Say It Ain't So Andy

Now you talk to anyone that knows me, I was one of the most critical people when it came to the contract discussions with the Cavaliers and Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao. I saw this as another potential Damon Jones...spending too much money on someone that has done some decent/good things, but isn't a cornerstone. I could throw Larry Hughes into that mix too, but I drank that kool-aid when we signed him, and I'll be happy to make the first batch if he actually can stay on the friggin' floor.

But I digress. When I stumbled on to an RSS feed before the home opener that said we signed Sasha, I thought we made a panic move because of our pitiful preseason. We just threw cash at him to come back. But then I saw the deal, 3 years for $11 million and some incentives and I breathed a sigh of relief. I thought Anderson was worth a bit more than that, but I also thought it would make him come around. It's hard to be on an island all alone like that.

But the days kept going by, the season began, and aside from Lebron James playing out of his mind (and hopefully saving something for March and beyond in 2008), we've looked pretty terrible. Does anyone think its a coincidence that we are giving up 102.7 points a game and we've given up 100 points 9 times in 14 games with Anderson soaking up the sun in Brazil? Last year we gave up 93.5 points per game over the same time period. It was January 19th before we had given up our 9th 100 point game last year and we gave up 18 all season. At the pace we are one, we are going to give up 52 100 point games defensively. Now I understand that Hughes being out hurts, but it doesn't hurt that much!



Then I got mad at Anderson, thinking he wasn't right to be demanding so much money. And then reading this little diddy by Terry Pluto just made me even more mad. After reading that, I started thinking, who does this Anderson Varejao think he is? We made him a fan sensation in Cleveland, he became the quintessential "Wild Thing" we had searched for on the baseball field for so long, and now he thinks he's to good to play with LeBron? I was with Terry Pluto the whole way...until Chad Ford from espn.com made me set down another glass of kool-aid.



Read this article that is on Cleveland.com attached to the Associated Press about Anderson's recent requests for a sign and trade. If I had read that first, I'd be furious. Anderson demanding a $60 million contract? Spurning Danny Ferry who would go to his home in Brazil to show his support for him? And how could you say you love the fans but no longer want to play here? Now, read this article from Chad Ford, the one that was chopped up for the Associated Press article. Now the real picture is starting to come clear. And in reality, I think if I was Anderson I'd probably be angry and frustrated as well. Lets look at a few things:

• The Cavs low-balled him out of the gate with the $1.2 million qualifying offer to keep his rights.
• They followed that up with a $4 million a year option which was "fair" yet they weren't afraid to raise up to almost $6.5 million a year later in negotiations.
• A team (The Grizzlies) is ready to make him an offer and the Cavs big-time them into backing down. If the Grizzlies offer $9-10 million a year, has Anderson been playing this entire season so far? The Grizz went on to sign un-restricted free agent, Darko Milicic.
  
• Ferry shows up unannounced at his home in Brazil with a contract in hand? Thats not only presumptious, it's boderline illegal according to NBA rules and disrespectful to Anderson and his agent.
• LeBron doesn't like the fact that Anderson isn't there. It's not dependent on how good Anderson is, it just shows LeBron that the Cavs aren't committed to surrounding him with anyone and thats not really the message you want to send him.
• My favorite stat: "His adjusted plus-minus numbers last season said he was the 22nd-best player in the league"...do we even want to know where Hughes, Sasha and Damon Jones fall on that list?

The other thing this says to me, is I can't trust the Plain Dealer any farther than I can throw Ted Washington. I have to wait for the World Wide Leader (who's done a despicable job covering the Sean Taylor tragedy by the way) to put out a story before I hear about this? AND then, it's not even the full story, but the slanted version to put the Cavs in the best light possible. Look I understand you do your best to keep the big boys happy and your reporters in the locker room, but step it up a little bit PD before more incidents of choice reporting become evident.

