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I joined Dawgs By Nature November 8, 2006. That will make for 8 years on DBN come November, For a few others, they have been here longer. No big deal, the only thing that matters is that if you are reading this, you have found DBN and you trust this site to cover the Browns better than anyone. Even though I am an author on the site, I am but a very, very small cog in a machine that is worked by many people. Chris Pokorny has been working this site since it started. So far back I can't even find it. But when the Browns were drafting bad Quarterback after bad Quarterback, Chris was there covering it all. This site wouldn't be here without it. In late 2006-early 2007, Dawgs By Nature had a banner month. March, the month before the Browns were to select Joe Thomas, saw 8,367 page visits. The following month we had a slight down tick at 7,417. Not surprised that these two months were the highest, draft time is usually the high points for the NFL teams and the need for information. That was a massive spike considering we had 564 page views in the month of June of 2006. The next year DBN saw another uptick in traffic, with August of 2007 being the high point. Remember how great that was? Browns went 3-1 in the preseason and had just completed one of the best drafts in modern history (oops..). Brady Quinn, Joe Thomas and people were pumped. DBN reaped the rewards. 24,761 page views meant that people were excited, ready to go and wanted to talk Browns football. The following year held firm with August of 2008 reaching just over 32k. But again, once the draft rolled around, the site exploded. In March of 2009 we exploded to 137,639 page views. While the traffic did slow down some, DBN would toy with 6 figures on and off for the next few months. The start of the 2009 season saw visits climb over 110k, but once the team fizzled, so did the traffic. Down into the 70k-90k range for the rest of the season. But again, once draft season rolled back around DBN grew stronger. Over 150k page views for March and April. As I said before, the draft season is always strong. Once the start of the 2010 season rolled around, the numbers again ticked North. Sitting solidly at the 120k range, but the team didn't play up to expectations, and the Browns visits dropped below the 100k range for the first time in almost 6 months. DBN saw an odd spike, January of 2011, or as we know it as, the firing of Eric Mangini. The firing led to much debate here, and the need for updates on the coaching search led many fans to the best coverage of the Orange and Brown. 2011-2012 is when the site took another big step forward. Start of the 2011 season brought in over 224k page views in the month of August. Unfortunately we saw the same old story as the Browns faded, the traffic taped off some. Not too much though as the lowest spot was still in the six figures. When the 2012 draft rolled around DBN was humming. The argument of Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck or trading down was firing up the boards. For the first time in site history DBN surpassed the quarter million mark with 275,921 visits in April of 2012. That brings us to the past 12 months. Thanks to the tireless work of Chris, Rufio, Jon, plus the addition of the fantastic new writers Mike, Josh, Dan, Zach and Moon, we have been able to take the next step. Thanks to the excellent draft write ups, the 2013 draft articles and the Jimmy Haslam FBI coverage, DBN skyrocketed to 418k page views in April. We also broke the 800k mark on page views in that month as well. We saw our first article go viral with over 1,200 shares on Facebook and trend on twitter. We broke down more draft prospects than Cleveland.com and saw new readers from far away lands like Korea and Australia. As we start so many new ventures here at DBN, like a radio show, a possible pre-game show and more interaction on social media, it's important to remember where we all started. Thanks to those who did this before us, and let us hope we tak

Posted in EventsMartin BielatNews[ June 20, 2013; ]           Thu. 6/20 It's Thursday! Yes we know that you have work today, but the weekend is practically here! Celebrate this gorgeous one by getting out and having a blast with your friends and family. There are tons of events going on in Cleveland today and here are our top three suggestions: 1) Not What I Expected..Dances of [...]

