Indians thinking sunny thoughts

The new facility in Goodyear, Ariz. is part of it, but the Tribe is also looking forward to a big season.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Shin-Soo Choo walked into the Cleveland Indians’ clubhouse at Progressive Field on Monday and had a message for teammates and fans curious about the team’s new spring training home in Arizona.

“Forget Florida,” Choo said, sweat dripping off his smiling face after a brisk workout. “Everybody who comes to the new ballpark says just one word: ’Wow.”’

Choo has been working out most of the winter for several hours a day, four times a week at the new facility in Goodyear, Ariz., just west of Phoenix.

“It’s got everything we need to get ready and have a big season,” he said. “Most of all, the weather is perfect sunshine, no humidity, and everybody is happy with that.”

Outside, the playing field was covered with 15 inches of snow. Inside, a few veteran players were joined by about 15 minor-leaguers for drills as part of the Indians’ winter development program.

“This is the second time I’ve seen snow,” said Carlos Santana, a catching prospect from the Dominican Republic, who shuddered at the thought. “I think Arizona will be much better.”

After coming within one win of going to the 2007 World Series, expectations were high at Cleveland’s final training camp in Winter Haven, Fla., a year ago. But an ineffective bullpen led to several early losses. Then key hitters Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner along with starting pitchers Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook all sustained injuries.

“I think we’re all excited about the new place in Arizona, but more excited to get back on the right track and be a winning team,” first baseman Ryan Garko said.

Starting the second half of the season, the Indians had the best record in baseball. The team finished with a mediocre .500 record at 81-81.

Garko said two key offseason additions have brought hope for a quick resurgence.

“Getting Kerry Wood and Mark DeRosa is huge,” Garko said. “I love the addition of Kerry to the back end of the bullpen. It will change the way a lot of guys wake up in the morning. It’s a nice feeling to know you’ve got a guy who can drop the hammer down like he can.”

Garko expressed surprise that he may be asked to play the outfield.

“One of my friends sent me a text message saying that he read in the paper I was going out there,” Garko explained. “That’s fine with me, though nobody has said anything to me. If Eric Wedge thinks it helps the team, then I’ll do everything I can to help.”

Jensen Lewis, who closed games in the second half last year, said he likes the additions and feels comfortable returning to a setup role.

“Kerry just makes the whole bullpen deeper,” he said. “And DeRosa is like Casey almost. He can play several spots, and is a dependable teammate.”

Choo, 26, hit a team-leading .309 with 14 homers and 66 RBI in 94 games a year ago after rehabbing from elbow surgery.

As much as the native of South Korea likes the new facility in Arizona, he won’t be spending as much time there this spring as his teammates. He’ll be playing for his country in the World Baseball Classic.

“The Indians left it up to me and I want to play,” Choo said. “I look at it as that is my country, but the Indians are my career. If the Indians said no, that was OK, too.”

Choo doesn’t think Garko is needed at his spot in right field, however.

“I want to play every day,” he said.