A couple of things struck me recently regarding how bad things are in 2009 for the Cleveland Browns and their fans.

Anyone who has watched a game this season knows just how bad the team is, but a few things have happened this week that go beyond the offensive offensive numbers (repetition intended) and the record to truly illustrate what a putrid season this has become.

First off, there may be no bigger indictment of the sorry state of the Browns than this: the Detroit Lions, a team that went 0-16 a year ago and has won only one game this year, is a 3.5 point favorite over the Browns this weekend.

But wait…there’s more.

Entering Week 11, which begins the stretch playoff run for any team worth half a crap, the biggest story involving the Cleveland Browns doesn’t even involve anyone on their own team. It revolves around whether a basketball player would make a good football player.

Even more amazing, it’s not just fans talking about it, but Browns players and coaches are addressing the issue as well. (Our friends at Waiting For Next Year also noted just how terrible of a sign this is for the Browns.)

When you’ve scored five touchdowns in 15 games, I guess you can’t really blame these guys for practicing a little bit of escapism. Plus, does anyone really doubt that LeBron James could throw on some pads and cleats tomorrow and become the biggest threat on the Browns’ offense?

Don’t get me wrong: as great as LeBron’s athletic ability is, that is much more of an indictment of the Browns than any faith I have in his football ability.

Cleveland fans should be careful though. They may be jinxing their King by mentioning him in the same sentence as the Browns. Is it a coincidence that on the same day all of this Lebron-on-the-Browns talk escalated that the Cavs lost to the Wizards and LeBron hurt his wrist?

Maybe…maybe not.

But perhaps nothing though sums up the 2009 Cleveland Browns season more than what happened at the end of the Browns-Ravens Monday Night game earlier this week.

The Browns called a timeout before their final play of the game, presumably to try something, anything, in a desperation move to avoid a shutout. On the ensuing play, the Browns’ only productive offensive player – Josh Cribbs – was injured while running around and lateraling the football. He had to be placed on a stretcher and taken to the hospital.

The problem is that it was the Browns fourth timeout of the second half. As we all know, teams only get three timeouts per half. And, of course, the Browns did not score on the play en route to a 16-0 home shutout loss.

The moral of the story? Even when fortune seemingly smiles down upon the Browns and throws them a bone (so to speak), it turns into a complete and utter disaster.

And that, ladies and gentleman, should be the name for the official Browns 2009 Season in Review DVD.

Complete and Utter Disaster.

It is the most apt description possible for a season that continues to just get worse and worse…and worse.

Oh, and if you think I’m just plaintively wallowing in woe-is-me nonsense all by my lonesome, do a quick Google Image search for “browns fans” and then examine the first page. There is nothing but Browns fans looking miserable (except for the strange picture of the lady dressed up as the Browns’ elf).

I guess seasons like this are what you sign up for when you become a Browns fan. But even by the Browns’ lofty standards, what has transpired this year has been pathetic.

Thanks for reading. I’m going to back to doing what Randy Lerner is probably doing right now: daydreaming.

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* – Browns fan photo credit: Tracy Boulian via the The Plain Dealer

“[Jordan's] number shouldn’t be worn by any player in the NBA,” James told TNT’s Chris Sager.

The guy’s right.

This past Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers entered American Airlines Arena to take on Dwyane Wade and Co., but not only was this a showdown of (what I believe) two of the NBA’s best players, but it also came with a little sizzle.

Whether it be Dwyane Wade smashing, destroying, dismantling, annihilating Andersen Varejao (in the new Jordan’s):

or whether it be LeBron James showing us how to finish a game, with PURE defense and clutch baskets.

Yes, this game had it all. Trash talk, stardom, everything! But, maybe the one topic that should be most talked about, came at the end of the game, with LeBron, Chris Sager, and Mo Williams listening in:

In my opinion, this is probably one of the most humble, and loyal moments EVER in NBA history.

Why? Well LeBron James is supposedly the next “big” thing (and he is living up to it), as he continues cruising by the record books, making the $$$ from Nike, and much much more.

With all of this hype, LeBron James can easily say he wants to wear 23, but he doesn’t. This shows how much the young phenom from Akron has matured. This shows how much respect a guy like LeBron has for the game, and the game’s G.O.A.T.

I’m about to say something crazy…

but Michael Jordan should be honored.

