Waterfowl watching is at its very best right now, even more spectacular than during the fall migration of ducks and geese.

D'ARCY EGAN/THE PLAIN DEALERThe real master of the Ohio marsh is the bald eagle, which is becoming quite common all around Ohio. The wetlands of northwest Ohio are prime country for eagles, which are already tending eggs in their massive nests this month. Wildlife officials report there are now more than 215 eagle nests in Ohio. There were only four eagle nests in 1979, all located along Lake Erie in northwest Ohio

PORT CLINTON, OHIO - Waterfowl watching is at its very best right now, even more spectacular than during the fall migration of ducks and geese.

The hunting seasons, the 60 days of fall and winter when we're allowed to bag a few ducks in Ohio, are long over and the 2010 seasons won't be missed around northern Ohio. The early part of the season was foiled by balmy, bluebird weather, the latter part by bitterly cold temperatures covering the duck marshes with ice. 

 The spring migration that is on right now is a glorious time for viewing ducks, geese and even bald eagles, which are becoming a familiar sight along Ohio's north coast.

Unlike the fall seasons, when ducks are generally wary, scattered throughout the marshes and feeding after dark, the birds are congregated in huge flocks on open water, waiting for the ice and snow to go away on their northern nesting grounds.

How they know when the ice has finally melted is anyone's guess, but we do understand the extra daylight hours in spring triggers their urge to migrate.

 You have to leave the shotgun at home right now, but binoculars and cameras are good hunting tools. Take a duck or goose call and talk up a storm.

"Ducks are looking their best, wearing colorful breeding plumage at this time of year," said Jacob Gray, 26, at the Olentangy Wildlife Research Station. Gray is the new head of waterfowl management, joining the Ohio Division of Wildlife four months ago after a stint with the conservation group Delta Waterfowl in Manitoba and North Dakota. "The ducks will molt in the middle of June, taking on drab plumage while nesting. They'll get their bright colors back when they molt again just before the hunting seasons."

Although Ohio hunters seldom see big flocks of canvasback and redhead ducks in the fall, Sandusky Bay and the Lake Erie harbors are filled with those prized ducks in early spring.

 "Ducks have different migration routes in spring and fall," said Gray. "We're an important area for waterfowl in the spring, giving them marshes and agricultural areas where they can rest and feed. That helps ducks to arrive at their nesting grounds in good condition. In addition to canvasback, redhead and mallard ducks, we're seeing a lot of merganser, scaup, blue- and green-winged teal, black ducks and Canada geese."

Gray said the unexpected flooding around central Ohio this week has been a bonus.

"Ducks are gathering on all of that open water," he said. "I saw big flocks in the flooded areas of the Delaware Wildlife Area this week, including beautiful drake pintail. You can also see some interesting courtship displays. Pintail hens are making courtship flights, with an acrobatic group of as many as a dozen drakes trying to follow a single hen. The goldeneye, while sitting on the water, throw their heads back and stare at the sky to get a female's attention."

 The most magnificent birds flying over the marshes and duck clubs of Sandusky Bay and Ottawa County won't be migrating. Bald eagles are beginning to lay eggs in giant nests found in growing numbers all over the region, including the public wildlife areas along Lake Erie in northwest Ohio. With a white head and tail, a black body and an amazing wingspread, it's fairly easy to spot the real masters of the marsh. 

Ducks are focus of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge events

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, an important area for waterfowl in northwest Ohio, is hosting the Ottawa Auto Tour on March 19 and the League of Ohio Sportsmen's Waterfowl Symposium on March 25. The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge entrance is 16 miles west of Port Clinton and 15 miles east of Toledo on the north side of Ohio 2. 

 The Ottawa Refuge Auto Tour is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors can drive at your own pace on a well-marked route. A self-guided tour brochure is available at the refuge entrance. 

 The Waterfowl Symposium topics include the 2010-11 Ohio waterfowl hunting seasons, wetland restoration projects and improvements at Ottawa National Refuge. The free symposium is also sponsored by Ducks Unlimited and Lake Erie Waterfowlers.

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Notes and observations from the Cavs game against the New York Knicks on Friday night at Madison Square Garden: Final: Cavs 119, Knicks 115. Looks like payback is going to have to wait. Carmelo Anthony vowed revenge after the New York Knicks lost at Cleveland last Friday. Maybe next time. Baron Davis made his Cavaliers...

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Notes and observations from the Cavs game against the New York Knicks on Friday night at Madison Square Garden:

Final: Cavs 119, Knicks 115. Looks like payback is going to have to wait.

Carmelo Anthony vowed revenge after the New York Knicks lost at Cleveland last Friday.

Maybe next time.

Baron Davis made his Cavaliers debut a memorable one by scoring 18 points, including a key 3-pointer with 10.6 seconds left, as the Cavs shocked the Knicks for the third time this season, 119-115. The Cavs, 12-49, have one-fourth of their victories against the Knicks.

Amar'e Stoudemire, who finished with 41 points and 9 rebounds, hit a 3-pointer with 7.5 seconds left to get New York back within 116-115. Ramon Sessions made one of two free throws with seven seconds left, but Anthony was called for charging into Samardo Samuels on a potential game-tying drive and the Cavs escaped.

J.J. Hickson led the Cavs with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Samuels had 15 points and 6 rebounds, while playing some tough defense. Luke Harangody, who wasn't even supposed to play with a painful right hip pointer, also had 18 points, including the final two on free throws with 1.2 seconds left.

Anthony finished with 29 points as the Knicks fell to 31-29.

Third quarter update: Knicks 88, Cavs 85. Carmelo Anthony received a technical for whacking Samuels on the baseline _ Samuels flopped a half-second later, just to make sure _ which started the Cavs on a 7-4 run that tied the score at 68-68. New York kept inching ahead, but Cleveland never let the game get away. A 3-pointer by Christian Eyenga tied the score at 85-85 before another 3-pointer by Anthony Carter at the buzzer lifted the Knicks to a three-point lead after three quarters.

Halftime update: Knicks 64, Cavs 58. Taking advantage of the fact that the Cavs declined to guard him, Amar'e Stoudemire had 11 points in the second quarter as New York pulled out to a 49-39 lead. But the young Cavs hung tough, and no one was tougher than rookie Samardo Samuels, who had seven points in the second quarter to keep the Cavs close. Each team shot over 50 percent in the second quarter _ New York at 55 and Cleveland at 53.

First quarter update: Cavs 32, Knicks 32. The Cavs struggled out of the gate and fell behind, 22-10. Carmelo Anthony, upset with the Knicks loss at Cleveland last Friday, seemed to be making good on his threat of ''payback'' with 13 points. But Baron Davis made his Cavs debut with 4:06 left in the first period and immediately lofted a lob to J.J. Hickson for a slam. Davis hit a pair of 3-pointers, the last of which tied the score at the end of the period. Not a bad debut so far. Luke Harangody, who wasn't even supposed to play because of a right hip pointer, had seven points after replacing Samardo Samuels, who picked up his second foul with 8:51 left.

Cavs starters: F Alonzo Gee, F Samardo Samuels, C J.J. Hickson, G Anthony Parker, G Ramon Sessions.

Knicks starters: F Carmelo Anthony, F Amar'e Stoudemire, C Jared Jeffries, G Toney Douglas, G Landry Fields.

Injuries: Semih Erden (strained right adductor), Daniel Gibson) left quad bruise), Antawn Jamison (fractured left little finger) and Anderson Varejao (torn tendon, right foot) are out for Cavs. Chauncey Billups (bruised left quad) and Ronny Turiaf (sore left knee) are out for Knicks.

Inactives: Gibson, Jamison, Varejao for Cavs. Billups, Andy Rautins, Turiaf for Knicks.

Officials: Scott Foster, Derrick Collins and Violet Palmer.

Three things to watch:

1. The Cavs have won two straight against the Knicks this season, but they had Antawn Jamison in both games. Who will take his 20 shots and score his 18 points?

2. How will Baron Davis do in his Cavs debut?

3. How will the absence of starters Billups and Turiaf impact the Knicks?

By Mary Schmitt Boyer Plain Dealer Reporter NEW YORK - Baron Davis is a fan of theater, drama and the arts, so what better place to make his debut with the Cavaliers than on basketball's biggest stage -- Madison Square Garden. "I'm excited," he said before Friday's game against the Knicks. "First game for a new team. I'm excited....

By Mary Schmitt Boyer Plain Dealer Reporter

NEW YORK - Baron Davis is a fan of theater, drama and the arts, so what better place to make his debut with the Cavaliers than on basketball's biggest stage -- Madison Square Garden.

"I'm excited," he said before Friday's game against the Knicks. "First game for a new team. I'm excited. I think the players are excited. It will be good for us all to get out there, put our best foot forward and just start working to be a better team, working on our chemistry, working to get better."

The venue lifts the level of excitement.

"It's like the Mecca of basketball," Davis said. "The fans are highly educated in great basketball. They're just fans of the game. The crowd cheers for the other team if they're playing well as well. In New York, they just love their hoops. It's a great place because of all the other elements that have been through here -- the great concerts, the great performances of all time that have happened in this building. That adds a mystique and an aura to it. It makes you want to come out and give your best, put on a show."

Lineup changes: The Knicks were missing starting point guard Chauncey Billups (bruised left quad) and center Ronny Turiaf (sore left knee.) Toney Douglas started at point guard, and Jared Jeffries, returning to New York after being bought out by the Houston Rockets, started at center.

Davis likes Douglas, but he knows facing him will be different from facing Billups.

"He definitely brings a different pace, a lot of energy and pressure defense," Davis said. "He's an exciting young player. He's an explosive scorer, just like Chauncey, but in a different way. He is full-attack mode all game. That's something we're going to be conscious of and guard against because he can turn it on and get hot."

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott thought the Knicks made a wise choice bringing Jeffries back.

"It's a good fit," the coach said. "He was in the system before -- very good player. I like Jared because of the fact that he does a little bit of everything. He's not out there trying to score. Plays good solid defense, sets screens, gets offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, can guard people, just a very good, complimentary player." Talk is cheap: Scott was amused at Carmelo Anthony's assertion that Friday's game was "payback" after the Cavs beat the Knicks last Friday night in Cleveland.

