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.