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

Playing quarterback for the Browns is daredevil stuff -- Bud Shaw's You Said It

0
0

Cleveland sports fans wonder about the health risks of playing quarterback for the Browns, LeBron James' endorsements and what constitutes locker room talk.


Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers, Preseason Game 4

0
0

The Cavs host the Toronto Raptors in Cleveland's last home preseason game. LeBron James is not expected to play. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavs (2-1) host the Toronto Raptors (1-2) in Cleveland's last home preseason game. A matchup of last season's Eastern Conference finals, this one will be on TNT at 8 p.m.

What's up with the Cavs: This is the second of three-games off for LeBron James. But Tristan Thompson makes his preseason debut after sitting out the first three due to a "stiff left foot." With this being the first game in a back to back, coach Tyronn Lue is going to give minutes to most of his rotation players tonight and sit them Friday in Chicago.

Cavs injuries: John Holland (back spasms) is questionable.

What's up with the Raptors: Toronto hasn't played in more than a week, last lacing 'em up Oct. 5 in Los Angeles. A key difference from the Raptors' iteration that lost in six games of the conference finals to the Cavs in May -- former Ohio State and Boston big man Jared Sullinger was signed over the offseason to replace Bismack Biyombo, who's in Orlando now. The Raptors finished one game behind Cleveland during the regular season and signed coach Dwane Casey to a three-year, $18 million extension.

Raptors injuries: Delon Wright (right shoulder surgery) and Terrence Ross (sore right knee) are out. Sullinger (sore left foot) is questionable.

Projected starting lineups (preseason stats)

Cavs

F Richard Jefferson (1.5 ppg; 2.5 rpg; 0.5 apg)

F Kevin Love (5.0 ppg; 4.0 rpg; 2.0 apg)

C Tristan Thompson (first game)

G Iman Shumpert (5.0 ppg; 2.0 rpg; 2.5 apg)

G Kyrie Irving (15.0 ppg; 2.0 rpg; 3.0 apg)


Raptors

F DeMarre Carroll (8 ppg; 2.5 rpg; 0.0 apg)

F Jared Sullinger (7.0 ppg; 10.0 rpg; 0.0 apg)

C Jonas Valanciunas (9.7 ppg; 7.3 rpg; 0.3 apg)

G DeMar DeRozan (15.3 ppg; 1.0 rpg; 2.0 apg)

G Kyle Lowry (6.5 ppg; 1.5 rpg; 2.5 apg)

Ohio State football: The defensive lineman who can make the biggest difference vs. Wisconsin

0
0

Is JalynHolmes Ohio State's most versatile defensive lineman? Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jalyn Holmes' first step was so quick that he was a yard into the backfield before Indiana quarterback Richard Lagow put the ball in Devine Redding's hands.

One step and Holmes was there to make a stop for a loss. Did you know he had that in him?

When we've talked about Holmes this season, we've talked about his versatility. But that was in the sense that he'd be one of the defensive ends that moves inside when Ohio State uses its Rushmen package in third-down passing situations.

So that's where Urban Meyer went when I asked about Holmes' versatility earlier this week:

"He plays inside as well, and Nick Bosa plays inside," Meyer said. "That's more in the passing situations in nickel, which against Indiana we played a bunch of nickel. This week we will not be, so he's going to be more stationary at defensive end."

That's true, Ohio State will not play a bunch of nickel on Saturday night against a Wisconsin team that relies on running the ball. But it's possible that Holmes, as arguably the Buckeyes best run-stopping defensive end, will be the biggest difference-maker against the Badgers.

Ohio State's rushing defense has been about as stout as it could possibly be. It's No. 9 in the country in yards allowed with 96 per game, and is the only group in the country that has not allowed a rushing touchdown.

Holmes has been a huge part of that. He's not just a pass rusher flashing more this year with more opportunity. He's been a real factor in all facets, and a bit of a revelation in run defense.

"That's team defense, and we've got something good going on stopping the run," Holmes said. "I don't need motivation for it, it's just something I have to do."

According to stats kept by cfbfilmroom.com, Holmes is tied for the team lead among defensive linemen with six run stuffs this season.

Let's look at a couple of stops from the win over Indiana:

1. On this play Holmes (at end at the bottom of the screen), uses that quick first step to beat the left guard and tackle and bring down Redding for a loss. Notice that this was on first down. Holmes isn't just making these plays when he's matched up with an interior offensive lineman.

2. Holmes is at end again on this play (at the stop of the screen). Indiana looks to stretch the field to his side, and Holmes stands up his man while following and reading the play. Once he and Raekwon McMillan set the edge, the run gets forced back inside.

3. This final one comes with Holmes lined up inside on a third down play. You like his chances to win most one-on-one matchups with guards and centers. He does a good job of using his hands to shed a block and get in the backfield for a stop with Bosa. He's shown an ability to stop the run from anywhere on the field.

"You're stuck in that position with four defensive ends on the field, you gotta stop the run too," Holmes said.

It's going to take more than Holmes to stop Wisconsin's rushing attack, obviously. But having a defensive end with his skill set does two things:

It makes the offense account for where he is. They can't just run at him because he's not a vulnerability. And it takes pressure off of an interior defensive line that's young, and will be tested.

Run defense has been a major step in Holmes' game, and that could be a big weapon for the Buckeyes on Saturday night.

"It comes with experience, and actual game reps," Holmes said. "Every week I get better at it."

Cleveland Indians baserunners vs. catcher Russell Martin, Toronto's pitchers: ALCS matchup to watch

0
0

All season, the Indians have run wild. There's no reason to stop now, if they haven't run out of steam.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- All season, the Indians have run wild. There's no reason to stop now, if they haven't run out of steam.

