The Daily Take: Indians Updates, Browns Depth Chart

Its been a little while since I did a daily take.  Going on vacation can really screw up your schedule.  Thankfully, Cleveland sports has been pretty stagnant, a word that describes the Indians well.  The big news for the Indians is that they are basically out of the race, though that happened shortly after my last post about them.  After that post, they lost 2 in a row and slid from 5 back to 6.5 back.  Now, the Indians statistically have less than a 2% chance of going to the playoffs and I would consider that a bit generous.  They had a nice stretch at home against KC and Oakland, both of whom suck, but just dropped 2 in a row to Detroit and are down to 8.5 games back and only 1 game above .500.  Their only real hope at this point was to win all the remaining series against Detroit and sweep at least 1.

A Case for Thome for the HOF

Its only coincidence that I am writing this and the Indians recently acquired Jim Thome.  Ever since he hit his 600th, I have been thinking about his place in history.  He was one of the greatest pure sluggers of this generation.  Bonds and Sosa have more home runs, but they were not "pure" sluggers because they used impure methods to enhance their records.  Thome's legacy will forever be somewhat tainted by these men.  In 50 years, people may try to speculate everyone in this generation was using.  Eight players in history have hit 600 home runs and 3 are tainted by PEDs.

The Daily Take: Indians Sliding

The Indians are sliding badly.  They did just win against Seattle, but they still lost 4 in a row during that period.  Seattle is a team the Indians should be able to win a series against, or at least tie.  A tie would be a disappointment and the Indians need to gain some ground.  The Indians are 5 games out now and only a half game away from being in 3rd place.  This is a prime time for the Indians to gain some ground.  Detroit is playing in Tampa and travels to the rival Twins.  Even though the Twins aren't great, its still on the road while the Indians get 3 bad teams in a row in a homestand.

The Daily Take: Vick Still Hasn't Learned

Michael Vick still doesn't get it.   He has definitely matured as a person during his time in jail but if you are to take him at his word of what he said in the recent GQ article, I am not sure if he still has true remorse for what he did.  Instead of actually talking about remorse, he was rationalizing his actions and excusing them.  His excuse was that it was necessary growing up in a poorer neighborhood.  I hate to tell you Vick, but its not at all necessary and plenty of people are able to get buy in those sorts of neighborhoods without turning to dogfighting.  He might actually be sorry for what he did, but that's different from remorse and rarely do remorse and rationalization go hand-in-hand.

Indians Take 3 of 4 and Browns Preseason tonight.

The Indians have certainly carried over the momentum from their 3-4 road trip.  While that was not the biggest success when it came to record, they faced 2 first place teams and were competitive on the road.  It was crucial for them to carry the momentum into the Detroit series and they did.  They won 2 out of 3 against Detroit, which put them 5-5 in a 10 game stretch where they faced the 3 division leaders in the AL.  Not only that, but the 5 games were all competitive and they had a run differential of +10 which is quite good for a 10 game period.

The Daily Take: Indians 3-4 on road trip, Hall of Fame Speeches

The Bad News:  The Indians went 3-4 on their recent road trip and lowered their record to .500
The Good News: The Indians took 3 out of 7 against 2 division leaders on the road

Its all about perspective.  While the Indians had a bad road trip, they had a good one at the same time.  It was ugly and heartbreaking for fans, but 3-4 is not a bad result considering they played the Rangers and the Red Sox.  It hurts a lot more because the Indians were in all the games and the starting pitching and defense was enough to win each game.  Unfortunately, games are 9 innings.

Recap of Cleveland Sports Activity

This has been a pretty interesting week for someone who is a big Cleveland fan, and a fan of sports in general.  For the first time in history, NFL free agency and baseball's trade deadline have collide.  I guess  the NFL lockout gave us something.  While both Cleveland teams have had a lot of rumors swirl about, there have been very few moves actually done but the ones that were done were smart, well thought out moves.

Lockout is Over, Cleveland is Going to be Busy

Well...The lockout is finally over.  That's good news for the NFL and the Browns.  Now Holmgren and Heckert can get down to business and sign some free agents.  This will be a big week for both the Browns and the Indians and a fun week to watch.  This next week or so will be when the Indians make a deal at the deadline if they make a deal and the Browns could be very active in Free Agency.

Colt mccoy funny pic

Ok, So I created this pic on Photoshop and wanted to upload it online.  I was thinking of going to image shack or a website like that, then I realized, "hey, put it on your blog silly".

