Tribe Claims Reliever Jae Kuk Ryu

In a move to add some depth to the bullpen, the Indians claimed Korean right hander Jae Kuk Ryu off of waivers from the San Diego Padres. Ryu was pretty bad in Cactus league play, posting an ERA above 10. To make room, the club placed Jake Westbrook on the 60 day disabled list. The 25 year old Ryu will be added to the ever growing list of relievers down in Columbus. It seems that the last spot in the bullpen may not be decided until early next week, which will be interesting to see which way Shapiro and Co. go with their decision. Stick with Ed Mujica who has been awful but is out of options? Go with Vinnie Chulk or Matt Herges due to their experience? Pick Zach Jackson because of his inning flexibility? The answer is coming soon.

Scott Lewis wins spot in Indians Rotation, Slated to Throw Home Opener

In a mild surprise, left hander Scott Lewis has been named the final spot open in the starting rotation for the Cleveland Indians. His main competition, Aaron Laffey, was knocked around yesterday for four runs in a minor league game and was subsequently sent to Triple A camp. Lewis, out of THE Ohio State University, is expected to actually start the fourth game of the season, the Indians Home Opener against Toronto. Since there are so many off days in April, Anthony Reyes will assume the fifth spot to take a little stress off of his sore elbow injury of 2008. This will definitely not be the last we see of young Laffey, as he know will fill the de facto role of 6th starter, eventual replacement to Hot Carl Pavano and his rising ERA. Much more on the TTO later today about the last two roster spots and how the Tribe looks closing out Cactus League action.

Sowers to the Minors, LaPorta & Brantley Re-Assigned

It seems to be a two man race for the final spot in the rotation, as lefty Jeremy Sowers was optioned to Triple A Columbus. The Vanderbilt grad pitched ok, posting a 4.91 ERA in 14 2/3 innings of work. Sowers will most definitely resurface sometime in 2009. The last remaining spot is down to Scott Lewis and Aaron Laffey. Shapiro had glowing things to say about Lewis yesterday, so don't be surprised to see Scotty in the 5th spot in the rotation to start the season. Laffey has been pitching better of late, and will be the first starter called upon from the minors should an injury happen or to replace the likely implosion of Carl Pavano.
Here is the list of moves...
per The Plain Dealer

Left-hander Jeremy Sowers and catcher Wyatt Toregas were sent to Class AAA Columbus. Right-hander Greg Aquino, infielder Michael Aubrey, right-hander Kirk Saarloos and outfielders Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley were re-assigned to minor league camp.
There are currently 37 players in big-league camp.

As for the Sabathia tandem (Brantley & LaPorta), both impressed while playing with the big league club. These two will be ever compared to one another as they were both key cogs in the CC Sabathia trade last season.

Michael Brantley was able to show his versatility in the outfield, playing all three spots quite well. His numbers (.313 BA, 4 SB) were solid, and he seemed to already possess a big league demeanor passed down from his father, former big leaguer Mickey Brantley. Still only 21, Brantley will go down to Columbus and work on his game even more to become possibly the Tribe's future leadoff hitter.

Matt LaPorta played great this spring as well (.361 BA, 6 doubles, 1.050 OPS), living up to his top prospect billing. LaPorta still needs to work on his fielding, but this former Gator seems only months, not years, away from helping the Indians.

The other four players (Toregas, Aquino, Aubrey, Saarloos) will compete for spots down in Columbus. It is interesting that no teams have really showed any interest in Aubrey, as he is batting .455 this spring. Although he doesn't have much pop in his bat, Aubrey could be a useful player on a major league team that desires a gloveman at first with little power but a solid average (a la Doug Mientkiewicz/Sean Casey/Mark Grace).

The roster is now down to 37. The late innings of these games will be rough to watch as many of the current players on the bench are career journeyman (Cannizaro, Graffanino, Valdez). Thankfully, only less than 2 weeks remain until opening day!