Counting down to July 1st, 2010: Will LeBron stay or go?

 
               It was ugly. "Win a Ring for the King" no more. The Cavaliers left the court in Boston with their tales between their legs. Bowing out to the savvy vets with three straight embarrassing losses. It was shocking to see this team, with the best regular season record the past two years, exposed, out-coached, and out hustled on the court in this series. And now both LeBron and the Cavaliers franchise are at a cross-road. Will he stay or will he go?

                No city ever needed one player more than Cleveland needs LeBron. LeBron has single handily taken the Cavaliers franchise from the dead and back to relevance. He took the team who averaged only 11,000 fans a game the year before his arrival and has sold it out consistently (The Q arena seats 20,562). During the months of November through April he has made downtown Cleveland once again profitable. Everything comes back to one guy. LeBron James. The service industry relies on him, the hospitality industry relies on him, and the hopes of  two cities and a generation rely on him. LeBron has turned Cleveland into a destination once again and if he would leave via Free Agency this summer the ramifications run deeper than just basketball, it literally affects the whole economy within Cleveland. He was born here, raised here, and plays here and the hope is he stays here.

               Dan Gilbert, Cavaliers majority owner, is committed to the city and the franchise. He has repeatedly stressed the fact that his ultimate goal is to deliver a title to the great fans of Cleveland. He has shown the willingness to spend the money and surround LeBron with the pieces to accomplish that goal. Before every move is made to acquire talent they consult James. No one player has so much say within an organization as LeBron. Gilbert realizes the key to this relationship is to keep his star happy.GM Danny Ferry has went out and made some bold trades to strengthen the team and to make a run for the title. The willingness to win is here. Gilbert must keep his star happy. I believe you will see some major shake-ups within the organization. Look for them to fire Coach Mike Brown and hire LeBron's hand picked guy. I also believe you will see major roster changes via trades and free agency. GM Danny Ferry could be out as well, to date the trades he has made have yet to pan out and deliver a title.

               In the end I believe LeBron stays in Cleveland. He sees that if he would leave they may label him as a star who needed to seek out help. Magic stayed in LA, Michael stayed in Chicago, Kobe stayed in LA, and Bird stayed in Boston. They finished what they started, and delivered Championships.That label could follow and haunt Lebron for years to come. But he has built an empire within the city. He loves the fact that his family and friends can come see him when they please. He has a very deep attachment to the city of Akron where he was born and raised and a beautiful house in Bath, OH. His longtime girlfriend is from here, his kids born here and raised here. The roots run deep. He realizes the importance of staying here and delivering the promise of a title for these fans. If he can do it here he will be immortalized in Cleveland sports history as "The Chosen One".

            

Believeland!!

                  As I wake up on this cloudy, rainy, gloomy day in Cleveland, OH I sense hope. Call it blind faith, but I believe this thing will be turned around. With the city on the verge of another let down I can't help to think there is no way it ends like this. What's at stake tonight is more than just Game 6, it could possibly be the end of the season and the end of LeBron's Cavalier career. So pardon me if I'm overly optimistic, but something tells me LeBron won't let this happen.
                  The Playoffs: A time where Champions are made and Dreams are shattered. I feel that we will look back on this series come June and say "I can't believe we ever doubted LeBron". There will be a parade. I keep asking fans around town "Did you think this road would be easy?" most reply no, but they are so quick to write this team off after that dismal Game 5 performance at home. Cleveland you supported this team this far, why abandon ship now? This town is 24 hours away from this being a one game series with Game 7 in our house. In a series you don't have to play seven great games, you need to play just four to win. The Cavs still have that chance with two games remaining. So quit whining woe-is-me Cavs fans. Quit bringing up past Sports failures and ghosts from the past. This time its different.
                 If this series turns in the favor of the Cavaliers it may just exorcise the demons of the past. It may just be what this beaten up sports town needs. Hope. But if you flood your mind with the negativity of Game 5 or all the past failures of our sports teams you will never move forward. It is time to stand "All Together" fans. Support your team tonight as you did all year. Don't go quietly, for this could be the end of a franchise and era as we know it.

