May 19, 2013

Cavs blow halftime lead, fall to Mavs 96-86

March 16, 2013 by 3 Comments

Zeller and CrowderYou didn’t expect Dirk Nowitzki to miss all of ‘em, did you?

The Big German finished with just 13 points on 6-17 shooting, but his final two buckets sealed the game as Dallas came back to beat the Cavaliers 96-86. The Cavaliers led by an many as eleven points and held a 48-36 advantage at halftime, but turnovers, stagnant offense and horrendous defense doomed the Cavaliers in the second half. Eleven of the Cavaliers’ eighteen turnovers came in the second half and Dallas scored 58 points after halftime

Dion Waiters paced Cleveland with 21 points (9-19 FG) and Shaun Livingston finished 13 points, six assists and five rebounds as the Cavs fell to 22-43. Rodrigue Beaubois led Dallas with 18 points and was one of three bench players to score in double figures for the Mavericks, who climbed to 31-34 for 10th in the West (three games behind the Lakers for the eight and final playoff spot).

While the Cavs ended the game poorly, this wasn’t the prettiest of starts either. Sure, they held an early lead (six minutes in they had a 13-4 lead) but Dallas wouldn’t hit double digits until there was just under four minutes left in the first period. In the second quarter, the Cavs had a good six minute stretch where they made a single basket. This is to be expected; without Kyrie Irving’s playmaking ability, the Cavs are going to suffer scoring droughts, especially against a well coached team like the Mavericks. [Read more...]

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MLB News: Indians sign Daisuke Matsuzaka to minor league deal

February 10, 2013 by 23 Comments

The Cleveland Indians have signed former Red Sox and (two time MVP of the World Baseball Classic!!) Daisuke Matsuzaka or “Dice-K”. CBS’s Jon Heyman’s reports that deal could worth as much as $4 million.

And the PlainDealer’s Paul Hoynes reported that his base salary would be $1.6 million.

Like Jason Giambi, signing the 32 year old Matsuzaka is another low-risk, high-reward move. After having Tommy John surgery in 2011, Dice-K was just 1-7 with an 8.28 ERA for the Red Sox in 2012, giving up 11 HRs in just 45 innings.

Known for his “gyroball“, in 2006, the Red Sox paid $51 million just for the rights to negotiate with Matsuzaka and then proceeded to sign him for another $52 million. Dice-K went 50-7 in his six years in Boston, with an ERA of 4.52 and posting a 1.418 WHIP.

I wonder how much new manager Terry Francona had to do with this signing. Francona has talked in the past at how he’s happy to be out of the crucible that is Boston Sports. Assuming he’s healthy, I bet pitching in a no-pressure situation in Cleveland would be good for Matsuzaka (not to mention not having to live up to the expectations come with a $100 million contract).

[Related: Hafner Heads East. PEACE]

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On this LeBron 2014 Nonsense

February 10, 2013 by 38 Comments
Kinda cracks me up to see Haden post a photoshopped picture of LeBron in a Cavs uniform.

Cracks me up that Haden posted a PHOTOSHOPPED picture of LeBron in a Cavs uniform.

It’s beginning.

LeBron James has an out in his contract during the summer of 2014 and the NBA is abuzz with LeBron’s next decision and whether or not he’ll come back to Cleveland. David Letterman needled him about it. Adrian Wojnarowski’s took the Memphis Grizzlies trading Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors and turned it into a column about LeBron coming back. Every interaction between LeBron and Kyrie Irving  during the All-Star game will be scrutinized to the nth degree.

The greatest basketball player on the planet is a free agent in two summers and his home town franchise, his original team, has a boatload of capspace and 20 year old All-Star.

People are excited.

Even Browns cornerback Joe Haden can’t help himself.

Regardless of how you feel about LeBron James, these rumors aren’t going to go away and they’ll only be increasing. Plus, talking about LeBron allows Cleveland media personalities to discuss the Cavs without actually having to know anything about Cavs basketball. LeBron’s the best player on earth and he’s going to be connected to Cleveland until the day he retires.

We’re stuck with him.

Now, I’m not saying that these rumors are totally 100% true or that Cavs fans should bank on him returning. But if one was inclined to read the tea leaves, there’s enough smoke that one could be reasonably convinced that there’s fire.

[Read more...]

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Cavs can’t keep pace with Nuggets, fall 111-103

February 10, 2013 by 4 Comments

4_45Eight.

That’s the number I take away from the Cavs’ 111-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets came into Cleveland riding an eight game win streak, Denver had eight players score in double figures, and the Cavs started the night by spotting Denver an 8-0 advantage. Eight was also the final margin of victory, although it seemed like much more.

