Author: G (Page 27 of 44)

Let the draft speculation begin

January 5, 2006 / G

Todd McShay of Scouts, Inc. (via ESPN Insider – subscription required) has already published his first mock draft for 2006. He has the Browns taking Boston College DE Mathias Kiwanuka. He’s 6′ 7″, 262 pounds and he’s known for his pass-rushing ability:

First-team All-America selection…enters the bowl game with 243 career tackles (156 solos), a school-record 37.5 quarterback sacks, 64.5 tackles for loss, 13 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions in 48 games over four seasons…earned all-ACC first-team honors at defensive end in 2005…the 2004 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, he was a consensus 2005 preseason All-America selection…has sacked the quarterback more than once nine times in his career; BC has a 9-0 record in those contests…ranked as the number one defensive end in the nation and as the ACC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News

This draft seems to be loaded with linebackers, defenseive linemen and offensive linemen in the first round, which matches the Browns’ needs very well. Linebacker Chad Greenway of Iowa is projected to the Falcons with the 15th pick. Either of these guys would help the Browns.

McShay has A. J. Hawk going to the Packers with the 5th pick and he has Santonio Holmes going to the Eagles with the 14th pick. He doesn’t have Bobby Carpenter going in the first round.

He also has USC tailback LenDale White going to the Steelers. Let’s hope he’s wrong on that one. I think White will go higher after his performance in the Rose Bowl (assuming he declares for the draft).

If Vince Young and Reggie Bush decide to come out early, this will be one of the most anticipated drafts in history. Should be fun.

Cleveland Browns, OSU Football

Ohio State thumps Notre Dame

January 2, 2006 / G

The Buckeyes overwelmed the Fighting Irish today in an impressive 34-20 victory. Turnovers and missed field goals made the game closer than it should have been, but there was no doubt at the end of the game as to which team was better.

The Buckeyes showed that they can dominate an opponent with their speed. Ted Ginn lived upto the preseason hype with some amazing plays, and Troy Smith established himself as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner for next season with another big time performance. His ability to elude the rush and throw on the run makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country.

The game also proved again that a good defense can stop a good offense. Notre Dame’s offense looked unstoppable all season, and they opened with a great drive, but the Buckeye defense shut them down the rest of the way.

Finally, Jim Tressel wins the big one again. He’s 4-1 against Michigan, and now he’s 4-1 in bowl games. Charlie Weis might be a great coach, but right now there are few college coaches who can claim to be in the same class as Jim Tressel.

OSU Football

Bengals give Tim Couch a tryout

December 6, 2005 / G

ESPN.com is reporting that the Cincinnati Bengals are auditioning Tim Couch as a possible backup for next season. The Bengals are set for this season with Jon Kitna and Craig Krenzel as backups, but Kitna might bolt next year as a free agent so the team is taking a look at Couch.

It will be interesting to see if Couch’s arm will ever be strong enough again to land an NFL job.

Cleveland Browns

Indians sign Paul Byrd

December 4, 2005 / G

The Tribe signed free-agent right-hander Paul Byrd to a two-year contract worth $14.25 million with a club option for a third season. Byrd was 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA in 31 starts last season.

This appears to be a solid move by Shapiro. It looks like Scott Boras was going to make it very difficult to resign Kevin Millwood, so at least the Indians will have a quality starter to fill one of the two open slots in the rotation. Many are speculating that they will resign Elarton as the fifth starter. Byrd is a pro, though he has been injury-prone in the past. At least the Tribe is loaded with young arms who can step in if Byrd doesn’t hold up net season.

Cleveland Indians

Bring Nomar to Cleveland

December 1, 2005 / G

Sure, he’s old, but a healthy Nomar Garciaparra could be a great addition to the Indians’ lineup. ESPN’s Buster Olney agrees:

He got off to a terrible start last season, batting .157 in April before tearing his groin, but Garciaparra hit .338 in August and .311 in September. When healthy, he would fit in perfectly with the Indians in the middle of their lineup, perhaps batting behind Travis Hafner, lending some experienced and right-handed protection; he’d be playing for former Red Sox prospect Eric Wedge in Cleveland.

Nomar could be the right-handed bat this team needs. He has a lot to prove, and he can play first, third and in the outfield. Of course, Shapiro and Dolan would still have lots of work to do, but this guy should come cheap, and the upside could be huge.

Meanwhile, it looks like Brian Giles is re-signing with San Diego and Paul Konerko will be back with the White Sox. Shapiro better get to work.