Terry’s Talkin’

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 Donova...

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 pl...

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 priori...

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...

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 prom...

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 imp...

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 ro...

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 ha...

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. • M...

Highlights: The Browns have hired experienced offensive coach Todd Monken as their 19th full-time head coach. Initial fan reaction to the hire was mixed, but winning will ultimately determine his approval. Inside Monken's difficult 2019 season in Cleveland Monken is known for a blunt, no-nonsense coaching philosophy focused on accountability and winning. The Browns prioritized fixing their "broken...

Highlights: NFL coaching searches are highly unpredictable, with success often coming from candidates with unassuming résumés rather than just impressive ones. Many elite NFL coaches, like John Harbaugh and Andy Reid, were hired from non-coordinator roles, proving that a candidate's title doesn't always predict success. The rapid rise of young coaches like Grant Udinski highlights that potential a...

Highlights: The Browns have fired head coach Kevin Stefanski after a tumultuous week. A fan asks about the team's "smart, tough, accountable" mantra, which Terry says faded with the controversial arrival of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Some fans defend Stefanski, arguing he was a scapegoat for a flawed roster built by the front office. Terry suggests the firing was justified, as Stefanski had "run...

Highlights: The big question: Is Shedeur Sanders the Browns' long-term answer at quarterback? His development is a work in progress amidst a poor offense. A compelling case for the Browns to use a high draft pick on a "sure thing" wide receiver like Carnell Tate instead of a risky QB, providing a reliable weapon for the next decade. The offensive line is a top priority for a complete overhaul, wit...

Highlights: The Browns fan base is divided, with some calling for Kevin Stefanski's firing while others blame owner Jimmy Haslam and the "sabotage" of the Deshaun Watson trade. GM Andrew Berry's draft history is under scrutiny, with notable misses like Jedrick Wills but also successful trades, showcasing a mixed but promising record. Stefanski faces criticism for poor in-game management, clock-man...

Highlights: Cleveland.com's Paul Hoynes has won the BBWAA Career Excellence Award, the highest honor for baseball writers, securing his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Terry Pluto praised Hoynes' "utterly remarkable" work ethic and elite writing talent, noting his longevity in the demanding field is highly impressive. The Browns' special teams fell down on the job again, with a blocked punt an...

Highlights: The Browns' 3-9 record mirrors last season's, showing a lack of progress and ranking them among the worst teams since the 2024 season opener. The Browns' special teams unit was labeled a "total embarrassment," having surrendered five punt or kickoff return touchdowns in the last two seasons, the most in the NFL. Terry Pluto blames the coaching staff for the special teams' consistent fa...

Highlights: Thanks to you, our listeners! Without you we wouldn't be here. Shedeur Sanders' starting debut was "intriguing," marked by poise and a crucial avoidance of mistakes. Sanders' performance demonstrated clear evidence of his discipline to avoid negative plays. Myles Garrett: The best Browns defensive player Terry has ever seen? Coach Kevin Stefanski offered rare, high praise for a Sanders...

Highlights: Bernie Kosar's Successful Liver Transplant: Following a successful liver transplant, Bernie Kosar tells Terry he is in "great shape" and good spirits, with the initial critical 48 hours passing without signs of infection or rejection. The Haslams' Financial Support for Kosar: The Haslam family has been paying for Kosar's health insurance for many years, a gesture that has saved him "mi...

Highlights: Browns fan sentiment has shifted from despair to anger, with calls for firings and major changes. Terry Pluto argues the 1980s Browns era was defined by consistent success, not just heartbreaking losses like "The Drive." The franchise's identity since 1999 has been a perpetual and unsuccessful search for a quarterback. Why a new stadium will not improve the Browns' on-field performance...

Highlights: After the podcast took a week off, Terry shares hiking tips for Wayne National Forest near Marietta. Terry has some upcoming book signings for his new book, starting this week. Terry on the Browns’ endless quarterback struggles. Browns shift play-calling duties from Stefanski to Tommy Rees. Will it matter? Reese brings college experience. Terry doubts the change fixes deeper offensive...

Highlights: The Browns' upcoming game against the Patriots' strong run defense will be a crucial test of whether their run-heavy offense is a sustainable identity or a one-game anomaly. Despite a convincing win, there are questions about whether the win over the Dolphins was "just one game" and that the run-first formula is not a sustainable model for winning against a tough schedule. Fan frustrat...

Highlights: Terry shares a “moment of wisdom” about venting in emails: tone and humor are lost compared to spoken conversation. Discussion on Browns’ offensive struggles against the Steelers: 82 snaps, Quinshon Judkins only played 33 despite being top offensive weapon. Browns ran only 17 times for 65 yards, despite game being close early; heavy reliance on passing (27 passes vs. 11 runs in first t...

Highlights: Discussion on Browns' quarterback situation and Joe Flacco trade to Bengals. Concerns over Browns' offensive struggles and inability to score 20+ points. Debate on Kevin Stefanski's future and offensive play-calling decisions. Analysis of Browns' wide receiver performance and lack of support for quarterbacks. Evaluation of Dylan Gabriel's performance and potential as starting QB. Criti...

Highlights: Cleveland sports had a wild week, with dramatic Guardians wins and unexpectedly large home crowds. Jose Ramirez’s playoff consistency contrasts with Francisco Lindor’s limited postseason success since joining the Mets. Jose’s commitment to Cleveland shows in his extension and emotional postgame celebration declaring “This is my home.” Terry Francona’s magic continues with the Reds, des...

Highlights: The Guardians were down 15.5 games in July and 12.5 games in late August but are now on the verge of overtaking the Tigers. How have they done this? Terry noted the Tigers’ collapse could be historic, while the Guardians risk losing momentum at the finish line. Terry contends the Guardians' defensive improvement coincided with Brayan Rocchio moving to second base and Gabriel Arias to s...