Possible Ties to Uribe

    It's a shame third baseman Giovanny Urshela has had health issues. As much as I'd like to see him play, it's likely that he'll be taken back down to Triple-A Columbus, that is, if free agent Juan Uribe dons a Cleveland uniform. Indians sources have already confirmed that Uribe and the Indians have reached an agreement on a contract. There has not yet been anything official. Uribe could still take several days to reach the Indians' training camp while he's working out visa issues.

    The 37-year-old veteran could possibly prove beneficial, assuming he stays healthy. He has had a couple of slump years, but he's been positive for the most part, and he does add a little bit of power to the lineup. He averages 13 homers and 53 RBIs per season with a .257 batting average, which is a pretty big step-up from Urshela's performance at the plate.

    Defensively, they have nearly the same fielding percentages, with Uribe just one point higher than Urshela at .970 (Uribe at 3B position). When you consider Uribe's fielding range is a bit wider than Urshela's on top of having an equal percentage, then add the bigger bat, the Indians have made a wise decision.

    Urshela will have a chance to work on his health and produce better numbers in Columbus if Uribe completes the signing. That could potentially be a win-win for the Tribe in the long run.

Brantley is a Workhorse

     Without a doubt, Michael Brantley is an individual who is determined to earn every penny of his payroll. During his right shoulder surgery rehabilitation, he has been giving the Indians Organization his all. Although the possibility of Brantley being available for Opening Day is pretty slim, he has continued to make it his goal.

     His progression is far better than expected, as he is already batting balls off of a tee, a step normally taken weeks later. Brantley, on the other hand, feels the opposite. "I feel like it's going very slow," he mentioned. "It's a long process... but... I'm excited where I'm at right now."

     "I love the fact that he's pushing," said Indians manager, Terry Francona. "I think he's getting better quick, which is good." Brantley had already pushed himself too hard in the past, and has assured Francona that he will be honest about his condition. "There's a lot of trust there that he's built up, as should be. He deserves that."

     Even while playing through various health issues last year, Brantley still batted a healthy .310 with 45 Doubles, 84 RBIs and 15 home runs. His return will be golden.