Minor Fantasy News: More Demotions

As spring training slowly inches towards an end with the regular season looming on the horizon, Major League Baseball teams have begun to make difficult roster decisions.

The Cleveland Indians organization had a number of big moves this past week, giving starting rotation spots to two young hurlers: Scott Lewis and Anthony Reyes, who was obtained late last season from St. Louis. Lewis made four starts for Cleveland in 2008. Reyes appeared in 16 games (six starts) between his two MLB clubs last year with an ERA of 2.76 (4.15 FIP). The club demoted two other young, left-handed pitchers: Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey. Sowers made 22 starts for the Indians last season, with an ERA of 5.58 (5.05 FIP). Laffey made 16 starts at the MLB level with an ERA of 4.23 (4.88 FIP). The organization also demoted outfielders Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley, as well as first baseman Michael Aubrey.

In Tampa Bay, the organization demoted a number of its top prospects, including pitcher David Price and hitters Reid Brignac, John Jaso and Justin Ruggiano. Price, the top prospect in baseball, was considered the favorite for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, but the club will delay his arbitration eligibility by keeping him in the minors until May. The club will likely go with either Jeff Niemann or Jason Hammel in the No. 5 spot to begin the season. Brignac is the club’s shortstop of the future, but he needs to play everyday at Triple-A.

Atlanta sent down a pair of young pitchers: Tommy Hanson and Jo-Jo Reyes. Hanson has yet to appear in the Majors but he had a breakout 2008 season and is considered the club’s top pitching prospect. Reyes has appeared in 33 games over two seasons with the Braves, but he owns a career ERA of 5.94 (5.60 FIP).

A number of catching prospects received demotions. Texas optioned Max Ramirez to Triple-A, with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden likely splitting the catching chores to begin the season. Houston sent J.R. Towles down. The club recently inked veteran Ivan Rodriguez to a 2009 contract, which sealed Towles’ fate. In Pittsburgh, former Phillies prospect Jason Jaramillo has apparently won the back-up job despite being out-hit by former Toronto prospect Robinzon Diaz. Jaramillo hit .143 in 28 at-bats, while Diaz hit .423 in 26 at-bats. Ryan Doumit will get the bulk of the MLB at-bats. After acquiring Ronny Paulino, Florida demoted two catchers: Mike Rabelo and Brett Hayes.

Milwaukee sent two key offensive prospects to the minors in third baseman Mat Gamel and catcher Angel Salome. Both players need to continue to work on their defense at the minor league level. Kansas City demoted first baseman Kila Ka’aihue, whose dream of playing regularly in 2009 was squashed when the club obtained Mike Jacobs from the Marlins during the off-season.