Biggest Offseason Addition(s)
Free Agents: John Axford & David Murphy
Trade: Josh Outman
Biggest Offseason Losses
Free Agents: Chris Perez, Joe Smith, Ubaldo Jimenez & Jason Kubel
Trade: Drew Stubbs
Name to Watch in Spring Training: Axford
How Axford looks in spring training will be important to this team. They watched both their closer and key set-up man walk away via free agency and so far Axford is the only guy they have brought in with any experience in either role. Recent history would suggest that he would be better off as the set-up man, but his 106 career saves is more than the rest of the current bullpen has combined suggest he will be the closer come opening day. If he looks more like that Axford that was considered a top closer and less like the one who the Brewers were so willing to trade the Indians could be in serious trouble.
Biggest Spring Training Battle: Lonnie Chisenhall, Mike Aviles and Carlos Santana
This will be one of the most interesting spring training battles in the entire league if the rumors are true that Santana may be making yet another position change to the hot corner. If he can quickly adapt to a position he has never played at the major league level this will be a no brainer and Aviles will back him up as the clear utility man, but if Santana cannot transition this becomes a battle between Aviles and Chisenhall and a questions of where one of the most productive hitters in recent team history fits.
What Went Right in 2013
Statistically as a team they stayed right around the middle of the pack in nearly every category which makes what went right in 2013 consistency. The team spent a lot of money last year in free agency to add Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher to the starting lineup and while neither dazzled, they were both contributed consistently and behind the leadership of veteran designated hitter Jason Giambi helped lead the team to their first playoff berth since 2007.
Biggest Areas of Improvement in 2014
Depth. They have not made a lot of splashy moves like they did before the 2013 season, but they have signed a lot of players minor league contracts with invites to spring training that give the team more depth than they have had in the past. Signings like Elliot Johnson, David Aardsma and Jeff Francoeur aren’t going to turn a lot of heads, but Johnson and Francoeur give the team the kind of depth in the field that could really save a team when injury strikes, and if Aardsma can make the team he can be the veteran that the team needs at the back end of the bullpen. Depth like this could be the key for this team to taking the next step from wildcard team to division winner.
Overall Spring Training Preview
For the most part the Indians have their team set up. The majority of offensive players are returning, except for Stubbs who was traded, so there won’t be a whole lot to look forward to on that side of the field, but the battles for the bench positions will be a huge deal as players like Francoeur and Johnson try to make the team will be interesting to watch. The team is also fairly set in the starting rotation, but they will take a long look at Carlos Carrasco who made seven starts for the Tripe in 2013 as he battles with veteran Shaun Marcum for the final spot in the rotation. Overall this team is solid, but the battles they do have will be subtle but important for the 2014 season.