David Blatt hopes the returns of Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert come 'sooner than later.'
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - Guards Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert, both recovering from surgeries, went through another full practice for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.
By everyone's account, the two are turning heads in practice and are almost back to form, but head coach David Blatt explains that there's still no updated status on their return.
"We're very much hoping we get them back sooner than later. I just can't commit to you when exactly they'll get back," Blatt said. "But I believe sooner than later."
They will travel with the team on the two-game road trip to Orlando on Friday and Boston on Tuesday. The Cavaliers will remain in Orlando until Monday. Making the trip will allow Irving and Shumpert to continue getting more practices under their belt.
When asked if it's in the organization's plans to have the two sidelined players make their season debuts together, Blatt responded, "Definitely not."
Cleveland.com is told that Shumpert is slightly ahead of Irving in terms of recovery. Since Shumpert is coming back from a wrist injury and Irving a knee injury, the three-time All-Star's road to full health has been tougher.
Shumpert has been able to maintain his conditioning throughout the process. That hasn't been the case with Irving. Though no one within the organization is willing to say it, I'm told that having both activated in time for the Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors is a strong possibility.
The Cavaliers will continue to be cautious with how they work them back. The good news for the team is that there have not been any setbacks.
"I think its fair to say they're both progressing well. . ." Blatt added.
Vote for which play you think is the Top Football Play of the 2015 OHSAA state finals.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The OHSAA football state championships are always filled with excitement with exceptional athletes making spectacular plays.
Readers have until Thursday at noon to vote for their favorite play captured by cleveland.com during the 2015 OHSAA state finals in the poll to the side. Here are the contenders, which are ordered by when they appear:
St. Edward QB Jimmy Keefe motions to the right side of his line before taking a lateral then finding Kordell Hoover with a 72-yard pass. The play set up a St. Edward touchdown in the Division I state title game against Huber Heights Wayne.
Mogadore WR Jarad Dunn hauls in a pass from QB Zeddie Pollock against Fort Recovery in the Division VII state title game. A flag, which can be seen at the end of the play, was thrown for a penalty against the defense but was declined.
Kirtland's Owen Loncar intercepts a pass with 2:35 to play in the fourth quarter of the Division VI state title game against Marion Local to help the Hornets preserve the lead and go on to win, 22-20.
St. Edward's Tony Butler picks off a pass by Huber Heights Wayne QB Messiah deWeaver during the second quarter of Saturday's state final.
Mogadore RB Austin Williams shucks tacklers while rushing for significant yardage against Fort Recovery.
Kirtland QB Owen Lewis floats a perfectly-placed pass to Evan Madden for a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter against Marion Local.
Archbishop Hoban's Arison Sanders sacks Messiah deWeaver and strips the ball, which the Knights recover.
St. Edward RB Cole Gest plows through defenders for a go-ahead touchdown that led to St. Edward's second straight state title.
Mogadore QB Zeddie Pollock delivers a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jarad Dunn in the second quarter for the Wildcats' first score.
Kirtland RB Joey Bates breaks off a big run to the outside against Marion Local thanks to some fantastic blocking by his offensive line.
Archbishop Hoban's Nate Bauer makes an interception to derail a drive that took Toledo Central Catholic into the Red Zone.
St. Edward's Kyle Fallon makes an interception on Wayne's final drive to seal the Eagles' 45-35 victory.
About the contest
Plays in the video contest are recorded by cleveland.com reporters and freelancers, school broadcasts and submissions from fans. We want to showcase your team's best runs, catches, defensive plays -- you name it --each week of the season.
Return to the site often to find many more contests like this one.
Here's how you can submit your videos for possible inclusion in future top football play contests next season:
Fans and teams are invited to send us video clips of their top plays through email (neovarsity@cleveland.com), Twitter, Vine or Instagram. The deadline to submit videos from Thursday and Friday games is Saturday at noon, and video from Saturday games is accepted until 10 p.m. Saturday evening.
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The Browns erred in overestimating his versatility, but first-year player must make great strides in the offseason.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - As Joe Thomas told a group of reporters Sunday that adverse times reveal character, fellow offensive lineman Cam Erving quietly dressed a few stalls away.
On the most humbling day of his brief pro career, the first-round draft pick slipped into a garnet Florida State jacket and walked out of the FirstEnergy Stadium locker room.
Nobody must remind Erving he's not in the ACC anymore. His All-American status means nothing at a time his Browns are losers of seven straight and he's struggling to maintain blocks.
His physical strength is lacking - that's apparent to anyone who's watched him play - but it's his mental fortitude that's going to be severely tested in the coming weeks and months.
The Browns benched the No. 19 overall pick during the fourth quarter of the Browns' 37-3 loss to the Bengals. He was summoned to the sideline in mid series after taking a holding penalty and replaced by journeyman Austin Pasztor. It ended a disastrous afternoon in which he subbed for an injured Joel Bitonio after six snaps and yielded five hurries and a third-quarter sack.
With Bitonio (ankle) lost for the season, coach Mike Pettine would not commit to playing the 6-foot-5, 313 pounder against the Niners. These are tough times for Erving, who Sunday was called out on social media by ESPN analyst and former two-time Pro Bowler Mark Schlereth.
The knee-jerk reaction is to label Erving the latest draft bust of general manager Ray Farmer. The organization is in free fall and benefits of the doubt are in short supply. In his first stretch of extended playing time Erving has proven more willing than able while working out of position at guard.
His technique is sloppy. His pad level is poor. Opponents are feasting on his rawness and his quarterbacks are paying a heavy price.
Erving either needs to call Aaron Rodgers and get the number of Hans and Franz or find a strength coach who can mentor him in the offseason. Not all the blame, however, falls on the shoulders of a college graduate who helped the Seminoles win a national title and earn all-ACC honors at two positions (center, left tackle).
The Browns erred in thinking Erving was versatile enough to play any position along the line. They selected him as insurance in case Alex Mack opted out at season's end and cluttered his mind by teaching him five positions. Mack, a Pro Bowl center, is likely gone and the Browns need Erving to compete at his best position next summer.
The 23-year-old had not played guard before arriving in Berea. In fact, he's a converted defensive lineman who has just three years of service in the offensive trenches. He also was never a weight-room junkie in high school and had to be prodded by his former prep coach, the legendary Rush Propst.
Some high-round picks never experience failure until they reach the NFL and don't know how to react. Erving has stumbled several times along his journey. The good news is he has a history of picking himself up and enduring.
"I was always told as a kid, 'I don't care if you make a mistake. Just make it going 100 miles per hour," Erving said recently. "That is how I have modeled my play my whole life. I may not know everything, I may not know every adjustment but I am going to go in and play hard."
The Browns (2-10) are bracing for another organizational makeover. The front office and coaching staff are likely gone. There figures to be plenty of roster changes, as well.
Beyond Mack's possible departure, right tackle Mitchell Schwartz is a free agent. Thomas was nearly dealt at the trade deadline and you would be naive to think that option won't at least be explored again in the offseason.
You can't just rebuild an offensive line in one year, that's why Erving's development should be prioritized. The September release of line coach Andy Moeller for off-field issues put the entire group in a tough spot, particularly a youngster who, as Propst noted, needs to build a level of trust with his coaches.
Erving is an athletic lineman and he possesses a love for the game, which sadly has not always been a given with a few other recent first-round picks here.
Pettine has made it clear it's not a lack of "want-to" or effort.
The Browns must keep playing Erving over the final four weeks in some capacity. Let him work through his miscues, sharpen his technique and test his mettle. He's hardly the only member of the line who's underachieved. The club leads the NFL in sacks allowed (41), a byproduct of playing so often from behind and not being able to run the ball.
