CLEVELAND – Former Indians ace CC Sabathia left Cleveland and won a world championship. He supports LeBron James’ quest to do the same in Miami.
Sabathia, whose world title dreams were never realized in seven-plus years with the Indians, thinks James made the right move skipping town to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh with the Heat.
“He made the best decision for him trying to win a championship,” Sabathia said. “They’ve got a pretty good team down there now.”
Sabathia, who will start against the Indians tonight, is part of a pretty good team now. After being traded from Cleveland to Milwaukee during the 2008 season, the 30-year-old left-hander signed a lucrative multi-year contract with the Yankees prior to the 2009 season, then won the World Series in his first year in New York.
“Getting a chance to win and be a part of so much tradition and history in New York, and celebrating with that city, was definitely a special experience,” said Sabathia, who is an American League Cy Young candidate this season, entering Monday with the league-lead in wins (13), while sporting a 3.18 ERA.
Sabathia’s tenure in Cleveland may not have included a World Series title, but the Indians did win two Central Division championships, nearly advancing to the World Series in 2007, the same season Sabathia won his first and only Cy Young award.
“It’s weird sitting on the other side of the field and going to the visitor’s clubhouse,” Sabathia said. “It’s not really tough because I don’t really know any of the guys on the team now. I only have a few friends over here now, so it’s easier to deal with.”
On the shelf
Outfielder Austin Kearns missed his second straight game after being spiked in the leg Saturday and requiring stitches.
Kearns has missed five of the last six games, nursing a sore right knee before getting spiked.
Wood’s world
Kerry Wood (blister right index finger) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session today at Progressive Field. If that goes well, the right-hander is expected to be activated from the disabled list shortly after. He is eligible to leave the injured list Wednesday.
Acta said he would work Wood back into the closer role but that the job was still his.
“Whenever Kerry is ready to close, he’ll close,” Acta said.
Tomlin’s time
Josh Tomlin was a surprising pick to replace Aaron Laffey in the rotation, flying under the radar at Triple-A Columbus this season despite impressive numbers – 8-4, 2.68 ERA in 20 games (17 starts).
“He’s always been an underachiever,” Acta said of the right-hander, who will make his major league debut tonight against Sabathia and the Yankees. “He’s not one of those guys that lights up the radar gun or is intimidating with his size. He’s had to prove himself over and over again, and he’s done that. I don’t think in spring training that his name was on top of our board, but he’s worked his way up to the top of the board.”
Tomlin’s brush with the law in June (disorderly conduct) was not a concern for Acta.
“Our kids in the minor leagues are good kids,” he said. “There are things that happen in life like that. I heard enough reports on this kid’s makeup that there were no worries whatsoever.”
The Indians will clear a spot on their 25-man and 40-man rosters today to make room for Tomlin.
Minor details
Jordan Brown produced his third straight multi-hit game and fourth in the last five games Sunday in Columbus’ 5-4 victory over Pawtucket. Brown, who missed most of the first month of the season recovering from knee surgery during spring training, entered Monday batting .769 (10-for-13) with the bases loaded, his 56 RBIs ranking seventh in the International League. … Anthony Reyes will make a rehab start for Double-A Akron today. The right-hander, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, made two rehab appearances for the Arizona League Indians, allowing two earned runs on three hits, while striking out six over 4 1/3 innings.
Roundin’ third
The Indians’ pitching staff entered Monday owning a 3.75 ERA at home and a 5.11 ERA on the road. … The Yankees have changed Thursday’s starting pitcher to right-hander Dustin Moseley (0-0, 4.22 ERA), replacing previously scheduled starter Sergio Mitre, who has been moved to the bullpen. … Tonight, 7:05, STO/WTAM 1100-AM/WEOL 930-AM. Tomlin (MLB debut) vs. Sabathia (13-3, 3.18).
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.
