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A.J. Hawk resigns with the Green Bay Packers

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The Green Bay Packers resign A.J. Hawk.

ajhawk.jpgThe Green Bay Packers released linebacker A.J. Hawk.

Too bad Cleveland Browns fans, it looks like former Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk will remain with the Green Bay Packers.


One day after getting released, Hawk has agreed to terms on a new five-year deal and will sign it today, According to a television station in Milwaukee.


That means no team, including the Browns, will have a chance to sign Hawk.


And he would've looked good in a Browns' new 4-3 defense.


   



Scouting state wrestling

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When: Today through Saturday. Where: Value City Arena, Ohio State University, Columbus.

St. Edward assistant coach John Heffernan congratulates Dean Heil on his win in the 119-pound class at the Medina Invitational Tournament on Dec. 28, 2010. (Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)

When: Today through Saturday.

Where: Value City Arena, Ohio State University, Columbus.

Tickets: Single-session tickets $13. All-session booklet $60 for Entry and Club levels, $50 for Terrace level. Available at OSU ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Schedule Today: 3 p.m., Division III preliminaries; 4:20 p.m., Division II prelims; 5:50 p.m., Division I prelims; 7:20 p.m., Div. III consolation round 1; 8 p.m., Div. II consolation round 1; 8:45 p.m., Div. I consolation round 1.

Friday: 10 a.m., Div. III quarterfinals; 10:40 a.m., Div. II quarterfinals; 11:25 a.m., Div. I quarterfinals; 12:15 p.m., Div. III consolation round 2; 1 p.m., Div. II consolation round 2; 1:45 p.m., Div. I consolation round 2; 6:30 p.m., semifinals; 8:50 p.m., consolation quarterfinals.

Saturday: 10 a.m., consolation semifinals; 11 a.m., third-, fifth-, and seventh-place matches; 5:15 p.m., Hall of Fame ceremonies and Parade of Champions; 5:45 p.m., championship matches.

DIVISION I

What to watch: Last year, Wadsworth needed 172 points to beat St. Edward by 4.5 points and win the closest tournament in 33 years. This week it probably will take closer to 200 points. After having its 13-year winning streak snapped last season, St. Edward returns in full force. All 10 of its qualifiers were district finalists, including returning state champ Dean Heil and runner-up Mark Martin, and placers Edgar Bright (112) and Greg Kuhar (heavyweight). Domenic Abounader (160) and Ty Walz (215), a junior national champion last summer, also are returning state qualifiers. Any of those six plus James Suvak (189) could reach the finals. Wadsworth (nine qualifiers) will need a perfect week like last year when it put six in the finals and placed nine. It features state champ Nick Tavanello (215), runner-up Kagan Squire (125) and placers Alfredo Gray (130), Nate Ball (140) and Sheldon Brandenburg (160), and returning qualifiers Brandon Jones (112) and Clay Wenger (145). All should place. Tavanello and Squire can win. The Grizzlies will need a big weekend from Brandenburg, Ball, Wenger and Gray to stay with St. Edward. Two other teams not to be overlooked in the race for second place are Massillon Perry (eight qualifiers) and young, but talented Cincinnati Moeller (eight). Solon has a pair of individual contenders in sophomores Brandon Thompson (103) and Anthony Collica (125), who lost in the district final to Mayfield's Mike Carlone. Mayfield also has a pair of four-time qualifiers in Dan McNulty (125) and Tylan Coleman (160), a three-time placer. Coleman has a tough draw with Brandenburg and Brecksville's Kyle Roddy in the same half-bracket. Two-time placer George DiCamillo (112) of St. Ignatius seeks his first title. Twinsburg's Mike Labry (125) has a tough draw with Squire in his semifinal bracket in a weight that features six returning placers. Madison's Nick Montgomery (130) is a potential finalist despite being a No. 4 seed. Brush could have back-to-back finalists in Tywan Claxton (140) and Devon Range (145), who could become a third-generation state champ. Medina has the Hammer brothers, Matt (140) and Teddy (152), as well as Ryan Hornack (103) and Mike Griffith (135). An intriguing 189 final could feature Rhodes senior Irayel Williams (39-1) and Oklahoma recruit Sam Wheeler (44-4) of Copley. St. Edward isn't the only Lakewood team well represented. Lakewood High has three qualifiers for the first time in many years – Yousef Abdel-Salam (119), William Abdel-Salam (130) and Nick Ramsey (135).

Plain Dealer pick: 1. St. Edward, 2. Wadsworth.

DIVISION II

What to watch: For perhaps the first time, one team begins the tournament with six wrestlers who already have won state titles. St. Paris Graham wrestlers with a title already are Ryan Taylor (112), Nick Brascetta (140), Bo Jordan (145), Isaac Jordan (160), Kyle Ryan (171) and Huston Evans (189). It could have been seven. Two-time champ Felipe Martinez transferred to Genoa. So, the team race is for second place, and the contenders are Walsh Jesuit (seven qualifiers), Crestwood (seven) and Padua (six), Oak Harbor (six) and Highland (five). Walsh features two-time champ and Ohio State recruit Johnni DiJulius and two-time placers Cory Stainbrook (112) and Nate Skonieczny (125). DiJulius' third title is not a slam-dunk with Padua junior two-time placer Brent Fickel (48-2) as a likely finals opponent. The Bruins also can score with Bobby Mason (112), Collan DaFonseca (135) and Andrew Romanchik (140), who has to contend with Field's T.J. Fox and Brascetta. Crestwood had five Firestone district finalists and should score well with the likes of Mitchel Porter (152), Cody Ryba (171) and Joey Monroe (189). Highland is led by returning runner-up Daniel Mirman (135) and placer Tyler Bloniak (152) and Adam Kluk (160). St. Vincent-St. Mary is led by Michael Rix (103), Walt Gibson (119), Ryan Skonieczny (125), Ray Stone (215) and Carlos Lugo (heavyweight). Others to watch are Lake Catholic's Matt Fee (140), Kenston's Tre Smith (125) and Ben Kazimir (135), Aurora's Ryan Cash (119) and Danny McNamara (171), and West Geauga's Mike November (112). Oak Harbor's Ian Miller (152) is a returning champ.

