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Catcher Roberto Perez bounces back from Bell's palsy: Cleveland Indians notebook

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Catcher Roberto Perez hitting .410 at Class AAA Columbus after dealing with facial paralysis last season that prevented him from closing his left eye.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The Indians are expected to add a catcher in the near future depending on when Yan Gomes’ wife, Jenna, goes into labor.

It would be quite a story if the catcher turns out to be Roberto Perez at Class AAA Columbus. Perez is currently hitting .410 (16-for-39) with two doubles, three homers and 27 RBI.

It’s a big improvement from last year when Perez hit .172 (33-for-187) with 12 doubles and 24 RBI at Columbus. The reason for Perez’s resurgence is simple – he has full use of both eyes.

Ross Atkins, Indians director of minor league development, said Sunday that Perez was suffering from Bell’s palsy last year. Bell’s palsy is a form of facial paralysis resulting from a dysfunction of the cranial nerve.

Atkins said Perez was unable to close his left eye.

“He literally could not close his eye for months,” said Atkins. “He had to put a patch over it to try and sleep. It really affected his ability to see the ball for months.

“The whole time he was in Columbus, he had Bell’s palsy. He just started getting over it in spring training this year. It was a slow and gradual improvement. You can still see it in his face.”

The Indians talked about putting Perez on the disabled list.

“We left it up to him, but this kid is really tough,” said Atkins. “He couldn’t blink. He had deal with dryness (in the cornea), fatigue and the mental drain.”

The Indians draft Perez, 25, in 2008 out of Mayaguez, P. R. He’s gone to big league spring training the last two years.

Hey, Joe: Joe Smith, who spent the last five years in the Indians’ bullpen, will be in the other bullpen Monday when the Indians open a three-game series at Angel Stadium. Smith, who signed a three-year $15.75 million deal with the Angles over the winter, just moved into the closer spot last week.

“The first thing I can think of is when Smitty is walking to the Angels bullpen, which is right in front of our bullpen in Anaheim, is the amount of grief Cashie (bullpen coach Kevin Cash) is going to give him,” said manager Terry Francona. “When we play him for three days, I don’t want him to carve us up, but I think so much of Smitty.

“I mean if you’re looking to not like Smitty, you’ve really got to try. He shows up everyday. He wants the ball. I mean I hope he comes in and he hangs a breaking ball and somebody hits it a mile, but that doesn’t change how I feel about him.”

Smith is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in 11 appearances for the Angels. He replaced Ernesto Frieri as closer.

Reason why: Corey Kluber was told before Saturday’s game that he could pinch run for Jason Giambi if he got on base late in the game. Kluber did just that in the ninth inning when Giambi was hit by a pitch to start the inning in the Tribe’s 5-3 loss.

Francona said he used Kluber in that situation because he didn’t represent the tying run. He was saving Elliot Johnson to pinch run for Nick Swisher if he got on base later in the inning. Swisher, however, grounded out.

Kluber did reach second base before the game ended.

“It was fun until I got to second,” said Kluber. “It was so loud I couldn’t hear Sarbie (third base coach Mike Sarbaugh) to make sure I wouldn’t get picked off.”

Last year Kluber walked and scored a run against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Zach McAllister started Saturday’s and got his first big-league hit, a single in the second inning.

“Most pitchers like to think we’re pretty good athletes who can make plays and get hits,” said McAllister. “It’s always fun when you can get a hit.”

McAllister kept the ball as a memento.

In the fourth, with runners on first and second and one out, McAllister put down a bunt, but the Giants turned it into a double play.

It’s a part of Interleague play that Francona dislikes.

“It’s a huge disadvantage to ask a guy who might do this once a year to try and get a bunt down or get a hit,” said Francona. “It’s probably one of my most least favorite things about (interleague play) because I don’t think it’s fair.”

Finally: Here are the Tribe’s pitching matchups against the Angels: Justin Masterson (0-0, 4.50) vs. LHP Tyler Skaggs (2-0, 3.21) Monday at 10:05 p.m.; Corey Kluber (2-2, 3.90) vs. RHP Jered Weaver (1-2, 4.11) Tuesday at 10:05 p.m. and Carlos Carrasco (0-3, 6.95) vs. LHP C.J. Wilson (3-2, 3.69) Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.



Sunday Insider: Saying no to Johnny Manziel in Cleveland and what to do with Carlos Santana

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On this episode of Sunday Insider, cleveland.com's Glenn Moore talks Browns, Indians and Cavaliers.

Podcast: Sunday Insider with Glenn Moore (4/27/14)

What should with the Indians do with Carlos Santana if he continues to struggle? Which quarterback in the draft will be there for the Browns at No. 26?

cleveland.com's Glenn Moore answered those questions and more during this episode of Sunday Insider, which is live every Sunday at 8 p.m.

Among other topics discussed:

• Danny Salazar's start against the Giants.

• Cleveland.com's Zack Meisel on the Indians and their play in April. (LISTEN TO INTERVIEW)

• Comedian Chad Zumock on the Cavs and how it's hard to watch the NBA playoffs. (LISTEN TO INTERVIEW)

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow Glenn on Twitter: @GlennMooreCLE.

About the show: Sunday Insider airs live every Sunday at 8 p.m. Hosted by cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, the show features a timely and lively discussion of the biggest sports topics of the day and gives readers a chance to interact directly with Glenn and his guests.

Viewers have to the opportunity to ask questions and post comments in a live chat room during the show. They can also email their questions during the week.

Fans who miss the live show can listen to the archive, available minutes after the completion of the show. Stay tuned for the next episode on Sunday at 8 p.m.

