Tuesday's Thoughts

While wondering if 2015 is the year that one of my teams will make the playoffs, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* Another Browns season comes to an end and another dumpster fire is burning in Cleveland. The events of the past week have made it abundantly clear to me that Johnny Manziel needs to go. He's an immature punk who will never amount to a true pro quarterback. What he lacks in size he needs to make up with by increased preparation and paying attention to detail. Unfortunately, this kid doesn't have it upstairs to understand that. He is a college frat boy. He says he is going to change and be more dedicated and then the team has to send out security to find him because he was late for treatment. You can't trust a thing this punk says. If Johnny Manziel is on the Browns next year, it is a slap in the face to every Browns fan.

* The Browns also need to look long and hard at Josh Gordon. Of the 3 Stooges, Gordon could probably bring back the most to the Browns in a trade. During the off season I was ok with the Browns keeping Gordon on the team and riding out the suspension. But in light of recent events, Gordon has to go. When you look at rookies like Odell Beckhan Jr., Mike Evans, Sammy Watkins and Kelvin Benjamin and the impact that they have had this year with their respective teams then there is hope that you can get that talented number one receiver in the draft. Something to think about: how much better off would the Browns have been if they drafted any of these guys in the first round as opposed to Manziel and Justin Gilbert?

* Justin Gilbert may be the most salvageable of the 3 Stooges. However, he would have a short leash and if he didn't turn things around in OTAs and training camp, he would be gone by opening day in 2015. As a point of reference, here are the last 5 first round picks of the Browns: Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson, Barkevious Mingo, Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel. And you want to know why this team is a dumpster fire every year?

* If I were in charge of the Browns, I would bring back Brian Hoyer and Connor Shaw and I would draft a quarterback later in the draft, somewhere between the third and fourth rounds. It is imperative that the lack of depth on the offensive line be addressed and tough decisions need to be made pertaining to Jordan Cameron and Jabaal Sheard. In my opinion, they would both be back.

* It's great that Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam called out the 3 Stooges by saying such behavior won't be tolerated. What concerns me is that Haslam qualified things after he said that by saying that these young guys will be given the opportunity to correct things. To me, that's a bunch of crap. If you weren't prepared to complete your job at work or if you came late to work, you would be fired. Haslam needs to have a backbone and get rid of the 3 Stooges.

* The Chicago Bears cleaned house on Monday by firing GM Phil Emery and Head Coach Marc Trestman. It was evident that Trestman lost the team and that was really clear when his Offensive Coordinator Aaron Kromer called out Jay Cutler publically. At that point, Trestman should have fired Kromer. When that didn't happen he was done. Emery was the guy who hired Trestman and signed Jay Cutler to his current contract. His free agent signings have been a bust and the rapid decline of the  Bears defense has doomed this team, in spite of all the offensive talent. In my mind, the right guy for the job as head coach would be Rex Ryan. Ryan is a defensive specialist who can build defenses. With the right offensive coordinator, Ryan could be the guy to restore the Monsters of the Midway.

* The New York Jets followed the Bears by doing what everyone expected by firing Ryan along with General Manager John Idzik. Idzik was in over his head and that showed in his drafting and his inability to bring in any quality free agents. Jets owner Woody Johnson needs to give some hope to a fan base that is rancid right now about their team.

* The Michigan Wolverines football program may be on the road to respectability with the hiring of Jim Harbaugh. This was a good move for both the school and for Harbaugh. What will be interesting now is how San Francisco will replace him.

* Mike Smith getting fired in Atlanta came as no surprise particularly after their terrible performance Sunday against Carolina. Of course, not much has been done to improve the Falcons defense.

* People want to criticize Tom Brady but for me he is the ultimate team guy who is all about winning as he re-negotiated his contract to give the Patriots an extra $24 million dollars in cap space.

* Now on the other hand you have Ndamukong Suh. This guy stomps on Aaron Rodgers' leg and as a result is suspended for next weekend's playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. It will be interesting to see if the Lions will re-sign this thug and if they don't who will. Guy has a ton of talent but he can't control himself.

* One team you might not want to play in the NFC Playoffs is the Carolina Panthers and the team that could knock off Seattle in the NFC is Dallas.

* The injury to Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell knee may prevent him from playing against Baltimore on Saturday night. That's a tough break for Pittsburgh as Bell has been a work horse. If he is unable to go, Ben Roethlisberger will really be asked to carry the offensive load.

* I was not a big Shawn Kelley fan but I'm not sure I understand what Brian Cashman is doing. He's added Andrew Miller and Justin Miller and has lost David Robertson and Kelley. The big talk was that Cashman was going to build up the bullpen a la Kansas City. Somehow I don't see it.

* The play of the Toronto Maple Leafs as of late is a disgrace. Blowing both games in Florida after having a 2 goal lead is inexcusable. The last time that happened on consecutive nights by the Maple Leafs was in April 1989. What's more maddening is being out shot continuously by wide margins. Seems like the same old story. I'm not a big Randy Carlyle fan but I'm not sure changing the coach will change this team's inability to play sound defensive hockey and have it start to maintain puck control in the other team's zone.  

