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There was no reason for Bernie Kosar to be removed from the Browns preseason TV telecasts.

(file photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking about Bernie Kosar and exhibition games, Justin Masterson, the Browns passing on offensive linemen, and the Cavs' issues:

About Bernie Kosar ...

When it comes to Bernie Kosar, not much makes sense.

WKYC says it's taking the former Browns quarterback out of the broadcast booth for the four preseason games, but the station wants him more involved in pre- and post-game shows and with the team's website during the regular season.

So they don't want Kosar doing the games, but they do want him on the air during the season?

If they are worried about how Kosar sounds on the air because of his slurring from post-concussion syndrome, then why have him on the air at all? Or if they are afraid he'll say something they consider embarrassing, why have him on the shows before and after the game when there is even more room for that to happen?

Kosar said the station is dumping him because of the slurring -- WKYC vigorously denies it. Station manager Brooke Spectorsky issued this statement: "Nowhere in our discussions with Bernie or the Browns has anything ever been said about his speech impairment due to concussions. That has simply nothing to do with our decision."

He also denied that Kosar's critical comments in a preseason game with the Rams in 2013 had anything to do with the decision.

So what did?

"The Browns are rebuilding their team, and in reviewing our programming we've decided to rebuild as well," the statement continued. "We felt there was a better role for Bernie than doing just four preseason games and we completely understand Bernie's iconic status with Browns fans. I know Bernie has made statements that he felt these moves were due to his speech issues, and I reiterate that is not the case."

I don't buy much of anything said by the station.

My guess is:

1. They don't know what Kosar will say on the air, and they don't want any problems with the NFL or the Browns. They were bothered by the complaints after the Rams broadcast last season.

2. It's easier to work with a more experienced broadcaster such as Solomon Wilcots (replacing Kosar) than it is Kosar. The former defensive back has done regular season NFL games for CBS since 2001.

3. There is something about Kosar they just don't like, and it appears the Browns didn't step in to insist the station keep him. And yes, the Browns do have a significant influence on who does their preseason games -- just as the Cavs and Indians do for all games.

The right road for Kosar ...

What should have been done about Bernie?

I wrote a column after the Rams preseason game last season where Kosar said some dumb stuff. And yes, it was dumb. And he should have apologized for it. But he never should have been fired. My view hasn't changed. Before the preseason games, I'd do the following:

1. Have a film session with Kosar. Show him the two comments. The first was how "parents" of some of the Rams players should have been "embarrassed" by how their sons were playing in that preseason game.

2. Next would be some of his savage criticism of third-string quarterback Kellen Clemens, which was odd. At one point, partner Jim Donovan discussed how Clemens and his family had visited the Pope. Kosar is a Catholic, and he said, "Bless me Father for I have sinned, I have to watch him (Clemens) the entire fourth quarter."

3. I'd simply ask Kosar, "As a former player and parent, how would these remarks strike you if they had been said about one of your sons or a former teammate?"

4. Kosar knows how to be critical without being personal. He also knows how to learn from film sessions -- that was a huge part of his job as a quarterback.

5. I'd tell Kosar that he has a good heart. It's absolutely, positively correct to criticize the action of a player -- but watch the personal stuff. Because Clemens is a marginal quarterback with limited ability fighting for a job, he should not be demeaned personally.

6. For whatever reason, Kosar was grumpy that day. It was the only time that he stepped over the line. And it was hardly a mortal broadcasting sin.

7. When locked into the game, Kosar is so good, so insightful -- few can match him. And the Browns/WKYC should realize that.

A pass rusher such as Buffalo's Khalil Mack makes more sense for the Browns at No. 4 than an offensive lineman.

About the Browns draft ...

There are two elite offensive linemen in this draft -- Auburn's Greg Robinson and Jake Matthews of Texas A&M. At least one should be available when the Browns pick at No. 4.

Some fans want the Browns to grab a lineman at that spot.

No. Make that a very loud … NO!

Start with this question, who are the team's two highest-paid players in 2014? That would be left tackle Joe Thomas ($12 million) and center Alex Mack ($10 million).

