Is Hafner done? What to do at DH for 09?

[GhostofTedCox]

I'm confident the Indians can find another infielder next year.
I'm confident they can find a veteran starter, or even an acceptable closer, (although I think Jensen Lewis opened some eyes with his work).

But I have no idea what to do at DH. Hafner has shown no real improvement this year. If he doesn't get his swing back in spring training, can we go into the season with a hole in the lineup? What to do? Just play Hafner and let him struggle? Hire a Matt Stairs - Russell Branyon type? Where's Julio Franco?
I'm open for ideas.

[TonyIBI]

Hafner is the DH next year. No one will take on his contract, and the Indians are not going to eat it. So unless he gets hurt in spring training, he is the opening day DH. And I'd rather have Hafner anyday over a Stair/Branyan type. At worst, that is what Hafner is now. We need to see what he can do if he comes back healthy.

[indianinkslinger]

I think we can wait a few months and see how he does. As TL says, that is a large contract to eat, especially for a franchise that might be eating Dellucci's contract and could easily be faced with declining attendance next year no matter how good they are.

[jellis]

Pronk is the DH, no one will want to acquire him. Its job for the next 2 years, we can hope he bounces back but I think hes done with the near all star levels