Collapse still on minds of players

Just about anybody would have signed on for a 93-69 record, but in the end, it was no consolation.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- The sunny skies over the Cleveland Indians' first full-squad workout Thursday wasn't enough to make the players forget the final week of last season.
After being one of the hottest teams in baseball for two months, the Indians played themselves out of the postseason by losing six of their last seven games.
The late collapse lingered in the minds of some players all winter.
"I don't know if you ever get over it," designated hitter Travis Hafner said. "We were really close and weren't able to finish it off."
"People asked me about it wherever I went," catcher Victor Martinez said. "Everybody asked me, 'What happened to you guys? You were so close.' "
Review
The Indians were in position to win the American League wild card spot and were even threatening Chicago for the AL Central title. But they dropped two of three to Tampa Bay, got swept by the White Sox and finished the season two games behind Boston in the wild card race.
Going into last season, just about everybody would have signed on for a 93-69 record, but in the end that was no consolation.
"Everybody was disappointed with the way we finished," shortstop Jhonny Peralta said. "We all thought we were going to get in the playoffs that last week, but it didn't work out."
While the frustration remains, many players are turning it into a positive.
"I talked to a lot of guys about it," Martinez said. "We want to get back out there and prove we can do it."
Manager Eric Wedge said he started thinking about 2006 as soon as the season ended. However, if his players want to turn the late collapse into an advantage, that's fine with him.
"When I talked to the team after the last game, I felt then there would be a strong resolve going into this year," he said.
Notes
Left-hander C.C. Sabathia has been named the opening day starter for the fourth straight year. Sabathia, 25, will take the mound when the Indians open the season against the White Sox on April 2. Although Sabathia was named to start the opener in 2005, he began the season on the disabled list because of a rib cage injury. ... First baseman Eduardo Perez and right-hander Fernando Cabrera have been informed they have been chosen to play for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. They will join the Puerto Rican team March 2. "It's an honor," Perez said. "Whenever you can represent your flag, it's a great opportunity." ... The Indians agreed to one-year contracts with C Kelly Shoppach and RHPs Rafael Betancourt, Andrew Brown, Jake Dittler and Brian Slocum. ... The Indians named Jim Rickon coach at Single-A Kinston of the Carolina League.