BASKETBALL
Womens: USA Showcase: Australia vs. United States (NBA TV, 8pm)
FOOTBALL
CFL: Toronto Argonauts @ Ottawa Redblacks (ESPN 2, 7:30pm)
OTHER SPORTS
Formula One: German Grand Prix (NBC Sports, 8pm)
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Sharknado: The 4th Awakens (Syfy, 8pm)
Hollywood Game Night (NBC, 8pm)
Celebrity Family Feud; Bachelors vs. Bachelorettes, Indy Car Drivers vs. Sports Illustrated Models (ABC, 8pm)
Big Brother (CBS, 8pm) Teen Choice 2016 (FOX, 8pm)
American Ninja Warrior (NBC, 9pm)
The $100,00 Pyramid; Alfonso Ribeiro vs. Mario Batali, Barbara Corcoran vs. Daymond John (ABC, 9pm)
The Night Of (HBO, 9pm)
Power (Starz, 9pm) Preacher, SEASON FINALE (AMC, 9pm)
Ray Donovan (Showtime, 9pm)
The Last Ship (TNT, 9pm) REPLAY: 2011 MTV Video Music Awards (MTV, 9pm)
Match Game (ABC, 10pm)
BrainDead (CBS, 10pm)
Ballers (HBO, 10pm)
Survivor's Remorse (Starz, 10pm)
Roadies (Showtime, 10pm)
Murder In The First (TNT, 10pm)
Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle (Comedy Central, 10pm) Talking Preacher (AMC, 10:20pm)
Vice Principals (HBO, 10:30pm)
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news and recaps involving WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, GFW, NJPW, House of Hardcore and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday at @TripleThreatCLE.
*** WWE ***
- RAW Gets A Makeover: With the Brand Extension in full effect now, RAW received new theme music and a new RAW logo. You can watch RAW's new intro video here:
- Smackdown Live Gets A Makeover: Again with the Brand Extension in full effect, Smackdown Live received new theme music and a new Smackdown Live logo. You can check that out here:
- WWE Universal Championship Created: This past Monday on RAW, Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley announced the creation of a new title. With the WWE World Championship representing Smackdown only, the WWE Universal Championship has been created to represent RAW as their top title. After two fatal four way matches and a finals match between the two winners, it was made official that Seth Rollins will battle Finn Balor at WWE Summer Slam, with the winner being crowned the first ever WWE Universal Champion.
Watch Finn Balor pull off the upset and pin Roman Reigns clean to move on to Summer Slam.
- New WWE Women's Champion Crowned: This past Monday on RAW, Sasha Banks defeated Charlotte to become the new WWE Women's champion.
- Dolph Ziggler Becomes #1 Contender: Dolph Ziggler shocked the world this past Tuesday on Smackdown Live when he defeated John Cena, AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, Bray Wyatt and Apollo Crews to earn the right to meet Dean Ambrose at Summer Slam for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Check out Dolph Ziggler's comments after becoming the new #1 contender, going into Summer Slam:
- Kevin Nash Wants To Work With Dolph Ziggler: Kevin Nash was interviewed recently and he put it out there that he would love to work with Dolph Ziggler as his "Diesel". Nash stated that he could give Ziggler the same rub and heat that he helped give Shawn Michaels in the 90's to help make Michaels a star.
- Shelton Benjamin Returns: This past Tuesday on Smackdown Live, the WWE announced that Shelton Benjamin will be returning to the WWE.
- Brock Lesnar Returns: It was announced this past Monday on RAW that Brock Lesnar will return to RAW tomorrow night to promote his one on one match against Randy Orton at Summer Slam.
- Brock Lesnar Will Not Be Punished By WWE: WWE recently stated that Brock Lesnar will not face punishment for his UFC 200 drug test failures and he will perform at Summer Slam as planned. A WWE spokesperson stated that only full time WWE performers are subject to the organization's wellness policy, which prohibits PED's, but since Lesnar isn't a full time performer, he's essentially exempt.
- Steve Austin Podcast: It was announced on this past Monday's RAW that Steve Austin's next WWE Network podcast will air on Monday, August 8th following RAW from Anaheim, California. Austin's guest will be WWE World Champion Dean Ambrose.
- Alberto Del Rio Leaving WWE?: According to Daily Wrestling News, Alberto Del Rio has not been happy with his WWE return and could be leaving this fall when his contract expires. Del Rio returned at WWE Hell In A Cell and immediately defeated John Cena for the WWE United States Championship. Since then Del Rio was put in a storyline with Zeb Colter that made no sense with those two together, lost the WWE United States Championship to Kalisto and then Del Rio was placed in the League of Nations faction that flopped. Sources have also said that Triple H doesn't care for Del Rio's attitude and feels that if Del Rio is pushed to the main event, Del Rio will make things even harder.
