Cleveland Sports & Beyond

The Future Must Be Without Wedge

2005-08-13T16:33:00.000-04:00

The Cleveland Indians have been capitalizing on a very weak schedule for the last week. Winning six in a row, even with a couple miracle come backs against horrendous teams, has raised my expectations. Will this be the year we get the Wild Card and do some damage in the playoffs. Well those dreams were harnessed last night when the Tribe lost to the lowly Tampa Bay Devil Rays 8-6.

Even though the Indians hit into three double plays and made five errors going into the bottom of the ninth they still had a chance. Trailing 8-5 in the ninth the Indians scored and had runners at first and second with no outs. Then Wedge the genius struck again! Ronnie Belliard, who can't bunt to save his life, is asked to bunt --- this is after going 3 for 4 with three doubles. On his first attempt Belliard fouls Tampa Bay reliever Danys Baez's first pitch off for for strike one. Wait a Wild Card second here, Baez leads the American League in blown saves and we're trying to scratch for runs. Anyway, instead of taking the bunt off Wedge has Belliard bunt again. What do you think happened? Of course, Belliard bunts right back to Baez who forces the runner at third. Now with one out, Aaron Boone comes up and grounds into the Indians' fourth double play of the night. Game over. Game lost in the Wild Card standings.

Idiotic moves like Belliard bunting have been common in Wedge's mode of operation. If we're ever to reach the playoffs on Larry Dolan's shoestring budget it won't be with Wedge leading the Tribe's charge.

Buckeye State Football is the Grand Daddy of Them All

2005-08-11T21:22:00.000-04:00

While on vacation on the beautiful Gulf shores of Florida, I ran across a Continental Airlines worker at the Tampa International Airport who bled Ohio State Buckeye scarlet & gray. Recognizing my brother-in-law's Ohio State t-shirt from about fifty-yards away, he waved us to his line faster then Ted Ginn cut through the "team up north's" (I promise Woody, I'll never say that foul eight-letter word) porous defense and special teams last November. We talked Ohio State and Ohio football with him for about ten minutes and then went on our way to our plane.

As I sat on the plane on the flight back I began to think ... Ohio really is the best football state in the country. Forget Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania, they don't even come close to the history and fervor Ohio and its residents hold for the sport. What other state can claim it's the birthplace of football? Home of legendary coaches like Paul Brown and Woody Hayes? What states' residents thirst for pigskin news year round no matter the team? Even if it's the lowly Bengals.

Football is Ohio born and bred. From the hallowed high school history of the Massillon Tigers to crisp autumn afternoons rooting on the Ohio State Buckeyes to the legendary "Battles of Ohio" featuring the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, Ohio football is heaven --- even if we've had to put up with a few devils ... Art Modell, John Cooper, Sam Wyche.

Wake Me When It's Football Season

2005-07-26T20:46:00.000-04:00

Doom and gloom have set in on the 2005 Cleveland Indians. The torture of listening to Eric Wedge's half-hearted "Well, you got to tip your hat to FILL IN THE BLANK TEAM" as the Tribe drops game after game and plummets from contention is getting repulsive. The organization's continual excuses of being a small market team and we're only so many games out of the Wild Card frustrates fans, obvious by the poor attendance at Jacobs Field.

What might help the team win is a reinforcement of fundamentals like the pitchers holding runners on base, batters getting sacrifice bunts down and the manager calling a hit and run in the right situation. If all of the above do not change soon, you can wake me when football season officially begins.

Indians' Offense is Offensive

2005-07-21T22:06:00.000-04:00

Don't be fooled by the 10 runs the Cleveland Indians scored Thursday afternoon against the lowly Kansas City Royals ... the 2005 edition of the Tribe lacks the punch and consistency found in contending teams. Explore the Indians' lineup position by position and you'll find below average ouput at almost every position.

Leftfield and Rightfield - Leftfielder Coco Crisp is a decent hitter with some pop in his bat but for a corner outfielder his stats are far below the norm. Each corner outfield position should yield 25 to 35 home runs and more than 100 RBIs. You couldn't get those stats if you added Crisp's numbers with those of rightfielder Casey Blake. Blake's anemic average and lack of aggressiveness at the plate have caused fans pain all year long.

