Hello Tribe fans everywhere!

The trouble with getting better, as the Indians obviously are, is they can no longer afford to carry players who once showed promise, but can't seem to get it done. When the Tribe stank, they'd keep those types of guys forever. No more, as Jason Davis learned Monday, the day before his 27th birthday. He was designated for assignment, which means he'll likely either be traded or claimed by another club on waivers. If nobody wants him, Davis will likely accept a demotion to Buffalo, or risk forfeiting the bulk of his $670,000 annual salary.

Davis has a good arm with live stuff, and he made an impressive debut as a starting pitcher for Cleveland in 2003 when he posted an 8-11 record. But he's never been able to find his niche as either a starter or reliever with the Indians. Mainly, he lacks command of his pitches and will walk too many guys, or simply give up a flock of hits.

Davis pitched well in spring training and he looked decent at the start of the season, but, lately, has fallen back into his old maddening habits. A couple of recent poor outings apparently doomed his spot on the roster, although his demotion caught most Tribe fans by surprise.

I always had high hopes for Davis, because he seemed to have closer stuff. But I'm not sorry to see him go. Every pitching spot on this club is precious -- especially in the bullpen. It wouldn't surprise me if other players get the axe in coming weeks.

Some might say, "Yeah, here's another Brandon Phillips, I can see it coming." While there are similarities in their situations -- both were out of minor league options, for instance -- Davis has had infinitely more opportunities than Phillips ever did to prove himself with the Indians.

Plus, Cleveland could have carried Phillips as an extra infielder in the spring of 2006, instead of opting to trade him. That was just a bad error in talent judgment.

As I said, Davis has the arm to make it in the majors with some other club, and I hope he does. Everyone says what a good teammate he was, and I enjoyed his personality during his visits to Erie as part of the Tribe Caravan. But when Fausto Carmona got sent down a week ago (before Jake Westbrook got hurt), and younger, more promising pitchers are available in Buffalo, the Tribe made the right choice.

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The answer to yesterday's quickie quiz is: Casey Blake. The Tribe signed him as a free agent after the Twins released him.

Today's quiz: Name the Indians catcher who made 125 or more assists in a season 7 times.

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-- Kevin Cuneo