I was down at Progressive Field last night as the Indians won, 9-4. Gale and I actually saw Carl Pavano work into the 7th inning! The guy has unbelievably turned into the second-best starter on the team. But it was a terrible crowd. You could tell when I parked close to East 9th on Prospect around 6:00.

The crowd was listed as 14,000, but trust me, there were not that many people there. And these were on that half-price ticket plan and they still couldn't draw. I admit it was cold and the Indians suck, but it was mindful of an early 1994 crowd. I understand the cold part, because I am still fighting my cold. Thought I had it licked late last week, but over the weekend it had returned. Jee-zus, this has been hard to shake. Anyhow, they are really pushing the Tampa series, starting on Memorial Day, for tickets. However, the Yankees, Cardinals and Reds show up in late May/June, so that should temporarily allay any temporary attendance woes.

Couple thoughts about last night:

First time I had seen or heard any mention of Albert Belle in quite a while. They showed his memorable 1995 grand slam off of Lee Smith accompanied by Herb Score's call (where was that Opening Day?). He's been poison for quite a while.

"Hang On Sloopy" was referred to as an "Ohio tradition". Ugh!

Aaron Laffey may become Pavano's "personal reliever".

Ryan Garko has been warming up pitchers between innings as a reminder to Eric Wedge that he is still on the team.

A female in front of us had one of those Hulk Hand Cup Holders on. If anything looked like it could be sold behind the curtain at an Indians team shop under the (ahem) "Novelty" banner, this is it.

Today, the Indians announced the return of Spork No. 1. On a team of Sporks (Matt Laporta now a first baseman), this is significant. And to hear Wedge say that said Spork is a candidate to hit leadoff, is he officially certifiable?

Meal of Links

What makes us happy? A cool report on a 72-year Harvard study.

Jack White takes Dead Weather on tour. Cleveland date? Of course not.

Jesse Ventura derides Cheney. He'd waterboard him, if given the chance.

Dude, don't Bogart them Cheerios.

The changing of the guard in Afghanistan. Not many times is a General publicly fired.

God help us. An "American Gladiators" movie has been announced.

Exercise Yard

The Bruins force Game 7. Quite simply, they have to win or it's another lost season.

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