Heading into the home stretch, it's the seventh edition of interviews with Indians draft picks: left-handed pitcher Matt Meyer. Matt served primarily as a reliever at Boston College, although he's been known to start once in a while. The Indians grabbed Meyer in the 15th round, with the 461st overall selection. Since this interview took place, Matt has signed with the Tribe, and is currently playing for Mahoning Valley. Oh, and for those of you who may not appreciate this unprecedented streak of homotopical posts: I'm sorry about this readers, but stay tuned, we've got some real good toy commercials coming right up, I swear!

Alex Rubin: What are the chances that you will sign with the Indians?

Matt Meyer: As for right now, we are trying to negotiate a deal that would be beneficial for both me and the Indians. Right now, nothing is certain. However I hope that we can work something out.

AR: You've primarily been a reliever at BC, what role do you think the Indians have in mind for you? Would you be opposed to becoming a lefty specialist?

MM: I think the Indians would have probably a similar role in mind. I have always been tough for lefties to hit because my arm slot is a little different then most lefties, but I would not be opposed to being a lefty specialist. Anything that can help me get to the big leagues faster.

AR: Could you describe your pitching motion for us? What makes your delivery so hard on left-handed hitters?

MM: I have a real low three-quarters arm slot, so it is hard for left-handed hitters to pick up the ball out of my hand. People say I have a funky delivery that can mess up a hitters timing.

AR: What makes Shea Field such a strong pitchers park? As a pitcher, are there any ways that you try to take advantage of the field's inherent hindrance to hitters?

MM Shea Field plays real big even though it isn't real deep to center; not many balls fly out of there. A lot of the time the wind blows in and hitters really have to put a charge in the ball to hit a home run. So, as a pitcher, I try to keep the ball low in the zone, and not serve up any belt-high fastballs.

AR: Do you have any regrets regarding your college career? Is there anything you would change about how your baseball career has progressed so far?

MM: I have no regrets at all about college so far, it is the perfect place for me and I would not want to go anywhere else. I have met my best friends here, and I think it is the best place for me. I like where my baseball career has gone since I have been in college--I have become a lot stronger and a much better pitcher, due in large part to my coaches and strength coaches pushing me so hard.

AR: Are you a Twins fan? If so, have your loyalties shifted at all since draft day?

MM: I am a Twins fan; I have been one since I was a little kid, and I still love the Twins. But I have been checking the scores more and have been cheering on the Indians. But I don't know what I am going to do when the Twins play the Indians.

AR: The Indians have had an off-and-on rivalry with the Twins, and especially Torii Hunter ever since Danys Baez hit Hunter with a pitch and Hunter picked the ball up and threw it back at Baez in 2002. If given the chance, would you throw at Hunter?

MM: For my entire career, I have been taught not to throw at anyone intentionally. In the pros, it is different though because your teammates are like a bunch of brothers, and if anyone messes with your brother you're going get mad and want to retaliate. Sometimes there are situations where you are taught to protect your teammates by beaning a guy, and I am not saying I would want to bean Torii, because he is one of my favorite Twins players. But if it was an instance where I was told to protect a guy on my team, I would really have no choice.

We're back with the sixth installment of the never-ending series "Indians Draftee Q&A." The man of the hour today is UCLA right-handed pitcher Brant Rustich. Brant fell to the Indians in the 14th round, the 401st pick to be exact, due to an injury to the middle finger on his right hand. Prior, he had been the Bruins closer. John Manuel of Baseball America names Rustich as a potential steal, if only the team can sign him. Rustich is definitely more of a power pitcher than a finesse guy--poor walk totals stand as the only stain on his performance record.

Alex says: The Indians drafted two other Bruins this year. How excited are you to potentially remain teammates with those guys? How close are you with Dave [Huff] and Daniel [Miltenberger]?

Brant Rustich: I'm very excited having the possibility of playing with my teammates in professional baseball. I'm very close with both Dave and Dan. Dave Huff is actually my roommate this year at UCLA. We are good friends, and I'm sure it will be a lot easier for us three to transition to pro ball with each other to look out for.

AR: I understand you're a fan of Major League and Major League II. How exciting is it for you to be drafted by the team that inspired both movies? Which character do you think you resemble most in your style of play?