"All Together" Keep the Faith

            The fallout from the Cavaliers Game 5 loss is unreal. The City of Cleveland has resorted to its usual woe-is-me attitude. The anger and disappointment is interfering with their thought process. The series is not over.  I repeat it is not over. Maybe they figure a little stress will make you enjoy that Title a little more. Whatever their thinking is, the Cavaliers need to step it up because now its Win or Go Home.
            I along with everyone else figured that Game 5, at home, would result in a Cavaliers win. Coming off the less than stellar game in Boston on Sunday we all thought LeBron would come out angry and determined to take control of this series. I mean it could've been potentially his last game at home in a Cavaliers uniform. I hate to say it but we were wrong. LeBron looked dis-interested and uninvolved the whole night. There were shots of him standing on the perimeter while his teammates were battling it down low. You can't let a veteran team like the Celtics come in to YOUR house and play their game. You will lose, and lose badly. The Cavaliers did not play their game. In fact it looked the whole night like they were confused on assignments and scared to shoot. Tentative play does not win games. Boston came out ready to play. A veteran bunch, they knew how important of a swing game this was. They executed and outplayed the Cavaliers the final 3 quarters.
            So now we move on to Game 6 in Boston. This is it. Win or Go Home. You have the right to panic, but chew on this. Let's go back to 2007 Eastern Conference Finals. The Cavaliers down 3-1 against the mighty Detroit Pistons. Do you recall what happened? Backs against the wall we won the next 3 games, including Game 5 when LeBron went off for 25 straight points. At the end of the day you have to shake the negative woe-is-me attitude and BELIEVE. If you keeping bringing up past failures and curses you will never win a thing. Its starts in your head.
             It is time Cleveland. Its time to Keep the Faith and shake the woe-is-me once and for all. It is time for us to stand "All Together" and back this team. You came this far, why turn your backs on them now?

Don't Tase me Bro!

            The other night I was watching highlights and on came the Philadelphia Phillies highlights. A young man named Steve Consalvi stole the show. The young Consalvi, 17 years of age, decided that he couldn't pass up this chance of a lifetime. He even went to lengths to call his father and ask permission to run onto the field. The elder Consalvi forewarned his son that its not a good idea. Well, Steve didn't head his fathers warning. What came next Steve may never forget.

              After getting enough courage Consalvi stormed the field. Running around, waving a white T-shirt, and eluding the authorities. Or so he thought. A Philadelphia Police officer, chasing Consalvi, pulled up and fire a taser into his back. Consalvi fell face first to the turf and was escorted off the field. So was this necessary? Its been debated everywhere as of late. Was it excessive force?

            I think what we fail to realize here is that the players are concerned for their safety. After the 1st base of the Royals was attacked and beaten on the field in Chicago does anyone blame them? When you enter a stadium you agree to play by their rules. So when you break the law of the establishment you should be disciplined. But tasering? Maybe it is the best way to handle it. Think about it.

            Before this incident fans that charged the field would be chased and tackled. Some even clotheslined. I mean there is a big chance at physical injury with these tactics. And don't get me wrong tasering in itself has plenty of side effects and risks in it own. I'm not sure which way is a better way, both have their own risks. Maybe we should do to our stadiums what they do at soccer stadiums around the world. Put a moat and fence that separates the fans from the field. They'll fix it.

What Elbow? LeBron Dominates, Cavs take 2-1 series lead

                Well Cavs fans how do feel today? Better? You should. The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off their most complete performance in the 2010 NBA Playoffs. They came out with energy and fire from the start, and it started with the reigning two-time MVP. So has the attitude changed here in "Believeland"? Are the talks of a Curse shelved after that dominating road performance?
                LeBron was aggressive out the gates, scoring 21 points in the 1st quarter and 28 points total in the 1st half. What elbow? I think the elbow may be just fine after tonight. He set a franchise record with the 21 in the 1st quarter. Boston had no answer for the King. Tonight was his night. And when he goes so do his teammates. The Cavaliers shot a blistering 59% from the field last night. It seemed that no matter who was shooting, the ball was going in from everywhere. They ended up with all 5 starters in double figures, and even Delonte West. It was an impressive performance by the Cavaliers who  to date have looked very average in the Playoffs. Cleveland came out last night and put together its best game since Game 4 in Chicago. They also served Boston their worst Home Playoff loss in franchise history beating the Celtics by 29.
                Now the question is what team will show up on Sunday? Will it be the well-oiled freight train that ripped the Celtics by 29 in Game 3, or will it be the team that was embarrassed on their home court in Game 2? My bet is you see the Game 3 Cavaliers. The opportunity to go up 3-1 on this experienced group of Celtics is too good to pass up. They seem to have that sense of urgency after the Game 2 loss as well. I think that loss may be the best thing that has happened to them, just because of the fact they realized they must play 48 minutes. They can't just turn it on whenever they want.

