GOODYEAR, AZ - FEBRUARY 27: Terrry Francona manager of the against the Cleveland Indians looks on before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark on February 27, 2014 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images) Indians manager Terry Francona / (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (92.3 The Fan) – 13 observations, notes or quotes following Cleveland’s 14-6 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

– A couple of weeks ago, I wrote that the Tribe should find a way to get utility man extraordinaire Elliot Johnson on the team’s Opening Day roster and I believe they made a good decision in selecting him to compliment the club. While the bat will never be a plus (despite his impressive spring numbers) Johnson’s ability to help in a number of ways almost gives Cleveland a roster closer to 27 or 28 players.

– I have been surprised by his ability to play the outfield this spring. The switch-hitting Johnson has been asked to play a little center field and has been able to chase a few balls down on the run. His ability to play seven positions only makes him that much more valuable.

– One thing that was particularly interesting: Johnson said the team’s honesty throughout spring was a big deal to him. “Their reputation is that they are honest and they will tell you, there is no nonsense. Some organizations don’t have that reputation. Your agent, they have that relationship. They know more about it than I do. So, they steer you to the place that’s best. Chris has a sterling reputation. Tito, he says the same thing about him. The honesty part, it does make a big difference. You don’t want to be thrown a curveball. It’s hard to be a team player if you’re not on the team.”

– In addition to their recent success of helping Scott Kazmir and Ryan Raburn rebound in their careers, that sort of transparency makes Cleveland an appealing team to non-roster invitees and will only help them in the future.

– Catcher Matt Treanor, likely to miss 2-to-3 weeks with a sore hamstring, echoed something similar when asked if he would consider remaining in the Indians’ organization once camp ends. “Absolutely. I told somebody yesterday, it was nice of them extend an invitation (to camp). This clubhouse, you can’t really beat it. There’s nothing like it… They told me they were going to see my rehab through and I thought it would be complimentary on my side to provide my services. Whatever is needed.”

– Treanor will likely open the season on the Triple-A disabled list but his willingness to stick with the Indians is another indication how the culture in Cleveland has changed since Terry Francona took over as the manager.

– The decision to cut Jeff Francoeur is an indication of the ugly side of Spring Training. Considering the depth the Tribe built in the off-season, the club was destined to make some tough choices, and Francoeur falls into that category. In a short period of time, he seemingly integrated himself seamlessly into the clubhouse and it becomes easy to forget every player in the locker room can’t break camp with the team. The Indians plan to help Francoeur find another Major League opportunity in any way they can.

– We could find out who the Tribe’s final starting pitcher is as soon as Sunday but I have my theory about who it might be. Ask yourself this: if you were unsure if you were making the team, would you be willing to pitch in Minor League games with little-to-no exposure to other Major League teams that may covet your services? Maybe, maybe not. But that is the situation Aaron Harang has been put in. Harang pitched in a Minor League game on Friday with mixed results, not exactly telling considering he is a veteran pitcher.

– So my prediction? Harang will be the club’s final starter, likely fourth in the rotation. If that is the case, it does a number of things: First, considering Josh Tomlin has an option, it keeps the Indians’ pitching depth intact. Since Harang is a non-roster invitee, naming him as the final starter ensures the team won’t lose him to a pitching hungry team at the end of camp. And in this scenario, Carlos Carrasco, originally my front-runner for the fourth starter, would open the season in the Cleveland bullpen.

– Regardless, GM Chris Antonetti said it is the plan for the organization to make a decision on the pitching staff within the next few days. We may find out after the team sits down and discusses the final few roster spots on Sunday morning in Goodyear.

– I’m convinced that Michael Brantley could wake up, get out of bed and immediately hit a line drive. He continued his red-hot spring with an RBI double in the fourth and a two-run triple in the fifth on Saturday. The left-handed hitter has been locked in and hitting screamers all over the diamond. Brantley looks as prepared for the season as anyone. He is hitting an even .500 in Cactus League play.

– The Indians aren’t ruling out Jason Giambi (fractured rib) opening the season on the roster but it is unlikely. In addition, the team is still not sure if Michael Bourn (hamstring strain) will be ready for Opening Day. If the disabled list comes into play, that could potentially open up a spot for outfielder Nyjer Morgan.

– Francona said they sat down with Morgan and Lonnie Chisenhall recently to keep them in the loop on upcoming decisions. Francona also revealed that no matter where Chisenhall ends up – either with Cleveland or Columbus – he will be playing nearly everyday. The Tribe believe that is still what is best for his development. Francona said Chisenhall has been mostly solid with the stick but has had a few “mishaps” defensively. I’ve maintained, if he hits well, they will find a spot for him. But there really hasn’t been any noticeable defensive drop off between Chisenhall and Carlos Santana at third.

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