Mark Leonard

Fan frustrations perplexing

MALeonard's Xanga — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:06:11 GMT

It would seem a reasonable reaction to a lifetime of disappointments would be to avoid allowing oneself to expect anything favorable. So long as one minimizes his expectations, one is less likely to become disappointed. Though this should easily be recognized...(read more)

Tribe talk

MALeonard's Xanga — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:17:09 GMT

Since it seems to be destined Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubel Cabrera will "eventually" comprise the left side of the Cleveland infield---the quote belonging to Indians' Manager Eric Wedge---what is the point in delaying any part of it? Today's...(read more)

Crennel right about sticking with DA

MALeonard's Xanga — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:33:59 GMT

Contrary to what might pass as popular opinion, Cleveland Browns' Head Coach Romeo Crennel was correct in deciding to retain holdover starter Derek Anderson as his quarterback, despite the club's seriously disappointing 0-3 start in the 2008 NFL...(read more)

Too easily defended. The '08 Browns.

MALeonard's Xanga — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:15:20 GMT

It can happen that a team, without a deep threat to threaten and/or occupy the oppositional safeties, can find itself dictated to by a defense, especially if that defense has any pass-rush potential whatsoever. The safeties remain back far enough to assure...(read more)

Injuries creating a tormenting fallout.

MALeonard's Xanga — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:40:56 GMT

Injuries, as they relate to the slow start experienced by the Cleveland Browns, have been discussed quite liberally, though not in the ways they've complicated what the coaching staff has been able to do nor in how they've impacted the present...(read more)

Confirmed: Browns not ready.

MALeonard's Xanga — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:55 GMT

Many had opined the results from the first two weeks of the 2008 NFL season would tell us a lot about the Cleveland Browns' football team. That outfit had stunned many affiliated with the sport by responding to its dreadful '07 opener, after which...(read more)

With Trojans behind and Steelers ahead

MALeonard's Xanga — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:23:35 GMT

Though it is now the next morning, this writing is being executed before subjecting myself to anyone else's opinions on the subject of Ohio State's horridly-embarrassing performance last night in Los Angeles. What stuns most profoundly is that...(read more)

Buckeyes with uncommon continuity; Phil savaged

MALeonard's Xanga — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:13:46 GMT

Among the many justifiable criticisms of the contemporary sports scene is the rarity of continuity on both the professional and collegiate levels. Free agency has undermined veteran cores in the NFL much as have draft-eligible underclassmen on national...(read more)

Thoughts after Cowboy opener.

MALeonard's Xanga — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:48:10 GMT

Let's all try to keep in mind it's a process, after all. A year ago at roughly this time, the Cleveland Browns lost miserably, as they always seem to do on Opening Day, with it abundantly clear nothing substantial existed for them at the QB position...(read more)

Now that the roster is set

MALeonard's Xanga — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:16:58 GMT

Never having been above bragging on myself, I must say I was quite pleased with the relative accuracy of my August 22 final Cleveland Browns' 2008 regular-season roster projections. Check for yourself and, with any objectivity, you'll likely be...(read more)

Talk of an 18-game schedule.

MALeonard's Xanga — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:58:28 GMT

Supposedly, it is already on the agenda for the next installment of collective bargaining between the NFL players' union and ownership that the regular season will henceforth consist of 18 games, with presumably two being dropped from the pre-season...(read more)

More Browns' birthday nonsense

MALeonard's Xanga — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:39:28 GMT

Those of us with nothing consequential in our heads and much too much time on our hands, occassionally find ourselves examining birthdates on team depth charts. Heck, one year I charted the birthdates of every MLB starting pitcher, just to see if I could...(read more)

With three exhibitions lost

MALeonard's Xanga — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:23:29 GMT

People are going to believe as they wish to believe, especially fans, as the word is a derivative of fanatic. Passion and subjectivity are inherent to being a fan and are not synonymous with the type of calm objectivity typifying journalists, analysts...(read more)

More Browns' '08 roster fodder

MALeonard's Xanga — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:22:04 GMT

Sure it's pointless. Sure it's being done with two exhibition games yet to be played. Sure it will ultimately be at least a little inaccurate. And certainly it includes some wild-ass guessing. Nonetheless, there are some out there who live for...(read more)

Assorted Browns' roster thoughts

MALeonard's Xanga — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:17:28 GMT

The work thusfar executed by Browns' GM Phil Savage has to receive a favorable grade, given the remarkable improvements evidenced with the club since his appointment. However---and I'm guessing you knew that word was coming---Monday night's...(read more)