GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Given the high volume of relief appearances and innings that closer Cody Allen and setup man Bryan Shaw have taken on for the Indians, manager Terry Francona has tried to be mindful of their Spring Training workloads. Last year, Cleveland took a very conservative approach to the relievers' preseason program.
Francona said things will be a little different this spring. After discussing things with Allen and Shaw, the Indians manager feels they can be smart about their preparation without being slowed down by the team. Allen in particular felt that the way he was used last spring contributed to his slow start once the season began.