Cleveland Indians likely to take long look this spring at Joba Chamberlain

Here's to a great week!

Francona talks about opening day roster (Hoynes)

Some interesting quotes from Indians mananger Terry Francona.  From Hoynes:

Francona stated again that some non-roster players will make the opening day roster. The Indians have 20 non-roster players in camp.

Veteran reliever Joba Chamberlain is one of them.

"Joba could bring experience to our bullpen," said Francona. "He's been in the thick of it, in the fire. He's pitched innings of leverage. He's worked very hard to put himself in a position where he can help a ballclub.

Brantley making progress (Hoynes)

Great news here, as Brantley has progressed to hitting off a tee and so far all reports are very positive out of Arizona.

Papelbon's shirt says "Obama Can't Ban These Guns" (Boswell)

The Nationals controversial closer was seen walking around the team's spring training complex with the bicep-highlighting shirt on last week.

Ian Kinsler is already starting to decline (Rogacki)

The 33-year-old second baseman posted strong stats last year, but advanced stats highlight issues going forward.

Mattingly adopts no facial hair policy for Marlins (Townsend)

New manager Don Mattingly is going for the uber professional look at his new gig.  From Townsend:

The Marlins last had a strict facial hair policy in 2011, but that was abandoned under the Ozzie Guillen regime.

"Guys will whine. Some guys like it, some guys won't. As long as we're consistent, I think it's not that big of a deal," Mattingly said on Sunday.

Among those impacted are superstar pitcher Jose Fernandez and All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon. Fernandez had a beard last season, while Gordon frequently sported a goatee.

"I'm afraid I'm going to look 16," Fernandez said. "But it's not a big deal. Whatever the rules are, we're going to follow them."