The Indians were hoping a change of scenery would help reigning Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee shake his spring doldrums. But that didn't happen on opening day Monday against Texas. Lee gave up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings.
The outing looked a lot like Lee's six starts in spring training. In six spring games Lee had a 12.46 ERA. His ERA following his opening-day start Monday: 12.60. But Lee, catcher Kelly Shoppach and manager Eric Wedge said they all thought Lee threw the ball better Monday than he did in spring training. One factor that Lee is facing this season that he has never had to face before is that for the first time in his career he is going into a season as the clear No. 1 starter on his team. In his past years in Cleveland that role has fallen to other pitchers. But coming off his sensational 2008 season, Lee is considered the ace of the Indians' staff.
Lee was basically in that role the second half of last season after the Indians traded No. 1 starter CC Sabathia. But it's a little different assuming the No. 1 starter's role and starting the season in it, which is what Lee is doing this year.
RANGERS 9, INDIANS 1: LHP Cliff Lee gave up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings, a line that resembled most of his starts in spring training, and the Indians' offense was a no-show in their opening-day loss to the Rangers. The Indians' only run scored on a wild pitch.
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