With only two games left in the NBA Finals, and with the Heat on the brink of elimination, I thought I would share with you my rankings of each player in the series.

Without further ado, here are my NBA Finals Player Power Rankings.

24.       Rashard Lewis –When the Heat signed the former Magic star, many people thought that he would be the icing on the championship cake. That is not the case. Lewis has disappointed the front office as well as the fans, averaging less than 2 points per game in less than 5 minutes per game in the 2013 playoffs. I can see why people would have misjudged Lewis’ potential impact, as he was a pretty solid player at one point in his career, averaging 22 points per game in the 2006-2007 season. Now, he can’t even sniff the court. That drop off is really bad; it has to be the worst for any player in these Finals…

23.       Tracy McGrady – Whoops! I spoke too soon. Technically, I have him ranked at 23, but that’s just so I don’t slight any of the other players who are, in fact, better than Mr. McGrady. Rumor has it that T-Mac has been “Lebron” during Spurs practice, and that alone tells you that the guy has still got “it”.

22.       Matt Bonner – Like T-Mac, “The Red Mamba”, is way more famous than he is good at basketball. The three point specialist is averaging less than one three pointer per contest , and is absolutely horrific on defense. He also has an ugly release on his jump shot that, coupled with his fame in the Caucasian community, could sabotage young white ballers for years. However, he does have red hair and Kobe likes him, so that counts for something.

21.       Joel Anthony – Joel Anthony is the best Canadian player on this list. Cory Joseph is from Canada? Nevermind that. Joel Anthony is the best undersized, scrappy, hustle-oriented center who is in the game for rebounding, defense, and that’s it. DeJaun Blair is on the Spurs?

Joel Anthony is the best player in the NBA who can’t make layups. Whatever. Who am I to talk? The guy hustles and tries his best, what more can you ask for? (Any amount of basketball IQ, the ability to catch passes under the basket, whatever trait you need to stop getting dunked on.)

20.       DeJuan Blair – DeJuan Blair is one of the more likeable players in the NBA. He doesn’t have an NBA body (shorter and fatter than most) and he doesn’t have an NBA anatomy (missing his ACL on both legs). What he does have is heart and determination, and he is just a little better than Joel Anthony, so that’s why he finds himself at this point on the list.

19.       Cory Joseph – I don’t really know all that much about Cory Joseph. I know that every once in a while he will steal major minutes away from Tony Parker, and will look a lot like Tony Parker, which is saying a LOT. I also know he doesn’t play a lot and hasn’t done enough to be higher on this list.

18.       Shane Battier – I’m pretty sure Shane Battier is the only human being on the planet who could handle what’s been happening to him with so much class, grace, and professionalism. For those who live under a rock, Shane Battier went from averaging 25 minutes a game and being an important piece for the Heat, to being benched and averaging less than 10 minutes a game in the NBA Finals. Battier hasn’t complained and has acted like a real pro through it all. As a hooper, he just isn’t what he used to be. The historically great lockdown defender isn’t quick enough to stay in front of guys and isn’t big enough to bang with the big boys. He can shoot three-pointers, but not at the level of Ray Allen and Mike Miller. Battier has been great, but is on the wrong side of 30 and isn’t going to get any better from here.

17.       Udonis Haslem – UD is a fan favorite in Miami and for good reason. He grew up there, went to the University of Florida, and returned to his city. He is scrappy, plays with a chip on his shoulder, and is absolutely automatic with his short to mid-range jumper. He’s tough, smart, and and brings a nice pick-and-pop game to Miami.

16.       Boris Diaw – I was struggling with how to rank Diaw/Haslem, but gave Diaw the slight edge. Diaw’s Player Efficiency Rating (PER) was about 2 points better than Haslem’s and his True Shot Percentage was a whopping 7% better. He is a quality shooter who knows his role and does it well.

15.       Norris Cole – I absolutely love Norris Cole. How many guys could shoot as much as he does while on the same court as LeBron James and Dwayne Wade? Seriously, that level of confidence and self-righteousness is uncanny. But, guess what? Cole isn’t really wrong in taking the shots. He deserves them, as they often go in. (Side note: Norris Cole is the only good young player on the Heat. That’s kind of scary,)

14.       Chris Anderson – The number one player on the “Players Who Your Mom Has the Most Questions About” list is also the single greatest offseason move the Heat have ever made, outside of getting the Big Three together. Birdman has been a game changer for the Heat, shoots at a very nice percentage, plays defense, and can run at essentially any pace. He is a really valuable asset to this squad.

13.       Ray Allen – Ray Allen’s release is remarkably quick and his shooting is on point. I cringe every single time he steps inside the three-point line, but he often proves me wrong and makes a little runner or leaning pull up jumper. All in all, Jesus Shuttlesworth is still a quality baller and an ideal sixth man for Miami.

12.       Mario Chalmers – Mario Chalmers could be the most underrated player in the series. He can quietly go off for 20+ points in one game and silently help the Heat win in the next. He is insanely clutch, (see his last college basketball game), and is a great defender. When Mario Chalmers goes to play for another team, don’t be surprised to see him breaking out as a quality NBA player.

11.       Mike Miller – Mike Miller’s new role has been a game changer. He is a high-energy player with the purest jump shot in Miami (Ray Allen is quicker with his release but isn’t as pure as Miller). He’s been contributing at a level that is pretty remarkable for a guy with a broken back.

10.       Gary Neal – Who is Gary Neal and why is he the best shooter in the NBA?

9.         Danny Green – Who is Danny Green and why is he the best player in the NBA? I don’t understand where Danny Green or Gary Neal came from, but they are making it rain. Danny Green is shooting 54% from the floor and 66% from beyond-the-arch in the last 5 games. Neal is shooting 46% from the field and 52% from deep in the same stretch. When you have role players producing the way these two guys have been, the Spurs are going to be tough to beat.

8.         Kawhi Leonard – Leonard has done a spectacular job when faced with the single hardest task in the NBA: guarding LeBron James. No one can stop LeBron, except for LeBron himself, but Leonard has certainly slowed him down. Leonard’s freakish wingspan, hand size, athleticism, and upside make him the best young player in this series. The Green/Leonard/Neal threesome could be pretty formidable in the future.

7.         Tiago Splitter – Yeah, he got blocked really badly by Lebron. Yeah, Steven A Smith would laugh and call me names if he saw me putting Splitter this high on the list. Splitter is actually really good. He has a great PER and is a quality low-post center. He catches the ball and finishes well at the rim. I know that putting Splitter above Leonard may be controversial, but I gave him the nod due to the fact that he is a center and quality center’s are more rare, and therefore more valuable, in the NBA. Defense and three wings like Leonard are a dime a dozen, (granted Leonard is a good one).

6.         Manu Ginobli – Here’s a secret about Manu that most people don’t notice. He is a great ball-handler and passer, as the backup point guard for the Spurs. That’s why he can’t start. He is still killing it at his old age. Also, if you have some free time, watch a YouTube video of Manu’s best passes. They are phenomenal and fun to watch.

5.         Chris Bosh – I’m going to hold off on the dinosaur jokes and go straight to the “Chris Bosh isn’t the type of player I would want on my team” jokes. He is a power forward who doesn’t bang and, as a result, kills the Heat with his lack of rebounding. He is really good, even though I don’t see why, so we can call it a push.

4.         Tim Duncan – Timmy Duncan is incredible and doesn’t get near the praise he deserves. He won an NBA Finals MVP 14 years ago. Kawhi Leonard and Cory Joeseph probably didn’t see it because they were 7 and had to go to bed. His game is the ultimate “old-man game” and I’m pretty sure that he could play for another 20 years. A real basketball fan has to love Timmy.

3.         Dwayne Wade – I was one of those people who said Dwayne Wade had lost his edge. Too many years of banging and recklessly throwing his body around finally caught up to him. A player who had, for so long, relied on his athleticism to get to the basket and score had lost that athletic edge. Due to age and injury, he was no longer the elite basketball player he once was. I was very wrong.

2.         Tony Parker – Parker is the best point guard in the NBA and there is a lot you can say about him. I will focus on the fact that he got hit by a bottle thrown by Drake at Chris Brown. Imagine if Parker’s injury had been worse. That could have been a top 10 craziest sports story of all time.

1.         LeBron James – Its Lebron. He’s the best player in NBA history. He scores at will. He is unstoppable. He will win the NBA Finals. And be Finals MVP.

Tell me your thoughts on my list!

Do I have someone ranked too low? Too high? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @Tiboofy!

The post NBA Finals Player Power Rankings appeared first on More Than A Fan.

Today, Cleveland received the heartbreaking news that Jon Bon Jovi’s Kickoff Concert at Browns Stadium has been cancelled.

As the Haslam regime has repeatedly reminded us, there is no specific reason why anything bad happens, and that continued with the cancellation of this concert.

So, as I was racking my brain for ideas for today’s post, I thought I would continue the string of comedic posts and lay off the hard-hitting sports stuff for now.

I am going to try give you, the diehard Jon Bon Jovi fans who are whole-heartedly upset about this concert cancellation, a reason to smile as you cope with this very difficult news.

Jon Bon Jovi actually cancelled the concert for quite a few reasons, and the first: Michael Stanley “don’t open for nobody”.

That’s right, if anyone was going to headline this concert, it was the Cleveland icon, not some Philadelphia punk.

Stanley, upon hearing the news that he would be the opening act, rather than the headliner, found Bon Jovi, kidnapped him, and held him hostage until Haslam agreed to cancel the show.

Even before Michael Stanley found out the news, Bon Jovi himself had an issue with the concert.

Jon Bon called Jimmy and told him he didn’t want to share the stage with a woman beater. “It’s Jim Brown or Bon Jovi.”, he said.

After months of pleading (see, Haslam pleads away from court as well) with JBJ, the two couldn’t strike a deal.

After shutting down the shoreway for two weeks, Captain America, even as it left town, continued to put Clevelanders through a hassle.

The shooting of Captain America was one of Bon Jovi’s biggest reasons for cancellation.

“Captain America is like my least favorite comic book character. All he does is shield himself. He doesn’t really even have any superpowers. I mean, how lame. I couldn’t play in a city that hosted Captain America. That would make me look bad.”, explained the aging rock star.

There is another rumor swirling that Bon Jovi was upset because Joe Banner had ultimate control of the playlist. When it came down to it, Bon Jovi wanted to play “Livin’ On A Prayer” four times, but Joe wasn’t having it. “This is my concert,” screamed Joe, “This is my team, my stadium, and my city. Who do you think you are, coming in here and telling me what songs you’re going to play?” Clearly, the strained relationship that originated in Philadelphia, made it’s way to Cleveland.

Finally,  a source, who I trust wholeheartedly, gave me a bit of news that could potentially be earth-shattering.

Apparently, Jon Bon Jovi sent Chris Perez the pound of weed through the mail and supplied Josh Gordon with his never-ending supply of purple drank. These are unconfirmed reports, of course, but when they come to fruition, remember that you heard them here first.

All kidding aside, the Jon Bon Jovi concert was cancelled due to lack of ticket sales, which may be the funniest reason on this list. Bon Jovi played in Cleveland just a couple of months ago, and fans were not excited to see him again so quickly.

Seriously, how horrible must you feel if you’re Jon Bon Jovi?

“Am I really that washed up that they cancelled my concert because they couldn’t sell the tickets?” I guess the answer is yes, yes you are Jon Bon Jovi.

Any Clevelander would have shown up to see Michael Stanley, and he’s worth the price of admission alone, but there was just too much Bon Jovi for them to pull the trigger. Maybe, had Stanley been the headliner, the concert would have been sold out already. But, who knows.

I know you’re sad now, but maybe, just maybe, Nickelback will come to Browns Stadium and play to a sold out crowd. Only if we’re lucky.

The post Here’s Why Jon Bon Jovi was Cancelled (Parody) appeared first on More Than A Fan.

The question that should be asked is what is is wrong with Jon Lester, but I figured that it was John Farrell in particular and Juan Nieves to a lesser extent that received praise for how they helped turn Lester around in the early part of the year, they should be the ones to face the music now that things have begun to come apart just a little bit for Lester.

Over his first nine starts of the season, Lester gave up more than 3 runs only once.  In those nine starts, he gave up 0 runs on two separate occasions, including a complete game shutout over the Toronto Blue Jays on May 10th.  In short, he looked like the pre-2012 Jon Lester.  Coupled with Clay Buchholz’s performance, and John Lackey pitching like the guy the Red Sox had allegedly signed prior to the 2010 season, and things were looking pretty good for the the Sox rotation.

Over his last six starts (including yesterday’s debacle in Baltimore), however, Lester has been a different pitcher.  It’s not just the 0-4 record in those six starts, or the fact that his ERA has skyrocketed from 2.72 to 4.37 (the result of only once allowing as few as 3 runs in a start) that is most problematic.  It’s the way he has been losing that has been so difficult to watch.  Though to his credit, he has battled each time he has taken the mound, but that gets back to the question- why is he struggling, and what is wrong with him (and why haven’t Farrell and Nieves figured out an answer for him?)

In yesterday’s game against the Orioles, it was more of the same for Lester.  Outside of the 4th inning, which he managed to retire the side in order on only 8 pitches, every other inning was a battle to get through for him.  In his other 4 innings of work, he threw a combined 98 pitches for an average of 24.5/inning.  The sheer number of pitches is not necessarily a concern for Lester, as he has only twice this season thrown less than 100 pitches.  Once in his first start of the season (96 pitches in 5 IP) and then last Tuesday (98 pitches in 4 2/3 IP.)  The bigger concern is that in his last two starts, he has barely pitched enough innings to complete a single game.

For the Red Sox, this dip in production could not come at a worse time.  With Buchholz missing time (and due to head to the DL), two extra inning games in the past week, and daily roster moves to make sure that there’s a guy in the bullpen with a fresh arm, the Sox more than anything need Lester to be the ace he is capable of being.  Farrell and Nieves need to figure out a way to get Lester back to his early season form, because the Red Sox are not good enough to keep skating on by while getting zero production from their top two guys.  Buchholz is battling injuries, and in his absence other guys not named Lester have stepped up.

It’s time for the man who began the season as the Sox #1 guy to start pitching like he’s at least the #2 guy that he is on this staff.  Getting great performances from the likes of John Lackey, Ryan Dempster, and even Alfredo Aceves should be gravy for the staff, not something that is necessary to keep the Sox competitive.

Whatever magic that Farrell and Nieves were employing over the first six weeks of the season, they need to get back at that.  They need to help Lester figure out what ails him now, while things are still relatively okay.  If he is not able to turn things around fairly quickly, this surprising Red Sox season may begin to fall apart.

Do you have any thoughts on how to fix Jon Lester?  Kindly forward them on to Red Sox management or let me know (the Red Sox have a long history of ignoring my advice):

Matt@morethanafan.net or @tbone44444444

Also like More Than A Fan on facebook, and follow More Than a Fan on Twitter@MTAFSports

The post What’s Wrong With John Farrell & Juan Nieves appeared first on More Than A Fan.

Hello.

So here we are, Cleveland Sports Week in Review, Edition #3! Included this week, fan freak outs, Twitter GM’s, a job offer, and LIES. Let’s get rolling, thanks for joining me this week. I hope you enjoy the Week in Review.

The Indians lost their seventh in a row here, and to say that the fans were getting a little restless, watching the losses mount and flashbacks to collapses in 2011 and 2012 continue to come to mind, is perhaps understating things a bit…

@B_B_B_Bruno @Mo_Hanlon @SportsCenter the Indians suck

— Bobby Chapman (@bobbo_19) June 10, 2013

Wow Indians suck.

— David Moline (@Dirty_Dave094) June 10, 2013

The Indians suck again

— Jeff Susalla (@JeffS2708) June 9, 2013

Indians continue to suck

— Jake Capezzuto (@jake_cap25) June 9, 2013

Indians suck

— Jordan Lorenz (@jordanL14) June 9, 2013

As I said, understated. We all know the Indians don’t “suck”…well, maybe we don’t “know” that for certain…but whe-….aw, screw it. I got nothing. The Indians suck…you guys win. Season’s over, pack-up the truck. Losing eight of one-hundred and sixty-two pretty much mathematically eliminates the Tribe, right?

Or, it doesn’t, and people just like to freak-out. Either way.

Eight in a row.

I’m not going to go crazy taking the temperature of the fans here, just go read the Sunday entry again if you want to know what people thought of this game. As we now know, this was the end of the losing streak, and things got a little better from here for the Wahoos this week, so let’s just skip-ahead to that, and leave the losing streak behind in the dust…

Alright. Just one.

@gaamcire yeah its brutal right now. Were 18-4 just last month and now the Indians are 4-18 dropping eight in a row.

— Matt Schickler (@mschickler07) June 11, 2013

5-2 WIN! HALLELUJAH!!

Among the losing streaks this win popped a bullet into, were an overall eight-game losing streak and a twelve-game road losing streak. Also, there was what seemed like a 500-game losing streak to the Rangers, because it just feels to me like they always kick our ass, no matter if we’re good and they suck, or if they’re good and we suck. Doesn’t matter, we get our brains beat-in by the Rangers on the regular.

For that reason, this win was freaking huge for the Indians. Like, mega-huge. Double-gulp-huge. Huger than the hugest-huger.

The #Indians finally snap their losing streak and the #Heat get blown out in game three of the Finals. Good day in sports.

