TRIBE V. CUBS WORLD SERIES !

Who would have dared to think back in early April this 2016 version of the Cleveland Indians, with all the myriad of question marks coming into the season, would be playing in October in the World Series ?

It's already been a magical year, what with the Cavaliers securing an NBA title in June. The city of Cleveland needs another parade ! Now, it's the Indians' turn to win a championship, which would be the teams first since 1948, 68 long agonizing years ago. The team came real close in both 1995, when they should have won it, and then 1997 in an over-achieving year when in essence they came within one pitch, a potential double-play ball of winning it all.

Game 1 of the series is Tuesday night at Progressive Field in Cleveland, ironically and fittingly the very same night as the Cavs raise their well deserved championship banner and present rings to players, coaches and so forth. And, just as fittingly, the opposition is the lovable losers, the Chicago Cubs, a club that won 103 regular season games to 94 for the Indians.

But, make no mistake, this dynamic version of the Cubs is no loser, no team wins 103 games by accident. Wrigley Field in Chicago is yet another historic venue, just as Fenway Park in Boston was, for the Tribe to prove doubters wrong. Games three and four will definitely be played in Wrigley, as will game five barring a four game sweep by either club. The ghosts of Ron Santo, Ernie Banks and Fergie Jenkins will no doubt make their presence felt.

At Progressive Field, there may be several ghosts floating around the park as well, all of whom know all too well this team has unfinished business leftover from the at times, dominant 90's teams. Heck, Sandy Alomar will be coaching at first base.

All-stars like Thome, Ramirez, Belle, Vizquel and Lofton made those teams a feared bunch for opposing pitchers, often turning games into just another round of batting practice.

The 2016 version of the Indians are led, of course, by their two-time title winning manager with the Red Sox, Terry Francona. Every move he made seemed to pan out for the most part, even batting Carlos Santana leadoff for much of the season. Santana, to his credit, came through with a career year everyone has been waiting for.

Guys like Mike Napoli, Jose Ramirez, Jason Kipnis, Tyler Naquin and the supremely gifted one Francisco Lindor, got it done all season long, including a team record 14 game winning streak which began in late June. Of course, let's not forget the stellar pitching staff leading the way, despite a few hiccups in July and August. Ace Cory Kluber essentially came to the rescue when all-star Danny Salazar began having arm issues, while Josh Tomlin had a string of horrible starts.

Carlos Carrasco had a somewhat inconsistent season finishing the year on the disabled list. Fortunately, Trevor Bauer took up some of the slack in the rotation while the key trade deadline acquisition of ace reliever Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees has given the club a tremendous boost, particularly thus far in the postseason. Paired with saves leader Cody Allen, this dynamic duo has proven nearly unhittable. 

A special mention should be given to Michael Brantley, the injured outfielder whom was the Tribe's best hitter last season. His injured shoulder never came around after off-season shoulder surgery. Maybe the teams rallying cry should be, 'let's win it for Michael !'

It's a tremendous fall classic matchup. Either the seemingly eternally suffering Chicago Cubs fans, or the decades loyal Cleveland Indians fans will at long last get to bask in the glory of an all too evasive World Series title. Can the unthinkable be possible, two parades for the city of Cleveland in one year ? 

DAVE BURKEY

Email: daveywriter@yahoo.com   

BROWNS SET TO OPEN 2016 SEASON

Mercifully, the all but meaningless practice games called NFL exhibition games are over and done with. Many who received a great deal of playing time in those games have now been released or traded. The Cleveland Browns are set to embark upon the 2016 season with a 53-man roster predominantly loaded with 1st and 2nd year players, including approximately a dozen of the clubs' myriad of draft picks from April.

Sunday's opponent is the Philadelphia Eagles in Philly, with rookie QB Carson Wentz expected to get the call for the Eagles. This is thee same Carson Wentz the Browns could have picked with the 2nd overall pick of the draft, yet instead, opted to deal the pick to the Eagles for a slew of extra picks.

So, other than who wins the game, the Wentz storyline is one to watch closely. The guy can throw the football and had an excellent college career quarterbacking North Dakota St. A QB that comes to mind that came from a smaller school like N.D. St. was Phil Simms, who had a very good NFL career with the N.Y. Giants. However, expect the Eagles to run the ball a lot against the Browns' highly suspect run defense.  

