The brother of one of the greatest players in Indians history was actually one of the greatest catchers in Indians history himself. Luke Sewell was the fourth longest tenured catcher for the Tribe, starting for seven seasons during the 1920's. Luke came to Cleveland shortly after his brother Joe Sewell, just missing out on the first Indians championship in 1920.

Sewell joined the team as a 20 year old rookie in 1921 and played as the reserve catcher behind Steve O'Neill and Glenn Myatt until 1926. He then became the starting catcher and stayed in that role for seven straight seasons. While he was never incredibly productive (and was devoid of any power), he played long enough for the Indians to rank among the the top catchers in runs scored, RBI and triples. One thing he had in common with his brother, Joe was his skill in avoiding strike outs. In a long career of near 1,000 games played and more than 3,000 at bats, he struck out less than 200 times.

Sewell ended his first stint with the Indians just prior to the 1933 season when he was sent to the Washington Senators in exchange for Roy Spencer. In 1939 he returned as a free agent, but only played in 16 games. After his playing career, Sewell managed for St. Louis (AL) and Cincinnati through the 1950's. Joe Sewell died in 1987 at the age of 86.

The 2013 Indians bullpen will be the most similar section of the team to the past few seasons with just a couple changes going into the next season. The backbone will be exactly the same as past seasons with Chris Perez staying in the closers role despite repeated trade rumors. Looking back on 2012, it seems that Perez's frustrations with Manny Acta's managing style during their losing streak were the main reasons for his media blow-ups. New manager Terry Francona has had experience with his own crazy closer, Jonathan Papelbon, so he is at least more qualified to deal with Perez. The Michael Bourne signing meant a lot to Perez, who said it made him feel like the Indians were a big market club. One of his biggest issues in 2012 was that the Indians didn't add anybody at the trade deadline and he should be extremely happy with the Indians offseason.

The men responsible for maintaining leads for Perez to save will be the same as well with Vinnie Pestano and Joe Smith responsible for the 7th and 8th innings. Pestano set the Indians record for single season holds (36) last year and has recorded at least 20 with an ERA under 2.60 in each of his first two seasons. Smith has pitched at almost the same level as Pestano, pitching three years for the Tribe and recording 16 or more holds each year with an ERA under 3.00 the past two seasons. Both pitchers have been incredibly solid and haven't shown any signs that this year will be any different.

One of the big changes this season will be the new left hander as for the first time since 2006, the main match-up LHP will not be Tony Sipp or Rafael Perez. This year the top choice for the Tribe will be Nick Hagadone who made his debut in 2012 before breaking his hand and ending his season. There really aren't any other good options for the Indians, but Scott Kazmir and David Huff are both be in camp trying to win starting jobs and could technically be moved into short inning roles if necessary. Scott Barnes is another option that was used some in 2012, but he is obviously not on the same level as Hagadone.

Upstart right hander Cody Allen looks to be the last remainder from 2012. The 2011 draft pick was amazing in his first professional season, not allowing a single run until his thirteenth appearance. Allen benefited from the strong back end of the bullpen and the lack of close games as he never really had to pitch in any high intensity situations. After a half season in the Majors, however, that will likely change this year as he will certainly see more time in close games as he matures as a pitcher.

The last two places in the bullpen are unknown as of yet and will likely be pitchers that were not in the bullpen last season. Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw look to be the front runners, both coming from the Diamondbacks in the trade that sent away Tony Sipp (along with Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Donald). Albers had a great 2012, split between Boston and Arizona. He pitched a combined 60 innings and maintained an ERA of 2.39, his best season since converting to reliever in 2008. Shaw is a little younger than Albers, but also had a great season last year for Arizona, and has combined for a 3.18 ERA over 87.2 innings over his first two seasons. With these two relievers in the fold along with Allen and Hagadone improving after their first pro seasons the 2013 bullpen could be even better than last season. 

In addition to those mentioned above, there are a few other players that could see time in the Indians pen this year. Joe Martinez, Fernando Nieve, Jerry Gil, Edward Paredes and Blake Wood are all minor league pitchers that were signed (or invited to Spring Training)  this offseason and will get a chance to compete for a place in the pen during this Spring. Matt Capps and Rich Hill signed late in the offseason and have a slightly better chance at making the team that those others. Frank Herrmann and Corey Kluber pitchers that remain on the 40 man roster from previous seasons, but are unlikely to make the team with the added talent this year.

