Grapefruit Roundup: Tribe/Bucs

Indians 14, Astros (ss) 6

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Andy Marte hit two home runs and drove in six runs as the Indians (9-9-1) defeated a Houston split squad, 14-6, at Chain of Lakes Park. Marte was batting .194 this spring before Saturday. “I was just as impressed with the two at-bats when he walked as with the swings he had,” Manager Eric Wedge said. Kelly Shoppach doubled twice and singled in three at-bats. His replacement, Yamid Haad, doubled in both of his plate appearances. Cleveland’s Andy Gonzalez also hit a home run. Indians starter Paul Byrd allowed three runs over five innings, all scoring on fourth-inning home runs by Victor Diaz and Humberto Quintero. Marte has reached a crossroads in his career. He’d like to help his bosses determine what direction that career will take. Saturday’s game was a high point in what has been a wildly up-and-down spring. “Being consistent has been a problem for me,” Marte admitted. “I have to make the changes. I have to make the team and prove I should be here.” The Indians will face a decision on Marte’s future at some point this summer. He is out of minor-league options and would likely be claimed if Cleveland attempted to pass him through waivers. That inability to send him to the minor leagues means Marte should make the Opening Day roster as a backup first baseman and third baseman. But if he struggles early and the Indians need a roster spot, the team’s front office will be faced with a tough decision. “I don’t want to be waiting for that moment, or make them keep me because I have no options,” Marte said. “I want to prove I can be a decent ballplayer. I just want to make the team because I made it, not because I’m out of options and they have to keep me. I want to be on the team because I’ve proven I can be here.”

Blue Jays 4, Pirates 1

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Roy Halladay pitched five solid innings and Matt Stairs hit a two-run double, leading Toronto. Halladay allowed four hits and struck out four, throwing 44 of his 64 pitches for strikes. “I was a lot more aggressive and threw a lot more strikes early in the count,” Halladay said. “I probably threw fewer cutters and curves than last time out.” Halladay did not walk a batter and threw first-pitch strikes to 14 of his 19 hitters. “It was a good day for him to pitch,” Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. “It helps to get him in shape.” Pittsburgh starter Ian Snell went four innings and gave up five hits, including Stairs’ two-run double. He walked two, struck out four and threw 44 of his 75 pitches for strikes. “I’m glad they brought out a lot of their big hitters,” Snell said. “It’s going to make me better this season.” Pirates reliever Elmer Dessens (back) made his first appearance of the spring, allowing one hit in one inning. He threw 13 pitches, 10 for strikes. Gibbons has no concerns that DH Frank Thomas is hitting .071 this spring. “He’s off balance and just jumping at the ball,” Gibbons said. “He just has a little movement in his swing right now.” Lyle Overbay went 2-for-3 with a double and Chip Cannon had a solo homer for Toronto. Josh Wilson was 2-for-3 and Steve Pearce hit a solo homer for Pittsburgh. Shawn Camp got the save with a scoreless ninth.

Combined dispatches