'Shocked' DeRosa Ready To Join Tribe

Mark DeRosa will be looking to Kerry Wood to help him make the transition to a new team. The veteran infielder, acquired on New Year's Eve by the Indians from the Chicago Cubs for three minor-league pitchers, said Friday he was shocked at being dealt. He said rejoining Wood should help him get comfortable in his new surroundings, however. Wood signed with Cleveland as a free agent two weeks ago.

"My transition will be a lot smoother with Kerry here. He's already called me a couple times," DeRosa said of the closer, who saved 34 games last season to help the Cubs win the NL Central.

"He was one of the guys I was closest to in Chicago and one of the first calls I received when the trade went down," DeRosa said.

DeRosa received word of the trade while playing golf near his home in Atlanta. "My game was horrible," he joked. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little shocked. It's strange how your life can change in one phone call.

"But I've heard nothing but good things about the Indians and the manager, Eric Wedge."

DeRosa played primarily at second base last season when he hit .285 (144-for-505) with 30 doubles, 21 homers and 87 RBI in 149 games. He's likely to be the Indians' starter at third base -- and that's fine with him.

"I'm excited about playing third," said DeRosa, who has seen action at that position in 206 games in the majors.

Whether or not he misses some time in his first spring training with the Indians may be the subject of discussion when DeRosa comes to Cleveland next week to meet with general manager Mark Shapiro and manager Eric Wedge. DeRosa has expressed interest in playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic -- which would cut into the transition period with his new team.

"My heart is telling me to go to the World Baseball Classic because of the experience," he said. "If Cleveland tells me they want me to be in camp, that's a different scenario. If they give me the option, then I'm definitely leaning toward playing."

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