Hello Tribe fans everywhere!

Everyone in the wigwam is breathing easier today, as the swelling and pain have subsided from C.C. Sabathia's big left arm. Initial reports of the line drive that struck the Tribe southpaw Wednesday made it sound as if he'd broken his wrist or arm. Now, Sabathia's talking about pitching Monday's opener against the White Sox.

Perhaps it's an omen of good things to come in 2007. An injury to Sabathia that might have kept him sidelined for 6 weeks or 2 months would have been a blow. Had they lost him for the season, it might have proven a fatal setback to Cleveland's chances of contending this season.

Now, at the very worst, it appears Sabathia might only miss a start or two. C.C.'s an interesting guy. The massively-built pitcher - he stands 6-foot-7 and weighs more than 300 pounds - is likely in his penultimate year with the Indians.

At age 26, Sabathia ranks with the best lefthanded starting pitchers in baseball. With a blazing fastball, crackling curve and good control, he boasts awesome stuff. C.C. already owns 81 major league victories and he seems determined to put up strong numbers this season and next.

Then, he'll be a free agent -- able to write his own ticket. You can be certain that well-heeled clubs like the Yankees, Red Sox and Angels will be offering him contracts worth well in excess of $100 million -- perhaps even $200 million. Sadly, it's doubtful the Indians will be able to compete to retain Sabthia. He's already talking about how nice it would be to return to his native west coast -- he was born and still lives in Southern California.

So, the Indians and Tribe fans should enjoy Sabathia while he's still in Cleveland. I'm glad he seems to have escaped serious injury, and I look forward to a really big year.

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The answer to yesterday's quickie quiz: Joe Adcock, who managed the Indians in 1967, was so tough and so officious that he would not permit Latin players from coversing with other Latin players in Spanish on the field.

Today's quiz: What was Charlie Spikes' real first name? He was an outfielder for the Tribe in the 1970s, who never quite reached his potential.

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-- Kevin Cuneo