Terry’s Talkin’

Terry Pluto, Cleveland.com

Cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talks Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Northeast Ohio college basketball with host David Campbell.

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229 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes229

Newest first

Dec 12, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
The Browns' best cornerback right now; solving the Cavs' long-distance problem
Highlights: Why Kevin Stefanski deserves credit for the surprising 8-5 Browns; The fun vibe between the fans, the team, Joe Flacco and the Browns defense; Is Myles Garrett being held all the time, as he said after the win over Jacksonville? Who's the Browns' best cornerback right now? Terry's Weekly Kicker Update on Dustin Hopkins; Why the Cavs' loss to Orlando on Monday night was odd on a couple of levels; Terry on why Guardians fans shouldn't expect the team's No. 1 overall pick in MLB Draft 2024 to make a huge immediate impact; Terry's recollections of former Indians standout Vic Davalillo, who passed away in Venezuela last week; Why the Guardians' move to bring in Austin Hedges was smart; The new NCAA president has made a proposal on how schools could pay athletes: Here's what Terry thinks it should mean for mid-major schools; Two emails this week as we continue to share stories from fans around the world on why they're a Cleveland sports fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 5, 2023 · 58 min
Why the Browns should be encouraged about Joe Flacco and their playoff chances; a Cavs 'Grit Lineup"
Highlights: Terry has a book appearance on Saturday in Mentor at 1 p.m. for his new book, "The Guy with the Sign"; Terry breaks down the starting QBs for the AFC's playoff contenders, and where Joe Flacco fits in that group Why Kareem Hunt still brings value to the Browns; Why the Browns might want to play more like an AFC North team, even against non-AFC North opponents; Where Amari Cooper ranks among the NFL's most-targeted receivers; Terry's Weekly Kicker Update on Dustin Hopkins; The Cavs: Are they average? A new idea for the Cavs: The "Grit Lineup," and who'd be on it; Apparently fans like ugly NBA courts; Trading Emmanuel Clase: Good idea or not a good idea for the Guardians; And this week's listener emails about where they live, and why they're a Cleveland sports fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 28, 2023 · 54 min
Which players are letting the Browns down the most right now; why the Cavs will be OK
Highlights: Terry will be signing books, including his new "The Guy With the Sign," at The Learned Owl in Hudson, Thursday night, 6-7 p.m. Did Kevin Stefanski pass the ball too much in the loss to the Broncos? We debate about whether the Pierre Strong Jr. fumbled reverse was a bad play; The players who are letting the Browns down the most right now; Terry's Weekly Kicker Update on Dustin Hopkins; Why the Browns should be in this playoff race till the end; What Terry would talk to Donovan Mitchell about after two off games in a row; Are the Cavs going to be OK? Is the Guardians’ pitching staff better or worse than it was two weeks ago? Shane Bieber's prospects of being on the Guardians at the start of the 2024 season; This week's listener letters about players selling insurance; and Florida ties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 22, 2023 · 1 hr 6 min
Why Myles Garrett is different this season; Helping Darius Garland solve his turnover problem
Highlights: Check out Terry's new book, "The Guy with the Sign, And Other Thoughts on Faith in Everyday Life" at www.terryplutobook.com; How are the Browns 7-3? What we saw from DTR on Sunday, and what we'd like to see next; Is Kevin Stefanski the NFL's most underappreciated coach right now? Stefanski: The "Nice Belichick"; How Myles Garrett is different this season; Terry's Weekly Kicker Update on Dustin Hopkins; Why Cavs rookie Craig Porter Jr. is so important right now; What the Cavs can do to get Darius Garland to shake his turnover habit; Why we think the NBA's In-Season Tournament is silly; Inside the Guardians' dealing of Cal Quantrill, and what Bally Sports has to do with it; Better late than never, some thoughts from the Stephen Vogt Guardians press conference; Thanksgiving thankfulness; and this week's two listener letters, one from Minneapolis, and one from Slovenia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 7, 2023 · 58 min
Is Stephen Vogt the right manager for the Guardians? One thing the Browns shouldn't change vs. the Ravens
Highlights: Terry's new book, "The Guy With the Sign," is out. Here's where you can get it. Did the Guardians get the right manager in Stephen Vogt? What he brings to the franchise despite only being 39 and never having been a manager; Why Craig Counsell didn't end up in Cleveland; Catchers seem to make good managers: Why is that? Terry on why the Ravens are going to be tough nut for the Browns to crack; Is David Njoku the Browns' No. 2 receiver? We look at whether Kevin Stefanski is underappreciated with this 5-3 record after all the injuries; Terry's Weekly Kicker Update on Dustin Hopkins; What Terry is looking for from the Cavs as they embark on a trip out west; The late Bob Knight, and what we can learn from him about grudges and how long we hold them; And two more listener letters about why they are Cleveland sports fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 1, 2023 · 52 min
Who should play if Deshaun Watson can't; what the Cavs need to do less; remembering Frank Howard
Highlights: Terry's thoughts on the Browns at the trade deadline; What Terry would do at quarterback if Deshaun Watson is out again this week; Rehashing the rehash of the infamous third-and-3 call in Seattle, and what's it got to do with Lenny Wilkens and Uwe Blab; What P.J. Walker said after the loss that should concern Browns fans; It's early, but is Terry worried about the Cavs? What the Cavs need to do LESS of to get back on track; Finding a niche for Evan Mobley; What Max Strus' postgame comments mean after Tuesday's loss to the Knicks; Are Craig Counsell and the Guardians a fit? Remembering bigger-than-life slugger Frank Howard; and two more fan letters about why they are Cleveland sports fans and a childhood memory of Jim Brown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 24, 2023 · 1 hr
How far can this defense take the Browns? Finding the Guardians an outfielder; Cavs predictions
Highlights: The Browns are 4-2: Are we any closer to knowing when Deshaun Watson will be back at 100%? The amazing Myles Garrett; and the almost as amazing Dustin Hopkins, as Terry gives his Weekly Kicker Update; A quick look at the Browns offensive tackles; A listener question on whether the Browns defense is good enough to carry it deep into the playoffs; We get into the shallow pool of free-agent outfielders available to the Guardians; What's the Guardians' best hope to bring in an ourfielder with some pop this offseason? A listener question about why Jose Ramirez needs protection in the lineup, but Josh Naylor doesn't; and a question about whether we'd choose Steven Kwan or Josh Naylor if the Guardians could only keep both long term; Terry previews his upcoming column on why NBA teams chase free agents; And we make our 2023-24 Cavs season predictions; This week's fan letters about Cleveland sports fandom come to us from Arizona, and Belgium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 17, 2023 · 59 min
Why 'Best in the World' matters to the Browns; Are the Guardians MLB's best open manager job?
Highlights: Terry on the identity of these 2023 Browns; The Browns' dominant defense by the numbers; A coverage chart that tells just how improved the defense is; Why the motto 'Best in the World' matters to the Browns defense; Some shoutouts to Browns who deserve it after Sunday; Terry's weekly Browns Kicker Report; Why the Guardians' managerial opening might be the best in MLB right now; Why are the Cavs saying so many nice things about rookie Emoni Bates? A few words about the passing of former Cavs coach Brendan Malone; And two more emails from listeners about where they live and why they're a Cleveland sports fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 9, 2023 · 56 min
If Deshaun Watson can't play Sunday, the Browns' QB should be .....; what we'd ask Guardians manager candidates
Highlights: What does it mean that Deshaun Watson didn't practice outside with the Browns on Monday? If Watson can't go, Terry has ideas on who the starting QB should be; What it might mean that the Cavs' Evan Mobley is watching film of the Heat's Bam Adabayo; The chances that Donovan Mitchell eventually signs an extension with Cavs are .... Terry's story about playing pickup basketball with Steve Kerr, and Kerr eventually buying Terry lunch; Why Terry believes the Guardians front office had an off year in 2023; Questions we would ask Guardians manager candidates; and questions we think the manager should ask the Guardians. And we read more of your responses to our 100th podcast episode, where Terry asked fans to let us know where they live, and why they love Cleveland sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 3, 2023 · 58 min
Why Deshaun Watson's injury became a thing; Evan Mobley, the Cavs' X-factor; our 100th episode
Highlights: An abandoned bid to play a song on the accordion; The odd circumstances behind Deshaun Watson's absence from Sunday's loss to the Ravens; The Browns could have made things much easier for Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday in his first NFL start; Did the Browns' overconfidence and belief in DTR get the best of them? Are the Ravens going to win the division? How about the "Chubb special"; Terry's weekly, drama-free Browns Kicker Report; Terry discusses what he saw at the Guardians' season-ending press conference on Tuesday; Why it makes sense that Sandy Alomar doesn't want the manager job; We toss out some names that are under consideration to take Terry Francona's seat; Terry talks about Cavs Media Day on Monday, and what he thought about what went down there; Why Evan Mobley is the player the Cavs think can make the difference in 2023-24; We asked listeners to write in and tell us where they live, and why they're a Cleveland sports fan. We have received nearly four dozen, and this week's come from Portland, Oregon; Charleston, S.C., and Cambridge, U.K. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 26, 2023 · 54 min
How good can this Browns defense be, anyway? What we'll remember about Terry Francona in Cleveland
