GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Ryan Merritt does not need to dissect the Indians' depth chart to understand the uphill battle he is facing this spring. The lefty only needs to look around the room.
Across the clubhouse from Merritt's locker is the stall belonging to ace Corey Kluber, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, and those of Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer. Along the adjacent wall are veteran Josh Tomlin, the hard-throwing Danny Salazar and up-and-comer Mike Clevinger. Merritt is trying to make a reservation at a table that has been booked months in advance.