The 36th annual race, featuring the full marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K and Kid's Run. About 20,000 participants expected.

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What: The 36th annual race, featuring the full marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K and Kid's Run. About 20,000 participants expected.

When: Sunday, 7 a.m. for marathon and half, 7:30 a.m. for 10K. Saturday, 5K at 8 a.m., Kid's Run at 11 a.m.

Where: North Coast Harbor area. Finish Line Rock Party begins at 8:30 a.m. Sunday between FirstEnergy Stadium and the Great Lakes Science Center.

Parking: Available at public lots throughout the city. Cleveland Muni Lot opens at 5 a.m. and cost is $5. The RTA Waterfront Line will be running early and drops near start of race.

Road closings: Several roads in and around the city will be closed or partially closed throughout the morning. Course maps and road closings available at cleveland.com/marathon.

Expo: The Cleveland Marathon Expo is at the International Exposition Center on Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free shuttle service from downtown available. Race packets available at Expo.

Information: Available at clevelandmarathon.com.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

Darien Knowles
St. Edward
Sport: Baseball
Class: Sophomore
Age: 15
Ht: 6-2
Wt: 170
What Darien did last week: Outfielder/pitcher went 8-for-16, with two doubles, three RBI, seven stolen bases and four walks in five games. Also pitched five innings, allowing two runs on four hits and five strikeouts.
About Darien: Leads team with .395 batting average, .521 on-base percentage and .526 slugging percentage. Favorites include the Boston Celtics and LeBron James, "South Park" TV show and "Coach Carter" movie. Had misfortune of breaking his left wrist and right arm on same play during eighth-grade basketball game.
Donte Lindsay
John F. Kennedy
Sport: Baseball
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 6-2
Wt: 175
What Donte did last week: Pitcher/outfielder batted 7 of 8, with two home runs, including a grand slam, and two triples in wins over Akron North, Collinwood and John Adams. Drove in 12 runs, stole eight bases. Struck out 24 batters over 12 innings, allowing four hits and no earned runs.
About Donte: Also plays basketball. Will attend Bethune-Cookman on a baseball scholarship. Favorites include Miami Heat, Jason Heyward, "Love & Basketball" movie, "SportsCenter" TV show, Red Lobster restaurant, Polo clothes and math class.
Erin McNamara
Aurora
Sport: Softball
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-10
What Erin did last week: Shortstop batted .583 (7 for 12) with three doubles, three triples and a home run, resulting in six RBI and seven runs scored in wins over Independence, Mayfield, Chagrin Falls and Mentor. Didn't make an error in seven chances.
About Erin: Class president will attend Kent State and major in nursing. Favorites include the Indians, "Pitch Perfect" movie, "Revenge" TV show, "The Help" book, pasta and science class. Dream vacation is to Australia. Best school memory was team reaching the regional tournament.
Dagmar Smith
Black River
Sport: Softball
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-8
What Dagmar did last week: Pitcher posted a 1.66 ERA, giving up 16 hits, seven walks and striking out 24 in 21 innings in win over Firelands and losses to Wellington and Keystone. Became Medina County's all-time strikeout leader. Batted .333 (3 for 9).
About Dagmar: Ursuline recruit. Favorites include Olympian Jessica Mendoza, "The Office" TV show, "Smile" song by Uncle Kraker, Olive Garden restaurant and math class. Wants to try playing lacrosse. Best school memory was helping her team reach regional tournament.
Andre Husain
Holy Name
Sport: Track
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 5-7
Wt: 160
What Andre did last week: Led Holy Name to its first North Coast League White Division title since 1994 with four first-place finishes: 100 meters (11.03), 200 (22.27), 4x100 (43.37) and 4x200 (1:30.43) relays. The 4x100 set a meet record, breaking a 10-year-old mark.
About Andre: Will run track for Lake Erie College. Favorites include the Browns and T.J. Ward, "The Great Gatsby" movie, "SportsCenter" TV show, "Madden 13" video game, Chipotle restaurant, Nike clothes and science class. Wants to try horseback riding.
Vinnie Minosky
Padua
Sport: Track
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 6-0
Wt: 160
What Vinnie did last week: Named North Coast League Blue Division MVP. At league meet, won the 300-meter hurdles (meet record 38.94), 110 hurdles (15.38) and long jump (20-10 ½). Placed second in high jump (6-0).
About Vinnie: Will run track and study engineering at Miami (Ohio). Placed fifth at the Division II state track meet in the 300 hurdles last year. Favorites include the San Francisco 49ers, Ray Allen, "Anchorman" movie, "Walking Dead" TV show, physics class and pizza. Wants to try skydiving.
Frances Bull
Lake Catholic
Sport: Track
Class: Sophomore
Age: 16
Ht: 5-4
What Frances did last week: At the North Coast League meet, won the 400 meters in 58.14 seconds. Also helped set school records as member of 4x400 and 4x800 relays.
About Frances: Enjoys dancing and drawing. Wants to major in art or fashion. Favorites include the Buffalo Sabres, Olympian Allyson Felix, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" movie, "Awkward" TV show, Twitter.com, "Just Dance" video game, strawberries, Denny's restaurant and art class. Would like to take a vacation in London.
Kennedy Mulholland
Beachwood
Sport: Tennis
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 5-5
What Kennedy did last week: Playing on the boys team, she won three matches at first doubles, including a win against Hawken in the state team tournament. Stands 8-1 at third singles and 7-0 in doubles this season.
About Kennedy: Plans to study nutrition and play tennis at Case Western Reserve. Enjoys swimming and reading. Favorites include North Carolina basketball, Serena Williams, "Finding Nemo" movie, "Modern Family" TV show, "Catcher in the Rye" book, Cheerios with strawberries, Rick's Cafe and Spanish class.

Nominations for high school Players of the Week will now be accepted through an online form instead of phone calls. Access the form at cleveland.com/potw. Nominations, which must be submitted by coaches, are due every Monday by noon.

Tag your tweets and Instagram photos about the 2013 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon with #CLEmarathon.

View full sizeThe 2013 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is Sunday, May 19.John Kuntz, The Plain Dealer 

Josh Cribbs, now with the Raiders, says Oakland and the team remind him of Cleveland and the Browns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs signed a one-year free agent deal with the Oakland Raiders.

Neither the Raiders nor the Browns have had much success on the field in recent years, but Cribbs says the fan base from each city is truly supportive of their respective teams. And that's attractive to Cribbs.

In an interview posted on Raiders.com, Cribbs talks about what appealed to him when it comes to the Raiders.

I feel like the Raiders are a traditional, winning team like Cleveland is. They won a lot in the past — they have a history of it. It’s a blue-collar, underdog city and it would be so great to come here and win games and fight for an opportunity to have a chance to win games. I feel like the Raiders are moving in the right direction and I would love to be a part of it when they turn things around.

Cleveland Browns sign QB Brian Hoyer to two-year deal (Cleveland.com).

Mean Joe Greene says Suh should dictate his own play (Detroit Free Press).

Brandon Weeden maintains focus on improving (Cleveland.com).

Jason Pinkston is glad he's able to return to the field (Cleveland.com).

Don Colo is a member of our list of the 100 best Browns (Cleveland.com).

Browns DC talks about expectations among players this coming season (Terry Pluto, Cleveland.com).

Jason Campbell makes early move in QB race (CantonRep.com).

Brandon Weeden has something to prove (The News-Herald).

The Browns are impressed early with their group of quarterbacks (Fox Sports Ohio).

Geno Smith will lean on the advice of others to help him (Yahoo.com).

WR Perez Ashford, Shaker Heights native, hopes to take advantage of his opportunity with the Browns (Cleveland.com).

Dollar Dog Night is expected to bring the fans to the Indians game tonight at Progressive Field. But getting a dollar dog can require some strategy.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Nothing says "America" like hot dogs and baseball -- and so far in a Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com survey, most of you agree.

Cleveland Indians fans can fulfill their patriotic duty tonight at Progressive Field ... especially the "fill" part: It's Dollar Dog Night; the standard Sugardale hot dog costs fans just a buck — no limit.

Take the survey below to tell us your wiener strategy for tonight's game. By 1 p.m., 92 percent of those who took the survey said they think it's a great American tradition and slightly more than half (51 percent) said they would probably eat 3-5 hot dogs tonight. Thirteen respondents claimed they'd eat more than five and two so far have bragged that they can down 10 or more. 

Tonight is actually the third Dollar Dog Night this season. On May 3, during a 7-6 win over the Minnesota Twins, an estimated 40,000 hot dogs were sold with an attendance of 20,200, said Curtis Danburg, senior director of communications for the Indians. In 2007, the team set a record with 60,000 hot dogs sold during a game against the Detroit Tigers.

"We average two hot dogs for every person," Danburg said.

And although there are 175 points of sale for hot dogs in Progressive Field, including vendors, demand can mean long lines, despite extra preparations made by the Indians.

"It's definitely an all-day preparation event to plan for that many hot dogs to be consumed," Danburg said.

For fans, it can mean a search for the stand with the fastest-moving lines, the shortest lines, a place where there's still Stadium Mustard. It's figuring out how to navigate through a wave of people while carrying nine hot dogs and a tray of drinks.

Danburg says Dollar Dog Night is usually the most popular promotion the Indians offer. Last year there were nine, but they bumped it to 15 this season. The next is on Friday, May 31.

That means people considering coming to the ballpark tonight for the 7:05 p.m. game against the Seattle Mariners should consider ordering tickets in advance to avoid long lines, Danburg said. It's also the first postgame fireworks display this season. It should be added that the Indians currently are in first place in the American League Central Division.

Danburg said he has not heard any legendary stories of mass hot dog consumption at Progressive Field.

"I know about the Kobayashi technique of dipping it in water, but I haven't seen anybody try it here," he said.

On today's episode of Sports Insider, The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto joined cleveland.com's Glenn Moore to talk Browns and the signing of Brian Hoyer.

On today's episode of Sports Insider, The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto joined cleveland.com's Glenn Moore to talk Browns and the signing of Brian Hoyer.

The Browns have agreed to terms with Cleveland native and former St. Ignatius star Brian Hoyer on a two-year deal.

BEREA, Ohio -- Brian Hoyer, a Cleveland native and former St. Ignatius star, still vividly remembers the Browns' final game in the old stadium in 1995.

"I was only about 10 or 11 and I remember crying when the Browns left," he told The Plain Dealer at the Super Bowl in 2012 when he was with the Patriots. "We had season tickets. I remember people tearing seats out of the stands and everything."

Now, Hoyer, 27, hopes to be part of some of the good times as the newest member of his hometown team. He agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Browns on Thursday night and will sign his contract soon. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.

Hoyer, who served as Tom Brady's understudy in New England from 2009-11, will come in a third quarterback and compete to try to move up the ladder, sources told the Plain Dealer.

 The Browns currently have Brandon Weeden as the starter, Jason Campbell as the backup and Thad Lewis as the third-teamer, and it's not uncommon for a team to go through training camp with four quarterbacks.

After that, at least one of them will have to go. Lewis would seem to be the odd man out.

Hoyer had been on the team's radar, but received a second-round tender from the Cardinals and recently signed a one-year deal worth $2.023 million. But the Cardinals, who traded for Carson Palmer and signed Drew Stanton, released Hoyer last week.

