He's to the Public and Terry 'Prankona' to the Rest of the By STEPHANIE APSTEIN February 27, 2018 GOODYEAR, ARIZ. — It seemed fitting when the black-and-white photos of Amber Rose appeared on the whiteboards and refrigerator of Indians camp last week. Shortstop had celebrated the start of by shaving his poofy bleached curls and dyeing the stubble silver. He received compliments from teammates for his work on the Thong Song—Sisqó’s 1999 hit—and comparisons to model Rose.

The ribbing was nearly nonstop, and the Cleveland clubhouse contains its fair share of practical jokers, so there were many theories as to who was responsible. , the team’s silent assassin of a prankster? , who goes to creative lengths when it comes to retribution? Michael Brantley, Lindor’s mentor?

Lindor, who laughed uproariously and hung one of the photos on his locker, knew right away. “Tito,” he says confidently.

Yes, the most dangerous member of a clubhouse full of 25-year-olds is their 58-year-old leader, Terry Francona. The Rose move would not even rank in the top 10 of jokes he has played on those around him.

Starter Josh Tomlin is a frequent victim. Last year, when they were playing cribbage in Francona’s office on the road, Tomlin made the mistake of leaving his coffee cup unattended when he used the bathroom. He was almost finished with it when he noticed the wad of chewing tobacco Francona had added to the bottom. “That was one of the grossest things I’ve ever experienced,” Tomlin says. “He was laughing his head off.”

One spring training early in Bauer’s career with the Indians, he gave up back-to-back-to-back home runs against the Cubs. During the Goodyear Police Department’s annual presentation to the players a few days later, they began discussing vandalism by players. “Who is responsible for these?” they demanded, producing three .

The most regular occurrence is the water balloons. Two or three times a week during spring training, he gets a clubhouse guy to help him fill dozens. They load them into the back of the gator he rides from Goodyear Ballpark three quarters of a mile to the Indians’ facility, pelting anyone they encounter along the way. Often that includes the front office staff. “He’s like a nine-year-old,” says media relations director Bart Swain, a frequent victim because Francona finds the image of him on his bike hilarious. “No one is safe.”

Francona often enlists help from others. He and Rays manager Kevin Cash have been friends since both were with the Red Sox in 2007, so for Tampa Bay’s annual trip to Cleveland, Francona works with the Indians scoreboard operator to welcome Cash to town. “Kevin Cash: A tribute to a legacy,” it read. “.183 AVG .248 OBP .273 SLG.” Last year he put the numbers in context: “How bad is Kevin Cash at the plate? Cash’s career batting stats: .183/.248/.273. In the history of Major League , among all non-pitchers with at least 650 plate appearances, Kevin Cash is the 5th worst OPS+ of all time.”

Cash should have seen it coming. When he worked on Francona’s Cleveland staff, he lost a bet one year. Francona had a new jersey made in honor of the money his friend had surrendered: NO CASH. Cash had to wear it to deliver the lineup card to the umpire.

That moment turns out to be a risky one when Francona is around. Last spring training, while Indians bullpen trotted out with the card before the game, Francona poured water on his chair, then mixed in some chewing tobacco.

“He had to go get some new pants,” says third base coach . “It didn’t look good.”

And sometimes the manager just amuses himself. One year he instructed assistant hitting coach to wear a double-ear-flap batting helmet during a spring game.

Most of the time Francona goes unscathed. Tomlin did pay him back by adding a little uncut tobacco to the milder stuff Francona prefers. “He almost threw up on the bench,” Tomlin says. “I kind of felt bad doing it during the game, but we had a pretty big lead.”

Bauer plans to get him back at some point, but he’s not working on anything just yet. “If you put too much thought in it, it’s not funny,” says the man whose retaliation for the old gum-in-the-hoodie a few years ago was to freeze Mike Clevinger’s shoelaces in a block of ice. “Just spur-of- the-moment things like that.” “You’ll get it twice coming back to you,” says Sarbaugh. “You’re better off just wearing it.”

