Some managers like to take a moment to reflect on how their team looks after 40 or so games in the regular season. Indians manager Terry Francona is more concerned about his team's record and how they're going to get through the game at hand.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians reached the 40-game make five games ago in Boston. The late Sparky Anderson, Hall of Fame manager for the Red and Tigers, used to say that was a moment for reflection, the first real chance to see the true face of a ballclub.

Manager Terry Francona isn't like that. To him a game is a game is a game. There will be enough time for analysis when the season is over.

"I get it," said Francona. "I can see why people have fun with it. It's easy you multiply stuff by four. I think what's important is our record. I think you can get too caught up in the quarter mark (of the season), the last 10 games, a road trip.

"It's another game. It's the next day. We need to win or lose, move on and win. That's the way I've always felt. I think you set your self up to let things bog you down when you look at things like that."

The Indians, taking that into account, are 25-20 headed into a weekend series against Baltimore at Progressive Field. Here are 25 points of reference, one for each victory, as the Indians inch just beyond the quarter pole of the season.

No. 25. The Indians are first in the AL Central and third in the American League with a run differential of +34 (214 scored, 180 allowed).

No. 24. The Indians are 14-7 in the AL Central. They went 32-43 in their division last year.

No. 23. The Indians are 6-0 against Detroit this season after going 19-37 against them in the previous three years.

No. 22. Detroit's Miguel Cabrera is hitting .176 (3-for-17) with no homers or RBI against the Tribe this year. Last year he hit .418 (28-for-67) with five homers and 17 RBI.

No. 21. The Indians are five games over .500. Last year they managed to stick their nose above breakeven twice by one game. The second time came on the final game of the season to make them 81-80. They had the good fortune of playing just 161 games because one postponement was not replayed.

No. 20. After going 10-11 and scoring 91 runs in April, the Indians are 15-9 and have scored 129 runs in May.

No. 19. Outfielder Rajai Davis, who signed a one-year $5.25 million deal, has a .717 OPS for the Tribe. Alex Gordon, who signed a four-year $72 million deal with the Royals, has a .650 OPS and is on the disabled list.

No. 18. Marlon Byrd, who came to camp on a minor league deal worth a base salary of $1 million, has a .715 OPS. Justin Upton, who signed a six-year $132.75 million deal with Detroit, has a .589 OPS.

No. 17. Davis is hitting .382 (13-for-34) with 18 RBI and Jose Ramirez is hitting .370 (10-for-27) with 15 RBI with runners in scoring position.

No. 16. Zach McAllister is 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA (one earned run in eight innings) in nine appearances at Progressive Field.

No. 15. Yan Gomes homered in three straight games from May 13 through May 16.

No. 14. Trevor Bauer has gone 3-2 since replace injured Carlos Carrasco in the rotation.

No. 13. The Indians are 11-6 when Carlos Santana bats leadoff.

Carlos Santana enjoys leading off

No. 12. Right-hander Danny Salazar and Corey Kluber are tied for fourth in the AL with 67 strikeouts each.

No. 11. Set-up man Bryan Shaw posted a 9.64 ERA (10 earned runs, 9 1/3 innings) in April and is working on a 1.74 ERA (two earned runs, 10 1/3 innings) in May.

No. 10. Right-handers Josh Tomlin and Kluber are hitting a combined .600 (3-for-5) with two doubles and two runs in interleague play.

Hits, victories following Josh Tomlin

No. 9. Second baseman Jason Kipnis has hit six homers in 44 games this year. Last year he hit nine in 141 games.

No. 8. Francisco Lindor is second in the AL with a .444 (24-for-54) batting average against left-handers.

No. 7. Mike Napoli is hitting .288 (19-for-66) with four homers and 20 RBI at Progressive Field this year. He's hitting .189 (18-for-95) with four homers and 10 RBI on the road.

No. 6. Closer Cody Allen is 11-for-11 in save situations with a 1.59 ERA. In non-save situations he has a 4.77 ERA.

No. 5. The average OPS for a fifth place hitter in the AL is .706 in the AL and .746 in the big leagues. Ramirez, who has gone from utility man to starter, has a .764 OPS in 50 plate appearances as the Tribe's No.5 hitter.

No. 4. The starting rotation is tied with Toronto for third in the AL in wins (20-13, 3.95) despite getting only four starts from Carrasco. The Tribe's No.2 starter earned two of those 20 wins before he was injured.

Carlos Carrasco out 4 to 6 weeks

No. 3. The Indians rank fourth in the AL in runs with Michael Brantley, their top hitter, having played just 11 games because of an injury to his right shoulder. They have scored more runs that Detroit, Baltimore, Toronto, the White Sox, Kansas City, Houston and the Yankees.

Too easy to say Tribe rushed Brantley back

No. 2. The Indians have the sixth best record in the AL - better than Kansas City, Detroit, New York, Toronto, the Angels and Houston - and rank last in the big leagues in attendance. They have played the fewest home games in the big leagues.

No. 1. Tomlin improved to 7-0 on the season by beating the White Sox and Chris Sale on Tuesday. Tomlin and Dennis Martinez, according to Elias, are the only Tribe pitchers in the last 50 years to start the season at 7-0. Martinez did it in 1995.

Indy 500 2016: Carb Day countdown, schedule, TV and updates. Honda angst grows as speed improvements may have come at a cost.

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana --A walk through the 100th Indianapolis 500 garage prior to the final Carb Day practice (11 a.m.-noon) shows there is growing angst that Honda's markedly improved engine speed may have come at a cost.

Several Honda engines have blown lately and that will be something to watch in the final practice. Will Honda teams dial back to be conservative or continue to push on in an attempt to snap Chevrolet's dominance?

Honda put the first dent in Chevy's crown by landing on the pole and putting four drivers in the top five on the grid. The next challenge will be winning Sunday's 200-lap race around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Here is your race guide for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. The race is set for Sunday shortly after noon and will be televised on ABC. There are several other activities on and around the track throughout the weekend as part of the 100th celebration and the complete schedule is listed below.

You can get caught up with James Hinchcliffe winning the pole, and with Team Penske drivers, including three-time Indy winner Helio Castroneves, being among the top nine on the grid.

Here is the TV schedule:

Friday TV

• 11a.m.-Noon -- Carb Day NBCSN

Sunday TV

• 8-11 a.m. -- Pre Race, ESPN
• 11-a.m. - Noon -- Pre race, ABC
• Noon - the 100th Indy 500, ABC

Here is the complete weekend schedule:

Friday

• 8-9 a.m. - Historic Race Car Laps
• 9 a.m. - USF2000 Car Unveil - Pagoda Plaza
• 10:30-10:45 a.m. - Sam Schmidt Laps
• 11 a.m.-5 p.m. - Ivy Tech Garage Tours - Garage #35
• 11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Final Indy 500 practice
• 12:05 p.m. - Indy Lights Driver introductions
• 12:30 p.m. - Indy Lights Freedom 100 - 40 Laps
• 2-3:10 p.m. - Tag Heuer Pit Stop Competition

Saturday

• 8 a.m.-3 p.m. - Indy 500 Memorabilia Show
• 8:45-9 a.m. - Indy 500 Rookie Chat - Pagoda Plaza
• 9-10:15 a.m. - Historic Race Car Laps
• 12-1 p.m. - Legends Autograph Session A - Pagoda Plaza
• 12-1:30 p.m. - IPL 500 Festival Parade - Downtown Indianapolis
• 1:30-2:30 p.m. - Legends Autograph Session B - Pagoda Plaza
• 3:45 p.m. - Corey Cox Concert
• 4 p.m. - Chris Janson Concert
• 5 p.m. - Blake Shelton Concert

• 8-10 a.m. - Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks
• 8-9:15 a.m. - Parade of Bands
• 9 a.m. - Celebrity Red Carpet - Pagoda Plaza
• 9:45 a.m. - 500 Festival Princess Lap
• 10:06 a.m. - "On The Banks of the Wabash" performed by Purdue University Band
• 10:25 a.m. - Green Flag Delivered to Turn 1 by IU Health Helicopter
• 10:40am - Former Indy 500 Champion Laps
• 11 a.m. - Decade Car Laps
• 11:10 a.m. - Military Silverado Laps
• 11:38 a.m. - Driver introductions
• 11:52 a.m. - "America the Beautiful" - performed by Military Trio with Purdue Band
• 11:54 a.m. - Military Speech - General Anderson
• 11:55 a.m. - Presentation of Colors
• 11:56 a.m. - Invocation - Archbishop of Indianapolis
• 11:57 a.m. - "Taps"
• 11:58 a.m. - "God Bless America"
• 12:01 p.m. - "National Anthem" - performed by Darius Rucker
• 12:03 p.m. - Military Flyover
• 12:12 p.m. - "Back Home Again in Indiana" - performed by Josh Kaufman and ICC
• 12:14 p.m. - "Drivers Start Your Engines"
• 12:19 p.m. - 100th Running of the Indy 500 - 200 Laps

Talk all things Cleveland sports with DMan and host Dan Labbe.

Talk Cleveland sports with Dennis Manoloff during his weekly podcast today at 12:30Allison Carey/The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Get your questions ready and join the Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff today at 12:30 p.m. as he talks Cleveland sports.

DMan and I will talk about the Eastern Conference Finals. We'll also talk about the almost-first-place Indians and spend some time on Browns OTAs.

Jump in the comments to ask your questions and talk along with us.

LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love will attempt to lead the Cavaliers to their first win of the season in Toronto. Doing so pushes them to the NBA Finals. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - To reach the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers must first test their might on the road.

A Cleveland win tonight in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals breaks the home-court dominance of this series and ends the season for a Toronto Raptors squad that emerged in Games 3 and 4 at Air Canada Centre.

The series shifts back to that arena with an 8:30 p.m. start. The Cavaliers have not won there all season. Broadcasts are slated for ESPN on TV, plus WTAM 1100-AM and LA MEGA 87.7-FM on the radio. Fox Sports Ohio will carry pregame and postgame shows.