San Francisco Giants sweep Cleveland Indians on Brandon Hicks' 3-run homer in ninth

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Cody Allen gives up three-run homer in the ninth as Indians get swept by Giants.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Danny Salazar may have turned a corner Sunday at AT&T Park. It's not known if Salazar left a trail of bread crumbs for his hitters to follow so they can make the same turn.

The Giants completed a three-game sweep of the Indians with a 4-1 victory powered by Brandon Hicks' three-run walk-off homer off Cody Allen with two out in the ninth inning.
The Indians scored five runs in the three-game series.

"This one is on the hitters," said second baseman Jason Kipnis.

Carlos Santana, Michael Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera, hitting fourth, fifth and sixth Sunday, were a combined 0-for-29 in the series. Overall, the Indians hit .162 (17-for-105) and went 2-for-20 with runners in scoring position.

"We have good hitters," said manager Terry Francona. "We have to make better adjustments during games so it's harder for opposing pitchers to get us out."  

Buster Posey started the ninth with a single off Allen (2-1). He was replaced by pinch-runner Ehire Adrianza. Pinch-hitter Gregor Blanco moved Adrianza to second with a sacrifice bunt.

Allen struck out Pablo Sandoval and intentionally walked left-handed hitting Brandon Crawford to bring Hicks to the mound for a right-on-right duel. Hicks, who came into the game hitting .222 with two homers, hit a 1-0 pitch over the fence in left field.

"It was a 96 to 97 mph fastball at the top of the zone," said Francona. "That's hard to catch up to, but he caught up to it."

The three runs were the first earned runs Allen has allowed this season in 13 appearances. He had allowed one unearned run before Sunday.

It was the first homer Allen has allowed on the road since July 4 in Kansas City.

"I wasn't trying to elevate a fastball there," said Allen, who entered in the eighth to strand Angel Pagan at third. "I was trying to throw it down and away. I was already in a bad count (1-0) and he was probably thinking fastball there and he got one out over the plate and put the barrel to it."

The Tribe has lost seven of their last 11 games.

The Indians, silent for much of the afternoon, tied the score, 1-1, on Yan Gomes' leadoff homer in the eighth off Santiago Casilla. It was Gomes' third homer of the season and ended a 52-inning homerless streak by the Indians.

Kipnis accounted for the Tribe's last homer, a two-run drive off Kansas City's Jeremy Guthrie on Monday at Progressive Field.

Salazar, who may have been pitching for his job in the rotation, allowed one run on five hits in seven innings. He struck out eight walked one, but was still in line for the loss until Gomes homered.

"Today I tried to bring the guy who was here last year," said Salazar. "I wasn't thinking about anything. I was just keeping the ball down. Yan was outstanding behind the plate. Sadly, we didn't get the win, but we battled."

Salazar entered the game at 0-3 with a 7.85 ERA in four starts.

Despite Salazar's pitching, the Giants were in control through seven innings mainly because of right-hander Ryan Vogelsong. In his previous start, Vogelsong lasted 1 1/3 innings against Colorado, but he threw seven scoreless innings against the Indians in front of the 258th sellout crowd to watch at game at AT&T Park.

When he left, the Giants held a 1-0 lead thanks to consecutive two-out doubles by Sandoval and Crawford in the fourth.

"I looked at the video and I couldn't believe Sandoval hit that pitch," said Salazar. "It was a great pitch way off the plate. The second double to right was a good two-seamer inside, but it came back to the middle."

Michael Bourn saved Salazar further damage as he ran down Hicks' long drive to left center field to end the inning.

"That was a big play," said Salazar. "I appreciate that. He ran to catch that ball."

Unlike his previous start, Salazar didn't crumble at the first sign of trouble. From the fifth throkugh the seventh, he retired eight of the next nine batters.

"He was pretty good," said Francona. "Seven innings, one run, on a lot of days you're thrilled with that. He was up in the first inning, but made the adjustment.

"He threw his fastball when he was supposed to, attacking the right hitters. He threw his change up, but not too much. . .That's a pretty good ball game right there."

The seven innings repesented Salazar's longest start of the season.

The Indians didn't put much pressure on Vogelsong. Bourn singled in the first and third innings, but that was it. After Bourn's single in the third, only one baserunner reached agaibnst Vogelsong.

The Giants are 8-4 lifetime against the Tribe. They are 6-3 against the Tribe at AT&T Park.  

Video: Cleveland Browns GM Ray Farmer talks about the 2014 NFL Draft

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Watch Ray Farmer talk about the upcoming NFL Draft, the first he will run as the general manager of the Cleveland Browns.

BEREA, Ohio -- “Everybody is so juiced about the NFL Draft,” said rookie Cleveland Browns General Manager Ray Farmer as he talked with the media at the team’s headquarters.

Farmer shares his thoughts on many of the top players they could select with the fourth overall pick: Johnny Manziel, Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack and Sammy Watkins.  The Browns also have the 26th pick in the first round and eight selections in rounds two - seven.

On Twitter: @CLEvideos


Cleveland Browns GM Ray Farmer may face tough decision about Johnny Manziel -- Terry Pluto

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Ray Farmer doesn't sound like a guy willing to put his reputation on the line by picking Johnny Manziel at No. 4.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For years, Browns fans have been waiting for someone to save them.

Make that decades.

Think of the names: Mike Holmgren, Butch Davis, Brady Quinn, Tim Couch, Eric Mangini, Jimmy Haslam and even Kelly Holcomb. You can add Trent Richardson and Colt McCoy to the list.

So we're talking general managers, coaches, quarterbacks, along with an owner and a running back.

Someone, please stop the pain!

No one has done it yet.

The new man is General Manager Ray Farmer, who may have a chance to draft Johnny Manziel.

There will be tremendous pressure on Farmer to do so.

Manziel is Johnny Football.

