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PREGAME: Byrd, like Wakefield, has a personal catcher

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

CLEVELAND -- Tim Wakefield has Doug Mirabelli. The Indians' Paul Byrd has Kelly Shoppach.

The one-time catching prospect for the Red Sox, Shoppach was traded to Cleveland prior to the 2006 season as part of the Coco Crisp deal. Shoppach, a talented backstop, has worked as Victor Martinez' backup for two seasons and became Byrd's throw-to guy at the start of this season.

Byrd, Cleveland's Game Four starter, said Monday afternoon the reason he hooked up with Shoppach was actually quite logical. Indians manager Eric Wedge wanted to give Martinez a day off here and there, and with Byrd's slow action to the plate, Shoppach, who has a very strong arm, has the ability to throw out baserunners.

So the relationship was created.

"We hooked up a couple of times and it worked," said Byrd. "It was never my intention for him to be my catcher all through the season. It's worked out okay. I call Victor Martinez my personal first baseman because I like for him to feel good about the situation. . . Shoppach has done a great job."

What made the situation even better for all those involved, Wedge hasn't changed things during the postseason, which shows his loyalty to his players.

"He's a tremendously loyal manager," said Byrd. "That's one of the ways you get a lot out of your players is being loyal to them. I was very happy he went with Kelly Shoppach, and I was very happy that Kelly delivered with a couple of doubles (against the Yankees). That was not expected, but it was welcome."

Shoppach will get a chance to play against his former club on Tuesday.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 6:35 PM | Permalink