System overview
Three years ago, the Indians farm system was almost dry. A series of weak drafts, plus an indifferent effort in foreign markets, had weakened the farm system since its heyday in the early 1990s. But this has changed quickly. The Indians are now in full rebuilding mode, and the farm system has a lot to offer, thanks to two consecutive strong drafts, plus a series of astute trades. GM Mark Shapiro has reversed the decline in young talent that marked former GM John Hart's final years, and has Cleveland headed in the right direction, having done very well in the trade market in particular. The Indians are especially strong in young pitching, that highly-prized commodity. They also have potential Rookie of the Year hitters in Travis Hafner, Brandon Phillips, and Victor Martinez.

It may take a year or two, but the Indians are well-positioned to contend again in the near future.

2002 amateur draft
The loss of Juan Gonzalez and Marty Cordova to free agency, plus the failure to sign a draft pick in '01, gave the Indians extra choices at the top of the '02 draft. They used this to good effect, picking up two top college pitchers (Jeremy Guthrie from Stanford and Brian Slocum from Villanova), plus two extremely well-regarded high school hitters (Matt Whitney, 3B and Micah Schilling, 2B). Whitney in particular looks like an intriguing prospect, and Guthrie is a very advanced collegian who could see the major leagues late in 2003.

In later rounds, Cleveland went with a mixture of high school and college talent, focusing on hitters. Third-rounder Jason Cooper, an outfielder from Stanford, has a ton of raw power. Fifth-round UCLA product Ben Francisco, another outfielder, has a quick bat and hit .349 with 22 steals in his pro debut. Second-round pick Pat Osborn, from the University of Florida, has injury problems that may take him away from third base, but should hit well. Other guys to watch include 10th-round pick Keith Ramsey, a left-handed pitcher from Florida; sixth-round pick Michael Hernandez, a lefty from Fresno State; and Nathan Panther, an athletic outfielder from a community college in Iowa.

This is a strong class. The Indians made good use of their extra picks, bringing a variety of college and high school players into the system. There is a mixture of performance guys and tools guys. This comes on the heels of the strong '01 class, giving the Indians a lot of talent at the lower levels.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Ben Broussard, 1B-OF: Came over in a trade for Russell Branyan last June. Will compete for outfield time. Very good raw power, but erratic strike zone judgment.

Travis Hafner, 1B: Picked up from the Rangers in December for Ryan Drese and Einar Diaz. An excellent hitter, Hafner has cut his strikeouts in half, increased his walks, and boosted his overall production over the last three years. Hit .342/.463/.559 last year in Triple-A.

Cliff Lee, LHP: Came over in the Bartolo Colon deal. Throws in the 88-93 range, with movement. Command can waiver, but has a good shot at emerging in the rotation this spring.

Victor Martinez, C: Supposedly ticketed for Triple-A, but I expect him to spend at least part of the year in the majors. Hit .336 with 40 doubles, 22 homers in Double-A. Does everything well defensively except throw.

Brandon Phillips, 2B-SS: Another part of the Colon deal, likely to start the year at second base. Barry Larkin clone physically, and could produce similar numbers once he settles in. A natural shortstop, but pushed to second by Omar Vizquel.

Ricardo Rodriguez, RHP: Acquired from the Dodgers. Works with 91-95 mph sinker, and his slider is nasty. Throws strikes, but may need a better changeup. Very good chance for a rotation spot, and I think he'll do well.

Brian Tallet, LHP: Second-round pick in 2000, out of LSU. Owns fastball, slider, and changeup, all of which are good pitches. Also throws strikes, with a fine feel for changing speeds. Another guy in the rotation mix.

Billy Traber, LHP: Over from New York in the Roberto Alomar trade. Traber is similar to Tallet, though he doesn't throw quite as hard. His command is slightly better though. Between Lee, Tallet, and Traber, the Indians should get at least one reliable southpaw starter.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Jason Davis, RHP: 6-6 right-hander with the best fastball in the system, clocked as high as 96 mph. Pitched well in two starts for the Indians, but will likely need some Triple-A time. No need to rush him, given the other pitchers available.

Grady Sizemore, OF: Toolsy outfielder acquired from Montreal in the Bartolo Colon deal. Hit .343 after the trade, and is just starting to learn how to use his natural athletic ability.

Corey Smith, 3B: Best raw power in the system, but it is still raw. Fanned 141 times and hit just .255 with 13 homers at Class A Kinston, but a lot of scouts still love him.

KEY SLEEPER
Travis Foley, RHP: Went 13-4, 2.82, with 138/44 K/BB ratio in 137 innings, allowing just 108 hits at Class A Columbus, where he out-pitched several more-heralded teammates. Knows how to pitch already, and his velocity is picking up.

Other names to know
Jake Dittler, RHP; Francisco Cruceta, RHP; Alex Escobar, OF; Jody Gerut, OF; Covelli "Coco" Crisp, OF; J.D. Martin, RHP; Dan Denham, RHP; Sean Smith, RHP; Josh Bard, C; Ryan Church, OF.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.