Branyan finds his major-league stroke.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

CLEVELAND _ There was a definitive moment during spring training which exemplified just how far Indians third baseman

Russell Branyan has come as a major-league hitter.

The Indians were playing the Braves in Atlanta last Friday.

Branyan was facing pitcher Tom Glavine and the 25-year-old left-handed slugger, known for his propensity for striking out, was behind in the count 0-2.

Instead of racking up a strikeout, Branyan laced a double into the left-center field gap. That's the difference between the old Russell Branyan and the new. This season, Branyan, who worked extensively with hitting coach Clarence Jones during the spring, has matured as a hitter.

"I've just tried to slow things with my swing whereas in the past, I would rush, try to get out in front and I would get herky-jerky," Branyan said. "When you do that, you have a tendency to pull the ball a lot. Then all you know is one side of the field."

Branyan will start in place of the injured Travis Fryman (elbow) at third base today as the Indians open the season at home against the Chicago White Sox. In 25 games during spring training, Branyan hit .264 (19-for-72) with eight home runs (three to the opposite field) and 20 RBI. He struck out 21 times.