The As-Man Return-ith?!?

The Cleveland Indians demoted IF Jorge Velandia to AAA Buffalo today. Velandia was promoted when 2B Josh Barfield went on the DL after finger surgery. Velandia played sparingly in a utility role as Jamey Carroll took change of second base in Barfield's absence.

Reports have 2B/SS Asdrubal Cabrera returning to C-Town from Buffalo. Other than my being able to use the "As-Man" moniker I saddled him with last season it does present an interesting serious of questions for the Tribe.

Cabrera was sent down for his woes at the dish. The sub-.200 average and poor plate approach were obvious to everyone. He has responded by hitting well over .300 at Buffalo and it will be interesting to see how he responds to his re-exposure to major league caliber pitching.

The bigger question takes place in the field. No one has questioned Cabrera's glove. It has been phenomenal. Turning the DP smoothly, making all the throws and even an unassisted triple play are all on The As-man's resume.

However, while being the starting 2B at the start of the year, Cabrera has been primarily playing SS at Buffalo. What does this mean for his return?

Jhonny Peralta is entrenched at SS and swinging a hot bat since being moved into the clean-up spot of the line-up. Move him to 3B you say? Well, Andy Marte has recently been granted some playing time there and has shown signs of life after sitting on the bench for weeks at a time. The Indians desperately need to get a read on Marte to see if he is a part of their future.

Even if he does go back to 2B what happens to Barfield when he comes off the DL? An up-the-middle combo of Cabrera and Barfield is a pitcher's dream defensively but can they generate enough offense for a team that in no where near an offensive juggernaut.

No matter how you slice it, it will be interesting to see how Eric Wedge handles the situation. With Peralta is a comfort zone right now and Cabrera, Barfield and Marte needing playing time to be properly evaluated there seems to be one too few spots.

This is where Uncle Eric will earn his keep during this lost 2008 campaign. He needs to effectively utilize all four players to give the Indians the best chance to compete and contend in 2009.

It will be something to watch in an otherwise disappointing season, but for now..

THE AS-MAN RETURN-ITH! THE AS-MAN RETURN-ITH! THE AS-MAN RETURN-ITH!

Cleveland Indians Midterm Report Card

It has been a season to forget so far for the Cleveland Indians as the sit dead last in the American League Central Division at a woeful 41-53, 13 games behind the division leading Chicago White Sox. Only the Seattle Mariners have a worse record in the American League.

It could have been worse if not for a four game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays to end the first half of the season. It was worse when the Indians lost the ten games prior to those four. On May 15, the Tribe sat at 22-19, 1 ½ games ahead in the AL Central, and have been in a complete free fall since, going 19-34.

The same issues have been prevalent throughout the season. Hitting, especially that of the situational variety, has been so awful that it would be comical if it were not so depressing. Add to that a total 180 degree turn by the bullpen, the strength of the team in 2007, and it has been a recipe for disaster. The Son of the Bullpen from Hell has the potential to ruin your night on any given day.

Injuries to key cogs like Fausto Carmona, Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez and Jake Westbrook have also contributed to the Indians’ downfall but this team was treading water when those guys were on the active roster. The injuries haven’t helped things out but are not the underlying factor as some may believe.

I graded the Indians at the quarter mark of the season and with the All-Star break behind us it’s time for a re-review of the team. I will spare you my grades for Tribe skipper Eric Wedge and GM Mark Shapiro. Sports Illustrated’s John Heyman couldn’t have said it any better in my opinion.

Those who have departed us, CC Sabathia, Iron Joe Borowski, Jorge Julio and Craig Breslow are all spared from my wrath. Unfortunately these guys are not…

The A List
Casey Blake (A-), Aaron Laffey (A), Cliff Lee (A+), Grady Sizemore (A)
What Blake has done this year with his limited talent is amazing. He is the perfect jack off all trades guy who is under appreciated and over criticized. He should not be an every day player but it’s not his fault the Tribe has no one better.

Maybe he does have those pictures of Uncle Eric, a midget, a donkey and a parking cone that some cynics think he does. It wouldn’t hurt I guess. He is one of the few position players who have been productive all season. Hopefully they can turn him into some mid to upper level prospects before the trade deadline. That would be the smart thing to do.

