A brand new season brings a fresh slate of storylines. Here are 10 to consider.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A brand new season brings a fresh slate of storylines. Here are 10 to consider.

1. Will pitching continue to dominate?

Scoring dipped to an average of 4.07 runs per team per game last season, the lowest output in more than 30 years. The average slash line per team was .251/.314/.386, making .700 the average OPS. In 2000, at the height of the steroid era, the average OPS was .782. Last year, 35 qualified hitters posted an OPS of .800 or better. In 2000, 92 hitters posted an OPS of .800 or better. Certainly, the game has changed. Will offense continue to suffer in 2015? 

2. What influence will the pace-of-play rules have?

Much remains to be seen regarding the pace of play and how strictly umpires will enforce rule changes. It took a little bit of time last season for managers and umpires to get the hang of the new instant replay rules. April will serve as a grace period to allow players to get accustomed to the changes before penalties are handed out.

3. Who will stand tall in an underwhelming AL East?

Any of the five teams could advance to October. The Orioles won 96 games last season, but with an underwhelming starting rotation and question marks about catcher Matt Wieters and first baseman Chris Davis, FanGraphs pegs them as a 79-win team. The Rays waved goodbye to manager Joe Maddon and young, talented outfielder Wil Myers. The Blue Jays seemed poised for a breakout season before losing blossoming hurler Marcus Stroman to a knee injury. The Yankees remain old and fragile. The Red Sox might have the best chance at a division title, but their rotation is highly suspect. It could be a close race between a bunch of uninspiring teams.

4. Can anyone match the Nationals' starting rotation?

Max Scherzer's relocation to the nation's capital gives manager Matt Williams a rotation that posted a combined 72-37 record and 2.99 ERA and logged nearly 1,000 innings. It also bumped Tanner Roark (15-10, 2.85 ERA last year) to the bullpen. The Angels, Rays, Indians, Mets, Cardinals, Dodgers, Padres and Mariners could all boast solid rotations, but none stack up to the Nationals' unit.

Will Mike Trout win his second MVP award in 2015?AP photo 

5. Is there any way for Mike Trout to get better?

Many want to designate Trout as the face of the game, and for good measure. The reigning American League MVP posted a .939 OPS with 36 home runs and 111 RBIs in 2014. His 7.9 WAR was actually lower than the figure he logged in each of the previous two years. Trout led the league last season with 184 strikeouts, so if he can cut down on that total, he could tally a few more walks and hits and inch closer to the incredible .432 on-base percentage he recorded in 2013.

6. Can Corey Kluber duplicate his magnificent 2014 campaign?

Anyone who claims to have anticipated the Tribe right-hander ascending to the top of the pitching ranks in 2014 needs to be hooked up to a lie detector. Kluber followed up a decent showing in 2013 with the best season of any AL hurler in 2014, as he amassed 269 strikeouts, an 18-9 record and a 2.44 ERA. His manager and pitching coach insist that his dedication and rigid routine will allow for sustained success. 

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw works against the Seattle Mariners during spring training.Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

7. Will Clayton Kershaw get another chance to prove himself in October?

Kershaw's numbers in 2014, which earned him his third Cy Young Award in four years, were the best of his career. He went 21-3 with a 1.77 ERA and 239 strikeouts in 198 1/3 innings. He tallied an absurd 7.71 strikeouts for every walk.

Then October arrived and Kershaw surrendered 11 runs on 12 hits in 12 innings, as he lost both of his starts in the National League Division Series. Kershaw owns a 1-5 record and 5.12 ERA in 11 career postseason outings. The Dodgers appear destined for another playoff appearance. Will the southpaw reverse course from his previous performances?

8. Can the Royals and Giants make it back to the Fall Classic?

Both teams survived their do-or-die Wild Card tilt and advanced all the way to the World Series, where they matched wits until the ninth inning of Game 7. Neither team made much noise over the winter, though, and given the implausible run it required for both clubs to reach the final stage of October, odds are against a repeat encounter. Kansas City lost James Shields and Billy Butler. San Francisco lost Michael Morse and Pablo Sandoval.

Yankee DH Alex Rodriguez draws a walk in the sixth inning Wednesday against the Phillies.Lynne Sladky, Associated Press

9. With Derek Jeter out of the picture, will there be any attention for Alex Rodriguez to attract?

The man who will turn 40 in July, hasn't played in a game since 2013 and just won't go away has actually hit the ball pretty well this spring. Rodriguez could see time at designated hitter and first base for the Yankees, who owe him $64 million over the next three years. 

10. Can the Cubs, under new manager Joe Maddon, buck their losing trend?

It could happen, but Cubs fans should also practice patience. First baseman Anthony Rizzo was an All-Star last season and outfielder Jorge Soler and third baseman Kris Bryant -- in a few weeks -- should add even more pop to an imposing middle of the order. It will take time, though. Inexperienced players almost always endure some bumps and bruises. Maddon has a talented team, but one that is set up to contend in a year or two more so than in 2015.

Here are five thoughts on the Progressive Field renovations, following a sneak peek at the progress.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are five thoughts on the Progressive Field renovations, following a sneak peek at the progress.

1. Enter here: The new entrance gates beyond the center field wall make the building more inviting. There will be a large, open space upon immediate entry, where the Jim Thome and Bob Feller statues will stand. The Larry Doby statue, to be unveiled later this year, will likely stand outside of the entrance.

Passersby on East 9th Street will be able to see into the ballpark, though most of the foot traffic in that area is from the people heading to the game anyway. A New Era store, which sells gear, sits next to the entrance. Heritage Park also seems less hidden and more accessible.

2. Jumbo: Walk forward after entering through the new gate and you'll arrive at the new bullpens. They are tiered, so the visiting 'pen is behind the Indians' -- and higher up. It will be very easy to heckle opposing relievers. It will also be nearly impossible for a reliever to heave a warm-up pitch onto the playing field.

I was told, however, that the Jumbo Diaz fiasco did not prompt the bullpen redesign.

3. Capacity: Progressive Field will now hold 37,630 fans, though the team will have the ability to increase that total based on the number of standing room only tickets made available for a particular game. The terraces in the upper deck in right field will be used for large groups or on specific evenings that attract large crowds.