"We've got a lot of guys who read the papers, look at ESPN or look at the news," the coach said. "They probably heard it. From a coaching standpoint, I disregard it. I understand that we beat them twice so you've got to figure as a player and a coach that when you come here, they're going to be ready to play."

Scott laughed when asked if he would have reacted to the comment the same way when he was a player.

"Nah, it would have [ticked] me off," he said. "I wanted to really get after 'em then." Numbers game: A certain reader wants to point out that the Cavs, with 21 games remaining, need four more victories or they will tie the worst record in Cavs history -- 15-67 -- set in 1970-71 and 1981-82.

It's early in spring training, but for Matt LaPorta the clock is always ticking, sports columnist Bud Shaw writes from spring training.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerTribe first baseman Matt LaPorta, here working with former Indians manager Mike Hargrove, knows time is running out for him to prove he can live up to expectations that came with him after being acquired in the CC Sabathia trade.

Goodyear, Ariz. -- Two full seasons after Matt LaPorta's career became forever framed by the CC Sabathia trade, all anyone can agree on is the lack of clarity surrounding him and the pressing need for definition.

He just turned 26. Is he still the kind of player who entered 2008 as the No. 1 prospect and top power hitter in the Milwaukee Brewers organization? Or is he the first baseman who batted .221 a year ago, .147 from Aug. 10 through season's end?

Were his troubles last year so obviously physical after two off-season surgeries? Or did he sense an impatient city drumming its fingers, his lack of production and the prevailing expectations conspiring to play with his head?

Yes.

LaPorta would agree with all of that, at least in part.

Physically, he never felt quite right, especially early, after surgery on his hip and big toe. That wore on him mentally.

He tried to keep in mind that he had performed well under pressure before, when he returned to the University of Florida his senior year and made himself into a first-round draft choice.

LaPorta and Michael Brantley don't get talked about without Sabathia hanging over the conversation. That'll happen when an organization gives up a Cy Young Award winner for prospects as the Indians did first with Sabathia, then with Cliff Lee.

He's the highest-profile prospect in either deal. But he's not trying to get out of Sabathia's shadow as much as he's trying to get out of his own way this season on the advice of those near and nearer.

"It's easier said than done," LaPorta said. "A friend of mine, I was talking to him the other day. . . . He said, 'Man you're going to be a good ballplayer once you figure out to be comfortable with who you are.'

"Who knows? I might be a 15-home-run hitter. I might be a 40-home run hitter. I don't know. We don't know yet.

"But it's allowing your body to take over and become whatever it is. That's kind of something that really sunk in. Grover mentioned it, too."

In spring training as a special adviser, former Indians' manager Mike Hargrove has tutored LaPorta at first base and has spent time in the dugout during games talking to him about baseball and everything else.

Hargrove hit immediately as a major-leaguer, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1974. He can still relate to LaPorta's trials.

"It was different," Hargrove said. "I came right from Class A ball. I wasn't supposed to be there.

"Sometimes it's harder when you're part of a big trade. The good ones, the ones who care, I think they might feel that pressure. You'd have to ask Matt if that's the case. I just get the sense from him that he's one of the ones who care."

Hargrove's message to LaPorta -- relax and let your talent show -- is easier preached than practiced.

When LaPorta opened the 2010 season, his surgically repaired hip still felt tight, if not locked up. He batted .218 with one home run and seven RBI in 35 games before the Indians optioned him to Columbus, where he proceeded to hit .362.

Back in Cleveland, with a trade clearing Russell Branyan out of the way, LaPorta batted .286 from late June through late July before slumping over the final two months. LaPorta felt he worked too hard on strengthening his hip and legs and paid for it late in the year.

"By the end of the season my legs were totally fatigued," he said.

Manager Manny Acta says the difference between LaPorta this spring and a year ago is as obvious as watching him run.

"I think the difference is the shape he's in," Acta said. "That's apparent. You can see it. It's obvious the way he's moving around, and he has no restrictions. Last year it was certain days only in the outfield, certain days at first base. He couldn't play so many innings at the beginning or so many days in a row."

LaPorta agrees. A year ago he didn't feel as if he could use his legs and hip in his swing. So instead he was all arms and hands.

He came to bat Thursday with the bases loaded in a game against Texas and hit a grand slam. By his account, no way he would've hit the same pitch out of the same park a year ago.

Friday against Colorado, LaPorta went 0-4 and looked bad doing it.

In preaching that this season is about winning and contending, no one in the Indians' organization is singling him out.

Then again, the Sabathia trade already did that.

Columbus -- A new venue, tough lane conditions and a three-hour break because of a power outage took its toll on the area girls at Friday's state bowling tournament at Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl. "I never thought I'd get down here when I started bowling two years ago, let alone after what happened two weeks ago," said Keystone senior...

Green junior Marissa Summers bowled a 599 series at the state tournament, the best among area participants. - (Special to The Plain Dealer)

Columbus -- A new venue, tough lane conditions and a three-hour break because of a power outage took its toll on the area girls at Friday's state bowling tournament at Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl.

"I never thought I'd get down here when I started bowling two years ago, let alone after what happened two weeks ago," said Keystone senior Alexis Sanislow, who turned in games of 179-188-172 after reigning as district champion with a 697 series.

Sanislow, an outfielder on Keystone's softball team, hurt her right wrist doing hitting drills, the same wrist she broke as a freshman.

"I didn't practice the week of districts and practiced two times this week," said Sanislow.

Brunswick junior Kaitie Bator knew it would be an uphill battle after opening the tournament with a 138 game.

"The first game was just nerves," said Bator, who closed with a 559 series. "The delay was beneficial to me because it gave the lanes a chance to dry out.

"They were really oily this morning on the outside boards and my ball wasn't hooking as usual. When I tried the inside boards, it hooked too much."

Woodridge junior Arielle Chopka bowled 199 and 198 but finished with a disappointing 147.

"It was about not hitting my mark and you have very little room for error when you get down here," said Chopka.

Midpark sophomore Courtney Hegedus struggled all day in evidence of her 479 series.

"I wasn't getting my release out to my spot, but I'm proud to have made it this far," said Hegedus.

Cuyahoga Falls, ninth most of the day, placed 10th.

"We struggled in the first half of each game and bowled relatively strong in the second half in the regulation and Baker games," said Black Tigers coach Evan Karnoupakis, whose team had the goal of finishing in the top eight in its state-tournament debut.

Seniors Raelyn Roxbury, Justine Anderson and Becca Watkins led Falls with respective series of 550, 547 and 535.

State-tourney rookie Green was 11th overall.

"It's definitely more fun coming down here with a team," said Bulldogs junior Marissa Summers, who qualified individually as a freshman and sophomore.

Summers bowled a 599 series, the best among area participants.

"I had seven strikes in the first eight frames of the second game, then the power went out," said Summers, whose high game was 245. "Everything was affected after that: lanes, bowlers, everything."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: bfortuna@plaind.com, 216-999-4665

Shin-Soo Choo makes his spring training debut in right field and issues a bold prediction for the upcoming season.

Lenny Ignelzi / Associated PressThis dryer came west with the Indians when they left Winter Haven, Fla., for Arizona three years ago. Alas, the appliance nicknamed "Burner'' caught fire early Friday.

Goodyear, Ariz. -- Shin-Soo Choo, the Indians best player for the last two years, has one goal for this season.

"Playoffs," said Choo. "That's it. Nothing else. . . .That's my goal."

The Indians lost 93 games last season. They lost 97 the season before. Is Choo serious?

"Oh, yeah," said Choo. "We have a good offense, good pitching, too. Most people say we'll be in last place this season. But in baseball you never know. No one thought San Francisco would win the World Series last year."

Choo said the key for the Indians this year is good health.

"Our 25-man roster has to stay healthy," he said.

Choo started his first Cactus League game Friday in right field. He'd been used at DH a couple of times, but didn't play right because of a hyperextended left elbow. In the third inning of the Indians' 6-2 victory, Colorado's Jonathan Herrera tripled into the right-field corner. Choo made a soft throw that one-hopped the cut-off man.

"I don't try 100 percent," he said. "There's no reason to. We still have three weeks to get ready."

Said manager Manny Acta, "That's called maturity, experience."

Choo said he has not heard from GM Chris Antonetti or agent Scott Boras on any attempts to extend his contract. The Indians signed Choo to a one-year $3.975 million contract in January to avoid arbitration.

Step by step: Center fielder Grady Sizemore, for the first time this spring, took fly balls and ground balls in the outfield Friday.

"We added some new outfield stuff today," said Sizemore, recovering from June 4 microfracture surgery on his left knee.

"I was taking fly balls and grounders right at me. Nothing too crazy. We're trying to take small steps each time I go out there. So far it's been good."

Rite of spring: Orlando Cabrera, who tripled and scored in his first at bat Friday, says he's had a sore right shoulder every spring.

Cabrera, making the switch from shortstop to second, says he's not turning the ball loose when he turns the double play until his shoulder is stronger.

"I'm progressing," said Cabrera. "I feel good. It's hard for me to put something on it [the throw]."

Fire, fire: You can take the Indians out of Winter Haven, but you can never take Winter Haven out of the Indians.

Turns out that the dryer that caught fire at 6 a.m. MST Friday at Goodyear Ballpark was moved from Winter Haven, Fla., site of the Indians former spring training home, to Goodyear when the team moved three years ago.

The big dryer was nicknamed "The Burner" because it ran hot. It appears to have lived up to its nickname.

The Burner caught fire and the Goodyear Fire Department put it out. The dryer was being used to dry towels at the time of the fire.

The Reds, who share the ballpark with the Indians, played a night game at Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday.

"The fire was contained to the dryer," said Nathan Torres, director of stadium operations. "There were no injuries or damage to the structure. The fire is under investigation."

The Rockies were originally scheduled to take batting practice at Goodyear Ballpark, but they hit at home before making the trip.

The fire was located between the home and visitor's clubhouses below the right field bleachers. Torres said there was some water damage to the warning track in right field from the ballpark's sprinkler system.

Torres said employees were at the ballpark during the fire, but no one was near the fire.

