Thursday, October 28, 2010

the NBA season is here!!

The Cleveland Cavaliers won the tip of and won the game. Last night started out the "post lebron era" with a HUGE win against the Eastern Conference Champions Boston Celtics. Did anyone notice the first thing the Cav's did when they got the ball? They RAN A PLAY!! The team that would give LBJ the ball and have him dribble out the clock, drive to the hope or drive and kick out for a last second shot. It's crazy what happens when you play TEAM basketball. Now I am not going to sit here and tell you that the Cav's are going to be an elite team and win 55 games. Is it possible that the Cavs are better than what everyone predicted? Or are we a lottery team like everyone on ESPN has predicted? I personally think that they will be competing for a 8th seed in the playoffs at the end of the season.

As a fan, I am completely satisfied with a season like that. How could you not be? We lost one of the top 3 or 4 players in the league. Are expectations as Cleveland Cavaliers fans have been set so high, so of course we want to win 60 games and be a number 1 seed. But what would be wrong with an 8th seed? It would show the league that this team should be taken for real.

Am I writing right now on a little high from last nights win? Yeah, probably. But I do believe in our team. I believe in our Coach, Owner, and Team. And you should too!

God Bless Cleveland....... Please?

reading this post again months later, makes me realize that I was completely wrong ha

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Fan to Fan.....

A letter to the fan's from a fan.

I have lived in and out of Cleveland my entire life. My parents separated when I was young, but every summer and most holidays I spent in the Cleveland area with my father and his side of the family. I have heard stories from my grandparents about Jim Brown, Otto Graham, and the years of Bob Feller, Lou Boudreau, and Larry Doby to name a few. I am old enough to remember "the shot", I was 7, a little to young to remember "the drive" or "the fumble". I do remember Jose Mesa's blown save. And most recently, "the elbow". In all honesty, the only real thing I have gotten to know about being a Cleveland sports fan is losing.

Over the past 7 years a lot has changed in our lives. We went from one of the worst teams in the NBA to a contender almost over night. Heck even the Tribe teased us in 2007. (that one still hurts a little). The Browns, well, they have been the Browns. Though we had a nice run in '07 as well. Heck, now that I write that down, 2007 was a pretty damn good year to be a Cleveland sports fan.

The last 3 years for the Cav's have been some of the best years in recent Cleveland sports history. We have all been "witnesses" to a rebirth of the Cav's franchise. We can thank LeBron for that, there is no doubting that at all. But people around here need to understand one thing.

WE ARE CLEVELAND! We are the people who pay for the tickets, the jerseys, the posters, the hats and gloves, even the stupid fuzzy slippers. WE ARE THE FANS, who go to the bars and restaurants before and after the games. Some of us are even lucky enough to pay for parking tickets.

We have one duty as fan's, and that is to support our teams even through the hard times. Right now , the Cav's just lost one of the greatest players to ever play this game. We can sit around and feel sorry for ourselves, or we can get off our asses and make this upcoming season better than ever.

I know there are a lot of bandwagon fan's who will never watch another Cav's game or take their new date to see a game because LeBron left and that's fine. But the real fans, you and me need to get our act together and rally around 'OUR' team. Just because one piece of the puzzle left doesn't mean you cant see the whole picture.

We need to continue to support our team. If we don't go to the games, buy the jerseys hats, gloves and those stupid slippers we will show the rest of the sports nation that we are losers, and dammnit I am tired of being called a loser. We are hard working people, who don't get to enjoy the sunny beaches of Florida or California. We are the people who put on our hardhats, and make America work. We sit at Progressive Field when its 25 degrees and snowing to watch Opening Day. We sit through blizzards to watch our beloved Browns play. We drive to the Q when you can get a ticket for driving in white-out conditions. WE ARE CLEVELAND. We deserve athletes who are hard working and have an unbelievable desire to bring this city we call home a championship.

That's why this upcoming Cav's season we need to do something that everyone in the league thinks wont happen. And that is "Sell Out the Q in 2010". If we really support our team like have been, this will allow our ownership team to invest in we the fans. I can tell you that I will be attending as many games as I can afford to next season.
If I cant afford to go I will be watching each game with friends and spreading the joy of being a Cav's fan through thick and thin.

We stand together, we fall together. I am tired of falling. Are you?


#SellOuttheQin2010 Spread the message to all of your friends..



God Bless Cleveland...... Please?

Please follow me on twitter @Cle_Sports_Nut for all of the latest rants and raves on all Cleveland sports.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

the grass is greener?

