Hello Tribe fans everywhere!

Welcome to a brand new season. I don't know about you, but all this snow in northwestern Pennsylvania has me pining for spring and Cleveland Indians baseball.

I like what the Tribe did in the off season -- signing Kerry Wood and acquiring third baseman Mark DeRosa. It would have been an even more enjoyable winter had the Indians signed Adam Dunn, but given the tight money conditions inside the Wigwam, that would have been impossible.

None of the top teams in the A.L. Central Division distinguished themselves in the off season, and those who say Cleveland is now the favorite are deluding themselves. The Tribe is weaker heading into the new campaign because its starting pitching rotation is but a shadow of what it was a year ago. Gone are three key starters: CC Sabathia, Jake Westbrook and Paul Byrd. Sabathia and Byrd were traded away, and Westbrook is still recovering from Tommy John surgery.

The replacements for this trio will be found among Carl Pavano, Anthony Reyes, Aaron Laffey, David Huff, etc., etc. The group doesn't exactly stir memories of Bob Lemon, Early Wynn, Mike Garcia and Bob Feller.

If Pavano and Reyes combine for 15 wins, the Indians should consider it a bonus. Both are major medical risks and will likely spend significant time on the disabled list. Actually, if Pavano looks fragile in spring training, he might get broomed altogether.

Personally, I would rather see the kid pitchers get a chance. Laffey, before he strained his forearm, looked terrific last season, and I've always had a soft spot for Jeremy Sowers, even though his pitching mechanics have been all screwed up for two years. Huff and Adam Miller could be bright spots on the Indians pitching staff.

At the Tribe Caravan in January, Laffey went on at length about Miller's stuff -- when the young pitcher is healthy. "Adam is electric," Laffey said.

This is just the start of spring training and many interesting days lie ahead. I like the young players who are almost ready for the big leagues, however, and that could make for an interesting '09 season.

*****************
Quickie Quiz: The Indians are giving Ryan Garko and Josh Barfield some playing time in the outfield this spring. Name the former Chicago White Sox second baseman who played the outfield for the Tribe in 1980 and '81.

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

-- Kevin Cuneo