Quantcast
Channel: Cleveland Sports News
Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live

Travis Hafner, Shin-Soo Choo homer as Indians defeat Tigers, 4-0

0
0

Indians defeat Tigers, 4-0, in first game of doubleheader.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Shin-Soo Choo was in one of his do-it-all modes as the Indians defeated the Tigers, 4-0, in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday at Progressive Field.

The Tribe (67-91) has won five in a row.

 Through five innings, Choo had gone 3-for-3 with a homer and triggered a double play with an assist. Choo and Travis Hafner hit two-run shots in support of rookie right-hander Mitch Talbot.

 Talbot, in his final start of the season, gave up five hits in seven innings. He improved to 10-13, joining Fausto Carmona as the only Indians with double-digit victories. Carmona is 12-14.

 Talbot threw 60 of 93 pitches for strikes. His off-speed stuff was superb.

 Acquired from Tampa Bay over the winter for Kelly Shoppach, Talbot finished with a 4.41 ERA in 159 1/3 innings of 28 starts. He went 4-9 at Progressive Field.

 Talbot worked out of two-out trouble in the second. Former Indian Jhonny Peralta singled and checked in at second on Brennan Boesch's single. Brandon Inge struck out.

 The Indians took a 2-0 lead in the third. Choo singled and scored on Hafner's shot to right.

 In the top of the fifth, Inge led off with a hit-by-pitch. With Inge on the move, Alex Avila lined to right. Choo made the catch and zipped a throw to first to double off Inge by a step.

 Talbot received more double-play help in the sixth. Will Rhymes singled and Johnny Damon flied out. With Ryan Raburn in a full count, Rhymes attempted to steal. Raburn took Talbot's pitch for a called strike and catcher Luke Carlin erased Rhymes with a laser to second.

 Carlin had helped Talbot on Tuesday and did not even know it. Carlin's snap-throw to first attempting to pick off Miguel Cabrera forced the big man to lunge back to the back. Cabrera, an MVP candidate, rolled his right ankle and is done for the season.

 Don Kelly played first base for Detroit in the first game Wednesday.

 The Tribe surged ahead, 4-0, in the fifth. Asdrubal Cabrera led off with a walk and Choo homered to right-center.

 Jensen Lewis relieved Talbot and worked the eighth. Vinnie Pestano pitched the ninth.

 The Indians loaded the bases in the first but failed to score. With two outs, Choo singled and advanced to third on Hafner's single. Matt LaPorta walked.  Trevor Crowe swung through Max Scherzer's 96-mph fastball for the final out.

 First pitch of the doubleheader came at 4:04 p.m. in front of family and friends.

 


Manny Acta mixes optimism and honesty into his 2010 season review: Terry Pluto

0
0

Terry Pluto is talking to himself after Manny Acta talks Tribe.

acta-horiz-indians-cc.jpgWhile Manny Acta found reason for encouragement for the 2011 Indians, Terry Pluto says Acta's justified optimism can't ignore some glaring holes in the Tribe's roster.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talkin' to myself after Manny Acta talks Tribe...

Question: What was the biggest surprise about Manny Acta's year-end press conference?

Answer: That the Indians manager said what has been obvious to most fans.

Q: Namely?

A: That most of the young position players have not produced, that some regressed. Most of the time, managers tip-toe around that. Acta correctly praised the progress of the young pitchers, and gave a genuine reason for optimism.

Q: Did he mention Luis Valbuena?

A: I asked him who have been the biggest surprises this season and why ... and the first thing he mentioned was how Valbuena "has not been overmatched ... but has nothing to show for it." I'd argue that Valbuena has been terrible, hitting .193 (.540 OPS) heading into Wednesday. A left-handed batter, he's hitting .163 vs. right-handers. The same guy who hit 10 homers last season has two this year.

Q: Why pick on Valbuena?

A: Because he was a big part of the deal (along with Joe Smith) that sent Franklin Gutierrez to Seattle. Because he was handed second base in the spring, and has shown so little spark. Because the Indians still need a second baseman, and he's not it.

Q: What did Acta like?

A: The pitching. And he never expected the pitchers to show this much promise. He gushed about Carlos Carrasco. He said no one expected Fausto Carmona to come back so strong, and that Justin Masterson improved over the course of the season. Jeanmar Gomez and Josh Tomlin are intriguing. He likes Mitch Talbot as a fifth starter. The bullpen became solid with Chris Perez as a dominant closer.

Q: Isn't Acta just spewing the party line?

A: The Indians have a 3.90 ERA since the All-Star break, fifth in the American League. The bullpen is at 3.71 for the season, No. 7 overall. You can see the work of pitching coach Tim Belcher in Cleveland and Charlie Nagy at Class AAA and bullpen coach Scott Radinsky. Early in the season, Raffy Perez, Joe Smith and Tony Sipp were a mess, and they pulled themselves together.

Q: So he's right to be "excited" about the pitching?

A: Absolutely.

Q: So why did the position players falter?

A: It's a critical question. Other than Shin-Soo Choo, Travis Hafner and Michael Brantley, no one has had a strong second half at the bat. Brantley is the only young player.

Q: Isn't Andy Marte hitting .261 after the All-Star break?

A: No more Andy Marte. Not with nine errors in 41 games at third, 26 being starts. And no more talk about Jayson Nix at third (11 errors in 37 games). Acta called third base "a carousel." I called it a disaster.

Q: Who should play there next year?

A: Acta didn't say. He doesn't know. Maybe they sign a veteran to buy time until Lonnie Chisenhall is ready. They are moving second baseman Cord Phelps (.308, 8 HR, 54 RBI, .825 OPS between Akron and Columbus) from second to third. He's a 23-year-old switch hitter. He also was given the award by the farm department for the most "hard-hit balls" this season -- 42 percent.

Q: So who plays second?

A: Acta didn't bring this up, but I'd give Jason Kipnis a legitimate shot to make the team out of spring training. Kipnis started the season at Class A Kinston, then moved up to Class AA Akron. He finished the year at Class AAA Columbus in the playoffs. He hit .300 everywhere. His OPS at Akron was .873. He hit for the cycle in a Class AAA playoff game. He's 23, a converted outfielder who played a decent second base. If he looks ready, they should go with him.

laporta-batcc.jpgMatt LaPorta showed occasional power in 2010, but was unable to maintain a consistent batting average. But the young first baseman was given a "mulligan" by Manny Acta, who expects better things in 2011.

