Reason #415 - Slow Starts in April

The Indians finished 8-14 in April - another bad first month for the team. Same thing every year. Many want to blame the manager, Eric Wedge. I think the cool, rainy weather is a major factor - it's been with us every year just like the manager. So, I say, blame the lack of a retractable roof. Instead of firing the manager, how about hiring a retractable roof contractor?

Reason #414 - Walk-Up Crowd

The Cleveland Indians need a big walk-up crowd many nights to make their budget for the year. Tonight would have been a perfect night - Red Sox in town, half-price tickets and dollar dogs. Only problem is it's 42 degrees and damp. A retractable roof is the only answer to our problems.

Reason #413 - Rain and Sleet in April

I can see the stands of Progressive Field from my office window. Seven minutes before game time tonight, there weren't more than about 1,000 people in the stands. At the risk of stating the obvious, I think the occasional downbursts of rain and sleet might be keeping the fans away.

Reason #412 - Today

Today is opening day, and, of course, we have rain and 44 degrees. According to the Plain Dealer, since 1968, the Indians are 3-4 in openers when the temperature is in the 30s and 5-7 when it's in the 40s. And those stats don't include the 2007 opener that had to be played indoors in Milwaukee due to a blizzard in Cleveland. I don't know what's worse - the Indians' opening day record in cold weather or the number of cold opening days we've had since 1968.

Reason #411 - Opening Day 2009

Friday's forecast is for 42 degrees and showers. Yes, it seems to rain, sleet or snow every year at this time. Definition of insanity - doing what you've always done and expecting a different result.

Reason #410 - Winter Storm in the Area

The only way the Cleveland Indians avoided another opening day snowout was by opening the season today in Texas. That's embarrassing - again.

Reason #409 - Final Four

Detroit's Ford Field is hosting the NCAA Men's Final Four - expect record crowds and record revenues. In Detroit. In early April. Because they have a roof on their stadium. Did I mention that even Detroit is able to host a Final Four? Cleveland, no roof, no chance.