Hafner must bounce back from right shoulder surgery and nearly two years of poor production if the Indians are to be serious contenders. The veteran DH, signed through 2012, played only 57 games last year because of the sore shoulder. Carroll is a versatile infielder with speed and pinch-hitting skills. His best position is second base, where he has good range. Barfield, who opened the 2007 season as the starting second baseman, missed most of last year because of finger surgery. He needs to regain management's confidence and is a trade candidate. Dellucci brings occasional power off the bench.

Management

Owner Larry Dolan took a hit at the box office last season when a projected attendance of 2.5 million fell to 2.2 million because of the Indians' poor first half. This year the Indians are expected to open the season with a 25-man payroll that's smaller than last year's $79 million. The recession that has gripped the country has been in full swing for the last several years in Cleveland, so the Indians know how to adapt. This will be the seventh season for the team of GM Mark Shapiro and manager Eric Wedge. They have produced two winning seasons (2005 and 2007) and one trip to the postseason. Each time they have failed to deliver on the expectations generated by those seasons. In some markets that may be enough to bring change, but there seems to be little if any pressure on either coming into this season. Wedge is signed through 2010 and Shapiro through 2012. Last season, to Wedge's credit, the Indians salvaged what could have been a terrible year by going 44-28 down the stretch to finish 81-81. Shapiro, by trading Sabathia and Blake, helped restock the farm system. He believes they're better positioned in terms of talent and prospects than any team in the AL Central. He needs to prove it.

Difference maker

Victor Martinez, who played until he broke down last year, needs to re-establish himself as a force for the offense to realize its potential. In the last two years, Martinez has suffered early season leg injuries playing in the cold of Cleveland. Last year he opened the season with bone chips in his right elbow and strained his left hamstring in the first game of the year. His elbow gave out in June and surgery followed. A healthy Martinez, whether he's catching or playing first base, is critical to the Tribe's success.

Final analysis

The Indians are fortunate to be playing in the AL Central, where quick rebounds are possible. They're being outspent by Detroit and Chicago, but talent-wise they're in position to win the division as long as their key players stay healthy and they get their infield and rotation aligned. Last year was disappointing but beneficial, because young players such as Choo, Francisco, Cabrera, Shoppach, Perez, Peralta and Lewis were exposed to pressure situations. That will only help them in 2009.