This guide supplies you with stories and stats leading up to the game.

THE SERIES (Cavaliers lead, 3-2)

Game 1: Cleveland 115, Toronto 84

Game 2: Cleveland 108, Toronto 89

Game 3: Toronto 99, Cleveland 84

Game 4: Toronto 105, Cleveland 99

Game 5: Cleveland 116, Toronto 78

Game 6: Cleveland at Toronto, 8:30 p.m. Friday (TV: ESPN, Radio: WTAM 1100-AM, WMMS 100.7-FM, LA MEGA 87.7-FM)

Game 7, if necessary: Toronto at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m. Sunday

GAME 6 PROJECTED LINEUPS (with series averages)

Raptors starters: PG Kyle Lowry (17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 34.2 minutes), SG DeMar DeRozan (23.6 points, 36.4 minutes), SF DeMarre Carroll (7.0 points, 26.3 minutes), PF Luis Scola (4.0 points, 14.8 minutes), C Bismack Biyombo (6.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 32.3 minutes).

Raptors key reserves: PF Patrick Patterson (7.2 points, 27.7 minutes), PG Cory Joseph (8.0 points, 20.0 minutes), C Jonas Valanciunas (9.0 points, 18.5 minutes), SF Terrence Ross (4.8 points, 15.3 minutes), PF James Johnson (5.2 points, 13.4 minutes).

Cavaliers starters: PG Kyrie Irving (23.0 points, 3.6 assists, 34.1 minutes), SG J.R. Smith (11.0 points, 30.6 minutes), SF LeBron James (24.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.2 steals, 35.6 minutes), PF Kevin Love (14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 28.3 minutes), C Tristan Thompson (5.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 28.4 minutes).

Cavaliers key reserves: PF Channing Frye (9.6 points, 16.7 minutes), SG Iman Shumpert (3.0 points, 18.2 minutes), SF Richard Jefferson (7.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 17.3 minutes), PG Matthew Dellavedova (2.2 points, 11.9 minutes).

LOOKING AHEAD

Here are stories from cleveland.com and other newspapers and websites covering the Eastern Conference finals.

Shaw: Game 6 will tell us if Cavaliers are good bet to win Finals

Pluto: Toughness needed to show Cavs can win on road to The Finals

Cavaliers prove they weren't intimidated by Raptors' feats in Toronto

James' confidence trumps adversity

Shaw's You Said It: Can Cavs rise up from sinking feeling?

Poll: If Cavaliers advance, who do you want in Finals?

OUT WEST

Curry, Warriors survive Game 5

AWAY FROM THE COURT

Holy Name's Cohill appears on SportsCenter

DJ Steph Floss trolls Drake on Instagram

Carroll, Jack spotted at casino before Game 5

WHAT ELSE IS BEING WRITTEN

* LeBron James is 5-0 in closeout games since returning to Cleveland and 19-4 since 2011, writes Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

* Lloyd's 28 thoughts on Love, podiums and ice buckets.

* The Cavaliers lost their sense of entitlement, writes Beacon Journal columnist Marla Ridenour.

* Toronto's DeMarre Carroll and Cory Joseph spoke Thursday about their casino visit. They downplayed the stop at Jack Casino, writes Doug Smith of The Toronto Star. Also, see video of Carroll, Joseph and coach Dwane Casey on the matter.

* However, Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons suggests Carroll and Joseph made a questionable choice.

* The Raptors also expect more surprises in Game 6, writes Smith.

* Home has been where the Raptors' hearts are, writes Star columnist Dave Feschuk.

* If the Cavaliers' Big 3 of James, Irving and Love play well, the series is over, writes the Sun's Frank Zicarelli.

LOOKING BACK AT GAME 5

Cavaliers take 3-2 lead on Raptors

Pluto: Wow moment in biggest game of season

Vardon: Best LeBron wins with teammates

ESPN broadcast takeaways: Could LeBron have led the Sixers here?

DeRozan: 'We just didn't get in a rhythm'

DMan's Report: Home-court advantage means everything

Eight soundbites after Game 5

What was said after Game 5

Fedor: Love had 'nothing to make up for'

How Cavs got physical and dominated Game 5

Seven stats that explain the outcome

Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

Trevor Bauer, Zach McAllister and Jose Ramirez all played a role in Friday's 6-4 loss to Baltimore at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It was one of those "What do you do?'' nights for the Indians.

Trevor Bauer was one out away from escaping an ugly first inning Friday night against Baltimore when Jonathan Schoop sent a slow bouncer over second base and into center field for a bases-loaded single that turned a 1-0 deficit to 3-0.

The Indians rallied to overcome that inning, but still lost 6-4 at Progressive Field.

"I was trying to get the next guy (Schoop) out," said Bauer, explaining his first-inning strategy. "I think I did a pretty good job. The ball barely rolled over the outfield grass.

"It's the second outing in a row. Last time it was Hanley Ramirez (Boston first baseman), who hit a ball off his knuckles that falls in. I think he hit it about 62 mph or something. That one tonight was hit about the same. I don't know. What do you do?"

Bauer lost the start against Boston on May 21. He did not lose Friday's game, but he sounded like it.

"I want to go seven or eight innings and give up two or fewer runs each time out," he said. "I wish I could have stayed out there longer for the team."

Zach McAllister started the seventh with the score tied, 3-3. It did not stay tied long as he allowed an RBI double to Chris Davis and a two-run homer to Mark Trumbo.

McAllister lives on his fastball and the Orioles came into the game with 66 homers, tied for second in the big leagues. They hunt fastballs. Trumbo leads the AL with 15 homers. Machado has 13 and Davis 10.

Manager Terry Francona felt McAllister was a good matchup against the heart of the Orioles lineup. Machado was 1-for-5, Davis 2-for-11 and Trumbo 1-for-7 against McAllister entering the game.

Francona said McAllister left too many pitches over the middle of the plate and didn't pitch inside enough.

"The guys he faced ... Trumbo was 1-for-7 against him ... there were some guys he's gotten out," said Francona. "They're pretty good hitters, but with the velocity Zach's got, if you pitch in it will open the plate up."

Did McAllister lean too heavily on his fastball?

"No, if you go back and look at the game tonight I threw some pretty good breaking balls," said McAllister. "I threw more breaking balls than I have in the past. I thought they were good pitches. When I threw my fastball sometimes they were elevated too much and caught too much of the plate. Fastballs cost me tonight. I think I had a better mix of pitches than I have in the past, I just didn't execute them."

The inning started with McAllister striking out Hyun Soo Kim on three pitches, one of them a 79 mph curve. Machado followed with a double off the left field wall on a 96 mph fastball. In the six-pitch at-bat, McAllister threw three straight sliders, but Machado hit a 96 mph fastball off the wall in left.

Against Davis, with the go-ahead run on second, McAllister threw six straight fastballs at 94 mph or above. Davis hit the sixth one off the wall in right center for a 4-3 lead. Trumbo followed with a first-pitch, two-run homer to right on a 95 mph fastball.

"Those guys are all good hitters," said McAllister. "They're able to put runs on the board at any part of the game and they did it to me tonight."

Before the game Francona said Jose Ramirez isn't the prototype No.5 hitter. But what do looks mean when he's actually hitting like a middle-of-the-order batter?

Ramirez set a career high with four hits in Friday's loss raise his average to .308 (41-for-133) with 11 doubles, three homers and 18 RBI. He doubled and scored in the second, singled in the fourth and fifth innings and doubled again in the eighth when the Indians tried to mount their second rally of the night.

"I feel good about getting four hits," said Ramirez, through a translator. "Four hits is a good game, but I would have preferred that the team would win. A win is better than four hits."

So much for a "what do you do?' game. Bauer allowed three runs in the first and then pitched five scoreless innings. McAllister got beat with his best pitch, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Ramirez had a career night with four hits, but would have preferred a win instead.

So you turn the page and move on to Saturday's game.

LeBron James will play in his sixth consecutive NBA Finals now that the Cleveland Cavaliers have disposed of the pesky Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference final.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James amassed 33 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and one steal in leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 113-87 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The Cavs won the Eastern Conference final, 4-2.

The game was televised by ESPN.

King's court: There was nothing complicated about what happened Friday night at Air Canada Centre. LeBron decided the series needed to end, so it ended.

Special accomplishment: The Cavs advanced to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive season, each with LeBron at the controls.

Incredibly special accomplishment: LeBron's teams have reached the NBA Finals in six consecutive seasons. He did so with the Miami Heat in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

ESPN reporter Doris Burke spoke with LeBron on the court after the game.

Burke: "You know how hard it is to go to one Finals, and everything that goes into it. You will go to your sixth straight. Of what are you most proud?''

LeBron: "I don't know, Doris. I've heard all the questions, and that right there is a stumper.''

LeBron will be the eighth player in NBA history to appear in six consecutive Finals. The other seven are Celtics of the 1950s and 1960s.

(If Cavs reserve James Jones plays in the Finals, it will be his fifth straight. He was a member of the Heat in 2011 but did not play against Dallas.)

LeBron will play in his seventh Finals overall. His first was with the Cavs in 2007.

LeBron will join Dennis Rodman as the only players with at least three NBA Finals appearances for two franchises (Rodman: Detroit, Chicago). 

Difficult to fathom: In order to get to six straight Finals, LeBron's teams have needed to win 18 consecutive Eastern Conference series. Eighteen.

Let it marinate.

Difficult to fathom, Part II: On Friday, LeBron secured at least one road victory in 25 consecutive series -- the longest such streak in NBA history. He broke a tie with Michael Jordan.

In the past two postseasons, LeBron has clinched a total of five series on the road.

Numbers game: LeBron has scored 5,364 points in the playoffs. Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton scored 6,215 points in the regular season.  

Locking it down: LeBron scored 30+ for the first time in 14 games this postseason and, according to Burke, the 81st time in his career.

Burke: "You said you would step forward and have a game when you needed to. Why was it tonight?''

As Burke asked the question, plenty of fans remaining in the arena chanted: "Let's go, Rap-tors! Let's go, Rap-tors!'' 

