Terry’s Talkin’

By Terry Pluto, Cleveland.comSports News Sports News Basketball Football

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Terry’s Talkin’ episodes

April 15Terry's 3-point plan for the Cavs to beat the Raptors; Should Austin Hedges be playing more?
Highlights:
Was the Cavs' regular season a success?

Cavs must prioritize transition defense and utilize their interior size to dictate pace against the Raptors

Cleveland's success relies on James Harden acting as a methodical playmaker rather than forcing isolated shots

Donovan Mitchell's efficient scoring and Evan Mobley's interior rebounding are vital to the Cavaliers' playoff formula

Predictions for the series

Is it time to give Austin Hedges more playing time over Bo Naylor?

MLB's automated ball-strike challenge system has proven highly successful and popular despite slightly extending game times

What should the Browns do with the No. 6 overall pick?

Akron men's basketball ensured seamless program stability by promoting longtime assistant Dustin Ford to head coach

A listener emails a story about Indians legend Joe Charboneau and his compassionate support of an ailing former teammate in western New York.

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1 hr 18 min
April 08Is this season a failure if the Cavs don't make the conference finals? Why Juan Brito got the call
Highlights:
What it means that the Cavs have another 50-win season.

Unprecedented NBA blowout margins highlight systemic issues and an alarming trend of strategic in-game tanking across the league.

A toxic new form of tanking involves coaches utilizing analytics to intentionally field ineffective lineups to mathematically ensure a loss.

Why resting key Cavaliers stars like Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell before the playoffs is a vital tactical strategy to guarantee postseason health.

Kenny Atkinson successfully transformed the Cavaliers' offense to prioritize interior scoring and offensive rebounding over heavy three-point volume.

The Cavaliers must reach the Eastern Conference Finals to deem this postseason a success and avoid major internal roster evaluations.

The Guardians promoted Juan Brito over top draft pick Travis Bazzana based strictly on his concrete minor league production metrics.

Chase DeLauter’s impressive rise highlights his elite offensive capabilities and resilience despite a complete lack of early collegiate scouting.

Should fans be worried yet about Kyle Manzardo?

The ABS challenge system is working. Here's why we like it.

The Browns' optimal NFL Draft strategy involves trading down from the sixth overall pick to acquire valuable draft capital and essential offensive depth.

Some listener emails about Opening Day memories; and about Carroll Hardy, who holds the unique historical distinction of being the only man to pinch-hit for Ted Williams, Roger Maris and Carl Yastrzemski.

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1 hr 17 min
March 31What the Browns are really saying about Deshaun Watson; listeners' ideas to end NBA tanking
Highlights:
Why baseball's opening day remains a uniquely revered national holiday filled with deep historical roots, nostalgic traditions, and a hopeful clean slate for the summer.

"Super Joe" Charbonneau's mythical rookie season endeared him to Cleveland, though a severe back injury prematurely derailed his promising career.

Rookie Chase DeLauter is displaying explosive power and veteran-like plate discipline, suggesting a long major league career if he can avoid nagging foot injuries.

Cleveland's Triple-A prospects are showing mixed early results, with Juan Brito shining offensively and promising pitchers like Daniel Espino making strides in their injury recoveries.

Prospect Parker Messick delivered a dominant six-inning shutout against the Dodgers, utilizing poise and an unpredictable six-pitch mix.

Backup catcher Austin Hedges offsets his lack of offense with elite defensive prowess, brilliant game-calling, and vital mentorship for the young pitching staff.

Brayan Rocchio has emerged as the more fundamentally sound and reliable middle infield option over the physically gifted but highly inconsistent Gabriel Arias.

CJ Kayfus’ defensive post-game reactions highlight the mental pressure and job-threatening insecurity faced by fringe players.
Shohei Ohtani's historically elite dual-threat abilities continue to make him an unprecedented presence in modern baseball.

The NFL strategically dominates the American sports landscape year-round by scheduling meetings and manufacturing global initiatives during other sports' offseasons.

