"Manny Acta said the plan to improve the Indians before Sunday's trading deadline was simple and direct.

"We went after the best pitcher and best position player," said the Indians' manager.

The way they Indians figure it, they batted .500, which is a whole lot better than Acta's current lineup. They acquired right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez from the Rockies, but missed on outfielder Carlos Beltran of the Mets, who was traded to the Giants.

They tried to get a couple of other hitters before Sunday's 4 p.m. deadline expired, one being Ryan Ludwick, but came up empty.

Jimenez, the part of the plan that worked, checked into the Indians team hotel late Tuesday night and reported to Fenway Park on Wednesday. He threw a bullpen session and ran some sprints in the outfield in preparation for his debut Friday against Texas at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

David Huff, who made a good impression in three starts, was optioned to Class AAA Columbus after his start Tuesday to make room for Jimenez on the 25-man roster. Acta gave the impression that Huff would be back sooner rather than later, which couldn't have been missed by Wednesday's starter, Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco has been locked in a deep slump and is expected to start serving a six-game suspension after Wednesday's game.

Unless there's an injury, Huff has to stay in the minors for 10 days. That will give Carrasco at least one more start to get his act together. If he's not pitching better by then, Huff could be back because Carrasco has an option.

Jimenez, who will wear No. 30 after wearing 38 (Joe Smith's number) in Colorado, was the focus of non-stop trade rumors before news broke Saturday night and became official Sunday after he passed a physical by the Indians.

"I heard so many rumors the last few weeks," he said. "It was like I don't know where I was going to be. When I heard I got traded to the Indians I was very excited. Especially because of the way they've been playing.

"They're only three games back and they're doing everything they can to win games." "