Scotty Lewis Named Fifth Starter

A day after Jeremy Sowers was cut, the Indians made their decision on who would fill the final spot in the Indians' opening day rotation.

And while it would have been a surprise a few weeks ago, today, the only thing surprising is when the decision was made. Scott Lewis is the pitcher of choice.

"They told me this morning," said Lewis, before the Indians played San Diego later today. "I think a lot of it had to do with how I pitched in September and how I've pitched this spring."

Lewis has only started one game this spring, but he's been by far the most consistent contender for the rotation spot. Laffey has had his good outings, but his bad ones as well. Lewis is carrying a 3.52 ERA in five appearances and he has the end of last year to build on.

I wouldn't be shocked if last year factored into Lewis winning the job. The guy basically skipped the Triple-A level though. Although it all works out because of his delayed progress thanks to injuries, maybe he doesn't need to bother with Triple-A.

Hopefully it works out and the Indians don't have to send him down. But this isn't the end for Aaron Laffey or even Jeremy Sowers. There will be an injury at one point, no rotation can get through an entire 162 game season without having to call upon their depth.

Perhaps a big reason for them making this decision when they did is yesterday's Triple-A game in which both Aaron Laffey and Zach Jackson pitched in.

Laffey let up four runs off six hits in two innings, not exactly something that helps you. Jackson didn't do much better, with two runs off seven hits in three innings. Jackson is still in contention for the final bullpen spot, which will see Vinnie Chulk and Matt Herges pitch today against San Diego.

Still it's rather shocking to see them make this call with just one start for Lewis. You would think they'd give him one more go around as a starter then let him go, but I guess they want him to prepare to be a big league starter from here on out.

Good for him though. I'm sure the injuries frustrated him. To finally get himself a job at the big league level, has to be really special for Scotty Lewis, hopefully he holds onto it.

This does bring to light though that the rotation is complete, and while complete it is still a bit of a question mark.

"I just don't know what to expect, to be completely frank with you," Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "I just don't."

"When you lose a guy like CC," pitching coach Carl Willis said, "that's a guy that you're stamping 220 innings and a guy that, when his turn in the rotation comes and the bullpen's thin, he's such a stabilizer."

The makings of it though. It could be solid. We've been over it time and time again. Cliff Lee is what he is. Fausto Carmona can be good and we've seen him in spring pitch like we know he can. Carl Pavano has done it before, but he is certainly someone you cannot count on yet. Anthony Reyes has the talent, hopefully now he has the head and the health to translate it into good things.

Then you look at Lewis, Laffey, Sowers, someone there is going to have to step up and claim the job for the entire year. It may not be Lewis, who will get the first try, but it has to be someone. All three could get a shot, even add David Huff in there, but for the Indians to be successful, one has to take that shot and run with it.

Game against the Padres later. Lineups hopefully later.