How can a team that the New York Yankees swept in 2007 pose much of a problem in the American League Divisional Series? The Yankees were a perfect 6-0 against Cleveland this year. At first glance, you would have to assume the Yankees have their number.

But a closer look reveals just how much of a threat the Tribe is. The most important fact to consider is that Indians ace, C.C. Sabathia did not face the Yankees during the regular season. During the divisional series, the Bombers will not be so lucky.

Sabathia is scheduled to open the short five game series in Cleveland on Thursday. If the series goes the full five games, he could also close it. The big six foot seven, 290 pound lefthander is just the type of pitcher that gives the lefty laden Yankees batting order fits.

But Sabbathia gives everyone fits. He's 19-7 for the year with a 3.21 ERA. He goes deep into the game and has pitched 241 innings for the year. Along with Boston's Beckett, Sabbathia is a Cy Young favorite.

The other pillar of Cleveland success is young Fausto Carmona. The 23 year old Dominican Republic pitcher has posted 19 wins against only 8 losses while carving out a stellar 3.06 ERA. These two staff aces should give the Yankees fits.

The Yankees will counter with their two best starters, Chien-Ming Wang and Andy Pettitte. Wang has once again anchored the staff with his bowling ball sinker. Like Sabathia and Carmona, Wang is a 19 game winner. Pettitte is a playoff veteran who seems to rise to the occasion many times.

Wang and Pettitte are two good pitchers but I think they will be overmatched by Cleveland top two starters. In a short series a team can dominate with two aces such as these. Even though the Yankees have a lineup rich in talent, they will start this series at a real disadvantage.

The match up in Game 3 should by interesting. The Tribe will pitch either Byrd or Westbrook and the Yankees will send Roger Clemens to the mound if he's healthy. In a big game, I figure Clemens is the favorite if his body holds together. And of course, this could be his last game if things fail to go the Yankees way. ( Or, he could continue his retirement career next year.)

Anyway, it all begins at Jacobs Field in Cleveland this Thursday. In such a short series, the first game can be crucial. It should be especially so this time.