CLEVELAND, Ohio – Franmil Reyes says he is determined to register some outings for Indians this spring, but an ankle injury sustained a few weeks ago in the Dominican Republic could slow his progress.
Reyes told reporters on Monday via Zoom that he sprained his right ankle while taking flying ball readings to the left during training before heading to camp in Goodyear, Arizona. He said that the ankle feels good now in hitting practice, but live strikes against a pitcher are another story. The intensity of each swing puts more pressure on your hind foot and causes the injury to donate “a little more”.
As of Monday morning, coach Terry Francona had not yet had a one-on-one conversation with Reyes, as is customary for all players at the start of the camp. But don’t be surprised to see the 1.80 meter hitter in his familiar role as a designated hitter from the start.
“I don’t want him to put himself in an unfair position with him, running over him,” said Francona. “My guess is that we will start in the outer field, in the right field.”
Francona said he wants to communicate to Reyes that he is not “restricted” to a position at DH because that would open up opportunities for others. But the captain acknowledged that he wants to employ his best defensive team.
“And when we go to the cities of the National League, we would really like to not have to sit on it, especially if he is swinging the baton very well,” said Francona.
Reyes said he is open to playing where needed to help Indians win, but added that he has been a field player his entire life.
“I will honestly do whatever they want,” said Reyes. “If they just want to drop me off at HD, I’m fine with that. If I have to be in the field or at first base, I know I can do my job ”.
Wait, first base? The video of Reyes conquering the grounders first appeared on social media during this off-season. But he admitted that he didn’t do any serious work there.
“Never,” said Reyes. “Probably some ground balls during the season at first base. That is all.”
1. Never assume that they know
As expected, Francona postponed the traditional opening speech for players on Monday, postponing coaches, club assistants and other officials who introduced themselves and examined the “cleanup” items.
On Tuesday, he will set out his expectations for the season and the club’s general philosophies to everyone, including those who have heard this before.
“We are trying to lay the groundwork for how we want to tackle our challenges next year, and if you don’t talk to them about it, it’s probably unfair to expect them to understand what we are trying to do,” he said.
Waiting until Tuesday also allowed the Indians to space things out and keep everyone socially apart due to the pandemic COVID-19.
“Sometimes I tend to get a little more excited and talk,” said Francona. “But I think it is better this way and I think it respects the protocols.”
Terry Francona wears a mask while driving in a golf cart during a spring baseball workout, training on Monday in Goodyear, Arizona. AP
2. Perpetual release
Lefty Oliver Perez is at camp for what he hopes will be his 19th major league season. On Monday, he told reporters that if you asked two or three years ago if he thought he would play that long, he would say “there’s no way”.
But when the Indians expressed interest in bringing him back for a fourth season at the club, the 39-year-old said he was excited.
“For me, this is really special,” said Perez. “I will never lose my passion for the game. Now, when I go home, I feel 39 years old, but when I get to the club I feel like a newbie because I am very excited to be close to everyone and have fun and just follow our dream of being in the big leagues and maybe one day I will win the World Series. “
Oliver Perez wants to shoot in his 19th season in the major league.AP
3. Search Google, bro
Shane Bieber says he is not surprised that teammate James Karinchak developed his devastating curved ball after researching Lance McCullers Jr.’s pitch in the 2017 Google playoffs.
Bieber said the proliferation of social media accounts, like Rob Friedman Launcher Ninja and other sites dedicated to breaking down the most infinitesimal details of the pitch have opened a new path for younger pitchers to develop their art.
Bieber sees this as an avenue for pitchers to share their thoughts, suggestions, pitch tracks and more.
“If you are struggling or need a new perspective on a field or are trying to add something, this is always a good place to start, especially in this world we are in now,” noted Bieber. “Social media and the internet can provide many tools for those who want to learn and are hungry to learn.”
James Karinchak launches for first baseman Jake Bauers during training on Monday. AP
4. Man in the middle
Cesar Hernandez won his first Gold Glove award on second base last season, but after agreeing to return as a free agent, he will have to enter a new shortstop after switching from Francisco Lindor to the Mets.
Hernandez does not anticipate that it will take too long to get in touch with whoever wins the job, be it the most experienced Amed Rosario, from the Dominican Republic, or his young Venezuelan countryman Andrés Gimenez.
“We know that the communication part will be much easier, not only to communicate, but to relate and understand each other’s styles,” said Hernandez through interpreter Agustin Rivero. “As with Lindor last year, it was a quick adaptation.
Hernandez played against Rosario as a member of the Phillies and described him as a very athletic defender who likes to run.
“He’s not afraid to make mistakes,” said Hernandez. “This is fundamental, having that combination of guys who are always willing to give extra effort and this is going to be contagious.”
Gimenez, however, showed an eagerness to play and learn the game.
“He has a lot of tools to play here,” said Hernandez. “He’s already really showing that desire. He will be able to contribute with us at some point. “
With retired and retired passenger planes in the background at Phoenix Goodyear Airport, Indian launchers bask in the strong morning sun on Monday. AP
5. Priests everywhere
Reyes was asked how excited he was to see so many former San Diego teammates at the camp with the Indians. He expressed his special feelings for outfielder Josh Naylor, whom he referred to affectionately as his brother. But Reyes also mentioned his enthusiasm for being at camp with veteran catcher Austin Hedges.
“I haven’t seen Hedgie since 2013, when I was just an 18-year-old,” said Reyes.
Speaking of children, young shortstop Gabriel Arias is also at the camp, giving Reyes a little push.
“This is my brother right there,” said Reyes. “He is Venezuelan, but every time I went to the complex (in the Dominican) to practice, he was my boy. You will be very excited to see this. He has very good hands and can get it right. Many gains from it. “
Catchers Roberto Perez, on the left, and Austin Hedges arrive on the field for indoor drills on Monday. AP
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