Highlights: For our 100th episode, we’re asking fans in the expanse of Pluto Nation to tell us where you’re from, where you live, and why you’re a Cleveland sports fan. Email us at sports@cleveland.com and put Terry's Talkin' in the subject line. Speaking of expanse: How often do we think about the Roman Empire? What Kevin Stefanski did right vs. the Titans; Deshaun Watson and whether this is what it’s supposed to look like; It’s only three games, but how good is this Browns defense, anyway? Myles Garrett, Gamewrecker; The Browns’ highest-graded offensive lineman by PFF was ..... Our weekly Dustin Hopkins update; What the Browns’ sideline tells us about the 2023 Browns so far; A listener letter about The Greatest Brown Since 1999: Jim Donovan Terry on what he thinks Terry Francona’s Cleveland legacy will be; Terry provides some updates and background on the rising Guardians minor-league hitters to watch; Are teams limiting pitchers too much? A listener wants to know what we think; Cavs media day is Monday: Here’s what Terry wants to find out when he’s there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 19, 2023 · 53 min
What's missing from Deshaun Watson's game, and how the Browns turn things around vs. the Titans
Highlights: It's the 98th edition of Terry's Talkin', and we want to hear from you as we prepare for No. 100: Email us at sports@cleveland.com, and tell us where you live, and the story behind why you're a passionate fan of Cleveland sports. We'll read as many of your stories as we can on the 100th episode in a couple of weeks; Nick Chubb's injury and why it was so devastating to the Browns and their fans; What Chubb and Jose Ramirez have in common; What's missing in Deshaun Watson's game right now, and can he fix it? The quick, weekly Browns Kicker Review of Dustin Hopkins; The dominant Browns defense and whether it will become the identity of this 2023 team with fans; Why the loss to the Steelers hangs squarely on Deshaun Watson and Kevin Stefanski; Why it might be time to stop comparing Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt; Something we'd like to see the Browns do when they play the Titans on Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium; Lucas Giolito's latest outing is another odd occurrence in a strange Guardians season; Who are some core pieces the Guardians can build around in 2024; How good in Steven Kwan, anyway? and what we're eager to see when the Cavs open training camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 12, 2023 · 57 min
Has Grant Delpit arrived for the Browns? Why the Cavs' reunion with Tristan Thompson makes total sense
Highlights: Terry breaks down his series of columns about the Browns and GM Andrew Berry, including why they wanted to mature the roster this season; Has Grant Delpit arrived? The Browns absorb a tough blow with Jack Conklin's season-ending injury; Dawand Jones has moved into that spot -- how he's going to do Monday night vs. the Steelers; New kicker Dustin Hopkins takes care of business in a drama-free way; What we thought of Deshaun Watson's play vs. the Bengals; Predicting what we think happens in Pittsburgh on Monday night; The Guardians' bullpen has been put through the wringer -- what should happen next; How the Guardians should use Emmanuel Clase the rest of the season; A listener grades the front office, harshly; We discuss a fan email about whether Jose Ramirez has missed Amed Rosario; and why Tristan Thompson's reunion with the Cavs makes total sense to us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 5, 2023 · 57 min
Is a Guardians pitcher tipping pitches? Browns 2023 predictions; remembering Jimmy Buffett
Highlights: The Guardians fell 6 games behind the Twins on Monday night with a 20-6 loss. Terry has thoughts with what was the deal with Lucas Giolito; Terry's take on what he's seeing from up-and-comers Gabriel Arias and Bo Naylor; Are Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff regretting any of the deals they made at the deadline and wishing they'd given this team more of a chance to win the division? Some Terry's Talkin' fan questions on Myles Straw's future in center field; whether Josh Bell is producing again because he's a "National League" hitter; and what the Guardians are getting from Kole Calhoun; Was it right for Deshaun Watson to predict "fireworks" when the Browns open the season against the Bengals on Sunday; Why the Browns should be like "sparklers" on Sunday; Terry talks about new Browns special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone and what things will look like under his direction; We pick our X-factors for the season -- players who aren't headliners but could make the difference in the Browns being good or bad; Our 2023 Browns season predictions; and Terry shares his thoughts on Jimmy Buffett, who passed away over the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 29, 2023 · 52 min
What to expect from Deshaun Watson in 2023; the Guardians' Rookie of the Year candidate is legit
Highlights: We analyze the Browns' 53-man roster on cutdown day; Cade York: Why it was the right decision to let him go; and what's next for him; What you need to know about new kicker Dustin Hopkins; What we're expecting from Deshaun Watson as the Sept. 10 opener vs. the Bengals approaches; The Browns' most important offensive player for 2023 who's not named Deshaun Watson or Nick Chubb; Tanner Bibee: Why he should be a strong candidate for AL Rookie of the Year; What the Guardians are getting, and not getting, from Oscar Gonzalez and Gabriel Arias; Fan questions about innings limits for pitchers; Steven Kwan's strikeouts; Pat Corrales' passing; and Emmanuel Clase's approach to hitters in 2023 vs. 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 22, 2023 · 53 min
