While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.
Looking at what Friday’s victory might mean: “Yet here’s the rub with these preseason games: Teams that look pretty in preseason do no necessarily translate that into wins in the regular season. The most famous account occurred here in Detroit. The Lions were 4-0 in the 2008 preseason before finishing 0-16 in the games that actually count. The Browns expect no less than six rookies to see significant action on both sides of the ball. In essence, this game was a different — and much-needed — style of practice for players like Travis Benjamin, Josh Gordon, John Hughes, Mitchell Schwartz, Brandon Weeden and Billy Winn.” [Don Delco/Orange & Brown Report]
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Going back-and-forth on the potential long-term problems for the team’s new star: “For Trent Richardson, he has no history with the Browns. He has no history in the NFL, nor does he have a history of injuries or even being banged up (it’s hard to bang up a guy who appears to be made of steel). My problem with that is the old expression of ‘If it seems too good to be true, it is.’ I say this a lot in this column space, but I’m saying it again. I desperately want to be wrong on this one. I want Richardson to come back at full strength by Week One.” [Kevin Nye/Dawg Pound Daily]
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Not good to see this, but hopefully be back and fully charged by Monday: “The Indians hoped to have Jason Kipnis back in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Red Sox, but persistent neck pain will keep the second baseman sidelined the rest of this weekend.
Tribe manager Manny Acta noted that Kipnis — out of the lineup for the last three games — was scheduled to see a doctor on Saturday. The second baseman did not take part in any pregame fielding or hitting activities.” [Jordan Bastian/MLB.com]
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A season-ticket holder calls on the Tribe owner to sell: “Larry Dolan tried to spend, but couldn’t keep up with the New York’s, Los Angeles’, and Boston’s of the game. He had tried to put a winning team on the field by locking up young, core players – the same strategy used by John Hart in the 90′s. Hart’s core turned into Hall of Famers, Shapiro’s turned into disappointments.
Dolan’s biggest mistake is he has largely been absent from the public eye. He doesn’t do many interviews. He doesn’t make public appearances to fans. As a result, an image has been created – that of a cheap owner who does not care about the fans or the team – and he has done nothing through public relations to change that. He still hasn’t.” [Steve Garton/Indians Prospect Insider]
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Some quick thoughts on the Cavs discussing an extension with Byron Scott: “In the wake of LeBron James’ departure for South Beach, Coach Scott hasn’t had much to work with in terms of talent on this team and his tenure has been pock-mocked by some pretty horrible moments. Yet, for every terrible moment (which let’s not forget, includes a 50-100 box score in the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons and the worst losing streak in professional sports history), there have been flashes of brilliance. Upset victories against the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder, and Kyrie Irving game winning drives have all helped to soothe the pains from some of the events of the past two seasons. While it’s still early in the process, I’m hoping the Cavaliers and Scott come to an agreement. With some real talent to put around Kyrie Irving, I’d sure love to see what Coach Scott can get this team to do.” [Angelo Benedetti/Fear The Sword]
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This seems a bit low to rank the No. 4 pick among the top rookie prospects for the coming season: “13. Dion Waiters – 6-4, 221 lbs. SG – Syracuse, So. – As a reserve on the Orange last year Waiters was one of the best scorers, defenders and all-around players in the Big East. Looking at the success of James Harden and other elite bench players, Waiters may be more NBA ready than his peers.” [Kristofer Habbas/Dime Magazine]
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And, finally, some college football Bucks talk as the season nears: “Saturday. Only TWO more of these until your first clicks on 11W will be supplemented with some real live college football. Here’s something we haven’t talked much about: imagine being a Miami RedHawks player on Sept. 1st. It’s Urban Meyer’s inaugural game in the Shoe and the coaching staff’s first opportunity to make a statement regarding the new direction of Buckeye football, all backed by thousands of rabid fans. Buckle up.” [Jeff Beck/Eleven Warriors]