* The announcement by Kyle Orton of his retirement from the NFL has really set the Buffalo Bills into panic mode. Orton was signed just before the season started as it was felt that there was a need to have a veteran ready to step in if EJ Manuel faltered. Well after the loss to Houston, Orton was in and he was better than Manuel but not good enough to get the Bills into the playoffs. With Orton out, the Bills are left with Manuel and the so-called Bills Mafia is besides themselves. One has to wonder if going 9-7 this year will ultimately have set the franchise back. If the Bills have decided Manuel is not salvageable, then they will need to bring in not only a veteran but also need to get a young guy. 

* And finally, to all of those who follow this blog, a Happy and Healthy 2015.

A Christmas Eve Edition: Tuesday's Thoughts

While remembering CHCH-TV Hamilton's tracking of where Santa was on Christmas Eve night, here's what is on my mind this morning:

* Well, the Cleveland Browns quarterback mockery continues as once again another season where we could very well see three guys attempt to be the team's signal caller. What a joke. It's a possibility that Connor Shaw will come up from the practice squad to be the starter against Baltimore. Two weeks ago, former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar criticized the team for the way they have handled the quarterback position going back to Tim Couch. On Monday, Couch echoed Kosar's sentiments by saying that there has been a failure to build a team throughout the roster with whoever is in the quarterback position paying the price. To Couch's point, the early returns on the 2014 first round draft picks is not good. More on that in a minute. You also have to look at the lack of depth, particularly on the offensive line. The good organizations have depth in the critical spots, specifically on the offensive and defensive lines. 

* This week the word coming out of the Browns locker room is the the team's first round picks, Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel, have a lot of growing up to do. First, Karlos Dansby called out Gilbert by saying the young cornerback out of Oklahoma State needs to realize that he's not in college anymore. Dansby questioned Gilbert's dedication. Then, we have Manziel admitting that he could have done more to be prepared and promising to dedicate himself to be better in 2015. He went on to say that he had to take things more seriously. My question is: where is the coaching staff to straighten these two guys out? Where are the veteran leaders on the team to grab these two by the throat and let them know they are in the National Football League? As I have stated before, this team cannot afford to blow first round draft picks. First rounders on a team like the Browns should be contributors in their first year, particularly one taken as high as Gilbert. Once again, General Manager Ray Farmer will have two first round draft picks in the upcoming draft and he needs to cash in on both of them. 

* My thoughts on the Browns quarterback situation going into next season has been all over the map. At the end of the day, I think it would be in the team's best interest to re-sign Brian Hoyer, bring in another quarterback and move Johnny Manziel out of Cleveland. I'm convinced that Manziel will not be a starting QB in the NFL. He's too small and he does not have the mind set needed to compensate for that.  

* My initial reaction to the acquisition of Nathan Eovaldi, Domingo German and Garrett Jones from the Miami Marlins for Martin Prado and David Phelps was negative. But thinking about it more, the Yankees acquire two strong arm pitchers who are both under the age of 25 and a legitimate back up first baseman in Jones. By moving Prado, it would appear that the Yankees may be willing to go with either Jose Pirrela or Rob Refsnyder at second base. An infusion of youth into the lineup is fine by me as the Yankees are a few years away from being a legitimate World Series contender. 

* The Toronto Maple Leafs snapped their three game losing streak with a 4-0 road win against the Dallas Stars. Jonathan Bernier was outstanding in goal making 43 saves for the shut out. Dion Phaneuf may have had his best game of his Maple Leaf career as he was all over the ice which included a bone crushing hit on Jason Spezza and a fight with Antoine Roussel. The Captain was also a threat offensively and did have an assist. With the win the Leafs head into the Christmas break with an important two points as they will embark on a six game road trip beginning Sunday December 28th at Florida to take on the Panthers. 

* With last night's victory, Toronto will have won 20 games before Christmas for the first time since the 2003-04 season and only the fifth time since the 1977-78 season. 

* In spite of his Super Bowl win, I am not a big believer in Joe Flacco. Last Sunday he was terrible against the Houston Texans as the Ravens were beaten 25-13. The loss was devastating for Baltimore's playoff chances as they need to win against Cleveland and hope for a San Diego loss

* I'm going on record to say that there is no way the Detroit Lions will defeat Green Bay at Lambeau Field. 

* Denver's loss to Cincinnati probably ensures that New England will have home field advantage throughout the AFC Playoffs. I honestly believed that this Broncos team was better than the one that went to the Super Bowl last year. However, in order to go back to the big game, they will need to win in Foxboro where Peyton Manning has had difficulties throughout his career. 

* The Bills loss to the lowly Oakland Raiders should not be a surprise to anyone. Buffalo's defense has been outstanding but at the end of the day inconsistent play at the quarterback position is what doomed their playoff hopes. Kyle Orton is a nice back-up but he is not going to take you to the Promise Land. You also have to wonder whether CJ Spiller will be in a Bills uniform next season. In my opinion, Spiller has never been the running back that Buffalo envisioned when he was drafted. The challenge for the Bills will be to try to improve their offense so as to not waste the defensive unit that has been put together. 

