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Indians Comment of the Day: Stockpile arms

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"Pitching, pitching and more pitching. We've actually done a decent job trading for position players. Finding pitchers will be key to any further growth of the Tribe." - ncarolinafan

jeremy-sowers.jpgView full sizeJeremy Sowers is one example of the Indians' struggles in the draft.

In response to the story With a No. 5 pick, Cleveland Indians looking to reverse poor track record in amateur draft, cleveland.com reader ncarolinafan thinks the Indians need to stockpile as many arms as possible. This reader writes,

"Pitching, pitching and more pitching. We've actually done a decent job trading for position players. Finding pitchers will be key to any further growth of the Tribe."

To respond to ncarolinafan's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Shaquille O'Neal latest showdown is against spelling bee champ - video

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Shaq misses on the word "distinguo" against 2009 Scripps champion from Kansas.

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Mavericks, 96-66Shaquille O'Neal

Video: Shaquille O'Neal challenged some of the biggest stars in sports last summer during his "Shaq Vs." reality sports show. Well, O'Neal took on an even bigger challenge when he faced last year's Scripps National Spelling Bee champion, 14-year-old Kavya Shivashankar of Kansas, to a spell-off. As reported in Saturday's story on cleveland.com:


Showing off his prowess, he tried a bit of dazzle by spelling, to laughter, “k-i-t-t-e-n. Kitten.” Kavya was unimpressed, noting that she beat Jimmy Kimmel when he laid down a similar challenge last year. Kavya reports that she beat O’Neal when he flubbed the word “distinguo”.

 


LeBron James' nonverbal communication reveals plenty

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Story breaks down his body language during interview with Larry King.

lebron james.jpgLeBron James Now this LeBron James free agency has finally come down to a science --- literally. ESPN's Cam Martin interviews Tonya Reiman, author of "The Power of Body Language" and she breaks down LeBron's interview with Larry King.

She watched LeBron's body language and noted his speech patterns following certain questions.

Reiman explained that several red flags jumped out in certain situations during the interview. She says she calculated LeBron saying "absolutely," 46 times. And it's a red flag because repetition tends to lead to deception.

Cam Martin: Larry King went on to ask LeBron, "You haven't made a decision [about where he will play next season] yet, correct?" And LeBron immediately responded, "Correct." When asked how close he was making to a decision, he looked to his right, touched his chin and said he's far from close. And then he started squirming in his seat. What do you make from this series of nonverbal cues?

Tonya Reiman: Here, I saw a very slight head nod which tells me on an unconscious as well as a conscious level, I don't think he actually knows where he's going. When Larry King starts saying, "Do you have any idea?" and you see that chin stroke, typically when somebody strokes their chin, that's contemplation. And then LeBron says, "I haven't begun to strategize," and you see three shoulder shrugs. I think he has begun to strategize. I think he has been strategizing for some time now. I can't believe given what I saw nonverbally that he hasn't been strategizing about it. So does he know where he's going? Has he made a final decision? My impression is no, based on the head movement up and down. Has he been thinking about it long and hard? Yes.

Cam Martin: What about where he said Cleveland has the edge to re-sign him? Do you think that's true?

Tonya Reiman: He said "absolutely, absolutely." I didn't think he was being genuine there. I felt like he was saying what he thought people wanted to hear.

P.M. Cleveland Browns links: No bus trip to Mangini's alma mater for rookies this year

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The bus stays in the garage: No 'voluntary' trip to Eric Mangini's high school football camp for rookies this season.

eric-mangini-camp.jpgA Hartford Courant photo captures Browns coach Eric Mangini autographing the shirt of a high school football camper at his alma mater in Connecticut last year, when Browns rookies essentially were required to attend to help out. This year, while most of his current staff and some current and former players are helping out, there's no bus trip from Berea to the camp.

Cleveland, Ohio -- In 2009, Browns coach Eric Mangini made a rookie mistake. Or was that a mistake with rookies? Yeah, it was the latter.

That was when he basically required first-year players to "volunteer" to help out at the football camp he runs at his high school alma mater in Connecticut. And to get there, they had to ride a chartered bus for 10 hours each way.

Uphill. Through the snow. Barefoot. At least that’s the impression that was created in the maelstrom of coverage when the rooks got hold of their agents.

Yeah, well, whatever. This season, it's not happening. Mike Florio, writing for profootballtalk.com, didn't say for sure that was because of the outcry over last year's trip. But that's like not saying the glowing ember in your barbecue grill is hot. Ya pretty much can feel the heat without having to grab the thing.

This year, he didn't make the mistake of loading up a bus and hauling his first-year players to Hartford, which shows that he's capable of and willing to make changes. Whether more substantive changes will be made as to tactics that gave rise to complaints like practices that went on for too long and post-practice "opportunity periods" that resulted in at least one season-ending injury (to running back James Davis) remains to be seen.

The reality, in our view, is that Mangini's methods come not from malice but from a genuine belief that his way will lead to winning. The problem is that the means won't be accepted until justified by success of the kind that his mentor, Bill Belichick, has experienced.

OK, Starting Blocks will stipulate that. Especially in light of what follows, which is the account by Zac Jackson, who last year worked for the Browns and this year is writing about the camp for FoxSportsOhio.com.

There was no bus ride this year, but another camp is taking place today. From what I've gathered via computer and cellular device, it's the biggest one yet with nearly 1,000 participants. And that's the shame of last year's controversy, that a truly good deed that helps kids who could use a little boost was overshadowed.

Bulkeley High, Mangini's alma mater, is a city school. Most of the campers are city kids; boxing trainer and analyst Teddy Atlas charters a bus for New York City kids, many of whom have never been out of the city. Kids from all over New England come to compete and learn, many on "scholarship" to cover the $45 fee. Outstanding campers are awarded scholarships to camps on college campuses this summer, the kind of camps that lead to college scholarships.

This is not Mangini writing a check or making a token appearance to wave and sign autographs in his hometown. This is an all-out effort to make sure kids get high-level coaching -- they run the same drills the Browns do in practice -- as well as the chance to be taught by NFL coaches, players, scouts, successful high school coaches and a variety of people. Mangini has more than 120 coaching volunteers including a few of his current players, most of his current assistants, a bunch of former Jets players and coaches of various backgrounds.

