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Journal: Brown's foggy All-Star memories

Indians prospect, father-to-be recalls his own midsummer experiences
June 24, 2008
Indians prospect Jordan Brown rides the momentum of back-to-back Most Valuable Player campaigns into the 2008 season. The University of Arizona product received Eastern League top honors in 2007 after leading the circuit in hitting (.333) while adding 11 homers and 76 RBIs. He also posted MVP numbers (.290-15-97) in 2006 at Kinston of the Carolina League.

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Hello everybody from Indianapolis, home of the ... Colts? Does that work? Oh yeah, and Hoosiers.

It's an interesting time in Minor League Baseball because All-Star games are coming around the corner and I've been asked to share my thoughts about these combines of talent.

First off, you might recall last year's Eastern League All-Star game was fogged out! It got to the point in the first inning where I was terrified to even attempt to hit because I could barely see the pitcher's release point out of his hand.

They finally called it in the third inning when I was on deck and they had just brought in a sidearm lefty. He came trotting down to mound with a grin on his face, probably because he knew I had no shot of making solid contact. I had a better shot of finding Bin Laden in a cave.

Anyway, the umpiring crew called it because the at-bat before the pitching change, somebody hit a shallow pop fly and everybody in the outfield ducked and ran for cover, reminiscent of the scene in Braveheart with a million flying arrows raining down on their shields.

But hey, at least we got to get back to Mohegan Sun, a beautiful hotel/casino, quicker that night. Now that I think about it, all that really meant was I'd lose my money even quicker.

This year's Triple-A All-Star Game is being held in Louisville, and I'm sure the weather will be great and they'll do a great job.

I will probably not be going, as most All-Star teams don't take under-performing first basemen. Pretty sure .280 with a lack of production doesn't cut it, although I hear the All-Star team needs a towel boy and someone to rush Gatorade out to the umpires. So I'm crossing my fingers. I give myself tough love, can you tell?

But if I had to guess, I'm pretty sure Mike Hessman or Brad Eldred will win the home run derby. Just a hunch, seeing as those two could probably swing a hockey stick and hit a baseball farther than most.

The next time I write to you guys, I will be close to being a new father, and I couldn't tell you how excited I am. I have a little baby boy on the way and it really puts things into perspective for me, and I'm happy I'm starting to see that.

Suddenly an 0-for-4 day doesn't hurt as much as it used to because there are more important things in life, like playing good defense and running the bases! Ha ha, just kidding -- pretty sure the missus isn't going to like that one.

Thanks for reading!

Jordan Brown is a first-base prospect in the Cleveland Indians organization and a contributor to MLB.com.