Browns general manager Mike Lombardi has long been an admirer of Hoyer, in part because of the coaching and mentoring he received in New England under Lombardi's close friend Bill Belichick.

In December of 2011 when Lombardi was with NFL Network, he said of the Patriots' backups, "I think Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett are starters. I've said this many times: If I would have taken the GM job of the 49ers, I would have gone after Brian Hoyer, because I think he has all the traits and characteristics.

"If I were the Cleveland Browns, I'd rather have Brian Hoyer behind center than Colt McCoy. I think he's got all the traits you need, in terms of leadership, toughness, the arm strength, the ability to move the team."

 Hoyer said at the Super Bowl that year that he'd love to play for the Browns someday. Born in Lakewood and a resident of North Olmsted, Hoyer counts his years at St. Ignatius as some of his most cherished.

"I don't know if I'd be here without those opportunities I had at St. Ignatius and with coach (Chuck) Kyle," he said.

At St. Ignatius, Hoyer compiled a 16-7 record as a two-year starter. In 2002, he led the team to a 11-2 record and was an Associated Press Division I all-state selection as a senior.

Despite being invited to the NFL Combine in 2009, Hoyer went undrafted out of Michigan State, but signed immediately afterward with the Patriots, where he was behind Brady for three seasons.

"As a young quarterback, it's been a great opportunity for me to sit back and watch how he approaches everything, not just football but life as a professional," said Hoyer. "We're great friends. Just to be around in my opinion the best there is, has been incredible. You can ask as many questions as you want and he'll answer them all. He's humble and as a great a guy as he is a football player."

Hoyer lost his job to Mallett last year. He signed with Pittsburgh and then Arizona, where he started the season finale.

Now he's back home, where he used to bleed brown and orange.

With the lottery coming on Tuesday and the draft next month, fans are looking for some veteran help for the 2013-14 Cavaliers.

Hey, Mary: I think the Cavs should consider acquiring Paul Pierce for the last year of his current contract. He would give Mike Brown a respected veteran voice and can help show the youngsters how to be a professional. He averaged 18.6 points and 6.2 rebounds last year. Play him 25-30 minutes a game. Then when the season is over, there is still cap space to bring in one of the 2014 free agents. -- Mitch Schwartz, Fairfield, Calif.

Hey, Mitch: I don't think it will be the 35-year-old Pierce, but I do think the Cavs will try to make a move to acquire a significant veteran in the near future to pair with their young talent. They have money and draft picks to deal, and I think they've determined the time to win is now.

Hey, Mary: There doesn't appear to be a franchise player in this draft. If the Cavs win the lottery they should use it as trade bait. Perhaps go after Kevin Love or DeMarcus Cousins. What do you think? -- Joe, Poland, Ohio

Hey, Joe: Cousins doesn't fit the Cavs' profile, and the Wolves are doing everything they can to mend fences with Love. The Cavs are still gathering information on possible draft choices, but if they come to the same conclusion you have, they won't hesitate to make the kind of move you're suggesting.

Hey, Mary: I know the Cavs hired Mike Brown without interviewing anybody else. Did they ever consider Jerry Sloan? He also has a strong defensive mind set. -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland

Hey, Angelo: No disrespect to Sloan, one of my all-time favorites, but the Cavs didn't consider him as a replacement for Byron Scott. They thought Mike Brown was the best available candidate on the market and moved quickly to hire him, knowing how many coaching openings there would be and how coveted Brown would be.

Hey, Mary: The Cavs need another big man. The best prospect in the draft is Kentucky's Nerlens Noel, but he most likely is going to get drafted No. 1. I'm thinking if the Cavs don't get that pick they should go out and sign Greg Oden. He's just 25, and I think is a low-risk/high-reward option. What do you think? -- Anthony Ocacio, Brunswick

Hey, Anthony: The Cavs have admitted their interest in Oden, but it takes two sides to make a deal. Oden is working out hard in an effort to return to the NBA, and he'll have several suitors. Most of them will be willing to pay him more than the Cavs.

Hey, Mary: Do you have any idea what would happen if anyone simply refused to pay a fine to the NBA? I ask because I am tired of watching people get fined for making critical but very reasonable remarks about NBA officiating. Take Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. He is being fined $35,000 for saying he thought LeBron flopped, which he did. I just put myself in his shoes, and I know there is no chance that I would ever fork over a shiny nickel for that sort of comment, let alone $35,000. Has anyone ever set that precedent? Did they get suspended? -- Matthew Coan, Wayland, Mass.

Hey, Matthew: It has never happened, so I don't know how the league would respond. In most cases, I think the coaches see the money as well spent in order to make their points.

Hey, Mary: The Cavs probably will stay quiet in free agency this summer, but what free agent do you believe would be the best fit for this young team? -- Devin, Sandusky

Hey, Devin: With their new emphasis on defense, I'd like to see them try to sign Andre Iguodala, though he likely will return to Denver.

Hey, Mary: After watching Dion Waiters for a full season, do you believe he would be a better fit as a sixth man -- an energy guy off the bench? That would allow the Cavs to start a better defender and shooter alongside Kyrie. Thoughts? -- Will Saunders, Pittsburgh

Hey, Will: Waiters has indicated his preference is to start, although he has been very effective as a sixth man -- at Syracuse and with the Cavs. Right now the two other options to start at shooting guard would be C.J. Miles or Wayne Ellington. The Cavs have a team option on Miles, and Ellington is a restricted free agent. Let's wait and see who's on the roster when training camp starts before we try to answer this question.

Hey, Mary: Do you think the Cavs would take Klay Thompson or Kawhi Leonard instead of Tristan Thompson at No. 4 if they could have a redo of the 2011 draft? Thompson gets kudos in C-Town for his hard work and blue collar efforts, but not sure the NBA views him so positively in terms of upside skill growth.

The Spurs drafted Leonard 15th and at least seven players drafted before 15 are now pretty much busts. No wonder the Spurs have been consistent winners for so long. The "other" Thompson -- Klay -- is off the charts and has superstar written all over him. He is also developing elite defensive skills too (Kyrie Irving, please take note). -- Tim Corbett, Ladera Ranch, Calif.

Hey, Tim: Certainly Klay Thompson would help offensively, and Leonard would help defensively. That being said, the Cavs would still take Tristan Thompson. They love his work ethic and his upside, how much he has already improved and how high his ceiling is.

Michigan's Trey Burke has the look of the top point guard in the 2013 NBA Draft

(Editor's note: First in a weekly series previewing the top players at each position prior to the June 27 NBA Draft. This week, point guards.)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Trey Burke was about 8 years old the first time Satch Sullinger saw "the look."

Burke was bringing the ball upcourt against a pressing defense in a youth basketball game in Columbus and found himself in a double team. Rather than panic, Burke dropped his chin, broke through the double team and drove to the basket to score.

It was a look Sullinger would see often as Burke's coach at Columbus Northland.

"There's a look in his eyes when he's ready to play, and his chin drops," Sullinger said. "I know when he knows it's time to win. There's a look about him. When I see that look, I tell myself, 'OK, here we go. He's ready to go now.'"

Burke definitely is ready to go now. The Associated Press college player of the year at Michigan, Burke elected to pass up his last two years of eligibility after leading the Wolverines to the NCAA championship game, where they lost to the Louisville Cardinals. He toyed with leaving after his freshman year, but knew the timing wasn't right.

"I felt like I had to come back another year to develop my game, and develop physically and mentally," Burke said during the NBA draft combine in Chicago. "I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be."

In a draft full of point guards, Burke is projected to be the first one taken, in spite of some reservations about his height. He measured 6-1 1/4 at the combine. Burke knows it's an issue.

"Obviously, there's going to be some type of concern, depending on where I go," he said. "But my heart, you can't really measure that."

Sullinger answers any question about Burke's height with another question.

"Was he the national player of the year?" the coach asked. "Well, that answers that right there. He's gone up against the best, and he's produced."

Burke always has. At 5, he stole the ball so often the league he played in wouldn't let him defend past the half-court line. He won a national AAU title playing for his dad, Benji, who is now his agent. He won a state title at Northland, playing for Sullinger in 2009 and finished a game short in 2011, when he was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Ohio.

He was the third straight Mr. Basketball from Northland, after Jared Sullinger, the coach's son who is now with the Boston Celtics, won it in 2009 and 2010.

Satch Sullinger said his team's dynamics changed dramatically after his son graduated.

"Trey was the point guard on the No. 1 high school team in the nation," Satch Sullinger said. "We had Jared and J.D. Weatherspoon on that team, so it wasn't required of him to score. Trey facilitated. When Jared graduated, the program changed and we needed Trey to score, and Trey became Mr. Basketball in the state of Ohio."

Burke said playing for Sullinger was a key in his development.

"It prepared me great," he said. "Coach Sullinger takes no mess. He's going to hold you accountable for everything you do. He will embarrass you in front of the crowd if you're not doing your job. That prepared me for the next level. At the time I didn't understand it. But it prepared me. It allowed me to take criticism and it's made me a better player."

Sullinger said Burke and his son share the same sort of drive, purpose and approach to the game.

"It's about making other people around you better," he said. "It's not about mine. It's not about yours. It's about us. It's about winning, doing whatever's necessary to win. Trey understands it's OK to score seven [points] and win, but it's not OK to score seven and lose.

"Trey's just a winner."

Top point guards in 2013 draft

Led by Michigan's Trey Burke, point guard is one of the strongest positions this year. Obviously, it's not a need for the Cavaliers, who are building around All-Star Kyrie Irving. But they will be in the market for a backup, so perhaps they will use one of their early second-round picks on such a player. These five will be gone by then.

1. Michigan's Trey Burke (6-1, 187): Columbus native averaged 18.6 points and 6.6 assists this season in 38 games in leading the Wolverines into the national championship game. Great ball-handler who can find open teammates or make a shot from anywhere if he can't. True leader who is an extremely hard worker.

2. Lehigh's C.J. McCollum (6-3, 197): Canton native who averaged 23.9 points and 2.9 assists in 12 games. A combo guard with a shoot-first mentality, McCollum's senior year was cut short when he broke his left foot in the first half of a game at VCU on Jan. 5. He was leading the nation in scoring at 25.7 points going into that contest.

3. Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams (6-6, 184): Averaged 11.9 points, 7.3 assists and 2.8 steals in 40 games in leading the Orange to the Final Four. A pass-first playmaker who ranked in the top five in the NCAA in assists and steals.

4. Miami's Shane Larkin (5-11, 171): Averaged 14.5 points and 4.6 assists in 36 games. Tested as the best athlete during the combine, finishing first in maximum vertical leap (44 inches) and sprint. Height could be a problem.

5. Germany's Dennis Schroeder (6-2, 165): No stats available. Didn't compete in the combine because of a toothache, but had a strong showing, offensively and defensively, at the Nike Hoop Summit in April, fueling a rise up the charts.

Trainer Jeff Radosevich dominated the $50,000 Michael F. Rowland Memorial Handicap at ThistleDown Racino on Saturday.

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio -- Raise the Reward had little trouble wrestling a victory from the wily, old veteran Catlaunch in Saturday's $50,000 Michael F. Rowland Memorial Handicap at ThistleDown Racino. Trainer Jeff Radosevich didn't mind a bit that Beau Mec made a late charge that fell a couple of lengths short.