— Tom Hersh (@TheBigSqueezy) June 12, 2013

Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that other thing. That freakin’ rocked too. What a good day Cleveland fans had today! This was one of those days that you wish you could bottle-up and save for later, because you just know things are going to suck again at some point soon, and we’re gonna need the positive energy then to bust us out of whatever that is.

The Indians won another game against Texas, 5-2!

Unbelievable. They get their heads smashed-in for over a week, and then somehow pull themselves together and start kicking Texas’s ass like it’s nothing. How do you even verbalize how weird this is? We never beat Texas as it stands, much less twice in a row, coming-off an eight game losing streak, in Texas, after twelve road losses in a row, with the fans shooting laser-death-rays at the players through Twitter…

BOOM. Two in-a-row.

By the way, if there’s ever been a doubt as to who the most popular bench boss is in Indians history, let the question be answered for all eternity. It’s not even close.

Indians won yesterday, they won again today, that's two in a row, we win one tomorrow that's called a winning streak. It has happend before.

— Matt Fee (@MattFee4) June 13, 2013

“@MLBastian: Indians won yesterday. The win today makes it two in a row. If they win Friday, that's called a winning streak. #LouBrown”

— Ethan Wenger (@ethanwenger8) June 13, 2013

Indians won yesterday. The win today makes it two in a row. If they win Friday, that's called a winning streak. #LouBrown

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) June 13, 2013

"We won a game yesterday. We win won today, that's two in a row. We win on Friday, that's called a winning streak." #Indians

— Adam Wells (@adamwells1985) June 13, 2013

Alright @Indians lets win two in a row thats called a winning streak #loubrown #Indians

— Brett Hoy (@hitmanhoy84) June 13, 2013

We won yesterday, if we win today thats two in a row. If we win tomorrow thats called a winning streak. It has happened before. @Indians

— Don Hessey (@jrhessey) June 12, 2013

The #Indians won a game tonight. We win one tomorrow…that's two in a row. We win the next one and that's called a winning streak.

— Matt (@mattsivillo) June 12, 2013

#RIPLOUBROWN

Not much in the way of sports on Thursday, but it’s probably a good thing because WE WERE ALL GOING TO DIE ANYWAY!!

Of course, the Weatherheads on the tweeter-machine were predicting the end times, as usual.

FYI – the Severe Storm Watch for our area tonight is a Particularly Dangerous Situation watch…widespread damage possible #clewx

— Betsy Kling – WKYC (@BetsyKling) June 13, 2013

@AllanFee watching Jeff tanchak freak out and flail on live television can be quite exhausting.

— Emmy Spallz (@emmyspallz) June 13, 2013

I hid under my bed for a while, but soon realized the fact that nothing was happening outside – at all, so I got-up and went to sleep pissed-off. IT BARELY RAINED WHERE I LIVE, WTF IS THAT?? I WAS PROMISED STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND STUFF! HAIL! I WAS TOLD THE WORLD WAS ENDING, YOU SAID I WAS GOING TO DIE BETSY KLING, WHY DIDN’T THAT HAPPEN??

The Indians keep “rolling”, beating Washington 2-1 at Progressive Field.

This game was all about the Indians and their

SEC SPEED

I didn’t make that up, although I wish I had…haha

The #Indians have some SEC speed.

— Ryan (@Isley23) June 15, 2013

Win some, lose some…and the Indians lost this one to Washington 7-6.

Oh you Indians fans…how quickly the tide turns on a favorite son. Et tu, Brute? Then fall Swisher.

Wish the Tribe could've pulled of the win but Nick Swisher screwed it up

— Nick Zimmerman (@Nick_Zimmerman4) June 16, 2013

Nick Swisher really let everyone down tonight

— Travis Zochowski (@T_Zochowski15) June 16, 2013

I want to separate these two from the tool up next.

Everyone who loved the Nick Swisher signing, you guys are idiots……I tried to tell you

— Dan Becks (@dan_becks) June 16, 2013

People like this jackass on Twitter can seriously go blow themselves. “I told you BLAH BLAH BLAH!”…Just shut-up. If you were so damn smart, you’d be picking players for the Yankees. Instead, you’re not.

YOU GUYS REMEMBER RIGHT I TOLD YOU XXXX WAS GONNA SUK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO ME I RULE@@@@+!!!

Just stop it d00d, nobody is impressed with you Twitter-GM skills. Nick Swisher will be fine. It’s called a slump, and it happens to everybody, including you at the Waffle House or wherever you’re employed to clean toilets at. I’m sure you’ve missed poop-splatter before. It happens. Same thing here.

All this hate for Swish leads into a larger discussion. Why is it that players can never slump without being a bust, washed-up, and accused of stealing the money in their contract? Everybody’s great, until they go 3-for-30 or whatever. Then, they’re worthless and should have never been signed/drafted/promoted. Grow-up, it’s baseball. You’re a Hall-of-Famer if you only fail three out of every ten times you bat. Stuff happens, get a helmet.

Oh, and I should mention, the Cleveland Fusion kicked the snot out of the Michigan Mayhem. Check it!

It's a WIN for the first week of the playoffs!!!! Final score 35-6. Way to go ladies!!!! Next stop: Chicago #fusion2013 #laceup #playoffs

— Cleveland Fusion (@clevelandfusion) June 16, 2013

I’m really glad they won, because I feel like I had a personal stake in the game, haha. Way to go Fusion!

OK, let’s dive right into it. Big doins’ this week

Marco

#&$$^$ you this is the worst blog i ever read. Thankyou for wasting 20 minutes of my life I’ll never get back loser. Learn to write and not just post tweets.

Let me help you. I’m sure you meant that THIS is the worst blog you’ve ever read. I can handle being second-worst-ever, but that dude’s blog is definitely the worst. Email me back next week and let me know if I’m right.

REDACTED

Hello, my name is REDACTED, a REDACTED-based writer and broadcaster and I am contacting you in regards to a writing opportunity for a series of soon-to-launch REDACTED websites known as REDACTED. There will be one main site running the top REDACTED stories of the day to go along with REDACTED individual ones for each team. I am looking to staff anywhere between 2-5 writers in the Cleveland market (can be living outside the city). While we have all probably written thousands and thousands of unpaid words, this is a chance to make a few extra bucks to write daily about the REDACTED and the REDACTED.

I have attached an info sheet with the basics about this chance to cover the REDACTED league in REDACTED. We are planning a soft-launch on REDACTED with a full-blown launch for REDACTED. In addition, we just got the screen shots for the mock-ups of the sites and they look real sharp.

Give me a shout back if you would like to be involved or know any other writers/bloggers with a passion for the REDACTED. In addition, I will be looking for people that can sell local ad space in this market, so if you have experience yourself or know someone with that background, please let me know. Also, if you are interested in potentially covering a different team/market, email REDACTED for REDACTED teams, REDACTED for REDACTED teams or REDACTED for those in the REDACTED.

See what four moderately successful articles on a moderately successful sports blog can get you? OPPORTUNITY, BITCHES! I sent an email back saying, essentially, “lol wat?”, and have yet to hear back. Stay tuned.

PS: No Overlord, I’m not leaving. I can multitask. I like it here. The rooms are cheap.

Hey, speaking of the Overlord…

@CommonManDZ Apple displeases me. I don't like their products. I'm a big boy who does fancy things and have made an informed decision.

— Josh Flagner (@RailbirdJ) June 14, 2013

Sent from “Twitter for iPhone”. I swear to God.

If you would like to email me to have your question printed in the MTAF MAILBAG (because as you can see, I’ll print just about anything I get), fire-off a high, hard-one to dz@morethanafan.net, and we’ll get you published!

Follow me on TWITTER, and watch me NOT be a total a-hole like most bloggers at @CommonManDZ. I follow back all non-spambot followers. Seriously.

See you guys next week!

The post Cleveland Sports Week in Review: Week Ending 6/15/13 appeared first on More Than A Fan.

As a Cleveland sports fan who only really remembers the “new” version of the Cleveland Browns, I have become accustomed to 4-12 and 5-11 finishes every year.  There shouldn’t be an excuse for this team to repeat recent history. The garbage that we continue to see, on and off the field, has to stop. I couldn’t care less that it is this regime’s first year. It is time to put up or shut up for the Browns.

The 2013 offseason has been full of drama, per usual, for the Browns, even more so than in the Randy Lerner Era. The recent Pilot Flying J Drama and the Josh Gordon “sizurrpgate”, are certainly a handful, even as the Browns are concerned.

People also seem to think that Trent Richardson is injury prone. Well guess what? I don’t care about any of that; the time to win is now. I don’t expect the Browns to win the Super Bowl like twitter celebrity, Hiram Boyd, nor do I expect them to be a legitimate playoff contender. Eight or nine wins seems fair to me.

The Browns spent a majority of their offseason efforts on trying to improve the defense. Obviously there are still a few weaknesses, but by all accounts, the defense is much better than the unit that allowed 23 ppg last season and was the 5th most penalized.

With Paul Kruger, Desmond Bryant, and Quentin Groves coming in as free agents and Barkevious Mingo as the first round draft pick, the Browns defense will certainly look better than the 2012 bunch. It will be an added bonus to hopefully have Joe Haden for all 16 games, as well as a healthy Phil Taylor and TJ Ward. Ray Horton will bring a style that is a complete 180 from Dick Jauron with blitzes coming from every angle and (GASP) an emphasis on pressuring the opposing quarterbacks! Overall the Browns defense has the makings of a possible top 10 defense, should all things go well. Inevitably, injuries will happen, but with new found depth this should no longer be the problem it was in the past.

Offensively, I expect an even bigger improvement than what we will see from the defense. Brandon Weeden, who I believe was unfairly criticized to an extreme last season, should be much more comfortable in new coach Rob Chudzinki’s downfield and  attacking style offense.  He will also have a few more weapons to work with. Aside from Josh Gordon’s game hiccup for sipping the sizzurp, this offense has a very solid wide receiving corps. David Nelson and Davone Bess add to what I expect to be a much improved duo of Josh Gordon and Greg little. I also expect to see Travis Benjamin and his speed utilized in Chud’s offense. The offensive line continues to be a strength of this team and, if T-Rich can stay on the field, I am not at all worried about the running game.

Despite the loss of all world, all everything, elite superstar, stud kick returner (heavy sarcasm, if you couldn’t tell) Josh Cribbs, I actually expect the return game to be an improved aspect of this team. I am probably a little hard on Cribbs at times, but his skills have greatly diminished and it was time for a change. I don’t know if the Browns plan on using Travis  Benjamin as a full time punt and kick returner or not, but his breakaway speed will always be a threat. The big question on Special Teams will be both the punting game (which we seem to have to do a lot) and the kicking game with the loss of Mr. Cleveland Brown,(and my favorite Browns player since ‘99), Phil Dawson.

The simple fact my favorite Brown is a kicker is a huge indictment on this franchise’s success since the big return. Here is to hoping the majority of the FG kicking we are doing is of the 19 yard, extra point variety.

Are there still weaknesses and questions about this team?

Yes, plenty, but the excuses are no longer acceptable.

I don’t know how long I can continue to put up with 4 and 5 win teams. Browns fans deserve better. Browns fans, aside from a few of the crazies, are some of the most loyal in the league. I know how rough it’s been for me in the years since ’99, but I can only imagine how older diehard Browns fans feel. The time is now to turn the franchise’s fortunes around.

I may be one of the few who believe, but I am very excited about the Banner/Lombardi regime. I feel they’ll finally turn the pile of crap we have seen since the return, into a solid and winning group.

Finally, just to have some fun, I’ll play the schedule game. Try not to hold me to this, as many things can and will change by the time September 8th rolls around!

Aaron's 2013 Browns season prediction

Yea, that’s right @sportsguytony, or whatever your Twitter handle is now. I gave the Browns a W against the Minnesota Vikings.

Final prediction: 9-7

I even added in the unexpected win (at Cincinnati) and the unexpected loss (at Kansas City). 9-7 would be a tremendous start for Banner and Lombardi. Realistically, this team is probably closer to 7 wins than 9, but I say this is the year that we actually catch a few breaks that turn in to wins rather than being on the other end. Is this a playoff team? Probably not, and like I previously stated, I don’t expect it to be. It shouldn’t be too much to ask to still be in playoff contention when Poopsburgh comes to town in week 11.

Maybe we won’t have to see the urine and black-clad, false teeth wearingSsteelers fans invade First Energy Stadium. I say it’s time to start expecting more and, for once, I think the Browns will deliver!

What do you think Browns fans? Do you think I expect too much? What is a realistic finish to the season and what do you expect?

The post Making a Case for the Browns in 2013 appeared first on More Than A Fan.

We’ll just go ahead and file this column in the “pipe dream” folder.

What I’m about to suggest doesn’t apply to just baseball, but to all sports. Why people only want baseball pure, not football and basketball, baffles me daily; but that’s another column.

Anyway, the quickest and easiest solution to baseball’s PED problem is simple: 1^st offense nets a season suspension, including playoffs, All-Star, and any award considerations. The 2^nd offense nets a lifetime ban. This can’t really be that difficult, can it?

Sure, many current players wouldn’t be active under my suggested punishment schedule, but the fact of the matter is, we are all complicit in allowing PEDs in sports. Yeah, all of us. Players, fans, media, ownership…we’re all responsible.

The players, through what is most likely the most powerful union in the world, gave the impression they care about keeping the sport clean. In fact, they suggested the current punishment schedule to the owners in the last Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Did you know that, because most people didn’t? And, of course, the owners took them up because they figured if the players suggested it, it must be good for the sport. The owners were probably right, but the players left enough loopholes to where we sit with poor policies.

The owners clearly didn’t care about drugs in the past, because if they had, we wouldn’t have seen this problem go unchecked for years, maybe even a generation or two. The owners made massive profits from players like Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, and Jose Canseco. To suggest the owners and the media weren’t aware of what was happening in locker rooms is a slap in the face to anyone who can add 2 + 2.

But, hey, us fans had a hand in this also. We loved the home runs, the battle for the home run king, and all the offensive excitement it provided. In fact, I’ll admit at some point I didn’t care if athletes used steroids. Sometimes I think it’s easier to regulate those drugs once they’re legal rather than making them illegal. For the record, I’m only talking about PEDs, not marijuana.

All that said, if the owners and the players care about the reputation and the public perception of this sport, they will at some point, or in the next CBA, agree on a punishment schedule similar to the one I’ve suggested.

Have I mentioned this is a pipe dream? The players’ union will never agree to a one-step banishment from the sport.

To expand on this idea for a moment – when I suggested the players are banned for life, I mean Pete Rose banned. These players are to never play, coach, or work in the front office at any professional baseball level.

Teams of first time offenders will be able to void the contracts of offended (?) players, which obviously would only have a serious effect on players who have large, long-term contracts, but I would hope that alone would deter anyone from using PEDs.

Voiding the contract not only allows the teams to relieve themselves of base salary obligations, but also relieves them of fulfilling any incentive and escalator clauses that may exist. It also gives the player a second chance with another team, should a team be willing to take that chance.

The only way I can suggest this testing process is fair to not only the league, but more importantly, the player, is to take it out of the hands of Major League Baseball. I say this not because I don’t think MLB can properly manage this, but because if we’re suggesting we ban someone from their primary form of income for life, they should be afforded the most transparent process available.

My only suggested group would be the World Anti-Doping Agency. I’m not suggesting they’re awesome, but I have more faith in that group than in the one that MLB employs right now. By the way, MLB employs themselves for drug testing through a third party that they select.

That doesn’t seem transparent at all.

All that was a great pipe dream, wasn’t it? So, what would you do if you had the opportunity to change how Major League Baseball handled its PED violators? What do you think of my suggested penalty schedule?

The post Pipe Dream: Season and Lifetime Bans now Appropriate for PED users appeared first on More Than A Fan.

DISCLAIMER: Most of the things I say here, I am kidding about. Kind of. And thanks to DZ, Dan Zaleski, for the idea!

I am ugly.

I have no friends.

Everyone hates me.

These are all the things that are running through my mind as I ask countless people to attend the Tribe game tonight. No one will go with me.  All I’ve been thinking about since the hellish nine game road-trip started is returning to the Jake and rooting the Tribe back into the plus column.

I would fly solo, but I don’t know if I’m trying to get pity stares from the young couple next to me, the old couple behind me, the group of friends to the left of me, and the family to the right of me. And I definitely don’t want to be that one guy who is alone with his headphones on, wearing long white socks, white shoes, jorts, and a 20-year old Tribe hat. Eventually, I’ll be that guy, but not today. I still have hope.

People often say I need a girlfriend, but I’m not willing to entertain the idea of a girlfriend who isn’t wife material. I’m stuck-up, arrogant, and insane for this theory, I know, but that’s for a different time.

If I had a girlfriend, however, maybe I could go to a Tribe game. Maybe I should lower my incredibly high standards. That way, I’ll have someone to schlep around to Tribe games to make me look as if I’m not pathetic, even though I am.

On the other hand, having a girlfriend would take away from the time I spend doing statistical analysis on Brandon Weeden, studying Urban Meyer’s offense from it’s roots (get ready for that piece… it’s going to be a good one), or going through each possibility the Cavs could entertain going into the draft. (Can I please just be the gosh-darn GM of one of these teams already? I’ll do it for free!)

Whatever. I don’t see Mrs. Right coming through that door any time soon, so that’s pointless.

What do I do?

Wait a minute…

Maybe it’s not my ugliness, lack of friends, or my perpetual magnet of hatred that is causing the constant rejection of Tribe-going.

Maybe it’s the Tribe itself. That would turn the blame from me, to the people rejecting me.

