Just In From the Desert

The young guns continued to shine under the Arizona sun.  Drew Pomeranz threw 2 more perfect innings and struck out 3.  Making use of a heater that hits 96 and his patented "spike"-curve, Pomeranz was a knife cutting through the soft cheese of the Rockies.  Drew might be buying himself a spot at AA.  Lonnie Chisenhall (.467) might be buying himself an earlier trip north with a prolific display of hitting.  The Chiz kid bashed his 2nd home run and was a half step short of a double a liner to right.  Do not expect Chisenhall to break camp with the team, but, barring unforeseen circumstances, we're likely looking at a June recall.  I'm beginning to think that this was the Indians' plan all along.  Jason Donald is the de facto third bagger because it will be easy to remove him from the position when Chisenhall is ready.

Justin Masterson was erratic again.  He faced 12 batters over 3 innings getting touched up for a solo homer and needing one of Matt McBride's 2 assists from right field to prevent a lead-off triple in the third.  Masterson also walked one, hit another and made a throwing error on a pickoff (Shouldn't that run be earned?).  In a camp where most of the pitchers have been wildly successful (ex. another 2 shutout innings for Frank Herrmann), Justin seems to be lagging behind.  It's just spring training, but every start that his inconsistency persists is a greater cause for concern.

Utility OF Battle:  Travis Buck (.471) doubled for his sole hit in three trips.  He played center again and I would say that he is ahead on points right now.  Shelley Duncan (.167) started in left and did nothing to help himself, going hitless over 3 ABs.

Mitch Talbot starts on 03.07.