Dear NBA and NFL: fix your problems, then we'll talk, sports columnist Bud Shaw says on behalf of Cleveland Fan.

View full sizeJae C. Hong / Associated PressAs long as NBA Commissioner David Stern (and the NFL's Roger Goodell) is willing to play labor brinkmanship with leagues that benefit from publicly-funded stadiums and arenas in order that billionaires can get a few more billions, Bud Shaw figures that Cleveland Fan may find better things to do with money that normally goes to season-ticket purchases.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- To: Dan Gilbert:

c.c. Mike Holmgren

From: Cleveland Fan

Got your season ticket renewal letters. Hope you don't mind if I respond in an email. In this economy, saving two stamps is nothing to sneeze at.

Dan, great passion as always. Love the enthusiasm. The part when you call out the "naysayers, awfulizers and energy-sucking types" predicting a hard slog ahead for your 10-46 Cavaliers. That's good stuff.

Hadn't thought of "awfulizers" as a word, but will from now on. You can bet your Quicken Loans-mortgaged house on it, if you're carrying a mortgage, which you're probably not.

You wrote, "Smart, insightful fans and supporters like you understand what must be done here to reach our ultimate goal." So what if you said something similar in regard to fan recognition of Manny Harris' exciting future and he's currently riding Byron Scott's bench like the Lone Ranger rode Silver. I still like Manny and I still like the approach. Being called smart and insightful if I agree with you somehow makes me want to agree with you.

Overall, your letter was everything I was hoping for: Glenn Beck meets Lewis Black. Not quite July 8 good, but that's a high bar.

Mike, good to hear from you, too. We share your optimism for the future and hope you're correct when you say "we are headed in the right direction," especially after switching directions from the last time we were told we were heading in the right direction.

We were really hoping you'd come back down to the sidelines and coach. Or that maybe your reputation would attract a guy like Jon Gruden. But, hey, you were a young coordinator once, and if Pat Shurmur ends up half as successful, we can live with that.

West coast? North coast? Whatever! Any offense with the word "coast" in it instead of the grind we were watching sounds good to us.

I realize you have no control over league matters. But why would NFL ownership feel the need to lock out players and threaten that tax-supported stadiums could go dark come September while still asking for my season ticket renewal -- in full! -- by May 1?

I don't like talking about money, mostly because it reminds me that I don't have much expendable income. Still, I'd pay extra for a guarantee that every quarterback wouldn't go down with a high ankle sprain next year. I'd pay a Hex Renewal Fee to you, Dan, if a playoff loss for the Miami Heat could be assured.

But I'd only pay for season tickets once I know there will be season in the NBA and NFL next year.

I know you're just doing what your leagues have instructed by sending out season ticket renewals before we know what the future of collective bargaining might bring. So I don't hold you accountable. In fact, you two are the main reasons why we fans have any hope at all for the Cavs and Browns, respectively. So don't take it personally.

But when you get official word there's going to be a season, check back with me. I mean, Dan, I paid last May not knowing if LeBron would be back. Now I don't know if the league will be back.

Something about that doesn't seem right.

In the meantime, can I ask you both something? My kids, Whammer and Little Dawg, are starting to develop crooked smiles. Just my luck, the dentist says they may both need braces at the same time. I won't know for sure until their next dental appointments.

It's always something. Turns out the dog isn't maintenance free either. The vet seems to think ol' Braylon (as we call him) may need hip surgery. Made a great grab on the Frisbee I threw and hurt himself doing a celebratory back flip.

Needing the braces or the surgery isn't for sure yet. But how about throwing a little cash my way just in case? A little something for my loyalty.

I'll be glad to reimburse your money if later this summer I find out that Whammer, Little Dawg and Braylon are in the clear.

Or if you want, I'll apply it to the 2012 Braces and Hip Surgery fund I've started with the money from my second job.

Thanks in advance for your payments.

And go Cavs and Browns.

Cleveland Fan

Grady Sizemore's return from microfrature surgery on his left knee took another positive step Sunday as he ran sprints and did agility drills. Watch video

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain DealerGrady Sizemore was encouraged after doing his first running of the spring during Sunday's workout in Goodyear, Ariz. "It's not a huge step," Sizemore said. "It's something new we're introducing. It's another part of the progression."

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Sunday's rain and wet grounds cut short the Indians' first full-team workout of spring training, but not before Grady Sizemore ran sprints and did some agility drills in the outfield.

It's the first time Sizemore has taken such steps since undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee June 4. He was running only at 50 percent, and won't do again until Tuesday or Wednesday, but it was a positive step.

"It went well," said manager Manny Acta. "He was supposed to do it at 50 or 60 percent, and he felt good after it."

Sizemore's goal is to be ready to open the season on April 1. If he can't, it won't be a major disappointment.

"Basically we're going to go off the knee," said Sizemore. "If the knee doesn't feel good, we're not going to push forward."

Sizemore has been rehabbing in Goodyear since August. If his return to the Indians is delayed until mid-April or early May, so be it. He wants to play as soon as possible, but the length of this rehab has taught him patience.

After the workout, Sizemore said, "It's not a huge step. It's something new we're introducing. It's another part of the progression."

When Sizemore is ready for the regular season, Acta will use him cautiously. "I'm not anticipating running this guy out there for 155 ... 160 games like he was able to do before," said Acta. "At least not in his first year coming back. We have to be mindful that he's coming back from this tough surgery."

Sizemore was asked if he thought he'd be put back in the leadoff spot when he was ready to play.

"First, I have to get back in the lineup," he said.

Tug-of-war: The Indians want to put a patch on their regular season uniform jerseys to honor Bob Feller, the Hall of Famer who died on Dec. 15. The patch is based on a picture of Feller, featuring his high leg kick, taken in the 1930s.

Ownership of the picture is unclear and the Indians are trying to clarify the situation. They are still hopeful of using the patch for the 2011 season. Players are wearing a circular patch with Feller's No. 19 on the their spring-training jerseys, which will also be worn in batting practice during the regular season.

