Barack Obama went bowling today in PA hunting for votes. Reportedly, he bowled seven frames and totaled a 37. That’s right – a 37!
Game, set, match – the election is now officially over – or at least it should be. I mean how does a grown man living in the USA with the sense of sight bowl a 37?
I don’t care if you have never picked up a bowling ball in our life, you can’t bowl a 37 in seven frames – not now, not ever, and expect other men to have any sense of respect for you.
And here’s a public relations question for his handlers – for heaven’s sake, why didn’t you stop him from embarrassing himself once it was obvious he had the coordination of a giraffe?
Wasn’t it obvious to these PR wizards every time he rolled the ball, he was losing more votes? Someone should have stepped up and stopped him. But no one did. Maybe that’s because he was surrounded by other gutter ball candidates. Perhaps they thought it couldn’t get any worse. I just don't understand it.
The more likely scenario is everyone in the Obama camp was stunned by his ineptness and simply failed to move. Besides, he wasn’t going to get the PA bowling alley crowd to vote for him anyway, right?
Again, that’s not the point.
How can potentially the most powerful person on the planet total 37 in seven frames? You see, many Americans won’t be able to wrap their minds around that one. Therefore, they won’t – or more importantly, shouldn’t vote for Obama.
It has nothing to do with his stance on issues. It has no relationship to his judgment. It has no bearing on his personality or even love of country. It has everything to do with the stars being aligned correctly and all being right with the world.
In other words - no male ever claims pink is his favorite color, if you get beamed by a baseball, you never rub it and we pee standing up.
Men will not vote for a guy who couldn’t beat his 10 year old niece at your neighborhood lanes. Period. You understand, don’t you? And if you don’t, stop reading - you don’t get it and never will.
Now the good news for the Obama camp - the mainstream media loves this guy. It has a little bit to do with white guilt and a lot to do with an excellent, young, orator peaking their collective interest. Therefore, most outlets will bury the tape. In fact, me being a cable news hound, I could only find a quick five second clip on one network that can only be described as follows - an uncoordinated approach to the lane that quickly turned into a gutter ball (wide right alla Scott Norwood) nearly immediately post release.
Only one network carried it tonight. I wonder why?
In fact, after the ugly tape ran, one of the talking heads hosting the program went off script (see: did not read from the teleprompter) and actually added the following trying to cover for the poor guy - “We have heard he’s actually an excellent basketball player.”
Right! I’m sure most “excellent” basketball players have a tough time reaching that magic number of 37 after rolling, what, 14 bowling balls down an alley.
The problem for Obama and company is the inevitability that this footage will find its way on Youtube. If you are a Hillary Clinton operative or you work for the John McCain camp, forget about Reverend Wright. Just get this footage out to the public ASAP. It speaks for itself. You won’t need anything else.
I’m hoping against hope the story has some holes. Maybe he had 37 after five frames, not seven. That would make me feel a little better in case he is elected president next November. I would sleep better at night thinking he could at least reach 100 on a good night if he went the distance.
Come to think of it – I don’t want to see Barack Obama anywhere near another bowling alley the rest of this campaign season. That five second view I had was horrifying enough. I may have trouble sleeping tonight thinking this guy may one day be the leader of the free world.
Too bad – I actually like him. He and I are about the same age and he seems like an intelligent dude.
I do have one piece of advice for his handlers if they some day all do heroine one night and decide to take him back to the scene of the crime – next time DEMAND BUMPERS! If my 10 year old daughter can get to the century mark with them (bumpers), a potential president should be able to do the same.
A bonus: I was about to sign off and just saw this clip on the local nightly sports wrap up - the president of some international car racing association just got picked up at a whore house with five hookers. It gets better. The girls were wearing nazi uniforms and beating him with whips while he was all tied up. And they have the video. NICE!
The story put a smile on my face. I hope it does the same for you.
By the way, the Indians are undefeated (1-0). Good for them. Yes, I watched some of it - innings eight & nine. And yes, I would have had Garko bunt - in case you were wondering with two on, no one out and the game tied in the bottom of the eighth. Blake, who was horrid in the clutch in 2007, got Wedge off the hook.
Till next week. Ciao.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
March 23,'08 Random Thoughts
I took a week off – things needed done.
Cavaliers Lack D
The Cavaliers are starting to fall into a dangerous pattern of winning at home but falling badly on the road – even against sub-par teams. That means they aren’t defending every night. You can do that and win at home – especially when you have arguably the best closer in the game (23). But on the road, it's a different story.