Regarding the giant white terraces in RF. Middle row will ultimately be green. Groups can use them and have this view pic.twitter.com/lkDKLNQQEa

-- Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) April 3, 2015

4. Field view: Fans will have the opportunity to sit on the old bullpen bench in right field for a few innings. The field-level view is unlike any other in the ballpark.

You'll be able to sit on the old bullpen bench and have this view of the field if you want. Cool concept. pic.twitter.com/jVi79LDh9Y

-- Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) April 3, 2015

5. Cheers: The two-story bar in right field, dubbed "The Corner," offers a nice touch, with a fire pit and automatic beer dispensers. Those who purchase a $13 standing room only ticket can stand at drink rails that occupy much of the right-field corner. You can stand pretty close to the field. It's probably the best ticket deal available.

Michigan State's Tom Izzo, Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine met with members of the media Friday to discuss their Final Four matchup with Duke on Saturday.

Michigan State's Tom Izzo, Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine met with members of the media Friday to discuss their Final Four matchup with Duke on Saturday.

We asked writers from Northeast Ohio Media Group and The Plain Dealer to make their 2015 AL and NL Manager of the Year predictions. And we're asking for your predictions as well.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Who will win the Manager of the Year awards in the American League and National League in 2015? Will it go to the manager of a team that meets playoff expectations? Or to the manager of a team that wildly exceeds expectations but might miss the playoffs?

We asked writers from Northeast Ohio Media Group and The Plain Dealer to make their 2015 AL and NL Manager of the Year predictions. And we're asking for your predictions as well in the comments below.

AL Manager of the Year

Paul Hoynes, NEOMG: Lloyd McClendon, Mariners

McClendon leads the Mariners only to the top of the AL West, but to franchise's first World Series appearance.

Zack Meisel, NEOMG: Lloyd McClendon, Mariners

There won't be any need for any base-stealing tirades this season. McClendon should have a well-oiled machine in the Pacific Northwest.

Dennis Manoloff, The Plain Dealer: Robin Ventura, White Sox

Ventura, benefiting from the White Sox' substantial roster upgrades over the winter, guides them to a wildcard berth. The dramatic turnaround from 2014 (73-89) puts Ventura in position for the award.

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer: John Gibbons, Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are the surprise team in the AL.

Bud Shaw, NEOMG: Robin Ventura, White Sox

These awards often go the manager of the most improved team. Ventura will get the blame if the Sox's productive off-season goes to waste. So he better get the credit when they challenge for the postseason (and fail just barely).  

NL Manager of the Year

Paul Hoynes, NEOMG: Clint Hurdle, Pirates

For years the Pirates were lost in baseball's desert, a losing team that couldn't get out of its own way. Hurdle, however, has shown them the way, leading the Pirates to the postseason for the third straight year.

Zack Meisel, NEOMG: Terry Collins, Mets

On paper, this team looks pretty average. But in a division with two bottom feeders (Atlanta and Philadelphia) and with a young, blossoming rotation, the Mets could fare a bit better than average. Exceeding expectations is what garners a skipper this award.

Dennis Manoloff, The Plain Dealer: Matt Williams, Nationals

Last season, the Nationals went 96-66 and Williams won the award. This season, they win 100-plus and Williams goes back to back.

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer: Mike Redmond, Marlins

Miami is the NL surprise team, led by the one-time Indians catcher.

Bud Shaw, NEOMG: Clint Hurdle, Pirates

The Pirates are the trendy pick to make the playoffs and possibly reach the World Series. (I can't believe I just wrote that sentence). Hurdle is already one of the game's outstanding managers and this season puts him over the top.

We asked writers from Northeast Ohio Media Group and The Plain Dealer to make their American League and National League Rookie of the Year predictions. And we're asking for your predictions, too.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- We asked writers from Northeast Ohio Media Group and The Plain Dealer to make their 2015 AL and NL Rookie of the Year predictions. And we're asking for your predictions, too, which you can put in the comments below.

Here's how the writers see it:

AL Rookie of the Year

Paul Hoynes, NEOMG: P Carlos Rodon, White Sox

Rodon didn't make the White Sox out of spring training, but the big lefty could become a force in their rotation during the season. He was Chicago's No.1 pick last year out of North Carolina State and as Chris Sale can attest the White Sox have been known to move their top picks quickly through the system.

Rodon, the third player taken in the country last year, made three starts at Class AAA Charlotte at the end of last season.

Castillo's impact is not immediate, but, by the end of the season, it is substantial. In the mix: Francisco Lindor, Indians.

Zack Meisel, NEOMG: P Taijuan Walker, Mariners

He allowed one run on nine hits in 25 innings this spring. His stuff is electric and he'll be a valuable cog behind Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma.

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer: OF Dalton Pompey, Blue Jays

The young outfielder helps the Blue Jays be a surprise team.

Bud Shaw, NEOMG: Carlos Rodon, White Sox

Given the state of the White Sox rotation, there's a clear avenue for Rodon to come up and make an impact. The idea of Rodon getting seasoning in Triple A is hard to argue. But once the season begins, it will be hard to keep a good lefty down.

NL Rookie of the Year winner

Paul Hoynes, NEOMG: OF Jorge Soler, Cubs

The Cubs made headlines and ruffled the feathers of agent Scott Boras when they farmed out third base prospect Kris Bryant after a great showing this spring in the Cactus League. Jorge Soler, however, isn't going anywhere.

The Cuban outfielder has a big swing and big power. If Soler can stay healthy, something that he's had trouble doing, he will keep the Wrigley faithful entertained until Bryant arrives.

No matter that Bryant opens the season in the minors: This is the easiest ROY call since ... AL 2014 (White Sox slugger Jose Abreu). Defense of the Bryant pick is succinct: supremely confident player with light-tower power.  

Zack Meisel, NEOMG: Jorge Soler, Cubs

No surprise that a Cubs hitter wins the award, but Soler gets the nod over Kris Bryant because he'll be on the big league club for the entire season and he's already had a taste of major league pitching. In 89 at-bats last year, he posted a .903 OPS. The free-swinging 23-year-old evokes memories of Vladimir Guerrero with the way he can yank a wayward pitch over the fence.

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer: Kris Bryant, Cubs

Bryant will soon be up and hitting monster homers for the Cubs.

Bud Shaw, NEOMG: Kris Bryant, Cubs

Bryant wasn't only disappointed to start the season in the minors. He was a bit incredulous. The kid has all the tools, is big-league ready and will probably be up by May 1. Lots of confidence. Bryce Harper with more power.

