Loving went scoreless in eight of his last 16 games as a freshman. Last year, when Deshaun Thomas left after his junior season, LaQuinton Ross was ready to step into his role. Now with Ross leaving, asking Loving to step right in won't be as easy.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Marc Loving needs to have a heck of an offseason.

We already looked at next year once. But now that Amedeo Della Valle and LaQuinton Ross have decided to join seniors Aaron Craft and Lenzelle Smith in leaving Ohio State, let’s take a second look at the shrinking basketball roster.

And let’s absorb the notion that Loving, after averaging 4.4 points and 10.9 minutes as a freshman, must have a big sophomore season. He has work to do – Loving scored a total of 26 points in the last 16 games of the season, going scoreless in eight of them.

That's where this Ross move is different for Ohio State than the decision Deshaun Thomas made last year to leave after his junior season. The Buckeyes' had a ready replacement at his position and in his role as the leading scorer in Ross. It won't be so obvious in 2014-215. Expect freshman guard D'Angelo Russell to lead Ohio State in scoring, but the Buckeyes have no choice but for Loving to make a big leap.

For next season, right now, it’s four players out and four players in. That’s why you have to imagine that the Buckeyes will add either a junior college player or a player who has graduated from another school and has a year of eligibility, meaning he can play right away.

Former 6-foot-9 Temple big man Anthony Lee could be an ideal fit for the Buckeyes.

The loss of Della Valle isn’t that big for Ohio State. He wasn’t a dead-eye shooter and he had trouble guarding most Big Ten-level players.

Ross is a loss, though not unexpected. Certainly, the coaches weren’t blind-sided by it. Here’s what the roster will look like next year as it stands now.

Seniors – Sam Thompson, Shannon Scott, Amir Williams, Trey McDonald

Juniors – None

Sophomore – Marc Loving

Redshirt freshman – Kam Williams

Freshmen – D’Angelo Russell, Keita Bates-Diop, Jae’Sean Tate, David Bell

Matta once said the ideal roster would have three guys in each class, giving balance to the 13-man roster. But the Buckeyes have been off-kilter for years. The 2010 class that just graduated started with six players, while the 2011 class that will be seniors next season had five. But the 2012 had just one (Della Valle) and the 2013 class had two.

So the Buckeyes once again will fall short of the limit of 13 scholarship players. Even with adding one another player, they would only be at 11.

Here’s what the rotation should look like next season. The most likely type of player to be added would be a power forward or center like Lee.

PG – Shannon Scott, D’Angelo Russell

SG – D’Angelo Russell, Kam Williams

SF – Sam Thompson, Keita Bates-Diop, Jae’Sean Tate

PF – Marc Loving, Keita Bates-Diop, David Bell

C- Amir Williams, Trey McDonald, David Bell

Should the Browns consider Johnny Manziel with the fourth pick? Would signing DeSean Jackson be a good move for the Browns? The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Should the Browns consider Johnny Manziel with the fourth pick? Would signing DeSean Jackson be a good move for the Browns?

The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Chris Fedor.

Among other topics discussed:

• Will the Indians be able to catch the Tigers this season?
• What's the Indians' biggest concern as Opening Day gets closer?
• How can the Cavs' three-game winning streak be explained?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow DMan on Twitter.

Mary Kay Cabot talks with Glenn Moore about the Browns and Johnny Manziel's Pro Day.

Should the Browns go after DeSean Jackson? Why didn't Mike Pettine and Kyle Shanahan attend Johnny Manziel's Pro Day?

Cleveland.com's Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot answered those questions and more during today's podcast with cleveland.com’s Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Who will the Browns be holding workouts with?

• Would the Browns draft Derek Carr at No. 4?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.

Carr, who starred at Fresno State, is the younger brother of former first-round draft pick David Carr.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns will conduct their private workout with Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr on Monday, a league source told cleveland.com.

The session will kick off what coach Mike Pettine has described as a "big list'' of Browns' exclusive quarterback auditions.

The team has come under heavy fire for not attending Johnny Manziel's Pro Day Thursday -- one of two teams along with the Bears to skip the session -- but they'll privately workout all of the top quarterbacks in the draft and most of the second-tier passers over the next month or so.

Private workouts can be conducted at the player's school or near his hometown. When they're brought in to the Browns facility for their pre-draft visits, they can only meet with coaches and undergo medical exams, not work out.

At the NFL Annual Meeting AFC coaches breakfast Tuesday morning, coach Mike Pettine paid Carr the ultimate compliment.

"I think he's the best natural thrower as far as arm strength and when you're just looking at the guy, natural thrower, in the draft,'' said Pettine. "(He's) very physically gifted. And a lot of times it's hard to bet against the family history as well. You're talking about like a Jake Matthews that it's the old 'don't bet against the genetics.' I think he certainly falls into that category as well.''

Carr, the younger brother of 2002 No. 1 overall pick David Carr, is believed to be high on the Browns' list of options with one of their early picks.

Question is? Will they take him with their No. 4 overall pick?

Heading into the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month, Carr was ranked by most experts behind the big three -- Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel -- but at the top of the second tier of quarterbacks.

But Carr's stock has skyrocketed as pro teams have studied him more, and he now belongs in the conversation with the top three, according to Cardinals coach Bruce Arians.

"Yeah, he's got those measurables and he's won a lot of ballgames,'' Arians said Wednesday at the NFC coaches breakfast. "I'll have to study him more, but I wouldn't be surprised (if he goes in the top five).''

If the Browns like Carr, they can't risk waiting until No. 26 to take him. According to David White of the Sacramento Bee, the Raiders at No. 5 have a "massive crush'' on Carr despite trading for Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, whom the Browns coveted.

The Raiders sent a large contingent, including head coach Dennis Allen, to Carr's recent pro day, in which he impressed scouts and coaches with his big arm and pinpoint passing despite suffering from nausea and vomiting early that morning. Carr even needed intravenous fluids before the workout.

What's more, Tony Pauline of draft insider.net reported that “at least 17 quarterback coaches polled at the combine rank Derek Carr over Johnny Manziel.”

Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who's helping coach Mike Zimmer scout the quarterbacks for their No. 8 pick, was also at the Carr Pro Day and raved about him.

“Obviously, he was very impressive today,” Turner told the Associated Press. “He came out and showed he has a strong arm, very accurate, he made all the throws.  He had a heck of a workout.”

Carr (6-2, 214) led the nation with 5,082 yards and 50 touchdowns in 2013 to set Fresno State records. In addition to running a pro-style offense under former Browns assistant Pat Hill, Carr ran the spread under Tim DeRuyter.

At the combine, Carr scoffed at the notion that he's a second-tier quarterback in this draft.

“From the evaluations I’ve got and from the meetings I’ve had, I don’t care what those rankings are,'' he said. "I know what I’ve heard and what they’ve said

to me. They’re not going to sugarcoat anything for me. I love what people say outside of those circles. It’s fun for me to hear because I know what

the teams are saying and what they’re telling me. It’s been really good so far.”

Pettine defended the Browns' decision to skip the pro days in favor of these upcoming private sessions.

"We’ve always felt – I felt this way coming in and Ray (Farmer) has to – that you get a lot more out of a private workout when it’s a little less scripted or it’s scripted the way you want it scripted, where you can kind of throw some curveballs at a player and see how they react to it. It’s like the difference between a guy hitting home runs at batting practice vs. live pitching,'' Pettine said. "I think it’s important you get that concentrated view of a player instead of something that’s borderline artificial. We certainly get the video of the pro days and see them, so you kind of get the best of both worlds.''

