The Indians are tinkering with the start time for several early-season games, with "six weeknight games in April and May being designated" with 6:10pm ET start times, according to Zack Meisel of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. The games are April 14 against the White Sox (Tuesday), a series against the Royals April 27-29 (Monday-Wednesday) and two games against the Cardinals May 12-13 (Tuesday-Wednesday). A team spokesperson gave no reason for the time switch, only saying that the club "will make a formal announcement in the coming days" (CLEVELAND.com, 2/11). ESPN.com's Buster Olney notes due to their location "within an area that has seen more than its share of financial difficulty, the Indians have endeavored to be as attractive to what their fans need and want as any organization in baseball." The fact that school is still in session in April and May likely "was a major consideration" for the time change. Olney writes there is "almost no chance" he would take his 10-year-old to a game "that started after 7 p.m. on a school night." Olney: "But not every fan is a parent with kids, and for every fan, a 6:10 p.m. start is much less than perfect" (ESPN.com, 2/12).