Centerfield - Grady Sizemore has held his own in his first full Major League season. He's currently struggling but has proven he belongs in the Majors. The Indians can look forward to Sizemore providing 20 home run, 100 RBI performances for years to come.

Third Base and First Base - Once again, weak numbers from historic power positions. The combination of Third Baseman Aaron Boone and First Baseman Ben Broussard make former Tribe corner infielders like Brook Jacoby and Pat Tabler seem like George Brett and Don Mattingly. Boone has been mired in a season-long funk as he tries to regain his form missing the 2004 season due to an ACL injury. He's beginning to hit a little better, but when you're hitting around .200 going 1 for 4 seems like you're tearing the cover off the ball. As for Broussard, his best position is as a utility player. His inconsistency and streaky nature make him ideal for coming off the bench to pinch hit or give a starter a day off.

Shortstop and Second Base - Jhonny Peralta has been solid in his rookie year. Double-digit home runs, clutch-hitting and an average above .275 has made the departure of Omar Vizquel a little easier to swallow. Ronnie Belliard has been satisfactory at second. His stats are decent for a second sacker but his lackdaisical play is enough to rival Manny Ramirez --- minus the 40+ home runs and 140 RBIs. We won't miss Ronnie if he's traded or not back next year.

Catcher and Designated Hitter - Victor Martinez' horrid start has dampened his average. He's currently hitting around .250 with modest power and RBI numbers. I think his multi-year contract extension played a role in his early season slump. Even though he's struggled somewhat this year, Martinez is definitely one of the top offensive catchers in the American League. The same can be said for Travis Hafner at the designated hitter position. Hafner, after a slow start, has been red hot. The American League Player of the Month for June hits for average, power and RBIs. Hopefully he can recover from his facial beaning at the hands of Mark Buerlhe and help the Tribe during the second half.

Summary, we're still rebuilding even in our year of promised contention. We have four players we can count on in the future: Hafner, Martinez, Sizemore and Peralta. I say let's be modest buyers at the trade deadline and acquire some legitimate Major League talent that will help us contend this year and next.

Indian Fever is More Like the Plague

2005-07-16T16:16:00.000-04:00

I don't know why I get excited about Larry Dolan's Cleveland Indians. Put under the clamps of Dolan's fiscal responsibility we're promised contention, not championships ... contention. That's just great! I have a chance to contend every week in the Mega Millions drawings, my odds of winning are slim! Same as the Indians chances of winning a championship during Dolan's reign.

Do you call trailing the Chicago White Sox by 14 games in the middle of July contention? I know, I know we're only two games out of the Wild Card spot, but I don't think Mark Shapiro was talking about the Wild Card when he said we'd contend in 2005. While at today's game I saw a team playing with no heart. Going through the motions following the same script of every other game they've lost against the White Sox: fall behind early, give in and take defeat. The Indians need a spark, something they've been missing since Eric Wedge gave the Detroit Tigers the game July 5 by sitting his hottest hitter Travis Hafner (the day before he hit .600 with three home runs in a doubleheader sweep). If the players aren't responding it's the manager's job to get them going. Wedge, no more of this we'll take it day to day. The team is struggling, you have no chance to overtake the White Sox and the Wild Card is beginning to slip away. Step up and light a fire under this team or the only thing you'll be contending for is third place in the "historic" American League Central.

For all of us who catch "Indian Fever" when this team teases us with a good string of games, we've really contracted the "Indian Plague." Because we should know, the team will die in the race for the post season and so will our hopes for ever seeing a championship.

Cavaliers Off-Season Has Been Fan-tastic

2005-07-13T21:09:00.000-04:00

So far the Cleveland Cavaliers summer has been everything a true fan would want --- strides towards greatly improving the team. First, Mike Brown, then Danny Ferry, then Larry Hughes (thank God not Michael Redd --- that would have been a Buckeye state impulse buy), then Z. And please people, stop complaining about Z! He led the National Basketball Association in offensive rebounds last season, ranked sixth in blocked shots and you want to complain. I have four words for you: Remember losing Brad Daugherty.