Q: Will the Indians do that?

A: I doubt it. They'll probably open with Jason Donald at second and a mystery guest at third.

Q: Is Acta worried about Matt LaPorta?

A: He didn't act like it. He said he's given LaPorta "a mulligan," meaning a do-over. He said LaPorta spent part of the year recovering from hip and toe surgery, and this is not a true test.

Q: But LaPorta was worse in the second half (.255 before the break, .196 after), shouldn't he be better if injuries are an issue?

A: I asked Acta that question, and he countered with LaPorta having trouble with stamina because he couldn't physically prepare for the season due to his recovery from two surgeries.

Q: Do you buy that?

A: I hope he's right, because they need this guy. He is one of their few right-handed power hitters.

Q: You praised the pitching coaches, how about the hitting coaches?

A: They need to look at that. Lou Marson, Trevor Crowe, LaPorta are key young players who didn't show progress over the season. All have been up and down from the minors.

Q: What does Acta think about the team hitting next season?

A: He thinks it will. He talks about Grady Sizemore, Carlos Santana and Hafner being healthy, joining Choo and Cabrera as veterans in the lineup. I worry about Sizemore making a full comeback from microfracture knee surgery. He has been hurt for two years. They have to use Hafner only about four times a week, as they have since the All-Star break.

Q: But weren't you the guy who wrote, "Don't worry, the Indians will hit" when you were in spring training?

A: Well, I'm not writing it now. I'm not writing them off, but this team has several holes in the lineup -- and the infield defense remains a mess. Let's hope the Indians realize that, and don't assume everything will go right in 2011.

Jerome Harrison playing the waiting game as Cleveland Browns focus on Peyton Hillis: 'We'll just see what happens'

0
0

Jerome Harrison says he has no idea what his role will be now that Peyton Hillis has become a feature back for the Browns.

harrison-sq-bucs-jk.jpg"I don't anticipate anything and I don't expect anything," Jerome Harrison (35) said following the emergence of Peyton Hillis in the Browns' ground game and Harrison's role in future games. "We'll just see what happens."

BEREA, Ohio -- Jerome Harrison, who returned to practice Wednesday limited with a thigh injury, said he was happy for Peyton Hillis' breakout game last week, but has no idea how it will affect his playing time if he's ready to go Sunday against the Bengals.

Asked if it might be hard for him to get carries after Hillis rushed for 144 yards in Baltimore, Harrison cracked, "What carries? It was a good game by him and it doesn't affect me at all."

Does he see his role changing with Hillis having the hot hand?

"I never knew what my role was, so I can't answer that question," he said. "I support [Hillis]. I'm happy for him He works hard, ran hard and looked good doing it."

But does he expect fewer reps even when fully healthy?

"I don't anticipate anything and I don't expect anything," he said. "We'll just see what happens."

Harrison, who was inactive with thigh injury in Baltimore, said it wasn't rough to see the running game succeed without him.

"No, it was good to see they were running the ball," he said. "The offensive line played well. Peyton ran hard. and [Lawrence] Vickers made holes. They looked good."

Head coach Eric Mangini said both running backs will be in the mix.

"We really always have approached it that way," said Mangini. "I have confidence in both guys, regardless of which one is running the ball. Jerome will have a good week of practice and we'll have both ready to play."

But it seemed from Harrison's terse answers that he's not thrilled with the way things have been going this season.

Delhomme close to return: Jake Delhomme was idle Wednesday, but Mangini said he could practice Thursday or Friday.

"I anticipate Jake coming back [to practice]," said Mangini. "We'll see where he is. Yes, I want Jake to be healthy and that's not a knock on Seneca [Wallace]. I want all of our guys to be healthy. Jake did some really good things for us offensively and again that's not in reaction to Seneca. It's in reaction to the good things Jake has done."

Palmer on Wright: Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, who's struggling, said he isn't counting on getting his groove back against Eric Wright just because of Wright's bad game in Baltimore.

"I think a couple times Anquan [Boldin] made really good plays and very difficult plays to stop on him," said Palmer. "I wouldn't say in any way that he's a guy you would look to pick on. I think he's one of the better corners, especially in this division, that we face on a two-time a year deal. In no way is he a guy that we're looking at as a weak link. He's a very physical and capable corner."

Defensive back Mike Adams said he "wouldn't bet against [Wright] and I wouldn't trade him for the world. The best get beat. You telling me Deion Sanders never got beat for a TD? I saw one game where Champ Bailey got torched, and then he came back and got two picks the next week. Watch Eric's return. Watch his comeback. He's the type of guy you would never want to count out."

Determined to recover: Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson said in a text that "there's no question" he'll come back from his second pectoral surgery in less than a year. The surgery is scheduled for Monday in New York.

"I have no idea how this happened after two days of limited practice," he wrote. His one-year contract with the Browns expires in March.

Injury report: Seven players besides Delhomme sat out Wednesday: They were Kenyon Coleman (knee), Derrick Roberson (hip), Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip), Robaire Smith (back), John St. Clair (ankle), Jason Trusnik (head) and Vickers (groin). Four were limited in addition to Harrison: Josh Cribbs (ankle), James Davis (thigh), Shawn Lauvao (ankle) and Brian Robiskie (hamstring).

Rookie Lauvao, who suffered a high ankle sprain and has missed the first three games, said he's excited to get rolling again. "My ankle just got caught in practice," he said. "I've just got to get back in football shape now."

Practice squad move: The Browns signed running back Martell Mallett to the practice squad and waived defensive back DeAndre Wright.

Originally signed by Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent on Jan. 19, 2010, Mallett spent the off-season and training camp with the Eagles before being signed to the practice squad on Sept. 9. He was waived on September 21.

Mallett spent 2009 with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian League, where he was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie, rushing for 1,240 yards and six TDs.

An early challenge for Byron Scott: How will the Cleveland Cavaliers split playing time for J.J. Hickson, Antawn Jamison?

0
0

Two of the Cavs' most talented players play the same position -- J.J. Hickson and Antawn Jamison. How will Byron Scott find playing time for both?

hickson-horiz-dunk-raptors-ap.jpgThere's little question that the Cavaliers are banking heavily upon J.J. Hickson emerging in his third season as a pro power forward. But how will the team mesh the talents of Hickson and the veteran reliability of Antawn Jamison?

