The Sunnier Side of Life in a Woodchuck Hole

Okay, enough venting. Back to the usual.

The LaPorta Reporta

I had a chance to go down to Akron last night and watch Matt Laporta (the key player the Tribe got in return for CC) play for the Aeros last night. He got two hits, the second of which was part of 4-run rally in the 8th that tied the game at 9 (Aeros won 10-9 after scoring another run in the 9th). He's been pretty impressive and is under consideration (along with Aeros 3B Wes Hodges) for the US Olympic Baseball Team. I'm hoping to see Rob Bryson (the other serious prospect received already) soon as he is playing in Eastlake with the Captains.

All in all, I have no problems with the trade. It will be nearly impossible for the Tribe to sign CC and, even if they are willing to pay him enough, it's not like they've traded to a team that has the kind of money needed to lock him up pre-free agency. Besides the prospects mentioned above, they will also get a very good player to be named later. The fourth player, pitcher Zach Jackson, was a throw-in and likely won't have much of an impact on the organization this year as the Bisons' season is in worse shape than the Tribe's.

On the subject of the Indians' AAA affiliate, it's changing next year. While not officially announced, it is the worst kept secret in organized baseball* that the Tribe are switching their AAA affiliation to the Columbus Clippers, who will be moving into a new ballpark (Huntington Park) in downtown Columbus near Nationwide Arena.

* The worst kept secret in all of baseball is the Avon expansion franchise for next year in the independent Frontier League.

Gladiators

Yep, the Gladiators have made it to the National Conference Championship Game. It's tomorrow (Saturday) at 1PM in Philadelphia. TV on ESPN and radio on WKNR 850AM.

Now for the list of live sporting events in the area this weekend.

Indians vs. Rays - Progressive Field
Tonight and Tomorrow - 7:05 PM - fireworks after both games
Sunday - 1:05 PM

City vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore - Krenzler Field (CSU)
Tomorrw - 7:00 PM

Captains vs. Asheville Tourists
Tonight and Tomorrow - 7:05 PM - fireworks after both games
Sunday - 1:05 PM

Finally, some concluding thoughts

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to HVM Racing IndyCar driver EJ Viso, who is missing this week's Nashville 200 with a case of the mumps.

Only 92 days until the Monsters opener!

On that note, have a good weekend and stay safe. I'm headed back into the Woodchuck Hole.