And with that said, LeBron James will end this season, whether it be with a ring or not, playing his last season with the number of 23. So many memories since his being here, but now we may see the true uprsing of LeBron. Not the legacy of 23, but a new legacy, a new legend, and a new era…

The era of number 6.

Now that my opinion is out in the air, I want to hear yours:

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* – PHOTO COURTESY: NIKELEBRON.NET

With the city of Cleveland’s pride on the line, and with last season’s heartbreaking Eastern Conference Championship loss still fresh in the mind of LeBron James and Cleveland fans, the Cavaliers got a redeeming 102-93 win over the Orlando Magic, last night.

Mo Williams, who previously struggled in the Conference Finals, found his shots this time around. He scored 22 points (9-9) in the first half of the game, and added 4 assists. Williams finished the game with 28 total points, 6 assists, and 1 rebound. Also, an aggressive LeBron James scored a season high 36 points, with 4 assists, and 8 rebounds.

In the much anticipated Showdown between the NBA’s two self-proclaimed “Supermen,” Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard–Howard (11 points, 7 rebounds) outscored and out rebounded O’Neal (10 points, 4 rebounds). And, at the Free Throw Line O’Neal went 2 of 4, and Howard was 5 of 12.

Getting his second start in place of Anderson Varejao, JJ Hickson had his best game of the season—scoring 9 points, with 6 rebounds. And although he traveled with the team, Delonte West didn’t sit on the bench with his teammates. He was declared inactive just before the start of the game, due to “internal matters.”

Many athletes and celebrities were in attendance and sitting courtside at the historic MSG to witness the Lebron James Show, including: former Tribe Pitcher CC Sabathia and several of his World Series Champion teammates (fresh from a New York Yankee Victory Parade); Jay Z; John Legend; Chris Rock; DJ Grand Master Flash; Woody Allen; plus Charles Oakley and several former Knick players.

Several members of the media had a field day, following James around and snapping pictures of him. Also, talk regarding whether or not James will re-sign with the Cavaliers in 2010 was the topic of the night. Not being one to disappoint, and being all that the local New York media hypes him up to be whenever he plays in their city, James put on a show for the spectators and scored 21 points, had 5 rebounds and 7 assists at halftime.

Although the night belonged to James, who finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists; two of his teammates also scored in double figures. Mo Williams added 12 points, and Daniel Gibson scored 11 points.

On March 5, 2008, LeBron James lights up Madison Square garden with a spectacular showing, dropping 5o points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals.

A near jaw jolt to the face of Spike Lee.

Spike probably rubbed off the boo-boo, forgot about it, then moved on.

Wrong.

On February 4, 2009, LeBron James comes back to New York for the second time. But this time, he feels like putting on a show for everyone, including friends as Jay-Z, Beyonce, etc. LeBron dazzles the New York arena with 52 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 blocks, barely missing the last 50-point-triple double since Kareem.

Simply, as the NBA says, amazing.

Oh, and I think that this blow to Spike Lee’s jaw, probably left a couple bones broken.

So, with the Cavs heading into New York on Friday (11/6), will LeBron put on another show? Will Spike Lee be able to handle another blow? Will the Knicks be able to take another blow?

I think not.

On November 6, 2009 — tonight — The Cavs head into New York pissed. I mean, they just lost to the Bulls at the Q. I personally feel sorry for New York.

Cleveland is finally getting their game in tune with Shaq, Parker, and Moon. They are incorporating them into the plays with more ease and patience.

Remember last year’s Cavs? They went on a 10+ game win streak after they lost to the Celtics in last year’s season opener. I believe that these Cavs are attempting to do the same, with the Knicks as the next victim.

But the question is, what will LeBron do?

Here is my opinion, take it as you want it. (Comment box is below)

LeBron will not, (repeat) will not, blow up.

Why do you say this Devon?

Well, let’s start with maturity. LeBron has shown us every year an improvement in all areas, especially on-court, and off-court maturity. LeBron realizes that there has been one goal in mind since the 2003-04 season:

To win a championship.

With this being LeBron’s final contracted year with his hometown team, LeBron is hungrier, more determined, and salivating more than ever for the taste of an NBA ring. This game will show just that, as LeBron DOES NOT go off.

Look for LeBron to continue incorporating the new-comers, Shaq and Parker. Look for him to show that this isn’t the Cleveland LeBron’s anymore, but that it is the Cleveland Cavaliers, and hat this is a team to be reckoned with. I mean come on. With Mo, Shaq, Delonte, et al, these guys have a solid squad and bench.

