The Cleveland Sports Animal

Now What?

2010-10-23T11:27:00.000-04:00

It’s been more than three months since we’ve updated this site. And for that, I sincerely apologize to the handful of loyal readers we have. But honestly, there hasn’t been much to talk about lately. And the only thing Cleveland sports related anyone seems to want to chat about is a guy who doesn’t even play in this city anymore.

Anytime “he” speaks/tweets about the city of Cleveland, it’s going to create some sort of reaction from Cleveland sports fans. In the WWL’s latest over-coverage of the Miami Heat, he said Clevelanders need to “get over it” and move on. And for the most part, I think they have. But that doesn’t mean everything is peachy with him and this city, and quite frankly, it never will be. Like I said years ago on this blog, anytime a major star has left this city (see: Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez) they were disliked by this city. In the case of Thome and Man Ram, they will eventually be welcomed back with open arms once their careers are finished, mainly because they didn’t create a national spectacle of their departures and make the city of Cleveland look like a bunch of idiots. “He” will never be welcomed back in this city because of the way he left.

Had he just held a press conference at The Q and thanked the city of Cleveland and its fans for its support over the past seven years and said he thought his time in Cleveland had run its course and he couldn’t take this team to a title, he might be able to come back here one day. While Cleveland fans would’ve obviously been heartbroken to see one of the best talents in NBA history leave their city without a championship, I think they would have respected the way he left and the way he seemed to appreciate how much Cleveland appreciated him over the past few years and how much he meant to the city and its people. But in a matter of moments on July 8, 2010, that all changed and “He” became a modern day Art Modell. Possibly even more hated than Art Modell, if you can believe that.

Honestly, I think Cleveland fans are ready to move on at this point and begin to see how Dan Gilbert is going to make due on his promise and turn the Cleveland Cavaliers back into a contender. Lost in all of the madness this summer are the players that stayed in Cleveland. The Cavs have a solid core of young up-and-comers in JJ Hickson, Jawad Williams and Ramon Sessions, while Mo Williams, Andy Varejao and Antwan Jamison provide plenty of veteran leadership. All in all, it’s not a bad nucleus to build around. Granted, we’re not going to see the level of play we’ve been accustomed to over the past few seasons with this current group of people, but I really think Gilbert will make due on his promise. This team could be a star player or two away from being back to winning around 60 games per-season. Easier said than done, but if Gilbert has showed us anything since he’s arrived in Cleveland, it is that he is willing to spend. It’s obviously not going to happen over night, but Gilbert is the only owner in this city who seemed to have any sense of how to build a contender and a winning atmosphere, so he has my trust. I just wish he’d buy the other two teams in this city.

So all in all, keep your heads up. We’ll live.

Gone.

2010-07-15T11:58:00.002-04:00

Done.

2010-05-13T23:59:00.000-04:00

Well, there you have it. I’m somewhat at a loss for words after tonight, even though the Cavs were never really in the game down the stretch.

It seemed as if the tides may change after a pair of LBJ pull-up makes from beyond the arc, but too many turnovers and a lack of efficiency on the offensive end, coupled with in inability to guard Rondo proved to be the difference in the Cavs’ continuing their season tonight.

I don’t know where this leaves the Wine and Gold at this point. I’ve thought all along that LBJ would resign this summer regardless of the outcome, but I can’t say I blame him for leaving because this cast of players just simply is not going to get it done in a seven game series versus a team like Boston (or even a team like Orlando). I know it’s frustrating for Cleveland fans to watch, so I know it has to be even more frustrating for LBJ knowing that he can do everything in his power to try to win, but in the end, you need more than just one player to get it done, and the Boston Celtics proved that time and time again in this series. So, if tonight was LBJ’s last game in a Cavaliers uniform, it’s been a heck of a ride for seven years and it’s hard to be pissed at him for wanting to move on. If he chooses to stay, many things need to change. And you know where I’m going with this.

I’ll be the first one to say I hate my friends who try coach this team (and I hate it when I catch myself doing it…like I’m about to) but I think we can all agree that Mike Brown was undoubtedly out-coached by Doc Rivers in this series. There’s no doubt about it. I would love to listen to Coach Brown’s logic on putting Shaq on Kevin Garnett to start this game. And saying that Antawn Jamison couldn’t guard KG in the post isn’t an excuse, because Jamison’s offensive performance throughout this series hasn’t warranted him playing time, thus, there’s no reason Anderson Varejao should be sitting on the bench when he’s proven he is perfectly capable of guarding KG, all while providing comparable offense. But it’s more than just that. Most coaches would thrive on coaching a player like LBJ. Mike Brown seems scared, and he probably should be after this series, because I can’t see a reason to bring him back if LBJ is gone. And if LBJ does leave, Brown’s true colors will show as a mediocre head coach. Watching Doc Rivers coach the Celtics throughout this series made me jealous. Jealous that Boston has an intense coach who gets after his players for all 48 minutes and who has a game plan for each player throughout the course of the game, while Brown can’t seem to figure out a way to guard guys like Tony Allen and Rasheed Wallace. Bottom line: Mike Brown was out-coached in this series and it was apparent.

As I knew the game was out of hand and the season was probably over down the stretch, I began to think that this could be the last time in my lifetime a Cleveland sports team will have a legitimate chance at winning a title. How sad is that? And by the way, thank you ESPN for showing the hardships of Cleveland sports about 20 times today. We get it and thank you for beating a dead horse, because everyone already knows that our city fucking blows, and will continue to do so when LBJ leaves here, because your scientific poll of honks says so.

That is all. And this is probably the last time I’ll post on this blog, so it’s been real.

Cavs Drop Crucial Game 5 to Celtics

2010-05-12T00:23:00.001-04:00

Although this series is not over, tonight’s loss to the Boston Celtics probably hurts more than any other I’ve experienced as a Cleveland sports fan, for many reasons.

The first being this could very likely be the last time LeBron James dons a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform inside Quicken Loans Arena. Granted, no one really knows if the King will resign with the Cavs this summer when his contract is up, but with everything that’s happened over the course of time with sports in this city, it wouldn’t shock me. Nothing will at this point, especially after tonight’s debacle inside Quicken Loans Arena.

It’s hard to put into words the feelings and emotions after a complete blowout like tonight, and it’s as equally difficult to find someone to blame. Do we blame LeBron James for not showing up in a crucial game as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player? He certainly hasn’t lived up to that award lately, and the boos heard inside the Q tonight seem to echo that sentiment. Do we blame Mike Brown for his unimaginative offense and inability to come up with a game plan to stop the Celtics? You could certainly do that as well. Can we blame LeBron’s supporting cast of Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, Antawn Jamison, and Delonte West for not contributing more? Possibly.

To me, it’s not even about losing to the Celtics. It’s about not having the opportunity to see the Cavs play the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals and show everyone that last year was a fluke and the Magic were just extremely hot at the right time and the worst possible match-up for Cleveland. It’s about proving that signing Shaquille O’Neal to guard Dwight Howard in a seven-game series was a good move and bringing in Anthony Parker as big guard at the two spot to help alleviate Orlando’s three-point attack will work. That’s what all of Cleveland has been looking forward to since the Cavs’ exit from the Playoffs last year, and that opportunity – an opportunity for redemption – is hanging on by a single thread now, and I just can’t cope with it. Even if the Cavs end up winning this series and losing to the Magic next round, I at least want to have the opportunity to see it.

Despite everything that has happened, this season is not over yet. We’ve seen what the Cleveland Cavaliers are capable of in Boston. If they can somehow figure out a way to channel whatever they did in game three and bring that into game six to force a game seven in Cleveland, they have a chance. Albeit, a very slim one at this point it seems. I’m not ready to give up on this team just yet. It’s really the only thing we have going for us right now as Cleveland fans, because the “other two” are still a ways away from even resembling a team that will compete for a championship.

Browns Sign Delhomme; Deal Quinn to Broncos

2010-03-18T18:08:00.002-04:00

Cavs Land Jamison in Three-Team Deal

2010-02-17T21:37:00.001-05:00

First and foremost, I'd like to extend an apology to all three of our loyal readers for not posting anything in well over a month. Although, in my defense, not much has happened other than the Cavs winning games. And today, they made a deal that will likely continue that trend.

In a three-team trade with the Washington Wizards and L.A. Clippers, the Wine and Gold landed former Wizards forward Antawn Jamison and guard Sebastian Telfair (probably cut) for center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, a first round pick and the rights to some dude I've never heard of.

Without getting too emotional here, this sucks for Z. This is the best team the Cavs have put together since he's been in Cleveland, and to think that he's not going to be around for this year's possible title run is just sad. The Cavs have been very loyal to him throughout the years with his foot problems and he's stuck around through the thick and the thin (the non-LeBron era) and been loyal to the city of Cleveland. And the reality is, Zydrunas still has a chance to make a run for the title with the Cavs if the Wizards cut him and Danny Ferry elects to resign him. I think Ferry would probably do so, but either way, Z will likely get his ring, should the Cavs win the title this season.

But the goodness of this trade FAR outweighs any emotional baggage of getting rid of Zyrdrunas. This team is now easily the favorite to win the Eastern Conference (if they weren't before) and possibly challenge whoever comes out of the West, aka, the Lakers. And not to mention, the Cavs were able to keep J.J. Hickson, whose upside looks tremendous. With a Mo Williams due to come back healthy very soon, the Cavs look to keep their 13-game win streak rolling. Certainly, there will be an adjustment period with adding a guy like Jamison in the lineup. And while team chemistry could be an issue at first, I'll be more worried if it's an issue come summer when the Wine and Gold are making run to the title.

So, in the end, the Cavs just got a whole lot better today. But the loss of Z does make it a bit melancholy, so to speak.

Mangini....Will Stay.

2010-01-07T16:09:00.001-05:00

Note: I wanted to use the thumbs up picture from the movie "Gladiator" but they were all way too small. So it looks like we'll settle for Borat.

Okay... So, it looks like new Cleveland Browns Czar Mike Holmgren has a soft spot for head coaches who should probably be fired after one season, because various reports say that he is sticking with Eric Mangini for the time being.

I'm still on the fence on this one because I figured Holmgren would bring in a coach with a Super Bowl win under his belt and firing the Mangenious would've been justifiable in such an instance. But on the other side, Mangini did start to come around towards the end of the year and the Browns won four in a row and finished the year with a 5-11 mark, which is probably much better than most of us anticipated. Honestly, I could care less. If the two of them can agree on personnel decisions and make this thing work, fine. But if the Browns turn into a fucking circus again during the off season and going into the 2010 season than it's time for Mangini to go. Otherwise there was really never a point to hiring Holmgren.

In other Browns related news, Josh Cribbs is openly pissed and insulted by the contract extension the team offered him today, which was somewhere around the $1.4 million range (no clue on bonuses and such). Look, I'll be the first person to come to the defense of Cribbs. The dude is making MUCH less than he probably should be for everything he has done for this team on and off the field. But here's the reality for Cribbs: You're under contract for a few more years, deal with it. It's not Mike Holmgren's fault your former joke of an agent signed such a shitty deal, so you're going to have to play with the cards you basically dealt yourself. If Cribbs had played shitty over the past few seasons would the Browns be able to offer him less money? My inkling is that the team will end up giving him a better offer, which is fine. That being said, he shouldn't be making as much as Devin Hester in Chicago. Not because Hester is a better player (because he isn't) but because that kind of contract will tie up the Browns to the point where they can't give free agents/high draft picks the money they'll want. Thus, we will continue to suck. My point is, I'd rather suck with Cribbs making less money than more.

2009: A Year in Review...

2009-12-30T10:48:00.003-05:00

They say time goes by much quicker as your get older, and that couldn't be more true. Seems like yesterday we were just beginning 2009 with high hopes for a Cavs-Lakers championship and optimistic thoughts about the 2009 Cleveland Indians, but it's pretty safe to say that 2009 wasn't that much different from 2008 in the end. But with 2010 just around the corner, there's a good amount of positive vibes in the air with the way the Wine and Gold are playing and with the Browns finishing the year on a high note and getting Mike Holmgren to come to Cleveland. But anyway, let's take a look back at 2009. Off we go!

January

- The Cavs began 2009 by winning their 20th consecutive regular season game at home by knocking off CP3 and the Hornets, Jan. 16. Fucking ridiculous.

- Still shots and a teasing video a commercial featuring the King in a Browns uniform hit the Internet, giving hope to every Cleveland fan that the King will rescue another franchise in this city. Turns out it was a joke. Damn.

- The Browns hire Eric Mangini and people are unhappy. Some things never changed this year, eh?

February

- Kellen Winslow is dealt to Tampa Bay for next to nothing, basically because he wasn’t a “Mangini Guy”. Still trying to figure out what that means.

- The Austin Carr Drinking Game.

- A report is released that links former Tribe infielder Robbie Alomar to having AIDS. Man, that sucks.

- The Cavs lose their first home game of the season on Feb. 8 to Kobe and the Lakers. In hindsight, it seemed pretty obvious this would be the first game the Wine and Gold would lose at home.

- LeBron drops 50 and a triple-double on the Knicks at MSG. And as predicted, New York fans cheer the King. Look, I don’t care how much you claim to respect the game of basketball, but if you’re a fan of a team, you don’t cheer opposing players for amazing feats, especially when your team loses. Get a life.

March

- Madness: The Akron Zips fall just short against Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, yours truly comes up with the homer pick of the year in his bracket when he picks the mighty Vikings of Cleveland State to upset Wake Forest. Woo hoo!

- Eric Mangini names Brady Quinn AND Derek Anderson starting quarterback. Little did we know this would be a reoccurring theme in 2009.

- The Wine and Gold wrap up March with a 12-game win streak and reach the 60-win mark.

April

- The Indians open the 2009 season. BFD.

- My case for Jim Thome. Still believe it to this day, especially after all the jackasses that tested positive after April.

- Cavs clinch home court.

- I can’t believe I actually thought the Browns would finish 6-10 at worst. Unreal. Although, I’ll be happy with 5-11 at this point.

- Mike Brown named Coach of the Year, Cavs sweep Pistons, Hard Fouls, Light Calls.

May

- This Happened.

- Then this happened.

June

- Former Cleveland Indians owner Dick Jacobs passes away. There’s never been a person that’s done for the city of Cleveland what Jacobs did with the Indians in the 1990s. It will ALWAYS be the Jake.

- The Big Aristotle comes to Cleveland.

- Indians deal Mark DeRosa. This would be the beginning of the end.

July

- Cavs ink Anthony Parker, while Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest are basically traded for each other.

- Dunk Gate.

- Fire Sale: Ryan Garko, Victor Martinez, and Cliff Lee are all traded by the end of the month.

August

- Delonte West eats KFC.

- The Orange and Brown train wreck continues.

September

- Brady Quinn is named starting quarterback. It only took four preseason games to figure this out.

- Buckeyes and Trojans clash in Columbus. Who knew that after OSU lost this game that they would be playing in the Rose Bowl, while USC would be playing in the Emerald Bowl.

- Reports come out that the Indians will fire Eric Wedge at the end of the season.

October

- Braylon Edwards is traded to the Jets. In other news, no one gave a shit. Good riddance.

- Browns win a barnburner against the Bills. VICTORY!

- Manny Acta is named manager of the Cleveland Indians after leading the Washington Nationals to one of the worst records in MLB history. Sounds about right.

- The Wine and Gold get off to a rough start with all the new pieces.

November

- Browns fire GM George Kokinis.

- The Browns hit rock bottom and fall to the Detroit Lions on a last second TD by Matthew Stafford.

December

- Things begin to look up on all fronts.

- The Browns beat the Steelers on national television (although, I wouldn’t consider the NFL Network national TV) and Mike Holmgren accepts the whole Football Czar gig in Cleveland.

- Oh, and the Cavs absolutely demolish the Lakers in Los Angeles on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas indeed!

That is all, folks. Have a Happy New Year! See you in 2010!

Holmgren Has Cometh

2009-12-21T19:07:00.005-05:00

Mike Holmgren will be the new team president of the Cleveland Browns, the team announced late this evening. Just in time for the ESPN pre-game Monday Night Football show. Genius. Apparently Holmgren will not take over in a coaching capacity, however. Many of the details still need to be ironed out, but Holmgren will be introduced as the Browns team president some time after Christmas.

The question on the mind of just about everyone is whether or not Holmgren will fire Browns head coach Eric Mangini. Well, there are two schools of thought here. The first being that the Browns have won two games in a row and are beginning to resemble an NFL franchise, so firing Mangini after one year and a solid finish doesn't seem like something a former NFL coach who's been through a similar situation would do. On the other hand, Mangini and Holmgren may end up having different philosophies in terms of personnel decisions when it comes time for the Draft and free agency, and unlike George Kokinis, Holmgren will win just about every argument against Mangini.

Many comparisons of the Holmgren hiring have been made with the Bill Parcells hiring in Miami, because we all know that as soon as Parcells took over in Miami he made the decision to fire head coach Cam Cameron after one season to get his guy in there. I wouldn't be opposed to this kind of situation, especially if Holmgren can bring in a guy that has a proven track record. John Gruden is the first name that comes to mind, mainly because he and Holmgren spent time together in Green Bay when the Packers were going to the Super Bowl. A guy like Holmgren allows for several big names with proven success to come to Cleveland, and right now there are a ton of Super Bowl winning coaches who are out of work.

Either way, Browns fans have to be excited to get a guy other teams actually sought to hire. Holmgren could have very well waited for something to happen in Seattle and been able to stay closer to home, but perhaps this team's performance over the past two weeks has led him to believe he can turn this team around sooner rather than later.

Victory!

2009-12-11T11:03:00.004-05:00

It's been difficult to watch the Browns play this season, but last night's win over the Steelers makes a 2-11 record bearable. I kind of compare it to the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry in the sense that a losing season is bearable for both teams if they can knock off the other. Well, that's where the Browns are at right now. Last night was their Super Bowl and they came out on top.

The Cleveland defense set the tone last night by completely dominating the Steelers offensive line. Ben Roethlisberger was sacked eight times and the Browns held Pittsburgh to 3-for-14 on third down to take the rivalry game last night at Browns Stadium.

On the offensive side of the ball, Brady Quinn did just enough for the Browns to win the game. He wasn't spectacular, but he didn't turn the ball over and give the Steelers good field position, which has killed this team in previous games. On the ground is where the Browns made a statement last night. Josh Cribbs was incredible out of the wildcat formation, averaging over 10 yards per carry out of the backfield, while Chris Jennings had somewhat of a coming out party last night with his solid performance.

All in all, this pretty much makes the season for us Browns fans. It's been a long time since the Browns have knocked off the Steelers, 12 games to be exact, so let's enjoy this one.

Browns Fall in Battle of the Retards

2009-11-22T17:57:00.003-05:00

Hmm. So this is what rock bottom feels like. I was expecting something different.

Despite the fact that Brady Quinn looked like an actual quarterback this afternoon, the Cleveland Browns found themselves on the wrong end of a 38-37 game to the Detroit Lions, who pushed their record to 2-24 over the last two seasons with the win.

Matthew Stafford hit Brandon Pettigrew in the end zone with no time remaining on the clock to hand Cleveland the loss, putting the Browns at 1-9 this season.

Positives to take away from today's game? Well, like I mentioned, Quinn looked like what appeared to be an NFL quarterback and finally made completions down the field. But I'll take this 300+ yard and four TD performance with a grain of salt. It was the fucking Lions.

After looking somewhat decent in the first half of the team's Monday Night Football game against the Ravens last week, the Browns shit the bed today and made Detroit look like the Kurt Warner led Rams of the 90's, as Matt Stafford passed for a handful of touchdowns (all to different receivers) and over 400 yards in the win. I guess that's what a number one overall pick is supposed to do, right? To be fair, I'm probably ripping on the Lions much more than I should. They have some pretty good players at the skill positions and they might begin to resemble an NFL team in the coming years, which is something the Browns can't really say right now.

