Published October 12, 2008 01:55 am - The Indians shifted their focus to 2009 as soon as they agreed to send CC Sabathia to the Land of Suds in July.
Josh Weir, on Baseball: Taking a look at ’09 for Tribe What’s certain? There’s a lot of uncertainty heading into next season
JOSH WEIR Canton Repository
The Indians shifted their focus to 2009 as soon as they agreed to send CC Sabathia to the Land of Suds in July.
Now the hot stove is lit. The heat is on general manager Mark Shapiro to add the proper pieces to a team capable of rebounding from an unfulfilling 2008.
As difficult as it is to forecast an Indian winter, let’s try. Here’s a look ahead to 2009, where the returning players fit and who might be added this offseason.
Rotation
n DEFINITES — Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona.
Barring natural disaster, Lee will be on the mound April 6 in Arlington, Texas, when the Indians open the 2009 season. The Tribe needs Carmona to rebound from a poor 2008.
n CANDIDATES — Anthony Reyes, Aaron Laffey, Zach Jackson, Scott Lewis, Jeremy Sowers, David Huff.
Reyes is the most likely to get a spot, but all these guys have a case. Two spots should be available since Shapiro stressed that the Indians need another top-of-the-rotation veteran.
n FREE AGENTS — Sabathia, Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett, Ben Sheets, Jon Garland, Kyle Lohse, Braden Looper, Pedro Martinez, Jamie Moyer, Mike Mussina, Brad Penny, Andy Pettitte, Kenny Rogers, Randy Wolf.
Shapiro wants to add another “top-of-the-rotation” veteran who is capable of starting a playoff game. Pitchers fitting that description cost a lot. Burnett can opt out of his contract with the Blue Jays. Lowe should be considered seriously.
Bullpen
n DEFINITES — Rafael Perez, Jensen Lewis, Rafael Betancourt, Masa Kobayashi.
With the thin free-agent closer market, Lewis has a chance to hold down the role. The mentality and toughness is there. Is the command and stuff? I think he’s worth a try. Perez is a good setup man who should not be mistaken as a potential closer. Betancourt seemed to right his ship in the second half of 2008. The powers-that-be laud Kobayashi’s work in his first season in America. We’re not buying it yet.
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