The Tribe held a fire sale last season by unloading several key veterans as Victor Martinez, Cliff Lee, Carl Pavano, Mark DeRosa, and Ben Francisco were all dealt in mid-season deals that left Indians fans wondering who was left.
Fantasy owners are wondering the same thing going into this season, but if you look hard enough, you will find that there is still plenty of fantasy talent on the Indians that will impact your league this season.
Grady Sizemore (OF)
Sizemore had a hugely disappointing 2009 season by batting a feeble .248 with 13 home runs and 13 stolen bases. Up until last season, Sizemore had been remarkably consistent and propelled himself to the top of most preseason outfield ranking sheets. Grady suffered from lingering groin and wrist injuries throughout the entire season, which can explain the deflated numbers. So what should we expect this season? It is safe to expect a small bounce back from Sizemore. He will no longer be the first round talent that he was before last season, but it is reasonable to think that he will be back around 25 stolen bases, 25 home runs, and 100 runs.
Shin-Soo Choo (OF)
The Soo Choo train went full steam ahead last season after landing the starting job in the outfield. Choo is one of those players like Bobby Abreu that doesn't excel at anything but does everything well. This makes Choo very valuable, especially in roto leagues. Last season Choo batted .300 with 20 home runs, 21 stolen bases, 86 RBIs, and 87 runs. Very solid. Choo is now on everyone's radar however and is still not in the top tier of outfielders, but be confident in selecting him as your second outfielder.
Carlos Santana (C)
The depth chart on the official Indians website lists four catchers, and Santana is not one of them. However, he is clearly someone to keep an eye on this season. The Indians parted ways with both Victor Martinez and Kelly Shoppach in order to make room for their top catching prospect. Santana lit up AA last season by hitting .290 with 23 home runs and 97 RBIs in only 130 games. If the Indians see more of the same from Santana early this season, expect him to be their starting catcher by June. Santana could provide some pop at a position that has limited options. Assuming he doesn't make the opening day roster, keep Santana's progress on your radar and claim him if he gets called up.
Draft Order:
- Grady Sizemore (OF) - Look for Sizemore to bounce back now that he has had an offseason to heal.
- Shin-Soo Choo (OF) - Choo can simply do it all.
- Russell Branyan (1B) - He is out to prove that last season was not a fluke.
- Asdrubal Cabrera (SS) - A low end option at shortstop.
- Kerry Wood (RP) - Draft him in late rounds if you are desperate for more saves.
- Jhonny Peralta (3B/SS) - A move to 3B does not help his fantasy value.
- Matt LaPorta (OF/1B) - Hopefully this will be the year that we can see what he can do.
- Travis Hafner (DH) - Time is running out on Hafner's comeback.
- Michael Brantley (OF) - Stole 46 bases at AAA last season. Watch him deeper roto leagues.
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