The Indians scored 18 more runs than the Blue Jays during the regular season (despite playing one fewer game). Toronto narrowly edged Cleveland in on-base percentage (.330 to .329), and the Indians returned the favor in slugging percentage (.430 to .426).

That last statistic might surprise, since the Blue Jays belted 221 home runs to the Indians' 185. The Tribe, however, topped Toronto in both doubles and triples.

So while the Blue Jays' powerful lineup might seem daunting -- "You make a mistake and they're going to make you pay," Tribe pitching coach Mickey Callaway said -- the Indians' offense is far from incapable. Cleveland ranked second in the American League with an average of 4.83 runs per game.

There is more than one way to round the bases. The Blue Jays prefer to launch the ball over the fence and trot around the bases at a leisurely pace. The Indians often opt for a more breakneck pace.

Therein lies one potential advantage for the Tribe in the AL Championship Series: baserunning.

The Indians led the AL with 134 stolen bases. They also led the AL with an 81 percent success rate. That's a solid formula.

Cleveland swiped 80 more bases than Toronto during the regular season, but only got caught seven more times. Rajai Davis led the AL with 43 stolen bases in 49 attempts. Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez combined to steal 56 bags in 71 attempts.

Davis: 'I've always been faster than everyone else'

That adds quite a burden to the shoulders -- more specifically, to the right arm -- of Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin. The veteran backstop has struggled to nab potential base-stealers this season. During the regular season, Martin threw out only 11 of 72 runners (15 percent), the lowest mark, by far, of his 11-year career.

2016: 15 percent (league average: 29 percent)

2015: 44 percent (league average: 32 percent)

2014: 39 percent (league average: 28 percent)

2013: 40 percent (league average: 28 percent)

2012: 24 percent (league average: 25 percent)

Now, it's not always on the catcher. Martin clearly has had success in the past at throwing out runners. Sometimes, pitchers can shoulder the blame for failing to keep an eye on the runner or for having a deliberate motion to the plate.

It isn't just stolen bases, either. The Indians have a knack for taking extra bases on pitches in the dirt or on fly balls to the outfield. In Game 1 of the AL Division Series, Roberto Perez -- hardly fleet of foot -- sprinted from first to second on a lazy fly to left field. He later scored.

The Indians led the league in extra bases taken, which includes advancing from first to third on a single, or from first to home on a double, and so on.

"Knowing that they're aggressive and always looking to take the extra base, that helps me as a third-base coach," said Mike Sarbaugh. "They're always looking to score and be aggressive. That really helps to have that mindset, especially with the way we've been playing as a group, knowing that we have that mindset. A ball in the dirt, we're taking extra bases."

The Blue Jays' bats give opposing pitchers anxiety. The Indians tend to do the same with their legs.

"I think that's the kind of team we have to be," said Tribe manager Terry Francona.

First-pitch times for ALCS Games 1-3

Schedule announced for ALCS matchup between Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays

0
0

The stage is set for the battle for American League supremacy.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The stage is set for the battle for American League supremacy.

The Indians and Blue Jays have official start times for the first six games of the AL Championship Series, which begins on Friday night in Cleveland. Of course, only four games are guaranteed. Both Cleveland and Toronto swept their AL Division Series opponent.

The series carries a 2-3-2 format. The Indians have home-field advantage, but they must survive three games in three days north of the border at Rogers Centre. The final two of those three contests will be late-afternoon starts.

Here is the full schedule, unveiled by Major League Baseball and TBS on Thursday.

Game 1: Friday, 8:08 p.m. at Progressive Field

Game 2: Saturday, 4:08 p.m. at Progressive Field

Game 3: Monday, 8:08 p.m. at Rogers Centre

Game 4: Tuesday, 4:08 p.m. at Rogers Centre

Game 5: Wednesday, 4:08 p.m. at Rogers Centre

Game 6: Friday, 8:08 p.m. at Progressive Field

Game 7: Saturday, TBA, at Progressive Field

Games 5, 6 and 7 will only be played if necessary.

TBS will carry all ALCS games. Ernie Johnson, Ron Darling, Cal Ripken and Sam Ryan will be on the call.

The National League Championship Series will have a similar schedule, but pushed back a day. It will begin with games at Wrigley Field on Saturday and Sunday, before shifting to the Cubs' opponent's ballpark for contests on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The NLCS will receive the prime-time TV slot when both leagues have a game on the same day.

The hype video for the Cleveland Indians-Toronto Blue Jays series you've been waiting for (video)

0
0

After a 3-0 sweep of the Boston Red Sox, the Cleveland Indians now prepare to take on the Toronto Blue Jays with a ticket to the World Series on the line. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After a 3-0 sweep of the Boston Red Sox, the Cleveland Indians now prepare to take on the Toronto Blue Jays with a ticket to the World Series on the line.

The best-of-seven American League Championship Series carries a 2-3-2 format. The Indians have home-field advantage and host the first two games. Games 3 and 4 - and Game 5, if necessary - will be north of the border at the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto. If the series isn't settled by then, the final two games would be in Cleveland.

After years of watching other cities hoist major sports championship trophies, Cleveland is starting to believe every year can be "our year." Watch the video above and get ready to Rally Together.

Here is the full schedule, unveiled by Major League Baseball and TBS on Thursday.

Game 1: Friday, 8:08 p.m. at Progressive Field

Game 2: Saturday, 4:08 p.m. at Progressive Field

Game 3: Monday, 8:08 p.m. at Rogers Centre

Game 4: Tuesday, 4:08 p.m. at Rogers Centre

Game 5: Wednesday, 4:08 p.m. at Rogers Centre

Game 6: Friday, 8:08 p.m. at Progressive Field

Game 7: Saturday, TBA, at Progressive Field

For Cleveland Indians, another amazing chapter in this surprising season -- Terry Pluto (photos)

0
0

Cleveland Indians face the Toronto Blue Jays for the American League title -- who saw that coming?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I can close my eyes and still see the Cleveland Indians dancing around second base, then coming together for one Big League Group Hug.

