Browns Camp Opens
Some observations follow as Browns Camp opened this week.
First, let us cool down the Super Bowl talk. Everything fell into place in 2007. An extremely weak schedule – including facing some of the worst quarterbacking imaginable, an almost injury-free 17-week ride and the ball bouncing right more often than not, all contributed to a solid 10-6 season last fall.
Much like the Indians of 2007, the Browns had things go their way. Ask the Tribe’s hierarchy and fan base how things can change quickly from one season to the next. Injuries and players underperforming contributed to the Tribe being sellers instead of buyers before Major League Baseball’s first trading deadline of July 31.
The point is the Browns will not sneak up on anyone this fall. In order for Cleveland to take the next logical step – a playoff appearance – they will need to once again stay relatively healthy, have players perform up to expectations and find ways to beat teams with winning records – something that rarely happened in ’07. Otherwise, they could fall back to .500 or worse and leave Browns scratching their collective heads once again.
Now it is time to get into the specifics as camp gets rolling.
The Browns have among the best special teams in the NFL – thanks in no small part to standout return man Josh Cribbs, who has home run potential on every touch.
Offensively, the Browns have the most explosive offense they have had since this observer has been watching them play – that’s since the early 1970s folks.
The offensive line is coming off an amazing season which saw them keep a statue of a quarterback (DA) upright and often untouched all season look. The running game features a 1,200 yard back in Jamal Lewis. And the receiving corps features a pair of young, athletic Pro Bowlers. Name me the last time the Browns had two receivers earn Pro Bowl status in the same year? You figure it out.
The defense however stil has major question marks even though the team spent the off-season revamping the front three in their 3-4 set. The linebackers are average at best by NFL standards, and the secondary is especially vulnerable, especially at corner, with the departure of Leigh Bodden – the team’s #1 cover corner of a year ago.
The key question that dogs this team - no pun intended - is can this defense consistently get off the field on third down in 2008?
A strong season from the newcomers up front and a bounce-back season from Kameron Wimbley would go a long way toward answering that question in the affirmative.
And no, we won’t touch the quarterback situation. We are making this a DA bash free zone until further notice.
But rest assured, this observer will not be joining DA widening fan base until he minimizes the meltdowns and consistently plays well on the road against quality opponents. Those are the best signs indicating that an NFL quarterback has arrived.
Here are a few suggestions for the Browns as they prepare to open this September.
Play Winslow at wide receiver more once the bell rings, especially now since third down specialist Joe Jurevicius is out indefinitely. Playing K2 out wide would save the wear and tear on his body having to take hit after hit from safeties and 240 pound linebackers. It would also work the size and strength advantage he has on NFL corners.
By the way, it’s time to remind you of Romeo’s dumbest statement ever as Browns Head Coach. He said it three years ago when protecting his beleaguered offensive coordinator and friend Maurice Carthon.
“Kellen Winslow is not a wide receiver. He’s a tight end,” stated the coach in a press conference. Right. And LeBron James is not a small forward. He’s only a big guard.
It’s okay Romeo. We all say stupid things. I wanted Michael Vick in Cleveland before it was discovered he preferred to train dogs to fight instead of spending time studying film on his third down reads.
Our second suggestion involves acquiring a quality, veteran NFL cover corner prior to game #1. Do it Phil, sooner rather than later. It makes little sense to invest so much on beefing up the run defense in the off-season and not following it up by making sure you haven’t created another leak in the secondary (Bodden departure).
Third, get Cribbs more touches. Put him behind center on short yardage situations occasionally. Use him on the end around. Use him as a decoy. Just use him. As of now, it does not look like he has taken to being a legitimate NFL receiver, but that may change with more work and reps. What we do know is he is electric with the ball in his hands. You don’t have to throw it to him 20 yards downfield to make him effective. Be as creative as possible with this unique talent.
Finally, tie Winslow to the bench during pre-season. He’s had numerous surgeries on his legs already and generally takes a beating when he plays. There is nothing for him to prove during the pre-season. Take a long look at the rest of the tight ends and keep him strapped to the bench as much as possible until September rolls around.
There will be more to come as September approaches.
