Just In From the Desert

You already know that Ubaldo Jimenez gave up 5 runs on 5 hits in a sloppy first inning.  Moving on...

Hot Corner: Captain Jack Hannahan (Bon Anniversaire, bro) singled in two trips (.500) and played his normal stellar defense.

Left Of Center: Today we were treated to all 3 contenders, including a pair in the starting lineup.  Shelley Duncan (.250) was the left field starter and launched a three run, first inning bomb to left that likely hasn't landed yet.  Matt LaPorta (.000) did not fare so well as the DH.  Matty Ked his first two times up and his RBI came on a fielder's choice that should have been an inning ending double play in the 5th.  Felix Pie (.000) entered later and did exactly nothing of consequence.

#5:  Jeanmar Gomez pitched the 6th and 7th perfectly and fanned 3 in what Tom Hamilton called a dominant performance.  We won't see the favorite for the 5th slot (Kevin Slowey) until tomorrow's finale against Cincy, but Jeanmar certainly put his best foot forward today.

Bench Me:  Russ Canzler (1.000) singled twice and walked in 3 PAs, driving in a run and scoring a pair.  Although he contributed an error (playing first base) to the Redlegs first inning outburst, Russ is currently the darling of media and fandom alike.  That can go a long way in helping a young man's quest for a spot on the opening day roster, especially if he continues to hit.  I have never seen an intrasquad grand slam do so much for a player's image.  Aaron Cunningham (.333) made his Indians debut and looked pretty damn rusty his first two trips to the dish (and in making an awful first inning throwing error), but did slice a single in the 5th.  Many consider this kid a contender for the starting spot, but he'll have to earn my respect before I get on the bandwagon.  I do have a feeling about Jose Lopez (1.000).  After two hits yesterday, the former all-star (I'll keep saying it) walked in his only plate appearance today and seems like the kind of guy that will stick if he can keep it going.  Finally, Crisitian Guzman (.500) singled, walked and scored twice.  Seems like a good day, eh?  Yeah, not so much.  Guzman looked every bit of a 34 year old who hadn't played in a year while making an ugly error at short and displaying very little energy in the field.  I'll agree with Hamilton on this one; I don't see a ML position for Acta's buddy.

Mightier Than the Sword:  Chris Ray and Hector Ambriz each tossed a scoreless inning in their respective first spring appearances.  The 12th (and maybe 11th? 10th if CP is still hurt?) pitching slots will likely be the last of the battles to be decided.