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Cleveland Indians On Deck: Game 2

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The Indians face former teammate Scott Kazmir on Tuesday night in the second game of their three-game series against the Athletics in Oakland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians play the Athletics on Tuesday night in Oakland.

Season Game: 2

Opponent: Oakland Athletics.

Location: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.

Scheduled first pitch: 10:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: SportsTime Ohio; MLB Network; WTAM/AM 1100; WMMS/FM 100.7.

Pitching matchup: Indians RHP Corey Kluber (--) vs. Athletics LHP Scott Kazmir (--).

Season series: Indians lead, 1-0. Indians won, 5-2, last season (4-0 in Cleveland, 1-2 in Oakland).

Indians update: Defeated Athletics, 2-0, Monday night in Oakland. RHP Justin Masterson gave up three hits in seven innings of a no-decision. LF Michael Brantley went 2-for-4 with two doubles -- the only Indian with multiple hits and an extra-base hit. Tribe scored twice in ninth. CA Yan Gomes was hit by pitch in left elbow in ninth; he remained in the game.

Kluber snapshot: Went 11-5 with a 3.85 ERA in 26 games (24 starts) last season, which began in Class AAA Columbus. Dealt with middle-finger injury during season. Success last year tied to uptick in velocity. ... Is 0-2 with 2.19 ERA in three games (two starts) against Oakland.

Athletics update: Coming off 10th straight Opening Day loss. SS Jed Lowrie, DH Brandon Moss and LF Yoenis Cespedes, the Nos. 3-4-5 hitters, combined to go 0-for-12.

Kazmir snapshot: Signed with Oakland (two years, $22 million) after going 10-9 with a 4.04 ERA in 29 starts for Indians last year. Had pitched independent ball in 2012. Plus-fastball velocity and command returned last year, leading to 162 strikeouts in 158 innings. Fastball was complemented by quality changeup and breaking stuff. Changeup got better as the season progressed. ... Went 1-0 with a 1.62 ERA in four spring training starts.

Injuries: Indians – CF Michael Bourn (left hamstring) and DH Jason Giambi (right rib) are on disabled list; INF/OF Mike Aviles (back) is day to day. Athletics – RHP Jarrod Parker (elbow) is out for season; LHP Eric O’Flaherty (elbow) is on 60-day DL; RHP A.J. Griffin (arm), CF Craig Gentry (back), RHP Ryan Cook (shoulder) and RHP Fernando Rodriguez (elbow) are on 15-day DL.

Next for Indians: Series concludes Wednesday afternoon.


Ohio State Buckeyes spring football game to be televised on the Big Ten Network

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Wisconsin's game will also be televised live on April 12, while Penn State and Nebraska will have their games shown on tape delay.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Big Ten Network will televise Ohio State's spring football game, which will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on April 12 in Ohio Stadium.

That's one of eight Big Ten spring games on that date, including those for Penn State, Wisconsin and Nebraska. (Michigan's is on April 5, and Michigan State's on April 26.)

Tickets for the spring game are $12 in advance and $20 at the gate on the day of the game. The game is a double-header with lacrosse, and will follow the 11 a.m. Ohio State-Michigan lacrosse game at Ohio Stadium. One ticket gets you in to both.

Penn State's game is also at 1:30 and will be shown on tape delay on the Big Ten Network at 6 p.m.

Nebraska's game is at 3 p.m. and will be shown on tape delay on the Big Ten Network at 8 p.m.

Wisconsin's game kicks off at 4 p.m. and will be shown live on the Big Ten Network.

So, that full day of spring game viewing on the Big Ten Network:

1:30-3:30: Ohio State, live

4-6: Wisconsin, live

6-8: Penn State, tape delay

8-10: Nebraska, tape delay


Cleveland Browns reportedly "going hard'' after DeSean Jackson

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The Browns are going hard after receiver DeSean Jackson, according to Dianna Russini of NBC Washington.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns are "going hard'' after former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson, according to a television station in Washington, D.C.

NBC Washington's Diana Russini reported Tuesday that the Browns have made a strong offer for the three-time Pro Bowl receiver, who's currently visiting the Redskins.

The Browns like Jackson as a player and were prepared to do their homework on him when he was released by the Eagles on Friday, just as they would any top-notch player. If they determined Jackson could help them and fit into the team structure, they were prepared to make a pitch.

Russini also also reported that the 49ers tossed their hat into the ring, and a Redskins source told her, "If Jackson gets on the plane...its going to be hard to sign him. He's at (Redskins) Park now. They can't let him leave."

Meanwhile, ESPN Washington reported at about 1 p.m. that the Redskins and Jackson were moving closer to a contract.

There's no question that Jackson, 27, would make a formidable duo with Browns Pro Bowl receiver Josh Gordon and that the two would be tough to stop.

After all, Jackson finished ninth in the NFL with 1,332 yards to Gordon's first-place 1,646 yards. He also matched Gordon's nine TDs and had only five fewer receptions with 82.

Jackson's spokesperson, Denise White, told USA Today on Friday that six teams called about Jackson within 30 minutes after his release. She didn't name them.

But league sources familiar with Jackson's situation told cleveland.com that the Browns -- with a first-time general manager in Ray Farmer and first-time head coach in Mike Pettine -- should steer clear of Jackson because of off-the-field concerns, many of which were revealed Friday in an investigative piece on nj.com.

The story details Jackson's association with Los Angeles gang members who have been tied to a pair of homicides since 2010.

An Eagles source told nj.com, "They are concerned about having him around the younger players."

Is Jackson the kind of player the Browns want around Gordon, who's one failed drug test away from banishment from the NFL?

NJ.com outlined Jackson's association with rapper Theron Shakir, who was charged with the murder of a 14-year-old in 2010. Shakir was acquitted of the murder and a related gun charge in 2013, but he's believed to be a member of the Crips. Known as T-Ron, he has also recorded for the Jaccpot Records label owned by Jackson.