Listen, while it would be nice if Mangini did the same thing in Cleveland -- and eventually, he may -- but the obligations of a native "favorite son" vs. those of an adopted one, especially one whose head is called for on every other blog, aren't necessarily the same. It's clear he helps out Bulkleley because he wants to, not because he has to. So in that end, perhaps it falls on Cleveland to make him "want to."

Veterans day
The author of browns.football-news-update.com, whoever he or she is, makes a pretty good point. This time of year, everybody's excited about what newbies like Colt McCoy, Joe Haden, Montario Hardesty and the rest can do.

After all, the Browns are undefeated and no rookie DB has been burned for a bomb, no wet-behind-the-ears quarterback and thrown a pick and nary a pass that matters has been dropped by a kid who skipped his junior prom to turn pro.

But the thing to remember is that it's the veterans who are the core of a football team. When a rookie does well, it's news because it's pretty much unexpected, sort of like a crash of a commercial plane is front page news because the other 28,536 commercial flights air traffic controllers in the United States handle ever day landed safely.

Starting Blocks doesn't know about you, but we'd sure prefer to have a veteran ATC watching the radar.

Or covering Heinz Ward on a slant.

How will Michigan State disperse Izzo's salary if he jumps to the Cavs?

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Michigan State could hire about 60 professors for what Cavs owner (and MSU alum) Dan Gilbert reportedly is willing to pay Spartan coach Tom Izzo to come to Cleveland.

tom-izzo-sidelines.jpgTom Izzo's Michigan salary (minus benefits) is worth about 30.6 tenured Spartan professors. Is this sad or just a sign of a blogger with too much time on his hands?CLEVELAND, Ohio -- So the word is that to make it worthwhile for Michigan State University coach Tom Izzo to come coach the Cleveland Cavaliers, MSU alum and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is willing to double his $3 million a year salary.

That's what Plain Dealer beat writer Brian Windhorst is reporting today.

That's all well and good for Izzo, the Cavs and Gilbert. But you have to wonder, if Izzo makes the jump to the NBA, will any of the MSU professors, who average about $98,000 in salary and $130,000 in total compensation a year start thinking they wasted those 10 years in college studying valence electrons and the Ideal Gas Law (you remember, PV=nRT, where the constant, now named R, is the gas constant with a value of 8.314472(15) J·K-1·mol-1) and apply? 

After all, Ps and Vs and nRTs aren't that far removed from Xs and Os.

And by the way, Ohio State University professors average about $126,000, according to USA Today.

 

 

Cleveland Browns OTAs analysis by Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot - video

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Browns' last organized team activities practice today; minicamp starts Thursday.

lawrence-vickers.jpgLawrence Vickers celebrates the Browns' Dec. 10 win over Pittsburgh.

VIDEO: Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tony Grossi talk about the return of Lawrence Vickers to the team today; and look ahead to this weekend's mini amp at the Browns practice facility in Berea. Vickers, one of five unsigned restricted free agents, joined his teammates for today's organized team activity practice.

Like running back Jerome Harrison, who joined the team two weeks ago, Vickers has not signed his one-year contract tender but did sign an injury waiver to enable him to participate.





Heat all but abandoned Dwyane Wade, but he'll stay; Cavaliers doted on LeBron James, but he may leave? Bill Livingston

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On Dwyane Wade and Miami's culture of neglect; LeBron James and Cleveland's subservience; and loyalty.

lebron-wade-jg.jpgDwyane Wade has a championship ring, but it can easily be argued that LeBron James has gotten more support from his franchise than the Heat star. As James talks about loyalty and having a team worthy of a title before July 1, Bill Livingston wonders if he'll recognize how good he already has it.Bill LivingstonCLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dwyane Wade was never "The Chosen One."

He was a late-bloomer in high school in Chicago, who actually grew as a college player instead of slumming around there until he could turn pro. Miami selected him fifth in the 2003 NBA Draft. It was the same one in which the Ping-Pong Ball Deliverance gave the Cavaliers No. 1 pick LeBron James, presumably by way of a manger.

LeBron was so good, he went straight to the NBA from high school, which was allowable under the rules at the time. A tattoo, "The Chosen One," scrolls across his back in letters shaped like the "D" on the Detroit Tigers cap.

On his torso, added later, are tattoos reading "Family" and "Loyalty."

Unhappily, James' leap to the NBA deprived him of the red-carpet college recruiting treatment, although he received a reasonable facsimile every single day of his past seven years as a Cavalier.

Wade won a championship in his third season, while playing with a younger, friskier Shaquille O'Neal than James had at his side this season.

That 2005-06 Heat team really went "all in" to win it all. Shaq, Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning and Jason Williams were all 30 or older. James Posey and Antoine Walker were closing in on the milestone birthday. They were this year's Boston Celtics, only their grizzled veterans were supporting players for Wade, who almost single-handedly stole the Finals from Dallas.

James then carried an overmatched Cavs team to the 2007 Finals, where they were swept.

Since then, Miami has instituted a two-year scorched-earth program to dump salary and clear the decks for the free agency free-for-all that begins July 1.

Wade carried the Heat to the playoffs without much help the past two seasons. Miami was ousted in the first round each time. His efforts this year were the most valiant since James took a 45-win Cavs team in 2008 to the last minute of the last game against the eventual champion Celtics.

James rocked the Cavaliers' organization when he openly demanded changes after that seventh game in Boston.

Changes he got. In came Mo Williams, a splendid (regular-season) sidekick, and back came Joe Smith for the stretch run. When Orlando upset the Cavs in the conference finals in 2009, in came taller wing players in Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker to defend 3-pointers. In came Antawn Jamison, the "stretch" forward the team had sought ever since Donyell Marshall got old. In came Shaq, who spoke of winning "a ring for the king."

