In their 14 seasons as the Bisons' parent, the Cleveland Indians had 21 players named to postseason all-star teams in either the American Association or International League. Count 'em. Twenty-one.
The 2012 IL All-Stars were announced today and for the fourth time in four years with the New York Mets, the Herd was shut out. There's a huge reason tonight's home finale is almost certain to be the Unamazins' last game in Buffalo as the parent. Just not enough talent. Period.
The only Bison with a shot this year was closer Fernando Cabrera, who has 22 saves and a 4.09 ERA but he was beaten by Indianapolis' Tim Wood (2.09 ERA, 20 saves for a first-place team).
Pawtucket's Mauro Gomez (.310-24-74) was named MVP while Lehigh Valley's Tyler Cloyd (12-1, 2.35) was named the pitcher of the year and Gwinnett first baseman Ernesto Mejia (.303-24-91) was named rookie of the year. The manager of the year is Dave Miley of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, who is going to win a division in a year without playing at home. I would say Baseball America should name him manager of the year for the entire minor leagues.
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
