Jesus Aguilar is swinging a potent bat at Class AAA Columbus, but Tribe's roster wold have to be changed to find a useful spot for him.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – How much could Jesus Aguilar help the Indians’ malfunctioning offense?

The reports GM Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona are getting from Class AAA Columbus are all good on the 6-3, 250-pound first baseman, third baseman and designated hitter.

He’s hitting .337 (35-for-104) with seven doubles, seven homers and 17 RBI in 29 games. He’s hitting the ball to all fields, showing plate discipline (17 walks, 23 strikeouts, .430 on-base percentage) and power.

Right now, though, it’s hard to see where Aguilar would get regular playing time on the Tribe’s roster. Changes would have to be made.

“We’re not going to push Swish on the bench,” said Francona.

Nick Swisher, in the second year of a four-year, $56 million deal, went into Tuesday night’s game against the Twins hitting .197 (24-for-122) with eight doubles, two homers and 12 RBI as the Tribe’s first baseman.

Swisher is hitting .179 left-handed and .205 right-handed.

Aguilar played some third base for Caracas this winter in Venezuela, where he hit .327 with 18 homers and 50 RBI in 58 games. He’s also been playing one game at third base every 10 days at Columbus.

Third base, however, belongs to Carlos Santana, the Tribe’s cleanup hitter. He went into Tuesday’s game hitting .150 (16-for-107) with four doubles, four homers and 11 RBI. Santana is hitting .167 left-handed and .138 right-handed.

How about DH for the right-handed hitting Aguilar?

Francona has used seven players at DH, with the busiest being Santana with nine starts, Lonnie Chisenhall with eight and Ryan Raburn with six. Chisenhall is hitting .368 (21-for-57), but has only two RBI. Raburn, who impressed with his bat last year, is hitting just .169 (10-for-59) with six RBI.

It was rumored after the Indians' 1-0 loss Monday night to the Twins that Aguilar was close to being promoted to Cleveland. Those rumors have been temporarily squashed, but they will continue as long as the Indians rank 13th in the AL in runs with 123 and 14th in batting average with runners in scoring position at .218.

Francona said he’s thought about changing the lineup to try and create some offense.

“I left late Monday night and got here early today,” said Francona. “I looked and looked and looked at the lineup. The more I looked at it, the more I came back to saying if I made drastic changes, it’s not helping anybody.

“We’ve got Swish, we’ve got Carlos and we’ve got Cabbie (Asdrubal Cabrera). Until they get hot, it’s hard for us. Those are our guys. Sometimes you just have to be patient even when it’s hard to be patient.”

Tough gig: The hard facts of big-league life punched George Kottaras in the face on Tuesday. Here’s hoping he rolled with the punch.

When Michael Bourn (left hamstring) showed enough improvement during his running drills Tuesday afternoon to avoid being placed on the disabled list, Kottaras was designated for assignment to make room for Josh Tomlin, who started against the Twins on Tuesday.

Kottaras entered Tribe history Sunday by becoming the first player to homer in his first two at-bats in a 4-3 loss to Chicago. In his other two plate appearances Sunday, he grounded out and walked.

“We didn’t want to designate George,” said Francona.

The Indians could have optioned a reliever to Columbus, but Francona felt they had to stay with an eight-man bullpen because set-up man Cody Allen and closer John Axford have pitched a lot lately and probably wouldn’t be available Tuesday.

“We had to do it,” said Francona. “We went round and round and round, but we had to do it.”

Testing, testing: Bourn, who opened the season on the disabled list with hamstring problems before being activated April 15, feels he’ll be ready to play in a couple of days. He ran in the outfield Tuesday to test the hamstring. Bourn said he would run the bases on Wednesday.

“I have all my strength (in the hamstring),” said Bourn. “I did everything to test it. I ran pretty good. It doesn’t bother me hitting at all.”

Said Francona, “Michael did pretty well. He got out there. Got some length to his stride. He got some intensity to it. ... At max, he thinks he’s a couple of days away.”

Bourn strained the hamstring on Saturday beating out a bunt single against the White Sox.

Finally: Monday's 1-0 loss to the Twins was the Indians' first by that score since a loss to the Giants at AT&T Park on June 25 2011. In that game, former Tribe lefty Tony Sipp balked home the only run of the game.

Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep quarterback Brandon Wimbush committed to Penn State on Tuesday evening. That decision has Ohio State looking for answers at the quarterback position in the 2015 recruiting class.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The news that Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep quarterback Brandon Wimbush committed to Penn State on Tuesday evening was tough to swallow for Ohio State.

But it really isn't all that shocking.

Recruiting a truly elite quarterback like Wimbush is hard. It's tricky. There's a reason even the most dominant college programs only manage to land a talent like that once every three or four years.

Quarterbacks like that typically don't pick schools that have established starters with more than a year still remaining. It just doesn't happen that often. (Give credit to Penn State coach James Franklin, who got Wimbush despite having sophomore Christian Hackenberg, a former five-star prospect, on his roster).

That's why the pressure is on for Ohio State now. The 2015 recruiting class is the fourth  since the Buckeyes landed former four-star quarterback Braxton Miller, who has only one more year of eligibility left.

Urban Meyer landed three-star quarterback Cardale Jones in 2012, four-star J.T. Barrett in 2013 and three-star Stephen Collier last season, but none of them are Miller. And none of them are Terrelle Pryor, the most elite prospect in the 2009 recruiting class and the Buckeyes' previous long-term starting quarterback.

Who is that next one going to be?

It isn't going to be Wimbush now, who along with Sterling Jenkins, another Ohio State target, pledged to Penn State. The Buckeyes' other elite quarterback target -- Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage product Torrance Gibson -- released his first top 15, in order, and Ohio State was No. 4 on his list behind three SEC schools.

So how could Ohio State miss on Wimbush when in reality it seems like being a Buckeye would be a quicker route to becoming a starter? Because it isn't only about who is on the roster -- it's also about who else could be a part of the same class.

Though Wimbush was the Buckeyes' top target, there was always the danger that they could also land Gibson, a four-star prospect who possesses a rare combination of size and raw skills that makes him one of the elite prospects in the class.

That's where where it got tricky. Ohio State tried hard to convey to Wimbush that he was the guy, but he ultimately felt most comfortable at Penn State. While Meyer and his staff were courting Wimbush, it's possible they may have lost some momentum with Gibson, who repeatedly expressed that Ohio State is one of his top choices before releasing his top 15.

Now what?

It has to be all hands on deck for Gibson. He hasn't yet visited Columbus and he has already guaranteed that Ohio State will be one of his five official visits. He'll take all of those visits before making his announcement around National Signing Day. In other words, his list will likely fluctuate.

In the meantime, Ohio State has to be more aggressive with other top quarterbacks, especially considering Meyer will likely take two in 2015. There's still a good chance Meyer could land Gibson -- who would certainly be the top candidate to start for Ohio State in two years -- but the Buckeyes likely can't afford to wait until Gibson decides to have another quarterback committed.

That makes the camp circuit during the summer interesting. 

And more names will likely starting getting more attention, like these: 

1. Kai Locksley, Baltimore (Md.) Gilman School -- Locksley recently told cleveland.com that communication with Ohio State had decreased, but the Buckeyes recently reached out and said he's still a target of interest. Soon after, Ohio State made his most recent top 10 and have again become players in his recruitment. He's clearly not as big of a priority as Wimbush and Gibson, though, which was evident in the communication lapse. 

