The Cleveland Indians made their first appearance in the hot stove season this past week when they were involved in the Orlando Hudson sweepstakes. Hudson wound up inking a one-year deal worth an estimated $5 million with Minnesota, but it was rumored that the Tribe offered a two-year deal worth an estimated $10 million.
The question here is why were the Indians interested?
First of all, the Tribe’s bigger need is starting pitching. If they are willing to spend that kind of money on a one or two year deal, why not offer it to southpaw Jarrod Washburn, a proven starter.
Next, the Indians seem to have a good young player at 2B in Luis Valbuena, who is just 24 years old. Certainly his development would be retarded by the signing of Hudson.
The Indians will tell you that Valbuena struggles against lefties, but last year he had just 39 at bats against southpaws, hardly a representative sample to indicate he can’t handle them. By the way, he hit two home runs in those 39 at bats. Overall, Valbuena batted .250 for the season with 10 HR’s in 398 at bats. Yes, he needs to cut down on strikeouts and improve his walk rate, but those things could improve with experience. Plus, he was an extra base hit machine with 25 doubles and three triples in those 398 at bats.
Perhaps GM Mark Shapiro was thinking of moving Valbuena to third base in a platoon with Andy Marte, and thinking of dealing Jhonny Peralta? Because there is no reason not to give Valbuena at least a share of a starting job in the infield.
Once again, it says here the Indians biggest need is starting pitching, not position players.
With Grady Sizemore healthy and likely to return to his old form, Shin Soo Choo in RF, perhaps the second best SS in the AL in Asdrubal Cabrera, and even Peralta, the Indians should be able to score runs. The problem is stopping the other team from doing the same.
The Tribe will tell you that Hudson helps their defense, which in turn will help the pitching staff. Hudson is a plus defender, but probably has lost a little from where he was a couple of years ago.
If the Tribe was going to spend some money, this is not the area they should spend. Spend it on getting a reliable starting pitcher, someone who would ease the wishing and hoping that Jake Westbrook and Fausto Carmona will come back and be solid starters.
That’s why it’s a curious move.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 