Draft Day is complete for the Cleveland Browns and the Cavaliers advance to the Eastern Conference Semis with a four game sweep of the Bad (as in skill, not attitude) Boys from Detroit.
After trading down three times in the first round, helping the Jets acquire franchise QB Mark Sanchez, the Browns took a center in Alex Mack from Cal. They went on to use two 2nd round picks on young wideouts, Brian Robiskie from Ohio State and Mohamed Massaquoi from Georgia. Both should complement "non-traded" Braylon Edwards and stretch the field for also non-traded Brady Quinn. They closed out the first day by taking a versatile DE/OLB from Hawaii, David Veikune.
On the second day, the Browns filled depth holes at CB, LB and picked up a young runningback, James Davis from Clemson.
Overall, the Browns selected players with high marks in character and were generally safe picks. Needs were filled on the outside and inside and depth was added across the board. All of these picks should be relatively cheap and easy to sign and many may contribute to the team right away.
Overall Grade: B-
Recap
1st (21):^ Alex Mack, C, California
2nd (36): Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
2nd (50):* Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia
2nd (52): David Veikune, DE/OLB, Hawaii
4th (104): Kaluka Maiava, LB, USC
6th (177): Don Carey, CB, Norfolk State
6th (191):* Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State
6th (195):^ James Davis, RB, Clemson
*from Tampa Bay
^from Philadelphia
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Cavs Win, Playoff Milestones Set
In the Cavs' win over Detroit tonight, bringing the series to within one game of a sweep, two Cavaliers set playoff franchise records:
Lebron James passed Brad Daugherty for the all-time lead in defensive rebounds with 333
and
Zydrunas Ilgauskas passed Daugherty for the all-time lead in total rebounds with 424
Congrats to Lebron and Z!
The Cavs will look to close out the 1st round series on Monday.
Lebron James passed Brad Daugherty for the all-time lead in defensive rebounds with 333
and
Zydrunas Ilgauskas passed Daugherty for the all-time lead in total rebounds with 424
Congrats to Lebron and Z!
The Cavs will look to close out the 1st round series on Monday.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tribe Heating Up
Don't look now, but the once 0-5 Cleveland Indians are getting hot. Sure, a 6-5 stretch isn't exactly world-beating, but compared to what the Indians did in the first week of the season, it is a godsend. After splitting a 4-game series at Yankee Stadium where the offense came to life, the Indians won their series at home against Kansas City with a 5-2 comeback win today after a fantastic start by the Royals' Gil Meche. The Tribe will look to continue their hot streak vs. the Twins, another contender in the closely contested yet mediocre Central Divison.
Players of today's game: Grady Sizemore, 3 R GW-HR and Kerry Wood, a 1-2-3 save with 2 Ks! Boy is it nice having a flamethrowing, stud closer! Now if only the rest of the bullpen would catch up...
Columbus Watch: David Dellucci has hit .417 in three starts at DH in AAA Columbus for his rehab start. Josh Barfield is hitting .300 since being sent down to make room for SP Aaron Laffey.
Players of today's game: Grady Sizemore, 3 R GW-HR and Kerry Wood, a 1-2-3 save with 2 Ks! Boy is it nice having a flamethrowing, stud closer! Now if only the rest of the bullpen would catch up...
Columbus Watch: David Dellucci has hit .417 in three starts at DH in AAA Columbus for his rehab start. Josh Barfield is hitting .300 since being sent down to make room for SP Aaron Laffey.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Quick Liftoffs: 4-18
Great Day for Cleveland Fans
What more could we want from this 18th of April, 2009? The Cavs did what they were supposed to in crushing the Pistons in Game 1 of the First Round of the NBA Playoffs with TheKing dropping in 38 points. The day got even better for fans who were flipping back and forth from ABC to FOX and saw the Indians stomp on, decimate, and light on fire the lifeless corpses that were the New York Yankee pitchers today. The Tribe beat the Yanks 22-4, bringing back memories of a 2006 Fourth of July in New York where the Indians beat the Bombers 22-0. Mark DeRosa had 6 RBI and Asdrubal Cabrera hit a Grand Slam while Fausto Carmona picked up the easiest win of his career. Eric Wedge picked up career managerial win #500 in the rout.
