Let's Blow this thing up

12 runs in an inning before even registering an out with a Boston lineup consisting of Rocco Baldelli, Jeff Bailey, Nick Green and George Kottaras is pathetic. Jeremy Sowers is a jobber and better be on a short leash as I would rather see David Huff get a shot as we pretty all much know what we have in Sowers. The bullpen is a disaster. Masa Kobayashi is down right embarrassing and should be cut today. Why is it so hard to find pitcher to pitch one inning? The organization has done a terrible job home growing their own relievers, deciding rather to turn every good arm into a starter. Teams like Red Sox and Angels seem to always have internal options to go to in their minors for relief work. The Tribe would rather go with journeyman stiffs like Vinnie Chulk and Matt Herges. I have no idea what they should do to make the situation tolerable in the late innings. They are making the decision now to turn starters in AA and A ball into relievers (Herrmann in Columbus, Putnam in Akron), but it probably is too late for 2009. The bullpen of agony has done some good deeds for their team mates, masking the hitting struggles of Mark DeRosa, Jhonny Peralta, and Grady Sizemore. The trio has performed well below expectations and need to right their respective ships quickly or the season will be officially lost for good. Our Indian summer may be ruined. I guess it can't get any worse.

Chulkamania no longer, Sowers to start Thursday

Another body has been jettisoned off the Cleveland Indians roster, as Reliever Vinnie Chulk has been designated for assignment. The Chulkster had a respectable 3.75 ERA, but walked 10 batters in 12 innings and let a whole bunch of inherited runners score. Ole' Red Beard will need to clear waivers to stay with the team, so who knows with the state of relief pitching in the league this year if he will be in Columbus. Back to Cleveland as earlier reported is Jeremy Sowers. This is probably his last shot at pitching in the big leagues with the Tribe, as his 12-19 career record and 5.14 ERA in 3 seasons as an Indians is less than stellar. It is important game Thursday for Sowers and his club as they look to get something good going. The 9-2 victory Wednesday was the first in awhile where all facets of the ballclub did well (Starters Relievers, Hitting). Unfortunately Tim Wakefield is the opposing pitcher, so it will be tough. The knuckleballer dominated the Tribe last Monday, but hopefully that tricky pitch will run flat.

Zach Jackson wins last spot in the Pen

The Indians announced today that the final spot in the bullpen will be filled by left-hander Zach Jackson. Acquired from the Brewers as part of the CC Sabathia trade, Jackson has been selected probably due to his ability to either start or relieve. His spring training numbers were not too impressive (18 plus innings, 6.87 ERA), but he will serve as an innings eater if one of the starters get pounded for runs in the first few innings, or as a spot starter if rainouts occur early. The loser in the race, right-hander Vinnie Chulk, has been sent to Columbus. Chulk has an opt out clause in his contract that allows him to leave the organization after May 15th if he is not on the major league roster. Chulk compiled a 1.72 ERA in 9 games this spring and will be the first bullpen option out of Triple A. The way Masa Kobayashi has been pitching (10.00 ERA in 9 games), Vinnie shouldn't have to wait very long. Masa will be on a very short leash in 2009. Only one more week to go until opening day, so it looks like the roster is finally set.

Barfield wins Indians' last bench spot; Gimenez and Crowe Optioned to Columbus

In a not so surprising development, Josh Barfield has made the Cleveland Indians as a super utility guy. Although he hasn't been exactly knocking the cover off of the ball (.184, 9-for-49 .216 on-base percentage in 19 spring games, entering Saturday.), J-Barf has shown the ability to adjust to various positions around the diamond. He seems to be playing pretty well out in the outfield, and is getting more comfortable at third base. The Indians will use Barfield as a pinch runner, late inning defensive replacement with an occasional start here and there. Manager Eric Wedge has liked what he has seen out of the former Padre...

"Josh's versatility was part of the decision,'' Wedge said Saturday. ''Also his speed, his ability to steal a base. We still feel like his hitting is coming. It has yet to translate into a game, but I feel like it will.
''He's probably a little better in right than in left. Of course, second base is his best position, and he needs some work at third.''

With the announcement, the Indians optioned the Chris Gimenez and Trevor Crowe to Triple A Columbus. Both played great in the spring, so don't be surprised if you see them up with the big league club sometime in 2009.

Gimenez showed outstanding position flexibility, playing both corner outfielders, first base, and his everyday position as a catcher. He also posted outstanding stats (.357, 10-28 2 HR, 7 RBI, .486 OBP, .670 SLG) in 20 spring games. The guy is major league ready and will force the Indians to make some pretty hard decisions on the roster very soon.

Crowe also played great, (.289, 13-45, 6 SB) and played all out in every game he appeared in. Trevor is a player to watch and will be the first call up position player wise in 2009 when an injury occurs. Crowe looks to be poised to make an impact in 2009 as well.

The final bullpen slot seems down to Vinnie Chulk and Zach Jackson. Jackson seems to still have the inside edge as a left handed long man, but Chulk has pitched great as well. Look for a decision Monday or Tuesday.

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.

Cleveland Indians Desert Diagnosis

The Cleveland Indians finally were able to keep an opposing team under 4 runs today, beating the Chicago White Sox 9-4. I was able to watch this game via mlb.com and here were some random thoughts from the game.

Fausto Carmona: Was able to force seven ground outs in three innings, but got in some two out trouble in the 2nd inning. Seems to be pitching OK, not a serious concern early in camp with walking guys.

Anthony Reyes: Pitched a scoreless three innings, was successful moving the ball all around the zone. Allowed just one walk and has yet to give up a run in Cactus League action. Reyes has pretty much locked up the number four spot in the rotation.

Vinnie Chulk: Two scoreless innings, 3 K's. Dark horse for 7th slot in the pen.

Matt Herges: 40 year old struck out the side. Has received praise from Wedge and may be an option for the 7th spot in the pen as well.

Grady Sizemore: Simply went 3-3, 2 RBI and looked fluid on the base paths. Grady is fine and look for him to have a career year in 2009 with the added punch to the lineup. Also hit well off of 2 lefties, which is a great sign as he only batted .224 against lefties in 2008.

Victor Martinez: 3-3, 2 RBI. Victor hit a fastball in on the hands out into center field, hit a gap with another single, and seems to be fully back from his various ailments of 2008.

Chris Gimenez: 0-1, BB. Didn't do much but I believe will be on this team after the All-Star break due to his enormous position flexibility. Currently hitting .385.

Beau Mills: 0-4, 1 RBI. Beau struggled with the outside in-the-dirt curve ball from lefties and seemed to be over guessing on pitches, but is still only about to begin his 2nd full year in pro ball. If Mills has a big year in Akron, the Indians will have an interesting decision to make at first base in 2011.

Tony Graffanino/Andy Cannizaro: 5-7, two doubles, 1 home run, 3 Rbi. The Italian duo auditioned themselves well as utility guys for the Indians minor leagues or possibly a big league job at the end of camp. Cannizaro is probably the leader in the clubhouse to play short in Columbus.

Matt LaPorta: 0-4, 3K's. Bad game for LaPorta at bat, and also fumbled the ball out in right. Still hitting .316 and will see a lot more time this spring.

Michael Brantley: 2-3, double, 2 runs scored. Both of Brantley's hits were to the opposite field and showed some nice speed on the bases. Putting together a nice spring, with a .368 avg. and looking pretty fluid in the outfield.

Hopefully the pitching will sustain some consistency over the next few weeks as we get closer to camp ending. The hitting at all levels looks ready for business, so hopefully the winter weather of April in Cleveland won't cool down the bats too much.