Major League Rebirth: The 2010 Cleveland Indians

               The biggest benefactors of the Cavaliers Playoff run is the Cleveland Indians. Why you ask? Because no one is paying attention to their slow start once again. The Indians finished April with a 9-13 record. Under .500 once again. And honestly the chances of this club improving to anything better is slim to none. The Indians enter a season where the consensus prediction is that they will finish in last place. For the first year since 1994 the Indians are projected to be bad, real bad. The lack of talented starting pitching, and bullpen help has the Tribe searching for answers. Not to mention a lineup with no serious threat in the middle. Its safe to say this team has the least amount of talent than any Indians team to grace the field. And truthfully it seems that there is little hope.
              The Indians are owned by the Dolan family. Since the Dolan's took over ownership they have slashed payroll immensely and traded away two Cy Young award winners in back-to-back years. Not to mention trading away fan favorites Victor Martinez and not re-signing Jim Thome, Its safe to say the Dolan's have done everything in their power to alienate the faithful fans of this once proud franchise. Now I'll give GM Mark Shapiro some credit. With the budget he's been given he has done everything in his power to make the Indians competitive. But at the end of the day fans are paying top dollar for Minor League baseball. Washed up players and young inexperienced players grace Progressive Field, posing as a Major League franchise. Unfortunately until the ownership group shells out some money Indians fans are looking at just that this year, and for years to come.

Time to Panic Cleveland?

             It's only one game. I try to tell people here. I mean the series is tied 1-1. That's even, but here in Cleveland its feeling more like 3-1 to the fans. Never has one game collectively destroyed the psyche of a whole fan base. I swear the fans may begin flocking to the I-480 bridge. I know what I'm going to say next may not be well received, but I have one word for you Cavs fans. Relax.
             Yes, your team has looked flat in the first two games of this series. And yes Mike Brown has been out coached by Doc Rivers to this point. And yes again that LeBron has looked a shell of himself to this point (Not Counting the second half of Game 1). But lets not forget what they are working with. This is the same team who won 60+ games the past two years. This is the same team who boasts the back-to-back MVP. So is it too early to panic I ask?
            I picked the Cavaliers in this series and I'm sticking by my pick. I truly feel that the Celtics gave us their best shot in the first two games of the series. But in order for the Cavaliers to come out victorious and move on they have to play more inspired basketball beginning with LeBron. Now I understand that the elbow may truly be an issue. He seems to be favoring it, but LeBron is what makes this team go. He is the alpha and omega of the Cavaliers franchise, when he leads his teammates follow. When he struggles so does his team. Coming off what may be his worst Playoff performance this postseason, LeBron has to bounce back. But you dont need me to tell you that. Antawn Jamison was being abused down low by Kevin Garnett and Shaq was nowhere to be found down the stretch. The defensive performance was, well it seemed like they played no defense until the 4th quarter. Mo Williams is looking more and more like he's afraid of the pressure. Williams seems to struggle when the heat is on. After energizing the team in Game 1 with his dunk, Williams followed it up with a 1-9 performance and 4 points including 0-4 from 3-point range. And the coaching has been poor as well. Mike Brown has looked very unsure with his rotation. It's almost like he is waiting for the Celtics to make a move and then he reacts to it. Because of this the team looks very out of sync and also unsure on the court. 
           It's time to take a look in the mirror Cavaliers. It's upon yourselves to fix this. We as Cleveland Fans only naturally react to this as if it's the end of the world because of being burned in the past. It's upon you to restore our confidence in you and ease our fears of another Cleveland letdown. You have three days to reflect and get it together and come out Friday night in the Garden and play Cavaliers Basketball. Its time to be "All Together" now.
             

