Kip has earned his job back! But I'd still be interested in seeing him in LF. We have multiple good options for 3rd base -- Yandy can hit singles and walk, Gio has a gold glove, Gonzalez can do a lot of things well -- and few in the outfield after probably Naquin - Almonte? Refsnyder? Looking longer term, we have Chang and Castro approaching the majors in a year or two, too; while Allen is the only outfielder on the horizon above Class A.

I know it's still early in ST and guys are just working on things but I just saw the box from today's game and something seemed troubling.

EE was leading off. No big deal. Just wanted to get him some extra ABs I assume.

EE was 0-3 with 3Ks on 9 pitches. Nobody is nibbling this early so pitchers are trying to throw all strikes. Threw 9 to EE and he didn't hit any of them.

Hope it's temporary and not a Napoli....one good year and then hit the wall.

CLASSIC LINE : small sample size

If y9u look at the individual spring stats hardly anyone is drawing walks. Nellie Rodriguez has drawn 6, which is strange since he's not known to be especially selective and Yandy is next with 4 and he is known to be selective.

Boo

Julian Merryweather - S - Indians

Indians prospect right-hander Julian Merryweather has been diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Uh oh. Merryweather has been shut down from throwing and will visit Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday for a second opinion. Obviously there's the possibility that he'll require season-ending Tommy John surgery. Either way, he's facing an extended absence. Merryweather, 26, was added to the Indians' 40-man roster over the winter after posting a 5.32 ERA and 128/35 K/BB ratio in 128 2/3 innings between Double- and Triple-A last year.

Translation Tommy John

Kip with another homer. Don't leave 'em all in Goodyear.

Oh, and Napoli is 0-6 with 3 K last two games. He's in mid-season form. Sure wish one of our talented youngsters like Bradley was getting those at bats.

I'm hoping that Nap was given a certain number of games before he's asked to sit down.

Bradley did come up. Also, looking at today's lineup (mostly starters) he may have taken up EE/Alonso at bats.

If he were just taking their AB's I wouldn't care. They are veterans that know how many AB's they need to be ready. But any time those two aren't in the lineup is an opportunity to let Bradley or Rodriguez or any of the youngsters (DH) get some experience.

Watching Cubs/Tribe - what a shot by Alonso dead center

Alonso just went deep again. Around a third of the way up the black screen in straight center.

Game is on MLBTV, by the way.

Cubs up 2-1 in btm of 2

Grand slam by Gomes!

Only the good news reported! On the other hand, Bauer was a bit off yesterday, allowed 8 runs in 3 1/3, he walked 3, allowed 2 homers.
McAllister 2 walks in a inning.
Goody a run on 2 hits in his inning
Otero 2 runs in his inning.
Belisle and Belivau and B.Taylor were effective