CLEVELAND – Former Indians manager Eric Wedge was never a fan of interleague play. His successor has a different view.
“I’ve always liked interleague play,” said Cleveland manager Manny Acta. “It gives you the opportunity to see the great players from the other league and the parks you don’t get to see. It gets you out of the monotony of playing the same teams all the time.
“People will always find a reason to like it or dislike it.”
Wedge located plenty not to like. He wasn’t in favor of National League opponents interrupting his club’s American League schedule, and like many, felt the AL was at a disadvantage without its designated hitter in NL ballparks.
“I think every American League team has that disadvantage because the designated hitter is such an important part of our teams,” Acta said. “But, it’s the same thing when they come over here. Their designated hitter is just one extra guy off the bench.”
Acta is getting his first taste of interleague play from the AL side after spending five seasons as a third base/infield coach for the Expos and Mets (2002-06) before managing the Nationals from 2007-09.
Indians pitchers have been taking batting practice in preparation for upcoming interleague road trips to Pittsburgh (Friday-Sunday), Philadelphia (June 22-24) and Cincinnati (June 25-27).
“We have a few (pitchers) that are good athletes and can do some stuff,” Acta said, singling out David Huff and Jake Westbrook as his best-hitting pitchers.
Disabled duo
Though they are both sidelined with injuries, Acta said shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and center fielder Grady Sizemore have been regular visitors to Progressive Field.
Sizemore is on crutches after undergoing season-ending surgery on his left knee, while Cabrera, whom the Indians hope to have back in late July or early August, is wearing a cast on his fractured left forearm.
“They miss being out there,” Acta said. “It’s not easy for them to watch us play, but they’re in good spirits.”
Sipp’s story
Acta said he plans on sticking with struggling reliever Tony Sipp, who had allowed 15 earned runs in his last 2 1/3 innings through Monday, and has minor-league options available.
“I think everything has its limits, but we’re not to that point right now,” said Acta, who plans on pitching Sipp in less critical situations in an effort to get him back on track.
With Sipp out of the late-inning mix, lefty Rafael Perez, who entered Tuesday without allowing a run in his last five games, is expected to see more opportunities.
Minor details
Aaron Laffey has made three starts – 0-1, 4.91 ERA — since being demoted to Triple-A Columbus, as the Indians attempt to stretch out the left-hander for a possible spot in the rotation in the future. “He’s thrown the ball OK down there,” Acta said. “He’s already up to 80 pitches.” Laffey began the season in Cleveland’s bullpen, going 0-1 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 appearances. … Advanced Class A Kinston Left-hander T.J. McFarland was named to the Carolina League All-Star team that will take on the California League All-Star team in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Tuesday. McFarland is 7-1 with a 2.16 ERA in 12 games (seven starts) for the K-Tribe.
Roundin’ third
The Indians have signed eight of their picks from the recent First-Year Player Draft after agreeing to terms Tuesday with shortstop Nick Bartalone (sixth round, Chabot College), OF Chase Burnette (18th round, Georgia Tech), 2B Logan Thomson (33rd round, Palm Beach State College), OF Brian Heere (41st round, Kansas) and OF Henry Dunn (50th round, Binghamton University). Thomson is the son of former big leaguer and current Cleveland special assistant to baseball operations, Robby Thomson. The Indians also signed non-drafted free agent Alex Kaminsky, a RHP out of Wright State. … Tonight, STO/WTAM 1100-AM/WEL 930-AM. Talbot (7-4, 3.59) vs. Niese (3-2, 3.61).
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.
