Greg Kozarik (STC) – Acta Putting His Mark On Tribe
March 9th, 2010Cactus League play has begun and the Cleveland Indians are off to a 4-0 start under their new manager Manny Acta. Already the feeling is quite different than it was the previous seven seasons under the guidance of Eric Wedge.
Acta has been a media darling since he was hired last October and now his style is rubbing off on his players. His style can be laid-back at times and very demanding when he wants to be.
“He is very passionate about the upcoming season,” Indians pitcher David Huff said. “His passion has fired me up.”
Expectations may not be high with Tribe fans, but do not tell that to Acta. He feels that if they do all the right things, this team has enough talent to be a winner.
“Winning is fun,” Acta said. “We have done what we are preaching. We have pitched well and played good defense so far.”
It is all about the approach that the Indians take to the field on a daily basis and it has paid off early in spring training. Offensively, the Indians are hitting .277 and have seemed to hit well with runners in scoring position.
“I think it has been paying off for the guys,” Acta said. “They have shown up early and getting in a lot swings already.”

Tribe's Grady Sizemore
This spring, the Acta approach has been working well. The first sign of changes came when he decided that Grady Sizemore would bat second and no longer leadoff.
This idea was something that Wedge was reluctant to do throughout Sizemore’s career.
“Basically, it gives him the ability to hit with guys in front of him,” Acta said. “Also, he has been known to be a pull hitter so he will have the opportunity to use the hole more.
“Gradually, we all know that this guy could potentially hit lower in the lineup.”
Acta also will have to figure out who will fill out the rotation is especially after Jake Westbrook. For the pitchers, if they stick to what the coaches are preaching to them, then Acta believes they will be alright.
“Results count obviously and those guys are competing,” Acta said. “We are looking at executing and trying to do what we are preaching here which is first-pitch strikes, pitch ahead in the count do what they have to do to get their defense involved.”
The Indians will need their starters to be better than last season if they have any dreams of competing in the American League Central. Westbrook, Fausto Carmona and Justin Materson are assured spots but the rest is up in the air.
“Obviously the results count,” Acta said. “But if they are pitching ahead in the count than it’s a different story.
“What we don’t want to see is guys pitching behind in the count and not being able to throw strikes and walk guys.”
Something that is for certain with Acta is that if you do not perform up to his expectations, then he will find someone that can do the job.

