IL News & Notes 3-12-09

Here is the recent edition of International League News & Notes:

CANNIZARO CONTINUES CLEVELAND POWER SURGE: On Monday, former Clipper of the Year Andy Cannizaro (2006) went 3-4 with a double and a home run against the White Sox. It was Cannizaro’s first home run of the spring, as the Indians have collectively hit an American League best 18 long balls. Cannizaro is coming off a career high 4 HR season in 2008, smacking 3 HR in only 84 AB after an August 4 trade to the Indians organization. Prior to his outburst with Buffalo last season, he had been averaging a home run every 206.2 AB at the minor league level. If Cannizaro plays for the Clippers this season, he will be the first player to have been a Clipper as a Yankees’(2005-06) and Indians’ affiliate.

FORMER BUCKEYE COMPETING FOR FINAL SPOT: LHP Scott Lewis is in the running for Cleveland’s #5 spot in the starting rotation. In 2008 he saw his first big league duty, going 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA in four starts during September. So far this spring he is off to a rocky start, posting a 7.11 ERA through three games (6.1 IP). Lewis, who attended The Ohio State University from 2002-04, will likely start the year in Columbus if he doesn’t make the Indians. He has only four career starts at the Triple-A level.

LOVULLO REBOUNDING FROM BROKEN BAT: Clippers manager Torey Lovullo received the first scare of spring training when outfielder Trevor Crowe‘s maple bat was shattered in a March 2 game against the Rockies. The sawed- off bat hit the skipper above his left eye, leaving a gash that required nine stitches. Lovullo was back to work the next day, but was unable to participate in team picture day earlier this week due to the lingering cut and black eye.