They are having an especially difficult time stopping guard penetration. This was also the case when Larry Hughes wore a Cavs’ uniform, but it’s even more of a problem now. The Cavaliers will need to tighten up defensively if they want to do serious damage in the post-season. Not having Big Ben healthy also allows quality post players to feast on the Cavs inside.
I may be the only observer around who feels not having Eric Snow healthy hurts this team heading into the post-season. Snow would make it much more difficult for the opposing point guard to go where he pleases. Having Snow available, even for short spurts come post-season, would help the Cavaliers advance.
Andy & Ben
You can’t play both Andy V and Ben W at the same time on a consistent basis. We have stated that before. Neither player can score the basketball. It makes it too easy for teams to defend James and the other players on the floor. That's not to say both aren't important to the team's success however.
Mind you, the addition of Wallace is a good fit – as we stated at the time of the trade – because he is a perfect compliment to Z, who is the team’s best 15-foot face-up shooter.
Screen & Roll
This conversation all leads us to the pick and roll sets the Cavaliers run. I see no reason why the Cavaliers run screen and roll with James and either Ben or Andy. All it does is bring another body over to help defend James. Besides, neither Andy nor Ben can finish unless they are standing under the basket with no one around them.
It makes much more sense to involve Wally Z. or Joe Smith in those screen/roll situations with James. The reason why Z and James work well on screen/rolls is because Z has turned himself into an excellent perimeter shooter. The same amount of success – if not more – could occur if you involve Wally/Joe in pick and pop sets with 23.
This is the time to tinker so you know what will and won’t work come playoff time.
More Z
I have criticized the Cavaliers in the past for signing Z over thinking long-term and keeping Boozer instead. Time has proven me right in terms of which player is a better pro right now.
However, I must credit Z for working hard every night and changing his game for the better after reaching the age of 30 and beyond. Z was mostly a post-up player prior to his foot injuries. Since coming back, he has steadily improved his shooting and is now one of the best face-up shooting post men in the game. This makes him valuable on a team with LJ - who draws so much attention.
Danny Ferry and Mike Brown have said over and over again the team needed to surrround 23 with shooters. That's the main reason the 11-player deal came down several weeks ago. In theory, between Joe Smith, Wally Z., Boobie G.,, once healthy, and Z, Mike Brown should be able to find a couple players who can make teams CONSISTENTY pay when they decide to mug James come April.
Wally Z. is not a good man-on-man defender, however, his size and range, along with his 16-point career scoring average will get him floor time. It's up to him to take advantage of it.
Notice I did not mention D.West or Damon J. That's because both have been unable to defend. Jones has a history of not being able to defend and will likely to see his minutes cut when Gibson returns. Here's hoping West plays better at the defensive end of the floor come playoff time, or he will become a spectator as well.
D’Angelo Hall
Now we know what a quality cover corner is worth on the open market – a high #2 draft choice and a second day pick to go along with it. D’Angelo Hall, arguably one of the NFL’s best corners, was recently dealt from Atlanta to Oakland. He then signed a huge contract potentially worth $70 million. Yet, the Falcons could not get a #1 pick for a corner that has Pro Bowl talent and is in his prime.
It never ceases to amaze me how NFL teams value draft choices more than proven talent. Answer this – what are the odds the Falcons will draft a player that has a better NFL career than Hall with that #2 pick? The odds are slim that will happen. That’s the point. Teams, time and time again, value picks over guys who “have done it.”
There is an out here – in many cases, the NFL players being traded carry some baggage (i.e. Hall), otherwise they would not likely be dealt. However, in nine out of 10 cases, we prefer the guy who has done it over an unknown quantity - a yet to be determined draft pick.
You may wonder then why do I want the Browns to deal DA – who “has done it” albeit for one year (2007). Simple. I think they have someone better waiting in the wings and they still have needs to fill elsewhere (i.e. pass rusher, linebacker, corner, safety, etc...)
Indians In 2008
As many of you know, I don’t follow the Grapefruit League/Cactus League schedule. It means nothing. Last year, I had the Indians finishing at 89-73 and narrowly missing out on post-season. I was wrong. Good.
This year, with everyone basically back, one can expect the Tribe to once again be in the hunt. That’s not a bulletin.
