In relation to 2007, the Cleveland Indians had a disappointing 2008 season, finishing 3rd with an 81-81 record.
Cleveland's off season consisted of several minor transactions. The Indians signed pitchers Kerry Wood and Carl Pavano to short term contracts. The Tribe also signed Tomo Okha to a minor league contract.
Continuing with pitching, the Indians were apart of a three-team deal that involved the Mariners and the Mets. Seattle's JJ Putz was sent to the Mets and the Indians acquired reliever Joe Smith from the Mets.
To fix a void at second base, the Indians traded for Cubs' infielder Mark DeRosa for three pitching prospects.
With all the acquisitions, the Indians still have some things to focus on. How will their rotation fare without CC Sabathia? How underrated is the bullpen? Will Travis Hafner rebound? And can Grady Sizemore and Victor Martinez carry the Indians to another playoff berth?
As of now, Cleveland's rotation is: Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona, Jeremy Sowers, Anthony Reyes, Carl Pavano. Lee and Carmona each have a ton of potential and Reyes has a lot of upside, but Sowers and Pavano are both downers. If the Indians want to contend, they need to hope Sowers has a breakout season and/or trade for a qualified pitcher.
Last year for middle relievers, the only ones with earned run averages under 4.00 were Jensen Lewis and Rafael Perez. That is something to worry about coming into the 2009 season. Some people say the Indians' bullpen is underrated, but those people are just saying that to stay optimistic.
2006 was a career year for Travis Hafner, hitting above .300 with an OPS over 1.000 and 42 homeruns. Ever since, Hafner has been declining tremendously. In 57 games last year, Hafner hit below the Mendoza line with an OPS just over .600. Hafner is optimistic he will rebound, but the majority of the people believe he will not.
The rest of Cleveland's offense consists of Kelly Shoppach, Shin-Soo Choo, Ben Francisco, and Asdrubal Cabrera. If the Indians want to win the American League Central, they need Victor Martinez, who was injured for most of last year, and Grady Sizemore to come up big.
Though the Indians hope to finish above .500 and make the playoffs, I predict them to finish 78-84 and in fourth place. There are too many holes in their lineup and bullpen for them to make a serious run at the playoffs.
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Tomorrow's article will preview the upcoming season for the Colorado Rockies.
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