LeBron: "First of all ... do you hear this?''

Burke: "I know. They're incredible.''

LeBron: "Unbelievable respect, much respect, to these fans and to this country. This is unbelievable. I've never been a part of something like this in my 13-year career. This is special. They really appreciate what their team did.

"To get back to your question, Doris: I knew this was going to be a tough game coming into this building, and I just had to bring my game. I had to be in attack mode from the beginning, trust my shot. And I knew once my shot started going that I could start getting my teammates involved, and they were able to carry me down the stretch.''

LeBron scored 21 in the first half, during which he played 23:23. He finished 13-of-22 from the field in 40:57.

Happy to help: Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving amassed 30 points, nine assists and three steals. Cavs big Kevin Love had 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.

Irving's long scoop-pass to Love for a transition 3-pointer was one of many highlights for Cleveland.

The Cavs are 6-0 in this postseason when LeBron, Irving and Love each score 20+.

Don't forget about me: Cavs shooting guard J.R. Smith was 5-of-9 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, for 15 points in 36 minutes. He posted a +22.

The Cavs shot 17-of-31 from beyond the arc; the Raptors, 8-of-25.

Droppin' dimes, droppin' dimes: When ESPN showed LeBron running into the locker room after the trophy presentation, on-site anchor John Buccigross said: "And you wonder why Kevin Love didn't opt out and go somewhere else. This is why. Because when you hang around that dude, you get to the Finals. It helps your commercials, it helps your everything, because you're always in the spotlight.''

More from Buccigross: "LeBron's energy level is mesmerizing to watch. His fitness is off the charts. Like Michael when he played, he just does not get tired.''

Skip to my T-Lue: The Cavs' Tyronn Lue is 12-2 in his first postseason as an NBA head coach. He replaced David Blatt on Jan. 22 and went 27-14 in the regular season.

James, Irving and Love, healthy and clicking heading into the NBA Finals, combined for 83 points Friday night -- just four fewer than Toronto as a team.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Eastern Conference Finals clincher was a picture straight out of General Manager David Griffin's imaginary sketchbook, something he began to draw in his head during the summer of 2014.

It's what LeBron James envisioned when he bolted Miami, searching for a younger group of teammates, a new and improved Big Three, which would take some of the burden off his burly shoulders.

In Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, during a dominant 113-87 win, James led the way, showing the aggressiveness head coach Tyronn Lue asked of him.

"We needed LeBron to set the tone for us early, and I thought he did that," Lue said.

James scored a postseason-high 33 points. But thanks to Griffin's moves over the last two seasons, James had plenty of help. Kyrie Irving scored 30 points on 12-of-24 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range. Kevin Love shook off the bad memories from his recent Toronto trip and poured in 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting.

Each member of the Big Three scored at least 20 points, improving the Cavs' record to 8-0 this season and 6-0 in the playoffs when reaching that benchmark. The trio, healthy and clicking heading into the NBA Finals, combined for 83 points -- just four fewer than Toronto as a team. The Cavaliers overwhelmed the Raptors throughout the series, proving to be too much offensively, which was the plan all along. 

According to ESPN Stats and Info, in their two seasons together, it's the third-highest combined total (regular season or playoffs) for James, Irving and Love.

And it happened at the perfect time. In the biggest game of the season -- so far. 

Here are five observations:

Changing roles - James was different Friday night. Instead of leaning on the take-what-the-defense-gives approach and looking to get his teammates involved early, the four-time MVP came into the game looking for his own offense.

While he was handling the scoring duties, Irving shifted into a different role. He created for teammates. As the Cavs like to say, the ball had energy again, something missing in games three and four in Toronto, and it was because of Irving, who had five of the team's six assists in the first quarter. The Cavs got off to a fast start, silenced the boisterous crowd and built a six-point lead heading into the second quarter.

By halftime, Irving, sometimes criticized for his me-first approach, had seven assists -- two more than the Raptors. James, meanwhile, had 21 points, playing all but 37 seconds of the first half. He had done his job, giving the Cavs a double-digit halftime edge and putting the Raptors' defense in a bind.

In the second half, with more focus on James, who was knocking down outside shots, Irving and others had plenty of room. That's when Irving shifted into scoring mode. He came out aggressively, scoring seven of the team's first 11 points. He finished with 12 points on 5-of-9 from the field in the third, including 1-of-3 from 3-point range.

Love got more involved as well, scoring 10 points in the quarter on 3-of-4 shooting.

Despite James' quiet period -- four points -- the Cavs still registered 31 as a team and built a 21-point lead. Then in the fourth quarter, James and Irving closed the game, combining for 17 of the team's 27 points before exiting.

It's that kind of balance, teamwork and trust, an understanding of what is needed at certain points of the game, that has the Big Three playing its best since being formed two years ago. Perhaps another time, Irving would've forced it, seeking shots. Not anymore.

That level of play, along with health, has James and the Cavs feeling better about this year's Finals trip.

Championship response - Just a few days ago, the Cavaliers, to the surprise of many outside of Canada, found themselves tied with the Raptors following back-to-back losses.

They had their 10-game winning streak to start the postseason snapped and there were questions about Lue's rotations and defensive strategies along with criticism directed at Love, who was dreadful in two games north of the border. Some even wondered if James needed to do more offensively.

Yet when they came back from Toronto, there was a sense of calm. Those losses seemed to refocus them, show that a change in attitude was needed. Some knew it already. Others had to get a harsh on-court reminder. None lost perspective. Losing is bound to happen this time of year. How do you respond?

They answered in a way fitting of a title contender, outscoring the Raptors, 229-165, in the final two games.

Well-earned chocolate milk - The Cavs' locker room wasn't soaked in champagne. But that doesn't mean they didn't enjoy their conference-clinching win. As James told reporters after the game, the team didn't have any champagne so they sprayed each other with water instead. 

Or in Love's case, he drank chocolate milk. He earned that swig too.

SEE: Cavs' locker room celebration

One game after leading the team in scoring, Love recorded his ninth double-double of the postseason. In the two games after being a Game 4 fourth-quarter spectator that earned a few reassuring pep talks, Love averaged 22.5 points on 13-of-21 from the field, including 7-of-12 from 3-point range.

That's the way to silence critics. That's the way to bounce back after a pair of letdowns. That's the way to remind everyone that Cleveland does indeed have a Big Three and he belongs on that postgame podium alongside James and Irving.

Most importantly, that's the way to build confidence heading into a first Finals appearance, where he won't be greeted by Luis Scola or Patrick Patterson. Instead, Draymond Green or Serge Ibaka will be waiting -- depending what happens Saturday night in Oklahoma City and perhaps Monday in Oakland -- and providing a much stiffer test. 

In six games, Love outscored Scola and Patterson, the Raptors' pair of power forwards, 91-65.

But the most important number for Love on Friday was 12, his rebound total. Seeing the impact of Bismack Biyombo in Toronto, it was vital for the Cavs to win the battle on the glass. Love had disappointed in that area in the first five games. But his effort, combined with James and Tristan Thompson, helped finish defensive possessions and minimize Biyombo's impact.

That prevented the feisty center from igniting the crowd. 

Finding the balance - Versatility is paramount this time of season and the Cavs have shown they can play, and have success, with all styles. Early in the series, the Raptors were so preoccupied with keeping the Cavs off the 3-point line that Toronto opened a clear path to the paint. The Cavs capitalized, pounding the ball inside.

The Raptors adjusted and the Cavs became too reliant on the triple in both losses.

In Friday's closeout game, Cleveland found the ideal balance. They bombed away from beyond the arc, canning 17-of-31 and outscoring the Raptors by 27 points. But the Cavs also attacked the basket, outscoring Toronto 36-34 inside.

In the series, the Cavs made 68 triples, shooting 38.9 percent from long range. The Raptors only hit 44, connecting on 28.9 percent.

That helps summarize the matchup. For Oklahoma City or Golden State to beat the Cavs in the Finals, it will take being able to keep up from beyond the arc. Playing against the spaced-out Cavs also requires comfort in a high-scoring game, something the Raptors clearly lacked. 

The Cavs enter the Finals with the best postseason rating on offense, averaging 116.2 points/100 possessions.

Fast break points - Since taking over for David Blatt, Lue has preached pace, which requires two things.

"We have to have the mindset to want to play with pace and push the basketball," Lue said recently. "Second, we have to get stops."

They accomplished both on Friday.

The Cavs held the Raptors to 87 points on 33-of-79 from the field. They also forced 13 miscues, turning those into 15 points. When given the chance, Irving and James, the two players most responsible for attacking in transition, pushed the ball up the floor. The Cavs finished with 17 fast-break points, going 6-of-6 on those looks.

That's a big part of the team's formula. 

A look at some of the highlights from Friday's telecast of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy had strong words regarding a Flagrant 1 foul issued to Toronto center Bismack Biyombo in the first quarter of the Cavaliers' 113-87 win in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Biyombo elbowed Kevin Love in the chin after grabbing an offense rebound.

Had Toronto won, the flagrant foul against Biyombo would have suspended him for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He had three flagrant foul points coming into the game. A fourth flagrant foul point results in a one-game suspension.

Van Gundy felt that he shouldn't be suspended because Golden State forward Draymond Green was not for his kick in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday to Oklahoma City center Steven Adams.

"If they go to Game 7 and he can't play in the game, and you can kick somebody in the groin and play, I don't get what we're doing," Van Gundy said.

"Mama, there goes that man."

One of Jackson's famous catchphrases made its first appearance in Game 6 when LeBron James spun to the baseline on Toronto's DeMarre Carroll and dunked with two hands.

The play prompted Jackson to break out the catchphrase for one of the few times of the series.

Steve Javie busy in the first half

Biyombo's flagrant foul combined with some of the physical play in the first half meant the ESPN crew cut to former NBA official Steve Javie to provide his analysis on the calls made in the game.

Needless to say, social media chimed in on his multiple first-half appearances.

Tuned in for a basketball game. Got a procedural drama. Steve Javie should get a raise.