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- There's no shortage of uncertainties for Byron Scott to deal with in his first weeks working with his new Cavaliers team.

Speaking honestly, which is already becoming a trademark, Scott admits he's not sure about most of his starting lineup and probably won't be for some time. But just two days into practice, his most weighty and perhaps delicate issue is becoming clear.

Two of the Cavs' most talented players play the same position -- J.J. Hickson and Antawn Jamison. This is not new. Last season, needing to play Anderson Varejao at power forward to make room for Shaquille O'Neal, the promising Hickson was benched during playoff games.

That will likely not happen again, Hickson is perhaps the team's most valuable asset. After a strong performance in summer league, it is pretty clear that Scott's mandate is to play Hickson a great deal.

"Am I going to commit to [Hickson] playing a lot of minutes? No. But do I think he will? Yeah," Scott said. "I think he's going to have a great opportunity this year to really shine and be one of the most improved players in the league."

However, that's the issue. Scott -- and the front office -- believes Hickson is primed for a breakout season. Yet Jamison is one of the team's most established players.

Regardless of who might start, to be effective common sense dictates that they will have to be able to play long stretches on the court together.

jamison-vert-daniels-jg.jpg"If it's best for me to come off the bench ... when I'm out there on the court I've got to play to the best of my abilities," says Antawn Jamison.

They were able to do that last season for a month when Hickson started at center and Jamison started at power forward. But that was a Band-Aid move because of injuries and LeBron James was there to help make up for the lack of size with his rebounding and defense. There is little doubt that the 6-9 Hickson's natural position is power forward.

"I think I am more of a power forward and I think Coach Scott knows that," Hickson said. "Whatever he wants to do, he knows I'm with it. He knows what he's doing and whatever formula he comes up with we know we're going to make it work."

Well, Scott is certainly going to try.

It seems his first experiment will be to occasionally play Jamison at small forward. At 6-9 and a good rebounder, Jamison has been an All-Star power forward. But because he's been a good shooter and can play on the perimeter, he's been shifted to small forward at various times in his career.

"It is really about holding my own against small forwards on the defensive ends," Jamison said. "It is going to be a task, it's being able to get those old bones down and move with some of the quicker small forwards in the league."

Whether Jamison can do it is certainly questionable, especially at age 34. There are highlight films made up of what James, to use one example, did to Jamison when he guarded him at times during three playoff series against the Wizards. So Scott has some backup plans. That would including moving Hickson around to find a place for Jamison.

"I think J.J. can guard [power forwards], [centers] and even some [small forwards]," Scott said. "He's one of those guys who is very versatile that I can put out there in a bunch of difference situations."

Scott isn't the first coach to attempt to deal with this situation. Jamison has been willing in the past to shift his role to fit in.

When he came to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2003-04 season, Jamison was at the same spot at Dirk Nowitzki. So Jamison came off the bench and ended up winning Sixth Man of the Year. So he's willing to play small forward and adjust and even come off the bench to make it work, even if that is not his preference.

"I've done it before, that's one thing I've been dealing with my whole career," Jamison said. "I've had 10 or 11 coaches in my 13-year career and every coach saw me as a different player.

"You'd like to be out there starting, that's what I've been doing for a while. It's realistic to think that you've got to play certain guys at certain positions. If it's best for me to come off the bench ... when I'm out there on the court I've got to play to the best of my abilities. We'll see what happens, if that's the case there's no need to pout about it."

Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot preview Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals - video

0
0

Plain Dealer’s Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot preview Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Plain Dealer’s Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot preview Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Stadium.










Cleveland Indians squeeze past Tigers, 4-3, to sweep doubleheader

0
0

The Indians complete a sweep of the Tigers in the final home games of the 2010 season.

UPDATED: 11:09 p.m.

crowe-squeeze-cc.jpgDespite having to deal with a helmet-high pitch from a suspicious Justin Verlander, Trevor Crowe successfully dropped a suicide-squeeze bunt to score Michael Brantley with the eventual winning run in the Indians' 4-3 victory in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

HOME STANDING
In 1999, the Indians set a franchise record for attendance with 3,468,456 fans. They went 47-34 at home. Here is what they have drawn since (home records in parentheses):
2000: 3,456,278 (48-33)
2001: 3,175,523 (44-36)
2002: 2,616,940 (39-42)
2003: 1,730,001 (38-43)
2004: 1,814,401 (44-37)
2005: 2,013,763 (43-38)
2006: 1,997,936 (44-37)
2007: 2,275,916 (51-29)
2008: 2,169,722 (45-36)
2009: 1,776,904 (35-46)
2010: 1,391,644 (38-43)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians were out-of-control unstoppable Wednesday at Progressive Field.

Not content to split a doubleheader with the Tigers, the Tribe rallied for a suicide sweep. Trevor Crowe's spectacular fifth-inning squeeze bunt off Detroit ace Justin Verlander provided the go-ahead run in a 4-3 victory in the nightcap.

In the first game, right-hander Mitch Talbot gave up five hits in seven innings of a 4-0 victory. Travis Hafner and Shin-Soo Choo hit two-run homers.

The Indians (68-91) have won six in a row, which ties their longest streak this season. The six-pack encompassed the final games of the home portion of the schedule. The Tribe fashioned a 6-1 homestand to go 38-43 at Progressive Field. Total paid attendance: 1,391,644.

"It was a great homestand, especially the way we finished," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "It was special for us and special for our fans. Our fans deserved that homestand so they can end up with a good taste in their mouths."

Those of the announced 12,227 who showed Wednesday witnessed terrific all-around baseball from the home club. Among the highlights were 18 innings of errorless ball from a defensively challenged outfit.

Odds of a sweep seemed long when the Tigers handed Verlander a three-run lead in the top of the second. Verlander entered 18-8 with a 3.31 ERA and 209 strikeouts. He had gone 5-0 in seven starts since Aug. 22, when he beat the Tribe, 8-1.

Verlander had won each of his last six decisions against Cleveland dating to May 3, 2009.

The Tribe was unimpressed. Its comeback commenced in the second when Jordan Brown hit a one-out double, moved to third on a grounder and scored on Verlander's wild pitch. In the fourth, Jayson Nix's single drove in Shelly Duncan to make it 3-2.

Then came the electrifying fifth. Lou Marson walked with one out and scored on Michael Brantley's triple to right. Before a 2-1 pitch to Crowe, Acta signaled to third-base coach Steve Smith that the squeeze was on.

"When you see the sign, it's an adrenaline rush," Acta said. "It's probably the most exciting play in the game."

Brantley did a double-take when Smith informed him.

"I said, 'Squeeze?'" Brantley said. "I got all excited, like a little kid."

Verlander seemed to sniff it out at the last instant, firing high and wide as catcher Gerald Laird popped out of his crouch. The pitch was clocked at 99 mph.

"I'm confident in my bunting," Crowe said. "If it's somewhere within home plate and arm's reach, I'll be able to get a bat on it."

perez-balls-fans-tribe-cc.jpgIn a farewell to Indians fans until next spring, Chris Perez and the rest of the team tossed two dozen balls apiece into the stands following the Tribe's doubleheader sweep of the Tigers Wednesday night.

Crowe managed to locate the ball at helmet level and push it toward third. As Brantley scored, Crowe almost beat the throw to first by third baseman Brandon Inge.

"With a 2-1 count, I was anticipating that Verlander would throw the ball as hard as he could in the zone," Acta said. "It turned out to be a tough, tough pitch to bunt. Crowe deserves a lot of credit. Tremendous execution."

Brantley said it was the first time in pro ball that he was on either end of a squeeze that worked.

"Great play by Trevor," Brantley said.

The call was part of arguably Acta's best day as Indians manager. He treated the nightcap as if it were the seventh game of the World Series.

"We're trying to win every single game," he said. "We put a lot of importance on the game because it was our last one at home. We went for it. I told the players, 'You have to finish strong.' Lasting impressions."

Indians rookie righty Josh Tomlin bobbed and weaved through five innings, giving up three runs on nine hits and walking one. But he did enough to earn the victory, his sixth in 10 decisions.

Tomlin has worked at least five innings in 12 straight starts to begin his career, tied for longest by an Indian since 1920 (Steve Dunning 1970).

Five relievers, including three in the eighth inning, crafted four scoreless. Chris Perez earned a four-out save, sealing the Indians' eighth straight victory over Detroit in Cleveland. The season series ended tied, 9-9.

By winning the opener, Talbot improved to 10-13, joining Fausto Carmona as the only Indians with double-digit victories. Carmona is 12-14.

Talbot, acquired from Tampa Bay for Kelly Shoppach over the winter, posted a 4.41 ERA in 159 1/3 innings of 28 starts in his rookie season. He gave up 169 hits, walked 69 and struck out 88.

"To finish off like this, on a good note, is great," he said. "That's what you think about when you're driving at home or sitting at home on the couch."

Talbot threw 60 of 93 pitches for strikes in winning for the second time since June 27. He worked at least seven innings for the first time since that June 27 game against Cincinnati (7 IP, 3 H, 1 R).

"A start like that is good for him given the way he struggled in the second half," Acta said. "He won double-digits in his first year as a starter, so that's not too shabby."

Everything clicked for Talbot in his finale. He located his fastball and complemented it with a quality change-up and slider. His cutter proved problematic for left-handed batters.

"He was very good from the get-go," Acta said. "He was very smooth."

Smooth describes Choo on most days. Through five innings, he was 3-for-3 with a homer and triggered a double play with an assist. He finished 3-for-4 -- his 13th game of three-plus hits.

"Choo just continues to do everything for us offensively," Acta said.

The Indians took a 2-0 lead in the third. Choo singled and scored on Hafner's rocket to right. Hafner, who homered for the second straight game, was 2-for-4.

In the top of the fifth, Inge led off with a hit-by-pitch. With Inge on the move, Alex Avila lined to right. Choo made the catch and zipped a throw to first to double off Inge by a step. Choo's 14 outfield assists lead the majors. They are the most by an Indian since Kenny Lofton's 19 in 1998.

"Choo has been very impressive defensively this year," Acta said. "He has improved his overall game."

Talbot received more double-play assistance in the sixth. Will Rhymes singled and Johnny Damon flied out. With Ryan Raburn in a full count, Rhymes attempted to steal. Raburn took Talbot's pitch for a called strike and catcher Luke Carlin erased Rhymes with a laser to second.

The Tribe surged ahead, 4-0, in the fifth. Asdrubal Cabrera led off with a walk and Choo homered to right-center.

Jensen Lewis relieved Talbot and worked the eighth. Vinnie Pestano pitched the ninth.

The Indians roughed up righty Max Scherzer (12-11, 3.50) for four runs on eight hits in five innings. Scherzer, who walked three and struck out three, entered ranked among the American League leaders in strikeouts. He now has 184.

OSU's Terrelle Pryor can take a licking, and keep on flicking touchdown passes

0
0

Pryor is figuring out how and when to stay in the pocket and not take a sack, but also take a hit and make a throw.

pryor-rushed-emu-mct.jpgOne of the Big Ten's most powerful physiques, Terrelle Pryor is willing to take a hit (here from Eastern Michigan's Tim Fort last week) to deliver a pass. "I'll stand in there and take some hits," said Pryor. "That just comes with the territory of playing the quarterback position."

SHOULDERING THE LOAD
Two Big Ten teams had quarterbacks go down last week. Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson is fine and will start Saturday after injuring his knee, while Purdue is still waiting on the results on an MRI on the knee of quarterback Robert Marve.
Some quarterbacks are more involved in their team's offenses than others — with more opportunities to get hits. Here's the percentage of offensive plays Big Ten starting quarterbacks have been involved in this season. All have played four games — except for Indiana and Illinois, which have played three.

Ben Chappell, Indiana: 98 passes, 7 rushes, 191 plays, 55.0 percent
Denard Robinson, Michigan: 80 passes, 79 rushes, 302 plays, 52.6 percent
Dan Persa, Northwestern: 106 passes, 50 rushes, 299 plays, 52.2 percent
Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State: 107 passes, 43 rushes, 296 plays, 50.7 percent
Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois: 57 passes, 40 rushes, 194 plays, 50.0 percent
Rob Bolden, Penn State: 113 passes, 16 rushes, 264 plays, 48.9 percent
Adam Weber, Minnesota: 123 passes, 14 rushes, 297 plays, 46.1 percent
Ricky Stanzi, Iowa: 99 passes, 21 rushes, 267 plays, 44.9 percent
Kirk Cousins, Michigan State: 91 passes, 16 rushes, 245 plays, 43.7 percent
Robert Marve, Purdue: 99 passes, 22 rushes, 296 plays, 40.9 percent
Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin: 84 passes, 9 rushes, 273 plays, 34.1 percent
Doug Lesmerises

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Terrelle Pryor thought he had clean protection and plenty of room when he released his first touchdown pass to Dan Sanzenbacher last Saturday.