It was one of those magic moments, the Indians eliminating the Boston Red Sox from the playoffs in Fenway Park.

Don't you love the playoffs? Or how about this entire Tribe season?

Now, it's the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. Best-of-seven, a trip to the 2016 World Series on the line.

I want to find the person who predicted this in spring training, "We all know it will come down to Toronto and Cleveland in the American League."

How many "experts" even said that at the end of the regular season?

But that's what we have, starting Friday at 8:08 p.m. at Progressive Field.

I love how the Indians have crept up on everyone in the playoffs.

Yes, several analytics sites predicted the Tribe to win the Central Division and be a factor in the playoffs.

But that was a Tribe team with a shutdown starting rotation powered by three strong arms at the top: Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar.

But only Game 1 starter Kluber is still dressed in Wahoo red, white and blue for the American League Championship Series.

THEY ARE THRIVING

Despite losing Carrasco and Salazar to injuries, the Indians are not only still alive ... they are standing proud.

They are coming off a sweep of the Boston Red Sox.

They are a heart-pounding, hand-wringing team as Terry Francona rides his relievers hard.

Real hard. Forty-pitch saves hard, as Cody Allen had two of those in the three-game sweep of Boston.

I remember sitting in Fenway Park and wondering, "How are the Indians doing this?"

They had the Red Sox turning blue. They were choking on the playoff pressure. Boston never scored more than a single run in any of its 27 playoff innings against the Tribe.

As for the Indians, they just "keep playing baseball" as Francona simply calls it.

It's Party at Napoli's and his majestic home runs ... and it's the helmet-flying doubles of Jose Ramirez.

It's a once-in-a-century, inside-the-park, walk-off homer by Tyler Naquin ... and it's Kluber and his steely-stare shutting down Boston for seven innings in Game 2.

It's a team that was supposedly doomed because of its modest payroll ... and it's the Tribe playing high-stakes October baseball.

Baseball isn't a fantasy league.

This season reminds us once again how the game is played by men with flesh-and-blood. They soar with confidence and sometimes sink with their own fears of failure in the clutch.

It's so much more than cold, hard stats on a smartphone.



PLAY THE GAME

Francona is brilliant when it comes to handling a pitching staff, but his real strength is relationships.

Davis told me how he learned to trust the Tribe manager "because he said I'd play a lot, and I have."

The 35-year-old Davis led the American League with 43 stolen bases.

"I have the green light (to steal)," said Davis.

He explained the Tigers put the brakes on him in 2015 (only 18 steals) because they didn't want to risk him being thrown out. Davis didn't say so, but that bothered him. From 2009-14, he averaged 42 steals a year.

Josh Tomlin told me how he knew Francona still believed in him, even when the manager took the pitcher out of the rotation for a few weeks near the end of August. Tomlin came back a different, more confident pitcher.

Francona found a role for Lonnie Chisenhall as a good right fielder and a productive lefty hitter against right-handed pitching.

He broke Naquin into the Majors carefully, not over-exposing the lefty batter to good left-handed pitching.

Francona talks about having "baseball players." Those are guys like Jason Kipnis, Mike Napoli, Davis and Ramirez.

That's also true of Francisco Lindor, their young superstar at short. He is flashy and gritty at the same time.

Those are tough guys who love wearing dirty uniforms.

WHAT A MATCHUP

The Blue Jays and Tribe both come into the series having won six in a row.

Toronto nearly had a September collapse. The Blue Jays needed to beat Boston twice to end the regular season with an 11-16 September record.

They beat Baltimore in the AL Wild Card game. Then they swept heavily-favored Texas, winning the first two games in Arlington.

In those three games against the Rangers, Toronto scored 22 runs and belted 10 homers.

The Indians needed to win the final three games of the regular season to grab the home field away from Boston for the playoffs, and they did.

Then came the Boston sweep.

Now this, the Tribe and Toronto.

It's two franchises barely noticed by the casual fans because they don't play in prime baseball markets such as Boston, New York, Chicago or California.

Play ball!

Art Briles with the Cleveland Browns is ______ : Help write this Fill-in-the-Blank column -- Doug Lesmerises

0
0

Art Briles is helping out as a guest coach with the Browns. Like it? Hate it? Help write this column to figure out which opinion it should express.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fill in the Blank columns are something we hope to try from time to time in an effort to make you, the reader, do my job for me. The idea is that we'll have several spots in a piece where you vote on the next phrase.

At the end of the voting, we'll come back with the final column based on what you voted for. Maybe it will make complete sense, maybe it won't. But really, that shouldn't be any different from anything else I write. 

Here's our first attempt at Fill in the Blank. Thanks in advance for the help. Check is in the mail.

Hue Jackson talks about bringing in Art Briles

**********

Art Briles is many things, but first and foremost, he is

 

Now he's in Cleveland. And he could help the Browns play better football.

Briles shouldn't be anywhere near a college campus after his dismissal at Baylor this summer, but Briles isn't shaping young minds in Cleveland. He's drawing up football plays. Hue Jackson has said Briles will stick around for a bit, but not for an extended period of time.

Frankly, the best thing for the Browns would be if he

 

Morality in professional sports is a tricky business. The dance is a balance between bad acts and winning desires. There's no sense here in debating exactly what Briles did or didn't do at Baylor. There should be no problem reaching a level of agreement that, in at least some ways, he failed in some of his off-field duties as a coach when it came to accountability of his players, including charges of sexual misconduct against them.