Radosevich trains both horses and they finished 1-2 in the six-furlong dash. While Raise the Reward was the strong favorite, Beau Mec was a 20-1 long shot in the field of eight. Morning line favorite Startin Something and Camp Zippy were late scratches.

"Raise the Reward is well worth the $8,000 it cost to claim him last year," said Radosevich, with a laugh. "When I first claimed him (in March, 2012 for owner Michael J. Annechino of Corpus Christi, Texas), we knew he could run the short races. The big surprise has been that he can go long, too, so I plan to race him in longer stakes here later this summer."

The dash was in Raise the Reward's comfort zone. Coming from the outside post in the starting gate, Raise the Reward and jockey Jacob Radosevich, the nephew of the trainer, matched stride for stride with 12-year-old Catlaunch, poking a head out front at the quarter-mile pole. By the half-mile, they owned a two-length lead, and never lost it, winning in 1:11.1 to pay $3.40, 2.60, 2. Beau Mec returned $7.40, $4.40, with Catlaunch ($3) hanging on for third, another length behind.

"I started out with cheap claiming horses back in 1983 when I lived in Canton," said Annechino, an oil and gas executive who flew in from New York for the race with his daughter, Alexis, "who's my good luck charm," he said. "It's always great to win, but winning a stakes race is the biggest thrill. I've got to give all of the credit to Radosevich. He's the best trainer around."

This is the second straight year Raise the Reward, a seven-year-old brown gelding by Parents' Reward, and the Radosevich's have won the Rowland Memorial. It was satisfying win for trainer. Rowland, a jockey who died in a racing accident in 2004 at Turfway park in Florence, Ky., was a his close friend, said Radosevich, "a good buddy who was a lot of fun to hang around with and to race against."

Jacob Radosevich said winning the Rowland Memorial for a second time wasn't too difficult as Raise the Reward notched his first victory in two starts this season, pushing his career earnings to $293,533.

"The only instructions that Jeff gave me was to win," said the young rider. "I was confident coming out of the gate. The horse did it all. I was just the pilot."

The Kentucky Derby winner was a 3-5 favorite in Saturday's race, but he became another casualty of starting on the rail in the Preakness.

Ed McNamara

Newsday

BALTIMORE -- You're upset because there won't be a Triple Crown sweep for the 35th consecutive year? Blame it on a couple of old guys.

A 50-year-old jockey, Gary Stevens, and a 77-year-old trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, derailed Kentucky Derby winner Orb, the 3-5 favorite, with front-running Oxbow, a 15-1 shot, on Saturday in the 138th Preakness Stakes. There was no drama, because Orb never looked like a winner, finishing a lifeless fourth, nine lengths behind, under Joel Rosario.

Oxbow beat Itsmyluckyday (8-1) by 1.5 lengths, and 10-1 Mylute, ridden by Rosie Napravnik, was third, half a length farther back, before a crowd of 117,203 at cool, damp Pimlico.

"I'm disappointed," Orb's trainer, Shug McGaughey, said, "and I'll probably be more disappointed tomorrow than I am right now. It's a game of highs and lows, mostly lows. My hat's off to Wayne and Gary."

On a day that was supposed to belong to the old school, McGaughey and co-owners Ogden Mills Phipps and Stuart Janney III, the senior citizens Stevens and Lukas triumphed on the big stage for Calumet Farm, a great name from the past. It was Lukas' sixth Preakness win, one behind 19th century trainer R.W. Walden.

"I'm good friends with Shug, the Phippses and the Janneys," Lukas said. "But I get paid to spoil dreams."

Four months after ending a seven-year retirement, Stevens won his third Preakness. After distinguishing himself as an actor in "Seabiscuit" and the HBO series "Luck," he is believed to be the first grandfather to ride a classic winner. Last year, he did commentary on the race for NBC; Saturday he was being interviewed as its first wire-to-wire winner since 1982. There could never be a script with these unprecedented twists.

"We talked about strategy and we didn't expect to be on the lead," Stevens said. "In these classic races you don't give up anything you get for free. They gave me a free three-quarters of a mile on the lead today."

Last year on Preakness day, Lukas broke a 116-race slump in graded stakes. This time the sport's all-time leading money-winner set another record with his 14th Triple Crown trophy, passing Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons, who trained 1957 Preakness hero Bold Ruler for Phipps' mother, Gladys Mills Phipps.

"Is this a great country or what?" the old Wisconsin cowboy said.

An hour earlier, Stevens led throughout the Grade II Dixie Handicap on 24-1 Skyring for Lukas and Calumet. In both stakes he slowed the pace and waited in front for competition that never arrived. Stevens felt sure the Preakness was over after coasting through a half-mile in 48.60 seconds and 6 furlongs in 1:13.26. The time of 1:57.54 for 1 3/16 miles was the slowest since 1961.

"I knew Wayne must have been looking at those fractions and been very pleased," Stevens said. "I pretty much rode Oxbow the same way I rode Skyring. When I hit the half-mile pole, I said, 'Are you kidding me? Is this happening?' The race was over at that point.

"I won with a little something left, believe it or not."

Oxbow paid $32.80, breaking a four-race losing streak with only his third win in 11 starts. He earned $600,000, raising his bankroll to $983,500 for Calumet, a long-ago breeding and racing dynasty that owner Brad Kelly has revived.

Lukas dominated the sport in the Eighties and Nineties, training the Horse of the Year three times -- Lady's Secret (1986), Criminal Type (1990) and Charismatic (1999). Starting with the 1994 Preakness, he won six consecutive Triple Crown events, taking the 1995 series with Thunder Gulch (Derby, Belmont) and Timber Country. But he hadn't won a classic since long shot Commendable's 2000 Belmont, and Lukas' national profile and winning percentage had dropped dramatically. He kept showing up for the big races, but his glory days seemed long gone.

"I thought maybe we'd win another one," Lukas said. "We got it done, but it's probably going to be on trivial pursuit in five minutes, but that's about it.

"I still enjoy doing this so much. I don't wake up every day anymore trying to prove I can train a racehorse. When you're younger, you keep trying to prove yourself.

"I'm very comfortable with where I'm at."

Vinnie Pestano is going to throw more between appearances so he can stay off the disabled list.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Vinnie Pestano is making changes in his throwing routine so he can stay off the disabled list.

After being activated Friday afternoon, Pestano was credited with the Tribe's 6-3 victory over Seattle several hours later after Jason Kipnis hit a three-run homer in the 10th inning. Pestano earned the win by pitching a scoreless 10th.

A sore right elbow put Pestano on the disabled list for the first time in his career. He said he's going to starting throwing off the mound if he goes three days without pitching.

"I've never had to throw between appearances to stay mechanically sound," said Pestano. "It's more of a thing to make sure my arm is conditioned."

In the last 2 1/2 seasons, the Indians have been a bullpen-driven team. There was never a question that front-lime relievers such as Pestano would get enough work. This season the Indians have a different personality. They have the ability to blow out teams with an improved offense, which has led to fewer appearances by the bullpen.

"The elbow flared up because I wasn't getting a lot of use," said Pestano. "Then I'd go out there and fire it up and throw 100 percent and the arm just wasn't ready for it."

Catching 101: Prospect Tony Wolters spent Saturday at Progressive Field working with coaches Sandy Alomar Jr. and Kevin Cash on making the transition from infielder to catcher.

Wolters, the Indians' third-round pick in 2010, agreed to make the switch late in spring training. He opened the year at Class A Carolina, but went back to Goodyear, Ariz., and the Tribe's Arizona Rookie League team to work on the new position. After his visit with Alomar and Cash, Wolters said he'll rejoin Carolina on Sunday and continue his education. David Wallace, a former catcher, is the manager at Carolina.

"It's a brand new position and I've got to learn it fast," said Wolters. "A lot of people are helping me and I'm having a blast doing it."

Wolters played a lot of games with the big-league club in spring training. The more manager Terry Francona saw of him, the more he reminded him of Detroit catcher Alex Avila. The Indians have a glut of middle infielders and when the possibility of changing positions was presented to Wolters, he took a day or so to think about it and then agreed.

Catcher's corner: Alex Lavisky, another catching prospect, is still recovering from a broken great toe. Lavisky, who played his high-school ball at St. Edward's, opened the year at Class AA Akron, but returned to Goodyear, Ariz., to rehab.

Charmed: Brett Myers has been on the disabled list since April 20 with a sore right elbow. The Indians, meanwhile, have climbed to the top of the AL Central standings.

"It kind of makes me think I was a bad luck charm," said Myers on Saturday morning. "The way they're playing now makes it kind of hard for me to come back and say, 'Hey, I want some of this.'"

The Indians have gone 18-7 since April 20. Myers pitched three scoreless innings for Class AA Akron on Friday in his first rehab start. He allowed one hit and one walk in 28 pitches. He went to the bullpen and threw some more to reach his pitch limit of 50.

He'll make another rehab start on Tuesday. Then the Indians will make a decision on whether he's ready to be activated.

Quarter pole: Some managers feel they don't get a true feel for their team until they've played 40 games. The Indians hit that mark on Friday. Here's how they compare to the 2012 Indians in a few categories.

Record: 23-17, 2013; 23-17, 2012.

Homers: 55, 2013; 34, 2012.

Run differential: +28, 2013: -2, 2012.

Strikeouts by pitchers: 337, 2013; 257, 2012.

Walks by pitchers: 145, 2013; 154, 2012.

Saves: eight, 2013; 15, 2012.

Runs per game: 4.9, 2013; 4.4, 2012.

Finally: The Indians are 11-3 in games decided by one run.

In front of a sparse crowd on a rainy afternoon on the Maryland campus, the No. 3-seeded Buckeyes (13-4) were outplayed in nearly every facet of the game.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. --The dream season of the Ohio State men's lacrosse team came to a sudden end Saturday, halted by a program used to playing on the big stage.

With a spot in the Final Four on the line, Cornell defeated the Buckeyes, 16-6. Ohio State was trying for its first trip to college lacrosse's summit, while the Big Red will play in a national semifinal for the fourth time since 2007.

In front of a sparse crowd on a rainy afternoon on the Maryland campus, the No. 3-seeded Buckeyes (13-4) were outplayed in nearly every facet of the game. Led by a career-high seven goals from senior attackman Steve Mock, and six assists from senior attackman Rob Pannell -- the second-leading point scorer in NCAA history -- the Big Red (14-3) never trailed. Cornell dominated possession, winning 16 of 26 faceoffs, and outshot OSU, 37-20.

"It was as explosive of an offense we've seen," OSU fifth-year coach Nick Myers said of Cornell.

The Big Red won six of eight faceoffs in the first quarter, and 11 of 16 in the opening half. Faceoff wins led to lengthy offensive possessions, and ball control led to good ball movement, allowing Cornell's sharpshooters to find holes in an OSU defense. The Buckeyes started the game in man-to-man defense, but switched to zone midway through the opening period.

Once open, the Big Red attack had little trouble converting, scoring 11 times in the first half.

"They just have a ton of weapons in their game plan," OSU junior goalie Greg Dutton said. "They were just really clicking today."

Coming off a 16-6 victory over Towson in Ohio Stadium last Sunday -- the first home NCAA Tournament lacrosse game in Buckeyes history -- OSU was handicapped by Cornell's ability to possess the ball. When the Big Red wasn't winning faceoffs, it was usually finding loose balls, as Cornell scooped up 39 groundballs to OSU's 28.

