INDIANS After disappointing 2005 season, Boone healthy and hopeful for '06

The third baseman has completely recovered from ACL surgery.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- Aaron Boone doesn't need any reminders about how low his batting average was last season.
The Cleveland Indians third baseman knows exactly how badly he was doing at the plate.
"I was batting .151 on June 3," he said Monday. "I was so low, at times I just wanted to get a hit."
At that time, Boone's average was the lowest in the American League among everyday players.
Boone got off to a slow start after missing the 2004 season because of two operations on his left knee to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He hurt his knee following the 2003 season while playing basketball.
Going into spring training last season, Boone was confident his knee would hold up. The knee didn't bother him all season, but the one-year layoff did.
"Obviously, it was a lot tougher for me," he said. "I was still dusting off some of the rust and I kind of paid the price for the first couple of months."
Boone, who batted .123 in April and .188 in May, says his struggles led to some sleepless nights.
"I beat myself up," he said. "When you're struggling at something you care about, that's frustrating."
No excuses
Boone never made excuses during his tough times.
Even after the worst of games, he was in front of his locker to talk to reporters looking for an explanation. Instead of lashing out at Cleveland fans who booed him, he said it was up to him to give the fans something to cheer about.
"The one good thing about going through that is it helps build toughness and character, if you can come out on the other side," he said.
From June 4 to the end of the season, Boone batted .284 with 12 homers and 45 RBIs. He hit .243 with 16 homers and 60 RBIs for the season.
"I never got it going like I was capable of, but at least in the last four months, I felt like I could contribute every night when I came to the ballpark," Boone said.
Boone thinks there is one difference this year.
"Instead of just rehabbing the knee like I did last year, I was able to do baseball things," he said.
"Aaron already looks notably better than he did last year at this time," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "He had a healthy offseason and has a healthy season behind him."
Boone is confident he'll produce better results this season.
"The people of Cleveland haven't seen the real me," he said.
Notes
GM Mark Shapiro says he'd like to have the final roster decided by March 24 or 25, about a week before camp breaks. Barring injury, there are only three open roster spots, one in the bullpen, backup catcher and utility infielder. ... Wedge expects the following Indians players to participate in the World Baseball Classic: LHP C.C. Sabathia (United States), 1B Eduardo Perez and RHP Fernando Cabrera (Puerto Rico), C Victor Martinez and Rafael Betancourt (Venezuela) and 2B Ronnie Belliard (Dominican Republic). The players are expected to join their teams late this week. ... The Indians will play intra-squad games today and Wednesday.