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Marte leads candidates but minor-leaguers Herr, Gonzalez, Sandoval, Barfield all to get chances
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Thursday, Feb 21, 2008
WINTER HAVEN, FLA.: Jamey Carroll will hold down one of the Indians' utility infield spots. Who will win the other?
Andy Marte is a legitimate candidate, even though until last fall he played only third base. Minor-league free agents Andy Gonzalez, Aaron Herr and Danny Sandoval also could play themselves into position to contend for the roster.
For the first time this spring, manager Eric Wedge mentioned Josh Barfield as a possibility. Until Wednesday, Barfield seemed to be a lock to start the season at Triple-A Buffalo. That still might be the case, because after extolling the virtues of Barfield (in connection with the utility job), Wedge said, ''We need to prepare to have more than 25 guys. We need people to be able to step in.''
In other words, Triple-A is only a one step away from the big leagues, an important fact to remember in light of the reality that injuries and poor performances are normal parts of a long season.
But it was Wedge who brought up Barfield's name as a candidate to make the team.
''We'll look and see where Barfield is,'' Wedge said. ''He's a good athlete who handled himself very well last year.''
A protracted slump cost Barfield his job as the everyday second baseman, but he didn't complain and didn't cause problems in the clubhouse.
As for Carroll, Wedge said, ''He can play all over the infield, and we can use him in the outfield if we have to. He's a very good situational player.''
Marte is out of options, which might help him make the team. Another major-league team could claim him if the Indians tried to send Marte back to the minor leagues.
''That comes into play,'' Wedge said. ''He played some first base this winter. What we want him to do is relax and play. There's nothing more we can say to him that hasn't already been said.''
Walking the line
Wedge returned from Cleveland on Tuesday night after watching the birth of his and wife Kate's first son, Dalton Cash Wedge.
''You knew that Cash would be in there somewhere,'' said Wedge, who is a big Johnny Cash fan. ''We might end up calling him Cash. We'll see. It was a special couple of days.''
Minor setback
Pitcher Adam Miller has a blister on the middle finger of his right hand, which probably will cost him two or three days.
Miller already was about a week behind others in camp. He re-strained a ligament in the same finger three months ago.
Other medical news
Minor-league reliever Tony Sipp, who underwent Tommy John elbow surgery seven months ago, threw 60 pitches off the mound. The plan is for him to start a rehab assignment in May and be fully recovered from the elbow surgery by June.
It's official
With all players in camp (except visa-challenged Jorge Julio), today will be the first full-squad workout of the spring.
Wedge and General Manager Mark Shapiro met with each position player Wednesday.
''Everything went well,'' Wedge said. ''We wanted to make sure everyone is on the same page and tell them what we expect of them. I look forward to seeing everyone out there tomorrow. It's time to get it going.''
Wedge will address the entire team today.
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
WINTER HAVEN, FLA.: Jamey Carroll will hold down one of the Indians' utility infield spots. Who will win the other?
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