I do expect LeBron to go off in one category though: his passing.

LeBron knows damn well he has shooters. So, why not kick it out? With everyone (including the Knicks) expecting to see the “LeBron James Show – Part 3″, I’m sure LeBron will realize he can beat the Knicks without even dropping 20, and that’s a fact.

Sorry New York, you have the baseball team (who won last night), the two football teams…but no basketball team.

In the end, Cleveland will destroy the Knicks, LeBron will not go off, and we will all continue our simple, yet boring lives.

Spike, your jaw is safe.

But for those of you wanting a show, LeBron will put it on, but it just might not be tonight or tomorrow. The King knows just when his real season starts. Not in April, not in May..

..but in June.

But I could be wrong…and if LeBron does go off, please bash me. Comments always appreciated.

Take a look at LeBron’s two unforgettable performances below!

LeBron vs New York, March 5, 2008

LeBron vs New York, February 4, 2009

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* – LeBron James photo credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images North America via Zimbio.com

In case you have not heard, George Kokinis was fired yesterday from his role as GM (General Mute) of the Cleveland Browns.

He had been on the job for less than a year and was reportedly at odds with head coach Eric Mangini as early as training camp. Rumors have since swirled that former Colts, Browns, and Giants GM Ernie Accorsi will be hired by Browns owner Randy Lerner soon.

We here at Midwest Sports Fans, however, are not so sure. Accorsi is a GM with a pretty successful track record and his hiring would almost seem to be too logical and sound a choice for the Browns.

So we put together top 10 list of candidates who – based on the Browns moribund history since being reinstated in 1999 -are probably more likely to be named General Manager than a former Super Bowl architect.

10 – George Kokinis, former Browns GM

That’s right, Kokinis. I know it sounds strange, but Randy Lerner went against the grain this offseason in hiring Eric Mangini less than ten days after Mangini was fired by the Jets. Before you pooh-pooh this one as being ridiculous and totally outlandish, ask yourself: would you really be 100% surprised?

This is, after all, the Browns we’re talking about here.

9 – LeBron James, Global Icon

Right now the Browns are bringing nothing but despair and embarrassment to the city of Cleveland. In this sense, they are much like the Indians. The Cavs, however, and their hometown superstar, are the one positive sports story the city has to grasp onto.

Until LeBron bolts for the East Coast.

Why not sweeten the Cleveland pot by giving him a the GM position with the Browns? He was a good football player in high school and could ultimately pull an MJ by coming down from the owner’s box and suiting up. Then the Browns would actually have an NFL-caliber receiver.

8 – Ryan Russell, Browns Fan Extraordinaire

You know Ryan from his work here at MSF. If you were at the Cavs’ game on Halloween night, you also know him from his incredible Eric Mangini costume, as chronicled briefly in the video below:

Clearly Ryan and Mangini would be on the same page when it comes to player fines. That’s a start.

7 – Gregg Williams, current Defensive Coordinator of the New Orleans Saints

Williams may not have credentials to be a GM, but that’s never stopped the Browns from hiring people before.

Actually, I propose Williams be named GM / Offensive Coordinator. Sounds strange, right? But think about this: the Saints’ defense has actually scored six touchdowns this season, whereas the Browns’ offense has only scored five. The numbers speak for themselves.

6 – Krayzie Bone, rapper and Cleveland native

You know Krayzie Bone from his work with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and his subsequent productions as a solo artist. He is also a native of Cleveland who understands the longtime suffering of Browns fans.

Plus, rumors out of Cleveland suggest that Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan is sick of being the only person referred to as “crazy” around the office. It’s not that he is offended, he’s just ready for a new nickname. Having Krayzie Bone around would give Ryan a chance to be referred to as “wacko”, “crazy man”, and his own personal favorite phrase: “$&@$!“.

5 – John Elway, Browns Dream Denyer

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right?

John Elway always seemed to dash Cleveland’s Super Bowl hopes back during the time many, many eons ago when the franchise was competitive. Perhaps he can sprinkle some of his Elway Dust in Berea and reverse the obvious curse that has haunted the franchise since its return.

Sure, it might make the older generation of Browns fans wretch, but wouldn’t everyone get over it if the team made the playoffs? Most every Browns fan I know would sell their souls to the Devil himself for a playoff run. Hiring John Elway would be close, but not quite that bad.

