The Indians lineup
The Indians ability to be a playoff contender in 2007 will come down to its pitching. But that is harder to sort out at the moment. So here is the way the layup might look:
Against right-handed starters:
1. Grady Sizemore -CF
2. Josh Barfield -2B
3. Travis Hafner -DH
4. Victor Martinez -C
5. Casey Blake -1B
6. David Dellucci -RF
7. Jhonny Peralta -ss
8. Trot Nixon -lf
9. Andy Marte -3B

Against lefties, substitute Jason Michaels for Nixon, Blake for Dellucci, and Garko for Blake.
- I can't justify the Indians' confidence in Blake, since even though he was solid last season, he's still just two seasons away from one of the worst seasons a starting oufielder ever had. But manager Eric Wedge and General Manager Mark Shapiro love the guy, which means he will play every day, even if it means taking away at-bats from potential stars Garko and Shin Soo Choo.
- Grady Sizemore leading off is the only way to start the season, because he has thrived in the position. He has the power to bat third, but then who leads off? Barfield might, but he's hardly a sure thing.
-If Marte fails, hey, Casey can take over. He can put up the exact same inconsistent numbers, worse defense (a fact no one seems to remember when they talk about putting him at third), and generally clog the bottom half of the lineup.
But remember, he has to start.