Laffey has had a few bad starts here and there but we often forget he is a young, raw rookie. When you remember that, what he has done can not be overlooked. His averages are actually better than that of Jake Westbrook right now in his second season. That is something to hang some optimism on even if the kid gets carded buying a Slurpee.

What else can be said about Lee and Sizemore that hasn’t been said already? Lee started the All-Star games and has some how won 12 games in half a season with an offense that prevented him from winning 15. The only real questions are can Lee keep it up the rest of 2008 and beyond.

My only thought on Sizemore is can he bump up the average a bit and cut down on the Ks just a little bit more. I am hard on Grady because I firmly believe he can be one of the elites in MLB. He needs to hit close to .300 and have a little better discipline to reach that level. He is so damn close he can taste it. You can do it!

The B Squad
Jamey Carroll (B), Shin-Soo Choo (B), Ben Francisco (B), Masahide Kobayashi (B+), Rafael Perez (B-)
Carroll has been a pleasant surprise if only for the fact that he is NOT Ramon Vasquez or Mike Rouse. He plays the game hard and is just one of those guys who you love to watch. He has come up with a few clutch hits here and there and seems to be a nice little piece of the puzzle. His wacky eyes still freak me out but hey he plays hard.

Choo and Francisco have had little hiccups here and there but continue to hit. Francisco also looks to be an above average fielder which is something I did not expect from him. The fact that these guys are hitting 3rd and 5th in the order has to be taken into account. That is not where they are going to hit normally but with injuries they need to take advantage of the experience.

Kobayashi has been a pleasant surprise out of what has been a bad bullpen. He has had his share of rocky outings but has given the Tribe more than I expected. It will be key to see if he can get enough save chances in the second half to evaluate if he is a future closer or not. Also, still no appearances in any Japanese alternative lifestyle films! Glorious!

Perez has been very shaky all year but his flare ups seem to be less frequent and less dramatic than some of the other relievers. I attribute it to more of the league adjusting to him in his second full year than any sort of performance drop off. How he throws so hard when he may weigh as much as Kate Moss is beyond me but who am I to complain.

The C List
Scott Elarton (C+), Sal Fasano (C), Andy Marte (C-), Edward Mujica (C), Jhonny Peralta (C-), Kelly Shoppach (C)
Elarton was a solid long man out of the pen but doesn’t fit into the team’s long term plans. I hope he gets his personal issues worked out. Fasano gets a C just for his mustache alone but has hit surprisingly well and definitely has a little of the fire that others on this team lack.

Marte and Mujica have come on a bit lately as they have actually gotten to play for a change. It is imperative to see what they can get from these two guys in the second half as they need to make a decision on both by the end of the year. This is my main frustration with Uncle Eric. Why did these guys rot for so long on the bench when almost everyone else was stinking it up? I will give him credit for finally giving them a shot but the fact it took him so long to do it is a head-scratcher.

Peralta continues to drive me and many other Tribe fans insane. He shows you these flashes of brilliance but then had days were he looks lost and disinterested. He is like a poor man’s version of Manny Ramirez with less talent.

I want to like him but I can not. Not right now. Maybe because he plays shortstop and Omar Vizquel spoiled us, maybe because he wear’s Bret Butler’s old #2 or maybe I just don’t think he is a “core guy”, whatever it is I need to see the consistent Peralta of 2005 and 2007 for me to lay off him. No more of this bipolar crap.

D is for Derailment
Paul Byrd (D), Asdrubal Cabrera (D+), Ryan Garko (D), Franklin Gutierrez (D), Jensen Lewis (D-), Jeremy Sowers (D-)
Derailment is the one word that can explain all of these guys. In 2007 it looked like all of these guys could be part of that “core” that the Indians need to complete for the playoffs consistently. In 2008 these guys don’t even look like they should be in the big leagues sometimes.

Byrd has continued his trend of following a good year with a bad one and was, at one time, on pace to break the MLB record for homers allowed in one season. He has always been hittable but this year has been ridiculous. It’s a nightly conga-line around the bases when the Byrdman pitches in 2008.

