The Cavaliers beat the New York Knicks Friday night for the second time this season at The Q.

The Cavs beat the visiting Knicks for the second time this season, 115-109, on Friday night in front of a raucous sellout crowd of 20,562, including Joe Thomas, Joe Haden and T.J. Ward of the Browns.

It was the first time the Cavs have seen the Knicks with Anthony and Billups, obtained in trades earlier this week. But it didn't make any difference.

"I don't know what it is playing New York, but I liked what I saw tonight," Cavs coach Byron Scott said as his team improved to 11-47.

Cavs forward Antawn Jamison had 28 points and 13 rebounds. Center J.J. Hickson, missing-in-action Wednesday against Houston, had 24 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots. Ramon Sessions added 22 points, including five free throws in the final 24.3 seconds, and eight rebounds for the shorthanded Cavs, who were without newcomers Baron Davis and rookies Semih Erden and Luke Harangody, all obtained in trades Thursday.

"We had great energy from our players, from the fans," Scott said. "I thought J.J. would bounce back and play really well because he didn't play real well the last game and he did just that. We got a lot of contributions from a lot of guys."

Even Davis, expected to arrive in Cleveland today, tweeted, "Love the energy I'm seeing."

The Knicks, no doubt still wondering how they lost, 109-102, in overtime on Dec. 18 at The Q in the only victory separating the Cavs' 10-game and 26-game losing streaks, got great individual performances on Friday, although they shot just 41.9 percent (39-of-93.)

Center Amar'e Stoudemire had 31 points and 11 rebounds, Anthony added 27 points and eight rebounds, and Billups had 26 points and eight assists for the Knicks (29-27).

Billups stepped up with 20 points in the fourth quarter. Limited to just eight minutes in the first half after picking up three fouls, he made four straight free throws and then hit a 3-pointer to get the Knicks within 96-93 with 5:03 left.

But Jamison hit back-to-back hook shots and then drew two straight fouls on Anthony, making 3 of 4 free throws to push Cleveland's lead to 103-97 with 3:19 left.

Stoudemire made two baskets, blocked a layup by Sessions and grabbed a defensive rebound to set up a layup by Billups to bring New York within 103-101 with 2:05 left.

The Knicks were still within 107-105 before guard Daniel Gibson hit a 3-pointer with 30.6 seconds left. Anthony made a layup and was fouled by Hickson with 25.8 seconds left, but he missed the free throw. Sessions grabbed the rebound and Anthony committed his sixth foul with 24.3 seconds left. Sessions made one of two free throws, then added four more down the stretch.

After their 26-game losing streak, the Cavs have won three of their last five.

"I put all the credit on coaching," Scott said, laughing. "It's the defense. Our guys are starting to understand what we've got to do every day on the defensive end. ...Tonight we did a much better job on the defensive boards."

After the Rockets got 22 offensive rebounds on Wednesday, the Knicks had just 13 on Friday and the Cavs outrebounded them overall, 62-42.

"That just can't happen," Hickson said, referring to Wednesday. "We did a better job on defensive rebounding tonight. Once we start playing good team defense and getting back in transition, it's hard for us to lose.

"I don't know what they shot from the field but I know it's not what they usually shoot. Once we start talking on defense and use our athleticism and get to running up and down the floor, it's hard for us to lose."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

Luis Valbuena is in camp with the Indians trying to make the club as a utility infielder. Last spring he was the starting second baseman, but let the job slip away.

The player who best personified that badness just might have been Luis Valbuena. He came to spring training with the second-base job in hand after a promising 2009 season. To be technical, the 2009 season for the Tribe was worse than the 2010 season, but it wasn't Valbuena's fault. He was pulling in the right direction.

In 2010, he found himself on the other end of the rope.

To be a big-league starter, Valbuena has to hit -- and hit well. He's not that fast. Doesn't have great range, but when he hit .250 (92-for-368) with 38 extra-base hits (25 doubles, three triples, 10 homers) in 2009, the Indians felt he could develop into something special. That he was only 23 made it even better.

That all changed last year when Valbuena didn't hit. OK, he hit .318 against lefties, but that was it. He hit .193 (53-for-275) with 12 doubles, two homers and 24 RBI for the season. He hit .169 against right-handers, .143 at home, .232 with runners in scoring position and .244 on the road.

This was a wire-to-wire job. Valbuena hit .182 in April, .071 in May, .222 in June, .200 in August and .253 in September and October.

He didn't hit anything in July because he was at Class AAA Columbus.

Asked what went wrong, Valbuena smiled and said: "I've passed that page. My mind is free. I'm not thinking about anything. I'm just concentrating on baseball."

Valbuena can't be blamed for hoping 2010 becomes a cold and forgotten page in the record books. But while he's trying to forget, everyone else remembers.

"Louie came to camp last year as our everyday second baseman and he struggled the whole year," manager Manny Acta said. "It started in spring training and throughout the season. He needs to put himself back on the map."

The quicker he does that, the better off he'll be. If he's not hitting before the Indians leave the Arizona desert, he'll be staying in Columbus when the Indians stop there for an exhibition game March 30 before opening the regular season April 1 at Progressive Field.

"Everything depends on how I play this spring," Valbuena said.

Valbuena and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera were the Indians' double-play combination on Opening Day 2010.

"He told me that he tried to do too much and think too much last year," Cabrera said. "I told him I'd try to help him any way I could.

"The same thing happened to me in 2008. I got sent down and had to make some adjustments in my swing. I was thinking too much, trying to do too much. Luis is a good player. He plays hard all the time."

Valbuena is in camp trying to win a utility infielder's job. He's working out at second, shortstop and third. The Tribe signed veteran Orlando Cabrera to play second. They have Jayson Nix and prospects Jason Kipnis and Cord Phelps behind him at second.

Asdrubal Cabrera is healthy and back at short. Jason Donald is getting a chance at third. Orlando Cabrera and Adam Everett are possibilities to back up Asdrubal Cabrera at short. The opportunity Valbuena had last year is gone.

He can make it reappear if he hits. If not, he'll probably start the season at shortstop for Columbus. He has an option left and the Indians are thin at shortstop.

Acta said the old bob-and-weave game between pitchers and hitters caught up to Valbuena.

"They adjusted to him last year," Acta said. "It's time for him to adjust back.

"At the beginning of the year, he was swinging across his body, stepping toward the plate. That kind of affected him."

Valbuena was sent to Columbus in late June and hit .313 (30-for-96) with six homers and 20 RBI. When he was recalled in late July, his regular playing time was gone. Donald was playing second and Asdrubal Cabrera was back at shortstop following his May collision with Jhonny Peralta.

Acta said Valbuena is going to get plenty of opportunities this spring. After wasting a big one last year, it's the best he can expect.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

Jason Kipnis may hold the bat funny, but as long as he keeps hitting, he's not changing a thing.

View full sizeChuck Crow l The Plain DealerJason Kipnis' batting stance is similar to former major leaguer's Mickey Tettleton and Cal Ripken Jr.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Second baseman Jason Kipnis helped lead Class AAA manager Mike Sarbaugh's team to a 4-2 intrasquad victory Friday over third base coach Steve Smith's team in the Indians' final dry run before their Cactus League schedule begins Sunday against Cincinnati at Goodyear Ballpark.

Kipnis hit an RBI double in the fifth inning to break a 2-2 tie. But it wasn't so much the double that stood out, it was Kipnis' batting stance. Before he comes to a set position at the plate, he holds the bat horizontally behind him. Mickey Tettleton and Cal Ripken Jr. used similar stances.

"I started doing it last year," Kipnis said. "When I went into a slump, I'd start changing my stance and the way I held my hands. This helps me keep my hands in the same spot.

"I lay the bat flat behind me and when I pick it up, my hands are in the same place every time."

It certainly worked for Kipnis last season. He hit .300 (61-for-203) at Class A Kinston, .311 (98-for-315) at Class AA Akron, .455 (10-for-22) in the postseason for Class AAA Columbus and .295 (23-for-78) in the Arizona Fall League. All the 2010 season did was put him on the fast track to the big leagues with the Indians.

"It looks weird and stupid," Kipnis said. "But I'm not changing it as long as I keep hitting."

Intrasquad highs and lows:

• Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall combined to produce runs in the first and third innings for Sarbaugh. Brantley tripled in the first off Mitch Talbot and scored on Chisenhall's ground out.

In the third Brantley and Chisenhall hit consecutive doubles off Jess Todd for a 2-0 lead. Brantley tripled in both of the intrasquad games.

• Tony Sipp and Yohan Pino pitched a scoreless inning each for Smith. Vinnie Pestano took the loss, allowing one run on two hits in the fifth. Prospect Bryce Stowell walked four straight in the sixth and final inning to force home a run.

