2013 Spring Training Game #11: Dodgers 5, Indians 1

Cleveland Indians’ reliever Fernando Nieve gave up four earned runs in the seventh inning, wasting an outstanding outing overall by Tribe pitching in a 5-1 defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Minus Nieve’s dreadful performance, Indians’ pitchers fared quite well against the Dodgers lineup. Starter Corey Kluber had his best performance of the spring thus far, going three strong innings, giving up only four hits without a walk, while striking out two batters. Kluber is a long-shot at best to make the rotation, but this is certainly a step in the right direction.

Offensively, the Indians continued to struggle, managing only five hits, two walks and a run, while striking out 11 times against the Dodgers’ pitching. Josh Beckett threw three one-hit innings, with the only Dodgers run coming on a Juan Diaz sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Tim Fedroff managed his first multi-hit effort, with two singles in the ballgame. No other Tribe hitter sniffed more than one, although Yan Gomes and Ben Francisco managed a double each.

The Indians, losers of five of their last six ballgames, are mired in a spring training slump. Of course, the key term there is “spring training.” Thankfully, none of this matters much, but you do have to wonder where the offense is early on.

The Lineup:

The Pitchers:

Not So Deep Thoughts, by Jim Pete:

• Cody Allen is back to doing what he does best, and that’s just mowing people down. He’s only given up a hit during spring training, and he really has the look of a pitcher that doesn’t have a chink in the armor as of yet, minus perhaps being young. It will be interesting to see what happens with regards to the bullpen with Chris Perez out, and depending on how long he is out for. With Allen looking dominant, the pen begins to really shape up as one of the better units in the bigs.


• I’m extremely bullish on Nick Hagadone, even though most aren’t. He’s been equal to Allen’s dominance this spring, and has magnetic stuff to go along with it. There can be some consistency issues with the power-house lefty, and clearly there have been some headaches involved where he is concerned, but his talent is unquestioned. If he puts it all together and matches Allen as the #1 lefty in the pen, and the #4 or #5 guy overall, the leash on the starters will get a bit more loose. I know that folks know the bullpen is good, but I’m not sure there’s a realization as to just how good it can be.


• In a perfect world, Hagadone and Allen pitch to their abilities, giving the Indians a top four of Perez, Pestano, Hagadone and Allen. When you throw Smith in there as the #5 guys, well, you can see just how good they really are. There are still some questions as to who fills out the pen, especially with a slew of former starters knocking on the door, including David Huff and Scott Barnes, but depth never hurt anyone.


• Pestano also pitched in this ballgame, and hot hit around a bit, ironically enough. He gave up three hits and an earned run, and has struggled so far. It’s early though, and doubt any of it means much…yet.

Tomorrow Never Dies:

The Indians face off against the Chicago Cubs, as Carlos Carrasco will take the hill in another much anticipated start. Carrasco got smoked in his first spring training appearance, giving up three earned runs on four hits and a walk.

Jim is currently the co-site editor, the ATF/Carolina Mudcats/Indians/General Site Columnist, and the co-host of IPI's weekly online radio show, Smoke Signals. You can follow Jim on Twitter @Jim_IPI, or contact him via e-mail at jpete@indiansprospectinsider.com.