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Cleveland Indians Sunday News and Notes: February 23, 2014

This Wednesday the Indians will play a baseball game. It will be just a spring training game, with all the intensity of backyard bocce, but it will be baseball, and it marks one more step towards Opening Day.

Carlos Carrasco
Carlos Carrasco
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Indians News

Tribe prospect Wolters' catching craft evolving | indians.com: News

One of the many intriguing catching prospects in the organization, Wolters moved to the position from second at this time last year. His first season behind was a success, though his offensive production suffered at bit (which is to be expected). This year he got an invitation to major-league camp, and while that he'll probably be one of the first players send out, that shows what the Indians think of him.

Be sure to also check out the video beside the article: it includes some commentary by mlbpipeline.com's Bernie Pleskoff.

For Carrasco, competition an individual matter

2014 is going to a very important season for Carrasco. He's out of options, and so the Indians will try to fit him on the roster somehow if he pitches well. He still has an opportunity to start, as he's one of the 3-4 pitchers in competition for the fifth starter spot.

Indians spring training behind the scenes: Carrasco collects baseball cards; Swisher gets new art - Cleveland Indians - Ohio

Speaking of Carrasco, Carlos is a serious baseball card collector:

Before heading for home following Saturday’s workout, right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco to took a minute to page through a large black binder stuffed full of Topps baseball cards neatly stored in hundreds of clear vinyl pages.

When asked about his collection, Carrasco explained it’s a new hobby for him and his children that he undertook about a year ago. But Carrasco doesn’t just collect the cards that he buys by huge box full, he also sends some of them to guys he plays against and asks them to sign their card.

Vinnie Pestano working his way back to form for Cleveland Indians | cleveland.com

If Carrasco does make the club, one of the players who could be affected would be Vinnie Pestano, who has a couple options left. Last season was one to forget for Pestano, who injured his elbow early in the season and was sent down to AAA in August in an attempt to fix his mechanics.

The DiaTribe: Following the Money on a Lazy Sunday

Among the many topics covered: Jimenez signing with the Orioles, what Homer Bailey's deal means for the Indians and Justin Masterson, and Francisco Lindor and his future.

25-man/40-man Roster

(click to embiggen)

Feb_26_2014_medium

With Masterson now signed for 2014, that means all the arbitration-eligible players on the roster are now under contract. The players who have renewable contracts (fewer than 3 years' service time and not a Super 2) should be signed over the next 2-3 weeks, and after that's done the 2014 payroll will be set, at least for Opening Day.

For now I believe that only two players in camp are out because of injury: Jose Ramirez has a torn ligament in his left thumb, and Matt Capps strained his right rotator cuff this past week.

AL Central News

Better know a Tiger: Jose Alvarez - Bless You Boys

With Drew Smyly moving into the rotation this year, Jose Alvarez (who made his MLB debut against the Indians last June) will likely be the first starter called up if there's a need.

White Sox-Giants World Tour: Feb. 22, 1914 - South Side Sox

100 years ago this week, the White Sox and Giants reach Paris, but rain cancelled both scheduled games.

Twins Officials, Players: Why Isn't More Bad Stuff Happening To Us? - Twinkie Town

Just wait, Twins officials and players: it's only February.