Myers struggles in loss to Brewers

   PHOENIX: It;s only spring training and performances --- good and bad -- don't necessarily relate to what will happen once the regular season begins.

   But it might be more comforting to Indians fans if Brett Myers got a few more batters out in exhibition games. Myers made his fourth start of the spring today and gave up four runs, seven hits and three walks in four innings, as the Brwers gained a 4-3 win.

   In 12 2/3 spring innings, Myers has given up 10 earned runs, 19 hits and seven walks, compiling an ERA of 7.10.
   Manager Terry Francona, for one isn't worried. Asked when he might be concerned, Francona said, “”July?’’
   The manager was being facetious, and he gave a strong defense of Myers.
   “”His last outing – until he couldn’t get the last out – was stellar,’’ Francona said. “”I don’t put any concern on numbers (in spring training). I think he’s going to be a good pitcher for us.’’
   Joe Smith, who missed time with an oblique strain, made his third outing of the spring and worked one scoreless inning, giving up a hit and a walk, striking out one.
   Mark Reynolds hit his second homer of the spring in the ninth, a ball that traveled about 450 feet, striking a concrete wall some 80 feet beyond the left field fence.
   Nick Swisher had two singles and drove in a run, raising his average to .455.