Brett Favre
Someone explain to me why a business (Green Bay Packers) worth somewhere between $750million and 1 billion is about to let, in effect, an inexperienced novice (Aaron Rogers) be its CEO instead of a proven commodity that has brought positive profits time and time again for its board of directors (the organization) and the company shareholders (fans).
The Packers deserve what they are about to get in 2008. Never have I seen such a lack of common sense judgment on such a grand scale in sports. No one in their right mind believes Rogers is a better quarterback than Bret Favre right now. That includes everyone from the eight year old Pack fan in Madison who loves his Green Bay pajamas to every GM in the league and everyone in-between.
Someone remind the Packers it’s still a business and they are making a potential horrible business decision for 2008. It's simple - Why roll the dice when you don’t have to?
J.J. Hickson
Cavaliers’ rookie power-forward J.J. Hickson averaged 19 points and nearly eight boards in the NBA summer league recently. We’re told he impressed everyone. I’ll wait to see if the 2008 first round pick (19 overall) is in Mike Brown’s rotation come November. That will impress me much more. Until then, it’s just summer league.
Casey Blake
He could be gone soon as the trading deadline approaches, but we believe the Tribe should offer Casey Blake a two-to-three year deal worth the ML average of $5-6 million per. There is something to be said for versatility and consistency. Blake has proven his worth. If he turns it down, then deal him before the 31st. If he accepts, you have someone who can be plugged into four different positions and do a decent job for you both in the field and at the plate.
Till next time.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Agent O, Goodbyes & Cupcakes
Thank You Agent O
This is a story of a professional athlete who recently provided us with the most dead-on quote of our current free agent (aka: mercenary) team sports era.
Gilbert Arenas of the NBA’s Washington Bullets – we still like the original name better – recently gave his team a “hometown discount.” They offered him the max contract worth $127 years, and he in essence gave back $16 million, settling for a mere $111 over the length of the deal.
Arenas refreshingly said the following to explain his reasoning – “What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can’t do with $111 million.”
Absolutely brilliant! In sports terms history, that ranks up there with E=MC2 in my book.
Compare that to Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing’s infamous statement when he was the NBA Players’ Rep during the lockout of the mid-90s – “Yea, we make a lot of money, but we spend a lot of money too.”
Folks, we have now come full circle. There is some sanity in the sports world after all. Every once in a while it shines through.
Arenas, as we stated in our July 4 entry, is “different” to say the least. His thoughts, which are often put into words for the media and public to decipher, confuse folks because he seems thoughtful, reflective and not like those that often come from your average NBA player.
He proved it again by taking less money. For him, it was never about leaving Washington. In his blog, he made clear he wanted to stay with the Bullets and if the team re-signed teammate and friend Atwaan Jamison, he would do so as well at a slight discount.
So when he made good on his promise, it confused some. Why should it? This was Gilbert being Gilbert.
No, we stated last week we did not think Arenas was a max player – especially coming off a serious knee injury. However, we applaud Agent O for showing everyone that some sanity remains in sports – even at a price tag of $111 million.
He did what he said he would do all along and did it literally his way – by negotiating his own deal. Arenas is already a millionaire many times over, who was comfortable in Washington, wanted to stay right there, playing with his friends and teammates, in an organization he appreciated and appreciated him.
That is simple and refreshing. The two sides found common ground.
So the next time a player of Arenas’ caliber enters his free agent season and tells you he loves his hometown team and the organization, he truly enjoys his teammates, and he adores the fans, etc…
Well, you get the point.
When that player says all the right things, but clearly is going to “test the market” at year’s end, remember there is still some loyalty left in sports. There isn’t much, but there is some. Gilbert Arenas provided a reminder of it last week and we thank him for it. It doesn’t happen often.
Goodbyes
By the way, I wonder what the Milwaukee Brewers’ rental, CC Sabathia, – a multi-millionaire many times over already - will be able to provide his family with the $20million a year he will sign for this coming off season he would not have been able to provide them with the $16-18 million per the Indians were offering?
I hope CC helps the Brewers win a World Series. I really do. I root for the small market teams in baseball as you know. I would like to see nothing better than a Devil Rays - Brewers World Series.
But as I have said many times over – I do not like my intelligence insulted.