Cabrera, Garko and Gutierrez have been horrible at the plate after solid 2007 campaigns. For how outstanding he is in the field, the As-Man has been equally awful at the plate. Hopefully, his stint at AAA Buffalo will right his ship. I got spoiled yells “The As-Man Cometh!” every time he got a clutch hit during the 2007 stretch run. I miss those times… (A single tear running down my cheek.)

Garko is streaky and looks to be nothing more than a weak hitting, unathletic corner man at some moments. He’s been so bad that Casey Blake is getting regular time at first base. Gutierrez just looks lost at the plate and went almost a month at the plate without a hit. He may be only a 4th outfielder down the road unless he shows signs of life.

Lewis and Sowers have been bad but have shown glimpses of their 2007 and 2006 forms, respectively. Is Lewis’ problem his motion, velocity or both? Or is it the fact that the short form of his name is Jenny?

Sowers I am at a loss for any sort of reasoning. For a guy who looked so good in 2006 he had a rough sophomore year in 2007 but seemed to have a great attitude on getting back to where he could be. 2008 has shown nothing but the fact that if his control is anything short of pinpoint, he is in trouble.

The second half will go a long way in seeing where these guys fall into the Indians’ long term plans. They need to step it up or they may not be here in 2009.

What the F happened?!?
Rafael Betancourt (F), David Dellucci (F-), Tom Mastny (F), Brian Slocum (F-)
These guys have been worse than bad. Betancourt has been so, so bad it makes me want to puke. When you go from being the best set-up man in baseball to the worst you get and F. I expected a drop off but this is ridiculous. I now shudder when he comes into the game where as in 2007 you knew the game was over when he entered.

I gave Dellucci a B in my First Quarter Report Card with the comment that I wanted to punch myself in the face for it. Do you see why now? He teases us with an extra base hit now and again but it is the long stretches of strike-outs and pop outs to the catcher that are maddening. I bet you want to punch yourself in the face, too, when he is at bat.

Mastny has pitched a little better lately but overall has been a train-wreck. This is after looking like a real player two years ago and most of last year. Slocum I don’t have words for. He’s been that bad. It’s like I ate five Fiber One bars in one sitting and pooped eight times in 24 hours when he pitches. That’s the only description I can come up with. Way to step it up when you have a shot, guys.

Incomplete – Injured
Josh Barfield, Fausto Carmona, Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, Jake Westbrook
It is a shame Barfield got hurt because it would be nice to know if he fits into the Indians’ long term plans. Carmona and Martinez will hopefully be back after the All-Star break so we adequately judge if they are on their way back to being upper-tier players.

If Westbrook contributes significantly in 2009 I would be surprised. Let’s hope he is one of the guys who comes back stronger after Tommy John Surgery and not a guy who never regains his stuff. Jake is a likable, solid middle of the rotation guy that a lot of teams don’t have. He is another player who is often overlooked by the fans.

The 500 pound gorilla in the room is Hafner. Will the Pronk we all know and love return or will we be stuck with this Travis Hafner fellow who stinks? If it is the latter, there is a huge hole in the Tribe line-up in 2009. My fear is that he is done. He has just lost it mentally and that he will never regain it physically because of it. I hope and pray I am wrong. To see him hit from 2004 – 2006 was must see TV.

Incomplete – Too Little Time
Michael Aubrey, Matt Ginter, Juan Rincon, Jorge Velandia
Aubrey hit a couple of homers and played a great defensive 1B while he was here but did nothing to make be think he is more than an athletic, lighter hitting Ryan Garko. Ginter did a nice job in a spot start while Rincon has looked wild as hell since his promotion. Velandia is just filling a spot until Barfield or Cabrera return. Aubrey is the only one I see being here in 2009 and even that is a stretch due to his lack of power at a power position.

So there you have it. It has been a rough go of it for the Tribe, and their fans, in 2008. They need to use the rest of the season to get everyone healthy, see what they have in some of the younger guys and not be afraid to make moves to acquire some young talent. For if they do not do that, they have little chance of completing in 2010, let alone 2009.

10 Browns Who Could Surprise in 2008

With the Cleveland Browns kicking off training camp in Berea, Ohio on July 27th it is time to take a look at some of the players, games and storylines for the upcoming 2008 NFL season.

Last month I examined ten players on the Browns that have something to prove in 2008. Today, I look at ten players who could contribute a little more than expected in the upcoming season. (Players listed in alphabetical order.)

DB – Gary Baxter
If Baxter makes it back it would be a miracle after his failed attempt last year to return from two torn patella tendons. But if he does it could provide the Browns with some much needed depth in the secondary even if only in specialty packages. If he just sets foot on the field again it would be amazing.

LB – Beau Bell
Bell has gotten a lot of press because he was the Browns’ first draft pick this year. But he’s still a 4th rounder and to ask him to contribute right away is a lot to ask of second day pick. He comes with a rep as a more than solid tackler, something the Browns’ linebacking corps sorely need.

CB – A. J. Davis
A second day draft pick of the Detroit Lions last year, Davis spent 2007 on the Browns’ practice squad. The Browns caught lighting in a bottle with unsigned rookie Leigh Bodden in 2003 and hope to do the same with Davis. With Bodden now in Detroit, as part of the Shaun Rogers trade, it would be ironic if Davis could step up and help fill the void that is left.

OG – Rex Hadnot
Hadnot is already earning his keep working with the first team at RG after Ryan Tucker’s hip surgery. Just like Tucker stepped in for an injured Seth McKinney in 2007, Hadnot has the opportunity to repeat the feat this year. He has started 16 games for three consecutive seasons. Cohesion is always key for offensive line play and Hadnot might end up being a big part of it.

RB – Jerome Harrison
Harrison is a NFL Pre-Season all-star, often shining against the oppositions’ B squads. He has shown flashes of brilliance on screens and draws when he has opportunities but did not dress at times in 2007. Is this the year that he could be a change of pace / specialty back to spell Jamal Lewis from time to time and add yet another wrinkle to the Browns’ offense?

DB – Mil’von James
The Cleveland Browns are quickly becoming the Midwestern Campus of UNLV. After drafting Eric Wright last year and Beau Bell this year, James was signed as a rookie free agent after they discovered him scouting Bell. As mentioned with Baxter and Davis above, the Browns’ lack depth in the secondary, especially corner. And, as with Davis, they hope to find another free agent/waiver wire steal.

LB – David McMillan
Another Pre-Season stand-out, McMillan’s opportunities in the regular season are few and far between. With Willie McGinest entering his final year before retirement and Antwaan Peek yet to show he can stay healthy for 16 games it would be nice to see McMillan be able to step up and do something when it matters. Shawntee Orr and Kris Griffin being primarily special teamers, McMillan’s time to step up is now if he can.

QB – Brady Quinn
Was there anyway “The Golden Boy” wasn’t going to be on this list? Derek Anderson is going to be, and should be, the starting QB barring injury or a complete derailment. There is no debating that. But injuries to the QB are all too common in the NFL and you never know what hand fate will deal you.

WR – Travis Wilson
Travis Wilson is my least favorite player on the Browns right now by far. Really far. We are talking in the genre of Kevin Johnson, Quincy Morgan, Andre Davis and my nemesis, Dennis Northcutt. Wilson declared himself the “best receiver of the 2006 draft” and proceeded to hold-out and register a whopping 2 receptions for 32 yards. To top that, he was inactive for all 16 games in 2007. All 16 games.

He wasn’t injured, on the practice squad or the third QB. He was just inactive for all 16 games. He couldn’t even beat out Tim Carter for the third WR spot and Carter caught 8 passes… all year. With Carter not retained, Josh Cribbs still focusing on special teams and Joe Jurivicius’ future uncertain after a fourth knee surgery Wilson once again has an opportunity to prove himself. Whether he can or not will determine his future with the Browns and, most likely, the NFL.

P – Dave Zastudil
A punter, you say? Yes. While with the Baltimore Ravens, Zastudil was one of the most consistent, reliable punters in the NFL. Back problems sabotaged his season in 2007 as he was plagued with shaky efforts now and again while Browns Fans were subjected to “The Paul Ernster Experience” and Scott Player’s single-bar facemask and porno ‘stache. We need not be privy to those things again.

As Cleveland Browns Community Leader, I am always looking for feedback, constructive criticism or suggestions. Please feel free to leave anything in the comments section below or on my Profile page.

