One thing we've learned is if the current NBA season were a youth league game, officials would have already been forced to invoke the "mercy rule." No more full-court presses allowed by the opponent, no shot clock in play when the Cavaliers have the ball, Cavs players are allowed an extra step with the ball, and we play with a running clock.
Anything to make the games more competitive, and to make the time go by as quickly as possible. Yes, it's that bad.
Frantz also learned, he didn't mention him by name, that LeBron James left the Cavaliers in much worse shape than any of us could have imagined.
Many homers predicted the Cavaliers would make the playoffs and even win between 40 and 50 games.
The most painful thing Frantz has learned is that the former No. 23 was even better, and even more important to the Cavaliers franchise, than he ever thought he was.
Cleveland State recruit Ike Nwamu is a dunk master.
Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerCSU coach Gary Waters has a strong recruiting class coming in next fall.
There's plenty to get excited about when it comes to Cleveland State's basketball team. Not only are the Vikings off to a great start (16-3 overall), but the Viking also have a solid recruiting class coming in next fall.
One of the players to keep an eye on, especially via youtube, is Ike Nwamu of High Point, N.C. Nwamu, a 6-2 shooting guard, is not highly ranked. But that could change by the end of the high school basketball season.
Basketball is more than spectacular dunks, but watching Nwamu is something to get excited about for next year.
Plain Dealer OSU writer says first loss could come Saturday at Illinois.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's happening in Cleveland sports. Today's show is hosted by Branson Wright and Chuck Yarborough, whose body is on the SBTV set, but whose mind is on vacation in Belize.
The Cavaliers lost their 14th straight game last nightc. The Ohio State men's basketball team won its 19th straight game and stayed undefeated last night. Which do you think will happen first: An Ohio State loss or a Cavaliers win? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.
Today's guest is Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises, who covered last night's OSU win over Iowa. Doug says the No. 1 Buckeyes might lose Saturday's Big Ten game at No. 23 Illinois, which is a tough place to play. He also says that with the difficulty of OSU's upcoming schedule, two or three Big Ten losses is not an unreasonable expectation. He also talks about the NFL draft and why - for the first time since 2003 - no OSU players decided to declare early.
SBTV will return Friday with Plain Dealer Browns writer Tony Grossi answering fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.
"I don't see the need to scrap the 3-4 defense. The Browns could definitely use more speed at the OLB position because that's where the pass rush is designed to come from in the 3-4. The Browns need more impact players on defense regardless of their defensive alignment." - rationalguy1
View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerMarcus Benard was one of the few Browns linebackers considered fast in 2010.
"I don't see the need to scrap the 3-4 defense. The Browns could definitely use more speed at the OLB position because that's where the pass rush is designed to come from in the 3-4. The Browns need more impact players on defense regardless of their defensive alignment."
The Buckeyes have three other offesive linemen who just finished their second years in Columbus - Corey Linsley, Jack Mewhort and Marcus Hall - who are expected to be part of the two-deep in 2011.
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COLUMBUS - Ohio State confirmed today that backup offensive lineman Sam Longo requested and has been granted a release from his scholarship by the Buckeyes.
The second-year lineman from Bellbrook High School, near Dayton, redshirted his first season in Columbus in 2009, then played in just one game in 2010, against Eastern Michigan. He was behind three other linemen in his class, Corey Linsley, Jack Mewhort and Marcus Hall, on the depth chart.
Ohio State has 21 oral commitments for the Class of 2011, with National Signing Day less than two weeks away, and the Buckeyes have several other recruits they are interested in. The scholarship numbers, limited to 85, are getting a little tight, so some movement with players who aren't in the two deep is not unexpected.
The Buckeyes had only one offensive lineman in the Class of 2010, though, in tackle Andrew Norwell. They do have four offensive lineman among the current recruit pledges.
Longo's father, Gene, was a linebacker at Ohio State from 1981-84.
Here's what Longo had to say when I spoke with him at the Big 33 Game before he reported to Ohio State in the summer of 2009.
Did the Cavaliers show some signs of life Wednesday against Phoenix? How likely is it the Cavaliers do nothing before the trade deadline? Mary Schmitt Boyer answered those questions and more in her weekly podcast.
View full sizeThomas Ondrey | The Plain DealerByron Scott saw a better defensive effort from the Cavaliers in the second half of Wednesday's loss to Phoenix, but it still wasn't enough to break the team's losing streak.
Did the Cavaliers show some signs of life Wednesday against Phoenix? How likely is it the Cavaliers do nothing before the trade deadline?
Mary Schmitt Boyer answered those questions and more in her weekly podcast, recorded earlier today on cleveland.com.
Among the topics Mary talks about:
- How does losing Mo Williams to injury change the landscape as far as this team making a deal?
- Who is the most tradeable asset on this team right now?
- As this Carmelo Anthony saga drags on, is there any chance the Cavaliers could get back in as a third team to facilitate a trade?