- Devon....Get The Tables!: WWE have recently announced that The Dudley Boys have signed a new contract with the WWE and are expected to be around for at least another year. Bubba and Devon have both said that they are happy where they are right now working with up and coming talent in the company.
- WWE Signs Former Talent: WWE announced this week that they have signed former WWE superstar Jinder Mahal to the RAW brand. WWE has also signed former WWE superstar Curt Hawkins to the Smackdown Live brand.
- WWE 2K17 News: WWE announced this week that you'll be able to play as Vince, Shane and Stephanie McMahon in this year's WWE 2K17 video game.
*** WWE Summer Slam Card ***
- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler
- Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton
*** NXT ***
- Bayley's Main Roster Debut: In case you missed WWE Battleground last Sunday, Bayley made her main roster debut. Sources are saying, however, that it was a one time appearance and she will remain on NXT for a little while longer.
- Kota Ibushi Debuts: This past Wednesday on NXT, Japanese superstar Kota Ibushi made his official debut with NXT.
- NXT Releases: NXT announced this week the releases of Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe, Josh Woods and Tom Kingdon
*** NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2 Card ***
- "NXT World Championship Match": Samoa Joe (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
- "NXT Women's Championship Match": Asuka (c) vs. Bayley
*** TNA *** - TNA Impact Recap:
-- Matt Hardy gives orders to Jeff Hardy to make sure he helps Matt defeat Ethan Carter tonight. Jeff says no, Matt can win on his own. Ethan Carter arrives, mocks Matt, sides with Jeff and wants their match right now.
-- Ethan Carter defeated Matt Hardy, by pinfall, in a Bound For Glory Playoff Match. Reby Hardy tries to toss a hammer in the ring, but gets knocked off the apron. Jeff tosses the hammer into the middle of the ring. EC3 hits Matt with his boot and hits the One Percenter.
-- Maria Bennett thanks Madison Rayne for helping attack Gail Kim last week. Madison wants to know what she gets if she beats Gail tonight.
- Matt Hardy blames Jeff Hardy for his loss and promises Jeff that everything he loves will die.
-- Gail Kim defeated Madison Rayne, by pinfall, with Eat Defeat.
-- Mike Bennett promises Dixie Carter that he and Moose are taking over the company.
-- Rosemary takes Bram to a farmhouse and tells him a story about her childhood. Rosemary wants to show Bram what's in the farmhouse.
-- Moose defeated David Star, by pinfall, with the Game Breaker.
-- Mike Bennett calls Moose dominate. Bobby Lashley arrives. Moose and Lashley go face to face, but Moose and Bennett back down.
-- Bobby Lashley says he's targeting every TNA title in the company to win. DJ Z challenges Lashley to a Ladder Match for the TNA X-Division Championship. Lashley accepts.
-- Bobby Lashley defeated DJ Z in a Ladder Match, to retain the TNA X-Division Championship.
-- Rosemary tells Bram more child hood stories about her imaginary brother. Her imaginary brother said someone named Johnny would visit her. Johnny did come and tried to take advantage of her.
-- Eli Drake challenges Bobby Lashley to a match and says Lashley will never will all the TNA titles. James Storm interrupts, insults Drake and challenges him to put his TNA King of the Mountain Championship on the line. Drake says no. Storm insults Drake's mom and Drake finally agrees on one condition. When Storm loses he has to give up beer and listening to cowboy music. Storm accepts. Drake attacks Storm and lays Storm out with Blunt Force Trauma.
- The Decay defeated The BroMans, by pinfall, in a Monster's Ball Match, to retain the TNA World Tag Team Championship. Robbie tries to use "Janice", but gets choke slammed by Abyss for the pinfall.
- Mike Bennett defeated Drew Galloway, by pinfall, in a Bound For Glory Playoff Match. Moose attacks Galloway while the referee is knocked out. Ethan Carter makes the save, but accidentally hits Galloway with a kendo stick. Moose takes out EC3 with the Game Breaker outside, as Bennett hits Miracle In Progress on Galloway to score the pinfall.
- Matt Hardy Comments On Brock Lesnar: This past week, "Broken" Matt Hardy went onto Twitter and took shots at the mayor of Suplex City, Brock Lesnar, and his failed UFC drug tests. Hardy tweeted the following:
"My urine & blood is pure. It's an oath I have sworn to the #7Deities in return for my superhuman abilities."
- Jeff Hardy Leaving TNA In 2017?: According to Wrestling Observer, Jeff Hardy has been telling people that his deal with TNA expires in February of 2017. Jeff has also been telling the same people that he plans to return to the WWE when his deal is up. Sources have said that Jeff was about to sign back with WWE last year, however, his dirt bike accident that broke his leg put a stop to that. Jeff has also stated that he's not getting any younger and would love to call it a career back where he started in WWE.
