Terry’s Talkin’

Terry Pluto, Cleveland.com
  • 4.9 (71)
  • SPORTS NEWS
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Cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talks Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Northeast Ohio college basketball with host David Campbell.

  1. Is this Cavs roster finally built for the playoffs? 4-point field goals; why Nolan Jones?

    9H AGO

    Is this Cavs roster finally built for the playoffs? 4-point field goals; why Nolan Jones?

    Highlights: The Cavs are implementing a more physical, high-impact defensive style in preparation for the playoffs, aiming to avoid being overwhelmed by aggressive teams as they were in the past. New additions Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder bring a reliable and intense defensive grit that is considered essential for a deep playoff run. Keon Ellis has made an immediate and significant defensive impact, posting elite defensive ratings and a high number of steals and blocks in his short time with the team. Despite an improved overall defense, the team's defensive rebounding remains a significant weakness, ranking 20th in the NBA. James Harden is demonstrating his commitment to winning by choosing to play through a thumb fracture. Harden is seen as "locked in" and motivated, a change attributed to his love for the game and the financial security from the belief that the Cavs fully guaranteed his contract. Harden's exceptional passing, particularly his unique high, hard bounce passes to big men like Jarrett Allen, has significantly elevated the team's offense. The Cavs are considered "not yet" playoff-ready due to significant roster turnover, requiring more time for new key players to build chemistry. A call for key players like Sam Merrill to prioritize their health for the playoffs by avoiding high-risk hustle plays during the regular season. Staggering the minutes of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, potentially by moving Allen to a sixth-man role, is suggested as a way to unlock their potential and improve team spacing. The Browns' trade for offensive lineman Tytus Howard for a fifth-round pick is praised as a savvy, cost-effective move that provides an immediate upgrade in pass protection. At pick No. 6, the Browns face a classic draft dilemma: select a top offensive lineman to fill a need, or take the best player available if a generational talent is on the board. The consensus opinion is that the Browns should select a potential generational talent at pick #6, regardless of position, as such a player is too valuable to pass up. The size of modern NFL coaching staffs has expanded dramatically, illustrated by the Browns' 29-member staff compared to the staff of the 1964 championship team. The United Football League (UFL) is experimenting with new rules, such as a four-point field goal and tiered extra-point options, which could serve as a test for future NFL implementation. The Guardians' $2 million signing of outfielder Nolan Jones is questioned by Terry as a questionable use of a tight budget that blocks playing time for younger, in-house prospects. Top prospect Chase DeLauter's ability to stay healthy is the biggest factor for the Guardians, as he has proven to be an extremely productive hitter when not injured. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m
  2. Terry's new take on James Harden; one word describing the Guardians' Rhys Hoskins signing

    6D AGO

    Terry's new take on James Harden; one word describing the Guardians' Rhys Hoskins signing

    Highlights: The Cavaliers' loss to a shorthanded OKC team is seen as a mid-season warning about the team's focus and potential matchup issues rather than a cause for major alarm. The Allen-Mobley frontcourt combination continues to raise questions about its effectiveness, particularly against quick, physical teams, suggesting their minutes may need to be staggered. A discussion on Evan Mobley's role suggests he should focus on defense rather than being a primary creator, with a potential trade being considered if the team falters in the playoffs. Host Terry Pluto has reversed his initial opposition to the James Harden trade after learning the severity of Darius Garland's lingering injury, now valuing Harden's durability. Recent acquisitions are expected to provide the Cavaliers with a needed injection of toughness and defensive intensity. Speculation about another LeBron James return to Cleveland is dismissed as premature and unlikely, especially given the James Harden trade and James's current career stage. The Browns plan a "targeted aggression" strategy in free agency, prioritizing veteran additions to their depleted offensive line. It is suggested the Browns should use at least two of their top 70 draft picks to rebuild the offensive line, with a specific focus on drafting a long-term center. Why new Browns Defensive Coordinator Mike Rutenberg's success will depend on his ability to earn the respect of and effectively manage veteran stars like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward. The signing of slugger Reese Hoskins is seen as a "vintage Guardians" move, addressing a major need for right-handed power on a value deal. Steven Kwan's elite instincts may help him succeed in the more demanding position in center. It is argued that Major League Baseball, not the Guardians, should bear the financial responsibility for Emmanuel Clase's salary while his legal situation is managed by the league. Terry's statistical review of prospects suggests Chase DeLauter is more prepared for a major league opportunity than Travis Bazzana, emphasizing performance over draft position. José Ramírez's clubhouse leadership is highlighted through an anecdote where he publicly boosted a teammate's confidence, reinforcing his role as the team's heart. The podcast ends with a nostalgic discussion on classic sports board games, highlighting how they cultivated imagination and a connection to sports in a pre-digital era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m
  3. Why the James Harden Experiment just might work; what Sam Darnold's Super Bowl says about the Browns' offseason

