The Indian Offseason

Alright, my first entry is going to be about my favorite team period, the Indians.

The Tribe came within two games of the post-season, and ESPN has them ranked No. 1 in their first poll. Great, that means... nothing.

Apparently, they didn't check to see the Indians right now don't have Kevin Millwood, Scott Earlton, Bob Wickman, and Bob Howry returning. If I remember correctly, these players were key to their success. So the Indians need to either re-sign them or people of equal caliber, otherwise they can forget about having another possible magical year.

First off, Bob Howry is signed with the Cubs. This actually isn't a big deal, as long as the Indians get a closer. The Indians have the closer of the future in the bullpen already, Fernando Cabrera, but it isn't his time yet. So the setup position, which Howry held the past 1 1/2 seasons, can be filled by Cabrera and Arthur Rhodes. So that isn't a problem.

But the Indians must get a closer. The best option on the thin market, now that Billy Wagner and B.J. Ryan are gone, is Bob Wickman. He may only be good for a year, but he is coming off his best season, where he converted 45 saves, and probably has another year left.

The other options are as follows. Trevor Hoffman, the oldest closer at 38, would be no better of an option, as he is a year-to-year player from here on out. Tom Gordon, the former New York Yankee setup man, has been just that, a setup man. Though he has been a closer in the past, he may have to adjust back to the role if he decides to do so.

The last resort would be Kyle Farnsworth, who closed for the Braves late in the season, but has struggled in the role for most of his career. The Indians are better off giving the job to David Riske or Cabrera, and using Farnsworth as a setup man.

Then there is the starting rotation. Returning are C.C. Sabathia, Jake Westbrook, and Cliff Lee. Millwood, the reigning AL ERA champ, is not likely to come back because of money. Earlton would be okay to come back, but only if the Tribe can't land a better arm.

There are several possibilities here. Jeff Weaver, former Los Angeles Dodger, was 14-11 with a 4.22 ERA. But, like Millwood, he might be out of Cleveland's price range.

Then there is Jason Johnson, the lefty who last season played for Detroit. Forget his record of 8-13, his 4.54 is solid, and he seemed to be Indian killer last season. So having him pitching for the Indians rather than against them would be a plus.

Another Indian killer on the market is the crafty veteran Jamie Moyer. He may be 43, but his arm still has some spunk in it, going 13-7 with a 4.28 ERA. He may be only good for a year, but the Indians won’t need him for any longer than that.

Also is available is Jarrod Washburn and Paul Byrd, both of whom should be in the Tribe's price range.

Only one of these arms should be signed, with the fifth spot in the rotation going to one of the Tribe's young arms. Jason Davis, Jeremy Guthrie, Brian Tallet or Kaz Tadano should be given the chance to prove they can be successful at the Major League level.

There final hole is at first base or the outfield. The Tribe has Casey Blake and Ben Broussard, who are capable players, but are not everyday types. Both can play either position, so they can platoon at either position when needed.

As for free agents to upgrade to, there are no good free agents the Tribe can afford. There are a couple of outfielders however, both of whom are former Indian players. Brian Giles is the best option. He may be left-handed, where as the Indians need a right-handed power bat, but Giles can hit for power and contact. He may have lost a step or two, but is a capable right fielder who would sure up the tribe middle-of-the-order.

The second best option might be Jeremy Burntiz. He is right-handed, and has plenty of power. There is one problem. Strikeouts. Burnitz is prone to it, having struck out more than 100 times in every season since 1997.

Another possibility might be Richard Hidalgo, who when healthy is good for 20-plus homers and 80-plus RBIs.

These are the only real needs for the tribe. They could go after another bat to come off the bench, though if Broussard and Blake don't play, they would be useful in that role. Julio Franco is out there on the market, if the Tribe wants an immortal legend whom would be a good club presence as well.

If the Tribe can fill these needs, then maybe ESPN knows what it is talking about putting the No. 1 on their power poll. Chicago is a threat to repeat as World Series champs, but they have already shown to be not the brightest market dealers. Aaron Rowand for Jim Thome? Doesn't seem like the best move. What makes it worse is the thought of Thome in a White Sox uniform.

Almost brings a tear to an Indian's fans eye. Almost.