Columbus Clippers

Though the performances came during a loss to the Gwinnett Braves, the Cleveland Indians have to feel good about a lot of what they saw today in Columbus. Matt LaPorta's ability to play the outfield has been a topic of concern as the Tribe tries to determine just where he fits into their future. Some of those questions may have been answered today as LaPorta manned left field. Two nice running catches and a rifle throw home to hold a runner on third were augmented by his talent that was already known. At the plate, he crushed a ball off the wall in dead center highlighting his immense power. As impressive as he was, it may have been the batterymates Hector Rondon and Lou Marson that provided the most hope this afternoon. The Indians deperately need pitching; today Rondon showed why he should compete for a spot in the rotation on the big league club next year. Other than hiccup he had on a home run to Clint Sammons in the fifth inning, Rondon was in complete control of the flow of the game. He did not allow any baserunners fluster him and was rewarded when two of them were thrown out by Marson as they attempted steal second base. Marson, one of the players the Tribe received in exchange for Cliff Lee, may not hit enough in the majors to be a starting catcher, but that arm should make him a valuable defensive back-up for years to come. If not for a balk call Greg Aquino in the 10th that ultimately cost the Clippers the game, it was not a bad day highlighting the future of Cleveland Indians Baseball.