Here are two things that must happen if they expect to once again be one of the league’s elite teams in 2008 - Travis Hafner has to bounce back and have a quality season at the plate and Fausto Carmona has to show that 2007 was not a fluke. If those two things happen, the Tribe should once again be a 90+ win team – which hopefully will be good enough to qualify for post-season play.
That's not to say Hafner has to go 40/120 while hitting .320. Few players do that anymore now that the "juice" has been reduced in MLB. But he must do much better than a year ago. You can't pay a DH that kind of cash and have him hit .250 with average power numbers.
As for Carmona, if he has an ERA in the mid threes while winning 17 games, I would be thrilled. AL hitters have now had a full year to study him. It will be interesting to see what adjustments have been made.
Tyler Hansbrough
I have been watching some Division I basketball tournament play and have come to this conclusion – Tyler Hansbrough is a terrific college player who plays with great heart and deserves every positive accolade one can give him for the way he carries himself at North Carolina.
However, he would not be in my top-10 if I were drafting for an NBA team - any NBA team. He’s simply too mechanical, too slow-footed to be a 30 minute a night player at the next level. That’s not to say he won’t work his tail off for you and be a solid role player, but if he is a relatively high lottery pick, that GM in question should be held accountable when Hansbrough struggles.
Jeremiah Wood
On the other hand, I have seen my alma mater’s Jeremiah Wood (University of Akron) play several times now in recent weeks and feel this 6-6 post player would be a good fit taken in the second round or signed as a free agent by an NBA team that needs to fill out its bench.
Wood was obviously overlooked by large Division I schools because he lacked height for a player who did most of his damage with his back to the basket. Akron wisely picked him up and he excelled for them. They (Akron) even listed him as a forward, even though he does much of his damage inside. Because of his footwork in the paint and relentless approach, he is deserving of a look at the next level.
Politics
Now my political thought for the week - Obama is done. Many Americans simply do not want to be reminded we still have race issues to deal with - especially those in towns like Scranton, PA or Youngstown, Ohio. Many middle class whites are resentful when the race issue is brought up. That doesn't make them right - it just makes it so. These folks are busy trying to pay for $3 a gallon gas and frustrated they can't save enough for their kids' college. They don't want to be told there is unfinished business in terms of race they must address. No sir.
I can understand Senator Obama's pastor having some built up anger for whites. He grew up in the 1950s & 1960s when blacks could not eat in many restaurants and were told certain water fountains were off limits as well. He lived through injustice yet served his country as a Marine. I can see why he feels conflicted. So I cut him some slack. I would probably feel the same way if I were black and approaching retirement or in my 70s.
However, times have changed. In some cases, the balance has been tilted in favor of minority hirings to help even out years of injustice. I am okay with that. I do belive in some form of Affirmative Action. Our society is not totally color blind - but things are much better.
However, the problem for Obama is the danger of being seen strictly as a black candidate - something he had been able to avoid until the "Rev. Wright Controversy" arose. That's not good.
Middle class whites, who are struggling from pay check to pay check, and feel no one is giving them any special favors, could punish Obama at the ballot box come November - if not sooner, if they believe, in their minds, Obama sees the world like his pastor and friend of 20 years.
Obama has an interesting resume and is an excellent orator with the ability to move people to action. My guess is he's like that team that reaches the playoffs for the first time. That squad is more likely to do serious damage the next time around - after being there once and learning from it.
The same may be the case for the Senator from Illinois.
Cavaliers Lack D
The Cavaliers are starting to fall into a dangerous pattern of winning at home but falling badly on the road – even against sub-par teams. That means they aren’t defending every night. You can do that and win at home – especially when you have arguably the best closer in the game (23). But on the road, it's a different story.
They are having an especially difficult time stopping guard penetration. This was also the case when Larry Hughes wore a Cavs’ uniform, but it’s even more of a problem now. The Cavaliers will need to tighten up defensively if they want to do serious damage in the post-season. Not having Big Ben healthy also allows quality post players to feast on the Cavs inside.
I may be the only observer around who feels not having Eric Snow healthy hurts this team heading into the post-season. Snow would make it much more difficult for the opposing point guard to go where he pleases. Having Snow available, even for short spurts come post-season, would help the Cavaliers advance.
Andy & Ben
You can’t play both Andy V and Ben W at the same time on a consistent basis. We have stated that before. Neither player can score the basketball. It makes it too easy for teams to defend James and the other players on the floor. That's not to say both aren't important to the team's success however.
