Random Thoughts July22'07

Vick
We were wrong when we suggested the Browns trade their #1 this year ('07) and acquire Michael Vick. If the current allegations are true, he has some serious issues and the heat will not subside anytime soon. If he were named Jones or Smith, and not Michael Vick, the league and team would have already taken action.

The other ugly factor here is that this issue seems to be breaking along racial lines - especially in Atlanta. That's not good for an image-oriented NFL. The team and league reportedly have asked Vick to take a paid leave of absence. So far, he's balked at that idea. That's another bad decision by Vick. The heat may force the powers that be to make the decision for him (Vick). That will cause many to scream - What about due process under the law?

This issue isn't going away anytime soon.

What is stunning is the fact that Atlanta made him the game's highest paid player without an appropriate background check. They already knew he wasn't a boy scout when they were about to sign him to that mega-deal. Why not make sure there wasn't anything else there before putting all your eggs (signing Vick & trading your back-up) in a leaky basket?

Or perhaps, the team knew but felt it was worth the risk. Professional teams do not invest this kind of money on a player without knowing where every wart is. It is hard for me to believe no one in the Falcons' hierarchy knew. If they didn't know, the Falcons need to fire their security people and hire pros.

Kenny
It is amazing watching Kenny Lofton perform at a relatively high level at age 40. He's the D. Green (Redskins' corner) of MLB. Usually, players who depend on speed so much don't last this long. The moody OF can still play. Give credit where credit is due.

Browns' Camp
I will be starting my vacation next Sunday, so this site will not be functional on the 29th. Therefore, a couple comments on the opening of training camp seem appropriate.

First, the most important thing to watch is not the QB battle. There is no such thing - we'll explain in a minute. It is the health of L. Bentley. If he can make a miraculous recovery and be at 90% or better in '07, that will go a long way to keeping Brady Quinn upright and functional this season.

That's right - I said Quinn. He's your QB. It might not happen on day 1, but it should at some point this season - and sooner rather than later. Why?

He is the future, the future is now and I certainly don't see Joe Montana, or even Trent Green for that matter, in front of him, do you?

And for those who feel he won't be ready, remember this - he played for the most high profile college football program in the nation, for an outstanding pro coach, in a good pro system, in front of a national television audience every week with 100,000 people in the stands.

Now he's playing for a pro coach, in a pro system (I think), on national television, in front of 70,000 fans.

End of story.

Brew Crew
The Milwaukee Brewers have the best young infield in baseball and some of the game's best arms. Unfortunately, because of baseball's economics, they won't be together long.

In the 70s, the Dodgers had Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Cey across the diamond for the longest time.

Brewer fans should get to see their young stars playing together for years to come. They won't. Here's hoping the Brewers can win a title in the next few years before that team has to be dismantled because they can't keep everyone. What a shame.

Indians
If Shapiro wants a quality arm for the bullpen, which is desperately needed for the stretch run, it might cost him B. Francisco or F. Gutierrez. Here's hoping that scenario can be avoided. But don't be surprised if that's part of the package. To get quality, you have to give up quality.

And they might need two arms in the pen if some of their starters (i.e. Westbrook & Lee) continue to struggle. Their #1 (CC) and #2 starters (Carmona) have carried them so far. They need help.

As it stands, I would be stunned if the Tribe doesn't at least add one arm and another bat before the trading deadline. It would be the first time this regime made such an investment at this time of year. It is long overdue. They (Indians) have been in contention now in three of the last four years. Ownership and management should finally step up and show the players and the fans they are in it to win it. Acquiring the David Weathers' of this world isn't enough.

We will be watching.

A friend told me a year ago R. Perez was a keeper. He was right. You know who you are (NM). He's (Perez) been this team's Paul Aussenmaker - a invaluable lefty out of the pen.

I am a J. Peralta fan, but even I am getting tired watching him give away at bats. He'll never reach his full potential until he focuses ALL the time.

Ditto for G. Sizemore, who is clearly the team's best all-around athlete. Sizemore, granted a terrifc player, seems to be more interested in trying to hit 30+ homers than hitting .300+. If he cut down on his swing once in awhile, he would discover that both are possible.

Finally, the Indians recently signed their manager to a contract extension. Obviously, Shapiro and Wedge get along. At first, like evryone else, I asked why now wait and see how the season plays out. But after second thought, I give management and ownership credit. In this day and age of managers and coaches beind fired by impatient owners and GMs, the Indians like their guy and the job he's doing, so they scooped him up for several more seasons.

This will look bad if they nose-dive, as they have in the past - especially if management gets Wedge some help in terms of adding a couple quality pieces for the stretch run.

But Shapiro has obviously considered all the possibilities and decided to close the deal anyway. That takes stones. I have always liked those who don't care about popular opinion and go with their gut feeling.

Besides, if they flame out in '07 and don't get it done in '08, it's Dolan's money, not ours, they'll be paying him (Wedge) to play golf while announcing Grover has taken over the helm once again.

NBA Ref
Everyone is getting excited because one referee might have bet on games. Granted it is a problem for the league, but it becomes a crisis ONLY if other officials or players are involved.

Everyone knows the best way to influence a pro game is to get to the refs, officials or umpires. The players make too much to be bought. It's not worth the risk for them. If this doesn't lead to other indictments, the NBA will survive. If there's more, the league has a serious problem on its hands.

Amber Alert
Has anyone seen or heard from Danny Ferry?

Next set of random thoughts following a long, overdue vacation - Aug5.