Friends can only remember one time he has been truly bested: In 2015, he tore back to the facility on his gator, wondering where his usual targets had gone. He was delighted to encounter VP of player personnel Ross Atkins—who, it turned out, was being used as bait. As soon as Francona approached, a dozen kids and adults soaked him. He carried on valiantly toward the facility, where he had spotted assistant director of scouting Victor Wang, but finally admitted defeat when GM poured several buckets of water on him from the roof. Francona fixed his sights on assistant GM Mike Chernoff. “You have a Princeton education and this is what you come up with?” the manager demanded.

Given his history, it seems likely that it was he who added to the clubhouse decor. But Francona isn’t spilling. Was he responsible? “I might have been,” he says, eyes glinting. And does he not have access to a color printer? He howls with laughter. “We’re on a tight budget.”

Gonzalez giving his all to make Indians' roster By Jesse Sanchez MLB.com @JesseSanchezMLB GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Erik Gonzalez looked down at his right foot, saw that it was pointing in an unusual direction, and the worst possible thought crossed his mind.

The Indians' utility infielder had just raced to second base on a wild pitch against the Angels and slid awkwardly in the bag. He immediately felt a sharp pain in his leg.

"I'm thinking, 'Oh no, it's my knee,'" Gonzalez said in Spanish. "I was really scared, but then I got up and it didn't hurt too badly. My leg is still a little sore today, but I'm fine."

Officially, Gonzalez was diagnosed with an ankle contusion Wednesday. Unofficially, it's not a big deal, and it's not going to keep him off the field for what is an important spring for him.

Gonzalez, who is out of options, and Giovanny Urshela, who also is out of options, are vying for a spot on the Indians' 25-man roster as the utility infielder. Either player would have to pass through waivers to be sent to the Minor Leagues.

"I don't look at it as a competition between me and anyone," Gonzalez said. "Every person just has to do their own work, and the team decides what they want to do. I know I have to take advantage of my opportunities when I get it, and that's what I'm going to do." So far this spring, Gonzalez has three hits in six at-bats. He has driven in a run and walked twice. Urshela has four hits in eight at-bats, with two doubles and two RBIs.

Last season, Gonzalez hit .255/.272/.418 in 60 games with the Indians, while Urshela hit .224 with one , 15 RBIs and a .551 OPS in 67 games with the big league club.

"We know what Gonzie can do, and his batting average isn't going to matter, whether he makes the team or not," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "We love to see guys do well, but it's going to be what complements our team the best. I think you can make mistakes by taking the guy that has the highest batting average. Sometimes, that's hard for players to understand, because they come in and they are competing and thinking, 'Man, I did so well,' but it has to fit your team."

Ultimately, injuries and how they impact the roster will be part of the decision, but the club will also consider things like the players' bat speed, track record, running speed and adjustments at the plate. It's too early to tell exactly what the Indians will need out of the role with Opening Day still four weeks away.

Spring Training statistics are fun, but they won't play much of a factor.

"We have all seen a young kid have a great spring and hit his way onto a club. But it's in a utility role, and he has never done that before, and he sits for 10 days and has no chance of getting a hit," Francona said. "You look up a month later and he's in the Minors. You just have to be careful of that."

Belisle off to good start in hunt for bullpen role By Jesse Sanchez MLB.com @JesseSanchezMLB GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Matt Belisle took his first step toward earning a spot on the team's Opening Day roster Thursday with a scoreless inning in the Indians' 8-7 win over the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch in his Cactus League debut.

Belisle, 37, who signed with the Indians as a non-roster invitee on Feb. 25, is competing for the last available bullpen job and the chance to join relievers Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Nick Goody, Tyler Olson, Dan Otero and Zach McAllister on one of the best relief staffs in the game. Right-hander Carlos Torres and lefty Ryan Merritt are also among the competitors for the final spot.

"We're just trying to let [Belisle] get his legs under him," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "He's been dying to get out there and pitch, but you want to be fair, especially with veteran guys. They need to get out there and get some reps. He is in competition, but today we wanted to get him going so we can get the best out of him."

