At least one proud long-time Indianapolese took exception to yesterday’s Top Story, in which I suggested that holding this year’s MLB Winter Meetings in Indianapolis might seem like a comedown from last year’s meetings in Las Vegas.

Since we like to hear all sides here at 7th Inning Stache, I’ve given Tamre “Tee” Mullins, co-owner of Fresh Events Indy, a chance to defend the fine city of Indianapolis (with minimal smartass comments from me).

[DISCLAIMER: Tee sent me one email, to which I've inserted my running commentary. It is not a "conversation." I thought this was apparent, but I apologize for any confusion.]

TEE:  I’m not an employee of the city or state. I’m a business owner and long-time resident of the Indianapolis Area.  To elaborate on places to eat or hang out for a while, Indianapolis has made huge strides in the last 5 years. Indianapolis ‘ downtown is a walking downtown. Everything is accessible by foot or for those who choose, a $5 cab ride. No matter where you go in the downtown area, it’s a $5 cab fare. That’s a pretty good deal for those who don’t want to or can’t walk a few blocks.

DC: Indianapolis, impoverished invalids’ paradise.

T: As far as places to eat and hang out? Let’s say you want to catch the Monday Night Football game tonight, and you want something more than BW3′s or Hooters?

DC: Who could possibly want more than Hooters? Indianapolis, we have more than Hooters.  Indianapolis 1, Chattanooga 0.

T: A new sports bar/restaurant opened (Scotty’s Brewhouse) within walking distance of all of the hotels. It’s locally owned and sure, the food is typical sports bar food, but it’s good and hits the spot.

DC: Indianapolis, we got us a sports bar now!

T: You want something swanky and different? Continue Reading

Top Story is 7IS Editor-in-Chief David Chalk’s take on the top MLB story of the day….

This year’s MLB Winter Meetings get underway Monday in the scenic, tropical oasis that is Indianapolis, Indiana.  GMs and other MLB types are said to be psyched, especially after slumming it last year in some backwater Nevada city.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein told 7th Inning Stache, “Another December in Las Vegas and I quit.  I really hope we can do next year in Calgary.  I hear it’s lovely there this time of year.”

When Indianapolis outbid Wilmington, Delaware for the rights to host this year’s Winter Meetings, it opened up lots of really awesome racing metaphors for headline writers:

• Gentlemen, start your wallets! GMs rev their engines with winter meetings set for Indy [ny POST]
• Green flag set to drop on Winter Meetings [mlb.com]

I drove through Indianapolis once.  I was not impressed.  I also think Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, Peyton Manning, Danica Patrick and the movie Hoosiers are all vastly overrated.