Last Game (07.01.12):
Indians 6, Orioles 2
WP: Justin Masterson (5-7, 3.92)
LP: Brian Matusz (5-10, 5.42)

Up Next:
Vs. Angels 07.02.12 7:05p

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Just In From the Cold

I thought that I would be the last to tee-off on this one, but there has been absolutely no coverage of the Indians/Clippers exhibition game that lasted just 2 and a half innings today.

Before we go any further, here is a box score from the game.  You will not find it anywhere else.

CLE at COL - Hutington Park
Mar 30, 2011123456789RHE
Cleveland Indians ()010130
Columbus Clippers ()01140
W: None L: None S: None
Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILSCLECOL
2Matt LaPorta doubled to left field. Jack Hannahan walked, LaPorta to second. Adam Everett out at first on sacrifice bunt, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall to second baseman Jason Kipnis, Laporta to third, Hannahan to second. Michael Brantley grounded to second, LaPorta scored. Orlando Cabrera struck out swinging.10
COL2Jason Kipnis singled to center. Jason Kipnis stole second. Wes Hodges struck out looking. Luis Valbuena walked. Jared Head flew out to right. Luke Carlin singled to right off of pitcher Zach McAllister's glove, Kipnis scoed, Valbuena to second. Ezequiel Carrera walked, Valbuena to thrid, Carlin to second. Cord Phelps struck out looking.11
Cleveland Indians
HITTERSABRHRBIBBSOHRAVG
Brantley, CF2001000.263
O Cabrera, 2B2000010.364
Choo, RF2010010.322
Santana, C1000100.300
Hafner, DH1010100.304
Kearns, LF2000010.295
LaPorta, 1B1110000.153
Hannahan, 3B0000100.340
Everett, SS0000000.267
BATTING:
2B: LaPorta, Hafner
SAC: Everett
Columbus Clippers
HITTERSABRHRBIBBSOHRAVG
Carrera, CF1000100.286
Phelps, DH2000010.217
Chisenhall, 3B1010000.500
Brown, RF1010000.222
Kipnis, 2B1110000.167
Hodges, 1B1000010.---
Valbuena, SS0000100.260
Head, LF1000000.071
Carlin, C1011000.143
BATTING:
2B: Chisenhall
BASERUNNING:
SB: Kipnis
Cleveland Indians
PITCHERSIPHRERBBSOHRERA
McAllister24112204.50
PITCHING:
Pitches-Strikes: McAllister 48-28
Columbus Clippers
PITCHERSIPHRERBBSOHRERA
Huff33113305.82
PITCHING:
Pitches-Strikes: Huff 60-38

Today's game, of course, does not count. It was basically an intra-squad scrimmage to begin with, so it likely wouldn't have been aggregated into the spring stats regardless. Anyway, the averages and ERAs indicate spring totals from Arizona.

Onto my own subjective experience. The game started at 1:05p with gates opening at 11a. I arrived at the park around 10:30a and watched the Clippers take BP through the fence in right field. In case you are unfamiliar, there are wide gauge metal screens built into the right field wall of Huntington Park. One can stand on the street and watch any game for free from that vantage. Awesome. I was able to chase down a couple of BP HR balls, one from the Chiz Kid (which I kept) and a second that I gifted to a wee lad. If I was not the first to arrive at the park, I was one of a select few. I was probably also the first in, but I'll stop tooting my own horn. I spent the next two hours in a generally fruitless autograph hunt (got Santos, Durbin, Everett and Asdrubal).



Over that span of time the Tribe warmed up and took BP. Most of this went as expected. Carlos Carrasco threw a bullpen session directly in front of the throng of us lingering near the end of the visitor's dugout. The one salient observation that I can make is that Travis Buck absolutely raked the ball.  Each and every ball sang off of his bat like a Hi-C. I cannot wait to see if the guy is for real.  The only other guy to stroke similarly was Chisenhall during the Clip's session.



The game itself was an unmitigated disaster. While it was neat to see the Indians play themselves and the idea of letting the winning team take on the ChiSox on opening day is good for a dark larf, the timing of the game could not have been worse. The five hours of bad weather (about 1-6p) completely surrounded the game. Yesterday was crisp and cool and this evening, despite the chill, was calm and clear.  Bummer.


Evaluating performance on a day like this is nearly impossible. Both pitchers, predictably, had difficulty throwing strikes due to weather. Jordan Brown had an adventure tracking down a fly ball to the track in right. Orlando Cabrera looked slick at second, though he refused to engage the fans much at all. The highlights came off the bats of Chisenhall and Travis Hafner as they each stung doubles. Chiz's laced over the head of Michael Brantley in center while Pronk's clanged loudly off of the top of the right-centerfield wall. Pronk pulled the ball! Pronk pulled the ball! And with authority. How glorious would it be if this was a sign of things to come. We're all excited enough about Chisenhall, so I'll leave that one alone.



The event, the spectacle of the day, was wonderful. Watching Manning and Underwood do the pregame 20 feet away, screaming for signatures (Choo only signed for Koreans), scoping the suits in their overcoats and digging the vibe of an MLB team in the limbo between pre and regular season was both fascinating and unique. Hopefully the atmosphere and turnout will be enough to bring the game back next year, if for no other reason than to make it up to the Columbus faithful.

And a tip of the hat to Justin Masterson for his wardrobe.  Did anyone know that he was born in Jamaica?

  
Cheers.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Come One Come All

The Tribe broke camp today, following an early tilt against the Reds and will be in Columbus tomorrow to play an exhibition game against the Clippers. While the Indians roster was finalized yesterday, the Clippers' is still very much up in the air. While some (IPI) speculate that minor league rosters could be completed as early as the coming weekend, Columbus does not start its schedule for another ten days or so.  Thus the makeup of the Clip's rosters is mostly a mystery.

David Huff will start for the AAA squad and is pencilled in to be the #1 starter, followed by Jeanmar Gomez, Alex White, Zach McAllister and Joe Martinez. Corey Kluber was intended to be the #5, but he was hit in the head last week with a line drive and has not yet been cleared to return.

McAllister will get the start for the Cleveland team, despite never pitching in a major league game and not making a strong push this spring.  Zach's start is a troubling bit of news that is hopefully not indicative of the team that Manny Acta will field tomorrow.  I have been, for months, looking forward to a true showing by the (sort of) MLB team.  If Choo, the Cabreras, etc as aren't around, I will be quite put out.

Justin Masterson (5.40 ERA) continued a string of solid finales by the Indians' starting rotation by going five yeoman innings.  Masterson gave up 2 earned (3 total) on 6 hits and a walk, while fanning six.  Like all of the Tribe's starters, he was inconsistent over his 6 starts and one would hope this to be an effect of Arizona winds and an exhibition mindset.  If the rotation throws as it did in March over the course of the full season, I would take the under on Vegas' win-line of 72.

