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2005 finish: 93-69, 2^nd place in AL Central

Manager: Eric Wedge (4^th season)

Free agents: RHP Kevin Millwood, RHP Bob Wickman, RHP Bobby Howry, RHP Scott Elarton, IF Jose Hernandez, OF Juan Gonzalez

On the block: LHP Arthur Rhodes, OF Casey Blake, 1B Ben Broussard, RHP David Riske, RHP Jason Davis, IF Brandon Phillips, C Josh Bard

Looking for: Starting pitcher, power bat at first base or in the outfield, bench help, left-handed reliever

What’s going on: They will take a shot at retaining Kevin Millwood, but he probably will get offers beyond where Cleveland wants to go financially. He is seeking at least a four-year deal, and there is plenty of interest. That would make retaining Scott Elarton more of a priority. Setup man Bobby Howry also is a very popular commodity, and could price himself out of Cleveland’s budget, which likely will rise from $42 million to the mid-$50-million range. That would make retaining closer Bob Wickman vital, and could lead to either a free-agent signing or a deal for a setup man. With a handful of players to trade, they also should be able to add some power in the lineup, which didn’t produce enough offense down the stretch to the Tribe into the playoffs. Ben Broussard and Casey Blake could lose regular jobs in an effort to upgrade the offense, and possibly be dealt. They exercised a $4-million option on Ronnie Belliard, making disappointing prospect Brandon Phillips expendable. Lefty specialist Scott Sauerbeck signed a one-year deal. Juan Gonzalez is long gone. Luis Rivera was added to the coaching staff, replacing Robby Thompson.

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