by Chris Schmidbauer
4/1/08
As the 2008 season began yesterday, it seems as though yours truly is a bit behind. But have no fear, the 2008 Tribe preview is here. Last season, the Indians fell one game short of a World Series berth to the eventual champion, Boston Red Sox. 2008 brings high expectations for the Indians. The Indians not only have the pressure of trying to duplicate a performance from last season, but also hold off the rest of a vastly improved AL Central opponents. Here is a breakdown of the Indians for 2008.
2007 Record: 96-66
Key Additions: RP Masahide Kobayashi, INF Jamey Carroll
Key Subtractions: OF Kenny Lofton, OF Trot Nixon
Manager: Eric Wedge (5th season)
Eric Wedge looks to follow up his 2007 Manager of the Year season, with one that ends in a World Series title. Wedge showed signs of becoming one of the games top skippers last season.
Coaching Staff: HC Derek Shelton, PC Carl Willis, BC Jeff Datz, 1B Luis Rivera, 3B Joel Skinner
Catcher: Victor Martinez (.301 Avg, 25 HR, 114 RBI)
Victor Martinez might be the best hitting catcher in all of baseball. Martinez's strongest feat last year was his improved defensive skills. Victor is an early MVP candidate in 2008
First Base: Ryan Garko (.289 Avg, 21 HR, 61 RBI)
Garko had an impressive season in 2007, the first as an everyday player. Garko, who many thought would start the year in Buffalo last season, became a surprise mainstay in the Tribe lineup. The organization would like to see his RBI total rise even higher this season, now that he has his feet wet. Garko also turned out to be a pretty solid defensive first baseman.
Second Base: Asdrubal Cabrera (.283 Avg, 3 HR, 22 RBI)
A mid season call up, Cabrera cemented his name into the lineup after becoming the catalyst that jump started the Indians last season push to clinch the AL Central. A short stop by trade, Cabrera showed poise beyond his years at second base, especially in the playoffs where he drove in 6 runs and played wonderful in the field.
Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta (.270 Avg, 21 HR, 72 RBI)
After a dismal 2006 season, Jhonny Peralta rebounded with a very good year. Peralta became a clutch hitter down the stretch, and also vastly improved his defense at short. The Indians would love for Peralta to improve upon his RBI total in '08, especially since he will be a middle of the order hitter.
Third Base: Casey Blake (.270 Avg, 18 HR, 78 RBI)
Down the stretch last season, when the Tribe needed a big hit, it was a job for Casey at the bat. Blake came up big for the Indians, especially against the rival Detroit Tigers. Blake filled in admirably at third base, after rookie Andy Marte never quite panned out. Blake is a above average defender, who plays with alot of grit.
Centerfield: Grady Sizemore (.277 Avg, 24 HR, 78 RBI)
The main cog in the Indians machine, Sizemore turned in another solid performance in his young career. Grady had a slight drop in his numbers at the plate, but he more than made up for it in the field. Sizemore is the wheel that makes the Indians go. Sizemore could be the next to join the 30/30 club.
Rightfield: Franklin Gutierrez (.266 Avg, 13 HR, 36 RBI)
Gutierrez was another player who started in the farm system in 2007 and ended up playing a key role in the Tribe's run to the postseason. "Goot", as he is known by the fans, is a great young prospect that has pop to left field. Gutierrez needs to improve his hitting against right handed pitchers, but he is a tremendous right field. He also has a laser for an arm.
Leftfield: Jason Michaels (.270 Avg, 7 HR, 39 RBI) & David Dellucci (.230 Avg, 4 HR, 20 RBI)
Jason Michaels and David Dellucci will once again platoon in left field. Michaels will start against left handers, while Dellucci will start against right handers. Michaels played decent most of last season. The Tribe still are waiting for Michaels to take that next step offensively. However J-Mike is a pretty good outfielder. Dellucci was hurt most of last season. He was slumping when his season ended last season. The Indians need Dellucci to put up number similar to those he did with the Phillies in '06, the season before he signed with Cleveland.
