Smoke signals

• Francona was saddened to learn that former Major League manager and scout Jim Fregosi passed away on Friday morning. Francona managed the Phillies from 1997-00, following Fregosi in that role.

"Anybody that's been in a room with him, you can't help but hear him," Francona said with a smile. "He just carried on conversations and was just so full of life. It's not a very good way to start the morning when you come in and see that. ... I know when I got to Philly, the veterans that were there loved him."

• Francona said that he has been informed that the new instant-replay rules will be tested out in a handful of Cactus League games this season. Francona added that he and members of his staff are scheduled to attend a seminar on the new system on Feb. 25.

• The Indians went to an arbitration hearing with right-hander Josh Tomlin on Friday, but the result is not expected to be known until Saturday. Tomlin, who spent most of last season returning from Tommy John surgery on his elbow, is seeking $975,000. Cleveland has offered $800,000.

• Indians first baseman Nick Swisher was among the new faces spotted in camp on Friday. Position players are not required to report until Saturday and will undergo physicals on Sunday, leading up to Monday's first full-squad workout.

• Francona said that Minor League reliever Bryan Price, who tweaked his right hamstring during Thursday's workout, was held out of Friday's practice as a precaution. Price might be cleared to rejoin workouts as early as Saturday.