Reason #151 - Playable Fields

There are several high school baseball and football fields in the area - including Bedford, Lakewood, Berea - that are more playable after a heavy rainstorm than what our professional teams have.

Reason #150 - Cold-Weather Promotions

September 1 is fleece blanket giveaway night at Jacobs Field. This kind of promotion just reminds fans how bad the weather can be in Cleveland - and that we ought to have a roof so the blankets are not necessary. There's also a post-game movie to ensure the blankets get immediate use.

Reason #149 - High-Scoring Games

Last night, the Orioles gave up 30 runs, the most runs in the major leagues in 110 years, at Camden Yards. This should serve as a warning to all teams who have open-air ballparks with short fences, which quite accurately describes our own Jacobs Field. FYI, of course, this debacle had an Indians connection - former Tribe reliever Paul Shuey gave up 9 runs on 7 hits on 68 pitches, in 2 innings.

Reason #148 - Spoiled Athletes

Spoiled, soiled athletes (Michael Vick et al) get tens of millions of dollars in salaries and bonuses, and more perks and adoration than just about anyone in society. And, yet, they want more. Domes - they're expensive, but their egos and costs don't grow over time. Take care of them with a little maintenance and they'll take care of us - no strings attached.

Reason #147 - Record-Breaking Weather

August 2007 is the wettest August on record - approximately 8.3 inches of rain so far. So what will September hold? Record snowfall?

Reason #146 - Closers

The Indians need two kinds of closers - a pitcher to ensure tight games don't "get away" and a retractable roof for bad weather. Joe Borowski does not appear to be the answer to either need.

Reason #145 - Beware of High-Priced Pitchers

Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano signed a new contract that pays him an average of $18.3 million a year over the next five years. Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia, who's younger and a better pitcher, will want that kind of money for his new contract. We may have to choose between Sabathia and a roof. Roofs are more durable and last longer.