Matt McAllister `15

There are several reasons for Cleveland sports fans to finally feel optimistic. The Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians have all made big changes in their organizations. The Browns hired their new head coach, Rob Chudzinski, and have also made several free-agent signings.  They made big signings by inking free-agent outside linebacker Paul Kruger to a five-year $40 million contract.  They have also signed defensive tackle Desmond Bryant to a five-year $34 million contract.  The Browns selected outside linebacker, Barkevious Mingo, from LSU with their sixth overall pick in the recent draft.  The Browns seem to be in good position for a much-improved year, but quarterback Brandon Weeden must start to take control of the team and grow into his potential as a first-round pick last year.

The Cavaliers have also hired a familiar face, former Cavs coach Mike Brown, to be the head coach for the team next year.  The Cavs have one of the league’s best point guards in Kyrie Irving, and a couple solid young players in Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson.  The Cavs will have a top six pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and they are also likely to gain some solid free agents this summer. The Cavs are expected to improve drastically next year and could ultimately be in the playoff hunt. Perhaps the best Cleveland sports team in a while are the Cleveland Indians.

Just like the Browns and Cavs the Indians have recently hired Terry Francona as their new manager.  The Indians started the season slow, but  have since become the hottest team in baseball.  The Indians signed several free agents this summer to help the lineup, and their pitching has looked better as of late. The Indians could be the first Cleveland sports team to reach the playoffs since 2010, when LeBron James was with the Cavaliers.  A change of Cleveland sports culture has created a huge sense of optimism for the future of Cleveland sports!