Thursday, April 18, 2013

Like federal agents snooping in Jimmy Haslam's office, let's go here, there and everywhere…

-- Many Browns fans were none too happy this week when Brandon Weeden opened minicamp under center with the first-team offense. Here's some free advice: Get used to it. Whether it's the ideal situation or not is open for discussion, but considering the lack of options in next week's NFL draft, Weeden will start this season running Norv Turner's new offense. There is no quarterback coming out who would warrant a high draft pick by the Browns, and aside from that, Weeden deserves the chance to play in an offense where he can succeed. Pat Shurmur's offense did not allow him that chance.

-- The Browns seem to have a host of options with the sixth pick in the draft. But considering the overall weakness of the class, nothing they do with that pick is guaranteed to be the right move. They have needs at cornerback, linebacker, offensive guard and tight end among other positions, and all must be addressed at some point in the draft. For now, my money is on Alabama CB Dee Milliner. He's a little undersized to match up with the bigger NFL wideouts, but he has blazing speed and is the top CB in the draft. If the Browns pass on Milliner, it should with the intention of trading down and acquiring more picks to address their many needs.

-- The Cavaliers' season has come to a merciful end with Byron Scott still on their sideline. Whether the next season opens the same way is anyone's guess. I personally like Byron Scott, and think he's a fantastic coach. I also think he has lost his players, to some extent, because he's been beaten down by the game in Cleveland. When he took over, he had the worst top-to-bottom roster in the NBA, and since then he's endured more injuries to an improving roster than anyone could cope with. He has remained positive and professional, and will be a playoff coach in this league again soon. It will likely not be in Cleveland.

-- One of Scott's greatest accomplishments has been the guidance of 2011 top-pick Kyrie Irving to the verge of superstar status in this league. Irving, however, has a bit of growing up to do, as evidenced by his disappearing act on fan appreciation night on Monday. The Cavs have to tread lightly with Irving, as the 21-year-old is the best bargaining chip they have when trying to recruit free agents to join him in Cleveland. But they also have to lay down the law when it comes to behavior and public presentation. The kid will be fine, but they need to keep him positive and upbeat about his franchise in order for him to help secure its future.

-- Thank the golf gods that Tiger Woods came up a little shaky with his putter over the weekend at Augusta and did not win his fifth Masters. I was pulling for him to win major No. 15 right up until he chose not to withdraw after his bad drop on Friday. If he had won his fifth green jacket under those circumstances, they would have had to embroider a bright yellow asterisk over its breast pocket.

-- After Tuesday night's nearly impossible pitching line of 1 2/3 innings, two hits, seven runs (all earned), five walks and one strikeout, the Indians may be at a crossroads with Ubaldo Jimenez. After an impressive opening start against Toronto, in which he went six solid innings, allowing one run on three hits, Jimenez looks even more lost than he did a year ago, when he had the worst season of his career. Given the choices of keeping him in the rotation, sticking him in the bullpen, sending him to Class AAA to work out his issues, or outright releasing him, I'd put him in the pen. They owe him too much money to release him, but they can't keep trotting him out to the mound every five days with his head and his confidence a mess. Let him have some success out of the pen, an inning or two at a time, and build him back up for one more shot at the rotation.

-- New team rule: No more head-first sliding into first base. You listening, Mr. Bourn?

-- The 2013 season called, Asdrubal Cabrera. It wants to know why you're late, and if you plan on joining the party.

-- Prayers and condolences to the family and friends of the iconic Pat Summerall, who passed away Tuesday. The NFL will never sound the same.

-- Pure class was on display Tuesday night at Progressive Field, as the Indians joined all of MLB in reaching out to the Red Sox and their fans by playing "Sweet Caroline" for them prior to the opening pitch.

-- Finally, a plea for strength: Stand strong when the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is run May 19. Stand strong with every trip to the ballpark. Stand strong at every parade, ceremony, holiday, or other public event about which you may feel a little uneasy attending after the Boston Marathon attack.

Don't give in to fear. Don't let them change you. Don't let them change us.

Let's all stand strong. Boston Strong.

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Bob Frantz hosts "The Bob Frantz Show" on WTAM-AM 1100 from 7 p.m. to midnight weeknights, and following Cavaliers, Indians and Browns games.