Published by Terry Pluto, Cleveland.com
Cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talks Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Northeast Ohio college basketball with host David Campbell.
Listen on Apple PodcastsHighlights: Bringing Jadeveon Clowney back on a one-year, incentive-laden deal: Good idea for the Browns? Why Terry is eager to watch Todd Monken, who replaces Kevin Stefanski's guarded approach with loud, demanding accountability. The Browns prioritized the offensive line this offseason. Who'll start at center? Why a healthy return for running back Quinshon Judkins means so much to the 2026 Browns. RB Raheem "Rocket" Sanders: Terry wants to see more. Harold Fannin Jr.: How many catches this season? What's at stake for Jerry Jeudy; Terry's take on the new deals for Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit with fully guaranteed contract extensions. County Mayo's Gaelic football team broke a 75-year drought, and it's a very Cleveland story. The Guardians are complicating their playoff push with sloppy execution and a disturbing lack of basic base-running and fielding fundamentals, Terry says. Steven Kwan and Austin Hedges surprisingly drove the Guardians' struggling offense through a mid-summer stretch in July. What's it like to be a pitcher who doesn't get run support? We discuss. A listener asks: Ahead of a looming MLB work stoppage, should the Guardians trade for a big contract with the expectation they might not need to pay the bulk of the money? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: It's (pretty much) a "LeBron-free zone" on this week's podcast. Guardians teammates Steven Kwan and Travis Bazzana share a history of overcoming intense skepticism and set the stage at Oregon State for their MLB careers. How Steven Kwan got back to being Steven Kwan. Lane Thomas: Why Terry thinks he could be a fit for the Guardians at the trade deadline in a deal with the Royals. Celebrating Guardians beat writer Paul Hoynes, who will be recognized this weekend at the Baseball Hall of Fame for his 43-year career covering Cleveland baseball. A listener emails in with info on the last Cleveland pitching rotation to start every game in a season. Cavs second-round pick Meleek Thomas shocked analysts with his elite offensive poise, earning a rare spot on the First-Team All-Summer League roster, Some data about a foolproof way teams can score touchdowns on first and goal from the 1-yard line. And a new Browns fan asks Terry: What advice do you have for me? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Sixty years ago, Jim Brown retired at 29 during his absolute prime to pursue a Hollywood career after refusing an ultimatum from Browns owner Art Modell. The Guardians' starting rotation and its impressive consistency. We choose our Guardians team MVP so far, as well as Most Improved and Most Disappointing players in the first half. Prospect Chase DeLauter pairs a pragmatic, aggressive hitting philosophy with a reckless defensive style that raises serious concerns about long-term injuries. Is it OK to bunt to break up a no-hitter? We debate. The Pirates' Paul Skenes delivered the baseball quote of the year by deadpan joking that his teammate's historic 10-RBI performance was "selfish" and a "rally killer." Cavaliers draft pick Meleek Thomas is emerging as a potential draft steal, showcasing remarkable shooting efficiency and instant-offense potential in the Summer League. The top five Cavaliers of all time. Who are yours? Terry lists his. One thing we know will happen in 2026 Browns training camp starting in a couple of weeks. Why does the U.S. dominate in women's soccer internationally but not in men's? A listener emails. The sons of Jim Thome and C.C. Sabathia have been drafted by MLB, of note to Cleveland baseball fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Terry on how LeBron James adheres to own timeline when deciding where he'll play. James leveraged "one-plus-one" contracts to maximize his earnings and force front offices to continuously fulfill their roster-building promises Terry on why the Cavs' signing of Donovan Mitchell is more important than if they sign LeBron James. Constructing a roster around an aging LeBron James requires adding durable teammates capable of shouldering the grueling 82-game regular-season burden Would LeBron carry sway on the court when it comes to style of play? Why Cavs fans should be thankful for owner Dan Gilbert. The Cavaliers still need wings, with or without LeBron James· The Guardians are hanging in the division race even with their injury-hindered lineup. The story behind the Guardians' three all-stars. Terry's Guardians farm report. The biggest non-QB questions we have right now about the 2026 Browns. What will it take for the U.S. to go further in the World Cup? