2011 Recap
Sparked by shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (.296 BA, 10 HR, 36 RBI), the Tribe started out hot, rattling off an AL Central-best 32-20 record through the end of May. While the team struggled to maintain their torrid pace the rest of the way (finishing with an 80-82 record), it was a vast improvement for a team that many had pegged for the Central cellar. Along with the impressive record, the team got solid starting pitching from Justin Masterson (3.21 ERA, 1.28 WHIP), and young players like third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall (.255 BA, 7 HR, 22 RBI in 66 games) and second baseman Jason Kipnis (.272 BA, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 5 SB in 36 games). Catcher Carlos Santana provided good power numbers (27 HR, 79 RBI, .808 OPS), while designated hitter Travis Hafner had another solid, if injury riddled season (.280 BA, 13 HR, 57 RBI in 94 games. Chris Perez was steady as the closer, converting 36 of 40 save opportunities (3.32 ERA, 1.21 WHIP), and the bullpen had four relievers (Joe Smith, Vinnie Pestano, Rafael Perez and Tony Sipp) with an ERA of 3.03 or better. The Indians were able to land ace Ubaldo Jimenez from the Rockies at mid-season, but got only mixed results from him(5.10 ERA, 1.45 WHIP in 11 starts with CLE).
New Arrivals
OF Ryan Spilborghs (free agency)
P Kevin Slowey (trade w/ COL)
RP Dan Wheeler (free agency)
2B/SS Cristian Guzman (free agency)
1B Casey Kotchman (free agency)
SP Derek Lowe (trade w/ ATL)
Spilborghs is a non-roster invitee, and will be competing with for a roster spot with Aaron Cunningham and Ezequiel Carrera. Spilborghs had a rough 2011, but has decent pop and had a good splits in 2010 as the Rockies' 4th outfielder (.279/.360/.437). Wheeler (like Spilborghs) is a non-roster invitee, but may have tougher sledding than Spilborghs due to the solid depth in the 'pen. Guzman didn't play during 2011, and is a longshot to make the roster. Both Slowey and Lowe have a good shot at making the rotation out of spring training, but Lowe will likely be monitored closely coming off of a disappointing 2011 season with Atlanta (9-17, 5.05 ERA, 1.51 WHIP). Kotchman had a bounce-back 2011 campaign with the Rays (.306, 10 HR, 48 RBI), is solid defensively, and could push incumbent Matt LaPorta for the starting job at first base.
Prospect to Watch: RP Chen Lee
While the bullpen put up largely solid numbers last season, its often difficult to project future success after one season. Lee has been stellar at every level of the minors, including a 1.04 WHIP and a whopping 99 strikeouts in 71.1 combined innings between Akron (AA) and Columbus (AAA) last season. Lee has a fastball that's consistently in the mid-90's, and projects as no worse than a setup man.
2012 Outlook
Despite Grady Sizemore likely to miss two to three months following back surgery, the team has become accustomed to playing without him. The success or failure of this season will have a lot to do with organic growth from its young players, as due to being a small-market team, they don't have the luxury to chase top-tier free agents. The lineup has a very good mix of young talent (Cabrera, Santana, Kipnis, Chisenhall, LaPorta) and solid veterans (Hafner, Sizemore and Choo), and the bullpen is underrated. If Masterson can replicate his 2011 season, and Jimenez and Lowe are able to return to 2010 form, this team will have every chance to compete with the Tigers for the division crown, but will more realistically be looking for one of two AL Wild Card spots.
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