The Clash of the Utility Infielders

Zeus: We would no longer be needed. But, for the moment, there is sufficient cowardice, sloth and mendacity down there on Earth to last forever.

It's not exactly Homeric material, but we have to overhype something based in reality, right?

Joe Inglett lost some ground in the battle because of not one, but two muscle strains:

Bad wheels: Joe Inglett says he'll rest for a "couple of days" to try and let his legs recover. Inglett, competing for the utility job, strained his right quadriceps muscle early in camp. Now he's strained his left quadriceps and hamstring.

Shortstop Hector Luna misplayed a popup for an error that made one of the runs unearned.

Luna later missed an easy grounder hit by Gary Sheffield for another error, while Cleveland third baseman Andy Marte made one error and turned a couple of tough chances into tougher ones by backing up on balls instead of playing the short hops.

The way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if Luna is in another organization by the time the team breaks camp.

Mike Rouse, who was claimed on waivers late last season, is actually in the running to make the team. Rouse has been a shortstop his entire professional career, which is something none of the other combatants can say. And while his AAA OPS has gone down each of the past three seasons, he might just be the best of what's available.

Luis Rivas, whose career cratered after a promising start, also has a good shot of making the team. He was a shortstop in the Twins' organization before moving to second to make room for Cristian Guzman. His offense is not going to be an asset, but he again doesn't have too much competition.

Of course, the Indians are still going to look outside the organization for help, and the end of March means plenty of waiver and trade opportunities as teams finalize their rosters. The Indians do have a spare roster spot (thanks to Keith Foulke's retirement), and the three infielders on the roster all have options remaining.

And here's the obvious question - does this really matter? It could if Barfield or Peralta go down with a serious injury, in which case we could be seeing one of these guys on an everyday basis. And I don't really want to think about that.

ID:	166586
Title:	The Clash of the Utility Infielders - http://www.letsgotribe.com/story/2007/3/7/21547/65487
Pagerank:	N/A
Description:	Thetis: What if courage and imagination became everyday mortal qualities? What will become of us? Zeus: We would no longer be needed. But, for the moment, there is sufficient cowardice, sloth and mendacity down there on Earth to last forever. It's not exactly Homeric material, but we have to overhype something based in reality, right? Joe Inglett lost some ground in the battle because of not one, but two muscle strains: Bad wheels: Joe Inglett says he'll rest for a "couple of days" to try and let his legs recover. Inglett, competing for the utility job, strained his right quadriceps muscle early in camp. Now he's strained his left quadriceps and hamstring. Also fading fast is Hector Luna, though he's been fading entirely on his own: Shortstop Hector Luna misplayed a popup for an error that made one of the runs unearned. Luna later missed an easy grounder hit by Gary Sheffield for another error, while Cleveland third baseman Andy Marte made one error and turned a couple of tough chances into tougher ones by backing up on balls instead of playing the short hops. The way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if Luna is in another organization by the time the team breaks camp. Mike Rouse, who was claimed on waivers late last season, is actually in the running to make the team. Rouse has been a shortstop his entire professional career, which is something none of the other combatants can say. And while his AAA OPS has gone down each of the past three seasons, he might just be the best of what's available. Luis Rivas, whose career cratered after a promising start, also has a good shot of making the team. He was a shortstop in the Twins' organization before moving to second to make room for Cristian Guzman. His offense is not going to be an asset, but he again doesn't have too much competition. Of course, the Indians are still going to look outside the organization for help, and the end of March means plenty of waiver and trade opportunities as teams finalize their rosters. The Indians do have a spare roster spot (thanks to Keith Foulke's retirement), and the three infielders on the roster all have options remaining. And here's the obvious question - does this really matter? It could if Barfield or Peralta go down with a serious injury, in which case we could be seeing one of these guys on an everyday basis. And I don't really want to think about that.
Category:	Indians
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Date Added:	March 08, 2007 02:54:07 AM
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