Graves hoping for spot

The closer struggled with the Reds last season with a 1-1 record and a 7.36 ERA.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- A year ago, Danny Graves was thought to be one of the best closers in baseball.
But as spring training closes its first week this year, Graves is fighting to make the Cleveland Indians bullpen as a non-roster player.
"There are no guarantees here," he said. "I know that, but I'm going to make the most of it."
It would be an understatement to say last season wasn't the best of his career. Despite saving 10 games for Cincinnati, he struggled from the beginning of the season and was booed by Reds fans.
Ironically, the end came against the Indians on May 23 when he allowed five runs in one-third of an inning. As he was walking to the dugout, Graves, whose mother is Vietnamese, thought a fan taunted him with a racial insult and responded with an obscene gesture. He was designated for assignment the next day with a 1-1 record and a 7.36 ERA in 20 appearances.
Struggled with Mets
Graves signed with the New York Mets on June 11, but still struggled, compiling a 5.75 ERA with no record in 20 games. The Mets released him following the season and he signed a minor league contract with the Indians on December 19.
Graves, 32, has been in the majors for eight years. He's been around long enough to know what's ahead.
"I've always known someday it would end," he said. "Last year could have been the end, but I have an opportunity to do it again."
Indians general manager Mark Shapiro has known Graves since 1994, the year Cleveland drafted the pitcher. Shapiro was the Indians farm director at the time. Even though Graves was traded to Cincinnati during the 1997 season, Shapiro followed his career closely.
Despite his deep respect for the pitcher, Shapiro knows Graves will have to prove himself in camp.
"Obviously, Danny's stuff has declined consistently," he said. "No matter how much courage he has, no matter how tough he is, he's going to need more weapons to attack hitters. We're going to have to see some return, even if it's not all the way, to the quality, sharpness and velocity of his stuff."
Graves, who has 182 career saves, is happy to be back with the Indians.