There's been rumors for the past couple weeks that the team is trying to get former Packers/Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren to come to town to take over at the football czar, which means Eric Mangini is going to be fucking gone in no time if that happens. I like the idea of bringing in Holmgren as a football czar. He's got a lot of good coaching connections and the ability to bring someone in that can try to turn this team around. Or shit, he can just coach the team himself and make all the draft picks and personnel decisions. I'd take it at this point.

Looking at the schedule before the season began I said the Browns had three winnable games after this point in the year: Kansas City, Oakland and Jacksonville in the final three weeks of the season. Well if today's performance is any indication of how the rest of the season will go, the Browns will finish 1-15 and hopefully get the number one pick in the NFL Draft. That's all I'm really banking on at this point.

Kokinis Out...Kosar In?

2009-11-03T07:40:00.004-05:00

The Cleveland Browns announced the dismissal of General Manager George Kokinis late last night, and not only was he fired, but the dude had to be escorted out by security from the practice facility in Berea. Awesome. This reminds me of something from the Sopranos, with Eric Mangini playing the part of Tony Soprano.

Rumor has it that Kokinis and Mangini have always had a tumultuous relationship with one another, so to many this comes as no surprise. I guess the real surprising part of it all is that no one mentioned it at Mangini's press conference at 3 p.m. yesterday. Weird.

So, who is going to replace him?

The Browns hired former quarterback and beloved Cleveland figure Bernie Kosar a few weeks ago as a consultant, so it's been rumored that Kosar could be thrust into the GM role, which seems like a natural fit for him. But on the flip side, it would suck if Kosar did a terrible job and turned Cleveland fans against him.

If not Kosar, there are a lot of other big names out there that could be a good fit with this team. This is Randy Lerner's chance to win back the trust of many Cleveland fans that have very little faith in his ability to run this team. We'll see if he can actually gain back their trust.

Halfway Done... Thank God.

2009-11-01T16:11:00.005-05:00

Has anyone come to the conclusion that both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn are not good enough to be starting NFL quarterbacks? Because I have.

Derek Anderson is completely hamstringing this team, and his turnovers and inability to be an effective starting quarterback are not only killing the Cleveland offense, but it's effecting the defense as well. The Cleveland defense actually held their own against the Bears today, even though the score doesn't reflect such.

That being said, Brady Quinn isn't going to come in and save the Browns. So to anyone clamoring for Eric Mangini to play Brady Quinn, don't bother. I've seen enough of Quinn in his short time in Cleveland to know that he is not as good as Anderson, despite Anderson's putrid numbers. If there's one thing I'll give DA cred for, it's his willingness to throw the ball down field, which Quinn simply hasn't been able to do. Or he's just scared to do, and checks down every time. But the fact remains: Both of these guys suck.

But that's where the Browns are at for the remainder of the season. Watching Anderson and Quinn completely suck ass for the remaining eight games is going to be the reality, and in a couple of weeks the entire nation will get the chance to see it when the Browns take on the Ravens on Monday Night Football, Nov. 16. And Cleveland fans plan on voicing their displeasure with the current state of the Browns for this MNF game.

Mike "Big Dawg Mike" Randall is encouraging fans to remain on the concourse level/restrooms for the beginning of the MNF game so people across the nation will see empty seats in Cleveland Browns Stadium, thus, pissing off Browns owner Randy Lerner. As a Cleveland fan that's upset and blames Lerner for the current state of this team, I think this is a great idea and I hope everyone takes part in it. This seems like a really good way to embarrass Lerner, but do I see this changing anything? Probably not. But at least the national media will take notice and rag on Lerner after they see it. We'll see how many people actually take part in this.

Time to Panic?

2009-10-29T19:17:00.005-04:00

After watching the Indians trade away every good player and their mother to contending teams (did you know CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee pitched against each other in game one of the World Series?) and the Browns laying a giant turd on the field week after week, there's one thing Cleveland sports fans were ready to take solace in once the NBA season began: LeBron James and the new look Cavs were going to kick ass and take names, beginning with Boston.

Well, that has yet to happen. In fact, the exact opposite has happened, and even the Browns have more wins than the Cavs right now, who are sitting at 0-2.

I think most fans were skeptical going into the home opener against the Celtics. With all the new pieces the Cavs have to work with, it's would've been pretty impressive to beat a team like the Celtics. Less we forget, the Celtics were the best defensive team in the NBA before everyone got injured last season and the Wine and Gold took over that title. But last night, I expected the real Cavs to show up in Canada and pound the Toronto Raptors. That was a given. But despite a triple double by the King, the Cavs' supporting cast continued to disappoint, hence, the 0-2 mark.

Is it time to worry about this team? Simply put, no. For many reasons.

First and foremost, there are still 80 freaking games to play this season, a season that goes until like June.

Secondly, while many teams that added new pieces seem to be adapting well, i.e. the Boston Celtics and Rasheed Wallace, the pieces that the Cavs have added drastically changed what this team is used to doing on offense. Sure, the Cavs are still "defense first" and run the basic half court offense they ran last year, but LeBron is going from a big man in Z, who makes his living from 10-15 feet out, to Shaq, who is attempting to be a dominant force below the rim.

Also, don't underestimate the impact that Delonte West has on this team. Delonte not being in the lineup right now is clearly hamstringing the Wine and Gold. While I believe Anthony Parker will prove to be a solid addition to the team, he hasn't looked very good so far in a starting role. The Cavs basically got him to guard big guards, but the team is probably better served having him come off the bench when (if?) Delonte West comes back ready to play.

Too much was made during the off season of what the Cavs lacked against the Orlando Magic. This team (LeBron, Williams, West, Varejao, Z) had the most wins in the NBA last year. Has everyone forgotten that? Sure, there were clear mis-matches against the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, but that doesn't mean the Cavs need to be completely gutted going into this season.

So is it time to panic? I'd say, no, it's not. But it would be nice to see this team get things going soon.

Indians Hire a New Manager

2009-10-25T16:09:00.004-04:00

It came down to Bobby Valentine (yes, this guy), Don Mattingly, Torey Lovullo, and Manny Acta for the Cleveland Indians vacant managerial gig, and Tribe General Manager Mark Shapiro and the Indians brass went with Acta. Or rather, they didn't go with the other guys.

The former coach of the Washington Nationals, Acta was fired after two and a half seasons and a 21-61 start this past season. According to the report, the Indians looked past Acta's career record and focused on his ability to develop some of Washington's young players and his communication skills. With all due respect, isn't his ability to develop players and communicate with them a reflection of his record with the Nationals, who have been nothing short of tragic while Acta was head coach? His teams had some of the most terrible records in MLB history under his tenure, and in no way is this guy a better coach than Eric Wedge.

To me, Don Mattingly seemed like the best hire. The guy has been part of several winning organizations throughout his career as a player and coach, and most recently, he's been part of the development some of the best young hitters in Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp in Los Angeles. He's also helped develop some of the young guys that are playing with the Yankees right now in Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, and several others. But who knows if Mattingly was even interested in coaching the Indians. He could've been using this situation to ensure he gets the Dodgers gig when Joe Torre retires, after he didn't get the Yankees gig when Torre left and they went with Girardi. Plus, his son was drafted by the Dodgers. Plus again, who the hell would want to leave Los Angeles to come to Cleveland?

And in regards to Valentine, just look go to the link above and you'll find your answer. Valentine is too much of a risk for Shapiro at this point in his career with the Indians. Valentine has been out of the MLB for a few years now, and probably for good reason. Hiring Valentine and having him do something bat shit crazy would ultimately cost Shapiro his job.

But anyway, let the Manny Acta era begin. I hear he's a super nice guy.

Oh, and the Browns lost today to the Green Bay Packers. Actually, they got killed. Shocking? Not really.

Week 5: "Like My Boy Johnny Drama Once Said..."

2009-10-11T15:54:00.003-04:00

It wasn't the most pretty way in the world to get a win, but it's a win nonetheless. Even despite Billy Cundiff's best effort to blow it in the final second by kicking out of bounds on the kickoff following his go-ahead field goal. I wonder how he responded to Eric Mangini's question "Are you fucking kidding me?" as he jogged off to the bench.

But anyway, behind a solid rush attack from Jamal Lewis, excellent special teams play, and a million penalties from the Buffalo Bills, the Cleveland Browns have finally won a game. Soak it in.

Is it just me, or does Buffalo seem like the most miserable place in the world? Is the weather ever nice there? I swear, any time I see a Bills game on television there's either 30 mile per-hour winds or six feet of snow. Buffalo's city slogan should be "Buffalo: Where people go to die." Today it was the wind that played a huge factor, hence the 6-3 final score.

Derek Anderson didn't do much in his second start of the season. Actually, he was pretty terrible. A 2-for-17 performance with one interception isn't exactly what Mangini is looking for out of a starting quarterback I'm sure, but it wasn't all on Anderson. Mohammed Massaquoi dropped several easy passes, and again, the wind played a pretty big factor for both Anderson and Trent Edwards, who was equally unimpressive.

All in all, a win is a win at this point for the Browns, no matter how ugly it is. I wasn't sure how this team would respond after all the hoopla with Braylon Edwards this past week, but it didn't seem to have any sort of impact on their psyche. I think everyone in the locker room probably saw the writing on the wall a long time ago.

Next week should be interesting.

For all intents and purposes, the Pittsburgh Steelers have looked like shit this season. They can't seem to run the ball with any consistency like they could in the past, and their defensive isn't playing as well since Troy Polamalu went down a few weeks ago. The Steelers weren't all that impressive today against the Detroit Lions, as Daunte Culpepper passed for nearly 300 yards and the Lions only lost by a touchdown and two-point conversion. I say this because it seems like the Browns could make this an interesting game next week in Pittsburgh. Sure, the Steelers are 36-22 all-time against the Browns in Pittsburgh, where the Browns haven't won since 2003, which also happens to be their last win over the Steelers. But if there's ever been a time where it seems like the Browns could steal one, it's now.

Browns Dump Edwards to Jets

2009-10-07T09:37:00.004-04:00

Braylon Edwards pretty much sealed his fate on Sunday night when he jacked on of LeBron James' dudes in the face at a Cleveland area night club, but that incident just begins to scratch the surface of Edwards' time in Cleveland.

Despite catching 16 touchdown passes for the Browns in 2007, Edwards has been one of the most inconsistent wide receivers in the NFL. The only thing he did consistently was drop passes that hit him square in the chest, and he's done nothing but bash the city of Cleveland and its fans since arriving. Honestly, Derek Anderson should have a legitimate beef with Edwards, because it's partly Edwards' fault he hasn't been able to keep his starting job the past two seasons.

So in short, good riddance. You will not be missed.

In return, the Browns will receive wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik, and undisclosed draft picks. All in all, this seems like a pretty sweet deal for the Browns. Especially considering Mohammed Masaquoi seems to be coming into his own.

Finally, some positive things are beginning to happen with this team.

Week 4: "Signs of Life"

2009-10-04T17:22:00.003-04:00

When they lose last week like they did to the Baltimore Ravens, it doesn't really hurt. But to have victory within sight like the Browns did today against the Cincinnati Bengals, only to fall just short, well, that hurts.

After the first quarter of play, this game looked like it was going to be somewhat of a massacre like the previous three. The defense let Cincinnati have whatever they wanted in the first quarter, and the offense looked like it had against Minnesota, Denver, and Baltimore.

But, for the first time this season, this team showed signs of life.

Derek Anderson showed flashes of his former self at times, Jerome Harrison hit the holes that the offensive line gave him, Mohamed Massaquoi caught everything thrown his way, and Josh Cribbs proved he is still the baddest man on the planet. Sure, the outcome still puts this team at 0-4, but Eric Mangini doesn't look like that big of an idiot anymore for giving DA the starting job, despite the fact that he should've given it to him from Week 1.

On the defensive side of the ball, whatever Rob Ryan said to these guys during this past week during practice seemed to finally hit home. Shaun Rodgers was absolutely incredible this afternoon. You could argue that he kept this team in the game and alive today. Brodney Pool made some nice plays in the secondary, and all in all, this defense made major strides and held their own against a pretty good Bengals offense.

And all of this came at a pretty good time for the Browns, as the team heads to Buffalo next week to face a downtrodden Bills team, who they beat last season.

Eric Wedge (to be) Fired

2009-09-30T11:46:00.004-04:00

I think most people figured this would happen at one point or another, but I can honestly say I'm surprised it happened when it did, with just a few games left in the season. I guess it's nice to just get it out of the way.

I still think Eric Wedge is a decent coach, but clearly he wasn't getting his message across to the players on his team anymore. I mean, they basically quit on him a long time ago, which could partly be because the team traded away two of its best players in Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez.

The Indians are now a rebuilding team, so I think it's good that they'll get a fresh start. No word as to who GM Mark Shapiro will replace Wedge with. Although, I'm sure Mike Hargrove's name will come up knowing Cleveland fans.

[UPDATE]: Looks like Wedge will coach the Indians for the remainder of the season. That makes more sense.

Week 3: "Even Gus Johnson Thinks the Browns Suck"

2009-09-27T15:59:00.005-04:00

Doing a weekly recap of this team is becoming increasingly difficult, because honestly, I’m trying my hardest to come up with something positive to mention, but there’s nothing there. Not a damn thing.

For example, Jerome Harrison made a nice run in the first half to get the Browns into Baltimore territory, which is usually a pretty tough order against one of the best defenses in the NFL. So what do the Browns do for their next play with 1st and 10 at just about the 50 yard line? Naturally, Brady Quinn runs a fucking quarterback sneak up the middle. All I can say is, thank God TBS was showing Old School at the same time, because it was the only thing that kept me in good spirits during the shit-show that was Week 3 of the NFL season for the Cleveland Browns.

And to those of you who picked Week 3 of the NFL season in the “When will Brady Quinn be pulled as starting quarterback for Derek Anderson” pool, congratulations. Your prize? Here you go.

Honestly, I didn’t expect the Browns to win this game. I don’t think any sane or rational Browns fan did. But you’d at least hope to see some sort of progress offensively or defensively against a team in your division that you should know pretty well. Obviously that didn't happen. Actually, the Browns showed signs of regression today.

This franchise has become the biggest joke in the National Football League. There’s no doubt about it. Granted, I know the Lions lost all 16 games last season, but at least they’ve showed progress this season. Shit, they beat the Washington Redskins today. I’m just old enough to remember what the Browns were all about before Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore, and this team is in no way, shape, or form a reflection of that. The old Cleveland Browns were a team of toughness on both sides of the ball, and a team that would run it down your throat with success . Bernie Kosar had the least amount of athletic ability you would ever see in a professional athlete, and despite the ugliness that was the way he passed the ball, Kosar got it done and was a fucking surgeon with the pig skin. It’s been 10 years since this team returned to the NFL, and they’ve been rebuilding ever since.

Most of the people to blame for this have come and gone during the last 10 years, but the one constant stream of shit that’s been involved with this team since its inception has been the Lerner family. Granted, Al Lerner at least seemed to somewhat know what he was doing before he passed away in 2002, but Randy Lerner is a joke and has no business running an NFL franchise. The fact that he himself did the interviewing for the head coach and general manager vacancy after firing Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage is ridiculous. People all over the league have mentioned that Randy Lerner isn’t the most football-savvy person, so why the hell is he himself making all these key decisions without hiring consultants who KNOW FOOTBALL? The jury might still be out on George Kokinis, but to think that Lerner passed on Josh McDaniels and Rex Ryan for Eric Mangini bewilders me. Cleveland fans don’t care about how close your ties are to this team. They want results and signs of progress, and Mangini isn’t showing either.

Brace yourself, Cleveland Browns fans. This team is easily the worst team in the NFL and might just finish winless. Barring some sort of miraculous mental awakening by Eric Mangini and the shitty players that infest this team, the 2009 Cleveland Browns will run the table in reverse and go 0-16 like the 2008 Detroit Lions. Get Mel Kiper on the phone, because this team is officially on the clock.

The Quest for Perfection...

2009-09-25T09:19:00.006-04:00

There hasn’t been much to root for as a Cleveland sports fan this summer.

The Cavs ended the season on a shitty note against the Orlando Magic, and we’ve been forced to watch the King answer the same question on various media outlets: “So, when are you coming to New York?” The signing of Shaq was exciting, albeit, short lived because we won’t get to see him in a Cavs uniform until fall rolls around.

The Browns started training camp in the middle of the summer, which was exciting for like a day or two. I mean, what was there to look forward to with this team in training camp? Alex Mack? Watching Braylon Edwards drop passes from Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson? Catching a glimpse of Jamal Lewis as he ages 10 years every day? And with two games under their belt, the Browns, for lack of a better phrase, “are who we thought they were.”

And so, that brings us to the boys of summer. Just about every single person in the city of Cleveland swore off the Cleveland Indians after they cleaned house, trading the likes of Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez for a bunch of guys none of us have ever heard of (besides Justin Masterson, of course.). But now, with nine games remaining for the Indians in the regular season, we have something to root for.

Having already lost 11 games in-a-row, the most by an Indians team since like the 1930s, this team has a chance to be in some rarified air. The longest losing streak in Major League Baseball history is 24 games, set by none other than the Cleveland Spiders in 1889. Since then, the longest streak of consecutive losses was 23 in-a-row, set by the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies. Now, this year’s Cleveland Indians can’t finish the season with more than 21 because there is only 10 games remaining, and since I’m pretty good at math, 10 + 11 (their current losing streak) = 21 games. So there is still something that this team can aim for this season, and it gives us something to finally cheer for.

The Indians almost ruined this entire thing last night, pulling within one of the Tigers at Progressive Field, but they managed to nut-up at the end to keep the streak alive. But what worries me lies ahead this weekend, as the Tribe hosts the Orioles for a three-game set at the Prog, a team that’s been almost just as tragic as the Indians. The Orioles have somehow managed to win one less game than the Indians this season, but like the Indians, they have a bunch of young guys that are still vying for a spot next season. Plus, their manager, Dave Trembley (who?) is coaching for his job just as much as Eric Wedge.

But if this team can manage to lose every single game this weekend, I think they have a chance at pulling off something great. After hosting Baltimore, the Indians host a three-game set with the White Sox, Sept. 28-30, before finishing the season in Boston for four games. The Red Sox are still playing for something this season, and sweeping the Indians going into the Playoffs would be ideal for them.

So, if you think there isn’t anything to be excited about until the Cavs begin play in a couple of months, think again. We have a chance to witness something very few fans of professional sports teams have the chance to see: Complete and utter failure.

Game 2: "Neckbeard's Revenge"

2009-09-20T20:11:00.007-04:00

Going into this season, I marked this game at Cleveland's first win of the season. With all of the changes the Denver Broncos made in the off-season, this seemed like it would be a winnable road game, especially considering the Broncos defense gave up like 30 point per-game in 2008.

Per usual, the Browns found another way to stink it up, as the offense looked tragic for what seems like forever. And it seems that way because in the last eight weeks of the NFL season, the Cleveland offense has mustered a total of ONE offensive touchdown. And that one touchdown was in garbage time last week against the Vikings when Minnesota had their scrubs in with the game well in hand.

It makes me wonder what this team would be like if they had drafted Adrian Peterson a couple of years ago in lieu of Joe Thomas. Not to take anything away from Thomas, because he's already been to the Pro Bowl early on in his career, but he hasn't done anything for the Browns running game in the past couple of seasons. But that's not entirely his fault, as Jamal Lewis has no reason to be a starting running back in the NFL at this point in his career. Lewis would be an ideal short-yardage back for the Browns at this point in his career, but he simply isn't the guy who rushed for 2,000 yards with the Ravens a few years ago.

But as I said last week, none of these personnel decisions have anything to do with the current regime in Cleveland, and if we've figured anything out in the past couple of weeks and throughout the regular season, it's going to take a long time to turn this team around.

One positive from last week's loss was that the defense showed flashes of potential. This week, they allowed Kyle Orton and his neckbeard to pass for 263 yards and a touchdown. Granted, the Neckbeard does have Brandon Marshall back and a good option in the slot with Brandon Stokley, but this is a guy who has never put up gaudy numbers in his career, despite the fact he's been able to win games when he starts. Either way, the Cleveland defense made him look like Joe Montana today, which isn't a good sign for the schedule that lies ahead. In the next five weeks, the Browns defense will have to deal with Carson Palmer, Ben Roethisberger, and Aaron Rodgers, not to mention T.O. when they head to Buffalo, Oct. 11. Plus, they have to face Baltimore next week, a team that's looked much better on offense.