Plain Dealer pick: 1. St. Paris Graham, 2. Walsh Jesuit.

DIVISION III

What to watch: The team race should be engaging, and the individual performances historic. For the first time in tournament history, three four-time state champions can be crowned from one school on the same day. Monroeville's three-time champions are Hunter Stieber (50-0 at 135), Cam Tessari (48-1 at 140) and Chris Phillips (47-0 at 171). That trio can score close to 90 points and put the pressure on St. Peter Chanel (seven qualifiers) and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (six), each of which will need – and could get – all of its wrestlers to score. Chanel's veteran team features four returning state-placers: Aaron Assad (103), Jeremy Walden (135), Dan Orrill (145) and Cody Walters (160). Joe Kiefer (152) is a returning qualifier, Kennedy Smith (215) a potential high placer and Tyler Porter (189) should score. CVCA's nationally No. 1-ranked Nathan Tomasello (103) and North Carolina recruit Alex Utley (189) could score 55 team points. The Royals' Seth Powers (135) and Matt Meadows (189) are returning placers. Manchester's Shane Brown (140) is 43-0. Other locals to watch are Villa Angela-St. Joseph's Phil Wellington (189) and DiAnte Jackson (215), Keystone twins William (119) and Brian Spangler (125) and Beachwood's Ryan Harris (119) and Alec Jacober (130). Other returning champs are Dixie's Ethan Hayes (215), Jackson-Milton's Johnny Matacic (130) and Genoa's Felipe Martinez (152), who was a two-time champ at St. Paris Graham. Northmor's Tyler Heminger (119) is a three-time runner-up.

Plain Dealer pick: 1. St. Peter Chanel, 2. Monroeville.

 

Talk Cavaliers with Mary Schmitt Boyer today at noon

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What impact will Baron Davis have on the Cavaliers once he starts playing? Which young players is the remainder of this season most important for? Mary Schmitt Boyer will answer those questions and more in a live chat today at noon.

Mary Schmitt BoyerChat with Mary Schmitt Boyer at noon.

What impact will Baron Davis have on the Cavaliers once he starts playing? Which young players is the remainder of this season most important for?

Mary Schmitt Boyer will answer those questions and more in a live chat today at noon.

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

Remember, you can also send her questions to Hey, Mary! Those answers will appear in the newspaper and online every Sunday.

 


NFL fans: Whose side are you on, the owners or the players? Poll

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Whose side are you on in the NFL labor dispute, the players' or the owners?

jerry-jones-chantilly-labor-ap.JPGView full sizeDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones arrives at the hotel in Chantilly, Va., where owners will meet to learn the latest in the push to resolve the labor dispute. The owners' collective bargaining agreement with the players expires at midnight tonight.


The NFL's collective bargaining agreement with the players expires at midnight tonight. As The Plain Dealer's Bill Lubinger told you today, one of the biggest sticking points is the division of $9 billion in revenues. Currently, the owners take $1 billion off the top for expenses, and the players get 60 percent of the remainder.

Some simple math: 60 percent of $8 billion is $4.8 billion. Forty percent of $8 billion is $3.2 billion. Now, since the 32 owners already take that first $1 billion, that means ownership gets $4.2 billion.

What it boils down to: A large part of the fight is over a measly $600 million. Yeah, we realize using the word "measly" and "$600 million" is kind of jarring, but in a feud between billionaire owners and millionaire players, it's the proverbial drop in the bucket.

Let's stipulate that BOTH sides are greedy. We can also stipulate that they're just like us in one way: We all want to be paid the most we can get for the job we do ... and in that regard, you can't begrudge either side.

But -- isn't there always a but? -- this is a polarizing issue because to the owners it's a business, to the players it's a lifestyle and to the fans, it's a passion.

Whose side are you on?



NFL, union negotiators resume talks as contract nears expiration

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The NFL and the players' union sat down Thursday morning for a last-ditch effort to avoid a work stoppage in America's most popular sport.

NFL labor talksNew England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, center talks with an unidentified man, left, as Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, right, looks on after a meeting with NFL owners at a hotel in Chantilly, Va. this week.


Washington -- The NFL and the players' union sat down Thursday morning for a last-ditch effort to avoid a work stoppage in America's most popular sport.

With the clock ticking down to the midnight expiration of the league's collective bargaining agreement, Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL's negotiating team arrived at a federal mediator's headquarters about 45 minutes ahead of NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and his group.

Staring at the first pro football work stoppage since 1987, Goodell said "We're working hard."

Also on hand for the NFL were lead negotiator Jeff Pash, outside counsel Bob Batterman, New York Giants owner John Mara, Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy, Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen and several other league executives. Mara and Murphy are members of the league's labor committee, which has the authority to call for a lockout if a new agreement isn't reached by midnight.

"We'll stay at it as long as it takes," Pash said before the 10th mediation session at the offices of George Cohen.

Joining Smith were union president Kevin Mawae, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and about a dozen others, including current and former players.

The NFL and the players' union no longer have months or weeks or days to reach a new CBA. If they don't get it done now, the league could see its 2011 season jeopardized.

Neither side was making optimistic proclamations.