Browns General Manager Andrew Berry’s vague comments regarding a Deshaun Watson extension serve as diplomatic PR to maintain a player-friendly reputation rather than an imminent reality.

The NFL rejected the Browns' proposal to allow trading five future first-round picks.

Rejecting rumors of a Myles Garrett trade, Browns leadership is committed to avoiding the toxic culture of another long-term rebuild.

The resilient Cavaliers utilized a remarkable 30-12 run to secure a strong Eastern Conference playoff position and approach 50 wins.

Evan Mobley’s leap in interior offensive production has been heavily unlocked by the brilliant half-court playmaking of James Harden.

The Cavaliers' transition from J.B. Bickerstaff to Kenny Atkinson illustrates how a team's developmental timeline adapts to the times.

John Groce’s departure from Akron highlights how the modern college coaching carousel is now heavily dictated by contract buyout dominoes and the financial power of NIL collectives.

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1 hr 15 min
March 25Guardians season predictions; A plan to stop NBA tanking; Jarrett Allen: the Cavs' most pivotal player?
Highlights:
Chase DeLauter's addition to the Guardians' opening-day roster is met with high excitement, and it's not too much, for his legitimate hitting talent and advanced plate discipline.

Top prospect Travis Bazzana will begin the season in AAA Columbus for further development, needing more professional at-bats before a potential major league call-up.

Managing DeLauter's health is a top priority due to his injury history, with suggestions to limit his running effort to keep his valuable bat in the lineup.

The Guardians set their starting rotation by demoting Logan Allen to AAA after a difficult spring, a decision influenced by both performance and roster flexibility.

Allen's poor spring performance is speculated to be linked to the high-intensity innings he pitched in the World Baseball Classic, which can over-tax young arms early in the season.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt is earning praise for an empathetic, player-centric management style similar to Terry Francona's, which is considered a significant asset.

The Guardians have a consistent history of exceeding expectations and defying their low payroll, making them a perennially competitive team despite predictions.

Statistical analysis reveals Jarrett Allen's immense value to the Cavaliers, with the team's winning record dropping significantly when he is out of the lineup.

Since the end of December, the Cavaliers have one of the NBA's best records, establishing themselves as an elite team despite narratives of inconsistency.

The acquisition of James Harden has significantly improved the Cavaliers' offense through his passing and highly efficient shooting.

A proposed solution to NBA tanking

While former Cavalier Darius Garland is performing well post-trade, the consensus is that the trade was mutually beneficial and there is no "buyer's remorse."

The Browns' strategy of acquiring versatile offensive linemen is justified by data showing starting units play together for less than half the season, necessitating roster flexibility and depth.

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1 hr 9 min
March 17Terry's sleeper prospect for the Guardians; Can the Cavs fix their defense in time?
Highlights:
Guardians Outlook: Optimism for the Guardians is guarded but positive, primarily due to the perceived health and depth of the team's pitching staff.

Chase DeLauter Praise: Manager Stephen Vogt is exceptionally high on outfielder Chase DeLauter, calling him a "complete hitter" who looks "scary at the plate."

DeLauter's Path: DeLauter's unconventional journey, including being overlooked in high school and falling in the draft due to injury, positions him as a potential steal for the Guardians.

Patience for Bazzana: There's a call for patience with 2024 first-round pick Travis Bazzana, emphasizing that player development takes time and is not always linear.

Bazzana Scouting Report: While physically average, Bazzana is noted for a fanatical work ethic but may be overly driven; his bat will need to carry his "okay" defense.

Sleeper Prospect: Class-A infielder Dauri Fernandez is a deep sleeper prospect who impressed with his poise, backed by a significant signing bonus and strong rookie stats.

Mixed Prospect Results: Other Guardians prospects show a mixed bag: Angel Martinez looks promising, Juan Brito is struggling, and George Valera is injured again.

