Hopefully, the Cleveland Indians will start the second half of the season with a little different cast of characters. I still believe this team is not as bad as their 40-47 record, and Baseball Prospectus’ Joe Sheehan agrees with me, but obviously the team is not perfect and changes need to be made.
First, let’s start by easing Victor Martinez into the first base position. This will involve dealing Ben Broussard, who should bring a good prospect or two in return since he is batting over .300 this season. Even with this type of year, Broussard is still too streaky to be a dependable first baseman. At third base, it’s time to see Andy Marte and end the Aaron Boone expirement. Boone has not hit in his 1-1/2 years with the Tribe and his glove has declined as well.
Up the middle, Ronnie Belliard is earning another one year deal for 2007, as the front office waits for Asdrubal Cabrera to be ready in 2008. Jhonny Peralta can and will be a solid player. He is not the first player to struggle in his second full year in the bigs. Even with his problems, he is still on pace for 17 HR and 70 RBI’s, not bad for a middle infielder. I’m not a trainer, but perhaps Peralta’s range would improve by losing 10 to 15 pounds.
In the outfield, Grady Sizemore is a keeper in CF, but the other two spots are open. Franklin Gutierrez has started to hit a little bit and should be given a long look. I think Jason Michaels could play LF every day as well, although Casey Blake coming back could help as well if he continues hitting. Last year’s #1 pick, Trevor Crowe is now at Class AA Akron and could be with the Tribe sometime in 2007 as the leadoff hitter. He walks a lot and steals bases.
On the mound, it’s time to see if Fausto Carmona can close. Bob Wickman is a free agent again and with many teams searching for bullpen help, Wickman should bring a good prospect in return. If Jeremy Sowers struggles in the rotation, then give Jeremy Guthrie a shot as a starter. It’s also time to see if Fernando Cabrera and Edward Mujica can pitch more meaningful innings, although Cabrera’s lack of control in frightening. Mujica has struggled coming into games with men on, but has pitched well after that.
As we have said before, it’s not too early to look at next season. Players who will not be here should be phased out, and those who could be here should get a trial now. Don’t waste the time spent out of the race. This season can still have meaning, and the results will be seen in Winter Haven next spring.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 