* When you look at the quarterback situation for a number of teams, you have to wonder whether there is enough talent out there for 32 teams. A big problem is kids leaving school early and not being mentally and physically prepared. 

* Kudos to Rangers forward Rick Nash as he scored his 21st and 22nd goals last night leading New York to a 4-2 win over the Capitals. Nash was criticized big time in the New York media last season but he has come back with a vengeance. 

* And finally, I got a peek at the Christmas list sent to Santa and here is what I found:

- Browns fans are asking for a quarterback they can believe in.

- Maple Leaf fans are asking for a spot in the playoffs with at least a first round win.

- Yankee fans are asking for the fountain of youth.

- Jets fans are asking for a competent GM.

- Bills fans are asking for a playoff appearance in 2015.

- Bears fans are asking to find Rex Ryan or Jim Harbaugh on their team's sideline as their head coach in 2015

- Raptors fans are asking for continued success this season and an extended playoff stay in 2015.

- Michigan fans are asking for Jim Harbaugh to be on their team's sideline as their head coach in 2015.

- 49ers management is asking for Jim Harbaugh to not be on their sideline as their head coach in 2015.

- Cubs fans are hoping that their young talent will continue to grow and along with Jon Lester lead them to a spot in the playoffs.

- Knick fans are asking for a miracle.

- Edmonton Oiler fans are asking for a miracle.

- Multiple NHL teams are asking for Connor MacDavid to be on their roster next season. 

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Tuesday's Thoughts

While being proud of myself that I have finished my Christmas shopping, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* Well, the Johnny Football era began in Cleveland on Sunday and it was a total disaster. Manziel looked awful. He made bad throws and looked lost out there. The running game was non-existent which put more of an onus on Manziel. The Browns defense was terrible. To allow the Bengals to rush for over 100 yards in the first half was disgraceful. 

* Merrell Hoge was very outspoken in his criticism of Manziel and the Browns in general. To be honest with you, I agree with Hoge. There is no doubt we have only seen Manziel start one game but Hoge made an excellent point when he said that Manziel was not a first round talent but was taken in the first round. The pick was a reach and I have to wonder how much influence Jimmy Haslam had with that decision. But Manziel is not the only questionable selection in the first round as Justin Gilbert has had a VERY unimpressive rookie season. Gilbert was the eighth pick overall in the draft and could not crack the starting lineup. With two first round picks in the 2015 Draft, let's hope General Manager Ray Farmer does a better job than he did in this year's draft.

* Interesting article in the NY Post this morning about Johnny Manziel. The Post's Bart Hubbuch called into question Kyle Shanahan's play calling by saying that Manziel was in sets that did not capitalize on his ability to use his legs which set the rookie quarterback up for failure. Hubbuch makes some interesting points particularly when he claims that his league sources indicated that the Browns drafted Manziel at the behest of owner Jimmy Haslam rejecting Mike Pettine's opinion on Manziel.

* By the way, I hate the all brown uniforms that Cleveland wore Sunday. What happened to tradition? The classiest uniforms are the traditional ones: Green Bay, Indianapolis, NY Giants and Dallas. 

* The Toronto Maple Leafs are on fire as they had a weekend sweep of the Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings. Moreover, they swept all four games in the two back to back sets that they faced. What has been a pleasant surprise has been the secondary scoring that the Leafs are receiving from guys like Mike Santorelli and Richard Panik. It's funny how being able to roll four lines that can play has had a major impact up to this point of the season. The depth that the Leafs have will lead the coaching staff to make some tough decisions once Leo Komorov and Roman Polak are ready to play. 

* It's really fun to see a player grow in front of your eyes and that's what we are witnessing with Nazem Kadri. I'm going to be honest with you, I had my doubts about this kid but he has made me a believer. Not sure if it was the chat that he had with Brendan Shanahan but Kadri is no longer a defensive liability. He is arguably the Leafs best all around center. I was truly impressed with how he handled both Henrik Zetterberg and Anze Kopitar. As he continues to commit to the defensive aspects of the game, with his offensive skill he can be one of the top all around players in the league. 

* Leafs Lunch on Friday had the three hosts predict how many points the Leafs would get on the weekend. Brian Hayes said the Leafs would get three points, Jamie MacClennan said two points and Jeff O'Neill said zero. I guess Jeff was wrong and shame on Hayes for not calling him out on it Monday.

* The Leafs have five games remaining before the Christmas break and those five games start off tonight against the Anaheim Ducks at the Air Canada Center. It is key for the Leafs to avoid any extended losing streaks if they are to convince themselves and their apprehensive fan base that this will be another season where there is a late season collapse. After tonight, the Leafs go to Carolina on Thursday, play Saturday at the ACC against Philadelphia and then go to Chicago on Sunday to take on the Blackhawks. Their last of the five game stint is on December 23 at Dallas. I'll take going 3-2 before they head out on a five game road trip after Christmas.

* The Yankees announced the signing of Chase Headley to continue to play third base. The deal was four years at $52 million dollars. If Headley can stay healthy then this is not a bad deal. My concern is that this guy has had a history of back issues. Hopefully those are behind him. This signing would also seem to indicate that the Yankees see Alex Rodriguez as mainly a DH which according to both NY dailies will not sit well with him. Nothing like ARod drama to begin another baseball season.

