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Smoke signals

• Saturday will mark one year since the Indians inked center fielder Michael Bourn to a four-year, $48 million deal, and general manager Chris Antonetti was asked on Thursday if he might have a similar surprise up his sleeve this spring.

"We're continuing to look for ways to improve the team, wherever those opportunities might be," Antonetti said. "But I really do feel good about the group we have in camp. I feel like we have what we need to contend for the Central and earn a postseason berth, and hopefully compete for a World Series."

• Position players are not required to report to camp until Saturday, but nearly the full squad is already on hand. A handful of veterans -- Nick Swisher, Bourn and Jason Giambi -- have not arrived yet, but manager Terry Francona isn't keeping attendance.

"It's not a test. There's enough trust built already. Guys know what to do," Francona said. "If they're here, great. It's fun to see them. It's a relaxed atmosphere where they can get their work done. The guys that aren't here, that doesn't mean they're not working. Jason Giambi, he doesn't need to be here. Guys know what they need to do."

• Right-handed reliever Bryan Price, who was added to the 40-man roster during the offseason, tweaked a hamstring during fielding drills on Thursday and left practice early. More information is expected on Friday.

Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, and follow him on Twitter @MLBastian.
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