Trent
The Browns are rumored to be interested in K.C.'s Trent Green. No surprise here. We have stated several times since the brutal 2006 season ended that the quarteback position was Cleveland's greatest area of need heading in '07. If these reports are true, we feel better about the direction of the team. I could live with Trent Green, a quality NFL QB, dropping back to pass on third and six next fall with Calvin Johnson as his first option and Kellen Winslow as his second. With that scenario, the odds are pretty good, he (Green) won't have to check down to his third read very often and the sticks will continue to move.
Cavaliers In The Big Apple
A reporter friend e-mailed me the other day wondering how the Cavaliers could lose to an injury-depleted Knicks' squad in NY. Easy. The Cavaliers are not among the league's elite yet. We've tried to make that point over ands over again. They are a one-trick pony - especially on the road where average players tend to have off nights when not surrounded by the comforts of home. We stated back in October this team would win 50+ games, due mostly to the talents of LJ, and again, likely be a second round out in the playoffs. Nothing has transpired during the 2006-07 season to change this opinion. No significant pieces were added in the off-season and no impact players were brought in prior to the trading deadline. It's this simple - Hughes, Z and Gooden, two of those three, need to play better in the '07 post-season than they did in the '06 playoffs. If they don't, it's two and out again.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Lerner's "Core Players"
This past weekend, Browns' owner Randy Lerner gave interviews to various local media outlets. It was a bad idea. He seems like a nice guy who made clear he is not one to "meddle" in the decisions made by the professionals he hires. That's the up side. The down side is he listed the current Browns "core players" and included numerous individuals, some of which wouldn't be drafted on day one of the upcoming 2007 draft if they were in it. He also had the words "Braylon Edwards" and "Hall of Fame" in the same sentence - something about Edwards being a "freak of nature" with HOF ability. Stop it Randy - you sound like a fan!
In my mind, a core player is an All-Pro caliber talent a team builds around. The Browns have two such players - Kellen Winslow and Cameron Wimbley. In the open market, as we speak, these two players would be highly sought after by other teams. Yes, it is true, the team has some other intriguing players - including cornerback Leigh Bodden, linebacker Andra Davis, safety Sean Jones, and Edwards, just to name a few. But the list isn't very long. That's the problem. Whoever gave Randy Lerner his list to work off of is selling him a bill of goods I'm not buying.
In my mind, a core player is an All-Pro caliber talent a team builds around. The Browns have two such players - Kellen Winslow and Cameron Wimbley. In the open market, as we speak, these two players would be highly sought after by other teams. Yes, it is true, the team has some other intriguing players - including cornerback Leigh Bodden, linebacker Andra Davis, safety Sean Jones, and Edwards, just to name a few. But the list isn't very long. That's the problem. Whoever gave Randy Lerner his list to work off of is selling him a bill of goods I'm not buying.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Legacy & Hesitation
Kobe's Legacy
I see where the national media is falling over itself praising Kobe Bryant for scoring 50 or more in three consecutive games. Some are even pushing him for MVP consideration. It would be sending the wrong message if he won the award. His Lakers are barely .500 and will likely be an early out if they make the playoffs. Yes, he might be the most talented player in the league, but you can make a case for him being the most selfish as well. Instead of working it out with Shaq and trying to accumulate as many rings as possible, he made it clear he wanted to be "the man" in LA. Kobe got what he wanted - the opportunity to be the show. Meanwhile, his legacy will be leading the lower seeded Lakers into continued playoff oblivion while producing countless ESPN INDIVIDUAL highlights. That's a long way from challenging MJ in terms of rings.
