Free Andy Marte!
Andy Marte is on the 25-man roster to open the season. He's out of options. If Eric Wedge's past trends are any indication, Andy Marte won't play much - maybe once or twice a week. Wedge has proven himself smitten with the league average production of Casey Blake, Super Utility Mountain Man. The problem with this is two-fold:
- Andy Marte has been a notoriously slow starter at every level.
- If he doesn't produce right away, fans who don't know any better will be screaming for his release or trade.
Therefore, I declare that it is time to Free Andy Marte! Play him every day or trade him. We've never seen what he can do at the major league level because he's never had enough at bats to make the adjustment propertly. Let's find out what we have. He's not going to adjust to the majors playing a couple times a week, because when he does get in, most likely he will be pressing.
Left Field
One of my co-workers, a lifelong Indians fan, had a discussion with me this week about how he was upset that the Indians optioned Ben Francisco and kept Dellucci and Michaels to platoon in left field. I can't really say I blame him too much. Francisco lit up spring training like a Christmas tree. However, given the Indians' proclivity to stick with veterans (see Blake, Casey), as well as Francisco's status (with options), it is not surprising that the Indians would send him down. Also complicating things - Shin Soo (Big League) Choo, who is out of options, and will likely be ready for the bigs after a month or two on rehab at Buffalo.
So, the bottom line here is that something will happen in the next couple months to straighten this mess out. When Big League Choo is ready, someone will go. So, relax and enjoy the fun, because there will be some dealing coming down the line.
Spring Training Mojo Watch:
Ben Francisco: 
Ben's ben en fuego.
Andy Marte: Marte has looked tentative in the field, and has shown flashes of power, but his spring average has been hovering near the Mendoza line.
Starting Pitching: Sabathia, Carmona, and Westbrook have all looked dominant at times. Byrd looks like Byrd. Cliff Lee has pitched just well enough to win the 5th spot, but that is as much a testament of how poorly Laffey and Sowers have pitched.
Pronk: He had occasionally looked Pronk-like this spring.
Grady Sizemore: Grady is ready. Hide the women and children, because Grady is going to set fire to the American League.
Aaron Fultz: 
Pronk's Mojo
Pronk's Mojo appears right now to be busy with the Davidson Wildcats, after helping the New York Giants pull off an amazing Super Bowl upset. With any luck, Pronk's Mojo will come home in time for Opening Day. Remember, as always, if you see Pronk's Mojo, please nudge it in the general direction of Cleveland.
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