Finally: Rafael Perez rejoined the team Thursday after going to New York to be with his wife, who gave birth earlier in the week. . . . Carlos Carrasco returned to Florida to be with his wife, who is expecting any day. Jeanmar Gomez will take Carrasco's scheduled start today against Seattle. Indians are playing split-squad games against the Mariners and White Sox today. David Huff will start against Chicago. WTAM will carry the Tribe's game against the White Sox at 3:05 p.m. The game against Seattle will not be broadcast.

Browns cornerback Eric Wright, who received a second-round tender from the Browns on Thursday, hopes to overcome a poor season, which included some fans turning against him.

Tracy Boulian | The Plain DealerBrowns' Eric Wright is determined to bounce back from his poor 2010 season, one which had some fans turning against him.

CLEVELAND -- Embattled Browns cornerback Eric Wright, who received a second-round tender from the Browns on Thursday, is determined to rebound from his poor 2010 season and the sting of death threats from fans,

 "I went from people expecting me to be a top cornerback in the league to receiving death threats,'' said Wright. "It was a lot to deal with.''

 Wright's career, which featured a superb 2009 season, took a drastic turn in Week Three when he gave up three touchdown passes to Anquan Boldin in a 24-17 loss to the Ravens. Suddenly, a player that many expected to make the Pro Bowl in 2010 was under siege by fans and media.

 "It's hard to dig yourself out of that type of hole, when you have the worst game of your career,'' said Wright. "Then, the team's losing and we had a young corner in Joe Haden who looked great playing. There was a lot of negative attention around my struggles and it was hard to overcome.''

 The following week against the Bengals, Wright was blamed for many of Terrell Owens 10 catches for 222 despite the fact few were his fault. Then, five games later, against the Jets, he gave up the short slant to Santonio Holmes that turned into the 37-game gamewinning TD in overtime after missed tackles by Wright, T.J. Ward and Eric Barton.

"Whether others were there or not, it didn't matter,'' said Wright. "By that time, it's going to be Eric Wright's fault.''

 Despite solid play in many of the other games, the damage was done.

 "It was two or three games and a few other plays and it destroys everything you've worked hard for as far as making a name for yourself,'' said Wright. "I didn't play well. Not even close. But by the time people are saying 'he sucks, get him out of there,' it's hard to shake.''

 Wright never reported the death threats to the Browns or to the police, attributing them to the extreme passion of Browns fans.

 "I wasn't fearing for my life,'' he said. "As serious as a death threat may be, I wasn't going to let a few bad apples ruin the whole tree.''

 Throughout the season and afterwards, Wright heard from some of the best defensive backs in the league such as Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Champ Bailey about overcoming the adversity.

 "They tried to motivate me in a positive way to block out certain things,'' said Wright. "The respect I have around the league is still there and everyone knows I'll bounce back.''

 Wright played through a pulled hamstring much of the season and then suffered a bone bruise in Jacksonville Nov. 21st that was supposed to keep him out four to six weeks. He returned after one week instead.

 "I didn't want to let the team down,'' he said. "We were shorthanded at cornerback as it was. It was the same reason I came back last season two days after the car crash where I almost killed myself.''

 Wright limped through 2-1/2 games on the bone bruise and then re-injured it in Cincinnati Dec. 19, also suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament that landed him on injured reserve for the final two outings.

 "It's given me a chance to focus on getting my knee healthy and I feel like an 18-year old kid,'' said Wright. "I'm prepared to return and get my name back.''

 Wright wasn't sure if the Browns would tender him or let him go, and appreciated the tender. It means a team would have to give the Browns a second-round pick if they signed him in free agency under the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement. 2011 tender amounts have yet to be set, but last year's for a veteran with four accrued seasons was $1.759 million. Under a new agreement, he might become an unrestricted free agent.

  "I want to be in Cleveland,'' he said. "I feel like we're going in the right direction and I'm hopeful.''

 Wright talked to Browns President Mike Holmgren on Thursday and was encouraged.

 "He said he knows that player wasn't me,'' said Wright. "He said he knows the player and I am and that he wishes I would've come to his office last year so he could've helped me. I have the utmost respect for coach Holmgren and the organization.''

 Wright, who hopes to negotiate a long-term deal with the Browns, is confident he can return to his 2009 form.

 "I still want to be one of the top corners in the league,'' he said. "I have a little work to do to get back to where I should be.''

COLUMBUS – St. Peter Chanel has essentially wrapped up the Division III wrestling state title. Its highly unlikely Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy will be able to surpass the Firebirds when the tournament concludes Saturday.

Nathan Tomasello of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, left, wrestles to victory over Zon Fields of Marion Pleasant in Friday's 103-pound semifinal. - (Marvin Fong/The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS – St. Peter Chanel has essentially wrapped up the Division III wrestling state title.

Its highly unlikely Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy will be able to surpass the Firebirds when the tournament concludes Saturday.

Chanel went 4-0 tonight in the semifinals as Aaron Assad (103 pounds), Dan Orrill (145), Cody Walters (160) and Kennedy Smith (215) all reached Saturday's finals, which begin at 5:45 p.m.

Advancing for the Royals – as expected – were Nathan Tomasello (103) and Alex Utley (189).

The only other area finalist was Manchester's Shane Brown (140).

"It's been a great tournament and an exciting team race," CVCA coach Don Lorence said. "[Chanel coach] Graham Coghill's a class act. I've got nothing but respect for him and his team."

Cleveland State beats Wright State in Horizon League quarterfinal match.

Milwaukee-- Norris Cole's points came late, and Aaron Pogue's almost not at all. But Cleveland State was still able to get its coveted third matchup with Butler behind a late-charging 73-59 victory over Wright State Friday evening in the second round Horizon League Tournament game at Milwaukee's U.S. Cellular Arena.

A 44-42 game with 11:48 to play became a blowout as Cole heated up down the stretch to score 13 of his 15 points in a 24-5 run by Cleveland State that put the Vikings on top, 68-47. Before Cole's eruption, the Vikings were being carried by the supporting cast of Jeremy Montgomery, Tre Harmon and Tim Kamczyz, who finished with 16, 14, and nine respectively.

CSU now plays Butler at 6 tonight, looking to avenge a pair of losses to the Bulldogs during the regular season.

"Now is when it matters," Cole said of the third matchup. "Now is when it's one and done."

Cleveland State's defense and perimeter shooting, combined with Wright State's cold shooting in the first 10 minutes, played in the Vikings favor. Montgomery knocked down a pair of 3-pointers to help give CSU a 13-3 lead, and a Harmon 3-pointer made it 16-5.

At the opposite end the Raiders missed their first 11 shots in the first 8:30, but only trailed, 13-5. By the time they hit their second field goal they were within 16-10.

"This was the best we've defended in a month," head coach Gary Waters said.

But when WSU hit its fourth field goal, inside the final eight minutes of the half, Wright State had narrowed the margin down to 18-15. Moments later a WSU 3-pointer led Waters to call timeout with his team now holding a 20-18 advantage.

Wright State's outburst was keyed by the departure of CSU center Aaron Pogue, who picked up his second foul with 12:34 left in the first half. Foul trouble has been Pogue's calling card all season, but he played well in the two regular-season games against Wright State, scoring 15 and 18 points.

After Pogue left, Wright State outscored the Vikings, 25-18, for the rest of the half. But with Montgomery and Harmon bolstering CSU's 9-of-23 shooting in the opening half, CSU was able to hold a 31-27 edge at the break. The Raiders were a frost-bitten 6 of 27 shooting.

The second half started much like the first as Pogue picked up his third foul 27 seconds into the final quarter.

"The boy is a magnet," Waters quipped.

Then Montgomery covered his back with a 3-pointer. But the Raiders were not missing as many now, and with 15:44 to play were within two, 36-34. Several times after that the Raiders had chances to tie or take the lead, but missed shots and turnovers spoiled their efforts. CSU, however, could not get much of a cushion.

When the Vikings failed to cover on a defensive assignment, allowed a Cooper Land 3-pointer to once again get the Raiders within a deuce, 44-42, Waters called a timeout. That ultimately led to a Kamczyc 3-pointer for a 47-42 lead -- the last of nine straight from the 6-6 forward from Stongsville -- that grew to 50-44 with a Montgomery free throw and a Harmon layup. After WSU missed its next shot, Cole got hot, scoring 13 of his points in a 24-5 CSU run that sent the Vikings to their third matchup with Butler.

HILLIARD - With victorious performances on the vault and balance beam, the Brecksville-Broadview Heights gymnastics team won the school's eighth straight team state championship Friday at Hilliard Bradley with 146.600 points. It marked the 11th state title for the school overall, making it the state's all-time winningest program.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights freshman Micheala Romito goes vertical on the beam during the state gymnastics tournament. - (ImpactActionPhotos.com)

HILLIARD - With victorious performances on the vault and balance beam, the Brecksville-Broadview Heights gymnastics team won the school's eighth straight team state championship Friday at Hilliard Bradley with 146.600 points.

It marked the 11th state title for the school overall, making it the state's all-time winningest program.

Hudson had the best showing in school history and finished second with 144.325 points and 10-time state champ Magnificat was third at 143.325.

Brecksville finished first in the vault with 37.675 points and the beam with 35.650 points. It was second to Hudson on the bars and on floor exercise.

Traditionally, the vault has been one of the Bees' top events and the beam one of their weakest.

Mentor and Strongsville finished fourth and fifth, respectively, giving Northeast Ohio a sweep of the top five places.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Rockford IceHogs are the only team in the Western Conference with a sub-.500 record. In their previous game, Wednesday at Houston, they gave up six power-play goals en route to a seven-goal loss.  The IceHogs did not play Friday night like a last-place club. They gave the Monsters all they wanted at The Q --...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Rockford IceHogs are the only team in the Western Conference with a sub-.500 record. In their previous game, Wednesday at Houston, they gave up six power-play goals en route to a seven-goal loss.

 The IceHogs did not play Friday night like a last-place club. They gave the Monsters all they wanted at The Q -- but the hosts had just enough answers.

 Matt Ford scored into a largely open net at 4:49 of overtime to give Lake Erie a 3-2 victory in front of 11,631.

 Ford poked in the rebound of a shot by Julien Brouillette. It came in a 4-on-3 situation.