Confused
I recently had a quality exchange with a friend of mine over what the Browns should do with the #3 pick in the draft. He wants Adrian Peterson, but would be happy with Calvin Johnson. I want Brady Quinn AND Calvin Johnson (see previous post). He asked me to choose between the two, and I hesitated before responding. Those who know me know I never hesitate. But this one has me confused. If I am right on Quinn's talent and the Browns land him at #3, they will have the most important position on the field settled for the next 10 years. That's huge in terms of continuity and consistent team success. However, Johnson plays the one position on the field that, in my opinion, a player can have the most immediate impact - wide receiver. This freak of nature could be the next Randy Moss with more strength and no baggage. I just hope the Browns don't pass on Johnson because they feel they have already heavily invested in Braylon Edwards and can't justify paying two receivers that kind of money. That would be making one bad decision - choosing Edwards at #3 - and compounding it by using that pick as an excuse for not taking Johnson. As to who I would choose between Quinn and Johnson? I still want them BOTH and the heck with the rest of the draft and next year's #1, #3 and #5. But if I had to take one, it would be Quinn. The Browns could make it easy for me though by acquiring a quality, veteran starting quarterback prior to the draft. Then the decision is a simple one - Calvin Johnson!
I see where the national media is falling over itself praising Kobe Bryant for scoring 50 or more in three consecutive games. Some are even pushing him for MVP consideration. It would be sending the wrong message if he won the award. His Lakers are barely .500 and will likely be an early out if they make the playoffs. Yes, he might be the most talented player in the league, but you can make a case for him being the most selfish as well. Instead of working it out with Shaq and trying to accumulate as many rings as possible, he made it clear he wanted to be "the man" in LA. Kobe got what he wanted - the opportunity to be the show. Meanwhile, his legacy will be leading the lower seeded Lakers into continued playoff oblivion while producing countless ESPN INDIVIDUAL highlights. That's a long way from challenging MJ in terms of rings.
Confused
I recently had a quality exchange with a friend of mine over what the Browns should do with the #3 pick in the draft. He wants Adrian Peterson, but would be happy with Calvin Johnson. I want Brady Quinn AND Calvin Johnson (see previous post). He asked me to choose between the two, and I hesitated before responding. Those who know me know I never hesitate. But this one has me confused. If I am right on Quinn's talent and the Browns land him at #3, they will have the most important position on the field settled for the next 10 years. That's huge in terms of continuity and consistent team success. However, Johnson plays the one position on the field that, in my opinion, a player can have the most immediate impact - wide receiver. This freak of nature could be the next Randy Moss with more strength and no baggage. I just hope the Browns don't pass on Johnson because they feel they have already heavily invested in Braylon Edwards and can't justify paying two receivers that kind of money. That would be making one bad decision - choosing Edwards at #3 - and compounding it by using that pick as an excuse for not taking Johnson. As to who I would choose between Quinn and Johnson? I still want them BOTH and the heck with the rest of the draft and next year's #1, #3 and #5. But if I had to take one, it would be Quinn. The Browns could make it easy for me though by acquiring a quality, veteran starting quarterback prior to the draft. Then the decision is a simple one - Calvin Johnson!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Sunday's Thoughts
Up Tempo Not The Answer
I am still not sold on the Dallas Mavericks or the Phoenix Suns winning an NBA Championship this summer - regardless of how many games they win in the regular season. Granted, the Mavs play some defense, but if I had to put the mortgage on it, my money would still go on the likes of San Antonio or Detroit to win it all. I have seen too many Western Conference scoring machines over the years that impress you with style points put can't close out the deal by winning four games against a quality team that defends. Perhaps this year will be different. But I have to see it to believe it.
LeBron On Point
The Cavaliers are playing their best basketball with Larry Hughes handling the ball a lot. Coach Brown deserves credit for finding a combination that seems to work. I have always been a big fan of putting the best five players on the floor regardless of position. However, I would love to see what LJ would do over the course of a full NBA season if he had the ball in his hands 90% of the time - instead of just down the stretch. I still feel that's his best position when you consider the combination or size, speed, strength and court awareness he possesses.
Calvin Johnson & Brady Quinn
I want them both. You heard me right. The Browns will likely get one of the two come draft day. But I want them both. How about a Ricky Williams' type draft day deal to make it happen? I know that one failed miserably. Remember, Williams had off-the-field issues. Johnson not only has freak-type numbers - 6-5, 42 inch vertical, sub 4.4 speed, good hands - but he seems to "get it." There aren't any off-the-field red flags with him that would make one cautious of taking him. Johnson is listed on most boards as the best player available. I realize the Browns won't do it. It's too risky. But answer this question - How many Pro Bowl players have they drafted since their return in '99? None. Why not role the dice? If you are right, the payoff is huge!
