The Indians have question marks at third base, left field and the entire bullpen. The starting rotation needs bolstering with the acquisition of a veteran, and the bullpen needs a total makeover.
BIGGEST NEEDS: Acquiring a closer is probably the club's No. 1 priority. RHP Jensen Lewis performed well in that role over the last six weeks of the season, but it would give the bullpen increased depth if Lewis could move into a setup role in front of a veteran closer. Third base is another need, although that could be filled internally with the move of SS Jhonny Peralta to third. A corner-outfield bat and a middle-of-the-rotation starter would also help. FREE AGENTS: RHP Brendan Donnelly, RHP Scott Elarton, C Sal Fasano, RHP Juan Rincon.
There is no sense of urgency for the club to re-sign any of its free agents. Donnelly might be the one the Indians would be most interested in keeping, but he also might be the one to draw the most interest from other clubs.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: C Kelly Shoppach, RHP Anthony Reyes.
Shoppach had a breakout season, hitting 21 home runs while filling in for injured starter Victor Martinez. The Indians frequently offer multi-year deals to valued arbitration-eligible players, but it remains to be seen if they'd give a multi-year deal to a backup catcher. Reyes was impressive in a second-half trial in the rotation, but he finished the season with a sore elbow. The Indians haven't gone to salary arbitration with a player since 1991.
IN LIMBO: OF David Dellucci, 3B Andy Marte, RHP Bryan Bullington.
Dellucci will be in the final year of a three-year, $11.5 million contract that will pay him $4 million next year. The Indians have gotten next to nothing out of Dellucci in the first two years of the deal and would undoubtedly love to find a taker for him in a trade. Failing that, he might even be a candidate to be released coming out of spring training. Marte was once a big-time prospect but showed nothing offensively in extensive playing time in the second half. He is a candidate to be non-tendered. Bullington might be invited to camp as a non-roster player with a chance to win a spot in the bullpen.
MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Jake Westbrook will be out until at least midseason next year as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