Me thinks that if the Tribe hadn’t been 2-8 in their last ten games, maybe I’d have someone to go with tonight. Maybe if this was 1998, I could easily find a Tribe-partner. Maybe, this is the article I just wrote, coming to life.

That would disappoint me greatly.

I know that my Tribe-rejection is not due to the promotional schedule.

No, no, no.

Tonight is Dollar Dog AND Fireworks. That means that you can stuff your face with frankfurters as long as your little heart desires, without taking out a mortgage, while watching things blow up in the sky. It’s an American dream come true.

So, that’s what it’s come down to: it’s either me or the team itself.

If it’s me, I get it. I’m not the guy you want to go to the Tribe game with. I’m ugly, friendless, and stinky. Whatever. But, if it’s the Tribe itself that’s keeping you away from the stadium… SHAME ON YOU! This team is in the thick of things and they would truly appreciate your support.

This is not, I repeat, THIS IS NOT, last year’s team. This is not a cheap-trick that Shapiro and Antonetti tried to pull over our eyes that eventually exposed itself instead.

The Indians have legitimate talent, have spent legitimate money, and will be a legitimate contender come August. I can almost assure you.

I am sick of repeating this over and over, and you’re sick of listening over an over.

So, for this time, I’m just going to blame it on myself. You really do want to go to the Tribe game, but you don’t want to go because you’d have to go with me.

I get it.

My feelings aren’t even hurt.

As long as it’s not because of the recent losing skid, I’m fine with it.

I’m legitimately still thinking of flying solo. That’s how bad it’s getting. I may just take on those stares. Maybe I’ll dress up in disguise. Who knows?

At least I’m with this team through thick and thin. Regardless of how ugly, friendless, and hateable I am.

Enjoy your social lives. I’ll be watching the Tribe.

The post A Lonely Tribe Fan: Ugly Me or Fickle You? appeared first on More Than A Fan.

by Ryan Isley

For the past couple of months, the “My Two Cents” column on Fridays has been a forum for me to look at three different stories in the world of sports and give my opinions on them. Today was going to be no different. And ironically, it was going to be an all-NASCAR edition. There were several things going on in the world of NASCAR that I wanted to touch on, from Brad Keselowski to TNT’s coverage to this week’s Father’s Day race at Michigan International Speedway.

After the events of Wednesday night, those things all became trivial.

So this week’s “My Two Cents” will be an abbreviated version and will deal with just one topic.

On the Passing of Jason Leffler:

I was feeling especially tired on Wednesday night, so I laid down on the couch to watch the Indians game and ended up falling asleep at about 9:15. When I woke up about an hour later, I checked Facebook and saw a status from one of my friends referencing that Jason Leffler had passed away earlier in the evening. Not wanting to believe that it was indeed the Jason Leffler I thought she meant, I immediately searched for Leffler on Google, where the reality hit me quickly.

Leffler, 37, had been killed in a wreck at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey, a dirt track outside of the Philadelphia area.

While fans were all giving their thoughts on social media, so were other drivers. And that wasn’t just NASCAR drivers, as Leffler had driven in many different series. There were drivers from every aspect of racing who were giving their memories of Leffler and expressing their disbelief in what had happened. Some even mentioned that while they know every time they strap into the car that they may not make it through the race, it is still a shock when something like this happens.

It was just another example of how close the racing community is, especially when tragedy strikes. It reminded me of the pouring out of support and emotions when Dan Wheldon was killed in the 2011 IndyCar race at Las Vegas.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of this story is that Leffler leaves behind a five-year-old son, Charlie Dean. Jeff Gluck of USA Today sent out a tweet from Leffler’s Instagram account of a picture of Jason and Charlie Dean standing outside a racetrack and then tweeted out the link to Jason’s Instagram account.

Taking a few moments to go through the photos – with numerous pictures of Jason and Charlie Dean – it was impossible not to begin to tear up. There was a picture of the two of them together from the day of Charlie Dean’s kindergarten graduation that painted a fantastic picture of father and son. It unfortunately also brought home the stark reality that there was a five-year-old that had spent the final days with his father.

So when you watch the races this weekend, don’t forget – this may look like just a bunch of left turns, but these guys are putting their lives on the line each and every time they fire up a car and they have families like the rest of us.

And at some point, please remember Jason Leffler and say a prayer for Charlie Dean Leffler - the kid needs it right now. After all, this weekend is Father’s Day.

Comments? Questions? You can leave them here or email Ryan at ryan@morethanafan.net

The post My Two Cents on the Passing of Jason Leffler appeared first on More Than A Fan.

Hello.

I’ve spent a great-deal of time considering just how to open this column. Trying to sell women’s football to the sports-loving masses is difficult, even in the best of circumstances, for reasons that are wholly unrelated to the actual product on the field.

To understand the general difficulty of trying to promote women’s athletics, you have to take a step-back and look at the landscape of sports on a whole, and in particular, the view of professional and amateur women’s sports in comparison to the equivalent men’s sports. Basketball, hockey, track and field, etc. If you do so, it becomes obvious that there is a fairly large schism that exists between mainstream adoption of games played by men, and those played by women.

Now, this isn’t the article where I take-on all the reasons and/or cultural biases for the differing views of men’s and woman’s sports, there’s plenty of time for that down the road. No, what I want to talk about today is a particular women’s team that has, from my experience around them, completely changed the way I look at the entirety of female sports – in particularly football. AMERICAN football. It’s time to let the secret of the Cleveland Fusion women’s football team out of the bag, and into the stream of Cleveland’s conscious thoughts.

So, when I say “women’s football” to you, as a reader of the fairly popular sports blog that we have going here, what is the very first image that pops into your head?

Be honest with yourself. I already know the answer. It’s this, isn’t it.

I don’t blame you for your thoughts immediately turning to the LFL (Lingerie Football League – now the Legends Football League…the name even felt dirty to them!), because it’s the only women’s football league that has gotten any real “national” run in the last few years. For all the wrong reasons, mind you, but national run all the same. Chances are, you’ve heard of them. There’s even a local team here, in Cleveland.

But that’s not the only game in town when it comes to women’s football. In fact, it’s not even a blip on the radar by comparison. There’s another team, much different than the Cleveland Crush, where the girls wear real helmets, real shoulder pads, and actual pants. And the game they play looks something like this.

Being honest with yourself for a second, if you didn’t already know that I was talking about a women’s football team, and you watched the video above, would you have been able to tell? Would you have known that those were women throwing, catching, running, and hitting, just like the players do in every football game you’ve ever watched?

Right. Me either. And that, friends, is the premise behind the Cleveland Fusion.

“Real Women. Real Football.” is their slogan. And they should add “they’re really, really good” to it, ’cause they are. You just didn’t know it, until now.

The Fusion are 8-0 this season, and begin the 2013 playoffs this Saturday, June 15th at 7:00pm. More on that in a bit.

Fusion game-action from 2012

8-0 is certainly impressive, whether you’re playing tiddlywinks or doubles badminton. So the question becomes:

“Just how good are the Fusion this year?”

They’re scary good, at least according to second-year head coach Erik Keister, an expert on such things.

“You know, we gave-up our first defensive touchdown in the seventh game this year.” Coach Keister told me in a chat I was able to have with him (over the phone) last week, two days before the Fusion’s 48-0 annihilation of Maryland, in Maryland. “We’ve only allowed 18 points all year, and 12 of those were on offensive turnovers.” Keister continued, sounding like a proud poppa talking about one of his children’s successes in school or a science fair. “Our defense has been unbelievable this year,”.

Coach Keister’s enthusiasm aside, the Fusion’s vaunted 3-4 defense isn’t the only reason they’re winning football games. In football…real football like the Fusion play…you have to be good on both sides of the ball to go 8-0, and win road games 400 miles from home 48-0. Offense is an important cog in the machine of success as well.

“Our quarterback, Beth Andrasik. She’s phenomenal. She’s completed something like 60% of her passes this season. And we’re not talking about two-yard swing passes here.” You can tell Coach Keister loves talking about these women. You can hear the sense of pride he has in their success this season bubbling-up in him over the phone as our chat continued. He called-out veteran RB Martina Latessa as a leader on offense, and rookie RB Chawnte Johnson, a 19 year-old, who plays behind Latessa, and who’s football resume includes a stop at Lutheran East.

You know, the men’s team.

The Cleveland Fusion were founded in 2002. Not last year. Not the year before. 2002. That’s eleven years ago, and the Fusion have been a flagship franchise in the various women’s professional leagues and alliances that the team has been a part of over the years, through no fault of their own. The Fusion are a model franchise in women’s football. A trend setter. A success story. And you’ve still never heard of them. Well, until now that is.

The Fusion play in the Women’s Football Alliance now, a conglomerate of 62 women’s football teams around the country. The WFA is the largest collection of such in the world, and also the largest in the history of women’s football.

As one can imagine, the business of running a football league for the fairer sex is difficult. Social and gender-based stereotypes take away potential fans “right off the top” out of (some potential fans) own sheer ignorance, even before they’re ever exposed to the product. A product they would probably like, all things being equal. But things are not equal, and the Cleveland Fusion have a lot of battles to fight – some of them in their own backyard – if they want to really grow the product they’ve been selling since ’02.

“The Lingerie League casts negative shadows.” said Keister, when asked if the LFL has helped or hurt the perception of women’s football, in general. “It’s more like wrestling, or an Arena League team. People watch that sport for different reasons.”

Keister than compared the experience of watching the LFL to watching his Cleveland Fusion team. “Our games are exciting and fun. People that come (to the games) get addicted. They’re surprised how entertaining it is.”

I’ve had the chance to watch the Fusion in person on a number of occasions. Last year, while I was still running CSF Radio, we did a live remote broadcast from Cleveland Fusion Media Day. CSF Radio also broadcast a handful of Fusion games, with live play-by-play. I can tell you from experience, it was a lot of fun.

I can also tell you, from experience, that the football…the actual real football on the field…was tremendous. The highest compliment I can pay the Cleveland Fusion, and maybe the best way to relate the team to the football fans of Northeast Ohio, is to say that if you didn’t know going in that these were women playing the game, you would never figure it out, until someone removed their helmet I guess. They sure don’t play like women, or at least, what our perceptions of what women playing football usually look like.

It should also be noted, that the Fusion are a 100% volunteer organization on-field. All the players are playing football because they want to, not because they’re trying to collect a paycheck. It’s all about the love of the game for them. A love of football…the mechanics of it. The teamwork. The camaraderie. You know, all the reasons that people used to play sports. All the reasons we bitch and moan about today’s professional athletes. “Those greedy SOB’s” is not an uncommon thing to hear in a loaded sports bar when things go awry with your favorite pro team. These women, the opposite of “Greedy SOB’s” play for the thing that is missing in many of the professional teams we give of ourselves to support and cheer for.

Heart.

Heart is the essence of sport. The essence of football. Keister continued with his laudations for his players, “We’ve got one girl about to start Med School (Kayleen Bowden), and another in law school (Katie Green). These girls juggle a lot to be able to play. Finding practice time can, at times, be difficult. But we make it work.”

Coach Erik Keister is not a johnny-come-lately to coaching football. He has been an assistant in the high school ranks, (two years at Beechwood, four years at Bedford) and at Case Western Reserve in his career. But right now, he is focused exclusively on the Fusion. The passion he has for his team, and his players, is real.

He mentions Leann McKey, who leads the WFA in sacks this season, and FS Angela Mason, who is the league leader in interceptions. He wishes he could call out all the women who play for him specifically, because they’re all important to the Fusion’s success this season.

I asked Coach Keister what people could do to support the Fusion, should this article inspire anybody to do so. “Just show-up Saturday” was his response. The team does hold sporadic fundraisers and media events throughout the year, information about which can be found on the Fusion’s very well designed and informative web page: ClevelandFusion.com

As I mentioned earlier, the Fusion play in the first round of the WFA playoffs this Saturday night, June 15th, at 7:00pm. Their home field is Case Western Reserve Stadium, a map of which can be found below.

View Larger Map

About the game itself, the Fusion are taking-on the West Michigan Mayhem. I don’t have a scouting report on the Mayhem, but I do know that the Fusion have outscored their opponents this season 359-12, so I have to say, I like their chances in this one – blind pick or no.

Come-out, support the team, and give this brand of women’s football a chance. Saturday is the perfect opportunity. How many Cleveland teams have made the playoffs in the last few years? None? This is a great opportunity to watch playoff football, in case most of us Cleveland fans have forgotten what that looks like.

These girls are really, really good. “Real Women. Real Football.” indeed.

See you at the game!

The post The Cleveland Fusion: Women’s Football has Grown-Up and Cleveland Football Fans Should Grow-Up With It appeared first on More Than A Fan.

The post ML-“What Would”-B: What if the Dodgers Never Moved? appeared first on More Than A Fan.

Last week, I had a conversation with MTAF’s Mike Pellegrino (@mvpellegrino1) regarding the potential barriers to the AL and NL playing under the same set of rules.  There’s quite a few rule variations, but of course the biggest one to overcome is the DH.  The MLBPA is not going to allow the the DH to be sent away, not when a guy like David Ortiz can earn $13 million a year while only stepping to the plate four times a game.  This isn’t to take anything away from what Ortiz has done with the bat (or any other DH, for that matter), it’s just a fact that they wouldn’t have a job if there wasn’t a DH spot in the lineup.

The players aren’t going to give that up, either, because even guys that can still play the field right now will be looking at being a DH in the coming years.  Guys like Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Prince Fielder, and Miguel Cabrera amongst many others will one day be nothing more than a DH.  That’s important to consider as the leagues come together under the interleague schedule.

On the other hand, the National League isn’t predicated on the DH, and I’m not so sure the fans would be accepting of it, at least not in the immediate future.  I do imagine that part of the reason for the Houston Astros being asked strong-armed in to the AL West was to allow for expanded inter-league play.  I imagine that the line of thinking up in Herr Selig’s office is that NL fans will eventually become acclimated to the DH, and at some point in the future, the NL will accept the DH.

As for me, I hope the NL doesn’t accept the DH.  I hope the fans, the players, managers, and GMs reject the notion that a pitcher shouldn’t step to the plate.

Why?

For moments like the one above, chiefly, it was erroneously reported that Grienke was struck in the helmet, which is not a true statement.  If you stop the video at the 3:53-3:54 mark, you’ll see that he clearly takes the pitch off of his left shoulder area.  Sure, it was up and in, but the argument is easily made that he had it coming.

Whether or not Ian Kennedy had intended to hit Yasiel Puig or not is debatable.  When Grienke hit Montero, it was with obvious intent.  He missed twice to start the at-bat before picking up strike one on his third pitch and then he drilled Montero on the fourth pitch.  Grienke was defending his teammate, which is understandable, but he should understand that there may be consequences.  Especially when he was due up second in the next half inning.

Whether or not pitchers should be throwing at each other, and especially up and in is a debate I’m willing to entertain.  However, I think it pitchers stepping in to the box is one of the better parts of NL ball, because it should hold a pitcher accountable.  It’s alright to plunk a guy, but you need to be prepared for the possible repercussions.  If the NL moves to the DH, that takes something away from the strategy of a game in certain situations.

Should pitchers be more careful when they’re plunking guys?  Of course.  A 90+ mph pitch to the head, even with a helmet on can cause serious damage.  Pitches to the back pocket or even in the back seem to be acceptable, and that is where pitchers should throw.  When they get up and in, they should expect retribution.

That’s something that Ian Kennedy might want to keep in mind when he next faces the Dodgers.  Whatever his intent was, the Dodgers believe that they owe him one.  Thank goodness that under the current rules, they’ll have a chance to pay him back directly.

Should the NL and AL play by the same rules?  Should the DH stay or should it go?

Let me know what you think:

Matt@morethanafan.net or @tbone44444444

Also like More Than A Fan on facebook, and follow More Than a Fan on Twitter@MTAFSports

The post Ian Kennedy and Zack Grienke Show Why NL Ball is Better appeared first on More Than A Fan.

As Buckeye fans we have been spoiled, we have experienced great success over the past decade while others in our geographic region have not.  Traditional powers such as Notre Dame, Penn State and Michigan have experienced a small amount of success nationally.   While the Buckeyes have experienced their fair share of national exposure defeats, they have also won at that level, going all the way back to Miami a decade ago, as well as BCS wins over Notre Dame, Kansas State, Oregon and Arkansas.  So naturally, we have come to expect to be the best in our region of the country year in and year out.  In fact the Buckeyes have made nine BCS appearance winning an absurd six of those matchups.

When John Cooper took over the program, he made the Buckeyes a perennial power within the Big Ten, who once in a while had an impact nationally.  Jim Tressel built on that and made winning the Big Ten a normal occurrence, while competing nationally became much more common.  We have now moved on to Urban Meyer and with that the expectations have grown.  Winning Big Ten titles and competing in BCS bowl games every year is now expected.  The expectations now are to be competing for the National Championship each and every year.

It’s possible that we may be putting impossible expectations on the Buckeyes, while every team would love to compete at that level, very few have been able to sustain that level of success.  We would like to believe that our Buckeyes can do it.  With that being said, within two years of taking on a program under serious sanctions form the NCAA, Urban Meyer has them lined up for a title run.

This isn’t coming from some homer who loves the Buckeyes; this is coming from the guys who handicap these sorts of things for a living.  Last week odds were released on every college football game this season.  Now these things will change all summer as players will leave programs, get hurt, or suspended.  The odds have the Bucks as double digit favorites in all but two games.  And in those two games (-8 @ Northwestern and -6 @ Michigan), the Bucks are still at least Touchdown favorites. 

