INDIANS Lefty Rhodes the right setup man

Veteran reliever happy to be healthy, playing with the Tribe.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- Arthur Rhodes brings more to the Cleveland Indians than just a veteran left-handed pitcher -- he gives new meaning to the term setup man.
The 35-year-old reliever is expected to fill a void in the Indians' bullpen, where Eric Wedge has not had an experienced lefty since becoming manager after the 2002 season.
Rhodes showed another set of setup skills in the clubhouse Friday, setting up fellow reliever Paul Shuey for a practical joke.
"Baseball should be fun," said Rhodes, who admitted that a strained back while he was with the Oakland Athletics made last season less than enjoyable.
"I was disappointed in myself because I wasn't healthy," said Rhodes, who struggled to a 3-3 record with nine saves in 14 chances and a 5.12 ERA before going on the disabled list in late June.
"This year I am healthy, strong and a happy guy having fun with all my new teammates."
The joke's on you
That includes Shuey, who was befuddled to discover several boxes of his clothes had been mysteriously unpacked and carefully hung in his locker. Rhodes did the deed, then led the laughter at the quizzical look on Shuey's face.
Those who only see Rhodes' scowling demeanor during a pressure-packed situation may be surprised that he has a fun side.
"I'm intense on the mound," he admitted. "Off the field, during batting practice, I like to have fun. Once the game's on, it's totally different. I'm out there to win. If I lose, we all lose. I don't like losing."
Rhodes believes being a good teammate leads to winning.
"There's a lot of nice guys here," said Rhodes. "Everybody says, 'Good morning,' stuff like that. Things like that are important and should be important. It is another reason I say, 'I'm pumped to be a Cleveland Indian.' "
Another reason may be that he won't have to face the Indians. Since arriving in the majors with Baltimore in 1991, Rhodes has a 1-9 record and 5.88 ERA in 34 career games against his new team.
"I don't know what it was," he said. "The way I look at it is those were all good pitches. One would get away from the catcher. I'd get a ground ball and the shortstop would miss it. The next guy would hit a grounder and the third baseman would field it, but throw it away. Crazy stuff."
While pitching for Seattle, Rhodes got into a shouting match with former Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel, who claimed the reflection off Rhodes' diamond-studded earring was blinding. Rhodes was not pleased when umpires ordered him to remove the jewelry.
"The Omar thing, that wasn't my fault," Rhodes said with a smirk. "It was the sun. I couldn't do anything about that."
Rhodes said he expects to have the Cleveland karma on his side now.
"I'm looking for all that to go my way," he said. "It's all good. Once you go to a new team, things change."