What will be next? Hopefully the team's next move will be to solidfy the point guard position. It looks like Bowling Green graduate Antonio Daniels is off the Cavaliers' wish list, well actually he has removed himself in search of a large contract. According to the media buzz former Miami Heat guard Damon Jones and Lithuanian legend Sarunas Jasikevicius are high on the team's list. Personally I hope they land Jasikevicius. He's internationally-tested, has a deadly jumper and is a take control, gutsy player. His desire, along with LeBron's, can will this team to victories.

After taking care of the point guard position I'd like the Cavaliers to address their inside defensive presence. This can be done by signing a strong, intimidating front-line player in the mold of what Danny Fortson did for Seattle last season, or by trading Drew Gooden and either Aleksander Pavlovic or Luke Jackson. Enforcers available on the free-agent market include Robert "Tractor" Traylor (unrestricted), Gerald Wallace (restricted), Stromile Swift (unrestricted), Vitaly Potapenko (unrestricted) and Dikembe Mutombo (unrestricted).

Cavaliers fans, no matter what Danny Ferry's next moves are it looks like we're going to have a fan-tastic season to enjoy this fall.

Build It and He May Stay

2005-07-11T12:35:00.000-04:00

Danny Ferry is at the forefront of the most important summer in the history of Cleveland Cavaliers. Ferry is trying to lay the foundation for a championship team with LeBron James being the beautiful, picturesque skyscraper that rises from the construction with the National Basketball Association's O'Brien Trophy triumphantly high above his head. But we must consider, will all this be for naught? Even if Ferry builds a contender around the "Chosen One" will he still bolt to grand metro areas such as New York City, Los Angeles or Boston where he can collect additional endorsement money from Nike?

When James' free-agency comes up after the 2008 season the collective-bargaining agreement factors that led to Ray Allen and Michael Redd staying with their current teams will not matter. Why? Because the endorsement details James has inked already far exceed any contract a team will be able to offer, including the Cavaliers. The elements that may come into play can not be controlled by the Cavaliers. Will Nike and Sprite pressure James and his Four Horsemen management team to maximize his marketability? Or will the tax-free payroll of the Florida teams take James to his own Magical Kingdom? We'll have to wait and see.

My prediction is the "Big Apple" will be LeBron's home in 2008. It's on record, going back to his high school career at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, that his surrogate stepfather Eddie Jackson wants him to earn as much as he can, meaning seizing the marketing power of a major market. Further, LeBron loves playing in New York City --- the basketball Mecca. But most importantly is James' relationship with rap star and Nets' minority owner Jay-Z . In 2008 Jay-Z's Nets are moving to Brooklyn ... new arena, new uniforms, a new era. What better way to make an impact than to bring basketball's most recognizable star to Brooklyn? Enjoy it while you can Cavaliers fans, because LeBron's days with the Cavaliers are going fast. As Jay-Z might say to us, being a Cleveland fan is a hard knock life!

Cavaliers, LeBron Losing Out to the "Benjamins"

2005-07-07T22:38:00.000-04:00

To quote pop culture icon Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, "It's all about the Benjamins." I'm sure Diddy wasn't thinking about National Basketball Association (NBA) free agency when he put pen to paper for this 1990s hit but the way this year's free agent shopping spree is going for the Cleveland Cavaliers he might as well been a prophet. With nearly $30 million dollars to spend on free agents, the Cavaliers are itching to bring in some talent to surround LeBron James and give the "Chosen One" the opportunity to make the NBA Playoff appearance of his three-year NBA career.

The Cavaliers biggest need is at shooting guard. The team has struggled with outside shooting over the past few years enabling teams to pack the middle, limiting the inside scoring ability of center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and James. The 2005 free agent class contained the "Who's Who" of shooting guards: "He Got Game" Ray Allen, Ohio's own Michael Redd, Joe Johnson and Larry Hughes just to name a few. "This is our year!" the fans exclaimed. "Our chance to get that two guard who will drill shots from beyond the arc and open the middle." Well it might have been our year ... our year once again to lose out on free agents. Fans and media alike were confident players would flock to Cleveland for the chance to play alongside LeBron James, to be on national television, for a chance to win. Sorry, not in today's NBA. Due to the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, a free agent's current team can offer more years and much more money. So even the substantial offers that Cavaliers have been able to muster to Allen and Redd have been dwarfed by almost $20 million. I'm sure I don't have to tell you, both players decided to remain with their current teams, Seattle and Milwaukee respectively.

