Press Box Thoughts Pre A’s Game 4/11
A light night fan wise here at Progressive Field as we are about 15 minutes away from first pitch. Tonight it’s CC Sabathia vs Joe Blanton, who the Indians are 4-1 against with one no decision. The big story at the ballpark today is Paul Byrd and other mentioned in the Mitchell Report being told they will NOT be suspended for any part of the 2008 season. It seemed to be something weighing very much on Byrd, and above you can hear the short presser he had here at the ballpark earlier.
Also still a buzz about the team yesterday announcing the 4-year deal (with three club options) for pitcher Fausto Carmona. Sat with two long-time Indians writers in the press dining room, and while both say that the Carmona deal does NOT mean Sabathia wil be gone for sure in 2009, it does not seem likely that he will be back. The thinking is that the Indians have more than enough depth to get by, with Adam Miller, Aaron Laffey, and others that can take over the fifth spot in the rotation, and everyone else moves up a spot.
As for the weather, it’s okay right now, and the game will start on time, but trust me, there is more rain coming, and it could be a VERY long night at the ballpark. Stay tuned, as we’ll have plenty of highlights and audio postgame.
Matt has covered Major League Baseball and the "other two" Pro teams in Cleveland since 1994. He has been on the beat of the Indians in full-time mode since 1996, working for various raido and print networks around the country.
