TRIBE PROSPECTS IN 2010

Going up Matt LaPorta: It doesn't matter if he plays first base or left field in 2010, LaPorta is starting to hit, including in clutch situations. He's batting .288 (32-for-111) with 10 doubles, five homers and 14 RBI since his second recall on Aug. 19. Michael Brantley: Arrived on Sept. 1 and shortly afterward stepped into the leadoff/center-field spot when two surgeries ended Grady Sizemore's season. Brantley doesn't jump out at you in center field, but he does at the plate. He's hitting .338 (25-for-74) with seven runs, seven walks and a .395 on-base percentage. David Huff: The accompanying numbers aren't pretty, 5.98 ERA, 154 hits in 120 1/3 innings, .308 opponents batting average, but Huff already has won 10 games as a rookie on a staff that is going to need starting pitcher in the worst way next year. Chris Perez: The rookie right-hander, after an initial two shaky appearances, has become Wedge's top setup man. If he can take that into next year, providing his postseason surgery on his left ankle goes well, that may prevent a replay of this year's early-season bullpen trauma. And if the Indians start trading high-priced talent in midseason for the third straight year - that means Kerry Wood - Perez might get a chance to close. Tony Sipp: He's a nice left-handed complement to Perez. Can get lefties and righties out. Look out below Fausto Carmona: Under ideal circumstances, Carmona would be ready to replace Cliff Lee in 2010 as a No. 1 starter just as Lee was ready to replace CC Sabathia in 2008. But conditions with the Indians haven't been ideal, especially where Carmona is concerned. The Indians have no idea what the former 19-game winner will give them in 2010. It appears Carmona doesn't either. Aaron Laffey: He could be a solid piece to next year's rotation, but he needs to finish strong. Laffey had a nice season going until he lost his past three starts. In his past two, he allowed 14 runs, 12 earned, on 24 hits in 9 1/3 innings. Joe Smith: What Smith needs most of all next year is good health. The Indians never got to see him at full go this year. Andy Marte: This winter could be the end of the line for Marte with the Indians . He had a good year at Class AAA Columbus and showed flashes of power with the Tribe, but it looks like LaPorta is going to get the first crack at first base next year. Marte is out of options, but the Indians could keep him around just in case. Rafael Perez, left: Went from one of the best left-handed relievers in the AL in 2008 to being farmed out in 2009. Like Carmona, his status for next year is unknown. Stuck in neutral Justin Masterson: He's going to help the Indians next year, it's just a matter of whether it's in the rotation or bullpen. His arm and stuff are too good not to. Lou Marson: Hard to say where Marson figures in the Tribe's 2010 catching plans. He could be a starter or a backup. He's hit all right in limited chances with the big league team, while trying to learn the pitching staff. Carlos Carrasco: He's 22 so it's hard to put too much weight on his first three big-league starts. He'll get a chance to win a job in the rotation next spring. To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158