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: The Cavaliers face early offseason roster challenges, losing key defenders like Dean Wade while monitoring the LeBron James situation. Rumors of a third LeBron James stint in Cleveland are gaining traction as a strong narrative and positional fit for both the player and the franchise. James' 2010-2018 stretch remains historically unprecedented, Terry says, for his ability to switch teams and carry two different franchises to eight consecutive NBA Finals. Terry's concerns surrounding a potential LeBron reunion include James' age, declining durability, and the absolute necessity of careful injury management. Modern NBA championship team-building has shifted away from "super teams" toward organic development, smart drafting, and savvy trades. Uniting LeBron, James Harden, and Donovan Mitchell would create massive on-court challenges due to their exceptionally high usage rates and need to control the ball, Terry says. LeBron's off-court motives for returning to Cleveland include catching Michael Jordan's championship count and potentially filming a documentary of his final NBA season. The Guardians' integration of prospect Khalil Watson highlights the organization's ability to show patience. Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan is enduring an alarming offensive slump directly tied to a significant decline in his average bat speed. Minor league prospects Ralphy Velazquez and Chase DeLauter offer the Guardians legitimate hope for a much-needed wave of future offensive firepower. A comical on-field spat between Austin Hedges and former teammate Josh Naylor underscores Hedges' unifying presence and perhaps the organization's relief regarding Naylor's departure. The Guardians' starting rotation has defied expectations by remaining entirely stable this season, fueled by masterful drafting, trades, and the crucial game management of their catchers. A listener email proposes fixing apathetic NFL Week 18 games by incentivizing teams, awarding the winners of the final games the right to host a ninth home game the following season. Terry cautions couples against the modern "wedding industrial complex," warning that starting a marriage with exorbitant debt invites immediate and significant relational stress. Some listener emails about autographs, childhood baseball games and family memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: The Cavaliers traded their No. 29 draft pick to drop to No. 34 and acquire a future second-round pick, preserving financial flexibility. The NBA's new "apron tariff" has drastically increased the value of second-round picks by allowing teams to utilize non-guaranteed contracts and avoid luxury tax penalties. Trading James Harden remains highly unrealistic due to his massive $42 million player option, noticeable physical decline, and reputation for forcing exits. Massive salary commitments to top-heavy contracts restrict the Cavaliers from executing significant roster upgrades or signing expensive free agents. Instead of executing a blockbuster overhaul, the Cavaliers' front office intends to rely heavily on internal roster development and cultural continuity, Terry says. Cleveland was excluded from the Bucks' blockbuster trade because they completely lacked the proven, high-upside young talent required to facilitate the deal. Terry is hosting a free public engagement event at a newly opened Barnes & Noble in Aurora to discuss his latest reporting with fans. The Guardians' current offensive struggles stem directly from a devastating sequence of injuries on June 13. A lack of hitting power and unproductive offensive strategies have led to a shockingly poor 11-14 record for the Guardians in tight, one-run games. Recent minor league call-ups are struggling significantly at the plate, highlighting the massive competitive skill gap between Triple-A and Major League pitching. Despite the position's reputation for poor hitting, catchers Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges unexpectedly paced the Guardians' failing offense throughout June. With Gabriel Arias enduring a historically brutal slump, a listener suggests prioritizingthird-base plate appearances for Daniel Schneemann and David Fry. Should the Guardians target the promising Parker Messick for a contract extension? The heavily revamped White Sox have transformed into legitimate divisional threats, presenting a challenge for Cleveland in their upcoming weekend series. The NFL vs. Brendan Sorsby. In stark contrast to modern prospects transferring to elite academies, LeBron James famously remained loyal to his local neighborhood high school, elevating it to a national powerhouse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Browns trade Myles Garrett to Rams for Jared Verse and three future picks to secure proven talent alongside draft capital; Jared Verse provides Cleveland with a highly productive, cost-controlled, 26-year-old edge rusher to immediately step in; Cleveland’s front office prioritizes a tangible, ascending young star Complex trade negotiations required Garrett to waive his no-trade clause. Rams maintain their aggressive roster-building philosophy by sacrificing future draft picks to maximize an immediate Super Bowl window Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders shatters single-year records with $17.7 million in NFLPA earnings. Terry wants to hear from Sanders fans. Guardians look different this year. Are they actually good? Guardians capitalizing on MLB rule changes with a highly aggressive baserunning strategy to manufacture runs without sacrificing outs. Redrafting