2. Lorenzo Nunez, Kennesaw (Ga.) Harrison -- Though Nunez has an Ohio State offer, he hasn't been to Columbus since October. Nunez could be on the verge of making a decision, but the Buckeyes just aren't at the center of his recruitment at the moment. 

3. Deondre Francois, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy -- With recent offers from Oregon and Michigan, the three-star prospect's recruitment is really starting to catch fire. Though the Buckeyes have also offered, they haven't been too involved in his recruitment. A summer visit could change that. 

4. Dwayne Lawson, Tampa (Fla.) Hillsborough -- Though Lawson has a scholarship offer, his name hasn't popped up much in connection with Ohio State. A 6-foot-6, 215-pound prospect, Lawson is planning a summer visit. He's also considering Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Miami (Fla.), Tennessee, Central Florida and others. 

Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, at the Indians' request, has started working out at first base and left field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Seen and heard around Progressive Field on Tuesday.

Clubhouse confidential: Lonnie Chisenhall is in the expansion business. During early batting and infield practice on Tuesday, Chisenhall was taking fly balls in left field and ground balls at first base.

The Indians drafted Chisenhall in the first round in 2008 as a shortstop, but soon converted him to third. He’s been there ever since until the Indians asked him to start working out in left and first at the end of their recent West Coast trip.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said manager Terry Francona. “When you have a left-handed hitter who can do multiple things it can only enhance your career. There’s no downside.”

Team Clank: The front office has several concerns, but the biggest might the team's defense. The Indians entered Tuesday’s game with the worst fielding percentage in the big leagues at .974 and leading the AL in errors with 32.

The Indians, now that they’re home, have been doing a lot of early defensive work. Francona believes it’s more effective that the old-school version of infield practice that has all but disappeared from teams’ pregame routines.

“The old grouchy old guys always complain about that,” said Francona. “But they moved BP back so much because they want the fans to see it, that if you took infield, it would be five minutes before the game.

“We’ll take a group out before we hit when we’re at home and we’ll throw and turn double plays. I think they get much more work this way.”

Stat of the day: In 19 of their first 32 games, the Indians have scored three or fewer runs.

Josh Tomlin, in his first start in the big leagues since July 27, 2012, allowed one run on four hits in 6 2/3 innings to earn a 4-2 win over the Twins.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Josh Tomlin didn't remember his last win. What he did remember was the feeling, the warmth and satisfaction of it.

It came back to him Tuesday night in a cold ballpark in downtown Cleveland in front of just 9,621 fans. Tomlin, in his first big-league start in 21 months, threw 6 2/3 innings in the Indians' 4-2 victory over the Twins.

"I get some anxiety before the game, but it was the good anxiety," said Tomlin.

He allowed just one run, on a long home run by Chris Colabello in the seventh inning, while striking out four, walking one and allowing four hits in 93 pitches.

What did the home run come on?

"A fastball that wasn't fast enough," said Tomlin.

Tomlin underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Aug. 22, 2012. He never lost his sense of humor or his smile through the long rehab in Goodyear Ariz., last year's comeback through the minors and his demotion to Class AAA Columbus at the end of spring training.

Tommy John surgery has come so far, and been so successful, that some people think it's a snap. A one-year paid vacation.

Not so.

"It takes a long time and there are some guys around the league who have to go through it twice," said Tomlin.

Not exactly a pleasant thought when you're playing long toss at 60 feet for what seems like the 150th day in a row. But Tomlin made it, at least through Tuesday night, as the Indians won for just the third time in their last 11 games.

Tomlin (1-0, 1.35) said he has a little more velocity than he did before the surgery. Sometimes that's the case with ligament replacement surgery. But velocity isn't Tomlin's game. Throwing strikes is and that's what he did Tuesday.

He threw 72 percent (66-93) of his pitches for strikes. When the Indians gave him a 4-0 lead after the first two innings, he was even sharper.

It did not go unnoticed.

"Before the game, I walked down and told him, "Enjoy this,'' said manager Terry Francona. "He loves to compete and when we gave him the lead, he did exactly what you're supposed to do.

"He threw strikes. He used both sides of the plate. He worked ahead and he kept the ball down."

Center fielder Nyjer Morgan played behind Tomlin at Columbus this year. They're both back in the big leagues.

"He did the same thing tonight that he did down on the farm," said Morgan. "He's mixing and matching, hitting his spots. ... He did his thing."

Tomlin's win was his first since July 5, 2012 when he beat Tampa Bay. "I don't remember it," said Tomlin. "My last win was tonight."

His last big league start was July 27, 2012.

While the Indians have struggled to win games, the starting rotation continued to build momentum. The rotation is 4-0 with a 1.29 in its last six home games.

The Tribe's offense, ranked 13th in runs, gave Tomlin the early lead. It's not something they've done often, having been outscored, 35-28 in the first two innings this season.

Nick Swisher doubled to break an 0-for-11 skid in the first. He scored on Michael Brantley's single off Sam Deduno (0-2, 3.42). Deduno was making his first start of the season after seven relief appearances.

Brantley took second on the throw home and came around to score on Carlos Santana's ground ball and Colabello's error at first. Colabello, replacing injured Joe Mauer, let David Murphy's grounder bounce between his legs in a Bill Buckner moment.

Lonnie Chisenhall opened the second with a single and scored on Yan Gomes' double to center for a 3-0 lead. The Tribe made it 4-0 when Swisher delivered Gomes with a two-out single to center.

Bryan Shaw, with closer John Axford and set-up man Cody Allen unavailable, pitched the ninth for his first save. Axford, who had pitched three straight days, gave up a three-run to Dayan Viciedo to lose Sunday's game. On Monday, he gave up a leadoff homer in the 10th to Eduardo Escobar to take the loss.

Allen had pitched three times in the last four games.

Escobar stung the Indians again with an RBI double off Shaw in the ninth. Shaw should have been out of the inning, but shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera kicked Suzuki's grounder to short for the Tribe's 33rd error of the season and second of the night.

Gomes, who has committed eight errors, was guilty of the first one. Cabrera has five errors.

Cuyahoga County voters approve the sin tax renewal by a comfortable margin, but the reaction is mixed on social media.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It appears Cuyahoga County voters want their sports stadiums well-maintained, and they're willing to pay for it.

A 20-year extension of the county's sin tax was approved by voters on Tuesday night and by a comfortable margin. With 97 percent of precincts reporting, the issue was being approved, 56 to 44 percent.

“I think our voters have made some great choices with issues that are helping with the momentum that we’re experiencing in our town,” said Joe Roman, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the local chamber of commerce

“Money matters,” said Peter Pattakos, the leader of the grassroots efforts against the sin tax. “Even despite the vast sum spent by the team owners and the tactics they employed, we’re encouraged that 44 percent of voters recognized that the sin tax is the wrong to go forward.”

Despite the rather large victory for the tax extension, the reaction on social media has been mixed. See some examples below and feel free to leave your own comments at the end of the story.

The Browns will not draft Johnny Manziel, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fox Sports' Jay Glazer popped the big Johnny Football balloon in Cleveland Tuesday by reporting that the Browns will not draft Johnny Manziel.

Why is this significant? Because Glazer has an excellent track record, and because he's tight with Browns coach Mike Pettine, a source told cleveland.com.

"ESPN reported all night that the Cleveland Browns are taking Johnny Manziel, and I'm here to tell you they are not,'' Glazer said on Fox Sports Radio Tuesday. "NFL Network came out and said 'well Jimmy Haslam has told everybody in the room that he wants it to happen.'

