Hello Tribe fans everywhere.

Those of us who really want Ryan Garko to be the Indians' starting first baseman tend to take it out on Casey Blake, but it's nothing personal. You've got to love a guy like Blake, if you're running a big league club, that is.

An overachiever from Indianola, Iowa, Blake knocked around the Blue Bays and Twins organizations for six years before the Indians signed him as a free agent in 2002. Blake shocked everyone by winning the third baseman's job that spring, and he finished the year with 17 homers. The following season he showed even more power, slamming 28 home runs and driving in 88 runs.

In the last two seasons, Blake has played mostly right field, though the Indians also expect him to move in and play first base and third base, when needed. The plan this year is for Blake to split time between right field and first, which could curtail Garko's chances of becoming a starter.

I think Garko has more upside potential for the Tribe than Blake, but Casey's still a good guy to have around. Should Andy Marte struggle at third base, Blake could step in. If one of the starting position players slumps or gets hurt, Cleveland can rely on Blake.

What's so nice about the guy is that he's steady and unfaltering, reflecting his solid upbringing in Iowa. His hometown fans recognized Blake's athletic skills and voted him one of the state's all-time 10-best athletes. That's because he starred as a high school quarterback, high-scoring basketball guard (he averaged 27 points per game during his junior season), baseball pitcher and shortstop, and in track and field.

At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, the solidly-built Blake is neither flashy nor speedy, but he's respected by his teammates and is a quiet, thoughtful leader on the club.

I hope he plays about 130 games this season, belts 23 homers and drives in 70 runs. If Blake puts up those kinds of numbers, it means Garko will get his share of plate appearances, and the Indians will be a better team for it.

No, those of us who like Garko don't dislike Blake. We just tend to take Casey for granted, like most of the rest of the baseball world.

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The answer to yesterday's quickie quiz is: Joe Inglett

Today's quiz: Name a former Indian who, in addition to Casey Blake, appears on the list of Iowa's top ten high school athletes of all time.

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-- Kevin Cuneo