The Cleveland Indians are looking to build on the experience that was the 2007 season. With a strong pitching staff, the Tribe can once again make the playoffs.

Depending on whom you ask, the Cleveland Indians had a highly successful 2007 season. On one hand, the Indians won 96 games, won a division title for the first time since 2001, and advanced to the seventh game of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. However, the Indians blew a 3-1 game lead, one game away from the World Series, and were left to contemplate the epic meltdown during the offseason.

But this is not a team that makes excuses and dwells on the past. Despite making only minor moves during the offseason, the Indians are entering the 2008 season with a fresh attitude and determination to challenge what will most likely be the Detroit Tigers for the division title. Additionally, these minor moves have not hurt the Tribe’s chances as contenders, as the young core has remained intact for anther season.

There is a great chance that the Cleveland Indians can make the playoffs in 2008, but the path will undoubtedly be tougher this season. They are now the targeted team and, like everyone else, they are only a few injuries or slumps away from losing what should be a close race to the finish. General Manager Mark Shapiro has built a young, talented team that has already had a taste of the postseason. Look for them to build on that experience, learn from their mistakes, and get ready to make another run at the World Series.

Key Acquisitions

The only major addition to the team was Masahide Kobayashi, a pitcher for the Seibu Lions of the JPL. He was signed to a two-year, $6.25 million deal with a club option for a third. Numerous teams have dipped into the Japanese leagues to obtain new talent, and the Indians are no exception. This may seem like an insignificant move, but Kobayashi adds more depth to an already-strong bullpen. He will most likely pitch in the sixth and seventh innings, in front of superstar setup man Rafael Betancourt and closer Joe Borowski.

Key Departures

There were no departures that were truly worth noting, unless Trot Nixon was considered a major loss to the outfield. However, the potential for a major loss will loom over the entire season, as it will be difficult for the contract talks with C.C. Sabathia to end in the Indians’ favor. The ace of the rotation could be seeking well over $100 million (Johan Santana money) and it is well-known that the Tribe simply cannot afford that. The only way he stays in Cleveland is if he is willing to take a smaller offer.

Pitching Outlook

This is easily the strongest aspect of the team and will be the key to the Indians’ success in defending their division title. The rotation can go about seven or eight men deep, with C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona (2007: 19-8, 3.06 ERA, 137 strikeouts in 215 IP) locking up the top two spots. Filling out the rest of the rotation will be Paul Byrd (depending on his status with MLB after his admitted HGH use), Jake Westbrook, and either Cliff Lee, Aaron Laffey, or Jeremy Sowers. Those three – Lee, Laffey, and Sowers – are competing for the fifth and final spot in the rotation, a competition that should last the right up until the last days of Spring Training.

Judging by the potential strengths of the bullpen and the rotation, the Indians should have a real chance to battle the Detroit Tigers. The obvious counter to a high-powered offense is a top-line pitching staff, and it is something the Indians have worked hard to develop. The biggest question looms with Joe Borowski, as Cleveland fans will once again be forced to deal with his heart-stopping antics in the ninth inning. Despite his 5.07 ERA and .289 opponent’s batting average, he managed to notch 45 saves.

Offensive Outlook

The success of the lineup hinges on Travis Hafner’s ability to come back from a lackluster year, at least from his standards. In 2007, he hit 27 home runs and drove in 100 RBI, but his .266 BA was particularly disappointing. He was unable to adapt to the shift teams put on him, loading up on the right side of the field. What resulted was a lot more hard-hit outs than doubles in the gap or seeing-eye singles. If Hafner can return to his 2006 form, it will be as if the Indians picked up a hitter in the offseason without having to do a thing.

At least Grady Sizemore and Victor Martinez will be there to pick up the slack. Although Grady appeared to “regress” at the plate, he was still able to bat .277, hit 24 home runs, and drive in 78 runs, all while hitting atop the leadoff spot. Not to mention he hit 34 doubles and stole 33 bases. He’s an all-around superb talent (both offensively and defensively), and he is still only 24 years old. On the other hand, Victor Martinez reported to camp in the best shape of his life, ready for another grueling year behind the plate.

The potential lineup reads something like this:

CF Grady Sizemore

2B Asdrubal Cabrera

DH Travis Hafner

C Victor Martinez

1B Ryan Garko

SS Jhonny Peralta

LF David Dellucci / Jason Michaels

RF Franklin Gutierrez

3B Casey Blake

By no means is this going to be set in stone. The second position and the bottom third of the lineup are all subject to change as anyone in those four spots can hit in multiple spots.

Prediction

Growing from last season, the team with some of the youngest position players in Major League Baseball will continue to improve. The risk for sophomore slumps (Cabrera, Carmona, Garko) are there, but these players are too good to stay down for long. Thanks to the pitching staff, the Tribe will be able to hang with the Tigers all summer long, making for what should be a classic battle between two solid teams.

However, the Tigers’ pitching staff has a number of questions beyond Justin Verlander, and it could ultimately be their downfall. A great offense can only carry a team so far, and, depending on what Travis Hafner can bring to the table, the Indians do have the ability to match the Motown Kitties offensively.

A stronger pitching staff will lead the Indians to a Wild Card berth at the very least. But Travis Hafner rebounds, has a solid year, and helps lead the Tribe to another division title.

The Season: 94-68 (1st place)