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Ohio State's Kelsey Mitchell named AP First-Team All-American

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Mitchell is just the third Buckeye women's basketball player to be named AP first-team All-American.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Kelsey Mitchell continues to find news ways to change the Ohio State women's basketball record books.

Mitchell on Monday was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press, becoming just the third Buckeyes women's basketball player to receiver the honor. The others were Jessica Davenport in 2005, and Jantel Lavender in 2010 and 2011.

Ohio State's season ended on Friday when the Buckeyes lost to Tennessee in Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Mitchell, who was the nation's leading scorer as a true freshman last year, backed that up with sophomore campaign that was just as good. She scored 889 points, breaking her own Ohio State single-season record of 873 points. Mitchell also led the Big Ten and is currently third in the country with 126 3-pointers, one off of her NCAA record 127 she hit last season.

Mitchell scored 40 points four times this season, setting a new program record with 48 against Michigan State in the regular season finale. She was a second-team All-American selection by the Associated Press last year.

The other first-team selections this year were Brianna Stewart and Moriah Jefferson of UConn, South Carolina's A'ja Wilson and Minnesota's Rachel Banham.

Ohio State senior Ameryst Alston was named a honorable mention All-American by the AP this year, finishing her career fourth all-time at Ohio State in scoring with 2,165 points.

Mitchell has already established herself as one of the best players in the country, and perhaps the best athlete on Ohio State's campus. Read this story from earlier this month on Mitchell, and how she's regarded by other Ohio State athletes.

Kelsey Mitchell, the best athlete on Ohio State's campus


LeBron James won't play against the Houston Rockets Tuesday; has year's worth of weekly Eastern Conference awards

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LeBron James will sit against the Rockets Tuesday, while Iman Shumpert missed practice because of a sore left knee.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - LeBron James will rest Tuesday against the Houston Rockets and reserve guard Iman Shumpert missed practice because of a sore left knee, Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said.

This will be the fourth game this season James sits for precaution. The Cavs are 1-2 without him.

James was also named the Eastern Conference's Player of the Week for last week, making it 52 times (a year's worth) James has received the honor. He averaged 29 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists with two triple-doubles in four games last week.

James has three triple-doubles this season and 42 for his career during the regular season. Through play Sunday, there were 66 triple-doubles league wide - the second-most in NBA history.

The most triple-doubles the NBA had ever seen was 78 in 1988-89. This year, Russell Westbrook leads the league with 15 triple-doubles. Draymond Green is second with 11.

The explosion in triple-doubles this year can likely be traced to teams playing smaller and faster than in recent years. More possessions and more misses create more chances to generate the rebounds and the assists.

Also, fewer legitimate big men allows smaller hybrids (Green) and superior athletes (Russell) to roam with greater in the paint.

Golden State's Klay Thompson was honored as the top player in the West.

"You've got to have playmaking skills," James said, when asked what goes into a triple-double. "You've got to have anticipation on rebounding and you've got to be able to put the ball in the bucket. So, I mean, that's three facets of the game that you've got to, it's not even focus on it's you're out there playing and that's the end result of it."

Lue said he was resting James Tuesday because it would give the Cleveland superstar four days without playing in a game. James posted a triple-double (27 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) in a win Saturday against New York, and won't play again until the Cavs host Brooklyn Thursday.

"Not too many chances and opportunities to rest one game and have four days off, so I thought it was a good opportunity to rest him," Lue said.

REPORT: Lue planning to sit LeBron

James needs just four points to pass Dominique Wilkins (26,668 points) for 12th on the all-time scoring list, and 41 to leapfrog Oscar Robertson for 11th. Barring something unforeseen, those milestones will probably fall Thursday and Friday, when the Cavs play against the Nets and then in Atlanta.

Lue said Tuesday will not be the last time James sits before the regular season concludes April 13, but it was unclear Monday if there were plans to rest him again this week. Cleveland also hosts Charlotte Sunday.

The Cavs are arguably on a bit of a roll in situations where one of their Big 3 isn't on the court. Playing without Kyrie Irving Saturday in New York -- Kevin Love scored 28 points and the team coasted over the Knicks.

The Cavs are 4-0 without Love this season, and even won their last game without James (March 16 against the Mavericks).

"The ultimate is to get us all playing at a high level for our offense and defense," James said. "It's no explanation as to sometimes why we play better without one of us, but hopefully we want to get it to a point where all three of us are playing well at the same time, for the betterment of the team."

As for Shumpert, Lue said his status to play against the Rockets was unknown.

"I know he had a sore left knee so you run the risk of having practice today and do something worse, so we sat him out," Lue said.

Cleveland Browns have Robert Griffin III but should still draft QB at No. 2: Terry Pluto (video)

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Robert Griffin III is an experienced quarterback with talent and he can buy the Cleveland Browns some time, but they still need to draft a quarterback with the second pick in the draft. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Robert Griffin III is an experienced quarterback with talent, but the Cleveland Browns still need to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft.

All the pre-draft speculation has been on the Browns drafting Carson Wentz of North Dakota State or Cal's Jared Goff. But since they signed Griffin as a free agent last week, there is talk that he's the quarterback for the long haul.

No way.

Griffin is here to give new coach Hue Jackson a younger option to Josh McCown. If they can help him find some of his old magic ... great. If not, he is talented enough that Jackson can make him productive.

But Griffin also has a history with injuries and counting on him long term is out of the question. The Browns still must draft a quarterback and should do so with the No. 2 pick.

