2009 MLB Team Preview: Cleveland

Garko finished with a bang the 2008 season. He's in a dog fight with Victor Martinez for the position, but his 40 RBIs in the last month and a half of the season should be enough for him to start, at least at the beginning.

A catcher by trade, Martinez could become the Indians' starting 1B by April. He is more fluid than Garko and should easy outdrive and out hit him. Another possible sleeper.

Cabrera is a better-than-average fielder with good-to-great range (he could be move to SS at some point this season) and a great arm. However, he is a liability in the plate due to his lack of patience and trouble with inside pitches.

Barfield has struggled mightily since signing with the Indians. A long time ago (2006) he played with passion and intensity, but all that is gone now. His slow bat speed and poor hands have him at the bottom of the Indians' bench.

A 30-HR season is a real possibility in 2009. Most Indians hitters struggled in 2008 but Peralta was the lone bright spot totaling 89 RBI and 109 runs scored. Peralta hit 4th most of '08 as Travis Hafner dealt with injuries. He turns 27 this year and may move to 3rd or fifth spot in the lineup but should continue to flourish in 2009.

The veteran is likely to drop off after career year in 2008 when hit over 20 homers for the first time in his. He has some position flexibility and should add 15-17 homers this year.

He could be bargain coming off a disappointing 2008 but make sure you draft an adequate backup that can account for a possible power outage. I would expect him to bounce back to form as Cleveland will keep in the lineup as much as possible by giving him games at 1B. A .300/20/100 are not out of the question.

May be overvalued based on his 2008 breakout season especially if v-mart is healthy. Power is his game as he has 30 HR potential over 600 Abs but 20 HRs is more likely as he'll be part of a platoon.

The average was down last year but when a player has the ability to go 35/35, you have to take notice. Number one for a reason.

He is a better value at 2nd or 3rd base but you can do much worse then this multiple eligibility gem in this seasons drafts, while switching to the A.L.

Went on an unbelievable run during his last two months of the season last year. The question is can he do it again and can he do it over a full season.

If you play in a league like mine who values rookie potential then Laporta is your man. A likely mid season call up may bring a Ryan Braun like return

He's unlikely to regain his superstar stroke unless he can put the shoulder ailments behind him. He led the AL in OPS in 2006, but his production has been in a steadily decline ever since as he spent four months rehabbing the shoulder, in '08. He's likely to be overvalued on draft day.

The Indians will alternate Hafner, Garko, and V-Mart between DH and 1B in 2009. Garko had a solid second half of 2008 hitting .319 with an .867 OPS and finished with 90 RBIs. He is still a streaky hitter but possesses 20 home run potential. Because of the time share he's really on worth selecting in AL-only leagues.

Lee surprised most last year with a 22 win season in which he excelled on the mound. In most years you would see him in the top ten .

Carmona disappointed last year after coming off an 18 win 2007 season. His bad luck can be attributed to an early season hip injury.

Pavano was one of the biggest busts in Yankee history but could be a plus as a low risk option as the Indians fifth starter.

Wood is one of the most intriguing pitchers out there. He has amazing stuff, when he is healthy. He had 34 last season despite frequent visits to the DL. Could become a John Smoltz clone.