Canton
Indians notebook: AL Central favorites are struggling at the outset
Thursday, April 17, 2008
BY
Andy Call
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER
CLEVELAND This is not where the Indians and Tigers expected to be on April 16.
True, both teams expected to be at Progressive Field. The 2008 schedule was drawn up months ago. Neither, however, expected this week's abbreviated two-game series would determine at least temporary ownership of last place in the Central Division.
"There's obviously a lot of great expectations on us this season, and that's understandable," Detroit Manager Jim Leyland said. "There should be expectations on a team with this much talent. Everyone waited all winter for spring to get here and see this team, and they were rightfully disappointed with the way we started."
The Tigers were 4-10 through Tuesday ? somewhat understandable, perhaps, considering the six players on their disabled list include star outfielder Curtis Granderson and bullpen mainstays Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya.
"Granderson is one of the most important parts of their lineup," Indians first baseman Ryan Garko said. "It's really too early, though, to start jumping to conclusions about either team."
Cont...