Indians to use Dellucci, Michaels in left field platoon plan

David Dellucci and Jason Michaels have more in common than playing left field for the Cleveland Indians.

Both are aggressive players willing to do whatever they can to stay in the lineup. Neither likes sharing his job, and both deal with the part-time status by attacking each opportunity straight on.

Manager Eric Wedge believes their combined tenacity will make the second year of the platoon plan a success.

"If you add it all together, I think we'll do much better out there," Wedge said Thursday.

"Jason does a heck of a job against left-handed pitchers and is really committing to be better against right-handers. I really feel like if David can stay healthy, he's going to have a good year. He's a good hitter."
Michaels is having a strong spring, hitting .323 (14-for-36) with three homers, four RBIs and two stolen bases.

"I still believe I can play every day and make a contribution," said the 31-year-old, who held a starting job two seasons ago in his first year in Cleveland before sharing the position with Dellucci and then midseason pickup Kenny Lofton in 2007.

"It's tough to platoon, but when your role changes, you have to change with it," Michaels said. "This game is about adjustments." Click here to continue reading...