So while Buckeye nation is ready to burst back on to the title scene, they aren’t the only ones expecting a great season.  We should be careful though on the expectations we place on a new coaching staff so early.  When Meyer took over I expected it to be in his third season where the Buckeyes were competing for a National Title.  While he kicked ass in recruiting right away, that first class is just entering its second year.  Impact players will come from the group, but a large amount of starters are still there from the previous regime.

It’s great to have title aspirations, but I am more concerned on being patient while building a title winning dynasty over making a quick run to the top for a short period of time.  Don’t get me wrong, I am pulling for another perfect season, but I’m not going to lose my mind over a 10-2 one.  The most important thing is that the team improves every game and every season under Meyer.  This is going to be a very exciting year for the Buckeyes and in no way is it a championship or bust season.  The expectations on this group are absolutely warranted, but looking at the current make-up of this team coupled with an excellent coaching staff, BCS Titles will be the goal every year.  Big Ten titles and BCS appearances will be expected. 

With all this being said about expectations and not setting them too high.  I still love my Buckeyes and stand by my prediction made at the end of last season.  Ohio State over Texas A&M in the title game.  With the Heisman Winning Braxton Miller defeating last year’s Heisman Johnny Manziel. 

The post Placing Expectations on the Buckeyes appeared first on More Than A Fan.

One of the easiest ways to engage a basketball fan in a spirited argument that may or may not eventually end in fisticuffs is to participate against him/her in a historical NBA draft.

I’ve had many “discussions” with “friends” trying to decide on the best 5 players of all time. As I read through Matt Kline‘s Face of the Franchise series, it seemed like such a good old-fashioned bar argument of a column that I wanted to write one of my own. With that in mind, I recruited an old friend of mine who has very recently become a first time father. I get someone to fight with, he gets to not think about feces and milk for a while, you get to see just how dumb 2 guys can be and tell us all about it in the comments section. Please give a cold, shivering welcome to a founding member of the masslive.com Fantasy 413, Dan Reynolds.

The rules for the NBA Historical Draft are as follows:

1.       It starts in 1985.  Because I think it’s garbage to draft players based solely on what others have written about them, and because historical NBA footage is mostly available to real NBA writers only, we’re going with what we’ve seen.  If you draft Bill Walton, you’re not getting 1978 Walton.  You’re getting the guy who played 6^th man for the greatest team in history (1986 Celtics). I was born in ’77, Dan was born a few years earlier, so we can base decisions on guys we saw play the game.

2.       All other players you get at their peak.  You don’t have to choose which Jordan you get – if you take him, you get his best version night in and out.

3.       Attitudes don’t matter.  If you want to draft Allen Iverson, you don’t have to be afraid that he’s going to sulk coming off the bench.

4.       Styles of play matter.  If you want to assemble guys that will beat the hell out of small guards, go nuts.  If you want to assemble Loyola Marymount’s run/gun offense, have fun.  But make sure your players compliment that style.

Your team has to win the game against my team. That’s the question voters will be asked when deciding who wins.

5.       Dan won the first pick, I have back to back picks at #s 2 and 3, then again at 9 and 10, and Dan has back to backs at 11 and 12. I don’t know – some internet site told us that was the most fair way to do a 2 man draft.

We’ll do this over a few parts this summer. I’ll try and keep each column around 1000 words. We’ll go through the first 8 picks today.

Dan won the coin toss and the right to pick first:

1. SG – Michael Jordan - No single player did as much for what we now call the modern NBA game as Jordan. He remains the standard for which every player is measured. The greatest player of his or any other generation.

Easy enough first pick, I think. By the way, Dan’s words will be in purple (he’s a freaking Lakers fan). You probably would’ve picked that up eventually, but I figured I’d speed that process up.

I’ve got back to back picks:

2. SF – Larry Bird – The best part of back to backs here is that I can pretend Larry would have been the #2 overall pick. On any team with this much talent, you’re going to need guys who live to share the ball. Bird is the greatest passing forward of all time. There is only one person more perfect for a team like this:

3. PG – Magic Johnson - The reason the Dream Team was so successful was Magic’s attitude and style of play. The reason the Showtime Lakers were so successful was Magic’s attitude and style of play. The ultimate point guard and the ultimate team leader.

4. C – Shaquille O’Neal - The Big Aristotle, Shaq-Fu, Diesel. Nuff said. A giant among men, the unstoppable force. Shaq inside and MJ on the perimeter; this could be over before we even get to the next round.

5. SF – LeBron James - Just for the fun of it, let’s keep drafting.

While I realize that Shaq’s going to be tough to defend inside, I think there’s a guy or two left out there that just might take on that challenge.

So yeah, LeBron’s my pick.  He’s the 2^nd most talented player in our pool of players, and I got him with the 5th pick. And not to get too stat-geeky, but PER is a very good judge of a player’s offensive prowess. I think there will be many, many better stats coming in the next few years, especially ones that incorporate off-ball work and defense, but for now it’s PER.

The top 10 PER seasons of all time have been had by 3 players – Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James.  Jordan has #s 3, 5, 8, and 9.  James has #s 4, 7, and 10 (he also has #11). Now that there’s no question that he can step up to the stage and win the biggest of games, we’re looking at someone on track to be the 2^nd best player in history (took me 20 minutes to write that sentence when you factor in the breaks for dry-heaving).

I’ve got James leading the 2^nd unit right now, but I could always slot him at SF and move Bird to PF depending on how the draft shakes out.  Back to you for #6.

6. C – Hakeem Olajuwon - I think this is turning into a game of chess and you may have brought your drama-queen out a tad too early. I was truly torn between this pick and another, but I’ve decided to hand you a nightmare of Nigerian proportions. Enter Hakeem.

 Rebounding, defense and the ability to score at will. I see your PER and stomp all over it with my pair of 7 footers.

7. PF – Tim Duncan - Wow, passing up a chance to draft the greatest Power Forward of all time, just to draft a Center you already have?  Colossal failure.

Give me Timmy Duncan.  Not only will I be able to match your twin towers by playing my Center next to Duncan, but I’m Greatest Of All Time at 3 of the 5 starting positions.

8. SG – Kobe Bryant -  Yes, I know I still have no PG  but there’s still A LOT of talent available. 

So now I’ll throw Jordan and Jordan Lite at you for 48 minutes. Plus he’s the closest thing, comparatively speaking, to #23. And yes I’m referring to Bryant as a thing because he’s a cold, calculating snake – but no one will ever question his unquenchable desire to win. And win he will vs. the zero defense in the middle you’re throwing at me. Best grab The Admiral with one of your back-to-backs.

Eight picks in, and we both think we’ve wrapped up the title. Here’s a snapshot of how our lineups look thus far. Please feel free to weigh in, and be as mean as possible. Especially to Dan – he’s still basking in that first child glow.

The post NBA Historical Draft – 1985-2013 appeared first on More Than A Fan.

by Ryan Isley

It was the night of May 25, 2007.

At first glance, that date may not mean anything to most people. Now add the names LeBron James and Donyell Marshall to that date and immediately it should hit you as to why that date is significant in the career of LeBron James and the history of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With the Detroit Pistons leading the Cavaliers 78-76 with 12 seconds to play in the game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron drove and kicked the ball out to Marshall, who missed a three-pointer in the final five seconds that ended up wrapping up a victory for the Pistons.

And that is when it started – the argument on whether LeBron James had the “clutch gene” or not.

But what is lost in the discussion is this – the play was the right basketball play. And it is a play that LeBron has repeated over the years. For LeBron, being clutch isn’t just about making baskets and scoring points – it is also about trying to make the right basketball play in every situation. And if that means finding an open teammate who has a better shot at scoring then he does, so be it.

And here is the thing: if Marshall hits that shot – as he had six times in the team’s previous game – nobody talks about the pass not being the right play or LeBron not being clutch. Don’t believe me? Ask Michael Jordan if he took criticism for passing to John Paxson or Steve Kerr. He didn’t because those guys hit the shots.

Even look at LeBron in the 2012 NBA Finals. He had a total of 25 assists in the final two games as the Miami Heat finished off the Oklahoma City Thunder to win LeBron’s first NBA title. He knew what guys had the hot hand and continued to find them at all points throughout the games.

LeBron’s unselfishness has always been something that makes him one of the best players in the NBA and has led to him winning four NBA MVPs in the last five seasons. But it is also what has cost him in the discussion of who is clutch.

When people look at the word “clutch” and try to define it, they always see who is scoring the points in the last minutes of the game. They look at guys like Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, etc. and see these guys putting points in the scoring column so they think LeBron is less clutch than guys like that, which is a fallacy.

Sometimes, it is the guys who make the plays and set up the scores that should be considered clutch. I would rather have someone who is willing to give the ball up for an open shot to a teammate than take a bad low-percentage shot just because they are the best player. After all, basketball is a team game. Why have four other guys out on the floor if you can’t trust them to hit shots?

Of course, LeBron has also shown the ability to throw the team on his back and carry them to a win when that seemed to be the only option for success. Flash back to that series against the Pistons mentioned earlier in this column. In the same building in which LeBron had passed off on the game-winning shot just 10 days earlier, LeBron orchestrated one of the best performances in Cavaliers history in game six.

With his team tied at two games apiece with the heavily-favored Pistons and with the Cavaliers leading by just one, LeBron took over and scored 29 of their final 30 points in the fourth quarter and two overtimes, including the last 25 points and all of their points in the overtime periods of the 109-107 Cavaliers win. He hit 11 of his final 13 shots in the game, including the game-winning layup with 2.2 seconds remaining in double overtime.

You can also look at game six of last season’s Eastern Conference Finals (ironic) against the Boston Celtics. With the Heat trailing in the series three games to two, LeBron scored 45 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and handed out five assists to tie the series and eventually led the Heat to a win in game seven to finish the series.

You want LeBron to score? He can do that as well. In last season’s postseason, he scored 30 or more points in 11 of the Heat’s 23 games and scored 26 or more points 21 times. He averaged 30.3 points per game throughout the playoffs but also added 9.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in one of the greatest postseasons in the history of the league.

And who could forget his streak to begin this season, where he scored 20 or more points in 32 straight games to start the season, only bested in the last 30 years by George Gervin in the 1981-82 season. That’s right – no Kobe, no Carmelo, no Durant (yet) and no, not even Jordan.

But at the end of the day, LeBron cares more about winning than he does scoring points. If the smart basketball play is to get someone else a shot, that is what he is going to do. If taking the game over and scoring points is what is needed, LeBron will do that too.

Another aspect of LeBron’s game that shows off his willingness to be more of a team player than a “me-first” player is his defense. At various points this season, LeBron has guarded all five positions on the basketball court which was one of the reasons that some people thought he deserved to be the league’s Defensive Player of the Year – an award in which he came in second to Marc Gasol.

The one play that typifies LeBron’s mindset on defense is the highlight block on Tiago Splitter in game two of the NBA Finals this past Sunday. Splitter went up to dunk as LeBron had rotated over and LeBron met him at the top with one of the cleanest blocks you will ever see.

After the game, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told the media that there a lot of players who would not have gone for the block for fear of getting dunked on and said it showed courage for a guy to challenge that play.  While I don’t know that courage is the correct word in that situation, Spoelstra was right. It takes something for a player – especially one of LeBron’s stature in the league – to take that chance he would get dunked on and be on the wrong side of the highlight reel. But again, LeBron showed his team-first attitude and took the challenge anyway.

So don’t dismiss LeBron’s unselfishness as being “unclutch” – it might just be the exact opposite.

Comments? Questions? You can leave them here or email Ryan at ryan@morethanafan.net

The post One of LeBron’s Greatest Strengths May Also be His Biggest Perceived Weakness appeared first on More Than A Fan.

Tim Tebow is reportedly signing a contract with the New England Patriots. Once news was out that this was going down, it spread like hot fudge on a sundae across all social media. Apparently, some people don’t like Tebow.

I think this is a great opportunity for Tebow. After coming into the league and just being tossed around by every coach and team, it’s nice to see him get a solid chance and behind a renowned QB like Tom Brady.

If Tebow had stayed in Denver, he would have been under Peyton Manning and gotten a real shot to learn under one of the best QBs in the league. Instead, the Broncos decided to ship him off to the New York Jets.

Was that Tebow’s fault? Absolutely not. He tried everything could but he never was really given that chance. He did not have a full year to get comfortable in his position at the next level. He was always the backup, but on the occasions when he did start, he played well. He even won a playoff game!

He may not be the best quarterback, but that’s because he hasn’t had time to really play and establish himself in the league. Combine that to the fact that getting sent to the Jets was probably one of the worst things that could have happened for his career.

I knew when he went to the Jets that it was a bad move. Rex Ryan loves and worships Mark Sanchez, and is never going to replace him. I think Ryan just wanted him so that it would influence Sanchez to work harder and give him competition.

I don’t think Ryan was really looking to use Tebow while he was there with the Jets. It was unfortunate because had Ryan capitalized on Tebow’s strengths, he could have been a solid quarterback for them.

I honestly believe that Tebow deserves this opportunity with the Patriots. No matter where Tebow goes, he’s going to a backup, so he might as well be a backup for someone like Brady. Brady is a no-doubt, future Hall of Fame player who should be able to help Tebow progress.

Lastly, if you don’t like Tebow because of his religious beliefs, you don’t have a leg to stand on*. He is entitled to have his views and beliefs. There are plenty of other athletes who use religion as their motivation. Religion has provided Tebow with his morals and values. He is responsible and doesn’t get into any type of off-season trouble. His religion has no effect on whether he is capable of throwing a football.

Follow me on Twitter at @Sportypants38!

Editor’s Note: *Or a knee to kneel on. 

The post Tim Tebow Deserves This Chance with the New England Patriots appeared first on More Than A Fan.

I don’t know if you noticed, but I haven’t been around Twitter for a while. I actually quit for the month of June and, outside of manning my scheduled shifts on the MTAF account, I haven’t peeked.

Last week though, I did see a few tweets showcasing Cleveland fanhood that piqued my interest, so I thought, maybe since I don’t really have an opinion on anything else, I’d write about what I saw and let you know where I stand.

For the record, and if you’ve known or followed me long enough, I’m not a 100% Cleveland fan. This probably bothers some of you, but it is reality. That takes me to the first part of my story.

I was born in Cleveland and have spent different amounts of time in various places for various reasons. To say I’ve been in more states than most of you is an understatement, so my loyalty is certainly different than yours.

I have loyalty to the Indians, because they were bad when I was little, very good when I was in high school, and have had ups and downs since. As much as I don’t like the NBA, if I had to pick a team, I’d probably pick the Cavs for similar reasons. They’ve had periods of time when they’ve been both good and downright terrible.

That leaves us with one last team, the Crunch.

I’m kidding, that leaves the Browns. This is going to be the deal breaker for a lot of you, but I’m just not a Browns fan. Can you really blame me? The team was gone while I was in high school and have been the worst team on this side of the Mississippi since 1999. They were decent while I was growing up, but I have no real connection to them.

So you might ask, “well, what’s your favorite NFL team?” The honest answer is that I don’t know. I say that because I don’t care. I’m a firm believer that people are more loyal to their college football teams than they are to their professional football teams.

People from Cleveland “hate” Bengals fans on Sunday, but “love” them as fellow Buckeyes on Saturday? Makes no sense to me.

So, I am asking an honest question. If you had to pick between your college football team and your NFL team, which would it be?

If you lived in SEC country, the answer is obvious. Up north, where we’ve had both NFL and college football forever, the answer isn’t so simple.

I think if you live in a state like Ohio, the Buckeyes take the cake over the Browns or Bengals, but it would be up for debate.

If you live in Indiana, however, the choice may be more clear. The Hoosiers aren’t a football power, the Colts have had past success, and, thanks to Andrew Luck, are looking a bright future in the face. Michigan folks have a clear choice as well, as Wolverine fandom overpowers Lions fandom.

Hmm, maybe the answer is obvious?

For some, that assessment isn’t the same, but here’s the thing: you’re allowed to like whichever team you want.

I just turned 31, I’m not married, and I have no kids (thank God), but one thing I’ve learned over my three decades about people in Cleveland is that they’re really passionate about their teams. Maybe to a fault.

I remember seeing a tweet from someone that said, “If I saw the hottest woman in the world and she was perfect for me, but found out she was a Steelers fan, I’d NEVER marry her.”

Let that sink in for a moment. You mean to tell me that you’re willing to pass on Mrs. Right because she happens to be a fan of the team that’s beaten the crap out of your team for 20-plus years? If you were talking about Mrs. Right Now, I could maybe see it.

I said all this to simply say, live a little.

Sports is supposed to be a place to get away from the everyday stresses. They are a place to hide from reality and enjoy yourself.

If your weekend is “ruined” because the Buckeyes, Browns, or Cavs lost a game, you might want to take a step back and reevaluate where you are in life.

If Chris Perez blows a save and your first instinct is to tweet him, call him a horrible name, and wish death upon him, you need to get to the 480 bridge and jump. At that very moment, you’ll realize how unimportant sports is compared to the game of life.

The older you get, the more your temperament should change about sports. If you’re 22 and you want to have 50 beers and argue and spit at Browns Stadium, or whatever it’s called, have at it. Just know, I’m 31 and if I do that, get arrested, and make a trip to the slammer, I won’t have a job Tuesday.

So, guess what I’m going to do?