NFL Labor Talks Near Complete

Over the past week, there has finally been some urgency between the owners and the players and it looks like football may be on the horizon.  After months of throwing words at each other and small spats in between the two sides, it seems like both finally decided to man up.  The players right now actually may hold more of the cards.  The owners don't want games cancelled and they are conceding on many issues.

The Daily Take: US Women's team in the FIFA World Cup Finals

The U.S. Women's team has been one of the big stories of this World Cup (then again, so has the other final's team Japan).  They were able to put up some great offensive performances in their grouping, but lost to Sweden who has been red hot and at times dominant on the defensive side.  However, things changed once this Cinderella qualified for the the Quarterfinals.

Indians Back in First Place!

After a tiny slump where the Indians slid to 2nd place, they are back in first.  The slide was understandable, considering the injuries that plagued the Indians and the fact that the schedule was tough.  However, they have been able to rebound with timely hitting and stellar young pitching.  The Indians have found their groove again and have won 7 out of their last 11.

The Daily Take: What to do with Fausto?

The Indians were able to go 2-2 after going 1-4 previously.  The hitting and the pitching were both there like before, but the hitting was also much more timely, which helped.  It seems like the recent influx of young hitters is just what the Indians needed.

The Daily Take: Indians Struggling vs. West/Draft Review

The Indians are 2-6 in their last 8 games but its hard to find one source to put all the blame on.  Before, you could say the hitting is lousy and maybe you could try to say the pitching is lousy now, but neither would be correct.  Neither one has been great, but the problems are inconsistency.  Its been 5 games in a row that have been decided by 1 run.  If anything, maybe its just bad luck

Prospect Wrap-Up

Draft day is coming quick...and I did not finish the scouting reports I wanted too.  So instead, since the draft is close, I will combine all of the key ones into one post (and shorten the reports).  First one will be Kawhi Leonard.

The Daily Take: Camp Colt and Carlos Carrasco

The Indians two hispanic pitchers at the top of the rotation have been a tale of opposites recently.  While the Indians' veteran (for this team at least) ace has been struggling mightily, their pitcher who was at #2 to start the season has been completely dominant.

Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas is a Euro player who quite possibly could go to the Cavs.  Quite a few sources have linked Valanciunas to the Cavs at #4.  He is a european big man with high upside, two things that quite possibly will appeal to the Cavs.  Chris Grant has said this team could use bigger players.

Take By the Lake: Series over, Indians in 2nd.

First of all, Dallas won the Finals.  I am very happy.  First of all, I predicted a win and second I was pulling for them besides that.  Its just nice to see the Heat fans suffered through what Cleveland fans have suffered over the years: a passive Lebron who doesn't know what to do in crunch time and wilts under pressure.  We saw it against Boston, we saw it against San Antonio and we saw it again against Dallas.  He did have his spectacular showing against Orlando, but before that there was still talk of him not stepping it up.  As it stands, he only stepped it up for one series.

Take By The Lake: Dire Situation for the Heat, Indians

Indians suck right now.  Its pretty clear, they are just not playing well.  They have lost 3 in a row (again) and have lost 8 of their last 10.  They need to win their next 2 games just to split the series against the Yankees.  How are they doing so poorly?  They find a new way to lose every night these days.

Chris Singleton

Chris Singleton is an intriguing player for the Cavs to go after and would fill a big need and could contribute right away.  Singleton may not have incredible upside, but he can come in and become a very good starter from day 1 at the Small Forward position.  I think the guy is a little underrated by some, mostly because he didn't become a good shooter until this season but you can always improve your shooting (even Lebron was a bad shooter when he first came into the league).

The Daily Take: Indians Lose Ground and is Plaxico Coming to Cleveland?

First off, game 5 of the Finals is coming up.  I said that to win, Dallas had to get big performances out of their supporting cast.  Well, they did.  Kidd didn't do a lot of scoring, but played good D.  Marion, Barea, and Terry combined to score 41 points and shot 47% from the field.  The big storyline was how Dirk had a fever but still played his heart out.  Its clear that his teammates realized they needed to step it up because of the illness.  Even Chandler got in on the action, scoring 13 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.

The Daily Take: Indians and Mavs Crashing to Earth

The Mavericks lost a close one at home against the Heat.  Although people have talked about the questionable call on the Chalmers shot at the end of the first half, but Dallas just didn't step it up.  Dirk certainly stepped his game up, but you need more than just Dirk to win a series.

The Daily Take: Early Panic, Rangers have Indians' number.

First of all, I panicked.  I have always liked Dirk as a player and was worried Dallas would crumble if he was hurt.  I was wrong.  The Mavs may not be the most talented team in the playoffs or the best overall team, but they have the most heart.  This team is scrappy and has been all season.  Decimated by injuries, they have found a way to stay mentally tough and win tough games.