BR: I love the Major League movies! Right when the Indians selected me I couldn't help but think about those movies and playing in the big leagues with the Indians. I'd say I resemble Rick Vaughn. I'm an aggressive power pitcher like he was in the movie. In the movie he pitched in a starter and closer role, which is quite similar to myself in the past couple years.

AR: Would you consider getting a Rick Vaughn-style haircut, adopting the nickname "Wild Thing," or at the very least, coming to the mound to the song of the same name?

BR: I don't know about the hair cut... but I do know when I was younger the kids would call me "Wild Thing" because I would throw hard and I was good for hitting a few batters a game. I'd still like to stay original and come out with my own song and style.

AR: You were drafted out of high school by the Twins with the 1368th overall pick. Now you're the 401st overall pick. What did you do to improve by nearly 1000 spots?

BR: The Twins drafted me in high school as a draft-and-follow. They knew my intentions were to play college baseball, but they kind of took a flyer pick to see if I had any chance to deviate from my asking price. As for the Indians taking me this year, it's very exciting to get selected considering I missed the year due to an injured finger. I have the possibility to come back next year as a redshirt junior, but I think the Indians are very interested in signing me. We will have to wait and see.

AR: How is your injury now? When do you expect to fully recover?

BR: I still haven't started treatment because it's been a slow diagnosis of exactly the problem causing me pain in my middle finger on my throwing hand. Nothing major seems to be damaged and all looks normal. I'm hoping by the end of summer, I can be at 100%.

AR: Do you expect to sign with the Indians?

BR: I'm looking forward to seeing what happens and what the Indians have in mind. It's still a toss up whether or not I will sign. At the moment, I think it will be safe to say it's 50/50.

In the fifth edition of Indians Draftee Q&A, we feature Illinois State right-handed pitcher Dan Frega. Dan was the 371st pick overall--the Indians 12th round selection. Frega's performance in college left something to be desired, but he's definitely got the tools to be successful. Reportedly, his fastball can reach the upper-90's. Frega has since signed with the Tribe, and was on the Opening Day roster of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers last night. Note that this interview took place before Dan signed his contract.

Alex Rubin: What are the chances that you will sign with the Indians?

Dan Frega: I will sign with the Indians tomorrow, I verbally said "yes" yesterday so [the scout] just has to bring the final contract out here.

AR: It's rare to see a baseball-playing art major. How would you describe your art?

DF: Being an art major is interesting, and parts are not fun, because usually artists are only good at a couple fields and you have to take classes that you are not good at. Like, with me, I don't like painting much, but I had a good teacher to help me through it. Basically, I stick to the animation/film editing realm of art, but I like drawing too. I do use baseball as a reference point or subject in my work often, but it is completely different.

AR: Do you expect to continue working with film and animation after your baseball days?

DF: I will be working with film if I have the time to take classes in the fall. Otherwise, maybe, I'm not sure.

AR: How would you describe your pitching style? Are you satisfied with the success you've had in college?

DF: I am not satisfied how I pitched in college; my stats were not very good at all. But overall I am happy with the progress I have made since high school. I am more of a power pitcher than a finesse guy, but I am trying to get more control with all my pitches. My fastball has topped out at 96 MPH, so that gets me by sometimes.

AR: Why do you think you've had poor college statistics? How do you plan to improve your performance on the field?

DF: As far as the stats, I'm not sure why I didn't perform in college ball the way I should have. But I did really well at the end of the season and at all of the tryouts I attended right before the draft, so I will continue to do what I was doing there.

AR: What was your reaction to be drafted by the Indians, rivals (and eventual masters) to your hometown White Sox? Have you denounced the Sox in favor of the Tribe yet?

DF: I didn't really care who picked me up this year, but to be honest, the Indians were number one if I could have chosen one team. They showed the most interest, so... As far as the Sox go, I'll always be a Sox fan until I one day, hopefully, make it to the major leagues.

It's our fourth edition of Indians Draftee Q&A, and we're finally breaking out the big guns: the Indians supplementary first round pick and ping-pong enthusiast, Dave Huff. Huff was among the best pitchers in the nation this season at UCLA, using his excellent control to frustrate hitters. He's already drawn comparisons to super-prospect Jeremy Sowers, another lefty with great control. Huff started his college career at UC Irvine, but transferred to Cypress Community College after one year to test the draft waters early. Things didn't go as planned, and he moved on to UCLA for his junior season--and became one of the best collegiate arms in the country. With the Indians taking him 39th overall, and no talk of a hold-out or signability issues, fans can expect him to suit up somewhere in the organization very soon.