"The bounces didn't really go our way; there were some passes that went off the tops of our sticks, loose balls and just not finishing opportunities that we had," said OSU senior attackman Logan Schuss, the team's leading scorer and the Eastern College Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He was held to one goal and two assists.

OSU ends its season with the fourth-most wins (13) in program history.

Andrew Holleran is a freelance writer in Columbus.

Major League Baseball is pointing toward 2014 regarding widening its use of replay. It sounds interesting, but we've heard this kind of talk before.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There's talk that Major League Baseball will expand the use of video replay in a big way in 2014. There's been talk like that before and nothing happened.

If and when baseball decides to get a lot more calls right than it's doing now, the only question to be asked is what took so long?

In 2008, MLB introduced the use of replay to determine fair and foul calls on home runs. They did it at the start of September in preparation for the postseason. It took about two minutes. Maybe Angel Hernandez hasn't got the hang of it yet, but everyone else involved seems to have picked up on it pretty fast.

So why not do more and do it now, just like the new basic agreement said was supposed to happen this year when it came to fair and foul calls and trapped ball plays if an agreement could be reached with the umpires?

View full sizeIt wasn't Angel Hernandez frustrating Oakland's Bob Melvin last week, but D.J. Reyburn ejected the Oakland manager anyway after another mid-game debate.Ben Margot, Associated Press 

Last week Joe Torre, MLB's executive vice president, said he had an epiphany on the matter when a call at second base went against the Yankees in Game 2 of last year's American League Championship Series against with Detroit. Umpire Jeff Nelson called Omar Infante safe when it was clear Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano tagged him out for what should have been the third out of the eighth inning. The Tigers went on to score two more runs, turning a 1-0 lead into a 3-0 victory.

"That really caught my eye and caught my attention with the fact that there was more conversation about that instead of the game itself," Torre told the Associated Press last week at the owners meetings in New York. "There's no question we're considering much more than the trap play and fair/foul. But again, one of the decisions we have to make is how much of this do we want to do without really disrupting and putting people to sleep?"

What Torre and MLB are looking at are safe and out calls on the bases along with trap plays and fair and foul calls down the line and who knows what else. Umpires will retain the rights to call balls and strikes.

How will such a system be managed? Will a fifth umpire be named to each crew to sit in a replay booth at each ballpark? Or will a rotating crew of umpires work at a central location and review and make a decision on each call that draws a protest from across the country?

It's been suggested that each manager would get a certain number of challenges per game for plays to be reviewed. Torre doesn't like that idea. He says managers have enough on their plate during a game.

Some managers, however, like the challenge idea. It works in the NFL.

"There are a lot of hurdles," Torre said. "You could start replaying stuff from the first inning on and then time the game by your calendar. That would be crazy. We have a rhythm in this game that we certainly don't want to disrupt."

Reviewing home-run replays, on a whole, has hardly been a disruption. Can determining a safe/out call at second base take that much longer?

It's seems the only people who complain about the length of games are commissioners, team executives, umpires, players, managers, coaches and baseball writers on deadline. When was the last time you heard a fan complain about the length of game? OK, so maybe they fall asleep in front of the HD wide screen at home, but at the ballpark a replay break could come at the right time for a chance to get another hot dog.

Torre, however, fears a conga line of reviews every night. He has point.

Regarding fair and foul calls, last year MLB tested different systems at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, but getting that call right seems to be a minor point. Having Torre, former St. Louis manager Tony La Russa and Braves president John Schuerholz, Commissioner Bud Selig's new replay committee, decide on a plan and getting it approved by the players association and umpire's union comes first.

What are the odds they're still talking this over at the 2014 All-Star break?

This week in baseball

Baseball is a game of threes. Three strikes and you're out and three outs in each half of an inning. Here are two more sets of threes to consider from last week in baseball.

Three up

1. If Manny Machado, according to STATS, hits one more homer before July 6, he will pass Boog Powell for the most hit by an Orioles' player before he turns 21. Machado has 12 entering Saturday.

2. Seth Maness is the first St. Louis reliever to win three games in his first five career appearances since 1900. He won No. 3 on Wednesday.

3. Brandon Phillips' double Friday night gave him 220 as a Red, tying him with Hall of Famer Joe Morgan for the franchise lead among second basemen.

Three down

1. Detroit's Justin Verlander has issued three bases-loaded walks in his last two starts after doing it twice in the first seven years of his career.

2. When the Dodgers put Josh Beckett on the disabled list last week with a groin injury, he was 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA in eight starts.

3. Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish threw a season-high 130 pitches Thursday against Detroit and is averaging 120.7 pitches over his last three starts.

Stat-o-matic

On hold: CC Sabathia, going for his ninth win in as many starts against Seattle on Tuesday, settled for a no-decision in which he struck out 10, allowed 10 hits and two earned runs in 6 1/3 innings.

Great and small: White Sox DH Adam Dunn has 10 homers and eight singles among his 23 hits. He also has 49 strikeouts in 136 at-bats through Friday.

Swing and no miss: Baltimore's J.J. Hardy, according to STATS, went 42 at-bats without striking out before ending Saturday's loss to Tampa Bay with a whiff. Giants outfielder Hunter Pence, who played later in the evening entered Saturday without a strikeout in 36 at-bats.

The prospects for the former defensive ends tops this week's mailbag.

View full sizeWith more pass rushers on the roster, Jabaal Sheard should get more opportunities against 1-on-1 blocking as a 3-4 linebacker this fall.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer 

Hey, Mary Kay: Do the Browns really think Jabaal Sheard can make the transition to outside linebacker, and how will he get playing time with Barkevious Mingo there, too? -- Joe C., Sandusky

Hey, Joe: The Browns believe Sheard will actually be a better pass rusher in this scheme than he was last season on a defense that was sack-challenged. Playing at left end, Sheard had only one sack in his first eight games, but he rebounded with six during the second half of the season. With other pass rushers on board such as Paul Kruger, Desmond Bryant and Mingo, Sheard should be freed up to explode off the edge. Playing time will be determined by the opponent and the defensive alignment the Browns are in at the time.

Hey, Mary Kay: How did Barkevious Mingo look during the first week of OTAs? -- Matt Gross, Rocky River

Hey, Matt: Mingo looked fast and explosive during the one practice that was open to the media. He burst through the bags in individual drills and looked comfortable dropping back into coverage. Once, he swooped in and knocked a pass away from tight end Kellen Davis. He has a learning curve going from end to outside linebacker, but is off to a great start.

Hey, Mary Kay: What are they planning on doing with the tight end and fullback positions? Seems like both are major question marks. -- Nate Scavone, Lakewood

Hey, Nate: The Browns really like tight end Jordan Cameron as their starting tight end and plan to throw to him a lot. Cameron was targeted on plenty of deep balls in OTAs. The team signed tight ends Kellen Davis and Gary Barnidge in free agency and both will get playing time. Brad Smelley is listed as a tight end but can also play a hybrid tight end/fullback role. Owen Marecic, who lost his fullback job to departed Alex Smith last year, is working hard to reclaim his spot.

Hey, Mary Kay: I've noticed the articles concerning their defensive realignment and spending. Do you believe the defense was bad? In 2011 the AFC North had the best defenses and isn't it true that the offense played a large role in the defense's time on the field? -- James Williams, Cleveland

Hey, James: It's not that the defense was bad, but the new regime strongly feels that in today's pass-oriented game, the priority on defense is to rush, rush, rush the passer. The previous defense was built to stop the run, but that's just not where the game is at right now. This defense is designed to rattle Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger and Andy Dalton. The Browns will also face Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. Now, they have the weapons to disrupt them.

Hey, Mary Kay: Will quarterback Brian Hoyer compete for the backup job? Or will he compete with Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell for the starting job? -- Kevin Young, Sugar Hill, Ga.

Hey, Kevin: Hoyer, a North Olmsted native and St. Ignatius grad, will begin his time with the Browns on the third team and have a chance to work his way up the depth chart. He might not get many reps with the regulars during organized team activities and minicamp, but in training camp he'll be given a chance to show what he can do. Browns General Manager Mike Lombardi has liked him since Hoyer joined the Patriots in 2009 and thinks he has potential. Where he ends up on the depth chart remains to be seen.

-- Mary Kay

Carpenter averaged 228.762 mph on his four-lap qualifying run Saturday, edging rookie Carlos Munoz and Munoz's teammate, Marco Andretti.

View full sizeEd Carpenter gets a kiss from his wife, Heather, after he won won the pole for the May 26 Indianapolis 500. Carpenter won the pole Saturday with a speed of 228.762 mph.AJ Mast, Associated Press 

INDIANAPOLIS -- Ed Carpenter looked two of open-wheel racing's power teams in the eye and didn't blink.

That was the difference as the single-car owner-driver took the pole for next Sunday's Indianapolis 500. Carpenter averaged 228.762 mph on his four-lap qualifying run Saturday, edging rookie Carlos Munoz (228.342) and Munoz's teammate, Marco Andretti (228.261).

"I'm genuinely happy for him, as a friend," Andretti said. "It's an awesome achievement for him."

Indeed, solo efforts in the top open-wheel circuit are rare, and successful ones even rarer. But Carpenter, the stepson of former series president Tony George, is in his second year as a team owner. This was a much better result than his 2012 run at Indy, when he crashed during qualifying.

"I hope this is part one of a really magical month," Carpenter said. "This is bigger than our wins. This was an awesome shootout. This was fun."

Carpenter has two wins, both on ovals -- at Kentucky in 2011 and California last year.

Saturday's action ended with 24 cars qualified for the 500, leaving nine spots in the 33-car field available in today's final day of qualifying.

Throughout the day, the first lap of the four-lap tour was the fastest. If a hot lap wasn't immediately put on the board, chances for a prime starting spot on the 33-car grid evaporated.

"It was very hard to keep four laps together," said Helio Castroneves, a three-time Indy winner who posted a sluggish 227.762 mph tour to land in the middle of the third row.

Rain shortened qualifying by 2.5 hours, and the initial session ended with five Andretti Autosport drivers, three Team Penske drivers and Carpenter in the final nine-car shootout.

The top nine drivers were assured a starting spot no worse than ninth, but their initial qualifying speeds were off the books. Power, at 228.844 mph for Team Penske, had the fastest speed before the final 30 minutes.

This was now automotive roulette for $100,000 at the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Andretti driver EJ Viso set the first high mark in the shootout at 228.150 mph, and Penske's AJ Almendinger came up a tick short at 228.099. Marco Andretti then took the top spot at 228.261 mph, only to see Carpenter immediately best him at 228.762.

"The first three were really good," Carpenter said of his four-lap run, which included an opening lap above 229 mph.

The early morning practice was run in cool conditions under threatening gray skies. Not long after the drivers left the track, the rains came, pushing qualifying back to 1:28 p.m.

When the cars got back on the track the first driver out, Scott Dixon, posted a four-lap average 226.158 mph that was solid enough to get him in the field. Graham Rahal was the third driver to make a qualifying attempt and he was solid at 225.139 mph.

The first real pole challenge was presented by rookie Almendinger, who posted a four-lap run of 227.761 mph.

"I don't know if that's quite quick enough," Almendinger said.

The first Andretti driver to qualify was James Hinchcliffe and he drew a roar from the crowd with a first lap of 228.131. But he faded over the final three laps for an average of 227.493.

Moments later Almendinger's Penske teammate Castroneves took the top spot by going 227.975 mph. Viso posted a warmup lap of 228.187 mph to tease the crowd, but none of his four laps that counted came close to that number.

The real stunner was Power. He was the only driver in the session to hit 229 and finished with a four-lap average of 228.844 mph.

Ryan Hunter-Reay, the defending series champ, jumped to second with a consistent four-lap run of 228.282 mph. Andretti teammate Munoz came in at 228.171 mph, and then Andretti qualified at 227.893 mph. He would surely take a shot at the pole during the Fast Nine in the final minutes of qualifying. Andretti did take a shot, but it was not enough to top Carpenter.

Rare, but true: Shaker Heights native Roger Penske has rarely missed Indy qualifying, but he was not present for the weekend. Instead, he was in Italy participating in Mille Miglia, a race across Italy, with race engineer Mario Illien. Penske is expected to be at Indy for next Sunday's race.

Pay up: According to the Indianapolis Star, the majority of tickets for the 2014 Indianapolis 500 are going up in price by 15 percent. All general admission tickets will increase, and tickets for practice days will increase from $10 to $15.

Baseball NONLEAGUE

Baseball

NONLEAGUE

St. Joseph Ac.000 018 1--10 13 0

Brush100 100 0-- 2 7 1

SJA (15-9): Mastalski (W, 4-2). B: Smerglia (L). S: Texidor.

Notable: Mastalski 3-5, 2B, 2-1B, R, RBI.

Cleveland Hts.121 701 2--14 13 3

Brush250 003 2--12 11 1

CH (14-8): Williams (W, 1-1). B: Wittels (L).

Notable: D. Jones (CH) 3-3, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2-SB.

Benedictine001 001 0--2 3 0

Wickliffe000 120 0--3 10 1

B (14-12): Cramer (L, 2-4). W (13-13): Nobbe (W, 1-2).

Notable: Nobbe 2-3, 2B, R, RBI, 3 IP, 2K.

Wellington000 000 0-- 0 4 3

Elyria Catholic004 420 x--10 10 0

W: Grimmett (L). EC (13-13): Katynski (W, 2-1).

Notable: Cruz (EC) 2 RBI.

Wellington100 300 0-- 4 5 0

Elyria Catholic501 151 x--13 16 0

W: Hurst (L, 0-1). EC (14-13): Brosky (W, 1-2). HR: Begany (EC).

Notable: Whitacre (EC) 2-2B, 2 RBI.

CVCA340 410 0--12 14 0

Cuyahoga Falls002 012 0-- 5 12 2

CVCA: Battista (W). CF (15-11): Tonkin (L, 1-1). HR: Kebbel (CVCA).

Kebbel 2-1B, 2 R, 3 RBI.

North Olmsted500 000 0-- 5 5 1

Shaker Heights431 300 x--11 14 1

NO (15-13): Novak (L, 3-4). SH (17-8): Siwik (W, 5-0). HR: Shick 2 (SH).

Notable: Shick 4 RBI.

Mayfield001 00 -- 1 4 1

NDCL01(11) 2 --14 12 1

M: Blessing (L). NDCL: Hamby (W, 3-2).

Notable: Virost (NDCL) 2-4, 2-2B, 4 RBI.

Cuyahoga Falls101 240 1-- 9 15 4

Woodridge110 210 0-- 5 8 2

CF (15-10): Shaw (W, 4-2). W (15-8): Snyder (L, 5-1).

Notable: Stokich (CF) 4-1B, 4 RBI.

John Marshall000 100 0--1 9 4

Hawken500 210 x--8 7 0

JM (7-11): Topping (L, 0-4). H (13-14): Hughes (W, 3-4). HR: Murgiano (H).

Notable: Murgiano 1-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB.

Cleveland Hts.000 102 0--3 6 0

VASJ010 022 x--5 7 0

CH: Thompson (L). VASJ (14-9): Grudzinski (W, 4-2).

Notable: Gasiewski (VASJ) 2-3.

Rhodes103 000 2--6 10 0

Cle. Cent. Cath.002 002 0--4 5 3

R: Mlady (W). CCC (5-14): Cintron (L, 1-3).

Notable: Egan (R) 3-4, 3 R, SB.

Rhodes200 100 0--3 4 1

Cle. Cent. Cath.102 201 x--6 9 1

R: Marcado (L). CCC (6-14): Camargo (W, 1-0).

Notable: Camargo 2-3, 6K.

Softball

NORTHEAST OHIO CONFERENCE

Crossover

Extra innings

N. Royalton000 000 02--2 5 0

Parma000 000 00--0 2 2

NR: Newman (W). P (14-9): Scali (L, 8-4). HR: Smolenski (NR).

Notable: Smolenski 2-4, 1B, 2 RBI.

NONLEAGUE

Walsh Jesuit003 420 2--11 15 1

Olen. Liberty100 010 0-- 2 6 1

WJ (21-5): Rahach (W, 15-6). OL (18-4): Atkins (L).

Notable: Rahach (WJ) 3-4, 3-2B, 2R, RBI.

Walsh Jesuit240 31--10 15 0

Olen. Liberty000 00-- 0 3 2

WJ (22-5): Navratil (W, 7-0). OL (18-5): Wilhelm (L). HR: WJ, Stimson, Rahach, Anter (6)

Notable: Stimson (WJ) 2-2, 2R, 3 RBI.

Gilmour100 001 0-- 2 4 9

Hawken200 071 x--10 4 3

G (9-11): Collela (L). H (11-15): Oliver (W).

Boys track

SUBURBAN LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET

How they finished: 1. Nordonia 144; 2. Wadsworth 122; 3. Green 113; 4. Copley 109; 5. Tallmadge 57; 6. Highland 56; 7. Revere 34; 8. Cloverleaf 27.

Shot put: 1. Wangler (Cloverleaf) 46-10; 2. Jarvis (Green) 46-3; 3. Moorer (Copley) 46-2. High jump: 1. Muse (Nordonia) 5-11; 2. White (Nordonia) 5-11; 3. Podolak (Cloverleaf) 5-10. 110H: 1. Boles (Copley) 15.20; 2. Looser (Wadsworth) 15.36; 3. Harnett (Copley) 15.56. 100: 1. Williams (Wadsworth) 11.17; 2. Brabson (Nordonia) 11.37; 3. Wieland (Green) 11.39. 4x200: 1. Nordonia (Ward, Truett, Wilson, Brabson) 1:29.35; 2. Green 1:31.05; 3. Wadsworth 1:31.48. 1,600: 1. Winkler (Wadsworth) 4:24.17; 2. McGovern (Tallmadge) 4:24.43; 3. Onyak (Copley) 4:26.13. 4x100: 1. Nordonia (Brabson, Truett, Ward, Nobles) 43.06; 2. Green 43.84; 3. Wadsworth 43.99. 400: 1. Angel (Green) 50.06; 2. Robinson (Revere) 50.48; 3. Yetzer (Wadsworth) 50.93. 300H: 1. Washington (Nordonia) 39.23; 2. Looser (Wadsworth) 40.01; 3. Poling (Highland) 41.53. 800: 1. Arbuckle (Highland) 1:58.23; 2. Murray (Tallmadge) 2:01.37; 3. Winkler (Wadsworth) 2:02.37. 200: 1. Williams (Wadsworth) 22.18; 2. Nobles (Nordonia) 22.69; 3. Wieland (Green) 22.83. 3,200: 1. Ferguson (Tallmadge) 9:53.36; 2. Korodi (Nordonia) 9:59.43; 3. Demian (Nordonia) 10:03.24. 4x400: 1. Green (Angel, Joya, Thompson, Wieland) 3:25.44; 2. Revere 3:26.20; 3. Nordonia 3:26.90.

LATE RESULT

WALSH JESUIT TWILIGHT MEET

How they finished: 1. St. Vincent-St. Mary 88; 2. Walsh Jesuit 82; 3. Archbishop Hoban 49; 4. Gilmour Academy 36.

Shot put: Wright (GA) 48-7. Discus: Budny (WJ) 143-7. High jump: Platt (WJ) 6-0. Long jump: Junius (SVSM) 20-8. Pole vault: Dowdell (WJ) 12-0. 4x800: GA (Phillips, Hoge, Schoenhagen, Clapacs) 7:58.27. 110H: Prologo (SVSM) 16.12. 100: P. Campbell (SVSM) 11.03. 4x200: SVSM (Bickley, Sensabaugh, Wooldridge, P. Campbell) 1:28.86. 1,600: Iacofano (SVSM) 4:34.79. 4x100: SVSM (Bickley, Lockett, Wooldridge, P. Campbell) 43.32. 400: Sensabaugh (SVSM) 51.35. 300H: ONeal (AH) 40.97. 800: Iacofano (SVSM) 1:56.66. 200: Platt (WJ) 22.64. 3,200: Iacofani (SVSM) 9:42.57. 4x400: SVSM (Sensabaugh, Bickley, N. Campbell, P. Campbell)

WEST SHORE CONFERENCE

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET

How they finished: 1. Avon 1711/2; 2. North Ridgeville 104; 3. Rocky River 93; 4. Bay 80; 5. Midview 59; 6. Vermilion 56; 7. Lakewood 541/2; 8. Elyria Catholic 39.

Shot put: 1. Bowden (NR) 51-33/4; 2. Karres (Verm) 49-73/4; 3. Pinto (Avon) 48-91/2. Discus: 1. Sturm (Avon) 148-8; 2. Bowden (NR) 143-7; 3. Merizaj (RR) 139-1. High jump: 1. Ondo (Midview) 6-4; 2. Rapps (Bay) 6-2; 3. Lawrence (Avon) 6-2. Long jump: 1. Dawson (Verm) 19-81/2; 2. Rapps (Bay) 19-63/4; 3. Chan (RR) 19-01/4. Pole vault: 1. Bitter (Avon) 13-0; 2. Doehne (Midview) 13-0; 3. Brown (Avon) 12-0. 4x800: 1. Bay (Fell, Mertic, Orr, Baumgard) 8:16.23; 2. Avon 8:17.55; 3. Rocky River 8:33.10. 110H: 1. Wiley (Avon) 15.20; 2. Lucas (NR) 15.89; 3. Schwensen (Verm) 16.59. 100: 1. Rankin (EC) 10.92; 2. McCall (NR) 10.95; 3. Bitter (Avon) 11.13. 4x200: 1. Avon (Wiley, Orr, Albakri, Bitter) 1:32.15; 2. Midview 1:34.28; 3. Rocky River 1:34.55. 1,600: 1. Pecoraro (Avon) 4:31.80; 2. Reynolds (RR) 4:35.57; 3. Kane (Avon) 4:39.74. 4x100: 1. North Ridgeville (Lucas, McCall, Dwulat, Sonego) 43.80; 2. Avon 44.67; 3. Rocky River 46.59. 400: 1. Sonego (NR) 51.09; 2. Baumgard (Bay) 51.21; 3. Johnson (Mid) 53.40. 300H: 1. Wiley (Avon) 40.75; 2. Lucas (NR) 40.85; 3. Schwensen (Verm) 41.31. 800: 1. Fell (Bay) 2:02.41; 2. Herman (Avon) 2:03.61; 3. Orr (Bay) 2:04.65. 200: 1. Wiley (Avon) 22.40; 2. Sonego (NR) 22.53; 3. Bitter (Avon) 22.64. 3,200: 1. Pecoraro (Avon) 9:47.71; 2. Reynolds (RR) 9:54.54; 3. Kane (Avon) 10:01.90. 4x400: 1. North Ridgeville (Lucas, Sundheimer, Santiago, Sonego) 3:35.87; 2. Rocky River 3:36.86; 3. Avon 3:37.77.

