Short & Quick
J. Perala needs to produce better offensive numbers if he expects to be a viable candidate at 3B in the future for the Indians. If you are going to hit 15 bombs, drive in 75-80 runs and hit .275 playing that position, you’d better have a Brooks Robinson type glove. Even in the post steroids era, his current numbers make him a second division 3B. Yes, I’ve always been a Peralta fan, but I look at things objectively – always have, always will.
Matt LaPorta looks quick inside. Obviously, he’s more comfortable his second time around in the Bigs. He’ll need to consistently hit 25 bombs and drive in 90+ runs a year while hitting in the .280 range in order to even think about justifying Mark Shapiro’s acceptance of the Brewers’ package for CC. Otherwise, it was a complete give-away. It would be nice if an arm or two that came back this way in the deal also pitch effectively someday at the ML level.
Here are my impressions of the Browns after last night’s dress rehearsal against the Titans:
The defense has plenty of indians and no chiefs (S. Rodgers has been riding an exercise bike this pre-season so far). In other words, there’s plenty of average talent running around out there. If this coaching staff can produce a middle-of-the-pack defense statistically, it will be a minor miracle.
Remember this - since the team’s return in 1999, this franchise has not drafted an impact defensive player. That’s amazing and clearly evident when you watch them play.
The offense will likely produce middle-of-the-pack numbers. Quinn should improve steadily and will likely do a good job of protecting the ball – especially in this system which emphasizes screens and the short to intermediate routes. Lewis will get his 1,000 yards if he’s healthy. Butterfingers will be motivated to work hard and stay out of the limelight off the field in his free agent year. Furrey will help move the sticks on third down. Finally, J. Cribbs will get a few weekly touches on offense to make things exciting. Look for the two second round WRs to contribute at some point as well. If the offensive line plays relatively well, the offense will have its moments.
The special teams should be among the best in the league. Cribbs is special and some of the young players recently drafted look like they will make their mark on that unit this fall.
Mangini is as advertised – from the Mr. Bill school of coaching – no nonsense, audibly boring, well-organized and overly secretive. If he wins, he’ll be lauded for bringing discipline to this organization. If he loses, we’ll hear he wasn’t a good communicator/players’ coach.
Overall, I have seen better organization under Mangini – which is good. They are still not as physical as I would like to see, but that may yet change.
One more note from the dress rehearsal against the Titans. It was nice to see the Browns run the screen pass effectively all night. It’s been two decades (late 80s) since that’s been the case around here.
We suggested months ago the Broncos should acquire DA. He’s simply better than Kyle Horton. Horton, who is at best a second division starting QB, and that’s being kind, went down early. Even if he’s healthy, it will likely be a very long season in Denver.
It's not about the system, it's about talent - especially at the QB position!
Its prediction time – Browns go 8-8 in 2009. They will be improved simply from an organization and discipline standpoint. Nonetheless, there’s simply not enough talent on this team to be any better than a .500 team.
Quinn won’t give many games away and he will improve as the season progresses. The defense has to find ways to get off the field - which is problematic with so little talent. The special teams should win a couple games for them.
This league is set up so teams can go from 4 wins to 10 the following season. That won’t likely happen in Cleveland, but with good organization and a solid turnover ratio, you can get to .500, or close to it, quickly.
I realize Jerome Harrison has been hurt, but I hope they don’t cut him because Davis (6th round pick) has looked pretty good in camp. Harrison is a good third down back, and when given a chance in the past (albeit limited) to run between the tackles, he has produced.
Ditto for Kelly Shoppach of the Indians. We hear the Indians like their young catchers in the system. Power is power. I know he can’t hit for average and he strikes out a ton, but you have to keep your eye on the big picture. Shoppach can handle a staff and can hit the long ball. Besides, his price tag (around $2 million ayerage) isn’t unreasonable while you groom the kids.
Is it just me or is there too much Michael Vick reporting on the sports networks? Even the local 3 minutes sports shows are leading with this story. Enough already.