He's exciting and incredibly fun to watch because not even Manziel seems to have a clue of what he will do on some of those scrambles across the field,

Manziel will bring instant attention to a franchise which is the worst in the NFL since 1999.

But can Manziel be effective in the NFL?

That's the only thing that matters, the only way the pain stops.

What about Johnny Football?

At his Monday press conference, Farmer talked about his meeting with the Texas A&M quarterback.

“I don’t think I have any reservations with who Johnny is," said the general manager. " He’s a good young man. You don’t get a handbook with how to operate in certain instances. When you go from being a kid from Tyler, Texas, to being Johnny Football and winning the Heisman Trophy really quickly, they don’t hand you a manual and tell you how to handle the media swarm, paparazzi, how to handle people coming up to you at dinners … Good things (are) ahead for him.”

Gallery preview

Farmer seemed very sincere in his praise for Manziel.

At that point, I asked Farmer about Manziel the quarterback.

Farmer quickly called Manziel, "Exciting ... electric … dynamic."

He added that Manziel, "turned a lot of heads in the SEC."

But can a 5-foot-11 quarterback who bolts out of the pocket stay healthy? Is his arm strong enough?

Farmer didn't answer that directly.

"(Manziel) is different," said the general manager. "He’s not the quintessential guy who everybody points to and says, ‘This is how you would draw it up, this is the packaging you want.’

"That speaks to a lot of what Johnny has been his entire life, is different. It’s not how you think about playing the position and being effective from the pocket … he had definitely been a very good college football player.”

Reading that, it's hard to know exactly what Farmer thinks about Manziel. It's possible that's how the general manager wants it.

Praising others

He did gush about Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins and Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack, leaving little doubt Farmer believes both will be impact players in the NFL.

But Manziel?

Farmer sounds a bit divided.

Will Johnny's style of football work in the NFL, especially in the cold, bruising AFC North?

Bet there are some long debates about that in the Browns complex.

Farmer is not afraid to make a gutsy decision. He took a chance by refusing to franchise Alex Mack. It paid off when the Browns were able to match Jacksonville's offer for their Pro Bowl center. So if he's sold on Manziel, he'll be a buyer.

But it does seem Farmer rejects the savior notion for Manziel or any other quarterback that he would draft.

In a February 16th interview with Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, Farmer said, "People seem to think you can't win unless you have a superstar quarterback. In the NFL, the vast majority of quarterbacks have to be managed. You have to put them in situations where they can be successful."

It's a realistic outlook.

And it would apply to Manziel, assuming the Browns drafted him. But is Farmer willing to put his reputation at stake with Manziel? I doubt it.

I believe Farmer is hoping Brian Hoyer comes back strong from his knee surgery. It's why he's looking at veteran quarterback Vince Young. It's why he probably would prefer not to start a rookie quarterback, and why he'll hunt for one lower in the draft.

Finally, it's why I think he will pass on Manziel and all the other quarterbacks at No. 4.

I believe he will try to minimize the risk at No. 4, picking the player who seem certain to have some immediate success.

But do I know that? Of course not.

Neither does anyone else in the media, and that's how Farmer wants it.

2014 Stanley Cup playoffs: Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets, Game 6 preview

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Columbus facing elimination at home, trails 3-2.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Here's a quick preview of Game 6 in the National Hockey League first-round playoff series between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Pittsburgh Penguins:

When: Tonight, 7 p.m.

Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus

TV: Fox Sports Ohio

Series reset: Pittsburgh leads the best-of-seven series, 3-2. The winning team has allowed the first goal in every game. The Penguins won Games 1, 3 and 5. They trailed 3-1 in Games 1 and 3, and were down 1-0 in Game 5, which they won, 3-1 (empty net). Columbus trailed by two goals in Game 2 and by three goals and Game 4 and won both, 4-3. The two victories are the first playoff wins in the Blue Jackets' 13 seasons.

Up next: Game 7, if necessary, will be Wednesday in Pittsburgh. The series winner plays the New York-Philadelphia winner. The Rangers lead, 3-2, and Game 6 is Tuesday in Philly.

Injuries: Columbus – winger R.J. Umberger (shoulder) and defenseman Nikita Nikitin (undisclosed) are out. Pittsburgh – defenseman Brooks Orpik, who missed Game 5, did not skate Monday morning and was seen riding a stationary bike.

Anticipated starting lineups (unofficial): Blue Jackets: Forwards – Boone Jenner, Ryan Johansen, Jack Skille. Defense: Jack Johnson, Fedor Tyutin. Goalie: Sergei Bobrovsky. Penguins: Forwards -- Chris Kunitz, Sidney Crosby, Lee Stempniak. Defense: Paul Martin, Kris Letang. Goal: Marc-Andre Fleury. Note: Crosby and Evgeni Malkin could be paired on the first line as they frequently were in Game 5.

Scoring leaders: Columbus – Ryan Johansen (2-4—6), Brandon Dubinsky (1-5—6), Jack Johnson (3-2—5), Boone Jenner (3-2—5). Pittsburgh – Paul Martin (0-8—8), Matt Niskanen (2-4—6), Sidney Crosby (0-5—5), Jussi Jokinen (3-1—4), Chris Kunitz (2-2—4).

Goalie comparison: Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus, 174-190 (.916). Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh, 154-169 (.911).

Special teams: Columbus power play 6-22 (27.3 percent), penalty kill 5-25 (80 percent), 2 short-handed goals. Pittsburgh power play 5-21 (20 percent), penalty kill 6-22 (72.7), 2 short-handed goals.

Notable: Malkin and Crosby have zero goals, nine assists combined. . . . Bobrovsky faced 50 shots Saturday and his 190 shots was the most faced by any goalie through five games of the first round. Fleury stopped 23 of 24 shots Saturday. The shot differential was identical in Game 3 (Pittsburgh 41-20) and Game 4 (Columbus 46-25). … Columbus rookie Boone Jenner is the only player with a point in every game. He has 11 points in his last 10 games.