Needless to say, it's a rough road ahead for the Browns and things won't get any easier. The fan in me remains optimistic about getting at least one win in five of the aforementioned games, but each one of those teams looks a million times better than the Browns so far this season. So Browns fans, circle Nov. 22 at Detroit on your calendar.

Game 1: "There Are No Moral Victories"

2009-09-13T17:30:00.006-04:00

I was hoping for a more positive post for the Cleveland Sport Animal's 500th post, but as with most posts following Browns football games, there isn't much good to talk about.

It was pretty much a given that Adrian "Purple Jesus" Peterson was going to run all over the Cleveland defense and have a good day. And he did. To the tune of 180 yards and three touchdowns, including a 64-yard scamper with just under six minutes remaining in the game to all but put the nail in the Cleveland Browns' coffin.

Brett Favre didn't do anything retarded to cost Minnesota the game. In fact, he managed the game like a Hall of Fame quarterback should. I mean, he has to have the easiest job in the National Football League. It's pretty hard to fail when all you have to do is give the ball to Purple Jesus. Favre doesn't have to throw the ball down field for the Vikings to be successful and he showed that today.

As for the Browns, well, what can you say that hasn't already been said about this team? And to think they had a chance to draft Adrian Peterson in lieu of Joe Thomas. Look, I'm a big fan of building a good offensive line, and the Browns are on their way to doing that with Thomas and Eric Steinbach. But knowing that they passed on Peterson and watching him become the best running back in the NFL since makes me sick. But that one is on Phil Savage, not the current regime, so there's not a lot to bitch about.

Brady Quinn looked absolutely awful today. Rather, he looked Garo Yepremian-esque with that ill-advised pass that turned into a fumble. Quinn had a touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards that was overturned early in the game, but he didn't connect for a real touchdown until garbage time in the fourth quarter, which happened to be Cleveland's first offensive touchdown since Week 11 at Buffalo last season. Pathetic. So yeah, Brady Quinn sucked, so it's only a matter of time until people starting wondering if Eric Mangini should start Derek Anderson. I give it to Week 4.

Per usual, the one bright spot for the Cleveland Browns was Josh Cribbs. Cribbs took Chris Kluwe's punt 67-yards to the house with under two minutes left in the first half to give the Browns a 13-10 advantage going into the locker room at half time. All seemed well at that point.

But the Vikings took control of the game in the third quarter, as the Cleveland defense couldn't muster anything on offense and couldn't find an answer for Purple Jesus.

For the most part, I thought the defense played particularly well at times. Sure, that stat sheet says that they gave up 225 yards on the ground, but again, any team will give that up playing the Vikings. I thought the secondary. especially Brandon McDonald and Abram Elam. Shaun Rogers was his usual self, but I'm beginning to question the Browns' decision to go with the 3-4. I'm not quite sure they have the personnel to run this defense, and I think it's beginning to show. Not to take anything away from Kamerion Wimbley or any of our other linebackers, but I'm not sure they are good enough to run this defensive effectively. Wimbley and Jackson have showed flashes of brilliance at times, but that hasn't gotten the Browns anywhere over the past few years, now has it?

I suppose another positive to take away from this game was Jamal Lewis' performance running the ball against Minnesota's stout run defense. Lewis carried the ball 11 times for 57 yards, averaging over 5-yards per-carry in the loss. If Lewis can stay healthy throughout the entire season, I think the Browns could have a decent backfield with the Lewis-James David tandem. Davis didn't play particularly well today, but being his first game against a pretty good defense, I think he still has time to grow and learn from his first-ever professional game.

As for next week, the Browns head to Denver to face the Broncos. Denver won today at Cincinnati, 12-7, after a crazy finish, so that's good for the Browns and for Josh McDaniels. It's a very winnable game for the Browns on paper. We'll see if that will translate into an actual W.

Ohio State-USC...

2009-09-12T09:06:00.003-04:00

Despite growing up in Berea, I didn't have any allegiance to the Ohio State University Buckeyes growing up. My parents weren't OSU fans, and my grandparents were actually Purdue fans. But there was no way I was rooting for the Boilermakers. I've always rooted for the Buckeyes in big games, but I really had no vested (pun intended) interest. I went to Bowling Green State University and had the opportunity to watch some of the best teams the Falcons have ever had. As a freshman, I watched Ben Roethisberger tear apart the BGSU defense en route to the MAC Championship. I watched Josh Harris and Omar Jacobs lead the Falcon offense and become nationally recognized quarterbacks. And I watched the greatest receiver to ever come from Alaska in Cole Magner systematically break down opposing defenses.

But last year I moved to Michigan, about 10 minutes down the road from the Big House. I began to have more of an appreciation for Ohio State, or maybe it was more of a disdain for the University of Michigan. Michigan fans remind me a lot of Red Sox fans. You don't hear from them when their team sucks, i.e. now, but as soon as they start winning you bet your sweet as you're going to get an earful of why they are the greatest school in the country. So being constantly surrounded by this environment has allowed me to have more of an appreciation for the Vest and for the Buckeyes. Which leads me to tonight's game.

If there's ever been a team and a coach that need to win a big game, it's Ohio State and Jim Tressel. Since beating Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl in 2005, Ohio State hasn't won a bowl game, including two BCS National Championship games against Louisiana State and Florida, which weren't even close. Last year, the Buckeyes lost their two biggest games of the season when Southern Cal handed them a 35-3 beat down during the regular season, followed by a hard-fought 24-21 loss to Texas in the Fiesta Bowl.

The one thing that gives Ohio State a chance to reverse their fortunes in big games is that USC is starting a freshman quarterback in Matt Barkley. Everyone has talked about how well Barkley played last week against San Jose State as a freshman quarterback, which is fine. But playing San Jose State at home is not the same as playing Ohio State at the Shoe. The Buckeyes are fifth nationally in home winning percentage if that means anything.

One thing that's been talked about is OSU's poor performance and inability to close last week against Navy. Throw that game out of the window. First off, Navy is a good team that won eight games in 2008. Secondly, they run a funky offense that is impossible to prepare for. No matter how much you have your scout team run the triple option, it's not the same as what you're going to see with Navy. And lastly, it was the first week of the season. It's expected that teams are going to look a little bit rusty, which OSU did at times. So if people want to think about last week's performance against Navy that's fine because I'd be willing to bet the team has put it behind them.

Tonight's game is going to be won and lost in the trenches. One thing that's been hurting Ohio State in these big games is the offensive line's inability to fight off the defense. In 2003, that was the team's strength, and up until a few years ago, it seemed like Ohio State had one of the best offensive lines year in a year out. But in the past three years, the team hasn't had an offensive lineman drafted in the first six rounds of the NFL Draft. Alex Barton is the only Buckeye offensive lineman to be drafted in the past three years, as he was taken in the seventh round (247 overall) by the Chicago Bears in 2008.

But even with a lackluster offensive line, the Buckeyes can still win this game because of the athleticism of Terrelle Pryor and his ability to escape and allude defenders. Pryor saw limited action against USC last season, completing 7-of-9 passes for 59 yards, as well as 59 yards on the ground. The Trojans have had trouble with Pryor-esque quarterbacks over the past few years. Vince Young dominated the Trojans in the BCS National Championship in 2006 to lead Texas to the title. The Trojans have also had trouble with quarterbacks in their own conference that posses similar abilities to that of Pryor.

Ohio State needs tonight's game bad. Running through the Big Ten and beating Michigan every year shouldn't be enough for this school, and the fact that it's accepted by Buckeye Nation is laughable. This team was once a national powerhouse and a win tonight could restore that. But if you know me, you know I am a realist...

USC 41, Ohio State 24

Browns (Finally) Name Starting Quarterback

2009-09-10T10:34:00.004-04:00

It only took four preseason games to make the decision, but Browns first-year head coach has decided on a starting quarterback. And to the surprise of no one in Cleveland, it's going to be Brady Quinn.

Quinn has outplayed Derek Anderson for the most part, and it makes perfect sense to see what Quinn can do for an entire season as an NFL quarterback at this point in his career. He's had his time to mature, now it's time to see what he can do and if he can lead the Browns back to prominence.

What's hilarious to me throughout this whole quarterback saga with Quinn and Anderson is Eric Mangini's decision to wait so long to announce it to the public. I'm hoping he at the least told his players awhile ago that Quinn would be starting under center in Week 1, because it has to be tough for his teammates, especially the offensive lineman who protect him, not knowing who the starting QB is going to be. Plus, it's not like Mangini was getting a leg up on competition by waiting until the last possible minute to announce it. Quinn and Anderson are virtually the same quarterback to prepare for. Granted, there are differences in their respective abilities, but it's not like the Minnesota Vikings had to prepare for two different types of quarterbacks, like a pocket passer and a scrambler.

Speaking of the Minnesota Vikings and the home opener in three days, how are the Browns going to do against them? It's already a given that the Cleveland defense will not be able to stop Purple Jesus Adrian Peterson, but I still think the Browns can come away with a win in this game for one big reason: Brett Favre sucks. If there's ever been one sure thing in football over the past couple seasons, it's that Favre is going to make at least one retarded mistake. I realize statistically he's the best quarterback the NFL has ever seen, but statistically, he could be considered the worst, as he has thrown the most interceptions all time. Personally, I want to see Kameron Wimbley tee off on him at some point in the contest, and I think he or someone on the Browns defense will get such an opportunity.

Anyway, hard to believe it's football season. Beginning with Steelers/Titans tonight.

BTW, I still have two divisions, the NFC East and West, to preview. Which I will do in short, quick points now:

NFC East:

Giants: Plaxico Buress shot himself last season, and now Eli Manning doesn't have anyone to throw to.

Eagles: Michael Vick.

Cowboys: Punting into the scoreboard. Tony Romo dumped Jessica Simpson and left her at an IHOP, which is fucking awesome.

Redskins: Clinton Portis wears cool costumes.

NFC East Prediction:
1. Giants (10-6)
2. Eagles (10-6)
3. Cowboys (8-8)
4. Redskins (6-10)

NFC West:

49ers: Alex Smith sucks and will never be a good starting quarterback. Should've known: he's from Utah. Michael Crabtree?

Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald is the best receiver in the NFL. Anquan Boldin is up there, too. Kurt Warner loves Jesus. A lot.

Seahawks: They've been pretty quiet. TJ Houshmanzedah plays for them now.

Rams: Steven Jackson is good, but they don't have Orlando Pace anymore. Weak.

NFC West Prediction:
1. Cardinals (11-5)
2-4: Everyone else.

NFL Predictions: NFC South...

2009-09-07T11:11:00.003-04:00

It’s pretty tough to get a grip on this division. It seems like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Carolina could all win it, while Tampa Bay is rebuilding after the end of the John Gruden era and will be in for a rough year in 2009.

Bucs: Another day and another team fired its offensive coordinator before the start of the season. The Bucs canned OC Jeff Jagodzinski before the 2009 season even got underway, and for first-year head coach Raheem Morris, this couldn’t be the way he wanted to start his career in Tampa Bay. The Bucs are a far cry away from their squad that beat the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, as Ronde Barber remains as the only player on the Bucs that made any impact on that squad that won it all. The Bucs look like they are going to start Byron Leftwich under center, so it’s only a matter of time until he gets hurt and they hand the keys of the offense over to rookie Josh Freeman, who looks like he’s going to be a stud. Still, the Bucs will probably be at the bottom of the division this season. Somewhere, John Gruden is smiling. Okay, actually, he’s probably not smiling. Rather, he has that bat-shit crazy look on his face like he’s going to rip someone’s face off.

Falcons: It didn’t the Atlanta Falcons to rebound from the whole Michael Vick dog fighting thing. Honestly, I thought this team would be in shambles for at least three or four seasons after losing Vick, but it might actually be the best thing that happened to this team because they were able to get Matt Ryan and run a very potent offense. Ryan isn’t as smart as Peyton Manning in terms of checking down and coming to the line with five different plays in mind, but their offense reminds me a lot of what Indy was doing a few years back when Edge, Harrison, Wayne, and Manning. Michael Turner is one of the top five backs in the league, and the Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, and Tony Gonzalez receiving core is pretty solid on paper.

Panthers: Out of all the teams in the NFL that have underachieved over the past five years, the Panthers are near the top of the list. Since losing to the Pats in Super Bowl XXXVIII they haven’t done much. A nasty wide receiver? Check. A Pro Bowl caliber running back? Check. A quarterback with a high completion percentage who won’t make retarded decisions to cost you games? Check. Play makers on defense? Double check. Unfortunately, none of this has materialized into anything for the Panthers, who went 12-4 a year ago only to be ousted from the playoffs in the first round by NFC Champion Arizona. This season, I think DeAngelo Williams will have a huge year, and if Steve Smith can stay healthy, along with Julius Peppers on defense, the Panthers could take the NFC South.

Saints: After a ridiculous year last year, Drew Brees seems poised for similar success in 2009. The Saints return virtually everyone on offense, but unfortunately, that offense led them to a .500 record last season. Rather, their defense sucked, so they finished 8-8. The team added Ohio State product Malcolm Jenkins to help out in the secondary after the team finished ranked 23^rd in defense last season. For a team that finished first overall in offense, an 8-8 record just isn’t good enough, but I think they will improve on that mark. Barely, though.

NFC South Prediction:

1. Carolina (11-5)

2. New Orleans (9-7)

3. Atlanta (9-7)

4. Tampa Bay (4-12)

NFL Predictions: NFC North...

2009-09-05T10:11:00.005-04:00

I had a debate at my office the other day concerning the worst division in the National Football League. On one hand, you have the NFC North, where a .500 record usually means you're in playoff contention, which is just awful. Plus, the Detroit Lions are in this division, a team that ran the table in reverse last season. On the other hand, you have the AFC West, which is pretty bad these days with traditionally bad teams like Kansas City and Oakland, plus, now the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers are beginning to slip. I'm going with the NFC North.

Bears: The Bears go into this year as everyone's sleeper team because of the acquisition of Jay Cutler. Hopefully that pans out well and he has a great season because he's on my fantasy team. But honestly, I still have reservations about how well he'll do in Chicago. Sure, he has arguably the best arm in the NFL, which bodes well for playing in the Windy City, but who the hell is he going to throw to this season? Devon Hester is not a legitimate wide receiver (yet). Can you name one more receiver on this team? Didn't think so. (I can. Earl Bennett.) The Bears will play second-fiddle to the Packers this season.

Lions: Living in the Detroit area over the past year, I've had to listen to Lions fans talk about how their team that went 0-16 last season is better than the Cleveland Browns. Are you fucking kidding me? Look, I'm as pessimistic as they come when it comes to the Browns, but in no way, shape, or form are the Lions a better team than the Cleveland Browns. They went 0-16 in one of the worst division in football last year, whereas the Browns went 4-12 in one of the best. By my calculations, the Lions will have two chances to win a game this season: Week 8 at home against St. Louis after coming off a Week 7 bye, or, Week 16 at San Francisco. However, I don't they will take either of those games and they will finish 0-32 in the last two seasons and the franchise will be moved to Anchorage, Alaska.

Packers: The Packers are clearly the team to beat in this division. Aaron Rodgers is emerging as a Pro Bowl quarterback, and he has a ton of weapons around him. Greg Jennings is possibly the most underrated receiver in the NFL outside of Andre Johnson, and Ryan Grant could be poised for a big 2009 season if he can stay healthy. Their defense seems to be their Achilles heal, but it seems like they are getting better. AJ Hawk, Aaron Kampman, and Nick Barnett are all solid players to have at linebacker, and with Charles Woodson in the secondary, they definitely have the ability to make some big plays. I think what might be their problem is their defensive scheme. I've heard from various people that the 3-4 just doesn't work without the right personnel, which only one team in the league really has to run the 3-4 (Baltimore).

Vikings: I don't want to mention Brett Favre EVER on this blog, because I think he's fake and a cancer to this team, but he's clearly the biggest story going on in Minnesota. I think he's going to have a shitty year, and I'll leave it at that. The Vikes have THE BEST running back in all of the NFL in Purple Jesus Adrian Peterson, and they also have one of the most hilarious people on their team in Jared Allen. The Vikes have one of the best offensive lines in all of football, but on defense, their secondary is suspect. Clearly, they are missing Fred Smoot and the rest of those guys from the Sex Boat Scandal.

NFC North Prediction:
1. Green Bay (12-4)
2. Chicago (8-8)
3. Minnesota (8-8)
4. Detroit (0-16)

NFL Predictions: AFC West...

2009-09-02T19:20:00.003-04:00

First and foremost, I want to apologize for a few things. First, I apologize for not posting this preview sooner. Internet issues, man. Secondly, I apologize for the nighmares that may ensue after viewing the above picture of Al Davis, AKA, Creeping Death.

Today, I will attempt to wrap up my AFC predictions with the AFC West, everyone's favorite division in the NFL. So many story lines, I don't even know where to begin.

Broncos: Josh McDaniels is a Cleveland guy, so I will tread lightly here. Honestly, I think he'll be a great coach one day. I won't go as far as to say he was the mastermind behind New England's offensive success over the past few years, but he had a lot to do with it. So did cheating, though, But I do believe McDaniels handled the Jay Cutler situation all wrong. We've all heard it a million times already, but you don't trade away a quarterback with the upside of Cutler. He's already a Pro Bowl quarterback early on in his career, and with the weapons he had around him with Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, the Broncos could be back on top of this division in a couple of seasons with McDaniels tutoring Cutler. Well, that will never happen, and now McDaniels is stuck with Neckbeard and a disgruntled Brandon Marshall, who might not be in Denver that much longer. It's going to be a long year in Denver for McDaniels.

Chiefs: In football on any level, professional or college, does it ever work when new head coaches retain coordinators? It seems like it never does, and Kansas City is no exception. We're less than a couple weeks away from Week 1 of the NFL season and Chan Gailey was already "relieved of his duties" by Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. Haley was the man behind Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals offense last season, but it sure as hell doesn't look like he knows what he's doing now. Isn't he the one who got into it with All-World wide receiver Anquan Boldin on the sidelines? Just give him the damn ball. Oh, and Matt Cassel is already hurt before he could prove that last season was a fluke.

Raiders: In all seriousness, how the hell is Al Davis still the owner of an NFL franchise? If you were to look up the definition of bat-shit crazy in the dictionary, the picture seen at the beginning of this post would likely show up. This guy can't do a damn thing right. He hires coaches who wreck their assistants' jaws during practice, his draft picks are absolutely ridiculous, and the guy has no idea how to handle a press conference in an appropriate manner. Although, that shit was hilarious when he fired Lane Kiffin. I'll put it in simple terms here: The Oakland Raiders will not be a successful NFL team until Al Davis is not the owner anymore. He will have to be dead in order for this to happen.

Chargers: Even with all the drama that's happened in San Diego over the past few seasons, they don't even compare to the other teams in their own division. LT came out today and said he's a better running back than Adrian Peterson. Maybe he meant the other Adrian Peterson, but I think he meant Purple Jesus who wears number 28 for the Vikings. AP is a beast, and is the now the only running back in the NFL who should be allowed to go by two letters. I do believe LT can still be a decent running back, but his best days are behind him, which is why Darren Sproles is getting more touches lately. Even with all that being said, the Chargers are still the team to beat in this division with the most underrated quarterback in the NFL, Phillip Rivers. They still have the best tight end in the NFL in Kent State product Antonio Gates, and they have better receivers then they've had in the past.

AFC West Prediction:
1. San Diego (9-7)
2. Kansas City (5-11)
3. Denver (5-11)
4. Oakland (3-13)

NFL Predictions: AFC East...

2009-08-25T12:16:00.003-04:00

This division easily my most hated division in the entire NFL. Actually, it’s pretty much a given that I hate the Eastern division teams in almost every professional sports league.

