CLEVELAND _ CC Sabathia started his career with the Indians and pitched against the Yankees the last time the teams met in the playoffs in 2007.
Sabathia has been back to Cleveland many times since he was traded to the Brewers in 2008 and signed with the Yankees before the 2009 season. But this is different. On Friday, Sabathia will face Indians ace Corey Kluber in Game 2 of the AL Division Series.
"I think it's going to be a lot of fun," Sabathia said on Thursday. "Obviously, it's exciting to come back to Cleveland. I kind of grew up here. To be able to pitch in the playoff game here is going to be a lot of fun, even if it's on the other side.
"I usually get a good reception here. I got traded from here, so it wasn't like I left. So I still know everybody that works down under here and a lot of people that still work in the organization. So I've been treated pretty well here, as a visitor and even better when I played here. I loved it here."
The Yankees will love it if Sabathia duplicates his late-season success. The 37-year-old free-agent-to-be capped off a 14-win season with victories in his last three starts, including 5 2/3 shutout innings in his final regular-season outing against Toronto on Saturday.
Sabathia wasn't sure if he could make it to this point when he reinjured his right knee during a start in Toronto on Aug. 8.
"I think it was a good year for me up until that point with the health," Sabathia said. "Had that scare in Toronto. Didn't really know what the future would hold. Getting home and talking with my wife, just talking with the training staff, and being able to get back 10 days later and be able to pitch and help the team get into the playoffs ... feels good to be sitting here."
Sabathia's health has improved to the point at which manager Joe Girardi said he would be a candidate to start a potential Game 5 ... in Cleveland.
"Every start for me now I enjoy, and just getting an opportunity to play," Sabathia said. "Obviously, being in this position to have a chance to win a championship is what you play for. You cherish all of them."