the 2024 MLB Draft. How does Travis Bazzana stack up? Tanner Bibee endures a historically unlucky 13-start winless streak due to lack of run support despite elite pitching metrics. Knicks coach Mike Brown and his Cleveland background are headed to the NBA Finals. Who's winning it: Spurs or Knicks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Knicks' physical dominance and high-scoring pace overpowered an exhausted Cavaliers team in the playoffs Cavaliers retained head coach Kenny Atkinson for consistency after a successful Eastern Conference Finals run Game 1 loss to the Knicks will linger on Atkinson's resume, but future performance dictates his long-term job security Atkinson's analytics explanation: What was the big deal, anyway? James Harden's playoff struggles and guaranteed contract create significant challenges for Cleveland's future roster Evan Mobley: The secret to an improved Cavs roster next season. Jarrett Allen proved his toughness in the playoffs and should be valued as a highly reliable interior role player Exorbitant ticket prices and the prospect of a sweep led many Cavaliers fans to sell playoff seats to Knicks fans The late Bob Horner's immediate and successful jump from college to the majors in 1978 remains a rare baseball anomaly Guardians prospect Travis Bazzana highlights the necessity of minor league development for refining essential skills Tanner Bibee's five-home-run outing was a statistical anomaly against a potent Nationals lineup, not an underlying physical injury Moving Steven Kwan lower in the batting order relieved leadoff pressure and helped stabilize his offensive approach Guardians' minor league system looks different with its emphasis on power hitters. Things we're looking forward to about the 2026 Browns. And two listener emails about autographs they secured as kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: The aftermath of the Cavs blowing a 22-point lead to lose Game 1 to the New York Knicks 115-104 in overtime after a staggering 44-11 run. Is the national media treating the Cavs like the Indians got treated in the 2016 World Series? What's the best way for the Cavs to defend Jalen Brunson? What Terry would like to see. New York capitalized on an exhausted James Harden late in the game by explicitly targeting him in pick-and-roll switches Knicks coach Mike Brown says he has counted James Harden's dribbles to give his team a psychological edge. What Terry would say if he were Kenny Atkinson. Cleveland's demise was fueled by 19 turnovers and a stagnant isolation offense that produced only three points in overtime Donovan Mitchell played brilliantly for three and a half quarters before completely disengaging offensively in the final stretch The Guardians surged to lead the majors in May runs scored due to the rapid, simultaneous development of young prospects Top draft pick Travis Bazzana has excelled since his Triple-A call-up, showcasing elite on-base skills, speed, and physical readiness Young Guardians hitters including Rocchio, Martinez, and Manzardo have shown significant maturity and improved plate discipline Relocating Steven Kwan lower in the batting order successfully relieved the psychological pressure of leading off and helped break his slump The ABS system: Is it making baseball less fun? And an umpire writes in with thoughts about why an ABS overturn doesn't mean an ump missed a call. The Browns must decisively name their starting quarterback early in the preseason to ensure maximum first-team repetitions in Todd Monken's newly overhauled offense. Listener emails about their most memorable MLB games, and watching a young Reggie Jackson in Baltimore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: How did Donovan Mitchell secure a critical Game 4 victory for the Cavaliers? He shifted to an aggressive, highly physical approach, drawing fouls and scoring 39 of his 43 points in the second half to tie an NBA playoff record and even the series. James Harden's home versus road playoff performances: Harden has been highly efficient shooting and facilitating at home, but has struggled drastically with poor shooting percentages and high turnovers on the road. Why Evan Mobley's traditional interior game is more valuable than his outside shooting. His dominant rebounding, defensive shot-altering, and forceful rim scoring perfectly complement the guard-heavy roster, negating his need to shoot a high volume of three-pointers. J.B. Bickerstaff goes off on the officiating. He aimed to plant a seed with officials for future games regarding a massive free-throw disparity while also motivating his roster by demonstrating his unwavering support. Mitchell's Game 4 vs. LeBron James' famous 2007 playoff game. What the plus-minus statistics reveal about the Cavs' role players. Harden demonstrates a deep thinking process about the game. Originally a defense-first coach, Mike Brown has loosened up his philosophy to create a fast-paced, highly potent offense that maximizes the talents of stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Is Steven Kwan’s prolonged hitting slump threatening his leadoff spot? Should it? What drove the Guardians to trade a pitching prospect for catcher Patrick Bailey. A reader asks about the low MLB batting averages. We provide some historical context. What are the primary factors causing the modern decline in batting averages? What Terry will remember about former Browns tight end David Njoku. Jose Ramirez, Travis Bazzana and stolen bases. And a listener email about his most memorable baseball game with his child. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Was the Detroit crowd underwhelming at Game 1 of Cavs-Pistons? The Cavaliers' historic issues with careless turnovers, including 19 in Game 1, directly fueled the Pistons' transition offense and sabotaged Cleveland's control of the game's pace. They need to fix it, Terry says. Having Evan Mobley bring the ball up the court helped Cleveland bypass Detroit's backcourt pressure, though he must quickly return to the interior to effectively establish the offense. Coach Kenny Atkinson: Did he misplay Jarrett Allen's foul trouble in the first half? Despite the team's struggles, Max Strus provided a bright spot for Cleveland with an efficient 19-point performance and relentless hustle. Rookie Jaylon Tyson delivered a significant defensive boost for the Cavaliers by effectively slowing down Pistons star Cade Cunningham, earning a plus-nine rating in his 18 minutes. Detroit successfully utilized its supporting cast to secure the win, with Duncan Robinson's perimeter shooting and Tobias Harris's 20 points capitalizing on Cleveland's defensive lapses. Head coach JB Bickerstaff has successfully transformed the Pistons through a gritty, hard-nosed defensive identity, leading the franchise to 60 wins and its first playoff series victory in 18 years. The Cavaliers may stay with a deep rotation to keep players fresh against the Pistons' physical play and the grueling every-other-day playoff schedule. Terry's names to watch among Guardians prospects. Guardians prospect Kody Huff is evolving from a strictly defensive catcher into a dangerous two-way player following a massive offensive breakout this season. There is concern over Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan's prolonged and mysterious drop in offensive production dating back to the second half of last season. Is it time to turn balls and strikes over to the ABS system? One listener thinks so. Terry says the Browns made the optimal strategic move by rejecting a trade-down offer from Dallas, allowing them to secure elite offensive tackle Spencer Fano to rebuild their line. Deshaun Watson: The best solution as QB1 in 2026? Would his success dissuade the Browns from taking a potential franchise QB in the 2027 draft? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Cavaliers secure Game 5 victory through vital second-half adjustments and utilizing multiple ball handlers Are the Cavs capable of the NBA Finals? Or is Charles Barkley right? James Harden provided a crucial, unexpected boost by doing the gritty work and securing nine critical rebounds Coach Kenny Atkinson demonstrates second-half adaptability despite struggling with complex early-game roster rotations Donovan Mitchell exhibits unselfish leadership by choosing to stay benched to let a hot lineup close out Game 5 Starting Max Strus injects crucial offensive energy and highlights the immense depth and versatility of Cleveland's roster Enduring a grueling, physical series against Toronto builds essential playoff toughness and organic chemistry for the Cavaliers Moving local playoff broadcasts to streaming platforms like Amazon Prime causes widespread frustration and viewing confusion among fans Guardians strategically delayed top prospect Travis Bazzana’s call-up to preserve minor league morale and ensure merit-based promotions Guardians rely on versatile contingency plans like Austin Hedges and David Fry to manage Bo Naylor's severe offensive slump Pitching prospects Parker Messick and Gavin Williams successfully evolve from raw power throwers into refined, tactical pitchers Deshaun Watson leads the Browns' quarterback competition, but major concerns regarding his long-term physical durability remain Browns heavily invest in offensive line and wide receiver depth during the NFL Draft to protect the quarterback Coaches who coached in two pro sports: A listener found one. And it leads into a discussion about Jerry Krause and whether his legacy has been treated fairly in the wake of "The Last Dance." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Cleveland sports fans are experiencing a rare convergence of activity across the Cavaliers' playoff run, the Guardians' divisional lead, and the Browns' draft options. The Cavs successfully neutralized Toronto's high-pressure style by dictating a slower court pace and severely limiting fast-break points. James Harden’s low-impact, controlled playing style and what it means; The addition of Harden has freed Donovan Mitchell to focus solely on aggressive scoring and energetic defense rather than exhaustive playmaking duties; Evan Mobley has matured offensively by simplifying his game; Dean Wade provided a crucial defensive impact by effectively neutralizing Brandon Ingram with elite lockdown defense; The fully healthy Orlando Magic have emerged as a playoff threat driven by aggressive toughness and