Also, Alonzo Gee went 8-8 from the floor, which I’m betting will never happen again.

This was a frustrating game to watch. While the Cavs say they like running and pushing the ball, the Nuggets actually do it. They run at every opportunity; missed shots, made shots, turnovers… every change of the possession it seemed the Nuggets had two guys behind the Cavalier defense. The speed that the Nuggets play took the Cavs out of their comfort zone, defensively as well as offensively.

Kyrie Irving paced the Cavs with 26 points and Alonzo Gee finished with 20 (after scoring 16 in the first period). While a sub-par game for the 20-year old All-Star, Kyrie still finished with 26 points (though just 10-24 from the floor), seven assists and six boards. Danilo Gallinari led the Nuggets with 19 points and nine boards, Kenneth Faried finished with 17 points and seven boards and JaVale McGee made his presence felt off the bench, notching four blocks to go with his 13 points.

Even though the Cavs blew their chance for their longest post-Decision win streak, there’s no shame in losing to this Denver team. The Nuggets are currently fourth in a loaded Western Conference and, as we saw on Saturday, they’re a much deeper team than the Cavaliers.

[Read more...]

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Tribe signs Jason Giambi to a minor league contract

February 10, 2013 by 12 Comments

The Cleveland Indians have signed left handed slugger Jason Giambi to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to Spring Training. Giambi, 42, has spent the last four seasons with the Colorado Rockies as a part time player and pinch hitter.

Appearing in 60 games for Colorado in 2012, Giambi hit .225 with 1 HR, 4 2B and 20 walks while his season was cut short with a hernia to his right groin. The last time Giambi was in the American League was in 2009, when he began the year in Oakland.

The signing of Giambi, the 2000 AL MVP and five time All-Star (none since 2004) , should put to rest the rumors of the Tribe’s pursuit of Jim Thome for a third go-round in Cleveland.

Giambi, an 18 year veteran, is eighth among active players with 429 home runs and owns a career average of .280. In 2007, Giambi was one of 89 players named in the Mitchell Report, Major League Baseball’s formal investigation into steroid use among Major League players (Giambi has publicly apologized for using performance drugs).

[Related: Travis or Thome- I choose neither]

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While We’re Waiting… Sunday morning reading

February 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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.

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I’d rather the Browns run back Weeden than go with someone like Alex Smith. “There is no question that there is a pretty sizable gap between the upper echelon of the NFL and the Browns. The roster as currently constructed is very young but the Browns could make some judicious moves that could help them speed up the process quicker and give them a shot to make a push for the playoffs in 2013.

Jimmy Haslam and Joe Banner said they aren’t going to make moves that are quick fixes and also intimated that they wouldn’t make any ‘splashy’ moves in free agency. They have said the Browns are committed to building long-term through the draft.

However, being reportedly close to $48 million under the salary cap the Browns could make a few moves in free agency that could significantly improve the team. Here are a few of the possible moves they could make.

We’ll start on the offensive side of the ball.

Quarterback–The most important position is always the quarterback. The current front office and coaching staff hasn’t declared Brandon Weeden the starter going forward. Haslam said that he expects a quarterback competition in training camp, but here are a couple of options for the team.” [Fred Greetham/Orange and Brown Report] [Read more...]

Filed Under: General

D’Qwell Jackson’s contract officially fully guaranteed for 2013

February 9, 2013 by 1 Comment

If you were wondering if Browns inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson would survive the move from Dick Jauron’s 4-3 defense to Ray Horton’s 3-4 scheme, wonder no more.  Since Jackson – unlike 4-3 defensive end Frostee Rucker – remained on the roster past Wednesday, February 6th, his $3.6 million base salary is fully guaranteed for the upcoming season. If Joe Banner, Mike Lombardi and Rod Chudzinksi didn’t think Jackson would fit in Horton’s multi-front schemes, odds are he would’ve been released before Wednesday’s deadline.

Jackson, who led the AFC in tackles in 2011, was the leader of the Browns defense second leading tackler on the Browns last season (behind corner back Buster Skrine) with 63 total tackles (to go along with 55 assisted). Jackson finished the 2012 season with two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and two picks. His 3.5 sacks placed him fourth on the team. After missing 26 games over the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Jackson bounced back in 2011 and signed a 5 year, $42.5 million ($19 guaranteed) before last season.

[Related: Joe Banner and the assumed departure of Phil Dawson]

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NBA Talk: Kyrie Irving better than Derrick Rose?

