Thorpe's advice for his Top-20 NBA Rookies includes this take on J.J. Hickson, who he has rated at #15 in his Rookie Rankings:

"Hickson looked like a top-10 talent in Vegas summer league, but he'll have a different role as a rookie on this contending team. Cleveland is one of the league's best in rotating on defense, which requires good anticipation skills. Hickson needs to immerse himself in defensive film and technique so those rotations become second nature as soon as possible."

I missed this earlier in the week, but Gammons makes a case for Jhonny as the most valuable AL shortstop. ESPN Insider content, but here's the main quote (before the discussion devolves into a Jed Lowrie lovefest):

"Have you checked out the contrast between National and American League shortstops? And if you're a general manager filling out that Sporting News ballot, isn't it hard not to write Jhonny Peralta in as the AL shortstop?

Peralta is the only AL shortstop to make the top six in OPS (.786, tied with Derek Jeter for sixth among major league shortstops, behind Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, J.J. Hardy and Stephen Drew), homers (21, third behind Ramirez and Hardy) and extra-base hits (62, fourth behind Ramirez, Reyes and Drew). "

''It's probably for the best,'' Lofgren said. ''I've been dealing with a lot of personal issues this season. I've been talking a lot with my mom and our team psychologist. There's a lot of things bothering me that I can't let affect me because they're out of my control. I have to find a way to put it aside and go out and pitch every day.''

The article includes references by Storm to having Lofgren working in extended spring training for a few weeks to correct 'delivery issues', but also to issues of mental approach and focus.

Stephanie Storm with a nice piece on the Aeros catcher (and occasional 3rd baseman, 1st baseman, outfielder). Gimenez singles out the advice of Travis Fryman, scheduled to manage the Class A Mahoning Valley Scrappers this summer, for valuing strike zone judgment.

This was initially a follow-up comment to some excellent points made by Jay, APV, and InfiniteMonkeyTypists in peter m's Reasons to be Cheerful Fanshot.

There's an amazing audio link in Hoynes' Insider notes (linked above) where Victor talks about his injury, how it developed, and when it became too much. Interestingly (shockingly?), the title of the article is, "Wedge enduring injury onslaught". Sigh.

I came away from listening to it with two main thoughts: one, that Victor is a remarkable leader and athlete, and two, that Hoynes didn't bother to take the time to really identify and share with his audience some gems provided by Victor.

(NB: There are multiple reporters asking questions.)

________________
Here are some of the quotes that I thought were meaningful:

Reporter: How much has that [elbow] affected your swing?
Victor: I don't think I have to answer that question. You can just see the numbers and you'll see. I was having a hard time getting extension and any time I get up there it really gets me. Every time. It was no fun. It was no fun to play like that.
(Not said in any confrontational manner, at all.)

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Victor: I had a shot 4 or 5 weeks ago. It helped with swelling, but sharp pain [was] still there.

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Victor: This year we've been tested a lot. And we'll see. There's a lot of season left. Hopefully I can come back ... Pronk is almost there ... We have the talent and hunger to play this game. (Here, a reporter inexplicably cuts him off, just as Vic was gaining steam!) I'm going to do my best! (Voice rising)

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Reporter: You haven't had a lot of fun this year, have you? (re: hamstring, elbow)
Victor: Man, I was having a tough time, but like I say, I just love this game and want to be on the field. I just want to be on the field until something happens and I can't really play.

------
Victor: If I was healthy he might not have thrown that pitch - I mean, he threw me a fastball right down the middle ...
Reporter: Did it happen a lot that you'd see pitches you could really hit if you were healthy?
Victor: Yeah, sure. Even with the hamstring if I put something in my swing ...

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Victor (On Shoppach): Yeah, he'll be OK! That's why he's in the big leagues! Hahaha ...

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Reporter: Will you be in the clubhouse?
Victor: Sure. You know, whatever I can do to just help my team ... I'll be here.

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Victor is an amazing guy. He comes off truly thoughtful, insightful, and passionate - and all in his second language.

Last thought - though not the main one of this fanshot - I think we see here why the Indians do not disclose excessive injury information to the press, as Victor was already worried that pitchers were pitching to him aware that his swing was not sound.

Let's show those schmucks from NY, Philly, and Boston that we can be just as negative!

Booooooo!!!!!

Apparently Paul DePodesta, currently working in the front office of the Padres, has started a blog.

How cool would it be if an Indians front office staffer did likewise?

(I came across the link via Neyer, as usual.)