Huff and Sowers, the youngest at 24 and 25, respectively, are next in line for a promotion although a continued slow start for the Tribe means whoever looks best at the moment could get the call.

Of those two, Huff is seen as a power pitcher. Right-hander Hector Rondon is the rising prospect at double-A Akron.

\ Offense

This team will score runs.

Outfielders Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley, acquired from Milwaukee in last summer's CC Sabathia trade, already have demonstrated their offensive capabilities.

LaPorta is a budding middle-of-the-order power hitter, while Brantley is showing the patience and speed to lead off at the next level.

Second baseman Luis Valbuena, a contact hitter with speed, has settled into the two-hole behind Brantley. Third baseman Wes Hodges is another young power bat.

Michael Aubrey and Jordan Brown, gap hitters off to good starts at the plate, have been sharing first base and designated-hitter duties.

Catcher Chris Gimenez is off to a slow start offensively. The organization's top prospect, catcher Carlos Santana, is off to a strong start at Akron.

\ Defense

Wet, cold conditions have contributed to some sloppy defensive moments in the early going.

Even so, Brantley is fluid and has shown good range in center field. Valbuena has been outstanding at second base. He and shortstop Wilson Valdez could develop into a solid double-play combination.

LaPorta also has looked at home in either left field or right field.

Recently optioned Josh Barfield is going to play some second base, so Valbuena will get looks at shortstop and third base.

Several players, such as Brown, Andy Marte, Gimenez and Stephen Head, are being asked to play more than one position. That kind of versatility is valuable at the next level but not easy to master.

\ Relief pitching

The bullpen is rounding into shape quickly, with Greg Aquino settling into the closer's role.

Aquino, Jon Meloan and lefty Tony Sipp offer power looks for manager Torey Lovullo. Matt Herges, 39, has 364 major-league games on his resume and is insurance for the Indians .

The Tribe also is watching Sipp closely. Lefty Rich Rundles, a sidewinder already tough on left-handed hitters, is charged by player development with showing that he can get right-handers out. Another lefty, Ryan Edell, is the new kid on the block.

\ Leadership

Lovullo, pitching coach Scott Radinsky and hitting coach Jon Nunnally have an open-door policy for players that is excellent for communication and coaching.

Veterans such as Herges and Saarloos are worth their weight in gold in what they can offer young pitchers. Seeing a professional hitter like Aubrey go about his business also is valuable. \

jmassie@dispatch.com