I am still not sold on the Dallas Mavericks or the Phoenix Suns winning an NBA Championship this summer - regardless of how many games they win in the regular season. Granted, the Mavs play some defense, but if I had to put the mortgage on it, my money would still go on the likes of San Antonio or Detroit to win it all. I have seen too many Western Conference scoring machines over the years that impress you with style points put can't close out the deal by winning four games against a quality team that defends. Perhaps this year will be different. But I have to see it to believe it.
LeBron On Point
The Cavaliers are playing their best basketball with Larry Hughes handling the ball a lot. Coach Brown deserves credit for finding a combination that seems to work. I have always been a big fan of putting the best five players on the floor regardless of position. However, I would love to see what LJ would do over the course of a full NBA season if he had the ball in his hands 90% of the time - instead of just down the stretch. I still feel that's his best position when you consider the combination or size, speed, strength and court awareness he possesses.
Calvin Johnson & Brady Quinn
I want them both. You heard me right. The Browns will likely get one of the two come draft day. But I want them both. How about a Ricky Williams' type draft day deal to make it happen? I know that one failed miserably. Remember, Williams had off-the-field issues. Johnson not only has freak-type numbers - 6-5, 42 inch vertical, sub 4.4 speed, good hands - but he seems to "get it." There aren't any off-the-field red flags with him that would make one cautious of taking him. Johnson is listed on most boards as the best player available. I realize the Browns won't do it. It's too risky. But answer this question - How many Pro Bowl players have they drafted since their return in '99? None. Why not role the dice? If you are right, the payoff is huge!
Friday, March 9, 2007
Friday Night Thoughts
Jamaal & Reuben
I was hoping the Browns would keep both Jamaal Lewis and Reuben Droughns in 2007. It would have cost the team in terms of cap space, but having depth at a crucial position like running back would have provided them fresh legs and insurance against injury.
Here's Jhonny
Jhonny Peralta had an oustanding first full season in the big leagues in 2005, then slumped badly after signing a long-term deal prior to 2006. We were big fans of the young shortstop after seeing brief glimpses of him in 2004. However, he needs a good season to re-establish himself and the team needs his '05 numbers to have hopes of contending in 2007.
Lefty
The Tribe looks like it will enter the 2007 campaign with at least one veteran left (Aaron Fultz) in the bullpen. Good. In recent history, the Indians have actually gone stretches without a lefty in the bullpen. That's a recipe for disaster. Some balance is necessary. The '05 bullpen was successful, in part, due to the balance. The '06 bullpen, slumped in part, because of lack of balance. Here's hoping Fultz, or someone else we haven't heard of yet, can do a Paul Aussenmaker this summer in Cleveland.
Not Just 1 Of 82
Some games during the long regular season mean more than others. The Cavaliers had arguably their biggest win of the year in Detroit early this week when James threw in 41 in the overtime thriller. Congratulations to James and company. This corner often complains that Superman gets very little help when he needs it most. Gooden, Z and company stepped up and helped "23" get it done on the road against the East's best team to date. Hopefully, there's more where that came from - especially come playoff time.
I was hoping the Browns would keep both Jamaal Lewis and Reuben Droughns in 2007. It would have cost the team in terms of cap space, but having depth at a crucial position like running back would have provided them fresh legs and insurance against injury.
Here's Jhonny
Jhonny Peralta had an oustanding first full season in the big leagues in 2005, then slumped badly after signing a long-term deal prior to 2006. We were big fans of the young shortstop after seeing brief glimpses of him in 2004. However, he needs a good season to re-establish himself and the team needs his '05 numbers to have hopes of contending in 2007.
