Author: Gerardo Orlando (Page 42 of 45)

Trade Edwards, don’t draft Crabtree

April 22, 2009 /

Great news today from Tony Grossi:

The Browns have all but crossed off Michael Crabtree as a candidate for the No. 5 overall pick, said a source.

The Texas Tech receiver brought a diva attitude on his visit to the club facility last week and did not impress coach Eric Mangini and others, the source said. In fact, Crabtree was described by some in the building as “not nice.” After Crabtree left, Mangini secured last-minute workouts with borderline first-round receivers Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina, Kenny Britt of Rutgers and Mohamed Massaquoi of Georgia.

For weeks I’ve been hearing commentators and bloggers arguing that the Browns had to take Crabtree if they traded Edwards. This thinking made absolutely no sense. Just because a trade would open a need at wide receiver doesn’t mean that you have to burn the #5 pick on a receiver. I was encouraged when news broke that the Browns were working out Hicks and Britt, and now this news suggests Crabtree is off the table.

Cleveland Browns

Joe Smith poised to join Cavs

March 3, 2009 /

It’s not a secret. Everyone expects Joe Smith to sign with the Cavs after he clears waivers on Wednesday. Some have speculated that Drew Gooden would be a better option, but TD at WaitingForNextYear sawts away that dumb idea.

Smith gives the Cavs some much-needed help down low. The only downside is that J.J. Hickson will get less playing time. I think Hickson has the potential to make an impact down the stretch, but at least the Cavs now have more experience and plenty of options. By the time Ben Wallace comes back, he may find it hard to get his minutes back.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Derrick Ward signs with Tampa

March 3, 2009 /

So much for going after Derrick Ward. Eric Mangini suggested he was interested in pursuing Ward, but that didn’t happen.

Clinging to an NFL-record $61 million under the salary cap at the start of free agency, the Bucs finally handed off some of that loot Monday to Giants running back Derrick Ward.

Part of the Earth, Wind and Fire running back rotation with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, Ward rushed for 1,025 yards and two touchdowns last season. His 5.6-yard rushing average was the best in the NFL, and he caught 41 passes for 384 yards.

Ward, who turns 29 before opening day, agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth $17 million. The deal includes $6 million guaranteed in the first year, $9.25 million over two years and $13 million over three.

Ward received strong interest from the Bengals and Broncos in free agency, but his offers might have been tempered because he is at an age when many running backs begin to slip.

In Tampa Bay, Ward will split carries with running back Earnest Graham, who is 29 and coming off a leg injury that sidelined him the final six games of 2008.

This isn’t a huge loss. Given his age, I can see why Ward wasn’t a big priority.

Cleveland Browns

Winslow traded

February 27, 2009 /

This trade shouldn’t be a surprise. Winslow is a great talent, and he played harder than anyone, but his injuries and his contract demands made him expendable. They had their best game on offense last season (against the Giants) when Winslow was hurt. He was a serious liability in the running game. Also, if we’re moving to more of a Patrots-style offense, the tight end seems to be less important.

That said, what are the draft picks? Why is this a secret? Hopefully the Browns got at least a #2 pick.

Update: The PD is reporting that the Browns “will receive Tampa Bay’s second-round pick in 2009 and fifth-round pick in 2010.”

Here’s Winslow’s statement:

In Tampa, Winslow said, “Cleveland treated me right. Everything didn’t go as planned there but I had a good time playing there. Cleveland was great to me. I had a great time playing with Braylon Edwards, Brady Quinn. I’m going to miss those guys. But it’s a new opportunity and I’ve played with some of the guys on this team — Jeff Faine, Antonio Bryant, Luke McCown.”

Like I said above, Winslow played his heart out. It’s nice to see him leave with class.

Cleveland Browns

Ben Wallace has broken leg

February 27, 2009 /

This is a tough break for the Cavs.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Ben Wallace will miss four to six weeks after breaking his right leg in Thursday’s 93-74 loss to Houston.

Wallace said Yao Ming kicked him as the two were running down the court in the second quarter. The 6-foot-9 Wallace managed to play midway into the third quarter before leaving for good with 6:19 left.

“I thought it was like a calf bruise or something, that would probably let up eventually,” Wallace said. “But it didn’t. It was one of those freak accidents that happen in basketball.”

Wallace saw the X-rays taken at the Toyota Center that showed the broken fibula.

“I know what that little white line means,” he said.

Wallace, who guarded Yao for most of his 17 minutes, was playing his fourth game since missing Cleveland’s Feb. 18 win over Toronto with a right arm laceration that required 14 stitches.

Wallace was averaging 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 points in 53 games this season. His loss could be devastating and continues a run of bad injury luck for Cavs, who have played without Zydrunas Ilgauskas (left ankle) and Delonte West (broken wrist) for extended periods.

“It’s a tough blow for us,” said Cleveland coach Mike Brown.

This isn’t good news, but it’s not “devastating.” It’s time for J.J. Hickson to step up.

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