Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Browns HC and the Rooney Rule

As the Browns begin their 4th search for a Head Coach since coming back in '99, they will again interview minority candidates for the position. The "Rooney Rule" (named after Steelers owner Dan Rooney) was designed to increase the number of minority coaches in the NFL. Since its inception in December of '02, it has worked, increasing the percentage of minority Head Coaches from 6% to 22%. Here is a list of potential candidates for the Browns to interview:
1.) Leslie Frazier- current Vikes D Coordinator. Great shot to land one of these head coaching vacancies. For his sake, hope its not Detroit.

2.) Dennis Green- former Vikes and Cards coach and current NFL Radio analyst. "They are who we thought they were!"

3.) Emmitt Thomas- current D Backs coach for Falcons. Name always surfaces when head coaching positions are vacant. May have missed his window. Is older than Crennel.

4.) Mel Tucker- a little shady on the Browns part if they do interview Mel. They, and everyone affiliated with the Browns know he is not ready to be a head coach in this league.

5.) Marvin Lewis- current head coach of Bungles. HOW?! I realize this one is a stretch. But it may take Bungles owner Mike Brown a few weeks to realized they missed the playoffs again and fire Marvin.

If a team does not follow the League's guidelines, they will be fined $200,000, as the Lions were in 2003 when Steve Marrucci was hired. Here's the quandary for the Browns. Some of the "Rooney" candidates are currently on staff and can not interview until their season is over. Also, waiting may hurt the Browns chances of going after big name coaches like newly canned Mike Shanahan. If they can land a coach like Leslie Frazier, the wait may be worth it. If they have to "settle" on a second tier Head Coach, the $200 K fine may be worth not having to search for a 5th HC in a couple years.

Brad Miller for JJ Hickson?

The reason I ask is because in the latest edition of Sports Illustrated, Ian Thomsen listed (5) trades that he thought "should be made by the February deadline."

Among them, was a proposed deal of Eric Snow and JJ Hickson to the Kings for Brad Miller and his $23.6 million contract that expires in 2010. (pg 82) After deliberating on this possible trade I came to the following conclusion:

If this deal really did present itself, and I were the Cavaliers, I would make the trade. You loose the contract dollars of an Eric Snow that come off the books at the end of this year, and you give up a talented young big in Hickson, but...you get a 7 footer in Miller who can score, rebound, and also pass the basketball. He wouldn't start. You would still start Z and Wallace, but he would be better than Hickson this year coming off the bench.

This isn't a move the Cavaliers have to make, and I continue to believe that they can win it all as constructed, but if this deal presented itself, I say it is a move they should make. It makes you better, and deeper this year, without impacting you adversely in offseason of 2010.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Pioli and McDaniels to the Rescue?

The Plain Dealer is reporting that Scott Pioli could be sitting down with Randy Lerner as soon as today, and that he is very interested in the Browns GM position. The article goes on to say the following:

"If Pioli takes the Browns job, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a Canton native, could be near the top of his list of coaching candidates. Pioli hired McDaniels, 32, in 2001 to be a personnel and coaching assistant for the Patriots. The two remain close. Browns owner Randy Lerner confirmed Monday that McDaniels is on his short list."
The arguements for hiring these two guys are obvious. Pioli has had a ton of success working alongside Bill Belichick and McDaniels looks like a star in the making no doubt...but so did Phil and Romeo when we hired them.
So for the sake of arguement, I will ask the following questions, and call them food for thought, before we get all Butch Davis over these two guys.

Is Scott Pioli's success with the Patriots his success, or is it Belichick's? Was the front office success the Ravens had a few years back due to Phil Savage or Ozzie Newsome?

How have Belichick assistants fared over the last (4) years? I will answer my own question. In that time (3) Belichick assistants have gotten head coaching jobs and (2) have already been fired...Romeo Crennel and Eric Mangini. The (3rd), Chaz Weiss, should have been fired, and will be at the end of next season. Maybe McDaniel is different than those guys though...he certainly weighs a lot less.


Bill Cowher: Playing the Field?

Monday we learned that Bill Cowher met with Browns President Randy Lerner on Saturday, and apparently he told Randy "NO". First off. Good Move by Randy. How could you get anyone to take over this team after watching that garbage on Sunday?

Initial reports were that Cowher does not want to coach in 2009. Don't believe everything you read. Cower most likely said "No...for now" Rumors are now being floated in by ESPN Radio 1050 in NYC that Cowher may be interested in the Jets HC position.

Cowher's name will probably be connected to all teams with Head Coaching vacancies, and see which position may be most lucrative for him.

Shaver Sports does not think Randy Lerner will wait long enough for Cowher to slow dance with all the girls at the prom. The quicker Randy can finalize this decision, the better.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Black Monday - Romeo Crennel Fired

Romeo Crennel has joined his former boss in the unemployment line this Monday morning. ESPN 850 KNR producer Darryl Ruiter confirmed that Browns Owner Randy Lerner had made the decision to fire the coach in his closed door, no recording device press conference this morning.

This move is a shock to no one, the search starts now for the next regime.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen said that the Browns are in the best situation of any of the teams with a head coaching vacancy. Someone please tell that to Bill Cowher. Many sources have said that Cowher is not interested in returning in '09. On Sunday night, WKYC's Jim Donovan reported that Scott Pioli is said to have interest in returning to Cleveland and may bring 33 year old Canton native Josh McDaniels with him.

Romeo will probably not be the last move coming from Berea. Tucker and Chud should be preparing their defense as we speak.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Josh Elliot and Steve Berthiuame Are Hillarious...

psych. Josh Elliot and Steve Berthiuame hosted ESPN's Sportscenter over the holiday and did a pretty poor imitation of their noted heros: Dan Patrick and Keith Olberman. Stevie boy, who reportedly hyperventilated when he first met Olberman, is the little funny man who was filling in for Hannah Storm over the holiday. He used his back-up, fill-in opportunity, to say that LeBron would be playing for the Knicks about a thousand times during the show. That I can take. What bothered me about this though was that I missed the Cavs game, just wanted to catch the highlights, and I had to hear one of those no talent jack asses say 'Knicks Forward LeBron James' before the Cavaliers highlight. Not funny. And memo to the world wide leader...LBJ is under contract for ANOTHER SEASON AFTER THIS ONE. Just roll tape you Scott Van Pelt wannabees, and keep your commentary to yourselves.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Possible Teammates of the King in 2010

Like the 11 year of kid in the midst of a presents crazed Christmas morning with wrapping paper flying like shrapnel, I too am going to get into the spirit of greed this Christmas Eve...with regards to the Cavaliers.