Why wont he win in Cleveland? Clearly the mass media wants LeBron to leave Cleveland and go to a big market team like New York, LA, Miami and Chicago. It's not about winning with the best team to you. Its about being in the best city for "you' the media. You can tell by the way the entire media have had LBJ leaving Cleveland since the day he signed here. Just a matter of time before he leaves... Cant wait to see him at The Garden.. All of this BS LeBron is a winner. He has proven that throughout his life. Why in the world would he want to go to teams that have given up winning for the bottom dollar?

Dan Gilbert has done more since taking over the Cavs then the Knicks owner James Dolan , Clippers owner Donald Sterling, and Nets owners by far. Its not even comparable. Do you really think Dan Gilbert is going to sit and watch his business "fade to black" (Jay-Z reference there)?

Do you think its any coincidence that the Clippers owner didnt show? No, because LeBron would ask.. If you cared about winning so much why have you 'sucked' for so long? Why haven't you paid players and built a franchise that is worthy of the "best city in the country" as claimed by one of your representatives at the meeting? The Knicks? really lets be real. The Knicks haven't been relevant since Patrick Ewing was taking 14 steps across the lane to hit his right handed hook.

But again, the media and the NBA want LeBron to leave so they can make more money and to be honest with you,I dont blame them. It's about the bottom dollar. But do you know what brings you more money then you could possibly dream of? Winning a championship. Those other owners don't care about that. They have shown that with their actions prior to you even being in the league. They just want you so they can fill their arenas and laugh on their way to the bank.

If you want to be the best ever. Act like it and do something greater than yourself. Build a real dynasty. Whats more spectacular? Bringing a championsip to New York or LA or Cleveland?

God Bless Cleveland..... Please?

Friday, May 21, 2010

A letter to Mr.LeBron James

Free agency is just around the corner. What will LeBron do? D-Wade? Dirk? Bosh? Amare? Decisions, decisions, decisions. I do have a few thoughts on LeBron's decision, the impact on the city of Cleveland and the NBA.

Why in the world is one of Cleveland biggest and most beloved sports figures speaking out against Cleveland? Jim Brown, what were you thinking? Why feed the media frenzy? His voice is heard and taken as truth because of his importance to, not only our city, but the NFL as well. Many young athlete's look up to him for guidance in not only professional life, but personal life as well.

LeBron do me a favor for the love of Moses Cleveland, please don't listen to what Jim Brown say's. We love you and everything you have done for our city. Our small business owners thank you. Our community is proud to have you as our favorite son. Cleveland has not been in the spotlight like this since the Indians were dominate in the 90's. If it wasn't for you, I can guarantee you that the Casino in the flats/gateway district wouldn't be something under consideration let alone near construction. What impact have you had on the Medical Mart? You can laugh, but what your talents have done is draw the countries eyes on Cleveland in a good way for once. What about the flats revitalization project? The proposed Aquarium?

Tell me what would be better for your career? Moving to a city like New York, Miami, LA, Chicago, who have had winners multiple times and are accustom to winning or being in championship games? Do you think the Cleveland media is harsh? Try playing under MJ's shadow! Try playing in New York for the Knicks or Nets (soon to be Brooklyn) Do you think those cities would be satisfied with the way this season turned out?

Wouldn't it mean more to your career to build a franchise from the ground up (like you have here) and build it in to perennial contenders? Or go to a team who is already winning and just ride the coat tails of history? Make your own history, don't become a part of someone else's storied franchise. Make YOUR franchise STORIED!!

Be great, be something this city hasn't had since Otto Graham. Be a beacon of hope and help get a city out of the dark. Say something GREAT about YOUR city. Say you love it? Shaq has been here less than a year and said he loves this city, and WANTS to come back if we'd have him. Your words would carry across the NBA and maybe make Cleveland a city that players want to play in. Not because of you, but because of what this city has become, because of its love and support for its team. Because of the new business that your stardom helped blossom. Because of the new companies that want to be in Cleveland. Because of the hard working people who pay more money for tickets to watch you play then they can really afford. For those of us who cant make it to the game. So we sit in local bars just to feel the energy and joy your vibe gives off.

We as fan's are tired of losing. And I KNOW you are too. Let's win TOGETHER. Help build something that has never been built here before. Build a legacy, build it with hard work and dedication. The same dedication that this city has had for its teams throughout time. We have had our names dragged in the mud. We can and will carry on. I will continue to support the Cav's with or without you. But I do know that having you makes it easier to believe. You wanted to "light it up like Vegas". We want that to, but we don't want to go to a casino to do that.

