Factory Lines: Roger Goodell’s Apology, Carlos Carrasco Trending Up, Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M QB Kenny Hill’s Cleveland Connection
Roger Goodell’s apology was long overdue. When it finally game, Goodell said he “didn’t get it right” when he suspended Ravens running back Ray Rice just two games for domestic violence.
Players found to violate the league’s new policy face a six-game ban, while second-time offenders will be banned for life.
It’s not everyday the Commissioner of a major spots league admits being wrong.
"“This is very rare,” said Marc Ganis, a consultant to several teams. “Goodell’s admission of having erred on something this important to society is very rare and speaks volumes about the confidence the N.F.L. has to admit its mistake.”"
It’s good to see the Commissioner admit wrong, it’s not so good to see that it took a Cleveland Browns wide receiver get suspended for 16 games for smoking the ganja.
• Carlos Carrasco (6-4, 3.01) suddenly learned how to start. It’s such an amazing story because he just doesn’t begin games, he’s been pretty dominant.
CC was stellar, yet again, going 6 2/3 innings and striking out seven en route to the Indians 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox. Since re-entering the rotation Aug. 10, Carrasco has hurled 24 2/3 innings over four starts while striking out 24 and only issuing three walks.
The Tribe heads to Kansas City for a HUGE three game series as the Wahoo’s try to make up ground on the first-place Royals. KC lost last night, which means the third-place Indians are 5.5 games out of first. The second Wild Card is 4.0 games out of reach.
Aug 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Danny Salazar (31) pitches during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Danny Salazar (4-6, 4.52) will take the rubber tonight, and it’s been refreshing to see Salazar put the pieces of his season together. Over his last six starts, Salazar is 3-2 with a 3.27 ERA, though he hasn’t won in the last three.
• The Browns finally won a preseason game, but before I go ahead and book my hotel room for the Super Bowl, Dawg Pound Nation should realize the success was achieved over Bear second and third stringers.
None-the-less, it was excellent to see Brian Hoyer lead a touchdown drive, although he failed to hit a “I’m-so-wide-open-I’m-lonely” Jordan Cameron in the end zone .
Johnny Manziel also played a good chunk of time, and impressed with his legs, while his arm left little to be desired. The former Heisman gets credited for having a rifle for an arm, but this deep ball to Travis Benjamin will have the poor wideout reaching for Advil all day.
https://vine.co/v/MlYZl07DDem
• Speaking of Manziel, his former school, No. 21 Texas A & M crushed No. 9 South Carolina last night, with Kenny Hill Jr. breaking Johnny Football’s single-game passing record. Hill there for 511 yards. He completed 44 passes and attempted 60!
Aug 28, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kenny Hill (7) throws a pass during warm ups before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Hill’s dad, Ken Hill Sr., pitched for the Tribe during the team’s run to the 1995 American League pennant.
The elder Hill won 117 games over his 14 year career and thew a seven-inning, five-hit gem to defeat the Mariners in the ALCS.
• The Cavs really want Denver center Timofey Mozgov. But for now, the giant Russian all the trade talk can be chalked up to the rumor mill, via King James Gospel.
Factory Lines is published Monday through Friday and covers any interesting tweets, quotes or stories I think you may like to read. Have any tips? Dial me up @DukeofNick.