Hello Tribe fans everywhere!

Yes, we all know how poorly the Indians have played since the All-Star break. If the Tigers hadn't played even worse, Cleveland might be out of the pennant race. But tonight's game -- the first of a 2-game home series against Detroit -- could help show exactly where the Indians stand.

Somehow, the Tribe must find a way to get back on track. Perhaps it's not possible; maybe Cleveland is simply running on fumes. It's certainly looked that way in recent days. But, except for Travis Hafner's bum leg, the Indians are fairly healthy, which means they must suck it up and find a way to get it done against the Tigers.

It's interesting how the managers of the respective co-leaders of the A.L. Central Division are approaching the lackluster play in recent weeks by their teams. Tigers manager Jim Leyland, who owns a World Series ring and has managed many top teams over the years, has gone public with his dissatisfaction over Detroit's performance.

Mainly, Leyland and his coaching staff are taking responsibility for the Tigers' lousy play. By doing so, it puts the onus squarely on the shoulders of his players. And, by going public, Leyland is ratcheting up the pressure a few notches on his guys.

Cleveland manager Eric Wedge seems to be taking the opposite tack -- at least publicly. You would think Tribe management must be ready to yank out its hair at this point, but they've maintained a public posture that things will turn around. Privately, I would hope that Wedge is doing everything in his power to kick-start his lethargic club. It's at times like this that I wish Lou Piniella managed the Indians. Although I dislike violence in most forms, I'm partial to managers who overturn food spreads and throw tantrums in the clubhouse.

Many would consider that "old school." Skilled modern managers can find other, more subtle ways to motivate their players. But I don't care how they do it, I just want the Indians to start playing with a sense of purpose. I'm sick of so many Tribe hitters striking out, and it's time to go out on the field and make a statement.

As they did in April after the Yankees swept the Tribe in New York, I think it's time for the Indians to take stock of themselves -- individually and as a team. They turned their season around the last time the Yankees humiliated them. Maybe they can do it again. I sure hope it happens.

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The answer to yesterday's quickie quiz is: Tommy John, who came up through the Indians system and pitched with the Tribe in 1964 before getting traded to the White Sox, will always be identified with "Tommy John surgery."

Today's quiz: Name the former Tribesman who once hid behind the monuments at Yankee Stadium when Mickey Mantle came to bat.

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-- Kevin Cuneo