Mind you, the addition of Wallace is a good fit – as we stated at the time of the trade – because he is a perfect compliment to Z, who is the team’s best 15-foot face-up shooter.
Screen & Roll
This conversation all leads us to the pick and roll sets the Cavaliers run. I see no reason why the Cavaliers run screen and roll with James and either Ben or Andy. All it does is bring another body over to help defend James. Besides, neither Andy nor Ben can finish unless they are standing under the basket with no one around them.
It makes much more sense to involve Wally Z. or Joe Smith in those screen/roll situations with James. The reason why Z and James work well on screen/rolls is because Z has turned himself into an excellent perimeter shooter. The same amount of success – if not more – could occur if you involve Wally/Joe in pick and pop sets with 23.
This is the time to tinker so you know what will and won’t work come playoff time.
More Z
I have criticized the Cavaliers in the past for signing Z over thinking long-term and keeping Boozer instead. Time has proven me right in terms of which player is a better pro right now.
However, I must credit Z for working hard every night and changing his game for the better after reaching the age of 30 and beyond. Z was mostly a post-up player prior to his foot injuries. Since coming back, he has steadily improved his shooting and is now one of the best face-up shooting post men in the game. This makes him valuable on a team with LJ - who draws so much attention.
Danny Ferry and Mike Brown have said over and over again the team needed to surrround 23 with shooters. That's the main reason the 11-player deal came down several weeks ago. In theory, between Joe Smith, Wally Z., Boobie G.,, once healthy, and Z, Mike Brown should be able to find a couple players who can make teams CONSISTENTY pay when they decide to mug James come April.
Wally Z. is not a good man-on-man defender, however, his size and range, along with his 16-point career scoring average will get him floor time. It's up to him to take advantage of it.
Notice I did not mention D.West or Damon J. That's because both have been unable to defend. Jones has a history of not being able to defend and will likely to see his minutes cut when Gibson returns. Here's hoping West plays better at the defensive end of the floor come playoff time, or he will become a spectator as well.
D’Angelo Hall
Now we know what a quality cover corner is worth on the open market – a high #2 draft choice and a second day pick to go along with it. D’Angelo Hall, arguably one of the NFL’s best corners, was recently dealt from Atlanta to Oakland. He then signed a huge contract potentially worth $70 million. Yet, the Falcons could not get a #1 pick for a corner that has Pro Bowl talent and is in his prime.
It never ceases to amaze me how NFL teams value draft choices more than proven talent. Answer this – what are the odds the Falcons will draft a player that has a better NFL career than Hall with that #2 pick? The odds are slim that will happen. That’s the point. Teams, time and time again, value picks over guys who “have done it.”
There is an out here – in many cases, the NFL players being traded carry some baggage (i.e. Hall), otherwise they would not likely be dealt. However, in nine out of 10 cases, we prefer the guy who has done it over an unknown quantity - a yet to be determined draft pick.
You may wonder then why do I want the Browns to deal DA – who “has done it” albeit for one year (2007). Simple. I think they have someone better waiting in the wings and they still have needs to fill elsewhere (i.e. pass rusher, linebacker, corner, safety, etc...)
Indians In 2008
As many of you know, I don’t follow the Grapefruit League/Cactus League schedule. It means nothing. Last year, I had the Indians finishing at 89-73 and narrowly missing out on post-season. I was wrong. Good.
This year, with everyone basically back, one can expect the Tribe to once again be in the hunt. That’s not a bulletin.
Here are two things that must happen if they expect to once again be one of the league’s elite teams in 2008 - Travis Hafner has to bounce back and have a quality season at the plate and Fausto Carmona has to show that 2007 was not a fluke. If those two things happen, the Tribe should once again be a 90+ win team – which hopefully will be good enough to qualify for post-season play.
That's not to say Hafner has to go 40/120 while hitting .320. Few players do that anymore now that the "juice" has been reduced in MLB. But he must do much better than a year ago. You can't pay a DH that kind of cash and have him hit .250 with average power numbers.
As for Carmona, if he has an ERA in the mid threes while winning 17 games, I would be thrilled. AL hitters have now had a full year to study him. It will be interesting to see what adjustments have been made.
Tyler Hansbrough
I have been watching some Division I basketball tournament play and have come to this conclusion – Tyler Hansbrough is a terrific college player who plays with great heart and deserves every positive accolade one can give him for the way he carries himself at North Carolina.