Is Mike Brown coaching not to lose? Hey, Mary!

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Got a question about the Cavs? Send it in. Submit your question at cleveland.com/heymary and Plain Dealer Cavs beat writer Mary Schmitt Boyer will choose at least one to answer each week.

Hey, Mary: I can't figure Mike Brown out. In the Toronto game, the Cavs offense was great for two-and-a-half quarters. In the fourth quarter, he sat Hawes for all but the last minute. Jack was bringing up the ball instead of Dion, and everything stopped. Then with the inbounds play at the end of the game, even AC said that Toronto knew exactly what the Cavs were doing. I get the impression Brown is coaching not to lose, instead of coaching to win. -- Mitch Schwartz, Fairfield, CA

Hey, Mitch: Mike Brown readily admits the Cavs offense is pretty basic. Anybody who has scouted the team more than once probably knows what they're going to do 95 percent of the time. But he was brought in to improve the team's defense, so that's what he concentrated on during training camp. It is paying off. In 23 games since Feb. 8 and before Friday's game at Brooklyn, the Cavs’ defense was holding teams to 43.6 percent shooting -- the sixth-lowest opponent field-goal percentage in the league -- and 99 points -- the ninth lowest. Down the stretch against Toronto, Brown went with the three-guard lineup that won the game in New York on Sunday -- Jarrett Jack, Dion Waiters and Matthew Dellavedova with Anderson Varejao and Luol Deng.

Hey, Mary: Who runs the Cavs offense (in games and practices), Mike Brown or Igor Kokoskov? Mike Brown is known for a simplistic offense, which is OK during the season. But against the elite teams or in the playoffs, opposing teams have a big advantage, since they know what is coming and can head them off at the pass. John Kuester in 2009-10 was the last time he had an offense with any sort of creativity that could keep the opposing team guessing. -- Tim O'Neill, Langolen, Brittany

Hey, Tim: Brown runs the Cavs offense, with input from Kokoskov and his other assistant coaches. As I explained to Mitch in the previous question, Brown was brought in to improve the Cavs defense, which he has done. But given the sophistication of scouting these days, the Cavs are not going to fool anyone on offense. Perhaps the best thing they have going for them is that their players often don't do what they're supposed to offensively. Maybe that will throw off some teams.

Hey, Mary: One bright spot in a disappointing season is the play of Dion Waiters. He really opened my eyes up during that second-half stretch in the Rising Stars game at the All-Star festivities. He has a bright NBA future, and I hope he remains with the Cavs. Tristan Thompson is another story. I feel he has not taken a step forward this year. He may have switched shooting hands, but other than foul shooting, it has had no impact on his scoring. When Andy got hurt, Zeller helped some, but Thompson did not step up much in my opinion. For the fourth overall pick in the draft three years ago, we should be seeing a big jump in his play this year. Do you agree, or am I too harsh in this assessment? -- Tim Corbett, Ladera Ranch, Calif.

Hey, Tim: The big jump occurred last season, when Thompson improved his numbers across the board from his rookie season. He improved his shooting from 43.9 percent to 48.8 and his points and rebounds from 8.2 and 6.5, respectively, to 11.7 and 9.4. His shooting is down to 46.9 percent this season, but his points and rebounds are barely down to 11.6 and 9.2. The extremely durable Thompson has started 180 straight games (through the victory at Detroit) and has a team-high 31 double-doubles this season, fifth in the Eastern Conference and 15th in the NBA. All that being said, I do think he leveled off this year, or even regressed a bit. But that's the nature with young players, especially young big men. Their learning curve doesn't always go straight up. The Cavs still love his energy and work ethic, so I wouldn't give up on him yet.

Hey, Mary: Seems that every year Kyrie Irving has been with the Cavs he has been out with an injury toward the end of the season. Is this due to a heavy workload being the team's main scorer or just bad luck on the part of Kyrie and the Cavs? -- Thomas Ryan, Fostoria, OH

Hey, Thomas: It's both. For three years, Irving has been the Cavs primary offensive weapon and because of his aggressiveness driving to the hole, he does put himself in harm's way. That being said, all of his injuries have been freak accidents, including the current strained left biceps, suffered when swiping at a ball held by Blake Griffin. He worked extremely hard last summer to increase his strength in an effort to stave off such injuries, but he suffered one regardless. He has been able to play through some broken bones in his face, but he can't do that with this injury or his shoulder last year.

Hey, Mary: Are the Cavs better off building around Dion Waiters and trading Kyrie? -- Tony, Hudson

Hey, Tony: Why can't they keep both? I still think the Cavs are better off at this point when they don't play together, but I'm not willingly getting rid of one or the other. If your question is which one of them would bring more in trade right now, then that answer probably is Irving -- the reigning All-Star MVP and a former Rookie of the Year. But trying to replace either one would not be easy.

Hey, Mary: With all the incidents of basketball shoes coming apart during games, I haven't seen any comments about it. Since Nike is high-profile face (foot?) of NBA, isn't this embarrassing? -- Vernon Sendelbach, Cleveland

Hey, Vernon: Three players have had their Nike shoes come apart recently -- Manu Ginobili, Andrew Bogut and Tony Wroten -- and I'd have to say that is embarrassing. But I haven't seen any comments from Nike, and a report that Michael Jordan contacted Wroten through his agent was incorrect.

While contract talks between Justin Masterson and the Indians have been put in cold storage, it's believed second baseman Jason Kipnis and the team were still talking as of late last week.

Hey, Hoynsie: What's the latest on contract talks involving Justin Masterson and Jason Kipnis? Any chance they could both be inked to long term deals before Opening Day? – Jake W., Amherst.

Hey, Jake: Unless you’ve been climbing a mountain in Tibet, you already know how Masterson’s negotiations are going. Which is another way of saying, they aren't going anywhere.

All indications are that the Indians and Kipnis’ agent were still talking as of late last week. Not sure about the nature of those talks, but opening day is almost here and that’s usually the deadline for such things.

However, these talks have been going on all spring so I would think if progress is being made they would continue into the regular season.

Hey, Hoynsie: Last week you commented that Tribe ownership is content to remain in the background in reaching out to fans. Given ownership's lukewarm popularity and being Cleveland natives are you surprised that they are not actively trying to connect with fans? – Ryan Hardy, Cleveland.

Hey, Ryan: What is it you want Paul Dolan to do? He put a team on the field last year that won 92 games last year and the Cleveland fan base all but ignored it from an attendance point of view. Isn’t that an owners’ job, to put a team that wins on the field?

It’s true decisions like not signing Justin Masterson to an extension aren’t going to help Dolan’s popularity, but every owner has their individual style and operates according to their own business plan.

By the way, did you read Terry Pluto’s extensive sit down with Dolan in The Plain Dealer recently? Perhaps Dolan was listening to you.

Hey, Hoynsie: I can understand the NBA players who say the sleeved jerseys are uncomfortable and hurt their shooting. What I fail to understand is how baseball players don't complain about those long pants tugging on their knees when they have to bend their legs. What do these players have to say about it? – Dante Coracchione, Cleveland.

Hey, Dante: Do I sense a trace of sarcasm here? I will tell you one of the more interesting sights I saw every morning in the Indians’ spring-trainng lockerroom was players walking around in their game pants with the legs of the pants are pulled up over their knees.