Hue Jackson said, "What happened at Baylor's at Baylor," which is completely

 

The Browns aren't looking for help in player discipline. They're looking for help scoring points. If there's a team that would take a risk with Briles, it's a team like the Browns. A winning team wouldn't have to go down this path. For the Browns, it's an

 

Jackson and the Browns can do what they want to do. But they do have to answer to the fans. When it comes to someone like Briles, the Browns should know that

   


This one time, at band camp... Greater Cleveland edition

0
0

Band camp is sure to make some memories... some happy, some not-so-happy and some downright funny.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - High school marching bands thrive on students coming together for a common love of music and entertainment. This camaraderie is displayed during the days and weeks these bands working intently on their skills and relationships at band camp.

After each camp innumerable memories are shared; some happy, some not-so-happy and some downright funny.

As part of cleveland.com's Best High School Marching Band contest, we recently asked readers to share their favorite funny band camp stories.

If you have a funny story to share post it in the comments below or email it to best@cleveland.com.

Here are the best band camp stories we have received:

How do you spell Tiger?

"One of the funniest stories from our band camp relates to spelling of all things. We have a song that we play where we have a chant "TIGER PRIDE." In the chant, we spell it out T-I-G-E-R P-R-I-D-E. We quickly discovered that spelling and chanting while drums are playing is harder than it looks. We had T-I-G-G-R, T-I-E-E-R and a bunch of other spellings that we had to correct. It was really funny." - Duane Keeton, Warrensville Heights High School

Costume contest

"We have a Squad Day costume competition. Much of the band participates through dressing up on a variety of themes. This year, we had a reenactment of the Cavs win over the Warriors, including Varejao's wig and Steph Curry with his "blankie," several Olympic events, visits from the Presidential candidates and their secret service details, as well as a Mario Kart race around the track." - Jason Clemens, Shaker Heights High School

Now you see me!

"One night, after lights out, my assistant and I did a bed check at Camp Wakonda.  We discovered several members not in their bunks, so my assistant and I took the back path down to the lake, which was the only place to go other than the football field. While walking down the path (pitch black except for our flash lights), we heard voices down the path.  We took a crouching position  and when the voices were about 5 feet away, both of us stood up and turned our flashlights on the group. One happy camper, the the tallest person in the group, immediately turned her back to us as if she thought that if we didn't see her face, she couldn't see us. I haven't seen her in over 30 years, but I'll remember that event forever." - Steven Mietus, Akron East High School

If high school marching bands are something you have a passion for, don't forget to vote in the Best Marching Band in Greater Cleveland competition. We're currently accepting votes in the semifinals through Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 7 a.m. 

LeBron James to take classes at University of Akron, one day

0
0

LeBron James said he was signed up to take classes at the University of Akron one day, and might major in "world history."

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- LeBron James is more than just a business and education partner for the University of Akron.

He is, or will be one day, a student there.

"I'm signed up at the University of Akron for whenever I'm able to get a little bit of down time," James said Thursday. "That's always been a conversation that took place to take some college courses, take some classes. So right now I just do a lot of reading, book reading and obviously I'm around some really good people that I kind of take their knowledge and sort it into my mind."

A university spokesman did not immediately respond to an email asking to clarify James' status as a student. But it's not hard to imagine something's been worked out -- Akron did, after all, rename its college of education the LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education.

James, 31, didn't go to college. He went straight from Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to the NBA, when he was the No. 1 overall pick by the Cavs at the tender age of 18.

But main of focus of James' charitable LeBron James Family Foundation is the education of at-risk, inner city youths in Akron. He's created a scholarship program to eventually send the children in his foundation to college at Akron, and on Thursday announced a new "institute" housed at Akron to make sure those same children graduate college.

LeBron opens LJFF 'institute' at Akron

But James the college student? Can you imagine?

James is already the 11th richest celebrity in the world according to Forbes, with an estimated $77 million income in 2016. He has a lifetime endorsement deal with Nike, said to be worth potentially more than $1 billion, and owns SpringHill Entertainment -- a growing media company contracted with Warner Bros. to make movies and TV shows.

LeBron the world's 11th richest celebrity

What would the world's best basketball player with that kind of business profile want to study in college?

History, anyone?

"I love world history, just the history of how everything was put together," James said. "I love that part of things, and people that founded the world, made this world such a beautiful place. I'm pretty fond of that. I love like when I go around, obviously every summer traveling places, and it's kind of unique to see how we kind of built things of that nature. Who kind of ruled places at certain points of time. It's pretty cool."

For context, James vacationed off the coast of Spain and in Italy this summer.

In addition to James' personal reading, he said he also helps his sons -- LeBron Jr., 12, and Bryce, 9 -- with their homework.

"I'm kind of the guy after, once they all done, just kind of check it, go over it," he said. "I love math, numbers is my thing so I'm able to kind of be that."

Our Cleveland Indians ALDS predictions were exactly how bad? Bud vs. Doug

0
0

We picked the Red Sox. What do we think of that now? Watch Prepare for List Off and find out. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians are on to the American League Championship Series and Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. But if you can't look back and make fun of sportswriters who made incorrect predictions, what's the point of making predictions at all?

In this latest Prepare for List Off, Bud Shaw and I remember the time we talked about the Indians and the Boston Red Sox and analyzed the series the wrong way. We hope this moment of reflection will build your trust in us, and also make you want to watch future predictions so you can gleefully anticipate what we'll get wrong next.

See how Bud and I described our mistakes, and see why I believe that I was at least partially right with my pick.

 

That time Joe Thomas didn't know the name of the Browns QB in the huddle

0
0

In 2012, a Browns quarterback came into a game and Joe Thomas didn't know his name.

BEREA, Ohio - Do you recognize the quarterback in the photo at the top of this post? No? Don't worry, Joe Thomas didn't, either, and he was in a huddle with him.