Matt LaPorta was 0-for-3 with a strikeout to drop his average to .153.  There is no more to be said or speculated about Matty, he simply has to show up on the field this season or accept that he's not a major league baseball player. 

Shin-Soo Choo (.322) went deep twice with his solo shots accounting for 2 of the Indians' 3 runs. 

Rafael Perez (6.75) was smoked for four earned in a third of an inning.  Get it out of your system now Raef.  On the flip side, Jess Todd, ticketed to Columbus (and maybe off of the 40-man?) tossed 2 clean innings to lower his spring ERA to 0.93.  Certainly not the type of performer that we want on the lake.

To underscore a point made yesterday, after Jack Hannahan (ugh) was lifted in the 7th, Matt Lawson entered to play 3rd.  This is the same substitution that has been made every day since Cord Phelps was demoted last week.  I'll make this as clear as I can for you.  The Indians.  Do.  Not.  Have.  A backup third baseman.  Get it?

Tomorrow, the gates of beautiful Huntington Park open at 11a, 2+ hours prior to the 1:05p first pitch.  Fans (like me) who choose to brave the chill will be treated to the full MLB batting practice session and a unique opportunity to see the Tribe up close.  Hopefully the players all show and the cold keeps the fickle away.

Cheers.

Nix Nixed

Jayson Nix has been traded to the Blue Jays for "cash considerations."  Good GD riddance.  I NEVER have to think or talk about that scrub again.  The move opens up the second of four spot son the 40-man roster that the Tribe needs to add NRIs before Friday's opener.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Just In From the Desert

Final Roster Announced

Backup Backstop - Lou Marson (.143)

Utility IF - Adam Everett (.293)

Bullpen Men - Frank Herrmann (1.69 ERA), Justin Germano (0.00), Vinnie Pestano (1.13)

Officially Jess Todd (1.17) and Luis Valbuena (.260) were optioned to AAA with Luke Carlin (.150) and Paul Phillips (.414)  re-assigned to the minor league camp.  Chad Huffman (.333), Jayson Nix (.176), and Jordan Brown (.222) are still technically on the roster, but have been informed that they will be removed by opening day.  The Tribe is actively seeking a trade partner for Nix.  Regardless of whether he is traded or DFAed, he will be removed from the 40-man roster.  Also, Trevor Crowe may very well begin the season on the 60-day DL, players on which do not count towards the 40-man.  Even so the Indians need to add four players to the active roster by Friday (Jack Hannahan (ugh), Travis Buck, Germano and Everett) so another transaction will be forthcoming.  No hints yet on who that might involve.

Frankly, the bullpen doesn't surprise me.  Germano didn't surrender a run all spring.  He made the decision for the organization.  Jess Todd will be the first reliever up when they need one and, of course, they will.  On the other hand, I'm a bit taken aback by the selection of Lou Marson as the #2 catcher.  Paul Phillips hit very well this spring and one would think that Marson and the Indians would both be better served if the young man was getting every day PT.  Manny Acta must feel that the time that Carlos Santana will spend at first base and DH opens up enough ABs for Lou-Lou (that's his nickname, not kidding).  The number that qualifies as "enough" was considerably lower after the Tribe chose to add 4 NRIs for the opener.  The choice of Adam Everett shocks me (literally!) to the core.  Behind Hannahan the Tribe's roster has exactly one and one third innings of MLB experience at the hot corner (AzCab).  Actually, Travis Hafner (47 games) and Carlos Santana (58) lead the pack in minor league 3B appearances with only Asdrubal Cabrera (11) and Austin Kearns (2) supplementing with any reps at all.  So, Asdrubal is the second option at third?  Behind a dude who hit .230 at AAA last year?  An odd choice.

Pestano snagged his second save on the spring on Monday.  Chris Perez (3.00) gave up an RBI double, walked two, hit another and wild pitched in a second run.  With 2 on and 2 out, Vinnie rushed in and promptly hit the first guy he faced to load the bases.  Vin rebounded though and K'ed Reed Johnson on four pitches to slam the door.  I can dig it.

Despite a single to drive in his 11th run of the spring, Matt LaPorta is hitting a meek .161 with the slump showing no signs of dissipating.  Right now I am actually thinking about who the next option at first is.  Probably Shelley Duncan, but LaPorta would likely have to flounder through 60 games or so before the brain trust would consider a change.

Grady Sizemore (.100) went 0-for-3, though he did walk twice.  The best news is that Grady stole second base in the 6th, his first of March.  It sort of made up for a 3rd inning CS.

Carlos Carrasco (5.96) was just as brilliant in his final spring start.  Over 6 strong innings Carrasco allowed just two singles and a solo homer.  Carlos struck out five and did not walk a batter.  Good news for our new #3 starter.  Also, Germano and Herrmann each tossed a clean inning.

Fausto Carmona (3.72) was just as good on Sunday.  Fausto threw 5 quality frames giving up just an unearned run on five hits and a walk while striking out 3.  The rising ace is in fine form and ready for Friday and the White Sox.

Josh Tomlin (4.15) was not so successful on Saturday night as he was touched up for 8 hits (including 2 bombs) en route to allowing 5 earned over 5 innings.  I am not concerned.  Tomlin had been as close to perfect as anyone could ask and simply needed to get stretched out against major league hitters.  Homers from Shin-Soo Choo (.304) and Santana (.300), along with Sizemore's first spring hit, were not enough to overcome the deficit.

One more with the Reds on Tuesday, Justin Masterson will take the hill for the Wahoos.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Just In From the Desert

Holy Schinkes!  14 hits?  Acta left Mitch Talbot in to give up 7 runs on 14 hits.  Manny must really not give a crap about spring performance.  I understand stretching your starter out and getting work in, but really?  Talbot (8.61 ERA) pitched effectively through 5 innings, scattering 7 hits and allowing 2 runs.  Then, the wheels came screaming off of the axles.  7 of the first 8 hitters reached in the 6th, sandwiched around a Carlos Gomez slam and still Talbot lingered on the mound.  One would hope that this latest start is not indicative of future regular season performance, but Mitch's spring efforts are certainly cause for some concern.  Acta seems to agree as he announced yesterday that Talbot would slot as the #5 man in the rotation behind Fausto Carmona, Justin Masterson, Carlos Carrasco and Josh Tomlin.

Travis Hafner homered!  After a power outage that had reached 51 plate appearances, Pronk launched a solo shot to dead center in the 8th.  This is heartening news to those of us who are wary of Hafner's recent Duane Kuiper impression.  Penciled in as the #5 hitter, Travis will need to show more pop if he hopes to remain there for the duration.