"We're sticking to a no comment policy," union spokesman George Atallah said. "At some point, we'll say a few things. For now, we'll let them do what they have to do in the negotiating room."

Are they making progress that could lead to a settlement in a dispute that involves $9 billion in revenues?

"I never have expectations, except to have A, B, C, D and E, and to always plan for F," Indianapolis Colts owner Jimmy Irsay said Wednesday night. "It changes. A chessboard that moves around and things happen at unusual hours."

Including, perhaps, in the final hours before the NFL locks out the players, or the union decertifies. An extension of the deadline is possible, too.

The owners didn't spend much time discussing where the negotiations stood Wednesday, cutting their planned two-day meeting to a three-hour affair at a suburban hotel. Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, both members of the labor committee, headed home rather than stick around for further talks with the union.

"We can't comment, and even more so, we're certainly still involved in our dialogue, and so there is no comment," Jones said.

Two people with knowledge of the NFL Players Association's plans told The Associated Press the union was prepared to decertify Thursday, barring a last-minute breakthrough. That action means the union no longer would represent the players, who would be giving up their rights under labor law and instead take their chances in court under antitrust law. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the union had not made its plans public.

There was a flurry of activity Wednesday: a four-hour mediation session attended by all 10 members of the owners' labor committee, Mawae and Brees; the three-hour owners meeting at a hotel 25 miles away in Chantilly, Va.; a one-hour meeting of the league's labor committee immediately after the owners broke up; the cancellation of another planned gathering of owners Thursday; and a private visit with Cohen starting at 8 p.m. by Goodell, two top league lawyers, Mara and Murphy.

Mara -- the first owner to attend the nine days of mediation, on Tuesday -- and Murphy left at 9:30 p.m., followed shortly by Goodell, Pash and Batterman.

"Long day," Mara said.

Asked the purpose of the 11/2-hour evening meeting with Cohen, Pash said: "To speak with the mediator and get some direction."

Irsay said the owners welcomed the opportunity to be updated on negotiations, but there was little reason for them to remain in Washington as the deadline approaches. "We had the chance to ask questions, but we didn't break with a lockout vote or anything like that," Irsay said.

Labor committee members who attended the talks Wednesday were: Mara, Murphy, Kraft, Jones, Jerry Richardson of the Carolina Panthers, Art Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Brown of Cincinnati Bengals, Clark Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs, Dean Spanos of the San Diego Chargers, and Pat Bowlen of the Denver Broncos.

Brees, a member of the NFLPA executive committee, and Mawae hadn't attended this round of mediated negotiations, which began Feb. 18. But now all members of the union's executive committee have been present at least once.

Because Cohen told both sides to stay silent publicly about the current talks, no one has revealed any specifics about what progress might have been made.

The biggest sticking point all along has been how to divide the league's revenues, including what cut team owners should get up front to help cover certain costs, such as stadium construction. Under the old deal, owners received about $1 billion off the top. They entered these negotiations seeking to add another $1 billion to that.

Among the other significant topics: a rookie wage scale; the owners' push to expand the regular season from 16 games to 18 while reducing the preseason by two games; and benefits for retired players.

Cohen said last week that the sides were far apart on the core issues.

By the end of Thursday, more will be known about exactly how far apart.

"I don't want to put any certainty on what this evening might bring or tomorrow might bring," Irsay said Wednesday. "It's really, truly hard to predict. These things change."


AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner in Washington, and Sports Writer Joseph White in Chantilly, Va., contributed to this report.


Evan Moore could be a keeper - Browns Comment of the Day

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"Moore is a keeper - has some of the best, if not the best, hands on the team and can reach over most DBs and LBs to make a catch." - lra064

moore-td-bengals-jk.jpgView full sizeEvan Moore catches a touchdown pass against the Bengals.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns placing second-round tender on TE Evan Moore, according to source, cleveland.com reader lra064 likes what he saw from Evan Moore last season. This reader writes,

"Moore is a keeper - has some of the best, if not the best, hands on the team and can reach over most DBs and LBs to make a catch."

To respond to lra064's comment, go here.

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

Laffey didn't fit in Cleveland anymore - Indians Comment of the Day

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"Laffey had his chances with the Tribe. He never developed into the pitcher the Indians thought he would be, though. Whether that was his fault or the organization's, I have no idea. Maybe he can still salvage his career in Seattle with Wedge. He sure wasn't going to do it here in Cleveland - not with six or seven other starting candidates listed in front of him." - theksukidd73

Aaron LaffeyView full sizeAaron Laffey is on his way to Seattle.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians trade left-hander Aaron Laffey to Seattle for infielder, cleveland.com reader theksukidd73 hopes Laffey can develop in his new home. This reader writes,

"Laffey had his chances with the Tribe. He never developed into the pitcher the Indians thought he would be, though. Whether that was his fault or the organization's, I have no idea. Maybe he can still salvage his career in Seattle with Wedge. He sure wasn't going to do it here in Cleveland - not with six or seven other starting candidates listed in front of him."

To respond to theksukidd73's comment, go here.

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

Kelly Pavlik names opponent for next fight

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Kelly Pavlik will return to the ring May 7.

pavlikdr.jpgKelly Pavlik had his arm raised in victory.

Former middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik will return to the ring against undefeated Alfonso Lopez III in a ten-round super middleweight bout on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosely championship fight on May 7 in Las Vegas.

Mario Ortega Jr. of 15rounds.com writes how Pavlik (36-2, 32 KOs) has been out of action since losing his WBC/WBO middleweight titles to Sergio Martinez last April. And how Pavlik pulled out of a scheduled bout last November citing a rib injury. It was later found out that he had checked into the Betty Ford Center for treatment of his chemical dependence on alcohol.

