Now in its 15th year, the Winter Development Program will consist of a two week long program for eleven players in the Indians minor league system. Those players are:
RHP Austin Adams
RHP Rob Bryson
CA Chun Chen
OF Aaron Cunningham
INF Juan Diaz
OF Tim Fedroff
OF Jordan Henry
LHP TJ McFarland
OF Thomas Neal
CA Roberto Perez
RHP Tyler Sturdevant
The Winter Development Program is the brainchild of current President Mark Shapiro back in Janaury of 1996. The idea behind the program is to hone in on each players’ physical, mental and fundamental skills. Their daily routine involves classroom sessions with various members of the Indians coaching staff, physical conditioning, baseball fundamental work and listening to guest speakers. Speakers this year include Team President Mark Shapiro, Manager Manny Acta, Cleveland Cavs GM Chris Grant, Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur, Terry Francona, Jason Bere, Peter Gammons, St. Ignatius Football Coach Chuck Kyle and Vanderbilt Baseball Coach Tim Corbin.
The program mostly involves players who are expected to make their Major League debut in the upcoming season, who have recently been acquired in a trade, or are a high level prospect nearing a big league opportunity. It serves as an introduction for many of the minor league players to the Progressive Field facility, big league coaching staff, and the city itself.
The Indians will conduct the program out of Progressive Field from January 16th to January 21st. Over the course of the first week they will live with host families in the Cleveland area and attend various extracurricular activities as well as other community and charitable appearances and tours of local attractions. At the end of the first week they will culminate at the Indians Player Development Complex in Goodyear, Arizona from January 22nd to January 27th where they will hone their skills on the diamond while continuing to take part in strength and conditioning activities.
Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).
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