Meet the Guardians' hottest hitting prospect; 2 reasons the Browns should bring in a veteran kicker
Highlights: Congratulations to outdoors writer D'Arcy Egan, a Hall of Famer; Our trips to the Upper Peninsula and Ireland; Northeast Ohioans are everywhere, even on mountaintops; The Guardians are 59-66 and 6 games behind the Twins. Is it over? Should Guardians fans be upset? And if so, why? The front office is taking the heat -- which is exactly what they anticipated would happen after the trade deadline; Terry visits with Chase DeLauter, the prospect who might just be the Guardians' next big bat; How the Guardians are using Gabriel Arias; Terry says Juan Brito's hitting approach reminds a scout of a Cleveland franchise-great hitter; As Cade York tries to shake off two bad kicks, here's why we think the Browns should sign a veteran kicker; The Browns say they'll play their starters 20-25 plays vs. the Chiefs on Saturday: Is that the right amount? Terry's reflections on his column on Doug Dieken; A fan question about how much the Cavs will miss Lamar Stevens; and another one on how they should handle Ricky Rubio's absence; And this week's Hey, Terry! letters about Cleveland sports parents; and a Herb Score story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 31, 2023 · 51 min
Why Cleveland is perfect for Noah Syndergaard; How many passes Nick Chubb should see in 2023
Highlights: Terry's take on the trade that brought Noah Syndergaard to the Guardians for Amed Rosario; Why the Guardians and their fans should be grateful to Rosario for his contributions; What would make a quality start for Syndergaard in his Cleveland debut Monday night vs. Houston; and why Cleveland is the perfect place for him to be as he tries to settle in on his mechanics; How many passes should Nick Chubb be thrown in 2023? The Haslams have been talking about a new Browns stadium; we compare some of what's going on in Buffalo and Nashville; Who Cleveland should build a stadium for; Darius Garland has been in Africa working with Basketball Without Borders and is building up his body: What should he look like next season physically, and how should that manifest itself in games? Terry's book recommendation for the week; And this week's Hey, Terry questions: One on private coaches; and one on whether MLB should realign divisions to put Chicago teams together with the Guardians and Pittsburgh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 25, 2023 · 52 min
Why the Browns are happy campers; rookie sleeper to watch; brainstorming Guardians options
Highlights: Terry's impressions from Browns training camp at The Greenbrier in West Virginia; Why the Haslams are being patient and not "drawing a line in the sand" with expectations; Nick Chubb: The NFL's great underrated player; Bubba Ventrone and Terry talked kickers: Here's what he said; A sleeper Browns player to watch in preseason; A listener question about whether Andrew Berry's front office is in need of a revamp; Is Terry feeling better, worse or the same than a week ago about the Guardians' division chances? The market or Amed Rosario and what might happen if the Guardians do trade him; Who's the next shortstop candidate; "SpongeBob held hostage" ... the saga continues; Why James Karinchak should get called up; What MLB's next rule change should be ... and Terry creates two new stats that could help fix the problem; and Terry has an author recommendation for this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 18, 2023 · 57 min
Shane Bieber's injury changes everything; Greenbrier: The Browns' most important week of the season?
Highlights: Did Shane Bieber’s injury change everything? How Shane Bieber’s absence may have changed Terry Francona's bullpen approach in Sunday's loss to the Rangers; What Xzavion Curry's role should be going forward; What the Cavs' Summer League title says about the team; The ways second-round pick Emoni Bates improved as Summer League went along; Can Sam Merrill land a permanent spot on the Cavs' 2023-24 roster? A theory on why Greenbrier training camp might be the most important week of the Browns' season; What we expect to see out of the 2023 Browns at training camp and beyond; Is "the Browns is the Browns" still true? Terry discusses his Faith & You column for this upcoming weekend, on what NOT to say at a funeral; And some Hey, Terry emails about Bobby Bradley; and Terry's recent column on Gettysburg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 11, 2023 · 49 min
Can Shane Bieber shake the blahs? Sam Merrill takes his shot; Browns camp preview
Highlights: On Tuesday, July 25 at 6 p.m., Terry will be speaking at the Ritter Library in Vermilion. The Guardians at the break; The remarkable Naylor family -- on their way to becoming one of the most accomplished families in sports? Shane Bieber's funk and what it means for the Guardians, and his trade value; SpongeBob held hostage ... the saga continues; How Ralphy Valazquez is different from most of the other Guardians position players taken in the 2023 draft; Sam Merrill's summer league showings and his place on the Cavs roster; Victor Wembanyama first impressions; One reason Browns fans should feel good about 2023, and one reason they should be worried; Two books on Theodore Roosevelt and why they're worth reading; Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terry’s Talkin’