CC was doing just that by talking a good game and waiting for free agency. The Indians did the right thing – albeit six months too late. For Tribe fans sake, let’s hope Mark Shapiro got real quality in return.
We also wish Joe Borowski the best. We saw his release coming over a month ago and stated as such, but that does not diminish his efforts. He’s the “Wayne Chrebet” of MLB – an overachiever of the first order.
No Comment
We hear Astrubal Cabrera is not talking to the media since his demotion to AAA.
Grow a pair Astrubal! You aren’t the first player to be sent down after making a splash as a rookie.
Anyone can be professional when things are going well, but can you be professional when things aren’t going your way? In his case, the answer is a resounding NO. That’s disappointing. We like his talent.
More & More Cupcakes For OSU
Hurry up and sign up for the Big Ten Network or you will miss viewing Ohio State butcher Youngstown State and Troy State to open the college football season next Fall. Right. I’m sure the phones are ringing off the hook at the BTN.
Someone should tell Jim Tressel scheduling cupcake after cupcake year after year doesn’t help you in the long run against SEC teams come January.
And please don't tell me about playing Texas in the past and USC in the future. When you schedule only one good non-conference team a year, and you play the bulk of your schedule at home year in year out, it tells me you like playing it safe.
Imagine the heat Tressel would be taking had not absolutely everything bounced the Buckeyes' way during their magical National Championship year in 2002?
This is a story of a professional athlete who recently provided us with the most dead-on quote of our current free agent (aka: mercenary) team sports era.
Gilbert Arenas of the NBA’s Washington Bullets – we still like the original name better – recently gave his team a “hometown discount.” They offered him the max contract worth $127 years, and he in essence gave back $16 million, settling for a mere $111 over the length of the deal.
Arenas refreshingly said the following to explain his reasoning – “What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can’t do with $111 million.”
Absolutely brilliant! In sports terms history, that ranks up there with E=MC2 in my book.
Compare that to Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing’s infamous statement when he was the NBA Players’ Rep during the lockout of the mid-90s – “Yea, we make a lot of money, but we spend a lot of money too.”
Folks, we have now come full circle. There is some sanity in the sports world after all. Every once in a while it shines through.
Arenas, as we stated in our July 4 entry, is “different” to say the least. His thoughts, which are often put into words for the media and public to decipher, confuse folks because he seems thoughtful, reflective and not like those that often come from your average NBA player.
He proved it again by taking less money. For him, it was never about leaving Washington. In his blog, he made clear he wanted to stay with the Bullets and if the team re-signed teammate and friend Atwaan Jamison, he would do so as well at a slight discount.
So when he made good on his promise, it confused some. Why should it? This was Gilbert being Gilbert.
No, we stated last week we did not think Arenas was a max player – especially coming off a serious knee injury. However, we applaud Agent O for showing everyone that some sanity remains in sports – even at a price tag of $111 million.
He did what he said he would do all along and did it literally his way – by negotiating his own deal. Arenas is already a millionaire many times over, who was comfortable in Washington, wanted to stay right there, playing with his friends and teammates, in an organization he appreciated and appreciated him.
That is simple and refreshing. The two sides found common ground.
So the next time a player of Arenas’ caliber enters his free agent season and tells you he loves his hometown team and the organization, he truly enjoys his teammates, and he adores the fans, etc…
Well, you get the point.
When that player says all the right things, but clearly is going to “test the market” at year’s end, remember there is still some loyalty left in sports. There isn’t much, but there is some. Gilbert Arenas provided a reminder of it last week and we thank him for it. It doesn’t happen often.
Goodbyes
By the way, I wonder what the Milwaukee Brewers’ rental, CC Sabathia, – a multi-millionaire many times over already - will be able to provide his family with the $20million a year he will sign for this coming off season he would not have been able to provide them with the $16-18 million per the Indians were offering?
I hope CC helps the Brewers win a World Series. I really do. I root for the small market teams in baseball as you know. I would like to see nothing better than a Devil Rays - Brewers World Series.
But as I have said many times over – I do not like my intelligence insulted.
CC was doing just that by talking a good game and waiting for free agency. The Indians did the right thing – albeit six months too late. For Tribe fans sake, let’s hope Mark Shapiro got real quality in return.
