Just In From the Desert

Yeah, the bats finally woke up.  The Tribe pounded 7 extra base hits, including 3 home runs in the first three innings, as they throttled the D-Bags 10-2.

Hot Corner: Jack Hannahan (.400) took advantage of the start, smashing a third inning grand slam off of Arizona phenom Tyler Skaggs to break the game wide open.  It was no cheapie, either.  Lonnie Chisenhall (.500) followed with a 1-for-2 effort.  This is just me, but I have to believe that if Captain Jack hits, he's going to be the man on Opening Day.

#5:  David Huff (3.60) blinked first, allowing two earned as he stretched himself out over 3 innings.  Huff surrendered two hits and a walk while striking out 3.  Still, it was a solid outing, as the fifth starter quintet continues to do nothing but impress.

Left Of Center:  Although Felix Pie (.167) entered late, he took full advantage.  Pie showed off his speed in legging out an 8th inning triple and coming home on a wild pitch.  New day, same crappy Matt LaPorta (.000), who whiffed in his only AB and is still hunting for his first spring hit.

Somewhere Out There:  Freddy Lewis (.200) got the start in left field and played well as the Indians piled up early runs.  Lewis was 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.  Trevor Crowe (.000) patrolled left after Lewis called it a day, going 0-for-1.  Is he really a consideration for this spot?  Certainly not unless he hits.

Bench Me:  Not much.  Cord Phelps (.000) is the Crowe of this category, hundred to one odds.  Phelps walked in his only trip.

Mightier Than the Sword:  Frank Herrmann (12.00) rebounded from an atrocious debut with two excellent innings (H, BB, 3 K) to close the game.  Hector Ambriz (0.00) did him one better with two perfect innings and three punchouts.  Ambriz might be a darkhorse for the last bullpen spot, but do not count him out.

The Tribe return to Goodyear on Thursday with a 3:05p tilt against the Halos.