By Tom Withers
The Associated Press

CLEVELAND - As Travis Hafner told for the umpteenth time how he hit his first grand slam into the teeth of a 28 mph wind on opening day, Indians third baseman Casey Blake decided to tell the real story.

"No wind can stop 'The Pronk,"' Blake yelled, mimicking Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Terminator" character and referring to Hafner's nickname.

So far this season, pitchers haven't been able to slow "The Pronk," either.

Travis Hafner watches his grand slam off Twins pitcher Kyle Lohse Monday. (AP photo)

With his grand slam in Cleveland's 6-3 win over Minnesota on Monday, Hafner took over the American League lead with four home runs. In his first eight games, he also has nine RBIs, is batting .400 and leads the league in total bases (25) and slugging percentage (1.000).

More important, though, Hafner has shown signs of becoming the kind of power hitter the Indians have desperately needed since Jim Thome's departure. Hafner even surprised himself with his quick start.

"I've always been a real slow starter," he said, "so this is a nice change."

At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Hafner could pass as an NFL middle linebacker or pro wrestler, which, by the way, would be just fine with the 26-year-old pro wrestling aficionado who seems to enjoy recalling Hulk Hogan's best moves in the ring more than discussing what pitch he hit over the wall in Jacobs Field.

Oh, and the Pronk moniker? It was bestowed by Indians teammates and stands for "part project, part donkey," Hafner says with a laugh, referring to a nickname that draws on his potential and, partly, on his looks. "A lot of people ask me about that now."

For Hafner, that's better than being constantly asked if he can replace Thome.

Almost since the moment he arrived in Cleveland in a trade with Texas in December 2002, Hafner has been compared to Thome, the popular first baseman who broke the hearts of Indians fans by signing with Philadelphia as a free agent following the '02 season.

There are similarities. Both are big men. Both have big swings. Both play first base. And both are patient hitters with a knack for driving the ball to left field.

But until Hafner hits 40 homers - he had 14 in 91 games a year ago- that's where the comparisons to Thome end.

Hafner deftly avoids the Thome talk as if he's laying off a tempting outside fastball. The resident of tiny Sykeston, N.D., (pop. 153) knows he can't carry the Indians.

Not yet.

"We talk about having an offense that produces one through nine," said Hafner, repeating one of manager Eric Wedge's favorite lines. "I'm just excited to be part of a team where everybody contributes."

But wouldn't it be nice to hit 40 homers?

"I'm not really thinking about that stuff," Hafner said.

The Indians, though, can't help but think about what effect Hafner could have on their light-hitting lineup. They're desperate for a fearsome presence in the middle of the order, someone who can drive in runs and hit the occasional long ball.

On Monday, Hafner flexed his muscles with a homer that, for 42,424 fans, was vintage Thome. Hafner turned on a 1-0 pitch from Twins starter Kyle Lohse, driving it through the stiff wind and over the right-field wall to give the Indians a 4-0 lead.

After he returned to the dugout, the crowd demanded a curtain call - another career first for him.

"It's one of those kind of moments you dream of as a kid," Hafner said.

And the kind Thome made routine at the Jake.

Indians explore spring training options

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - The Cleveland Indians are considering whether to move their spring training facilities away from this central Florida city, a team spokesman said Tuesday.

The Indians informed Winter Haven officials that the team didn't have the money to build a new training complex there, spokesman Bob DiBiasio said.

While the stadium at Chain of Lakes Park remains is in good shape, the Indians have been unhappy with accommodations such as locker rooms and team offices.

The Indians' lease in Winter Haven goes through 2008, but the contract allows the team to break the deal at any time.

The Indians may still train in the city about 45 miles east of Tampa next season, but the club is exploring other options for a new spring home, including a return to Arizona where they trained in Tucson from 1947 until 1992, DiBiasio said.

"This comes as no surprise to us at the city," Winter Haven Mayor Mike Easterling said. "It is unfortunate that they choose to leave the city of Winter Haven, if they choose to do that."

DiBiasio said the team has voluntarily increased its rent to Winter Haven to help the city offset financial losses.

The Indians have trained in Winter Haven since 1993 after Hurricane Andrew wiped out the team's complex in Homestead.