It didn't work, because of Shaq's injury and playoff inconsistency; because of James' elbow; because of Boston catching the big wave; because of Mike Brown's coaching; because of Danny Ferry's personnel judgment; because of James' barely-show-up effort in Game 5. It really is defeat -- not victory, as is popularly supposed -- that has a thousand fathers.

Now both Wade and James are free agents. But nobody really expects Wade to leave Miami.

Chicago and Miami are two teams that have enough salary cap space available to acquire two of the three top free agents -- James, Wade and Toronto's Chris Bosh.

Miami could re-sign Wade, sign James, then work a sign-and-trade deal with Toronto for Bosh, perhaps in exchange for tantalizing, but erratic, Michael Beasley. The Bulls could sign James and barter Joakim Noah for Bosh.

Wade, who was has played hurt for the Heat, who was pretty much told to suck it up in Miami, recently criticized Chicago, his home town. He denounced the Bulls for their history of disloyalty to key franchise figures. Perhaps he meant letting Ben Gordon leave and trading John Salmons. Perhaps he meant dismissing coach Vinny Del Negro. Perhaps he meant the unhappy way Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen left.

It was, by implication, an endorsement of Miami, despite the systematic culture of neglect the Heat imposed for the last two seasons.

By contrast, James, whose every wish was the Cavaliers' command, who has been buttressed with a far better supporting cast, went on Larry King's cable show and said Cleveland has the "edge" in the free agency derby.

That's the most he can say? An "edge"?

So is it about family and loyalty with the player who has dominated this city's sports landscape for most of the decade?

Or is it about holding the franchise hostage, overshadowing this year's Finals, and becoming some desperate city or other's chosen one, which his huge ego seems to demand?

The LeBron rumor mill: Good friend Carmelo says it's Cleveland (but only a guess)

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Carmelo Anthony's best guess, downplaying 'World Wide Wes' and one Yankee who won't push the Big Apple on LeBron.

(Chasing down rumors about LeBron James' basketball future could be a full-time job. Now it's my full-time job. Just call me The Rumor Monger. Every day we'll compile a list of the rumors we're hearing about James and his next contract. Just remember these are just rumors, not necessarily facts. It's going to be a long and rough ride, Cavs fans. Buckle up. -- Mary Schmitt Boyer)

lebron-carmelo-ap.jpgFellow NBA star and Team USA teammate Carmelo Anthony (right) says he expects his friend LeBron James will return to the Cavaliers after the free-agency period begins next month. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here's one reason to listen to Carmelo Anthony: At least he says he's been talking to LeBron James recently.

Unlike, oh, say, President Obama, that gives Anthony's comments some weight.

"I think he's going to stay," Anthony told Yahoo! Sports at halftime of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night in Los Angeles.

Anthony, who said he was going to attend the game with James until James cancelled, said that was just his gut feeling, not something specific from James.

• Shaquille O'Neal tweeted on Tuesday, "I think [Lakers assistant coach] Brian Shaw should get interviewed for that Cleveland Cavaliers job, he's really good."

• In ESPN.com's Rumor Central, Ric Bucher writes on soon-to-be Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, currently a Celtics assistant, and James associate William "World Wide Wes" Wesley.

"World Wide's power-broker reputation takes a big hit with the Thibodeau deal and kills idea LeBron is attached," Bucher says. "Three years -- only two guaranteed -- for $6.5 million is a bargain. Sure, World Wide Wes is saying LeBron is leaning towards Chicago. But World Wide Wes has zero to do with that. If he did and Thibodeau were part of deal, he should be fired for getting three years and $6.5 million. Thibodeau wanted the Chicago job because it's the best. Chicago made a take-it-or-leave-it offer. They didn't want to wait because they did that last [time when hiring Vinny Del Negro]."

Bucher also tweeted, "To be clear: Bulls have door open for LeBron. That's why Mike Brown had no shot at job. But if LBJ comes, it's [without] power he has in Cle."

• ESPN's Cam Martin interviewed Tonya Reiman, author of "The Power of Body Language," about James' interview with Larry King.

She says she believed James when he said he had not decided where he was going, but she didn't believe him when he said he hadn't begun to strategize, citing three shoulder shrugs.

Asked about James claim that Cleveland has the edge in re-signing him, Reiman said, "He said 'absolutely, absolutely.' I didn't think he was being genuine there. I felt like he was saying what he thought people wanted to hear."

derek-jeter-swing-ap.jpgTrying to sell LeBron James on New York? The Yankees' Derek Jeter has decided not to swing at that pitch.• Scratch Derek Jeter from the list of New Yorkers trying to convince James to sign with the Knicks.

"It wouldn't make sense," Jeter told Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com. "If I were going to another baseball team, how would a basketball player help? I don't play basketball. I have nothing to do with that."

Jeter told Marchand he knew James but not well.

"He's a nice guy," Jeter said. "He's a big Yankee fan so I've gotten to meet him. I probably think of him as a player like everyone thinks of him as a player -- he can do anything."

• Moving to New York is not necessary to enhance James' marketing possibilities, Darin David, account director at Texas-based The Marketing Arm, tells Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com.

"[LeBron] is already a megastar playing out of Cleveland," said David, using Indianapolis' Peyton Manning as another example of a marketing star from a smaller market. "The NBA, better than any other league, markets their stars. They've marketed him already as one of their featured players. The Cavaliers get plenty of prime time and featured national [TV] games during the season. I don't know that a move to New York will affect that a whole lot."

Agent Mark Bartelstein told Darcy, "I don't know how big the effects would be from a marketing standpoint. [LeBron] can get pretty much any endorsement he wants. Obviously everything is magnified in New York, more of a glow shines on the franchise, with Madison Square Garden. But LeBron transcends that anyway, wherever he goes."

• Not sure exactly how to take this one, but Gery Woelfel, writing about Bucks assistant Kelvin Sampson, in Sunday's Racine (Wis.) Journal Times, "There was also a report Sampson is drawing consideration for the vacant Cleveland Cavaliers' job, although LeBron James hasn't set up a formal interview with him yet."


