The Promotions Begin

Promoted 1B Michael Aubrey, RHSP Dan Denham, and CA David Wallace to Akron (AA) from Kinston (A+)

Aubrey dominated the Carolina League to the tune of .339/.438/.550, and now is going to get a crack at the Eastern League. He's the best prospect the Indians have in my opinion, thanks to a very good batting eye (27 BB to 26 SO), the emergence of home run power (10 HR in 218) and his defensive ability at first base. If he succeeds in Akron, the Indians might look to sign a one-year solution at first and let Aubery have the job in 2006. Ben Broussard is probably on his out of the organization after this year, and Aubrey is one of the bigger reasons why.

David Wallace has been a bit of a dissapointment, in that he just hasn't hit at all. But he's eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this year, and catchers who at least have the potential to hit for power and average are prime targets for clubs, especially since it's extremely easy to hide a catcher on your roster.

Promoted OF Franklin Gutierrez to Buffalo (AAA) from Akron (AA)

I don't really know if this is meant to give Ryan Ludwick some at-bats in Akron while rehabbing, or if this is a permanent move. But Franklin has been as advertised; Hitting 23 doubles 249 games is a real good sign that he's going to eventually hit for some power. He has to improve on his strikout ratios, but that's a fixable problem for a young power hitter. With Grady Sizemore heating up in Buffalo, the Indians will have some interesting decisions to make this offseason.

Promoted RHRP Todd Pennington to Akron (AA) from Mahoning Valley (SSA)

Demoted CA Javi Herrera, CA Armando Camacaro, and 2B Rodney Choy Foo to Kinston (A+) from Akron (AA)

Demoted CA Caleb Brock to Lake County (A-) from Kinston (A+)

Signed 2004 Draft Pick RHP Mark Jecmen (7) to a minor-league contract