Alex Rubin: Did you think you would be a first round draft pick? Do you think because you're the Indians first pick that you're being treated like a "true" 1st rounder?

Dave Huff: Well, before the draft, a lot people were telling me that I was going to go in the first/supplemental rounds. The Yankees, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, and Indians were the teams that were interested in me the most. Baseball America had me projected to go to the Yankees as the 21st pick. Honestly, come draft day, I didn't know what to expect. I feel honored to be selected, especially by the Indians. I don't even know, because I don't know what first rounders are treated like.

AR: When can Indians fans expect to see you signed?

DH: Right now I'm taking finals at UCLA because we're on a quarter system. Once that's all done with, I plan on signing. I'm sorry to delay the process, but don't worry, I definitely plan to sign.

AR: How major league ready do you consider yourself right now? Do you have a personal goal as to when you'll reach the majors?

DH: I strongly believe I am ready for The Show. I have a good idea of how to pitch and set a goal to get there in less than two years.

AR: How do you approach an at-bat?

DH: When I face a hitter, I look at where he sets in the box; look for the bar-arm; see if he has an open stance. I throw the first pitch and look at how he reacts to it.

AR: Why did you choose not to sign with the Angels in 2003 or the Phillies last year? Obviously, it was a good choice. What went right for you at UCLA?

DH: Coming out of high school, I felt I wasn't ready both physically and mentally. They offered $500,000, yeah stupid, I probably should have taken it, but I was young and immature. Last year with the Phillies, there was a miscommunication with the area scout and the higher-ups in the company. The area scout told me that I was going to get what I wanted and they were going to get me out there and in the system. At the time I was asking $800,000. They offered $300,000 and clearly that was not what I was looking for.

At UCLA, I was back with my old pitching coach from UC Irvine, John Savage, and he helped me get ready for the next level. I got to face Division I hitting which I think helped me sharpen my tools.

AR: According to Boyd Nation, UCLA played the hardest schedule in Division I this year yet you were even more successful this year than last. Are there any changes you made last winter?

DH: Last year's season was really tough to handle (15-41). Coming into this season, I really didn't know what to expect. The new guys coming in definitely stepped up and worked hard. We just came together as a team and worked hard to win every pitch of every inning of every game.

AR: You are one of three Bruins taken by the Indians this year. How close are you to Brant [Rustich] and Daniel [Miltenberger]? How excited are you to continue playing alongside them?

DH: Real close. Brant is my roommate and Daniel is a fellow pitcher on the staff that I talk to constantly. It will be awesome playing alongside of them because I will know someone out there.

AR: Being drafted so high must be a thrill, but have you even been a little wary of leaving sunny and beautiful Southern California for the snowy Midwest?

DH: No, not at all! During the summer, I actually miss out on sunny California because I'm playing ball somewhere else in the United States. These last two summers I've been at the Cape, playing for Chatham.

AR: What song would you like playing when you take the mound at Jacobs Field?

DH: I have this song that my friend made, Dimitri Karnezis, the song is called "My Entourage" by DJ DK. Not very many people know about it, but it's a sweet song! But if not, I would definitely go with "Black Betty" by Ram Jam.

AR: You're an avid ping-pong player. Could you describe your pitching style for us using ping-pong terminology?

DH: Hahahaha! Okay... well, I hit my spots with a little bit of english so the hitters get hand-cuffed or roll it over into the net. I put a little velo on it and take a little off to disrupt my opponents' timing. I like to use my skills and weapons much like Barry Zito and Tom Glavine, I'm not going to over-power anyone but I will make them make mistakes.

In the third edition of our interviews with 2006 Indians draft picks, we have Chris Roberts, an outfielder from Oshkosh West High School in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Being a high schooler, we laypeople don't have much in the way of statistics or scouting. He played shortstop in high school, but will transition to the outfield if he indeed does go pro. The Indians took Roberts in the 27th round with the 821st selection.