• So it looks like the horrible rehab outing by Chris Perez last night might affect his timetable to return as he won’t be activated off of the disabled list Friday anymore.  Perez will need another rehab appearance but it still shouldn’t be too long until he’s closing in Cleveland. In his place of course is currently Vinnie Pestano, who has two saves in place of Perez but has not been without his own troubles this year.  • Heath Bell notched his 13th save of the year but not before allowing a home run, a single and a walk to the Miami Marlins. In his last four appearances hes allowed five runs and with JJ Putz starting a rehab assignment this week, Bell’s days of closing in Arizona might be numbered. Similarly to Chris Perez in Cleveland, if their are no setbacks, Putz will be back to his familiar place in ninth inning once he’s activated off of the DL. Bullpen mate David Hernandez, pitched a scoreless eighth inning tonight picking up his fourth win of the year. Hernandez hasn’t been without his faults this year either (4.62 FIP in 2013 after a 2.08 FIP in 2012) but he remains a top set up option in Arizona for holds and if Bell continues to struggle he could become a preferred back-up option for saves in the desert. • Valverde’s chances of seeing saves might be gone after today’s outing: 1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR. I fully expect Joaquin Benoit to receive the next opportunities in Detroit, with Drew Smyly as a sneaky option. Bruce Rondon has been solid in AAA, with a 1.93 FIP and 12.83 K/9 in 26.2 innings pitched and remains an option to help out the pen at some point this year and Detroit could certainly look outside the organization as well. Either way, in the meantime make sure you have Benoit in your lineup. • Oliver Perez entered the game in the seventh inning last night while Yoervis Medina recorded the first save of his career. Tom Wilhelmsen was initially supposed to only leave the ninth inning briefly but after blowing the lead in the eighth inning tonight and continuing his struggles, his temporary leave of absence might become more permanent. In his place Seattle could play the matchups, with Medina getting the bulk of the opportunities and Ollie having a chance to get out any tough lefties. Carter Capps was initially thought to be in the closer mix but he’s struggled of late as well particularly with the long ball, falling behind Perez and Medina on the depth chart. Medina has a fastball/slider combo that gets a fair share of strikeouts (9.51 K/9) and keeps the ball on the ground and in the yard, but like many a hard-thrower, Medina struggles a bit with his control (5.32 BB/9). The door has opened due to Wilhelmsen’s struggles and if Medina can keep his walks in check, he could be an adequate option. Closer Grid: collapse;table-layout:fixed'> Closer First Second DL/Minors Arizona Heath Bell David Hernandez Matt Reynolds J.J. Putz Atlanta Craig Kimbrel Jordan Walden Cory Gearrin Baltimore Jim Johnson Darren O’Day Tommy Hunter Boston Andrew Bailey Junichi Tazawa Koji Uehara CHI (NL) Kevin Gregg Carlos Marmol James Russell CHI (AL) Addison Reed Jesse Crain Matt Thornton Cincy Aroldis Chapman Jonathan Broxton J.J. Hoover Sean Marshall Cleveland Vinnie Pestano Joe Smith Bryan Shaw Chris Perez Colorado Rex Brothers Wilton Lopez Matt Belisle Rafael Betancourt Detroit Joaquin Benoit Drew Smyly Jose Valverde Houston Jose Veras Hector Ambriz Wesley Wright KC Greg Holland Aaron Crow Kelvin Herrera LAA Ernesto Frieri Scott Downs Robert Coello Ryan Madson LAD Kenley Jansen Brandon League Ronald Belisario Miami Steve Cishek Mike Dunn Chad Qualls Milwaukee Francisco Rodriguez Jim Henderson John Axford Minnesota Glen Perkins Jared Burton Casey Fien NY (NL) Bobby Parnell Brandon Lyon LaTroy Hawkins Frank Francisco NY (AL) Mariano Rivera David Robertson Joba Chamberlain Oakland Grant Balfour

Royals starter Luis Mendoza, pitching with balky knee, was flirting with a no-hitter over his first four innings Wednesday in Cleveland. The first hit he allowed left the ballpark [...] Read more Luis Mendoza news

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The Las Vegas Summer League is a beautiful haven where hyped rookies and forgotten veterans ply their trade as they either confirm our suspicions or surprise us with unknown skill. They can fascinate us mercilessly with their huge games against no defense, or frustrate endlessly with their untapped potential. Well ladies and gentlemen, it's back! The NBA announced the schedule for its annual 10 day summer extravaganza, where 22 teams will actually compete within a new playoff format. The first five days of the event are scheduled here. I've bolded the Cavs' games for your convenience. Friday July 12COX Pavilion 1 PM -- New York vs. New Orleans (Game 1) 3 PM -- Atlanta vs. LA Clippers (Game 2) 5 PM -- Cleveland vs. LA Lakers (Game 3) 7 PM -- Charlotte vs. San Antonio (Game 4)Saturday July 13COX Pavilion 1 PM -- Golden State vs. Washington (Game 5) 3 PM -- Sacramento vs. Dallas (Game 6) 5 PM -- Chicago vs. Memphis (Game 8) 7 PM -- Denver vs. Milwaukee (Game 10)Thomas & Mack 3:30 PM -- Minnesota vs. NBA D-League (Game 7) 5:30 PM -- Phoenix vs. Portland (Game 9) 7:30 PM -- Miami vs. Toronto (Game 11)Sunday July 14COX Pavilion 1 PM -- New York vs. Washington (Game 12) 3 PM -- Charlotte vs. Dallas (Game 14) 5 PM -- Cleveland vs. Memphis (Game 16) 7 PM -- Atlanta vs. Miami (Game 18)Thomas & Mack 1:30 PM -- LA Clippers vs. NBA D-League (Game 13) 3:30 PM -- LA Lakers vs. Portland (Game 15) 5:30 PM -- New Orleans vs. Milwaukee (Game 17) 7:30 PM -- San Antonio vs. Toronto (Game 19)Monday July 15COX Pavilion 1 PM -- New York vs. Charlotte (Game 20) 3 PM -- Cleveland vs. New Orleans (Game 21) 5 PM -- LA Clippers vs. LA Lakers (Game 23) 7 PM -- San Antonio vs. Atlanta (Game 25)Thomas & Mack 3:30 PM -- Minnesota vs. Phoenix (Game 22) 5:30 PM -- Sacramento vs. Golden State (Game 24) 7:30 PM -- Chicago vs. Denver (Game 26)Tuesday July 16COX Pavilion 1 PM -- Minnesota vs. Miami (Game 27) 3 PM -- Sacramento vs. Toronto (Game 28) 5 PM -- Chicago vs. Portland (Game 30) 7 PM -- Denver vs. Washington (Game 32)Thomas & Mack 3:30 PM -- Golden State vs. Milwaukee (Game 29) 5:30 PM -- Phoenix vs. Memphis (Game 31) 7:30 PM -- Dallas vs. NBA D-League (Game 33) The game against the Lakers is probably going to be atrocious because they don't have any fun young players to watch. But the two games against Memphis and New Orleans should provide fun atmospheres with great young players abounding. Then on Wednesday the playoffs begin. Each team is guaranteed five games, even if they lose in the first round. I'll at least be out there for the playoff portion of the event, and Conrad may be out there earlier in the event so we should have excellent coverage. Among the Cavaliers in attendance should be whomever the number one selection is, another rookie whenever the Cavaliers decide to pick after their various wheelings and dealings are done, Dion Waiters, Tyler Zeller, Kevin Jones, Michael Eric and a various selection of other rookies and veterans that the Cavs think may be able to make their roster. It's always fun to see who steps up and impresses, so we'll see what happens from July 12-22. All of the games will be televised on NBATV