Instruction: Former Tribe manager Mike Hargrove, hired as special advisor, arrives in camp Thursday to help instruct first baseman Matt LaPorta and others. Eduardo Perez, hired as a special assistant, will help with the instruction as well.

Kenny Lofton arrives Tuesday as guest instructor for base running and outfield play. Lofton is the franchise leader in stolen bases and won four Gold Gloves in center field.

New ink, new chance: David Huff came to camp with an elaborate tattoo on his right arm.

"It's a samurai warrior slaying a three-headed dragon," said Huff. The new tattoo is mixed in with an old one of Japanese lettering. Asked what it meant, Huff said, "It's an old nickname. The silent assassin."

Huff is trying to win the fifth spot in the Indians rotation. His main competition is Jeanmar Gomez, Anthony Reyes, Aaron Laffey and Josh Tomlin.

Last season Huff lost 11 games and did not see eye-to-eye with Acta and the coaching staff. It earned him two demotions to Class AAA Columbus.

"People's moods change with results," said Acta. "We need to see results. When you don't see results, and you see the player is talented, you get a little edgy and try to get the best out of the guy."

Said Huff, "That's all water under the bridge. I'm just glad they still believe in me."

Big day: Justine Siegal, who grew up in Cleveland Heights, is scheduled to throw batting practice Monday to the Indians. She'll throw to minor leaguers in the morning and to some of the Indians catchers later in the day.

Siegal is the first woman to throw batting practice to a big-league team. She's already the first woman to coach first base for a men's team with the Brockton Sox in 2009. She was also the only female assistant college coach at Sprinfield College from 2007-10.

For more information go justinebaseball@gmail.com.

Finally: If Sizemore isn't ready on opening day, the outfield will be Michael Brantley in center, Shin-Soo Choo in right and Austin Kearns in left. ... Carlos Santana, who has been in multiple bullpen sessions every day, seems fully recovered from his left knee operation in August. He'll play in Thursday's intrasquad game.

Browns strong on left side of O-line and at center, but right side needs help. Numerous links, many draft-related.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer Improved blocking on the right side of the offensive line might help prevent some sacks - like this one - of Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NFL draft in April will last seven rounds, so the Cleveland Browns and the league's 31 other teams will get chances to improve their rosters beyond their first picks.

The Browns, 14-34 over the last three seasons, have numerous needs to address, and rounds 2-7 could help fill the gaps. Among them is the right side of the offensive line.

Cleveland almost certainly wouldn't use its first pick -- the sixth overall selection in the draft -- to bolster either the right tackle or right guard position. But it would be no stunner for the Browns to use a relatively high pick at either spot.

Jeff Schudel writes for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal that NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock believes some pretty good right tackles will be available in the middle rounds.

Schudel writes about the Browns' right tackle situation: 

They should be in the market for one because they cut John St. Clair, who started 10 games at right tackle last year.

Tony Pashos, signed last year in free agency, played in only three games before an ankle injury forced him on injured reserve. A shoulder injury limited Pashos to five games in 2009 when he was with the 49ers.

"You can go down to the third or fourth rounds and find some pretty solid guys," Mayock said in a conference call previewing the NFL scouting combine, which starts Thursday in Indianapolis. "Jah Reid from Central Florida and Joe Barksdale from LSU – to me they're both going to be right tackles.

"Reid is immense (6-71⁄2, 325 pounds). He doesn't look good in drills, but he looks good when you get 11 players on the field.

"Barksdale is a little bit of an underachiever. He was a starter at LSU. He has all the height and weight and you want, but he's not real consistent."

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns and NFL coverage includes beat writer Tony Grossi's outline of major issues involved in the contract dispute between the NFL and the players union; Grossi's "Hey, Tony!;" and "Terry Pluto's Talkin.' "

Post patterns

The Browns might be able to draft a standout defensive lineman after the first round, writes Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository.

Who the Browns might pick in the first round, by Mike McLain of the Warren Tribune Chronicle.

Analyzing the Browns quarterback situation, by Mike Wilkening on ProFootballWeekly.com.

James Walker of ESPN.com answers readers' questions about the AFC North teams, including the Browns.

This week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis might help teams sort out who the best defensive linemen in the draft are, by Russ Lande for SportingNews.com.

New head coaches who should succeed, by Michael Martinez for Scout.com and FoxSports.com.

On NFL.com, NFL Network video of kick returner/receiver Josh Cribbs talking about the Browns, including quarterback Colt McCoy.

A few pass rushing defensive ends should be available for the Browns to draft, by Dave Kolonich for the Orange and Brown Report on Scout.com.

Coach Pat Shurmur and the Browns prepare for the scouting combine, by Matt Florjancic for clevelandbrowns.com.

Observations after E'Twaun Moore's sensational effort against the Buckeyes. Watch video

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Observations after E'Twaun Moore's sensational effort against the Buckeyes.

1. Jared Sullinger had been pushed out of place, kept from the paint by Wisconsin and Michigan State in Ohio State's previous two games. In Sunday's 76-63 loss to Purdue, the freshman found his way again, scoring 25 points and grabbing six rebounds after putting up 11 and two against the Spartans on Tuesday.

The key was Sullinger kicking the ball out of the post when he didn't like his position, then working harder to establish himself deeper in the paint. Though he's a good passer, that was something he hadn't done as much in the first three months of the season.

"I wanted to work on that in practice this week, because I was catching it nearly at the free-throw line," Sullinger said. "So I kicked it out and got it back."

Sullinger said sometimes his defender relaxed when he made the first pass, allowing him better position. At other times, he created driving lanes for his teammates. Though the Buckeyes didn't get the win, at least Sullinger got back on track despite his foul trouble, going 9-of-14 from the field and 7-of-7 from the foul line in 33 minutes. It was his seventh time this season scoring at least 20.

"I think I won the battle of being physical," Sullinger said. "That's part of the game, so it's an A-plus for me."

2. Purdue coach Matt Painter thought one thing made E'Twaun Moore's career-high 38 points even more impressive -- that the scoring came while he was often guarded by David Lighty and Aaron Craft, two of the best defenders in the Big Ten.

"I think David Lighty is the best defensive guard in the league," Painter said. "I really like Craft and how he disrupts the game."

