Six things we learned about the Indians from their first workout of spring training Tuesday in Goodyear, Ariz. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Six things we learned about the Indians after Tuesday's first workout by pitchers and catchers in Goodyear, Ariz.

1. The rehab continues for Michael Brantley on his right shoulder.

Manager Terry Francona told reporters in Goodyear, Ariz., on Tuesday that the organization doesn't want to put Brantley in a situation that he's not prepared to handle physically.

"We're trying like crazy to not go too fast," said Francona. "We don't want to put him a position that's unrealistic. It's a little bit hard because the only time he felt it (pain in his shoulder) is when we put him in a game.

"I think we need to reserve some enthusiasm. . . because we want him back desperately. But just in fairness to him. We want to allow him to come back on his own program and on the trainers' timeline. So he has a chance not just to come back, but to stay back."

Brantley, said Francona, is still hitting off a tee. The former All-Star outfielder  played 11 games last season after injuring his shoulder late in the 2015 season.

2. To quote Yogi Berra, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it."

Francona on how the Indians will respond this year after winning the AL Central, AL pennant and reaching Game 7 of the World Series before losing to the Cubs in 2016.

"Being brutally honest, it can go two ways," he said. "Guys can come back and have a sense of entitlement or they can come back being hungry, knowing where they were, and saying, 'Man, I want to get back there again.' My bet is on No.2 with this team."

3. Another lefty on the way?

MLB.com is reporting that the Indians have reached a minor league deal with left-hander James Russell, who appeared in seven games with the Phillies last year. If he passes his physical, he'll be invited to big league camp.

The 6-4 Russell spent much of last season at Class AAA Leigh Valley where he was 3-5 with a 4.29 ERA in 29 games. He made 13 starts and totaled 49 strikeouts and 19 walks in 79.2 innings. Things did not go as well with the Phillies where he allowed nine earned run in 4 1/3 innings for a 18.69 ERA.

Russell has made big-league stops with the Cubs and Atlanta before joining the Phillies as a free agent in November of 2015.

The Indians announced Tuesday that they signed veteran lefty Chris Narveson to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. They already have lefties Andrew Miller, Boone Logan, Kyle Crockett, Hoby Milner, Tim Cooney and Ryan Merritt on the roster. They will bring veteran lefty Luis Perez to minor league camp in March.

4. It must be homecoming week because Grady Sizemore is back.

The Indians have hired former Gold Glove center fielder Grady Sizemore as a special assistant to the player development program. He's in spring training right now and will work with the outfielders along with bench coach Brad Mills and Class AA Akron manager Mark Budzinski.

"Grady will spend the majority of the time this spring with Millsie and the outfielders," said Francona. "Certainly when you have a guy of that stature, he's welcomed to help wherever he can.

"But when we break up into our practices, he'll go with Millsie and Budzinski to help with the outfielders."

Francona said Sizemore, 34, will not spend the entire spring with the Indians, but added, "He knows he's welcome to help when he's here. We're looking forward to it."

Sizemore, who had an All-Star career ruined by injuries, played for the Indians from 2004 through 2011.

5. Trying to find the right words.

The Indians will hold their first full squad workout Saturday. Before they take the field, Francona will give his annual speech to set the tone for the season. This will be the 16^th one he's delivered to a big league team (Phillies, Red Sox and Indians), but the words never come easy.

"I've been thinking about it for a while now," said Francona. "I'm not a real big meeting person, except for the first one of the season. I think it's important because you're laying the groundwork for what your team is going to be about."

Francona said he'll talk about being proud of what the Indians accomplished last year, but stress that it's time to start a new season.

"We don't want to be the team that looks up in June and is still talking about last year," said Francona. "This is a new team even though there are so many guys who are back, it's still 2017 and this team will have it's own identity.

"We started working on that today. Every team is different and this one will be also. We don't know what the script will be, but I think we're all looking forward to it."

6. Some losses hurt worse than others.

Francona said the Tribe's wild-card loss to Tampa Bay in 2013 devastated him. The Indians won their last 10 games of the regular season and needed all of them to gain the first wild card spot.

Then it all ended in the loss to the Rays.

"It killed me," said Francona. "I felt like I got punched in the stomach. It took me a long time to get over that game."

He did not feel that way about last year's playoff run which saw the Indians go 10-5, overcoming injuries to their pitching staff, before losing to the Cubs.

"Yes, you want to win, but I can't sit here and tell you I was really disappointed - other than the fact that we didn't win - in anything," said Francona. "If you laid out what you want to be as a team, our guys did that. As a coach or manager, if that's what you're asking, I felt they went above and beyond.

"That's happiest journey I've ever been on. I wish we had got the last out, but we didn't. A pretty good team beat us."

Six times this season in the MAC, the opposition has had a late opportunity to send the Akron Zips to overtime, or to defeat, but the Zips have held them off every time. Now they are one win away from a second straight MAC regular season title. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If this season has shown us anything about Akron basketball, it's that adversity is a friend of the Zips. That is why they will enter the upcoming Mid-American Conference Tournament as prohibitive favorites to win and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

In what may be head coach Keith Dambrot's finest job, the Zips absolutely do not lose the last four minutes of any game, where the bulk of the teams in the MAC struggle. He won his 300th game Tuesday night and the Zips have won 30 straight at home.

Six times this season in MAC play - three times at home and three on the road - Akron has played down to the wire in what would finally be a victory by five points or less. Often the opposition has had the ball with a chance to tie or win in the final minute and can't get the job done.

Often the Zips (22-4, 12-1), the worst free throw shooting team in the MAC, are at the line and miss a critical one. All six times the Zips have still won. Understand, if Akron were even 50-percent in those games a 2017 MAC title that can be locked up with a victory over rival Kent State Friday night would be a very tight MAC race instead.