Indians Comment of the Day: CC trade not looking good

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"Looks like the CC trade is getting worse by the day. None of the guys we traded for are on the big league roster - a roster that has the second-worst winning percentage in baseball." - larispitler

matt-laporta2.jpgView full sizeMatt LaPorta was the marquee name in the Indians trade of CC Sabathia nearly two years ago.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians recall Andy Marte; Matt LaPorta optioned to Columbus, cleveland.com reader larispitler is beginning to second guess the CC Sabathia trade. This reader writes,

"Looks like the CC trade is getting worse by the day. None of the guys we traded for are on the big league roster - a roster that has the second-worst winning percentage in baseball."

To respond to larispitler's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Josh Cribbs says he'll spend 2010 season 'all across the field': Browns Insider

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Josh Cribbs is coming along at receiver, but doesn't want to be considered just that.

cribbs-vert-jg.jpgJosh Cribbs says the Browns are planning many different ways to make him an impact player this fall -- only some of which have been seen at the public portions of off-season workouts.BEREA, Ohio -- Josh Cribbs has come a long way at receiver, but whatever you do, don't pigeonhole him as one.

"I'm comfortable at [receiver] but I don't want to say that's going to be my position, because I'd be doing myself and the team a disservice," he said. "That's not my only position and that's not the position you'll mostly see me at. It's going to be all across the field, and that's how I help my team."

Cribbs revealed that the Browns haven't been tipping their hand on how they'll use him during the one day a week the media are watching organized team activities.

"Right now, you won't see as much, but they know what I can do, and they know how they plan to use me," he said. "We work on it inside the building and on paper. But out here, guys are trying to make the team and guys are trying to get good looks, so they're going to hold off until early preseason."

Will he play more at running back?

"It's some of everything," he said.

What about safety, something Eric Mangini has pondered from time to time.

"You saw Mike Furrey do that a lot last year and my role is whatever it will be game by game," said Cribbs. "Where they need me to be, I'll be."

Mangini said he'll continue to use Cribbs in all of his different roles and then prioritize them.

"He's continuing to improve as a receiver, which I like," said Mangini. "He's got the Wildcat stuff and you just have got to say, how many plays a game do we want him to play?

"You want to make sure he's ready for the return game, so what's the best way to distribute that? If he comes off a return, you don't want to call the first play of the next series with him in it necessarily. There may be some times where you have to, but you're trying to balance that up with a guy that can do a lot of things in a lot of different areas."

Mangini said he won't necessarily take Cribbs off kick coverage, but might use him only later in a game if the Browns are protecting a big lead.

"We did that a little bit last year," said Mangini. "You want to make sure you get that guy down."

If it were up to Cribbs, he'd rarely come off the field.

"The older I get and the more talent we get on this team, the more [the number of plays] will die down," he said. "But for now, I want to do as much as I can to help us win."

He said he's still motivated by the folks who doubt him as a receiver, and thinks he's one of the reasons the Browns haven't signed an experienced veteran.

"It also has a lot to do with the younger guys stepping up," he said. "Brian Robiskie is having a great camp. Mohamed Massaquoi is having a great camp. Those are two guys that they really wanted to see step up and they've done it."

Where's Jerome? Running back Jerome Harrison, who participated in OTAs the past two weeks, was absent Monday. A source close to Harrison said he expects him to show up for mandatory minicamp Thursday through Saturday.

Harrison told The Plain Dealer last week that he was happy to be back and would continue playing. Harrison is one of five unsigned restricted free agents. Another, Lawrence Vickers, signed the injury waiver and showed up Monday. The others are D'Qwell Jackson, Matt Roth and Abe Elam.

Jackson has already said he won't participate in minicamp this week. The RFAs have until June 15 to sign their one-year tenders, or risk having their offers significantly reduced. But they won't be fined for missing minicamp if they're unsigned.

"I'm optimistic that most guys will be here," said Mangini. "Some guys are getting some additional learning that they may not have gotten if those restricted guys were here. Hopefully everybody will be here. We'll just have to see how it plays out."

Running back Peyton Hillis has also missed OTAs the past two weeks, but has been sick. The only player under contract who's boycotting the voluntary OTAs is kicker Phil Dawson. It's unknown whether or not he'll show up for minicamp. Last year, he did so after skipping OTAs.

Steinbach hosts military families: Browns offensive lineman Eric Steinbach has invited USO families with military members currently deployed overseas to an evening of fun and games at Dave & Buster's on Tuesday. The event is put on by Steinbach's Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Foundation. About 40 guests are expected.

Cleveland Indians select Mississippi lefty pitcher Drew Pomeranz in first round of MLB draft

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Ole Miss starter was considered the best lefty on the draft board and could be expected to move quickly up the Indians' farm system.

UPDATED: 9:49 p.m.

pomeranz-horiz-ap.jpgMississippi lefty Drew Pomeranz was the Indians' first-round choice, the fifth overall, in Monday's first-year player draft.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Picking fifth in the first round of baseball's first-year player draft Monday night, the Indians did not get cute. They opted for a proven college player with whom they were familiar, University of Mississippi left-hander Drew Pomeranz.

It is the ninth consecutive year that Cleveland has used its first pick on a college player.

Pomeranz, listed at 6-5, 231, and Chris Sale of Florida Gulf Coast were considered the best of a thin crop of lefty pitchers. Sale also was available at No. 5.

"With Drew's ability to start, and with his power stuff, we liked Drew Pomeranz," Indians scouting director Brad Grant said. "We feel like we got a big, front-of-the-rotation left-handed starter."

The Indians have until mid-August to sign him.

Pomeranz was the Tribe's only pick on day one of the draft, which resumes Tuesday with rounds 2-30. Rounds 31-50 will be Wednesday.

As expected, the Washington Nationals drafted 17-year-old outfielder/catcher Bryce Harper at No. 1. The Pirates took prep righty Jameson Taillon second. After the Orioles went with prep shortstop Manny Machado, the Royals selected college shortstop Christian Colon.

Numerous mock first rounds leading up to the draft had the Indians considering Sale, Pomeranz and college position players Zack Cox (third baseman, Arkansas), Yasmani Grandal (catcher, Miami) and Michael Choice (outfielder, Texas-Arlington).