Box score from the awesome performance here
CLEVELAND ROCKS!
What more could we want from this 18th of April, 2009? The Cavs did what they were supposed to in crushing the Pistons in Game 1 of the First Round of the NBA Playoffs with TheKing dropping in 38 points. The day got even better for fans who were flipping back and forth from ABC to FOX and saw the Indians stomp on, decimate, and light on fire the lifeless corpses that were the New York Yankee pitchers today. The Tribe beat the Yanks 22-4, bringing back memories of a 2006 Fourth of July in New York where the Indians beat the Bombers 22-0. Mark DeRosa had 6 RBI and Asdrubal Cabrera hit a Grand Slam while Fausto Carmona picked up the easiest win of his career. Eric Wedge picked up career managerial win #500 in the rout.
Box score from the awesome performance here
CLEVELAND ROCKS!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Quick Liftoffs: 4-16
A new segment with random talk throughout Cleveland three major teams...
Cleveland Cavaliers
The debate will rage on for a long time on whether Mike Brown should have sat his starters for Game #82 against the Sixers. The Cavs lost only their second game at home this season and were denied the NBA record of 40-1. In the end the only thing that matters is that the team get healthy for the playoff run. In other stats, no NBA team has ever gone 66-16, the Cavs' current record, and not won the NBA Championship (2-0)...
There sure were some crooked numbers in that game with season-highs from Wally Szczerbiak and Daniel Gibson (also a career-high) as well as 4 blocks from Lorenzen Wright (.02 per game this season) and a career high 8 points from rookie D-Leaguer Jawad Williams. Despite the loss, the game was an excellent chance for the Cavs to show off their depth and reward the veterans like Wright and the youngsters like Williams and Kinsey who have patiently waited their turns...
Cleveland Indians
A win streak?!? The Indians won their 2nd in a row and pounded the Yanks 10-2 at Yankee Stadium's opening today defeating CC Sabathia in the process. The big lefty got a ND in the game but the Indians forced him to throw over 120 pitches in 5.2 innings and knocked the Yanks pen around to the tune of 9 runs. Cliff Lee went 6 innings and gave up only 1 run in his first win of the year, a surely welcome sign for the Tribe faithful. Grady Sizemore hit a grand slam, the first in the new park...
The "streak" will look to continue when Anthony Reyes faces Joba Chamberlain tomorrow at 1:05...
Cleveland Browns
I have no idea what the new regime is doing dangling Brady Quinn and Braylon Edwards for the NFL's viewing (and trading) pleasure. Our one-time franchise QB/WR paring will both likely be elsewhere come the end of the NFL Draft which makes no sense considering you have one of the NFL's best WRs in Edwards and a young QB who wants to be here (shocking, really) and hasn't gotten even a remotely long enough chance to prove himself. You can argue that Braylon will walk as a free agent after this season but in reality he loves Cleveland and if the fans get back on his side (helped by fewer drops, of course) there is no reason to think he won't re-up with the Browns... for the right price
Cleveland Cavaliers
The debate will rage on for a long time on whether Mike Brown should have sat his starters for Game #82 against the Sixers. The Cavs lost only their second game at home this season and were denied the NBA record of 40-1. In the end the only thing that matters is that the team get healthy for the playoff run. In other stats, no NBA team has ever gone 66-16, the Cavs' current record, and not won the NBA Championship (2-0)...
There sure were some crooked numbers in that game with season-highs from Wally Szczerbiak and Daniel Gibson (also a career-high) as well as 4 blocks from Lorenzen Wright (.02 per game this season) and a career high 8 points from rookie D-Leaguer Jawad Williams. Despite the loss, the game was an excellent chance for the Cavs to show off their depth and reward the veterans like Wright and the youngsters like Williams and Kinsey who have patiently waited their turns...