Utility IF Battle:  After an 0-for-1 day, Cord Phelps (.217) was reassigned to the minor league camp and is out of contention.  With Jack Hannahan (.386) officially earning the starting nod at third; Jayson Nix, Luis Valbuena, & Adam Everett are vying for the utility job.  Everett (.324) has made a strong push with the bat and, if the sidebar is to believed, needs to be in the field for the Indians.  He is, however, a long shot.  I feel that Luis Valbuena (.239, 1-4, RBI, played 3B & SS) is a much better choice than Jayson Nix (.167), but, then again, I'm not paid for my opinion.

Backup Backstop:  No one did themselves any favors against the Brewers and I still consider Paul Phillps (.407, 0-1, K) to be the leader.  Lou Marson (.143) was 0-for-3 with a strikeout and would benefit from more AAA at bats.  The Tribe will likely carry all three #2s through the Wednesday exhibition game against Columbus and then leave two of them there.

Who's Hot:  Asdrubal Cabrera (.409, 1.185 OPS, 4 SB, 6 RBI) has not stopped hitting all spring.

Who's Not:  Talbot has allowed 47 baserunners in 23 innings over his 6 starts.

Josh Tomlin takes the rubber 03.26 @ 10:05p.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Just In From the Desert

A hearty congratulations to Josh Tomlin.  The Tribe has optioned David Huff and Jeanmar Gomez to Columbus and Tomlin has officially made the team as a starting pitcher.  I like the language on that.  The direct implication is that Josh still has the ability move up from the #5 spot based on performance.  Nice.

The official cuts also included the reassignment of Anthony Reyes and Doug Mathis to the minor league camp.  Additionally, Chad Huffman and Jordan Brown were told "that they probably wouldn't make the team."

As I correctly predicted Travis Buck is your 4th outfielder and Shelley Duncan is your last bat off of the bench.  Buck has certainly produced this spring, so get ready for him challenge Austin Kearns for PT in left.  Chris Antonetti also announced that Jack Hannahan has made the club, although he has not yet been tagged as the starting third baseman.  Orlando Cabrera, however, was anointed by Antonetti as the opening day man at second.

As expected no announcement was made regarding the #2 catcher position, the final three slots in the bullpen or the utility infield spot.  My pleas regarding Hannahan fell on deaf ears.  I can only hope that the logic in cutting Jayson Nix crystallizes for the brain trust.

Cheers.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Just In From the Desert

Just when I everyone thought that the 5th starter race was tied up with a nice pretty bow, the Tribe went and played a night game.  According to Adam Sandler "the night time is the right time."  Well, that sure was true for David Huff and Jeanmar Gomez in Arizona.  Each pitcher had produced some noticeably shoddy work over the course of spring training, but the exact opposite was true against the Giants tonight.  Huff (5.82 ERA) started with 3 and 2/3 hitless and shut out San Fran (3 H, 1 BB, 2 K) over five innings.  Gomez (5.50) relieved and threw 4 quality innings allowing just a solo home run (3 H, 1 BB) while striking out six.  Manny Acta has been clear that he will name the #5 this week.  It will be interesting to see if he holds to it and hands the job to Josh Tomlin (1.13) or if he vacillates until Tomlin gets another start.  IPI noted yesterday that 13 of Tomlin's 21 spring innings have been in minor league games while Huff and Gomez have pitched exclusively for the major league team.  The relevance of this, or lack thereof, should become obvious tomorrow.

Carlos Santana (.286) hit in the leadoff spot for the second time today, but, please, don't get any ideas.  The rationale is to get Santana more at bats early in a few spring games to ensure that he gets his timing down after knee surgery.  Carlos is locked into the cleanup spot for the long haul.

Backup Backstop:  Written off for dead, Luke Carlin (.158) has risen from the ashes.  Carlin stroked two hits, including solo homer, today.  Acta reiterated that the #2 catcher position will not be determined until the last possible moment, so Luke will likely get a few more opportunities to showcase his skills.

Utility IF Battle:  Adam Everett (.324) singled and scored while playing both middle infield positions, but his apparent infeasibility at third makes him a long shot.  Jayson Nix (.167) singled and walked in three trips, but he, too, is no third baseman and has struggled with the bat.  Cord Phelps (.227) was 0-for-1 and is running out of opportunities to steal the job.  The front runner is still Luis Valbuena (.238).

Lucky 13:  Yeah, Chad Huffman (.361) does not have a great chance to break camp with the team, though he sure is doing his best to make the decision difficult.  Huffman smacked his 5th double and third dinger of the spring while driving in four to bring his tally to 11.  If Chad does indeed get cut, he will be at the top of the list should a bat be needed from AAA.  Shelley Duncan (.270) struck out in his only AB, but remains my favorite for the final bench spot.

Who's Hot:  It pains me to say so, but Jack Hannahan (ugh) was 3-for-4 with a run scored and is batting a crisp .386.

Who's Not:  Twitter's own Gator4God (Matt LaPorta) was 0-for-3 with a K and is down to .163.  At this point, I am concerned.

Mitch Talbot gets the nod on 03.25.

I feel as if I haven't really said much in this piece, so I will say this - Manny Acta has repeatedly stated that the only concern in his roster evaluation.  If the Tribe breaks camp with Nix on the roster, then Acta's word is worthless.  The only rational explanation for carrying what can only be called as a "second second baseman" is that he is out of options and Luis Valbuena is not.  Folks, I know it's a business, but call a spade a spade.  If it is a business call then just be forthright and transparent.  We certainly pay enough for it.

Cheers.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Just In From the Desert

So, I'm kinda worried about Pronk.  Travis had a 2 run single and a walk today and is hitting an eye catching .326.  His OPS, while not stellar, is a respectable .790.  So what's the problem?  In 48 plate appearances Hafner has exactly 3 extra base hits, all of them doubles.  That's an XBH once every 16 PAs.  At his best, in 2006, Pronk raked 74 extra base hits in 563 plate appearances or one every 7.6 plate appearances.  By last season that had dropped to one out of every 11.  Remember Pronkville?  The seats in the right field mezzanine?  Named because Travis yanked the ball into them so often?  Yeah, I barely do either.  Now, Hafner flairs balls into left and dinks doubles into the gaps.  Although Manny Acta maintains that the Indians will utilize any number of players as the designated hitter, Travis Hafner is the closest thing to a starter that we have.  16 plate appearances for every extra base hit is, without a doubt, unacceptable.  If Pronk can't do better, significantly better, then he simply has to go.

The real meat of the order continued its tear at the plate.  Shin-Soo Choo (.311) went 3-for-4 including a double, a walk, two runs scored and another pair driven in.  Choo is hitting .450 over the past week.  Carlos Santana (.308) singled, tripled, walked, stole a base and scored a run.  Santana played another solid game at first base and seems to be more than comfortable enough to hold the fort occaisionally.