Belisle gave up a single to Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp in the sixth on the first pitch he delivered, then recovered to retire the next hitter, Yasiel Puig. Keibert Ruiz followed with a line drive that hit Belisle and caromed away for a single, but the pitcher got Shawn Zarraga to hit into an inning-ending double play. Belisle jogged into the dugout unfazed.

Last season, Belisle posted a 4.03 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 62 games with the Twins. He converted nine of 11 save opportunities as the club's primary closer in the second half of the season.

Injury updates

It remains uncertain if Danny Salazar, who has been slowed this spring by a shoulder issue, will be ready for Opening Day.

The right-hander threw on flat ground on consecutive days Monday and Tuesday as part of his throwing program and was given the day off Wednesday. He played catch Thursday and does not know when he will begin the long-toss portion of his program.

"We are taking it slow and easy," Salazar said. "It's better to miss some games now than miss games in the regular season."

In other injury news, Michael Brantley (right ankle) has been hitting, and he's increasing the intensity of his running program. Brandon Guyer (left wrist) was given a day off from swinging the bat. Napoli on track

Veteran first baseman Mike Napoli likely will play in his first Cactus League game on Saturday against the Giants or Sunday against the Brewers.

"He has to run the bases twice," Francona said. "We have to be fair to him, too. [Friday] would have been a perfect day because Edwin [Encarnacion] and Yonder [Alonso] are both playing today. He's not ready to play, so we'll wait a couple more days."

The Indians signed Napoli, 36, to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invitation earlier this week. Last season, he played in 124 games with the Rangers, hitting .193 with 29 home runs and a .713 OPS.

Upton gets opportunity

The Indians have a history of giving non-roster invitees a fair shot to make the big league roster, and the club hopes the trend continues this year.

Diamond Dialogue: How should the Indians evaluate players involved in spring roster battles? Zack Meisel 3 hours ago 1 GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Somehow, the Indians have to sort through their 37 outfield candidates in a few weeks and determine which deserve an Opening Day roster spot.

Terry Francona indicated the team would initiate that evaluation process with about 10 days remaining in camp. I don’t envy him or the Indians’ front office. How in the world does a team decide which players earned a job?

Statistics can be misleading; is Player A batting .550 this spring because he’s faced a bunch of Low-A pitchers, or big-leaguers who only threw fastballs on the day they took the mound? Veterans often have established track records that can’t be ignored. Young players have mystery and wonder clouding their case.

Somehow, the Indians were able to pluck Scott Atchison from a group of bullpen contenders, and that paid dividends. They did the same with Austin Jackson, Nyjer Morgan, Jason Giambi, Joba Chamberlain and Eliot Johnson. Some have worked better than others.

Well, TJ, I’m placing the decision-making in your hands. Tell the world how you would approach these impossible decisions. Oh, and do you have a favorite camp battle of yore?

TJ Zuppe: LOL sure. Easy. No problem. I feel like Peter Griffin when he was using the See ’n Say to help him take an IQ test.

A cow says “moooo.” … Of course, of course. Past track record has to carry the most weight. Any player with a favorable one is going to get the benefit of the doubt. That’s why Rajai Davis and Melvin Upton Jr. are easy to single out as the favorites to win a job. I think a player’s attitude and work ethic in camp are beneficial to young and unfamiliar guys. And the intangible likability of a player or his ability to blend into your clubhouse has to be weighed — at least a little.

You also have to enter the spring with a pretty strong handle on what you expect to happen. Last year, they essentially told Bradley Zimmer he wasn’t in camp to win a job (and I think that actually helped him relax and build confidence). It was a different situation for and Yandy Diaz during the past few years. They were actually in the mix.

I feel like if you come to spring expecting to make decisions based on the offensive friendly environment of the Cactus League, you’re going to get baited by fool’s gold. I mean, do you really see it as anything other than a helpful tiebreaker?

Zack: Here are some of the items Francona listed when posed with this same question Thursday morning: bat speed, running speed, track record, ability to make adjustments and role on the roster.

