WINTER HAVEN, FLA.: The cloud still hangs over Paul Byrd's head, but at least his trial by fire with Major League Baseball is over.

Byrd waited two months for officials in the commissioner's office to question him after his use of human growth hormone came to light the morning of Oct. 21, the day the Indians lost Game 7 of the American League Championship Series to the Boston Red Sox.

Investigators for MLB got around to questioning Byrd on Dec. 17 in New York City.

''At this point, I'm still awaiting their decision in regard to the past and in regard to the future,'' Byrd said Friday in the clubhouse at Chain O' Lakes Park. ''That's really the only thing I can say.

''It was a thorough investigation, a majority-of-the-day deal. Major League Baseball has done a good job with the whole process.''

Byrd, apparently under a strict gag order by MLB, seemed
to have no idea whether he would be hit with a suspension.

When Byrd's HGH usage was revealed in an Oct. 21 San Francisco Chronicle story, MLB issued a statement that said in part, ''Since Mr. Byrd and his club, the Cleveland Indians, are currently active in postseason play, we will interview Mr. Byrd prior to the World Series, should the Cleveland club advance.''

The Tribe did not advance, and MLB did not follow up on that schedule, forcing Byrd to cool his heels for two months.

''I can't really say anything other than what I've told you,'' Byrd said.

''This has been a stressful process for my family. As far as the season goes, I'm ready to focus on what the Indians need to do to get farther than they did last year.''

The article in the Chronicle outlined Byrd's use of HGH as dating from August 2002 until early January 2005, one week before the performance-enhancing substance was banned by commissioner Bud Selig. Byrd admitted to using HGH during this period, when he was under a doctor's care to relieve Human Growth Hormone Deficiency, caused by a problem with his pituitary gland.

A red flag in Byrd's explanation concerned his source for HGH, the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center, an anti-aging clinic in Florida that was under investigation for supplying prescription drugs under questionable circumstances.

''If that pharmacy — and I have to use these words — did something wrong, I didn't know about it,'' Byrd said in October. ''And I never received a shipment that wasn't prescribed for me.''

According to the Chronicle, Byrd spent nearly $25,000 on HGH.

In an interview with Fox-Sports.com that appeared the morning of Oct. 21, Byrd said he no longer used HGH. But in a session with reporters at Fenway Park later in the day, he said, ''That's a personal matter right now, because I still have a pituitary issue.''

Byrd said he discovered that his pituitary was damaged when he sought a doctor's help because he had trouble sleeping.

The issue has yet to be resolved, but Byrd said he went about his usual offseason regimen.

''Mentally, I went about my training and did everything I wanted to do,'' he said.

After losing two of the last three ALCS games to the Red Sox to blow a chance to go to the World Series, the emotional letdown in the clubhouse was obvious.

''It was heartbreaking for me and the whole team,'' Byrd said. ''Since I was a little boy, I wanted to be in the World Series. When you're 21 or 22, or even in your mid-20s, you feel like you'll go back. But when you get older, like me, you don't know if it will be your last chance.

''But we had young guys crying, too: Jensen Lewis, who had only been with us for half a season. So that's what the tears were about. Not about the HGH scandal but about going to the World Series. People always talk about the money, but then you see grown men shedding tears. This is not a game you play at recess. It was a tough way to go out.''

Byrd has written a book, Free Byrd, that is scheduled to be published in July. He has added material on his foray into the world of HGH.

''I'm excited to get going again,'' Byrd said. ''I'm excited to see the guys and start throwing again. I want to put last year behind me.''

Skinny on Victor

Victor Martinez lost 12 pounds in the offseason.

Why? He was not required to alter the composition of his body, but he feels better. He still doesn't feel good about the way the season ended, losing the seventh game of the ALCS to the Red Sox, negating a trip to the World Series.

''It was hard,'' Martinez said. ''But my wife and two kids were waiting for me at home.''

Taking attendance

Of the 36 pitchers and catchers asked to report Thursday, all but one made it.

Jorge Julio is having visa problems coming from Venezuela, apparently because he signed late, and the paperwork for the State Department was delayed. Brendan Donnelly didn't report either. But he is recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery and isn't expected in camp until March.

Talking points

In addition to taking their physicals, every player who reported had a one-on-one session with manager Eric Wedge and General Manager Mark Shapiro.

Worldwide attention

At least a dozen Japanese media members are scheduled to descend on Chain O' Lakes Park today to talk to Masa Kobayashi, the renowned Japanese closer who signed with the Tribe in the offseason.

Kobayashi reported early to camp, on Monday, and was greeted by 15 Japanese reporters.

From this point on, Kobayashi apparently will answer to Masa, which he reportedly prefers, rather than his full name, Masahide. Kobayashi does not speak English, but the club hired an interpreter, who also will be the pitcher's personal strength coach.