03/12 Morning Minute: Phil ‘Er Up
Written By: Scott | Category: Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Indians, Minutes | Comments: 5
With hard work comes reward. And it should go without saying that the Browns GM Phil Savage has put in many of hours to get this Cleveland football franchise back on the map. Through solid drafting, free agency acquisitions and (most recently) key trades, Savage has been one of the most aggressive General Managers in the league, and thankfully, we may be seeing a lot more of him.
Browns General Manager Phil Savage, whose aggressive moves helped the Browns finish 10-6 last season, is close to receiving a multi-year contract extension, team owner Randy Lerner said Tuesday.
“It’s something we’ve been talking about on and off since December,” said Lerner. “We’ve kept the dialogue going, and we hope to have something done soon.”
It is looking like Savage will be extended through 2011, coincidentally the same period through which HC Romeo Crennel and OC Rob Chudzinski have recently been extended. Randy Lerner is showing quite the top-down conviction in his front office as well as coaching staff. While this may not be seen as a big move to some fans, players respect coaches who are respected by those above them. And what better way to show a bit of respect than with an open checkbook?
Though we dropped yesterday’s preseason game to the Tigers, seeing Grady blast two home runs is a great sign of things to come. Let’s hope that the bats don’t cool down when the game-time temperature does. And yes. That’s Josh Barfield who went 3-for-5. We’ll be needing a lot more of that, sir.
And remember that fan who recently ran out on the court to meet LeBron? Well, after spending a few hours in jail, it looks like he’ll actually be rewarded by James.
A source said Anthony Erskine, 17, who ran across the floor and past several guards in a James replica jersey, is about to get even closer to his idol.
Erskine has been in touch with James’ representatives, and there are plans for him to be James’ guest Wednesday when the Cavaliers visit the New Jersey Nets. There might be a private meeting between the two.
I can’t imagine that David Stern is all to thrilled with this move. I’m all for James meeting his fans – in fact, I’m all for him meeting the one typing this – but going public with it probably wasn’t the best move. The FanHouse is hoping for the NBA to “step in” and stop this from happening, but I think what’s done is done even if they haven’t met yet. I for one would love to see the reaction had it been someone like Gilbert Arenas. Step in? Please.
If you’re coming downtown today to catch a MAC game, I envy you. The parking garage that I use every day is already filling up with fans – it should be a great time. Have fun out there!
Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 1698 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
As an update to the LeBron story, Windhorst is saying that LeBron’s people said that while the young fan will be at the game tonight, he is not a guest of LeBron’s and LeBron has declined to meet the fan. Looks like the NBA quietly stepped in and asked LeBron to stand down.
two things..
1st: great news about savaga..nothing like an owner showing commitment to the guys that got him there. very excited about that.
2nd: i think this is the first time that i have thought that LBJ has mis-handled himself in a situation. that’s the one thing that, above his play, has always stood out to me, his maturity in the media and public eye. aside from one speeding issue, he seems to always say the right things and do the right things..this was the WRONG thing to say and do. so kudos to the nba for stepping in, if thats what happened.
Savage more then anyone has helped the resurgence of the Browns. The Browns are no longer making idiotic draft selections (Gerrard Warren, William Green) and are going after free agents who will make the team better. He also has brought that whole bring Cleveland boys home to play for their childhood dream concept, which I absolutely love. He should get a contract for as long as he shows he hasn’t gone senile or no longer understands the game. The Browns can’t afford to ever let him go as long as he’s still on his game.
Somewhere, there’s a Penn State football fan that said that exact same thing about 15 years ago…wishing they hadn’t.
The difference is he isn’t a coach. Coaching wise, yes, you have to change because the game changes from decade to decade.