Hello Tribe Fans Everywhere!

As a longtime Indians fan, I always mull over the changes I'd make if I was running the team. After last night's 8-7 loss to Seattle -- a game which the Tribe let slip away after roaring back from a 7-0 deficit -- I could think of several moves I'd make in a hurry to bolster the club.

First, I'd send David Dellucci packing. Yes, I know his two-run homer tied up Saturday's game against the Reds, but the way Dellucci keeps stranding runners on base is maddening. The grounder he hit in the eighth inning last night should have resulted in a double play, and then he was thrown out at the plate by a mile. Actually, that wasn't Dellucci's fault -- third-base coach Joel Skinner never should have sent him home. But, then, with two runners on and two outs in the ninth, Dellucci grounded weakly to second to end the game.

Everybody kept raving during to off season about what a great pickup Dellucci was for the Tribe, but I never understood the enthusiasm. Yes, the guy has shown some power, but he's never played regularly in the big leagues. He certainly didn't merit a 3-year contract.

I would much rather see the Indians give one of the kid outfielders a shot in left. Ben Francisco, Shin-Soo Choo or even Franklin Gutierrez would much preferred over Dellucci. For that matter, I'm really not too crazy about Trot Nixon, either. Yes, I know of Nixon's reputation for being a strong leader in the clubhouse, but to me he looks like an aging outfielder with a bad back. Seriously, wouldn't you rather see one the Indians give one of the kids a chance?

I'm also convinced Cleveland's bullpen is about to implode, even though Fernando Cabrera and Roberto Hernandez both finally pitched well last night. It was a crime the way Joe Borowski let Seattle score the go-ahead run in the 9th. He'd have surrendered more runs, too, if Victor Martinez hadn't made a great defensive play to end the 9th for Seattle.

Eric Wedge bugged me, as well, when he failed to put in a pinch runner, first for Dellucci and later for Martinez. I knew he didn't send a sub in for Martinez, because had the Indians tied the game and sent it into extra innings, it meant Ryan Garko would have had to move behind the plate. So, big deal! Garko was a catcher all his life until two seasons ago. Do you mean to tell me he can't go behind the plate in a pinch? Baloney! The guy's a pro. Besides, it always shakes things up a bit when players try new -- or in this case, old -- positions.

No, last night's game left me steaming. This is a pretty good team that still hasn't hit as well as it should, but the pitching, with the exception of C.C. Sabathia, Fausto Carmona and Paul Byrd (last night's performance notwithstanding), is weak. After a strong start, I can see it all slipping away.

If Travis Hafner doesn't start hitting soon, look for the Tigers to sail past the Tribe.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

For all you Tribe fans who love Cleveland Indians memorabilia, here's an opportunity to acquire some genuine items. A signed Cliff Lee game jersey, a major league ball signed by Grady Sizemore, four club seats for a July 29th game against the Twins, and the actual lineup from the May 28, 2006 game against the Tigers are all up for sale on a special Barber National Institute Web site -- www.BarberInstitute.org.

Each of the items was scheduled to be auctioned in January during the Indians Caravan visit to the Barber Institute, but you'll recall that a terrible blizzard forced cancellation of the event. The Indians bus made it as far as the Pennsylvania state line before I-90 was closed.

I think this is a rare opportunity for fans to bid on some really neat items. Check the Web site and place your bid. Remember, all proceeds benefit services to children and adults with disabilities at the Barber Institute.

*********************
The answer to yesterday's quickie quiz is: Jose Mesa holds Cleveland's single-season saves record. He registered 46 saves in 1995.

Today's quiz: Name the young Indians phenom of the early 1980's who was shipped to Philadelphia for three players in a controversial trade in 1982.

********************

-- Kevin Cuneo