Parker and Davis, Cavs, Dethrone The "King"

LeBenedict and his crew came to the Q once again to take on our beloved Cavaliers, which ended in a comfortable margin. For the Cavaliers, that is. So, for now, Cleveland can party all the rest of the day today, as Bosh and Wade also were taken down, in front of a crowd that acted like we were in the playoffs. This win really helped them with that 26 game losing streak they had not too long ago.  Go Cavs!

Cavs 2010-11 Season Preview and Predictions

REALLY Rise Up

Regular season play begins Wednesday for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and while there has been a considerable drop in interest (and expectations) in the franchise, I am very excited about the upcoming season. You see, the rebuilding process has already begun on the North Coast, and this season will determine how long that process will take, and how successful it will be. There are a lot of new players on the team, and much to discuss in terms of potential trades, so let's jump right in.

As I have established in previous articles, I am usually irrationally optimistic about my favorite sports teams, and the Cavs are no different. Experts and regular fans see nothing but doom and gloom because the Cavs lost the 4th best player (Kobe, Durant, Wade), largest ego, and biggest diva in the league. However, I see one of the youngest teams in the league with a HUGE trade exception to use, and whose veterans could potentially bring in more youth or draft picks later in the season. I feel like a lot of people think the Cavs simply "lost" Lebron, but that could not be farther from the truth. So my first order of business is to clear up that misconception and explain why losing Lebron was, dare I say it, good for the franchise.

What Does it Mean to be a "Fan"?

This guy is a real Cavs fan.

Now that I have lured you in with a funny picture, I have a deeper question that has been on my mind (the title does kind of give it away). Above my desk at work I have various posters and pennants of my favorite teams, Cleveland Cavaliers included. When someone new walks near my desk and notices said posters, they almost always ask "Are you still a Cavs fan?" I was so surprised by this the first time it was asked that I almost didn't know what to say. Of course I am, why wouldn't I be a Cavs fan? "Well, Lebron is gone and they are going to be pretty bad now" is the response I most often get when I defend my choice of NBA teams (I PROMISE, this is not an article about Lebron, trust me).

By now, I get pretty annoyed when somebody asks me that question. I do not have a bunch of Lebron posters on that wall to indicate that he is my favorite player (there are no Lebron images allowed in that office). In fact, there are exactly zero player-specific pictures, just images and logos of the teams. This has got me to thinking, does the average, casual sports fan follow teams, or follow players?

Your Weekly Sports Mash Up

Cavs: It appears that the Cavaliers have signed Joey Graham. Graham, (6-7, 225) was with the Denver Nuggets last season, averaging 4 points and 2 rebounds in 63 games. Lebron James flipped the bird to a local Ohio radio DJ. This just goes to show how much he truly cares about us, right? For all you latest news on the Cavaliers head over to Fear The Sword.


Bengals: The Bengals have signed Carlos Dunlap. The deal is worth 3.57M and 1.779M in guaranteed. Carson  Palmer says that there is no reason they can't go 19-0 and win the Super Bowl. Andre Smith has gained a few pounds. Ugh. For all your Bengals news, head over to Cincy Jungle.


Reds: The Redlegs didn't do anything during the trade deadline, but we pretty much knew that was the case going in. On a game note, the Reds won a 3 game series with the Brewers, and now are tied with the first place Atlanta Braves thanks to a good hit by Ryan Hanigan, and a fluke throw from the outfielder. Reds play today at 1. For everything Reds, go to Red Reporter.


Inside The Shoe: ITS is looking for a basketball writer for the upcoming season. If your interested please leave a comment, or send us an email at insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com. The ITS Fantasy League had it's draft yesterday, with some success. We wish all teams luck.

Your Weekly Sports Mash Up.

Cavs: Obviously that didn't go the way we wanted to. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you might have heard something about our best player leaving to go play with Bosh and Wade. Of course, then it got worse when Dan Gilbert, the majority owner, wrote a scathing letter to LeBum, stating that the Cavs would have an NBA Championship before Lebron does. Twitter put it best as one tweeter(?) stated, "This is the beginning of a long feud." Oh boy. For more on Cavs news, head over to Fear The Sword.

