10/13/08 10:00 AM ET
Mailbag: How is the Indians' outfield?
Beat reporter Anthony Castrovince answers fans' questions
By Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com
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-- Alton T., Newark, Ohio The Indians' outfield is looking a bit shaky, in my estimation. Shin-Soo Choo played a bit over his head, Franklin Gutierrez was inconsistent at the plate and Ben Francisco seems to be a fourth outfielder, at best. Do you foresee the Tribe going out and looking for a corner outfield bat?
-- Brent R., Archbold, Ohio These e-mails landed in my inbox within minutes of each other. For what it's worth, here's my basic take on the corner outfield situation: The Indians have a lot in the way of potential but very little in the way of proven commodities. Gutierrez is a fourth outfielder who can save runs with his glove, but he is unable to hit a breaking ball. Francisco showed flashes this year, but he seemed to wear down in what basically was his first full season. Choo looked legit to me and probably is the best of the bunch, but let's see him from Opening Day on. Down on the farm, Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley and Trevor Crowe all will be intriguing prospects at Triple-A Columbus, but, at this point, they are prospects and nothing more. You can't count on them making a major impact in 2009. Oh, and David Dellucci is a nice guy. So, in a perfect world, the Indians would go out and get themselves an experienced corner outfield bat to shore up an area of great potential but limited experience. But let's face it: This team has other, more pressing holes and a limited budget, so don't expect any corner outfield upgrades this winter. The Indians were able to carry five outfielders for much of '08 because Travis Hafner was on the disabled list. They can get away with carrying five again if they only use one utility infielder, dropping Andy Marte. You mentioned the possibility of Huston Street coming to Cleveland. That's the first speculation I've heard on that topic. What might it cost to get him?
-- Steve J., Sahuarita, Ariz. It was reported in August that a non-contending team had put in a waiver claim on Street, but the trade talks that ensued with the A's went nowhere. I have no idea if that team was the Indians, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. Oakland has been rumored to be open to dealing Street for a year now. The fact he's still with the A's either suggests their asking price is exorbitant or he was never all that available to begin with. But Street isn't happy to have lost his closing job to Brad Ziegler in the second half of this season, and A's general manager Billy Beane isn't shy when it comes to the trading game, especially with his club now in rebuilding mode. It would take multiple prospects to land Street, who strikes me as an intriguing possibility for the Tribe this winter. The A's have uncertainties in their infield and in their rotation. The Indians have rotation depth.
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I have heard a lot of talk about acquiring a third baseman or second baseman. However, if the Indians can move Jhonny Peralta to third, what's stopping them from acquiring a shortstop? That expands the market, which also includes Omar Vizquel.
-- Alex K., Aurora, Ohio
-- Matt K., Solon, Ohio There are 62 players on that Rule 5-eligible list. Some of the more notable names are Jordan Brown, T.J. Burton, Crowe, Chris Gimenez, Chuck Lofgren, Carlos Santana and Jeff Stevens. The Indians tried to sneak Brad Snyder and Reid Santos through waivers at the end of the year, to make room on the 40-man, but they were claimed by the Cubs and Blue Jays, respectively. The roster will be tight this winter, as Juan Rincon, Brendan Donnelly, Scott Elarton and Sal Fasano will be the only guys eligible for free agency. It will be interesting to see who gets protected in advance of the Dec. 11 Rule 5 Draft. While watching the Brewers series on TBS, the announcers stated that it wasn't a lock that CC Sabathia would leave the Brewers next year for greener pastures and that he could sign for about $115 million. At that price, is there a possibility the Tribe would be willing to at least try to make an offer to Sabathia in an attempt to lure him back to Cleveland?
-- Angelo B., Port Charlotte, Fla. The Indians will make an effort to sign Sabathia, and I imagine CC will make an effort to reject them in the most pleasant way possible. And to Brewers fans excited about Sabathia's comments regarding his willingness to discuss staying in Milwaukee, I would advise you search the archives for his similar comments about being open to discuss staying with the Indians. That never went anywhere. It will be interesting to see where CC lands this winter. I know the Yankees will make a ridiculous push for him, but I still expect him to sign with a National League team. I've heard his hometown San Francisco Giants might make a run at him if they can unload Randy Winn's contract. I was born in Cleveland in 1948 and have always thought that trading Rocky Colavito was the single dumbest thing I ever saw. If the Indians would put up a Rocky plaque, invite the Rock back and honor him on Opening Day 2009, I am positive this would go a long way toward ending this curse.
-- Jim D., Sarasota, Fla. The Indians inducted Colavito into their team Hall of Fame during the summer of 2006. He attended the ceremony (plaque included) and seemed to enjoy being back in Cleveland. But when the trade to the Tigers was mentioned, he said, "If you think I still hold a grudge, you're right." No doubt, many fans share the sentiment. And finally... OK, the Dodgers have Manny Ramirez, who betrayed us, the Phillies have Charlie Manuel, who was useless for us, and the Red Sox have crushed our hopes on more than one occasion. Are the Rays the only team we're allowed to root for?
-- Brandon P., Medina, Ohio Brian Anderson is the Rays' assistant pitching coach, and former Indians intern Dave Haller is in their media relations department. That's good enough for me.
Anthony Castrovince is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.