Ramirez's Frustration Injury: José Ramírez sustained a minor shoulder injury after aggressively stealing a base, fueled by anger over a call from the automated strike system.

Automated Strike Debate: The hybrid automated ball-strike (ABS) system is causing frustration, with the powerful umpires' union cited as a reason for the delay in full implementation.

Cavaliers' Permissive Defense: The Cavs' defense has been called "too permissive" by Kenny Atkinson, though the return of Max Strus is expected to add toughness and improve wing defense.

Cavs' Roster Instability: The Cavaliers' biggest challenge has been a constant lack of roster consistency due to numerous injuries to key players, preventing the team from building chemistry.

Cavs' Playoff Defense: The Cavs' playoff lineup is expected to be more defensively sound than their regular-season lineups by featuring fewer exploitable matchups on the court.

Bo Naylor's Workload: The hope is that catcher Bo Naylor plays fewer games this season to allow backup David Fry more playing time, which would indicate positive contributions from the backup.

MAC Tournament Success: For the first time since 1999, the Mid-American Conference sent two teams, Akron and Miami, to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

Coaching Speculation: Following Akron's success, coach John Groce would be a perfect candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Butler due to his Indiana roots and ties to the program.

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1 hr 9 min
March 12Will a platoon in left work for the Guardians? Why these playoffs will mean more for Donovan Mitchell
Highlights:
The Guardians' spring training focus is on key position battles, including a potential outfield platoon with George Valera and Angel Martinez.

Despite fan aversion, a well-executed platoon strategy can be effective, as proven by Orioles manager Earl Weaver's successful use of one in 1979.

The Guardians' front office might waive former top prospect Nolan Jones to make room for more promising players like George Valera.

The Guardians boast significant pitching depth with young arms like Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams, plus strong candidates for the fifth spot, which is a valuable asset over a long season.

The durability of Hall of Famer Bob Feller, who built arm strength through natural farm work, stands in stark contrast to today's injury-prone pitchers, highlighting a potential flaw in modern training methods. Maybe they should throw some hay.

Angels owner Arte Moreno and his out-of-touch comment that fans prioritize affordability and ballpark experience over winning.

The Browns aggressively addressed their offensive line issues by signing several experienced veterans in free agency to provide stability after a season plagued by injuries and poor performance.

Cleveland's heavy spending in free agency on the offensive line is a direct consequence of the front office's past failures to draft and develop reliable linemen, such as passing on All-Pro Tristan Wirfs.

Despite a recent loss to Boston, the Cavs' record since late December and the integration of key trade acquisitions are solid reasons for playoff optimism.

A listener asks: Does Donovan Mitchell make his teammates better? This year's playoffs will be crucial for him to stop that narrative.

The undefeated Miami RedHawks men's basketball team faces immense pressure in the MAC Tournament, where a single loss could end their historic season without an NCAA Tournament bid.

A listener shared a legendary story of being caught playing Strat-O-Matic football on the Sabbath, with the headmaster mistaking it for chess and unknowingly creating a lasting school myth.

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1 hr 19 min
March 03Is this Cavs roster finally built for the playoffs? 4-point field goals; why Nolan Jones?
Highlights:
The Cavs are implementing a more physical, high-impact defensive style in preparation for the playoffs, aiming to avoid being overwhelmed by aggressive teams as they were in the past.

New additions Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder bring a reliable and intense defensive grit that is considered essential for a deep playoff run.

Keon Ellis has made an immediate and significant defensive impact, posting elite defensive ratings and a high number of steals and blocks in his short time with the team.

Despite an improved overall defense, the team's defensive rebounding remains a significant weakness, ranking 20th in the NBA.

James Harden is demonstrating his commitment to winning by choosing to play through a thumb fracture.

Harden is seen as "locked in" and motivated, a change attributed to his love for the game and the financial security from the belief that the Cavs fully guaranteed his contract.

Harden's exceptional passing, particularly his unique high, hard bounce passes to big men like Jarrett Allen, has significantly elevated the team's offense.