I am going to say the Cavaliers will sign LeBron early, and then ask the question, who should Danny Gilbert sign to play alongside the King in 2010?

The list of possible Free Agents in 2010 is as follows:

Stars:

Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Tracy McGrady, Dirk Nowitzki, Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd, Ray Allen, Josh Howard, Manu GinĂ³bili, Jermain O’Neal, Steve Nash.

Top Role Players:

Luis Scola, Tyson Chandler, Stephen Jackson, Mehmet Okur, Hedo Turkoglu, Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem, Marcus Camby.

Since its Christmas Eve, and all you have to do is ask Santa Claus I'll take one of each...Joe Johnson and Tyson Chandler...but if you say I can only have one that would be fine too...Mr. Wade, how would you like to buy a house in Strongsville?

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Around the Blogosphere: Part III

Nationally, just about every sports blog is talking about the (216) at the moment, and thanks to the Browns it ain't all good...however, thanks to the best basketball - and football - player in Cleveland it ain't all that bad either.

Brian Windhorst set the blogosphere afire with his article about LeBron considering the possibility of signing early with the Cavaliers over the weekend...how do you like them apples Spike? And they are still talking about it.

Tom Ziller at Fanhouse reitereated that LeBron James signing a contract extension is a very real possiblity, Slam Online suggested that this whole time, maybe LeBron was just messing with everyone's head and the Sporting Blog suggests that signing the extension could elevate LeBron to god like status in Cleveland...too late.

Credit Windhorst for asking a simple, seemingly obvious question, that nobody anywhere thougt to ask until he did. Its stories like this, coupled with a 21-4 record, that makes me feel like its Christmas in Cleveland already.

I almost forgot about that team with Orange helmets that plays here.





Monday, December 22, 2008

Drama Continues for Poor Man's Cowboys

Jim Rome called the Browns "A Poor Man's Dallas Cowboys" last week, and I agree. He said the Browns "have as much drama as the Dallas Cowboys, just not as much talent, or as many wins."

The Drama Continues:

Tony Rizzo read a letter he received from an "anonymous Browns Player" today on the Really Big Show, 850, WKNR that was sent to him at his Fox 8 studios. The letter said that "Phil Savage is the cancer tearing this locker room apart."
The letter went on to say that Romeo is not to blame for the Browns debacle, and the culture that is created by Phil Savage has lead to players listening to IPods and talking on cellphones during meetings, as well as voicing their complaints about how long meetings are.

Rizz went on to talk to Bernie Kosar on the radio afterwards, who seemed to indicate that he will be taking a front office position next year saying that he did not want to speculate on jobs that people currently have "out of respect for them," but that he felt he "knew football, knew this area, and "was willing to do anything Randy Lerner asked of him."

Also, in the Shaun Smith punching Brady Quinn in the face news, Bernie said that things like that went on while he was on the team but he, "was never stupid enough to fight a defensive lineman." The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot did confirm an altercation took place later on in the day on WKNR.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Marion To Cavaliers Rumors are a Reach

Yahoo's Adrian Worjanowski is reporting that the Cavaliers are in discussions with the Heat in regards to a deal that would send Shawn Marion to Cleveland for Wally Sczerbiak and Anderson Varejeo. Now, I know a lot of Cavs fans aren't too fond of Adrian, but he is a good writer. His book, Miracle of St. Anthony, is actually one of my favorite sports book of all time. That said, he is reaching on this story - big time.

I would say there is no way Danny Ferry is even thinking about this deal. No chance.

The title of the article is that Marion can give the Cavs a Defensive Edge, and he goes on to say this:

"Marion could give the Cavs the versatility on defense that he did the Suns. In the same series, Marion could cover Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. Against the Celtics, Marion could spend time on Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett"

This doesn't make any sense to me for a few reasons.

One: the Cavaliers already have a defensive edge.

Two: they already have Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Daniel Gibson who can all cover Rondo.

Three: the Cavs also have Ben Wallace, Anderson Varejeo, Z, Hickson, and Jackson, who could all be rolled out to cover Garnett.

Why do they need Marion to cover both of those guys?

Moreover, if Z is out, like he is now, who starts for you?

Are you starting Mo, LeBron, Marion, Delonte West, and Wallace? Thats a small lineup.

If not West are you starting another big? Who is that then, Jackson or Hickson? Doesn't make sense.

...and I havent even touched on the chemistry that has lead to a 20-4 start.

If the Cavaliers make a move it will include Wally's expiring contract and that's it.

This team is a title contender now whether the national media wants to admit it or not.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Braylon Edwards Starting Trade Rumors

After the Browns embarrassing 30-10 loss last night to the Eagles, where again the Browns O failed to get in the End Zone, Braylon Edwards decided it was time to talk to the media. The NFL Leader in Dropped Passes felt it was time to start his own trade rumors, saying that he was on the trade block. He went on to say that "he has always been unappreciated in Cleveland. Not by the organization, but by the fans and the city." He feels coming out of Michigan he has always had an uphill fight in this city.

Braylon, if I may....We don't care that you played College ball in Michigan. You could put Wolverine stickers on your helmet. We wouldn't care. We just want to see winning football in this town. Your losing attitude and propensity to DROP pass after pass on Sunday is why you have a tough time in this town. Not because of where you went to school.

Keep starting your own trade rumors. Maybe they will come true. We will send Shaver Sports Moving Truck over to help you move. And Braylon, leave the boxes marked "Fragile" for us.....

Cedric Jackson...at the Buzzer...GOOD!

I am proud to say that I was watching the CSU Vikings on Fox Sports over the Brownies on Monday Night Football and THEY DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Battling the 11th Ranked Syracuse Orangemen all night, I felt bad when 'Cuse tied it up on a put back late. I thought, oh well, hard fought loss by CSU...and then Cedric Jackson from 3/4 Court - at least! Are you kidding me?!?! I couldn't believe it went down. The Greatest Buzzer Beater I have ever seen, seriously...I dare you to find a better one.

Congratulations to Gary Waters and congratulations to those kids as well. This is a legit team. J'Nathan Bullock had a tough night until late in the second half. Despite struggling early, he stepped up and hit some big time shots, including a monster three down the stretch. Chris Moore had a huge dunk at the end of the 1st half, and the kid from Chicago, Montgomery, is a baller. Going up against Johnny Flynn, he looked solid, and on the break the no-look pass he left for a lay-up in the 2nd half was flat out sweet. Look for an exciting year this year out of the Vikes. It certainly was last night.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Mo Williams To Visit Jungle

Mo Williams has certainly made a strong impression on Cavalier fans thus far this season, and he is starting to make his presence known on a national level as well. Mo will be a guest on the Jim Rome show tomorrow (850 WKNR), and I appreciate that. Shouts out to Jason Stewart for dialing up a Cleveland player other than Ryan Garko. Karma. No offense Gark.