Obviously, many of those apply more to position players. I don’t think Matt Belisle’s bat speed will influence his standing in the bullpen competition.

This will be a challenging task for the Indians’ brass, though. Erik Gonzalez, Giovanny Urshela and Ryan Merritt being out of minor-league options complicates matters. Michael Brantley and Brandon Guyer being iffy for Opening Day complicates matters. And so, they’ll have to determine not only which veterans or young guys have warranted consideration for the regular-season roster, but also the most effective roster composition. Do they carry seven or eight relievers? How many outfielders?

This is a mess. And spring-training performance doesn’t do much to clean that up.

(By the way, remember when Aaron Harang didn’t make the team and the fan base rioted? Good times.)

TJ: Which is totally why you have to have a plan rolling into camp. If you're just trying to sort this out now, good luck.

That's not to say performing well in spring doesn't matter at all. Just like a basketball player practicing a foul shot, the sight of the ball tickling the twine is good for confidence and repetition. While Jason Kipnis' scorching-hot bat early in the Cactus League doesn't mean he's on his way to an All-Star season, it never hurts to feel good about yourself.

Also, it's helpful to see if trends that emerged last season continue into spring training. For instance, seeing Richie Shaffer or Eric Stamets' newfound love for elevation roll into 2018 is impactful on some level. It's pretty likely that neither is making the Opening Day roster — even if they crush the ball — but a good spring could certainly move them onto the depth radar when they'll inevitably need it (and I'm admittedly a little intrigued by both).

Many of these decisions are based on options, minor-league opt-outs or service time, so even if they wanted to put more stock in Cactus League numbers, there isn't a ton of wiggle room to do anything truly shocking. Zack: That’s what makes this so fascinating to me. For instance, there are thousands of relievers in camp — Jeff Beliveau, Evan Marshall, Stephen Fife, for example — whose chances of making the Opening Day team require a microscope to see. There’s a hierarchy already established when spring starts, just based on track record — Marlon Byrd arrived in camp in late March and still made the team — and it’s hard to fathom how guys can flip that order on its head with a few 1-2-3 innings in the desert.

Don't tell that to those guys, though. Sure, they're aware of the situation, but they're also competing for a chance at earning a big-league salary and at realizing a lifelong dream. These decisions carry a ton of weight, with ramifications that we don't always consider.

TJ: And I think they all realize, especially the non-roster arms on minor-league deals, they're showcasing their pitching and hitting to every team in the league. But I won't lie, as much as we're downplaying spring stats, it's certainly easier to get noticed or earn more respect when your ERA sparkles or your slugging percentage sizzles.

It's a lot harder to stand out on a good team. Tyler Naquin was the darling of camp two years ago. Now, the poor guy is relegated to outfield duty alongside players lacking names on the backs of their jerseys. Even if he knocks the cover off the ball, can the Indians really afford to carry another left-handed hitting outfielder (if Michael Brantley is healthy-ish, that is)?

Rather than results, I'd choose to focus on other things. How is that veteran reliever's velocity and movement holding up? Is Upton healthy? Is Davis still fast? (Spoiler alert: YES.) Has Francisco Mejia continued to improve as a receiver, game-caller and communicator? Between Urshela and Gonzalez, which player do I feel most comfortable about moving around the infield (and maybe outfield)? Is Yandy Diaz showing a willingness to add more lift to his offensive profile? These answers are way more insightful and go beyond the box score.

Zack: I agree. That’s why I’d compare spring training more to training camp, not the preseason. It's more about the input — the mechanics, the velocity, the bat speed, the strength, the health — than the output at this point.

That doesn’t make the decision-making process any easier, of course. That’s why Francona and Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff earn major- league money and we merely receive spring-training invites.

TJ: But if they'd like to borrow my See ’n Say to help in the meantime, I'm willing to lend a hand.