Bills: Buffalo Bills fans were already pretty big douchebags, and then they brought in T.O. and think they are going to the Super Bowl. Right. First off, if the T.O. experiment didn’t work in Philadelphia or Dallas, why the hell would it work in Buffalo? Trent Edwards isn’t as good as Tony Romo or Donovan McNabb, so it’s only a matter of time until T.O. calls him out. I give it until week five until something happens. That being said, they will be better than last year, and the person that will benefit the most from T.O. joining the team is Lee Evans.

Dolphins: Despite being pretty weak at the wide receiver position, I really like the Dolphins. They really don’t have any flashy players, but they have guys like Chad Pennington who just seem to get it done. I don’t think Ohio State product Ten Ginn Jr. will ever be a Larry Fitzgerald/Andre Johnson like receiver that can take over a game, but he’s got pretty good speed, and with Pennington’s accuracy, he might have a decent year. Ronnie Brown is an absolute beast when he’s healthy and will be the focal point of the Miami offense. On defense, the team Akron product Jason Taylor back after a short stint in Washington, and despite being in his mid 30s, I think Taylor can still be a play maker.

Jets: The Jets are from New York, which doesn’t need explaining as to why I hate them. Why is it that in order for the world to be right, every team that plays in New York has to be winning? I don’t get it. We’ve put up with shitty teams in Cleveland for-ev-er and yeah, we bitch about it quite a bit, but we almost expect it. Why do the Knicks, Yankees, Mets, Jets, and Giants all have to be championship caliber teams every year in order for people in New York not to bitch? The Jets drafted Marc Sanchez from Southern Cal, who has actually looked pretty good in preseason play. The keyword in that sentence is: preseason.

Patriots: Ahh, the Fahhking Pats. Tom Brady missing the entire year last year was probably the most hilarious thing I’ve ever seen. Not because I hate Tom Brady – actually, I kind of like him after his appearance on Entourage, but because something finally went wrong with that cheating group of bastards that reside in New England. Karma is a bitch. But with a healthy Tom Brady, this offense is pretty sick, and I don’t think anyone will contend with them in their division. If Brady and Randy Moss can connect like they did in 2007 when New England almost ran the table, this team can be pretty lethal. If their team has one weakness it’s the age of their defense. I was shocked to see Tedy Bruschi was still playing for them to be perfectly honest.

AFC East Prediction:
1. Patriots (13-3)
2. Dolphins (9-7)
3. Jets (6-10)
4. Bills (6-10)

We'll wrap up the AFC sometime this week everyone's favorite division, the AFC West.

NFL Predictions: AFC South...

2009-08-23T22:32:00.003-04:00

It’s hard to pinpoint when exactly the AFC South became as dominant as any division in the NFL, but there’s no doubt it ranks among the league’s best with a good mixture of offensive and defensive based teams.

Colts: The clear cut to win the division over the past decade or so, the Indianapolis Colts have definitely aged over the past few years. The Peyton Manning-Marvin Harrison connection is no longer, as Harrison is currently an NFL free agent. Allegations of Harrison going ape shit with a gun on some dude at one of his car washes may be the reason why he isn’t on a team anymore. Either that or he is way past his prime. To me, the Colts are still the favorite to win this division every year. They still have arguably one of the best play callers in the league and Reggie Wayne still puts up good numbers on a consistent basis. On the defensive side of the ball, Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney are among the best at their respective positions when healthy.

Jaguars: I still think the Jags should’ve kept Byron Leftwich around, but instead they are led by David Garrad, who everyone believes will be decent one day. I don’t get it. Maurice Jones-Drew, or MJD as he’s known around various circles, is now the showcase back in Jacksonville with Fred Taylor gone, which is great for those of you who have him on your fantasy football team. He gets a ton of receptions too, which is great if you count those in your league. That being said, they have a decent defense, but I don’t see them finishing any better than third in their division. Doesn’t it seem like they always lose to the Browns too? That’s never good.

Texans: The Houston Texans are my NFL sleeper team this year. I think Matt Schaub will have a huge year with weapons like Andrew Johnson and Steve Slaton around him, plus Mario Williams is emerging as one of the best young defensive players in the NFL. Outside of a week 17 game against New England, their out of conference schedule isn’t too hard, which could bode well for their playoff chances. Also, did you know Rex Grossman is their third string quarterback?!? I was wondering where the Sex Cannon went after being ran out of Chicago. You know you’ve fallen hard when you’re the third choice behind the likes of Dan Orlovsky.

Titans: Am I the only one who thinks Tennessee’s 13-3 season was an absolute fluke? Their running game is solid with Chris Johnson and the now tequila-less LenDale White, but any team that’s relying on Kerry Collins to lead them to glory week in and week out is slightly questionable. Speaking of LenDale White, how the hell do you cut that much weight by eliminating tequila? How fattening can it really be? I mean, unless he’s chasing them with White Castle burgers or something. But, hey, to each his own I guess. By the way, the thing I hate most about this team? Rob Bironas. Specifically, when Chris Berman says his name when reading a highlight.

AFC South Prediction:
1. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
2. Houston Texans (11-5)
3. Tennessee Titans (10-6)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

Coming later this week: AFC East.

NFL Predictions: AFC North...

2009-08-20T13:12:00.004-04:00

Normally I try to stay away from making predictions on this blog, mostly because I’m usually wrong. But as we close in on the beginning of the 2009 NFL season, I just can’t resist predicting what’ll happen, beginning with the AFC North, which includes our beloved Cleveland Browns.

Baltimore: Joe Flacco had a decent first season with the Ravens. Honestly, as long as he doesn’t do anything bat shit crazy, Flacco can do no wrong. Baltimore’s defense is what has them in the hunt for the division title every season, and with Ed Reed and company all coming back, I see no reason why they can’t give the Steelers some hell.

Cincinnati: I haven’t had the chance to see the show Hard Knocks on HBO, but I can probably guess what it’s all about. I’m sure Chad Ochocinco runs around like a complete doucher and talks about how he’s still the best receiver in the league. Meanwhile, Chris Henry is trying to figure out new ways to get arrested and Carson Palmer is wondering what the hell he’s still doing in a Bengals uniform. I think Palmer will have a decent year, along with Ochocinco, but the Bengals will still suck.

Cleveland: Like the previous three years, the Browns come into the year without a clear cut starting quarterback. Is it going to be Brady Quinn? Is it going to be Derek Anderson? It looks like Mangini is leaning toward Quinn, although, as soon as he starts to shit the bed, you know people will begin the DA chants. But the Browns’ offensive circus doesn’t begin or end with the Quinn/DA saga, as Braylon Edwards continues to drop balls and still talk about how great he is. Look, athletically, the dude is a freak. We all know that. But that doesn’t mean anything if you can’t catch the freaking ball when it’s thrown to you. Honestly, I would rather take a less athletic receiver like Hines Ward than Braylon Edwards. At least Ward throws down blocks and catches the ball when it’s thrown to him.

Pittsburgh: The Steelers probably won’t miss a beat in 2009 coming off their Super Bowl title in 2008. Mostly everyone is back on offense and defense, and the only thing that could distract them is Big Ben’s rape trial, which honestly seems like it will be dropped with all of the new information coming out over the past week or so. The Steelers are the clear cut favorite in the AFC North, and maybe the entire AFC. God, I hate them.

AFC North Prediction:
1. Steelers (13-3)
2. Ravens (10-6)
3. Bengals (6-10)
4. Browns (5-11)

Tomorrow’s prediction: AFC South

Fun Times in Cleveland Again, Yeah!

2009-08-13T22:01:00.007-04:00

It’s been a long time since we’ve last heard from the Cleveland Browns. Or at least since we've talked about them on this blog.

After getting spanked, 31-0, by the Pittsburgh Steelers in their 2008 regular season finale, the Browns canned both head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Phil Savage to make way for new head coach Eric Mangini and new general manager George Kokinis.

On draft day last April, we all expected the Browns to make some big, flashy pick, but the exact opposite happened. After what seemed like 20 trades, which created a running bet with a few of my friends, “Hey, if they make another trade, you have to shotgun an entire beer,” the team drafted center Alex Mack out of Cal with their first round pick. And I was pretty wasted and pissed by that point. I mean, didn’t we like just sign Hank Fraley to the largest contact any NFL center has ever seen? I guess it is what it is, but I would have preferred to see the team trade one of its quarterbacks to end the possibility of another quarterback controversy going into training camp. And speaking of which!

Yes, folks, we have yet another quarterback controversy in Berea this summer. Brady Quinn has his supporters and Derek Anderson has his backers, but Eric Mangini still hasn’t decided who will be the team’s starting quarterback going into its week one game at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Look, I could honestly care less who Mangini decides to start. Any way you look at it, one of them is going to fuck up eventually, which will ultimately lead to the “PUT BRADY/ANDERSON IN!” chants from Cleveland fans. Sure, Anderson had a Pro Bowl caliber season two years ago and led the Browns to a 10-6 mark, but towards the tail-end of the 2007 season he was garbage. And as for Quinn, well, the Browns are paying him all this money and he’s sitting on the bench. Also, he’s handsome and already has a bunch of endorsements. “Now I’m done.” This is why I would have liked to see the team trade either Quinn or Anderson. This has been going on for three years now and it’s getting tiresome. There isn’t a successful team in the NFL that has a controversy of who they are going to start at quarterback, and this is why the Browns are a trainwreck.

Oh, and Donte Stallworth is running over pedestrians in his vehicle and only getting 30 days in jail for it. Look, I somewhat feel for Stallworth in a sense because he seems to genuinely feel disturbed to this day about what happened, but that still doesn’t excuse what he did and excuse the lack of punishment he received for doing it. He killed another human being. Today, commissioner Roger Goodell handed Stallworth a year suspension, which seems reasonably fair. Whether or not Stallworth will be a Cleveland Brown when he returns is debatable. I don’t see the team holding on to him for a whole year and having to deal with the circus that will surround his return next year, but who knows. This team seems to like that sort of thing I suppose.

So as we go head-first into the 2009 season, let’s try to remain optimistic. We still have like three months or so until the Cavs start, so maybe the Cleveland Browns will provide us with some decent football in the meantime. We shall see.

6-10.

I Can Only Imagine What $47 Can Buy at KFC

2009-08-04T09:38:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure if this is quite "Trains, planes, automobiles...Better have my dough-nuts" but it's still freaking hilarious. Gotta love D-West.

Looking Back and Trying to Look Ahead...

2009-08-02T19:30:00.006-04:00

I wanted to wait a few days after the Indians traded Victor Martinez to the Red Sox to post anything on here because I didn’t want to post my initial knee-jerk reactions to the trade. After a weekend to think it over, I’m still pretty pissed about all of these trades, but I’m still trying to remain optimistic.

We all saw this coming for the most part after the Garko trade, but it still hasn’t set in that the Indians traded so many every day players. Garko, Ben Francisco, Cliff Lee, and Victor Martinez are all gone, and we are left with the likes of Jhonny Peralta and Carl Pavano.

But in the case of Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee, they were more than just star players on the Indians. Both will always hold a special spot in the hearts of many Tribe fans, especially in the case of Martinez.

Victor was drafted when he was a teenager by the Indians in 1996 out of Venezuela and since then he’s only known one team. After guys like Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, Sandy Alomar, and Omar Vizquel left Cleveland, there were young guys like Victor Martinez who naturally stepped in and filled the role that the aforementioned players left vacant. Watching Martinez take the field every day with fun and enthusiasm was perhaps why many of us fans gravitated towards him: He reminded many of us of what it was like to play the game growing up and he was someone we could all relate to with the way he interacted with fans, his teammates, and everyone around him.

Victor's final moments as a Cleveland Indians player summed up what we all felt when we found out he was traded to Boston. Watching him sit as his locker in tears having to explain to his child that he was no longer an Indian put an absolute pit in my stomach, and even thinking about it still does today. Martinez wanted to be a Cleveland Indian for the rest of his career. How many athletes can you think of in the history of this town that said they want to play in Cleveland for the rest of their careers? Not many. And most of the ones that have only said it to save face. But not Victor Martinez. The guy was an all around class act and one hell of a baseball player, and it makes me absolutely sick to my stomach that he went out like this, and to the team that all of us despise. I never thought a day would come where I would cheer a member of the Boston Red Sox, but there’s no way I can’t cheer for V-Mart. And should he remain with the Red Sox next season, I’ll be one of the first people to get up and give him a standing ovation. It’s the least we can do as Indians fans after everything he’s done since arriving in Cleveland.

With a few days of reflection on the trades of this past week, I’m trying to remain optimistic. Mark Shapiro has proven in the past to be a somewhat intelligent guy in terms of the talent he’s received with these trades, so hopefully these ones are no different. With the number of power arms the Indians got with these trades at least one or two of them should pan out favorably. From what I’ve heard and read about some of these guys, they sound pretty talented, but that doesn’t make up for the fact that it still sucks to see the Indians give away two of their best players, despite the fact that the team is well out of contention for a playoff spot. And after watching the team take two out of three against the Tigers this weekend there is room for hope for a better future in the coming years with this team. We’ve seen much worse in Cleveland, and I’m confident this team can get it done in the coming years and get back to the winning ways we’ve seen in this city before. Go Tribe.

A Friendly Reminder for Tribe Fans...

2009-07-31T15:50:00.002-04:00

Just so you all remember, all fans attending the game against Central Division Rivals the Detroit Tigers Saturday, August 1, will receive a Victor Martinez bobblehead.

Ugh.

Indians Trade (Another) Cy Young Award Winner

2009-07-29T16:17:00.003-04:00

As if the Indians weren’t already totally irrelevant in the world of Major League Baseball, today they have joined the likes of the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates as the Tribe traded Cliff Lee to the Phillies (yes, along with Ben Francisco) for a boat-load of prospects.

Let the rebuilding begin. Again.

Lee’s record doesn’t show it, but he’s been pretty damn good this season. If he didn’t have a group of players behind him that absolutely sucked he might actually have better numbers. Luckily for him, he’ll get all the run support he needs in Philadelphia with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Raul Ibanez, among others. Even without the aforementioned players, Lee is still going to run shit in the National League, especially in that crappy division they call the National League East. So good luck to Cliff Lee and may you get to experience what it’s like to play for a baseball organization that wants to WIN NOW. It was a pleasure watching a stud pitcher like Cliff Lee dominate in Cleveland last year and it sucks that it came to this.

So let's get this right, Cleveland fans, in the last two seasons, the Indians have traded away two Cy Young Award winning pitchers. If Matt LaPorta and these prospects from the Phillies don’t pan out to be at the very least future all-stars, Larry Dolan, Mark Shapiro, and the Cleveland Indians front office members who orchestrated these trades need to be banned from working in professional sports for the remainder of their lives.

Indians Deal Garko to Giants

2009-07-28T14:40:00.004-04:00

If Ryan Garko could play baseball as well as he shotguns Bud Heavy’s he’d be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in no time. Unfortunately, this is not the case and the Indians dealt Garko to the San Francisco Giants for Single-A left-handed pitcher, Scott Barnes.

This is probably good for both sides, as Garko gets to go back to the left-coast where he grew up, while the Indians get a pitcher that they hope will one day produce at the big league level. Garko was having a decent season thus far at the dish (.285, 11 homers, 39 RBI), but all in all he’s an expendable mediocre player and the team needs more production than that at first base.

The team is once again going to give Andy Marte a shot at the big league level, hopefully his last one. Am I the only one who’s tired of seeing Marte tear it up at the triple-A level, only to be brought up and absolutely suck? With the team all but out of the race for a playoff spot, this has to be Marte’s last shot.

In other trade news, there are still rumors about the Indians dealing Cliff Lee to a few ball clubs, most notably, the Dodgers and Phillies. One reported deal with the Dodgers would be one of the biggest blockbusters of recent memory, as it would send Lee and Victor Martinez to Los Angeles for Chad Billingsley and prospects. Any trade that would involve Bills, a Defiance native, would be fine by me. He’s 24 years old, an All-Star, and has absolutely electric stuff. If there’s a pitcher besides Tim Lincecum that a team can be built around it just might be Chad Billingsley. And speaking of Tim Lincecum, he kind of looks like that kid from Dazed and Confused.

With Friday’s trade deadline looming, it will be interesting to see if the Indians do anything else. But if they deal Lee and Martinez, you can all but count the Tribe out for next season as well. But the big factor in the Indians dealing Lee could be whether or not the Toronto Blue Jays trade Roy Halladay, which honestly doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen at this point.

LeBron James Getting Dunked On...

2009-07-22T17:03:00.001-04:00

Looks Like We'll See The King Getting Dunked On...

2009-07-22T12:20:00.004-04:00

Or so says TMZ.

TMZ said this morning they will release the video of Xavier's Jordan Crawford dunking on LeBron James at 6:45 p.m. this evening on its website.

I suppose it was only a matter of time until someone came out with a video of this. And honestly, who gives a crap. It was pretty lame of LeBron in the first place to have Nike confiscate the tape, but really, who thinks Crawford is a better player than LeBron because of it? No one. It was a pick up game and I'm sure the King wasn't even going 100 percent, whereas Crawford was likely going full-go, trying to impress LeBron and everyone else at the camp. I'm willing to bet if this were an actual game, James would have put Crawford on his ass if he tried a two-handed dunk on him. And say LeBron did put Crawford on his ass at the camp and seriously injured him, wouldn't he look like a giant doucher?

But anyway, we'll keep our eyes open for this video and if it's possible I'll embed it on our site. One love.

Cavs Ink Varejao and Parker

2009-07-09T09:16:00.003-04:00

Well, there you have it.

It must’ve been a late night Wednesday for Danny Ferry, but he managed to get forward Anderson Varejao resigned, while adding 6-foot-6 guard Anthony Parker from the Toronto Raptors.

Varejao was reportedly signed to a 6-year deal worth $50-million, which is probably right around the amount the team wanted him for. I’m glad Ferry and company manned up and got Varejao back. He’s steadily improved offensively and on the boards every season since arriving in Cleveland in 2004, and at just 26 years old, his upside is tremendous. Plus, no one in the NBA can flop like Andy.

As for Parker, he’s likely to play back-up to Delonte West at the two, but he fills a much needed void the Cavs needed for a large shooting guard. Last season for Toronto, Parker averaged 10.7 points per-game, about two points lower per-game than his previous two seasons with the Raptors. He was making just over $4-million per-year with the Raptors, and will probably make around the same in Cleveland I’m guessing. He was originally drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1997, but ended up in Philadelphia for a couple of seasons before going to Orlando in 1999-2000 and then heading to Europe where he really made a name for himself. Parker was named the Euroleague Most Valuable Player in 2004-05 had a storied career playing overseas basketball. But more importantly, he is the brother of WNBA All-Star Candace Parker, who is married to former Duke forward Sheldon Williams. They actually just had a child and Candace is back on the court, pumping breast milk for the newborn just before tip. Niiiiceeeee.

Oh, and on a different note, I'm not sure where you come out on the whole LeBron James tape saga from the Nike Camp, but I want to see it. LeBron needs to man up and allow that tape to be illegally put on YouTube for all of us to see. He looks like a pretty big baby in all of this, and if it would've been him throwing down a ridiculous dunk on one of those college players, I guarantee it would already be on YouTube and Nike wouldn't have confiscated it. Maybe it will surface in the coming weeks, but who knows. Plus, it's a Xavier kid, Jordan Crawford, who threw it down on the King. WE NEED TO SEE THIS!!!!!

What Now?

2009-07-08T09:52:00.002-04:00

Another free agency period looks to have come and gone in the blink of an eye, and with Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza all but off the table, the Wine and Gold look to be making what would be considered “Option C” in getting a player like Anthony Parker from the Toronto Raptors, all while attempting to keep Anderson Varejao in a Cleveland uniform.

If there’s one thing the Cavs don’t want, it’s another holdout situation with Varejao like they had in 2007. Hopefully they can agree to a new contract sometime in the near future, but if we’ve learned anything, it’s that Varejao’s agent seems to have somewhat unrealistic expectations about how much Andy is actually worth. Granted, Varejao has made significant strides to become a much better player on the offensive end, averaging nearly two points per-game better this past season compared to 07-08, but 8.6 points per-game and under 10 boards per-game isn’t worth over $10 million per-year in my opinion.