• Left fielder Austin Kearns made the catch of the game. He robbed Chad Huffman of extra bases in the second with a running catch.

"I've watched him play for years," manager Manny Acta said. "He's a very good defensive player."

• Josh Judy retired the side in order on three grounders to short to earn the save in the sixth.

• Carlos Carrasco started for Sarbaugh and threw first-pitch strikes to all four hitters he faced.

"I've been trying to establish my fastball this spring and I did it today," Carrasco said.

Smith's team won Thursday's game, 3-2. Mike Tomlin will start Sunday against the Reds.

Who plays where? Trevor Crowe, competing for an extra outfield spot, has been shut down with a sore right rotator cuff. It could prevent him from making the Opening Day roster.

Crowe had right elbow surgery during the off-season. He said the elbow is fine, but he's had trouble throwing.

If Grady Sizemore (left knee) isn't ready for Opening Day, and Crowe opens on the disabled list, the Indians' depth in center will be tested. Brantley can certainly play center, but who plays behind him becomes a concern.

Kearns can play center. Travis Buck and Huffman, in camp as a spring-training invitee, might get tested as well. Ezequiel Carrera, who was almost called up last season, is a pure center fielder. The Indians acquired him from Seattle last year in the Russell Branyan trade.

No comment: The Indians did not comment on reports they are close to signing free agent right-hander Chad Durbin. If they do sign Durbin, 33, he will be used in the bullpen.

Two things are known. Durbin is anxious to get to camp and his agent, Dan Horwits, is in Arizona to talk to the Indians and other interested teams.

The Indians have two to three openings in the bullpen. Durbin has spent the past four years in the bullpen, including the past three with the Phillies. He was 4-1 with a 3.80 ERA in 64 appearances last season.

The Tribe has been close to signing several pitchers this winter. Most of them have been starters.

They thought they had a deal with Jeremy Bonderman, but it fell through at the last moment. Kevin Millwood has been on and off their radar. They've been in contact with several others who signed elsewhere.

To reach this Plain Dealer Reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

Browns cornerback Joe Haden would be thrilled of the Browns could land either premier cornerback Patrick Peterson or premier receiver A.J. Green with the No. 6 overall pick.

View full sizeNate Billings l The Oklahoman via APLSU's Patrick Peterson was the 2010 Jim Thorpe Award winner.

INDIANAPOLIS — Browns cornerback Joe Haden, a finalist for NFL Rookie of the Year, would be thrilled if the Browns could land either premier cornerback Patrick Peterson of LSU or top receiver A.J. Green of Georgia with the No. 6 pick in the draft.

"If Patrick gets all the way to No. 6, for sure we should get him," said Haden, who tied for fifth in the NFL with six interceptions. "It would almost be a no-brainer. The more talent the better. He's definitely a top-five talent. I've watched him and I really like him."

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said the Browns wouldn't hesitate to take Peterson at No. 6 a year after picking Haden at No. 7.

"If there's a really good one, you're not gonna pass on him," Heckert said. "So I think corner is just as good a possibility as anything. I go back to Philadel phia, where we had Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor, two Pro Bowl corners. We drafted Lito [Sheppard] and Sheldon [Brown] one, two in the same draft. I wouldn't have any problem with that. I mean you've got to have three corners."

Haden, in a phone interview, said the 6-0, 220-pound corner has little downside.

"Patrick is fast, strong, he can jump, and he's an excellent cover corner," Haden said. "On top of that, his special teams play is amazing. He can punt return, kick return. If he's on the board at No. 6, it'd be a great upgrade for us. Me, T.J. Ward and Patrick in the secondary would be crazy."

Haden is also high on Green, whom he played against while at Florida.

"He was the best receiver I played against," Haden said. "He was tall, long and fast. Even though he's fast, he still has really good feet coming out of his breaks. He can go deep and he catches everything. He's a talent."

Haden likes Peterson and Green so much that he doubts they'll be there at No. 6.

"I'd be very surprised," he said.

Haden said secondary coach Jerome Henderson, a holdover from Eric Mangini's staff, told him the new defense is less complicated. "He said we'll be able to play a lot faster because there's a lot less to think about," said Haden.

Tenders coming: Heckert said the Browns will tender most of their four-to-six year veterans, making them restricted free agents. The players affected include linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, fullback Lawrence Vickers, cornerback Eric Wright, and safety Abe Elam. It's unclear if the tenders will hold up under a new collective bargaining agreement.

Dawson mum: Heckert has no idea if kicker Phil Dawson plans to sign his franchise tender, which will be for about $3.25 million. Dawson wanted to test the market and seemed primed for a fresh start.

"I have not talked to him," Heckert said. "I've tried to get a hold of him. I've spoken to his agent."

He said the Browns would love to sign him to a multiyear deal.

"Any time we've got a guy that we like and we want, we'd love to have him longterm," he said.

Wallace coveted: Heckert and coach Pat Shurmur want to re-sign Seneca Wallace, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent. Wallace said he wants a chance to start somewhere. They also said they wouldn't rule out having both Wallace and Jake Delhomme back. Delhomme would most likely have to take a pay cut from his $5.4 million base salary.

"We haven't had this discussion with Jake," Heckert said. "That will be something down the road that we talk to him about."

Heckert can and might talk to Wallace and other unrestricted free agents before the CBA expires Thursday.

"We want Seneca back. He knows that. I think he's at least open to it. So we'll have to wait and see," Heckert said. "He got a chance to play and played pretty well and got hurt."

Added Shurmur: "I'm a Seneca fan. He's a West Coast quarterback. I'm not thinking just about the wildcat. He can line up under center. He's done it for a lot of years in this system."

Heckert said it's not "super far out" to bring back both Wallace and Delhomme. "If not, you have to find another one," he said.

Shurmur said he likes Delhomme in the mentoring role for Colt McCoy.

"I saw it in St. Louis. A.J. Feely was outstanding for Sam Bradford," he said.

"When I had the chance to meet Jake, I sensed that. What I know about Jake, he's an outstanding person."

Jackson wanted: Heckert said the Browns want D'Qwell Jackson back despite season-ending pectoral injuries the past two years. The Browns are expected to restrict him for the second straight year. He said Jackson is better suited to the 4-3, which the Browns are switching to.

"I think he is and I think D'Qwell feels that way," he said. "He can play either one, a 4-3's probably better for him. He's not a huge guy inside. In a 4-3 he can play [middle linebacker] or [strongside linebacker]. He's just better suited body-type."

On Green: Heckert acknowledged a lot of teams pass on receivers in the top 10 because of the bust-factor. But Heckert and Shurmur didn't rule out Green, a potential gamebreaker.

"Explosive players on offense are what you're looking for," Shurmur said. "Obviously, he fits in that explosive player category."

Pashos set: Heckert said the Browns are set at right tackle with Tony Pashos, who went on injured reserve Oct. 20 with an ankle injury.

"We like Tony, we really do," Heckert said. "I thought Tony played really, really well before he got hurt. Tony's our starter."

Double H backfield: Shurmur said he can see Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty together in the backfield. "Obviously in traditional two-back sets you can have two halfbacks in there which we did quite a bit in Philadelphia when we had Correll Buckhalter and Brian Westbrook. You can still run traditional I-formation-type plays but use them and utilize them as either runners or pass-receivers."

He said both the tailback and fullback will need to have good hands.

Kelce ill: University of Cincinnati center Jason Kelce, a native of Cleveland Heights, suffered a bad case of stomach flu Monday that derailed his combine.

Kelce said he lost 15 pounds, dropping him to 280 on his official weigh-in, and had to cancel his bench-press Friday. He hopes to get some food down and be able to run for scouts today.

Kelce said teams assured him he won't lose his draft status as long as he recovers his strength and can work out at his pro day.

"Pretty much the worst [time to get sick]," Kelce said. "What I'm hearing from most teams is as long as I put the weight back on and work out at my pro day, it won't be a setback."

Scouting services project Kelce as a late-round pick.

Plain Dealer reporter Tony Grossi contributed to this report.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

The NHL's Atlanta Thrashers recalled veteran forward Rissmiller on Monday, while Olver returned to the Monsters on Tuesday from Colorado.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Monsters' days of benefiting from a ringer are over -- at least for now.

The NHL's Atlanta Thrashers recalled veteran forward Patrick Rissmiller on Monday. Rissmiller had been a loaner from the Thrashers once they reassigned him from the AHL's Chicago Wolves on Nov. 20.

Only Atlanta could recall Rissmiller. He could not go to Chicago first.

Rissmiller notched 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 42 games with the Monsters. He gave the club a much-needed physical presence up front and performed superbly on the power play. He is a major reason Lake Erie surged into contention for a division title.

