Additional Notes

Good news for the Tribe as December comes to an end. Jake Westbrook was able to complete his winter league sting pain free and thus far Fausto Carmona has shown the ability to command the strike zone.

As the month of December winds down, I don't look for the Tribe to make any moves. The player to be named later in the Shoppach deal will be announced but other then that, it appears the Tribe front office will hold off on adding anyone and seem more willing to give their younger players an opportunity rather then bringing in a vet to take a roster spot.

Introductory Feelings

Well, here it is mid-December. A lot has happened to the Tribe since the end of the 2009 season.

I, like many of the fans, was very unhappy with the direction of the team under Shapiro and Wedge. Many other fans were happy to see Wedge go but many more wanted Shapiro replaced as well.

As we head into 2010, the feeling is that the season is a lost season, one that has no promise, no upside, and will be another example of baseball stoking emotions of Tribe baseball of the 70's through the 93 sesason.

As of today, my initial feelings are that the season is not going to be as dismal as some may expect. I see an upside to the team that may give the fans of hte Indians hope for a quicker turn around then 3-4 years, more like 1-2 years.

A quick look at the News that has developed since the end of the regular season:

1. Manny Acta has been named manager.
2. Matt LaPorta and Grady Sizemore went under the knife. Grady was expectd, LaPorta not so much.
3. Kelly Shoppach was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays.
4. Carlos Santana has undergone surgery.
5. Chuck Lofgren was claimed in the Rule V draft.
6. The Indians claimed Hector Ambriz in the Rule V draft.
7. Adam Miller underwent yet another finger surgery.

A rather mundane list. Of course, we have hired Sandy Alomar Jr and Joe Nunnally and some other coaches....still not doing it for you? Well, the Indians are not going to make any headlines this upcoming offseason, none that are expected at any rate.

Several issues that will be discussed about the Tribe will take shape over the winter and how they shape up heading into spring training will depend upon health and any moves that may be made up to spring training.

Can Johnny Peralta put together a solid season or will he prove to be as vanilla as he appeared in 2009?

Can Fausto Carmona put together a season where he doesn't fall apart and lose his control?

Can Jake Westbrook reestablish himself as a big league starter after his injury woes.

Can Rafael Perez make a comeback to his 2007 form?

Can Andy Marte become a major leaguer and drop the prospect/4A label?

Can Luis Valbuena be the 2b who put up such great offensive numbers and shore up his defense?

Can Lou Marson or Jason Donald become adequate Major League players right out of spring training.

Are Aaron Laffey and Justin Masterson starting pitchers or a releivers?

Is Chris Perez a viable option as a closer?

Can Jensen Lewis fill the old Raffy Bettancourt role in the bullpen?

Can Travis Hafner put his health woes behind him and reestablish himself as a dominant middle of the order hitter.

Can Grady Sizemore reestablish himself as a MVP candidate and be mentioned as one of the most exciting young players of the game.

Is Choo ready to break out into All-Star Status and put together a monster year?

Is Matt LaPorta ready to be a middle of the order power hitter?

Is Micheal Brantley or Trevor Crowe ready to take over the everyday duties in LF?

Will Grady Sizemore continue to bat leadoff or will he be dropped down in the order?

Can Asdrubal Cabrera become the most dominant shortstop in the American League?

Will Carlos Santana come up and be everything the Indians thought when they acquired him.

Will Carlos Carrasco, Jenmar Gomez, or Hector Rondon emerge as a solid major league starter?

Will Jordan Brown be given a chance to play with the Indians or be moved to another organization?