Cleveland closed out its 2012 campaign with a 9-0 defeat at the hands of the White Sox on Wednesday night at Progressive Field, and is now entering a critical offseason. The decisions made over the next few months could very well set the direction for the next few years.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of new faces coming in next year,” Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis said. “Just by the way the organization is headed, with contracts coming up to an end and stuff like that, there’s going to be new faces in here.
“There’s going to be some changes, but I think they’re all going to be made for the better and I think they’re all going to be trying to get this organization going the right way. I’m excited.”
That process officially begins on Thursday, when Cleveland will hold a formal interview for interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr. One day later, Terry Francona will be in town for an interview for the Tribe’s vacant managerial role. Naming a full-time replacement for Manny Acta will be the first step in what is sure to be a busy offseason.
Alomar took the reins for the final six games of the season, giving him a taste of managing the team he starred for during the ’90s. It would be a dream come true to earn the permanent job, but Alomar is trying not to think too much about that possibility right now.
“I have plenty of time to think about that,” Alomar said. “I gained a ton of experience in six days. This was a wonderful experience for myself. I’m kind of glad that I had the opportunity to manage a team. I learned a tremendous amount about what being a manager is all about, just in six days.”
The players feel that either choice — Alomar or Francona — will be good for the team.
“Both candidates they have are exceptional,” said veteran designated hitter Travis Hafner. “And [would] be great leaders of the organization. We’ll just kind of see what happens with the roster.”
One pending decision involves Hafner’s future.
After spending parts of 10 seasons in a Cleveland uniform, the 35-year-old Hafner might have played his final game for the Indians, who will likely decline his $13 million club option for 2013. In the ninth inning on Wednesday, the fans at Progressive Field rose to their feet and offered Pronk a standing ovation.
Hafner — touched by the gesture — stepped out of the batter’s box, raised his helmet in the air and waved to the crowd.
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