"We took who we felt was the best player available," Grant said.

Pomeranz went 9-2 with a 2.24 ERA in 16 starts as a junior. He gave up 71 hits in 100 2/3 innings, walked 49 and struck out 139. The opposition batted .195 against the Southeastern Conference pitcher of the year.

"Drew's a guy we started to look at in high school," Grant said. "This winter, after his performance at last year's regionals and with Team USA, he became a targeted guy for us."

In a 2009 regional final, Pomeranz crafted a 16-strikeout, complete-game victory on two days' rest. The next week, he struck out 10 and threw 146 pitches in seven innings in a super regional.

"Drew on the mound is an extreme competitor," Grant said. "He looks much more mature than everybody else."

Pomeranz throws a two- and four-seam fastball, curve and change-up. His pitches can be difficult to pick up.

"He is swing-and-miss with the fastball," Grant said. "Not only is it 90-95, it explodes through the zone. He gets a lot of swings and misses with the curve ball, as well. The one pitch he still needs to develop a little bit is the change-up."

Pomeranz, drafted but unsigned by Texas in the 12th round in 2007 out of Collierville (Tenn.) High School, had a pectoral strain in the spring that is not an issue. Grant said the lefty has no history of arm injuries.

The Indians had not picked fifth or higher since 1992, when they went with University of North Carolina righty Paul Shuey at No. 2.

Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka blanks Tribe for 8 innings in 4-1 victory: Cleveland Indians briefing

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Red Sox win the opener of a four-game series at Progressive Field.

daisuke-matsuzaka-cc.jpgDaisuke Matsuzaka easily dismissed the Indians through eight innings Monday night, allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out five.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched Boston past the Indians Monday night, 4-1, at Progressive Field. Matsuzaka allowed four hits in eight innings to match his longest start of the season.

Daniel Bard completed the six-hitter with a one-run ninth. Austin Kearns provided the one run, turning around a 98 mph fastball for a leadoff homer to prevent the shutout.

The Red Sox are 23-11 since May 3. Fausto Carmona (4-5) took the loss. The Indians have lost seven of their last 11 games.

Carmona was coming off a complete game in a 3-0 loss to Detroit's Armando Galarraga. He didn't walk a batter in that game, but he walked six against Boston.

Matsuzaka struck out five and walked two on 112 pitches

One by one: Carmona allowed five hits in six innings. The Red Sox, however, couldn't blow the game open against him.

They took a 1-0 lead in the first on Marco Scutaro's leadoff double and Kevin Youkilis' sac fly. They made it 2-0 in the third when Josh Reddick reached on Carmona's throwing error and came around to score on a stolen base and two ground balls.

Victor Martinez made it 3-0 against his old club with a sacrifice fly in the seventh. Bill Hall's RBI single in the eighth off Hector Ambriz made it 4-0.

Pregame notes:

Bye-bye LaPorta: Manager Manny Acta sees Matt LaPorta's future with the Indians at first base. His immediate future, however, will be playing left field and first base for Class AAA Columbus.

 The Indians optioned LaPorta to Columbus today to clear a spot for Andy Marte, who came off the disabled list. Marte said he was "sick' and needed surgery, but would not go into details about his illness. Marte, reportedly, needed surgery for an ingrown hair on his abdomen that became infected.

 "We just don't think there are enough at bats up here for LaPorta right now," said Acta. "With the way Austin Kearns has swung the bat, and the way we've stretched out Russell Branyan to play about five games a week at first base, it's not fair to the kid.

 "We feel he should be down there and playing every day until we can find him enough at bats up here."

 Which brings us back to where this season started. If the Indians are rebuilding, shouldn't LaPorta be playing every day in the big league despite the presence of Kearns and Branyan?

 That's what the Indians said when season opened. They said LaPorta belonged in the big leagues because he was at the stage of his career where he had to play here. LaPorta went sent to Columbus hitting .218 (26-for-119) with four doubles, one home and seven RBI in 35 games.

 "Everybody wants to develop and win at the same time," said Acta. "We did give him an opportunity at the beginning, but right now it's just not fair to him.

 "Whether you're developing or not, you still want to put the best team out on the field with the roster you have at hand. We feel he needs to go over there (Columbus) get at bats, get in a groove. Then later on, if anything happens over here, then come up and be able to play every day."

 If and when LaPorta establishes himself in the big leagues, Acta sees him as a first baseman.

 "With Michael Brantley probably joining this ballclub down the road, we'll probably look at him as a first baseman," said Acta.

 Lineups: Red Sox (33-25): SS Marco Scutaro (R), 2B Dustin Pedroia (R), DH David Ortiz (DH), 1B Kevin Youkilis (R), C Victor Martinez (S), RF J.D. Drew (L), 3B Adrian Beltre (R), LF Bill Hall (R), CF Josh Reddick (L) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (4-2, 5.49).

 Indians (21-34): CF Trevor Crowe (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), LF Austin Kearns (L), LF Austin Kearns (R), 1B Russell Branyan (L), 3B Jhonny Peralta (R), 2B Luis Valbuena (R), C Mike Redmond (R), SS Jason Donald (R) RHP Fausto Carmona (4-4, 3.53).

 Umpires: H Adrian Johnson, 1B Mike Everitt, 2B Todd Tichenor, 3B Andy Fletcher. 

 Lineup notes: 2B Mark Grudzielanek is still day to day with a strained right hamstring. Red Sox closers Jonathan Papelbon was placed on bereavement list. Right-hander Boof Bonser came off the disabled list to replace him. 

 Talk, talk: What was Acta saying to plate umpire Ed Rapuano when he went on the field Sunday in Chicago?

 "Jhonny (Peralta) and the home plate umpire were going back and forth," said Acta. "I just went out there to protect Jhonny. I thought he (Rapuano) was trying to bait him."

Quote of the day: "I remember one time going out to the mound to talk with Bob Gibson. He told me to get back behind the batter; that the only thing I knew about pitching was that it was hard to hit," former Cardinal catcher Tim McCarver.

