Hello Tribe fans everywhere!

Hey, it might be 27 degrees outside in Erie, Pa., with more snow on the way, but deep down inside I feel toasty warm. It's because the pitchers and catchers have arrived in Winter Haven, Fla., and spring training is about to officially open for the 2008 Cleveland Indians. In late October, we pined after the Tribe blew a 3-games-to-1 lead against Boston, and missed out on going to the World Series for the first time in a decade. But, all and all, it was a wonderful season.

Except for a couple of low-profile transactions, the Tribe mostly stood pat during the off season. That was OK with me, because I didn't want the Indians to make a lousy trade in reaction to all those blockbusters the Tigers pulled off. It would be better if Cleveland would simply do what it takes to re-sign C.C. Sabathia.

One reason why I'm optimistic about '08 is the state of the Indians bullpen. Heading into last season, it was full of question marks. But the emergence of youngsters such as Rafael Perez and Jensen Lewis helped turn the relief corps into one of the ballclub's strengths.

I met Lewis in the spring of 2004 at Vanderbilt University, where he'd been one of the Commodores' top pitchers. Jeremy Sowers, another talented young hurler for the Tribe, who also pitched at Vandy, is a year older than Lewis. In personality and disposition, however, they are worlds apart.

While Sowers is quiet and reserved, Lewis is loud and emotional. Both players are extremely bright, though, and they each went back to finish their degrees at Vanderbilt. Lewis, in fact, still makes his home in Nashville, although he often returns to Cincinnati, where he grew up.

After a somewhat shaky start, Jensen quickly became a go-to guy out of the Tribe's pen. In 26 games, after his July 23rd callup, he posted a 1-1 record in 26 appearances, with a 2.15 earned run average. He also pitched well in the playoffs against the Yankees and Red Sox. If not for one bad outing against Boston, when he surrendered two runs in two-thirds of an inning, Lewis would have finished with and earned run average under 3.

Lewis throws hard, and he fanned 34 batters in 29 innings. That's what makes him so valuable, in my opinion. Eventually, I can see Lewis as a closer, although that job is likely to fall to Rafael Betancourt after this season, when Joe Borowski's contract expires.

I think what I like most about Lewis is his supreme confidence in his ability. Yet he's not the stubborn, John Rocker-type of idiot who refuses to make changes.

Yes, this should be a very interesting season, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts about it with you, my fellow Tribe rooters.

Be well, and dream of Chief Wahoo tonight.

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Quickie quiz: Name Jensen Lewis' favorite Christmas movie. Is it "It's a Wonderful Life," "The Santa Claus," "A Christmas Story," or "Miracle on 34th Street"?

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-- Kevin Cuneo