Friday, July 31

So last night was a hectic evening. We got down early and battled back to tie it up at 6. Lucky us, we headed into extra innings. Finally in about 3 and 1/2 hour game, in the 11th inning, Aja Barto hits a game winning single. After the earlier closed door clubhouse meeting, Indians get off to a 1-0 record. Obviously I can't discuss what went on in that meeting, but the general idea was taking responsibility and being accountable. It seemed to work last night so hopefully we keep that mentality going and finish strong. Right now our record sits at 15-25. Not so hot, but we can easily finish above .500 with a strong finish.

There is nothing much going on today. Pitching coordinator is in town, so the staff went to Olive Garden for lunch today. Grilled shrimp caprese for me. Today is payday so we got players pounding at the training room door to get their checks ASAP. Funny thing is that they can't cash them in the clubhouse, so who knows why they need them so quickly. Makes it easier for me so I don't have to track them down.

Our starting pitcher for tonight was climbing into his locker yesterday and when he was climbing down he stepped on a shoe and twisted his ankle. He is adament that he can pitch today and will be coming in soon to get checked out. That is pretty much all that I am waiting for right now.

Our strength and conditioning coordinator is in town and his entertainment for this series is to mess with the Japanese s/c intern here. He told him that he had to remember that the muscle connecting the balls to the heart is called the "sputinator". He told him that some guys have it and some guys don't, but it can be developed with hard work and dedication. This intern is struggling as it is and now has to deal with having to learn things that don't exist. It is pretty funny though.

I'll try to take some training room pics later today and post for everyone to see the great area that I work in.

Indians v Emeralds, game 3 at 6:30.