Heavy Rotation: 2009 Cleveland Indians Starting Staff

With still three weeks to go until the start of the 2009 MLB season, the Cleveland Indians seem to have one glaring weakness heading into the games that count for real; Starting Pitching. Many fans and pundits alike seem to over analyze players each preseason to justify their prognostications. Will Player X bounce back from a rough year? Can Player Y maintain the dominance he showed on the mound? The main questions surrounding the Tribe concern each member of the starting 5 (or 6, or 7 or 8 or 9 even 10!) is consistency. This group has a lot to prove come April, and many fans' hearts and minds to ease as well.

Going into 2008, most Tribe fans would agree that they felt pretty confident with CC Sabathia, Fausto Carmona, Jake Westbrook, and Paul Byrd toeing the rubber four out of every five games . The only question mark surrounded the 5th starters' spot, which turned into a 3 left-armed down between Jeremy Sowers, Cliff Lee and Aaron Laffey in spring training. Injuries to two main offensive weapons (Martinez, Hafner), young players starting off slow (Gutierrez, Cabrera, and Garko) and a bullpen from Hell (insert any 2008 relief pitcher here) and the importance of the guy starting the game with the ball can be quickly negated. Add to that injuries to Carmona and Westbrook and you get a 47-60 record on July 31st and a look forward towards 2009. While 2008 was a season to forget, General Manager Mark Shapiro was able to make some trades to save payroll (traded Byrd to the Red Sox), add minor league depth (traded CC for prospects, and bring in some guys (Reyes) to compete for spots this season. The 2009 version of the rotation will bring many more question marks, but the off season additions to surrounding cast (DeRosa, Wood, Smith) may be able to minimize any struggles the starters may face in the early months of the season. Here are the guys you will see in 2009...

Cliff Lee

Biggest Concern: Can Cliff repeat his dominant Cy Young season of 2008?

While no one expects Lee to win 22 games and post a 2.54 ERA again, he needs to establish early to opposing A.L. teams that he is one of the leagues' best and not a fluke. The key to Cliff's success last season was his ability to minimize walks (only 34 in 223+ innings), get ahead of hitters, and locate his fastball. He was able to do all of this to alarming success and much of it can be attributed to his now-personal catcher Kelly Shoppach. The chemistry between the two resulted in a full-time Lee/Shoppach battery for 2009, a point Manager Eric Wedge has stated numerous times during spring training. While Lee is stilling trying to get some early kinks out of his system, he has never put too much unneeded pressure upon himself in preseason (see 2008). Last season was extraordinary, but don't think that it is the only success Lee has had in the majors as he has amassed a 76-39 career record with a 4.15 ERA. That includes a horrendous 2007 (5-8 6.29 ERA in 20 games) where he was left off of the post season roster. In entering his 6th full season, look for Lee to come down to earth a bit (15-17 wins, ERA in the mid 3's), but be one of the most consistent guys on the mound.

Fausto Carmona

Biggest Concern: Can Fausto regain his 2007 dominance?

Injuries and walks plagued the 2008 season for the young Dominican. Still only 25, the future of the starting staff rests on one Fausto Carmona to be the guy Indians fans unnerved by a swarm of bugs clinging to his face during the 2007 ALDS. After starting the season pretty well (3.10 ERA in 10 starts), Carmona injured his left hip and was never the same. In 22 games, Carmona average walking 5.2 batters per 9 innings, a rate that will get even the best of pitcher into trouble. The main issues he faced was commanding his slider, a pitch that needs to stay down in the zone to be effective. Also, pitching coach Carl Willis found some things in Carmona's delivery that was causing some of the issues. Manager Eric Wedge also has stated that Victor Martinez will be catching the majority of his starts, as Martinez has had much success calling his pitches. Fausto seemed to iron out many of these problems in Winter ball and has pitched quite well in the Spring (2.45 ERA in 11 innings). Look for big number 55 to have some stretches of inconsistency, but overall be more like the pitcher he was during 2007.

Carl Pavano

Biggest Concern: Will the Indians get anything out of this Yankee washout?

