Hello Tribe fans everywhere!
We're 2-0 and ready for a sweep! Most gratifying about today's 8-7 victory by the Indians over the White Sox was the performance by Cleveland's rebuilt bullpen. The relievers shut down Chicago's powerful lineup over the final four innings, and Joe Borowski picked up his first save with a scoreless ninth inning.
Jim Thome's 3-run home run in the first inning made the outlook a bit gloomy for the Tribe, but Andy Marte slugged a 2-run homer to trim the deficit, and Grady Sizemore later added his second home run in as many games.
It's nice to see Cleveland win close games, which didn't happen all that often in 2006. The Tribe scored tons of runs last season, but their shoddy relief corps blew game after game. Indians GM Mark Shapiro must be on cloud 9 over the performance of his bullpen today.
I'm excited to see players such as Trot Nixon looking so good in the early going. Nixon appeared to be a bad signing only a few weeks ago, but he started the regular season with three straight hits. "It helped put some swagger back in Trot's walk," said Tribe manager Eric Wedge.
Shortstop Jhonny Perlata has also continued his great play from spring training. Peralta is slashing the ball to all fields, looking much like the promising young star he was in 2005.
It's could all come apart tomorrow, but, for now, Tribe fans can sit back and smile, smile, smile.
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The answer to yesterday's quickie quiz is: Bert Blyleven
Today's quiz: name the brothers who played for the Indians in the 1960's. Hint: one was a catcher, and one a shortstop.
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-- Kevin Cuneo