Carlos Carrasco (7.36 ERA) turned in another stinker of a start.  Carrasco cruised through 4 innings and then exploded (literally!) in the 5th.  His final line featured 6 earned on 9 hits, 2 walks and 2 dongs over four and a third.  Yeesh.  Still spring training.  Still spring training.  Still spring training.

Backup Backstop: Lou Marson (.160) was 0-for-3 with 2 Ks.  Paul Phillips (.423): hit, run, RBI.  I don't have a question here.

Utility IF Battle: Luis Valbuena (.238) singled, double and scored.  Cord Phelps (.238) tripled home the game winner.  I need a really big boot to kick Jayson Nix out the door with.  Oh, wait, I have two.

Bullpen Men:  Doug Mathis (2.89) did little to elevate himself from the bottom of the heap.  Although he danced in and out of trouble for 2 innings and kept the team in the game, he walked 4 over that span.  He's totaled 10 in 9.1 innings for the spring, not the kind of numbers the brass wants to see.

Who's Hot: Ezequiel Carrera (.434 OBP, .915 OPS, 4 SB).  Hope we give this kid a chance.

Who's Not: Luke Calin (.067) has all but eliminated himself from the backup catcher race.

David Huff starts on 03.24 with Jeanmar Gomez to follow.  Their hopes are dim.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Just In From the Desert

Yes, other things of note happened during the Indians/D-Bags game today, but let's talk about Travis Buck.  Kid went 2-for-3 with 2 bombs, he scored three and drove in three.  He's hitting .435.  Seriously, if the Tribe leaves this guy off of the opening day roster, it will be a travesty.  The word today is that there are only three bullpen spots up for grabs, indicating that Acta will only carry seven relievers.  This, in turn, means that there are four bench spots to fill.  Let's do the math: one backup catcher + one utility infielder + one utility outfielder + ... somebody else = 4.  To make a long story short (too late), Buck is in and I, for one, expect him to challenge Austin Kearns (.273, homered today) for that left field spot.

Josh Tomlin (1.13 ERA) hasn't pitched in a major league game in a while (Monday's rainout didn't help), yet he has continued to impress.  On Tuesday, he pitched five innings against minor leaguers and retired all 15 he faced on 53 pitches.  Tomlin was so efficient that he had to throw 20 in the bullpen afterward to get his work in.  I am now officially starting the "Josh Tomlin for #4 starter" campaign.  Let's go.

Who's Got Third?:  With Jason Donald ticketed to the DL the Indians will have an irrelevant decision to make about the opening day third baseman.  For the purposes of guessing at the roster, we're going to label Jack Hannahan (ugh, .350) as the starter.  The Tribe's 3B defense was abominable last season and Hannahan is better than average in the field.  Still, I wouldn't give the man the time of day, let alone a spot on my 25 man roster.  Anyway, he's going to make it, no matter how much I dislike it (a lot).

Utility Infield Battle: So, Jayson Nix got a hit today to raise his average to .148.  Also, I play third better than he does.  He loses.  Adam Everett (.355) is dinged up and can't play third either.  Despite the fact that Cord Phelps remains in major league camp and has raised his average above Mendoza, he is, from what I hear, not a realistic option.  The only logical choice here is Luis Valbuena (.211).  Louie has had his ups and downs over the past two season and this is might be his last best chance (what does that mean?).  He will get it, if on no other basis than the process of elimination.

Lucky 13:  Then who do the Indians carry as the last man on the bench?  In my mind, this is a guy who brings some pop to the table.  This is not Everett.  Nix, Shelley Duncan (.303) and Chad Huffman (.355) all qualify.  None of them is a true MLB player, but Duncan brought a degree of leadership to a distressed locker room last season and that intagible sets him above the others.  He's got my vote right now.

Bullpen Men:  Jess Todd (1.35), Vinnie Pestano (1.35) and Frank Herrmann (2.08) each threw a shutout inning today, following a solid 6 from Fausto Carmona (4 W, 4.50).  With Jensen Lewis' demotion and Joe Smith's injury, I feel that Pestano and Herrmann are in.  That leaves Todd in stiff competition with Justin Germano (0.00) (and to a much lesser extent, Doug Mathis) for the last seat in the pen.  Todd was acquired in the Mark DeRosa trade with high expectations and has always thrown well at AAA.  Although he has stuggled at the major league level, it would be nice to see him get a bit of a longer look.  Do it.

Carlos Carrasco starts on 03.23.

Cheers.

Just In From the Desert

Jensen Lewis has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Columbus.  Jensen is not pleased and will not comment on the matter.  Personally, with some of the bullpens across the league (cough... cough... Mariners, Hi Wedgie!), I'm shocked.  I am glad that Lewis stays in the Indians system, but the outright is a bit of a death knell for his opportunity with the team.

Many of the pitchers scheduled for yesterday's rainout will pitch in a minor league game today.  Here are your actual scheduled for 4:10 tilt against the D-Bags: Fausto Carmona (starter), Scott Barnes, Vinnie Pestano, David Huff and Jess Todd.

Also, remember that Grady Sizemore will make his debut in the outfield today.  10 days 'til the opener.

Cheers.

Monday, March 21, 2011

New Reference - MLB Contract

Take a look here for a pdf of the MLB Uniform Player's Contract.  From here on out I'll give y'all a shout when I add something to the sidebar.  ;-j

Cheers.

Irish Weekend Part 2: Desert Winds

First the headlines --

Jason Donald has a hairline crack in the middle finger of his left hand and will not be available for opening day.  The injury, incurred when Donald was hit by a pitch on March 5th, was originally thought to be a bone bruise until a CT scan determined the true extent of the damage.  Jack Hannahan (ugh, I know you missed it, .368, .952 OPS) seems to be the most likely choice to start at third on April 1.  Luis Valbuena (.216) continues to show unlikely power (4 dongs) and still has an opportunity to be part of the Tribe's future.  Hannahan absolutely does not.  I guarantee you, Jack Hannahan will never be a productive part of the team.  Do not waste any time on him.

Today, (not even late to the party with this one) the Indians waived Jensen Lewis (14.29 ERA).  Following an atrocious spring by the right hander and needing to clear a spot on the forty man roster for the aforementioned Hannahan, the Tribe has opened up Lewis to waiver claims.  I find it unlikely that Lewis will pass through the process and make it to AAA Columbus, but we shall see.

Grady Sizemore made his much anticipated debut on Sunday, batting leadoff as the DH.  Grady saw five pitches and went 0-for-2 with a grounder to second and a fly ball to center.  Don't expect that Sizemore will be on the opening day roster, but he is 100% on track with his rehab.  All signs point to his arrival on the Lake in late April or early May.


