June 19, 2013

TD talks March Madness, Tribe and Chris Perez – WFNY Podcast – 2013-03-06

March 6, 2013 by 2 Comments

WFNY Podcast LogoTD is out and about around the country like he normally is, but hotel rooms have Internet. So, we talked about some sports with TD in the shadow of Jerry Jones’ behemoth stadium.

Here’s a rundown…

  • Scott Raab and his episode of the podcast
  • Selective memory and what we remember
  • TD thought Damon Stoudamire was going to be a bust
  • Andy Marte and his history as a reliever
  • March Madness and the Final Four
  • TD thinks championship week is even better
  • A rotating cast of number ones in NCAA basketball
  • Wally Szczerbiak and the hero tourney storyline
  • Fantasy sports and Twitter
  • NCAA championship game start times
  • The Indians and the Sunday afternoon games
  • Getting “babysitter” credit for taking your kids to the baseball game
  • Daisuke Matsuzaka and his slow delivery
  • Carlos Carrasco starting the season with a five game suspension
  • Spring training game film and highlights
  • Fox Sports 1 is launching in August
  • Mark Cuban and being a regular guy
  • Attending the Masters
  • Chris Perez and the PED rumor talk on Twitter

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NBA Trade Rumors – Cavs, Suns, Wizards, Mavs

February 12, 2010 by 51 Comments

So, this won’t be a really substantial post, but thanks to one of the best beat writers in the NBA, we have some updated trade info.  First, before getting to the Cavs, let us first talk about the Wizards.  Word has it that the Wizards are very very close to unloading Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood to Dallas for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden and some other salary matching pieces.  As a result, it appears that Antawn Jamison will not be going anywhere.  At least that is the prevailing thought right now.  Remember that the prevailing thought this morning had us all terrified that Boston was going to land Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler in a deal that would have made Pau Gasol blush.

So, according to Brian Windhorst, the Cavs are going heavily after Amar’e Stoudemire.  It appears that in order to pull off the deal, the Cavs might also have to come up with enough salary to also take Jason Richardson in the deal.  Combined, that means the Cavs need to find just under $30 million in salaries.  According to Windy, the Cavs might need to use both Wally Szczerbiak and Lorenzen Wright.  I also assume the Cavs would have to give up Zydrunas and JJ Hickson should the deal go down as described on this late Friday night.

We will continue to cover all the news and rumors throughout the weekend, but keep in mind that no deals can be announced over the all-star break.

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About that Walter sign-and-trade…

February 6, 2010 by 29 Comments

wallyThere’s been much discussion around these parts about one Walter Szczerbiak. Senor Szczerbiak is currently under then employ of the Columbia Broadcasting System as a collegiate basketball analyst. Though he remains a free agent, he has begun his new career in the broadcasting field.

In order to trade Mr Szczerbiak’s rights the Cavs would have to ‘sweeten the pot’ so to speak. Yes, a large salary would be needed to match the trade-ee’s salary, but money isn’t everything.

We’ve determined a few things that could be added to the sign/trade in order to appease Walter.

1) Hair gel. Lots of hair gel. Dapper Dan, to be exact. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Gilbert Arenas in Cleveland, Tortured Teams and Chris Palmer

January 30, 2010 by 19 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering (even on the weekends) of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something else you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Gilbert ArenasAn interesting concept here with the beginning of the buzz. Considering the fact that the #FreeAntawn movement still has three more weeks left, this could be something to look at down the road: “One source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Arenas ultimately landing in Cleveland with the team that has regularly tortured the Wizards in recent seasons — as a sidekick whose arrival would theoretically help the Cavs ensure the re-signing of LeBron James — is a legit possibility to file away.” [Marc Stein/Weekend Dime]

