the nail in the coffin | A Cleveland sports podcast

Episode 206 – High ticket attractions: Cavs-Knicks and the must-see NBA playoffs

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:30:00 -0000

The Nail guys are back to talk about the Cavs-Knicks series, taking in the atmosphere at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for the NBA playoffs, and the state of sports on TV.

The episode covers the Cavs' bounce-back win on Tuesday night to even the series, the emergence of Darius Garland and Caris LeVert after both had a rough Game 1, and expectations for the weekend as the series shifts to New York. Plus: The Cavs and Guardians are still on Bally Sports, but for how much longer? The landscape of sports on TV is changing quickly, both locally and at the national level.

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Episode 205 – Crash course: Catching up on golf’s new LIV Tour and the game’s local rec scene

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:30:00 -0000

Guy Cipriano, editor-in-chief of Golf Course Industry Magazine, joins The Nail to talk about the launch of the LIV Tour, a Saudi-backed golf league that is promising big bucks to steal some of the game’s big names (and ruffling the PGA Tour’s feathers in the process). The guys discuss the new league’s paradigm-shattering financial model, the backlash being faced by defecting PGA Tour stars like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, and how the PGA Tour is responding to the most high-profile, direct threat a major U.S. sports league has faced in more than a generation.

Plus, Cipriano dives into the recreational golf scene, including how the game is diversifying, what casual golfers are looking for from their local courses now, and where the industry is headed in the coming years.

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Episode 204 – Cavs’ season of progress and promise comes to premature end

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 20:01:00 -0000

Too many injuries—and in the end, too much Trae Young—ultimately proved to be the Cavs’ undoing, as their season ended on Friday night with a dispiriting loss to the Hawks. Friend of the Nail and Cavs superfan Mark Meszoros joins the show for a look back at a memorable year in which the Cavs fought through one setback after another—Injuries! COVID! More injuries!—to win 44 games and establish a dynamic nucleus led by Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

It’s a cathartic conversation that goes from lamenting what went wrong Friday against Atlanta to getting excited about the summer and beyond for a revitalized Cavaliers franchise.

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Episode 203 – Baker’s run as Browns QB is on the razor’s edge

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0000

A deal for Deshaun Watson appears to be dead, but the Browns still seem bound for a breakup with Baker Mayfield. The guys discuss Mayfield’s tenure and eventual unraveling in Cleveland, as well as the Browns’ remaining options at quarterback for 2022 and beyond.

Plus: QBs aren’t the only big names on the move in the NFL. The No. 1 broadcasting teams for nearly all of the league’s TV partners are getting an overhaul as top play-by-play announcers and analysts are making big-money moves. … Finally, the guys pay tribute to wrestling legend Scott Hall, aka Razor Ramon, who died this week at the age of 63.

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Episode 202 – Back at it: Cavs, NBA All-Star, OBJ narratives and the Olympics

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 17:00:00 -0000

After a 5-month hiatus, the Nail guys are back with a lot to catch up on, from misguided narratives about OBJ’s exit from Cleveland hanging over Super Bowl Sunday to the arrival of a new era for the Cavaliers franchise starring Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Plus: NBA All-Star Weekend is here, the Winter Olympics are on, and pro wrestling has had a drama-filled week behind the scenes with Cody Rhodes walking away from AEW to possibly set up a once-unthinkable return to WWE.

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Episode 201 – College football is changing (but not at the top of the polls), and the Bishop Sycamore fiasco

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0000

Bill Bender of the Sporting News is back on The Nail to talk about the new college football season, Texas and Oklahoma eying a jump to the SEC, and the implications of an alliance between the Big Ten, Pac-12 and ACC. Plus: Will anybody challenge Ohio State in the Big Ten? (Probably not.) Can anyone other than the perennial playoff programs finally break through and get a berth this year? (Also not likely!)

Later, the guys discuss how the Bishop Sycamore story quickly went from an amusing tale of an unqualified prep team scheming its way into a game on ESPN to something much, much worse.

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Episode 200 – Jeopardy’s host search debacle, MLB’s Field of Dreams and wrestling’s big weekend

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0000

The long, highly publicized search for a new host of Jeopardy was over…and now it’s not. On Friday, news broke that Mike Richards, the show’s embattled executive producer who had taken the job as Alex Trebek’s successor, was backing away from the podium amid heavy backlash. Before Richards announced his resignation as host, the guys discussed the highly dubious process the resulted in him getting the spot and the issues that we now know ultimately led to his undoing.

Plus: MLB’s Field of Dreams game was a home run for everyone involved, and with WWE’s SummerSlam on Saturday night in Las Vegas and AEW rumored to be debuting a certain famous Chicago-made star on Friday, it’s shaping up to be a huge weekend for wrestling.

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Episode 199 – Did the Indians get it right with ‘Guardians’?

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0000

The Cleveland Indians on Friday announced that they will take the field as the Guardians starting in 2022. Even if the name changing process formally began seven months ago, it was a decision years in the making. But did the Indians get it right with their new identity? The guys discuss the new moniker, as well as whether it was a good idea to create a new visual identity that, while no longer controversial, certainly looks similar to the old one in a lot of ways.

Plus: The Browns have unveiled a 75th anniversary throwback uniform, and college football is being turned on its head this summer.

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Episode 198 – WWE superstar Otis on SmackDown coming to Cleveland

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 13:02:06 -0000

Ahead of WWE SmackDown coming to Cleveland on Friday, superstar Otis joins The Nail to discuss the company’s return to live touring after spending the better part of 16 months performing in closed venues. The Alpha Academy’s “No. 1 Guy” talks about the challenges of wrestling in front of empty arenas and virtual fans, the difference getting back to having a live crowd in attendance has made, and what he and tag team partner Chad Gable will be up to this Friday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

***

Read more about WWE returning to the road and its stop in Cleveland for SmackDown on News-Herald.com.

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Episode 197 – MLB's data-driven dilemma, NBA Play-In, Browns' big games, Crew rebrand U-turn

Fri, 21 May 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Strikeouts are at a record high, batting averages are at a record low, and MLB is at a crossroads as teams continue to swing for the fences even as the ball has been tweaked to cut down on home runs. Three teams—yes, including the Indians—have been no-hit twice this season, and it’s still only mid-May. The guys discuss how teams’ analytics-driven pursuit of success is at odds with putting on an entertaining product for fans, and how it’s not just a problem for baseball.

Plus: The NBA’s play-in games are a literal overnight success, the NFL schedule makers believe in the Browns, and the Columbus Crew does a fast U-turn on an ill-fated rebrand.

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Episode 196 – NFL Draft arrives in CLE, disgruntled Kevin Love, and a sports betting bill for Ohio

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Kevin Kleps of Crain’s Cleveland Business joins the Nail to give a preview of what fans can expect to see downtown this weekend as the NFL Draft takes center stage in the city. Also covered:

An update on COVID-related attendance limits for Cleveland’s teams
The odds of a policy requiring COVID-19 vaccination for entry into sports venues (similar to what was recently announced in Buffalo) being implemented by the Browns, Cavs and/or Indians
Kevin Love is agitated again
A look at the sports betting legislation that could be coming soon in Ohio

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Episode 195 – OU announcers Russ Eisenstein and Rob Cornelius on the Bobcats’ return to March Madness

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 16:00:00 -0000

The Ohio Bobcats are back in the NCAA tournament since the program made a Sweet 16 run in 2012. Long-time OU broadcasters Russ Eisenstein and Rob Cornelius will be at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana, on Saturday night to call the game vs. Virginia. They join The Nail to discuss the Bobcats’ blitz through last weekend’s MAC tournament in Cleveland, how the team came together through two COVID-related shutdowns, the matchup with the defending national champions, and the unique, near empty-arena atmosphere that awaits on Saturday.

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Episode 194 – Ohio State and March Madness with Whitney Harding of NBC4 in Columbus

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0000

With the Ohio State Buckeyes set to open their NCAA tournament run against Oral Roberts on Friday afternoon, sports reporter/anchor Whitney Harding of NBC4 in Columbus joins The Nail to talk March Madness, how OSU has built its program and thrived this season without a surefire future NBA draft pick on its roster, and why some of college basketball’s bluebloods have struggled to adjust to the changing landscape of college basketball.

Plus: The turning point that put Cleveland State on the path to its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2009, catching Cade Cunningham and Oklahoma State, and other teams to watch this weekend.

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Episode 193 – A year later, the MAC is back in Cleveland

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0000

The Mid-American Conference men’s and women’s tournaments are back at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse this week, one year after COVID-19 brought the sports world to a halt. Ohio University beat writer Jason Arkley was in Cleveland to cover the tournaments for the Athens Messenger last year when the plug was pulled. This year, he's working independently—and from home—as the MAC is back, but full arenas and press rows are not just yet.

Arkley joins The Nail to discuss the challenges universities have faced in trying to get through their sports seasons, a year of change in how college sports are covered, and the players and teams to watch this weekend in Cleveland.

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Episode 192 – Surviving the Cavs swoon, understanding NBA Top Shot

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Waiting For Next Year’s Craig Lyndall joins the guys to talk about the Cavs digging out of a hole after a miserable February, setting fair expectations three years into a rebuild, Jarrett Allen being awesome since joining the team, and why NBA Top Shot has become a phenomenon in recent weeks (and whether it can last).

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Episode 191 – Cavs rising, EA's college football game returning, and memories of Les Levine

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 11:00:00 -0000

For the better part of a generation, the Cavs have existed in two states: With LeBron James, an NBA championship contender, or without LeBron, one of the worst teams in the league. Times are changing. The Cavs are fun and more than holding their own this year. The guys discuss the leap of Collin Sexton (and his pairing with Darius Garland), the heist that brought Jarrett Allen to town (and will eventually send Andre Drummond out), and the experience of having a team that's out of the cellar but not yet facing championship-or-bust expectations.

Plus: EA Sports is bringing back its college football video game, Tampa is having the “best sports year that nobody can be present for” of all time, and a tribute to Cleveland sports media legend Les Levine.

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Episode 190 – One that got away: A great Browns season comes to an end in K.C.

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 03:44:00 -0000

The most fun Browns season in decades is over after the team came up one score short of doing the unthinkable and knocking out the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs in Kansas City. The guys dig into the controversial no-call on the hit that caused Rashard Higgins to fumble away a potential score late in the second quarter, the Browns finding new life after being on the verge of getting KO’d early in the second half, Kevin Stefanski’s decision to punt the ball away late in the fourth, and how Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s aggressive playcalling (and … *sigh* … a 13-yard run by Chad Henne) ultimately sealed the Browns’ fate.

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Episode 189 – Shock and awesome: Browns stun Steelers, get ready for K.C.

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Before the Browns head off to Kansas City for a divisional round matchup with the Chiefs, the guys look back on an unforgettable night in Pittsburgh that started with an avalanche—four first-quarter touchdowns!—and ended with the Browns winning their first playoff game since 1994. With coach Kevin Stefanski, cornerback Denzel Ward and others returning from the COVID-19 list, can the Browns keep up the magic in K.C.? Even if they don’t set records again, another fast start will probably be needed.

Plus: Nickelodeon’s slime-filled broadcast of Bears-Saints, a postmortem on Ohio State-Alabama and a lackluster college football season, and Ken Jennings’ start as “Jeopardy!” guest host (and the others scheduled to follow).

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Episode 188 – A COVID cloud is stealing the Browns’ and Buckeyes’ sunshine

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0000

The Browns are going to the playoffs! The Buckeyes are playing for a national championship! This is all supposed to be exciting…right? The guys discuss COVID-19 taking the air out of Northeast Ohio football fans’ balloon at the worst possible time, whether the Browns can overcome not having Kevin Stefanski and multiple starters, and the possibility that Monday’s national championship game between Ohio State and Alabama might not end up being on Monday after all.

Plus: Justin Fields was incredible leading OSU over Clemson in one of the Buckeyes’ most satisfying wins in years, and the Indians’ trade of Francisco Lindor is the latest painful reminder that Major League Baseball is a broken institution.

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Episode 187 – Inside the disputes keeping Cavs and Browns games off our TVs

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 22:15:00 -0000

As of Monday afternoon, subscribers of YouTube TV, Hulu and Sling in Northeast Ohio were blocked out from watching Cavs games on Fox Sports Ohio. Local DIRECTV and AT&T Uverse subscribers are keeping their fingers crossed that they don’t have to watch the Browns’ Sunday Night Football game on a Spanish network because they are currently blocked from receiving WKYC.

With disputes between cable providers and network operators on the rise, Awful Announcing owner and editor Ben Koo joins the Nail to explain why losing access to big games is becoming a more frequent problem and how soon we can expect deals in these latest fights to be reached. Plus: Sinclair betting big on a reimagined regional sports network model, how much teams and leagues get involved in negotiations between cable companies and networks to ensure their games are available as widely as possible, and other sports broadcasting trends to watch in 2021.

On Awful Announcing: Sports fans are hostages in carriage disputes and we often pay the ransom

On WFNY: Waiting all day for Sunday night no more: Browns flexed to SNF

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Episode 186 – Football flailing amid COVID chaos, Browns soldiering on, OSU sidelined

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0000

An NFL game between Baltimore and Pittsburgh that was supposed to be played on Thanksgiving night is now scheduled for a Wednesday afternoon in December so as not to conflict with the lighting of a Christmas tree in New York. The Ohio State Buckeyes have played four games and are currently in position to make the College Football Playoff, but are also on the verge of not qualifying for the Big Ten championship game. And yet it’s the NBA, which earned praise for the safety of its bubble over the summer, that is now getting ready for what might be the riskiest plan of all for its new season. Welcome to winter sports in the pandemic!

The guys discuss the COVID chaos engulfing the NFL and college football, the Browns somehow being in position to finally make the playoffs, the Cavs’ iffy Rock Hall-inspired City edition uniforms, Cleveland’s regional sports networks still not being available on many Northeast Ohio TVs and more.

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Episode 185 – Catching up on the Cavs and the NBA Draft with Justin Rowan

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 03:08:33 -0000

After 8 months, finally—FINALLY!—things are happening with the Cavs. The NBA’s trade moratorium is about to be lifted, the draft is on Wednesday night, and free agency isn’t far behind. Justin Rowan, co-host of the Cavs-centric podcast The Chase Down, drops in on The Nail to give us a refresher on the state of Wine & Gold basketball, from the likelihood of a trade involving Andre Drummond, Kevin Love or maybe even Larry Nance to how potential draft picks could fit into the Cavs’ lineup.

Plus: Why is Dayton big man Obi Toppin being linked to the Cavs in so many stories? What would the selection of Onyeka Okongwu, Deni Avdija, Isaac Okoro or Devin Vassell mean for players currently on the Cavs’ roster? And with adjusted lottery odds making tanking a more tenuous strategy than ever, are J.B. Bickerstaff and his assistants the right coaching staff to develop players who aren’t taken at the top of the draft?

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Episode 184 – Browns ready to run, OSU early returns, farewell Alex Trebek

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:05:00 -0000

Coming off a much-needed bye, the Browns are back this weekend and they will look to returning running back Nick Chubb and guard Wyatt Teller to rejuvenate the running game that carried the team's offense through the early part of the season. With no moves made at last week's trade deadline, meanwhile, the Browns will look within to bolster a defense that has struggled to get off the field. The guys preview the second half of the year and size up the team’s playoff odds.

Plus: Memories of Modell’s move in 1995, the state of the Buckeyes and the Big Ten through three weeks, and a salute to one of TV's most beloved figures, “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek.