Los Angeles police detective Eric Crosson told NJ.com that he interviewed Jackson about the incident by phone in 2011, and tried to alert the Eagles to Jackson's possible ties to a murderer. He told NJ.com that he never received a response from the team.

The following year, the Eagles signed Jackson to a five-year, $48.5 million contract extension.

Jackson's former football coach at Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif., Raul Lara, told NJ.com that Jackson started to go astray after his father, Bill, died from pancreatic cancer in the mid-2000s. "When his dad passed away, I think DeSean started to hang around some not-so-good people,'' Lara said.

After his release on Friday, Jackson released a statement thanking the Eagles and denying any gang involvement.

"First, I would like to thank the Eagles organization, the Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia for my time in Philly,'' Jackson said in the statement. "I would also like to thank coach Andy Reed [sic] for bringing me in. Secondly, I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang.

"I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible. I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true. I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless."

Crosson told NJ.com that police also tried to contact Jackson about a 2012 gang-related murder that occurred outside a Los Angeles business owned or leased by a member of Jackson's family. A search of the building turned up documents belonging to Jackson including credit card receipts, a car title, and a gun permit.

He stressed that Jackson was never a suspect in the murder and that police have no concrete evidence that Jackson is a member of Crips.

However, Crosson expressed concern about Jackson apparently flashing the Crips sign in a game last season.

"You don't want to see anybody throwing up gang signs like he did in the Redskins game last year," Crosson told nj.com. "Those were neighborhood Crip gang signs and he flashed them during a game. He may not be affiliated with the gang, but they don't [ordinarily] take kindly to those not in the gang throwing up those gang signs."

The Browns, like many teams, are intrigued by Jackson's raw ability. But it remains to be seen if he'll even set foot outside of Redskins Park.

If Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has his way, Jackson won't leave the nation's capital.

"Very exciting player. Determined to show he is the best and hungry to win. My kinda guy," Griffin told ESPN's Britt McHenry.


Cleveland Indians at Oakland A's: Get updates and post your comments

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Get scoring updates and analysis from the Tribe's second game of the year against the Oakland A's and chat with cleveland.com's Chris Fedor, Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes in the comments section.

OAKLAND, California - The Indians look for their second win in a row to start the 2014 season tonight at 10:05 p.m. against the Oakland Athletics.

Get scoring updates and analysis from the Indians-Athletics game and join our reporters in the comments section.

Indians RHP Corey Kluber, who was given a bigger role in the rotation after the departure of Ubaldo Jimenez this off-season, will make his season debut against former Tribe hurler Scott Kazmir.

FREQUENTLY REFRESH this page to get the latest updates. If you're viewing this on your mobile app, click here for comments.

Kyrie Irving feels good, might return for Cavaliers game at Orlando

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The Cavaliers' point guard practiced Tuesday for the first time since suffering a strained left biceps two weeks ago.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – The good news is that Kyrie Irving practiced Tuesday, felt good after testing his strained left biceps that has been resting for two weeks, and declared that he is hopeful he is healthy enough to play Wednesday in Orlando.

"It felt good to finally be back out there again," he said. "Took contact, knocked some of the rust off."

The bad news, of course, is the Cavaliers now have to figure out what to do with him.

What to do with an All-Star point guard, the Cavaliers' scoring leader and dazzling ball-handler?

It sounds preposterous, but the Cavaliers must find a way to integrate Irving into a core group that has found sudden chemistry in winning four of its last five and remaining in the hunt for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With seven games remaining, the Cavaliers are three games behind eighth-seeded Atlanta.

"Our team has been playing extremely well. We've been doing some great things and I'm ready to help them out," Irving said. "Whether I get the OK [Wednesday] or not, I'm just going to stay ready."

When Irving returns, he'll take his 21.2 points per game back into the starting lineup, but Cavaliers coach Mike Brown was less clear about what he'd do with the rest of the rotation.

Dion Waiters has been steady and solid as the Cavaliers' starting shooting guard, averaging 22 points on 44-percent shooting and 5.1 assists in the last eight games. And although Waiters has been a reserve since Nov. 20 until this stretch, Brown was less certain he'd return him to the bench.

"Dion's played very well for us in his role," Brown said. "There are things we all can work on, including him, but he's played well for us."

Irving has been excited to watch the development of his Cavaliers over the last two weeks, even if he's been relegated to what he called "the biggest cheerleader."

"When we talked to you guys at the beginning of the season, we said, 'Aw, we need to figure this out, we need to figure that out,'" Irving said. "But now, as I'm watching the team, even late in games we get down 14, 16 with five minutes left to go in the game, and teams just can't score against us in that last five minutes. We've learned how to buckle down. We're finding ways to win and learning how to win."

And winning is something Irving thinks he can find a way to seamlessly manage with the Cavaliers.

"These guys trust me and I trust them," Irving said. "We're all teammates. I've been staying locked in with them since I got hurt, which has been really important for me, and really good for my growth."

Learning to win without Irving has been good for the Cavaliers growth, too.

"The team just kept fighting," Brown said. "It kept fighting defensively, and trying to play for one another offensively. We've been trending that way. If you look at the way we've played, even if you look at statistics, which is black and white in my opinion, over the last two months, you could see us getting better. So it's no different when he gets better."

Bennett excused: Rookie Anthony Bennett has been excused from the Cavaliers' trip to Orlando and Atlanta to attend to a family medical matter in his hometown Toronto, the team announced. Bennett has missed the last 11 games with a left knee injury.

Deng nominated: Luol Deng is one of five NBA players nominated for the Pro Basketball Writers Association's J. Walter Kennedy Award. The award is given to a player, coach or trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community. Deng recently recorded a public service announcement for EnoughProject.org urging peace during a time of renewed conflict in his native South Sudan.

Cavs at Orlando

Time: 7 p.m. Wednesday at Amway Center.

TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio, WTAM AM/1100.

Notable: The Cavaliers are 3-0 against Orlando this season. ... The only time Cleveland has swept a regular-season series against the Magic was in 1990-91. ... Dion Waiters is averaging 19 points and 4.5 rebounds in 34 minutes against Orlando this season.

Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson: NFL Draft 2014 player snapshot

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The offensive tackle could well be a top-10 pick and first OT selected.

BEREA, Ohio -- As the 2014 NFL draft approaches, we're spotlighting some of the top prospects who might be of interest in the Browns. Today's focus is Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson, a first-team all-SEC standout who helped the Tigers reach the national championship game. The player comments are taken from NFL Scouting Combine interviews.

GREG ROBINSON

The vitals

College: Auburn

Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 332

Position: OT

Draft projection: Top half of first round

Browns Need Scale

From 1 (low) to 5 (high) 3:

Browns coach Mike Pettine has not ruled out shifting Mitchell Schwartz to guard. The club did sign versatile Paul McQuistan in free agency. Would the Browns use the No. 4 overall pick to select a right tackle, who would be viewed as Joe Thomas’ long-term replacement at left tackle. It’s another excellent crop of tackles with Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews and Michigan’s Taylor Lewan.

JaMarcus Russell Bust Meter

Medium. He remains a raw talent, but one likened to former Buckeyes' tackle Orlando Pace.


In his own words

You’re known as a great run blocker. Are you trying to prove you’re a better pass blocker?

“I understand about the run blocking because I worked on it a lot. I’ve also worked the pass. It was limited. I feel I’m decent enough and I will prove myself and I will prove myself if there’s anybody doubting that I can’t pass block . . . I’m not at full potential right now. I still have a lot to go. I started last year was my first season starting. Like the guys they have ahead of me like Jake Matthews, he started since he was a freshman. That’s just something I feel I need to prove.”

Why did you decide to enter the draft as a third-year sophomore?

“I talked a lot with my family. It’s basically the financial situation back home, I didn’t come from much. It’s something I considered and I talked a lot with them. And I just told my mom I was going to go back and get my degree . . . My mom has seven kids. I really have only two younger siblings. And it would be a blessing if I could help my mom put them through college. That would just be something in my heart that I would love to do . . . And also I put in for the underclassman NFL draft board advisory committee and it came back and I had a good grade from that. It just made my decision a little easier.”

Do you play angry?

“I wouldn’t say angry, but I’m not trying to be nice . . . I’m far from a thug. I’ve never been in really any trouble. Growing up, I was kind of bad but that was because I had older brothers . . . If they’re not looking for a thug, they can invest in me. I’m real gritty . . . I’m pretty sure anybody at Auburn could vouch for me as far as my work ethic at the University. It’s just something I kept to myself and it was just a fire under me and I wanted to succeed.”


Minor League baseball set to blossom in Northeast Ohio

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The Akron RubberDucks and Lake County Captains had one last exhibition game Tuesday evening prior to the start of minor league action later this week.

EASTLAKE, Ohio -- Closer and closer the regular season for minor league baseball draws near, which means for the likes of Francisco Lindor at Class AA Akron RubberDucks and Brian Ruiz at Class A Lake County Captains, dreams could be coming nearer to fruition for a pair of future Cleveland Indians.

The two teams staged an exhibition game Tuesday evening at the Lake County Stadium, which was familiar ground for Lindor, the Indians No. 1 draft pick in 2011, but new ground for Ruiz, picked in the 41st round of the same 2011 draft.

This game was expected to feature several of the Indians recent No. 1 picks, but outfielder Tyler Naquin (2012) and outfielder Clint Frazier (2013) were still finishing up their spring training. Naquin was expected to be with the RubberDucks by the end of the week. Frazier, who is nursing a leg injury, probably won't come north to the Captains for at least a couple of weeks.

Still, Lindor and Ruiz gladly spread their own variations of familiar 'Bull Durham" cliches freely without their peers as they waited to take the field for the seven-inning contest.

"I am really excited to be here,'' said Ruiz, a 6-3, 180-pound outfield product from Cleveland's Lincoln West High. This is like one more step for me, one more day at a time."

Ruiz, 21, said the excitement probably will not hit full force until opening day, Friday, against the Lansing Lugnuts.

"A lot of tickets,'' Ruiz said. "My mom, my little brother and sister, my fiancé."

Lindor, who is fully recovered from last season's back issues, clearly has his eyes on landing a spot in Cleveland, sooner than later.

"I feel good,'' he said. "I feel healthy, ready to start playing. My goal is to be in the bigs as soon as possible. I want to be part of the things they are creating now."

Lindor, 20, is now a tightly packed, 5-11, 190-pound infielder with all the 'can't miss' tools baseball purists drool over; ability to hit, throw, run and field his position fluidly. Asked if there was one thing he was focusing on this season, the Florida native hit all the bases.

"Everything,'' he said. "I can't take one side (offense over defense) for granted. I'm trying to win."

Is Cleveland Indians' offense team's weakest link? Hey, Hoynsie!

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Does the lack of a true middle-of-the-order hitter make the Indians' offense the Achilles heel of the team?

Hey, Hoynsie: What do you think is the biggest weakness in the Indians lineup? I think the lack of power with no big RBI production. The three-run homer is a nice weapon for any team to have at its disposal. I feel that The Tribe can pitch and field with most anyone in MLB, but run production will be lacking versus Detroit, Boston, etc. – Tim Corbett, Ladera Ranch, Calif.

Hey, Tim: It would be nice if the Indians had a legitimate 30-homer, 100-RBI hitter in the middle of the lineup, but they don’t. I still like the offense because it’s so balanced. In the season opener Monday in Oakland, manager Terry Francona had three switch-hitters, three lefties and three righties in the lineup.

Last year Nick Swisher led the team in homers with 22, certainly not an eye-opening number, but there were eight other players with 10 or more homers. They finished eighth in the 15-team AL with 171 homers and tied for fourth in runs with 745. With the exception of Drew Stubbs, all those players are back this year.

My concern is focused more on the starting rotation. Can Danny Salazar go wire-to-wire and is Carlos Carrasco ready to turn the corner as a starter?

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think the Tribe would have jumped at the chance to extend "true aces" CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee at annual market value for half the years? If so, what does this say about their view of Justin Masterson? – Steve Cornelius, Rocky River.

