Frank86
03-05-2007, 06:43 PM
Paul Hoynes
Plain Dealer Reporter
Winter Haven, Fla.- The left side of the Indians' infield was a concern before spring training. It's still a concern four games into the exhibition season and Jhonny Peralta has nothing to do with it.
Hector Luna, trying to show he can back up Peralta at shortstop, made two errors in Sunday's 7-4 exhibition loss to Detroit at Chain of Lakes Park. Third baseman Andy Marte was charged with one error, but could have been charged with at least one more.
After the game, manager Eric Wedge was looking for answers.
Luna, considered to be one of the favorites in the utility infielder's race, has made three errors in three games.
"It's a concern," said Wedge. "He's got to move around better. He has to make the plays."
The Indians told Luna to lose weight at the end of last season. They were not overly impressed at his reporting weight.
Marte misplayed a ball in the second for a double. He committed an error in the third and was backing up on the ball most of the afternoon.
"He had a rough day down there," said Wedge. "I'm going to talk to him further. There were three or four balls he has to make plays on."
Luis Rivas, competing with Luna, Mike Rouse and Joe Inglett for the utility job, had a better day. He made the Tribe's defensive play of the game in the second, stealing a hit from Marcus Thames as he leaned back on his hip to catch a hard bouncer. He reached on a bunt single in the same inning and scored.
"We have a long way to go, but he's made a good first impression," said Wedge
Wedge said if none of the candidates show the ability to play short, the Indians will seek a trade.
"We're not at that point right now," said Wedge.
Lost Tiger:
Kenny Rogers got lost driving from Lakeland, Fla., to Winter Haven on Sunday morning. He arrived at 12:30 p.m. and had only a half hour to prepare for his start.
He allowed two runs on three hits in two innings.
He's back:
First baseman Michael Aubrey made his Grapefruit League debut Saturday. Aubrey, who has lost most of the last two seasons to knee and back injuries, replaced Ryan Garko at first and struck out in his only at-bat.
"We're keeping our fingers crossed and hoping we can get him through the spring healthy," said Wedge. "I feel for him. I root for him. We all do."
Aubrey was the Indians' No. 1 pick in 2003.
Backup plan:
Joe Borowski escaped a second-and-third situation with one out in the third inning by allowing only one run.
Borowski followed starter C.C. Sabathia to the mound so he could face the Tigers' regulars before manager Jim Leyland started making substitutions. Wedge used Bob Wickman the same way.
"We'll move him back the later we get into camp," said Wedge.
Wedge still doesn't know who the backup closer will be.
Finally:
David Dellucci hit his first homer of the spring to start the fourth. . . . Cliff Lee, who missed Friday's start with a strained right abdominal muscle, was feeling better Sunday. He was supposed to rest for three days before attempting to throw again.
Plain Dealer Reporter
Winter Haven, Fla.- The left side of the Indians' infield was a concern before spring training. It's still a concern four games into the exhibition season and Jhonny Peralta has nothing to do with it.
Hector Luna, trying to show he can back up Peralta at shortstop, made two errors in Sunday's 7-4 exhibition loss to Detroit at Chain of Lakes Park. Third baseman Andy Marte was charged with one error, but could have been charged with at least one more.
After the game, manager Eric Wedge was looking for answers.
Luna, considered to be one of the favorites in the utility infielder's race, has made three errors in three games.
"It's a concern," said Wedge. "He's got to move around better. He has to make the plays."
The Indians told Luna to lose weight at the end of last season. They were not overly impressed at his reporting weight.
Marte misplayed a ball in the second for a double. He committed an error in the third and was backing up on the ball most of the afternoon.
"He had a rough day down there," said Wedge. "I'm going to talk to him further. There were three or four balls he has to make plays on."
Luis Rivas, competing with Luna, Mike Rouse and Joe Inglett for the utility job, had a better day. He made the Tribe's defensive play of the game in the second, stealing a hit from Marcus Thames as he leaned back on his hip to catch a hard bouncer. He reached on a bunt single in the same inning and scored.
"We have a long way to go, but he's made a good first impression," said Wedge
Wedge said if none of the candidates show the ability to play short, the Indians will seek a trade.
"We're not at that point right now," said Wedge.
Lost Tiger:
Kenny Rogers got lost driving from Lakeland, Fla., to Winter Haven on Sunday morning. He arrived at 12:30 p.m. and had only a half hour to prepare for his start.
He allowed two runs on three hits in two innings.
He's back:
First baseman Michael Aubrey made his Grapefruit League debut Saturday. Aubrey, who has lost most of the last two seasons to knee and back injuries, replaced Ryan Garko at first and struck out in his only at-bat.
"We're keeping our fingers crossed and hoping we can get him through the spring healthy," said Wedge. "I feel for him. I root for him. We all do."
Aubrey was the Indians' No. 1 pick in 2003.
Backup plan:
Joe Borowski escaped a second-and-third situation with one out in the third inning by allowing only one run.
Borowski followed starter C.C. Sabathia to the mound so he could face the Tigers' regulars before manager Jim Leyland started making substitutions. Wedge used Bob Wickman the same way.
"We'll move him back the later we get into camp," said Wedge.
Wedge still doesn't know who the backup closer will be.
Finally:
David Dellucci hit his first homer of the spring to start the fourth. . . . Cliff Lee, who missed Friday's start with a strained right abdominal muscle, was feeling better Sunday. He was supposed to rest for three days before attempting to throw again.