Getting On Record

Criminalizing Terror

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:26:00 +0000

Yes, I still take requests. Sorry here goes for those of you who seek some hot issues wisdom from the “Wizard.”

In the famous boring words of coaches and athletes everywhere - "we are going to take it one issue at a time however."

Enemy Combatants In New York Court House
So let me get this right – the current administration is going to provide the same constitutional protections to enemy combatants captured on some foreign battlefield as granted a 16-year old pimple-faced kid in Gary, Indiana, who shoplifts a pack of extra small rubbers from the local Revco.

What’s wrong with this picture? Hell, where do I start?

First, this has never been done. These terrorists are not U.S. citizens and were not captured – notice I said captured not arrested – on U.S. soil. Therefore, by definition, they are strictly enemy combatants and should be dealt with in military courts - i.e. military tribunals. That’s what has always happened in the past and no U.S. law that I know of has been changed recently to affect a change in process/venue.

Secondly, bringing them to New York and putting them on trial in a civilian courtroom provides them rights and privileges that will make it harder on the prosecution and easier for the defense to turn this into a three-ring circus never see before on this planet.

This will make the OJ Trial look like the local drunk’s bi-yearly traffic court case in Plano, Texas.

Can you imagine the motions to suppress that will come of this alone?

For example, these creatures weren’t read their Miranda Rights after capture. Does that mean that some of the evidence gathered will not permissible? And that’s just one example from a non-lawyer who has a merely primitive understanding of our criminal judicial system. Think what a sharp attorney can come up with?

Third, this will give these pricks the stage they seek. They will be able to spew their anti U.S. venom in from of the world stage for months and months, if not years.

Fourth, the security measure alone will cost taxpayers in excess of $100 million dollars for this trial.

Fifth, this is a slap in the face of relatives and friends of the victims of 9-11 who were killed a few short blocks away. The large majority of those who still grieve today do not want this trial in their backyard. This will only serve to make them relive the horrors of that terrible day.

Sixth, the President and his attorney general (Eric Holder) have both publicly stated they are “certain” convictions will results and these individuals will be put to death for their crimes.

There’s nothing like poisoning the potential jury pool, hey guys? A first-year law student would have tons of fun with these asinine and inappropriate statements prior to trial when the jury selection process gets here.

Seventh, what if, by some chance, one lone jury – with an IQ near the daily temperature in San Diego, holds out and the prosecution fails to get full convictions?

You say it isn’t possible? In the famous words of an OJ juror as she left the courtroom after the verdict - “I don’t know nothin’ about no DNA!” Enough said.

Eight – the administration keeps going to the “we want to show that we are better than they are and show everyone how our system of justice can work” card. Right.

Then how come everyone with a law degree who has commented on this move has alredy stated, if by some chance these animals are acquitted, they would be re-arrested the minute they left the courtroom on other charges.

In other words, they ain’t going free! Period.

Do you think that set of circumstances would go over well in Algeria or South Yemen?

This group of morons in charge spent the past three years telling us how the previous administration recruited tons and tons of terrorists for the bad guys with how they handled the War on Terror, Gitmo, water boarding, etc.

And I’m sure this trial won’t disintegrate into a freak show, the Muslim world will fully grasp the nuances of our judicial system, and by some slim chance these guys get off and are re-arrested immediately, that won’t piss off jobless, 20-year old Muhammad Akbar Hakim in some refugee camp somewhere in the middle of some god-awful desert - making him an easy recruit to slip on 50 pounds of TNT with the desire to blow himself up and as many as he can take with him in some mall somewhere in middle-America.

Finally, this simply was not necessary. The administration has made it clear other terrorists are and will continue to be tried with military courts/tribunals. They (Obama & Company) specifically chose to put the biggest fish on trial in our criminal court system.

This was a cold, calculated, horrid decision with a downside the size of a lunar crater.

And here’s the kicker – these pieces of crap ALREADY CONFESSED & have asked to be sent to martyrdom where they can meet up with their 72 virgins.

No one has explained to me yet why a trial is even necessary when they’ve pled guilty already.

A personal note from a Catholic is in order here - if there truly is a God, the 72 virgins waiting are actually be 40 year-old men who look like they’re 60, with pot bellies, smelly pits and formerly possessed full NAMBLA membership while of this earth.

Now the only question remaining is why would this administration take this route?

Of course some of it has to do with appeasing the political base (far left nuts) – who want to see Bush and the CIA on trial as much, if not more, than the mastermind of 9-11.

My guess is the rest is likely pure arrogance – the belief by this bunch that they know best. It’s similar to the current health care debate. Forget what the majority of the people want. We are the smart ones and we know what is best for the masses.

This is dangerously close to a Marxist line of thinking – the concept that the masses cannot think for themselves and need to be guided, manipulated and controlled.

You see, assuming there’s no boom boom in New York City during this trial, Obama and his crew get a two-fer!

What’s a two-fer? I’m glad you asked. They (Obama & crew) get to blame George Bush and the CIA (read: Water boarding) all over again while likely getting full convictions.

The problem is the downside – the biggest circus trial in history, at a ridiculous financial cost, and more importantly, emotional expense for those near Ground Zero, and the nation for that matter, a job made more difficult with many more potential roadblocks for the prosecuting attorneys, and a world-stage for those who hate this nation, both in the courtroom in shackles and outside the courtroom across the planet.

The problem is - this bunch in charge simply don’t care. They have an agenda and they are simply grinding it out. The term used to describe the current administration is “ideologues.”

I would simplify it and just say what we have here is the radical 1960s/70s crew that was busy smoking as much pot as possible, dancing naked to Joplin/Hendrix songs, organizing sit-ins across college campuses, and basically rebelling against authority at every turn, now finally in charge and making the decisions - with a charming, likeable, personable, 48-year old, who looks in way over his head, as their figure-head in charge.

It's the inmates running the asylum.

America wanted change - and they got it. Boy did they get it.

Next – the Health Care Debate or Palin Mania – you choose.

What You Won't Get Elsewhere

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:28:00 +0000

You are warned - I'm not in a good mood as I'm writing.

Let's start on a positive note however.

I know you don't care, but so what. I'm 3-1 as head coach after a Saturday sweep, including a come from behind 3-point win against a solid squad. My sixth grade Catholic girls actually manned up, laid the wood defensively and executed down the stretch to earn the W. That's saying something when you are dealing with normally "soft" Catholic kids who are more concerned about getting an I-pod Touch for X-mas than putting a body on someone when rebounding.

I'm very proud of the little ones. Big one today - we play the league's version of the New York Yankees. Yes, I'm having a ton of fun. As I've said over and over again, I like working with children much more than adults. Perhaps that's why I'm anti-social unless you are paying me to communicate with others.

Gilbert & Bernie
Is it just me or is there something inappropriate about the owner of the Cavaliers (Dan Gilbert), and now an executive for the Cleveland Browns (Bernie Kosar), on all the local radio talk shows last week pitching the casino amendment in the state of Ohio?

I voted for the damn thing, but that’s not the point. It just isn’t right for individual in those positions to be publicly lobbying for such a proposition.

Regardless, I doubt their leagues’ respective commissioners will do anything about it. In Gilbert’s case, it looks like he’s angling to invest and make money on casino gambling in Cleveland. Why am I the only one who thinks that’s inappropriate as long as he owns the local basketball team in town?

Cavs
I am starting to fade on Mike Browns, and it has nothing to do with the Cavaliers’
3-3 record. It’s early and they will win a ton of games. My criticism of Mike Brown has a four-prong analysis attached to it.

First, you cannot play Z and Shaq together very often or for very long. You can’t defend quicker front lines that way, especially when they go pick and roll against you. Why he’s experimenting with this group confuses me.

Secondly, I agree with Charles Barkley when he insists, time and time again, the Cavaliers need to speed up the game. They have the game’s best open court finisher (LJ) – it’s not even close. This team should run as much as possible. Instead, they still walk it up too much for my taste.

Third, I am SICK & TIRED of watching screen/roll with LJ and Andy V. There is absolutely no reason to run it with Andy. He’s no threat to score unless he’s standing under the basket with no one around him. Therefore, when Andy sets the screen, all that does is bring a second defender to LJ. And when Andy rolls to the basket now, with Shaq in the line-up, the lane is clogged more than in the past, making the roll to the basket more difficult.

If you are going to run screen/roll, you HAVE to run it with someone who can score the basketball, otherwise it does no good. This is the third time I've brought this specific criticism up.

Finally, I refuse to let him (MB) off the hook for his match-up decisions versus the Magic last spring. His stubborness in keeping a smaller defender on Hedo T. made it easy for Orlando to run its half-court and get the exact shot they wanted time and time again.

James on Hedo T. was the right call. Period. All Brown did was get Hedo paid in the off-season.

Many Acta
Firs, I have no idea how this guy will do. I do assume they hired him for three reasons however.

He’s used to dealing with young (aka: bad) teams. He’s Spanish and that helps a lot these days. And finally, he comes cheap. Yes, I know he was prepared, did his homework and said all the right things in his multiple interviews with Mark Shapiro.

But something tells me Shapiro simply doesn’t have the make-up (aka: stones) to hire someone with clout.

You see, some people are more comfortable hiring individuals to work for them who won’t dominate them in any way. You know where I’m going. These bosses are “insecure,” to put it nicely.

More and more, I get the read Shapiro falls in this category. No, I didn’t want self-promoter Bobby Valentine. But an experienced winner at the helm would have been a better choice.

Here’s the question you have to ask – Did the Indians clearly upgrade in going from Wedge to Acta? There is absolutely no way of knowing the answer to that at this point. And that, my friends, is the problem.

Regardless, we wish Acta well. And again, it won’t matter until you get quality starting pitching. I keep repeating myself, don’t I? Remember, with repetition, come retention. Hopefully, some of this wit and wisdom is rubbing off on you.

Many Good Options
Never has there been so many qualified football people out of work and available. I've harped on three - Bill C., Marty S., and Mike S., time and time again. What's wrong with Tony Dungy? Absolutely nothing. Make it four.

Randy Lerner can't possibly screw this up again. Or can he? Read below.

Browns Mess
So it’s George Kokinis’ fault the Browns are a disaster. Then we are told that Eric Mangini will have a hand in picking his new boss. Amazing. Who the hell with any credibility would come here if that’s true?

My guess is Randy Lerner will come to his senses after talking to qualified individuals and realize no one will come here if part of the deal is Mangini absolutely stays in 2010.

Hey, some of the same media members who okayed the move to Derek Anderson now go on record as saying Brady Quinn wasn’t given enough snaps as the starter to find out if he can play or not. Nice.

Next, they’ll tell us unemployment seems to be high now that’s its reached 10.2%.

These are also the same morons who have decided the Browns will definitely have two new quarterbacks in town next fall instead of Quinn and Anderson without knowing who will run the show next fall.

Kudos to former Browns Head Coach Sam Rutigliano, who nailed it last week, when Browns’ television color commentator Doug Dieken echoed the current media line, stating neither quarterback has done the job and next year’s quarterback is elsewhere.

Rutigliano then responded by acknowledging Quinn’s poor play in the first 2 1/2 games, but made clear the Browns have well over two years worth of footage on Anderson to go by but less than six full games on Quinn.

If Randy Lerner wants a wise, old football man to lean on, he should contact Rutigliano and offer him a corner office in Berea. He can't do worse.

More Browns’ Mess
The more I think about the Browns, the more I get ticked off. These so-called experts sleep in their offices 24-7, fly all over the country checking out prospects in their underwear and watch film until they are blue in the face.

Why do these people make it more difficult than it should be?

Thus, I leave you today with the following - my thoughts, on record, in the order I wanted the Browns to go on the first day of the draft.

Remember, I’m no scout, have no GM experience and watched a lot less DI football last fall than your average drunk 35 year old wearing his Charlie Frye game jersey looking to get laid on the end of a bar stool in some wings joint, in heaven because he can watch six different conferences on large plasmas at one time will sipping his seventh Michelob Ultra.

Here were my exact words in print just after the draft.

“If you read my previous entry, you were aware I preferred quality over quantity in terms of draft philosophy and that I wanted Cleveland to come away with a minimum of two of the following five players (in order of importance), in the 2009 draft – Crabtree (TT), Maualuga (USC), Jenkins (OSU) Moreno (GU) and Wells (OSU). And yes, the way the draft evolved, they could have easily had a combination of the two considering Maualaga’s free fall into the second round, as well as other factors.”

Mangini's Meteoric Power Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:09:00 +0000

I did not watch the Browns’ game today. I went 1-1 with my 6th grade girls’ basketball coaching duties, losing 13-12 in the opener before earning a 40 point win in game #2.

The sad part is we underachieved in game #1. That one was very winnable. I’ll take the blame. Unfortunately, whether you lose by one point or win by 40 – they both count the same. We sit at .500 unfortunately.

As for the Browns – I DVRd it and flew through it quickly. Nice.

While the media is now writing about DA’s quarterback rating, Quinn’s $11 million bonus he doesn’t reach if he doesn’t play, the fact this franchise, dating back to its original founding some 70+ years ago, may have hit rock, I've kept my eye on the ball – the record-setting speed by which Eric Mangini has lost power an influence – and I am not talking over his players.

Bernie Kosar was added as a consultant two weeks ago and here’s my interpretation of that act because it weighs heavily on the future of this franchise with each new ass-whipping.

Randy Lerner added Kosar for two reasons. First, this was a PR move to keep the fans from burning him in effigy. We get it. Everyone over 40 who follows the Browns likes or loves BK - even though, at times, he sounds like a punch-drunk 45 year old ex-fighter.