There were times when other Buckeyes were unsuccessfully chasing Moore, but in general, the Buckeyes felt like they did an OK job, and it didn't seem like there were egregious defensive breakdowns, though coach Thad Matta remembered a couple miscommunications. But they pointed to Moore's jumper over an outstretched Lighty to end the first half as an example of it being Moore's day.

"That was an incredible shot," Matta said. "We made some mistakes and he made us pay. He was on."

3. Deshaun Thomas seems lost. The Ohio State freshman had his chance Sunday, with William Buford, Dallas Lauderdale and Jared Sullinger all in early foul trouble, but he couldn't take advantage. After averaging seven minutes in Ohio State's last five games, he played 10 minutes in the first half, but he was ineffective, which made Matta obviously reluctant to play him more.

Thomas finished with no points in 12 minutes, shooting 0-for-6 from the field and 0-for-1 from the line. It's not a surprise to see a freshman lose his way on defense, but Thomas's smooth shooting stroke has vanished as well. The Buckeyes have to work on getting his confidence back, because they may need him again at some point.

4. The record that wouldn't fall finally went down, as Jon Diebler became the Big Ten's all-time leading 3-point shooter, passing Penn State's Pete Lisicky by making two of his four 3-point attempts. He now has 333 in his career. But defenses continue to shadow Diebler, making it difficult for him to find open shots.

Matta said the key is getting defensive stops and getting out in transition, where Diebler is his most effective stopping and popping before defenders are set.

Because both sides agreed to a federal mediator's request that they not comment publicly on these negotiations, it's not clear what, if any, progress is being made.

Associated PressFederal mediator George Cohen (photo) has met with the NFL and its players union for more than 20 hours in the last three days.

WASHINGTON – Federally mediated negotiations toward a new NFL labor deal lasted about eight hours Sunday, the third consecutive day the league and its players' union met to try to find common ground before the current contract expires.

NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith didn't stop for questions as he left the Washington office of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a U.S. government agency, shortly after 6 p.m. He and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell arrived within minutes of each other, shortly before 10 a.m.

Sunday was the third consecutive — and, so far, longest — day of face-to-face communication after months of slow and sometimes contentious bargaining. The sides have met for a total of more than 20 hours since Friday in front of George Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Because both sides agreed to Cohen's request that they not comment publicly on these negotiations, it's not clear what, if any, progress is being made.

"You know we're not going to give you any information," NFL outside lawyer Bob Batterman said as he left with three league executives. "I can't say anything, other than the fact that we are meeting."

Batterman, who represented the NHL when it lost its entire 2004-05 season to a lockout, then referred to Cohen as a "first-class mediator."

The NFL's labor deal expires at the end of the day March 3. The union has said it believes team owners want to lock out the players as soon as the next day, which could threaten the 2011 season.

On his way into the talks Sunday morning, Jeff Pash, the NFL's general counsel and lead labor negotiator said: "We are working hard, and we're following the director's playbook, and we'll see what we come up with."

Lawyers Jeffrey Kessler and Richard Berthelsen, current players Tony Richardson of the New York Jets and Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and former players Pete Kendall and Sean Morey were among those representing the union Sunday. They began arriving before 9 a.m.

"Conversation is good," Richardson said when he left.

The sides met for about six hours on both Friday and Saturday. Cohen announced Thursday the groups agreed to the mediation, which is not binding but is meant as a way to spur progress.

The plan calls for several days of negotiations with Cohen present. The mediation could be seen as a positive sign after several months of infrequent negotiations — and frequent rhetoric, including charges from each side that the other was hoping for a work stoppage.

The league and union went more than two months without any formal bargaining until Feb. 5, the day before the Super Bowl. The sides met again the next week but called off a second meeting that had been scheduled for the following day.

The most recent CBA was signed in 2006, but owners exercised an opt-out clause in 2008.

The biggest issue separating the sides is how to divide about $9 billion in annual revenues. Among the other significant points in negotiations: the owners' push to expand the regular season from 16 games to 18 while reducing the preseason by two games; a rookie wage scale; and benefits for retired players.

No team owners have been seen at the mediated sessions, but they're surely keeping up with what's happening — and at least one indicated optimism about the 2011 season in a roundabout way.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted Sunday: "T Minus 351 days 2 Sup Bowl kickoff in Indy...early predictions 4 participating teams???"

Asdrubal Cabrera needed a dose of winter ball in Venezuela to revive his body and confidence after a breaking his left forearm and struggling for much of last season.

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain Dealer"It was very important for me to play winter ball, said Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera after a 2010 season interrupted by a broken left forearm. "It was very important for me, my arm and my whole body. I got my confidence back."

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- When Asdrubal Cabrera returned from having six screws and a metal plate inserted in his left forearm last season, he was not the picture of health.

"You have to give him credit," said manager Manny Acta. "He was tough. He played through it. But we could tell that his forearm was weak."

Cabrera fractured the arm on May 17 when he collided behind second base with third baseman Jhonny Peralta at Tropicana Field. The defense was shifted to the right side of the infield against one of Tampa Bay's left-handed hitters. The collision put Cabrera on the disabled list for two months.

"I wasn't 100 percent when I came back," said Cabrera. "I was a little tentative."

Before the injury, Cabrera was hitting .287 (39-for-136) with one homer and seven RBI. When he returned on July 19, he hit .269 (66-for-245) with two homers and 22 RBI.

Defensively, he made six errors before the injury and six after it, but his mobility and range were not the same. Among the 12 AL shortstops who played 95 or more games, Cabrera finished seventh with a zone rating of 5.37. Zone rating is the percentage of balls fielded by a player in his typical defensive zone as measure by STATS Inc.

"It's hard to come back and play when you've gone through surgery," said Cabrera.

Cabrera had a big year in 2008, hitting .308 (161-for-523) with 81 runs, 42 doubles, six homers, 68 RBI and a .799 OPS. He did not look like the same player in 2010 -- .276 (105-for-381) with 39 runs, 16 doubles, three homers, 29 RBI and .673 OPS.