I’m going to let you call me every name in the book and watch the police escort you out of the stadium.

There’s a time and place to get upset about sports, but here’s something to think about: why do you get more upset about the outcome of the game than the players? It makes no sense to me. They’re living, breathing, and doing it, and yet, you’re more upset about the outcome than they are.

You should think about that when you’re wishing death upon Perez or turning down Mrs. Right who just happens to be a Steelers fan.

The post Cleveland Fanhood Questions appeared first on More Than A Fan.

More Than A Fan has lost it’s second Tweeter in June.

Damien Bowman is giving up Twitter for the month of June, and I’m joining him… sort of.

I am quitting Twitter until the Indians get back to .500.

It’s not just a slump-buster, although if it served as a slump-buster I certainly wouldn’t mind. I am done with Twitter because I am upset with the Cleveland fan-base, at this very moment.

Cleveland is supposed to have a tough-nosed, weathered, and loyal fan-base. We’ve experienced the lowest of lows, yet we survived and continued to love our teams anyways. Our passion is supposed to surpass that of any other city, even to a fault.

Lately, however, the Cleveland fan base has upset me greatly.

When did we become so whiny? When did we become so soft? When did we begin to give up so easily?

Cleveland fans on Twitter have seemingly given up, already, on two things that I can’t seem to understand.

First of all, the Indians. Two games under .500, 5 games out in the division, and the season is over. Never-mind that there are 100 games left. Never-mind that there are three months left. Never-mind that we have a two-time World Series winning manager.

The Indians are done, so they say.

Let me ask you a question, all of you Tribe “fans” that are “done”. Are you kidding me?

This team was built to compete now and in the near future.The Dolan’s didn’t spend the money just to spend it. He spent the money, brought in the players, and brought in the manager, to compete. You think that just because this team is struggling that he won’t continue to improve it? Even if the Indians continue to struggle, (and they won’t), this front office and ownership group is going to continue to add pieces to make this franchise a contender again.

So why would you be done? With so much time, so many possibilities, and so much fun left to be had? It baffles me. Of all the times to be fickle, and you seemingly never have, why now? Why on the cusp of a great summer?

I understand the frustration, but I can’t understand the quitting.

I know you’ve all heard this before, but keep this in mind. The Indians have a very easy schedule in July, August, and September. That’s when they’re going to compete. Not now. Not in the midst of a nine-game road trip to three of the toughest places to play in baseball. I wouldn’t expect them to win many games. The schedule-makers, while screwing us now, set us up for success near the end of the season. That’s when I expect us to pull within a couple of games of the AL Central and Wild Card. Ultimately, that’s the goal: to compete.

I don’t think anyone expected the Tribe to be World Series contenders this season. I, like many, thought that they could contend for the division and wild card, but they would ultimately fall short and miss the playoffs.

Next year, I fully expect them to compete for the World Series.

The expectations are what baffles me. Many of you expected the Tribe to be a .500 ballclub, and yet, at two games under, the season is over. You’re done. You’re in Milwaukee or Detroit for the rest of the season.

I don’t understand.

You can leave the bandwagon now, but their may not be room come August and September. I would advise, and hope, that you stay on.

The other thing that upsets me greatly about Cleveland fans lately, is the thoughts on the return of LeBron James.

There are those that want him back and those that don’t. I happen to be in the former category, but I can certainly understand the feelings of those in the latter.

What I don’t understand is the sentiment that LeBron James WON’T come back.

Again, I ask, are you kidding me?

Are you really tangled that deeply your cynical and pessimistic web that you are now blind to the facts?

LeBron James has been playing with a team that resembles his old Cavaliers in 2007. Dwyane Wade is a shell of his old self. Chris Bosh has become more like Zydrunas Ilgauskus than anyone would ever like to see. (Love you Big Z, no offense man.) Ray Allen, Mike Miller, Shane Battier, and Birdman are all about ready to hit the retirement home.

LeBron didn’t go to Miami to live the Miami lifestyle. LeBron went to Miami because that’s where Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh wanted to play. LeBron wanted to play with them, and that’s what brought him to Miami. You think that LeBron didn’t want to bring Wade and Bosh to Cleveland? You’re crazy.

Now that LeBron is seeing that Wade and Bosh weren’t as he expected, (not one, not two, not three…) he’s already planning his escape from South Beach.

The Cavaliers are, by far, his number one option, and why wouldn’t they be?

They have the number one pick in this year’s draft, some intriguing cap-space, and a gaping hole at the small forward position that LeBron could over-flow. The Cavaliers hold a special place in his heart, regardless of his “hatred” for Cleveland.

Yet, Cavs fans can’t see it. They are so blinded by their love-for-misery that they fail to see the facts. They remember their heart-break and will never trust again. What kind of life do you live if one heartbreak will deplete your trust in another human being? Not a very happy one, that’s for sure.

Of course, I shouldn’t compare your sporting interests to your reality, but more often than not, they mirror each other.

Yesterday, Nick Camino tweeted this:

Source close to LeBron James told me there is an “80% chance” that he returns to Cleveland. Take that for what it is.

— Nick Camino (@CaminoTribe) June 9, 2013

 

And it put Clevelanders in an uproar. Cleveland fans began attacking Camino. Saying that he did this just for ratings, (which don’t count on Sunday, might I add), mentions, and publicity.

@caminotribe that’s bad reporting out of you sir #whatvaluedidthatbring

— Jeremy sussel (@jsuss12) June 9, 2013

@caminotribe you’re pathetic

— Dominic (@Dmorales11) June 9, 2013

@caminotribe lmfaoo at u tryna get your dry ass mentions lived up on a Sunday. Live it up chile.

— KeishaKnightPullaman (@Shorty2222) June 9, 2013

 

They want to be miserable, so they don’t believe a word he says.

I listened to his show on WTAM 1100 after the Tribe game, and this is what he had to say:

“This individual is close to LeBron James. The person is in the know in LeBron’s camp. If I didn’t trust this person, I wouldn’t have tweeted about it, I wouldn’t risk my job, I wouldn’t risk my credibility. I’m not trying to get listeners, this is simply what I heard from someone with knowledge of LeBron’s future. Being the nice guy that I am, I figured I would share this with you.”

“When I got this news, I was surprised. I trust this person with my life.”

I trust Camino, and I don’t believe he would do this for personal gain. He’s been right about these things before, so I doubt that he would deliberately put this out there to throw fans in a frenzy.

I understand that LeBron is the most polarizing player of all-time, but I don’t understand how his return to Cleveland can cause such a negative uproar. Sure he betrayed us, but he was ignorant. He didn’t understand the heartache and humiliation he would cause. He didn’t understand that we wouldn’t understand. He made a mistake, but we all do.

Why not forgive? Why not try again? What’s the worst that happens?

He stays in Miami and doesn’t sign here. That’s the worst that happens.

Then, LeBron becomes the biggest villain in the history of sports. If he tempts us again and leaves us empty, the, THEN, all of your hatred towards him will be FULLY understood.

If he lures us in with all of this talk and then, at the last minute, leaves us at the alter, your hatred towards LeBron can bubble, boil, and flow through your veins. You can even spur that hatred towards me, the one who told you to give LeBron another chance.

That won’t happen. Either he’ll come back, or he’ll stay far, far away and let  us know that he’s staying far, far away.

I’m not going to debate on why you should want LeBron back, because you absolutely should, but I will implore you to believe that LeBron wants to come back.

Anything else is just ignorant.

As I ponder these two topics, I wonder. What happened? What happened to the greatest fan-base in sports?

The passion is still there, but when did we become like the people in Miami?

When did we star to arrive to the game late, and leave when there is still LOTS of hope at hand?

My Twitter profile says: Believeland: Believe in God. Believe in Christ. Belive in Family. Believe in Friends. Believe in Dreams. Believe in Cleveland.

That last part is what is missing. People say that Cleveland is “Believeland”, but who honestly believes anymore? When the going gets tough, Cleveland fans get going.

I know I believe. I will believe until the season is over, the game is over, or the play is over.

People need to start believing again, no matter how hard things get.

This is Believeland, not believe-until-it-gets-bad-land or believe-only-when-things-are-going-well-land.
Believe, no matter the circumstances, that Cleveland will prevail. Maybe a change in attitude could change the fortunes of this city.

Just believe fans.

What reason is there to not?

With your help, maybe this city can truly become Believeland.

The post What Happened to Believeland? appeared first on More Than A Fan.

After the first game of the NBA Finals, an altogether riveting affair, I must be honest and admit that the most interesting part of the Association to consider right now is not an evenly matched finals but rather free agency 2014. Of course this is an interesting period for the Cavaliers as they have a plethora of assets, but really a mediocre collection of commodities to choose from.

In terms of the league itself there are some big names Dwight Howard, Josh Smith and even Nikola Pekovic, but none of them will be the headlining star on a championship team. I know Cleveland fans have fallen in love with the idea of using the team’s assets on guys like LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, or my boy Boogie (Demarcus) Cousins.

In all reality, if any of these guys can be added for the right price it would make the Cavalier’s an instant playoff team; but to contend in the Eastern Conference in the next six years will all depend on where King James calls home. Whether or not Lebron calls Miami, Cleveland or somewhere still unknown home in 2015, it will undoubtedly determine the makeup of playoff contenders through 2020.

All this being understood, I will now be putting on my “Lebron Cap.” What I mean by putting the cap on is that I will attempt to look through his eyes at the mess awaits him entering the summer of 2014. I will be evaluating the different possibilities based on two specific criteria: first, how it will affect his brand and second whether the pieces are in place for him to compete for a championship over the long haul.

Miami Heat:

Brand Impact: Upon entering Miami the only thing that could rebuild the Lebron brand were rings and a familial relationship with Miami’s favored son Dwyane Wade. Staying in Miami for the remainder of the contract creates important trust in Lebron for honoring his long term commitment to Miami and the attainment of multiple championship trophies as a member of the “big three”.

Furthermore, an early exit quickly turns Lebron into a player who always believes the grass is greener on the other side. In terms of legacy and the discussion of greatness bolting from Miami would cement the idea that he is unable to win with just an average supporting cast. From then on any comparison to Jordan would revolve around Lebron shifting incessantly to have the support he needed to win championships.

Brand Impact Grade A-

Surrounding Cast: The 2013 Playoffs have made one thing clear to Lebron, the pieces surrounding him have a clear and approaching expiration date. In fact, his next season in Miami may be the last season when Bosh and Wade can be counted on for “elite” production.

I am of the volition that Bosh was overpaid from the start and really this is an ideal role for him, the third best player on a championship level team. Wade, however, is a major concern. Once an elite finisher and scorer, injuries as well as age have sapped Wade into a shell of what he once was. In other situations, these pieces could be moved and after a year they could rebuild around Lebron. Except Miami is a distinct situation, Bosh while still an above average performer has three years left on a nearly untradeable contract.

Wade is another case; Dwyane is to Miami what Vizquel was to Cleveland. Wade clearly thinks that he has another three-five years left in the tank and if he adapts that is quite possible, but the sun has set on him as a star performer. As Miami’s favored son, it would be nearly impossible for the Heat not to extend Wade for a somewhat sizable figure.

In which case, keeping the big three together without paying insane luxury tax costs is undoable. And if they all remain, holding on to other necessary parts and adding another important starter to cover Wade and Bosh’s regression is unattainable. This is without discussing the possible loss or salary increase for Mario Chalmers after 2014.

Lebron understands that both Wade and Bosh are immovable contracts at this point and as their production continues to decrease their hold on cap space increases.

Surrounding Cast over the next five years: B

Cleveland:

Brand Impact: While the story of the return of prodigal son would receive excessive positive media attention, I doubt it would gain the sort of national recognition that most Ohioans expect. Although the decision is viewed by the sports collective as a relatively heinous offense, most nationally have become ambivalent on the situation choosing to enjoy the basketball brilliance they are witnessing rather than obsess over past transgressions.

Undoubtedly, Lebron would win over a majority of the fan base he once dumped but in terms of national perception, it would not tremendously outweigh the respect of playing out his time in Miami. Also in terms of a media market Cleveland is small potatoes compared to the glamour that is Miami.

Brand Impact Grade: B

Surrounding Cast: This is a tougher piece to evaluate because this roster will largely be in flux over the next year as they attempt to move assets around. One thing is obvious in terms of having a star next to him over the next five years Kyrie Irving has to be at the top of the list. Kyrie has snuck his way into the top fifteen players in the NBA after only his second season. Kyrie right now is better than what Dwyane Wade was in his prime.

However, there is one important thing for Lebron to monitor over the next year and that is Kyrie’s health. If Irving can prove that he can play seventy-five games this season then Lebron has the elite running mate that he needs for the next five years.

The next year will be a major litmus test for this roster in Lebron’s eyes, trying to figure out what Dion Waiters can do, whether Tristan Thompson is a starter on a championship competitor and if they can bring in one or two more good parts.

Surrounding Cast for the next five years: B+

Who knows where he goes, but Cleveland is appetizing and Miami looks limiting in the long term. I did not explore Los Angeles for a few quick reasons: first Lebron does not want the pressure of being the heir to the Kobe throne. Second, if they lock-up Howard the cap work would be challenging and I doubt Lebron thinks he complements Dwight Howard. Finally it is very destructive to his brand outside of the size of the media market. In terms of loyalty and respect a move to L.A. would be a fatal mistake.

Follow me on Twitter at @MichaelHattery!

The post The LeBron James’ Dilemma Through His Eyes appeared first on More Than A Fan.

Let’s make one thing perfectly clear before we move on:  I like Jacoby Ellsbury.  A lot.  His speed and athleticism have proven to be a source of great production for the Red Sox, when he has been able to take the field.  Of course, I happened to like him even more before he took Scott Boras on as his agent.  Whomever his first agent (s) was, I can’t recall his name.  I happen to think that is a good thing.  A good agent, like a good umpire, should go unnoticed.  That is never the case with a Scott Boras* client.  The client is always the second part of the equation, because whomever the player may be, the first thing that is known about him is that Boras represents him.  That’s a bad thing.  Boras being the Devil is not a good thing, either**.

Boras has tabbed Ellsbury a ‘franchise-type’ player.  The problem with assigning such words to Ellsbury, or  anyone else for that matter, is that they have been used so often that they contain no real value.  Even if such words still held any sway, they certainly would not apply to a player who willfully (at the Devil’s behest, no doubt) sat out 89% (144) of his team’s games in one season (see:  2010.)  A lot has been made out of the fact that he has hit 32 HRs in a season.  Boras (and others) have tabbed him as an ideal #3 guy in a lineup at various points over the last couple of years.  That’s a load of crock, for the record.

I’m sorry, but one 32 HR season doesn’t mean squat to me, and it shouldn’t to the Boston Red Sox, or any other team that may think about picking him up following the 2013 season.  One 32 HR season (it was his age 27 season, at least) compared to 24 HRs in 423 games spread out over parts of 5 seasons leads me to only one conclusion that shall remain unnamed.  For now.  In 56 games this season, he has exactly one home run, so we can dispense with the talk of Ellsbury as a #3 hitter, or a power hitter of any sort, for that matter.  On the plus side, he has twice led the league in SBs, and seems heading for a third title this season.  That is the player that Ellsbury is.  A slap-hitting leadoff type with good wheels and a fairly good glove.  Of course, the legs are often the first thing to go, and without them, Ellsbury is nothing.

Tell me again why someone would want to pay him 9 figures over 6-8 years?  It seems like a bad investment to me.

The type of player that Ellsbury compares to most that have become a free agent of late would be Carl Crawford and Michael Bourne.  Crawford managed to get himself a huge contract from the Red Sox.  I remember being excited when that happened.  I thought at the time that an outfield that started with Ellsbury and Crawford couldn’t fail, regardless of whom the third outfielder turned out to be.  Little did I know that the pressure of the huge contract would wear on Crawford, and make him incapable of performing to his best capabilities (his words, not mine.)  Prior to his contract, Crawford had been a much more consistent player than Ellsbury has been through the same period of his career.  He may never have hit the highs that Ellsbury reached, but he also never reached the utter lows, either.

Bourne never had a 32 HR season, but he did steal at least 42 bases in every full season of his career, including three seasons where he topped 50 SBs.  He was also 18th in the NL MVP chase in 2012, something that Ellsbury is unlikely to achieve with his performance this season.  In an off-season where there was many potential OFs, Bourne ‘only’ managed to grab a 4 year/$48 million guaranteed deal (essentially of 5/$60 million deal if he is able to play in 2016.)  In today’s market, that is a ‘fair’ deal for this type of player.  Crawford’s deal should send a warning to any franchise that might engage in that type of conversation with Boras with regard to acquiring Ellsbury’s talent.

This is something that Red Sox management needs to keep in mind during the coming negotiations.  Boras will attempt to talk them in to a bidding war with foes both real and imagined, but the Sox hold the trump card:  Jackie Bradley, Jr.  True enough, Bradley, Jr. does not yet have the experience that Ellsbury has.  He also has yet to develop the entitled attitude that Ellsbury has displayed the last 3-4 seasons, so that’s a plus.  Daniel Nava has proven that he can play on an every day basis, as has Jonny Gomes, and even Michael Carp has done well with the opportunities given.  The Red Sox do not need Jacoby Ellsbury, outside of bringing the pink hat fans back.  His play on the field is easily replaced, and by a player that will give a more consistent effort and will care about his performance on a daily basis.  Ellsbury cares when it matters for him, and that is all.