They do it to stretch the pants so they can hook the ends under the heels of their spikes. Or, I would assume, just to stretch them out so they have nothing tugging on knees.

On the other hand, maybe MLB could bring back Bill Veeck’s version of the White Sox softball uniforms, complete with uniform shorts.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why do players announce that they will not negotiate a contract once the regular season starts? Isn't that what their agents are for? – Bob FitzGerald, Parma.

Hey, Bob: I hope a player’s agent is doing a lot more than that. I’m pretty sure you or I could announce that Player A, entering his free agent year, will not negotiate a contract extension once the regular season starts because he wants to be free of distractions. That would be easy, right.

Hey, Hoynsie: I heard Manny Ramirez wants to attempt another comeback. What are the chances of the Indians getting Many Ramirez? – David Preciado, Bell Gardens, Calif.

Hey, David: None, zero, zillch, nada. The circus has left town as far as Ramirez playing for the Tribe again.

Hopefully, the next time Manny sets foot in Progressive Field is to be placed in the Indians Hall of Fame. It’s going to take time to get over those two positive drug tests, but time heals all wounds right? Of course, it would be nice to see Albert Belle get in there in the interlude.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – Eleven Northeast Ohio wrestlers will compete in quarterfinal matches Saturday at The 25th Annual National High School Coaches Association National High School Wrestling Championships in Virginia Beach. This year's competition, which began Friday and ends Sunday, features a record 3,368 entries, including 31 from Northeast Ohio.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – Eleven Northeast Ohio wrestlers will compete in quarterfinal matches Saturday at The 25^th Annual National High School Coaches Association National High School Wrestling Championships in Virginia Beach.

This year's competition, which began Friday and ends Sunday, features a record 3,368 entries, including 31 from Northeast Ohio.

The event is broken up into four competitions, with wrestlers competing by grade. Local wrestlers in Friday's quarterfinals include:

Seniors

Markus Cruz, Clearview (120), Nick Boggs, Riverside (132), Nolan Whitely, Walsh Jesuit (132), Ryan Skonieczny, St. Vincent-St. Mary (138), Jairod James, Bedford (152).

Juniors

L.J. Bentley, St. Edward (113).

Sophomores

Harry Feuer, Mayfield (106).

Freshmen

Allan Hart, St. Edward (113), Tyler Stepic, St. Edward (160), Jaret Lester, St. Vincent-St. Mary (170), Jared Campbell, St. Edward (195).

For complete results, visit the National High School Coaches Association website.

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Everything you need to get ready for Monday night's first pitch.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Opening day is almost here. The Cleveland Indians begin their 2014 season on Monday night in Oakland, the first of a three-game series. After that, they will return to Cleveland for Friday's home opener against the Minnesota Twins.

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer have everything you need to get ready for the first pitch on Monday night at 10:05 and the entire Indians 2014 season:

The basics

• The roster
• The schedule
• Tribe player moves back to 2013
• Who went on the DL, when
• A look at 2013's individual stats
• And the 2013 situational stats

The Face of the Franchise

In four short years, Jason Kipnis made the transition from the outfield in the minors to All-Star second baseman and face of the franchise. His career track -- quick success and continued improvement -- should ease the Indians' concern as they explore signing him to a long-term contract. Read Bud Shaw's feature on the player who many see as the face of the Indians going forward.

Northeast Ohio Media Group Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes has been covering the team since 1983. See which five players he thinks have been the Face of the Indians during those years.

Derek Jeter, who has been a face of Major League Baseball almost his entire career, is retiring after the 2013 season. Northeast Ohio Media Group Indians reporter Zack Meisel has a list of 10 players who could take over that role after Jeter hangs up his cleats.

Players in the spotlight

• Mike Aviles on his versatility and the "Goon Squad" (video)
• Vinnie Pestano left tough 2013 behind and is ready for a big year
• Reliever Frank Herrmann making strides after Tommy John surgery
• Austin Adams' rifle arm wowed the Indians before they sent him down
• Terry Francona says he has the back of inconsistent pitcher Trevor Bauer

Paul Hoynes' position scouting reports, down to the minors

• First base
• Second base
• Shortstop
• Third base
• Left field
• Center field
• Right field
• Catcher
• Designated hitter
• The rotation
• The bullpen

Previewing MLB 2014

• Zack Meisel has thoughts; on how each team will perform; so he wrote haikus.
• Spring-training story lines from across MLB

Other interesting stuff

• Warm up with a spring training photo essay from PD photographer Chuck Crow
• Why Jason Giambi has a golden thong at the ready
• Grady Sizemore will be starting in center for the Red Sox
• Why the Thundercats matter
• Danny Salazar will start the home opener
• Carrasco, Atchison and Blake Wood made the roster - at least to start the season
• Ex-Tribe skipper Eric Wedge joins ESPN's Baseball Tonight
• The Indians are seeking fan photos for a mural
• Tom Hamilton and his son, Nick, have a special spring-training moment
• Ever wonder what Nick Swisher would be like as a roommate?
• Corey Kluber got off to a fast start in our Celebrity Bracket Contest
• Indians are down in the count to Justin Masterson, Bud Shaw writes
• And why a World Series might be the only way Masterson stays in Cleveland
• CEO Paul Dolan expects Tribe to contend again, writes Terry Pluto
• Some Indians have been to Japan, and back
• How to build a great list for your fantasy draft

Most Tribe fans believe the team can contend, but they wish ownership and the front office had added more talent during the off-season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Unfinished business?

That's the theme for this Tribe season. It didn't come from the marketing department -- but from the clubhouse.

It began when Terry Francona wrote a column for cleveland.com, stating among other things: "Together, we'll make memories and take care of unfinished business."

Nick Swisher grabbed on to the theme and had red T-shirts made up with the phrase UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

In my interview with Paul Dolan last Sunday, the Tribe's CEO talked about how the 92-70 record and the playoff appearance brought the franchise back from "total collapse."

But he also admitted, "I know our fans are looking for us to at least repeat what we did last year. They want to fully believe in us, and we want to give them a reason to do so. That's our goal."

Dolan's most revealing point was: "They want to fully believe in us, and we want to give them a reason to do so."

On my Facebook page, I asked fans what they expected from the Tribe this season.

Jane Duber (Olmstead Falls) wrote: "I already bought my son a Swisher UNFINISHED BUSINESS shirt for his 16th birthday. Game tickets are purchased, (now waiting) for nothing less than a World Series.

Then there was Michael McBride: "We lost two starters (free agents Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir) and can't come to contract terms with our No. 1 pitcher (Justin Masterson) … it may be Unfinished Business is Business As Usual … but if someone can get the most out of this roster, it's Francona."

While McBride expressed the well-understood skepticism of a Tribe fan, Francona give him reason to hope.

Then there are fans like Jerry Barmess, who wrote: "Low Expectations and poor taste have gotten me through many Indians Summers. Fun is what I expect and want. Win some, lose some … but Don't Knock The Rock."

Gotta love a Rocky Colavito reference 47 years after he last played for the Tribe.

Justin Masterson is excited about the season, fans just wish the front office had signed him to an extension.Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer

Not a perfect team

That seems to be the response of many Tribe fans.

Having spent two weeks in Goodyear, the sense from the key Tribe players is they expect to contend. The UNFINISHED BUSINESS theme makes sense to them. They finished a game behind Detroit in the Central Division. Their 92 victories were fourth best in the American League.

"With us, it's about the 25," Masterson said. The opening-day pitcher meant a team effort.