Atlanta Braves release former Cleveland Indian Nick Swisher, who is still owed $15 million

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The Atlanta Braves will pay Nick Swisher $15 million this year while the 35-year-old plays for another team or takes a sabbatical or ventures into broadcasting or pep rallying.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Atlanta Braves will pay Nick Swisher $15 million this year while the 35-year-old plays for another team or takes a sabbatical or ventures into broadcasting or pep rallying.

The Braves, a rebuilding team that figures to sit in or near the basement of the National League East this season, released Swisher on Monday. Swisher is owed $15 million for this season. Should another team scoop him up, it would only have to pay Swisher a prorated portion of the major league minimum salary.

The Indians dealt Swisher -- and center fielder Michael Bourn -- to Atlanta last August for Chris Johnson in an exchange of underperforming veterans with cumbersome contracts. Cleveland also sent cash -- a sum split over multiple years -- to the Braves to help offset some of the salaries. The Indians severed ties with Johnson over the offseason.

Swisher never lived up to expectations during his tenure in Cleveland. In 272 games with the Tribe, he posted a .228/.311/.377 slash line, with 32 home runs and 273 strikeouts. The Indians signed him to a four-year, $56 million pact prior to the 2013 campaign.

He underwent surgery on both of his knees in August 2014. His recovery from the operation limited him to 30 games with the Indians last season before the club eventually shipped him south. In 46 contests with the Braves last season, Swisher batted .195 with a .688 OPS.

Trade lifts clouds hanging overheadNick Swisher and Michael Bourn, forever linked in Indians' lore. 

From 2005-12, Swisher never clubbed fewer than 21 home runs or tallied fewer than 69 RBIs. Only once did he post an OPS+ lower than 100 (the league-average mark). In his first year with the Indians, thanks in part to a September surge, he finished with numbers comparable to the ones he routinely posted during his stints with the A's and Yankees, as he hit .246 with 22 home runs and a .763 OPS.

Over the last two years, though, Swisher batted .204 with a .617 OPS in 173 games. He hit .238 (10-for-42) with a .670 OPS this spring.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told reporters, "it would be tough to carry him. It's one of those things, when you have that type of player, it would help you to be in the American League."

Should Swisher log 550 plate appearances this season and pass a physical, he would exercise a $14 million vesting option for 2017. Otherwise, he can become a free agent after the season. The latter, of course, seems like the more plausible scenario.

The end of the Swisher era in Cleveland

Ex-files: Outfielder Will Venable, released by the Indians over the weekend, signed a minor league contract with the Phillies. The Red Sox granted former Tribe outfielder David Murphy his unconditional release on Monday.

Tristan Thompson is one game away from setting franchise record for consecutive games played, says streak is 'honor and blessing'

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It was about one week ago when Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue was thinking about sitting Tristan Thompson because of a minor hand injury. Thompson wouldn't allow it. The Cavaliers ironman had a streak to protect.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- It was about one week ago when Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue was thinking about sitting Tristan Thompson because of a minor hand injury. Thompson wouldn't allow it. The Cavaliers' "Ironman," who has played through injuries and food poisoning, had a streak to protect.

Thompson has played in 361 consecutive games, a number that currently puts him atop the NBA and has him tied for the franchise record with Jim Chones. On Tuesday night, barring something unforeseen, Thompson will etch his name in the Cavaliers' record books, holding the record by himself.

"It's an honor and a blessing," Thompson said. "When you're 25 and lucky, haven't played that many games. I have to give a lot of credit to the medical team and myself taking care of my body. There's a lot of people I've got to be thankful for to get this far. It's definitely an honor and it makes me proud that the guy I'm passing is another big and a Cavalier big."

Chones, the team's radio analyst, was with the Cavaliers for five seasons before getting traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, ending his streak. The two have bonded over Thompson's current run and formed a strong relationship.

"I respect him so much and what he's done for the organization, the franchise and the city of Cleveland," Thompson said of Chones. "Just being part and doing the camps for the youth and shows a lot about his character. When we talk he gives me one or two words of advice: play hard, keep it simple, see ball, get ball. That goes a long way and especially when a former big speaks highly of you and gives you advice, that means you're doing something right."

Thompson takes pride in being a constant on a team surrounded by turmoil and change, playing through bumps and bruises. He will use Advil, ice, therapeutic massages, anything to stay in the lineup and keep the streak going for as long as possible.

"Obviously A.C. Green has the record," Thompson said. "That's a lot of basketball, especially with playoffs. Go as long as I can. I'd rather play than wear a suit on the sideline."

Green holds the record, playing in 1,192 straight games. His streak began in 1986 and ended in 2001. Thompson, meanwhile, hasn't missed a game since his rookie season, and doesn't plan on that changing any time soon.

The Cavs have been resting players, hoping to get them fresh for the postseason. Kyrie Irving missed Saturday's game in New York. LeBron James will be held out of Tuesday's primetime showdown with the Rockets. Kevin Love rested earlier this month in a blowout win against the Washington Wizards.

There are more names on Lue's list of players he'd like to rest in the final few weeks. Thompson won't be one of them.

"He knows about the streak," Thompson said. "He knows how much the streak means to me. I told him I'm fine. If I can run and I can grab some rebounds and set some good screens, I'm good enough to play."

After signing a five-year, $82 million contract this off-season, Thompson has bounced in and out of the starting lineup. He is averaging 7.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 27.9 minutes, numbers that aren't too dissimilar from his career marks.

"For me I'm not worried about the stats, points per game. Rebounding, that's definitely what I hang my hat on. It's how you impact the game," Thompson said. "I do things where maybe an offensive rebound helps us win the game. It's more than how many points you score a game. If you look at guys on teams that aren't winning, guys are averaging 10 and 7 but they're going home in April. I'm happy where I'm at. Obviously I want to keep getting better every year, but I have to do whatever it takes for our team to be successful."

