Tomlin looks strong in spring debut

A Spring Training loss isn’t such a big deal, particular when it comes with positives like Jason Kipnis making his return to the lineup and Josh Tomlin making a greatspring debut.

Indians news & notes

Jackson, Naquin homer in Tomlin’s debut | Indians.com

Tomlin threw 3 ²⁄₃ scoreless innings in his first spring start. And as far as homers go, I’d say Austin Jackson leaving the yard in his spring debut was slightly more surprising than Tyler Naquin hitting a bomb on a low, inside junkball.

Michael Brantley’s swing will be tested again in 5-inning game | Cleveland.com

Feeling good after rapping a liner off of Zach McAllister’s arm in Wednesday’s simulated game, Dr. Smooth will step into the box again on Friday. In another cause for nervous optimism, he’ll also step into left field for the first time.

Despite urging from Santana, Encarnacion skips Classic | Indians.com

Even though Edwin missed a hell of a win by team D.R. yesterday against Canada, I’m perfectly OK with our $60 million slugger sitting out the WBC this go round.

Around the league

• WBC action! The Dominican Republic dominated team Canada, and plan to hang jerseys in their dugout throughout the WBC to honour the late Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte
• D.R./Blue Jays star Jose Bautista seems a good candidate to defy age-driven decline
• The GD Cubs have a good chance to repeat as World Series champs, which is a feat few NL teams have ever accomplished
• Those same GD Cubs just made Kris Bryant the highest-paid pre-arb player in history - and rightfully so