David Blatt said Love took part in a full practice on Saturday and went through every drill.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- After missing the game against the Miami Heat on Thursday to nurse his sore back, Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love is expected to play in Sunday's home game against Chicago.

Head Coach David Blatt said Love took part in a full practice on Saturday and went through every drill. Love's absence from Thursday win came as a surprise considering he said he felt good after participating in Wednesday's session.

Something appeared to have changed from the conclusion of practice up until tipoff.

"Nothing changed," Love said. "I sill felt good. I just wanted to take a game, but I'll be good and ready to go tomorrow."

Love reinjured his back in Sunday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers when an unknown Sixer elbowed him in the back. Due to the hit, he was not able to finish the game. Being that the Cavaliers only played twice this week, Love received some much-needed rest. He has been banged up all year, but he says this is the best he's felt in a long time.

"A lot of April, as far as the schedule goes, we have a few days in between games. For me, I haven't played a game, as of tomorrow, in a week. So yes, I'd probably say it's one of the best I've felt."

Love leads the team with 36 double-doubles and is posting numbers of 16.5 points and 10.0 rebounds. He has missed six games this year. Blatt may grant another rest for his power forward before the season concludes, but it doesn't sound like it will be on Sunday.

"Kev looked pretty good today," Blatt said. "Hopefully in the morning he'll feel as well as he did today."

Cleveland leads the season series 2-1 vs. the Bulls. The Cavaliers are riding a 17-game winning streak at The Q.

We asked writers from Northeast Ohio Media Group and The Plain Dealer to make their AL and NL MVP predictions. And we're asking for your predictions, too.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' Michael Brantley had a breakout campaign in 2014, finishing third in voting for American League MVP. He hit .327 with 20 homers and 97 RBIs.

But there is a tough field of favorites to beat out for Brantley or anyone else with MVP aspirations in the American League or National League.

We asked writers from Northeast Ohio Media Group and The Plain Dealer to make their 2015 AL and NL MVP predictions. And we're asking for your predictions, too, which you can put in the comments below:

AL MVP

Paul Hoynes, NEOMG: Robinson Cano, Mariners

Cano, after a year to adjust to the Great Northwest after leaving the Yankees, and a year to re-calibrate his swing to pitcher-friendly Safeco Field, Cano produces a career season.

Trout broke through the Miguel Cabrera wall last year and is not looking back anytime soon. Jose Abreu of the White Sox will make noise.

Zack Meisel, NEOMG: Jose Abreu, White Sox

Spring training statistics don't mean much, but it's hard to ignore the fact that his average is north of .500 and his OPS is north of 1.200. He was one of the league's top hitters as a rookie last year, and this season, he'll have more protection around him in the lineup. No sophomore slump for this slugger.

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer: Mike Trout, Angels

If he stays healthy, he'll win it at least three more times in his career.

Bud Shaw, NEOMG: Jose Abreu, White Sox

Great hitter as a rookie on a bad team. The White Sox have put enough around him in a strong off-season to not only protect him in the batting order but to be a good enough team that his contributions will be too hard to ignore.

NL MVP winner

Paul Hoynes, NEOMG: Buster Posey, Giants.

I wasn't a big fan of Clayton Kershaw winning the MVP last season. Hey, he's a great pitcher, but I think the MVP should go to a position player. Yeah, it's old-school thinking and in that vein I'm going with Giants catcher Buster Posey to win the MVP this year.

I picked Harper to win last year. He owes me. (LOL)

Zack Meisel, NEOMG: Anthony Rizzo, Cubs

At 25, he's the seasoned veteran among the Cubs' abundance of young sluggers. He clubbed 32 home runs and posted a .913 OPS in an All-Star campaign last year. This year, with more protection around him in the lineup, he improves upon those numbers.

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins

He immediately delivers after signing his huge contract.

Bud Shaw, NEOMG: Bryce Harper, Nationals

If you want to know how good he really is, just ask him. He'll have to be good enough to take votes away from a strong field of candidates, including presiding NL MVP Clayton Kershaw (now that voters went there and gave the award to a pitcher.) The potential is there to do it. And to think he won't be 23 until October.

The Wildcats are on the road to perfection as they get set to face the Badgers in a Final Four rematch. Basketball analyst Jordan Cornette explains why Kentucky will look to experience to win.

The Wildcats are on the road to perfection as they get set to face the Badgers in a Final Four rematch. Basketball analyst Jordan Cornette explains why Kentucky will look to experience to win.

LeBron James welcomed Indiana's Paul George back from a broken leg and spoke of how he dealt with the two weeks he missed to recover from nagging injuries. Those injuries will impact James' attempt at a fifth MVP. Watch video

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Sometimes when a high-profile NBA player goes down to injury, LeBron James takes to social media to offer condolences and opine on the impact to the league.

Other times, James is asked by reporters. Either way, commenting on the comings and goings of some of the game's top players is part of the job when you're the face of the NBA, like James.

So when Indiana star forward Paul George announced today that he would play his first game this season on Easter after breaking his leg over the summer, naturally, James was asked about it.

"I think it's great for our league, great for the fans of Indiana to have him back there," James said after practice as the Cavs prepare for the Bulls at 3:30 p.m. on Easter.

"I know that it's a great feeling for himself. He probably had many dreams or nightmares about the incident that happened, and to see him being back on the floor Sunday ... I think it's a pretty good thing."

This has been James' worst season for injuries.

None of them has been catastrophic, the kind that cost George most of this season, Bulls guard Derrick Rose large swaths of the last two seasons (and all of the 2012-13 season), and Kobe Bryant huge chunks of the last several years. But James has missed a career-high 11 games, and his case for a fifth NBA Most Valuable Player award will probably be viewed through those games he took off.

James sat for two weeks to rest nagging knee and back injuries. The Cavs lost all five of those games and are 2-9 without him. Since James returned to the floor on Jan. 13, Cleveland is an NBA-best 30-8 and winners of 17 straight at home.

"Every game that we lost while I was out, I was thinking about coming back early, before time," James said, referring to the two-week timetable team doctors set for him on Jan. 1. "But it wouldn't have did any good for myself, or it might've done a little good for the short term for our team, but for the long term it wouldn't have been good.