The last type of player is the kind to get excited about, the young pitchers that are almost ready for the big leagues. Chen Lee, Danny Salazar, Trey Haley, Eric Berger, Cole Cook and T.J. House all pitched well in the upper levels of the minors last season and could appear in games in 2013. While none of them are likely to break camp with the team, don't be surprised to see one or two as the season drags on with it's typical struggles and injuries. At a minimum, Lee, Berger and House will almost certainly join the team as September call-ups if they are not needed earlier. Berger and House are both considered starting pitchers, but will likely spend some time in the bullpen first like Jeanmar Gomez has over the past two seasons.

The Indians bullpen is definitely something to get excited about as it looks to be better than even the great bullpens of 2011 or 2007. The combination of a dominant closer with at least three solid set-up men is something the Indians haven't had in years. This is the first season in a long time that the Indians won't waste a spot in the bullpen with a has been like Jeremy Accardo or Chad Durbin. There should be no waste pitchers in 2013 who can only be used in games that were lost in the early innings. Of course there is always the randomness inherent in relief pitching and someone is likely to fall off after last year, but things couldn't be set up much better than they are right now. It will be up to the offense and the rotation to give the Indians the lead, but the certainly shouldn't have to worry about someone blowing it once they do.

The fearless leader of the Bullpen Mafia.

Have you ever though to yourself, "I really want a new 1904 replica block "C" Indians hat, but can't bring myself to pay for it?" If so, then you are in luck. The Cleveland Indians are holding a ton of giveaways for fans (in addition to all the money they are giving away to Michael Bourne and Nick Swisher) and Burning River Baseball will highlight the best of them for you.

• There are 18 different give-a-way days on the scedule (not including weather and photo days), 16 fireworks shows and 15 dollar dog nights.
• Almost every single Friday home game features both dollar dogs and fireworks, perfect for those who enjoy the patriotic American experience. What could be more American than baseball (featuring a team named after Native Americans), hot dogs and things exploding.
• There are only two bobbleheads this year, but they are good ones. One of the best giveaways of the year will be the Albert Belle 1995 ALDS bobblehead, pointing at his bicep. This will be given away on June 1st. The second bobbler is also a throwback as Omar Vizquel will be given out on July 8th.
• If free is your favorite kind of shirt, 2013 is the year for you. There are two shirt and five jersey giveaways. There will be  replica jerseys of newcomer Nick Swisher on August 24th, Michael Brantley on July 28th and (my favorite) Jason Kipnis on June 15th. The other jerseys and shirts are throwbacks.
• The coolest new giveaway of the year is the Rocky Colavito Hall of Fame Commemorative Plaque. This is a unique item, reminiscent of the Bob Feller statue they gave away a few years ago (my favorite giveaway of all time). If this game is a big seller, maybe the Indians will continue this line into 2014 and do a few more all time favorites.
• Remember that all giveaways are limited to the first 10,000 fans, so get there early if you want one of the special giveaways. While early season ticket sales were slightly dismal, things have picked up incredibly since the Michael Bourne signing, showing that if the team shows that they are going to try to win games, the fans will show up.

If you like free things, you probably like to save money all around as well. Check out the Progressive Field guide at our friends Ballpark E-Guides.com for some great tips on how to get cheap tickets, how to get to the game, park and eat for the bare minimum.

A more than a couple of the greatest Indians of the past 110 years have been shortstops including two of the Indians Hall of Famers. It has also been a very prominent position in recent years, with four players on the list playing in the 1990's or later. This list also includes some of the longest tenured Indians with four players who played more than 10 years with the team including the player who played more games as an Indian than any other player. Of all offensive positions, shortstop has to be considered the second most storied in Indians history behind just centerfield.  

10. Johnny Burnett - Starting Short Stop - 1931-1932

Burnett was the shortest termed short stop on the list, but did play very well during his time with the team. Along with a nice average of .292 and an impressive 272 runs scored, Burnett currently holds the Major League record for hits in a single game with nine.