* Brian Cashman indicated in an interview that the Yankees are not in on Max Scherzer. The reason given was that the team did not want to commit to a seven year contract to a 30 year old pitcher. Hmmm...do you believe him?

* Is there a bigger joke of a franchise in the National Hockey League than the Edmonton Oilers? Dallas Eakins is the latest head coach to get the ax as it was announced yesterday that Eakins was fired and General Manager Craig MacTavish has named minor league coach Todd Nelson as interim head coach. As I mentioned last week, Eakins would have been better served being an assistant coach in the NHL before taking a number one job, especially one that saw two experienced head coaches (Pat Quinn and Tom Renney) not be able to turn the team around. There are two constants that have overseen this mess: Kevin Lowe and Craig MacTavish. Someone should tell ownership that it is time to cut the cord from the 80's Oilers as these guys have led this once proud franchise into the toilet. 

* Interesting fact number one: the Green Bay Packers have never won in Ralph Wilson Stadium. 

* Interesting fact number two: the New York Jets 16-11 victory over the Tennessee Titans is the first time that the score of 16-11 has ever been the final score of an NFL game. 

* Plenty of talk about the NHL expanding to Las Vegas. To me, expansion is not the answer but re-location is the way to go. All they would have to do is move the Florida Panthers to Las Vegas and that would give each conference 15 teams. There is no question that Quebec City or a second team in Toronto is more deserving but the NHL must even out the conferences. Bringing the league up to 32 teams further dilutes the talent. 

* So far the Boston Red Sox have spent the most money in free agency. So much for the evil empire. 

* Jon Lester was presented to the Chicago media as he had signed with the Cubs. Lester's number is 34 in deference to Walter Payton, Kerry Wood and Nolan Ryan. This guy is going to be well liked in the Windy City. 

* Tough news for the Dallas Cowboys as DeMarco Murray has a broken hand and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Indianapolis. It will be interesting to see how this impacts the Cowboys since he has become a vital cog in that team's offense. 

* Kudos to Marcus Mariota for winning the Heisman Trophy. It will be interesting to see if this kid decides to leave Oregon. 

* Was really interesting to hear former Heisman Trophy Winner John Huarte tell the story how he was notified that he had won the award. Huarte was the quarterback for Notre Dame and won the award 50 years ago. He was in his dorm room and the phone was ringing out in the hallway. Huarte answered it and was told that he won the Heisman. Far cry from today's major production put on by ESPN.

* Well Bills fever is running wild in Western New York. Buffalo's chance to make the playoffs are slim but it is feasible that they could go 9-7 which would be a big improvement over last season. However the big question is: will this success lull the franchise to believe that they can be playoff contenders with Kyle Orton as quarterback?

* And finally, Ted Nolan is one of the best coaches in the National Hockey League. Despite a roster way short on talent, he has managed to get the Buffalo Sabres to be a respectable hockey team. While I understand Sabre fans wanting their team to tank so they can draft Connor MacDavid or Jack Eichel, it is not in Nolan's DNA to have his team not compete. Think about his first stint with the Sabres when he had "the hardest working team" in the NHL. If the Sabres wanted to tank, they should have kept Ron Rolston. By the way, there were plenty of empty seats at the First Niagara Center last night when Buffalo played Ottawa.

Where Have You Gone Brian Cashman?

The Baseball Winter Meetings have come to a conclusion and the Yankees have the same holes they had when Brian Cashman came to San Diego. In fact, in my opinion, they are actually worse off. After signing Andrew Miller, Cashman indicated that it was still a possibility that the Yankees would re-sign homegrown closer David Robertson. Well, Robertson ends up signing for 4 years at $48 million dollars. It was reported that the Yankees were prepared to give Robertson $46 million dollars. The problem is, despite Cashman's alleged interest, there was no communication between the player and the team. C'mon Brian!! There is no way that if Cashman was truly interested in Robertson that there would not have been any discussion.

There are a number of things that bother me about the Robertson situation. First, the Yankees gave Robertson a qualifying offer which meant that if he signed with another club the Yankees would receive that team's first round pick. Well, because the White Sox record was so bad they will not relinquish its first round pick and instead will get a sandwich pick. Big deal! Second, now the Yankees do not have a proven legitimate closer. Cashman's statements that they could go with both Betances and Miller as co-closers is plain out garbage. Pitchers, and especially closers, thrive on consistency and repetition. And finally, once again a homegrown player was allowed to leave the Yankees. So much for the Yankee Way. What kind of message does this send to the prospects throughout the organization?

The week before the Winter Meetings, the Yankees traded Shane Greene to acquire Didi Gregorius. Of course, they needed a shortstop and Gregorius fits the bill. However, by moving Greene, the Yankees now have two holes in their starting rotation and that is provided both CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka are healthy. The reports coming out of New York was that the Yanks wanted to re-sign Brandon McCarthy to fill one of the openings in the rotation. Well, forget that as the Dodgers signed McCarthy and Cashman is now saying that he knew McCarthy's market price was not going to be to there liking. Again, the Yankees made no offer to a "supposed" target. 