Secondly, this is a clear indication Lerner is already fading on Mangini. Mangini is his hand-picked guy. The coach he (Lerner) had to have minutes after finding out Mangini had just been fired in New York.

And here’s where we are eight games into the Mangini regime - the expansion Browns of 1999 would be -2 over this bunch. That's all you need to know.

Remember, Mangini was put in TOTAL control. What no one has mentioned is that Mangini looks as though he has made a bad organization worse - not just the play on the field mind you, but the whole shootin' match. Lerner even let Mangini hand-pick his own GM. There is no one else to blame folks.

Look at the resume so far - Mangini signed the free agents, traded down on draft day time and time again looking for quantity instead of quality - passing up potential playmakers in the process, he traded Winslow and Butterfingers when their value was at their lowest, waited forever to select a quarterback as though he were guarding a national secret, then threw his choice overboard quicker than a Hollywood DIVA gets a divorce, and finally, he surrounded his quarterbacks with what look like generic collegiate receivers - two of which he drafted in the second round just a few months ago.

Unfortunately, there is more - like could you believe, in 2009, Jim Brown has scored as many rushing touchdowns for the Browns as all the backs on the roster combined - none!

I'll stop now. This isn't funny.

It's all on him folks - there is nowhere for Mangini to hide and he knows it.

So where are we?

Mangini knows he’s already in trouble.

How do I know this?

Simple. He couldn’t keep Kosar, someone with absolutely NO NFL experience in terms of front office work, from being added to “supervise.” Lerner has begun stepping on Mangini’s toes and it will get worse.

And please, don’t believe the report that is circulating locally the addition of Kosar was “suggested” by Mangini. The reporter who broke that story should never be permitted in front of a laptop again. Oh, yea - the control freak coach went to the owner and suggested he (Lerner) hire a consultant with no experience to oversee what he (Mangini) was doing.

Look, I don’t see Lerner firing Mangini during the off-week and paying him and his staff for the next 3 1/2 years. That would take huge stones and what would it prove?

What would I do if I were advising Lerner?

Okay, let’s go over our suggestions post-2008 first.

First, hire a HOF coach – either Marty or Bill Cowher. He didn't.

If neither one wants it, be PATIENT, go slow and get it right. He didn't.

Look – Mike Shanahan just became available.

No, no. no. Don’t make Mangini the offer. Talk to Shanahan first. He didn't.

And what are you doing Randy hiring a coach before picking a GM? You only do that if a Hall of Fame coach is about to come to town – like Marty, Bill or Mike. You don’t give a head coach that kind of control unless he’s earned it. Hell, even Marty got too much power in Cleveland by most accounts in the late 80s.

He didn't.

This is all on record.

Here’s what likely happened.

Randy Lerner had no one around him to tell him he was doing it WRONG. You see, most people value their paychecks more than their credibility. Lerner was bombarded by the media and fans that this time around he needed to hire someone with NFL coaching experience. And that’s exactly what he did. He hired Mangini. You could see this one coming.

I wrote after the hiring that I understood why he hired Mangini even though I wanted someone with a much better resume. I also wrote I understood why Mangini hired his own GM. I would do the same if given that kind of power. That doesn’t make it right.

So where are we now?

Bernie Kosar’s power will grow with every future loss. Look I love BK. It wasn't hs fault we didn't get to the Super Bowl, it was a lack of a pass rush. That too is for another day. But BK is a rookie all over again. Then again, how much worse can he do?

So what would I do if I had Lerner’s ear now?

Here’s more advice he won’t follow - spend the next two weeks (bye week time) in search of the best available Team President/GM who happens to be out of work. Bernie can consult – that’s fine. But bring in a pro and put him at the top of the hierarchy. I would also tell Lerner to “man up” and join the new “team president” on the podium when the announcement is made.

The fans need to see Randy Lerner and he needs to address the media – even if he’s not comfortable. His Howard Hughes act isn’t working. Look, I like owners who stay in the background, but this is ridiculous. It borders on the bizarre.

If Mangini does not like having a boss – too bad What is he going to do – quit and lose 3 1/2 years of checks? That won’t happen. Mangini needs to focus on coaching the team. Period.

Soon, you will begin hearing media morons and idiot fans calling for Mangini to be fired and the defensive coordinator to be named interim ASAP. It’s actually already started. Good idea.

The Browns’ defense has been outstanding this fall. I think they rank 32nd in a 32-team league. Obviously, this guy has earned a raise in title and pay. Oh, I get it - they weren’t embarrassed against the Bears, so the guy should get the gig. That’s what drunk fans dream up before sleeping it off.

Look, the truth is I don’t know where this train is going. We are truly in uncharted territory folks. I have been watching this team since the late 60s and I can’t remember it being this bad. But I know a runaway locomotive when I see one, and this baby has no brakes.

Lerner may surprise me and decide to blow it up after the season and start over – AGAIN. If that happens, ownership will surely look to finally hire someone with immense status/credentials to either run the show (team president) or coach (HOFer).

Regardless, if Mangini survives and is back coaching this team in 2010, one thing is certain, he won't be in charge of trading down on draft day and picking a right guard late in round one. Hell, if this coninues and they finish 2-14 or there abouts, he might not have the authority left to model the locker room again.

This is a truly a meteoric fall. Which begs the real question Randy - What did he (Mangini) ever do to earn such total control of a billion $ organization in the first place?

Packers-Browns Post-Mortem & More

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:52:00 +0000

Are you sure this isn’t 1999? Right now, the Cleveland Browns look like an expansion team. No NFL team should be consistently doubled and tripled in total yardage on an almost weekly basis.

This had the looks of a terrible match-up with the Pack's veteran lockdown corners up against a pair of kids at wideout for the Browns. The results were as expected. Ugly! Meanwhile, Green Bay came in having all sorts of problems protecting Rodgers. Today, he stayed clean and played pitch and catch.

What is it with running an inside handoff on 2nd and 17? Imagine how the huddle responds when DA barks out that call sent in by the wizards of smart – otherwise known as the Browns’ offensive coaching staff.

Why Green Bay decided to open the game running the ball on almost every down in their first series escapes me. All it did was give Rodgers and company just one first quarter possession.

Every time I see Kamerion Wimbley in space trying to cover a running back or tight end, I cringe. And here I thought they drafted him several years ago to rush the passer.

How do you run a defense that allows Donald Driver, the Packers’ best wide receiver, to run a seam route with no one covering him?

The Packers had so little respect for the Browns offense, they tried a 50+ yard field goal, giving the Browns the ball on their own 45 after the FG was missed.

After next week’s expected bloodbath in Chicago, Derek Anderson will have made as many starts this season as Brady Quinn has for his entire career (5). I am still amazed many in the media have determined Quinn can’t play after five NFL starts. They are either extremely intelligent or complete fools. I vote for the latter. There is only one local scribe, Tony Grossi, who nailed it when he stated weeks ago that Quinn has been “the most mismanaged player in Browns history since the team’s return in 1999.”

Even though Anderson is well on his way to losing the starting job in Cleveland for the third time in his career, I actually feel sorry for him. He doesn't have much of a chance with this group. No one does. Regardless, don't look for Mangini to make the QB switch. Clearly, Mangini doesn’t see Quinn as an NFL starter based on the fact he took forever to pick his starter and then had a quick hook less than three full games into the season. This leads me to assume he went with Quinn to start the season in part to placate the owner – who wanted to see his investment of three years ago on the field. Regardless, the sad fact is whoever takes the snaps with this bunch doesn’t have much opportunity for success when you consider the youth at receiver and at “O” coordinator.

I feel like I’m truly in the twilight zone watching Cedric Benson and Kyle Orton leading their respective teams to early success in 2009.

NBA
I like the Cavaliers and Lakers to play in the Finals with LA winning in seven. The Lakers have the large majority of their pieces back and have added a unique talent in Ron Artest. I just hope I’m wrong. Meanwhile, I picked the Cavs to reach the Finals because they added the "Diesel" inside, who still looks like he has 1/2 a tank left, and a pair of perimeter players who bring size and athleticism to the roster - something they neded desperately.

Indians’ Chief
I don’t know who they will choose but I don’t want Bobby Valentine. He’s a self-promoter first and last. I wanted Grover because of his track record in Cleveland. Whatever. Regardless, until they find several quality starters, it wouldn’t matter if Billy Martin, the best manager I’ve ever seen, comes back from the dead, they won’t succeed.

Browns - Steelers Post Mortem

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:42:00 +0000

The Steelers were going to go for it on 4th and 10 from the Browns’ 35 in the first quarter. A procedure call prior to the snap changed their minds. I hate to see teams punt inside the opponent’s 40 and applaud Pittsburgh for the initial idea. The fact that Pittsburgh had absolutely no fear of the Browns' offense also helped.

The wildcat offense is a gimmick, but it can work on occasion however. What I don’t like is to see a quarterback (i.e. Derek Anderson) out wide in that offense. What’s he going to do out there? Why not put a receiver out wide in that set? At least then, the defense has to take his presence seriously.

The Brows have now scored four offensive touchdowns this season. That’s exactly one touchdown less than Tom Brady threw in his second quarter of play today. Nice.

Brandon McDonald is a perfect example of the Browns playing an NFL second teamer as a starter. He missed a couple more tackles today and had a pick go through his hands in the Browns' end zone this afternoon. Think about it - Thomas and Steinbach are the only offensive starters who would play elsewhere. Rogers, Jackson, Pool and perhaps Bowen are the only defensive starters who would see significant time on a decent NFL team. You do the math.

I am dumbfounded as to why the Browns have not given Josh Cribbs a new deal. Again, this is not MLB or the NBA – where the players have guaranteed deals. If you tear up his current contract, give him a new five-year package, then he goes down next year with an injury, you don’t owe him the final four years of the deal. Therefore, if this guy is your best player – which he is right now, and he wants to stay in town – which he does – why not fix this problem now? It’s not like this is going to start a run on Browns’ players wanting new deals. They don’t have anyone else who is close to Cribbs in terms of productivity.

Pittsburgh has an excellent passing game with a talented group of receivers in tow. I do think Big Ben holding the ball so long will, in the long run, be a negative for him and the franchise. Yes, it gives his receivers more time to get open. It also shows he’s extremely tough. However, taking that many hits, year after year, will eventually take its toll on his body and shorten his career.

I love the routes the Steelers run. They love crossing patterns, where the receivers are headed up field as they make the reception. It gives them multiple opportunities for yards after catch (YAC). It is also the most difficult route to cover when you are in man-to-man – where the defender is chasing a receiver across the field.

In the NFL, no team should outgain another 500+ yards to 190, like Pittsburgh did today against the hapless Browns. It’s one thing to see that in high school and college, where the talent difference can be huge, but not in the NLF – where they ALL get paid. That’s embarrassing. It makes one wonder what Eric Mangini, his staff and the Browns were doing in all those voluntary camps, mini-camps, two-a-days, etc… the past six months.

The Browns' lone touchdown today was a pass to the fullback. That’s right, fullback. Luckily, he (Lawrence Vickers) caught it. However, I would not suggest they make a habit of throwing to fullbacks on third down and goal. There’s a reason fullbacks block and do little else.

Only in Cleveland can the Browns give up the fourth most yards in a single game in team history while the offense produces one lone touchdown, yet the focus by some in the media is on why the refs gave the Steelers a first down after a fourth down play when the television angle seemed to show it might have been short.

With all the drops recently and general youth at wide receiver on this roster, does anyone really believe David Patten, a 13-year vet with rings, wasn't good enough to make this roster? Come on.

I saw Future Hall of Famer, according to the National Media, Mark Sanchez, throw three of his five picks today. He didn’t get pulled and likely won’t get pulled next week even though he has struggled the last three weeks. The Jets will show the appropriate amount of patience you need to display with a young quarterback you believe in. You see, now we find out about Sanchez, not when he was sitting at 3-0 with the media and fans so far up his rear they couldn't see any daylight.

The trading deadline is less than 48 hours away. How many more draft picks will Mangini and company try to acquire? A reminder - it's nice to have quantity, but I'd rather have quality (aka:talent/playmakers).

Browns Get A Win

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Wow. I just witnessed the NFL’s version of a botched abortion. The Cleveland Browns’ 6-3 win over the Buffalo Bills might be the worst NFL game I have ever seen. Period.

Regardless, congratulations to Eric Mangini, his coaches and players for their first win of the 2009 season. It does count.

There were so many horrid things going on, I don’t know where to begin. For one thing, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many procedure and false starts by an offensive line – at any level. I realize the Bills have been hit hard by injuries, but all their linemen do get paid, don’t they? Even at the high school level, you don’t get that much movement prior to the snap.

When was the last time you saw an NFL game where the best player on the field was the punter? The Browns’ Dave Zastudil nailed three punts inside the Bills’ 5-yard line and had 386 yards punting on the day.

How is it possible for a pro team to complete its first pass with just 0:37 left in the half? Perhaps that’s why the Browns’ coaching staff sat on the ball with decent field position, timeouts in tow and the wind at their back late in the first half up 3-0. That was beyond conservative and bordering on the ridiculous. They won, so no one will mention it but me.

Speaking of the ridiculous, “Butterfingers” left town but left his calling card. I counted five drops on the day for the Browns. It must be infectious. When was the last time the Browns had that many drops and Braylon wasn’t involved?

