Laffey Making Late Charge

In a rare spring training game under the lights, Aaron Laffey who has struggled this spring threw his name back into the competition.

On the other end of the spectrum, Jeremy Sowers probably axed his chances.

Laffey has given up a lot of runs in short outings all spring. Last night was his best start as he went five innings and gave up only 1 run on 5 hits.

Combined with Cliff Lee's last mediocre start, there is still a sliver of hope for Laffey to claim that last rotation spot, but it's going to take another good outing like this one to bring himself closer. With time running out and Cliff Lee's contract working against him, I don't think it will happen.

Jeremy Sowers is effectively out of the race. He too only gave up one earned run but did so in 3 innings. Combined with a few disastrous appearances prior to last night, his hopes are all but about over.

Marte Watch: Andy Marte's quest to make the roster was as high as ever since last Saturday with his 3 homers in 2 games and his soaring RBI total.

However last night he took an 0-4 with 3 whiffs. Not promising. If there is one thing that is consistent about Andy it's the fact that he is inconsistent. He may very well go out and hit 2 home runs next game for all we know.

The rest of the team pretty much played the entire game. Asdrubal Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Ryan Garko all had 2 hits each and Jason Michaels added the lone Indian run with a solo homerun.

Cabrera's struggles on defense continue. The usual slick fielding infielder made his 4th error of spring.

The position battle will change focus to the last bullpen spot today. Jorge Julio and Tom Mastny are slated to pitch. Mastny is the leader as of right now while Julio is trying to rebound from a blister.