As the Indians look ahead to their infield configuration for 2009, they know who their personnel will be in at least two cases, but they aren't exactly sure where those infielders will be playing.
Only two players have spots guaranteed in the infield next season, Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera. However, neither player knows yet which position he will be playing. Those two questions probably won't be answered until the Indians are done doing their offseason business. This much seems certain: Peralta will be the Opening Day starter at shortstop or third base, and Cabrera will be the Opening Day starter at second base or shortstop.
In other words, the Indians are looking to add an infielder, and they aren't really particular whether that infielder is a second baseman or a third baseman.
If it's a second baseman, then Peralta would move to third and Cabrera to short. If it's a third baseman, then Peralta would remain at short and Cabrera would remain at second.
All of that is bad news for second baseman Josh Barfield and third baseman Andy Marte. Both of those players seem to have fallen out of the club's plans for the future, and, in fact, both players are very available, if any potential trade partners are interested.
The Indians are seeking offensive upgrades in whatever infielder they add, and they seem willing to acquire that infielder either through trade or the free agent market.
