Hello Tribe fans everywhere!

I'm just back from a week's vacation that took me deep into the heart of Dixie. Thanks to the powerful Cleveland radio station at 1100 on tour AM dial, however, I was able to follow our beloved Tribe through the cold, snow, ice and the beer-flavored air of Milwaukee.

Heading into tonight's scheduled game against the Yankees, the Indians stand at 6-3 -- a few percentage points ahead of Minnesota in the standings. Considering the lousy weather, it's been a fairly auspicious beginning -- especially by the Indians' pitchers.

C.C. Sabthia is off to a 3-0 start, and Paul Byrd is pitching splendidly. Closer Joe Borowski has registered five straight saves, giving rise to hope that, maybe, just maybe, this could be the Indians year.

Yeah, yeah, I know it's only April 17, but you have to like what you've seen so far. And that would be excellent pitching from both the starters and relievers. Because the weather's been so miserable, the pitchers are well ahead of the hitters, but I'm still excited about this start.

I'm also pleased the Indians are still searching for help in the bullpen. Another quality arm would be most welcome.

Victor Martinez says he'll be able to return tonight as Cleveland's catcher, and even though Kelly Shoppach didn't hit much while be filled in for the injured Martinez, his defense was most impressive.

The Indians have a couple of bright young catching prospects in the minors, which means Shoppach could eventually be used in a trade.

I'm excited that Ryan Garko is off to such a good start. He's a personal favorite, and the Indians can certainly use his big bat. I'm still not sure why Garko doesn't get more respect from Tribe management -- he works much harder at his craft than, say, Andy Marte, whose defense has been quite shoddy in the early going.

For now, though, I don't want to dwell on negatives. By taking it one game at a time, the Tribe is playing well. I'll be satisfied if they can take two out of three in every series.

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The answer to the last quickie quiz is: Dick and Larry Brown are the brothers who played for the Indians during the 1960s.

Today's quiz: Name the Indians utility man who played every position, with the exception of pitcher and catcher, from 1970-77. Hint: he later went on to have seven good years with Baltimore.

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-- Kevin Cuneo