    FEB 10

    Why the James Harden Experiment just might work; what Sam Darnold's Super Bowl says about the Browns' offseason

    Highlights: Terry summarizes the flurry of activity with the Cavaliers trading for James Harden, the Browns changing coaches, and the Guardians signing José Ramírez to a long-term deal. The Cavaliers' acquisition of James Harden was part of a larger three-for-three player swap that is viewed as a significant upgrade in overall talent and toughness. Initial Terry skepticism over the Harden trade has shifted to optimism when viewing the entire package of incoming players, not just Harden himself. The trade was designed to support Donovan Mitchell by lightening his offensive and emotional load, keeping him fresher for critical moments. James Harden's debut showcased his elite offensive playmaking but also highlighted his significant defensive liabilities, confirming the trade-off the team made. The acquisition of Dennis Schroder is seen as a crucial move, bringing a feisty, aggressive identity and ball-handling to the second unit. Center Jarrett Allen has experienced a significant offensive surge, attributed to increased assertiveness and more space in the paint in Evan Mobley's absence. Coach Kenny Atkinson earned praise for his skillful development of young players and his ability to adapt to lineup changes throughout a challenging season. The Browns face a critical defensive coordinator hire, needing a candidate whose philosophy aligns with the aggressive "front-four" system Jim Schwartz established. Jim Schwartz's exit was seen as inevitable after he was passed over for the head coaching job, a move made to prevent potential "internal discord." A look back at the 2018 QB draft class ranks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson as the top talents, ironically noting that backup Sam Darnold is the only one with a Super Bowl ring. Why the Browns should pursue a QB reclamation project, such as trading for Mac Jones or Malik Willis, to develop a high-upside backup. Terry makes a strong case for top prospect Chase DeLauter to be on the Guardians' Opening Day roster, dismissing concerns over service time manipulation. José Ramírez's team-friendly contract is considered a unique anomaly, driven by a personal loyalty not to be expected from other athletes. The Guardians' quiet offseason is partially explained by a significant financial hit (est. $20 million annually) from their new, less lucrative TV rights deal. Could the Guardians swing a deal for the Dodgers' Andy Pages? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
  4. Reading between the lines of Todd Monken's press conference; the big reason James Harden agreed to join the Cavs

    FEB 4

    Reading between the lines of Todd Monken's press conference; the big reason James Harden agreed to join the Cavs

    Highlights: • Player feedback demanding "accountability" became a central pillar in the Browns' decision to hire Todd Monken. • Terry cites a history of high pre-snap penalties as a key indicator of the team's lack of discipline under the previous regime. • The hiring of Monken is described as a "pendulum swing" from a meticulously organized coach to an accountability-first, hard-nosed leader. • Monken presented an intense, all-or-nothing approach, stating anything that gets in the way of winning will be "discarded and eliminated." • The Browns are poised for a significant youth movement, driven by ten draft picks, and are expected to have one of the youngest teams in the NFL. • A full offensive line rebuild is considered necessary, posing a challenge to the team's youth-focused strategy. • Monken plans to hold players accountable by aligning team standards with the players' own stated individual goals. • Monken's surprisingly dismissive comments about defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz creates uncertainty about his future with the team. • Why retaining a resentful Schwartz could create "internal discord" and dysfunction on the coaching staff. • Monken's career path is viewed as a series of calculated moves designed to position himself for an NFL head coaching job. • The Cavaliers acquired James Harden from the Clippers in a blockbuster trade that sent Darius Garland to Los Angeles. • The Harden-Garland swap is characterized as a "desperation trade" between two teams eager to resolve difficult player situations. • Harden's primary motivation for forcing the trade was reportedly financial, stemming from the Clippers' unwillingness to fully guarantee his contract. • Harden's history as a difficult teammate and poor defender presents a significant risk for the Cavaliers. • The Cavaliers are gambling on Harden's short-term performance to improve their immediate playoff prospects, a move star player Donovan Mitchell supported. • A fan questions the Guardians' contradictory risk management, noting they avoid financial risk in free agency but embrace the risk of relying on unproven prospects. • Monken's comments about his childhood sparks a nostalgic conversation about vintage sports board games like vibrating football and Strat-O-Matic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m
  5. Advice for Todd Monken; Why we might never again see the likes of José Ramírez's new contract