So coming out of the Winter Meetings, the bullpen has no proven closer and one of their targets to try to fill their rotation goes to LA.  Potential starting pitcher possibilities are coming off the board. The Red Sox acquired Wade Miley and Rick Porcello while signing free agent Justin Masterson. Ervin Santana signed with Minnesota and Mat Latos was traded by the Cincinnati Reds. In addition, the infield is still unsettled but for Gregorius and China doll Mark Teixiera. 

So my question is: What is the plan Mr.Cashman? As Yankee fans we deserve to know. I am not one to call for the Yankees to go crazy spending. Max Scherzer is a very good pitcher but the length of what he's looking for in term is too long. Adam Warren and David Phelps as your number four and number five starters? Give me a break. All we hear from Cashman and Joe Girardi is how important pitching is yet the rotation is a mess and there is no proven closer. And don't try to sell me on Jason Grilli and Sergio Romo. 

If Cashman decides to go with Martin Prado at third base and either Jose Pirela or Rob Refsnyder at second base, that's fine with me. But, the pitching staff is still a mess and any improvement in offensive output will be dependent upon Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Teixiera bouncing back. And then there is Alex Rodriguez. Who knows what the Yankees will get from him. 

At this point, the Yankees are not better than they were last year. I hope I'm wrong but it's troublesome to have to depend on aging players like Beltran, Teixiera and Rodriguez. Even more troubling is that Toronto and Boston have made moves to make their teams' better. But what has become even more troubling is that the Yankees inability to develop a strong farm system has prevented them to get in on the trade market for pitchers like Samardzija and Latos. Two guys who would upgrade the starting rotation dramatically. 

There is still two months until pitchers and catchers report to training camp so there is time for improvement. But based on no prospects that would be worth bringing in a quality pitcher or position player and no free agents who are worth the risk and the cost, it's looking grim for the Pinstripers. Particularly with a GM and an organization that seems to only be concerned about the bottom line and as a result perpetuate a myth that they are all in it to win it. 

Tuesday's Thoughts

While wondering if anyone under the age of 45 in Western New York knows what "The Little Three" is, here's what is on my mind this morning:

* Well I wonder if Joe Thomas still thinks that Brian Hoyer gives the Cleveland Browns the best chance to win. If he does then he has taken too many blows to the head while playing on the offensive line. The Browns confounded Andrew Luck for a good portion of the game, scored two touchdowns on their own and set up a field goal with an interception but it was still not enough as the Indianapolis Colts came from behind to defeat the Browns 25-24. The defense forced the Colts into four turnovers but the most the Browns could get out of that was three points. But this has been a problem for weeks and the blame lies with Hoyer and Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan. 

* Hoyer had good field position throughout most of the game but was unable to capitalize on it. I'm not sure what more needs to be seen to realize that Brian Hoyer is not a starting quarterback let alone a franchise quarterback. You saw one on Sunday in Andrew Luck. Even when they are having a bad day, they make plays to win and Luck did just that particularly in the second half. 

* Really disturbed over reports by Jay Glazer that the Browns were not happy with Johnny Manziel because he was at a Cleveland Cavaliers game. According to the report, the Browns are concerned over Manziel's lack of preparation and that he should have been spending his time getting ready for the Colts' game because there was a chance he might start. Are you kidding me? If this is true then the Ray Farmer/Mike Pettine era may rank up there with the list of dumb regimes that have ran the Cleveland Browns since 1999. The Browns knew that this kid marches to his own drumbeat. His off the field exploits should not be a surprise. Besides, two hours at a Cavs game is going to make the difference in whether Manziel is ready to play? Give me a break!!

* Saw Coach Mike Pettine's press conference and I'm still not sure who will be starting against Cincinnati this Sunday. If the Browns have no intention of bringing Hoyer back or they don't feel they can keep him at what they consider fair, then Johnny Manziel should be the starter. By the way, in my opinion, he should have been the starter against the Colts. 

* The Toronto Maple Leafs have a big week coming up with two sets of back to back games. The first set begins tonight at 7:30 as the surprising Calgary Flames roll into the ACC. The Leafs are 4-1 on this current homestand and they would like to close it out with a victory. Then on Wednesday they go over to Detroit to take on the Red Wings. The Wings have been playing well as of late and the Leafs must be ready from the opening face off in both of these games. I would imagine that James Reimer will play one of these two games. Jonathan Bernier has really asserted himself as the team's number one but Reimer should get one of these two games. The weekend sees the Leafs hosting Detroit on Saturday and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings on Sunday. No doubt that both goalies will see action over the weekend. 

* It had been reported a week or so ago that Phil Kessel is fending off some nagging injuries and it looks it. Kessel never wants to come out of the lineup but he doesn't seem to have his usual spark when he has the puck in open ice. He seems to be laboring quite a bit. If he is hurting, the team needs to step in as missing a couple of games in December isn't a big deal but missing 5 or more in February and March could be a big problem. 

