Cleveland Indians

This Cleveland squad is keeping intact the same roster that collapsed infamously against Boston in last year's playoffs. Some would say that's good, it's a good squad; others would say "their competition is improving, they need to also." To me, this team has plenty of room to improve without major changes in 2008. 

Lineup:

• CF Grady Sizemore
• 2B Asdrubal Cabrera
• DH Travis Hafner
• C Victor Martinez
• 1B Ryan Garko
• SS Jhonny Peralta
• LF David Delucci/Jason Michaels
• RF Franklin Gutierrez
• 3B Casey Blake

Rotation:

• C.C. Sabathia
• Fausto Carmona
• Jake Westbrook
• Paul Byrd
• Cliff Lee

Closer: Joe Borowski

Thoughts...

Quickly, on the studs: Sizemore is an outstanding contributor in five categories with room to improve (if he keeps bringing up the batting average against lefties, he'll be downright scary). Martinez is there with Martin as the best catcher in fantasy; I believe Martinez is a little more dependable because his value doesn't come as much from steals. CC is a great pitcher in a walk year, and I like him to perform big. Finally, I think Pronk belongs in this category. He's universally expected to rebound and I can't disagree.

The team has two weaknesses, in my opinion: corner outfielder and closer. There are rumors they're in the market for a corner outfielder, but nothing has materialized yet (I'd love for the Indians and Pirates to resume talks about Jason Bay if he gets off to a good start). Anyone they add to this lineup would have great value. The closer issue is more me not trusting Borowski than anything else. He's signed through this year, and will keep the job as long as he remains more or less effective.

Some experts have expressed some worry about Carmona and CC because of the innings each piled up last year (215 and 241, respectively). I would worry more about Carmona being affected, but the team is being cautious with both of them. They're both extremely valuable and I think the Indians will take care of them throughout the year; this means they might occasionally miss a start but shouldn't have an extended DL stay. 

I'm not particularly optimistic about the rest of the team, though Garko could hit 30 if he matures this year. I'd like to see a big outfield bat added more than anything else, but I think this team improves by adding Hafner for a full season. The Tribe will be right there with Detroit once again when 2008 ends.