Michaels relaxed, hopeful, rewarded: Outfielder believes stress hindered Tribe in 2007.

Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, OH) March 15, 2007 Byline: Sheldon Ocker Mar. 15–WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — What do you make of this? Jason Michaels’ role has been reduced to playing left field against left-handed pitchers, yet the Indians rewarded him with a two-year contract? Is this a great country or what? “I guess I’m their kind of player, not just on the field but in the clubhouse,” Michaels said. “It really instills confidence in you. It’s awesome. After five one-year contracts — which is kind of nerve-racking — I’m excited.” Michaels also is excited about the season. Hey, why not? The Tribe has not lost a game, but Michaels, 30, has been around long enough to know the difference between reality and wishful thinking. “I believe we have the team that can do it,” he said. “I thought we had that team last year. We had some bad luck. And I think this team is better, but I know we haven’t all played together, yet.” Michaels is one of several Indians who believe: (a) Winning 93 games in 2005 made the club a little complacent or (b) The high expectations generated by the previous season created too much stress. Michaels is kind of in the latter camp. “I think last year’s adversity will help the younger guys this year,” he said. “The attitude I’m getting is that everybody has forgotten about last year. I didn’t feel that last spring. Everybody was talking about those 93 wins.” And his teammates weren’t the only ones chattering about 2005s surprising showing. “Media guys put expectations on you, and the front office does, too,” Michaels said. “But the team also puts expectations on itself. I definitely felt that last year. We’re still putting expectations on ourselves, but we’re more relaxed about it. In 2006, the expectations were shot at us. We understand the expectations now; last year we didn’t.” There also were expectations within expectations in 2006. Manager Eric Wedge frequently talked about the necessity of getting off to a good start. For three seasons in a row, the Tribe was under .500 in April. Finally, in 2006, the club eked out a 13-12 record in the season’s first month. But was it worth it? Wedge says he made a mistake in overemphasizing the importance of April wins, which are no more significant than victories in any other month. “That wasn’t Eric,” Michaels said. “The mistake was on our part. Nobody (in the clubhouse) took control, and that’s on us. We should have said, ‘The hell with it,’ and gone out and played our game.” Michaels raises the issue of leadership. Two decades ago, it was commonplace for one or a few players to take charge in the clubhouse, ensuring that everyone remained focused on business. see here michaels printable coupon this web site michaels printable coupon

These days, players are more inclined to look after themselves and keep out of their teammates’ space. “It’s not necessarily one person, it can be a couple of guys,” Michaels said. “Last year, we really didn’t have anybody who was that outspoken. I think this year we will have people. What I see on this team is more than one person willing to shoulder the load. “I think we’re looking at Grady (Sizemore), Travis (Hafner), C.C. (Sabathia), Victor (Martinez), Casey (Blake), the guys who are the core players.” Sizemore has played only two full big-league seasons, but he often is mentioned as someone who can influence his teammates. Wedge likes to say that Sizemore exerts leadership because he plays the game hard. Michaels believes that Sizemore also can be a vocal leader. “It takes a special person,” Michaels said. “But I think Grady understands that if he talks, people will listen.” Even though Michaels’ role has shrunk, he hasn’t complained.

“I understand it,” he said. “I’ve platooned before, and I know what it takes. And it’s a little easier mentally if you know when you’re going to play and when you’re not.” Michaels also points to the signing of veterans David Dellucci and Trot Nixon as a leadership move.

“We just got two guys who’ve been on world championship teams,” Michaels said. “They know what to expect. You look at their demeanor and how they get ready to play. In a way, that’s leadership. They don’t have to say anything.” Dellucci played on the Arizona Diamondbacks team that won the World Series in 2001; as an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, Nixon was part of a World Series winner in 2004. Michaels and Dellucci, the left-handed half of the platoon, will become a team within a team. Using last year as a guide, their projected combined numbers for a 600-at-bat season are a .296 average, 23 home runs and 86 RBI. Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.

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