Lefty
The Tribe looks like it will enter the 2007 campaign with at least one veteran left (Aaron Fultz) in the bullpen. Good. In recent history, the Indians have actually gone stretches without a lefty in the bullpen. That's a recipe for disaster. Some balance is necessary. The '05 bullpen was successful, in part, due to the balance. The '06 bullpen, slumped in part, because of lack of balance. Here's hoping Fultz, or someone else we haven't heard of yet, can do a Paul Aussenmaker this summer in Cleveland.
Not Just 1 Of 82
Some games during the long regular season mean more than others. The Cavaliers had arguably their biggest win of the year in Detroit early this week when James threw in 41 in the overtime thriller. Congratulations to James and company. This corner often complains that Superman gets very little help when he needs it most. Gooden, Z and company stepped up and helped "23" get it done on the road against the East's best team to date. Hopefully, there's more where that came from - especially come playoff time.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Joey & LeBron
Joey In Cleveland
Joey Porter is available, relatively young for a linebacker, still playing at a high level and very familiar with a 3-4 scheme. It seems like a perfect fit for a team in search of leadership and a player, who has gas left in the tank, eager to play with a chip on his shoulder. Imagine Porter wearing a Browns' uniform lining up against the Steelers twice a year. It might add some spice to a rivalry that has been one-sided for the better part of a decade. More importantly, it would upgrade the Browns' defense and provide the team's young linebackers with a mentor with talent and attitude. All it takes is cash.
Cavs In Dallas
Let me get this right - LeBron James scores 39 points and single-handedly keeps the Cavaliers in the game against the streaking Mavericks in Dallas, but all we hear about afterwards from the national media is how James missed two free throws in the closing seconds along with a pair of threes that would have sent the game into overtime. Meanwhile, Z and Gooden had four points between them, were not on the floor down the stretch as is commomplace, and no one bats an eye. The knock on James that he can't make plays when it counts the most is silly. Without his late game heroics against the Wizards last spring, the 50-win Cavaliers were one and done. Unfortunately, the critics aren't going away. The voices will get louder. Let's hope James doesn't sour on his teammates as a result of continued criticism. LJ has an extremely high basketball IQ. He says all the right things, but he knows he doesn't have enough help. Yes, James needs to improve his free throw percentage - no excuses there. But the rest of the team, especially the veterans who are being well-compensated for their efforts (i.e. Z, Gooden & Hughes) need to publicly take responsibility for their inconsistent play and take some heat off 23. Of course, if they played better, that would take heat off everyone.
Joey Porter is available, relatively young for a linebacker, still playing at a high level and very familiar with a 3-4 scheme. It seems like a perfect fit for a team in search of leadership and a player, who has gas left in the tank, eager to play with a chip on his shoulder. Imagine Porter wearing a Browns' uniform lining up against the Steelers twice a year. It might add some spice to a rivalry that has been one-sided for the better part of a decade. More importantly, it would upgrade the Browns' defense and provide the team's young linebackers with a mentor with talent and attitude. All it takes is cash.
Cavs In Dallas
Let me get this right - LeBron James scores 39 points and single-handedly keeps the Cavaliers in the game against the streaking Mavericks in Dallas, but all we hear about afterwards from the national media is how James missed two free throws in the closing seconds along with a pair of threes that would have sent the game into overtime. Meanwhile, Z and Gooden had four points between them, were not on the floor down the stretch as is commomplace, and no one bats an eye. The knock on James that he can't make plays when it counts the most is silly. Without his late game heroics against the Wizards last spring, the 50-win Cavaliers were one and done. Unfortunately, the critics aren't going away. The voices will get louder. Let's hope James doesn't sour on his teammates as a result of continued criticism. LJ has an extremely high basketball IQ. He says all the right things, but he knows he doesn't have enough help. Yes, James needs to improve his free throw percentage - no excuses there. But the rest of the team, especially the veterans who are being well-compensated for their efforts (i.e. Z, Gooden & Hughes) need to publicly take responsibility for their inconsistent play and take some heat off 23. Of course, if they played better, that would take heat off everyone.
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