Gomes shows potential
Newcomer has shot at sticking with Indians
3/9/2013
The Indians' Yan Gomes doubles against the Dodgers earlier this week. He is hitting .412 on the spring.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — On a cold and wet Friday afternoon, the Indians didn't make it through the third inning against Kansas City before rain canceled their Cactus League game at Surprise Stadium.
The field was covered with two outs in the top of the third and the Indians trailing 3-2, but that was more than enough time to watch, listen, and learn.
The Royals took a 3-1 lead with two unearned runs in the second. Jarrod Dyson scored the second run when he stole second, despite a good throw by catcher Yan Gomes, and then stole third. Dyson continued home when Gomes threw to an uncovered third base as Ryan Raburn was playing behind the bag. Gomes was charged with an error.
"Today was a little bit of a teaching day," said manager Terry Francona. "We showed up and didn't look like we were totally ready to play. We had guys out of position."
Gomes apparently missed a sign because he wasn't supposed to throw to third.
"We had a no-throw on," said Francona. "We had confusion in our signs. That's what we're here to work on.
"We had a fast guy at second and a pull hitter up [Julio Rodriguez]. We're not throwing and Yan came up firing. That's why we're here."
The Indians acquired Gomes and Mike Aviles from Toronto for Esmil Rogers on Nov. 3. Gomes played several positions for the Blue Jays last year, but the Indians are looking at him as a catcher. To be more specific, they're trying to find out if he can catch every day in the big leagues at some time in the future.
With Carlos Santana playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Gomes, 25, is splitting the catching duties with Lou Marson.
"I still want them to know I can play other positions, but right now I'm just focusing on catching," said Gomes before the game. "That's my No.1 position."
He's hitting .412 (7-for-17) with three doubles, one homer, and six RBIs in nine games.
"I think we've all been impressed with his overall ability to run a game, throw, and, obviously, swing the bat," said Francona. "We've all been pleased."