Though Pavlik has not fought above 160-pounds since his decisive decision loss to Bernard Hopkins in October of 2008, and has not won a bout contracted above 160 since his decision over Jermain Taylor eight months prior, the Youngstown native is currently the WBC #1 ranked super middleweight contender.

Lopez (21-0, 16 KOs) of Cut and Shoot, Texas is coming off of a twelve-round unanimous decision victory over Romero Johnson last November which netted him the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight title. For the promising Lopez, the Pavlik fight represents the chance of a lifetime. “It’s a huge opportunity for me, an honor almost really,” Lopez told 15rounds.com Tuesday evening.

 

 


Samardo Samuels showed something Wednesday night - Cavaliers Comment of the Day

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"Samuels is what he is - an undrafted project. But 23 points and 10 rebounds showed some heart at least. It would be nice to see him develop into a capable NBA power forward." - The I Team

samardo samuels.JPGView full sizeSamardo Samuels is getting an opportunity with Antawn Jamison likely out for the season.

In response to the story San Antonio easily dismisses Cleveland Cavaliers, 109-99, cleveland.com reader The I Team hopes the Cavaliers found something in Samardo Samuels. This reader writes,

"Samuels is what he is - an undrafted project. But 23 points and 10 rebounds showed some heart at least. It would be nice to see him develop into a capable NBA power forward."

To respond to The I Team's comment, go here.

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

Expect Cleveland Browns to end up with Auburn DL Nick Fairley in 2011 NFL Draft, says Mary Kay Cabot (SBTV)

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PD reporter expects LSU's impressive Patrick Peterson to be gone by the time the Browns pick. Watch video

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


The NFL labor situation reaches a critical point tonight at 11:59, as the owners intend to lock out the players when the current collective bargaining agreement runs out. Whose side are you on in the negotiations? Vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.


Today's SBTV guest, Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot, says she suspects fans will side with the players. Also, as she is just back from the combine, Mary Kay talks about who impressed her among the defensive linemen and receivers; whether LSU's Patrick Peterson would be available for the Browns at No. 6; and what player she thinks might be a find for the Browns in the second round.


aj-green.jpgA.J. Green at the combine.

One note: During the video, photos of receivers A.J. Green and Julio Jones were transposed when Mary Kay was discussing them. Pictured here is A.J. Green. The other photo during the WR segment is Julio Jones.


SBTV will return Friday with PD Browns reporter Tony Grossi answering questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

Cleveland Cavaliers P.M. Links: Moving forward; Game stories

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Another starting lineup change for the Cavaliers.

scott-covers-face-horiz-jk.jpgByron Scott

It was the 21st different starting lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season when coach Byron Scott put Samardo Samuels at power forward  and more Alonzo Gee at small forward.

News-Herald reporter Bob Finnan writes how San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich, who coached Gee in San Antonio for five games last season.

"He was always willing to stick his nose in there and play hard," Popovich said. "He was always a good teammate. He was someone who wanted to prove himself and work on his offensive game."

Gee said he plans on playing with high energy to hang on to his starting job.

"That stretch of games when I wasn't playing, I was in the gym every day working on my shot," he said.

  

 

   

Game stories

Ohio.com: Another Cavs loss.

Cleveland.com: San Antonio easily takes down the Cavaliers.

News-Herald: Laughing beats crying for coach Byron Scott.

MySanAntonio.com: The Spurs get back on track in Cleveland.

Mary Schmitt Boyer talks Cavaliers - Podcast

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How will the Cavaliers replace Antawn Jamison's scoring? Which young players need to step up their game for the rest of the season? Cavaliers beat reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer answered those questions and more in her weekly chat.

Cleveland Cavaliers fall to Chicago Bulls, 88-83View full sizeAntawn Jamison joined the list of Cavaliers dealing with injuries this week.

How will the Cavaliers replace Antawn Jamison's scoring? Which young players need to step up their game for the rest of the season?

Cavaliers beat reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer answered those questions and more in her weekly chat.

Among the topics discussed:

• What role will Baron Davis step in to once he suits up?

• Can the Cavaliers afford to take risks in this year's draft?

• Why does J.J. Hickson seem to struggle when he plays power forward?

• Can Samardo Samuels develop in to a productive player on a good team?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player below.
















The Browns playing faster; Baron Davis' role; and Chad Durbin's addition - Sports Blog Roundup

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Cleveland sports bloggers talk about the Browns' plans to play faster on defense, the Cavaliers change in strategy, Christian Eyenga's future and the Indians' addition of Chad Durbin.

Joe Haden View full sizeJoe Haden told Mary Kay Cabot the Browns would be able to "play a lot faster because there's a lot less to think about" in the new defense.

Browns

Cleveland Frowns: "Playing a lot faster sounds great in theory, but do we think the Browns defense would have been any better last season if it would have required less thinking? Sure, we're not talking about the '85 Bears, but the 2010 Browns defense only gave up more than 24 points in a game three times, didn't give up 30 points until the season finale, and did all this with a front seven containing, at most, two-and-a-half guys who would have started for more than half of the rest of the teams in the NFL." » Read more

Cavaliers

Land Loyalty: "I have to admit, I wasn't always so sure we would get to this point. Dan Gilbert's embarrassing letter to the Cavs fan base after 'The Decision,' made it seem like he just didn't get it. It seemed like Gilbert wasn't willing to face the reality that had been placed in front of him – that the Cavs badly needed to tear it down and rebuild from the ground up. But in the midst of one of the most trying seasons in Cavalier history, something must have clicked within the Cavs front office." » Read more

