Vizquel gets fans cheering again

ASSOCIATED PRESS

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Omar Vizquel hasn’t worn an Indians uniform in five years, yet he’s still wildly popular with Cleveland fans.

Vizquel, in camp as a non-roster player with Texas, started at shortstop in Monday’s 8-7 win over the Indians. He was mobbed by autograph seekers, most of whom were decked out in Indians hats and T-shirts, before the game at Goodyear Ballpark.

Vizquel, who thrilled Cleveland fans for 11 seasons, was given a loud ovation in each of his four plate appearances.

The fans cheered him again when he was removed from the game and walked down the right-field line to the Rangers clubhouse, shaking hands and waving along the way.

Vizquel, a winner of 11 Gold Gloves, has been a starter throughout his 20-year career. This season he’s expected to serve as a backup and mentor to 20-year-old Elvis Andrus, another Venezuelan shortstop.

Vizquel had an RBI single in the Rangers’ four-run second off starter Aaron Laffey, who’s competing for the fifth spot in the Indians’ rotation. David Murphy added a two-run single in the inning.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia had a three-run triple in the third off Rafael Bentacourt.

Beau Mills, Wes Hodges, Chris Gimenez and Ben Francisco had RBIs in Cleveland’s four-run fourth. Jordan Brown hit a two-run homer in the ninth.

Pirates 2, Reds 1

BRADENTON, Fla. — Homer Bailey threw three scoreless innings for the Reds. He gave up a hit and a walk, and struck out four.

It was a positive step for Bailey, who is trying to reclaim his status as a top prospect with the Reds after a subpar 2008 season.

“I think every year is kind of a fresh start,” Bailey said.

“But I have a little self-motivation that I’m trying to work with. So far, everything’s going well.”

Left-hander Zach Duke started for the Pirates and threw two scoreless innings.

Daniel McCutchen, who is among 10 candidates for the Pirates’ rotation, gave up a run in the fourth inning. Brandon Phillips doubled to center and scored on Jonny Gomes’ sacrifice fly.

The Pirates tied the game 1-all in the seventh on Ryan Doumit’s sacrifice fly. In the eighth, Andy Phillips put the Pirates ahead with an RBI single off Josh Roenicke.