Then a diving Eastern Michigan defensive lineman crashed into his left knee. Brad Ohrman had beaten OSU left tackle Mike Adams with an inside move, and Pryor said Adams actually separated his shoulder on the play.

As for the knee, the one Pryor had arthroscopic surgery on in the off-season?

"It was a little sore after it, yeah," Pryor said Wednesday. "I mean, that's your leg. It's not a big deal. I was glad I had a knee brace on."

Pryor said Adams apologized for missing the block and Pryor readily accepted.

"His shoulder separated, so a guy got in free," Pryor said. "That's football."

That part of football is more part of Pryor's game as a junior, and he should show it more often as he enters Big Ten play against Illinois on Saturday.

The Buckeyes keep track of how many times Pryor is able to escape pressure and make a big play, and OSU receivers coach Darrell Hazell said Wednesday that Pryor is way ahead of last year's pace. But Pryor is also figuring out how and when to stay in the pocket and not take a sack, but take a hit and make a throw.

Pryor showed that on consecutive passes against EMU. On the play before the TD to Sanzenbacher, he was driven to the ground while completing a 25-yard toss to DeVier Posey after a blitzer got past running back Brandon Saine.

"I think when I prepare real good, I think I'm very comfortable standing in the pocket," Pryor said Wednesday. "I'm starting to get real good trust in the linemen and the protection. I was very young maybe last year and my freshman year and I wouldn't really stand in there. But as you saw last week there are some hits I can take by standing in there and I don't think I'll have a problem this week.

"I'll stand in there and take some hits, too. That just comes with the territory of playing the quarterback position."

pryor-kovacs-09-mf.jpgAt 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, Pryor has the prototype body to break tackles from many linebackers and defensive backs. "It's kind of a gladiator feeling when you stand in there and take a shot and dust yourself off and go on to the next play," says former OSU quarterback Mike Tomczak, who has worked with Pryor.

Sometimes he'll take off. Pryor said earlier this season he still wants to run for 1,000 yards. Those are the plays that scare opponents the most.

Sometimes, he'll step up in the pocket, avoid the pressure and throw. He's doing that more, keeping his eyes downfield as he moves around.

But at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, he also has the prototype body for looking over a collapsing pocket, standing his ground and absorbing some punishment.

"The one to Dane, he took a big shot to his leg and stood in there," Hazell said. "When he was a younger guy, he felt the pressure. Now he stands in there. He's so big back there in the pocket, that's a whole different dimension with him standing tall and being able to find those guys. That guy hit him and the ball was coming out. If he moves a little bit, that's not a touchdown."

Former Ohio State quarter Mike Tomczak, who went over Rose Bowl film with Pryor in the off-season and keeps in touch with him, said he saw it coming. He said Pryor probably is one of the two most powerful quarterbacks in college football, along with Auburn's Cameron Newton, and now he has the confidence to make throws like that.

"That's his job," Tomczak said. "It's just great to see a warrior stand in the pocket. It's kind of a gladiator feeling when you stand in there and take a shot and dust yourself off and go on to the next play."

The Buckeyes just have to make sure Pryor gets up. There's little doubt he is more valuable to his team than any player in the Big Ten. He has dealt with injuries before, originally hurting his knee against New Mexico State last season.

"Obviously you don't want your quarterback hit. Most especially you don't want him hurt," OSU coach Jim Tressel said. "I don't ever want him just to stand in there to prove that he can take a hit. If he needs to stand in to make a play, then you need to do that, but there's probably no more danger in that than there is when you get out of there and you're on the run and there's seven guys on their way to hit you."

That's what happened against New Mexico State, as Pryor was pulled down as he ran to the sidelines. Pryor saw Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson hurt his knee, though not seriously, on a similar run last week. But don't count on Pryor starting to slide at the end of his runs.

"You have to be smart about when you've got that ball in your hand. There's a lot of people coming to tattoo you, so there's a sideline there," Tressel, a former Baldwin-Wallace quarterback, said. "I've never seen him slide, I don't think. That'd be a long slide. He'd probably slide about four yards.

"We have never drilled it. I don't know how to teach it. I never got out of the pocket."

So Pryor probably will continue to take on tacklers when he gets in the open field and turn the stomachs of offensive coordinators. Now he'll also take a shot to make a throw and get up again.

Ryder Cup glory would brighten Tiger Woods' dismal 2010: Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

0
0

There's one early sign that things just might be looking up for Tiger Woods at the Ryder Cup, Bud Shaw says in his Spin column.

furyk-woods-ryder-ap.jpgTiger Woods (here with Jim Furyke during a Ryder Cup practice round on Wednesday) has never really warmed up to the team aspect of this U.S. vs. Europe competition. But Woods has never needed a positive finish to the season as much as he has in the lost 2010 campaign, writes Bud Shaw.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A flag of a different color has waved over Tiger Woods' season.

There's one early hint that Woods just might find redemption at the Ryder Cup. Or at least that TMZ won't have reason to find him.

A sexy woman is gracing a magazine cover this week timed to coincide with the Ryder Cup and -- unlike the way the 2010 golf season began -- she doesn't work at IHOP, dance at a men's club or claim a past relationship with Woods.

Lisa Pavin, wife of Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin, has caused a bit of a stir by posing for the cover of Avid Golfer magazine wearing America's colors.

It's being described as a flag. Actually, it looks more like bed linens.

She helped design the U.S. Ryder Cup "uniforms." So her style choices might be cause for concern. I mean, lots of people like Phil Mickelson. However, nobody wants to see him in a form-fitting sheet.

Lisa Pavin wonders why she's getting so much attention. I don't know, perhaps because the former assistant to Pavin refers to herself as "Captainess" and was recently seen publicly telling off Jim Gray after his beef with her husband concerning Gray's Woods report.

But really it's because on this half of the Atlantic, the Ryder Cup doesn't quite capture the imagination of Americans as purely as it does the Europeans, who are in it for the golf. Heck, until now, the Ryder Cup barely seemed to capture the attention of Woods, who has a losing record of 10-13-2 in the event.

tiger-ryder-warmup-ap.jpgTiger Woods hasn't pulled off one of his signature demolitions of a rival during match play. Will a soggy Celtic Manor see a reprise of that version of a fearsome Tiger?

