The drive that carried Justin Germano from no contract in February to the Indians bullpen in July has its roots in Japan.
View full sizeReliver Justin Germano, left, shown in 2008 at a youth clinic in Beijing while he was with the San Diego Padres, would prefer not to play baseball in Japan again. CLEVELAND, Ohio — Justin Germano didn't like pitching in Japan last season, but he does credit the experience with one thing.
"It helped my drive to succeed here because I didn't want to have to go back," Germano said. "I don't regret going, but I felt like I still had a chance here."
Drive, along with an e-mail to GM Mark Shapiro and director of player development Ross Atkins late in spring training, landed him in the Indians' bullpen, where the right-hander has yet to allow a run in 14 innings.
"He knows how to pitch," pitching coach Tim Belcher said. "I like watching him on the mound. You can see him thinking, 'I just threw this pitch to set up that pitch.' As a former pitcher, you appreciate that."
When Germano returned from Japan after going 5-4 with a 4.38 ERA for the Fukuoka Hawks last year, he threw for several big-league teams in late January. His agent told him they liked what they saw, but no one called.
"I finally started sending out e-mails," Germano said. "A lot of teams responded, but they all said they didn't have any room because spring training had already started. The Indians were the only team that said come to camp even though we don't have a spot for you. They told me I'd have to start in extended spring training."
Germano moved from extended spring training to Class AA Akron to Class AAA Columbus. The Indians promoted him to the big leagues July 30.
Fukuoka held a club option on Germano for 2010 and wanted him back. They talked to him for a month, but he said no.
View full sizeIndians center fielder Michael Brantley was back in the lineup on Wednesday despite his gruesome-looking ankle sprain last week."I'm happy with the decision I made," he said. "It was a long road to get back here. Just to finish the year here makes it a lot better. I was unsigned the entire off-season. I didn't join Cleveland until the end of spring training."
This is Germano's first trip to the big leagues since 2008 with San Diego. He was 8-16 with a 5.27 ERA in parts of four seasons with the Padres and Cincinnati. When he joined the Indians, he did so with a different approach.
"When I pitched with San Diego, I nibbled a lot," said Germano, 27. "Here I've got no regrets. I'm just going up there and throwing the pitches I want to throw."
Dog's night out: Progressive Field will go to the dogs tonight. No, that is not a redundancy considering the Indians' record this season.
For the first time, the Indians have invited dog owners to bring their pets to the ballpark for a game. Curtis Danburg, Indians director of communications and creative services, says the Indians sold 500 tickets to Puppypalooza. They are expecting 200 dogs at the park to watch the Indians play the A's.
The dogs and their owners will have the run of the Bud Light Party Deck behind the right-field foul pole. Progressive Insurance has provided pet insurance for the event. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and its PUP (pick up poop) campaign is one of the sponsors of the event.
"We'll have dog vendors at the park, doggie pools and water dishes and a designated area for the dogs to be walked and do their business," Danburg said. "Before the game we'll have a parade where people can walk their dogs around the field."
He's back: Center fielder Michael Brantley, who missed four games with a sprained left ankle, returned to the lineup Wednesday night.
The word on Aaron Laffey, rehabbing his left shoulder, was not as encouraging. Laffey threw 1 1/3 innings at Columbus on Tuesday. He allowed two runs on four hits. He told manager Manny Acta that his strength and velocity are no where near where they need to be.
"He needs more time," Acta said.
Date with destiny: The Asian Games run Nov. 12 through Nov. 27 in China. Shin-Soo Choo is expected to play for South Korea's baseball team.
"I'm on the roster, but not the final roster," Choo said. "If I make it, and I'm healthy, I'll play. Not many people get to play for their country."
Should South Korea win the Gold medal, Choo's two-year military obligation could be put aside.
"If you see me walking into spring training with a big smile on my face, you'll know what happened," Choo said.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158