Tuesday night Akron won, 71-65, but it was another heart stopper. Listless and lethargic with 10:36 to play, and down 11 to the Toledo Rockets, Akron finally woke up. A 49-38 deficit became a 65-55 lead with 2:59 left. Akron, behind seniors Kwan Cheatham and Isaiah Johnson, had put together a 27-6 run for what looked like an easy victory.

"That spurt where we were down (11) then up (9) won the game,'' Dambrot said.

But as Akron missed free throws Toledo closed back to 67-63 with the ball and a minute to play. Then the Rockets missed a critical layup which allowed Akron to close it out.

Kent State exhales: The Golden Flashes (14-12, 6-7) could well be Exhibit A on MAC teams that struggle closing out games. They have lost three overtime MAC games at home alone, leading all of them inside the final minute of regulation. And very nearly had another OT game Tuesday night. Up six with the ball and 45 seconds to play Kent commits a turnover and Miami scores. Up three with 28 seconds to go and the ball, Kent commits another turnover.

Luckily for Kent, Miami misses a shot to send the game into OT. Kent gets the rebound and holds on to win. As the record shows, the Flashes have struggled this season and it points directly to guard play.

Not only are turnovers an issue, Kent is the only team in the league where the starting backcourt (sophomore Jaylen Avery and freshman Mitch Peterson), combined do not average 10 points a game.

Every other MAC team has at least one starting guard that averages double figures himself.

The MAC Tournament: First round MAC Tournament games will be Monday, March 6 with seeds No. 5-8 hosting. But none of those four seeds are currently locked in. Five teams - Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Western Michigan and Kent - are currently tied in league play at 6-7.  Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green are one game back at 5-8. There are still five games to play in the regular season.

On the Horizon: It looks like Valparaiso will win yet another HL regular season crown, but it is not absolute. The Crusaders have a two-game lead over the field with five to play, but four of those five are on the road starting with a Friday night game at second-place Oakland. Win that one and Valpo will be hard to catch.

Locally, Cleveland State (4-10, 8-18), with three of its final four games at home starting Thursday night in the Wolstein Center vs. Northern Kentucky (17-9, 8-5), could put itself in position to host a conference tournament game with a last-season surge.

The Vikings are coming off a road win at Illinois-Chicago. That leaves CSU tied with three other HL teams with four conference wins, and just two games out of sixth place.

Where would the Cleveland Cavaliers be if they had drafted Derrick Williams in 2011? Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Once upon a time, there was talk about Derrick Williams playing for the Cavaliers.

The year was 2011.

Plain Dealer reporter Ginger Christ and I reflect back on the 2011 NBA draft, and it was a franchise changing moment.

Just think if former General Manager Chris Grant had selected Derrick Williams instead of Kyrie Irving?

Now, Williams is actually with the Cavaliers on a 10-day contract.

At this point, Williams is with his fifth team and playing for his eighth coach.

He may have found the right role with the Cavs right now.

Derrick Williams has already out-performed his 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Will he be around for the rest of 2017?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former No. 2 overall pick Derrick Williams has made quite an impression with the Cleveland Cavaliers in just three games since signing a 10-day contract earlier this month.

Williams scored 12 points in his Cavaliers debut on Feb. 9 at Oklahoma City and added seven more against Denver on Feb. 11.

Last night, Williams tallied 13 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes against his former Minnesota teammates in helping the Cavaliers to a 116-108 road win.

He has LeBron James singing his praises, and delivering him spectacular assists. His versatility on both ends of the court have been on display from the moment he joined the team.

It seems like Williams is exactly what the Cavaliers need. But are the Cavaliers and their fans ready to commit?

Could Williams be the next Yogi Ferrell story in the NBA? Ferrell signed a two-year extension with the Dallas Mavericks last week after a dazzling performance on a 10-day contract that featured wins against Cleveland, San Antonio and Utah.

Granted, Williams -- the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft behind Kyrie Irving -- and Ferrell -- an undrafted rookie out of Indiana -- have taken different paths to their recent successes, but a big factor here is timing. Williams arrived just as Kevin Love went down with a knee injury, and he's brought energy on defense, which the Cavs sorely need.

Has Williams earned another 10-day contract offer? Should the Cavaliers go ahead and lock him up for the remainder of 2017? Or is three games enough to know that Williams deserves some sort of multi-year contract extension?

What should the Cleveland Cavaliers do with Derrick Williams? Take the poll below and defend your answer in the comments section.

The Cavs host the Indiana Pacers in the final game before the All-Star break at 7 p.m.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavs (38-16) host the Indiana Pacers (29-26) in the final game before the All-Star break at 7 p.m.

Last meeting: The Cavs won 132-117 one week ago at Indiana.

Cavs fast fact: They've won five straight over the Pacers at home.

Cavs injuries: Kevin Love (left knee surgery) and J.R. Smith (right thumb surgery) are out.

Pacers fast fact: They're banged up at power forward too. Thaddeus Young is out and Lavoy Allen, who's listed as tonight's starter, missed Indiana's last game.

Pacers injuries: Lavoy Allen (sore right knee) is questionable; Thaddeus Young (sprained left wrist) is out.

Probable starters:

Cavs

F LeBron James (25.8 ppg; 7.8 rpg; 8.9 apg)

F Channing Frye (9.3 ppg; 3.7 rpg; .6 apg)

C Tristan Thompson (8.1 ppg; 9.6 rpg; 1.1 bpg)

G Iman Shumpert (7.8 ppg; 3.0 rpg; 1.5 apg)

G Kyrie Irving (24.4 ppg; 3.2 rpg; 5.9 apg)

Pacers

F Paul George (22.6 ppg; 6.1 rpg; 3.3 apg)

F Lavoy Allen (2.5 ppg; 2.8 rpg; 0.0 apg)

C Myles Turner (15.6 ppg; 7.2 rpg; 1.1 apg)

G C.J. Miles (10.8 ppg; 3.0 rpg; 0.6 apg)

G Jeff Teague ( 15.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 8.1 apg)

If the Indians hadn't signed Boone Logan, there would be a crowded competition for the second left-handed reliever spot in the team's bullpen. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If the Indians hadn't signed Boone Logan, there would be a crowded competition for the second left-handed reliever spot in the team's bullpen. 

Instead, a lengthy list of lefties and righties will battle for one or two vacant bullpen roles during spring training. Southpaw James Russell is the latest addition, as he signed a minor-league pact that includes an invite to the club's spring camp.

Russell, 31, owns a 4.09 ERA across parts of seven seasons in the big leagues, spent with the Cubs, Braves and Phillies. He split last season between Philadelphia and the organization's Triple-A affiliate. 

Russell enjoyed his best major-league years from 2012-14, when he posted a 3.26 ERA and averaged 72 appearances per season.

Russell's signing comes one day after the Indians inked lefty Chris Narveson to a minor-league contract. Left-handers Kyle Crockett, Tyler Olson, Tim Cooney and Hoby Milner are also in camp. Right-handers Steve Delabar, Travis Banwart, Josh Martin, Shawn Armstrong, Joe Colon, Carlos Frias, Perci Garner and Nick Goody are also attempting to stand out.

There might only be one opening for all of those relievers, though. Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, Dan Otero, Logan and Zach McAllister would figure to have nailed down the first six spots in Terry Francona's bullpen.

Pitchers and catchers reported to Goodyear, Arizona, for spring training on Sunday. 

Sergio Garcia, Jim Furyk and Phil Mickelson are in a group that tees off at 7:22 a.m. local time (10:22 a.m. ET) on Thursday at Genesis Open 2017.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The strongest field of the PGA Tour 2016-17 season to date is at the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club this week.

Eight of the top 10 players in the world are scheduled to compete at Riviera, which is in Pacific Palisades, Calif. Only No. 2 Rory McIlroy, who is injured, and No. 4 Henrik Stenson are absent.

GENESIS OPEN TEE TIMES

The list of those beginning competition Thursday includes No. 1 Jason Day, No. 6 Jordan Spieth and No. 9 Sergio Garcia. Spieth won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week. Garcia won the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour two weeks ago.

Garcia, of Spain, and No. 7 Adam Scott, of Australia, make their 2017 stateside debuts.  

The tournament had hoped for even more star power when Tiger Woods committed to play, but back issues knocked him out. Woods, while a shell of himself on the course at the moment, is on the short list of greatest golfers ever.

PGA TOUR
GENESIS OPEN
Site: Greater Los Angeles.
Course: Riviera Country Club. Yardage: 7,322. Par: 71.
Purse: $7 million.
Television: Thursday-Friday, 2-6 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 1-2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS); Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6:30 p.m. (CBS).
Defending champion: Bubba Watson.
Last week: Jordan Spieth won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Notes: Tiger Woods has not played Riviera since 2006. His foundation now runs the tournament. ... Bubba Watson has not won since Riviera last year. ... A testament to Riviera's teeth is that the 72-hole scoring record was set by Lanny Wadkins (264) in 1985. ... Dustin Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama each has a mathematical chance to replace Jason Day at No. 1 by winning, depending on how Day plays. Jordan Spieth can only move to No. 2. ... Thomas Pieters is playing on a sponsor's exemption. He won the NCAA individual title at Riviera when he played for Illinois... The Charlie Sifford Memorial exemption was awarded to Kevin Hall, the deaf golfer who played at Ohio State.
Next week: Honda Classic.
Online: www.pgatour.com

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

The Cleveland Browns hold the No. 1 overall pick in the April draft. Texas A&M's Myles Garrett makes a ton of sense.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- OneUp Sports called to ask about Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett, and whether the Cleveland Browns should select him No. 1 overall in the April draft.

Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor continue to dance around their possible fight.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Adrien Broner once threatened the pound-for-pound crown because of his incredible talent as a puncher-boxer. But his issues with making weight, his over-the-top antics, and what appeared as a suicide post on Instagram bring us to a career-defining bout.

Broner (32-2) fights Adrian Granados (18-4-2) at 9 p.m. Saturday on SHOWTIME on the campus of Xavier University in Broner's hometown of Cincinnati.

The fight is at 147 pounds because Broner could not make the original contract weight of 142.

It's Broner's first fight since he demolished Anthony Theophane last April, and his first fight since those Instagram posts in October filled with messages of despair. In an interview on SHOWTIME, Broner says all of that is behind him. He regrouped from a challenging point in his life that included 30 days in jail because he was not on time for a trial. (He was accused of punching a man taking back money he lost in a bowling bet.) It also was a time when Broner said he felt unappreciated.

In several recent interviews, Broner has promised to change his ways and make better decisions. Signs of his new maturity include pushing his About Billions Promotions, the primary promoter in last Friday's bouts in Toledo. Broner also is the owner of Oasis Elite Boxing Club, which recently held a forum for residents dealing with the death of a child shot not far from his gym.

He can help erase many of his transgressions by adding another victory to his resume Saturday.

Last week's results

Cleveland native Terrell Gausha (20-0, 9 KOs) fought Luis Hernandez (15-4, 8 KOs) on the undercard of the Robert Easter Jr and Rau-shee Warren title bouts last week in Toledo. It was Gausha's first pro fight in Ohio. It also was the first time Gausha has been knocked down as a pro; he went down in the third round. Gausha survived the round and went on to defeat Hernandez by unanimous decision.  ... Easter retained his IBF lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Luis Cruz. Warren knocked down his opponent twice in the first round but was unable to finish him. Zhanat Zhakiyanov roared back and Warren lost his bantamweight title by split decision.

