Snow forces Angels-Indians series to move to Milwaukee

CLEVELAND -- With the grounds crew still shoveling snow off the field, the Cleveland Indians decided it was time to head north to Milwaukee.

The Indians moved their series against the Los Angeles Angels to Milwaukee's Miller Park after a spring snowstorm wiped out Cleveland's series against Seattle for the fourth straight day Monday.

"I thought we were going to move it to North Dakota, but we got Milwaukee instead," joked Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner, a native of Sykeston, N.D.

The teams will play a three-game series beginning Tuesday in a ballpark that has a retractable roof, unlike Jacobs Field. The opener and Wednesday's game will be played at 7:05 p.m. ET, with Thursday's game scheduled for 1:05 p.m.

While a snowy, rainy mix stopped falling Monday, the grounds crew was unable to get the surface in shape after three days of snow. About a foot of snow remained on the field Monday afternoon with workers shoveling it into small carts to be hauled away.

"They've got a lot of work ahead of them. It's a tough job," said Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore, sipping a cup of hot chocolate in the team's clubhouse.

The Jacobs Field grounds crew breaks out the heavy machinery in its snow removal efforts. (AP)

Indians manager Eric Wedge said the field was expected to be ready Friday, when they are slated to open a three-game set against the Chicago White Sox.

Friday's game will serve as the unofficial home opener. The Indians were ahead 4-0 with two outs in the top of the fifth, when their home opener Friday was called off by umpires because of heavy snow. The grounds crew, armed with backpack blowers and brooms, spent more time on the field than the players during nearly three hours of stoppages.

"I've never felt cold like that in my life," said Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta, a native of the Dominican Republic.

After Friday's game was called, the teams hoped to play a day-night doubleheader Saturday, but that was put off by the spring storm. They then scheduled a doubleheader for Sunday, which also was postponed.

"We went out and made some snow angels and made some goofy pictures, but I'm bored to death," Indians outfielder David Dellucci said.

Players packed Monday for an evening flight to Milwaukee, where the Brewers will sell tickets for $10 each, with seating limited to the field and loge levels.

"I can't imagine there will be a whole lot of fans," Hafner said. "The most important thing is that you get the games in."