The Indians have set their 25 man roster for the regular season. There are a few surprises, but it is generally what was expected going into Spring Training. Shelley Duncan and Jose Lopez both played themselves into more important roles with the team while Lonnie Chisenhall, Matt LaPorta, Russ Canzler and Ryan Spilborghs were all unable to crack the top 25. Chisenhall will certainly be waiting in AAA for Jack Hannahan to make his first mistake, but the others may see their time with the Tribe cut short and have to move on elsewhere.
Position Players
C: Carlos Santana
1B: Casey Kotchman
2B: Jason Kipnis
SS: Asdrubal Cabrera
3B: Jack Hannahan
LF: Shelley Duncan
CF: Michael Brantley
RF: Shin-Soo Choo
CIF: Jose Lopez
MIF: Jason Donald
OF1: Grady Sizemore
OF2: Aaron Cunningham
C2: Lou Marson
The only change that needs to be made before the season starts will be the placement of Grady Sizemore on the 15 day disabled list. This will allow room on the team for one more outfielder. Last week it looked like this position would be taken by Spilborghs and it still could, but by doing it this way it allows a little hope that either Ezequiel Carrera or Trevor Crowe could make the opening day roster. These two players would offer something no one else on the starting roster really has, which is speed. It never hurts to have a player who can pinch run, steal a base, get a bunt down and come in defensively in the outfield.
Starting Pitchers:
Ace: Justin Masterson
#2: Ubaldo Jimenez
#3: Josh Tomlin
#4: Derek Lowe
#5: Jeanmar Gomez
The rotation ended up being as expected with Gomez beating out Kevin Slowey and David Huff. Masterson, Jimenez and Tomlin remain from the 2011 rotation, while Lowe will essentially replace Fausto Carmona. The injury to Carlos Carrasco provided the other opening in the starting five.
Bullpen Mafia:
Reliever: Rafael Perez
Reliever: Joe Smith
Reliever: Tony Sipp
Reliever: Vinnie Pestano
Reliever: Dan Wheeler
Reliever: Jairo Asencio
Closer: Chris Perez
The bullpen is set, with the newest invitee taking the last spot. The fact that no pitcher was able to stand out and claim the last two spots during Spring is a little disconcerting, but the core of the Bullpen Mafia remains and that should be good enough. Chris Perez will be able to start the season as closer and his set up men, Pestano and Smith have pitched well this Spring. The left-handers Rafael Perez and Tony Sipp also remain from last seasons roster.
Disabled List:
Carlos Carrasco (60 Day DL – Out for Season)
Fausto Carmona (Roberto Hernandez Heredia – Restricted List)
This is the complete 25-man roster as of April 1, 2012. There will be no further updates on this page.
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