Will Erving evolve into a reliable lineman? The early returns aren't encouraging, but let's see what he does with a full offseason and a chance to compete at his best position, center.
He needs to live in the weight room during the offseason, remaking his upper-body. Erving also should keep that Schlereth tweet handy when he thinks he's done enough for the day.
There's nothing wrong with showing your college pride in an NFL locker room, but Erving is no longer the big man on campus.
Joey Butler, who ended Carlos Carrasco's bid for a no-hitter on July 1, was a 29-year-old rookie for Tampa Bay last season.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Joey Butler is the latest member of the Indians. It's been rumored that he'll be sitting next to Carlos Carrasco in the Tribe's locker room, but that has yet to be confirmed.
The Indians claimed Butler on waivers Monday from Tampa Bay and left-hander Jayson Aquino was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. The Rays designated Butler on Thursday.
"I guess we should have checked with Carlos," said GM Mike Chernoff with a laugh.
Butler hit .276 (71-for-257) with 12 doubles, eight homers and 30 RBI in 88 games last season as a well-aged rookie. He hit .289 (43-for-149) with four homers and 17 RBI against right-handers. Against lefties, Butler hit .259 (28-for-108) with four homers and 13 RBI.
"He's a right-handed hitter who plays, left and right field and can DH," said Chernoff. "Recently, he's hit (against) left and right-handed pitching. Early on he faced mostly lefties, but last year he had pretty good splits."
Last season Butler played 30 games in left, eight in right and 43 at DH.
This is the latest addition to the outfield by the Indians. They acquired Collin Cowgill from the Angels before the meetings and signed Shane Robinson and Michael Choice to minor league deals with invitations to spring training.
The Indians are not only trying to strengthen the outfield, but they're preparing to start next season without left fielder Michael Brantley, who underwent right shoulder surgery in November and could miss part if not all of April.
The Tribe still appears to be thin in the outfield, especially in center field. Abraham Almonte played well in center last year following the trade of Michael Bourn, but the Indians aren't sure if he's a starter. Cowgill and Robinson have big league experience there and the Indians have No.1 picks Tyler Naquin and James Ramsey, both center fielders, on the roster.
"We feel Cowgill is part of the solution," said Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations. "But that doesn't necessarily preclude us from looking at other outfielders who could play center field."
Texas drafted Butler in the 15th round in 2008. He made his big league debut with the Rangers on Aug. 7, 2013. He has also played for St. Louis and in Japan.
Welcome to the @Indians, Joey -- I forgive you for that single in the 9th! [?] [?]
In retrospect: It turns out that Corey Kluber, the pitcher who went from Cy Young award winner in 2014 to leading the AL in losses with 16 in 2015, was pitching with a sore right foot for much of the season.
Kluber's injury can be viewed two ways: First as an explanation for his 9-16 season. Second as a testament to Kluber being able to pitch as well as he did. In going 9-16, he still had a 3.49 ERA (13th in the AL), pitched 222 innings (second), struck out 245 batters (third), made 33 starts (tied for seventh) and threw four complete games (first).
It is believed Kluber's injury has healed since the end of last season.
Moving on up: The Tribe moved from 16th to 15th in the first round of the June draft after Arizona forfeited its No.1 pick as compensation for signing Zack Greinke.
Finally: The 10 candidates on baseball's pre-integration ballot did not receive enough votes to get into the Hall of Fame. The results were announced Monday. Wes Ferrell, who pitched for the Indians from 1927-1933, was on the ballot, but received three or fewer votes from the committee.
"He had six 20-win seasons and won 193 games," said Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven, who was on the committee. "It's not the first time he's been on the ballot so maybe he'll get another chance. It just goes to show you how hard it is to get into the Hall of Fame."
Archbishop Hoban students and faculty celebrated their 2015 football state championship team Monday during a rally on campus.
AKRON, Ohio — Fifty-eight years is a long time to wait for anything, but Archbishop Hoban football players, coaches and their fans will tell you that it’s the waiting that makes the celebration extra sweet.
Hoban’s students, faculty and families joined their team Monday during an assembly on campus to celebrate the first OHSAA Division III state championship in the 58-year history of the school’s football program.
Hoban coach Tim Tyrrell was quick to recognize those alumni players and coaches who went before the 2015 edition of the Knights and paved the way for their success with a foundation of tradition and hard work.
“You all deserve that championship trophy,” Tyrrell said. “You are all part of it. All the hard work from the very first football team until this year has been leading to this moment.”
Senior captain Jacob Kepler thanked teachers and administrators, and then focused the team’s appreciation on the student body.
“You guys drove out to Youngstown and NDCL and you were there with us in Columbus and we thank you for that,” Kepler said. “We won this game for our alumni and all the fans who supported us through the bad times and the good.”
Akron Interim Mayor Jeff Fusco read a proclamation along with the Hoban football captains declaring Dec. 7 Archbishop Hoban State Championship Day in the city.
Each team member received a gold championship medal, and the crowd was treated to a highlight reel of photos and videos from Thursday’s 33-20 state final win against Toledo Central Catholic.
Senior defensive back Jonah Morris said watching the video replay, he was struck by the fact that he is going to miss playing with his teammates.
“I’ll never have a team like them again,” Morris said. “It didn’t come easy. We had to stay humble. We had to earn everything we got.”
Junior running back Todd Sibley, whose 162 yards and two touchdowns helped secure the championship game win, said he is already eager for football season to come around again. Even if that brings high expectations and talk of a repeat championship run next season.
“We’re just trying to enjoy it now and savor this moment — really enjoy it,” Sibley said. “When football season starts back up (repeating) will definitely be one of the things we focus on.”
LeBron James is scheduled to play Tuesday against Portland after taking Saturday off.
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - LeBron James said "I was OK" with the Cavaliers' decision not to play him Saturday night, and that Cleveland "is going to figure it out" despite its three-game losing streak.
James was held out of the Cavs' 99-84 loss to the Heat Saturday. Coach David Blatt said he made the call to rest James, citing a number of factors related to Cleveland's overtime loss in New Orleans Friday, while Cleveland.com reported that the Cavs had for weeks considered the Miami game as a potential opportunity to give him a break.
Blatt said James would play Tuesday at home against Portland.
"Coach told me he wanted to sit me out," James said on Monday after practice. "He wanted me to rest. He's the captain of the ship and I was OK with it, so, whatever.
"We're running a marathon around here, not a sprint, so what coach want, we all respect."
Blatt and other team officials said James wasn't happy about not playing against his former team, but obviously not to the point where he fought it.
Additionally, Cleveland.com reported that the Cavs crafted a plan to attempt to rest James in certain games where there were multiple days off afterwards, and the Heat game was the first on Cleveland's list.
In October, James said he wanted to play in all 82 regular-season games. That went out the window with Saturday's decision to rest him. He clarified Monday that wanting to play in all 82 wasn't literal, but more of a mindset he had adopted amidst questions about his ailing back during the preseason.
"It was more about the health," James said. "I want to be healthy enough where I can play all 82. My health has been questioned and people have been talking a lot about what I've done over the course of my season. I've always predicated my game off of how I treat my body and protect my body. A lot of people think I just go out and I just play.
"So, it was a whole mindset of saying I want to be available for 82 games if needed and to this point, I have been."
The Cavaliers are nearing full strength for the first time this season, as its possible Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert could return as soon as Friday. They won eight straight, but have since lost six of the past 11.
"Even though we experienced last year (reaching the Finals), we haven't played much basketball together," James said. "We're still pretty much a new group. But we're going to figure it out. We will. Because we have guys that want to learn. We have guys that want to compete and want to play the right way. And we understand the opportunity that we have. So, we need to take advantage of it."
