The Indians' roster is very young, and it figures to remain very young next season. They must try to sort out and assemble the framework of a rotation and make a decision on a starting catcher. They finished the season with four catchers on their roster.
BIGGEST NEEDS: Following the midseason trades of veterans Cliff Lee and Carl Pavano, the Indians' rotation was in disarray, and it remains so. They have mostly question marks as candidates and would like to add a veteran. Their track record in this area is to sign a free agent starter coming off an injury, so they might look to do that during the offseason.
FREE AGENTS: INF Jamey Carroll, RHP Tomo Ohka.
Carroll, who made $2.5 million in 2009, will not be re-signed because even as a utility infielder he's too expensive for the Indians, who are expected to cut their payroll considerably. Ohka might be re-signed to a one-year deal, because he had some value as a spot starter and long man in the bullpen.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: LHP Rafael Perez, RHP Anthony Reyes, C Kelly Shoppach, RHP Jose Veras.
The Indians haven't gone to an arbitration hearing with a player in almost 20 years, and it won't happen with anyone in this group, either.
IN LIMBO: With the Indians having a handful of cheaper alternatives at catcher, C Kelly Shoppach is a strong candidate to be non-tendered. likely will be non-tendered. INF Andy Marte is out of minor league options, so whether he is kept on the 40-man major league roster is still very much up in the air.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Jake Westbrook (Tommy John elbow surgery in June 2008) was expected to return by midseason in 2009, but he had several setbacks and was unable to pitch. He will continue an offseason rehab and hopes to be ready to go by the start of spring training.
OF Grady Sizemore (left elbow surgery in September 2009, abdominal surgery in September 2009) is expected to be 100 percent by the start of spring training.
RHP Joe Smith (left knee surgery in September 2009) missed all of September, then had the operation at the end of the season to clean out loose bodies. He is expected to be 100 percent by the start of spring training.
OF Matt LaPorta (left hip surgery and left big toe surgery in October 2009) might not be at full strength in time for the season opener.
RHP Chris Perez (left ankle surgery in October 2009) is expected to be 100 percent by the start of spring training.
SS Asdrubal Cabrera (right elbow surgery in October 2009) is expected to be 100 percent by the start of spring training.
Copyright (C) 2009 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
