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Shoppach to relinquish everyday catching duties
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Wednesday, Jul 30, 2008
CLEVELAND: It's not the same as turning back into a pumpkin, but Kelly Shoppach's days as the Indians everyday catcher are numbered.
Victor Martinez played catch again Tuesday, moving back from 60 to 75 feet. He also took some dry swings and hit off a tee. Though there still doesn't seem to be a firm timetable for his return to the active roster, it appears that Martinez will be back in the lineup by the middle of August. It has been six weeks since Martinez went on the disabled with a sore elbow. Doctors removed bone chips and cleaned out the area and predicted that he would be playing baseball again in six to eight weeks.
But even when Martinez does take his place behind the plate, Shoppach won't fade away into the woodwork.
''Even when Victor comes back, he's not going to play every day,'' manager Eric Wedge said Tuesday. ''He's going to get more rest [than he normally would], so he'll also play more first base. It's possible he could fill in at DH, too, but that depends on how much wear and tear it creates on his elbow.''
Wedge has been urging players on the disabled list to hang out at the ballpark for more than the time it takes to get their treatment and do their workout routine.
''Victor will go on the road with us now,'' Wedge said. ''We like to have both him and Josh [Barfield] stay around and watch the games.''
At least recently, both players have done that.
Barfield is recuperating from surgery to repair a sprained left middle finger. He went on the DL the same day as Martinez and is expected to return to the active roster about the same time.
''It's too early to tell which one will be first,'' Wedge said.
Meanwhile, Shoppach has performed capably in Martinez's absence. Since taking over as the No. 1 catcher, he has batted .284 with nine doubles, six home runs and 21 RBI in 33 games.
Surprisingly, the part of his game that has suffered is his throwing, which most everyone takes for granted.
''Sometimes, Kelly tries to do a little too much,'' Wedge said. ''Throwing is the strongest part of his game, but [he] sometimes tries to be too quick when he gets amped up. If he slows himself down, he's still going to be quicker than almost anybody.''
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
CLEVELAND: It's not the same as turning back into a pumpkin, but Kelly Shoppach's days as the Indians everyday catcher are numbered.
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