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Wedge weighs impact of move in Reds series
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Thursday, May 15, 2008
CLEVELAND: The first round of interleague play begins Friday with the Indians traveling to Cincinnati to play the Reds.
When there are games in a National League venue, Travis Hafner usually moves from designated hitter to first base. But this year it isn't clear how much Hafner will play, at least in Cincinnati.
''We'll see how he is physically,'' Indians manager Eric Wedge said.
Is Hafner hurt? No, Wedge meant that there is a physical aspect to playing first.
What the manager might be thinking is this: With Hafner in a prolonged slump, is there a reason for him to play in the field?
''I'm not saying that,'' Wedge said. ''I want Hafner in there as often as I can, but if he plays, Ryan Garko or somebody will be out of the lineup.''
Hafner has been taking ground balls at first for two weeks and said, ''It's been going well.''
On the other hand, it's not as if Hafner's first love is playing first; he likes to hit.
Asked on Wednesday if he enjoys playing first, Hafner said, ''It's different. I definitely like DHing. I've gotten into a good routine with it. I know some people think they have to be in the game all the time, but I really like being a DH.''
Hafner will have his Mizzuno glove ready if he is called upon to play defense.
''I've used the same glove since 2003,'' he said. ''I've had other ones, but I can't seem to break them in right.''
Hafner hasn't been told if he will play first, but with three right-handed starters scheduled to pitch for the Reds, it's likely. The real question Wedge will have to answer is whether Hafner can make an impact on the offense.
''I thought his first at-bat last night [a line drive RBI single] was very encouraging,'' Wedge said. ''Then Alan Embree hung a breaking ball, and Hafner didn't try to do too much with it [slapping a single to center]. So Travis needs to work off that game.''
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
CLEVELAND: The first round of interleague play begins Friday with the Indians traveling to Cincinnati to play the Reds.
Get the full article here.
Inside Ohio.com
F.Y.I.
It's Hobo Weekend in Summit County
Hobo-themed events Friday through Sunday at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park in Peninsula
