Updates on Cleveland’s Recently Acquired Minor League Pitchers
June 15, 2010Tom Izzo Turns Down Cavaliers, Will Remain at Michigan State
June 16, 2010While We’re Waiting serves up an daily breakfast buffet of WFNY-esque goodies for your reading pleasure. Have something else you think we should see and write about tomorrow? Send it to all of us at our fancy tips email address at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.
The ultimate beat writer talks about the Izzo failure: “When the Cavaliers fired Mike Brown three weeks ago, team owner Dan Gilbert knew he was taking a risk with LeBron James’ free agency clouding the franchise’s future. It is an unprecedented situation and it required unprecedented measures, which Gilbert took by aggressively going after Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. He offered a massive amount of money and the sort of support Gilbert’s become known for in his five years running the team.” [Brian Windhorst/Plain Dealer]
And from the college basketball world, what the no-change means for Michigan State: “When the puff of smoke came out of the chimneys in East Lansing and Tom Izzo ended his tap dance with NBA riches, telling the Cleveland Cavaliers that LeBron James or no LeBron James, he was staying with Michigan State, it was another reason for college athletics to sigh a breath of relief.” [Dana O’Neil/ESPN.com]
What happens now for the Cavaliers franchise after Tom Izzo walks away? “Somewhere Danny Ferry might just be saying I told him not to do that. But whether he is or not, Dan Gilbert did do just that by going “all in” on Tom Izzo and it appears he came up snake-eyes.” [Brendan Bowers/Stepien Rules]
Detailing the move and what happens now for both Michigan State and the Cavs: “Tom Izzo had one more comeback in him. The Michigan State coach will remain the Spartans head coach, the school confirmed Tuesday night, ending a drawn out flirtation with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers with Izzo’s emphatic promise he would be at Michigan State ‘for life.'” [Ray Holloman/NBA Fanhouse]
Breaking down the need for a conference championship and how we might get there soon: “The goal: Create a conference championship that keeps the conference in the national spotlight, is a television juggernaut, and prepares the winner (and to some degree the loser) for a successful bowl showing. Oh, and make tons of money.” [Jason/Eleven Warriors]
Highlighting the winners and losers from all of the realignment in college football: “This summer’s blockbuster expansion/realignment rumors appear to have petered out with four moves: Nebraska to the Big Ten, Boise State to the Mountain West, and Colorado and Utah to the Pac-10.” [Brian Cook/The Sporting Blog]
Going back to the Indians now, here is a look about the amazingness of Carlos Santana: “Just what has Big Smooth done since his call up the bigs? He has shown just why he is one of the most touted prospects in baseball. He’s not batting .500 or hitting 2 home runs a game, but what he is doing is something this team needs.” [Zach/Lake Erie Soldiers]
Now about another old prospect who might be jumping back in the mix for the Indians: “A new infielder has jumped into the Indians big league infield mix, and his name is Josh Rodriguez. Prospect fans know that at one time Rodriguez’s stock was much higher in the Indians organization and the general thinking was that one day he would at least become a utility option for the big league team.” [Tony Lastoria/Indians Prospect Insider]
And finally, just for fun, here is a preview of the 2010 Akron football team: “Why They Might Look Familiar: They have a pants-less kangaroo for a mascot. Kangaroos, while fearsome pugilists, would probably be very good at football. And Akron is not, for the most part, although the school did produce famous television ballroom dancer Jason Taylor, whom we hear can play a little bit.” [Holly Anderson/Dr. Saturday]
(Photo of Izzo from yesterday’s press conference is via Associated Press)
61 Comments
Yes, Denny. Haywood and LBJ scuffle a few years ago may play a part in free agency
MattyFos, I didn’t claim anything regarding culture. I’m simply telling you what has been reported in the post in respect to Haywoods preferences.
Ok, I see what you mean. I think if Haywood passes on playing Center for the Cavs with even athe slightest of possibility to play with LBJ and win a Championship is a major mistake..