Alex Rubin: Since you're a high school draftee, we don't have much info on your style of play. Would please describe your game for us? What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Chris Roberts: As a high school player, my style of play is mostly aggressive, I'm a 6.6-6.7 runner in the 60 and enjoy making things happen on the base paths. I'm a left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower. Although I didn't have many home runs this year, I do have a powerful gap-to-gap approach as a hitter. The Indians drafted me as an outfielder and in high school I played shortstop all year, however I have had experience in the outfield on prior teams where I switched around with other players on the team. My weaknesses are that I need to fill into my body strength-wise and being that I am from Wisconsin, I will have to learn to adjust to the speed of the professional game. Also at times I become too anxious and tend to pull the ball a little more than I need to and forget about the left side of the field.

AR: What do you think makes the Indians envision you as an outfielder rather than an infielder? What are your feelings about a position change?

CR: I believe the Indians envision me more as an outfielder because of my ability to run as well as I do. Being that I am from Wisconsin also means that I have not developed as much as a college player or a high school player from the South. My honest feelings on making the move from infield to the outfield is that I'm a little disappointed because I do enjoy the infield and would like to see how I fair there. But if the outfield is where I will have the greatest chance to move up the ranks the fastest, then that is fine by me.

AR: Did you have any expectations as to which round you'd be drafted?

CR: Yes I did have expectations when it came to rounds in the draft, I was contacted by the White Sox and the Brewers on the first day between the 10th and 13th rounds. However they felt that they would not be able to sign me and selected other players.

AR: What are the chances that you sign with the Indians?

CR: As of right now, I am completely open to the Indians and have not as of this time been given an offer. I have a very good relationship with our area scout here in Wisconsin and when he called he just wanted to congratulate me on being drafted and knew that I had graduation that night so he told me to focus on that and that he would be in touch within the next few days.

AR: What college plans have you made, if any?

CR: As of right now, my college plans are to attend Michigan State University.

In the second edition of "Indians Draftee Q&A," we feature Tennessee right-hander Ty Pryor. Ty just finished his sophomore year, and played for the University of South Florida in 2005. Ty served as a reliever and spot-starter this season for the Volunteers, posting a 4.93 ERA with strong strikeout numbers in the always difficult SEC. According to a Baseball America report prior to the season, Pryor features a fastball up to 95 MPH, which he mixes with "a solid curveball and changeup." The Indians selected him in the 26th round with the 791st overall pick.

Alex Rubin: Are you happy with where you were drafted? What are the chances that you will sign with the Indians?

Ty Pryor: The Indians and I had worked out a few situations prior to the draft as to what we would do if they came up. I am happy to know that they are going to come down to Orlando this summer and watch me pitch a few times to see if we can't reach a deal. If we can reach a mutual agreement, I would definitely like to sign with Cleveland.

AR: The Indians also drafted your teammate Kelly Edmundson this year. Are you close with Kelly, and how much of an edge would you have, being able to work with the same catcher in the minors that you did in college?

TP: Kelly and I are pretty close. He caught most of my innings at Tennessee and I think it would be a huge advantage pitching to a catcher I have experience with.

AR: Lindsey Nelson Stadium is a pretty extreme pitchers park. Do you think this affected scouts' perception of you? Your statistics? Your draft status?

TP: I don't think LNS really factored much into my draft status. I was successful and unsuccessful in a wide variety of parks so it is kind of insignificant in the scheme of things.

AR: Does it ever matter to you what stadium you pitch in? Do you try to adjust depending on whether it favors hitters or pitchers, righties or lefties, etc?

TP: I try not to focus on the stadium I am pitching in when metal bats are involved. In college, you can hit it out of any park to right, left or center with those bats. I really try to just trust my stuff and my defense behind me. I try to throw the ball where the coach calls it. If I start worrying about the stadium, it just adds to the other things I am thinking about. I try to keep it simple out there.

AR: You're a DJ for 90.3 WUTK, "UT's College of Rock". What kind of show do you have? You're also a Journalism and Electronic Media major, so is working in radio in the cards for after your playing career?

TP: I was simply your run-of-the-mill DJ at 90.3 and I loved working with the people there and I am very thankful for the opportunity. My ultimate goal is definitely to have my own talk show, local or syndicated, if baseball doesn't work out. I am still debating if I want to talk sports or politics.

AR: You hail from Orlando, yet you're a devoted Kansas City Royals fan. Can you explain how that came about? If you do sign with the Indians, will you change your allegiances at all?

