You're Waiting For a Train...: Mar 12, 2012

Monday, March 12, 2012

Throw It Down, Big Fella!

What do you want me to say? It's tourney time!

Props to Ubaldo Jimenez (1-2, 6.00, 3 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, K) for taking a big step in righting the ship and to the whole team on a solid 3-2 victory. These are the sorts of games that will make or break a team without big boppers and it's quite heartening to see the boys pull one out.

Hot Corner: Lonnie Chisenhall (.286) played a full 9 innings and singled once in four trips. The Chiz Kid has yet to do anything to pull ahead in the third base race.

#5: Nada.

Left of Center: Shelley Duncan (.250) was your DH today and brought home a pair of runs. Duncan knocked an RBI single in the first, before coming in to score himself. He also drew a bases loaded walk in the 4th pushing in what proved to be the contest's decisive run. Often it's easy to forget what kind of hitter Shelley is. Sure, he dipped to .231 before today, but his OPS has stayed consistent at about 1.000. The organization is obviously looking for an upgrade, but it would be a shame if they did not give this guy a chance to play every day.

Somewhere Out There: Aaron Cunningham (.294) doubled in three plate appearance, scored a run and struck out. I just don't feel it from Cunningham. I get a real Travis Buck vibe off of him and, god knows, we don't need anymore of that on the lake. Still, the combination of his lack of options and a solid spring probably puts him on the roster. Russ Canzler (.368) aims to make that decision as difficult as possible. The fan favorite added two more hits today. Ryan Spilborghs (.143) now has a 2-game hitting streak after an RBI rip. Ezequiel Carrera continues to sputter, as he went 0-for-2 with a punch out. Remember that the Tribe does not need to carry a second true center fielder if they feel comfortable with Jason Donald as the backup.

Bench Me: Jose Lopez (.455) (who I think is the only guy left in this category unless they carry five outfielders...) saw time at first base and made an error. Do not expect to see him play first during the regular season except in emergency. Oh wait, am I assuming he's making it? Hmm. Lopez was 0-for-1 today.

Mightier Than the Sword: Dan Wheeler (21.00) blew another opportunity for a good outing. Wheeler put three guys on (2 H, BB) while allowing a run and fanning one. I honestly believe that his spring is already too far gone. Dan will have to string together a number of impressive innings to get back to zero. Nick Hagadone (1.80), on the other hand, was, once again, impressive. Nick pitched 2 clean innings with 2 hits and a punch out. Although he threw a wild pitch, he has still yet to walk a batter this spring. Jeremy Accardo (2.25) threw effectively as well. Accardo would be in the bullpen if Spring Training ended today and was dominant against the D-Bags as he allowed a hit and struck out 2 in earning the save.

Watch the Indians play the Rangers tomorrow @ 4:05p. STO will carry the game.