It’s time to set up the Christmas tree and string up the lights. That’s right; it’s the season of giving. Here at Curse of Cleveland, we are waiting to see what the jolly fat man will bring to the realm of Cleveland sports. The Browns season is virtually over, and there are many gaps to be filled and questions to be answered. The Indians winter meetings are about to heat up, and a free agent is likely suiting up for the Tribe next season. The Cavs are meshing much faster than expected, and maybe they do not need to make a move, but it is likely Danny Ferry will turn Wally Szczerbiak’s contract into a new Cavalier before the trade deadline. With all the possibilities and the Christmas season upon us, we might as well make a wish list.

Bill Cowher – Bill Cowher is the first item on my Cleveland sports wish list. The Browns are in need of a coach that will take control of the team on the field and in the locker room. Romeo Crennel is a nice guy, but he lacks emotion and the ability to run his team. Bill Cowher has Cleveland roots; Cowher played for and coached for the Browns organization. Cowher posted only 3 losing seasons in 15 years while coaching the Pittsburg Steelers; he made 10 playoff appearances and won a Super Bowl. We need a proven coach, not a 1^st time experiment of a coach; Bill Cowher would bring that experience. Cowher would also reignite the flame in the Browns-Steelers rivalry. Can you imagine that game? Bill Cowher and the Browns vs. The Steelers and Cowher’s successor, Mike Tomlin. Santa can surely stuff “The Chin” in the Cleveland sports stocking.

A Ticket to Hawaii For Shaun Rogers – This season, the one of the only bright spot in the Browns organization has been their 350 lb. monster of a nose-tackle, Shaun Rogers. Before coming to the Browns, Rogers was labeled as an unmotivated player that plays when he

wants to. Rogers has brought intensity every game, and a Pro Bowl appearance would show him his efforts were appreciated. Rogers may lack the fans vote to be a starter in the Pro Bowl, but I believe the players and coaches in the NFL will get him in. Opposing coaches and players have praised Rogers during postgame conferences. The other members of the Browns should leave Rogers some milk and cookies by his locker before every game because he is the only player with exception of D’Qwell Jackson that brings his sack of goodies every game.

A Closer for the Tribe – The Indians have been open about their pursuit of a closer. Jensen Lewis proved to be a stable closer near the end of last season, but Lewis’s closer act took place when there was no pressure to win. Plus, Jensen could be more valuable in a setup role. The pool of free agent closers is deep this offseason, and the Tribe is about to take a dip. Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, and Kerry Wood headline the closers in free agency, but they are most likely out of the Tribe’s financial grasp. Other closers on that market that seem feasible are Trevor Hoffman, Brandon Lyon, and Jason Isringhausen. The Indians are likely to sign one of those closers or use a trade to find a different solution. Either way, the Indians need a proven closer so the rest of the bullpen can fall in line. Hopefully, Santa will be dropping off two presents to the Indians organization because the Tribe has some infield issues to address.

A New Tribe Infielder – Second base, third base or shortstop, take your pick; the Indians have some work to do. Asdrubal Cabrera and Jhonny Peralta are the only two infielders that have a starting position locked up. First base is likely to be Ryan Garko and probably a lot more of Victor Martinez with the emergence of Kelly Shoppach’s bat. Peralta is spending his winter ball playing third base. If Peralta can make the jump to third, the Indians have more options. Then, the Tribe can sign a shortstop, Cabrera would stay at second, and Jhonny would move to third base. The Tribe can sign a second baseman, and Asdrubal will move to shortstop with Peralta moving to third. I cannot believe I am saying this, but the most logical move would have been to sign Blake to a 2 year deal; this move would have given Wes Hodges some more time to develop and allowed the Tribe to keep their offensive dominance at shortstop. However, Blake has received interest around the league, and it is likely he will get a lengthier deal elsewhere. Whatever happens, the Indians need an infielder via free agency or a trade if they want to take a positive step towards being a contender. We will know more as the winter meetings proceed.

An IOU for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in June – With the possibilities of Wally’s expiring contract, I figured I would have many trade scenarios looming in my mind, but Wally’s inspiring bench play and this team’s chemistry has me thinking NBA Championship. So for Christmas, I just want these Cavs to keep playing like they have been and growing as a team; if they do, Cleveland will be on their way to their first pro sports championship since 1964. Then, I can die a happy man.

One thing is for sure, the holiday season is here, and Cleveland sports are about to get some new additions. Here at Curse of Cleveland, we would like to encourage our readers to submit their Cleveland sports wish list in this article’s comment section. We will be sure to leave you some feedback on the likelihood of your wish list.

Burn ON!

- J.V.