However, he would not be in my top-10 if I were drafting for an NBA team - any NBA team. He’s simply too mechanical, too slow-footed to be a 30 minute a night player at the next level. That’s not to say he won’t work his tail off for you and be a solid role player, but if he is a relatively high lottery pick, that GM in question should be held accountable when Hansbrough struggles.
Jeremiah Wood
On the other hand, I have seen my alma mater’s Jeremiah Wood (University of Akron) play several times now in recent weeks and feel this 6-6 post player would be a good fit taken in the second round or signed as a free agent by an NBA team that needs to fill out its bench.
Wood was obviously overlooked by large Division I schools because he lacked height for a player who did most of his damage with his back to the basket. Akron wisely picked him up and he excelled for them. They (Akron) even listed him as a forward, even though he does much of his damage inside. Because of his footwork in the paint and relentless approach, he is deserving of a look at the next level.
Politics
Now my political thought for the week - Obama is done. Many Americans simply do not want to be reminded we still have race issues to deal with - especially those in towns like Scranton, PA or Youngstown, Ohio. Many middle class whites are resentful when the race issue is brought up. That doesn't make them right - it just makes it so. These folks are busy trying to pay for $3 a gallon gas and frustrated they can't save enough for their kids' college. They don't want to be told there is unfinished business in terms of race they must address. No sir.
I can understand Senator Obama's pastor having some built up anger for whites. He grew up in the 1950s & 1960s when blacks could not eat in many restaurants and were told certain water fountains were off limits as well. He lived through injustice yet served his country as a Marine. I can see why he feels conflicted. So I cut him some slack. I would probably feel the same way if I were black and approaching retirement or in my 70s.
However, times have changed. In some cases, the balance has been tilted in favor of minority hirings to help even out years of injustice. I am okay with that. I do belive in some form of Affirmative Action. Our society is not totally color blind - but things are much better.
However, the problem for Obama is the danger of being seen strictly as a black candidate - something he had been able to avoid until the "Rev. Wright Controversy" arose. That's not good.
Middle class whites, who are struggling from pay check to pay check, and feel no one is giving them any special favors, could punish Obama at the ballot box come November - if not sooner, if they believe, in their minds, Obama sees the world like his pastor and friend of 20 years.
Obama has an interesting resume and is an excellent orator with the ability to move people to action. My guess is he's like that team that reaches the playoffs for the first time. That squad is more likely to do serious damage the next time around - after being there once and learning from it.
The same may be the case for the Senator from Illinois.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
LeBron & Fan Behavior
LeBron James just doesn’t get it when it comes to fan behavior.
LeBron James is dead wrong and I am afraid no one – the Cavaliers’ front office, the league or his agents - have the guts to tell him so.
I am referring to the recent incident in New York where a fan came out of the stands and reached James on the floor at Madison Square Garden after he (James) went off for 50 points in a win over the Knicks.
James seemed to be friendly toward the 17-year old fan and later told reporters he didn’t mind the incident – saying he was not afraid since he was “6-9/250 pounds.”
The mega-star made matters even worse when it was later reported the fan in question would be James' guest at an upcoming game. Soon after that leaked out, James’ people refuted the rumor, but the damage was already done.
Why didn’t James have the common sense to make the following statement after the incident?
“I appreciate their support, but fans have absolutely no right to come out of the stands and onto the floor. That type of action potentially puts others at risk.”
Perhaps no one in the Cavaliers’ organization had the guts to tell “The King” what to say.
Why didn’t the league ask James to make such a statement the following day?
Perhaps the commissioner’s office did not have the guts to tell “The Chosen One” what to say either.
The same can be said of the numerous adults who represent the 23-year old.
LeBron James is the most high profile player the NBA has going and that will likely remain so for years to come. To date, he has said and done all the right things – with the exception of his 100+ mph speeding ticket and wearing of Yankee garb at an Indians’ home playoff game. The speeding put him at physical risk and the Gotham hat did little more than upset the local fan base for a time.
But this incident has ramifications beyond just idol worship gone wrong.
Just as players have no business going into the stands, fans have no right coming out of the stands for numerous reasons – the most importance of which is the athletes’ safety. By almost befriending this individual, James is sending out the absolute wrong message.
If James hasn’t been asked to do so or won’t do it, the league should step in and make a public statement re-emphasizing this fact.
Secondly, the Knicks should ban this individual from Madison Squarer Garden for life and he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Madison Square Garden should also do a thorough investigation of its security measures and make sure this never happens again. Ditto for the rest of the NBA's playing venues.