The Indians made their third round of cuts, dropping their roster to 44.  Josh Judy was outrighted to Columbus while Joe Martinez and Yohan Pino were re-assigned to minor league camp.  None of the three was ever in serious contention for a roster spot.  The number needs to shrink to 25 by April 1.

Shuffling the Deck:  Fausto Carmona is guaranteed at the top.  Josh Tomlin (1.13) is in, David Huff (6.43) and Jeanmar Gomez (8.25) are bound for Cow-Town.  So does Acta act on his own suggestion that he might re-order the presumed rotation?  At this point, I say no.  Justin Masterson (5.94), Mitch Talbot (7.94) and Carlos Carrasco (5.84) have all been inconsistent thus far, but much of that can be attributed to the fact that none of them is fighting for a roster spot.  The only reasonable possibility is that Tomlin might pitch himself into the 3 or 4 spot, but even that probably won't happen.  The Tribe sees a future for Tomlin as a long man and does not want him to become psychologically attached to starting.  With prospects like Drew Pomeranz and Alex White on the way (and don't forget about a rehabbing Hector Rondon), the future of the starting staff is bright and the organization feels that Tomlin's make-up projects to heartier production out of the bullpen.

Utility OF Battle: Travis Buck (.419, 1.108) has almost certainly sewn up a roster spot.  Whether Shelley Duncan (.313, .833) or Chad Huffman (.367, 1.200) could also slide in depends on if Acta chooses to carry 7 or 8 relievers. Everything that I have heard suggests the latter and sends Duncan and Huffman to AAA.

Bullpen Men:  Assuming an 8 man 'pen and guaranteeing spots to Chris Perez, Rafael Perez, Tony Sipp and Chad Durbin, Acta must choose 4 more.  Vinnie Pestano (1.59, 8 K in 5.2) has been dominant and will be #5.  I vote strongly for Frank Herrmann (2.35) at #6.  If Joe Smith (3.60) were healthy, he would be in, but, alas, he is not.  That leaves Jess Todd (Hi Samantha, 1.59), Doug Mathis (3.68) and Justin Germano (0.00)  to vie for the last 2 slots.  Both Todd and Mathis have struggled with their control despite relatively strong springs, so let's just guess that Germano is in.  Though Manny Acta would probably prefer another lefty, there isn't one in camp.  In addition, I feel similarly about Mathis as I do to Hannahan (ugh).  Let's give the job to Todd.

Backup Backstop: Nothing had changed.  Paul Phillips (.400) still stands ahead of Lou Marson (.182) and Luke Carlin (.067).  Acta is non-committal on whether the issue of everyday playing time for Marson will be a deciding factor.  If the brain trust agrees that Carlos Santana's days at first base will offer Marson enough ABs in Cleveland, all of the spring statistics may mean nothing at all.

Prospect Watch:  Nick Weglarz has torn his left meniscus.  He's being evaluated at the clinic to see if he needs surgery, but he will miss, at least, 6-8 weeks.  3B Tony Wolters, the team's 3rd round pick 2010, had surgery for a broken hamate last week.  The organization will likely hold him out of game action for about 5 weeks.  Wolters tweeted that he's "fine" and that he would be back well before the team's prediction.  The Tribe is being conservative as they have high expectations for the young man.  He's a gamer.  Personally, I can't wait to see him live.  Adam Miller has not suffered any setbacks in his rehab this spring and he may pitch in a big league exhibition game before the team breaks camp.  If Miller proves that he can stay healthy and get hitters out, it is highly probable that we will see him surfing the North Coast this summer.  Also hearing great things about C Alex Lavisky, drafted last summer out of St Ed's.  Lavisky has shown skill both at the plate and behind it and could significantly elevate his standing with a strong first full season.  Oh, and that Drew Pomeranz cat?  Topping out at 96 this spring.  I smell a fast track. 

Who's Hot: Asdrubal Cabrera (.424, 1.210)

Who's Not: Jayson Nix (.125, .542)

Lastly, for those of you who might care (ha) Jason Davis has ended his "comeback" "attempt" with the Indians.  JD was in camp for about a week.  He impressed exactly no one and decided to head home.  All of the best to the big guy and hearty thanks for his years with the Tribe.

Pitchers for 03.22:  With the rain-out today, Josh Tomlin should start with Germano, Chen-Chang Lee, Mathis, Pestano and Todd also available.

Cheers.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Just In From the Desert

A 10.80 ERA is nothing to smile about, but Mitch Talbot threw significantly better today than in any of his previous starts.  After a 1st that featured an "Arizona sunshine triple" based run, Talbot showed more dominance in each progressive inning and became the first Indians pitcher to work 5 innings this spring.  He scattered 6 hits, struck out 3 and retired the last 6 hitters he faced.  Mitch was also able to keep the ball down after a number of hard hit balls in the first two innings.  Given the exhibition nature of these games we have to make use of a real "what have you done for me lately" attitude and, thus, Talbot is all aces until his next start.  Today's performance was happily reminiscent of the first half of 2010 and the sort effectiveness we need out of our presumptive #3.

Both Carlos Santana and Matt LaPorta went deep to break out of significant slumps.  Santana (.286) was a triple short of the cycle, scored thrice and drove in a pair, his first of the spring.  LaPorta's dong was his only hit of the day, but I'll take anything I can get from the guy hitting .158.

I am not a fan of Anthony Reyes.  Maybe it's his weight, maybe it's because he's always hurt, and maybe, just maybe, it's because he stinks.  Seriously.  In 3 rehab starts an Akron last year his ERA was 23.51.  Not a typo.  In 5 and 2/3 he gave up 8 runs, 11 walks and threw 5 wild pitches.  Today he got 2 outs and surrendered 2 runs.  I shan't waste any more time on him.

Jensen Lewis (10.80 ERA) "relieved" Reyes in the 7th and promptly gave up 2 three run homers to blow a 6-1 lead.  Of Lewis' first 14 pitches, 9 were balls, 1 was a single and 2 left the park.  Jensen was visibly upset leaving the field as this is the sort of outing that might cost him a job.

Utility OF Battle:  Chad Huffman (.455) hit a "wall-scraper" home run, his second of the spring, and is still knocking the ball well to all fields.  He also drew a walk and remains a viable candidate.  Travis Buck (.371) did not play.  He did give an outstanding interview that reinforced my understanding that baseball is most essentially a mental game.  Citing the stress of injury and inconsistency during his time in Oakland, Buck said he is thrilled about a fresh start with an organization that can showcase his talents and new-found maturity.