- When will this team win a game again?
Plus a lot more!
Click on the play button below to listen to the podcast or download the MP3 version to listen on-the-go!
Podcast: Mary Schmitt Boyer talks Cavaliers
Remember, you can also send her questions to Hey, Mary! Those answers will appear in the newspaper and online every Sunday.
Fired Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Bill Davis interviewing with Browns, according to ESPN report.
APThe Cleveland Browns are reported to be talking to fired Arizona Cardinal defensive coordinator Bill Davis.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns are interviewing fired Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Bill Davis for their own defensive coordinator vacancy today, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
Davis, 45, is also a candidate for the same position with the Eagles.
Davis is one of two defensive coordinators candidates interviewing with the Browns today. The other is former NFL head coach Dave Wannstedt.
Eagles secondary coach Dick Jauron interviewed for the job Wednesday.
Davis is a Youngstown native and the son of former Browns vice president of player personnel Bill Davis.
He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Michigan State in 1991. New Browns head coach Pat Shurmur also started as a grad assistant at Michigan State in 1987 and was an assistant on that staff in 1991.
Defense takes center stage as Buckeyes thump Iowa, get set to tackle tough part of season.
View full sizeAssociated PressJared Sullinger battles for a rebound over Iowa's Melsahn Basabe and Matt Gatens during the Buckeyes' 70-48 win over the Hawkeyes Wednesday night in Columbus.
If the saying is as true in basketball as it is in other sports -- defense wins championships -- the rest of the college hoops world could be in trouble.
Ohio State, playing its first game with that No. 1 piece o' jewelry around the collective Buckeye necks -- pretty much strangled Iowa last night in Columbus, 70-48.
Those are the same Hawkeyes who almost beat the Bucks two weeks ago. Even the Iowa faithful were impressed, if frustrated, at least according to hawkcentral.com.
Ohio State committed a season-high 20 turnovers, but had a double-digit lead the last 281/2 minutes of the game because of its defense.
“We never had a flow,” (Iowa coach Fran) McCaffery said. “Every bucket we got the first half was a struggle.”
Further proof of the Buckeyes' defensive dominance:
Ohio State won the season’s first meeting in Iowa City two weeks ago 73-68. Iowa freshman forward Melsahn Basabe had 22 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots in that first game. Senior center Jarryd Cole had 14 points and seven rebounds.
On Wednesday, Basabe had 11 points and four rebounds. Cole didn’t score and had one rebound.
“I definitely wasn’t under the radar this time,” Basabe said.
Nope. Shot down before he even hit the runway.
You kids don't have to stay off my lawn Todd Jones does a lot of blogging for the Columbus Dispatch. He also does some skydiving. Having leapt out of a plane or two ourselves, we can appreciate that. Moreover, as fellow adrenalin junkies, we're apt to give him the benefit of the doubt, even when he refers to himself as the "crotchety old uncle" when it comes to watching college hoops. Fundamentals apparently are as passe as the two-handed set shot.
Or so it seemed. Until he settled in to watch the Buckeyes. Check out this excerpt from today's Like a Rolling Jones blog, using last night's Buckeye win over Iowa to make an overall point:
Ohio State's team this season is a welcomed beacon flickering against my clouded vision of college hoops.
The Buckeyes are intriguing, and for reasons far beyond their No. 1 ranking and torrid start, now 19-0 after a 70-48 home win over Iowa on Wednesday.
Thad Matta has assembled a multi-layered squad that goes against the grain of the sport's fractured culture in its makeup and ability.
OSU has veteran players and talented rookies. The Buckeyes have perimeter shooters and effective big men, including freshman Jared Sullinger, already projected to be the No. 1 pick of the next NBA draft. And they have a point guard, too, something missing since the 2007 NCAA championship game loss.
Matta has all the necessary pieces -- something rare and gilded in this diluted age of college ball. He has a real team.
Curiously, while Jones names the center -- Sullinger -- he doesn't name the starting guard. Cousy? Bob Cousy?
"I was from a small school, and I knew I wanted to play basketball. That was my preference," Havlicek said. "I was tempted to try football, but I think things turned out best for me by just sticking with basketball."
For four years, (coach Woody) Hayes kept an open locker and a clean jersey ready for Havlicek in case he changed his mind. Hayes also promised not to hassle Havlicek about his decision to play basketball and baseball at OSU instead of football, but that didn't stop Hayes from ribbing him on occasion.
"He once introduced me as ‘the best quarterback in the Big Ten, only he's not playing,'" Havlicek said.
Wow, Cousy in the first item, now Hondo in the next. Is this turning into an ex-Boston Celtics blog, or what?
From The Plain Dealer Beat writer Doug Lesmerises (who, to our knowledge, never played for the Celtics) covered last night's defensive gem and noted that it was the players themselves who opted to put in the extra practice time to get an A on their D.