"As a competitor, when you're so accustomed to being out there with your brothers and fighting for them and helping them win, and then when you lose and you're sitting out, no matter if it's for injury or whatever the case may be, it burns."

James said the difference between what he went through and the challenges George and Rose (knee) face with their injuries is uncertainty. James said he knew he would be back within two weeks. Neither George nor Rose could say the same.

As Cavs forward Kevin Love mentioned last month when he said Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook was his choice for MVP instead of James, voters (media members) may look to James' injury absence as a reason not to vote for him.

Conversely, they may consider the Cavs' struggles before he returned. They were 19-19 on Jan. 13 when James came back and lost that night to Phoenix.

James' statistics since his return are really good -- 26.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists -- but they're roughly the same as his season averages (25.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 7.3 apg). The similarity in stats actually speaks to James' total volume of work.

The Houston Rockets recently released marketing material in support of their MVP candidate, James Harden. It's a video book -- you open the book and a video plays -- and it touts Harden's contributions this season.

Harden and Westbrook lead the NBA in scoring with 27.5 ppg. But Harden's work -- the Rockets entered play Saturday tied for second in the West -- was done largely without Dwight Howard, who missed two months with a knee injury.

Westbrook, who like James won his conference's player of the month award for both February and March, has been without running mate Kevin Durant due to a foot injury, but Westbrook has actually played fewer games (61) than James because of a broken hand at the beginning of the season.

James, the only player up for MVP who has won it before, shrugged when asked Saturday about teams launching campaigns in support of their players' candidacies.

"I've never heard of it," James said. "That's a lose-lose for me. For me, you just go out and play the game. We have guys who vote for these awards and they'll take care of it."

Several years ago, prior to James' first MVP award in 2009, the Cavs created a website with a silly domain name ("really" appeared five or six times, followed by "good"). Cavs officials recall Bryant poking fun at their campaign by proclaiming to "really" want another championship.

The point was made, and that's how the Cavs view campaigning now. They also realize that James, a four-time winner, already moves in rarified air.

Cleveland coach David Blatt and General Manager David Griffin will be more vocal about James' season in the coming days, but that will be the extent of the Cavs' campaign.

As for George, an All-Star who's helped make a name for himself by playing tough on the wing against James, he averaged a career-best 21.7 ppg last season.

The Pacers, 1.5 games behind the Heat for eighth in the East when play began Saturday, are desperate for wins over the final 1 1/2 weeks. George was Indiana's MVP last season -- which ended in a conference finals lost to James' Heat -- but his return Sunday may have more of a symbolic than on-court impact.

"Shouldn't ask much out of him at all," James said. "Be excited about him being back on the floor, seeing him back in the uniform, but to ask him of what he was capable of doing last year right now I think is unfair."

Tiger Woods has played just 47 holes this season while developing a case of the short-game yips. Vegas put his Masters odds at 40-1. Based on his play this season, he should be 400-1.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- We kick off one of best weeks in American sports with a trivia question:

What do Romain Wattel, Gary Stal, Shaun Stefani, Hiroshi Iwala, Marcel Siem and Koumei Oda have in common?

Each is looking down on Tiger Woods, ol' No. 104, in the world rankings.

Bonus points for anyone who knew Woods is keeping immediate company with Thorbjorn Olesen (No. 103) and Jason Kokrak (No. 105).

Extra bonus points (and possibly an emergency trip to the Masters) for anyone who can cure the yips.

It's hard to explain how a player ranked outside the Top 100 could possibly elevate the Masters beyond its usual high place in a week that includes the crowning of a college basketball champion and the blossoming of a new baseball season in ballparks around the country.

But that's what Woods' announcement that he'll play at Augusta does. Even more amazing, the reason it does has less to do with his success there (four green jackets and more Top 10 finishes than anyone other than Jack Nicklaus). It's more that this appearance at Augusta might well go down in history as a demoralizing referendum on his game.

The oddsmakers tagged him a 40-1 shot to win. That tells you people still don't believe Woods is as big a mess as he looked last time out. Based on his chipping issues alone he should be 400-1.

When Woods played Torrey Pines in early February, he produced one memorable quote and lots of forgettable golf.

After withdrawing citing back issues, Woods explained that his "glutes didn't activate."

His case of the yips, however, did. One hole before he quit, he hit a wedge well over the green, duffed his next pitch, thinned the one after and scored a double bogey.

He shot 82 at the Phoenix Open, missing the cut by nine shots. He short game was a horror to watch.

It's not surprising he chose Augusta for his return. He loves the place. He excels there. He missed last year's Masters with an injury, which no doubt makes him even more anxious to return.

But it is a choice with inherent risks. He has never missed the cut at the Masters since turning pro in 1996. If he does this time and his short game is the cause of it -- both reasonable possibilities -- where does he go from here?

Paul Azinger,  one of golf's most insightful analysts, told USA Today that Tiger would be better off kicking "the video camera to the curb."

"What Tiger has done," Azinger added, "is sacrifice a winning swing at the altar for a quest for the perfect swing. And a perfect swing doesn't exist."

Woods' short game has covered up the rough edges of various swing changes. No longer. If his jagged nerves surface around Augusta's greens, he'll be lucky to survive the weekend.

After claiming he would only return when he felt prepared to compete at the highest level, a disaster at Augusta would carry even greater implications.

Swing changes set players back. The yips ruin them. What will it be for Woods? That's why his appearance at Augusta will be so riveting.

The chase for a fifth green jacket feels more like an ambulance chase.

Wisconsin's Bo Ryan, Sam Dekker, Frank Kaminsky and Nigel Hayes met with members of the media Friday to discuss their Final Four matchup with Kentucky on Saturday.

Wisconsin's Bo Ryan, Sam Dekker, Frank Kaminsky and Nigel Hayes met with members of the media Friday to discuss their Final Four matchup with Kentucky on Saturday.

"It's slow going, but I'm encouraged," said agent BB Abbott on Saturday. "We continue to talk and try to find a middle ground. The conversations have been cordial."

PHOENIX -- The agent for Corey Kluber says he's encouraged at how negotiations are going with the Indians.

The Indians and BB Abbott, Kluber's agent, are trying to negotiate a multiyear deal for last year's AL Cy Young winner sometime before the regular season opens Monday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

GM Chris Antonetti and Abbott would prefer to get a deal done before the start of the season, but with time running short, it's possible negotiations could continue past opening day. Kluber, by the way, is starting the season opener against Houston left-hander Dallas Keuchel.