Browns' top priority in draft should be quarterback, Dennis Manoloff says (video)

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With two picks in the first round, do the Browns have to take a QB? What about Sammy Watkins? The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff breaks down the public opinion with CineSport's Noah Coslov.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With two picks in the first round, do the Browns have to take a QB? What about Sammy Watkins? The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff breaks down the public opinion with CineSport's Noah Coslov.

Join us for a TweetUp on April 30 with the Cleveland Indians

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Come to The Clevelander for a night of networking, drink specials and fun.

Cleveland.com and the Cleveland Indians are partnering for a night of networking and giveaways during our TweetUp on April 30 at the Clevelander on Huron Road. Stick around and watch the Indians as they take on the Angels at 7:05 in LA.

Come and hang out with some of Cleveland's most active young professionals (and baseball fans). We'll have free appetizers, drink specials and giveaways. You can also be a part of our live broadcast featuring Glenn Moore and Zack Meisel.

For more information and to RSVP to the event, visit our Facebook event page. Tweet about the event before, during and after with the hashtag: #CLEtweetup.

Details:

When: Wednesday, April 30 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Where: The Clevelander Sports Bar and Grill
834 Huron Road E.
Cleveland

Videos: A recap of Cleveland Browns GM Ray Farmer's pre-draft press conference with Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed

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Watch as Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed tell you what they got out of Ray Farmer's pre-draft press conference and a highlights video of what he said. Watch video

 BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed discuss what Browns General Manager Ray Farmer said Monday during his pre-draft press conference at the team's headquarters.  They also give you a sneak peak at the three-day voluntary veterans minicamp the starts tomorrow.

Topics include: Ray Farmer's praise of Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins.  The Browns are not worried about Johnny Manziel's off the field reputation, but possibly his size.  The possibility of trading up or down with their picks in the first round.  Free agent quarterbacks Vince Young and Tyler Thigpen getting to tryout the next three days during minicamp.  What players on the current rooster might be in jeopardy of losing their spots?

On Twitter: @CLEvideos


Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer gives fans some fodder: Five observations

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The new general manager spoke for 30 minutes, revealing little but respecting the process for listeners and viewers.

BEREA, Ohio – Five observations from the Browns pre-draft news conference featuring general manager Ray Farmer:

Don’t read too much into Farmer’s effusive praise of Clemson wideout Sammy Watkins. Was it a smoke screen or does the rookie general manager feel that good about taking the receiver at No. 4 overall?

Why can’t it be both?

Farmer’s strong or, should we say, “ginormous,” endorsement of Watkins might be an attempt to make others executives believe the Browns want to pair him with All Pro Josh Gordon.

“He’s explosive,” the general manager said. “He’s got really good hands. He’s demonstrated he can run all the routes. He can be productive. So saddle him on the opposite side of Josh Gordon and wow.’

Many observers who favor Watkins as the Browns’ choice have made similar observations. Where Farmer did go above and beyond is dismissing any concern of the receiver’s height, 6-foot-1.

“If you just watch the guy play football, he’s different than a lot of wide receivers. I get that he’s not 6-2, 6-4, 6-5, I get that. But he plays the game violently and aggressive, which is kind of a rarity for most wide receivers.”

Farmer didn’t waste the time of those who viewed and listened to his news conference. The general manager didn’t reveal much in his 30-minute chat, but he gave his audience expansive answers and a reason to tune in again.

It was not a repeat of the Mike Lombardi grunt-a-thon from a year ago. When asked how Brandon Weeden looked in workouts, Lombardi replied: “I’ve been really busy. I watched the (practice) tape. It’s been busy.” The only thing saving that presser from being a total fiasco was former CEO Joe Banner's earnest attempt to answer some questions.  

Farmer has to prove himself on draft day, but Monday viewers saw a general manager at least willing to have a conversation about the process.

The Browns seem to value mobility in their quarterbacks. When Brian Hoyer suffered a season-ending knee injury last year, the Browns could have added free agents Vince Young or Tyler Thigpen, but chose to sign unproven Alex Tanney weeks later. Farmer explained their styles did not fit the offense run by coordinator Norv Turner.

As the first voluntary minicamp opens Tuesday, Young and Thigpen will be part of it. Don’t get caught up in the names – neither might be on the roster come late August – but focus on their styles. They appear to match what the new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan wants in a quarterback.

(Cue the rabid Johnny Manziel contingent.)

“(Mobility) is a good piece,” Farmer said. “Kyle would say he likes a quarterback that is mobile. The offense is definitely going to require the quarterback to do different things - throw on the move, play outside the pocket to some degree, so I think that’s a fair assessment.”

Shanahan has enjoyed successes with pocket passers such as Matt Schaub, but he was onto something in Washington with Robert Griffin III before his knee injury. Obviously, you can’t read too much into pre-draft chats, but there’s reason to buy into this line of thinking.

Farmer praised Manziel and, again, said he's not concerned about his off-the-field exploits. It's important to remember, however, Manziel isn't the only mobile quarterback in the draft.

Farmer is more likely to trade up at No. 26 than down at No. 4. He certainly didn’t say that during the news conference, but a quiver-full of 10 picks gives him lots of options, especially if Farmer covets one of the top cornerbacks such as Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State) or Darqueze Dennard (Michigan State).

The general manager says he knows whom he wants at No. 4, but “the question is, do I get a chance to take him?” It’s hard to imagine University of Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack, Watkins and the quarterback the Browns like most all being off the board. They are a better team with any of those options, that’s why it’s harder to see them trading down.

