CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians organization is not loaded at the minor league level with position players ready to step in and help in the major leagues.

The Indians, 80-82 last season, will -- barring a trade and/or free agent signing -- rely on the big leaguers already on hand as they try to compete and contend in the American League Central Division.

Among them are shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and right fielder Shin-Soo Choo, both proven major leaguers. Also, catcher-first baseman Carlos Santana, who, during his first full major league campaign, enjoyed a solid 2011 season.

Also, there's second baseman Jason Kipnis and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. Both showed exciting potential during their partial-season stays with the Tribe last season.

Dave Laurila writes for the blog "FanGraphs Baseball" about an interview with Indians manager Manny Acta, who talked about what those five players mean, or could mean, to the Indians.

Part of what Acta said about Kipnis:

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes Paul Hoynes' story that the Indians have signed five of the seven players who were eligible for arbitration, leaving shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and left-handed relief pitcher Rafael Perez unsigned.

Hoynes will again cover the Indians' spring training in Goodyear, Arizona. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Feb. 20.

Around the horn

An interview with Indians closer Chris Perez by Jim McCarthy, Jr. for the Bleacher Report. Among the topics: Perez made the American League all-star team last season, and he gave his all-star ring to his dad, Tim. Perez is from Bradenton, Florida. On July 24, Alan Dell of the Bradenton Herald wrote about Perez giving his dad the ring.

Indians president Mark Shapiro talks about the baseball movie "Moneyball." By Jordan Bastian for MLB.com.

A story, with video, about Indians minor league outfielder Thomas Neal. By Tony Lastoria of Indians Prospect Insider.

A Cleveland Indians organizational depth chart -- including the minor leagues -- by Justin Bopp for the blog "MLB Daily Dish."

The Indians' recently-acquired outfielder, Aaron Cunningham, is happy to get a new start. By Jordan Bastian for MLB.com.