Terry’s Talkin’ Podcast By Terry Pluto Cleveland.com cover art

Terry’s Talkin’

Terry’s Talkin’

By: Terry Pluto Cleveland.com
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Cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talks Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Northeast Ohio college basketball with host David Campbell.© 2021 Advance Local Media LLC Basketball Football Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Guardians season predictions; A plan to stop NBA tanking; Jarrett Allen: the Cavs' most pivotal player?

    Guardians season predictions; A plan to stop NBA tanking; Jarrett Allen: the Cavs' most pivotal player?
    Mar 25 2026
    Highlights: Chase DeLauter's addition to the Guardians' opening-day roster is met with high excitement, and it's not too much, for his legitimate hitting talent and advanced plate discipline. Top prospect Travis Bazzana will begin the season in AAA Columbus for further development, needing more professional at-bats before a potential major league call-up. Managing DeLauter's health is a top priority due to his injury history, with suggestions to limit his running effort to keep his valuable bat in the lineup. The Guardians set their starting rotation by demoting Logan Allen to AAA after a difficult spring, a decision influenced by both performance and roster flexibility. Allen's poor spring performance is speculated to be linked to the high-intensity innings he pitched in the World Baseball Classic, which can over-tax young arms early in the season. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt is earning praise for an empathetic, player-centric management style similar to Terry Francona's, which is considered a significant asset. The Guardians have a consistent history of exceeding expectations and defying their low payroll, making them a perennially competitive team despite predictions. Statistical analysis reveals Jarrett Allen's immense value to the Cavaliers, with the team's winning record dropping significantly when he is out of the lineup. Since the end of December, the Cavaliers have one of the NBA's best records, establishing themselves as an elite team despite narratives of inconsistency. The acquisition of James Harden has significantly improved the Cavaliers' offense through his passing and highly efficient shooting. A proposed solution to NBA tanking While former Cavalier Darius Garland is performing well post-trade, the consensus is that the trade was mutually beneficial and there is no "buyer's remorse." The Browns' strategy of acquiring versatile offensive linemen is justified by data showing starting units play together for less than half the season, necessitating roster flexibility and depth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Terry's sleeper prospect for the Guardians; Can the Cavs fix their defense in time?

    Terry's sleeper prospect for the Guardians; Can the Cavs fix their defense in time?
    Mar 17 2026
    Highlights: Guardians Outlook: Optimism for the Guardians is guarded but positive, primarily due to the perceived health and depth of the team's pitching staff. Chase DeLauter Praise: Manager Stephen Vogt is exceptionally high on outfielder Chase DeLauter, calling him a "complete hitter" who looks "scary at the plate." DeLauter's Path: DeLauter's unconventional journey, including being overlooked in high school and falling in the draft due to injury, positions him as a potential steal for the Guardians. Patience for Bazzana: There's a call for patience with 2024 first-round pick Travis Bazzana, emphasizing that player development takes time and is not always linear. Bazzana Scouting Report: While physically average, Bazzana is noted for a fanatical work ethic but may be overly driven; his bat will need to carry his "okay" defense. Sleeper Prospect: Class-A infielder Dauri Fernandez is a deep sleeper prospect who impressed with his poise, backed by a significant signing bonus and strong rookie stats. Mixed Prospect Results: Other Guardians prospects show a mixed bag: Angel Martinez looks promising, Juan Brito is struggling, and George Valera is injured again. Ramirez's Frustration Injury: José Ramírez sustained a minor shoulder injury after aggressively stealing a base, fueled by anger over a call from the automated strike system. Automated Strike Debate: The hybrid automated ball-strike (ABS) system is causing frustration, with the powerful umpires' union cited as a reason for the delay in full implementation. Cavaliers' Permissive Defense: The Cavs' defense has been called "too permissive" by Kenny Atkinson, though the return of Max Strus is expected to add toughness and improve wing defense. Cavs' Roster Instability: The Cavaliers' biggest challenge has been a constant lack of roster consistency due to numerous injuries to key players, preventing the team from building chemistry. Cavs' Playoff Defense: The Cavs' playoff lineup is expected to be more defensively sound than their regular-season lineups by featuring fewer exploitable matchups on the court. Bo Naylor's Workload: The hope is that catcher Bo Naylor plays fewer games this season to allow backup David Fry more playing time, which would indicate positive contributions from the backup. MAC Tournament Success: For the first time since 1999, the Mid-American Conference sent two teams, Akron and Miami, to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Coaching Speculation: Following Akron's success, coach John Groce would be a perfect candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Butler due to his Indiana roots and ties to the program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Will a platoon in left work for the Guardians? Why these playoffs will mean more for Donovan Mitchell

    Will a platoon in left work for the Guardians? Why these playoffs will mean more for Donovan Mitchell
    Mar 11 2026
    Highlights: The Guardians' spring training focus is on key position battles, including a potential outfield platoon with George Valera and Angel Martinez. Despite fan aversion, a well-executed platoon strategy can be effective, as proven by Orioles manager Earl Weaver's successful use of one in 1979. The Guardians' front office might waive former top prospect Nolan Jones to make room for more promising players like George Valera. The Guardians boast significant pitching depth with young arms like Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams, plus strong candidates for the fifth spot, which is a valuable asset over a long season. The durability of Hall of Famer Bob Feller, who built arm strength through natural farm work, stands in stark contrast to today's injury-prone pitchers, highlighting a potential flaw in modern training methods. Maybe they should throw some hay. Angels owner Artie Moreno and his out-of-touch comment that fans prioritize affordability and ballpark experience over winning. The Browns aggressively addressed their offensive line issues by signing several experienced veterans in free agency to provide stability after a season plagued by injuries and poor performance. Cleveland's heavy spending in free agency on the offensive line is a direct consequence of the front office's past failures to draft and develop reliable linemen, such as passing on All-Pro Tristan Wirfs. Despite a recent loss to Boston, the Cavs' record since late December and the integration of key trade acquisitions are solid reasons for playoff optimism. A listener asks: Does Donovan Mitchell make his teammates better? This year's playoffs will be crucial for him to stop that narrative. The undefeated Miami RedHawks men's basketball team faces immense pressure in the MAC Tournament, where a single loss could end their historic season without an NCAA Tournament bid. A listener shared a legendary story of being caught playing Strat-O-Matic football on the Sabbath, with the headmaster mistaking it for chess and unknowingly creating a lasting school myth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins
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