Where does that leave the Cavaliers? Standing with almost $30 million to spend on middle of the pack free agents while James' own impending free agency approaches. After setting your sights on beauties like Allen and Redd, going after these types of players is like dancing with your buddy's girlfriend's unattractive friend. Just not what you were looking for. We all like to think (especially in Cleveland) a player will pass up millions for a chance to win, but as Cavaliers management and LeBron are finding out, as the prophet P. Diddy rapped, "It's all about the Benjamins."

No Hafner? Are You Kidding Me?

2005-07-05T21:51:00.000-04:00

Over managing. Bad managing. Just pure insanity. Call it whatever you want, just please, please give me one good reason Eric Wedge sat Travis Hafner in tonight's 3-2 loss against the Detroit Tigers. Wedge, what are you thinking? Hafner is the hottest hitter in Major League Baseball having hit nearly .500 with a tee pee full of home runs during the last month. For God's sake he was just named the American League's June Player of the Month. Pronk, the nickame by which Hafner is so affectionately known, is so hot right now the baseball probably looks like a beach ball coming to the plate. And here we go, Wedgie (how can someone accept a nickname like Wegdie) goes to work to make himself seem important. I can hear Wedge's corporate line ringing in my head as I sit here in anger, "Well, we have to take it one game at a time. Pronk will be back tomorrow roaring and ready to go. Guys need a rest. It's a long season." Rest? Hafner's the Designated Hitter and plays about five minutes total a game. Rest? During Interleague play he sat in all the National League parks due to his injured right elbow that keeps him from playing the field. Rest? He can take a break after the season!

Look at Wedge's move from historical perspectives. What if Wedge was Joe DiMaggio's manager.

Wedge: Joe, I know you've hit in 55 straight games, but I'm going to give you a rest tonight."

If Wedge were Cal Ripken's manager.

Wedge: Cal, I think you need a night off. It's not good to play everyday and tire yourself out. We need to keep you fresh."

Now look at it from my view. Wedge gave the Tigers this win. He sat his best player, the Major League's hottest hitter, for no apparent reason than that he needed a day off. With this move he weakened his lineup and gift wrapped a road win for the "Motor City Kitties." Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro was right, we're contending in 2005, but we won't win a championship until he gives Wedge some much needed time off.

Indians Road Trip Could Be Worth Berth

2005-07-04T12:21:00.000-04:00

The Cleveland Indians recent road trip against the 2005 "Beasts of the East" (Boston and Baltimore) will go a long way towards putting the Wahoos in the midst of the Wild Card race. A 5-2 trip is outstanding against any teams, but when it comes versus the World Series champions and a team you're fighting head-to-head for a playoff spot it's unbelievable.

The key game of the seven-game trek was last Tuesday's game against Boston. The Indians fought back from several deficits, finally prevailing in the ninth inning when Travis Hafner stung Boston closer Keith Foulke for a grand slam on a two out, 0-2 fastball. The Tribe when onto to win 12-8. Even though Hafner's blast capped the rally, the most important at-bat of the inning was Jhonny Peralta's duel against Foulke. With Coco Crisp at second base with two outs, and the Indians trailing 8-7, Peralta lined a single to score Crisp. He battled Foulke to a 3-2 count and delivered. He may not be Omar Vizquel with the glove but his clutch late inning hitting is making up for it. If we're in the playoff hunt in September, Peralta's at bat will probably be the reason.

Notes:

While watching the Indians and Orioles battle this past weekend I kept asking myself, "What happened to Sammy Sosa?" No juice, no cork, no POWER! In my opinion McGwire and Sosa shouldn't get within a syringe-length of the Hall of Fame. I feel cheated I even got caught up in the 1998 feel-good year of the home run. Better yet, like McGwire, I'm only going to look to the future.

Kenny Rogers behavior last week was despicable! Rogers, who has pitched good for below average teams during his career, is a notorious "big game" --- shall we say choke. So should he be surprised if people question why he missed a start against the division leading Angels. Now we know two aspects about Rogers: first, he can't handle pitching in important games and he despises videographers. Come on Kenny, the videographer didn't punch the water cooler to break your hand or implode on the mound during "big games." Major League Baseball should fold "the gambler" for a fifty game suspension that would equate to 10 starts. To quote Beck the 1990s rock-n-roll philosopher, "I'm a loser baby, why don't you shoot me?"

