When the Wine and Gold returned, Zydrunas Ilgauskas was the only veteran from Cleveland’s last playoff run (in 1998). For the Tribe, the only veteran holdovers are Jake Westbrook and C.C. Sabathia. Both will play critical roles in the Divisional Series against New York.

And while (most) of the Cavaliers wish the hefty lefty much success on the bump this Thursday, one player has a direct connection – his Oakland area bud, Drew Gooden.

“I’ve known C.C. since I was in the eighth grade,” smiled Gooden. “I played against him in basketball, but in baseball he was in an older division. He played with Vallejo High School and I played for El Cerrito High School.

“He could play – he was a bruiser. Imagine how big and tall he is now as a 16 or 17-year-old. He was an animal.”

Sabathia might have been a good hoopster, but he’s at the top of his game as a pitcher. Along with Boston’s Josh Beckett and his own teammate, Fausto Carmona, C.C. is among the favorites to win the Cy Young Award. He finished the regular season 19-7, but could have won 20-plus with any run support.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to him; I know he’s focusing and concentrating on the Playoffs,” said the Cavs starting forward. “I’m proud of him and I’m trying to get to (tomorrow night’s) game and watch him pitch.”

Gooden will be pulling for the Sons of the Cuyahoga when the ALDS begins at the Jake.

“It’s awesome to see us go to the Finals last year and to see him and the Tribe get to go to the Playoffs. I think it’s a spark in the city right now.”

Damon Jones – who’s been known to sport a Chief Wahoo lid – is also on-board with Eric Wedge’s overachievers. “I wish the Indians very much success,” said Jones. “They’ve played good baseball all season long and they deserve to be in the position they’re in. I hope they’re able to get the job done and win it all.”

As previously stated, most of the Cavaliers will be focusing on their adopted hometown’s squad. Of course, some players are pulling for their original hometown’s squad. Put Donyell Marshall in that category.

“People have to realize that just because we play for Cleveland doesn’t mean that we’re going to root for every sports team in Cleveland,” reasoned Marshall. “I’m from Philadelphia, so I’m a Phillies fan. We made the playoffs for first time since I was a sophomore in college, so I’m excited.

“Do I want the Indians to do well? Yeah. But I’m a Phillies fan, so I hope they meet in the World Series.”

LeBron James’ allegiances have been discussed ad nauseam, and although he said he’d be pulling for the Tribe later in the playoffs, he wasn’t really qualified to give them advice.

“I don’t know baseball,” laughed LeBron. “I don’t know – Catch fly balls. Hit home runs. Turn double-plays.”

LeBron did turn serious for a moment. “I think they have a very good team,” he said. “I think the best thing about their team is that don’t have one single guy that you can root out. Their manager has done a great job. And it’s exciting for the city.”

The Tribe’s manager – Eric Wedge – can identify with the Cavaliers’ coach, who has also taken his share of criticism in the face of success. Brown considers himself an Indians fan.

“I’ve been an Indians fan since I moved here,” said Brown. “I’ve met Eric Wedge a few times. I know the GM, Mark Shapiro. And it’s an easy walk for me and my family – we walk right across the street from The Q to Jacobs Field. I’m happy for those guys to see them have the success they’re having now.”

All that’s left now is to play the games. Drew Gooden will be watching and he’s got some simple advice for C.C. and the eight men behind him as the Yankees come to town.

“Play every inning like it’s your last. Leave it all out there. And see where you stand when the dust settles.”