"Typically, you're in constant contact with the guys up top about who might be coming and going," Monsters coach David Quinn said. "So you're not surprised when a guy gets called up. We were a bit surprised in this case because Patrick was property of another organization, and we didn't know what they were thinking. We didn't have an idea when he would get the call -- but he certainly deserved it."

Quinn, while hoping Rissmiller remains in the NHL, said it is his understanding that the Monsters are the only AHL team for which Rissmiller can play this season.

As a member of the Monsters, Rissmiller played left wing on center Mark Olver's line. When Olver was promoted to Colorado in mid-February, Rissmiller moved to center. Olver returned to the Monsters on Tuesday.

"It's almost like we've traded Rissmiller for Olver," Quinn said.

Olver led the Monsters with 21 goals in 53 games entering Friday night. His left winger will be Julian Talbot.

Brown-out: Monsters officials are expecting their largest home crowd of the season tonight for "Browns Night." Faceoff for Monsters-Grand Rapids is scheduled for 7:30.

With due respect to the hockey clubs, many fans are coming to see Browns defensive backs Joe Haden and T.J. Ward and special-teams ace Josh Cribbs. The trio will be part of a free autograph session scheduled for 6:30-7:30.

Doors to The Q open at 6:30. There is a limit of one item per fan for the session.

A pregame on-ice recognition will feature former Browns Bob Golic, Kevin Mack, Reggie Langhorne, Hanford Dixon, Doug Dieken, Herman Fontenot and Aaron Shea.

Monsters players will wear Browns-inspired sweaters for tonight's game only. The sweaters will be auctioned off at the game to benefit Monsters Charities.

Lake Erie's largest crowd at The Q this season is 12,524 for the home opener Oct. 8 vs. Syracuse. Finally: The Monsters scored three goals in a 40-second span of the first period Thursday as part of a 4-1 victory over the two-time defending Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears at The Q. The goals came from Joel Chouinard (6:23), Matthew Ford (6:41) and Greg Mauldin (7:03).

Monsters communications manager Sarah Jamieson said it is believed to be the shortest time elapsed for a three-goal burst in the four-season history of the franchise. Jamieson said the AHL does not have a league record for shortest three-goal span.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

I wanted an audience with a WWE Diva. After all, wouldn't she be the Ginger Rogers of wrestling? She has to do everything the guys do only in dental-floss thongs and push-up bras.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WWE WWE Diva Kelly Kelly will appear live at Quicken Loans Arena beginning at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday; the event will air Friday night on the Syfy channel.

Greetings, my darling sycophants. As you know, the Diva prides herself on donning a snorkel and diving into the murky depths of pop culture so you can bask on the sun deck licking the salt off the rim of your margarita glass.

So you can only imagine her furiously yanking on her wet suit when she received an e-mail from the WWE announcing its upcoming event at The Q.

"The Television trucks roll into Cleveland for WWE SmackDown (to air on SyFy) at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday, March 1. This is your opportunity to interview the Superstars of WWE."

Offered up for grilling were WWE Heavyweight Champion Edge and others the Diva had never heard of because she stopped watching wrestling back when the WWE was the WWF and Hulk Hogan was still a color found in nature.

A quick primer before we continue: During her dogged reportage, the Diva learned that we are no longer to call it "wrestling." It is, rather, "entertainment" or "sports entertainment." Happy to oblige, though the Diva would be remiss if she neglected to point out that WWE stands for "World Wrestling Entertainment." But why quibble?

Wrestlers aren't wrestlers anymore either -- they are "Superstars" or "Divas" though as my loyal kumquats know, there is only one true Diva and her first name is "Pop."

But yours truly had no interest in speaking to Mr. Edge, whose Mattel action figure resembles Jesus pumped up on HGH. I wanted an audience with a WWE Diva. After all, wouldn't she be the Ginger Rogers of wrestling? She has to do everything the guys do only in dental-floss thongs and push-up bras.

And that is how the Pop Diva came to have a virtual steel cage match (aka a heavily edited Q&A) with the WWE's Diva Kelly Kelly, nee Barbara Jean Blank.

Diva Kelly Kelly's ring persona is an exhibitionist famous for "Kelly's Expose," a "PG-13" striptease in which she almost doffs her top but is covered by a towel by a jealous boyfriend at the penultimate moment. She is wildly popular the world over as evidenced by "Oh! So Barbie: the official and top fan site for WWE Kelly Kelly" (barbie-blank.net). A sample posting from Wednesday -- "I wish Kelly Kelly will going my country: Vietnam."

Why, you ask, is her stage name not Diva Barbie Barbie? Oh, read on, my inquiring, shallow minions. Read on.

Hey, it's great to talk to another Diva.

You, too!

Where does Kelly Kelly come from? Is your given name Kelly?

No. But I don't know if I'm supposed to say.

Who added the other Kelly?

It was probably Vince [McMahon], my boss's idea, to go with Kelly Kelly. Because it's very unique, you know what I mean?

Yes! From now on, I'm going to be Diva Diva. How old are you?

I'm 24. I started when I was 19. I was the youngest Diva they've ever had.

So you entered the WWE at 19?

Yeah. I was in my first year of college and they found me. I was just doing some modeling on the side and going to school and they saw me in a catalog and asked if I wanted to wrestle for a living.

What catalog?

It was Venus Swimwear . . . it's a pretty big magazine that goes out everywhere in Florida.

When a scout said, "Hey, are you interested in the WWE?" Were you like, "No way. I'm gonna break a nail"?

They knew I had an athletic background. I was a gymnast for 10 years, and I've always been into sports. My agent was like, "It's kind of far-fetched. I don't know if you're interested" and I was like, "Heck yeah! Put me on a plane -- I wanna go!"

So when you went home and said, "Mom and Dad, I wanna be a wrestler," what did they say?

They're my No. 1 fans, honestly. They come to all the WrestleManias. . . . My 80-year-old grandmother comes to my shows, too, which is pretty awesome.

Does she get front-row seats?

She does. And all the wrestlers . . . they'll come up and hug [her]. It's pretty funny. My granny gets the royal treatment when she comes, so she likes it.

Is your granny coming to Cleveland?

No. She won't be there.

Too bad! Have you ever taught your granny any moves?

She'll be like, "Well, how do you do a headlock?" Just simple stuff.

Nobody's gonna steal her purse.

She's a sassy woman.

Do you have a signature move?

It's called the K2. I boot the girl in the stomach and I put my leg over her neck and . . . then I smash her face into the mat.

I heard you had seamstresses in the WWE.

We do.

Do you develop your own looks?

I do. I've been through a few different seamstresses. See, with me, I hate wearing the same thing twice.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WWE The WWE's Kelley Kelly, in one of her signature outfits, climbs the rope. The WWE boasts 14 million U.S. viewers a week; 35 percent of those tuning in are women.

It's because you're a fashionista, that's why.

Well, yeah! I'll try and mix and match stuff and I'll throw stuff together and just make it my own. I'll put Swarovski crystals on it. Whatever I have to do to make it my look, I'll figure it out. . . . I wore chaps a few years ago, and now I'm wearing like shorts and tops and I have my signature, long-sleeved little jacket with my name on it. It kind of keeps evolving.

Is your name written in Swarovski crystals?

On one of the jackets, yes.

That is awesome. What do you do with your nails? Do you have to keep 'em short?

Every week one of my bosses comes up to me and goes, "Lemme see your nails." He gets so mad if they're not done! Every week I have to be on it. If I break one, I have to get it fixed. But I keep 'em short and I keep 'em real natural, so usually they don't break. It's usually me biting 'em off.

Are there other Divas that let 'em grow into talons?

Usually the girls keep them pretty decent because I've been scratched before and it does not feel good. And we will not be afraid to tell one another, "Hey, you need to cut your nails."

I hear you traveled to Afghanistan this Christmas to meet with the troops.

Oh my gosh, it was so cool. We got to go to a bunch of camps and, like, go on the Black Hawks and we got to shoot some guns.

I have to ask you, did any soldiers get fresh and you had to body-slam them?

Um, they're actually very respectful but they get a little excited and wanna like hug you and stuff like that, which is fine, but it's funny because when Vince was with us, if a guy was like too huggy or something, he'd be like, "All right, get off the girls now."

Should have had Granny with you. Do you have to worry about other girls pulling your hair?

I do, I do! That's a big issue too 'cuz that's what the girls go for first -- the hair.

That's what I do.

I'll see hair [being ripped out] and I'm like, "Nooooooo!" But there's not really much you can do . . . trust me, I do the same -- I pull the girls' hair too. I'm probably getting paid back.