Cabrera played winter ball in Venezuela to make up for the lost playing time. He hit .252 (26-for-103) with four doubles, one homer and 16 RBI in 27 games. The stats weren't great, but he proved something to himself.

"It was very important for me to play winter ball," he said. "It was very important for me, my arm and my whole body. I got my confidence back."

The Indians showed faith, as well. After signing veteran Orlando Cabrera right after the start of spring training, they made it clear that Asdrubal Cabrera was staying at shortstop. Orlando Cabrera is a two-time Gold Glove winner. Asdrubal Cabrera has no Gold Gloves, but he's 11 years younger and part of the future.

Orlando Cabrera is expected to win the second base job, even though he's only played 33 games there in 14 big league seasons.

"I'm excited he's here," said Asdrubal Cabrera. "He's a really good player. He's going to help us."

Besides a new second baseman, Cabrera will be working with a revamped infield in general. Jason Donald, who played short and second last year, is getting a chance to start at third. Matt LaPorta, who played 93 of 110 games at first base in 2010, will be the starter this year.

"It's important for us to play better defense than we did last year," said Cabrera. "Our young players have more experience this year. I think we have a chance to do something."

Acta is one of the biggest optimists in the game. Asked what his expectationsare for a team that lost 93 games last year, he said without hesitation, "making the playoffs. Shoot for the stars. If you don't make it, then at least you won't have mud on your shoes.

"I'm sorry, I just can't sit over here and tell these guys if you win two more games than last year things will be fine. It's not fine. You play to win."

Yet even Acta knows the infield defense, especially at third, will play a big part in the won-loss record.

"I'm not concerned at all about LaPorta at first base," he said. "LaPorta played very good defense last year."

He believes second base is in good hands with Orlando Cabrera, Jayson Nix, Luis Valbuena, Adam Everett and prospects Jason Kipnis and Cord Phelps.

Third base, however, is a problem.

"It's well documented that our worries are the third-base situation," said Acta. "We saw here what happened once Jhonny Peralta left last year. It's our biggest concern.

"We know we're not going to put a guy over there that fits the profile for a third baseman. ... We need a guy who can play defense."

That goes for shortstop, second base and first base as well.

One of four prospects acquired from Philadelphia in 2009, Carrasco pitched well in a brief Indians stint last season. Manager Manny Acta hopes he can be a rotation mainstay.

Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer Carlos Carrasco pitched well for the Indians during the final weeks of the 2010 season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians traded 2008 Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco on July 29, 2009 to the Philadelphia Phillies for four players who were then all in the minor leagues: infielder Jason Donald, catcher Lou Marson and pitchers Jason Knapp and Carlos Carrasco.

Donald had a respectable big league rookie season in 2010, while Marson played well defensively but struggled with his hitting.

Knapp is making steady progress after encountering arm problems nearly two years ago.

Jordan Bastian writes for MLB.com that Indians manager Manny Acta is tentatively planning to give the right-handed Carrasco, 23, a real chance to establish himself as a major leaguer:

• Acta believes right-hander Carlos Carrasco has earned the right to head north with the team.
• "I think Carrasco has done enough in Triple-A already," Acta said. "And he pitched well enough for us last year in September that he's got a leg up on that [fourth] spot in the rotation. We're not saying that a guy like him, or a few more that we're not going to mention here, could probably pitch themselves out.
• "It's pretty safe to say that he's going to be one of those five guys."
• Carrasco, who will turn 24 in March, went 10-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 25 starts at Triple-A last season before going 2-2 with a 3.83 ERA over seven outings with Cleveland. He currently falls behind Fausto Carmona, Justin Masterson and Mitch Talbot in the Indians' projected rotation.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes the reporting of Paul Hoynes and photography of Chuck Crow. Both are at the Indians' spring training in Goodyear, Arizona.

Current coverage includes Hoynes' story on infielder Asdrubal Cabrera; his story on starting pitcher Fausto Carmona; his Indians Insider, leading off with center fielder Grady Sizemore, and another Indians Insider; a pair of Indians prospect watch features by Hoynes: one on pitcher Alex White, another on pitcher Vinnie Pestano; his "Hey, Hoynesie!;" Bill Lubinger's report on a contest to win a baseball signed by major league stars; and "Terry Pluto's Talkin.' "

Full counts

Indians notes, leading off with a report on pitcher Adam Miller, still trying to overcome career-threatening finger injuries. By Tony Lastoria of Indians Prospect Insider.

Signing veteran infielder Orlando Cabrera will probably take playing time from younger players, writes Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal.

The Indians are counting on Fausto Carmona, by Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

The Indians organization's players depth chart, on Indians Prospect Insider.

Indians notebook by Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Perhaps it is time to take a second look at candidates for high seeds in NCAA Tournament.

View full sizeEd Andrieski / Associated PressSan Diego State's Kawhi Leonard has helped push the Aztecs within reach of a high seed when Selection Sunday rolls around next month.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- They fell like leaves from the trees last week; Ohio State, Texas, Kansas, Pitt, Notre Dame, Georgetown, Wisconsin .... all consensus Top 10 teams in the polls including the four projected No. 1 seeds for the NCAA Tournament (OSU, Kansas, Texas, Pitt).

Perhaps it is time to take a second look at the likes of San Diego State. The Aztecs (27-1) only have that road blemish at BYU but have otherwise been steady for head coach Steve Fisher, who is sure to get his share of votes for national Coach of The Year.

Sophomore forward Kawhi Leonard will get All-American votes, too, averaging 15.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Win a return match at home with BYU this Saturday and it will be hard to see the San Diego State losing another game this season.

Considering all the upsets, the Aztecs could be rewarded with a No. 1 seed.

Selection Sunday intrigue: Conference tournaments begin next week, primarily "one-bid leagues" starting the process of filling many of the 31 automatic slots. But there are some teams that will likely experience the tournament "bubble" teams if they are upset along the way.

Teams such as Belmont (25-4, 17-1), Coastal Carolina (25-3, 15-1), Fairfield (22-5, 14-2), College of Charleston (21-7, 13-2) and Oakland (20-9, 15-1) bring something that the majority of teams on the bubble will not -- a regular-season conference championship.