- Top 10 Storylines TNA Wants You To Forget:
#10: The Reverse Battle Royal at Bound For Glory.
#9: Dixie Carter begging Hulk Hogan to not leave the company.
#8: Bringing Ric Flair out of retirement.
#7: Jenna Morasca Vs. Sharmell at Victory Road.
#6: Claire Lynch's fake affair with AJ Styles.
#5: Jeff Jarrett/Karen Jarrett/Kurt Angle real life love triangle.
#4: TNA's constant TV station jumps.
#3: AJ Styles real life contract dispute in 2013 with TNA.
#2: Consistent money issues.
#1: Jeff Hardy showing up incoherent due to drugs at Victory Road.
*** RING OF HONOR *** - ROH TV Recap:
-- Kyle O'Reilly gets jumped by Adam Cole and The Young Bucks of The Bullet Club and gets beaten down with steel chair shots to the shoulder.
-- Nigel McGuinness bans The Bullet Club from the building for the remainder of the show.
-- War Machine defeated Bob Evans and Ken Hughes, by pinfall. After the match, Keith Lee and Shane Taylor try to attack War Machine, but both get laid out.
-- Caprice Coleman, Kenny King and Rhett Titus interrupt the Cheeseburger vs. Will Ferrara match, plan to rid the ROH of unworthy wrestlers like Burger and Ferrara and challenge them to a six man tag team match.
-- Caprice Coleman, Kenny King and Rhett Titus defeated Cheeseburger, Will Ferrera and Moose, by pinfall. This was said to be Moose's last ROH TV appearance, as he now works for TNA.
-- Update on Kyle O'Reilly: O'Reilly refused doctors orders and will still fight Jay Lethal tonight for the ROH World Championship.
-- Jay Lethal defeated Kyle O'Reilly, by pinfall, to retain the ROH World Championship. Lethal hit a series of shoulder breakers on O'Reilly, but O'Reilly consistently keep kicking out at two. Lethal begged the referee to make O'Reilly quit before permanent damage to his shoulder set in. O'Reilly refused to quit and kept coming at Lethal. Lethal finally hits the Lethal Injection for the pinfall.
-- The Bullet Club attack Kyle O'Reilly again and drive steel chair shots into his shoulder. Adam Cole hits a shoulder breaker on O'Reilly and The Young Bucks hit a Meltzer driver on O'Reilly right on top of a steel chair. Bobby Fish and Jay Lethal finally hit the ring and make the save for O'Reilly.
-- Nigel McGuinness makes it clear that after his actions tonight, Adam Cole will never be ROH World Champion. As long as Nigel is ROH's matchmaker, Cole is banned from ever receiving an ROH World Championship match.
- Jay Lethal Title Defense In NJPW: ROH recently announced that ROH World Champion Jay Lethal will defend the title at the final show of the G1 Climax Tournament on August 14th, against Satoshi Kojima. Kojima is a 2-Time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and winner of the 2010 G1 Climax. The Briscoe Brothers are also being advertised for the show.
*** LUCHA UNDERGROUND ***
- Fourth Season Of LU Possible: According to PWInsider.com, there are plans in place to film a fourth season of Lucha Underground. Filming is being targeted to begin this fall or early winter. The third season of the show has already been filmed and is ready to be aired on the El Rey Network later this year. According to the ratings, season 2 scored higher than season 1 did last year.
- Brian Cage Interview: Lucha Underground superstar Brian Cage was interviewed this week. You can check out that interview HERE.
*** W3C Wrestler Of The Week ***
- Thought I'd start something new to add to the W3C each week. Every Sunday I'll highlight one wrestler, doesn't matter what promotion he works for and crown him the W3C Wrestler Of The Week! The inaugural W3C Wrestler Of The Week goes to.....the ROH World Champion, Jay Lethal.
- ROH Pure Championship (1 time)
- ROH World Championship (1 time time)
- ROH Television Championship (2 times)
- ROH Honor Rumble Winner
- ROH Survival of the Fittest Winner
- ROH Third Triple Crown Champion
- TNA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Consequences Creed
- TNA X Division Championship (6 times)
- TNA Feast or Fired Briefcase Winner
- World X Cup Winner – with Chris Sabin, Sonjay Dutt and Alex Shelley
- TNA X Division Wrestler of the Year (2007)
- Lethal has also won many titles in other independent wrestling promotions.
- "TNA X Division Championship Match": Kurt Angle (c) vs. Jay Lethal:
- "ROH World Championship Match": Jay Lethal (c) vs. Hirooki Goto:
- Jay Lethal's Famous TNA Promo Impersonating Ric Flair:
And that's this week's W3C! Join me every Sunday afternoon as I bring you news, recaps and rumors all around the wrestling world!
