Cleveland Sports 12.4

Browns

The Browns’ record is a surprising 8 wins – 5 losses; good for 2nd place in the AFC North Division. Their record is noted as “surprising” because the team has endured season-ending injuries to several key players. In addition to Nick Chubb, the Browns have also lost QB DeShaun Watson, S Rodney McLeod, OT Jedrick Wills, OT Jack Conklin, and OT Dawand Jones for the season. Several other players have been experienced minor injuries; which affirms the “next man up” strategy of this MASH-unit football team. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has done a masterful job of rallying the team to overcome this adversity and with a couple more wins the team is likely to make the playoffs. One of the major surprises of the season is the addition of QB Joe Flacco, now the team’s 4th QB, who has started the last 2 games with very good success. He seems to be inspiring his teammates and was recently name the starting QB for the rest of the season.

Cavaliers

The CAVS lost to the Boston Celtics last night, 113-120, and their record now sits at 13 wins – 12 losses. The team’s overall play has been inconsistent most of the season, which as led to their current 3rd place in the Central Division and 9th place in the Eastern Conference. The new additions of F Georges Niang, G Max Strus and C Tristan Thompson have all had their good moments, but the “core 4” of Mitchell, Garland, Allen and Mobley arguably need to step up their games to lead this team to their true potential. The league seems very balanced in the early stages of the season and there is still a long way to go in the season. The new “in-season tournament” was won by the Los Angeles Lakers lead by tournament MVP and former Cavaliers-great LeBron James, who continues to amaze at age 38!

Guardians

The Guardians hired their new manager following a monthlong search. Former MLB catcher Stephen Vogt will serve as the club's new manager beginning with the 2024 season. Vogt, 39, played 10 seasons in the majors, mostly with the Oakland A's. Following his retirement in 2022, he spent the 2023 season as a bullpen and quality control coach with the Seattle Mariners. The Guardians’ leadership hired Vogt in large part based on his reputation for winning over anyone he interacts with, a trait similar to that of his predecessor, Terry Francona. Additional off-season moves should take place now that MEGA free agent Shohei Ohtani signed with the LA Dodgers. The Guardians start spring training on February 13th and then open the 2024 season on March 28th at the Oakland A’s. Additionally, the team secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery after having just a 2 percent chance!