"Michael brings you speed on every facet of the field, whether it's defensively or on the bases," said Francona. "He's going to save runs, he's going to create runs with his legs."

Francona says the Indians could be like Mike Scioscia's Angels teams who dominated the AL West from 2004-09. Not only did the Angels steal bases, but they went first to third on just about any hit that touched the outfield grass.

"We have a chance to play like that," said Francona. "It's a fun way to play and it's difficult to defend."

I've been waiting for that kind of baseball for a long time. Looks like everyone with get their wish. I like to manufacture runs and play small ball. Others like the power game. If everything works out well enough, we should all be happy campers.

I'm not thrilled with Giambi if he makes the final cut. He's washed up and would be a waste of a roster spot. I think we have enough "leaders" on this team now.

I am willing to give Francona the benefit of any doubt, if he wants Giambi I say let him have him, but if the guy does not pan out I am interested to see if Francona cuts him. Previous managers have stayed too long with washed up guys.

Bourn was rated as the #1 Defensive OF in the NL in 2012 by Baseball America. Drew Stubbs was rated #3. Bourn was also rated as the Fastest Baserunner and the Best Basestealer in the NL. Sounds like someone I'd like to have out in CF and leading off everyday.

The Indians don't have the horses to play power ball, so their speed will have to be their weapon.

By the way, the new book out co-written by Francona about his Boston years does include stuff all the way up until this past fall - including his signing with the Tribe and relationship with Antonetti and Shapiro.

The whole book is absolutely fascinating for baseball fans - recommended reading.

Actually, in the last couple years the Red Sox (Epstein and Francona) were quite interested in becoming more athletic (Crawford and Cameron signings) but front office interference at the levels above Epstein totally hampered the direction they wanted to go.

You only have to look to last season when the Red Sox dismantled that team to see that the big spending spree mandated by the top brass in Boston (to help increase TV ratings) bombed.

Seriously, it's a great read.

WSJournal article on which teams had the best winter places Blue Jays first improving by 10 games, Cubs second improving by 8 games and Tribe 3rd improving by 7 games . Marlins last by -11 games.

According to those stats and others given we will be tied with KC for 3rd in Central with 75 wins each. white sox 79 wins, Detroit 88 wins and Twins 64 wins.

Its all about the pitching boys, as that was really not figured in for us.

The latest over/under season wins has the Tribe at 77. Looks like most of the early action is going on the over.

I will wait for the pitching to shake out during ST. Last year I hit the season wins right on the button at 68.

Where did the WSJ have Baltimore, Oakland, or San Francisco last year ?

Indians sold out home opener in 6 minutes.

That's what happens when you win 4 in a row to start Spring Training. Of course, it's also against the Yankees and I'm betting that the ticket sales sold for the rest of April don't equal those sold for the opener. But optimism is infectious.

The Indians get no respect from the schedule makers. The Home Opener is a big enough draw in and of itself. You don't need the Skankees to help. Plus they and the Bosox are only here for one series, both in early, cold April. Also, the Reds-Indians series are played back-to-back, midweek in May, and are only 2 game series.

What uninteresting National League teams do we get the chance to play at home? And when does the eagerly awaited debut as an AL opponent of the Astros occur?

Here's a link to the schedule, CIV:

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/schedu ... ar=DEFAULT

Thank you!

Summer weekends with Nationals, Tigers, Rangers and Angels could be appealing.

Much of the interleague play is in April and September this time including Charlie Manuel in April and whoever is still on the Mets at Labor Day. The Astros arrive just before the season ends; can hardly wait..