Bill Simmons posted his top 15 rankings of the most tortured franchises in sports yesterday afternoon. Definite must-read for all Cleveland fans out there as our three beloved teams made the top ten complete with this claim about LeBron and the Cavaliers: “For all we know, this season is their last chance with LeBron. It’s going to be like a mutant version of the 1992 Pirates during Barry Bonds’ last season — desperation mixed with urgency — but in this case, Cavs fans won’t have the ‘We Are Family’ title from 1979 to cushion the blow if things go wrong. Just writing about this makes me uneasy.” [ESPN.com]
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Guest Post: On Rob Kurz

September 22, 2009 by 12 Comments
rob-kurzEvery once in a while we have guest posts, and today is one of those occasions.  We’ve got a post from Brian Spaeth, who is almost as busy as LeBron in publicizing his own movie, Who Shot Mamba?  Brian likes Twitter and doesn’t like question marks.

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I set out to do two things in my guest post here at WFNY, and those two things were “something” and “anything”.

For guidance on this, I emailed Denny to ask him what kind of things might be workable. I know of guest-posting – I’ve been doing it every day for two weeks now – but I wanted to be sure my hometown blog got something really nice and special. [Read more...]

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NBA Trade Rumors: Gerald Wallace to Cavs

July 9, 2009 by 31 Comments

gerald-wallaceSince we all love speculation, why not look at what other moves Danny Ferry may have in the hopper as we continue this offseason journey?

While discussing the Anthony Parker signing, Bob Finnan of the Morning Journal had the following:

One rumor floating around had the Cavs sending guard/forward Wally Szczerbiak and forward/center J.J. Hickson to Charlotte for forward Gerald Wallace in a sign-and-trade.

The Cavs hold Hickson in high regard, but Wallace is a stud defender. He also has four years and almost $40 million left on his contract.

So…Gerald Wallace, anyone?  At 6’7″, he is a bit undersized if you want to slot him in at power forward.  But while being a stud defender, as Mr. Finnan mentions, he also has the potential to go off for 20 points and 10 rebounds on any given night.  If you liked Shawn Marion, you essentially have a younger (and less self-centered) version in Wallace.

[Read more...]

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Cavaliers Resign Varejao: Instant Analysis

July 8, 2009 by 42 Comments

The Cavs have come to an agreement with free agent big man Anderson Varejao. The initial reports indicate that the deal is for 6 years and could be worth as much as $50 million. We don’t know yet if any of those years option years, nor do we know how the dollars are spread out. It is likely that the contract includes incremental raises, as most do.

(UPDATE: Chad Ford is reporting that the deal is for $42.5 over the six years, with incentives that could push it to $50. The final year is also not guaranteed.)

Many are probably scoffing at the idea of Varejao getting more than $6 or $7 million per season, and if you are looking purely at stats he probably will never out-perform that deal. But all along we knew some things about this deal. First, the Cavs had very little leverage. Andy is versatile big man, and those type of players get paid handsomely in this league. Tell me that you would really be excited about giving Zydrunas a hypothetical one year deal for this season at $11.5 million? Or how about paying Ben Wallace $14 million more dollars for his offensive productivity? For that matter, would you have given Shaq $20 million dollars for the upcoming season, because that’s what he is getting paid. Some will point out that Charlie Villanueva received less than what Andy will make, but ask yourself how many centers in this league can Charlie match up against? [Read more...]

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Breaking Free Agent News: Anthony Parker a Cav

July 8, 2009 by 22 Comments

According to Brian Windhorst’s twitter account the Cavaliers have come to terms with free agent SG Anthony Parker. As we reported last night, Parker played the last three seasons in Toronto. He averaged just under 11 points per game last season and is generally considered a good outside shooter.

Parker (34) played in Europe before signing with the Raptors. He has been a target of Danny Ferry since his days overseas, but Ferry has never been able to pry him away from the Raptors. With the signing of Hedo Turkoglu, Parker became an unrestricted free agent and Ferry pounced.