For that, I blame Boras.  It wasn’t always that way with Ellsbury.  At one time, he was the bright, shining future star of the Red Sox organization.  Instead of being content with that, he took up with Boras who filled his ears with the type of insidious language that can blacken a man’s heart.  It was his words that Ellsbury chose to listen to, however.  Because of that, he chose to give up his place as a great in the long line of Red Sox greats.  He will chase the money, and sign with whomever throws the most cash at him.  That is his option.

I just hope that it isn’t the Red Sox who are not enticed in to offering that pot of gold.  No good can come of it.

*With Barry Bonds gone from the picture, and many other PED athletes on their way out, Boras is officially #1 on my list of most hated people in MLB at this moment.

**This is strictly my opinion, and not that of Josh Flagner, MTAFSports, or perhaps anyone else on this planet.  He is a horrible man who has severely damaged the game that I love dearly.  I’m sure he loves dogs, though.

Should the Red Sox try to lock Ellsbury up this off-season?  Or would it be better if they let him walk away?

Let me know what you think:

Matt@morethanafan.net or @tbone44444444

Also like More Than A Fan on facebook, and follow More Than a Fan on Twitter@MTAFSports

The post The Jacoby Ellsbury Quandry appeared first on More Than A Fan.

Honestly, what else could this picture be of if it wasn’t of people busted for mailing dope to their dog?

Hello.

This week pretty much sucked, I’m just warning you all now. Proceed at your own risk, there’s nothing but scorn, heartbreak, and frustration for the next 2000 words.

SUNDAY

INDIANS LOSE TO THE DEVIL RAYS 11-3 IN CLEVELAND

Just your typical “WTF just happened??” kind of ballgame down at the ol’ PROG. Nope…still sounds wrong. Anyway, standard fare here for Indians fans at this point when it comes to getting our brains beat-in by Tampa Bay the last couple of years. Glad to see them go, like, fo’ realz.

The gory details worth mentioning are as follows: Zach McAllister got curb-stomped early, Terry Francona was ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the 5th inning, and the route was on from there.

@ItsFillar Indians slogan should be……"Come on….we're the best you got"

— Juice Kovacs (@JuiceKovacs) June 2, 2013

Maybe a little harsh. It’s still early…

Lord, the Indians suck.

— Dave (@dconeil) June 2, 2013

OK, that’s a lot harsh.

UNICEF: Indians leave over 100,000 tons of excremental in open fields by defecation. [When all have diarrhoea together, it's Monsoon time]

— Prattler (@Prattler_C) June 1, 2013

I don’t think this dude was talking about the baseball team here, but this comment is hilarious if you just sit-back in your chair and pretend that he is.

MONDAY

INDIANS KEEP LOSING, THIS TIME 7-4 TO THE YANKEES

The stupid Skankees won just their second game in the last nine that they’ve played in this one, at the expense of the quickly spiraling-out-of-control Indians. Justin Masterson gave up 14,000 runs, which is pretty unlike him. Also, the Skanks advanced their record against us to 4-1 this season, which is horrendous, because screw New York.

"@Yankees: #Yankees have won 33 of their last 47 games vs Indians since start of 2007 – including 16-6 mark at home

— john meador (@jmeador71) June 4, 2013

Sometimes I get the feeling that the Yankees could beat the Indians if they fielded the cast of "A League of Their Own" against us. #sigh

— Josh H. (@chestertribe) June 4, 2013

I’ll have to check the history book, but I think that actually happened last season.

ESPN is replaying the Yankees/Indians game from earlier tonight. The score is currently: Life – 3,378…Me – 0…top of the 1st.

— Alex Concepcion (@IAmVonStroheim) June 4, 2013

Sounds……..really bad. Might I advise therapy?

PACERS CHOKE, HEAT MOVE ON. THANKS FOR NOTHING STUPID PACERS

I don’t care about lebron anymore, I also don’t have to admire his greatness. I’m a cavs fan I don’t care about any other team or player

— Aaron (@aaronm59) June 4, 2013

LeBron may have won tonight, but really – one of his teammates will be winning in his own way with Gloria James.

— Candy Cane (@Sasa2455) June 4, 2013

*WINK *WINK

Haters gonna hate. Lol. #LeBron

— Ryan (@Isley23) June 4, 2013

I like Ryan, but I have to call him out on this one. It frustrates me when people make fun of Cavs fans for hating Lebron. Maybe ‘making fun’ is the wrong word, but ‘edge them on’, is a better descriptor. In any event, this opinion assumes that everyone heals their bruised sports-egos on a time schedule that mirrors someone else’s. It says that because you’ve already moved on, or don’t care in the first place, that society needs to as well.

That’s fine, but I don’t agree. Everyone heals at a different rate. Everyone handles adversity, stress, and loss in their own way and at their own speed. If there are people out there who still want to cat-call Lebron and troll him on Twitter, then so be it. That’s their right. Also, trolling Lebron is a lot of fun!

David West gave it up to Lebron James easier than Gloria James gave it up to Delonte West.

— NOT SportsCenter NBA (@TheNBAonNOTSC) June 2, 2013

Lets not forget, Lebron brought this on himself when he went on national TV and embarrassed the Cavs and the entire fan base. I didn’t go on TV and do it. The Cavs certainly didn’t do it. Bron did. And as such, he’s facing the consequences for his actions that night, although admittedly, the consequences are shrinking to be less and less every season. And that’s fine, whatever. People are moving on. It’s great. But they’re doing it at their own pace, not a pace deemed appropriate to them by Internet people who should get over themselves

TUESDAY

Indians place Asdrubal Cabrera on the disabled list

MLB News: Asdrubal Cabrera placed on 15-day DL — http://t.co/SyHzz0PexO

— rick grayshock (@RickWFNY) June 4, 2013

Because the Indians needed another key injury. That is, if you call losing Asdrubal for a few weeks a “key” injury…

Asdrubal Cabrera is soooooo overrated… Tribe needs to trade him before the deadline for pitching or an outfielder

— Ryan Martini (@Ryanmartini411) May 29, 2013

I think the Indians are going to have to make a trade at the deadline. The guy I'd deal? Asdrubal Cabrera. Here's why…

— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) May 28, 2013

Mike Aviles is a more professional hitter than A. Cabrera. Don't think this will hurt too much. I'd trade Cabrera for SP anyway. #Indians

— David Jason (@DJ84) June 4, 2013

Im not an Asdrubal fan…. But whether I am or not, he should be first priority trade for #MLB-ready SP prospect this offseason. #Indians

— RileyinCLE (@RileyinCLE) May 29, 2013

You people are insane. He’s a 2-time All Star, and Francisco Lindor is at least two years away. I know we’ve discussed this very thing before, but still. Back off the throttle a little bit on replacing the SS, alright?

Remember all the people who said the Indians should trade Cabrera? Well, with him out we're going to find out just how valuable he really is

— Tony Lastoria (@TonyIBI) June 4, 2013

Finally. A voice of reason.

Oh, and if you didn’t hear, Gordon Gee announced his retirement, which lead to this wonderful exchange on Twitter between a Michigan fan and yours truly:

@Detroit_Bis @wolverine_killa @CLEWolverine I'm trying to follow your thought, but all I hear are clicking noises. ANN ARBOR IS A WHORE

— DZ  (@CommonManDZ) June 4, 2013

(There is a lot more to this conversation. Click on it to see the entire chain. Be warned, there’s some naughty language in there…)

Wednesday

The Losing Continues…Tribe Go Down 6-4 in New York

This is all that needs to be said about the Indians getting swept in New York:

Welp, can't argue that. RT @CommonManDZ: The Yankees RT @MSmmns210: What is it about Yankee Stadium that makes the #Indians play like poo?

— Myles Simmons (@MSmmns210) June 5, 2013

Oh, and a little something off the police blotter…Rocky River police (working with the FBI) went ahead and raided Chris Perez’s apartment, after he received a 9oz of FREAKING WEED THROUGH THE MAIL YOU STUPID DUMB MORON IDIOT

My bad, Chris Perez told me to order him some weed killer and I ordered him some killer weed by mistake.

— Jeremy Crookston (@weathermanjman) June 5, 2013

And yeah, twitter was basically this for the rest of the night.

I've defended Chris Perez in the past, but hard to forgive him for subjecting me to all of the awful weed jokes in my timeline right now.

— Nominataur (@Nominataur) June 5, 2013

Look, this isn’t the forum for a long-form discussion on the morality of toking on the gonge now and then, but if I may, I have just a few general thoughts on Chris Perez and the weedzz:

1) I don’t think Chris Perez is a bad guy for smoking weed. Lots of people smoke weed, and a couple of them are even productive members of society! Smoking weed does not make you a bad person, sometimes.

2) Having just stated the above, marijuana is illegal in the State of Ohio, and is punishable by jail time in certain instances. Therefore, if you decide to play around and smoke a little weed “just to relax” or whatever you pot people use as an excuse for breaking the law, you could potentially end up in jail. Will you likely end up in jail? No. Not likely. But possibly. Know the rules of the game before you play.

3) Using the FEDERAL MAIL SERVICE to have your weed shipped in FROM ANOTHER STATE is a felony. Whether or not CP and his wife are charged with a felony for doing exactly that is another matter. It is, however, a felony by nature. Also, the Feds generally suffer absolutely no fools when those fools fork around with the USPS.

SIDEBAR: If you’re ignoring all common sense and self-preservation instinct and shipping weed-by-mail in the United States, do you buy the package insurance? What do you place the value of the package at? I’ve never mailed illegal drugs around the country, so I’m just asking in case any of you readers know. This is something I’m curious about./SIDEBAR

Illegal is illegal, no matter your personal opinions. I like speeding, but it's still against the law. Get caught, pay consequences.

— DZ  (@CommonManDZ) June 5, 2013

This properly sums-up the rest of my feelings on this.

PS: During the proceedings of the day, I missed a tweet by @WFNYCraig responding to a statement I made regarding the whole legality of this situation. I would like to take a second to address that now.

@CommonManDZ We do all the time. Gambling used to be illegal in Ohio too. This is how the process works.

— Craig Lyndall (@WFNYCraig) June 5, 2013

Craig makes a valid point here. There are all kinds of laws we as citizens break all the time, sometimes unknowingly. Jaywalking (guilty), gambling (yep), speeding (constantly), just to name a few. Also, civil disobedience is a tried-and-tested way to get an unfair or perceived-to-be-unfair law addressed, and sometimes even changed or taken off the books in the right instance and circumstance.

However, I would respond to that logic bomb by saying that knowingly breaking any law is an exercise in risk vs. reward management. For example, when I go 90mph down I-77 in the wee hours of the morning, I know what the risks are, as far as the law is concerned, if I get caught. For speeding like a damn fool, as I mentioned it’s something like:

25% I’ll get caught – All other percentages are based within this 25% chance.

99% If I do get caught, I’ll get a ticket

10% That I’ll be heading to jail if I get radar-gunned at that speed by a member of law enforcement

100% That the fine will be immense

So – that’s the percentage of risk as I see it. Sure, I could have some altruistic sub-intention, like “If enough people do 90mph on I-77, maybe they’ll change the law.” or whatever, but that’s secondary to the raw calculations of my getting away with driving at that speed. Or not. It’s just math.

Ordering marijuana through the US Mail works within the same type of calculations, although the stakes are a bit higher. A smart person would instantly realize the danger of shipping (or asking someone to ship) illegal narcotics over state lines.

The percentages for this transaction, in my opinion, play out like this:

50% I’ll get caught – All other percentages are based within this 50% chance.

100% If I get caught, I’m being arrested and charged with a crime

100% The Feds will get involved, because it’s trans-shipping

100% I DON’T WANT THE FEDS IN MY LIFE

100% I will be on the news if I get caught, and I’m a famous baseball player. This combination is bad for me.

And as we know, CP, his wife, and his trusted K9 got caught. All of that happened. So, yeah.

I think there are risks worth taking in life, and risks there are not. Chris Perez chose to QVC some weed, and that’s fine…his decision. But my original tweet that was responded to was directed at those saying that he shouldn’t be punished at all for what he (allegedly) did, and I think that’s complete BS. He should face the same consequences as anyone else, under terms of current United States law.

Now, if this case opens some eyes down in Columbus and ends-up being a catalyst for the legalization of marijuana in Ohio…so be it. But you can’t make exceptions for people who break the law because we don’t happen to agree with them.

THURSDAY

On this day, Cleveland sports rested. THANK YOU GOD.

Later in the evening, I listened to some of the best radio I’ve heard in years, courtesy of WTAM. Non-sports related, but worth following the link regardless. Not many of these people left, enjoy them while you can:

‏"@CommonManDZ @TheTrivShow Best radio in a long time. Thank God for national treasures like th(is) man." >>> http://t.co/Y8Da4XI1uc

— The Triv Show (@TheTrivShow) June 6, 2013

FRIDAY

Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon suspended two games for violating NFL drug policy

A big thank you to Josh Gordon for prolonging the misery and despair for Cleveland Browns fans everywhere. #timetogrowupbigguy

— stuart wine (@SDubs18) June 8, 2013

Josh Gordon just ruined my day

— Adam Boyer (@adamboyer44) June 8, 2013

@WillBurge @egoldie80 was Josh Gordon's "prescription" signed by Jamarcus Russell? RIP PIMP C

— Jeremy Oddo (@LeeOdis) June 7, 2013

Josh Gordon, you've been suspended from my heart.

— Bo Bishop™ (@Roofbeamist) June 7, 2013

josh gordon is blaming his failed drug test on strep throat medicine. oh ok.

— _sambo (@sammy0623) June 7, 2013

And the Indians Lose Again….7-5 to Verlander in Detroit

Just got in. From what I gathered, Ubado returned, Swisher stuck in the abyss, & they let Verlander off the hook. Anything I miss? #Indians

— Chris Burnham (@CMB1979) June 8, 2013

The Cleveland Gladiators Fell to 2-9 with a 37-33 Loss to the Iowa Barnstormers

After watching the cleveland gladiators last night, I know I can be a better quarterback then the dude we have. Damn. Lol

— Adam (@ap3price) June 8, 2013

I think AFC Cleveland won their game vs. Zanesville Athletic or whatever, but the official twitter account for the team left the scoring updates after this up to the imagination:

Tommy Beck scores in the 89th to put Cleveland up 3-2.

— AFC Cleveland (@AFC_Cleveland) June 8, 2013

The account went on to talk about Zanesville getting a red card or whatever, and then being down to ten men…so I’m assuming they won. If someone knows differently, tell the team to start updating their webpage a little quicker…or at least start tweeting the final score out from @AFC_Cleveland

LOOK EVERYONE I’M TRYING TO COVER ALL THE TEAMS, BUT SERIOUSLY THEY HAVE TO HELP ME!!

SATURDAY

Indians Lose AGAIN in Detroit 6-4, Fall Under .500, 4.5 Games Back

The Indians are 4-14 in their last 18 games, after going 18-4 in the previous 22. The thing that really bites at your ass about this losing streak, is that the Indians fought so hard for fan acceptance early in the season, getting themselves on the precipice of convincing the chronically shell-shocked Indians fans in NE Ohio that the cavalcade of horrible collapses of the past few seasons was a thing of the past – only to horribly collapse, and give back almost everything (fan goodwill, first place in the division, crowds over 15,000 fans) they gained during their hot streak.

It’s way too early to write the Indians off for 2013, although I can’t blame anybody who does so strictly out of habit in early June, but it has become apparent that Terry Francona’s got his work cut-out for him if he wants to recapture some of the pixie-dust-Disney-magic he was flinging around the ball-yard a month ago. Because now he’s flinging poo.

I'd be pretty angry about the #Indians playing like ass the last month or so, but the last few summers have built up my tolerance.

— Bebbs (@ClevelandBebbs) June 9, 2013

Oh, and finally some good news….the Cleveland Fusion finished their regular season UNDEFEATED (8-0) with a win against Maryland 44-0! The Fusion have a home playoff game Saturday, June 15th 7pm. More on that event to come later this week, but BIG PROPS to the only Cleveland team right now that’s worth a damn.

Ladies, this is for you.

MAILBAG TIME

David L.

I’m just testing to see if you’ll actually print this in your post.

Yup, sure will. Now what…do I get a cookie?

David M.
Who’s higher, Josh Gordon, Chris Perez, or his ERA?

I don’t know, but from all accounts, the dog knows how to get down with the cannabis pretty well. Probably him.

@CommonManDZ my new mission this week is to make next Sundays column

— SigFlanagan6 (@WTFBrownsSig) June 2, 2013

You got it, Sig. Anything for you.

E-mail questions for the Sunday MTAF Mailbag to dz@morethanafan.net, or tweet them to @CommonManDZ or @MTAFSports for inclusion – exposition – discussion. If you send us your Twitter username or a website you want to promote with your communication, we’ll post it as well and give it some run!

The post Cleveland Sports Week in Review: Volume #2 – Week Ending 6/8/13 appeared first on More Than A Fan.

We did a very impromptu podcast with Josh Flagner (@Railbirdj), Damien Bowman (@damienbowman) and Hayden Grove (@H_Grove). It’s actually video, which is even crazier. Excuse us while we figure this all out.

Video too much for you? Catch just the audio here:

The post MTAF Podcast #70: Our First Google Hangout and Chris Perez appeared first on More Than A Fan.

This is not the hairstyle of a successful NBA player.

