May 21, 2013

Tonight’s the Night: Carrasco’s Debut

carrascoWith the influx of new blood infused into the Indians organization over the past month and a half, it seems like we are getting a test of something new every game. Guys like Matt LaPorta, Chris Perez, Andy Marte, and Jess Todd have gotten plenty of opportunities to show that they are indeed a part of this team’s future.

The next kid to get his chance is 22-year old Carlos Carrasco. The right-handed starting pitcher will be recalled today to make his major league debut for the Tribe in Detroit against the Tigers. [Read more...]

NBA Free Agency: Anderson Varejao Signed

Well, we have our power forward.

Six years. $50 million dollars.

Talk amongst yourselves.

04/14 Morning Minute- Draft Contest, WFNY on tv and Cavs recap

gibsonmiami.jpgRick coming at you with a morning minute today-

How about them Cavaliers? What an excited, hard fought victory over the D-League Miami Heat yesterday…

Seriously. Did you see that Miami line-up? Ricky Davis and Mark Blount are the only guys on that team that resemble NBA players, and that isn’t saying much. Rick Noland of the Medina County Gazette summed this one up best-

There are some games the Cavaliers can’t help but win. Sunday was one of them, as Cleveland registered a less-than-impressive 84-76 victory over the woeful Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena. The game was so blasé Cavaliers coach Mike Brown’s postgame press conference lasted 41 seconds and didn’t include a single question from media members, who appear to want the regular season to end as much as Cleveland’s players do.

Yep. Cavs fever. Catch it. It’s sad too, because Cleveland is heading for a first round match-up with Washington, who would be satisfied if all they did was beat the Cavaliers in the playoffs. [Read more...]

04/04 Morning Minute: At Least We Have the NIT

LeBron James - Thabo Sefolosha
At least LeBron couldn’t see the 17-point lead disappear

Unreal.

That’s really the only term I have been able to come up with this morning. Double-digit leads and a seven-footer with an open attempt at a dunk that could seal the deal. Only to wind up like that Sprite commercial where the guy gets rejected by the rim, except with a loss to a conference opponent – one that we made a huge trade with that was supposed to make us better.

He couldn’t have laid it in?

And don’t get me started on Larry Hughes. If last night’s game doesn’t show that it was more us than him, I’m not sure what will. Put him on a running team that doesn’t just dribble the ball around until 10 seconds are left on the shot clock, and Hughes will reward you with a near triple-double. In fact, 25 points (15 in the third quarter), eight boards and nine assists would sound just about right. For a different team.

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04/02 Morning Minute: Is The AFC North Looking Weak?

AFC NorthNot more than a few days ago, we touched on the possibility that Phil Savage would vote for the NFL to re-seed their playoff format – citing that the AFC North was statistically the toughest division last season, and that the Browns themselves got a raw deal despite a 10-win season.

Well, it appears that things have changed a bit, as Tony Grossi reports that Phil and Company will be voting against the re-seeding.  While I don’t think Cleveland’s vote is of the “Super Delegate” type, this mention caught me by surprise:

There’s a strong feeling the Browns ultimately could be hurt by the proposed change because the winner of the AFC North this year could have a lesser record than a wildcard team and thus lose the home playoff game now guaranteed in the present format.

This could only mean one of two things: Either one, the other divisions are seen to have gotten significantly better, or two, the North has actually gotten worse than it was last season. [Read more...]

4/01/08 Morning Minute- Hijacked!

That’s right, it’s Rick taking over the minute (again) today!

sabathianewuni.jpg

Two things, ok maybe three things for your consideration today. First and foremost, that opener went exactly as you thought it would didn’t it? (shaking head no…) Come on, who had Sabathia struggles, bullpen is shaky, questionable calls, and the Indians only score in 2 of the 9 innings for a 10-8 win in your office pool? No? Yeah me neither, but that’s baseball. The Indians were actually the beneficiary of those blown calls by the way. Well, at least one. The interference call was absolutely the right call, though you probably won’t hear many Sox fans admit that. Cabrera clearly stretched out to grab Peralta and deny the double play. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen at least admitted later that interference was the right call- [Read more...]

