Platoon, Schmatoon

I've never been a big fan of the platoon. Somebody always gets nipped in the bud, and this time it was Jason Michaels' turn.

A serviceable .270 hitter in two previous seasons with the Indians, Michaels -- who I guess now qualifies as a "journeyman" -- was designated for assignment Monday. He was hitting only .207 in 58 at bats this season, making him vulnerable in this less-than-stellar early season for the Tribe.

Called up to fill his roster spot is the much-heralded Ben Francisco, who himself was hitting only .228 in 92 at bats for Triple-A Buffalo. However, he won the International League batting title last year at .318, and came in at .274 in limited callup duty for Cleveland, so it's time to put him to the test for good.

GM Mark Shapiro said that Francisco will get a lot of time in right and left fields, and that he's "not a strict platoon guy."

Well, let's hope not. Platoons are agonizing. Michaels really didn't have a chance to do much, with 58 intermittent at bats this season. Either you've got the horses, or you don't. Play your best nine. If you're a championship team, it will show. If you're not, it won't.

It's early, and no time to panic. But the Tribe bats had better make some noise this month. Travis Hafner's '07 funk has, unfortunately, extended into this season (.209 through 110 at bats). Jhonny Peralta (.216), Casey Blake (.202) and Asdrubal Cabrera (.191) have yet to heat up. As Harry Doyle might put it, the Tribe offense has been offensive -- just not in the right way.

Hopefully, Francisco will help. But please, not as part of a platoon. David Dellucci's a pro, but no moreso than Michaels. Give Francisco a shot, and see what happens.

In the meantime, good luck to Jason Michaels. A .277 lifetime hitter deserves a job somewhere.