“While We’re Waiting” serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.
Others are jumping on board the Kipnis All-Star train. Scott was there last week- “Much of the Indians’ offensive production will come from the top of the order. Table setters like Michael Bourn and Kipnis will need to reach base to be viable options for the heart of the order to drive in. It is no surprise that much of the Indians’ success at the plate will depend on the ability of Kipnis to reach base.
The slow start this season for Kipnis may be too much to overcome in the AL for an All-Star nod. Strong seasons from Robinson Cano, Dustin Pedroia, and Howie Kendrick, and a new member of the AL, Jose Altuve, provide quite a bit of competition for a second baseman spot on the All-Star squad.
Despite the names in the way, Kipnis is still ranked amongst the leaders at second base in several key offensive categories. He leads second basemen with three triples and is tied with Altuve with 17 stolen bases. His nine home runs and .474 slugging percentage are second to Cano, and his 40 RBI are third behind Cano and Pedroia. He is fourth in walks.” [Toth/DTTWLN]
—-
“For rest of the summer, the most important person involved with college athletics isn’t Nick Saban or Rick Pitino or even NCAA president Mark Emmert.
It’s Judge Claudia Wilken of the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California. Thursday, Judge Wilken heard arguments from both sides in the matter of In Re NCAA Student-Athlete Name & Likeness Licensing Litigation, the result of which could radically alter the college sports landscape. And although the two most frightening words in college sports today are Jadeveon and Clowney, by the end of the summer two new words might strike terror into the hearts of those who profit from the $10 billion-plus college sports industry: class certification.
The lawsuit, which is a combination of cases brought by former athletes like ex-UCLA forward Ed O’Bannon and ex-Arizona State/Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller among others, has been in the news for four years. The plaintiffs originally sought to provide monetary compensation to former NCAA student-athletes who were forced to sign away their publicity rights in order to play college sports only to watch the NCAA and its conferences make millions in licensing fees with video game makers and media broadcasters. However, as the number of former college-athlete plaintiffs grew, the individual claims were combined into a class action lawsuit.” [Barcus/Dr.Saturday]
—-
“Year 1 of the Meyer Experience in Columbus received two thumbs up from all who lived it – coaches, players and fans. There is yet to be a loss, the offense and defense improved throughout the season and that all-important staff stayed whole.
With that, the expectations for the second go-round include one big target: the national championship. Accomplishing said goal could trigger a mass exodus of Buckeye assistants. Elite teams lose staff members every year when firing and hiring season arrives. Following a perfect 2012, several Ohio State assistants were rumored to be candidates for head-coaching jobs throughout the country, but none received the golden offer. The most likely hole to fill next offseason is that of Tom Herman.” [Rowland/Eleven Warriors]
—-
Some serious digging into the Pilot/Flying J mess- “Also note, Haslam was not at the Freeman’s lake house when the sales meeting was being planned; was not in the breakout sessions at the sales meeting when reps were being trained on manual rebates. Freeman does not report to Haslam, he reports to President Mark Hazelwood. In short, and based only on the affidavit, there is not a slam dunk case apparent that links Haslam to the fraud.” [Kanick]
—-
Finally, Kevin Costner took infield and batting practice with the Tribe on Sunday. There’s a photo gallery here. [FSO]