David Huff gets final spot in Indians’ rotation

Associated Press

GOODYEAR, ARIZ.

Manager Manny Acta said he’s “very, very confident” in the Cleveland Indians’ starting rotation that was finalized on Thursday.

Acta gave the final rotation spot to left-hander David Huff when rookie right-hander Carlos Carrasco was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.

“Overall, I’m pleased with the rotation. It is a lot better than it looked on paper in the off-season. We are very, very confident in it.”

Huff gave up one run and five hits over seven innings to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday in his final spring audition. The 25-year-old led Cleveland with 11 wins a year ago as a rookie after making his major-league debut on May 17.

“We kept a guy who won 11 games in the big leagues last year,” Acta said of Huff, who made his major-league debut on May 17 and went on to lead the Indians in wins.

“He has room for improvement though. He will be the No. 4 guy with Mitch Talbot at No. 5.

Acta’s assurance in the rotation is based on spring performances and in comparison to the bullpen, which enters the season without closer Kerry Wood, out until at least May with a sore back.

“The bullpen minus Woody is a big blow, but it’s an opportunity for others to step up,” Acta said. “Right now, I’m more confident in the rotation.”

Still, the new starting five totaled only 20 major-league wins in 2009.

Opening day starter Jake Westbrook spent all year rehabbing from elbow surgery. Fausto Carmona went 5-12 and was sent back to the minors for two months. Justin Masterson was 1-7 after being acquired from Boston, and Talbot missed time with a sore elbow in the Tampa Bay Rays minor-league system.

“It’s a new year,” Westbrook said. “I’m so excited because I’m healthy. It has been nearly two years since I’ve pitched in a game that meant something.”

Westbrook had surgery in June 2008. He had a few setbacks last year in his recovery, but says he’s fine now.

“It feels great to be throwing without pain,” the 32-year-old veteran said. “I feel as strong as I ever have in my career.”

Westbrook totaled 44 wins over three seasons beginning in 2004, relying on a strong sinker.

Carmona’s sinker was even more devastating in 2007, when the right-hander went 19-8 with a 3.06 ERA and finished fourth in voting for the AL Cy Young award. He struggled to an 8-7 record in 2008, then fell completely apart mentally and mechanically a year ago when he couldn’t throw strikes.