94 Days to Catchers

I mean, let’s be realistic.  Outside of Kerry Wood, the Indians don’t have much they can count on from the mound (at least, in a positive way).  After arbitration, the Indians will have about $60-65 million committed for the 2010 season.  Their biggest needs will be pitching, pitching, experience and pitching.  The bullpen is pretty much set, but no one knows what kind of performance you’re going to get.

The rotation needs immediate attention.  Fortunately, GM Mark Shapiro has seen fit to make room for 5 players on the 40-man roster.  Here’s the five players I think they should sign, in order of importance, and why.

Erik Bedard – Great player to take a chance on.  He’s coming off shoulder surgery and, as a free agent, won’t get a lot of offers.  Give him an incentive-laden contract with an option for 2011.  If he pans out, he’s your #1 starter.  If not, he’s no worse than what you would have trotted out there anyway.

Orlando Hudson – This where the Indians should be placing their investment seed this winter.  While he’s gained the reputation recently for getting nicked up during the season, there’s no denying his incredible defensive prowess.  Throw in a .282 career batting average and you’ve got yourself an every day #2 hitter.  Alternate here would be Omar Infante or Ronnie Belliard.

Brett Tomko – The caveat here is his price tag.  He quietly had a very good 2009, albeit in 57 innings for (mostly) Oakland. With a rotation of mostly question marks, a good swingman is never a bad thing to have handy.  Two might even be better for this club.

Xavier Nady – Doesn’t have a starting spot in the outfield, but what a great bench player.  He can mash lefties and DH for Pronk.  He can cover 1B while LaPorta recovers and he can show the rook the ropes too.  If neither of the youngsters in left are worthwhile, Nady is an option there.  If the price tag on Nady is too high (can’t imagine why it would be), Kevin Millar, Austin Kearns and Fernando Tatis would all be options here.

Mark Hendrickson – Lefty is usually great in April until the bats catch up to him by Cinqo de Mayo.  Throw him in the pen and let him teach Rafael Perez consistency.  Alternate lefty: Scott Schoeneweiss.

As free agency unfolds this winter, I reserve the right to adjust these suggestions accordingly.

Go forth, Indians, and multiply!

Tags: free agent, Off-season, pitching