- 1. Justin Masterson will be an All-Star. Masterson struggled in 2012 when many expected him to take a major step in his development as a starting pitcher. His 11-15 record combined with 4.93 ERA was a disappointment in a season (age 27) where many players break out. No worries here, however. Masterson is only in his third season as a full time starter. Offseason offensive upgrades will assure he will not have to try to be too perfect as a result of an anemic offense as was the case last season. He is also re-united with Terry Francona, his manager from 2008-2009 while with the Boston Red Sox. Francona is known as a player’s manager and will be comfortable giving the ball to his ace every fifth day and letting him pitch.
- 2. Chris Perez will lead the American League in saves. Perez finished fourth in the A.L. in saves with 39 in 2012. This was behind a team that had a historically bad second half and finished thirteenth in the AL in runs scored. Perez was hardly blame-free as he imploded on and off the mound at times last season, which led to rumors of him being traded this offseason. With all that allegedly behind him and a much improved offense, he will roll as the Tribe does in 2013.
- 3. One way or the other, Asdrubal Cabrera will be traded. Cabrera, like Perez, was the frequent subject of trade talks this winter. Cabrera has made some spectacular plays the last few seasons, but tends to make routine plays look difficult. His hot-and-cold hitting and fitness issues as the season wears on have irritated Tribe brass to the point where they signed Mike Aviles who played well in 128 games at shortstop last season for Boston. If nothing else, Aviles can hold the spot until prospect Francisco Lindor is ready.
- 4. Ubaldo Jimenez will be pitching out of the bullpen by seasons end. The Tribe acquired Jimenez in a blockbuster deal with Colorado prior to the 2011 trade deadline. It is an understatement to say the deal has not worked out for either team. Jimenez lost 17 games last year and has shown no signs of returning to the form that made him an All-Star in 2010. The Indians finally have pitching depth and could lose patience with Jimenez and his inconsistencies, especially if they are contending. He is out of options and is owed $5.75 million in 2013.
- 5. The Indians will be playoff contenders all season long. With the addition of a second wild card team effective last year, pretenders became contenders (Baltimore, Oakland) in an already stacked American League. With offseason additions shoring up the management/coaching staff, offense and adding pitching depth, the Indians put themselves right in the hunt. It is doubtful they can hang with the Detroit Tigers all year but they have no reason not to be in the thick of the wild card race come end of summer.