I’m no offensive coordinator and don’t play one on television, but I would have tried to get the ball to TO more often if I were the Bills. He was the best talent on the football field – this side of Dave Zastudil of course. Thankfully for the Browns, the Bills decided to spread the garbage around.

On a positive note – and trust me – I had to look long and hard for one, the Browns have posted back-to-back 100 yard rushers in consecutive games. I knew turning the offense over to Derek Anderson would pay big dividends.

October 21 is the trading deadline I’m told. If true, I reiterate my hope that Brady Quinn has a new home address on Thursday the 22nd. Here’s a kid who actually wanted to play in Cleveland, waited patiently for his opportunity, went down with an injury once that opportunity came, came back and had to win the job again, was given the reigns, then yanked less than three games in. Quinn stunk in is 10 quarters of play in ’09 – no argument there. But anyone who has seen this mess of an offense, the schemes they use, the personnel packages they employ, and the overall talent level they possess and thinks that kid got a good, long look at QB needs a lobotomy.

As for next week’s trip to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers, I expect it to be as ugly as watching one of the Indians’ soft-tossing lefties (pick your favorite) try to get out a quality line-up without their best stuff. The Las Vegas line might actually reach 20 – something unheard of in NFL circles.

0-4 Browns

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:27:00 +0000

The bar is so low in Cleveland when it comes to professional football that there were actually people locally praising the Browns’ effort against the Bengals.

That’s right, Cincinnati went on the road and gave up a ton of yards on special teams, fumbled a kick return deep in their end, couldn’t convert on a chip shot field or on a potential game-winning PAT late, allowed the Browns to produce their first 100 yard back in two years and still won.

Yet, the Browns were praised by many for “being competitive.” Nice.

Kudos to Josh Cribbs, who almost single-handedly won the game by giving Cleveland ridiculous field position time and time again, to rookie receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who had a breakout game with eight grabs for well over 100 yards, to James Harrison, for rushing for over 120 yards, to safety Brodney Pool, for playing perhaps his best game as a pro, and to Shaun Rogers, who dominated on the kick block unit.

As for the rest of the players and coaching staff, this was a win that got away – nothing more nothing less. And the last time I checked, the goal is still to win the game in the NFL. Moral victories are nice when dealing with Little Leaguers, not professional athletes and coaches, who currently stand at 0-4, are paid to win, and not just to finally show up 1/4 of the way into the season.

This leads us to this week’s game between the sub par 1-3 Bills and the hapless 0-4 Browns. Contrary to the popular belief locally that the Browns are now finally headed in the right direction after at least showing up last Sunday, we believe the mediocre Bills will win at home unless they decide to play atrociously on special teams, let a back rush for 100+ yards against them in their building and turn in over to the Browns deep in their own end a couple times. Even with all that, they might still pull it off in overtime against this Browns team. Cincinnati did.

Let’s say 27-17 Bills with TO finally making some plays. As always, we hope we’re wrong and there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

One final note on last week’s loss at home to the Super Bowl bound Bengals - someone needs to tell Cleveland’s offense coordinator not to jump up and down giving high fives to anyone in the vicinity and generally cheering like a fat drunk in the top row of the stadium after his offense scores.

Act like you know what you are doing, instead of like you are thrilled to death your guys finally got it right for once. It just looks bad, very bad.

No, I didn’t forget about Butterfingers. What do you want me to say?

We had it right when we said you don’t take him at 3. We had it right when we said he was underachieving his first two years in the league and they should deal him while he still had some value. We had it right when we congratulated him on an outstanding season in 2007, but noted one season does not make a career. And we had it right when we named him “Butterfingers” long before anyone else figured it out.

We do wish him well with the Jets. Why shouldn't we? He’s probably play well there. He’ll also drop some ball because that’s what he does. Regardless, one good performance on national television while with thr Jets will probably get him a fat contract next year. Coaches never learn.

One thing is still certain – he was another huge miss in the draft for the Browns and epitomizes why this is organization has been so hapless regardless as to who is roaming the sideline and in charge since its return in 1999.

10 Thoughts On Browns Entering Week #4 versus Cincinnati

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Right now, this team looks in total disarray – perhaps worse than it has looks at any time since its return. That’s saying something.

After three weeks, not one unit on this football team has improved over a year ago, and one could argue that every unit has regressed.

The coaching staff lost much of its credibility by pulling it’s starting quarterback just 10 quarter into the season after spending months painstakingly deliberating and making a choice as to who would run this team. Having said that, Brady Quinn needs to take responsibility for regressing as a player from where he was a year ago. Regardless, he clearly deserved more time to find his way – or not. There simply is not enough of a “body of evidence” to make a judgment on him as a starting NFL quarterback, and anyone who says there is should not be taken seriously. It's best for BQ to go elsewhere. A lot can change quickly in the NFL, but this regime, which is likely here for a while, just tossed him overboad. I suggest his agent get on the phone ASAP.

The team is a national joke after rewarding a player with a starting quarterback role after throwing three picks in two quarters of play. When has that happened before?

On three different occasions, in the same game, a running back pranced untouched into the end zone last week against a defense that looks as though it quit. When has that happened before?

As we expected, Mangini got absolutely no “Honeymoon Period” from the media and fans due to his “MR. Bill Management Style” and the team’s embarrassing start. That will only make it more difficult for the coaches to get the players to “buy in,” especially if they see everyone on the outside not buying in either.

I would like someone to explain to me how so many starters on this roster have kept their job after three weeks when so many players are underachieving – once again?

A reminder - over half of this roster is new. Mangini and company brought in their own people and then some. As someone who studies words for a living and is well-versed in sports PR, I don't want to hear "it takes time" or "change doesn't happen over night" from this regime. That's a copout and insults my intellligence. This is the NFL - where solid leadership on and off the field leads to marked improvement sooner rather than later.

This corner expects the Browns to be competitive against the Bengals. However, after what we’ve seen to date, it’s impossible for us to pick the Browns to win over a team that arguably should be 3-0 right now. We like Cincinnati, 33-23. No, there is no such thing as a moral victory in professional sports.

Where are Bill Cowher, Marty of Mike Shanahan when you need them? And to think all three were available when the Lerner family fell in love with Mangini. Ownership bypassed our first sports commandment - HIRE THE BEST TALENT AVAILABE TO RUN THE SHOW! But we’ve been over that ground numerous times. Having said that, intelligent followers should not fall into the same trap some media members and most fans will now fall into, and start demanding the coach’s head on a platter. As big a trainwreck as this seems right now, it’s way too early for that. Whether you like it or not, Mangini is here to stay. Besides, who is going to call him on the carpet -the general manager MANGINI hired?

Browns –Ravens Preview & More

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Browns –Ravens Preview

On paper, this looks like it will be reminiscent of the Browns in 1999, when they had problems getting the ball across midfield against a good defense. All indications point to this getting ugly quickly.

Add the fact that Jamaal Lewis is out, means that Brady Quinn is likely to have absolutely no running game against the Ravens’ defense.

The upside is that Jerome Harrison should get a good, long look today and he’d better take advantage of it. Regardless, unless the Browns have something up their sleeve, Quinn could take a pounding.

The Ravens so far in this young season crush the run – as always - but have had problems against the pass. The Browns’ problem is this – Who do they have to throw to? Their #1 receiver, Butterfingers, is being doubled, and no one else is capable of getting open consistently.

Yes, spreading the field and trying to get one-on-ones (i.e. Harrison versus a linebacker) makes sense. However, will the line protect long enough for Quinn to find the open man?

Like I said, it could be a bloodletting.

On the other side, it would be nice to see the Browns defense play four full quarters –regardless of what happens on the other side of the ball. I love how some pundits put the defense’s second half collapses on the lack of offense -thus the "D" being on the field too long and wearing down.

Here’s my answer – get some three and outs on occasion and you won’t be on the field so long. And while you are at it, how about forcing ONE turnover?

Ravens 27-10 sound about right. Here’s hoping I’m way off.

Quinn
I was asked by a friend this week if I already soured on BQ after my last post where I called his play “very poor.” Absolutely not.

However, BQ looked tentative and held the ball too long against a mediocre Broncos defense. For me to suggest otherwise and let him off the hook would be wrong. My credibility is more important to me than being right.

BQ should have the full 16 game schedule to be evaluated properly. And there will be serious bumps along the way – like right now. I’m very curious as to how he handles those down times and if he progresses properly.

Yes, there is little talent around him. However, BQ touches the ball on every down. The quarterback needs to lead by example – regardless of the circumstances around him. Over the courses of 60 minutes and 60-70 offensive plays, there are opportunities to make some plays. Here’s hoping that begins this week in Baltimore.

Mangini and Bottled Water
A big deal was made this week of Eric Mangini fining a player the league maximum (close to $2,000) because he didn’t pay for bottled water taken from the team’s hotel in Denver.

Mangini’s point is no one is better than anyone else and he expects everyone in the organization – players, coaches, PR people, secretaries, etc. to act like adults at all times.

I’m sure there is more to the story than what has been reported. Regardless, we don’t have a problem with his decision, only that it was made public. To his credit, Mangini doesn’t just talk the talk when he says he wants high character people on his team.

However, if you lose, stunts like this will be interpreted by the media and fans as childish and overbearing. If the Browns were 2-0 right now, everyone would be saying how Mangini is running a tight ship and his style of discipline works. Such is PR in the world of sport. The "immediately memory only" of fans and media has fascinated me for years.

Indians
It looks as though the Indians' everyday line-up is pretty much set for 2010.

It goes as follows – LaPorta (1B), Valbuena (2B), Cabrera (SS), Peralta (3B), Brantley (LF), Sizemore (CF) and Choo (RF), and Hafner (DH). The only question remaining is at catcher, where the organization has numerous, if not, good options.

Here’s the problem – can you name the teams #1, #2 OR #3 starter for 2010?

I know I’m beating a dead horse, but remember – without pitching, you have no chance to be good.

On another note, the Tribe barely avoided tying a team record for consecutive losses (12) this week. So they started slow in April and finished even slower in September.

Which begs the question – who will manage this club next year?

I'm already on record as wanting either Grover or Buddy Bell. These two have been part of this organization when it was winning and both possess ML managing experience.

What I don’t want is someone who hasn’t managed at the ML level before. That was just tried and failed with Eric Wedge. Yes, Wedge took over a rebuilding project. However, it needs to be noted he also had several teams that were expect to contend in a relatively weak division.

His resume only has one post-season appearance on it – and that was a flame job up 3-1 against Boston with quality starters (1 through 3) lined up to close it out.

No one would argue, even his most stauchest supporters, that Wedge got the most out of his talent base. Shapiro and his scouts were of litte help (AKA: see any draft class), but that's another story altogether that we've covered before.

Secondly, in all the years he has managed the Indians, I can count on just one hand the times I witnesses a squeeze/suicide bunt or a succesfull hit and run being put on. Perhaps I missed it on occasion, but it’s clear that Wedge did not do much to manufacture runs.

Remember - in the post-steroids era, a manager in the American League, once again, on occasion, needs to be able to manufacture runs.

Yes, the Indians will be more athletic next year and possess more overall foot speed as a team. That's a good thing. But if you don’t use those tools properly, it does you no good.

10 Things Following Browns-Broncos

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 01:02:00 +0000

I’ve seen this movie before – last week in fact. The Browns were in it at halftime and folded in the second half – again. The offense was non-existent and the defense wilted. It's rare to see the exact same act in the NFL in back to back weeks.

Brady Quinn played poorly, and that’s being kind. Yes, he doesn’t have much help around him (aka: playmakers). Regardless, he gets paid to score touchdowns. Right now, after two weeks in 2009, he looks as if he’s taken a step backwards compared to where he was when he played against the Broncos a year ago. My boy will need to start making some plays very soon. Otherwise, I can see Mangini going to the bullpen sooner rather than later – especially if he actually believes there isn’t much difference between Quinn and DA.

What happened to the screen pass that was so effective in pre-season? The Browns ran it once against the Broncos.

Eric Mangini is big on holding players accountable – at least that’s what we are told. Then why didn’t Brandon McDonald get pulled for a few plays when he got called for a defensive holding on 3rd and 19 for the Broncos in the first quarter. That’s inexcusable. Besides, it’s not like he’s indispensable. The Browns right now may have the worse set of starting corners in the league.

That’s eight full quarters played without this defense coming close to forcing a turnover this season.

There’s way too much energy being expended by Quinn and company on offense pointing fingers at defenders before the ball is snapped. That’s getting old quick.

The Broncos offensive coaches made the Browns defensive staff look silly on third and goal from the 2-yard line in the first quarter. Denver called a timeout then isolated a tight end on Kamerion Wimbley out in space. Result – an easy touchdown pass for Kyle Horton. Whatever defensive scheme has Wimbley effectively playing corner needs to be junked immediately.

Am I the only one who thinks something must be wrong if either one of our second round picks at wideout can’t beat out Josh Cribbs? I've mentioned this before, but it is concerning for another reason besides not getting any productivity from second rounders drafted by a bad team. Having Cribbs play receiver also takes him off the punt coverage and kick-off coverage units – where he excels.

The Browns have a lot of NFL second teams starting. That’s not good.

It would be nice to see some called rollouts for Quinn deep in the red zone.

Final thoughts: The wolves will be out this week. The local media and fans were already whining after the Vikings loss. Many dislike Mangini because of his attitude, won’t give him any wiggle room and will bury him at the first sign of failure. And most fans begin calling for the back-up at the first sign of trouble at QB. That’s the lack of patience that as made sports followers so easy to ridicule. Regardless, this is not what you want to have on your resume (0-2) heading into Baltimore in week #3. Ouch!

