WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -Juan Gone isn't going anywhere.
Juan Gonzalez will begin the 2005 season as Cleveland's starting right fielder, returning to the spot where he had one of his most productive years and adding a powerful bat to the Indians' lineup.
Juan brings us a presence in the middle of our lineup
and that's something that can't be underestimated Indians manager Eric Wedge said yesterday. I hope it makes the team better and him better.
In making Cleveland's opening-day roster, Gonzalez earned a $500,000 bonus and he can make an additional $1.95 million if he reaches incentives based on plate appearances and overall days on the active roster.
Gonzalez's surprising addition also means that Grady Sizemore, the organization's rising star, will begin the year at Triple-A Buffalo. Sizemore batted .291 with one homer and 10 RBIs this spring, but struck out 14 times in 55 at-bats.
I'm not happy about it said a downcast Sizemore, who was optioned to Buffalo. I went out and played as hard as I could. I knew they had a decision to make
I just didn't know which way it was going to go.
While the 22-year-old Sizemore is a better fit with Cleveland's collection of young players, his resume is no match for Gonzalez, a two-time AL MVP who when healthy is still one of the game's most feared hitters.
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