I Had A Post

2005-07-03T23:24:00.000-04:00

Due to user error I lost my post for July 3. I promise something for tomorrow.

Cleveland Cavaliers Best Value Draft Picks

2005-06-29T20:53:00.000-04:00

In celebration of the 2005 NBA Draft I looked to the past for some Cleveland Sports & Beyond blog fodder. I researched the Cavaliers not-so-distinguished draft history to establish the teams top 10 "best value" draft picks of all-time. The list is based on the player's talent, the productive nature and length of his career, and the value they provided for where they were selected in the draft.

So now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I now present Cleveland Sports & Beyond's Cleveland Cavaliers Top 10 Best Value Draft Picks of All-Time:

1) 2003 Round 1, LeBron James St. Mary / St. Vincent (ohio) HS - I don't know about you but I'm down with the "Chosen One!"

2) 1979 Round 3, Bill Laimbeer Notre Dame - A third round pick? Bad boys, bad boys what you gonna do?

3) 1987 Round 4, Chris Dudley Yale - All he could do is rebound and he played for years. You can't beat his longevity for a fourth round pick.

4) 1985, Round 2, John Williams Tulane - Almost imprisoned for point shaving while at Tulane, Harry Weltman took a chance on "Hot Rod." The pick paid greater dividends than any bookie could ever imagine.

5) 2002 Round 2, Carlos Boozer Duke - He's a backstabber but far from a second rounder. To prove the point, Dajuan Wagner was our first round pick.

6) 1985, Round 1, Charles Oakley Virginia Union - In typical Cavaliers fashion the team traded the native Clevelander to the Bulls for Keith Lee on draft day. Lee was out of the league faster than you could say, "Mel Turpin is fat," while Oakley went on to become one of the NBA's premier enforcers for nearly two decades.

7) 1986, Round 2, Johnny Newman Richmond - This former Richmond Spider played many years in the NBA specializing in the long-distance shot.

8) 1987, Round 1, Kevin Johnson California - Johnson not only became an all-star point guard while playing with the Phoenix Suns in the 1990s, but also served as the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade that brought Larry Nance to Cleveland.

9) 1986, Round 1, Ron Harper Miami (OH) - The number eight overall pick gave the Cavaliers legitimate star power at the shooting guard position. Traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 1989, Harper's career extended more than 15 years capturing three championships rings with Michael Jordan's Bulls and later two with the Los Angeles Lakers.

10) 1971, Round 1, Austin Carr Notre Dame - AC gave the Cavaliers expansion fans something to cheer about. The Notre Dame standout excelled until knee injuries hampered his career.

Ferry In A Difficult Situation

2005-06-27T20:31:00.000-04:00

The future of the Cleveland Cavaliers rests in the hands, feet and athletic ability of LeBron James. Danny Ferry's legacy also rests with LeBron James and one major decision that will either set this franchise back decades or raise it to levels never seen before: Will the "Chosen One" stay or go?

If James leaves Cleveland after his current contract expires the Cavaliers front office will be unmercifully attacked by fans and media alike. The comments and criticisms will be so harsh, it will revel the venomous commentary that was unleashed when one Arthur B. Modell fled our city for the land of crab cakes. Ferry's number one priority must be to quickly, build a winner around James. The former Duke star must invest Dan Gilbert's money wisely during the next two years on free agent acquisitions so James and his Four Horsemen Management Group are convinced the Cavaliers have the roster to contend for NBA titles, which in turn will allow Akron's favorite son to maximize his aspirations for championship rings, in addition to his checking account.

If Ferry fails in his attempt to build and winner and James decides to venture to greener pastures, or concrete jungles like New York, LA or Boston, Ferry will be the fall guy (and I don't mean the one Lee Majors played on television). He'll be accused of ripping the fans off once again. "First you helped send Harper away and now LeBron," fans will cry. The opportunity exists for Ferry to reverse his Cleveland image from career underachiever to that of the man who kept LeBron home and away from the big bad wolves of the major markets. Danny step up and get the job done! If not, be prepared to join the infamous of Cleveland sports such as Modell, Belle and Stepien. It's a difficult situation but not much worse then playing under the weight of an ill-advised $34 million, 10-year contract. As stated earlier, spend your money wisely, Danny.