I am predicting that after the interview Romey will drop a "that is a really good point guard" on Mo, as well as a "the Cavaliers are out quickly." Look for Mo Williams' All Star consideration to be discussed, as well as the traditional 'will LeBron leave town in two years.' The interview is currently slated for the 2nd hour of the show.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

A Browns Tragedy

A body was found on the West bank of the Flats early Saturday morning. The man apparently drowned in the cold Cuyahoga river. When police pulled the body out of the water, they noticed he was wearing high heels, women's makeup, and had a cucumber stuck in a not so nice place. He was also wearing a Cleveland Browns jersey.

To save the family any further embarrassment in this tragic time, the Cleveland Police removed the Cleveland Browns jersey from the body.


Philly: 24
Browns:10

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Cavs Play Big Once Again

So how much better do you think the Cavaliers are than last year?

Brian Windhorst points out in his column today that after beating the 76ers again last night at the Q, "the Cavs (20-3) have now won 19 of 20 games. Last season, after 23 games the Cavs were 10-13 and didn't win their 20th game until Jan. 15."

Danny Ferry should be GM of the year.

He dumped who he needed to dump (Larry Hughes), and made subtle moves that as a fan, you didn't really notice until nights like last night. Trading for the rights to draft Darnell Jackson didn't have people dancing in the streets, but he came last night played 24 solid minutes of defense and grabbed (8) boards with Z sidelined. In addition, Ferry should be credited for his 'sticktuitiveness' (shout out to Clark Kellog on his lead debut today) with regards to Varejeo (17 points). After his hold-out and garbage play last season, there was talk of moving him, but Ferry held serve and it is paying off now.

LeBron (27-7-7) appreciated the effort with the big fella down.

"Any time you have key guys out it takes a while to get adjusted," James said. "But guys stepped up, Andy stepped up and so did Darnell and it was good to see that."

Game Notes: Congratulations to St. Ed's Product Jawad Williams on his first basket as a Cavalier. Nice work.

Friday, December 12, 2008

They'll Miss The Big Guy

'Heavy Z' sprained his ankle Wednesday night against the 76ers, and according to Brian Windhorst, the early reports indicate that he could miss 2-4 weeks with the injury. This is a shame for Z personally, who has been off to a fast start this season, and certainly warranted more All Star consideration than he has gotten so far.

However, this could be a positive for the Cavaliers in the long run. With Z out for the next few weeks, JJ Hickson and Darnell Jackson should get some big minutes backing up Varejeo and Wallace in the low post rotations, and I expect the duo, Hickson especially, to do well.

With Varejeo playing the way he has thus far, there won't be too much of a drop off in the starting five, but the question will be whether or not the young 'bigs' will be able to contribute as rotation players in Z's absence. From what I have seen from Hickson thus far, I think he will step in and give you a solid 20 minutes of action. I also think Jackson can give you 10, but we will find out what these guys got come Friday. Assuming Z comes back at full strength, in May or June, we may find that additional 'big' people are talking about adding, in the form of a rookie, who already wears Wine and Gold.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Reports Indicate the Tribe Has...a new closer

The Tribe's deal for closer Kerry Wood is almost done. Wood is en route to Cleveland to complete a physical to complete the deal. Assuming Wood stays healthy (one trip to DL with Cubbies last year) he brings something the Tribe hasn't had at the back end of the bullpen since Jose Mesa. A Hard Thrower.

In 2008, the 30 year old Wood was 5-4 with 34 Saves and 6 blown saves. He had a 3.24 ERA with 84 K's to 18 walks.

It looks as if the Tribe's move to Goodyear, AZ has helped get this deal done. Granted they are offering him up to $10 million a year for two years, but Wood resides in Arizona, and the Tribe's brand new training complex in his backyard made it easy for Wood to join the Indians.

Props to Shapiro and Tribe management for dishing out some money to help a glaring need of this team. Jensen Lewis is a nice part of the bullpen, but not an option for closer.

In Other Hot Stove News:

The Tribe's depth at outfield is a little lighter this morning. Franklin Gutierrez, the light hitting corner outfield was part of a 12 man, 3 team trade where the Mets landed JJ Putz. The Tribe in return received 23 Year Old, left handed prospect 2B Luis Valbuena from Seattle and reliever Joe Smith from the Mets.

Smith is key in this trade. In 2008, his rookie year, the Cincinnati, Ohio native pitched in 82 games. He went 6-3 with 18 holds, a 3.55 ERA and 55 K's. He adds another young arm that will bulk up the middle of the bully.

A starter is also to be on Shapiro's wish list for this off season.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

One More Laugher

That makes (9), and that's an NBA Record Cavs fans.

The Cavaliers had to beat the Raptors by (12) or more points to set the NBA record for most dominating wins in a row on Tuesday night, and they did. They won by (20) 114-94.

Get this too...during this current winning streak, the Cavaliers average 'Diff' is (22) points per game.

They just won (9) games, In A ROW, IN THE NBA, by an AVERAGE of (22) points per game. That's nasty.

In (30) minutes, LeBron scored (31), and moved past Mark Price on the career steals list. Big Z moved past Brad Daugherty on the career rebounding list as well.

Delonte West and Mo Williams combined for (17) assists and (1) turnover...look what good guard play does for offensive coaching Mike Brown haters.

The Cavaliers moved to 12-0 at home, and have won (17) of their last (18). The only bad news was that Boobie got dinged up a bit, but hopefully he is okay.

Next up is Philly: Get (10) fellas.

You Can't Coach College Football Unless...

no, not if your a man and 40. You can't coach unless your from Ohio apparently...

When Bob Stoops' Sooners square off against Urban Meyer's Gators, the prides of Ashtabula, Ohio and Youngstown, Ohio will try to out x and o each other for the BCS title.

It doesn't stop there either. In addition to Meyer and Stoops, Les Miles, Jim Tressel, and Mark Dantonio, to just name a few, all played Pop Warner in Ohio. Additionally, the eight title games prior all featured a coach with major ties to Ohio. The list is as follows:

2000 Stoops (Youngstown) vs Bowden (Dognabit, not from OH)

01 Cooker vs. Solich (Cleveland)

02 Tressel (Mentor) vs Cooker

03 Saban (Dad played for Browns) vs Stoops(Youngstown)

04 Carroll (Coached at OSU) vs Stoops (Youngstown)

05 Brown vs Carroll (Coached at OSU)

06 Meyer (Ashtabula) vs Tressel (Mentor)

07 Miles (Elyria) vs Tressel (Mentor)

08 Meyer (Astabula) vs Stoops (Youngstown)

That's (5) different cities and (5) different counties represented throughout this cradle of coaching. So, while all the talent seems to be coming from the South and the West, at least the standard for coaching continues to be set in oh-io...if only one of these coaches could run a 4.3 and play for the Bucks.

