Not a good start to a contract year

The Indians and C.C. Sabathia put their contract talks on hold prior to the start of the season.  At the time, I was in complete agreement.  CC has a history of coming to camp out of shape and, the two seasons prior to this one, he was injured early because of it.  In addition he has yet to prove he can win in high pressure situations (e.g., playoffs and poor performances in his home town).  Perhaps GM Mark Shapiro knew something when negotiations were put on hold.  I'm all for resigning CC and giving him what he deserves - assuming he earns it.  Thus far this season he has not.

Sabathia had yet another poor outing last night against the Oakland Athletics.  The big lefty went only 3-1/3 innings and allowed 9 runs on 12 hits.  He is now 0-2 with an 11.57 ERA in three starts this season.

This start may have the Dolans' wallets breathing a sigh of relief, but the Indians want to win and they need CC to pitch much better in order to do that.

Even with the 4-6 start, things are not all bad for the Tribe.  Three of their five starters are doing very well (Carmona, Westbrook and Lee) and the bullpen looked fabulous last night.  Even bats are starting to come to life.  They almost came back from the 9-1 deficit CC had left them with.  In fact every starter reached base last night and only Blake and Martinez failed to get a hit.

Peralta continued his hot hitting going 2 for 3 with 2 RBI's and a homer.

Tonight's game features Fausto Carmona (1-0, 0.69) in his first start since receiving his new contract against left-hander Lenny DiNardo (0-0, 54.00).  Rich Harden was scheduled for the A's but was placed on the DL with a right shoulder strain.  Should be a cold one in Cleveland tonight, but hopefully Fausto can continue to play his role as the stopper and the bats will continue to warm up.

Go Tribe!