Carlos Carrasco impressive in first spring training outing of 2016

The sixth inning was kind to the Indians yesterday, as both Mike Napoli and Joey Butler went deep in that frame during spring training action against the Brewers. Napoli hit 18 home runs last year and it sure would be nice to see him hit 20+ this year for the Indians.

Brewers 6, Indians 5

Carrasco sharp in start against Brewers | indians.com

While the Tribe fell to the Brewers on Sunday, it was good to see Carlos Carrasco pitch well in his spring debut. The right-hander pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Tribe News

Uribe to debut Monday | indians.com

The Indians new third baseman is expected to make his 2016 Cactus League debut on Monday during a Tribe "B" game.  From Jordan Bastian:

Indians manager Terry Francona indicated that Uribe is slated to serve as the designated hitter in Monday morning's "B" game with the Reds at 12:30 p.m. ET on Monday on Field 1 at the Tribe's complex. Francona said he will continue to meet with Uribe to determine the best time to begin playing him in Cactus League contests.

"We'll just keep talking to him," Francona said on Sunday. "We were going to take him over to the Dodgers game [Monday afternoon], but he said, 'I'd like a couple more days.' So, I think the 'B' game is probably a really good idea."

Perez ready to help when needed | cleveland.com

The Tribe's backup catcher dropped 20 pounds over the winter and has earned the respect of manager Terry Francona.

Aguilar likely blocked at first base again | cleveland.com

It seems that Jesus Aguilar is in-store for another trip to Triple-A Columbus. From Paul Hoynes:

It looks like Jesus Aguilar is in for another frustrating, and perhaps short, spring training with the big league club. But at least Aguilar was forewarned.

"He came into camp in great shape," said Francona. "He went to the IMG training camp in Bradenton, Fla. and I think it was a good investment in his career."

Now for the bad news.

"We told Aggie in our one-one-one meeting that we signed Mike Napoli, who kind of blocks him if things work out the way we hope," said Francona. "Sometimes getting to the big leagues isn't on the player's schedule. But if they can play, they'll get here."

Around the League

• Reports have Austin Jackson signing with the White Sox on a one-year, $5 million deal. It also seems the Tribe was in contact with Jackson, but obviously no deal could get worked out.
• Here are some projections on what the new strike zone's effect could be on hitters.
• And finally, a good read on the disparity among minor league salaries.