Gomes content with decision to skip Classic

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Yan Gomes wrestled with the decision to either stay in camp with the Indians for all of Spring Training or suit up for Brazil in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. In the end, the catcher chose to concentrate on his chance at a job with Cleveland.

In making up his mind, Gomes reached out to Brazil manager Barry Larkin and made a point to speak to some of his teammates on the national team. After his conversations, Gomes felt a sense of relief over opting to remain with the Tribe.

"It went really well," Gomes said. "What was good for me was the fact that I got a hold of a lot of the players on the team and they seemed to be very supportive about it. They really understood what I was going through. That really helped out for me.

"I didn't want to be blind-sided by it. I wanted to really reach out and talk to them. I talked to a few of them and got really good feedback, which helped me out. I appreciated that."

Gomes played for Brazil during the Classic's qualifying round, helping the team earn an unlikely spot in this spring's tournament. Brazil is in Pool A, which will feature China, Cuba and two-time Classic-champion Japan from March 2-6 in Fukuoka, Japan.

With the Indians, Gomes is vying for a spot on the bench as a third-string catcher and backup option for first base, third base, designated hitter and the corner-outfield spots. Last season, he hit .204 with four homers and 13 RBIs in a 43-game stint with Toronto, and .328 with 13 homers and 59 RBIs in 79 games for Triple-A Las Vegas.

Cleveland opens its Cactus League slate on Friday with a game against the Reds, and Gomes is excited to get things started.

"Training is fun and all," Gomes said, "but it's cool to see different faces on the field and to see what we've all got, really."