Manager Eric Wedge's plan to give backup catcher Kelly Shoppach more playing time this season has begun. Shoppach was the Indians' opening-day catcher, with starter Victor Martinez playing first base.
On Wednesday, in the second game of the season, Martinez will be behind the plate, Ryan Garko will be the starter at first base and Shoppach will be on the bench. Wedge's plan initially is to divide playing time between Martinez and Shoppach behind the plate, with Martinez starting at first base or even occasionally at designated hitter on days he doesn't catch. Wedge said in the early weeks of the season, Shoppach will catch Cliff Lee, Martinez will catch Fausto Carmona, and the two catchers will be used in a more random fashion with the other three starters in the rotation, Carl Pavano, Scott Lewis and Anthony Reyes.
Wedge said he wants to see how the plan unfolds in the early part of the season before committing to a more structured blueprint for the use of his catchers.
Wedge pointed out that one of the benefits of the plan, aside from getting Shoppach's bat, which produced 21 home runs last year, into the lineup more, is that it will keep Martinez, the Indians' best all-around hitter, fresher deep into the season, with the expected benefit that he could be even more productive offensively.
Play FOX Fantasy Baseball today
