Monthly Archives: November 2019

Browns should consider Jared Veldheer

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Jared Veldheer has been released from the New England Patriots and is looking to resume his career. The Cleveland Browns should look into his services.

Jared Veldheer is now a free agent. The New England Patriots have released him and he is apparently looking to play this season.

The Cleveland Browns should look into signing Jared Veldheer. Cleveland’s starting tackles have been less than stellar all season long. Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard are very much replaceable. In fact, Robinson was benched for a game earlier this season. While he has improved since that game, he is still sub-par overall. Adding someone like Veldheer into the mix might be able to improve the offensive line as the Browns push for the playoffs.

There are concerns though. New England had some offensive line issues of their own. Isaiah Wynn missed quite a bit of time, yet Veldheer remained on the reserve/retired list. New England did manage to work around the absence of Wynn, however the fact that the class of the NFL did not turn to Veldheer should be alarming. If the Patriots did not find a way to convince him to help their team why should other teams?

Jared Veldheer was dealing with some hip issues which led to his retirement. After attempting to prepare for this season, Veldheer determined he was not going to be able to perform up to the standards of the NFL. It is possible that the time spent away from the game has helped him in that regard, but it is also very possible that the same issue flares up again.

Even with his hip issues the Browns should still explore signing him. There is nothing wrong with trying to improve the roster this late in the season, especially since the options are usually pretty thin. Exhaust all options before determine that there is no more. That’s all anyone asks of John Dorsey and Co.

Matt Duffy could provide Indians with infield depth

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Matt Duffy has cleared waivers and is now a free agent. Duffy could provide the Cleveland Indians with some much needed infield depth.

After being designated for assignment, Matt Duffy has now cleared waivers and is a free agent.

The Tampa Bay Rays decided to go in a different direction and rely on the likes of Yandy Diaz and Michael Brosseau to handle third base. This left Duffy on the outside looking in.

Matt Duffy isn’t the only infielder the Indians should look into acquiring. (Yolmer Sanchez is another option for the Tribe). Unlike Sanchez, Duffy can provide a bit more at the plate. Duffy’s slash line over his time in the Majors is .282/.338/.380 with an OPS of .718. There is not a lot of power, but he at least hits for a decent average.

The only question with Duffy is health. Matt Duffy has only appeared in more than 100 games twice (2015, 2018). During the 2017 season Duffy not appear in any games at the MLB level. Duffy also spent time on the injured list in 2018 with a hamstring injury.

This is a case of “buying low”. Matt Duffy can be a utility type infielder if put in the right situation. Duffy has played the overwhelming majority of his games at third base, making appearances at shortstop and second base with one brief stint at first.

Offering Duffy a one-year deal would be just that type of contract that is right up the Indians alley. It would provide Duffy a chance to rebuild his value and give the Indians a backup infielder.

Browns waive Devaroe Lawrence

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The Cleveland Browns have waived defensive tackle Devaroe Lawrence in order to make room for the return of Larry Ogunjobi.

There was a bit of a surprise move on Tuesday. The Cleveland Browns have waived defensive tackle Devaroe Lawrence.

Devaroe Lawrence was in his second season with the Cleveland Browns. Lawerence only appeared in one game in 2018, but has appeared in 11 games this season. Lawrence compiled eight tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one interception in his time in Cleveland. In addition to his one sack, Lawrence did manage two quarterback hits.

As Tom Withers mentioned in his tweet, this was to clear room for Larry Ogunjobi. Ogunjobi was suspended for one game after his actions during the brawl with the Steelers. The Cleveland Browns are really going to need Larry Ogunjobi moving forward. Ogunjobi will have to step up (with others) in the absence of Myles Garrett.

At the end of the day, the team had to make room for Ogunjobi. That someone just happened to be Devaroe Lawrence. Apparently the Cleveland Browns viewed Lawrence as the most expendable player at this moment in time. Whether that is true or not will remain to be seen. For the time being, Lawerence will be placed on waivers and teams will have their chance to pick up his inexpensive contract. The Browns should consider bringing Lawerence back if he clears waivers. A team can never have enough defensive lineman and that includes the Browns, who really do not have a lot of depth within that position group.

Cavaliers: Sexton & Osman struggling from deep

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Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman have been struggling mightily over their past 10 games when it comes to their three-point shooting.

There is no getting around it. Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman have not been good from deep over the last 10 games. Their poor performance is not the only reason why the Cavaliers have lost seven of their 10 games, but it certainly has not helped. Sexton and Osman rank third and fourth in three-point attempts among Cavaliers players who have appeared in all 10 games.

Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton is 10-37 from deep over his last 10 games. Sexton’s 27% from deep is 11% lower than his career average of 38.6%. Although, it is more in line with his percentage from deep this season (31.9). Of course this number could be as low as it is because of his recent struggles.