These next few weeks will be interesting. It looks like the Cavs will land Parker from Toronto after the Raptors just stole Hedo Turkoglu from Portland, and they might even get Antonio McDyess from the Pistons for a reasonable price if he doesn’t choose to sign with San Antonio, which is close to his home.

I think in the long run, the only person to somewhat blame for not landing high-caliber players like Artest and Ariza is LeBron James. He hasn’t given any indication on what the hell he’s going to do after the 2009-10 season, and let’s face it; no one wants to be stuck in Cleveland in the post-LeBron Era. Hell, I don’t want to even be around for that. But it's hard to fault him for not signing an extention or giving an indication of what he's going to do. He's focused on winning right now, which is what we all want as Cleveland fans. Reports came out the other day with about a conversation he supposedly had with Trevor Ariza about how he plans on staying in Cleveland past 2010, but those reports were quickly shot down by Chris Broussard from ESPN. Broussard didn’t actually interview the King, but said sources close to LeBron told him the original reports were not true. I like Broussard, being that he has ties close to the Cleveland area, but I’ve always questioned ESPN’s agenda when it comes to reports on LeBron staying in Cleveland. It seems at times they are almost campaigning for him to come to New York, when no reports have EVER come out with him saying he’d like to play for the Knicks when his contract runs out, but when an actual report comes out with a source saying he’s staying in Cleveland past next season, they are quick to shoot it down with a source that’s probably just as legitimate as the original report. Maybe it’s because NYC is close to Bristol, who knows. All I know is that when the King decides to stay in Cleveland after the 2010 season it seems like it will be a dark day for the World Wide Leader. Alright, time to step off my soapbox.

Indians Deal DeRosa to Cardinals

2009-06-28T11:42:00.003-04:00

Other than perhaps Victor Martinez, Mark DeRosa has been one of the only bright spots in the Indians' lineup this season. But after last night's loss, the Tribe's ninth loss in their last 11 games, DeRosa was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for right-handed reliever Chris Perez and a player to be named later (probably not Albert Pujols).

Generally speaking, reactions seem to be pretty negative to this trade because of how well DeRosa is playing and how little the Indians got for him. But on the other side, the team isn't in any position to contend for a playoff spot this season and DeRosa is on a one year deal and isn't likely to stay with the Indians if he continues his career year.

Sitting 11 games back in the AL Central, the Indians don't look to be making a run at a postseason berth anytime soon. They have an immediate need to quality arms in the bullpen, and with Jake Westbrook coming back and if Fausto Carmona can get his head on straight, this team, if healthy, has enough quality players to make a run at something next. As for this year, they are clearly done.

As for the other end of the trade, Chris Perez has the stuff to be a great arm coming out of the bullpen. A 24-year old former first round pick out of Miami, Perez has tallied 30 strikeouts in 23.2 innings this season and is a much needed right-handed power arm in the bullpen until Rafael Betancourt can come back.

Man, is this summer going to suck or what? It's not even July and the Indians are done. The Browns will be their usual train wreck in a few months, and the Cavs don't start until mid-fall. If anyone has any good concerts or anything fun to do this summer, send them to theclevelandsportsanimal@gmail.com because sports don't seem to be a viable option for entertainment for awhile.

Done Deal; Shaq is a Cavalier

2009-06-25T07:56:00.004-04:00

Well, it's official.

The Cavs traded Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, their second round pick in tonight's NBA Draft, and cash to the Phoenix Suns for Shaq.

This has to be one of the great steals in NBA trade history. Ben Wallace is set to retire anytime now, and with a decent plethora of shooters, Sasha Pavlovic never saw a ton minutes anyway and is easily expendable.

But let's not get this twisted. Shaq is not the player he was when he gravy trained Dwyane Wade to win an NBA title in 2005-06, but he's a good addition and maybe playing with the King will give him a shot of life. Shaq showed signs of his old dominance at times during the 2008-09 season with Phoenix, and if he can put a decent body on Dwight Howard in the playoffs next season, well, I'll take him. You can't beat this trade for the Cavs. They gave up nothing.

But this better not be it for Danny Ferry. This team still needs a couple more pieces to win an NBA title. A bigger guard that can play defense would be nice, and with the 30th pick in the first round, they can do so possibly. Wayne Ellington from North Carolina or Dionte Christmas from Temple would be a nice pick at No. 30, but I'd like to see Ferry go out and get a proven player via free agent. We shall see tonight.

@THE_REAL_SHAQ to Cleveland?

2009-06-14T18:31:00.006-04:00

I figured it would be at least a month or two after the NBA Finals ended that I would make another post pertaining to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but I just couldn’t resist when I heard the news of a possible trade for the Shaq Man.

I’ve been back and forth with the notion of brining in the Diesel to the team in the last year of LeBron’s contract. In theory, it’s a great deal for the Cavs because all they would be giving up is the expiring contracts of Ben Wallace ($14 million) and Sasha Pavlovic ($4.95 million) and getting a better play in Shaq, who also has an expiring contract after the 2009-10 season ($20 million).

This bodes well for the 2010-11 off-season in terms of having a little more cash to sign the King, but it just worries me that this will be Danny Ferry’s answer for next year. Sure, Shaq is a better post presence than Big Z or Ben Wallace, who both had their hands full with Dwight Howard in the Eastern Conference Finals, and I'm kind of curious to see what kind of looks the big man can get playing along side the King. But again, I just hope this isn't Danny Ferry’s "big" signing that will put the WIne and Gold in the NBA Finals. Wiith roughly $20 million in remaining play money with Wally Szczerbiak and Eric Snow (yes, Eric Snow was making over seven million), Ferry and the Cavs should be able to go out there and get a player like Ben Gordon or Ron Artest this off-season. We shall see. The Shaq trade is all rumors at this point, so I guess we’ll just keep checking @THE_REAL_SHAQ on Twitter for updates.

It Will Always Be The Jake

2009-06-05T11:57:00.003-04:00

Behind the 455 consecutive sellouts at what was formerly called Jacobs Field was a man who did so much for the city of Cleveland in so many ways unrelated to sports. Former Indians owner Richard E. "Dick" Jacobs passed away today at the age of 83.

As much heartache as we suffered in years like 1995 and '97, there's never been a better time in my life to be a Cleveland sports fan as there was in the 90s. I grew up with players like Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Charles Nagy, Omar Vizquel, Kenny Lofton, and so many others, and the man that wasn't afraid to spend money on a winning team to bring in these caliber of players and keep them for a long time was Dick Jacobs. Dick Jacobs showed Major League Baseball and people all over the world that given a product worthy of support, the city of Cleveland is one of the best baseball cities in the world. Jacobs let the Indians management do most of the wheeling and dealings in the 90s, and you rarely heard any public comments from him. People said he wasn't a baseball expert, but there's no doubt that Jacobs is one of the most important figures in Cleveland sports history, and his commitment to excellence brought so many memories to so many people.

R.I.P. Dick Jacobs. It will ALWAYS be the Jake.

LeDone.

2009-05-30T23:12:00.004-04:00

Well, there you have it.

Perhaps game five just took too much out of them, or perhaps Orlando really is that good. Either way, what looked like a month ago would be an easy trip to the NBA Finals and an eventual showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers turned into the Cavs’ worst nightmare.

Bad officiating or not, Orlando just never took their foot off the gas in this game. The Wine and Gold managed to pull within 10 and 11 points on several occasions in the second half, but not being able to get Dwight Howard in foul trouble early on like in every other game proved to be the difference, and the Magic kept the Cavs at arm’s length for most of the game to move on to the NBA Finals.

This team needs to do some serious soul searching this off season. Have we been blinded all season long with this team? Was watching them just absolutely run through teams during the regular season just an illusion, or is this really just that bad of a match-up for the Cavs? Either way, it was proven tonight that LeBron James cannot do everything for this team. The Cavs need a legitimate second scoring option to the King, and Mo Williams just simply is not that answer. Look at the Magic. They have a superstar in Dwight Howard and they have two guys they can look to in Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu when he’s double teamed or just having an all-too rare off night.

Let’s face it. Next year is it for this team. If anything, this series will only perpetuate LeBron’s frustration of carrying the load. Asking him to do what he did in game five every single night out is just too much. Even for the King. And if Danny Ferry and the Wine and Gold brass don’t bring in a legitimate second option to the King and some bigger bodies to come off the bench than we might as well already punch LeBron’s ticket to New York, where they will throw everything he wants at him and probably get him a Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh to go along with him. It’s going to be a long and interesting off-season.

And by the way, many props to the TNT crew for showing Cleveland’s history of heartache with 1:49 remaining in the game. I think I speak for the entire city when I say G.F.Y.

Stayin' Alive; Cavs Force Game Six

2009-05-28T23:47:00.003-04:00

Despite throwing another 20+ point lead out the window, the Cleveland Cavaliers did something tonight they haven’t been able to do all series long by closing out the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter to win a game.

Despite the number of 40-point games LeBron James has notched on his belt in this series, tonight’s triple-double performance was easily his most impressive so far. And finally, the King received some help from his teammates. Other than Anderson Varejao, every Cavs starter scored in double figures, with Mo Williams leading the way with 24 points, while Big Z notched 16 on 6-for-8 shooting from the field and Delonte West added a quiet 13 points on 6-for-13 shooting. Off the bench, Boobie Gibson continued from last game to shoot the ball well from long-distance, going 3-for-5 from three-point land and finishing with 11 points.

After nailing a total of 17 three-pointers in game four, the Orlando Magic were rather laodicean from beyond the arc tonight, at least for their standards, going just 8-for-24 from long distance. Was their any chance they would repeat that performance, though? Probably not. Rafer Alston had just three points on the night on 1-for-10 shooting, which is somewhat back to reality for him.

The key for the Wine and Gold in this game was getting their key players in foul trouble. Dwight Howard spent a good portion of the fourth on the bench with five fouls before eventually fouling out with a few minutes remaining, while Mickael Pietrus and Hedo Turkoglu each played with four fouls for quite awhile.

Reggie Miller and Marv Albert mentioned several times during tonight’s broadcast about implementing the Hack-a-Shaq defense on Howard, and I completely agree. With players like Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, and Wally Szczerbiak in the game, Howard should not get any easy layups or dunks because all of these players have a ton of fouls to give. I can live with Z or Andy giving up the occasional Howard layup or dunk because the team needs extended minutes from them on offense and defense, respectively. But although he’s shot better from the line during the Playoffs than during the regular season, I’d still play the percentages and make him hit shots from the charity stripe – especially in late game situations, where Howard has yet to prove he can hit clutch free throws.

So where will this team go from here? As much as I want to believe this was a series changing game, the fact remains that the Wine and Gold still managed to blow a 22 point lead at home. While coming back strong late in the fourth was vintage Cavs, the team still could have put the nail in the coffin early and often, but instead let a 22 point first half lead turn into a one point deficit at halftime But with all that being said, this was a game that the Cavs needed mentally. It didn’t come down to the last shot, and the momentum has definitely shifted in the favor of the Wine and Gold.

As Cleveland fans, we’ve grown accustomed to choking away big leads with our teams. Could this be the beginning of a reversal of that trend? We shall see. One game at a time as they say.

Cavs Fall Into Deeper Hole

2009-05-27T00:11:00.003-04:00

Good teams find a way to win, and the Cavs just can’t do it right now. A good team would have saw blood and won this game in overtime, but in the case of the Cavs, they allowed three dunks in a row to Dwight Howard and gave the Magic even more momentum and a 3-1 series lead.

The Cavs had every chance to take control of this game tonight, but just couldn’t overcome the ridiculous night that Rafer Alston had in regulation, and in the end, no one on the Cavs stepped up offensively besides LeBron James. But for every big shot the King had tonight, it seemed like he negated it with a big turnover. He had eight tonight to be exact.

I don’t know what can be said about this match-up for the Cavs that hasn’t already been said. Clearly, the Wine and Gold cannot find a way to guard the perimeter shooting that the Magic bring to the table. They held Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu in check for the most part, but Mickael Pietrus and Alston combined for 43 points, including 11 three-pointers, and the Cavs face the biggest hurdle they’ve seen all year.

Down 3-1 in this series, I want to believe the Cavs have an outside chance to reel of three in a row to head to the NBA Finals, but I just can’t see how they can do it. Mo Williams and Delonte West haven’t found their perimeter games in this series yet, so the Cavs took the ball inside tonight, outscoring the Magic, 50-36, in the paint, but Orlando’s 17 three pointers proved too much to handle in the end.

Amidst all the hype of a possible LeBron/Kobe match-up in the Finals, have the Cavs become too caught up with themselves? A month ago, mostly everyone had already punched the Cavs and Lakers tickets to the NBA Finals, and it seems like the Cavs just got too caught up in all of it and now face a giant mountain to climb.

It’s hard to take away any silver lining from this loss. The Wine and Gold are being out played in every facet of the game right now, and down 3-1, reeling off three in a row will be the biggest uphill battle any Cleveland sports team has ever faced. But if there’s any team that is up to the challenge, it should be this team. LeBron James is already paving his legacy as one of the greatest talents of all time. But if all of his talent and physical gifts don’t lead the Cavs back from this series, that’s all LeBron is ever going to be is a tremendous talent.

Midway Through, Cavs Up, 58-50

2009-05-26T21:51:00.003-04:00

A few thoughts from the first half of game four of the Eastern Conference Finals…
- Mo Williams isn’t having too much success knocking down jumpers (shooting just 3-for-9 from the field in the first frame) but is getting to the line without much resistance from the Orlando defense.
- Speaking of Williams, he’s initiating the fast break offense, and it seems to be working. With LeBron in the game, the Cavs are nearly unstoppable when they’re out and running.
- And speaking of LeBron, it would be nice if Mike Brown kept him in the game for the entire 48 minutes. Yes, I realize LeBron sits to start the second quarter every game, and it has been successful for the most part. But this is what I know: when LeBron left the game, the Cavs had a four point lead. They quickly gave it up to start the second quarter and ended up regaining it with a little less than four minutes left in the half. Thanks TNT for showing us that he got 11 minutes of real time rest in about four minutes of game time. I thought the reasoning for resting LeBron throughout the season was to ensure fresh legs throughout the Playoffs. Looks like we’re there, coach Brown.
- Daniel Gibson coming off the bench and hitting a pair of big threes with under two minutes left. If they can get him going it should make up for the fact that Delonte West and Mo Williams are having issues finding a rhythm.

Halfway through, the Wine and Gold cling to an eight point advantage.

LeMazing.

2009-05-23T16:45:00.002-04:00

Disgusting.

Cavs Drop Game One In Unimpressive Fashion

2009-05-21T07:26:00.002-04:00

Did that really just happen last night? I woke up this morning hoping last night was just some terrible dream and the Cavs didn't really crap their pants and lose game one when leading by as many as 16 points, and on a night where the King was Kingly and tallied 49 points on 20-of-30 shooting from the field. There's no way that could've just happened, right?

If this is any indication on how this series is going to be, it's going to be very frustrating. Clearly, Hedo Turkoglu cannot guard LeBron James. At the very least, we know that. But unfortunately for the Cavs and LeBron James, the bench did not show up. And by not show up, I mean they literally didn't do a damn thing. Joe Smith led the Cleveland bench with five points on 2-of-4 shooting, and as a whole, the Cavs bench went 2-for-7 and collected just six boards, just two from Ben Wallace.

Dwight Howard is going to get his. And last night he did, but after fouling out late in the game, the Cavs did not capitalize on it. But the main problem for the Wine and Gold in this series is going to be Rashard Lewis. He causes match-up problems for the Cavs and Anderson Varejao, who just isn't the best perimeter defender. And this match-up proved to be the difference in last night's game, as Lewis nailed the game winning three with 14.7 second remaining to put his team on top.

But after Lewis' three is what stood out to me. Sure, if Delonte West hits that three pointer no one questions the King for kicking it out to Mo Williams, who found West in the corner for an open look. But with Howard out of the game, LeBron needs to take that shot near the rim when he gets there. His unselfishness may have cost the Cavs that game last night, and as the MVP of the league, he should be taking that shot at the end of the game. After driving baseline and passing one Orlando defender, he seemed to have a decent look at it, or at the very least drawing a foul and getting to the line.

The Cavs have no excuses on this one, and they look foolish for the amount of screwing around they did during their time off. With eight days off before this game, the Cavs should have been well rested, but looked rather sluggish at times and allowed an Orlando team that just went seven games with the defending champs to out-run them in their own house. But maybe this was the kick in the ass the Cavs needed. They haven't been challenged in a game since probably the end of March, but that doesn't seem like it will be an issue in this series. Time for the Cavs to turn it up a notch, because last night's effort doesn't look like that of a championship team.

Cavs Get Magic In East Finals

2009-05-18T18:26:00.004-04:00

For what seems like the first time in forever, the Wine and Gold will play an actual basketball game Wednesday night when they take on the Orlando Magic in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland.

The Magic are coming off a game seven throttling over the defending champs and took two out of three against the Cavs during the regular season, including a 116-87 beat down in their last meeting, April 3, the worst loss for the Wine and Gold all season. The Cavs have yet to be challenged during the Playoffs, but that doesn't seem like it will be an issue in this series. The Cavs should win this series, but it will undoubtedly be a dog fight till the very end.

It will be intereting to see if this nine day layoff impacts them. I think everyone expected them to come out rusty after having an extended period of time off going into the Atlanta series, but clearly that wasn't the case. At this point in the season, nine days off is probably only a good thing for the Cavs. Having fresh legs and being able to draw up game plans for nine days should allow them to be fully prepared for this Magic team.

Is This Time Off Good?

2009-05-17T16:41:00.003-04:00

The key to being good at anything is practice and experience. For example, when I was in high school, I was arguably the most dominant Halo player among my group of friends. I carved people up with the pistol like it was my job. And I'm talking about the original Halo, not those two retarded ones that came afterwards, although I was still pretty good at those. But I haven't played in so long, so if I played someone that's been playing continuously for awhile, they would kill me.

I'm not sure if this relates to the layoff the Cavs are experiencing right now, but is all this time off good for the Wine and Gold?

After wasting Detroit in the opening round, they had a nine day layover until facing the Atlanta Hawks, and not only did the Cavs sweep the Hawks, but they came out guns blazing in game one and dominated in every facet of the game. But regardless of who wins this next game seven tonight between Orlando and Boston, they are a much better team than the Hawks, but I'm not so sure it matters.

Either way, when you reach this point of the season, this much time off should be a good thing I suppose. Fresh legs could mean all the difference, and clearly, the Cavs will have the advantage over either the Magic or the Celts in that regard. As for tonight's game seven, I'd have to say I'm pulling for Boston, only because I would get more satisfaction from taking out the defending champions. That, and I hate the city of Boston.

Thank You, Come Again!

2009-05-11T21:57:00.002-04:00

The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their cruise control ride to the Eastern Conference Finals, rolling over the Atlanta Hawks in game four, 84-74, to sweep their second straight opponent. It wasn't the prettiest effort by the Wine and Gold, especially their performance from the charity stripe, but it proved enough to get past Atlanta and back to the conference finals for the first time since 2006-07.

Much like this past series, the Wine and Gold now wait for another playoff match-up to end that has the looks of a seven game series, as the Celtics and Magic currently stand deadlocked at 2-2 in their best of seven series. So it looks as if the King and company could have another week or so off before they even start their next series, giving them some much needed rest. At this point in the year, any rest seems to be good rest for the Cavs, who proved they didn't have any rust after eight days off before the start of the conference semifinals.

The Cavs had success against both the Magic and Celtics at home during the regular season, but on the road was a much different story, especially in the case of Orlando. In their last road meeting with the Magic, the Cavs were down by as many as 41 points and ended up losing, 116-87, giving LeBron James the worst loss of his entire basketball career. The Magic put seven players in double figures and limited the Chosen One to 7-of-20 shooting from the floor. This loss probably doesn't mean a whole lot to the Cavs presently, especially considering they'll have home court regardless of who they play, but I still remember thinking after this loss that the Magic could be the only team in the East that poses a threat to the Cavs in the playoffs.