You're obviously in great shape. How many chin-ups can Kelly Kelly can do?

Oh, my gosh. Maybe 10 or 15.

There are a few detractors out there who insist you're not really wrestling, it's all fake. What would you say to them?

I just wanna punch people in the face when they say something like that. . . . Luckily, I haven't been severely injured, but I've . . . broken ribs and stuff. It's not as glamorous as it looks. Still, I love comin' to work every week.

Kelly, everything on you looks completely real to me, but . . .

Oh, it is. I'm not ashamed of it. It's all real. I love getting that question because I'm like, "Yes they are and I'm so proud."

Are there other Divas that have to worry about breast implants exploding when they hit the mat?

(The interview comes to a screeching halt, as the perfectly pleasant PR guy who's been listening in suggests we say good-bye.)

Plans call for the Porter camp to depart for the Philippines on March 10 to train with superstar Manny Pacquiao for approximately six weeks as Pacquiao gets ready for his May 7 bout against Shane Mosley.

View full sizeGus Chan l PD file photoShawn Porter is now 18-0 after his victory last week.

Shawn Porter took care of business last Friday. Now the undefeated welterweight can get out of the Cleveland weather for a few weeks.

Porter (18-0, 13 KOs) was in complete control in decisioning Anges Adjaho (25-5, 14 KOs) during their nationally televised bout last week on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" in Salisbury, Md.

It was definitely not a walkover, but Porter was in command in beating the fighter from the African nation of Benin by scores of 97-93 and 99-91 twice.

Porter did most of the hitting and Adjaho all of the missing in the 10-rounder.

"You can't knock out everybody," said Porter, a Stow High graduate using Cleveland as his boxing hometown. "The pace was exactly how I wanted it to be, and I was able to make him miss."

In terrific shape, Porter landed jabs and combinations to the body. According to his trainer and father, Ken, the plan was not to get into a slugfest, because getting caught with counter-punches was the main concern.

"We have trained against fighters from Africa for two years [in Los Angeles]," Ken Porter said. "He does terrible with them. You have to be patient, because they like to keep their guards up. We stayed away from a lot of big punching, because you waste a lot of energy."

Plans call for the Porter camp to depart for the Philippines on March 10 to train with superstar Manny Pacquiao for approximately six weeks as Pacquiao gets ready for his May 7 bout against Shane Mosley. Porter was in the Pac Man's training camp in 2009 before he defeated Miguel Cotto.

"We'll look for something when we get back to the States," Shawn Porter said.

Filipino flash: If you want to see what a classic counter left hook looks like, check out the devastating punch Nonito Donaire landed last Saturday as he stopped Fernando Montiel (43-3-2, 33 KOs) to win the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles.

Donaire (26-1, 18 KOs) connected with his big punch after Montiel tried to land a right hand that never had a chance. Somehow, the Mexican fighter got to his feet, but referee Russell Mora was quick to call it over at 2:25 of the second round to save the hurt fighter from further harm.

Donaire has won his past 25 bouts over a nine-year span. He joins Pacquiao as the toast of the Philippines.

Amateur news: The Lake Erie Association will send eight boxers, including three women, to this weekend's USA Region 5 Tournament in Lexington, Ky.

Antonio Nieves at 123 pounds, William Flenoy (132), Marco Hall (141), Charlie Natal (152) and Russell Scott (165) will compete; along with the women, Asia Smith (125), Nyteeyah Sherman (132) and defending 141-pound champion Cashmere Jackson.

Regional winners advance to the USA Boxing national championships in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 20-25.

The team will be accompanied by coaches Donyelle Bell, Renard Safo and Dave Brown, with Gene Glen as manager and George Nichols as an official.

This week in history: On Feb. 23, 1991, Greg Haugen handed Hector "Macho" Camacho his first loss on a decision to win the WBO junior welterweight title in Las Vegas.

Tonight: Showtime will be in Atlantic City, N.J., for the vacant WBA lightweight title match between Miguel Acosta (28-8-2, 22 KOs) and Brandon Rios (26-0-1, 18 KOs) at 10 p.m.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

Though former Cavaliers Mo Williams and Jamario Moon had high praise for Cleveland and general manager Chris Grant, it's clear they're looking forward to more than just the L.A. weather after leaving the Cavaliers, who beat New York on Friday for their NBA-worst 11th win.

AP FileThough Mo Williams and Jamario Moon had high praise for the Cavaliers, it's clear they're looking forward to more than just the L.A. weather.

LOS ANGELES, California - Not even an unusual Los Angeles rainstorm could dampen the spirits of Mo Williams and Jamario Moon on their first full day with the Clippers.

Now that they're out of Cleveland, they're dancing between the raindrops.

Williams and Moon were overjoyed to join their new team Friday, leaving the woeful Cavaliers in a trade for point guard Baron Davis.

"I'm definitely excited," said Williams, an All-Star in 2009. "This is a great opportunity for me. I can pull out the short-sleeve shirts right now. You can't tell me it's raining. You can't tell me this is bad weather."

Most NBA players in recent history wouldn't consider it an upgrade to join the Clippers, likely headed to their 17th losing season in the past 18 years.

But after riding the Cleveland roller coaster from the heights of last season to the depths of this winter's 26-game losing streak - which ended two weeks ago with a win over the Clippers - Williams feels re-energized by the chance to throw alley-oops to rookie All-Star Blake Griffin.

"It was great in Cleveland, I was happy to be there, but this is a great opportunity for me," said Moon, a defensive stopper who is eligible for free agency after the season. "It's tough on them over there, but we've got to get over that and on with us."

Neither player could suit up for Friday night's game against the Lakers because Davis hasn't taken his physical yet for the Cavs. They're both hoping to play against the Boston Celtics on Saturday, but coach Vinny Del Negro thinks it's more likely they'll debut Monday night at Sacramento.

Following the Cavaliers' win over the Knicks Friday night, Davis said on Twitter, "Can't wait to join the guys tomorrow... GOOD WIN!!!... See you tomorrow Cleveland!"

The Clippers, 21-37 before Friday's game, will almost certainly miss the playoffs for the 16th time in 18 seasons after an injury-plagued campaign. Yet Williams and Moon see ample reason for optimism while joining Griffin, shooting guard Eric Gordon and a talented young roster.

"I didn't think (the Clippers) were far off this year," Williams said. "I'm a fan of the NBA, and I always liked this basketball team. I'd say, 'Man, the Clippers are scary. You don't know what you're going to get out of them, but this team can be really good.'"

And though Williams and Moon had high praise for Cleveland and general manager Chris Grant, it's clear they're looking forward to more than just the L.A. weather after leaving the Cavaliers, who beat New York on Friday for their NBA-worst 11th win.

Williams isn't entirely new to the West Coast, either. He owns a home in suburban San Diego with his wife, and his ebullient personality seems tailor-made for Hollywood.

"Obviously, she's ecstatic," Williams said. "My wife was like, 'That's why I stuck it out with you.' I appreciate the Clippers for keeping my marriage together."

Williams and Moon went to dinner on Thursday night with coach Vinny Del Negro and general manager Neil Olshey, discussing their roles and futures. Del Negro echoes Williams' belief he can make Griffin's life easier by spacing the floor against teams that must respect the point guard's offensive game.

"That's a big part of it, getting guys that want to be here," Del Negro said. "We're always trying to put the ball in guys' hands that can make the game easier. We have to play at a better tempo. We're not playing at pace, and that's one thing Mo can help us with."

Williams gave up his player option to terminate his contract this summer, guaranteeing he'll stick with the Clippers for at least another year. Although injuries have limited him to 36 games this season, Williams believes he'll complement Griffin even better than he meshed with LeBron James.

"(Griffin) is humble, and he's working extremely hard to get better," Williams said. "That's all the same qualities that LeBron has. ... LeBron has to handle the ball a lot, and I adjusted my game to make it easier on him. With Blake, I can talk to him and get him in good situations."

The remaining Clippers seemed disappointed to lose Davis, but intrigued by the arrival of Williams. Gordon is making progress in his comeback from an injured wrist, and he hopes to play next week - hopefully alongside his new teammates Monday.

"It's tough to get traded in the middle of the season, but it's not a bad thing going from freezing Cleveland and winning 10 games to going to L.A.," Clippers center Chris Kaman said. "They probably couldn't wait to get on the plane."

The Indians reportedly have signed right-hander Chad Durbin to a one year contract to help the bullpen.

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia PhilliesChad Durbin went 4-1 with 3.80 in the Phillies bullpen last season.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Indians won't confirm it, but it appears they've signed veteran reliever Chad Durbin to a one-year deal.

 ESPN reported early this morning that Durbin and the Tribe agreed to a $800,000 deal with $1 million in incentives.