Cleveland Indians
A win streak?!? The Indians won their 2nd in a row and pounded the Yanks 10-2 at Yankee Stadium's opening today defeating CC Sabathia in the process. The big lefty got a ND in the game but the Indians forced him to throw over 120 pitches in 5.2 innings and knocked the Yanks pen around to the tune of 9 runs. Cliff Lee went 6 innings and gave up only 1 run in his first win of the year, a surely welcome sign for the Tribe faithful. Grady Sizemore hit a grand slam, the first in the new park...
The "streak" will look to continue when Anthony Reyes faces Joba Chamberlain tomorrow at 1:05...
Cleveland Browns
I have no idea what the new regime is doing dangling Brady Quinn and Braylon Edwards for the NFL's viewing (and trading) pleasure. Our one-time franchise QB/WR paring will both likely be elsewhere come the end of the NFL Draft which makes no sense considering you have one of the NFL's best WRs in Edwards and a young QB who wants to be here (shocking, really) and hasn't gotten even a remotely long enough chance to prove himself. You can argue that Braylon will walk as a free agent after this season but in reality he loves Cleveland and if the fans get back on his side (helped by fewer drops, of course) there is no reason to think he won't re-up with the Browns... for the right price
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Tribe Offseason and Opening Day
A finalization to my original Indians Offseason post. Opening Day is Monday @ Texas at 2:05 PM. Cliff Lee vs. Kevin Millwood
Cleveland Indians 2009 Offseason
Free Agents
IF Jamey Carroll (club option for ’09) option exercised
RP Brendan Donnelly (filed for free agency) signed by Texas
C Sal Fasano (filed for free agency) signed by Colorado
RP Scott Elarton (filed for free agency) un-signed
RP Juan Rincon (filed for free agency) signed by Detroit
Minor League Free Agents
OF Brad Snyder, placed on waivers, claimed by Chicago Cubs
RP Reid Santos, placed on waivers, claimed by Toronto
IF Andy Gonzalez, signed to minor league deal by Florida
P Bryan Bullington, signed by Toronto
P Brian Slocum, signed by Pittsburgh
OF Ryan Goleski, released
Trades:
OF Franklin Gutierrez traded to Seattle for RP Joe Smith and IF Luis Valbuena
IF Mark DeRosa acquired from Chicago Cubs for Ps Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub
OF Mickey Hall acquired from Boston to complete Paul Byrd trade
IF Isaias Velasquz traded to Tampa Bay for RP Juan Salas
RP Shawn Nottingham traded to Pittsburgh for PTBNL
RP Edward Mujica traded to San Diego for PTBNL
Additions:
RP Kerry Wood (signed to 2-year deal)
SP Carl Pavano (signed to 1-year deal)
RP Greg Aquino (non-roster invitee)
C Damaso Espino (non-roster invitee)
IF Andy Cannizaro (non-roster invitee)
P Tomo Ohka (non-roster invitee)
IF Jesus Merchan (non-roster invitee)
IF Wilson Valdez (non-roster invitee)
P Kirk Sarloos (non-roster invitee)
RP Vinnie Chulk (non-roster invitee)
RP Matt Herges (non-roster invitee)
P Jack Cassell (non-roster invitee)
RP Joe Smith (trade from SEA)
IF Luis Valbuena (trade from SEA)
IF Mark DeRosa (trade from CHI)
OF Mickey Hall (trade from BOS)
RP Juan Salas (trade from TB)
IF Andy Marte (assigned to AAA)
IF Tony Graffaninio (non-roster invitee)