* * *

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

Photos from Getty Images | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 183 – Ballin’ Browns, Bron’s big Finals, bon voyage to the NBA bubble

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0000

WFNY co-founder and editor Andrew Schnitkey was at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday to watch the Browns move to 4-1, their best start since 1994. He joins The Nail to talk about his experience among the 12,000 fans at the game, the magic that Kevin Stefanski has worked to completely turn around the franchise, Myles Garrett’s dominating start to the season, the ups and downs of Baker Mayfield, and the big test that looms on Sunday at Pittsburgh. Plus: LeBron James clinched his fourth title on Sunday night, leading the Lakers back to the top of the mountain and ending an NBA bubble experience that was short on fans, but filled with memorable performances. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from Associated Press | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 182 – A crash course on Indians vs. Yankees in the AL Wild Card round

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 01:00:00 -0000

Fausto Carmona is long gone, but the midges are back. Sandy Alomar won’t be hitting a game-tying home run that sends Paul O’Neill into a tantrum on the warning track, but he will be managing the Tribe. It’s the Indians and the Yankees meeting in the first round of the MLB postseason again, and Waiting For Next Year’s Mitchell Krall joins The Nail to give us a crash course. Topics covered: Presumed Cy Young winner-to-be Shane Bieber and the Indians pitching staff, potential AL MVP Jose Ramirez and whether the Tribe can generate enough offense, what role having Alomar manage in place of Terry Francona will play, and what we need to know about the team from the Bronx and the new postseason format. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photos from Getty Images | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 181 – First impressions of Stefanski’s Browns, Indians clinch postseason spot

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0000

Two weeks into the NFL season, the Browns have bounced back from a rough (but, given the circumstances, maybe not too surprising) start in Baltimore. The Indians, meanwhile, are officially back in the postseason after a dramatic Jose Ramirez walk-off home run in extra innings against the White Sox on Tuesday night. Joe Gerberry, writer and editor for Waiting For Next Year, joins The Nail to discuss the state of Cleveland’s two active teams. The guys go through the early returns on the Kevin Stefanski regime, Baker Mayfield, an improved offensive line, and a work-in-progress defense. Plus: Shane Bieber and Ramirez putting together award-worthy seasons, and best/worst potential first-round postseason opponents for the Tribe. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photos from Getty Images | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 180 – John Kampf of The News-Herald on a very different high school football season

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:30:00 -0000

High school football—one of Ohio’s great sports traditions—kicks off its 2020 season later this week, but for obvious reasons, this year will be far from normal. John Kampf, longtime prep sports writer for The News-Herald, joins the Nail to talk about how schools around the area are preparing amid the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in protocols being made by the OHSAA to limit risks where possible. … Plus: A coaching change in Mentor, Kirtland eying another state title, and the players to know this fall. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from The News-Herald | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 179 – Baseball, Blue Jackets, and (no) Big Ten football

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 11:58:00 -0000

Sports are back, and so is The Nail. The guys discuss the early ups and downs of the Indians, the Blue Jackets in the NHL playoffs, and adjusting to sports broadcasts with no fans but lots of ads. … Plus: With the Big Ten and Pac-12 opting out for the fall, what will become of the 2020 college football season? ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photos from Associated Press and NHL.com | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 178 – Author Alex Harnocz on ‘Perfect Season Project: An Uncommon Arrangement of Cleveland Indians History’

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Author Alex Harnocz joins the show to discuss his new book, “Perfect Season Project: An Uncommon Arrangement of Cleveland Indians History,” in which he sifts through 120 years of Tribe baseball to find the most interesting and/or historic year for each game on the schedule, from 1 to 162. In his book, Harnocz chronicles the classics—Bob Feller’s opening day no-hitter in 1940, Len Barker’s perfecto (Game 24 in 1981), and the miraculous comeback vs. Seattle (Game 110 in 2001)—as well as some deep cuts that only the most diehard Indians fans will remember. Harnocz explains the inspiration for his project and how he put the Indians’ “perfect season” together. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 177 – Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com on the Indians, a name change, and the 2020 season

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com and the MLB Network joins the show to discuss the Indians potentially changing their name, how the 60-game schedule and new rules for 2020 affect the Tribe, and whether roster restrictions in place this year could decrease the odds of a midseason trade of Francisco Lindor. Read Castrovince’s column on a potential Indians name change: https://medium.com/@castrovince/the-cleveland-spiders-b2f4aa576eb3 Check out Castrovince’s new book: “A Fan’s Guide to Baseball Analytics” ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from Associated Press | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 176 – Montreal Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush on the return of MLS

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Northeast Ohio native Evan Bush, the veteran goalkeeper for the Montreal Impact, joins The Nail to discuss the upcoming return of MLS, the league’s World Cup-style tournament to restart the season, and being part of contentious CBA negotiations. Plus: Bush explains how he tried to stay sharp at home during the three-month layoff, and he shares his thoughts on the Crew being saved in Columbus. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from Canadian Press | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 175 – Field days, fantastic wins, and more tales from yesteryear

Sat, 30 May 2020 16:00:00 -0000

With sports still mostly on hold and not much fun happening in the world right now, the guys take a break from current events to reminisce about some lighter moments from years gone by, including Ohio State’s 2002 national championship, a pair of dramatic Indians wins, and some youth sports misadventures. Plus: A last word on ESPN’s “The Last Dance.” ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from AZCentral.com | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 174 – Jordan and the Bulls’ “Last Dance,” NFL Draft trainwreck potential

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -0000

On Sunday night, ESPN premiered its long-awaited documentary on Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls, “The Last Dance,” airing the first two episodes in the 10-part series. The guys rejoice at having new sports content to watch for the first time in forever and share memories of the ’90s Bulls, including being in the building for Jordan’s last game in Cleveland as a player for Chicago. (Watch Bulls at Cavs on April 9, 1998) Plus: The disaster potential for the virtual NFL Draft on Thursday night, and sports following the lead of WWE’s “Boneyard Match” at WrestleMania and having fun with how big events are pulled off in the shelter-in-place era. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from Chicago Tribune | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 173 – March memories: Tom Withers on being courtside for Duke-Kentucky ’92

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 14:00:00 -0000

With no March Madness this year, CBS is dusting off some classic NCAA tournament games to fill airtime. Last Saturday afternoon, that included a replay of the Duke vs. Kentucky regional final from 1992, considered by many the greatest game of all time. Tom Withers, now a sportswriter for the Associated Press in Cleveland, was courtside in the Spectrum to cover the game. He joins The Nail to share memories of a crazy Saturday night in Philadelphia, Christian Laettner somehow avoiding an ejection and then hitting the buzzer-beating game-winner, the mostly forgotten miraculous shot by Kentucky’s Sean Woods, and the challenge of trying to write about an all-time thriller on deadline. Plus: Withers talks about his new second job—serving as an assistant coach for the Westlake High School varsity girls basketball team—and the impact his work as a sportswriter has had on his coaching, and vice versa. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from Duke Athletics | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 172 – Passing time with sports on pause

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:30:00 -0000

A week ago, Bill Bender of the Sporting News was covering college basketball and gearing up for a trip to Cleveland to cover the NCAA tournament. It goes without saying that a lot has changed in the days since. Bender drops by The Nail to talk about sports being put on pause, where things could be headed in the coming months, getting an occasional break from serious news headlines on Facebook thanks to NFL free agency, and the joys of playing classic sports video games with his kids. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo by Bill Bender via Twitter | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 171 – 2020 MAC tournament: Filled with suspense in an empty arena

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:30:00 -0000

This year’s Mid-American Conference tournament will be a made-for-TV event, as concerns over the potential spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) have led the league to restrict the list of attendees at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to family members of players, credentialed university and team personnel, and media. Jason Arkley, Ohio University beat writer for the Athens Messenger, joins the show to discuss the MAC’s decision and how other leagues are handling similarly tough calls. On the court, this year’s MAC tourney appears to be wide open, especially with Buffalo, winner of four of the past five years, bowing out in the first round on Monday. Arkley details Ohio’s surge in the second half of the season under first-year coach Jeff Boals, how former OU coach John Groce has rebuilt Akron into becoming the top seed in this year’s bracket, and rest of the teams and players to watch (on TV from the comfort of your home). ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo by Seth Davis via Twitter | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 170 – Romo’s millions, YouTube TV vs. Sinclair, and more sports media headlines

Sat, 07 Mar 2020 19:00:00 -0000

The YouTube TV vs. Sinclair battle that threatened to take Cavs and Indians games off TV in some Northeast Ohio houses has been resolved—for now. Was this fight a preview of what subscribers to other TV providers should expect soon? Tony Romo just got an ungodly sum of money to keep calling NFL games for CBS, sending ESPN back to the drawing board as it tries to reinvent Monday Night Football. Will the answer finally include Peyton Manning and a trade with NBC for legendary play-by-play man Al Michaels? And finally, why have the NBA’s broadcast partners struggled to find their next generation of commentators? Frequent Nail guest Mark Meszoros is back on the show to discuss those sports media topics and more. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from Associated Press | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 169 – MLB, NFL and NBA reinventing the wheel, and wait, THIS is the XFL?

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 11:30:00 -0000

The major sports leagues in the U.S. are throwing out a lot of radical ideas to drive up interest these days. MLB is proposing a new postseason with seven teams per league and the top clubs choosing their first-round opponents. The NBA wants to let four teams fight it out for the final two playoff berths in each conference. Meanwhile, as the NFL keeps trying to figure out ways to make flex scheduling possible for Monday Night Football and also get a 17th game on the schedule, a new spring league with an old name has launched with some intriguing innovations that could someday show up on Sundays in the fall. This week, the guys discuss the surprisingly entertaining debut for the reborn XFL and the aforementioned wild proposals trending in pro sports. Plus: Being out of the country during the Super Bowl, and how the legacy of David Stern has shaped the way national NBA media cover non-glamour market teams like the Cavs. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from USA Today Sports | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 168 – Christopher Daniels on AEW ‘Dynamite’ in Cleveland

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0000

All Elite Wrestling, the upstart company that launched last January, brings its weekly TNT show “Dynamite” to the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University on Wednesday night. Veteran wrestler Christopher Daniels, who doubles as the company’s head of talent relations, joins The Nail to talk about AEW’s first year in business, what (and who) sold him on joining the new promotion, and how AEW has carved out a niche with wrestling fans by building a diverse roster that features familiar faces like Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley and Cody Rhodes as well as rising stars like Darby Allin, MJF and Sammy Guevara. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from All Elite Wrestling | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 167 – A crash course on new Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski with The Athletic’s Arif Hasan

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 02:30:00 -0000

The Browns introduced Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach on Tuesday. To learn more about the Browns’ latest hire, the guys tracked down Arif Hasan, a writer for The Athletic in Minnesota who has covered the Vikings since 2011. Hasan discusses Stefanski’s rise through the Vikings organization and how he is viewed in Minnesota, how his personality, skillset and philosophies translate into a head coaching position, and how much he will be willing to adapt to the roster he will be taking over in Cleveland. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from USA Today Sports | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 166 – Should old acquaintance be forgot: Browns close 2019 by cleaning house (again)

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 22:00:00 -0000

This Browns season was supposed to be different. It wasn’t, and the aftermath isn’t either: Jimmy Haslam is cleaning house and hitting the reset button once again. Head coach Freddie Kitchens was sent out the door on Sunday night, and GM John Dorsey followed on Tuesday afternoon. The guys look back on yet another year that went off the rails and take stock of the state of the franchise, from OBJ to Baker Mayfield to the Haslams, as another reboot begins. Plus: An Ohio State-Clemson game that was every bit as good as expected, one inexplicable replay overturn, and one surprisingly conservative late-game decision by head coach Ryan Day, as well as the future of the Buckeyes and the legacies of the outgoing J.K. Dobbins and Chase Young. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photos from Getty Images | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 165 – ESPN vs. Fox Sports is college football’s hottest rivalry this year

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 11:30:00 -0000

College football’s biggest rivalry this season isn’t between any of the sport’s most familiar, storied programs. It’s ESPN, home of the College Football Playoff and proprietor of the long-running “GameDay” kickoff show, vs. Fox Sports, the irreverent upstart riding a wave of SEC fatigue and a suddenly hot pregame show of its own. Awful Announcing editor-in-chief Ben Koo, who recently wrote an in-depth analysis of the TV turf war, joins The Nail to discuss how Fox Sports has leveraged the perception of ESPN favoring the SEC, a strategy to put on its biggest games at noon, Ohio State’s dominant year, and a dash of Urban Meyer to make inroads against ESPN’s once-seemingly impenetrable stranglehold on college football coverage. ... Plus: The wacky late-night TV fun that is #Pac12AfterDark and the future of the College Football Playoff format. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from Awful Announcing | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 164 – Climbing the mountain: Ohio State looms over rival, Browns trying to overtake theirs

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0000

Is The Game still THE game? Heading into its tilt with Michigan, Ohio State has reclaimed the top spot in the College Football Playoff rankings and is steamrolling its way toward a playoff berth. The Wolverines and Coach Jim Harbaugh are still just trying to figure out how to break through for a win in this series. The guys discuss the stakes for the Buckeyes on Saturday (and whether a loss would even kill their playoff chances), the state of Michigan football under Harbaugh, and whether this year’s edition of The Game can be competitive. Meanwhile, with the Browns and Steelers set to renew pleasantries just 10 days after all hell broke loose between the two teams in Cleveland, the guys cover Pittsburgh QB Mason Rudolph’s demotion (…as conveyed by Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath!) and what the Browns need to do to finally win at Heinz Field for the first time in 16 years. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photos by Associated Press and Cleveland Browns Twitter | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 163 – On the dominant Buckeyes, ‘Maddening’ Browns, and surprisingly fun Cavs

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0000

It’s an old school edition of the Nail as the guys go around the horn on the Buckeyes, Browns and Cavs, no guests needed. First, with Ohio State rolling and star defensive lineman Chase Young set to return next week, Travis makes the case that this is the most complete Ohio State team in a generation. Plus: the biggest remaining threat on the Bucks’ schedule, way-too-early talk of an OSU-LSU national championship game, and why we’ve had so many big day games in college football this year. Next: On the eve of a Thursday night showdown with the Steelers, are you believing in the Browns? The guys discuss Sunday’s ugly (but needed) win, the Freddie Kitchens experience, and the debut of Kareem Hunt. Finally, this year’s Cavs are…fun? John Beilein and his staff appear to have their squad buying in. Collin Sexton is making strides. Darius Garland is showing glimpses of hope. And Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love are playing as well as they ever have in a Cavs uniform. Through 10 games, it has been a formula for entertaining hoops. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photos from OhioStateBuckeyes.com, AP via USA Today and Forbes | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 162 – New attractions and familiar faces: Cavs continue roster rebuild in remodeled home

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 10:30:00 -0000

It’s the start of year five for The Nail and the 50th season of Cavaliers basketball. The Cavs tipped off this week in Orlando, and their first game at the newly minted Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is set for Saturday night. The guys welcome back longtime friend of the show Mark Meszoros to shift into basketball mode, starting with first impressions of rookie guard Darius Garland and new head coach John Beilein. Plus: Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman survived early stumbles and played better over the second half of last season. What can we realistically expect from that duo in a more stable situation this year? Will Tristan Thompson or Jordan Clarkson, both with expiring deals, still be here by the end of the season? And finally, the guys discuss the renovations to the former Quicken Loans Arena and the Cavs’ creative monthly ticket pass. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from Getty Images | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 161 – Boomshakalaka! Journalist Reyan Ali on his new book “NBA Jam” and retro gaming’s resurgence

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 10:30:00 -0000

You remember the dunks and the signature calls. Now learn how one of the most beloved arcade games of all time came together. Columbus-based journalist Reyan Ali joins The Nail to discuss his new book, appropriately titled “NBA Jam,” which chronicles the billion-dollar blockbuster basketball game and the happenings in the arcade industry that helped make it happen. Ali shares stories from his interviews with NBA Jam’s creators, its legendary announcer, and former NBA players Shaquille O’Neal and Glen Rice. Plus, the guys get into the nostalgia fueling the big business of retro gaming, from “barcades” stocked with all the classics to Nintendo’s mini consoles and Arcade1Up’s home cabinets. Preorder "NBA Jam" by Reyan Ali ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 160 – Jeff Boals on coming home to coach the Ohio men’s basketball team

