One of the developing subplots to be watched as the Indians begin spring training is the potential conversion of Victor Martinez from catcher to first baseman. It isn't expected to happen definitively this spring, but for the first time Indians officials are now acknowledging the likelihood of an eventual position switch for the all-star catcher.
At the very least, Martinez seems destined to play more first base in 2009 than at any previous time in his career. That development has been hastened by Kelly Shoppach's breakout year in 2008, when he stepped in more than capably for the injured Martinez. Shoppach in 2008 led all American League catchers in home runs with 21, and his 55 RBIs ranked fourth among AL catchers. Shoppach's numbers, which also included a .517 slugging percentage, came in 352 at-bats while he filled in for Martinez, who missed most of the season with hamstring and elbow injuries.
With Shoppach having shown he can be a productive everyday catcher at the major league level, Indians officials have become more open to the notion of having Martinez start more games at first base in 2009, in order to get Shoppach's bat, and glove, into the lineup more often.
Moreover, with Shoppach ready for an increased role on the major league roster this year and with highly regarded Carlos Santana, the club's catcher of the future, expected to start the season at Class AA and perhaps less than two years from being major league-ready, the time seems right for Martinez to move toward the next phase of his career, as a first baseman.
At the very least, Shoppach in 2009 will get more than just a backup catcher's typical allotment of at bats. He will likely be a semi-regular, with Martinez playing first base on days he doesn't catch. That will be the prelude to a full-time move to first base by Martinez, which now seems more a question not of "if" but rather "when."
WHERE, WHEN: Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear, Ariz. First exhibition game is Feb. 25 against San Francisco.
TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: RHP Carl Pavano's reputation took a beating in his four years as a member of the Yankees. After he signed a four-year, $39.5 million contract as a free agent, a series of injuries limited him to an average of fewer than seven starts per season, he went a cumulative 9-8 in those four seasons in New York. Pavano signed a one-year deal with the Indians and hopes to rebuild his reputation and re-establish his market value. Nobody on the Indians roster has more of an incentive to have a big year in 2009.
TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: DH Travis Hafner hasn't hit over .300 or reached 25 home runs in three years. He missed most of last year because of a shoulder injury that required offseason surgery. He will turn 32 in June. There is no shortage of reasons why it seems possible that Hafner's best years are behind him.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Eric Wedge is 496-476 in his six years with the Indians. He ranks fifth on the club's all-time list for wins by a manager. The only change on Wedge's coaching staff this year is Chuck Hernandez, replacing Luis Isaac as the bullpen coach.
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