GOODYEAR, Ariz. – As fans lining the chain-link fence next to Cleveland's main practice field jockeyed for better position to snatch an autograph or selfie with the team's newest star, Edwin Encarnacion showed no emotion.
With his glove balanced on his head, Encarnacion signed baseballs, bats, cards and whatever else was thrust in front of him. He didn't seem to be enjoying himself and appeared disinterested, distant.
That's when one fan pleaded for a little more.
"Hey," he told Encarnacion. "You know you can smile. You're with Cleveland now."
On cue, Encarnacion beamed a smile that brightened an otherwise gray day in the desert.
There are a lot of toothy grins on display these days with the Indians, whose signing of Encarnacion to a three-year, $60 million contract — the richest in team history — as a free agent this winter gives the AL champions a middle-of-the-order slugger.
After eight seasons in Toronto, Encarnacion has a new home — and an unexpected one. He chose the Indians from several teams because of their potential to be playing again deep into October.
"I made the decision to come here, because here I have the opportunity to win the World Series," said Encarnacion, whose 193 homers over the past five seasons are the second-most in the majors. "This team, they look great and I think they have great, young talented players here. We have a lot of opportunity to be in the World Series again and win it."