Recently that has meant coming off the bench, helping anchor Lue's second unit. No matter when he gets in the game, Thompson has proven to be one the most reliable players on the roster.

"It's definitely respect just to see a guy play that may games straight without being hurt or without being injured is a tribute to him," Lue said. "He can play through pain, he's tough enough to play through pain even when he's been hurt. That's a great thing to have."

Cleveland Indians need a big April and so does one of their biggest fans: Tom Reed

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A first-person account of the healing powers of baseball and one fan's love for the Tribe.

WARREN, Ohio - As my 80-year-old mother squabbled with physical therapists three weeks ago, I threw her a verbal brush-back pitch.

"If you're not going to get out of bed, you're not going to that Indians' game in May," I said. "You're going to be too weak."

Carolyn Reed's head snapped back, her cage rattled. With hospital monitors blinking and chirping like a Vegas casino, she slowly slid one leg, then the other, over the side of the bed and grabbed hold of the walker.

The Tribe needs a big April for a change. So does one of their most rabid fans.

My mom came home Thursday after spending three weeks in a hospital and two more in a nursing home. She went in complaining of shortness of breath only to learn diabetes had robbed her of 90 percent of her kidney function.

Trips to the dialysis center -- three days a week -- are her new reality. My mother's old life and a large chunk of her independence vanished in a flash. She no longer has a doctor, she has a five-man rotation of them. She must take a tackle-box full of meds, wear a cumbersome vest that gauges her heartbeat and learn to inject herself with insulin. Her only child lives three hours away in Columbus and her husband has been gone for 21 years.

But Carolyn wants to stay in her condo and, dammit, she can't wait for opening day, the Tribe's impressive 10-3 win over the Brewers on Easter Day fueling the anticipation.

She can rattle off the Tribe lineup, but hardly knows any of the players' last names. She talks of "Jason" and Michael" and "Cody" like they are my siblings from another marriage. She's strictly on a last-name basis with manager Terry Francona, however, as in "can you believe that damn Francona took out Bryan (Shaw) again when he was pitching so well? What's wrong with him?"

My mother has no idea Francona and Shaw play cribbage every day and how it must pain the manager to remove the pitcher to preserve the bullpen's integrity.

Her affinity for the Indians is a recent and mysterious development. She's been a sports fan as long as I can remember, but baseball was never a passion until the last nine years.

Carolyn always has loved football and horse racing. The woman knows her way around the Daily Racing Form better than a stockbroker does the Wall Street Journal. My mother is the type who harangues jockeys in the paddock when she doesn't think they gave max effort on their previous mount.

She tolerates my love for hockey and soccer. She's never seen the puck enter a net, but spent many nights rooting on my Rangers in their quest for the 1994 Stanley Cup. She yells at me for screaming obscenities at the television when Liverpool allows a late equalizer and does the same when the Tribe blows a ninth-inning lead. The Chris Perez era nearly put the poor woman in an early grave.

The best I can figure is Carolyn inherited my uncle Walter's love for the Tribe. When he died in 2005, I noticed she started watching the occasion game. With each season her interest grew. (The woman also is a political junky and I'd rather debate the merits of a double steal than Donald Trump's policy on immigration.)

She hardly ever misses a game now. Last summer, when one of the Tribe contests wasn't televised, she got into her car and drove around to listen. As you might suspect, she's not computer- or Internet-savvy.

We speak on a daily basis. After a Tribe loss, there are no salutations, just straight into a rant like she's calling Bruce Drennan instead of her son. She delights in seeing Indians' players rubbing the head of dugout reporter Andre Knott.

Until recently, my mother had been healthier than Bill Gates' bottom line. She had a hip replaced two years ago and never missed a game while convalescing in a rehab center.

All winter we've talked about going to a game this spring. In the autumn of the life I've come to understand how much the Indians mean to her. They are her company, her daily distraction from the aches, pains and, yes, the loneliness. Rick Manning's voice works better than any pill Pfizer ever developed.

I've spent most of the last five weeks in my hometown looking after my mom, leaving the NFL Scouting Combine when she was hospitalized. (I have the greatest, most understanding boss in the world.)

There are times I lose my patience with Carolyn. It's a horrible admission from a married man who's raised no children of his own. Seeing her daily challenges - negotiating her walker over a throw rug and re-learning the buttons on her television remote - shames me in ways I cannot describe.

The next few weeks are big ones in her bid to maintain independence. Can she care for herself? Can she get out the front door and ride in a van that squires her to four-hour dialysis treatments? Like a fringe Tribe major-league on the opening day roster, Carolyn doesn't want to get sent down to Columbus.

April is big month for all baseball fans. The good news is I can see my mother regaining her strength and sass. Carolyn and Michael Brantley are inching closer to being everyday players.

The heart vest comes off in late May - just in time for a three-game homestand against the Orioles. With any luck, we'll be at Progressive Field, sans walker, watching Jason and Michael and Cody.

Heaven help Francona if he pulls Shaw and the Indians relinquish a lead.    

March Madness 2016: How can Syracuse be in the Final Four? (video)

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The NCAA selection committee got what it wanted when 10th-seed Syracuse justified their judgement by reaching the Final Four. But they didn't get it right. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Syracuse Orangemen are in the Final Four for the 2016 NCAA Tournament. Is it a Cinderella story, or just more March Madness?

Syracuse is the first No. 10 seed to reach the Final Four. The Orangemen have a record of 23-13 after beating No. 1 seed Virginia in Sunday's Elite Eight matchup, 68-62.