Francona often talks about playing "clean games," meaning staying away from errors (especially mental mistakes).

"We are not a team that can just throw the bats and balls out there (and outscore the opposition)," said the manager.

Fans are worried.

"Will the breakout pitchers from last season (Corey Kluber, Zach McAllister, Danny Salazar, etc.) progress or regress," wrote Adam Grossman (Cleveland Heights). "What will be (the situation) at third base? At shortstop? Can Jason Kipnis be a true all-star for an entire season?"

As General Manager Chris Antonetti admitted, "It's not a perfect club."

A lot went right last season from being 10-2 in extra inning games to 11 walk-off victories to a 30-17 record in one-run games.

Stats geeks will say they can't win so many games once again.

Francona and others will say the Indians must play that way to be successful.

Maybe that's why Samantha Samuel Candela (Euclid) expects another year of "pacing and sweating it out on the porch."

The Indians need a big season for younger starters such as Corey Kluber.Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer

Questions and doubts

And Grossman is correct when wondering about the pitching. Francona didn't push hard for a veteran starter. He believes Kluber, McAllister, Salazar and others such as Carlos Carrasco and Josh Tomlin (opening at Class AAA Columbus) can become quality starters.

Antonetti is counting on young talent maturing, and something that Kevin Rucker (Elyria) predicts: "Michael Bourn and Swisher to play up to their (free agent) contracts."

Vince Musa wrote: "The business stays unfinished because the front office dropped the ball in the off-season. They lost two starters, they're not sure of their closer … the team overachieved last year."

He predicted a record "around .500."

Many of the fans worried about the the team's supposed lack of power. But many also are seeing the Indians in the lens of the 1990s when the Tribe pounded the ball and stats were inflated in the steroid era.

The Tribe ranked a mediocre eighth in batting average and home runs, but they were fourth in runs scored. It was the middle-of-the-pack offense.

But lasting impressions linger, the 4-0 loss to Tampa Bay's Alex Cobb in the wild-card game.

"They are coming back with the same lineup that made Cobb look like his next stop is Cooperstown," wrote Jon Sladek (North Ridgeville).

One fan thinks this can be a big year for Michael Brantley.Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer

Predictions

So what will happen to some of the players?

"I expect Trevor Bauer (opening at Columbus) to be this year's Ubaldo Jimenez," wrote Joseph Albert (Conneaut).

"I expect Michael Brantley to raise his game to another level and receive MVP consideration," wrote Michael Moss (Mentor).

"I expect Blake Wood and his 98 mph heater to fill Joe Smith's shoes as the premier setup man," wrote Joe DeLillo (South Euclid).

"I expect Asdrubal Cabrera to be traded," wrote Peter Angove.

"I expect a major trade at the deadline," wrote Mike Sopp (Erie, Pa.).

I will have some predictions for Monday's paper about individual players, but I expect Cabrera to have a big year as he heads into free agency. And I worry about David Murphy, who followed up a miserable .220 batting average in 2013 with an even more miserable spring training.

Big picture?

"It's like saying you want to win the Indy 500 by making your Honda Civic run faster," wrote Jamie Mennell (Grafton). "(They will have to) overachieve to win 80-85 games."

In the other direction, Daniel Mitchell (Lakewood) wrote: "Another season with Tito (Francona) and chemistry in the clubhouse is encouraging, we're going back to the playoffs."

In Tito They Trust, the fans believe in Manager Terry Francona.Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer

Play ball

What was the last Cleveland team to come off a winning season and playoff appearance before the 2013 Tribe?

It's the 2009-10 Cavaliers, but expectations for the next season were ruined by LeBron James leaving for Miami.

The Cavs are headed for their fourth consecutive losing season. The Browns haven't been above 5-11 in the last six seasons.

The door is open for the Tribe to capture the attention of the casual fan.

"I predict a wagon so big, half of the city can jump on … AL Central champ, no doubt about it," wrote Geoff Gus (Westlake). "But they have to win this season to keep it rolling."

The Indians have not had consecutive winning seasons since 2000-01.

"I already have my tickets for the season, including the LAST game of the season -- it may come down to that (for the playoffs)," wrote Barbara Schopp-Miller (Mansfield).

Most fans seem to be expecting between 88-92 victories and a tight race for a playoff spot.

A key is improving on that dismal 4-15 record vs. the Tigers in the Central Division, as Robin Stanley Reese wrote.

"I want the Indians to remain likable, they are much more entertaining when they play with no sense of entitlement," wrote William Ewing.

With a payroll in baseball's bottom five, a strong manager in Francona and very little respect from the media -- this team doesn't have to worry about overconfidence.

Monday, the first of 162 games begins when the Tribe plays in Oakland.

Friday, it's Opening Day in Cleveland.

Many are like Marta Zamiska (Brecksville), who wrote: "The excitement of opening day ... the thrill of the first introductions ... The National Anthem. On Friday April 4th, at 3:05 pm, it is nothing but a season of possibilities. Take me out to the ballgame!"

The walleye and yellow perch populations in Lake Erie have remained stable, according to lake-wide fisheries experts, and no changes will be made in the Ohio bag limits for walleye and yellow perch for 2014.

WINDSOR, Ontario – There will be no changes in the Ohio bag limits for Lake Erie walleye or yellow perch for 2014 after the Lake Erie Committee (LEC) of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission reported at its annual meeting that the walleye population is healthier than expected, while schools of yellow perch are in a mild slump.

The Ohio walleye bag limit for Lake Erie will remain at six fish per day, four during the spring spawning season from March 1-April 30, said Jeff Tyson, head of Lake Erie fisheries management for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The yellow perch daily bag limit will continue to be 30 for the popular pan-sized fish.

The increase in Lake Erie’s walleye population estimate was a surprise, following mediocre spawning seasons. The jump in walleye numbers was the result of the LEC’s new population assessment model for determining how many walleye are swimming in Lake Erie. The new model increased the estimated size of the walleye population to more than 22 million fish.

“The new model was developed by the Lake Erie Percid Management Advisory Group and Michigan State University,” said Tyson. “It used studies that ran the gamut of fisheries assessments, fish harvested, effort by sport and commercial fishermen, age composition of the harvest, as well as a wide range of other data.”

Tyson is comfortable with the new model, even though the last few classes of walleye have been low to average. The bonanza year class of 2003 still makes up an overwhelming 30 percent of the population. They’re now trophy fish, ensuring Lake Erie’s status as the Walleye Capital of the World, but fishermen and fisheries managers have to wonder how long that single class can buoy Lake Erie’s walleye fishery.

The total allowable catch (TAC) for Lake Erie walleye was set at 4.027 million fish, a noticeable jump from a TAC of 3.356 million in 2013. Ohio gets the lion’s share of 2.058 million fish, up from 1.715 million in 2013, with Ontario allocated 1.734 million walleye. Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York get small shares of the TAC.

Ohio does not allow commercial fishing for walleye, and sport anglers have not come close to catching Ohio’s quota of walleye in decades. In Ontario, commercial walleye fishing dominates. Even with reduced effort in recent years, netters have been able to catch the majority of the Ontario quota.

Tyson is hopeful the 2014 walleye hatch will be a good one.

“We’ve seen a pattern of decent hatches associated with fairly severe winters, like we’ve had this year,” Tyson said. “It’s only one factor, though. The success of the hatch also depends on the right precipitation in the spring, gradual warming rates, survival of walleye eggs on the reefs and forage availability for larval and juvenile fish.”

