This is a slow time for Cleveland sports. The Indians’ season is winding down, and for all intent and purpose has been over since the end of May. The Browns laid an egg in their first pre-season game, and everyone seems to be depressed about the season. Everyone is excited about the Cavaliers, but training camp doesn’t even start for them for another five weeks.
However, there are still things that are bothering me. Here is a list…
· The Browns are starting to complain about Eric Mangini’s training camp being too tough. I say too bad. I understand they grew accustomed to the “country club” atmosphere under the previous regime, but they finished 4-12. If you want comfort and warm and fuzzy feelings, play better football.
· Braylon Edwards explaining that his drops are part of the game. Wide receivers are paid to catch the football, it’s part of the job requirement. No one thinks he should catch every ball thrown to him in a year, but one drop per game is too many. The other frustrating thing about Edwards is his ability to make sensational plays, but then drop a ball right in his hands.
· Mangini should decide on a quarterback sooner than later. In fact, I think he should make a decision after this weekend’s game against the Lions. The quicker the receivers, offensive line, and the coordinator know who the man is, the better off this football team will be.
· The Indians continuing their act as the spin kings, giving out the AL Central standings after the all star break showing the Tribe as having the best record in the division from that time. Unfortunately, this isn’t the minor league where there is a first half and second half. Also, the season starts in April, not in the middle of July.
· I know Andy Marte hasn’t hit like he showed in Columbus, but until he plays every day for two weeks, I will keep wondering if he can be a productive player at the major league level. I realize he struggled in Cleveland the past two years, but he had his best AAA season to date, and deserves a chance to see if it translates. Playing every other day doesn’t give him a full shot.
· His first appearance with the Tribe was a debacle, but Chris Perez looks like he can become an important part of the Indians’ bullpen next year. He throws hard and has a wicked breaking ball. He has been very good since that first outing.
· Much like Trevor Crowe early in the season, right now Chris Gimenez looks overmatched at the plate. He should be sent back to Columbus to get a tutorial with hitting instructor Jon Nunnally. By the way, shouldn’t Nunnally get a shot on the big league staff next year?
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 