The Cavs are considered "not yet" playoff-ready due to significant roster turnover, requiring more time for new key players to build chemistry.

A call for key players like Sam Merrill to prioritize their health for the playoffs by avoiding high-risk hustle plays during the regular season.

Staggering the minutes of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, potentially by moving Allen to a sixth-man role, is suggested as a way to unlock their potential and improve team spacing.

The Browns' trade for offensive lineman Tytus Howard for a fifth-round pick is praised as a savvy, cost-effective move that provides an immediate upgrade in pass protection.

At pick No. 6, the Browns face a classic draft dilemma: select a top offensive lineman to fill a need, or take the best player available if a generational talent is on the board.

The consensus opinion is that the Browns should select a potential generational talent at pick #6, regardless of position, as such a player is too valuable to pass up.

The size of modern NFL coaching staffs has expanded dramatically, illustrated by the Browns' 29-member staff compared to the staff of the 1964 championship team.

The United Football League (UFL) is experimenting with new rules, such as a four-point field goal and tiered extra-point options, which could serve as a test for future NFL implementation.

The Guardians' $2 million signing of outfielder Nolan Jones is questioned by Terry as a questionable use of a tight budget that blocks playing time for younger, in-house prospects.

Top prospect Chase DeLauter's ability to stay healthy is the biggest factor for the Guardians, as he has proven to be an extremely productive hitter when not injured.

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1 hr 7 min
February 25Terry's new take on James Harden; one word describing the Guardians' Rhys Hoskins signing
Highlights:
The Cavaliers' loss to a shorthanded OKC team is seen as a mid-season warning about the team's focus and potential matchup issues rather than a cause for major alarm.

The Allen-Mobley frontcourt combination continues to raise questions about its effectiveness, particularly against quick, physical teams, suggesting their minutes may need to be staggered.

A discussion on Evan Mobley's role suggests he should focus on defense rather than being a primary creator, with a potential trade being considered if the team falters in the playoffs.

Host Terry Pluto has reversed his initial opposition to the James Harden trade after learning the severity of Darius Garland's lingering injury, now valuing Harden's durability.

Recent acquisitions are expected to provide the Cavaliers with a needed injection of toughness and defensive intensity.

Speculation about another LeBron James return to Cleveland is dismissed as premature and unlikely, especially given the James Harden trade and James's current career stage.

The Browns plan a "targeted aggression" strategy in free agency, prioritizing veteran additions to their depleted offensive line.

It is suggested the Browns should use at least two of their top 70 draft picks to rebuild the offensive line, with a specific focus on drafting a long-term center.

Why new Browns Defensive Coordinator Mike Rutenberg's success will depend on his ability to earn the respect of and effectively manage veteran stars like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward.

The signing of slugger Reese Hoskins is seen as a "vintage Guardians" move, addressing a major need for right-handed power on a value deal.

Steven Kwan's elite instincts may help him succeed in the more demanding position in center.

It is argued that Major League Baseball, not the Guardians, should bear the financial responsibility for Emmanuel Clase's salary while his legal situation is managed by the league.

Terry's statistical review of prospects suggests Chase DeLauter is more prepared for a major league opportunity than Travis Bazzana, emphasizing performance over draft position.

José Ramírez's clubhouse leadership is highlighted through an anecdote where he publicly boosted a teammate's confidence, reinforcing his role as the team's heart.

The podcast ends with a nostalgic discussion on classic sports board games, highlighting how they cultivated imagination and a connection to sports in a pre-digital era.

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1 hr 12 min
February 10Why the James Harden Experiment just might work; what Sam Darnold's Super Bowl says about the Browns' offseason
Highlights:
Terry summarizes the flurry of activity with the Cavaliers trading for James Harden, the Browns changing coaches, and the Guardians signing José Ramírez to a long-term deal.

The Cavaliers' acquisition of James Harden was part of a larger three-for-three player swap that is viewed as a significant upgrade in overall talent and toughness.

