Light(y)'s Out

Ohio State will participate in the 2007 Final Four in Atlanta after defeating Memphis 92-76 early this evening...and who isn't impressed with the composure and consistent ability of this team to battle back? This game had all the usual elements...announcers continually praising Greg Oden (Shown above looking semi-retarded), five or more comments about Thad Matta's gum on the floor, Conley using the hesitation move to perfection and Jamar Butler knocking down a long distance 3-pointer down the stretch from almost half-court. Perhaps the best sign was that they actually outplayed Memphis for a good part of this game (Well besides the stretch of about 8 minutes where the Tigers couldn't miss a shot regardless of the level of difficulty). Also, they were able to score 90 points, which shows the versatility of this team to win games in the 50's and also high scoring affairs (They'll need it if they draw UNC in the next round...as we noticed from the first matchup).

David Lighty played big minutes in the first half, and showed off his natural leaping ability on a number of occasions. Greg Oden went down with his third foul just 2:30 into the second half, and Memphis was able to gain a five point advantage with him on the bench. When he returned, Ohio State took over the game, and he (For once) was a dominating presence in the paint and really did change the game. Congratulations to Memphis for again having the most athletic team on the planet, and not reaching their potential...maybe next year they'll think of putting some more challenging out of conference games into their schedule to prepare them for the big boys in the tournament. Who's next for the Buckeyes...will it be North Carolina or the thieves from Georgetown who should have been on a plane home last night if it weren't for a set of blind referees? It might be nice to knock Georgetown and return the favor from last year, so I'll be pulling for the Hoyas...Go Buckeyes!

AP Photo

Continue Entry»

Used Carr for Sale

The Browns were burned once by a first pick "franchise" quarterback; they now have the chance to make that mistake one more time. The Texans finally waived David Carr, the first pick in the '02 draft. There's been more than enough speculation on the Browns quarterback situation heading into the upcoming draft, and whether or not they were content with the one-two punch in the stomach of Ken Dorsey and Derek Anderson. Carr almost assuredly would be real familiar with the Browns' offensive system of sack-fumble-sack-punt, the same system he had been running so efficiently in Houston. And please don't forget that we now employ his former offensive line coach Steve Marshall (talk about a free agent selling point, I can just imagine Savage.."We'll David, we don't have good weather or a decent economy, our taxes are outragious, and oh yeah, we can reunite you with the same o'line coach who got you a record-number of sacks - did you bring a pen so we can get this done now?")

Continue Entry»

23 or 24?

In lieu of Kobe's recent run, which by the way is probably the most impressive 3-game run in recent basketball history (and oh yea they've won all 3 games), we here at CursedCleveland.com figured it was time to do a little comparison of Lebron and Kobe...so without further ado here we go:

Outside Game: Lets keep in mind that LeBron is not even through his fourth year of play, and let me also say that we are more than thrilled to have LeBron in Cleveland, and that we are well aware that our franchise lays primarily within his wings. That being said, Kobe Bryant is far and away a better shooter than LeBron, and the big argument is that Kobe wasn't as good as LeBron at this point in their respective careers. Well, Kobe did average 22.5 pts, 6 rebounds and 5 assists a game in his fourth year, while winning an NBA championship and shooting 46% from the floor and 83% from the foul line. LeBron, so far this year, is averaging 27 pts, 7 rebounds and 6 assists a game, while shooting 48% from the floor and a miserable 69% from the foul line. Yes we know Kobe played with a dominant Shaq at that time, however his supporting cast is average at best now, and you have to wonder if LeBron will ever be able to take over a game from the outside like Kobe does on a nightly basis shooting jumpers that have a ridiculous degree of difficulty...Edge: Kobe Bryant.

Inside Game: Lebron can get to the basket whenever he wants...but isn't that the problem considering he often seems content hoisting up bad shots and fadeaways that simply aren't a strong suit of his? Does anyone else notice that if 'Bron makes one jumper, he launches another on the next possession without fail? Kobe doesn't go to the basket quite as much as he used to, but when he does he is very efficient and is still on of the most dynamic dunkers in the game (stay tuned,our staff is in the process of compiling a dunkers analysis). LeBron is simply unstoppable in the paint, and at some times so is Kobe - who is the superior post-up player, however we have got to give the edge to LeBron here...Edge: LeBron(When he wants it).

