The 5th Starter

 I’m feeling pretty good about this year for the Tribe, but if I had to pick something I’m a little concerned about, then it’s definitely our starting rotation.  Cliff Lee looks to somehow, some way match his incredible 08 Cy Young season, but expecting that would just be silly.  Fausto Carmona needs to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing 08 season.  When both are on, they  can be a lethal 1-2 punch in the rotation, for sure.

Carl Pavano and Anthony Reyes are locks for the 3 and 4 spot, but that 5th spot is pretty much an open door, and three lefties are battling for that spot.

Aaron Laffey, Jeremy Sowers and David Huff all have a good shot at filling that void, but of the three, I think Laffey should (and will be) given the first chance at it.  If one thing is certain, it’s that the Indians have a significant amount of depth as far as the 5th spot goes, so it will be easy to call up/send down anyone if need be.  Honestly, I think we’ll see all three of these
guys at some point in the year. 

Westbrook is due back somewhere around the All-Star break, so depending on how well everyone is doing, they all might need to take a back seat in AAA when Westbrook gets back.  It certainly will be interesting to see.