9. Terry Turner - 1904-1908, 1910

Turner played more games as an Indian than any other player which allowed him to rack up almost 1,500 hits in his Indians career. Of course it took him longer than most to add up all those hits as he hit just over .250 over that period. For his contributions to the team over 15 seasons, Turner deserves a space on this list, but his numbers simply don't compare to the other great Indians short stops.

8. Woodie Held - 1959-1962

The next two players were incredibly similar, being the only true power hitting short stops in team history. They also both played positions outside of short as they were below average defenders. Held was a second baseman for a few seasons after he was done at shortstop. He has the strongest dichotomy as a hitter, leading all players in home runs and slugging percent and coming in dead last in average.

7. Jhonny Peralta - 2003, 2005-2008

Peralta was hated during his time with the Indians, mostly because he didn't "look" like a short stop, but it is impossible to deny that he was the most successful power hitting short stop in team history. He ranks second in home runs and third in slugging, while maintaining an average 15 points higher than Held, the other power shortstop. At the end of Peralta's career he was moved to third to make room for the next player on the list, but he stayed at short long enough to set the Indians record for most home runs while playing short stop.

6. Asdrubal Cabrera - 2009-Active

Cabrera is the Indians current short stop and already ranks among the top Indians short stops in home runs, RBI and steals, despite playing in less games than all but one other player on this list. His slash stats are a sign of the times with his average a little lower than the average short stop and his slugging percent a little higher, but he still maintains a decent speed threat and is above average defensively.

5. Julio Franco - 1983-1988

Franco played two stints with the Tribe, but was only a short stop during his first time around. He was actually one of the most well rounded players, coming in fourth among short stops in home runs and steals. He did this despite playing in more than 500 less games than the leaders.

4. Ray Chapman - 1913-1920

Chapman was a great talent who had his career cut short in 1920 when he was struck in the head with a pitch. Before that, Chapman was the Indians first great short stop, stealing 233 bases and scoring 671 times in over 1,000 games played. 

3. Omar Vizquel - 1994-2002, 2004

Vizquel is known as the greatest defensive short stop in Indians history (or at least since the development of televised baseball), winning nine straight Gold Gloves starting 1993. Of course, Omar wasn't just a glove, leading all Indians short stops in steals and runs scored. He also set the postseason records for games played, hits, triples and steals in his six playoff seasons.

2. Lou Boudreau - 1940-1949

Boudreau is almost certainly the most famous player on this list and was the player/manager during the last Indians championship. He is second to Turner in games played at short, but he did have great rate numbers, batting almost .300 and slugging more than .400. He is one of three players on this list with more than 800 runs scored and one of two with at least 700 RBI. He is undoubtedly one of the top ten greatest offensive Indians of all time regardless of position.

1. Joe Sewell - 1921-1928

Boudreau was great, but Sewell was better. His most impressive feat was that he (almost) never struck out. From 1925 through 1933 Sewell lead the league in AB/K. After doing that he still ranks second all time in all of Major League baseball history in this stat. As an Indian he played in less games than Boudreau, but scored more runs, had more hits and stole more bases. He was the only short stop in team history to break 800 runs batted in and still batted .320. Sewell also won a World Series after he took over for Chapman when he was killed in 1920. Sewell was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977 and is unquestionably one of the greatest Indians hitters of all time.

Borderline: Larry Brown, Bill Knickerbocker, Frank Duffy, George Strickland, Lyn Lary

Roberto Alomar was a full fledged star by the time he joined the Tribe and continued his monumental successes with the Indians, putting up some of the best numbers of his career. In 1999, Robbie came to Cleveland in a different way than the normal Indian process for acquiring new talent. He signed a five year contract for more than $7 million a year. His appearance reunited him with his brother Sandy Alomar, Jr and gave the Indians their first steady second baseman since Carlos Baerga left the team in 1996.

Alomar joined with Omar Vizquel to become what is generally assumed to be the greatest double play combination in Cleveland Indians history. The pair combined for six Gold Gloves during Alomar's three years with the team and in fact, won every single second base and short stop Gold Glove from 1993 to 2001 (except 1997 when Vizquel won for SS, but Chuck Knoblauch won at second). Alomar was a perrenial All-Star as well, making the team every year from 1990 though 2001 and starting each year except three (1990, 1995 and 2001). 