 The Monsters (32-24-3-5) have won seven straight at home.

 Both clubs delivered high entertainment value in the first period.

 At 2:17, defenseman Garnet Exelby's blast found the back of the net.

 Midway through the period, Monsters enforcer Patrick Bordeleau blew up a pane of glass in front of  the scorer's table while attempting a signature hit. One of numerous pieces cut the head of penalty-time keeper John Davis, who, true to a hockey mentality, exited reluctantly.

 Play resumed after a lengthy delay.

 Bordeleau was at it again less than three minutes later, this time blasting away at a human -- IceHogs center Brandon Bollig. As usual, Bordeleau won the fight.

 Monsters newcomer Steve Oleksy made an impression with a gorgeous hip-check that upended winger Kyle Beach. Oleksy, a defenseman, debuted with Lake Erie after playing 55 games for the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL.

 At the end of the first, an IceHogs player got his glove stuck between glass panes. He eventually wriggled the hand free.

 During the intermission, Davis, true to a hockey mentality, resumed his duties.

 Trailing, 1-0, early in the second, Lake Erie scored when Ford chipped in a terrific feed from Mark Olver.

 The IceHogs responded two minutes later, Ben Smith beating goalie Jason Bacashihua on the power play.

 Late in the second period and early in the third, Bacashihua amassed a series of scintillating saves.

 The Monsters tied it at 4:13 of the third period. In a man-advantage situation, Olver went high blocker against Hannu Toivonen.

 Lake Erie failed to convert a 4-on-3 and 5-on-3 in the final minute of regulation.
 
 Friday was the Monsters' annual "Pink-The-Rink'' night for breast-cancer awareness. The ice was a shade of pink.

Jason Donald's left hand is bruised, but X-rays showed no broken bones after he was by a pitch Saturday. Donald is the front-runner as the opening day third baseman.

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerFausto Carmona is in a "good spot' this spring says manager Manny Acta.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Jason Donald had a bandage on his left hand and a bag of ice nearby. There was another bag filled with gauze and tape.

"Those are my medical supplies," he said.

More important than any such supplies were the x-rays taken of Donald's left hand Saturday that showed no broken bones after he was hit by a Gavin Floyd pitch in the second inning of an 8-3 victory over the White Sox at Goodyear Ballpark.

"There was nothing on the X-ray, thank God," said Donald, who left the game for a pinch-hitter in the third. "It was really scary because it broke the skin. It was more of a glancing blow, but it took a chunk of skin with it."

This would not be a good time for Donald to break a bone. The Indians' third-base job is being served to him on a platter. The bruise on his left hand could keep him out of the lineup for a few days.

"I don't want to take any days off," he said, "but we have three weeks left and it's important to get healthy and right."

If Donald had been lost for an extended period of time, the Indians would probably have to give Jayson Nix, Jared Goedert, Jack Hannahan or Luis Valbuena a chance to play third. It may have even convinced them to take a longer look at Lonnie Chisenhall, who has yet to have an at-bat above Class AA.

"It was bleeding when I got to first base," said Donald. "It was scary because they're are so many tiny bones in that area."

Another contender: Travis Buck isn't the only outfielder trying to work his way onto the 25-man roster as a spare part. Chad Huffman went 3-for-3 and made two fine plays in right field against Chicago.

"He's an interesting guy," said Acta. "That's why we claimed him on waivers."

The Indians claimed Huffman, hitting .571 (8-for-14) this spring, from the Yankees on Sept. 17. He played nine games with New York last year and 104 with Class AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre.

Pitch by pitch: Fausto Carmona was pleased to hear he will be the opening day starter April 1 against Chicago at Progressive Field, but don't expect it to go to his head.

"I'm happy for that," he said. "I'm glad I have the opportunity to pitch the first day, but now I'm thinking about what I have to do here to get ready for the season."

Carmona, after working with Dr. Charles Maher and Julio Rangel of the Indians' player development staff, has changed his outlook on how to prepare for a season and what to expect once the season begins. Maher is the team psychologist and Rangel is the Tribe's mental skills coordinator.

When asked about the upcoming season, Carmona said, "I'm going pitch to pitch. I think about throwing a strike. I just concentrate on [pitching] every five days all year. That's what I concentrate on."

Great expectations: In response to Shin-Soo Choo saying Thursday that his goal is for the Indians to make the postseason, manager Manny Acta said, "That's our expectation. If not, we would just go home. Why waste our time?"

Timetable: Rafael Perez, who returned to camp Friday, is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Tuesday when the Indians play Arizona. Perez returned from New York to be with his wife, who just had a baby.

Perez also had to get some legal matters cleared up regarding his green card.

Deadline: GM Chris Antonetti has set Tuesday as the renewal deadline for having all unsigned Indians under contract. The only unsigned players in big-league camp are those with fewer than three years service time who weren't eligible for arbitration.

Some of the players include Carlos Carrasco, Jeanmar Gomez, Frank Herrmann, David Huff, Josh Judy, Justin Masterson, Vinnie Pestano, Tony Sipp, Mitch Talbot, Josh Tomlin, Lou Marson, Carlos Santana, Donald, Goedert, Matt LaPorta, Valbuena, Michael Brantley, Trevor Crowe, Shelley Duncan and Nick Weglarz.

Cavaliers rookie Samardo Samuels has had quite a week -- starting his first game against his childhood idol and then making a name for himself at Madison Square Garden.

View full sizeJ. Conrad Williams Jr. / NewsdaySamardo Samuels holds his ground and draws the charging foul from Carmelo Anthony in the final seconds of Friday night's Cavaliers' victory over the New York Knicks. "My confidence is sky high," Samuels said after the game.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Samardo Samuels has had quite a week.

First, the 6-9, 260-pound power forward made the first start of his NBA career last Wednesday against his boyhood idol, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs. Though the Cavs lost, 109-99, Samuels had the first double-double of his pro career with career highs in points (23) and rebounds (10).

He followed that up by making a name for himself in the 119-115 upset of the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The box score showed him with 15 points and six rebounds in 31 minutes, but his impact on the game was much greater.

He stood his ground inside defensively as the Knicks tried to run over and through him, and took the two biggest charges of the game from Carmelo Anthony in the final 1:32, including the game-saver with 1.8 seconds left.

It was a thrill for Samuels, who moved from Jamaica to Queens, N.Y., in 2004 and then became the 2008 USA Today High School Player of the Year at St. Benedict Prep across the Hudson River in Newark.

"My confidence is sky high," he said. "Right now it's time for me to get better as a basketball player and move forward and get back to where I was growing up."

It also was a thrill for Byron Scott, too. Scott was asked if he thought Samuels was irritating Anthony, who said after the game he didn't know Samuels' name.

"I don't know if he was irritating him," Scott said. "Any guy that comes in and plays as hard as Samardo does and has a little chip on his shoulder irritates a lot of guys. I thought he was irritating Amar'e [Stoudemire] as well. They got a little chippy at times, but that's how he has to play in this league. He has to be a very aggressive, physical basketball player, and he's been doing that the last week or so."

Tough guy: Rookie Luke Harangody also earned praise from Scott for shrugging off a painful right hip pointer and convincing the coach he could play. In spite of having foam padding actually taped to his body to cover the injury, Harangody finished with a career-high 18 points, including two free throws with 1.2 seconds left.

"I didn't expect him to play," Scott admitted. "I had him penciled out until Sunday, but he was very adamant he was ready to play."

Said Harangody of his hip, "It feels much better. They got me a couple times tonight. But once I got warmed up, it felt pretty good."

Broadcast change: Sunday's game against the Hornets will not be televised by ESPN. It will be televised on Fox Sports Ohio in HD.

Junior wheelchair exhibition: Ohio's first-ever junior wheelchair basketball team, the Achievement Centers Junior Wheelchair Cavaliers Basketball squad, will put on an exhibition during halftime of Sunday's game against the Hornets.

Hot second-half shooting from the Bulldogs' Shawn Vanzant sends CSU (26-8) home, hoping for a postseason invitation from most likely the NIT.

John Kuntz/Plain Dealer FileCleveland State will hope for an NIT berth after losing to Butler in the Horizon League Tournament.

MILWAUKEE -- Three strikes and out for Cleveland State against the Butler Bulldogs. But they gave it a great at-bat Saturday night in the semifinal of the Horizon League Tournament in Milwaukee's U.S. Cellular Arena before falling, 76-68.

The No. 3 Vikings lost to No. 2 Butler twice during the regular season and in both games foul trouble and rebounding were big issues for CSU. Saturday, Cleveland State somewhat reversed the foul trouble.

However, a disadvantage in rebounding (38-29) was never solved as Butler used a commanding advantage on the boards plus some hot second-half shooting from guard Shawn Vanzant to send CSU (26-8) home, hoping for a postseason invitation from most likely the NIT.

"We didn't expect him to hit any shots," CSU coach Gary Waters said of Vanzant. "And he hits them all."

The Bulldogs (22-9) go to the HL title game on Tuesday night for a record sixth straight time.

Vanzant, a 6-0 senior guard, scored all 18 of his points in the second half. He averaged 7.8 during the season, but has scored in double figures in six straight games.

"We go to him now, that's what has changed," Butler coach Brad Stevens said.

Norris Cole (24 points) used a 3-point play to trigger a 10-2 run by the Vikings to close within 60-58. But one Vanzant 3-pointer snapped that run. Seconds later, following a CSU miss, Vanzant knocked down another 3-pointer for a 66-58 cushion with 4:01 to play. The Vikings were never closer than two possessions the rest of the game.

"I thought the second one wasn't really a good shot," Vanzant said, although Stevens said otherwise.

"The biggest one," he said. "Most college players don't make that shot. That's a gut-check shot. A senior making senior plays. Shawn made the big ones."

There was good signs for CSU to build on in the first half. They forced six turnovers by the Bulldogs in the first six minutes, and were at the line shooting one-and-bonus with 12:01 to go.

Five straight free throws first got CSU within 16-15. But the Bulldogs got their running game going and pushed their lead up to 24-15. The Vikings went 7:02 between field goals, trailing, 28-17, before a Joe Latas power move set up a 3-point play.