We also wish Joe Borowski the best. We saw his release coming over a month ago and stated as such, but that does not diminish his efforts. He’s the “Wayne Chrebet” of MLB – an overachiever of the first order.
No Comment
We hear Astrubal Cabrera is not talking to the media since his demotion to AAA.
Grow a pair Astrubal! You aren’t the first player to be sent down after making a splash as a rookie.
Anyone can be professional when things are going well, but can you be professional when things aren’t going your way? In his case, the answer is a resounding NO. That’s disappointing. We like his talent.
More & More Cupcakes For OSU
Hurry up and sign up for the Big Ten Network or you will miss viewing Ohio State butcher Youngstown State and Troy State to open the college football season next Fall. Right. I’m sure the phones are ringing off the hook at the BTN.
Someone should tell Jim Tressel scheduling cupcake after cupcake year after year doesn’t help you in the long run against SEC teams come January.
And please don't tell me about playing Texas in the past and USC in the future. When you schedule only one good non-conference team a year, and you play the bulk of your schedule at home year in year out, it tells me you like playing it safe.
Imagine the heat Tressel would be taking had not absolutely everything bounced the Buckeyes' way during their magical National Championship year in 2002?
Thursday, July 3, 2008
GOR Fourth of July Edition
Indians
Here’s the Quote of the Week from Indians’ skipper Eric Wedge as his team continues to fade into oblivion as the heat of the summer approaches – “My focus right now is to keep these guys (players) focused.”
You learn a lot from listening to Wedge, don’t you?
In all seriousness, Wedge did mention in passing he was going to begin using others to close out games for a while. We noted back when Joe Borowski came off the DL, his velocity – which was in the high 80s at best to start with – was down several miles per hour prohibiting him from pitching in the ninth inning anymore. It took several late inning Borowski meltdowns for the Indians’ brass to figure out what they had to know. Better late than never.
Borowski is a good guy who got the most out of limited stuff. But you simply can’t consistently get out big leaguers, especially in the ninth inning, if you have absolutely no velocity coupled with no out pitch. Many Division III collegiate pitchers throw harder than him right now.
This allows us to transition again to one of the team’s major needs – power arms in the pen. You will likely start to hear for the same from local media types as the trading deadline approaches. As usual, they are behind the curve.
I also read the Indians are not sure what to do with Andy Marte. What?
It must be because some in the organization were spooked by the Brandon Phillips mis-diagnosis. Phillips, as you know, didn’t tear the world on fire either at AAA or with his brief stints with the parent club when in Cleveland. The Tribe gave up on him and you know the rest of the story.
My guess is the Indians will give Marte some consistent at bats while playing third base soon to see what he can do. They have nothing to lose – especially if they deal Blake before the deadline.
Here’s another quote that caught my ear the other day. Tom Hamilton said this late in the game with the Tribe down a pair - “The Indians will have the heart of their order up this inning, their 3-4-5 hitters, Francisco, Peralta and Choo.”
I wonder if Hamilton realized what he was saying and if he was chuckling inside when he said those words. I know I was. That line tells you all you need to know about how the season has gone for the Tribe.
Manny
Manny Ramirez recently knocked down the Red Sox's 60 year old plus traveling secretary because he could not get him the 16 game tickets Manny needed for his entourage. The Red Sox did nothing. No suspension. Nothing.
Shoving to the ground a 60 year old man for no reason deserved at least a three-game suspension. The Sox wouldn't do it because it could cost them in the standings having their slugger watching instead of batting fourth. MLB should have stepped in and suspended the mercurial outfielder. Instead, Manny and the secretary had a heart-to-heart and everything is cool according to Manny. Nice.
Good Versus Evil
Tampa Bay just swept the Red Sox. Good. For once, a small market team has momentum. The reality is it is still next to impossible to overcome the money disadvantage the Tampa Bays of this world work under. Reinforcing that thought, I just saw a scroll on ESPN yesterday indicating this is the first time since July of 1997 that neither the Red Sox nor the Yankees led their division this late into the season.