The quarterback is Josh Johnson, who played one snap for the Browns in Week 17 of the 2012 season. Like this season, the Browns needed four quarterbacks that year due to a rash of injuries.

With injuries clouding who will start for the Browns this week, Thomas was asked on Wednesday what it's like not knowing who his quarterback will be. That reminded him of Johnson, who was signed four days before the Browns' season-ending game at Pittsburgh in 2012.

Thomas laughed and said it's former Browns center Alex Mack's favorite NFL story.

"(Johnson had) only been there for like 36 hours or something like that," said Thomas. "Not a long period before he had to go into a game." 

Starter Thaddeus Lewis was sacked and knocked out of the game with 1:22 left in the fourth quarter, and the Browns faced fourth-and-9 at the Steelers 36-yard line. In came Johnson, a fourth-year pro who had started five games over three seasons for Tampa Bay.

"I just said 'I'm Joe Thomas, I'm your left tackle. Nice to meet you,'" said Thomas.

Then this happened.

via GIPHY

Thomas has played with 20 quarterbacks during his 10 seasons in Cleveland, but he's confident he'll recognize whoever is in the huddle on Sunday.

"I don't know who the quarterback is going to be this week," said Thomas, "but luckily we have a couple guys who have been around for a while, so that's encouraging that at least I'll know their name."

Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls, Preseason Game 5

0
0

The Cavaliers aren't going to play LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, or Kevin Love when they take on the Chicago Bulls tonight. Watch video

CHICAGO -- The Cavaliers head to the United Center to take on a Bulls team you won't recognize, assuming you watch. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love aren't playing in this preseason game; the Indians and Blue Jays are playing playoff baseball tonight.

What's up with the Cavs: You might as well watch Game 1 of the ALCS tonight. Several of the Cavs may be doing the same with their cell phones on the bench. Coach Ty Lue isn't going to play most of his rotation players in this game, the same way he didn't play them Monday in Atlanta.

Cavs injuries: Channing Frye (right ankle) is out.

What's up with the Bulls: When switching coaches didn't work last season, the Bulls (1-2) chose next to get new players. Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo, and Robin Lopez are just some of the fresh faces on coach Fred Hoiberg's team -- a squad that failed to make the playoffs last year after losing to the Cavs in the 2015 conference semis. As part of their facelift (in essence, so they could acquire Wade) the Bulls shipped Mike Dunleavy to the Cavs.

Bulls injuries: Denzel Valentine (left ankle sprain) and Tony Snell (left ankle sprain) are out.

Projected starters (preseason stats as of Thursday)

Cavs

F Dahntay Jones (4.5 ppg; 2.5 rpg; 1.0 apg)

F James Jones (9.5 ppg; 6.3 rpg; 2.5 apg)

C Cory Jefferson (9.0 ppg; 9.0 rpg; 0.3 apg)

G Jordan McRae (14.5 ppg; 4.0 rpg; 3.8 apg)

G Kay Felder (11.0 ppg; 2.7 rpg; 3.7 apg)


Bulls

F Jimmy Butler (10.7 ppg; 2.3 rpg; 3.3 apg)

F Bobby Portis (5.0 ppg; 7.0 rpg; 1.7 apg)

C Robin Lopez (7.7 ppg; 3.0 rpg; 0.3 apg)

G Dwyane Wade (12.7 ppg; 2.3 rpg; 4.0 apg)

G Rajon Rondo (8.0 ppg; 5.5 rpg; 6.0 apg)

Week 8 football guide: Games to watch, predictions, rankings and more

0
0

Join Friday Night Huddle for Week 8 as football teams look to improve their chances for a spot in the OHSAA playoffs. Here is what readers need to know for Week 8 and a look back at Week 7.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A few weeks in the regular season remain as several high school football teams contending for playoff spot.

Join Time Warner Cable SportsChannel and cleveland.com for Friday Night Huddle featuring David Bacon, Dan Labbe and Chris Fedor starting at 6:30 p.m.


Here is a look at everything you need to get ready for Week 8.


PREVIEWS


Week 8 football picks: Could Aurora win the Suburban League American Division showdown? We debate.


Watch and listen: See the TV, radio listings and full schedule for Week 8 high school football games in Northeast Ohio 2016.


11 football games to watch: From a Suburban League showdown between Aurora and Copley to St. Vincent-St. Mary's matchup with Cleveland Heights and Jaylen Harris, here is a breakdown of the top Ohio high school football games.


Computer playoff standings: Cleveland Heights and Akron East move up in standings. A look after Week 7.


Week 8 Read and React: Greg Mailey, Christian Wright among seven performances to swing late-season runs.

Fairview to part ways with head coach: Tom Narducci will finish the regular season before stepping down as the Fairview football coach.

RANKINGS

Division Rankings: St. Ignatius and Canton McKinley move up in cleveland.com’s Divisional Football Rankings for Week 8.

Ohio Super 25: Hudson’s upset over Stow shifts cleveland.com Ohio Super 25 football rankings after Week 7. See how every team fared.

ICYMI: A LOOK BACK AT WEEK 7

Chagrin Falls' Mick Lawrence named top performer: See who won the Week 7 Game Balls contest.

Top play from Week 7: Archbishop Hoban's Grant Kersh won the Week 7 Plays of the Week contest. Kersh set a school record for the longest kick with 53 yards in a 30-10 win against Padua.

Top plays may be submitted to hssports@cleveland.com or mgoul@cleveland.com each weekend by 10 p.m. Saturday. Top plays are posted Monday afternoon and voting lasts until noon Thursday.

Vote for a champion: Cleveland.com's Best Marching Band contest is down to two finalists. Voting ends Oct. 21.

Manchester delays celebration: Manchester hopes to confirm Jim France's wins by the end of the week.