That has not happened. In fact, it's the other way. Jimmy Haslam has walked into the Browns' draft room and said 'hey guys, this is not what I do for a living, it's what you do for a living. Whatever you do I trust.' There's not been some edict like that. I have no idea where that came from, but that's not happening.''

Here's my take:

* ESPN misquoted its own Chris Mortensen in a tweet Monday, saying he reported the Browns will draft Manziel. Mortensen actually reported that he believes the Browns will draft Auburn tackle Greg Robinson at No. 4, and if he's not there, they'll take Manziel or try to trade out of the pick. He told me that he was only speculating and not reporting this as fact.

* League sources have told me that Haslam loves Manziel and that general manager Ray Farmer really likes him too. But I asked Haslam at the NFL Annual Meeting in March if there's any scenario in which he'd step in and dictate the pick.

"Zero chance,'' he said. "We will have so many conversations between now and the draft about who we’re picking. That’s what getting ready is all about. That’s what Ray (Farmer) and his group are focused on, and we’ll all participate. Mike (Pettine) will play a key role in that, too.”

* So Haslam -- who's been consulting this offseason with people like Bill Parcells -- will have a voice, but he won't override his staff. It's naive to think Haslam won't be large part of this very crucial decision.

* If the Browns don't draft Manziel, it's because Farmer, the personnel staff and the coaching staff have determined he's not the right fit for this team.

* I've been hearing for about the past week that the Browns are leaning toward drafting Robinson at No. 4. Even if Robinson is the next Walter Jones, I wouldn't take a tackle at No. 4. Having seven-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas has been great for the Browns, but they still win four or five games every year.

* This is the eighth time since 1999 that the Browns have had a top five pick -- and they've drafted one quarterback. Therein lies the problem with this team.

The Cleveland Browns might draft Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde with the No. 35 overall pick.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde could be chanting OH-IO for the foreseeable future.

A league source told cleveland.com that Hyde is on the Browns' radar with their No. 35 pick in the draft.

Depending on how the first round goes, they could also be looking for a receiver or cornerback with that early second-round pick.

The punishing runner -- all 5-11, 230 pounds of him -- would fit well in Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking running scheme and complement new running back Ben Tate. The Browns finished tied for 27th in the NFL last season with 86.4 rushing yards per game after trading Trent Richardson to the Colts for this year's No. 26 overall pick.

“Yeah, I think I can help the Browns with their running game,'' Hyde said at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. "I had a chance to watch a couple of the Browns games. Being at Ohio State, you see their games all the time. There was some games they struggled real bad running the ball, and in order to be successful in the league you have to run the ball. I feel like I can definitely help them out.”

Hyde is widely regarded as the best running back in the draft and figures to be the first one off the board. But the first back might not be taken until the second round for the second straight year.

"You (had) two big-time backs in the Super Bowl playing,'' said Hyde. "You can’t just pass the ball the whole game. At one point, you have to hand the ball off to make the defense play the run. You start passing the whole game, the defense can just play off and interceptions - that’s when that happens.''

Hyde has had to answer questions this season about his suspension for the first three games of the season in connection with an altercation with a woman at a bar. Charges were dismissed, but Ohio State still sat him down for the first part of the season.

"I feel like I came back stronger after the suspension,'' he said. "It was my last year. I wasn’t going to get these games back, so my mindset going into those games was, 'This is it, you have to give it your all.' ''

Hyde rushed for a career-high 1,521 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2013, ending his career with nine straight 100-yard games.

"I definitely feel like I should be regarded as the best running back in this draft,'' he said. "I feel like my game does the talking and if you watch the film you can see that for yourself.''

Browns fans might be watching more than just his film.

Twins 1B Joe Mauer (back spasms) is not in the lineup for the third straight game against the Indians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups for Wednesday night's game between the Indians and Twins at Progressive Field:

Twins (15-16)

2B Brian Dozier .232

CF Sam Fuld .234

3B Trevor Plouffe .270

1B Chris Colabello .270

RF Jason Kubel .286

C Kurt Suzuki .310

DH Josmil Pinto .200

LF Eduardo Escobar .348

SS Pedro Florimon .109

RHP Ricky Nolasco (2-3, 5.82 ERA)

Indians (14-19)

CF Nyjer Morgan .294

1B Nick Swisher .206

LF Michael Brantley .269

3B Carlos Santana .144

RF David Murphy .261

SS Asdrubal Cabrera .205

DH Lonnie Chisenhall .373

C Yan Gomes .255

2B Mike Aviles .271

RHP Danny Salazar (1-3, 5.93)

Carley Whitney is the new girls basketball coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary.

AKRON, Ohio -- Carley Whitney will be the new girls basketball coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary, the school announced Wednesday.

Whitney served as former head coach Joe Jakubick's assistant for the last six years. Together, Jakubick and Whitney helped coach the Irish to a state semifinal appearance this season.

After compiling a 156-78 record in his 10 seasons at SVSM, Jakubick became the coach at St. Peter's in April. Whitney is a 2007 graduate of SVSM, where she earned 11 varsity letters as an athlete.

"I am excited and prepared to take over where we left off a year ago," Whitney said in a statement. "Our state tournament run was special, and I cannot wait to build off of that experience with our talented core of returning players."

Whitney earned a degree in Business Administration from Kent State. She became Director of Annual Fund at SVSM three years ago.

"St Vincent-St. Mary High School is a part of me, it runs through my veins," she said. "I grew up and still to this day have the honor of watching some of the greatest coaches coach for a school that I love. I am humbled and honored to call these individuals my peers."

The Irish went 25-3 this season and lost all five of their senior starters to graduation.

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

With seven picks in the first 127, this draft can be a huge lift for the Browns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This is Jimmy Haslam's draft.

Not that he will be making the picks -- and I really believe the owner won't do any serious meddling. But the 2014 NFL Draft will rest as much on Haslam as it does General Manager Ray Farmer and his staff.

It's Haslam who made the bold move of firing CEO Joe Banner and General Manager Mike Lombardi on Feb. 12. The owner then turned to Farmer. He was the assistant general manager and being courted by Miami to be the Dolphins' GM.

Here's how it works, and it starts with some very big IFs.

IF Haslam is right about trusting Farmer…

IF Farmer uses the 10 draft picks well…

IF rookie head coach Mike Pettine can shake the team free of the grip of losing that has been around the throat of the franchise and have even an 8-8 season…

Yes, there are a lot of IFs with what amounts to a rookie owner, a rookie general manager and a rookie head coach. But there are so many picks, so many possibilities -- that yes, this can be a franchise-changing draft.

Ray Farmer can make his mark as a general manager and endear himself to Browns fans for a long time if he gets the draft right.Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer

It can get better

This really can be a huge day for the Browns and their fans. That's not hype, it's a fact.

Any franchise would love to have what the Browns carry into draft day:

Two picks in the first round. The third pick in the second round. Two picks in the third round and two more in the fourth.

They have seven picks in the top 127.

They can trade up… Trade down... Or just sit still and pile up the players.

For that, Farmer can be thankful to Banner -- who was making trades to load up for this draft.

Sense of doom

It's easy for fans to create all the scenarios of drafts gone wrong and picks gone bad. The Browns had 11 picks in the 2012 draft, including six in the top 120. Only four remain: Mitchell Schwartz, John Hughes, Billy Winn and Travis Benjamin.

But the fact is, two years later the Browns are back in the draft game with 10 picks.