I sincerely hope this gets worked out and Anderson does decide to stay and realize, hey I do have LeBron, and Z who's giving all he's got left in the tank and young upstart guys in Sasha and Gibson, and who knows, maybe even a healthy Larry Hughes for a quarter or two. But I hope they show him the money, because to see Wild Thing in a Cavs uniform again, it's gonna take $8.5-10 million a year now. And if you ask me, I think that might money well spent.



UPDATE:

Anderson Varejao has agreed to a 3-year offer sheet with the Charlotte Bobcats reportedly worth $17.4 million. For the full story, click here. The Cavaliers have one week to match the deal, or lose Varejao.

For All Those People That Say.....

That Ohio State doesn't deserve to play in the National Championship game because they don't play in a conference championship game, shut up. You can't blame them for something they have no control over.

For those that don't know, the SEC is the one that started the conference championship business back in 1992. In 1996 the Big 12 thought what the SEC was doing sounded super and jumped on board. The ACC was the last major conference to jump on the bus and that happened in 2005 when they expanded (The MAC and Conference-USA also play conference championship games but they won't be considered for the rest of this blog). But in 1999, to try to finally settle a true champion, the #1 vs. #2 debate each year, they created the BCS. And the real debate began.

Now, the first question we need to answer is, how do they decide to play a conference championship game? The Big 10 doesn't do it, the Pac-10 doesn't, Big East doesn't. But why do the other 3 big conferences do? Well a bunch of Athletic Directors get together and take a vote. If they want a conference championship game they play it. If they don't, there isn't one. Oh by the way, don't forget the money that is involved either, because, really that's what its about. Look at the areas that play them...the south, south eastern coast, and the Midwest. Areas that don't have the same professional sports draws and factors that areas like the north/north east and the west coast has. And honestly if you've been to those areas, college sports is held on a much higher level, with football elevated well above anything else.

Okay so lets look at some numbers. Here is how many teams from each conference that have played in the BCS title game since 1999. All years reflect year the game was played.

Big 12 - 5 (Oklahoma '01, '04, & '05, Nebraska '02, Texas '06 two wins, three losses)
SEC - 3 (Tennessee '99, LSU '04, Florida '07 all champs)
ACC - 3 (Florida St. '99, '00, '01 one win, two losses)*
Big East - 3 (Virginia Tech '00, Miami '02 & '03 one win, two losses)**
Pac 10 - 2 (USC '05 & '06 one win, one loss)
Big 10 - 2 (Ohio State '03 & '07 one win, one loss)

*Pre-Conference Championship game
** Virginia Tech and Miami are now both members of the ACC

So lets take a look together. The two conferences that I hear complaining about the most are the ones that lead this list in championship appearances and champions. The ACC and Big East stat is an anomaly because those programs, sans Va. Tech, have lost an immense part of their luster in the last 5 years. So what does this tell us? I think a few things.

First, it says the Big 12 and the SEC know how to win when they get there. A combined 5-3 record (3-0 for the SEC) is impressive. Aside from 2000 and 2003, a member from at least one of the conferences have played in the title game.

Second, I think it says the Big 10 and Pac 10 are good, but have few teams in the way of championship contenders. It doesn't mean an Illinois can't beat an OSU or an Oregon can't make a run, but the jury is still out if they can have the non-perennials make runs. There are 5 teams from the ACC, Big East, Big 10 and Pac 10 combined in the championship games while the Big 12 and the SEC sent 3...each!

Third, and most importantly, I think it shows this conference championship business might be blown out of proportion. I mean look at the stats that are there and it shows that chastising OSU is unnecessary. It's not their fault how the system is set up, and for those that say they play cakewalks, I'll give you partial credit. Do we forget the Texas home and home? What about the USC home and home the next two years? And Miami after that and tentative schedules for Cal in '12 and '13, Va. Tech for '14 and '15 and then Oklahoma in '16 and '17. Give all those schools credit for taking the chance, but keep it in mind for the Buckeyes for the next 6 days or so.

