Trevor Crowe Sent Packing, Barfield Makes Big Club

Trevor Crowe  and Josh Barfield were secretly battling for the Cleveland Indians final roster spot.  Eric Wedge never gave any indication that this is what it was about.  Fans could only assume the battle was between Josh Barfield and David Delucci.  The presumed argument was a ten-year age difference and Barfield busting his butt in Arizona learning new positions.

Manager Eric Wedge claimed that Delucci was safe all along and will better serve to mentor Barfield.  It was said here over a week ago on Deep Left Field that Barfield would earn that spot.  I pointed out in that article the versatility that Barfield was adding and that he would earn a roster spot when the decision would come. 

The real mystery with Barfield now is, what happened to his bat?  Did he spend too much time learning to play outfield and not enough time in the cages?  Barfield batted below .200 this preseason.  How long he stays up with the big club will ultimately depend on whether or not he can produce when given AB’s.

Wedge has such a full cupboard in Columbus with a AAA outfield consisting of Matt LaPorta, Trevor Crowe, and Michael Brantley.  All three of these guys have bright MLB futures and we have not heard the last of any of them.

In other demotions, Wedge sent catcher Chris Gimenez to Columbus after his impressive spring.  I am going to guess the Indians will hold Gimenez but have to move someone eventually to bring him up in the next couple of years.  Hard to say who the odd man out is.  The only possible scenario I can visualize is moving Kelly Shoppach for pitching down the stretch if needed.  Time will tell.