Quick jabs

• Former champion Roy Jones Jr will fight on PPV vs. Bobby Gunn on Friday -- seriously.
• Kell Brook will defend IBF welterweight title against Errol Spence Jr.
• Now Floyd Mayweather says he's not close to a fight against Conor McGregor.
• Danny Jacobs says Gennady Golovkin's camp is making a mistake with plans for another fight.
• Bounce TV makes plenty of noise as go-to station when it comes to fights.
• Fighter will dedicate his bout on SHOWTIME to his slain friend.
• Carl Frampton wants to prove 2016 was only the beginning.
• The heavyweight title bout between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko is near.
• Heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder wins a bout outside of the ring.
• 2017 could become a banner year for boxing.
• Amir Khan has a right to be wrong with his prediction.

Last week

This week in boxing history

Feb. 15, 1978: Leon Spinks upset Muhammad Ali by decision to win the heavyweight title. Spinks won the title in just his eighth pro fight.

9 p.m., Friday (PPV):

• Roy Jones Jr. vs. Bobby Gunn, cruiserweights

• Kanat Islam vs. Robson Assis, junior middleweights

• Olimjob Nazarov vs. Dagoberto Aguero, junior featherweights

• Frank De Alba vs. German Meraz, junior lightweights

10 p.m. (Estrella TV):

• Roberto Manzanarez vs. Gamaliel Diaz, lightweights

• Genaro Gamez vs. Alejandro Ochoa, lightweights

• Luis Feliciano vs. Angel Rodriguez, junior welterweights

• Tenochtitlan Nava vs. Thomas Smith, junior lightweights

11 p.m. (Unimas):

• Jose Felix Jr. vs. Jonathan Maicelo, lightweights

• Arturo Marquez Jr. vs. Ja'Mykle Wade, welterweights

• Jesse Garcia vs. Jeremy Longoria, junior lightweights

• Esquivia Falcao vs. Jaime Barboza, middleweights

9 p.m., Saturday (Showtime):

• Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados, welterweights

• David Avanesyan vs. Lamont Peterson, for Avanesyan's WBA "regular" welterweight title

• Marcus Browne vs. Thomas Williams, light heavyweights

The Monsters are now in fifth place in the AHL's Central Division standings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Monsters began their longest trip of the season (seven games over 12 days) with a stop in Rockford, Ill., to play the IceHogs on Wednesday in matinee action.

The Monsters lost, 2-0, despite out-shooting Rockford, 37-26.

The Monsters (23-19-2-4), shut out for the fifth time this season and the third time in their last seven games, are fifth in the AHL's Central Division.

The IceHogs opened the scoring at 1:05 of the second period, Tyler Motte beating goalie Anton Forsberg at even strength. Martin Lundberg scored an empty-netter at 18:46 of the third.

Forsberg (14-11-2) made 24 saves.

The Monsters return to the ice on Friday in a rematch with Rockford. Game time is 8 p.m. and can be heard on 99X and the Monsters Hockey Network.

Some people seem to think the Browns fired Bill Belichick, but that's not true.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Tweets from ESPN that irk Browns fans are becoming a weekly thing. Last week, it was video (without context) of Myles Garrett proclaiming his love for the Cowboys. On Wednesday, it was a Tweet commemorating the anniversary of the Browns firing Bill Belichick.

21 years ago, Bill Belichick was fired as HC of the Browns. Since then, Belichick has 5 Super Bowl wins as a head coach. (via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/V1qnjWLWmt

-- NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 15, 2017

The Tweet, sent through the NFL on ESPN account, read: "21 years ago, Bill Belichick was fired as HC of the Browns. Since then, Belichick has 5 Super Bowl wins as a head coach."

It was also posted on the SportsCenter Instagram account.

21 years ago today, Bill Belichick was fired as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Since then, Belichick has won 5 Super Bowls as a head coach & the Browns have 2 winning seasons.

A post shared by SportsCenter (@sportscenter) on Feb 14, 2017 at 8:57pm PST

But the Browns never fired Belichick. Art Modell's yet-to-be named Baltimore franchise fired him.

Here's a quick recap of events from late 1995 and early 1996:

Nov. 6, 1995: Browns owner Art Modell announces he is moving the team to Baltimore.

Feb. 9, 1996: NFL owners approve the franchise's move to Baltimore. Also, the NFL announces an agreement with Cleveland that will keep the Browns' name and history in the city for a new team to begin play by 1999.

Feb. 15, 1996: Modell fires Belichick and hires Ted Marchibroda as the head coach of his new Baltimore franchise.

The first paragraph of the Associated Press' story on Belichick's firing went like this: "The search for a new nickname can wait. First, Art Modell needs to find a new coach."

Now, did every Browns fan want Belichick fired at some point during his tenure in Cleveland? Probably. But that's a history lesson for another day.

Get the latest updates and analysis from the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 55 against the Indiana Pacers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers face the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday in Game 55 of the 2017 NBA regular season.

Follow along in the comments section as Joe Vardon and Chris Fedor bring you observations and analysis throughout the game.

Make sure to follow Vardon and Fedor on Twitter.

Game 55: Cavs (38-16) vs. Pacers (29-26)

Tipoff: 7 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.

TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio, ESPN; WTAM 1100 AM; 87.7 FM (ESP).

Cavs probable starting lineup: LeBron James, Channing Frye, Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert, Kyrie Irving.

Pacers probable starting lineup: Paul George, Lavoy Allen, Myles Turner, C.J. Miles, Jeff Teague.

