[chsbletz]

As an Indians' fan, I am very satisfied with the deals that General Manager Mark Shapiro has put together to improve the team's roster thus far this hot stove league season. By far the best acquistion, in my opinion, was the trade for Josh Barfield, the new second baseman. His presence will tighten up the infield play, which was anything but excellent last season. Not only that, but he is likely to be an excellent professional hitter, once he get used to American League pitching. The bullpen was significantly solidified as well, what with Borowski, Foulke, Hernandez, and Fultz having been added. When that group is added to the best of the returning relievers from last season, the Indians should be much more capable in the 'pen. The only position that wasn't upgraded is catcher. I have my doubts about Victor Martinez as an everyday catcher, because he is, at best, average defensively. Kelly Shoppach is reasonably solid defensively, but it's unlikely that he'll hit extremely well. If Andy Marte begins to fulfill his offensive promise this year, the Indians should be a contender, at least at the divisional level.

[MVB]

I'm very impressed with what the Indians did to their bullpen, but was somewhat disappointed that they didn't work on their starting rotation. But other than in that area, Cleveland's done well. I think they may be contenders, but will probably come in second to the Twins next year. I doubt the Tigers will be as lucky (that's all they were in '06) next season, and the White Sox haven't done much to improve their third place team. It'll be an interesting division to watch...

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by MVB

I'm very impressed with what the Indians did to their bullpen, but was somewhat disappointed that they didn't work on their starting rotation. But other than in that area, Cleveland's done well. I think they may be contenders, but will probably come in second to the Twins next year. I doubt the Tigers will be as lucky (that's all they were in '06) next season, and the White Sox haven't done much to improve their third place team. It'll be an interesting division to watch...

They are still in the running for Mulder....unless he signed the last couple days while I have been at work. I don't get to keep track on days I work. They have Westbrook, Lee, and Sowers. That will be a pretty good rotation. They also have a few AAA players that are ready to come up. I think SP is going to be OK. They did do a good job reloading the pen if a few of the names they got are coming back healthy. It could blow up on them if they get injured again.

[azrael492]

The only position that wasn't upgraded is catcher. I have my doubts about Victor Martinez as an everyday catcher, because he is, at best, average defensively. Kelly Shoppach is reasonably solid defensively, but it's unlikely that he'll hit extremely well.

I don't think they should have gotten another catcher. There is no better hitting catcher in the majors that I know. He may let a few runners steal a base, but over a season, he will make up for it with his bat.

[chsbletz]

Originally Posted by azrael492

They are still in the running for Mulder....unless he signed the last couple days while I have been at work. I don't get to keep track on days I work. They have Westbrook, Lee, and Sowers. That will be a pretty good rotation. They also have a few AAA players that are ready to come up. I think SP is going to be OK. They did do a good job reloading the pen if a few of the names they got are coming back healthy. It could blow up on them if they get injured again.

You neglected to mention C.C. Sabathia and Paul Byrd in the starting rotation. Byrd won't be much better than a .500 pitcher, but Sabathia should definitely be on the plus side by at least five to seven games.
I think of catcher as being primarily a defensive position. The hitting that comes from that position is of secondary importance. The Indians, in my opinion, have painted themselves into a corner by becoming dependent on Martinez's hitting. Now, they can't easily replace his offensive production.