Only the names, hometowns, questions and answers have been changed.

I recently read that a scout described Travis Hafner's bat speed this spring as slow. Do scouts evaluate bat speed purely from a subjective point of view, or is there some science behind their classifications, i.e. radar guns or other equipment?
-- Andrew K., Erie, Pa.

That's purely subjective, Andrew. A scout might see Hafner foul off a 90-mph fastball, remember that Hafner used to drive such a fastball and make the determination that his bat speed has slowed.

But there are other factors to consider as well. If Hafner is having trouble with his timing (and he has this spring), then it doesn't matter if his bat speed is up to par. His speed could still appear to be slow if his timing is off. If he has a mechanical flaw that lengthens his swing, his bat will have more distance to cover and therefore won't come around on the ball as quickly.

It's science.

Really, the only purely objective scouting analysis is when a pitcher's velocity is measured with a radar gun. I think what Hafner is going through right now is more related to his timing (no doubt a reflection of all the time he missed) than his bat speed. But hey, that's subjective on my part, too.

As of the moment I am writing this, Hafner is batting .176 in Spring Training with no home runs. I do not put a whole lot of stock into Spring Training numbers, but that is still a little unnerving. Can you tell me if Hafner at least looks like he is swinging the bat better than the last two years?
-- Aaron O., Cleveland

Hafner has looked good in batting practice. And whenever anybody says that, it is invariably followed by something along the lines of, "He's struggled to take that performance into the games." That's definitely the case here. He is not driving the ball with much, if any, authority in the exhibition games.

You have to give Hafner some benefit of the doubt, because he has missed so much time, and it can take even the best hitters several weeks of exhibition ball to get their timing back. But if those grounders into the infield shift persist in the regular season, it will certainly be a concern for Hafner and this club.

In the meantime, the coaching staff sees progress in his at-bats and his pitch selection. And 60 percent of the time, that works every time.

All right, one more on Pronk...

Is Hafner going to be able to play first base in Interleague games?
-- Apryl T., Akron, Ohio

Barring a World Series appearance, the Indians have abandoned all thought of Hafner playing first base this season. His arthritic elbow was enough of an issue. Toss in the concerns over his shoulder, and Pronk is a full-time DH, now more than ever.

Bob Wickman made a career as a relief pitcher without the tip of his finger that he lost in a farming accident. Adam Miller may have to have career-threatening surgery. I'm not a doctor, and I'm pretty sure you are not a doctor either, but how about Lonnie Soloff takes a look at having the tip of Miller's finger cut off? No finger, no problem.
-- John L, San Diego

If the inability to bend the tip of his finger a quarter of an inch is affecting Miller's delivery, I'd hate to see what the total absence of that tip would do to him. Wickman lost the tip of his finger as a child, so he grew up accustomed to pitching without it.

The more I think about it, the more I can't even believe we're having this discussion. Let's move on.

I had the good fortune to spend a few days in Goodyear to watch Spring Training games. What a great facility. The only issue I have is that the practice facilities have very little access to fans who want to watch some of the workouts. Even Winter Haven had better access to players and these workouts.
-- Don S., Columbus, Ohio

This is the first year at the new complex and there are bound to be some issues to tweak, so I'd cut the Indians a little slack. The club has already made an effort to improve the situation by expanding the fan access area near Field No. 1, which is the big league club's main workout field in the mornings. Fans can now migrate all the way to the field's entrance near the third-base dugout, allowing ample opportunities to try to snag autographs or yell out insightful commentary, such as, "Bring back Omar!"

It's another story at Goodyear Ballpark, where there is no obvious area for in-game autographs. When a player came out of an exhibition game at Chain of Lakes Park, there was an area near the right-field corner where he could sign for fans on his way to the clubhouse. At Goodyear Ballpark, no such place exists, unless that player is willing to risk getting smoked in the head with a foul ball. So if it's an autograph you seek, your best bet is to try the field near the complex in the morning.

Have a question about the Indians? E-mail your query to MLB.com Indians beat reporter Anthony Castrovince for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

Masa Kobayashi is having a poor spring. How much is he owed, does he have any options left, and what does the Tribe do if his struggles continue?
-- Marvin L., Mayfield, Ohio

The Indians owe Kobayashi another $3 million this year. They do have the ability to option him to the Minors. But if it comes to that point, they might be more likely to just release him, unless they feel there is one specific flaw he can work out in Triple-A Columbus. Kobayashi's spring has become an increasing area of concern for the Indians, and it will be interesting to see how much patience they have with him.

I don't know if the Indians expected "Chulk the Chucker" to be this good, but has Vinnie Chulk proven that he deserves a spot in our beloved bullpen?
-- Steve H., Ancaster, Ontario

"Chulk the Chucker"? I believe his real nickname is "Chulkamania," Steve.

The Indians like what they've seen from Chulk, and I'd say his chances of getting a shot in the bullpen -- either at the outset or at some point in the first six weeks of the season -- are legit. Chulk's a veteran with 244 Major League appearances under his belt, so that's a plus. He seems to know how to set up hitters. The key for Chulk is getting his slider over early in the count. When he does that, he's successful.

I wrote that Chulk has a good chance of helping out in the first six weeks because he has an out clause in his contract. If he's not with the big league club by May 15, he can opt out and seek work elsewhere.

Zach Jackson might be the favorite for the last bullpen spot. He's left-handed, he can eat up innings and he has good stuff.

Anthony, I listened to you help call a game the other night. I now know why you are a writer and not an announcer. Still a big fan!
-- Joshua C., Prague, Czech Republic

Yeah, I think I'm going to sit this next one out and stop talking for a while.

I keep hearing the Indians don't have any more money, and then I see a player like Pedro Martinez who may be signing for as little as $2.5 milllion. Is there any chance the Tribe could afford that? We could be passing up on a possible stud. BREAK THE BANK!
-- Chris F., Maumee, Ohio

You need to step out of that glass case of emotion, Chris. Last I heard, Pedro is still looking for at least a $5 million guarantee. And I'm afraid I have to dispute the "possible stud" label. I think his stud days are behind him.

As for the persistent rumors that the Indians are showing an interest in Pedro, that information is true, albeit about three months late. The Tribe looked into signing Martinez over the winter before committing to trading for Mark DeRosa and his $5.5 million contract and signing Carl Pavano to a $1.5 million guarantee. Things could change, but Martinez would have to considerably come down on his asking price for the cash-strapped Indians to even be able to consider him an option. As it stands, they'll dance with the guys they brought to camp.

And finally ...

For all the years (OK, maybe months) that I have been reading the Inbox, no one seems to ask about you. So, how are you doing, Anthony?
-- Adam T., Columbus, Ohio

I'm all right, except, here in Arizona, it's really hot outside. Milk was a bad choice.

You stay classy, Cleveland. And thanks for stopping by.