Giovanny Urshela's late RBI, clutch throw lead Cleveland Indians past , 8-7 By Joe Noga, CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Giovanny Urshela's second hit of the game -- a ninth-inning RBI single off Los Angeles reliever Ryan Moseley -- drove in Nellie Rodriguez with the deciding run as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Dodgers, 8-7, on Thursday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. But it was a relay thrown from Tyler Naquin to Urshela that saved the game in the bottom of the ninth when L.A.'s Travis Taijeron tried to score. Taijeron had drawn a walk against Cleveland's Robert Zarate before L.A.'s Keibert Ruiz sent a two-out one-hopper to third. Naquin raced in from left field to grab the ball in foul territory after it deflected off Urshela's glove. He threw to Urshela who relayed to catcher Eric Haase at the plate for the game-ending tag. Cleveland improved its Cactus League record to 5-2-1 while the Dodgers fell to 2-5-1. The Indians host Texas at Goodyear Ballpark on Friday at 3:05 p.m. EST. Yandy Diaz and Abraham Almonte each delivered two-run singles with the bases loaded as Cleveland scored six times to tie the game in the eighth. Francisco Mejia continued his solid spring with an RBI single to left off Dodgers lefty Cesar Ramos to make it 7-7. Mejia is hitting .556 (5-for-9) with a home run and three RBI in five exhibition appearances. Urshela, who scored on a wild pitch in the eighth, upped his Cactus League average to .600 with a 1.43 OPS. Drew Maggi added two hits in three at-bats, while Rob Refsnyder plated a run with an RBI single in the second inning. Los Angeles scored five times in the seventh, including three unearned runs off Indians reliever Jeff Beliveau. Following a base hit by L.A. outfielder DJ Peters, a throwing error by Cleveland's Erick Haase put two men on for Dodgers prospect Jake Peter, who sent a blast to center field for his first home run of the spring. Ruiz and Shawn Zarraga added RBI singles for the Dodgers. Righty Stephen Fife started the game for Cleveland and pitched three innings, allowing a run on three hits and a walk. Tyler Olson and Matt Belisle worked scoreless frames for the Tribe, while Nick Goody surrendered a run on three hits in one inning of work. Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 03.02.2018 This is a good spring to be utility man Erik Gonzalez of the Cleveland Indians By Paul Hoynes, CLEVELAND, Ohio - Erik Gonzalez is 26. This is his 10th year of and he's spent them all with the Indians. Gonzalez is out of options, which means he must make the Indians' big-league club coming out of spring training or be placed on waivers. If a team claims him, they would have to bring him to the big leagues. So this is a good spring to be Erik Gonzalez. Some players would be nervous in this situation and deep down Gonzalez probably does have a few jitters. But he said he mostly feels relaxed. "You feel comfortable with things," said Gonzalez. "I'm just trying to be ready for the year. I don't think too much if I make the team or not. If I don't make the team, I go through waivers and somebody might claim me and I go to the big leagues. "I don't have any options left. I feel more confidence. If I don't make the team, I think I have a chance to play for a long time in the league." Gonzalez made his big-league debut with the Tribe in 2016. He has been coming to big league camp since 2013. Lean and tall, he wore a Spider Man T-shirt in his first big-league camp. Manager Terry Francona liked his range and versatility as a defender and his potential power as a hitter. This spring Gonzalez is trying to make the Indians as a utility man. He has competition in Giovanny Urshela, Eric Stamets and others. "I've been waiting for this moment," said Gonzalez. "I just want to work on everything -- my hands, my bat. I'm prepared. I go to the weight room because I know I can give 100 percent to the team. Whether it's here or not here." A scout was asked about the competition for the Tribe's utility job. He said he likes Urshela, but wondered if he would hit. Then he added, "I don't know if Gonzalez will hit, but he can really play shortstop. I like Stamets, too, he's a grinder. He shows up every day." Gonzalez, early in his minor-league career, played all over the field. He said he's played every position. But shortstop is his best spot and the Indians have two-time All-Star Francisco Lindor squarely in front of him. Is there any wonder that the thought of starting his career with another team excites Gonzalez? But baseball is a fickle game. In Wednesday's 15-3 spring-training win over the Angels, Gonzalez's single in the fourth inning gave the Indians a 3-2 led they never lost. In the same inning, Gonzalez advanced to second on a pitch in the dirt, but bruised his knee on the slide. He limped off the field and was replaced by a pinch-runner. DET@CLE: Gonzalez gloves a tough hop to rob Upton This would not be a good time for an injury. Manager Terry Francona told reporters in Goodyear, Ariz., on Thursday morning that Gonzalez was fine. "Gonzo is OK," said Francona. "It was more of a contusion. He was actually cleared to play (Thursday). Since he was going to be an extra guy we told him to stay back because we had enough extra guys. He went out and moved around. He's good to go." The Indians played the Dodgers in Glendale on Thursday. Gonzalez prepared for spring training by playing winter ball for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Republic. He played mostly shortstop, but also saw time at second and third. "I think it helped me," he said. "I play every year for a month or a month and a half. My focus this winter was to concentrate on being a better hitter. I've worked a lot on my swing." Gonzalez's hitting coach is his father, Raymond. He has been since he was a boy. What did Raymond Gonzalez tell his son before he reported to what could be the most important spring training of his career? "He told me to relax and be myself," said Gonzalez. Last year he hit .255 (28-for-110) with four homers and 11 RBI for the Indians. In 40 games at Class AAA Columbus, Gonzalez hit .256 (41-for- 160) with six homers and 13 RBI. In Francona's mind, batting average will not decide who wins the utility job. "We know what Gonzie can do," said Francona. "His batting average isn't going to matter whether he makes team or not. It's going to be what complements our team the best. "I think you can make mistakes by taking the guy with the highest batting average. Sometimes that's hard for players to understand. It has to fit your team. When it gets down to the end of camp we'll figure that out." Indians notes: On track for a career year in 2017, Chisenhall halted by right calf injury Chris Assenheimer ByChris Assenheimer | The Chronicle-TelegramPublished on March 1, 2018 GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- had overcome two injuries and looked as though he was on his way to a career year when the third one hit.