Details of the contract are not yet finalized, nor is it known how many years or what kind of dollar figures are being considered. (7/9 Update: ESPN reports that the two sides have agreed on two years for less than $6 million) Last year Parker made $4.55 million. He started for the Raptors and played 33 minutes a game, but will not be asked to play as much for the Cavs. He will help the Cavaliers’ thin backcourt. He will more than likely get Sasha Pavlovic’s minutes from last year and some of Wally Szczerbiak’s depending on what the Cavs from here until camp. [Read more...]

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NBA Free Agents: Who’s Left For Cleveland?

July 7, 2009 by 21 Comments

LeBron and Anderson VarejaoAs we’ve already discussed, technically no free agents are off the market until they sign contracts starting tomorrow. However, if we make the assumption that players stick to their verbal agreements then who is left for the Cavaliers to get?

We’re going to call the following free agents off the market. Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva (Pistons), Hedo Turkoglu (Raptors), Ron Artest (Lakers), Trevor Ariza (Rockets), Jason Kidd (Mavs), Rasheed Wallace (Celtics), Marcin Gortat (Mavs), Mike Bibby (Hawks). Shawn Marion is reportedly very close to being a Maverick as well. There is a group of players that haven’t agreed to terms with anyone, but are going to be more expensive than the Cavs can afford with the cap. That group includes David Lee, Paul Milsap and Lamar Odom. Could there be a sign and trade with one of those players? Possibly, but not likely. (No chance with Odom.)

So who does that leave? First you have to look at former Cavs looking for contracts.

Anderson Varejao is the big name here. Since opting out of his deal last week, there have been zero reports of anyone contacting or even interested in Andy outside of Cleveland. Varejao turned down $6 million to test the free agent waters, but might be wise to revisit that figure with the Cavaliers. The Cavs have been looking at more athletic PFs in free agency so far, which might suggest that they are willing to let Andy walk away from the team. However, they have yet to sign one of these players. I’m of the opinion that Andy is still a great fit for this team. In fact I believe that opportunities for easy baskets would increase for Andy with Shaq’s presence in the post. Andy is good at moving without the ball and finding the right lane for passers. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… A WFNY Brew, Tough Draft Position, and Tall Cavalier Tales

June 11, 2009 by 5 Comments

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.

great-lakes-brewery-cleveland

WFNY- The Beverage! We received several tips about  Great Lakes Brewing Company’s newest mix WIT Till Next Year- “True Cleveland sports fans are very familiar with this phrase, so do we really need to say any more? (By the way, this beer is a special Wit fairly similar to Holy Moses White Ale).” Great Lakes Brewing Co. [Read more...]

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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

June 5, 2009 by 48 Comments

Cleveland fans probably have more questions than there are answers following the team’s disappointing playoff exit. Brian Windhorst has already answered one of those questions- namely will LeBron sign an extension this summer. (The answer is not likely, in case you missed it.)

sheedben-copy

More questions include decisions from Anderson Varejao (more than likely will opt out), Zydrunas Ilgauskas (more than likely will pick up his player option) and Ben Wallace (hinting at retirement). There are also decisions to be made about free agents Wally Szczerbiak and Joe Smith.

Everyone is sure to offer an opinion on what the Cavs will need to do in order to win a title/keep LeBron happy. One rumor floating around now is that the Cavs will sign former Piston cry-baby Rasheed Wallace- [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting – Walter’s Diary, Browns Grades, Magic Z

April 26, 2009 by 3 Comments

Browns Draft, day 1While We’re Waiting attempts to give you cats something to read early in the morning.  Here’s some WFNY-ish info for you to cram into your gullet:

Yes, but more importantly, does he mix well with the media?  ”The Coronation of Napoleon signaled a huge shift in Browns draft strategy, as the Eric Mangini/George Kokonis combo proved to be the anti-Phil Savage. Trading down three times in the first round before settling on Center Alex Mack shows how ingrained the Bill Belichick draft philosophy is in Eric Mangini. The Browns entered the 2009 NFL draft with only a handful of picks, but managed to add an extra second rounder, two sixth round picks and Abram Elam, Kenyon Coleman and Brett Ratliff. Considering the team has so many holes on the roster, adding so much quantity to the roster can only be a smart move . . . As for the picks, Mangini is clearly building for the future in Cleveland.” [Dave Kolonich, Cleveland Browns Reboot]

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Anybody else not surprised that Walter has a diary? [Cleveland Plain Dealer] [Read more...]

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Comeback Cavs Continue Setting Records

March 30, 2009 by 16 Comments

83007454_DLK011_CAVS_V_MAVSCavaliers 102, Mavericks 74 (Box)

Where to start? The Cavaliers set new highs for regular season wins (60!) and most consecutive wins (12). They are 2 wins shy of tying the club mark for victories at home in a season (1988-89 37 wins). It was Cleveland’s most lopsided victory over Dallas- ever. That’s saying something when you think back to some of those miserable Maverick teams of the 1990′s.But what was most impressive about this win was the manner in which the Cavs accomplished it.

Cleveland came out fired up and having fun. The pregame photo op was a mock-baseball game in which LeBron was again the videographer. For the record Mo Williams hit a home run off Cleveland hurler Tarrence Kinsey. It appeared to be a high fastball. But after a 5-5 start, the Mavericks pulled away as the Cavs found a lid on the basket. Dallas out-hustled the Cavs early, and grabbed every Cavs miss off the board. The Cavs found themselves the victim of hot shooting from behind the 3 point line, not usually a strong point of the Maverick’s game. Dallas’ high moving screens allowed Erick Dampier to storm the basket mostly uncontested. They out-scored the Cavs by 10 in the first, and started to pull away further in the 2nd, pushing their lead to 15 points. That would be all she wrote for the Mavericks.

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Cavs Preview Game #72 T-Wolves at Cavs

March 27, 2009 by 15 Comments

Cavaliers vs TimberwolvesMinnesota T-Wolves (20-52) vs
Cleveland Cavaliers (58-13)
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
Friday, March 27, 2009
7:30 PM EST
FSNOH/WTAM

The Timberwolves are not a good basketball team. I’m sorry, but I feel the need to be upfront here. With that our of the way, is there a chance for the dreaded ‘trap game’ here? Highly unlikely. The Cavs come into this one riding a 10 game winning streak, and are the hottest team since the all-star break at 18-2. More team records could fall soon, as the Cavaliers are approaching the team record for consecutive wins- 11 (tied earlier this season.) No Cleveland team has had multiple winning streaks of more than 9 games in the same season. Until now. [Read more...]

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Tim Legler Didn’t Earn His Paycheck Today

March 20, 2009 by 29 Comments

legler_webWith analysis like this, you need a courtesy flush and plenty of TP.  And no, TP isn’t the bizarro universe love child of TD and DP.  Anyway, Legler “contributed” to the Daily Dime today with the prediction that the Cavs were going to get the top seed in the East.  That makes me happy, but his reasoning is mis-informed.  And it is this kind of thinking that we, as Cavs fans, have to attack mightily because all it does is harm Lebron James’ candidacy for the much-deserved MVP.  Legler had this to say.

The Celtics, with all of their injuries, have no rhythm right now, and the Magic need to figure out a way to steadily feed Dwight Howard at crunch time.

Those are the two biggest reasons that neither Boston nor Orlando can catch Cleveland. Cleveland is 4.5 games in front of Boston and five games ahead of Orlando, and with the exception of Ben Wallace, the Cavaliers are the one team that is not dealing with injuries.

Wha wha whaaaat?  Not dealing with injuries?

[Read more...]

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BREAKING CAVALIERS NEWS: Szczerbiak Out 2-3 Weeks

March 18, 2009 by 13 Comments

Wally and BoobieDuring last night’s big win over Orlando at the Q, Cavaliers Guard Wally Szczerbiak went down with a knee injury and did not return to the game. The hope was that the Cavs could actually dodge an injury bullet, but they of course couldn’t. According to the PD’s Brian Windhorst, Szczerbiak will miss the next 2-3 weeks with a sprained left knee.