There will be Pro Bowlers picked high in the first round. There is a "Wow" factor to considering Clemson's Sammy Watkins joining Josh Gordon, Andrew Hawkins and Jordan Cameron as targets for Brian Hoyer.

And yes, Farmer used "Wow" when talking about the Watkins/Gordon combination. The Browns to do have picks to make a move late in the first round to grab a quarterback such as Teddy Bridgewater or Blake Bortles, one of whom may indeed slide.

Pettine would love to add a pass rusher such as Khalil Mack, or someone else. While the team also needs a cornerback, an offensive lineman, an inside linebacker, a running back and other things, they have the picks to fill those holes.

Haslam and Farmer can endear themselves to fans for decades with a strong draft. They really can.

Now, they just need to go out and make it happen.

Bryant had injury issues in three of his four seasons at Ohio State. The Glenville grad can play, but the question for the NFL is whether he can stay healthy.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As part of our NFL Draft coverage, we'll break down all the Ohio State draft candidates from a Buckeye perspective before the draft kicks off on Thursday. CBSSports.com NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler spoke with cleveland.com and will offer his opinions on all the Buckeyes' draft prospects. His NFL draft guide is available for sale for $5.

Christian Bryant, safety

At Ohio State: Bryant started 27 of the 36 games he played in his Ohio State career, with his senior season cut short after five games by a broken ankle suffered at the end of the Wisconsin game. He was second on the team in tackles and made second-team All-Big Ten as a junior in 2012 when he played in all 12 games. That served as the only full healthy season of his college career. Bryant's leadership was praised by Urban Meyer before his injury and even more so after it, with Meyer talking often about how Bryant was missed last year. Bryant was a big hitter who could sometimes be boom-or-bust when it came to making plays, but he developed as a more solid player as he got older.

Brugler’s breakdown: "He's definitely the type of guy that you just appreciate his game. And I think coaches will appreciate his game and the things he brings to the field. But that injury is a killer. Who knows what could have maybe happened if he was able to play the second half of his senior year? He could have done something at the combine or at pro day. So it's a good chance we are talking about Bryant as an undrafted free agent.

"But the best 256 guys don't get drafted. Once you get to the sixth and seventh round, teams may go by guys that show better in special teams. Maybe that's what they want in the later rounds. That's why a guy like Bryant could be drafted, because I think on special teams he brings what you want.

"The coaches talk so highly of him in the locker room and the huddle, with his leadership and smarts and that confidence he has about him - that helps, too. But at the same time, durability is a question, with the most recent injury really being something that kills his draft stock. I think there's a better chance he goes undrafted, but I gave him a draftable grade and I think there's a chance he gets his name called later on.

"When it comes down to it, he has the mentality. It's, 'Can he stay on the field?' NFL teams are not going to waste their time with a guy if he can't stay on the field. If he can stay healthy, I don't think we've heard the last of Christian Bryant."

Where he could be drafted: I think former Ohio State safety Kurt Coleman, one of the Buckeyes' best draft values in recent years, is a decent comparison for Bryant. Coleman turned into a starter in the NFL, but he was healthy and able to work out leading into the 2010 draft, and he lasted until the seventh round. So it's hard to see Bryant, who couldn't do earlier workouts because of his ankle, going a lot higher than Coleman. Brugler lists Bryant as his No. 20 overall safety. There were 23 safeties drafted last year, but just 13 the year before.

It's very likely that Bryant goes undrafted. But there have been teams that have looked at Bryant and have been able to review his medical records and understand that he's on track in his recovery. He has been upbeat about his progress, is nearly at 100 percent and should be fully ready to go by OTAs in late May.

So if a team likes him, they could grab him with a seventh-round pick. 

Doug’s wild guess: Bryant may have been able to play himself into the fourth round or so if he had stayed healthy and strongly finished his senior season. I think he can be a good special teams player and third safety in the NFL, maybe even more. Smaller safeties can survive in the NFL, and Bryant isn't afraid to hit and will be a guy who gets after it. I think he could make a solid NFL career for himself for at least a few seasons. But I think the injury will create enough caution that no team uses a draft pick on him. If the Browns can take a safety from Glenville and Ohio State in Donte Whitner and bring him back to Cleveland, they can do it with a second Glenville/Ohio State safety. So let's say you'll see Bryant in Berea.

Previous capsules: 

Carlos Hyde

Ryan Shazier 

Kenny Guiton

Corey Linsley

Marcus Hall

Jack Mewhort

Andrew Norwell

Corey Brown

Bradley Roby

There are several boys lacrosse teams that are trying to stay on the winning path entering the final stretch of the regular season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Many boys lacrosse teams around Northeast Ohio are entering the home stretch before playoff season with plenty of momentum. 

HUDSON ENTERS TOP 10 IN STATE COMPUTER RANKINGS

The Explorers are playing one of the toughest schedules among Northeast Ohio teams this year and it's been so far, so good as the team is 8-4 with four games left in the regular season.

Only two of the teams on Hudson's schedule have record below the .500 mark. 

The Explorers recently broke into the ranks of the top 10 teams in the state, according to the LaxPower.com computer rankings, at No. 10. The team is also rated third in the latest Burning River Lacrosse poll, just behind Solon (11-1) and St. Ignatius (8-5). 

Bo Lori continues to lead the team's offense with 30 goals and 32 assists. He's also collected 39 ground balls, which puts him third on the team in that regard right behind Mick Mougey who has 40. 

Chris Motter has a total of 102 ground balls this season to go along with his 25 goals and 12 assists. 

Gabe Vehar is also a force for Hudson with 26 goals and 18 assists. 

The team is schedule to face Strongsville (5-3) today and then Medina (8-3) on Friday. 

PREPPERS READY FOR SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON

With eight games already in the books and six still to go, many of which are only separated by only two or three days University School (6-2) hopes to finish the year strong against some stiff competition.

The Preppers enter today's matchup against St. Ignatius (8-5) led offensively by Clarke Jones and defensively by goalie Liam Ganzhorn, among others. 

Jones has 27 goals and 17 assists and 61 ground balls, the highest totals on the team for those categories. 

Ganzhorn has 89 saves and a save percentage of 57.42. 

Mark Samar, Bobby Mead and Tyler Flynn have also been key components to the Preppers' success this year. Mead and Flynn are second and third on the team in goals scored with 15 and 14, respectively while Samar is second in assists with nine and fourth in goals scored with 11.

Flynn also has 23 ground balls, putting him third on the team right behind Andrew Blackwell who's picked up 30 so far. 

Jack McConnell and Kip Sweeney have also collected more than 20 ground balls. 

After facing the Wildcats, US has two more challenging contests directly ahead of them against 10-1 Chagrin Falls on Friday and then 8-4 Hudson on Tuesday. 

MEDINA LOOKS TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS

After hitting a 3-game skid early in the season, the Bees found their stride and are on a 5-game winning streak and ranked sixth in the most recent Burning River Lacrosse poll.

The streak began with a 21-7 victory against Green (5-7) on April 21 and most recently continued with a 15-6 win against Rocky River (6-5) on Tuesday. 

Medina (8-3) will have its work cut out for it as the team prepares to take on Hudson (8-4) on Friday and then St. Ignatius (8-5) next Wednesday. 

WESTLAKE, ST. EDWARD LOOK TO EXTEND WINNING STREAKS TO FIVE

The Demons have shown why they are considered one of the top teams in Northeast Ohio. 