WaitingForNextYear: "As we wait for [Baron] Davis to be healthy enough to make his Cleveland debut, it might be worth considering what is fair to hope for out of this side of the Mo Williams trade. We established last week that it should be clear that the Cavaliers didn't make this trade for Baron Davis - they made it for the likely top 10 pick in the draft. But just because Davis wasn't the ultimate goal doesn't mean he can't turn out to be a hidden blessing." » Read more

Cavs HQ: "Am I impressed with what we've seen from Eyenga so far? Not really. He has been confirming to me that he doesn't have a good position - he's not a good enough ballhandler to play shooting guard and he's too small to play small forward, though his athleticism makes up for some of that. It's that world-class athleticism that makes Eyenga an interesting prospect, but he is a long way from being a consistent contributor on an NBA roster." » Read more

Stepien Rules: "What's the story of any genuine interest coming from this game, really? Samuels I guess. Harangody's debut? J.J. Hickson going 3-for-10 after people like me declared over the weekend that he has officially turned the corner? Daniel Gibson's 'quad injury?' Maybe that Peyton Hillis was at the game? I don't know." » Read more

Cavs: the blog: "Samardo Samuels had his best game of the year. I don't want to get too excited about Samardo, but he showed some good footwork, a lot of strength, some nice touch, and he even worked to get in proper position on pick-and-rolls. He definitely earned another start." » Read more

Indians

The Diatribe: "Adding Durbin acknowledges that bullpens are fickle beasts and expecting success from any reliever is a dangerous line to toe, particularly for a young team that needs to build momentum. Maybe Durbin is terrible, but it costs the Indians less than it did for them to kick the tires on Jamey Wright last year. On the flip side, maybe Durbin can provide some stability and they can flip him in July after some of the young arms have sorted themselves out in Columbus, with a number of them certain to come up at some point because of injuries and ineffectiveness that probably won't even include Durbin." » Read more

P.M. Cleveland Indians links: Aaron Laffey deal lands a 2B prospect for the Tribe; ex-Indian Coco Crisp busted on DUI charge

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Acquisition of Aaron Laffey from Tribe has Mariners blogger wondering if Seattle finally "got it right."

aaron-laffey.JPGView full sizeThis shot was taken in 2008, right after Aaron Laffey walked in a run in Seattle's Safeco Field. The next batter, Raul Ibanez, hit a grand slam. The Indians dealt Laffey to the M's Wednesday for minor leaguer Matt Lawson.

The signing of Chad Durbin meant the Indians had to do something with their 40-man roster. The end result was a deal with Seattle that sent lefty Aaron Laffey to the Mariners for minor leaguer Matt Lawson and cash.

Check out Plain Dealer beat writer Paul Hoynes' story on the swap here.

Lawson's bio says "infielder-outfielder," but his primary position is second base. Like Laffey, he's only 25 (funny how the adverb "only" slips in so much more easily now than it did when we were that age almost 30 years ago).

His youth and success in the minors -- he's been an all-star in a couple of leagues -- make him a nice insurance policy for a Tribe team banking on converted shortstop Orlando Cabrera and second-baseman-in-waiting Jeremy Kipnis.

So that's what's in it for the Tribe. But there are two sides to any deal. Here's how Mariners blogger Kyle Smith, who writes a pretty fair shtick in a bit called Kyle's 2-0 Count, sees it:

For the fifth straight off-season, the Mariners have acquired a left-handed pitcher with hopes that he will be a productive starter.  First, the Seattle Mariners traded Rafeal Soriano for Horacio Ramirez for 2007, next the Mariners sent Adam Jones and a host of others to Baltimore for Erik Bedard for 2008, before 2009 the M's sent Aaron Heilman to Baltimore (again) for Garrett Olson, before 2010 the Mariners surprised all by getting Cliff Lee from Philadelphia, and for 2011 they got Aaron Laffey from Cleveland.  Hopefully this time the Mariners got it right; Horacio Ramirez, Garrett Olson, and to some extent Erik Bedard have been awful while Lee was a fleeting joy, gone all too soon.  Olson and Bedard are the only two pitchers still with the team;  Olson will likely get cut before the season and it would be a miracle if Bedard pitched more than five games.
Let's see, Mike Hargrove managed the Indians. Mike Hargrove managed the M's. Eric Wedge managed the Indians. Eric Wedge is the new manager of the M's. The Indians traded away Cliff Lee. The M's traded away Cliff Lee. The Indians finished fourth in the AL Central. The M's finished fourth in the AL West (but only because there are only four teams in that division; their record -- 61-101 -- was even worse than the Tribe's -- 69-93.

Oh, wow. It's like they're TWINS.

Another round
Baseball, like all sports, goes through periods where certain fads become de rigueuer. Mike Scott threw BB's for the Astros with a cut fastball; next season, EVERY pitcher had a cut fastball (although in fairness, probably not cut as literally as Scott's reputedly was). Somebody decided that an exaggerated infield shift was the best way to handle lefty power hitters like Jim Thome. Pretty soon, every team had a sign for "start the shift."

There's a new trend going around now, and it's neither as funny nor as wise as those ideas: Coco Crisp has become the third Major Leaguer arrested on suspicion of DUI in the last three weeks or so. The others: Detroit's Miguel Cabrera and Cleveland's own Austin Kearns.

According to MercuryNews.com:

Crisp was detained and taken to City of Scottsdale jail before being released. He showed up to Phoenix Municipal Stadium on time to join his team for workouts before Wednesday's 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Crisp didn't play, but he likely wouldn't have been in the lineup anyway since he started Tuesday. The A's regulars have been playing every other day so far.

...Ironically, the A's had a security meeting with Major League Baseball officials before Wednesday's workout. A message stressed in the annual meeting, scheduled before Crisp's arrest, is having awareness of the various off-field dangers that can land players in trouble.
Well, this IS Spring Training, and you can expect a player's timing to be off at this stage of the season. Just not his judgment.