CONTINUE READING <<<
______________________

Continue Entry»

In the News

An extremely long-winded breakdown of Greg Oden's fouls. Definitely worth sending Bill Livingston to San Antonio. Speed leaves Oden behind

Looks like teams have adjusted to the Cavs' offense. Cavs' offense requires tune-up

"The general manager looks smarter if I pitch better," - Indians reliever Paul Byrd. That doesn't bode well for Mark Shapiro and his upcoming appearance on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" Byrd still could be an asset for Indians

A terrrrrrible interview with Bil Walton as he talks Cavs. Bill Walton sees hopes for Cavaliers

Get ready for tons of "Matta to Kentucky" articles, they're coming. Kentucky hasn't asked OSU to speak to Matta

JC goes for 60, again. Bryant stays on fire, extends 50-point streak for Lakers Continue Entry»

Survive and Advance Part Two

SAN ANTONIO, TX - Wow. Down 36-16 with 9:33 left to go in the first half, the Buckeyes' two best players were out with foul trouble and most OSU fans we're reminded of a certain national championship debacle that had transpired just three months prior. Next thing you know the Buckeyes slash the Volunteer lead to 6 roughly six minutes into the second half. With Oden on the sideline in foul trouble much of the second half, the Buckeyes took the lead and held on for dear life as they advanced to the Elite 8 for the just the second time since Scoonie Penn and John Sanderson allegedly appeared in the Final Four in '99.

It seemed like the absolute worst-case scenario for the Bucks in the first half as UT was raining down threes and the Buckeyes' best players were in significant foul trouble (Oden's third came just 14 minutes into the game). Their 19-game winning streak was in serious jeopardy, while Oden had just 2 points on 1 attempt in the first half. They persevered, and drove to the basket on almost every possession as they battled back relentlessly. Who would have thought a Big Ten team could win a game played in the mid-80's? Bo Ryan must have had multiple heart attacks.

It's now down to chalk in the South and the Buckeyes face Memphis Saturday at 4:40. I'm guessing a 20 point deficit isn't exactly in the game plan when they face the Tigers. Go Bucks. Continue Entry»

Diebler Advances to State Final

COLUMBUS, OH - Technically you could say it was an off-game for future Buckeye Jon Diebler, who scored only 24 points tonight in the state semifinal against Poland Seminary. But then again, how many times has a near-quadruple double at the state semifinals been considered an "off-game?" Ohio's all-time leading points scorer had 9 assists, 15 rebounds and 9 steals as Upper Sandusky routed 89-58. You'll be able to see Diebler in the division 2 championship game against Dayton Dunbar Saturday on ONN at 2:00.

Diebler Highlight Video
No Longer a Tall Tale

Also, don't forget to check out another soon-to-be Buckeye Kosta Koufos. The 7'2 center will lead Canton Glen Oak tomorrow in Columbus against Cincinnati St Xavier for the chance to play for the Division 1 title. And by the way, he's pretty good. Prepare to see dribble drive moves from a 7-footer.

Continue Entry»

What to Watch

OSU vs Tennessee 9:57 CBS
Aladome - San Antonio Texas
_______________________________

I'm a little nervous. I know I know, we've won 19 in a row and, we've had our signature close call in the tournament that's supposed to guarantee a national championship or something, oh yeah, and we have the dominating Greg Oden.

Here's what I'm a little nervous. Firstly, everyone knows we dodged a gigantic bullet in early January against this exact same Volunteer team. There were some iffy circumstances towards the end of that game, including a missed free throw late by their best player Chris Lofton (his teammates have been calling him "Buckeye" ever since. Think that might be a story line tonight?), and a missed out-of-bounds call that could have cost OSU the game. Bruce Pearl has been overly flattering of late with his OSU comments; "They've not broken out yet, they've not had that breakout game that we all know they're capable of."

Either way, the Buckeyes just flat-out did not handle their pressure well in the first meeting, yet Oden had his "breakout" game, by all accounts. Many Volunteers (like Lofton) did not have very good individual games. By the way, Mike Tirico just picked UT, for whatever that's worth. By the way, Tennessee generally has the more attractive cheerleaders, with the exception of this one.

Continue Entry»

Tribe Opening Day Roster: Miller Light

I like Mark Shapiro. I like Eric Wedge. I even tolerate the Dolans. As far as small market front offices go, the Cleveland Indians seem to have it figured out. However, I do see one major philosophical difference between the organization and the fanbase. The general perception from the fans is that the Indians management is too slow in utilizing its plethora of young talent. In this case, I think the fanbase is right.