Girls track

NORTHEAST OHIO

ALL CATHOLIC MEET

How they finished: 1. Team scores not available.

Shot put: 1. Hallisy (Lake Catholic) 38-8; 2. Zbinovec (NDCL) 36-7; 3. Lewis (Walsh Jesuit) 32-4. Discus: 1. Zbinovec (NDCL) 126-11 (meet record); 2. Hallisy (Lake Catholic) 115-5; 3. Rave (St. Joseph Ac.) 99-4. High jump: 1. Pannell (Archbishop Hoban) 5-2; 2. Vivk (St. Joseph Ac.) 5-0; 3. Williams (St. Joseph Ac.) 4-10. Long jump: 1. Sinko (Archbishop Hoban) 15-7; 2. Powell (Walsh Jesuit) 15-3; 3. Eles (Trinity) 14-11. Pole vault: 1. Giangrande (Trinity) 9-0; 2. Zedar (Gilmour Ac.) 9-0; 3. McGuire (St. Joseph Ac.) 8-6. 4x800: 1. Lake Catholic (Biats, Dalpiaz, Newhart, Bull) 9:54.67; 2. Gilmour Ac. 10:00.17; 3. Archbishop Hoban 10:30.10. 100H: 1. Pannell (Archbishop Hoban) 15.81; 2. Eles (Trinity) 16.44; 3. Williams (St. Joseph Ac.) 16.49. 100: 1. Simmons (Archbishop Hoban) 13.17; 2. Stewart (NDCL) 13.26; 3. Adams (St. Joseph Ac.) 13.26. 4x200: 1. Beaumont (Baechle, Zippert, Cannata, Johnson) 1:43.33 (meet record); 2. St. Joseph Ac. 1:48.15; 3. Archbishop Hoban 1:48.17. 1,600: 1. Markel (Gilmour Ac.) 5:23.36; 2. Onders (Walsh Jesuit) 5:26.70; 3. Lenz (Walsh Jesuit) 5:35.63. 4x100: 1. Beaumont (Baechle, Cannata, Zippert, Johnson) 49.92 (meet record); 2. St. Joseph Ac. 50.72; 3. Trinity 52.59. 400: 1. Bull (Lake Catholic) 58.44; 2. Griffith (Archbishop Hoban) 59.77; 3. McGrath (St. Joseph Ac.) 1:00.27. 300H: 1. Caja (St. Joseph Ac.) 47.29; 2. Fedele (Lake Catholic) 49.86; 3. Corrigall (Archbishop Hoban) 50.48. 800: 1. Anton (Gilmour Ac.) 2:18.52; 2. McGuire (St. Joseph Ac.) 2:28.15; 3. Armbruster (St. Joseph Ac.) 2:28.47. 200: 1. Tukpta (Trinity) 26.26; 2. Cannata (Beaumont) 26.58; 3. Simmons (Archbishop Hoban) 27.40. 3,200: 1. Renuart (Walsh Jesuit) 11:14.46 (meet record); 2. Dolohanty (Gilmour Ac.) 12:17.52; 3. Novinc (Gilmour Ac.) 12:40.60. 4x400: 1. Lake Catholic (Fedele, Bukovec, Dalpiaz, Bull) 4:07.07; 2. Archbishop Hoban 4:16.83; 3. St. Joseph Ac. 4:19.29.

SUBURBAN LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET

How they finished: 1. Green 118; 2. Wadsworth 112; 3. Nordonia 1091/3; 4. Highland 100; 5. Copley 611/3; 6. Highland 56; 6. Cloverleaf 581/3; 7. Tallmadge 51; 8. Revere 48.

Discus: 1. Mogus (Green) 111-1; 2. Szekely (Highland) 110-7; 3. Victor (Nordonia) 107-9. Long jump: 1. Runkle (Wadsworth) 17-1; 2. Harath (Revere) 16-4; 3. Marrin (Wadsworth) 16-0. Pole vault: 1. Estes (Green) 12-6; 2. Kurtz (Revere) 10-8; 3. Jenkins Green) 10-0. 100H: 1. McDonald (Nordonia) 15.33; 2. Bierman (Revere) 16.19; 3. DeLorenzo (Tallmadge) 16.61. 100: 1. Hooker (Green) 12.67; 2. Smith (Copley) 12.75; 3. Duale (Highland) 12.92. 4x200: 1. Wadsworth (Gordon, Malkowski, Palange, Runkle) 1:44; 2. Copley 1:46.26; 3. Tallmadge 1:46.75. 1,600: 1. Berger (Wadsworth) 5:08.76; 2. Murray (Cloverlelaf) 5:09.69; 3. Rhoads (Highland) 5:10.70. 4x100: 1. Highland (Duale, Springhetti, sours, Zuro) 50.20; 2. Copley 50.31; 3. Nordonia 51.91. 400: 1. Hooker (Green) 56.65; 2. Gordon (Wadsworth) 59.12; 3. Palange (Wadsworth) 59.51. 300H: 1. McDonald (Nordonia) 44.52; 2. Harris (Tallmadge) 47.55; 3. Zuro (Highland) 48.24. 800: 1. Rector (Green) 2:15.48; 2. Rudder (Nordonia) 2:21.43; 3. Simmons (Nordonia) 2:23.19. 200: 1. Hooker (Green) 25.58; 2. Runkle (Wadsworth) 25.93; 3. Clark (Copley) 26.57. 3,200: 1. Murray (Cloverleaf) 11:18.21; 2. Rhoads (Highland) 11:28.38; 3. Vasarhelyi (Nordonia) 11:35.26. 4x400: 1. Wadsworth (Palange, Runkle, Berger, Gordon) 3:56.08; 2. Tallmadge 4:01.62; 3. Green 4:03.08.

LATE RESULT

WEST SHORE CONFERENCE

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET

How they finished: 1. Bay 147; 2. Rocky River 121; 3. Vermilion 110; 4. Avon 102; 5. (tie) Lakewood, Elyria Catholic 68; 7. North Ridgeville 32; 8. Midview 11.

Shot put: 1. Mowry (Verm) 33-7; 2. Schwartz (Avon) 32-8; 3. Rossi (Verm) 32-1; 2. ; 3. . Discus: 1. Mowry (Verm) 110-6; 2. Adkins (Ely.Cath) 99-8; 3. Rossi (Verm) 96-10. High jump: 1. Bartlome (Verm) 5-5; 2. Daniels (Ely. Cath) 5-2; 3. Krebs (RR) 5-2. Long jump: 1. Bartlome (Verm) 16-4; 2. Rezek (Bay) 15-101/4; 3. DeCrame (RR) 15-71/2. Pole vault: 1. Soulas (Avon) 9-6; 2. Snavely (RR) 9-0; 3. Schrantz (Bay) 8-6. 4x800: 1. Bay (Britton, Voiers, Christel, Bechtel) 9:37.56; 2. Avon 9:45.87; 3. Rocky River 9:55.63. 100H: 1. Rezek (Bay) 15.81; 2. McDonough (RR) 16.30; 3. Bodeker (Verm) 16.73. 100: 1. Bechtel (Bay) 12.21; 2. Dwulat (N. Ridge) 12.56; 3. Daniels (Ely. Cath) 12.69. 4x200: 1. Bay (Rezek, Barnes, Johnston, Bechtel) 1:46.47; 2. Lakewood 1:47.21; 3. Vermilion 1:47.86. 1,600: 1. Britton (Bay) 5:09.94; 2. Foisy (Ely. Cath) 5:12.06; 3. Connelly (RR) 5;13.27. 4x100: 1. Vermilion (LaForce, Rossi, Morris, Bartlome) 50.83; 2. Avon 51.45; 3. Elyria Catholic 52.26. 400: 1. Bechtel (Bay) 56.75; 2. Sacha (Lake) 57.59; 3. Lesiecki (RR) 59.12. 300H: 1. McDonough (RR) 45.72; 2. Herman (Lake) 46.98; 3. Bodeker (Verm) 47.45. 800: 1. Connelly (RR) 2:18.88; 2. Bechtel (Bay) 2:22.29; 3. Maeve (Lake) 2:23.61. 200: 1. Bechtel (Bay) 25.65; 2. Lawler (Avon) 26.17; 3. Lesiecki (RR) 26.18. 3,200: 1. Britton (Bay) 11:36.16; 2. Foisy (Ely. Cath) 11:48.35; 3. Shaw (Lake) 11:53.02. 4x400: 1. Rocky River (Holcomb, McDonough, Connelly, Lesiecki) 4:05.34; 2. Lakewood 4:05.80; 3. Bay 4:11.82. .

Boys tennis

SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT

DIVISION I

At Harvard Park

Singles -- Semifinals: Thomas (Jackson) d. Hofsess (Canfield) 6-0, 6-0; Pukys (Louisville) d. Fisher (Barberton) 7-5, 6-4; Booher (Lake) d. Sullivan (Louisville) 7-5, 6-1; Zalenski (Jackson) d. Saunders (Green) 6-0, 6-0; Third place: Booher d. Pukys 7-5, 6-1; Championship: Thomas d. Pukys 6-1, 6-1.

Doubles -- Semifinals: DeMarco/OConnor (Hoover) d. Fisher/Donchess-Fitch (Green) 6-0, 6-0; Shaheen/Kanam (Jackson) d. Barrett/Hirschl (Boardman) 67-6(6), 7-5; Debiec/Brown (Canfield) d. Lampner/Bacher (Green) 6-1, 6-1; Dickerhoof/Spencer (Jackson) d. Schnars/Maranville (Lake) 7-6(4), 7-5; Third place: Shaheen/Kanam d. Dickerhoof/Spencer 6-2, 7-6(5); Championship: DeMarco/OConnor d. Debiec/Brown 6-0, 6-2.

At Oberlin

Singles --Semifinals: Griffin (St. Ignatius) d. Frebes (St. Ignatius) 6-2, 6-0; Mostardi (Avon) d. Williams (St. Edward) 6-0, 6-3; Championship: Griffin d. Mostardi 6-1, 6-0.

Doubles -- Semifinals: Zuber/Boakye (St. Ignatius) d. Dinchman/Wang (Westlake) 6-4, 6-4; Michelich/Craven (Westlake) d. Siciliano/Kirchner 6-3, 6-1; Championship: Michelich/Craven d. Siciliano/Kirchner 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.

At Solon

Singles -- Semifinals: Fukamachi (Mayfield) d. Shah (Solon) 6-1, 6-2; Le (Solon) d. Shah (Solon) 6-1, 6-3; Third place: Anzalone (Willoughby South) d. Le (Solon) 6-1, 6-0; Championship: Anzalone d. Fukamachi 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Doubles -- Semifinals: Goldberg/OBrien (Solon) d. Banning/Bauck (Kenston) 6-1, 7-6(7-3); Hang/Shankman (Solon) d. Foremski/Burrull (Shaker Heights) 6-0, 6-1. Third place: Banning/Bauck d. Foremski/Burrull 6-0, 6-1; Championship: Yang/Shankman d. Goldberg/OBrien 6-4, 6-1.