-- Kevin Arnovitz (@kevinarnovitz) May 28, 2016

How many times is ESPN going to bring in Steve Javie? He's basically the 4th play-by-play guy tonight.

-- Raptors Republic (@raptorsrepublic) May 28, 2016

Saluting Toronto

With the game in hand, the crew took some time to recognize Toronto's historic season with the most wins in franchise history and making its first trip to the conference finals.

The biggest key they mentioned for the off-season is that DeMar DeRozan and Biyombo are both free agents.

"... They got the absolute MAX out of this team" - Jeff Van Gundy... Congrats to the Cavs! And huge congrats to the Raptors! #proud

-- Glendale Reyes (@GlendaleReyes) May 28, 2016

What you said

Here is some of the social media reaction to ESPN's telecast.

ESPN has completely gone First Take in the broadcast booth. Mark Jackson and Van Gundy agree on nothing.

-- Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) May 28, 2016

"Lowry looking seasoned." You can tell Mark Jackson couldn't wait to use that one all series.

-- The Honorable (@BosNaud) May 28, 2016

Love how Jeff Van Gundy takes NBA officials and executives to task. But, Jeff, it's metaphysically possible for coaches to be wrong too.

-- Marek Fuchs (@MarekFuchs) May 28, 2016

Jeff Van Gundy vs. The NBA Rulebook is the best basketball rivalry since Bird/Magic.

-- Jay Cannon (@CST_Jay) May 28, 2016

Check out a preview and prediction of the 2016 UEFA Champions League final including TV and streaming info.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the second time in three years, the UEFA Champions League final is an all-Madrid clash as Real Madrid battles Atletico Madrid on Saturday at the San Siro in Milan.

Real Madrid won, 4-1, in extra time when the two teams met two years ago in Lisbon, Portugal.

Kickoff for this year's match is 2:45 p.m.

Here is a preview of this year's matchup, including TV and streaming info, scouting reports on both teams and a prediction.

How to watch

The game will be televised in the United States on Fox, and on BT Sport Europe in the United Kingdom.

Fans looking to stream the game should use Fox Sports Go in the US, and on BT Sport in England.

Scouting Real Madrid

Champions two years ago, Real Madrid is looking for its 11th Champions League title in its history.

Real Madrid defeated Manchester City, 1-0, in the semifinals. It has not allowed a goal in three consecutive Champions League matches since losing to VfL Wolfsburg, 2-0, on April 6.

Cristiano Ronaldo has 16 of his team's 27 goals in the competition. The only other player with more than one is Karim Benzema with four.

Defensively, Real Madrid has conceded just two goals in the knockout stage, both of which came in the loss to Wolfsburg.

Real Madrid finished two points ahead of Atletico Madrid in La Liga and scored 47 more goals in league play.

Scouting Atletico Madrid

The other big club of Madrid took the hard path to the Champions League final, navigating past Barcelona in the quarterfinals and beating Bayern Munich, 2-2, on away goals in the semifinals.

French striker Antoine Griezmann has been the offensive star for Diego Simeone's side with three of his team's last four goals in the competition. His goal at the Allianz Arena in Munich sent Atletico into the final despite losing the second leg of the semifinal, 2-1.

Atletico Madrid took four of a possible six points from Real Madrid in La Liga, including a 1-0 win at Real Madrid on Feb. 27.

Players to watch

Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo, forward: After battling injuries in the month of April, Ronaldo appears to be almost 100 percent. Real Madrid manager Zinedane Zidane feels that the game might be a physical endeavor for Ronaldo, but said that he will start. He has as many goals by himself as Atletico had scored as a team in the tournament. Saturday's game will be his 131st appearance in a Champions League match.

Atletico Madrid

Gabi, midfielder: One of only four players for Atletico to play in all 12 Champions League matches, the veteran midfielder and team captain has played every minute of the knockout stage. He has been the stabilizing force in the midfield despite not registering a goal or assist in the last six matches. Atletico will need to rely on his experience in the midfield against Real Madrid's explosive offense.

Who will win?

Real Madrid: Atletico Madrid may have had the toughest road to Milan, and it did beat Real Madrid in league play. But as we learned two years ago when these teams met, the Champions League final is a different story. Real Madrid has conceded just two goals in the knockout stage to Atletico's three. Plus, Real has the best player on the pitch in Ronaldo. Real Madrid has ended Atletico's run in the Champions League each of the last two years, and should do it again in a close game for championship No. 11.

LeBron James is headed to his sixth straight NBA Finals. He finished with 33 points, a playoff high this season, as the Big Three of him, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love combined for 83 points.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving hugs teammate LeBron James after the Cavs defeated the Toronto Raptors 113-87 in the Eastern Conference Finals. May 27, 2016. (Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer)Plain Dealer photography staff 

A look at the 8 stats that helped explain the Cavaliers' series-clinching win in Toronto against the Raptors.

As Ubaldo Jimenez climbed the steps of the visitor's dugout and jogged out to right field, he heard a familiar voice. "Ubieeee."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As Ubaldo Jimenez climbed the steps of the visitor's dugout and jogged out to right field, he heard a familiar voice.

"Ubieeee."

Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis, standing behind the batting cage at home plate, yelled to his former teammate on Friday afternoon. This isn't Jimenez's first voyage to Cleveland since he parlayed a strong summer in 2013 into a four-year, $50 million contract with the Orioles. Still, trips to Progressive Field evoke plenty of memories for the soft-spoken native of an area in the Dominican Republic nicknamed "Hot Hole."

Upon his relocation to Baltimore in February 2014, Jimenez thanked Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway for his assistance during the final stretch of an occasionally trying two-and-a-half years in Cleveland.

Jimenez posted a 26-30 record and a 4.45 ERA in 74 starts with the Indians, who parted with Alex White and Drew Pomeranz, a pair of former first-round draft selections, to acquire the right-hander in 2011. It never clicked for Jimenez in Cleveland until the second half of the 2013 campaign, when the lanky hurler logged a 1.82 ERA across 13 starts, with 100 strikeouts in 84 innings.

That showing aided Jimenez's case for a hefty contract when he reached free agency that winter. In two-and-a-half years with Baltimore, however, the 32-year-old has compiled a 20-24 record and 4.63 ERA.

Jimenez will take the mound at Progressive Field on Saturday, while carrying a 2-5 mark and 6.04 ERA in nine outings this season. In 50 2/3 frames, he has allowed 63 hits and has issued 27 walks.

Cleveland.com caught up with the former Indians pitcher.

What did Callaway mean to you and your turnaround in 2013?

UJ: He was great. He helped me a lot. He taught me a lot. He's a nice guy to be around.

Did you thank him after you signed a $50 million deal with Baltimore?

UJ: I did. I said [thanks] to him in the off-season before I signed over here. You're always grateful for those people who have stuck with you through the hard times.

What memories stand out from your time in Cleveland?

UJ: That moment we clinched [a wild card berth] in Minnesota [in 2013]. It was great. That's why you play, to play in meaningful games at the end of September.

How would you evaluate your season so far?

UJ: Personally, the first five games, I was OK. (Jimenez had a 3.91 ERA through four outings, struggled in his fifth start and submitted a strong effort in his sixth start.) The last three have been bad (9.60 ERA, .328 average against). So, I'm looking for a way to get back on track to do it for the team. The team has been doing what they're supposed to do, hitting a lot. We have a great lineup and we have a great bullpen.

You've had rough periods at every stop -- Colorado, Cleveland and Baltimore. You've also played in the majors for almost a decade. Are you better equipped now to handle the adversity?

UJ: I never put my head down. I always try to find a way to survive or to get back on track. Baseball is not easy. You have to move on from whatever happened in the past and get ready for the next one.

Is it strange to think you made your big-league debut nearly 10 years ago? Does it seem like yesterday when you were an All-Star with the Rockies and a Cy Young contender?

UJ: I don't even think about it. I'm feeling good, so I don't even think about it. I take it as it comes, take it one day at a time. You never know how many games you're going to play. This is a tough sport. It's not easy to come back every day and do everything. Finding a way to, I think that's [the key]. I'm glad I've been healthy and I'm doing what I love.

How often do you check up on what your old starting rotation pals are up to?

UJ: They were my friends. So every time [Danny Salazar] is pitching or [Corey] Kluber, all of those guys -- if we're not playing, of course I watch their game.

You pitched on the same staff as Josh Tomlin. How has he accomplished what he has accomplished over the last 10 months? (Tomlin is 14-2 with a 3.16 ERA in 18 starts over the last two seasons.)

UJ: 7-0 [this year]. That's great. You have to tip your cap to him. If you're not an overpowering guy -- he has to pitch. He has to find a way to get people out. It's not like he can throw it right down the middle. He's a pitcher. He's not a thrower. He knows what he's doing out there. Seeing what he went through, getting hurt, coming back and doing what he's doing right now, that's great.

Nothing is the same for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in this Finals run, including, maybe, the ending.

TORONTO - Through 96 games and 69 wins, 2,264 personal points and a coaching change, two playoff sweeps and a tougher-than-expected Eastern Conference finals, LeBron James fought against a single narrative, a universally shared perception for an entire season.

That the Cavaliers were automatically going back to the Finals.

Remember his letter? In northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned.

"We're not entitled to anything," James said in the wee hours of Saturday morning, after he and the Cavs had in fact landed in their second consecutive Finals with a 113-87 romp in Game 6 over the Toronto Raptors.

"We earned the right to be here and represent the Eastern Conference in The Finals," James said. "We work our tails off every single day. We commit to one another and we sacrifice to one another. We're not supposed to be here. We earned our right."

This team has come quite a distance, from early this season when James was ripping teammates for a sense of entitlement to coach Tyronn Lue calling out Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love for caring more about their brands than winning.

The simple fact remains that the Cavs are indeed where everyone thought they would be, the team standing in the East with another Finals on the horizon.

It was predicted almost from the moment James strode off the floor for the final time in the 2015 season in Game 6 of the Finals, knowing the Cavs would lose to the Warriors that night and fall two wins shy of the ultimate prize.