February 9, 2013 by 43 Comments

ESPN’s Chris Palmer sure thinks so.

 

 

Those are some pretty bold statements, considering that Irving is only 90 games into his career and we haven’t seen Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP, since he tore his knee during last season’s playoffs.

Let’s take a look at Rose and Irving’s head-to-head matchups and see how they stack up to each other….

Oh, that’s right, Rose and Irving have never faced each other. Last year, Irving sat out the late season games against the Bulls due to tanking an illness and Rose hasn’t played at all this season (making Cleveland’s lopsided losses to the Bulls even more cringe worthy).

I look forward to the day when these two Central Division All-Stars will face off. Both Rose and Irving were taken first overall in their respective drafts and both won Rookie of the Year. Rose is the better athlete while Irving is the better shooter, especially from long range (Rose is a career 31% from behind the arc, Irving sits at 41%).

Rose hopes to return to the court some time after next weekends All-Star break, but there’s no set date. If the two 6-3, 190lb guards were to face off this season, their only chance would be later this month when the Cavs visit Chicago, on Tuesday, February 26th.

[Related: Pros and Cons of Greg Oden]

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Pro and Cons of Greg Oden

February 9, 2013 by 18 Comments
Singing Oden will be worth it for the old man and porn jokes alone.

Signing Oden will be worth it for the old man and porn jokes alone.

I love the  idea of the Cavs signing Greg Oden.

I love the idea of kicking the tires on a former number one pick and seeing if he can revive his career in the wine and gold.

I love that the Cavs are mentioned alongside perennial contenders  like the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics as Oden suitors.

And while it’s usually the Indians (with guys like Kevin Millwood), I love when Cleveland teams take low-risk, high-reward deals.

Sure, there are some problems. Since being drafted in 2007, Greg Oden has appeared in less NBA games (82) than Kyrie Irving (90).  He’s had a multiple microfracture surgeries. He’s battled alcohol, leaked private photos and the dealt with pressure of being the face of a franchise. He hasn’t played in a NBA basketball game since December of 2009. Greg Oden is far from a sure thing.

So why do I want the Cavs to sign an oft-injured center to a multi-year contract?

Because he went to Ohio State, duh.

[Read more...]

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Three in a row! Cavs beat Magic 119-108

February 9, 2013 by 12 Comments

What? The Cavs have another three game win streak? Two in one season? A guy could get used to these things.

Kyrie Irving led Cleveland with 24 points (along with eight assists and six boards) and Marreese Speights and Wayne Ellington came off the bench to score 18 and 14, respectively, and the Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic for the first time since the LeBron era, 119-108. Tristan Thompson added 16 points and Dion Waiters pitched in 15 as the Cavs upped their record to 16-34. Nikola Vucevic finished with 25 points and 13 boards and Arron Afflalo scored 23 to pace the Magic (14-36), who lost their twelfth in a row.

While giving up 108 points to an Orlando team without Big Baby Davis and JJ Redick isn’t exactly a crowning achievement, it’s hard not to feel like these young Cavaliers are turning a corner. Cleveland is  6-2 in their last eight games and 11-11 since beginning the season a dismal 5-23 (and 5-2 since Chris Grant flipped Jon Leuer for a Real NBA Bench and a pick). As much fun as it is to see Kyrie go off and the Cavs steal wins against the Bostons and Oklahoma Citys of the NBA, watching them take care of business at home against teams like the Bucks, Bobcats and Magic is the real sign of progress.

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… A Cavs fan from across the pond and Urban’s secret weapon

February 9, 2013 by 2 Comments

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.

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From a Cavs fan in the United Kingdom. “Cut back to June 23 and a tipsy GodZeller is sat on his sofa watching the showcase that is the NBA Draft, and I’m hooked from the opening credits all the way up to those magical words – ’With the 1st pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select: Kyrie Irving of Duke University’. Kyrie Irving? Who the hell is this guy? Over the next 15 minutes, I hear an incredible tale – one of the world’s greatest player screwing his hometown on national television, of a journey from incredible highs to horrendous lows in the space of a season, of fate dealing the most harshly treated club the #1 pick through a lottery dependent (apparently) on luck, and of a shot at redemption. From then on, well let’s just say I’ve become obsessed.