DIVISION II

At Rocky River

Singles -- Semifinals: Hanson (Vermilion) d Peckham (Lake Ridge) 6-0, 6-1; Mayer (Lake Ridge) d Grierson (Rcky River) 6-0, 6-1. Championship: Hanson (Vermilion) d Mayer (Lake Ridge) 1-6, 6-2, 6-4; Third Place: Grierson (Rocky River) d Peckham (Lake Ridge) 6-0, 6-1.

Doubles -- Semifinals: Cole/Spencer (Vermilion) d Hippler/Messina (Bay Village) 1-6, 7-5, 6-2; Knowles/Andrews (Cuyahoga Valley Christian) d Ittu/McDermott (Rocky River) 6-1, 6-0. Championship: Knowles/Andrews (Cuyahoga Valley Christian) d Cole/Spencer (Vermilion) 6-0, 6-2. Third place: Hippler/Messina (Bay Village) d Ittu/McDermott (Rocky River) 6-2, 7-5.

Late results

SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT

DIVISION II

At Brush

Singles -- Semifinals: Noall (Gilmour Academy) d. Gerdes (Conneaut) 6-0, 6-0; Morris (Orange) d. Crislip (Edgewood) 6-4, 6-1; Gill (B) d. Mucci (J) 7-5, 6-1; Groce (Gen) d. Kashyap (Orange) 6-0, 6-2; Machtay (B) d. Cha (University) 5-7, 6-3, 6-0; Dobin (B) d. Kreger (CF) 6-0, 6-0; Huja (Hawken) d. Best (P) 6-0, 6-0. Third place: Gill d. Groce 6-2, 6-2. Championship: Noall d. Ahuja 6-4, 6-3.

Doubles -- Third place: Perry d. Orange 6-4, 6-4; Championship: Hribar/Stroup (University) d. Lee/Yadav (Hawken) 6-3, 6-3.

Boys lacrosse

St. Ignatius 13, St. Edward 6

SI: Maruna 4, Joseph 3, Vitale 2, Hennessey 2, n/a 2. SE: Flannery 2, Hildebrant 2, Birghfeld, MItchell.

Goalies: SI, Haag (5 saves); SE, Simpson (17).

LATE RESULT

Hoban 11, Green 10 (OT)

AH: McMahon 5, Jenkins 3, Pereira, Casey, Gutbrod. G: n/a.

Goalies: AH, Redle (14 saves); G, n/a).

Gladiators quarterback Chris Dieker suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter Saturday night against San Antonio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A struggling arena team cannot afford to lose a quarterback with a hot hand and expect to win.

Gladiators quarterback Chris Dieker suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter Saturday night against San Antonio. He took his team's hopes with him to the locker room.

San Antonio, featuring a three-interception performance by linebacker Jamar Ransom, danced their way to a 57-33 victory at The Q. Ransom accounted for half of Gladiators backup Brian Zbydniewski's interceptions.

The Gladiators slipped to 2-6. However, thanks to a highly suspect American Conference, they remain very much a playoff contender with 10 games remaining.

Playoff chances were the last thoughts running through Gladiators coach Steve Thonn's head in the immediate aftermath. He had just watched his team self-destruct with the ball, especially in the second half, when it managed 12 points.

"Offensively, we did nothing," Thonn said. "We did absolutely nothing. We knew they had a great pass rush, but I didn't expect us to get manhandled like that. Just a very ugly game."

The Talons improved to 4-4 -- and had tons of fun doing it. Their group post-TD celebrations seemed like auditions for the Abby Lee Dance Company.

"That's just our personality," Ransom said. "Our guys enjoy getting after it."

Ransom is a combination of talent and personality. He removed all doubt with interception returns for touchdowns on back-to-back series late in the fourth quarter.

"The last pick came at corner," he said. "On a slant. Call me the next time you see a corner at 225 [pounds]."

Hard as it is to believe based on the final margin, the Gladiators once were in decent shape. Dieker, who had come off the bench the previous week to replace a struggling Zbydniewski and lead the Gladiators to victory, was clicking in the opening half of his first start.

Dieker's first two drives resulted in touchdowns. During his third, he completed a pass for no gain on third-and-7 from the Cleveland 23 -- then was thrown to the turf. That a roughing penalty was called meant little to the Gladiators because they had lost their quarterback.

Dieker exited with a quality stat line: 8-of-10 for 108 yards and one touchdown; three rushes for 26 yards and one TD.

"We felt really good about the way Chris was playing," Thonn said.

Thonn said the medical staff told him that Dieker separated his shoulder and would be re-evaluated this week. Asked if the play was dirty, Thonn said: "I didn't see it. I don't know if it was dirty or not."

Zbydniewski entered and immediately went 2-of-2, including a 13-yard touchdown pass to Thyron Lewis. Aaron Pettrey's extra point tied the score at 21. On Cleveland's next possession, Zbydniewski was intercepted by Ransom for the first time. The Talons converted the turnover into seven points, signaling the beginning of the end for the Gladiators.

The Talons led, 35-21, at halftime. Zbydniewski, who had beaten out Dieker for the job in training camp, finished 14-of-27 for 175 yards and three touchdowns. In addition to the six picks, he was sacked three times.

"We didn't help Brian with our protection," Thonn said. "It wasn't all on him."

San Antonio's vaunted rush exploiting Cleveland's leaky line made five-step drops almost impossible to execute.

"Every time we went with a five-step drop, they were on us," Thonn said.

What, it's draft season again? Well, lottery first, but the Cavaliers are next on the draft calendar.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's a beautiful spring weekend, and we're talkin' ...

About the Cavaliers ...

If it's not one draft, it's another for Cleveland sports fans -- who indeed love their drafts. This time, it's the Cavaliers.

They own a lottery pick, which could be anywhere from first to sixth, the 19th and two high second-round picks. Even if the Cavs don't win the lottery, they still may be able to pick No. 1.

That's what is different about this draft. Word is that most teams don't prize the first pick because there is no one projected as a franchise player. Most experts have Nerlens Noel going No. 1. The 6-11 Kentucky center went down with a knee injury in February and had anterior cruciate ligament surgery. He may not be ready for the opening of the NBA season.

Noel is 19, averaged 10.5 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 59 percent in 24 games for Kentucky. Most of Noel's baskets are dunks, his low-post game is a rumor at best. He shot 52 percent from the foul line.

He is a project, especially on offense. He's a No. 1 pick who may never make an All-Star team. That's why certain teams may be willing to trade the pick.

Suppose the Cavs end up with the No. 3 pick. They could offer their entire draft (all four picks) for No. 1, and that team could still draft someone such as Otto Porter at No. 3.

Noel is ideal for the Cavs, a team on a mission to improve its defense. He blocks shots, 4.4 per game. He can rebound, 9.5 per game. He influences the game defensively with a 7-4 wing span.

What did the Cavs talk about all season? Improving the defense. Add Noel into the middle of the lane and suddenly there is help for Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters, who both have trouble on defense. Some of those layups the Cavs yielded a year ago will be blocked or missed at the rim.

Noel would instantly transform the defense, and he's worth the wait for his knee to heal.

I also hear the Cavs are still considering 7-foot Greg Oden, the former Ohio State center who has not played in an NBA game since December 2009. He was the top pick in the 2007 draft, but he's played just 82 NBA games -- averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds for Portland.

The real problem is Oden having three microfracture knee surgeries. (Two such surgeries may have ended the career of Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore.) So Oden's a gamble, and a signal the Cavs are looking for a defensive center.

About Browns quarterbacks ...

Regardless of the latest changes in the Browns' QB depth chart, Brandon Weeden is still the starter for now, says Terry Pluto.Lonnie Timmons III, The Plain Dealer 

1. Since 2003, the Browns have the lowest QB rating (71.1) in the NFL, according to ESPN. Their 52 victories best only Oakland (49) and Detroit (48). The five lowest QB ratings are: Browns (71.1), Chicago (71.8), Oakland (72.2), Miami (75.1) and Detroit (76.3).

2. In 2002, the Browns were 9-7, made the playoffs and lost, 36-33, to Pittsburgh. It was the fourth year of the franchise. Tim Couch (18 touchdown passes, 18 interceptions, 76.8 rating) was the starter. He was injured at the end of the season, and Kelly Holcomb started that playoff game in the snow.

3. Who knew that the 2001-02 seasons with a combined 16-16 record would be the best two-year span since their return in 1999. Or that Couch and Holcomb would split the job in 2003 when the team was 5-11 -- and both were gone in 2004.

4. In 2002, the Browns had promise. In the next 10 years, they had one winning season (10-6 in 2007). The Browns are 23-57 in the last five years with five different opening day starting quarterbacks.

5. By signing Brian Hoyer, the Browns immediately added more QB depth. The St. Ignatius product fits the new offense better than Thad Lewis, the current No. 3.

6. I do think Lewis is at least an NFL backup, but the front office doesn't believe his arm is strong enough. He will eventually end up with another team. But let's not expect Hoyer to revive the franchise.

7. Hoyer backed up New England's Tom Brady for three years. Last season, he was with Arizona, backing up Kevin Kolb and Jamie Skelton. In four pro seasons, Hoyer is 57-of-96 (58 percent) with two touchdowns and three interceptions, a 72.2 rating.

8. Hoyer started one pro game. That was last season with Arizona, a 27-13 loss to San Francisco. He was 19-of-34 with one touchdown, one interception, a 73.8 rating.

9. Two years ago, Michael Lombardi praised both New England backups (Ryan Mallett and Hoyer), even stating he preferred Hoyer over Colt McCoy. That was when Lombardi worked for the NFL Network, where it's much easier to proclaim someone a starter as opposed to being the general manager of the Browns.

10. So what does the Hoyer signing mean? Lombardi still likes him. The Browns want depth. Brandon Weeden is the starter, but that can change if he plays poorly early. But if a change is made, Jason Campbell still seems far more likely to take over.

About the Browns...

1. In Thursday's OTA practice open to the media, Davone Bess made several nice catches. He runs routes like a mature receiver. Physically, he's unimpressive but he seems to know how to get open. He's averaged 64 receptions in the last five seasons.

2. The game comes outrageously easy for Josh Gordon, as he glides down the field. If Gordon keeps his concentration and work ethic at NFL caliber, he could have a breakout season in the new "throw it downfield" offense. I'm anxious to see Greg Little, Gordon and Bess going out for passes.

3. Not sure why the Browns signed Brandon Jackson, or why Jackson wanted to sign here. Maybe it was his only offer. But he's fifth on my depth chart behind Trent Richardson, Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya and Dion Lewis. Not much has been said about Lewis, but the Browns like his speed as a third-down back. They also may use him to return kicks.

4. In the last two seasons, Jackson battled injuries and had only eight carries for the Browns, gaining 54 yards. I do believe the Browns have concerns about Hardesty staying healthy. Richardson wasn't close to 100 percent physically, so perhaps they want more depth. Jackson started 13 games for Green Bay in 2010, gaining 703 yards (3.7 average).