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

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Julian Edelman likens Jimmy Garoppolo's 'gunslinger mentality' to that of Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio --  Josh McCown isn't the only NFL player who's mentioned Jimmy Garoppolo in the same breath as Aaron Rodgers in the past week.

Patriots receiver Julian Edelman, who's spent the past three seasons with Garoppolo in New England, compared Garoppolo's mentality to that of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.

"I'm not a paid GM so I don't know the whole value thing, but as far as a guy that I could play with every single day, Jimmy Garoppolo, I mean, the guy's a stud," Edelman said Tuesday night on NFL Network's Total Access. "He went out and played in the regular season and he played very well. He's got that kind of gunslinger confidence. That Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers kind of confidence. He practices hard, he prepares hard. He's a good kid. He's young. I think he's a good player."

Edelman should know. In addition to practicing together every day for the past three years, Garoppolo started the first two games of the season while Tom Brady was serving his Deflategate suspension, and completed 13 passes for 135 yards to Edelman in six quarters. They connected seven times for 66 yards in an opening day victory over the Cardinals and six times for 69 yards in a victory over the Dolphins before Garoppolo left the game with a shoulder injury.

Last week, McCown, who was released by the Browns, likened some of Garoppolo's skillset to that of Rodgers, the two-time NFL MVP.

"I saw some things in Derek Carr early on in the 2014 draft that reminded me of Aaron Rodgers and I thought 'this guy is going to be pretty good,'' McCown told cleveland.com. "I see the same things when I watch Jimmy: quick release, strong arm, athletic. I'm not saying he's Aaron Rodgers, but he's got some traits in the same mold, and he's got tremendous upside.''

So why would the Patriots part with him? Maybe they won't, but Tom Brady, who will be 40 in August, told Peter King of Monday Morning Quarterback over the weekend that he's nowhere near ready to hang it up.

"I'd like to play until my mid-40s," he said. "Then I'll make a decision. If I'm still feeling like I'm feeling today, who knows? Now, those things can always change. You do need long-term goals too. I know next year is not going to be my last year."

Still, some including King and former Browns coach and Patriots defensive coordinator Eric Mangini, don't think Bill Belichick will let him go.

"No, I don't think so at all," Mangini told Colin Cowherd on FS1's The Herd, via the Boston Herald. "I don't think Bill's made very many mistakes -- especially in the quarterback area -- over time. Remember, his biggest one, his biggest decision early was to cut Bernie Kosar (because of) diminishing skills (in 1995 when Belichick coached the Browns). So he brings in Vinny Testaverde.

"Kosar goes and backs up in Dallas, Vinny actually takes the Jets to the AFC Championship Game. And he trades Drew Bledsoe -- there's a No. 1 draft pick. Drew had an OK time in Buffalo. That was a plus decision for New England. Then you get Matt Cassel for a (second-round pick), then you get Ryan Mallett for a sixth."

Josh McCown: Jimmy Garoppolo has the potential 'to carry a franchise'

The Browns should keep their No. 1 pick and go defense says Mike Mayock. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - NFL Network's Mike Mayock doesn't believe any of the quarterbacks are worth the No. 1 pick, and that the Browns should draft Jonathan Allen or Myles Garrett first overall.

"If I'm Cleveland sitting at one - remember last year they traded down several times, they amassed a bunch of picks which is great,'' Mayock said Tuesday night on Total Access. "But this year I think you want to sit at one and get a difference-maker. It's a tremendous defensive draft. I don't think there is a quarterback worthy of number one so I would be looking at two guys.

"Either Jonathan Allen, the defensive tackle from Alabama, or the big defensive end Myles Garrett from Texas A&M. I think Garrett affects the game on the outside. I think Allen affects the game on the inside. It's a pass-first league and I think the Browns in that new Gregg Williams scheme, that four-man front, one of those two guys would fit beautifully."

Not only does he not deem any of the QBs worthy of the top pick, he doesn't believe any of them are top 10. And you might be surprised by who he's got at the head of his QB class.

"[DeShone Kizer] was replaced in two games in the fourth quarter by head coach Brian Kelly,'' Mayock said. "The reality for me is I don't think this is a great quarterback class as far as anybody going in the top 10 or anybody even playing particularly early. Having said that, I think three or four of them could go in the first round and the reason I have Kizer number one is I think he has the highest ceiling of any of these quarterbacks. What he lacks is experience.''

Like other draft experts, Mayock wonders about Deshaun Watson's conversion to a pro-style offense from the spread.

"I love the way the kid plays,'' he said. "He played his best on the biggest stages against the best defenses. But he has to kind of convert more to a pocket quarterback and that takes time.''

Of the top three prospects, he seems least enamored with Mentor native Mitch Trubisky of North Carolina.

"(He's) a one-year starter,'' he said. "I have several questions about him. I think the wildcard is this Patrick Mahomes (of Texas Tech). He's a gunslinger. He has significant talent and out of everybody I've watched so far in this draft, he's probably the most fun guy to watch on tape. He's really intriguing."

Mayock's assessment is different than one high-level NFL personnel executive who told cleveland.com that the Browns could solve their quarterback drought by drafting Trubisky No. 1 overall.

"He's as good as Carson Wentz, he's got a big arm and he's athletic,'' the executive told cleveland.com. "He's got a chance to be special, and I can't find holes in him. He's got a quick release, he's accurate and he's tough. He sees the entire field.''

Lydia Ko is part of a strong field at the LPGA Tour's Australian Open this week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- World No. 1 Lydia Ko competes in her first tournament of the LPGA Tour season at ISPS Handa Australian Open 2017 this week.

LPGA AUSTRALIAN OPEN TEE TIMES

Round 1 began Thursday morning in Adelaide, Australia, which was Wednesday afternoon Eastern Time.

LPGA AUSTRALIAN OPEN LEADERBOARD

Event: LPGA Australian Open.

