Sabathia to start Indians' opener

Mar 24, 2008 - 9:42 PM WINTER HAVEN, Florida (Ticker) -- Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia has been tabbed to start the Cleveland Indians' season opener against the Chicago White on March 31.

The 27-year-old Sabathia posted a 19-7 record last season with a 3.21 ERA in 34 starts. He joined Gaylord Perry as the only Indians to earn Cy Young honors.

Last year, Sabathia, who has a career mark of 100-63 with a 3.83 ERA, helped the Indians win their first division title since 2001.

Cleveland defeated the New York Yankees in the ALDS before losing to the eventual World Series champion Boston Red Sox in seven games in the ALCS.