Browns at Denver

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:53:00 +0000

I like the Browns today.

Yea, I know that makes so sense with our history in that city – Denver, but I like the Browns today.

I like the Browns because of two words – Kyle Orton. If Eric Mangini can truly coach, he should be able to devise a defense that limits Denver offensively with Orton and those tools at his disposal.

I like the Browns today because their best offensive player (Brandon Marshall) is a bigger head case than our presumed best weapon (Butterfingers).

I like the Browns today because we have the edge in special teams with Josh Cribbs and company.

I like the Browns today because I don’t see Brady Quinn melting down in his first big road start.

I like the Browns today because I expect Jerome Harrison to be involved and make some plays.

I like the Browns today because Denver is like us right now – not very good.

I like the Browns today because this is a winnable game, despite the venue, and if Mangini’s organization and discipline are going to take hold – this should be where that process starts.

I like the Browns today because Mike Shanahan is not prowling the Broncos' sideline and #7 is no longer in uniform to torch the Browns on 3rd and long.

I like the Browns 24-20.

10 Things About the Browns in Week 1

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:44:00 +0000

Point 1
• The actual score (34-20) was not indicative of how Minnesota dominated the second half of this game. The Vikings just wore the Browns down. Simply put – it’s a 60 minute game, not 30. You have to figure that out and play accordingly before you can beat a quality NFL opponent.

• What looked like an impressive defensive effort stopping the run early turned into another 200+ yard rushing effort allowed by the Browns. That’s not a good sign.

• Offensively, the Browns ran the ball relatively well early, but were unable to stay with the game plan once the Vikings got up two scores.

• One wonders who will consistently make plays for this team on both sides of the ball. You win with playmakers. The defense forced no turnovers and the offense had no big gains from scrimmage.

• Quinn looked like a rookie at times – which is to be expected against a good Vikings’ defense, especially once they were able to pin their ears back, up two scores. The late Cleveland score came in garbage time, but baby steps are necessary when you haven’t scored an offensive touchdown since prior to Thanksgiving of 2008.

• The loss was expected against a team the caliber of Minnesota. Getting worn down wasn’t a total surprise either. However, the penalties and poor tackling late showed a disturbing lack of concentration – similar of years past. We expect that to change under Mangini - sooner rather than later.

• I am not a fan of re-structuring contracts. This corner would never do so with NBA or ML players because those deals are guaranteed. However, the NFL is a different animal with no guaranteed deals and players playing for their pay from one year to the next. I would tear up Josh Cribbs’ deal and give him a new, better, incentive laden contract making arguably the team’s best player a happy camper. The fans love him, he wants to be here and you don’t have to worry about him coasting once he gets paid.

• A lot of NFL quarterbacks could have won that game for the Vikings today. Brett Favre actually “managed the game.” As you know, I hate that term. That’s uncharted waters for the future HOFer. But that’s what happens when you have a stud back up against one of the worst run defenses in the league the past 10 years. They however didn't bring Favre in to beat the Browns. He'll be asked to be Brett Favre against good teams at some point - especially come playoff time.

• On a positive note, the Browns’ defensive scheme early was refreshing to see and caused some confusion for the Vikings. Unfortunately, they decided to keep it simple in the second half and feed their horse (Adrian Peterson) until he got it rolling. The KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Philosophy works with sports too. Some coaches need to remember that.

• Next week’s road game in Denver is actually winnable. The venue is a difficult one, but #7 doesn’t take snaps anymore for the Broncos.

SC-OSU Post-Script
I thought the Trojans would handle the Buckeyes. It was closer than I expected and I was impressed with Ohio State’s defensive front. However, I was not impressed with the quarterbacking Ohio State received – especially in the game’s final drive. In the end, SC won because their extremely young quarterback made plays when it mattered most while OSU’s signal-caller couldn’t.

And no, it’s not Tressel’s conservative play-calling that hurts the Buckeyes in big games. That’s the same approach that won them a National Title. That’s his style – you can‘t congratulate him when it works and criticize him when it doesn’t. That’s being one of the 95%+ who don’t get it.

The problem for Buckeye Nation is as follows – without a stud future #1 NFL pick running the ball for OSU, Prior will need to make more plays in order to beat quality opponents. And I’m not talking about Northwestern. The kid is a great athlete, but far from a finished product under center - yet.

If you take a glass half empty approach you wonder if OSU will ever beat the likes of SC after having them in their house, in front of a raucous record crowd, playing against a quarterback that had just one college start under his belt with a revamped defense to boot.

A glass half full person believes these two teams will see each other again in the National Championship Game. Those are the Buckeye fans I have a problem with. They can even be ignorant &/or arrogant after another bad loss.

The truth is probably somewhere in between.

Short & Quick

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:55:00 +0000

Vikings- Browns
We like the Vikings to handle the Browns 27-20 in the opener. Minnesota should be able to hold and control the ball – keeping the Browns’ offense off the field and limiting their possessions. Unless Brett Favre implodes, it’s hard to imagine Cleveland winning this one.

I have had more than one individual remind me the “BQ Era” starts this weekend. I guess better late than never. One thing is for sure, Quinn wasn’t handed anything when he turned pro – unlike a lot of young athletes these days.

Quinn handled the past 2+ years with class. He could have complained after dropping in the draft, after sitting the past two years, and again after being told he had to compete with DA for the starting job in year three after Anderson imploded in 2008. He didn't whine. He just competed and said all the right things. Now this is finally his team. Good for him.

If I am right, he’ll quickly become the best signal-caller this city has seen since Bernie was earning MVP votes back in the late 80s while leading the Browns to a trio of AFC Championship game. If I’m wrong, this team will continue to wallow in mediocrity or worse for the foreseeable future.

Statistically, keep your eyes on BQ's touchdown to interception ratio. Remember, the first sign you have something special at that position (QB) is if the guy can consistently put up a 2-1 ratio or better from year to year. Anything better than that and you have a horse you can ride to a title with the right pieces around him.

Super Bowl
As far as the big picture, we have the Patriots winning the Super Bowl this year – assuming Tom Brady is healthy. It’s basically the same prediction we made a year ago before he went down. We picked the Steelers after Brady went down in '08.

This fall, New England again has too many weapons and too much experience. Their defense has lost several key pieces due to retirement and free agency. However, I trust Mr. Bill to reload on that side of the ball. You have to give the guy credit –he can flat-out coach defense.

As for who they will play – I have no idea.

Culture of Personality
I have complained about the “Culture of Personality” for years – both in real life (i.e.reality television and hero worship) and the silly world of sports. In sports, it began with athletes doing touchdown dances, stomping around after making tackles and generally genuflecting every chance they get.

This has led to teams wearing fatigues coming off planes (Miami, FLA), pre-game fights at midfield and players now taking swings at opponents after a tough loss.

The NCAA’s solution – have players shake hands at midfield before kick-off. Right. It’s a little too late for that boys. You can’t put the toothpaste back in the bottle. The NCAA, head coaches and athletic directors let this get out of hand years ago.

The solution involves stiff penalties for self-promotion and benchings from coaches when appropriate. For example, the moron who taunted in the post-game melee between Oregon and Boise State should have been suspended for a minimum of one game. He wasn’t. That’s a coach sending the wrong message. Period.

The same can be said for Alabama’s coaching staff last week when their best defensive player picked up two personal foul penalties on ONE play. They never took him off the field – not even for one play. Again, the wrong message was sent by Nick Saban and his staff.

SC-OSU
Yes, we like USC to double up Ohio State tonight. Again, the Big-10 lacks the quarterback talent to beat the big boys.

Here's hoping TP doesn't wear eye black with the dog killer's name on it tonight. That was a terrible idea a week ago. It made him look ignorant. Again, Tressel and company dropped the ball. If I'm a coach or AD at OSU, I would have made him clean that mess off his face immediately. And please don't tell me no coach saw it. That's an insult to my intelligence.

Sometimes I wonder where the adults are. Vick deserves a second chance. He paid his debt to society. But he shouldn't be honored in any way, shape or form.

Tribe
I have actually watched the Indians play lately. What can I say – I like watching the kids. One thing is certain, if Westbrook and Carmona don’t make it all the way back, it’s going to be very difficult for Cleveland to contend anytime soon.

The good news is they have added the power arms we were begging for long before anyone noticed. The bad news is they still need a couple veterans in the rotaton to stabilize the staff.

Short & Quick

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:12:00 +0000

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.

Short & Quick

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:03:00 +0000

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.

Shapiro's Admission of Failure & NFL Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:03:00 +0000

The Indians’ recent trade of Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee was an organizational admission of failure.

This current regime took control approximately eight years ago when Shapiro, Wedge and company were promoted. They pushed a rebuilding agenda that would lead to consistent contention, we were told.

What we got in reality was one post-season trip, a couple near misses and what we have today – a fire sale of talent.

This corner predicted this organization would not push the panic button and sell off Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez. We were wrong.

Our assumption was based on the following reasoning – the Indians could advance the argument that contention in 2010, within this relatively weak division, was possible with the healthy return of Jake Westbrook, Fausto Carmona finding himself and the addition of a couple of decent relievers.

This argument could certainly be advanced as the organization’s sales staff pushed its season ticket packages this coming off-season.

Instead, the Indians decided to fold the tent, cut budget and make the extraordinary admission they didn’t have enough overall organizational talent to contend next summer.

Remember, this regime touted, over and over again, how it was spending huge sums of money on player development over the past eight years.

By trading Lee with over one year remaining on his deal, what Shapiro did, in essence, is tell the baseball world the Indians’ brass misjudged its big league talent level, the organization’s farm system is in shambles, and what we all knew - the Dolans weren’t willing to take on the additional payroll to content in 2010.

Now a brief history lesson is in order.

Indians’ fans were spoiled during the 1990s, as the organization successfully established a contending run while being planted in a medium size market. The perfect storm – a new ballpark, good, young talent, and locking up those talented kids early in their careers to team-friendly deals – made the Tribe the model mid-size market team.

John Hart and his apprentices, including Mark Shapiro, were the darlings of the baseball world, and rightfully so. Several of those who worked under Hart went on to bigger and better jobs because of their Cleveland resumes. Good for them.

The Indians had a sustained run and came close to winning a championship. While this was going on, one could slowly see the building blocks coming apart, piece by piece, as Hart tried to fill the gaps, knowing all the while, the good times would soon end.

Belle, Ramirez and Thome all jumped ship when their contracts expired. Hart was torn. He knew the right thing to do long-term was to deal them before they left, but he couldn’t or wouldn’t because they needed these players in the line-up come October and the fans would riot.

Soon after, Hart left as well, as did the owner, Dick Jacobs, all seeing the writing on the wall. The run was about to end.

Such is life in baseball’s uneven playing field.

It isn’t complicated - if you run a small or mid-size ML team and have an excellent batting average with your acquisitions, signings, etc…, you have a chance to make a sustained run, but it will eventually end.

The numbers are cruel and real – Cleveland, Oakland, Minnesota and company can’t keep most of their best players.

At least those teams have had runs, fans in Pittsburgh and Kansas City complain. Their executives have not been able to post the batting averages necessary to even get competitive for a short period of time. The Pirates, for example, have posted a-record 17 consecutive years of sub .500 baseball, coupled with the yearly dumping of salaries come July.

Enter Mark Shapiro, who knew exactly what he was getting into when he was promoted to run the show in Cleveland. He knew the template to follow – his former boss (Hart) showed him the way.

There was one problem – Shapiro and his minions, over the last eight years, were not able to develop enough homegrown (drafted) talent to offset misses in free agency and a mediocre track record in trades.

Think about it – Hart and company, including Shapiro, who has been with this organization for 18 years, drafted, signed and developed the likes of Belle, Ramirez and Thome. Those Hall of Fame caliber players were ALL homegrown.

Name the Indians' current top players, and with few exceptions (i.e. Victor Martinez), they came from other organizations. It’s especially evident in the pitching department – where this organization, time and time again, used high draft choices on players who have fizzled out in the minors, or have had minimal impact at the ML level.

This all eventually catches up to you when you are in this baseball market in 2009.

In Boston, you can spend $100 million on one foreign born pitcher who had never thrown one pitch in the majors, and if the investment blows up in your face, no big deal. In New York, you can have a $207 million payroll and adjust on the fly, if necessary.

Not here, not Cleveland. Not even if your payroll stood at a somewhat competitive $80 million in April of 2009. You see, when team got off to its usual horrid start, Carmona imploded, the bullpen flamed out and Sizemore and company went down with injuries, the Indians were stuck.

Shapiro knew Dolan was not about to open up the check book to trade for established players who could fill the gaps. Dolan gave him $80 million to work with – that was his limit in this market, in these economic times. Period. It was up to Shapiro, Wedge and company to make it work.

Yes, it’s that margin for error again coming into play.

There was little margin for error in this town, at this time, with this team. And, more importantly, there was no relief, literally, coming from Columbus, Akron, etc…

Shapiro’s farm system and talent evaluation experts let him down. This didn’t happen over night. Years upon years of using high draft choices on fourth outfielders (i.e. Trevor Crowe) and mediocre, soft tossing lefties (i.e. take your pick) caught up to this organization.

So here we are. Dolan gave Shapiro the approval to blow it up – again. This latest move tells me he (Shapiro) will likely be back in 2010. Wedge will be sacrificed, even though the Dolans owe him his 2010 salary. Bringing Wedge back as well would just be rubbing salt in the wound. I can’t imagine they’ll go there.

