(At least, it was morning when I wrote it.)

Well, the Indians aren’t getting off to a great start, though some of the troubles are troublesome and some are just shruggable.

Fausto Carmona’s third start was beset by walks, but that doesn’t really strike me as a danger sign just yet. He was getting a lot of movement on the ball and didn’t always know where it was going, but that seemed almost a function of being hyper–perhaps after signing his nice multi-year deal.

CC is on the other side. I still suspect his issues are between his ears–perhaps after not signing his nice multi-year deal. CC strikes me as a pitcher who likes stability. He simply has a tendency to get wound up and start overthrowing (see last year’s playoffs). But he has the ability to turn it around.

Unlike Paul Byrd. I can’t think of a more charming player. Listen to him sometime when he has a microphone and you’ll be charmed. But has he lost the feel for the ball? Not being able to spot your pitches when you have the type of stuff Paul Byrd has is a much bigger deal than not being able to spot your pitches when you have Carmona’s stuff. And getting off to a bad start is a much worse sign for a Byrd than for a Sabathia. I’m very concerned.

I’ve always really liked Jake Westbrook and hope he can continue pitching this well. He finished up 2007 very strong and has started 2008 similarly. I think he must have been injured last year long before it became public.

Franklin Gutierrez swings wildly at pitches when he gets into a 3-ball count. He gets franxious to get a hit. Take a walk, Frankie. We’ll still think you’re macho.

I was delighted that Andy Marte got the opportunity to start yesterday, but not delighted at all to see him pulled late for a pinch hitter with the bases loaded. How is he supposed to improve when he isn’t given the opportunity? Bah!

The Detroit Tigers still look shaky, though I figure a few of the Indians’ starters could snap any offense out of their doldrums.

Are the White Sox as good as their good but not stellar record? I tend to doubt it. I suspect this is a .500 team wearing a .600 team’s nightshirt.

I haven’t followed the NL at all so far, despite my good intentions. It’s easier for me to watch baseball when my team is winning, making the little news breaks fun instead of grueling.