The Cleveland Browns have undergone a radical change of late. They have a new owner, a new coaching staff, a new defensive scheme and new players at many positions.Unlike most regime changes, the quarterback position will remain the same. Brandon Weeden, last year's first-round pick, will have 2013 to prove himself after a very hit-and-miss rookie season.With Jason Campbell brought in as a backup who is capable of starting if needed, it looks like Weeden already has one foot out the door, and the new management has not exactly embraced him as the starter.Despite the lack of confidence that people seem to have in Weeden, fans included, given that the Browns have not had anything outside of Derek Anderson's one good year in 2007, I actually have high hopes for Weeden in 2013.Browns fans seeming so eager to ditch Brandon Weeden after one year is surprising. Yes, he had some games where he was flat-out awful (the season opener against Philadelphia comes to mind), and he does overthrow some balls by a ridiculous amount, not to mention the interceptions.Having Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner in the coaching staff should make Weeden more comfortable this season, and not only that, but their system and what they bring to the system is also perfect for him.Pat Shurmur's style of offense was fine for Colt McCoy and his skill set, but it was the worst combination for Weeden. Weeden's strengths lie not in a few short passes, but in stretching the field and spreading out defenses.Not only will the new offense allow more deep connections with Josh Gordon over the course of the season, but spreading the defense should also create fewer interceptions.Perhaps most importantly, Chudzinski will likely be utilizing the shotgun a lot more with Weeden, which is his preferred style. Having that extra bit of time to make a read and zip the ball will make all the difference, especially because he does not exactly have the option of running given his lack of speed.I keep pushing the new system, but it's difficult to underestimate the issues that Weeden had last year because of how the plays were run. The Browns had 27 dropped passes, among the highest total in the league, and there were interceptions that were the result of bobbles by the receivers.This isn't to alleviate Weeden of any of the blame for how his year went. The Browns would have beaten the Eagles with almost anyone else at quarterback that day. Even Thaddeus Lewis probably would have snagged it.There are reasons to be optimistic about Weeden himself as well, not just because of the regime change. He did manage three 300-yard games, which included one in December, and that number should increase easily in a new system.No one is expecting Weeden to be elite all of a sudden, but can he complete 60-61 percent of his passes next year to go along with 25 touchdowns? With the offense the Browns have, I don't see why not.It is, of course, up to Weeden to not only learn the playbook, but also to deliver. He has the perfect situation around him with a quality running back, perhaps the best wide receiver group the Browns have had since their return, and a solid offensive line to boot.If Weeden still fails to deliver, then they can snag a quarterback next year and will at least have good pieces in place for that quarterback to work with.I'm a believer in Weeden in this system. Yes, he looked bad in 2012, but sometimes all you have to do is work with the strengths the players have as a coach and watch them evolve.