The RG3 (Robert Griffin 111) era is beginning in Cleveland. Highly touted coming out of Baylor three years ago as a rookie with the Redskins, the past two seasons he's been injury riddled and banished to 3rd string in the Skins' doghouse.

He's clearly a reclamation project new Browns coach Hue Jackson has relished right from the start. Griffin's actually quite articulate and seems to have learned valuable lessons from his time in Washington. Just as important, he also appears to have all the same skills he had coming out of college; strong arm, accurate with his throws and the speed and agility to run when necessary. Additionally, he's shown good poise and pocket presence, other critical skills any good QB must demonstrate to succeed.  

It's refreshing to have an NFL QB that understands the name of the game is to lead the team and look to throw first and only take off running when that's the only remaining option left, not the other way around ! The NFL is NOT college football.

Everyone knows what problem child I'm referring to whom is currently unemployed in the NFL. Now that's he's outta here, the Browns still have another, or two, left on the roster. Check that, Josh Gordon once again, though being reinstated by commissioner, Roger Goodell, is under suspension for the first 4 games of the season. That's 1/4 of the season. It's a common theme with Gordon whom can never stay clean for very long.

If not for the fact he's a supremely talented receiver, Gordon would have been gone a long time ago. It's a given that highly skilled players get special treatment from teams in both college and the pros. That said, here's hoping a minor miracle (literally) occurs and for once he manages to stay clean and realize the success he achieved in Cleveland 2 seasons ago.

Presuming Gordon does indeed take the field in game 5 for the team against the Patriots, the Browns clearly will have a variety of weapons for Griffin to throw to, including speedy rookie WR, Corey Coleman who has the speed to run past defenders as well as make them miss in open space. It's up to Jackson and his offensive staff to put Coleman in multiple formations and create opportunities for him to make plays.

Converted QB, Terrelle Pryor has shown the ability to run past people on the 'go' route, but a true NFL WR has to be able to excel at a variety of pass routes, including slants and crossing routes over the middle where nasty linebackers and safeties often lurk, salivating at the chance to deliver a hard blow just as the ball arrives. If Pryor is able to master all aspects of the position, he, Gordon and Coleman could make an incredible triple threat.

There are other receiving options as well, including tight end, Gary Barnidge, a veteran of several seasons who had a breakout season last year for the Browns. He was dependable all season long and made several circus catches, including a few for TD's. Speedy Duke Johnson is a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield to be reckoned with as well. 

The view here is that Isaiah Crowell, if given ample opportunity as the featured back running the football out of the backfield, can become one of the better runners in the league. He's shown flashes on several occasions the past two seasons, yet hasn't consistently been able to get untracked. Many runners need to tote the pigskin regularly to develop a rhythm and get better as the game goes on. Of course, this never happens if the team always has to play catchup in games. 

The saying goes, the game is won in the trenches. If RG3 is always on his back, or, running for his life, he'll never receive ample time to throw and Crowell won't gain many yards unless perennial all-pro, Joe Thomas and co. do their jobs. The huge question on the offensive line is whether new center, Cam Irving can function as an NFL center. 

The right tackle spot is also a question mark after the club lost RT, Mitchell Schwartz to free agency. The two guards, Bitonio at LG and Greco at RG appear relatively solid. 

On the defensive side of the ball, the team has more question marks than answers at this point. Several young players need to step up and show they belong in the NFL. The Browns are lacking in 'impact' players, guys who are dominant 'game changers.' One who could become such a players is top 2nd round rookie, Emmanuelle Ogbah. Hopefully the team determines how to utilize his immense physical gifts, whether it be from the DE, or, OLB position. 

Rookie defensive end, Carl Nassib was voted top training camp rookie and flashed the ability to get to the QB in several exhibition games. Veteran John Hughes and 2nd year lineman, Xavier Cooper are also at end and need to show the ability to at least hold their ground against the run, enabling the linebackers to come up and make the play. 

Returning highly experienced defensive coordinator, Ray Horton has his hands full in attempting to put the pieces together to make this defense competitive and not relinquish a ton of points. The all important inside linebacker position is very suspect with veterans, Christian Kirksey and free agent pickup, Demario Davis manning those spots for the time being. 