4 – Doc Brown, Inventor

Does the phrase 1.21 gigowatts mean anything to you?

If you’re a Browns fan it should, because imagine all the great things that could be done with Doc Brown as GM and his magic Delorean at the organization’s disposal.

• Go back to 1965 and convince Jim Brown to play another couple of years, thus making more championships possible during the early years of the franchise.
• Go back to 1987 and have someone grab and twist John Elway’s ankle in the middle of the 4th quarter. We wouldn’t want to injure him seriously (well…) but enough so that he couldn’t engineer the famous game-winning drive that haunts the Browns to this day.
• Go back to 1988 and convince Earnest Byner to protect the ball a little bit better.
• Go back to 1999 and draft any of the following instead of Tim Couch: Donovan McNabb, Edgerrin James, Ricky Williams, Torry Holt, Champ Bailey, Andy Katzenmoyer…wait, scratch the last one.
• Go back to the 2008 offseason and not hire George Kokinis…thus rendering his firing yesterday impossible…thus rendering the hiring of Doc Brown impossible…thus erasing all of the previously changed events…thus restoring all of the unhappy memories that define Browns football.

Damnit! We were so close.

3 – Derek Anderson, current Browns starting QB

Think about it: if Anderson has to take over the GM duties, then he can’t play quarterback. We would then be spared from having to watch the only QB in the NFL playing worse than JaMarcus Russell.

The fact there is even a QB playing worse than JaMarcus Russell is mind-boggling…and depressing. And who knows, Mangini might still keep Anderson out there anyway.

Scratch this one. Anderson would probably just give his responsibilities to someone in an opposing franchise anyway…kind of like what he does with the football on a weekly basis.

2 – Jon Gruden, Super Bowl winning coach and Monday Night Football announcer

Have you ever heard this guy say anything negative about anyone on Monday night? In fact, have you ever heard this guy refer to anyone as anything other than a great player or a genius?

I can’t wait to hear what this guy has to say Browns players next week when Cleveland plays Baltimore on Monday Night Football.

On Derek Anderson: “This guy, he’s just an excellent quarterback. He has size, he has a rocket arm, and he’s a guy you can build a winning football team around.”

On Eric Mangini: “This guy, I tell you what, I’ve watched film with him before and he’s a coaching genius. We need to get more press for this guy and get him some Coach of the Year votes.”

I mean, this guy, Jon Gruden, he’s taken to his new position as an announcer and just done a great job. He’s an announcing genius. Not to mention a coaching genius.

Imagine bringing him in as GM. Surely his strategy of positive reinforcement would come with him once he has another NFL job. Hmm…on second thought…

1 – Cleveland Brown, star of The Cleveland Show

The Browns have won only one more game this season than a bunch of cartoon football players would have won, so why not hire a cartoon character to lead the organization? And could his name be any more perfect?

Honestly, this is a match made in Berea.

And from the underwhelming reviews that I’ve seen of The Cleveland Show, it might actually be FOX’s equivalent to the Browns. A perfect match!

Randy Lerner, as sad as it is to say, I think we’ve found the perfect candidate for your franchise.

After two straight loses to the Boston Celtics (in Cleveland’s long awaited and much anticipated home opener), then suffering a loss on the road to the Toronto Raptors, nervous Cavs fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief!

In what has been dubbed the Cleveland “Season of Expectations,” the Cavaliers finally got their first win of the season. In an almost “must win” game (in the eyes of many fans), the Cavs beat the Toronto Raptors 104-87, and five Cleveland players scored in double digits.

The NBA’s reigning MVP, Lebron James (who scored 38 points in the home opener, and had a triple double in the team’s first road game) scored 24 points, had nine rebounds and five assists.

Mo Williams contributed 20 points, Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 15 points, Daniel Gibson scored 14 points (going 4-8 in 3 ball attempts) and Anderson Varejao added 13 points.

It is obvious the the Cavs team chemistry is improving. In this game, they displayed great ball movement, the team went 10 of 18 on 3-ball attempts, and both Williams and James had 6 assists.

And, although he is showing encouraging by practicing and traveling with the team–Delonte West still did not play.

Kobe Bryant jumps in the air, giving a sweet vision back in time to Jordan’s celebration after knocking down the buzzer-beater that put a dagger in the heart of Karl Malone and Jazz fans alike. Watching was a sea of blue and white disappointed fans.

Yes, the Lakers were 2009 NBA Champions as they finished off the Orlando Magic in 5 games. What an incredible season.