The leagues they play in are not considered highly, and their individual RPIs will be lucky to end the season better than 60. But dominating their leagues will get them a second look, with one or two earning at-large nods.

College of Charleston, as of Sunday, had a computer RPIratings.com rank of 62. But Charleston had a non-conference strength of schedule ranked 55th. Oakland out of the Summit Conference has an RPI of 66 but a non-conference SOS of 20. Both teams have a road win over Tennessee. Oakland also has a one-point loss to Michigan State (RPI 42) and a two-point loss to Michigan (57). All three are considered 'bubble' teams.

Tennessee is sure to make the at-large cut, Michigan State is likely and Michigan wouldn't be a surprise. So what about Oakland, which also has a dominant player in center Keith Benson?

Home cooking: Any coach will tell you the first order of business in building a program is winning at home. St. John's first-year head coach Steve Lavin has proven that. Madison Square Garden has become a house of horrors for Big East rivals, as the Red Storm defeated Georgetown, Notre Dame, Connecticut and Pitt in league play, as well as a victory over Duke.

Away from home, St. John's still has some growing to do. It has losses at Notre Dame, Louisville and Georgetown, and in non-conference play at St. Mary's, Fordham and UCLA.

Horizon conundrum: The Horizon has a small cluster of teams going for the top spot, but likely turning the league into a one-bid outfit in the process. After Sunday's BracketBuster loss at Old Dominion, first-place Cleveland State's lone Top-100 non-conference win is Kent State (97 RPI).

Second-place Valparaiso has a win over Oakland, but also head-scratching losses to Toledo and Ohio. Third-place Milwaukee has an RPI of 107 while fourth-place Butler (49) countered wins over Florida State, Washington State and Stanford with two losses to Milwaukee and another to Youngstown State.

It is still possible the team with the worst RPI (Milwaukee) could be Horizon Tournament's No. 1, while the best (CSU) could be No. 4. Other than the eventual tournament champ, it will be easier for the NCAA committee to say no to all others over trying to choose one.

Doom and gloom: The MAC Tournament winner could be seeded 15th in the NCAA field, or possibly even have to play one of the four "Opening Round" games in Dayton as part of the expanded 68-team field.

What a comedown for a league that included two teams in the field in 1999, including a Sweet 16 team, a first-round winner in 2001, an Elite Eight run in 2002 and a first-round winner in 2003. Since then, the MAC has one NCAA Tournament victory, coming last season.

On the Bubble: Cincinnati (21-6)

Conference: Big East

RPIratings.com: 40

Who they beat: Louisville

Bad losses: St. John’s

Still to play: Georgetown twice and Connecticut.

The end game: Winning out would help erase a poor non-conference strength of schedule (275). The St. John’s loss was at home to a team that has very few quality road wins and will be in the at-large pool with the Bearcats. If the Bearcats win two of the above, a road win at Georgetown would speak volumes to the selection committee.

LeBron James nearly brought the East team back in the All-Star game.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James nearly brought the East team back in the All-Star game. In the end, though, he and his Miami Heat buddies couldn't keep Kobe Bryant and the West from victory.

AP PhotoEast's LeBron James, of the Miami Heat, drives down to the basket while being guarded by West's Kobe Bryant, of the Los Angeles Lakers, during the second half of the NBA basketball All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, in Los Angeles.

James had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists — the second triple-double in the game's 60-year history — in the 148-143 loss Sunday night at Staples Center.

"Just tried to showcase my talents on both ends of the floor, defending, rebounding, scoring," he said. "I'm all about winning, so just a little disappointed in our game. Disappointed that we didn't win."

The East was loaded with James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh of the Heat, along with the Boston quartet of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo.

But they never managed more than a four-point lead, and that came at the start of the game. Amare Stoudemire of the Knicks dunked off a feed from James and followed with a layup off another James assist for the first two baskets.

The East fell behind by 17 points going into the fourth quarter, when they outscored the West 43-31, helped by James' 14 points.

"Man, I'm glad he's coming back home with me," Wade said. "I know he can do it. He's a freight train when he gets going. Not too many people want to get in his way. He dominates games."

James returned two minutes into the fourth and soon scored on a driving layup. He made three straight free throws to get his team within 11. He was especially dominant over the final 5:41, scoring five in a row to cut the East's deficit to nine.

James made two free throws that left the East trailing by two with 2½ minutes to go. But Kevin Durant hit a 3-pointer for the West. James tried again, driving to the basket for another score that had his team down by two. But they never got any closer.

"We were definitely rooting him on," Allen said. "When he started attacking, that's when the tide turned in our favor."

Wade, who finished with 14 points, twisted his right ankle during the game, something that first happened against Boston before the All-Star break.

"I just rolled it a little bit," he said. "I've got a strong ankle, so I'm not worried too much."

Bosh had 14 points. Allen finished with 12 points and Garnett four, while Pierce and Rondo had six points each.

Boston and Miami come out of the break as the East's top two teams, but Bosh said it wasn't weird playing with his rivals.

"We take breaks from that," he said. "We're competitive, everybody's competitive, but we don't carry that competitiveness with us off the court. Guys just want to relax, crack some jokes and have a good time."

Garnett cheered harder than anyone as James single-handedly tried to secure a win. Allen blamed his team for being too passive in the early going.

"Everybody kind of eased into it," he said. "That's cool, when you're playing in a pickup game or All-Star game, but when you want to make a statement, we can't do that for our own team."

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who led the West with 37 points and 14 rebounds, was named MVP in front of his local fans.

"I wish the East would've won, then my teammate with the triple-double would've stole (the MVP)," Wade said. "But he deserved it."

Stoudemire also had 29 points.

"It got competitive during the second half," he said. "We wanted to win, started off a little slow, those guys scored about 300 points. Defense was, the lack of, but we had fun. That's the most important thing."

Boston coach Doc Rivers, who oversaw the East, put his Celtics stars into the game together at one point, drawing hearty boos.

"Oh, I thought that was beautiful," he said. "The fact that it was in L.A., you knew they would not get a rousing ovation. But that was fine. I think our guys expected it and it was fun. Our guys got a good laugh out of it."