Just over two weeks ago, they were on the bubble and few gave them a chance to make the tournament. Coach Jim Boeheim said at the time he was 90 percent sure they would not be selected for the 68-team tournament field.

But they were selected, and four wins later, they are one of the last four teams standing.

Do they deserve it? No.

The selection committee said they took into account that Boeheim missed nine games while on suspension to start the season. The suspension was for several recruiting violations over a number of years.

He was suspended to make amends for the violations. His program was to be put at a disadvantage for his misconduct. But then the selection committee "rewards" his team with a tourney bid because they overlooked his being on suspension.

What's wrong with this picture?

Syracuse is a team with talent, but it has also had good fortune in terms of matchups so far. Defense is a strength, but the Orangemen won two games when scoring in the 60s, a rarity in these times. And they haven't faced an offense like North Carolina, the opponent in Saturday's semifinal.

But they made it to the Final Four. The selection committee got what it wanted. But they didn't get it right.

Daniel Giddens asks for his release from Ohio State basketball team, expected to transfer per report

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Giddens averaged 3.8 points per game in his freshman season at Ohio State.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State freshman center Daniel Giddens has asked for his release from the team, and intends to transfer according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Borzello.

An Ohio State spokesperson confirmed to cleveland.com that Giddens has asked for his release, but the team has offered no other information at this point.

Giddens, from Mableton, Ga., averaged 3.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game during his first season in Columbus. He was a four-star prospect in Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class, and would be the second member of that class to transfer after Austin Grandstaff announced in December that he would be transferring to Oklahoma.

This is not the first time two players have transferred from Ohio State in the same year. Jordan Sibert and J.D. Weatherspoon both transferred after the 2011-12 season.

The Buckeyes have center Micah Potter and forward Derek Funderburk committed for 2016. Another center, Kaleb Wesson, is committed for 2017. None of those players play like Giddens, but there was going to be a logjam of post players.

It felt like something was going to happen to create space for Ohio State's influx of interior players, but that it's Giddens now looking to move on is a bit surprising.

Giddens played in 33 of Ohio State's 35 games, making seven starts. He could never take the starting job away from fellow center Trevor Thompson completely, but Giddens showed flashes of one day developing into potentially an NBA player.

He has the tools to be an effective player on the defensive end, but his offensive game and awareness to stay out of foul trouble needed to catch up. The 6-foot-10 Giddens was rated the No. 8 center in the 2015 recruiting class, and the Georgia native spent one year at prep school powerhouse Oak Hill Academy prior to coming to Ohio State.

Giddens's transfer will leave Ohio State with three centers on its roster next year: Thompson, Potter and David Bell. Bell has said he intends on coming back next year. Thompson will get evaluated for the NBA Draft under a new NCAA rule that gives players more time to do that, but it's expected that he'll return next season as well.

This would give Ohio State another scholarship available for next season. Right now the Buckeyes' top two targets are 2016 wing Andre Wesson, and 2017 point guard Markell Johnson, who could possibly reclassify to 2016.

It was also reported on Monday that Ohio State will be receiving a visit from New Mexico graduate transfer guard Cullen Neal in April.


Michael Reghi is riled up about LeBron James drama

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Drama follows LeBron James everywhere and Michael Reghi knows it Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cavaliers fans know the deal when LeBron James is the centerpiece of the team. He's one of the league's best players (and still has the look of the league's best player at times). He also carries with him a certain amount of drama. Some even say that it fuels him.

That's the topic of Michael Reghi's weekly Riled Up segment this week. Reghi says that all of the talk about drama surrounding James is warranted, but much of the hand-wringing is not. It's the price that comes with the superstar and it's worth it.

LeBron James discusses improvements on defense and needing the Big Three to play well at same time (video)

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Following Monday's practice, LeBron James talked about the success with one of the members of the Big Three sidelined, what that means and what can be done to remedy that potential problem. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers blew out the New York Knicks on Saturday night while Kyrie Irving was resting. They trounced the Oklahoma City Thunder in February with Irving playing nine minutes because of a bed-bug scare. 

The Cavs have enjoyed the same success without Kevin Love, going 4-0 this season. 

Following Monday's practice, LeBron James talked about the success with one of the members of the Big Three sidelined, what that means and what can be done to remedy that potential problem. James also discussed the ever-changing Eastern Conference standings and the improvements on defense. 

Watch the video above. 

University of Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch visits Cleveland Browns

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Lynch is considered the third-best QB in the draft class. Baylor receiver Corey Coleman also reportedly visited the club Monday.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns' mission to improve the game's most important position remains ongoing just days after signing Robert Griffin.

A source confirmed to Cleveland.com that University of Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch visited the club Monday. ESPNCleveland.com also reported a visit from Baylor University receiver Corey Coleman.

The Browns hold the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft and are believed to have serious interest in California's Jared Goff and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz - the top two quarterbacks in the class - even after signing Griffin last week.

Coach Hue Jackson and assistant Pep Hamilton attended the pro days of Goff and Wentz. The Memphis pro day is April 6, the week Browns' organized team activities begin. Lynch is widely considered the third-best QB in the draft.

Jackson told reporters last week he planned to meet with the Memphis passer who threw for 3,778 yards, 28 touchdowns and four interceptions last season.

"He's talented, he's a big guy and we're going to find out more about him," Jackson said of the 6-foot-7, 244 pounder.

The Browns would not use their top pick on him, though. They would either trade down in the first round or possibly move up from the No. 32 overall selection.

Coleman, a consensus All-American, caught 74 passes for 1,364 yards and 20 TDs last season with the Bears. The 5-11, 194-pound wideout is also first-round material.