Why in the name of Herbert Perry do we baby our prospects in favor of aging, rundown veterans? Talent can only be developed so much in AAA before it needs to be faced with higher competition, greater pressure, and larger mistakes. It's the only way a young ballplayer can learn the ropes of the major leagues. And the Indians have loads of talent in Buffalo just waiting for that opportunity. Yet, every year we seem to make a few pointless Trot Nixon/Jason Johnson/Todd Hollandworth(less) signings that prevent this young talent from contributing on the major league level. Let's not forget, this is the same front office in 2005 that thought an old, fragile Juan Gonzalez (who, by the way, could pull his hamstrings playing shuffelboard) was a better option than Grady Sizemore.

And the trend continues as Adam Miller was sent to minor league camp today. So far in spring training, he has thrown 14 scoreless innings. Eric Wedge commented on his performance, saying, "He's been as impressive as any player in camp. You can't ask for much more than he's done."

So what's his reward? A bus ticket to Buffalo. I guess there is no point in giving him a shot at the big league club when you have a dominant #5 starter like Paul Byrd. Jeez, what if Miller is the next Liriano or Verlander? I guess we won't know until someone gets hurt.

Click here for the exciting conclusion! Continue Entry»

In the News

The Garko headline in the PD today is Making his first catch. CursedCleveland.com hasn't spent much time in Winterhaven this season, but if that headline is accurate, his defense has been even worse than we thought.

Grady Sizemore now batting .130 (although how can I make fun, I couldn't even hit that well when I played T-Ball by myself). Tribe Insider

Browns sign Lenny Friedman...for what? They need another lawyer? Friedman rejoins Browns

Windhorst is blaming Mike Brown for last night's loss. Right Brian, it was Mike Brown who told Sasha to turnover the ball in regulation, and it was Brown who told LeBron to needlessly drive inside when he could have pulled the ball out late, and it was definitely Mike Brown who told LeBron to shoot a contested 28-footer with Matt Carroll in his face as time expired. Windhorst Blog

I guess the NBA is in no hurry to bring in an undersized point guard who can't shoot...this must be the first time ever. Conley staying

Paying his debt to society, or paying his debt to his bookies? TV station gambles on host

Foxsports.com has supposedly overtaken ESPN.com in traffic. Any coincidence that this occurs after CursedCleveland.com launches? I think not. Continue Entry»

Really???

Well call me f*ck*ng Nostradamus, the Cavs went ahead and blew a 13 point halftime lead against the second-worst team in the East tonight after I stupidly talked them up in last night's article (Oh yea, Detroit won tonight as well). Keep in mind that Emeka Okafor, Brevin Knight, Sean May and Derek Anderson were all inactive tonight, leaving coach Bernie Bickerstaff with a gaggle of hideously ugly white boys to work with this evening (Anyone else feel like they were watching a John Carroll University game with all these long haired, silly looking lacrosse players on the floor?). Walter Herrmann showed the ability to knock down wide open three pointers repeatedly tonight, and apparently the Cavs didn't figure out that someone should guard this guy after the first few went down (He wins the Brian Skinner award for the most average player to look like an All-Star against the Cavs tonight). Apparently Michael Jordan is a solid judge of talent, as Matt Carroll seems to be a gritty competitor, although I wouldn't have said this had Scott Williams not talked about it 3,000 times during the game (Think it's time to get off Michael's nuts Scott? Nah let's play out the fact that you played a very insignificant role on those championship teams for a few more years).

Lebron played a great game, and was practically the only offensive presence for the Cavs in the second half...however the inability to make free throws and smart decisions down the stretch offset the 37 points and didn't allow the good guys to come out on top. I doubt that Mike Brown told Lebron to fire up a fadeaway three pointer when we had seven seconds to win the game in regulation, but hey if that goes in I suppose I'm writing a positive article instead of this one (Also, it didn't even look like he got that shot off in time, and even though that is irrelevant now, how can that happen in that situation? Were my eyes playing tricks on me? Did he really get locked down by Matt Carroll?).

Perhaps they were looking ahead to the Mavs tomorrow, although this is an overplayed excuse and I don't even want to discuss it any further. Drew Gooden came out tonight and scored two points, and perhaps this was his response to me talking him up this weekend for his recent solid play (Cavs players love to play awful games whenever I say anything positive about them...so I guess I'll stop doing that). Donyell Marshall made me sick tonight, going 0-3 from deep and continuing the be the slowest, most unathletic man on the Earth. Perhaps there's a reason why his minutes have diminished, and in my opinion this guy should sit at the end of the bench and smirk at coach Brown like he seems to do every time he gets taken out of a game.