In a game that always features more offense than defense, Allen got into Bryant on a couple of possessions.

"You kind of expect it," Rivers said. "Kobe had it going, to say the least. At that point, when we put them in, whoever came in would have tried to guard him."

Talk all day on Digital Sports Network, cleveland.com's online sports station featuring live streaming video and audio.

View full sizeAP Photo | LM OteroWill Antawn Jamison be on the move this week?

Ohio State and Cleveland State both lost on Sunday. What does it mean for their chances in March?

We'll talk about those topics - plus NFL Draft and more - all day on Digital Sports Network, cleveland.com's online sports station featuring live streaming video and audio.

Today's lineup on Digital Sports Network:

Morning Sports Page: Daryl Ruiter, 7-9 a.m.

Locked and Loaded: Glenn Moore and Brian Fowler, 9 a.m.-noon

Have a Bud with Les: Les Levine and Bud Shaw, noon-2 p.m.

In the Trenches: Joe Lull, 2-5 p.m.

News, Notes & Rumors: Will Smith, 8-10 p.m.

How many games will the young Tribe win this season?

View full sizeAP FileThe Tribe's Mike Hargrove and Florida skipper Jim Leyland share a handshake in the 1997 World Series. That one didn't end as the Indians faithful hoped, but it was still a magical season, a sense the Tribe is hoping to recapture with the addition of Hargrove as a special adviser.

Cleveland, Ohio -- The roads are frightful here in Northeast Ohio. The Monsters could've moved their games from The Q to Turney Road in Garfield Heights today. Antarctica doesn't have this much ice.

So naturally it's time to talk Tribe.

Last year's version of the Indians lost 93 games. Ninety-three! Not too awfully long ago, they were winning that many ... and more. Good pitching, solid hitting and exceptional defense were the keys back then.

Perhaps the Tribe is trying to recapture some of that magic by bringing back the manager from those halcyon days -- Mike Hargrove -- as a special adviser, and one of the best players -- Kenny Lofton -- to teach baserunning and outfield play. (Although to be honest, if you don't know how to play outfield by the time you get to the major leagues, we kind of wonder if you're ever GONNA know).

But that's just pessimism talking. Let's think happy thoughts. After all, the Indians have picked up two-time Gold Glover Orlando Cabrera to fill the void at second, and there are prospects seasoning in the minors. Manager Manny Acta is trying Jason Donald, who had to learn a lot from last season, filling in for the injured Asdrubal Cabrera at short, at third base. Asdrubal is back and healthy. Catcher Carlos Santana, one of the brightest stars in the Indians constellation, apparently has fully recovered from his knee surgery. Grady Sizemore is getting better all the time, and it seems that in Chris Perez, the Tribe finally has the closer Cleveland has been seeking since Jose Mesa's heyday.

The Indians are still a young team, so it's probably unrealistic to expect them to take a World Series title. But they should be better, and maybe even contend for the AL Central.

Right? Well, maybe. What do you think?

The Indians have five starts competing for the fifth and final spot in the rotation. Jeanmar Gomez, who pitched well as a rookie last year, is one of them.

AP photo/Ted S. WarrenJeanmar Gomez is trying to win last open spot in Indians rotation.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- This is a daily briefing of the Indians in spring training in Goodyear, Ariz.

Feb. 21, day seven: It's a simple equation, one open spot in the starting rotation and five pitchers trying to win it. It makes for a good spring training storyline.

Jeanmar Gomez is one of the candidates.

"Right now, I have to work for that one spot," said Gomez. "That's what I'm doing. Working for that one spot."

Gomez, 23, was one of several Indians pitchers forced to the big leagues last year because of trades or injuries. He arrived ahead of schedule, but still went 4-5 with a 4.68 ERA in 11 starts. In his big league debut, he beat the Tigers, 7-2, on July 18.

 "I learned a lot last year," said Gomez, "especially when I talked to Fausto Carmona and Justin Masterson, who have a lot more experience than I do in the big leagues. Before every start, I'd talk to them."

 Gomez throws a sinker, fastball, slider and change up. He struck out 34, walked 22 and allowed 30 earned runs in 57 ⅔ innings. The opposition hit .307 against him.

In Columbus he was 8-8 with 5.20 ERA in 20 starts. He struck out 78 and walked 42 in 116 innings.

Aaron Laffey, David Huff, Anthony Reyes and Josh Tomlin are the four other starters competing for the job.

Now pitching: Tomlin will start for the Indians in Sunday's Cactus League opener against Cincinnati at Goodyear Ballpark. Tomlin went 6-4 with a 4.56 ERA in 12 starts for the Indians last year.

Justin Masterson and Tomlin will start Thursday's intrasquad game. Carlos Carrasco and Mitch Talbot will start Friday's intrasquad game. 

Options: The Indians can do a lot of different things with newly-signed infielder Orlando Cabrera.

They can, and it appears will, start him at second base. It gives them time to finish the development of prospects such as Jason Kipnis and Cord Phelps at Class AAA Columbus. If one of them breaks through, there's nothing to stop the Indians from promoting one of them and making Cabrera a utility infielder.

It's not like they spent wildly to sign the 36-year-old infielder. Even the Indians ownership can absorb a $1 million deal if worst comes to comes.

They might also be able to trade Cabrera, as they did Russell Branyan last year, to clear a space for an emerging player.

Quick look: Fausto Carmona's winter ball season lasted two innings. Aguilas, the team who holds his rights in the Dominican Republic, needed to win one game to get into the playoffs. They asked Carmona to start.

He lasted two innings, but things did not go well and Aguilas lost.

Asked if he got paid for those two innings, Carmona just laughed.

Carmona spent the rest of the offseason on his farm and working out at the Indians baseball academy in the Dominican.

"That's why we don't have to bring him to Goodyear two or three weeks early," said manager Manny Acta. "We have our hands on him. We know what he's doing. He's throwing bullpens."