SportsNation Presents: Hot Take Time Machine (FRI, ESPN, 8pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXS TV, 8pm)
Masters Of Illusion (FRI, The CW, 8pm & 8:30pm)
What Would You Do? (FRI, ABC, 9pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXS TV, 9pm)
Killjoys (FRI, Syfy, 9pm)
Dark Matter (FRI, Syfy, 10pm)
Real Time With Bill Maher (FRI, HBO, 10pm)
Outcast (FRI, Cinemax, 10pm)
ELeague (FRI, TBS, 10pm)
Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle (FRI, Comedy Central, 10pm)
Uncommon Sense (FRI, MTV 2, 11pm)
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The American West (SAT, AMC, 10pm)
Boston EMS (SAT, ABC, 10pm)
Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle (SAT, Comedy Central, 10pm)
Orioles @ Blue Jays (SAT, MLB, 1pm)
Nationals @ Giants (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 4pm)
Cardinals @ Marlins (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 7pm) Athletics @ Indians (SAT, NBC/STO, 7pm)
Red Sox @ Angels OR Royals @ Rangers (SAT, MLB, 10pm)
BASKETBALL
Womens: USA Showcase: Canada vs. United States (FRI, NBA TV, 7pm) USA Showcase: United States vs. Venezuela (FRI, NBA TV, 9pm)
The Basketball Tournament, First Semifinal (SAT, ESPN, 5pm)
The Basketball Tournament, First Semifinal (SAT, ESPN, 7pm)
MMA & BOXING
Premier Boxing Champions (FRI, Spike, 9pm)
Boxing: Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton (SAT, Showtime, 9pm)
NASCAR & RACING
Global RallyCross Series (SAT, NBC, 2pm)
GOLF
2016 Ricoh Women's British Open Championship, Third Round (SAT, NBC, 11am)
2016 PGA Championship, Third Round (SAT, CBS, 2pm)
SOCCER
International Champions Cup: Celtic FC vs. FC Barcelona (SAT, ESPN, 1pm)
International Champions Cup: Real Madrid CF vs. Chelsea FC (SAT, ESPN, 3pm)
International Champions Cup: FC Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan (SAT, ESPNews, 5pm)
International Champions Cup: Liverpool FC vs. AC Milan (SAT, ESPN 2, 10pm)
MLB
Royals @ Rangers OR White Sox @ Cubs (MLB, 8pm)
SOCCER
MLS: All-Star Game, MLS All-Stars vs. Arsenal (ESPN, 7:30pm)
TENNIS
Rogers Cup, Round of 16 (ESPN 2, 6:30pm)
FOOTBALL
CFL: Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Edmonton Eskimos (ESPN 2, 9pm)
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Running Wild With Bear Grylls (NBC, 8pm)
Battlebots (ABC, 8pm)
Home Free (FOX, 8pm)
IMPACT Wrestling (POP, 8pm)
Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge (NBC, 9pm) Greatest Hits; "2000-2005", Fifth Harmony, Little Big Town, Mario, Lee Ann Womack (ABC, 9pm)
Home Free (FOX, 9pm)
Big Brother (CBS, 9pm)
Beauty And The Beast (The CW, 9pm)
Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll (FX, 10pm) Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle, PREMIERE (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Queen Of The South (USA, 10pm)
Ridiculousness (MTV, 10pm & 10:30pm)
As the end of the month approaches for the Cleveland Indians, the Indians have returned home after getting swept by the Orioles in Baltimore. While a lot of fans hoped for an immediate turnaround, the Indians have continued to look a bit sluggish only splitting the series against Washington, having their only win come in a miraculous comeback in their last at bat. A lot of Tribe fans, who all came alive during the Indians franchise record 14 game winning streak are now getting restless with a team that looks to be a potential World Series contender. What this situation has created is these fans that have crawled out of the woodwork making very closed minded takes where the logic is the Indians need to trade off the farm system to win this year. I proudly stand in the minority on this topic and think of the bigger picture. That is why I decided to bring back this article called, “In Defense Of…” and today I’m defending Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff for not trading Indians top prospects.
Now for the record, I’m NOT saying the Indians shouldn’t make a move, in fact I endorse getting relief help and another bat for the lineup. What I’m suggesting is the Indians fanbase needs to understand, there’s a smart, shrewd way to approach the deadline and then there’s desperation. I understand that the Cleveland fanbase wants to strike while the iron is hot after the Cavs won the NBA Finals and win a World Series. Understand, I want more than anyone in Cleveland to witness an Indians World Series title. I’ve said numerous times that I can live without a Browns Super Bowl as long as I see the Indians win a World Series. That’s how much I would love an Indians World Series title.
But even I think the Indians got to be smart about how they approach the Trade Deadline. My philosophy when it comes to trades is to be smart and not make a desperate, emotional move that might destroy the franchise.