 Durbin's agent, Dan Horwits, was in Arizona on Friday visiting with the Indians.

  The Indians have two to three openings in the bullpen. Durbin is expected to fill one of them. He has spent the last four years working exclusively in relief. He spent the last three years with the Phillies. He was 4-1 with a 3.80 ERA in 64 appearances last season.

 The Tribe's pen is one of the strongest parts of the ballclub. Led by emerging closer Chris Perez and set-up men Rafael Perez and Tony Sipp, they posted the second lowest ERA in the AL last year in the second half.

 Durbin, 33, should make that pen stronger and give it some much needed experience. He worked mostly in long relief last season for the Phillies. He has to ability to pitch more than one inning.

 In 2003 and 2004, Durbin pitched briefly for the Indians.

Durbin would be the third free agent the Indians have signed to a big-league contract this offseason. Austin Kearns for $1.3 million and Orlando Cabrera $1 million are the others.

Canton - Solon senior Michael Kreft became a two-time state diving champion as he won the Division I title for the second straight year on Saturday at Canton's C.T. Branin Natatorium. Kreft, 18, scored 506.25 points during the 11 dives to hold off fival senior Troy Richert from North Royalton, who finished with 474.20.  Hudson freshman Alex Obendorf was third...

Michael Kreft won the Division I diving championship for the second straight year on Saturday. - (Allison Carey/The Plain Dealer)

Canton - Solon senior Michael Kreft became a two-time state diving champion as he won the Division I title for the second straight year on Saturday at Canton's C.T. Branin Natatorium.

Kreft, 18, scored 506.25 points during the 11 dives to hold off fival senior Troy Richert from North Royalton, who finished with 474.20.  Hudson freshman Alex Obendorf was third at 454.90.

"I definitely faced more pressure coming into it,'' said Kreft, who will attend Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. "You can't move up. You can only fall.''

Nordonia freshman Stephen Romanik was fith (440.10), Garfield Heights junior Stephen Schillero was sixth (431.65) and St. Ignatius senior William Rosenberg III was seventh (430.65).

Butler and Milwaukee finish with the top two seeds in the Horizon League postseason tournament while the Vikings (24-7, 13-5), either at or near the top of the league all season, drop to No. 3.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain DealerCleveland State's Norris Cole earned a couple of second-half free throws after drawing this foul from Wisconsin-Green Bay's Seth Evans Saturday at the Wolstein Center. Cole finished with 22 points in the 64-57 victory.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It was perhaps a tad bittersweet, but Cleveland State earned a share of the Horizon League's tri-championship with Milwaukee and Butler Saturday afternoon following a 64-57 victory over Green Bay in the Wolstein Center.

But of the three champions, Butler and Milwaukee finish with the top two seeds in the Horizon League postseason tournament while the Vikings (24-7, 13-5), either at or near the top of the league all season, drop to No. 3. The top two seeds get a bye to the semifinals while CSU now has to win four games to claim the Horizon's automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

Refreshed after the victory, courtesy of 22 points and 10 rebounds from Norris Cole and 12 from center Aaron Pogue, head coach Gary Waters said of the tournament journey, "it's going to be hard, but I'm taking all my suits."

The first game will be Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in the Wolstein Center against either Illinois-Chicago or Youngstown State. A win sends CSU to Milwaukee for the quarterfinals and potentially semifinals. The March 8 title game will be at the site of the highest-seeded finalist.

It's a daunting task, but one CSU now welcomes.

"Yes," Cole said bluntly. "No doubt."

From the outset the Vikings made sure there was no flight for these Phoenix before 4,923 fans. Unlike Thursday, when the early 3-pointer was the shot du jour, CSU went immediately inside to Pogue who scored the first two times he touched the ball. In short order CSU was in charge, leading, 14-4, and forcing Green Bay (14-17, 8-10) to call an early time out.

"That's important," Cole said of Pogue's performance. "When Aaron's effective, teams can't be as tight on the guards. When he plays big, our team is big."

The Vikings kept on rolling, building a 21-6 edge. Defensively, Cleveland State harassed Green Bay into 2-of-17 shooting at one stretch while the Vikings were hitting 9-of-20. CSU was so dominant that Waters, who has bemoaned the lack of production from his bench, gave Norris Cole a rare two-minute respite in the opening half.

Perhaps looking toward the upcoming tournament, Waters also gave extended first-half minutes to 6-9 freshman Luda Ndaye and 6-10 Joe Latas. The Vikings' halftime lead was 28-17, and the rest for the starters, combined four points and six rebounds from the reserves, was certainly welcome.

Green Bay regrouped closed within 36-30, but Pogue's scoring and passing helped the Vikings regain control, 48-33. Then Pogue got in foul trouble and ultimately fouled out with 2:32 to play.

But the Vikings held on, as Cole put the feather in the cap of a stellar MVP season.

"Norris Cole's numbers, and what he's done, he's put this team on his back at times," Green Bay head coach Brian Wardle said. "It would be hard not to think he's not winning [MVP], he's that good of a player."

Josh Cribbs and Joe Haden of the Browns are expecting a work stoppage.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns special teamer and receiver Josh Cribbs does not think the NFL's players and owners will reach an accord before the collective bargaining agreement expires Thursday at 11:59 p.m.

"There will be a lockout,'' Cribbs said. "The real question is: How long will it be?''

Cribbs spoke to reporters early Saturday evening before an autograph session at the Lake Erie Monsters-Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game at The Q. Cribbs was joined by Browns cornerback Joe Haden and safety T.J. Ward.

Haden was pessimistic, as well, while answering a question about Browns headquarters in Berea.

"When the lockout starts and we're not going to be able to go in there, it's going to feel different, definitely,'' Haden said. "When I'm not going to be able to go in there, it's going to feel a whole lot different. It's like, you go to work and all of a sudden you can't get in your job.''

In a story on espn.com Friday, reporters Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter wrote: "Absent a last-minute agreement that no one around football expects, the NFL Players Association plans to decertify by Thursday in an effort to pre-empt an owners-generated lockout, according to multiple league and union sources.

"The collective bargaining agreement says the NFLPA in effect must wait six months to decertify if it does it after the collective bargaining agreement expires.''

Mortensen and Schefter wrote that the "(NFLPA) already has obtained unanimous approval from players across the league to decertify,'' and, "The main reason for decertification would be to file for an injunction that, if granted, would prevent the owners from locking out the players. NFLPA officials and players believe that this could be the only hope to have a full NFL season next year.''

Friday evening in Cleveland, Cribbs was talking lockout, not decertification to pre-empt it.

"There's a difference between a lockout and a strike,'' Cribbs said. "A strike is from the players; a lockout is from the management.

"The players just want to play football. We wanted to leave it like it was. It wasn't us. It's up to (the owners) to decide.''

Haden said: "I know I want to play, I know my teammates want to play.''

One of the major sticking points in the negotiations is the owners' proposal of an 18-game regular season. A number of current and former players has suggested the proposal is a non-starter, that the regular season needs to remain at 16 games because of how physically demanding the NFL is. Cribbs and Haden, though, do not have a problem with 18 games if it means avoiding a protracted work stoppage.

"I think it will be an 18-game season,'' Cribbs said. "We just ask that they bend a little bit for us. Keep us healthy. Limit the amount of training camp and things of that nature. If we meet somewhere in the middle, an agreement will be reached.''

Haden said: "Eighteen games, do 18 games. I'm not worried about it.''

Cribbs said the Browns could be especially hard hit by a work stoppage because  they are breaking in a new coaching staff. Coach Pat Shurmur will install a version of the West Coast offense.

"It's going to be hard with the lockout coming up to not have OTAs and to not be able to grasp the playbook,'' Cribbs said.

Cribbs said he met Shurmur at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards earlier this month. Cribbs was honored that night as the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission's pro athlete of the year.

"I said, 'Coach, I just want to win,''' Cribbs said. "I know he felt it. He looked right back at me and said, 'I just want to win, too.'''

Cribbs is salivating at the opportunity to expand his game in the West Coast offense. He is convinced he can be an impact receiver, regardless of system.

"(Shurmur) did mention having a lot of things planned for me,'' Cribbs said. "He's going to do everything he can to put us in position to score touchdowns and win football games. They're going to get the playmakers the football.''

On Feb. 20, fan-favorite Cribbs caused a stir on twitter from the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Cribbs tweeted that Cavaliers owners Dan Gilbert had gotten him tickets, then sent a twitpic of "My boy'' LeBron James.

Cleveland fans immediately let Cribbs know via twitter and other channels that they were not happy with his judgment. Cribbs further angered the base by tweeting that fans should let the James issue go and that "we moved on.''