Defense wasn't the only part of Alomar's game as he also won the American League Silver Slugger at second base in each of his first two seasons with Cleveland. Among Indians second basemen, he ranks high in average, on base percent, steals and home runs and should be considered one of the top ten of all time. In his best season with the Tribe (1999), Alomar lead the league in runs scored and set a record in the top five all time for the Indians. In addition to his prowess at the plate and in the field, Alomar was the most proficient base stealer in Cleveland history, setting a new record by being safe 87% of the time.

Roberto Alomar was selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame (as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays) in 2011 in just his second year on the ballot. He was elected to the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame during that same year as well for his production during his three years with the team. This induction made Robbie and Sandy the first pair of brothers to be inducted into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame.

The whole team is now here in Goodyear, but this isn't your old time Tribe. Travis Hafner's decade of destruction is over (started by destroying pitchers, ended by destroying his ligaments), replaced financially by the new giant contract of Nick Swisher. Fausto Carmona, Shin-Soo Choo, Tony Sipp and Rafael Perez are also gone after being mainstays for the last five years. Some minor players are gone as well, including Jason Donald and Jack Hannahan, both replaced by Mike Aviles (who came from Toronto in exchange for Esmil Rogers). The Indians also finally gave up Grady Sizemore, releasing him to the world after two extremely disappointing seasons. This was the largest purge of long term players since the initial destruction of the 1990's power Indians in 2002 (noteables included Jim Thome, Charles Nagy, Bartolo Colon, Einar Diaz and Paul Shuey). The era after that now seems to have come full circle as Hafner and Sizemore each came to the team during the 2002 trades (for Diaz and Colon).

Going into Spring Training 2013 the focus will be on the young stars. Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall will be the foundation of the infield while Carlos Santana provides some power behind the plate. This Spring will mark a transition for those players as they will be cemented as starters before the year even begins. The young players in the bullpen are also exciting including Vinnie Pestano, Joe Smith and Chris Perez, ensuring there will still be a home grown aspect to the team.

This is also one of the biggest groups of new players coming in recent years with more new free agent signings than any offseason in recent memories. The Indians have given multi-million dollar contracts to Nick Swisher, Michael Bourne, Mark Reynolds and Brett Myers. Two big trades brought in the rest of the new players with Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes coming in from Toronto while Drew Stubbs, Trevor Bauer, Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw all came in the Choo deal.

Indians pitchers warm up before fielding practice.

Vinnie Pestano, the man on the mound, in front of the mountain.

In an already incredibly abnormal off-season, the Indians are now going for broke after signing free agent outfielder Michael Bourne to a four year $48M contract. This fills their hole at designated hitter (by moving Nick Swisher out of right field) and gives them three starting outfielders who were center fielders last year. Bourne immediately becomes the fastest of the bunch and may take over the center field spot from incumbent Michael Brantley and newcomer Drew Stubbs. Bourne has lead the National League in steals in three of the last four seasons and has never stole less than 40 bases in a season where he played more than 105 games. 

While the Indians starting rotation is still very questionable, this move should complete the offense as the Indians had already signed Mark Reynolds and Swisher to fill the other major holes. The outfield in particular should be very exciting as the Indians will probably carry four career centerfielders on the roster (Ezequiel Carrera in addition to the three starters) all of whom are slick with the glove. Bourne is the only Gold Glover of the bunch, however, winning in both 2009 and 2010. His arm is also impressive and he has 37 outfield assists in his seven seasons as a centerfielder.

If there is one drawback to the Indians signings it is that all the new players strike out at extremely high rates. Bourne is no exception to this as he strikes out in more than 20% of his at bats, but the fact is that the old Indians struck out a lot as well, but did so without scoring very many runs. At least the new group (Reynolds, Swisher, Stubbs and Bourne) are all high level veteran players who have been productive for years.

The Indians have never spent this much money in a single offseason in recent memory and all the spending (in addition to the hiring of World Series winning manager Terry Francona instead of the home town favorite Sandy Alomar) shows that the Indians are not content to sit by and wait for the next rebuilding phase. The Indians are going all in for 2013 (and at least the three years after that). Now it is just up to the players to show they deserve their millions and for the fans to show up in enough force to pay them. 

Joe Vosmik was one of the greatest Indians left fielders in history, ranking among the top five in career average, RBI and doubles. He did this despite playing in less games than any of the other true greats at the position for the Tribe. In 1931, Vosmik took over the starting left fielder job from Charlie Jamieson, one of the longest tenured players at that position. 