defensive pressure; The PWHL's "Gold Plan" draft framework could fix NBA tanking by strictly awarding the top draft pick based on wins accumulated after a team's mathematical playoff elimination. The fragmentation of NBA television broadcasts across costly streaming services has frustrated fans. The Browns have demonstrated a 15-year institutional reluctance to draft wide receivers in the premium early rounds. Terry says it's time to fix that. The trade market for the Browns' number six overall draft pick remains surprisingly uninspired, meaning a trade is highly unlikely until the team is actively on the clock. Terry has the story on a couple of players with local connections who expect to be drafted this weekend. Advanced MLB analytics are causing a drop in doubles and triples, Terry reports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Was the Cavs' regular season a success? Cavs must prioritize transition defense and utilize their interior size to dictate pace against the Raptors Cleveland's success relies on James Harden acting as a methodical playmaker rather than forcing isolated shots Donovan Mitchell's efficient scoring and Evan Mobley's interior rebounding are vital to the Cavaliers' playoff formula Predictions for the series Is it time to give Austin Hedges more playing time over Bo Naylor? MLB's automated ball-strike challenge system has proven highly successful and popular despite slightly extending game times What should the Browns do with the No. 6 overall pick? Akron men's basketball ensured seamless program stability by promoting longtime assistant Dustin Ford to head coach A listener emails a story about Indians legend Joe Charboneau and his compassionate support of an ailing former teammate in western New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: What it means that the Cavs have another 50-win season. Unprecedented NBA blowout margins highlight systemic issues and an alarming trend of strategic in-game tanking across the league. A toxic new form of tanking involves coaches utilizing analytics to intentionally field ineffective lineups to mathematically ensure a loss. Why resting key Cavaliers stars like Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell before the playoffs is a vital tactical strategy to guarantee postseason health. Kenny Atkinson successfully transformed the Cavaliers' offense to prioritize interior scoring and offensive rebounding over heavy three-point volume. The Cavaliers must reach the Eastern Conference Finals to deem this postseason a success and avoid major internal roster evaluations. The Guardians promoted Juan Brito over top draft pick Travis Bazzana based strictly on his concrete minor league production metrics. Chase DeLauter’s impressive rise highlights his elite offensive capabilities and resilience despite a complete lack of early collegiate scouting. Should fans be worried yet about Kyle Manzardo? The ABS challenge system is working. Here's why we like it. The Browns' optimal NFL Draft strategy involves trading down from the sixth overall pick to acquire valuable draft capital and essential offensive depth. Some listener emails about Opening Day memories; and about Carroll Hardy, who holds the unique historical distinction of being the only man to pinch-hit for Ted Williams, Roger Maris and Carl Yastrzemski. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Why baseball's opening day remains a uniquely revered national holiday filled with deep historical roots, nostalgic traditions, and a hopeful clean slate for the summer. "Super Joe" Charbonneau's mythical rookie season endeared him to Cleveland, though a severe back injury prematurely derailed his promising career. Rookie Chase DeLauter is displaying explosive power and veteran-like plate discipline, suggesting a long major league career if he can avoid nagging foot injuries. Cleveland's Triple-A prospects are showing mixed early results, with Juan Brito shining offensively and promising pitchers like Daniel Espino making strides in their injury recoveries. Prospect Parker Messick delivered a dominant six-inning shutout against the Dodgers, utilizing poise and an unpredictable six-pitch mix. Backup catcher Austin Hedges offsets his lack of offense with elite defensive prowess, brilliant game-calling, and vital mentorship for the young pitching staff. Brayan Rocchio has emerged as the more fundamentally sound and reliable middle infield option over the physically gifted but highly inconsistent Gabriel Arias. CJ Kayfus’ defensive post-game reactions highlight the mental pressure and job-threatening insecurity faced by fringe players. Shohei Ohtani's historically elite dual-threat abilities continue to make him an unprecedented presence in modern baseball. The NFL strategically dominates the American sports landscape year-round by scheduling meetings and manufacturing global initiatives during other sports' offseasons. Browns General Manager Andrew Berry’s vague comments regarding a Deshaun Watson extension serve as diplomatic PR to maintain a player-friendly reputation rather than an imminent reality. The NFL rejected the Browns' proposal to allow trading five future first-round picks. Rejecting rumors of a Myles Garrett trade, Browns