03/27 Minute: Morning After

Bad DreamI woke up this morning to find that the NBA.com scoreboard that I referenced late last night was in fact the correct score at the end of the game.  Unfortunate, really.  I’d cover my thoughts on the game, but I think that Carolyn’s blog over at And One coupled with Rick’s recap last night do more justice than anything I could ever surmise.

A buddy of mine stopped over my place before heading to the game last night, and our parting words were something along the lines of LeBron needing to show up Chris Paul simply so the media (and LeBron-haters) could finally see who the real MVP is this season.  While I will place my foot firmly in my mouth, I will also reiterate my points from months ago that, though a bit older, Peja Stojakovic and David West are head and shoulders above Sasha Pavlovic and what was then Drew Gooden and is now Joe Smith. 

But hey, at least LeBron managed to stay in the game, right?

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03/26 Minute: More Roster Moves

Josh BarfieldWhile the Boston Red Sox took their first loss of the season earlier today against the Athletics, the Indians are working on finalizing their roster to start of the 2008 season.  It was reported late yesterday that veteran reliever Jorge Julio will be making the squad after tossing a 1.64 ERA through nine appearances this spring.  Two others that will not be joining the opening day roster will be starter-turned-injured reliever Scott Elarton and second baseman Josh Barfield – both being sent to Triple-A Buffalo.

While the Elarton move doesn’t surprise me at all, given that there is still some more cuts to be made in his line of work, I thought that the team would at least have Barfield be a utility guy if he couldn’t beat out Adrubal Cabrera for the 2B job.  However, I can see what the team is doing by wanting him to get everyday at-bats, albeit at a lower level of play.  I don’t think it will be long before he gets another shot.

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03/25 Minute: So Long, Chain Of Lakes. Hello, Cleveland.

Chain of Lakes 
In the mid-80s, my grandparents purchased a place in Winter Haven, Florida.  Not more than a mile or so down the street was a baseball facility along with a stadium that featured a minor-league segment of the Boston Red Sox.  Upon the death of my grandfather, their place was sold in 1991.  The Indians conveniently made it their home in 1992.

16 seasons later, the Tribe bids farewell.  The same scene that brought us the tragic death of Steve Olin and Tim Crewsalso prepared a team that would win a handful of AL Central championships, even making a couple of runs at a World Series title.  A place that has seen the evolution from the Hargrove roster to the current Wedge roster, the Loftons and Thomes are now the Sizemores and Garkos.  And though most of this roster will be making its way to Goodyear, Arizona in 2009, Chain of Lakes will be something that I know I will remember as a Tribe fan for many years to come.

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03/24 Morning Minute: Fausto, Take II

Fausto CarmonaI hope all of you had a relaxing Easter weekend.  It isn’t every year that one can couple said holiday with March Madness – it felt like a version of Thanksgiving, though supplanting football with a bevy of college basketball games.  When Easter falls in late April, we get some regular season baseball; but that’s not as fun. 

Can you believe baseball begins tomorrow?  Though only a couple of days, the Red Sox and A’s will be duking it out overseas while the rest of the league wraps up grapefruit ball.  Another thing I can’t believe is that there will be baseball played here in a matter of days.  It’s very un-warm out there…

Speaking of the Tribe, if Fausto Carmona lives up to Terry Pluto’s expectations, you’ll have one happy Tribe fan over here.  Granted, the kid worked wonders in his recent appearance, but I’m still skeptical over his innings pitched last year.  When he’s on, there may not be a better pitcher to see live given the tenacity at which his sinker drops.  Let’s just hope this is something we’re talking about come September…

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03/22 Morning Minute: Congratulations, LeBron

LeBron James: Scoring LeaderWhile it is an excellent feat regardless, I’m much more satisfied that LeBron’s record-breaking evening came during a win.  I mean, was there any doubt in anyone’s mind that this wouldn’t happen?  While James was very humble in his post-game speech, the fact that the fans have seen him score every single point of his career thus far is amazing.  Now we just have to hope that his 15,000th point is scored while in a Cavaliers jersey as well.

How about that posterizing of Jamario Moon in the first quarter?

