Indians finally head home
The Cleveland Indians, becoming perhaps the first tourists in Milwaukee history to rave about the climate, can be excused this morning if they wake up and scream as they open their bedroom blinds.
The morning forecast in Cleveland: a 30 percent chance of rain and snow.
“Unfortunately,” general manager Mark Shapiro said, “that might be the best weather we’ll have all weekend.”
The Indians, who were forced to temporarily move to Milwaukee after their first four games at Jacobs Field were snowed out last weekend, are scheduled to open their home season tonight against the Chicago White Sox.
“Road trip to Cleveland this weekend,” manager Eric Wedge joked with reporters after completing their makeshift three-game series Thursday with a 4-2 win against the Los Angeles Angels in Milwaukee.
The Indians contemplated staying in Milwaukee after winning two of the three games under the retractable roof but feared the White Sox would have a home-field advantage with their fans within 100 miles of Milwaukee.
The good news is the rain and snow isn’t supposed to last, and clear skies and a temperature of 44 are expected for game time today.
“It won’t be sunny and 60,” Shapiro said, “but we’ll take it.”
The bad news is today’s game might be the only one the Indians play this weekend. There’s a slight chance of snow Saturday, but a 70 percent chance Sunday. The Indians have already moved Saturday’s game to 1:05 p.m. EDT from 7:05 p.m. And Sunday?
“It looks rough,” Shapiro said. “If we lose a game this weekend, we’ll just have to tack on another doubleheader.”
They already have to find a way to make up four games with the Seattle Mariners, who were rained out Thursday at the Boston Red Sox. But at least the Indians know who to take care of: The grounds crew will be honored with a tribute today.
“They might be the real heroes before it’s all over,” reliever Roberto Hernandez said.
Made suspended
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Hector Made was suspended for 50 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance under baseball’s minor league program.
Made was acquired by the Phillies last July in the trade that sent catcher Sal Fasano to the New York Yankees. The 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic hit a combined .267 with four homers and 32 RBIs with Tampa and Clearwater in the Florida State League.
He became the third minor leaguer suspended under the drug program this year.
Prior feels pain
Cubs pitcher Mark Prior had discomfort in his right shoulder and left his first extended spring training start after two innings in Mesa, Ariz.
Prior was limited to nine games last season by shoulder problems and pitched only 10 1/3 innings in spring training. The Cubs said Prior is scheduled to visit orthopedic specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum in California for further evaluation.