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 10:30:00 -0000

A quarter-century after helping to lead the Ohio men’s basketball team to an NCAA tournament appearance and a Preseason NIT championship as a team captain, Jeff Boals is back in Athens to guide the program as its new head coach. Boals joins The Nail to talk about returning to Southeast Ohio to take his dream job, getting students and fans excited about Ohio basketball, and going through a change in athletic directors shortly after being hired. Plus, Boals explains what he learned as an assistant under coach Thad Matta at Ohio State and what he thinks Cavs fans can expect from John Beilein after seeing the longtime Michigan coach from the opposing bench in Big Ten play. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photo from USA Today Sports | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 159 – Buckeyes, Browns and the biggest week for wrestling with Ben Axelrod

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 16:00:00 -0000

Ohio State continued to fire on all cylinders on Saturday night at Nebraska, and the Browns followed suit in a victory Sunday in Baltimore. Ben Axelrod of WKYC is back on The Nail to dive into what has been a seamless transition for the Buckeyes from Urban Meyer leading the program to Ryan Day at the helm and Justin Fields carrying the torch as OSU’s next great QB. Then, the guys discuss the Browns’ dominating win, videos of Jim Donovan calling big plays becoming a social media sensation, and the Ravens’ curious decision on Tuesday to put out a press release on the incident between Marlon Humphrey and Odell Beckham Jr. Finally, it’s the biggest week in wrestling since Vince McMahon bought WCW in 2001. The guys run down the—ahem—new world order of professional wrestling, with SmackDown (now on Fridays on Fox!) becoming WWE’s flagship show and a new rival promotion surfacing on TNT. ... Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher Catch us on WaitingForNextYear.com Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheNailPodcast Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photos from Getty Images, WWE and AEW | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 158 – Remembering Fred McLeod and trying to forget Week 1 for the Browns

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

It was a tough day in Cleveland as news broke that Fred McLeod, the popular, long-time Cavs play-by-play announcer, died suddenly Monday night. Will Gibson, who wrote a wonderful tribute to McLeod for WFNY, joins the show to reflect on how he won over Cavs fans with hard work, authenticity and a welcoming demeanor, and, along with broadcast partner Austin Carr, made games more fun to watch—whether he was crying tears of joy when the Cavs won the 2016 NBA championship or keeping things light during down seasons.

Plus, Will talks about staying engaged with Cleveland sports while living out of state (and, for a few years, on the other side of the globe), and the Browns’ dud of an opener.

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

Photo from Cavs.com | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 157 – The best (yes, really!) Browns moments of the past 20 years

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Call it a fool's errand or even a suicide mission, but with the Browns about to kick off their most highly anticipated season in years, the guys this week are going for the power of positivity and looking back on their favorite Browns moments from the past two decades. Sure, we've seen a lot—*a LOT*—of bad football since the franchise was relaunched in 1999. But along the way, we also got Phil Dawson bouncing a field goal off the stanchion in a victory at Baltimore, bear hugs with stadium ushers and high-fives with strangers in bars, a chaotic classic in the snow, memorable games with future wives and in-laws, and of course "Run, William, run!"

So, before the 2019 campaign kicks off on Sunday, kick back and enjoy the good times from the past 20 years, even if they have been few and far between.

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

Photo from Cleveland Browns YouTube channel | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 156 – 13 months later, Stipe Miocic finally gets his rematch

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Stipe Miocic has waited over a year since losing the UFC heavyweight title to Daniel Cormier for his rematch. On Saturday night in Anaheim at UFC 241, he finally gets the fight he—and the MMA world—have been waiting for. News-Herald sports editor Mark Podolski, who covered Miocic’s loss to Cormier last July and has been in contact with the former champion this week, joins the show to discuss whether Miocic made the right decision to wait out Cormier instead of accepting another opponent, the injury that has kept Cormier out of the octagon since November, and the stakes for Saturday’s championship bout. Podolski also goes into Miocic’s refusal to engage in the antics that have made other UFC stars more marketable, as well as the former champ’s feelings on Brock Lesnar.

Plus: A quick primer on the upcoming high school football season, which will be the final campaign in the decorated career of longtime Mentor coach Steve Trivisonno.

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

Photo from Getty Images | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 155 – Ready for launch: Browns begin training camp, Bauer plays long toss

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

The Browns have launched into training camp. The Indians have launched themselves back squarely into contention in the AL Central days before the trade deadline. And on Sunday, an unhappy Trevor Bauer launched a ball over the center field wall. The guys discuss Bauer’s afternoon in Kansas City and the state of the Tribe heading into the deadline.

Plus: Browns training camp talk, how we lose context in video highlights on Twitter, and the countdown to the release of this year’s Madden game.

Support cancer research! Donate to Travis’ ride for Pelotonia today.

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

Photo from USA Today Sports, Associated Press | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 154 – Pro Football HOF ready to shine on enshrinement weekend

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

In less than three weeks, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton will welcome its Class of 2019 during its enshrinement weekend. Brock Richards, Pro Football Hall of Fame vice president of sales and marketing, joins the show to discuss the year-round work that goes into getting ready for the Hall’s big showcase, and he previews all of the events that will be happening around the main ceremonies.

Plus: A look at the ongoing construction and development in and around the HOF, the creation of new exhibits to keep fans coming back, and how technology brought John Madden’s theory of the Hall of Fame busts talking to each other to life.

For more information on the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony and tickets, visit: ProFootballHOF.com/tickets

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

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Episode 153 – Uncorking the second half of the Indians’ season

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

After a successful week of hosting All-Star festivities, it’s back to business for the Indians, who open up the second half of the season with a big series against AL Central-leading Minnesota. Jim Ingraham, a long-time Tribe beat writer and current sports columnist for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina Gazette, joins the show to recap the Indians’ weird first half, discuss the emergence of All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber and rookie outfielder Oscar Mercado, as well as the surprising year for Roberto Perez. Ingraham also weighs the pros and cons of dealing Trevor Bauer or Brad Hand for an impact bat and explains why the elimination of the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline could make the end of July extra busy around MLB this year.

Plus: Monday marks the 25th anniversary of Albert Belle's corked bat being confiscated, leading to pitcher Jason Grimsley crawling through the air ducts of Comiskey Park and breaking into the umpires’ locker room to retrieve the bat, securing a place in baseball lore. Ingraham, who was in the press box that night, shares his recollections from a wild scene in the Windy City.

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

Photos from Getty Images and mlb.com | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin

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Episode 152 – Cleveland sports biz headlines with Kevin Kleps

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Kevin Kleps of Crain’s Cleveland Business is back on the show to run through the sports biz items making news in Northeast Ohio. The guys discuss a pair of big events coming to town: the MLB All-Star Game (and all of its related activities) this weekend, followed by the NFL Draft in 2021 (actual stage location to be determined). Plus: The Browns scaling back their crowd sizes at training camp to create a better fan experience, the future of their local media deals, and the financial challenges along the Cavs’ long, slow road to rebuilding.

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

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Episode 151 – Picks & possibilities: A Cavs/NBA Draft preview

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

The Cavs enter the NBA Draft on Thursday night armed with the 5th and 26th picks in the first round, as well as a whole lot of options. Evan Dammarell, who covers the team for Forbes and Fear the Sword, joins the show to discuss the players in the mix for the Wine & Gold, odds of the Cavs trading either (or both) of their picks, and the unique (and very tradeable) contract of JR Smith. Plus: Big happenings around the league, such as the trade that will send Anthony Davis to the Lakers, that could have a trickle-down effect on what the Cavs want to do.

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

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Episode 150 – What the sale of STO and FSO means for Cleveland sports fans

Fri, 31 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

No matter how they’re doing in the standings or at the gate, the Indians and Cavs have proven to be a winner year after year in the local TV ratings department. So, when news about the channels that air their games breaks, it’s a big deal. Earlier this month, Sinclair Broadcast Group reached a deal to acquire 21 regional sports networks, including Fox Sports Ohio and SportsTime Ohio.

What will that ultimately mean for Northeast Ohioans when they turn on their TVs at 7 p.m. each night to watch their teams? Awful Announcing contributor Holly Wetzel joins the show to explain how Sinclair ended up with channels that started moving in a deal between Disney and Fox and what we can expect with Ohio’s regional sports networks under new ownership.

Plus, early impressions of the ESPN+ subscription service and the best bang for a sports fan’s buck when it comes to picking a streaming alternative to traditional cable.

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

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Episode 149 – Catching up on the Cavs, John Beilein and the NBA’s self-inflicted lottery problems

Wed, 22 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

It’s been an eventful couple of weeks for the Cavs with the hiring of a new head coach and the lottery securing their position in next month’s NBA draft. Jeff Nomina joins the show to discuss the Cavs getting the fifth pick in the draft, whether the league did more harm than good with its overhaul of the lottery odds, and who the Wine and Gold might target in the draft.

Plus, the out-of-nowhere hiring of John Beilein as head coach, his track record of developing players, embracing advanced stats and adaptability, and the role he’ll have to play as the Cavs continue with building not only their roster, but their organizational culture.

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Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek

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Episode 148 – Finding seats on the Columbus Blue Jackets bandwagon

Thu, 02 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Don’t look now, but Blue Jackets playoff games have become appointment viewing for sports fans from Columbus to Cleveland and beyond. The guys jump on the bandwagon to talk about the thrills of playoff hockey, the buzz around town in the state capital, the play of goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, the Blue Jackets’ suddenly dominant power play, and the ... highly dubious tactics of Boston’s Brad Marchand.

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Episode 147 – John Telich on a career covering Cleveland sports

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Longtime Fox 8 sports director John Telich joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation that delves into why he recently decided to launch a podcast, how he has navigated an evolving media landscape and the ways in which ultra marathons have helped shape his perspective on covering Cleveland’s athletes. Plus: The career path that took Telich through South Dakota, Iowa and Buffalo before a move for another sportscaster familiar to Clevelanders opened the door for Telich to return home to Northeast Ohio.

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Episode 146 – Celebrating the 30th anniversary of ‘Major League’

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

This weekend marks the 30th anniversary of ‘Major League’ hitting theaters. The guys look back at the Cleveland classic, from Bob Uecker’s legendary (and largely unscripted) performance in the booth as Harry Doyle to the athletic abilities (or, in one notable case, lack thereof) of the players. Does ‘Major League’ still hold up in 2019? How would it be remembered with its originally planned ending? And why wasn’t Willie Mays Hayes running on the brushback pitch to Jake Taylor?

Also covered: The quintessentially ’80s American Express commercial, Randy Newman’s “Burn On,” and the licensed “Major League” video game (?!) that was only released in Japan.

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Episode 145 – Talking about how we talk about the Tribe

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

On the eve of the Indians’ home opener, the mood is anything but festive in Tribetown. An ugly, abrupt postseason, followed by a winter of inaction and a series of interviews with ownership that focused more on lamenting finances than chasing pennants have left Indians fans on edge as they return to the gates of Progressive Field this week. But is the criticism fair? The guys explore the weird position Tribe fans find themselves in: fully expecting a fourth straight division title, but largely frustrated and unsatisfied with the state of their club as a window of contention starts to close.

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Episode 144 – Buffalo and everyone else: MAC men's tournament preview with Jason Arkley

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

The Mid-American Conference men’s basketball quarterfinals tip off on Thursday at The Q, and all signs point to top-seeded Buffalo having its fourth NCAA tournament appearance in five years locked up regardless of what happens in Cleveland. Still, seven other schools arrive looking to pull an upset and give the conference two bids in the NCAAs for the first time in 20 years. Jason Arkley, Ohio University beat writer for the Athens Messenger, is in town and back on The Nail to preview this weekend’s games and players to watch.

Plus, he dives into the Bobcats' disappointing season that ultimately led to the contract of likable, but embattled head coach Saul Phillips not being renewed on Wednesday.

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Episode 143 – OBJ to CLE! NY Daily News Giants beat writer Pat Leonard on the Browns' new star

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

As you may have heard, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is headed to Cleveland. Pat Leonard, who covers the Giants for the New York Daily News, joins The Nail to discuss the Browns’ newest superstar, including the circumstances around his departure from New York, his fit within the Browns’ emerging offense, and how the Browns are now being viewed outside of Cleveland in light of their latest big acquisition.

Read Pat’s story on the OBJ trade here: Inside the Giants, Browns trade that left Odell Beckham stunned

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Episode 142 – Michael Mulhall, VP of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Michael Mulhall, vice president of business development for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, joins the show to go inside the process of bringing major sporting events to Cleveland. What are leagues looking for when selecting host cities for their championship and all-star events? How has Cleveland’s pitch changed in the past five to 10 years? What events are on the horizon for Northeast Ohio – and which aren’t? Mulhall tackles all of that and more.

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Episode 141 – A constructive look at the rest of the Cavs season

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

The trade deadline has come and gone, the All-Star break is over, and the remainder of the NBA regular season begins Thursday night. What can the Cavs accomplish over their final 24 games? David Zavac of Fear The Sword is back on the show to answer that question, as well as whether the Cavs should prioritize their lottery odds or player development, how much we can take away from Collin Sexton’s rookie season given the circumstances, what we should expect from Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson, and the chances any members of the coaching staff will still be here next season.

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Episode 140 – The Nailbag, Vol. 1: Lunch with a Brown, favorite sports movies, Indians offseason

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

This week, the guys are opening it up for questions from the audience. Some of the topics on listeners’ minds: What are your top five sports movies? If you could have lunch with a current and retired Brown, who would you choose? Who should the Cavs draft? What are the odds LeBron returns again? Plus: “Slobby’s World,” potential Kluber or Bauer trades, the best Nail guest of all time, and more.

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Episode 139 – Is Freddie ready? Browns promote Kitchens

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

News broke out of Berea on Wednesday that the rapid rise of running backs coach-turned-interim offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens had taken yet another step as he was named head coach of the Browns. Kitchens wowed the league with his playcalling and revitalization of the Browns’ offense in the second half of the season, but is he ready to run the team? The guys welcome back Craig Lyndall of WFNY to discuss the timing and process that led to the Kitchens hiring, and the excitement—and uncertainty—that will come with it heading into the 2019 season.

Plus: A surprising amount of turnover in the rest of the Browns’ coaching staff, and big names Mike McCarthy, Josh McDaniels and Bruce Arians ultimately being non-factors in the Browns’ search.

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Episode 138 – CFP semifinals and Rose Bowl preview with Mark Podolski

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

For the fourth straight year, News-Herald sports editor Mark Podolski joins the show to talk bowl games. The slate is a little lackluster this year, so The Nail’s traditional New Year’s Six preview is getting trimmed down to only the games anyone actually cares about – the College Football Playoff semifinals (Clemson vs. Notre Dame and Alabama vs. Oklahoma) and Ohio State’s surprisingly rare Rose Bowl appearance. Is another Alabama-Clemson championship game inevitable? Does Washington stand a chance in Urban Meyer’s last game on the Buckeyes’ sideline? And is it surprising that Dwayne Haskins is actually playing on New Year’s Day?

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Episode 137 – Browns happiness at the holidays

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Just two weeks remain in the NFL season, and while the Browns probably aren’t making the playoffs this year, it’s mid-December and they are at least mathematically still alive. Hey, progress! The guys discuss the Browns’ exciting win in Denver on Saturday night and the organization’s remarkable turnaround over the past 12 months.

Plus: The Browns’ head coaching position will be one of the most sought-after jobs in the league this upcoming offseason, but with an assist from offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, is interim coach Gregg Williams doing the unthinkable and actually making a case for getting the job permanently?