Either way, the Magic will still have to go through the Celtics, which looks to be no easy task, even with Kevin Garnett out of action. Personally, I'd like to see Boston win this series not just because it's a better match-up for the Cavs, but because I'd love nothing more than to send the defending champions packing. Until then.

Matt Underwood has a Dirty Mouth

2009-05-11T12:01:00.006-04:00

During the extra-inning game in Toronto last Monday, Cleveland Indians broadcaster Matt Underwood made a mistake. After a weak ground out by probably Jhonny Peralta to end the top of the 11th inning, Mr. Underwood gave his "we'll be right back" message, the music played, and then it stopped. About a second and a half more went by and then Underwood let out his frustrations with the crude sentence fragment "...fucking joke..." Problem was, they were still on the air.

I turned my head to my dad whom I was watching the game with and he said, "I don't think he wanted everyone to hear that..." I called my brother because I know he was watching it as well just to make sure I heard correctly and he let me know that he rewound it a good 50-60 times, before screwing up recording it to his DVR so none of us can re-enjoy it (Thanks, JOE).

Coincidentally, Underwood took Mother's Day Weekend off. I'm sure it wasn't a suspension.

Now Matthew, I love that you are showing us that you actually care about how the Tribe plays and that you share in our frustration, but don't lose your job, bra. Times are tough. Let me help you out.

Ledgewood out.

LeBron James Named NBA Most Valuable Player

2009-05-04T16:06:00.002-04:00

LeBron James has been named the NBA MVP. Well deserved, my friend. Now win Cleveland a championship!

Hard Fouls, Light Calls

2009-04-29T10:12:00.007-04:00

We who watch most of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball games know that King James takes his fair share of shots to the face, but last night's display of baller-on-baller violence was ridiculous.

When 'Superman' Dwight Howard clocked Samuel Dalembert square in the facial region, he appeared to me to be looking right at him as he did it. I mean we all saw the replay about 86 times last night alone. Of course, Howard says he doesn't think he should be suspended for the hit, and Coach Van Gundy mocked everyone who questioned it with that extremely manly voice. of his. But one can clearly see him turn his head toward Dalembert and rock him with a Chuck Liddell square in the kisser. The zebras in charge gave him a tech, but let him play the rest of the game.

MEANWHILE IN BOSTON....

During the final seconds of overtime in a great game to take a 3-2 advantage in the series, the Chicago Bulls found a wide open inbound pass to Brad Miller at the free throw line. He took two steps and went for the easy layup and the tie, but Ragin' Rajon Rhondo reached forward toward the general direction of the ball and quite literally swung at his face. No tech was called, and after the blood was cleaned up from his mouth, he biffed his free throws (probably because getting punched in the face tends to throw off the equilibrium) and the Celtics won.

Rhondo says he was going for the ball. Rhondo lies. Look at the photo of the foul. His had is a good three and a half feet away from the ball. Dirty, dirty play.

I understand that officiating professional basketball is the hardest of officiating jobs, and that there is so much pressure to make certain calls on the spot in front of and that close and visible to so many fans, but they reviewed both of those plays on video last night and they made the wrong calls. Wrong calls that could/would have changed both series entirely. Even Charles "I Hate Cleveland" Barkley, who usually gets off on hard fouls and loves to talk about how tough players use to be, said the refs blew it.

As of the time of this blogation, there have been no further penalties issued by the NBA. But there is still time, League of Amazing. Make the right call. If those fouls would have happened to the Pistons a few years back or any team with Ron Artest, you would have needed to call a SWAT team.

Cavs Sweep; Browns Do What They Do Best

2009-04-27T07:21:00.002-04:00

As expected by many, the Wine and Gold completed the sweep of the Detroit yesterday afternoon, pounding the Pistons by 21 to win the series, 4-0. There wasn't a person out there that believed Detroit actually had a chance in this series, but I thought they would put up more of a fight than they did. This was not the usual Cavs/Pistons grind of a series we've been accustomed to watching.

LeBron James did whatever he wanted to for the most part in every game, averaging 32 per-game in this series to lead the Cavs to the second round against either Atlanta or Miami. The Heat lead the series, 2-1, but this one looks like it could go the distance. Personally, I'd rather avoid Dwyane Wade if at all possible, but I don't think it matters who the Cavs face. This is all just build up to the inevitable match-up with the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

While the Cavs were busy doing what they do, the Browns were doing the same. Really, what the hell were the Browns doing?

Eric Mangini and George Kokinis set an NFL Draft record with three trades in the first round, and when they had the chance to take several players that fit their needs, they ended up drafting center Alex Mack from Cal with their first round pick. While Mack could end up being a solid NFL player, the center position was not a pressing need for the Browns. Especially with a first round pick and with players like Jeremy Maclin and a pair of USC linebackers on the board. I just don't understand this pick. Trading quality picks for late round picks for guys that ultimately won't make an impact is questionable at best. Personally, I would have liked to see Crabtree in a Browns uniform at five.

But the Browns did finally draft a receiver, going with Ohio State's Brian Robiskie in the second round. Robiskie isn't a flashy receiver and won't be a deep threat for the Browns, but he's smart, runs good routes and has good hands, so if the Browns end up keeping Braylon Edwards, which it seems they will, Robiskie is a good compliment as a number two. The Browns also took Mohamed Massaquoi from Georgia in the second round, who had a ton of potential going into Georgia, but never really lived up to the billing as the nation's top receiver coming out of high school. He's a big and physical guy, so we'll see how the Browns use him as a third or fourth option.

All in all, the Browns drafted a lot of players over the weekend, but passed on players like Crabtree, Mark Sanchez, Jeremy Maclin, and others, which could be how we base this draft's success in the future. And at the end of the weekend, Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, and Braylon Edwards are still wearing a Cleveland Browns uniform. Que the circus music.

"More Than A Game" Trailer...

2009-04-22T12:55:00.001-04:00

Just watching the trailer gave me goosebumps. Can't wait for this to hit theaters on October 2.

Mike Brown Named NBA Coach of the Year

2009-04-20T22:20:00.004-04:00

The Wine and Gold earned their first piece of hardware today, as head coach Mike Brown was named the NBA Coach of the Year.

This was really a pretty easy decision. Sure, the addition of Mo Williams was likely the biggest difference in the Cavs being 22 games better this season, but Brown's importance cannot go overlooked. His emphasis on defense and team-first attitude really seems to ring true with this squad, which can't be said for a lot of other teams in the league. Brown hasn't always been the most beloved figure in Cleveland, as many fans question some of his decisions, mainly his rotations at times. But in large, Brown is a big reason for the team's success this season and this is really a no brainer.

Rick Adelman and Stan Van Gundy finished in second and third behind Brown, and I think people would have been happy with either one of them winning it.

Brown and the LeBron's look to take a 2-0 series lead tomorrow night in Cleveland against the Pistons. Tip is at 8 p.m. on TNT. Holler.

Cavs/Pistons...Again.

2009-04-16T07:44:00.003-04:00

It's only fitting that the Cavs and Pistons meet once again the Playoffs, isn't it?

In a year in which the Wine and Gold were the most dominant team in the NBA, it's only right that they have to go through the Pistons at some point. But unfortunately for Detroit, they aren't who they though they would be after dealing Chauncey Billups to Denver for Allen Iverson, who has proved to be anything but The Answer. It almost saddens me to see how far the Pistons have fallen off the map and how the Cavs have only gotten better over the past couple years, only because I wouldn't mind seeing another great series from these two teams. I said it almost saddens me. In reality, I can't wait for this weekend to see the atmosphere at The Q for this series, which the Cavs should take in five games at most. If Michael Vick had to compare this series to one of his dog fights, it would be a pit bull going against a some three-legged golden retriever.

The Cavs and Pistons tip-off on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Cleveland. Below is the series breakdown.

Game 1 - Sat April 18 Detroit at Cleveland 3:00PM ABC
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Detroit at Cleveland 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Cleveland at Detroit 7:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Cleveland at Detroit 3:30PM ABC
Game 5 * Wed April 29 Detroit at Cleveland TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Cleveland at Detroit TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Detroit at Cleveland TBD TBD

2009 NFL Regular Season Schedules Released

2009-04-14T21:48:00.002-04:00

At first glance, I'm saying 8-8 at best. Although 6-10 is probably more likely. The Browns got one Monday Night Football game, as they host the Ravens, Nov. 16. The only other prime time game is a Thursday night game in Cleveland against the Steelers, Dec. 10. Those are two pretty rough games to have on national television.

Here you go:

1. MINNESOTA (Sun., Sept. 13)
2. at Denver (Sun., Sept. 20)
3. at Baltimore (Sun., Sept. 27)
4. CINCINNATI (Sun., Oct. 4)
5. at Buffalo (Sun., Oct. 11)
6. at Pittsburgh (Sun., Oct. 18)
7. GREEN BAY (Sun., Oct. 25)
8. at Chicago (Sun., Nov. 1)
9. BYE
10. BALTIMORE (Mon., Nov. 16)
11. at Detroit (Sun., Nov. 22)
12. at Cincinnati (Sun., Nov. 29)
13. SAN DIEGO (Sun., Dec. 6)
14. PITTSBURGH (Thur., Dec. 10)
15. at Kansas City (Sun., Dec. 20)
16. OAKLAND (Sun., Dec. 27)
17. JACKSONVILLE (Sun., Jan. 3)

Simply the Best

2009-04-14T12:47:00.006-04:00

While an eight point win over the Pacers isn't usually a cause for celebration, last night's 117-109 win in Indiana is probably the biggest win of the season for the Wine and Gold.

The Cavs (39-1 at home) now get home court throughout the playoffs and will face the Detroit Pistons in the first round. The two teams have met three times in the past four years in the postseason and the LeBron's won three out of four meetings with the Pistons this season, including a 79-73 nail biter in Cleveland, March 31.

After watching the Celtics win the NBA title last season because of home court advantage, this is what the Cavs have been fighting for all season long. Now that it's finally here, there are officially no excuses for this team. Regardless of the bad history this city has had over the past 50 years, it's title or bust in 2009. It's go time.

A Little Extratesticular, I Mean, Extracurricular Activity There...

2009-04-13T12:31:00.002-04:00

If that win gives any indication as to how the Wine and Gold will play at home during the playoffs, then I'm sold.

One Clinch Down, One To Go...

2009-04-11T10:20:00.004-04:00

The Wine and Gold clinched home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs last night, rolling to a 10-point win at home over Philadelphia.

The road to the NBA Finals now officially goes through Cleveland, but the LeBron's still have one more mission in their final three games of the regular season.

As it stands, the Cavs (64-15) are one and a half games ahead of Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers (63-17), who have a pair of games remaining at home against Memphis and Utah. The Cavs host the Celtics tomorrow afternoon at Quicken Loans Arena, and play at Indiana Monday night and host the 76ers for their regular season finale Wednesday night.

These next six days are without a doubt the most important of the entire season, quite possibly the most important in Cleveland history.

Eight Dollars For a Candy Bar? Y'all Must Be Crazy.

2009-04-10T12:34:00.003-04:00

Being stuck in Michigan all weekend sucks in itself. But having your friends send you pictures from Opening Day festivities downtown sucks even more, especially when they are partying with the Miller High Life guy.

Despite being 0-3, there's still a good amount of buzz surrounding the Indians' Home Opener this afternoon against the Toronto Blue Jays. Ohio State product Scott Lewis will get the nod for the Indians, while the Jays will go with Scott Richmond, who went 1-3 in five starts with Toronto last season.

Clearly, this 0-3 start isn't how most Tribe fans envisioned this season starting. I figured at worst, the Indians would be 1-2 going into the Home Opener, because there was no chance in hell Cliff Lee is losing on Opening Day. Wrong. And it won't get much easier this afternoon, as the Jays are coming off taking three out of four against the Detroit Tigers.

But as we've seen before, anything can happen in Home Openers. And by the way, I'd like to apologize to the people pictured above if they called off sick and their bosses see this. Actually, I'm not that sorry.

Making the Case for James Howard Thome...

2009-04-07T21:59:00.009-04:00

Even though I still believe I'm allowed to boo him as a player for a division rival, watching Jim Thome go yard on opening day yesterday really struck a cord with me and really made me think about his career.

Other than Ken Griffey Jr., who is believed to have legitimately played his entire career clean, Jim Thome is the best home run hitter of our (my) generation, and he probably doesn't get nearly enough credit for what he's accomplished in his 19 seasons in the big leagues.

Thome's Opening Day homer put him at 542 career long balls, ahead of the likes of Mickey Mantle, Jimmie Foxx, and Ted Williams, but more importantly than who Thome's ahead of is who he's behind. Alleged/proven steroid users like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, and Alex Rodriguez, all still rank ahead of Thome in career home runs, but if all of their career records were somehow erased from the record books, Thome would rank ninth all time. As it stands, he's only six behind Mike Schmidt. While the idea of tossing out the career records for steroid users is still something that has yet to really be talked about, it's crazy to think where Thome would end up if it happened.

Since 2000, Thome has averaged 47 homers per season, his career-best coming in his final season with the Tribe when he belted 52 before leaving for Philadelphia. Who knows how many years Thome has left in the tank, but I would venture to say it's not totally out of the realm of possibilities for him to finish his career with 700 home runs. As a designated hitter, it's safe to say someone like Thome can stick around three or four more seasons, and with 158 home runs to go until 700, he would need to hit about 40 homers this season and for three more seasons. That seems very possible, doesn't it? Barring injury, it's very possible that Thome will pass Willie Mays at 660 career home runs, and dare I say, he might even be able to reach Babe Ruth's 714 career mark.

Sure, most of the attention in the next few years will be focused on Alex Rodriguez and his home run total, but at the very least, we know he was pharmaceutically enhanced for some of it. Ken Griffey Jr. is 88 home runs away from reaching 700, but now that he's back with the Mariners, who knows how long he plans on sticking around. Griffey also seems hell bent on playing the outfield, and at 39 years old and with an injury prone past, it wouldn't completely shock me to see Jr. fall short of the 700 mark because of his stubbornness to be a DH. As someone who's presumably played his entire career clean, I'd love to see it, though.

But Thome's chase to climb the all-time home run ladder in the next few years will be compelling, not just because he's a Cleveland legend, but because he's presumably done everything in his career the right way. And while many people in Cleveland still have sore feelings towards Thome about how he left the Indians, I think we all can agree that he deserves more credit for what he's done over his 19-year career. I just hope he doesn't hit any against the Indians.

It's Already Opening Day?

2009-04-06T12:06:00.004-04:00

Man, that really came up quick, eh?

It seems like just yesterday Phillies fans were celebrating their World F'ing Championship by throwing Grey Goose bottles at people, but whether we're ready or not, the 2009 season officially begins today (sorry Philly/Atlanta, last night doesn't count).

In a little less than two hours, the Cleveland Indians begin their 2009 season in Texas against the Rangers, as Cliff Lee takes the hill against former Indian Kevin Milwood.

No one in the baseball world knows what to expect from the Indians, or anyone else in the American League Central Division for that matter. The Tribe, Tigers, White Sox, and Twins could all easily win the division, and I think that's what makes the AL Central one of the best divisions in baseball. It's very competitive and wide open for any team, but the teams don't suck top to bottom like, let's say, the National League West.

Everyone has their own expectations for the 2009 Indians, but we really won't be able to get a grasp for what this team is capable of for at least a few more months. The pressure is on players like Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez and Fausto Carmona to stay healthy and perform at an all-star caliber level, while newcomers like Kerry Wood and Carl Pavano need to stay healthy for the Indians to be successful this season. Grady Sizemore meets and exceeds expectations every year, and it seems like only a matter of time until Sizemore bats clean-up for the Indians. Young players like Asdrubal Cabrera need to start out the season on a positive note, or a trip to AAA could be in order.

Today marks the beginning of a long, long, season, and I've learned not to get too excited or too down about what happens on opening day. There's still snow on the ground for Christ's sake. Which reminds me, Opening Day forecast in Cleveland: 48 degrees and showers! Hey, it could be worse.

The Final Push For Home Court...

2009-03-31T11:38:00.004-04:00

The Cavs have won 12 games in a row and reached the 60-win plateau with a 102-74 beat down of the Dallas Mavericks Sunday, and with nine games remaining in the regular season, the Wine and Gold have the opportunity to seal home court advantage throughout the playoffs by retaining the best record in the league.

LeBron James and the Cavs have four tough games remaining, as they take on Detroit tonight at Quicken Loans Arena, before games against San Antonio and Boston, April 5 and 12, and a match-up with Dwight Howard and the Magic, April 3, in Orlando. They remain two games ahead of the Lakers for the best mark in the NBA, as the Lakers stand at 58-15 with nine games remaining, including a game at Portland, April 10, and games at home against Utah and Denver. The Lakers have a slightly easier schedule down the stretch then the Cavs, so the Wine and Gold cannot afford to slip up in these final nine games, as it could literally mean the difference between an NBA title and losing in the Finals.

I hate when people use the phrase "if the playoffs started today" because a lot can still happen that can change potential match-ups, but if they did start today, the Cavs would have Chicago in the first round, with the winner playing the winner between Miami and Atlanta. The good news is, the Celtics and Magic are on the other side of the bracket as it stands, so the Cavs would only see one of them in the conference finals, should they make it.

As for the Lakers, their road to the Western Conference Finals would be no easy task, as they would have the Mavs in the first round and either Utah or Houston in the second, which is a dangerous match-up for Kobe and the Lakers, especially if the Lakers play the Rockets and Kobe stopper, Shane Battier. And by Kobe stopper, I mean limiting the Mamba to 37 points on 14-of-23 shooting from the field in their last meeting.

If the Cavs manage to handle the Pistons tonight like they should, it could be smooth sailing for the remainder of the regular season going into the playoffs. Then the real fun begins.

LeBron... From Half Court...Underhanded...

2009-03-27T09:44:00.002-04:00

If you ever had any doubt as to how good NBA players actually are, this pretty much proves it.

Please God, No.

2009-03-25T14:08:00.001-04:00

Ahem...

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mangini Names Brady Quinn, Or Derek Anderson, Starting Quarterback

2009-03-24T22:36:00.004-04:00

Another quarterback competition going into training camp. This is getting old.

"I've been through this before, and it's like when you get engaged. You just know."

So basically, Derek Anderson is going to be the starting quarterback, right? Why not just name him right now and trade or release Brady Quinn? Beginning this circus again doesn't make sense, and by saying it's an open competition, Mangini is basically saying Brady Quinn, who started towards the end of last season, isn't good enough to go into the season as the starter, thus, Derek Anderson will get another shot, but when he sucks again, Quinn will start.

The unfortunate part in all of this is the unlikelihood of one of them being traded for Jay Cutler now, as Cutler and Josh McDaniels look to be fixing their relationship. Damn. Cutler would look real good in a Browns uniform.

Anyway, here we go again. Quarterback carousel!

Vikings Advance to Play Arizona

2009-03-21T10:04:00.004-04:00

Those of you who filled out your brackets and picked your winners based on which mascot could kill the other already had this one (clearly a Viking would dominate a Demon Deacon), but most bracket-filler-outers didn't pick this upset.

Not only did Cleveland State pull the upset over No. 4 seeded Wake Forest yesterday, but it wasn't even close. The Vikings dominated the entire game, never trailing against the Demon Deacons. Cedric Jackson had his coming out party last night, going for 19 points, 7 boards, 8 dimes and three steals, all while playing pretty good defense on Jeff Teague, who was held to just 10 points.

This win, the first for CSU since 1986 when they beat Bob Knight's No. 3 seeded Indiana team, is one that completely legitimizes college basketball in the Cleveland area. This team is somewhat overshadowed in the Cleveland sports scene by the LeBron's, Indians and the Browns, but I have a feeling that's about to change with this win. People in the area are beginning to notice this team, which is only going to help the Vikings pack the monstrosity that is the Wolstein Center next season.

