No-no. No, no, no! Not much good news on a day that the Tribe gave up ten runs before they picked up their first hit and lost 12-2, but we are a week in, so I will offer my opinions on who is winning the roster battles.
Hot Corner: Captain Jack (.250) started and was as anemic as his fellows, going 0-for-3.
Projection: Jack Hannahan
#5: Zach McAllister (6.75) failed to hold serve as he struggled through two innings. ZMac allowed three extra base hits, including a home run, en route to surrendering 3 earned on four hits total. He did fan a pair, but this is not the sort of performance that will help a darkhorse candidate.
Projection: Jeanmar Gomez
Left Of Center: Felix Pie (.222) entered in the 7th and picked up the Indians' first extra base hit, a double, in his lone plate appearance. Matt LaPorta (.000) reached on a walk in his only trip.
Projection: Shelley Duncan
Somewhere Out There: Aaron Cunningham (.273) helped Brewers no-hitter extend through the first 23 hitters of the game with an 0-for-3 effort.
Projection: Felix Pie
Bench Me: Cristian Guzman (.286) broke up the no hitter with a 7th inning single. There is still no room for him in a the Opening Day clubhouse.
Projection: Jose Lopez
Mightier Than the Sword: Dan Wheeler's nightmare spring continued as he coughed up the long ball to the first man he faced. Wheeler also allowed a double and a second run in his inning of work, although his ERA did drop from 36.00 to 27.00. Chris Ray (15.00) fared no better, getting tagged for a pair of dingers during a 3-run 5th. Nick Hagadone (3.00) came on for the 9th and, go figure, gave up a run on three hits and a K. On the positive side, he has yet to walk a batter.
Projection (Assuming Chris Perez is healthy): Frank Herrmann & Jeremy Accardo
The boys are right back at it tomorrow against the Padres. Take heed of the start time (4:05p) and the TV coverage on STO.
Cheers.