Watching Westbrook

Cleveland Indians fans will have all eyes on Jake Westbrook tonight as he makes his first start for Leones de Ponce of the Puerto Rican Winter League. This is Westbrook's first start since elbow soreness shut him down after only three rehab assignments last year on August 4th.

Westbrook last started a game for the Indians on May 28, 2008, before being shut down and having Tommy John surgery. With the Indians starting rotation in disarray, Manny Acta has all but named Westbrook as the Indians opening day starter.

Westbrook was scheduled to pitch two innings today and will likely make up to five starts in Puerto Rico to start working out the rust. The Indians will also be making sure their isn't soreness in the elbow, as their was in his three rehab starts last season.

With a boring hot stove season ahead, a two inning rehab start may be the only excitement Indians fans have to look forward to. Of course, if Westbrook can't rebound, it may open up the Indians to spend some money for a Westbrook-level starter.