 Next: RHP Tim Wakefield (1-4, 6.02) vs. LHP David Huff (2-6, 6.08) Tuesday at 7:05 p.m

Victor Martinez has an enjoyable return to Cleveland: Indians Insider

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Victor Martinez said hello to an old friend Monday afternoon. The old friend was Progressive Field.

martinez-pregame-son-cc.jpgIf there was some nostalgia, there was no hard feelings from Victor Martinez on Monday, who returned for the first time to Progressive Field -- with his son, Victor -- since last summer's trade to the Red Sox.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Victor Martinez returned to Progressive Field on Monday, but it felt strange.

He walked through a different door to the ballpark and dressed in a different clubhouse. He was back home, but not really.

The Indians traded Martinez to Boston last July 31 after he spent over 13 seasons in the organization. He had tears in his eyes the day he was traded for Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price. So did his son, Victor.

On Monday afternoon Martinez was smiling, holding his son in his lap.

"I have some real feelings coming back here," said Martinez. "It's tough."

He walked to the Indians' dugout and shook hands with some former teammates. Many of his old friends were no longer there, traded over two years of fire sales that have turned the Indians from a contender into a doormat.

"It was good to see all the guys and shake hands with them," said Martinez. "To be honest, I've been looking forward to seeing everyone I know here. I was here for a long time."

This really was a trip back in time for Martinez. He spent Monday with Bob and Patty Bixler.

"They were my host family in my first year with the Indians when I came to the United States and played in Mahoning Valley," said Martinez. "It's about an hour drive from here. I consider them to be part of my family."

Martinez and the Indians made it to Game 7 of the ALCS in 2007. They blew a 3-1 lead against Boston. The current roster has been stripped of most of the talent that made that run possible.

"You go back to 2007, that team that we had," said Martinez, "two or three years later there's pretty much nobody left. It's pretty tough to believe, but that's the way it is."

Martinez entered Monday's game hitting .294 (55-for-187) with 15 doubles, eight homers and 29 RBI. He received a polite round of applause in the first inning before hitting into a force play. He started the fourth with a double.

"I'm thankful they sent me to one of the greatest teams in baseball," said Martinez, who had two hits and an RBI in Boston's 4-1 victory Monday. "The Red Sox are always a contender. They play in front of a full house every night. What more could you want?"

Martinez said he just sold his house in the Cleveland area and purchased one in Orlando, Fla.

Down the road: Manny Acta sees Matt LaPorta's future at first base. His immediate future, however, will be playing left field and first base for Class AAA Columbus.

The Indians optioned LaPorta to Columbus on Monday to clear a spot for infielder Andy Marte, who came off the disabled list. Marte said he was "sick" and needed surgery, but would not go into details about his illness. Marte, reportedly, needed treatment for an ingrown hair on his abdomen that became infected.

"We just don't think there are enough at-bats up here for LaPorta right now," said Acta. "With the way Austin Kearns has swung the bat, and the way we've stretched out Russell Branyan to play about five games a week at first base, it's not fair to the kid."

Which brings us back to where this season started. If the Indians are rebuilding, shouldn't LaPorta be playing every day in the big league despite the presence of Kearns and Branyan?

That's what they said when season opened. They said LaPorta belonged in the big leagues because he was at the stage of his career where he had to play here. LaPorta went sent to Columbus hitting .218 (26-for-119) with four doubles, one home run and seven RBI in 35 games.

"Everybody wants to develop and win at the same time," said Acta. "We did give him an opportunity at the beginning, but right now it's just not fair to him. Whether you're developing or not, you still want to put the best team out on the field with the roster you have at hand."

Finally: Mark Grudzielanek didn't start Monday after straining his right hamstring Sunday against the White Sox.

St. Edward star Stetson Allie still waiting for MLB draft selection

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Stetson Allie, who on Sunday pitched St. Edward to the Division I state championship, was undrafted during the first round and the compensation round of the first-year player draft on Monday.

allie-draft-ss.jpgSt. Edward's Stetson Allie, with his mother, Kim, and cousin Chase Pilato, waited in vain to hear his name announced in Monday's opening round of baseball's amateur draft. The talented pitcher isn't expected to wait long when the draft resumes Tuesday morning.OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio -- What began as a night full of promise ended in disappointment.

Waiting for your future to unfold, at least the first giant step, can do that to a guy.

Stetson Allie, who on Sunday pitched St. Edward to the Division I state championship, was undrafted during the first round and the compensation round of the first-year player draft on Monday.

Allie, who has signed a national letter of intent with North Carolina, was expected to go in the first round by many draft experts. At one time, Baseball America had him going to Houston with the eighth pick. In more recent projections, he was expected to go anywhere from the 15th to the 25th pick. Lasting until the latter stages of the first round wore on his nerves.

"He is disappointed, we're all disappointed," said Allie's father and coach, Danny. "It's a crazy business. People rate different players in different ways."

At approximately 6:15 p.m., Stetson Allie said, "I am more nervous over this than I was starting the state championship game. I'm anxious to know where I'm going, what my future might be."

At approximately 9:45 p.m., while sitting in the family room with his parents, Danny and Kim, his older brother Logan, his girlfriend, Bryce Romp, the 6-4, 215-pound right-hander who is capable of reaching 98 mph with his fastball admitted he was "becoming disappointed."

Baseball America's Jim Callis, who had Allie going to Philadelphia with the 27th pick, also expressed surprise.

"I didn't think he would be an exceptionally tough sign," Callis said after the first round was complete. "He has as good of stuff as any of the pitchers taken."

With approximately 50 friends and family members and a camera crew from the Major League Baseball Network waiting outside, Allie went to another room to watch. Around 10:20, MLB's Peter Gammons remarked, "Stetson Allie is still sitting out there."

A total of 50 players were chosen, including players Stetson had played with or against. When it was over Allie sat with his mom and talked quietly.

The good news is that the second round begins Tuesday at noon. So, the battle cry around the Allie household can be, "Wait 'til tomorrow."

Cleveland fans know that all too well.