From The Plain Dealer
Paul Hoynes noted that Justin Masterson had a few hiccups in his first start of the season:

Masterson is the only starter in the rotation who can be called a strikeout pitcher. He throws the ball hard and it moves with a mind of his own. There are days, such as Wednesday, when its thinking is far too independent for its own good.

In his first appearance of the Cactus League season, Masterson faced 11 Oakland A's and allowed two runs on two hits and three walks. He hit a batter, induced a double play and had a strikeout in the Indians' 4-3 loss. It was just the kind of performance that gives credence to those who say Masterson belongs in the bullpen instead of the rotation.

Masterson does not share that belief. Son of a minister, he looks at the world and sees good. He does the same with his pitching performances. Sure Wednesday's start was rocky, but Masterson cited a little too much adrenaline as the root cause.

You know, we've gotta give him that. If you don't get pumped starting a game on the hill for a Major League team -- even a Spring Training game -- you oughtn't be there to begin with. But dude, next time, try the decaf.

For his Indians Insider column, Hoynsie talked to Tribe trainer Lonnie Soloff about center fielder Grady Sizemore, rehabbing from microfracture surgery on his left knee. The stated goal was to have Sizemore ready for Opening Day.

However, Soloff noted that most players get as many as 75 at-bats during Spring Training, and since Sizemore isn't slated to play any games -- either Cactus League or against minor leaguers -- until the third week of March, there's no way he'll hit that number. So the focus is giving him enough time to be ready for the long haul rather just zipping out into the Progressive Field outfield on Opening Day . . . and spending Labor Day on the DL.











 







GM Chris Antonetti explains Aaron Laffey trade: Cleveland Indians spring training briefing

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GM Chris Antonetti said Matt Lawson, acquired from Seattle for Aaron Laffey, has a chance to make the big leagues.

Aaron LaffeyGM Chirs Antonetti says Aaron Laffey was traded to Seattle on Wednesday because they needed a spot on the 40-man roster.

Goodyear, Ariz. -- This is a daily briefing on the Cleveland Indians in spring training as they prepare for the 2011 season.

 March 3, Day 17: GM Chris Antonetti said Matt Lawson, the infield acquired from Seattle for Aaron Laffey on Wednesday, has a chance to make it to the big leagues even though he'll probably start the season at Class AA Akron.

 "He's a versatile guy," said Antonetti. "Good defender at second base. Blue collar, grinder. Plays the game the right way. We think he has a chance to be a major league player at some point.

 "He's played a lot in the outfield, he's played short, he's played third base, but most of his at bats have been at second base."

 Antonetti said the motivation to trade Laffey was caused by the need to create a 40-man roster spot Chad Durbin.

 "We were at a point in adding Chad Durbin where we needed to create room on our 40-man roster," said Antonetti. "Looking at our opportunity for Aaron, we didn't feel we had a great opportunity in the rotation or bullpen.

 "We were able to place Aaron with an organization that has an opportunity for him at the major league level either in the rotation or bullpen."

 Then there were three: Camp opened with a five-man race for the fifth spot in the rotation. With Laffey traded and Anthony Reyes on the shelf with a sore right elbow, David Huff, Jeanmar Gomez and Josh Tomlin are the only viable candidates.

 The Indians had talked about putting the pitchers who didn't win the fifth into the bullpen competition. Acta, however, said Gomez and Huff would not be used in the pen. He said if Tomlin doesn't win the job, he could get a look in the pen because he's relieved in the past.

 Reyes is scheduled to start throwing bullpen sessions next week, but the clock is working against him. Acta said he could get a look in the pen as well.

 Use your head: The most frightening moment of spring training so far
came in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Dodgers when prized catcher Carlos Santana, trying to score from first on a single to right, slid head first into the plate in the first inning. He banged his hand on the foot of catcher Rod Barajas before being tagged out.

 "That was not he highlight of spring training," said Antonetti.

 After the game, manager Manny Acta said Santana "got an earful' about his ill-advised slide. Ezequiel Carrera received the same message for a headfirst slide later in the game that proved to be the winning run.

 "I think there were a number people who talked to Carlos and Ezequiel about that," said Antonetti. "What causes guys to break that habit is when they separate their shoulder going into a base. We constantly talk to guys at first and third base about the dangers of head first slide."

 Santana spent the whole offseason rehabbing in Goodyear after undergoing surgery on his left knee from a Aug. 2 collision at home at Fenway Park.

 "I tried to scare him," said Acta. "I said, "Do you want to spend another year rehabbing hear?' I've been in organizations where they've fined minor leaguers for sliding head first. It's an instinctual play, but it's bad."

 Rebounding: Shelley Duncan, sidelined with a strained back muscle, is scheduled to play Saturday's split squad. The Indians will play the White Sox in Goodyear and the Mariners in Peoria, Ariz.

 "I'm about one day away," said Duncan.

 Today's lineups: Indians: LF Michael Brantley, SS Asdrubal Cabrera, DH Santana, CF Buck, RF Kearns, 3B Donald, 1B Brown, 2B Phelps, C Marson, RHP Mitch Talbot.

 Rangers: 2B Ian Kinsler, CF Julio Borbon, LF David Murphy, RF Nelson Cruz, 3B Chris Davis, 1B Chad Tracy, DH Brian Barden, SS Andres Blanco, C Jose Felix and RHP Neftali Feliz.

 Tomorrow's schedule: The Rockies visit Goodyear Ballpark to face the Indians on Friday. Fausto Carmona will make his second start of spring training. He'll face Jhoulys Chacin. Nick Hagadone, Frank Herrmann, Doug Mathis, Chris Perez, Zach Putnam and Alex White are scheduled to follow Carmona. The game will be streamed on indians.com. 

