Image via WikipediaStarting PitchingFausto Carmona enters the 2011 season as the Tribe's ace. After trying to find his form of 2007 for the better part of 2008 and 2009, Carmona found some stability last year and really finished the season strong. After Carmona, the Indians will likely slot Justin Masterson, Carlos Carrasco and Josh Tomlin. The fifth starter will be decided in camp. One name no longer in the running is the serviceable Aaron Laffey who was just traded to Seattle for infielder Matt Lawson. Masterson is being given the shot to prove he is a viable starter in the big leagues. If he can be more consistent and keep is BB/9 in the low threes, his stuff is dominant enough to let him stick. This is the year Carrasco must make the leap from prospect status. Based on what he did in his late season stint with the Tribe last year, that jump could realistically happen and it'll be fun to watch. After the top three, the talent falls off fairly dramatically. While there is still hope that someone will emerge to seize the opportunity, let's not hold our breath. Just for the record, here are some of the names under consideration; Mitch "The Fury" Talbot, David Huff, Anthony Reyes, Don Schulze and Josh Tomlin. I know, right?
Bullpen
One area that shined for the Indians last year was their bullpen. And from a stockpile of prospects acquired in roster clearing deals over the past few years, a bonafide closer has emerged. Chris "Pure Rage" Perez was dominant after being handed the closer role full time last June. From June 28th until season's end, Perez had an ungodly 0.53 ERA. He finished the year with a 1.71 ERA overall and 23 saves (the youngest Indian to convert 20 or more saves). Of course predicting the success of any MLB bullpen from year-to-year is akin to correctly guessing tonight's mega millions numbers. That said, the Tribe has some live arms and relievers who are looking to build on last year's success. Raffy Perez seems to have finally righted himself and will be the late inning lefty specialist. Jensen Lewis is out of options and thus assured a spot in the pen. Others in the mix are Josh Judy, Vinnie Pestano, Frank Herrmann, Tony Sipp and Joe Smith. Newly acquired Chad Durbin will almost assuredly make the final 25 man roster. All-in-all, Manny Acta will have numerous solid options to choose from. And, if anyone falters, there will be viable replacements waiting in the wings in Columbus.
Summary
If the Indians can score enough runs and play solid enough infield defense to get the game to Chris "Pure Rage" Perez in the 9th, they have a chance to hang around and make the AL Central interesting. I'm not saying they're going to content this year, rather they should continue to build around the core of Choo, Santana, Carmona and Perez. If one or two others can progress (I'm looking at you Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley), this could develop into a very fun to watch mid market team that could contend for the Central title next year.
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