We all look at the Aroldis Chapman deal as a, “lost opportunity” but what most Indians fans are oblivious to is the Cubs Top 10 prospects are dominated by the International signing market, a system that favors the “Big Market” teams as the smaller market teams are left to try to convince these International players, who grew up more aware of these bigger market teams because of the investments they’ve made in the International market, it’s hard for the small market teams to sign them. The Cubs Top 10 is dominated by International guys they’ve signed, the Indians Top 10 prospects is dominated by players the Indians drafted. For the Cubs, what they traded will be easily replenished in a year when they again dominate the International signing market. The Indians simply couldn’t afford to pay that kind of a price.
The fans forget that Cleveland is owned by the Dolan family still. While the Dolan's have made a significant jump in the team’s payroll in 2016, it doesn’t change the fact that the Indians probably won’t have the same resources other teams have when it comes to scouting. So this requires any trade the Indians might make to be made with an eye on the future. Fans need to think of prospects as almost the equivalent of the Browns having draft picks to trade to move up.
Now let’s ask a question, what if the Browns traded 3 straight first round picks for an Offensive Lineman? We’d be livid over that, wouldn’t we? Well this trade is the equivalent of what fans think the Indians should trade to get an Andrew Miller. You guys do realize you’re trading a huge price tag for a SETUP MAN. Whether Miller has multiple years left on his contract or not, Miller is 31 years old. I got to ask over the next few years will he decline in his abilities? Just because at 31 he’s pitching great, doesn’t mean he could decline next year.
Indians fans need to remember the 90s Indians as well. Remember when we had Brian Giles, Richie Sexson, Jeremy Burnitz, and Danny Graves all behind the 90s Indians core of Ramirez, Thome, Lofton, and Vizquel? I sure do, the Indians traded Burnitz for Kevin Seitzer. Richie Sexson was dealt for Bob Wickman, Jason Bere, and Steve Woodward. And we all know about Brian Giles for Ricardo Rincon. In those 3 trades the Indians traded 908 HRs and 3,002 RBIs away for guys who barely did anything to continue the success of the 90s Indians. A lot of fans to this day ask, “What if?” and if the Indians of the early 2000s could’ve continued the success. We’ll never know the answers to those questions, but its important that we look back to the past to see what we can learn from it.
Now while we can look back at the Ubaldo Jimenez trade, until really his 2nd Half dominance in 2013, Indians fans thought the Jimenez deal was a bad deal for the Indians (although Rockies didn’t benefit from it either). It shows the amazing ability of Indians fans to forget these things. It goes to show that even when you, “Go for it” it can really backfire on you.
Now there is a time and place for the Indians to trade top prospects and that’s in the case of a bonafide superstar player that is under team control for numerous years down the road. The Indians did at one point have a chance to build a package around Jaret Wright for Pedro Martinez in 1998 but said no. What fans FORGET is John Hart last year admitted he had a chance to acquire Randy Johnson in a deal that would send Brian Giles to the Mariners.
Now those are players you trade prospects for. While Johnson was going to be a FA after 1998, that’s the definition of, “going for it” and you could only imagine if the 1998 Indians had Randy Johnson, could they have gotten by the 114 win Yankees with a rotation led by Randy Johnson, Bartolo Colon, and Charles Nagy? Again that’s an answer we’ll never know, but those are scenarios where trading prospects makes sense.
The current market holds some very intriguing names out there, but there really aren’t any guys who drastically will change things come October. Jonathan Lucroy might be the closest thing to an impact player out there. But Lucroy has never had more than 82 RBIs in a season (2013) and outside of 2013, has never had more than 70 RBIs. While he’s a great fit on a team that needs a good defensive catcher with the ability to hit, his resume doesn’t really make him that, “bonafide superstar” you really need to trade top prospects.
A player that would classify this, “bonafide superstar” is Colorado Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado. Now most people will say his numbers are inflated because he plays in Colorado, that doesn’t change the fact that he led the NL in HRs and RBIs last year. On top of that, Nolan Arenado has won the NL 3B Gold Glove EVERY YEAR he’s been playing in Colorado. It’s not just a bat you’re paying up for, but an outstanding fielder as well. While the Rockies probably wouldn’t trade him, this is the kind of guy you pay top prospects for.
At the end of the day, prospects are assets for any trade in baseball. What Indians fans are suggesting is the Indians should burn through all your assets to go for it this year. But what if they don’t win it and you need to fill another problem area? You could very well make a major trade for a bonafide superstar in the offseason that changes everything for 2017. I know this isn’t the popular take for the fanbase, but its the right take. The Indians can easily maneuver themselves with shrewd trades like acquiring Danny Valencia, Will Smith, and maybe Jonathan Lucroy without having to give up everything. It’s going to take the Indians to stand firm on their offers and play hardball with teams. To be a General Manager in Baseball you got to be able to stand your ground and not show your hand. The Indians Front Office have consistently shown in the past to make shrewd deals that the Indians have benefited from. I fully expect them to NOT trade Clint Frazier or Bradley Zimmer. I think the Indians might look to make multiple cheaper moves before the deadline.