All Bleacher Report articles are also concurrently posted on my blog: A Clevelander in Exile.

Who Can QB? - Revisited

The one topic that just won’t go away for the Cleveland Browns and their fans is the never-ending Derek Anderson versus Brady Quinn debate.

Prior to last season when the position was in total chaos I broke down the pro and cons of Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn and the incumbent starter, Charlie Frye.

Here is what I said about Anderson and Quinn prior to last year (I’ll spare you the Charlie Frye analysis):

Derek Anderson
Height: 6'-6"
Weight: 230
College: Oregon State

“Started 38 consecutive games for the Beavers on his was to becoming the school's all time leader in passing yardage and touchdowns culminating in a 38-21 defeat of Notre Dame in the 2004 Insight Bowl where he was named the game MVP. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 6th Round of the 2005 NFL Draft. The Browns claimed him in Week 3 of the '05 season when the Ravens placed him on waivers in hopes of stashing him on their practice squad.

Pros:
Prototypical size for NFL quarterback. Above average mobility despite his lanky frame. Quick, accurate release. Strong arm with plenty of zip on the football. Stays in the pocket under pressure and is shifty enough to dodge and shrug off potential tacklers. Intelligent player with a good football senses.

Cons:
Became too predictable to the opposing defense with each passing start. Defences were able to disguise coverages very effectively causing him to be confused and throw into coverage more often that not. Sometimes too much of a gunslinger as he seemed prone to the interception when trying to force throws. Unable to make an effective read off the line of scrimmage which leads him to lock onto one receiver.

Prognosis:
DA seems to have all the "tools" to be an effective NFL quarterback. Whether or not he can refine those tools into being an effective NFL quarterback is yet to be seen. He seemed to thrive in the back-up QB role by single handedly winning the Kansas City game and being the only man to show up for the Thursday night game in Pittspuke. Needs to work the mental side of quarterbacking to succeed long term. I see him being the prototypical back-up QB who can come into the game in relief or make a spot start and thrive but I think his tendencies make him too predictable to be the long term starter.”

Brady Quinn
Height: 6'-3"
Weight: 226
College: Notre Dame


“As a three year starter for the Fighting Irish, shattered 36 school records including career pass attempts, completions, yards, yards per game, touchdown passes, and lowest interception percentage. Won 29 games as a starter which is tied for most in school history. Ranks in the top ten in NCAA Division I history in career pass attempts, passing yards, and touchdown passes. Was selected in the 1st Round of the 2007 NFL Draft (22nd overall) by the Browns.

Pros:
Just like Charlie Frye, Quinn is Cleveland born and Cleveland bred so he too lives, dies and bleeds orange and brown. Perfect college pedigree after studying under offensive guru Charlie Weis his last two years at Notre Dame. Played in an NFL style system under Weis and thrived in it. Extremely intelligent as he graduated from ND with a double major in Finance and Political Science and was one of the highest scorers on the pre-draft Wonderlic Test given to every draft prospect. Prototypical size for NFL QB, very athletic and calm in the pocket. May have a chip on his shoulder after 21 other teams passed on him in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Cons:
Seems to lack accuracy at times on throws to the sideline or down the field. Wears his emotions on his sleeve at times which some consider to be a lack of confidence and leadership. Many of his statistics in college came versus what many believe to be sub-par talent due to the weak schedule Notre Dame carried as an independent program. Suffers from a supposed big game stigma as he failed to win a Bowl Game or a game against a top ranked program during his entire college career. A work out freak, which some consider to be a bad trait for quarterbacks as they need more arm and shoulder flexibility and less muscle mass.

Prognosis:
Brady Quinn seems to be the national media whipping boy. From his demeanor at the NFL Draft to his hair style it seems everyone loves to hate Brady... He is not in the same league as JaMarcus Russell... He played against inferior talent... He can't win the big game...

But isn't this the guy who was the consensus #1 pick if he would have come out after his Junior year in 2006? Isn't this the same guy who would have beaten USC if Reggie Bush hadn't illegally pushed Matt Leinart into the end zone in 2006? Isn't this the same guy who has put up monster numbers against top college level talent only to have his defense give up 40+ points and lose?