TP: I love the Royals because my uncle Greg Pryor won a World Series with them in 1985. His family still lives out there and I know a few people in their system, including Zach Greinke and their recent number one pick Luke Hochevar. As far as allegiances go, if I get the opportunity to play against the Royals, I will go after them just as hard as I would any other team. I will still have a spot in my heart for them, but the Indians will be high at the top, with KC a distant second.

AR: Recent history has been cruel to the Royals. Do you find your loyalty tested by these low times, or has it been cemented?

TP: At times I feel my loyalty tested. I think things could really get turned around if the management were willing to splurge a little bit for some talent. I know they have a lot of guys in the farm leagues and they just drafted a stud in Hochevar. The fan base is there in KC they just need to invest a little more in the product. I still love the Royals, but they frustrate me.

AR: What makes your family so accomplished at baseball? Did your father and uncles encourage you to become a professional ballplayer?

TP: I guess they just passed down some good genes, I really can't explain why they were so successful. They have always been hard workers. I try to exemplify their best qualities into my life. They never really encouraged me to pick up baseball. They let me come around to the sport on my own terms, which turned out great for me. Once I got serious about baseball in high school they gave me all the advice they had. I am very thankful they never pushed me into it.

Last season, I had a chance to ask a few questions of four Indians draft picks: Joe Ness (now kicking ass in Kinston), Jensen Lewis (also in Kinston), Brent Thomas (on the Mahoning Valley roster), and Joseph Hunter (who didn't sign). We've ramped up the coverage for this season: expect slightly longer and more in-depth interviews, and more of them.

In the first edition of 2006, we have right-handed pitcher Mike Eisenberg from Marietta College. Mike is quite the accomplished player. This season he led the Etta Express--that's actually the team nickname--to a Division III National Championship and was named D-III Pitcher of the Year, among other honors. The Indians nabbed Eisenberg in the eighth round, with the 251st overall selection.

Alex Rubin: You're one of the only players the Indians drafted this year with any kind of Ohio connection. Does it mean anything special to you to have been drafted by the Indians? Would you have preferred to be drafted by the Reds?

Mike Eisenberg: Although I do have the Ohio connection being from Marietta College, I actually live in Coral Gables, FL and grew up and went to high school in the Washington, DC area (Potomac, MD). But, I have been in Ohio almost all year for three years running now. I have grown into the area sports and our baseball team is basically split down the middle between Pirates fans and Indians fans. It means more to me to be around the friends I have made throughout these three years. Now they can come watch me play wherever I am, hopefully someday at Jacobs Field. From what I've heard the Indians have a great system and I am very excited to learn at the next level.

AR: How do you think your draft status was affected by being from a Division III school? Having won a national championship? Being named the D-III Pitcher of the Year?

ME: Well, in some ways I feel I can compete just as well as the guys playing at the D-I level, but it has its strengths and weaknesses. It does cause scouts and others to wonder if I am actually prepared for the jump in talent in terms of hitters, but I have never felt more ready for a challenge in my life. Winning the national championship, though, I had an opportunity to play at my level's highest stage and aginst the toughest competitors at the D-III level. The awards I received this year were extremely special and I am honored to be named everything from all-tournament teams to the pitcher of the year, but winning the national championship was what we worked for all year and we achieved it. That is most special to me.

AR: Did you ever consider transferring to a school with a higher profile baseball program?

ME: There are two answers to that question. One, you cannot get much more high profile or successful at the D-III level than Marietta College which in my and many others' opinion is the premiere program in Division III. On the other hand, coming out of high school, I was not the pitcher I am today. I threw about 81-82 consistently to say the least. Therefore, I was not recruited at all. I came to Marietta College seeking the instruction to get better and stronger and I did. I never regret my decision for one second, especially after having won a national championship.

AR: At 6'7", you're the tallest Indians draftee this year. How much of an advantage does your height give you? Do you consciously try to maximize this asset?

ME: I did not know that. It's funny you say that, though, because being so tall I always look around to see if I am the tallest person on my team or on the field. I have fun with it. But on the field, it serves as one of my best advantages. Releasing the ball from a closer release point gives the hitters less time to react. Being relatively thin for my height, I have a lot of room to fill out and I am excited about that because it may very well lead to higher velocity and just being a better pitcher overall. Depending on the hitter, as well, it can serve as an intimidation factor and that is what I try to maximize out of my height on the field.