Glenville improves playoff chances: Coach Ted Ginn Sr. spoke about how the Glenville football team has bounced back after dropping its first three games of the season.

Cleveland Heights standout mic’d up: Jaylen Harris talks about being Holy, Humble and Hunger when videographer Nick Cucuzza mic’d up the receiver.

Padua’s 27-26 win voted the best game through Week 5: Game winning field goals and late game heroics highlighted the first five weeks of the high school football season. See the teams that were nominated.

Cleveland Indians Pregame Scribbles: Can Tribe imitate Kansas City in playoffs? -- Terry Pluto (photos)

0
0

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons compared the Cleveland Indians to the Kansas City Royals teams of the last few seasons -- and that's a real compliment.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my Cleveland Indians notebook as the 2016 American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays looms:

1. The Tribe vs. Toronto, which team had the better pitching staff this season? And what team scored more runs? Yes, it is a trick question. The Indians were supposed to have the superior pitching staff, but it was the Blue Jays (3.78) with the lowest ERA in the American League. The Indians (3.84) were right behind.

2. Even more surprising, the Tribe scored more runs (777) than Toronto's powerful lineup (749). The Indians ranked No. 2 in runs scored, Toronto was No. 5.

3. Toronto manager John Gibbons compared the Indians to the Kansas Royals teams that reached the World Series in 2014-15: "A lot of similarities ... good team speed ... good hitters ... they put the ball in play a lot."

4. The Tribe not only ranked first in stolen bases, their 81 percent success rate was tops in the American League. That's a big deal. A team can steal a lot of bases, but if it's also thrown out quite often -- well, that kills rallies. But the Indians not only astutely steal bases, they can take the extra base on singles and doubles.

5. Gibbons on the Tribe's speed: "Good teams, teams with real great speed ... you're not going to shut them down. You never can ... that's a big part of their offense."

6. The analytics website fangraphs.com rated the Indians as the best overall baserunning team in the American League. That takes into consideration stolen bases, and general base running.

7. That said, the Tribe had only one stolen base in the sweep of Boston -- and it was by Mike Napoli. Who knew? But a key baserunning play was in the opener. Roberto Perez was on first base. He tagged up and took second on a deep fly ball to left. He later scored what proved to be the winning run.

8. Toronto's Russell Martin is an outstanding catcher. He has thrown well in the past. From 2013-15, he threw out 40 percent of stealing baserunners. That's excellent. But this season, it was 11-of-72 (15 percent). Gibbons talked about how pitchers play a big role in helping the catcher. Do they pay attention to base runners?

9. Perhaps Blue Jay pitchers have been putting Martin in a bad spot. Or perhaps he's just having a bad year throwing the ball. Either way, the Tribe needs to run and see what happens.

10. Toronto hit 36 more homers than the Tribe, but scored 18 fewer runs. They are a streaky team. They hit 10 homers in four postseason games. But the Blue Jays had major trouble scoring runs in September, averaging only 3.6 per game.

11. Gibbons explained: "In September, our bats went silent ... We have that kind of team, a free-swinging team that hits for a lot of power -- (slumps are) not abnormal ... but we hung in there, and we (the bats) started coming back to life. You're not going to hold down a good team forever."

12. Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista got hot in the postseason, combining for five homers. Encarnacion belted 42 homers in the regular season as he heads for the free-agent market.  Josh Donaldson slammed 37 homers. Troy Tulowitzki and Bautista had 24 each.

13. But the Indians can hit homers, too. Carlos Santana and Napoli each hit 34. Jason Kipnis had 23. There also is some hidden power, guys who can hit homers at times: Francisco Lindor (15), Tyler Naquin (14) and Rajai Davis (12). Coco Crisp had 13 homers, splitting the season between Oakland and the Tribe.


Browns Draft 2017: 5 college football players for fans to scout ahead of Week 6

0
0

Here are five college football players Browns fans should check out this weekend.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns are building for the future by stockpiling draft picks. With five picks in the first three rounds in 2017 and six in the first four rounds in 2018, the players the Browns choose could determine if and when the team returns to glory.

With that in mind, here are five college football players Browns fans should check out this weekend.

(NOTE: Each week we'll point out some top prospects to watch based on how the Browns are performing at various positions.)

SATURDAY

Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

Year: Redshirt junior.

Matchup: North Carolina at Miami.

Channel: ABC, 3:30 p.m.

Why watch? Trubisky moved into view after three consecutive 400-yard passing games, including one against Florida State in which he completed 81 percent of his passes. He's a Mentor High School grad, which will excite some fans and remind others of the Browns' mixed results with Ohioans at QB.

Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

Year: Junior.

Matchup: Alabama at Tennessee.

Channel: CBS, 3:30 p.m.

Why watch? Barnett, 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, is a projected first-rounder with five sacks this season. He has a big test this week against the No. 1 Crimson Tide. With the Browns getting little QB pressure from the defensive line this season, Barnett might be on the radar with their second first-round pick.

Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama

Year: Senior.

Matchup: Alabama at Tennessee.

Channel: CBS, 3:30 p.m.

Why watch? Pro Football Focus considers Foster the most complete linebacker in the country. He suffered a concussion last week, but has returned to practice.

Marcus Williams, FS, Utah

Year: Junior.

Matchup: Utah at Oregon State.

Channel: PAC12, 4 p.m.

Why watch? Williams has three interceptions this season and is projected as a second-round pick. If the Browns want to try something new at free safety, Williams could be available at one of their two second-round picks

DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame

Year: Redshirt sophomore.

Matchup: Stanford at Notre Dame.

Channel: NBC, 7:30 p.m.