I have stated over and over again that fans have no business on the field of play. That’s a catastrophe waiting to happen – whether it is at the college level following a major upset or at the professional level when a fan decides to make the playing field his living room.
What would be the reaction today in the sports world if that individual's intentions were to do harm James and he was able to carry out those actions?
Fortunately in the U.S., our sports fans are relatively sane - especially when compared to the supporters of the world's #1 sport - soccer. But let's make sure we, in the States, get this one right nonetheless.
LeBron James got it wrong, and because he is who he is, has not been excoriated for it. That is bad enough.
But what’s worse, the grown ups who run the sport and know better have not stepped in and cleaned up the mess.
That’s inexcusable.
LeBron James is dead wrong and I am afraid no one – the Cavaliers’ front office, the league or his agents - have the guts to tell him so.
I am referring to the recent incident in New York where a fan came out of the stands and reached James on the floor at Madison Square Garden after he (James) went off for 50 points in a win over the Knicks.
James seemed to be friendly toward the 17-year old fan and later told reporters he didn’t mind the incident – saying he was not afraid since he was “6-9/250 pounds.”
The mega-star made matters even worse when it was later reported the fan in question would be James' guest at an upcoming game. Soon after that leaked out, James’ people refuted the rumor, but the damage was already done.
Why didn’t James have the common sense to make the following statement after the incident?
“I appreciate their support, but fans have absolutely no right to come out of the stands and onto the floor. That type of action potentially puts others at risk.”
Perhaps no one in the Cavaliers’ organization had the guts to tell “The King” what to say.
Why didn’t the league ask James to make such a statement the following day?
Perhaps the commissioner’s office did not have the guts to tell “The Chosen One” what to say either.
The same can be said of the numerous adults who represent the 23-year old.
LeBron James is the most high profile player the NBA has going and that will likely remain so for years to come. To date, he has said and done all the right things – with the exception of his 100+ mph speeding ticket and wearing of Yankee garb at an Indians’ home playoff game. The speeding put him at physical risk and the Gotham hat did little more than upset the local fan base for a time.
But this incident has ramifications beyond just idol worship gone wrong.
Just as players have no business going into the stands, fans have no right coming out of the stands for numerous reasons – the most importance of which is the athletes’ safety. By almost befriending this individual, James is sending out the absolute wrong message.
If James hasn’t been asked to do so or won’t do it, the league should step in and make a public statement re-emphasizing this fact.
Secondly, the Knicks should ban this individual from Madison Squarer Garden for life and he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Madison Square Garden should also do a thorough investigation of its security measures and make sure this never happens again. Ditto for the rest of the NBA's playing venues.
I have stated over and over again that fans have no business on the field of play. That’s a catastrophe waiting to happen – whether it is at the college level following a major upset or at the professional level when a fan decides to make the playing field his living room.
What would be the reaction today in the sports world if that individual's intentions were to do harm James and he was able to carry out those actions?
Fortunately in the U.S., our sports fans are relatively sane - especially when compared to the supporters of the world's #1 sport - soccer. But let's make sure we, in the States, get this one right nonetheless.
LeBron James got it wrong, and because he is who he is, has not been excoriated for it. That is bad enough.
But what’s worse, the grown ups who run the sport and know better have not stepped in and cleaned up the mess.
That’s inexcusable.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Sunday’s Thoughts
I'm on schedule this week.
Browns & Free Agency
I get what Phil Savage is doing in free agency.
He has already traded for a pair of defensive linemen who are still relatively young and proven NFL talents – Corey Williams & Shaun Rogers. He also upgraded the depth at wide receiver with the Donte Stallworth acquisition – something the team clearly needed to do.
Savage did all that and only gave up one proven commodity – Leigh Bodden, arguably the team’s best player on the defensive side of the ball last season. The rest of the cost came in the form of draft picks & the owner's money.
The Browns are banking their young corners will have more help from an improved pass rush in 2008 resulting from the new acquisitions. They’d better get a better push up front or the Bodden loss will be felt.
The loss of Bodden is the only downside from the moves made by Savage in a frenzied early free agency period by the Browns. Clearly, Savage had a plan to upgrade the team’s biggest hole – the front seven – and is doing so swiftly. Good.
Look for the Browns to add at least one more piece to the puzzle - another pass rushing outside linebacker to play opposite K. Wimbley.
