Following Cy Young season, Kluber more driven during spring training
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Two hours after throwing his first live batting practice session of spring training on Sunday, Corey Kluber was pulling a sled outside the weight room.
If anyone had any notions that the Indians reigning American League Cy Young Award winner would ease his way into preparations for the upcoming season, Kluber might be even more intense.
"He is relaxed and zoned in," said pitching coach Mickey Callaway about Kluber. "He is also even more driven than ever which is hard to think that is even possible. He is a hard worker and just because he won a Cy Young that isn't going to change him."
On an overcast day on Field 3 of the Indians Player Development Complex, Kluber faced Nick Swisher, Tyler Holt, Michael Brantley and Michael Bourn. Holt was the only one who made meaningful contact as he drove a pitch to the wall in right.
"It's hard to read too much into what the hitters are doing because it's their second day of facing live pitching," Kluber said. "You can't really put too much stock into that. You can talk to them a little bit about what the ball looks like coming out of your hand. To me, more so than what the actual pitches are doing, it's just getting that comfort level back."
Kluber will pitch in a simulated game on Tuesday as the arms begin to get stretched out with five weeks remaining until the April 6 opener at Houston. Unless anything suddenly changes, it is the same approach he took last year en route to going 18-9 with a 2.44 ERA and becoming the fourth pitcher in team history to win the Cy Young.
When asked if his agent has approached the Indians about a new contract, Kluber said he isn't worrying about that. The right-handed added "we've talked about it before. I'd rather just talk about pitching, not talk about the contract stuff."
After two days of live BP sessions, Callaway said that he was pleased with how everyone is doing well.
"These guys are ready to pitch in games almost looks like they are in the middle of spring training," he said.
With Zach McAllister pitching Tuesday's Cactus League opener against the Reds and Josh Tomlin and T.J. House going on Wednesday, Callaway is trying to get the contenders for the final rotation spot as many innings as possible. Callaway also added that Gavin Floyd, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, has been a pleasant surprise early.
"We're going to have some tough decisions at the end of spring training. That is a good problem to have," Callaway said.