leadership is committed to avoiding the toxic culture of another long-term rebuild. The resilient Cavaliers utilized a remarkable 30-12 run to secure a strong Eastern Conference playoff position and approach 50 wins. Evan Mobley’s leap in interior offensive production has been heavily unlocked by the brilliant half-court playmaking of James Harden. The Cavaliers' transition from J.B. Bickerstaff to Kenny Atkinson illustrates how a team's developmental timeline adapts to the times. John Groce’s departure from Akron highlights how the modern college coaching carousel is now heavily dictated by contract buyout dominoes and the financial power of NIL collectives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Chase DeLauter's addition to the Guardians' opening-day roster is met with high excitement, and it's not too much, for his legitimate hitting talent and advanced plate discipline. Top prospect Travis Bazzana will begin the season in AAA Columbus for further development, needing more professional at-bats before a potential major league call-up. Managing DeLauter's health is a top priority due to his injury history, with suggestions to limit his running effort to keep his valuable bat in the lineup. The Guardians set their starting rotation by demoting Logan Allen to AAA after a difficult spring, a decision influenced by both performance and roster flexibility. Allen's poor spring performance is speculated to be linked to the high-intensity innings he pitched in the World Baseball Classic, which can over-tax young arms early in the season. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt is earning praise for an empathetic, player-centric management style similar to Terry Francona's, which is considered a significant asset. The Guardians have a consistent history of exceeding expectations and defying their low payroll, making them a perennially competitive team despite predictions. Statistical analysis reveals Jarrett Allen's immense value to the Cavaliers, with the team's winning record dropping significantly when he is out of the lineup. Since the end of December, the Cavaliers have one of the NBA's best records, establishing themselves as an elite team despite narratives of inconsistency. The acquisition of James Harden has significantly improved the Cavaliers' offense through his passing and highly efficient shooting. A proposed solution to NBA tanking While former Cavalier Darius Garland is performing well post-trade, the consensus is that the trade was mutually beneficial and there is no "buyer's remorse." The Browns' strategy of acquiring versatile offensive linemen is justified by data showing starting units play together for less than half the season, necessitating roster flexibility and depth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: Guardians Outlook: Optimism for the Guardians is guarded but positive, primarily due to the perceived health and depth of the team's pitching staff. Chase DeLauter Praise: Manager Stephen Vogt is exceptionally high on outfielder Chase DeLauter, calling him a "complete hitter" who looks "scary at the plate." DeLauter's Path: DeLauter's unconventional journey, including being overlooked in high school and falling in the draft due to injury, positions him as a potential steal for the Guardians. Patience for Bazzana: There's a call for patience with 2024 first-round pick Travis Bazzana, emphasizing that player development takes time and is not always linear. Bazzana Scouting Report: While physically average, Bazzana is noted for a fanatical work ethic but may be overly driven; his bat will need to carry his "okay" defense. Sleeper Prospect: Class-A infielder Dauri Fernandez is a deep sleeper prospect who impressed with his poise, backed by a significant signing bonus and strong rookie stats. Mixed Prospect Results: Other Guardians prospects show a mixed bag: Angel Martinez looks promising, Juan Brito is struggling, and George Valera is injured again. Ramirez's Frustration Injury: José Ramírez sustained a minor shoulder injury after aggressively stealing a base, fueled by anger over a call from the automated strike system. Automated Strike Debate: The hybrid automated ball-strike (ABS) system is causing frustration, with the powerful umpires' union cited as a reason for the delay in full implementation. Cavaliers' Permissive Defense: The Cavs' defense has been called "too permissive" by Kenny Atkinson, though the return of Max Strus is expected to add toughness and improve wing defense. Cavs' Roster Instability: The Cavaliers' biggest challenge has been a constant lack of roster consistency due to numerous injuries to key players, preventing the team from building chemistry. Cavs' Playoff Defense: The Cavs' playoff lineup is expected to be more defensively sound than their regular-season lineups by featuring fewer exploitable matchups on the court. Bo Naylor's Workload: The hope is that catcher Bo Naylor plays fewer games this season to allow backup David Fry more playing time, which would indicate positive contributions from the backup. MAC Tournament Success: For the first time since 1999, the Mid-American Conference sent two teams, Akron and Miami, to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Coaching