A season that included LeBron finally being able to crown himself the best in the 08-09 season with a much deserved MVP award. A season where Dwight Howard showed us REALLY how to play defense, as he stole the 08-09 season’s Defensive Player of the Year. A season where Dwyane Wade put on a show nearly every night in Miami.

Yes, the season was great even for Knicks, Jazz, Hornets and all NBA fans alike…because regardless of how your teams performed, the individual performances were spectacular.

But that season is over.

Then came the 09 NBA Draft, which included numerous potential future stars such as Blake Briffin (1st overall pick), Ricky Rubio (In spain… dammit)  and Taj Gibson (to Chicago).

Then onto the FA signing period, which turned out to be a bonanza (but will be nothing compared to the ‘10 off-season). Ron Artest moved to LA hopeing he can help the Lakers go back to back. Rasheed Wallace went to Boston, adding a great, versatile big man to the rotation. Then came one of the most lopsided trades, like Shaquille O’neal to the Cavs for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.

Then came training camp, then the pre-season, where all the young rooks were able to show off their much worked on game.

Yes, that is all over now. The rosters are set, and the players are quenching for a new season just as us fans are. No doubt this will be an incredible year, but will it be one of the greatest of all-time? Well, let me introduce you to my opening article on the NBA’s opening week.

Opening Week

You’re not going to get too many great games like this, as the Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Boston Celtics. This was the same opening game last year, but this one will be much more “fluffed”. Meaning this game will have much more to offer. Such as:

• Will the Cavs be able to show us they are still the best home team in the NBA?
• How will the three headed monster of LeBron, Mo and Shaq work together?
• Will the newly acquired Anthony Parker show us he can still be good enough to help Cleveland in the post-season?
• How will the duo of Rasheed and KG work out?
• Are Paul, and Ray still going to be as dynamic as we’ve seen in past years?
• Have Rondo and Perkins brought more to the table?

No doubt, this game will be a much watched game. I mean, cmon. It’s LeBron vs Boston. Period.

Boston-Cleveland game time: 7:35 PM ET/ TNT on Tuesday, 10/27

Then there’s game two of opening night, as the two Staples Center teams battle it out.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers.

This is a very intriguing game to me as well. Not only do we get to see Ron Ron, but we get to see the number 1 overall pick play as well. [Editor's note: Oops...not so much on the #1 pick. Late breaking news last night has Blake Griffin out for six weeks with a broken kneecap.]

Here’s a few things to look out for:

• How will Artest handle the pressure under the big lights of LA?
• How will he show he is good enough to play with the defending champions?
• Will Kobe show any signs of rusting?
• How are Bynum’s knees?
• What will Blake Griffin bring to the table for the Clips’? [Editor's note: not much tonight.]
• How will Baron Davis react to the franchise this year?

Another great game. I mean, it may not be as competitive as the first, but Blake Griffin has [Editor's note: well, at least he would have had] the opportunity to play his first ever NBA game against one of the Top-10 Greatest of All Time (And yes, Kobe is Top 1o All-Time).

Clippers-Lakers game time: 10:00 PM ET/ TNT on Tuesday, 10/27

A great set of games to watch for any basketball fan.

Kobe and LeBron. Nuff said.

Then the less “bigger games,” as some may call them. But heck, I’m really psyched to see Washington take on Dallas in Dallas.

I’ve heard a lot about Dirk this off-season. Supposedly he’s developed a near impossible shot to defend. Some sort of a sky hook or whatever. Should be a dandy to watch. Here’s a few things to look for:

• How will Sean Marion play alongside Kidd, and Dirk?
• Can Erik Dampier give us more now, due to the fact that Brandon Bass is gone to Orlando?
• Will Kidd showing any signs of aging?
• How will Gilbert Arenas fare in a long awaited season-opener?
• How will Foye and Miller compliment the trio Washington already has?

Good game. These teams are pretty close when it comes to skill sets, even though I give the advantage to Dallas.

Dallas-Washington game time: 8:30 PM ET on Tuesday, 10/27

Here’s another good game for you NBA heads. The Utah Jazz pay a visit to the Denver Nuggets. Should be a good Western Conference match up to watch. Look for:

• Will Melo bring more to the table this year? (like he hasn’t brought enough)
• Does Chauncey still have the legs to run an offense?
• How will Denver show us some improvements from last season?
• Will Carlos Boozer be a distraction for Utah?
• What’s Deron Williams improved on?