Vosmik was a star immediately, knocking in more than 100 RBI in his first year and another 97 the year after. After a poor  1933 season, Vosmik came back for a strong prime, starting for the AL All-Star team and coming in third in the MVP voting in 1935. He also lead the league that year in hits, doubles and triples, his 20 triples remaining in the top five most ever as an Indian in a single season. 

After another successful season in 1936, Vosmik (along with Oral Hildebrand and Bill Knickerbocker) was traded to the St. Louis Browns for what ended up being a poor return of Ivy Andrews, Lyn Lary and Moose Solters. Vosmik ended up having another three good seasons for the Browns and the Red Sox, before retiring from baseball as a Washington Senator in 1944. He died less than 20 years later in 1962 at the early age of 51.

It's that special time of year again that brings hope back to the weary in the cold urban wasteland that is Cleveland, Ohio. In Goodyear, Arizona it's always sunny (although a little chilly) and the optimism flows freely for 2013 version of your Cleveland Indians. Pitchers and catchers have reported to the desert for the unofficial start to the 2013 season. This year the pitching staff can be split into two parts, the rock steady bullpen, a unit that has been developed and honed for the past four seasons and a starting rotation full of question marks.

New pitching coach Mickey Calloway will have his hands full as every single pitcher has at least issue that needs to be worked out. Ubaldo Jimenez is the biggest problem as he holds the greatest difference between risk and reward. His biggest issues seem to be involved in his control, but like ace Justin Masterson, he could benefit by reigning in his delivery a little bit in an effort to remain consistant on the mound. Zach McAllister and Trever Bauer are simply young pitchers that need to work on maintaining and increasing their limited success to this point and avoiding a back slide. Bauer especially needs to continually work to make sure his quirks don't affect his performance on the mound. Carlos Carrasco is coming back from Tommy John surgery, making him one of the biggest question marks of all. Whenever a pitcher is coming back from such a significant operation it takes a long time to get back into stride and Carrasco had yet to really peak before his injury set back. He hasn't faced Major League hitting since 2011, so it will take some major work this Spring to bring him up to speed. The Indians are also bringing a lot of veterans into the fold including Brett Myers, Scott Kazmir and Daisuke Matsuzaka to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Overall, Indians fans should just be happy that baseball is returning and winter is coming to a close. They should also remain positive and remember, the Indians can't lose a game for another two months.

While not a pitcher or catcher, Ryan Rayburn is in Goodyear and ready to work hard trying to win that coveted utility infielder role.

Fans (autograph hounds) wait patiently in the hopes of catching a glimpse of such stars as Jerry Gil and Brian Jeroloman.

*2/10 Added Jason Giambi & Daisuke Matsuzaka

In order to fill up the Spring Training roster and possibly find some gems in what was a very shallow free agent class, the Indians have invited a few players to Goodyear that are not on the 40 man roster. Because these players are generally lower level or career minor leaguers or has-been Major Leaguers, Burning River Baseball will provide you with a primer, helping you learn about the new kids in camp.

Infielders

Luis Hernandez

Hernandez is essentially a AAAA middle infielder, bouncing from AA to AAA and the Major Leagues from 2006 to the present. Most of his time over the years has been spent at short stop, but he has a decent amount of experience at second and has played a little at third as well. Since the Indians have a very durable short stop and second baseman, he would have to make the team as the reserve corner infielder, extra outfielder and pinch runner. His stolen base efficiency is nothing to get excited about however, and Mike Aviles looks to be a super utility man, making a player like Hernandez seem unnecessary.

Brian Jeroloman

Jeroloman has been a catcher in the Blue Jays minor league system throughout his entire professional career, but is yet to make the pros. Toronto initially had high hopes for the young catcher, but as the years went by, he was passed over multiple times and ended up spending most of 2012 back in AA after making it to AAA for the first time in 2008. Now the Jays have officially given up on him, so the Indians will allow the 27 year old back stop to play catch with Indians pitchers this Spring. There is a good chance he will be out of the organization again by April, but in the meantime he will be able to bring his years of minor league experience to help along the Indians minor league pitchers and the other former Blue Jay, Yan Gomes.

Ryan Raburn

In an effort to "add depth to the utility position" the Indians are bringing former Tiger, Ryan Raburn to Spring Training. Rayburn is one of the worst all around players in baseball. Last season Raburn hit .171 in 66 games in what was either a fluke season or the beginning of the end of his career. The best case scenario with Raburn looks to be that if he returns to form (like when he hit .256 in 2011 with 14 home runs), he will provide a good versatile utility man for the Columbus Clippers.

Matt LaPorta

I refuse to write a section on LaPorta just because he is a non-roster invitee this you. You all know who he is. I just hope he doesn't take at bats away from young players like Chris McGuiness, Jesus Aguilar and Mike McDade who the Indians should be seriously taking a look at.

Omir Santos

Santos is an older back-up catcher heading into his age 32 season. He has only played in the Majors for four professional seasons for a total of 121 games. His best season was a pretty solid year for the Mets in 2009 when he hit 14 doubles and 7 home runs. He will most likely just be an extra backstop during the first week after pitchers and catchers report when there are many more pitchers ready to throw than there are catchers to catch them. The idea of a 32 year old rarely successful catcher passing both Marson and Gomes on the depth chart seems outrageous at this point.

Jason Giambi

In an effort to increase the average age of the Indians roster, the Tribe has invited the 42 year old former AL MVP into camp for a chance to win the designated hitter role. After failing to secure Travis Hafner or Jim Thome to low cost contracts, Cleveland brought in Giambi with a minor league deal with a maximum salary of $750,000. Giambi hit just a single home run while batting .225 last season in Colorado and doesn't have a huge chance of making the team, but unlike the majority of the people listed here, he doesn't have much competition either. He could be used at the beginning of the season as the starting DH until another player shows they are ready for the position.

MiLB Invites

Jesus Aguilar - 1B
Roberto Perez - C

Outfielders

Cedric Hunter

Hunter is a centerfielder that was originally drafted by the Padres and most recently played in the Cardinals organization. He has spent the last three seasons at the AAA level, but is yet to make his Major League debut. His numbers have been ok, but not great by any standard and he will probably never be a Major Leaguer. His best attribute is that he doesn't strike out too much. In fact, he has walked more than he struck out in each season starting in 2010. This is a big turnaround from his first couple years, where he was striking out almost twice as often as he walked. There is essentially no chance of Hunter making the Indians or any other team this Spring.

Matt Carson

Carson has played in AAA since 2008 while playing in the Yankees, Athletics, Rays and Twins farm systems. The 31 year old has hit more than 150 home runs in his minor league career and almost 600 RBI. Carson has spent the majority of his time playing right field, but since he is past his prime, there is little chance of him improving with a jump to the pros. Unless signing aging minor leaguers is a new branch of the Cleveland Indians Charities, this signing makes no sense.

Nate Spears

Like the other two outfielders, Spears is a long-term minor leaguer that has yet to make his Major League debut. The Indians must have at least five players already in the system, but not on the 40 man roster that are more talented and closer to the Majors than any of these players. Hopefully, these three MiLB lifers will not be taking at bats away from those players (like Tim Fedroff, Jeremie Tice, Tyler Holt and others).

Ben Francisco

In the most exciting Spring Training signing, Ben Francisco will be coming back to compete for an outfield bench position on the 2013 Indians. With no favorite designated hitter or second utility man as of yet, Francisco actually has a decent chance of rejoining the Indians. He was a fan favorite while with the team prior to being traded to Philadelphia with Cliff Lee. While he hasn't been the same player since leaving Cleveland in 2009, he is still able to produce a little power and great defense from a bench role.

Jeremy Hermida

The former Marlins prospect will be in camp with the Indians after a disappointing career to this point. He spent most of the last two seasons with San Diego, but only played 43 total games at the Major League level during that time. Early in his career he showed a lot of power, hitting 43 home runs over three seasons with Florida, but he has only hit eight since leaving the Marlins prior to 2010. He is essentially a cheap chance for the Indians as they hope he can play somewhere near the level he was originally projected to. With the Indians still without a designated hitter, they could possibly hold on to Hermida as a platoon DH/PH against right handed pitchers.