Eric Snow played a solid defensive game, and in speaking with my fellow CursedCleveland.com author SportsBoyTony, we feel he should get some serious consideration for All-NBA First Team defensive honors at the point guard position. Jason Kidd won the award last year, however can he lock down 3 different positions in crunch time like Snow can? We think not! It's not the end of the world, however you can't hope to win the top spot in the Eastern Conference losing games to the hapless Bobcats. Tomorrow night's game will be broadcasted on ESPN, so look for a big game from Lebron, and perhaps his supporting cast won't take another night off like they did this evening.

AP Photo

Continue Entry»

Bruce Drennan Hired at SportsTime Ohio

CIVILIAN LIFE - The heavily anticipated Bruce Drennan era is now officially underway at Sports(Some)Time(S) Ohio. The "iconic"[sic] Cleveland Sportscaster-turned movie critic-turned gambling ring participant is part of the new daily programming lineup that will, I hope you're sitting down for this, air a full 24 hours of programming out of the possible 24 hour viewing day (kind of ruins our running joke about their station name, although they are still running amateur poker and occasionally Cleveland Indians baseball). They've even come up with a clever name for Drennan's show in their official release...

SportsTime Ohio’s show will be called "All Bets Are Off with Bruce Drennan" and will make its debut on April 1 live at 7:00pm. Fans will be able to call in (1-866-STOTLK1) and discuss Ohio sports with Drennan. "All Bets Are Off" will air Sunday nights at 7:00pm and Monday through Thursday at 3:00pm.

"Bruce is a perfect match for our network," said Jim Liberatore President of SportsTime Ohio. "He is a local icon and his expertise is invaluable. His knowledge extends beyond Cleveland sports, which is very appealing to viewers in all of our regions. Bruce adds to our growing talent list of the most recognized experts on the local sports scene"

I'd say his knowledge also "extends" from showtunes to federal penitentiaries. Either way, we're very excited to hear that another former local sports talker has surfaced.

Bruce was certainly an institution around these parts (although that's probably the first time "Drennan" and "Institution" had been used in the same sentence without the term "Penal" immediately preceding. We kid, we kid, WE LOVE YOU Bruce Drennan! Continue Entry»

In the News

All jokes aside, the Tribe is sending guys down to AAA who have pitched 14 innings w/o giving up a run this spring. Making a pitch

Wedge's daughter takes first steps...and is already a more accomplished base-stealer than three-fourths of the Tribe. And yes, she does have a mustache. Indians notes

Now you can finally see how crappy and overpriced your Cavs seat is...ahead of time! Cavs Seat Viewer

Buckeye fans have been openly questioning Matta's X's and O's all season. Probably why he's outsourced that part of the job to his assistant. Groce most likely next on Matta coaching tree

I like Bruce Drennan - and the points. Prison term humbles broadcaster Bruce Drennan

Excellent rundown by Patrick McManamon on the Browns last three free agency years. Browns keep shelling out upfront for free agents

The Big Ten hasn't done so well in the tourney. (What's worse is that there's actually 11 teams!) With lack of talented players, Big Ten goes on death March

WWE wrestlers on HGH (The Hurricane? Are you serious, he should be filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau). Wrestlers allegedly tied to drug ring Continue Entry»

It's About That Time Again...

Seeing as how we've gotten some potentially awful news from BrownsTown today, I felt it necessary to mention some positive Cleveland sports news to help take all three of your minds who actually read this site (Thanks Nick, Elliott, and Tim) off of Kellen's plight. I'd also like to take this time out to apologize for the lack of writing that has been done on this website lately, however those of you who read the site most likely have talked with me over the past week about everything that has happened in the world of sports, and thus aren't really that upset about not having to re-read our discussions on here anyways. Without further ado, let's talk Cavaliers Basketball:

As most of you already know, it's almost playoff time again, and it seems like only yesterday that Damon Jones was dropping possibly the biggest shot of most of our young lives (And now he spends most of his time assisting Mike Brown, and conversing with the likes of Scot Pollard and David Wesley on the bench). The Cavs are right smack in the middle of a very impressive eight game winning streak, and are poised to battle the thugs from the north for the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference (A lot of people are calling it the Leastern Conference these days, apparently they forgot that last years champion came out of this supposed awful group of teams, and that the joke is very simple and not funny; much like most of our jokes). Larry Hughes is finally playing up to his potential, the bigs are rebounding well and playing like men (for once), and Mike Brown's enthusiasm is contagious.