"It's slow going, but I'm encouraged," said Abbott on Saturday. "We continue to talk and try to find a middle ground. The conversations have been cordial."

Kluber, to avoid having his contract renewed in early March, signed a one-year deal worth $601,000. He made $514,000 last year and received a $10,000 bonus for winning the Cy Young.

Antonetti would not comment on negotiations.

The Kansas City Royals just signed right-hander Yordano Ventura to a five-year deal worth $23 million with two club options. There is little correlation between Ventura's deal and the deal the Indians and Abbott are trying to reach for Kluber.

Yes, Ventura and Kluber are starting the season openers for their teams. They also don't have enough service time to be eligible for arbitration, but that's where the similarities end.

Ventura is 23, while Kluber turned 29 on April 10. In other words, Ventura will be coming out of his first big contract at about the same age Kluber is trying to enter his. This probably represents Kluber's only bite of the apple unless he continues to pitch at a Cy Young level for the next four years, but even then he'll enter free agency at 33.

By that time, however, if Kluber has indeed pitched at an elite level, two things will have changed.

No.1: He will have earned a lot of money by going to arbitration with the Indians for four straight seasons.

No. 2: The two parties would have probably reached a multiyear deal.

Kluber went 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA in five Cactus League starts this spring. He struck out 25, walked five and allowed 10 earned runs in 23 1/3 innings.

Jahlil Okafor has spent the season tuning out huge expectations, beating defenses geared to stop him and showing off offensive moves that leave NBA scouts drooling. Watch video

INDIANAPOLIS -- Jahlil Okafor has spent the season tuning out huge expectations, beating defenses geared to stop him and showing off offensive moves that leave NBA scouts drooling.

Through it all, Duke's star freshman big man has stayed focused on one thing: winning.

He has the Blue Devils back in the Final Four, two wins away from Mike Krzyzewski's fifth NCAA championship. It's where the potential one-and-done talent -- viewed as the possible No. 1 overall NBA draft pick whenever he leaves school -- has been determined to get all season even with all the outside demands for him to be nothing less than dominant.

"I think all the attention on myself and the team has really made us grow up a lot faster," Okafor said. "It's something I've become accustomed to my entire life. I've had a lot of attention on me, and coming to Duke University has been an entire new level. It's just really prepared us to get where we are now."

The 6-foot-11, 270-pound Chicago native has been every bit as good as advertised for the Blue Devils (33-4) heading into Saturday's national semifinal against Michigan State, even after two straight quiet games in the tournament. 

He's averaged 17.5 points as the nation's No. 2-scoring freshman, averaged 8.7 rebounds and ranked second nationally among all players by shooting nearly 67 percent.

He showed off all the moves in Duke's rout of San Diego State in the round of 32 -- spinning moves, a hook shot, a short jumper, even a dribble drive and the ability to run the floor for a dunk.

When he's at his best, he gives Duke a polished back-to-the-basket scorer with the ability to kick the ball out against collapsing defenders and set up teammates for open 3-point looks.

And that's when the Blue Devils are at their best.

"Typically you have to teach a freshman, 'OK, this is what's going to translate to the college level," said Duke assistant Nate James, who tutors Okafor in practice.

"With Jah, he had it all. So you come in, you're not really teaching him moves. I don't spend a lot of times with, "OK, Jahlil, you're going to take the ball here and you'll go up.' Now I'm trying to talk to him about when to go, when to take advantage of the 1-on-1."

Then again, Okafor doesn't get a ton of those looks in games. He's put up big numbers all year despite being atop every opponent's scouting report, with coaches constantly sending double and triple teams his way on the block.

"I think you've got to put him in ball screens, you've got to make him move, make him do some things," Spartans coach Tom Izzo said. "Hopefully we'll have some wrinkles that we'll try to put in, if there's any weaknesses, to try to find them."

Okafor said his biggest improvement is talking with his teammates more on the court on defense, one of Krzyzewski's biggest annual coaching points with his teams. His father sees something more: a confident and talented player developing each day under the tutelage of "one of the bests, if not a modern-day John Wooden."

"He's just with time getting older and a lot more mature," Chucky Okafor said. "He's just growing in to a man. That's the most incredible change. ... He's comfortable with himself. He's comfortable with the situation. Just the way he's handling everything, I think that's the most mature growth."

Okafor's next task is bouncing back from two quiet tournament games in last weekend's South Regional games in Houston.

He managed six points on 3-for-6 shooting in the Sweet 16 against Utah, then had nine on 4-for-10 shooting in the Elite Eight win against Gonzaga that pushed Krzyzewski into a tie with UCLA's Wooden with a record 12 Final Fours.

Okafor said he wasn't disappointed by his individual play. Rather, he said he was focused only on winning to reach the Final Four, setting up what could be the final weekend of his college career.

Both father and son said Okafor hasn't decided on his NBA future just yet, although The Herald-Sun of Durham, North Carolina, reported in November that Krzyzewski said during a public speaking engagement that Duke "won't have him long" and that "we'll have him this year and then he'll be one of the top picks."

Regardless of when the move happens, the only thing that matters to Okafor is enjoying the moment and winning two games in Indianapolis.

"I don't know what I'm doing after this season, but this is where I always wanted to be, in the Final Four," Okafor said. "It's here right now, and I couldn't be happier."

Nathaniel Watkins pulled off the improbable in the 2nd annual Barbie Rod Fishing Derby after overnight rains tried to put a damper on the fun event.

LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Nathaniel Watkins pulled off the improbable in the 2^nd annual Barbie Rod Fishing Derby after overnight rains tried to put a damper on the fun event held on the Rocky River on Saturday.

The forecast rains were much heavier than predicted, turning the Rocky River into a coffee-and-cream patch of fast water. To save the event from a second postponement, early Saturday morning tournament organizers Mark Warren of Maple Heights and Mike Durkalec of the Cleveland Metroparks added Wallace Lake in Berea to the short list of fishing waters.

The challenge of the derby was to hook a big, feisty steelhead trout with the mandated kid's fishing tackle, rod-and-reel combos sporting names like Barbie, Spider-Man and Tinker Bell. There was even a 1984 vintage Snoopy combo.

