What a weird day in Cleveland sports yesterday! The day began with rumors of the Cavaliers contemplating firing the NBA Coach of the Year, and ended with a seagull helping the Indians win their second consecutive series.
Anyway, here is the latest installment of CSP Notes…
· The rumors have started with what the Cavaliers are going to do in the off-season, and one prominent name keeps coming up: Rasheed Wallace. I would be interested in Wallace, but only for a one-year contract. If he wants two years, I’d explore other options.
· Charlie Villanueva would appear to be a better fit for the Cavs, he is younger, and would give some length to the wine and gold. The one question is his defense.
· I would have to agree with everyone else that the ultimate decision maker on whether or not Mike Brown stays or goes is LeBron James. Brown understands that, too.
· It appears that Eric Wedge would like to avoid playing Jhonny Peralta at shortstop at all costs. Luis Valbuena played there after the skipper was irritated with the formers error on Saturday, and showed more range than the statue-like Peralta.
· Speaking of Valbuena, he does show some pop with the bat. He has 9 extra base hits in 74 at bats. Compare that to Travis Hafner (11 extra base hits in 78 at bats), Ryan Garko (10 in 132 at bats) and Kelly Shoppach (10 in 113 at bats). Victor Martinez leads the team with 27 power hits.
· With St. Louis in town tonight, it reminds me that the Indians first ever interleague game was against the Cardinals in St. Louis. The Tribe won that one, 8-3, with Albie Lopez getting the victory on June 14, 1997. Jim Thome had two hits and three RBI’s, while Julio Franco had two hits and two ribbies in the win.
· Could Wedge figure out that Ben Francisco is not a lead off hitter? If Jamey Carroll is in there, he should bat first. Giving Francisco an extra at-bat is just deducting an extra out from the 27 available.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 