Hello Tribe fans everywhere!

Paul Byrd is the man. The Indians hitters are in a severe drought, and the Twins keep creeping closer. But Byrd gets the job done by firing blanks at the men of Minnesota. He's pitched great this season. His record stands at 10-4 with a 4.31 earned run average, and he actually deserves to have two or possibly three more victories.

The Tribe didn't exactly tattoo Twins pitching last night, but four runs seemed like 40 after recent games in which the Indians could barely squeeze out a single run.

So, what doesn C.C. Sabathia have to say about the state of the Indians? Why, he predicted a division title. Says it's in the bag. The Tigers and Twins might have a different opinion, but I kind of like the way Sabathia carries himself. He says the Indians still have yet to play their best baseball this season -- "Wait til we get hot!" he says with confidence.

I've been rooting for the Tribe all these years, so I'm just as looney as C.C. But I actually agree with him. Wasn't it great to see Travis Hafner, with one flick of his wrists, send one into orbit last night? Man, if only Hafner could recapture the form he showed at this time last season. The Indians can win without Hafner, but it would be very difficult. If he can somehow put it back together and finish with 25-27 homers, 95 RBIs and hit .270, it might mean a divisional title.

Akron Beacon Journal sports columnist Terry Pluto has it right, though: the Tribe needs to tighten up its lineup. I would give Franklin Guttierez a long look in the outfield, at the expense of Trot Nixon. And I might even move Grady Sizemore to the third position. Kenny Lofton's been leading off for years, and can probably fill in nicely in that spot.

The Indians can't afford to carry any weak sisters. They dumped Fernando Cabrera, sent Cliff Lee to the minors, and should send reserve infielder Mike Rouse packing. He's not that talented defensively and cannot hit a lick. I'm with Pluto on this; I'd promote Asdrubal Cabrera, the talented young shortstop who's been on a tear at Buffalo -- ever since his promotion from Akron.

The news on Lee and Jeremy Sowers at Buffalo is also positive. They're pitching much better, and if they can regain their 2006 form, it just might push the Tribe over the top. There won't be enough room in the rotation for both pitchers, but perhaps one can help out in relief. From this point on, it's a 7-week dash to the playoffs.

Incidentally, why would the Indians sign Russell Branyan? Is it a safeguard against injury? Does the signing mean that Andy Marte is this big of a bust? I don't understand it.

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The answer to the last quickie quiz is: Gary Bell, Buddy Bell, Jay Bell and Albert Belle.

Today's quiz: How many grand slam home runs did the Indians hit in 2006? It tied the record for the all-time high.

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-- Kevin Cuneo