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A matter of desire?

 
Published Sept. 15, 1990|Updated Oct. 17, 2005

The Boston Red Sox will not relinquish their lead in the American League East because they have "more heart" than the Toronto Blue Jays. That, at least, is the opinion of catcher Tony Pena, who also said Thursday that he has never been associated with a more determined team than this year's Red Sox.

"We have a good club," Pena said, "but it's certainly not a great club. We don't have the kind of talent Toronto does.

"But we have a lot of guys who care, a lot of guys who want to win. And I think that's the big difference between our club and Toronto's club.

"Look at (Boston reliever Jeff) Reardon," Pena continued. "He had an operation (on his back) and no one thought he would come back this year. He could have just taken his money and sat out the rest of the year. But he's available to us now because he wants to help. Everybody is so happy to see Reardon back. It'll give us a big lift.

"And I know Roger Clemens will be back soon (from his shoulder ailment), too. That's the way the guys on this team are. They want to win.

"Not that Toronto doesn't want to win. Every club wants to win. But our attitude is better. We have a great attitude. I don't think you can say the exact same thing about Toronto's attitude."

Pena compared his team to a car. "Every once in a while," he said, "we look like we run out of gas. But then, we get some fuel and we get going again. And, when we get going, you can't catch us."

Move is working out for Indians' top draft pick

CLEVELAND _ The first baseman of the future for the Cleveland Indians, Tim Costo, is getting a close look at the team.

The Indians drafted Costo out of the University of Iowa as a shortstop with a good bat. After he signed for $300,000, the Indians sent him to Class A Kinston.

Soon after, they switched the 6-5, right-handed batter to first base.

"I'm happy with the move," Costo said. "When I signed I told them I was really flexible. I knew they were going to switch me to first or third, so I wasn't surprised."

Brian Graham, Kinston's manager, said Costo welcomed the change.

"I think in a way he was relieved," Graham said.

"But the reason the change was made wasn't because he was playing shortstop badly. The reason the change was made was to benefit his future and the future of the Cleveland Indians. He fits the position nicely. He's got tremendous power potential and he has a chance to move up quickly."

Costo, working out with the Indians this week before leaving for the Florida Instructional League next week, hit .316 with four homers and 42 RBI in 56 games at Kinston. He made 15 errors.

In the Carolina League playoffs, he hit .458 (11-for-24) with two homers and 10 RBI.

"He's going to get bigger and stronger," Graham said. "If you see him with his shirt off, he's got a giant frame, but not much meat on his bones."

The Indians want Costo to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic after Instructional League.

"I didn't tell them yes or no," Costo said. "If I play winter ball, I'll be playing ball 12 months a year. I'd like to get away from it a little bit and do some lifting to get stronger. But it doesn't matter. Whatever they say is fine with me."

As part of his signing agreement, Costo will go to spring training with the big-league club next year.

"That's my big chance," Costo said. "I want to work hard and maybe open some eyes."

The Indians had an open date Thursday and begin a weekend series at Kansas City tonight.