I'm not saying Brady Quinn is the next Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer or Tom Brady. But I don't think he's the next Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf or Tim Couch. I do think that he will be a more than solid NFL QB for years to come due to his work ethic, determination and desire to prove his doubters wrong.

Now despite all his tools and talent, the NFL game is a totally different speed that the NCAA. Unless he just plays like gang busters in training camp he should not start the season as QB1. Even though the Browns have improved their O-Line and have weapons that neither Tim Couch or Charlie Frye had in their rookie seasons, I get the vibe that Quinn will need some time to adjust to the NFL game (a la Carson Palmer or Steve McNair).

The last thing the Browns need to do is ruin another rookie QB like Couch or Frye, especially one that actually has a ton of talent. Quinn needs to learn for a year or so. Play here or there in 2007 when the situation allow it and build for launch in 2008. The 2007 Cleveland Browns do not have a large chance to be a factor in the NFL. The 2008 Cleveland Browns do. Especially now that they have their "Franchise QB" on their roster.

And for those who say the Browns gave up too much for him with the 2008 1st round draft pick... the only two "top tier" QBs coming out in 2008 are Brian Brohm of Louisville and Colt Brennan of Hawaii. I will take Brady Quinn over them in a heartbeat.”

We all know how it panned out. Frye and Anderson looked awful in the pre-season while Quinn shined against opponents B and C Squads. Frye started the season opening day debacle against the Steelers, was benched after less than a half and traded before Week 2. Anderson stepped in and pulled off one of the most amazing out-of-nowhere stories in the NFL regulating Quinn to the bench for all but ten plays in the season finale in the process.

Despite the amazing 2007 and being the incumbent starter, there are some who think Anderson is a fluke and that Quinn is the better player. Browns GM Phil Savage re-upped Anderson for another three years, but odds are 2008 will be the last year the two will co-exist. Anderson is the man, barring any sort of injury or complete nosedive, and he should be.

Until then, Quinn is regulated to clipboard duty and studying film with Browns’ 3rd QB Ken Dorsey. We can only hope that his intense work ethic and dedication can push Anderson to continue to improve as well. According to reports by ESPN’s John Clayton from Browns’ mini-camp, Quinn did just that.

That’s all The Golden Boy can do because, like it or not, Derek Anderson is the man for the Cleveland Browns at quarterback… for now.

Isn't This What We Want as Cleveland Browns Fans

The general feeling about the Cleveland Browns in 2008 is polarizing to the extreme. On one side you have those who have the Browns as the “sexy pick” of the year. They are a young, exciting team who greatly exceeded expectations in 2007 that features a dynamic offense and plays an inordinate amount of close, dramatic games.

A team who’s General Manager, Phil Savage, made some bold, yet risky, moves to fix a weak defensive line that he identified as a problem. A team for the first time since its reincarnation has a core group of players who have carried over from the past couple of seasons. A team, which for the first time since the early 1990s, has some high profile, budding players that are recognized nationally.

On the other side you have the nay-sayers who believe the Browns’ 2007 success was based on a weak schedule and down year for the AFC North. Those pundits say that despite going 10-6 and missing the playoffs by a tiebreaker the Browns blew a chance at the post-season by producing a late season stink pickle against the Cincinnati Bengals. They point to the fact that the Browns registered losses to NFL bottom-feeders like the Bengals, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders.

That there is no way they will be able to repeat that kind of performance in 2008. They say that the performances of Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow were a fluke. They haven’t beaten the hated Pittsburgh Steelers in almost five years. And the 2008 schedule? No way will the Browns make it out alive with games against the NFC East and AFC South. And with all those prime time and 4:00 games the Browns will wilt under the pressure of the limelight.

But my question to you, the Cleveland Browns faithful, whichever side you may fall on is this:

ISN’T THIS WHAT WE WANT AS CLEVELAND BROWNS FANS?!?!?

To see if 2007 was an aberration or a stepping stone to the next level?

To see if the Reincarnation of the Kardiac Kids can produce points at the same rate?

To see if Phil Savage’s atypical way of addressing the porous defensive line will work?

To see how the team responds after faltering down the stretch and blowing a playoff spot last year?

To see if Derek Anderson is the QB of the future for this franchise or if the Golden Boy, Brady Quinn, is the real deal?

