You are the GM

[elcheato]

Um, he took over for Hanahan as our starting 3B while competing for 1st place this season. Not sure why he wouldn't be our starting 3B going into next season..?

That's why I said he isn't going to be the back up next season.

 

[DougHeil]

Yeah, Chis is at 3rd from the start next season. He's got a ton of upside and is the future. Hannahan will be brought back as backup.

What will be interesting are what we do with these players:

Duncan
Fukudome
Carmona
Sizemore
LaPorta

It really depends on who we acquire.

I really like Duncan. I think we have to keep him somehow. I also like Fuku.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Hanahan is one of my favorites on the Tribe, even if he is a platoon player/defensive specialist. I do wonder if he can backup other infield positions besides third.

 

[DougHeil]

Hanahan is one of my favorites on the Tribe, even if he is a platoon player/defensive specialist. I do wonder if he can backup other infield positions besides third.

1st base as well.

 

[DougHeil]

I like this checklist and agree with most everything he wrote. I also strongly agree with the take on Carmona and Sizemore. I know some in here do not agree, but I think it's the very right thing to do.

Indians Offseason Checklist to Contention
By: T.J. Zuppe

The Indians face many decisions in the offseason. Ranking them is almost as difficult as making those choices themselves.

Of the many moves the team will make in the upcoming months, there are some that are paramount to the team’s success in 2012. Here are several the club must consider before heading into the winter months.

6. Pick up Carmona’s option / Decline Sizemore

At seven million dollars, Fausto Carmona’s team option has more to do with logistics. The Tribe has some question marks inside the rotation, and Carmona provides innings and depth at the very least.

However, the hook on the righty has to be quick, making him pitch better or face being replaced.

As for outfielder Grady Sizemore, in no way can a near nine-million dollar option be justified by the front office. But, a reworked deal could be in the cards.

A contract full of incentives offered over a couple of years is the route to go. If Sizemore would like to explore other options, he is more than welcome to.

5. Resign Kosuke Fukudome


Indians Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome
Cleveland cannot just rely on fewer injuries next season. It is part of the game.

Fukudome has quietly been very solid for the Tribe, hitting all over the lineup, playing a steady outfield and providing some veteran stability to a young club.
He will continue to provide a consistent glove, a professional hitting approach and flexibility in the outfield if resigned.

4. Work relentlessly with younger players on defense

At times, the defense killed the Indians in ’11. Not only physical mistakes, but mental mistakes became very evident after the team roared out to a 30-15 start.

Extra outs will kill any team, especially a young one. The club must work with players like infielders Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall, as well as catcher Carlos Santana to limit those next year.

3. “Add to the pile” in the pen

To borrow a line from Browns president Mike Holmgren, adding to the pile has to be very important to the front office. To expect the bullpen bunch to be as lights out as they were this year is not fair.

Mostly, it will come from exploring the prospect-level relieving arms in the minor leagues. Those included right-handers Josh Judy, Zach Putnam and left-hander Nick Hagadone.

Adding depth, options and talent will benefit Manny Acta’s squad over a long season.

2. Go get a veteran starting arm

As the Wahoos make a push towards contention next year, they have to learn from this year. The lack of a veteran pitcher with playoff experience really emerged in the heat of a pennant chase.

It is a long season, and having a hurler with logged pressure-filled innings will assist solidifying the back-end of the rotation.

Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez and Josh Tomlin will anchor the top, and finding a consistent “four” will help push this team over the top.

1. Find a legitimate power hitter

The Tribe was a different team when they hit the long ball this season. The problem was, they did not have anyone who constantly added that threat in the starting lineup.

To win games, you have to be able to provide the threat of hitting the ball out of the yard. The Indians did not provide enough of that.

Outside of when Travis Hafner can stay healthy and an emerging Santana, Cleveland does not provide a true raw power threat. Finding a bat with 30 to 35 home run potential will take this lineup to a respectable level.
Does that include a Prince Fielder? Probably not. But someone the level of a Carlos Pena could certainly make a great deal of sense.

http://espncleveland.wordpress.com/2011/09/24/indians-offseason-checklist-to-contention/

 

[AZ_]

Not sure who TJ Zuppe is....nor do I really care that much.

But if the Indians plan involves relying on Kosuke Fukudome and his .300 OBP and sub 700 OPS, I'd expect a well below .500 season.

If you're going to decline the option on Sizemore (or pretending you can resign him to a lesser contract), you better have someone in line to replace him who's better than 35-year-old OF who actually has a LOWER OPS than an injured Sizemore.

Just a thought....

