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.