Mastny Optioned; Dellucci/Francisco Decision Coming Soon

The saga of the Indians 2008 starting bullpen is finally over. With one spot up for grabs to start the spring, we have two new faces joining a third.

Breslow Gets Final Slot: After last year's stellar bullpen performance, Mark Shapiro wasn't about to stand pat.

While most say this team hasn't really changed from last year, it's obvious to see it has.

With Tom Mastny being optioned to Triple A Buffalo, that gives the Indians' bullpen three new pitchers it didn't have in 2007.

All the big time players are back in Perez, Betancourt, Lewis, and Borowski.

But in come Craig Breslow replacing Aaron Fultz, Jorge Julio replacing Tom Mastny, and Masahide Kobayashi replacing a spot that was batted around by a few different pitchers.

Aaron Fultz threw away his chances with a dismal spring. Add on to the fact the Indians have had their eye on Breslow for some time now and they feel he can be more than just a situational lefty, like Fultz was.

Jorge Julio beat out Tom Mastny and Scott Elarton for a spot in the pen. Julio comes over from Colorado where he spent the better half of the year helping the Rockies reach the post-season. Jorge was an important arm down the stretch for Colorado and Wedge liked his consistency this spring.

Masahide Kobyashi is coming over from Japan where he was considered one of the best closers of all time. The Indians think he can be their Hideki Okajima of sorts with his fresh style and experience in big games at a different level.

Dellucci/Francisco Decision Coming Soon: With the Indians nearing the deadline to set their roster, a decision has to be made concerning David Dellucci.

Dellucci has said for the past two weeks that his sore forearms are okay and if it was the regular season he'd be playing.

Francisco still remains on the roster though and rightfully so, he's hit the ball well this spring. Plus they want to see if they do have to put Dellucci on the 15 Day DL to start the year.

All signs pointing to Dellucci being ready to go and Ben Francisco getting optioned sometime before the Tribe leave Winter Haven for Atlanta.

Choo to the DL: The other outfielder in the mix for playing time at the big league level this year is Shin-Soo Choo. Choo is recovering from Tommy John so he will start the year out on the DL.

Meanwhile though Choo saw live game action for the first time as he DHed for a minor league game.

Other Options: Mastny wasn't the only one sent down.

The Indians reassigned outfielder Jason Tyner, Infielder Andy Gonzalez, catcher Yamid Haad and pitcher Brendan Donnelly to minor league camp.

Tyner was signed by the Indians earlier this spring after spending some time in the Twins organization. He could go to Buffalo and be a deep utility option should the need arise.

Gonzalez is another option if no team is interested. Gonzalez hit 4 homeruns this spring for the Tribe but with no spots left on the roster, it won't really do him good.

Most of these guys are vets just looking to catch on. Donnelly will be around rehabbing his shoulder and won't be ready till later this year.