Ditto for the Teddy Kennedy 24 hour a day/full week eulogy. I know he served his country for over four decades. I get that he was the Senate’s “Liberal Lion,” championing the causes for the poor and underprivileged. And I’m well-aware he was a Kennedy – this country’s version of royalty in the minds of many – but the cable networks ALL went overboard with the coverage.
I expected it from MSNBC, the media mouthpiece for the Democratic Party and the current administration. And I also figured CNN would go the distance. But I didn’t expect Fox to cover his death from gavel to gavel.
Kennedy received coverage reserved for a president. And respectfully, that’s the point - he never reached that status.
Till next time.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Short & Quick
Browns First Pre-Season Game
What a difference one play makes. If Butterfingers makes that catch in the end zone, Quinn is being praised by all for a very good first outing. Regardless, Quinn can’t throw a pick in the red zone. He has to let the previous play go and stay totally focused on the next snap – especially in the red zone. Otherwise, he's not much different than DA. You have to make good decisions with the football unless you play in a system that demands you throw for 4,000 yards.
As for Butterfingers, what can I say? Unfortunately, he is the lone playmaker they have right now. If he doesn’t bounce back strong in 2009, this team will have trouble keeping defensive backs honest and off the short routes.
I will be very curious to see how long a leash Mangini gives him if he does not deliver. Crennel kept running him out there and lost his job. We'll see how Mangini deals with him if he (BE) fails. Hopefully, we won't have to find out.
I did like the aggressive play of several young players on defense last Saturday. Since it’s only one pre-season game, I won’t even mention their names yet. If they keep it up, then we’ll focus on them more.
Kamerion Wimbley did show some life. I’m told they will move him around a lot this fall. Whatever. All I know is this – I don’t care where he lines up before the snap, I just want to see him on top of the quarterback with ball in hand after the whistle on 3rd and 7, along with double-digit sacks at year’s end. If this scheme helps, fine.
I love the morons who buy the line the Browns didn’t want to show anything last week because they play the Packers this fall. If that’s the case, then how did Green Bay’s first unit score at will in the first quarter without showing anything either?
Don’t panic yet. The good news is it doesn’t count. Again, I want to see organization and physical play. What we saw against Green Bay was not encouraging, but everyone needs to wait and be patient – at least until they play for real.
If he stays healthy, Mike Furrey might catch 90 balls in this system, on this team, this year. He has good hands, a good work ethic, knows what he’s doing out there and few competitors in camp with his experience.
One final thought – they need to get Quinn a ton of reps before the bell rings. The kid has played less than three NFL games in 2+ years in the league. He’s on his second offensive coordinator and system already and has a host of new receivers.
Remember, I never bought into the “quarterback derby” we keep hearing is taking place. It’s Quinn’s job to lose – period. Again, Lerner would not have hired Mangini if he believed the new coach was open to another quarterback derby. Lerner’s been there, done that, and had to fire his GM and coach partly because of it.
What I Want to See
I would like to see the hurry up offense used occasionally this fall. First, I think Quinn can handle it, and secondly, this team's offensive talent level isn't good enough to simply line up and play basic football against the superior defense units they will face. The Browns need to try to keep teams off balance. A little creativity can't hurt.
Indians
It looks like Aaron Laffey has won a spot in the rotation for 2010. Okay, I can handle one mediocre soft tossing lefty in the #4 spot in the rotation. But one is all I can stomach. No, I don’t want a host of #4 starters in my rotation.
Here are my early impressions of newly acquired Justin Masterson. He looks like he will have some difficulty consistently getting lefties out as a starter. His release point (sidearm) makes it pretty easy for lefties to pick him up. He might be better suited as a set-up man or potential closer where he can lock in on his best two pitches while hitters only see him and his stuff once a night.
Don’t be fooled by the numbers some of the Indians are putting up the second half of the season. In the NBA, they call this “garbage time.” Some players simply play better when the pressure is off. We’ve seen this before with this team. Regardless of how they finish, this team has a ton of holes – especially on the mound.
Leon Powe
I like the Cavaliers’ addition of Leon Powe. He’s a hard worker, an overachiever and a good guy. How can you not appreciate all that in today’s world of selfish pro athletes? If and when he gets healthy, he’ll help the front line. Here’s hoping he gets well fast.