Cavaliers
We hear the Cavaliers are in pursuit of James Posey, a Cleveland native, who has had a rotation role with two teams winning NBA Championships lately – Miami and Boston. Don’t get me wrong, Posey is a solid 25 minute a night player who defends, can knock down an occasional three and does the “intangibles.”
But remember this – when the talking heads say a player does “the little things” or gives you the “intangibles,” it means he’s not a starter and is a solid role player at best. That’s the case with Posey. Again, signing him would be working around the edges and not solve the team’s huge need for another scorer who can get his every night without LeBron’s help.
How many times do we have to say it?
Let’s now then suggest, once again, how to start solving the problem. Our past suggestion of acquiring Kevin Garnett fell on deaf ears. I think he ended up elsewhere this past season and had a decent season. I think.
This time around, we will scale it down some for Ferry and company and suggest acquiring a quality player who should be on the block and would at least address the team’s backcourt needs.
Like his team, he had a horrid 2007-08 season dropping his stock significantly. However, after the 2006-07 season, he was regarded as one of the best young multi-purpose guards in the league. He possesses good size, can play the point and can shoot it.
My guess is he’s somewhere between the player who had an All-Star caliber season in 2006-07 and the guy who lost all his confidence this past season.
I will now give it away if you haven’t put the pieces together yet.
He should be available since his team took a point-guard (Rose) with the first pick in the 2008 draft a few weeks ago.
Yes – it’s Kirk Hinrich, and he would be a significant upgrade at the point.
Pay attention come July 9. That’s the day NBA free agency movement can officially begin. We expect the Cavaliers to be busy this summer. They’d better be if they have any hope of keeping LJ beyond the 2009-10 season. James recently noted in a trip to the Big Apple that New York was his favorite city with Akron coming in fifth. Cleveland was nowhere on the list.
If that doesn’t tell you all you need to know, then you are probably part of the moron majority that believes CC Sabathia will resign with the Tribe this winter – just like Joey Belle, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome did. Right.
This time around, we want Danny to heed our words of the past and acquire quality, rather than quantity.
As for the Cavaliers on draft night, I have no opinion. I never saw their first round pick play, so I would be a fool to comment. I did expect the team to use the pick as trade bait along with others to acquire an established NBA starter who could score the basketball. That did not happen. They acquired three second round type front court pieces in response to having an aging frontcourt. Logical. However, Danny Ferry does not have a good record when it comes to drafting players. Let's hope that changes.
Remember, we noted well over a year ago, the team’s only tradable assets were Daniel G. and Andy V. Nothing has changed. I suspect one or both will not be on the roster when the team takes the floor this Fall. Otherwise, I can’t see how Ferry can swing a major deal that bring back a running-mate for 23. Unlike others, I am not a dreamer and do not expect the Bucks to GIVE the Cavaliers Michael Redd for Wally Z’s expiring contract and a bag of basketball. It doesn’t work that way unless you are the Lakers and the Grizzlies.
NBA Max Deals
Gibert Arenas, who is coming off an injury-plagued season, and is "different" to say the least, is not a max player. Neither is Elton Brand, although I like Brand's skills if healthy, more than Arenas'.
Brett Fabvre
Big surprise – Brett Fabvre has “an itch” to play. Is anyone really surprised? He’s an Hall of Famer who can still play at a high level and his team is coming off a good season. What did you expect?
And what should Green Bay do if Fabvre is serious? This is a no-brainer – welcome him back and ride him as far as he can take you. And please, don’t tell me about Aaron Rodgers. Who the hell is he? This is a business.
Browns Corner
The name Ty Law has come up in terms of an available starting corner the Browns may be interested it. What’s taking so long? Law is probably nowhere near the player he was when he helped the “Evil Empire” win the Super Bowl, but if he can still remember how to put on his uniform and find his helmet, he has to be better than what the Browns will trot out at the corners this season.
NFL Salary Cap
Finally, the NFL owners, through the commissioner, have floated the trial balloon of wanting a cap on rookie salaries. What took them so long? The NBA went to this years ago when veterans like Charles Barkley and company complained the top rookies, who had not done anything yet at the NBA level, made more than veterans who could play.
My guess is the majority of NFL players agree with the owners on this one. Now it’s up to the Players’ Union and the league to work it out in collective bargaining. The league will have to give something up to get their wish.