The Browns would give Mack a long look if he were still available at No. 4. We know coach Mike Pettine and defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil attended Mack’s pro day. Although viewed as an edge rusher, the linebacker is versatile and would give the Browns lots of options as to where to deploy him.

“Really good football player, explosive, he can rush the passer, play in coverage, he can do a little bit of everything,” Farmer said. “In general terms I’d say a physical anomaly for the conference (Mid American Conference) he plays in. This guy looks like the real deal. When he got on bigger stages he demonstrated he could perform. That’s what you want to see . . . When he got in big games he played big.”

It’s a great quote, but beware the time of year throughout the NFL. Read everything your general manager says -- and believe about a third of it.


Want to skip lines for bobblehead giveaways? Cleveland Indians offering item guarantee for $5

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For five giveaways this season, the Indians have extended the opportunity for fans to purchase a Promo Pass, a $5 ticket that guarantees that particular game's prize.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have added an element of opportunity cost for any fan who hopes to collect the team's premier giveaway items this season.

Do you value your time more than you value $5? Will there be long lines at the gates for a Jason Kipnis bobblehead or Omar Vizquel jersey? Can you take the risk of not showing up early, knowing the limited quantity of items available?

For five giveaways this season, the Indians have extended the opportunity for fans to purchase a Promo Pass, a $5 ticket that guarantees that particular game's prize.

The team is selling up to 1,000 Promo Pass tickets for Saturday's contest. The first 10,000 to pass through the turnstiles -- gates for the 6:05 p.m. ET start open at 4:30 p.m. -- will receive an Orel Hershiser bobblehead. Those who bought a Promo Pass can pick up the bobblehead at a designated kiosk inside the ballpark, so long as they do so by the end of the third inning.

If the Indians do not sell all 1,000 passes, the leftover bobbleheads will be added to the bulk being distributed at the gates.

"Our fans see value in the promotional items we're doing," said Indians communications coordinator Joel Hammond, "but some fans don't want to spend an hour in line waiting for it."

In all, 11,000 bobbleheads will be handed out on Saturday. That number will increase to 14,500 -- 12,500 at the gates and 2,000 via Promo Pass -- for the other four marquee giveaways: a "Brohio" bobblehead on May 31, a Vizquel jersey on June 21, a Kipnis bobblehead on July 8 and a Jim Thome replica Progressive Field statue on Aug. 2.

In essence, the Promo Pass serves a similar purpose to a pass at an amusement park that permits guests to cut in line to ride roller coasters. The Indians decided upon this promotional advent after surveying fans following last season.

"If you value your time more than $5, pay $5 and don't worry about getting here an hour before the game," Hammond said. "You can show up at first pitch and if you have a Promo Pass ticket, there will be a promotional item waiting for you at a kiosk."


Join us in Columbus Blue Jackets Game 6 live blog: 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs

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Can the Blue Jackets hold off Pittsburgh and force Game 7?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Greetings from Nationwide Arena, where Game 6 of the National Hockey League's first-round series between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins begins a 7 p.m.

Join me in the comments section below, where I'll be posting updates as the game is played, and we'll talk hockey!

Pittsburgh leads the series, 3-2, so this is a must-win for Columbus.

For a quick preview and fact box for Game 6, click here.

For the Blue Jackets latest thoughts on their desperation after Monday's morning skate (and to see which player bought tickets for fans who camped overnight), click here.

To ready my story last week on why Columbus is learning to hate Pittsburgh, just like Cleveland, click here.

O-H.... CBJ? For my Tim's Take last week on the Blue Jackets trying to make Columbus into a hockey town, click here.

Thanks for joining!

Cleveland Indians, Angels lineups for Monday night's game

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Justin Masterson will be looking for his first victory of the season when he faces the Angels tonight at Angel Stadium.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Here are the Indians and Angels lineups for Monday night's game at Angels Stadium.

INDIANS

CF Michael Bourn.
1B Nick Swisher.
2B Jason Kipnis.
DH Carlos Santana.
RF Ryan Raburn.
LF Miichael Brantley.
SS Asdrubal Cabrera.
C Yan Gomes.
3B Mike Aviles.
P Justin Masterson.

ANGELS

SS Erick Aybar.
CF Mike Trout.
1B Albert Pujols.
LF Raul Ibanez.
2B Howie Kendrick.
3B Ian Stewart
DH David Freese.
C Hank Conger.
RF J.B. Shuck.
P Tyler Skaggs.

Where can I watch Monday's Cleveland Indians vs. Los Angeles Angels game?

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The Los Angeles Angels have been crushing the ball lately and lead the majors in home runs thanks to the power surge.

ANAHEIM, California (AP) - The Los Angeles Angels have been crushing the ball lately and lead the majors in home runs thanks to the power surge.

The Cleveland Indians, meanwhile, have been struggling to muster any sort of offense as they get set to kick off a three-game road series against the Angels.

With Albert Pujols enjoying a strong stretch at the plate, the Angels (11-13) have hit eight home runs in their last five games. They have 36 on the season and Pujols is tied for the major-league lead with nine.

The game between the Indians and Angels will be played at 10:05 p.m. It can be seen on SportsTime Ohio. It can also be heard on WTAM 1100 and 100.7 WMMS.

David Freese hit his second homer of the year Sunday night, but the Angels couldn't do much else in their second straight loss, 3-2 to the New York Yankees.

The lack of support wasted a strong start by Garrett Richards, who gave up two runs on three hits with seven strikeouts in a duel with Masahiro Tanaka, who struck out 11.

"Garrett was terrific. He had explosive stuff," manager Mike Scioscia said. "I think both pitchers went toe to toe. We just couldn't get it done late."

The bullpen gave up only one hit, but Michael Kohn allowed two walks in the eighth before Nick Maronde gave up the go-ahead run thanks to a passed ball and wild pitch.

