With Francona becoming the leader of the Tribe what happens in the offseason??? Let’s evaluate it piece by piece

DH- I don’t see Hafner coming back without a MAJOR pay cut but the Indians have shocked me before.  What I do think will happen though is that the Tribe decides to rotate guys in the DH role but guys like Carlos Santana getting the majority of the reps and Matt LaPorta (providing he makes the team)

C- It should stay the same Carlos getting a lot of PT there and Marson getting more

1B- Here’s the position with the most question marks. Will Kotchman be back, will Ruzz Canzler get playing time there, will matt Laporta be back?? We shall see.  What i see is Matt Laporta and Casey Kotchman getting the majority of the resp

2b- 1 name KIPNIS

SS- A. CAB

3b- rather kevin youklis signs with cleveland or chistenhall and hanahan get the reps

inf role- look at 3b, phelps might get a shot,lillibridge

OF- Choo are everyday Brantly guys like Lillibridge and Canzler should still get a lot of playing time

Projected Rotation-

1.Justin Masterson

2. Free Agent pickup

3. Ubaldo Jimenez

4. Roberto Hernandez

5. David Huff/ Corey Kluber/ Jeanmear Gomez/ Zack McAllister/ Josh Tomlin (they will have to fight it out in Spring)

Bull pen-

Closer: CP

SU: Vinnie Pestano

MR: Joe Smith

Others (most likely to least likely): Cody Allen, Esmil Rodgers, Rafael Perez, Josh Tomlin, Tony Sipp, Nick Hagadone, Scott Barnes, Frank Herman, Free Agent, Chris Shelden

Trade Possiblities

Choo???- I dont see this happening the Indians I think will try and sign him to a long term deal, he will be in cleveland on oppening day, they might try and get a long term deal done by the end of spring

CP??- With Vinnie being able to close games this deal would make sense especially after Chris’s crude comments this past season, could get a pretty nice return (prospect wise)

Tony Sipp- A name that could pitch well in a different environment he seems like a NL pitcher

Masterson- this doesn’t look to be happening but if a fanastic return this could happen I don’t see it

Hannahan- ONLY if the Indians sign Youk there would be not point in having him with Chistenhall and Youk all on the same roster

 

Side Note: I feel as if Grady Sizemore will sign a minot league deal in this offseason