General Manager Mark Shapiro and company truly believe that Pavano as healed from all of his ailments and is poised for a bounce back 2009 campaign. I am not so optimistic. He has looked less that average in Spring Training and reports have said that he is topping out at 88-90 MPH on his fastball which does not bode well at all. His 4 season in New York were a complete and utter disaster, and beyond that only had one good year (2004). Pavano's injuries include right rotator cuff tendinitis and pain in humerus, right shoulder tendinitis, right forearm tendinitis, Tommy John surgery, car accident, and dating Alyssa Milano. His whole right arm has seemed to be completely reconstructed. It seems that the Indians are paying this guy actually TOO MUCH in giving him $1.5 million plus incentives for 2009 as he has really proven nothing for 4 seasons: a non-roster invitee if I have ever seen one. Hopefully he can eat some innings and not be a total disaster on the mound at least until the All-Start break when Jake Westbrook is expected to return, but I wouldn't bet on it. The Tribe is probably hoping for mostly 5-6 innings from Pavano, allowing 3-4 runs while staying competitive in the game until they can hand it over to the pen. Look for Pavano to show glimpses of good, but an overall record of bad.

Anthony Reyes

Biggest Concern: Can A-Rey stay healthy enough to maintain the promise of his 2008 performance with the Tribe?

Anthony Reyes jumped into the national spotlight in 2005 where he started game 1 of the World Series in which he went 8 innings, giving up 2 runs and earning a victory. He has been unable to recapture his early glory, as he has amassed a career 4.91 ERA in 59 games. Reyes pitched extremely well in his brief stint with Cleveland, posting a 2-1 record and a 1.83 ERA over six starts. He was eventually shut down in early September with a sore right elbow. The southern California native has pitched well this spring (1 earned run in 7 innings), attributing much of his success to USC pitching coach Tom House. All reports peg the righty as a competitor and fully healed from his prior ailments. Look for Reyes to have a solid 2009 (12-14 wins, ERA low 4's) allowing the Indians to compete in most every game he pitches.

Aaron Laffey

Biggest Concern: Which Laffey will show up in 2009.

This soon-to-be 24 year old pitched pretty well at the end of 2007 (4-2, 4.56 ERA in 9 starts), to gain some confidence heading into 2008. While losing out to Cliff Lee for the 5th starter's spot last year, everyone knew Laffey would be the first guy called upon from Buffalo. When Laffey arrived in Cleveland, he was lights out over his first 6 starts (1.59 ERA) and was named AL Rookie Pitcher of the Month for May where he went 3-2 with a 0.79 ERA in 5 starts. He seemed to have some left arm inflammation and subsequently flamed out the rest of the year posting a 8.37 ERA over his final 5 starts. The Tribe ended up shutting him down for good in September to refocus his attention to 2009. Laffey is a pitcher who relies upon his control and the ability to force batters into hitting ground balls. His spring has been up and down (7.00 ERA in 9 innings) but has looked better as of late and is still displaying confidence in his stuff. Baring a complete meltdown, look for the Maryland native to break camp with the big league club. I look for Aaron Laffey to have a good season in 2009, earning 10-12 wins and solidifying his place in the rotation.

Jeremy Sowers

Biggest Concern: Will he ever pitch like he did in 2006?

This Vanderbilt alum actually was supposed to be a big part of the rotation in 2007, but struggle mightily (6.42 ERA in 13 starts). Sowers is a soft tossing lefty who has never been able to sustain the success he has had in the minors due to his inability to differentiate his fastball from his change-up. Jeremy was a first round pick in 2004 but seems to not be much more than a fifth starter in this organization. Has pitched decently in the Spring (3.00 ERA in 12 innings) and will be a great depth option in Columbus. Sowers is an extremely intelligent ballplayer who still has the potential to be a middle of the rotation guy, but I just don't see it in Cleveland as Willis and company have been unable to help him improve on his flaws. This Ohio native will probably start 10 games for the club and help out the team at some point in 2009.

Scott Lewis

Biggest Concern: Was his 2008 a fluke?

Lewis burst onto the scene in Cleveland last September posting a 2.63 ERA and earning a win in each of his 4 starts. This former Buckeye has had a solid spring and looks to be a pitcher the Indians will count on in the future. The left hander is only 25 years old and will be a top of the rotation guy in Triple A Columbus. Look for Lewis to be called upon sometime in 2009 and be guy looked upon in 2010 as well.

David Huff

Biggest Concern: Will his Minor League success translate into Major League dominance?