If you pick Robinson or Matthews, you'd be playing them at right tackle -- not a prime position on the line. Last season, pass protection was not one of the major problems for the Browns. Football Outsiders ranked them No. 17 in protecting the quarterback. Profootballfocus had them at No. 5.

Yes, there's a big difference -- but the debate is if the Browns were very good or very average. Too bad other parts of the team don't fall into that category. Yes, the Browns need another young lineman -- probably a guard. And yes, they should draft one. But not at No. 4.

Not when there are pass rushers (Khalil Mack, Jadeveon Clowney), receivers (Mike Evans and Sammy Watkins) and quarterbacks (Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles) at the top of the draft. There are six names, and at least three will be available when the Browns pick.

I like some (Watkins, Evans and Mack) better than others. And I see no reason to grab an offensive lineman so high when the franchise has 10 picks, including two each in the third and fourth rounds. Those may be good spots to shop for a guard.

Justin Masterson is dealing with a drop in the velocity of his fastball.

About Justin Masterson ...

It's a fact that Justin Masterson isn't throwing as hard as he did a year ago. Here are a few quick facts:

1. Masterson's regular fastball averaged 94 mph in 2013, it's 90.8 this season.

2. His sinker was 91.0, it's now 89.6.

3. So his fastball (90.8) is not much quicker than his sinker (89.6).

4. Masterson is actually striking out slightly more batters this season per nine innings (9.6) than a year ago (9.1).

5. What matters most is an 0-0 record with a 4.50 ERA so far, after a 14-10, 3.35 season in 2013. He's not the same guy as the All-Star pitcher a year ago.

6. Another concern is that Masterson is normally a fast starter. For his career, his best month is April (11-7, 3.75).



What's the long term meaning for the Tribe:

1. In spring training, the club noticed that Masterson's velocity was down. But he had a 1.09 ERA in 25 innings. They hoped he'd start throwing harder once the regular season opened. Also, he was effective.

2. Masterson has had an up/down pattern.

2013: 14-10, 3.35 ERA.

2012: 11-15, 4.93 ERA.

2011: 12-10, 3.21 ERA.

2010: 6-13, 4.70 ERA.

3. He is durable, rarely missing starts. But the 6-foot-6 right-hander has an awkward sidearm motion. That leads to what coaches call "mechanical problems." The Tribe believes his delivery is messed up when throwing his fastball.

4. His lack of speed hurts most against lefty batters, who are hitting .324 against him this season. That compares to .175 for righties.

5. All of this is why the Indians have been guarded with contract offers. They offered him about $45 million for three years, but he wanted a three-year deal in the $53 million range. I also sensed the Indians were wondering if Masterson could put together two good seasons in a row.

Jose Ramirez is off to hot start at Columbus and is a real prospect.

About the Tribe ...

1. While Danny Salazar's average fastball is in the 93 mph range, down from 96 a year ago, the Tribe isn't worried. When he was in the minors last season, Salazar's fastball was about 94 mph in April. His arm became stronger the more he pitched. His problem is control -- leaving too many pitches high in the strike zone. He also is walking far more hitters (4.9 per nine innings) than a year ago (2.6).

2. With only six walks in five starts, Corey Kluber demonstrates how good control can keep a pitcher out of trouble and in the game -- because it keeps his pitch count low. It's why I raved about him in spring training.



3. Remember Jose Ramirez, who impressed when promoted from the minors in September? He missed a big part of spring training after surgery on his left thumb. Now healthy, Ramirez is batting .333 (.877 OPS) with three homers and 12 RBI at Class AAA. He also has stolen eight bases. Ramirez is playing mostly second base, although the Indians consider him capable at short and third. He is only 21 and is an exciting prospect with a .308 career minor-league average.

4. Francisco Lindor is hitting .268 with two homers and 11 RBI at Class AA Akron. At mid-season, it could be Lindor and Ramirez as the double-play combination for Columbus.

5. David Murphy's strong start is especially encouraging because April is typically a painful month. For his career, he's hit .228 in April, .176 last season. He entered the weekend batting .290, and .533 with runners in scoring position.

6. Is this the year that Michael Brantley hits 15 homers? I've been predicting that for a few seasons. He hit 10 in 2013, and entered the weekend with four. He's only 26 and players sometimes add power in the late 20s as they mature and learn opposing pitchers.