The Detroit Tigers (39-31, 1st place, 3.5 games ahead of Cleveland, losing streak at 2) continue their home stand with a 4-game set against the Clay Buchholz-less Boston Red Sox (44-30, 1st place AL East). The forecast says Detroit weather all good for the first couple games, fair chance of rain over the weekend that could affect play. Thursday, June 20, 7:08 PM EDT: RHP John Lackey (4-5, 3.08) v LHP Jose Alvarez (1-0, 1,50) Friday, June 21, 7:08 PM EDT: LHP Jon Lester (6-4, 4.37) v RHP Doug Fister (6-4, 3.21) Saturday, June 22, 7:15 PM EDT*: RHP Allen Webster (0-1, 11.74) v RHP Max Scherzer (10-0, 3.08) Sunday, June 23,  1:08 PM EDT: LHP Felix Doubront (4-3, 4.38) v RHP Justin Verlander (8-5, 3.72) * National on Fox, meaning blacked out for us MLB.tv folks  MEET THE RED SOX*:  HITTING: .268 AVG (Tigers .281), .345 OBP (.348), .443 SLG (.428), .788 OPS (.776),  371 R (343), 82 HR (72), 58 of 71 SB (21 of 27), GIDP 59 or 11% (61 or 11%), INFIELD HITS 68 or 10.3% (52 or 7.6%). STARTING PITCHING: 3.70 ERA (Tigers 3.38), .241 BAA (.237), 1.30 WHIP (1.13), 401/174 K/BB (465/107), 54 HR (31). BULLPEN: 213 IP (Tigers 191), 12-8 W-L (4-13), 3.89 ERA (3.76), .246 BAA (.234), 1.36 WHIP (1.27), 231/91 K/BB (200/77), 26 HR (17), IRS% 27% (30%) DEFENSE: .986 FPCT (Tigers .989), .692 DefEff (.686), 59 DP (52), 76% SBPCT (75%), OF ASSISTS 15 (9), UNEARNED RUNS 20 (13). *Thru 69 games You could have – would have – called this another “are they ready?” series before the one just concluded against Baltimore. (You may recall that the Tigers failed the first two such tests against the Rangers and the Pirates.) At this point, a split with Boston would be a pleasant surprise, though the Red Sox feature a bullpen that the Tigers could munch on if they were so inclined. But I’m guessing that they’re not so inclined. A few tidbits on the best starting rotation in baseball: INNING-OWNERS*: MASTERS OF THEIR DOMAIN (thru 67 games) SCHERZER 52.2% (48 OF 92) ALVAREZ 50.0% (3 OF 6) PORCELLO 40.3% (29 OF 72) SANCHEZ 36.1% (30 OF 83) FISTER 35.8% (34 OF 95) VERLANDER 26.1% (23 OF 88) *Perfect but for any IBB or ROE IMPERFECT INNINGS ERA (thru 67 games) ALVAREZ 3.00 SANCHEZ 4.25 VERLANDER 4.57 FISTER 4.87 SCHERZER 6.54 PORCELLO 9.18 INTERESTING COUNT DATA (BAA/OPSA) thru 67 games 1ST PITCH*** 0-2******* 3-2****** 3-BALL%** HOT COUNT**** NOT COUNT***** K COUNT VERLANDER .222/.633 .152/.391** .333/.974 18% 1-2 .158/.366 2-1 .611/1.690 1-2 (60%) SCHERZER .343/.905 .146/.341* .057/.498 18% 2-2 .079/.238 1-0 .438/1.537 0-2 (59%) PORCELLO .458/1.208 .190/.381** .286/.819 20% 1-2 .070/.233 1-0 .563/1.250 0-2 (57%) SANCHEZ .548/1.322 .122/.244* .200/.710 19% 1-2 .037/.073 1ST PITCH 1-2 (65%) FISTER .324/.780 .188/.517** .351/.922 17.5% 2-2 .182/.400 1-1 .393/.842 2-2 (47%) (The bold type and asterisks are for separation and readability only, nothing more. Haven’t quite worked out the table insertion thing…) And now, the situation… The Tigers are fresh off their most humiliating loss of the season, a 13-3 rout at home that went from bad to worse to what we hope will be the last pitch Jose Valverde throws as a Tiger. Tell me something. Why does Miguel Cabrera not charge the Flaherty grounder in the 4th, two outs, man on 2B, Orioles up 2-0? Mario Impemba on Cabrera waiting on the ball at the bag and attempting to tag Hardy out there: “Really Miggy’s only play.” I don’t think so. I think that was a horrendous error in judgment that sent the game on its way to the toilet. I’ll have nice things to say about Miggy later, but that play is one big black eye. HUGE black eye. Even if the tag at 3rd is the only play, it was still misplayed, at great cost. I will get to the oft-neglected subject of defense next series. Oh, I get it. The Tigers are a good hitting team. Not a good scoring team. Thanks for clearing that up, Tigers hitters. Anibal is out. That hurts. Austin is back, and wa

Justin Masterson managed to hang around for 6 1-3 innings and win for the sixth time at home, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

Justin Masterson managed to hang around for 6 1-3 innings and win for the sixth time at home, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.