Author: G (Page 43 of 44)

Many of the mock drafts out there have the Browns picking Alex Smith (QB – Utah) with the #1 pick, including the latest Insider mock draft from ESPN. Most “experts” are specualting that the Browns would prefer to trade down, which definitely makes sense. Smith seems like an excellent prospect, though each of the top three quarterbacks from last year graded higher.

That said, the best player in the draft might be Braylon Edwards from Michigan. The Browns certainly don’t have a pressing need at that position, and it’s hard to justify picking a reciever that high, but my gut tells me that Savage will take the best available player, and that Edwards will be the pick if they can’t trade out of that spot.

Not surpisingly, Juan Gonzalez was named the starter in right field and Grady Sizemore has been sent back to AAA. With Gonzalez slotted to bat fifth, and Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez set to bat third and fourth, respectively, the Tribe has three RBI machines in the middle of the lineup. Also, with their 1-9 approach to building a strong lineup full of tough outs, the Tribe can compete with the most expensive lineups in the majors in scoring runs.

This might be the year that Shapiro cements his reputation as one of the best GMs in baseball. It should be fun.

After humiliating himself at the NFL combine with times in the 40 that barely beat the times of offensive linemen, Maurice Clarett has scheduled another workout, this one at his old high school. He wanted to work out at Ohio State during their pro day, but the Buckeyes told him he wasn’t invited. They did the right thing.

Terry Pluto gives an excellent analysis of the Browns’ free agent moves so far. They may have overpaid a little for two average guards, but both are quality starters and help to fix the weakest part of the team. Andruzzi also adds some much-needed character. You need guys like that along with the superstars, so they seem to be on the right track. Pluto also reports that the Browns do not expect to pick a quarterback with the third pick in the draft.

Jeff McInnis was a huge part of the Cavs’ success last year and early this season, but Terry Pluto is speculating that McInnis will be gone next year. He’s just not consistent on defense, and he sometimes has trouble getting LeBron involved in the fast break.

Eric Snow, on the other hand, plays excellent defense and does a great job of dishing to LeBron. His shooting sucks, but according to Pluto, the Cavs think he can thrive if they add a quality shooting guard. Makes sense to me.