Westlake (8-3) ranked eighth in this week's Burning River Lacrosse poll and is on a 4-game winning streak. The Demons will look to extend the streak to five in a row against Bay (4-4) on Thursday. 

During the streak, the team has beaten Sylvania Southview (7-4), Massillon Jackson (5-7), Avon Lake (4-7) and Orange (3-8). 

The Demons are a Division II team that began the season with a win against Kenston (7-3) and played a couple of highly competitive teams Division I teams such as Medina (8-3) and St. Edward (8-4). Westlake lost to both teams by two goals or less. 

St. Edward has also won its last four straight against Stow (2-10), Hawken (5-8), Shaker Heights (3-8) and Avon Lake (4-7). 

The Eagles will take on Green (5-7) on Thursday and then close out the season with games against Kenston (7-3) and then St. Ignatius (8-5). 

INSIDE ROLL PODCAST

Be sure to listen to last week's Inside Roll Podcast with Shaker Heights assistant girls lacrosse coach Rachel Hill. 

This week's podcast will feature University School boys lacrosse coach Jack Fisher.

Contact high school sports reporter Robert Rozboril by email (rrozboril@cleveland.com), Twitter (@rrozboril) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/rrozboril). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Barnett wasn't invited to the NFL Draft Combine, but he was happy with what he showed scouts at Ohio State's Pro Day in March.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As part of our NFL Draft coverage, we'll break down all the Ohio State draft candidates from a Buckeye perspective before the draft kicks off on Thursday. CBSSports.com NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler spoke with cleveland.com and will offer his opinions on all the Buckeyes' draft prospects. His NFL draft guide is available for sale for $5.

C.J. Barnett, safety

At Ohio State: A three-year starter at safety, Barnett played 45 games in his career, making 37 starts. He had career highs in tackles and interceptions as a senior with 84 and four. He was a second-team All-Big Ten pick as a sophomore in 2011 and was one of the Buckeyes' captains as a senior last season. Part of a secondary that struggled through 2013, especially after fellow starting safety Christian Bryant broke his ankle in week five, Barnett was often left to answer for the defense's shortfalls. He also was left throwing his arms up on the field at times, clearly frustrated by breakdowns in communication in the secondary.

Brugler’s breakdown: "I don't think he gets drafted. He does a few things well, but for every positive play there seems like there's a couple negative plays. He plays fast, he's aggressive with his angles, you see that. But he's not the toughest in terms of filling against the run. He has inconsistent body position in coverage, he gets eaten up by blocks too much, even the tackling technique is not what you want. He doesn't stand out either vs. the run or vs. the pass. In order for him to make a roster, he's really going to have to do a heck of a job on special teams to secure a spot." 

Where he could be drafted: Barnett is ranked No. 29 among the safety prospects in Brugler's draft guide and No. 24 just among strong safety candidates by NFLDraftScout.com. There were 23 safeties drafted last year but just 13 the year before. Over the last few months you've been able to find a few mock drafts with Barnett as a late-round pick, but it seems unlikely he'll hear his name called this week.

Doug’s wild guess: I think Barnett suffered as much as anyone from the uncertainty in the OSU secondary last season. He was part of the problem at times, but he was also the victim at times. Barnett looked like a player unsure of the scheme and what was supposed to happen, and I think it affected how he played. Urban Meyer talked a lot in the spring how the Buckeyes are more athletic at safety with Tyvis Powell, Vonn Bell and Cam Burrows. But I think Barnet is potentially a solid player. He was happy with how he did at Ohio State's Pro Day in March, running a 4.46 40, after not being invited to the NFL Draft Combine, which he admitted upset him a bit.

"I felt like coming in people were doubting the speed, so I thought it was a big deal to come in and run in the 4.4s," Barnett said then. "I feel like I'm a leader and a playmaker and a great locker room guy, and I bring great energy. I'm just a good asset to have on and off the field."

Barnett could be the kind of guy who finds his footing as a pro, not as a starter, but as a guy who could make a roster as a special teamer and backup. He graduated with a degree in sociology/criminology in December and did make Academic All-Big Ten during his career. So he'll be fine outside of football. I guess I'll say Barnett gets into an NFL camp, let's send him to Arizona, and doesn't make it through the final cuts before the 2014 season. But he might have a better chance of making it than you think.

Previous capsules: 

Carlos Hyde

Ryan Shazier 

Kenny Guiton

Corey Linsley

Marcus Hall

Jack Mewhort

Andrew Norwell

Corey Brown

Bradley Roby

Center fielder Michael Bourn said he hopes to return to the lineup on Thursday, or Friday at the latest.

It's the eve of the 2014 NFL Draft. Rumors are spreading and smoke is coming from all over the NFL. It's hard to know what information to believe in the final hours before Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the first pick.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – It's the eve of the 2014 NFL Draft. Rumors are spreading and smoke is coming from all over the NFL. It's hard to know what information to believe in the final hours before Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the first pick.

With the Houston Texans open for business, it's still tough to get a handle on what they will do with the top selection. It only gets foggier from there. The St. Louis Rams have their pick of offensive tackles or wide receivers – both needs. Jacksonville could finally fix their quarterback position or they could go a different direction – wide receiver or pass rusher. Then there's the Browns. I had them tabbed as the team willing to take a gamble of Johnny Manziel. But the latest report from Jay Glazer has me second-guessing.

This is one of the most unpredictable first rounds in recent memory, and it's left many guessing, which should make for an exciting few days.

Here is my last Mock Draft, my best guess at what will happen Thursday night, with one trade involving the Cleveland Browns.

1. Houston Texans – Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End, South Carolina

The one time I typed another name besides Clowney in this spot, I immediately regretted it. He's the best player in this year's draft, a rare pass rusher that has been destined for this spot since he walked onto campus at South Carolina. A difference-maker on defense, Clowney would immediately provide a pass rushing boost to a team that finished with the second fewest sacks (32) in the NFL in 2013, and share the field with J.J. Watt, causing nightmares for the opponent. This seems like the most likely pick provided Houston can't trade back.

2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) - Greg Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Auburn

The Rams need to find out once and for all what they have in quarterback Sam Bradford. The only way they will be able to do that is to change the situation around him. Robinson has a unique combination of size, strength and athleticism. He's more of a mauler in the run game, which could fit St. Louis' style, but he also has the skills to be an all-around great blindside protector for years to come.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson

There will likely be a strong debate in Jacksonville. With the unlikelihood of Justin Blackmon playing for the Jaguars in 2014, GM David Caldwell could consider his replacement, Watkins. There's also the QB question, which still hangs over the franchise. But head coach Gus Bradley is a defensive-minded coach and the Jaguars have finished last in sacks two-straight years, making a pass rusher like Buffalo's Khalil Mack an option. The Jags had the worst offense in the league in 2013. It wasn't by accident. Watkins has the talent to change that.

4. Cleveland Browns – Mike Evans, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M

The Browns have done a great job keeping everyone guessing. If this scenario plays out, Cleveland will likely be on the phone looking to trade down – Buffalo and Detroit are possibilities. If they have to make a pick, Evans gets the nod over Mack. With all the scouting the Browns have done on Johnny Manziel, they have also gotten a close look at Evans, and it's tough to not like what he brings. With size, strength, athleticism and reliable hands, Evans has the tools to be a dominant force. Pairing the former basketball player with Josh Gordon doesn't do anything to solve the issue at QB. But it gives the Browns the best receiver duo in the division.