(Disclaimer: I happen to love the Ryder Cup despite its propensity to give us some of the dorkiest looking celebrations this side of a high school Mathlete victory in an Advanced Calculus competition).

When 2004 Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton paired Woods and Mickelson, Woods' expression in alternate shot play suggested slow torture. Let's just say warmer feelings were shared between Kellen Winslow Jr. and Phil Savage.

I'm not sure there's any way to make the Ryder Cup as relevant in America as it is in Europe. Woods will have to become part of a great U.S. performance, and not just part of the scenery, for that to happen.

You wouldn't think after all he's been through in 2010 -- public shame, contempt, divorce, failing to earn a Ryder Cup spot on his own merit for the first time in his career -- that Woods would need any other motivation. His terse response to a question about Ireland's Rory McIlroy suggests there's always room for more.

McIlroy had the gall to tell the truth when asked about Woods a week after Firestone, where Woods finished 18 over and beat only one other golfer. McIlroy said he'd look forward to playing Woods at the Ryder Cup given the state of Woods' game. And that he "fancied" the same to be true for his European teammates.

When reminded this week of McIlroy's words, Woods said, "Me, too." Asked to elaborate, he said, "No."

Hey, this might be worth watching after all ... if you set aside how absolutely ordinary Woods has been in 2010. His answer to McIlroy's shot was reminiscent of his attitude toward Stephen Ames when Ames said he liked his own chances against Woods in the 2006 Accenture Match Play Tournament because Woods was spraying his driver. Woods trounced him by the second-largest possible margin possible in match play.

Was he inspired by Ames' comments, he was asked.

"Nine and eight," Woods replied, meaning Ames' day ended with Woods already nine holes up with eight remaining. The boxing equivalent was the young Mike Tyson over Michael Spinks in 91 seconds.

Woods is hardly that intimidating these days. In Wales, though, he has a chance to come off passionate about playing for his country. That's a start.

He also has a chance to feel good about himself again, providing the "Captainess" doesn't dress him in polka dots.

HE SAID IT

"If we win back the Ryder Cup and you hear a loud noise, it will be me falling off the wagon." -- Lee Westwood, who is abstaining from alcohol as part of a post-injury fitness regimen.

And if the wagon he falls off runs over Colin Montgomerie, America will still have something to cheer about in the loss.

HE SAID WHAT?

"I don't think anyone will forget what was said. All I know is it took a tremendous amount of courage to do what he did, to subject himself to criticism." -- Miami coach Erik Spoelstra on LeBron James' decision to leave Cleveland for the Heat.

Yes, I'm sure the servicemen at Eglin Air Force base, where the Heat is training, define "courage" in much the same way.

YOU SAID IT

"Bud:

"In [Sunday's] column, you state, 'at the PD, only the editors are contemplating my retirement.' What can we do to expedite the process?" -- Phil Savarise, Ashtabula

Thank you for your kind offer. I know you're only trying to help. But I cannot retire until I have enough money in my nest egg to afford a beachcombing metal detector, and right now they're going for $59.99.

"Bud:

"Boise State is 54-2 playing on their blue field. Would the Browns be any better playing on an orange field?" -- Tom Hoffner

Only if they, too, play Wyoming and Idaho.

"Bud:

"So, is everyone on the PD staff required to drink the Kool-Aid before they make their [Browns'] predictions or does it just look that way?" -- Nate J., Brunswick

Kool-Aid is not required. It's just the obvious choice since the PD has a policy against beer bong use while working.

"Hey Bud:

"I read where Vinnie Pestano did not realize the magnitude of his MLB debut. Do you think it was due to the many familiar faces of all his Columbus teammates around him or was it that he didn't understand he was part of the next great reality TV show -- Major League III?" -- Vince, Cincinnati

Based on a quick crowd count, Pestano thought he was at a "Dimora for Mayor" rally.

"Bud:

"I searched high and low in the PD today, but did not find your 'mea culpa' for your woefully inadequate prediction of the Steelers' record without Big Ben. On behalf of Steeler Nation, can you let me know when that will be forthcoming?" -- Cwaltf

Be patient. Keep searching high. When you miss as often as I do, mea culpas are circling overhead like planes at Chicago O'Hare.

"Bud:

"With the Browns' history of turning geniuses (Carmen Policy, etc) into fools, would you be reading this by candlelight if Thomas Edison had moved here early in his career?" -- Ed DiFiore, Valley View

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Voice of Reason:

"I just saw the clip where Ray Lewis compares the Ravens and the Steelers. He says 'they have a great defense, we have a great defense....they love to run the ball, we love to run the ball.' Did they edit the part where he says 'they have a guy who should have gone to prison, we have a guy who should have gone to prison'?" -- Dan Okress

Repeat winners receive one phone call.


LeBron James says fans fear the Miami Heat

0
0

LeBron James and the rest of his Miami Heat teammates are aware that boos will rain down from the rafters whenever the team plays on the road. For James, writes NESN.com reporter Michael Hurley, the boos won't mean you don't like him. ESPN's Rachel Nichols (click here to watch the video) asked LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh their thoughts...

lebron-james-signsjpg-d037b21f67a9d76d_large.jpgDo you fear LeBron James and the Miami Heat?

LeBron James and the rest of his Miami Heat teammates are aware that boos will rain down from the rafters whenever the team plays on the road.

For James, writes NESN.com reporter Michael Hurley, the boos won't mean you don't like him.

ESPN's Rachel Nichols (click here to watch the video) asked LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh their thoughts on the prospect of being booed for just about every road game they play.

"At the end of the day, do we all know if they're booing you because they don't like you or because they fear you?" LeBron said. When asked which he thought was the case, his answer simple: "I think 'cuz they fear you."

He then tried to make a point that all the greats -- like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird -- get booed, but you can't boo them? Or something like that.

"You can't boo Jordan," LeBron said. "How can you boo Jordan? You don't like his game? 'Cuz you don't like him? You don't like Jordan's game? You gonna boo Magic's game? Bird's game?"

 

Cleveland Browns QB Jake Delhomme returns to work

0
0

He'll be limited at practice, but coach Eric Mangini said he'll start if healthy.


jake delhomme.jpgJake Delhomme will start if he's healthy on Sunday.

BEREA -- Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme will practice today for the first time since suffereing a high ankle sprain in the opening game on Sept. 12.