"That transition from being in the infield and the outfield and bouncing back and forth is a lot easier said than done," Antonetti said.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Don't include Jason Kipnis among the outfield options for the Indians.
Not yet, at least.
"Not at this point, it's not something we're considering," Tribe president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said Monday.
Kipnis, an outfielder in college at Arizona State, last manned an outfield position in 2009. That year, he appeared in seven games in center field and 18 contests in left for Low-A Mahoning Valley. Second base has served as his residence ever since.
The Indians, though, are desperate for outfield assistance and have Jose Ramirez as another option at second base. If the 2016 season began today, some trio from the group of Lonnie Chisenhall, Abraham Almonte, Collin Cowgill, Shane Robinson, Michael Choice and Joey Butler would likely start in the outfield.
Kipnis would start at his regular position.
"That transition from being in the infield and the outfield and bouncing back and forth is a lot easier said than done," Antonetti said.
Kipnis did spend time on the disabled list over the summer with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. He is partaking in a program this winter to enhance the strength and durability in his shoulder.
Left side, strong side: The Indians are in the market for a left-handed reliever. Kyle Crockett and Giovanni Soto are the only major league options on the active roster. Last week, the club severed ties with reliever Nick Hagadone, who is now a free agent.
The free-agent market is flushed with southpaw relievers, including Tony Sipp, Antonio Bastardo, Jerry Blevins and Brian Duensing. That doesn't necessarily mean, however, that the club will toss a multi-year contract at a lefty, especially given how Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen fare against left-handed hitters.
Shaw limited lefties to a .226 average and .673 OPS in 2015. Allen held lefties to a .176 average and .512 OPS. Both pitchers enjoyed more success against lefties than against righties.
Either way, the Indians could use a few extra arms in the 'pen.
"The way we've tried to approach building a bullpen is building one that's capable of getting lefties and righties out," Antonetti said. "If that happens to be a left-handed pitcher getting left-handed hitters out, or a right-handed pitcher getting left-handed hitters out, that doesn't really matter to us that much.
If the glove doesn't fit: If David Ortiz were available and willing to relocate to Cleveland, the Indians would find a spot for him.
"I can say that because I'm confident we're not acquiring David Ortiz," Antonetti said.
But what about a different designated hitter?
The Indians' preference is to have flexibility with that spot, but if someone presented a definitive upgrade, the team would be interested. Enter Pedro Alvarez and Chris Carter.
Cleveland has been linked to both free agents. Both are limited defensively and offer boom-or-bust potential with their bats. Alvarez has averaged 28 home runs and 153 strikeouts per season over the last four years. Carter has averaged 30 homers and 182 strikeouts over the last three years.
"I think there's generally a benefit to having players who have defensive potential," Antonetti said. ... "[But] if we felt [a strict DH] was the best way for us to improve the team, then that's what we would do."
The Indians already have Chris Johnson in the fold. He figures to merit plenty of at-bats against left-handed pitchers and could occupy a spot at first base or DH, with Carlos Santana doing the same.
Hot corner: Jose Ramirez figures to slot into Mike Aviles' old role as a utility player who receives somewhat regular at-bats. Some of them could come while he plays third base, as the Indians aren't entirely sure just yet what to make of Giovanny Urshela at the plate. They were pleased with Urshela's defense during his rookie campaign.
"We think [Ramirez] is going to get a good number of at-bats," Antonetti said. "I'm not sure exactly how many, but he helps us."
Ramirez, 23, saw time at second, short, third and left field last season. He batted .219 with a .631 OPS in 97 games. He also had a stint at Triple-A Columbus. Urshela hit .225 with a .608 OPS in 81 contests for the Tribe.
When Ohio State took a verbal commitment from four-star quarterback Tristen Wallace of DeSoto, Texas in April, that was supposed to be the end of the Buckeyes quarterback search for 2016. That's not the case.
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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- When Ohio State took a verbal commitment from four-star quarterback Tristen Wallace of DeSoto, Texas in April, that was supposed to be the end of the Buckeyes quarterback search for 2016.
Haskins was once considered one of Ohio State's top quarterback targets, but the Buckeyes cooled on him after taking Wallace. Haskins ultimately decided to commit to Maryland.
But according to Birmingham, Haskins received a visit from Ohio State quarterback coach Tim Beck on Sunday and there's a chance that Haskins will take an official visit to Columbus on Saturday.
Rated the No. 6 pro-style quarterback in the 2016 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings, Haskins was close to Maryland offensive coordinator Mike Locksley.
Locksley isn't expected to stay at Maryland, who just recently hired former Michigan defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin to be its new head coach. That could be the reason Ohio State is back in the market for Haskins.
What does that mean for Wallace? As of right now, it's not clear. In an effort to talk to DeSoto head coach Todd Peterman about Wallace, Peterman told cleveland.com that he isn't speaking about the active recruitments of his players.
Ohio State has also become involved with three-star pro-style quarterback Tylin Oden of Columbia (Tenn.) Spring Hill. Oden is committed to Louisville and hasn't yet earned an Ohio State offer.
The Indians says discount reports that Michael Brantley's rehab is behind schedule and he might not be ready to play until June.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Indians say nothing has changed concerning Michael Brantley's return from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. They still expect Brantley to miss part, if not all, of April and be ready to play sometime in May.
Sunday night a source close to the situation said Brantley wouldn't be able to start baseball activities until May and would not be able to play until June.
"There has been a lot of information that I guess has been mis-reported over the last couple of days, which is news to us," said Chris Antonetti, Indians president of baseball operations. "Michael's on track with his recovery. He's actually set for a re-check on Tuesday.
"But there's been nothing out of the ordinary with his rehab so far. The timelines that we talked with you about before still remain the same."
Brantley, who injured his shoulder attempting a diving catch on Sept. 22 against the Twins at Target Field, underwent surgery on Nov. 9. Dr. Craig Morgan performed the surgery in Wilmington, Del., which is where Brantley will go for his check up Tuesday. After that he will travel to Cleveland to visit the Indians' medical staff.
At the time of the surgery, the Indians said Brantley would miss five to six months. Antonetti said Brantley will spend a good chunk of his offseason traveling from his home in Florida to Cleveland or the team's training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. to continue his rehab.
Brantley, one of the Indians most productive players, will miss spring training with his teammates. He'll have to go through his own version of training camp before he can play. He can do that in extended spring training with the Tribe's minor leaguers in Goodyear and in rehab assignments in the minors.
"When Michael gets to a point where he can start building his volume (of work), he'll start where he normally would in the off-season," said Antonetti. "Then he'd have to go through a spring-training type of progression. But that was built into the time table we had earlier."
The Indians knew the outfield needed improvement before Brantley's injury. Now some urgency has been added.
"This is one of the reasons you've seen us make some of these moves recently," said Antonetti. "We're not going to solve it with any one or two players. We are trying to get as many alternatives as we can.
"With Michael missing a month or more, that's something we had to factor in. We want to put the best team we can on the field on opening day. Then when Michael comes back we'll easily be able to find a spot for him."
The Indians claimed outfielder Joey Butler on waivers from Tampa Bay on Monday. Last week, they acquired outfielder Collin Cowgill from the Angels. They've also signed outfielders Shane Robinson and Michael Choice to minor league contracts.
Antonetti said most of Brantley's problems in his rehab will involve swinging the bat because when he hits his right shoulder is his lead shoulder. The upside is that when Brantley is ready to play, he'll be able to do so as an outfielder instead of being eased into the lineup at DH because he throws left-handed.
Now the Indians just have to make sure Brantley doesn't push too hard too fast.
"We know Michael's personality," said Antonetti. "We know he's going to try and do more. But he understands the importance of letting the rehab process play out and no trying to expedite it.
"We'll go as quickly as it makes sense, but not any faster."