Sexton has attempted more than half of his season total (69) of three-pointers over this recent stretch. Sexton was shooting 37.5% (12-32) prior the last 10 games, so this has not necessarily been a season long issue.

Collin Sexton can easily turn around his three-point shooting performance this season. There are still 65 games to play and his previous track record suggests that his effectiveness from deep will improve.

Cedi Osman

The performance of Cedi Osman is usually not that integral to the Cavaliers success. Unlike others on the roster, success is not dependent on whether or not Osman performs well. The issue with Osman though is that he is taking and missing a lot of three-pointers.

Nearly half of Cedi Osman’s shots from the past 10 games have come from three-point range (38 of 80 have been of the three-point variety). The fact that Osman is failing to convert these attempts has been an issue. Osman is shooting 26.3% (10-38) from three-point range on the third-most attempts from distance over this span.

Like Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman’s history suggest he is better than what he has shown recently. Although, the difference is not as drastic. Osman is a career 35.3% shooter from deep over his three NBA seasons. It is also worth noting that nearly half of his shots in his career have come from three-point range and he is far from an elite shooter.

A correction is coming and it should lead to better team results

There should be a correction when it comes to the efficiency of Cedi Osman but not nearly as much as the correction for Collin Sexton. A bump for either in this area should help the Cavaliers win a bit more games and get off their current slide, which has seen them drop seven of their last eight games.

Discipline will be key for Browns in Pittsburgh

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The discipline of the Cleveland Browns will be tested when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the hostile environment that is Heinz Field.

It is not a secret that the Cleveland Browns are undisciplined. They lead the league in penalties and ejections. The discipline of the Cleveland Browns (or lack thereof) will be tested in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Heinz Field is a hostile environment. It is never easy to win in Pittsburgh, even if the Steelers are not performing up to their high standards.

The goal of the crowd and possibly the Steelers will be to get under the Browns skin. This could potentially lead to unnecessary penalties (most likely) or even an ejection (still very possible). No, another brawl is not what anyone wants or needs. In fact, it is the last thing that both teams need. Another round of suspensions would torpedo the playoff hopes of either team.

It is going to be on Freddie Kitchens and the rest of the coaching staff to get the Browns ready for Sunday. This goes beyond X’s and O’s. This is purely about discipline and culture. There has not been anything that has shown an improvement in team discipline at any point this season. The Browns may have blown out the Dolphins, but they still committed seven penalties along the way. Cleveland may be talented enough to get away with that many penalties against a team like Miami, but against real teams such as the Steelers and Ravens this will not fly. Committing this many penalties on the road against a division rival will result in a loss more often than not.

A loss on Sunday to Pittsburgh coupled with a ton of penalties and lack of discipline will without a doubt restart the conversations about the future of Freddie Kitchens in Cleveland.

Indians should look for upgrades with trades

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There are a few players that the Cleveland Indians should look into trading in order to make some upgrades on their roster.

No, this is not a complete tear down conversation. This is not about trading Francisco Lindor, Mike Clevinger, Corey Kluber, etc. This is about exploring the trade market for players that the Cleveland Indians do not have room for. Finding a way to upgrade the roster with players who are more expendable than others.

Bobby Bradley

Yes, Bobby Bradley. The Assassin. The profile of Bobby Bradley is the epitome of three true outcomes. Strikeout, walk or home run. A little less of a focus on the walk aspect of this description when it comes to Bradley. The most Bradley has walked in a season above “A Ball” is 56 times. Typically more walks are warranted to be classified as three true outcomes guy. Right now, Bradley is more of a two outcome guy with the occasional walk sprinkled in. Bradley will hit home runs (maybe), but will strike out a ton.

If Bradley was someone who could walk more he might be of more interest to the Indians at the MLB level. The fact of the matter is that it is not likely that he will improve upon this particular aspect of his game. If Cleveland was rebuilding, sure, give Bobby Bradley a shot and see what he can do. The reality is that Cleveland has one, possibly two years of serious contention left and need to do what they can in order to do so. If that means trading Bobby Bradley to improve the roster so be it.

Looking at the profile of Bobby Bradley, he is someone with a skill set that is much easier to acquire than in previous years. Hitting for power and striking out a ton can be found on the free agent market every year. Cleveland could trade Bradley to find an upgrade they need while taking a one-year flier on a free agent.

Yu Chang

This was is relatively simple. Yu Chang is blocked at the Major League level. Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor have the left side of the field locked down at this moment. Yes, hypothetically Chang could fill the vacancy at second, but it is worth noting he has only played second base 34 times in his career. Chang has played third base 101 times and shortstop 485 times. Clearly he is viewed more of a shortstop/third base type than second baseman.