Why watch? Many have Kizer moving ahead of Clemson's Deshaun Watson as the top QB in the draft (if he comes out). A good performance this week should make folks forget last week's struggles in hurricane conditions. 

Browns Future QB Tracker Week 5

Browns Draft 2017: Scouting Week 5

Browns Draft 2017: Scouting Week 4

Browns Draft 2017: Scouting Week 3

Browns Draft 2017: Scouting Week 2

Browns Draft 2017: Scouting Week 1

Ryan Merritt in, Chris Gimenez out: Cleveland Indians opt for extra pitcher on ALCS roster

0
0

The Tribe will carry 13 position players and 12 pitchers on its roster when it begins its battle against the Blue Jays at 8 p.m. on Friday at Progressive Field. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians went with the extra pitcher over the third catcher.

The club has included rookie southpaw Ryan Merritt on its American League Championship Series roster. He'll replace catcher Chris Gimenez, which leaves Roberto Perez and Yan Gomes to handle the duties behind the plate. Perez played every inning of the division series against Boston.

The rest of the roster remains the same.

The Tribe will carry 13 position players and 12 pitchers when it begins its battle against the Blue Jays at 8 p.m. on Friday at Progressive Field.

The Indians, unsure of how much Gomes could play, included all three catchers on the ALDS roster. Gomes broke a bone in his right wrist in mid-September when he was struck by a pitch during a minor-league rehab assignment. He made enough progress in his recovery to deliver a home run in the Tribe's final regular season game. Gomes and Gimenez participated in throwing drills behind the plate on Thursday night.

"I think for the last couple days, maybe even weeks, it's been back to normal," Gomes said Thursday. "They told me I was always going to feel some discomfort until the 6-to-8 week mark. Until then, the bone is still broken but everything around there is healing and it's been feeling really good."

Gomes said he is no longer "favoring" the injured area or "holding back" when swinging.

"I think for a few weeks now, I've been able to to take a full swing," he said. "It doesn't really hurt that much anymore."

Merritt gives manager Terry Francona another relief option, with a bullpen day looming in Game 4. Mike Clevinger is slated to start that contest, but he isn't expected to log more than a few innings. Merritt tossed five solid innings against Kansas City in his first major-league start on Sept. 30. He and several teammates spent the last week throwing bullpen sessions and simulated games at the team's complex in Goodyear, Arizona.

Here's the full roster:

Pitchers: Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, Andrew Miller, Dan Otero, Zach McAllister, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, Josh Tomlin, Mike Clevinger, Cody Anderson, Jeff Manship, Ryan Merritt

Position players: Yan Gomes, Roberto Perez, Carlos Santana, Mike Napoli, Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Michael Martinez, Brandon Guyer, Coco Crisp, Rajai Davis, Tyler Naquin, Lonnie Chisenhall

Live coverage of Cleveland Indians-Toronto Blue Jays ALCS Game 1 at Progressive Field (Snap, Facebook Live, Twitter)

0
0

For behind-the-scenes coverage of Game 1 of the ALCS at Progressive Field, follow us on Snap, Facebook and Twitter.

CLEVELAND, Ohio-- It is finally Friday, meaning that Game 1 of the ALCS between the Indians and Blue Jays is just hours away. 

We'll be at Progressive Field all afternoon and deep into the night, providing behind-the-scenes coverage on Snap, Facebook Live and Twitter.

On Facebook Live, we'll be have live chats with Indians' reporters Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes, in-game analysis with Doug Lesmerises and Bud Shaw and coverage from batting practice and around-the-park festivities. 

To follow us on Facebook like our page. 

We'll also be providing behind-the-scenes looks from Progressive Field before, during and after the game on our Snap account (add the username: clevelanddotcom.)

Finally, you can follow us on Twitter throughout the night for continuously updated pictures and scenes from the stadium.

RELATED: Indians on the brink of history

Browns guard Joel Bitonio placed on injured reserve, 'good chance' he's out for season with midfoot sprain

0
0

Browns left guard Joel Bitonio was placed on IR and can't come back for at least eight games. He's likely done for the season. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - Joel Bitonio was placed on injured reserve Friday with his midfoot sprain, and Hue Jackson said he's most likely out for the season.

"There's a good chance,'' said Jackson.

Bitonio must miss at least the next games on IR, and can't return until Dec. 18 at Buffalo for the final three games of the season.

It's not yet known if Bitonio, a third-year pro, will undergo surgery. The Browns haven't specified if the injury is of the Lisfranc variety, which can be very serious.

The Browns filled the roster spot by signing running back Dan Vitale (6-1, 239), a rookie out of Northwestern. Vitale was originally drafted by the Bucs in the sixth round, and has spent the entire season on the Buccaneers' practice squad. As a senior, he led Northwestern in receptions (33), receiving yards (355) and receiving touchdowns (four).

Bitonio is the 11th Browns player placed on IR this season, and they can designate one to return.

Candidates include Robert Griffin III, Nate Orchard and running back Glenn Winston.

Bitonio is also about the sixth starter to be lost for an extended period of time this season. The others are Desmond Bryant (torn pectoral), Griffin (fractured shoulder), Josh McCown (broken collarbone), Corey Coleman (broken hand), Orchard (ankle), and Patrick Murray (knee). The Browns also lost promising center Austin Reiter for the year to a torn ACL.

O-line reshuffles

Bitonio's injury coincides with center Cam Erving returning to action Sunday in Tennessee after missing three games with a bruised lung. That moves John Greco back to guard and brings Alvin Bailey back into the starting lineup.

"He's been playing really well,'' said left Joe Thomas, who sat out Wednesday and Thursday's practice with a sore knee. "Obviously, he's one of the best guards in the NFL, in my opinion. We lose that type of guy, he's tough to replace.''

