Random Stuff

 

Various thoughts going through our heads as the summer starts to wind down:

 

Roger Brown:  Really, you does this guy have pictures of?  His so called conversation with a National League scout on Shin-Soo Choo was very odd.  Choo was recently named the best arm in the PCL in Baseball America’s recent tools survey.  But, Brown’s source said Choo’s arm was just average.  Whether or not, the outfielder acquired from Seattle ever becomes a good major leaguer is up for debate, but the guy has a very good arm.  Heck, he used to be a pitcher.  Also, why does he think the Indians are going through a major overhaul in the off season.  They may make some deals, but their best players are not going anywhere.  Tinkering with role players and the bullpen is not a major rebuilding situation.

 

Michael Reghi:  When LeBron James is on the team, people will watch no matter who the play by play guy is, but Dan Gilbert blew it with this move.  I like Gilbert, because he lets his basketball people run the show.  But, my recollection of Fred McLeod is that he brings the same excitement as watching paint dry.  Gilbert needs to figure out that (to paraphrase Sam Wyche) we live in Cleveland, not Detroit.  We like our guys.  We don’t want some Detroit guy (yes, I know McLeod grew up here) doing the Cavs games.  When it comes to the stuff not concerning personnel, Gilbert should think about the fans and what they want.  Cavs’ fans want Reghi doing the games, they would like a new PA announcer at the "Q" as well. 

 

Owing the Yankees?:  After Fausto Carmona’s second blown save against Boston on Wednesday, ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg commented that the Indians owed the Yankees to not use an untested closer against the Sox.  That’s a load of crap!  The only thing the Tribe owes anybody is to find out who can help the team in 2007 and in what role.  Besides, as Greenberg’s partner Mike Golic pointed out, it is not like the Indians have an established closer after the trade of Bob Wickman.  Really, after the Yankees’ grand theft of Bobby Abreu does any team in Major League Baseball owe the Bronx Bombers anything?  I don’t see the pinstripers doing anything to help the Tribe. 

 

More help on the farm:  One of the Tribe’s best prospects, Adam Miller, has been on a roll at Akron, and not many people have noticed.  Miller went 4-0 with a 0.29 ERA in July and had 30 strikeouts in 31 innings.  Last night, he threw 6 innings allowing one run on three hits, whiffing 11.  Miller had some elbow problems last season, but it appears he has recovered.  Also, at Class A Kinston, lefty Chuck Lofgren won his 14th game, and was named the best pitching prospect in the Carolina League.  Also, Trevor Crowe returned to the Akron line up yesterday, after injuring an ankle.  Crowe was named the best hitting prospect in the same league, and also has the best strike zone judgment.  Keep an eye on these three players, as they (especially Miller and Crowe) could be wearing Cleveland uniforms next season.

 

JK