Looking at his performance at the plate is not anything that suggest he is going to become an elite hitter at any level. Chang’s .253/.328/.433/.761 slash line across all levels of competition is hardly impressive. There is no reason to bump anyone to a different position to accommodate Chang and there is no reason to depend on him to fill second base this season.

For some reason there was trade interest in regards to Chang before the last trade deadline. If a team is interested in acquiring the services of Yu Chang the Tribe better call them back this offseason. If Cleveland can improve their roster without trading a blue chip prospect, they better do it. Trading Chang would be just that.

Greg Allen

Here is what we know about Greg Allen. Greg Allen is a great fourth outfielder who should play no more than a couple times a week. In small sample sizes he can produce, but when is relied upon as an every day player reality comes crashing hard. The Indians outfield is still relatively unsettled (Oscar Mercado looks great and Franmil Reyes is a DH). Cleveland cannot afford to go into 2020 with Greg Allen in a starting role. Everyone knows what he is, and a starter is not it.

This does not mean that Greg Allen is useless. In fact, he is far from it. Allen is a switch-hitting outfielder with speed. You know where he would be perfect? The National League. Having someone like Allen be able to come off the bench provides an NL team with plenty of options. Allen could pinch hit, pinch run or come in as a defensive replacement. Greg Allen has much more value on a National League roster than he does on an American League one. There should be plenty of teams in the other league that will have interest in his services.

Bradley Zimmer

This is a more of a change of scenery type trade. Bradley Zimmer has not had a ton of success at the big league level in Cleveland. Some of that is related to his performance at the plate and his previously hideous batting stance. The other part is entirely related to his history of injuries. Zimmer just hasn’t been able to stay healthy consistently and the reality is the Indians cannot rely on him to contribute on a regular basis.

The return alone for Zimmer would not be great, but if Cleveland were to package Zimmer with some of the other names listed here that may increase what they can get. The return could be an established outfielder or a second baseman. Getting a proven commodity while the team is still in contention is something definitely worth considering.

Yolmer Sanchez should interest Tribe

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Yolmer Sanchez has been outrighted by the Chicago White Sox. The Cleveland Indians should consider him for their vacancy at second base.

This seems like a match that is almost too perfect. The Cleveland Indians have a need at second base after declining the option on Jason Kipnis earlier this offseason. The Chicago White Sox decided to go in a different direction and outright Yolmer Sanchez Monday per Ken Rosenthal.

There are two things to focus on in Rosenthal’s tweet. The fact that Yolmer Sanchez is subject to the waiver process and that he is a Gold Glove second baseman.

The waiver process

Cleveland could put in a waiver claim if they feel another team will be aggressive in offering Sanchez a contract once he clears waivers. The projected $6.2 million in arbitration is less than half of what Jason Kipnis would have made if his option was picked up. For those keeping score on the Indians front office slashing payroll, consider this box checked in that regard.

Gold Glove Winner

This is extremely important. Not because of purely a focus on infield defense, but because Yolmer Sanchez is not necessarily a huge threat at the plate. Sanchez won the Gold Glove Award for second baseman this past season. It is more than apparent that Sanchez is an excellent defensive second baseman. His performance at the plate is a much different story.

In six years Sanchez is slashing .244/.299/.357 with an OPS of .656. This does not necessarily strike fear in opposing pitchers. Sanchez averages 28 doubles, six triples and eight home runs over the course of 162 games.

A one-year deal could benefit both sides

Yolmer Sanchez could be a decent pickup on a one-year deal if he does indeed clear waivers. At worst, Yolmer Sanchez would be a stopgap until a more permanent solution can be found. At his best he could be a decent bottom third of the order hitter. Either way it would give Sanchez an opportunity to earn a longer, larger contract. It’s all up to the Cleveland Indians front office and just how they want to approach this offseason.

Browns didn’t fall flat against Dolphins

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The Cleveland Browns avoided the classic trap game and managed to handle the Miami Dolphins relatively easily with a 41-24 win.

All of the build up to Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins pointed towards a potential trap game. Call it pessimism if you want. The reality is that for the last 20 years this is a game the Cleveland Browns lose on a regular basis. Heck, the Browns have already lost a trap game this season (the loss to Denver just a few weeks ago). Add in the fact the team is undisciplined, has an inexperienced head coach and the emotion from the brawl on Thursday Night Football, this had all the makings of a classic Browns loss.

The focus during the week seemed to be on what happened on Thursday and facing the Steelers again after Sunday’s game went final. Each and every day the discussion was about Myles Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi and the upcoming second matchup with the Steelers. Simply put, Miami seemed to be getting overlooked by fans and media alike.