* It is really a pleasure to see the Leafs utilizing all four lines. The off season acquisitions have panned out as Mike Santorelli, Daniel Winnik, Richard Panik, Leo Komorov and David Booth are giving the Leafs forward depth that they have not had in quite awhile. Wonder if Randy Carlyle misses Colton Orr and Fraser McLaren. 

* Nazem Kadri really impressed me Saturday night against Vancouver. Carlyle had Kadri centering a line with Mike Santorelli and Daniel Winnik. Their assignment was to battle the Sedins and Kadri was every bit up to the task. The defensive side of the game has been a concern pertaining to Kadri's play. But, it's obvious that the young center has received the message and is starting to round out his game. This bodes well for the Leafs along with the development of their other young center, Peter Holland. Both of these former first round draft picks are giving the Leafs some hope at the center position. 

*The Baseball Winter Meetings began yesterday and it will be interesting to see what the New York Yankees do as they still have some holes to fill. Last week, the Yanks traded Shane Greene in a three team deal to acquire shortstop Didi Gregorius. Gregorius will fill the shortstop position vacated by the retirement of Derek Jeter. This 25 year old youngster is an excellent defender but has a weak bat. Moving Greene creates another hole in the starting rotation that has Masahiro Tanaka (fingers crossed he doesn't need Tommy John), Ivan Nova (won't be ready until May-June coming off Tommy John), CC Sabathia (coming off knee surgery) and Michael Pineda. If Adam Warren and David Phelps round out this rotation, I don't care who they have in the bullpen. 

* Speaking of the bullpen, letting David Robertson go is a huge mistake. Brian Cashman has said that they don't have a proven closer and that they might go after someone like Jason Grilli. Are you kidding me? There is something terribly wrong with this organization as it seems coming up through the farm system means nothing when it comes to free agency. 

* Its being reported that the Yankees and Giants are the team's most interested in Chase Headley. 

* The Cubs signed Jason Hammel and appear to be in on Jon Lester. According to Jon Heyman, the Cubs and the Giants appear to be the favorites to sign the 30 year old left-hander. If the Cubs get Lester look out!!

* The other Chicago team, the White Sox have made two huge moves signing Yankee closer David Robertson and acquiring Jeff Samardzija. 

* The Seattle Mariners seem to be the favorites to sign Miquel Cabrera. You know Robinson Cano will be lobbying for the Melkman. If they get Cabrera, the Mariner lineup bulks up big time with Cabrera, Cruz and Cano. 

* The Oakland A's appear to be in sell off mode as they have moved Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays and Brandon Moss to Cleveland along with letting Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija go. Apparently, Billy Beane believes he needs to re-tool with youth. 

* Interesting story about how the relationship between David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez has soured ever since ARod's attorney questioned Ortiz's use of PEDs. If the shoe fits, wear it Big Papi. 

* The NCAA Playoff Committee got it right by knocking TCU out of the final four and putting Ohio State in it. The Buckeyes deserve the opportunity after defeating Wisconsin in convincing fashion 59-0 in the Big Ten Championship Game. What made it more impressive was that the Buckeyes did it with their third string quarterback. 

* Really looking forward to watching Marcus Mariota and his Oregon Ducks take on Crablegs Winston and Florida State. Here's hoping the Ducks do the job on the lucky Seminoles. 

* Paul MacLean was fired yesterday as head coach of the Ottawa Senators. Rather strange since this guy was the darling of the hockey world two years ago. Maybe the powers that be in Ottawa should realize that they don't have a very good team. I'm sure MacLean will find a job somewhere next season. 

* There is a report that Cubs starting shortstop Starlin Castro may have been involved in a firefight in a nightclub in the Dominican Republic. I really like Castro and think he could be a star shortstop for years to come but if he is involved here this won't bode well for him with GM Theo Epstein. 

* Two of the most sought after head coaches in the NFL may be Jim Harbaugh and Rex Ryan. I've seen Ryan's name mentioned with Atlanta and Chicago. Harbaugh is rumored to be coveted by Oakland and the NY Jets. 

* And finally, The Little Three consisted of the three Catholic independent basketball teams in Western New York: Niagara, Canisius and St.Bonaventure. The schools would play a home and home series each year, though Niagara's home games were played at Buffalo's War Memorial Auditorium because the Student Center (now named the Gallagher Center) was too small. These three schools regularly played Syracuse, Villanova, St. John's and Providence. In fact, all three programs were better than Georgetown. 

Pettine Creates A Problem With QB Situation

Cleveland Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine has created another, in a long line, of quarterback controversies by replacing Brian Hoyer on Sunday with Johnny Manziel and then naming Hoyer the starter for this Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Pettine indicated that his decision was based on the belief that Hoyer gave them the best chance to win. If that is the case, why put Manziel in against Buffalo early in the fourth quarter with the team down 20-3? After all, Hoyer has been the master of fourth quarter comebacks.

What Pettine probably didn't expect was the drive Manziel directed which ended with Johnny Football running in for a touchdown to make the score 20-10 with plenty of time remaining. In that same drive, Manziel showed a stronger arm than Hoyer and obviously provided more of a running threat. Johnny Football gave the offense a much needed spark, something that has been lacking over the last few games. 