“The injury stopped everything, especially for how long it lasted,” Chisenhall said of a right calf strain he sustained on the final day of the first half that sidelined him for nearly two months and left him as an unproductive bench player during the Indians’ Division Series loss to the Yankees. “That was the nature of the injury, the severity of it, with the timetable. It was just tough. You learn from what happened last year, you focus on how you train and prepare yourself this year and play the season.”

What Chisenhall’s was able to accomplish in what amounted to half a season -- 82 games -- was still impressive. He batted .288 and fell one shy of his career high with 12 home runs, and six shy (53) of his top RBI total.

“Last year, offensively, was by far his best year. He was a force,” manager Terry Francona said. “He was on pace to make the All-Star team, in my opinion, and we missed him when he went down.”

Chisenhall, the Indians’ first-round draft pick in 2008, saw his career begin to stall at third base -- the position he broke into the majors playing. He made the move to right field in 2015 and found new life.

“It’s interesting because, as guys mature ... He played third, but from all accounts he really didn’t enjoy it,” Francona said. “(He) goes to right and just loves it, but now through maturity he’s able to, like, I’m convinced if we have a need, he could play first, third, he could probably go to short and at some point that might save us a roster move because of his ability to do that. And he does it willingly, where maybe three, four years ago, he probably didn’t enjoy it very much. I just think that’s maturity and confidence. His offensive performance last year was by far his best we’ve seen.”

“Third was always a difficult position,” Chisenhall said. “The infield’s difficult, the same thing with . If you’re putting in a lot of time defensively, it does take away from your offense or bad days defensively can carry over. You hate to say it, but I’ve enjoyed my offense a little more since moving to the outfield. I know it’s definitely turned what I was doing around.

“Sometimes it’s (a) smooth (transition) and sometimes not. I’m still learning nuances. I moved around a little bit last year, so it’s a lot of learning on the go. It wasn’t easy. The first year I had some success and then some hiccups in (2016) and some hiccups last year, but that happens. You just try to learn from it.”

Out in the field

Francona was asked how many outfielders he would carry on the 25-man roster.