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Episode 136 – Rerun: Buckeyes miss out on College Football Playoff again

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

For the second straight year, Ohio State won the Big Ten championship, but missed out on the College Football Playoff, which, also for the second straight year, will include Alabama, Clemson and Oklahoma. Being left out of the playoff field wasn’t a surprise, but also finishing behind two-loss Georgia this year? That’s a little more dubious. The guys discuss the selection committee’s wonky logic, the Big Ten’s struggle to get its champion into the playoff, and the value of a do-or-die regular season vs. an expanded playoff that lets in all worthy contenders.

Plus: A half-baked Fox vs. ESPN TV rights conspiracy theory and Dwayne Haskins’ Heisman odds.

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Episode 135 – OSU-Michigan with Bill Bender, LeBron returns as Cavs in ruins

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Ohio State and Michigan meet on Saturday with the Big Ten East Division title on the line. Bill Bender of The Sporting News will be in the press box at Ohio Stadium this weekend, but first, he’s back on The Nail to break down The Game, from the dynamic abilities of Buckeyes QB Dwayne Haskins to the disastrous big plays allowed that have plagued a depleted OSU defense. Does Jim Harbaugh have a team capable of giving Michigan its first win in the Horseshoe since 2000? … Plus: LeBron James is back in The Q on Wednesday night, but his old team, the Cavs, are in a state of disarray. The guys discuss the grim stories of LeBron’s departure and disgruntled veterans that have made headlines this week, and the trouble with a front office rapidly losing its team’s trust.

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Episode 096 – Another round of ‘What’s the Deal?’

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0000

With two weeks of headlines to catch up on, the guys dust off "What's the Deal?", a fan favorite format from last year. Topics covered in this version include: OSU coming back from the dead in the College Football Playoff picture, the Jerry Jones vs. Roger Goodell feud in the NFL, the Browns, Peyton Manning, Corey Kluber winning the AL Cy Young and early Indians offseason rumblings, and LeBron and the Cavs starting to get it together. Plus, with the recent airing of ESPN's "Nature Boy" documentary and WWE Survivor Series coming up this weekend, Tom shares a story about the time he interviewed Ric Flair, as well as Vince McMahon and Triple H, back in 2004.

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Episode 134 – Cavs fire Lue. Browns fire Hue. Now what to do?

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

On Sunday, the Cavs fired the only head coach in franchise history who guided the team to an NBA title. On Monday, the Browns fired a coach who was…just a bit less successful. Now, the two Cleveland sports team who are in season are without coaches, and each organization finds itself at a crossroads. The guys discuss what went wrong for Hue Jackson and Ty Lue, how attractive the Browns job is, what exactly the Cavs are trying to do this year, and what traits both teams should be prioritizing when making their next coaching hires.

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Episode 133 – Cavaliers season preview with Carter Rodriguez

Sat, 13 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Carter Rodriguez, co-host of The Chase Down podcast and a contributor for FearTheSword.com, joins the show to preview the Cavs season, which tips off on Wednesday night. The guys discuss recalibrating their expectations with title contention off the table for the foreseeable future, continuing to cover the team after the bandwagon clears out, the potential for Cavs Twitter's favorite son Cedi Osman and rookie point guard Collin Sexton, and the franchise's search for a feel-good identity in a post-LeBron world.

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Episode 132 – It was what it was: Getting the Indians postmortem out of the way

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

A few days removed from the Indians’ ALDS debacle, the guys air their remaining grievances about the Tribe’s all-too-short postseason run, and then discuss some of the fallout this week since the series ended and what, if anything, there will be to get excited about in the regular season next year. (It’s not an upbeat first 20 minutes, folks!)

Plus: Bakermania and the cult of personality that is driving a real change in the Browns’ culture and finally making NFL Sundays exciting in Cleveland again.

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Episode 131 – It’s time to get serious: Indians-Astros ALDS preview

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Let’s be honest, the Indians knew they would be playing in the postseason when they took the field on Opening Day. After six long months, October has finally arrived and the defending World Series champion Astros await in the ALDS. Joel Hammond spent five years as the Indians' assistant director of communications, a tenure that included three postseason trips. He’s back on The Nail to share some perspectives on the mood inside the organization at this time of the year.

The guys also dive into the biggest storylines that will be playing out on the field, including: how the Indians are setting up their pitching staff, whether Andrew Miller can show any flashes of his overpowering 2016 form, postseason redemption for Jose Ramirez, Francisco Lindor and Corey Kluber, and the looming uncertainty for a lot of key players who could be suiting up for their final games with the Indians.

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Episode 130 – Baker, Browns and big-game uniforms

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Ready or not (and judging by the chants at FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday night, it seems most people in Cleveland fall into the category of “ready”), the Baker Mayfield show has arrived in Browns Town. The guys relive Mayfield’s electric debut, the circumstances that made it happen earlier than the Browns were steadfastly planning for, and where the rejuvenated franchise goes with its QB of the future apparently set to take the reins full-time. Plus, the Browns’ Color Rush jerseys join Cleveland sports’ history of special uniforms for big games and the NFL’s imperfect, yet intoxicating on-field product.

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Episode 129 – Tom Withers of the AP on covering Cleveland's teams

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0000

From Twitter exchanges with LeBron James over potential Browns moves to covering games and chasing down stories for all three of Cleveland’s professional sports teams, there’s rarely a boring day on the job for Associated Press sportswriter Tom Withers. He joins The Nail to reflect on covering LeBron’s career (and, as of recently, James’ more vocal interest in the local football team), as well as where Week 1 ranks in the Pantheon of Weird Browns Games, the state of the Indians, and the next chapter for the Cavs.

Plus: The challenges of keeping tabs on three major pro sports teams simultaneously, and finding a balance between covering the basics that are expected of the Associated Press and digging deeper to find unique stories and scoops.

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Episode 128 – Ben Axelrod on the Browns, Hard Knocks and Ohio State football

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Even before the regular seasons for the Browns and Buckeyes kick off, it has been an interesting month for football fans in Northeast Ohio. Ben Axelrod of WKYC has had a front row seat for much of it, and he joins The Nail to discuss the storylines of “Hard Knocks” vs. reality at training camp in Berea, the Browns on the verge of becoming a relevant and interesting NFL franchise for the first time in years, the players making it happen like Myles Garrett—and those who apparently won’t. (Sorry, Mychal Kendricks.)

Meanwhile in Columbus, it has been a turbulent preseason for the Ohio State football program. Axelrod explains the challenges of covering the Zach Smith/Urban Meyer scandal and making the transition back to on-the-field matters, where the Buckeyes figure to be in the mix for the Big Ten title and another berth in the College Football Playoff. Plus: Players to watch and potential CFP sleeper teams.

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Episode 127 – AP golf writer Doug Ferguson on the final WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Firestone Country Club has played host to professional golf tournaments since 1954, including three major championships, the former World Series of Golf and the current WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. But this weekend, the world’s best golfers will tee it up in Akron for the final time before the tournament moves to Memphis next year.

Doug Ferguson has covered golf for the Associated Press for 20 years, and he has been on hand for nearly every big moment at Firestone over the past two decades. On a special episode of The Nail, Ferguson shares some classic tales from Firestone’s storied history—many of which prominently involve Tiger Woods, who has won in Akron eight times and will play Firestone for the first time since 2014 this weekend. From the “Shot in the Dark” to Sunday showdowns to an approach shot that rolled off the clubhouse roof and ended up in the cart of a guy delivering crunchy cream pies, if you’ve ever been to Firestone, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

*** Don't forget: Travis is once again riding in Pelotonia to raise money for cancer research. You can help by donating at: pelotonia.org/travisulle

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Episode 126 – No tanks: Scott Sargent on Kevin Love's deal and Cavs not bottoming out

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Written off as a potential trade asset since nearly the day he arrived, Kevin Love is still in Cleveland. And with the four-year contract extension he signed this week, it looks like the Cavs are planning to count on him for a long time. Love is well-liked, but his new deal was a polarizing move around town. Are the Cavs making the right call by trying to push forward toward a playoff spot, even if it means losing their first-round draft pick in 2019, or should they be fully embracing the tank to improve their lottery odds?

Scott Sargent, of Waiting For Next Year and Bleacher Report, was on hand when the team announced Love’s contract extension. He joins The Nail to discuss that deal, the course the Cavs are charting in their second post-LeBron era, and the question the vast majority of teams around the league face, now including the Cavs: How do you approach the season when you aren’t one of the precious few franchises with a shot at an NBA title?

*** Don't forget: Travis is once again riding in Pelotonia to raise money for cancer research. You can help by donating at: pelotonia.org/travisulle

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Episode 125 – Midseason State of the Indians with T.D. Dery

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

It’s our midsummer tradition: Tribe fan extraordinaire T.D. Dery is back on The Nail to discuss the state of the Indians coming out of the All-Star break. The guys look back on how the team seized control of the AL Central in the first half of the year, Jose Ramirez putting together one of the franchise’s all-time great individual seasons, Michael Brantley’s resurgence amid a depleted outfield, and lingering injury concerns with Corey Kluber. Plus: Francisco Lindor as a potential face of Major League Baseball, the overall marketability of MLB, and outfield and bullpen trade targets as the deadline approaches. *** Don't forget: Travis is once again riding in Pelotonia to raise money for cancer research. You can help by donating at: pelotonia.org/travisulle

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Episode 124 – Hurry up and deal: What are the Indians waiting for?

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Sooooo...you could say the Indians took care of business on Wednesday night. But 24 hours earlier—you know, back when they weren’t putting up 19 runs—a lackluster start to the 9th inning by closer Cody Allen, a miscommunication between manager Terry Francona and pitching coach Carl Willis, and a bad matchup for reliever Dan Otero turned a fine night at the ballpark into downright ugly loss, bringing out the boo birds at Progressive Field. It was called the nadir of the season for the team's beleaguered bullpen, and aggravation is mounting amongst the Tribe faithful. A talented-but-flawed Indians roster continues to trudge through the season in first place in the AL Central, but clearly is a step behind the rest of the league’s top teams. What is the Tribe front office waiting for? The guys discuss that, as well as Travis’ adventures at the AAA Home Run Derby in Columbus on Monday night. …. Plus: Travis is once again riding in Pelotonia to raise money for cancer research. You can help by donating at: pelotonia.org/travisulle

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Episode 123 – Film noir: Dark days for the Cavs as LeBron heads off to Hollywood

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

On Sunday night, the greatest era in Cavaliers franchise history came to a quiet end with a one-sentence press release announcing LeBron James had agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The guys look back on the uneasy alliance between LeBron and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert that ultimately couldn’t last, the bizarre work in progress that is the Lakers’ roster that LeBron will be joining, the increasingly unbalanced landscape as the league’s biggest star becomes the latest elite player to go west, and the uncertain future of the Cavs.

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Episode 122 – Finals fallout: LeBron, Cavs swept into summer of uncertainty

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0000

It was a painful NBA Finals – both figuratively and literally – for LeBron and the Cavs. Dodgy officiating, a killer mental mistake and a punched white board punctuated Game 1, and the Wine and Gold never recovered for the remainder of the series. The guys discuss the late-game proceedings in Game 1, LeBron’s busted hand, the burden on the Cavs’ front office navigating the draft and free agency in light of LeBron’s potential departure this summer, the Warriors’ weird dynamic with Kevin Durant, and how long Golden State can keep its nucleus together.

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Episode 121 – Four-gone conclusion? Cavs-Warriors NBA Finals preview with David Zavac

Thu, 31 May 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Let’s be honest: The Cavs are facing some of the longest odds in NBA Finals history when they tip off against Golden State for the fourth straight season. But is all hope lost? David Zavac, contributor for The Athletic, is back on The Nail to dive into what the Cavs can try to do to make this a competitive series. The guys also touch on the absence of Andre Iguodala and most likely Kevin Love for Game 1, how some of Cleveland’s new faces can fit into this four-year rivalry and the difference for the Cavs between playing as the team to beat in the East playoffs vs. having nothing to lose in the Finals.

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Episode 120 – 48 special minutes: LeBron, Cavs survive Celtics and conquer the East again

Tue, 29 May 2018 04:00:00 -0000

LeBron James delivered an epic, wire-to-wire performance, the Cavs’ role players—led by Jeff Green!—provided just enough scoring support, and the Cavaliers are Eastern Conference champions for the fourth straight year after winning Game 7 on Sunday night in Boston. The guys get together a night later to look back on a dramatic, draining closeout game and its most memorable moments.

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Episode 119 – Gloom, doom (but hopefully not a broom): Cavs struggling in ECF

Fri, 18 May 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Baffling coaching decisions, blown defensive assignments, bad shooting and a battered jaw for one LeBron James have left the Cavs halfway to getting swept in the Eastern Conference Finals. With the next two games at The Q, the Wine & Gold aren't completely in dire straits just yet. Still, it’s been ugly so far. The guys discuss Ty Lue’s decision to ride with JR Smith over Kyle Korver in the starting lineup, the struggles of the newer members of the roster, the “organizational fatigue” plaguing everyone who has been around for the long haul, and the weight of trying to fight back in a series knowing what would await in the Finals (and *not* knowing what awaits this summer).

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Episode 118 – That’s a Rap: Cavs shift focus to Celtics after ending Toronto

Sat, 12 May 2018 04:00:00 -0000

With a ridiculous running floater off the glass last Saturday night, LeBron James broke the spirit of yet another Eastern Conference franchise, as the Raptors bowed out meekly on Monday and fired head coach Dwane Casey four days later. A transcendent postseason for LeBron continues in the Eastern Conference finals, where the depleted-but-not-defeated Boston Celtics await. Aside from LeBron’s shot-making abilities, the Cavs were steadied in Round 2 by the presence of point guard George Hill, the outside shooting of J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver, and a devastating two-man game from Korver and Kevin Love. The guys preview the conference finals with the Celtics, air grievances about Boston, and quickly set up the West series between Houston and Golden State.

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Episode 117 – Cavalry arrives, Cavs survive, can Raps avoid another dive?

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0000

It was the most nerve-wracking first round series to ever involve LeBron James wearing wine and gold, but the Cavs survived their matchup with the Pacers. In Game 7 on Sunday, LeBron was LeBron, but his supporting cast finally came through, too. Tristan Thompson looked like the Tristan Thompson of old as he crashed the glass, and George Hill returned after a three-game absence to steady the squad through the final 19 minutes. The guys discuss how the Cavs ultimately outlasted a better-than-expected Indiana team, and then look ahead to another series with the Raptors in the conference semifinals. Every adjustment Toronto has made in the past year has been with Cleveland in mind, and for the first time, the Raptors are favored to win the series. But, ultimately, will this year’s edition of Cavs-Raps be any different than the past two?

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Episode 116 – Cavs (and all of us watching them) feeling first-round stress

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0000

A lot of fans figured the Eastern Conference playoffs would be more challenging for the Cavs this season than in recent years, but few could have predicted a full-fledged fight in the first round. Nevertheless, the Indiana Pacers are giving the Cavs all they can handle through four games. The guys welcome their old pal Mark Meszoros back to the show to discuss the burden LeBron is carrying, Ty Lue’s strange rotations and inexplicable fascination with Jeff Green, the revival of JR Smith—both as a scorer and as a defender on Indiana’s Victor Oladipo—and the challenge of getting Kevin Love going.

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Episode 115 – Mike Zavagno on the Cavs and the NBA playoffs (and Taylor Swift?)

