Hello Tribe Fans Everywhere!

Cleveland needs one more victory to secure a spot in the World Series, but I'm already celebrating the victory of small-market, conservatively budgeted teams over the high-priced fat cats from New York and Boston. The Red Sox spent more than $100 million on one pitcher -- Japan's Daisuke Matsuzaka -- which is far more than the entire payroll for the Indians (a little over $60 million).

It's also gratifying that Jake Westbrook's solid pitching performance was followed by an equally effective outing by Paul Byrd last night in Cleveland's 7-3 victory.

Byrd is a throwback in every way -- his pitching style, which includes an old-time, single one-pump and, on occasion, double-pump windup; his plain-spoken style; his sense of humor; and his devotion to family and team.

Everyone on the Indians agrees that Byrd is the quintessential teammate. He picks guys up when they're feeling low, he graciously shares his extensive baseball knowledge with young players, and leads by example. Best of all, Byrd never makes excuses. A year ago, after he struggled through a disappointing 10-9 record with a 4.88 earned run average, he said simply, "I stunk. Cleveland gave me a chance and I blew it."

He didn't just leave it at that, either. He went home to Alpharetta, Ga. and whipped himself into the best physical condition he's been in years. He closely studied old footage of his pitching style and figured out the best approach for the 2007 season.

Byrd started the regular season in the snow -- he pitched the home opener through jumbo-sized snowflakes and just missed snatching a victory from Seattle. Only quick thinking by then-Mariners manager Mike Hargrove, who complained so bitterly to umpires about the danger to his players that the game was finally interrupted, preventing Byrd from winning the opener.

He bounced back, though, to post 15 victories in 21 decisions, and could have actually had more. In early September, he hurled a brilliant 2-hit shutout against the White Sox, enabling the Indians to start opening up a serious lead over the Tigers.

During the sad summer of 2006, Byrd grew so distraught over his own performance that he fell victim to the negativism of other teammates. He even battled briefly in the clubhouse with then-closer Bob Wickman. I always felt the squabble helped hasten Wickman's departure from Cleveland, although the two men patched up their differences and actually went deer hunting together during the off season.

That's the kind of man Byrd is. He's mature, a good guy, a great teammate, and a clutch pitcher. The Indians hold an option on his contract and, following the post-season games, are expected to sign him for another year, or cut him loose. Based on what he's accomplished this season, and what he cann provide to next year's club, the Tribe brass would be crazy to let him go.

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The answer to yesterday's quickie quiz is: Charles Nagy was the losing pitcher in the seventh game of the 1997 World Series.

Today's quiz: Name the Tribe pitcher who won two games in the '97 series.

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-- Kevin Cuneo