Ogbah will likely hold down the left (strong side) outside linebacker spot, with 2nd year player, Nate Orchard starting at the right outside LB position. However, don't be surprised if Horton flip flops those two part of the time to take advantage of possible mismatches, another critical aspect of NFL strategy. 

Returning vet cornerback, Joe Haden has apparently sufficiently recovered from an ankle injury, and none too soon as the team desperately needs him. Several corners whom were figured to be heavily counted upon are no longer with the team, therefore what once appeared to be a stable position no longer is, particularly considering Tramon Williams, a starter last season is about 33 years old. 

Even more questionable are the two safety spots with basically unproven rookies and 2nd year men. Come next April, it appears the Browns will need to seriously consider picking a few defensive backs in the early rounds of the draft.

To sum things up, this is clearly a major rebuilding year which the front office has conceded to all along. Jackson spews the typical coach rhetoric that the team plans on winning, which admittedly is the correct and only approach in the process of hopefully, finally for once, building a winning culture. But, no one should expect miracles. As that saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day ! And, this football team won't be built in one season. 

DAVE BURKEY
Email: daveywriter@yahoo.com        

1ST PLACE INDIANS

Fast forward four months from my beginning of the season Indians post in April to mid-August. The club currently resides in 1st place all alone atop the AL Central, five games in front of the Detroit Pussycats, uh, Tigers that is.

After Monday afternoon's one run loss at Progressive Field(Does anyone like that name ?) in Cleveland at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, the Tribe's record stands at 67-49 with only 46 games left until post-season play, everyone hopes. However, don't be surprised if things get a little sticky coming down the home stretch. A five game lead can disappear in one week.

No one, not even the most optimistic of level headed fans could have possibly predicted having 67 wins at this juncture of the season. (Please don't refer to it as a campaign) Many, but not all, things have gone right thus far. The starting pitching has been as advertised for the most part, though there is currently concern for all-star pitcher Danny Salazar who is on the disabled list with an elbow issue but apparently is now scheduled to start Thursday's game.

Salazar's record stands at 11-4 with a 3.38 ERA and more strikeouts than innings pitched which is rather impressive. The true ace of the staff continues to be, Corey Kluber who easily leads the club in innings pitched as well as wins with a record of 12-8. The Indians have finally scored some runs when he takes the mound ! His 3.21 ERA(avg. runs given up per 9 innings) is team best for a starting P as well.

Carlos Carrasco matches Kluber's ERA at 3.21, however due to an earlier stint on the DL also, his total innings pitched is considerably less. His won/loss record currently stands at 8-6.

Basically, those three are the Tribe's top starters that hold the key to the teams playoff fortunes should they manage to stave off the Tigers for the next month and 1/2. The club has two more fairly solid starters who've done a pretty decent job despite a few 'hiccups' in Tomlin and Bauer. Bauer, for anyone who read my April post is that 'quirky' dude who just needed to lasso his 'stuff ' to become a consistent quality pitcher.

He began the season in the bullpen and did a good job for the most part, then when Carrasco went down Bauer moved into the rotation and holds a nice record of 9-5 with a 3.97 ERA. Some fans don't seem to realize how good this guy can eventually become as his only problem at times has been his control.

As for Tomlin he's been very good most of the season though he got hammered two straight starts, one at the hands of the old and mediocre Yankees. He did though bounce back yesterday with a quality start against the Red Sox at Progressive Field losing 3-2. Now, on to the bullpen.

The recent trade deadline deal to acquire premium left-handed strikeout artist Andrew Miller from those dastardly Yankees was a critical necessary piece to the puzzle added to a bullpen that looked mighty shaky to say the least. Cody Allen has been solid as 9th inning closer converting 22 of 24 save opportunities and with 64 strikeouts in just 50 innings, not to mention a fine 2.34 ERA. Dan Otero has quietly done a great job as basically a 6th or 7th inning guy and a very fine 1.52 ERA in 47 1/3 IP.

Can't forget Bryan Shaw, many of the fans' favorite whipping boy for much of the season. However, he has come out of the pen in a string of games recently without giving up a run. His ERA is a little high for his role, prior to Miller arriving, as Allen's 8th inning setup man at 3.60. He does have 52 strikeouts in 50 innings which is excellent of course.