 


NFL players, owners extend CBA for seven days, continue talks

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NFL, players add seven-day extension in hopes of resolving labor dispute, coming up with a new collective bargaining agreement.

jeff-pash-ap.JPGView full sizeNFL Executive Vice-President and General Counsel Jeff Pash arrives for football labor negotiations with the NFL players involving a federal mediator, Friday, March 4, 2011, in Washington.


Updated at 3:40 p.m.

Washington -- That reprieve in NFL labor negotiations will last another week.

The league and the players' union agreed Friday on a seven-day extension of the collective bargaining agreement. The CBA was set to run out on Thursday before a 24-hour extension was granted.

Federal mediator George Cohen announced the new agreement. Talks will resume Monday.

"We are continuing to work hard, to identify solutions," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. "We believe that, as I've said many times before, that this will be solved through negotiations and that's what we're focused on."

"We'll continue to work hard, and we'll be back next week."

NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith also planned to speak to the media.

Both sides met for the 11th day with Cohen before settling on a plan to keep talking. If the CBA expires the owners could lock out the players, and the union could decertify to try and prevent that through the courts -- something the NFLPA did in 1989.

"Talking is better than litigating," Goodell said.

For the moment, it at least staves off the NFL's first work stoppage since the 1987 players' strike. It certainly indicates neither the owners nor the players are ready to make a bold move to shut down a league that rakes in $9 billion a year.

But the extension doesn't mean the sides have gotten close on the key issues:

• How to divide the league's revenues, including what cut team owners should get up front to help cover certain costs, such as stadium construction. Under the old deal, owners received about $1 billion off the top. They entered these negotiations seeking to add another $1 billion to that.

• A rookie wage scale, and how much of the money saved by the owners under such a system would go to veteran players.

• The owners' push to expand the regular season from 16 games to 18 while reducing the preseason by two games. The players oppose that idea, citing health factors, especially the number of injuries already sustained during a 16-game regular season.

• Benefits for retired players.


Heat are behind where Cavs were with LeBron - Comment of the Day

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"Even if the Heat win the rest of their games, they will fall two short of the 2008-2009 Cavs. They can only lose three of their remaining games to tie the 2009-2010 Cavs. If only LeBron had more talent around him." - GilbertsArmy

lebron-heat.JPGView full sizeLeBron James and the Miami Heat blew a big lead against the Magic on Thursday night.

In response to the story Cleveland Cavaliers A.M. Links: Baron Davis makes his debut tonight; More Davis, cleveland.com reader GilbertsArmy can't help but compare the Heat with some previous Cavaliers clubs. This reader writes,

"Even if the Heat win the rest of their games, they will fall two short of the 2008-2009 Cavs. They can only lose three of their remaining games to tie the 2009-2010 Cavs. If only LeBron had more talent around him."

To respond to GilbertsArmy's comment, go here.

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

Cleveland Indians use pitching and power to beat Rockies, 6-2

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Indians take 2-0 lead in the first inning and Fausto Carmona throws three solid innings in second start of spring.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Fausto Carmona pitched three innings for the victory and Chad Huffman and Lonnie Chisenhall homered as the Indians beat Colorado, 6-2, Thursday at Goodyear Ballpark to even their Cactus League record at 3-3.

The Rockies assisted in their demise by committing five errors and at least one mental error.

Carmona allowed one run on three hits in his second Cactus League start. He struck out two and walked one.

"I had a little trouble with two outs," said Carmona, dripping with sweat after running sprints in the outfield. "I don't know why that happened, but overall I felt good."

Chris Perez pitched a scoreless fourth inning and prospect Alex White followed with two scoreless innings.

"We liked the way Fausto and Alex threw the ball," said manager Manny Acta. "They held them down and gave our lineup an opportunity to do something and score some runs.

"Fausto was very aggressive and very good with the first pitch strikes."

Huffman homered off Matt Lindstrom with one out in the fourth for a 4-1 lead. Chisenhall, who started at third base, made it 5-1 with a leadoff homer against  Clay Mortensen in the sixth.

Chisenhall went 3-for-4.

"He's going to be a good player," said Acta.

Ezequiel Carrera opened the game with a single to right. He took second when Colroado right-hander Jhoulys Chacin threw his pickoff attempt past first base. Orlando Cabrera tripled past first and into the right field corner. When second baseman Chris Nelson's relay throw bounced past third, Cabrera scored.

The Indians made it 3-0 in the second when Chacin fielded Carrera's bouncer to the first base side of the mound with two out and two on. When he turned to throw to first, the bag was empty. Mike Jacobs had charged the high bouncers as Chisenhall scored from second.

Chisenhall started the rally with a one-out single off the pitcher. Adam Everett moved him to second with a single to right.

Colorado made it 3-1 in the third with two out against Carmona. Jonathan Herrera tripled into the right field corner. Shin-Soo Choo, making his first Cactus League start in right field because of a hyper-extended left elbow, fielded the ball, but his throw barely hit the cut-off man as Herrera sprinted to third.

"There was no reason to throw it 100 percent," said Choo. "We still have three weeks left."

Jason Giambi delivered him with a single to right.

Michigan teen dies moments after sinking basket to cap perfect season

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A Fennville High School student collapsed and died moments after sinking the basket that gave his team a perfect season.

wes-leonard-dennis-rj-geppert-holland-sentinel.JPGView full sizeTeammates mob Fennville, Mich., player Wes Leonard, center, seconds after he sank the basket that capped a perfect season. Moments after this picture was taken, the 16-year-old collapsed and died.


Updated at 4:45 p.m.