D'Qwell Jackson: NFL Leader in Tackles


Lone Bright Spot?

Shaver Sports, in a constant effort to find something positive to say about your 2008 Cleveland Browns, decided to look beyond the obvious bright spot in Josh Cribbs and glanced over at the defensive side of the ball. Much was said last week after the Browns defense held The Great One, Peyton Manning without a TD. No need to look further than the NFL's Tackle Leader in D'Qwell Jackson, right? Jackson, leads the league in Total Tackles with 130, after Sunday's 12 tackle, 3 Assist performance.

As Old Man Corso would say, "Not So Fast My Friend". Upon further review, Jackson's numbers are somewhat misleading, and definitely a product of the system, a.k.a. An Awful defense that can't get off the field. The Shaver Sports research department found that the Browns are ranked 25th in the league in Total Defensive Plays (407 total). Only 7 teams have been on the field, for a defensive play more than the Browns. That being said, it makes sense that the Browns would have a good chance to have a League Leader in tackles, right? (In the NBA, the guy who makes the most Free Throws is usually is among the tops in Free Throws Attempted) The Browns Defense ranks 27th in Yards Per Game and 28th in Rushing Yards Per Game. Amazingly, only two teams have have seen more Total Running Plays, Oakland and Detroit. Not a surprising stat. The Browns D is giving up a ridiculous 4.5 Yards/Attempt.

We are not bashing DJ by any means. If he wasn't out there making all of these tackles, who would be? Shante Orr? Overall, Jackson is a good young talent, and one of the few defensive players the Browns can build around for the future. But don't be fooled by the hype. Good but not Great.

Here's hoping Browns management logs onto Shaver Sports before they offer Jackson a huge contract + signing bonus after one big year. (see Rueben Droughns, Jamal Lewis, Derek Anderson, do I need to keep going?)

Monday, December 8, 2008

Around the Blogosphere: Part II

Chris Mortensen reported the Browns are interested in Marty Schottenheimer -to replace a coach they haven't fired yet - just before kick-off yesterday. Pro Football Talk had this response from Shottenheimer on its website today:

While appearing with Adam Schein of Sirius NFL Radio, a caller asked Schottenheimer about the situation. Said Schottenheimer in response, ”I don’t ever say ‘never’ if I don’t have to but I don’t see it as being likely. . . . I really don’t. "

As a Browns fan, I'm glad Marty didn't say 'never', because I would be happy to see him get his Joe Gibbs on in Cleveland next seson. Its a safe bet Chargers fan wishes he 'never' left San Diego. To that point, The Big Lead had this comment on its site today with respect to Schottenheimer:

"After Marty Schottenheimer finished 14-2 in 2007, coming up short at home against the Pats in the playoffs, his team was still viewed as a lock to be a force in the AFC for years to come. He was instead fired in favor of Norv Turner. Read that sentence again "

Whether its Marty coming back, Cowher, or Paul Brown himself, we at Shaver Sports would like to continue to reiterate that our only hope is that the Browns break form, and hire a coach with experience this time.

...lastly, we would like to send a shout out to our friends over at Deadspin for linking our Kosar post on Saturday - much appreciated.

Last Week's edition: Around the Blogosphere: Part I

You Heard it Here First

In Terry Pluto's Talkin Sports Column in the PD this past weekend he wrote te following:

"After a discussion with Plain Dealer hoops writer Brian Windhorst, we both came to the same conclusion: If the Cavs continue to win big and Williams continues to play well, why not give the point guard serious All-Star consideration? He holds the team together when James sits. He has been given freedom to call most of the plays by coach Mike Brown. He loves and appreciates playing on a winner, and that enthusiasm rubs off on his teammates. Yes, the numbers are solid: 15.7 points, 4.4 assists and 44 percent shooting, but his impact is far more than statistics."

A few things here with this. Number one, we predicted Mo Williams would be an All Star in early October. Number two, it is not as complicated as Pluto is making it sound. While all the intangibles he listed are correct, the fact is, if you have a good record, your team gets multiple All Stars. Mo Williams is the second best player on a team that is 17-3. That makes his 16 points, and nearly 5 assists, per game All Star caliber numbers. Furthermore, Mo Williams making the All Star team should not be suprising. He averaged 17 points, and 7 assists for the last two seasons, and will get rewarded for his play this season, playing alongside the King.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Cavaliers Roll: 8th Straight Laugher

With the 1st quarter of the NBA season in the books, the Cavaliers are rolling - in historical proportions. With the 20 point laugher on Saturday, the Cavaliers tied a record set by the 1995-96 Bulls by winning their (8th) game by (12) or more points. If the Cavaliers beat the Raptors Tuesday by more than a dozen, they will be the 1st team ever, in NBA history, to win by (12) or more (9) games in a row. And oh yeah, those Bulls went 72-10 that year and won the NBA title...

With the win, the Cavaliers go to 17-3. For whatever its worth, after (20) Games, the last (3) NBA title winners looked like this:

2008 Celtics - 18-2

2007 Spurs - 15-5

2006 Heat 10-10

...the most encouraging game stat Saturday was the fact that LeBron scored 25 points, with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in only 28 minutes. He was able to get his Tarrance Kinsey on once again for the entire 4th quarter, and that is huge.
This season, LeBron is (49th) in Minutes Per Game averaging (35 mpg). A season ago, LeBron was (3rd) in the NBA averaging 40.4 mpg. This rest could prove to be the difference come June.

Who needs Tickets?

I accidentally left 2 Browns tickets sitting on the dash of my car. Some A**Hole shattered the window, and put two more in there....

Titans: 28
Browns: 9

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Kosar to be President of Operations?

Tony Rizzo read an email on The Really Big Show yesterday that Shaver Sports agrees with. The emailer felt that KNR and a lot of callers had become "Kosar honks" and were really pushing for Bernie to become President of Football Operations. The emailer concluded with the fact that they dont want to Kosar's good name in this town to go down in flames.

AGREED.

BK is a legendary figure in this town. For an average QB, with a sidearm delivery, slow feet, and 1 Pro Bowl Appearance on his resume, he is the best QB a generation of Browns fans have ever seen. His Career seems to get better the longer the Browns struggle.

Why would Bernie want to take this risk? He knows how quickly the Browns fans can turn on anyone. Our Pro Bowl QB from last year cant get out of town fast enough.