The yellow perch population has slumped because of poor spawning success in Lake Erie’s Western Basin. The yellow perch TAC of 11.081 million pounds is 9 percent below last year’s 12.237 million pounds. Walleye quotas are set in numbers of walleye, while perch quotas are in pounds of fish.

Ontario’s gill-netters will rule with a perch quota of 5.409 million pounds. Ohio gets 4.418 million pounds, a decrease from 4.896 million pounds in 2013.

“We haven’t seen strong recruitment from the Western Basin perch populations in a number of years, but perch are doing very well in the Central Basin,” said Tyson, a positive note for Cleveland area anglers.

An increase in the Ohio sport and commercial angling effort for perch in the Central Basin has been driven by the excellent size of yellow perch being caught from the deeper, cooler waters. The catch rates over the last two years were among the highest Tyson has documented.

Temple transfer Anthony Lee, who officially visited the Buckeyes during the last two days, has decided to spend his final year with the Buckeyes, a source confirmed with Cleveland.com on Saturday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State has its big man.

Temple transfer Anthony Lee, who officially visited the Buckeyes during the last two days, has decided to spend his final year with the Buckeyes, a source confirmed with Cleveland.com on Saturday. The news was first reported by ESPN's Jeff Goodman. 

Lee, who was also considering Louisville, Iowa State, Indiana and Notre Dame, gives Ohio State another inside presence along with Amir Williams and Trey McDonald.

With one year of eligibility left, the 6-foot-9 Lee averaged 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds in 2013-14, by far his most productive season with the Owls. Lee is a graduate transfer, which means he can play out his final year of eligibility next season without missing a year. 

Not only were the Browns looking for more playoff experience on the roster, they wanted more toughness on defense.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking about the Browns and DeSean Jackson, the Browns and Pro Days, the Tribe's bullpen and the Cavs guards.

About the Browns ...

At the NFL meetings, Mike Pettine mentioned how the Browns had only two players on the roster who have appeared in playoff games -- Brian Hoyer and Paul Kruger.

That was the state of the roster not long after Pettine was hired as head coach.

Actually, tight end Gary Barnidge and kicker Billy Cundiff were in the playoffs, so there are four. But Pettine's point about the need for veteran leadership and players who know what it takes to win in the NFL is valid.

Of the four -- Hoyer, Kruger, Cundiff and Barnidge -- only Kruger was a starter on a playoff team.

Since then, the Browns have added safety Donte Whitner, linemen Paul McQuistan and linebacker Karlos Dansby -- and all have played in the Super Bowl. New running back Ben Tate has been in the playoffs, as has receiver Andrew Hawkins.

"Coaches can only provide so much leadership," Pettine said. "Players have to set the standard, too."

Pettine also is a rookie head coach.

While he seems extremely prepared for the job and looks and sounds the part of a head coach, he will need help in the locker room from the players. And he needs players who are willing to buy into his message.

"We wanted to add toughness up the middle of the defense — not to say that T.J. (Ward) and D’Qwell Jackson weren’t tough — but we wanted to add some fresh juice there."

My guess is the "fresh juice" part of his comments went to the heart of the changes. Pettine has to be concerned about how all the losing has squeezed so much hope out of so many players in the orange helmets over the years.

The new Browns coaches won't say it, but it's clear they believe the defense was sort of soft. It didn't rush the quarterback as hard as it should, nor did it gain much respect for its physical play -- especially at the end of games.

Part of the reason that Indians Manager Terry Francona pushed for veterans to be added to the roster was to help him combat the losing. Consider that Jason Giambi, Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn and Ryan Raburn all had playoff appearances in their backgrounds.

Will it work for the Browns?

Who knows?

But to think that they had so few guys on the roster with playoff experience was shocking.

The Browns should be very careful as they consider going after DeSean Jackson.AP

About DeSean Jackson ...

1. Let's start with what should be the obvious -- something is very wrong with DeSean Jackson. Why else would the Eagles cut a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver who has three years and $30 million left on his contract -- but not a penny guaranteed? He is of no risk to them, because they can cut him. Obviously, they didn't like his attitude. At the very least, he's friends with gang members.

2. An NJ.com story documented Jackson and his connections with some members of the Crips. The story stressed there is no proof he is a gang member, and Jackson has denied it. But he has been hanging around with some very unsavory characters, and there are pictures to prove it in the story. But there also are reports of Jackson being late for meetings and not being open to coaching.

3. On the field, he caught 82 passes last season, nine for touchdowns. For his six-year career, he's averaged 60 catches a season -- and 17.2 yards per catch. He's a big-time playmaker.

4. The idea of Josh Gordon on one side of the field and Jackson on the other has to be intriguing to the Browns. But a rookie coach and a rookie general manager have to wonder if Jackson will buy into what the Browns are trying to do in terms of installing discipline and a new system. And what will be his impact on Gordon, who is one failed drug test away from a possible full-year suspension.

5. Recently, Jackson's home was robbed, and he reported $250,000 in cash was stolen. That's right, his story is he had $250,000 in cash -- in his home.

6. The Browns need to check him out, because the Eagles clearly think there is more to this story than has been reported. Why else let a major talent simply walk away?

7. If they determine Jackson is worth the risk, they need to structure the contract so that very little is guaranteed. Jackson has to know that he's one mistake away from throwing away his career and millions of dollars. He can't view his release and new contract as a reward -- rather, it's a warning.

8. Unlike some people, I'm not ready to simply dismiss the possibility of Jackson in an orange helmet. But the Browns must be very, very careful how they approach this decision -- and not just be enamored by his talent.

9. When it comes to receivers, the Browns have two legitimate NFL starters. There is Gordon and newly signed Andrew Hawkins (in the slot). Greg Little remains on the roster, but haven't we seen enough of him. There also is Travis Benjamin, who has great speed and a very hard time staying healthy. That's why Jackson (or someone such as Sammy Watkins in the draft) has to be intriguing to the Browns.

10. There are other receivers on the roster, starting with slot-man Josh Cooper, who has 17 catches in two years. They have Connor Vernon (Duke) and Charles Johnson (Grand Valley State), and neither has an NFL catch. They liked Johnson, claiming him off the Packers practice squad. Tori Gurley is back, having been cut twice by the team. Maybe one from this group emerges, but it's clear the Browns need another receiver.

Johnny Manziel had a very impressive pro dayAP

About Johnny Manziel ...

One of the questions about Johnny Manziel was his willingness to put in the work and preparation.

Since the end of the season, the Texas A&M quarterback has done a tremendous job of knowing what to say and how to say it.

He either has a natural sense of marketing, or is smart enough to listen to those giving advice on how best to present himself to the public.

Either way, it's working for him.

And his decision to throw at his pro day with a helmet and shoulder pads -- unlike most quarterbacks -- and put a variety of throws on display reveals someone who put a great deal of thought into this event.

It shows that he should be able to be handle the preparation part of being an NFL quarterback, assuming he approaches it with this same zeal.

As a quarterback, the pro day doesn't change my opinion of Manziel. I remain worried about his tendency to scramble and his durability. Teddy Bridgewater remains my first choice for the Browns, when it comes to college quarterbacks.

But Manziel has been impressive with all the moves he has made since the end of the season. And he will be in demand by various companies to sell their products once the draft is over and the world knows where he will play.

About the Browns and pro days ...

