Coming into the off season, the Cleveland Indians’ needs were relief pitching, more relief pitching, a second baseman, and a professional right handed bat. Yesterday, the Tribe signed their first free agent of the winter, inking left handed hitting outfielder David Dellucci to a three year deal. Dellucci does not fit any of the needs listed earlier. Why was the Tribe interested?
Dellucci just turned 33 years old and is basically a platoon player. He hit .299 with a .904 OPS against righties in 2006, but had just 20 at bats against lefties last year. In 2005, he hit only .251 vs. RHP, but belted 28 HR’s in 402 at bats against them. The ’06 Tribe hit lefties and righties about the same, but with Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore both being left handed hitters and the best hitters on the team, it doesn’t seem like a another left handed bat is needed. Although, the Cleveland’s newest addition is a lethal weapon against right handers.
Yes, Dellucci can play LF against righties and will probably bat second. He could platoon in left with Jason Michaels, who hits lefties very well. It’s a natural fit. But, what about RF? Will Eric Wedge platoon in both corner outfield spots, using a combination of Shin-Soo Choo and Casey Blake in right? Assuming Ryan Garko is the first baseman, the 2007 bench for the Tribe will include backup catcher Kelly Shoppach, an extra infielder (Hector Luna or Joe Inglett), and whoever is not used in the platoon that day. Granted Blake can play 1B, 3B, and both corner outfield spots, but this leaves no room for a Franklin Gutierrez or a slick glove at SS.
Perhaps the signing is a precursor to a deal involving Choo or Garko or Michaels to bring in some bullpen help. The Tribe certainly can trade from a position of strength here. However, considering defense is a priority for next year, Garko would seem to be the most expendable. That scares me. Making Casey Blake your everyday 1B is a huge risk. Blake is solid, but if he reverts to his ’05 performance, it leaves a huge hole at a position where you need offensive production. That is unless Wedge plans on playing Victor Martinez some at first as well.
This signing makes a unclear situation even murkier. With the Winter Meetings being held next week in Orlando, maybe things will become clearer. For now, the offense is improved, but Mark Shapiro has done nothing to help the bullpen. Everyone agrees that was the area that needs the most repair.
UPDATE: There are rumors the Tribe is talking to the Cubs regarding a deal involving Jake Westbrook. Supposedly, the Indians would get Cubs’ closer Ryan Dempster among others.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 