Before I get too deep into this post, I want to thank the staff at the OBR, Barry McBride in particular, for allowing me a voice to be heard by all of you. Barry has fielded my innumerable and oftentimes ignorant questions time and time again. He has come across as a guy like you or me that just happens to have the second best job ever (The first being envelope glue for Anna Kournikova). On one of my recent Emails to Barry, I explained that I felt that I was pestering him to which he responded by telling me I have not been a nuisance at all. To illustrate why I felt I was pestering him, I have decided to post a few of the questions as well as his responses so that you can see why it means so much to me that he was patient and courteous. Here is the abbreviated version of our conversations:
Dear Barry,
It takes me two days to eat a bowl of tomato soup. Does this happen to you? I was wondering if maybe, I’m using too large of a fork. Please help me out here. Thanks.
To which he responded:
Dear Randy,
I can’t say I’ve ever had this issue before but my suggestion is that you try using a spoon.
-Barry
Furthermore:
Dear Barry,
Did you say, “Swoop, loop, and pull,” or “Loop, swoop, and pull?” I’m still not getting it! Thanks!
Dear Randy,
I think Wal-Mart has Velcro shoes if you’d like to try those. Good luck my friend.
-Barry
Lastly:
Dear Barry,
Me like boobies!
Dear Randy,
Who doesn’t?
-Barry
Okay, some of those may have never existed but they might as well have. So, let’s get on to my first post.
In my title, I indicated that this was my second post and that’s a bit misleading. It is the first post that I’ve posted here however; it’s actually the second time I’ve written a post. I hit the post button the first time and lost it due to inactivity. So, I’ve learned a lesson. You know what they say, “…a lesson learned is a penny saved in the bush” or umm, something like that. Anyway, the first post that I wrote was thought provoking, eloquent, poignant (and any other self-serving adjective that you want to insert) but you’ll have none of that here. Today, I’m just writing to establish some sort of a theme for which I’ll be adhering to in my future post. A little analysis here and there, mixed with my musings, and a dash of humor. So, here are some of my thoughts:
- The common thread that binds us all together is our love for the Cleveland Browns. Even though we may not agree with every move that our Team makes, we must accept them and understand that the personnel and scouting department people are smarter than we are. (Even if some of us currently hold a 22 season playoff run simulating seasons in Madden) With that said, there hasn’t been a move that we’ve made this year that I, personally, haven’t liked. At first I was a bit iffy on the Ted Washington signing but with a little bit of research I have come to understand the signing. I’ve even embraced it. He’s a coach on the field and he still has the skills, desire, and heart to play this game while mentoring a soon to be drafted up-and-comer. Not to mention he is like having two guys at the heart of our defense.
- The only thing that I haven’t really liked this off-season would be the singling out of Willie McGinest as the “most critical" player the Browns have added in free agency. How does that make Joe, Kevin, Ted, Dave, and LeCharles feel? I didn’t think that meshed with the team mentality that we are trying to forge but I do understand that he’s like E.F. Hutton on the field, in that when he talks, people listen.
- The additions of the local players to our roster should not be overlooked. Imagine if you will an unlikely scenario. There you are at training camp when Romeo turns to the stands, points his finger at you and says, “Suit up; you’re going in as the gunner on special teams.” I don’t know about you but I would literally try to mash my head into a paste inside that helmet. That’s what the signing of guys that grew up rooting for the Browns brings to the table.
- Chris Crocker is gone. He looked good at times last year and I really believe that he may be a star in the making but I did notice at times that he bit harder than a pit bull on play fakes. Hopefully, one of our second round safeties is an impact player that’s ready to emerge as a force.
- Jeff Faine may end up traded too. Don’t get me wrong here but last year at training camp, he seemed to be kind of acrimonious. His interactions with the fans seemed forced and he wasn’t the most personable guy I’ve ever met. He also had a scowl on his face whether he was signing autographs for a man, a woman, or a 5 year old kid. I may be misconstruing it but it seemed to me that he wasn’t that likable. However, this could be the “mean streak” that they talked about him having coming out of college.
And while on the subject of training camp….
- We all want to beat the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals. The players know it and the coaches know it. However, if you are drunk at ten in the morning please remember that there are kids there. Last year, a woman stood right beside me and screamed in my ear, “F--- the Steelers, F--- the Ravens, and F--- the Bengals!” My sentiments exactly but the kids in front of me looked at their dad in disbelief. This year, I’m bringing my 2 and 3 year old to camp with me and even though they have been known to drop the F bomb at inopportune times, (they must have heard it on TV) I don’t want them joining in it this year. Maybe when they’re 4 and 5.
- Brian Russell and Reuben Droughns had to be my favorite players last year at camp. I’m not an autograph guy but I am an interaction guy and these two came off as guys that I would hang out with. They both were sincere in our conversations without a hint of pretense. That means a lot when dealing with millionaires.
- Lastly, If you haven’t been to training camp before, I urge you to go. Last year I met a Dad and his son that traveled all the way from upstate New York to spend the weekend in Cleveland. They were two of the nicest people I’ve ever met from that area. We stood outside a WalGreens for hours talking about last years roster additions and where we would end up. It was great and I hope they make the journey again this year.
Well, that’s it for my first post. I could go on forever when talking about my Browns but I’m not writing a book here. I will try to write a post at least once a week (or whenever I play hooky from work like today) but right now I’m elbow deep in a home remodeling project and I work 40 hours a week just like most of you.