Indians face rebuilding season as 2011 opens at Progressive Field
Cleveland starts with the youngest MLB roster facing veteran clubs in Minnesota Chicago and Detroit. The Indians carry a sub 61 million payroll and rely on players returning from injuries and others unproven at big league pitching. A fourth place finish in a three team Central division is predicted as the season begins.
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Cleveland
Progressive Field
Indians
Minnesota
Chicago
Detroit
Central
Orlando Cabrera
Chad Durbin
Austin Kearns
Kansas City
Ada
Santana
Carrasco
Tomlin
Michael Brantley
Matt LaPorta
CC Sabathia
Chris Antonetti
Brantley
San Fran
Giants
Indians eye surprise run as Cabrera leads youth
Cleveland faces tough odds with a thin rotation and unproven bullpen led by Chris Perez. Orlando Cabrera brings leadership while Shin-Soo Choo and Carlos Santana anchor a potentially productive offense. If health and development align, the Indians aim to contend rather than rebuild.
Tribe optimism hinges on many things for 2011 season
Chris Assenheim analyzes the Indians season prospects noting that many elements must align for a playoff push. He highlights Shin-Soo Choo as elite and Grady Sizemore returning, Cabrera’s defense, a strong closer in Chris Perez, Carmona reborn as a true No 1, Sizemore’s return from injury, Hafner’s power resurgence, Santana’s blossoming bat, and a revamped rotation led by Talbot Tomlin Carrasco.
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Chris Perez
Cleveland
Shin-Soo Choo
Choo
Carlos Santana
Travis Hafner
Grady Sizemore
Asdrubal Cabrera
Santana
Hafner
Cabrera
Sizemore
Orlando
Ada
Grady
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