The wimpy little rods and light fishing line make it difficult to drive a hook into the bony mouth of a trout, even the smaller rainbows. And as anglers found out in the inaugural derby, a hooked steelhead trout didn't easily translate into a fish in the net.

The mighty Rock might have been too muddy to fish, almost all of the tournament anglers figured, but Wallace Lake a dozen miles away was in good shape. Instead of trying to hook big steelhead trout with kid's fishing tackle, the smaller trout would be more cooperative.

Fishermen crowded the north end of Wallace Lake, a rainbow trout hot spot, and a number of trout and panfish were hooked and landed.

After riding his bicycle down to the Rocky River for the derby from his Lakewood home, Watkins couldn't pedal all the way to Berea. An avid steelheader, the young angler stuck it out on the Rocky River and, just shouting distance from derby headquarters - a picnic area near the Emerald Necklace Marina - he began casting a dime-sized spawn bag into the swift current.

A 171/2-inch steelhead trout spotted the small offering connected to Watkins' Spider-Man fishing rod and decided to bite. Watkins landed the fish, took its photograph alongside a measuring tape and quickly released the wriggling fish.

The recent Lakewood High School grad wasn't sure his steelhead trout would win the derby, but Warren was optimistic.

"I was pretty darned sure no one else caught a steelhead trout, not with those river conditions," said Warren.

When the Wallace Lake fishing crowd arrived for the post-derby hot dog lunch, the best catch was a 141/2-inch rainbow trout that fell for a snippet of shrimp on a bare hook. It was caught by John Fay of Olmsted Township and was a smidgeon longer than a 14-incher caught by fishing buddy Travis Males of Twinsburg, winner of the inaugural Barbie Rod Fishing Derby.

It was Males who figured out shrimp would be the hot ticket for rainbow trout. He didn't keep the secret. Leaving a bag of his bait on a Wallace Lake picnic bench, Males invited other fishermen to give it a try. It was the ultimate in sportsmanship said Durkalec, dipping into the stash of shrimp.

Watkins will have new tackle for his next trip on the Rocky River. Top prize was an expensive Shimano steelhead trout rod and spinning reel.

Duke is one step away from its fifth national championship.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Two star freshmen, a solid senior and some of the trademark defense Duke has long been known for have the Blue Devils back in the national championship game.

And in Indianapolis, no less.

Justise Winslow scored 19 points, fellow freshman Jahlil Okafor added 18 and senior Quinn Cook had 17 to lead top-seeded Duke to an 81-61 victory over Michigan State on Saturday and into yet another title game in the city known for a 500-mile auto race.

The Blue Devils won it all in Indianapolis in 1991, their first under Mike Krzyzewski. The winningest men's Division I coach, who has a 9-3 record in national semifinal games, led them to their fourth and most recent title in 2010, also in Indianapolis.

"The city's great, and even if we didn't win tonight the city would still be great and the venue would be great," Krzyzewski said. "This team, though, deserved to be in it. So it makes it even better. They've been so good in this tournament and the stage has not been too big for them."

The start against Michigan State didn't look too promising for a trip to Monday night's title game against Wisconsin, which beat top-ranked Kentucky 71-64, the Wildcats' first loss of the season.

The Spartans were ahead 14-6 just 4 minutes into the game, making five of their first seven shots and the first four they took from beyond the 3-point line.

Things changed and in a hurry.

HIGHLIGHT: Momentum has shifted! http://t.co/zASPMGoz03

-- NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 4, 2015

"After the first four minutes, we were a different team. We played great basketball tonight, especially on the defensive end," Krzyzewski said.

Defensively, it was a team effort, just the way Krzyzewski has stressed for his 35 seasons at Duke. What had been wide open 3-pointers early for Michigan State became contested shots and when the Blue Devils started getting up and into the Spartans, the points were suddenly tough to come by.

"They did a good job of taking me away," said Michigan State's Denzel Valentine, who had nine of his 22 points in that opening run, including three 3-pointers. "I got hot, and they started denying a little bit and started forcing us to take bad shots and the next thing you know they had the lead."

The two Duke freshmen put up some impressive stats in their first Final Four game. Winslow, who played through some early foul trouble, had nine rebounds and was 5 for 7 from the field, while Okafor grabbed six rebounds and was 7 for 11 from the field.

"I don't think we started the game out with the intensity we needed," Cook said. "When we got down early Coach got on us and the last 36 minutes we played one of our better games. It's definitely hard out there, but we just strung some stops together and great defense led to great offense."

Valentine had 11 rebounds for the Spartans (27-12) while Travis Trice added 16 points.

3-point attempt. 3-point miss. Rebound. 2 points. https://t.co/hThqKTobOP

-- NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 4, 2015

A win on Monday night would mean a fifth national championship for Krzyzewski, breaking a tie with Kentucky's Adolph Rupp and leaving him behind only John Wooden, who won 10 at UCLA.

"It's an amazing thing, I mean, just to be in the Final Four, but to play on Monday night is the ultimate honor," Krzyzewski said. "I hope our guys get their rest and we can get the same type of effort we got tonight.

"Now they've got a chance to play for a national championship, and damn, damn how great is that?"

Cook was already thinking of Monday night.

"Dreams come true, you know," he said. "Dreams come true."

The Blue Devils have won 17 of 18 with the only loss to Notre Dame in the semifinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.

Michigan State shot 40 percent from the field (22 of 55) for the game but the Spartans were just 8 of 27 (29.6 percent) in the first half.

The loss dropped Michigan State coach Tom Izzo to 3-4 in national semifinal games.

Seventh-seeded Michigan State was the only non-No. 1 team in the Final Four. In the four NCAA Tournament games, the Spartans were allowing 61.2 points per game on 33.9 percent shooting. Duke had 61 points -- and a 20-point lead -- with just under 10 minutes to play.

''I feel bad because I didn't think people got to see the team that won 12 out of 15 games," Izzo said. "So give Duke credit and give our team credit for getting someplace most people didn't think we could go."

The Indians have signed Corey Kluber to a five-year deal, meaning they've purchased all of his arbitration years and one of his free agent years. The deal also includes two club options.

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The Indians and Cy Young winner Corey Kluber have reached agreement on a five-year deal with two club options. Kluber must pass a physical to make the deal official.

It's believed the Indians will try to announce the deal on April 10 when they open the home season against the Tigers at Progressive Field.