A 7-3 burst by the Bulldogs was fueled by a pair of offensive rebound stickbacks, followed by a 3-pointer trailing a fast break for the biggest lead of the game, 35-23, with 4:34 left in the half. At that point, the Bulldogs had a commanding 17-6 edge on the boards including five on the offensive end.

The Vikings would regroup, and close within 41-35 at the break, but it was clear a huge final 20 minutes would be needed to clear the Butler hurdle. The Vikings came close, but never led.

The Monsters (32-25-3-5) had a seven-game home winning streak snapped.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Friday night at The Q, the Monsters were substandard for the majority of minutes against a last-place club and got away with it.

Saturday night at The Q, the Monsters were substandard for too many minutes against the same club and got burned. The Rockford IceHogs scored early in each period en route to a 3-2 victory in front of 8,570.

The Monsters (32-25-3-5) had a seven-game home winning streak snapped. Their previous loss at The Q was Feb. 5 against San Antonio.

"We were better than we were Friday, but nowhere near what we're capable of," Monsters coach David Quinn said. "It's frustrating because we didn't look like the team we've been all season. We didn't look fast. We were not ready to play from the get-go."

The Monsters held a 38-29 advantage in shots, including 27-11 in the final two periods. Quinn was unimpressed.

"Don't let the final score or the shots deceive you," he said. "I just want us to give ourselves a chance to win every night, and we didn't do that. Too many of our better players took the night off."

Lake Erie appeared lost on the power play, going 0-for-7. Rockford had given up eight power-play goals in its previous two games, including two to the Monsters in a 3-2 overtime loss Friday.

"We had some chances on the power play, but we made bad decisions," Quinn said. "You get seven power plays, you've got to get a goal, and we didn't."

The IceHogs (25-29-4-4) opened the scoring at 3:25 of the first period and took a 2-0 lead at 2:01 of the second. The second goal came when winger Rob Klinkhammer delivered a shot worthy of his name to beat goalie Jason Bacashihua in a short-handed situation.

Lake Erie ended up squandering a four-minute power play to open the second.

"On the power play, we were shooting when we should have passed and passing when we should have shot," Quinn said.

Justin Mercier began the Monsters' comeback attempt at 10:11 of the period. He secured a rebound and beat goalie Hannu Toivonen with a diving backhander. David van der Gulik tied it with a workmanlike tally at 17:23.

The IceHogs pulled ahead, 3-2, at 1:59 of the third. Evan Brophey, part of a 2-on-1, went top-shelf over Bacashihua's blocker.

Lake Erie made it interesting in the final seconds by pressuring Toivonen. A tip almost went in.

Bacashihua lost only his second game in nine starts since Feb. 12.

Monsters center Ben Walter's point streak ended at eight games -- longest on the club this season.

Because of NCAA basketball at The Q, the Monsters do not play at home again until March 22. They play five road games before then.

But after this week in the NBA, a GPS wouldn't hurt in helping locate new players with new teams.

View full sizeElise Amendola / Associated PressTroy Murphy (left) didn't score a basket in his debut with the Celtics on Wednesday against Marcin Gortat and the Phoenix Suns. But Murphy was more than content with the idea of being a role player for an Eastern Conference favorite down the stretch.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There's an old adage: You can't tell the players without a scorecard. But after this week in the NBA, it better be an updated scorecard -- and a GPS wouldn't hurt, either.

Talk about March Madness. As teams scrambled to make their last push before the playoffs, a dizzying number of players signed with one team after being bought out or released by another, and not all of them elected to take their talents to South Beach.

Troy Murphy shunned the Heat for the Boston Celtics, who also signed former Cavalier Sasha Pavlovic. Corey Brewer elected to join the Dallas Mavericks. The New York Knicks brought back Jared Jeffries after he was bought out by Houston. The Chicago Bulls signed swingman Rasual Butler, 31, who was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Those were the sorts of deals that brought Joe Smith and Zydrunas Ilgauskas back to the Cavs in years past. But this season, the Cavs just watched all the movement. Or not.

"I really haven't paid much attention to it," coach Byron Scott said. "I really worry about us. I really don't worry about the other 29 teams in the league."

Point guard Mike Bibby decided to take the Heat and signed with Miami after being traded from Atlanta to Washington and bought out by the Wizards. He left his salary of $6.2 million for next season on the table in order to become a free agent.

Nonetheless, the Heat apparently were willing to overlook concerns that the 32-year-old Bibby had diminishing skills offensively and would be a defensive liability against the quick point guards in the Eastern Conference such as Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo.

During the nationally televised game between the Heat and Orlando Magic on Thursday, James told TNT's Craig Sager, "[Bibby is] going to run our offense and knock down open shots. He's a very underrated offensive player when it comes to screening. He had some great screens on the ball that allowed us to get open. We were able to turn the corner and get to our sweet spots."

Bibby clearly was taken with Miami's Q scores. You know, the ones that measure popularity.

"They're on TV a lot and you're just in awe of the way they play," Bibby told reporters. "It looks like everybody wants to win and everybody has the right attitude. I thought it would be a good fit for me here.

"I'm a pretty smart player, I'll just get the ball to the guys where they need the ball at .... I'm not the type of player that needs shots to be effective."

Bibby suggested he was unhappy with the way he was used by the Hawks. "I didn't have the ball in my hands in Atlanta," Bibby told reporters. "And that's not saying I'm gonna have it in Miami. But I think things will be different."

Good luck with that.

Murphy, meanwhile, joined the team he cheered for as a kid growing up in New Jersey. He might have played more in Miami, which certainly needs rebounding. But he thought he'd fit better in Boston, where some hope he'll help the team the same way P.J. Brown did in the title run of 2008.

"I just know that they've been a team with a lot of success the last few years," said Murphy, traded from New Jersey to Golden State and then bought out. "Now I have a chance to add something to a program that I really admire. The guys they have and the way they play are very appealing to me."

Pavlovic, who started for the Cavs in the 2007 finals against the Spurs, told reporters in Boston, "I was happy like never in my life when Boston called."

Pavlovic was sent to Phoenix as part of the trade that brought Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland last season. The Suns bought him out and he signed with Minnesota. This year, he played 10 games with Dallas and four with New Orleans.

Boston coach Doc Rivers said he liked Pavlovic's defense. "He doesn't back down from any guys, so I think he can fit in well with us," Rivers said.

Pavlovic told reporters he was willing to do whatever the Celtics ask.

"I'm just going to keep it simple," Pavlovic said. "There's a lot of great players on this team. Whatever my role is going to be, I'm going to be happy to do it."

Brewer reportedly also was contacted by the Heat, Celtics and San Antonio Spurs, but he chose to join the Mavericks after being waived by New York. He was traded from Minnesota to New York in the three-way deal that brought Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks.

"It was a real tough choice, but I feel like this is the best situation," Brewer said. "It was a chance to play for a winner. They're winning right now, they're a good team. With guys like Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki, it's a great opportunity for me to come in and help. ... I felt like I could help the most here."

It's not right to take pleasure in other people's troubles unless, you know, it's another Miami Heat loss to a winning team, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin column.

View full sizeBahram Mark Sobhani / APWhen all you can cheer for is actually cheering against, the miseries that have recently developed on South Beach can bring a little sunshine to a late-winter Cleveland day, says Bud Shaw.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- If you can't beat 'em, feel free to root against 'em...

(If you can, forget for a moment that the Mayans have scheduled that for 2012.)

Meanwhile, Cleveland Fan at least gets to do what he does best. Enjoy rooting for somebody else to find the banana peel. Suffering is relative, of course. But you can piece together recent events and come to the happy conclusion that things are at least looking up.

Consider:

• The Steelers did not win the Super Bowl, saving Clevelanders from seeing Terry Bradshaw swoon in Ben Roethlisberger's arms like Scarlett in Rhett's.

• Cliff Lee is in spring training with the Phillies, not the Yankees. That's a little like an ex marrying a Gates instead of a Trump. You've been spurned emotionally and financially either way.

He signed with the Phils for less than what the Yankees offered him. He made the statement that he's not all about the money. So what if he just waited until after he left Cleveland to do it. The important development is that the Yankees are desperate enough for pitching they're seriously looking at Bartolo Colon.

• Team basketball -- which is exactly what Dan Gilbert is selling to season ticket holders and corporate sponsors -- is on display at a championship level in the NBA. In San Antonio, not Cleveland.

But, hey, neither is on display in Miami.

• Charlie Sheen has shown up wearing Indians' colors in his Qaddafi-like interviews. But he hasn't moved in next door yet. You know what we call that? Winning, is what.

• The Miami Heat blew a 24-point lead to Orlando Thursday night. Chris Bosh took a LeBron James pass off his face. If you can't have it the other way around, that's not half bad.

James missed another shot at the end of the game. His fans should keep in mind the next time he passes off to Eddie House at the buzzer that he's not only making the right basketball play but the more promising choice.

• To ensure none of the Big Three would miss another shot at the buzzer, the Heat lost to the Spurs, 125-95, Friday night. Their record against winning teams is 12-17.

• Did we mention the Heat can't beat anybody good?

That'll have to do for now.

And, actually, it does.

He's not saying, he's just saying...

View full sizeLuis M. Alvarez / Associated PressArrogant and dumb, but not stupid? Hey, it's sports agent Ralph Cindrich, not us, describing NFL owners such as Jerry Jones as the labor talks continue on.

Sports agent Ralph Cindrich seems dismissive of NFL's owners pressing for big changes in the collective bargaining agreement after a ruling that put in doubt the owners' access to the $4 billion lockout insurance fund from TV revenues. Cindrich also cited the unmatched popularity of the league and its signature event, the Super Bowl.

"I don't know how many of the owners can read, but those who can should look at Judge Doty's decision because this is the same guy who would be hearing a lawsuit," Cindrich told USA Today. "Some of the owners may be arrogant and dumb. But they're not stupid."

And some people still cling to the opinion that agents can play no role in the smoothing the waters and helping bring about compromise.

What could go wrong?...

Friday's early morning fire at Goodyear Ballpark started in a dryer nicknamed "Burner" for its penchant to heat up rather quickly. The dryer was brought to Arizona from Winter Haven, Fla., when the Indians moved their spring training home in 2009.