The trap was there, Cleveland avoided it.

Credit to where credit is due. Freddie Kitchens and co. had the team ready to go. More often than not a rookie head coach falls face first into the trap game. This past Sunday was not the case. Make no mistake, Cleveland was ready.

The Browns started out hot, racing out to a 28-0 lead. Any concern about coming out flat vanished. The next concern (letting Miami back into the game), did not disappear so easily. Miami scored 17 straight points to cut the Cleveland lead to 11 and there seemed to be that all too familiar feeling from fans. (The feeling of impending doom). Luckily it didn’t last, Cleveland was able to put the game away and come away with a double-digit victory.

Jarvis Landry was outstanding all game long. Baker Mayfield looked like what everyone expected him to look like at the start of the season. Baker has been on quite a run as of late. Mayfield is no longer in the negative in TD-INT ratio. In fact, Baker has eight touchdowns compared to just one interception over his last four games. Mayfield’s TD-INT ratio should continue to improve as the season progresses. Odell Beckham Jr. got his second touchdown of the season. OBJ should find the end zone a bit more over the final five games. Kareem Hunt scored his first touchdown of the season. Hunt has formed a nice backfield duo with Nick Chubb that may be the envy of most teams in the NFL.

The entire game was an emotional high. It will be crucial to not have a letdown in an all too important game against Pittsburgh. A game that may decide their fate in regards to the playoff hunt.

Cavaliers look to win second straight game

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The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to win their second straight game after snapping a six game losing streak on Saturday.

If the Cleveland Cavaliers can manage a win at home Monday, they will be five games under .500. While it is not all that impressive, they were seven games under just two days ago. Luckily, Cleveland is much better at home (3-4) than on the road (2-7). The Cavs host the Brooklyn Nets Monday and they will certainly have a chance to win.

There are two factors that could benefit the Cavaliers in this matchup.

Kevin Love is questionable

Kevin Love might play, he might not. If he is able to play, great. If not, it is not necessarily the end of the world. Cleveland was able to handle the Portland Trailblazers at home just two days ago without Kevin Love. Granted, Portland is not great when it comes to passing the ball on offense (they are one of the worst in the NBA), Love can be a liability at times on defense. Although it is worth noting that Brooklyn is on the lower end of the spectrum in passes per game and assists. Even if Love does play, his defensive may be hidden just a bit due to Brooklyn’s ball movement or lack thereof.

Kyrie Irving is out

Kyrie Irving is not playing against the Cavaliers again. Irving is out with a shoulder injury and considering Brooklyn is a superior team and in a better place in regards to the standings, his absence is understandable. Brooklyn is looking at the big picture. They are looking at the long haul. Over the course of the season this game will not matter for Brooklyn. Win or lose, they are a playoff team. Irving being absent only gives Cleveland a better chance of winning on Monday.

Like always, shooting will be key

The glaring issue during the Cavaliers losing streak was the differential in shooting percentages. If the Cavaliers are at worst able tot keep it close, they could end up on the right side of the scoreboard. If the Cavaliers are being outshot yet again, it could be another long game.

Jarvis Landry torches Dolphins

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry had a heck of day Sunday, torching the Miami Dolphins secondary all game long.

When a team plays the Miami Dolphins, domination is the minimum requirement for a competitive team. The Cleveland Browns are a competitive team. Jarvis Landry is a competitor, period. Given the opportunity to have himself a revenge game, Jarvis Landry took it and ran.

Landry led all Cleveland receivers with 10 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns. This is what the Browns have been waiting for. This is what was pictured after acquiring Odell Beckham Jr. Jarvis Landry made the most of his 13 targets and absolutely torched the Miami Dolphins.

Landry scored the first and third touchdowns of the day for the Browns. After his second touchdown grab of the day, Cleveland led 21-0. (Cleveland would go on to win 41-24).

Landry has been quite vocal about Miami’s decision to trade him to Cleveland. Landry’s sentiment is one that is shared by many. Often times teams would send players to the Browns to “get rid of them”, or “send them to die”. More times than not, that was the end result. Ending up in Cleveland would be the last time anyone heard of them. Their NFL careers would come to a screeching halt once they put on a Browns uniform. This is not the case with Landry.

Right now, Jarvis Landry has career-highs in two statistics. Yards per reception (14.3) and yards per game (76.6). These numbers could change before the season is up. As of now, it is encouraging that he is improving upon his first year in Cleveland. Landry should surpass his receiving yards total from last season (976) considering he already has 843. Landry’s reception total (59) should also exceed his previous total (81). As long as Landry and Baker Mayfield continue to display their chemistry, Landry should get back over 1,000 yards receiving after missing it by less than 25 yards the past two years.