Russell Branyan's spring debut didn't take place as scheduled because the veteran left-handed hitter was still working his legs back into shape after a winter of rehab on his back.
Signed to a one-year, $2 million contract as a free agent, Branyan is expected to be the Indians' everyday first baseman. However, with Seattle last year Branyan missed most of the last month of the season because of a herniated disk. He spent most of the offseason trying to strengthen his back.
Indians officials had targeted March 10 as the day Branyan would play in his first spring training game, but Branyan was scratched from the lineup that day because the Indians didn't think he was ready physically.
Club officials say Branyan's back is fine; it's his legs he needs to get into shape.
New Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta says Jhonny Peralta is his third baseman. Peralta says he's still a shortstop at heart. With some other headstrong, ego-driven player, that difference of opinion could be a huge problem, but Peralta is one of the most easygoing players in the game. He says he'll do his best to play alongside new shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and make it work.
Grady Sizemore looks ready to pick up the slack while Russell Branyan is sidelined with a back injury. Sizemore hit a grand slam in a nine-run fourth inning and the Cleveland Indians beat a San Diego Padres split-squad 10-5 on Wednesday to remain unbeaten this spring. Sizemore is coming back from left elbow and abdominal surgery in September.
Jake Westbrook allowed a run and three walks in 1 2-3 innings in his first game against major-league hitters since May 2008, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 on Monday. Westbrook said he felt strong and was encouraged by his first outing since undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Andy Marte hit a two-run homer to lead the Cleveland Indians to a 4-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. David Huff pitched two scoreless innings and the Indians, whose pitching staff was among the worst in the AL last year, have given up four runs in their first two exhibition games. "Another well-pitched ballgame makes us happy," Acta said "That's what we're trying...
As one of baseball's rising young stars, Shin-Soo Choo has a bright future. Due to circumstances beyond his control, the Cleveland Indians outfielder and native of South Korea is uncertain if that future will be interrupted. Choo put together a solid all-around season in 2009, but he faces a potential problem that has nothing to do with baseball.