God Bless Cleveland..... Please?

PS. I hope you get this letter.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

quick questions that need answering

How did that taste Cleveland?

I don't know about you, but I felt physically sick after watching the Cavs go down like that.

I just have a few questions regarding the Cav's. I know I am beating a dead horse here, but that's okay. I put enough of my hard earned money, and time into them to complain as much as I damn well please.

Question 1?

Why did we get Jamario Moon?

Answer.

To help with Rashard Lewis and lengthy 3 point shooters that killed the Cavs last post season.

My Answer the right answer

WHY the hell did we not play him more on Paul Pierce and Ray Allen? Those guys, especially Allen were just stroking. Did you notice in game 6 when Moon was on Pierce. He was silent and Moon was defending him very well!!! Anyone? Buehler? Buehler?
Why did you spend the money and play the guy all season just to let him sit on the bench? I dont get it at all. I hate this Shrink the bench mentality in the NBA. It makes no sense, it ruins the chemistry on the team and the players get rusty FAST

Question 2.
Why did we not get Amare Stoudmire?

Answer
Because the Cavs didn't want to trade JJ Hickson because of his potential.

My Answer. The right answer

You didn't want to get a dominate Center and explosive offensive player because of JJ's potential? Look folks, I LOVE JJ. and really do think that if he plays with LBJ that he will be a key role player for the Cav's. So my point is. If you (the Cavs) were sooooo convinced that JJ was that vital. Why in the world did he not play in this series? He's athletic, energetic, quick and explosive. He also gets off the floor quickly and challenges many shots and runs the floor hard to get those easy buckets. Sure he's young and inexperienced, but you need to start somewhere. he had plenty of teachers to help him (shaq and Z).

I would have liked to have seen JJ play on KG, yes I know he gives up size, but hes pesky, and it would have gotten under Garnets skin and probably caused him to get a little hot headed.


Those 2 questions are called ADJUSTMENTS

Mike Brown didn't make any, and that's why I don't see him coming back as the head coach and if he is, I don't see LBJ coming back.

Until the next big Cavs related news event.

God Bless Cleveland.... Please?

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

End of an era?

Could last night have been the last game of the "King James" era? If so, man was it a horrible way to come to an end. I have been watching the highlights of the game, and it didn't seem like the Cavs were really into this game. Are they realizing that they are outmatched again? Or are they thinking the win should come easy if LBJ shows up and scores 35+. I think it is a combo of both. Mike Brown showed his hand early by putting Z in early in the game, was that a kind gesture or was he looking for a spark to get the crowd into it? Obviously that could have been Z's last game at home in his 13 year career, So I am glad he got some very meaningful PT. But the other part of me thinks that Coach Brown was looking for that quick spark to ignite the Cavs and their bench.

Quick coaching point. Why are we playing off of Ray Allen? He's on fire, there is NO REASON to leave him to help on Kendrick Perkins or Glenn Davis, or anyone for that reason. It keeps blowing my mind. It's the same thing that happened last year with Orlando.

Lets be real about this series who would you want on your team right now?

Kendrick Perkins or Shaq

Kevin Garnet or Antwan Jamison

Paul Pierce or LBJ

Ray Allen or Anthony Parker

Rajon Rondo or Mo Williams

My team would be Shaq, KG, LBJ Ray Allen and Rondo

That's 3 Celtic players I would rather have. On paper those players are clearly better then what the Cavs are brining to the table, more importantly it is showing on the floor.

Here is the lineup I would come with

Shaq -C
Jamison -PF
LBJ- SF
Parker -SG
Mo- PG

I know what you are thinking, that "is" the lineup they come with. But Coach Brown needs to get his bench play going. Where is JJ Hickson? The guy that the Cavs front office didn't want to trade for Amare Stoudimire? He's explosive, quick and isn't afraid to commit a foul. Sure he gives up a few inches on KG, but what he lacks in size he makes up for it with explosive athletic plays. How many times have you seen JJ get off the floor quickly and block a shot. I don't think KG can exert that high energy for an entire game. What about Delonte West? When he has that jump-shot going he creates an easy opportunity for a drive and kick out for a 3 point opportunity and if he doesn't dish, hes more than capable for taking it to the rack and finishing strong.