"There are definitely ways to improve our offense through alternatives that don't involved trading our starting pitching," Antonetti said. "And that would be our preference."
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- For six weeks, the Indians have taken calls from opposing teams that covet a couple of the Tribe's starting pitchers.
For six weeks, "there has been consistent interest," said Chris Antonetti, Indians president of baseball operations.
For six weeks, the organization has weighed the benefits and the detriments of dealing from its strength to address its glaring weakness. The front office will continue to add to its pros and cons list as the offseason unfolds.
"Our rotation's been a strength of the team, so we would be very judicious in considering trading away any one of those guys," Antonetti said. "It's certainly not our intent. It's not our motivation. We're not looking to do it.
"But, what we have to be open-minded [about is], if there's a way for us to really impact our team and make a deal that we think makes us a better, more complete, more competitive team in 2016, we'll be open to it. But, that's a pretty high bar."
Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar, in particular, are attractive to other teams because of their team control and small -- relative to the going rate in free agency -- salaries. Carrasco is signed for $4.5 million in 2016, $6.5 million in '17 and $8 million in '18, with team options for $9 million in 2019 and $9.5 million in 2020. Danny Salazar, not yet eligible for arbitration, earned slightly more than $500,000 in 2015.
Mike Pelfrey, on the other hand, owner of a 4.52 ERA over 10 big league seasons, will receive $8 million in 2016 and $8 million in '17 in his new deal with Detroit. The market is often inefficient.
The Indians have valuable trade chips. But could the team's rotation withstand such a trade?
"We understand how difficult it is to acquire top-tier starting pitching," Antonetti said. "We place a great premium on that and that's been our perspective for a long time and it's certainly been reinforced this winter."
For the Indians, though, the challenge is to acquire top-shelf hitting. Offensive numbers have regressed throughout the league. Thirty-homer sluggers no longer grow on trees. Money doesn't, either. At least, not in the vicinity of Progressive Field.
The Indians aren't expected to bid on any of the premier free agents (or even the not-so-premier ones). Perhaps Rajai Davis or Austin Jackson or Gerardo Parra will end up in Cleveland. But a trade might be the only avenue for the Tribe to acquire a position player who can provide a jolt to the lineup. Will such a deal include a starting pitcher?
Antonetti and his partners in crime, general manager Mike Chernoff and assistant GM Derek Falvey, have studied the different scenarios for six weeks. Their homework won't cease anytime soon.
"There are definitely ways to improve our offense through alternatives that don't involved trading our starting pitching," Antonetti said. "And that would be our preference."
The problems are much deeper than Joe Haden (concussion) being out for seven games. Craig Robertson (4 games), Tashaun Gipson (3 games), K'Waun Williams (2 games) and Donte Whitner (2 games) all missed games.
Only Scott Solomon (a projected starting linebacker) has been out for the season.
But that should not lead to a total collapse of the defense. They are ranked 31st in points allowed, 29th in yards allowed.
That's embarrassing.
One of Pettine's sayings is "we own that."
When it comes to the defense, Pettine and his defensive coaches do own that. It's not solely the fault of General Manager Ray Farmer.
Pettine was just as high on 2014 top pick Justin Gilbert as Farmer. Pettine talked about how he wanted Buffalo to select Barkevious Mingo in 2013 when he was with the Bills. But the Browns beat him to the linebacker from LSU.
In fact, Pettine said they made "Mingo cupcakes" on the day of the draft in Buffalo, hoping that would land Mingo in their laps.
Like Farmer, Pettine believed Whitner and Karlos Dansby would add toughness to the defense when they were signed as veteran free agents in 2014.
So own the fact that the massive failure of the defense has much to do with coaching. The injuries have cost the Browns a top-10 defense. But can't they even be mediocre?
The debate on Johnny Manziel starting or not, and all the drama surrounding the quarterback in some way took the heat off the coaches for the defensive collapse.
That's my biggest criticism of Pettine, not how he has dealt with the quarterbacks. Pettine and his coaching staff have not made the adjustments needed to plug holes and put a somewhat respectable defense on the field.
BUT THERE'S MORE
When I hear rumors about Pettine being fired before the end of the season, the immediate question is, "Who takes over?"
A few weeks ago, I wrote how no one of the staff has any significant head coaching experience. Receivers coach Joker Phillips had a three-year record of 13-24 as head coach at Kentucky.
Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor was the head coach at Culver Stockton, an NAIA school.
That's it.
Pettine's only head coaching experience before the Browns was in high school. One of his biggest errors was surrounding himself with younger coaches with limited NFL experience.
Consider that former Browns coach Rob Chudzinski (2013) had Norv Turner and Ray Horton on his staff as coordinators. Turner had been a head coach before. At the time, Horton was considered a hot coaching candidate to be a head coach.
Pat Shurmer (Browns coach 2011-12) had former head coaches Brad Childress and Dick Jauron on his staff.
Eric Mangini (2009-2010) did not have any former head coaches on his staff, but he had very experienced assistants in Brad Seely, Rob Ryan and Bryan Cox. Mangini had been a head coach with the Jets.
Not only do these Browns have no one on the staff with previous heading coach experience in the NFL, only Tabor (special teams) had been a coordinator in the NFL before.
The inexperience is showing, and Pettine does need to "own that." He picked these guys.
PULL TOGETHER OR PULL APART
Farmer's fingerprints also are all over this mess. You can go through the drafts and discover the mistakes with little effort.
"We have to be brutally honest with ourselves and ... not just looking in the mirror but to other parts of the building," Pettine said at his Monday press conference.
Right now, Pettine is feeling like the only target because he is facing the media six days a week. That can feel like 600 years in a 2-10 season.
It's easy to imagine how there would be splits between the front office and coaching staff. Pettine was first hired by Owner Jimmy Haslam and former CEO Joe Banner.
Three weeks later, Haslam fired Banner and former General Manager Mike Lombardi. The owner promoted Farmer from assistant general manager to his current job.
Farmer was not even part of the interview process when Pettine was hired. This was a football version of a shotgun marriage. Haslam placed both men into a position they had never held before. Nor did they really know each other.
"If you're going to be successful, your building has to be unified,'' said Pettine. "That's a big part of it. That's where the plan starts, and that to me hopefully will drive what changes need to be made.
"Sometimes you fall into the trap of 'let's just make changes.' Well, let's make damn sure the changes we're making are the right ones that are going to get this ship turned and headed in the right direction."
Pettine also said it's natural there would would be tension in the building with the team on a seven-game losing streak.
In a season like this, it's common for a front office to wonder if the coaches are doing a good job handling the players. And it often is said by coaches that the front office didn't supply enough talent. Add in the players, many of whom are underachieving.
This season, it seems nothing has gone close to right for the Browns. Everyone from ownership to the front office to the coaching staff to the athletes are to blame. Pettine says "this is a bottom-line business."
The Cleveland Browns and their 2-10 season have even the hardcore fans suffering from heartbreak.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I've been receiving hundreds of emails about the Browns. It's impossible to answer them all, but the prevailing theme is very clear...
Sadness.
Yes, there is anger. Lots of anger. But then it moves into something else, something that should alarm the Browns.
"I've had season tickets for 45 years," wrote Roger French. "Even though I'll lose my PSL, I doubt I'll renew them next year. I just don't live in Believeland any more."
Forty-five years...
Think about that. Forty-five years takes Roger back to 1970. So he just missed two of the best decades of Browns football, the 1950s and 1960s.
But at least he had the 1980s. He had Brian Sipe and the Kardiac Kids. He had Bernie Kosar and those wonderful teams late in that decade.
Since 1990, the Browns have had three winning seasons:
1994: Bill Belichick was 11-5 and actually beat New England in the first round of the playoffs.