Bitonio, who missed six games last season with an ankle injury, was having a Pro Bowl-caliber season. Profootballfocus had him ranked No. 9 among all NFL guards.
Bitonio finished Sunday's 33-13 loss to the Patriots despite suffering the serious sprain.

"He's one tough guy,'' said coach Hue Jackson.

According to mangameslost.com, the Browns had 22 player games missed through Week 5 this season due to players listed as "out" on the NFL's weekly injury reports. That's tied for first in the league with the Steelers and Cowboys.

The Browns are sixth in the league in total injuries, which adds games missed by those "out" players with games missed by players on IR (37). That's 59 player games missed in total.

The top 5: Chargers (98), Ravens (83), Bears (76), Saints (72, Bills (70).

Which Cavs player do other teams covet? Hey, Joe!

0
0

Another week, another round of questions about J.R. Smith for cleveland.com Cavs beat writer Joe Vardon. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Do you have a Cavs question that you'd like to have answered in Hey, Joe? Submit it here or tweet him @joevardon.

Hey, Joe: Should we count J.R. Smith out for this season? What are the sticking points in the negotiations. Market value has been set by the NBA this summer. Bringing him back makes sense in a couple ways. He is a valuable player as proven the last two years including postseasons. And LeBron wants him back in the worst way it seems. Will the front office and/or Dan Gilbert risk angering LBJ? Without J.R. they do not match up too well to the Warriors with their new "star." -- Mark, DuBois, Pa.

Hey, Mark: Whoa, slow down.

I don't think anyone should count out Smith for the season. The most likely scenario remains a signing before the season starts Oct. 25. But there is some ongoing stubbornness on both sides that hasn't subsided yet.

The Cavs believe there is no market for Smith outside of Cleveland, and their offer of $10 million-$11 million annually is way above what the market dictates they should have to pay him.

Smith believes, as you pointed out, his 204 3-pointers last year and huge shots in Game 7 of the Finals, as well as his role as starting shooting guard for both of Cleveland's Finals runs, sets his value higher than the Cavs have been willing to go. And LeBron James does want Smith back -- nevermind that he is represented by Rich Paul, who also represents Smith.

The longer the Cavs wait to sign Smith, the more they risk losing him to another team. Except, Smith would be unlikely to sign for more money than the Cavs already offered him, and whichever team it is that offers Smith a contract lower than Cleveland's offer will not have won the 2016 NBA title.

LeBron warned Cavs to sign J.R.

Hey, Joe: Is it possible the Cavaliers haven't signed J. R. Smith because they may be looking at a trade to make more cap space or tinker with roster reshaping as a whole before they bring him back in the fold? With him out does it showcase Iman Shumpert a bit more as possible trade bait. -- LaMar, Euclid

Hey LaMar: No, Smith isn't signed because he won't accept the Cavs' offer, and Cleveland has not been willing to give him the $15 million annually he wants.

Smith's absence has allowed Shumpert to play more, that's true, and the Cavs are still on the hook for three years and $30 million to him. Shumpert suffered through his worst season as a pro last year (5.8 points per game, 37.4 percent shooting), and has a little off-court baggage.

In other words, the Cavs would struggle to trade him now, and if he rounds back into form then he would be the player they coveted when they traded for him (and Smith) in January, 2015.

Shumpert's strange summer, Part I

Shumpert's strange summer, Part II

Shumpert's strange summer, part III


Hey, @PolynesianBum71: No, there are so signs of regret, whatsoever.

In fact, you will see the antithesis of that on Oct. 25, when those championship rings go out and the banner hangs from the rafters at The Q.

Every penny Gilbert has spent was worth it.

Since you mentioned it, though, the Cavs are already over the NBA's luxury-tax threshold of $113.3 million, making it the third-consecutive season the team will have gone over that line.

By definition, the Cavs will be forced to pay a "repeater tax" for every dollar they spend above the NBA's salary cap -- which is a higher tax rate.

Everybody gets a Cavs rings at The Q

Hey, Joe: What are the Cavs players dressing as for Halloween this year? Someone should come as the trophy. -- Dave, Polaris, Ohio

Hey, Dave: The players guard that kind of information like a trade secret. Assuming LeBron hosts another party, we can only hope it's as epic as the last.

We mean, EPIC

Hey, Joe: Do you think Jordan McRae will be that key player off the bench for the Cavs? -- Gary, Orlando, Fla.

Hey, Gary: As long as Smith re-signs, then no, I do not believe McRae will make a major impact. He would have to play above Shumpert, Mike Dunleavy, and Richard Jefferson (or at least two of them) to see significant minutes in the event Smith returns to the fold. But the longer Smith stays away, the better it is for McRae. The Cavs have fielded multiple trade offers of second-round picks for McRae, who entered play Thursday night leading them at 17.3 ppg.

Hey, @ybspero: I'm not sure what you mean. If you're wondering about the banter between the beat writers and the players -- most of it you read in this space and my competitors' columns. The "off the record" stuff shall remain so.

If you're asking what is discussed among myself, the Beacon Journal's Jason Lloyd and ESPN's Dave McMenamin...it's legendary. In our own minds, anyway.


Hey, @FllCrtFrnchPrss: First of all, nice Twitter handle.

Secondly, I'm with you, McRae is on this team, barring a trade. The coaching staff and front office raves about DeAndre Liggins. It's hard to see in his stats (A middling 4.8 points per game, but they love Liggins' ability to play both guard spots and defend.

The coaches and returning players all have strong emotional ties to Dahntay Jones, who signed in Cleveland on the final day of the regular season and played the bittiest of bit roles in winning a championship. But he had a role, played it perfectly, and endeared himself to LeBron, to Lue, and the list goes on.

If, as I suspect, Jones doesn't make it, cutting him will be tough on Lue and general manager David Griffin.
Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images