Now that being said, can the Cavs take the series from Boston without LBJ showing up? No, I can't believe I am saying this, but where was LeBron last night? He looked very tight, when he had the ball it was as if he didn't want it. Is his elbow really hurting that bad? Or is the pressure mounting? Is he thinking about his off-season decision? I am sure when this series is over we will here all sorts of reasons for the loss. But lets be honest, the supporting cast is better than 07' Cavs, but not better than the 10' Celtics.

I hope and really want the Cavs to go to Boston and kick butt. But after last nights game. I just don't see that happening. But hey, it could happen.

Go Cav's

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Not again......

The Shot, The Drive, The Fumble, The curse of Rocky Colavito,and now.. The ELBOW!

In my lifetime, well, since I can recall certain events in Cleveland sports history, we have only had a few chances to get to the title game, or play in the championship game.

Since LeBron James entered the league 7 years ago, yes it's been 7 years, we all as Cavs fans believed the Cleveland curse was over. LBJ took us from worst to the NBA championship in 4 years. We have been hungry, very hungry for a championship. A title for Cleveland would do more than make the Cavs champions, it would lift the spirits of those who live in Northeast Ohio, and those who moved from the area as jobs left the area. I keep telling everyone that if the Cavs win the NBA title that Guinness needs to be in Cleveland the night of the victory, because it would set a record for "most men crying simultaneously"

I remember watching Mesa blow the save and thinking to myself, no big deal, we will be back soon.. Well I'm still waiting....The Tribe teased us in 07'.. and now it looks like they wont be relevant for many years to come. But I digress..

Last year, was our year.. so we thought. Fast forward to this season. The Cavs win 60 games and and beat the Celtics, Lakers, and Magic, and dominate the Western Conference all together. Things are looking great........

Then boom! Elbow-Gate. Time will tell if this really is a curse. After game two's blowout especial "(El Cinco De Mayo flavor) the vibe has really changed. People were all gung-ho about the Cav's, now I am hearing that the Cavs are going to be lucky to win another game. Let me be real frank. If LeBron is hurt and the Cavs lose, I, along with Cavs fans worldwide will say one thing. "NOT AGAIN"

Let's Go Cavs, Let's Go Cavs!!

Bring out the brooms

The Tribe lost the series to the Blue Jays 3-0, and in the process lost some fans. I know I am nobody, and wouldn't tell anyone how to manage a T-Ball team. But I know a few things about very few things. I know that if you want to have a successful business, be it food, cloths, basketball, football, baseball business, you need to put a quality product out for the masses.

The Indians are really not doing that. I go to 10-15 games a year and watch, listen or follow on game-tracker every game. It seems like a decade or so ago that the Indians were a relevant team, but it was only 3 years ago. Those 3 years have been the hardest 3 years of my life as an Indians fan.

A few signings that have completly boggled my mind.

Carl Pavano 1yr/1.5Mil
Kerry Wood 2year/20.5 Mil
Jason Michaels 3yr/6Mil
David Dellucci 3yr/10mil

37 Million.. yes 37 MILLION on those 4 guys. Are you KIDDING ME?

Now I am not saying these signings are a reason why we have been so bad since 07'. Bt lets be real. Couldnt we have used 20million of that to get a better play instead of trying to find 'GOLD' every season with some pitcher who just came off of Tommy John surgery, or a outfielder who hasnt produced in years. let's take a 20 Million dollar chance on this guy and hope it pans out. I a so damn tired of taking a chance and I am tired of these 1 year contracts to bums. I am so pissed right now I cant finish this thought.

You wonder why we have been in last place .


The Indians have an off day tomorrow, then have a 3 game set vs the Tigers. Who are playing very good ball right now.

Indians will go 1-2 in the series.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Cavs Celts Game 2 review.

What an embarrassing way to play in front of your home crowd just after you receive the MVP award. The Cav's looked like a team who has nothing left in the tank. I watched the first half and could not believe the lack of heart, desire, and will do the extra things to win. I by no means am a basketball god, but even I know the fundamentals of the game. Example, when your teammate shots, you turn and box the man closest to you out. I can’t count the amount of times that the Celtics had 4 people on the boards and we had zero. It was absolutely frustrating and at times impossible to watch. When you get the ball and are on a 1 on 4 (meaning you are the one and 4 defenders) do you pull up and take a jump shot? Answer, No. you pull back gather the troops, and set up the offense to get a better look at the basket and it gives opportunities for offensive rebounds.

