Major League Baseball

Nick Swisher excited about how Indians are jelling

Published Apr. 23, 2013 8:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

Three weeks into the season and Indians outfielder Nick Swisher can't contain his excitement over his new team.

The veteran will have to wait another day to help Cleveland try to extend its three-game winning streak after rain postponed Tuesday night's game against Chicago White Sox.

The game was called three hours and 35 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Starters Zach McAllister of Cleveland and Jose Quintana will be pushed back to pitch Wednesday afternoon.

Swisher, who signed with Cleveland in the offseason after four seasons with the New York Yankees, is excited about how the Indians are jelling.

''It's just a great group of guys around here. It's a good core of new guys that we have. And we are bringing over 15 new faces, obviously, you're going to go one way or the other. One way meaning everyone is going to latch on together and take off, or guys are going to kind of do their own thing.

''The great chemistry and the bonding that we have done through spring and even with the ''Harlem Shake,'' as cheesy as that was, it was just a team building exercise. Now we're all trying to get to the point where we're all trying to gain loyalty together and trust.''

Swisher is already a big fan of his new manager, Terry Francona. He was happy to hear that Francona will use him as a designated hitter to get him some added rest.

''I have never had that ever in my life. To have a manager really looking out for you like that just makes coming to the ballpark awesome every single day. And not only that: it makes you want to run through a brick wall every time you get the opportunity because you got a guy like that backing you,'' said Swisher. ''It's my 10th year in the league, so I am happy. It took me 10 years to get this so now that I do have it I guess I can appreciate it that much more. I'll take that,'' said Swisher, who is hitting .288 with two home runs and a .405 on base percentage.

The outfielder is in the first season of a four-year, $56 million dollar contract.

''I knew a lot of things going on behind the scenes during the free agency process and everything that was told to me has happened. It makes you really want to believe in a front office because what they tell you is exactly what they're doing,'' said Swisher.

The Indians expect to get some added depth at catcher soon. Lou Marson joined the team Tuesday. Francona did not say if he would be activated from the disabled list before the game. He was out with a strained neck. He hit .226 last season in 70 games

Tuesday's game was the third postponement for the Indians and Swisher doesn't expect any wear and tear when the doubleheaders add up.

''No. We get paid to play this game. This is what we all love to do here. Hey, a doubleheader at the ballpark, what's better than that?''

NOTES: It was the second postponement on Chicago's current eight-game homestand due to inclement weather. ... It's also the fourth postponement in Chicago since the baseball season began three weeks ago. Two of the Cubs' home games have also been rescheduled due to rain or cold conditions.