As a Kosar fan, I think Bernie should stay in the Owners box as an invited guest, not as Top Man.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Browns: Head Coaches Learn From Experience

PGW posted a list for the Shaver Sports faithful earlier this week pointing out the fact that of the (14) Head Coaches the Browns have hired since 1946 "only one coach (Nick Skorich) had previous NFL head coaching experience... all other coaches received their first NFL head coaching job with the Browns."

This means that 93% of the time, the Cleveland Browns hire a Head Coach who does not have any previous NFL Head Coaching experience. I would call this a trend. The Browns are yet to win a Superbowl by doing this.

In contrast, the Shaver Sports research department found that (8) of the last (10) Superbowls were won by Head Coaches who had previous NFL Head Coaching experience, prior to taking the job as Head Coach of the team they eventually led to the Superbowl. The List is as follows:

2008: Giants - Tom Coughlin (Previoulsy Head Coach of the Jaguars)

2007: Colts - Tony Dungy (Previously Head Coach of the Buccanners)

2006: Steelers - Bill Cowher (Hired by Steelers; was in 10th season)


2005: Patriots - Bill Belichick (Previously Head Coach of the Browns)


2004: Patriots - Bill Belicheck (Previosly Head Coach of the Browns)


2003: Tampa Bay - Jon Gruden (Previously Head Coach of the Raiders)


2002: Patriots - Bill Belichick (Previoulsy Head Coach of the Browns)


2001: Ravens - Brian Billick (Hired by Ravens)


2000: Rams - Dick Vermeil (Previously Head Coach of the Eagles)


1999: Broncos - Mike Shanahan (Previously Head Coach of the Raiders)


So Randy Lerner, if its not Cowher, please hire a Coach with some NFL Head Coaching experience...there is no more time for on the job training. Please.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Another Big Win

The Cavaliers' (36) point win last night, 118-82, was the biggest margin in the lifetime series between the Knicks and Cavaliers. The Cavs ran out to an explosive 61-35 halftime lead, and then built on that lead in the 3rd quarter - unlike 3rd quarter gone past. Every Cavalier got into the scoring column, and the Cavs notched their 10th straight home victory of the season, while upping their record to 15-3...but this win wasn't about the numbers. Last night the Cavaliers answered a challenge, and earned valuable experience.

The challenge was from 'Kevin' who posted this comment yesterday in our preview post:

Its time to let LBJ sit more and keep him rested for later in the year. I would be very upset to see LBJ tire down the stretch due to the Long Season last year, Olympics, and playing 40+ min against the Knicks of the world.

Kevin, your point is well taken, and I was glad to see the Cavs answer that call. LBJ certainly sat for extended minutes last night, and didn't play in the 4th quarter at all, and that is certainly paramount for the reasons you stated.

Additionally, the fact that Z and Big Ben have been earning rest in games like this of late is big too. A fresh, active and effective front line can only help this quest for a title. This blow-out win saved some miles on the old legs of those two veterans, and that is a good thing. This win is also big because it allowed guys like Hickson, Sasha, and Darnell Jackson to get big minutes. Down that stretch, you never know when you'll need a guy like that to step up and contribute, and this is just creating a deeper bench, and a deeper team.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Knicks Preview: Handle Success

Tonight's is an opportunity for the Cavaliers to show that they are a team that can handle success, and continued to stay focused on both ends of the floor when things are going good. Complacency will be their enemy tonight if they want to improve on their 14-3 record despite the fact that Cleveland has every reason to be complacent.

They already beat the Knicks 119-101 at the Garden - and could have won by 46 points if they wanted two. In addition to that, off the court, people are also now telling the Cavs how good they are. ESPN's Power Rankings have the Cavaliers as the 2nd best team in the NBA behind only the Celtics. Another ESPN ranking system that I can't pretend to understand -Hollingers Team Offensive Efficiency Rankings - has Cleveland Number 1. Outside the (216), some people are even saying - ughh admitting - that LBJ's best chance to win a title might just be right here in northeast Ohio. Imagine that.

With all that said, now is the time to rise up - uh sorry - capitalize, play with focus, defend your home, and beat the teams you are supposed. And in case you care, I am totally confident the Cavs will do just that. Look for them to score a lot of points in the process as well. The Cavs come in ranked 4th in the NBA in scoring offense (103.6 ppg) and New York is 24th in scoring defense. They won't be booing the King tonight, chalupas all around.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Grass Roots Movement

The Cowher09 website currently has 9,420 signatures on a petition to Randy Lerner to hire Bill Cowher. What bothers me about this is that these Cowher lovers will actually believe they made it happen if the Browns do hire Cowher. This group handed out 500 signs in the muni - lot on Sunday - like the one pictured - and the petition they have going reads as follows:

To: The Cleveland Browns Organization / Randy Lerner

We, the undersigned fans, would like to express our passion. We are both passionately proud and passionately angry. We are especially angry with the current state of our team, in particular its coaching. We demand that you seriously consider bringing in retired head coach Bill Cowher to take over the Cleveland Browns starting with the 2009 season. We have followed the Cleveland Browns with undying loyalty through the good and the bad. Some of us are young children and some of us have been season ticket holders for decades. Although most of us are armchair quarterbacks, we are still the ones who fill the seats and foot your bills. Coach Cowher has the resume and passion to lead our team back to prominence. For the sake of Cleveland’s forever-loyal fans, consider this petition.



Sincerely,



...where were these guys when the Browns hired Bud Carson over Bill Cowher in the early 90's?

Monday, December 1, 2008

Around The Blogosphere: Part I

In the first of a series of posts, known as Around the Blogosphere, Shaver Sports brings you the pictures posted today on Yahoo Sports' Shutdown Corner's Sunday Scrapbook . The shirts aren't really that funny, but face of the guy in the gray shirt is, and so are the earmuffs worn by the guy on the far left. Its only a matter of time for the coach formerly known as RAC.

Also abuzz are LeBron's retaliatory comments directed towards 'He's Turrible' himself, Chuck Barkley. NBA Fanhouse is posting in support of LeBron calling Charles Barkley stupid. This should come as no suprise to anyone who has ever heard Charles Barkley speak. He is stupid. LeBron wouldn't talk about becoming a Free Agent if the national media didn't ask him about it -every, single, day...what do you want him to say Chuck??

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Braylon is a Go - Not Stay

Don from North Carolina who works for a relocation company called The Really Big Show today, and told him that Braylon should relocate as well. When posed with that question Stay or Go , Don said 17 is a Go, and we agree.

Rizzo then asked the question to his co-host, "what could we get for him," and seemed to be surprised by Josh Sabo's answer... "A 4th Rounder at best."