Where is Boobie Gibson? He can get hot if he can get a few good looks. I think JJ Hickson is showing that he deserves more playing time. Why did we get Pierce, KG and Kendrick Perkins in early foul trouble and not get the ball back into the post to start the 3rd quarter?

Big Things I noticed,

Was it me or did the refs really let both teams play.. hard? That wasn’t a flagrant foul on Anderson Varajo, it was a hard foul for sure, he didn’t use his hands he just didn’t allow him to drive baseline. That wasn’t a Technical foul on Paul Pierce. Perkins is lucky he didn’t connect with Varajos face. LeBron's elbow is definitely a factor in this series. What’s up with the turnovers by LBJ? Shaq needs to finish those hook shots. Fundamentals? Did we forget about them? Game 3 and 4, not looking forward to that, you know the Garden is going to be rocking in game 3.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

vacation

I am currently on vacation and will be away from my computer and all sports for the next week. Catch up soon

Kevin

Cant wait to get back

Friday, April 23, 2010

NFL Draft review rounds 1-3

Well well well, what do we have here. The Cleveland Browns were able to fill major needs and still get the QB they wanted to late in the 3rd round. I will be completely honest with you. I have no idea how or why the pieces fell the way they did, but I couldn't be happier with this years draft choices.

For those of you who are not aware, here is the breakdown
Round 1 #7
Joe Haden (CB) Florida. A very important part of that Florida defense. Very aggressive CB, some have said he is a little to aggressive. I will take his aggressiveness over a timid corner any day.

Round 2 #38 / #59
TJ Ward (FS) Oregon- We got to see him against The Buckeyes in their BCS match up. He had 10 tackles and was a very physical player. I really like this selection.

The Browns then moved back into the 2nd round, and selected

Montario Hardesty (RB) Tenn- He is a big back, very physical, but ran a 4.49 one of the top ranked back in the draft. He will be a very good back to have along side of Jerome Harrison.

Round 3 #85 / 92
The Browns then made another trade and landed their quarterback -

Colt McCoy. (QB) Texas Here is the biggest shocker. He told Coach Mac Brown that he wanted to come to Cleveland.. that's right folks.. he actually wants to be here. Here is his draft interview courtesy NFL.COM
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d817c011f/McCoy-interview

Shawn Lauvao (OT) Arizona State- he will probably be a right guard for the Browns. I do not have a lot of info on him..


I honestly have to say, on paper, this is the best Draft that the Browns have put together since they have been back! Go Browns!!

God Bless Bernie


but here is his draft bio (NFL.COM)
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/profiles/shawn-lauvao?id=497028

Indians review and preview

I almost nailed my last prediction on the nose. The Indians did not look good in their series against the Twins in their new home. Like I said in the preview of this series the Tribe were definitly out in this series, but we did have one bright spot. Mitch Talbot went 6 innings, gave up only 1 run on 2 hits. He also struckout 3 and walked 3. The 1 run was unearned. Talbot improved to 2-1 in the young season.

The series also saw the activation Russell Branyan, who went 2-7 in the series with 2 rbi's and a run scored. Definitly glad to see him back in the bigs. Hopefully we get the same player from last year who hit 31 Home runs in only 116 games with the Mariners. I just hope he can cut back on the K's.

So just to let everyone know I was right in my prediction of 1-2, just flip flop a game..

Luckly I start my vacation this weekend, because the Tribe (7-8) pack up their Teepes and head to the Bay Area, to take on the Oakland Athletics (10-7). First pitch to open the series is 10:05pm Game one has Jake Westbrook (0-1 5.40 era) (CLE) vs Justin Duchscherer (1-0, 2.41 era), (both Westbrook and Duchscherer both did not play in 2009 due to injuries) (OAK) Game two features Fausto Carmona (2-0 3.60 era) (CLE) vs Brett Anderson (1-1, 2.65 era)(Oak) Game 3 has Justin Masterson (0-2 3.00 era) (CLE) vs Gio Gonzalez (1-1, 5.40 era) (OAK).

I do really like the Indians match-ups in this series. Wesbrook has really had his groundball outs going well after his first start. same thing with Carmona actually. Good signs for the Indians this season. The big question in this series is going to be Justin Masterson. Can you get the Indians a quality start, or will we need to get to the pen early? I think Cleveland has a very good chance to take this series 2-1. If Masterson can have a solid outting I believe we can get the sweep and keep the pressure on the Central leading Twins.