Here’s a pretty cool .PDF file courtesy of the Plain Dealer, detailing the game-by-game steps taken to achieve this record…

Someone who won’t be scoring 10,000 points any time soon: Ben Wallace.  The big man left yesterday’s game with another bout of back spasms.  Ugh.  At least “The Wildcard” stepped up in his place.  Speaking of Smith, check out the +/- of the reserves versus the starters.  Unreal.

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PlayPlay

03/19 Morning Minute: Sheed’s At It Again

The Mouth Never ClosesThe wonderfully talented Natalie over at Need4Sheed has posted Rasheed Wallace’s comments from last night’s post-game interview.  Two things you’ll need to know: 1) He’s excited to be playing against Ben Wallace, obviously someone that he still appreciates, and 2) LeBron is only “one of the better players” in the league.  And is not a “King.” 

Will Rip Hamilton at least have his name spelled right on his jersey?

Tonight’s game should be fun.  Sarcasm, indeed.  We really need this one given the loss to Orlando.  Now excuse me while I take off my “Captain Obvious” t-shirt…

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03/18 Morning Minute: The Second Half Strikes Again

Zydrunas Ilgauskas Jump-Shot
Clank!

Given the current playoff standings, the Cavaliers really needed a win last night against the Orlando Magic.  But, once again, the second night of a back-to-back stint provided this Cleveland team with a flat second half - and a loss. 

Yes, LeBron put up 30, and is 34 points shy of the All-Time scoring leader for the Cavaliers,  currently trailing Brad Daugherty, but I’m not sure this will help matters much if we continue to lose on the road.  Torched by Rashard Lewis (21 points, all in the second half), Cleveland didn’t have an answer on the other end.  And as good as Zydrunas Ilgauskas was a game ago, he could muster nothing against the uber-athletic Dwight Howard.  2-for-10 from the floor, 0-for-2 from the line.  Awful.

Meanwhile, Sam Cassell helps the Celtics come from 22 down to beat the Spurs.  Great.

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03/07 Morning Minute: Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Ben WallaceWelcome back, Zydrunas Ilgauskas!  Yesterday’s Cavaliers game was entirely too close for my liking, but there is no denying that Z’s presence in the post was huge on both ends of the floor.  Yes, he had 16 points, nine boards and three blocks, but indirectly enabling Ben Wallace to do his thing (15 rebounds, three steals, one block) helped out immensely.  Proof in the pudding: Emeka Okafor and Nazr Mohammed combined to go 8-for-23 from the floor. 

And while it’s good to see LeBron laughing off DeShawn Stevenson’s comments from last week, I think he could have come up with a better reference than this – you know he was sitting on that one for a while. 

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03/16 Morning Minute: Talkin’ Tourney and Tribe

Dicky VHappy Selection Sunday, peoples. Today, at about 5p EDT, the NCAA Committee will give us the field of 65 teams that will litter office printers across the nation come tomorrow morning. Watercooler talk will no longer have to be forced and fake. All it takes is a “Who you got?” or “Man, that Southwest sure looks tough this year.” Heck, even if you don’t follow this stuff, give it a try! You can make some new friends, and then even take their money in the pool. We all know that it’s a guessing game from here. But one fun guessing game it is.

Today’s contest between Kansas and Texas is looking to be like a game that is bigger in terms of the conference than the actual seedings. Which is unfortunate, because as I mentioned in the comments here, Kansas is looking pretty tough and would be a top-seed in my eyes…assuming they can top the Longhorns. But as ESPN mentions, it’s looking like they’re both going to be a “two.” With Tennessee falling in the semifinals, I’m not sure how you can’t give the winner of this a top bid…

And I’ll say it again…Count me in on the group that will be astonished if Ohio State gets the nod. Yes, I think it’s a bit of a crock that we’ll have seven teams from the Big East and only four from the Big Ten, but the Buckeyes had their chance. Just sucks that that win over Florida will be all for naught. What I’d like to know, how did OSU, MSU and Wisconsin all end up on the same side of the bracket? Kind of burns when you see Illinois and Minnesota duking it out on the other side… (And yes, I know that the Illini beat Purdue…)

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03/15 Morning Minute: It’s NCAA Inundation!