The new front office of General Manager Ray Farmer and Pettine have stayed away from some of the biggest pro days, including the Manziel showcase.

No doubt, they have already studied a tape of it.

Do I think it's a big deal that they skipped it?

No.

Do I think it would have been a decent idea to go?

Yes, just in case there was something to see or hear in terms of additional information.

But Farmer says he "went to a lot of games and practices, I've seen them (the top quarterbacks) throw the ball."

And having the No. 4 pick, the Browns are in position to bring in some of the best players for private workouts.

But in the end, the game tape tells the story -- along with checking on a player's character and work habits.

So I didn't spend more than a minute thinking about how the Browns skipped Johnny Football's Pro Day.

Like Farmer, I believe it's far more important what you learn about a quarterback when they visit with him, as they will when traveling to California to meet with Fresno State's Derek Carr. I've heard for more than a month that the Browns have been intrigued by him.

John Axford had a strong spring training. He now needs to avoid another April disaster.Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer

About the Indians ...

1. For the Indians, the good news about John Axford is that the closer has hardly been in the news this spring. He's allowed one run in seven innings, striking out eight. I saw him pitch three times, his fastball was in the middle 90s. He looked like he had the stuff of a closer.

2. The early season is a big deal for Axford, who lost his closer's job in the first two weeks of 2013. His April ERA was 8.44 with five homers in 10 2/3 innings for the Brewers. For the rest of the year, he had a 2.81 ERA. About those first four blown saves, he told me, "I couldn't get out of an inning. I gave up 4-5 homers. I've never been through anything like that."

3. You build the bullpen from the closer -- backwards. When the Tribe had disastrous seasons in 2006, 2008 and 2009 (when they were expected to win), it was because of bullpen blowouts. Closers such as Joe Browoski, Kerry Wood and others failed. In 2008, Jensen Lewis led the team with 13 saves. In 2009, Wood had only 20 while making $10 million. In 2006, Bob Wickman had 15 saves and was traded to Atlanta, then the former Fausto Carmona blew up as he tried to close games.

4. From 2010-13, Chris Perez averaged 31 saves and converted 88 percent. He fell apart in the second half of 2013 and is now with the Dodgers. It's up to Axford to return to the form that helped him save 105 games from 2010-12 for the Brewers.

5. The bullpen has been overhauled. Gone are Rich Hill, Joe Smith, Matt Albers and Perez. When the 2013 season opened, the Tribe was counting on Perez, Smith and Vinnie Pestano to pitch the last two innings. This season, it's Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw and Axford in those important roles.

6. Bullpens are the most volatile parts of a team, and it's why Manager Terry Francona opened the season with eight relievers. He loves a full bullpen.

7. Remember Jose Ramirez, the little infielder who made an impact in September. He had thumb surgery in the off-season and that led to a slow start this spring. But in the minor league camp, he's hitting .389 and is expected to start at second base for Class AAA Columbus. He's only 21 and has a .307 minor league average. This guy is a very strong prospect who has been over-shadowed by Francisco Lindor.

8. The Tribe believes Blake Wood has improved in holding runners on base. That was another reason he made the team, along with his 98 mph fastball. Heading into this season, opposing runners were 17-of-17 stealing bases against him in his big league career.

Can Trevor Bauer develop quickly and bring a real boost to the Tribe rotation at some point in 2014?Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer

About the Columbus rotation ...

The Indians used nine different starting pitchers last season -- and yes, that includes the three starts and 8.02 ERA for Brett Myers.

Trevor Bauer started four games (1-2, 5.29), and Carlos Carrasco started seven (0-4, 9.00).

So what's the point?

The Indians believe they will need 7-to-9 starters again. Pitchers get hurt. Pitchers slump. Changes are needed.

That's why Josh Tomlin is opening at Columbus. They want him ready to immediately jump into the rotation when something goes wrong -- as it probably will.

An issue for the Tribe is the lack of starters at Class AAA.

That's because the young starters are in the Majors. Consider that current rotation members Danny Salazar, Corey Kluber and Carrasco all did time at Columbus last season.

Here is a breakdown of the Clippers rotation:

1. Tomlin, who had a strong spring and deserved to make the team. Carrasco was out of minor league options, so he received the first shot in the rotation. If Carrasco falters, he moves to the bullpen and Tomlin is recalled.

2. Bauer, whose velocity is up from the lows 90s last season to 94-98 mph this spring. His delivery seems better. Is he ready for the Majors? At some point, we'll probably find out.

3. T.J. House, a 24-year-old lefty. His overall stats (9-11, 4.17 ERA) between Columbus and Class AA Akron were not impressive, but he was 6-1 with a 2.65 ERA in his final 11 starts for Columbus last season.

4. Tyler Cloyd, who was 2-7 with a 5.65 ERA for the Phillies last season. He was 4-9 with a 5.98 ERA in Class AAA. He was a prospect in 2012, when he was 12-1 with a 2.35 ERA for Class AAA Lehigh Valley. He's 26 and was signed as a minor league free agent.

5. Travis Banwart, also signed as a minor league free agent. The 28-year-old right-hander has spent the last four years at Class AAA Sacramento, but never appeared in a big league for Oakland. He was 10-5 with a 4.60 ERA last season for Sacramento.

6. Cody Anderson is expected to open at Class AA Akron, but he is a starting prospect who can advance quickly. He was 9-4 with a 2.34 ERA for Class A Carolina. He's only 23 and was the Tribe's Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2013. He is not a sizzling Salazar-type prospect, but the Tribe likes him very much.

Scott Kazmir is Oakland's No. 2 starter this season, having a 1.65 ERA in spring training.AP

About former Indians ...

1. These two names were in last season's opening day lineup: Mark Reynolds and Drew Stubbs. Reynolds (.245, 2 HR this spring) has earned a spot on the Milwaukee roster. Stubbs will play at least some of the time in the outfield for Colorado, where he batted .333 this spring.

2. Ubaldo Jimenez had a 5.28 ERA this spring, only eight strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings for the Orioles. After signing a $50 million contract, you know he's in the rotation.

3. Scott Kazmir is the No. 2 starter in Oakland after a 1.65 ERA this spring.

4. Chris Perez and Joe Smith were the two top guys in the Tribe bullpen at the start of last season. Perez is not the closer with the Dodgers, but he had a decent spring (3.15 ERA). Now with the Angels, Smith allowed three earned runs in 8 2/3 innings. Both pitchers will be set-up men this season.

5. Scott Atchison has replaced Matt Albers as the middle relief man. Albers is now with Houston and had a 2.57 ERA this spring. Rich Hill also was on the opening day roster. He was recently sent to minor league camp by Boston.

6. I forgot that Lou Marson opened the season as the backup catcher. Yan Gomes was in Columbus. Marson was cut by the Phillies in the middle of March.

Dion Waiters and Jarrett Jack have played well together recently.AP

About the Cavs guards ...

In the month of March, Dion Waiters is averaging 19.3 points and shooting .453 from the field, along with passing off for 4.5 assists per game.

Also in March, Jarrett Jack is averaging 12.6 points, shooting .512 percent.

The temptation is to say that much of that has happened since Kyrie Irving was injured, which is true. He has missed the last seven games.

But what the Cavs discovered is that Waiters, Irving and Jack are "high usage" players. That means they dominate the ball. The NBA has some internal stats to show that is indeed the case.

At times, Coach Mike Brown tried playing all three together -- and it didn't work. Not enough basketballs.