OSU's Wimmers goes to Twins: With the 21st pick in the first round, Minnesota took Ohio State junior right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers, an All-American and the two-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Year. Wimmers, a Cincinnati native, was 9-0 this season with a 1.60 ERA that ranked fifth in the nation.

Wimmers, 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, throws a 90 mph fastball, a curve and a change-up, all with good command. He was one of the most polished pitchers in the draft, and ESPN draft analyst Keith Law compared Wimmers to Mike Leake, Cincinnati's 2009 No. 1 draft choice. Leake skipped the minors and began this season in the Reds' rotation, goinng 5-0 with a 2.22 ERA in 11 starts to far.

Staff writer Doug Lesmerises contributed to this report.

Boston's Dice-K rolls over punchless Cleveland Indians, 4-1

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The best of plans, or even the simplest, must be carried out to the letter if they are to work. The Indians had a plan, but Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka shredded it Monday at Progressive Field.

kearns-out-square-cc.jpgAn unhappy Austin Kearns sits on the infield dirt between second and third base after making the final out of the Indians' first inning Monday night at Progressive Field. Kearns was tagged out after Boston's Adrian Beltre overran a grounder hit by Russell Branyan, but recovered when Kearns rounded too far past second base.

INDIANS CHATTER
Clubhouse confidential: Jason Donald has received a lot of voice and text messages from his family and friends about the play that cost Detroit's Armando Galarraga a perfect game Wednesday at Comerica Park.
"A lot of them are joking around saying, 'I know you were out, but you were safe in my book,'" said Donald. "It's there on the replay. Everyone saw it.
"My family and friends were more happy with the way I just ran down the line and hustled," said Donald. "I think people can respect that."
First-base umpire Jim Joyce called Donald safe on what should have been the 27th and final out of Galarraga's perfect game. Joyce admitted after the game game that he blew the call.

Gathering of the clan: Boston manager Terry Francona was in the Boston dugout with his father, Tito, before Monday's game.
Tito Francona played with the Indians from 1959 through 1965. Terry played for the Tribe in 1988.

Stat of the day: The Indians went into Monday's game with the highest ERA and the 10th-lowest batting average in the AL.
-- Paul Hoynes
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' plan against Daisuke Matsuzaka wasn't complicated. They wanted to make him throw a lot of pitches early, get a lead and get him out of the game.

That way, they wouldn't have to face Boston's late-inning relievers while trailing. Even without closer Jonathan Papelbon, placed on the bereavement list before the first pitch, that does not make for a pleasant night's work.

So much for the plan. Matsuzaka threw eight scoreless innings to beat the Indians, 4-1, at Progressive Field. Austin Kearns prevented the Indians from being shut out for the sixth time with a leadoff homer in the ninth off a 98 mph fastball from Daniel Bard.

Other than that it was silence, and not such a golden silence, from the hitters.

"Matsuzaka took our plan of working the count, and getting his pitch count up, and just put it to the side," said manager Manny Acta. "He did it by being aggressive in the strike zone."

The Japanese right-hander, matching his longest start of the season, threw 112 pitches, 70 for strikes. He struck out five, walked two and allowed four hits.

The Red Sox are 30-16 since April 20 and 23-11 since May 3, the hottest team in the big leagues. Fausto Carmona (4-5, 3.49) caught them at the wrong time. So did the Indians, who have lost seven of their last 11 games.

In his previous start, Carmona worked eight innings in a 3-0 loss against Detroit's Armando Galarraga in the perfect game that wasn't. He didn't walk a batter. Monday he tied a season high with six walks.

"I had trouble throwing first-pitch strikes," said Carmona.

Along with the walks, Carmona allowed five hits and four runs in six innings. It looks like an ugly line, but Acta saw something different.

"All I heard when I came here is that Fausto crumbles when he gets guys on base," said Acta. "Tonight it looked like he had a man on second base in every inning, but he kept fighting. He gave us a chance to win."

Boston took a 1-0 lead in the first on Marco Scutaro's leadoff double and Kevin Youkilis' sacrifice fly. They made it 2-0 in the third when Josh Reddick reached on Carmona's throwing error and came around to score on a stolen base and ground outs by Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz.

Victor Martinez made it 3-0 against his old club with a sacrifice fly in the seventh. Martinez received a warm round of applause from the crowd of 14,758 fans when he came to the plate in the first inning. It was the first time he'd been back to Cleveland since being traded to Boston on July 31.



Martinez hit into a force play in that at-bat, but doubled in the fourth and singled in the sixth before his sacrifice fly in the seventh.

"I really appreciate that," said Martinez, of the ovation. "I didn't leave this city because I wanted to. This city was great for me and my family."

Boston scored its final run in the eighth. Adrian Beltre hit a leadoff double off Hector Ambriz. He went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Bill Hall's single. Hall was thrown out trying for a double, but it didn't hurt the Red Sox totals in the box score. They finished with five doubles, three by Scutaro, the former Tribe farmhand who scored two runs.

"Except for not being able top get Scutaro out, I thought Fausto gave us a chance to win," said Acta. "We couldn't do anything against Matsuzaka."

Matsuzaka has won 150 games in the big leagues and Japan.

On an offense that has lost Asdrubal Cabrera (broken left forearm) and Grady Sizemore (knee surgery), Kearns has been a consistent force. Over his last 12 games, he's hitting .354 (17-for-48) with three doubles, two homers, six RBI and 12 runs. He's the main reason prospect Matt LaPorta was sent to Class AAA Columbus Monday.

Kearns is too hot to take out of the lineup. Without him, the Indians might slide into the International League.

"I did not anticipate, when we were leaving Goodyear, Ariz., after spring training, on having Austin Kearns hitting in the middle of our lineup," said Acta. "Our plan was that he was going to be our fourth outfielder.

"He's done a tremendous job. He was patient at the beginning of the season. Waited his turn and took advantage of the opportunity. Right now he's in the middle of our lineup and one of the few threats."


Victor Martinez talks about return to Cleveland: Video

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Watch video as Red Sox catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez talks about his first game against his former team the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Monday night.

Watch video as Red Sox catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez talks about his first game against his former team the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Monday night.