While it might seem like more trouble than it's worth to have moved "Burner" across the country, the more surprising aspect of the story is that it wasn't called "Milton." Or "Bradley."

HE SAID IT

"Leaving." -- Jim McMahon on his favorite memory of Brigham Young University.

HE BUTCHERED IT

"Samar, Sam, I don't even know his name, the guy who took the charge. I just pushed him. He flopped a little bit. It is what it is. No hard feelings." -- Carmelo Anthony on Cavs' big man Samardo Samuels.Yo, Carmelo, he's the rookie in the starting lineup who isn't Alonzo Gee. Does that help?

SPINOFFS

The Knicks better hope they don't run into the Cavaliers in the playoffs...Seneca Wallace's three-year deal with the Browns makes sense for both of them. The Browns need a backup who can play in the West Coast a lot more than Colt McCoy needs Jake Delhomme as a mentor...

Indians left-hander David Huff got a tattoo of a samurai slaying a dragon. Based on last year (2-11, 6.21), the dragon's name is David...

Rules are rules. So BYU had every right to suspend Brandon Davies for a breach of its honor code, even if that breach (reportedly sexual relations) happens on college campuses all over the country. But if McMahon made it through, can we all agree there's been selective enforcement at BYU over the years?I mean, I'm guessing McMahon might've sneaked a caffeinated Pepsi at one point or another, probably when Hunter S. Thompson visited him for the weekend...

You'd feel better about NFL owners and players coming to an agreement over vast differences during the seven-day extension to labor talks if they didn't already reduce it to five days by taking Saturday and Sunday off...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Vin Diesel and Travis Hafner -- Kerry Volsky, Solon

Indians' outfielder Shelley Duncan and actor Matthew Lillard. -- Danny Martin, Jr., Huron

YOU SAID IT

"Bud:

"I see that part of the "Avengers" movie will be filmed in Cleveland. Is that the part where they cut Captain America because of diminished skills?" -- Michael C. Gardner, Ashtabula

No, this is the one where they trade Captain America to Milwaukee and Iron Man to Philadelphia for Curtis Sliwa and three Guardian Angels to be named.

"Bud:

"Can you please explain the Indians' brain trust's obsession with "versatile guys?" -- O. Bill Stone

Have you ever shopped for shoes at Payless?

"Hi Bud:

"How did you get the assignment to cover the Tribe this spring? Did you win or lose the coin toss?" -- Vince G., Cincinnati

I sold the PD and the Indians on a joint participatory journalism adventure where I try out for third base.

"Bud:

"If budding sportswriters had a scouting combine like in the NFL, what events would be involved?" -- Tom Hoffner, Broadview Heights

They do, in fact. And the 40-yard dash with Albert Belle in pursuit behind the wheel of a SUV has always been the most watched by sports department scouts.

"Hey Bud:

"What gives? I just got a letter from the Indians asking for the money for my season pass to Snow Days." -- Dan Coughlin

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"Will Travis Hafner score a Chia pet deal with his new 'do?" -- Paul Schmidt

Repeat winners receive a time-share in Pronkville.

Can the young Cavaliers co-exist with Baron Davis? That a main theme in this week's mailbag.

View full sizeMary Altaffer / Associated PressThere seemed to be plenty of synchronicity when Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions combined forces for the first time Friday night against Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks.

Hey, Mary: With these two lottery picks, Cleveland will hopefully get a great swingman (Perry Jones) to team up with another solid young player, J.J. and Anderson. That is a solid core for a great point guard who wants to play for Byron Scott again and who also becomes a free agent in 2012. Your thoughts? -- Brandon Reyes, Avon Lake

Hey, Mary: I am a little confused with the Baron Davis trade. I know we get a first-round pick, but to get his huge salary for the next two years ... he is 32 and this is going to limit Ramon Sessions' playing time. Ramon is playing really well and might be our point guard for the future, but we can't pay $16 million for Davis to be a backup. -- Jeff Hall, Fremont

Hey, Brandon and Jeff: I teamed your questions because they're both about Baron Davis, although with clearly different takes. First of all, he's currently 31, will be 32 in April. He becomes a free agent after the 2012-13 season. He makes $13 million this year, $14 million next year and $15 million the year after that. In the short term, Scott has said he wants to keep starting Sessions, who has been playing extremely well and seems to be durable, which has been a big problem for the Cavs this season with regard to the departed Mo Williams and now Daniel Gibson and, perhaps, Davis. We have to see how his left knee is. So having two good point guards isn't necessarily a problem, especially if they push each other to get better. That benefits the Cavs, and the best player should start. Davis has run Scott's system before, and he can help Sessions learn it. That benefits the Cavs, too. But I do agree that if Scott and Davis can't agree on his role, there could be problems.

Hey, Mary: Now that the Cavaliers have made some roster moves, do you see Semih Erden as part of their future? If so, will this move affect any possible interest they may have in Jared Sullinger? They need to hit homeruns with their two top picks. -- Rick Borelli, Lakewood

Hey, Rick: Erden and Sulliger are totally different players, so I don't see that as being a problem.

View full sizeAP PhotoSemih Erden will get some playing time this season, but the Cavaliers are looking long term when it comes to their new center.

Hey, Mary: OK, now that the deadline has passed, let's hope the Clippers lose, lose, lose. Is it possible to see this line up a few times: Semih Erden at center, J.J. Hickson at power forward, Antawn Jamison at small forward, Anthony Parker or Manny Harris at shooting guard and Baron Davis, less 20 lbs., at the point guard? I am happy with the moves because we got bigger. -- Darryl Holmes, Houston, Texas

Hey, Darryl: Your question, obviously, was submitted before Jamison was lost for the season with a fractured left little finger. So, no. I do think Erden will play some center before the end of the year. I don't think Davis is going to lose 20 pounds at this stage of the season.

Hey, Mary: While I applaud the Cavs deadline deal to secure an extra first-round draft pick, I am wondering what the reasoning or thought-process is on why they held onto other players with some trade value. I can understand that NBA trades are complex, but Chris Grant has had months to work on this. I can't imagine Jamison or Parker being part of a rebuilding process, and they're not keeping the arena filled or winning games. What's the argument against moving either of these guys for the best available deal at the deadline? -- Leslie Marchak, Sagamore Hills

Hey, Leslie: How about the fact that nobody wanted them -- or at least not for what the Cavs wanted in return? As I've tried to explain in this column many times, it takes two teams to make a deal. Jamison has another year at $15 million left on his contract, which obviously discouraged suitors. Parker will be a free agent, but the Cavs like what he brings in the way of leadership and weren't going to give him away.

Hey, Mary: Do you think that Rip Hamilton nixing the deal with the Cavs was due to Leon Rose? Rose represents LeBron, and may have lingering animosity toward Dan Gilbert. Could such petty self-righteousness really stop a multi-million dollar deal? -- Geemoney Tibone, Philadelphia

Hey, Geemoney: I think it came down to what it always comes down to -- money. Hamilton wants all he is owed. Period.

Hey, Mary: First, it seems to me that LeBron James has really lost some status in the NBA since leaving Cleveland. As a Cav, it was always a discussion if he was the best player in the NBA. Would you agree that his lack of leadership in the last months has hurt him in relation to being considered the best player in the league? Second, why did the Cavs not use Leon Powe? We needed big men and he rarely played. Was it injury or coach Scott's style of play? -- Alan Wilson, Fredonia, Wis.

Hey, Alan: ESPN's NBA Awards Watch still has James ranked No. 1 in the MVP ratings, so I don't think his reputation is suffering all that much, although I'll admit the network certainly has a stake in making sure he stays popular. As for Powe, his knee injuries and surgeries really took on toll on his effectiveness.

Hey, Mary: I really feel that the draft picks have lined up so that potentially we could draft the two players that have the most potential to be NBA rookie of the year next year: super-athletic SF Perry Jones with the No. 1 pick and super-freak guard with the best shooting ability and range, Jimmer Fredette at No. 8 (approximately). The Hoop Doctors ranks these two No. 2 and No. 8 respectively right now, and I feel confident that their stock will only go up in the NCAA tournament (Jimmer for sure).

My concern is that many people seem to be wanting hometown boy Jared Sullinger with the No. 1 pick or injured Duke PG Kyrie Irving. Having watched most of Ohio State's games, I don't think Sully's game is going to translate to the NBA as easily as people believe. Plus, I find it unnecessary to take Irving at No. 1 when Fredette has shown more (much more, in my opinion) and will be available lower. I've read articles saying Fredette very likely could be next year's NBA rookie of the year and that all the teams that pass him in this year's draft will live to regret it. I'm afraid that one of those teams may be the Cavs. Can you please ease my mind? -- Kirk Arena, Youngstown

Hey, Kirk: If by easing your mind you mean I'll say the Cavs are going to take Jimmer Fredette, I can't. Not yet. I'm not saying they wouldn't, but they're in the process of doing their due diligence and no decisions have been made. He's obviously intriguing and could well become the darling of the NCAA tournament, and the Cavs certainly can use scoring, shooting and charisma. But there are too many variables in play right now to make any guarantees. Sorry.

Hey, Mary: I liked Danny Ferry as GM when he was here, but now realize he may have squandered our best chance for a championship. Since Chris Grant is a Ferry protege, do you see their styles and philosophies as being similar? Also, what direction do you see Grant going in the draft? Will he draft for two specific positions with our lottery picks? Or are our needs great enough to draft the best two players available? -- Jeff, Columbus

Hey, Jeff: The Cavs needs are many. They'll take the best two players available.

This week's mailbag has a little fun with the Indians' braintrust with spring games taking place.

View full sizeChris Carlson / Associated PressSaturday offered a blast from the past as Indians spring-training consultant Mike Hargrove and former Tribe shortstop Omar Vizquel briefly visited after Vizquel left the field following the seventh inning of the Indians-White Sox exhibition game in Goodyear, Ariz.

Hey, Hoynsie: I know its early in spring training, but who do you see as the Indians' opening day third baseman? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland

Hey, Angelo: Jason Donald.

Hey, Hoynsie: Now that the girls throwing batting-practice barrier has been broken, do you see women playing in the MLB anytime in the future? -- Mike Quintero, Lakewood

Hey, Mike: If a woman is talented enough to play in the big leagues, I think she'd get a chance. I wouldn't be an easy path, and it would have to take the right situation with the right general manager to make the call.

