GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- There were fist bumps and pats on the back awaiting Brad Zimmer when he jogged back to the dugout at Goodyear Ballpark earlier this week. The Indians' No. 1 prospect, per MLBPipeline.com, had just been thrown out at second base, but he was greeted with praise for his good read and aggressiveness.
Throughout the spring, Cleveland is emphasizing smart baserunning, because being aggressive on the basepaths will still be a part of the offense this season. The Indians know Rajai Davis took his stolen bases with him when he signed with Oakland in the offseason, but the club also believes it can remain one of the American League's top running teams.