2002: Butch Davis was 9-7 and the Browns lost to Pittsburgh in the playoffs.
2007: Romeo Crennel was 10-6, but the Browns missed the playoffs.
INHERITING A MESS
Every front office and coaching staff that takes over the Browns is blessed with a passionate but broken-hearted fan base. Since 1990, there have been three winning seasons, one playoff victory and one franchise shift to Baltimore.
General Manager Ray Farmer and Coach Mike Pettine have seen both sides of the Browns fans in their nearly two years here.
When the 2014 team started 7-4, the town was alive. Fans knew no Super Bowl was coming. They knew the playoffs would be a long shot. But their team was competitive. It was winning gritty games.
You could watch them!!!
Browns fans stood taller, their hearts beat stronger and football was fun again.
Then they ended that season with a five-game losing streak. Now they stand 2-10 this season.
Many Browns fans sound like members of a therapy group ... and for good reason.
"I'm 77 and have been a Browns fan as long as they've existed," wrote Wyman Haskins. "It's totally depressing. I bought two PSLs when they came back and attended most of the games, coming up from Columbus on Sundays. After 15 years, I finally let my season tickets go. As I watched the (Bengals) game on TV, I imagined my daughter and me sitting in the Stadium. How long would we have stayed?"
So many open their notes by giving their age and their years of service watching the Browns.
The underlying question is, "Why do I keep doing this to myself?"
CAN IT CHANGE?
The NFL is set up to reward the bad teams and punish the good ones.
The draft favors the losers. The salary cap enables teams from Green Bay, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and other small/middle markets to compete with the big boys from Chicago, New York and New England.
But that assumes you run your franchise the right way. You draft well. You coach shrewdly. You handle the salary cap carefully.
Robert Maskulka wrote: "I watch the Browns then I watch the Steelers ... need I say more."
Words fail to express how the super success of the Steelers contrasts with the doldrums of the Browns.
Consider this: There is one undefeated team this season -- the Carolina Panthers. Here are their records since 2010: 2-14, 6-10, 7-9, 12-4, 7-8-1 and 12-0. They have found the right coach (Ron Rivera) and right quarterback (Cam Newton). It turned around for the fans in Charlotte.
The teams in the AFC North are not in large markets. But all (other than You Know Who) have been successful for years. There have been two seasons when Cincinnati, Baltimore and Pittsburgh all made the playoffs, only the Browns stayed home.
That's why I never say "never" when it comes to the Browns fielding a decent team. The rules favor them.
But this year, it's just so hard to see that. Nor do I have any ideas of what should be done. Start all over again? Stay the course? Something else?
I'm clueless.
As Bruce Fox wrote: "Rock bottom and pathetic are understatements."
GRATITUDE TO FANS
Somehow, the Browns must find a way to let the fans know they care.
I realize that Owner Jimmy Haslam doesn't want to deal with media questions of front office/coaching changes at this point.
But I also think Haslam has to understand that fans need to know that he is hurting...
That he is determined to find an answer...
Even if he's not sure what the answer is right now in the depths of this sinking season. He has to convey that to the fans.
Some fans have told me that they don't think Haslam is that engaged in the team. I dispute that. But when he is not heard from, I understand why fans view him as distant.
Erik wrote: "I was born and raised in the Cleveland area but moved my family to the Phoenix area a few years go. It costs me $200 a season to watch my beloved Browns (on television). At this point, I'm honestly not sure why I still watch. I mostly work nights...I awake after five hours of sleep to watch a game. I'd like to say, 'That stops now,' but I don't know if it's true."
So many fans are like Erik. They watch, even if they don't know why. They watch, even if they turn the game off long before it is over.
Mark Doerner wrote: "Why isn't anyone angry???? No emotion at all!!! Including the coaches. Robotic and uninspired."
Many of the fans are the same way, as they react to what happens on the field.
Earlier in the season, Coach Mike Pettine mentioned how "we control the volume" on the crowd. He also made mention of holding "the remote control."
Well, the battery is dead, the mute key is stuck.
The record is 2-10 and nothing in the remaining four games can make things much better.
That's why the Browns have to figure ways to let fans know they are appreciated ... and that they have been the real victims of what has happened to this franchise.
The Cleveland Browns named Johnny Manziel the starter for Sunday's game against the 49ers. But the burning question is what can he do to make them feel good about him as the starter beyond this season -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin
CLEVELAND, Ohio - In re-naming Johnny Manziel his starter, Browns head coach Mike Pettine offered that his young quarterback has been "solid in the building over the last couple weeks."
This isn't far removed from the scouting report that describes your prospective blind date as having "a good personality."
It's not unimportant. It might even be true. And it certainly beats the alternative.
But it's not the loudest drum roll.
In Manziel's case, it also doesn't exactly suggest love at second sight for Pettine either.
Or is it third sight?
We've lost track.
After Monday's press conference in which Pettine admitted the harmony in the building was less than solid, naming Manziel 36 hours after initial reports said the job was his feels more like a compromise than anything else.
His statement said Manziel would start "on Sunday." So technically, he didn't name him starter for the rest of the season but that's where this is headed, barring further signs of Manziel's immaturity.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel throws against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half in Pittsburgh. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com Sunday, November, 15, 2015. Pittsburgh ORG XMIT: CLE1511151700573103Joshua Gunter
Even this new-old status comes spiced with more hope than confidence.
"...we are hopeful he takes this opportunity to continue to build on the progress he's made on the field throughout the season,'' Pettine said in a team release. "The goal for every game is to go out and win, and Johnny needs to show that he can put us in position to do so during these last four weeks of the season."
Manziel needed to show he could be trusted after the Austin incident (not to be confused with the Avon incident.)
Apparently two weeks of showing up to work and not showing up on social media was enough to clear the low organizational bar once again set before him.
Did he get extra credit for the fact his birthday passed Sunday with only this:
Manziel is only 23. And surely blessed in a lot of different ways, including having an owner and GM who apparently still believe in him.
Or at least in justifying the roles they played in drafting him in the first round.
Either way, he gets another crack at it.
If Jimmy Haslam and Ray Farmer see his tender age as a reason to hope he matures into the job, they wouldn't be the first NFL team to give a kid some time to understand what's required of him.
Then again, not every kid who doesn't understand what's required of him has gone through 70 days in a rehabilitation program and lied to his coaches about his social life a few days after being given the reins.
Why is Pettine playing him now? Because he's exhausted other reasonable alternatives. It's become almost impossible to justify not playing him.
But the question only gets more pointed from here.
What suggests he's trustworthy at age 23? He'll be that age all next season, too.
So if Manziel plays well do the Browns hitch their wagon to him for next year? Seriously?
Check out what we think the 2016 cleveland.com preseason football poll could look like -- and share your early rankings.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Before the paint gets a chance to dry on the 2015 football state championship banners claimed by three Northeast Ohio teams last weekend, we are kicking off the debate over who will be No. 1 next season.
There is plenty of work to be done before the 2016 football season begins. Off-season lifting, summer workouts and camps are still ahead. But that isn’t stopping us from presenting the 2016 cleveland.com (way too) early high school football Top 25.
DISCLAIMER: This is not our preseason poll. That will be voted on by our staff in late summer. Instead, this is what we think that poll could look like, based on what we know now. Obviously the landscape could change with coaching shifts and transfers.
And, as always, we want to hear what you think. What is your take on the 2016 football scene in Northeast Ohio? Who should be No. 1 in the preseason poll? Which teams are likely to rise or fall from this season’s finish? What off-the-radar teams will surprise in 2016? Share you thoughts on all that and more in the comments section below.