5. Oakland Raiders – Khalil Mack, Outside Linebacker, Buffalo

All of the moves the Raiders have made this off-season point to them wanting to win now. Justin Tuck, James Jones, Matt Schaub and Lamarr Woodley aren't in Oakland to go through a rebuild. Mack fits with the mentality, and he fills a need at linebacker.

6. Atlanta Falcons – Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M

The top two needs for the Falcons are pass rusher and offensive lineman. With the top two quarterback chasers off the board, it's an easy call for Atlanta. Matthews, a polished technician, will provide quarterback Matt Ryan enough time to get the ball to wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White.

View full sizeWhich team will take a chance on Johnny Manziel?AP

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M

They signed Josh McCown this off-season, but he's a journeyman, not a long-term answer. Both Evans and Watkins are off the board so Tampa Bay can't get the complement for Vincent Jackson. Manziel would give the Bucs their quarterback of the future and give the Buccaneers a spark on offense.

8. Minnesota Vikings – Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh

Mike Zimmer is a defensive-minded coach. Coming from Cincinnati, he will see a little bit of Geno Atkins in Donald. When the Vikings' defense was at its best recently, Minnesota had two dominant tackles, which it referred to as the "Williams Wall." Last year's first rounder Shariff Floyd and Donald could be next.

9. Buffalo Bills - Taylor Lewan, Offensive Tackle, Michigan

Buffalo is a candidate to trade up, likely targeting a new pass-catcher for young quarterback E.J. Manuel or an offensive tackle to protect 2013's first-round investment. Lewan would step in and play right away, serving as the tackle opposite talented youngster Cordy Glenn.

10. Detroit Lions – Eric Ebron, Tight End, North Carolina

The Lions could go a number of different ways with this pick, and a trade up shouldn't be ruled out, maybe even with the Browns. But if Detroit stays put, they will likely ignore their cornerback spot and go with Ebron, a versatile, pass-catching weapon. New offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi was in New Orleans with Jimmy Graham. He knows how much an offense can be boosted with an athletic force at tight end.

11. Tennessee Titans - Justin Gilbert, Cornerback, Oklahoma State

The Titans let cornerback Alterraun Verner go to Tampa Bay in the off-season. It leaves them two cornerbacks short of the required three necessary. New defensive coordinator Ray Horton may be the exact coach Gilbert needs to maximize his immense potential.

12. New York Giants – Zack Martin, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame

He can play right tackle, left tackle or either guard spot. His versatility is perfect, especially for a team that is looking for guys to protect quarterback Eli Manning.

13. St. Louis Rams – Darqueze Dennard, Cornerback, Michigan State

The Rams have invested plenty of resources in their front seven recently. Physical and imposing, it's turned into a quality unit ready to take the next step. If that's going to happen, the Rams need to boost their secondary. Safety will get strong consideration. But Dennard is the best cornerback in the class and he has the attitude, toughness and instincts to play in the NFC West.

14. Chicago Bears – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Safety, Alabama

It has to be defense for the Chicago Bears with the top four offensive linemen already gone. Clinton-Dix has the smarts, instincts and athleticism teams are looking for in the back of the defense. With Chicago needing a future leader in the secondary, the former Alabama star could fill that role.

View full sizeLSU's Odell Beckham Jr. is an explosive weapon on offense.Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press

15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver, LSU

It's certainly not the biggest need for the Steelers. But Pittsburgh passes on cornerback to grab an explosive playmaker in Beckham Jr., who helps quarterback Ben Roethlisberger while taking pressure off Antonio Brown.

16. Dallas Cowboys – Anthony Barr, Outside Linebacker, UCLA

Defense will likely be the choice here for the Cowboys. It's just a matter of which position. Safety, defensive Tackle and pass rusher are the needs. DeMarcus Ware won't be around this season, and while Barr is far from a finished product, he's someone that can bring pressure off the edge.

17. Baltimore Ravens – Calvin Pryor, Safety, Louisville

The Ravens used a first rounder on the position last year, but Matt Elam's physical style makes him better suited as a strong safety. Pryor, a hard hitter with a nose for the football, would create one of the best young safety tandems in the league and set the tone on defense.

18. New York Jets – Brandin Cooks, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Geno Smith and his four fourth-quarter comebacks are likely to remain the Jets starting quarterback for another year. New York needs to give him more help. Last year he had Jeremy Kerley, the disappointing Stephen Hill and oft-injured Santonio Holmes to throw at. They plucked David Nelson during the season and he actually turned into a reliable threat, showing how weak the position was. Eric Decker was a good start in free agency. Cooks would bring the speed, explosiveness and reliable hands that made him a dynamic pass-catcher for Oregon State.

View full sizeDoes Browns GM Ray Farmer have his eye on Teddy Bridgewater?John Raoux, Associated Press

19. Cleveland Browns (from Miami Dolphins) - Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback, Louisville 

This deal makes sense for both teams. From Miami's standpoint, they need an offensive tackle. But the top four are off the board and dropping down is a better option than drafting one that isn't worthy of a Top 20 pick. 

For the Browns, it also makes sense. I don't believe they can't stay at No. 26 and get Bridgewater. Kansas City selecting at No. 23 would be too scary. Andy Reid loves quarterbacks - he was the guy who drafted Kevin Kolb high in the second round despite having Donovan McNabb. Alex Smith is going to be a free agent, and according to reports, contract negotiations aren't going very well. Bridgewater fits the offense in KC really well thanks to his accuracy and methodical approach. Then there's the Bengals at No. 24, who could also be a surprise team with eyes for Bridgewater. Mary Kay Cabot says Ray Farmer is enamored with Bridgewater so the first-year GM gets aggressive, armed with 10 picks, and moves up for the best QB in the draft, while also giving up two fourth rounders as well as the 26th pick.

20. Arizona Cardinals – Blake Bortles, Quarterback, Central Florida

A team coming off a 10-win season, the Cardinals don't have too many immediate needs. With Carson Palmer being 34 years old, and the Cards not having a quarterback of the future on the roster, Arizona grabs their developmental QB. Head coach Bruce Arians worked with Ben Roethlisberger is Pittsburgh. 

21. Green Bay Packers – C.J. Mosley, Inside Linebacker, Alabama

The Packers often take the best player available. In this case, that's Mosley, who will be an immediate impact player on a defense that needs some help.

22. Philadelphia Eagles – Marqise Lee, Wide Receiver, USC

WR DeSean Jackson is gone. Riley Cooper has one year of solid production on his resume. Jeremy Maclin is coming off another knee injury. Chip Kelly likes speed. It just makes sense. Kelly knows all about Lee after coaching against him in the Pac-12. Kelly ignores the defensive side of the ball to get someone who can change the scoreboard in Philly.

23. Kansas City Chiefs – Cody Latimer, Wide Receiver, Indiana

The Chiefs have been looking for Dwayne Bowe's complement, with no success. It didn't work with Jonathan Baldwin, and Donnie Avery hasn't shown he can be consistent. Latimer is big, fast and strong. He has excellent hands and would give the Chiefs offense the kind of weapon they need to take the offense to another level.

24. Cincinnati Bengals – Kyle Fuller, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

The Bengals' aging secondary will need some help dealing with Browns' Josh Gordon, Ravens' Torrey Smith and Steve Smith as well as Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown. Fuller has the instincts, man-to-man skills and attitude to give Cincy's secondary an immediate boost.

25. San Diego Chargers – Jason Verrett, Cornerback, TCU

Forget the size (5-9) and the injuries. Verrett is a tough, physical and feisty cornerback. The Chargers were 29^th in the league against the pass in 2013. They haven't done anything to change that yet this off-season.

