Today, Paul Hoynes reported that teams have been asking about certain Indians outfielders. With the way Ben Francisco has hit pretty much throughout spring training and his minor league career, one would assume he would be on the 25 man roster. Indians Manager Eric Wedge has had encouraging things to say about Francisco, but the conversations usually end with Wedge saying he needs to work on his defense. What Wedge really means is Ben has an option and the Indians have two veterans and a 3rd base project blocking his way to the majors. The intrigue will be if Shapiro pulls the trigger on trading Jason Michaels to create room for a David Dellucci/Ben Francisco platoon. Wedge loves his veterans, so there may be some confrontation on this issue. Dellucci is virtually untradeable having 2 years and $7 + million left on his deal. Also entering the crowded ring in May will be Shin-Soo Choo coming off of Tommy John surgery. He is out of options so a decision will have to be made rather quickly, similar to the Marte situation now.
Exiting Michaels may be the best alternative instead of waiting around for an injury or experiencing substandard corner outfield production. These sort of issues have conveniently sorted them selves out for the tribe, though, over the past year. The bullpen last year started off with hillbilly Jason Davis and El guapo Roberto Hernandez. Davis was out of options and successfully pitched himself off the team. Hernandez was flat out terrible, so in came Rafael Perez and Jensen Lewis. Dellucci got hurt and Nixon was garbage, so the Tribe inserted Franklin Guitierrez and traded for the ageless Kenny Lofton. The play on the field sorted out the lineup for Wedge, eventually placing Michaels on the bench in the playoffs next to him. Michaels is a useful player, but so much as to block potential offense firepower the Indians may need in a beefed up AL Central.
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