(Sports Network) - The Cleveland Indians begin defense of their AL Central title this afternoon, as they kick off the 2008 campaign against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field.

A big reason the Indians won their first division title since 2001 was ace left-hander C.C. Sabathia, who won the first AL Cy Young Award of his career after going 19-7 with a 3.21 earned run average.

Sabathia will be making his fifth Opening Day start and will tie Hall of Famer Bob Lemon for third-most in club history behind Hall of Famers Bob Feller (7) and Stan Coveleski (6).

The 27-year-old hurler, who is 14-3 lifetime versus the Sox, will have a little extra incentive this season, as he can become a free agent at season's end.

Cleveland returns every significant contributor from last season's team that went 96-66, including All-Stars Victor Martinez and Grady Sizemore. And if designated-hitter Travis Hafner, who battled injury and general ineffectiveness for much of the season, can return to form, it would give the offense a big boost. Another boost should come from the continued development of youngsters such as Ryan Garko, Asdrubal Cabrera and Franklin Gutierrez.

After dispatching the Yankees in four games of the ALDS, the Tribe had their hearts broken in a seven-game loss to the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS.

The organization has been steadfast in its approach to rebuilding over the past few seasons, and that approach does not appear to have changed despite last year's success. The front office has kept a strong core together while developing good young players; a tribute to general manager Mark Shapiro and AL Manager of the Year Eric Wedge, the latter of whom just turned 40 over the winter.

The Indians have won at least 90 games in two of the last three seasons, and barring a rash of untimely injuries, should be in position to do so again.

Chicago, meanwhile, finished 24 games behind the Indians last season at 72-90 after posting back-to-back 90-win seasons from 2005-06, which included a World Series title two years ago.

The White Sox will have a few new faces in the lineup today, as slick fielding shortstop Orlando Cabrera, who was acquired from Anaheim for starter Jon Garland, and outfielder Nick Swisher, who was picked up from Oakland for a number of prospects join Ozzie Guillen's crew.

Chicago will have a mainstay of its rotation on the hill today in 29-year-old southpaw Mark Buehrle, who was 10-9 last season with a 3.63 ERA in 30 starts, one of which was the first no-hitter of his career. He has started six of the last seven openers for the White Sox.

Buehrle, who agreed to a long-term extension with the White Sox last season, has faced the Tribe 29 times (28 starts) and is 8-11 against them with a 4.61 ERA.

On the injury front Chicago should have third baseman Joe Crede in the lineup today. Crede injured his ankle last week, but was able to get a few at-bats in Saturday's Civil Rights Game against the Mets.

The Indians won 11 of their 18 matchups with the White Sox a year ago and are 22-15 against them over the past two seasons, including an 11-7 mark in Cleveland in that time.

These teams will be meeting on Opening Day for the third straight year.