There are only a few roster spots still in competition in the Indians camp. One of those, that of the fourth outfielder/part-time left-fielder/backup centerfielder, remains wide open. This, despite the fact that the organization set up Aaron Cunningham to win the spot. Gifted with a right-handed bat, and more importantly, a spot on the 40-man roster and no options remaining, Cunningham clearly came into camp as an unofficial favorite to win a spot. Instead of winning the spot outright, we have gotten quotes like this, as reported by Paul Hoynes, from Cleveland GM Chris Antonetti:
"It's a decision we have to make," said Antonetti. "Do we carry two utility infielders or an additional outfielder?"
"I have the benefit of perspective from spring trainings," said Antonetti. "I try not to read too much into performances during this time of year. More importantly, I think we have the right mind-set. I think we've gotten the right amount of work in to prepare for the start of the season."
This is not a vote of confidence from the front office. Not only is Aaron Cunningham failing to separate himself from former prospect Felix Pie and veteran journeyman Ryan Spilborghs, he is failing to separate himself from players in camp, Jose Lopez in particular, who are playing other positions. You can only read so much into 30 spring training at-bats, but Cunningham's .214/.214/.286 line coupled with the lack of endorsement from the front office is not a good sign for him. If Pie (.594) or Spilborghs (.498) were doing anything, we would probably be hearing more about them.