Jesus Aguilar powers Cleveland Indians over Rockies

Indians 10, Rockies 5

First, I apologize for the tardiness of this recap. I had this game starting much later, I swear to everything that it started much later in the evening than it actually started. But, here it is!

As Jason pointed out in a comment on the game thread, this was a very Danny Salazar outing, giving up 3 hits, 2 walks and solo HR while striking out 5 over 4 innings. The strikeouts are great and this wasn't a terrible outing, but Danny needs to limit his free passes and keep the ball in the yard if he's going to make the opening day roster.

Today's offense was powered by Jesus Aguilar, who seems to be settling in with the big boys this year. I've been of the opinion last year, and continuing into this year, that Aguilar can shape himself into a successful DH/1B role if he's given the chance to compete for regular at bats against all pitchers. To add to his cause, he went 2 for 4 today with a double and home run, driving in 3 of the Tribe's eventual 10 runs. Michael Martinez and Ryan Rohlinger also chippedin home runs in the winning effort. Tyler Holt continued his solid spring with a 2 for 4 showing and the newcomer Brandon Moss went 1 for 3 with double as well.

It should be mentioned that Jerry Sands went 2 for 3 at the plate with a walk and an RBI, but I don't think he should be considered a serious contender for a spot in lineup with Swisher's potential need for DL time to kickoff the season. If it were my choice, I'd throw Aguilar right into the starting DH role until Swisher returns.

In pitching news, Scott Downs gave up two runs in an inning while Cody Allen pitched an inning giving up only a walk. Rzepcznski and Price both pitched clean innings as well. This brings us to Bryan Shaw who gave up a walk and two solo home runs in his inning of work. What was an already disastrous spring for Shaw did not get any better. I don't think there is any chance, barring a DL stint, that Shaw doesn't make the roster, but he's got to be a serious concern going forward. With Crockett also down for an indeterminate amount of time, this seems to peg Hagadone and Atchison as the only go-to arms left, outside of Allen, at this point.

Next up, Klubot will set his lasers on the Dodgers as the Indians descend on Camelback Ranch at 4:05 ET, Sunday.