The team will take a massive PR hit. You see, many current Cleveland baseball fans are spoiled. Remember, a whole generation of Tribe fans grew up during the 90s – when times were good. This group of fans did not realize how good they had it. Some of us did.

You see, many of us have been through this (rebuilding) numerous times before. Actually, these Indians are starting to look a lot like the lovable Tribe I grew up watching on the Lake Front with 3,000 other diehards back in the 70s and 80s.

Actually I long for those days. I have complained on numerous occasions, publicly and privately, that I can’t stand baseball’s current structure, where the rich get richer and the rest have to hope for a double bank shot to win a title.

I can understand and guess what Paul Dolan told Shapiro this past week as the trading deadline approached – “Mark, if we are going to win just 75 games next summer, it doesn’t hurt my portfolio nearly as much if we are doing it with a $40 million payroll instead of $80 million.”

The truth is there is no reason not to dump as many salaries as possible if you are starting over. That's the reality of the situation.

As for the generation of spoiled Indians fans who have just come to realize ML baseball is on tilt and consistent contention is rare and fleeting in most markets, I suggest you follow the advice of that famous philosopher, Bobby Knight – “Relax, sit back and enjoy it!”

In all seriousness, it's still ML baseball. It's just baseball with lowered expectations for a couple years. A slightly lowering of ticket prices to accompany a likely inferior product would ease the pain somewhat, but don't hold your breath that will happen.

The good news - if they get it right and the dumping of high priced talent is accompanied by Shapiro and company getting it right in terms of actually obtaining future quality major leaguers in return, then another run is forthcoming in this division.

Just remember one thing if that does occur - when that talent matures, it's leaving. The sooner you prepare for that, the better - that's ML baseball.

NFL Camp Opens
One reason I like watching NFL football is because it has the opposite system of ML baseball. Everyone competes on an even playing field. I firmly believe that is what has made it the most popular sport in the country by far.

Fans in most markets appreciate the fact that their teams can win if they do it right. The Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins are last year's examples of literally going from worst to first. And as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, some NFL team will do the same in 2009. That's one reason why we all look forward to September after watching the yearly Yankees/Red Sox soap opera in baseball.

A few thoughts on the upcoming 2009 campaign.

First, Michael Vick deserves a chance to play. He paid dearly for his misdeeds and will never recover his image - which wasn't stellar to begin with. I do believe you have a right to make a living. I doubt most teams will want to touch him in July, but that may change come October when quarterbacks start going down.

As for using him in the "wildcat" offense a few times a game - bull! He's a starting quarterback, not Josh Cribbs. Yes, I know he hasn't played in two years. But do you really think Tavaris Jackson is better than he is right now?

Vick is barely a lifetime 50% quarterback in terms of completing passes. That's not where he excelled. He excelled with his legs. The last time I checked, they didn't amputate either leg in the can. The guy can still run. As for his completion rate, a wise offensive coordinator will bring him along slowly until he regains some semblance of touch.

The question is - when will some team blink and take on the circus that awaits if you sign Vick? And no, I don't think it will be the Browns. Can you imagine the "dogpound" jokes if Vick plays in Cleveland?

I also expect Brett Favre to be in uniform by October. This guy simply craves the limelight too much. He not only played the game like a kid, but acts like one. You know the type - the kid that can't come inside after playing all day when mom calls hm in for dinner. He loves it too much and can't give it up. It isn't that complicated.

He doesn't care it's affecting his legacy somewhat. He's still going down as one of the best ever with all the records next to his name. If he's irritating some fans and media types by his childish behavior, so what? He's still a first ballot HOFer. That's not going to change. He's a kid, remember? Kids act stupidly at times.

Finally, let me reiterate what I want from the Mangini-led Browns in 2009 - be more physicial and more organized. That alone should get them to 7-9 in the medicocre NFL.

Those who "hope" for a six win season don't realize what league they play in. If you can run the football a little bit, stop the run some, play solid special teams and not turn it over much, you can win half your games in this league. The talent level is that even.

Unfortunately, in Cleveland, the generation that grew up in this current Browns Era
(1999-present) expects the roof to cave in by October.

Magini has a reputation of being a no-nonsense, well organized coach. Good. Let's see it play out and expect better than 6-10. It's about time the bar is set higher around here.

By the way, Brayon Edwards seems to be making great strides early during his contract year. He came into camp late and is hurt, although the injury is not ecpected to be serious. Nice.

I will be curious to see how Mangini handles this primadonna. My guess is BE will be on a short leash. How Mangini handles Edwards will be closely watched by the rest of the players who work for Mangini and company.

Short & Quick/July 20, '09

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Short & Quick

Runs Scored
Runs scored is the most overrated stat in sports. Once on base, you are at the mercy of others to score. If you score 100 runs in a season, that’s considered outstanding. However, the bulk of the credit should go to the guys that follow you in the lineup. They are the ones that got the RBI.

The only exception to this rule involves the great disruptors in the game - led by Ricky 'the greatest of all-time' Henderson. Those type of players - which are rare -create scoring opportunities on their own once on base.

Hits Allowed
For several years now, when watching an Indians’ game on local television, the graphics package shown includes innings pitched, strike outs, walks and ERA when a reliever takes the hill. It’s missing one crucial element however - hits allowed.

Why this stat does not appear baffles me. It’s an extremely important stat to know when evaluating what kind of season the hurler in question is having. You would think by now someone would have pointed this fact out to those producing the broadcasts.

One More Time On Lee & Martinez
The morons who think the Indians will deal either Cliff Lee or Victor Martinez before this year’s trading deadline won't stop. There is absolutely no logic to such a move unless you get in return a minimum of two major league ready top prospects in return.

Dealing either player would be signaling a large white flag being hoisted in downtown Cleveland during the summer time for the foreseeable future. That move won’t sell any tickets heading into 2010 and it would be a PR nightmare. Yet, there are those in the media who are still openly speculation these players may get moved when discussing where the Garkos, Woods, Pavanos, Carrolls, etc... will end up.

One more time - If you deal Lee, you trade your ONLY current stable starting pitcher while Martinez has been arguably the team’s BEST PLAYER the past several years. The only other near untouchable is Sizemore. Unfortunately, those three are the only true “core players” this franchise has - contrary to what Mark Shapiro and company thought. Yes, Lee may get moved before the trading deadline in 2010, but that's a question for another day.

Zero In Return For CC
Speaking of deadline deals, its one year since the CC trade and still no ML impact has been made by anyone coming this way (to Cleveland) in return. That’s not good folks. The next time Shapiro thinks about trading a 20 game winner, I suggest he gets some ML ready talent in return. Which begs the question once again - Where is Matt LaPorta? He has absolutely nothing more to prove at AAA.

Urban Legend
No player is ever ruined by bringing him up early and letting him get his feet wet at the ML level. Check that - David Clyde, an 18-year old phenom was called up by the Rangers back in the 70s and it likely screwed him up. Google his name and read if you don't believe me. That's it - ONE GUY!

If the guy is in over his head, you simply send him back down and the next time he comes up, he'll know where the shitter is in the clubhouse. That's a good thing. And there's always the chance he's ready for the big-time the first time around. That's why the Indians' strategy of playing it safe with their top prospects at the all-star break and not calling anyone up is so baffling.

That is unless they know deep down they don't have any top prospects. No, that can't be - can it?

I Don't Get It Grant
Why in the world would Grant Hill resign with the Suns? I’m told he has a home in Phoenix and didn’t want to change addresses. Fine. No one thinks he should uproot his family and move to the Midwest and take part in January snow removal. However, at this point in his career, you would think he would want to play for a contender and try to get a ring before his ankles finally give out. Perhaps he hasn’t heard about six month condo leases that include furniture and all appliances.

Organization & The Soft Label
NFL camp opens in less than a week and there are two things I want to see from the Browns during the pre-season.

First, I want to see this team organized. I don’t want to see linebackers calling timeout because the wrong defensive package is on the field, nor do I want to see the quarterback burn two timeouts per half because they couldn’t get the play in on time.

Secondly, I want to see a much more physical team. Ever since the Browns' second act began in 1999, the Browns have been a relatively soft football team. Their defensive numbers over the years in terms of rushing yards allowed and their inability to pick up first downs on third and short are leading indicators of this concern. Being soft is especially a concern in this division, where you play the Steelers and Ravens twice a year – teams that revel in punching you in the mouth.

I have no problem with Mangini bringing in his players from the Jets if they help dramatically in these two areas.

Longer But Better?
I have not seen either wing player the Cavs have recently acquired play. Therefore, I have no comment. Getting to 66 wins is a long shot at best. It doesn’t really matter though. I’ll take 55+ wins and a healthy “Diesel” come playoff time instead. One thing is certain – the Cavs are now longer on the wings. That’s a good thing. The question remains - are they simply longer or longer and better? We know the “Diesel will help. We’ll have to wait how much help the other newcomers provide.

Short & Quick

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:04:00 +0000

NBA Free Agency
The best talent currently on the market would also fill Cleveland’s biggest need. His name is Ron Artest. Yes, he’s high maintenance, but he would be #1 on my off-season shopping list if I had Dan Gilbert’s ear.

At age 29, Artest had fewer meltdowns in his last stop (Houston) and there should be enough of a presence in the Cavs’ locker room to keep him under control. His addition would make Cleveland the favorite to win it all in 2009-10 – for what that’s worth.

No one has mentioned his name, but I would also pursue Grant Hill, who is also on the market. Even with the bad wheels, he would still give you a high basketball IQ and 25 minutes a night of solid play off the bench.

Artest and Hill would bring the Cavs the length and talent they need in the perimeter. Neither one is a knock-down shooter, but both bring a multitude of skills to your team not easily found with younger, perhaps more athletic players.

If I can’t get Artest, then I target Trevor Ariza – late of the LA Lakers. I want Artest because he’s a warrior on the court, in his prime and simply one of the game’s 10 best current players.

No, I don’t rate Shawn Marion high. Check out his numbers since leaving Steve Nash and the Phoenix system.

Indians’ Fire Sale
If a quality big league arm comes in return, I would deal my boy, J. Peralta. It’s time. The only veterans off the market are Sizemore and Martinez. Everyone else is available.

As for Cliff Lee, it’s a question of what you get in return. Just like C.C., the better he pitches as he closes in on free agency, the less likely they can afford him. The question is - Do you trust Mark Shapiro to get it right? The last time he made a terrific deal prior to a player soon to skipping town (free agency) involved Bartolo Colon.

By the way, have you ever wondered why the Indians have had so many players who have a promising Major League debut, in terms of first year in the Show, then fade?

I can’t figure that one out.

100 MPH & Blisters
The numerous injuries to Adam Miller, once the organization’s #1 pitching prospect, seems to have set the farm system back several years. That should never happen. That’s why you now see the Indians scrambling attempting to acquire power arms from other organizations. Miller looks as though he was the only hard thrower with potential in the system that was close to Major League ready. Not good.

5.33
Are you like me and find it somewhat humorous the Tribe has so many starters with ERAs over 5. Notice, I’ve stayed away from the pen. That’s been done to death. Actually, that part of the staff is easier to fix than the starters. We'll explain at a later date.

I really think this organization will break camp next year with 80% of the starting staff not currently on the roster. That’s how bad it is.

It Ain’t Complicated
If I hear Eric Wedge one more time discussing in a post-game interview his frustration with the Indians’ starters inability to get to the late innings, I’m going to bust a vein. Not really. It's not complicated.

Those guys don’t get you to the late innings Eric because their stuff isn’t good enough! You already know this, but you just don’t want to publicly embarrass your boss (Mark Shapiro), the scouting staff, the player personnel people, etc… by admitting it. They are asking you to fight a war with BB guns.

I get it. Just don’t play dumb and confused when asked what the problem is. It insults our intelligence.

The guys (media) asking the question should also cease and desist – unless of course, they don’t know why Jeremy Sowers and company struggle so much.

Speaking of Sowers, I'm told by a friend that he's the only current ML pitcher to have been drafted in the first round twice. If that's true, that's scary.

Here’s what Wedge is actually thinking when asked his stating staff: “Most of these guys don’t have overpowering stuff – not even close. They simply have a small margin for error. Their primary stuff is mediocre at best and their secondary stuff stinks right now. So when big league hitters see then the second and third time around in a game, they wait them out, make them throw strikes, and more often than not, get the fat part of the bat on the ball. End result: 4.2 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 3Ks, 3BB. Next qestion.

New Skipper
By the way, I am guessing Mark Shapiro waits until the All-Star Break to can Wedge. That’s just a semi-educated guess. As usual, Wedge isn't totally to blame. The players and Shapiro did their share of the damage.

The question is will the Dolans let Shapiro blow it up and start over again or have someone else do it.

Jackson & The NBA Draft

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:24:00 +0000

King of Pop
First, we delve into hero worship gone overboard – again.

An alleged pedophile kicks the bucket and the world comes to a complete stop. It’s wall to wall coverage on every network. I can’t get away from it and it’s driving me nuts.

Am I the only one who thinks this is just another sign of our society collapsing in front of our eyes?

Yea, I know Michael Jackson was the King of Pop. He was also a 50 year old man whose hero was Peter Pan.

He was an adult who had an amusement park in his backyard so he could lure eight-year olds over for a ride on the merry-go-round and perhaps a sleep over complete with silk sheets and wine.

The dude allegedly paid millions to make lawsuits involving inappropriate behavior with children go away.

This leads to the obvious question of what moron parent would ever let their kid near this guy?’

But that’s for another day.

