NOTEBOOK \ Indians vs. Twins

No more slow start: Cleveland went 9-14 last April, which is one of the reasons this year's 3-1 start is so encouraging. The other reason is that the wins have come against Chicago and Minnesota, which are expected to be the Tribe's main rivals in the AL Central. "All the games in the division are important," manager Eric Wedge said. "Especially since we play so many." Designated hitter Travis Hafner said the team is putting a greater emphasis on playing well early in the season. "You know, the last few years, we got off to a slow start and had to play catch-up," he said. "There's a lot of talent in this clubhouse. We're a much more experienced team now and I think we feel more comfortable." Outfielder Casey Blake agreed. "We know we have a good ball club," he said. "We expect to play well." Last year's slow start, combined with one of the major's lowest payrolls, may have affected the fans' expectations. The team didn't begin drawing big crowds until late in the season. "I hope they come out early in the year," pitcher Paul Byrd said. "It influences everything. It influences the umpires, it influences us. It makes it a lot more fun."
Injury update: Second baseman Ronnie Belliard left the game in the eighth inning with tightness in his right calf. "It was just some stiffness," Wedge said. "We'll look at it [today]. Hopefully, it's nothing more than that." Belliard is batting 2-for-17 this season.
Home opener history: The Indians are 56-50 in home openers, including 6-5 at Jacobs Field. All 13 at The Jake have been sellouts, although Friday's game was only about 85 percent full. Cleveland lost to Chicago last year, 2-1. Only two members of last year's starting lineup are no longer with the team: Coco Crisp (who was traded to Boston) and shortstop Alex Cora. In addition, pitcher Kevin Millwood also left, signing a long-term deal with the Rangers in the off-season. The Indians' last win in a home opener came two years ago against Minnesota, 6-3.
Up next: Pitcher Jason Johnson will make his Indians debut today at 5:05 p.m. against Twins pitcher Scott Baker. Johnson went 8-13 with a 4.54 ERA in 33 starts with the Tigers last season. The 6-foot-6 right-hander pitched a career-high 210 innings, which was 11th in the American League last year. Former Cy Young winner Johan Santana (0-1, 6.35 ERA) will face Jake Westbrook (1-0, 2.84 ERA) Sunday at 1 p.m.
Odds and ends: Cleveland sportscaster Casey Coleman, who is battling cancer, threw out the first pitch. "American Idol" contestant (and Cleveland native) Scott Savol sang the national anthem. K.C. and the Sunshine Band led the fans during the seventh-inning stretch.
Joe Scalzo