"I was surprised by the reaction,'' Cribbs said. "I sent out the (twitpic), really nonchalant, so I didn't think there would be that big of a backlash. But I understand it.

"It shows how diehard the fans are. When someone (James) does that to the city, they fight back vocally. These are some of the better fans in the league and around the country.''

Cribbs said he has learned his lesson.

"I know I have to watch everything I say and everything I tweet,'' he said. "I really don't have any intention to leave, but I would think twice -- and a third time and a fourth time -- before trying to get out of Cleveland.''

Cleveland State's Gary Waters will admit that coaching a basketball team does mean there are days when you must say you're sorry.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain Dealer"We play to give honor to God and to play to the best of our ability. That is our goal each day, each game. I got away from that," an apologetic CSU coach Gary Waters (pictured during a stressful moment in Saturday's win over Wisconsin-Green Bay) said of his behavior after the Vikings' costly loss Thursday night. "It was all about winning that one game."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It was the morning after Cleveland State's most devastating game of the season -- Thursday's 87-83 loss to Wisconsin-Milwaukee at the Wolstein Center. That defeat cost the Vikings a chance for exclusive rights to the Horizon League title and for a chance to host the conference tournament on their home court.

In the moments immediately after that game, Waters told the media, "All I can say is this team is not ready to win a championship." He also said, "We have no bench ... and you don't rebound the basketball. Those things will beat you every time you play. If you want me to say it's smoke and mirrors we got through this [season], I'll say that. It's reality."

When Friday morning came, Waters realized he had failed his team as a leader. He had also said his team "wasn't built" to win four games in a week to win the Horizon League tournament and secure an NCAA bid.

That's why at Friday's team meeting, he apologized to his players. He was a 59-year-old man who has been coaching for 30 years (14 as a head coach), admitting he blew it.

"I put too much pressure on them to win that one game," he said. "We play to give honor to God and to play to the best of our ability. That is our goal each day, each game. I got away from that. It was all about winning that one game."

Yes, the Vikings are not a deep team. They are driven by star guard Norris Cole. But it also is Waters and his staff who recruited these players. So everyone was to blame if talent is lacking or hasn't been developed.

"We just needed to regroup," said Waters, wanting the players to know that they haven't let him down. "They also wanted to finish strong for Norris [Cole]," he said. "He helped put this program on the map."

Saturday, the Vikings closed out their regular season with a 64-57 victory over Wisconsin-Green Bay. CSU finished with a 24-7 regular season record. And afterward, Waters admitted, "I was speaking from all the hurt."

He had forgotten that this was a team picked for third place in the Horizon League, a team that was 16-17 a year ago. It has only two seniors -- Joe Latas and Cole. Most of all, there are more games left as the Vikings open Horizon Conference tournament play Tuesday at home.

The Vikings finished in a three-way tie with Butler and Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a 13-5 league record. But tie breakers put the final rounds of the tournament in Milwaukee. That school and Butler both earned automatic berths into the league's final four.

If the Vikings are to make the NCAA tournament, they must do it the hard way -- winning those four tournament games. They did it in 2009, ending with an upset of Butler on the Bulldogs' home court. In 2008, they lost to Butler in the tournament finals and went to the National Invitational Tournament.

The Vikings bolted to a school record 12-0 start. They were 21-3 at one point, then lost four of six before Saturday's victory. Their intense pressure defense has softened as the schedule grew more demanding.

Their lack of size -- they really start three guards, a small forward and a foul-prone 6-foot-9 Aaron Pogue -- led to breakdowns in rebounding.

But they still finished the regular season with 24 victories, fourth-most in school history. They averaged 3,326 fans, their second-highest attendance in Wolstein Center history. Cole is a 21-point scorer, the best player in the league and projected by some scouts to be a second-round NBA draft choice. Saturday, Cole scored 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and had five assists.

"We have accomplished a lot, and I don't want our guys to forget that," Waters said. "But I also want them to know that we can do more. This thing isn't over yet. I have four suits picked out [for four games] and I expect to wear them all during the tournament."

The Cavaliers finally welcomed three new additions to Cleveland, but none practiced and all are questionable for Philadelphia.

View full sizeTony Dejak / Associated PressCavaliers coach Byron Scott envisions a starting lineup that has both Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions on the court together. "(Davis) can guard bigger guards, but then on the other end he puts a team in a bind having to guard both (Davis and Sessions), too," Scott said Saturday.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- On the second day after the trade, the Cavaliers waited. Again.

They waited for new additions Baron Davis, Semih Erden and Luke Harangody to undergo physicals after they arrived in Cleveland on Saturday. All were finally in town two days after the Thursday deal, and all missed practice as they completed physicals and got settled.

While they waited, coach Byron Scott continued his scheming of what his new team will look like. Scott has visions of Davis finally starting at point guard, the 6-11 Erden is backing up the center position, and 6-7 Harangody is adding bulk and defense where needed.

For now, the three are questionable for Sunday's game against Philadelphia at The Q. Even if all are cleared, they have not yet practiced or had time to learn the playbook and defensive schemes. It would be a rocky introduction.

So for now, Scott can only dream of what might be added to a squad that has won three of its last five games after an epic 26-game losing streak.

"They see right now that all the work they've been putting in is starting to pay dividends, Scott said of Friday's win over the New York Knicks and the Feb. 16 triumph over the Lakers. "Even though we had the 26-game losing streak, we felt like we were getting better. They never really got discouraged."

Scott's backcourt might feature both Davis and rapidly improving Ramon Sessions. In his Princeton offense, both guards can initiate the ball movement, so a true point isn't needed. Davis is 6-3 and 215 pounds, a solid guard who can defend larger players and is accustomed to setting up the offense -- having been on the distribution side of many Blake Griffin baskets for the Clippers.

"I envisioned that as soon as we made the trade," Scott said. "I thought they'd definitely be on the floor together because of the way they play and because of the way BD can guard people. He can guard bigger guards, but then on the other end he puts a team in a bind having to guard both those guys, too."

Sessions has improved since he was thrust into the starting position when Mo Williams was injured. In Sessions' last 10 games, he is averaging 19.9 points on 56 percent shooting, adding 8.7 assists and 1.9 steals in 35.2 minutes.

"Every phase of his game has gotten better," Scott said. "You don't see that in a lot of guys from the start of training camp until this particular time of the season where they've improved so much. ... I haven't seen a guy who's had that type of leap in six or seven months in a season the way he has. Obviously, he's had a great year for us, and it's not over. We see a big upside in Ramon. He's only 24 years old and he's playing great basketball."

Of the two players obtained from Boston, Scott said he is most familiar with Harangody. The Notre Dame product worked out with New Orleans before his senior season when Scott coached them and Harangody was contemplating entering the NBA draft.

Erden fills a desperate need for size and is expected to earn time as back-up center for J.J. Hickson. Both Erden and Harangody are rookies.

"We got two guys that No. 1, are young," Scott said. "No. 2, they're 6-11 and [6-7], and they both play extremely hard."

For now, though, Scott can only imagine what will happen when they are playing and the new team he envisions comes to fruition.

Battle of the beards: Hickson has the patchy beginnings of a beard starting on his 22-year-old face. He admitted Saturday, though, that Davis' beard -- which even has its own Twitter account, @BoomsBeard -- is a bit better.

"He's got me beat right now," Hickson said, "but I'm still kind of young. Mine hasn't filled out yet. But I'm getting there."

The Browns learned firsthand this week how the NFL is playing hardball with players during this period of labor strife.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain DealerThe NFL front office warned the Browns this week that Colt McCoy and the rest of the players were prohibited from official "meetings" with Pat Shurmur and the new coaching staff -- part of the fallout of the looming labor dispute with the players union.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Browns were one of several teams reminded this week by the NFL that players are not supposed to "meet" with coaches or be given playbooks during this period of the off-season.

The issue came up, according to sources, after a story in The Plain Dealer reporting that quarterback Colt McCoy had been meeting with new coach Pat Shurmur since the Super Bowl. It was also reported that the Browns intended to give McCoy a portion of Shurmur's offensive playbook before the possible owners lockout on March 4 so that McCoy would have something to study during the work stoppage.

In comments not used in the original story, Browns President Mike Holmgren said on Wednesday, "It's an interesting time. Organizations have to be very careful on how you do things. You can't do anything you haven't done in the past. The fact Pat Shurmur is new ... Colt and some players have come in. We can give him a playbook, have him study it, but you can't have meetings. You have all this stuff going on, so at the very least you've got to be able to give him [a playbook]."

Apparently, not so.