The Daily Take: Injuries, Injuries, Injuries

Dirk is hurt.  Thats really the big news right now.  This is going to affect the whole outcome of the series.  Personally, I may go back on my prediction, not because miami won.  In fact, I would probably pick the Heat in 7 at this point even if Dallas won last night.  Dallas needed Dirk to play like he has played in the playoffs: 50% shooting and close to 30 ppg. 

Finals Preview

Tonight is the first game of the NBA finals and it should be a good one.  These teams faced off just 5 years ago (seems like much longer) so there is some history between these teams.  They are both great all-around teams to get to here, but someone has to win.  Prediction?  I will take Dallas in 7.

The Daily Take: Indians struggle, NBA Finals Finalized

Since the last post covering the Indians, they have lost 3 out of 4 and have overall lost 4 out of the last 5.  Granted, some of this was due to stellar starting pitching, but it was much more than that.

Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter is the highest rated big man on most big boards.  In fact, I have heard a couple people say they have him 1 or 2, above Kyrie or D-Will.  Kanter is definitely an intriguing player, but what is his upside and how does he fit the Cavs?

Kyrie Irving vs. Derrick Williams/Brandon Knight

The Cavs are considered by most to be going after Kyrie Irving, however some believe they should rather get Derrick Williams and then Brandon Knight with the 4th pick.  So who is the best player for the Cavs and what are the reasons they should go after each one?

The Daily Take: Indians vs. Red Sox, Big men performance

I feel like the Daily Take does not work as well if it is truly a "daily take".  It seems like an overload of analysis, so I'll try every few days (with other posts in between)

A few things I came away with in the last couple days are that the trade with Boston has seriously hurt the Thunder, Chris Bosh is the Heat linchpin, and the Indians look more legitimate every day.

The daily Take: Ugliness Abound.

I said previously that the Mavericks supporting cast needed to step it up.  They did.  Shawn Marion had been in a slump all playoffs but finally came out of it.  Dallas was able to get 30+ points combined from Marion and Jason Kidd.  This has only happened twice in the 39 previous games the Mavericks played.  During the regular season, the scoring of Jason Terry was generally enough, but in the playoffs, you need a lot of options.  The Thunder were double-teaming Dirk for most of the game.  While he shot poorly, the double-team gave open looks to his teammates.  What was the most surprising was the poor shooting by the Thunder.  

Daily Take: Indians Up and down, Thunder even it up

I didn't expect the Mavericks to just get through this series by being the hottest team.  It was a close game (106-100) but the Thunder pulled it out in the end.  The key player?  It was not Westbrook or Durant, it was James Harden.

The Daily Take: Two low scoring battles

The playoff game between the Heat and the Bulls was an ugly one.  There were missed shots galore and fouls aplenty.  The Heat and the Bulls combined to commit 51 total fouls.  Unfortunately for the Heat, their star struggled.

The Daily Take: Indians, Playoffs, etc...

The first game to start with is the Indians game.  The Indians had a good game with all of their hitters at the top of the order hitting (except for Choo who is struggling to break this funk).  It was nice to see a homer from Santana who is showing some really solid numbers and nice to see Brantley hit and get on base. Carlos Carrasco pitched for the first time since his injury and while his stuff was there, his control wasn't.  It took him almost 100 pitches to get through 5 1/3rd innings.

NBA Lottery: Cavs get #1 and #4

I can't believe I am saying this, but I watched the draft lottery.  They make it an exciting event and for a Cleveland fan and a Cavs fan, it was fun to anticipate the future because as Cleveland fans, thats often all we can do.

Well it turned out good for the Cavs since they got the #1 and #4 picks.  Now what does this mean.

19-1

Wow, that was an epic game of baseball.  I am talking about the Indians win on Monday night.  The Indians won 19-1, the kind of score you only see once every few years.  It was almost all off of one pitcher too, Vin Mazzaro.  Since the last time the Indians won the World Series in '48, there are only two other pitchers to give up as many runs (14) as Mazzaro did, the last one in 1998.  He was also the first Relief Pitcher to give up 14 runs since 1942.  It was just an epic offensive performance by everyone.

Playoffs: Game 1 Eastern Finals

I will start off by saying I have no problem with Lebron.  Figured I'd throw it out there since I am a Clevelander. I have no ill will anymore, I have more important things to worry about.  However, I am not going to be rooting for the heat.  Not because of who they have, but how the team was built, that artificial concept of basically building a fantasy team with star-power instead of a true team with balance.  

Thats all I want to say on that issue, more importantly there was a playoff game.