Just In From the Desert

As dazzling as Justin Masterson was his last time out, he was just as troubling today.  Masterson (6.00 ERA) retired the first six, but gave up 2 in the third and 3 in the fourth on a total of 7 hits.  The good news is that Justin struck out 4 and didn't walk anyone.  The bad news is that we are all familiar with his Jekyll and Hyde act.  Masterson certainly has the stuff to overpower major league hitters, but he has to harness his wildness in order to be effective.  "Wildness?" you say, "I thought he didn't walk anyone?"  True, true.  Justin's problem is his lack of command inside the zone.  Even on days when he avoids the free pass, Masterson often allows clusters of hard hits as he unintentionally leaves the ball over the meaty part of the plate.  Remember, Acta is willing to shuffle starting pitchers 2 through 5, though I think Masterson is safe at the top of that list... for now.

Jeanmar Gomez continued to throw like sweaty goat crack.  Gomez (6.30) surrendered 3 earned on 3 hits and 2 walks today.  He was touched up for a pair of gopher balls and got pulled before he could finsih his third inning of work.  A quote on Gomez from an unnamed scout (via IPI) "Not ready. Very inconsistent secondary stuff. Impressed early last year but league quickly adjusted."  Given this, I question if Jeanmar will ever be a real MLB option.  Expect an announcement soon that either Gomez or David Huff has been removed from the 5th starter race.  My guess is [coin flips] Huff.

After today's cuts the Indians' roster is down to 47.  Zach McAllister, Lonnie Chisenhall, Nick Weglarz, Jason Kipnis, Alex White, Zach Putnam and Juan Apodaca were all sent to minor league camp.  So pffffft on all of you who said that Chisenhall would be at third on opening day.  Also, you should notice that Cord Phelps' name is not on this list.  He remains a viable infield candidate.  The Tribe was impressed by the performance of all of these players during the spring.  You can expect at least the first 5 in Cleveland sometime this season.  Putnam, a right handed reliever, will also have a shot.  Forget the name Juan Apodaca.

A quick Adam Miller update: He's thrown 8 bullpen sessions so far this spring with the Indians restricting the "volume" of pitches that he's thrown.  This basically means that Miller hasn't been cleared for the amount of pitches that both warming up and throwing in a game would entail.  He has dropped the change-up from his repertoire and is focusing on just his fastball and slider.  This should actually result in better performance as the change was his least effective pitch and he won't need 3 as a reliever.  The Tribe and Miller hope to get the righty into a minor league game or two before they break camp and Adam will start the season either at Columbus or in extended spring training... unless he's hurt.

Joe Smith hasn't pitched since Wednesday and will not pitch again until Friday, at the earliest.  Jojo has an abdominal strain.

Utility OF Battle:  Shelley Duncan (.304) had a day - single, double, walk, 3 RBI.  He looks good for that last guy on the bench.  Travis Buck (.371) added another hit, but struck out twice and stranded 4 runners.  I still think that he's in the lead and that, in some, way both of these guys make the club.  That leaves Ezequiel Carrera (.300, 0-1 today) and Chad Huffman (.500, SF, RBI) on the outside, looking in.

Backup Backstop:  Lou Marson (.125) and Luke Carlin (.111) each went 0-for-2 today with a K.  Serve held.  Paul Phillips (.400) maintains his hold as the #2 catcher.  It suits him.  Think about it.

Who's Hot:  Jack Hannahan (ugh) (.370, .950 OPS, 2-4, 2 RBI).  We cannot give this guy a spot.

Who's Not: Shin-Soo Choo (.200, .539 OPS, 0-3, R, RBI)

Pitchers for 03.15: Mitch Talbot (starter), Chris Perez, Anthony Reyes, Jensen Lewis, Justin Germano and Vinnie Pestano.

Cheers.