I like this game, as it is a battle of the PG’s. The young gun vs the old chap.

Utah-Denver game time: 10:30 PM ET/ESPN on Wednesday, 10/28

Here’s a game that features a title contender. The San Antonio Spurs take their new look team to Chicago against the Bulls. I personally love the Chicago Bulls. They are energetic, youthful, and have a strong young leader in Derrick Rose. But on the other hand, Richard Jefferson will be able to showcase to SA fans how he can help in a possible Finals run. Here’s what to look for:

• How will Jefferson look with Timmy, Manu and TP on the court?
• Will McDeyess be able to overcome his age?
• Is Tim Duncan still as dominant?
• How has Derrick Rose improved?
• What can Taj Gibson bring to Chicago?
• How will Chicago fair without Ben Gordon?

Great game to watch, even though this is pretty much a lob sided game, I love to watch Rose, and can’t wait to see what RJ can do for San Antonio

Spurs-Bulls game time: 8:00 PM ET/ESPN on Thursday, 10/29

Here’s a game of mediocre teams, but great headlines, as the Oklahoma City Thunder take it to Motown to take on Detroit. Kevin Durant has to show us who he is, and what he will be. Then on the other hand, Charlie V. and Ben Gordon try to reverse Detroit’s recent problems. Take a look:

• Will Kevin Durant show us more?
• How will James Harden fit in with Oklahoma City?
• What about Russel Westbrook?
• Will the back court of  Hamilton, Stuckey and Ben Gordon work?
• What will Villanueva bring to Detroit?

Great game for those of you who just want to kick back, and watch two teams battle it out!

Pistons-Thunder game time: 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, 10/31

Welcome back Hedo, or well welcome to Toronto, Magic! Hedo Turkoglu faces off against his former team, the Magic. This should be an awesome game to watch. I, as well as many others are excited to watch the Bosh-Hedo combo. Not only that, have the Magic downgraded, or are they ready to take on the best in the league again? Let’s take a look:

• How will Hedo and Bosh work out?
• Will Dwight be even more of a monster?
• Will Bosh be as committed this year as the rest?
• How will Carter fair with the Magic’s offensive style?

I’m really looking forward to watching Hedo with Bosh. Also Vincanity playing alongside Nelson, Howard and Lewis.

Magic-Raptors game time: 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, 11/1

Without a doubt, this NBA season is already revving me up. Especially this first week (even though my Finals picks Cleveland and LA won’t play eachother). I’m ready for this season to begin. The only question remaining is:

• Are you?

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* – Shaq and LeBron image credit: Zuma Press via EveryJoe.com

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The following tweet by our friend Scott from Waiting For Next Year perfectly summed up my thoughts regarding the Josh Cribbs trade rumors floating around right now:

As little underlying support there is, these Josh Cribbs rumors are not fun

He is exactly right.

Who knows how legitimate the Cribbs-to-Miami or Cribbs-to-whomever talk is, but there is nothing fun or exciting at all about the Browns’ clear fan favorite being mentioned in the same sentence as the word “trade.”

All the rumors about Cribbs got me to thinking: is he the second most untradable sports figure in Cleveland?

(I think we all know who the first is.)

Let’s think about it for a second.

Is there anyone on the Cavs right now other than LeBron that Cleveland fans have a really strong connection to? I would suspect that Big Z is in that category, but considering his age and contract, I’m not sure Cavs fans would be too up in arms if there was a parting of the ways soon.

Shaq, despite his profile and the excitement surrounding his arrival, has yet to play a regular season game for the Cavs. There has been no time for a connection to develop.

Do you see anyone else on the Cavs roster with 1/10th the fan love of Josh Cribbs? I don’t.

Let’s then move on to the Indians where, unfortunately for Indians fans, two fan favorites have already been dealt away over the past two years: C.C. Sabathia and Cliff Lee. I would definitely have placed Sabathia right there with Cribbs, if not above.

Who else on the Indians roster might qualify in Cribbs’ class?

Fausto Carmona and Travis Hafner were on their way a few years ago, but then decided to suck and have fallen out of favor. The only person who could legitimately enter the conversation is Grady Sizemore.

Sizemore is a very, very good player, but for years I have felt that he was somewhat overrated.

Don’t get me wrong: he’s among the top 25-30 players in baseball, especially when you factor in his tremendous defensive ability. I just don’t consider him among the elite of the elite as some people do.