DH: Travis Hafner (.266 Avg, 24 HR, 100 RBI)
2007 was a rough year for Travis Hafner. Hafner hit almost thirty points below his career average. At times Hafner seemed to have his stroke back, and at others he seemed lost at the plate. Hafner still drove in 100, but he looks to rebound in 2008.
Bench: Cleveland has a rather solid bench. Kelly Shoppach, who would be a startin catcher anywhere else, will again be the back up to Martinez at catcher. Jamey Carroll, who was acquired by from the Rockies, will be the utility infielder. Andy Marte, will also be a bench player looking to play first and third base. Marte, who is out of options, needs to prove he belongs at the major league level.
Starting Rotation
1.) CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21 ERA, 209 K)
CC looks to repeat his 2007 performance, when he won the AL Cy Young Award. Sabathia enters the final year in his contract, and he will need to have another dominant year. A dominant fastball and a nice changeup have hitters off balance.
2.) Fausto Carmona (19-8, 3.06 ERA, 137 K)
Carmona was the whiz kid for Cleveland last season. Fausto was destined to be a starter for the Bisons until Cliff Lee went down early on. Carmona pitched his way into the rotation though. He ended up posting a team tying 19 wins, and he was the hero of Game 2 of the ALDS, when the Yankees were attacked by the Lake Erie midges. Carmona has a biting sinking fastball and a devastating slider.
3.) Jake Westbrook (6-9, 4.32 ERA, 93 K)
Westbrook, who was hurt for a major portion of '07, had an up and down campaign. Westbrook shined in all three of his playoff starts. Westbrook struggled during the season, but seemed to find his rhythm toward the end of the season. Westbrook is a sinker baller who is almost unhittable when he is on.
4.) Paul Byrd (15-8, 4.59 ERA, 88 K)
Paul Byrd had a great rebound season in 2007. Byrd was able to keep offenses at bay with his array of junk ball, while he was the pitcher who benefited the most from the Indian offense. Byrd, like Westbrook, had two very good post season starts, but rumors of HGH use could affect his eligibility in 2008.
5.) Cliff Lee (5-8, 6.29 ERA, 66 K)
Cliff Lee looks to rebound from a disastrous 2007. Lee started the season on the disabled list, and he never quite found his form. Lee was inconsistent and had a hard time getting ahead of hitters. Lee won the job over fellow south paws Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers. The Indians would like nothing better then Lee to return to form from the 2005 and 2006 season. If he doesn't look for the Indians to look elsewhere.
Bullpen
CL: Joe Borowski (45 SV, 5.07 ERA, 58 K)
Joe Borowski was known for his tight rope saves. Borowski became the first closer to lead the league in saves and have an ERA over 5.00. He also led the league in blown saves. The Indians hope to see a lower ERA, but a similar saves number in 2008.
Setup: Rafael Betancourt (5-1, 1.47 ERA, 80 K)
In his most dominant season yet, Rafael Betancourt was as automatic as you can get. The Indians benefited from Betancourt's consistency in the late innings of ball games. With a fantastic fastball and changeup, Betancourt had a career high in strikeouts last season. Look for more of the same in 2008.
The Rest:
The Indians got much of its talent from the farm system when it came to the bullpen. Guys like Rafael Perez and Jensen Lewis were tough down the stretch, and both were key to shutting down the Yankees in the ALDS. The Indians added some depth this year too. Japanese import Masahide Kobayashi, who was a top closer in Japan, adds some much needed experience, and he can provide some late inning help. Also added to the mix is veteran Jorge Julio, who had a terrific spring.
Outlook:
The Cleveland Indians are bound and determined to bring a World Series title to Cleveland for the first time 1948. But with the vast improving AL Central, especially the Detroit Tigers, the Tribe definitely has their work cut out for them. The Indians will need repeat performances from the pitching staff. Sabathia and Carmona will need to turn in similar seasons, and the bullpen will need to produce it's success as well. The lineup will need more solid production from the corner outfield positions and at DH. Gutierrez and the platoon of Michaels/Dellucci will need to be more consistent at the plate. Travis Hafner also needs to have a better year at the plate. If Hafner can't learn to adjust to pitches on the outside part of the plate, he will continue to struggle. If the Indians can put that together, they have a great shot at repeating in the AL Central.