But with the tough part of their schedule coming up -- seven of the next nine games are against teams ranked in the top 25 -- the road doesn't get any easier, Doug said.
Now they'll need to be great at everything at the same time, as dedicated defensively as they were Wednesday and as efficient offensively as they've been on so many other nights.
Illinois has five losses, but is coming off one of its better games, a 71-62 victory over Michigan State on Monday night. The Buckeyes are coming off three months of perfect basketball, knowing they're about to find out how good they really are.
Sides will have a negotiating session during Feb. 18-20 All-Star break weekend. CBA expires June 30, with concerns of a work stoppage.
APNBA commissioner David Stern.
NEW YORK, New York –- The NBA and its players' association will meet next month during the All-Star break as they try to make progress on a new collective bargaining agreement.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank said Thursday that the sides will have a negotiating session during the Feb. 18-20 weekend in Los Angeles.
Deputy commissioner Adam Silver said last week while visiting Houston that no meeting had been scheduled, and the hectic All-Star weekend might not be conducive to serious negotiations. But he added the owners would be open to sitting down if the players wanted to, and something was set up within the last day.
"The union requested the meeting and was always interested in having a meeting at All-Star when the players will be available," union spokesman Dan Wasserman said.
The CBA expires June 30, and though leadership from the sides have continued to meet, there has been little progress toward a deal, creating fears of a work stoppage.
A meeting on All-Star weekend gives the league's superstars the option to join the players who make up the union's negotiating committee. LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Garnett were among those who showed up last year in Dallas, when the players rejected the owners' initial proposal.
The league hasn't submitted another one, with Silver saying last week that was because "our position hasn't changed." With the NBA projecting losses of about $350 million this season, Commissioner David Stern said in October that owners want to reduce player salary costs by about $750 to $800 million annually.
The experts weigh in on who the Browns should select with their first pick in the draft.
Marvin Fong / The Plain DealerCould the Browns select Ohio State's Cameron Heyward in the first round?
The Cleveland Browns have the No. 6 selection in the first round of the NFL Draft in April. The Browns have a few holes they need to fill, like at wide receiver, defensive end, outside linebacker, and right tackle.
The Browns can address those needs in the later rounds, but they can make a huge impact at any of those positions with their first pick.
So which position (and with what player) should they draft with the No. 6 pick? The so-called experts are all over the place when it comes who the Browns should select.
ESPN's James Walker also likes the pick, but Walker has some concerns.
Analysis: This pick tugs at me, and I'm warning you now that I'll probably go back and forth with Green to the Browns between now and April. On one end, wide receiver is obviously Cleveland's biggest need, and Green is a great talent and the best at his position. On the other end, I hold firm to the theory that you do not draft a receiver with a top-10 pick. Teams selecting that high have too many holes, and a wide receiver is not very important on the positional hierarchy. Case in point, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald are arguably the three best receivers in the NFL and none of their teams had winning records this season. With the No. 6 pick, maybe the Browns should look elsewhere. But quarterback Colt McCoy, running back Peyton Hillis and Green at receiver does have me thinking of the possibilities. It's an interesting debate we will revisit in the coming months.
"With the exception of J.J. Hickson and perhaps Manny Harris, none of these guys will be involved in the future of Cavaliers basketball. I hate to say it, but keep losing, try to move the veterans who have any trade value for future pieces, and by all means, don't do something stupid like pick up Gerald Wallace." - mncavsguy
View full sizeGus Chan | The Plain DealerIt's still not clear if J.J. Hickson is a significant piece of the Cavaliers' future.
"With the exception of J.J. Hickson and perhaps Manny Harris, none of these guys will be involved in the future of Cavaliers basketball. I hate to say it, but keep losing, try to move the veterans who have any trade value for future pieces, and by all means, don't do something stupid like pick up Gerald Wallace."
Joey Graham (strained right quad) and Christian Eyenga (sprained right ankle, could play for the Cavaliers in Friday's game against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, coach Byron Scott said after practice Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Steve Campbell / Associated PressCavaliers rookie Christian Eyenga could be back for Friday's game against the Bucks.
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Joey Graham (strained right quad) and Christian Eyenga (sprained right ankle, could play for the Cavaliers in Friday's game against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, coach Byron Scott said after practice Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Both players practiced on Thursday, and Scott said they'd play if they did not experience any further problems.
Graham, who revealed he'd been out with a torn tendon in his right quad, has not played since the Cavs loss at Miami on Dec. 15. He said he thought he tore the tendon late in training camp, then aggravated it when he tackled Dwyane Wade in that Miami game. He said he was told at the time he'd be out three to six weeks, and he's at four weeks right now.
Graham said it has been ''painful'' watching the Cavs lose 14 straight games and 24 of 25. He thinks he can help, especially on the defensive end.
"From the beginning of the season, we've been lacking a defensive presence,'' he said. "That's one of the reasons why they brought me in.''
