A Rooting Interest
February 1, 2008Some mistakes you never stop paying for
February 2, 2008I’m not sure how I missed this earlier in the week, but with big thanks to Mike over at Kid Cleveland I am now privy to the information that Browns long-snapper Ryan Pontbriand is heading to Hawaii with teammates Joe Thomas, Braylon Edwards and Joshua Cribbs. As he mentioned, with the Pontbriand selection back in 2003, Butch Davis and the rest of the Browns organization were thrashed by the media for using a draft selection (5th round, mind you) on a long-snapper.
Four years later, Pontbriand is not only joining the first group of Cleveland players in the Pro Bowl since 2001, but he had also signed a new four-year deal earlier in the season.
Ryan (Pontbriand) has been amazingly consistent with his snapping ability over the years,” General Manager Phil Savage said in the release. “He is considered by many to be the best in the NFL, so it is only fitting that he is receiving the recognition of being a Pro Bowler.”
Show me a team that has either had a crucial punt snap lofted 10-feet over the punters head, or a missed field goal opportunity thanks to a four-hopper and I’ll show you a team that wishes that their long-snapper was heading to the Pro Bowl. And yes, I realize just how silly that statement sounds from a football point of view. Trust me.
Now we just have to wait and see if Antonio Gates’ toe allows Kellen Winslow to finaly get his just due. Stay tuned.
As Rick mentioned yesterday, the Tribe finally made a move this off-season. And while it isn’t exactly trading for one of the best pure hitters in the game (cough, Miguel Cabrera), it is a good move for Cleveland. His blue-collar scrappy attitude is just what fans can relate to. Plus, if you think about those walk-offs from last season, and it has to at least help make things a bit more justifiable. Blake was a big reason the Indians ended up where they did last season, even if they did fall a bit short.
The bad news is, as mentioned in yesterday’s comments, the Mets and Johan Santana have signed a record deal that is said to be in the ballpark of 6-years, $137.5 million. You read that right. Not only did the Mets wait until 30 minutes before the deadline to announce this, but it is a blockbuster for pitchers. Likely not aided by the numbers given to Barry Zito last season, and likely to only get worse from here in terms of bar-setting deals. Now, all we can hope for is some sort of agreement between the Tribe and CC Sabathia. I would temper your expectations, folks.
Enjoy your Saturday. Its going to be a cold one.
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