26. Miami Dolphins (from Cleveland Browns/from Indianapolis Colts) – Cyrus Kouandjio, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

The Dolphins drop back and still get the player they were most likely to consider at No. 19, while adding two fourth rounders. Ryan Tannehill, the NFL's most sacked QB in 2013 gets more help along the offensive line. As long as the medicals check out for Kouandjio, the All-American, who allowed 1.5 sacks in the regular season this past year, will be a good investment for the Dolphins. 

View full sizeOhio State linebacker Ryan Shazier should be a first round pick.Marvin Fong

27. New Orleans Saints – Ryan Shazier, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State

Is he an inside linebacker or an outside linebacker. I don't know. I also don't care. Shazier is a playmaker – a guy who became one of the best defenders in the country last year. With rare size, speed and athleticism, Shazier can run with backs out of the backfield and make tackles in space, drop into coverage and make plays in the backfield. He would only boost a defense, which made great strides a season ago.

28. Carolina Panthers – Joel Bitonio, Offensive Tackle, Nevada

With the unexpected retirement of OT Jordan Gross, the Panthers will scramble, looking for help along the line. Bitonio has been overshadowed throughout the process, but can play guard or tackle. It's that kind of versatility, which could push him into the first round.

29. New England Patriots – Louis Nix III, Defensive Tackle, Notre Dame

With Vince Wilfork being 34 years old and coming off an injury, the Patriots have to start thinking about the future. Not only could Nix be a run stuffing, double-team magnet for the Patriots, but he has the size, strength and athleticism to move around the defensive line, playing end in the Pats' scheme.

30. San Francisco 49ers – Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Cornerback, Nebraska

The Seattle Seahawks have had tremendous luck with big and long cornerbacks. The 49ers take a page out of their division rival's book and grab Jean-Baptiste, who is 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. With the size of a safety to go with speed and athleticism of a cornerback, don't be surprised to see Jean-Baptiste sneak into the first round.

31. Denver Broncos – Ra'Shede Hageman, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota

Hageman had bouts of inconsistency with the Gophers. But he's bulky, athletic and versatile. Head coach John Fox saw up close in the Super Bowl how a dominant defensive line could impact a game plan. Hageman has the tools to be special with some development and motivation.

32. Seattle Seahawks – Xavier Su'a-Filo, Offensive Guard, UCLA

Su'a-Filo, with experience at guard and tackle, is ready to play now. His power and athleticism should help the Seahawks with their run-based offensive attack.

The draft is always a highly charged topic among Browns fans, but with the chance to draft a quarterback at No. 4, emotions are running even higher this year.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – American sports fans can agree to disagree on many topics: the greatest pitcher, best quarterback, soccer's relevance in this country.

But express an opinion contrary to who we think our NFL team should draft? Yowza. You might as well be keying our new car. It’s a fang-baring, manhood-challenging debate. Especially, in this city, during this season, with a chance to draft a quarterback, namely Johnny Manziel, at No. 4 for the Browns.

The emotionally charged argument can turn rational friends into Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless caricatures. As someone who’s been a beat writer in three major pro sports, I find the passion the NFL Draft engenders unique and fascinating. The Manziel factor takes it to another strata.

Should the Browns, a franchise desperately in need of a quarterback, take the charismatic Johnny Football, who comes with great talent and much risk?

Three prominent Cleveland sports talk show hosts -- media members on the front line of this social conversation -- agreed the intensity and fan interest is almost unrivaled.

“With Manziel, it’s almost like a political debate,” said Chuck Booms, the co-host of Kiley & Booms on 92.3 The Fan. “It’s Democrat or Republican. You’re on one side or the other and each side knows its talking points.”

Booms and ESPN Cleveland’s Aaron Goldhammer are strong Manziel supporters. Goldhammer, the co-host of Really Big Show with Tony Rizzo, believes drafting Manziel would “change the conversation” about Cleveland and the Browns. He’s the one quarterback, Goldhammer argues, that could help the franchise escape the “vortex of losing.”

No league features a draft that excites and maddens a fan base like the NFL. It truly is a season of its own given the long buildup. It’s also the sport, because of the paucity of games and the age requirement for draftees, where average fans can monitor the development and form attachments to prospects. We’ve had a chance to watch Manziel blossom at Texas A&M over the course of two seasons. That’s certainly not the case in baseball and hockey.

Quickie quiz: Sam Bennett will be a high selection in the upcoming MLB or NHL draft? I covered the NHL on a day-to-day basis from 2007-11 and didn’t know the answer until Wednesday afternoon.

Football is so popular, its college games so available to mass audiences, many fans can give you reasoned opinions on what the Browns should do with their second fourth-round pick.

“It’s like we have thousands of mini Mel Kipers in this city,” Goldhammer said.

The NFL draft has great appeal across the nation, but because of the Browns’ legacy of losing it seems more vital here. It represents hope, it embodies a fresh start. The need for a quarterback and the presence of Manziel creates, in the words of Goldhammer, “a perfect storm.”

Some fans love No. 2. Others strongly dislike him and the attention he generates. In some ways, it’s not unlike 2003 when the Cavaliers had a chance to draft Akron’s LeBron James. Back then, few disputed James’ ability. It was more about his perceived sense of entitlement and the non-stop hype surrounding him.

In the case of Manziel, some aren’t sure his game translates to the NFL. They worry about his size and durability, having seen what the league has done to injury-slowed Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Do you recall a prospect in any sport that has produced more varied opinions among respected analysts? It’s what makes the raging debate irresistible.

Goldhammer and Ken Carman, of 92.3 The Fan, say younger fans tend to be drawn to Manziel. They yearn for the next big star. They enjoy the way the position is evolving and how quarterbacks such as Manziel, Griffin, Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick can affect a game with their arms or their legs.

Booms proffers another Manziel-centric theory: He appeals to people who aren’t risk-averse, who aren’t afraid to change careers or move cross country. Carmen, who prefers Blake Bortles, sees why an owner such as Jimmy Haslam would find Manziel intriguing.

“Many of these billionaires at some point in their careers have had to take risks that would either make them richer or cause them to lose their (butt),” Carman said. “That’s kind of the way Manziel plays the game. He’s not afraid to take chances.”

Carman can’t go shopping at Giant Eagle without fans stopping him to chat about his affinity for Bortles. Goldhammer’s love for Manziel comes with its own sound bite from a TMZ clip showing the quarterback entering a club with two women.

Everywhere the radio host goes, he’s peppered with, “How ya doin’ Johnny?”

In an effort to rally the Browns fan base ahead of the draft, Rizzo wanted listeners on Tuesday to include the Twitter hashtag: #BrownsGoodKarma in their tweets. By day’s end, it was trending nationally.

Let's go @Browns fans! Give us the #BrownsGoodKarma!!!!!

— Tony Rizzo (@TheRealTRizzo) May 6, 2014

We all have our opinions on what the Browns should do with that first pick. I’m not sold on any of the quarterbacks at No. 4 and prefer University of Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack.

A local Browns blogger disagreed so much he offered a point-by-point rebuttal. He also was gracious enough to alert me to his column and asked if I had a response.

My reply: In our business, if you state opinion, you had better be prepared for feedback. That goes double when it comes to the NFL Draft.

Join cleveland.com's Zack Meisel for a live in-game chat as the Indians take on the Twins at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Get scoring updates and analysis as the Indians take on the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field and chat with cleveland.com's Zack Meisel in the comments section.