When it comes to fan love, however, Sizemore does pretty well for himself.

Guys like Grady because he’s a 30-30 threat who can help their fantasy team and has been the one consistent offensive force on the Indians’ revolving door of a lineup over the past few years. And the ladies like him because, well…I guess because he has dimples, or something? (Money, you idiot…it’s the money! And the shirts…)

And then we get to the Browns, where talented former 1st round picks like Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards have recently been traded away without much fan consternation.

The only player whose popularity could approach Cribbs’ is that of Brady Quinn. However, considering Quinn’s underwhelming performances when given an opportunity, it’s not like the majority of Cleveland fans honestly feel like they have a prettier version of Bernie Kosar sitting on the bench right now.

In fact, while there is a subset of Browns fans who would be pissed and upset if Quinn got traded, there is no such subset of fans who would be pissed and upset to see Cribbs go.

ALL Browns fans would be devastated to see Josh Cribbs gone. ALL OF THEM.

Every single one.

If you can find me a single Browns fan who would be even remotely excited about the loss of Josh Cribbs, I will grow a mustache, name it Zastudil, and interview it on a podcast.

Seriously.

For all of the ill will that Eric Mangini and George Kokinis have generated since their arrival, it would pale in comparison to the fan backlash that would result from trading Joshua Cribbs for anything less than a franchise QB or an already established superstar defensive player.

Cribbs is the one guy who gives us all hope every time he touches the ball. He has been the heart and soul of the organization since he became a star in 2007. He has continued to play hard this year despite little hope of team success and little progress on a contract extension that was promised to him.

There is not much good about the Cleveland Browns right now, but whatever ounce of good exists is manifested almost entirely in the play of Josh Cribbs.

You can get away with trading malcontents like Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards. Browns fans understand that. And if you’re going to be cheap, stupid-line-in-the-sand hardasses about Cribbs’ contract, and not pay the guy what he deserves, then I hope the Browns do trade him…for Cribbs’ own sake.

Josh Cribbs deserves to play for an organization that understands and respects his value to the team, fans, and city. Mangini and Kokinis just need to realize that said organization needs to be Cleveland, with no excuses.

I don’t care if he’s “just a special teams player.” Watch the damn games, watch the effort, watch his teammates respond to him, assess the value of what you’d have to pay him for the myriad tangible and intangible positives he brings, and watch the fans stay interested in the miserable overall product because of this exciting player with the never-say-die attitude and never-quit motor.

Josh Cribbs is a special player. Period.

I’m not saying pay him like a #1 WR or a top-flight defensive lineman or anything like that. Just pay the guy what he deserves for his value on the field and his value to the organization, with his value to the fans being a major part of that.

Pay him, and don’t trade him.

I’m coming to Cleveland next weekend for the Packers game. If Josh Cribbs isn’t there too, I am not going to be happy. Not one bit. I’ve never booed my own team at home — and I’d never boo the players so long as they’re giving effort — but I’d boo Eric Mangini as hard and as loud as I possibly could if Cribbs is not around.

And something tells me the other 73,200 people at Cleveland Browns stadium would join me.

Luckily, it sounds like the Cribbs rumors are just that: rumors. And from everything I’ve read, the Browns are not actively shopping Cribbs. They are merely listening to offers considering Cribbs’ desire for a new contract.

Fine. I understand that…so long as it results in an amicable resolution in which Cribbs gets a new contract and we all have some security that our favorite player will be around for a while.

Update: Cribbs’ agent thinks that the Browns are being unfair by not trading him or redoing his contract.

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* – Grady Sizemore photo credit: Luello.com

* – Joshua Cribbs photo credit: AP Photo/Keith Srakocic

Cavs Play-By-Play Announcer Fred McLeod, standing in for Joe Tait on WTAM 1100 AM, said that the near capacity crowd was a rarity for a Bobcat game.       

Although the Cavs were a little shorthanded, with only 15 players dressed in uniform, 6 Cavs scored in double digits. Tonight was Daniel “Boobie” Gibson’s night, as he found his shot and scored 14 points, in 21 minutes. LeBron scored 11 points (17 mins), Hickson 15 points (29 mins), Shaq 12 points (18 mins), Parker 11 points (23 mins), and Mo Williams added 12 points (22mins).    

