Indians spring training update

A lot of exciting news happened in Goodyear, Arizona, this week. First the Indians solidified their rotation. They gave the final rotation spot to Scott Lewis who has had an impressive spring with a 3.52 ERA before his selection. However in his first start after being chosen for the rotation he had a rough outing and his ERA grew to 5.40. Manager Eric Wedge says he is not too concerned about Lewis’ rough outing saying that they have seen enough good things from him this spring for one bad outing to not be a concerning factor.

Anthony Reyes was confirmed as a starter for the Indians as well. Reyes has looked dominating and healthy this spring and has earned himself the fifth spot in the rotation. The Indians’ rotation is now Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona, Carl Pavano, Scott Lewis, and Anthony Reyes. Although Reyes has had a better spring than Lewis he was given the fifth spot to break up left-handers Lewis and Lee.

Also the Indians sent Trevor Crowe to Triple-A camp and confirmed Josh Barfield as the pick for the twenty-fifth roster spot. Wedge cited Barfield’s versatility and speed as well as his desire to have Crowe play everyday in the minors as the deciding factors. Barfield ahs had a frustrating spring at the plate with a .184 batting average and .216 on base percentage but has shown the versatility the Indians need in their utility role. Barfield has shown the ability to play third and the outfield this spring.

The only decision left for the Indians before the end of Spring Training is the final bullpen spot. The competition is down to left-hander Zach Jackson and right-hander Vinnie Chulk. Chulk appears to have the advantage according to the numbers but Jackson adds another left-hander to the right-handed dominated bullpen and he has the ability to pitch longer thanks to his background as a starter. Furthermore Jackson is younger than Chulk giving him more durability. Chulk has a 1.72 ERA and Jackson a 6.87 ERA. Many surmise that Jackson will win the spot despite his less impressive spring.

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The Indians are now 9-17-2 in Cactus League play coming into Sunday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. Fausto Carmona is scheduled to pitch the game against the Cubs against Ted Lilly. Carmona’s spring ERA is 2.45. Kerry Wood is scheduled to come on in relief and face his former team.

By Melissa Horton
Cleveland Indians Correspondent

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