The exhibition season is a week old in baseball, and certainly it is way to early to jump to any conclusions about the 2008 Cleveland Indians. In most games, half of the regulars are getting the day off, and pitchers who will be on the opening day roster are only throwing four or five innings. However, there are some things to keep an eye on as spring training progresses.
Andy Marte. The third baseman is learning to be more versatile by getting time at 1B and LF in camp, but the troubling thing right now is he is not hitting. He had two knocks yesterday to raise his average to .200 in 15 at bats. One good sign is he is making contact, striking out just twice. However, Marte needs to start showing the pop he has displayed in his minor league career. If he continues to struggle, it will be difficult to justify breaking camp with him on the 25-man roster.
Travis Hafner. Although he has played in only three games, Pronk is still hitless in seven at bats this spring. Remember, last year, Grady Sizemore struggled in Florida, and started whacking home runs when the regular season started. However, the Tribe needs Hafner’s bat to return to 2005 and 2006 form to have enough offense to win the Central Division. Starting out 0 for 7 makes me a slight bit uneasy.
Michael Aubrey. The former first round draft pick has showed that he can indeed hit. He came out of college with a reputation as a pure hitter, perhaps the most polished collegiate bat the year he was drafted. However, injuries, mostly back problems, have stalled his progress. He has been healthy this spring, and has gone 5 for 10 with a couple of doubles. It would be nice if he can stay in the lineup all season to see how far he can advance in the organization.
Beau Mills. Last year’s first round pick homered yesterday and is 3 for 7 on the spring. It is said the ball makes a different sound coming off his bat, the same sound made as the good hitters. Mills will probably start the season at Class AA Akron, and is definitely on the fast track to the major leagues. His problem is what position he will play, 1B or 3B. Most scouts feel his best spot is first or DH.
Scott Elarton. The non-roster invitee has thrown 4-1/3 scoreless innings in three appearances. He was brought to camp basically as a favor so he could showcase his wares for other teams, but might be pitching his way into consideration. The big man is strictly working out of the bullpen now, so perhaps he starts the season in Buffalo, and could find his way back to the big leagues as relief depth for the Tribe.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 