Pitchers

Fernando Nieve

Nieve is a relief pitcher that is not only younger than most of the other invitees (at 30 years old), but has much more Major League experience (99 games over four years). While he is by no means a good pitcher, he could be used on the roster if the Indians lost about six pitchers to injury or trade before the season starts. His greatest use would be in AAA, waiting for a chance if someone else fails at the highest level. Nieve hasn't been in the pros since 2010 and spent the last two seasons in the AAA as a starting pitcher (between the Astros and Dodgers).

Jerry Gil

Gil is a reformed infielder who converted to pitcher in 2008. Since converting, he has played in the Reds and Blue Jays minor league systems, playing all of last season in Las Vegas. He went 7-1 as a reliever, but was not as impressive as that would seem, keeping an ERA around 5.00 and a WHIP over 1.30. He is nowhere near the talent level it takes to be in the Indians bullpen, but he should continue his progress as a reliever in Columbus.

Edward Paredes

Paredes will be playing away from Seattle for the first time since being signed prior to the 2006 season. He spent 2012 away from American Baseball, but is attempting a comeback after pitching in the Dominican Winter League. He is essentially a left handed match-up reliever, but isn't particularly good at what he does. Through six minor league seasons, Paredes has thrown 444 innings and allowed 230 runs. Like the vast majority of Spring Training invites, Paredes only future with the Indians will be in the minor league system.

Joe Martinez

Martinez is back (played with Columbus in 2011) in what was one of the more confusing signings of the offseason. He will be 30 years old by the time training starts and has pitched in just 19 total games in the Major Leagues. Since 2011, he has thrown in just a single inning and allowed two hits and a run. A much more common place for Martinez to be is AAA, where he has spent time every year since 2009. During those four seasons he held an ERA of 4.59, incredibly non-impressive for a very old minor leaguer.

Scott Kazmir

Kazmir has the most professional experience of any of the invitees and is the most likely to make the team. After years where the majority of the Indians rotation consisted of left handed pitchers, the Indians have none slated to start during 2013. If Terry Francona decides the Indians need a left handed starter, the options are between Kazmir, Scott Barnes and David Huff and they would likely take the fifth place in the rotation instead of the recently recovered Carlos Carrasco. All three left handed options seem to be inferior to Carrasco, but there is still the option of using a left handed starter.

Matt Capps

Capps is an exciting late edition to the Indians Spring Training group. He has more major league experience than just about any relief pitcher in camp, breaking in with the Pirates in 2005. He has also been a very successful closer, saving 138 games in total with at least 14 saves in each season since 2007. Also impressive is the fact that he has more seasons with an ERA below 2.75 (4) than seasons above 3.75 (3). Most recently Indians fans should know him for his time in Minnesota where he recorded 45 saves and held a 3.61 ERA through parts of three seasons. He is a great (and thrifty) pick up for the Indians in an offseason that saw some relievers signing contracts in excess of $20M. Capps immediately has a legitimate chance of making the bullpen depending on his play during March.

Rich Hill

In an effort to take a flyer on every single washed up pitcher available, the Indians are bringing for Cub prospect Rich Hill into the mix. In 2007 Hill had a pretty good season when he pitched almost 200 innings, striking out 183 batters and holding and ERA of 3.92. In the five seasons since then, he has pitched just over 100 total innings. Last year he saw a slight resurgence with the Red Sox as he pitched 19 innings in 25 games. It seems unlikely that Hill will ever start again since he allowed a 7.80 ERA in 2009 the last time he started a single game (he started 13 that year). He could be used as a left handed reliever, but is not much of a match-up pitcher (allowed .340 OBP to LHB in 2012 and .333 to RHB).

Daisuke Matsuzaka

The pitcher who cost the Red Sox over $100M ($51M posting fee plus more than $50M in salary) to secure is coming to Cleveland for a fraction (just $1.5M if he makes the team with up to $4M in incentives) of the cost. The former Nippon League (and World Baseball Classic) superstar. Boston didn't get anywhere near their monies worth as he had a cumulative WAR of just 8.3 through his six years with the team. Last season was a lost year for Matsuzaka who was recovering from Tommy John surgery, but looks to be yet another very low risk/high reward player trying to make the Indians rotation this Spring.

MiLB Invites

Preston Guilmet
Matt Langwell
Giovanni Soto (Also Participating in WBC)