“I don’t think we know,” he said. “Do we go with seven bullpen (guys), eight? Some of it’s going to depend on who it is. Are we platooning? Are we not? Things like that. Without about 10 days to go in camp, we’ll start to think about stuff, but it’s so far off now. So much can happen. I think it’s more important right now to spend our time and get a look at everybody here and then when the camp gets smaller, those types of things, we can begin thinking about it.

“Some of it may be determined by how far away (Michael) Brantley is (from playing). Is he a handful of games, a week away, or is he a month away? Some of that could determine it too.”

A host of players, including veterans Rajai Davis and Melvin Upton Jr., are competing for two, possibly three spots -- one of them as the starter in left field alongside center fielder Bradley Zimmer and Chisenhall.

False alarm

Francona said infielder Erik Gonzalez was fine after leaving Wednesday’s game with an ankle contusion. Gonzalez was cleared to play Thursday, but was not scheduled to start, so the Indians gave him the day off.

Gonzalez is the frontrunner to win the utility infield job over Gio Urshela, but his spring training performance won’t tip the scales either way, according to Francona.

“We know what Gonzi can do,” Francona said of the 26-year-old Gonzalez, who hit .255 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 60 games for the Indians last year. “His batting average isn’t going to matter whether he makes the team or not. It’s going to be what complements our team the best. I think you can make mistakes by taking the guy that has the highest batting average. Sometimes that’s hard for players to understand because they come in and they’re competing and they’re like, ‘Man, I did so well.’ It’s gotta fit your team.”

Order up

MVP finalist Jose Ramirez split last season batting fifth (63 times) and third (55) the majority of time, but Francona’s not ready to commit to either this year.

“I like him anywhere, I really do,” Francona said. “He’s a good hitter. He could hit first, second, third, he could hit anywhere. Some of where he hits is dependent on the other guys. He’s a great guy to protect people, but at the same time we want to protect him, too. My guess is that he will hit a little higher more often than not, especially with (Yonder) Alonso here.”

Rotation roundup

It really doesn’t matter who wins the final two spots in the rotation race between right-handers Josh Tomlin and Mike Clevinger and lefty Ryan Merritt.

With two-time and reigning Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer at the top, odds are good the Indians’ starting staff will still be one of the ’s best.

“We work well as a unit together,” Kluber said. “We’re all on the same page, trying to help each other out. That goes a long way, as opposed to having five individuals who are going out there to pitch their day. It’s a collective group. That goes along with the whole team, team chemistry.”

Cleveland’s starters led the AL last year with a 3.52 ERA and 1,066 strikeouts -- 65 more than second-ranked Boston.

Party time

Francona said Mike Napoli would make his exhibition debut Saturday or Sunday at the earliest.

“He’s gotta run the bases twice. We’ve gotta be fair to him, too,” Francona said. “(Today) would have been a perfect day, just because Edwin (Encarnacion) and Yonder are both playing (Thursday), but he’s not ready to play, so we’ll wait a couple more days.”

Napoli signed a minor league contract with the team Wednesday, but isn’t expected to make the Opening Day roster. He is being showcased for other clubs after spending the winter as a free agent in a cold market.

Roundin’ third

Carrasco, Andrew Miller, Cody Allen and Ben Taylor are scheduled to make their debuts today. Newly-acquired reliever Matt Belisle will make his first appearance Saturday. ... Friday, 3:05 p.m. vs. Rangers (Indians.com). Bauer (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Mendez (0-0, 0.00).

TRIBE NOTES Indians: 2B Jason Kipnis hopes new and matured approach brings back old All-Star form Chris Assenheimer ByChris Assenheimer | The Chronicle-TelegramPublished on March 1, 2018 | Updated 6:23 a. m. GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- It’s spring training and he’s played in only three games, but Jason Kipnis looks like he’s on track to regaining his old All- Star form.

After a injury-filled and unproductive season last year, Kipnis and the Indians will take anything close.