NFL Draft Guide 2016: Quarterbacks

On Jose Ramirez's growing value and 6 things we learned about Cleveland Indians on Monday

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Manager Terry Francona is determined to see if utility man Jose Ramirez's hot spring can carry over into the chill of the regular season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Jose Ramirez started Monday's game against Oakland at shortstop and moved to left field in the sixth inning. It is a way of life for a utility man and it sounds like Ramirez could be doing it a lot for the Indians in the last week of spring training and during early part of the regular season.

Ramirez, with Michael Brantley (right shoulder) and Lonnie Chisenhall (right forearm, left wrist) opening the season on the disabled list, is going to be the Tribe's fifth outfielder. It is a roll that usually gathers more dust than at-bats, but manager Terry Francona doesn't see it that way.

"Part of our thinking was that Jose looks like he's earned (more at-bats) by his play (to) where we'd like to try and get him in there more," Francona told reporters Monday morning in Goodyear, Ariz. "We want to get him in there and not let him sit and lose what he has. We want to see if we can get that to carry over (into the regular season)."

Ramirez went 1-for-5 Monday as the Indians beat the Athletics, 6-4, in Mesa, Ariz. The switch-hitter has had an excellent spring, hitting .345 (19-for-55) with four homers and 12 RBI.

"I know he had a slow start last year, but he's a year older," said Francona. "It's impossible to have a crystal ball, but he has done a really good job. He'll play some left field this week. He needs to play shortstop because if something happens to (Francisco) Lindor, he's the guy.''

Francona loves versatility and that's Ramirez's middle name.

"If we want to pinch run for (Juan) Uribe late, we can put him at third base," he said. "If he starts a game, we need to make sure he stays in the game. There is no reason to pinch run for him."

Tribe's opening day roster almost set

Ramirez can play all over the infield, but he's still learning the outfield. He's played left and center field this spring. On Sunday, he lost a ball in the sun in left field against the Brewers.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say I don't think the sun is going to be a problem in Cleveland in the first week of the season," said Francona. "We've seen just about every outfielder who has come in here (Goodyear Ballpark) lose a ball in the sun.

"With his speed and athleticism, he'll be serviceable and I think he'll improve. When we put Mike Aviles out there for the first time, it was the same thing. Mike turned himself in a good outfielder."

Tribe's future looks bright at hot corner

With the roster trimmed yet again Monday, and split squad games against Seattle and the Angels scheduled for Tuesday, here are six more things we've learned about the Indians.

No. 1. Timing is everything

Danny Salazar, with the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation suddenly in flux, needed a good start just to make sure nothing happened to his hold on his third spot. Salazar, one start away from closing the books on yet another shaky spring, delivered against Oakland.

He allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings. Salazar struck out three and walked two. Still, Salazar's time in the desert has been difficult.

He's 2-1 with a 6.33 ERA. Yes, he has 21 strikeouts, but has allowed 24 hits, including five homers, and 10 walks. That's way too many baserunners.

No. 2. Otero over Crockett

Francona said the Indians went with veteran righty Dan Otero over lefty Kyle Crockett for a spot in the bullpen because Crockett can go to Class AAA Columbus and pitch on a regular schedule even though he's a reliever. In the minors, the Indians make sure their top relievers pitch regularly.

Lefty Ross Detwiler is spring surprise for Tribe

"We want our younger guys to pitch so when they get here they're on a roll," said Francona.

No.3. Cowgill over Grossman

Francona said the Indians went with outfielder Collin Cowgill over Robbie Grossman because of Cowghill's defense and baserunning ability. He said it was nice to see Cowgill finally start to hit over the last several games, but it wasn't the deciding factor.

If Grossman doesn't sign with another team, Francona said they'd welcome him back to play in Columbus. Cowgill, who had two hits against the A's, is hitting .178 (8-for-45) with two homers and 10 RBI. Grossman hit .231 (9-for-39) with one homer and three RBI.

No. 4. Chisenhall update

Francona said that Chisenhall will break camp with the Indians on Thursday, go to Arlington, Texas for the two-game series against the Rangers this weekend and attend the season opener at Progressive Field on April 2.

"Then we'll figure out where to get him some at-bats," said Francona.

Francona said Chisenhall should be able to come off the disabled list on April 12 when the Indians open a four-game series against the Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

No. 5. He's still hitting

Rookie Tyler Naquin started in center field Monday and hit a two-run homer in the fifth off Jesse Hahn for a 6-1 lead. It was Naquin's fourth homer of the spring.

No. 6. Your questions will be answered

Francona indicated the final questions about the pitching staff should be determined following Tuesday's split-squad games.

In play right now are the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation and a possible spot in the pen. Right now there are three candidates for two rotation spots - Trevor Bauer, Josh Tomlin and Cody Anderson. If Anderson is the odd man out, he'll go to Columbus because he has to start. If it's Bauer or Tomlin, they'll be in the pen.

Stay tuned.

Feel like an Ohio State recruit: Tour Ohio Stadium's recruiting room Urban Meyer uses to woo top prospects

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It's not easy to get in that room. But when we did, we wanted to make sure we shared it with the world. Go inside and take your own tour of Ohio Stadium's recruiting room. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State held a press conference in its recruiting room in Ohio Stadium to announce a $42 million renovation plan to the Horseshoe. 

You get that? Ohio Stadium's recruiting room? 

That's the huge room Ohio State uses on the west side of the stadium -- conveniently located near the Buckeyes locker room -- to host top prospects during those major recruiting weekends. 

Earlier in the day, Urban Meyer spoke about the renovation project and how important it is to leave a good impression on recruits. But repurposing concrete and adding some luxury boxes aren't going to do that. 

You know what does? 