Reds: They went 3-4 this week starting last Sunday, finishing the Cubs. Then they played a 3 game series against the Mets, which was very important. We won that series 2-1. Thursday, we started a 4 game series vs. the defending NL Champions and have lost 3 straight. In extra innings. Travis Wood, last night, the Cincy pitcher threw a perfect game through 9 innings. Then a double ended that. In the 11th with the game tied at 0, Jimmy Rollins, who hit one of the walk off homers, was up to bat with 2 men on. Of course, he hit a base hit, sending them to a walk off win again. The Reds lose the series, but maintain a 2 game lead against the Cards in the NL Central. They finish the series against the Phillies today at 1:35, they're last game before the All-Star break. Joey Votto got the last spot in. For more on everything Reds, go to Red Reporter.

Bengals: Ochocinco said that this year will be the Bengals year to win the Super Bowl. Also, it's the year of the Tiger for that Chinese/Japanese calender. Also, it is rumored the first pick of the draft next year for the Bengals will be a running back. Analysts are thinking they go with Ryan Williams from Virgina Tech. For more of everything on the Bengals, head over to Cincy Jungle.

Finally, a reminder from your blog, Inside The Shoe is giving away a free item from they're shop if you win the ITS Fantasy Football League. Click that link to go there, enter the password, which is beaniewells, and get ready for Draft Day on July 31st, 2010 at Noon EST.

Tonight is the Night!!!

LeBron promises to announce his decision on 'The Decision' within the first 10-15 minutes, for those of you who haven't seen this yet, try not to tear up (I did, seriously). Tonight is the night, and only time will tell.

Be sure to join us for the live blog tonight at 8:45 pm!!!!

'The Decision': The Details, plus Live Blog!

So it looks like we'll have full LeBron coverage tomorrow from about 6pm until midnight on ESPN. Here's the details of tomorrow night according to ohio.com. Also, please join us for the Live Blog here at Inside The Shoe, which will include Ian, SBB, and I. Come join us in the tearful, or fantastic night. Live Blog starts at 8:45 PM, EST. The regular 6 pm Sportscenter will be extended from one hour to three which will lead right up to 'The Decision'. The actual decision isn't expected to come until around 9:45. Immediately following 'The Decision' will be a two hour Sportscenter special... Looks like the King will own the night tomorrow in sports...literally...

Your Weekly Sports Mash Up

According to this report, Brian Shaw is the next Cavalier coach, with or without Lebron James. I've never been a huge fan of this, but I would rather have Byron Scott coaching the Cavs. Also, Scott's agent sent a congratulatory email to Shaw that was pretty lengthy. Nothing is official, but just about. I guess we will see if Lebron stays with this choice of coaching. For those of you who want info on Brian, he was the assistant coach to Phil Jackson for awhile and is his "most trusted" assistant.

The Cincinnati Reds are still doing well, leading the NL Central along with a win over the defending NL Champions, the Phillies, 7-3 last night. St. Louis won as well, so our lead is still a half game. Tonight, Mike Leake, the outstanding rookie, pitches against Joe Blanton.

Chris Henry died with brain damage. Multiple hits to the head, which happens many times in the NFL, can lead to damage such as that.

Surprise! Inside The Shoe is looking for another football writer! You need to be active, and have a gmail account. There are other things we need to talk about as well, so if you are interested in this, please email me  at insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com

Your POW.

It's time again for the POW, which means the Spring Finals will finish the offensive series Saturday. This picture was due to last nights final collapse of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Once again they fell short of their goal. Now speculation is that Lebron will be leaving us for good. The thing I don't understand about the Cavs are the last minute and a half, they trotted up the court, half-heartedly shooting 3's and missing by a mile. Even when Mo Williams was shooting his hardest, he didn't make them. This is it, Lebron, it's decision making time. If you would like to suggest photos for the POW, please send them to insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com and we will get them in!