Whadhesay?

An unfortunate injury has sidelined Miguel Tejada of the Baltimore Orioles. His broken wrist ended his consecutive game streak of 1152 games. Juan Pierre of the Dodgers now has the longest streak of active players at 349 games followed by Grady Sizemore of the Cleveland Indians at 272 games.
Indians manager Eric Wedge has been quoted as saying he would never let a player reach a streak as long as Tejada’s. “That shouldn’t be a focal point for a player,” said Wedge. “Players should concentrate on going out there every day and playing the best they can.”
Say you what did?! Hear I didn’t that tell right me!
You’ve got a superstar player that refuses to sit down. This guy plays his guts out every pitch of every game and constantly produces. If anyone concentrates on going out there every day and playing the best he can, it’s Grady Sizemore!
Is it just sheer stubbornness on the part of Eric Wedge that is frustrating his players as well as the fans?
If Grady Sizemore keeps a consecutive game streak in tact, it is a product of his dedication to the game and his desire to play. To sit him down because he has a streak going is poor management and misguided judgment.
Stop holding back your best players. Play your top players. Let these guys loose and your team may start running away with the division!

On the flip side…
Wedge has developed a strong talent for late game offensive substitutions. Tonight, in using practically the entire bench in the game vs. the Oakland A’s, He utilized Mike Rouse and Ben Francisco as pinch runners and then pinch hits backup catcher Kelly Shoppach with two outs and two on with the score tied in the bottom of the ninth…Home Run! That move puts the Indians back into a first place tie with the Tigers!

Come on, Eric…Start your best every night. If you do, you may not need all of the last of the ninth heroics but know they are there if you need them!