Hey, Steve: The Indians actually signed Sabathia to two extensions: a four-year $9.5 million deal in 2002 and a two-year $17.5 million deal in 2005. They signed Lee to a four-year $15 million extension in 2006.

The price of doing business has certainly changed. Now those extensions would match one year for the price of a quality starter such as Masterson. It took the Indians years to regain their equilibrium – if they truly have – after trading Sabathia and Lee in consecutive seasons. The loss of Masterson will hurt as well.

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you have concerns about the Tribe’s bullpen? All the pieces that left - and who they were being replaced with - seems to have left it much weaker than it was a year ago. – Thomas Ryan, Fostoria.

Hey, Thomas: The Indians did lose talent with the free agent departures of Joe Smith, Matt Albers, Rich Hill and Chris Perez. Still, I like the pen GM Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona have put together.

There are five holdovers in Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, Marc Rzepczynski, Vinnie Pestano and Blake Wood. The newcomers are John Axford, Josh Outman and Scott Atchison.

Francona has two lefties in Rzepczynski and Outman and two righties in his main set-up guys, Allen and Shaw. Axford is going to draw the most attention at closer because he lost the same job last year with Milwaukee. He did pass his first test Monday by saving the Tribe’s 2-0 victory over the A’s, but his two walks made things uneasy.

Outman appears to be a left-on-left guy and Atchison will be a jack-of-all-trades.

Considering how Pestano and Perez struggled last year, I think this pen has a chance to be better than the 2013 version.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why didn’t you report that Danny Salazar had arm soreness early in spring training? -- Jack Nolan, Cleveland.

Hey, Jack: Because everyone I talked to said there was nothing wrong with his arm, including Salazar. I don’t break out the rubber hose until the regular season.

Hey, Hoynsie: Justin Masterson wants $17.5 million a year for three years. Considering the money pitchers with less talent have gotten, how can the Indians not give it to him? – Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland.

Hey, Angelo: It’s simple, they just say no. This is strictly an ownership decision. Do you really think GM Chris Antonetti doesn’t want to keep his No.1 starter?

Hey, Hoynsie: It seems like last year I could always count on the Indians to make a comeback at some point when they were playing from behind, but once they had a lead the bats went cold. I'm getting the same vibes this spring (barring the minor league guys tearing it up). Is this just my imagination, or is there something lacking in their ability to score insurance runs? Winning one-run games is exciting, but I wouldn't mind a good blowout here and there. – Bobby Reichert, La Crosse, Wis.

Hey, Bobby: If you pay too much attention to the course of spring training games, you’ll end up staring into the mirror at 3 a.m. talking to yourself. I don’t know if the Indians are going to score 800 runs this season, but I do know they’ll have their fair share of blowouts on both sides of the ledger.

In Monday’s season opener, Nyjer Morgan gave the Tribe a 1-0 lead in the ninth inning with a sacrifice fly. Nick Swisher followed with a run-scoring single to make it 2-0. Since that was the final score, does Swisher’s RBI satisfy your need for an insurance run?

Hey, Hoynsie: Instead of the Indians always using the excuse that they have financial restrictions when they can't afford certain players, why don't they come together with other small and mid-market teams to try and force change? If it takes a lockout and losing a couple of seasons to break the players union, I am all for it because the game needs change. By doing nothing it just makes me believe (and I am sure other fans, as well) that the owners are better off then they let on or they just don't care. – Jeff P, Seven Hills.

Hey, Jeff: So you’re preaching revolution? Why not? Change can be messy, but invigorating at the same time.

One suggestion, check your history. In almost every labor dispute between the owners and the players union, the owners have broken first. They’ve tried lockouts, replacement players, colluding to control salaries – none of them worked.

You’re right about one thing, if it was a losing proposition to own an MLB team, wouldn’t a lot more teams be for sale?

Hey, Hoynsie: Apparently, last year Indians owner Paul Dolan said, "In Cleveland we remain committed to winning a World Championship." Do you know what he meant or who the "we" is? Or can you ask him? – Ray Givens, Cleveland.

Hey, Ray: I don’t think you really wanted an answer. It sounded like you just wanted to vent. Consider yourself vented.

Hey, Hoynsie: Can you make sense of these Paul Dolan statements for us? 'The Indians can’t afford Justin Masterson without making a trip to the World Series.'

'Dolan has no plans to sell and the organization remains committed to playing in a World Series.' – Dustin Potter, New York, New York.

Hey, Dustin: I know one thing, for sure. I have made a blood-oath commitment to give up Godiva chocolate cheesecake, but it always finds its way to the end of my fork. I eagerly await your interpretation.

I think Dolan is much the same way. He wants to win a World Series and is committed to it, but only to a certain degree.



Talk Ohio State with Doug Lesmerises today at 2:00 p.m.

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Get your questions ready and join Doug Lesmerises today at 2:00 p.m. as he previews the Ohio State spring game.

Doug Lesmerises chatView full sizeTalk Ohio State with Doug Lesmerises today at 2:00 p.m.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Get your questions ready and join Doug Lesmerises today at 2:00 p.m. as he talks all about Ohio State.

Doug will talk with cleveland.com's Chris Fedor about Ohio State's injuries piling up for the football team and who will backup Braxton Miller this season. He will also talk about the Buckeyes basketball team locking up Anthony Lee, a transfer from Temple.

You can jump in the comments section below and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Doug's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in MP3 format.

Cleveland Browns and NFL Links: Is Teddy Bridgewater a good fit with the Browns?

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Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater has all of the tools, but does that mean it will fit well in a Cleveland climate?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Teddy Bridgewater is considered by many as the quarterback most ready to make the transition from college to the NFL.

But no matter how good Bridgewater is projected to become, he may not be a good fit for the Cleveland Browns, says draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki.

In an interview on CantonRep.com, Nawrocki says Bridgewater would benefit heavily from a short, dink-and-dunk rhythm passing game in a warm-weather or dome environment.