I haven’t even covered the fact that he turned himself into “half man-half freak." I mean, I can’t think of another human being on this planet that looks likes Michael Jackson. He was a walking wax figure of himself.

With all this and much more revolving around this circus act, we now have adults around the globe mourning his death as if he had Mother Theresa’s impact.

No, in this case, the good does not outweigh the bad! The freak didn’t hurt just himself with self-destructive behavior, he molested children (allegedly) for Christ’s sake!

If he were a semi-normal person, he would have done serious jail time and his photo would need to be plastered on every palm tree near Southern California middle schools.

Instead, we have the networks giving him more air time than if a president had passed on. I’m especially disappointed in Fox News – who usually has the right read on the day’s events in terms of appropriate coverage. I couldn’t even get away from the Jackson coverage when I tuned that network in last night. And I tried 3x.

I don’t know what’s worse – adults gathering outside a hospital holding candlelight vigils or the fact that they had their children with them.

Check that – dragging the kids along is worse. Imagine what those parents could possibly be saying to their kids right now?

“Johnny – a great man just passed away. He was a musical genius unlike no other. Forget the fact that he liked to play – ‘Touch Jacko’s salami and win a ride on the ferris wheel.' That’s not important son. Besides, nothing was ever proven."

Right. And O.J. was innocent.

Thankfully, some of this will soon pass and the media, and the morons who live vicariosuly through people they have never met, will be on to the next reality television train wreck.

However, when historians write about our culture’s demise hundreds of years from now – like they have done with every dominant culture (Greeks, Romans, etc…) – America's hero worship culture will certainly demand a lengthy chapter.

By the way, I can see the cable networks now – planning their next fifty shows around Jackson’s toxicology reports and possible criminal indictments against some poor doctor who wrote this freak’s meds prescriptions so he could function well enough to always carry an umbrella with him outside on sunny 90 degree California days.

It’s always somebody else’s fault. Right.

NBA Draft
Those who read my pre-draft analysis know that I had little to say about the comings and goings of draft day since I did not see enough of these guys play to form real opinions on what they will do at the next level.

My college basketball viewing in 2008-09 involved mostly watching a couple Duke –North Carolina battles and the Final Four.

However, there are some post-draft observations that I need to air.

First, what the hell were the ESPN experts thinking when Minnesota drafted THREE point-guards and not one individual on the live panel at the time criticized the move?

One member of the panel (Jeff Van Gundy) did questioned if they could play two point guards at the same time.

Hey genius – Why not go farther and question the wisdom of actually drafting two players in the top six that play the exact same position?

Even Mark Jackson, usually a calm and appropriate voice when it comes to NBA analysis, didn’t raise any alarms. More on Jackson later.

When you need everything, the last thing you want to do is take three quarterbacks. That’s essentially what the Timberwolves did – NBA style.

Yea, I know they are trading one of them. But unless you have two deals ready to go when you make the picks, it makes absolutely no sense to me.

The last time I checked, you can only play one point guard at a time – especially when one is 5-11 and the other is 19 years old with spaghetti arms.

Back to Mark Jackson. He actually said the Cavaliers did not improve themselves by adding 17 points and eight boards a night (The Big Aristotle).

Right Mark.

Do the Cavaliers still need a perimeter player who can defend tall, athletic bigs? Of course. His name is Shane Battier and we wanted Cleveland to acquire this underrated player two years ago.

Regardless, the Cavaliers ARE better than they were 48 hours ago. They added a post big that still draws double teams, who can still defend the goal and who is still a physical freak – even at age 38.

Is Shack as good as he was five years ago? Of course not. But if he’s healthy come playoff time, he makes them (Cleveland) a better team because, for 28-30 minutes a night, he will be able to match up against any and all comers, including the Howards, Garnetts, Gasols, etc…

He simply gives them a much better chance of not being dominated inside - something we pointed out days after witnessing the Lakers dismantle the Cavs’ big men in Cleveland back in December.

To put it simply – you STILL have to account for Shack when he’s on the floor. Secondly, he has something to prove – being the first to five rings. And third, he takes some of the workload off LeBron James.

On occasion, when the Cavs are in the half-court set next year, LJ and company will be able to throw it into the “Big Fella” and watch as he dunks on someone.

That’s the equivalent of not asking your quarterback to sit in the shotgun and make all the plays, allowing him to hand off on occasion so he rest on occasion and let someone else do the work.

Remember – the Cavs have NOT had a post player who can consistently score with his back to the basket in SEVERAL years. Not since Z turned into a face-up 15-17 footer shooter – albeit a good one.

This move makes teams have to prepare for a post game when they play the Cavs. That’s a good thing.

And imagine James, when he's at his best, going to the hole, and Shack cleaning up his miss because the defense rotated over to help on 23? That’s also a good thing.

Now on to acquiring Shane Battier – or a facsimile there of.

Sideline Reporter
I continue to marvel at the stupidity of networks using “babes” to interview athletes during games and special events.

Instead of asking Shack what his thoughts were on potentially facing Dwight Howard in the post-season next spring on Draft Night, or inquiring how the Cavaliers now match up with the Kobe-led defending champion Lakers – this woman asks Shack if he would come off the bench next year in Cleveland?

Great f%$#@g question!

The Cavaliers added a future first ballot Hall of Famer, with four rings, who put up better numbers than anyone on the team’s front court in 2008-09, just to be part of their bench rotation.

Right.

No. We didn’t want to hear how he would have played Dwight “the impostor” Howard – as Shack calls him – had Cleveland plucked him up before the trading deadline?

No. We don’t want Shack to comment on trying to one-up Kobe in terms of rings, now that he’s on a team coming off 66 wins.

I don’t know if this is about political correctness or these networks actually believe these women know sports. All I know is 90% of the questions usually asked by these dolls are useless.

Something tells me most of these NBA sideline gals – with the exception of Cheryl Miller – wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a man or zone. Ditto for those sideline bunnies if you asked them to explain what “dime coverage” looks like during college football Saturdays or NFL Sundays.

By the way, most male sideline reporters only have a 20% success rate in asking questions in my book – especially the ones who care more about their wardrobe than asking probing questions.

Bottom line – when they go down to the sideline reporter for comment or questions between quarters or at halftime, that’s my cue to take a leak.

Vince Carter & Richard Jefferson
Orlando did not get better if they added Vince Carter and they lose Hedo T. to free agency. Carter does not make his teammates better. Hedo does – at least he did against the Cavs.

I consider it a wash at best.

I’m also not a Richard Jefferson fan, but he does give San Antonio more athleticism on the wing. It makes them better, but this group is aging, and will need to keep their key parts completely healthy to challenge come playoff time.

It's interesting how some teams (i.e. Cleveland & San Antonia) are being built specifically for April through June and the match-ups they will likely face.

It's almost as if the regular will be simply an extension of training camp with the main goal being to stay healthy. Look for the O'Neal's and Duncans to get plenty of bench time during the 82 game exhibition campaign.

By Request

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:56:00 +0000

It looks like I am taking requests now.

Nationalized Health Care
First of all, we do not have 47 million Americans who can't get health care, as the advocates of a Canadian/British system would have you believe.

Approximately 10-15 million of our citizens make over $50,000 a year and choose not to buy health care for a variety of reasons, including stupidity. Some 12 million or so are immigrants who entered illegally in the first place and don’t qualify. Another 10-15 million are youngsters between 18-25, who live on their own, think they are indestructible and/or truly can’t afford it.

Add the fact that many who are currently without insurance can qualify for Medicaid benefits if they would bother to do the paperwork. In other words, we, the taxpayers pick up the tab when they get sick. For example, those currently on welfare receive Medicaid coverage and prescription drugs free of charge.

Having said that, I do believe there are problems with our current system, including the doctors’ main complaint that we need to curb the amount of lawsuits that are filed, which in turn drive up the cost of doing business.

And I do have compassion for those who truly don’t have health insurance, those between jobs, the elderly that get hammered with rising drug prescription costs, etc…

My solution?

Sorry. I’m not qualified to provide any answers other than to state the obvious – the government isn’t set up to provide a public option that works. If it did, that would be a first.

Have you checked out the Post Office's multi-billion $ a year deficit?

I do see some sort of health care bill eventually passing Congress this year. It will likely be a very watered down version. The President will claim victory. But the private sector will remain in charge overall of health care – as it should be.

The bottom line is those who have a decent job and a health care plan in place complain about the cost but generally are pleased with their overall coverage.

Meanwhile, those without work, between jobs, or have low-paying jobs are one serious car accident away from being ruined financially because they have no coverage.

Some sort of Catastrophic Health Insurance should be made available to Americans who need it. Yes, I would pay a little more in taxes to make sure families going through tough times aren’t ruined because mom needed four weeks in the hospital to recover from emergency surgery.

I just don't know how we do it. It's not my area of expertise.

North Korea & Iran
For some reason, we are currently tailing a North Korean ship carrying illegal arms to Burma but we aren’t likely to board it.

So why tail it if you don’t plan on checking out the cargo?

Plus, if we do board it, the nut jobs in North Korea might start firing missiles south – where we have 28,000 soldiers stationed in South Korea.

It’s like owning a gun. I was told several years ago – never point a weapon at someone unless you are willing to fire. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

One thing is for certain, the dictators around the world will continue to screw with the new, young President. That’s what you get when you don’t even use the term “war on terror” anymore, send terrorists to Bermuda for permanent R & R and think your persuasive skills can convince thugs to negotiate in good faith.

Think about it - if you went from state office to Senator to the most powereful man in the world in just over four years, you would think you could walk on water too.

That's a potentially dangerous mindset to possess unless Obama has some strong adults around to keep it real.

As for Iran – better late than never. Obama has finally publicly accused the Iranian regime of terrible behavior in repressing public criticism of its elections returns.

Initially, he didn’t want to “meddle.”

I’m not going to rip Obama on this one. This country, in the past, has given moral (verbal) support to folks who rose up against repressive regimes, only to stand by and watch those democracy seekers bleed in the streets after the crackdowns.

Sara Palin
I was also asked to comment on the Alaskan governor. No, she won’t be a serious candidate for president in 2012, even though her followers believe that to be the case.

Her detractors – mainly the media – have succeeded in marginalizing her to the point where I can’t see her ever getting 50+% of the vote. That doesn’t mean I don’t like her politics or her looks for that matter. She simply has too much of an uphill climb and is damaged goods.

Sorry Sara.

No, I don’t have a front-runner yet.

NBA Draft
I haven’t seen many of these guys play enough to comment on who will make it in the pros and who will flame out. That’s just a fact.

I do know this – the Cavaliers need an impact post presence – on both ends, and a young, tall wing player who can defend and run the floor. Neither of these needs will be filled with the 30th pick overall however.

It’s time for Danny to wheel and deal again.

When you get beat, you need to get better. It’s that simple – even if you were the best team in the league during the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs.

Look for Andy V. to be involved in a sign and trade. The Cavaliers need a very skilled player up front. AV is one of their few bargaining chips. This corner has been in his corner for several years. However, with this team, at this time, I would rather put $8 million a year or more toward a better all-around player than someone who has no offensive skills.

Besides, I was wrong. AV has proven he is better served coming off the bench. I can’t pay a role player, albeit it a unique one (AV), that kind of cash when I have other pressing needs.

One last look back at the Orlando series reinforces my belief that Mike Brown and his staff gagged badly. LJ should have been put on Hedo T. – which would have wiped that smirk from his face and slowed down Orlando’s offensive efficiency.

Secondly, Z should have played minimal minutes at best. That happened in game #6 – which was too little too late. He simply could not keep Howard from dunking on him at a ridiculous rate.

It was like watching a quality DI post player take on Thiel College’s best interior presence. Thiel is in PA, for those of you who did not work for me during your youth.

I would have played Ben Wallace more and gritted my teeth with him at the offensive end of the floor.

The fact remains that the 6-9 Hedo T. will make a lot of money this off-season thanks in large part to the Cavaliers putting a 6-3 guard (West) on him most of the series.

If I had a midget on me, at the age of 30, I would be smiling also, along with going anywhere on the court I pleased. Hedo was not nearly as effective against a taller and more athletic Laker perimeter presence.

As for Howard, he was exposed by the Lakers as being a freak physical specimen lacking real post skills – which is what we called him during the Cavs’ meltdown against the Magic.

Even Charles Barkley, who normally “gets it” when it comes to basketball talent, overreacted during the Cavs-Magic series. He claimed LeBron and Kobe better watch out because Howard has joined the club - or something to that affect. No – not yet Charles.

Pat Riley
The Pat Riley to Cleveland rumors are intriguing, even though I doubt this guy, who has lived in LA, New York and Miami would want to spend the next few winters in Cleveland – even if LBJ decided to stay.

One of my sports commandments has always been – you don’t fire a manager/coach unless you can clearly upgrade. Riley would be an upgrade. However, no owner has the stones to can a coach the same year he wins 66 games and is named NBA Coach of the Year. It simply has never been done. But it makes for interesting conversation.

Manny
I occasionally turn on SportsCenter. And it seems, the network has gone from covering Mark Sanchez’s every move in the Big Apple to Manny’s every BP swing as he prepares for his re-instatement after turning up a cheat.

Who gives a %$#@?

Indians
If you want to know why the Indians have been out of the post-season in seven of the last eight years, just look at their top draft picks since 1998. Only CC, a first-round 10 years ago, has made a splash. Many of them barely had a cup of coffer with the parent club.

In fact, if you analyze the “young” players Mark Shapiro and company have been touting since 2000, most of them are #4 starters –at best, and fourth outfielders. Those are just facts.