The Browns' best cornerback right now; solving the Cavs' long-distance problem

Why the Browns should be encouraged about Joe Flacco and their playoff chances; a Cavs 'Grit Lineup"

Which players are letting the Browns down the most right now; why the Cavs will be OK

Why Myles Garrett is different this season; Helping Darius Garland solve his turnover problem

Is Stephen Vogt the right manager for the Guardians? One thing the Browns shouldn't change vs. the Ravens

Who should play if Deshaun Watson can't; what the Cavs need to do less; remembering Frank Howard

How far can this defense take the Browns? Finding the Guardians an outfielder; Cavs predictions

Why 'Best in the World' matters to the Browns; Are the Guardians MLB's best open manager job?

If Deshaun Watson can't play Sunday, the Browns' QB should be .....; what we'd ask Guardians manager candidates

Why Deshaun Watson's injury became a thing; Evan Mobley, the Cavs' X-factor; our 100th episode

How good can this Browns defense be, anyway? What we'll remember about Terry Francona in Cleveland

What's missing from Deshaun Watson's game, and how the Browns turn things around vs. the Titans

Has Grant Delpit arrived for the Browns? Why the Cavs' reunion with Tristan Thompson makes total sense

Is a Guardians pitcher tipping pitches? Browns 2023 predictions; remembering Jimmy Buffett

What to expect from Deshaun Watson in 2023; the Guardians' Rookie of the Year candidate is legit

Meet the Guardians' hottest hitting prospect; 2 reasons the Browns should bring in a veteran kicker

Why Cleveland is perfect for Noah Syndergaard; How many passes Nick Chubb should see in 2023

Why the Browns are happy campers; rookie sleeper to watch; brainstorming Guardians options

Shane Bieber's injury changes everything; Greenbrier: The Browns' most important week of the season?

Can Shane Bieber shake the blahs? Sam Merrill takes his shot; Browns camp preview