Shaver Sports also agrees with Josh. Edwards should go, and I would be happy to get a 4th Rounder for him. And if you want to say he is worth more than a 4th Rounder, then talk to Randy "Straight Cash Homey" Moss.

Moss got dealt for a 4th Round pick before last season, and caught more balls (98) for more yards (1,493) and scored more TDs (23) then Edwards did last year, during Braylon's good year. Last year Edwards caught 80 passes, for for 1289 yards and 16 TDs. This year. Moss has had (54) catches, (740) Yards, and (8) TDs, with (5) games to go in the season, while Edwards, (40) catches, for (661), and (3) TDs.

4th Rounder at best, but the addition by subtraction will be like Larry Hughes going to Chicago.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Glad Bibby Came to Cleveland a Visitor

A lot of the talk over the past few years centered around Mike Bibby being the answer to the Cavaliers Backcourt woes. Count me as a guy happy that trigger never was pulled. I would rather have Mo Williams on my team over Mike Bibby right now - straight up. And, if you want to compare cap dollars, the option to pay Mo and Delonte West what you would have had to pay Bibby is a no-brainer.

During Saturday night's 110-96 win over Atlanta the Cavaliers backcourt of Mo and Delonte scored 42 pts and dished out 9 assists. The Atlanta starting backcourt of Bibby and perennial All Star Joe Johnson combined for 14 and 3. Delonte held JOE JOHNSON to 4 points in 32 minutes Saturday night, something Mike Bibby could never have brought to the table in Cleveland. West also kicked in 19 point 5 assists to go along with Mo Williams' 4 dimes and 23 points. Mike Bibby, on the other hand, scored 10 points, with 1 assist. On the young season, Mo is averaging 17 ppg and Bibby is averaging 14.

Off the court, Bibby is certainly not worth the money he is making this season. His $15.25 million is more than the $12.20 million that Mo Williams and Delonte West are making combined this season (Mo is making $8.35 mil and Delonte $3.85 mil). Credit Danny Ferry for constructing the backcourt they way it is currently comprised, and not succumbing to reaching for a big name guy to satisfy a fanbase...the Cavaliers are better off for it.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Fixed Variable Is Edwards

In the Algebraic Equation that is QB + WR = Completion, we often look to change the value of the the Quarterback when our answer does not match that in the back of the book. However, it is more and more obvious every week that Braylon Edwards is the real reason the completions are not adding up in Cleveland. Number 17 appears on a quest to derail the careers of two, once seemingly promising, young QB's.

With the 'Cowher - Cowher' chants raining down in the 4th quarter Sunday, Braylon Edwards dropped one pass after another in embarrassing fashion. Brady Quinn wasn't great, but he might not have been benched if his No. 1 receiver would have ran out his slant pattern earlier in the 3rd quarter, instead of giving up, and getting the ball picked off. But Edwards did quit on the ball, like so many others this year, and with that, Brady was back to the clipboard without even breaking an NFL sweat.

Derek Anderson, came in and looked pretty bad himself. But in his defense, he would have looked a lot better if Braylon didn't drop the TD pass Derek threw him. Moreover, DA may never have been benched in the first place if Edwards didn't start by dropping his 60- yard TD pass in game one vs Dallas, and go on to lead the league in drops from there.

Whoever the QB, Braylon Edwards certainly doesn't look like a receiver that should have been drafted 3rd overall. If you don't believe me, ask the 3rd overall pick from 2004 - Larry Fitzgerald. While Braylon is hopefully on his way out of town, Larry Fitz is on his way to Canton.

2009 Browns Head Coach Candidates

The Soap Opera that is your 2008 Cleveland Browns has gotten Shaver Sports thinking….when Romeo Crennel gets fired next year, which TV/Movie Character would best replace him?

In answering our own question, Shaver Sports' Top Ten List of Character Candidates best suited to be the next Head Coach of our Beloved Cleveland Browns is as follows:


10.) Coach Herman Boone, i.e. Denzel Washington. Remember the Titans. Remember when the Browns were competitive? I don’t. He brought a racially divided school together. Maybe he could bring Kellen Winslow and Phil Savage together.

9.)Tony Micelli, from Who’s the Boss. You wouldn’t even need to ask that question with Tony Danza in charge.

8.)Mickey Goldmill, from Rocky. Would drastically improve team speed, with his Greased Lightning training camps. Shaun Rogers would easily shed a needed 40 lbs chasing a chicken around Berea.

7.)Michael Rogers, Resident Advisor in Saved by the Bell, The College Years, played by Cleveland’s own Bob Golic. Main value to Berea: Tough Love. While a strict figure of authority to Screech, Zak, AC Slater, and Kelly, Mr. Rogers was able to find a place in his heart for a helpless little laboratory mouse. (Would be ranked higher but when he went out of town, Zak threw a rave in the dorm. The last thing Berea needs is glow sticks and some E going around the locker room)

6.)Bud Kilmer, Varsity Blues. (Jon Voight) I know. I hear you. You’re saying, but he was shamed into walking off the field at the end of the movie by Mox and the rest of the Coyotes. But Kilmer won 31 Division titles. This team needs a Head Coach with a track record as a winner. Not a track record of riding someone else’s coattails as a Coordinator.

5.)Tony D’Amato, aka Al Pacino, from Any Given Sunday. Best coaching attribute is Personality Management. Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards are the real life versions of Willie Beamen (played by Jamie Foxx) and Julian Washington (played by LL Cool J). The Clowns even have their own version of the tired, washed up, 3 steps too slow, linebacker Shark Lavay (played by LT) – Andra Davis. The similarities are eerie.

4.)Jack Bauer, from 24. Highly skilled under pressure and at clock management. Would actually implement a 2 Minute Drill. Something the previous coach was unable to do.

3.)Detective John Kimble, played by The Governator. Most people would think that Arnold as “The Terminator” or as “Dutch” from Predator would be a better pick. But did you see the way he got those rug rats into shape Kindergarten Cop? As Romeo says “Kids will be kids”. And these kids need some discipline.

2.)Norm Peterson, (George Wendt) from Cheers. Fans wouldn’t have to bother to email him and risk an expletive laced reply, they’d know where to find him after a game. That, and he would save the Browns some money. They already have the size 62/30 pants from the previous regime.

1.)Vic Mackey, from The Shield. He makes #4 Jack Bauer look like a choir boy. Think his players would quit on him? Not a chance. Running around after practice without their shoes on? Please. Tom Coughlin thinks Vic Mackey is uptight. Question his play calling? You would hope the worst thing that happens to you is that you are benched.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Hey Screamin A: Shut Your Pie Hole!

