While We’re Waiting… Black Jack, Joe Haden and Adam Miller. (Sorry Joe.)

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Remembering the Jack McDowell signing- “It would have been impossible for expectations in Cleveland to be any higher. Everyone was talking Tribe, everywhere you went new Indians gear was popping up. The Indians were going to win it all, and Jack McDowell was going to get us over the hump.” [Still WFNY]

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Browns rookie Joe Haden named 33rd best player… in the AFC North?- “Analysis: Haden led all rookies with six interceptions. Haden always relied on his natural athleticism, but former Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan did a good job of teaching him proper technique. Once Haden combined the two, he really took off in the second half of the season. Haden continued to show improvement, eventually worked his way into the starting lineup and quickly established himself as Cleveland’s No. 1 cornerback. He’s a solid, fundamental tackler with very good ball skills.” [Walker/AFC North blog]

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But will it still be a penalty if the Buckeyes form the “O” with their hands?- “The committee fields numerous requests each year to allow team colors on gloves,” it explained in a statement, “so the membership clearly would like flexibility with this rule.” The gray-only edict arrived several years ago because players were shading gloves to blend in with opponents’ jerseys and hide holding penalties, UO equipment manager Pat Conrad said. But the committee apparently found that the strategy didn’t yield a significant advantage.” [Bachman/Oregon Live] (Hat tip- UniWatch)

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Just in case you were feeling good about Cleveland sports for some reason, ‘what if’ Adam Miller didn’t hurt himself?- “Back in 2007, Miller was one of the best young pitching prospects in the game. Sports Illustrated magazine that year named him to their “Dream Rotation” which was an up-and-coming dream five-man rotation compiled by 11 high-ranking major-league executives. The five man dream rotation included Miller as well as Boston’s Daisuke Matsuzaka, Philadelphia’s Cole Hamels, New York Yankees’ Phillip Hughes, and San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum. Miller is the only one in that dream rotation who has yet to appear in the majors.” [Indians Prospect Insider]

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Wonder where he got that tat?- “When Terrelle Pryor takes the field for the first time with the team this spring, he won’t be the only signal caller rocking the ink. He might not even have the best block O ink on the team. In fact, for the first time since he enrolled at Ohio State University, he might not be in the topic of the backfield to start the season. The fact is another top recruit is taking the campus by storm.” [Buckeye Battle Cry]