If I were the players, I would want more guaranteed money in contracts as part of the package beyond the current signing bonus and first year of a new deal.
The NBA and MLB contracts are guaranteed. NFL players have a shorter lifespan and take more physical abuse. That’s where they need to go with their demands – they get more guaranteed years and the owners get team friendly deals for high picks - most of whom don't end up living up to expectations. NFL owners are starting to fiugure it out - these #1 picks are getting paid a ton and floundering. They (owners) have two choices - either they hire better talent evaluators or demand a new system so it does not hurt as much in the pocketbook when the latest "franchise quaterback of the future" (insert your choice of busts) doesn't make it.
Seattle SuperSonics
It’s a tragedy when a city supports a pro team and the team is permitted to leave town. The Sonics are moving to Oklahoma City. That’s just wrong. The commissioner has already stated Seattle is in line for another franchise if they build a “state of the art” new facility. Those type of words from league officials in the major sports always sound like extortion to me.
It’s just wrong if they (fans) come and you move it. That’s just how I feel.
Politics
It’s time for your political lesson.
This one is simple - We need more oil, we have the oil on our own turf, but have refused to drill for the oil because some folks are concerned about the environment, the caribou or think we need to use other “clean” sources of fuel (i.e. wind power).
I’ll tell you what I’ll do, I’ll go along with alternative sources of energy if the tree-huggers (you know who you are) go along with drilling on our own turf. Sounds reasonable doesn’t it?
Bottom line – the Chinese are drilling for oil less than 100 miles off OUR shore! Let’s invest in all potential sources of energy (oil, nuclear, solar, wind, etc..).
Only someone who thinks the spotted owl is equal on the evolutionary scale to mankind (my apologies to feminist) could disagree. Unfortunately, we have many citizens, some who vote, who think that way.
If you ask me, that’s scary.
And pleae, don't tell me it will "take years to get the oil" or "it won't solve the problem." Those talking points only work on the mentally ill.
The sooner you start drilling, the sooner we'll get the oil. And as for it not solving the problem - so what. It will help. That's the point. Besides, how long will it take to perfect wind, solar power. etc. And who in their right mind claims "clean" sources of energy will solve the problem alone and solve it soon?
Turn American ingenuity loose on ALL potential sources of energy and let's have a "War To Achieve Energy Independence" and great things will happen. We put a dude on the moon and saved Europe's ass twice in one century from tyranny. We can surely solve this problem.
Are you listening John McCain?
Meanwhile, Americans wil do what they have done in the past - they will adjust. Four day work weeks for some, buying smaller cars for others, using mass transit for even more. I suspect sweater sales will go up this winter as homes are kept at 65 degrees to try to offset higher heating fuel costs.
It is what it is.
Here’s the Quote of the Week from Indians’ skipper Eric Wedge as his team continues to fade into oblivion as the heat of the summer approaches – “My focus right now is to keep these guys (players) focused.”
You learn a lot from listening to Wedge, don’t you?
In all seriousness, Wedge did mention in passing he was going to begin using others to close out games for a while. We noted back when Joe Borowski came off the DL, his velocity – which was in the high 80s at best to start with – was down several miles per hour prohibiting him from pitching in the ninth inning anymore. It took several late inning Borowski meltdowns for the Indians’ brass to figure out what they had to know. Better late than never.
Borowski is a good guy who got the most out of limited stuff. But you simply can’t consistently get out big leaguers, especially in the ninth inning, if you have absolutely no velocity coupled with no out pitch. Many Division III collegiate pitchers throw harder than him right now.
This allows us to transition again to one of the team’s major needs – power arms in the pen. You will likely start to hear for the same from local media types as the trading deadline approaches. As usual, they are behind the curve.
I also read the Indians are not sure what to do with Andy Marte. What?
It must be because some in the organization were spooked by the Brandon Phillips mis-diagnosis. Phillips, as you know, didn’t tear the world on fire either at AAA or with his brief stints with the parent club when in Cleveland. The Tribe gave up on him and you know the rest of the story.
My guess is the Indians will give Marte some consistent at bats while playing third base soon to see what he can do. They have nothing to lose – especially if they deal Blake before the deadline.
