After finishing 81-81 in 2008, the Cleveland Indians have been one of the most aggressive teams this off-season. One look at this roster has baseball fans and analysts thinking that this team has yet another chance to make a big run in 2009. Today’s value meter takes a look at the 2009 top ten valued players for the Cleveland Indians.
10.) Mark DeRosa, 3B/2B/OF- DeRosa is always a good player to stash on the bench, because he can play multiple positions, while hitting for power and average. DeRosa had 21 homers and 87 RBIs for the Cubs in 2008, with 30 doubles as well. He doesn’t draw a overwhelming amount of walks (69 in 149 days), but it will have an effect on your roster.
9.) Travis Hafner, DH- Only five homers and an early slump hampered many fantasy owners last season from owning a true power hitter. Then Hafner hit the DL for the rest of the season. Hafner’s rehab is going well and management believes that Hafner will be 100% ready for spring training. This is a high risk/high reward type pickup. Hafner had a decent 07, but hasn’t had a high draft pick type season since 2006.
8.) Ryan Garko, 1b/Util- Garko had 90 RBIs last season, showing that he belonged in the everyday lineup. With a logjam at catcher and First base, only time will tell if Garko is the full-time starter. Many believe that Victor Martinez will get a lot more time at first base this season. Either way, Garko isnt a bad Util/bench player to have on your roster
7.) Rafeal Betancourt/Jenson Lewis, RP- if you are in a league with holds, both relievers could be quite valuable. Betancourt has established himself as one of the best setup men in the game, while Jenson Lewis did a terrific job closing out ballgames in 2008.
6.) Matt LaPorta, OF- At some point, I believe I have LaPorta rated a bit too high here, but his value is so high that is hard not to put him in the middle of the pack, when it comes to talent. LaPorta could be the Evan Longoria of 2009, with great power numbers and a early may call up for the Indians.
5.) Kerry Wood, CL- Wood’s splitter will be a lot more valuable against teams that haven’t quiet seen what Wood brings to the mound. He could easily have the most save chances in the A.L. if his pitching staff gets the ball to him.
4.) Victor Martinez, C/1B- Martinez will be coming back healthy, which I believe could lead to adding the most dangerous bat back to the lineup in 2009. He can hit for average, power and takes bases when needbe. His bat is so versatile, that the Indians feel comfortable putting him anywhere in the lineup.
3.) Jhonny Peralta, SS- Peralta is quickly becoming one of, if not the best shortstop in the American League. Last season, Peralta tagged on 23 homers and 89 RBIs, continuing his consistency season in and season out. That is what makes Peralta so valueable. Offensively, it is hard to find good numbers at this position.
2.) Cliff Lee, SP- 22-3 in 2009? I highly doubt it, but I think that Lee will be a respectable starter. One key to watch is his strikeouts. He had nearly 30 more in 2008 than in 2007. The only reason that Lee isnt number one is because he hasn’t proven that he is a true ace in this league. Only time will tell.
1.) Grady Sizemore, CF- 33 homers. 38 steals. 90 RBIs. Sizemore’s numbers just continue to grow, and his patientce is showing up day in and day out. The speedy centerfielder increased power, while decreasing his strikeouts by 20+ in 2008. With a bit more production in the order, it will be even scarier for the lead-off hitter. He also reached base 98 times in 156 games.
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