The Indians (11-14) also had a tough weekend, getting swept in an interleague series in San Francisco. Cleveland struggled to score, combining for just five runs and leaving 10 runners on base in the three games.

In Sunday's finale, the Indians got a solid outing from Danny Salazar in a 4-1 loss. Salazar struck out eight and allowed just one run in seven innings. The bats were quiet, though, with only a solo homer from Yan Gomes in the eighth after Salazar departed.

Cleveland reliever Cody Allen took the loss after allowing a walk-off, three-run homer to Brandon Hicks in the bottom of the ninth inning.

"We needed to be able to give (our pitchers) more than one run through nine innings," second baseman Jason Kipnis said. "If you ask any person in the major leagues if they can beat a team held to one run in nine innings, you should be able to do it. I think this one is on the hitters."

Looking to get back on track, Cleveland turns to Justin Masterson (0-0, 4.50 ERA) in the opener versus the Angels, who haven't had much success against him. Masterson is 4-0 in his career against Los Angeles and has allowed a .249 average to Angels hitters.

He's been especially good on the road with a 2.14 ERA in six career games at Angel Stadium - his lowest at any ballpark where he's pitched more than once.

Masterson will be opposed by left-hander Tyler Skaggs, who has never faced the Indians. Skaggs (2-0, 3.21 ERA) threw the ball well his last time out, going seven innings and allowing only two earns runs in a 7-2 victory at Washington last Monday.

Skaggs has struggled at home this year with a 5.54 ERA compared to a 1.20 on the road.

The Indians went 4-2 versus the Angels last season, including a sweep when the teams met in Southern California. It was Cleveland's first three-game sweep in Anaheim since August 8-11, 1999.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights softball moves up in Week 2 of coaches poll

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A look at the Week 2 softball rankings in Ohio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Now that the softball season is in full tilt, we are starting to see which teams are separating themselves from the rest of the pack.

With the playoff meetings coming up this Sunday, this next week will be important for teams not to only play the games, but to also win those games.

Here is a look at the rankings by Division.

DIVISION I

1. Lebanon

2. North Canton Hoover

3. Marysville

T3. Brecksville-Broadview Heights

5. Oregon Clay

6. Holland Springfield

T6. Gahanna Lincoln

8. Teays Valley

9. Walsh Jesuit

10. Barberton

DIVISION II

1. Licking Valley

2. Kenton Ridge

3. Keystone

4. Greenville

5. Lima Bath

6. Granville

7. Milan Edison

8. Hebron Lakewood

9. Johnathon Alder

10. Tallmadge

DIVISION III

1. Bloom Carroll

2. Sherwood Fairview

3. Wheerlersburg

4. Archbold

5. Warren Champion

6. Kirtland

7. New London

8. Youngstown Ursuline

9. North Union

10. Milton Union

DIVISION IV

1. Strasburg Franklin

2. Minister

3. Leesburg Fairfield

4. New Reigel

5. Covington

6. Vienna Matthews

7. Portsmouth Notre Dame

8. Danville

9. Windham

10. Convoy Crestview

Tune in every Monday night throughout the rest of the season as the poll will be released.

Contact high school sports reporter Mark Kern by email mkern@cleveland.com or Twitter (@Markkern11). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.


Cleveland Browns' Ray Farmer gushes over Sammy Watkins, but also praises Johnny Manziel, Greg Robinson and others during 2014 NFL Draft press conference

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Ray Farmer loves Sammy Watkins, but he also left open the possibility of drafting guys like Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, Greg Robinson, Khalil Mack and others.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- During his inaugural pre-draft press conference, Browns general manager Ray Farmer heaped praised on Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins, assured folks he's fine with Johnny Football's off-the-personna, and didn't rule out an offensive tackle at No. 4 even though he's got seven-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas.

In other words, he did a masterful job of keeping folks guessing what he'll do during his first crack at Stump the GM.

Farmer left open the possibility of trading up or down, taking a quarterback at No. 4 or not, and drafting pass-rusher Khalil Mack even though the Browns spent big bucks last year on Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo.

In other words, he left everything on the table and provided few clues as to what he's really thinking, which is exactly what he's wanted all along. He was so effusive in his praise of Watkins that observers immediately began to cross him off the list at No. 4.

But was Farmer using double-reverse psychology? Did he throw everyone off with the praise and then he'll rush to draft him if he's still there at No. 4? He did allow that offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan likes mobile quarterbacks, which points to a playmaker such as a Johnny Manziel -- but the Browns have worked out plenty of other mobile quarterbacks including Teddy Bridgewater, Aaron Murray and Connor Shaw.

Farmer acknowledged that he's got one guy in mind at No. 4, but doesn't know if he'll be available. So, anything can happen come next week's annual selection meeting (May 8-10) and it promises to be a wild and thrilling weekend for Browns fans.

While Farmer provided no clues as to which way he's leaning with his two first-round picks, he did shed some light on how he feels about some of his top candidates for the top pick. Here are some excerpts:

* On how Watkins could impact the Browns: "Big, big, really big, ginormous. He’s a good football player. He’s explosive. He’s got really good hands. He’s demonstrated he can run all the routes. He can be productive. So saddle him on the opposite side of Josh Gordon and wow.”

 

* On Watkins 6-1 size: “The longer this goes, the more you’re going to find guys ended up casualties of war for the wrong reasons. If you just watch the guy play football, he’s different than a lot of wide receivers. I get that he’s not 6-2, 6-4, 6-5, I get that. But he plays the game violently and aggressive, which is kind of a rarity for most wide receivers. You see things in him that aren’t standard. So he’s a really good player, and he’ll be a good player in this league. He would be dynamic, so we have to kind of wait and see where he goes.”

