Things That Are Bugging Us

 

As the weather warms up a little bit and the enormous pile of snow that blanketed the city begins to dissipate, we decided it was time to get some things off of our chest.  Some may seem silly, but others could affect Cleveland sports throughout the year.

 

JK:  Mike Brown’s problem with Jamario Moon. 

 

On Saturday night, Brown decided to rest LeBron James’ sore ankle.  He also said James needed a rest because he’s played a lot of minutes recently, but since he’s the guy who makes that decision, that would seem to be indicting himself, but that’s another matter to be discussed at another time. 

 

The coach decided to start Jawad Williams in James’ spot, which is fine.  However, when the team fought its way back into the game in the second quarter, it did so behind the offense of Delonte West and Antawn Jamison, and the defense of Anderson Varajao and Moon. 

 

Brown decided to go back to his original starting lineup in the third quarter.  The Bucks dominated the period, and that quarter basically decided the contest in favor of Milwaukee.  Mo Williams’ horrific shooting (3 for 17 on the night didn’t help either).  In fact, Mo’s shot has looked flat since his return (it’s more of a line drive shot), and his defense was regressed as well.  Brandon Jennings, who had been in a scoring slump, killed the wine and gold with 25 points.

 

But what stood out in the box score was Jawad Williams getting 23 minutes to Moon’s 15.  Jawad has been a surprise contributor this season, but if you can find anyone knowledgeable about the NBA game who thinks Williams is a better player than Moon, besides the Cavs’ coach, let me know.  Moon needs to play more.  Just what is Mike Brown’s problem with him.

 

 

While listening to the Tribe’s first two exhibition games from Goodyear, it seems the team’s veteran broadcaster would rather be working on his golf game.  People who listen to these games are hard core fans, and want to know what young players are doing well, and who are some of the young players playing in these games.

 

Hamilton sometimes doesn’t even know how the Indians acquired some of these players, and doesn’t want to give the lineups, just who the starting pitcher is. 

 

If he doesn’t want to do the games, let him stay home and let Jim Rosenhaus handle the broadcasts. 

 

The Indians have plenty of public relations issues coming from the ownership, and doesn’t need to turn off the fans turning on the exhibition games.  Hamilton is too good of a broadcaster for him to do less than a first class job on his homework.  It’s tough to follow these games because the managers make wholesale changes, but an honest effort is all we can ask for.

 

 

Much has been made of the Browns re-doing the contract of Josh Cribbs.  Some people are saying that Mike Holmgren has opened the door for other Browns to ask for a new contract, LB D’Qwell Jackson being the first to test the waters. 

 

Let’s spell out the criteria for the other players:  Make a couple of Pro Bowls, and then we will talk.  Anybody else should just shut up.  And no one wants to hear about promises made by Phil Savage and George Kokinis, neither of whom are with the organization.  There are new people in charge.  If Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert think you are worth more money, you will get it.

 

Otherwise, look forward to packing your bags.  These guys aren’t going to overpay for average performance.

 

 

This has been a recurring theme here, but the Dolan family’s communications with their fan base is truly amazing.  The Indians’ PR guru, Bob DiBiasio really earns his pay. 

 

Someone in the front office, maybe president in waiting Mark Shapiro needs to tell anyone named Dolan to please keep their comments to themselves. 

 

Telling fans the best they can hope for is contention once in a four year span isn’t going to sell tickets.  It may be true, but why say it? 

 

The Dolan family wonders why the fans don’t give them a break.  They wonder why the team has no buzz to it.  They shouldn’t wonder why.  The answer is staring back at them in the mirror.