Top 5 Cleveland Indians Keepers: Fantasy Baseball Draft 2009

The Cleveland Indians were a major disappointment last year, but they certainly have the makings of a team that could contend for a title at some point in the next few year's. They have a strong nucleus of youngsters and some very solid pitchers that could make them a breakout team in the coming years. Who are the top keepers to look for in your fantasy baseball draft from the Cleveland Indians?

1. Grady Sizemore- This is an easy selection for number one. Sizmore is still young at age 26 and he has a ton of pop in his bat and great speed. If there is anyone in the league who has a chance at a 40/40 season it is Grady Sizemore. Last year his average slumped a bit to .268, but I expect that to recover. Look for many years of Gold Gloves and great hitting from Grady.

2009 Projected Stats- .288 average 34 home runs 89 runs batted in 39 stolen bases

2. Matt LaPorta- LaPorta is still unproven since he is yet to reach the major league level, but many scouts believe he has Ryan Braun like talent at the plate. One would think he will get a chance in left field sooner rather than later for the Indians. At just 24 years old he is likely to bud into a superstar.

2009 Projected Stats- 259 AB's .291 average 11 home runs 44 runs batted in

3. Fausto Carmona- Carmona had an off year last year, but was hampered with injuries most of the season. His ERA jumped to 5.44 from 3.06 the year before. I would expect him to be able to work back toward his 2007 form in the next couple of years with that devastating sinker.

2009 Projected Stats- 199 IP's 16 Wins 3.89 ERA 123 Strikeouts

4. Carlos Santana- Santana is a very young catching prospect that the Indians picked up when they traded Casey Blake to the Dodgers last year. Minor league scouts are very impressed with Santana, but he still needs a little time to get ready for the big leagues.

2009 Projected Stats- None in the majors .270 average 15 home runs 60 runs batted in (minor leagues)

5. Asdrubal Cabrera- Cabrera burst onto the scene in 2007 when the Indians made a deep run in the playoffs, but last year wasn't very kind to him. Cabrera will fight for playing time at several infield positions, especially second base. If he gets a decent amount of at-bats I expect he can bounce back nicely.

2009 Projected Stats- 367 AB's .282 average 9 home runs 52 runs batted in