Whatever moves the Indians make, understand it won’t be an irrational move that would only hurt the team. There simply isn’t that difference maker available to really trade for. The Indians Front Office understands that and won’t let teams swindle them for guys that won’t totally change the game. While it would be nice to grab an Andrew Miller, he’s not going to drastically change the game since he will be the setup guy and not the closer. There’s a way to find the players the Indians need to improve the team without having to resort to a desperate, irresponsible trade. Indians fans also need to learn that if you don’t trade for an impact player this year, you might be able to find someone even better that solidifies a potential dynasty for the next 5 years in the offseason. At the end of the day, the Front Office needs to make moves that show the fans that they are going to improve the team during the season, but fans must try to understand how building a Baseball franchise works. It’s not as simple as trading prospects for players, it’s about finding the right guy with the right contract that fits into your payroll that changes the game.
For me, I’m not going to panic over anything because I have full faith in Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff to make the responsible trades that improve the Indians for a potential playoff run. I suggest that fans try to have the same faith in them as well. The Indians are in a very enviable situation where the entire league is raving over their farm system. The Indians if they really wanted to could shock the baseball world with a game changing trade. It’s all about the bigger picture, we need to stop thinking with a very closed mind and open our eyes up to the bigger picture. I leave you with this thought, the Tigers had a ton of top prospects and traded those for a future Hall of Famer in Miguel Cabrera, who knows, if the Indians can play it smart at the deadline, they might be able to make a similar trade in the offseason. Now that would be something all fans can agree on. GO TRIBE!
Football is back and with that a new era has begun with the Browns. And with that there is always something new to look for during Training Camp which is why I chose six thing to keep an eye out for.
1. The first thing we all should look out for is Hue Jackson and how he runs his practices. From all the different reports there seems to be one contestant and that is how Coach Jackson and his staff are going to run training camp. This isn't going to be like years before which were named "camp cupcake" there is going to be live tackling when playing 11 on 11. Coach Jackson and his staff comes to Cleveland with a resume of toughness, grind it out, intense football teams. That is how they are going to build a successful team in Cleveland. Also going through the name coach Jackson has on his staff there is a ton of experience. Guys like Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton (yes again), Wide Receivers Coach Al Saunders, QB Coach/ Associate Head Coach Pep Hamilton, Running Backs Coordinator Kirby Wilson, and many more. All these guys have spent in total almost 100 years working in the NFL. So they all know what it takes to be successful, and to finally turn this franchise around.
2. The second thing to watch for is Josh Gordon. Earlier this week he was reinstated by the NFL and is now officially on the Browns roster. Unfortunately he is out the first two weeks of training camp but watching an elite player like Josh Gordon will be worth turning into the preseason games. We don't know what shape Gordon is in or how the team will respond to him getting another chance so I'm really curious to see how all that plays out. And one last thing on Gordon, I'm curious if he can make it through training camp and the first four weeks without doing anything stupid (which honestly I think he can).
3. Robert Griffin III is my third thing to watch out for...LOL. But for real, here is someone who was the second overall pick in the 2012 draft, took an average team to the playoffs, but unfortunately got hurt. The Redskins most likely rushed him back too soon since they gave up so much for him. RGIII hasn't played in a regular season game since November 23, 2014. He's only 26 years old, and Hue Jackson basically hand picked him to lead this team. I wouldn't say success is only based on how RGIII plays since we seen Josh McCown can lead this team need be, but if RGIII can be somewhat like his rookie season the Browns are going to be an entertaining football team to watch.
4. My fourth thing to keep an eye out for is the DB redemption. Last year we were talking about "locking down the lake" and that stupid stuff, but this year many players have something to prove. My guy "All-Pro Joe" needs to step it up this year. He got his money and last year was the worst of his career. Yes, he was often injured but when he did play it was extremely poorly even though there was a ton of hype as him being a top-5 corner in the NFL. Two other guys to watch for is Tramon Williams who again played poorly after being signed as a free agent last year. And former eighth overall pick Justin Gilbert who seemed to get into Mike Pettine's dog house and never could escape.
5. Number five is Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo. Both have a lot to prove because:
A. Both didn't have a great year last year.
B. Both are going to be free agents
C. Both are the savy vets on this defense. The Browns drafted three pass rushers in the top 100 picks this past draft (Emmanuel Ogbah, Carl Nassib & Joe Schobert).
