This & That

Indians Win Game #1
Nice win by the Tribe yesterday versus the "Evil Empire."

Everything fell into place. CC struggled some but got them through five. His strike out of Pesada with the bags juiced and one out was huge at the time. Also, the Yankees' inability to take advantage of six CC walks was unusual to say the least. You don't want to try that twice - that's a recipe for disaster. The pen took it from there and it was lights out after that. They also hit in the clutch and then some. It's a good start, but remember, you don't get any bonus points for margin of victory. The first to three wins still advances.

Drive & Kick
I love this. I read in a local paper this morning that the Cavaliers are adding some new wrinkles to their offense. One is giving Larry Hughes more opportunities to "drive and kick." I don't need to explain what that means to my readers. If you don't understand the term, you shouldn't be reading this column.

LH is pleased with this because it gives him more opportunities to create - similar to what he did in Washington. Hughes was unhappy with the offense a year ago for some reason.

Okay, lets assume it's true. They are going to allow LH to drive and kick more. My question is simple - Who do you kick it to?

It's the same group of perimeter bricklayers that played last year. With the exception of Daniel Gibson, no one consistently knocked down jumpers in 2006-07 or 2005-06 or 2004-05. Get the point?

While I'm on the Cavaliers. LH is still whining about his role in 2006-07. Damon Jones still wants to be traded. Which begs the question - Who the hell would want him? And AV is still unsigned.

A team that reached the NBA Finals in '07 shouldn't have this many distractions heading into '07-08.

But it doesn't really matter, does it?

As long as 23 is healthy, he'll put them on his back and carry this mediocre bunch into the post-season once again while they complain about roles (LH), playing time (DJ & Donyell Marshall), etc...

Let me set the record straight.

LH has been hurt and inconsistent in his play in the time he's been on the Cavaliers' roster. No one with any basketball common sense would say he's earned his huge salary to date.

Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall, two ROLE players brought in simply to knock down open looks when four guys run at LJ, have been at best inconsistent - and that's being nice.

I've often thought many of the Cavaliers had fairly low basketball IQs. I've had to re-think my position. These guys might just have low IQs period.

And this is the bunch that's going to win a title for Cleveland?

I have a suggestion for Danny Ferry and company. Instead of adding some "new wrinkles," how about adding a a point guard that can actually shoot and a post player that can defend the block? There's still time you know. The season doesn't start until November.

And if it means dumping LH, DJ and company to get it done, I think the Cavaliers will somehow survive without their immense talents.