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First Posted: 3/13/2013
Indians
Team joins ‘Harlem Shake’ craze with video
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Cleveland Indians have taken their swing at the “Harlem Shake.”
With new manager Terry Francona dressed as a big baby, Jason Giambi unrecognizable in a full-body green suit and Nick Swisher in an Ohio State football uniform, the team filmed their version of the viral video craze earlier this week. The short film begins with Francona addressing his players in the clubhouse before he begins to dance across the floor. Seconds later, the room erupts with players donned in colorful costumes.
The dance is to the song of the same name, with thousands of videos popping up on the Internet in recent months.
The Indians said the video generated over 34,000 page views on the team’s blog in under four hours after its release.
Nationals
Strasburg to start on opening day
VIERA, Fla. — Stephen Strasburg will make his second opening day start for the Washington Nationals when the National League East champions open the season at home against the Miami Marlins on April 1.
Strasburg went 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA last season before he was shut down after 159 1-3 innings. The Nationals did not want to tax his arm in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. The decision to keep Strasburg on an innings count with Washington headed to the playoffs was the subject of debate last season.
The Nationals lost to St. Louis in a deciding fifth game of the NL division series last season. There is no innings restriction planned for Strasburg this season.
Royals
Ex-top pick Hochevar is headed to bullpen
SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Kansas City Royals are sending former No. 1 overall draft pick Luke Hochevar to the bullpen after more than five seasons of shaky results in the starting rotation.
Manager Ned Yost announced the decision Wednesday. Hochevar had been competing with Bruce Chen, Will Smith and Luis Mendoza for the fifth spot in the Royals’ revamped rotation his spring.
Hochevar, who is scheduled to make $4.56 million this season, is 38-59 with a 5.39 ERA. He’ll operate as a long reliever and could work back into the rotation, though it’s possible the Royals will seek to trade him or offer his release.
The Royals also placed right-hander Guillermo Moscoso on waivers Wednesday. He was claimed in November and was 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three spring training appearance.
Tigers
Outfielder Boesch released
LAKELAND, Fla. — The Detroit Tigers have released outfielder Brennan Boesch.
A team spokesman announced the move on Twitter on Wednesday. Boesch hit .240 with 12 home runs in 132 games last year, but was left off the postseason roster. He was in the mix for playing time this season in left field, but Detroit has other players who, like Boesch, hit left-handed. Andy Dirks and Quintin Berry have been competing for time at that position.
The 27-year-old Boesch tweaked an oblique muscle at the start of spring training. He also missed the entire 2011 postseason because of a right thumb injury that required surgery.
Detroit also signed Torii Hunter this past offseason to play right field.
— The Associated Press