CLEVELAND.COM 2016 (WAY TOO) EARLY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOP 25
Next season: The back-to-back champion Eagles are 18-1 in the last two seasons against Ohio teams. They stay at the top until somebody locally can beat them. St. Edward has just two starters returning, but they do have a handful of players back on defense who saw significant time. DE Justin Herold started as a junior, and other juniors - defensive back Melvin Jackson (15 pass breakups, eight coverage sacks), defensive lineman Joelle Keeley and linebackers Mitchell O’Hara, Antonio Hills and Matthew Duffy – saw a good amount of snaps.
Next season: The state champion Knights return two Ohio State recruits in Todd Sibley and Danny Clark, while young Division I prospects Nolan Rumler and R.J. Kelly will make their line a force up front. The Knights bring back Marc Westover, Arison Sanders, Nate Bauer and Daeshon Coppinger from a defense that carried Hoban to its first title in 61 years.
Next season: Mark Nori has developed a winning culture for the Bulldogs in the last three seasons. He’ll have a three-year starting QB in Kyle Vantrease and experienced receivers in Logan Lindsay and Joe Andrassy as well as a big line led by Mike Miranda.
This season: 8-4, Division I regional quarterfinalist.
Next season: Year two of the Tadas Tatarunas Experience could prove to be a record-setter for Steve Trivisonno’s bunch. A healthy Logan Shea will solidify the defensive backfield and help the Cardinals take flight.
This season: 9-3, Division I regional quarterfinalist.
Next season: The GCC co-champion Comets bring back WR/DB Jake McCurry, LB Casey Maniglia. and a defense that could be one of the area’s best. Speedy WR/DB Daryl Sinclair also returns. LB Matt Brown led the team in tackles, while Maniglia was second. Both are sophomores.
This season: 12-1, Division III regional finalist.
Next season: Standout RB DeCavilon Reese is back along with versatile Aubrey Ward and young grinders such as Patrick Fleming. That trio will run behind an offensive line that returns three starters in Austin Felkonis, Armand Rivera and Donovan Corlew. Brandon Quarterman returns to lead the defensive line while Jaezin Tytko and Keith Williams are back in the secondary.
This season: 11-3, Division II state semifinalist.
Next season: One of the area's top defenses the past few years returns with plenty of experienced DBs, including Matt Restifo, Joe Sweet and Sam Wright. Offensively, QB Jackson Parker looks to continue to grow while Kevin Callahan and Restifo lead the running game behind a line that will be a bit smaller, but no less sound.
This season: 11-1, Division II regional semifinalist.
Next season: Standout quarterback Dustin Crum loses his top three receivers, but brings back leading rusher Alec Forrer and the majority of an offensive line that helped power the Middies to more than 4,000 total yards in 2015.
Next season: Patrick Ryan takes over at QB and will have RB James Andrews along with a handful of experienced linemen up front to ease the transition. TE/LB James Leyden and LB John Velotta will play behind a defensive line that was inexperienced in 2015 but should improve with the leadership of Joe Gibbons. The last time St. Ignatius missed the playoffs (2010) the Wildcats returned the following season to capture their 11th state championship.
This season: 11-2, Division III regional finalist.
Next season: Donte Taylor likely steps in at QB, and will have experience in WRs Malik Wooldridge and De’Amonte King. The defense will be led by LB Brandon Bischof and LD Justin Sampson.
This season: 10-3, Division I regional semifinalist.
Next season: QB Noah Mitchell will return for his senior season along with junior OL Terrell Lee, but the Panthers lose a lot of the impact players from the best playoff run in school history.
Next season: RB Michael Canganelli will lead an offense that needs to identify a new quarterback early. DE Izzy Watson, LBs Noah Fredrickson, Jason Hughes and DB Bailey Rotsky will make the Wildcats’ defense a formidable unit.
This season: 10-2, Division II regional semifinalist.
Next season: OL Sam Gerak and RB Eric Steinmetz return to lead an offense that will be without prolific QB Jake Sopko for the first time in three seasons. The Eagles have reached the playoffs in seven of the last eight years.
This season: 9-2, Division II regional quarterfinalist.
Next season: QB Mac Austin will take over, having earned considerable playing time when Nolan Sotka battled injury late in the regular season. Bubba Arslanian and Chris Vanzo return to provide reliable running options as well as strong defense as linebackers.
This season: 8-4, Division II regional semifinalist.
Next season: The power running of Anthony Perrine returns along with speedy Tye Evans and Daniel Banks. The trio will have a new QB for the second straight year with Justin Post's departure as well as a smaller line with the loss of three 300-pounders up front.
This season: 8-3, Division II regional quarterfinalist.
Next season: Tough and talented QB Tommy Benenati is back along with playmakers Joe Dinko and Joe Cyvas on offense. The Hilltoppers were young in 2015. In 2016 they will be a load to handle with dynamic WR/K Ethan Ziegenfuss on the perimeter.
This season: 7-4, Division II regional quarterfinalist.
Next season: QB Collin Sullinger has a year of starts under his belt and bruising back Cameron Bright by his side. Jamir Malone and sophomore DL Tyler Sycz will lead a battle-tested defense.
This season: 6-5, Division II regional quarterfinalist.
Next season: RB Spencer Linville rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 15 TD in eight games. Linville will have Sam Vas back on the offensive line, and if the Bulldogs can get it close, kicker Rickey Castrigano is as good as they come inside 50 yards.
This season: 8-4, Division IV regional quarterfinalist.
Next season: All-Ohio defensive back Josh Petruccelli returns and doubles as the Pirates’ leading rusher. Top receiver Andy Foley also will be back, and defensive lineman Hayden Makad was only a sophomore this season.
This season: 10-2, Division III regional semifinalist.
Next season: QB Cam Searight and running back Joe Daddario are back for their senior seasons. Guard Nick Rossi returns as a key blocker for the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division champs.
This season: 9-2, 7-4, Division II regional quarterfinalist.
Next season: Sophomore quarterback Davion Dower underwent a learning curve this year, but he will have top receivers Nazihar Bohannon and Daesean Brooks back, plus leading rusher Carlos Chavis. The defense boasts Bohannon and defensive end Quinten Pardon.
Gerut, a former second-round draft pick, debuted for the Tribe in 2003. He posted a .279/.336/.494 slash line, with 22 home runs, 75 RBIs and 33 doubles in 127 games.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- To Jody Gerut, it doesn't seem like 12 years ago.
He cherishes the memories from his rookie season, that sharp single to center off of Sterling Hitchcock. He can vividly recall the details of that 2003 campaign, which makes it feel fresh, recent.
Of course, Gerut, clad in a tan suit jacket, looks like he could still slap a single the other way. The 38-year-old, now an agent with Wasserman Media Group, is spending the week at the Winter Meetings in Nashville. He has worked as an agent for three years.
"It's fairly close [to playing]," Gerut said. "It's the same game, but it's a totally different perspective."
The Indians acquired Gerut and Josh Bard from the Colorado Rockies in 2001 in exchange for outfielder Jacob Cruz. Gerut, a former second-round draft pick, debuted for the Tribe in 2003. He posted a .279/.336/.494 slash line, with 22 home runs, 75 RBIs and 33 doubles in 127 games. He finished fourth in the balloting for Rookie of the Year. Royals shortstop Angel Berroa, Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui and Rays outfielder Rocco Baldelli garnered more votes. The Sporting News selected Gerut as the top rookie position player in the American League.
Gerut especially treasures one moment from his rookie season. On July 10, 2003, Gerut poked a single up the middle in the bottom of the 10th inning to score Coco Crisp, as the Indians topped the Yankees, 3-2. New York, sitting atop the AL East, dropped to 55-35. The Indians, a young, rebuilding team under Eric Wedge, improved to 39-51.
