Back with a vengeance

No, I'm not talking about LeQuitter, who comes back to The Q tonight for the second time as a member of the visiting team. I'm talking about Joe Cleveland and his blog coming back after a few weeks of silence. I apologize for that.

There's been an awful lot to talk about in the world of local sports. The last thing I sounded off on was the fall from grace of legendary Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel and his lies that may wind up costing his program a lot more than five games without a few star players and their head coach. And, I have more thoughts about this, which I will share a little bit later.

But first, I wanted to give a plug to an old friend and co-worker of mine, Pete, who writes his own blog about the Browns, The Blawg Pound (http://www.blawgpound.com/). Pete decided to interview people he knew who were Browns fans and ask them just what it is about the Browns that is so-damn loveable for us. One of the people he chose was me. My interview will probably be published in the next week or so.

Speaking of the Browns, a lot of people I know have been asking for my opinions on the NFL lockout. Well, as an NFL fan, it sucks because of the real threat of there being no football this fall on Sundays (and random other days). Now what am I going to do on Sundays without watching the Browns or running my fantasy football teams? I'm not looking forward to that prospect.

To be honest, though, I'm not too worried about a lockout at this point. Right now, it seems to be a lot of posturing between the players and owners. No games have been cancelled at this point. The only thing on hold is offseason training sessions and free agency. If the lockout drags into the summer, then I think we as fans can start being worried.

Now, teams that have made coaching changes appear to be the most behind the 8-ball when it comes to the lockout, because the new staff is not allowed to have any contact with the players and vice-versa. They can't learn the playbook or workout or just be around the new personnel. That, and it delays the addition of new players as free agents who may be more knowledgable about the new schemes and philosophies being brought in by the new coaching staff.

With the Browns, they are doing new offensive (West Coast) and defensive (4-3) schemes. I am very happy about both of these changes after watching the team allow opposing offenses to run roughshod through their weak 3-4 and that clunker of an offfense they were trotting out under Crennel and Mangini. However, other than Par Shurmer slipping Colt McCoy his new playbook just before the lockout occurred (which apparently got the Browns fined for illegal contact with a player, whatever that means), the team can't start learning the new philosophies yet.

Actually, these players have probably seen it all at this point, from college and the pros. It's the terminology that is different and unique, and something that the players say is the biggest thing that needs learned and worked on.

I still hold out optimism that an agreement will be reached by May or June and the NFL will back up and running shortly after and no games will be postponed. With all the litigation going on, though, we'll see what happens.

***

Speaking of Tressel, he was probably the biggest OSU hoops fan this March, and not just because he wanted the school's team to succeed. The hoops team was serving as a nice distraction from Tressel's own trevails. The more the team won, the less OSU fans could think about their disgraced football coach and the mess he is bringing onto their beloved team.

But, the Buckeyes got stunned by Kentucky in the Sweet 16 round, ending their season and their title hopes (which I believe were legitimate this year, especially with the way this tournament has played out with all of the upsets). And, just like that, a so-called Buckeye Nation turns its lonely eyes to you, Mr. Tressel and your moronic bosses Gene Smith and Gordon Gee.

On the very day Thad Matta's team was a William Buford bricked 3-pointer away from staying alive in the NCAA Tournament, word came out that Tressel wasn't being completely honest when he said he kept the e-miails about Tattoo-Gate to himself. He also told one of the closest confidants and advisors of Terrrelle Pryor.

Smith claims that Tressel told them about it, but it just continues to look worse and worse for the Sweater Vest. Even his attempt to make his suspension match his players' suspensions (which, no surprise, were upheld by the NCAA) and sit out the first five games next season seem like a weak attempt at gaining leniency from the NCAA.

As I said before, I love Ohio State football, and I am a big fan of Tressel because of his ability to win football games (at least most of them), especially games over Michigan. However, I can't say I'm surprised about these allegations, and it just gets more and more disappointing.

Something tells me the rumor that Urban Meyer will take over the Ohio State football program in 2012 will continue to grow legs as more and more comes out about this Tressel ordeal. And, I have a feeling the 2010 season will be forfeited (except the Sugar Bowl win, since the NCAA cleared the players to play) because Tressel knowingly played a QB and a WR who broke NCAA rules in every game without telling anyone.

And, I can't be the only one who hopes Pryor never takes another snap for Ohio State again. Now, we can only hope Braxton Miller is the real deal.

***

I caught Cleveland State's two NIT games at the Wolstein Center last week. I have to say, I was not only disappointed by the play of the Vikings in both games, Joe Cleveland was also disappointed about the crowds.