5. Questions about his knee obviously are why so many teams passed on Joshua Cribbs, who signed with Oakland. He'll be 30 on June 9 and has had an outstanding career on special teams. In eight years, he missed three games. He played hurt and loved playing for the Browns. But they also were concerned about his knee. The new front office believes Lewis and Travis Benjamin can handle the return duties. Benjamin also made some excellent catches in Thursday's practice.

About the Chisenhall demotion ...

View full sizeThe struggles of Lonnie Chisenhall are a frustrating reminder of the Indians' inability to generate much big-league production from their minor-league system.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer 

1. Lonnie Chisenhall has been the biggest disappointment this season. He hit .400 in spring training and was handed the third-base job -- and lost it. He batted .213 with three homers and 11 RBI, but 22 strikeouts compared to three walks. Teams learned that he loves fastballs, especially inside or over the heart of the plate. They often pitched him outside -- and Chisenhall struggled to hit the ball to left field.

2. Last season, he batted .314 (.858 OPS) to open the season at Class AAA. He hit a respectable .268 with five homers and 16 RBI for the Tribe, and was OK at third. He entered the year with a career .260 average in 354 big-league at-bats. So his drastic decline is a surprise.

3. Chisenhall has a smooth lefty swing, but he's had terrible times hitting left-handers. He was 2-of-22 this season, .200 in his big-league career. In the last three years of the minors, it was .248. But if Chisenhall hit righties this season as he has in the past (.266 career), the Indians could have platooned him at third. But it didn't happen.

4. While he works on hitting lefties and rebuilds his confidence at Columbus, the signing of Mark Reynolds looks better than ever. He takes over at third base, where he's played 660 games. He had a rough time in 2011 with 26 errors in 114 games. That led Baltimore to move him to first base in 2012.

5. The Tribe also has Mike Aviles to play third. Reynolds had only 18 errors in 140 games at third in 2010. Ryan Raburn has played 33 games at third in his career, making eight errors. Aviles is a better bet.

6. The big picture problem is Chisenhall being a first-round pick in 2008, and one of the few promising position prospects at the high level of the minors. The next best third base prospect is Gio Urshela, who is a Jack Hannahan-caliber fielder. He's hitting .293 with two homers and 12 RBI in 123 at bats for Class AA Akron. He's only 21, so he may develop some power.

About the Indians ...

1. Before Reynolds, they had serious talks with Kevin Youkilis. He signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Yankees. He's hitting .266 with two homers and 12 RBI and has been on the disabled list since the end of April with a back problem.

2. The Tribe then turned to Reynolds, who signed a one-year, $6 million deal. The Indians tried to added a team option for 2014, but Reynolds decided he'd rather take the one-year deal and become a free agent. Reynolds made $7.5 million with Baltimore in 2012. The Orioles had an $11 million option for 2013, but declined it and never made a counter offer.

3. Reynolds will be 30 on Aug. 3. He has been terrific not only because he's off to the hottest start of his career, but he can play third, first and is respected by teammates for his work ethic. Reynolds has been on the disabled list only once (last season) in his career.

4. The Tribe did talk to Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis about contract extensions during spring. Neither agreed to a deal. Kipnis is five years away from free agency, Brantley is three years away. The Indians will try again with both players after the season.

5. Some fans have asked about the contract situation of Ubaldo Jimenez. He and the Indians both have an option for 2014, meaning both would have to agree on the $8 million salary. That's doubtful, so odds are he will become a free agent.

6. I will be speaking at the Stow Library Tuesday at 2 p.m. It's free. But you need to call 330-688-3295 to register.

7. Drew Stubbs will be at the next Wahoo Club Luncheon on June 15 at the Terrace Club starting at 11 a.m. For information, call Bob Rosen at 440-724-8350 or check wahooclub.com.

Rob Chudzinski is inheriting a better quarterback than he did when he worked here as the Browns' offensive coordinator. So why not give it a chance, Bud Shaw writes in his Sunday Spin.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If it's May (or any other month), we must be talking quarterbacks.

Browns' head coach Rob Chudzinski threw out the first pitch at the Indians-Mariners game Saturday. How soon before Brandon Weeden is asked if he thinks Chud's release is quicker than his own?

Already this week, Weeden was asked about the competition with Jason Campbell and then whether he was surprised by the signing of Brian Hoyer. It was, after all, a pre-Memorial Day OTA.

Campbell, we're told, knows the offense and is a physical specimen. Hoyer? Browns' GM Mike Lombardi liked him enough to once say on NFL Network he thought the Browns should acquire him and start him ahead of Colt McCoy.

Of course, the Browns acquired Weeden to start ahead of McCoy, too. His 15 starts is 14 more than Hoyer has made in his NFL career. Campbell has eight TDs and six interceptions over the past two seasons.

So it wasn't these Browns who acquired Weeden. OK. This regime still has a responsibility to pick the quarterback who gives it a chance to bring this inexorable QB pursuit to an end. That would be Weeden.

View full sizeWith Norv Turner acclaimed as a quarterback whisperer, it would seem silly to be obsessing about each pass thrown in an OTA when there's so much time left before games actually count this fall. Except, of course, this is Cleveland.Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer 

If Weeden is no better under Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner halfway through this season than he was under Pat Shurmur, let the stories begin about his inevitable demise. But you find out nothing by turning to Campbell or Hoyer in preseason. So can we declare a quarterback controversy moratorium, at least until the final gun of the opener against Miami?

If Campbell and Hoyer are really shots fired across Weeden's bow, you wouldn't want to go to war with the Browns' organization. Any quick move to Campbell or Hoyer not precipitated by injury should be seen as a cry for help. Not because either is a bad player, because it would dictate more quarterback shopping in the next draft and sell everybody involved short -- including Chudzinski and Turner.

We hear that Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater is near the top of 2014 draft boards and the Browns have extra draft picks to go get their franchise quarterback. Matt Barkley was at the top of 2013 draft boards last May, too.

If you just dropped in, you might think Weeden is coming off a season in which he played sparingly, threw just a handful of TD passes and turned in a 63.1 passer rating. Instead, those were Derek Anderson's numbers the year before he got discovered in Chudzinski's offense.An offense that ranked eighth overall in the league. Led by Anderson's 29 TDs. In a season that sent Anderson to the Pro Bowl as an alternate.

A preseason concussion in 2008 and a November knee injury limited Anderson to nine TD passes and eight interceptions the next season. Even then, Anderson had 38 TD passes under Chudzinski. After Chud, he's thrown 10 TD passes against 20 interceptions.

Different circumstances. Different roles. Different teams. But we should at least be able to agree the quarterback Chudzinski is inheriting this time around has more promise than the one he inherited at halftime of the 2007 opener. That's when the Browns benched Charlie Frye, then promptly traded him to Seattle a couple days later.

The Browns don't owe Weeden anything. The people in charge didn't draft him. You hear that argument and it's impossible to debate. But they owe it to themselves to find out about him.

Weeden said this week he is more prepared and feels better in an offense that "makes sense" to him. I put as little stock in that as I do in Campbell having the early "edge."

It's May after all.

SPINOFFS

• The Indians have basically the same record they did this time last year. If you don't see the difference and have to be coaxed to watch them play in person, I believe there are clinics where you can get help for your obviously unhealthy relationship with fireworks and dollar hot dogs.

• Alabama head coach Nick Saban is upset two coaches -- a rival and a former Saban assistant -- recently referred to him as "the devil."

C'mon now people. He prefers "Beelzebub."

View full sizeJustin Masterson wants the starting pitchers to have a nickname. How about "The 'We Cheer Our Hitters' Club"?Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer 

• Drew Stubbs told ESPN.com that Philadelphia's Laynce Nix, a former teammate in Cincinnati, told him how impressed the Phils were that the Indians have three centerfielders (Stubbs, Michael Brantley and Michael Bourn) who can run down most anything hit to the outfield.

According to Stubbs, Nix said, "Golly, where do you hit it out there?"

It is truly amazing. Who knew people still said "Golly"?

In the same story, Justin Masterson says the Indians' starters have discussed coming up with a T-shirt to wear along the lines of the "Bullpen Mafia" but are short on good ideas.

"We're not the brightest crayons in the box," Masterson joked.

The starters have been much better over the past three weeks. Zach McAllister kept that going Saturday as the Indians won in their last at-bat for the second consecutive day. But on the season the starters are still 17-17 with an ERA over 4.00.

Maybe they should wait until the overall numbers elicit something more than "Meh."

• Have players on any NFL team ever been in better shape, or been picking up the playbook quicker, or looking sharper or more ready to "take the next step" than the Browns profess to be?

Every single May.

• We offer this space for conspiracy theorists to claim David Stern directs his refs to make sure the biggest market teams survive in the NBA playoffs. Start with explaining Memphis-San Antonio.

Anybody?

• Repeating, Jimmy Haslam knew "nothing, noth-INK."

• Josh Cribbs, who signed with Oakland, didn't like hearing Jets' GM John Idzik say Cribbs knee still isn't "quite there."

The first two players Idzik signed this off-season were David Garrard, who just this week announced he was retiring (with a bad knee) and running back Mike Goodson, who was arrested for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun and possession of a hollow-point bullet.

Getting passed over by the Jets these days is high praise in disguise.

• The Charlotte Bobcats have started the process of changing their name back to "Hornets."

Which should solve everything.

• In the Volvo World Match Play Championships, Nicolas Cosaerts hit his tee shot on No. 10 into a hazard. An official ruled the nearest point of relief was a bathroom. Colsaerts was then allowed to take relief from the bathroom. He somehow made par though he lost to Graham McDowell.

2&1.

HE TWEETED IT

Listen friends of bball; don’t get hung up on words. I was most fortunate to have the chance to coach two of the greatest gds. EVER MJ/Kobe

— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) May 17, 2013

Don't get hung up on words, just pay $18.77 for the hard cover version of them on Amazon.

YOU SAID IT

(The Regular Sunday Edition)

"Bud:

"With summer almost here, pool or pond?" -- Jim Corrigan, Fairview Park

The pond would be good for "You Said It" contributors.

"Bud:

"I showed a picture of Wedgie's latest facial creation to a miniature Schnauzer and he howled with envy. Is it possible Eric Wedge hides his bench coach in his 'door knocker' beard?" -- Gary, Wickliffe

Hard to say. Just tell that schnauzer to keep grinding.

"Bud:

"If you win the Powerball, will you continue to write about Cleveland sports?" -- Corby Mike

Yes. Just to say I finally wrote a Spin column and felt some measure of self-worth.

"Bud:

"My son wants to play in the NBA. Should he work on his shooting or his flopping?" -- David S., Sandusky

I'd be more concerned that he doesn't own any capri pants and glasses without lenses.

"Bud:

"I saw in my local police blotter a fellow was arrested on suspicion of DUI and drug dealing. Do we now refer to this as the "full Armonty?" -- Kevin McCarthy, Cleveland

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"Did Jimmy Haslam donate to the Tea Party on his tax return?" -- Kimberly

Repeat winners get audited.

"Bud:

"I wonder if Dan Gilbert ever considered following in Haslam's footsteps and offering rebates to the Cavs season ticket holders? The more sophisticated ones at least. I guess the point of distinction would be those smart enough to not need to look at 'the diff.'" -- Eddie Vidmar

Repeat winners know the score.