Speculation: Following Akron's success, coach John Groce would be a perfect candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Butler due to his Indiana roots and ties to the program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: The Guardians' spring training focus is on key position battles, including a potential outfield platoon with George Valera and Angel Martinez. Despite fan aversion, a well-executed platoon strategy can be effective, as proven by Orioles manager Earl Weaver's successful use of one in 1979. The Guardians' front office might waive former top prospect Nolan Jones to make room for more promising players like George Valera. The Guardians boast significant pitching depth with young arms like Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams, plus strong candidates for the fifth spot, which is a valuable asset over a long season. The durability of Hall of Famer Bob Feller, who built arm strength through natural farm work, stands in stark contrast to today's injury-prone pitchers, highlighting a potential flaw in modern training methods. Maybe they should throw some hay. Angels owner Arte Moreno and his out-of-touch comment that fans prioritize affordability and ballpark experience over winning. The Browns aggressively addressed their offensive line issues by signing several experienced veterans in free agency to provide stability after a season plagued by injuries and poor performance. Cleveland's heavy spending in free agency on the offensive line is a direct consequence of the front office's past failures to draft and develop reliable linemen, such as passing on All-Pro Tristan Wirfs. Despite a recent loss to Boston, the Cavs' record since late December and the integration of key trade acquisitions are solid reasons for playoff optimism. A listener asks: Does Donovan Mitchell make his teammates better? This year's playoffs will be crucial for him to stop that narrative. The undefeated Miami RedHawks men's basketball team faces immense pressure in the MAC Tournament, where a single loss could end their historic season without an NCAA Tournament bid. A listener shared a legendary story of being caught playing Strat-O-Matic football on the Sabbath, with the headmaster mistaking it for chess and unknowingly creating a lasting school myth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Highlights: The Cavs are implementing a more physical, high-impact defensive style in preparation for the playoffs, aiming to avoid being overwhelmed by aggressive teams as they were in the past. New additions Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder bring a reliable and intense defensive grit that is considered essential for a deep playoff run. Keon Ellis has made an immediate and significant defensive impact, posting elite defensive ratings and a high number of steals and blocks in his short time with the team. Despite an improved overall defense, the team's defensive rebounding remains a significant weakness, ranking 20th in the NBA. James Harden is demonstrating his commitment to winning by choosing to play through a thumb fracture. Harden is seen as "locked in" and motivated, a change attributed to his love for the game and the financial security from the belief that the Cavs fully guaranteed his contract. Harden's exceptional passing, particularly his unique high, hard bounce passes to big men like Jarrett Allen, has significantly elevated the team's offense. The Cavs are considered "not yet" playoff-ready due to significant roster turnover, requiring more time for new key players to build chemistry. A call for key players like Sam Merrill to prioritize their health for the playoffs by avoiding high-risk hustle plays during the regular season. Staggering the minutes of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, potentially by moving Allen to a sixth-man role, is suggested as a way to unlock their potential and improve team spacing. The Browns' trade for offensive lineman Tytus Howard for a fifth-round pick is praised as a savvy, cost-effective move that provides an immediate upgrade in pass protection. At pick No. 6, the Browns face a classic draft dilemma: select a top offensive lineman to fill a need, or take the best player available if a generational talent is on the board. The consensus opinion is that the Browns should select a potential generational talent at pick #6, regardless of position, as such a player is too valuable to pass up. The size of modern NFL coaching staffs has expanded dramatically, illustrated by the Browns' 29-member staff compared to the staff of the 1964 championship team. The United Football League (UFL) is experimenting with new rules, such as a four-point field goal and tiered extra-point options, which could serve as a test for future NFL implementation. The Guardians' $2 million signing of outfielder Nolan Jones is questioned by Terry as a questionable use of a tight budget that blocks playing time for younger, in-house prospects. Top prospect Chase DeLauter's ability to stay healthy is the biggest factor for the Guardians, as he has proven to be an extremely productive hitter when not injured. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices