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.