As for the second round, the Vikings now face No. 12 seeded Arizona, who upended Utah in the opening round. The Wildcats have big wins this season over Gonzaga, Kansas, San Diego State, Washington, USC and UCLA, but most people felt Arizona didn't deserve to get into the Madness because of their 9-9 record in the Pac 10 and a 2-9 road record.

The Vikings and Wildcats will tangle Sunday.

Zips Out; Vikings Looking To Pull Off Upset

2009-03-20T10:06:00.003-04:00

What a day yesterday.

I can't speak for the rest of you misfits who read this blog, but I went 13-3 in my own personal bracket, and although I didn't have Akron beating the Zags, I'm still proud of how they played and represented the Mid-American Conference. Yes, even a BGSU grad and a future EMU grad can be proud of another team in the conference. Overall, Akron was probably the best team I've seen in the conference all season and they deserved to represent the MAC in the NCAA tournament.

The Zips gave the Zags, who were basically playing at home, a run for their money for the majority of the game, but Josh Heytvelt was too good down the stretch and the Zips went cold at the wrong time.

The Cleveland State Vikings have a lofty task ahead of them this afternoon as they take on Wake Forest in Miami. Being the homer that I am, I had to pick the Vikes over the Demon Deacons today, despite Vegas picking them as eight-point underdogs. Wake showed a lot of vulnerability towards the end of the season, and I really do think CSU's defense will make this a good game. They better, because I have them winning today and beating Utah next round...

Oh, and in case you haven't noticed or figured it out, CBSSports.com is showing all the games for free and in HD on their website. So if you really feel like being unproductive for the second day in a row like me, check it out. There's even a boss button to avoid being caught.

Where "Wham With the Right Hand" Happens

2009-03-13T16:16:00.002-04:00

I've watched this commercial 100 times and it still gives me goosebumps.

The Road For Home Court Heats Up

2009-03-07T09:00:00.004-05:00

I could sit here and tell you last night's loss in Boston to the Celtics is just as bad as any other regular season loss, but I'd be lying. This was the most meaningful game so far this season for the Wine and Gold and they needed a win on the road against the Celts for many reasons. But like every other game between these two teams, the home team prevailed.

Last night's loss deadlocks the Cavs and Celtics atop the Eastern Conference standings, and the teams have just one more meeting during the regular season - an April 12 showdown at The Q. The importance of home court advantage in the playoffs cannot go overlooked, and last night's loss proves it. Boston played without Kevin Garnett and Glen Davis last night, and the Celtics still managed to not only roll the Cavs by 11 points, but out-rebound the Wine and Gold by one board. Friggin' Leon Powe had 20 points and 11 boards last night off the bench after Davis got tossed for his flagrant two on Anderson Varejao. The Cavs had every opportunity to leave Boston with a win, but lazy defense on people like Powe and Ray Allen was probably the difference.

Both teams will need home court advantage in the playoffs to go to the NBA Finals. It's as simple as that. Both teams haven't won on the road against one another in what seems like forever, and with only a few weeks remaining it's going to be a tight race.

It doesn't get any easier for the LeBron's tonight, as the Miami Heat invade The Q after beating the Raptors on the road behind 42 points from Dwyane Wade. A few months ago I thought this game would be the Cavs' first loss at home. In order to keep pace with Boston, they need to make sure it's not their second.

[AP Photo]

Browns Trade Winslow to Bucs for Draft Picks...

2009-02-27T13:08:00.005-05:00

The self proclaimed Solider that is Kellen Winslow Jr. will now be a Pirate, as today the Cleveland Browns traded K2 to the Tampa Bay Bucs for undisclosed draft picks.

Winslow and the Browns had a rocky relationship from the start, so I'm not surprised at this, but at the same time, it is very disappointing they couldn't work something out.

Winslow is as good as any tight end in the NFL when he's healthy, but that's just it: he's never healthy. He hasn't been healthy since his motorcycle accident, but even so, the Browns have stuck with him up until this point, so he's got to be thankful for that you'd think. But on his side of it, Browns brass probably held that over his head since it happened and felt like they could treat him however the hell they wanted. Who knows. The Browns-Winslow relationship is like dating someone when you both can't stand one another and both probably want out, but nothing ever comes of it. Well, I suppose in this instance, something had to give and it did.

As for the undisclosed draft picks, I'm not sure K2 is worth a first round pick with the amount of injuries he's had over the years, and I'm assuming the Browns did not get Tampa's first round pick (19th overall) or it wouldn't be undisclosed. The Browns went into the draft with just four picks, so we can now assume they at least have six picks in April's draft.

It will be interesting to see how Cleveland fans react to this, as opinions have always seemed to be split down the middle when it comes to Winslow. Personally, I thought he was a phenomenal talent when healthy and I believe Phil Savage and the Lerner's treated him like garbage, especially with last season's mysterious sickness that turned out to be a staph infection. But again, it's about winning games, and Winslow hasn't been on the field enough the past few years to help the team do so. In the end, it's probably for the best on both ends. The Browns can try to develop Martin Rucker into a play-making tight end, which he seems to have the ability to be, and Winslow gets a fresh start in Tampa, near where he went to college.

Oh No, Here Comes the Aflac Trivia Question...

2009-02-26T15:36:00.004-05:00

As far as drinking games go, this one is right up there with the Roxanne and the Jack Bauer "Dammit" drinking game.

We all find Austin Carr's color commentary amusing (there's probably a better word to describe it) fairly entertaining during Cavs games, and a few Wine and Gold fans took it to another level and created the Austin Carr Drinking Game website.

My personal favorite AC catchphrase has to be "Get that weak stuff outta here" which is worth three drinks, but phrases such as "Mo Williams deep at the Oracle Arena" are worth four drinks, while "The train's a coming...L train...choo choo...eh eh eh!" will get you a five spot. Oh, and if the answer to an Aflac Trivia Question is Austin Carr, you better have a full drink next to you, preferably a full can of Pabst Blue Ribbon. I know Bob Wickman will.

Halfway There

2009-02-17T21:52:00.003-05:00

You know the Cavs are playing well when the trade deadline is less than a week away and no one is clamoring for Danny Ferry to make a move. Amid skeptics, Ferry's finally built a championship caliber team that looks like they can contend with any team in the NBA in a seven game series come playoff time.

The addition of Mo Williams has not been overlooked. Williams makes LeBron and the Cavs better, and LeBron makes Williams a better player. It's the perfect relationship, really. Williams' numbers are up across the board as compared to last year with the Nets. Among players with over 100 free throw attempts, Williams ranks fourth in the league at a 93.1 percent clip, while his points per-game is up from last year, despite playing with the NBA's leading scorer.

Speaking of the King, Ball Don't Lie put it perfect: "At the threshold of what is easily the most talented time this league has ever seen, James is the best." Anything less than a unanimous vote for LeBron James as the NBA's Most Valuable Player is simply absurd. Of course, we've all believed LeBron deserve the honor last year, but with the leaps and bounds the Wine and Gold have taken in 2009, it's crystal clear the King is the best the NBA has to offer. A big reason the Cavs and LeBron are more successful this season is the King is getting to the rack. He's leading the NBA in free throws made and is behind only Dwight Howard and Dwyane Wade in attempts from the charity stripe this season. But if I didn't say his play on defense was the real reason why the Cavs are where they are, I'd be kidding myself. Defense is the number one reason he is what he is this season, and while i doubt he'll earn the NBA Defense Player of the Year award as some people have previously mentioned, he'll likely be on the league's All-Defensive team. And if he doesn't win any accolades when it's all said and done, at least we'll get to see him in the 2010 dunk contest. Tentatively, of course.

So bear down, Cavalier fans. There's still a long way to go.

Women of Cleveland Run to Free Clinic

2009-02-11T12:33:00.002-05:00

Looks like someone might be having a worse week than Alex Rodriguez.

Hopefully that umpire he spit on is heading to the doctor as well.

23-1

2009-02-09T12:16:00.003-05:00

I really need to put an end to making predictions on this blog. As a matter of fact, yesterday's recent foot-in-mouth prediction will likely be the last you read from me. At least until the Indians start...

Look, we all figured the Cavs would lose at home eventually. I figured it would happen March 7 versus Miami, but yesterday's loss to the Lakers didn't shock me. The Lakers dominated the game physically, and when it came down to crunch time in the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant proved why he's called the Mamba. His rainbow jumper that he hit in the King's face in the waning minutes of the fourth was one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen. You could've heard a pin drop inside The Q when that shot landed in the basket.

All in all, the team has no one to blame but themselves. Sure, the officiating was suspect in certain instances, but when you allow Lamar Odom to do whatever he wants under the basket and allow the best shooting team in the NBA second looks, it's a recipe for disaster. Thus, the team is now 23-1 at home.

The first home loss is almost a relief in a way. Can you imagine if the team carried a perfect home record into the playoffs with home court advantage? The pressure on the Wine and Gold to win at home would be as intense as anything they've ever experienced, so it's almost a good thing that they got it out of the way. Plus, the Celtics and Pistons lost as well, but the team to start worrying about could be the Orlando Magic, who upended the Suns at home to gain ground on the LeBron's.

Oh well. The streak was fun while it lasted. But in the grand scheme of things, the team has much bigger fish to fry this season, so I doubt they'll dwell on it. Peace and hair grease.

The King vs. The Mamba

2009-02-08T12:16:00.005-05:00

In a little less than three hours Kobe Bryant and the Lakers will try to do what no one in the NBA has been able to this season and beat the Wine and Gold at home. Several talking heads are already taking the Lakers in this game, but it's not going to happen and here's why:

1. First and foremost, the Cavs are a perfect 23-0 at home. They've manhandled some pretty good teams at The Q and the Lakers will be no exception this afternoon.
2. The NBA recently took away LeBron James' triple-double in the team's Feb. 4 win over the Knicks at the Garden. He's going to take that personally and take it out on Kobe today.
3. They say the third time is a charm, and today marks Big Z's third home game since returning from injury. The Lakers are suspect inside without Andrew Bynum and Zydrunas will take advantage of this.
4. Mo Williams has been snubbed not once, but twice this year for the NBA All Star Game. He'll want to prove on a national stage why he should be in Phoenix for All Star weekend.
5. The Cavs are 23-0 at home.

Enjoy.

LeBron James is Good at Basketball

2009-02-05T12:58:00.010-05:00

Mr. James jumps higher than you.

The King of all Basketball and the Cleveland Cavaliers returned to the Garden in NYC last night and made every fantasy basketball player who had the number one draft pick very happy and everybody betting online very happy. LeKing became the fifth player ever to record a triple-double while scoring at least 50 points scoring 52, grabbing 10 rebounds, and giving out 11 assists. He did so in his second game in as many days. This was 2 days after Kobe set the scoring record for MSG when he housed 61 against the defenseless Knicks, but the Colorado Back Door Lover failed to record one rebound and only dished out 3 assists. Suck it, Kobe.

Somehow, the Knicks made this game close. Al Harrington scored 39 points and nabbed 13 rebounds in the shadow of King’s jaw-dropping performance. The stupid Knicks fans weren’t chanting “MVP, MVP” for the King like they did for Kobe even though King’s performance was arguably much more impressive, but that is because those NY folk (besides that director guy who always wears the Knicks apparel) are all front-running bandwagon riders. This reminds me how much I love my fellow Cleveland fans, the only group to boo Michael Jordan, that guy who was too cool to be in video games…dick. It could also be that Knicks “fans” are a little bitter by certain news reports…

Irregardlessly, greatness prevailed and the Cavaliers won. King James made more history in the historic Madison Square Garden, but not because he was destined to play half of his season games there, but because the Knicks don’t play defense. I mean, I am pretty sure I would have scored 6 or 8 points last night, but I wasn't needed. Wally's been doing a great job as of late, Big Ben's pressence was huge (although the stat sheet wouldn't give that message), and having Z back is just lovely. Especially when he knocks down a 3 (50% on the year, bitches), which he always seems to do in a clutch situation.

The Cavs improved to 16-9 on the road while still a perfect 23-0 at the Q. 12.5 games over Detroit in the Central is a good time too. How awesome would it be if they don't even take 2nd? Ohhhh, I hate Detroit.

20-0: When Will They Lose?

2009-01-19T18:28:00.004-05:00

It's one of those things that's been unspoken on this blog, partly because I have to do real work from time to time, and partly because I don't want to see it happen. But sooner or later, the Cavs are going to lose at Quicken Loans Arena. Call me cynical for mentioning it, but it's going to happen sooner or later.

I'll be honest, I thought it would likely happen against New Orleans last Friday, but not only did the Wine and Gold prevail, but they laid a 14-point beat down on CP3 and the Hornets, and without Big Z and Delonte West.

Is this team unbeatable at home? At this point, yes. No team has ever run the table at home, the closest being the 1985-86 Boston Celtics, who finished 40-1 in Boston that season. The odds are stacked against the LeBron's going unbeaten at the Q, especially considering Delonte West will be out 4-6 weeks and Zydrunas is still working his way back from injury. But when will it happen?

First, I will automatically rule out the team's Feb. 8 game against the Lakers and its Feb. 22 game against the Pistons since both are Sunday's and on national television. The King will not lose either of those games, and the atmosphere at the Q should be especially electric on those given nights. The Cavs host the Suns Wednesday, Feb. 11, but I think they'll be able to handle the new-look Phoenix offense, which isn't so run-and-gun anymore. The Suns will be fully rested after playing in Philly on Feb. 9, but I still pick the Wine and Gold to win. As a matter of fact, I think the team will finish January and February undefeated at 7-0.

However, even though I don't like making predictions, I will make a bold one by saying the team will lose on March 7 to the Miami Heat. I've had this game circled for awhile, mainly because the night before, the team will be in Boston against the Celtics, who are also pretty good at home. As for the Heat, they will be coming off a likely win in Toronto against the Raptors the night before, and in their last meeting, the Cavs couldn't find a way to beat D-Wade and the Heat, despite it being LeBron James' birthday.

But who knows. Come April this could all be a moot point and the Wine and Gold could be sitting pretty with an defeated record at Quicken Loans Arena. History has proven it can't happen, but I highly doubt LeBron James and the Cavs care about the 1985-86 Celtics.

So This Could Be Interesting...

2009-01-13T12:10:00.002-05:00

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. The possibility of LeBron James donning a Cleveland Browns uniform next season is probably as likely as Braylon Edwards learning how to catch a football. One can dream, though. I guess we'll just have to wait for Jan. 18.

Browns Name Mangini Head Coach

2009-01-07T23:29:00.005-05:00

To the surprise of no one, the Cleveland Browns have announced Eric Mangini will replace Romeo Crennel as the team's new head coach.

Reports have Mangini signing a four-year deal, but the team has yet to announce who they will hire as General Manager, although team owner Randy Lerner is rumored to be leaning toward Baltimore Ravens pro personnel director George Kokinis. Scott Pioli can likely be ruled out, as he's probably still pissed at Mangini for the whole Spy Gate thing. If you're not cheating, you're not trying, right?

Personally, I would've liked to see the team go in the direction of Mike Shanahan because he's been known to run a fairly efficient offense throughout his tenure in Denver, but it's likely Shanahan would want the GM title along with his coaching duties, which didn't seem to work out too well in Denver, and would not be a likely scenario in Cleveland.

We've all read about Mangini's ties in Cleveland, and how he was a former ball-boy, and blah, blah, blah, blah, but honestly, does anyone really think Mangini is going to last four years in Cleveland? I don't think there's a human being out there that could turn this current team into a serious contender, so I guess in the long run, it doesn't really matter. The best part is, there are still rumors about Romeo Crennel being maintained as the team's defensive coordinator. You have got to be kidding me. With all the drama that went on in 2008 with Crennel, the front office, and the players, keeping him around this team is the worst thing that can happen. Retaining Crennel as a coordinator just doesn't make sense to me.

This whole process of hiring a GM and head coach has really made me question Randy Lerner's ability to run this organization. Ultimately, we're replacing Romeo Crennel, a former Patriots coordinator from the Bill Belichick Tree, with Eric Mangini, a former Patriots coordinator from the Bill Belichick Tree, and replacing Phil Savage, a former member of the Ravens front office, with George Kokinis, a former member of the Ravens front office. Lerner is better off letting someone else run this search. Bernie Kosar anyone? He's got some time on his hands.

I'll say this, I hope I'm wrong about this and Mangini works out and Randy Lerner hires a competent person who can return the Cleveland Browns to what they used to be (which was what again?). It sucks to constantly be negative about this team, but what else is there? In the long run, it can't get much worse than it already has, can it?

Savage and Crennel Out

2008-12-29T11:41:00.003-05:00

The Browns wasted no time cleaning house after laying an egg in the team's 31-0 season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as both Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel were sent packing by owner Randy Lerner. Savage was axed last night, only a couple of hours after the game, while Crennel learned this morning he would not be on the sidelines in Cleveland next season.

Randy Lerner is expected to address the media shortly concerning both firings, and hopefully he will shed some light as to who he's looking at for both positions. Rumors have been floating around about Scott Pioli coming over from New England to take over as General Manager, which could mean another Patriots coordinator as head coach. And of course, people are still talking about Bill Cowher as the next head coach in Cleveland. However, early reports are that Cowher has already rejected Lerner's offer.

The Browns already have a pretty decent roster, so whoever they hire isn't coming into a terrible situation. The team's defense showed some promise despite the amount of points given up, but a lot of that had to do with the offense giving them a short field almost every time out. I would be interested to see what Pioli could do with this team, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't skeptical about him hiring another Bill Belichick assistant as head coach, which would likely happen. Josh McDaniels has ties in Cleveland (John Carroll, '98) and has been a key person behind the success of the Patriots offense, so he could be a likely candidate if Pioli is brought over. Lerner looks to be acting quickly, so we'll see where this goes.

Year in Review

2008-12-24T11:49:00.005-05:00

As Cleveland fans, year after year we always find ourselves saying 'there's always next year' and as the end of 2008 draws closer, that sentiment once again holds true.

To say our hopes and expectations didn't come to fruition in 2008 would be the understatement of the year. We were all confident the Cleveland Indians would make another run to the ALCS in 2008 after going seven games with Boston a year prior, and clearly, expectations were not met as the Tribe barely finished .500. The Browns became the sexy pick of the NFL after going 10-6 a year ago, but clearly there is nothing sexy about the Browns this season. They are indeed the ugly fat chick of the NFL, and once again, the team will draft in the top 10 in April for the NFL Draft. The Cavs provided us with a beacon of hope in the playoffs last season as they took the eventual champion Boston Celtics to the brink of elimination, but in the end, they were left as spectators like the rest of us as we watched Boston manhandle the Lakers in the Finals.

But as this year comes to an end, the upcoming year once again looks promising for Cleveland sports fans. The Cavs are playing championship-like basketball, the Indians are reloading for 2009, and the Browns are hopefully getting ready to clean house after this latest circus. But before we leave 2008 totally behind us, let's take look back at what we've been through...

January
- We actually see Jacobs Field become Progressive Field. Still sounds weird to me.
- LeBron comes out with Yankee pinstripe shoes. Good to see no one is still talking about him leaving for New York.

February
- The Cavs make a blockbuster trade, sending, among others, Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden packing, while getting Ben Wallace and Wally Szczerbiak. It worked. For the most part.
- LeBron takes home MVP honors at the NBA All Star game.
- The New York Football Giants pull one of the greatest upsets in one of the most exciting games of all time. For one night, we were all New York fans.

March
- The NCAA Tournament begins, which means we have an excuse to post this picture.
- We unknowingly get pumped up for baseball season as the Indians begin their eventual trek to mediocrity.

April
- I already sense that it's going to be a long year for the Indians as Joe Borowski carries over his inability to close out games from the '07 season.
- The Cavs get a bit of a scare from the Wizards. The inevitable eventually happens.

May
- We issue a formal apology to Cliff Lee for calling for his head before the season. A bonehead mistake on our part.
- The Cavs take the Celtics to game seven in the playoffs. We all know what happened after.

June
- C.C., still wearing an Indians uniform, goes yard against the Dodgers. And by go yard, I mean he hit a 440-foot blast out of the stadium. Boom, outta here.
- The Browns release LeCharles Bentley, ending one of the most bizarre sagas in history. I still wonder what a healthy Bentley could have done for the Browns.
- K2 finally shows up in Berea.