Kent State UniversityEverywhere you look these days, it’s NCAA hoops.  You cannot help but to catch some of the MAC Tournament action, given that it’s in our back yard.  It’s looking like a Kent State University versus Akron University finals, which is more than sure to draw a solid crowd today.  Neither team had a cakewalk to get where they are at this point.  KSU needed a buzzer-beater by MAC standout Al Fisher, and a few Akron ballers have some bumps and bruises to deal with as well.  Personally, I’m a bit glad I’m not downtown today as parking would be a disaster for us working folk.  However, you can’t deny the atmosphere is going to be amazing.  Flannery’s Pub will likely be able to pay their rent for the month of March on today alone…

The sad truth to all of this is that us Clevelander’s will have to be pulling for the winner of this tournament game, possibly along with Xavier, as the “Ohio” plays given last night’s Ohio State loss to Michigan State.  It’s going to take quite a bit of luck and/or reputation for the Buckeyes to get in to the Big Dance this year – unless the committee opts for five Big Ten teams, yet again.  Losing to Minnesota, Michigan and Iowa are going to hurt.  Big time.  Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana and Michigan State are pretty much locks to get in.  Matta and Company could definitely be on the outside looking in come tomorrow night.

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3/14 Morning Minute: Speechless

LeBron JamesI apologize in advance, as I’ve been really pressed for time this week.  A lot going on in the ever-pressing “real” life, which I’m sure we can all attest to from time to time.  That is unless you’re DeShawn Stevenson, who apparently has entirely too much time on his hands.

That’s right.  Instead of focusing his efforts on shooting over 38 percent from the floor and being known more for his game than a mound of hair on his face, Stevenson decides to talk to the media and call one of the best players ever to play the game “overrated.”

Yes, the same Stevenson that shot 19 percent from the floor in the playoffs last year, when his team desperately needed him to step up his game.  The same Stevenson who has been in the league for seven years and has yet to average more than 11 points in a single season.  That DeShawn Stevenson. 

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03/12 Morning Minute: Phil ‘Er Up

Phil SavageWith 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?

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03/11 Morning Minute: Baby Got Back Problems

Joe SmithPerhaps Danny Ferry knew what he was doing when he added a slew of depth to the Cavaliers frontcourt?  Though Cleveland beat Portland last night, 88-80, another big man went down as Ben Wallace sat out the second half with back spasms.  Thankfully, we have this kid named LeBron James who poured in his seventh triple-double on the season.  And what could be just as important was the aforementioned depth, specifically in the form of one Joe Smith.

The Wildcard” was huge off of the bench, dropping 18 points on 50 percent from the floor and a perfect 8-of-8 from the line.  When the trade went down, I mentioned how big the free throw shooting of our new arrivals would be down the stretch.  For good measure, Wally Szczerbiak drained all four of his charity stripe attempts as well.

Oh, and not to dwell on this whole +/- bit, but just for the record.  Wallace was the only starter to have a negative impact with -7.  Joe Smith’s 25 minutes of play came with a +13.  Higher than LeBron, who was second with a +10.  Just saying…

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03/10 Morning Minute: Slowly, But Surely

Sasha Pavlovic 
Though the Cavaliers were able to hold off the Pacers during a snowy weekend game, we’re still looking at a team that desperately needs to get healthy for the home stretch.  Thankfully, good news has come across the wire as Sasha Pavlovic is slated to return this week.  

Fans may hardly have any recollection of anything that Pavlovic has done this season, as a contract issue turned quickly into a mid-foot injury towards the end of January.  It seems like agest since we’ve seen the #3 running the floor, but his return – albeit with a rough season thus far – will be very welcomed. 

This leaves Zydrunas Ilgauskas (back) and Daniel Gibson (ankle) as the final pieces to the puzzle.  Speaking of Ilgauskas, he has recently received an injection in his back and is feeling better.  A mid-March return is still the target, meaning that we’ll need more big games out of Anderson Varejao in the near future.  Gibson, on the other hand, will likely miss the remainder of the March month, making Pavlovic’s return that much more important.

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