Barfield, Garko begin experiments

Starting in left field...
No. 25...
Ryan Garko!?

Akron Beacon Journal reporter Marla Ridenour left this interesting little nugget hidden at the bottom of her story entitled, Wedge shows respect for history.

First baseman Ryan Garko and second baseman Josh Barfield got their first taste of playing the outfield today.

Wedge said Garko will be used only in left field, while Barfield will try all three outfield positions.

It is no secret the Tribe is willing to experiment this spring with position changes and they do have the versatility to do it.

Yet, Garko doesn't strike many as one of those versatile players. The tidbit is interesting enough to warrant its own story and that is exactly what MLB.com beat writer Anthony Castrovince has given us.

Castrovince spends more time talking about Barfield's versatility than Garko. Barfield will be tried at all three outfield spots, third base and his orginal position second base.

If Barfield can show that versatility he has a chance to land the last spot on the Indians bench.

With the trade of Franklin Gutierrez, the Indians lack a true back up in centerfield. Barfield, Ben Francisco, Shin-Soo Choo and Jamey Carroll will all work out at the position, according to Castrovince.

Mark DeRosa will work out at the corner outfield positions.