Smoke signals

• The Indians and Padres opted to play two exhibition games at University of San Diego's Fowler Park to give fans a kind of Spring Training environment. Bleachers were added to bring the ballpark's capacity to around 3,000. Francona played on the field during his days at University of Arizona.

"I actually played here in 1980," Francona said. "I remember thinking how pretty it was, but it wasn't a ballpark. It was just a field. I think college baseball all over the place, it's amazing some of the fields they have now. They're more like ballparks than fields."

• The Indians are scheduled to face left-hander Scott Kazmir on Tuesday in the second game of the regular season. Out of affiliated baseball in 2012, Kazmir played a key role for Cleveland last season before signing a two-year, $22 million deal with Oakland over the winter.

"I hope we beat his brains out, but I'm happy for him," Francona said. "I don't think you'll find too many people that aren't happy for him. His comeback was pretty amazing. From where he was, to signing the kind of contract he did, whether you wanted to pay him that or not, you've still got to be happy for him."

• Francona said he is still weighing what to do for his Opening Day lineup. The manager did note that Carlos Santana will be at third base, Nyjer Morgan will likely be in center field and Ryan Raburn might be given the nod at designated hitter. Francona said he is scheduled to meet with staff members on Sunday to discuss a variety of issues.

• Utility man Mike Aviles (lower back soreness) was scratched from the lineup on Thursday and remained out for Friday's exhibition against the Padres. Aviles tweaked his back while loading his truck in Arizona, according to Francona. The injury is not considered serious, and Aviles said he felt fine on Friday afternoon.