Site: Grange, Australia.

Course: Royal Adelaide GC.

Purse: $1.3 million (First prize: $195,000).

Television: Wednesday, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (Golf Channel); Thursday-Friday, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Golf Channel).

Defending champion: Haru Nomura.

Previous tournament: Brittany Lincicome won the PureSilk Bahamas LPGA Classic.

Notes: Lydia Ko makes her 2017 debut with a new coach (Gary Gilchrist), a new caddie (Gary Matthews) and new clubs (PXG). Her most recent victory was in July. ... Ariya Jutanugarn also is in the field, one of the strongest ever for this event. ... This is the sixth year that the Women's Australian Open has been an official LPGA Tour event. ...Aditi Ashok and Mariah Stackhouse received sponsor exemptions. ... The LPGA season began in the Bahamas with Lincicome winning, and with five Americans finishing in the top five for the first time on the LPGA since the 2011 Canadian Women's Open. ... Three Australians are among the top 100 in the women's world ranking: Minjee Lee (17), Karrie Webb (62) and Su Oh (70).

Next week: Honda LPGA Thailand.

Online: www.lpga.com

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

LeBron James scored 31 and the Cavs won their third straight with the All-Star break approaching. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Tyronn Lue wanted to play LeBron James and Kyrie Irving on the second night of a back to back, get another win and head into the All-Star break on a roll.

Well, as much of a roll as possible given that the Cavs found out Tuesday they would be without All-Star power forward Kevin Love for six weeks.

Anyway, Lue got what he wanted. James led everybody with 31 points and Cleveland beat the Indiana Pacers for the second time in eight days, 113-104 on Wednesday night. Irving added 26 points and seven assists. Kyle Korver scored 22 off the bench and once again shot his way into the record books.

The Cavs head into the break at 39-16, winners of three straight and holding a 2.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics for first in the East -- the Celtics still have a Thursday game in Chicago against the Bulls.

James and Irving will play in Sunday's All-Star Game in New Orleans. The Cavs don't play for more than a week.

"That's the way they're feeling, they're feeling good," Lue said, when asked beforehand about playing James and Irving after the two logged big minutes in Tuesday's win over Minnesota. "And I wanted to go with them and just try to get out into the All-Star break with a 7-1 record in February and then we'll come back and see what happens after that."

James went over 30 points for the 13th time this season. He shot 12-of-17 from the field and 4-of-5 from deep, and contributed five rebounds and four assists. For those who watch his minutes closely, James played 33 against the Pacers (well under his 37.6 average).

Irving enjoyed his 17th game with at least 25 points and five assists. He logged 34 minutes after playing 37 against the Timberwolves.

Tristan Thompson added 12 points and 12 boards.

The Pacers have lost five straight. Glenn Robinson III led them with 19 points. All-Star Paul George scored 13 points but shot 4-of-19, missing 12 in a row at one point. Indiana was without two power forwards, with Thaddeus Young and Lavoy Allen out with injuries.

This was a three-point game through three quarters. The Cavs hit four 3s in three minutes to start the fourth and finished with six for the period.

Which brings us to Korver, who knocked down six more 3s in eight tries Wednesday night. Since joining Cleveland a little more than a month ago, he's 52-of-101 from 3-point land (.515).

Korver, 35, became seventh player in NBA history with 2,000 career 3-pointers. He joined Ray Allen (2,973), Reggie Miller (2,560), Jason Terry (2,211), Paul Pierce (2,138), Jamal Crawford (2,010) and Vince Carter (2,010).

Naturally, his final bucket of the night was a dunk. Derrick Williams found him alone after a defensive rebound and chucked it to him, and Korver finished with a softish two-handed slam with 3:50 left.

Korver destroyed the Pacers last week, too, with 29 points and eight 3-pointers. The Cavs connected for 18 3s Wednesday night.

VASJ boys basketball's William Butler hit a buzzer-beating jumper as the No. 12 Vikings upset No. 2 STVM, 57-56.

AKRON, Ohio — William Butler made up for a late turnover with a jumper from the left elbow at the buzzer to give VASJ a 57-56 win at STVM on Wednesday.

With his team down by one after St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Jayvon Graves hit a 3-pointer, Butler inbounded the ball to Danny McGarry, who gave it back to Butler for a court-length drive before pulling up for the game-winner for the Vikings (14-5), ranked No. 12 in the cleveland.com Top 25.

“The play was originally set up for (Jerry Higgins),” Butler said. “But since he got double-teamed, the second option was me. I got the ball, saw a lane and took it. And I made the shot.”

Butler had nine points off the bench for the Vikings, including a layup to give his team a 55-51 lead before the No. 2 Irish (14-5) responded with five straight points.

“He’s our best passer, shooter and dribbler,” VASJ coach Babe Kwasniak said. “That makes a huge difference. He’s just so skilled.

“I had a pretty good look. I didn’t think he made the shot. But I thought we put Alonzo (Gaffney) in a position where I thought Alonzo was going to have a chance to get the rebound.”

Butler with the floater at the buzzer for @VASJBasketball. Vikings win, 57-56. #neovarsity pic.twitter.com/DDpzvmmh0H

— Tim Bielik (@bielik_tim) February 16, 2017

STVM grabbed the lead when Graves, who had a team-high 16 points hit from beyond the arc with 7.5 seconds left. The Irish started off the game with a 10-2 run. VASJ got the lead back in the second quarter behind its zone defense.

The Vikings’ size also had an effect, with Gaffney scoring a game-high 19 points and grabbing six rebounds. VASJ outrebounded STVM, 33-21.

“This season, I’ve been a lot more confident than last,” Gaffney said. “I’ve got more confidence in my jump shot and getting to the rim, I feel a lot stronger.”