Both games (which were played around NCAA Tourney games being held at The Q that also featured Ohio State) drew barely 2,500 people or less. Of course, CSU was on spring break, which limited any type of student section. And, it surprised me that more basketball fans wouldn't pony up the $10 just to see tournament basketball, even if it is the NIT.

With NBA scouts on hand, Norris Cole had a good game against Vermont without much help, and an average game against the College of Charleston despite a little more help. Center Aaron Pogue was being his usual stiff self against Vermont, almost single-handedly costing them the game against the underdog Catamounts. However, he played much better against Charleston, so I give him credit.

What cost CSU wasn't their defense, which held heralded point guard Andrew Goudelock to well under his season average of 22 points and, without a bunch of late free throws, would have held him to under double-digits. It was sudden inability to hit a 3-pointer. Tim Kamczyc connected on a trey early in the game, and then the Vikings proceeded to miss the remaining 24 shots behind the arc. They make even half of those attempts, and CSU is hosting a quarterfinal game against Wichita State with a berth in the NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garden on the line.

Despite the loss to Charleston, you can't deny what a great season it was for CSU basketball. And, with only Cole being lost to graduation and a good incoming freshman class, Gary Waters' bunch should continue to challenge for the top spot in the Horizon League.

Speaking of the Horizon League, did anyone see Butler making another run at the Final Four prior to this NCAA Tournament? I certainly didn't. You got to give the Bulldogs credit. And, if they can beat VCU (which could happen), a second-straight title game will be in the cards against a much easier opponent than Duke last year (Kentucky and UConn are both beatable teams).

***

Spring Training is about to wrap up for the Indians, and the season opens up at the end of this week. Meanwhile, we still are having 30-degree days (at least it isn't snowing, knock on wood).

Judging by the lack of talent on the Indians, it wouldn't surprise me if the team opened up as cold as the weather, like they have normally done since John Hart left as GM and Mark Shapiro fired eventual World Series-winning manager Charlie Manuel.

A story came out that the Indians payroll is at its lowest in many years. Congratulations, Dolans, on that feat. I'm sure you're proud.

Another cost-cutting decision may bite the Indians, as projected third baseman Jason Donald will miss the start of the season with an injury. Instead of promoting rookie Lonnie Chisenhall, who had a red-hot spring, the Indians will go with journeyman Jack Hanahann at third to start the year.

They claim that they want to give Chisenhall some seasoning at Triple-A Columbus, but the real reason is they don't want to kick start his major league service time, which would kick up his arbitration date. It's the same thing that happened last year with Carlos Santana, and they are doing it again with Chisenhall.

It's about time Paul and Larry started not to worry about the bottom line and started to worry about putting a winning team on the field that Cleveland fans (like Joe Cleveland) can care about and root for. That starts by giving one of the prospects fans have been hearing about for years (like Chisenhall) a major league job and seeing what he can do. Certainly, he's an upgrade of Jack Hanahann.

But, as long as they worry more about the bottom line and about things like Snow Days and the Indians Country Music Fest (or whatever it is they're calling it), they will continue to see empty green seats in their Progressive Field. And, I hate to say it, but that's what they deserve.

But hey, Go Tribe!

***

Lastly, I'm hoping the Cavs can at least show up and punch LeBron and his two other teammates in the mouth (not litterally ... oh, who's Joe Cleveland kidding. Of course, I mean literally) and give the fans something to be proud of this season.

A win over LeQuitter would probably placate every single member of the Cavs remaining fan base and keep the interest going through the offseason and into next year. Popular trades like the Baron Davis and a lottery pick for Mo "Oh my aching ankle" Williams and Jamario Moon deal got some fans back on the Cavs side, and a great showing against the Heat (in front of a rabid fan base who would love nothing more than for LeQuitter to get his after what he did to the fan base this offseason) would really go a long way.

Maybe having Joe Tait in the house would do the trick. I am happy he made it back for these final home games this year. He didn't deserve to go out like that. He deserved to go out behind the mic, and he'll get the chance to this year.

***

Thanks for your patience in Joe Cleveland and the infrequency of his blogs. Glad you still come back and give it a read when you can, and thanks for spreading the word.

You can follow Joe Cleveland on Twitter @JoeCleveBlog, and I link to all the blogs through the Twitter page. And, my true identity posts them to the Facebook page everytime the blog is updated, as well.

Until next time, remember that Cleveland Rocks!