The Cleveland Beltways, why I like that as the new name for the Cleveland Indians.

There are several reasons that remind me why I like the name The Cleveland Beltways as the new name for the fading long time namesake, Cleveland Indians. Not every reason cited below is something to brag about,  however the reasons cited below do give character, history, and several bragging rights for the name, The Cleveland Beltways.

• Cleveland and the surrounding communities have several connections to Beltways, some from the past that represent where Cleveland evolved from, some going forward, and some remarkable beltways that are a hallmark to Cleveland and the envy of those who have experienced them. 
• In the previous century those who had to experience the drive into Cleveland from the suburbs encountered some very smelly smoke stacks, a smog beltway that thankfully no longer permeates the Cleveland airways.
• Cleveland was once considered part of the Midwest Industrial Beltway. 
• Presently, Cleveland is considered part of the rust beltway area of the country. 
• Very close to Cleveland is the Magical Snow Beltway in which north of one particular road, snow will fall because of the Lake Erie effect while on the south side of the same road, no snow will fall. I was able to witness this phenomena as a teenager growing up in Cleveland. I recall reaching this particular intersection (whose name escapes me now) and looking across the intersection and seeing big snowflakes dropping out of the sky like fly balls in the outfield. Yet on my side of the intersection as I was waiting for the light to change, nothing, no snow, no rain, no wind, just a gentle silence. After quickly checking to see if there were any cars coming up from behind me, I waited several seconds after the light turned green before grudgingly driving across the intersection and into the Snow Beltway. It was truly hypnotic to witness a Snow Beltway straight ahead, as if one had actually reached the beginning of the proverbial rainbow with the added pleasure of snowflake unicorns slowly cradling the sky as I drove forward.
• What better way to tribute the Cleveland Beltway's own Tom Hamilton for every home run call Hamilton has belted out over the airwaves and also into the stands at Jacobs Field and then Progressive Field. On occasion Mr. Hamilton's radio home run beltway calls have even infiltrated the television feeds of the game. 
• Cleveland and the surrounding necklace of freeways have a certain beltway feel to them as they provide vital links between the network of suburban rural roadways and Downtown, Cleveland.
• Not to be forgotten are the Cleveland Metroparks, an extensive series of nature preserve links that encircle Cleveland in a beltway that is the envy of those who have moved away from Cleveland and vividly recall the Metro Parks and all of their living vitality.
• If and when the Cleveland Beltways do win their first World Series with their new name, It will probably be a Belt and a Bunt (courtesy of Manning and Underwood) that makes it happen.

While the name Beltway may not have the initial lure of other Sports Team Names, it seems evident that Cleveland is the Beltway capital of the U.S., and most certainly Ohio, and something will make for interesting conversation during nationally televised games and the playoffs.

Los Angeles Emmy winning Producer and Editor Alessandro Machi combines his editing, camera and observational skills to provide unique insights into the World of Sports.

The Strange case of Bradley Zimmer and how the Cleveland Indians might be missing his True Potential.

Having watched Bradley Zimmer in the outfield several things become clear.  

• Bradley Zimmer can throw over 100 miles an hour
• Bradley Zimmer sometimes throws the ball so hard and low that it has hit the ground a mere 60 feet from where he released his throw, yet the ball skip bounced so fast a runner trying to stretch a single into a double was still out at second.
• Bradley Zimmer runs really, really, fast.
• Bradley Zimmer is so fast and has such a long stride that running at full speed and taking his first step onto the warning track it now becomes too late for Zimmer to safely stop before crashing into the outfield fence at full speed.
• If Zimmer ever ran into another outfielder while running at full speed, both outfielders could be seriously hurt and even have their careers ended.
• Bradley Zimmer is too talented for the outfield.
• Bradley Zimmer should either play first base, or be a Closer.

Yes, Bradley Zimmer should either play first base or be a Closer.

In this day and age of Advanced Analytics there could actually be scenarios where the Indians would bring Zimmer in from first base to pitch in a two out situation. The pitcher could either come out of the game, or go to first base, the idea being Zimmer would throw 102 mph and strike out the batter, end the inning, go back to first to start the next inning, and the pitcher from the prior inning would either go back to pitch, or be replaced by another pitcher. 

Zimmer's height could make his 102 mile an hour fastball look like 105 because his release point would be closer to home plate.

Imagine Richie Sexson with blazing speed. But even then Zimmer most likely still has a better arm. Zimmer is not only wasted in the outfield, he is an accident waiting to happen....again.

But at first base Zimmer could prove a blessing in disguise, especially if he can throw 102 mph darts and also be an instant reliever or Closer when necessary. If Zimmer can scoop low throws off of the ground, his extension on all throws to him at first could actually cut off .01 to .02 seconds off because of his extension, which is the equivalent of one or two video frames. Every game there is at least one or two plays that come down to literally one or two video frames in replay.

And then on high throws, the ability to extend and catch a high throw and avoid having to leap would be two more distinct advantages since any leap on a throw can add one half to one second until the first baseman actually re contacts the first base bag after leaping.

With all the names being bandied about for first base, Bradley Zimmer should be at the top of the list.  The last thing I want to see is Zimmer and a relatively inexperienced Nolan Jones diving for the same sinking liner and colliding at a horrifying rate of speed.

Los Angeles Emmy winning Producer Alessandro Machi combines his editing, camera and observational skills to provide unique insights into the World of Sports.