The sequence of the Francona bullpen brigade often beginning in the middle of the 6th should now go; Otero, Shaw, Miller then Allen in the 9th to close it out. That's not saying however, that there will not be a variation of that order depending on the team the Tribe is playing and whether that teams lineup is stocked with left or right-handed batters, as Francona is the ultimate matchup manager.

Quite frankly, the club's hitting as a whole has been a pleasant surprise thus far even without  star outfielder Michael Brantley whom is now out for the rest of the season following the latest of a number of setbacks to his surgically repaired shoulder. Several guys have stepped up to ease the loss of Brantley. Mike Napoli has been the teams cleanup hitter and the clear team MVP up to this point accumulating 29 HR's and 84 RBI's. In fact, he may even have a shot at league MVP though the voting is done prior to season's end.

2nd baseman Jason Kipnis, SS Francisco Lindor, utilityman and now starting 3rd baseman Jose Ramirez, DH Carlos Santana, rookie centerfielder Tyler Naquin, outfielder Rajai Davis and even sometimes rightfielder Lonnie Chisenhall have all had very productive seasons.

Lindor, the slick fielding SS has tailed of somewhat since about the all-star break yet is still batting .309 with 14 HR's and 61 RBI's. Kipnis is hitting .290/20/65. Ramirez has come out of mothballs this season surely to the amazement of most hitting an astounding .311/8/51 and has had several timely hits. The club jettisoned veteran Juan Uribe who wasn't even hitting his weight as the starting 3rd baseman, thus it's Ramirez' job for the time being.

In the April post I asked the question of whether Carlos Santana would ever hit from the beginning of the season on. Well, miracles do indeed occasionally occur, huh. His batting avg. has dropped to an unimpressive .239 yet he's managed to put up 25 HR and 62 RBI's which for him is not bad in mid-August. The difference this season is that he didn't wait until well after the all-star break to start hitting.

In the April post I advocated for playing Tyler Naquin often. Well, all the kid has done is bat .314 with 13 homers and 37 RBI's in the equivalent of about half a season as Francona won't let him play against left-handed starters, much to the dismay of many fans. What do they know, right ? I agree with the fan(atics).

Rajai Davis has been a huge veteran outfield pickup leading the club in stolen bases and playing solidly in the outfield whether in left or centerfield. He doesn't have enough gas left in the tank to play everyday apparently yet has smacked 11 HR's, 40 RBI's with a respectable .265 avg. Lonnie Chisenhall rediscovered how to hit this year while generally playing quite well in RF when a righty pitcher is twirling. He's a weak homerun threat with a mere 6, yet has knocked in a very respectable 42 runs and an impressive .293 avg.

So, with only 46 games remaining and a 5-game lead over 2nd place Detroit, the Indians need to keep their foot on the gas and keep winning all the way to a division title, hopefully the AL pennant and then World Series champs. Oh, and they managed to set a club record with 14 straight wins which came to an end on July 1.

The city of Cleveland is salivating at the thought of another major sports championship to add to the one brought home by their NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers !

DAVE BURKEY
Email: daveywriter@yahoo.com

NBA CHAMPION CAVALIERS

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 2015-16 NBA Champions and no one is happier about it than this writer.

When Cavs GM David Griffin fired coach David Blatt at the mid-way point of the season, the team had a record of 31-11 but was coming off a 30 something point shellacking at the hands of the defending champion Golden State Warriors. No time to panic, right, one loss is merely one loss.

Well, incredibly Griffin thought otherwise and with the blessing of owner Dan Gilbert he fired David Blatt ! The same coach who had led the team to within two wins of a championship last season despite the loss of both Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to devastating playoff ending injuries. Ya know, two of thee big three.

From the viewpoint here it seemed like who in their right mind would fire a head coach in the middle of the season with such an impressive record ? The only person who immediately came to mind was former brash New York Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner. Either him or crazy Ted Stepien who practically single-handedly destroyed the entire franchise in a relatively short stint as Cavs owner back in the 80's. That fiasco got so bad the league had to award the team extra draft picks just to remain somewhat competitive.

Back to the present championship winning season.

So, Griffin makes the bold move(a huge understatement) of replacing Blatt with top assistant Tyronn Lue who had absolutely 0 head coaching experience in the league. Naturally, there was the usual media speculation(it's never ending) that LeBron James more or less dictated the decision which he subsequently denied. Who knows when we'll ever know the truth on that one.

