By Luke O’Roark
The Drive. The Shot. Red Right 88. Rocky Colavtio. The Fumble.
These are just a few words that have haunted Cleveland sports fans for many years.
Cleveland, a city that has not won a major sports title since 1964, looks like it’s on the brink of turning the corner and rejuvenating its sports franchises for years to come.
The Cavaliers:
With the acquisition of free agent center Andrew Bynum and the drafting of University of Nevada, Las Vegas forward Anthony Bennett, the Cavaliers finally look like a team made for the postseason.
Sure, some might not love the signing of Bynum, a seven-footer that has a history of poor work ethic and bad knees, but for $24 million — with only $6 million guaranteed — for a guy who could put up 18 points and 11 rebounds, the reward is higher than the risk.
The Cavs just have to keep him away from bowling alleys.
On top of Bynum, the Cavaliers brought in point guard Jarrett Jack from Golden State. Jack, who averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists per game off the bench last season, will give the Cavs much needed depth off the bench.
The Browns:
After hiding in the American Football Conference North cellar for the past five years, the Browns will be a tough matchup for opponents in the grueling, competitive AFC.
With new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, the Browns offense will improve over previous seasons. Running back Trent Richardson finally looks healthy, as Turner will utilize Richardson’s north-south running style.
Quarterback Brandon Weeden has shown signs of improvement this preseason, as he threw for a 60 percent completion rate and three touchdowns with no interceptions.
Yes, it is preseason, but it is nice to see Weeden throw with more confidence after his “meh” rookie season.
The Indians:
With a record greater than .500, the Indians’ batting this year has been promising. Currently, the team ranks eighth in runs (611) and 11th in slugging (.405) and on-base percentage (.323).
Second baseman Jason Kipnis led the team in almost every batting category, including batting average and home runs. Although Kipnis has stepped up, the Indians have lost their ace and all-star Justin Masterson for at least one start.
Still, sitting in second in the American League Central Division behind Detroit is not that bad for a team that is supposedly forever cursed.
If the season were to end today, the team would be the sixth seed, but with the loss of Masterson, who knows how this team will look by season’s end.
While the Browns, Indians and Cavs might not blow away their respected leagues, the teams are moving in the right direction.
In time, Cleveland could find itself in the driver seat for season’s to come.
If not, there is always next year.
lr514812@ohiou.edu