In full disclosure, I did not want the Browns to draft Manziel. I questioned his ability to play his type of game in the NFL and be successful. Pettine's decision to name Hoyer the starter was the right one to make at the beginning of the season. In the first 7 games of the season, Hoyer threw for 8 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. What made him successful was limiting turnovers. However, the last five games have been a disaster. The stat line shows only 3 touchdown passes and 8 interceptions. These numbers include the win on a Thursday night over Cincinnati where Hoyer didn't throw a touchdown or an interception. It makes the numbers even worse. 

Many are saying that the Browns are still in the playoff hunt so it would be foolish to hand the fate of the team's playoff chances to a rookie quarterback. That's all fine and dandy but let's have a reality check. In order for the Browns to make the playoffs they are going have to win the division which means that they will need to beat Cincinnati and Baltimore and win one of the games against Carolina or the Colts and that might not still be enough. If they happen to make the playoffs, they are not going to the Super Bowl. So I guess until they are mathematically eliminated, the Browns will keep Hoyer as the starter and delay the evaluation process of Johnny Manziel. In a word: stupid. 

I've heard some say that the Browns should give Hoyer the remainder of this season and the beginning of next season before your consider replacing Hoyer with Manziel. Really?? People want to compare Hoyer to Brian Sipe but he is no Sipe. In 1980, Sipe was the AP NFL Most Valuable Player. Somehow I don't see Brian Hoyer being an NFL MVP. I don't see him being a Pro Bowler either. 

Based on what I've seen this season, Hoyer is a serviceable back-up quarterback. He is not a franchise quarterback. Johnny Manziel?? I'm not sure if Johnny Football is the answer but I would like to find out now. In the 2015 Draft, the Browns have two first round picks that could be packaged to move up to take a Marcus Mariota. That's why the Browns need to know if Johnny is the guy. They can only find out if he plays. 

If Hoyer starts off the Indy game like he has in the last two games, the crowd at First Energy Stadium will be surly and Mike Pettine will have a full blown quarterback controversy on his hands. A controversy he created.

Tuesday's Thoughts

As the countdown to Christmas begins, here's what is on my mind this morning:

* The Johnny Manziel era begins in Cleveland and it is the move that had to be made. As anyone who has read this blog or my Twitter posts, you know that I was not crazy about the Browns drafting Johnny Football. I had no problem with Coach Mike Pettine going with Brian Hoyer as the Browns starting quarterback. But over the last five games, Hoyer has shown that he is not the quarterback of the future let alone the guy to lead this team to the playoffs this year. In his last five games, Hoyer has thrown for three touchdowns while also throwing 8 interceptions. The first seven games, he had 8 touchdowns and only two interceptions.

* As a realistic Browns fan, I know it would be nice if they made the playoffs but if they did they would probably get bounced in their first game. That's why making the move to Manziel is best for the long term future of the franchise. It's imperative that the Browns see what they have in Johnny Football before the end of this season to determine if they need to use a top draft pick on another quarterback in the 2015 Draft. 

* Kyle Shanahan had another bad game and all of the talk about him getting a head coaching job next year is pre-mature in my mind. Two points: 1.) Why did he continue to run sweeps with Isiah Crowell? The play went no where every time it was called. 2.) On Buffalo's 1st series of the second half, Kyle Orton was picked off by Joe Haden inside Buffalo territory. Why wouldn't you go for the jugular with a play action pass to the end zone? Instead he tried the same running play to Crowell that went no where. Then Hoyer gets sacked and the Browns have to punt the ball away. 

* One other point about the play calling, the Browns red zone offense is no better now than it was under Pat Shurmer and Rob Chudzinski. You need to score touchdowns. 

* The Maple Leafs continue to play well as they convincingly defeated the Washington Capitals 6-2 on Saturday night. Since the 9-2 drubbing at the hands of the Nashville Predators, this Leaf team seems to be playing with a purpose. Even in their 4-3 overtime loss at Pittsburgh, they showed some fight as they fought back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game in regulation.

* The Leafs are finally healthy up front as they got Joffrey Lupul and David Booth back and as a result Randy Carlyle is using four lines which have all been productive. 

* The Alex Ovechkin hit on Leo Komorov was a cheap shot and should warrant a review by the NHL. All I have to say is this: if the shoe was on the other foot and Komorov cheap shot Ovechkin resulting in him being taken out of the game, Komorov would be suspended. Here's hoping Komorov can play tonight against Dallas. 

* Jake Gardiner's heart has been called into question but he was the first player who I saw get into Ovechkin's face after he nailed Komorov. Funny, I haven't heard any of the Toronto gasbags mention that at all. 

* Here's hoping Korbinian Holzer continues to play as he had the last two games. If it continues, the Leafs are in a very good position for a possible trade once Roman Polak comes back.

* The Leafs will have some difficult decisions to make as they approach the trade deadline this season. They have a number of players who will be free agents next season (Cody Franson, Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Bernier, Mike Santorelli, Daniel Winnik). There have been reports that Joffrey Lupul is concerned about possibly being moved out of Toronto. I like Lupul but the Leafs really didn't miss a beat when he was out with an injury. If Holzer shows that he can play well consistently, the Leafs may be able to move a defenseman. The key would be to clear cap space as the cap will not go up that much next season. While the Leafs can be a playoff team, I think its safe to say that they are not a Stanley Cup contender at this point. The next couple of months will be very interesting in Leafland.