RP Jae Kuk Ryu (claimed, sent to AAA)
Played to be named (trade from PIT)
RP Juan Lara (signed to minor league deal)
Subtractions:
OF Brad Snyder (claimed by CHC)
RP Reid Santos (claimed by TOR)
IF Andy Gonzalez (signed by FLA)
P Bryan Bullington (signed by TOR)
P Brian Slocum (signed by PIT)
RP Tom Mastny (sold to Japan team)
OF Franklin Gutierrez (traded to SEA)
P Jeff Stevens (traded to CHIC)
P Chris Archer (traded to CHIC)
P John Gaub (traded to CHIC)
OF Ryan Goleski (released)
RP Brendan Donnelly (signed by TEX)
C Sal Fasano (signed by COL)
RP Juan Rincon (signed by DET)
IF Isaias Velasquez (traded to TB)
RP Shawn Nottingham (traded to PIT)
RP Edward Mujica (traded to SD)
RP Jae Kuk Ryu (sent back to SD, transaction voided)
Non-Roster Invitees
Pitchers
Greg Aquino
Tomo Ohka
Kirk Sarloos
Dave Huff
Ryan Edell
Vinnie Chulk
Matt Herges
Jack Cassell
Catchers
Damaso Espino
Infielders
Andy Cannizaro
Jesus Merchan
Wilson Valdez
Michael Aubrey
Stephen Head
Beau Mills
Jordan Brown
Wes Hodges
Outfielders
Michael Brantley
Matt Laporta
Signed to 1-Year Contracts for Season:
IF Josh Barfield
OF Shin-Soo Choo
SP Aaron Laffey
RP Jon Meloan
P Adam Miller
SP Anthony Reyes
RP Tony Sipp
SP Jeremy Sowers
C Wyatt Toregas
Reassigned to Minor League Camp:
P Ryan Edell
P Tomo Ohka
RP Rich Rundles (AAA)
RP John Meloan (AAA)
P Adam Miller (AAA)
P Hector Rondon (AA)
RP Tony Sipp (AAA)
2B Luis Valbuena (AAA)
C Carlos Santana (AA)
P Jack Cassel
SP David Huff
C Armando Camacaro
1B Jordan Brown
3B Wes Hodges
IF Jesus Marchand
1B Beau Mills
OF Stephen Head
LHP Jeremy Sowers (AAA)
C Wyatt Toregas (AAA)
P Greg Aquino
IF Michael Aubrey
OF Michael Brantley
OF Matt Laporta
P Kirk Saarloos
IF Andy Cannizaro
SP Aaron Laffey (AAA)
C Chris Gimenez (AAA)
RP Vinnie Chulk
C Damaso Espino
IF Tony Graffanino
RP Matt Herges
SS Wilson Valdez
3B Andy Marte
40 Man Roster
Pitchers
Rafael Betancourt
Fausto Carmona
Zach Jackson
Masahide Kobayashi
Aaron Laffey
Cliff Lee
Jensen Lewis
Scott Lewis
John Meloan
Adam Miller
Carl Pavano
Rafael Perez
Anthony Reyes
Hector Rondon
Rich Rundles
Juan Salas
Tony Sipp
Joe Smith
Jeremy Sowers
Jake Westbrook
Kerry Wood
Catchers
Chris Giminez
Victor Martinez
Carlos Santana
Kelly Shoppach
Wyatt Toregas
Infielders
Josh Barfield
Asdrubal Cabrera
Jamey Carroll
Mark DeRosa
Ryan Garko
Jhonny Peralta
Luis Valbuena
Outfielders
Shin-Soo Choo
Trevor Crowe
David Dellucci
Ben Francisco
Grady Sizemore
Designated Hitter
Travis Hafner
Opening Day Lineup:
CF: Grady Sizemore
3B: Mark DeRosa
1B: Victor Martinez
DH: Travis Hafner
SS: Jhonny Peralta
RF: Shin-Soo Choo
C: Kelly Shoppach
LF: Ben Francisco
2B: Asdrubal Cabrera
Bench: 1B Ryan Garko, IF Jamey Carroll, IF Josh Barfield, OF Trevor Crowe
Starters: Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona, Carl Pavano, Scott Lewis, Anthony Reyes
Relief: LRP Zach Jackson, RP Masa Kobayashi, RP Rafael Betancourt, RP Jensen Lewis, RP Rafael Perez, RP Joe Smith, CP Kerry Wood
Disabled List: David Dellucci (15 day), Jake Westbrook (60 day)
Cleveland Indians 2009 Offseason
Free Agents
IF Jamey Carroll (club option for ’09) option exercised
RP Brendan Donnelly (filed for free agency) signed by Texas
C Sal Fasano (filed for free agency) signed by Colorado