The Irish forced 17 turnovers and committed just eight. The 17th VASJ turnover led to Graves’ 3-pointer with 7.5 seconds left.

“We doubled Higgins. We shouldn’t have,” STVM coach Dru Joyce said. “It’s just a matter of we couldn’t get back in front of him because he’s a big body. He knows how to keep guys off of him. And he made a big shot. It wasn’t an easy shot. It wasn’t like he had a warmup shot he just made.”

Higgins added 12 points for the Vikings. Lunden McDay had 13 points for STVM, and Justin Sampson scored 12.

The Vikings are home on Friday vs. Trinity, and STVM will travel to Massillon Jackson on Friday.

Carmelo Anthony will replace Kevin Love in the NBA All-Star Game Sunday in New Orleans. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Carmelo Anthony for Kevin Love?

Sure. In the All-Star Game.

The NBA announced Wednesday that Anthony would take Love's roster spot for the East's All-Star squad in Sunday's game in New Orleans, due to Love's arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this week.

The irony is trade rumors have rumbled for weeks about Anthony maybe coming to the Cavs from the Knicks by next week's deadline, potentially in a deal for Love.

Numerous Cavs sources have downplayed both scenarios -- Anthony coming here, and coming here specifically in a trade that involves Love -- but the All-Star swap is fun nonetheless.

This will be Anthony's 10th consecutive All-Star appearance, a streak that appeared over when the 32-year-old was neither selected as a starter or reserve. He's averaging 23.2 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Knicks, and this will be his 12th All-Star Game overall.

Love, who's averaging 20 points and 11.1 boards, was picked as a reserve. So Anthony will be coming off the bench.

Anthony is of course close friends with Cavs All-Star LeBron James, and James will be happier than usual to see him in New Orleans. The reason: With Anthony's presence, James will no longer be the oldest player at the All-Star Game. James turned 32 in December; Anthony turns 33 in May.

Manager Terry Francona, on the second day of practice for Indians' pitchers and catchers, said outfielders Michael Brantley (right shoulder) and Austin Jackson (left knee) won't play games in the early part of the Cactus League season. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Five things we learned about the Indians on Wednesday in spring training in Goodyear, Ariz.

1. Slow go for Michael Brantley.

Manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that the Indians would have to "restrain their enthusiasm' on setting a date for Michael Brantley's return from August surgery on his right shoulder.

On Wednesday, Francona told reporters at the team's spring training headquarters that for the immediate future Brantley will not play in any Cactus League games, including the Feb. 25 opener against Cincinnati at Goodyear Ballpark.

"I would anticipate he'd probably be later," said Francona, when asked when Brantley might appear in a game. "There are going to be some guys (pitchers) who are held back. I would think he'd be a little bit later. Over the normal course of the way his schedule is, I would be surprised, I don't think that's even on the table (playing in early-spring games)."

Regarding the exhibition opener against the Reds, Francona said, "I don't think so. That's too quick."

Brantley's right shoulder has undergone two surgeries since November of 2015. The first repaired a torn labrum. The second moved his biceps tendon. He played only 11 games last year.

As for when Brantley might play, Francona said, "When he's ready. Not having him for a full year (last season) I want to do it right. He deserves to do it right.

"He's worked so hard and to have him back would be so nice. We're going to do it right so he can have his best chance at being successful."

The Tribe's Cactus League season runs through March 31. They open the regular season April 3 against Texas.

2. Ditto for veteran Austin Jackson.

Francona said Jackson, in camp on a minor league deal, will be on limited activity for "10 days to two weeks' until the Indians get a better feel for his surgically repaired left knee.

"I don't know if we really quite know," said Francona, when asked about Jackson's health. "Some of it, you almost have to guard him from himself. He wants to come in and show what he can do and he feels good. But it's different when you get into camp and you're pounding every day.

"So we'll keep an eye on him. I wouldn't think he'd be (ready) for 10 days to a couple weeks. He's another guy who won't be raring to go (from the start of camp)."

Jackson injured his left knee on June 9 with the White Sox and has not played since. He underwent surgery on the knee to repair a torn meniscus.

If healthy Jackson could challenge for the center field job or win a spot as a platoon outfielder.

3. Indians hope Danny Salazar benefits from peaceful offseason.

Danny Salazar was limited to two relief appearances in the postseason last year because of a strained right forearm. Francona felt the appearances in Game 2 and Game 6 of the World Series helped settle some issues in Salazar's mind.

"The idea was to get him back and pitch him in a game so when he went home he'd know he was healthy," said Francona. "We were really adamant that we wanted to see that before he went home. I think it worked out well.

"With the playoffs extending, it gave him something to shoot for. Also when he went home he knew he was OK. Now he can be the normal Danny, doing the normal schedule as opposed to wait and see."

Francona said he expects Salazar to be more diligent with his shoulder and elbow programs this season. Francona expects Salazar's maturity to play a role in that.

4. Indians on the run.

Pitchers and catchers participated in their annual conditioning test. It's a series of timed sprints that keep going until one man is left standing.

Rookie Dylan Baker won the test Wednesday with catchers Yan Gomes second and Roberto Perez third. Baker has made one start for the Indians in the last two years as he recovers from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

"Today Dylan Baker got to be front and center. Good for him," said Francona. "Everytime those guys do something, they'll grow from it. He's going to get to call home tonight and tell the family, "I kicked everybody's butt.'"

Who had Dylan Baker in the Warrior Run pool? Finally back on mound after TJ surgery, and today's winner. pic.twitter.com/mQ2865t8i9

-- Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 15, 2017

Francona was impressed with the work of veterans Corey Kluber, Zach McAllister and Andrew Miller. He also tipped his hat to Gomes and Perez.

