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.