AR: Have you ever not been the tallest? Do you pick on the short guys on the team? (As a fellow tall guy, I can say that they deserve it.)

ME: Haha, no. I've never picked on anybody a day in my life. I went through it in high school and it's no way to treat a person. I try to be as good of a friend to people (that deserve it) as possible. And the closest I came to being the second tallest was my summer team in 2005, where our first baseman was also 6'7". I take great pride in that, even though I had no control over it.

Thanks for taking the time to interview me. I appreciate it. I plan to do everything in my power to help the Scrappers succeed this summer and hopefully win as many games as we possibly can. I'll see you at the Jake someday.

Allow me a brief angry rant.

You know that I, more than your average NFL fan, like to attach a certain importance to jersey numbers, especially when it comes to the legacies that follow them. Even I, however, am utterly disgusted by the recent comments of Raiders Hall of Famer Jim Otto regarding LeCharles Bentley's petition to be allowed to wear #00 with the Browns this season:

"To let him wear my number, that I built into a legacy, all it takes is one ounce of coke up his nose and that legacy is gone."

Jim Otto finds himself in the unique position of being one of maybe two or three notable athletes ever to have worn his particular jersey number in his particular sport. And yet there have certainly been players in NFL history who, we can agree, are more legendary than Otto, each of whom has somehow found a way to cope with the indignity and humiliation of seeing the legacy of his jersey number tarnished by lesser players. How Larry Csonka, for example, deals with the insult of seeing his #39 worn by the likes of Michael Lehan, we'll never know. But a former NFL player who would insinuate--nay, demand--that his legacy specifically be given special treatment has serious problems with his ego. Jim Otto is not Jackie Robinson.

On top of all that, LeCharles' entire stated reason for wanting to wear #00 was to honor Jim Otto! LeCharles would be doing for Otto exactly what Otto seems to want: raising his "jersey number legacy" to a level higher than that of other, more deserving NFL legends.

On top of all that, there's the exceptionally bad taste inherent in Otto's cocaine remark. You and I know who LeCharles Bentley is--one of the more promising young offensive linemen in the NFL today--and while I don't know LeCharles personally, I don't believe he's much of a candidate to make headlines for any sort of off-field incident, be it drug-related or not. Let's say, though, that there was a chance Bentley's career could fizzle out, or that he could get in trouble with the law. How, exactly, would that affect our recollections of the number 00? When you think of #89, do you think of Richard Alston? More to the point: do you think of Rae Carruth? No, if you think of anyone, it's most likely Mike Ditka, or Gino Marchetti, or Mark Bavaro.

In short, I'm not sure what Jim Otto is so concerned about. That people will think less of him? That's doubtful. That people will forget him? That's inevitable. The NFL decided to prohibit LeCharles from wearing #00 well before Jim Otto ever opened his mouth, and their stated reasons were perfectly fair. We can only hope, though, that someday LeCharles finds a way to get what he wants, not only because #00 in and of itself is awesome, but because Jim Otto could stand to be knocked down a peg or two.

My giddy enthusiasm over the pro career of Babatunde Oshinowo grows stronger with each passing day, and the latest edition of Football Outsiders' Four Downs: AFC North adds plenty of fuel to the fire. Analyst Sean McCormick uses draft boards from a variety of sources to evaluate each team's 2006 draft. Cornerback DeMario Minter, for example, was rated between #50 and #100 on most draft boards, but the Browns got him at #152. That would be a draft steal, according to this analysis.

Perhaps the biggest steal of the entire draft, then, was Oshinowo, whom the Browns drafted at #181, but who was generally rated between #50 and #75. He was the consensus best player available for most of the fourth and fifth rounds, before the Browns finally nabbed him in the sixth. Says FO's Aaron Schatz:

From an intelligence and personality standpoint, I thought Oshinowo was the most impressive interview I sat in on when Michael David Smith and I were at the combine in Indy. The guy actually used his last year of eligibility on classes towards a Masters in electrical engineering. When you get to the NFL, where every single player is physically talented, intelligence can definitely make a difference. I know some people thought he was out of shape at the combine, and he’s entirely built for absorbing blockers in a 3-4 defense rather than making plays in a 4-3, but people will be kicking themselves in a couple years.

