Elarton/Mastny Battle Heats Up; A Vote for Francisco

Paul Byrd went 6 innings today against Tampa Bay. He probably has at least another start left before the regular season so obviously the work load is increasing. He gave up 4 runs off 8 hits and a walk.

However the focus is on two of the guys who pitched after Byrd in this game. Scott Elarton relieved Byrd in the 7th and went 8th giving up only two hits and a walk. The tie enabled Tom Mastny to get an inning in to do much of the same.

This Elarton/Mastny Battle might be closer than we think.

Offensive Notes:

Josh Barfield walked twice.

Andy Gonzalez hit his 4th home run of the Spring.

George Constanza played center field and collected two hits.

Did I say George? I meant Jose… Plus there is a ‘n’ slipped in there.

Andy Marte threw up another goose egg and struck out once again.

Francisco Watch: Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer said Ben Francisco deserves to be on the roster.

“Question: Does the 2007 Class AAA International League batting champion make the Tribe’s final roster?

Answer: Should he, or will he?

Q: OK, should he?

A: Of course. Francisco is 26, has 908 official at-bats in Buffalo where he is a .298 hitter. Last season, it was .318 with 22 stolen bases and a .496 slugging percentage. It makes absolutely no sense to send him back to Buffalo.” - Terry Pluto(Plain Dealer)

Well Of course.. It doesn’t make sense. But until David Dellucci does so awful they have no choice or they trade him, Francisco is going to have to go down to Buffalo for a bit.

There has been interest in the Indians’ outfielders. Teams have come calling about Jason Michaels and you guessed it Ben Francisco, but the Indians aren’t interesting in trading those guys.

I say if you can get even a bag of donuts for Dellucci, you do the deal. Hell pay his salary this year, you will have to anyway.

Latest on Laffey: Carl Willis had good things to say about Aaron Laffey’s performance yesterday.

“‘He said I looked like the Aaron Laffey he watched pitch last year,” said Laffey.” (Plain Dealer)

It’s a shame Cliff Lee has won the spot though. Oh Well