(Chuck Crow/PD)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Michael Brantley hit in the batting cage. On Friday, he'll take batting practice on the field.
And what it all really means is that the Indians' left fielder -- and perhaps the centerpiece of Terry Francona's lineup -- is closing in on playing in his first spring training game.
"Every step is important in this progression, but it's cool when you finally get out on the field," Francona told reporters on Thursday. "Really, the net thing is a game."
Francona would not estimate when Brantley might appear in his first spring action.