To see if the Browns can actually take care of business against the arrogant Appalachian Inbred a couple hours SE on the turnpike and make it a real rivalry once again?

To see how the Browns stack up against the crème de la crème of the NFL?

For too long the psyche of the Cleveland Browns fan has been fragile at best. They have seen a lot of lows, especially lately, but they are still here living, breathing and barking. I understand the trepidation that comes with high expectations. You need look no further than the 2008 Cleveland Indians who have crumbled under the weight of perception. One always has to be realistic in any situation.

But that doesn’t mean to expect failure either. It’s time to shed “the woe is me” attitude that often permeates a Cleveland sports fan. It’s time to stop blaming things on bad luck or curses. Those are just excuses for failing to get the job done or being beaten by the better team. Suck it up and be a man, learn from past failures and use it to make yourself better. You are a Cleveland Browns fan, dammit!

For the first time since 1995, the Cleveland Browns have legitimate, lofty hopes and dreams. Whether the 2008 season ends with them at 6-10, 8-8 or 10-6 it will tell us exactly where they stand in the hierarchy of the NFL. How they match up against the league’s best. How they handle the pressure of being on the National TV stage week in and week out. How they handle those lofty expectations.

Yes, it will be difficult. Yes, it will be stressful. Yes, it will have its ups and downs. And yes, it will be thrilling. But as a Cleveland Browns fan, isn’t that exactly what you want?

Say Goodnight to 2008 and Prep for 2009

I can’t take anymore after last night. It’s the same script day in and day out. Take one exceptional starting pitching performance, sprinkle in minimal support from the offense to tie or take the lead only to have the bullpen hand the game right back to the opponent in painfully excruciating fashion. Ladies and gentlemen… Your 2008 Cleveland Indians!

Last night was even more painful as revitalized Cliff Lee was once again a victim on the Tribe’s tragic 2008 formula. Lee could conceivably be 15-1 or even 14-0 if the offense was somewhat existent and the bullpen was just cohesive. Just as they failed C. C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona last year, the team looks to be squandering Lee’s attempt to be the Indians’ first 20 game winner since Gaylord Perry in 1974.

I will give the offense a pass last night as John Danks has been just as impressive as Lee this season, but it doesn’t help that the team continues to struggle to score three, let alone four, runs on any given night. If anything they battled all night long as Casey Blake’s solo homer in the 10th gave the Tribe the lead for mere moments. But that is one of the Indians’ few weapons, the solo home run. I reiterate: two runs make it difficult to win.

Ironically, on a night when Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez actually looked like Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez circa 2007 the bullpen still collapsed under the pressure of a close game. I’ll be nice. Joe Borowski looks done. When Alexei Ramirez, DeWayne Wise and Orlando Cabrera beat you with relative ease, it’s time to say sayonara.

Realistically, 2008 has been over for the Tribe for weeks. They went 6-12 in Interleague Play when no other team in the AL Central went worse than 12-6. That 6-12 was also against the last place Cincinnati Reds and every team in the NL West that is below .500 in a division where the leader is 42-42.

They are 13-18 versus the AL Central after going 48-24 in 2007. Now they sit in last place, all by their lonesome and 11.5 games behind the White Sox, who have beaten them five straight times. Even the usually hapless Kansas City Royals look to have more spark than the Erie Warriors.

Because of all of this I think it safe to dole out some things that I’d like to see the rest of the year to prep for 2009. So here are Ten Things I’d Like to See the Tribe Do for the Rest of 2008:

10. See What Andy Marte Can Do
Listen I know he has been horrible this year. I know he did nothing out of camp last year. But give the kid a couple weeks of playing time and see what he’s made of. He hasn’t exactly gotten an extended look this year. If anything you can unequivocally cut bait if he fails.

9. Make Kobayashi the Closer
Iron Joe is d-o-n-e done. Masa has a history of closing in Japan. Let’s see if he can do it over the course of a few months here in the US. If anything you can mix in a few of the young arms here or there when he needs a rest but he is the only arm on the staff now that I even have an inkling of faith in. Plus he has not appeared in any Japanese alternative-lifestyle films to date and should be rewarded for that.

