While We’re Waiting… Buckeyes, James Davis, Sheldon Brown and Drew Sutton

While We’re Waiting is WFNY’s way of saying “Hey, we’re not really awake and ready for the day yet, but here are some quality Cleveland sports links anyway.” Enjoyed an article or post recently? Send it over via our staff e-mail: tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Quick thoughts on yesterday’s coaches poll release: “The Ohio State University is ranked No. 2 in this years pre-season poll. The Big Ten has 4 teams in the top 14 with Iowa and Wisconsin and Penn State helping to gain our conference some needed respect. If you add in Nebraska that is 5 teams in the top 14 in the nation. That is UBER impressive in my mind and telling of the kind of teams we have here in the midwest.” [Sylvester-Yon Rambo/Men of the Scarlet and Gray]

Discussing the balance of the Ohio State offense and how things might be different in 2010: “Jim Tressel’s offensive philosophy has been, for nearly a decade as the coach of Ohio State, about balance. This has been the official story on the dude and the media’s go to description when talking about us offensively. It is both the truth and a lie.” [Johnny/Eleven Warriors]

Deciding upon the 53-man roster will be a challenge and here is one possible cut: “The running back competition is crowded, but one guy who has seemingly been lost amid the hype of rookie Montario Hardesty (though he is now injured) and free agent signing Peyton Hillis – not to mention the expectations of Jerome Harrison – is second-year back James Davis. After a stellar preseason in 2009, Davis was poised to be a breakout star and entrench himself as the running back of the future.” [Steve DiMatteo/Dawg Pound Daily]

An excited addition to what should be a much improved Cleveland defensive backfield: “The Browns knew they had to do something with their secondary, which ranked near the bottom of the NFL last season. One of the key offseason moves was trading for veteran Sheldon Brown. He has been a steady, stabilizing force with the young secondary with the likes of rookies Joe Haden, T.J. Ward and Larry Asante.” [Fred Greetham/The OBR]

Two Cleveland pitchers on the road to recovery are expected to resume pitching in the minor leagues shortly: “Indians manager Manny Acta gave updates on right-handed pitchers Mitch Talbot and Anthony Reyes -two of the Indians rehabbing pitchers -before Friday’s game against visiting Minnesota.” [Stephanie Storm/Tribe Matters – Akron Beacon Journal]

The Indians claimed Drew Sutton today off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds: “Sutton, 27, appeared in two major league games this year and 42 games last year, but most of his pro career has come in the minors. He has a career OPS of .810 in the minor leagues, including a .262/.366/.365 line so far in 2010. Even though he has just 291 big league plate appearances, Sutton has already played second, third, short and both corner outfield positions for the Reds.” [Ben Nicholson-Smith/MLB Trade Rumors]

Discussing the highlights of the preseason schedule for the Cavs this year: “The Cleveland Cavaliers will play an eight-game preseason schedule in preparation for the 2010-11 NBA regular season, presented by Cub Cadet Premium Lawn Equipment, including a home game versus the Washington Wizards and No. 1 overall pick John Wall and a regional home game against the Philadelphia 76ers and No. 2 overall pick and former Ohio State star Evan Turner.” [John Bena/Fear the Sword]

Showing some appreciation for WFNY and the love from Mo Williams: “It’s not every day that your favorite athletes show their appreciation for your support. In fact, you could go seven years and part ways without so much as a thank you to the city or team. But not Mo Williams, who recently caught wind of Waiting for Next Year’s Twitter account tournament. The contest would pit a variety of Cleveland athletes, all of whom had Twitter, in a bracket battle against one another that would eventually be decided by the voting fans.” [Mark Cameron/Numbers Don’t]

(Photo above of Terrelle Pryor via Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY)