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We are nearing the final run for Spring Training and holy smokes am I excited for opening day. If only I could bottle these positive vibes up and break them out during a tough losing streak in the dog days of summer when I am absolutely taking baseball for granted.
Indians 3, Mariners 1
Ramirez powers Tribe in victory over Mariners | Indians.com
Jose Ramirez has had a strong Spring Training, hitting .395, and stayed hot by belting two home runs in the Indians win on Sunday. JRam hit both the homers from the right-side and also drew a walk.
TJ House also had a good day, throwing four innings of scoreless baseball.
Carlos Carrasco is expected to get tomorrow's start against the White Sox.
Tribe News
No post-debut issues for Brantley after return | Indians.com
Brantley went 1-for-3 with a home run in his first Spring Training game for the Tribe. From Jordan Bastian:
During Michael Brantley's ongoing comeback from November surgery on his right shoulder, Indians hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo has kept a close eye on the left fielder's swing, especially when it comes to the follow through after contact. From Day 1 in the batting cage to Saturday's Cactus League debut, Van Burkleo has seen a strong, stable swing.
Van Burkleo thought Brantley's swings in Saturday's 10-5 win over the Cubs looked great.
"He's had no pain, which is key," Van Burkleo said. "The first pitch he sees, he hits 405 feet. Two at- bats later, he hits a homer off a 97-mph fastball. You've got to be pretty encouraged with that."
Indians manager Terry Francona noted that Brantley felt some "normal first-game soreness" on Sunday, but was scheduled to return to the field for Monday's home game against the White Sox.
Notes on Jose Ramirez, Marlon Byrd from Terry Pluto | Cleveland.com
Pluto offers plenty of positive thoughts on Ramirez and discusses Marlon Byrd's first action for the Tribe.
Around the League
- The White Sox owner believes no one is to blame in the Adam LaRoche ordeal and wants the club to stop discussing the matter publicly.
- Dress code what?!? Actually, the Cubs rules for what to wear are pretty great.
- Surprisingly, Jose Fernandez is not going to start the season opener for the Marlins.