6. Which brings us to the sixth thing we all should be looking at. And thats the 13 drafted picks and many other undrafted free agents. Yes we know about Corey Coleman, Emmanuel Ogbah, what about guys like receiver Ricardo Lewis, safety Derrick Kendred, Offensive lineman Spencer Drango, receiver Rashard Higgins, and undrafted free agent center Mike Matthews. There are many spots not just on the 53 man roster that will be overtaken by rookies but potentially even starting spots on both sides of the ball. Which is another reason why even the preseason games will be entertaining.
The 2016 Cleveland Browns are going to be a fascinating team. A team that doesn't expect to win many game but to consistently improve and build towards a positive future and all that starts with Hue Jackson's first training camp in Cleveland.
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, is here with your NXT Recap Edition.
This week's NXT took place at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Shinsuke Nakamura battled Wesley Blake. Billy Kay battled Santana Garrett in women's division action. TM61 battled Adrian Nails and Rob Ryzin in tag team action. No Way Jose battled Steve Cutler. Japanese superstar Kota Ibushi makes his NXT debut against Buddy Murphy in the main event.
- Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Wesley Blake: The match closes out with Nakamura landing a series of strikes on Blake. Nakamura gets Blake on the top rope and then hits a running knee to the gut. Nakamura hits the exploder suplex on Blake, follows that up with the Kinshasa and scores the pinfall. After the match, NXT GM William Regal appears and informs Nakamura that he will face Samoa Joe for the NXT World Title at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2. Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall.
- Billie Kay vs. Santana Garrett: The match closes out with Kay choking Garrett and then landing a modified gut wrench suplex, for a near fall. Kay applies a cravat submission, but Garrett escapes. Garrett hits a handspring corner splash on Kay. Kay charges and takes Garrett out with a running boot for the pinfall. Winner: Billy Kay, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Bayley asks NXT GM William Regal if she can have her rematch against Asuka for the NXT Women's Championship. Regal makes it official for NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2.
- TM61 vs. Adrian Nails and Rob Ryzin: The match closes out with Nails and Ryzin double teaming Thorne in the corner. Thorne finally hot tags Miller and Miller cleans house. Thorne and Miller hit their double team Thunder Valley finisher and score the pinfall. Winners: TM61, by pinfall.
- No Way Jose vs. Steve Cutler: The match closes out with Jose hitting a arm drag into a neck breaker on Cutler. Jose lands a hard punch on Cutler, hits the Cobra Clutch Bomb and scores the pinfall. After the match, Jose is still furious over Austin Aries attacking him a few weeks back. Jose says he was just trying to show Aries how to have fun, but he chose to attack Jose instead. Jose calls out Aries, but Aries no shows. Winner: No Way Jose, by pinfall.
- Buddy Murphy vs. Kota Ibushi: The match closes out with Ibushi nailing a kick on a charging Murphy and then hits a german suplex for a near fall. Ibushi misses a moonsault and then gets sent into the corner by Murphy. Murphy goes for a superplex on Ibushi, but Ibushi counters and hits the Last Ride Power Bomb for the pinfall. Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall.
SOCCER
International Champions Cup: Real Madrid CF vs. Paris Saint-Germain FC (ESPN 2, 7:30pm)
NASL: Rayo OKC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (CBS SportsNet, 9pm)
International Champions Cup: FC Bayern Munich vs. AC Milan (ESPN 2, 9:30pm)
BASKETBALL
Womens: USA Showcase; France vs. United States (NBA TV, 7:30pm)
The Night Shift (NBC, 9pm)
Wayward Pines (FOX, 9pm)
American Gothic (CBS, 9pm)
Suits (USA, 9pm)
Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons (HBO, 10pm)
The Challenge: Rivals III (MTV, 10pm)
Tyrant (FX, 10pm)
Mr. Robot (USA, 10pm)
Wahlburgers (A&E, 10pm)
Another Period (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, is here with your Smackdown Live Recap Edition.
This week's Smackdown Live took place in Buffalo, New York. How did Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan respond to RAW's first show as a separate brand? A Battle Royal and a Six Pack Challenge determined who would meet Dean Ambrose at Summer Slam for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Becky Lynch gets a WWE Battleground rematch against Nattie Neidhart. The Miz returns with Miz TV with special guest Randy Orton, which sets up a Miz vs. Orton match.
*** Smackdown Live ***
- Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan Promo: The new Smackdown Live roster is in the ring with Shane and Bryan. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dean Ambrose is out next and is looking for his next opponent. Bryan announces tonight's main event will be a six pack challenge with the winner meeting Dean Ambrose at Summer Slam. John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Bray Wyatt, Baron Corbin, AJ Styles and the winner of tonight's battle Royal that starts now will compete in the six pack challenge.