The answer to this question will take years to answer, but everything out of camp suggests that Huff is a player to watch in 2009. While technically in contention for the 5th spot in the rotation, the left hander is not currently on the 40 man roster and has only appeared in 4 Cactus league innings, so he will mostly likely start off as a Clipper. Huff was the Minor League pitcher of the year for the Indians Organization in 2008, posting a combined 11-5 record with a 2.52 ERA. He is able to locate his fastball (clocked as high as 94 MPH) and walk few batters. Look for this former UCLA Bruin to make an impact on the big league team after the All-Star break.

Zach Jackson

Biggest Concern: Is this guy a starter or a reliever?
Zach Attack is the longest shot to make the rotation out of spring, but the lefty's versatility will come in handy. Jackson started 9 games in 2008 for the Tribe after being acquired as part of the CC Sabathia deal. His solid spring (4.35 ERA in 10 innings) has earned him an outside chance at making the club as a left handed long reliever right out of spring, so I don't believe he will be starting too many games with the big league club. He does have an option, so Jackson will be up with the big league club at some point in 2009. Look for Zach to be part of the rotation in Columbus and become a solid contributor to the ball club.

Jake Westbrook

Biggest Concern: Will Jake add anything to the Indians in 2009.

Westbrook's 2008 season ended after 5 starts, having to undergo Tommy John surgery and hip surgery in 2008. Jake has been a solid member of the Indians organization for 8 seasons now, posting a 63-62 record with a 4.25 ERA, resulting in a 3 year 30 million dollar contract through 2010. Westbrook recently pitched off of the mound down in Spring Training, leaving the Indians optimistic for his return sometime after the All-Star break. It normally takes a pitcher a full year and a half to recover from the reconstructive surgery, so look for Jake to add a few quality starts in August and September, aiding in a hopeful playoff run.

Seems to be quite a bit more questions than answers circling the Cleveland Indians rotation this season. With a division there for the taking, the Tribe's starting staff will be the biggest key for a potential return to October baseball

Meet the Tribe... Pitching Edition

Every year I watch spring training and end up seeing numbers in the 60's and 70's donning the uniforms of my favorite ball club, the Cleveland Indians and have no clue who they are. This year I have put an end to that as the following article has the names and numbers (with a brief commentary) of all 59 players invited to Goodyear, Arizona this Cactus season. Some will be huge contributors, others will be inevidably cut by the second week of March. Just print a copy off, tune into STO on February 25th, and start dreaming of another odd year playoff appearance. Today will focus on the Pitchers, and Sunday will focus on the position players.