My fearless predictions 2-1 (if Masterson is off) 3-0 if Masterson is on his game.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

NFL Draft Browns preview

Do you ever wonder if fans of perennial winners like New England or Indianapolis, get as excited as we do? Or is that just somethings fans of perpetual losers get excited for?

But back to my point. The NFL Draft is just a few days away, and if you are anything like me, you have read at least 100000 Mock Draft's. The upside and downside of every top 10 player. Did anyone watch that Sportscenter Special with John Gruden? I thought that was really informative. I wish I could have seen each day in its entirety. I love Chucky and I still think after this season he will be the Browns coach in 2011. But I digress.....

This is how I see our draft going down..
First round, if the Rams do not trade down, they will select Sam Bradford, The Rams really have no choice. They have NO QB, and they need to fill the seats. That being said if Eric Berry falls to them I really cant imagine them passing a safety of his caliber. If he does get taken before them at the 7th spot. I would not be shocked to them trade down and try and grab and extra 2nd round pick.

1st Round
Eric Berry

2nd Round
I believe they will take a QB in this spot.
Tim Tebow/Colt McCoy (laugh all you want at Tebow)

3rd round

Look for them to try and find a running back WR and another O-linemen in this round (they have 3 picks)


I have heard from a player who will not be named in this article, that a lot of the players think that Jimmy Clausen is not a very popular choice amongst the team.

I've got the grill ready and the beer in the fridge.. I can't wait for Thursday!

Go Browns!!!

Game 2 Cleveland vs Joakim Noah

Dear mrs. Joakim Noah,

I know that you live in Chicago and its a really great city, it truly is. But let's get something straight. Cleveland is a great city. You are just looking to motivate yourself and your teammates and I understand that, but If you have to movitae yourself by knocking a city that is going though a hard time, then you have other issues beyond basketball. You know deep in your heart that you and your teammates have NO chance against a real team. I know you say there is nothing to do in Cleveland, well, besides 3 major sports teams, the best hospital in the US (Cleveland Clinic) concerts every night, great Clubs, Bars, plenty of 5 Restaurants. But besides all of those things "not going on" and yes your right, those things are going on in Chicago too. But I know one thing that Cleveland will have "going on" that Chicago will not, and it's called the 2nd round of the Playoffs! Enjoy your offseason.

Love,
All of Cleveland

1...2...3..=4

3 game sweep = 4 game win streak!!
What a great weekend in Cleveland Sports. The Cav's showed in the first game that they are clearly the better team and should not have ANY problems with the Bulls and the Indians surprised the White Sox in game of the series. I like what @ozzieguillen had to say on his Twitter. "Thanks god the bears not playing the browns they might get their but kick too"

As I stated in my preview of this series, I really liked our matchups in game two and three of the series. But WOW was I really shocked to see how well Mitch Talbot pitched in his game one start. I can easily sum up this review : AMAZING STARTING PITCHING! and Shin Soo Choo. Talbot induced 17 ground ball outs, Westbrook 11 and Carmona's sinker was working very well and he was hitting the outside part of the plate. Choo started the season a 2-18 and since then has been on a tear, raising his batting average from .111 with 0 RBI's to .324 14 RBI's.

What shocked me was how the Indians who many people think are going to be dead last in the division were able to win against arguably one of the top pitching lineups in all of baseball. The Indians were able to get the W against, Mark Buerhle, Jake Peavy, and Gavin Floyd. What really helped the Tribe was the distance that their starting pitching was able to go.

The Tribe pack their bags and head of the land of a 10.000 lakes to take on the Twins in their new stadium (Target Field). We can look at this series as a blessing or a curse. Right now the Tribe are playing a lot better then the start of the season and have some momentum building with this young team. The only thing that worries me is our pitching matchups in this series. In game one, the projected match up will be Justin Masterson (CLE) vs Kevin Slowey (MIN). This really is the only match up i like in this series. But the Twins so far are 9-3 and without a doubt in my mind the top team in the Central. In game two David Huff (CLE) duels with Franciso Liriano (MIN) in what could potentially be a fun game to watch. Huff looked masterfully in his last start and Liriano completly dominated the Red Sox, which is not something you hear very often. Game Three is Mitch Talbot (CLE) vs. Scott Baker (MIN). After looking at the match-ups I dont see the Indians having a good first visit to the Twins new ballpark.

Kevin’s fearless prediction: Tribe 1-2 , and this depends on Masterson getting that first game victory. If they dont , look for the Indians to get swept on the road in this series.

My heart always says Cleveland sweeps..