* On if signing receivers Nate Burleson and Andrew Hawkins will impact the draft strategy: "Not at all. We want to drive competition. I’ve seen teams keep as many as seven. It’s not meant to be a knock on anybody else that’s on the roster: Our goal is to add as many good football players as we can and as we continue to add really good football players, our team will be better as a result of it.''

* On if he has any problem with South Carolina pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney’s work ethic: “None. …As we get closer to the draft, the more you’ll see smoke. It’s not as substantive as people may think it is. But it’s interesting to talk about. Is he supremely talented? Yes. Do people wonder about certain pieces of his game? Sure. But the more you overthink it, we could shoot holes in all of these guys. Every single guy in the draft, you could shoot him full of holes and say this is wrong with him, this is wrong him, this is wrong, but the reality is you want to take the time to really unearth what can this guy do, how can he help your program and can this guy be a difference maker, and I think Jadeveon Clowney could do those things.”

* On Mack: "Really good football player, explosive, he can rush the passer, play in coverage, he can do a little bit of everything. In general terms I’d say a physical anomaly for the (MAC) conference he plays in. This guy looks like the real deal. When he got on bigger stages he demonstrated he could perform. That’s what you want to see. You want to see a guy who has the ability to play on the big stage. When he got in big games he played big.''

* On Texas A&M receiver Mike Evans and Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles: "(They're) both good college football players. Evans, obviously the size and the speed is the great intrigue that a lot of people see. When you watch him make plays, he’s got ball skills, he jumps up over people, he makes a ton of plays. Bortles, same thing. Oddly enough, he probably wasn’t as heralded going into the year. Everybody didn’t know his name. He definitely was a guy that I think his play demonstrated that he was worthy of being in consideration. The interesting thing about him is that people get really excited because he is a bigger guy, 6-foot-5, he’s 230-plus pounds. So people are definitely fired up to see can he be the complete package for what you want and inevitably for us, it’s a product of trying to find the right guy for who fits. Both of those guys are talented players. They really are.”

* On Manziel as a player: "Exciting, electric. He’s dynamic. You look at what he is as a football player: the guy turned a lot of heads. He won a lot of games. There are things definitely to be excited about. The questions everybody wants to talk about are is he big enough? Is he going to get hurt? Is his arm strong enough? Again, he’s different. He’s not the quintessential everybody looks at and points to and says ‘’This is exactly how you draw it up and this is the packaging you want.’ Again, that speaks to a lot of who and what Johnny has been his entire life. It’s different. It’s not how you generally think of playing the position and being effective from the pocket, but the guy has definitely been a very good college football player.”

* On Manziel as a person: "I don't think I have any reservations about who Johnny is. We had a lot of conversations and spent a lot of time with him. He's a good young man. The interesting part of Johnny is, that much like a lot of us, you don't get a handbook for how to operate in certain instances so when you go from being a kid in Tyler, Texas, to being Johnny Football and winning the Heisman Trophy really quickly, they don't hand you a manual and tell you how to handle the media swarm, how to handle paparazzi, how to handle people coming up to you at dinners. He will tell you very candidly that it's probably not how he would have written it up, now that he's at the end of it or getting toward the end of his college career, but you live and you learn. And that being said, there's good things ahead for him it's just a matter of how does he handle that when he gets to his new destination."

* On Teddy Bridgewater's poor Pro Day: "Teddy's a good college football player. He's had the burden of dealing with answering the questions of the differences between his pro day and his performance. Oddly enough, I think there was a lot of media speculation that he was the top quarterback going into the offseason. It really comes down to guys in my position deciding, do you hold onto the tape? Do you hold onto a private workout? Do you hold onto his Pro Day? And all of those pieces kind of factor into it. But again, it really comes down to how does he play football? The analogy  that I keep throwing out is, if we went outside and shot basketball, I can't hit a shot. I just can't buy a bucket, I can't make a layup. I can't really dribble. I dribbled the ball off my foot twice and it's gone out of bounds. But then every time we play I score 30, have 10 boards, and five steals. Do you want me on your team or are you going to pass me because I  couldn't warm up right, so that's the way I look at it. It really comes down to how does the guy play football?

 

* On offensive tackles Greg Robinson and Jake Matthews: "They’re really good players. Again, it was funny, we were sitting in the suite at the combine when Greg Robinson ran, and Jimmy (Haslam) turned and was like, ‘how big was he?’ so you go back and you start reviewing the numbers and the size and the movement and then his play, and he's a very, very interesting prospect as to what he can possibly bring to a franchise. Same thing with Jake Matthews. His history and pedigree speak for themselves. The idea of what he can be and what he’s going to be in the National Football League moving forward are definitely intriguing. I want to drive competition on the roster. So Joe Thomas is a very good football player. He’s been to numerous Pro Bowls, he’s been a successful player for a reason. But having players on this roster that Joe looks over and says, ‘oh, boy, that’s a real guy right there,’ that’s something good for our franchise and good for our football team. I think there’s no way I would tell you that those guys aren’t interesting players for us as well.''

* On if he knows who he'll take at No. 4: “Absolutely. The question is, do I get a chance to take him?”

* If not, will he be more likely to trade down?: "I wouldn’t say I’m more likely to trade down. Anytime you talk about trades, you have to have a partner. You also have to have players at the spot you’re going to. I’ll tell you this way; if there were five guys I really loved, could I really trade to six? I would have to hope somebody likes somebody else in their top five or six that would push one of the guys or two of the guys to me that I thought could be or potentially be available.”


2014 Stanley Cup playoffs: Pittsburgh Penguins eliminate Columbus Blue Jackets

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Penguins win Game 6, take series, 4-2.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The playoff beards never even needed a trim, and it had nothing to do with some of the baby-faced youngsters in the Columbus Blue Jackets' dressing room.