If the Cavs do play three guards, the third has to be Matthew Dellavedova, who doesn't need the ball that much.

In fact, Dellavedova has helped the Cavs run more because he loves to pass the ball up the court -- rather than dribble it, as most NBA guards do. Jack has also been doing that.

The message is to Waiters and the rest, "Get out and run, we will get you the ball."

The real question will be how the guard rotation works if Irving returns from his biceps injury this season.

The Cavs believe Irving and Waiters can work together, if they make a commitment to do so.

But what also is clear is that Waiters can run the team without Irving. That's important. If Irving doesn't return this season, he will miss 18 games due to injuries. In his previous two seasons, it was 23 and 18 games missed due to injury.

So the Cavs need a strong backup point guard behind Irving.

And if the Cavs do end up in a situation this summer where Irving shows no interest in signing any sort of contract extension, they do have the option of trading him and having Waiters run the team.

Assuming David Griffin remains as general manager, the Cavs definitely will make a strong push to re-sign Spencer Hawes.Thomas Ondrey / The Plain Dealer

About the Cavs ...

1. Spencer Hawes has struggled lately. He has been battling a sore ankle, and refused to take any games off. He wants to help the team make the playoffs. The Cavs have been impressed, because he is a free agent at the end of the year. He could have said, "I need a week our two off to rest my ankle." And that also would help his stats look better.

2. Interim General Manager David Griffin definitely has an interest in re-signing Hawes, and Hawes seems to be interested in staying with the Cavs.

3. Luol Deng is figuring out how he can help the Cavs -- and the Cavs are putting the veteran small forward in positions to be productive. In the last six games, he's averaging 15.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and shooting 49 percent. The Cavs are creating more chances for him to cut to the basket and move without the ball.

4. Coach Mike Brown has been impressed with how Deng is feeling more secure in his role as a veteran and has been delivering some strong messages in the huddle about defense and moving the ball.

5. Like Hawes, Deng is a free agent. The big question will be how much the Cavs will offer him -- and they are expected to offer him some type of contract, because they need a small forward. But they know Deng battles various injuries, and it would be unwise to offer huge dollars and a long contract to the 10-year veteran.

Anthony Lee averaged 13.6 points per game next year, but his versatility to play in multiple lineups could be his biggest value next season.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – You know the story of Amir Williams. He’s a former McDonald’s All-American who has yet to live up to expectations heading into his senior season.

So the first thing you thought when you heard Ohio State secured graduate transfer Anthony Lee from Temple on Saturday was this: “Finally, the Buckeyes will have a presence in the paint.”

Yes, that’s true. But Lee’s addition could mean so much more than that.

Ohio State is a vastly different team now after losing seniors Aaron Craft and Lenzelle Smith Jr. and junior LaQuinton Ross, who opted to forgo his senior season to pursue the NBA. It must now lean on Shannon Scott to run the offense while hoping the pieces gel when Thad Matta welcomes in his top-five 2014 recruiting class.

Prolific high school scorers D'Angelo Russell and Keita Bates-Diop are on the way, and given the Buckeyes' issues with Williams and Trey McDonald in the paint this year, it was believed that they'd have to rely on the backcourt for scoring next year.

Lee changes that now.

The 6-foot-9 big man averaged 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds in 2013-14 for Temple, which was by far his most productive season. That would have been the second-leading scorer on Ohio State's team last year behind only Ross. He's gone.

So what does the addition of Lee actually mean? First, he bring three years of experience and an active, athletic body in the paint with developed offensive post moves and rebounding ability. He should be Ohio State's starting center immediately, and he can score.

Thad Matta likes to go small, and that will likely continue to be the case this year with Scott at the point, Russell at shooting guard, Sam Thompson at small forward and Marc Loving at power forward. But don't get too giddy yet, you're not getting rid of Williams.

When Ohio State goes big, Williams and Lee could be on the floor at the same time, with Lee replacing Loving at the four. The hope is that Williams takes a step forward this offseason to become a serviceable big man, and if that's the case, that could mean a pretty productive big lineup as well. 

But the Buckeyes will be a small team this year, and when they're small, Lee is the five. That meshes perfectly – maybe even better than when Ross was the five in last year's small lineup – given he's big enough to give Ohio State a post presence, but he's also small and agile enough to get up and down the floor and score. 

Here’s what the rotation should look like next season: 

PG – Shannon Scott, D’Angelo Russell

SG – D’Angelo Russell, Kam Williams

SF – Sam Thompson, Keita Bates-Diop, Jae’Sean Tate

PF – Marc Loving, Keita Bates-Diop, David Bell

C- Anthony Lee, Amir Williams, Trey McDonald, David Bell

First pitch from the University of San Diego is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. EDT.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The Cleveland Indians have their final tuneup for the regular season when they take on the San Diego Padres this afternoon at the University of San Diego. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m.

On Friday night, Asdrubal Cabrera and Yan Gomes each hit a three-run homer, Carlos Santana had a solo shot and the Indians routed the Padres, 16-4, at USD's Fowler Park. 

It was the opener of the two-game series at Fowler Park, named for Padres vice chairman Ron Fowler, who donated $10 million for its construction. 

Today's game will be broadcast on WTAM 1100 AM and broadcast on MLB Network. 

Join Northeast Ohio Media Group Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes for chat and updates during the game in the comments below.

The Cavaliers' lost sole possession of their record 26 straight losses set in 2010-11 when Philadelphia equaled it this week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Alonzo Gee doesn't remember much of the time, and it might be for the best.

In 2010, the Cavaliers swingman had just been signed out of the NBA Development League by Cleveland, and he was trying to find a way to stick at the top level.

From Dec. 20, 2010 to Feb. 9, 2011, Gee experienced 26 straight losses with a Cavaliers team still reeling from the unexpected loss of LeBron James in the off-season.

Welcome to the NBA.

"I had just got signed around that time, so I was just happy to be playing, you know?" Gee said. "It was tough. We were all playing hard and we made a little mistake at the end of the game and it cost us a game. It's tough."

Gee is one of two Cavaliers left in Cleveland from that squad (Anderson Varejao is the other), one of two who still remembers what it was like to lose 26 in a row – the record for most consecutive losses by a professional sports team.

It was a record the Cavaliers held securely until the Philadelphia 76ers grabbed an equal share of history this week. Or should they be the Philadelphia 26ers?

It's difficult to lose so many games in a row – until you remember the circumstances of that 2010-11 Cavaliers season. Part of the glory for the Cavaliers in holding the record was that they had a backstory that made the misery compelling.

James had left Cleveland, and the Cavaliers were left without a Plan B. The lineup included names like Christian Eyenga, Jamario Moon, Joey Graham and Samardo Samuels. All great guys, but not exactly All-NBA material. They tried hard, but they simply didn't have the talent.

"I know it's tough for them right now, especially when guys are playing hard, trying to win," Gee said.

Spencer Hawes was in Philadelphia for the start of the Sixers streak before he was traded to the Cavaliers on Feb. 20. Although the Sixers dumped nearly every desirable player at the trade deadline, Hawes still was shocked to see where his old teammates are now.

"I didn't think it'd get there," he said. "It's just frustrating. It's frustrating when you're in the middle of it, but at the same time you have to try to focus on the little things and do your job every day, and not let it take over your life.

"I feel for the guys going through it now."

Gee feels for them, too. In fact, the Cavaliers guard was stunned to hear his old record was in danger of toppling last week – even though it took some prodding for him to remember exactly what that period was like.

