Smoke signals

• Cleveland's bullpen currently projects to include two left-handers: Marc Rzepczynski and Josh Outman. Francona said that carrying at least two lefties -- something the Tribe did for much of last season -- is an ideal alignment for the relief corps.

"Having a second lefty helps you not beat up the first lefty," Francona said. "When you have one left-hander, it's easy to say, 'Hey, just pitch him when it's important.' Well, how often does that work? And you don't know when it's going to always be important. You can't just bring a guy in the game. He's got to warm up. So having that second lefty [helps]."

• Indians top prospect Francisco Lindor played a handful of big league spring games last season, but the shortstop is officially in camp with Cleveland for the first time this year. Francona said Lindor (sidelined with a back injury in August) looks as if he has put on some muscle since he last saw him.

"He's a little bit bigger, stronger," Francona said. "I don't think he quite has his explosiveness yet that he will, but again, he was down for a while with that back [injury]. I think you'll see him be a little more explosive as he gets into playing again."

• For the second year in a row, Cleveland is posting Spring Training leaderboards for first-pitch strikes and 1-1 strikes by Tribe pitchers. Callaway came up with the idea last spring and Francona feels it helps emphasize the importance of getting ahead in the count.

• Right-hander Frank Herrmann, who underwent Tommy John surgery during Spring Training last year, has been feeling good and bouncing back well from mound workouts this preseason. The reliever is scheduled to throw a simulated game Sunday (it was originally slated for Monday).

• Nick Swisher wandered around the clubhouse Friday morning with a pile of red T-shirts slung over his shoulder. The first baseman was giving each of his teammates one of the shirts, which have "Unfinished Business" printed across the chest.