RP Scott Elarton (filed for free agency) un-signed
RP Juan Rincon (filed for free agency) signed by Detroit
Minor League Free Agents
OF Brad Snyder, placed on waivers, claimed by Chicago Cubs
RP Reid Santos, placed on waivers, claimed by Toronto
IF Andy Gonzalez, signed to minor league deal by Florida
P Bryan Bullington, signed by Toronto
P Brian Slocum, signed by Pittsburgh
OF Ryan Goleski, released
Trades:
OF Franklin Gutierrez traded to Seattle for RP Joe Smith and IF Luis Valbuena
IF Mark DeRosa acquired from Chicago Cubs for Ps Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub
OF Mickey Hall acquired from Boston to complete Paul Byrd trade
IF Isaias Velasquz traded to Tampa Bay for RP Juan Salas
RP Shawn Nottingham traded to Pittsburgh for PTBNL
RP Edward Mujica traded to San Diego for PTBNL
Additions:
RP Kerry Wood (signed to 2-year deal)
SP Carl Pavano (signed to 1-year deal)
RP Greg Aquino (non-roster invitee)
C Damaso Espino (non-roster invitee)
IF Andy Cannizaro (non-roster invitee)
P Tomo Ohka (non-roster invitee)
IF Jesus Merchan (non-roster invitee)
IF Wilson Valdez (non-roster invitee)
P Kirk Sarloos (non-roster invitee)
RP Vinnie Chulk (non-roster invitee)
RP Matt Herges (non-roster invitee)
P Jack Cassell (non-roster invitee)
RP Joe Smith (trade from SEA)
IF Luis Valbuena (trade from SEA)
IF Mark DeRosa (trade from CHI)
OF Mickey Hall (trade from BOS)
RP Juan Salas (trade from TB)
IF Andy Marte (assigned to AAA)
IF Tony Graffaninio (non-roster invitee)
RP Jae Kuk Ryu (claimed, sent to AAA)
Played to be named (trade from PIT)
RP Juan Lara (signed to minor league deal)
Subtractions:
OF Brad Snyder (claimed by CHC)
RP Reid Santos (claimed by TOR)
IF Andy Gonzalez (signed by FLA)
P Bryan Bullington (signed by TOR)
P Brian Slocum (signed by PIT)
RP Tom Mastny (sold to Japan team)
OF Franklin Gutierrez (traded to SEA)
P Jeff Stevens (traded to CHIC)
P Chris Archer (traded to CHIC)
P John Gaub (traded to CHIC)
OF Ryan Goleski (released)
RP Brendan Donnelly (signed by TEX)
C Sal Fasano (signed by COL)
RP Juan Rincon (signed by DET)
IF Isaias Velasquez (traded to TB)
RP Shawn Nottingham (traded to PIT)
RP Edward Mujica (traded to SD)
RP Jae Kuk Ryu (sent back to SD, transaction voided)
Non-Roster Invitees
Pitchers
Greg Aquino
Tomo Ohka
Kirk Sarloos
Dave Huff
Ryan Edell
Vinnie Chulk
Matt Herges
Jack Cassell
Catchers
Damaso Espino
Infielders
Andy Cannizaro
Jesus Merchan
Wilson Valdez
Michael Aubrey
Stephen Head
Beau Mills
Jordan Brown
Wes Hodges
Outfielders
Michael Brantley
Matt Laporta
Signed to 1-Year Contracts for Season:
IF Josh Barfield
OF Shin-Soo Choo
SP Aaron Laffey
RP Jon Meloan
P Adam Miller
SP Anthony Reyes
RP Tony Sipp
SP Jeremy Sowers
C Wyatt Toregas
Reassigned to Minor League Camp:
P Ryan Edell
P Tomo Ohka
RP Rich Rundles (AAA)
RP John Meloan (AAA)
P Adam Miller (AAA)
P Hector Rondon (AA)
RP Tony Sipp (AAA)
2B Luis Valbuena (AAA)
C Carlos Santana (AA)
P Jack Cassel
SP David Huff
C Armando Camacaro
1B Jordan Brown
3B Wes Hodges
IF Jesus Marchand
1B Beau Mills
OF Stephen Head
LHP Jeremy Sowers (AAA)
C Wyatt Toregas (AAA)
P Greg Aquino
IF Michael Aubrey
OF Michael Brantley
OF Matt Laporta
P Kirk Saarloos
IF Andy Cannizaro
SP Aaron Laffey (AAA)
C Chris Gimenez (AAA)
