American League Central News

“All things considered, we're all right.”

As the sun peeked through the cloud cover above Progressive Field on Monday, head groundskeeper Brandon Koehnke was warmed all over.

Opening day had arrived, and the ballpark was fit for baseball.

Miraculously.

'A few days ago, I didn't think we had a chance,' Koehnke said.

The snowiest March on record _ and more than 50 inches of measurable snowfall at the ballpark since late February _ put the Cleveland Indians' season opener in serious jeopardy.

Less than a week ago, Koehnke and his crew finally removed the snow and pulled back the giant tarps covering the infield, revealing an unrecognizable surface. Read more

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“We're going to win and lose as a team.”

Their ballpark may have a new name. Little else changed about the Cleveland Indians. The defending AL Central champions won in familiar fashion at Progressive Field _ home to so much late-inning drama when it was called Jacobs Field for the past 14 years. Casey Blake hit a three-run double in the eighth inning Monday to give the Indians a 10-8 season-opening win over the Chicago White Sox.

It may not be known as the Jake anymore, but everything else seemed in place for the Indians, who won 23 times in their final at-bat last season. Read more

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Torii Hunter gets an immediate shot at his former club tonight, when the outfielder leads the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the first of a season-opening four-game series against the Minnesota Twins at the ... via The Miami Herald

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Tony Pena's RBI single in the 11th inning pushed Kansas City over Detroit, 5-4, in the season-opener for both teams at Comerica Park. via Channel3000.com

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The Cleveland Indians begin defense of their AL Central title this afternoon, as they kick off the 2008 campaign against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. via Belleville News-Democrat

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“I don't talk about the other teams except to say we have so much respect for the other (four) teams. That's where we put all our focus, the division.”

C.C. Sabathia is as excited to pitch on opening day as he was last October, when he had a chance to send the Cleveland Indians into the World Series by beating the Boston Red Sox.

When the 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner takes the mound against the Chicago White Sox on Monday, he hopes he'll be able to harness his competitive nature a little better.

'The excitement level of opening at home is through the roof,' Sabathia said Sunday before a brief, brisk workout at Progressive Field. 'It means a lot to me to take the ball on opening day. It's always special. The big thing will be to keep my emotions down.' Read more

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“I feel good about my stuff. I accomplished what I needed to accomplish.”

Mike Hampton made it through the final game of spring training without any problems. via The Macon Telegraph

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Photo gallery of what happening at Progressive Field! Indians VP Bob DiBiasio talks about changes at Progressive Field - The Cleveland Indians 108th home opener is Monday at 3:05 pm. via WMMS-FM Independence

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“When we say our focus is entirely on this season we say it because that is just the way it has to be”

As Travis Hafner plowed through a plate full of chicken and rice, Casey Blake and a few teammates tackled a crossword puzzle a few feet away. via The Plain Dealer

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Fans of the Kansas City Royals have had to watch all four of the team's division rivals play in the postseason over the last four years, while their club has dealt with front office unrest, managerial changes ... via FOX30Online

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