2013 Season Survey Results Are In

2013 Season Survey Results Are In

At the end of the 2013 season, Wahoo’s on first put together a short, ten question survey to gauge fan reactions to the season, certain players, and a handful of key issues heading into the offseason. We received well over 100 responses to our survey, 118 to be exact, and are ready to present the results to the hungry masses. Without further ado, Wahoo’s on First presents Part 3 of the 2013 Season Survey results. For Parts 1 or 2, click here or here.

The offseason heading into 2013 was one that brought about a lot of change. Manny Acta was fired as manager and Terry Francona was brought in to replace him. Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn, Ryan Raburn, and Jason Giambi were all brought in via free agency. Shin-Soo Choo was traded away and in return the Indians acquired Trevor Bauer and Drew Stubbs. And that’s not even mentioning the acquisitions of Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes, the lotto ticket that was Scott Kazmir, or the spectacular failure of Brett Myers.

But who was the best offseason acquisition? Not surprisingly, the respondents to our survey were pretty much in agreement on who was the Indians best acquisition heading into 2013. With 76% of the vote falling in his favor, Terry Francona was most obviously the best acquisition the Indians made last winter. His leadership helped lead the Indians to their best single season turnaround in franchise history and paved the way for their first postseason appearance since 2007. Yan Gome was a distant second with 15% of the vote, but first among actual players.

survey acquisitions

Next up was the most hotly debated question in our entire survey. After the disappointment experienced watching Asdrubal Cabrera play shortstop these past two seasons, it seems likely they he may finally be traded. Or will he? With that thought in mind, out next question was, who is the starting shortstop for the Indians in 2014?

The choice essentially came down to two choices. Fans feel that either Mike Aviles or Asdrubal Cabrera will be starting at short in 2014, with the slight edge going to Aviles. Aviles received 34% of the vote as compared to Cabrera’s 29%. Of course, there were a faction of fans who believe the future may be sooner than we expect. Top prospect Francisco Lindor received 17% of the vote, meaning that more people believe the young, athletic shortstop may be more ready than any of us originally believed.

survey shortstop

Finally, our last survey question revolved around the recently vacated closer spot. With the release of Chris Perez, the Indians will need a new closer in 2014. Who that will be right now is anyone’s best guess, but there does seem to be a favorite in the clubhouse right now.

Receiving 42% of the votes, the majority of our respondents believe that Cody Allen will be anointed the next closer for the Cleveland Indians. Also receiving a large chunk of votes, 16%,  was Joe Smith. However, Smith is a free agent and may not even return to the team in 2014. Someone from outside of the organization finished with 19% of the vote.

Perhaps the most surprising result of all was Chris Perez’s standing in all of this. This survey was released prior to his release from the team and even then, only 3% of voters felt like he would be the closer again in 2014. This 3% was also the lowest total of any candidate. Apparently the writing really was on the wall for Perez and his future with the Indians.

survey closer

That does it for part three of our 2013 season survey results. Check back in tomorrow as we will reveal the final part of our survey results. Your comments on the 2013 Cleveland Indians. Stay tuned.