It’s obvious that the Tribe offense really misses Travis Hafner as they had problems scoring runs against the Royals earlier this week. They are limping home toward the finish line, the chance at a .500 season getting slimmer every day. As I watch these games, I’m thinking about who will be key components of the 2007 Tribe, and who is playing their final games wearing the Chief Wahoo logo. Here’s a look at who won’t (or shouldn’t) be back next season.
Of course, there are the no brainer choices like Aaron Boone, who will have to hook on with another team as a utility man if he wants to play in the majors in ’07. After his last two seasons, I doubt any team will sign him as a regular. Among the everyday players, Hector Luna must show more if he is to be on the roster at the start of spring training. He has been very disappointing since coming over from the Cardinals with decent numbers. I’m also not sold on Joe Inglett as the utility man. Inglett can’t play SS, and has big problems turning the double play at 2B.
The pitching staff, in particular the bullpen, is a different matter. It’s pretty clear that Jeremy Guthrie has no future in this organization. Eric Wedge has indicated that Brian Slocum will get a start before the campaign ends, not Guthrie. Considering that Guthrie had a good year as a starter in Buffalo, this should mean he is gone. He has no options left and can’t be sent to the minors. Another hurler in that situation who won’t be back is Jason Davis.
Davis is a teaser. He shows enough at times to make you think he could be a really good pitcher, but then he has games like last night when he collapsed after the Tribe tied the score at 4. The big righty will probably be traded since he’s a guy who can throw in the mid-90’s, and there is always a market for that. Brian Sikorski was worth taking a flyer on because he throws hard, but he also throws straight and gives up too many long balls.
Another reliever who has been here awhile, but won’t be in 2007 is Rafael Betancourt. Again, Betancourt has been too inconsistent for managements’ taste. At times, he is dominant, at other times, he’s been a gas can. He’s allowed 7 HR in 51 innings this season, too many for a guy coming out of the bullpen. The worst thing a reliever can do is give up the long ball.
Although the starters have been solid for the most part, changes could be made there as well. The most vulnerable would be Paul Byrd and Jake Westbrook. Byrd has been okay after a slow April, but has to be perfect to get guys out. Westbrook continues to have the annoying habit of allowing runs after the offense scores for him. Either could be moved if Mark Shapiro can sign another starter in free agency. With Adam Miller on the horizon, the Tribe may trade a starter to get a big right handed bat.
The 40 man rosters will have to be set after the season ends and many of the prospects the Indians have must be protected in the rule 5 draft at the Winter Meetings. Players will have to be released to make room for guys like Miller, Chuck Lofgren and others. Watching over the next two weeks could give you a good idea of who those departing will be.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 