|
Fantasy Forces:
SP-C.C. Sabathia (22)- Following the success of his rookie season, Sabathia reported to camp tilting the scales at nearly 300 pounds
and his performance suffered because of it. Following a the break, he found some of the groove he rode a year earlier and was fairly
successful. Now he takes over the top spot and will be expected to carry the load formerly carried by Colon. With a big fastball
and quality change/curveball, the behemoth's success centers around his conditioning. Still just 22, it isn't out of line to question
the Indians handling of him though. At this pace he will have nearly 1,000 innings by his 25th birthday, which brings to mind another
young bright pitcher by the name of Kerry Wood.
Supporting Cast:
SS-Omar Vizquel (35)- One Indian who surely missed Alomar's presence was Vizquel, who saw his Gold Glove streak end at nine while
enduring a slump that engulfed much of the second half. Although he surprised more than a few with a career-high in homeruns he is not
a spring chicken anymore and seems to have lost a step in most areas of the game. Respectable still on offense, he is no longer a top
five AL shortstop.
LF-Matt Lawton (31)- Lawton was off to a hot start before a separated shoulder threw a wrench in his season. Although he still
played into September he wasn't nearly as effective as he had been, practically immobile on the bases, lost in the outfield and anemic
versus lefties. While he underwent surgery in September and will be out for the first month or so he will get a good dose of ABs once
he returns. If the Indians haven't found a leadoff hitter by then it will be Lawton although he doesn't seem to fit into the Indians
longterm plans.
RP-Mark Wohlers (33)- After reviving a career gone sour, Wohlers found a niche for himself as the Indians set-up man. Although
he still has bouts of wildness and his fastball isn't what it used to be, Wohlers will be a valuable reliever and should get a handful of
saves while spotting Baez on occasion.
DH-Ellis Burks (38)- Although he is strictly a DH these days, the ageless Burks continues to put up quality seasons just when he
seems to be losing a step. Last year he exploded out of the gates before cooling after the break though he reached the .300/30 levels
for just the second time in his career. While the rest of the lineup changes face around him Burks stands firm. While a trade to
a contender is always an option, his salary and inability to play in the field limit the Indians.
Past Their Prime:
SP-Brian Anderson (30)- Coming off of a broken foot, Anderson slides into the rotation as the #3 but don't be fooled.
Despite his standing and impeccable control, he owns a career 4.72 ERA and allows homeruns at a higher rate than almost everyone.
Should he not come through, Wedge won't be afraid to throw one of the young arms out there. Considering the bulk of his career
successes came in the Senior Circuit, Anderson has seen better days.
SP-Jason Bere (31)- After enjoying a rebirth of sorts in '01 Bere was shot back to earth during a horrific '02 campaign,
winning just one game in 16 starts with the Cubs. While he seems to have found his fastball again he clearly isn't or won't ever be
the pitcher he was before arm injuries sidelined him in the 90's. While the lack of veterans in Cleveland virtually assures him of a
spot in the rotation, the results won't be pretty. If he is on his way to duplicating '02, Wedge won't hesitate to give one of his
young pitchers a shot. |
Better Days Ahead:
CL-Danny Baez (25)- Although he had a fair measure of success in the rotation, Baez found his niche as the successor to Wickman's
vacant closer role in August. Lacking support for his blazing fastball to qualify him as a starter, he will inherit the mass amounts
of save opportunities Indians closers usually pile up. Despite the potentially weak offense and a weaker rotation, he could still be
in line for a big year.
SP-Brian Tallet (25)- A college star just 3 years ago, Tallet has shot through the ranks, succeeding at every level and is one of the
numerous young arms who will get a shot at the rotation. Presently, he is the favorite to land in the fifth spot and has a good
arsenal of pitches although he is still learning to use them all.
2B-Brandon Phillips (21)- The Indians shortstop of the future, Phillips will battle McDonald for the pivot role and comes equipped
with five-tool potential. His age, however, and lack of discipline at the plate may keep him at Triple A if he can't pull down full
time ABs in Cleveland.
C-Josh Bard (25)- Armed with tremendous defensive skills, Bard's biggest obstacle will be hitting major league pitching on an
everyday basis. Going to spring in a battle for the backstop job with Victor Martinez, expect Bard, a rookie, to win the starting job
although he will need time to learn the major league hitters in addition to handling the staff. Martinez is the best option down the
road.
C-Victor Martinez (24)- After winning the Carolina League MVP in '01, Martinez pulled out all of the stops in '02. Besides
leading the Eastern League in hitting, the Venezuelan showed monstrous power potential while winning another MVP. He will go to camp
battling for the starting job but it would make sense to see him get more seasoning at the Triple A level. He was impressive in a
short stint in Cleveland and is the catcher of the future.
CF-Milton Bradley (24)- After running out of excuses in Montreal, Bradley took over the starting job in Cleveland last year but was
fairly ineffective. Long considered a five-tool talent, the switch-hitter has shown good power potential and good speed but fails to
harness his talent into a productive plate presence. Although he will open as the starter, there will be challengers every step of the
way.
1B-Travis Hafner (25)- Acquired in the offseason for Diaz, Hafner ironically features many of the same traits as the guy he is
replacing, Thome. The same height, batting style and speed, Hafner possesses a similar knowledge of the strikezone and a ton of power
potential. Also like Thome, he posted huge numbers in his assumed final year at Triple A, making him a prime candidate for the AL ROY.
Risky Business:
3B-Rickey Gutierrez (32)- With the retirement of Travis Fryman and an influx of middle infielders, Gutierrez is slated to slide over to
the hot corner, a position he hasn't played regularily since '99. However, while he is penciled in at the moment, his future is in
question following surgery to infuse two vertebrae in his neck in October. While he will start if healthy, his doctor stated he will
either be able to play or won't, leaving no grey area.
RF-Karim Garcia (27)- After being released by the Yankees in July, the Indians reacquired Garcia and put him into the #5 hole
behind Thome and he responded with a huge final two months, assuring himself of the right field job in '03. With Thome's departure,
Garcia will slide up to the cleanup spot and could be on the verge of the season the Tigers had been waiting on for so long. |