Who's Got Third?:  Luis Valbuena (.250) singled twice and remains my pick for the utility infield spot and Jason Donald's understudy.  Cord Phelps (.154) looked timid in taking a called third with the bases loaded.  Jack Hannahan (ugh) (.393) drove in a run with an infield single.  In case anyone is wondering, no, he cannot be the next Casey Blake.  And for the following 3 reasons - (1) Hannahan is 2 years older (31) than Blake was when he joined the Indians in 2003, (2) During his last AAA season, Blake hit .309 with an .874 OPS.  Last year, Hannahan hit .237 at AAA with a .714 OPS  (3) Before coming to Cleveland, Blake had gotten just 112 major league ABs.  Despite the fact that Casey hit a mere .232, that's still better than the .224 that Hannahan has put up in 856 at bats.  So, no, no, no.  Please, I am begging you.  I am down on my knees.  Do not give Hannahan a roster spot.

Backup Backstop:  Paul Phillips (.409) replaced Santana in the 7th and delivered a go ahead single.  If Phillips can compliment his solid defense with a few clutch hits, he's exactly what the Indians are looking for.

25th Man:  Justin Gemano pitched a clean 8th and has not yet allowed a run this spring.  Vinnie Pestano (1.93) came in for the 9th to protect a 2 run lead and sent the Brewers down in order, finishing off the final 2 hitters via the K.  Also, after today, you can add Jensen Lewis to the list and open up spot 24 as well.

The Tribe has an off day on 03.16 (their first of the spring). We'll keep an eye on Josh Tomlin, who will start a minor league game.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Just In From the Desert

As dazzling as Justin Masterson was his last time out, he was just as troubling today.  Masterson (6.00 ERA) retired the first six, but gave up 2 in the third and 3 in the fourth on a total of 7 hits.  The good news is that Justin struck out 4 and didn't walk anyone.  The bad news is that we are all familiar with his Jekyll and Hyde act.  Masterson certainly has the stuff to overpower major league hitters, but he has to harness his wildness in order to be effective.  "Wildness?" you say, "I thought he didn't walk anyone?"  True, true.  Justin's problem is his lack of command inside the zone.  Even on days when he avoids the free pass, Masterson often allows clusters of hard hits as he unintentionally leaves the ball over the meaty part of the plate.  Remember, Acta is willing to shuffle starting pitchers 2 through 5, though I think Masterson is safe at the top of that list... for now.

Jeanmar Gomez continued to throw like sweaty goat crack.  Gomez (6.30) surrendered 3 earned on 3 hits and 2 walks today.  He was touched up for a pair of gopher balls and got pulled before he could finsih his third inning of work.  A quote on Gomez from an unnamed scout (via IPI) "Not ready. Very inconsistent secondary stuff. Impressed early last year but league quickly adjusted."  Given this, I question if Jeanmar will ever be a real MLB option.  Expect an announcement soon that either Gomez or David Huff has been removed from the 5th starter race.  My guess is [coin flips] Huff.

After today's cuts the Indians' roster is down to 47.  Zach McAllister, Lonnie Chisenhall, Nick Weglarz, Jason Kipnis, Alex White, Zach Putnam and Juan Apodaca were all sent to minor league camp.  So pffffft on all of you who said that Chisenhall would be at third on opening day.  Also, you should notice that Cord Phelps' name is not on this list.  He remains a viable infield candidate.  The Tribe was impressed by the performance of all of these players during the spring.  You can expect at least the first 5 in Cleveland sometime this season.  Putnam, a right handed reliever, will also have a shot.  Forget the name Juan Apodaca.

A quick Adam Miller update: He's thrown 8 bullpen sessions so far this spring with the Indians restricting the "volume" of pitches that he's thrown.  This basically means that Miller hasn't been cleared for the amount of pitches that both warming up and throwing in a game would entail.  He has dropped the change-up from his repertoire and is focusing on just his fastball and slider.  This should actually result in better performance as the change was his least effective pitch and he won't need 3 as a reliever.  The Tribe and Miller hope to get the righty into a minor league game or two before they break camp and Adam will start the season either at Columbus or in extended spring training... unless he's hurt.

Joe Smith hasn't pitched since Wednesday and will not pitch again until Friday, at the earliest.  Jojo has an abdominal strain.

Utility OF Battle:  Shelley Duncan (.304) had a day - single, double, walk, 3 RBI.  He looks good for that last guy on the bench.  Travis Buck (.371) added another hit, but struck out twice and stranded 4 runners.  I still think that he's in the lead and that, in some, way both of these guys make the club.  That leaves Ezequiel Carrera (.300, 0-1 today) and Chad Huffman (.500, SF, RBI) on the outside, looking in.

Backup Backstop:  Lou Marson (.125) and Luke Carlin (.111) each went 0-for-2 today with a K.  Serve held.  Paul Phillips (.400) maintains his hold as the #2 catcher.  It suits him.  Think about it.

Who's Hot:  Jack Hannahan (ugh) (.370, .950 OPS, 2-4, 2 RBI).  We cannot give this guy a spot.

Who's Not: Shin-Soo Choo (.200, .539 OPS, 0-3, R, RBI)

Pitchers for 03.15: Mitch Talbot (starter), Chris Perez, Anthony Reyes, Jensen Lewis, Justin Germano and Vinnie Pestano.

Cheers.

While I'm Writing

Do you care about Bryce Harper's struggles in middle class Las Vegas?  Read about it here.

Wanna feel bad for a bunch of people who are tremendously athletes, got to play pro ball, and enjoyed all of the perks of being the best player on their high school baseball team?  Do so here.

See ya soon.  Cheers.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Just In From the Desert

No sooner had I penciled Jason Donald (.308) in as the opening day third baseman, than he was scratched from a Saturday start with soreness in his left hand and has been instructed not to swing a bat for three days.  The hand, which was hit by a pitch on March 5th, held Donald out of Cactus League action for a week and was aggravated by a couple of hot shots that JD fielded at the hot corner.  A Saturday MRI revealed a bone bruise and, for those who have never had one, the pain therefrom is intense and inescapable.  With April 1 less than 3 weeks away, the Indians must now consider the very real possibility that they will have to find a replacement for their out-of-position third basemen without rushing their best 3B prospect (Lonnie Chisenhall) to the show and lacking the option of the second best (Jared Goedert) due to injury.  Again, I submit that Jayson Nix (.071) is NOT an option.  His unabashed butchery of the position is well documented and the Tribe would be better served with Carlos Santana returning to his natural position (not a real suggestion).  The pickings being slim, there are only three feasible options.  Luis Valbuena (.167) has gotten a ton of PT this spring, including significant reps at third.  While Luis has not shown the ability to hit with any consistency, he was my pick as the utility infielder before this whole debacle and I shall anoint him the #4 third bagger now.  Another (poor) option is (ugh) Jack Hannahan (.348, 0-3 today).  Hannahan has certainly shown up this spring and may benefit from the circumstances that have come to be, but Jack is a AAAA player with no future in Cleveland and no business taking up a roster spot.  Hannahan has proven that he can also play first, but with several players (Santana, Shelley Duncan, etc) also able to make spot starts, this utility is rather worthless.  The most intriguing option is Cord Phelps (.167).  Though Phelps cannot handle short, he is more than sufficient at both second and third.  Moreover, the Indians do not feel the need to "protect" him as they do Chisenhall.  It is unclear whether this is because Cord is better equipped mentally, not beset by Brobdingnagian expectation or is simply more "Major League ready."  My course of action would be to include both Valbuena and Phelps on the roster and platoon them until Donald is healthy or the Super 2 deadline passes.  The powers that be in the Indians organization do not consistently agree with my assessments, so their interpretation of reality remains to be seen.