Suddenly the Browns defense (aka "Oshinowo's Eleven") is looking pretty good to me. The change from Fisk/Kelley to Oshinowo/Washington almost has to be an improvement. The secondary will finally be able to deploy stars Baxter and Bodden at the same time. The linebacking corps, perhaps surprisingly, has the most depth of any unit on the team, led by Davis, McGinest, Wimbley, and D'Qwell. Be optimistic, Browns fans.

Forgive me for dispensing with sports just for today. I've recently watched the cinematic garbage that is Against the Ropes and caught the end of my second-favorite movie about the Indians, Major League II. This set-in-Cleveland extravaganza set my mind in motion: what other movies take place in Cleveland? What movies were filmed in Cleveland? So, I got to work whipping up a few lists and I'm posting them here for two reasons, (1) in case you catch a movie I missed and can fill me in, and (2) attention. Because, really, what's a blog except for an excuse for attention?

There are a couple caveats before the lists, though. Firstly, "filmed in Cleveland" means a goodly portion of the film was filmed in Greater Cleveland. Sorry Air Force One, but one scene at Severance Hall is not enough. The same goes for Spider-Man 3. Secondly, I didn't want to get too cute with my map of Greater Cleveland, so the Shawshank Redemption (which was filmed in Mansfield) and the like are not included.

Set in Cleveland, but filmed elsewhere

• The Battle of Shaker Heights
• Beautiful Ohio
• Detroit Rock City
• F.I.S.T.
• Howard the Duck
• Light of Day
• Major League
• Major League II
• The Rocker

Filmed in Cleveland, but set elsewhere

• A Christmas Story
• The Deer Hunter
• Double Dragon
• Ghost in the Machine
• House Arrest
• Proximity

Both set and filmed in Cleveland (a.k.a. the best movies ever)

• Against the Ropes
• American Splendor
• Antwone Fisher
• The Fortune Cookie
• The Kid from Cleveland
• The OH in Ohio
• The Shadow Creature
• Stranger Than Paradise
• Telling Lies in America
• Those Lips, Those Eyes
• Welcome to Collinwood

In November 2004 I wrote a post about the most popular Cleveland athletes, both in the mind of the general public, and in terms of my own personal preference. Many readers responded by posting their own personal lists.

Looking back on that post serves as a rude reminder of just how quickly things change, and just how fickle we all are. High up on many of our lists were such luminaries as Jeff Garcia, Kellen Winslow, Jeff McInnis, and Omar Vizquel. I suspect that November 2004 was just a bad time for such an exercise, as there was an apparent shortage of quality candidates. Today, the Cleveland sports landscape is quite different.

Here is my June 2006 list of the ten most popular Cleveland athletes, in the mind of the general public, as I see it:

1. LeBron James
2. Grady Sizemore
3. Travis Hafner
4. Charlie Frye
5. C.C. Sabathia
6. Victor Martinez
7. Bob Wickman
8. Braylon Edwards
9. Anderson Varejão
10. Andra Davis

Obviously, spot #1 is not even up for discussion, but the rest of the list is certainly subject for debate. Other potential candidates would be Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jhonny Peralta, Flip "Ronald" Murray, Larry Hughes, and even LeCharles Bentley. Overall, I would say we have ourselves a much stronger list, talent-wise, than we did in 2004, with only Frye and Wickman possibly "over-popular-ing" their talent level.

For those who are curious, which is probably nobody, my own personal top ten would look like this:

1. LeBron James
2. Travis Hafner
3. Leigh Bodden
4. C.C. Sabathia
5. Drew Gooden
6. Andra Davis
7. Grady Sizemore
8. Victor Martinez
9. Babatunde Oshinowo
10. Rafael Betancourt

Others who were at least considered were Ryan Pontbriand, Gary Baxter, LeCharles Bentley, Braylon Edwards, and Jeremy Sowers.

I also asked Alex to supply his personal top ten; it looks like this:

1. LeBron James
2. Ryan Pontbriand
3. Travis Hafner
4. C.C. Sabathia
5. Leigh Bodden
6. Grady Sizemore
7. Drew Gooden
8. Victor Martinez
9. Jhonny Peralta
10. Orpheus Roye

So let's hear it. What does your personal top ten look like these days, and where do you think I've misjudged the whims of the general population?