Tribe’s goal: respectability

Associated Press

CHICAGO

The large sign outside proudly declares U.S. Cellular Field the “Home of the 2005 World Series Champions,” a black and white reminder to drivers on the expressway of that drought-ending run.

It also drives home how much time has already passed.

Then again, five years is a far cry from 87, and the Chicago White Sox believe the gap between this team and that one isn’t so wide.

With a pitching staff to rival the 2005 team’s and a more flexible and faster lineup this season, the White Sox are looking to get back to the playoffs after going from division champions to third in the AL Central last season at 79-83.

The Cleveland Indians, meanwhile, are trying to pick themselves up after a 65-win season in which they traded away Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and All-Star catcher Victor Martinez in July and ultimately fired manager Eric Wedge.

Both teams are trying to wash out a bitter taste when they face off this afternoon in the season opener.

The Indians want to get back to respectability after a nightmarish season — something they realize few observers are picking them to do.

It would help if Fausto Carmona, a 19-game winner in 2007, could fix his mental and mechanical issues and solidify a shaky rotation.

There are also issues in the bullpen, with closer Kerry Wood likely missing the first few weeks with a strained back muscle, but a lineup with Grady Sizemore and Shin Soo-Choo figures to be productive.

“The prediction game — it’s fun for everybody,” said manager Manny Acta, who was hired in October. “The majority of the time, people are wrong. Baseball has shown that over the years.”

The White Sox are seeking a return to the style that propelled the 2005 team, with an emphasis on pitching, defense and the ability to manufacture runs.

It means Guillen gets a chance to be more creative with his lineup and with his decisions during the game.

He sees more balance, more speed, less emphasis on the long ball and a defense that can take some pressure off the pitchers. And he sees fewer question marks than the 2005 team.

“That’s why I feel a lot better with this ballclub — because of the talent,” he said. “A lot of people are going to talk about how many home runs are you going to hit, why you don’t have power. A lot of people have different opinions and I respect that. ... I’d rather have six guys in the lineup with 20, 30 home runs than two guys with 50 because I think we get more production.”