This is the last time that I will mention David Huff (7.45), unless, perhaps, he is released.  Over two and two thirds today, Huff got shelled.  In giving up 4 earned on 6 hits and a walk, Dave looked awful.  The Padres nearly killed 2 or 3 fielders because they were hitting to ball so GD hard.  From here on out assume that Huff is on his way to Columbus.

Carlos Carrasco (5.63) started and got knocked around as well, to the tune of 3 earned runs on 6 hits in three innings.  Carrasco walked 1 and struck out 2 in taking his second loss of the spring.  As mentioned yesterday, performances like this may lead to a shuffling of rotation spots and perhaps a Josh Tomlin (1.13) ascending from the 5 spot.

Chris Perez (1.80) and Jensen Lewis (3.86) have bullpen spots secured and each tossed a clean inning with a K today.

Utility OF Battle:  Travis Buck (.375) had a hit and an RBI and was robbed of extra bases by a great catch in center.   Shelley Duncan (.250) struck out in his only plate appearance.

Backup Backstop:  Paul Phillips (.400) stood tall, stroking a homer and a double.  He is firmly entrenched to be the #2 catcher.  I haven't seen Luke Carlin in a week and it would take a monumental explosion of offense from Lou Marson (.143) to win the job.

25th Man:  Frank Herrmann (1.69) was slick in stranding two runners to get out of the 7th and close the book on Huff.  Herrmann is learning a split from '86 NL Cy Young winner Mike Scott (a close friend of Tribe third base coach Steve Smith) and throws it with more confidence in each appearance.  Big Frank has my vote for the last bullpen spot.

Who's Hot: Orlando Cabrera (.375, 1.037 OPS)

Who's Not: Um, Matt.  La.  Porta.  Down to .147 after another 0-fer.

Pitchers for 03.14: Justin Masterson starts against the A's @ 4:05 on STO.  They won't tell me who's in the pen, but I would guess Chad Durbin and perhaps Jeanmar Gomez are on the menu.

Cheers.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Just In From the Desert

I have been a Josh Tomlin fan since very early last season.  He's the sort of pitcher than I enjoy watching.  Sure, a 105 Cuban missile is damn impressive, but I appreciate a pitcher changing speeds, hitting his spots, and out-thinking his opponent.  This is Josh Tomlin.  Now I know that we have 2+ weeks left in camp, but I'm gonna call this one right now.  Barring a dramatic turn of events, Tomlin (1.18 ERA) has won the 5th starter job.  I said this at the end of 2010 and the Indians' brain-trust seems to be coming around.  Tomlin threw 3 more scoreless innings today, dancing around 4 hits and a walk.  His numbers don't reflect a "B" game start that Bart Swain (Indians Media Relations Director) described as "brilliant."  Tomlin has done everything that has been asked of him, while David Huff (5.14) and Jeanmar Gomez (4.91) have been inconsistent.  Again, Tomlin might have Talbot-esque starts down the stretch and Huff might throw a perfect game, but I doubt it.  Write it down.

Tomlin should actually be more concerned with pitching himself up through the rotation.  Manny Acta admitted on Saturday that the Indians do not have a set rotation behind Fausto Carmona.  The assumption was that Justin Masterson (3.38), Mitch Talbot (17.55) and Carlos Carrasco (.360) would follow Fausto, in that order.  While those three are still locked in as starters, Acta is flexible on the sequence.  Curiouser and curiouser.

Speaking of Carmona (5.25), he was outstanding against the Angels.  Over 4 shutout innings, Fausto's sheet was marred by just a hit and a walk as he piled up 5 Ks.  I look forward to a dominant opening day start and a strong season for the big right-hander.

Grady Sizemore is right on track with his rehab program.  He should start running the bases on Sunday and could see game action as soon as Sunday the 20th. 

Rafael Perez made his Cactus League debut, throwing a clean 8th, despite a hit and a walk. 

Utility OF Battle:  Everything stays the same because no one did anything on a day that the Tribe scratched out just 5 hits.  My standings:  Travis Buck (.393, 0-3, OF assist), Shelley Duncan (.263, 0-2), Chad Huffman (.500, 0-1), Ezequiel Carrera (.310, played but no AB).

Who's Hot: Asdrubal Cabrera - .409, 1.136 OPS, 2 SB

Who's Not: Matt LaPorta - .156, .538 OPS, 6 K, 5 H

Pitchers for 03.13:  Carlos Carrasco (starter) and David Huff are scheduled.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Just In From the Desert

Chad Durbin pitched for the first time today!  He threw a hitless 4th!  All of our problems are solved!  Sure, he walked a guy and hit another while giving up a run, but who cares!  October here we come!  Durbin for Cy Young!

Mitch Talbot continued to struggle.  Over three grueling innings, "The Fury" surrendered 3 runs on 5 hits and a walk (2 K) to lower his ERA to 18.90.  I'm sure that the sound bytes will be the usual BS, something like "Oh, I was just working on getting better command of my slider" or "Mitch showed a lot more today.  He hit his spots and competed against every hitter."   Yes, it's spring training, but Talbot still stank like a diaper full of Indian food.

Lonnie Chisenhall (.478) seems to have come back to Earth.  The Chiz Kid K'ed in both of his plate appearances today.  That's three in a row counting yesterday's AB.  Just as there was no reason to become so excited about his scintillating start, there is no reason to be concerned now.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, I consider the 2B and 3B starters set with Orlando Cabrera (.429) and Jason Donald (.308) locked in.

Utility OF Battle:  Ezequiel Carrera (.310) reached base 3 times (H, 2 BB) and laid down a great sac bunt that helped the Indians tie the game in the 8th.  Chad Huffman (.529), back from injury, went down on strikes in his first 2 ABs, then singled in the 9th.  Shelley Duncan (.294) struck out and singled in 2 trips.  Travis Buck (.440, DNP) remains the favorite.