As for the three year contract signed by DA four hours after becoming a free agent – all we have to say is this - relax Brady Quinn fans!
The Browns hold all the cards by signing Anderson to a team-friendly three-year deal. Look for Savage to get back into the first day of the 2008 draft by dealing DA prior to or on draft day – regardless of what he says.
It had to be somewhat of a humbling experience for DA and his agent to be free to sign with any team with no takers. Answer this question – can you imagine any other 25-year old Pro Bowl quarterback becoming a free agent with no takers in the open market?
Now it becomes a waiting game.
Clearly, no one was willing to sign DA to a long-term deal and cough up a 1 & 3 as compensation. However, if someone comes to Savage with a 2 & 3 – Savage should pull the trigger. That team in question would get its starter, knowing the exact sticker price with a three-year window to see if he was worth the risk.
As for Quinn, he is saying and doing all the right things. Quinn made clear in his public statements since the DA signing that he expects to compete and win the starting position and take the Browns to the post-season. When asked what he would do if he plays well in camp and the #1 job isn’t his come the opener, he said he would address that at that time and not before. Smart.
If Savage doesn't get his asking price, he will keep both in 2008, which gives the team terrific depth at the most important position on the field. However, the one variable Savage can't totally control is Quinn's response if he decides to make waves.
No objective observer would expect Quinn to stay quiet in year #2 if he plays well in camp but is told he'll be sitting once again in '08. His contract is likely incentive based on playing time. If he doesn't play, he ain't getting paid. The team gave up a #1 & #2 making it clear he was the team's quarterback of the future - would you stay quiet if you were in his shoes?
Hank Steinbrenner
This guy is a trip. Who knew he would be a reporter’s dream. Two weeks ago, he called out the NFL by wondering out loud why that pro league has been able to skirt the steroids issue while it has devastated MLB. This past week, he called out “Red Sox Nation” claiming the Yankees are America’s Team, not the Sox. Nice.
Cavaliers’ Make Over
The Cavaliers will once again try to do what no team in the last 25+ years has done in the NBA – win a title with one superstar and 11 role players. The difference this time around is that the pieces around 23 are a better fit than in '07. The road will be more difficult than it was last spring, but the Cavaliers are capable of making a run to the Finals if 23 plays like 23 did a year ago and he gets some help from his new friends.
NBA Finals
We predicted in our last entry 23 would take his team farther in the post-season this spring than Kobe. If they both make the Finals, it would be the NBA’s PR “Dream Finals” – Kobe versus LeBron. You would think that match-up would draw huge television numbers.
Indians
We still expect the Indians to use their excess of starting pitchers to acquire a full-time leftfielder at some point this spring or early summer. A right handed big bat that can play left would be preferred.
Title Town
We predicted a year ago the Browns were the most likely local team to win a championship first – even when the team was coming off another horrid 2006 campaign. The idea being that the NFL was set up best for a team to go from worst to first. As of today, that analysis has changed.
All three local teams – for the first time in this observer’s memory – have legitimate shots at making the post-season and possibly winning a title this coming year.
Think about it – the Indians are coming off an excellent year and should be very competitive once again in 2008, the Cavaliers went to the Finals in ’07 and look improved since Ferry stepped up, and the Browns have made the biggest splash in free agency so far coming off a 10-6 campaign.
This (2008) could be the first time in this observer’s lifetime – all 46 years of it – where all three teams could reach the post-season.
Yao
You never want to see a terrific player go down. That’s the case with Yao Ming. The Rockets were playing excellent basketball before he went down. Cavalier fans know all too well about losing quality big men. Cleveland has had a history, dating back to Jim Chones going down during the “Miracle In Richfield” year of the mid-late 70s, of losing a center to injury.
As for his talent, we were not that impressed with Yao early on, but clearly, he has established himself recently as one of the game’s best big men. We were curious to see how he would do in the '08 playoffs against the other quality big men out west. Unfortunately, he won’t be playing in April.
Browns & Free Agency
I get what Phil Savage is doing in free agency.
He has already traded for a pair of defensive linemen who are still relatively young and proven NFL talents – Corey Williams & Shaun Rogers. He also upgraded the depth at wide receiver with the Donte Stallworth acquisition – something the team clearly needed to do.
Savage did all that and only gave up one proven commodity – Leigh Bodden, arguably the team’s best player on the defensive side of the ball last season. The rest of the cost came in the form of draft picks & the owner's money.