Since that day almost 2 years ago, I have watched every single Cavaliers game (through various illegal means – shhh), watched every single basketball documentary you can remotely think of (Bird vs Magic and Reggie Miller vs The Knicks being my favourites), read every blog, crunched every stat, am currently winning my fantasy basketball league (easily the most fun I’ve ever had), got My NBA 2K13 Player to 99 overall (playing for the Cavs of course – still no ring) and, to be honest, become a downright pain the arse to all of my friends. The way I explain it is this: The NBA has the showmanship of the NFL, the pace of Ice Hockey, the passion of a football match and the controversy of baseball – all rolled in to one. It’s near enough the perfect sport. I booed to the heavens when LeBron lifted the trophy, I woke up shocked on June 29 last year thinking ‘Waiters at 4? That’s a bit of a reach’ but most of all, I cheer every bucket we make. [Fearthesword.com] [Read more...]

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Chris Perez joins Pestano on Team USA

January 13, 2013 by 1 Comment

Looks like the Bullpen Mafia is headed to the World Baseball Classic.

In 2012, the, um, colorful, Perez finished 0-4 with 39 saves (four blown) and 59 Ks in 57.2 innings.

Vinnie Pestano, Perez and the rest of Team USA will take the field for the first time versus Mexico on Friday, March 8th in Phoenix, AZ.

[Related: Chris Perez Gag Order in Effect?]

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On Optics and Perception

January 13, 2013 by 17 Comments
rob-chudzinski

Is Chud the right coach for the Browns? You don’t know.

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” - Albert Einstein

“As we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns – there are things we do not know we don’t know.” – Donald Rumsfeld

“Chip Kelly is close to a deal to become the Browns coach” – Ian Rapoport

In the wee hours of Thursday night/Friday morning, I found myself in conversation with two friends about the Browns new head coach, Rob Chudzinski. One the participants in this conversation is a huge sports fan who, like myself, is always one click away from twitter machine and the unhealthy, delicious rumors that are found within.  

But my other buddy, he cannot be more disconnected from the sports world. He doesn’t watch Sports Center, not on twitter (certainly never listens to sports talk radio). It’s just not his scene. When he entered the Chud conversation, the dialogue went something like this:

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… More Chud goodness, Cavs look to future and the roles of Kip and Chiz

January 13, 2013 by 8 Comments

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.comWWW_TribeClock_Blue1

Chud is from Ohio!!!!!!! “But then, the new fellow’s name is Rob Chudzinski. Among the Browns’ very few distinguishing traits is their nativity to Cleveland (though even that has, in the past, been subject to overturn.) You could scarcely invent a more Cleveland name than Rob Chudzinski. Guys with -ski surnames began settling northeast Ohio 150 years ago, working in stone quarries and steel mills, and by the early 20th century Polish immigrants even supported a newspaper called theMonitor Clevelandski. In a tossup you must admit that “Chudzinski” is simply more fun to say than “Whisenhut” or “Trestman.” You must also admit that for the Browns to hire a green coach who was interviewed by no other NFL teams bodes uncomfortably well for his chances at continuing The Browns Way.

Apparently Chudzinski blew Browns management away in interviews (the team had at least eight other candidates, all with more experience). No coincidence he grew up nearby in Toledo, and as a boy would imagine himself playing with or as Browns greats. Upon his hiring Chudzinski cited Ozzie Newsome and Brian Sipe in that regard, but he could’ve gone with Hall of Fame center Frank Gatski (’46 to ’56) or lesser-knowns such as running back Henry Hynoski, receiver Frank Kosikowski, linebacker Mike Kovaleski, or Ed and Dick Modzelewski, or Jim Ninowski or Gene Selawski or Joe Skibinski or Ed Ulinski.” [Sam Eifling/Deadspin] [Read more...]

Filed Under: General

Vinnie Pestano to play for Team USA in World Baseball Classic

January 12, 2013 by 2 Comments

Vinnie Pestano will suit for the United States when they take the field for the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Pestano, 27, was one of the Tribe’s few bright spots in 2012, finishing the season with an ERA of 2.57, with two saves and 76 strikeouts (to 24 walks) in 70 innings of work.

The World Baseball Classic was founded in 2005 and Japan has won both of the two WBC tournaments. The United States finished fourth in 2009.

[Related: Trevor Bauer- Eccentric or just smarter than the rest of us]

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Report: Browns targeting John Pagano for DC

January 12, 2013 by 11 Comments

Looks possible that Norv Turner may not be the only former Chargers coach joining Rod Chudzinski in Cleveland. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports:

Ohio.com’s Nate Ulrich adds:

Pagano was a defensive coordinator for the first time during the 2012 season. The Chargers ranked 24th with 326.4 yards allowed per game and 17th with 21.9 points allowed per game.