Scott agreed.
"He brings some of the things we really need,'' Scott said. "One thing about Joey, he's a physical, tough basketball player, and we need some of those elements right now.''
"If Thad Matta wins a national championship, is he the best OSU coach ever? I know the great, late Fred Taylor was a great coach but Matta is bringing this program to new heights and he's still a young guy." - Breezyncolumbus
"If Thad Matta wins a national championship, is he the best OSU coach ever? I know the great, late Fred Taylor was a great coach but Matta is bringing this program to new heights and he's still a young guy."
Lonnie Chisenhall along with several other top prospects from the organization are in town for the team's annual winter development program at Progressive Field.
Chisenhall is preparing for his fourth season in the Indians minor league system. After spending the last season and a half at Double-A Akron, Chisenhall is expected to start the year at Triple-A Columbus if he is unable to win the third base job this spring.
Cleveland – The temperatures outside remain fit for winter but spring is in the air once again on the corner of Carnegie and Ontario where the Indians' future stars are getting in some last minute offseason work.
Ron Vesely - Getty Images SportLonnie Chisenhall during spring training in 2010.
Lonnie Chisenhall along with several other top prospects from the organization are in town for the team's annual winter development program at Progressive Field.
Chisenhall is preparing for his fourth season in the Indians minor league system. After spending the last season and a half at Double-A Akron, Chisenhall is expected to start the year at Triple-A Columbus if he is unable to win the third base job this spring.
"I was comfortable last year in Akron and being comfortable is definitely a big part of being able to mature and be ready for the next level," Chisenhall said. "So if they feel that I need to be in Columbus next season than I'm going to work hard and I'm going to be ready for when that day comes."
Despite nursing a shoulder injury in April and May last season, Chisenhall was able to recover and hit .278 with 22 doubles 17 home runs 81 runs scored and 84 RBI in 117 games for the Aeros.
"Once I got healthy I got refocused," Chisenhall said. "Once I started doing that and not looking for the numbers that really helped me out and propelled me in the second half of the season."
Indians director of player development Ross Atkins was impressed with Chisenhall's ability to put the adversity behind him.
"He had an injury last year that slowed him down and affected his performance but he finished exceptionally strong," Atkins said. "He had a great year."
Chisenhall was named to the Eastern League All-Star team, participated in the MLB XM All-Star Futures Game, and is ranked by MLB.com as the second best third base prospect entering this season.
So where does he fit into the Indians plans this year?
"I think most realistic looking at him is going into Triple-A playing every day," Atkins said. "He hasn't gotten Triple-A at bats yet. We have the benefit of exposing players to a progression and we'll use that progression to the extent that we can."
Chisenhall moved from shortstop to third base in 2009 after being selected by the Indians in the first round (29th overall) of the 2008 draft out of PittCommunity College in North Carolina.
The transition has not been easy but Chisenhall has adjusted. In 118 games in Akron Chisenhall committed 17 errors – down from the 22 that he had in 78 games at Kinston.
"Physically at third base it's a lot different it's more using your legs. You still need good hands but its basically being a catcher," Chisenhall said "You're knocking stuff down you're taking different angles at balls. It's a challenging position, which anyone who is competitive wants a challenge so I'm doing my best.
"I want to be the best third baseman and that's what I'm working on."
Although Chisenhall has used his time in the minors to adapt to third base the Indians do not feel defense will be a weak link.
"He has great hands, has good feet," Atkins said. "The errors that you've seen, which haven't been high, but the errors that we see there's not a lot of consistency to them that would bring reason for concern. He's pushing the envelope. He's trying to learn what his limits will be."
So what will it take for Chisenhall to break through and supplant Jack Hannahan, Jayson Nix or Jason Donald either this spring or sometime this summer?
"It's a mater of him overcoming some limitations and showing that he's past the injury," Atkins said. "Showing those defensive limits that he has set and the consistency to his approach will dictate when he transitions but he has all the ability and the talent to impact the team."
Chisenhall is aware of the opportunity that the 2011 season could potentially provide but he will take it one step at a time this spring in Goodyear, Arizona.
"I'm just going to do my part," Chisenhall said. "Hopefully it's a hard decision for them."
What D.J. did last week: In a 73-41 win against Berea, point guard had 18 points and five assists. In a 65-45 win against Wadsworth, had 16 points and three assists. In a 55-47 win against North Canton Hoover, had 18 points, five rebounds and six assists. Committed just four turnovers in the three games.
About D.J.: Wants to major in business and play college basketball. Favorites include the St. Louis Rams, "Saving Private Ryan" movie, Johnny Rockets restaurant and history class.
What Ronnie did last week: In a 94-54 win over Olmsted Falls, forward scored a school-record 46 points. Was 17-of-22 from the field, including 5-of-6 on 3-pointers. Also had 10 rebounds, three assists and five steals in the only game of the week.