Last season the Indians announced the signing of Jason Kipnis to a six-year, $52.5 million on the day of the home opener.

Terms of the Kluber deal are not known. He will pitch the season opener Monday against Houston at Minute Maid Park.

Kluber's agent, BB Abbott, said earlier Saturday that he was optimistic about the process as camp concluded.

"It's slow going, but I'm encouraged," said Abbott on Saturday. "We continue to talk and try to find a middle ground. The conversations have been cordial."

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.com reported that the Indians are also talking to Carlos Carrasco about a multiyear deal. Carrasco is the Tribe's No.2 starter behind Kluber.

By signing Kluber to a five-year deal, the Indians purchased his four arbitration years and one of his free agent years. Kluber will be 34 at the end of the five-year deal.

Last season Kluber stunned the baseball world by winning the Cy Young Award. He was 28, but had only one plus seasons in the big leagues. He made $514,000 last year, barely over the $500,000 minimum.

The one team he didn't surprise was the Indians. Manager Terry Francona told reporters repeatedly during the spring of 2014 that he expected big things from Kluber and the right-hander more than delivered.

Kluber went 18-9 with a 2.44 ERA in 34 starts last year. He pitched a career-high 235 2/3 innings and struck out a career-high 269 batters. He led AL pitchers with a 7.4 WAR. Overall, his WAR grade was third-best among all AL players.

Kluber's strikeout total of 269 was the sixth most in a single season in the pitching-rich history of the Indians, who went 22-12 in his 34 starts.

Kluber edged Seattle's Felix Hernandez for the Cy Young. He was the fourth Indian to win it. Gaylord Perry, CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee were the others.

This year Kluber heads a starting rotation that has received much pre-season praise. After Kluber comes Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Zach McAllister and TJ House. McAllister will pitch the home opener on April 10.

Shane Austin and Dominick Goodman help lead the Cleveland Gladiators past the New Orleans VooDoo, 70-42, in an Arena Football League game on Saturday.

NEW ORLEANS -- Shane Austin and Dominick Goodman combined on five touchdown passes as the Cleveland Gladiators defeated the New Orleans Voodoo, 70-42, in an Arena Football League game Saturday at Smoothie King Center.

The Gladiators improve to 2-0 as they prepare for their home opener next Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena against defending AFL champion Arizona.

Austin completed 21 of 31 passes for 272 yards and seven touchdowns and added another touchdown rushing. Goodman finished with eight receptions for 99 yards and five touchdowns.

Goodman had nine catches and two touchdowns in the opening win over Tampa Bay and had five TD catches in two games against the VooDoo last year. Austin had seven TD passes in the opener.

The Gladiators defeated Tampa Bay in last week's opener, 60-44, while New Orleans edged Jacksonville at home, 51-50. The Gladiators swept New Orleans in two games last season.

Cleveland jumped to a 21-14 lead after one quarter Saturday as Austin and Goodman connected on touchdowns of 9 and 5 yards, then Joe Phinisee had a 7-yard interception return for a TD. Phinisee was honored as the AFL Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the opener, which included an interception.

The Gladiators built the lead to 42-28 at the half as Austin found Goodman for a 14-yard score with 11 seconds left. Austin also scored on a 1-yard run and threw a 36-yard TD pass to Amarri Jackson.

Austin threw two more TD passes in the third quarter to make it 56-35 entering the fourth. Collin Taylor had a 9-yard score and Goodman caught one for 20.

Cleveland scores in the fourth quarter included a 3-yard run by Jeramine Richardson and an 11-yard reception by Goodman.

Taylor had seven catches for 74 yards. Phinisee and Brandon Stephens each had six tackles.

VooDoo quarterback Adam Kennedy completed 18 of 29 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. Marcus Smith caught eight passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns.

For 38 games top-ranked Kentucky mastered the art of the tune-out, brushing aside the hype, noise and distractions created by its pursuit of an unbeaten championship season.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) --Nobody ever said they were perfect. Now, the Kentucky Wildcats aren't undefeated, either.

The hard-nosed Wisconsin Badgers did what nobody else could Saturday night -- knocking off the Wildcats 71-64 behind 20 points and 11 rebounds from Frank Kaminsky and a clutch comeback down the stretch.

Now, it's Wisconsin heading to the final to play Duke, an 81-61 winner over Michigan State in the earlier -- and much less entertaining -- semifinal.

"It gives us another 40 minutes, I know that," said Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan, who leads the Badgers to their first final since 1941.

HIGHLIGHT: It's hard to pick just one from that half, but here goes. http://t.co/sOwGmW5bZ9

-- NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 5, 2015

And Kentucky has a long ride home. The Wildcats close the season at 38-1 -- two wins short of becoming the first undefeated team in college basketball since the 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers. Instead, these NBA-ready group of Wildcats join the star-studded 1991 UNLV team as the latest to take an undefeated record into the Final Four but lose in the semifinals.

Trending on Twitter: "38-and-Done." And "38-and-1."

All easy pickins for the many detractors of John Calipari's group of "One and Done" players, All-Americans and other future first-round and lottery picks.

There are other programs with talent, though.

Wisconsin has some future pros, and they came up big in the biggest game of their lives -- a rematch of last year's semifinals where the Wildcats won 74-73.

The Wildcats had the reputation as the team that never quits when things don't look so good -- a la last week's win over Notre Dame -- but Wisconsin came up clutch this time.

"They did to us what we've been doing to other teams all season," Calipari said. "They executed down the stretch and we didn't."

Trailing by four and gasping for breath with their hands on their knees after going 6 minutes without a bucket, the Badgers (36-3) responded with an 8-0 run to take a lead Kentucky couldn't overcome.

It started with a tough, twisting shot by a future NBAer, Sam Dekker (16 points), and kept going when Nigel Hayes tipped in an air ball after the shot clock had clearly turned to "0." No violation was called, and in a game full of shaky officiating that left both coaches screaming, it generated momentum for the Badgers and left Kentucky flat.

Tied at 60, Andrew Harrison missed on Kentucky's next possession. Then Dekker spotted up for a 3-pointer that gave Wisconsin the lead for good with 1:42 left.

Ahead 64-63 with 24 seconds left, Kaminsky, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday, hit two free throws. He and Bronson Koenig went 7 for 8 from the line over the last 24 seconds to seal the win.

"Best birthday present I've ever had," Kaminsky said.

