NEOSI Indians Spring Training Roundup – Friday March 2nd 2018

The Indians took on the Texas Rangers and defeated the Rangers 9-4. Trevor Bauer started Friday’s game and pitched in 3 innings, gave up 3 hits, 1 run and struck out 4 batters. Carlos Carrasco pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run. Andrew Miller and Ben Taylor made their spring training debuts on Friday also. Jason Kipnis continued his hot start to spring training hitting his 4th homer so far.

Kipnis spoke on his hot start and states that he has a chip on his shoulder and is using it to have fun playing again.

Jason Kipnis is off to a ? start this #TribeSpring.

He says he's got the chip on his shoulder back and is using it to have fun as he plays the game. pic.twitter.com/6GbuKfxw6z

— SportsTime Ohio (@SportsTimeOhio) March 2, 2018

Roberto Perez and Abraham Almonte added home runs today also in the Indians victory.

On Friday it was announced that the Cleveland Indians announced that single game tickets go on sale on March 6th.

Are you wondering which Cleveland Indians players stand out after one week of games in Goodyear? Joe Noga and Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com break it down for you in a podcast.

Paul Hoynes has an article that mentions that Melvin Upton Jr. is trying to turn a meet and greet into a full-time job with the Indians.

During the winter meetings, Indians manager Terry Francona met with Melvin Upton along with coaches Brad Mills and Mark Budzinski. The Indians happened to be looking for an experienced right-handed hitter and Upton was looking for a new team to play with after only playing in 12 games last season with AAA Sacremento (Giants farm team).

Francona said the following about their meeting:

“Just the way Melvin handled the meeting was so impressive,” said Francona. “He was looking for an opportunity. He was looking for a place where he could have a fresh slate.”

Upton commented on their meeting also:

“I’ve always been on the other side playing against him,” said Upton. “When I heard he wanted to meet with me, I was thrilled.”

When the Indians sign a veteran on a minor league contract, they mention the fact that almost every year someone signed to one of those types of contracts make the team. The likes of Scott Kazmir, Scott Atchison, Rich Hill, Ryan Raburn and Austin Jackson were all players that made the team on that type of contract.

“With some places (teams) guys are hesitant,” said Francona. “They think, ‘If I’m not on the roster, will that be held against me?’ We tell them right up front that we’re going to build some pieces on our club like that. Whether it’s Rajai (Davis) or Melvin.”

“We’ve had guys like Raburn, guys who have really helped us. We hope that continues. The way we do business, we need to find those guys.”

Francona commented on the Mike Napoli signing in Arizona today:

“Really, it’s kinda common sense. Our guys they rev up and they jump on a plane and change time zones. If you can find a way to rest better you’ll feel better. That’s just stating the obvious. In the past, we took it for granted. Now with research, you can get a little edge, even if it is in increments it’s better than not.”

Francona also commented on if there are spots available on the 25-man roster:

“Yeah, there is at least one. Depending on how many we carry in the bullpen, and health. You’d like to think nobody will ever get knicked up but usually, at least somebody is hurt or is a little behind. It happens.”

The Indians manager also gave updates on Michael Brantley and Danny Salazar:

“Brantley is going to initiate defensive movements, like moving laterally. That will be the first time he does that. Danny is 75-90 feet today for throwing.”

Lastly, Terry commented on Jason Kipnis and his preparation now:

“I think that happens with most players that whenever a player ages the knowledge and maturity expands also. When it does happen, I feel like it is a good change to see. It is similar with younger pitchers when they are 22 they go out there every day and let it fly and we have to remind them that they only have one arm and to be smart about it. You see the same thing with position players, they may have lost half a step here but they gain a full step mentally. As long as they are evolving it works. As guys age you have to do more in the offseason, if you don’t you will lose a step.”

The Indians will be in action against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, Josh Tomlin will be making his second start of the spring. The game can be heard on WTAM 1100, the Indians Radio Network, and Indians.com.