Game Time

Fans, believe it or not the games are about to begin. I know the schedule says Thursday, February 28 is the first game of spring training, but tomorrow and Wednesday the team will be playing intersquad games. If you want to see highlights of these games, tune into SportsTime Ohio each night for Spring Training Daily. I was down there last season for the intersquads, and though they don't mean a whole lot, I remember being impressed by a couple of guys named Carmona and Francisco in those games. You never know who may surprise, and who may lay the groundwork for a big season in these games.

And speaking of games, the first real spring game kicks off Thursday in Winter Haven. Eric Wedge's pick for his opening day starter is..........Jake Westbrook. No, that doesn't mean C.C. Sabathia isn't starting March 31 vs the White Sox at Progressive Field on real opening day. It just means Sabathia will probably make his spring debut Saturday, March 1, which would be exactly 30 days before the opener, meaning six spring starts on his regular four days of rest.

Speaking of starting pitching, probably the biggest battle on the team is for the fifth spot in the rotation. Aaron Laffey ended the season in that role and did quite well, posting a 4-2 record. His main competition would seem to be coming from Cliff Lee and Jeremy Sowers. And remember this about Lee, this is a guy who won 46 games in three seasons form 2004-2006 and appears eager to earn back a starting spot.