 

[Otsego Mar]

Not sure who TJ Zuppe is....nor do I really care that much.

But if the Indians plan involves relying on Kosuke Fukudome and his .300 OBP and sub 700 OPS, I'd expect a well below .500 season.

If you're going to decline the option on Sizemore (or pretending you can resign him to a lesser contract), you better have someone in line to replace him who's better than 35-year-old OF who actually has a LOWER OPS than an injured Sizemore.

Just a thought....

Um...Brantley. At this point....I'd rather have Ezeeeeekiul out there than Sizemore.

Also, I stand by my sentiment that, if healthy and given equal opportunity, Hannahan would outplay Chisenhall next year. He sure as hell out played him this year and would have been our starting 3B had we made the playoffs (at this point he's definitely the better fielder). Sure, Chisenhall has a ton of potential and I'm sure he'll be the starter on paper. But everyone seems to think, as do I, that we're in this 2 or 3 year window to win it all.......and at this point, I'm not exactly sure if Chiz is ready to be the everyday 3B for a contender. We've had some good talent come up through the minors...but we've also had guys like Carmona, LaPorta, & that guy who played 3B whose name escapes me at the moment but he never could hit in the big-leagues.

 

[DougHeil]

Um...Brantley. At this point....I'd rather have Ezeeeeekiul out there than Sizemore.

Also, I stand by my sentiment that, if healthy and given equal opportunity, Hannahan would outplay Chisenhall next year. He sure as hell out played him this year and would have been our starting 3B had we made the playoffs (at this point he's definitely the better fielder). Sure, Chisenhall has a ton of potential and I'm sure he'll be the starter on paper. But everyone seems to think, as do I, that we're in this 2 or 3 year window to win it all.......and at this point, I'm not exactly sure if Chiz is ready to be the everyday 3B for a contender. We've had some good talent come up through the minors...but we've also had guys like Carmona, LaPorta, & that guy who played 3B whose name escapes me at the moment but he never could hit in the big-leagues.

I was going to rep you for the Brantley and Sizemore thing, but you added some more about Hannahan. LOL I LOVE Jack Hanahan. As a great sub for Chis though. Chisenhall has shown lots of improvement this year. He is the future. He needs to play. 3rd base is his to lose in the spring. He won't lose it. I want Hannahan back for sure. We need his vet presence just like we need Fukudome as well.

Many decisions have to be made in the off season, but I don't think the 3rd base starter is one of them.

 

[Otsego Mar]

I was going to rep you for the Brantley and Sizemore thing, but you added some more about Hannahan. LOL I LOVE Jack Hanahan. As a great sub for Chis though. Chisenhall has shown lots of improvement this year. He is the future. He needs to play. 3rd base is his to lose in the spring. He won't lose it. I want Hannahan back for sure. We need his vet presence just like we need Fukudome as well.

Many decisions have to be made in the off season, but I don't think the 3rd base starter is one of them.

I agree....I don't think it's a decision that'll need to made.....because on paper he's already got the job.....BUT....that doesn't mean much to me at the moment

 

[bushwick_bill]

ESPN insider article about Grady is done, anyone have it?

 

[AZ_]

I honestly can't even believe we're talking about this.

Chisenhall and Hannahan have roughly the same numbers offensively. One is a 22 year old with All-Star potential, the other is a 31 year old minor league contract.

I mean, I understand the defense thing...but it's not like Chisenhall has been a butcher over there, he's been pretty solid.

As far as Brantley and Sizemore goes...both of them should be starting, and Kosuke Fukudome should not be. Simple as that.

 

[The Oi]

Here's a preview video of the 2012 Indians.

 

[AZ_]

How many poop video's do you have in reserve?

 

[MoFlo]

Not sure who TJ Zuppe is....nor do I really care that much.

But if the Indians plan involves relying on Kosuke Fukudome and his .300 OBP and sub 700 OPS, I'd expect a well below .500 season.

If you're going to decline the option on Sizemore (or pretending you can resign him to a lesser contract), you better have someone in line to replace him who's better than 35-year-old OF who actually has a LOWER OPS than an injured Sizemore.

Just a thought....

Seriously, who's saying that the plan revolves completely around Kosuke?! Didn't read that at all in that article... In fact, pretty sure the guy said Kosuke would provide a stable, flexible vet presence; be consistent with the glove; will hit anywhere in the lineup; and a professional hitting approach.

How is that saying that our plan revolves around him?!

 

[The Oi]

How many poop video's do you have in reserve?

Reserve? All of my poop videos are starters...
























For the 2012 Cleveland Indians.