Random Thoughts, 5-5-08

S.S. Cedric Benson
The Chicago Bears’ Cedric Benson is in trouble with the law following a boating incident. Our first impression of Mr. Benson took place on draft day several years ago when the Bears made him the fourth pick overall in the draft. We remember the ESPN interview immediately after he was chosen. Let’s just say he didn’t sound as though he majored in physics.

We immediately wondered how he was going to learn an NFL playbook and why any team would make him such a high pick based on witnessing that interview alone. And now we hear he’s got the law on his back. Nice pick Chicago. This guy had “underachiever” written all over him and we didn’t need to see any game film of him to make that call. It just makes you wonder what some of these pro teams are thinking – time and time again.

We have said it often – just because some folks have titles that indicate they have special knowledge, doesn’t make it so.

This one (Cedric Benson) is unfortunately for you (MI). We told you so.

Zito & CC
Is it me, or is CC Sabathia ordering a larger uniform with each passing season? The guy looks huge, even for CC. I wonder if the recent demotion to the bullpen of B. Zito in S.F. will scare off any potential suitors for the Indians’ lefty at season’s end.

I doubt that will be the case. Zito’s numbers were slipping prior to his signing with SF. The only way CC doesn’t get a multi-year deal worth $20 million a season or more is if he goes down with an in jury or loses several MPH on his fastball this summer.

Hitting Woes
The Indians are hitting like its 1968. Even their best hitter – Victor Martinez, who is batting over .300 – hasn’t homered yet. It’s contagious and a cause for concern. However, since no one in the division is pulling away, there is still plenty of time for the offense to rebound.

The problem is this team is one-dimensional and has been for several years. There is very little team speed, they don’t hit behind runners when necessary and can’t bunt. Plus, Eric Wedge has been reluctant in the past to play small ball based on his team’s limitations. Therefore, all they (Shapiro/Wedge) can do is wait it out as if it’s a flu that has to run its course. They have very few options.

However, if the team’s offensive slump last another month, there will be pressure on Shapiro to make a major move and try to add a big bat in the middle of the order. As we have said often - the Indians have the pitching depth to make that happen.

Cavaliers – Celtics
Okay, since we picked Washington over the Cavaliers, we probably have very little credibility here. However, in our defense, that pick was made based on logic – the Cavaliers were not playing well the past two months at either end of the floor and we were expecting a healthy Gilbert Arenas to contribute heavily. Regardless, LJ proved once again why he is the game’s best player – carrying the Cavaliers to a 4-2 series win.

We did forget one of our basic commandments when making that call – always pick the better defensive team. The Cavaliers, even with all their woes going into the playoffs, were a better defensive unit than Washington - even though it did not look that way in February and March.

Live and learn.

We’ll go with the Celtics in seven in round #2. They have three outstanding players and defend well – something the Wizards don’t do. Besides, at the outset of the season, we picked the Celtics and Spurs to meet in the NBA Finals. Why change now? Of course, if James gets some help, anything can happen. He’s that good.

Watch the Ben Wallace - Kevin Garnett match-up closely. If Wallace can handle him one-on-one, the Cavaliers will be able to play Allen and Pierce straight up – thus limiting their open looks. If Wallace needs help, the Cavaliers will be in big trouble.

One positive note for the Cavaliers – Wally Z had a playoff career-best 26 points in game #6 versus the Bullets. That’s right; I still refuse to be politically correct. If Wally can find his stroke against Boston, the Cavaliers will be able to space the floor effectively with Gibson and Wally, and thus make the Celtics pay for double-teaming 23.

MVP
I am still trying to figure out why James’ name doesn’t come up any more in the league MVP voting conversation. The word is out and Kobe looks like he is taking that trophy home for the first time in his career. I wonder where Kobe would be in the MVP conversation if Memphis had not gift-wrapped P. Gasol to LA in mid-season.

We also keep hearing about the great year Chris Paul has had. Since we did not see much of Paul during the regular season, we won’t comment further. Obviously, he has had a terrific year and is certainly the league’s best player at 6-0 and under.

As for James – he seems to be a victim of his own amazing consistently. He is expected to put up 30-8-8 on a nightly basis. Who else can do that? No one playing today. He is the closest thing to Oscar Robertson the league has seen since “The Big O” roamed the court some 40 years ago.

As we have said in the past, no one has ever done more with less. We still wonder what James could accomplish playing next to another true all-star. We may not find that out until he ops out of town when his contract allows him to. Okay, we won’t go there now. That’s three years down the road. Why put everyone in a bad mood when it’s not necessary.

Great Expectations
Memo to the Browns’ brain trust – you haven’t won anything yet!

The head coach (Romeo Crennel) and the GM (Phil Savage) both recently received contract extensions even though their contracts were not up. The organization, fans, and media are all expecting big things from this team in 2008. Anything less than a post-season appearance would be a huge disappointment – and rightfully so.

What happens if they take a step backwards in 2008? With a more difficult schedule this fall following last year’s ‘sister of the poor” itinerary and more pressure on the players and coaches to perform, that is a possibility.

No excuses please. This team better make the playoffs or a lot of questions will be asked – beginning with why give Crennel and Savage extensions prior to earning them.

Roger Clemens
What the hell was he thinking going forward with a lawsuit of his former trainer who claimed he (Clemens) cheated to get an edge? This guy is either the most pompous athlete in the history of U.S. team sports - which is really saying something - or he got the most horrendous legal advice imaginable.

When you take someone to court, they are allowed to respond. Did Roger actually believe, his, shall we say "interest in the opposite sex" would not be made public?

Clemens is not the first pro athlete with such an appetite. But it didn't have to become public. You would think for his family's sake, Clemens would have had better sense and left well enough alone.

I cannot remember another athlete who has fallen faster than Clemens in terms of his standing in the game, his reputation and legacy. It would be tragic if not for the fact that much of it was self-inflicted.

Arrogance is truly a deadly vice.

Separated At Birth
Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy and one of the porn industry's all-time greats - Ron Jeremy.