"What'd we lose?," Gee asked. "Twenty-six, you said? Man, that's a lot of games."

Chillicothe, Ohio -- Welcome to Opening Day baseball, or what was supposed to be opening day -- until, not surprisingly, Mother Nature took over. In the First Pitch Classic, St. Edward faced Gahanna Lincoln. The game started at 9:30 a.m. and the Eagles were able to do 3 2/3 innings of work through the rain, in which they took...

Chillicothe, Ohio -- Welcome to Opening Day baseball, or what was supposed to be opening day -- until, not surprisingly, Mother Nature took over.

In the First Pitch Classic, St. Edward faced Gahanna Lincoln. The game started at 9:30 a.m. and the Eagles were able to do 3 2/3 innings of work through the rain, in which they took an 8-1 lead. Then a pitcher slipped. Then a catcher. The umpires called a rain delay. Then the rain began to come down harder and they called the game. Lincoln's bus left to head back by noon.

Welcome to the opening day of HS baseball. St. Edward led Gahanna Lincoln 8-1 with 2 outs left in 4th. pic.twitter.com/Dy9ZBn4rDK

— Stephanie Kuzydym (@stephkuzy) March 29, 2014

The weather also cancelled the must-see matchup between Cincinnati Moeller and St. Ignatius, a rematch of the state title game. Although it would have been a matchup to see, it obviously would not have nearly the implications that the last game of last season had. Plus, it's opening day. Teams aren't going to be the same on the first day as they are the last.

Officials told cleveland.com that the weather forecast showed that more heavy rain was coming and that the temperatures would continue to drop below 40 degrees by the first pitch of the 6:30 matchup between St. Ignatius and Bishop Watterson.

The Wildcats were still 45 minutes away from the VA Memorial Stadium when they were called with the news. They had stopped for lunch.

"Now they're fed and we're headed back north," Wildcats coach Brad Ganor said with a laugh. "They're watching "Moneyball" right now, so they'll get a little bit of baseball in."

With this kind of weather, that's really all anyone can hope for.

After 7 soggy innings the umpires decided to call the game due to cold and field conditions. Game 1 ends in a 4-4 tie with CVCA.

— Hoban Baseball (@HobanBaseball) March 29, 2014

Tomorrow's baseball games vs. Columbia and softball games vs. N. Olmsted have been cancelled. Make up dates TBD.

— Ranger Athletics (@nrhssports) March 28, 2014

Games for Sat. canceled for all 3 levels. FR practice at 10:30. JV practice at 9. Varsity no practice. Good work this week!

— Brecksville Baseball (@Brecks_Baseball) March 28, 2014

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (skuzydym@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@stephkuzy). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Just last Saturday, St. Edward won its second basketball state title in program history. Eagles coach Eric Flannery and assistant coach Danny Gallagher danced in the locker room after the game. We'll spare you from those videos. But here are some gifs of Derek Funderburk and Marsalis Hamilton celebrating the win with the Nae Nae ......

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Just last Saturday, St. Edward won its second basketball state title in program history.

Eagles coach Eric Flannery and assistant coach Danny Gallagher danced in the locker room after the game. We'll spare you from those videos. But here are some gifs of Derek Funderburk and Marsalis Hamilton celebrating the win with the Nae Nae ... you know, that Nae Nae dance Mercer did after beating Duke. 

Yup, we caught it all on camera and eternalized it on repeat. 

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (skuzydym@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@stephkuzy). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Ware became Louisville's rallying point on the way to the national title after he broke his leg in a win over Duke in the finals of the Midwest Regional last season.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A year after his gruesome leg injury in the NCAA tournament, Kevin Ware is transferring from Louisville.

Ware became Louisville's rallying point on the way to the national title after he broke his leg in a win over Duke in the finals of the Midwest Regional last season.

He had a rod inserted in the leg and tried to come back this season. But he averaged 1.7 points over nine games and eventually took a medical redshirt.

He wasn't seen with the team over the past several weeks. On Saturday, the day after Louisville's season ended with a loss to Kentucky, the junior from the Atlanta area announced his decision.

"We wish Kevin Godspeed," coach Rick Pitino said.

The first two regional finals for the 2014 NCAA tournament take place Saturday.

So much went so right for the Tribe last season, hard to imagine all that happening again.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians will win 85 games this season and miss the playoffs.

That's my prediction, and it's probably about as accurate as so many other of my predictions.

Yes, the dumbest was the Cavs going 46-36 the year after LeBron James left for Miami. I will have that one stuck to my bald head for the rest of my years.

For what it's worth, here's what I wrote about the Tribe at the start of the last three seasons:

2011: They'd finish 74-88, actual record was 80-82.

2012: They'd finish 76-86, actual record was 68-94.

2013: They'd finish 82-80, actual record was 92-70.

So I've never been close to right, and actually pessimistic in two of the last three seasons.

Which brings us to this year, as I try to figure out how the Tribe can win at least 90 games.

They'd have to do it much as they did a year ago -- in some amazing fashion.

Consider the following:

1. The Indians were 30-17 in one-run games. In the American League, only the Yankees (30-16) were better.

2. They were an American League best 10-2 in extra inning games.

3. They had 11 walk-off victories compared to only two walk-off losses.

4. They were 4-15 vs. Central Division winner Detroit, but still finished only a game behind the Tigers. That's because they were a combined 30-8 vs. Minnesota and the White Sox in the Central Division.

5. They ended the year with a 10-game winning streak.

Yes, Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher had below average seasons.

And by the end of the year, Chris Perez had collapsed as the closer.

And Asdrubal Cabrera was mediocre. Meanwhile, the team could never find a third baseman.

But so much went so right, beginning with the starting pitching.

Not even Terry Francona would have dared to dream that Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir would combine for 24 victories, with Jimenez being perhaps the best pitcher in the American League after the All-Star break.

That's part of the reason the Tribe didn't make a serious bid to keep either pitcher -- they doubt it will happen again.

For the Indians to win at least 90 games, they need three of these four starters to win at least 12 games: Carlos Carrasco, Corey Kluber, Danny Salazar and Zach McAllister.

Josh Tomlin is the first starter ready to be promoted from Class AAA Columbus, and he could end up with more victories than at least two of the current rotation.

Can Yan Gomes have another big season? The same with Ryan Raburn? Can David Murphy not repeat the .220 he hit for Texas last season?

The offense will be inconsistent.

For the Indians to overachieve once again … as they did last year … the pitching will have to do it.

John Axford will need to return to the John Axford who saved 81-of-92 games from 2011-12 with Milwaukee. He actually looked like that pitcher in spring training, rather than the guy who was 0-of-7 in saves last year and lost his closer's job.

The Indians are blessed with a premier manager in Terry Francona and one of the games best young pitching coaches in Mickey Callaway.

Maybe they will surprise again with pitching, as Francona knows how to handle a bullpen. Jimenez should give at least $10 million of his $50 million deal from Baltimore to Callaway, who saved his career.

So perhaps Trevor Bauer will shock everyone and quickly develop. And maybe Carrasco finally puts everything together as a starter.

And maybe the offense continues to come up with clutch hits to keep winning those one-run games as Detroit wins the Central Division, and the wild card goes to Boston and Oakland.

There is always a chance for more magic, like last season. And the arms are young and talented enough to surprise.

But I don't see everything meshing as it did a year ago.

An 85-77 season could keep them in contention, but it's probably not enough to make the playoffs.