Anyway, Lue takes over the coaching reigns and after approximately 20 games which seemed to be a reasonable number of games on which to start formulating judgments, it really didn't seem like there was a whole lot of difference in either results or style of play. The Cavs had basically the same winning percentage as they had under Blatt. Lue had stated when he took over that he wanted the team to run and push the ball more and that they were 'out of shape.'

Out of shape ? It seemed like a ludicrous thing to say from this vantage point. There didn't seem to be any real understanding from other other so-called media experts either on that one. One has to wonder how any NBA team could be out of shape after 40 games unless you're referring to several bench warmers who rarely if ever played. Oh well.

Furthermore, Mr. Cavalier himself, Austin Carr, Cavs legend and current team broadcast analyst out of the university of Notre Dame observed during one less than stellar performance that the team appeared to be going, 'backwards.' Yes, backwards. Specifically, most observers agreed they lacked consistent focus and intensity for stretches during games particularly on the defensive end. Kyrie Irving, coming off his broken kneecap in the early stages of the finals last year at times struggled to consistently regain his shot and rhythm. One had to wonder what the playoffs would bring.

Another factor was Lue, by design, alternately resting James and Irving. How were they going to be ready to play together come playoff time if they weren't given ample time by the coach to form the necessary cohesiveness to perform at a maximum level. It's well known that Western conference teams were overall superior to the Eastern Conference, particularly the Warriors, Spurs and Thunder.

Obviously, the Cavs managed to obtain home court advantage through the Eastern Conference playoffs by a mere one game advantage over the Toronto Raptors with a 57-25 record. Not so impressive when comparing it to the incredible record setting mark of 73- 9 by the defending champion Warriors over in the West.  Yet, those who know the game knew if the Cavs could consistently get it together they could play with anyone. James, Irving, Love, Smith, Thompson and co. just had to put it all together at the right time.

Everyone knows the Cavs swept both the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks 4-0. Next were the Raptors. Cleveland won the first two games of the series relatively easily but then seemingly ran into a buzz saw named, DeMarre Carroll. For two entire games this guy looked like a poor man's reincarnation of all-time great rebounding machine, Moses Malone.

Obviously, the Cavs weathered the storm and rebuffed Toronto winning the series 4-2. Lo and behold, on to the finals. The Warriors managed to come back to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder and star Kevin Durant in 7 games. The Cavs got a finals rematch with MVP Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Co. By now, anyone not living in a deep hole somewhere knows the result.

The nerve wracking 4th quarter seesawed back and forth and at the midpoint mark the Warriors clung to an 87-86 lead. At 4:45 left to go in the game, the Cavs hit a 3-pointer to go up 89-87. Undaunted, Golden St. tied it at 89 all 15 seconds later. Those were the last points they ever scored.

The game remained tied for several nail-biting minutes until KYRIE IRVING buried a 3 beyond the arc near the right wing right over league MVP, Stephen Curry with .53 to go making it 92-89 Cavaliers ! LEBRON JAMES had a spectacular block in the waning moments soaring through the air like Superman. Then, with 10 seconds left to become champions he sunk 1 of 2 foul shots to put the Cavs up 93-89.

The Cleveland Cavaliers in an epic comeback for the ages, after being down 3-1 defeated Curry and the 73-9 defending champion Golden State Warriors in front of the Warriors' stunned fans and a national TV audience in one of thee all-time greatest game 7's in NBA history.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are NBA Champions !

DAVE BURKEY
daveywriter@yahoo.com

TRIBE ON THE WARPATH

We're now several games into the 2016 season and Indians ace Cory Kluber is about to become 0-2 already which doesn't exactly bode well for the team's fortunes if the trend continues as it did last

year. 

And, if your ace reliever keeps giving up two-run bombs late in games like Cody Allen just did in Tampa Tribe fans could be in for a last place finish.

It doesn't help much when you have cheap ownership which refuses to spend more than a mere pittance. And, now Dolan wants to gradually eliminate Chief Wahoo ! At least Browns owner Jimmy Haslam spends money, as well as Dan Gilbert of  the Cavs.

Before anyone gets all depressed, I don't honestly believe this ballclub will finish last. But, it's hard to predict especially with star outfielder Michael Brantley's status somewhat in doubt with a surgically repaired shoulder.

