Beyond Corey Kluber, the Tribe's roster doesn't seem to have big names, but it's full of rosterable fantasy players. There are a few interesting sleeper types, too.
(Note: When a player's fantasy draft status is mentioned - e.g., "he's an SP4" - the number is based on 12-team mixed leagues.)
ALSO SEE: TEAM PREVIEWS ARCHIVES
Key additions: 1B/OF Brandon Moss, SP Gavin Floyd
Key losses: None
Projected Lineup
Bourn's stolen-base totals have dropped from 61 to 42 to 23 to 10 over the last four seasons. He should improve some, but probably not enough to be worth a pick in most mixed leagues. ... Ramirez will keep this position warm until blue-chip prospect Francisco Lindor is ready, which could be Opening Day or September or somewhere in between. While Ramirez plays, he should steal a base per week ... Was Brantley's breakout for real? Your friendly neighborhood FOXSports.com fantasy analysts all have him among the top 10 outfielders, and he'll cost you a second-round pick ... Santana clubbed 27 home runs last season, which is pretty good despite the fact that he isn't eligible at catcher any more (1B/3B only). He's a .248 career hitter, and his current Round 6/7 pricetag seems steep ... Moss has 1B/OF eligibility, has hit 55 homers over the last two seasons, and gets a very nice ballpark upgrade, as Cleveland is friendly to lefty power. You should be able to grab Moss in the middle rounds, and he'll help you there even if he sits against some lefties ... Gomes batted .278 with 21 home runs last season, and is being drafted as a top-five catcher. He's terrific ... Will Kipnis bounce back? If so, you're looking at 15 homers and 30 steals. His current Round 6 ADP is very fair and comes with upside ... Swisher had eight homers with a .608 OPS in 97 games before season-ending knee surgery. Even with some level of rebound likely since he can't get worse, you should pass ... Chisenhall slowed down after a hot start, and could platoon this season â perhaps with Zach Walters or Mike Aviles - since he still has trouble with lefties.
Projected Rotation
CL: Cody Allen
Kluber is an ace, and last season was legit ... Big disagreement around here on Carrasco, with Meyer/Fowler (both Indians' fans) ranking him around SP40, and Halpin liking him a lot more at SP23. All those strikeouts and ground balls are making Carrasco a 10th-round pick ... Bauer still has great stuff, and still walks too many people (though not as many as he used to). He's capable of a step forward, but is too much of a longshot for 12-team mixed leagues ... Salazar didn't live up to the hype last year, but don't be misled by his 4.25 ERA - it dropped to 3.50 in the second half, with 73 strikeouts and 18 walks in 69 1/3 innings. As an SP5, he should return good value ... House is a ground-ball specialist who had a 3.35 ERA in 102 innings with the Tribe last season. He's a fine, cheap AL-only gamble.
Allen has been an excellent reliever for two straight seasons, and is getting drafted as a top-10 closer. His so-so control isn't bad enough to worry us.
Sleeper: Carrasco's bandwagon is full, but Salazar's is only trendy, like a month-old lounge hidden in an alley. His current ADP of 232 (SP57) qualifies him for sleeper status.
Top prospects
Francisco Lindor, SS - Lindor had 11 home runs and 28 stolen bases between Double A and Triple A last season. He's an elite prospect, but is viewed as a good hitter with a great glove. There's nothing wrong with good-hitting shortstops, right?
Clint Frazier, OF - Only 19, Frazier has flashed big power, big whiffs and solid speed in two professional seasons. He's regarded as a top-100 prospect, but 161 strikeouts in 120 games last season was pretty scary.
ALSO SEE: TEAM PREVIEWS ARCHIVES
