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Hafner, Martinez, Barfield could make difference in wins. There's also next season to think about
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008
CLEVELAND: Sooner rather than later. That's when manager Eric Wedge wants Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez and Josh Barfield back with the Indians.
All well and good, except that if the three players are activated from the disabled list before Sept. 1, three players will lose their roster spots. That is not to say it would be difficult to find three players that Wedge can do without.
But why the rush?
''I want to get them back as soon as I can without getting in the way of their rehab,'' Wedge said Tuesday.
Winning games is part of the reason. Despite the team's lowly place in the standings, managers get paid to win; they are bred to win. In addition, the more at-bats the three players can accumulate, the better prepared they will be when next season begins.
Wedge already has said that Martinez, who underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips and other debris from his elbow, would not be catching nine innings, six days a week.
In fact, backup catcher Sal Fasano might not be in danger of losing a roster spot.
''Whether we keep three catchers, depends on how far along Victor is with his catching,'' Wedge said. ''We are going to ease him into it, so that's a possibility.''
Hafner doesn't play in the field. All he does is hit. Currently, he, Martinez and Barfield are on rehab assignments at Triple-A Buffalo.
Hafner began his by getting two hits, including a double off the wall.
''He showed good bat speed, and he felt pretty good,'' Wedge said. ''He will be off today and get three at-bats tomorrow.''
Hafner has been sidelined with weakness in his right rotator cuff.
Wedge hasn't announced what role Barfield would have if he stays with the Indians rather than being sent to Buffalo when he's activated.
''We'll see where we're at when he's ready,'' Wedge said. ''But he's more likely to be here.''
Wedge would like to see Barfield get some playing time in winter ball, though it would be the second baseman's choice.
With Asdrubal Cabrera entrenched at second base, might Barfield be asked to learn a new position to increase his versatility?
''We haven't made a final decision,'' Wedge said. ''And we haven't talked to him about that.''
All three players will remain on rehab assignments the rest of the week.
''After that,'' Wedge said, ''we'll re-evaluate.''
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
CLEVELAND: Sooner rather than later. That's when manager Eric Wedge wants Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez and Josh Barfield back with the Indians.
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