* New York media types calling for the Giants to move Eli Manning are morons. I'll take a two-time Super Bowl Champion any day. 

* At the end of the day, the AFC North may be the most overrated division in the NFL. Pittsburgh looked awful against New Orleans and Baltimore blew a game at home against San Diego. Cincinnati held on for dear life against Tampa Bay and the Browns are fortunate to be 7-5. 

* Was so happy to see Colt McCoy get a shot in Washington. He threw for close to 400 yards on Sunday.  

* Speaking of Washington, you have to wonder if RG III will ever get back to what he was his rookie year. You have to wonder if the decline in his play is related to his knee injury or is it a result of him being too much of a celebrity. Rumors are that the Redskins would take a 5th or 6th round draft pick for RG III. 

* The Browns-Bills game on Sunday was one of the worst games I've seen in a long while. By the way, for these Blue Cheese breath morons here in Western New York, the Bills are not a playoff team and if they get in they will be knocked out in the first game which is the same thing I said about the Browns.

* Kudos to Jerry Sullivan for pointing out to the Louie Lackawannas of the world that it's nice to be happy about being in the hunt but the Bills offense is putrid and they are not a legitimate playoff team. 

* It will be interesting to see how the Bills top defensive line plays next week against Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Denver.

* The arbitrator's decision to overturn Ray Rice's indefinite suspension should not be a surprise to anyone. The fact is that Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Ray Rice twice for the same offense. In most labor-management situations that is a no-no. Yet, had to hear people being interviewed in bars saying that the arbitrator's decision sends the message that domestic violence is not a big deal. Really?? The message that the decision sends is that the National Football League, in working with the NFL Players Association, needs to set up a process on how to handle such offenses. Goodell cannot be the judge and jury.

* The Toronto Blue Jays made a nice move in acquiring Josh Donaldson for Brett Lawrie and 3 prospects. Lawrie has a history of being injury prone and Donaldson adds more punch to a lineup that already features Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista. Add the acquisition of Russell Martin and the Blue Jays will have a formidable experienced lineup in 2015. Don't be surprised if they make some additional moves during the Winter Meetings. 

* Melky Cabrera is as good as gone in Toronto. Will be interesting to see where the Melkman ends up. 

* Meanwhile Brian Cashman is preparing to repel down a building in Connecticut.  

* Any reason why Willie Randolph has not been hired by the Yankees to be their first base and infield coach?

* In 2009, the Yankees infield was Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Mark Teixiera. All were considered All-Stars. In 2015 it will be ? at third base, ? at shortstop, ? at second base and lucky if you get 125 games from Teixiera at first base. Meanwhile, Cashman is repelling down a building with Bobby Valelntine.

* It's being reported that the Yankees are interested in lefty reliever Andrew Miller. There is plenty of speculation as to what the Yankees are doing by going after Miller. Are they looking to build a back end bullpen that would consist of Miller, David Robertson, Dellin Betances and Justin Wilson? Are they looking to send a message to Robertson that they will move on without him? I simply don't understand why there should be any question about re-signing Robertson. This home-grown 30 year old, who has had one of the best earned run averages of any reliever since 2009, is looking for a four year deal and the Yankees are only willing to give him a three year deal. It's not about the money, it's about the term. This whole situation sounds like the Cano scenario from last year. Why do the Yankees have a hard time giving home grown players long term contracts but have no problem giving long term contracts to free agents such as Jacoby Ellsbury and Brian McCann? And let's not forget the guaranteed three year contract they gave to 36 year old Carlos Beltran.

* The NFL rule change that limits what a defensive back can do five yards beyond the line of scrimmage is a big joke. It is also inconsistently called.  

* Would love to see Missouri knock off Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. If that should happen it could be possible that no team from the SEC makes the playoffs.

*Do you remember when Brian Burke said that he felt the Toronto market would be too tough for a rookie coach and that is why he hired Randy Carlyle over Dallas Eakins? Well, now some NHL gasbags are saying that Edmonton may have made a mistake by hiring Eakins. Their rationale is that it would have made more sense for Eakins to serve as an NHL assistant coach before taking on a head coaching job in the NHL. I guess Brian Burke was right even though certain members of the media would never admit it. 

* Gotta love Sportstime Ohio talk show host Bruce Drennan. After the Browns loss to the Bills on Sunday, Drennan said that the worst thing about the loss was that the Bills stink!! That's why I love the guy!!

* The Packers-Patriots game was billed as a Super Bowl preview. Somehow, I don't see it. I'm not a big fan but with a renewed running game, Denver will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs. I'm really impressed with their young running back C.J. Anderson and he could be a difference maker in the post season. 

* It seems to be a foregone conclusion that Jim Harbaugh will be gone from San Francisco. Big rumor has him either going to Oakland or the Jets. But wouldn't it be great if he went back to where his career started in Chicago?

* And finally, does anyone know whatever happened to Everrett Golson??