Here’s another quote that caught my ear the other day. Tom Hamilton said this late in the game with the Tribe down a pair - “The Indians will have the heart of their order up this inning, their 3-4-5 hitters, Francisco, Peralta and Choo.”
I wonder if Hamilton realized what he was saying and if he was chuckling inside when he said those words. I know I was. That line tells you all you need to know about how the season has gone for the Tribe.
Manny
Manny Ramirez recently knocked down the Red Sox's 60 year old plus traveling secretary because he could not get him the 16 game tickets Manny needed for his entourage. The Red Sox did nothing. No suspension. Nothing.
Shoving to the ground a 60 year old man for no reason deserved at least a three-game suspension. The Sox wouldn't do it because it could cost them in the standings having their slugger watching instead of batting fourth. MLB should have stepped in and suspended the mercurial outfielder. Instead, Manny and the secretary had a heart-to-heart and everything is cool according to Manny. Nice.
Good Versus Evil
Tampa Bay just swept the Red Sox. Good. For once, a small market team has momentum. The reality is it is still next to impossible to overcome the money disadvantage the Tampa Bays of this world work under. Reinforcing that thought, I just saw a scroll on ESPN yesterday indicating this is the first time since July of 1997 that neither the Red Sox nor the Yankees led their division this late into the season.
Cavaliers
We hear the Cavaliers are in pursuit of James Posey, a Cleveland native, who has had a rotation role with two teams winning NBA Championships lately – Miami and Boston. Don’t get me wrong, Posey is a solid 25 minute a night player who defends, can knock down an occasional three and does the “intangibles.”
But remember this – when the talking heads say a player does “the little things” or gives you the “intangibles,” it means he’s not a starter and is a solid role player at best. That’s the case with Posey. Again, signing him would be working around the edges and not solve the team’s huge need for another scorer who can get his every night without LeBron’s help.
How many times do we have to say it?
Let’s now then suggest, once again, how to start solving the problem. Our past suggestion of acquiring Kevin Garnett fell on deaf ears. I think he ended up elsewhere this past season and had a decent season. I think.
This time around, we will scale it down some for Ferry and company and suggest acquiring a quality player who should be on the block and would at least address the team’s backcourt needs.
Like his team, he had a horrid 2007-08 season dropping his stock significantly. However, after the 2006-07 season, he was regarded as one of the best young multi-purpose guards in the league. He possesses good size, can play the point and can shoot it.
My guess is he’s somewhere between the player who had an All-Star caliber season in 2006-07 and the guy who lost all his confidence this past season.
I will now give it away if you haven’t put the pieces together yet.
He should be available since his team took a point-guard (Rose) with the first pick in the 2008 draft a few weeks ago.
Yes – it’s Kirk Hinrich, and he would be a significant upgrade at the point.
Pay attention come July 9. That’s the day NBA free agency movement can officially begin. We expect the Cavaliers to be busy this summer. They’d better be if they have any hope of keeping LJ beyond the 2009-10 season. James recently noted in a trip to the Big Apple that New York was his favorite city with Akron coming in fifth. Cleveland was nowhere on the list.
If that doesn’t tell you all you need to know, then you are probably part of the moron majority that believes CC Sabathia will resign with the Tribe this winter – just like Joey Belle, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome did. Right.
This time around, we want Danny to heed our words of the past and acquire quality, rather than quantity.
As for the Cavaliers on draft night, I have no opinion. I never saw their first round pick play, so I would be a fool to comment. I did expect the team to use the pick as trade bait along with others to acquire an established NBA starter who could score the basketball. That did not happen. They acquired three second round type front court pieces in response to having an aging frontcourt. Logical. However, Danny Ferry does not have a good record when it comes to drafting players. Let's hope that changes.
Remember, we noted well over a year ago, the team’s only tradable assets were Daniel G. and Andy V. Nothing has changed. I suspect one or both will not be on the roster when the team takes the floor this Fall. Otherwise, I can’t see how Ferry can swing a major deal that bring back a running-mate for 23. Unlike others, I am not a dreamer and do not expect the Bucks to GIVE the Cavaliers Michael Redd for Wally Z’s expiring contract and a bag of basketball. It doesn’t work that way unless you are the Lakers and the Grizzlies.
