Puffs of Smoke

1)  So the word on the street (IPI, PD, etc) is that the Indians have signed Orlando Cabrera to play second base.  First off, be aware that the deal is not official yet, the two sides have only "agreed to terms."  That being said, the decision makes little sense.  The only rational for sliding a former Gold Glover out of his natural position is to protect the fragile psyche of the incumbent.  Now, I dig AsCab, but it's not like he's a Hall of Famer in the making.

As I've become more experienced with the nuances of professional sports, I have come to comprehend just how much success is based on mental endurance.  I'm not pointing to extreme cases like Zack Greinke or Kahlil Greene, rather to the fact that all of these dudes are really only guys like us.  They're not supermen.  They get happy and sad and angry and depressed and jealous and the whole bag.  I get it.  Even so, Asdrubal should have the wherewithal to recognize that Orlando is a rental and his play at short would be in the best interests of the team.  I mean, Az deferred to Jhonny freakin' Peralta for 2 years.  Don't be a baby.

2)  In addition to his career game yesterday, Cleveland State point guard Norris Cole has something else to smile about.  Cole is one of 10 finalists for the Bob Cousy award as the nation's top point guard.

The complete list --

Norris Cole - Cleveland State
Corey Fisher – Villanova
Jimmer Fredette – BYU
DJ Gay – San Diego State
Brandon Knight –  Kentucky
Demetri McCamey – Illinois
Mickey McConnell – St. Mary’s
Nolan Smith – Duke
Isaiah Thomas – Washington
Kemba Walker – Connecticut

The only guy that isn't a household name is McConnell.  I've seen him just once but that was the game that he hit a ridiculous leaner to give the Gaels their first win at Gonzaga in 15 years.  He's the real deal.  For Cole, just to be included on the list is an honor.  And for CSU, the fact they're about to send there second alumnus in 3 years to the Association speaks volumes to the renaissance that Gary Waters has initiated.

3)  New Browns head man Pat Shurmur will run without an offensive co-ordinator.  I would like to believe this is to make use of the man's background in play-calling.  Unfortunately, the work week of an NFL head coach is about 80 hours even when delegating to an OC.  This suggests that Mike Holmgren will truly be pulling strings from behind the curtain and ghost coaching the whole deal.  I'm reluctant to pass judgment.  I only hope that the organization can commit to this coach for more than 3 season.