Nevermind the challenges the team would have to overcome. Irving and Iman Shumpert missing two months with injuries; Love again needing to feel his way into the flow of the offense; the front office choosing to fire David Blatt and promote Lue to head coach in January even though Cleveland was leading the East.

The Cavs have James. He takes teams to the Finals. That's just how it goes.

The following statistic just rolls off your tongue, like it's something you mention every day when you awake in the morning. It's said with a shrug, like, "yeah, so?"

James just reached his sixth consecutive Finals.

Take a step back though and consider the next part. That no player or team has done it - go to that many Finals in a row - in 50 years.  The Celtics' last of eight consecutive Finals was in 1966.

Then go another step and remember that no major professional Cleveland sports team has won a championship in nearly 52 years. It's then when you realize that what happened in Toronto Friday night was anything but ordinary.

"There's definitely a different feeling," James said. "I didn't appreciate last year myself personally getting to the Finals. Just so much was going on in my mind, knowing that Kev was out for the rest of the season and knowing that Ky was dealing with injuries all the way from the first round. I just didn't appreciate it.

"Having these guys right here at full strength, having our team at full strength, and the way I feel personally, I appreciate this moment, to be able to be a part of it and to be there once again."

In an immediate, on-court interview with ESPN's Doris Burke following Game 6, James' voice cracked with emotion on a few occasions going over some of the same points.

How the Cavs were without Love and Irving for most of the 2015 postseason and virtually all of the Finals because of injury. In Game 6 against Toronto, James led the Cavs with 33 points, but Irving was right behind with 30 and Love added 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Too much history for LeBron, Cavs to be denied

To put it in perspective, James scored at least 30 points for the 81^st time in his postseason career. But it seemed so special, so out of the ordinary, because of how consistently Irving and Love have helped James carry the Cavs through the 2016 playoffs.

NBA onlookers were waiting for James to "take over" a playoff game, and what transpired in Toronto counted only because it was the first time this postseason that James went over 30 points.

Irving, averaging 24.3 points for the playoffs (to James' 24.6), and Love, who's contributing 17.3 points and 9.6 rebounds, have essentially shaded the actual impact James has had, especially in the Eastern finals.

In this series, James led the Cavs in scoring (26.0 points) and assists (6.7), and tied for the team lead with Tristan Thompson with 8.5 rebounds. He collected 40 assists compared with 14 turnovers and shot a torrid 62.2 percent from the field.

"We wouldn't be at this point today going to the Finals without those two," James said of Irving and Love, who flanked him at the podium.

Whether or not that's true - would the Cavs be headed to the Finals without Irving or Love - is debatable. They did it last year. But they didn't win - they couldn't, they ran out of bodies against the Warriors.

And that's another reason why this trip to the Finals is different. The Cavs are fully healthy, fully prepared to do what they've never done before, with or without James.

Win a championship.

"We have the right team and we have the right talent," Lue said. "The way we've been playing basketball and trusting one another and coming together as a unit, I think guys understand what we have ahead of us. I'm just happy that everyone gets to enjoy it."

By beating the Raptors Friday, James earned a road win for the 25^th consecutive playoff series. According to ESPN, he broke Michael Jordan's old record of 24.

So if the Oklahoma City Thunder complete its upset bid over the Warriors and reach the Finals, Cleveland would not only have homecourt advantage - it would also have strong odds of winning at least one road game. That's what history tells us.

If Golden State survives and thus holds homecourt over the Cavs, James' track record neutralizes it.

When it comes to narratives surrounding James, it's never just about reaching the Finals. Since he came home from Miami in the summer of 2014, he's been chasing the storybook tale of winning the city's first title since 1964 as the hometown hero.

Last season, James seemed to revel in the win-one-for-Cleveland angle. This year, he's kept his distance from it.

And yet, James, the Cavs, and northeast Ohio are again on the brink. But, this time, it's different.

"I know our city deserves it," James said. "Our fans deserve it. But that gives us no sense of entitlement. We've still got to go out and do it."

PGA Tour 2016: Dean & DeLuca Invitational live leaderboard, tee times, TV, updates from Round 3.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jordan Spieth remains in the chase at the PGA Tour's Dean & DeLuca Invitational at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas. Spieth was two shots behind leader Bryce Molder when the second round was suspended by darkness on Friday after thunderstorms had delayed the round by 5 1/2 hours.

Molder was at 9-under with three holes remaining, one shot ahead of Webb Simpson, who shot 67 Friday. Spieth shot a 66 with four birdies in five holes and was tied at 7-under with Patrik Reed, who had 10 holes remaining.

The second round will be completed this morning. Golf Channel will televise live from 1-2:30 p.m. and CBS coverage is from 3-6 p.m. You can also follow along all day on our live leaderboard (below). Tee times will be announced.

Spieth goes into the weekend in contention at home for the second week in a row, and at Colonial for the second year in a row. He tied for second at Hogan's Alley last year, one stroke behind Chris Kirk. The 22-year-old Dallas native was a stroke out of the lead after two rounds last week at the Byron Nelson, and was alone in second going into the final round before a closing 74 that left him tied for 18th.

TODAY'S LIVE LEADERBOARD

See Brandt Snedeker's hole out eagle on No. 1

PGA TOUR DEAN & DELUCA INVITATIONAL

Site: Fort Worth, Texas.
Course: Colonial CC. Yards: 7,166. Par: 70.
Purse: $6.7 million (First prize: $1.206 million)
Television: CBS Sports (Saturday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m. EDT). Golf Channel (Saturday-Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.).
Defending champion: Chris Kirk.
Last week: Sergio Garcia won the AT&T Byron Nelson in a playoff over Brooks Koepka.
Notes: For the first time since the tournament began in 1946, Colonial is not part of the tournament name. ... Jordan Spieth leads the field. He has never finished in the top 15 at the AT&T Byron Nelson. He has never finished out of the top 15 at Colonial, missing the playoff by one shot last year. ... Phil Mickelson and Rory Sabbatini are the only past champions from the last 10 years who are not playing. ... Adam Scott decided to add Colonial to his schedule, which means it is likely he will take off next week at the Memorial. ... Colonial is the longest-running course to host a PGA Tour event. ... The course also hosted the U.S. Open in 1941, the U.S. Women's Open in 1991 and the second edition of The Players Championship in 1975. ... U.S. Amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau and former Texas Longhorn Kramer Hickok were awarded "Champions Choice" spots, a vote of all past champions. It will not count against the seven sponsor exemptions DeChambeau can receive.
Next week: The Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)

James Hinchcliffe is Canada's pride for Sunday's 100th Indianapolis 500 and will be on the pole one year after a frightening crash.

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- For James Hinchcliffe to be sitting on the pole today for the 100th Indianapolis 500 is a story of triumph and tragedy in the same house. The next step would be the fairy tale finish.

"I've said it already a hundred times, but it's incredible what a difference a year makes,'' Hinchcliffe said.

This will be a milestone centennial race for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but a milestone for Hinchcliffe as well. At this time last year the 29-year-old Canadian was clinging to life in an Indianapolis hospital after crashing during an Indy 500 practice. If one can call any mishap at better than 200-mph a freak accident this one could be the definition.

Somehow, a rod had punctured through Hinchcliffe's thigh and he was bleeding profusely at the track. He was life-flighted to the hospital where doctors put their fists in his leg to slow the bleeding as they began to operate.

To the average fan, auto racing is a Lone Ranger sport, every man for himself, living in their own world inside that helmet. But that is not the case.

Hinchcliffe could have been any one of them. They all knew it then and know it now. On the contrary, it is a unique brotherhood, evidenced by the fact that along with being a race driver, Hinchcliffe is an ordained minister who has officiated the wedding for fellow driver Charlie Kimball.

To this day, Hinchcliffe wears red racing gloves in memory of the late Greg Moore, a very popular Canadian IndyCar racer who died in 1999 from an auto racing crash.

"You can say, anytime I get in the car there's kind of someone else with me,'' Hinchcliffe said.

So it is pretty clear Hinchcliffe has not been alone in his journey getting back up to speed.

"I'm super happy for Hinch, he's one of my best friends,'' said former teammate and Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay.

For the second time in their careers (2012) they share a front row Indy start together. "To be sitting in his hospital bed a year ago...," Hunter-Reay said.

Once Hinchcliffe mended, next came what most would consider to be the tough part. Could he quickly get back among the elite? Or was this about to be a slow deliberate process, if it ever happened at all?

So when Hinchcliffe, the 2011 series Rookie of the Year, returned this season for testing, everybody had an eye on him.

"I was asking my guys - I thought to myself, 'it's going to take him a day to get back in the mix,'' Hunter-Reay said. That's a big jump back in - I remember asking them, like two hours into the test, 'how quick is Hinch?' (They said) You know, he's a tenth and a half quicker than us right now.' I was blown away.

"That just shows the courage he has, and how resilient you have to be."

Indeed, resilience has been huge for Hinchcliffe as he has raced for three teams -- Newman/Haas, Andretti Autosport and now Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports.

It is actually a group thing, too, considering Schmidt-Peterson is one of several teams racing with Honda engines. Prior to qualifying and dating back to last season, Honda has struggled against Chevrolet power. Until Hinchcliffe broke the spell, Chevy had won every pole in five races this season and still has won every race.

"Honda definitely stepped up big time,'' team owner Sam Schmidt said. "Because they will tell you I was yelling in their ears all last year and right up until about a week ago that they better pull a rabbit out of the hat here because this is the biggest race in the world. By God, they did."

And Hinchcliffe was the pilot who did it.

This is the smaller of the three teams Hinchcliffe has raced with. But in Schmidt, Hinchcliffe had a true partner to help nurture his way back from the injury. Schmidt was also injured as a driver, and became a quadriplegic after suffering his injury during testing prior to the 2000 season. He still gets around in a motorized wheelchair.

"He was one of the greatest assets to have with everything that happened last year,'' Hinchcliffe said of Schmidt. "Being able to talk to him about (the injury) personally helped me a tremendous amount."