At a meeting with coaches and GMs at the NFL Scouting Combine, the league pointed out that existing rules forbid meetings with coaches and the dispensing of playbooks until the official start of off-season conditioning programs on March 15. The league is saying the off-season rules were a concession to the wishes of the players union, which did not want coaches pressuring players to meet with coaches until the off-season programs kicked off.

Shurmur and Browns GM Tom Heckert declined to expound on the meeting with league officials.

Heckert said, "I'm not going to get into what we can and can't do. There are rules on everything. We're just going about it as whatever they say, we are going to obey them."

Shurmur denied that he and McCoy have held "meetings" to discuss the team's new offense. He said some of the Browns players working out in the team's headquarters have simply stopped in to meet their new head coach.

"There's a new head coach in the building and they're just curious about coming in and meeting him," Shurmur said. "I haven't told any of them to come in. I think it's just normal protocol. We're just getting to know one another."

It is ridiculous, of course, for the league not to allow players to get a jumpstart on their new offense or defense voluntarily. But these are not ordinary times and the league apparently is going to play hardball with the players union every chance it gets.

It figures: The Browns are one of a handful of teams that have changed coaches and are implementing completely new systems on both offense and defense. Therefore, they would appear to suffer more hardships in an owners lockout and complete league shutdown.

Shurmur, however, will have none of that.

"Whatever happens, 32 teams will be in the same situation. I'm not worried about it," he said. "I feel as though we've hired some great teachers and the systems we're going to teach and employ are proven. I trust and am confident that we'll get it done."

More hardball: NFL coaches will feel the effects of a lockout in their paychecks. According to Larry Kennan, executive director of the NFL Coaches Association, as many as 20 percent of coaches in the NFL will see paycuts approximating 30 percent if there is a lockout beyond 30 days.

Kennan said any new coach hired in the past three years -- head coaches and assistants -- have had to agree to lockout language in their contracts. Two teams have indicated immediate paycuts and possible termination if there is a lockout, Kennan said.

"The 'good' teams have said they will conduct business as usual as long as they can," Kennan said. "They also say paycuts would be recouped when the lockout ends."

Kennan said the lockout language has fueled talk of the coaches forming a union to recoup perks they lost when the economy soured in 2009. Since then, 12 teams have removed coaches from team pension plans and reduced or eliminated other benefits.

The teams that ceased pension benefits, Kennan said, are San Diego, Arizona, Atlanta, San Francisco, New Orleans, Buffalo, Jacksonville, New England, Dallas, Houston, Washington and Tampa Bay.

More reax on Shurmur: St. Louis Rams General Manager Billy Devaney believes Shurmur, the club's offensive coordinator the past two years, will be a successful head coach.

"You know, you hear the stuff about players and coaches 'getting it.' More than anything, Pat gets it," Devaney said. "He's got a great way with players, relating to them, understanding them. Knowing when to push, when to back off. He's got a really good offensive mind. But besides that, just the way he relates with players I think is fantastic."

Asked for specifics, Devaney cited Shurmur's role in developing quarterback Sam Bradford in his rookie year.

"The way he interacted with same. [Former QB coach] Dick Curl and Pat were the two guys that were around Sam all last year," Devaney said. "The way those guys just hit it off and the way they worked well together the whole season I think was really impressive."

On Mickey Mantle, the new biography about him, and how Baby Boomers even today see ourselves, darkly, in him.

View full sizeAP file photoOn April 14, 1951, a raw Mickey Mantle posed with Joe DiMaggio before his New York debut in an exhibition game against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. Author Jane Leavy's biography of Mantle reaffirms how his public and private contradictions reflected upon American life in the middle of the 20th century.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Mick was schmoozing the crowd when he decided to have a drink or half-dozen. It happened often.

If memory serves, the occasion was the opening of Mickey Mantle's Country Cooking restaurant. Dallas was the venue. A poorer marriage of a city working on sophistication and an eatery predicated on rusticity, which served ice tea in Mason jars, could not be imagined. That included Mantle's unconvincing stab at monogamy with his wife, Merlyn.

Then again, the occasion could have been a baseball old-timers game or a golf outing. Mantle made the rounds of such events 40 years ago. At them, someone usually bought another round of what he was drinking.

I was a cub reporter at the Dallas Morning News when I saw the photographs that were taken at the event. Reporters gathered around the sports copy desk as the photo editor riffled through the sheaf of shots in growing desperation, looking for a usable one. It didn't exist.

A ripple of embarrassed laughter swept through the crowd. It was an era before we were accustomed to seeing athletes, "warts and all." In the photos, Mantle was hopelessly -- eyes rolling, knees sagging, silly smiling -- drunk.

View full sizeJane Leavy's "The Last Boy" is a poignant tale, says Bill Livingston.

Readers of Jane Leavy's acclaimed new biography of Mantle will recognize the poor figure he cut that day. "The Last Boy -- Mickey Mantle and the End of America's Childhood" has brought renewed attention to a man-child who fascinated many of us as boys and saddened us as we came to see him away from the pinstripes and the glamour.

Mantle joined the New York Yankees when Joe DiMaggio was leaving them. It was, in fact, the slowed gait of the Yankee Clipper that led Mantle, playing right field as DiMaggio's apprentice, to charge across an opened outfield drain during the 1951 World Series. In the tumble, he probably, orthopedic medicine being an uncertain medical discipline at the time, tore all three knee ligaments.

The Mick still became the greatest switch-hitter ever, as well as the greatest hungover hitter since Babe Ruth and the greatest physically impaired hitter ever.

Mantle's insecurities about being a rube from a small town in Oklahoma were not so much in contrast to the regal DiMaggio as a foil for him. Mantle was both human and seemingly superhuman, and so he sums up the past for many of us Baby Boomers. Factories were booming and so was he. "Tape-measure" home runs, a term invented for him, seemed to jump off his bat. Left-handed, right-handed -- it hardly seemed to matter.

Mantle was, however, as inattentive and indifferent in his rehab from his many injuries as he was to his marriage. The price of his indulgences was no easier for him to pay than the national debt is for anyone to escape today.

Mantle had money, a lot of it eventually, but he never knew how to conserve it. He was, writes Leavy, one of the world's softest touches for hangers-on. Idolaters bankrolled him in his later years.

He also endorsed Camel cigarettes, as well as an anti-smoking aid called Bautron at nearly the same time. He did commercials for an anti-inflammatory drug which, unbeknownst to the pharmaceutical company, he could not take because of liver disease. He was the in-house celebrity at an Atlantic City casino, for which Bowie Kuhn banned him from baseball, although more lenient baseball commissioners after him were fine with Mantle's reinstatement.

Scrounging for money gave Mantle a tolerant view of "Ball Four," the tell-all book by former Yankee pitcher Jim Bouton that demythologized The Mick and many other baseball stars. "Bouton did it for money," Mantle told a long-time golf partner, drinking buddy and Dallas newspaperman. According to the reporter, Mantle said it compassionately, with the understanding one has-been had for another as the money was drying up.

Leavy's tone in "The Last Boy" is a poignant one. She is a fan whose life-long admiration for her subject was sorely tried, but remained true. Remarkably, Mantle, the fallen hero of our adolescence, beat alcohol in the final years of his life. Next, he taped public service announcements for organ donations after receiving a liver transplant. He made us doctor the memories of those old photos and admire him all over again.

Singer Paul Simon once said the famous lyric would have been "Where have you gone, Mickey Mantle?" not Joe DiMaggio, except Mantle's name was incompatible with the meter of the line. Mantle lived the way he swung, from the heels. When he connected, he took us out of our everyday lives and made us think anything was possible. Wherever you wish to think he and other reformed sinners go, he got all of it in the ninth inning.

Follow Bill Livingston on Facebook and on Twitter @LivyPD

The fourth conference title in Cleveland State history is the first under the Horizon banner.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Yes, there was a celebration. But it was clearly subdued, as Cleveland State (24-7, 13-5) shunned the prefixes "co" or "tri" to go along with the regular-season conference title they shared with Milwaukee (18-12, 13-5) and Butler (21-9, 13-5) Saturday.

It marked the fourth conference title in school history, but the first under the Horizon banner. CSU won back-to-back AMCU-8 titles under coach Kevin Mackey in 1984-85 and 1985-86, and a Mid-Continent Conference title with Mike Boyd in 1992-93. The latest crown is the first in 18 years.

"Horizon League Champions, that's what we are," head coach Gary Waters said.

But the fact is, the two teams that dominated the bulk of conference play, CSU and Valparaiso (21-10, 12-6), wind up with the least to show for it. The Vikings (3-3 in HL play down the stretch) and Crusaders (2-3) fell back to the pack. That opened the door for fast-improving Milwaukee (winners of their last nine) and traditional power Butler (winners of six straight) to reap the big reward.

