Indians news & notes: Brantley to start today's Cactus League game

Michael Brantley kept telling everyone who would listen that he intended to start on Opening Day. Few have taken him at his word. Peter Gammons famously predicted delay. The Indians front office put out a casting call for outfielders, auditioning every low-cost replacement option that circled within their orbit.  Brantley's next major step on Toldyouso Road occurs during today's Cactus League game, where he is expected to start in left field.

Cleveland 10 - Oakland 8

Joey Butler's grand slam lifts Indians vs. A's | MLB.com - Joey Butler has had a quiet camp as one of the many candidates for an outfield job with the Indians. But he made plenty of noise Friday, launching a grand slam to help power the Indians to a 10-8 Cactus League victory over the A's

PHOTO GALLERY: Cleveland Indians defeat Oakland Athletics behind a grand slam from Joey Butler « TribeVibe
The Tribe defeated Oakland today in Goodyear with a final score of 10-8.

Indians News

Cleveland Indians' Michael Brantley makes Cactus League debut Saturday night | cleveland.com - Brantley will make his Cactus League debut Saturday night in left field against the Cubs. If he continues at this pace, he just might make his goal of starting opening day on April 4 at Progressive Field.

Marlon Byrd to compete for outfield job | MLB.com - "We were really honest with Marlon that there are no guarantees," Francona said. "Just like everybody else, we'll try to put him in a position where we can see the best of him. That's going to be quicker than most of the guys. He says he's in game shape. I do think, when you get into camp, we'll try to gauge that as much as we can."

Cleveland Indians minor leaguer Casey Weathers hits 108 mph on the radar gun (of course, there's a catch) | cleveland.com - He won't throw 108 mph when he takes the hill for an Indians' minor league affiliate this season.

Cleveland Indians Francisco Lindor, Jason Kipnis deserve more respect - SweetSpot- ESPN - The Indians' double-play combination of Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis is far better than it is given credit for.

Around the League

The Adam LaRoche story is taking up all the air in the MLB room right now and not leaving much room for anything else. Here are some takes on that story of the White Sox imploding:

• Players, executives address LaRoche situation | MLB.com
• LaRoche was raising his kid in a clubhouse. Bad idea. (sportsonearth.com)
• White Sox’s Robin Ventura must take control of Adam LaRoche situation | (Joe Posnanski)
• Big League clubhouses aren't day care (Dirk Hayhurst)
• Chris Sale hangs LaRoche jerseys in locker, says team was 'lied to' | FOX Sports