It's Always Sunny In.....Cleveland? 10 Athletes That Provide Hope

As you may have heard, the city of Cleveland hasn't won many titles lately. Year after year, fans watch as high priced talent is traded off or host national TV specials about leaving via free agency. There have been the liars (see Boozer, Carlos) the lopsided trades (Lee, Cliff), the thank God they're gone (Edwards, Braylon) and of course the Decision (Nameless). But never fear Clevelanders, a new crop of talent is resurfacing and greener pastures await. Let's just not hang any 10 story billboards up again anytime soon, alright?

No. 10 Ramon Sessions

Why there's hope...

Sessions is Mo Williams 2.0. While he's not nearly as good of a shooter as Mo, he can drive, dish and create his own shot; something few Cavalier players can do. In only his second pro season, Sessions averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 assists in 27 minutes a game. He also carries a very friendly contract at about $4.3 million for the next three years. If the Cavs start tanking and Mo Williams is traded, look for Sessions to become the go to scorer.

No. 9 Chris Perez

Why there's hope...

Acquired in 2009 in a trade that sent Mark Derosa to the Cardinals, Perez is the Indians current and future closer. As of August 4th, he was 13/16 in save opportunities and had compiled a sparkling 2.08 era in 43.1 innings of work. Perez features a power arm that can reach the high nineties. He also successfully saved three straight one run leads in back to back to back days, becoming the first Indians closer to do so.

No. 8 Joe Haden

Why there's hope...

The new No. 23 in Cleveland was the Browns first round choice in the 2010 draft. The 7th overall pick was just handed a 5 year, $50 million contract, but will likely not even start right away. Haden has an incredible wingspan and coverage area that more than makes up for his lack of elite speed. He could also play safety for the Browns, and will at the very least provide athletic depth his rookie year.

No. 7 JJ Hickson

Why there's hope...

I know I know, 95 percent of Hickson's points came off dunks and layups that were hand fed to him by LeBron last year right? Maybe so, but the second year forward did show an improved skill set and had the benefit of being around guys like LeBron, Shaq, and Antawn Jamison. Keep in mind that had he stayed in college, he would just now be going into his senior year, so there's plenty of room for growth. During the summer league, JJ averaged 19.3 points and 6.3 rebounds on 58 percent shooting. Look for his minutes and his stats to both make a jump this fall.

No. 6 Joe Thomas

Why there's hope...

Joe Thomas is not only the best draft pick the Browns have made since returning to the league, he may also be the best left tackle in all of football. A three year veteran, he has made the Pro Bowl all three years and was runner up to Adrian Peterson for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2007. Somewhere Tim Couch is wondering what might have been if Joe had only been born ten years earlier....

No. 5 Matt Laporta

Why there's hope...

The 7th overall pick of the 2007 draft by the Brewers made his way to Cleveland as the main compensation for Cy Young winner CC Sabathia. While Laporta struggled at the beginning of 2010 (.218 1 home run in 35 games) the trade of Russell Branyan opened up the everyday first base job for Laporta, who is hitting .273 with 4 home runs since being recalled. The Indians desperately need him to be a big bat in their lineup for years to come, and he has the ability to be just that.

No. 4 Mo Williams

Why there's hope...

Mo now becomes the leader and go to scorer for the Cavaliers. He still remains one of the best 3 point shooters in the league and at 27, should be entering the prime of his career. Along with Ramon Sessions, Boobie Gibson and Anthony Parker, the Cavs will have a nice mixture of youth, experience, three point shooting and driving ability in the backcourt. Look for Mo's scoring to jump from his 15.8 points a game last year into the 18 to 19 range.

No. 3 Josh Cribbs

Why there's hope...

Perhaps the most popular athlete in Cleveland, the Pro Bowl return man from Kent State has a new contract and should continue to be the most exciting special teams player in the game. Along with Seneca Wallace, Cribbs will most likely be used in new wildcat packages and could see more time at WR. Despite only being 27, he owns the record for most kickoff returns for a TD in NFL history with 8, and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

No. 2 Carlos Santana

Why there's hope...

Coming to the Indians in a 2008 trade for Casey Blake, Carlos was the Indians top rated prospect in 2009 and 2010. With AAA Columbus Santana hit .316 with 13 home runs and 51 RBI in 57 games before being called up on June 11th 2010. In only his second game, Santana, while batting third, hit a double and a home run, his first and second of hopefully many major league hits. A switch hitter with pop, he wears number 41 in honor of former Tribe and Boston catcher Victor Martinez, whom he idolized growing up.

#1 Colt McCoy

Why there's hope...

The future of the Cleveland Browns is in an ideal situation. He gets to watch and learn from a classy pro like Jake Delhomme and won't be thrown into the fire if an injury should occur with backup Seneca Wallace ready to step in. New boss Mike Holgrem wants to protect his investment and has a world of knowledge to bestow upon young Colt. The NCAA Division 1 leader in wins may not get a chance to lead his new team to any in 2010, but will enjoy a longer tenure than the many before him at his spot.