Backup Backstop:  Lou Marson (.154) has struggled with the bat and, despite his excellent showing defensively (he picked a runner off of 2nd today), is ticketed to Columbus unless he can turn it around.  Marson, himself, remains supremely confident, forecasting that he will be playing "a lot" for the Indians this season.  No matter what Paul Hoynes says, Juan Apodaca is not an option.  That leaves Luke Carlin and Paul Phillips.  Phillips (.353) has both performed better and gotten more PT than Carlin (.143).  I would judge that Phillips currently has the upper hand, although I favor Carlin. 

25th Man:  This will be the 7th bullpen guy.  My, how times have changed.  Back in the day it was a 5 man 'pen, but with so many specialists and so much worry about overuse, expansion has ensued.  There are too many players still in contention to pick a leader, but three of the candidates did pitch today.  Doug Mathis (4.50) walked 3 and allowed a run scoring single in the 6th.  The non-roster invitee was already a long shot and did not help his cause.  Jess Todd (2.08) pitched a clean 5th (H, K) and is favored by several pundits.  Justin Germano has thrown 5 scoreless innings thus far, conjuring memories of his first month in town last summer.  I would say Germano is in the middle of the pack.  We'll dig into this more in the coming days.  Manny Acta has stated that this decision, as well as that of the 2nd catcher, will likely not be made until the final week of camp.

The Tribe made their first round of cuts today as pitching prospects Drew Pomeranz, Bryce Stowell, Kelvin De La Cruz and Nick Hagadone were all sent to the minor league camp.  While De La Cruz (W, 4 IP, 3 H, 3/2 R/ER, BB, K, HR) and Hagadone (2 IP, 2 H, HBP, BB, K) merely held serve, Pomeranz (3 IP,BB, 5 K) has fans champing at the bit to see him on the Lake.  In contrast, the fireballin' Stowell (IP, H, 2 ER, 2 BB, HR) found the strike zone elusive and may take a step back to AA to begin the season.  Corey Kluber hefted his 108.00 ERA and joined them, as did catching prospect Chun Chen, who had a challenging game behind the dish yesterday.  Two injured players, Hector Rondon and Jared Goedert, round out the dismissals.  The Indians roster stands at 54.

Pitchers for 03.12:  Fausto Carmona (starter), Josh Tomlin, Tony Sipp and Rafael Perez.

Cheers.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Just In From the Desert

Today's most intriguing story is that Jayson Nix (.105) has switched competitions.  We had thought him to be challenging Jason Donald (.400, back in the line-up today) and Luis Valbuena (.190, we'll get to Chisenhall in a bit) for the vacant third base job.  Yesterday, it was reported that Nix was getting significantly more reps at 2B and today Manny Acta confirmed that he has yet to name Orlando Cabrera (.364) as the starter.  I have to imagine that the statement was made to keep Jayson's confidence up during a tough run at the plate.  It is unlikely that anyone will unseat Donald at 3B or Cabrera at 2B.  While injuries are always a possibility, the probability is that the true competition is between Nix and Valbuena for the utility infield spot.  Nix's biggest upside is on offense and, his long ball today regardless, if he continues to flounder at the dish, he becomes worthless.  Valbuena, despite his low average, has popped three homers already and can play second, short and third.  To be clear, of the two, Valbuena is the better option and I hope that Acta et al can recognize this as well.

On to the Chiz Kid and his early tear.  We all have to keep a number of factors in perspective -- (1) The sample size of his .524 average (0-1, K today) is tiny (21 ABs) and against Spring Training pitching.  Manny Acta reminds us that the two biggest boppers last spring were Wes Hodges and Donnie Webb, (2) Lonnie has yet to see a single inning at AAA, (3) Similar to the Carlos Santana situation in 2010, this season would not count towards Chisenhall's arbitration eligibility should he come up in June or July, (4) As so many of us forget, baseball is 90% mental, as Justin Matserson noted yesterday.  When the Tribe (or any MLB team in this day and age) promotes a prospect, they strive to have him completely set up for success, & (5) There is no urgency to win in 2011.  I contend that, if everyone plays to form and the team stays healthy, that Indians can win 85 games.  This stance is awfully optimistic and, realistically, contention is a year away.  So, here is the plan:  the Chiz Kid gets comfortable this spring, opens at Columbus, rakes for a couple of months and makes his wildly anticipated debut on the North Coast after the Super 2 cutoff.  With Jason Donald easily dislodged from a starting role, the transition should be painless.  I'm completely on board with this.  So is Lonnie.  The man either recognizes his own best interest or just knows what to say to the media.  In an interview today, he made the statement that he's just "trying to make their decision difficult," rather than actively pushing for an opening day slot.  I know Chisenhall looks great right now (we'll never even get to see the catch he made on a foul pop in the 8th), but let us (and I mean the 71% who voted on Cleveland.com that he should be the starter) keep our eyes on the big picture.

Masterson (3.38 ERA) certainly righted his ship today, throwing 3 perfect innings and striking out 5. Justin threw 25 of 37 pitches for strikes (I charted myself.  This is the only place you will find those numbers.) and looked dominant.  As described by Jim Rosenhaus, his sinker was "great," his change "good," and his slider "sharp."  Masterson caused Blake DeWitt to flail so wildly in the 2nd that DeWitt's bat ended up in the stands above the Cubs dugout.  If Justin can throw anything like this on a consistent basis during the season, then we'll have our true #2.

I'm not ready to officially return Jeanmar Gomez (4.91) to contention for the #5 spot, but JG was certainly outstanding today.  He extended perfection to 1 out in the 6th and allowed just 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 3 in three scoreless innings. 

Matt LaPorta (.138) continued to hit like unflushed excrement.  Matty was 0-for-3 with a K.

Frank Herrmann (1.80) gave up the lead in an 8th inning that featured the infield sprinklers going off with 2 outs.  Herrmann gave up a double and a wild pitch before Chun Chen's throwing error brought home the run.

Vinnie Pestano got into trouble in the 9th by allowing an infield single and then making a poor choice to try for the lead runner on a bunt attempt.  After putting the 2 on, Vinnie induced a pair of pop-ups, but gave up a game winning, walk-off single to Brett Jackson.  Still, after the staff allowed 41 runs over the past 3 games, giving up just 2 today was a nice change of pace.

Utility OF Battle:  Travis Buck (.440) played all 9 innings in right, showed good discipline in going from 1-and-2 to a walk in the second and added a single.  Shelley Duncan (.267), who started in left did not fare so well, going hitless in three trips while striking out twice.  No change here, Buck is still the favorite.

Pitchers for 03.11: Mitch Talbot (starter), Chad Durbin, Doug Mathis, Justin Germano and Josh Judy.

Cheers.