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.
Very good read. “I am putting my general manager, CEO, head coach, “group decision maker” hat on in an attempt to find the best gameplan for the Browns in free agency. I did not just eyeball the best free agent at every position of need, nor did I list multiple free agents per position. These five players, in a perfect world, would have a solid impact for Cleveland, while utilizing an appropriate amount of cap space (not overpaying, but not underpaying either). I have listed the free agents in order of what I anticipate their value being worth in terms of average annual salary.” [Pokorny/Dawgs by Nature]
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“Hundreds of college athletes were asked to think back: “What is your worst memory from playing youth and high school sports?” Their overwhelming response: “The ride home from games with my parents.”
The informal survey lasted three decades, initiated by two former longtime coaches who over time became staunch advocates for the player, for the adolescent, for the child. Bruce E. Brown and Rob Miller of Proactive Coaching LLC are devoted to helping adults avoid becoming a nightmare sports parent, speaking at colleges, high schools and youth leagues to more than a million athletes, coaches and parents in the last 12 years. Those same college athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame. Their overwhelming response: “I love to watch you play.” [Henson/The Post Game]
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Ah spring. Optimism abounds. “Masterson believes he has an explanation for the big innings. The pitcher said that, following periods of success within a game, he would sometimes push a little harder in an effort to gain more velocity on his fastball. When innings would start to get out of hand, he would press even more, trying anything to stop the bleeding. It was an in-game downward spiral that led to early exits and an overworked bullpen.
“It was usually the first couple innings would be decent, and then we would try to turn it on,” Masterson said. “And those would be the points where a couple runs would score and then, after a couple runs scored, now we’re trying harder, and it’s just getting worse, and it’s snowballing and you want to slap yourself in the face when you get done.” Masterson’s plan for this season is to try to stick with the approach that is working at the time, adjusting only when necessary.” [Bastian/MLB.com]
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“It’s now or never for Curtis Grant. Curtis Grant came to Ohio State as the No. 2 overall recruit in the country two years ago. Instead of thrusting himself into the spotlight, he’s taken a backseat to fellow 2011 recruit Ryan Shazier.
Grant’s freshman season was a wash after spending the year on special teams. He did come up with a touchdown off a blocked punt against Wisconsin. But that was where the bright spots dimmed. He entered last spring much like this year’s – a frontrunner for a starting linebacker spot. But he quickly faded in 2012, still not used to the speed of the college game. A fullback and someone who wasn’t even on the team during fall camp supplanted Grant. That doesn’t mean the coaching staff has given up on the once-promising talent, or that they think his best days are behind him.” [Rowland/Eleven Warriors]
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“No one takes more flack for the Cavs’ struggles, and that makes sense. When things go wrong, it’s always the coach’s fault, as far as fans are concerned.But guess what?
Scott has his young team’s attention. He’s been to two Finals as a coach (with the Nets), and doesn’t hesitate to call out guys, both privately and publicly. For someone who owns three championship rings (as a player with the Lakers), Scott is as a regular guy as there is. There’s nothing phony about him, and NBA players, particularly young ones, respect that.
Now, does his team always respond? Of course not. The Cavs are much too young to bring it every night. On one hand, they’re highly paid professionals and shouldn’t need extra motivation. On the other hand, they’re mostly 20-somethings who occasionally disappoint, and therefore, need a kick to the backside.” [Amico/FSO]