“Yeah, I’m MVP (this spring), clearly,” joked Kipnis, who is 6-for-8 with five RBIs and a team-leading three home runs and 15 total bases. He homered in his second at-bat and twice in his second game. “It’s important alone in the fact that it’s good to feel good in spring training. It’s better than where I was last year at this point. Instead of being hurt, I’m having success. These (games), in the end, really don’t count for anything. I know that, but you’re not going to hear me complain about working on stuff and seeing success out of it early.

“I just feel good. Like I’ve been saying all along, I’ve had a good offseason, I feel good coming in. I’m confident and it’s showing.”

Kipnis, an All-Star in 2013 and ’15, felt far from good for much of 2016, opening the season on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury and missing a large portion of the second half with a right hamstring strain. He was limited to 90 games, batting a career-low .232 with 12 homers and 35 RBIs.

“When he’s healthy he’s proven he can be an All-Star type player,” manager Terry Francona said. “We need that.”

With Jose Ramirez shining in place of him at second base last year, Kipnis looked dispensable. It’s part of the reason the native, who has spent his entire six-year career in Cleveland, heard his name mentioned in multiple trade rumors this winter.

“I’m not the first person to ever have trade rumors around his name, nor the last,” Kipnis said. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say you’re like, ‘OK, am I not wanted around here anymore,’ but that’s just the normal reaction every player would probably take. But once you step back and actually look at what’s going on, I understood it -- small-market team and the contracts get up there in the later years, and the way last year played out. If I’m a fantasy GM or something like that, I could see it too, or at least hearing offers. But at the same time, once I realized that I have a season to get ready for, regardless of who it’s for, that becomes your main focus instead of what the rumors are and what’s going on behind the scenes, because you don’t have any control over that. “You can take a lot of things personally. There’s stuff you can react to how you want to, but in the end, the way you change everyone’s mind is by going out and producing, going out and playing well. No matter if people are on your side or against you, if you go out and play well, it’s hard to say anything to that.”

None of the rumors became reality and Kipnis reported to training camp with the Indians. Upon his arrival, he learned he was returning to his old second base spot after playing center field in place of an injured Bradley Zimmer at the end of last year -- and that Ramirez was moving back to third.

“I’m definitely excited to still be in an Indians uniform this year,” Kipnis said. “I love this group here. I’ve always stood by this group here and have always said that I love this group here.

“I’ve come to, with the last season, a new appreciation for the game of baseball. I think I’ve said it before: I enjoy the process now of hitting in the cage for hours. I enjoy the working out and stretching, all that stuff. It’s not stuff I could’ve said in years past. I was more of the gamer who would just show up and once the lights come on, ‘Let’s go.’ But now it’s a need to enjoy the process a little more and it’s been fun for me.”

That reflection is an example of the new and matured Kipnis. He began his offseason workouts sooner this year and has changed plenty more with his routine as he’s gotten older.

“The game is the same. The epiphany and eye-opener came — when you’re 24, the excitement, the way your body feels, you can roll out of bed with a RedBull and feel great. Now, I need a RedBull to get out of bed,” said Kipnis, who turns 31 on April 3. “That was the eye-opener. I’m eating healthy and stretching and doing all that stuff. Why don’t I feel the same? You just get older. That’s all it is. You just realize that it takes more.

“It’s weird how often that’s forgotten by some people who don’t play the game. You always make the adjustments each year of working smarter instead of harder. You realize what actually is important in terms of success and what you need to do. Whether it’s not maxing out on the bench (press), it’s stretching. It’s not doing all these other things that just take away time from what’s important and you refine your approach.

“You always heard it from older players. It just takes more to do the same, to do what you used to do. I stretched for 30 minutes before. Now I need 45 minutes or an hour. The game itself hasn’t changed. When you put in the work and feel good, whether I was 24 or 30, when I feel good, I’m very confident that I can have success. It’s just getting to that point of feeling good that takes a little bit more effort now. But I’m not mad about it. You’re turning over a new leaf. You’re finding new stuff that works for you and I’m happy that it’s working.”

Kipnis and the Indians are hoping the new stuff brings back the old All-Star second baseman.