Terry’s Talkin’

Highlights: The Guardians successfully captured the Central Division by overhauling their lineup, demoting struggling prospects in favor of veteran hitters. The catcher pairing of Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges transformed the Guardians, providing solid offensive production and defensive stability for young pitchers. Stephen Kwan rescued his season by returning to his natural hitting approach. Josh Naylor's severe underperformance following a $92 million contract extension was a primary catalyst for the firing of Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson. Rookie Chase DeLauter just keeps hitting. How would Terry roll out the Guardians' starters for the ALDS? Gavin Williams, Parker Messick and Tanner Bibee all have a case. Major League Baseball teams are actively removing traditional stadium seating to create modern, standing-room social spaces tailored to younger demographics. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg transformed the Browns' defense into a highly aggressive, pressure-heavy unit focused on quarterback disruption. The Browns' defense has achieved a 48-game streak without allowing a 300-yard passer, marking the longest active streak in the NFL. Despite decent traditional statistics, advanced analytics reveal Deshaun Watson is struggling with turnover-worthy plays. Todd Monken's aggressive late-game fourth-down decision raises a question: Was it analytically driven or culture-driven? Massive NIL packages are transforming college football by empowering programs to retain star players instead of losing them to the draft or transfer portal. College kickers are earning some serious paydays, Terry says. Terry on why the Cavs ended up doing training camp in Spain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Guardians maintain a narrow AL Central lead while prioritizing the number two seed for a crucial playoff bye. Who's the Guardians' MVP this season? We debate. The player who's most important to the Guardians' final week of the season. A listener asks: Did Angel Genao's promotion spark major offensive turnarounds for Travis Bazzana and Brayan Rocchio? Aggressive trade deadline moves and increased payroll by the front office fueled the Guardians' division push. Juan Brito’s sudden success in Cincinnati highlights the unpredictability of baseball scouting and player development Rookie pitcher Gavin Williams nears the major league strikeout lead. If he finishes there, it would be a rare milestone for the franchise. Stadium modernizations and a flexible "Ballpark Pass" have drawn over 2 million Guardians fans for a third consecutive season. The Browns' defense rebounded against the Buccaneers by abandoning zone for a man-to-man scheme. Todd Monken's raw approach is something the Browns haven't had in awhile. Deshaun Watson showed dramatic improvement, demonstrating elite poise, pocket presence, and command of the offense, Terry says. Of the Browns' last two draft classes, which player has had the biggest impact in two games this season? What has struck Terry about new Cavalier wing player Peyton Watson. More listener stories about their favorite Cleveland jerseys, and why it's their favorite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Terry credits the Guardians' success and late-game comebacks to a "just keep playing" philosophy. Brayan Rocchio is having a phenomenal September, carrying the team with four clutch walk-off hits this season. Steven Kwan returned to form and entered some elite company by abandoning a power focus in favor of his foundational on-base fundamentals. Travis Bazzana has provided crucial late-season power and an infectious confidence while Jose Ramirez plays through injury. Should the Guardians move soon to sign relief pitcher Cade Smith to an extension, to secure bullpen stability and buy out his arbitration years? How would Bazzana look in the Guardians outfield? The Browns' recent loss to the Jaguars featured a historically big 24-0 halftime deficit, Terry says. Deshaun Watson is facing scrutiny for poor situational awareness, slow processing speed and holding the ball too long in the pocket. Is Todd Monken sending different messages inside and outside the building? And why that might be a good idea. The Browns' defense didn't play much man-to-man defense vs. the Jaguars. Will that change Sunday? Terry says Watson's massive underperformance magnifies the franchise's decision to move on from Baker Mayfield, who is now thriving in Tampa. Why are the Cavs holding training camp in Spain? We ponder. Jim Ingraham’s new book, "So Young, So Great" offers a deeply reported look at Bob Feller’s incredible 1936 ascent to the major leagues at age 17. Listeners write in with the stories behind their favorite jerseys that they wear, Browns or otherwise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Travis Bazzana has become a September catalyst, hitting .389 with a 1.283 OPS. Bazzana's success against off-speed pitches has forced opponents to adjust. Revisiting the 2024 MLB draft class. An oddity: the Guardians' home record. Penciling in the playoff pitchers if the Guardians make it. Stephen Vogt's rest plan helped Steven Kwan break out of a slump. Terry will speak at a free event at Woodmere Barnes & Noble on Sept. 30. Browns fans are torn between supporting a talented roster and frustration with Deshaun Watson. Shedeur Sanders has impressed the Browns with his development and preseason play, Terry says. Todd Monken is changing the Browns' culture by eliminating pre-snap mistakes. KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston and Harold Fannin could energize the new offense. Austin Barber and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are expected to contribute immediately as rookies. James Harden's extension was structured to preserve salary-cap flexibility. Baker Mayfield's success, and would the Browns have been better off with him? A listener asks: What Browns jersey should I buy this season? Do you have a favorite jersey? Email us about what it is and why it's special to you, at [email protected], and we'll try to include it on an upcoming podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Reaction in the wake of the Browns naming Deshaun Watson the starting QB last week; and 3 reasons why Browns fans might find some good news in the decision. As Terry has pointed out, Watson likely won't play all 17 games this season, as hardly any NFL quarterbacks do anymore because of injuries or ineffectiveness. Did Watson miss a crucial PR opportunity by defensively citing his hard work instead of taking direct accountability for his poor performance to appease frustrated fans? Backup QB Dylan Gabriel was placed on injured reserve with a back injury, adding complexity to the Browns' quarterback room, though some suspect it may be a strategic roster stash. Taylor Green has impressed the Browns with breathtaking, raw athleticism, positioning him as a special situational weapon for Wildcat formations and other ways the Browns might use him. Under Todd Monken, the Browns are sending a message about the 2026 season: Sloppy offensive presnap penalties are going away. Following final roster cuts, the Browns officially field the second-youngest active roster in the NFL, averaging just over 26 years of age. The Browns are optimistic that kicker Andre Szmyt can provide the franchise with long-term scoring stability at the position. The Guardians sit solidly in second place in the highly competitive AL Central, trailing the White Sox by 3.5 games, bolstered by strategic mid-season additions to the lineup. Despite rushing back from injury early, Jose Ramirez has been scorching hot at the plate, anchoring the Guardians' lineup and proving his return to full health with elite exit velocities. Rookie Chase DeLauter has overcome physical setbacks to become one of the AL's most consistent hitters, boasting a .293 batting average. Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee's poor 5-14 record is a massive statistical anomaly caused by abysmal offensive run support, masking his strong 3.88 ERA and high volume of quality starts. The Guardians' minor league system features some top-tier bats. Terry has a prospects report. Are the Cavaliers better than they were a few months ago? What Terry's been hearing about James Harden and his new three-year, $97 million deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices