CLEVELAND, Ohio — Manager Terry Francona and the Cleveland Indians have officially opened training camp in Goodyear, Arizona with the full squad gathering for its first workout Monday morning. Francona delivered his opening remarks to the club at the team’s development facility before preparations began for Cactus League play to get underway at the end of the week.
The Indians, who stayed relatively quiet this offseason with the exception of trading away two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, return many familiar faces including All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, Silver Slugger first baseman Carlos Santana and two-time MVP finalist Jose Ramirez.
Contested roster spots should include middle relief in the bullpen and discerning which of 10 outfield candidates will make the squad from a list that includes Oscar Mercado, Franmil Reyes and newcomers such as Domingo Santana and Delino Deshields Jr.
Below is Monday night’s first spring training wrapup podcast with cleveland.com beat writer Paul Hoynes. Hoynsie discusses Lindor’s remarks to the media about renewing contract negotiations with the Indians, and later gets into Francona’s thoughts on moving the four-time All-Star down in the batting order.
Indians, Francisco Lindor in negotiations on multiyear contract
For the first time since shortstop Francisco Lindor came within a 400-foot homer of free agency, the possibility of the Indians signing him to a multiyear deal has a pulse.
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor fields grounders during the first full squad day of spring training in Goodyear, Arizona. cleveland.com
Lindor may not be leading off for the Cleveland Indians this season
Lindor and Francona kicked around the idea that Lindor may not be hitting leadoff this year. Lindor has been the Indians’ full-time leadoff hitter for the last two years and their primary leadoff hitter for the last 2 1/2 years.
Cleveland Indians’ outfielders get marching orders from Terry Francona
Indians manager Terry Francona’s message to the 10 outfielders on the 40-man roster was to the point Sunday in his one-on-one meetings with each of the Tribe’s position players.
Cleveland Indians center fielder Bradley Zimmer exits the batting cage as early arriving position players take batting practice during spring training baseball workouts Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)AP
5 Cleveland Indians players who could be impacted the most by Mike Clevinger’s knee injury
This was supposed to be the season that the 29-year-old Florida native became one of baseball’s best. There were even offseason whispers of Clevinger as a dark horse Cy Young Award candidate.
Indians right-hander Mike Clevinger heads back to the dugout after allowing four runs in the first inning Friday night against the Orioles at Progressive Field.AP
Key dates ahead
Feb. 22: Cactus League opener vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear Ballpark, 3 p.m.
Feb. 25: Wilson Glove Day at Indians Goodyear Development Complex.
March 23-24: Exhibition series, Indians vs. Astros at Minute Maid Park.
March 26: Opening Day vs. Detroit, 1 p.m. at Progressive Field, 1 p.m.
ICYMI from cleveland.com
- Aligned right: Major League Baseball’s infield shift trend has roots in Cleveland
- Tony Fernandez will be remembered in Cleveland for more than that Game 7 error
- On Roberto Perez’s ankle and three other things concerning the Cleveland Indians
- RHP Mike Clevinger undergoes surgery on left knee, sidelined 6 to 8 weeks
- Clevinger’s knee injury, Domingo Santana’s arrival and 4 things we learned Friday
- Indians sign OF Domingo Santana to $1.5 million one-year deal with club option
- Cheating Houston Astros offer hollow apologies for sign-stealing mess
- Francisco Lindor first among five Indians ranked in top 100 by MLB Network
- Indians promote Justin Toole, Kyle Hudson to major league coaching staff
Tweet of the day
The Phillies’ Double-A affiliate in Reading, Pa. is getting ready to celebrate 70 years at America’s Classic Ballpark. The park features a mural with a face most familiar to longtime Indians fans. Rocky Colavito, who was in Cleveland last summer around the All-Star game, posed for this photo with the mural last summer.
Tomorrow
Full-squad workouts continue in Goodyear. We’ll come back with updates on Francisco Lindor’s contract status and an interview with ex-Houston pitcher James Hoyt, who was with the Astros in 2017.
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Opening Day breakfast discounted tickets: Join cleveland.com beat writers Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga, columnist Doug Lesmerises, Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto and moderator Mike McIntyre for the 2020 Opening Day breakfast Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 a.m. before the home opener. This year's event, including parking, a hot buffet, raffles and a Q and A, will be held at the Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave. in the Flats. Use the code EARLYBIRD for a $5 discount on each $39.95 ticket. Sign up here.