Initial Terry skepticism over the Harden trade has shifted to optimism when viewing the entire package of incoming players, not just Harden himself.

The trade was designed to support Donovan Mitchell by lightening his offensive and emotional load, keeping him fresher for critical moments.

James Harden's debut showcased his elite offensive playmaking but also highlighted his significant defensive liabilities, confirming the trade-off the team made.

The acquisition of Dennis Schroder is seen as a crucial move, bringing a feisty, aggressive identity and ball-handling to the second unit.

Center Jarrett Allen has experienced a significant offensive surge, attributed to increased assertiveness and more space in the paint in Evan Mobley's absence.

Coach Kenny Atkinson earned praise for his skillful development of young players and his ability to adapt to lineup changes throughout a challenging season.

The Browns face a critical defensive coordinator hire, needing a candidate whose philosophy aligns with the aggressive "front-four" system Jim Schwartz established.

Jim Schwartz's exit was seen as inevitable after he was passed over for the head coaching job, a move made to prevent potential "internal discord."

A look back at the 2018 QB draft class ranks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson as the top talents, ironically noting that backup Sam Darnold is the only one with a Super Bowl ring.

Why the Browns should pursue a QB reclamation project, such as trading for Mac Jones or Malik Willis, to develop a high-upside backup.

Terry makes a strong case for top prospect Chase DeLauter to be on the Guardians' Opening Day roster, dismissing concerns over service time manipulation.

José Ramírez's team-friendly contract is considered a unique anomaly, driven by a personal loyalty not to be expected from other athletes.

The Guardians' quiet offseason is partially explained by a significant financial hit (est. $20 million annually) from their new, less lucrative TV rights deal.

Could the Guardians swing a deal for the Dodgers' Andy Pages?

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1 hr 1 min
February 04 Reading between the lines of Todd Monken's press conference; the big reason James Harden agreed to join the Cavs
Highlights:
• Player feedback demanding "accountability" became a central pillar in the Browns' decision to hire Todd Monken.
• Terry cites a history of high pre-snap penalties as a key indicator of the team's lack of discipline under the previous regime.
• The hiring of Monken is described as a "pendulum swing" from a meticulously organized coach to an accountability-first, hard-nosed leader.
• Monken presented an intense, all-or-nothing approach, stating anything that gets in the way of winning will be "discarded and eliminated."
• The Browns are poised for a significant youth movement, driven by ten draft picks, and are expected to have one of the youngest teams in the NFL.
• A full offensive line rebuild is considered necessary, posing a challenge to the team's youth-focused strategy.
• Monken plans to hold players accountable by aligning team standards with the players' own stated individual goals.
• Monken's surprisingly dismissive comments about defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz creates uncertainty about his future with the team.
• Why retaining a resentful Schwartz could create "internal discord" and dysfunction on the coaching staff.
• Monken's career path is viewed as a series of calculated moves designed to position himself for an NFL head coaching job.
• The Cavaliers acquired James Harden from the Clippers in a blockbuster trade that sent Darius Garland to Los Angeles.
• The Harden-Garland swap is characterized as a "desperation trade" between two teams eager to resolve difficult player situations.
• Harden's primary motivation for forcing the trade was reportedly financial, stemming from the Clippers' unwillingness to fully guarantee his contract.
• Harden's history as a difficult teammate and poor defender presents a significant risk for the Cavaliers.
• The Cavaliers are gambling on Harden's short-term performance to improve their immediate playoff prospects, a move star player Donovan Mitchell supported.
• A fan questions the Guardians' contradictory risk management, noting they avoid financial risk in free agency but embrace the risk of relying on unproven prospects.
• Monken's comments about his childhood sparks a nostalgic conversation about vintage sports board games like vibrating football and Strat-O-Matic.

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1 hr 7 min

About Terry’s Talkin’

From the publisher's feed

Cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talks Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Northeast Ohio college basketball with host David Campbell.