Every once in a while, there are a variety of things a person needs to get off his/her chest. This is one of those times. We have some questions and comments we would like to make to the managers, coaches, and front office personnel of the major sports teams in Cleveland, Ohio. So, without further adieu, here is what we would like to ask.
1). We aren’t the only people that want to know this, but Romeo Crennel: What were you thinking when you kicked that field goal against Dallas, trailing 28-7 with ten minutes to go? You needed three yards for a first down, your defense couldn’t stop a high school team, and you were still down three scores after Phil Dawson made the kick. It made absolutely no sense. I’m no fan of Chiefs’ coach Herm Edwards, but he was right when he famously said, “You play to win the game!” There are no moral victories in the NFL.
2). Eric Wedge: What is the fascination with hitting Franklin Gutierrez in the #2 spot in the order, or in the leadoff spot if Grady Sizemore is resting? There is no rule that says the CF must lead off. The object of the leadoff batter is to get on base. Gutierrez has an on base percentage of .286, meaning he doesn’t get on base 73% of the time. Of all the Indians currently on the roster, only Andy Marte has a worse OBP. Gutierrez shouldn’t hit above the 7th spot in the order when he plays.
3). Rob Chudzinski: Why throw the ball downfield on third down and four yards to go early in the second half last week? The defense is struggling and the best thing to do is keep them off the field by playing ball control. I realize you are an aggressive offensive coordinator, but sometimes you have to keep that in check for the good of the team. Keeping the defense off the field, especially in last week’s game is the smart thing to do.
4). Indians’ GM Mark Shapiro: Was it necessary to have Travis Hafner do a rehab assignment in the middle of the Eastern League playoffs? The roster were expanded, so Pronk could have swung the bat for the Indians instead, or he could have been sent to Mahoning Valley, who were still in their regular season. It seems cheap to alter the minor league playoffs by sending an established big leaguer to play. Bowie Manager Brad Komminsk was angry, and I have to say I don’t blame him.
5). Cavs’ Coach Mike Brown: Will this be the year you finally cut the minutes of LeBron James? Every year, the coach says he has to keep The King’s playing time down to around 38-40 minutes per night, but it never happens. The coach has to make a commitment to this from the first regular season game. Remember coach; you are the one who controls this. Also, allowing the team to play through some tough stretches will only make the wine and gold better. The byproduct is a fresher James come playoff time.
These are just some things I wonder about, and would love to ask these guys if I could get them in a casual atmosphere. They may just have reasons that they would rather not discuss in public; at least I hope that is the case.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 