CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Looking at the Cleveland Indians roster as they prepare to open the season:
1. About a week ago, Yandy Diaz was still battling to make the roster. I was in Goodyear, Ariz. and it seemed the Tribe was leaning in the direction of Gio Urshela. They wanted a strong defensive presence at third base.
2. But Diaz changed that. He kept hitting and hitting and hitting. Most games, he had two hits. He finished spring training batting .444 (1.204 OPS) with two home runs and 14 RBI. In 44 at bats, he had eight walks, compared to only six strikeouts.