About Ronnie: Buffalo football recruit enjoys going to Buffalo Wild Wings after games. Likes playing video games. Favorites include Cavaliers, "NBA 2K11" video game, Red Robin restaurant and math class. Would like to visit Arizona.
What Ne'Keia did last week: In a 44-35 win against Newbury, center had 15 points, 16 rebounds and nine blocks. In a 62-48 win against Fairport, had 27 points and 27 rebounds.
About Ne'Keia: Enjoys modeling. Wants to play basketball in college and take drama classes. Favorites include the Boston Celtics and Rajon Rondo, "Love & Basketball" movie, "The Game" TV show, "NBA 2K11" video game, "Tears of a Tiger" book, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and African-American history class.
What Colette did last week: Center had 17 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, four steals and two assists in a 54-38 victory against Mentor. In a 46-42 win against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, had 15 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and four steals.
About Colette: Will play basketball at St. Francis in Brooklyn, N.Y. Favorites include the Cavaliers and Browns, "The Town" movie, "Jersey Shore" TV show, Facebook.com, taco meal and Melting Pot restaurant. Wants to visit London.
What Alex did last week: Had a 245 high game and a 692 series (245-234-213) against Holy Name. He was 8-for-8 with strikes in the two baker games. His season average is 214, second in the Greater Cleveland Interscholastic Bowling League.
About Alex: Enjoys football and baseball. Favorites include the New Orleans Saints, baseball player Justin Upton, "The Longest Yard" movie, ESPN.com, "Madden 11" video game, pizza meal, Denny's restaurant and math class. Wants to visit Chicago.
What Madison did last week: At the McGee Invitational, finished first on the vault (9.275), first on bars (9.4), third on beam (8.925), second on floor (9.4) and first in all-around (37.0). All scores were career highs.
About Madison: Enjoys swimming, ice skating and cheerleading. Favorites include the Cavaliers and Boobie Gibson, "A Walk to Remember" movie, "Pretty Little Liars" TV show, music by Taylor Swift, Facebook.com, "Twilight" book series, Italian food, Cozumel restaurant and algebra class.
What Cory did last week: Center contributed 13 goals and two assists as team went 3-1, defeating Brecksville-Broadview Heights twice and Avon Lake and losing to North Olmsted. He has 41 goals and 16 assists this season.
About Cory: Enjoys snowboarding and longboarding. Hopes to play hockey or golf in college. Favorites include the Chicago Blackhawks, "Strange Wilderness" movie, "That 70's Show" TV show, "NBA 2K11" video game, Chipotle restaurant and history class.
What Michael did last week: Won a dual against Shaker Heights with a score of 309.60 for six dives. Won the Northeast Classic with a score of 505.45 for 11 dives. Has won all but one meet this season.
About Michael: Defending Division I state champion will dive for Notre Dame and plans to study biology or chemistry. Enjoys playing guitar and violin. Favorites include Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, "Inception" movie, "Rob & Big" TV show and Chipotle restaurant.
What Nick did last week: Won his weight class at Len Pariano Memorial Invitational with four wins, including his 100th career victory. Won six matches on the week with five pins and a technical fall.
About Nick: Works at Pier W restaurant and is a member of the Ohio Army National Guard. Favorites include the Pittsburgh Steelers, "Forrest Gump" movie, "Tom and Jerry" cartoon, music by Eminem, "Red Dead Redemption" video game, "Of Mice and Men" book and anatomy class.
What Edgar did last week: Won three matches at the Marmion Super Quad in Aurora, Ill., against top competition. Defeated opponents from Marmion (5-4), Montini Catholic (5-0) and Iowa City West (14-5). He is 17-0 overall.
About Edgar: Enjoys playing basketball. Wants to attend a Division I college. Favorites include the Pittsburgh Steelers and Troy Polamalu, "Man vs. Food" TV show, Facebook.com and North Face clothes. Wants to try to eat five Chipotle burritos in one sitting.
Coaches' nominations for Players of the Week will be taken Mondays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The toll-free number for coaches to call for the seven-county coverage area is 1-800-388-4370.
The Cliff Lee trade has paid off big for the Phillies, but the Tribe remains in limbo, awaiting results.
View full sizeRon Cortes, Philadelphia InquirerThe Cliff Lee trade has worked out well for the Phillies, but the Tribe is still in a wait-and-see mode.
The days when a Major League club could go sign a kid off the farm in Iowa are pretty much done.
The breadth of talent may have been out there even back in the day, but it was tougher to find it -- and made more of an impact due to its scarcity in the league. Nowadays, with the internet, video and such, teams are scouting prospects in Bora Bora about as easily and quickly as ones in Walla Walla.
Also gone the way of the Model T is the prospect of those prospects remaining with one team for an entire career. Free agency and greed -- on both sides of the conference table -- cured that.