After another year of less than mediocre play, the Cavs have the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft for the second time in three years. Despite the injury bug that bit Kyrie Irving, I think we can all agree that the first time the Cavs won the draft lottery was a success. The problem with this year’s draft is that it doesn’t seem like there is a player of Kyrie’s caliber to be the obvious first pick. You can consider me against the drafting of Kentucky Center Nerlens Noel, and it has nothing to do with his hideous hair style.

Nerlens Noel is a tremendous athlete and has tremendous shot blocking ability. It IS possible that he could see everything work out and be a great player. However, coming off of his torn ACL combined with his very low reported weight of 206 pounds – for a 6’11 center – I don’t see how you can take that chance with the number one pick. Not to mention that Noel has no offensive game to speak of, and we can’t forget that hideous hairstyle.

So who should the Cavs draft? It’s almost too easy; Otto Porter Jr., the small forward out of Georgetown. The 6’8”, 200 pound Porter was the runner-up for National Player of the Year in NCAA last season averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the rugged Big East. He fits the biggest need on your basketball team and there is no one good enough to justify not drafting for this need.

The only scenario in which I understand the argument against drafting Porter is the pipe dream of a Lebron James return in 2014. However, if Lebron were to return, would it really matter who we chose in this draft? I, however, refuse to live in the world of what-ifs. The reality now is the way this Cavs roster is currently constructed, there is no better option than Otto Porter, Jr. for the Cavs to take number one overall in the 2013 NBA draft.

There are obviously multiple scenarios that the Cavs will have to look into before making this selection. Are any of the trade possibilities for a veteran superstar legitimate? Any way to trade down and still get your guy while gaining more assets? Those are questions that only Cavs General Manager Chris Grant can answer.

But, if none of these scenarios work out, the Cavs need to draft Otto Porter, Jr. Can the Cavs really afford to take the HUGE risk on Noel when the team’s best player already has injury problems? Can they afford to take a player who plays the same position as last year’s first round draft pick in Kansas guard Ben McLemore?

My answer to both of those questions is no!

I’ll be happy with a starting lineup next year of Kyrie, Dion Waiters, Porter, Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao. Tyler Zeller and Alonzo Gee and some actual NBA caliber bench players via free agency might also help the cause. The Cavs have shoved the idea that drafting is the best way to get back on top and next season has to be when we start to see the improvement show in the win column. Otto Porter will make the biggest difference on this basketball team in that most important metric.

Are you with me Cavs fans? Is Porter the best selection? Who else and what other scenarios would you consider for that top pick? Feel free to let me know your opinions.

Tweet me @aaronm59 and don’t forget to follow!

The post The Cavs Need an Impact Player Not Named Nerlens appeared first on More Than A Fan.

In this year’s MLB Amateur Draft, Stanford Senior Mark Appel went first overall. Since I’ve seen him play, it was no surprise to me that Appel was going to be taken number one this year in the draft.

Having the opportunity to see him play last year and help his team make a postseason berth, it was no surprise that he was going to return in 2013 for his final baseball season at Stanford. While there were people who were calling him names and telling him that he was being greedy, I felt it was a good choice; and one that only he could make.

With so many athletes choosing money over education, it was awesome to see an athlete like Appel make his education the number one priority. More people should have respected him for his decision to carry out an education at one of the nation’s top universities, but most thought he was crazy. The prevailing thought was that he wouldn’t go his in this year’s draft, and there’s no way giving up what would have been an $8 million signing bonus is a good idea.

At Appel’s first home game of the season, he hit 98-mph on the radar gun and struck out 11. In his subsequent starts, he was consistent in hitting that speed and consistent in his strikes thrown. He became Stanford’s career leader in strikeouts with 372.

Over the past few years he has grown more consistent and solid as a pitcher. He has helped to solidify himself as a quality hurler and having that go-to starter has been a difference maker for the team. He was the one pitcher this year Stanford knew what they were getting when he walked out on the mound.

Facing the opinions that he had wasted his chance, you could see the fire inside of him wanting to be picked number one and wanting to improve from his very first start. Unfortunately, Stanford didn’t make it into postseason, so Appel’s last time on the mound was the regular season tilt in which the strikeout record. He ended that night going eight innings, giving up one run on three hits and striking out nine. Mark Appel walked off the mound to a standing ovation.

He was drafted number one overall by the Houston Astros, which is coincidentally his hometown team. This was a perfect fit for him. That’s a perfect dream for anyone going first all around in a draft and get drafted by your hometown team is an amazing moment. The chance to play where you grew up is something that most people only dream about.

Follow me on Twitter at @SportyPants38!

The post Mark Appel was Smart to Come Back to Stanford appeared first on More Than A Fan.

I’m going to state the obvious: the Cleveland Indians are struggling as of late.

They were swept by the Yankees, have lost 12 of their last 16 games, and are currently one game above the .500 mark. They have a tough stretch of baseball coming up that includes a trip to Comerica, a trip to Arlington, and a series against the Washington Nationals. Their bullpen has struggled, their offense has struggled, and their starting pitching has struggled.

The rough stretch for the Indians has been the inverse of their previous stretch of 18 wins in 22 games. During those games, everything clicked. The offense was hot, the pitching was dominant, and the bullpen did enough to win games.

So what has changed? Why are the scorching hot Indians now the ice cold Tribe?

The answer: nothing. Nothing has changed. This is just how baseball works.

Baseball is a crazy, crazy game. It’s a marathon, lasting an entire summer, which makes it incredibly hard to refute any thinking that isn’t judgement.

“The Cleveland Indians are winning at the moment, that means they’re great.” “The Indians can’t win a game right now, that means their horrible.” No. Both of these are oh,so wrong.

The bottom-line is this: the Indians are a decent baseball team going through a valley at this moment in time. They went up a hill, and have fallen down the other side. Here’s the good news: another hill is standing right in front of them. They’re going to start a new journey up that hill very, very soon.

The Indians are much more susceptible to the ups and downs of a Major League season than most because of their “feast or famine” offense.

It reminds me a lot of my mother when I was younger. When we would sit down and watch the Tribe together, every time Jim Thome, (my favorite baseball player of all time), would approach the plate, my mom would say, “well, he’s either going to strike out or hit a home run.” Most of the time she was right. That’s just the player that Thome was. His colossal hacks would result in more strike outs than majestic long-balls, but he still put together one of the greatest, and steroid-free, careers of all time.

On this current Indians roster, there are many guys who are a lot like Jim Thome. They’ll either strike out or hit a home run. Mark Reynolds is more like Mr. Thome than anyone else.

Mark Reynolds was in the AL MVP race for the first month and a half of the season. Now he’s tied for fourteenth, with fellow Indian Drew Stubbs, in the league in strikeouts.

After a decent start, Nick Swisher is mired in a mighty slump. He’s hitting .059 in the month of June, and his batting average has dropped 29 points, from .278 to .249, since May 29th.

Carlos Santana has gone through maybe the quietest, but largest, slump of them all. Santana started May with a .395 batting average and a .483 on-base-percentage. Fast forward to June 6th and Santana’s average has dropped over .110 points, to .284, and his OBP is now at .391.

These slides have coincided with the Indians lack of wins as of late. Just as they’ve slid down the hill, they’ll start walking up again, slowly but surely.

Some encouraging things we can take away from this slump, and I hope these stay true, go as follows: Ubaldo Jimenez, Mike Aviles, and JC Romero.

Ubaldo Jimenez has continued his dominance throughout the slump. While he was rocked in one start by the Detroit Tigers, who he faces tonight in a re-match with Justin Verlander, the Indians last win was thanks to a eight inning, four hit shutout from Mr. Jimenez. We all know what Justin Masterson can do, but if Ubaldo Jimenez can solidify himself as a good number two, the Indians are much better off than they were at the start of this season.

Now, when I said Mike Aviles, I meant the Indians depth. We all know that Asdrubal Cabrera could spend some extended time on the disabled list, so having a guy like Mike Aviles to take over his role is huge for this ballclub. It allows the Indians to not miss a beat, and that’s something they haven’t had in the past. Yan Gomes, like Aviles, is also a guy that is invaluable to this ballclub. Carlos Santana has had his woes behind the plate, so having a guy like Gomes to step in, play great defense, and hit the cover off of the baseball, is helping the Indians greatly. You also have Ryan Raburn coming off of the bench to give the outfield a break, and that’s a commodity in it’s own right.

Finally, JC Romero. Romero was recently signed by the Indians to a minor-league deal, but I would expect to see him at Progressive Field sometime in the near future. The Indians have been aching for a solid left-handed reliever and Romero could be a great fit, as far as a “rental” is concerned. I don’t see him around for more than 2013, but Romero adds something to a bullpen that certainly needs all that it can get.

I’ve seen a lot of you panicking about the Tribe, and I guess that’s founded. We’ve all seen what has happened the past couple of years; the great start and subsequent tumble has become a pattern. However, the “I am sick of Tito”, “trade Stubbs”, “bench Swisher”, and “demote Jason Kipnis” talk is ludicrous.

The Indians need to keep the status quo, aside from one thing: Lonnie Chisenhall. Chiz is putting up LaPorta like numbers in Triple A and I think it’s safe to say that he has his confidence back. Especially with the loss of Cabrera, it’s time to bring Lonnie back up to the club.

I’m not saying that Lonnie is the reason that the Tribe has collapsed, as I believe it could be purely coincidence that the Indians are 10-14 since his departure, but it certainly can’t hurt to bring him back now. Terry Francona has said that Lonnie is going to be a big part of this ball-club going forward, so I think he needs to at least see if Lonnie’s numbers were just Triple A pitching or Lonnie being Lonnie.

Lonnie would also help end the Mark Reynolds experiment at third base, which has been an absolute train-wreck. Reynolds needs to be a consistent fixture at the DH spot and first-base. Third base should be a once in a while thing for him to give Lonnie a day off. Reynolds is simply one of the worst defensive third basemen I have ever seen, and his hitting has slowed tremendously since becoming the every-day third baseman.

Aside from the promotion of Lonnie and putting Mark Reynolds back where he belongs defensively, the Indians need to stay the course, even through this mighty storm.

The Indians are still a game above .500 and only down 2.5 games in the AL Central Division, with a HUGE opportunity to close that gap this weekend. If the Tribe get swept and look awful against Detroit, I still wouldn’t be all that worried.

This team is going to have streaks like this. They’re going to win a ton and lose a ton, and it’s going to be back to back, all season long. Just as you can’t get too high when they win 18 of 22, you can’t get too low when they lose 12 of 16.

I have trust in Tito, and you should to. This guy has won in situations filled with pressure that we could never dream of.

The baseball season is not a sprint. It is a marathon. We, as the most crazy, passionate, and loyal fan-base in America, must learn to calm down and take things in stride. There’s a lot of season to go, and I’m confident that we’ll be right in the thick of things come September.

The post Talkin’ Tribe: Losing Should Not Mean Panic appeared first on More Than A Fan.

I’m back!

Why? Because when Josh Flagner texts, I listen (sometimes). Is it bad that he only texts me because there’s a drug problem with one of the Indians?  You’d think I was the only one at MTAF that understands drugs, drug usage, drug testing and collective bargaining agreements.  Also, Josh limited me to 400 words on the subject.  Hahaha.  We all know how that’s going to turn out.

So, Chris Perez. ‘Sup, bro?

A brief synopsis of the last two days involving the Tribe closer that we all hate to love:  Postal inspectors and Rocky River police reported yesterday that a package containing a controlled substance was delivered to the Perez home.  According to multiple news outlets, the package was addressed to the couple’s dog, Brody.  When police came calling, Perez allegedly admitted that the marijuana was for his own personal use. Perez and his wife have been charged with misdemeanor possession charges and will appear in court later this month.

Another distraction that the Indians don’t need and it is unclear what step Major League Baseball will take next given that Perez has not failed a drug test. I’ve read a few reports this morning that have said the Indians may elect to do nothing about Perez – but they could.  According to Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program agreement with the player’s union,  marijuana is indeed considered a drug of abuse.  Until yesterday, I didn’t know that the agreement had a provision for possession but there it is all nice and fancy on  page 24.

A Player who is convicted or pleads guilty (including a plea of nolo contendere or similar plea but not including an adjournment contemplating dismissal or a similar disposition) to the possession or use of any Prohibited Substance (including a criminal charge of conspiracy or attempt to possess or use) shall be subject to the following discipline:

1. First offense:  At least a 60-game but not more than an 80 game suspension, if the Prohibited Substance is a Performance Enhancing Substance, or at least a 25 game but not more than a 50 game suspension if the Prohibited Substance is a Stimulant or Drug of Abuse;

That may explain why Perez has  elected to plead not guilty to a misdemeanor charge instead of paying the fine and moving on.  In the meantime, CP is currently on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury.  Tribe fans are only left to wonder how much more time he will miss because of this latest stunt.

(Hey Josh?  416 words, bro!)*

Follow Lisa on Twitter at @LovinTheTribe!

*Editor’s Note: There was no official word limit, but is anyone surprised that Lisa misinterpreted Josh’s text about a word limit? Because this editor isn’t. 

The post Chris Perez and MLB Rulebook Facts appeared first on More Than A Fan.

Jose Iglesias is going to give Sox manager John Farrell fits before the end of the season. In fact, he likely already has done so.  When the season began, he was used as a stop-gap measure to cover for the always fragile Stephen Drew, who was on the 7-day concussion DL (a very serious matter, for sure.)  Iglesias responded by going 9-20 (.450) with 4 multi-hit games in the 5 games in which he had an at-bat.  When Drew was ready to play, Iglesias was summarily sent back to Pawtucket (AAA) and essentially told to wait his turn.

When Will Middlebrooks went down a couple of weeks ago, Iglesias was once again called up to save the day.  He has responded by ‘only’ hitting .415 (17-41) through last night’s game against Texas.  In 12 games, he has put up another 5 multi-hit games, giving him 9 in 17 games.  In Stephen Drew’s first 17 games, he had exactly one (1) multi-hit game, and was batting below the Mendoza line (.193.)

With Middlebrooks due to return any day now (he is eligible to come back on Saturday), it puts Farrell in quite the conundrum:  does he keep Iglesias around, and if he can, where will he find him at-bats?  Farrell appeared to try and give himself some time when he said this about Middlebrooks:

This is not only a chance to make sure his health issue is behind him, which everything points to that being the case, but also to use this as an opportunity to get some momentum going before he gets back. Hopefully that is sooner rather than later.

I don’t think that Farrell really means that.  I think that what he means is ‘I hope Will takes long enough to prove he is ready so that either a.)  Iglesias cools off and I can justify sending him back to Pawtucket again without getting killed or b.)  Drew tears a hangnail and has to sit out for at least 15 days, and then Iglesias has enough time to cool off.’  Under no circumstances do I think that Farrell wants a healthy Middlebrooks, a ‘healthy’ Drew, and an over-productive Iglesias.

Farrell in the same article stated that the third base job is Middlebrook’s as soon as he is able to play.  I agree with that, because it wouldn’t be right for him to lose his gig because of an injury, no matter how well Iglesias has played in his stead.  Even if Iglesias has played perfect defense over 81 innings at 3B to go along with his 57 perfect innings at SS and 2 perfect innings at 2B.  Third base belongs to Middlebrooks in the here and now, no questions.

Where there should be a question is at shorstop.  Drew has been adequate (regardless of anything else you may hear or read) at the position, making most of the plays that an average MLB shortstop should make.  As I’ve noted before, that’s not the worst thing to say about a guy.  It does mean, however, that he should bring something to the table, namely that he should hit.  Thusfar, Drew has not (although his 1-3 performance last night did bump his average up to .234.)  He is by far the weakest link in a fairly special Boston lineup and he is also the weakest link defensively, too.  On the plus side, he will earn $9 million in 2013 whether he plays every game for the Red Sox, or whether he’s back at home twiddling his thumbs.  While the Red Sox would be exponentially better if it were the latter, I’m not so sure that Red Sox brass are willing to admit to a $9 million mistake.  So Drew stays, as long as he is healthy enough to take the field.

I’m here to say that’s a load of bull.  Stephen Drew is not good enough to be a starting shortstop in the big leagues, at least not right now.  Maybe in 2008 he was, and maybe at some point in he future he will be, but I’d bet against it.  He’s taken his brother J.D.’s act to the next level (collecting large sums of money while not producing corresponding numbers on the field.)  J.D. at least had the decency to perform in his contract years.  Last year between the Diamondbacks and Athletics, Drew played in 79 games while putting up 7 HRs and a paltry .223 average.  Over the last two seasons, in which he’s managed to play a total of 165 games with 12 HRs, 73 RBIs, and a .238 batting average.  It shows just how far gone the Red Sox were after their last two seasons (perhaps they felt a kinship with Drew?) that they offered someone who put up those type of numbers $9 million for one season.  A better way to describe it would be that it was stupid.  Even if Iglesias had only hit .190, he’d still have been the better SS choice, and the Sox already had him under contract.

The one knock on Iglesias this season has come from WEEI rabble rousers who take great delight in pointing out that when Iglesias was sent down at the beginning of the season, he responded by hitting .202.  There was also reports of him being a malcontent and that he acted like he thought he was better than AAA.  The people who uttered these words attempted to portray that as if it was a negative thing- they seem to be under the impression that he should be happy knowing that someone who has less talent than he does is playing in the big leagues.  I know I wouldn’t be happy, and I’m more glad than disappointed to hear that Iglesias wasn’t either.  The .202 average is fairly inexplicable, but maybe it just happens that the International League is a hot-bed of up-and-coming pitchers, and MLB pitching can’t compare.

