--1B Ryan Garko could get some starts in left field in spring training as Indians officials look to find ways to get him more at-bats. If Garko shows he can play the outfield, he would likely do so against left-handed pitchers because the Indians are loaded with left-handed hitting outfielders.
--OF Trevor Crowe and OF Michael Brantley are two speed-oriented outfielders who figure to start the 2009 season in the outfield at Class AAA Columbus. Asked to compare the two outfielders, general manager Mark Shapiro said, "Crowe has more power, but Brantley is a more patient hitter. Crowe is a switch hitter with a better arm. Both of them can play center field." --RHP Fausto Carmona's 2007 and 2008 seasons couldn't have been more different. In 2007, Carmona was 19-8 and was second in the American League with a 3.06 ERA. In his injury-wracked 2008 season, he was 8-7 with a 5.44 ERA. What can the Indians expect from Carmona in 2009? "It's not realistic to expect him to have a season like he did two years ago. That may be the best year of his career," general manager Mark Shapiro said. "But I'd be disappointed if this year he isn't closer to his 2007 season than his 2008 season."
--RHP Adam Miller, whose injury-riddled career has prevented him from living up to his reputation as one of the top prospects in the Indians' organization, is healthy again and could be a serious contender for a spot on the Indians' Opening Day roster as a reliever. Indians officials haven't given up on the notion of Miller being a starting pitcher down the road, but for this season they want to closely monitor his workload, which can be more easily done out of the bullpen than as a starter.
--General manager Mark Shapiro chooses to look at the bright side of having several players miss significant time in spring training while playing for their countries in the World Baseball Classic. "It will give us a chance to look at a lot of our young prospects," Shapiro said. "I feel this is the most talent we've had in our minor league system since I've been here."
BY THE NUMBERS: 28 -- Number of pitchers who will be in the Indians' major league training camp: 21 roster pitchers and seven non-roster pitchers.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "If everyone pitches the way they can, we will have the ability to shorten games." -- General manager Mark Shapiro, on the potential of the Indians' retooled bullpen, starting with new closer RHP Kerry Wood, and setup man RHP Joe Smith.