Yes, Wedge will be gone soon, but Shapiro needs to also be held accountable. He knows, in this market, he just hasn’t had a good enough batting average. And it’s not because the owner has been cheap. No, Dolan hasn’t given him a blank check, but Shapiro needed to do more with $80 million – the current team salary in 2009.

We are already on record as wanting Grover back. He knows the town, the farm system and is the only manager who had sustained success here since the 50s. Those are also facts.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Buddy Bell back in the dugout as well. If Grover doesn’t want to manage anymore, he can run the show from upstairs and Bell can call the shots in the dugout.

Yes, I want Indians running the Cleveland Indians this time around. I believe in the Bo Shembeckler philosophy – “A Michigan man will coach the Wolverines!”

By the way, I can’t see the Tribe dealing either Cliff Lee or Victor Martinez this season. That would send a message to fans they are light years from competing again. It’s simply bad logic. As bad as this team is playing, no one can guess who will win this division in 2010.

I though this team would win between 85-88 games based mostly on the fact they play so many games (19) against their mediocre divisional mates. I was obviously wrong. However, it won’t take much in this division to get competitive again if you hit for a high batting average in the off-season.

In case they are looking – which I’m sure they are- someone tell the Dolans I’ll work relatively cheap and only seek a one year deal.

Hopefully, it was worth the wait.

Cavs Post Mortem & More

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:04:00 +0000

Back to The Drawing Board
There are times when an opponent either outplays you and/or has your number. That was the case with Orlando beating the Cavaliers in six in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.

The Cavaliers’ coaching staff also needs to do some soul searching after this series, including why it took so long to figure out that poor Z and company simply couldn’t guard Dwight Howard one-on-one in the blocks or why LeBron wasn’t defending Hedo Turkoglu, the Magic's offensive facilitator in this series, from start to finish.

Regardless, there are times when you simply don’t match up well. We were wrong - the better team clearly won.

Now the good news - The Cavaliers won a team-record 66 games and the core is young and intact - James, Moe Williams & Delonte West. Everyone else is either old or expendable.

The team also has wiggle room to wheel and deal in terms of an expired contract (i.e. Wally Z.), a potential sign and trade commodity (i.e. Anderson Varejao) and two expiring deals in 2010 (i.e. $25 million between Z & Ben Wallace).

The needs are clear – a young, multi-dimensional post player and some size/athleticism on the perimeter to off-set the small backcourt.

Self-Pity
No whining please – there’s nothing worse than hearing Cleveland fans and media complain about not winning a title since 1964. Your team lost. It wasn’t even close. Self pity is not an attractive trait.

Pulling A LeBron
There's no excuse for LeBron James' hissy fit after the Magic eliminated the Cavaliers. He needed to shake hands and address the media afterwards.

Shaking hands shows sportsmanship - even 9-year olds are expected to do it after losing. As for the post-game press conference he skipped, that's part of the job description.

As we have said in the past, anyone can answer softball questions after winning, you find out a lot more about people after a tough loss.

And I don't buy the excuse James was devastated after expecting to reach the Finals and coming up short. Anyone who followed this series and knows baskeball saw this coming after the Cavaliers went down 3-1. James has a very high basketball IQ and he had plenty of time to prepare for a potential early exit.

In fact, this corner didn't even watch most of game #6. By that point, it was clear the Cavaliers were up against a hotter/better team (take your pick).

And no one has mentioned that James made matters worse the next day (Sunday) by not manning-up and admitting his mistakes (plural).

And no, I don't give him a pass this time because he's been a solid citizen and positive role model during his career to date. Sunday's performance sealed that deal for me.

The guy is the best player on the planet and has been for several years now, but he was wrong. Period.

Until he admits his errors, not shaking hands after a loss, from here on out, will be known to many as "pulling a LeBron." That's not good for the near-perfect public image LJ and the NBA have worked hard to cultivate.

As for the NBA, we'll see now if the league has the guts to slap a large fine on him for shunning the media - but I doubt it.

MASH Unit
This season is spinning out of control fast. First, the Tribe comes out of the gate slowly – again, and now players are going on the DL faster than Tribe hitters are fanning at 2-2 breaking balls down and away. Grady Sizemore is the latest to go down.

We’ll say it again - clear the deck and play the kids. No one is going to show up this summer to watch this product either way. You might as well let your best prospects get their feet wet and see who is ready and who needs more seasoning.

Power Shortage
My boy J. Peralta has hit exactly one more home run for the Tribe than I have this season. Why Eric Wedge has him hitting in the middle of the order right now is a mystery to me.

Discipline & Organization
Those two words keep popping up when you hear players talk about their first impression of the Mangini regime in Cleveland. That’s got to be a good thing.

Hopefully, it will translate into players being held accountable for both mental and physical miscues in games, and we won’t have quarterbacks taking multiple timeouts because they couldn’t get the plays off in time.

Lakers
Yes, we like the Lakers in six over the Magic. Too much size and length up front, enough perimter size/athleticism to keep Orlando from consistently knocking down 3s and the best player on the court - Kobe.

U.S. Economic Demise
I heard a wise man the other day say "It's not what your economy consumes but what your economiy produces that matters."

That says it all and also creates a scary scenario ahead as the U.S. goes deeper and deeper in debt with no end in sight.

I'm not a economic expert - far from it. But I know you can't just keep printing money without massive inflation facing you right around the corner. Even the communist Chinese, who own much of our debt, are begging us to stop the madness.

This wise man went on - describing the 19th century as the "European Century," the
20th century as the "U.S. Century," and the 21st century as "the Chinese Century."

At this point, who can argue with that?

The good news - an election is less than two years away. The tough part is finding good candidates, regardles of party affiliation, who have the guts and knowledge to put forth the right plans to start the process of getting us out of this mess.

Sunday's Game #3 Pre-game

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:05:00 +0000

Not Intimidated
First, let’s state the obvious – this has been a terrific series so far. Orlando is certainly not intimidated by playing the Cavaliers in Cleveland, already coming back from two huge deficits.

Why
The Magic’s ability to knock down 3s at an alarming rate, Cleveland’s starting backcourt's mediocre/poor play, and the lack of frontcourt athleticism for the Cavaliers makes my five game series prediction look foolish at this point. That’s okay. You get the same credit for winning in seven as you do for sweeping. Nothing has changed. It's still the first one to 4 wins!

Game Winner
LeBron James’ fade away 3-pointer at the buzzer becomes the biggest shot in franchise history ONLY if the Cavaliers win the NBA Championship this season. All it has done so far is perhaps saved Cleveland from being embarrassed in the conference Finals.

As for the shot, give credit to Mo Williams for a strong inbound pass. It helped the Magic chose not to pressure the inbound pass – which is always a mistake. As for all the other talk about the play – just credit James on a great individual effort.

As George “Ice Man” Gervin, my favorite all-time NBA player once said – “In the NBA, great offense beats great defense every time.” The post-game panel on TBS rightfully gave "Ice Man" the credit for that comment.

Sasha
I don’t have a problem with playing Sasha Pavlovic some in this series based on the fact the Cavaliers don’t have the youth and athleticism in their front line to cover the Magic’s athletic front line. However, he had no business being on Hedo Torkoglu on Orlando’s final possession in game #2.

First-Team Defensive All-NBA
LeBron James needs to be on Turkolu for the majority of the game. Period. That will likely keep him for getting 14 assists like he did in game #1 and from burying the near game winner in game #2.

Back to Pavlovic – we have said over and over again he has a low basketball IQ. That was on display again in the final seconds of game #2 when he took a ridiculous foul on Torkoglu. That’s what you get with him – he’ll do something outstanding then take two steps backwards by doing something dumb.

Had James not nailed that game-winner, we would be talking about Sasha’s bone-head play in the final seconds. However, Brown had to play him once James called for him to be inserted prior to game #2. James runs the show. That’s how the NBA works. The stars are in charge.

Regardless what the Cavaliers do defensively, if Orlando goes 8-of-12 from beyond the arc, like they did in the second half of game #1, you aren’t going to beat them. When jump shooting teams knocks down 3s, they can come back from nearly any deficit.

Glass Half Full
On the plus side, Mo Williams is too good a shooter to continue to shoot 33% from the field and Delonte West is too good an all-around player not to make an impact over the course of the remainder of the series. We shall see if they show up in Florida. If they don’t, the Cavaliers won’t be playing in June.

By the way, James’ play in game #1 of this series is the best single-game playoff performance I have seen this side of his “out of this world” play in game #5 versus the Pistons two years ago. The fact the Cavaliers lost game #1 doesn’t take away from that performance in my mind.

Coaching Staff
Mike Brown and his platoon of coaches will need to START earning their checks from here on out.

My problem with them (coaches) in game #1 involved not posting Z up once in the entire game. They did so only on occasion in game #2. The Cavaliers have to post Z on occasion – if only to give James a rest once in awhile offensively.

It’s like having your quarterback hand it off after asking him to pass it 10 straight times. Plus, there is always the chance Z will be effective and/or draw some fouls inside. You won't know unless you try it.

LeBron James posting up has also been MIA. Why not put him in the blocks and see how Orlando deals with it?

Also, as stated early, the coaching staff inexplicably forgot James was their ONLY First-Team All NBA Defense performer when it came to drawing up who would check Turkolu in this series. This one isn’t complicated to figure out.

Torkoglu has had a comfortable smug on his face the entire series so far. That means he’s way too comfortable out there. James should be able to change that expression.

Finally, you have plenty of fouls to give with your bigs. Make Howard, who is a poor free throw shooter, convert at the line instead of allowing him dunks. That did not occur in game #1. He finished with 30 - mostly on dunks. It did in game #2. Better late than never I guess.

It would be nice if the Cavaliers were in possession of Ben Wallace circa 2003. Unfortunately, they aren't. That Ben Wallace would have been able to make life somewhat difficult for Howard inside.

Nuggets – Lakers
I am also enjoying this series as well. The Lakers are fortunate the Nuggets have a tendency to fall into bad habits and make dumb plays – including not being able to inbound the basketball in the clutch.

It looks like Cleveland and LA will have to earn it if the league office is to get its "Dream Finals." That's the way it should be.

Indians
It’s over. Last week I mentioned the season was quickly slipping away. That was wishful thinking. This group has all the looks of a 90+ loss team.

It’s time to call up the top prospects in the system and let them get their feet wet.

At some point, we will discuss which veterans are keepers and which should go. One thing is for certain – the farm system lacks quality arms – again. The garbage they’ve brought up so far makes me long for the days of Scott Bailes.

When your pitching stinks – you have NO chance. It’s like having Trent Dilfer at quarterback with the NFL’s 28th ranked defense backing him up.

Now the question turns to which veterans will be traded and when?

If Cliff Lee continues to pitch well, he is the likely candidate to bring back mucho talent. Unfortunately, based on Mark Shapiro recent track record, I wouldn’t expect another Bartolo Colon deal in the making.

As for the infield, how hard is it - DeRosa at 2B, Cabrera at SS and Peralta at 3B. What's with all the shuffling around?

Sunday's Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Sun, 17 May 2009 18:41:00 +0000

It’s been awhile…I know.

Some thoughts follow.

Basketball
I like the Lakers today to hammer the Rockets in game #7. That’s why you play the regular season - to win home court in the post-season.

Remember, NBA role players play much better at home. That's why the home court is so important in this sport.

Regardless, congratulations to the Rockets' players and coaching staff. They play smart and play hard. Rick Adelman got the most out of that club – especially once Yao Ming went down.

By the way, if Phil Jackson is such a genius, how come his team has to go seven to beat an undermanned Rocket team when he (Phil) has Kobe Bryant on his roster?

The guy (Phil) is simply too smug for me.

Boston should also win game 7 as well. Why? The Celtics are at home and simply have a higher basketball IQ than Orlando, even thouhg the Magic have more talent without Garnett dressed in Celtic green.

It would be nice to see Orlando take away the right elbow when Paul Pierce has the ball today. Pierce has been able to go to his sweet spot, time and time again, in this series. Maybe forcing him left occasionally or doubling him when he’s on would help.

Look for Ray Allen to show up as well in game 7. He's far from the player he was several years ago but he can still occassionally shoot lights out. I don't see him going 4-for-14 tonight.

As for Dwight Howard, he may be the “least skilled” star I have ever seen. He’s all size, power and quickness, possessing no post moves whatsoever. He’s just more athletic and stronger than the guys who cover him.

Whoever advances will likely take one from Cleveland - two max. Cleveland is just much better. Period.

Yes, I still like the Cavaliers to take the Lakers in seven games. Nothing I've seen since November tells me otherwise.

Football
Eric Mangini hasn’t coached one game as the Browns’ new boss, but we at least know he looked at film and surmised the obvious – Cleveland had arguably the worst wide receiver group in the NFL in 2008.

Mangini drafted two receivers in round two of the ’09 draft and he’s also signed several veteran wide outs trying to add depth to an extremely weak position.

Recently, a local scribe wrote a piece that has gotten a lot of local attention with the theme that Brady Quinn has been “the most mismanaged player” since the franchise’s return in 1999.

You think?

Speaking of the media, don’t expect Mangini and company to get much of a honeymoon period. Mangini is from Mr. Bill’s school of “the less information divulged the better and expect minimal access to players and coaches.”

That will result in a very short honeymoon period if Mangini doesn’t win early. They’ll be all over him ASAP.

The Minnesota Vikings aren’t sold on the quarterbacks on their roster based on their latest pursuit of Brett Favre. No kidding.