Wild Card Should Be Goal

2005-06-26T09:45:00.000-04:00

The 2005 Cleveland Indians should have one goal in mind --- the Wild Card. Tribe fans face the music, the Chicago White Sox are having one of those years where it all goes right. I'm not convinced they're a power house, but I am pretty sure the baseball Gods are looking down upon them. What does this mean for the Indians? A new division to compete in: the American League Wild Card division. This division, at least on paper, is much tougher than the storied American League Central. Up against teams like the Yankees, Angels, Orioles, and of course the Twins, it will be quite a challenge to come away with a post season berth. But, I don't think we should fret and worry we have no chance. The Twins are faltering and are only one game ahead of us in the standings, while the Yankees continue to struggle and the Orioles are coming back to the pack. Plus, the Angels are having their own issues (pine tar and more). The key to a successful Wild Card run is to land a strong #5 hitter through a trade. Either an outfielder or first baseman will suffice. It's time to make a run (Shapiro did promise contention in 2005)! The Indians should use their expendable Major League talent such as Broussard, Gerut or Blake, and a few prospects, to acquire a solid hitter. Teams out of contention will begin unloading soon to replenish for years ahead and the Indians should be in line bidding on their talent to help this club get back to the post season for the first time since 2001. Helton, Cameron, Huff ... who knows? I know it's time to make a move!

Indians, Browns and Cavaliers Tidbits

2005-06-23T12:41:00.000-04:00

What was worse this week at Jacobs Field, the play of the Indians or the annoying cheers of Boston's bandwagon fans? Baseball was much better off when the Yankees kept Boston down and in severe agony. The Red Sox finally win a World Series ring and now the chowders from New England swarm ballparks across the country like moviegoers trying to flee one of Ben Affleck's God forsaken movies. Memo to George Steinbrenner: Your team's choke job last October has caused all baseball fans to suffer the "Curse of the Chowders!"

It was a good move by the Browns to sign experienced backup QB Doug Johnson this week. There's no reason to feed Charlie Frye and Josh Harris to the lions if Trent Dilfer gets hurt. Under Butch Davis this move would have never been made. Why? Because Butch would think it was a sign of weakness to admit one of his draft picks wasn't ready for the National Football League.

Cavaliers ... With tonight's conclusion of the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers should soon be announcing an addition to their front office. Whether it is Danny Ferry, Larry Brown or both, they better make the right moves (meaning build a winner and keep LeBron James happy), otherwise the only people attending Cavaliers games will be the citizens of Las Vegas.

#1 In His Mind Only

2005-06-21T12:44:00.000-04:00

C.C. Sabathia says he's a #1 starter. The Cleveland Indians say he's a #1 starter. I say, and many other fans are starting to agree, he's not. How many more times can "no way we should lose" games like last week's contest against Colorado, or important games like last night versus the Red Sox, fall by the wayside because Sabathia can't step up. Don't get me wrong, I don't think we should expect a starter to win every single game, everyone does have a bad day. But come on C.C.! A true #1 wins must games against all competition, not just bottom feeders such as Tampa Bay and Detroit. If you're our #1 then show it --- beat a team with a .500 record or above. Until then, my #1 goes by the name of Lee.

Have the Cavaliers Found Their "Ferry" Godmother?

2005-06-20T19:36:00.000-04:00

Like a fairy tale written for the Sci-Fi network, Danny Ferry, the whipping boy for 1990s Cleveland Cavaliers basketball, is rumored to be making his way back to the the historic halls of Cleveland's Gund Arena. I'm not sure if Wayne Embry will once again coin him the "next Larry Bird" but one thing is for sure ... the Danny Ferry haters will be coming out of the woodwork like the rats that ran rampant at the old Boston Garden.