Details: In case you're interested, Grady Sizemore said he originally injured his left knee sliding into second base in a April 1 exhibition game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

His right leg went over the bag and he banged his left knee on the bag. Then he re-injured it sliding back into first base against Baltimore on May 16. He had surgery on the knee June 4.

"I didn't hurt that bad the first couple of days right after I did it," said Sizemore. "But once the regular season started, the pain was pretty intense."

Sizemore, who ran half-speed sprints Sunday, says running at full speed and then slowing down is probably going to put the most stress on his knee.

"Right now, I'm assuming everything I do is going to pretty tough," said Sizemore.    
 
Here's the schedule for today: Workout starts with stretching at 10 a.m. Sunday's rain and wet grounds canceled pitchers facing hitters in batting practice. That's scheduled for 11:25 a.m. Fundamental defensive work by position players and pitchers was canceled on Sunday, but that is scheduled for 10:35 a.m. Practice is scheduled to end after catchers coaches throw batting practice at 12:05 p.m.

Another attraction: Justine Siegal, a lifelong Indians fan who grew up in Cleveland Heights, threw batting practice to four Indians minor leaguers this morning and looked good. She was scheduled to throw to the Indians big-league catchers later in the day.

Siegal pitched and played third base on the boy's high school team at Hawken in Gates Mills. She has also been a coach on a men's team.

She said by throwing batting practice she's trying to show girls who want to play baseball that they can keep playing baseball if they want and not be forced into softball. She has a foundatdion called Baseball For All.

"I used to go down to Municipal Stadium with my grandfather, Alvin, to watch the Indians," she said. "When I was growing up, I wanted to be Orel Hershiser."

Siegal, 36, threw to minor leaguers Matt McBride, Tim Fedroff, Jared Head, Roberto Perez and Carlos Moncrief.

"In the world of batting practice pitchers she was more than adequate," said Carter Hawkins, Indians asssitant director of player development.

Hawkins and Bart Swain, Indians director of media relations, coordinated the event. GM Chris Antonetti, approached by Siegal months ago to throw batting practice, approved it. 

She wore an Indians spring training uniform with No.15 on it.

"When I saw that uniform, I just got a big smile on my face," she said. 

After throwing to the Indians, she'll throw BP to the A's on Wednesday.

Siegal, accompanied by her daught Jasmine, became the first woman to throw batting practice to a major league team.

 Siegal is working toward her doctorate in  Sport and Exercise Psychology at Springfield College (Mass.).

What's ahead: The Indians will play intrasquad games Thursday and Friday. They will open the Cactus League on Sunday against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.

Josh Cribbs tweets a picture of "my boy" LeBron James, and pays the price on Twitter.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter,
The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs probably finds it easier to escape from tacklers than from angry fans upset over his tweeted picture of "my boy" LeBron James at the NBA All-Star game.

WFNY looks back at the expectations and subsequent disappointment that accompanied the signing of former Indians pitcher Jack McDowell

WFNY wonders what could have been with Jack McDowell

Cribbs should have known Cleveland fans would react to his tweeted photo about 'my boy' LeBron James. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's weather-delayed edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Bill Lubinger.

Today's guest, Dennis Manoloff, has thoughts on Josh Cribbs' tweet from the NBA All-Star Game over the weekend. Cribbs, sitting in seats provided by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, tweeted a photo of 'my boy' LeBron James, as he called him, drawing the ire of Cleveland fans on twitter.

Dman says the tweet was a mistake and that Cribbs should have thought about keeping his friendship with LeBron to himself. But he doesn't think the aftermath will hurt Cribbs' popularity. How do you feel. How do you feel about the tweet? Vote in the poll at the bottom of our Starting Blocks post about it.

Also, Chuck, Bill and Dman predict how many games the Indians will win this season, which is the topic of today's Starting Blocks poll.

SBTV will return Tuesday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot talking about this week's NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Thirty-one years ago today, the 1980 Olympic hockey team won the gold medal.

APIn 1980, the "Miracle on Ice" took place in Lake Placid, N.Y., as the United States Olympic hockey team upset the Soviets, 4-3. (The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal.)

Today is the 31-year anniversary of one of the most memorable moments in Olympics history when the 1980 U.S. hockey team defeated the Soviet team,  considered to be the best hockey team in the world at the time.

Following the win, called the Miracle on Ice, the U.S. defeated Finland for the gold medal.

But was it the greatest Olympic moment? What about Jesse Owens winning four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany?

Or how about Tommie Smith and John Carlos with the black power salute on the medals stand in 1968? Who could forget the terrorists attack in Munich in 1972?

Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at noon as he talks Cleveland sports. Hear Terry's thoughts on the upcoming NBA trading deadline, the Indians prospects as they continue spring training and the Browns draft plans.

Terry Pluto tackles your questions live every Tuesday at noon.

Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at noon as he talks Cleveland sports.

Hear Terry's thoughts on the upcoming NBA trading deadline, the Indians prospects as they continue spring training and the Browns draft plans.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Terry's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

Orlando Cabrera denied a report in a Colombian newspaper that he is retiring at the end of the season. Cabrera last week agreed to a one-year $1 million deal with the Indians.

Chuck Crow | The Plain DealerManny Acta is looking for consistency from the Indians this season.

 GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- This is a daily briefing of the Indians in spring training in Goodyear, Ariz.

 Feb. 22, day eight: Last year Manny Acta, in his first season as Indians manager, emphasized a fast start. That was a direct result of the Indians getting off to so many slow starts under former manager Eric Wedge.

 As PD columnist Terry Pluto pointed out Monday, if ever a city needed a fast start from its big-league Indians, it's Cleveland following the showings of the Browns and Cavs.

 Acta, though, has adjusted his tune. To be truthful, he sounds a lot like Wedge and one might suspect he felt this way all along.

 This year he's pushing consistency and the fact that the season is 162 games long. Sound familiar?

 "We accomplished a good start last year," said Acta. "We were 2-1. I know it's a big topic, a big subject around here. . .the quick start.

 "Well, how long is a quick start -- 2-1 is a quick start. The main goal here is winning the division. I really hope we don't go 25-1 in the first month and then go 1-25 in September and not make the playoffs. I just want to see consistency in the win column and the way we play the game."