A state-of-the-art recruiting room that has beautifully-decorated walls commemorating everything from Ohio State's national titles, Heisman winners and NFL Draft picks. 

"When you come in here," Meyer said, "We want this to be a 'Wow' place." 

Ohio Stadium may do that because of its pure size. But the Buckeyes also accomplish that with facilities, not only in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, but in a simple room in which recruits hang out when they visit for games. 

It's not easy to get in that room. But when we did, we wanted to make sure we shared it with the world. 

So see all the pictures we could possibly take when we were in there, and below is a 360-degree video of what it feels like to stand in the middle of the room. 

Watch video of the Cleveland Indians' new scoreboard in action

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The Indians' new scoreboard is 59 feet high and 221 feet wide, more than twice the size of the old one. See it in action. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' new scoreboard at Progressive Field is more than twice the size of the old one. 

It might not seem that different at first glance since it virtually occupies the same space, perched atop the left-field bleachers. The old board, however, had immobile advertising space. That is gone. Whenever the team wishes, it can display video across the entire new board, which measures nearly 13,000 square feet. 

Here are some more facts about the scoreboard.

* The board is 59 feet high and 221 feet wide (a 147 percent increase in total square footage).

* The entire infrastructure project -- which includes the main scoreboard, a new sound system, the ribbon scoreboards, out-of-town scoreboards, a marquee positioned toward E. 9th Street, servers, storage, a new scoreboard operating room, labor and electrical work -- cost $16 million through the sin tax. The main scoreboard accounts for less than 30 percent of that cost.

* There will be "upwards of 20 people" operating the new scoreboard, according to Neil Weiss, the Indians' chief information officer.

* The Indians had their previous scoreboard for 12 years.

* The new display is five times brighter than the average home LCD TV and 14 times brighter than the average smartphone screen.

* In addition to a larger space for videos, advertising and replays, the Indians plan to incorporate more statistics, fantasy numbers and social media.

* The ribbon displays (which hang from each level of the seating venue) combine to total 2,184 feet long.

NFL Draft 2016 order, TV and streaming information

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The NFL Draft will take place in Chicago April 28-30. The Browns have ten picks.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 2016 NFL Draft will take place in Chicago for the second straight year. The draft will be held from April 28-30 at Auditorium Theatre. (Because Auditorium Auditorium was taken?)

Round 1 will take place on Thursday the 28th at 8 p.m. Rounds 2 and 3 will be on Friday beginning at 7 p.m. Rounds 4 through 7 will happen on Saturday beginning at noon.

ESPN and NFL Network will broadcast all three rounds of the draft and will stream the draft on NFL.com and on ESPN3.

The Browns have ten picks in this year's draft. Here is the complete draft order.

