By Tom Withers. .c The Associated Press
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. 2 (AP) - Danys Baez, his right arm packed in ice, sits in front of his locker in Cleveland's clubhouse wearing a look of disbelief.
A few feet away, some of his Indians teammates are picking turkey and roast beef off deli trays for sandwiches. Others are stuffing fresh pineapple and bananas into blenders for their protein shakes.
America, as Baez is learning everyday, is a wonderful place.
``Coming from Cuba, this is like Disneyland,'' Baez says, looking around the room. ``It's beautiful. People never could have imagined all of this back there.''
Baez, trying to win a spot on the Indians' major league roster, defected last July for freedom and a chance to play major league baseball.
The Indians outbid several other teams, including the Atlanta Braves, to sign sign the 22-year-old right-hander to a $14.5 million, four-year contract last November.
Although they spent big bucks on a pitcher whom they had mostly scouted on videotape, the Indians are expecting big things from Baez. He's already shown he has a powerful arm and is willing to learn.
``He's a little rigid,'' pitching coach Dick Pole said. ``But the arm is there, which means you have something to work with.''
The Indians are convinced they have something special.
Cleveland has gone to great lengths to help Baez adjust to his new life in the United States. The team brought him to Ohio for a few weeks this winter for a crash course on America.
Remember, this is someone who had never experienced a super market before or the simplicity of driving to the corner to put gas in the car.
``He's been a little overwhelmed at times, but he has unbelievable aptitude,'' Indians assistant general manager Mark Shapiro said.
On the field, the Indians are letting Baez be himself, making minor tweaks where necessary.
``We're kind of learning about Danny as we go,'' Indians manager John Hart said. ``We'll tailor a plan for him just like we did with all our top pitchers. But right now we're kind of feeling our way along with him.''
Pitching aside, Baez has already made quite an impression on his new team off the field.
The first thing Baez did after getting half of his $5 million signing bonus in December was buy new pickup trucks for his aunt and uncle, Raul and Cardid Gonzalez, who live in Fort Lauderdale.
The Gonzalez's had sent Baez and his family money when they were in Cuba and Baez wanted to return the favor.
But Baez's generosity didn't stop there.
The next day he paid off the mortgage on the Gonzalez's house. He's been living with them since coming to the United States from Costa Rica in December.
``When I was in Cuba with nothing, my family here would send money and I never forgot that,'' Baez said through an interpreter. ``So when I came here I wanted to relieve the pressure they felt. It was wonderful being able to repay them, even though I'll never be able to fully repay them.''
In January, the Indians sent Baez and some of their other first-year players to baseball's rookie development program in Lansdowne, Va. During the five-day trip, Baez went on a sightseeing tour of the White House.
Baez was moved by the experience, and on the final day of the program he asked if he could speak to the other players.
``I just wanted to tell them what was in my heart,'' he said. ``I wanted them to know about my life and how happy I am here. I hoped they would realize how lucky they are to live in such a beautiful country. I'm living a dream come true.''
Baez's emotional speech drew rave reviews.
``No one had ever spoken at it before,'' Indians pitcher Sean DePaula said. ``It's hard for him to express how he feels. He struggled through it. But it was real nice. He just wanted to tell people how happy he was to be in the U.S.''
Baez's first appearance of the spring came in an intrasquad game on Wednesday. He gave up a home run and looked a little nervous. He knows he's being watched carefully.
``I want to make this ballclub right from the start,'' he said. ``But at the same time, if I'm supposed to start in the minor leagues I will. And I'll do the best I can until they think I'm ready.''
Baez has been working on his English. He said he tries to add a new word or two each day. He's quickly picking up on some locker room lingo.
Asked what he's learned so far, Baez smiled and said, ``What's up G. Money? Chill.''
AP-NY-03-02-00 1805EST
Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. |