In today's edition of Around the Pound, we take a look at the Cleveland Browns' backup center situation after a recent set of transactions, an update on the SB Nation Cleveland Regional website, and more.
Eric Ghiaciuc Won't be the Backup
Fans were so stoked when we signed former Bengals C Eric Ghiaciuc back in April, that the news generated 148 comments. And yet, with the Browns releasing him Tuesday, I don't think any fans were shedding a tear, as most of the comments in the initial post were along the lines of, "If we lost Mack, we're screwed," "Alex Mack is a beast," "Does he have stubby arms and a wide ass?," or, "He's just training camp fodder." Funny enough, the truth is that he was only mini-camp fodder.
In replacing Ghiaciuc, the team signed OG Paul Fanaika. At 6'5" and 325 pounds, Fanakia was a seventh-round draft choice for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009. He started off on the Eagles' practice squad, but was picked off their practice squad in November 2009 when the Washington Redskins signed him. The Browns claimed him off waivers after the Redskins released him two days ago. According to his stats, it doesn't look as though Fanaika played in any games.
It is interesting to note that Fanaika was drafted by the Eagles when they had Tom Heckert. With the Browns working rookie Shawn Luavao at guard and center, Ghiaciuc was apparently expendable.
SB Nation Cleveland Regional Website Launch Reminder
Remember, the Cleveland Regional site will officially launch on June 17, which is tomorrow. However, if you tune into the website around 10 PM tonight, I have a feeling you just might catch an early glimpse.
Also, if you are going to attend the Meet-Up Celebration Thursday, please remember to go here and RSVP. Even if you can't attend, still go to the link and RSVP, choosing the option that says you can't make it.
Joe Jurevicius Reaches a Settlement
These are the type of stories I could honestly care less about, since it's really not analytically-related anymore (note: that has nothing to do with me thinking the suit was unjust or something). Nonetheless, if you're really desperate for Browns-related news, the Browns and the Cleveland Clinic reached a settlement with the former receiver after he sued over a staph infection that played a role in ending his career.
Off-Beat Notes
- Good World Cup so far, as usual. I don't think it could disappoint when you wait four years to see the competition though. Regarding the U.S. vs. England game, it was too funny listening to England fans on Sirius radio complain about how disgusted they were that the game ended in a tie. I'm not going to say the U.S. is better than England, but the goalie plays such an important role for a team. The fact is that our goalie was outstanding, while England's made a huge blunder that forces the team to be weary of him as the tournament moves on. To discount that fact is to be too much of a homer.
- Speaking of World Cup action, I just saw Spain fall to the Swiss. Spain had so many near-shots in the second half; credit to the Swiss goalie and the defense for coming up with the saves and blocks though.
- I've enjoyed the NBA Finals so far as a basketball fan, but Game 6 was a dud. Sure, it was great for LA fans, but even for casual fans who root for LA, who wants to see a Finals game that consists of below 40% shooting from the field? Shannon Brown did have a sick one-handed alley-oop dunk though.