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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.

Would you look at that?? Carl Pavano threw a three-hitter! “On the day the Indians sent the Fausto Carmona on an extended sabbatical, Carl Pavano, of whom not much was expected, easily shut out the White Sox, allowing just three hits. Chicago’s bats have been dormant lately, having been shut out twice in their last series against Oakland, and Pavano took advantage of them by establishing his pitches in the strike zone early. White Sox hitters swung early in the strike zone, and made quick outs on weak grounders and pop flies. Those easy innings allowed Pavano, who normally loses his effectiveness before getting to 100 pitches, to throw his hundredth pitch with two outs in the ninth inning.” [Ryan/Let's Go Tribe]

For those that love random movement on the Browns roster before the preseason even starts: “The Cleveland Browns today signed offensive lineman George Foster, the team announced. In addition, the club waived rookie safety Jason Venson. Foster, a veteran of six NFL seasons, spent the previous two years with the Detroit Lions where he appeared in 19 contests with 12 starts. Originally drafted in the first round (20th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, Foster has started 57 of the 67 games in which he has seen action during his career. He started in all 16 games in both 2004 and 2005. The 6-5, 338-pound Foster was a two-year starter at the University of Georgia, where he played in 43 games with 10 starts. Born June 9, 1980, the Macon, Ga., native attended Southeast (Macon, Ga.) High School.” [Via Cleveland Browns Press Release]

David Stern announces that the luxury tax is here to stay: “Although several teams have taken a hit financially, Commissioner David Stern said Thursday the NBA has no plans to eliminate the luxury tax until the economy recovers. With his team’s player payroll projected to exceed $76 million, Hornets owner George Shinn could have to pay a luxury tax bill of more than $5 million next summer. The Hornets were one of the 12 teams that received loans from the league this spring. Since 2003, 17 of the league’s 30 teams have borrowed a combined $2 billion since the league began establishing a line of credit for loans used by teams.” [John Reid/The New Orleans Times-Picayune]

The greatest NFL AFC North predictions in the world from the most unbiased fans ever:
“BROWNS – Brady Quinn throws 60 touchdowns and zero interceptions, while Joe Posnanski of Sports Illustrated gets the curling beat. 16-0
STEELERS – The Super Bowl champs are profiled in a cover story by Joe Posnanski. 12-4
BENGALS – Carson Palmer returns but this year Chad Ochocinco changes him name to Chad Washedup. 8-8
RAVENS – Joe Flacco isn’t as good as he is, that’s my new theory/hope. As I was saying, Ray Lewis will be eaten by a tarantula, a grizzly bear, and a great white shark and then, ironically, finished off by a raven. 4-12″ [BT/WhatzGonnaHappen]

A look back at the legend of Keith Byars: “But in week three, KB showed that he was more than just a workhorse runner. Iowa had beaten OSU the previous year up in Iowa City, spoiling the mood after our big victory over Oklahoma. Byars had been injured in that game, but in this one he would not be denied. On OSU’s first possession, he took off around right end and ran 50 yards for a touchdown. Later in the game, Coach Earle Bruce reached into his bag of tricks and called for the halfback option. Byars carried on what looked like a sweep around left end, but then stopped and threw left-handed to a streaking Mike Lanese for another touchdown. Still later in the game, Byars would score another touchdown on the receiving end of a Mike Tomczak pass. Keith’s heroics inspired the team and they sprinted out to a big lead on their way to an eventual 45-26 victory.” [Joe/Eleven Warriors]

Remember this guy? Interesting article about his most recent success at the Memorial: “As a kid growing up in nearby Ostrander, Ohio, Ben Curtis said the Memorial Tournament was the most anticipated week of the year, with the same feel as Augusta. Playing in his own personal Masters, Curtis put himself in position to make a run at his best finish at Muirfield Village Golf Club. His second consecutive 71 Friday left him at 2-under-par 142 and tied for 20th, 5 strokes behind leaders Jonathan Byrd and Jim Furyk. Curtis, the 2003 British Open winner and former Kent State All-American who lives in Stow, tied for eighth here in 2004.” [Maria Ridenour/Akron Beacon Journal]

Your minor league player of the week is Donnie Webb of Lake County: “Webb was a 10th round pick in the 2008 Draft out of Oklahoma State University. After a disappointing debut at short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley where he hit just .218 with 1 HR, 17 RBI and a .581 OPS, he has really blossomed this year as a top of the order hitter. His very good speed combined with a solid two-strike approach and the ability to pound the ball into the gaps makes him an interesting leadoff prospect for the Indians. Considering his lack of power, he needs to be a very good center fielder, and while he displays good range, quickness and instincts in center field he has a below average throwing arm. He just turned 23 years old, so he is a little above the league average age, but it still bears watching to see how he finishes the 2009 season and how his game translates as he moves up to High-A Kinston this year or next.” [Tony/Indians Prospect Insider]