And as Ohio State gets put down and slammed in the media this week, and they wait to see if Missouri or West Virginia even allows this conversation to matter on Saturday night, keep in mind what they did and what they are going to do. 11-1 this year, the Rose Bowl no matter what, and waiting for an opportunity to go to New Orleans for some redemption, if it happens. But don't blame them for doing what was asked and what was on their schedule. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride...it's really the only thing you can do with the BCS anyhow.

Its Been a Crazy Month Buckeye Fans

A few Saturdays ago, I found myself in the not so friendly Happy Valley with my girlfriend, holding two tickets for the much hyped battle that night between THE Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State. It was an early birthday present from her, and I couldn't have been more pumped, looking at Beaver Stadium as one of those rare places that is just special to see a game. What happened that day set the stage for exactly how I felt two weeks later, and set the course for my journey as a fan this past month.

After getting into State College and getting parked, we chose to walk around to see the area and take in the whole experience. Don't get me wrong, I expected to be heckled, screamed at, and called many names. But what came more was just obscenities being used instead of our team name (I'm sure you can figure it out), groups of people literally running up to you and screaming in your face, and yes having people throw not just beer, but half to 3/4 full beer cans at us and any Ohio State fans. I've been to quite a few games in Columbus, and some big ones, but I had never seen people treated in such a way before. It made me mad, angry, frustrated and downright disappointed to see other fans/students/people treating each other that way.

I would learn afterwards that the reason the band didn't make the trip was because the last time they went to Penn State they had "blood and urine bombs" thrown at them in the stands. Disgusting and disgraceful. (And for any one that says the beer throwing incident was isolated, it wasn't. I saw the video of it being at a party, and I saw it happen right on the main street across from the stadium. And it happened in 2005 too. That university needs to get some things straightened out over there before someone gets hurt.)

Needlessly to say, the result went the right way, and it was a privilege to sing Carmen Ohio with the players after the game and having a group to answer our "O-H" with a very big "I-O". That day started with me being angry, frustrated, disappointed and ending with me being excited, thrilled, and full of National Championship dreams.

Fast forward two weeks.

Stunned. Thats the only way to describe the crowd walking out of Ohio Stadium. I walked into the stadium that day feeling the same way I walked out of Beaver Stadium, excited, thrilled and full of National Championship dreams. I walked out angry, frustrated, and disappointed...shocked that Ron Zook got us again, shocked that it happened inside the Shoe, shocked that just like that, it was all over. It was a long drive home, where I explained the..."finer" details of the BCS to my girlfriend when she couldn't understand why it was fair that we'd be ranked lower than LSU, when they lost to a now unranked Kentucky team, and we lost to a now ranked Illinois team. I had to tell her that we needed a "Tiny Tim" miracle to have a chance at a National Championship. And after that most of the 2 and a half hour ride home was spent pretty quiet.

Fast forward 9 days.

2 down (to Arizona and Texas Tech no less!), 3 to go! And folks, its not so crazy anymore. LSU has to deal with Darren McFadden and an SEC championship game that will have to go through Georgia (hopefully) or Tennessee, which is no easy task. Kansas-Mizzo play Saturday so one is gone, and the winner of that game will most likely have a very angry and non-concussed Sam Bradford and Oklahoma. West Virginia has to play an upshot UConn team and then a rivalry game against Pitt to end the year. There isn't a cakewalk for anyone. Except the Buckeyes that is. They finished their job, securing a spot in Pasadena no matter what, and left themselves an open window at a title shot. Is it likely? Maybe not, but it is certainly possible.

We still need breaks, but being a Buckeye fan these past few weeks made me reminisce back to the 2002 title team. It wasn't easy at any point that year, and at times it looked like it was gonna end. But they persevered and got their shot in Tempe. And when no one said they could do it, no one said they could beat Ken Dorsey and the Hurricanes, they found a way. If this team gets a shot, catches some breaks, and gets their opportunity...they will find a way. It's not over yet, and while it's not how I thought things would be walking out of Beaver Stadium 3 weeks ago, it's all I could ask walking out of the shoe last week.