Racing IndyCar since 2011 Hinchcliffe has four career victories and an impressive 36 top-10 finishes in 73 starts -- almost exactly half -- and 19 top five finishes. But until James Hinchcliffe made a four-lap run on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 230.760 mph, he had never, ever, sat on the pole in an IndyCar race.

"It was always the bridesmaid, never the bride,'' Hinchcliffe said.

And he almost didn't get this one, as Josef Newgarden is No. 2 on the grid at 230.700, followed by Hunter-Reay next, just a breath behind that at 230.648 mph.

"So I missed the pole by less than a tenth-of-a-mph,'' Hunter-Reay said. "Literally, a half a gust of wind. You know, just a little bit of a gust can do it. I took my boy out to the wall for that last pass as (Hinchcliffe) came by start-finish to finish it off."

It was the cap to a magical weekend for Hinchcliffe, who accomplished exactly what he hoped. The product of Toronto wanted his story to change from focusing on his injury and his return to racing to something new. If that story is to be embellished, there is one more thing left to do, and that is to win the race.

"You know, 10 miles (qualifying) is one thing, 500 miles is another,'' Hinchcliffe said. "We still have a lot of work to do. There's still one big thing to check off the box before we start talking about the movie rights."

That work may be more daunting considering Hinchcliffe now carries the weight of the Canadian sporting world on his shoulders. There are no Canadian hockey teams in the NHL Playoffs, and thanks to the Cleveland Cavaliers, no basketball team in the NBA playoffs.

Right now, Hinch is it -- a Canadian on the pole with the Canadian flag effectively racing point for the 100th Indianapolis 500.

"Hopefully it gives them something to cheer for,'' Hinchcliffe said."We have the best seat in the house for the biggest race in history."

The only thing left is a fairy tale ending.

The Cleveland Browns were supposed to trade Joe Thomas, but they didn't. Here's why they kept the All-Pro tackle.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Heading into the draft, the assumption was the Browns would trade Joe Thomas, their All-Pro left tackle.

Turned out, the assumption was wrong. Of all the rumors whirling around the draft, there was nothing specific about a potential trade. That's because the Browns had decided to keep Thomas, unless they received an overwhelming offer.

Here was the thinking:

1. Center Alex Mack was gone. His 2014 original offer sheet from Jacksonville allowed the Pro Bowl center to become a free agent in 2016. The Browns matched it, knowing Mack would probably leave in 2016. They drafted Cameron Erving as a possible replacement.

2. This front office and coaching staff didn't make Erving the No. 19 pick in the 2015 draft, but they believe it's far too early to write him off. The previous coaching staff made the mistake of having a rookie try to learn every spot on the offensive line.

3. Losing offensive line coach Andy Moeller to personal issues right before the season made it even harder on Erving. The Browns don't know if Erving can be a regular. The Browns also have undrafted rookie Mike Matthews at center, and are intrigued by him.

4. The new front office believes it's much easier to find a right tackle than a left tackle. So they decided not to make a major offer to keep Mitchell Schwartz. This is one area where I disagree. I like Schwartz and would have preferred to keep him. But the general idea of it being easier to find a right tackle is true.

5. The Browns are happy with the early returns on free agent Alvin Bailey, who was with Seattle last season. He is the early starter at right tackle. Two rookies -- Shon Coleman and Spencer Drango -- will compete for a spot. The Browns also have Michael Bowie. They believe they can find a respectable right tackle from that group. Veteran Austin Pasztor is working at different positions on the line, so he could be an option.

6. The Browns had meetings with Joe Thomas. He didn't want to be traded and likes the new coaching staff and game plan.

7. Thomas has played every single down since 2007, covering five head coaches and six offensive coordinators. He supported them all. The Browns view him as a good role model for young players. He also is an established veteran for what could be a very young offensive line.

8. Thomas is not outrageously paid by elite left tackle standards: $9.5 million (2016), $10 million (2017) and $10 million (2018). He's only 31. From a money/analytics view, he makes sense.

9. Before OTAs began, the Browns and Thomas worked out a plan for him to have "veteran days off." They believe it's a non-issue because Thomas is at the facility, at practice and in meetings and film sessions. He's just not taking part in drills on certain days. He has played nearly 9,000 consecutive snaps in real games and he's headed to the Hall of Fame. It's hard to question a program that has kept him productive for so long.

10. Of course, Thomas could be traded. Things change. But right now, the Browns like not having to worry about left tackle. They also have starting guards John Greco and Joel Bitonio back. So keeping Thomas allows them to work on finding a center and right tackle.

 
ABOUT BRIAN HARTLINE

Why keep Thomas and not Brian Hartline?

The Browns know they have no one close to the ability of Thomas at left tackle. That's not necessarily the case with the 29-year-old Hartline, who played only 12 games last year because of a concussion and a broken collarbone. The 29-year-old Hartline is a solid receiver who best fits as a role player on a contender, not with the Browns and their massive youth movement.

Here's the situation:

1. The Browns are the land of opportunity for young receivers. Other than top pick Corey Coleman, no one else has favored status. Jackson's questioning the early-season conditioning of Coleman put the rookie from Baylor on notice.

2. Along with Coleman, the Browns drafted Ricardo Louis, Jordan Payton and Rashard Higgins. In early OTAs, Higgins has impressed. Payton has not taken part in most workouts because he's finishing up his degree at UCLA. Louis and Coleman missed some workouts to take part in the mandatory NFL Rookie Premiere Program. Higgins could become the same type of possession receiver as Hartline.

3. There are only so many snaps available, and the Browns wanted to give those practice and game opportunities to the young players. The new coaching staff liked what they saw on tape of Darius Jennings, a non-drafted free agent who made the Browns last season. He caught 14 passes in the final four regular season games. He has had some good moments in OTAs.

4. They have Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel as small, quick receivers. Hawkins is coming off multiple concussions. He played for Jackson in Cincinnati, and Jackson believes he can be effective. They like his quickness as a slot receiver.

5. The Browns also have some receiver depth with Marlon Moore, who is a core special teams player.

ABOUT TERRELLE PRYOR

Jackson and his staff believe there must be something a team can do with a physically gifted Pryor -- even if he appears to have no natural position.

When he was the head coach at Oakland, Jackson picked Pryor in the third round of the 2011 Supplemental Draft. Jackson was fired after the 2011 season.

When he was offensive coordinator in Cincinnati, Jackson pushed for the Bengals to sign Pryor as a free agent. He converted the former Ohio State quarterback to receiver. It didn't work out last year because the contending Bengals had so much depth at that position.

But Jackson is excited to have Pryor with the Browns.

In 2013, Pryor spent some time at quarterback in Oakland. His best weapons were his legs. He proved to be a gifted runner -- as he was at OSU.

• Pryor had 112 yards rushing in 13 carries against Indianapolis.
• Pryor had 106 yards rushing in nine carries against Pittsburgh.
• Pryor had 94 yards rushing in 10 carries against Philadelphia.
• For the 2013 season, he rushed for 576 yards -- a 6.9 yards per carry average.

Watching OTAs, you can see the coaching staff looking for ways to put the ball in the hands of the 6-foot-4, 233-pound Pryor. He is playing receiver, but they are being creative with him.

This franchise is desperate for playmakers. It's why they took the fleet Coleman in the first round. It's why they will work very hard with Pryor.

ABOUT JUSTIN GILBERT

The Browns don't know if Gilbert is ready for regular duty as a cornerback, but they have decided to find out.

The Browns' first-round pick (No. 8 overall) in 2014 is entering his third season. Either he figures it out and finds a place in the NFL, or the 24-year-old will become a former first-round pick who drifts from team to team.

Defensive coordinator Ray Horton believes Gilbert was beaten down the last two years by a staff that had basically written him off. They were starting everyone from Pierre Desir to Charles Gaines to Johnson Bademosi instead of Gilbert.

Gilbert caused a vast majority of his own problems with his poor work ethic and attention span. Mike Pettine really wanted the Oklahoma State cornerback in the 2014 draft, so he had a stake in making it work.

It didn't.

This coaching staff has plenty of time to work with Gilbert. He is playing with the starters as Joe Haden recovers from ankle surgery. It's questionable if he will be ready for the opening of the season, although that's Haden's goal.

Meanwhile, the Browns have veteran Tramon Williams and Gilbert playing with the first unit in OTAs.

"Some people need to be prodded," said Horton. "But they all need to have a little tender love and care at some point. ... He has a ton of God-given ability that we, as coaches have to get out."

There is no reason for wild optimism about Gilbert, despite his obvious physical ability. His attitude needs a major adjustment in terms of being a dedicated professional.

The Cleveland Indians are 14-7 in the Central Division, and that sets them up to be contenders this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians look like legitimate contenders in the American League Central Division.

It's not simply because they went into the weekend trailing first-place Chicago by only a half-game. Nor is it because Francisco Lindor has become a star, a superb defensive shortstop who is batting .319 (.799 OPS) with 4 HR, 22 RBI and is 9-of-10 stealing bases.

And it's not just because of their excellent starting pitching. Or an offense that entered the weekend ranked No. 4 in the American League in runs scored.

Obviously, you need a star, you need pitching, you need offense. But there's something else, something very important. The Tribe has a 14-7 record in the Central Division.

This is a huge deal. There were a variety of reasons why the Indians missed the playoffs the last two seasons. But the bottom line was they weren't good enough to beat the teams in the Central Division.

Consider the following:

• 2015: Tribe was 32-43 in the Central, 81-80 overall.
• 2014: Tribe was 39-37 in the Central, 85-80 overall.
• 2013: Tribe was 44-32 in the Central, 92-70 overall.

You are scheduled to play 76 of 162 games against the four teams in your division. So you simply must have a significant winning record against them to make the playoffs.

In 2013, the Indians were 4-15 against Detroit, but still made the playoffs. That's because they were 17-2 vs. the White Sox. That helped give that team a wild card playoff spot.