NBA Max Deals
Gibert Arenas, who is coming off an injury-plagued season, and is "different" to say the least, is not a max player. Neither is Elton Brand, although I like Brand's skills if healthy, more than Arenas'.
Brett Fabvre
Big surprise – Brett Fabvre has “an itch” to play. Is anyone really surprised? He’s an Hall of Famer who can still play at a high level and his team is coming off a good season. What did you expect?
And what should Green Bay do if Fabvre is serious? This is a no-brainer – welcome him back and ride him as far as he can take you. And please, don’t tell me about Aaron Rodgers. Who the hell is he? This is a business.
Browns Corner
The name Ty Law has come up in terms of an available starting corner the Browns may be interested it. What’s taking so long? Law is probably nowhere near the player he was when he helped the “Evil Empire” win the Super Bowl, but if he can still remember how to put on his uniform and find his helmet, he has to be better than what the Browns will trot out at the corners this season.
NFL Salary Cap
Finally, the NFL owners, through the commissioner, have floated the trial balloon of wanting a cap on rookie salaries. What took them so long? The NBA went to this years ago when veterans like Charles Barkley and company complained the top rookies, who had not done anything yet at the NBA level, made more than veterans who could play.
My guess is the majority of NFL players agree with the owners on this one. Now it’s up to the Players’ Union and the league to work it out in collective bargaining. The league will have to give something up to get their wish.
If I were the players, I would want more guaranteed money in contracts as part of the package beyond the current signing bonus and first year of a new deal.
The NBA and MLB contracts are guaranteed. NFL players have a shorter lifespan and take more physical abuse. That’s where they need to go with their demands – they get more guaranteed years and the owners get team friendly deals for high picks - most of whom don't end up living up to expectations. NFL owners are starting to fiugure it out - these #1 picks are getting paid a ton and floundering. They (owners) have two choices - either they hire better talent evaluators or demand a new system so it does not hurt as much in the pocketbook when the latest "franchise quaterback of the future" (insert your choice of busts) doesn't make it.
Seattle SuperSonics
It’s a tragedy when a city supports a pro team and the team is permitted to leave town. The Sonics are moving to Oklahoma City. That’s just wrong. The commissioner has already stated Seattle is in line for another franchise if they build a “state of the art” new facility. Those type of words from league officials in the major sports always sound like extortion to me.
It’s just wrong if they (fans) come and you move it. That’s just how I feel.
Politics
It’s time for your political lesson.
This one is simple - We need more oil, we have the oil on our own turf, but have refused to drill for the oil because some folks are concerned about the environment, the caribou or think we need to use other “clean” sources of fuel (i.e. wind power).
I’ll tell you what I’ll do, I’ll go along with alternative sources of energy if the tree-huggers (you know who you are) go along with drilling on our own turf. Sounds reasonable doesn’t it?
Bottom line – the Chinese are drilling for oil less than 100 miles off OUR shore! Let’s invest in all potential sources of energy (oil, nuclear, solar, wind, etc..).
Only someone who thinks the spotted owl is equal on the evolutionary scale to mankind (my apologies to feminist) could disagree. Unfortunately, we have many citizens, some who vote, who think that way.
If you ask me, that’s scary.
And pleae, don't tell me it will "take years to get the oil" or "it won't solve the problem." Those talking points only work on the mentally ill.
The sooner you start drilling, the sooner we'll get the oil. And as for it not solving the problem - so what. It will help. That's the point. Besides, how long will it take to perfect wind, solar power. etc. And who in their right mind claims "clean" sources of energy will solve the problem alone and solve it soon?
Turn American ingenuity loose on ALL potential sources of energy and let's have a "War To Achieve Energy Independence" and great things will happen. We put a dude on the moon and saved Europe's ass twice in one century from tyranny. We can surely solve this problem.
Are you listening John McCain?
Meanwhile, Americans wil do what they have done in the past - they will adjust. Four day work weeks for some, buying smaller cars for others, using mass transit for even more. I suspect sweater sales will go up this winter as homes are kept at 65 degrees to try to offset higher heating fuel costs.
It is what it is.
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