Why? Why do Cleveland fans hate this man so much? Did he ask the Clippers to trade him to the Cavaliers? Did he tell Gordon Gund Ron Harper was a bad boy and should be sent to basketball hell? No, all Ferry did was give maximum effort on a team that put their fortunes in the hands of players like Shawn "That's My Baby's Daddy" Kemp and drafted NBA icons such as Vitaly Potapenko and Bob Sura. These moves are why the Cavaliers didn't win, not because Ferry couldn't jump or play defense. Sure, Ferry wasn't the reincarnation of "Larry Legend," but he also wasn't a backstabber like "Hot Rod" Williams who forced the Cavaliers into a horrible seven year contract in 1992 after they stood by him during his point-shaving scandal at Tulane in the early 1980s.

If John Lennon was still alive he would sing, "Give Ferry a chance." Come on Cavaliers fans! Ferry is well-respected throughout the league and does have more championship rings then the entire Cavaliers active roster. And oh by the way, he can't be any worse then the general managers who have sentenced Cavaliers fans to doom and gloom during the last 35 years. If being a Clippers fan is basketball hell, than cheering for the Cavaliers is basketball purgatory! Thank God we'll have a "Ferry" godmother at our side soon. GO SPURS!

Don't We Teach Competition Anymore?

2005-06-18T18:08:00.000-04:00

There was an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer sports page this morning about a little league team near Columbus, OH that was ejected from its league for being too good. Too good? Probably. The scores of their games were ridiculously one-sided. It's better for all involved, especially the dominant team, that they move to a more competitive league. What are they learning by beating up on the other teams in the league? Absolutely nothing. They need to compete against teams of their own skill level to continue to better their games.

But I don't agree with showing them the door during the season! The other teams should have had the chance to knock them off and if they didn't so be it. I see this as another example of the non-competitive mindset being taught to youth in our sports communities today.

"I don't think we should keep score. That way, no one's feelings will get hurt." You have to be kidding me! Comments like that make me sick to my "old school" stomach! This type of soccer mom psychology is setting today's kids up for a rude awakening in the future. Don't we keep score in every facet of life? What happens when our kids enter the work force? Will their boss say, "Don't worry Trevor, you only lost $100,000 by not landing that account?" I don't think so. Poor Trev won't understand why his boss fires him. He won't get that everyday is a competition against someone or something. We need to teach today's youth that there are winners and losers, otherwise the future of our country is grim. The competition among nation's is fierce from technology to sports to war --- it's all competition.

Separated at birth: Comedian Chuck Booms and Washington Nationals pitcher Ryan Dreese.

Indians Game Took a Turn in the Third

2005-06-18T01:32:00.000-04:00

Like a good movie, every baseball game has a turning point. And for the Cleveland Indians the turning point in Friday night's win over the Arizona Diamondbacks took place in the third inning with Travis Hafner at bat. With the bases loaded and one out, Hafner took a 2-2 off-speed pitch to the base of the wall in left center field scoring Grady Sizemore (who reached on an error), Coco Crisp and Ronnie Belliard.

Up until about three weeks ago this situation was the "poison pill" for the Tribe and their average with the bases loaded reflects this --- batting below .200. If this was May Hafner would have topped the ball to the right side of the infield to start an inning ending double play. Well thank God for us, same as the weather, the bats of the Cleveland Indians have warmed up.

Separated at birth: Diamondbacks' Shortstop Royce Clayton and Jah-Jah Binks from Star Wars.

Wahoo! We're Finally on a Roll

2005-06-17T10:18:00.000-04:00

It's good to see the Cleveland Indians finally hit their stride and put some wins together. They're doing what they have to do to get back into contention ... beat the bums and play close to even with the good teams. If you notice the Twins are regressing and the Indians are only three games from second place, and with the White Sox off yesterday 8.5 from first. If the Tribe can cut the White Sox lead to five games by the All-Star break it will definitely be an interesting second half to the season. One problem is that the Indians have not proven to be strong finishers, or starters for that fact, under Eric Wedge. Perhaps this is the year that changes.

Also, so long to Luscious Harris. We're going to miss your clanking wide open jumpers. Should we really question why Jim Paxson was fired?

Welcome to Cleveland Sports & Beyond

2005-06-17T00:13:00.000-04:00

This blog is an opportunity to share views about the world of Cleveland sports and happenings taking place in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association and more. Check back frequently for views about the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. View sports through the eyes of a long-suffering Cleveland sports fan!