Manny-Thome Reunion in Cleveland?

As a longetime fan of the Cleveland Indians, I would love to see Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome reunite in Cleveland next year (see http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4063800). Thome's a free agent and Manny can opt out of his second year in L.A. if he so chooses. I'm only 22, but I've been pulling for the Tribe for over 15 years. I remember when both guys were up-and-comers in the Indians organization. I remember the lineup for years had: Kenny Lofton in center, Omar Vizquel at short, Manny Ramirez in right or left field, Sandy Alomar, Jr. behind the pate, and Jim Thome at either third or first base.

I can recall Dick Jacobs selling the team at the turn of the century, and the work he, John Hart, and others put into the organization went down the tube. There was talk about getting younger and trimming payroll. David Justice was the first to go. He was dealt for Ricky Ledee, Zach Day. and Jake Westbrook. Sandy Alomar, Jr. was not resigned at the end of the season. Boston outbid Cleveland for Manny's services. Kenny Lofton was not resigned in 2001. The team traded Zach Day for Milton Bradley during the 2001 season. Bradley was hailed as the heir apparent, but it didn't work in Cleveland. Philly out bid Cleveland for Jim Thome at the end of the 2002 season. Omar Vizquel was not resigned at the end of the 2004 season. To me, this is the day the music died...in Cleveland.

I'll admit I've booed both guys when I've seen them play on tv. I've been harder on Thome because at least Manny won a couple of rings in Boston. I would welcome both guys back with open arms if they chose to come back. I'm begging Larry Dolan to open up his wallet and pay the guys 10 million each to return.

Each time the Tribe comes on tv (which is either on Fox or TBS in Birmingham, Ala.), I see thousands of empty seats. Management doesn't realize you have to spend money in order to get people to watch the team. If they sign Thome and Manny, maybe then, fans will sell out the "the Jake", sorry "Progressive Field" like the old days in the 90's.

More and More and Blogs

Whether you're a UAB alum or simply love sports, my blogs at examiner.com are just the ticket.

http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d23-UAB-baseball-routs-Troy-158

http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d23-UAB-softball-takes-two-from-Kennesaw-State

http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d22-Troy-belts-UAB-baseball-113

http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d22-UAB-mens-golf-team-earns-third-place-finish-at-2009-CUSA-Golf-Championships

http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d21-UAB-womens-basketball-coach-Audra-Smith-signs-three-more-to-2009-recruiting-class

http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d21-Two-games-added-to-UAB-softball-schedule

http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d20-UAB-softball-delivers-64-win-over-Marshall-in-home-finale

http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d17-Certification-Council-grants-recertification-to-UAB-athletics

http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d17-UAB-womens-basketball-players-receive-honors-at-team-banquet

My blogs are on various sports at UAB from golf to football. In the links aforementioned, I talk about new recruits at UAB and results from sporting events with UAB's teams. I hope you like what you see and please leave feedback on here or at examiner if you like. Take care and God bless.

Gene Bartow has cancer

Yesterday I was saddened to hear former UAB men's basketball coach Gene Bartow had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Bartow is a very classy man who everyone around the game of basketball highly regards. My older brother attended summer league camps at UAB while he coached. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. Please read at http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d16-2009-Hall-of-Fame-inductee-Gene-Bartow-battling-cancer for the full article regarding Bartow's health. Thank you for reading and God bless.

Farewell Coach Stanfield

Fairwell Coach Stanfield. Ray Stanfield, the women's cross country and track and field coach at UAB, is retiring effective June 30 after seven years of service to the Green and Gold. After over 30 years of coaching, let me be the first person to congratulations on a well earned retirement.

See more on the news of Coach Stanfield's retirement at http://www.examiner.com/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d15-Stanfield-retires-as-UAB-track-and-field-coach.

Take care and God bless.

My First Blog/Links to My Examiner Sports Articles

Greetings all. I am 22 years old and graduated in December 2008 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in journalism. Like other graduates, I'm currently sending out my resume for full-time work. My hobbies includes writing, blogging, playing basketball, watching sports, tv, and movies. I'm hoping to go to graduate school in the future to pursue a master's degree in history (my minor as an undergrad). I've been rooting for the Florida Gators and Cleveland Indians for the past 15 plus years. Therefore, I would classify myself as a diehard fan. My longterm goal is to become a sports writer.

A few days ago I started blogging for examiner.com. I post pieces pertaining to sports at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It's pretty cool as I serve as author and editor of my own pieces. Please check them out whenever you have time. I only have four as of now, but I'll be frequently writing them and posting the links on here.

My first piece on senior outfielder Brint Hardy on the baseball team is at http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d11-Hardy-moving-up-Blazers-steal-list.

My second piece is on the football team's Green and Gold Scrimmage and it can be found at http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d12-High-octane-offenses-highlight-Green-and-Gold-spring-game.

My third piece is on Gene Bartow and it can be found at http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d14-UAB-coaching-legend-to-be-honored.

My fourth piece is on UAB basketball it can be found at http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-7837-UAB-Blazers-Examiner~y2009m4d14-UAB-represented-well-in-Portsmouth-Invitational.

I hope you like what you read. Feel free to comment on anything you read on here or at examiner. Take care and God bless.