The Cleveland Indians started out on a torrid pace last year, vaulting out to a large lead in the American League Central, only to watch it fall apart during the run to the playoffs. The Indians club remains largely unchanged, bringing back most of the faces from the previous year in an attempt to start out strong and actually keep the momentum going this season. A few small moves have resulted in adding some depth for the upcoming strength, but most of the team returns.
The best of the best: Carlos Santana. It's hard to find a catcher who has an electric bat, but Carlos Santana is that guy. Most of the hype you'll hear out of Cleveland this offseason will be about having a full year of Ubaldo Jimenez, but the key is Santana. If Santana can stay healthy, he'll be in the middle of a young lineup that could pay dividends over the next few years. Placed in the middle of guys like Asdrubal Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo, Lonnie Chisenhall, and Grady Sizmore, the Tribe should compete for a while.
The new guy: Casey Kotchman. The trade for Derek Lowe has been well publicized for the Tribe, but the best move they made his offseason was acquiring the well-traveled first baseman. Kotchman hits for average and plays great defense at first base, as opposed to Lowe, who seems like he doesn't have the same stuff he had before. While you're hearing about the veteran leadership that Lowe brings, remember that Kotchman will provide you tangible evidence of an upgrade for the Indians.
The fatal flaw: The pitching staff. What happens when the ace you trade for doesn't pitch like an ace for all? Indians fans are hungry to see a return from the addition of Jimenez, but after that there are plenty of questions. Is Justin Masterson for real? Does Derek Lowe have anything left in the tank? What are you getting out of Josh Tomlin and Kevin Slowey? The bullpen provides just as many questions. Chris Perez is a great closer, but what about the rest of the pen? Rafael Perez is solid, but unspectacular. The rest is fluff.
Down on the farm: Francisco Lindor. Lindor is a slick-fielding shortstop who can hit for average, meaning that if he can continue to progress, he would be one of the shortstops in the game. It's hard to find a player who can stick at short and swing the bat as well, giving him the potential to be a top level player. Lindor is young, but he has the talent to build on and looks like a steal for the Indians from last year's draft.
Final verdict: The Indians have a great, young lineup, but the pitching staff will be a problem. If Ubaldo Jimenez can bounce back and return to form, then there's a chance that the Indians will win the division, but the offense can't do it alone. Cleveland has to improve the rotation, because relying on the likes of Justin Masterson, Derek Lowe, Josh Tomlin, and Kevin Slowey is a tough task. Expect the Indians to be in the mix, but don't ask for a lot more.
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