Or maybe Iglesias is human, and he responded to being slighted in the same way that many of us do:  by acting like an immature child.  It’s definitely not the proper course of action, and it’s not likely to make him any friends in the organization (assuming the troublemakers know of what they speak), but I think it’s understandable.  Iglesias knows he deserves to be at the big league level, and anything less than that is a disappointment.  Drew, on the other hand, is still coasting on his 2008 season and his reputation for being a ‘good’ clubhouse guy (the Red Sox pay big bucks for those kind of guys now.)

When Middlebrooks comes back, we’ll find out exactly how much control over his everyday lineup that John Farrell has.  If he has complete control, Jose Iglesias will remain in the lineup.  He’ll slide back to SS, Middlebrooks will return to 3B, and Drew will either head to the bench or go home.  If it should happen that Drew remains on the field and Iglesias is farmed out again, then we’ll know that the guys writing the checks still exert their influence with regard to who plays and who doesn’t.  As long as the team keeps winning, most fans won’t care, and once the pink hats come back, they really, really won’t care.

I know of at least two people who will care:  Iglesias and myself (and if he was really honest, so doesn’t Dustin Pedroia.)  Most others will go with the flow, happy that the Sox are winning again.

What should the Sox do with Iglesias? Should he stay or should he go?

Let me know what you think:

Matt@morethanafan.net or @tbone44444444

Also like More Than A Fan on facebook, and follow More Than a Fan on Twitter@MTAFSports

The post Jose Iglesias Belongs In Boston appeared first on More Than A Fan.

Hello.

Before reading what I have to say, I would appreciate it greatly if you would please turn-off all cameras, voice recorders, cell phones, and anything else that could possibly record and/or photograph me and what I have to say over the next thousand words or so.

It’s nothing personal, mind you. I trust you. No, I really do. You’re a good guy/gal. A friend. It’s just that society today seems completely hell-bent on destroying those who veer a shade left or right of the big white morality line. Stay on course. Don’t have any kind of personality. Don’t relax. Stay on guard at all times. Always question someone’s motives.

All unfortunate rules of the road at this point for public figures in 2013.

Let’s take a moment, and recap for a smidge, OK? You’re here because Ohio State University president E. Gordon Gee has been fired stepped-down from his position as head of the nation’s largest University. He stepped down because… well… just watch the video and we’ll reconvene after the break.

OK, so Gee went and said some stupid things. Nothing new. Gordon Gee is the same guy who made the infamous wise-crack “I’m just hoping the coach doesn’t dismiss me.” while discussing the tattoo-for-memorabilia scandal in 2010ish that eventually brought down the said coach, Jim Tressel. But that’s nothing out of character, GG’s very well known for eating a steady diet of boot-in-mouth after speaking with the press for any length of time. Give Gee a prepared statement? He’s rock solid. A champ. None better. Allow Gordo to venture-off the ranch a little bit though, and he makes national headlines. So it is now with E. Gordon Gee, so it has always been.

Now I’d like to branch-off the main thought a bit, and take a second and talk about humor. Humor is a very difficult thing to define to an exactness that fits into written words. It’s kind of a vague emotion, and I’d venture to say that the actual definition of humor differs from person-to-person.

For example. Is this image funny? 

How about this one? 

And this?

Did you find any of the preceding photos funny? One of them? Two of them? All of them? It’s OK to be honest, I’m not keeping track. I’m not rolling tape.

Just so we’re clear about this, all three of those photos above are cut from the same kind of humor that Gordon Gee was busy disarming the OSU Athletics Council with in December. They all make fun of people in different nationalities, sexes, and religions. Kinda like Gee did when he blasted Catholics, Southerners, and people from Kentucky. Now, my moral compass being where it is in life, I don’t find those pictures particularly offensive, much like I didn’t find Gee’s comments about Catholics and the old stereotype about athletes in the SEC being morons particularly offensive – but that’s just me. Your milage may vary. Oh, and by the way – I’m Catholic. So there’s that. I have perspective. Polish too.

Ever told a pollock joke?

o_O

I would also like to point out that in the video above, you can clearly hear the members of OSU’s Athletics Council LAUGHING THEIR HEADS-OFF at Gee’s little stand-up routine. They thought it was hilarious. Sure, they could have been just going along with it out of sheer WTFiness, but it’s now June 2013, and this audio was recorded in December of 2012. Doesn’t seem to me like the members of the Council were burning-up the internet trying to turn Gordon Gee in for offending their delicate sensibilities, does it? I don’t know how the tape got out, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that it wasn’t leaked by any of the council members. Would have happened sooner. Maybe a media member? A waiter? Someone in the kitchen? I don’t know. Mark May? Probably (not). It’s been six months though, so that should tell you how offended the people in attendance were at the comedic proceedings.

But I have to be honest here, my issue with what’s happened to Gordon Gee honestly has nothing to do with the content, or more specifically, my lack of offense to the content. It has to do with privacy. With big brother. With society’s addiction with bringing people down and ruining their lives, just for the “lulz”. That’s where this situation offends me greatly.

Now, maybe I’m just some a-hole, but I can recount many-a-night in my youth (and adulthood) where the friends were many, the alcohol was flowing liberally, and the humor was blue. Like, smurf blue. And racial. And ethnic. And sexist. And it was hilarious.

I’m also going to go out on a limb here, and say that most of you reading this have similar memories in your lives. We’ve all said and done stupid things among people we’re comfortable with. And we’ve all laughed about it. We’ve all thought it was funny to laugh at whomever. Don’t lie, yes you have. Even Jesus cussed a few fools out in the Temple. Nobody is that uptight.

Now imagine that someone hanging-out in the back, drinking all the beer without bringing any cause he’s a d-bag like that, recorded these not-so-shining-moments as you let your guard down and relaxed a bit, unbeknownnst to you, and decided then at some point to forward the audio of your racist or ethnic blast humor to everyone in your social circles, including your family, your boss, and your kids. Everyone.

How would that make you look as a person? Does that “person” reflect who you truly are? Or is it a snapshot of a moment in time where you just “went with it”, whatever “it” was? After all, it was just harmless fun. You weren’t on TV. This wasn’t a press conference. This wasn’t in public view. It was just between you and a group of friends whom you trusted and felt relaxed being around.

Except, it wasn’t. And now you’re screwed.

So you lose your job, because your boss polished-off his halo this morning. Your family starts giving you that sideways glance when you come around for a few weeks. All your friends hit the life rafts and bail on you, leaving you to go down with the ship. Wasn’t their fault, you told the pollock-lightbulb joke.

I would call that unfair. Likely, it’s a bad example of a good person. But that doesn’t really matter anymore. You said it, so now you have to suffer the consequences, because when someone hits one knee in today’s society, everyone scrambles to land the killing blow. These moments in time are not snapshots of a person’s true personality. But we pretend that they are, and we treat them as such, because goddammit, someone has to pay for my feigned offense on Twitter. I need to flex my computer muscles.

I’m such a bad-ass. #FireGordonGee, right?

Hmph.

The measure of a man is how he is looked upon by those who know him best. Today, Gordon Gee is being mourned almost universally by the entirety of Buckeye Nation. Not because of what he did, but because of what his forced resignation represents. Privacy – especially for the successful and high-profile among us – is dead. Gone. Finished. It doesn’t exist anymore.

Just assume everything you do from this point on is being recorded. Every moment photographed. Every conversation dictated. Your location tracked, and your spending habits discussed. Welcome to our new society.

And if you are successful, make it double so. Here’s the dirty secret of being successful and wealthy in America, especially if you’re in the public eye:

People will try and bring you down, just despite you. Those people are jealous, they’re vindictive, and their lives took a wrong turn somewhere that yours went right, so now you’ll have to suffer for their misfortune. They’re going to break you. Ruin you. Humble you. They want your wealth, your fame, and your headlines. But they can’t have it, nobody else can, so they’ll take the next best thing (your honor) and try and bring you to their level. Because you’re rich. You scumbag.

And that, friends, is the lesson that I take away from the end-days of E. Gordon Gee. That people will cross barriers of hypocrisy and reasonable judgement to further their own agenda of making the strong pay for the misfortunes of the weak. Gee wasn’t turned-in by a peer, of that I would bet my (extremely tiny) fortune. It doesn’t make sense to do so, Gee was a fundraising savant for Ohio State. His ability to sip cash from the pockets of boosters was legendary. This was partly because of his personality and ability to make a donor feel comfortable. To speak their language. To make someone feel like a friend and let their guard down. This was Gee’s talent. And in the end, it was also his undoing.

Say what you want to about Gordon Gee. Flex in the mirror a few more times internet heroes, you guys knocked-off a good one. The internet showed Mr. University President what-was-what. Look at those Facebook muscles. You are all so tough. Strike a pose.

Celebrate with me then, if you will, the death of privacy and common sense. For this time, she is truly dead.

The post The Lessons of E. Gordon Gee appeared first on More Than A Fan.

The state of Indiana has had many sports triumphs over the years; they arguably have two of the most iconic programs in both College Football and Basketball; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Indiana Hoosiers.  Both have die hard, national fan bases that are very proud of their tradition.  Both teams made a giant return to national prominence this year.

Out of nowhere the Fighting Irish completed a perfect regular-season assuring them a shot to compete for the BCS National Championship.  The Hoosiers took the Big Ten Conference by storm, winning the outright regular season championship.  Big Ten was considered by many (and rightly so) to be the nation’s top conference this year.  Their dominant season resulted in a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament.  The success didn’t end there.  Fresh off the worst season in the 2012 NFL, the Colts rode the arm of their Rookie QB all the way to the playoffs, despite their coach missing most of the season as he was going through treatment for cancer.  Finally you have the Pacers, a team no one talks about, but has quietly built a strong hard working team, epitomizing the values and characteristics of the Midwest.  The Pacers dominated the Central Division resulting in a 3-seed in the NBA playoffs.

Unfortunately that’s where the success ended.  All four teams failed to deliver.  The fan base endured heart break after heart break.  The Fighting Irish were manhandled by Alabama in the BCS Title Game.  The Colts were thrashed by the Ravens in route to their Super Bowl Title.  The Hoosiers were upset in the Sweet 16 by Syracuse.  And the Pacers were ousted in game 7 by the defending champion Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.  To be honest though, ND, the Colts, and Pacers were large underdogs.  The only real disappointment came from the Hoosiers being upset early in the tourney.  The Pacers made believers out of a lot of people, pushing the Heat more than any team has in the last two years.  At the end of the day their fans should be damn proud.  It’s tough to watch your team get so close in each sport and not bring home a title.  It’s demoralizing and gets “old.”

It reminds me of the year 2007.  We Ohioans have been there before and experienced the same heart break.  I like to believe it was worse for us, but that’s because it’s more personal.  I can sympathize with what the Hoosier state is going through right now.

Disclaimer:  It’s time to relive that year, scroll to the last paragraph if you can’t bear it.

It all started with the Football Buckeyes and their Heisman winning quarterback.  As heavy favorites they rolled into Glendale Arizona and got steam-rolled by the Urban Meyer led Florida Gators.  A couple months later, the Bucks had their opportunity at revenge as they faced the Florida Gators in the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Championship game.  As underdogs this time, the outcome was the same.  The Bucks kept it close and played tough, but UF controlled the game throughout.  Shortly after that we entered the NBA Playoffs.  It was LBJ’s coming out party.  The Cavs rolled through the Eastern Conference, taking down the heavy favored Detroit Pistons, only to then get swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.   Within a matter of months, three huge heart breaks were suffered.  Then we hit the baseball season, the Tribe unexpectedly won the Central Division crown and took out the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs, setting up a meeting for the AL crown with the Boston Red Sox.  For anyone following, this was the World Series as the AL was much more dominant than the NL that year.  The Tribe jumped to a 3-1 series lead, only to allow Boston to fight back and take the series in seven.  Boston went on to sweep the Rockies for the World Series title.  The one glimmer of hope from that year was the Browns shocking the entire NFL by going 10-6.  But in keeping with the heart break tradition, didn’t make the playoffs.  Exciting everyone for the next season….we all know how that went.

Indiana you have had a rough year to this point.  The joys of the regular season seem to diminish when you can’t finish the deal.  We know exactly how you feel; it’s tough to get beat, even tougher to get embarrassed.  Especially if you are a displaced fan like I am.  Keep your head up and don’t forget…The Indiana Fever are the DEFENDING WNBA CHAMPIONS!!

The post The Indiana Sports Year of Heartbreak: Been There and Done That appeared first on More Than A Fan.

I’ve written columns in the past that detail my quibbles with the NBA.  Hell, the first words I ever wrote for this site were a list of things that bug me about the league.  If you were to go back and look, you’d see that those words were written in late February.  Now I don’t remember exactly what the weather was like that day, but it’s New England, so it was cold.  Today being a 70 degree early-June day, I’ll mention only 1 quibble: why not wait until after the playoffs to name All-NBA teams?

This isn’t a huge quibble.  It’s not like I’m talking about how David Stern doesn’t care that 1/4 of the sports fans in this country think his sport is at least partially rigged (completely unscientific estimate – in my experience it’s higher than that, but I generally hang around malcontents).  It’s not like I’m wondering why the NBA can’t keep a damn official in a video booth so they don’t have the 3 on the floor standing around with their hands on each other’s backs watching a freaking video monitor for 5 minutes at a time while we’re trying to end a game.

As I said, minor quibble.  I think the playoffs, and how far teams and players go, should factor into All-NBA voting.  I get why they don’t want to vote after the Finals have finished – fans generally don’t care about the league right then.  But why not right now?  Why not vote for teams once you have the Finals match-up set, and post the results at some point before game 5?

The goal of every player is a title, and how far a guy goes in the playoffs should matter.  A lot.  Kobe Bryant over Tony Parker on the first team seals this thinking.  Who cares that Kobe had a great regular season?  Tony Parker has arguably been the second best player in the entire NBA (the argument is that he might in fact be the best) at the time when it matters most.

So here are my teams.  They’re somewhat stat-based, somewhat feel-based, and I would say that the playoffs factor 25% into each decision.

All-NBA Emeritus Team

Kevin Garnett

Paul Pierce

Because it’s my column.  Can it.  You’re lucky I didn’t put Avery Bradley on my 3rd team, just because of how silly he makes Dwyane Wade look every time he guards him.

All-NBA First Team

Chris Paul – This one stays.  Second in the league in assists (Rajon Rondo bested him by more than a full assist per game; I don’t care if he didn’t play half the season).  Third in the league in Player Efficiency Rating.

Tony Parker – Took his team to the Finals.  That bumps him up from the second team.  Replacing Kobe is a nice bonus.

LeBron James – Um, yeah.

Kevin Durant – Again, yeah.

Tim Duncan – Could be Duncan’s final appearance on this list (although I probably would’ve said that 5 years ago, too).  Has there ever been a guy better at filling whatever role his team needs?  I wasn’t alive for the John Havlicek Celtics, but I don’t think anyone’s played as many different roles on a team during my lifetime than Duncan.  From the David Robinson years, to the time when he was the primary focus of the offense, to the Tony and Manu years, to the Tony years, Duncan’s always been about winning.  Love this guy.

All-NBA Second Team

Stephen Curry - He deserves this.  If you’re going to tell me that Russell Westbrook belongs on this list, then look at their regular season stats and tell me Curry’s not real close to him.  Then factor in that this guy might have been the best player in the NBA during the playoffs (sure he tailed off toward the end, but he was the best at one point), and Curry’s here.

Russell Westbrook – Toughest call on the list.  Sure, I hate Kobe, but he had one of his best seasons.  Problem is that Westbrook is one of the best players in the league, and his value was made perfectly clear when he went down.  Maybe the Lakers with Kobe don’t get swept by San Antonio, but they definitely don’t win.  Westbrook’s injury probably changed the Finals.  Kobe goes.

Carmelo Anthony – Seems like every All-NBA Second Team has a stat-monster who can’t ever win.  While I was looking that up, I came across the shocking reveal that Vin Baker made two All-NBA teams.  Goodness gracious sakes alive (copyright John Wooden for perhaps the best expression of surprise and incredulity I’ve ever heard).

Paul George – George gets a bump from the third team to the second because he’s been a top 5 player during these playoffs.  While we’re here, here’s that list: LeBron James, Tony Parker, Paul George, Stephen Curry, Nate Robinson.  Roy Hibbert is #6.  Chris Bosh is below Chris Andersen.

Marc Gasol – Defensive player of the year.  I think he’s battling Joakim Noah for the first team next year.

All-NBA Third Team

Kobe Bryant – Great year for Kobe, but it wasn’t better than Paul’s or Westbrook’s, and if you factor in the playoffs it’s not better than Parker’s or Curry’s either.

James Harden – Breakout season.  Should stay on one of these lists for the foreseeable future.

Blake Griffin – Playoff performance hurts him a little, but he had a very decent year statistically.

Joakim Noah – I’m bending the rules and calling Noah a power forward.  C’mon – I showed tremendous restraint in leaving the NBA’s assists leader off these lists, give me this one.  He’s a game changer on defense and, along with Gasol (and Vlade Divac), is blazing the trail of the NBA’s new big man – the facilitator and defender.

Roy Hibbert – Another beneficiary of waiting to name these teams.  Hibbert makes this team ahead of Dwight Howard, and it’s not close.

So there you go.  The big winners of waiting to name the teams are Paul George, Tony Parker, and Stephen Curry.  The big losers are David Lee, Kobe Bryant, and Dwight Howard.  Who has a problem with this?

Spurs in 7.

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