Tribe's Shoppach has knee surgery Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Cleveland Indians catcher Kelly Shoppach
underwent arthroscopic surgery on Monday to remove cartilage in his right
knee.
Team medical director Dr. Mark Schickendantz performed the routine surgery at
the Cleveland Clinic.
Shoppach, who had a breakout 2008 season by leading all American League
catchers with 21 home runs, is expected to resume normal offseason strength
and conditioning workouts in four weeks.
A prolonged elbow injury to catcher Victor Martinez gave the 28-year-old
additional playing time, and Shopp... More...
Scott Lewis has been named the AL Rookie of the Month for September, according to the AP. The 25-year-old Lewis went 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA over four starts this past month, with 15 strikeouts.
Our View:Lewis won his Major League debut against the Orioles on September 10, and never looked back on his way to earning the monthly honor.
The final piece of the puzzle in the CC Sabathia trade to Milwaukee was put in place, as the Brewers sent minor leaguer Michael Brantley to the team as the "player to be named," according to Indians.com.
Our View:Brantley was a seventh-round pick of the Brewers in 2005 who had great success this year, being named a Southern League (Double-A) All-Star in the midseason as well as the postseason. In 420 at-bats this year, he hit .319 with a .395 OBP, four home runs and 40 RBI. More impressively, he stole more bases (28) than he had strikeouts (27).
Manager Eric Wedge commented on top prospect Matt LaPorta, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. When Wedge was asked if LaPorta has a chance to make the 2009 roster out of spring training, he answered, "I don't think he will do that out of spring training. But from what I've heard, he will get our attention."
Our View:He was the prized prospect acquired in the deal that shipped CC Sabathia to Milwaukee, and will work on furthering his development in the Venezualan Winter League this off-season.
