Aeros players selected

for Arizona Fall League

After a long season that includes playoffs, the last thing most guys
want to do is play for another couple months. But that's exactly what
seven of the Cleveland Indians farmhands will be doing, including five
from the Aeros.

Akron players selected to play in the prestigious Arizona Fall League
that begins Oct. 4 are third baseman Pat Osborn, outfielder Brad
Snyder, catcher Javier Herrera and pitchers Brian Slocum and Travis Foley.

Indians pitching prospect Adam Miller (first round sandwich pick in
2003, ranked by Baseball America as Cleveland's No. 1 prospect) and
catcher/first baseman Ryan Garko are also slated to go.

``It's kind of tough because I will only get a week and a half off,
but it's certainly an honor to be chosen and I'm excited to be
going,'' said Osborn, the Tribe's second-round pick in the 2002 draft.

Osborn, who played shortstop before being switched to third base as a
sophomore at the University of Florida, is expected to transition back
to shortstop during his time in the AFL.

HONORING BEN -- Former Aeros outfielder Ben Francisco was recently
named the Eastern League Player of the Month for August. Francisco,
who was promoted to Triple-A Buffalo on Sept. 2, hit .398 (41-for-103)
with 11 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 25 RBI and 18 runs
scored for the Aeros in August. Over that span, the 23-year-old raised
his batting average 43 points.

UP NEXT -- The fourth game of the Eastern League Championship Series
is tonight at Canal Park at 7:05. Aeros right-hander Jake Dittler
(10-9, 3.64 ERA regular season, 0-1, 8.53 ERA postseason) is scheduled
to face Sea Dogs right-hander David Pauley (9-7, 3.81 ERA, 0-1, 1.69 ERA).