MLB teams search the world for talent. If a woman can play at that level, I can't believe all 30 teams would ignore her.

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think that the Tribe might use the 2011 minor-league season to teach Cord Phelps and Jason Kipnis to play third base and Lonnie Chisenhall and Jared Goedert to play second base so that they might have more utility at the big-league level? -- Jim Daniels, Cleveland

Hey, Jim: I sense a touch of sarcasm.

Hey, Hoynsie: I realize that GM Chris Antonetti has inherited a mess and needs time to gain experience. Has he shared with you his vision of the kind of team he hopes to build? -- Jorge Manuel, Tremont

Hey, Jorge: Antonetti wants a team built on the young players acquired over the last three years in trades and drafts. He wants that team to mature together so it's ready to win together starting this year.

As the team matures and becomes a contender, he plans on adding talent from the outside to accelerate the process. We'll see if it works.

Hey, Hoynsie: Given the fact that Fausto Carmona has been rather erratic and is known to struggle through mechanical problems, would the Indians be best served to trade him now while he has a lot of value? -- Leslie Marchak, Sagamore Hills

Hey, Leslie: The Indians may consider trading Carmona toward midseason if they're headed for another 90-loss season. I can't see them trading him now before the start of the season.

Carmona is only 27, has never had a serious injury and is finally showing signs that he understands what makes him an effective pitcher. After this season, the Indians have him under contract, via three club options, through 2014. If the Indians are going to become a contender in the next couple of years, they're going to need an experienced starter in the rotation.

Hey, Hoynsie: There has been little in the way of acquisitions this past off-season, but the future of the Tribe is looking bright. When does the GM expect the team to be in a position to contend? -- Lou Kovach, Gary, N.C.

Hey, Lou: GM Chris Antonetti and manager Manny Acta are talking about winning this season. I think a more realistic target for contention is 2012.

Hey, Hoynsie: Josh Judy. No, no, no! How about a name change to "Judge" Judy? Then whenever Judge Judy comes in from the bullpen, it'll be "Here comes the Judge!" -- Keith Allie, Cleveland

Hey, Keith: I like that. But let's hope Josh pitches as tough as Judge Judy dispenses justice. You want to stay on her good side.

Hey, Hoynsie: Nice to sign Chad Durbin. He seems to have resurrected his career after leaving Cleveland. Why, in your opinion, do so many players get better after leaving the Tribe? -- Ross Fisher, Louisville, Ky.

Hey, Ross: Durbin was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery when he was with Cleveland. He finally got healthy and remembered how to pitch after leaving the Tribe.

A player such as CC Sabathia won a Cy Young award in Cleveland and has continued to pitch well after being traded. He's obviously playing with a better team now that he's with New York so that's going to improve his record. Sabathia is also moving into his peak years (top earning years) with the Yankees, which is one of the reasons the Indians traded him.

Hey, Hoynsie: Did the Indians explain their logic in signing the 36-year-old Orlando Cabrera to play a position that he hasn't played in years, while having one of their top prospects, Jason Donald, learn a new position in spring training? Why not just sign a third baseman or is that too easy? -- Louis Williams, Cleveland

Hey, Louis: With third base prospect Lonnie Chisenhall on the way, the Indians didn't want to sign a third baseman to a multiyear deal. They also weren't overwhelmed by the talent that they could have brought in on a short-term deal. So they're giving Donald a chance at third to see if he can keep the job until Chisenhall is ready.

Hey, Hoynsie: Are the Indians taking any stance whatsoever in regards to Charlie Sheen? He has said he wants to do a Major League 4 and one of his pictures in his newly created twitter account he has an Indians hat on. ... But is the organization worried that it is bad? By the way, did you have any roles in the production of the first three? I've noticed your name in the by-line of the newspaper headlines, especially the first one. -- Kevin Koval, Youngstown

Hey, Kevin: The Indians are not commenting on the ramblings of Charlie Sheen. They did have script approval over the original Major League, but not the ones that followed.

My brush with Tinsletown began and ended with my byline appearing in Major League. My next royalty check will be my first.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why did the Tribe make public Austin Kearns' indiscretion? -- Carlton Lewis IV, Santa Fe, N.M.

Hey, Carlton: The Indians didn't make Austin Kearns' DUI arrest public. A suburban Kentucky newspaper wrote the story and the Indians responded. Once something like that becomes a matter of public record, the club usually has to respond.

-- Hoynsie

It's pretty much all draft predictions (and a few free-agent preferences) all the time in this week's reader mailbag.

David Duprey / Associated PressPlaxico Burress (17) will be available for a team willing to take a risk on a talented -- if occasionally troubled -- wide receiver. Are the Browns that kind of team?

Hey, Tony: When Plaxico Burress gets out of jail, is he a free agent and able to sign with anyone? If so will Tom Heckert try to strike lightning in a bottle twice (i.e. Michael Vick) and bring him in here for a workout? -- Steve Stosak, Simpsonville, S.C.

Hey, Steve: Heckert indicated at the NFL combine that he would shy away from signing free agents with character issues. Sources in Philadelphia have told me he was not gung-ho about the signing of Vick two years ago. That was all on Andy Reid.

Hey, Tony: Wouldn't the Browns love to trade down and gather more picks? Too many holes for just seven picks. What are the chances they can find a suitor for the sixth pick? -- Matt Alsip, Towson, Md.

Hey, Matt: With two QBs rated highly and about 10 teams needing a QB, I'd say the chances of finding a suitor for the sixth pick are better than usual. But I don't think the Browns want to move down too far and would rather use the pick on the sixth-best player in the draft. A drop down one or two spots might not be out of the question.

Hey, Tony: How is Cam Newton considered a top-10 choice, while everyone thought the idea of drafting Tim Tebow in the first round was crazy? To me they are very similar quarterbacks. They are both built like linebackers, they both dominated the SEC, both ran gimmicky offenses, and both are great running the ball. The only difference between them is that Tebow did this for three years while Newton did it for just one. There is no question that Tebow is the better leader and has better decision making skills. I just can't understand how Newton is a top-10 pick. -- Chris Mangosh, Willoughby

Hey, Chris: Have you seen both guys throw? Really, the arm strength factor is playing a huge role here.

Hey, Tony: If the owners and players come to agreement on an-18 game season, will it take effect in 2011 season? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland

Hey, Angelo: No, the earliest it would take effect is the 2012 season.

Hey, Tony: Given that 1) the Browns are losing at least two starting defensive linemen, 2) they will now will need more players due to the switch to the 4-3, and 3) this draft is unusually deep in linemen, what are the odds they might draft for that need with both the first- and second-round picks? -- Seren Hrachian, Athens, N.Y.

Hey, Seren: I wouldn't rule it out, but I would be surprised. I don't think they have the luxury of devoting their top two picks to one position of need.

Hey, Tony: I have read that when the players are locked out that they will not be allowed to use the facilities in Berea and won't have contact with coaches. But what actually prevents Pat Shurmur or Mark Whipple working with Colt McCoy? Will they be subject to a fine or suspension? -- Bryan, Washington, D.C.

Hey, Bryan: The NFL has indicated penalties could include fines and loss of draft picks. Too costly to mess with, and not much would be gained anyway by meeting with one player without the rest of offensive unit.

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain DealerBy any name, Marcus Benard brings a much-needed ability to rush the quarterback to the Browns.

Hey, Tony: Why is it so hard for Browns writers, NFL scribes, analysts, etc. to get Marcus Benard's name correct? Should we make everyone happy and call him MaRvin BeRnard? I would think it's journalism 101. -- Anthony, Youngstown

Hey, Anthony: Ever have a name that sticks in your mind? Or one that you can't seem to get right? Apparently not.

Hey, Tony: I'm surprised that you suggested the Browns lean toward DL with their first round pick. If there's one cliche that has proven to be true, it's that you select the best available player, regardless of position. -- Leslie Marchak, Sagamore Hills

Hey, Leslie: Live by the cliches, die by the cliches. I don't see how the drafting the best cornerback at No. 6 improves the team more than drafting the best defensive lineman.

Hey, Tony: We were 5-11 last year, why isn't anyone talking about taking the best player available? I know that you are a supporter of this. Everyone is talking defense but if you actually watched any college football last year you know that Cam Newton is the most talented player in the draft. -- Brandon Pillen, Mililani, Hawaii

Hey, Brandon: The most talented player isn't always the best player. In fact, I've heard Heckert use the phrase "best available player for your team." That little distinction eliminates some players from the pool.

Hey, Tony: I agree with many others who say we need to go defensive line in the first round, I also agree with those who say A.J. Green is an all-world talent. But how could you pass on Patrick Peterson at 6? In the NFL, you need at least two good corners and a third that is better than average. -- Gerald Alfrey, Toledo

Hey, Gerald: You can find a cliche to fit any argument. How about this one: Football is won in the trenches. As their roster now stands, the Browns won't stop any offense at the line of scrimmage. I'm an advocate of three good corners but the Browns have put themselves in the position of not being able to disguise their draft intentions well. They couldn't even field an NFL-caliber front four right now.

Hey, Tony: Would the Browns consider Vernon Gholston if he is released or Willie Colon in free agency? I think Gholston could be had on the cheap. Colon could help the right side of the OL. He will be 28 when the season starts, but is coming off an injury. -- Greg S, Chicago, Ill.

Hey, Greg: Colon is one of the best offensive linemen available in free agency, but Heckert already has expressed satisfaction with Tony Pashos at right tackle and seems cool on adding another lineman in free agency. Gholston? Maybe the previous coach would take a flier on him, but I don't see it in the cards.

Hey, Tony: How can you call a running back who averaged only 4.3 yards per carry in his college career, was injured four out of five years and did not even make honorable mention on the all-SEC conference team a "blue chip back"? -- Raymond Dumont, Foley, Ala.

Hey, Raymond: Maybe if Montario Hardesty wore the uniform of the Crimson Tide you would think differently.

