While We’re Waiting aims to be the round-up of the recent WFNY-esque information for your morning viewing. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email in the sidebar.
Ron Shapiro, Mark’s father, is releasing a book on his tricks of the trade. The book document’s Shapiro’s relationship with Browns coach Eric Mangini. “Mangini said Shapiro has taken preparation – for a football game, a negotiation, a job interview – and turned it into a science. Shapiro’s latest book contains a preparation “checklist” to help people precisely define their goals and strategies. “He has a way to prepare to prepare. He’s put a process in place to make sure you’re systematic,” Mangini said.
Mangini said he has long been a believer. Shapiro helped his transition after the regular season from coaching the New York Jets to taking over with Cleveland. Shapiro’s book recounts how Mangini, while in New York, had his players practice in a driving rain and surrounded by speakers blaring loud music. He wanted them to be prepared for a game on a sloppy field in front of hostile fans.” [Baltimore Sun via Eric Musselman]
–
What do you mean this is better than Wally Szczerbiak? “The Portland Trail Blazers have made a strong play for Amare Stoudemire, discussing a package that includes LaMarcus Aldridge, Jerryd Bayless, and Raef LaFrentz’s $12.7 million expiring contract, a person with direct knowledge of the talks told CBSSports.com Tuesday.” [CBS Sports via DimeMag]
–
Should Roberto Alomar be granted early admission to the Hall of Fame? “What I do believe in the lawsuit, sadly, is the fact that Alomar’s health appears to be rapidly fading. [...] If Alomar, does indeed, have “full blown AIDS” and was diagnosed in 2006 he doesn’t have much time left. Major League Baseball should see to it that he gets the proper credit for a career filled with such greatness. I think Bud Selig has a chance to get back in the good graces of American society after ignoring the steroid problem for a generation and could do the the populace a service by bringing such a tragic disease into the forefront of the public’s eye. Hopefully Robbie Alomar is up to the task to deliver in his final at bat if baseball does indeed call him out for a well deserved curtain call.” [Eugmc/Cleveland Leader]
–
Can someone please explain why the Raiders were in such a hurry? ”The [Oakland] Raiders claimed quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, 26 off waivers one day after he was released by the Cleavland Browns. They were awarded Gradkowski ahead of the San Francisco 49ers based upon having a worse overall record last season.” Some “award.” [Raiderbeat]
–
And with the talks yesterday, I thought it would be fun to go back in time. “This series was decided at the end of Game 2, when LeBron James attacked the rim, drew contact from Richard Hamilton but wasn’t awarded a foul. The Cavs were furious with the no-call, fled the court in anger and prepared to meet the media after going down 2-0. The coaches and players were irate, ready to rip the officials for failing to call a foul on the play and costing Cleveland the game.
Instead, general manager Danny Ferry and his assistant Lance Blanks took control of the situation, demanding from everyone that no excuses would be made. Hence, the quote from both Mike Brown and LeBron James: “We’re a no-excuses team.”
The Cavaliers gained strength from that moment. The message delivered to the press was as much meant for Cleveland’s players as anyone. Refusing to blame the officials meant showing no signs of weakness. It meant building strength rather than allowing an internal excuse. By Game 3, the Cavs were unified, strong and ready to take on Detroit. That’s when everything turned.” [Steve Kerr via Yahoo! Sports via TrueHoop]