Reporter Steve Doerschuk writes on CantonRep.com how the Browns are eager to hear Bridgewater's explanation of a frozen December night at Nippert Stadium. He led Louisville to a 31-24 overtime victory, but he struggled against a Cincinnati team that would get shellacked 39-17 by North Carolina in the Belk Bowl.

Nawrocki warms up to many aspects of Bridgewater, to wit: “Extremely competitive and driven to succeed. Operated a pro-style, progression-read offense where he was asked to scan the whole field and set protections. Footwork is very clean and in rhythm. Throws on balance with sound mechanics, a fluid delivery and smooth stroke.

More Browns and NFL news

Sorry Cleveland, wide receiver DeSean Jackson will join Washington (Cleveland.com).

Derek Carr says he's the best quarterback in the draft (Cleveland.com).

University of Buffalo LB Kahlil Mack doesn't want to be compared to anyone (Cleveland.com).

Unpacking the myth of Jadeveon Clowney (NFL.com).

Former Cleveland Browns CB Dimitri Patterson signs with Jets (NFL.com).

Donald Trump is interested in purchasing the Buffalo Bills (CBSSports.com).

The New England Patriots will host Bridgewater and Manziel (Fox Sports).

Sammy Watkins will join the Browns according to this mock draft (WalterFootball.com).

The Browns are still feeling the ramifications of the RG3 trade (ESPNCleveland.com).

Could the Browns get their quarterback with the 26th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft? Mock Draft Roundup

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The 2014 NFL Draft is a little more than a month away and teams are starting to hone in on targets. Scouts, coaches and executives are flying all around the country for pro days and private workouts, trying to get every piece of information before May 8.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The 2014 NFL Draft is a little more than a month away and teams are starting to hone in on targets. Scouts, coaches and executives are flying all around the country for pro days and private workouts, trying to get every piece of information before May 8.

The early part of the free agency period has been completed, and the Browns were aggressive in trying to fill some holes. But more of them remain, so it’s a good thing Cleveland has two first round picks. Despite the latest buzz about the QB class, many national writers believe the Browns won't pass up the opportunity to address the most important position. 

CBSSports.com’s Dane Brugler doesn’t believe the Browns missing Johnny Manziel’s Pro Day means much when it comes to their draft plans.

Johnny ManzielView full sizeJohnny Manziel's confidence could be exactly what the Browns need at quarterback.

"QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M - The Browns will give Brian Hoyer a shot, but is he the long-term option? No, Ray Farmer and his staff weren't at Manziel's pro day, but if you think that means they're not interested, you'd be wrong.

CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech - As the Browns begin talks to lock up Joe Haden long-term, they'll also be looking to draft a worthy counterpart for the No. 2 cornerback spot in Cleveland. Fuller has the instincts and natural athleticism to be an impact performer on the inside or outside."

Chris Burke, from SI.com, sees a new QB-WR tandem in the first round of his most recent Mock Draft.

"QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M - There might be a temptation to draft Sammy Watkins or even Mike Evans in this spot to pair with rising superstar Josh Gordon. But who’s going to throw them the ball? Brian Hoyer might be OK in spurts, maybe even for the entire 2014 season. Eventually, the Browns need to find a long-term answer at QB, and the electrifying Manziel would work.

WR Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt - Mentioned above that the Browns could consider going after Sammy Watkins with that No. 4 pick. That Matthews, Brandin Cooks, Kelvin Benjamin and other impressive receivers are sitting here at 26 highlights why they may wait to address this position."

From Rob Rang of CBSSports.com:

"OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M - Rather than swing for the fences with a quarterback as his first pick at general manager, Ray Farmer may elect to take the safer route with Matthews, who could slide in at right tackle and push Mitchell Schwartz back to his more ideally-suited position at guard.

QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville - Bridgewater remains my personal top-rated quarterback but he has plenty of critics in NFL scouting circles who will point to his slight frame and disappointing Pro Day as evidence that he's been overrated in the media. With few teams in need of a quarterback outside of the top eight picks, any passer who begins to slide could be left hoping that an aggressive team trades up to rescue him. In this scenario, Bridgewater's loss could be the Browns' gain."

Comcast Sports Net’s Chris Steuber has the Browns going defense with their top selection.

Khalil MackView full sizeKhalil Mack could be the cornerstone of the Browns defense and fit will with new head coach Mike Pettine.  

"LB Khalil Mack, Buffalo - The Browns are loaded with picks and have the ability to do what they please. There are a number of needs that they must address, including quarterback. But, with new general manager Ray Farmer being a former NFL linebacker and former fourth-round pick of the Eagles in 1996 and new head coach Mike Pettine being a defensive-minded coach, selecting an ascending talent like 

QB Derek Carr, Fresno State - With their first pick in the opening frame, the Browns added one of the premier defenders in the draft to their defense in Mack and now it’s time for the new regime to identify the quarterback they want to lead the way for years to come. It’s possible the Browns will have to trade up to select Carr, but he’s a great fit for the offense they’re building."

From NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks:

Sammy WatkinsView full sizeClemson's Sammy Watkins is the best receiver in the 2014 NFL Draft.

"WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson - Surrounding a quarterback with explosive weapons is never a bad option. GM Ray Farmer could add Watkins to an offensive lineup up that features Pro Bowl-caliber players in WR Josh Gordon and TE Jordan Cameron.

CB Jason Verrett, TCU - With the top three quarterbacks still on the board, GM Ray Farmer could elect to take another position player and take the best available quarterback at the top of the second round. Verrett would likely rank as the top cover corner in the draft if he was a few inches taller, so the addition of the TCU standout would give the Browns a formidable nickel package with Joe Haden and Buster Skrine on the perimeter."

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com, has the Browns trading with the Arizona Cardinals, moving up from No. 26 to get their quarterback.

"WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson - Can you imagine Watkins and Josh Gordon together?

QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville - They wait, and when he falls, they move up to get him."

