Sunday...Yes, it rains in Arizona!

Today was to be a game with the Rangers, and from what the locals said this was the third straight rainy Sunday. For us it became a wonderful day as we went into Phoenix to attend the 52nd Annual Indian Fair and Market at the Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art. For a couple of "Tribe fans" it was very humbling to see thousands of Native Americans and their beautiful arts, crafts and musical talents. I have always respected our Native Americans, but today I learned a great deal more about their history, struggles, and their God given talents. I am more than ever a real "tribe fan"! The Indian Fair and Market is a world-acclaimed festival that draws nearly 20,000 visitors and more than 700 of the nation's outstanding and successful American Indian artists.

The first booth that caught our eye was one with a children's book titled, Wisdom Weaver illustrated by Linda Taylor. The book tells how a Navajo granddaughter learns the process of making a traditional Navajo rug from her grandmother. (This is Linda's personal story as she weaves beautiful Navajo tapestries as well as her illustration work.)

We also had the opportunity to hear the R. Carlos Nakai Trio. Carlos is well known for his music talent on the Native American flute, an instrument that Brenda has become interested in recently.


Tomorrow will be our Reds day as we plan to attend the Reds vs. Kansas City game plus talk to a few more Reds players and coaches.

Both the Indians and Reds games were canceled today so no baseball action to report. On rain days the players show up early as usual, have team meetings, workout indoors on the machines and mounds, and usually head out by 2:00.

Yesterday the players and coaches all had to attend a mandatory umpire's meeting to review rule updates and changes. The coaching staff was upset because the umps took longer than planned. As pitching coach Tim Belcher told me, "We have too much to do and it throws the entire practice off". I saw why he was upset as he spent 45 minutes with all the pitchers working on their ability (or lack of) to hold runners on base. Belcher had one of the best moves in his 14 year major league career, and he is determined to improve this area. Last year with the combination of poor catcher throws and poor care of the runners, the Tribe led the league in stolen bases allowed. It does appear that the little things are being addressed! It is about time.......

Hopefully....the sun willcome out tomorrow and it is back to baseball.

R.Carlos Nakai