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Mike Zavagno of FearTheSword.com and the Cavalytics podcast joins the show to help the guys get ready for the NBA playoffs. It was a strange season—or maybe even four or five seasons rolled into one—for the Cavs. But as they get ready for the Pacers in the first round, the Wine and Gold appear to finally have their full lineup available for the first time since the trade deadline. The guys discuss players like Jeff Green and Jose Calderon going from afterthoughts at the beginning of the year to key members of the playoff rotation, how the players acquired at the deadline—Larry Nance Jr., George Hill, Rodney Hood and Jordan Clarkson—will fit into the Cavs’ plans, familiar faces who could have reduced (or entirely eliminated) roles, and what more to expect from LeBron James after a tremendous 15th regular season. Plus, a rundown of the rest of the playoffs: Are the Sixers the Cavs’ biggest threat in the East? Was Golden State gifted a path to the Western Conference finals? And can anyone challenge the Rockets or Warriors in the early rounds? ... Oh, and there's also a story in the first five minutes about the time Mike encountered Taylor Swift at customs in the U.S. Virgin Islands and ended up in tabloids around the world. (Yes, really.)

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Episode 114 – Indians/MLB preview with Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Ready or not, the Indians begin their 2018 season on Thursday night in Seattle. To ring in the new year, the guys go around the horn on all things Tribe-related with Anthony Castrovince, national columnist for MLB.com and contributor for the MLB Network. How will the Indians replace all of the players gone from last year's 102-win squad? How much can we expect from talented (but injury-plagued) veterans such as Michael Brantley, Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall? Will Greg Allen, Bobby Bradley, Francisco Mejia or other players in the Tribe's system make an impact with the big league club this year? Can the Twins (or anyone else) in the AL Central threaten the Indians' chances of making the postseason for a third straight year? Castrovince answers those questions and covers lots more around Major League Baseball in a packed edition of The Nail.

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Episode 113 – A stellar night for the Cavs and a salute to Joe Thomas

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Down 15 points at the half to the Eastern Conference-leading Raptors. Playing without Kyle Korver, Larry Nance, Tristan Thompson, Rodney Hood, Cedi Osman and head coach Ty Lue. At another point in the season, this was the kind of night in which the Cavs would unravel. But on Wednesday, LeBron James and Co. had different ideas. The guys discuss one of the team’s most stirring wins of the year, as well as Kevin Love’s return to the lineup, the surprising emergence of Ante Zizic and what’s left of the regular season. After a number of false starts, is this finally the time the Cavs turn the corner? … Plus: Appreciating Joe Thomas’ incredible playing career at one of football’s most hard-to-appreciate positions, a quick survey of the latest buzz around the NFL draft, and a shout-out to the UMBC Retrievers for ridding March Madness of the least watchable major conference powerhouse.

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Episode 112 – 'Big' decisions: On Larry Nance, Tristan Thompson and the Browns’ first-round picks

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Larry Nance Jr. has been everything Cavaliers fans hoped he would be when he was acquired at the trade deadline. Tristan Thompson, meanwhile, hasn’t been quite up to the form he showed in playing an enormous role in the Cavs’ title run in 2016, and he’s now sidelined with an ankle injury. With Tristan down, Larry Jr. is getting a shot in the starting lineup, and the early returns have been promising. What happens to the Cavs’ frontcourt when TT returns? … Plus: Would the QB-desperate Browns really pass on a quarterback at the top of the draft? Also, was there anything the Indians could have done to better distribute their limited supply of tickets for Opening Day?

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Episode 111 – Talking #MACtion with Jason Arkley of the Athens Messenger

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 05:00:00 -0000

It’s Mid-American Conference tournament week in Cleveland, and Jason Arkley of the Athens Messenger is back on The Nail to set the stage. The No. 1 seed Buffalo Bulls seek their third conference championship in four years, but the rest of the top teams in this year’s bracket – Toledo, Eastern Michigan and Ball State – are all looking to break long droughts. Arkley breaks down Thursday’s quarterfinal matchups and discusses whether a MAC team can win an NCAA tournament game for the first time since 2012. ... Plus: The effect of the graduate transfer rule on college basketball and whether the sport's latest scandals are being felt at the mid-major level.

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Episode 110 – A crash course on Ohio State basketball and the Big Ten tournament

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Ready or not, it’s time for the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament, as the conference decided to stage its signature hoops event a week early for the sake of getting to play in Madison Square Garden. The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the great stories in all of college basketball this season, figure to be a big factor this weekend in New York and in March Madness as well. The guys welcome back Josh Poloha of WaitingForNextYear.com to discuss how first-year coach Chris Holtmann has revitalized the program in Columbus, the stellar play of conference player of the year Keita Bates-Diop and others on the roster, and the teams who stand in the Buckeyes’ way in the Big Ten tourney. … Plus: A look at the scandals hanging over college basketball, the impact they could have on the NCAA tournament, and whether a day of reckoning is coming for some of the sport’s biggest names.

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Episode 109 – I love these games! Catching up on the Cavs and Olympics

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Cleveland is buzzing about basketball again as the Cavs kick off the unofficial second half of the NBA season on Thursday night. As we saw in a two-game preview before the All-Star break, the excitement comes with good reason. LeBron James is engaged, the team is rejuvenated and the games are once again must-see TV. The guys talk about the early returns from Larry Nance, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood and George Hill, and what to look forward to down the stretch. … Plus: The most fun events to watch in the Winter Olympics, why not even commentary by wet blanket Bode Miller can ruin downhill skiing, and a quick thought on potential free agent QB targets for the Browns.

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Episode 108 – No half measures: Cavs break from the bad, reload roster

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Within the past month, it became apparent that the Cavs were dead in the water as constructed. The only question that remained was how far they were willing to go to change their fortunes. As we found out Thursday, the answer was “pretty damn far.” The team tied its own NBA trade deadline day record, sending out six players in three deals and bringing in four new faces. Jeff Nomina of Waiting For Next Year joins the guys to discuss how a front office under fire for months stood up and overhauled a fractured roster to rebuild the team’s culture. Whether it is enough to overcome the Warriors (…or Rockets?) remains to be seen for now. ... Plus: The guys wrap up the show with a salute to WFNY on its 10th anniversary.

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Episode 107 – Rumbles, Rousey, Rejuvenated (?) Cavs and the Relegation of Wahoo

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 05:00:00 -0000

It’s been a busy 10 days since The Nail guys have convened to record a pod. Stipe Miocic successfully defended his UFC heavyweight title and already has another opponent lined up for July. WWE put on a surprisingly great Royal Rumble pay-per-view headlined by the first women’s Rumble match (and Ronda Rousey!). The Cavs have gone to hell and back, and are finally starting to show signs of life—although for reasons both on and off the court, Isaiah Thomas’ future looks as murky as ever. And finally—FINALLY—the Indians announced Chief Wahoo is going away (well, sort of). As they have every step of the way with their embattled logo, the Indians continue to take the hardest road possible in moving on. The guys cover that and more in a busy, wide-ranging edition of The Nail.

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Episode 106 – Stipe Miocic defends title at UFC 220, WWE Raw turns 25

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 05:00:00 -0000

UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is defending his title against Francis Ngannou on Saturday night, and News-Herald sports editor Mark Podolski is in Boston to cover the fight. Podolski has known Miocic since the champ was a wrestler for Eastlake North High School and a placekicker for the school’s football team, and he has followed Miocic closely throughout his MMA career. In his latest appearance on The Nail, Podolski shares stories from Miocic’s high school years, sets the scene at UFC’s media day on Thursday, previews the fight as Miocic tries to become the first UFC heavyweight champ to reach three successful title defenses, and gives a rundown on the red-hot, trash talkin’ challenger Ngannou. ... Plus: WWE Raw will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Monday night. The guys relive memories of WWE’s flagship show, including the time Tom went down to the then-Gund Arena, and was left standing outside without a ticket as a historic episode got underway.

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Episode 105 – Now what? Cavs left with long odds in pursuit of Warriors

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 05:00:00 -0000

From the final numbers on the scoreboard at Quicken Loans Arena on Monday night to the grim anonymous quotes from players in stories published in early Tuesday morning, the consensus is clear: The Cavs, as presently constructed, won’t beat the Warriors. Friend of the show and longtime Cavs fan Nick Carrabine is back on The Nail as the guys discuss what has happened to J.R. Smith, Isaiah Thomas’ fit and whether he’s playable against Golden State, and whether Ty Lue is getting the most out of this Cavs roster. Plus: The Cavs have assets, but in the face of what looks like increasingly long championship odds, is there a deal out there worth gambling on with a summer of uncertainty for the franchise ahead?

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Episode 104 – Alabama-Georgia fallout and the future of the College Football Playoff

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 05:00:00 -0000

On the verge of winning their first national championship in 37 years, the Georgia Bulldogs instead lost the title game on Monday night in the most excruciating way imaginable, and the Alabama evil empire reigns over college football again. The guys relive the game’s stunning closing moments and the unconventional ways they saw them unfold—Tom watched the full game on the announcer-free SkyCam feed that was part of ESPN’s megacast, while Travis went through the condensed version on Tuesday after following along on Twitter during the live game.

Plus: With UCF’s perfect season and teams just missing out on the playoff posting big bowl wins—not to mention Alabama’s shaky regular season résumé—has the door been pried open for an eight-team field? Expansion is probably inevitable, but the guys debate whether it should be.

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Episode 103 – Decisions, decisions: Browns dive into a pivotal offseason

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Mercifully, the Browns’ season is over, but the interesting times are just getting started. Tom and Travis discuss decisions made—John Dorsey replacing Sashi Brown, transitioning from collecting assets to acquiring players, and (against all odds) keeping Hue Jackson—and the decisions to come (read: “quarterback, quarterback and quarterback”). As the Browns sort through their issues, there’s one other decision that’s easy for the guys: Neither of them would be caught dead at this weekend’s 0-16 parade. … Plus: Thoughts on the Rose Bowl and the upcoming college football national championship game, Isaiah Thomas’ exciting Cavs debut and what to do with J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson.

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Episode 056 – Let’s go bowling with Ohio State and the New Year’s Six

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 05:00:00 -0000

News-Herald sports editor Mark Podolski is back for our second annual college football bowl game extravaganza. In a colorful hour-plus, the guys cover: the playoff semifinals, including a potentially tremendous Fiesta Bowl between Ohio State and Clemson, Western Michigan’s chances of pulling an upset vs. Wisconsin, which games can lift up a mostly lackluster bowl season, players skipping bowl games, the draft stock of North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky, and New Year’s Day being the latest sports tradition messed up by the (bleeping) NFL.

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Episode 102 – Let’s go bowling! New Year’s Six college football preview

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 05:00:00 -0000

For the third straight year, Mark Podolski, sports editor of The News-Herald, joins Tom and Travis for a marathon rundown of college football’s New Year’s Six bowl games, including Ohio State-USC in the Cotton Bowl, as well as the College Football Playoff semifinals between Oklahoma and Georgia (Rose Bowl), and Clemson and Alabama (Sugar). Plus: Quarterbacks Sam Darnold of USC and Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma, as well as Penn State running back Saquon Barkley (playing in the Fiesta Bowl vs. Washington), could figure prominently into the Browns’ draft plans in April. How much of an impact, if at all, will their bowl game performances have on where they land on draft day?

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Episode 101 – Scott Sargent of WFNY on the state of the Cavs

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 05:00:00 -0000

Scott Sargent, editor and co-founder of WaitingForNextYear.com and a contributing writer for Bleacher Report, joins the show to bring the guys up to speed on the state of the Cavs heading into another Christmas showdown with the Warriors. New faces such as Dwyane Wade, Jose Calderon and Jeff Green have the team surging after a rough start to the year. Scott explains what has made the Cavs’ excellent second unit work so well, why Calderon has been a surprisingly good fit with the starters, where Isaiah Thomas and Derrick Rose will fit moving forward, what Tristan Thompson’s role will look like and whether any roster moves are coming later this season. … Plus: A quick rundown on the Warriors, and the LeBron James vs. James Harden MVP debate.

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Episode 100 – ‘Real players,’ regional NBA broadcasts and Rice Krispie Treats

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 05:00:00 -0000

It’s episode 100 of The Nail, and the guys are keeping it a buck on new Browns GM John Dorsey, how we watch Cavs games, NBA All-Star Games, the Indians’ offseason, Rice Krispie Treats and more. On the anniversary of Mike Holmgren’s infamous “Don’t call me for playoff tickets” diatribe and the disastrous debut of Johnny Football, John Dorsey added a new entry into Browns lore by declaring he wants “real players.” Fair or unfair? … Plus: How do you watch the Cavs? The guys discuss the merits of national TV broadcasts vs. Fox Sports Ohio productions, as well as watching live vs. on DVR.

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Episode 099 – Playoff forgotten, Ohio State sent to Cotton

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 05:00:00 -0000

The College Football Playoff pairings were released on Sunday, and despite winning the Big Ten championship, the Ohio State Buckeyes were left out of the national title picture. Instead, they’re headed to the Cotton Bowl to face USC. The guys welcome Josh Poloha of Waiting For Next Year to figure out how Alabama moved up into the fourth playoff spot without playing in a conference title game, whether OSU ever had a realistic chance at getting in after all, and whether factors that weren’t supposed to matter – the potential for Clemson-Alabama III vs. a rematch of last year’s Clemson-Ohio State blowout, the Big Ten’s recent playoff history – actually played a role in determining this year’s field.

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Episode 098 – Fight for 4: Bill Bender on Ohio State, Alabama and the College Football Playoff

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 05:00:00 -0000

Four games between top-10 teams in one day! Playoff implications abound! Saturday has all the makings of a great day for college football, but the biggest fight of the weekend could be waged on Sunday morning if perennial powerhouses Ohio State and Alabama are left to scrap for a fourth and final College Football Playoff berth. Bill Bender of the Sporting News is back on the show to help the guys navigate the battlefield. Quality wins? Bad losses? Conference titles? What will sway the selection committee? Do precedents matter? Are any other teams outside the current top four in the mix? Can any of those top four stay in even with a loss? It’s an action-packed – and, at times, contentious! – episode of The Nail.

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Episode 097 – Craig Lyndall on The Nail joining WFNY, the Cavs and #SellTheBrowns

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 05:00:00 -0000

As you may have heard, The Nail is joining up with Waiting For Next Year. The guys welcome Craig Lyndall of WFNY to discuss that news, the NFL and Craig's #SellTheBrowns mantra, and the state of the Cavs one month into the NBA season. Are the Celtics an actual threat in the East or another in a long line of media creations stemming from LeBron fatigue? What in God’s name possesses fans to defend Derrick Rose? Plus: Thoughts on Jae Crowder, Jeff Green, Dwyane Wade and the almighty Brooklyn pick.

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Episode 095 – Beauty & the Least: OSU shines as Browns, Cavs flail

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 04:00:00 -0000

It's been a dismal, dysfunctional week in Cleveland, from the Browns botching the trade deadline as only the Browns can to the Cavs taking their infamous regular season malaise to new depths. Thankfully, Ohio State gave us something to enjoy, as J.T. Barrett delivered an all-time performance in an instant classic victory over Penn State, launching the Buckeyes back into the national title picture and J.T. back into the Heisman race.

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Episode 094 – The Browns and the Nightmare on Lou Groza Boulevard

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 04:00:00 -0000

It’s Halloween weekend, so it’s a fitting time for the guys to finally take on the scariest house of horrors in town: Browns headquarters in Berea. … Plus: A preview of Ohio State’s big challenge Saturday vs. Penn State, J.T. Barrett’s search for a second signature win, #Pac12AfterDark and Halloween costumes.

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Episode 093 – Adjusting to basketball season and the new-look Cavs

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 04:00:00 -0000

It's a new season in the NBA, and the Cavs have a lot of new faces as they look to make a run at a fourth straight Finals. The guys discuss the good, bad and ugly from the team's opening night win over Boston, dealing with the growing pains that come from replacing half your rotation, and ignoring the endless noise that will be sure to surround the team with LeBron in the final year of his contract. ... Plus: A few minutes on uniforms (Ohio State, what are you doing?), and a quick peek ahead to OSU-Penn State next week.

