Cleveland sports bloggers talk about the Browns' quiet offseason, Jake Delhomme's intangibles, Brandon Phillips' against the Indians and Brian Shaw's qualifications for the Cavaliers' coaching job.
View full sizeEric Mangini ended up mired in controversy last season as he tried to change the culture in Berea.Browns
LeBrowns Town: "Last summer was an offseason of turmoil for the Browns, who couldn't seem to do anything right despite a complete culture overhaul being desperately needed in Berea before Coach Eric Mangini's arrival. This year? Tranquility. Part of that is because we're focused on whether or not we will still be 'Witnesses' by the end of next month. But another part of it is because the Browns really are quietly going about their business ... and I love every second of it." » Read more
Cleveland Reboot: "While there is little doubt that Delhomme will become the calming, authoritative presence the offense has lacked for over a decade; he also represents one of the biggest gambles in team history. Currently mired in a close to two-year slump, Delhomme was essentially chased out of Carolina after completely melting down in the 2008 playoffs. His 2009 campaign was marked by a continued slump before being replaced by the untested Matt Moore. Still recovering from a dreaded Tommy John surgery, the past couple seasons have illustrated Delhomme's age and Brett Favre-esque penchant for impulsive play." » Read more
Indians
WaitingForNextYear: "Whether it was just poor timing or a lack of opportunity, Phillips' improvement after leaving Cleveland has been well-documented. After producing an OPS total of .553 in his only real season with the Indians (112 games in 2003), Phillips would be given little chance to prove his worth, suiting up in exactly 12 total games in 2004 and 2005. Following the trade to Cincinnati, the then-25-year old produced OPS totals of .751 and .816 in 2006 and 2007, respectively. 2007 was arguably Phillips best season as a professional where he would provide the Reds with 30 home runs and 32 stolen bases." » Read more
Cavaliers
Cavs: the blog: "Shaw has the potential to successfully play what I believe is the most important role of any NBA coach – ego manager. Two weeks ago I claimed that 'Phil Jackson may be the best example of successful ego management in NBA history.' If Phil Jackson is unattainable, then Brian Shaw, who coached under Jackson for the past six years after playing for him for four seasons, would be a terrific second option in that regard." » Read more