(CLEVELAND) -- Nearly a month after being traded to the Indians as the central piece in a three-team deal, right-hander Trevor Bauer fielded questions about his reactions to the trade, personal goals and his future with the Tribe on Wednesday afternoon at Progressive Field.
Bauer, 21, came to Cleveland via a three-team trade back on Dec. 11 which sent Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Donald to Cincinnati, Tony Sipp and Lars Anderson to Arizona; and along with Bauer, brought relievers Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw and Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs to the Indians. The three-team deal included the Indians, Reds and Diamondbacks.
On Wednesday, Bauer told reporters he received the news that he was traded from his agent while eating at a Chipotle with two friends. He joked that he could not even finish his burrito.
Bauer said he is focused on trying to make the Indians starting rotation out of spring training, but that is not his main goal. The biggest thing for him is getting better everyday.
When asked about his unique warm-up techniques which includes throwing foul pole to foul pole and also hurling a medicine ball, Bauer said those are used merely to stay healthy and durable throughout his career.
The right-hander, who made his big league debut in 2012, put to rest any rumors that him and the Diamondbacks butted heads over his workout regiment, saying the two sides met in the middle with an agreement of how he should go about his preparations.
Bauer, who went 1-2 with a 6.06 ERA with Arizona, also discussed a recent meeting with general manager Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona saying he came away very impressed with their visit.
Bauer will report to Major League spring training on Feb. 10 with pitchers and catchers and according to Antonetti he will have a shot at making one of the two open spots in the starting five. Earlier last week Antonetti said three spots in the rotation have already been claimed by Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez and newly acquired right-hander Brett Myers. Antonetti also mentioned that Zach McAllister likely has a leg-up on the fourth spot in the rotation.
On Wednesday afternoon the Indians also traded right-hander Jeanmar Gomez to the Pittsburgh Pirates for outfielder Quincy Latimore. In 2012, Latimore hit 12 home runs with the Pirates Double-A affiliate.
- Nick Camino
