SPRING TRAINING Wedge expects more out of Tribe

Cleveland held its first full-squad workout on Friday.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge is looking for better things after watching his team endure the growing pains of a 94-loss season in 2003.
"I fully expect more," Wedge said Friday after the Indians completed their first full-squad workout. "I'm confident we'll get that."
Wedge knows there are plenty of doubters.
The Indians are coming off their worst season since 1991, their payroll will be about $45 million and their roster will feature many young players who still must prove themselves.
"I've been saying this the whole offseason and I'll keep saying it," Wedge said. "We're going to take the next step this year. If people don't want to believe that, I don't give a damn. We're going to be much more competitive this season."
Have realistic goals
Wedge isn't predicting a run at the AL Central title. He and general manager Mark Shapiro are using 2005 as a more realistic goal for when the Indians can be labeled contenders.
"I choose to be optimistic, but also realistic," Wedge said. "Our intention is for this club to compete in the Central Division. Now, how far we can take that, I don't know, but we're going to find out."
The Indians used 25 rookies last season. Part of that was by design, but injuries to several key veterans meant some young players were thrown into the big leagues before they were ready.
Their youth was evident at the beginning and end of the season.
Started, ended poorly
The Indians were 7-20 in April and 7-18 in September, when many of the young players ran out of gas physically and mentally. There were 18 rookies on the roster at the end of the season.
The Indians were 55-56 from May 1 to Sept. 1, a positive Wedge wants to build on.
"We were young and we went through some tough times, but we'll be better for it," he said.
Wedge held a meeting with the players before Friday's workout. His message was different from the one he tried to get across a year ago.
"Last year was about establishing the approach and attitude, and how we want to play the game," he said. "This spring, it's about the regular season and opening day. It's about preparing to win."
Wedge knows Cleveland fans, who saw the Indians win six division titles from 1995 through 2001, aren't pleased with the direction the franchise has taken. "That's OK," he said. "I want them to be passionate. I want their expectations to be high for us, but it's important for them to understand that we're trying to build something here that will last."
Notes
The Indians worked out under cloudy skies and 50 degree temperatures Friday. A strong wind made it feel much cooler. "It's tough down here right now," Wedge said. "There weren't any limitations because of the weather, but it was a little chilly out there." ... INF John McDonald, who had knee surgery in September, participated in all of Friday's drills. ... OF and former Mahoning Valley Scrapper Brad Snyder, the Indians' first-round draft pick last season, will be out for a week to 10 days because of an eye infection. He's in camp as a non-roster invitee.