Evgeni Malkin scored three goals and Pittsburgh ended the Blue Jackets playoff run with a 4-3 victory Monday night in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.

The Penguins won the series, 4-2, and await the New York Rangers-Philadelphia Flyers winner. New York leads, 3-2.

Trailing 4-0 and seemingly dead in the water, the Blue Jackets nearly pulled off yet another dramatic comeback with three third-period goals scored less than three minutes apart. They had 4:47 remaining to complete the comeback and several opportunities as a once quiet crowd of 19,189 turned into a wall of noise.

Fedor Tyutin scored with 9:39 to play and Artem Anisimov added a redirect goal with 7:15 left to halve the lead, 4-2.

Nick Foligno redirected a high Tyutin shot past Marc-Andre Fleury with 4:47 left, for a 4-3 margin.

Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was pulled with 1:44 remaining for a faceoff in the Pittsburgh zone, which Brandon Dubinsky won and a Ryan Johansen shot was wide right. Columbus' only other shot was blocked.

An appreciative crowd serenaded the Blue Jackets with chants of "CBJ! CBJ!" as they exited the ice for the final time in their most successful playoff run.

For the first time in the wildly entertaining series, the team that scored first won the game. Columbus won twice by coming back from 3-1 and 3-0 deficits. Pittsburgh also overcame a 3-1 deficit.

Pittsburgh outshot Columbus, 24-23, including a 16-7 advantage in the first period.

Malkin took the crowd out of play early with a pair of first-period goals, and hats from the visitors who scored seats near the glass peppered the ice upon Malkin's hat trick for 4-0 lead in the second period.

Malkin knocked in a one-timer from Chris Kunitz behind the goal line with 10:49 left in the first period. Malkin gave Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead four minutes later on a power play, taking a soft pass form Sidney Crosby off the boards and firing past Sergei Bobrovsky.

Malkin and Crosby had been a hot topic in the series because the prolific centers didn't score in the first five games, not even when they were paired together for the first time in Game 5. They did have nine combined assists, however.

While it could be viewed as a matter of time before Malkin or Crosby took over, Columbus made it too easy. The Blue Jackets skated backward the first period, leaving plenty of room for the Penguins while Bobrovsky was marooned on his little blue island.

The talk in Columbus' locker room Monday morning was all about playing at a higher level than it did in a 3-1 loss in Game 5. The Blue Jackets' victories in Games 2 and 4 were a direct result of out-hitting Pittsburgh and knocking the Penguins off their game.

Asked what the “higher level” meant before the game, coach Todd Richards said, “play better.'' Whatever it was, it didn't happen early enough. Instead, the aggressors were the Penguins, who were without veteran defenseman Brooks Orpik. Instead, they got a big game from unsung defenseman Kris Letang, who missed part of the season after suffering a stroke.

Following Malkin's first-period goals, the Blue Jackets began the second period with 28 seconds of a power play remaining, perhaps the spark they needed for another big comeback.

Six seconds after the man-advantage expired, the score was 3-0. A boneheaded turnover by James Wisniewski gave Pittsburgh center Brandon Sutter a breakaway, and he beat Bobrovsky with a backhander inside the near left post.

Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who gave up some dough-soft goals in the first four games, was unbeatable for two periods. He even lost his stick during a second-period power play scramble, and Columbus whiffed.

The series will be remembered for Columbus winning its first playoff game in Pittsburgh (Game 2) and its first home playoff win (Game 4), as well as the strong finish in Game 6, even if came too late.

Terry Francona says Carlos Santana's "temporary amnesia' will pass: Cleveland Indians chatter

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Manager Terry Francona says he has to balance between being stubborn and patient on keeping slumping Carlos Santana in the cleanup spot.

ANAHEINM, Calif. -- Seen and heard Monday at Angel Stadium.

Clubhouse confidential: Carlos Santana is hitting .122 (10-for-82). He went hitless in San Francisco and is in a 3-for-58 funk. Yet he remained in the cleanup spot Monday night for the opening of a three-game series against the Angels.

Yes, manager Terry Francona has thought about giving him a night off or moving him down in the lineup.

“It’s a balance as a manager,” said Francona. “Are you being stubborn or are you being patient?”

Francona said he doesn’t want to move Santana because he’d expose Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley to lefty relievers late in the game. He has a firm belief that Santana will hit.

“Right now he has temporary amnesia, but that will go away,” said Francona.

On the prowl: Former Tribe right-hander Charlie Nagy was at Angel Stadium on Monday for the game. Nagy drove from his home in San Diego.

Nagy has been doing some amateur scouting around the San Diego area for the Tribe. In June, he’ll come to Cleveland for the draft.

“Then I think I’ll go out and see some of the affiliates,” said Nagy.

The Indians hired Nagy in January after he was fired as Arizona’s pitching coach.

Stat of the day: The Angels started two lefties against the Indians in this series, Tyler Skaggs on Monday and C.J. Wilson on Wednesday. The Indians are 4-6 in games started by lefties this season. On the road, they are 0-4.


Game 26: Cleveland Indians at Los Angeles Angels: Get updates and chat

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Join our live chat and get updates as the Indians take on the Angels tonight.

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Get live updates and chat tonight as the Indians take on the Los Angeles Angels. cleveland.com's Dan Labbe will be in the chat during the game.

Game 26: Indians (11-14) at Angels (11-13).

First pitch: 10:05 p.m. at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS FM/100.7.

Starting pitchers: RHP Justin Masterson (0-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. LHP Tyler Skaggs (2-0, 3.21).

FREQUENTLY REFRESH this page to get the latest updates. If you're viewing this on a mobile app, click here to get updates and comment.


NBA reacts to L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling being banned for life

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Support on Twitter is universal: Commissioner Adam Silver made the right move in banning Sterling for life.


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