- "Six Pack Challenge Entrance Battle Royal": The match closes out with Kane, Zack Ryder, Kalisto and Apollo Crews as the final four. Kalisto hitting a seated senton and Salida Del Sol on Apollo Crews. Zack Ryder misses the El-Brow and gets a spike hurricanrana from Kalisto. Kane tosses Kalisto out for the elimination and then hits running clotheslines on Ryder and Crews. Kane counters the Rough Ryder, plants Ryder with a choke slam and then tosses Ryder out for the elimination. Kane charges at Crews. Crews drops down, pulls the top rope down and Kane flips over to the floor for the final elimination. Winner: Apollo Crews, to advance to the Six Pack Challenge tonight.
- It was announced that former WWE Intercontinental Champion, WWE United States Champion, WWE World Tag Team Champion and ECW World Champion, Shelton Benjamin has returned to the WWE and has been signed to the Smackdown Live roster.
- Becky Lynch vs. Nattie Neidhart: The match closes out with Nattie going for the Sharpshooter submission, but Becky pushes her off. Nattie gets a near fall German suplex on Becky. Becky goes for the Dis-Arm-Her submission, but Nattie counters and gets a near fall discus lariat. Becky traps Nattie in the Dis-Arm-Her submission on the second attempt and forces Nattie to tap out. Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission.
- Dolph Ziggler Promo: Ziggler says every night he tries to steal the show, but he recently lost his way. Tonight he starts over, wins the Six Pack Challenge and moves on to Summer Slam.
- Alexa Bliss Promo: Alexa says she's the personification of the Women’s Division. Naomi interrupts and finds it funny that Alexa is running her mouth and has yet to wrestle anyone on Smackdown. Carmella interrupts and says Tuesday nights just got Fabulous with her here. Eva Marie interrupts and tries to steal the spotlight with her looks.
- Miz TV with Special Guest Randy Orton: The Miz decides to interview himself instead and ignores introducing Randy Orton. Miz talks himself up as being a hero, everyone looks up to him, he's everything the people are not, he's a WWE superstar, a movie star, married to the perfect woman and is the WWE Intercontinental Champion. Maryse says her reality is better than everyone’s dreams since she is married to The Miz. Randy Orton finally interrupts and heads to the ring. Orton says he was confused because everything Miz just rattled off sounded like Randy Orton's profile. Miz doesn't understand why Orton interrupted him when Orton should be preparing for Brock Lesnar in four weeks. Orton says he's going into Suplex City and RKO'ing Lesnar into Viperville. Orton decides he doesn't want to wait for Summer Slam for his first match back, instead he'll fight The Miz tonight and it doesn't even have to be for his title. Miz remembers beating Orton for the WWE World Title a few years back, but says no to the challenge. Orton asks Miz if he's afraid of getting his ass beat in front of his wife. Maryse interrupts and says no one talks to her husband like that and Miz accepts the challenge.
- Randy Orton vs. The Miz: The match closes out with Orton rolling to the floor and Miz follows. Orton lands a punch and an uppercut on Miz. Miz fires back and tosses Orton shoulder first into the steel steps. Miz returns the fight to the ring and gets dropped immediately with an RKO. Orton stalks Miz and waits for Miz to get back to his feet. Orton hits a second RKO on Miz and scores the pinfall. Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall.
- Heath Slater Promo: Slater attacks an independent wrestler in the ring and grabs a microphone. Slater says that he knows there has been a mistake that he wasn't drafted on either RAW or Smackdown. Slater asks to be added to the Six Pack Challenge tonight and make it a Magnificent Seven Challenge. Shane McMahon interrupts and tells Slater that when someone needs a job they usually turn a resume in. Slater rattles off his accomplishments with Nexus and 3MB and says he's the hottest free agent right now. Shane says Slater is right, he is looking at the hottest free agent in the ring right now. Rhyno suddenly appears and gores Slater into next week.
- AJ Styles Promo: Styles says that he is the obvious pick and with or without The Club, he will beat up Bray Wyatt, Baron Corbin, Apollo Crews, Dolph Ziggler and John Cena.
- Bray Wyatt Promo: Bray says he's the eater of worlds, he is the beginning and the end, everything revolves around him, tonight five men will fall and soon he will truly have the whole world in his hands.
- "Six Pack Challenge Match": John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt vs. AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin vs. Apollo Crews: The match closes out with Bray hitting Sister Abigail on Crews and Ziggler hits the Zig Zag on Bray. Cena hits an AA on Ziggler and Styles plants a Pele Kick on Cena. Cena is back up and drops Styles with an AA for a near fall. Crews hits a cross body on Cena, but Cena rolls through, lifts Crews in the air and hits the AA. Cena catches Bray and drops him with an AA.
Cena goes for the AA on Corbin, but Corbin unloads a series of elbows. Styles flies in and hits the Phenomenal Forearm on Cena, but Styles eats a Ziggler super kick after. Ziggler covers Styles and scores the pinfall. After the match, Dean Ambrose hits the ring and he and Ziggler go nose to nose. Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall, to advance to WWE Summer Slam to face Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