8. Bring Back The As-Man!... At Shortstop
I have already spewed by venom towards Jhonny “Don’t Call Me Honey” Peralta in this forum I don’t need to do it anymore. Bottom line, if you are going to build a team around pitching as the Indians are inclined to do, then you need excellent defense at the important positions. Asdrubal Cabrera has been playing SS exclusively since his demotion to AAA Buffalo and it is his natural position. He seems to be working out his swing and hopefully it will translate when he returns. I don’t care what you do with Honey… 3B, DH, trade him or cane him, whatever. He is not the answer at SS for this team.

7. Bid Adieu to The Looch
I thought David Dellucci could help this team. He is not. Not even a little. All he is doing is stealing ABs from the younger guys who need them. Trade him, trade him and pay part of his contract, buy him out, release him but he’s only hurting this team. Seeing what a Brad Snyder or a Trevor Crowe can do at this point is much more important.

6. Get Some Athleticism
This may be the most unathletic, uncoordinated and slowest baseball team I have ever seen. Ever. I think the Browns offensive and defensive lines could outrun half the guys on the team. Is it any coincidence that the most athletic player on the team, Grady Sizemore, is the best player on the team right now? Or that when the athletic Ben Francisco and Shin-soo Choo are in the line-up the Indians can actually do things other than play station to station baseball? And solo home runs! The Tribe loves them some solo home runs!

5. Find Out if Ryan Garko is a Viable MLB First Baseman
In a season of disappointments, Garko is often overlooked because so many other guys have been worse. But his lack of power, so-so defense and streaky hitting this season are disconcerting. I thought he’d make big strides this year. He has… backwards.

4. Get Uncle Eric a Personality
I am neither pro or anti Eric Wedge. But I have grown tired of the monotonous press conferences and sound bites. It has worn stale on me and I think it has in the clubhouse as well. A manager has to evolve just as his players do. This see-sawing of even and odd number years has to stop. I don’t put 2008 on him as much as I do Mark Shapiro but Uncle Eric needs to evolve if he wants people to think he is the man to lead this team for years to come.

3. Shop Anyone Not Named Sizemore, Martinez or Carmona
Anyone who can help the Indians is already here. The farm system is not as deep as it once was. Mark Shapiro needs to listen to any and all offers to try and restock for 2009 and 2010. Most of our talent is signed through then. If Shapiro wants to reload rather than rebuild then everyone should be fair game. There are too many holes to fill to not listen to offers.

2. Bring Up the Young Arms
I hope Scott Elarton is all right as he was placed on the Restricted List but he serves no purpose for the Indians. Neither does Rick Bauer who, by the way, stinks. Jensen Lewis has been tweaking his delivery and velocity in AA long enough. Let’s see how he does in the bigs. Let’s see if Brian Slocum has made the conversion to reliever. Rich Rundles, Jeff Stevens and anyone else worthy should be up here seeing if then can contribute to the Tribe. Elarton and Bauer are just taking up space for no reason at this point.

1. Aggressively Shop C. C. Sabathia
Sabathia isn’t resigning here. I don’t blame him for that and appreciate all he has done for the team and city. Every start until he leaves should be treasured by Indians fans. He should be cheered when he eventually comes back to Cleveland as an opponent. The Indians have been scouting potential trade partners and sending out feelers for interest. Shapiro and company need to aggressively shop the hefty lefty. Go to Team A, set the bar high, and tell them what you want. Do the same for Team B and so on and so forth. Someone will get desperate and pull the trigger and overpay. It may not be a Bartolo Colon type deal but Shapiro has every opportunity to get the maximum return on his investment. Do not let the other team drive the negotiations. The Indians have the asset that other covet, they should be using leverage to their advantage. Anything less will set the franchise back.

There are probably ten more things I could mention but these are the ten that ramble around my warped mind on a routine basis. The success of 2007 has made it difficult to let go of 2008 so quickly. Last year, this team was such a joy to watch, write about and discuss that the performance in 2008 has been such a tremendous let down. 2008 has also exposed so many flaws in the organization that it has flipped Indians’ fans topsy-turvy. But the Indians have a chance to set some of the foundation for 2009 and beyond. They just need to realize its time to say goodnight to 2008.