4/1/08
As the 2008 season began yesterday, it seems as though yours truly is a bit behind. But have no fear, the 2008 Tribe preview is here. Last season, the Indians fell one game short of a World Series berth to the eventual champion, Boston Red Sox. 2008 brings high expectations for the Indians. The Indians not only have the pressure of trying to duplicate a performance from last season, but also hold off the rest of a vastly improved AL Central opponents. Here is a breakdown of the Indians for 2008.
2007 Record: 96-66
Key Additions: RP Masahide Kobayashi, INF Jamey Carroll
Key Subtractions: OF Kenny Lofton, OF Trot Nixon
Manager: Eric Wedge (5th season)
Eric Wedge looks to follow up his 2007 Manager of the Year season, with one that ends in a World Series title. Wedge showed signs of becoming one of the games top skippers last season.
Coaching Staff: HC Derek Shelton, PC Carl Willis, BC Jeff Datz, 1B Luis Rivera, 3B Joel Skinner
Catcher: Victor Martinez (.301 Avg, 25 HR, 114 RBI)
Victor Martinez might be the best hitting catcher in all of baseball. Martinez's strongest feat last year was his improved defensive skills. Victor is an early MVP candidate in 2008
First Base: Ryan Garko (.289 Avg, 21 HR, 61 RBI)
Garko had an impressive season in 2007, the first as an everyday player. Garko, who many thought would start the year in Buffalo last season, became a surprise mainstay in the Tribe lineup. The organization would like to see his RBI total rise even higher this season, now that he has his feet wet. Garko also turned out to be a pretty solid defensive first baseman.
Second Base: Asdrubal Cabrera (.283 Avg, 3 HR, 22 RBI)
A mid season call up, Cabrera cemented his name into the lineup after becoming the catalyst that jump started the Indians last season push to clinch the AL Central. A short stop by trade, Cabrera showed poise beyond his years at second base, especially in the playoffs where he drove in 6 runs and played wonderful in the field.
Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta (.270 Avg, 21 HR, 72 RBI)
After a dismal 2006 season, Jhonny Peralta rebounded with a very good year. Peralta became a clutch hitter down the stretch, and also vastly improved his defense at short. The Indians would love for Peralta to improve upon his RBI total in '08, especially since he will be a middle of the order hitter.
Third Base: Casey Blake (.270 Avg, 18 HR, 78 RBI)
Down the stretch last season, when the Tribe needed a big hit, it was a job for Casey at the bat. Blake came up big for the Indians, especially against the rival Detroit Tigers. Blake filled in admirably at third base, after rookie Andy Marte never quite panned out. Blake is a above average defender, who plays with alot of grit.
Centerfield: Grady Sizemore (.277 Avg, 24 HR, 78 RBI)
The main cog in the Indians machine, Sizemore turned in another solid performance in his young career. Grady had a slight drop in his numbers at the plate, but he more than made up for it in the field. Sizemore is the wheel that makes the Indians go. Sizemore could be the next to join the 30/30 club.
Rightfield: Franklin Gutierrez (.266 Avg, 13 HR, 36 RBI)
Gutierrez was another player who started in the farm system in 2007 and ended up playing a key role in the Tribe's run to the postseason. "Goot", as he is known by the fans, is a great young prospect that has pop to left field. Gutierrez needs to improve his hitting against right handed pitchers, but he is a tremendous right field. He also has a laser for an arm.
Leftfield: Jason Michaels (.270 Avg, 7 HR, 39 RBI) & David Dellucci (.230 Avg, 4 HR, 20 RBI)
Jason Michaels and David Dellucci will once again platoon in left field. Michaels will start against left handers, while Dellucci will start against right handers. Michaels played decent most of last season. The Tribe still are waiting for Michaels to take that next step offensively. However J-Mike is a pretty good outfielder. Dellucci was hurt most of last season. He was slumping when his season ended last season. The Indians need Dellucci to put up number similar to those he did with the Phillies in '06, the season before he signed with Cleveland.