From ESPN’s Todd McShay:

"QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M - The mantra for the Browns is the same as for the Jaguars: take the best available QB. They'll be pulling hard for Clowney and Robinson to be among the top three picks so they have some choices here, but in this scenario the only guy among our first round-worthy QBs is Manziel. I don't know if he's an ideal fit or if he'd be the Browns' first choice, but I'm not worried about his size or arm strength as it relates to playing in cold weather. If I had to rank the top three QBs in terms of arm strength, I'd go Bridgewater, Manziel and Bortles, without much difference among the three. And Manziel's 9 7/8-inch hands are plenty big enough to grip the ball in cold weather.

WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State - In this scenario, the Browns drafted Johnny Manziel at No. 4 overall, so let's give their rookie QB a weapon on the perimeter. Cooks is undersized, but he can burn; he ran the fastest 40 time among receivers at the combine and his acceleration up the field right after the catch is outstanding. He has very good ball skills and is an outstanding route runner, too, and he'd fit well opposite Josh Gordon or in the slot next to him."

Charles Davis, Analyst for the NFL Network, says the Browns won’t shy away from Teddy Bridgewater because of a bad Pro Day.

"QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville - Not the greatest pro day, but three seasons of excellent game tape were not erased. Still, Browns could wait until pick No. 26 to take a QB (Derek Carr?).

OL Xavier Su’a-Filo, UCLA - If they fill their QB need at pick No. 4, this is a player who will really help protect him."

Former NFL GM Pat Kirwan now writes for CBSSports.com and believes Manziel will be too much to pass up.

"QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M - This is a very risky pick and I go back and forth about taking him here, but for now he remains for two weeks in a row.

WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State - Josh Gordon on one side and the 6-5 Benjamin on the other would make it tough to match up, and it also gets Greg Little off the field."

ESPN.com’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Browns targeting two need areas in round one, with an emphasis on offense.

Blake BortlesView full sizeOpinions vary when it comes to UCF quarterback Blake Bortles.

"QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida - The Browns have already released Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell In other words, the writing is on the wall and the depth chart has a pretty big vacancy. So they'll keep Brian Hoyer as a possible starter and draft a QB at this spot knowing it's not such a bad place for a young QB to succeed, given their ability to pass-block up front and the fact that they have some dangerous weapons in the passing game in Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron. Yes, I can see either Teddy Bridgewater or Johnny Mazniel here, but this is a bet on where the Browns end up after evaluating all of them closely.

WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State - The Browns aren't sitting still in free agency, but they aren't going to find a pass-catcher with this high a ceiling. Benjamin could have used another year in college to refine his skills, but physically he's ready to cause problems as a perpetual matchup threat at the next level. Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron are in place, but the third amigo could do wonders."

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah thinks the Browns can wait and still get their quarterback of the future.

"OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M - Matthews has played both right and left tackle in college. He would line up at right tackle for the Browns and give them one of the top tackle tandems in the NFL.

QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville - I still view Bridgewater as the top quarterback in this draft class, but he has failed to generate excitement among the personnel executives I've talked to. If he falls past the Titans at pick No. 11, I think it's realistic he could slide all the way down to this spot."

Final Four debate: Would you rather have Bo Ryan or John Calipari? (video)

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Which Final Four coach is the better strategist, better recruiter and better at representing his university?

Video: Which Final Four coach, Wisconsin's Bo Ryan or Kentucky's John Calipari, is the better strategist, better recruiter and better at representing his university? Insiders at Kentucky and Wisconsin debate.


 

Workers ready Progressive Field for Opening Day Friday (slideshow)

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Workers at Progressive Field ready the baseball park for Opening Day this week. They worked on logos, they painted, they raked and they readied the grass. The Indians face the Minnesota Twins for the home opener at 3:05 Friday afternoon. You can get all the coverage on cleveland.com's Tribe blog. In the meantime, see a Chuck Crow photo gallery of work...

Workers at Progressive Field ready the baseball park for Opening Day this week. They worked on logos, they painted, they raked and they readied the grass. The Indians face the Minnesota Twins for the home opener at 3:05 Friday afternoon. You can get all the coverage on cleveland.com's Tribe blog. In the meantime, see a Chuck Crow photo gallery of work on Progressive Field. 

Win Indians tickets by entering our Facebook contest

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Tell us your favorite Opening Day traditions on our Indians Facebook page and you could win tickets to a game in April

Indians season is here and we're giving away tickets to the Tribe's April 22 game against the Kansas City Royals.

Head over to our Cleveland Indians Facebook page and give the page a Like. From there, find the post asking for your Opening Day traditions. (Or Click here.)

Then all you have to do is tell us what your favorite Opening Day memory. You have to do it on that post, though, or you won't be entered. You can find complete rules for the contest HERE.

Blake Bortles working out privately for Cleveland Browns today

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The Central Florida quarterback is a player the Browns are checking out heading into next months' NFL Draft 2014.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns are conducting their private with University of Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles today, a league source told cleveland.com.

Attending the workout are Browns general manager Ray Farmer, coach Mike Pettine, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains.

Bortles (6-5, 232) is on the Browns' radar with their No. 4 overall pick in the draft.

"He has all the measurables,'' coach Mike Pettine said at the NFL Annual Meeting last week. "If you look at him, if you said draw me an NFL quarterback, that's probably who you'd draw. I think the thing that's impressive about him is his ability in crunch time in a lot of tight games, a lot of come-from-behind wins, you can see he's confident, can make all the throws, I think he's a better athlete than some people give him credit for.''

The Browns also conducted a private workout with Fresno State's Derek Carr on Monday and will do so soon with Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel, Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater and others.

Bortles is also a strong candidate to go No. 1 overall to the Texans.

"I was very impressed," Texans coach Bill O'Brien told the Houston Chronicle after Bortles' stellar pro day last month. "He made every throw I wanted to see, and he showed good footwork."

The Bortles workout explains why the Browns' top brass skipped defensive end Jadeveon Clowney's Pro Day today at South Carolina.