7. Nyjer Morgan entered the weekend batting .214 (6-of-28) at Columbus. Vinnie Pestano had allowed one run in five innings. Both opened the season with the Tribe.

Cavs interim general manager David Griffin helped Steve Kerr put together a Phoenix team that reached the Western Conference Finals in 2010.

About David Griffin ...

From 2007-10, David Griffin served in what amounted as a general manager's job. That was when Steve Kerr was president of the Phoenix Suns. Kerr made the final decisions, but Griffin had a major say on draft picks and trades. That's why it's assumed Griffin would go to New York if Kerr is named coach there -- and if the Cavs don't make Griffin the full-time general manager.

In their three years together with the Suns, Kerr and Griffin had records of 55-27, 46-36 and 54-28. They resigned together after that 54-28 season that ended with a trip to the NBA Western Conference Finals. It was due to a disagreement with ownership.

It was during these three years that Griffin turned down a chance to be general manager in Memphis. Kerr went to TNT after leaving the Suns, Griffin came to the Cavs to work as an assistant to General Manager Chris Grant.

Griffin's main basketball influences are former Phoenix owner Jerry Colangelo and coach Cotton Fitzsimmons. He believes in putting an entertaining team on the court that can score. He also is aware that 17 teams averaged at least 100 points in 2013-14, compared to only three in 2010-11.

Offense is a big deal in today's NBA.

If Griffin is given the full time general manager's job, one of his main goals will be to add some scoring and shooting to the roster.

Yes, coaching leads to misery -- but coaching is what George Karl does best.

About George Karl ...

In an interview with Mary Schmitt Boyer, former Cavs coach George Karl offered to become president of the Cavs. He has not talked to Owner Dan Gilbert about it, but he'd like to do so.

The answer should be … No.

If a team is going to hire Karl, it should be as a coach. That is what he does best, and that's his passion. As team president, there would be a sense that at some point he'd coach, which only hurts the man who is the coach.

Karl will be 63 on May 12. He has coached for 25 years in the NBA, most recently with Denver. He was NBA Coach of the Year for 2012-13, but was fired after the Nuggets were bounced from the playoffs in the first round.

Karl also coached in Seattle, Milwaukee and Golden State. He had serious throat cancer in 2010, and prostate cancer in 2005. He tells Boyer that he's healthy.

I'm not sure the team needs a president -- or at least, a president who assembles the roster. That should be the job of the general manager with the help of the coach and scouts.

But since the Knicks hired Phil Jackson as president (at $12 million annually), other veteran coaches naturally see that job as an interesting opportunity.

Tristan Thompson can be given a contract extension this summer, but the Cavs will probably hold off at least for another year.

About Tristan Thompson ...

Not only can the Cavs offer Kyrie Irving a contract extension in July, they can do the same for Tristan Thompson.

Of course, there is no need to do so. Neither member of the 2011 draft class can be even a restricted free agent until 2015. But the Cavs want to know what Irving has in mind, because next season could be a nightmare if the All-Star guard fails to sign an extension. It will turn into six months of why Irving didn't sign, and will he now sign a new contract.

None of that is a factor with Thompson. He is under contract for $5.4 million in 2014-15, and the Cavs will probably let him play another season on that deal -- and not worry about restricted free agency for the power forward.

The Cavs love Thompson's work ethic and attitude. But will he be anything but a role player? His stats in the last two seasons are almost the same. He averaged exactly 11.7 points both years, while his rebounding average was 9.4 and 9.2.

Shooting? Thompson switched from shooting with his left hand to his right hand last season. It helped his free-throw shooting, improving from .608 to .693. But he actually was worse from the field, falling from .490 to .478.

So what's the deal?

1. Thompson played one year at Texas, and just finished his third year here. He's 23. In the days when a player spent four years in college, Thompson would be entering his rookie season.

2. Thompson forgets that he's best when his attention is on rebounding. Spending so much time to become a better shooter led Thompson to believe he actually should look for his shot more often. Not a good idea. Defending, running on the fast break and grabbing rebounds are his strengths.

3. The Cavs have to ask if Thompson will make any significant improvements, or is he best suited to be a backup big man on a good team. Since there is no rush to sign him, they can wait another year to find out.