While Wally has been an extremely valuable member of the rotation all year, playing both power and small forward, the wine and gold has been in this position before. Newly benched Daniel Gibson will once again get regular time in the backcourt, as well as swingman Tarence Kinsey. Sasha Pavlovic should get deeper minutes as well. [Read more...]

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Cavaliers Extend Eastern Conference Lead: LeBron Outduels Superman

March 18, 2009 by 25 Comments

82992856_DLK003_CAVS_V_MAGI Cavaliers 97, Orlando 93 (Box)

With 42 seconds left in the game, LeBron James dribbles to his left past the screen of Mo Williams, lifts and drains a three pointer over Magic rookie Courtney Lee. Cavs take the lead 95-93. It gave LeBron 41 points on the night. The crowd goes wild. Chants of MVP are heard on Ontario Street. Fred McLeod, over Austin Carr’s laughter, shrieks “LeBron James knocks it down cold blooded style!” as the Cavs retreat to play defense and finish the game off. Howard camps in the lane and Cleveland has the win. LeBron drops in 2 free throws to secure the victory giving him 43 points. But wait a minute. Before we go crazy talking about LeBron’s heroics, we have to talk about ‘THE Rebound’. [Read more...]

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LeBron Drops 51 As Comeback Cavs Do It Again

March 14, 2009 by 15 Comments

nocavschampshirtCavaliers 126, Sacramento 123 OT (Box)

The Cavaliers accomplished a number of things last night (or early this morning for those watching here in Ohio.) First, they came from (way) behind for what seems like the 10th time in as many nights, needing overtime to complete the comeback. (Only Cleveland’s second OT game of the year if you can believe that.) Next, they kept pace with the Lakers and Celtics in the race for the league’s top record. But perhaps as important, the team earned their second Central Division title ever. Doesn’t seem possible that a team as good as the Mark Price led Cavs wouldn’t have won a division crown, but there was this little team called Chicago in the way every year. They had a few good players too. [Read more...]

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Could Danny Ferry Build the Cavs Without Lebron?

March 11, 2009 by 24 Comments
Scott R. Galvin / AP

Scott R. Galvin / AP

I was reading  two articles at the Plain Dealer this morning talking about Danny Ferry’s career as an NBA executive thus far.  Terry Pluto and Brian Windhorst cover a couple different angles.  Windhorst dissects the trades and moves themselves, while Pluto talks about Ferry as a player and how he developed into the man he is today.  It is amazing to look at all Ferry has accomplished, but one thing will forever hold true.  Danny Ferry won’t be able to say he was able to build anything at all without Lebron James.  That is, unless Lebron James leaves Cleveland.

Now, before everyone attacks me for speaking the unspeakable, this is not a prediction.  I didn’t drink a gallon of New York Media Juice over the weekend and come out brainwashed.  I am also, quite obviously, not rooting for Lebron to leave town.  I hope we never have to find out what life is like without Lebron James.  That said, I was left wondering after reading these articles if I thought Danny Ferry would be capable of building a winner in a post-Lebron era, should that era ever arrive.  Of course there is no way to prove a point or win an argument on this, but I think I would have confidence in Danny Ferry given what I have seen so far. [Read more...]

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Guest Post: Cavalier Lookalikes 101

March 6, 2009 by 34 Comments

Every once in a while, we get ideas tossed our way that are too good to pass up.  This is one of those ideas, brought to life by esteemed WFNY commenter I’m Ron Burgandy? (or IRB?, as he has grown lazy in his commenting ways).  Below, enjoy the hard-hitting research of IRB? as he digs into the true underlying foundation to the success of our Cleveland Cavaliers.

Who doesn’t like a good game of professional athlete look-alike?  In case you don’t know how to play, here are some examples:

1) We all know that Jimmy Clausen looks like an emu.

[Read more...]

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