    JAN 28

    Advice for Todd Monken; Why we might never again see the likes of José Ramírez's new contract

    Highlights: The Browns have hired experienced offensive coach Todd Monken as their 19th full-time head coach. Initial fan reaction to the hire was mixed, but winning will ultimately determine his approval. Inside Monken's difficult 2019 season in Cleveland Monken is known for a blunt, no-nonsense coaching philosophy focused on accountability and winning. The Browns prioritized fixing their "broken" and lowest-scoring offense by hiring Monken over defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. As a play-calling specialist rather than a "CEO" type, Monken's success will heavily depend on hiring a strong, autonomous defensive coordinator. Why it's unlikely that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will return after being passed over for the head coaching position. Why Monken's immediate priorities should be to establish an offensive vision and build trust with defensive players who supported Schwartz. The Cavs' recent success is credited to a dramatic improvement in their defensive performance. A debate has emerged over Darius Garland's future role, with Terry suggesting he could lead the second unit upon his return from injury. The Guardians signed star third baseman Jose Ramirez to a significant four-year, $107 million contract extension. Ramirez's deal, which includes deferred money and a hometown discount, is highlighted as a rare act of player loyalty in modern sports. Remembering the late Gary Briggs, a witty and beloved former trainer for the Cavaliers. A listener recalls the legendary 1968 World Series story of the Detroit Tigers moving Gold Glove outfielder Mickey Stanley to shortstop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m
  6. The 2 best head coach fits for the Browns; when will the Cavs develop OKC's winning 'habits'?

    JAN 21

    The 2 best head coach fits for the Browns; when will the Cavs develop OKC's winning 'habits'?

    Highlights: NFL coaching searches are highly unpredictable, with success often coming from candidates with unassuming résumés rather than just impressive ones. Many elite NFL coaches, like John Harbaugh and Andy Reid, were hired from non-coordinator roles, proving that a candidate's title doesn't always predict success. The rapid rise of young coaches like Grant Udinski highlights that potential and impressing the right people can create a fast track to prominent NFL roles. The "Moneyball" principle applies to coaching hires; despite confidence in interviews, success is unpredictable as the head coach role requires intangible skills beyond X's and O's. Sean McDermott is considered a strong coaching candidate due to his proven track record of building a winning culture in Buffalo and developing QB Josh Allen. Despite regular-season success, McDermott's legacy is hampered by his inability to win a Super Bowl, consistently falling short in critical playoff moments. The discussion highlights a preference for experienced, known commodities like McDermott over high-risk, high-reward "hot" candidates to minimize the gamble of a coaching search. Jim Schwartz successfully turned around a winless Lions team but ultimately had a losing record. The Cleveland Browns' head coaching job is viewed as less attractive ("bottom tier") than others due to organizational instability and immense pressure. "Watson exhaustion"—the pressure to make the Deshaun Watson trade succeed—is fueling organizational turmoil and staff turnover within the Browns. An intriguing possibility for the Browns is hiring a veteran defensive head coach like McDermott while retaining Jim Schwartz as DC to form a powerful leadership duo. Monday's Cavs loss to OKC highlighted a philosophical flaw, exposing their offense-first "finesse" style as vulnerable against tougher, more disciplined defensive teams. The underperformance of highly-paid Cavaliers veterans like Lonzo Ball and DeAndre Hunter is a major factor in the team's current struggles. Amidst rising MLB salaries, Terry suggest the Guardians give Jose Ramirez a "good faith" bonus on his team-friendly contract to acknowledge his value. Which coaches/ managers have the biggest impact on the success of a team: Baseball, basketball or football? A listener asks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 16m
  7. Kevin Stefanski: scapegoat? What's up with Lonzo Ball; Why the Guardians didn't draft an outfielder No. 1