ESPN's Screamin A. Smith doesn't report anything, he doesn't analyze anything, and he doesn't know anything either. If he did, maybe his show wouldn't have gotten canceled so fast. He just Screams, and he Screams for the sole purpose of creating outlandish headlines. I have watched him for five years now, and never heard him make a good point. He didn't make any Friday either.

The Knicks cleared cap-space on Friday, and Screamin A. automatically makes the leap of faith to say that now that the cap space is cleared, the Knicks are in a position to get LeBron James AND either Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, or Amare Stoudamire in 2010 when they all become free agents. Of course Screamin, why wouldn't they want to team up with Chris Duhon and David Lee.

I can't totally get mad at the guy, though, because this appears to be the company mandate coming out of Bristol this year: as soon as someone clears cap space, that means LeBron is going there. Henry Abbot had LBJ going to Detroit after the Iverson deal, and now Screamin has LBJ in New York WITH D-Wade after the recent dealings of Crawford, and Randolph.

I wish all of this can stop though, because if it doesn't, we are going to be in for a long year...it is game 14 for crying out loud.

Funny Man Frank Comes to Cleveland

Comedian Frank Caliendo was in Cleveland on Friday at the State Theatre and he lived up to the hype. Turns out, Caliendo has Northeast Ohio ties, in that he married a Lorain girl, who he said was on hand last night, along with his extended family. He was wearing a Kent State Golf Shirt that he said his brother in law gave him, and begged him to reference in the show.

The show featured a lot of his hilarious impersonations of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Charles Barkley. He referenced LeBron James using his Charles Barkely voice in talking about how Barkley's TNT halftime remarks reference nothing about basketball or the game his is watching. Other Sports personalites that Caliendo offered his spot on hilarious versions of included Bill Walton, Jim Rome, and John Madden.

If I had to pick my funniest bit, it would have to be from his John Madden loves Brett Farve sketch. In the Madden voice, he talked about how when Bret Farve retired, Madden wanted to retire the Number Four not just from all of football, but from all of the English lexicon as well, replacing it with the word Farve. He counted 1 -2 - 3- Farve - 5 and so on. He went on to say instead of saying forehead, it would become Farvehead, and instead of yelling out Fore on a bad golf shot, you would want to now yell Farve!

Caliendo also did his Robin Williams, Al Pacino, and Robert Deniro voices. He signed autographs and took pictures in the lobby afterwards, and seemed to be real gracious to those that waited in line. His kids came on stage at the end of the show as well, and when referencing his wife's Lorain, Ohio roots he said, "be careful, if you don't think I'm funny she'll shoot you."

Friday, November 21, 2008

Cavs Start Still Impressive

Chalupas and Pistons aside, the Cavaliers look good. I liked hearing Mike Brown just call his team out after the Detroit loss, saying that the Pistons just made a decision to come out and take the game from his guys. He didn't go with his coach speak crutch line of old saying that 'the guys played hard tonight and I was proud of them.' It was nice to hear, and it is nice to see Mike Brown manage a team that he believes should win every night. I don't think previous Cavs team should have won every night, but I think this one can.

It looks like so far that LeBron is off on his way to his 1st MVP, and his new running mate Mo Williams looks to be off to his first All Star Game. Besides those two I have been impressed with Andy Varejeo who looks to be back to playing like a guy fighting to earn a spot in this league with his foucs on defense, rebounding, and opportunistic scoring, as opposed to last year. Delonte West is a solid starter in my opinion, and looks to be meshing well with the chemistry of this team. Ben Wallace and Z look three years younger, and Mike Brown is getting interviewed on the Jim Rome show. Things are looking up.


Next Up : The Atlanta Hawks on Saturday at 7:30 - 10-3 would make it a statement start.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Subject: You Are Making Everyone Laugh At Us

Phil,

This is embarrassing. Did you really have to drop an F-Bomb on an angry Browns Fan? Do you really exhange emails with Browns Fans? Is Big Dawg Mike your friend too? Aren't you supposed to be busy, Phil? You're a GM of an NFL Team for Crissakes! Just watch the game! How'd he get your email address anyways, Facebook? Are you guys ex-My Space friends who had a falling out? Did he say something about you in chat room?

What bothers me Phil, is that I am trying to forget the mismanaged potential that was the 2009 season. I am trying to forget your savvy handling of Kellen Winslow's undisclosed illne-- Uggh - Staph Infection. I am trying to overlook your signing of Dante Stallworth. I am trying to dismiss the fact that your Coach Romeo knows as much about clock management as he knows about the South Beach diet. I am trying to pretend that Braylon Edwards didn't really bet Micheal Phelps he would score 2x as many TDs as Phelps had Golds. I am trying to forget DA's passer rating. I am trying to tune out the rumblings of the washed up RB you signed to an extension about people quitting on this team. But you are making it worse.

Then Phil, you go and leak a story saying you are offering $8-$9 million to Bill Cowher to divert attention. Like I wouldn't notice that Phillip. Nice timing. And don't act like you are making any smooth moves there with Cowher either. If I offered Cowher $9 mil to coach my flag football team he'd take the job. No other NFL Coach makes $9 mil Phil, you are just blowing smoke. And if you disagree, feel free to hit reply and shoot me an email back to discuss.

Regards,

John D. Shaver

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Dana White on UFC 91

In his interview with the Jim Rome Show following UFC 91, UFC President Dana White couldn't be happier with how Saturday night turned out. White claimed that the UFC gate on Saturday was over $5 million dollars. That coupled with an estimated 1.2 million pay per view purchases, would put UFC 91 at an estimated $60 million dollar event. Not bad for 4 hours...

White implied that the winner of Frank Mir/Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira would be next in line to test Brock Lesnar for the title. (Mir/Nogueria is December 27th)

White also discussed having to negotiate with Tito Ortiz's girlfriend, Adult "Star" Jenna Jameson. He said the two didn't get along from the get-go. But he did say that "Jenna Jameson was 500,000 times smarter than Tito". No l.ove lost between those two.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Browns vs. Bills: Who Do the Experts Got?

Vegas has the Browns as 5.5 point underdogs. The weather in Buffalo is supposed to be cold, windy and sloppy. The Browns have been a "Pass to set up the Run" offense. The "Real" Browns Defense has finally shown up and given up 2 TD leads in the second half back to back games....
All signs point to the Brownies losing. However in a season where all logic is lost, who knows what will happen tonight.

On ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike in the Morning, Cleveland Native Mike Golic picked the Browns to cover the spread tonight. Golic feels that fellow ND alum, Brady Quinn will play 'good enough' for the Browns to win. Equally as surprising was Co-Host Mike Greenberg's feelings on the game tonight. He just doesnt like the Browns to cover, he likes the Browns to pull the upset. Not that beating the 5-4 Buffalo Bills is considered "Shocking the World" or anything...