Game 34: Indians (14-19) vs. Twins (15-16)

First pitch: 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Field

TV/radio: STO; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS 100.7

Catcher Yan Gomes, tied for the MLB lead with eight errors, is trying to "synchronize' his arm with his feet to correct errant throws.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Yan Gomes is too fast for his own good. At least his feet are.

Fast feet for a catcher are good and Sandy Alomar Jr. says Gomes has some of the fastest on a catcher that he’s seen.

“I think he’s going to be OK,” said Alomar, Indians first base and catching coach. “We’re working hard. He’s making the move to an everyday catcher and still trying to figure some things out.

“Right now, he’s trying to be too perfect.”

The quest for perfection has led to Gomes’ fast feet being just a bit too fast. He leads the MLB with nine errors, most coming on bad throws to the bases. The latest happened Wednesday in the third inning, when a wild throw to second allowed a stealing Pedro Florimon to reach third and eventually score on Brian Dozier's RBI double.

He’s been charged with four passed balls as well.

“His arm is fine,” said Alomar. “Sometimes his mechanics are too narrow or too spread out and his feet are so quick that there are times when his arm can’t catch up (to the rest of his body).”

Despite the errors, Gomes has thrown out 23 percent (5-for-22) of the runners who have tried to steal against him.

“He’s shown his arm is fine,” said Alomar. “The ball he threw behind the runner at second base the other night (Monday) was a great throw. Everything has to be synchronized and when you have quick feet like he has, you can get into trouble by getting out to fast.

“Once he gets synchronized, he’ll be fine. He’s been working on it in the cages. He’s got to get his arm synchronized to his feet.”

Alomar says Gomes has to be careful with the amount of early work he does because he’s catching every day.

“It’s not easy to work on something when you’re playing every day because you have to conserve your energy,” said Alomar. “And then you’re going out there playing every day and trying to let everything you’ve been working on become second nature.

“He’ll be all right in the long run. He just has to believe in himself.”

Testing, testing: Center fielder Michael Bourn said he should be back in the lineup within the next two days. Bourn ran the bases Wednesday and then practiced with the team. He hasn’t played since leaving Saturday’s game against the White Sox after his troublesome left hamstring tightened while beating out a bunt single in the third inning.

“I felt pretty good,” said Bourn. “I’m aiming to play Thursday. If not Thursday than Friday (in Tampa Bay).”

Bourn had surgery on the hamstring at the end last season and opened this year on the disabled list after straining it March 16 against the Giants.

“When you first get out there, of course, you’re a little careful,” said Bourn. “At the same time you have to be aggressive because it’s part of playing the game. I’m going to be confident in it.

“I’ve got a body that bounces back from injury pretty good. Hopefully, this is the end of it. If not, I’m going to keep pushing until it is the end of it.”

Ax man: In an otherwise strong start to the season, closer John Axford has had problems with walks.

Sunday he walked two batters before giving up a game-winning homer to Chicago’s Dayan Viciedo in the ninth inning. In Monday’s 1-0 loss to the Twins, he gave up a leadoff homer to Eduardo Escobar in the 10th and walked the next batter.

Axford has 10 walks and 12 strikeouts in 13 innings.

“The last outing wasn’t as bad as the first one,” said pitching coach Mickey Callaway. “When you walk guys, you’re going to pay for it at sometime.

“Mechanically we looked at some things. His arm slot was a little low and his fastball was running (off the plate) instead of staying straight and his off-speed pitches were going east and west instead of north and south.”

Manager Terry Francona used Bryan Shaw to save Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Twins because Axford had pitched three days in a row.

“To Ax’s credit, he wanted to get out there again,” said Francona. “I respect that. I don’t think we’d do that to anybody.”

Axford is tied for the AL lead in saves with nine in 11 chances. The fact that Francona also has Shaw and Cody Allen to turn to in such situations is a nice security blanket.

“When we put our bullpen together, we wanted guys who could pitch,” said Francona. “So it is comforting.”

Finally: Through 33 games, the Indians are 10-4 when they score four or more runs and 4-15 when they score three or fewer. ... Michael Brantley threw out Chris Colabello at second base in the second inning Wednesday for his AL-leading fourth assist. Colabello, after lining a shot off the left field wall, tried for second, but was cut down by Brantley, who fielded the ball bare-handed off the wall.

Terry Francona goes to Scott Atchison and Bryan Shaw to close out Tuesday's game against the Twins.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Seen and heard around Progressive Field on Wednesday.

Clubhouse confidential: When manager Terry Francona manipulated his bullpen Tuesday with set-up man Cody Allen and closer John Axford getting the night off, he used Scott Atchison for the eighth inning and Bryan Shaw for the save in the 4-2 win over the Twins.

Why Atchison?

“It’s not Atch’s fault that he’s 38 and gray,” said manager Terry Francona with a laugh. “He can still pitch. He just happens to look like the groundskeeper for the Red Sox.

“He’s good. He doesn’t walk people. He doesn’t beat himself. He has late movement. He does everything you’re supposed to do. Shaw doesn’t care when he pitches. He just likes to pitch.”

The opposition is hitting .136 against Atchison and .183 against Shaw.

Luck of the Irish: On Saturday, David Murphy hit a pop up that Chicago third baseman Marcus Semien dropped for an error as a run scored in the second inning.

On Tuesday, Murphy’s two-out bouncer slipped between Minnesota first baseman Chris Colabello’s legs in the first inning as a run scored. In the third, he singled off the glove of second baseman Brian Dozier.

“That’s just smart hitting is what it is,” said Murphy with a sheepish grin. “You can’t hit line drives all the time. You have to have versatility.”

Stat of the day: The Indians entered Wednesday’s game ranked 13th in the AL in runs, 13th in batting average with runners in scoring position at .221 and 14th in batting average at .231.

Browns coach Mike Pettine tells USA Today Sports that Johnny Manziel is "still in the discussion at four'' for the Browns. But sources tell cleveland.com that GM Ray Farmer has his eye on Teddy Bridgewater later in the round.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns coach Mike Pettine said Wednesday that Johnny Manziel is still in the mix for the Browns despite a report to the contrary.

“He’ll be in the discussion at four,” Pettine told USA Today Sports. "We met on it again this morning. I think it is very fluid.”

Pettine was responding to a report by Fox Sports' Jay Glazer that the Browns won't draft Manziel. Glazer was so emphatic that he joked in a tweet that the Browns "would take me over Manziel….''

Is Johnny Football really in the discussion at No. 4? Or are the Browns just throwing up a smokescreen on the eve of the draft.

Sources told cleveland.com this week that Farmer is enamored with Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and that he'll try to land him at No. 26 -- or even attempt to trade up to get him. Bridgewater has been Farmer's man since last fall, one source said.

Farmer also questioned Wednesday whether No. 4 might be too high for the former Texas A&M dual-threat QB.

“I would tell you that, for me, Johnny, for as much of a good college football player he is, I don’t know if I would ever tell anyone the answer to that question until it’s all said and done,'' Farmer told USA Today Sports. "I mean, people like him. People think there is talent there. The question is, is four too rich?”

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam loves Manziel, sources tell cleveland.com, but stressed at the NFL Annual Meetings there's "zero chance'' he'll dictate the pick.

CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora reported that Browns CEO Joe Banner commissioned a $100,000-plus study last year of the 2014 quarterbacks, which relied heavily on analytics. He said Bridgewater came out on top in terms of his chances of success with the Browns.