Clubhouse confidential: On the video scoreboard Wednesday, high above the right-field seats at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, manager Eric Wedge watched Chris Coste catch Brad Lidge's final pitch as the Phillies came from behind to beat Atlanta, 12-11.
"I was Coste's first manager in quote, unquote pro ball," said Wedge. "When I was managing in Akron, I had him in spring training. He came out of independent ball. We didn't have a spot for him, but we still wanted him so we put him on the disabled list. Something happened later in camp and he become one of our catchers." Coste, who could play several positions, played for Wedge at Akron (2000) and Class AAA Buffalo (2001 and 2002). Before signing with the Indians , he spent six years in independent Baseball.
"I told him, 'You've got to get to the National League,' " said Wedge. "Now look at him. He's a backup catcher for the Phillies, he's written a couple of books and he has a World Series ring."
Good roots: Baseball America ranks the Indians seventh among MLB's 30 teams in minor-league talent. They were ranked 19th in 2008.
Stat of the day: Jhonny Peralta entered Wednesday's game needing one homer to lead all Indians shortstops in homers. He's tied with Woodie Held at 85.
