Lebowski wrote:Or does Shapiro make another move to solidify the lineup?
Depends on what you consider dealing. They Indians almost for sure will make some sort of Spring Training deal to create a roster spot for someone not on the 40-man who needs to be added if they make the 25-man roster (i.e. Hollandsworth, Diaz, Francisco, etc). So, you'll see some sort of minor deal (like Bartosh last year). I see one of Vazquez or Phillips being sent away in a trade at the end of Spring.
As for any major deal....nah, I think we are pretty much done until June/July.
If the roster is untouched, this is my guess at the Tribe's everyday lineup:
Sizemore CF
Michaels LF
Peralta SS
Hafner DH
Martinez C
Belliard 2B
Broussard 1B
Blake RF
Boone 3B
That's exactly how it should look, at least against RHers.
Obviously, the weak spots are RF, 1B, and 3B. At 1B, Ben will get the majority of the starts, supposedly being platooned with Perez. Garko will start out in AAA, and then make the move to the bigs, hopefully taking over the platoon by the end of 06. I could see Ben being moved at some point during the season if Garko impresses. Boone is at 3B, until he gorks and/or Marte is ready to take over. Those positions won't be traded for, as we have young players in system who should take over at some point this season.
Yeah, I don't see them making any sort of significant trade for a 1B or 3B. They have options in the minors at both spots that are major league ready and impact caliber bats.
RF is the big question mark. I don't see them taking on a big contract in a trade that goes beyond this season, but I think at some point this season the Indians will make a deal for a good high-priced player in the last year of his deal to fill that RF void.
That is why if Shapiro makes another move prior to opening day, it will be for a starting RF. I have a feeling that the Tribe brass really wants an upgrade there, to start the season. Remember, they tried to sign Brian Giles earlier this offseason.
Shapiro isn't stupid. He went after Giles and Nomar this offseason to play RF, so he CLEARLY knows this is a problem area. With that, I think they see how Blake looks in ST.....and maybe wait until the end of ST to find that RFer (Craig Wilson? Kearns?) and get him at a cheaper price at the end of Spring than they would have to pay now.
Some players that have been bantered about:
Craig Wilson PIT
Austin Kerns CIN
Kevin Mench TEX
Wishful thinking from a dillusional fan:
Manny Ramirez BOS
- By not showing up to ST, he obviously has written his ticket out of Beantown. Theo and Mark are probably on the phone now, hammering out details for a trade.
Ramirez is a perfect fit for this team as far as what it needs: a big upgrade in RF/LF. He'd fit in nicely between Hafner and Martinez in the lineup, and would move Peralta to 6th.
But I just don't see Ramirez being attainable unless Boston pays like half the remaining 3 years of his deal AND Boston only takes prospects.
Boston may pay some salary, but they AIN'T taking prospects. They'll want established players in return.....probably a package something along the lines of Peralta, Cliff Lee and whatever prospect. No thanks.
Now, one thing to maybe hope for is the Red Sox flat out implode this year. They are a lot like the Indians after 2001, a team close to its sell by date and in need of an overhaul. If they suck come July, they just may send Ramirez packing to a team for prospects. If that happens, I would think the Indians are serious bidders.