Pitchers

63 Rafael Betancourt Raffy right's 2009 season is a big one for both the Tribe and him. Will he repeat his disappointing 2008 or rekindle the his magical 2007 campaign? Bet on somewhere in the middle to be true. Imagine Indians brass is betting on him not pitching in the WBC (Venezuela) and focusing on spotting his fastball. 2010 is a club option so Raffy will need to prove to the Indians he is back. Hopefully 2008 was more of an abberation than an impending decline.
Interesting Tid Bit... Victor Martinez is the Godfather to his Betancourt's son.
55 Fausto Carmona Can Fausto cut down his walks and baffle A.L. hitters with his wicked slider? The Indians are leaning heavily on Carmona to help stabilize the 2 slot in the rotation. If his walks are down, his consistancy will return. Showed toughness and grit while pounding Gary Sheffield's face in late September game against Detroit. Just turned 25 in December.
Interesting Tid Bit... Fausto favorite movie? Major League 2.
57 Zach Jackson Zach has an outside shot at the roster as either a 5th starter or 7th man out of the pen. More likely headed to the Columbus rotation. One of four players acquired from Milwaukee in CC trade.
Interesting Tid Bit... Jackson's last two starts of 2008 were impressive, earning wins against eventual A.L. playoff participants Boston and Chicago (13 innings, 4 earned runs, 8 K's).
30 Masahide Kobayashi Kobayashi has a lot to prove in 2009 after pitching inconsistant the second half of last season. Club feels that Kobayashi wore down and only allowed him to throw in 3 games in September, eventually shutting him down after September 13th.
Intersting Tid Bit... Cousin to world renown Hot Dog eating champion Kobayashi. (no, not really).
32 Aaron Laffey Was A.L. Rookie Pitcher of the Month for May, developed some elbow trouble, and was eventually shut down for the season. Leading candidate to be teams' 5th starter. Lived in Cleveland during off season to refocus and train for 2009. Tribe brass still high on him as he lefty is just turning 24 in April and despite struggles posted a 4.23 ERA in 16 starts.
Interesting Tid Bit... Loves listening to 2Pac.
31 Cliff Lee What can you say about ole Clifton? 2008 Cy Young winner, All-Star starter, 22 game winner. If he is anywhere close to the pitcher he was last year, losing CC will be much easier to deal with. Mind Boggling 2.54 ERA with 170 K's. Ace of the staff.
Interesting Tid Bit...Lee's middle name is Phifer.
50 Jensen Lewis Was 13-13 in save opportunities as Tribe's de facto closer. Stuggled with velocity early on in 2008, but rebounded quite well posting a 1.59 era over his last 10 outings. Lewis will be relied upon as a 7th and 8th inning guy with having the potential to fill in at closer if Kerry Wood needs a day off or is placed on the Disabled List.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was college teammate to fellow Tribe pitcher Jeremy Sowers.
46 Scott Lewis This Ohio State Alum has an outside shot at the 5th slot in the rotation, more likely headed back home to Columbus. Won all 4 starts he made for the Indians in September, posting a 2.63 ERA. Threw a shutout in his Major League Debut.
Interesting Tid Bit... Majored in Sociology at THE Ohio State University.
59 John Meloan Right hander acquired from the Dodgers in the Casey Blake trade. Pegged as a late inning option in Triple A. Throws fastball in mid 90's, will be one of the first call ups if bullpen struggles.
Interesting Tid Bit... K'd 2 in his 2 games pitched last season in the majors with the Indians.
72 Adam Miller The eternal prospect who only just turned 24 in November. Fastball in upper 90's, but can't stay healthy. Reportedly 100% (we'll see) as his finger problems are apparently behind him. Has been moved to the bullpen to try and keep him on the field for an extended time. Outside shot at making the team as the 7th option out of the pen. May still be a starter again someday.
Interesting Tid Bit... Enjoys meat sandwiches.
49 Edward Mujica Posted a 6.75 ERA over 33 games, but actually went through a 10 inning scoreless streak, which means when he is bad, he is God awful. Out of options so has a shot at making the bullpen. More likely sent packing after lighting the Arizona sky with Rawlings products.
Interesting Tid Bit... Resides in Yagua, Venezuela. Hope he stays there come February 12th.
44 Carl Pavano Was blasted mercilessly and basically compared to a part of the female anatomy in Joe Torre's book. Dated Alyssa Milano. Pitched really crappy over his four years in New York. Indians hoping he can regain his 2004 form (big stretch) and be the teams' 3rd starter.
Interesting Tid Bit... May be arrested in June 2009 for stealing $1.5 million from Cleveland and its fans.
53 Rafael Perez Pitched solid in 2008, will probably be the only Lefty out of the pen. Likely main set up guy looking to continue his consistantcy. Posted a 3.54 ERA over 76 plus innings. An unsung contributor.
Interesting Tid Bit... Turns 27 in May.
27 Anthony Reyes Out of options, has inside track at 4th slot in the rotation. Put together 5 solid starts (2-1, 1.83 ERA in 34 plus innings) for the Tribe before being shut down September 5th as a precausion. Former top prospect for St. Louis needs to stay healthy to ever be counted on.
Interesting Tid Bit... Lost 10 straight games to start 2007 season.
75 Hector Rondon Soon to be 21 year old ticketed as ace of the Akron staff. Went 11-6 at Single A Kinston and rated as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America. Fastball clocked in the mid 90's.
Interesting Tid Bit... Played in the 2007 Futures game for the World Team during All-Star weekend.
56 Rich Rundles 6'5 Lefty gave up only one run over 5 innings of work over 8 games last September for the Tribe. Primarily a matchup lefty who is a great bullpen depth option who will probably start the season in Columbus. Will definitely see time in the Big Leagues in 2009.
Interesting Tid Bit... Throws side-arm.
70 Tony Sipp The off injured Sipp looks to rebound from Tommy John surgery. Looking to round out an impressive Columbus bullpen. Left hander experienced more arm pain in Winter Ball so the team is being cautiously optimistic in his return.
Interesting Tid Bit... Sports a career 2.74 ERA in the minors.
38 Joe Smith Acquired in December from the Mets as part of the 3 team deal involving Franklin Gutierrez. Sidearmer posted a 2.57 era over his last 10 games while New York was in the playoff hunt. Righties batted .192 against him. Virtual lock to make club as a matchup guy out of the pen.
Interesting Tid Bit... Grandparents live in Bay Village, Ohio.
45 Jeremy Sowers Jeremy's 2008 campaign was a roller coaster of a season that went primarily down, posting 4 wins in 22 starts with an ERA above 5. In the mix for the 5th slot, but pretty much a depth option. Former #1 pick has been unable to his 2006 form when he won 7 games and posted a 3.57 ERA. His velocity is up, but the difference between his fastball and changeup is to low (5mph) to be consistantly effective against major league hitters.
Interesting Tid Bit... Favorite music is New Wave and 80's. or loves the band AH-HA.
37 Jake Westbrook Jake signed a 3-year 30 million dollar contract in 2007 and subsequently needed Tommy John surgery causing Tribe fans to utter the phrase "only in Cleveland." Will try to make it back after the All-Star break to contrinbute to a hopeful playoff run. Westbrook is a hard worker and will be back to his regular form by 2010.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was traded to the Indians back in 2000 from the Yankees as part of the David Justice deal along with Zach Day and Ricky Ledee.
34 Kerry Wood Signed a 2 year, $20.5 million dollar deal with a $11 million vesting option in 2011. Saved 34 of 40 games for division winning Cubs. Tribe hopeful long history of arm troubles stay away. First fire baller to close for the Indians since John Rocker.
Interesting Tid Bit... Struck out 20 batters in one game in 1998.