"It's hard for them," said Francona. "They're not built for that. I show how hard they work and how mentally tough they are."

The training staff did not allow Boone Logan, Ryan Merritt and Kyle Crockett to run. Crockett (back) and Merritt (shin) were excused for medical reasons. Boone just reported to camp.

5. The old man and the World Baseball Classic

Left-hander Bruce Chen threw a bullpen session Wednesday. The 39-year-old Chen, who retired in 2015, is not attempting a comeback. But he is attempting to get ready to pitch for China in the World Baseball Classic.

Chen was born in Panama, but his grandparents are from China. He will travel to Tokyo for China's first game against Cuba on March 8.

"It's great for him," said Francona. "Whether he's throwing a bullpen, or sitting in the coaches room in the morning telling a joke, he's a valued guy. Everybody feels the same way about him.

"We're just so glad he's with us because he brings so much to everybody. He crosses every culture. He can find a way to bond with anybody in that room and it's fun to watch."

Chen works with the Indians in cultural development for players in the minors.

It took more than three months and a pair of acquisitions, but it appears Lue has found his new "death lineup." Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue said it before the game when he announced his usual guys would play on the second of a back-to-back: He wanted to finish the first part of February with a 7-1 record, building momentum into the stretch run.

He got his wish, as the Cavaliers topped the Indiana Pacers, 113-104.

Here are five observations:

Cavs death lineup - One of the Cavs' most productive units from last season vanished when Matthew Dellavedova signed with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The start-of-the-second-quarter group featured Dellavedova and LeBron James. It was ultra effective until the NBA Finals when the clock struck midnight on Dellavedova. 

It took more than four months and a pair of acquisitions, but it appears Lue has found his new "death lineup."

James, who plays like Jason Kidd in this group, leads the way. Kyle Korver, Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye and Derrick Williams flank James, as the four-time MVP serves as the point guard.

"We're able to switch a lot of stuff on defense 1 through 4 because they're all pretty much the same size," Lue said. "Defensively, we get a little better. And then offensively, we got all shooters on the floor and when LeBron attacks in transition, you don't want to leave R.J., you don't want to leave Kyle, you don't want to leave Channing, so he gets to the front of the basket. And when he do, then he kicks it out and guys pay from the 3-point line."

On Wednesday, the third time Lue trotted out the lineup, the Cavs outscored the Pacers, 14-7, before Tristan Thompson replaced Frye.

In three games, the fivesome has played 21 minutes, scoring 62 points on 21-of-28 (75 percent) from the field, 6-of-11 (54.5 percent) from 3-point range, 14-of-17 (82.3 percent) from the free-throw line and has outscored opponents by 23 points.

It's a small sample size, but in terms of plus-minus, there are only two units better:

- James, Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Liggins, Kevin Love and Thompson -- plus-118

- James, Irving, J.R. Smith, Love and Thompson -- plus-71

One per year - On a night Korver became the seventh player in NBA history to make at least 2,000 3-pointers, he punctuated his brilliant performance with a two-handed dunk.

Derrick Williams can play QB too. #DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/3lYxDN7BhO

-- Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 16, 2017

"He said he had a couple dunks," Lue said. "I didn't believe him but we saw it tonight. All the guys were happy and surprised at the same time."

After recording one last season with the Hawks, Korver has now matched that number, which is why he chuckled all the way to the bench.

"I try to get one a year," he said. "I hadn't had one this year and I thought I was going to get one earlier, but Jeff Teague ran me down. My old teammate, I was like, 'C'mon, Jeff. I thought that was my chance.' Then I was able to get one later and now the pressure is off."

Kyrie Irving happened - Following the win Thompson was asked how the Cavs turned a tie game in the fourth quarter into 10-point lead in less than three minutes.

"Kyrie Irving happened," Thompson said.

After another tough shooting night through three quarters, scoring 18 points on 5-of-14 from the field and 1-of-5 from 3-point range, Irving erupted.

With Lue changing up his rotation a bit, sitting James to start the fourth, he instead rode Irving. And the All-Star point guard delivered.

Irving scored eight points on 2-of-3 from the field, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc during that stretch. He also assisted on one of Korver's six triples.

In all, Irving scored or assisted on 11 of the 16 points, allowing the Cavs to cruise to the nine-point win.

Credit to teammates - Since coming to the Cavs, Korver is shooting 52-of-101 (51.4 percent) on 3-pointers. He has completely changed the look of the team and has helped Cleveland become an even better shooting team from long distance than the Warriors.

Yes, I said it. The Cavs are making more 3's and shooting a better percentage than Golden State. And Korver is at the heart of that.

"A guy that can move without the basketball," Lue said. "You have to pay so much attention to him and then also he just is always causing confusion. He just brings us a different dimension to our team offensively, and defensively, he's not bad."

The one thing that has always remained true is Korver getting looks from teammates.

On the season, 98 percent of his 3's have been assisted. So long Cavs iso-ball. Well sort of.  

On Wednesday, all eight of his buckets were assisted. By five different players. And James wasn't one of them.

"I just know that I've been playing with a bunch of great players," he said. "I don't create much on my own. I'm a product of good ball movement and passing and screening. It's the way I've always played, you know ever since I was eight or nine years old, so obviously we have great talent around me."

Bad timing - Everyone but Irving and James will be getting some needed rest. But the timing isn't great.

The Cavs have put a rocky January behind them and now head into the break with plenty of juice.

"This is the way we wanted to play coming into February and the guys are excellent so far in this month," James said. "It sucks because we have a great rhythm right now and you hate to have the break. But the break is going to be good for everybody. It gives guys an opportunity if they have some nicks and bruises and things of that nature. Just get away and decompress for a little bit."

As for James, he quipped that he's going to play 39 minutes on Sunday, responding in his own way to the constant chatter about his workload.