Back when Kinston Indians right-handed pitcher Josh Tomlin was a freshman in high school, he made a decision that would forever change his life. Josh was also a gifted basketball player that was already playing with the varsity team in just his first year in high school. He decided to give up the sport to concentrate on baseball.  And now, eight years later, it looks as if Josh made the right choice. Tony had a chance to talk with the Indians pitching prospect last week.

We continue Jesse's countdown of the six greatest seasons of Ohio State football with his look at the 1973 team.  More than a few longtime observers believe this is the best team in the history of Scarlet and Grey football- and they might be right. The '73 Buckeyes were loaded in all three phases, dominant for all but the final two quarters of the regular season, and topped the campaign off with perhaps the most authoritative bowl performance in the history of the program. 

When Mark Shapiro woke up one morning in 2006 and found the Indians hopelessly adrift and six miles out of first place in the AL Central, he knew he had to make a decision. So he did. He traded away several of the team's expendable veterans for young players.  Fast forward to 2008. Another lost season, another moment of truth for Shapiro. To trade or not to trade? But this time, the stakes are much higher.  Papa Cass talks about it in his latest piece.

It is Thursday, and that means it is Minor Happenings time again here on the site. As we get ready for the holiday weekend, Tony gives us another thorough rundown of the Indians farm system, touches on the sizzling hot Trevor Crowe in Akron, gives an update on the proposed move of the Indians Triple-A affiliate to Columbus, the emergence of Hector Rondon and Stephen Head, Asdrubal Cabrera playing shortstop in Buffalo, Akron and Buffalo All Star selections, and lots more!