Forward JJ Hickson got his chance to start, replacing the injured Anderson Varejao (back spasms), and he shined once again. The other starters accompanying him were: James, O’Neal, M. Williams, and Parker. While two players didn’t travel with the team–Jamario Moon (wisdom teeth extraction ), and Delonte West (personal reasons); Danny Green (glute contusion) and Leon Powe (knee surgery) were present in street clothes.   

Other Cavs who contributed to the win were: Ilgauskas scoring 9 points (10 mins), Jackson scoring 8 points (25 mins), Karl with  6 points (22 mins), Barrett scoring 4 points( 14 mins), Watkins playing 1 minute (no points), and Jawad Williams playing 23 minutes (no points).

None were disappointed, as they caught a preview of the new Cavs Opening, broadcast in High Definition on the Q-Tube Jumbatron. And fans danced and sang along as they listened to Jay Z’s “D.O.A. (Death Of Autotune)” Rap, which the Cavs adopted as their new 2009-2010 Theme Song.  

James scored 15 points (5 of 7), during his 14 minutes of playing time. And Shaq added 6 points, made 3 rebounds, and had 1 block in his 15 minutes. Along with the Dynamic Duo, the other three Starters were: Anthony Parker, Mo Williams, and Anderson Varejao.

The Second Squad consisted of: JJ Hickson, Daniel Gibson, Jamario Moon, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and Rookie Danny Green. And others Cavs who rounded out the Third Squad were: Darnell Jackson, Coby Karl, Aundre Barrett, Rob Kurz, Rookie Luke Nevill, Jawad Williams, and Rookie Russell Robinson.

Yesterday afternoon, I trudged home from the Browns Backers watching party that I always attend on Sundays, lamenting yet another Browns loss and our horrid 0-4 record.

I drowned my sorrows in afternoon and evening football, did some blogging and tweeting, and went to bed early with the knowledge that I’d wake up one day closer to the Browns’ next victory.

It appears that Braylon “Hands” Edwards has other, more public means of dealing with his frustration.

According to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Braylon is being accused of assaulting a 28-year old man named Edward Givens outside a nightclub last night. The story says that Edwards was there with his teammates, who attempted to pull him back while he was in the process of giving Givens a shiner.

Perhaps even more egregious an offense than punching a man, Edwards is also accused by Givens of having some sort of unresolved jealousy issue with LeBron James. 

If there is anyone in Cleveland that you don’t want to be caught bad-mouthing or having “beef” with, it’s LeBron James. I don’t think it would be an overstatement to say that he is beloved in the city of Cleveland.

And you definitely don’t want to have any issues with the city’s hero when you wear a maize and blue mouthguard and continue to drop easy passes while your team sits at 0-4.

Who knows if this story of Braylon Edwards punching a man is true or not, or whether Braylon really does have issues with LeBron, but I know this: he will not get the benefit of the doubt in Cleveland.

Nor does he deserve it.

But, at least Braylon does have one thing going for him: to punch someone, technically you have to hands. (You know where this is going…) As any Browns fan knows, Braylon most certainly does not have hands.

Nevermind the fact that this season may be one of the most anticipated in a LONG time. I mean come on, look at what is at stake; the whole 2010 free agent class.

Well anyways, maybe I can help some of your NBA addictions.

Here is a really good article I found on LeBron James…well, on LeBron James’ tattoos.

Yes, his tattoos. You’d be suprised at what this guy has on his 270 lb. body.

Check it out, courtesy of my friends at Nikelebron.net:

I believe that before season’s end, the Cavaliers will have a new power forward, with Zyrdunas Ilguaskas being the most likely to go.

With the acquistion of Shaquille O’Neal, Big Z just doesn’t seem to fit anymore. Some argue that he has been through so much over the years that he has become an integral member of this team.

My answer: This is a business.

The front office will do whatever it takes to win a championship. There’s no feelings or emotions involved.

Back to the point, the Cavs have one of the oldest, if not the oldest, frontcourts in the NBA. The Cavs have to be thinking about bringing some more youth onto this team, and it’s a good thing they have Ilgauskas’s $11 million contract to toy with, especially with the huge free agent summer coming up.

Many teams will be looking to clear up cap space by February (trade deadline) and will be willing to take on that contract.

Some possible suitors for the power forward position could be David West, Troy Murphy, Boris Diaw, or Al Harrington, with the team looking to add some shooters to stretch the floor for LeBron and Shaq.

Make the right move Mr. Ferry.