Round 1

1 Tennessee

2 Cleveland

3 San Diego

4 Dallas

5 Jacksonville

6 Baltimore

7 San Francisco

8 Philadelphia from Miami

9 Tampa Bay

10 New York Giants

11 Chicago

12 New Orleans

13 Miami from Philadelphia

14 Oakland

15 Los Angeles

16 Detroit

17 Atlanta

18 Indianapolis

19 Buffalo

20 New York Jets

21 Washington

22 Houston

23 Minnesota

24 Cincinnati

25 Pittsburgh

26 Seattle

27 Green Bay

28 Kansas City

29 Arizona

30 Carolina

31 Denver 

Round 2 

32 Cleveland

33 Tennessee

34 Dallas

35 San Diego

36 Baltimore

37 San Francisco

38 Jacksonville

39 Tampa Bay

40 New York Giants

41 Chicago

42 Miami

43 Los Angeles from Philadelphia

44 Oakland

45 Los Angeles

46 Detroit

47 New Orleans

48 Indianapolis

49 Buffalo

50 Atlanta

51 New York Jets

52 Houston

53 Washington

54 Minnesota

55 Cincinnati

56 Seattle

57 Green Bay

58 Pittsburgh

59 Kansas City

60 New England

61 New England from Arizona

62 Carolina

63 Denver 

Round 3

64 Tennessee

65 Cleveland

66 San Diego

67 Dallas

68 San Francisco

69 Jacksonville

70 Baltimore

71 New York Giants

72 Chicago

73 Miami

74 Tampa Bay

75 Oakland

76 Los Angeles

77 Philadelphia from Detroit

78 New Orleans

79 Philadelphia

80 Buffalo

81 Atlanta

82 Indianapolis

83 New York Jets

84 Washington

85 Houston

86 Minnesota

87 Cincinnati

88 Green Bay

89 Pittsburgh

90 Seattle

91 New England

92 Arizona

93 Carolina

94 Denver

95 Detroit (Compensatory Selection)

96 New England (Compensatory Selection)

97 Seattle (Compensatory Selection)

98 Denver (Compensatory Selection) 

Round 4

99 Cleveland

100 Philadelphia from Tennessee

101 Dallas

102 San Diego

103 Jacksonville

104 Baltimore

105 San Francisco

106 Chicago

107 Miami

108 Tampa Bay

109 New York Giants

110 Los Angeles

111 Detroit

112 New Orleans

113 Tennessee from Philadelphia

114 Oakland

115 Atlanta

116 Indianapolis

117 Buffalo

118 New York Jets

119 Houston

120 Washington

121 Minnesota

122 Cincinnati

123 Pittsburgh

124 Seattle

125 Green Bay

126 Kansas City

127 Chicago from New England

128 Arizona

129 Carolina

130 Baltimore from Denver

131 Green Bay (Compensatory Selection)

132 Baltimore (Compensatory Selection)

133 San Francisco (Compensatory Selection)

134 Baltimore (Compensatory Selection)

135 Dallas (Compensatory Selection)

136 Denver (Compensatory Selection)

137 Green Bay (Compensatory Selection)

138 Cleveland (Compensatory Selection)

139 Buffalo (Compensatory Selection) 

Round 5

140 Tennessee

141 Cleveland

142 San Francisco from San Diego

143 Oakland from Dallas

144 Denver from Baltimore

145 San Francisco

146 Jacksonville

147 Miami

148 Tampa Bay

149 New York Giants

150 Chicago

151 Detroit

152 New Orleans

153 Philadelphia

154 Oakland

155 Indianapolis

156 Buffalo

157 New York Jets

158 Washington

159 Houston

160 Minnesota

161 Cincinnati

162 Kansas City from Seattle

163 Green Bay

164 Philadelphia from Pittsburgh

165 Kansas City

166 Houston from New England

167 Arizona

168 Carolina

169 Detroit from Denver

170 Arizona (Compensatory Selection)

171 Seattle (Compensatory Selection)

172 Cleveland (Compensatory Selection)

173 Cleveland (Compensatory Selection)

174 San Francisco (Compensatory Selection)

175 San Diego (Compensatory Selection)    

Round 6

176 Cleveland

177 Tennessee

178 San Francisco from Dallas

179 San Diego

180 Minnesota from San Francisco

181 Jacksonville

182 Baltimore

183 Tampa Bay

184 New York Giants

185 Chicago

186 Miami

187 Washington from New Orleans

188 Philadelphia

189 Dallas from Oakland

190 Los Angeles

191 Detroit

192 Buffalo

193 Tennessee from Atlanta

194 Oakland from Indianapolis

195 Houston from New York Jets

196 New England from Houston

197 Tampa Bay from Washington

198 San Diego from Minnesota

199 Cincinnati

200 Green Bay

201 Jacksonville from Pittsburgh

202 Detroit from Seattle

203 Kansas City

204 New England reacquired from Chicago

205 Arizona

206 Chicago from Carolina

207 San Francisco from Denver

208 New England (Compensatory Selection)

209 Baltimore (Compensatory Selection)

210 Detroit (Compensatory Selection)

211 San Francisco (Compensatory Selection)

212 Dallas (Compensatory Selection)

213 San Francisco (Compensatory Selection)

214 New England (Compensatory Selection)

215 Seattle (Compensatory Selection)

216 Dallas (Compensatory Selection)

217 Dallas (Compensatory Selection)

218 Buffalo (Compensatory Selection)

219 Denver (Compensatory Selection)

220 Pittsburgh (Compensatory Selection)

221 New England (Compensatory Selection) 

Round 7

222 Tennessee

223 Cleveland

224 San Diego

225 Seattle from Dallas

226 Jacksonville

227 Miami from Baltimore

228 Denver from San Francisco

229 Pittsburgh from New York Giants

230 Chicago

231 Miami

232 Washington from Tampa Bay

233 Philadelphia

234 Oakland

235 Denver from Los Angeles through Houston

236 Detroit

237 New Orleans

238 Atlanta

239 Indianapolis

240 Minnesota from Buffalo

241 New York Jets

242 Washington

243 New England from Houston

244 Minnesota

245 Cincinnati

246 Pittsburgh

247 Seattle

248 Green Bay

249 Kansas City

250 New England

251 Philadelphia from Arizona

252 Carolina

253 Denver


Ohio Stadium will have a new capacity, is the Buckeyes' football home the right size?

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A $42 million renovation will take out some seats in favor of loge boxes and reduce the size of the crowd. Also, vote on whether you think the stadium is the right size.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As part of a $42 million Ohio Stadium renovation that will remove 2,600 seats in B-deck and convert that seating area into new loge boxes, Ohio Stadium's capacity starting with the 2018 season will dwindle to 102,854 fans.

Is that the right size for the home of the Buckeyes?

These days, more isn't always best. And Ohio State had planned for this reduction when adding more than 2,000 seats in the south stands two years ago.

So the Buckeyes for four seasons - 2014 through 2017 - upped the capacity to 104,944, making Ohio Stadium the third-largest college football venue in the nation behind only Michigan Stadium (107,601) and Penn State's Beaver Stadium (106,572). The Buckeyes took advantage of that inflation to win the national attendance crown over Michigan during the 2014 season, when the Buckeyes actually averaged more than 105,000 fans per game. (For the largest crowds, the count always comes in over capacity.)

Ohio State won 2014 attendance crown

But this aim in the 102,000 range was always the goal. 

Before 2014, the capacity was 102,329. Now it will settle at 102,854, though that that could be adjusted once construction is complete for the 2020 season and every last seat accounted for.

Overall, Ohio Stadium will go from having 81 suites and zero loge boxes to 93 suites and 35 loge boxes. The loge boxes are expected to accommodate four fans each. (Here's information, for example, on University of Minnesota loge boxes.)

The Buckeyes now offer variable football ticket pricing, charging more for better opponents. While the schedule quality is improving, the Buckeyes also know they have to entice fans with amenities, not necessarily focus on adding more and more seats.

"I'm very comfortable with our numbers," athletic director Gene Smith said. "Dynamics are changing with fan attendance across the country. I think we need to be careful."

So the number works.

Ohio Stadium's $42 million renovation

Frankly, Ohio State could probably shrink the stadium a little more to drive up demand when the opponents aren't so great. But don't expect the number to get much higher in the future.

"This is right," Smith said. "We intend to stay in this area."

So the record Ohio State attendance of 108,975, set for the Michigan State game last season, won't be topped after the renovation. In fact, all of Ohio State's top 10 biggest crowds have occurred in the last two years, since the addition in the south stands.

