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Carlos Carrasco finally became a dominant starting pitching in the second half of the 2014 season.

(AP file)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Quick hits from manager Terry Francona's first press conference of spring training.

On curiosity about Carlos Carrasco? "I don't think he really deserves for us to be curious. I think last year we were curious. I think the way he pitched, he deserves for us to be all in.

"I mean how many times did we say over the last couple of years, 'We have to be patient.' Look what happened. That's why you're patient. The second half of last year he might have been the best pitcher in baseball except for (Corey) Kluber."

In his last 10 starts of the season, Carrasco went 5-3 with a 1.30 ERA.

"I think what happened is that for the last two years he wanted so bad for us to tell him he's a starter," said Francona. "Then he went out and earned it ... and that's a much better way."

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On right-hander Gavin Floyd: "(Pitching coach) Mickey Callaway has seen two of his bullpens and says the ball is coming out of his hand really well. We'll keep an eye on him. We'll probably ease him and some of these other guys into it with an extra side day, a B game or a simulated game.

"We'll reserve the right to do whatever we think is in all their best interest. But he's looked really good."

Floyd signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Indians. He's coming off two straight seasons of right elbow injuries.

On outfielder Ryan Raburn: "I'm so proud of him. He ought to be proud of himself. He's done a great job getting ready for the season."

Raburn had left knee surgery in late September to end a frustrating 2014. He's signed through 2015, but his job could be in danger.

"He's a veteran guy who always got ready for spring training the way he got ready," said Francona. "This year he didn't have a choice. Man, he looks great."

On second baseman Jason Kipnis trying to rebound: "Last year Kipnis told me numerous times ... he wants to be a good player on a good team. I think he found out the hard way when he's not playing too well, he's not happy.

"I think he's a really good player. He can be an offensive force.

"Defensively, he's an outfielder who is a good enough athlete to move into second base. He might not be picture perfect, but he's athletic enough where he can make all the plays."

Could the Indians open the season with an eight-man bullpen? "I'm not dead set against the eight-man bullpen. I'd actually like to have nine.

"It actually depends on how your team is built. The majority of the time last year I felt it was our best chance at winning."