Granted my opinion is Cleveland biased.
@MattyFos
Well, when you talk about defensive schemes and instilling a style of team ball the coach has to have a part in that. For instance, this past year Charlotte skyrocketed to the higher echelons of a lot of defensive efficiency categories. There was some player movement, sure, but I can’t help but think Brown played a part in that.
“I think if Haywood passes on playing Center for the Cavs with even the slightest of possibility to play with LBJ and win a Championship is a major mistake..”
I agree. I thought the same was true of Ariza but you see it a lot where younger players will chase playing time or a bigger role on the team (Channing Frye) or in the case of Charlie V more money and then chase rings when they’re older.
@EZ- good points about Frye/Baldy V, and Ariza. But even after Browns left Detroit Tayshaun Prince is still one of the best defenders. Rip Hamilton is still a solid player in all aspects of the game. Ben Wallace, though aged, plays solid D, Sheed is still D’ing it up. A coach does play a factor, a big one. And maybe he put a defensive mentality into these players to play D all the time, with or without him.
But, I think if Chauncey wouldn’t have been traded away the Pistons would have been in the playoffs since then. With their aged team, they probably wouldn’t have made another ECF, but they would be playoff caliber.
Matty – if Rudy Gay signs for $12mil/year, that will be a steal. I highly doubt we get him that cheap.
That said, if LeBron leaves, I don’t want Haywood and I doubt Haywood wants us. He is worth the risk because he might be able to guard Dwight 1on1 in the playoffs and be our Perkins. But, if no LeBron, then we aren’t winning a championship next year anyway and I don’t want to take his risk on.
I would rather start over and build the team up. Trade away Jamison and Mo and see what type of team we can build. I know you consider Haywood part of that rebuilding because of his age, but his attitude is not one I would want as a part of my new culture.
@mgbode- I didn’t consider Haywood part of the rebuilding process. I would like to attempt to reload. We will never be able to replace LBJs performance/impact but untiol we get out from some of these contracts that people don’t like (Mo, Antawn, ANDY!!!) I would prefer the Cavs to be competitive rather than playing for draft picks. I think some of those players could be big impacts for us. Gay and Haywood would be a good combination with Jamison, Mo and Parker.
Haywood and Childress would be fantastic (at the prices I layout) Because we would also have room to get another young player. I prefer proven talent over draft picks. I have this belief for football as well. If we could get a solid younger Center combined with seasoned 22-26 year olds we can build a competive team for some years. Obviously we would need to upgrade on the point (defensively) but with a nonbrain dead coach. Maybe the new coach will play somebody besides Mo on Rajon Rondo and Jameer Nelson. Childress, JMoon, Ronnie Brewer. They are solid perimeter defenders. Rudy Gay has the length to be a GREAT defender, it’s all about effort.
I would rather rebuild than reload if we lose LeBron.
I don’t want to get stuck in the mid-to-late 90’s Cavs mode of being just good enough to “compete” for the 5th seed every year with no hope of winning a title.
I do like Rudy Gay’s game. He can be a monster. And, if we could sign him for $12mil/year, then I take back what I said because it would at least be a highly entertaining time (even if we aren’t winning a championship) and we can crash and burn to rebuild in a few years (though I’m not sure that Gilbert is patient enough).
The contract will escalate.. 12, 13, 14.5, 15.6… you know how the contracts are. Chances are Gay will make more than the 12 for the first year.
But he will be signed for 13-15mil because a team will overpay.
It’ll be a team that misses out on LBJ/Wade/Bosh/Johnson. Maybe LAC.
clippers sound about right.
Late thanks to Craig in #42 for explaining your time tables for posting articles. Until now, I literally would drop by the site everytime I sat down at my computer, or every 5 minutes if I am sitting down for a while, hoping for a new article. Now I know I can expect one every hour. And knowing is half the battle…