 Coach Eric Mangini said Delhomme would start Sunday against Cincinnati if he gets through the week healthy.

 "Yeah. He's our starter. We've got to see. If he's ready to start, he'll start," Mangini said.

 It might be a stretch, though, to expect Delhomme to spring right back into the starting lineup. Mangini said Delhomme would be limited at practice today. Friday is a light work day, so that means Delhomme will not have gone through a full practice executing a gameplan in three weeks.

Cleveland Browns fans don't demand enough from the franchise, says Bud Shaw (SBTV)

0
0

PD columnist says no other NFL fans would stand for the product the Browns have fielded since returning in 1999.

eric-mangini-ravens.jpgEric Mangini: Bud Shaw says he's surprised the coach kept his job after the awful 2009 season.

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports. Today's show is hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.


Let's go to the highlights:


• The Browns are 0-3 in the Mike Holmgren era, and fans' emotions range from anger to encouragement. How are you feeling about the Browns right now? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.


• Today's guest, Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw, says that Browns fans are way too easy on the franchise. He adds that compared to the way fans treat the Indians and the Cavs, the Browns get a free pass; and he says that no other NFL fans would put up with the product the Browns have put forth since returning in 1999.

SBTV will return Friday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi as the guest. He will answer questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

And don't forget to play our You Pick the Winners Contest where you can outpick Chuck and Branson Wright each week and earn an appearance on SBTV and a chance at a $250 gift card.



Starting Blocks TV for Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010

Illinois wants history to repeat itself against Ohio State

0
0

 Ohio State watched its national championship dreams take a hit when Illinois defeated the then-No. 1 Buckeyes, 28-21, on Nov. 10, 2007. Chicago Tribune reporter Shannon Ryan takes us back to when Ohio State got upset that day, and how many of the players who played on that team for Illinois, wants history to repeat itself. "It's one of the...

ron-zook-vert-ap.jpgIllinois coach Ron Zook


Ohio State watched its national championship dreams take a hit when Illinois defeated the then-No. 1 Buckeyes, 28-21, on Nov. 10, 2007.

Chicago Tribune reporter Shannon Ryan takes us back to when Ohio State got upset that day, and how many of the players who played on that team for Illinois, wants history to repeat itself.

"It's one of the best games in University of Illinois history," said linebacker Nate Bussey, who played on special teams in the 2007 game. "It will always be one of the best games. You can compare 2007 to now, but at the same time you're trying to live for the moment and not what happened before. "

Illinois has not done well since that day, writes Ryan, going going 11-18 since the victory in Columbus and losing to all seven ranked opponents in that span.

Last year, Illinois lost 30-0 in Columbus. In coach Ron Zook's tenure against the Buckeyes, the Illini are just 1-4.

"It is going to be a great challenge and our guys have the ultimate respect for Ohio State," Zook said. "I think that is why you want to play in the Big Ten. You want the opportunity to play against great football teams and obviously this is one of them."

 

Paul Hoynes talks Indians baseball - Podcast

0
0

Does the recent winning streak have any meaning in the big picture? Who are the keys to this team putting together a strong pitching staff next season? Find out Paul Hoynes' thoughts on the team's recent play and more.

hoynes-headshot.jpg
Does the recent winning streak have any meaning in the big picture? Who are the keys to this team putting together a strong pitching staff next season? Find out Paul Hoynes' thoughts on the team's recent play and more.

Hoynsie talked Indians baseball in his weekly chat earlier today on cleveland.com. Among the questions he discusses:

• Just how good has Chris Perez been this season?

• Is there a player on this roster that can be a reliable set-up man in front of Perez?

• Can Josh Tomlin or Jeanmar Gomez start next season in the rotation?

• How do you judge Travis Hafner's season?

Plus a whole lot more.


Click on the play button below to listen or download the MP3 podcast to listen on the go.

Ohio State's Professor Tressel delivers the do's and don'ts of coaching

0
0

Students huddle up around Professor Tressel.

jim-tressel-ap.JPGView full sizeWhatever you do, don't tell the guy who teaches the twice-weekly class on coaching that the dog ate your homework.

Columbus, Ohio -- You REALLY don't want to be late for one particular early morning, twice-a-week class at The Ohio State University. The professor has a history of making most of his students run laps or do push-ups or some other physical activity.

That's the expected, if the unexpected is that this particular professor is one Jim Tressel, the $3.5 million a year head football coach of the Buckeyes. Hannah Karp went to school on the old professor last week for a piece in today's Wall Street Journal. An excerpt:

Part of the draw is the novelty, of course: The 57-year-old is the only coach in major-college football who teaches an academic class during the season, and many simply sign up for bragging rights or to bask in the presence of a national celebrity.

But it's also irresistible to watch one of the country's most powerful, venerated and usually unflappable men panicking to get through a lesson plan, fumbling with a slide projector, cracking jokes about his ineptitude with technology and struggling to engage with students who care far less about football and OSU's sacred traditions than his usual hangers-on.

"The 'victory bell' rings two times—when we win, and when else?" Mr. Tressel, who makes about $3.5 million a year, quizzed the class last week.

"Third down?" guessed a student.

"Third down? No! At graduation," Mr. Tressel said.

It used to be standard issue for top coaches to teach: The late Woody Hayes, who led the Buckeyes to three national championships in his 28-year reign, schooled students on everything from English to World War II history. And most schools in lower divisions still require their athletic coaches to teach if they're getting paid full-time.

But as the business of college sports has ballooned, teaching coaches at the upper echelon have become a dying breed. In basketball, Temple's Fran Dunphy, who lectures on management, and UC Davis's Gary Stewart, who teaches ethical issues in college athletics, are among the only remaining Division I teachers.

One suggestion: Do your homework, do it right and do it on time because the Buckeyes can always use a new tackling dummy.



Ohio State tight end Jake Stoneburner expected to miss Illinois game

0
0

The offense would change without Stoneburner, especially when the Buckeyes want to put two tight ends in the game.


jake-stoneburner-marvin-fong.JPGOhio State tight end Jake Stoneburner, 11, is Ohio State's third-leading receiver but is expected to miss Saturday's game at Illinois.

Ohio State tight end Jake Stoneburner is not expected to travel to Illinois for the Buckeyes' first road game of the season unless his injured left ankle greatly improves, OSU head coach Jim Tressel said today.

