.

The Indians would prefer to add a first baseman or an outfielder.

Matt LaPorta missed a golden opportunity this year to stake a claim as the team's first baseman of the future.

LaPorta, the top prospect in the package of players the Indians received from Milwaukee in the CC Sabathia trade during the 2008 season, has been a major disappointment. In his three years with Cleveland, LaPorta, who was projected to be a middle-of-the-order hitter, has a .238 batting average and has averaged 10 home runs and 38 RBI per season.

In the outfield, the only given for the Indians is right fielder Shin-Soo Choo. Michael Brantley has experience starting in center field or left field, but that still leaves one spot open, especially with the departure of Grady Sizemore, whose club option for 2012 was declined.

With the lineup already heavy with left-handed hitters, the Indians would prefer to add a right-handed hitter, but which way the player hits isn't as important as adding a hitter, period.

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