This n' That
By Joe

Cleveland's Fausto Carmona beat Minnesota at the Metrodome Tuesday night to record his first win in more than a year. Surprisingly, the victory came against reigning Cy Young winner Johan Santana. It was Santana's second straight loss at home, a place he normally dominates. But no one in Minnesota should be concerned. Santana always starts the season slow before finding his groove in mid-May.

I think Carmona has a shot to be a very reliable fifth starter for Cleveland. Not sure where he fits in once Cliff Lee returns from the DL next week, but I hope they find a spot in the rotation for him. Most Indians' fans are feeling fortunate that we're getting any profit at all out of Carmona after his atrocious 2006 season, where he posted a 1-10 record, 5.42 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. I think we can all agree he's not considered an ace.

I'm rarely right, but so far Alex Rodriguez is making me look like a genius. Like I posted a few weeks ago after his game-winning home run against Baltimore, A-Rod is much more relaxed and it shows in his ridiculous start to the season. He's still got until next Tuesday to break the single-season home run record for April. I've been trying to think of another player that was in this kind of zone and the only one who comes to mind is Carlos Beltran during Houston's playoff run in 2004. That year Beltran connected for eight home runs in just 12 playoff games. This year, A-Rod blew that away with 12 home runs in his first 15 games. That's hard to do on video games.

Where in the world did Chicago's Rich Hill come from? Good Lord, he is throwing well right now. In his first 22 innings, before losing to Milwaukee Tuesday night, Hill allowed ONE earned run. His ERA was 0.41. Just imagine if the Cubs had a healthy Mark Prior and Kerry Wood, Carlos Zambrano and Hill in the rotation. Obviously that's like saying just imagine if Drew Updike acted like a normal human being or just imagine if working for The Observer and Leprechuan Legion in college made you cool. It's a pretty big 'if.'

Speaking of Prior, how can you not feel bad for the guy? Another season-ending surgery? He's still just 26, but this has to be wearing him down mentally. You can only take so many setbacks.

This happened little while back but still is worth noting. What was Cleveland manager Eric Wedge thinking last week when he let closer Joe Borowski pitch to A-Rod in the bottom of the ninth of a two-run game with two on and first base open? First, I can't fathom how Wedge justifies pitching to A-Rod rather than walking him to face Jason Giambi. Second, isn't this the reason we have bench coaches? Shouldn't Cleveland's bench coach have said, "Hey, Eric, you do know A-Rod has more home runs than some teams right? And he's hitting almost .400? And Jason Giambi is on deck? You sure still want to pitch to him? Ok, just checking."

Cole Hamels struck out 15 against the Reds in a complete game win. God, I love Cole. Have I mentioned this before? I can't wait until Matt and I start the Chicago Chapter of the Cole Hamels Fan Club and get our own authentic Cole Hamels jersey to wear whenever he pitches. This is officially a man crush.

I looked at the Giants' lineup a couple days ago and noticed that Rich Aurilla was hitting third and Ray Durham cleanup. How does this happen in a real major league baseball game? I know Barry Bonds had the day off, but can't we find someone better than Rich Aurilla and Ray Durham to hit 3-4? Is Edgardo Alfonzo available? What about bringing Marquis Grissom out of retirement? And yet, the Giants have won seven straight.

Hopefully, I'll have time later today to write about Cole's start against the Nationals as well as Yankee prospect Phil Hughes' first major league appearance.