Fennville, Mich. -- It was the perfect shot to end a perfect season. Then came the tragedy so unthinkable it didn't seem real.

Wes Leonard's game-winning layup in overtime brought the Fennville High School crowd to its feet, and joyous teammates and fans quickly surrounded their star player. Then the seemingly impossible happened: Leonard collapsed and died. He was just 16.

A day later, this small town near Lake Michigan remembered an "all-American kid" whose athletic heroics had been local legend since middle school, when opposing coaches sometimes asked to see his birth certificate, not believing someone so young could be so skilled.

"He was a good kid, a good friend to have and a good person to hang around with," DeMarcus McGee, who played football and basketball with Leonard, said between sobs. "You never thought it could be him. He was so healthy. It shouldn't happen."

On Thursday evening, Leonard sent the ball through the hoop from close range with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game. The final shot gave Fennville a 57-55 victory over Bridgman High and a 20-0 regular season.

After the teams exchanged handshakes, Fennville players scrambled together for a team photo to commemorate their undefeated record. That's when the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Leonard collapsed.

"Thirty seconds earlier he was laying in the winning bucket," said Ryan Klingler, basketball coach in Fennville, about 200 miles west of Detroit. "And then 10 seconds later . . . everything's pulled out from under you, from out of nowhere."

Leonard was rushed to nearby Holland Hospital, where paramedics performed CPR before he was pronounced dead. An autopsy conducted Friday by the Ottawa County medical examiner showed Leonard died of cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heart.

"It shouldn't have been like this," teammate Adam Siegel said. "Too young."

Grief counselors were available Friday for students at the school. Delivery trucks dropped off trays full of flowers. Students made signs in tribute to Leonard and planned to display them in the hallways.

Many who knew Leonard said he was destined for athletic greatness from a young age. He was a top performer in baseball and football, too.

Vicki Lepior, who owns a roofing company, used to coach baseball against Leonard when he was a fourth-grader.

"When I saw him pitch, I told my boys, 'You better move back in the box just a little bit,'" Lepior said of the boy she called "Big Man Wes."

"He was just the kid that everybody loved, and there isn't a mother on Earth who doesn't feel (what his mother) feels."

Chad VanHuis, who once umpired Leonard's middle-school baseball games, remembered opposing coaches asking to see his birth certificate.

"He was very courteous. He was the nicest kid. You'd think with his star potential, because he's so gifted, he'd be cocky, but he never really was that way," VanHuis said.

When he reached Fennville High, Leonard really took off, playing as a starter for three years on the football team, first as a receiver, then as a quarterback and defensive end.

"He had a personality that, when people were around him, they played better," said Tim Schipper, Leonard's football coach. "Everybody around him played better, because he was a leader and the best athlete."

Schipper had expected Leonard to take his talents into college athletics at some level, although his prospects were unclear.

Leonard, who played basketball as a freshman and then spent two seasons as a starter, led the Blackhawks throughout the 2010 season.

"He was just an amazing kid," Klingler said. "What made him special is he had a passion about everything he did. That's what separated him -- his passion. He had a passion to compete. He had a passion to be his best."

The Fennville team was scheduled to compete in the district playoffs Monday, but school officials had not decided Friday whether to play the game.

"That's way, way down the road," Klingler said. "We're going to make sure we're all in a good, healthy place before we decide on anything."

Leonard's mother, Jocelyn, is a choir teacher at the middle and high schools and director of Fennville High's production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." A performance of the musical scheduled for Friday was canceled, and it was uncertain whether the Saturday and Sunday shows would happen, either.

Fennville Superintendent Dirk Weeldreyer remembered Leonard as "the quintessential all-American kid."

"Beyond his outstanding athletic abilities, Wes was a better person," Weeldreyer said. "His fellow students liked and respected him. Their grief speaks volumes about the high regard in which Wes was held."

------

Associated Press writer Mike Householder in Detroit contributed to this report.


OHSAA wrestling: Walsh Jesuit maintains second place in Division II entering semifinals

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COLUMBUS -- Entering Division II championship semifinals and consolation quarterfinals tonight, the chase for second place behind St. Paris Graham includes Walsh Jesuit, Oak Harbor, Padua and Crestwood. St. Paris Graham leads with 92 points, followed by Walsh Jesuit (47), Oak Harbor (41), Padua (37) and Crestwood (30.5).

Avon's Zane Zeman, top, grabs Alex Kooser of Dayton Oakwood on Thursday in their 145-pound opening round match at the Division II state wrestling tournament. Zeman faces Walsh Jesuit's John Novak in tonight's semifinals. - (Marvin Fong / The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS -- Entering Division II championship semifinals and consolation quarterfinals tonight, the chase for second place behind St. Paris Graham includes Walsh Jesuit, Oak Harbor, Padua and Crestwood.

St. Paris Graham leads with 92 points, followed by Walsh Jesuit (47), Oak Harbor (41), Padua (37) and Crestwood (30.5).

St. Vincent-St. Mary is seventh with 29 points and Highland is tied for 10th with Plain City Jonathan Alder.

Walsh Jesuit qualified five to the semifinals and could have enough firepower to deny Oak Harbor a third runner-up spot in the past four years

St. Paris Graham is well on its way to what would be its 12th consecutive team title.

The Plain Dealer's seven-county coverage area has solidified at least one wrestler in Saturday's championship round at three weights -- 112 pounds, 140 and 145.

In tonight's semifinals, Padua's Bobby Mason battles Walsh Jesuit's Cory Stainbrook at 112; Field's T.J. Fox meets Padua's Andrew Romanchik at 140; and Avon's Zane Zeman faces off with Walsh Jesuit's John Novak at 145.

 

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