The Cavs will travel to Charlotte tomorrow, where they should be able to play on ice skates and still come out with a W, and then they will host the league's top team on Wednesday (Rumor has it the folks at "The Q" will be passing out Brad Daugherty's draft day hats to all in attendance, I'd better get over to Cavs.flashseats.com and get some tickets...wouldn't want to miss out on the worst giveaway since "Bobby Phills' floormats" night). Detroit will host Philadelphia tomorrow night, and then travels to Houston on Thursday, so with a little good fortune we could find ourselves only a half-game out of the top spot with just over ten games to play...who woulda thought this was even a possibility a month ago? It's time to go to Dick's Clothing and sporting goods, pick up your WITNESS shirt, and start realizing that at this current juncture the Cavs just might be the only positive thing that any of us have going these days (Unless of course you have a good job, have no trouble picking up girls, and don't live at home...in that case we have nothing in common and I apologize for including you in that reference). Please keep in mind that if the Cavs lose tomorrow night and get blown out by Dallas, more than likely you'll be reading an ignorant Cavs-bashing article from either myself or one of our other esteemed writers.

photo courtesy of cavshistory.com

Continue Entry»

Technically Dolan Wasn't Lying...

In an interview last year with Terry Pluto of the ABJ, Indians Team President Paul Dolan made it crystal clear the Indians would be spending more this season on their team payroll. The figure bandied about was "north of $60 million." Ladies and gentleman, the Indians 2007 payroll: $61.5 million. I guess Lakeside is "north" of St. Clair too, but either way, you're still in Cleveland and your life probably sucks.

Probably not surprising to any of Dolan's critics, but the Tribe's payroll is 24th in baseball ($1.5 million ahead of the Royals, $120.5 behind the Yankees). Now to be fair, it would have been $5 million higher had Keith Foulke not retired. Then again, some might argue that giving money to guys that are literally at the end of their career is not exactly good money management. At least they launched their own TV network which should enhance their revenue streams. Even if it should be dubbed "Sports(Some)Time(S) Ohio." Continue Entry»

You've Got to be Kidding

Despite calling ourselves "CursedCleveland," purchasing numerous business cards and magnets with the "CursedCleveland," insignia, and starting publication of "CursedCleveland.com The Publication", we really don't feel the Browns are cursed, per se. But after hearing this report first on this morning's Rizzo on the Radio, we're starting to seriously reconsider our whole take on the fortunes of this city. According to ProFootballTalk.com:

In response to a tip that we recently received regarding the condition of Browns tight end Kellen Winslow following microfracture surgery on the knee that he initially injured when he made like Evel Knievel in May 2005, we've checked with a couple of our sources and we've determined that the powers that be in Cleveland are not counting on Winslow to be available for the 2007.

"There really is a good chance he won't play this season," a league source told us. The bigger question, as the source pointed out, is why didn't the Browns shut Winslow down earlier in the 2006 season? They were out of the playoff hunt, and yet Winslow (to the pleasure of fantasy owners only) continued to play despite being listed as questionable nearly every week due to his knee.

"I would have made him have the surgery earlier to make sure he'd be ready for this upcoming season," said the source. But there are also whispers that, in the wake of the procedure for creating scar tissue that will simulate knee cartilage, Winslow might never be able to play again.

Wow. So many questions. If there's any validity to this at all, do the Browns consider taking big-play receiver Calvin Johnson in next month's draft? What are the financial implications considering all this dates back to Winslow's initial motorcycle mishap? Has the "Soldier" been receiving his treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center? Does LeBron tear his ACL this weekend or next? Stay tuned... Continue Entry»

In the News

When Sabathia was asked if negotiations were going on, he said, "Bro, I'm so far removed from that." So Sabathia is keeping away from the negotiating table...I'll tell you one table he can't stay away from...OK, too easy. Tribe, Westbrook commence contract talks

Has an NBA team ever had an entire roster playing at peak performance at the same time? (Keeping in mind that Damon Jones is now a coach...not a player) Ilgauskas starts to step up game

All of a sudden, the Cavs have a bright future. Good luck signing AV, Gibson and Pavs in the next two years. Former excuse is now strength

OSU sure looked dominating in overtime. (And, for all the fans calling for an intentional foul at the end of regulation; the Xavier staff wasn't calling for one - they were just crossing their arms in the 'X' motion to make sure everyone knew where they came from). Oden on bench sits well

Tony Shipp wants his grandmother to see him pitch this spring. I hear Roberto Hernandez wants his great grandchildren to show up as well. Reliever wants his grandma in stands

A critique on the tourney coverage (Yet no mention of why the HD feed was all over the place on CBS this weekend).

Phil Jackson was wrong, it appears Jesus Christ could resurrect the Lakers, he scored a ton again. Kobe first Laker since 1962 with back-to-back 50-point games

Bad news AOL stalkers, now those unsuspecting girls will know exactly where you're located. AOL introduces location plug-in for IM
Continue Entry»