Matt Lawton

Lawton came back strongly in 2004 from the injuries that plagued him in his first two years with Cleveland. He tied for eighth in the AL in runs and produced well from the leadoff spot. He slumped in July and August, but rebounded in September. Interestingly, Lawton's 2004 OPS was right on his career mark and wasn't much higher than his 2003 OPS. Lawton simply stayed healthy and put up the numbers he posted with Minnesota. Because of the wealth of outfielders in the organization, the Indians traded him to the Pirates for Arthur Rhodes, exchanging needs and bad contracts. He'll play right field and bat leadoff for the Bucs.

He is only in Cleveland because he has to be. GM Mark Shapiro would love to deal Lawton's $7 million contract anywhere, which is why Lawton likely to win the starting battle in left field over Coco Crisp, Alex Escobar, and Ryan Ludwick.

Lawton was initially projected to begin the season on the DL, but he's healed much faster than anticipated and might instead be ready to go by Opening Day. It's amazing what Lawton played through last year. When Lawton's surgeon inserted his viewing scope into Lawton's right shoulder, he found that Lawton had completely torn the rotator cuff - the labrum was totally torn off, top to bottom and was starting to heal abnormally. At least we now know the source of his drop in power. If he Lawton returns fully healthy, he could approach his 2000 season form.