"Now, this is Thursday and we've seen miraculous changes on Thursday," Tressel said. "But if we were leaving at this moment, he wouldn't be in that group. We haven't seen him do enough. He's done some movement stuff with the trainers, but he hasn't done the football things we hoped he might do yesterday."

Stoneburner's absence would change the offense. Sophomore Reid Fragel would step into Stoneburner's role, as he did last week when the injury happened against Eastern Michigan, and the Buckeyes trust Fragel fully. At 6-foot-8 and 260 pounds, he's a different player than the 6-5, 245-pound Stoneburner. He's probably a better blocker but isn't the same receiving threat as Stoneburner.

Stoneburner, a redshirt sophomore, is Ohio State's third-leading receiver, with nine catches for 110 yards. Fragel has three catches for 31 yards, two of them coming last week.

But the real issue is when Ohio State wants to go to two tight ends in short-yardage situations. Tressel said they feel the tight end depth really goes two deep, but now they need No. 3 to step in. That would be fifth-year senior Ricky Crawford, a former walkon who earned a scholarship this season but who was a receiver until asking to be moved to tight end in the spring. Walkon Spencer Smith, who converted from fullback this season, is another option.

The Buckeyes could throw an extra offensive lineman into the game instead of a second tight end in those situations, and Tressel said they worked it both ways in practice.

 


LeBron James' manager Maverick Carter says race played role in coverage of 'The Decision'

0
0

LeBron James says race does sometimes play a part in coverage of his decision to swap Cleveland for Miami but refuses to expound on the claim by his manager, Maverick Carter.

lebron-james-eddie-house-wilfredo-lee-ap.JPGView full sizeLeBron James, left, and Miami Heat teammate Eddie House share a laugh after practice in training camp. James refused to expound on a comment by his manager, Maverick Carter, played a role in the coverage of his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami.

Hurlburt Field, Fla. -- LeBron James' manager said he believes race played a factor in how the two-time reigning NBA MVP's decision to join the Miami Heat was covered this summer.

Maverick Carter did not cite specifics when talking to CNN for a story that aired Wednesday night, other than saying race "definitely played a role in some of the stuff coming out of the media" during coverage of James' free-agent saga.

It's not the first time race has been a discussion point in the aftermath of what was called "The Decision," an oft-criticized televised special that raised $3 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

James did not want to spend much time on the subject after Thursday's Heat practice.

"I think people are looking too far into it," James said. "But at the same time, sometimes it does play a part in it. I've said what I had to say, and I'll continue to move on."

After James made his announcement July 8, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert responded that same evening by releasing a fiery letter to fans of his team, saying James was being "narcissistic" and "cowardly." That prompted Rev. Jesse Jackson to enter the fray, saying the Cavs owner saw James as a "runaway slave."

An e-mail to Carter's representative requesting further comment was not immediately answered.

"I don't walk in LeBron's shoes," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "From our standpoint, we've moved on from the summer."

Browns Comment of the Day: Seneca Wallace should start

0
0

"Seneca has looked really good the past two games. He is better for the offense because he can move and Delhomme is a turnover machine. We can win this week if we run the ball and control the short passing game, which is why Seneca should start." - Seneca

wallace-horiz-jg.jpgView full sizeSome Browns fans believe Seneca Wallace should start on Sunday whether or not Jake Delhomme is healthy.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns QB Jake Delhomme returns to work, cleveland.com reader Seneca thinks Delhomme should stay on the sidelines this weekend. This reader writes,

"Seneca has looked really good the past two games. He is better for the offense because he can move and Delhomme is a turnover machine. We can win this week if we run the ball and control the short passing game, which is why Seneca should start."

To respond to Seneca's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Indians Comment of the Day: Summers are better when the Indians are better

0
0

"I am glad to see the Tribe playing good ball whenever it happens. And I do hope they can put something together that resembles a winning team next season. Summer is so much more enjoyable when the Indians are winning." - uncleclem

manny-acta-crowd.jpgView full sizeFans hope Manny Acta and the Indians can give them something to cheer about in 2011.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians squeeze past Tigers, 4-3, to sweep doubleheader, cleveland.com reader uncleclem gets a good feeling whenever the Indians play well. This reader writes,

"I am glad to see the Tribe playing good ball whenever it happens. And I do hope they can put something together that resembles a winning team next season. Summer is so much more enjoyable when the Indians are winning."

To respond to uncleclem's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Cavaliers Comment of the Day: Don't forget about Powe

0
0

"Another player that I feel will have to be factored into the power forward mix is Leon Powe. He brings a much need toughness and low post game to the Cavaliers. Against most teams, the Cavaliers can use Hickson for some minutes at center as well as Powe." - Running_On_Empty

Leon PoweView full sizeLeon Powe should be fully recovered from his knee injury when this season begins.

In response to the story An early challenge for Byron Scott: How will the Cleveland Cavaliers split playing time for J.J. Hickson, Antawn Jamison?, cleveland.com reader Running_On_Empty thinks Leon Powe will be a key player this year. This reader writes,

"Another player that I feel will have to be factored into the power forward mix is Leon Powe. He brings a much need toughness and low post game to the Cavaliers. Against most teams, the Cavaliers can use Hickson for some minutes at center as well as Powe."

To respond to Running_On_Empty's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Ohio State Comment of the Day: This year's team is special

0
0

"I don't want to be too quick in saying that Terrelle Pryor gets it, but he may get it. If he does, then the Buckeyes will be fine. We really do have too much talent this year to blow it. Tressel has us right where he wants us. Can anyone remember him running up the score like he has this year? He wants us to be in attack mode every snap, and it's working to make both sides of the ball better." - gilli

Ohio State defeats Ohio, 43-7View full sizeWhile Terrelle Pryor and the offense get the attention, Cameron Heyward (recovering the fumble) and the defense have been wreaking havoc so far in 2010.

In response to the story Ohio State Comment of the Day: Buckeyes can't afford a loss, cleveland.com reader gilli thinks this year's version of Ohio State has everything it needs to win a title. This reader writes,

"I don't want to be too quick in saying that Terrelle Pryor gets it, but he may get it. If he does, then the Buckeyes will be fine. We really do have too much talent this year to blow it. Tressel has us right where he wants us. Can anyone remember him running up the score like he has this year? He wants us to be in attack mode every snap, and it's working to make both sides of the ball better."

To respond to gilli's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.
Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images