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My dream lineup for the Indians
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The Indians lineup was productive last season without much fanfare. While I claim not to be Eric Wedge, if the Tribe's skipper gave me a lineup card at some point this season, this what you could expect.
1. Michael Brantley, LF (Rookie)
The speedster was the player to be named later to complete the C.C. Sabbathia trade. Brantley had developed a strong following in the Brewers organization, and was thought of as one of Milwaukee's top prospects . While his lack of power as corner outfielder is worrisome, he's also a key player who could develop as a leadoff hitter for the Indians. Brantley has a nice swing and great ability to stretch out plays. He will likely start the year at Triple A Columbus, but could easily be promoted by the All-Star Break.
2. Grady Sizemore, CF
Sizemore's run production has exceeded his position as the leadoff batter. Sizemore has great bat control, and could be more of a run-producer batting second. Leaving him higher in the lineup will also allow his speed to be better utilized on the basepaths.
3. Victor Martinez, 1B
While 2008 was a lost year due to injuries, Martinez should be able to rebound and be healthy in 2009. With the production of Shoppach behind the plate, moving Martinez to first base is logical. His contact skills and ability to drive in runs will be key for the three hole, bringing back memories of when Carlos Baerga batted third.
4. Shin Soo-Choo, RF
Choo may not be the long-ball threat that Indians fans desire at the cleanup spot, but he batted a whopping .386 with runners in scoring position last season. With runners in scoring position and with two outs, his batting average rises to .405 and a slugging percentage of .703. If he batted cleanup for the majority of the year, Choo could easily bat in 120 plus runs.
5. Travis Hafner/Ryan Garko, DH
By default, Hafner would get first crack at the DH spot, but Garko could push him. Hafner's overall health is problematic, and his offense is declining. If he truly can recover this year, it does nothing but better the Indians lineup. If not, the right-handed Garko gives a nice option to breakup the left-handed heavy lineup of the Indians.
6. Jhonny Peralta, SS
Batting sixth in the lineup is one of the more difficult positions in baseball. It not only is a run producing spot, but a role where the hitter has to serve as another leadoff hitter, should the side be retired in order in front of him. Peralta has been effective batting sixth in the past, and in 2008 he produced a .971 OPS in that slot.
7. Mark DeRosa, 3B
Putting a veteran hitter like DeRosa in this spot in the lineup is a huge benefit to the Indians. He has the contact skills and patience to bat anywhere in the lineup, but history has shown that he produces well in the bottom third of the lineup.
8. Kelly Shoppach, C
The late season success he had offensively has given Shoppach a chance to play regularly. Shoppach has nice pop at the plate, but he has a good handling of the pitching staff. He may be maxed out offensively, but his defense and game-calling skills make him a must play.
9. Asdrubal Cabrera/Luis Valbuena 2B (Rookie)
The second base position is Cabrera's to lose heading into this season, but if his offense falters again, he could be feeling the heat from Valbuena. Valbuena is an interesting prospect, acquried as part of the Joe Smith trade, who is being compared favorably to Baerga. Cabrera may thrive here lower in the line, which I covered in my last piece. Look for this to be an interesting battle in Spring Training.
This lineup would allow the Indians a great deal of freedom with matchups, and to maximize their run production. Leaving Josh Barfield, Ben Francisco and David Dellucci to reserve or pinch hitting roles would also leave the Indians a nice core of hitters who could thrive off the bench.
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