    JAN 7

    Kevin Stefanski: scapegoat? What's up with Lonzo Ball; Why the Guardians didn't draft an outfielder No. 1

    Highlights: The Browns have fired head coach Kevin Stefanski after a tumultuous week. A fan asks about the team's "smart, tough, accountable" mantra, which Terry says faded with the controversial arrival of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Some fans defend Stefanski, arguing he was a scapegoat for a flawed roster built by the front office. Terry suggests the firing was justified, as Stefanski had "run out of gas" and lost his way as a play-caller. Unlike past firings, there was no public "internal discord" between the head coach and general manager. Hiring a veteran coach like John Harbaugh is considered a fan fantasy, as he would likely seek a more stable situation. Current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is a leading internal candidate, offering maturity and continuity for the top-tier defense. External offensive coordinator candidates like Dan Pitcher and Todd Monken are being vetted, with Monken's experience making him a more compelling option. Seahawks DC Aden Durde is an intriguing but unproven candidate. Stefanski is expected to land another job quickly and may be relieved to be free from the pressure of coaching the Browns. While unattractive to established coaches, the Browns' head coaching job is a coveted opportunity for coordinators seeking their first chance. A stark statistic reveals the Browns have finished last in their division 16 times in the last 23 years, underscoring the team's long-term struggles. Running back Nick Chubb made a successful return from a catastrophic knee injury, playing in 15 games. Darius Garland's recent aggressive play and return to form have provided a significant boost for the Cavs. The emergence of Craig Porter Jr. has earned him a key role in the Cavaliers' rotation at the expense of veteran Lonzo Ball. The Guardians took a second baseman instead of an outfielder with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 draft. A listener asks: Why? The hosts pay tribute to the versatile talent and career of 100-year-old actor Dick Van Dyke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m
  8. A 'sure thing' for the Browns' top draft pick; are the Cavs taking too many threes?

    12/24/2025

    A 'sure thing' for the Browns' top draft pick; are the Cavs taking too many threes?

    Highlights: The big question: Is Shedeur Sanders the Browns' long-term answer at quarterback? His development is a work in progress amidst a poor offense. A compelling case for the Browns to use a high draft pick on a "sure thing" wide receiver like Carnell Tate instead of a risky QB, providing a reliable weapon for the next decade. The offensive line is a top priority for a complete overhaul, with a need to invest heavily in the draft and free agency to find a cornerstone "10-year left tackle." Jerry Jeudy's disappointing season raises questions about his future with the team given his large contract. After a shaky start, kicker Andre Szmyt has become a reliable and above-average weapon, solidifying a key position for the Browns. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is largely viewed as a long-term backup, a role highlighted by fan reactions during a recent game appearance. A debate emerged comparing the calm demeanor of Browns coach Kevin Stefanski to the fiery, culture-changing style of Indiana's Curt Cignetti, questioning which approach is better for a struggling team. The modern college football landscape, with NIL and the transfer portal, allows for much faster program turnarounds than the more structured team-building environment of the NFL. Cavs guard Darius Garland has shown a recent resurgence, playing more like the dynamic, aggressive offensive player he has been in the past. Despite a recent win, the Cavs' defense remains a major concern, as they continue to struggle with transition defense and rebounding. The Cavaliers are criticized for their heavy reliance on high-volume three-point shooting, with suggestions they should focus more on attacking the paint. There's a belief that the Cavaliers' offense functions best when center Jarrett Allen is happy and actively involved as more than just a screener. Fans expressed grave concern over MLB's official partnerships with sports betting companies, fearing it compromises the game's integrity. Frustration is mounting over MLB's slow action in the gambling case involving Guardians players, especially when compared to the NBA's swift response in similar situations. A top offseason wish for the Guardians is to trade from their pitching depth to acquire a much-needed right-handed power-hitting outfielder. The system allowing wealthy MLB teams to sign "ready-made" international players is debated as unfair, sparking ideas for creating more parity for smaller markets. The lack of playing time for offensive lineman Zak Zinter, despite numerous injuries, raises questions about his future with the Browns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 22m
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4.9
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About

Cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talks Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Northeast Ohio college basketball with host David Campbell.

Information

  • Creator
    Terry Pluto, Cleveland.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC
  • Show Website
    Terry’s Talkin’

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