This team's fortunes weigh heavily on several veteran bargain basement pickup's(that's Dolan). Juan Uribe at third, Mike Napoli at first, Rajai Davis and Marlon Byrd in the outfield are all being counted on for a year or two.

Fortunately,  they have the dynamic Francisco Lindor at shortstop, the best we've seen at that important position since future Hall of Famer, Omar Vizquel performed his magic. In my view, it's clear he should have been in Cleveland from day 1 last season but the brass wanted to save future cash in that scenario also. Anyone that claims otherwise is...full of B-A-L-O-N-E-Y.

Jason Kipnis at 2nd base is a legit .300 hitter when healthy though hardly a Roberto Alomar with the glove. Napoli is a big question mark coming after a horrible season and being dumped by the Red Sox.

Will Carlos Santana ever hit the first three months of any season, ever ? Just once ? Don't bet on it, but if he ever lives up to expectations and hits consistently all year then this club has possibilities.

Yan  Gomes behind the plate has a great arm and is solid overall defensively. He's another guy. Will  he hit or not ? If so, the Tribe will be far better off.

Going back to the outfield situation, here's hoping Francona lets rookie centerfielder Tyler Naquin play often. I love the late spring training acquisition of veteran rightfielder Marlon Byrd. He moves around a lot but seems to hit and with power everywhere he goes.

Lonnie Chisenhall will never be anything  but a journeyman outfielder at best.

The starting pitching rotation is the real strength of this team. Former Cy Young winner Kluber along with Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar bring the heat. We may be in for a lot of 3-2, 2-1, and 1-0 games unless the bats come through. 

Ace reliever Cody Allen is generally a dependable closer in the pen to save the day when the Indians have a ninth inning lead. I'm no fan of the Francona bullpen brigade usually beginning in the 6th inning, but most managers follow a similar managing style in this era of blown-out elbows and shoulders.

But would someone please explain to me why the great legendary Bob Feller and Mr. "Spitball," Gaylord Perry didn't have such issues, not to mention dozens of other top starting pitchers ?

Anyway, briefly back to the bullpen. These guys all have gotta be good to have any hopes of a 1st place finish. Bryan Shaw has been excellent as Allen's setup man the past couple years. Zach McAllister did a great job last year as well in Cleveland. 

The rest of the bullpen brigade...I barely know their names other than former starter Trevor Bauer. That quirky dude has awesome stuff when he can control where he's throwing it.

An optimistic view is that this team can make a run at the division. The Royals are no juggernaut and the rest of the division..Tigers, Twins and White Sox don't exactly put fear in anyone. 90 wins could be enough to make it to post-season play.

DAVE BURKEY

daveywriter@yahoo.com

STATE OF THE BROWNS

Do the Cleveland Browns really need twenty, count' em, twenty assistant coaches ?

In this modern day and age, everyone wants assistants to the assistants, including a quality control coach on both sides of the ball.

All having all these assistant coaches around really means is Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is willing to dole out a lot of extra cash to get this sinking ship of a franchise finally and mercifully turned around. You can't call the man cheap that's for sure.

Yes, I know quality control coaches have been around for awhile now. But not assistants to the assistants at every position ! Thirty years ago the average NFL staff would typically employ approximately nine assistant coaches. Times have certainly changed, huh. If the Browns start winning I won't be complaining.

So, anyway....what really concerns me the most is new head coach Hue Jackson electing to do his own play-calling on offense. The good news is he has hired several highly experienced NFL offensive coaches to assist him. However, the more coaches, the more potential for conflict pertaining to strategy and so forth.

It's a huge plus that Jackson had a year of head coaching experience with the Raiders several years ago. And, thank god he brought back an experienced defensive coordinator like Ray Horton.

Pettine's hiring of Jim O'Neil as DC was just plain dumb.  He was inexperienced and it showed in how the Browns performed defensively. Then there was the offensive line coach he hired with an ongoing history of alcohol problems whom they had to release shortly after last season began. Was it a coincidence the Browns' OL performed horribly for three quarters of the season particularly run blocking ? Probably not.

The previous regime is history after the usual two years of ineptness both on and off the field. The drafting has been an absolute disgrace, so many first round drat picks squandered every single year. Who has been scouting for this team ? I don't know their names, but whomever they are they ought to go flip burgers at McDonalds.

