Danys Baez has dealt with more difficult adjustments than moving from the bullpen to the Cleveland Indians' starting rotation.

        Baez defected from Cuba in 1999 and signed a $14.5 million, four-year contract with the Indians that November. After adjusting to his new country, Baez excelled as a rookie last year, going 5-3 with a 2.50 ERA in 43 relief appearances.

        “Defecting was very scary, but it was my dream when I was a boy before I ever played baseball to come to America,” Baez said Sunday. “Baseball gave me that chance.”

        Baez has some big on-the-field dreams, too.

        “Now, I want to pitch like Roger Clemens,” Baez said. “I know that sounds like a big goal. Right now I am just Danys Baez. I am learning, but I want to be the best.”

        Cleveland manager Charlie Manuel believes Baez's dream is not far-fetched.

        “Danys has a big upside to him,” Manuel said. “He wants to learn and has a fire to him. He's smart and he's a fighter, too. He'll knock somebody down. I like his toughness.”

        The 24-year-old right-hander became one of the best relievers in the American League after the All-Star break, relying on a 95- to 97-mph fastball and an 88- to 91-mph split-finger.

        DODGERS:

        Right-hander Andy Ashby threw batting practice for the first time this spring, a sign he is progressing in his recovery from a torn flexor muscle in his pitching elbow.

        The 34-year-old threw 40 pitches Sunday, mixing fastballs, curves and sinkers. Though his control was not as sharp as he would have liked, the probable No. 2 starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers said he felt fine and was pleased with his rehabilitation.

        “It was a good stepping stone forward,” Ashby said. “It felt a little different with a hitter in there again.”

        Ashby won his two starts last season before going on the disabled list April 18. He had season-ending surgery in June.

        PADRES:

        Shortstop Deivi Cruz reported to camp Sunday, insisting he is 26 years old.

        The commissioner's office informed team officials Friday that Cruz's original birth certificate shows he is 29.

        “If I show you my license, everything, it says 26 years old,” Cruz said. “I've got 26 on one paper; I've got 29 on another paper. That's the problem. I had to go back to the Dominican and find out how old I really am.”

        So, how old is he?

        “I'm 26,” Cruz said. “But they say I was born in '72.”

        RED SOX:

        Boston manager Joe Kerrigan had only three players on his injury list Sunday and none were Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra or Jason Varitek.

        Those key players have avoided injury through the first nine days of spring training after being sidelined much of last season, and the Red Sox are healthier than they were a year ago.

        “Knock on wood,” Kerrigan said, tapping the redwood colored picnic table where he sat. “When you read off an injury list and there's only three people on it, you're pretty fortunate. And there's nothing major.”

        Last season, Varitek was limited to 51 games by a broken right elbow, Garciaparra played just 21 following opening-day wrist surgery and Martinez pitched in only 18 because of shoulder problems.

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