NFL Network's Charles Davis says GM Ray Farmer is providing direction for the Browns (Podcast)

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Charles Davis of the NFL Network says the Browns could make some deals on draft day.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ray Farmer has jumped right in as the new general manager of the Cleveland Browns with his flurry of free agent signings and the mystery he has created when it comes to the Browns' direction in the NFL Draft.

Farmer is considered by many as an upcoming young executive, and Charles Davis of the NFL Network readily agrees with that assessment. Davis, during a podcast with The Plain Dealer, says Farmer has already calmed the organization's recent turbulent waters.

"Now when you talk about the Browns, you already feel there's some type of direction," Davis says. "Before the GM was muzzled. In Farmer, you know who the voice of the franchise is going to be. The coach will talk when he needs to talk, but he knows the default button is with Ray Farmer."

Davis referred to the recent past when former GM Michael Lombardi made rare appearances, and didn't comment when he did. Former Chief Executive Officer Joe Banner did all of the talking. The organization's strategy, among other things, has changed.

"The Browns have a good thing going now, and I see nothing but good things with Farmer leading this thing," Davis says.

Along with the NFL Network, Davis is also the lead analyst for Fox College Football. He's a former All-SEC defensive back for Tennessee.

Kyrie Irving still a game-time decision for Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at Orlando Magic

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Kyrie Irving a game-time decision for Cavaliers tonight in Orlando.

ORLANDO, Florida -- The Cavaliers continued to list All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving as a game-time decision after Wednesday morning's shootaround at Amway Center.

Irving has missed eight games since suffering a strained left biceps in a game against the Clippers in Los Angeles on March 16, but he was cleared for full-contact practice on Monday and took part in Tuesday's session before flying with the team to Orlando.

He made it clear on Tuesday that he was hoping to play against the Magic tonight.

"I'm ready to help them out,'' Irving said of his teammates, who went 4-4 in his absence and are within three games of the Atlanta Hawks for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The New York Knicks are one game behind the Hawks.

All three teams are in action tonight. Atlanta plays host to Chicago, and the Knicks play host to Brooklyn.

Probable starters: Cavs -- F Luol Deng, F Tristan Thompson, C Spencer Hawes, G Dion Waiters, G Jarrett Jack. Magic -- F Maurice Harkless, F Kyle O'Quinn, C Nikola Vucevic, G Aaron Afflalo, G Jameer Nelson.

Injuries: Cavs -- Irving (strained left biceps) game-time decision. C.J. Miles (sprained left ankle), Anderson Varejao (sprained right AC joint) and Carrick Felix (left patellar stress fracture) are out. Anthony Bennett, who has been out with a strained tendon in his left knee, has been excused from the next two games to attend to a family health matter. Magic -- None.

Officials: Bill Spooner, Derrick Collins, Scott Twardoski

Up next for Cavs: At Atlanta on Friday

March Madness 2014: Who busted your NCAA tournament bracket? This year's top 10 culprits

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Which teams broke your NCAA tournament bracket?

Who busted your March Madness bracket?

Was it the Cinderella team you took too far into the tournament? The favorite who failed to win even its first game? Your pick to win it all that crushed your hopes in the Sweet 16 or the Elite Eight?

Here are the 10 teams that helped sink the most brackets:

1. DUKE

When it comes to the team most likely to have ruined your bracket, Duke's loss to Mercer in the round of 64 has to take the lead. In the Yahoo! Sports bracket challenge, 97.6 percent of all entries picked Duke to win the game. The devastation to your bracket did not end there, as many had Duke headed deep into the tournament. In the Yahoo! challenge, Duke was picked with the third-highest percentage to win in the round of 32 (90.8), fifth-most to win in Sweet 16 (53.5 percent), tied with Virginia as the sixth-most likely team to play in the Final Four (18.9 percent) and was the fifth-most likely team to make it to the title game (11.3 percent).

2. DAYTON

The longest-lasting Cinderella of the tournament, Dayton did most of its damage in its first two games. Dayton was 48th of 64 teams projected to win in the round of 64 (16.1 percent) and 44th out of 64 teams projected to win in round of 32 (2.5 percent) by Yahoo! users. The Flyers' wins over Ohio State and Syracuse sent them to the Sweet 16, but the win over Stanford meant little since neither team was expected to be there.

3. CONNECTICUT

I'll say it ... UConn is lucky to be in the Final Four. The Huskies beat St. Joseph's in overtime when freshman center Aminda Brimah (who made 59 percent of his free throws) connected on a 3-point play to send the round of 64 game to OT. Their opponent in the next round was the weakest No. 2 seed (Villanova) in the tournament. Their Sweet 16 game came against an Iowa State team that was missing one of its top three players. Then Michigan State players forgot they were allowed to shoot from inside the 3-point line in the Elite Eight. The Huskies' drive to the Final Four was picked by just one percent of Yahoo users, behind Oklahoma, Ohio State and Cincinnati, who each lost in the round of 64.

4. NORTH DAKOTA STATE

The Bison left many people crying over their bracket like coach Saul Phillips (see the weepy video below). North Dakota State was a popular upset pick in the round of 64 and came through, beating Oklahoma. That loss for the Sooners broke a number of brackets (77 percent picked them to win in round of 64, 34.1 percent in round of 32). The Bison then broke a number of brackets that wanted to believe in the Cinderella, as the most-selected mid-major program to make the Sweet 16 (4.9 percent) lost to San Diego State.

5. KANSAS

The Jayhawks have struggled as the chalk team in the past, but many looked past that and hoped Kansas would make it through the first weekend and give 7-footer Joel Embiid time to return from a back injury. Kansas, which was picked to make the Sweet 16 in nearly 85 percent of Yahoo! brackets, lost to Stanford in the round of 32. Most brackets (51.1 percent) had Kansas in the Elite Eight, so the loss to Stanford took a lot of future points away.

6. WICHITA STATE

The only undefeated team entering the tournament had a difficult draw, but those who believed in Wichita State, believed the Shockers would have a long trip. Among the teams picked to win it all, Wichita State was fifth behind Florida, Michigan State, Louisville and Arizona. The loss to Kentucky in the round of 32 wasn't shocking, but it crushed the dreamers' brackets.