The Browns are banking their young corners will have more help from an improved pass rush in 2008 resulting from the new acquisitions. They’d better get a better push up front or the Bodden loss will be felt.
The loss of Bodden is the only downside from the moves made by Savage in a frenzied early free agency period by the Browns. Clearly, Savage had a plan to upgrade the team’s biggest hole – the front seven – and is doing so swiftly. Good.
Look for the Browns to add at least one more piece to the puzzle - another pass rushing outside linebacker to play opposite K. Wimbley.
As for the three year contract signed by DA four hours after becoming a free agent – all we have to say is this - relax Brady Quinn fans!
The Browns hold all the cards by signing Anderson to a team-friendly three-year deal. Look for Savage to get back into the first day of the 2008 draft by dealing DA prior to or on draft day – regardless of what he says.
It had to be somewhat of a humbling experience for DA and his agent to be free to sign with any team with no takers. Answer this question – can you imagine any other 25-year old Pro Bowl quarterback becoming a free agent with no takers in the open market?
Now it becomes a waiting game.
Clearly, no one was willing to sign DA to a long-term deal and cough up a 1 & 3 as compensation. However, if someone comes to Savage with a 2 & 3 – Savage should pull the trigger. That team in question would get its starter, knowing the exact sticker price with a three-year window to see if he was worth the risk.
As for Quinn, he is saying and doing all the right things. Quinn made clear in his public statements since the DA signing that he expects to compete and win the starting position and take the Browns to the post-season. When asked what he would do if he plays well in camp and the #1 job isn’t his come the opener, he said he would address that at that time and not before. Smart.
If Savage doesn't get his asking price, he will keep both in 2008, which gives the team terrific depth at the most important position on the field. However, the one variable Savage can't totally control is Quinn's response if he decides to make waves.
No objective observer would expect Quinn to stay quiet in year #2 if he plays well in camp but is told he'll be sitting once again in '08. His contract is likely incentive based on playing time. If he doesn't play, he ain't getting paid. The team gave up a #1 & #2 making it clear he was the team's quarterback of the future - would you stay quiet if you were in his shoes?
Hank Steinbrenner
This guy is a trip. Who knew he would be a reporter’s dream. Two weeks ago, he called out the NFL by wondering out loud why that pro league has been able to skirt the steroids issue while it has devastated MLB. This past week, he called out “Red Sox Nation” claiming the Yankees are America’s Team, not the Sox. Nice.
Cavaliers’ Make Over
The Cavaliers will once again try to do what no team in the last 25+ years has done in the NBA – win a title with one superstar and 11 role players. The difference this time around is that the pieces around 23 are a better fit than in '07. The road will be more difficult than it was last spring, but the Cavaliers are capable of making a run to the Finals if 23 plays like 23 did a year ago and he gets some help from his new friends.
NBA Finals
We predicted in our last entry 23 would take his team farther in the post-season this spring than Kobe. If they both make the Finals, it would be the NBA’s PR “Dream Finals” – Kobe versus LeBron. You would think that match-up would draw huge television numbers.
Indians
We still expect the Indians to use their excess of starting pitchers to acquire a full-time leftfielder at some point this spring or early summer. A right handed big bat that can play left would be preferred.
Title Town
We predicted a year ago the Browns were the most likely local team to win a championship first – even when the team was coming off another horrid 2006 campaign. The idea being that the NFL was set up best for a team to go from worst to first. As of today, that analysis has changed.
All three local teams – for the first time in this observer’s memory – have legitimate shots at making the post-season and possibly winning a title this coming year.
Think about it – the Indians are coming off an excellent year and should be very competitive once again in 2008, the Cavaliers went to the Finals in ’07 and look improved since Ferry stepped up, and the Browns have made the biggest splash in free agency so far coming off a 10-6 campaign.
This (2008) could be the first time in this observer’s lifetime – all 46 years of it – where all three teams could reach the post-season.
Yao
You never want to see a terrific player go down. That’s the case with Yao Ming. The Rockets were playing excellent basketball before he went down. Cavalier fans know all too well about losing quality big men. Cleveland has had a history, dating back to Jim Chones going down during the “Miracle In Richfield” year of the mid-late 70s, of losing a center to injury.
As for his talent, we were not that impressed with Yao early on, but clearly, he has established himself recently as one of the game’s best big men. We were curious to see how he would do in the '08 playoffs against the other quality big men out west. Unfortunately, he won’t be playing in April.
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