Fans are looking forward to the 2013 Indians Campaign

By:  Stephen Parsons

Cleveland Indians management has responded to the Cleveland fans this offseason and in a huge way.  Let’s start with the hiring of a high profile manager, Terry Francona.  He led the Red Sox to the World Series Championship in both the 2004 and 2007 seasons.  Indians fans remember the 2nd championship because it was against the Cleveland Indians in the ALCS where the Red Sox came back from a 3-1 deficit to move on and beat the Colorado Rockies for the World Series Crown.  2007 is a year that seems so long ago, it was also the last time the Indians made the post season and have not had a winning season since.

Francona brings instant credibility to the Tribe.  It has had a different feel this off season   Some of the notable signings include Mark Reynolds, a right handed hitting first baseman with power.  Going the complete opposite route this year, Casey Kotchman, who played 1st last year was defensive specialist.  The Indians are looking for more production from that position.  Reynolds has averaged 34 home runs and 85 runs batted in over the past 4 seasons.
The Tribe also signed veteran starting pitcher Brett Myers to join the rotation.  Myers has bounced around from Philadelphia to Houston in years past.

The big signing this off-season has to be Nick Swisher from the New York Yankees.  Swisher is a switch hitting outfielder who can also play 1st base.  Last season Swisher hit 24 home runs and 93 runs batted in while posting a .272 batting average for the Yankees.
At this point you would think the Indians had a great offseason, moving forward away from Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner, and using some money on proven players.
Well last week the Indians front office flexed their muscles once again signing top of the line free agent Michael Bourn.  The Tribe inked the free agent outfielder to a 4 year $48 million deal with an option for a 5th year.  Bourn led the National League in stolen bases 3 of the past 4 years.  Bourn brings legitimacy to the Indians lineup.  For the first time in years the Indians will have a true lead off hitter as well as a 2-time gold glove winner.

The Tribe also brought in other veterans to help out in spring training, who knows maybe they can even get a roster spot.  Jason Giambi, Matt Capps, and Daisuke Matsuzaka aka Dice-K, are among the players who have been given spring training invitations.

The bullpen is strong with Chris Perez, Vinny Pestano, and Joe Smith anchoring the pen, the hitting is much improved on paper.  The big question at this point is the starting rotation with no clear cut ace on this pitching staff, someone is going to have to step up this year if the Tribe has any hope in competing with Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central crown.  Only time will tell if this off-season will end up being successful.  What is certain is the fans are more optimistic and excited about this team then they have been in a very long time.