By Tom Withers
The Associated Press

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Jody Gerut's big spring with the Cleveland Indians didn't go unrewarded. Unfortunately, the payoff won't last long for the rookie outfielder.

Gerut, considered a longshot to make the Indians' 25-man roster, will get to break camp as a member of the club before being optioned to the minors this weekend.

"He's a victim of his own spring," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said.

Gerut has been one of the Indians' top hitters, and entered Wednesday night's game batting .388 with a team-high 14 RBIs. He did everything he could, but it still wasn't enough.

"Maybe I should have struck out a few more times or gotten picked off first base twice in a row," Gerut joked. "But I'm not going quietly into the good night."

The Indians want Gerut to play every day, and they didn't want to slow his development by making him a part-time outfielder. So after Saturday's exhibition game in Cincinnati, Gerut will be optioned to Triple-A Buffalo where he'll play regularly.

That's OK with him.

"This has been great," he said. "It's been informational. It's been fun. But the last couple of days have been kind of strange being in limbo."

Cleveland also finalized a few other roster spots.

Tim Laker was named the club's backup catcher, and Bill Selby made the team as a utility player and left-handed pinch-hitter.

Laker, who survived a life-threatening illness before last season, made his comeback to the majors complete by winning the No. 2 catcher's job over A.J. Hinch.

"I haven't had it easy," said Laker, who had surgery after getting an infection in his liver and pancreas. "I've had a couple setbacks. That makes this a little more rewarding."

Shapiro said there wasn't much difference between Laker and Hinch, who played for Kansas City the past two seasons.

"It was a tough decision," Shapiro said, "and a tough conversation with A.J. There were times during camp where it was A.J. over Tim."

The 32-year-old Selby was thrilled at making a big-league roster to start the season.

"This is the first time this has happened for me," he said. "This is really special, something I'll never forget."

Selby can play first, second, third and the outfield.

The only decision left for the Indians is in the bullpen where Aaron Myette and rookie Billy Traber are competing for the final spot.

Traber, who came over in the eight-player deal that sent Roberto Alomar to the New York Mets in 2001, has been a starter his entire career and the Indians are reluctant about breaking him into the majors as a reliever.

Myette was acquired in an offseason deal with the Texas Rangers.

As the Indians close camp, Shapiro said his bullpen has him troubled. Cleveland doesn't have many experienced relievers, and setup man Mark Wohlers is out until at least June with an elbow injury.

"I'm not comfortable with the bullpen," said Shapiro, who has been talking with teams about a possible trade. "We don't have a lot of experienced strike throwers. It's the biggest concern about the club right now."