MLB Prospect Watch

Carrasco Competes for Final Rotation Spot

Carlos Carrasco is scheduled to pitch this afternoon in his latest attempt to grab the final spot in the Cleveland Indians starting rotation, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.  The team announced yesterday that Mitch Talbot had essentially claimed the number 4 spot, leaving Carrasco and David Huff to battle for the final starting role.

Carrasco has pitched brilliantly this spring, working his way into consideration for the spot after entering the spring as a long shot.  Huff, on the other hand, is the team's returning leader in wins, but has not had a strong spring.

Carrasco was acquired by the Indians in last year's blockbuster Cliff Lee trade.

Talbot In Lead for Rotation Spot

No announcement has been made yet, but all indications point to Mitch Talbot winning a spot in the Cleveland Indians' starting rotation, reports Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com.  With at least two spots still remaining, no one is quite sure which rotation spot that will be.

Talbot was acquired in an off-season trade with the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for catcher Kelly Shoppach.  He is still competing with David Huff, Aaron Laffey and Carlos Carrasco for the final two spots in the Indians rotation.

Prospect Performances - 3/7

We continue to get looks at prospects while they are still in big league camp.

• Aaron Crow worked two scoreless innings fo the Royals on Saturday in his first appearance in a big league uniform, reports Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.  The Royals also got a chance to see Rule V draft pick Edgar Osuna and prospect Blake Wood, each of whom threw a scoreless inning, notes Dick Kaegel of MLB.com.
• Add Fernando Martinez to the list of impressive rookies in Mets' camp.  F-Mart hit two homeruns in a 4-for-4 day against the Nationals, reports Marty Noble of MLB.com.
• Jeremy Hellickson made his Rays debut against the Yankees on Friday, and Kevin Gengler of RaysProspects.com has a pitch-by-pitch breakdown of the young righty's performance.
• Angels fans got to see two prospects in a row, reports Lyle Spencer in his MLB.com blog.  Tyler Chatwood and Trevor Reckling made back-to-back appearances, each throwing two innings.
• Recently acquired Mitch Talbot threw two scoreless innings for the Indians, reports Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.  Talbot, acquired in an off-season trade with the Rays, is battling to be the Indians' 5th starter.