So hard to say Goodbye…

Growing up a Cleveland sports fan has been painful enough considering the monumental collapses that have taken place over the years: The drive, Josa Mesa, to name a few, but losing our stars has been even more painful.

The trend has been going on around here for a long time, but really started to hit home in the 90’s with the Indians. First we lost Albert “Joey” Belle, and soon after, guys like Ramirez, and Thome followed. Even as a youngster, I understood that professional sports was a business and these guys were just making the best move for them and their families, but it was still hard. It seemed like every time one of our guys had a big year, they were gone before the next season began. We have become the pro-minor league training team for other big league teams.

I loved Manny growing up. He was my favorite Indian and seeing him go to Boston sucked! I found myself rooting for him as a Red Sox clear up until the team won their first ring. Then the cockiness that breeds Boston sports these days kicked in and I found it impossible to cheer for him.

I was at the ALCS two years ago when Manny hit the home run and stared as it went out of the park. All of the Cleveland faithful booed Manny, all except me. It seemed like a perfect fit. Like Manny was home again. The fact that we were up 3 games to 1 didn’t hurt my feelings either. Then we collapsed yet again and Boston went on to pound the Rockies in the World Series.

CC Sabathia was the latest Indian’s star to book out of town for the money. He’s now the ace of the Yankee staff and the highest paid pitcher in the history of baseball. (He’s not worth that much money!) He comes on slow every year, pitches great in the second half of the season, and folds in the playoffs. On second thought, he’s perfect for the Yankees!

Next up on the train out of the Cleveland will be Grady Seizmore. Considered by many to be the best all around player in the game, Grady’s current contract runs out when he is 28 years old and primed for the richest deal in MLB history. Enjoy your new Center fielder New York.

Final Thought: With all of the recent talk of Manny and maybe even Thome coming back to the Tribe, I’ve started to have hope for the team and feeling like a pro player actually wants to be in the city for the first time. Then I remember Omar Vizquel who never wanted to leave the city and was forced out by ownership to make room for Peralta. Great moves guys! You were right, he was washed up. All he did was go to the Giants and win back to back gold gloves and hit near the .300 mark. What did Peralta do again? Oh yea, nothing!

NBA Playoffs: Cavs vs. Pistons

The NBA Postseason is almost upon us and despite the fact that the Cavaliers have the number one seed in the east locked down; I still do not feel good about our first round matchup against the Pistons. Detroit may be the 8^th seed who underachieved mightily this year, but we are all aware of the old saying, “Don’t wake a sleeping giant” and that’s what the Pistons are.

For all of the die hard fans out there who think that the Cavs are going to sweep the Pistons, you're going to be in for a shock. I am a huge Cavs fan and have attended many games this year, but the Pistons are a different team in the playoffs. There will be no blowing the Pistons out.

This is a rivalry. Both teams are 0-0. Detroit is full of veterans who remember the feeling of the Cavs knocking them out of the playoffs back in 2007 and they would love nothing more than to return the favor. Having said that, the Cavs will win the series in five games, unless they come out and play flat in game one at the Q.

Final Thought: Is there any way that LeBron does not win the MVP? I understand that D-Wade has had a great year and Kobe is Kobe, but LeBron has played out of his mind. He is the definition of a team player who gets it. Not giving him the MVP award this year would be the worst call since Tim Donaghy was refereeing.