Brett Favre
I just found out Favre is a Viking. No surprise and I don’t really care. Yes, he’s better than what they had at QB, so I don’t blame Minnesota for begging him to play. But for me, Favre’s diva act got old quick – two years ago.
What a difference one play makes. If Butterfingers makes that catch in the end zone, Quinn is being praised by all for a very good first outing. Regardless, Quinn can’t throw a pick in the red zone. He has to let the previous play go and stay totally focused on the next snap – especially in the red zone. Otherwise, he's not much different than DA. You have to make good decisions with the football unless you play in a system that demands you throw for 4,000 yards.
As for Butterfingers, what can I say? Unfortunately, he is the lone playmaker they have right now. If he doesn’t bounce back strong in 2009, this team will have trouble keeping defensive backs honest and off the short routes.
I will be very curious to see how long a leash Mangini gives him if he does not deliver. Crennel kept running him out there and lost his job. We'll see how Mangini deals with him if he (BE) fails. Hopefully, we won't have to find out.
I did like the aggressive play of several young players on defense last Saturday. Since it’s only one pre-season game, I won’t even mention their names yet. If they keep it up, then we’ll focus on them more.
Kamerion Wimbley did show some life. I’m told they will move him around a lot this fall. Whatever. All I know is this – I don’t care where he lines up before the snap, I just want to see him on top of the quarterback with ball in hand after the whistle on 3rd and 7, along with double-digit sacks at year’s end. If this scheme helps, fine.
I love the morons who buy the line the Browns didn’t want to show anything last week because they play the Packers this fall. If that’s the case, then how did Green Bay’s first unit score at will in the first quarter without showing anything either?
Don’t panic yet. The good news is it doesn’t count. Again, I want to see organization and physical play. What we saw against Green Bay was not encouraging, but everyone needs to wait and be patient – at least until they play for real.
If he stays healthy, Mike Furrey might catch 90 balls in this system, on this team, this year. He has good hands, a good work ethic, knows what he’s doing out there and few competitors in camp with his experience.
One final thought – they need to get Quinn a ton of reps before the bell rings. The kid has played less than three NFL games in 2+ years in the league. He’s on his second offensive coordinator and system already and has a host of new receivers.
Remember, I never bought into the “quarterback derby” we keep hearing is taking place. It’s Quinn’s job to lose – period. Again, Lerner would not have hired Mangini if he believed the new coach was open to another quarterback derby. Lerner’s been there, done that, and had to fire his GM and coach partly because of it.
What I Want to See
I would like to see the hurry up offense used occasionally this fall. First, I think Quinn can handle it, and secondly, this team's offensive talent level isn't good enough to simply line up and play basic football against the superior defense units they will face. The Browns need to try to keep teams off balance. A little creativity can't hurt.
Indians
It looks like Aaron Laffey has won a spot in the rotation for 2010. Okay, I can handle one mediocre soft tossing lefty in the #4 spot in the rotation. But one is all I can stomach. No, I don’t want a host of #4 starters in my rotation.
Here are my early impressions of newly acquired Justin Masterson. He looks like he will have some difficulty consistently getting lefties out as a starter. His release point (sidearm) makes it pretty easy for lefties to pick him up. He might be better suited as a set-up man or potential closer where he can lock in on his best two pitches while hitters only see him and his stuff once a night.
Don’t be fooled by the numbers some of the Indians are putting up the second half of the season. In the NBA, they call this “garbage time.” Some players simply play better when the pressure is off. We’ve seen this before with this team. Regardless of how they finish, this team has a ton of holes – especially on the mound.
Leon Powe
I like the Cavaliers’ addition of Leon Powe. He’s a hard worker, an overachiever and a good guy. How can you not appreciate all that in today’s world of selfish pro athletes? If and when he gets healthy, he’ll help the front line. Here’s hoping he gets well fast.
Brett Favre
I just found out Favre is a Viking. No surprise and I don’t really care. Yes, he’s better than what they had at QB, so I don’t blame Minnesota for begging him to play. But for me, Favre’s diva act got old quick – two years ago.
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