Martinez received a nice hand from crowd before his first at-bat. He had two hits and an RBI in Boston's 4-1 victory.



Is Michigan State coach Tom Izzo the answer? Poll

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Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, a graduate of Michigan State, has made an offer to Spartans coach Tom Izzo to become the coach of the Cavaliers. According to sources, LeBron James says he will not have any say on whom the Cavaliers hire as the next coach. So is Izzo the answer?   Is Tom Izzo the answer for...

izzops.jpgTom Izzo

Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, a graduate of Michigan State, has made an offer to Spartans coach Tom Izzo to become the coach of the Cavaliers.


According to sources, LeBron James says he will not have any say on whom the Cavaliers hire as the next coach. So is Izzo the answer?


 




LeBron James A.M. Links: Derek Jeter and Jay-Z say no; Charles Oakley also says no; Chicago Bulls hire means nothing

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New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter says he won't help recruit LeBron James to New York, despite Knicks president Donnie Walsh's plea for as many New Yorkers as possible to help convince James to chose the Knicks. Jeter says to ESPNNewYork.com: "It wouldn't make sense." James is good friends with Jay-Z, part owner of the New York Nets, but Jay-Z...

lbjvertjg.jpgLeBron James drains a shot over Chicago's Luol Deng.New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter says he won't help recruit LeBron James to New York, despite Knicks president Donnie Walsh's plea for as many New Yorkers as possible to help convince James to chose the Knicks.

Jeter says to ESPNNewYork.com:

"It wouldn't make sense."

James is good friends with Jay-Z, part owner of the New York Nets, but Jay-Z says it's James' decision.

CC Sabathia is also friends with James, but admitted he didn't know what he'd say to persuade James to pick New York.

"You don't have to sell winning in New York," Jeter said.

Jeter hypothetically compared it to if he were going to be recruited by one of the Los Angeles teams and Magic Johnson called him.

"If I were going to another baseball team, how would a basketball player help?" Jeter said. "I don't play basketball. I have nothing to do with that."

 

Oakley speaks against New York

Cleveland native Charles Oakley is not sure where LeBron James will play next year, but he is sure where he wouldn't want James to go.

In The New York Post:

"I can't tell him to go to New York," Oakley said. "New York treated me bad.

... When I go to the Knicks games, do you know that they have somebody that follows me around to see what I say to the press?"

Oakley, who played for the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets, says he would point James to the Miami Heat if asked.

 "I said maybe Chicago or Miami . I think him and (Dwyane) Wade would be great together," Oakley said.

 

Chicago hire means nothing

Melissa Isaacson writes on ESPNChicago.com that the selection of Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau as the next head coach of the Bulls is neither a plus nor a minus when it comes to LeBron James landing in Chicago.

The Bulls were told by a few people close to James that the hiring of Thibodeau would not influence his decision on coming to Chicago one way or the other, and that after reports surfaced that John Calipari might be a candidate for Bulls coach, James let it be known he did not want to be part of those decisions for any prospective team unless it involved someone he really did not like.

 

Talk sports with Terry Pluto Tuesday at noon

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Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto for a live chat about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

Terry Pluto use this new head shotTerry Pluto tackles your questions live every Tuesday at noon.Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto for a live chat about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians today at noon.

You can jump in the chat room below to ask your questions or just listen. An mp3 of the chat will be made available shortly after its completion.














































































































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Cleveland Cavaliers A.M. Links: Izzo should only go if LeBron stays;

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It would be a mistake for Tom Izzo to leave Michigan State for the Cleveland Cavaliers, unless LeBron James remains with the Cavaliers writes Dick Weiss of The New York Daily News. The Cavs are an Eastern Conference contender with the King. They will be a sinking franchise in Lake Erie if this Elvis leaves the building for good....

tomizzo.jpgTom IzzoIt would be a mistake for Tom Izzo to leave Michigan State for the Cleveland Cavaliers, unless LeBron James remains with the Cavaliers writes Dick Weiss of The New York Daily News.

The Cavs are an Eastern Conference contender with the King. They will be a sinking franchise in Lake Erie if this Elvis leaves the building for good.

Weiss goes on to write that Izzo has never coached the heavily hyped franchise players and why start now if he joins the Cavaliers and if LeBron remains. Izzo should be cautious. He has job security in East Lansing. That could all change with one bad season in the NBA.

Sure, East Lansing is no Durham, N.C., but it's also no Cleveland. And if Izzo leaves Michigan State without the guarantee of coaching the King, he could end with a royal mess on his hands.

 

The new GM

Rick Noland writes on Medina-Gazette.com that new General Manager Chris Grant, unlike the eight general managers before him, is in a situation where the stakes have never been higher.

The organization doesn't know what LeBron James is going to do this summer. The Cavaliers don't have any draft picks. The team doesn't have a coach.

Other than that, the 38-year­-old Grant is walking into his dream job.

Grant, who previously worked for the Atlanta Hawks before becoming an assistant to former GM Danny Ferry in Cleveland, is highly respected around the league and ready to make the leap, but he’s fac­ing a lot of tough questions that don’t really have answers at the moment.

It all begins — and ends — with James, the two-time league MVP who, even if unin­tentionally, basically has tied the franchise’s hands behind its back.

 

 

LeBron and business

We all know LeBron James will have an impact on and off the court on whichever team he signs with this summer. The arena will sell out, the businesses close to the arena will see more profit and everyone associated will enjoy the economic impact.

But what will James get out of it, writes Neil Best of Newsday.

In free agency, though, the ball is in the player’s court, and thus the courting of James must focus on what is in it for him. Presumably, money matters to a man who openly aspires to become a $1-billion athlete.

But every team other than the Cavaliers can offer him the same salary terms, so the focus has been on the endorsement end of his portfolio.

Best writes that New York is not the key to riches. 

“The knee-jerk reaction and conventional wisdom is that by coming to New York, he would further his chances for endorsements,” said Andrew Forman, an associate professor of marketing at Hofstra. “He’s already the highest-earning endorser in the NBA without being in New York. It’s hard to say he’s been hurt by being in Cleveland to this point.”

 

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