Deep Left Field | A Cleveland Indians Blog

The Rematch that We Aren’t Supposed to Talk About

Despite what is being said in the Indians’ clubhouse, one has to believe that there is a sense of revenge on the players’ minds this evening when the Boston Red Sox visit Progressive Field for the first, and only, time this season.  Brief side note: who in the world scheduled the Red Sox to visit Cleveland only once…for two games…in the middle of April?  It would make my day to hear of that person’s immediate termination from Major League Baseball.

Anyway, the Indians have the right pitcher going up in the first game.  Besides Cliff Lee, who had another very impressive start in Sunday’s 7-1 win, Jake Westbrook has been the most consistent starter from Day One (and before that if you consider his scoreless Spring Training).  He brings his 2.76 ERA to chilly Progressive Field, and with the command he has shown in the early goings, it could be a long night for Red Sox hitters.

No matter what the team is saying, it would be satisfying to beat Boston.  Not that it would reverse the ill effects of last season’s blown 3-1 ALCS lead, but it would be a step towards some minute level of redemption.  More importantly, it would mean a chance to move closer to .500.  With the Detroit Tigers back to being epic fails, the Indians have a chance to really put some distance between them and the rest of the division.  Yes, Chicago has had a good start, but I don’t believe they have enough staying power, and the lack of Johan Santana leaves every other AL Central rival just a step behind.

• I didn’t get a chance to talk about this earlier, but come on, Fausto: eight walks in 3 1/3?  Signing a new contract does not automatically ensure lights-out stuff.  And, as much as I hate to say it, watching C.C. Sabathia struggle makes it easier to think he could be back next season for a little less than imagined.  Still pretty doubtful; after all, it’s only April 14th.  One has to think, though: when will Sabathia ever be able to pitch when the pressure is on?  Is he really going to struggle with the thought of an impending contract situation?
• Sign of left field life:  David Dellucci is actually playing…well.  He drove in two runs on Sunday and is currently hitting .273.  And that .467 OBP is pretty to look at.