Non Roster Invites
36 Greg Aquino posted a 2.45 ERA in 23 innings for Triple A Norfolk in 2008. Had 12.54 ERA in 9 games as an Oriole. Started season on 25-man roster.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was originally an infielder.
58 Jack Cassel 28 year righty pitched in 9 games for the Astros, posting a 5.64 ERA. Triple A bullpen option.
Interesting Tid Bit... Brother is New England Patriots QB Matt Cassel. Seriously!
39 Vinnie Chulk In the mix (longshot) for last bullpen spot. Posted a 4.83 ERA in 27 games for the Giants. Never was recalled after being sent to the minors in June, pitched adequately in Triple A Fresno, with a 3.65 ERA over 24 plus innings. Major contributor to SF bullpen in 2007 where he pitched in 57 games, going 5-4 with a 3.57 ERA.
Interesting Tid Bit... Has a degree in sports management.
64 Ryan Edell Lefty posted a 7-8 record with a 3.80 ERA over 26 starts in Double A Akron in 2008. Has excellent arm control meaning he slots the arm angle on his pitches mostly the same. Not much of a power pitcher as he throws in the low 90's. Likely an eventual bullpen candidate as a long man in Columbus.
Interesting Tid Bit... Likes eating Hamburgers.
40 Matt Herges 38 year old pitched in 58 games for Colorado in 2008, going 3-4 with a 5.04 ERA. Has appeared in 537 games over his 12 major league career for the Dodgers, Expos, Padres, Giants, Diamondbacks, Marlins and Rockies. First try at the A.L. Long shot to make bullpen, but may give Triple A a try. Threw 3 shutout innings in 2007 World Series.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was named in the Mitchell Report for taking Performance Inhancing Drugs.
69 David Huff 2008 Indians Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Lefty was 1st round pick out of UCLA in 2006. Real shot at rotation out of Spring Training, will definitely be first call up if doesn't break camp with the big league club. Demonstrates outstanding control as he only walked 29 batters in 26 minor league starts in 2008. Compiled a 5-1 record with a 1.92 ERA in Akron over 11 games. Went 6-4 with a 3.01 ERA in Buffalo over 16 starts. A Strike Trower who has a solid velocity (94mph fastball).
Interesting Tid Bit... Favorite player growing up was Tom Glavine.
16 Tomo Ohka Triple A Starting Pitching Depth Option. Has career 50-62 record in the big leagues. Went 5-11 with a 4.18 ERA in Triple A Charlotte in 2008 (White Sox affiliate).
Interesting Tid Bit... Mentioned in 2003 episode of The Simpsons.
54 Kirk Saarloos Spent most of 2008 season in Triple A Sacramento for Oakland as a starter, posting a 9-4 record and 4.22 ERA in 22 starts. Should make the rotation in Columbus.
Interesting Tid Bit... Career Record is 29-30 with a 5.02 ERA.

Special thanks to Tony Lastoria's book "2009 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects" for his analysis on Tribe minor leaguers. You can purchase his book at his site http://www.indiansprospectinsider.com/. Phenominal Tribe Resource!