Cleveland Indians Notes: Chisenhall, LaPorta, Slowey, Gomez, Interviews

Here's some news, notes, and interviews from the Cleveland Indians:

• The Indians optioned third basemen Lonnie Chisenhall and first basemen Matt LaPorta to Triple-A. Chisenhall was starting at third down the stretch last season as a rookie and headed into spring training as the assumed Opening Day starter. Instead the job goes to defense-first veteran Jack Hannahan. LaPorta was supposed to be a middle-of-the-order force after he acquired in the CC Sabathia trade, but has hit just .238 in 269 big league games. Staying with the veteran theme, Casey Kotchman will start at first base.
• Indians GM Chris Antonetti said the team has not made a decision on the team's fifth starter battle. The competition has come down to David Huff, Jeanmar Gomez, and the new acquisition Kevin Slowey. While the spot seemed to be Slowey's simply because he's set to make $2.5M this year, Gomez has had a great spring, while Slowey and Huff have struggled. The decision will come down to their last starts.
• Grant Brisbee previews the Indians 2012 season. He gives a little perspective on how the club got here and points out it's not crazy to think they could compete this year. This preview is a must for any Indians fan.
• AVP at Let's Go Tribe has a three part interview with Baseball Prospectus' prospect expert Kevin Goldstein. Check it out part one, part two, and part three. Goldstein covers the Indians' whole system, from the lowest prospect through the majors.

• Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer interviews Indians CEO Paul Dolan, who gives his opinions on everything from the team's finances to the rival Detroit Tigers. It's rare to see a baseball CEO share so many inside opinions, and Dolan is not shy in his answers.
• Check out the Cleveland Indians Complete Organization Depth Chart.