 The Indians were 9-13 in April last year. They went 2-1 in their first three games and then lost five straight followed by a four-game winning streak.

 In the last eight years, the Indians have had winning records twice at the end of April.

 "I know its a very touchy subject here," said Acta. "But this team was one win away from gong to the World Series in 2007. What was the start that year?"

 The Indians went 14-8 in April of 2007. It was their best start under Wedge and by far their best season under him. They won 96 games during the regular season and reached Game 7 of the ALCS.
 
 "The season is 162 games," said Acta. "You need is consistency throughout the year."

 As he did last year, Acta will begin playing his starters over the last week to 10 days of spring training in preparation for Opening Day on April 1.

No retirement: Orlando Cabrera said a report in the Colombian newspaper El Universal that he is retiring at the end of this season in incorrect.

"What I said was misunderstood," said Cabrera. "What I was trying to say is that I'm pretty much the only guy from my city (Cartagena) still playing in the big leagues. Andc with my signing so late the last couple of years, people always get anxious for me to play.

"And at some point, I said one of these years I'm not going to play anymore. I've seen guys when they get old and they beg for jobs. I want to go oiut on my own terms. "

Cabrera, 36, said he could play next year.

"Especially if we win the World Series," he said. "Then I've got to come back."

Cabrera, who last week agreed to a one-year $1 million deal with the the Indians, is making the move to second base after spending most of his career at shortstop. He feels the move could add "two to three years' to his year. shortstop. 

He said he made the comment to a Colombian radio reporter that he's known since he was a boy.   
  
 No throw zone: Outfielder Trevor Crowe, coming off surgery on his right elbow, won't play in Thursday and Friday's intrasquad game because he can't throw at full strength.

 "He's just a little behind right now with his arm because of the surgery," said Acta.

 Easy does it: There's a reason Alex White, the Indians No.1 pick in 2009, is not competing for the fifth job in spring training.

 "There is some development left to do there," said Acta. "We feel that he's very close, but we just don't think there's going to be enough innings for him this spring. If you put Alex White in there, then you're going to have six guys competing for that fifth spot. That's not fair."

 White pitched at Class A Kinston and Class AA Akron last year. He combined for 150 2/3 innings, the most among Indians minor leaguers. His 2.45 ERA was the second lowest in the system.

 "We feel very confident that he's going to contribute to our major league club at some point. . .whether it's April 1, April 15, April 30. . .or July 21st at 7:05 p.m. somewhere."

 White does a nice job with his two and four-seam fastball. The Indians want him to continue to develop his slider and split finger fastball.

 "Let's be fair," said Acta. "This guy hasn't even thrown a pitch in Triple-A yet. We want to be sure that when we bring these guys up, they're good to go and that we don't have to send them down to get more fine tuning."
 
 Here's the schedule for today: It's Photo Day at Goodyear, which means photographers from newspapers and internet sites come to the Indians complex to get pictures, mostly head shots, of Indians players to use for the rest of spring training and the regular season.

 Indians players also sign a variety of memorabilia that the club can auction off or give to charities during the season.

 When Chuck Finley pitched for the Indians, he was usually a Photo Day no-show. He figures there was enough pictures of him.

 What's ahead: Kenny Lofton is scheduled today and serve as a guest coach today. . .After Thursday's intrasquad game, the Indians and Reds will take part in a golf outing. . .Before Friday's intrasquad game, Majestic Uniforms will be in the Tribe clubhouse getting final measurements on regular season uniforms. It's an early wake up call for players with the tailors arriving at 7 a.m. . .Bruce Drennan arrived in Goodyear on Monday. He's start his show "All Bets are off' Sunday. STO's Spring Training Daily reports will have its second show today.
 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won two out of their last three.

APCleveland Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison, left, shoots over Indiana Pacers forward James Posey.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA over their last three games. That's right. The Cavs have won two out of their last three, which includes victories over the LA Clippers and the LA Lakers.

Although the Cavs have 46 losses, coach Byron Scott will concentrate on the last three games, writes Bob Finnan of News-Herald.

 Scott said the players have remained cohesive.

"We've kept that philosophy of coming to work every day," he said. "They never parted. Our locker room is good. It will make us a better team in the long run."

Cavs guard Ramon Sessions hopes the team has turned the corner.

"We're 2-1 in our last three games," he said. "We're playing better basketball. Hopefully, we got over that hump."

Thriller

Antawn Jamison wants his teammates to forget about the agony of so many defeats and remember the thrill of victory, especially over the Lakers just before the All-Star break, write Tom Gaffney on Ohio.com.

''The biggest thing for us is we should want that feeling in the locker room the last time we played, against the Lakers, and not the feeling that we had after we played against the Wizards,'' Jamison said Monday night after the Cavs' first practice after the All-Star break. ''As one of the leaders of his team, I have to make sure we are ready to do that.''

The thrill made the break better, Jamison said.

''It was good to have something for the fans to cheer about and for our psyches as well,'' Jamison said. ''Then we got a couple of days off . . . to reflect on things that we can do, the things we can do to improve.''

LeBron hates quitters

Check out this youtube video at the 1:04 mark where LeBron James, in an interview during All-Star Weekend,  says he hates quitters.

Lets make a deal?

Mary Schmitt Boyer writes in The Plain Dealer how the Cavaliers may not even make a deal despite having the worst record in the NBA.

Plain Dealer Browns reporter says new coaches are confident they can develop offensive players taken in later rounds. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

The NFL owners and the players union appear to be deep in discussions on a new labor agreement. Do you think there will be an NFL lockout this year? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest, Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot, says she thinks the sides will consider extending the current contract before any meaningful time is lost.

Mary Kay is headed to Indianapolis tomorrow for the NFL scouting combine, which will feature many of the nation's top draft-eligible players. She talks about two memorable players from her time spent covering the combine, Clay Matthews Jr. of the Packers and Joe Haden of the Browns.

She also talks about whether the Browns are leaning toward defense or a wide receiver with the sixth pick in the draft; and Seneca Wallace's comments about wanting to be a starter.

SBTV will return Wednesday.