A Patrick McManamon column: Indians say they will be on ball in offseason
PATRICK McMANAMON Akron Beacon Journal
Thus the desire for another starter.
Pitching, after all, wins championships.
n Why not more emphasis on adding a hitter?
Because Shapiro stresses run production as the most important factor in an offense.
And in 2008, without Travis Hafner for most of the time and Victor Martinez for much of the time, the Indians scored 805 runs, which ranked seventh in the league.
n Don’t forget Adam Miller’s name when considering possible bullpen help.
The Indians farmhand was sidelined most of last season after finger surgery but will pitch winter ball. His potential is tantalizing.
Miller throws in the mid-to-high 90s, and has a nasty sinker and slider. In 2007, he had 68 strikeouts in 65 innings at Triple-A Buffalo.
In 2006, he had 157 strikeouts in 153 innings for the Double-A Aeros.
But he has been injured in two of the past three seasons.
If Miller can stay healthy and he proves himself in winter ball and spring training, Shapiro said the Indians would find a spot for him in the bullpen.
“The guy I just described to you — mid-90s, sinker/strikeout, tough — he could be a closer,” Shapiro said. “That guy is not in our plans.”
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