So if you're a Tribe fan, you should be encouraged. This season, here is how the Tribe has played in the Central:

• 6-0 vs. Tigers.
• 4-2 vs. White Sox.
• 2-1 vs. Royals.
• 2-4 vs. Twins.

The odd part is the Twins are 4-2 against the Tribe, 8-32 against everyone else.

Obviously, a lot can change. But one of the goals for 2016 was to get off to a decent start, and the Indians have done just that after 46 games.

Here's the data:

• 2016: 25-21.
• 2015: 21-25.
• 2014: 21-25.
• 2013: 27-19.

I'm not saying the Indians will win 92 games as they did in 2013, but they are putting themselves in a good position to contend.

That's especially true as the Tribe is contending with Carlos Carrasco and Michael Brantley missing most of the season so far. Carrasco was 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four starts before injuring his hamstring. The 14-game winner in 2015 could be starting in the next week or so.

Brantley was hitting only .231 with two doubles in 39 at-bats. He has had trouble staying healthy after his off-season shoulder surgery. The Indians have him on the disabled list. They hope to have him back in a few weeks, but no timetable has been set.

Furthermore, other than Josh Tomlin bolting to a 7-0 start in the rotation, there have been no big surprises. So it's not as if several unlikely players are off to hot starts and that accounts for the Indians playing well.

It is surprising the Tribe entered the weekend at No. 4 in the American League in runs scored. Part of it is baseball has changed. The 1990s are long gone with the enhanced steroid testing.

The average American League batter is hitting .251, exactly the Tribe's team batting average.

CATCHING THE BALL

The Indians ranked No. 2 in American League defense, according to fangraphs.com. That's another reason the Indians can contend.

Let's page back to 2014, when the Indians ranked dead last in defense. Tribe officials admitted the team was "almost historically bad" defensively. And 2015 started the same way. In a September 12, 2015 Grantland article praising the Tribe's defense, Ben Lindebergh wrote: "On May 8, Sports Illustrated's Cliff Corcoran asked, 'Are the 2015 Indians the worst-fielding team in modern major league history?' At the time, it wasn't a preposterous question, but it was about to be. May 20 was the last day that the Indians' Defensive Efficiency sat below the 2007 Rays."

The 2007 Tampa Bay Rays are considered baseball's worst defensive team since 1950, according to the analytics.

During the 2015 season, the Tribe installed Francisco Lindor at shortstop and moved Lonnie Chisenhall to right field. Over the 2015 season, they traded Brandon Moss, David Murphy, Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn -- all were having poor defensive seasons.

By the end of 2015, the Indians ranked No. 2 in American League team defense after the All-Star break.

Lindor is a Gold Glove candidate at short. Mike Napoli is an upgrade over Carlos Santana at first base. I was surprised to see fangraphs ranking Juan Uribe as the No. 4 defensive third baseman in the American League. I consider him average at best.

Fangraphs ranks Jason Kipnis as the No. 2 defensive second baseman. In 2014, Kipnis ranked No. 10 out of the 11 starting second basemen in the AL.

Outfielders Marlon Byrd, Rajai Davis, Jose Ramirez, Chisenhall and Brantley have combined to play an above average outfield. Yan Gomes ranks high as a defensive catcher.

The Royals have had the No. 1 ranked defensive team in 2014 and 2015. Defense is a big part of their success. They are ranked No. 3 this year, behind Texas (1) and the Tribe (2). Now, defense has gone from a disaster to a strength for the Tribe.

ABOUT THE TRIBE

1. The Indians were very excited about Cody Anderson's last performance. He  allowed one run in seven innings in a victory over the White Sox. He struck out a career-high nine. He threw 21 curves, by far the most he's ever used in a game. The Indians have Anderson working on a curve as he needs a third to pitch to off-set his fastball and change up.

2. Anderson is back at Class AAA Columbus, but his added velocity (95.2 mph) and enhanced curve have him on the short list to be promoted. When Carrasco is healthy, the Indians will have Mike Clevinger and Anderson available in Class AAA. That's excellent depth.

3. Jose Ramirez ranks about average in left field and at third base, according to fangraphs. That's a real tribute to the 23-year-old, who played only 15 games at third and two in the outfield before this season. He has been a middle infielder most of his career. Then you add in the fact that he's hitting .287 (.776 OPS) with 3 HR and 18 RBI -- and he has been one of the Tribe's early MVPs this season.

4. The Tigers gave 28-year-old Justin Upton a six-year, $132 million deal. He is batting .223 (.589 OPS) with 2 HR and 10 RBI. He leads the majors with 66 strikeouts. Looking at Upton made me think about Marlon Byrd, who signed with the Tribe in the middle of spring training for a $1 million non-guaranteed contract. Byrd entered the weekend hitting .243 (.715 OPS) with 4 HR, 18 RBI.

5. But here's the comparison, from 2013-15, Byrd was a .268 hitter (.782 OPS) averaging 24 HR and 82 RBI. In those same three years, Upton was a .262 hitter (.814 OPS) averaging 27 HR and 83 RBI. Granted, Upton is 28, Byrd is 38. But the Indians got a real bargain in Byrd, a right-handed hitter with some power.

6. Last week, I wrote about Josh Tomlin being the last Tribe pitcher to get two hits in a game since Steve Dunning in 1972. That was true ... in the regular season. But as several readers mentioned, Chad Ogea had two hits in Game 6 of the 1997 World Series. Ogea won two games in that World Series for the Tribe.

January 22 marked the birth of a rejuvenated culture that catapulted the franchise to securing its second consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

TORONTO - Tyronn Lue was enjoying a peaceful, rare afternoon off when his phone begin to ring. There would be little peace for the rest of the day.

Eventually, that one call led to others. It sparked conversations between Lue and every member of the Cavaliers roster that eventually reset a season. But it was that initial call that changed everything. General Manager David Griffin was on the line.

In speaking with numerous sources close to the "The Call," cleveland.com learned the details. There were no initial pleasantries. Griffin got right to the point -- David Blatt was being relieved of his duties.

Lue's response was candid and immediate.

"This is f----- up, Griff."

That didn't prevent Griffin from calmly asking Lue if he could take over. Hired as the associate head coach a year and a half earlier, becoming the head of a franchise was Lue's eventual goal. But this didn't seem right.

Lue pleaded with Griffin, arguing for several minutes that firing Blatt was an excessive move for a team carrying a conference-best 30-11 record. Griffin listened to Lue's pleas. When they ended, he told Lue the decision has already been carried out.

Griffin circled back to his original question.

"What's done is done. I'm asking you if you can lead this team?" It had taken a few minutes, but Griffin got the response he sought.

"Yeah, I can f---ing lead this team."

Griffin then congratulated him.

January 22 marked the birth of a rejuvenated culture that catapulted the franchise to securing its second consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

"I was like, 'what the f---.' That was my initial thought," Lue told cleveland.com. "I didn't see it coming. I couldn't believe it. But, you're prepared because you've done the coaching interviews and you have your philosophies. But to fire the head coach and you take over the next day with no practice or anything and you have the Chicago Bulls coming in. It was overwhelming."

Owner Dan Gilbert has been reluctant to speak about Blatt's departure and Lue's promotion. However, after his team eliminated the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals in Friday night's Game 6, Gilbert took in the sight of a revived and confident roster. He felt it was the appropriate juncture to comment.

"I just think it was a great decision that was made," Gilbert said to cleveland.com. "You never know what would happen any other way, but I think [Lue is] fantastic. It's rare that a guy knows the game and has people skills. You get both with him, like offense and defense almost. He's a special guy."

Lue's personable demeanor has permitted him to maximize his team's potential. Before stuffing Xs and Os down a player's throat, they first have to be open to sacrificing personal goals. How that player adapts is dependent on the relationship he has with his coach.

In dealing with Kevin Love, there's a constant open line of communication. When the power forward didn't play in the fourth quarters of Games 3 and 4 in Toronto, Lue made it a priority to talk with Love after each game and the following mornings.

He reassured Love of his value to the team, while at the same time explaining his rationale. Benching an all star-caliber player is a delicate situation. But Lue's ability to explain his decisions allowed him to win over the locker room.

LeBron James understood the talent the Cavaliers had long before Lue was given the keys. They spoke the same basketball terminology and Lue was able to push James intellectually in his on-court decisions. That's what impressed James the most. His basketball IQ was being matched and that automatically garnered respect.

"I knew what he was capable of," James told cleveland.com. "I've had a long history with Coach Lue. ... I just always believed he was ready for the moment if the moment presented itself. I was just hoping we didn't lose him to another team. That was my thing, because I knew he was next in line [for a head job]. I was just hoping we didn't lose him to somebody else and obviously he's shown how valuable he is."

The results have borne out James' assessment.

"Just look at him. Look at how we respond to him," veteran forward James Jones said. "You can tell a lot about a person by the way people respond to them. On this team, guys are laying it on the line. I don't know if you notice in games, but our guys are reaching levels physically that they haven't reached in two years.

"He connects with us and he's done a great job of helping us connect the dots and see the plan, the vision and how every step is necessary."

Lue, 39, changed the course of a franchise by reaching heights seemingly unattainable four months ago. Blatt's firing seemed certain to set the organization back in the short term. It did -- but for a much shorter period than anyone could have expected. Management felt (and hoped) that there was enough time left in the regular season to absorb the rougher moments of the transition before postseason play began. That's exactly what happened.

Now the Cavaliers are on the brink of a title. They seem better equipped than ever to do just that and end a city's long championship drought. The talent is there, as is the coaching. Just as vitally, the buy-in and belief are present, too. This organization has never possessed a healthy dose of all four.

Griffin deserves the credit for the vision in making that call back in late January. Lue deserves the credit for accepting his promotion and executing that vision. Late Friday night, J.R. Smith placed the Eastern Conference trophy on top of his locker stall and said, "We're going to get your sister next."

The storybook ending is almost complete.

"I think it is different," Gilbert said of his team's vibe heading to The Finals. "It's hard to explain really, but I think it's a different feeling. The team feels more mature, like they're expected to be here. LeBron just has a certain calmness about him, a certain leadership that I think permeates throughout the whole team.