Hey, Tony: I was a huge Eric Mangini supporter and even I knew the minute Mike Holmgren was brought on Mangini's days were numbered. With that said, I think Holmgren keeping Mangini knowing the CBA showdown was coming was a huge blunder. He easily could have found a coach the caliber of Shurmur last year, considering no other team had any interest in Shurmur even this year. Now this team has a rookie coach and wants to change schemes on both sides of the ball and is not even allowed to talk to the players. I truly think the minute Holmgren kept Mangini in '10 he needed to give him 2011 as well in order to keep some semblance of order with the lockout. Something tells me the excuses will be flying out of Berea this fall and if not, the PD will do it for them. -- Michael Spitale, Galena

Hey, Michael: I agree that in retrospect, he should have made the change for 2010. Maybe Holmgren is admitting 2010 was the year that was wasted and he doesn't want to waste 2011 as well, and that's why he made the change.

Hey, Tony: The more I study Cam Jordan of Cal, the more I become enamored with him. There seems to be no downside to this kid. He's the most experienced, versatile and smartest choice amongst the top tier DLs. What's the chance H&H would slightly reach for him at 6. -- Jimmy D, Ohio

Hey, Jimmy: In my two mock drafts, I've had Jordan going to Washington at No. 10. So, taking him at No. 6 wouldn't be a huge reach. I'll keep an eye on developments regarding Jordan as the process continues.

Hey, Tony: Assuming the Browns' 2011 starting O-Line will be Thomas, Steinbach, Mack, Womack and hopefully a healthy Pashos, who of last year's backups would you hope the Browns keep? -- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.

Hey, Alan: Shawn Lauvao and Billy Yates, and I'd draft a developmental tackle in the middle rounds.

Hey, Tony: I have heard one of the knocks against an 18-game season is that the teams with the worst records would not draw interest at the end of the season. So why not just expand the playoffs (four more wildcard teams) for two more weeks, and move the bye week to week 17? That way there would be media revenue for two more weeks of playoff football, but the majority of the players would not suffer from the extra wear and tear. -- Dave Jackson, Columbus

Hey, Dave: Your proposal makes more sense to me than the one pitched by Commissioner Roger Goodell. There are many, however, who would be opposed to expanding the playoffs that much. Some owners would claim they would take too much meaning out of the regular-season standings, etc. But your idea is worth further discussion.

Hey, Tony: Riddle me this: potential lockout, new offensive system, new defensive system (even though a certain Browns beat writer said there wouldn't be huge changes if Mangini was fired) and possibly a very limited amount of time, if any, to teach the umpteenth new system in Berea. Can you see anything other than another double digit loss season? -- Mike B, Dover

Hey, Mike: You are much smarter than me and can predict a season record. I can't even predict what day is tomorrow. In the words of your favorite coach, "Don't fear change."

Hey, Tony: With a lockout about to happen, and the NFL supposedly cracking down on player/personnel interaction, how is the NFL exactly going to police the rules? Do you really think teams aren't going to find a way to communicate off the record? -- Jeremy Skatzes, Columbus

Hey, Jeremy: An owners lockout is un-chartered waters. I haven't a clue how the NFL will police its rules. But it's their league and they can do what they want.

View full sizeMichael Conroy / Associated PressCould an under-the-radar defensive talent such as Wisconsin's J.J. Watt allow the Browns to trade down for more draft picks?

Hey, Tony: Last week you mentioned five players you thought could be the Browns' first pick but you didn't mention defensive lineman J.J. Watt from Wisconsin. He is flying up draft boards. I am wondering after spending time at the combine if you want to revise that list. Also, a lot of people are talking about trading down. With all of the needs we have, would you trade down given the risk of passing on a future franchise player and what would you ask in return? -- Paul Naudain, Portland, Ore.

Hey, Paul: I agree the climate is good for potential suitors for the No. 6 pick. I've always advocated trading down, but I'm a little hesitant after the way the last great trade-down ended up in 2009. I'd be open to it, but moving from No. 6 down to the 20s is not the brightest thing in the world to do, in my opinion.

Hey, Tony: I heard someone mention Cam Jordan out of California as a potentially great D-lineman. I was wondering what you know and think of him. -- Jacob Hazners, Westlake

Hey, Jacob: Jordan had 16.5 sacks in his 50-game career. That's not a great ratio for a pass rusher. However, sack numbers don't mean everything. I would be very open to bringing Jordan into the discussion for the pick at No. 6. I've had him pegged for No. 10 to Washington in my two mock drafts. Which is higher than some people.

Hey, Tony: Now that Sidney Rice is going to be a free agent, wouldn't it make a lot of sense for the Browns to make a hard push to get this guy? I know everyone wants to build through the draft, but he would be a big piece to the offensive puzzle. -- Kyle Brofloski, Denver, Colo.

Hey, Kyle: Taking a Southern native (South Carolina) who's played receiver in the NFL mostly in domes is a risky proposition, in my opinion. I'd need more research on his games in cold weather. Some receivers play in the cold like they don't want to be out there.

Hey, Tony: I am against drafting a WR like AJ Green or shutdown CB like Patrick Peterson. Cincinnati has two stud WRs and two first rounders at CB and still can't make the playoffs, mostly because of poor line play. All of the top rated D-linemen have huge question marks either with character, injury or lack of production over a long period of time. Can any of these guys really be that much better than Cameron Heyward? Heyward was projected as a top 10 pick last year, has the size and athleticism to play anywhere on the line, and satisfies all of the concerns I just mentioned while playing for our beloved Buckeyes. -- Jeff, Columbus

Hey, Jeff: I believe Heyward's average senior season cost him a lot of money. Now, that doesn't mean he can't be developed into a blue-chip d-lineman, but he just wasn't that impressive consistently in 2010.

Hey, Tony: What are the chances of the Browns being interested in the newly released Vernon Gholston? He didn't fit at linebacker or as a 3-4 end, but as a backup end in the new 4-3 I think he would be a good addition for relatively cheap. -- Chris Zanon, Canton

Hey, Chris: I already remarked that the former coach, who drafted Gholston, probably would see great reward in taking a small risk in bringing Gholston in for the NFL minimum. I'm not sure the new coaches have the same opinion. But at this point, they need bodies all across the d-front.

Hey, Tony: Obviously from now until the season starts we'll discuss many of the big-name players cut loose by other teams. In that vein, I look at a guy like Tommie Harris and say to myself, "That would make a lot of sense." -- Joe Cepec, Dublin

Hey, Joe: Any accomplished D-lineman under the age of 30 makes a lot of sense to me.

Hey, Tony: You answered a question once about why the Browns do not have cheerleaders. Your answer was "Tradition." What did you mean by that? -- Katie Woods, Madison

Hey, Katie: As PD colleague Bill Lubinger recently wrote, the Browns did field cheerleaders for one season in 1971. In the article, Pat Modell, wife of the former owner, described the experiment as "a flop." I think cheerleaders for the Browns haven't worked out for the following reasons: 1. Too much cold weather, 2. Their stadium was always cavernous, 3. Who actually pays attention to cheerleaders on the NFL level unless they are scantily clad (like in Dallas, Oakland, and other sunny climes)?

Hey, Tony: Cam Newton is a top talent that the Browns couldn't fully utilize. What are the options if they traded with someone like Jacksonville (16th pick) and Newton was available, What else could they get? A third or fourth rounder? That pick would have to produce instantly for our fan base to justify losing 10 spots, but there is a ton of great defensive talent this draft. -- Cory Plato, Avon Lake

Hey, Cory: I wouldn't expect moving down 10 spots to be a serious option. One or two spots down, but not more than that.

Hey, Tony: I bet you are getting as tired as I am of all the hand wringing by the fan base over McCoy's arm strength. McCoy's passes have a much flatter trajectory, much better follow through/release point/ball angle, half the air time and are thrown with much more authority (as evidenced by his greater accuracy) than Quinn's did. He also looks to have a deeper long ball. Over all he looks to have a much better arm than Quinn. My question is why would the same fan base that was so eager to dismiss any concerns about Quinn's arm strength and embrace him as a starter right up to his departure, now refuses to give Colt a fair chance over similar questions? -- Fernando Fernandez, Parma

Hey, Fernando: I'm constantly asked my opinion of McCoy. My stock answer is I love everything about him but I have concerns about his arm strength. That does not mean I'm not willing to give him a fair chance. I'm open-minded and willing to have my concerns allayed when McCoy performs in the Pat Shurmur West Coast offense. I don't think it's unfair to question McCoy's arm strength. As for Quinn, his pre-occupation with building musculature ruined his ability to throw a football accurately, in my opinion.

Hey, Tony: Each side needs to make concessions in the labor talks. What do you think the NFLPA should concede and what should the NFL owners concede to make hasten a CBA? -- Tony O'Leary, Charleston, W.Va.

Hey, Tony: The NFLPA should a) allow the owners to take another one-half billion off the top of the revenue pie before the players get their cut, b) agree to an NBA-style rookie wage scale, c) agree to further explore some kind of revenue expansion through an adjustment of the regular-season schedule, d) restore the concept of players forfeiting bonus money when they violate their contracts. The owners should a) not demand an 18-game schedule, but agree to work with players toward some kind of expansion, b) return eligibility for unrestricted free agency to four NFL seasons, c) increase health coverage to 10 years after a player's career ends (up from five), d) put player discipline in the hands of a mutually acceptable conduct review board.

Hey, Tony: From what Tom Heckert is saying about not moving Sheldon Brown to corner, is it safe to say then that we're probably going to take a defensive lineman or wide receiver? Do you think they'll go with Robert Quinn or a defensive tackle? -- Josh Reed, White Oak, Pa.

Hey, Josh: Yes, I believe Peterson is out of the picture. Further tip off of that was the team giving CB Eric Wright the second-round tender. Quinn is a candidate. Defensive tackle, too. I believe Heckert's highest-ranked defensive lineman on the board will be the pick. As of today, that is.

Hey, Tony: Don't you think the Browns should give their quarterback some time to get comfortable with his players? They didn't do that with Brady Quinn, who wanted to play for the Browns since he was a little kid. I think they are trying to get the quick fix and not work on the long-term picture. -- Shari Campbell, Carmel, Ind.

Hey, Shari: Different coaches and front office personnel are in place now than when Quinn first arrived. By the time Quinn reached his third NFL season, he was ruined, in my opinion. I had no problem with letting him go last season.

-- Tony