DH: Travis Hafner (.266 Avg, 24 HR, 100 RBI)
2007 was a rough year for Travis Hafner. Hafner hit almost thirty points below his career average. At times Hafner seemed to have his stroke back, and at others he seemed lost at the plate. Hafner still drove in 100, but he looks to rebound in 2008.
Bench: Cleveland has a rather solid bench. Kelly Shoppach, who would be a startin catcher anywhere else, will again be the back up to Martinez at catcher. Jamey Carroll, who was acquired by from the Rockies, will be the utility infielder. Andy Marte, will also be a bench player looking to play first and third base. Marte, who is out of options, needs to prove he belongs at the major league level.
Starting Rotation
1.) CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21 ERA, 209 K)
CC looks to repeat his 2007 performance, when he won the AL Cy Young Award. Sabathia enters the final year in his contract, and he will need to have another dominant year. A dominant fastball and a nice changeup have hitters off balance.
2.) Fausto Carmona (19-8, 3.06 ERA, 137 K)
Carmona was the whiz kid for Cleveland last season. Fausto was destined to be a starter for the Bisons until Cliff Lee went down early on. Carmona pitched his way into the rotation though. He ended up posting a team tying 19 wins, and he was the hero of Game 2 of the ALDS, when the Yankees were attacked by the Lake Erie midges. Carmona has a biting sinking fastball and a devastating slider.
3.) Jake Westbrook (6-9, 4.32 ERA, 93 K)
Westbrook, who was hurt for a major portion of '07, had an up and down campaign. Westbrook shined in all three of his playoff starts. Westbrook struggled during the season, but seemed to find his rhythm toward the end of the season. Westbrook is a sinker baller who is almost unhittable when he is on.
4.) Paul Byrd (15-8, 4.59 ERA, 88 K)
Paul Byrd had a great rebound season in 2007. Byrd was able to keep offenses at bay with his array of junk ball, while he was the pitcher who benefited the most from the Indian offense. Byrd, like Westbrook, had two very good post season starts, but rumors of HGH use could affect his eligibility in 2008.
5.) Cliff Lee (5-8, 6.29 ERA, 66 K)
Cliff Lee looks to rebound from a disastrous 2007. Lee started the season on the disabled list, and he never quite found his form. Lee was inconsistent and had a hard time getting ahead of hitters. Lee won the job over fellow south paws Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers. The Indians would like nothing better then Lee to return to form from the 2005 and 2006 season. If he doesn't look for the Indians to look elsewhere.
Bullpen
CL: Joe Borowski (45 SV, 5.07 ERA, 58 K)
Joe Borowski was known for his tight rope saves. Borowski became the first closer to lead the league in saves and have an ERA over 5.00. He also led the league in blown saves. The Indians hope to see a lower ERA, but a similar saves number in 2008.
Setup: Rafael Betancourt (5-1, 1.47 ERA, 80 K)
In his most dominant season yet, Rafael Betancourt was as automatic as you can get. The Indians benefited from Betancourt's consistency in the late innings of ball games. With a fantastic fastball and changeup, Betancourt had a career high in strikeouts last season. Look for more of the same in 2008.
The Rest:
The Indians got much of its talent from the farm system when it came to the bullpen. Guys like Rafael Perez and Jensen Lewis were tough down the stretch, and both were key to shutting down the Yankees in the ALDS. The Indians added some depth this year too. Japanese import Masahide Kobayashi, who was a top closer in Japan, adds some much needed experience, and he can provide some late inning help. Also added to the mix is veteran Jorge Julio, who had a terrific spring.
Outlook:
The Cleveland Indians are bound and determined to bring a World Series title to Cleveland for the first time 1948. But with the vast improving AL Central, especially the Detroit Tigers, the Tribe definitely has their work cut out for them. The Indians will need repeat performances from the pitching staff. Sabathia and Carmona will need to turn in similar seasons, and the bullpen will need to produce it's success as well. The lineup will need more solid production from the corner outfield positions and at DH. Gutierrez and the platoon of Michaels/Dellucci will need to be more consistent at the plate. Travis Hafner also needs to have a better year at the plate. If Hafner can't learn to adjust to pitches on the outside part of the plate, he will continue to struggle. If the Indians can put that together, they have a great shot at repeating in the AL Central.
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