Kentucky's last, best chance came while trailing by three with 12 seconds left. But Karl-Anthony Towns received the ball in the post and got fouled. He made only one free throw, and from there, Wisconsin iced it from the line.

THE BADGERS DID IT! #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/WLsOS1Lr70

-- NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 5, 2015

Will preseason buzz help the Indians move out of MLB's attendance basement in 2015?

HOUSTON, Tex. -- Do you have a question that you'd like to have answered in Hey, Hoynsie? Submit it here.

Hey, Hoynsie: This is the first year in recent memory where the Indians have generated lots of preseason buzz. I read season tickets sales are up about 1,000 for the upcoming campaign.

Do you envision the Indians getting out of the cellar so to speak in regard to attendance? Also, if the Indians make a huge leap in attendance this year, could you see ownership pushing the payroll to the $100 million mark like other small to mid-market teams have? -- Casey Dubiel, Belmont.

Hey, Casey: Regarding attendance, recent evidence says no. All you have to do is look at the last two years when the Indians had consecutive winning seasons and were largely ignored by the paying public. 

The payroll will push $90 million next year, but it will be a long time before it gets close to $100 million, if ever. 

Hey, Hoynsie: It seems like every time I watch ESPN and there's news on baseball, the person striking out or the pitcher giving up a hit is from the Indians. Have you ever noticed this? -- Sam Woodring, Toledo.

Hey, Sam: I'd get your remote control clicker checked. If you're watching ESPN and they're actually talking about baseball instead of the NFL, you're on the wrong channel.

Hey, Hoynsie: I saw pictures of the new ballpark renovations at Progressive Field. Have the Indians said why they spent money doing this and how in the world were they able to afford to do it? -- Mark Woltz, Cleveland.

Hey, Mark: For the last two years they've tried to increase attendance the old fashioned way -- by winning games. That did not work. 

By renovating the ballpark they're trying to attract new and younger fans, fans that will become lifelong Indians/baseball fans. The Indians and Delaware North, the concessionaire at Progressive Field, are paying for the renovations. 

Hey, Hoynsie: If the Indians found themselves in contention near the summer trade deadline, do you think they would be willing to part with Clint Frazier or Bradley Zimmer for reinforcements?

I understand their reluctance to part with Francisco Lindor, but I wonder if Frazier or Zimmer are held in the same esteem. If not, are either of them valuable enough in MLB circles to acquire a difference maker? -- Leslie Marchak, Sagamore Hills.

Hey, Leslie: The circumstances would have a lot to do with such a trade. Are we talking about the deal being the difference between the Indians winning the AL Central or sneaking into the winner-take-all wild-card game?

I just don't see the Indians giving up either player. If they're not going to spend money on the big-league payroll, they better hang onto the players they draft. And Frazier and Zimmer look like they can play.

Hey, Hoynsie: The Tribe starters seemed to give up a lot of runs early in spring training. I know it's just spring training, but is that a little concerning? -- Brian Stevens, Columbus.

Hey, Brian: Well, spring training is over and for the most part the Tribe's pitchers did seem to improve as camp drew to a close. But the regular season will be the true test. By September you'll know if your concerns were justified.

Be patient my friend.

Hey, Hoynsie: I have a question regarding spring training. What is the difference between being demoted to Class AAA Columbus and being demoted to minor-league camp? -- Dan Ayers, Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Hey, Dan: A player who is demoted or optioned to Class AAA Columbus or Class AA Akron is on the 40-man roster. A player who is reassigned to minor-league camp is not on the 40-man and has yet to be assigned to a team. 

Hey, Hoynsie: I expected that Francisco Lindor would finally be the starting shortstop on opening day. Wasn't Jose Ramirez primarily a second baseman-utility player in the minors? Did the Indians detail what skills Lindor needs to improve to be a better shortstop than Ramirez? Might Lindor be asked to switch his position? -- Eli Roosevelt, Charming, Calif. 

Hey, Eli: If you thought Lindor was going to be the opening day shortstop, you weren't reading many stories coming out of camp. Lindor had a great spring, but it was cut and dry that he'd open the year at Class AAA Columbus.

Still, when Lindor is ready to come to the big leagues, I don't see him changing positions.

Find stats, rosters, a series of stories and stats on the Indians' bullpen, and everything else you need to prepare for the 2015 MLB and Indians seasons.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - There are new stars in different places, plenty of shifts and the lingering effects from performance-enhancing drugs are part of the lineup as Major League Baseball prepares for the opening of its 2015 season.

Jon Lester and Jason Hammel joined the Cubs while Jeff Samardzija, David Robertson and Melky Cabrera moved to the White Sox in a Windy City whirlwind. Max Scherzer signed with Washington, Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez went to Boston. James Shields, Matt Kemp and Justin Upton wound up in San Diego and newcomers Russell Martin and Josh Donaldson try to boost Toronto, the only team that hasn't made the playoffs this century.

Cleveland Indians 2015

• Why Terry Pluto thinks the Tribe will win 87 games
• Zack Meisel's look at Progressive Field renovations
• Tribe owner Paul Dolan thinks his team is a legit contender
• 2015 roster
• 2014 stats
• 2015 schedule

The Indians: 'Believers in Relievers'

• Why does Terry Francona use his bullpen more than any other AL manager?
• Meet the 2015 Tribe bullpen
• What were the Tribe's most common bullpen combinations in 2014?
• How the Tribe bullpen can avoid fatigue and use its depth
• Grading the Tribe bullpen after the starters left
• Bud Shaw: Camaraderie, Red Bull make the bullpen work
• How Tribe relievers did holding leads in 2014
• When does Terry Francona go to the bullpen most often?
• Tribe relievers averaged just 14.7 pitches in 2014
• Teams are using more relievers than ever, and Tribe leading the trend

Major League preview 2015

• Zack Meisel's haikus, poems, pressing questions and predictions
• Staff predictions for AL and NL playoffs and World Series winner
• Staff predictions for AL and NL Cy Young Award winners
• Zack Meisel's top 10 MLB storylines
• Staff predictions for AL and NL MVPs
• Staff predictions for AL and NL Rookies of the Year
• Staff predictions for AL and NL Managers of the Year
• Rosters, schedules for every team
• Last season's stat leaders
• Twins' Ervin Santana suspended 80 games for steroids

- The Associated Press contributed to this post.