"It was a really special moment," Gerut said, "because it was a really good Yankees team and at that point, we were still young and growing and needing for things like that to happen to believe in ourselves."
The Indians struggled that year to a 68-94 record, good for fourth in the AL Central. Gerut never replicated his fine rookie showing. He hit .252 with a .739 OPS, 11 home runs and 13 steals in 2004. He tore a knee ligament in September and missed the start of the following season. In July 2005, the Indians shipped him to the Cubs for outfielder Jason Dubois.
Gerut spent the rest of that season with Chicago and Pittsburgh. He played for the Padres and Brewers for two years each. He posted an .845 OPS in 100 contests with San Diego in 2008. He played his last career game in 2010 with Milwaukee.
Gerut said the transition into agency work wasn't too challenging, since he was still involved in baseball.
"In the end," he said, "that's what it's all about. That's what makes it not a terribly huge leap."
Get the latest updates and analysis on the Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers snapped their three-game losing skid, beating the Portland Trail Blazers, 105-100.
LeBron James led the way with 33 points to go with 10 rebounds. Kevin Love added 18 points while Matthew Dellavedova had 17.
The Cavs (14-7) will have a few days off before heading to Orlando to play the Magic Friday.
Scoring Summary:
End of 3rd Quarter - Cavs lead Blazers, 77-75. LeBron James leads the way with 19 points while Kevin Love has added 18. Matthew Dellavedova has chipped in with 12. The Blazers are led by Damian Lillard, who has 21. C.J. McCollum has poured in 20.
End of 2nd Quarter - Cavs trail Blazers, 56-47. LeBron James leads the way for the Cavs. He has 15 points. Matthew Dellavedova has added nine points. The Blazers are led by C.J. McCollum's 15 points while Damian Lillard has poured in 14.
End of 1st Quarter - Cavs trail Blazers, 25-17. Matthew Dellavedova leads the way for the Cavs with seven points. LeBron James has added four points. The Blazers are led by Damian Lillard, who has 12 points.
The Indians are looking for a center fielder. The Diamondbacks want another starter to pair with Zach Greinke. The two teams talked about a Danny Salazar for A.J. Pollock deal, but so far nothing has happened.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Chris Antonetti estimates that he and the Indians' contingent at the winter meetings have talked to about 23 teams involving at least 25 of their players since arriving at the Opryland Resort and Convention Center on Sunday evening.
The number is even greater when you include agents, who are trying to find their clients work.
Here are some of the deals they've discussed.
On Monday they met with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks, fresh off their surprise signing of Zack Greinke, were seeking another starter and asked about Danny Salazar. The Indians were willing to discuss Salazar, but asked for center fielder A.J. Pollock.
Salazar went 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA in his first full season in the big leagues. He struck out 195 and walked 53 in 185 innings. Salazar, 26, is making just over the minimum and is under control for five more years.
Pollock, 28, played 151 games in center last season and is under control for three years. He hit .315 (192-for-609) with 20 homers and 76 RBI. Pollock, a right-handed hitter, scored 111 runs, stole 39 bases in 46 chances and posted a .865 OPS.
The Indians, who prefer to keep their starting pitching intact, told Arizona that they could afford to trade only one of their starters in the right deal. The Diamondbacks, with a crowded outfield, have come close to saying Pollock is off limits to any trade.
The two teams then talked about a quantity over quality deal. One of the players mentioned was Arizona third baseman Jake Lamb. Last year Lamb, a left-handed hitter, batted .263 (92-for-350) for Arizona. The Indians could form a platoon of Lamb and Giovanny Urshela at third base.
Arizona wanted at least one more starter to go with Greinke, Patrick Corbin, Ruby De La Rosa and Robbie Ray. After failing to reach a deal with the Tribe, they found their man Tuesday night by acquring Shelby Miller from Atlanta. The Braves received outfielder Ender Inciarte, shortstop Dansby Swanson, the No.1 pick in the draft last year, and pitcher Aaron Blair.
The Diamondbacks probably offered the Indians a similar package for Salazar.
In previous talks with Arizona, the Braves insisted that Pollock be included in any deal for Miller. Such was not the case Tuesday night.
If the Indians were to trade a starter, they believe they have enough depth to keep the rotation strong. After Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Salazar, Trevor Bauer and Cody Anderson, they have Josh Tomlin and TJ House, who is said to be healthy again after missing much of last season with a sore left shoulder. In the minors, Mike Clevinger, Ryan Merritt and Adam Plutko could be ready to help by midseason.
Clevinger went 9-8 with a 2.73 ERA in 27 games, including 26 starts, at Class AA Akron. He joined Class AAA Columbus for the playoffs and pitched well.
Merritt went 10-7 with a 3.51 ERA in 22 starts at Akron. In Columbus, the left-hander went 2-0 with a 4.20 ERA.
Plutko was a combined 13-7 with a 2.39 ERA at Akron and Class A Lynchburg. In 166 innings, he struck out 137.
"We're not looking to trade any of our guys at all," said Antonetti. "That's not something we're motivated to do. But, again, for any player there's a right value where it would make sense.
"So our criteria would be, 'does it make us a better team in 2016 and beyond?'"
The Indians, with Pollock out of reach, are discussing a one-year deal with free agent outfielder Rajai Davis, who played with Detroit last season. Davis, 35, played 46 games in center field and 39 in left and 10 in right field.
Davis, a right-handed hitter, batted .258 (88-for-341) with eight homers and 30 RBI last season. He stole 18 bases in 26 attempts and posted a .746 OPS.
It's also believed the Indians have an interest in free agent lefty Cory Luebke, 30, who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2013 because of two Tommy John surgeries on his elbow.
He threw a total of seven innings in the minors last season for San Diego. The Indians have only two left-handed relievers on their 40-man, but it's not known if Luebke is ready to compete for a job.
The Indians have also talked to Atlanta. The Braves, looking for a catcher, asked about backup Roberto Perez. The Indians, who didn't think they could get equal value, declined.
LeBron James finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists in Cleveland's 105-100 win over the Blazers.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - There is much to be said about David Blatt's switch to a small lineup, moving LeBron James to power forward and playing Jared Cunningham in the second half against Portland.
Kevin Love's noticeable energy burst. The Blazers' nine turnovers in the third quarter. And, of course, James' 14 points in the final frame, which gave him 33 points total.
All of it led to the Cavs' 105-100 win Tuesday night, snapping a three-game losing streak and improving them to 17-2 in their last 19 regular-season games against the Western Conference.
But without James' 11-point effort in the second quarter, maybe none of the other goodies would've followed. You see, the Cavs trailed by 18 to the Blazers with 4:41 left until halftime. Yes, 18.
They were being eviscerated on the pick-and-roll. Matthew Dellavedova was Cleveland's leading scorer. Love sat the last 2:49 of the quarter. Blatt couldn't watch him.
James, though, perhaps quietly given the circumstances, steered the Cavs back to within striking distance. He scored nine points after Cleveland fell behind by 18 and assisted on two other baskets.
James flipped one through the hoop despite an Al-Farouq Aminu foul with 1:28 left, and drained the ensuing free throw to cut Portland's lead to 10. His two free throws with 14.9 seconds left brought the Cavs to within 56-47 at halftime.
It was close enough for Blatt to make his changes, to sit Timofey Mozgov for the rest of the game, to play Love at center and James at power forward, and to pressure the Blazers like crazy.
All of that, of course, paved the way for James' typically clutch finish. After canning a three-ball, James stood his ground for a charge with 2:38 left and the Cavs up, 96-90.
And with 1:03 to go, he took powerful dribbles into the lane, hopped, was clobbered by Aminu again and shot-putted one that fell silently through the hoop (though the 20,562 at The Q were pretty loud about it).
James' free throw made it 102-93.