The best teams realize that in today's sports world, you gotta spend the bucks to make the bucks. The Steinbrenner brood understands that in New York, a point everybody and his brother makes. But so does Ruben Amaro Jr., the head honcho with the Phillies. He's assembled what's arguably the best rotation in baseball: Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton. Amaro has spent $255 million and 13 prospects to get that kind of rotation, according to mlb.com.
And the Indians -- specifically in the original trade that sent Lee to the club in July 2009 -- played a major part in that. The Phillies got the guy some consider one of the best lefties in the league. What did the Tribe get? Well, some really good prospects:
Right-hander Carlos Carrasco. He made strides last season. He went 10-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 25 starts with Triple-A Columbus before a promotion to the big leagues, where he went 2-2 with a 3.83 ERA in seven starts with the Tribe. The Indians still see him with top-of-the-rotation potential.
Infielder Jason Donald. The Phillies always considered Donald a super utility player, which he basically was with the Indians last season. He played in 88 games, hitting .253 with a .312 on-base percentage and a .378 slugging percentage. Cleveland is still trying to determine if Donald can be an everyday second baseman.
Right-hander Jason Knapp. He had the most upside of the four prospects. He still does. But after suffering a shoulder injury, the Indians are keeping their eye on him. But his potential is off the charts. In just 28 innings last season, he struck out 47 and walked 12. Baseball America considers Knapp the organization's sixth-best prospect.
Catcher Lou Marson. It is hard to believe, but Phillies fans once considered Marson the heir apparent to Carlos Ruiz. But Marson struggled (.195/.274/.286) last season in 87 games with the Indians. He struggled (.202/.327/.371) with Columbus, too. Marson looks like a backup catcher at this point, but he has to improve offensively to stay in the big leagues.
No offense, and it's easy to spend someone else's money -- Lee will make between $120 million and $135 million pitching for the Phillies between now and 2016 -- but could we please have a do-over? This may be the Earl Weaver American League, where games and series and playoffs are won with three-run homers, but baseball at this level is first and foremost a pitcher's league. Good pitching will beat good hitting every time.
Speaking of pitching Even without Cliff Lee, the Tribe could have a fairly solid starting rotation, according to Jordan Bastian of mlb.com. Are they equivalent to the Phillies' front four? Well, no. But with some timely hitting, decent (for a change) defense, good middle relief and solid performances by just-re-signed closer Chris Perez, the Indians could be a decent team. Not like we should all plan on taking off the end of October to attend World Series games at Progressive Field, but decent.
And the beauty of baseball is that fresh start every spring, like when the snow disappears to reveal green shoots of grass that signify rebirth (until you realize, two months later, that you gotta mow the $%&# stuff twice a week during the rainy season).
From the front office to the manager's chair, the leaders of the Indians are unwavering in their belief that the ballclub will be better this year than it was the last. In order for that to happen, there will need to be strength within the starting rotation.
Indeed, Cleveland feels its starting staff has the ability to develop into a solid group from top to bottom. The club saw signs a season ago that the pitchers were starting to realize their potential, and the Tribe does not see any reason why such strides won't carry into the upcoming campaign.
"I'm pumped," Indians manager Manny Acta said early in the offseason. "We're heading in the right direction. We hammer so much the fact that we wanted our pitching staff to get better. Well, they got better."
We like to recall Crash Davis' speech in "Bull Durham," but from the pitching perspective:
"Know what the difference between hitting .250 and .300 is? It's 25 hits. 25 hits in 500 at bats is 50 points, okay? There's 6 months in a season, that's about 25 weeks. That means if you get just one extra flare a week -- just one -- a gorp... you get a ground ball, you get a ground ball with eyes ... you get a dying quail, just one more dying quail a week ... and you're in Yankee Stadium."
So if the Indians pitchers can give up 25 fewer hits, the reverse should be true, if that whole Einsteinian theory of equal and opposite reactions stuff is true. Except for that Yankee Stadium bit. Who wants to be there, anyway?
From The Plain Dealer Beat writer Paul Hoynes noted that "there has rarely been a better time to be an Indians minor leaguer," as the Tribe is the youngest team in the bigs. Hoynsie and other media met several of those guys -- including infielders Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall and pitcher Alex White -- at Progressive Field as part of the Tribe's winter developmental program. It's likely that Indians fans some time this season will see those three and many of the other 11 players who were at the event.
We're not saying that these guys are young, but the press conference began with a prim teacher-like lady saying, "I see Jason. I see Lonnie. I see Alex ..."
Fishermen have been flocking to the Angler's Alley stage shows this week at the Mid-America Boat & Fishing Show at the International Expositions Center, and two major events are bringing down the curtain this weekend. The Fishing Electronics College is Saturday at 1 p.m., with the Steelhead College on Sunday at 2 p.m.