Watch for the Browns Defense to show a few different looks as well as some more personnel rotating in tonight in Buffalo. Wimbley will be moved around, Shante Orr will see more playing time to hopefully limit Marshawn Lynch, and Brandon McDonald will see some much deserved time on the pine.

Quinn will see quite a few different looks tonight too. Watch for heavy blitzing, and the Roving D, or UFO Defense that the Browns have used a few times, to try and confuse Quinn.

Shaver Sports likes BQ to get his first W tonight. Browns: 28 Bills: 24

Sunday, November 16, 2008

UFC 91: Lesnar HeavyWeight Champ


Well, well, well.... Christmas came early for Dana White. WWE Rock Star, NFL Flunkie, and UFC Supernova Brock Lesnar won the Heavyweight Title in UFC 91 Saturday in stunning fashion over Randy Couture. Lesnar was losing the fight overall, outmatched by The Natural in Round One. But a few minutes into the second round, Lesnar caught Couture with a wicked punch right on the chin, and that was all she wrote. He followed the main blow with about 20 follow up strikes, and The Natural, looked like The Over Matched.
In Lesnar's previous fights, Pay-per-View purchases went up about 20%. Now that he owns the belt, who knows how high the ceiling is for White.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Cavaliers Beat Nuggets on TNT

When the Cavaliers are able to get LeBron James the basketball coming off that curl cut deep in the lane its over - he's unstoppable. They got it to him there last night, and the rim had to be in pain when LeBron was done beatin' on it. James went for 28 - 10 - 8 and if he had any Ricky Davis in him, he would have gone 3-D easily.

Equally impressive last night was Mo Williams. It looked like Mo heard Brian Windhorst say that his "numbers would go down this year, and he would not be an All Star" while on the Really Big Show earlier in the afternoon yesterday. Mo came out shooting like somebody stole something, going for 24.

Beyond Mo and LeBron, other guys stepped up to put the game out of reach in the 4th quarter with the King resting, and that hasn't happened all that much before. Daniel Gibson's drive, with his Super Boobie Emblem? shaved into his head, in the 4th quarter was sweet. Equally impressive, was Wally taking off like Billy Hoyle for the slam, in that same 4th quarter stretch - what's up now Sydney Deane?

Thursday, November 13, 2008

UFC 91: A Legend vs. A Rising Star

The UFC World Heavyweight Title is up for grabs Saturday night as Randy "The Natural" Couture ends his contract squabble with UFC Prez Dana White, to take on Up and Comer (and physical freak) Brock Lesnar.

The Natural is a legend in the sport. The 43 Year Old, 3 Time Heavyweight Champ and 2 Time Light Heavyweight started fighting in 1997 @ UFC 13, back when the sport was in its infancy. His overall record is 16 Wins and 8 Losses. Hardly invincible.

In 1997, Brock Lesnar was just entering college, working on a world class wrestling background of his own. The Heavyweight ended up a Two-time All American wrestler and was the 2000 NCAA Heavyweight Champion. He then went from "real" wrestling to the WWE, where he was a popular character that won 3 "titles"? After a cup of coffee with the Minnesota Vikings last year, he has focused on MMA. His pro record is 2 Wins and 1 Loss.

This fight promises to be interesting. Lesnar had to lose over 10 pounds to get under the 265 Weight Limit for the heavyweight division. Couture is around 220 lbs. By the time of the fight, Lesnar will probably have a nearly 50 pound weight advantage. Very quick for his size, Lesnar would like to take this fight to the mat quickly.

The sexy pick would be Lesnar. A nimble giant, against the Long in the Tooth Couture. That being said, Shaver Sports likes the experience of The Natural. He's been in a lot of battles, and knows his way around the mat. Experience wins and Couture keeps his belt.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

National Headliners for All the Wrong Reasons

Starting on Monday in Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback, the Browns have been the talk of the National Media. King said the Browns Coaching Staff were "dead men walking" and they were just coaching on borrowed time right now.
Then there was the quote from Jamal Lewis, which got play on the Jim Rome Show, where he called out teammates for giving up, and not being ready to play this "Man's Game". Teammate Josh Cribbs, echoed Lewis' sentiments saying "the first thing you think of is that guys quit. If everyone didnt quit, we win that game". Rome went on the say "All the Staph living in the Browns training room thinks that locker room is toxic"
If he's got players quitting on him, 12-29-08 will be the definite End of an Era for Romeo Crennel.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Cavs Front-Runner to Sign McDyess

Michael Reghi was on In the Zone with Kenny Roda at the top of the hour and reported that the Cavaliers are very, very interested in signing free agent Antonio McDyess who was recently released by Denver by way of the Billups - AI deal.

"From what I am hearing from people around the league, the Cavs are very interested in signing Antonio McDyess, and could be the front runner to sign him. Along with Cleveland and Detroit, I am also hearing that Boston, and New Orleans are interested as well. Of those teams, Cleveland can offer the most money right now."

Reghi went on to discuss the fact that the Cavaliers, if they so chose, could offer McDyess the full mid-level exception, of $5.1 million, and could pull the trigger on that today. Detroit has to wait (30) days to sign him since they just traded him. While there could be a 'wink - wink Boozer - esque' deal in motion between Dumars and McDyess, Daniel Gilbert's previous relationship with the Pistons, coupled with the dollars he could offer, could overcome that obstacle.

As a Cleveland Fan, I say offer the full mid-level exception if you have to, and get this deal done. Reghi agrees. McDyess is better than Joe Smith, and the Cavaliers no doubt upgrade their roster immensely if they can make the deal happen.

Its Basketball Time at the Q

The Cavaliers open up a (3) game homestand tonight at Quicken Loans Arena, with a chance to build on their division lead and 5-2 record. If Cleveland is able to feast on Gloria James' home cookin,' and take care of Milwaukee, Denver, and Utah in succession, they could make like Usain Bolt out out of the blocks in this young campaign.

Cleveland started the first (10) games last year 5-5, and it seemed like they were playing from behind all season long as a result. If LeBron & Co. can get at least (2) and maybe even all (3) of these next home games, that could go a long way in not only the standings, but also the development of chemistry for this club.

Winnable games you ask? Milwaukee is 3-4, with a current overall Power Ranking of (19), Denver is 3-3 with a Power Ranking of (14) and Utah is 5-1 with a Power Ranking of (4).

Cleveland, by comparison, at 5-2, has jumped from (11) to (5) in the latest Power Rankings on NBA.com. This ranking is a bit better than the 7.5 average ranking projected in the preseason.