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Episode 092 – Sifting through the ruins of the Indians’ lost October

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 04:00:00 -0000

It’s the day after the Indians’ ALDS disaster, and the guys are still bummed out. What happened to the bats at the top of the order? Was Corey Kluber in worse shape than we knew? How long before an automated strike zone becomes a reality in Major League Baseball? The guys sift through a lot of questions about what went wrong and where things go now. ... Plus, an extended discussion on one more question for the offseason: Have we seen Chief Wahoo on a major league uniform for the final time?

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Episode 091 – Embracing October: Indians-Yankees ALDS preview

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 04:00:00 -0000

The MLB postseason — and all the anxiety that comes with it — is here. The Indians are loaded, and they ended September scorching hot. But October brings unpredictability — and a tough New York Yankees team in the ALDS. The guys discuss the curious setup for the Tribe’s pitching staff, their faith in Terry Francona, the Indians’ myriad lineup options and what to expect from the new Bronx Bombers.

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Episode 090 – Photographer Ken Blaze on shooting Cleveland sports

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 -0000

When he’s not dodging Gatorade bottle caps being launched out of the Indians dugout by Trevor Bauer or accidentally getting thumbed in the eye by J.R. Smith courtside in The Q, photographer Ken Blaze is shooting Cleveland’s biggest sports moments for the most recognizable media outlets in the nation. He joins the show to take the guys behind the lens covering the Indians, Cavs and Browns, and share some of his favorite game day experiences.

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Episode 089 – Of course we’re talking about the Indians

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 04:00:00 -0000

After a one-week hiatus, the guys are back to pay homage to the Indians’ once-in-a-lifetime winning streak—which climbed to 21 games on Wednesday—and all of the crazy performances and stats it has produced along the way. … Plus: Some honest-to-God optimism for the Browns and well-founded consternation over Ohio State.

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Episode 088 – Browns moves, Q renovations and Buckeyes kicking off

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 04:00:00 -0000

The guys discuss a busy day for the Browns – Joe Haden is cut! Cam Erving is traded! Joe Haden is going…to Pittsburgh?! … Plus: Plans to renovate Quicken Loans Arena have been scrapped. Were they even worth it to begin with? And finally, a primer on the Ohio State football team, which begins its 2017 season on Thursday.

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Episode 087 – High school football with Bill Tilton of Varsity Chalk Talk

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 04:00:00 -0000

High school football kicks off on Friday night, and Bill Tilton of Varsity Chalk Talk joins the show to set the stage for the new season. Topics covered include: Teams and players to watch in the area and how the OHSAA’s competitive balance measures will shake up the state playoff picture. … Plus: Bill shares his story of leaving the newspaper business to launch his own high school sports information company and talk show, as well as his two cents on the state of the Indians and Cavs.

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Episode 086 – Cavs trade Kyrie Irving to the Celtics

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 04:00:00 -0000

Kyrie Irving has been traded to the Boston Celtics. The guys get friend of the show Mark Meszoros on the line to discuss the blockbuster deal that is bringing Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, the Nets’ unprotected first-round pick and a prospect to Cleveland, sort through the Cavs’ options moving forward, and ponder the ever-present question: What, if anything, does this mean regarding the team’s future with LeBron?

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Episode 085 – Let’s talk about sports video games

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 04:00:00 -0000

With the dog days of summer winding down, the guys take a break from the usual business and bring on friend of the show John Werner to talk sports video games. Enjoy a trip down memory lane with Madden, NHL 94, Golden Tee, NBA Jam, the 2K titles, the glory days of wrestling games and even a few obscure gems (hey there, Super Baseball 2020). … PLUS: "Working" at FuncoLand, the story of a six-year dynasty on NCAA Football 2002 at OU, the NFL Blitz championship belt (and the property damage it led to), and a couple of million dollar ideas for game companies. It’s one of our longest episodes ever, but it’s one of the most fun, too.

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Episode 084 – Browns QBs, Cavs uniforms, Kyrie and sports media narratives

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 04:00:00 -0000

With no single story dominating the Cleveland sports landscape, the guys go around the horn this week. Topics covered include: Brock Osweiler getting the start at QB in the Browns’ preseason opener, what we’re looking forward to in that game, the Cavs’ new uniforms, and sifting through agendas to understand what’s going on with Kyrie and LeBron.

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Episode 083 – Indians at the MLB trade deadline

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0000

Mike Hattery, who writes about the Indians at Waiting For Next Year, joins the show to help the guys sort out the aftermath of the MLB trade deadline. Topics covered include: How the returning Joe Smith fits into the Tribe bullpen, additional moves that could be made in August and which other teams around MLB did the most to help their cause on Monday afternoon. Plus: A conversation on how advanced statistics are changing the way we look at baseball and the ways in which the game is covered.

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Episode 082 – Uncle Drew doom: Coming to grips with Kyrie’s trade request

Sun, 23 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0000

Sigh…It’s never easy with the Cavs, is it? Still reeling from the news on Friday that Kyrie Irving has asked for a trade, the guys sift through the emotional wreckage in the latest chapter of our favorite basketball team’s never-ending soap opera. Topics covered include: What drove Kyrie to wanting out, the unprecedented nature of a teammate walking away from playing with LeBron James, how much the Cavs’ front office dysfunction played a role in this mess, and where the team goes from here.

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Episode 081 – State of the Indians with T.D. Dery

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0000

With the MLB All-Star break now in the rearview mirror, friend of the show T.D. Dery is back to take stock of the Indians. The guys look at the back end of the starting rotation, potential lineup upgrades, targets at the trade deadline, Jason Kipnis' interview with Cleveland Scene and more.

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Episode 080 – Talkin' Tribe with Carlos Baerga

Sun, 02 Jul 2017 04:00:00 -0000

Carlos Baerga was in town for the Lake County Captains’ Grand Slam 5K race, and he took some time to join the guys at Classic Park to talk about the ’90s Indians coming of age, the parallels he sees between those teams and today’s Tribe, and passing along lessons he learned during his career to the next generation of players.

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Episode 079 – Help (still) wanted in Cavs front office as the NBA gets to work

Thu, 29 Jun 2017 04:00:00 -0000

The draft has come and gone, two bonafide superstars have been traded, and free agency officially begins at midnight on Friday night. And yet 10 days after letting GM David Griffin go, the Cavs’ bizarre dance with Chauncey Billups to lead their front office drags on. The guys ponder what’s going on, whether a Plan B even exists and what’s happening around the league while the Cavs try to get their house in order. .. Plus: An honest discussion about Fox Sports’ decision to cut its online writing staff, and how you can donate to Travis’ ride with Pelotonia to raise money for cancer research.

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Episode 078 – Happy anniversary, now say goodbye: Griff gone from Cavs

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 04:00:00 -0000

On the one-year anniversary of the Cavs winning the NBA championship, the unthinkable has happened as the team has officially parted ways with GM David Griffin. The guys convene an emergency podcast to make sense of the Cavs sending the architect of their title team on his way to future endeavors (and mostly just vent for 25 minutes).

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Episode 077 – Cavs fight like hell, but fall in the Finals

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 04:00:00 -0000

Two nights removed from the end of the Finals, the guys give a spirited send-off to the Cavs’ run as the reigning NBA champions. Topics covered include: the Cavs’ historic offensive performance in Game 4 even with the series likely out of reach, chaotic moments defining the last two games, Golden State needing Kevin Durant more to beat the Cavs than Durant needed Golden State to win a title, and an appreciation for the Cavs’ core over the past three years as we head into a summer of uncertainty.

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Episode 076 – Confronting reality with the Cavs on the brink

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 04:00:00 -0000

With the Cavs on the verge of being swept in The Finals by Golden State, the guys begin to look ahead to an uncertain, unsettling future for the team in the wake of what has been an abrupt and demoralizing series.

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Episode 075 – It's Finally time: Legacies on the line in Cavs-Warriors III

Tue, 30 May 2017 04:00:00 -0000

After nearly a full year of anticipation, it's time. With Cavs-Warriors III beginning Thursday night, the guys discuss what has become arguably the best rivalry in sports, who has the most at stake in this year's Finals, and how the Larry O'Brien Trophy will be won.

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Episode 074 – Justin Rowan on the Cavs and Kyrie Irving's 42-point night in the ECF

Wed, 24 May 2017 04:00:00 -0000

Justin Rowan, writer for Fear the Sword and co-host of The Chase Down podcast, is back on the show as the guys salute Kyrie Irving for a 42-point performance on Tuesday night that put the Cavs back in control of the Eastern Conference Finals. We also start peeking ahead to Cavs-Warriors, Part 3.

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Episode 073 – Cavs-Celtics: It’s clobberin’ time in the Eastern Conference Finals

Tue, 16 May 2017 04:00:00 -0000

On the eve of the Eastern Conference Finals, the guys ponder what, if anything, the Celtics can do to stay competitive in this series, how the Cavs will look to take away Isaiah Thomas at one end of the floor and get Kevin Love more involved at the other, and whether Ty Lue gets his proper due as an NBA coach.

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Episode 072 – LeBron, Cavs complete a surgical sweep of Toronto

Sun, 07 May 2017 04:00:00 -0000

With an alley-oop off the backboard from Kyrie to LeBron 3 minutes into Game 1, the Cavs were on their way to dismantling the Raptors, and they never relented en route to a decisive and dominant four-game sweep. The guys discuss LeBron’s transcendent play through the first two rounds, the Cavs’ switch officially having been flipped, and what’s ahead after the team’s next lengthy layoff.

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Episode 071 – Another Browns draft roller coaster; Cavs-Raptors ready for the real East Finals

Sun, 30 Apr 2017 04:00:00 -0000

books, and as usually is the case, the Browns gave us no shortage of stuff to talk about. The guys discuss whether it was the right move to trade down from No. 12 and draft Jabrill Peppers, DeShone Kizer vs. the rest of this year’s QB class, and other notable picks around the league. … Plus: What to watch for when the Cavs play the Raptors in what might be their biggest challenge in the Eastern Conference.

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Episode 070 – Kurt Angle on his return to WWE

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 04:00:00 -0000

In a special episode of The Nail, Kurt Angle details his long road back to WWE after a decade of addictions to pain medication and alcohol threatened his life and livelihood. Angle also discusses whether he would be satisfied with his career if he never wrestles another match for the company, how WWE's women's division has taken off in recent years, and his work behind the scenes sharing advice with a new generation of superstars.

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Episode 069 – Cavs head to Indiana (mostly) in control

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 04:00:00 -0000

With the Cavs heading to Indiana looking to finish off the Pacers, Mark Meszoros is back on the show to help us get ready for Game 3. Will the Cavs throw down the hammer over the next two games, or will they let the Pacers hang around and send the series back to Cleveland? Other topics covered: Overcoming fourth quarter issues, Ty Lue’s adjustments through two games, Kevin Love wrecking Indiana in the post, and the Celtics and Raptors having their hands full in their respective series.

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Episode 068 – It’s showtime, folks. Are the Cavs ready to #DefendtheLand?

Fri, 14 Apr 2017 04:00:00 -0000

Whether they’re ready or not, the Cavs begin their NBA title defense on Saturday when they open the playoffs vs. Indiana. The guys sift through a strange and mostly lackluster regular season and figure out what, if anything, can be applied going forward. Can the Cavs stay focused long enough to handle their business in the early rounds? Does anyone on Indiana scare you besides Paul George? Which team is the Cavs’ biggest threat in the East? And for that matter, does a threat in the East even exist?

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Episode 067 – John Hutchison of Burning River Baseball is talkin' Tribe

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 04:00:00 -0000

Baseball is back, baby, and the Indians have given Cleveland all sorts of reasons to be excited. John Arthur Hutchison, a contributing writer for Burning River Baseball, is back on the show to bring us up to speed on all things Tribe for 2017. Topics covered include: offseason roster moves, the emergence of Yandy Diaz, the return of Michael Brantley, Francisco Lindor’s star power, Andrew Miller’s role in the bullpen, Cody Allen’s underappreciated greatness and lots more.

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Episode 066 – Blue Jackets national anthem singer Leo Welsh on the CBJ, NHL (and Browns)

Sat, 25 Mar 2017 04:00:00 -0000

With the Columbus Blue Jackets putting the finishing touches on their best regular season in franchise history, Leo Welsh, the team’s national anthem singer since 2003, joins the show to bring us up to speed on all things CBJ and NHL. Topics covered include: slimmed-down goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, rookie phenom defenseman Zach Werenski, former Lake Erie Monsters playing key roles in Columbus, and the NHL’s bizarre playoff seedings. … Plus, the guys wrap up the show by hitting Leo with a few Browns questions on the offseason, the draft and the front office.

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Episode 065 – March Madness, Cavs caught in crosshairs of NBA rest resentment

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 04:00:00 -0000

The guys are back to talk about all the big matchups from the opening weekend of March Madness, including Villanova vs. Wisconsin, Duke vs. South Carolina, and AT&T Uverse vs. Raycom Media. (Come back, CBS!) … Plus, the NBA's problem of resting stars and how ESPN, the network that invented “Embrace Debate,” blew a chance to have a discussion of actual back-and-forth substance about it during Cavs-Clippers on Saturday night.

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Episode 064 – MAC tournament crash course with Jason Arkley of the Athens Messenger

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 05:00:00 -0000

It’s championship week in college basketball, and that means the Mid-American Conference is bringing its brand of mid-major hoops back to The Q. With nearly every team coming to town having a realistic shot of cutting down the nets on Saturday night, Jason Arkley, the OU beat writer for the Athens Messenger, is back on the show to bring us up to speed on all things #MACtion. … Plus: With a disjointed regular season finally winding down, the guys lament the endless wait to see the Cavs at full strength and start thinking ahead to what their playoff rotation could look like.

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Episode 063 – Flat-out better: Reality sets in at NBA trade deadline as Cavs tower over East

Sat, 25 Feb 2017 05:00:00 -0000

Regardless of your geographic beliefs, the Cavs remain high atop the mountain in the Eastern Conference after the NBA trade deadline, and they could have more reinforcements on the way in the form of Deron Williams and Andrew Bogut. The guys discuss whether the Celtics did the right thing by passing on a proposed trade for Paul George and how the Cavs’ and Warriors’ dominance has deterred teams from making deadline deals. Plus: A look at the Cavs’ surprisingly effective super-sized second unit and some proposed rules changes for Major League Baseball.

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Episode 017 – PAUL HEYMAN talks WWE Fastlane, Brock Lesnar and CM Punk

Fri, 17 Feb 2017 05:00:00 -0000

WWE comes to Cleveland this Sunday for its Fastlane pay-per-view event, and to get us ready for the show, we have an interview with the one and only Paul Heyman, advocate for Brock Lesnar and the all-around best hype man in all of entertainment today. Heyman tells us what to expect from his client in the main event on Sunday, shares some background on how he paired up with Lesnar in 2002 and what makes their partnership so unique today, and eventually goes into the tale of how former WWE superstar CM Punk made the term “Paul Heyman guy” a badge of honor for wrestlers. PLUS: With the NBA trade deadline looming on Thursday, the guys have a quick discussion on what the Cavs might be up to.

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Episode 062 – A long, strange trip: Tales from the road as the Cavs hit the break

Fri, 17 Feb 2017 05:00:00 -0000

Beers on the beach in Mexico, cab rides in Austin and a surprisingly eventful first half of the season for the Cavs. There’s a little something for everyone on this week’s episode, as Travis returns to the States and Tom takes his turn traveling. With the Cavs hitting the All-Star break, the guys get into the highs and lows of the season, the storylines (legitimate and contrived) making headlines, and the joys (or, for some, agony) of listening to Bill Walton and Dick Vitale call an NBA game.