Growing up a Cleveland Sports Fan: A Test of Faith & a Savior named LeBron

                    So I wanted to take some time to explain what its like to grow up in Cleveland. Cleveland, OH most notably known as "The Mistake by the Lake" is my home. I was six years old when it all begun. It was 1987 and the Browns were relevant. Bernie Kosar captivated a fan base and the town was vibing. The New Year had just rung in and the Browns were getting ready to host the Denver Broncos. I was six at the time. At 4:20pm on January 11th, 1987 I got my first taste of what growing up a Cleveland fan was all about. John Elway crushed my heart. He led the Broncos on the infamous "Drive" and stomped and kicked my little heart and soul. When Rich Karlis kicked the game winning field goal in OT I cried, in fact I balled my eyes out. It was a sign of things to come. The very next year came "The Fumble". Earnest Byner fumbling the ball on the goal line before he scores the game winner. Then in 1995 they were gone. The Browns moved to Baltimore. They took my childhood. Art Modell took my beloved Browns and moved them to Baltimore to become the Ravens. To add insult to injury in 2000 the Ravens won the Super Bowl. But my pain is not just in football. It stretches over all sports teams.
                   The so called Cleveland Curse. They say the Indians were cursed by trading Rocky Colavito. Rocky was traded to the Tigers in 1960 and there has been said that a curse was placed on the Indians that they would never see another World Series win. In 1995 the Indians won the AL Pennant but fell to the Atlanta Braves falling short of Title in Cleveland. In 1997 They returned to the World Series to Face the Florida Marlins. In heartbreaking fashion the Indians, leading entering the bottom of the ninth 2-1, brought in closer Jose Mesa to seal the deal and deliver Cleveland their first title since 1964. But Mesa couldn't deliver. The Marlins tied the game and in the bottom of the 11th they finished off the Indians. Edgar Renteria singled to drive in Craig Counsell and crush Cleveland Fans once again. Two outs. We were two outs away from salvation and denied. It was 10 years after "The Drive" crushed my dreams. Two outs. I began questioning if I could go through this every 10 years, this emotional roller coaster they call fan-dom. This can't be good for my sanity. But I stuck it out.
                   So now Cleveland is preparing to go on another ride. The Cavaliers are carrying the hopes and dreams of the people of Cleveland on their shoulders. LeBron James is hailed as a savior and the proclaimed "Chosen One". If anyone can break this Cleveland Curse most believe it is LeBron James. That's not a lot of pressure is it? LeBron is the 1st Cleveland Athlete to win back-to-back MVP awards since Jim Brown did it for the Browns back in 1957 & 1958. Ironically Brown was on the last Cleveland Championship team in 1964. We as a fan base have been disappointed so many times that you shouldn't be surprised to see Cleveland fans wary. Most can't shake the woe-is-me mentality. Most anticipate another letdown. But in order to move forward you have to put the past to bed. I'm all in once again. I always say I'm not gonna do this to myself again but I do. I love my teams and I crave a Championship. I could never jump on another bandwagon and enjoy it with any other teams. Never. I just know when we get there, to the top how sweet it will be. And for that I keep my Faith.

Western Conference Semifinal Predictions

And there were 4. The Lakers, Suns, Spurs, and Jazz are the last 4 standing. All 4 teams went 6 games in their 1st round matchups. Maybe the most surprising was the Thunder taking the defending champs to 6 and almost 7 games. Well lets take a look at the two matchups:


(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (5) Utah Jazz


The Lakers are coming off a first round series that maybe they didn't expect. The Thunder really gave them a run for their money taking them to 6 games and nearly a game 7. But they are here and they are the defending champs. Kobe and company seem to get stronger as the Playoffs go on, so I wouldn't worry to much. With Kobe anything is possible. Now Utah is coming off a series in which no one thought they would advance. Meeting Denver in the 1st round, and marred by injuries, they didn't complain. Utah just went out and outplayed Denver. The Jazz led by Deron Williams were impressive in their 1st round series win. Now last year the Jazz were over matched in their 1st round series with the Lakers nearly getting swept. The Jazz are smarter and tougher this season. They also should have AK-47.

The Sports Paisan's Prediction: I Like what Utah's doing, Defense and Pick and Roll's, but Lakers prevail. Lakers 4-2




(3) Phoenix Suns vs (7) San Antonio Spurs


I don't think any team is scarier to face come Playoffs than the San Antonio Spurs. They seem to always play their best basketball of the year when the Playoffs start. Coming off an impressive performance in round 1 against Dallas they look poised to make a run at another NBA Title. Led by Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli the Spurs will be a very tough out for anybody. Now its Phoenix's chance. I like Phoenix, I do. But the Spurs make you play to their tempo. Phoenix loves to run with Nash, Stoudemire, Richardson, and crew, but the Coach Pop knows how to slow it down and let the game come to them.

The Sports Paisan's Prediction: Suns can run, but run into a San Antonio defensive wall. Spurs 4-2

Tiger Woods misses cut at Quail Hollow; Struggling to Restore Image

CHARLOTTE- For only the sixth time in his pro career Tiger Woods failed to make the cut and qualify for weekend play at a tournament. Tiger, shooting his 2nd worst round as a pro, a 7 over 79 missed the 36-hole cut by an alarming 8 strokes. Its safe to say that Woods looks rusty. Though he had a good showing at the Masters, Woods has looked okay out on the course but not great. I really believe that its gonna take some time to see the real Tiger Woods back and at the top of his game. Tiger looks visibly beaten down at times in his interviews. Like the weight of the world in upon his shoulders. He really needs to shed the woe-is-me image and he should do it quickly. Nobody's feeling sorry for Tiger and the way he's been coming off in interviews and such he isn't doing himself any favors. He will be back, its just a matter of when he chooses to come back fully committed to restoring his legacy.