2004 Cleveland Indians – Spring Training by baseballhistorian.com Tribe manager Eric Wedge will guide a team that was downsized after the 2002 season when many veterans were let loose including slugging first basemen Jim Thome and starting pitchers Chuck Finley, Charles Nagy and Bartolo Colon. And, the retirement due to injuries of third baseman Travis Fryman. March 7, 2004, a press report announces the signing of infielder John McDonald to a one-year deal. A solid athlete and noted for his hustling defense, McDonald is 29-years-old. Also, the team reported right-handed pitcher Jack Cressend inked a one-year contract and RH pitcher Roy Smith signed a one-year minor league contract. March 22, left handed pitcher Mike Porzio was assigned to the Tribe’s minor league camp. March 23 – Pitcher Jason Stanford surrendered one run thru three innings in Cleveland’s 11-4 win over Cincinnati in an exhibition game. Stanford has yielded just 2 runs in his last seven innings and seems headed to a spot in the Indians starting rotation. ‘I thought Jason had good stuff. I’m concentrating on the progress I’m seeing from him,’ said second year manager Eric Wedge. March 26, Jeff D’Amico strengthened case to win 1 of 2 available spots in the Cleveland Indians starting rotation by pitching six shutout innings in yesterday’s 3-2 spring training win over Montreal. The Indians announced they acquired Brent Abernathy from Detroit for cash. |