RP Vinnie Chulk
C Damaso Espino
IF Tony Graffanino
RP Matt Herges
SS Wilson Valdez
3B Andy Marte
40 Man Roster
Pitchers
Rafael Betancourt
Fausto Carmona
Zach Jackson
Masahide Kobayashi
Aaron Laffey
Cliff Lee
Jensen Lewis
Scott Lewis
John Meloan
Adam Miller
Carl Pavano
Rafael Perez
Anthony Reyes
Hector Rondon
Rich Rundles
Juan Salas
Tony Sipp
Joe Smith
Jeremy Sowers
Jake Westbrook
Kerry Wood
Catchers
Chris Giminez
Victor Martinez
Carlos Santana
Kelly Shoppach
Wyatt Toregas
Infielders
Josh Barfield
Asdrubal Cabrera
Jamey Carroll
Mark DeRosa
Ryan Garko
Jhonny Peralta
Luis Valbuena
Outfielders
Shin-Soo Choo
Trevor Crowe
David Dellucci
Ben Francisco
Grady Sizemore
Designated Hitter
Travis Hafner
Opening Day Lineup:
CF: Grady Sizemore
3B: Mark DeRosa
1B: Victor Martinez
DH: Travis Hafner
SS: Jhonny Peralta
RF: Shin-Soo Choo
C: Kelly Shoppach
LF: Ben Francisco
2B: Asdrubal Cabrera
Bench: 1B Ryan Garko, IF Jamey Carroll, IF Josh Barfield, OF Trevor Crowe
Starters: Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona, Carl Pavano, Scott Lewis, Anthony Reyes
Relief: LRP Zach Jackson, RP Masa Kobayashi, RP Rafael Betancourt, RP Jensen Lewis, RP Rafael Perez, RP Joe Smith, CP Kerry Wood
Disabled List: David Dellucci (15 day), Jake Westbrook (60 day)
Friday, April 3, 2009
CBS Likes Indians as Sleeper in Central
You can imagine my shock today when I clicked on the baseball preview on CBSSportsline.com and saw the Cleveland Indians represented in first place and major postseason awards.
Three CBS analysts have the Indians picked to win the AL Central ahead of the Twins. The fourth has us in 4th place ahead of only Kansas City.
Those same three analysts have tabbed Eric Wedge as the AL Manager of the Year which would be the 2nd time in three years he has won the award. All found in the Award section are Shin-Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera as Surprise of the Year, Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner as Comeback Player of the Year and Hafner as Disappointment of the Year.
There wasn't any love for Cliff Lee or Fausto Carmona to pick up the tradition of the Tribe's ace winning the Cy Young Award for the 3rd straight season.
Full predictions can be found below and remember, only three days until Opening Day!
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/11578622
Three CBS analysts have the Indians picked to win the AL Central ahead of the Twins. The fourth has us in 4th place ahead of only Kansas City.
Those same three analysts have tabbed Eric Wedge as the AL Manager of the Year which would be the 2nd time in three years he has won the award. All found in the Award section are Shin-Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera as Surprise of the Year, Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner as Comeback Player of the Year and Hafner as Disappointment of the Year.
There wasn't any love for Cliff Lee or Fausto Carmona to pick up the tradition of the Tribe's ace winning the Cy Young Award for the 3rd straight season.
Full predictions can be found below and remember, only three days until Opening Day!
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/11578622
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