The Indians look to have a strong top of the order that is arguably as good as any in baseball. Michael Bourn is a preeminent leadoff man, and following him up with Asdrubal Cabrera, Jason Kipnis, Nick Swisher, and Carlos Santana is a strong top of the order. There's a bit of a drop off after that but Mark Reynolds, Michael Brantley, and Drew Stubbs have all been quality major leaguers at points in their careers.
The Indians should have enough offense to contend for at least a wild card spot, but the big question mark for the team is starting pitching. Ostensible ace Justin Masterson had a forgettable 2012, posting a 4.93 ERA and 0.0 WAR. With only one truly good season with the Tribe under his belt there remain question about how good Masterson really is. I tend to believe he'll split the difference between his 2011 and 2012 season, and post ERA in the low 4s, but unless he can drop his walk rate he shouldn't be considered a top flight starter.
Even more questions surround former Cy Young candidate Ubaldo Jimenez who has been atrocious since coming over from the Rockies. I don't think there's any turning back for the Dominican at this point and he can only hope to be a league average starter. Zach McAllister and Brett Myers should be serviceable starters, but guys you'd more like as number 5s, than potential 2s and 3s. The club hopes to get something out reclamation project Daisuke Matsuzaka, but it seems unlikely that the former Red Sox will offer anything more than replacement level value.
The big hope for the Indians staff is that recently acquired Trevor Bauer and/or former top prospect Carlos Carrasco can catch lighting in a bottle. Bauer was dumped by the D-Backs but still remains one of the top prospects in the game. If he can live up to some of the hype this season, he would give a huge boost to a staff that desperately needs it. Carlos Carrasco is a bit more of a question mark as he attempts to come back from Tommy John surgery. Once the top prospect in the Phillies system before coming over to the Tribe in the Cliff Lee deal, Carrasco has been inconsistent in the majors thus far, but nonetheless has as much talent as anyone currently on the staff.
With a decent offense, great defense, and a solid bullpen the Indians could certainly contend if they can catch a few breaks with the pitching staff. Beating out the Tigers for the division title doesn't seem very likely, but with two wild card slots available the Indians still have a pretty good shot at a playoff spot. If the Tribe can find a way to acquire more starting pitching, they'd be in an even better spot, but as it stands now they'll need some career years from at least a couple of the starters if they hope to play in October.
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