And then stuff started to happen, for the Indians.

The Indians at times this spring have not exactly been impressive as a team. Sure, Jhonny has done well and this Mark DeRosa kid might work out, but as a whole the Indians seem to be a little flat-footed. While Carmona might be back, Lee's spring has been anything but worry-free. Hafner hasn't really hit the ball well. The rotation of Lee, Carmona, Pavano, Scott Lewis, and Anthony Reyes is not confidence-inspiring, thanks to Lee's troubles and the big question marks that are 2-5. The young guys have been nice to watch but again that's more about 2010 than, say, 2009. Everyone in the bullpen except Wood and Perez have been roughed up at times... wait what am I saying? This is spring training. Doesn't count. Moving on...

Scott Lewis beats Aaron Laffey
This is how I wanted it to work out after seeing how these two pitched this spring. In classic Indians fashion, after winning the job Lewis went out and got roughed up. BA likes Lewis at a VORP of 14.5 and Laffey at 2.4. It's not like Columbus is very far anyway. Here's to hoping I-71 doesn't see to much traffic this year.

Zach Jackson beats Vinnie Chulk
The argument for Jackson is that he can serve as a long reliever thanks to his work as a starter and he is left-handed which makes only him and Perez in the bullpen that share the same handedness as our President. Chulk, on the other hand, pitched better this spring and was able to pitch a scoreless three-inning stint last week. Chulk at AAA must be called up by May 15th or be released. If Jackson sucks, expect to see a swap for Chulk. Jackson's VORP is a solid -4.6 and Chulk isn't even in the book so that is the kind of production we're looking at here. I would have gone with Chulk.

Dellucci has a tight calf and begins year on DL - Crowe called up

Dellucci's injury is salt in an already infected wound for this writer so I'll let his side of the story go. Crowe did OK this spring. Crowe has hit .289/.304/.422 in his first 45 at bats this spring. Obviously the front office would prefer Crowe to be getting reps in AAA than riding the pine instead of Dellucci. The Baseball Prospectus line on these two guys are so close it's a wash. If we could get our money back I would drop Dellucci in a second, but right now there is no good choice.

I picked a FCF baseball team.
Due to founding editors Andy and Nick being preoccupied the joy of selecting the FCF's Cleveland Sports Blog Fantasy Baseball Team fell to me. The one who writes about the Indians. In my defense I was determined to not follow the autopick and select a team with character. Here is who I picked:

C - Geovany Soto (Cubs)
1B - Mark Teixeira (NYY)
2B - Brain Roberts (Baltimore O's)
3B - Aramis Ramirez (Cubs) and maybe my least favorite pick
SS - Jhonny Peralta (You know who)
CI - Mark DeRosa (CI stands for corner infielder)
MI - Orlando Cabrera (Middle Infielder) this pick might need to be addressed
OF - Carlos Beltran (NYM)
OF - Curtis Granderson (Tigers)
OF - Lasting Milledge (Nationals)
OF - Brad Hawpe (Rockies)
Util - Xavier Nady (NYY)
BN - Kelly Shoppach (Maybe a foolish pick)
BN - Orlando Hudson (Dodgers)
BN - J.D. Drew (Red Sox)
BN - Jason Giambi (Oakland)
BN - Mike Cameron (Brewers)
BN - Russell Branyan (Mariners)

SP - Rich Harden (Cubs)
SP - Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
RP - Brad Lidge (Phillies)
RP - Kerry Wood (Indians)
P - David Price (Rays) also not available and in AAA
P - Jared Weaver (Angels)
P - Fausto Carmona (Indians)

The team is a little Indians-heavy, but hey, that's how it goes. The glaring problems are Orlando Cabrera as a starter and David Price even being on the roster. A mental lapse caused me to pick the AAA-bound Price. However, if he gets called up and we don't need that roster spot until then I think he's an excellent young pitcher. The actual day-to-day running of the team looks to be placed in Andy's capable hands so I'll let him update you on his roster moves and how the teams doing. Go FCF! I especially like the Milledge pick we'll have to see how he works out this year.

Go Tribe!
(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)