The team now has three Harvard grads newly hired to run the ship. Haslam's really going for brains bigtime this time.

As for Haslam himself, several more of his top employees at Pilot Flying J have been indicted, his long time trucking business, so the huge cloud over the Browns owner remains. Not exactly what this franchise needs. Any further comment about this situation will be saved for another time other than you can be sure the NFL is quietly but closely monitoring the situation.

Back to the new trio of Harvard boys entrusted with running the team. Sashi Brown is at the helm with former MLB analytics guru, Paul DePodesta of "Moneyball" fame brought in to apply his expertise to an entirely different sport. Andrew Berry was lured away from the Colts with an upgrade of acquiring talent, both college and pro.

DePodesta and Berry both played football at Harvard which is surely a big plus.

I recently discovered in the late great Paul Brown's book that Branch Rickey, considered by many to be one of , if not thee all-time greatest baseball executive, was simultaneously working as a professional football executive. So, what DePodesta is attempting to do can be done with hard work, intelligence and , I would guess, a method for applying analytics to just about anything. Let's just hope it equates to a successful winning NFL team.

But, to me, the biggest question mark would have to be Sashi Brown transitioning to being in charge of all football operations, basically. He's been with the club for a few years now and Haslam should know him well, but to give him final say over the 53 man roster among other things is a gamble it seems to me.

Let's pray Hue Jackson and all those assistants working harmoniously are the ones determining who the best football players are, not to mention, Berry the newly hired personnel man. I can see Brown interceding to make a decision or two when contract and salary cap considerations are involved.

Otherwise, let's let the coaches coach and evaluate the players for the most part. The specific titles Haslam gave to these guys is irrelevant to their actual roles with this team. Fancy titles are given for various reasons.

The key word Haslam kept emphasizing at the press conference shortly after firing Pettine and Farmer was, "collaboration."  Meaning assembling a group willing to work together for the good of the team and, of  course for the goal of fielding once again, a proud winning football team for the city and loyal  fans of the Browns.

The sad saga of both Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon will be addressed by myself  at another time.

Go Browns !

DAVE  BURKEY
daveywriter@yahoo.com 

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WELCOME INDIANS,BROWNS,CAVS FANS

As the title of this new site declares, this will be primarily an all-encompassing commentary written and published by myself, though who knows, at some point I may even allow an intelligent passionate Cleveland sports fan/writer such as myself to do a guest commentary.

As for myself, besides being a Cleveland sports "fan" my entire life(I was around way back in the 60's), I received my B.A. degree from Youngstown St. U. in 2002, with an emphasis on media, a minor in print journalism as well as writing for electronic media. Many years ago I wrote as the Sports Editor for my HS paper. Even then I was a pretty damn good writer and even wrote an article or two on Cleveland sports.

Some of you out there may have heard of an old Browns website called BROWNSTNG which later became Berniesinsiders. (Yes, Bernie Kosar) It now goes by yet a 3rd different name which I won't mention at this point in time. I did quite a bit of commentary for that old TNG/Insiders site. In fact, they even featured me many times doing pre-game previews, as well as both a draft and free agent preview among others. At about the same time in 2001, I was also writing selected commentary pieces as well as condensed versions of straight news stories for a site called sportslawnews.com.

I also had four law classes at YSU, including press, labor and business law, so commenting on law cases and stories was not at all difficult for me. In fact I was writing for a Fordham(NYC) law professor.

I have gone through the CBA's for both MLB and the NFL with a fine tooth comb. I think very few Cleveland sports writers could make the same claim, therefore, when I make a comment pertaining to contracts and such, you can be pretty certain I actually do know exactly what I'm talking about.

However, at times when I delve into a story pertaining to law or huge contracts, I will keep things much simpler than your average law professor would. No disrespect to those guys, they are great at what they do, but I know most fans do not want any part of trying to decipher all the technical stuff.

Finally, congratulations to the latest new head coach of our Cleveland Browns, Hue Jackson. I remember years ago when they didn't want me criticizing Romeo Crennell just cause he had four Super Bowl rings. (as an assistant) I think that one lasted four years, right ? Let's hope Jackson lasts atleast twice as long as Romeo did. That would mean the Browns are winning a few games for once !

DAVE BURKEY
daveywriter@yahoo.com