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Episode 061 – Joel Hammond of the Indians on managing the Tribe’s social media

Wed, 08 Feb 2017 05:00:00 -0000

With nearly 1.4 million likes on Facebook, 675,000 followers on Twitter and another 322,000 followers on Instagram, the Indians are as strong on social media as they are in the AL standings. This week, the guys welcome one of the masterminds behind the team’s social success: Joel Hammond, assistant communications director. Joel takes you behind the curtain on how the Tribe has developed its colorful online personality, how to push the limits of creativity without going over the line, and how his crew deals with wise guys making 3-1 jokes.

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Episode 060 – All-Star Games and a changing of the guard in the booth

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 05:00:00 -0000

With last week’s announcement that Cleveland will host the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, the guys talk about what getting the game means for the future of Wahoo and the Cavs’ hopes for following the Tribe's lead by renovating The Q and landing the NBA All-Star Game, as well as their memories of Cleveland’s all-star doubleheader in 1997. … Plus, as Brent Musburger becomes the latest big name in sports broadcasting to move on, a look at what has suddenly become a very different landscape in the world of play-by-play.

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Episode 059 – Ready to rumble: LeBron is angry, WWE Monday Night Raw hits Cleveland

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 05:00:00 -0000

After falling for the fifth time in seven games, LeBron aired out his frustrations with the state of the lower half of the Cavs roster. The guys take a look at what's been going wrong the past few weeks, what can be fixed (or, in LeBron terms, how they can "get a [bleeping] playmaker") and when it might happen. ... Plus: With the usually great Royal Rumble coming up on Sunday, WWE brings out the big names for Raw in Cleveland on Monday night.

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Episode 058 – Kevin Kleps of Crain’s on Q renovations, Browns in Berea, Indians tickets

Sat, 14 Jan 2017 05:00:00 -0000

Kevin Kleps of Crain’s Cleveland Business is back on the show to talk sports biz headlines. The guys dive into the proposed renovations at Quicken Loans Arena and the future of stadiums in Cleveland. Plus: The Browns’ stalled march to Columbus, the Chargers’ ill-advised relocation to Los Angeles, and the Indians’ influx of cash from a new minority owner and a deep postseason run.

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Episode 057 – GM David Griffin ‘MacGyvers’ his way into another Cavs roster upgrade

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 05:00:00 -0000

With 2017 upon us, the guys were ready to throw out some predictions for the new year as well as a few resolutions for Cleveland’s teams. But 90 minutes before it was time to press record on Thursday night, Cavs GM David Griffin went ahead and crossed item No. 1 off the list in a big way by acquiring Kyle Korver from the Hawks. The guys discuss Griff’s latest bit of roster resourcefulness and what other moves could be in the works, as well as their 2017 outlooks for the Indians, Browns and college football.

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Episode 055 – David Zavac of FearTheSword.com on Cavs-Warriors and the NBA

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 05:00:00 -0000

With the Cavs and Warriors set to deliver the latest installment of the best rivalry in the NBA on Christmas Day, David Zavac, editor of FearTheSword.com, joins the show to set the stage. After adding Kevin Durant and turning over half their roster, the Warriors haven’t missed a beat this season. The Cavs, meanwhile, have some holes to address, but continue to dominate the East. David sizes up both teams heading into Sunday and dives into some of the big storylines around the NBA thus far, including trade targets for the Cavs, as well as teams and players to keep an eye on.

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Episode 054 – Dawg Days: Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald on life with the Browns

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 05:00:00 -0000

A Browns beat writer since 1981, Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald thought he had seen just about everything—until now. With three weeks left in the season, the team is staring down the barrel of 0-16, with little hope in site. Embedded in the media room at Browns headquarters in Berea, Jeff pulls no punches as he sizes up the state of the team, from the quarterback position to the front office to a fan base that is understandably on the brink.

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Episode 053 – An episode about nothing? That’s gold, Jerry!

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 05:00:00 -0000

With no guests lined up or major Cleveland sports happenings to focus on this week, the guys borrow a line from their favorite comedian-turned-sitcom star and wander through all sorts of topics for an hour. From Deandre Liggins and water bottle tosses to 0-16 parades and Browns training camp locations to the MLB hot stove and the unreleased, original ending to the movie Major League, it's an episode about nothing that still offers something for everyone. Giddy up!

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Episode 052 – An OSU win for the history books; a Cavs team of a lifetime

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 05:00:00 -0000

The Buckeyes survived a ragged, dramatic game with Michigan and appear to be headed to the College Football Playoff. The guys relive a memorable Saturday afternoon and look ahead to what’s next for Ohio State and potential bowl game matchups. … PLUS: What follows “happily ever after”? The Cavs gave Cleveland a storybook ending in June, and are now settling into life as the defending NBA champions and a golden era in franchise history.

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Episode 050 – O-H- …wait, what? Buckeyes left in curious spot; a miserable day at the Browns game

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 05:00:00 -0000

Ohio State came into Saturday at No. 5 in the college football playoff rankings, won by 59 points at Maryland, saw the Nos. 2, 3 and 4 teams all fall … and woke up on Sunday in what is possibly a more precarious position? The guys sort out the Buckeyes’ playoff odds and the rest of the beautiful mess that is college football in November. … Plus: Tom recently made a visit to FirstEnergy Stadium and took in the worst example of the generally bad product known as the NFL in 2016.

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Episode 049 – World Series wrap-up: The sun sets on the Summer of Cleveland

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 04:00:00 -0000

The 2016 World Series had almost everything—except a fourth win for the Indians. A night removed from one of the most historic games ever for Major League Baseball, the guys pour one out for the Tribe’s gritty postseason run, deal with the Cubs fans' takeover of Progressive Field and life as the Other Team during a broadcast of a championship series, and look ahead to what’s next for the Indians and baseball in Cleveland.

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Episode 051 – Bill Bender of The Sporting News is back to talk Ohio State-Michigan

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 04:00:00 -0000

Before he heads down to the Horseshoe in Columbus this weekend, Bill Bender of The Sporting News is back on The Nail to get us ready for the 2016 edition of the best rivalry in sports, Ohio State vs. Michigan. From College Football Playoff implications to star players to endless storylines to potential history, this year’s installment of The Game should have it all, and Bill has everything you need to know before the kickoff at high noon on Saturday.

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Episode 048 – NBA champs to World Series: All eyes on The Land as The Nail starts Year 2

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 04:00:00 -0000

A year after The Nail in the Coffin debuted as a weekly Cleveland sports podcast, our city has become the center of sports universe. The Cavs will raise their NBA championship banner as the Indians look to carry the torch, opening up the World Series vs. the Cubs next door. The guys welcome Chicago’s North Siders to town, try to figure out who could be the hero for the Indians and…offer a few less-than-friendly thoughts on the friendly confines of Wrigley Field? Yeah, it’s on. … Plus: Buying postseason merchandise and a weekend in Not-So-Happy Valley for Ohio State.

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Episode 047 – Pitch perfect: Indians win the AL pennant!

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 04:00:00 -0000

From drone-related injuries to rookie pitchers who were supposed to be “shaking in their boots,” the ALCS certainly packed plenty of drama into five games. But in the end, the Indians prevailed over the Blue Jays and are headed to the World Series. The guys look back on a historic performance by the Tribe pitching staff (hey now, Andrew Miller!), Francisco Lindor’s emergence as a star on the national stage and the unflappable mentality that propelled the Indians to their first pennant in 19 years. ... Plus: How Ohio State survived an early knockdown on Saturday night at Wisconsin to remain undefeated.

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Episode 046 – Indians sweep away the Red Sox (but, unfortunately, not TBS)

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 04:00:00 -0000

The guys reflect on an impressive performance by the Tribe in the AL Division Series against the Red Sox and look ahead to what is shaping up to be a tremendous matchup with the Blue Jays in the ALCS. To the chagrin of many, though, TBS and its lackluster coverage of the postseason will still be along for the ride, too.

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Episode 045 – Legends of the Fall: Tribe in the postseason, sizing up college football’s elite

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 04:00:00 -0000

On the eve of the Indians making their first appearance in the AL Division Series since 2007, the guys look back on the long road that got them here, starting with the hiring of Terry Francona. Tito has pushed all the right buttons this year, and he’ll have to keep it going against a formidable Red Sox team. … Plus: It’s been a tremendous first five weeks for the college football season, and the guys put together their short list of teams with a shot at the national title.

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Episode 044 – Craig Lyndall of WFNY on the AL Central champion Indians and the Browns

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 04:00:00 -0000

Craig Lyndall, a longtime writer and podcast host at Waiting for Next Year, joins the show to look back on an eventful Indians regular season that has culminated in an AL Central Division title. Plus: Browns chatter, including why it’s way too early to say the team lost its draft day trade when it had the opportunity to take Carson Wentz, and some shop talk on coverage of Cleveland’s teams at WFNY.

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Episode 043 – Everybody hurts (except Ohio State): Indians, Browns reeling

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 04:00:00 -0000

The Buckeyes looked awesome at Oklahoma. Otherwise, yikes. Broken bones and bruised egos...It was a painful weekend for the Indians and Browns. The guys discuss Plain Dealer reporter Paul Hoynes' declaration that the Tribe's postseason hopes are DOA (and how it made all hell break loose in the team's clubhouse), what's left of the Indians' rotation, and the rash of injuries that has hit the Browns.

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Episode 042 – Send in the Browns…

Thu, 08 Sep 2016 04:00:00 -0000

The NFL season is here, and the guys try their level best to get excited about the Browns. Is the team tanking? (Depends on how you define "tanking.") Is there anything to look forward to this year? (Actually, yes!) What will constitute a successful season? (It’s a pretty low bar.) ... PLUS: Quick thoughts on UFC 203 in Cleveland and college football's opening weekend.

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Episode 041 – State of the Tribe: The good, the bad and the Tomlin

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 04:00:00 -0000

Heading into the final month of the MLB regular season, the guys assess the Tribe pitching staff, the returns the Indians have gotten on their deadline deals for Brandon Guyer and Andrew Miller, as well as the overall state of the team as they try to hold off the Tigers and Royals. ... PLUS: The Browns' notable roster moves this week, a profile of Coach Hue Jackson on NFL.com, and the most interesting games of Week 1 in college football.

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Episode 040 – John Kampf of The News-Herald talking high school football, Ohio State

Wed, 24 Aug 2016 04:00:00 -0000

Long-time News-Herald sportswriter John Kampf joins the show to set the scene for the 2016 high school football season in Lake, Geauga and eastern Cuyahoga counties, and take us behind the scenes on what goes into covering games under the lights of Friday nights. He also shares some thoughts on a new-look Ohio State team, the Big Ten and the national playoff picture for college football.

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Episode 039 – MLB trade deadline: Indians land big fish—but one gets away

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 04:00:00 -0000

It was the busiest trade deadline of the past 20 years in Major League Baseball, and the Tribe was at the center of the action—for better and worse. The guys discuss the acquisitions of stud reliever Andrew Miller and outfielder Brandon Guyer, as well as the shocking decision by Jonathan Lucroy to veto the trade that would’ve sent him to Cleveland.

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Episode 038 – Tribe at the trade deadline: The waiting is the hardest part

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 04:00:00 -0000

With the Major League Baseball trade deadline looming on Monday, the Indians are most definitely buyers this year but seem to be spinning their wheels waiting for a move (or moves) to be made. The guys assess the club’s biggest needs and potential targets. … Plus: Josh Gordon is (mostly) back with the Browns, but does he still fit into the picture in Berea?

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Episode 037 – It’s the New World Order of professional basketball, brother!

Fri, 08 Jul 2016 04:00:00 -0000

Dropped a big leg, hit ’em with a steel chair, threw them through the Barber Shop window…Take your pick of wrestling metaphors. Kevin Durant made a shocking heel turn this week by walking away from the Thunder to join the Warriors. The guys dive into NBA free agency with the fallout of the most surprising move in six years, as well as its implications for the Cavs and the rest of the league. … Plus: From memes and custom championship belts to T-shirts and locker room beer baths, WWE has developed an unlikely crossover appeal with mainstream pro sports and Sports Illustrated’s oral history of ‘American Gladiators.’

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Episode 036 – Break up the Indians! Talkin’ Tribe with T.D. Dery

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 04:00:00 -0000

As the Indians were on their way to a franchise record-tying 13th straight win on Thursday night, T.D. Dery, one of the sharpest and most diehard Tribe fans around, joined the show to give the guys a crash course on a tremendous first half of the season. We covered everything from the brilliance of the starting rotation and the overall state of the roster to potential targets at the trade deadline and biggest threats in the American League down the stretch.

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Episode 035 – The Cavaliers are the NBA champions!

Thu, 23 Jun 2016 04:00:00 -0000

Winding down a week for the ages, the guys take a victory lap after the Cavs won the NBA championship on Sunday night and the city of Cleveland threw the parade of the century on Wednesday afternoon. Relive the best moments from Game 7, the ensuing celebrations all over Cleveland and the arrival of a new era in the City of Champions. Life is good in The Land.

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Episode 034 – NBA Finals Game 7, Cavs, Warriors with Bill Bender of The Sporting News

Sat, 18 Jun 2016 04:00:00 -0000

On the eve of the biggest game in Cavaliers franchise history, Bill Bender, who has been covering the NBA Finals for The Sporting News, joins the show to talk Game 7. Left for dead after two blowout losses to start the series and again after falling behind 3-1, the Cavs have found new life. The guys dig into what turned the tide, LeBron’s transcendent performance, what each team needs to do in Game 7, and which role players could make the difference in determining the team that will walk out of Oracle Arena with the Larry O’Brien trophy on Sunday night.

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Episode 033 – Not great, Bron. Cavs reeling in The Finals...Remembering Muhammad Ali

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 04:00:00 -0000

After two games in the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers are officially a collection of mad men, down 2-0 to the Warriors. The guys welcome Tom’s dad, Tom Sr., to try to sort out what has gone horribly wrong and what, if anything, can be done to salvage the series. … Plus, the guys pay homage to Muhammad Ali, and Tom Sr. shares a story of meeting The Greatest in Chicago.

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Episode 032 – NBA Finals roundtable with Mark Meszoros and Mark Koestner

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 04:00:00 -0000

An NBA Finals rematch of the century deserves an all-out preview podcast to match. With another epic showdown between the Cavs and Warriors set to tip off on Thursday night, the guys welcome Mark Meszoros and Mark Koestner aboard for a wide-ranging Finals roundtable discussion. It’s a whole new world for the Cavs since the last time these teams met in January. How will the Cavs cover for the defensive deficiencies of Kevin Love, and to a lesser degree, Kyrie Irving? What difference will Coach Ty Lue and sharpshooting power forward Channing Frye make? Will LeBron continue to start games as a facilitator or will he look to take over from the jump? And finally, will the dastardly Draymond Green’s antics finally draw a suspension from the league? (Hint: Probably not.)

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Episode 031 – Actor Christopher McDonald talks Shooter McGavin, ‘Happy Gilmore’

Sun, 29 May 2016 04:00:00 -0000

Actor Christopher McDonald was in Akron on Saturday night for the RubberDucks’ “Happy Gilmore Night” promotion. Joined by News-Herald sports editor Mark Podolski, we sat down with McDonald during the game as he shared stories about playing Shooter McGavin, the joy of being the bad guy in movies, Bob Barker's legitimate boxing skills and the angst of being a diehard fan of a hard-luck team. (Sound familiar?) He also threw in a Cavs/NBA Finals prediction and gave his thoughts on what happened to Shooter’s career after his meltdown at the Tour Championship in ’96. ... Single pistol, baby!