So Buckeye fans, break out your UConn Huskie shirts, Oklahoma Sooner hats, Darren McFadden Jerseys, and start nicknaming your dogs Smokey and Uga...we're gonna smell like roses no matter what...but let's see if we can cheer our boys to the Bayou instead.

5 Questions with Deitz

It's time to put the man who is synonimous with the line, "EVERYBODY HATES ME, DAVE!" on the hot seat. Today we check in with Brian Deitz, the afternoon drive host on the Kool Kat in addition to his duties as a member of the Sports Krew. Brian is never shy about 'keeping it real,' especially when it comes to the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. So without further adu, here are the thoughts of one Brian Deitz....

1. Give me your favorite moment from this 2007 season of High School Football.

Favorite moment, well I have to say watching how the schools that have struggled the past couple of years improved. Oberlin under the direction of Dave McFarland winning 4 games. Rock Farlow who hasa state championship to his credit was able to lead the Firelands Falcons to a victory, and even thoughSouthview did not win a game, Todd has that program heading in the right direction. Should be very exciting next season, I can't wait.

2. I'll ask you the same question I asked Don....who were your surprise teams/disappointing teams?

Well Dave, my surprise team is Vermilion. I was really impressed with what the Sailors and CoachHorvath accomplished this season. Beating Midview, who made it to the playoffs and being able tohang with Rocky River like they did shows what Frank and his staff have been able to accomplish overthere. As far as disappointing, Admiral King, Amherst and Avon. There was a buzz around the Admiralscoming into this season, and even thought they finished with a winning record for the first time since1987, I think the expectations where higher. I know Amherst and Avon had new head guys, but Amherstbrought back a senior quarterback who had been the starter since he was a sophomore, and a juniortailback who ran for 1,000 yards as a sophomore. After watching Avon week 1 at the stadium, I thoughtthey could make a little noise in the WSC, but they struggled and had some growing pains.

3. Let's turn to the Browns now, how realistic are their chances to make it to the postseason?

If the Browns didn't have to play defense, I would say they get in. But this team has trouble stopping the run. To be a playoff team you can't have those problems. That being said, the schedule plays in their favor and if they can find a way to outscore everyone, they may be able to find a way into the playoffs.

4. You're Mark Shapiro.....what are your priorities with this Indians roster for the offseason?

Our beloved Tribe. Well Dave, it's no secret how I feel on this topic because it's what I've been sayingfor two seasons now. This club needs a right handed power bat to play left field, and the same type bat at thirdbase. This platoon garbage that we have to put up with every season makes me sick. I look to deal Jhonny Peralta,Adam Miller, Cliff Lee and Jeremy Sowers or Aaron Laffey and try to fix these problems. I also look in a deal to try to acquire another power arm in the bullpen. I along with most everyone else don't think the Indians can out bid another club, so making moves is how this team will get better. That being said, I don't know what I'll do if we do sign someone like a David Dellucci to a three year deal. I'm sick of the nice guy stuff, I want guys that are proven run producers.... I want a World Series. Most of the pieces are here, you just have to finish the puzzle before you frame it and put it on the wall. Oh and by the way, Andy Marte couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat.

5. Give me some hope that the Cavaliers can come close to duplicating what they did a season ago.

I don't know that I can do that Dino. They made no improvements over the offseason. Larry Hughes was a mistakeand everyone in this town seems to think a role player/6th man AKA Sasha Pavlovic is Scottie Pippen, WRONG. He's not close. If the Cavaliers get into the playoffs, the are in the bottom, a 6 at best. I always thought the goal in the offseason was to get better. The Cavaliers didn't do anything and I think we will see that. The Celtics are better, the Pistons are the Pistons and I like what I see in Orlando. Plus there are a couple other teams like the Bulls and the Raptors who have gotten off to slow starts. The East isn't the East anymore. Talk to me sometime in the summer when the marathon NBA regular season is winding down and I actually start to care.