Yes, this was another game in which the Cavs wore their black, alternative, T-shirt-style jerseys, the kind that makes James uncomfortable. Unlike the last time the Cavs wore them, James never quite tore the sleeves in frustration.
The sleeves, it appeared, were either professionally altered or stretched by James beforehand, so he'd have room to maneuver.
Enough to shoot 14-of-24 from the field, 4-of-4 from the line, and contribute 10 rebounds and three assists. His rebounds were a game high and Portland's Damian Lillard tied him with 33 points.
Ohio State got back to .500 with its second straight win on Tuesday night.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State coach Thad Matta said one of the things that made him weary of Air Force coming into Tuesday night's game was that the Falcons could score in spurts, and had a 90-point game to their credit.
That didn't happen.
The Falcons had their worst shooting night of the season, and though Ohio State had long periods where it was a bit stagnant on offense, the Buckeyes still came away with a 74-50 win at Value City Arena. The win was the second straight for Ohio State after snapping a four-game losing streak last Saturday.
The Buckeyes (4-4) are back to .500 heading into their first true road game on Saturday against UConn.
When Ohio State needed offense in the second half, it turned to junior forward Marc Loving. Loving finished with a game-high 18 points and 10 rebounds, including four out of five buckets during a second-half run that put the Buckeyes up 52-22.
It was the second straight double-double for Loving, who has now reached double-digit scoring in Ohio State's first eight games. JaQuan Lyle added 12 points, while Jae'Sean Tate scored 11.
Tate gave Ohio State its largest lead with a drive from the elbow to put the Buckeyes up 61-31 with just under eight minutes to play in the second half.
Air Fore finished the game 17 for 51 (33 percent) from the field.
The Buckeyes first half didn't end all that well, especially considering how hot Ohio State started from the floor. They were shooting 60 percent and were working a 7-0 run when the under-12 minute timeout came with 11:21 left in the half. Then the wheels started to fall off a little bit.
Ohio State fell in love with the 3-point shot, shooting nine on what weren't great looks and only making two in the final 11 minutes of the half. During that span, the Buckeyes were 7 for 29 (24 percent) overall from the field.
Luckily for Ohio State, Air Force was much worse. The Falcons scored two field goals and turned the ball over nine times in the final 14 minutes, 43 seconds of the half. They could not buy a shot.
So even with its own struggles, Ohio State still led 37-16 at the half.
Tate started hot, with seven early points, but missed the final 12 minutes of the hald after picking up his second foul. Loving hit a running 3 as the halftime horn sounded to get Ohio State to 37 points at the break.
When it was over
When Air Force had two first-half scoring droughts that lasted longer than five minutes.
Crucial run
While Air Force was struggling to make anything, Ohio State put together a 12-0 run in the first half that took its lead from eight points to a more comfortable 20, where it stayed for most of the night.
Giddens out again
Freshman center Daniel Giddens missed his second straight game. Ohio State sat Giddens on Tuesday night because of a strained hamstring in his left leg. Giddens missed last Saturday's game against VMI due to illness.
Matta said Giddens had flu-like symptoms last week that caused him to lose some weight. His status for Saturday's game at UConn is unclear.
What it means
Ohio State caught Air Force on a really bad shooting night, and the Buckeyes will take it because it means they're back to .500 with games against UConn and Kentucky coming up over the next 11 days.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James scored 14 of his 33 in the fourth quarter as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated C.J. McCollum and the Portland Trail Blazers, 105-100, Tuesday night at The Q. The Cavs trailed by 18 in the second quarter. Here is a capsule look at the game, which was televised by Fox Sports Ohio: Back on track:...
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James scored 14 of his 33 in the fourth quarter as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated C.J. McCollum and the Portland Trail Blazers, 105-100, Tuesday night at The Q. The Cavs trailed by 18 in the second quarter.
Here is a capsule look at the game, which was televised by Fox Sports Ohio:
Back on track: The Cavs (14-7) snapped a three-game losing streak. They improved to 10-1 at home.
Struggling: The rebuilding Blazers (9-14) have lost four of six.
Keeping up with C.J.: Portland starting off-guard McCollum, a Canton native and GlenOak High School product, scored 24 on 10-of-19 shooting and had five assists. Portland point guard Damian Lillard scored 33 on 14-of-27 shooting and had six assists.
Impressive display: The Cavs used a 60-31 run to turn a 47-29 deficit with 4:41 remaining in the second quarter into an 89-78 lead with 7:16 left in the fourth.
The comeback was fueled by defense -- specifically, against Portland's guards on the perimeter. Following LeBron's lead, the Cavs defended as if their paychecks depended on how many stops they achieved. Among those who contributed was reserve guard Jared Cunningham, as part of a small lineup to open the third quarter.
In a third, the Cavs notched seven steals and helped force nine turnovers. They outscored the Blazers, 30-19.
At the other end, the Cavs moved the ball much better and exploited mismatches.
King on fire: Akron native and St. Vincent-St. Mary alum LeBron, coming off a one-game absence for rest, shot 14-of-24 from the field and 4-of-4 from the line. He had 10 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals in 40 minutes.
LeBron had shot below 50 percent in each of his previous five games (combined: 45-of-107).
In a span of four-plus minutes late in the fourth, LeBron scored 10 of the Cavs' 13 to ensure that the lead stayed at nine. The burst included a ridiculous three-point play, which resulted from drawing a foul during an off-balance running jumper in the lane.
Give Delly his due: Cavs starting point guard Matthew Dellavedova scored 17 and had three assists and one turnover in 37 minutes. He played better as the game unfolded, and he refused to back down against Portland big Mason Plumlee.
Accuracy returns: The Cavs finished 40-of-79 (50.6 percent) from the field. During the losing streak, they shot a combined 38.1 percent.
Stuck in the mud: The Trail Blazers used a 13-0 run to pull ahead, 19-6, with 4:41 left in the first quarter. The Cavs chased for the rest of the half.
Fox Sports Ohio analyst Austin Carr understandably did not like what he witnessed.
With the Cavs trailing, 18-6, Carr said: "The inability to score is really hurting them. Everybody is waiting for LeBron to be the savior. Nobody else is stepping up.''
The Blazers led, 25-17, after one quarter.
The Blazers opened the second quarter with Allen Crabbe's left-wing jumper over Mo Williams.
Carr said: "You can't sit there and watch. I mean, the Cavs are watching them shoot the ball. You just can't do that against this team -- against any team in this league.''
Cavs big Tristan Thompson committed a turnover. Portland turned it into a Meyers Leonard 14-footer over Thompson to make it 29-17.
Carr said: "It's hard watching this because they're just out of sync. Nobody has confidence anymore. Are they waiting for Kyrie (Irving) and (Iman) Shumpert to come back before they get their energy level back? They're playing like they're defeated already.''
Crabbe cut backdoor for a layup, plus the foul, with 4:41 left in the second quarter. Crabbe completed the three-point play to give Portland a 47-29 lead.
Carr said of the Cavs: "It's almost like they're playing in mud.''
At that point, Portland was 9-of-10 from the field in the quarter. The Cavs were having myriad issues attempting to stop the pick-and-roll.
Lillard's layup gave the Blazers a 50-33 lead with 2:59 remaining. At that point, Portland was 21-of-32 (65.6 percent) from the field.
The Cavs rallied to pull within 56-47 at the half. LeBron had 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting (all field goals in paint) in the half, but the Cavs were 19-of-39 from the field and had 12 rebounds and nine assists.
McCollum scored 15 and Damian Lillard 14 on a combined 12-of-20 shooting.
The Cavs pleased Carr in the second half by essentially doing the opposite of what they did in the first. Their pick-and-roll defense, in particular, was superb.