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Episode 030 – Cavs keep giving Cleveland reasons to ‘Believe’

Wed, 18 May 2016 04:00:00 -0000

The Cavs are showing no signs of slowing down on this postseason run, relentlessly attacking the rim en route to a blowout of the Raptors in Game 1 of the East finals. Is there any chance this series can become interesting? (Spoiler: Probably not.) … Plus: The guys were both leery of what a documentary about Cleveland’s history of sports heartbreak would look like under the auspices of ESPN. Did the “Believeland” 30 for 30 documentary do our city justice? Sort of, but there were some definite sticking points.

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Episode 029 – All the King’s men march through Atlanta, Cavs sweep again

Wed, 11 May 2016 04:00:00 -0000

After demoralizing and decimating the Hawks, the Cavs get a week off as they wait for an Eastern Conference Finals opponent. The guys discuss how the team has developed into a cohesive, balanced, 3-point-shooting juggernaut that doesn’t rely solely on out-of-this world performances by LeBron James. Plus: Sizing up the other remaining playoff series and a (surprisingly somewhat needed) defense of ESPN analyst Hubie Brown.

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Episode 028 – Cavs’ game plan pays off vs. Hawks; Browns draft plan nets WRs, future picks

Tue, 03 May 2016 04:00:00 -0000

After one game in the Eastern Conference semifinals, it appears the Cavs are going to dare the Hawks’ role players to win games. (So far, so good!) The players are buying into Coach Ty Lue’s game plan, and LeBron James has been unusually effusive in praising his coach during the postseason. The Browns, meanwhile, were able to stockpile wide receivers and future picks during the first NFL Draft for the team’s new regime. Plus, the guys discuss misled narratives and misconceptions about certain players driving the hype leading up to the draft.

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Episode 027 – Kyrie emerges as Cavs sweep Pistons, draft options abound for Browns

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 04:00:00 -0000

It was a more competitive series than many anticipated, but the Cavs were able to close out the Pistons in a first-round sweep. The guys discuss the big winners from the series, including Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and Coach Ty Lue. … PLUS: An assessment of the Browns’ decision to trade down from the No. 2 spot in the draft – and potentially trade down again on draft night this week.

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Episode 026 – Nobody’s doing the Browns any favors; LeBron, Cavs ready for playoffs

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 04:00:00 -0000

The Browns’ path to a franchise QB got a bit more complicated when the Rams traded with the Titans to jump up into the top spot in the draft. Are the Browns now going to have to engage with L.A. to get their man, or are they better off going in a completely different direction with their pick? Meanwhile, Josh Gordon’s saga shows no signs of slowing down, and the NFL gives Cleveland the most miserable schedule it possibly could. … PLUS: A peak-form LeBron and a favorable draw in the East have the Cavs sitting pretty entering the playoffs this weekend. Look out, Detroit!

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Episode 025 – A modest proposal for the Indians’ opening day ticket debacle

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 04:00:00 -0000

After feeling left out in the cold by the Indians’ attempt at a make-good for those who had tickets to the postponed opening day game, Travis offers up an easy solution that would have been better for all parties involved. … PLUS: LeBron is looking locked in as the Cavs wind up the regular season, the Warriors are looking – gasp! – mortal, and a few thoughts on WrestleMania.

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Episode 024 – Indians preview part 2 with Progressive Field upgrades, attendance and Wahoo

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 04:00:00 -0000

In part 2 of our Indians season preview, the guys take a look at what’s new at Progressive Field this year and what the Indians are doing to draw more fans to the park. Plus: Sorry, Opening Day Face Paint Guy, but we think it’s time for the Indians to finally bite the bullet and make the inevitable clean break from Chief Wahoo.

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Episode 023 – Indians preview part 1 with John Hutchison of BurningRiverBaseball.com

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 04:00:00 -0000

With the Major League Baseball season just days away, the guys welcome John Arthur Hutchison, who writes for Burning River Baseball, for the first half of a two-part Indians season preview. Topics covered include: New faces who will make a difference this year, a radically reshaped outfield, the Tribe’s decision to move Trevor Bauer to the bullpen (for now), and how the Indians stack up in what should be a competitive AL Central Division.

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Episode 022 – Justin Rowan of FearTheSword.com talks Cavs, East playoffs

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 04:00:00 -0000

Justin Rowan of FearTheSword.com joins the show to talk about the latest off-the-court drama surrounding the Cavs, including LeBron’s unusual social media activity and his aspirations of eventually playing with Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul someday, as well as the Cavs’ ever-changing rotation, fair (and unfair) criticism of Kyrie’s game, and the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

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Episode 021 – March Madness, Cavs road trip, Browns free agency

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 04:00:00 -0000

After college basketball fans survived an interminable selection show from CBS on Sunday, we’re ready for March Madness. From favorites to win and mid-majors who were snubbed to upset alerts and theories on just who leaked the bracket on Twitter, the guys have all the angles covered. … PLUS: The Cavs win three of four in a west coast trip while tinkering with their rotation and the Browns have a curious start to free agency.

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Episode 020 – MAC tournament preview with Jason Arkley

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 05:00:00 -0000

The Mid-American Conference men’s and women’s tournaments take over Quicken Loans Arena this week, and Jason Arkley, Ohio University beat writer for The Athens Messenger, joins the show to preview the men’s bracket. Among the topics covered: No. 1 seed Akron reinventing itself as a 3-point shooting machine, the players who revived the Ohio program and helped the Bobcats double their win total from last season and claim the No. 2 seed, the unpredictable nature of the MAC tournament and a potential darkhorse lurking in this year’s field. … PLUS: The guys dive into the Big Ten tournament, and Travis breaks down Ohio State’s chances of earning an NCAA tournament bid. (Spoiler: It’s going to be an uphill battle on a very steep mountain.)

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Episode 019 – Awwwww, freak out! Getting to the root of the latest Cavs drama

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 05:00:00 -0000

Even with three days off, things are never quiet in The Land. Half-baked “reports” say Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland. LeBron is sending ominous tweets and then heading to South Beach to work out with his old pal Dwyane Wade. Our pets’ heads are falling off! (Our pets’ heads are not actually falling off.) The guys try to figure out what to make of this latest nonsense, what has caused this friction to manifest in the Cavs locker room and where things go from here. Maybe this whole episode is actually a Machiavellian scheme by LeBron in his quest to lead this group to the Promised Land? Hmm…

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Episode 018 - Andy heads west, Channing Frye joins Cavs

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 05:00:00 -0000

A week after the NBA trade deadline, the guys assess the Cavs’ pair of deals that sent Anderson Varejao out west and brought Channing Frye to Cleveland. How will Frye fit in here? (Early returns are promising! He scored 15 points on Wednesday night vs. the Hornets.) Plus: What’s going on with Shump? And will anyone in the Cavs organization go to bat for JR so he can finally get a call or two this year?

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Episode 016 - Assessing the Cavs at the All-Star break; Kobe in Cleveland; WWE’s Daniel Bryan retires

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 05:00:00 -0000

After an unplanned one-week hiatus, the guys are back to take stock of the Cavs at the All-Star break and look ahead to the trade deadline. The Kobe Bryant retirement tour made a stop in Cleveland. Plus, the guys discuss the retirement of popular WWE wrestler Daniel Bryan, who called it a career at the age of 34 on Monday, citing the effects of multiple concussions.

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Episode 015 - Kevin Kleps of Crain's Cleveland Business talks Cavs, Browns, Indians and sports media

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 05:00:00 -0000

When it comes to covering sports business news in Northeast Ohio, Kevin Kleps, assistant editor at Crain's Cleveland Business, has the market cornered. He joins the show to discuss the fallout from the Cavs coaching change, the Browns' shift in organizational philosophy, the Indians' ongoing renovations of Progressive Field, as well as his role covering the business operations of our local teams.

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Episode 014 – Cavs did WHAT?! Blatt out, Lue promoted

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 05:00:00 -0000

In a shocking twist, the Cavs parted ways with head coach David Blatt despite a 30-11 record and a first-place position in the East. The guys discuss the sordid details from the Cavs locker room that have come out since the news broke on Friday afternoon, what will look different with Tyronn Lue running the team and whether more moves might be coming soon.

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Episode 013 – Sifting through the rubble in the aftermath of the Cavs-Warriors disaster

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 05:00:00 -0000

years, joins the show to sort out Monday night’s debacle against the Warriors. What has gone wrong in big games this year? What is going on with Kevin Love since Kyrie Irving returned to the lineup? And can the Cavs win a Finals series vs. Golden State or San Antonio with their roster as presently constructed?

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Episode 012 – Browns are right on Hue, little things equal big win for Cavs

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 05:00:00 -0000

It's a feel-good edition of the show, as the guys are buying in on the hiring of Hue Jackson as the new head coach of the Browns, as well as the team's new football operations structure as a whole. Plus, the Cavs showed some encouraging signs as they overcame a sluggish start to beat Dallas on Tuesday. Now, two more tests await in Texas before a rematch with the Warriors at The Q.

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Episode 011 - Cast shakeup on 'As Berea Turns'

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 05:00:00 -0000

In the latest chapter of the never-ending soap opera at Browns headquarters, the club has dismissed GM Ray Farmer and Coach Mike Pettine, and handed control of its 53-man roster to relative unknown executive Sashi Brown. Tom and Travis sort through all of this, plus: How do you sell this new organizational structure to candidates for the vacant GM and head coach positions? Who do we want to see hired? And what do you do with Johnny Football and Justin "The Hard Sleeper" Gilbert?

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Episode 010 - New Year's Six college football extravaganza

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 05:00:00 -0000

News-Herald sports editor Mark Podolski joins us for a marathon edition of the show as we preview the New Year’s Six college football bowl games. Will Ohio State be motivated for its Fiesta Bowl matchup with Notre Dame? Is there a better setting in sports than the Rose Bowl? Is Alabama living off its reputation at this point or is the Tide dynasty still alive? What were the organizers of this thing thinking by allowing the semifinals to be played on New Year’s Eve? Will there be any reason to watch the Peach Bowl at noon on New Year’s Eve or the Sugar Bowl in primetime on New Year’s Day? (Spoiler: Sure, it’s still college football.)

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Episode 009 – Cavs-Warriors, The Rivalry Awakens

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 05:00:00 -0000

With the Cavs and Warriors about to meet for the first time since the NBA Finals, the guys welcome their first guest, Mark Meszoros, News-Herald assistant managing editor/features and a Cavs diehard, for an all-NBA edition of the pod. Topics covered include: memories of past Cavs games on Christmas Day, storylines from the first 25 games of the season, and how the Cavs match up with the reigning champs. (At the end, we made sure to get a few movie recommendations from Meszoros, too.)

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Episode 008 – Bucks to the Fiesta, Cavs near full strength

Sun, 13 Dec 2015 05:00:00 -0000

In a rare Sunday night episode, the guys look back on last weekend’s announcement that Ohio State is headed to the Fiesta Bowl to play Notre Dame. Plus, with Iman Shumpert back and Kyrie Irving returning soon, the Cavs are just about whole. What will be their keys to getting the most out of the rest of the regular season?

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Episode 007 - Last hope for the Buckeyes, T-shirt tosses in Loudville

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 05:00:00 -0000

With Ohio State sitting out conference championship weekend, the guys break down what needs to happen for the Buckeyes to have any chance of making the College Football Playoff. Plus: The Browns’ crazy loss on Monday Night Football was still a win in the long term, and Tom dodges T-shirts (and dumb fans) in Loudville to watch Cavs-Nets on Saturday night.

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Episode 006 – Last call for Johnny, Buckeyes look to rally, Cavs keep chugging

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 05:00:00 -0000

Plans for a Browns-free pod go awry with the announcement that Johnny Football has been demoted to the third string after his latest off-the-field exploits. The Johnny Era is probably done in Cleveland, but could Mike Pettine stick around into 2016? Plus: It’s Michigan week, and Ohio State attempts to regroup after a bizarre loss to Michigan State. What happened vs. Sparty, and what’s left to play for in The Game? And finally, it was an interesting week for LeBron and Co. The Cavs are quietly rolling in a significantly improved East (even if no one outside of Cleveland is talking about it).

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Episode 005 – Big game for the Bucks (finally!), teaching moments for the Cavs

Wed, 18 Nov 2015 05:00:00 -0000

With Michigan State coming to Columbus, Ohio State finally faces a real test this weekend. Vegas isn’t convinced, as the Buckeyes are somehow favored by 13. The SEC, meanwhile, continues its annual tradition of feasting on cupcakes in the second-to-last week of the season, and the Big 12 and Pac-12 are still on the outside looking in. What does it all mean for the college football playoff race? Plus, what can the Cavs take away from losses at Milwaukee and Detroit (Hint: Avoid Mozgov and Mo defending a pick-and-roll at all costs), and how will their lineup look different with Kyrie and Shump?

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Episode 004 - Travis travels to Cincinnati, and Cleveland can't quit you, Bernie Kosar

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 05:00:00 -0000

Travis took a trip into enemy territory last week to watch Browns-Bengals in person, and he lived to share his harrowing adventures. Plus, the guys dive into why Cleveland can't move on from Bernie Kosar and whether the Cavs could ever overtake the Browns as the city's top team.

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Episode 003: Ray Farmer's day at the podium, college football playoff rankings

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 05:00:00 -0000

After the Browns ultimately stood pat at the NFL's trade deadline, GM Ray Farmer stood at the podium and delivered a less-than-inspiring address. Plus, the first college football playoff rankings of the year have been released, and the Buckeyes are No. 3.

Here's a more detailed look at what we cover:

BROWNS

- What movie is Ray Farmer watching?

- Trading your only star?

- Johnny probably playing vs. Cincinnati

- Do Browns have a shot vs. Bengals? (No)

BUCKEYES

- J.T.’s OVI

- Learn from it

- No more bye weeks on Halloween

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

- Bama gets benefit of the doubt—again. Do they still deserve it?

- Ole Miss could ruin things for the SEC

- Pac-12 still looks like odd man out

- Buckeyes are No. 3

- Just win, baby

- Heart of the schedule still ahead

CAVS

- Still looking sharp

- Flipping the switch

- Good news for J.R.

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Episode 002 - Cavs get started, Buckeyes find rhythm

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 04:00:00 -0000

In our second episode, the guys discuss the Cavs' first two games, a Buckeyes romp over Rutgers and the Browns' prospects for Sunday vs. Arizona. Plus: A forecast for Toledo's chances of cracking the New Year's Six bowl games.

Here's a more detailed look at what we cover:

CAVS

- Bench strength so far

- Cavs' recent dominance of Grizzlies

- LeBron’s back

- Kevin Love finally looks comfortable

- Richard Jefferson, Mo Williams already paying off

BUCKEYES/COLLEGE FOOTBALL

- Offense finally reaches expectations

- Urban Meyer knows what he’s doing

- JT Barrett is the guy

- Pac-12 the odd conference out in playoff

- Will Toledo get the Group of 5 spot in the New Year's Six?

BROWNS

- Rams dominated, Cards will too

- Did Pettine really say that?

- Browns passed on Arians…twice

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Episode 001: The Debut Edition!

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 04:00:00 -0000

It's the first episode of The Nail in the Coffin! In their first weekly discussion, Tom Valentino and Travis Ulle dive into the Cavaliers, Buckeyes and Browns.

Here's a more detailed look at what we cover:

CAVALIERS

Tristan Thompson's new contract
David Griffin doesn't blink
A brief outlook for the upcoming season and beyond
New alternate jerseys

BUCKEYES

Contrary to public opinion, OSU doesn't need to blow everyone out
The QB situation
Where the guys were for the end of Sparty vs. Michigan

BROWNS

Getting all you can ask for from Josh McCown
Cover your eyes because Todd Gurley is going to unleash hell on Sunday

The podcast is coming soon to iTunes. In the meantime, if you enjoy this episode, we encourage you share a link to our site with friends and family. And if you want to give us feedback, tweet us at: @TheNailPodcast

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