July
- We all expected it, and it finally happened. I always figured I would have a hard time booing C.C. whenever he made his return to Cleveland. Then he signed with the Yankees.
- Billy Packer gets canned.
- The Indians really start to clean house as Casey Blake is traded to the Dodgers.

August
- The Cavs deal for Mo Williams. I didn't like it at the time, and once again, I am proven wrong. Great trade.
- Browns start the preseason.
- Cleveland's finest tell us how they spent their summer.

September
- The Buckeyes are trounced on national television by Pete Carroll and company. Shocking.
- The Browns get their first win of the season against the Bengals. Little did we know, this win would be a quarter of the team's total wins in '08.
- Cliff Lee tallies win number 20.

October
- Missouri sends out Chase Daniel View Masters in an attempt to boost his Heisman campaign. Very creative, but it didn't really work out too well.
- The Browns trounce the G-Men on Monday Night Football. Arguably the best moment of the year.
- Everyone and their mom gets on the bandwagon as the Tampa Rays head to the World Series. If only they showed up.
- Kellen Winslow is suspended for the Jacksonville game for ripping the organization on the handling of his mysterious injury that kept him hospitalized.

November
- Cliff Lee named the AL Cy Young. Well deserved.
- An era comes to an end as the Indians let go Sal Fasano.
- This guy is named the Browns starting quarterback against the Denver Broncos.
- Ledgewood sounds off on the LeBron/NYC saga.
- The Browns express interest in Bill Cowher. We can only hope.

December
- The Indians sign Kerry Wood.
- The Cavs' 11-game winning streak comes to an end.
- C.C. makes a deal with the devil.
- Braylon Edwards rips into Browns fans.

It Is What It Is: The Braylon Edwards Story

2008-12-19T14:33:00.010-05:00

A day or so before expressing that he wishes to remain a Brown for the final year of his contract, Braylon Edwards went on and on about how much he hates the city in which the Browns play home games. He did so using what has become the most overused cliché in sports in the last few years, “it is what it is,” about 600 times. Well Braylon, let me tell you what it is.

First and foremost, it is all in your head. And your head happens to be in an orange helmet, not a blue and yellow one. You said, “My problem is that I actually give a damn.” I’m not sure what you’re referring to here, but I think you’re saying that your feelings get hurt when Cleveland fans boo/scream profanities your way at the stadium or say “OH…” when you’re at the Warehouse District with your fam. Now I understand that, most likely, a large portion of Cleveland Browns fans are also OSU fans (I most certainly not), but as soon as you were drafted, they all put that aside and rooted you on for the first three years, including last year’s Pro Bowl season. And I would bet that the heckling and “hurtful” Buckeye calls have not been coming until you led the NFL in sucking as a wide receiver. And if YOU were the one that “resurrected this team from the darkness, and nobody cared,” as you say you have, then YOU would have kept us from losing so many games this year and no one would be booing and hating you. ALSO, even though you think we believe we are “entitled to too much,” we have not had much to get behind and cheer historically, so believe me when I say that we wouldn’t boo the guy who is having a great career and helping us win. The school systems might suck in this city, but we aren’t that dumb. Why don’t you go check your jersey sales in this area you moron. I don’t need to even check to know that I’ve seen countless #17’s in the bars and at games. But, you know, it is what it is, you know?

Here’s what else it is. In sports, if you suck somethin’ fierce, then fans boo you. It’s science. You want that to go away? Then catch the brown thing that’s being thrown to you. Ever since the season ended about a month ago, you could have gone quietly into the night and discussed your desire to be elsewhere behind closed doors with Browns management instead of whining and crying about it on TV for everyone to see and make fun of. You know why you should do this? Because you are a professional, meaning YOU GET PAID TO PLAY A G.D. GAME. You don’t have the right to cry about getting booed for sucking because you get paid more money than a handful of those people booing you will ever see in their lifetime combined. And those people have the right to boo because they are paying a LOT of money to see you drop those balls. If you were the almighty football savior you think you are then Cleveland citizens wouldn’t boo you. They wouldn’t care that you were a Wolverine. They wouldn’t even care if you were a Hitler’s Youth if you caught the effing ball. But, you know, it is what it is, you know?

Oh yeah, and here’s something else that is something else (that makes perfect sense to Braylon, don’t worry). If you suck at another city, they are gonna boo you too! No S! However, if you do go back to your hometown, you won’t have to worry about it because NO ONE WILL BE THERE TO SEE YOU DROP THE PASSES. Guess what, Philadelphia doesn’t care where you went to college, but if you had this season as an Eagle, THEY’D BOO YOU AND RUN YOU OUT OF TOWN YOU WHINY CRYING OVERPAID ATHLETE. SO GO DRY YOUR EYES WITH YOUR HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLS AND GIVE YOUR MOM A NEW HOUSE TO HIDE FROM ALL THE MEAN CLEVELANDERS.

Why couldn’t Savage try and push this guy into wanting out instead of Winslow? Hell, maybe we can just get everyone out and we can have 1999 all over again. Awesome. Can someone please take down those “There’s always this year” billboards downtown already?

Oh well, you know, it is what it is, you know?

I Think I Just Threw Up All Over Myself.

2008-12-18T15:24:00.000-05:00

Yep, I definitely just did.

Hey, Look on the Bright Side!

2008-12-16T21:58:00.006-05:00

A picture's worth a thousand words. I'll attempt to keep this post under that.

Look, no one expected anything more than what we got from the Browns Monday night in Philadelphia. This team currently lacks any direction on offense, partly because Ken Dorsey will never be an effective NFL quarterback, partly because the head coach on the sideline is on his way out the door, and partly because as a whole, this team has cashed it in. No one is making any excuses, and if there's ever a phrase that fits this situation, it would be "it is what it is."

But, hey, let's look on the bright side: the Browns finished with a 2-1 record on Monday Night Football this season and a .500 record on national television. Although, as a side note, I would hardly call a game on the NFL Network a nationally televised game when you have to go to Quiet Bob's to watch it. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

And another bright side came out today, as the NFL announced its Pro Bowl rosters, and the Browns had two players selected, as Joe Thomas and Shaun Rogers will represent Cleveland in Hawaii. Both well deserved, and hopefully this becomes a trend. It certainly has for Thomas, who has made two Pro Bowls in two NFL seasons.

As for the Browns, they host the Bungles on Sunday in Cleveland in what could actually be a pretty exciting game to watch. The weather will be crappy and both teams hate one other enough not to realize losing this game would actually be more beneficial in terms of draft position. It should be a pretty charged game and it could be the last time we see this team win until next year.

Streak Ended

2008-12-14T20:35:00.004-05:00

Well, it had to end at some point. I figured it would likely come Dec. 19 at Denver, but the Hawks had other plans Saturday night.

The 11-game winning streak was great, and the Cavs have been playing good basketball, but the quality of the teams they've been beating up on isn't anything to write home about. Still, 11 in a row is still 11 in a row, and I wouldn't be shocked if they did it again at some point this season.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, currently riding a 14-game winning streak, will have the chance to go for number 15 when they host the Jazz Monday night. The real question is: Can the Celtics get to 20 in a row? A win at home against Utah would be 15, at Atlanta Dec. 17 would be 16, and 17, 18, and 19 would be at home against the Bulls, Knicks, and 76ers. Win, win, win. But if they get 20 in a row, I would be thoroughly impressed, as it would mean a win over the Lakers in Los Angeles. If they win at LA, who knows when they'll lose again. Maybe Jan. 9 in Cleveland...

Gentlemen, Rev Up Your Hate

2008-12-10T16:11:00.019-05:00

Now CC can finally afford those good NBA seats...

Former Tribe ace and longtime Yankees fan(?!) will no longer just be wearing Yankees caps at NBA games. This morning he signed with the Yankees for approximately infinity dollars for seven years. Seven years... I give him two before he throws his big fat arm out and the Yanks have to find someone elses star to steal.

That's right, folks. I just dropped some hate on CC, the once lovable big lefty that would pitch his rear off at Projacob's Field for the Cleveland Indians. That is because he is a G.D. Yankee, and I hate the G.D. Yankees. And when one of your favorite players goes to one of your most hated teams, by law you have to hate that player from then on. I don't care that he (his publicist) took a full page out of the Plain Dealer to thank us for the support. I don't care that I shared amazing memories with friends and family cheering him on to victory. It is now my duty to hate this man, because he chose to be a Yankee despite tons of money being offered to him by the team he was with since he got of high school ($18 million is a ton of money), teams from his home state, and the moon.

I was at a White Sox/Tribe game last year, and everybody (including yours truly) booed stupid dumb Thome whenever attention was drawn to him. At one point, some holier than thou guy behind me said, "How could you boo a guy who did so much for your club? That's disrespectful." OF COURSE IT'S DISRESPECTFUL, HE'S A WHITESOCK AND I HATE THE G.D. WHITESOX! It is what fans are supposed to do.

Sporting events are a little escape from reality where we can do things like eat 9 hot dogs on dollar dog days, pay way too much for beers, and then just boo people you don't like. And I don't like anyone in pinstripes. As far as that being "disrespectful", at least we aren't foreign soccer fans...

Indians Close to Getting Wood

2008-12-09T20:29:00.005-05:00

The Major League Baseball Winter Meetings seem like a glorified excuse for general managers to go on a week-long bender in Las Vegas, but from time to time, they actually do get a little bit of work done.

Mark Shapiro is in the process of making his first move of the '09 off season, as the Indians are close to signing closer Kerry Wood to a two year deal. Wood tallied 34 saves last season for the Cubs and struck out 88 batters in 66 and one-third innings, as compared to the Indians, who notched a whopping 31 saves as a team.

This signing satisfies one major need for the Tribe this off season, while the team still needs to search for another infielder and back-end starter. Wood solidifies the closer role, while Jensen Lewis, Rafael Betancourt, and Rafael Perez, among others, will likely battle for the set-up role. The team now has an arsenal of power arms in the bullpen, which is much needed with some of the power bats currently in the American League.

The team is also reaching out to Rafael Furcal's agent about signing a deal, this after Furcal rejected a deal from the Oakland Athletics. Furcal played just 36 games last season for the Dodgers, but is a lifetime .286 hitter and would be a much needed upgrade from Asdrubal Cabrera in the infield. We'll see where this goes.

If Only...

2008-12-03T10:42:00.004-05:00

Dan Wetzel from Yahoo! Sports wrote a similar piece last year about how a 16-team tournament could work in college football, and here is this year's version. An awesome read if you get a chance.

The Buckeyes would seemingly have to run through the Big 12's best in order to make it to the title game again, which would be rather difficult. That Cincinnati-Florida match-up could be entertaining, as well as the Bosie-Penn State game. Dammit, why can't they just do this instead?

The Circus Continues...

2008-11-30T20:03:00.006-05:00

What else can you do except laugh at this point?

Clearly, this season hasn't went the way Cleveland fans thought it might, but at this point, it's useless to bitch and moan about this team. The non-stop drama with this team, the coach, and the front office makes General Hospital look like Sesame Street.

Sure, the team lost by less than a handful of points against a good Indianapolis team, but did anyone really expect a different outcome than this? Let's face it, the only thing that stopped Peyton Manning from completely dominating this game was the weather. If the conditions are somewhat decent, Manning would've torched the Browns defense like he's done everyone else in this league during his career. So screw your silver-lining.

And of course, we have a NEW STARTING QUARTERBACK NEXT WEEK!!!!

Ken Dorsey will get the nod behind center for the Browns, according to Romeo Crennel, because Derek Anderson was crushed by Kevin Shaffer at the end of the game. In the back of my mind, I'm somewhat hoping Dorsey gets injured as well. Nothing against the guy, but wouldn't it be awesome to see Josh Cribbs behind center like the good old days at Kent State? Granted, with Quinn on the IR and Anderson injured, it's likely the Browns will sign someone just in case, but if they don't, Cribbs would have to be the back-up, right?. With this season pretty much lost, what's left to lose?

Next up for the Browns is a trip to Nashville to face the 11-1 Tennessee Titans. Nashville is a heck of a city, by the way. I spent the fourth of July in Nashville over the summer and it was a hell of a time. And the drive wasn't all that bad. Once you get through Kentucky it's smooth sailing. But who in their right mind would make the trip to watch this team?

Cavaliers Roll Pathetic Knickerbockers, Look Ahead

2008-11-26T07:59:00.008-05:00

Domination: The only stat that matters.

What a great way to start a 5-day stretch of 4 games, yeah?

LeKing scored 26 and sat out the entire 4th quarter of play at MSG last night, and appeared to be resting his head on Big Z's shoulder while watching the 3rd string Cavaliers finish off the New York Knicks (If someone found a photo of this somewhere, please let me know). The Wine and Gold bench played really well, the Cavs were up by like 100 at one point, and the whole squad just looked very in sync as they remain in first place, 2.5 games above the Evil Pistons. In recent years past, Cleveland had consistency problems and would frequently drop games to sad teams such as the Knicks from time to time. Hence, records and playoff seeds not reflecting powerhouse championship teams. But this year is different.

The last few years, the Cavs were called a "playoff team", because we didn't have talent level and depth to run through all the teams we should run through in the regular season. Then, during the playoffs, King would lead us passed the Wizards and/or Nets or what have you, and the he would slug it out with the heavyweights hoping for some kind of help from our role players. The Spurs swept our beloved Cavs because they were WAYYYY deeper, and they completely isolated LeBron and stopped him from driving the lane (unlike the Wizards who, last year, tried to do this but looked ridiculous putting him to the floor every time he had the ball). But, we had Eric Snow, Damon Jones, and Larry Hughes.

Mo Williams has been a fantastic pickup and has allowed Delonte to play his natural position. The results have been orgasmic, as they really know how to make teams pay for leaving them open to go cover the best player in the league. But this new team with its fancy new back court has yet to be REALLY tested. At 11-3, CLE has only really played 3 or 4 tough teams, and they could and should win all of these games in this current 5-day stretch (OKC, GS, MIL). And looking at my handy pocket schedule, next month should see only as many losses is not less than this month's great start. I mean, these guys can legitimately win 60 games this year, but I will wait until we see a tough West Coast schedule and more of the better East teams for further speculation on such an achievement.

How bout those Knicks, huh? OOOOOWEE do they suck somethin' fierce. What's so pathetic about that organization is that they have been looking ahead to a free agency season for 4 goddamned years. You know how miserable it'll be for them if they eff that up? Right now, they got rid of their best players for a move they want to make TWO EFFIN' YEARS DOWN THE ROAD, they have a coach that still thinks he's coaching the Pheonix Suns, and the only reason anyone still comes to these games is because the hipsters and celebs like to watch our best player come to town. PATHETIC. Seriously, it is so much nicer being a Cavs fan now than it is to be a Knicks fan praying things fall into place in a few YEARS.

We got the Thunder tonight, so LBJ will probably get to sit out the entire 4th quarter again. His minutes are down 4 per game, and the rests are coming in chunks. I fuckin' looove winning man... you know? It's better than losing...

Report: Browns Interested in Bill Cowher

2008-11-20T17:42:00.004-05:00

Browns fans have been quietly wishing for it amongst themselves, but no one has really come out and made any official statement about it until now.

The Browns are a complete circus right now, and this could be just what the doctor ordered.

Let's recap this season thus far:
- Kellen Winslow put in the hospital with an illness that the organization keeps under wraps for whatever reason.
- Winslow then comes out and bashes the organization for not defending him and keeping quiet when false reports come out about the injury, which turns out to be yet another staph infection.
- Winlsow is suspended for one game and docked a paycheck.
- The organization decides to "not suspend him anymore" but he still doesn't play against the Jaguars, but gets his money at least.
- Derek Anderson is benched and Brady Quinn makes his first NFL start against the Broncos.
- The Browns blow a huge lead against the Broncos and lose on TNF, and Jamal Lewis and Josh Cribbs accuse the team of quitting.
- Romeo Crennel is offended by Lewis' comments, so natually, Lewis retracts them to save face.
- Phil Savage gets an e-mail from an angry Browns fan and comes up with the intelligent response of "fuck you...go root for the Bills"

And then you have today, of course.

I am Right and Everyone Else is Wrong

2008-11-19T12:16:00.009-05:00

This will be the ONLY comments I share before the '09-'10 season regarding King James's contract situation.

I read an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer a few days ago entitled Lebron's in the Futures Market which caused me to roll my eyes and go "Ugh." Next to the write-up was a list of teams in the market for the King which was, no joke, 18 teams long. Let me lament the ridiculousness of such speculative articles...

LeKing James is telling everyone the truth. The only thing that is going to be the driving force behind his decision is winning championships. That is it. He already has more money than God, and lets not forget that he will make more loot playing in Cleveland anyway. And despite what ESPN will tell you, NIKE is not going to make it rain on him enough to make him think, "Well, I think I'll play for the Knickerbockers because I'll get a marginal raise from my already gigantic contract from the shoe people." He wants to win, because he is American and winning is everything.

Since victorious glory is all LeKing wants, breaking down a list so long that it is like trying to figure out where the Plinko disc is going to land on The Price is Right. This is because owners can turn their miserable team into championship powerhouses in just one or two personnel changes (unless you're the Knicks). I mean who saw the Celtics winning gold two seasons ago? It certainly wasn't Delonte West. I mean the Bobcats are a King James and a Chris Bosh away from winning it all for Chrissakes.

Therefore, thinking about where he will be in the '10-'11 season isn't really an option for The King. Its impossible to know now what these teams will look like in the near future. And oh, the Cavs are the best they've been since we picked up the right ping pong ball. And we made it to the Finals already. They are on an absolute tear right now with 8 W's in a row and are numero uno in the power rankings. The offense is a hundred times better than it was last year and although His Highness is scoring about 30 points per and looks to be well on his way to obtaining his first MVP award, he doesn't have to work nearly as hard. Our shooters are on fire, Andy's playing out of his mind... 'er hair, or whatever..., Wallace is not worthless, and Z is really, really tall. I love watching this team play, and they seem to be having a great time. I mean, just look at this smile.

Now I know that no matter what, the media is going to talk about TheBron and where he's gonna go (and they are so sure he is), because they are snotty little instigators that don't like Cleveland. I mean, he could buy the Cavaliers and Tony Kornheiser will still not know how to dress himself and say something asinine about him going to New York. And I won't even address the whole Yankees hat thing, because the Yankees don't play basketball and I'm pretty sure King James can afford the Extra Innings package...

So don't let it get you down just yet, Clevelanders. Keep your finger in the air toward the media and remember: It is very simple, win and keep the best player in the NBA and repeat. And the Cavaliers look pretty damn good right now.

Cavs/Pistons in the D...

2008-11-19T09:34:00.002-05:00

Well, now is probably a good time to make our first Cavs post of the season, eh?

Tonight marks the first time the Cavs and Pistons meet this season, as the two squads will square off at the Palace tonight at 7:30 p.m. Oddly enough, though, the game is not nationally televised.

LeBron James is off to the best start of his career, putting up nearly 30 points a night to go along with eight rebounds and seven dimes per. However, Cleveland fans actually had the nerve to boo him at home on Nov. 11 because he held the ball as time expired with the team at 99 points, keeping all the fatties from getting their free Chalupa from Taco Bell. Seriously? Do you want this guy to leave us? Surprisingly, the King wasn't too happy about it after the game, and we can't afford for this guy to be unhappy with anything at this point. So shut up, Cavs fans. The team as a whole has notched seven wins in a row, so there's really nothing to complain about.

As for the Pistons, in case you didn't hear, they traded the heart of their team in Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets for a guy who shoots 80 times a game in Allen Iverson. At first, the team sucked with Iverson running the floor, but they seemed to have found a rhythm as of late, and have been playing decent basketball. Although they lost to the Suns by 18 in their previous game, the Pistons managed to knock off the previously unbeaten Lakers on Los Angeles on Nov. 14, as Iverson and Rasheed Wallace each recorded 25 points.

Tonight marks the first of four meetings with the Bad Boys, so let's see where this goes.