I still don’t understand why they wouldn’t want DA taking snaps for them this coming season.

They have a decent offensive line, one of the best running backs in football (Adrian Peterson) to take pressure of the quarterback, and a solid defense. It seems like a good fit for Anderson, who is available, would come relatively cheap at this point (a #2 and #3 pick) and has had more success under center than anyone on that roster.

Baseball
The Indians have finally started playing Astrubal Cabrera at SS. Again, better late than never. We called for the switch two years ago – although this corner wanted Peralta playing second.

Regardless, the defense is now stronger up the middle – as it should be. That should help a pitching staff that needs all the help it can get.

Speaking of pitching – is it me or do the Indians have more soft tossing lefties than any organization is baseball?

As for their current black hole, otherwise known as their middle relief, I would try every quality arm I had in the farm system until I found two or three guys who can help.

Instead, they recently called up a 39 year old and continue to sign veteran cast offs from other organizations. Why?

Go to the kids and see who sinks and who can swim. If a youngster fails, send him back down. The experience will do him some good and make him less anxious the next time around.

I simply don’t believe you ruin a pitcher by bringing up too early if you are only asking him to give you 20-30 pitches per outing. It’s not like they are looking for their best young prospects to give them 200+ innings at the ML level.

Soft tossers especially, who depend on changing speeds and pitch location, could be more effective in middle relief if they are able to adapt.

Most of these guys get hit the second and third time around as starters. The reason – their stuff isn’t good enough to get them much past the fifth or six innings most nights.

So why not see if a couple of these guys aren’t better suited to go through the line-up just once two or three times a week?

A third option is to trade one or two of your better position player prospects for ML established set up men.

The point is- if you are the Tribe, you have to try everything at this point or the season will quickly be lost.

Calling up 39 year olds and signing cast offs doesn’t cut it with me.

Pos NFL Draft Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Why in the world would the Eagles or Giants, both in desperate need of a #1 receiver, decide to reach for rookies to fill their needs via the draft, instead of making a deal for proven NFL receivers on the market? That’s mind boggling.

The talking head who made the most sense on ESPN over the weekend was easily Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young when he continued to press the point that if you don’t have a top-flight quarterback, you have a hard time CONSISTENTLY winning football games. He especially ridiculed the Broncos for trading a proven commodity, leaving a huge hole at the most important position on the football field in Denver. At least, they got some value in return (two first rounders).

Who was the best tight end available in the draft? Easy. Tony Gonzalez.

I hope the Lions nailed it taking Stafford, but I have one concern with him going in – he might have had the best collegiate skilled players in the country around him. His running back at Georgia was the first back taken in the draft, one of his receivers was taken in round 2 by the Browns, and the so-called experts claimed he had a stud freshman catch balls as well for him in 2008. The dude had help.

I heard a funny line that supposedly came from either the Raiders’ front office or coaching staff in terms of why they took a safety from Ohio University relatively early on in the draft when most other NFL teams didn’t even have him listed on their draft board. Oakland’s people claimed “he really came on strong the past couple weeks.” This begs the question – What games did the young man play in this April? Clearly, the Raiders and many other NFL teams, value what they see after the football season more than what the players did when they actually wore pads in the fall. That makes absolutely no sense to me and never will, no matter how they spin it.

I love the New York media. Many on the coast are already predicting Mark Sanchez as the “2009 AFC Rookie of the Year,” comparing his swagger to Joe Namath and giving him my favorite tag of all – “franchise quarterback.” I guess we can soon expect ESPN to be doing daily updates from Jets’ camp on how Sanchez is adapting to his new team.

Now, let's look at the Browns' draft.

If you read my previous entry, you were aware I preferred quality over quantity in terms of draft philosophy and that I wanted Cleveland to come away with a minimum of two of the following five players (in order of importance), in the 2009 draft – Crabtree (TT), Maualuga (USC), Jenkins (OSU) Moreno (GU) and Wells (OSU).

And yes, the way the draft evolved, they could have easily had a combination of the two considering Maualaga’s free fall into the second round, as well as other factors.

Am I upset? No. Disappointed? Yes.

Remember, the first commandment when following sports is NEVER COMMENT ON A PLAYER YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN. Therefore, I will wait and see how the Jets’ players acquired on Saturday play for Cleveland this fall, along with how Mangini’s draft choices perform in 2009. That only makes sense, right?

Nonethess, I do have some general observations to make.

I thought Robiskie was a reach where they took him. He may be the most polished receiver coming out due to the good blood lines, but having seen him play extensively at OSU, he look like a good #3 NFL receiver who has a chance to be a decent #2. To me, that’s third round territory at best. There is one caveat in his favor however - in his senior season, he had a freshman quarterback throwing him passes who couldn’t hit the ocean with a flat pass even if he was standing in it. Hopefully, he'll be a solid #2 - a guy who consistently moves the chains for you.

As for their other picks, including their first round (center Alex Mack), I can’t comment until I see them play some. Sorry.

One thing is for sure, the Browns did well in the draft in terms of cumulative ACT/SAT scores. Several of their picks were Academic All-Conference and/or Academic All-American performers. I am not making light of this fact. I would much rather have smart guys that can play over C students and/or morons that can play. Intelligent football players pick the system up much quicker (can you spell Cedric Benson), don’t make the same mistakes over and over again and are less likely to cause the head coach to have to answer that 3.a.m. phone call informing him one of his players just got picked up for DWI, was hauled off to jail after trashing a nightclub or was arrested for trying to buy some coke from an undercover cop.

So what do we know about Mangini and company at this point.

First, they wanted quantity in terms of players in an attempt to plug the numerous holes likely to be found on the 4-12 team, Second, they didn’t give “Butterfingers” away – which is good. Remember, if he plays well in ’09 for Cleveland, he can’t walk away unless the Browns get a #1 and a #3 in return. So what’s the rush to deal him? Third, they like smart football players – nothing wrong with that. That formula works fine in New England. Next, he (Mangini) does have a sense of humor and/or pulse – when he indicated former ball boys (himself and Robiskie) become success stories. And finally, this organization is not going to win any style points in terms of how they go about their business (i.e. very vanilla like approach). That’s all well and good, as long as that vanilla approach results in many more wins than losses during his tenure in Cleveland instead of mediocrity – which is what is already on Mangini’s three-year New York Jets’ coaching resume.

Pre-NFL Draft Entry

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jampo) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:01:00 +0000

What I Would Do On Draft Day If I Ran The Browns
I have been asked by a couple friends – yes, I have a couple friends – what I would do if I were the Browns on draft day.

And since I pride myself of first guessing instead of second guessing, I’ll take a whack at it.

Note that I did not spend every Saturday afternoon watching college football this past Fall. However, I did see enough to make a few observations on a handful of this weekend’s potential picks.

Plan A involves taking WR Michael Crabtree with the fifth overall pick.

Keep it simple stupid (KISS) – the Browns need playmakers and they are weak at wide receiver. If he’s not a meathead, I take him (MC) and have my #1 receiver for the next eight years.

Of course, I have no knowledge of his off-the-field manners. My picks are based on talent alone at this point.

Secondly, I would only deal “Butterfingers” for my price.

If it’s a late #1 (i.e. Giants), I would want a WR also coming back (i.e. Smith or Hickson) and a second day pick. If it’s a mid-#1, I’ll be happy with that and a second day pick.

In our last entry, we noted we would keep Edwards unless we were overwhelmed. I still feel that way as you can tell by what I want in return.

If someone meets my price, I would then use that pick (i.e. Giants’ #1) and one of my second rounders and trade back up into the middle of the first round and take one of the three following players in this order of importance – L Rey Maualuga, DB Malcolm Jenkins, or RB Knowshon Moreno.

If I get a mid-first rounder for Edwards, I have my extra #1 pick in place to take one of the players off my short list, and I keep my two second rounders. Yes, I know that price is likely to high for other NFL teams.

I happen to think, as stated in last week’s entry, that Crabtree, Maualuga and Jenkins will all have long and successful NFL careers.

Simply put - I want two of these players on the Browns’ roster by draft’s end.

Also, I believe that Moreno is the best all-around back in this draft – based on the limited college football I have seen this past season.

My thinking is simple – if I’m spending mid-first round money on a guy who carries the ball, I want a player who will be on the field all three downs, including on 3rd and 7.

That doesn’t mean I have totally soured on Chris Wells. But his past injuries, coupled with the fact that he has little experience coming out of the backfield at OSU, tells me Moreno is a slightly better investment.

Finally, I would use my leftover second rounder(s) to take the best player(s) available on the board – short of a QB. That happens to be their deepest position, with one guy who made the Pro Bowl, DA, (albeit under unusual circumstances), and another who they already invested heavily in (a #1 & #2 for Brady Quinn).

And no, I don’t believe the ridiculous rumors the Browns are going to take Mark Sanchez at #5 and deal Quinn.

Why the hell would they take a QB with that high a pick when they have HUGE holes to fill elsewhere?

I’ll assume Mangini isn’t a total moron and he’s just posturing in case others want that pick to take Sanchez and are willing to pay a huge price for it.

Finally, If I were the Browns, I would be aggressive in trading back up on day #2 and acquiring guys they really like who begin to slide. I am a big proponent of quality picks over quantity of picks.

In other words, target certain guys you love and go get them. If I also have to deal 2010 picks to do so - fine.

If I can’t get what I want for Edwards, I would go to Plan B, which involves keeping “Butterfingers” in 2009 and hope he has a huge year next to Crabtree.

That would be a win-win for all concerned – Quinn, Edwards and the Browns. I would deal with his (BE) potential free agency situation at the appropriate time.

In Plan B, I keep BE, still take Crabtree at 5 and use my second round picks to try to get back into the first round and chase down one of those players (LB, DB, RB)mentioned earlier.

If I can’t make that happen, then I turn to Plan C and OSU’s Wells, hoping he slips late in the first round and try to move up a few slots from the fifth pick in round 2to acquire him.

In that scenario, I get depth at RB to go along with my playmaker at WR.

In other words, having Edwards, who teams want, and two second rounders, gives Cleveland enough versatility and wiggle room to get back into the first round if they see fit after taking Crabtree.

That would be my goal – to come away with two impact players (Crabtree and either Maualuga or Jenkins). Moreno is my fourth choice on that short list.

Notice, I, unlike others, want them to take offense early. I have already stated in past entries why I believe that makes sense for this team, even though most folks want them to draft defense early and often.

But again, I’m not “most folks.”

Here’s another reason why they should go my route – impact skilled position players (i.e. guys who touch the ball) can make a huge impact on your NFL team in year 1 if you nail the pick (i.e. Adrian Peterson in MN).

Rarely do defensive players have the same level of early impact.

Mark Sanchez Love Fest
Speaking of Sanchez, it seems to me the less Pro teams have of you on tape, the more likely you will move up in the draft prior to draft day instead of slipping.

This year’s hot item is USC QB Mark Sanchez, who has just 16 college starts to go along with some good looking workouts when he’s wearing a t-shirt and shorts while throwing to his buddies in the Southern California sun.

I have no idea if Sanchez will be a good pro or not. He looked really good in the Bowl game he played in, so his stock went way up.

Can anyone say “JaMarcus Russell,” who will have a hard time keeping his starting job in Oakland now that Jeff Garcia is in town.

We questioned that pick then, and so far, he (JR) looks more like Tim Couch than Peyton Manning. For his sake, I hope he figures it out.

I know this much – prior to January, no-one, I repeat no one, had Sanchez rated as a top-10 pick. Now, he’s the hottest thing since the pet rock.

Again, I like Sanchez of the little I've seen. But that's the point - I've seen little of him. Plus, he's playing at USC, where you have tons of NFL talent around you. That tends to make you look better than you are at times - especially when you break down pro careers of recent USC picks on the offensive side of the ball.

Just giving you something to think about.

My guess is if the scouts and draft gurus had three year’s worth of film on him (Sanchez), they would find flaws and he wouldn’t be such a hot commodity right now.

I also believe if he (Sanchez) went 18-of-35 with two TD passes and one pick in his recent Bowl appearance, he would be considered a mid to late first rounder at best.

Perhaps that’s one reason why over half of these guys fail – including first day picks.

Wear A Mask Next Time
This leads me to another mindbender. The Falcons just robbed K.C. and they didn’t even have to use a weapon in carrying out their dastardly deed.

How do you trade a future first ballot Hall of Famer (TE Tony Gonzalez), who is coming off a 90+ catch season, for a mere second round pick – and next year’s #2 at that?

Now, perhaps Gonzalez demanded a trade. So what. If I don’t get close to equal value (i.e. a mid first rounder and a second day pick, or two second rounders), I keep him. Period.

Yes, I’ll Watch Some Of It
I will actually will watch some of the draft tomorrow to see what happens. Thank goodness they cut the time back to 10 minutes in-between picks.

Now if they could cut it back to five minutes in-between first round selections, I might stick around longer.

Don't Even Try to Figure These Guys (Morons) Out
I would NEVER invest millions in a guy who flunked a pre-draft drug test HE KNEW WAS COMING.

Yea, that’s you Percy Harvin!

I know what you are thinking – what about Randy Moss?. Right. For every Randy Moss, there are 10 morons who don’t’ make it.

Regardless, I’m sure there will be some NFL team that takes him in round 1 and the GM will explain it away to the media as “a kid who did a dumb thing.”

Which begs the question – If he’s dumb enough to do such a dumb thing prior to having millions, what kind of mischief do you think he’ll get into once you pay him?

Till next time!