Butler, never close to first place until Thursday, and Milwaukee now get the two coveted HL Tournament byes to the semifinal. Milwaukee will host as the No. 1 seed while Butler is No. 2. Meanwhile No. 4 Valpo and No. 3 CSU must play three games through the field to get to the championship game.

Still looking: Waters has made it pretty clear on several occasions he believes CSU can build on the momentum of this season, and cites his five-man recruiting class coming in 2011-2012. If things work out, he'd like to add one more recruit.

"The guys we're bringing in are very happy," Waters said of his recruiting class. "And I am the happiest person on earth. This [recruiting class] is going to help this program. Remember, you add [injured red-shirt senior] D'Aundray [Brown] back to the mix and [injured red-shirt freshman] Sebastian [Douglas] gets to play.

"I got to bring in a big kid, too. If I can get a big kid that can really help us with some minutes, and I've got three or four [possibilities]. It's something I've got to make a decision on."

Pomeranz is probably on the same path as Alex White, the Indians' No.1 pick in 2009.

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain DealerThe Indians' top draft pick in 2010, Drew Pomeranz, will likely start his first pro season with Class A Kinston.

Here's a glimpse -- the last in a series -- at one of the Indians' prospects in big-league camp.

Drew Pomeranz

Age: 21.

Bats: Left. Throws: Left.

Height/weight: 6-5, 230.

Position: LHP.

How acquired: The Indians drafted him in the first round in 2010. He was the fifth player taken.

2010 stats: Did not pitch professionally last year. In his junior year at the University of Mississippi, he went 9-2 with a 2.24 ERA in 16 starts. He struck out 139 and walked 49 in 100 innings.

2011: Class A Kinston.

The skinny: Pomeranz is probably on the same path as Alex White, the Indians' No.1 pick in 2009. White came out of college and pitched at Class A Kinston and Class AA Akron last year. Pomeranz throws a fastball, curve and change-up. His father showed him how to throw a spike curve ball when he was a kid. He spikes the ball with his index finger and flicks the ball to home plate without breaking his wrist. Pomeranz impressed the Indians' coaches in the Arizona Instructional League last fall. He threw between 92-95 mph in most of his outings. "I was throwing harder than I did in college and struck a bunch of guys out," Pomeranz said.

Personal: Likes to golf and play Xbox, but he doesn't have his golf clubs with him yet in spring training. Indians signed him for $2.65 million. His older brother Stuart, who is 6-7, was drafted by the Cardinals out of high school. Pomeranz will probably be among the first cuts from big-league camp because the Indians will want him to get regular work to prepare for the minor-league season. Baseball America rated him the 61st-best prospect in the minors and he has yet to throw an inning in pro ball.

Third of a weekly series profiling top players who could be available to the Cavs in this year's NBA Draft on June 23.

Third of a weekly series profiling top players who could be available to the Cavs in this year's NBA Draft on June 23. The draft lottery to determine the order is May 17.

ENES KANTER

College: Kentucky.

Position: Center/forward.

Ht/Wt: 6-11, 261.

Born: May 20, 1992, Zurich, Switzerland.

Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey.

Scouting report: It would have been nice to see how Kentucky's big man stood up against other top competition. But the NCAA ruled the freshman permanently ineligible without so much as a tip-off this season for receiving $33,000, above standard living expenses, while playing for a club team in Turkey. The question is, does the penalty help or hurt his draft status? "It makes him more of a mystery," says Chris Monter, of NBAdraft.net. Kanter isn't raw, but a year of college ball would have helped answer questions about his ability to play against bigger, stronger and more athletic players. What scouts do know is he's a post-up man with a legitimate NBA body who isn't afraid to use it. He's strong, has a nice shooting touch and could be an immediate contributor with the right fit. His resume also includes a record-setting 34-point, 13-rebound performance for the World Team against Team USA in the Nike Hoop Summit last April. Whose record did he break? None other than Dallas All-Star Dirk Nowitzki. It came against the likes of Ohio State's Jared Sullinger and North Carolina's Harrison Barnes.

Cleveland connection: None, according to his father, but if the Cavs draft him, the Turkish Anatolia Caf in Cleveland Heights should name an entr e after him.

Projection: Unless something unexpected pops up, Kanter should be among the top five players selected in the draft, and maybe as high as second. Draft services project him no lower than fourth, although Thehoopsdoctors.com recently downgraded him two spots to fourth, probably because the NCAA action prevents scouts from actually watching him play.

Fast breaks: Kanter wants to be a professional wrestler after his basketball career. ... He moved to the United States in 2009, attending a prep high school in California before enrolling at Kentucky last fall. ... He played three seasons with the Turkish sport club Fenerbahce. ... His father is a professor who heads a stem cell and embryo research department.

Now is the winter of our NBA discontent, which came on the heels of the summer of our discontent after you know who did you know what.

View full sizeMarvin Fong / The Plain DealerCarmelo Anthony's ability to maneuver the Denver Nuggets into a trade sending him to the Knicks is just the latest example of a player-dominated NBA that irritates more and more fans, says Mary Schmitt Boyer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Will this be remembered as the season the NBA turned into the NBAAU?

When Cavaliers fans greeted New York's Carmelo Anthony with a hearty chorus of boos on Friday night, it was just more evidence that now is the winter of our discontent, which came on the heels of the summer of our discontent after you know who did you know what.

Granted, by more-or-less making his wish to leave known before the trading deadline, Anthony, who would have been a free agent this summer, at least afforded the Nuggets a chance to recoup their losses. LeBron James did the Cavs no such favors, and we know how that turned out.

But things have gotten so crazy in the NBA that the Utah Jazz traded All-Star point guard Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets last week, and he wasn't scheduled to be a free agent until the summer of 2012. In return for Williams, the Jazz got rookie forward Derrick Favors, point guard Devin Harris and two first-round picks.

"The concern that we as a franchise have had all along is if you look at what happened with LeBron James in Cleveland, and Amar'e Stoudemire in Phoenix, and Chris Bosh in Toronto, there seems to be a trend developing where those marquee players get away," Utah owner Greg Miller told reporters. "In the case of those three teams there was very little at the end to show for it. I was very concerned that the same thing would happen to us if Deron left.

"At the end of the day, I never heard him say he was going to stay or go. Just going with my gut, I just felt like he would likely be moving on. ... We decided this would be a great opportunity for the Utah Jazz to preserve the value of Deron Williams by trading for these four, essentially, first-round picks, and control our destiny, which I wasn't sure we would be able to do with Deron."

Of course, there's no assurance that Williams will remain in New Jersey when he becomes a free agent. It apparently all depends on who goes where and with whom the following summer.

Doesn't that sound just like AAU basketball, where some coaches and players -- though not all of them -- try to assemble what are essentially age-group All-Star teams to try and beat the stuffing out of other age-group All-Star teams?

Coaches aren't to blame in the NBA, but it's clear the league is coalescing into super teams. Consider this: Seven of the 12 Eastern Conference All Stars came from two teams. Boston had four -- Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo, while Miami contributed its Big Three -- James, Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Six of the Western Conference All Stars came from three teams, with two each from the Lakers (Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol), San Antonio (Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili) and Oklahoma City (Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook).

Optimists point to San Antonio and, now, Oklahoma City as small-market teams that can still compete with the big boys.

"We want to have that San Antonio-type model where you can build and have longevity and be good for years to come," Cavs coach Byron Scott said. "There's still a lot of small-market teams that are very good."

But Scott acknowledges that things are changing.

"I think players obviously have a lot more power than they used to," Scott said. "Guys are saying where they want to play and all that. But we're trying to do this the right way and build for the long term."

Cavs General Manager Chris Grant was even more optimistic about the future of small-market teams in general, and the Cavs in particular.

"I feel great about our situation," he said. "We've got an owner who's supportive. We've got fans who are passionate about professional sports and about the Cavaliers. We have the tools and resources to put ourselves in position to do things the right way. From our standpoint, this is one of the best positions you can be in."

Pardon ESPN's Rick Reilly if he's not buying that. In a recent column, Reilly, who lives in Denver, wrote, "This is what the NBA has become: very tall, very rich twenty-somethings running the league from the backs of limos, colluding so that the best players gang up on the worst. To hell with the Denvers, the Clevelands, the Torontos. If you aren't a city with a direct flight to Paris, we're leaving. Go rot. ...

"The NBA used to work on a turn system. You will lose, but if you hang in there, you'll be rewarded with a very high draft pick like an Anthony, and your turn at glory will arrive.

"Not anymore. The superstars are in charge now. Now, you lose and you get a pick, and that pick immediately starts texting his pals to see where they'll all wind up in three years."