Thank you for the input Heltonfan... great work.
It will be interesting to see how the Indians lineup shakes out by the end of March. I think the organization wants to give Marte another shot at third base after seeing what happened to Brandon Phillips. Blake has the edge for now, however.
Who starts at second? Asdrubal seems to be the favorite going into spring training, but then where does that leave Josh Barfield? Is it finally be time to shift everyone to the left? (Peralta at 3rd, Cabrera at short, Barfield at second) Or is there another option? Barfield's biggest asset is his glove, and if the bat starts to come alive during spring training, he will surely push for a job at second.
Ah yes, and then there is the never ending debate on what to do about the corner positions in the outfield. Trade? It's possible, but the Indians would have to give up an Adam Miller, Franklin Gutierrez, or Kelly Shoppach type player. To me, Jason Bay seems to be the most likely candidate for the Indians to aquire. Bay is owed about 13 million for the next two years; so he will fit Shapiro's budget. Jason Bay's decline in 2007 is cause for concern, but Shapiro will pull the trigger if the price is right.
Miguel Cabrera is a nice thought, but just not practical. The Marlins asking price is much too high for the Tribe. To aquire Cabrera, the Indians would sacrifice their long-term ability to stay competitive.
Is it spring yet?
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