Numbers favor Indians’ rotation

Pirates infielder Freddy
Sanchez is getting an
early start.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The depth of the Cleveland Indians’ rotation played a big role in the team’s success last season.

That depth could come in handy again in 2008.

The Indians hope to start the season with C.C. Sabathia, Fausto Carmona, Jake Westbrook and Paul Byrd in the first four spots. Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey will battle in camp for the fifth spot.

However, that plan could change before camp ends. The Indians are still uncertain if Byrd, who last year during the playoffs admitted to past use of human growth hormone, will be suspended by Major League Baseball.

“We’re fortunate to be in the situation we have seven guys who are qualified to start in a major league rotation,” general manager Mark Shapiro said. “We’re going to prepare with those guys, one through seven, and if anything happens for any reason if one person can’t perform in our rotation, we’ll have the next guy to go to.”

If Byrd is suspended to begin the season, two pitchers from the group of Lee, Sowers and Laffey will make the team.

“We have confidence in each one of them to get the job done when we need them,” manager Eric Wedge said.

Indians starters posted a league-best 4.19 ERA last season as Cleveland won the American League Central.

“I think we’ll be strong again,” said Sabathia, who was 19-7 and won the Cy Young Award. “I’m really excited that we have everybody back.”

Sanchez reports early

BRADENTON, Fla. — After signing a multi-year contract extension, Freddy Sanchez is taking no chances about being ready for the start of the season.

The Pirates’ All-Star second baseman reported with the pitchers and catchers Thursday and has been on the field early each morning since then, taking fielding and batting practice as part of his recovery from minor shoulder surgery in September.

His throwing remains limited, and he took ground balls without making a throw Sunday. He can reach 75 feet in long-tossing and needs to double that before he can be cleared for game action. Both he and the Pirates sound confident that will happen.

“My goal is to get here early, get my work in and be ready for the season,” Sanchez said. “No one wants to follow someone who just talks about it. They want to follow someone who leads and does the same things they’re being asked to do.”

Sanchez, the National League batting champion two seasons ago, signed an extension earlier this month that brings two guaranteed years plus a vested option that could make him $18.9 million. He had been worried before that the Pirates were looking to trade him or allow him to leave through free agency once he was eligible after the 2009 season.

“Pittsburgh is a place I know I want to be, and I think, when we do start to win, it’s going to feel satisfying,” Sanchez said. “I’ve been around for the losing, and now I want to be around for the winning.”