OHIO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE Wildlife biologist Diana Malas release one of 35 bobwhite quail released in the Stillwater River area of southern Ohio. The trap-and-transfer program is a bid to bring the small game birds back to the Buckeye State after their numbers were decimated by blizzards in the late 1970s.
Fishermen have been flocking to the Angler's Alley stage shows this week at the Mid-America Boat & Fishing Show at the International Expositions Center, and two major events are bringing down the curtain this weekend. The Fishing Electronics College is Saturday at 1 p.m., with the Steelhead College on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Lance Valentine of Burton, Mich., who teaches GPS and sonar classes all around the region, is joined by North Dakota walleye tournament pro Johnnie Candle for the angling electronics session. Local steelhead experts are Jeff Liskay, Matt Hines and Division of Wildlife fisheries biologist Kevin Kayle.
Walleye are in the spotlight today, with Jim Stedke and Travis Hartman talking trolling speed control at 3:30 p.m. The walleye tournament tandem of Brunswick's Gary Zart and his son, Nicholas, are giving up secrets for catching walleye with worm harness techniques at 5 p.m.
There is the perfect seasonal fishing session on Saturday at 4 p.m., as videographer and panfish expert Carl Bachtel of WKYC-TV and the Ohio Game Fishing web site tackles ice fishing.
Boaters honored: Bob Ivancic of Cleveland's Ivancic Marine was named Boater of the Year at this year's meeting of the Lake Erie Safe Boating Council for his long-time support of the North Coast Boating & Fishing Fest. The Greater Cleveland Boating Association was named the Organization of the Year. An award of appreciation was given to Bowling Green State University student Brandon Scott for his work at the Boating & Fish Fest.
Lake Metroparks changes: Popular Executive Director Steve Madewell of the Lake Metroparks, is being considered for the top job at Five River Metroparks in the Dayton area, where Madewell grew up. Madewell has been a driving force in the expansion of the Lake Metroparks and its many programs, especially river access to the county's many premier steelhead trout fishing rivers and streams.
An all-around outdoorsman, Madewell is known for his steelhead trout fishing prowess and his music. Madewell is a noted balladeer who has appeared around the area for many years.
Paul Palagyi is joining the Lake Metroparks as director of park services.
Experts on the fly: Noted Michigan fly fisherman Kevin Feenstra, Greg Senyo and George Daniel will warm up the winter fishing at Chagrin River Outfitters in Chagrin Falls. Feenstra has a seminar Saturday (Jan. 22) on swinging flies for steelhead, and a new DVD on steelheading. The owner of Jag Fly Company and Steelhead Alley Outfitters, Senyo visits Feb. 12 to show off new spring steelhead patterns. Fly Fishing USA Team member Daniel debuts a trio of new fly presentations Feb. 19. Visit chagrinriveroutfitters.com for times.
Local quackers: A gaggle of duck hunters will gather at the Cleveland Hailers' annual waterfowl party Jan. 29, the annual Ducks Unlimited winter banquet in Cleveland. It returns to the West Park Party Center on West 130th, at Lorain Ave., with $50 tickets, $90 for couples. Games and wild game are guaranteed. Call Dave and Aril Blaylock, 216-749-7758.
The DU state convention and awards dinner is Feb. 19 at Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Sandusky. Regional Director Scott Paschke (440-437-8451) has tickets.
Safari Club goes wild: The annual banquet and raffle hosted by the Cleveland Chapter of Safari Club International on March 5 at Wagner County Inn in Westlake is going wild again. With help from Silver Mountain Taxidermy, Brian's Deer Cutting and Slab'M Wild Game Seasonings, the SCI chapter is bringing back wild game for dinner, featuring venison, American buffalo, water buffalo and elk. For tickets visit www.slabmseasonings.com or call SCI official Mike Samsel, 216-241-0333.
Eagle talk: The surprisingly quick growth of the bald eagle population in Ohio is certainly a success story, and one of the best at telling the tale is Harvey Webster of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Webster is featured at Wednesday's 7 p.m. meeting of the Rocky River Watershed Council at the Rocky River Nature Center. It's open to the public.
Speaking of eagles, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park has hiking trail restrictions in the Pinery Narrows area because of eagles nesting there.
Good news for East Harbor: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will finally begin a $1 million dredging of East Harbor, the prime bass fishing grounds on the Marblehead Peninsula. A home to many popular Lake Erie marinas, East Harbor has been filling with silt for the past 30 years, becoming too shallow for boat traffic and bass fishing. The project will take as long as 5 years to complete. Harbor channels will eventually be about 100 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet deep. The dredging begins after the spring bass spawning season.
Out and about: John Golub's German shorthaired pointer, Obama, and young John Kristof's golden retriever, Molly, were the top dogs at Sunday's George Sullivan Memorial Field Trial at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association in Chatham . . . Rural King, located on East Lincoln Way in Wooster, is not checking deer for the remainder of the deer season, which ends Feb. 6 . . . The Maple Country Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is hosting a turkey calling contest on Feb. 26 at the Cleveland Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show at the Great Lakes Expo Center in Euclid.
