If you're wondering how the Cleveland Indians are off to the best start in the American League, you're not alone. Here are six things to know about the Indians -- one for every game the Twins trail them in the standings:

1. They are 12-4, and that's after an 0-2 start against the White Sox.

2. Grady Sizemore is 5-for-9 in two games since returning from knee surgery. After Sizemore's three-hit game Monday in a 10-inning victory at Kansas City, Manager Manny Acta told the Cleveland Plain Dealer, "I didn't see this from Grady last year. I understood later that he was hurt from the get go and he couldn't push off his back leg. One of the reasons I came here was to enjoy watching this guy from the dugout. It's nice to have him back."

3. St. Paul native Jack Hannahan has been starting at third base, with Jason Donald on the disabled list. Hannahan has a .659 career OPS, but he's an excellent defensive third baseman. He's playing next to one of the best shortstops in the league, in Asdrubal Cabrera (.873 OPS this year).

4. The relief trio of Chris Perez, Tony Sipp and Rafael Perez has combined to post a 0.00 ERA in 22 appearances, spanning 21 2/3 innings. Chris Perez is the closer. Sipp and Rafael Perez are lefthanded setup men.

5. Travis Hafner (from Jamestown, N.D.) is off to a strong start, batting .353 with a 1.061 OPS.

6. Fausto Carmona, who is scheduled to face the Twins on Friday at Target Field, has posted a 1.25 ERA in his past three starts and held opponents to a .151 batting average in that span. Carmona got pummeled on Opening Day against the White Sox, giving up 10 runs over three innings, so his season totals (1-2, 4.74 ERA) mask how well he's been pitching.