The Buckeyes still have 2016 and 2017 to hit those huge marks. After that, this is an area where Ohio State won't be setting any more records.

U.S. men's soccer vs. Guatemala: Live updates and chat from Columbus

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If the United States loses to Guatemala, the Americans will have a tough time qualitying for the 2018 World Cup.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The United States is playing Guatemala tonight at Mapfre Stadium as it continues its quest to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

After playing in seven straight World Cups, the Americans put their streak in jeopardy with a 2-0 loss Friday night in Guatemala City. 

Trinidad and Tobago (2-1) leads Group C with seven points. Guatemala (2-0-1) has six. The U.S. (1-1-1) has four points and St. Vincent (0-3) is last. The top two teams advance to the six-nation finals of North and Central America and the Caribbean.

The U.S. scored the first two goals for a 2-0 lead. The match is being shown on ESPN2.

Join cleveland.com's Tom Reed in the comments below for live chat and updates during the match.

U.S.-Guatemala preview, TV schedule, ticket information

See reactions from former Buckeyes to slew of Ohio State basketball transfers

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See Twitter reaction from former Ohio State basketball players after Buckeyes had two players transfer in less than 24 hours.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State basketball program is losing players, and there may be more to come.

It was confirmed to cleveland.com by a team source on Tuesday that freshman forward Mickey Mitchell was transferring from Ohio State. On Monday, a team spokesman confirmed that freshman center Daniel Giddens would also be transferring.

In December, freshman shooting guard Austin Grandstaff transferred to Oklahoma.

That's three members of the Buckeyes five-man 2015 recruiting class gone. That class when signed was ranked No. 5 in the country. So now the Buckeyes are short on bodies.

Transfers happen in college basketball. Two players each from Michigan and Michigan State also announced this week that they're transferring. But the rate at which they're happening at Ohio State right his admittedly a little different.

It's led to public discussion about the Buckeyes basketball program, and the direction in which it's heading. That includes comments from former Ohio State players on Twitter. See below for reaction from former players.

Scoonie Penn, who himself transferred from Boston College to Ohio State during his college career, made comments onAA Columbus radio station 97.1 The Fan Tuesday about the transfer issue being more about players, than programs. That apparently struck a nerve with former Buckeye Amedeo Della Valle:

In addition to that exchange, former Buckeye Mark Titus also weighed in with his take on the transfers from Ohio State:

And here's some reaction from the last 24 hours from Ohio State point guard JaQuan Lyle:

Here are former Buckeyes J.J. Sullinger and Jon Diebler:

We'll update this if more current and former players offer their takes on social media.

March Madness 2016: Women's Final Four TV, times, live stream, links (photos)

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TV schedule, live stream, links and more for the March Madness women's Final Four in Indianapolis, featuring UConn, Washington, Oregon State and Syracuse.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The NCAA Women's Final Four will be broadcast on ESPN on Sunday and Tuesday in Indianapolis, and features UConn, Oregon State, Syracuse and Washington playing for the Division I championship.

UConn is going for its fourth straight championship and 11th overall, both of which are records, and is making its ninth straight Final Four appearance

The PAC-12 has two entrants that are making their first Final Four appearances  -- Oregon State, whose program was in shambles a few years ago, and Washington, which was unranked at season's end.

Syracuse is on a roll and has a big fan in Shaquille O'Neal.

SCHEDULE

Sunday

Semifinals

No. 1 UConn (35-0) vs. Oregon State (32-4), 6 p.m., ESPN

Live stream: espn.go.com/watchespn/index

No. 4 Syracuse (29-7) vs. No. 7 Washington (26-10), 8:30 p.m., ESPN

Live stream: espn.go.com/watchespn/index

Championship

Tuesday, April 5

UConn-Oregon State winner vs. Syracuse-Washington winner, 8:30 p.m., ESPN

Live stream: espn.go.com/watchespn/index

UCONN LINKS

OREGON STATE LINKS

WASHINGTON LINKS

SYRACUSE LINKS

  • Team stats
  • Syracuse polished off a machine-like business trip by easily dispatching Tennessee in a regional final (Syracuse.com)
  • Shaq cheers for 'niece' on Syracuse women's basketball team (Syracuse.com)

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Houston Rockets: Live chat and updates

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Get the latest updates and analysis on the Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Houston Rockets.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers squandered a 20-point lead, losing to the Houston Rockets, 106-100, on Tuesday night. 

Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 31 points on 9-of-23 from the field. Kevin Love added 13 points. 

James Harden scored 18 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Rockets. 

Scoring Summary:

End of 3rd Quarter - Cavs lead Rockets, 84-71. Kyrie Irving leads all scorers with 22 points. Kevin Love has added 13 points while Iman Shumpert has 11 points. The Rockets are led by Trevor Ariza, who has 12. 

End of 2nd Quarter - Cavs lead Rockets, 59-40. Kyrie Irving has a game-high 15 points on 5-of-11 from the field. James Jones and Kevin Love have each added 10 points. The Rockets are led by James Harden and Michael Beasley -- each with seven points. 

End of 1st Quarter - Cavs trail Rockets, 26-24. Tristan Thompson leads the way with six points off the bench. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love each have five points. The Rockets are led by Michael Beasley, who has five points. 

Game 74: Cavs (52-21) vs. Rockets (36-38)

Tip off: 8 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.

TV/radio: TNT, Fox Sports Ohio; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS 100.7 FM, 87.7 FM (ESP)

Cavs probable starting lineup: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, Kevin Love and Timofey Mozgov.

Rockets probable starting lineup: Patrick Beverley, James Harden, Trevor Ariza, Donatas Motiejunas and Dwight Howard.

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