Pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Arizona

Indians outfielder Ryan Raburn stopped to sign a few autographs Wednesday morning as he arrived at the Indians spring training complex in Goodyear, Arizona on Feb. 18, 2015.

(Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- All Indians pitchers and catchers were accounted for Wednesday on the day they were scheduled to report to spring training. In fact, nearly the whole team is already in camp.

"Guys are excited to be here," said GM Chris Antonetti. "You probably got a feel for not just the number of people in camp, but the attitude and spirit. Guys are champing at the bit to get started.

"Myself included."

Antonetti touched on a number of subjects with reporters after the workout.

Lefty Bruce Chen, who signed a minor-league contract Wednesday: "We'll stretch him out. He pitched this winter in Panama and he's ready to go. We'll mix him into the competition for one of the spots in the rotation. He's pitched out of the bullpen, as well, so depending on our needs he could fit there too."

The Indians were honest with Chen, telling him that the competition for a spot in the rotation will be difficult.

Antonetti said head trainer James Quinlan will give an update Thursday on the Indians who had been recovering from injuries. They include Nick Swisher, Ryan Raburn, Brandon Moss, Jason Kipnis, Michael Bourn and Gavin Floyd.

Antonetti, manager Terry Francona and their staffs spent Monday talking about every position player in camp and Tuesday about every pitcher.

When the full squad arrives next week, there should be 62 players in camp.

Antonetti, Francona and other staff members on Thursday will conduct individual meetings with all pitchers and catchers.

"The meetings aren't one on one," said Antonetti. "It's usually me, Tito and sometimes a coach."

Antonetti on John McDonald, one of the team's new special assistants to baseball operations: "There will be a learning curve for John because this is his first time being a coach rather than a player, but he has so much to offer an organization. This is a guy who primarily made a 16-year big-league career out of playing exceptional infield defense."