Indians Rotation is Announced, David Huff to Columbus

Earlier today a press release by the Indians discussed some recent cuts from Goodyear. The Tribe sent David Huff and Jeanmar Gomez will start the season in Columbus. This eliminate two candidates for the final spot in the rotation and only leaves one player left, Josh Tomlin.

Tomlin will begin the year in Cleveland as the number four starter. It was thought that Tomlin, Huff, and Gomez were competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. The fifth spot will now be filled by Mitch Talbot after a rough spring. He currently has an ERA of 8.61 in 23 innings of work.

Tomlin has an ERA of 1.13 in 8 innings of work, which definitely earned him the fourth spot in the rotation. The rotation will be in the following order: Fausto Carmona, Carlos Carrasco, Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin, and Mitch Talbot.

The decision of Tomlin over Huff and Gomez was made very easily this spring. Huff and Gomez each had ERA’s over 5 which is not nearly impressive as  Tomlin’s ERA.

David Huff has seen his stock fall drastically after his impressive season in 2009. During that season, he went 11-8 and led the team in wins. Leading an MLB team with 11 wins is not too impressive, but Felix Hernandez led the Mariners in wins with 12 and also brought home a Cy Young Award this past season.

Huff fell apart last season as he went 2-11 before being sent to the minors. He struggled with his control and walked 34 batters in only 79.2 IP. He also had an ERA of 6.21 and gave up 14 home runs.

If he continues his progression in the minors, he should be seen in the majors again very soon. If he does not fit in Cleveland, the Indians can always trade him as he is an enticing player in any deal.