Subpar play and injuries on right side made Browns even easier to game-plan for, and to stop.
Associated PressBrowns offensive linemen (left to right) John St. Clair, Shaun Lauvao, Alex Mack and Joe Thomas.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- To learn the limits of Colt McCoy's potential, to see if Peyton Hillis can better his banner 2010 season, and to get an unmistakable read on their receivers, the Cleveland Browns need to upgrade their offensive line.
Left tackle Joe Thomas will again play in the Pro Bowl, his fourth trip to the all-star game in as many seasons as a pro. Alex Mack is one of the NFL's top young centers.
Most observers believe that left guard Eric Steinbach is solid, at worst. Dave Kolonich, writing for the Orange and Brown Report on Scout.com, claims, though, that Steinbach is facing "declining skills."
Perhaps the biggest priority regarding the offensive line during the offseason is finding a new right tackle. For (coach Pat) Shurmur’s West Coast offense to take root in 2011, the Browns desperately need to find a replacement for (John) St. Clair. Although this new offense should feature more quick timing throws, the pass protection along the right side of the line needs to be upgraded. Based solely on the great pass rushers that the Browns’ divisional opponents possess, a new right tackle is nothing short of a solid investment for the future.
The same could be said for the revolving door at right guard. Based on the roster’s limitations over the past two seasons, it seemed that (Alex) Womack was the best option at right tackle, rather than guard. However, injuries forced Womack inside, which probably wasn’t the best utilization of his skills. Of course, the hope is that Shaun Lauvao’s development will accelerate under Shurmur’s watch. If not, the running game will likely return to its predictable nature that occurred down the stretch of 2010.
Plummeting temperatures are locking up the local steelhead trout streams, with little open water available. The ice cover is getting thicker, with good fishing on area ponds and lakes. Bonus trout fishing around the Cleveland Metroparks will get another boost from stockings today at Wallace and Ranger lakes and Monday at Shadow, Ledge and Judges lakes.
Plummeting temperatures are locking up the local steelhead trout streams, with little open water available. The ice cover is getting thicker, with good fishing on area ponds and lakes. Bonus trout fishing around the Cleveland Metroparks will get another boost from stockings today at Wallace and Ranger lakes and Monday at Shadow, Ledge and Judges lakes.
RIVERS AND STREAMS The small areas of open water on the rivers and streams from the Vermilion River to Conneaut Creek are quickly closing in the face of Arctic temperatures. The only rivers with stretches of open water are the Cuyahoga and Black rivers. There will be some trout fishing through the ice in the coming days. The open-water steelhead trout fishing at Lake Erie shoreline power plants is difficult because of the crowds of anglers.
INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS Think trout, and cut some holes on the Cleveland Metroparks lakes that are getting another transfusion of fish today and Monday. Anglers are relying on Powerbait, ice jigs tipped with live grubs or bare hooks and live grubs and small jigging spoons. Underwater cameras are showing trout suspended from top to bottom in 18 feet of water, or less.
Local lakes offering good fishing include Spencer Lake, New London Reservoir and Willard Reservoir. Panfish are being caught around the Portage Lakes and Mogadore Lake. LaDue Reservoir is giving up crappies. The north end of Pymatuning Reservoir, around Tuttle Point and Manning Launch, has been good for smaller walleye and big crappies. Mosquito Reservoir walleye are being caught around the south end of the lake and crappies around the state park.
WESTERN LAKE ERIE The shanty town is building on the west side of South Bass Island, where the walleye fishing is still just fair. Few limit catches have been reported. The best success has been on the east side of Green Island, where anglers are enjoying thick ice. Anglers are relying on jigging spoons, blade baits like the Sonar and Cicada and jigging Rapalas, all tipped with emerald shiner minnows. Some perch are being caught just offshore of South Bass Island.
Ice anglers are just beginning to head out on the ice off Catawba Island and the Western Ohio mainland, where ice conditions are still perilous. An all-terrain vehicle went through the ice off Catawba Island on Wednesday, with the rider escaping injury. The perch and walleye fishing has been slow.
"I can see one loss going into the Big 10 tourney, then they could lose in the first round for all I care. Conference tournaments are completely worthless for a team like Ohio State, who will, at that point, have locked up at least a two seed in the NCAA tourney." - matt2korn
View full sizeAP Photo | Michael ConroyThe Buckeyes won the Big Ten Tournament last year with Evan Turner, but a repeat performance probably wouldn't matter much to them this season.
"I can see one loss going into the Big 10 tourney, then they could lose in the first round for all I care. Conference tournaments are completely worthless for a team like Ohio State, who will, at that point, have locked up at least a two seed in the NCAA tourney."
Add Mo Williams to the list of injured Cavaliers. 
