The Tribe dropped their opener last night in Chicago, losing 10-4 in a rain soaked affair at US Cellular Field. Manager Eric Wedge is now 0-4 in season lidlifters. Of course, with 161 games remaining in the schedule, many fans have declared the Indians have no chance to beat Chicago in 2006.
It’s one game fans! It is totally conceivable that Cleveland could win the remaining two games of the series on Tuesday and Wednesday, then what will people say? The other typical reaction after a Tribe loss is the blasting of C.C. Sabathia. Since Sabathia suffered a slight abdominal pull during the third inning last night, everyone is talking about his conditioning. These fans forget he threw over 90 pitches in his last exhibition start last week. Also, the big lefty did not hurt his arm, he tweaked a stomach muscle, likely the same one he had a problem with last season.
The reason Cleveland lost yesterday was the inability of the relief pitchers to throw strikes. Danny Graves, Fernando Cabrera, and Matt Miller combined to walk eight Sox hitters in a span of 3-2/3 innings. That is never a formula for success. The one concern here is Cabrera. He had control problems in training camp last season, and some in Winter Haven this year. If he can’t get ahead in the count, he will be in Buffalo very, very soon.
Even if Sabathia’s injury isn’t serious, look for him to be placed on the DL today or tomorrow. Jason Davis will likely get the call to replace him, but only until a fifth starter is needed, which may not be until next week. The Tribe can slide Jason Johnson into the start on Saturday against the Twins, and Jake Westbrook can be moved up to Sunday. The Indians will not need a fifth starter until they take on the Tigers on April 15th.
Relax, Tribe fans. It’s only one game. They play again tomorrow, and then 160 more times. Please don’t overreact to the opener.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 
excellent blog…