7. N.C. STATE

The Wolfpack, a No. 12 seed, were picked by 37.8 percent of Yahoo! brackets to upset No. 5 Saint Louis in the round of 64. While not many believed N.C. State would move beyond the round of 32, to have a big second-half lead and lose in overtime stung people who picked the Wolfpack in the brackets as hard as the N.C. State alumni (probably not Dayton coach Archie Miller, though).

8. KENTUCKY

The Wildcats were the most-chosen team seeded No. 5 or higher to win it all, so the run to the Final Four is not a huge surprise. But their road was filled with teams that many loved to win it all, including Louisville (third), Wichita State (fifth) and Michigan (eighth). As a result, each Kentucky win caused major damage to brackets because of the quality of teams it beat.

9. SYRACUSE

The Orange crushed the brackets of NBA stars Chris Bosh and Carmelo Anthony, a Syracuse alum. Both picked Syracuse to win it all. They were not alone, as the Orange were the ninth-most selected team to win it all in the Yahoo! brackets. The round of 32 loss to Dayton broke 73 percent of Yahoo! brackets.

10. CREIGHTON

A Larry Bird-type run from Doug McDermott and Creighton came to a crashing halt when Baylor dominated the Blue Jays in the round of 32. Creighton was among the top 14 teams predicted to win in each of the following rounds of the tournament.

So, which team burned your bracket to the ground? Tell us in the poll below and vent in the comments section.



Doug Lesmerises says backup quarterback is one of the most important off-season battles for Ohio State: Podcast

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Who has the best chance to be Braxton Miller's backup? What kind of impact will transfer Anthony Lee have for Thad Matta? Ohio State beat reporter Doug Lesmerises answered those questions and more during today's podcast.

Ohio State Podcast, April 2, 2014

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Who has the best chance to be Braxton Miller's backup? What kind of impact will transfer Anthony Lee have for Thad Matta?

Cleveland.com's Ohio State beat reporter Doug Lesmerises answered those questions and more during today's podcast with Chris Fedor.

Among other topics discussed:

• How much are players missing by not participating in spring practice?

• Which draft-eligible player will be the toughest for Ohio State to replace?

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

New faces, richer races at ThistleDown Racino: Horse Racing Insider

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New faces and richer races are greeting the thoroughbred racing season at ThistleDown Racino on March 18.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – New faces and richer races are greeting the thoroughbred racing season at ThistleDown Racino on March 18.

"We've got an influx of stables coming in, with vans full of horses arriving every day," said Racing Secretary Patrick Ellsworth on Wednesday. "This break in the weather has really helped us out."

Many trainers like ThistleDown because of the track's quality racing surface. Toss in a few extra bushels of fresh greenbacks, thanks to racino profits, and the estimated $12 million in purses over a 122-day season are very appealing, as well.

"We'll average about $100,000 per race program," said Ellsworth. "That is the highest we've paid out in our history. It's a 28 percent increase (over 2013), and about twice as much as in 2012.

"I'm super excited (about the purse hikes)," said Ellsworth. "It has helped to bring in some good stables and the racing product will be much improved. I expect to see an increase in the size of the fields for each race."

With 1,050 stalls available, Ellsworth is also welcoming a string of new stables. Trainers Butch Marshall, Bill Beamer and Jim Tracy are the most notable.

Marshall was at ThistleDown years ago as an assistant for Akron native Jerry Hollendorfer. More recently he has worked for Dennis Ward, and is now breaking out on his own at ThistleDown with a string of 25 horses.

Tracy has the largest new stable with 34 horses, racing recently at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pa. and Charles Town Races in Charles Town, W. Va. Beamer is bringing in 15 head from Mountaineer Racetrack in Chester, W. Va.

The 'Lady' to visit: Northfield Park will have a gala welcome for its first stakes race of the season, the 24th $100,000 Courageous Lady Pace on April 25. In addition to the Courageous Lady for three-year-old fillies, Northfield is also sending out six championship races in the Hard Rockin' Series for $4,000 and $8,000 claimers.

A Ronnie Wrenn Jr. poster giveaway and autograph session will spotlight North America's winningest driver in 2013. The Lady Luck Dining Room will open for the season, fans can play Harness Racing Bingo for $1,500 in prizes, and there is a mystery tote ticket giveaway.

The Road to the Derby contest continues on Saturdays through April 19, with a $1,200 handicapping contest on April 26. The Sunday handicapping contests wrap up with a $5,000 championship on April 27.

Around the tracks: Northfield Park drivers are having sensational seasons, with Aaron Merriman (164 wins) tops in the country, Ronnie Wrenn Jr. third (148) and Josh Sutton seventh (126) . . . The Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners has its annual awards banquet on Saturday at Darby Dan Farm in Galloway, Ohio . . . Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. is scrapping its synthetic Polytrack material and replacing it with a dirt track . . . African Story captured the $10 million Dubai World Cup on Saturday, a race won by Youngstown owner Bruce Zoldan's Animal Kingdom a year ago, covering the 2,000 meters in 2:01.61 with Silvestre De Sousa in the saddle for the Godolphin Stable.

Run for the Roses: California Chrome jumped into the Kentucky Derby spotlight with an impressive wire-to-wire win March 8 in the San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. He'll return in Saturday's $1 million Santa Anita Derby.

Social Inclusion is gathering fans despite starting in his first stakes race on Saturday, the $1 million Wood Memorial at New York's Aqueduct Racetrack. He's coming off an impressive allowance race win at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla. on March 13, setting a 1:40.4 track record in the 1 1/16-mile test.

Following California Chrome, Horse Racing Nation's top five includes Cairo Prince, Ring Weekend, Tapiture and Vicar's in Trouble. California Chrome, Hoppertunity, Candy Boy, Constitution and Tapiture top Steve Haskin’s Derby Dozen. The final two stakes leading to the Kentucky Derby on May 3 are the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs and the Blue Grass Stakes at Kentucky's Keeneland, both on April 12.

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