On Friday, Chudzinski, an offensive coach, and CEO Joe Banner indicated they like hybrid defenses that use 3-4 and 4-3 alignments, but the defensive coordinator will ultimately decide the type of scheme the Browns use. The Browns have used a 4-3 system for the past two seasons under defensive coordinator Dick Jauron, who’s not expected to return.

Pagano ran a 3-4 base defense in San Diego, but the Chargers also used multiple looks. Outside linebackers would often move up to the line and get into a three-point stance to create a four-man front.

Pagano is the younger brother of Colts coach Chuck Pagano.

[Related: WFNY Debate: Do NFL coaches even matter?]

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Rumor: Browns could bring back Derek Anderson

January 12, 2013 by 56 Comments

Browns fans, you might have to un-burn your Derek Anderson jerseys, WEWS Mike Cairns reporting that new head coach Rod Chudzinski may bring Derek Anderson back to Cleveland. From late Friday:

and from Saturday afternoon:

But it’s not just Cairns. ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi tweeted:

Anderson, 29 (the same age as Brandon Weeden. YAY), played for Chudzinki in Carolina last season, appearing in two games and completing all four of his pass attempts. Anderson’s last season as a starter was in 2010, when he threw for 2,065 yards with seven TDs and ten interceptions for the Arizona Cardinals.

[Related: Derek Anderson Still Doesn't Think It's Funny on Twitter] 

 

 

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Joe Thomas and Phil Dawson named to AP All-Pro Second Team

January 12, 2013 by 2 Comments

For the first time since 2009, the Browns have had two players voted to the Associated Press All-Pro Team. Kicker Phil Dawson joins tackle Joe Thomas as the Browns representatives on the 2012 AP All-Pro Team.

Joe Thomas was selected to his fifth straight All-Pro team (just two votes shy of his fourth consecutive First Team selection) and this marks Dawson’s second time on the team (2007).

The last time the Browns had two representatives on the All-Pro team was in 2009, when kick returner Josh Cribbs joined Joe Thomas on the AP’s First Team.

[Related: Kelly, Chudzinksi, & Plan B. Was there one?]

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Report: Mel Tucker could be back with Browns

January 12, 2013 by 10 Comments

NFL.com’s Ian Rapport is reporting that if former Browns DC Mel Tucker doesn’t get the Jaguars job, he could land in Cleveland.

 

It’s interesting that Tucker has ran both the 3-4 and the 4-3 in the past, it shows he’s not married to one system. The last thing I’d like to see is the Browns switch, yet again, from the 3-4 to the 4-3 and have to overturn their defensive personnel.

Tucker, 41 and born in Cleveland, was the defensive coordinator in Jacksonville last year. The Jags were 30th in yards allowed and gave up an average of 27.8 points per game (tied for 29th).  In 2008, Tucker’s Browns gave up a middle-of-the-pack 21.9 ppg but were 26th in total yards allowed. Tucker began his coaching career at Michigan State, under that Nick Saban guy. Anyone heard of him?

[Related: Rod Chudzinski's Press Conference Ushers In Another Process]

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Cavs run out of gas, fall to Nuggets 98-91

January 12, 2013 by 2 Comments
I can't be positive, but Kyrie was probably whistled for a foul.

I can’t be positive, but Kyrie was probably whistled for a foul.

It was another three-quarter game for Kyrie Irving and our young Cavaliers. Leading 76-72 after three periods, the Cavs were twelve minutes of solid basketball away from starting off their five-game West Coast swing with a W. If Byron Scott’s Cavs could close out the Nuggets, they’d have their second (two-game!) win streak of the season.

Cleveland scored just 15 points in the final period.

Was it inevitable? Was it simply the result of a veteran Denver team methodically chipping away at Cleveland’s eleven point halftime lead? Do you just chalk it up to growing pains, as this young Cavs team isn’t exactly used to playing with a lead? Did Cleveland simply run out of gas (they scored 30 in the first quarter)? Were they affected by the mile high air (the offense stagnated in the fourth quarter)? Was it coaching (the offense really stagnated in the fourth quarter)? Did the young Cavaliers let the officials get to them (Denver shot 31 free throws to Cleveland’s 16)?

Or simply ‘all of the above’?

The Cavs let former Buckeye Kosta Koufos run amok for 21 points (nine in the fourth) and Danilo Gallinari’s late three proved to be the back breaker, putting Denver up 94-89 with just 34 seconds to play. Kyrie Irving, playing under the weather, led all scorers with 28 points and Dion Waiters scored 18 off the bench, but Denver’s balanced attack (all five starters scored in double figures) and relentless energy proved to be too much for Byron Scott’s bunch.

[Read more...]

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