When the Indians complete their talent evaluation at the end of this sorry season, what are they going to find?
Are there future core players among the young and inexperienced ones getting a chance to play on a regular basis, many of them for the first time in their careers? Or should the last-place Indians just get rid of them all and start over with the fresh new batch of prospects they’ve acquired by trading away CC Sabathia and Casey Blake?
Not all the apples are quite that bad, as you’ll see below:

The Keepers

Reliever Rafael Perez: This left-hander is at the top of the list. He stumbled out of the gate, but has shown the same lights-out stuff he produced during the second half of last season, with a wicked sweeping slider that gets right-handed hitters out as well. Don’t know that he has the stuff or mental makeup to close games, but he’s better than anything the Indians have in the department right now, and a quality late-inning reliever nonetheless.  
Catcher Kelly Shoppach: Not that Shoppach wasn’t sticking around as Victor Martinez’s backup anyway, but the energetic fireplug has proven he might be capable of more. With Martinez experiencing prolonged injury problems this season for the first time in his career, don’t be surprised if the Indians open next year with him at first base and Shoppach behind the plate.
Second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera: He still hasn’t proven he can hit big league pitching regularly, but he’s shown improvement in that department since being recalled from Triple-A. Plus, the Indians don’t have a better infielder on the roster than this flashy converted shortstop, who could be reconverted in the future. Still, he has to be at least adequate offensively to stay in the majors.
Outfielder Ben Francisco: Buckled a bit under the spotlight of hitting third in the lineup, and needs to improve in the field, but he’s shown enough to warrant a job next spring.
Starting pitcher Aaron Laffey: Not quite sure why this left-hander is in the minors after pitching well out of the rotation in the second half of last year and the entire first half this year, but it would be a surprise not to see him as part of the 2009 starting staff.

Something to prove-rs

First baseman Ryan Garko: It appeared Garko had arrived, following a solid 2007 season that only figured to get better in ’08. Instead, the “Champagne Kid” has taken a big step back, showing inconsistency and a lack of power — eight home runs through Friday — at the plate, while continuing to display deficiencies in the field. He needs to produce consistently to warrant a spot in the lineup, especially at a high-profiled position such as first base.     
Reliever Jensen Lewis: Probably won’t come to spring training with a job already locked up like he did this year, but the right-hander has been better since returning from Buffalo. Fearless with his fastball, but unless he locates it, it’s not overpowering enough to get him out of trouble.
Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo: Has returned from elbow surgery to show flashes at the plate, but was still hitting an unspectacular .245 with four home runs and 25 RBIs in 48 games through Friday. He’s displayed his big arm, but his throws have often been errant, and he seems to always be sliding around in the outfield, trying to make highlights instead of catches. Certainly hasn’t done enough for the Indians to feel extremely comfortable with handing him the starting job in right field to open 2009.
Starting pitcher Jeremy Sowers: Has gotten better each time out — consecutive outings with five perfect innings to open the game — but is far from the lock he was after a promising second half two seasons ago. Could be serviceable in the middle or back of the rotation, but the expectations have been lowered for this first-round draft pick.   
Relief pitcher Edward Mujica: Little more than an afterthought when the season began, this right-hander has at the very least pitched himself into contention for a spot in the bullpen when spring training opens in ’09.

Weepers

Outfielder Franklin Gutierrez: This was supposed to be a breakout year for a guy that looks the part of a five-tool player, but instead, has been a bust, owning a .212 batting average and a meager four homers and 22 RBIs through Friday. And don’t buy inconsistent playing time as an excuse. He’s appeared in 88 games — fourth most among the players on the current roster. With the Indians apparently committed to Choo and Francisco at the corner spots, Goot’s future in Cleveland doesn’t look bright.
Relief pitcher Tom Mastny: Outside of a couple outings in last year’s ALCS, the tall right-hander has shown the Indians little. Manager Eric Wedge doesn’t appear that enamored, either, choosing a departed Jorge Julio over him for the final spot in the bullpen out of spring training.
Third baseman Andy Marte: Though he plays an above-average third base, this guy just doesn’t look like he can contribute offensively on a full-time basis.
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. 

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