"They're celebrating, they're happy, but they know they have to get back to business. You get so close. It's four more [wins]. Fifty-two years is a long time. We just got to get four more for the city of Cleveland. That's what it's about.

"And Lue, he's so into the game, he's so focused and he's so smart. He's always thinking ahead. My hats are off to him."

The Indians have set no timetable for Michael Brantley's return from his second stay on the disabled list.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Do you have a question that you'd like to have answered in Hey, Hoynsie? Submit it here or Tweet him at @hoynsie.

@hoynsie chances Brantley is back by the all star break? Nick, Columbus OH

-- Nick Westhora (@n_westy07) May 28, 2016

Hey, Nick: I'm sure the Indians are hoping Michael Brantley returns sooner than that, but right now they have to be careful. Brantley has already been on the disabled list twice this year. It seems pointless to try and bring him back a third time if it's going to result in another trip to the DL.

Brantley is recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Doctors have told the Indians that the shoulder is the hardest joint to rehab because of the many small interdependent muscles involved.

If and when Brantley returns, they're going to have to monitor not only his playing time, but the time he hits in the cages and the hitting he does with his father.

At this point it seems unlikely Brantley is going to be fully healed until next season. Still the Indians have to proceed with caution so they don't make the situation worse.

@hoynsie love the fight this team has. Playing well without CC and MB. My only worry is the bullpen. Who could they target at the deadline?

-- Hans Hoffman (@hans2247) May 28, 2016

Hey, Hans: You're right, the Tribe has shown the ability to bounce back within games. There are always relievers available at the deadline and I'd like to see the Tribe add a reliable lefty. It will also help when they get Joba Chamberlain off the disabled list.

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think the Indians would go after Sean Doolittle? - Ryan Smith, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Hey, Ryan: I think that's more speculation than anything else at this point. The dots are easy to connect because the Indians don't have a lefty in the pen and the A's have a bunch of injuries and are struggling.

Hey, Hoynsie: Any word on the asking price for Andrew Miller of the Yankees? If it's not too steep, would the Indians be willing to take on a high dollar reliever? He's the best bullpen lefty in baseball. Having him in high-leverage situations would be a dream for Terry Francona and Mickey Callaway - Nick Kellogg, Austin, Tex.

Hey, Nick: The Yankees are playing better of late and are only 5 1/2 games out of first place in the AL East. I don't think they're ready to start breaking up the best part of their ballclub.

If the Yankees made Miller available, I'm sure the Indians would show some interest, but he's making a $9 million a year through 2018. That would make him the highest paid player on the Indians for this season.

@hoynsie How severe is Clint Frazier's injury.

-- Mr. Reality (@bfeeder25) May 28, 2016

Hey, Mr. Reality: The Indians believe Frazier should be back at Class AA Akron sometime in June.

Hey, Hoynsie: I seem to recall attending a Tribe game on Memorial Day in the mid-to-late 80s where Greg Swindell notched the win to go 10-0 before June 1st.  Can you confirm this? - Joe Nagy, North Ridgeville.

Hey, Joe: You have a good memory. Swindell in 1988 won his first six starts before losing to Oakland on May 8. He won his next four starts, including beating Kansas City on May 30, to improve to 10-1.

It was a topsy-turvy year for Swindell. He lost his next eight decisions and finished the year at 18-14 with a 3.20 ERA.

@hoynsie Has Chris Gimenez become Trevor Bauer's "personal catcher", or does it just seem that way? - Paul C., Maple Hts.

-- Paul_In_Maple (@CLE_CLCFan) May 28, 2016

Hey, Paul: It appears that way. In a short time the two have developed a good chemistry. I think the first inning of Friday night's game was a good example of a pitcher and catcher putting their heads together to get out of a tough situation with minimal damage.

Hey, Hoynsie: There has been a lot of talk about the safety of Francisco Lindor's swim slide. What I saw was an intuitive, talented and athletic baseball player make a play. Reminded me of Roberto Alomar. - Steve Cornelius, Rocky River.

Hey, Steve: Couldn't agree more. I've seen him do it a couple of times at second base and once at home and it's exciting. I think the rules instituted to prevent collisions at the plate make it easier for players like Lindor to do slides like that at the plate. So does the use of instant replay.

Lindor slides in to do 'The Swim'

But catchers can still block the plate as long as they have the ball. In that case a slide like that puts the offensive player in a vulnerable position.

@hoynsie if we're buyers at the trade deadline, which prospects (if any) are off limits? -Kansas City, MO

-- Jeff Byler (@JByler15) May 28, 2016

Hey, Jeff: The names Bradley Zimmer, Bobby Bradley and Frazier come to mind.

Hey, Hoynsie: I don't know about you but I am getting tired of everyone giving their own opinion of how MLB should adjust the game to shorten the time. They have already created several measures to cut down the time. I know they want to attract a larger/younger fan base, but at some point it is going to ruin the beauty of the game. I love baseball exactly how it is/was (I'm 23; part of the targeted millennials) and people should appreciate the sanctity of the game. That's my rant for the week. - Shawn Marshall, Garfield Heights.

Hey, Shawn: Well said.

@hoynsie if McAllister continues to struggle will we see Shawn Armstrong take McAllisters spot in the roster? Derrick, New Orleans

-- Derrick Ebersole (@DerrickEbersole) May 28, 2016

Hey, Derrick: Zach McAllister has pitched well this season. He got beat Friday night by the Orioles, but that happens to all relievers. He's already shown the ability to rebound from a tough outing this season. I think he'll do it again.

hey @hoynsie Any idea when Carrasco should be back? Will Larrick from Columbus, Oh

-- Will Larrick (@WillLarrick) May 28, 2016

Hey, Will: We'll know more after Carlos Carrasco makes his rehab start Saturday at Class AA Akron, but after listening to Francona on Friday, it sounded like he's on the fast track. I would think he could be back in the rotation by the end of this homestand or on the next trip.

@hoynsie why did Tito not pinch hit in the 8th. Double play killed us?

-- BHDDS (@DocB2th) May 28, 2016

Hey, Doc: Francona told reporters after Friday's 6-4 loss that he never thought about pinch-hitting for Chris Gimenez, who hit into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded to end the eighth.

He said Gimenez had one of the best at-bats in the inning and hit the ball hard. He credited second baseman Jonathan Schoop with starting a difficult 4-6-3 double play.

Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar was reunited with the team Thursday after accepting Hue Jackson's invitation to attend practice and speak to the players.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Bernie Kosar accepted Hue Jackson's invitation Thursday to attend practice and speak with the players, which represents a thaw in the cold war of sorts between Kosar and the club.

Jackson had asked Browns head of alumni relations Kevin Mack, the former Browns running back, to invite the alumni out to the Berea facility to interact with players and bring them back in the fold. Some have been feeling alienated in recent years, and Jackson is determined to rectify that.

But none has been more estranged than Kosar, who was dumped from the preseason telecasts in 2014 and then blasted the front office four months later in an interview on WTAM 1100 for the mishandling of young quarterbacks, including Johnny Manziel.

Since then, he hasn't been around much. But that changed Thursday when Kosar joined a group of alumni at an organized team activities practice and then addressed the players afterwards. The alums included Hanford Dixon, Felix Wright, John Thierry and Steve Sanders.

"It was great to have Bernie back here,'' Mack said.

Quarterback Josh McCown appreciated the visit with the former AFC Championship participant.

"It was great seeing Bernie,'' he said. "It's obvious the genuine interest he has in our team being successful. Means a lot to me that he was able to be out there.''

Mack, who played with Kosar, acknowledged the importance of a strong relationship with the alumni in general, and Kosar in particular.

"Bernie Kosar is pretty much the first name you think about in Northeast Ohio when you talk about the Browns,'' he said. "Besides that, he's a hometown guy. ... It was kind of disheartening being in the building and not seeing him around, not seeing him come around, but I guess it was just one of those things."

Mack heard back from Kosar shortly after he sent out the email to all of the local alumni a few weeks before OTAs began.

"He actually called me probably a week later and mentioned that he saw the email,'' Mack said. "I asked him if he was planning on coming back and he said he was really busy and he'd look at his schedule and let me know.''

Then one day, Kosar -- whose No. 19 is being worn by top pick Corey Coleman -- called back and said he'd come out.

"I was pretty excited,'' said Mack. "He'd be a pretty hard guy to leave out.''

After practice, Jackson invited the former veterans to speak to the players about anything they wanted.

"The players were very receptive,'' said Mack. "Afterwards, we sat down and had lunch (in the cafeteria) and a lot of the guys came by to talk for a few minutes before they were off to their next meetings.''

Bernie Kosar: Browns don't know how to handle young QBs

Shortly after Jackson settled in as the new head coach, he urged Mack to reach out to the former players.

"He approached me and said he wanted me to invite as many guys to come back into the building and be around the team as much as possible,'' he said.

It was music to the ears of Mack, who has had to smooth over the ruffled feathers of an alumni that felt overlooked the last few years. He sees the wisdom in strong alumni relations, especially with so many ex-players living in town and with such a rabid and loyal fan base.

"I think it's very important, especially for young players,'' Mack said. "They've heard about the guys who played here. Those guys haven't really been around in the building and it's a great idea that coach is inviting the guys back and for us to be visible and be able to talk to these guys. It's a plus for this organization as a whole."

Former running back Greg Pruitt and offensive lineman Roger Chanoine were the first two to take Jackson and Mack up on their offer, attending practice on Tuesday.

Past meets the present.#Browns legends were invited by Hue Jackson to speak at today's OTAs:https://t.co/Tvl0XDWNSn

-- Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 27, 2016

The Browns have even taken it a step further. In addition to welcoming former Browns running back Earnest Byner back in the fold, he's also helping to coach the backs during OTAs -- and possibly longer depending on how things go.

"It's pretty cool,'' Mack said of his former backfield mate. "It's been pretty neat. I love having him around.''

Thanks to Jackson and Mack, there will be plenty of more that going around.