Wedge in 08

This is the year that we find out how good Eric Wedge is.

Strategically, Wedge is very vanilla and by the book. This is not a strength nor weakness of his. His strength is supposed to be a calming but constant force. He is a "grinding it out" manager. Sorta in the Joe Torre mold.


But here are the issues facing ttfc this year and how they will tell us about the value of Wedge as a manager.

1. Wedge needs to manage Sizemore and Halfner. He must find a way to continue the development of Grady Sizemore. Sizemore is a key piece of this teams present and future. Wedge must make sure that he doesn't plateau but reaches his full potential. Hafner had a bad year last year and is signed to a large multi-year contract. Wedge must find a way to help Halfner to rebound. Baseball Prospectus is calling for a steady decline in Halfner's performance. Wedge cannot let this happen.

2. Wedge needs to continue the development of his young players. Wedge must find ABs for Marte and put Marte in a position were he can succeed. Wedge must protect Franklin Gutierrez and Asdrubal Cabrera.

3. Wedge needs to properly utilize his role players. I know that many people think that David Dellucci is about as valuable as a can of warm Schlitz. But properly used, Dellucci can give you league average production (or at least close to league average). Same goes for Jamey Carroll and Jason Michaels. Wedge must determine how many ABs to give them and where to bat them in the lineup.

4. Lastly, Wedge can't wear down his arms. The prevailing theory of Cleveland's October meltdown is that his pitchers were tired. That can't happen two years in a row. Somehow you have to both make the playoffs and be rested and ready for the playoffs.