Terry’s Talkin’

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

Highlights: Deshaun Watson's preseason debut drew favorable reviews, but there were some moments that should cause Browns fans concern; Pre-snap penalties noticeably improved from training camp, though unforced errors committed by relied-upon veterans remain a significant coaching concern; Terry says Todd Monken's new offensive scheme successfully created space for short-to-intermediate passes against the Bears; Backup QB Shedeur Sanders played an aggressive game, completing accurate deep throws that offered a refreshing dynamic for the offense; Offensive depth pieces like KC Concepcion, Spencer Fano, and Denzel Boston acquitted themselves well in their first appearance on an NFL field; Thursday's controlled, full-pad scrimmage against the Bills will provide an invaluable environment for coaches to accurately evaluate one-on-one roster talent; A listener asks: Would it make sense for the Browns to start the season with Shedeur Sanders so the pressure won't mount on Deshaun Watson early in the season? How KC Concepcion has quickly emerged as a deeply promising, game-breaking weapon capable of scoring in the kickoff and punt return game; A Browns fan in Los Angeles is lamenting the Myles Garrett trade: We offer him some positives for the future; The Guardians are entrenched in a slump driven by crucial late-inning mistakes and bullpen struggles; The Guardians are among MLB's leaders in leaving runners on base: What it means; Jose Ramirez's lingering hand injury has severely hindered his signature power and run-producing capabilities, leaving a void in the Guardians' lineup; Pitcher Parker Messick's top 50 MVP ranking by ESPN highlights what a remarkable year he's having; Terry on the reason behind the reason that the Cavs traded Dennis Schröder last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: The Guardians are currently struggling with fundamental flaws in defense, base running and pitching, which jeopardizes their slim margin for error. Jose Ramirez's severe hand injury has drastically reduced his offensive production. Should the Guardians sit him until he's healthier? The Guardians' trade deadline acquisitions have yielded mixed results. Can the Guardians still win the division? Rhys Hoskins' decision to run upright instead of sliding after a failed safety squeeze: Right play or not? A rare scoreboard error during a Red Sox-Blue Jays game highlighted the intricate rules of MLB timing plays and defensive appeals. Why the AL Central is in for some fun baseball in upcoming seasons. Terry on what it means that Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has gone 22 months without absorbing live-action, competitive physical hits. Todd Monken has fundamentally transformed training camp by drastically increasing physical intensity, live drills, and positional accountability. Rookies Spencer Fano and Denzel Boston are starters already. Surprise or not? The potential rapid $12 billion sale of the Lakers highlights a growing economic trend of billionaires utilizing premier sports franchises as potential quick-turn investments. Why Cavaliers might just address their small forward roster hole internally rather than forcing a trade. Terry on why he thinks LeBron James' recent move to the 76ers was a meticulously planned spectacle orchestrated by Klutch Sports to generate documentary content. Terry's Faith & You column on why it's essential to address our wills and funeral plans and not burden others with them. Wilt Chamberlain: The first commuter NBA player? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices