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OHSAA boys basketball: Garfield Heights tops Mentor to reach state semifinals

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See a photo gallery from the game here. CLEVELAND, Ohio — Gasoline was 18 cents a gallon and a postage stamp cost 3 cents the last time a Garfield Heights basketball team reached the big- school state semifinals.

Garfield Heights' Lloyd Henry looks for an opening while guarded by Mentor's Cole Krizancic in the second half Saturday. - (Joshua Gunter l PD)

See a photo gallery from the game here.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Gasoline was 18 cents a gallon and a postage stamp cost 3 cents the last time a Garfield Heights basketball team reached the big- school state semifinals.

Times have changed and so has Garfield Heights basketball.

The Bulldogs erased 61 years of also-ran status on Saturday when they wore down a determined Mentor squad, 85-68, in the Division I boys regional finals at the Wolstein Center.

The victory sends the once-beaten Bulldogs, ranked first in the final statewide poll, to Friday's state semifinals at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus. They will play second-ranked and once-beaten Columbus Northland at 8:30 p.m. Northland, state champs in 2009, defeated Westerville South, 80-62, also on Saturday.

Garfield Heights used its best shooting night of the season -- a blistering 72.7 percent from the field -- and dominance on the backboards to stop Mentor (21-5) one game short of making a repeat trip to the final four.

Led by a scintillating first-half performance by guard Trey Lewis, solid contributions from Mike McQueen and Tony Farmer and an uncharacteristic shooting night by the Cardinals, Garfield Heights took control late in the first quarter and played its way to a stunning 17-point lead.

Lewis, a Penn State recruit, scored 26 of his game-high 32 points over the first 16 minutes by making nine of 13 field-goal attempts, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, and six straight free throws. The only thing that stopped him was foul trouble.

"The team did a tremendous job of getting me open looks, open shots," said Lewis. "Our coaches told me before the game to be aggressive. When you feel hot, you keep going with the hot hand and our coaches told me to keep shooting."

Mentor was an uncharacteristic 10-of-20 from the field and an even more uncharacteristic 10-of-17 from the free-throw line in the first half.

Garfield Heights coach Sonny Johnson said the game plan was to get the ball inside, but Lewis changed that.

"Trey was unbelievable, and when he has a hot hand, there's no stopping him," he said.

McQueen, a 6-7, 270-pound senior who was the hero of the Bulldogs' semifinal win, scored 19 points for the second straight game and had eight rebounds. However, it was Farmer, a 6-6 sophomore, who spearheaded the Bulldogs' lopsided 36-11 performance in rebounding with a game-high 14.

Senior Cole Krizancic, an Ashland recruit and son of Mentor coach Bob Krizancic, led the Cardinals with 23 points.

Mentor trailed, 45-32, at the half but threw a scare into Garfield Heights when Lewis went to the bench with his third foul with 5:01 left in the third quarter. Krizancic scored 10 points, and Matt Solden and Jeff Foreman had six each during the period and the Cards trailed by six at quarter's end.

"I have so much faith in this team. I knew, no matter what, they would come through for me," Lewis said.

"There were times in the game where we went through adversity, but this team knows how to fight through adversity."

The Bulldogs showed they weren't going to fold and extended their lead to 10 to start the fourth quarter as Mike Davis (nine points) and McQueen scored back-to-back buckets. Mentor would not get closer than nine the rest of the way.

The Cardinals, who had made nearly 300 3-pointers this season, were only 2-of-12 from that range.

Coach Krizancic did not hesitate when asked if the Bulldogs were the best team his team had faced throughout a grueling schedule.

"Yes," he responded. "And Trey Lewis is just a great player. Not much went our way. They are a load. We didn't get a lot of good looks on 3's and that's a credit to their defense."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:trogers@plaind.com, 216-999-5169


2011 NCAA Tournament: Wisconsin gets 70-65 win despite 38 points by Kansas State's Jacob Pullen

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Wisconsin's Jordan Taylor was 2 of 16 from the field but hit two clutch free throws and blocked what could have been a game-tying 3-pointer.

jon-leuer.jpgWisconsin's Jon Leuer scoring two of his 19 points during the Badgers' 70-65 win over Kansas State.

TUCSON, Arizona -- Jordan Taylor hit two big free throws and blocked Jacob Pullen's 3-point attempt in the closing seconds to overcome a rough shooting night, lifting Wisconsin to a 70-65 win over Kansas State on Saturday in the third round of the NCAA tournament.

Taylor shot just 2 of 16 but came up with the biggest play of the game, swatting Pullen's tying attempt in the final seconds with Wisconsin (25-8) up three. Josh Gasser then hit two free throws to seal it, sending the fourth-seeded Badgers into the round of 16 for the fourth time since 2000.

Wisconsin moves on to face upset specialist Butler, a winner over top-seeded Pittsburgh, in the Southeast regional semifinals Thursday in New Orleans.

Pullen matched a career high with 38 points to break the school's career scoring mark, but walked away wiping tears with his jersey after a stellar four years in the Little Apple.

2011 NCAA Tournament: Kansas downs Illinois 73-59

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The Jayhawks (34-2) avoided revisiting their loss to another No. 9 seed, Northern Iowa, exactly a year earlier and also on Oklahoma soil. Instead, they're moving on in a bracket filled with upsets.

illinois-kansas-richardson-reed.jpgIllinois' D.J. Richardson blocks a shot by Kansas Tyrel Reed during the first half of a Southwest Regional NCAA tournament third-round college basketball game today in Tulsa, Okla.
TULSA, Okla. — Twin brothers Marcus and Markieff Morris combined for 41 points and 24 rebounds, powering top-seeded Kansas past Illinois 73-59 tonight to ensure the Jayhawks wouldn't make an opening-weekend exit from the NCAA tournament for the second straight year.

The Morris twins scored 24 of Kansas' first 29 points in the second half, punctuated by consecutive two-handed slams by Markieff that made it 62-51 with 3:51 to play. After an Illinois turnover at the other end, the twins each followed Tyshawn Taylor in making leaping spins into teammates to start a timeout.

The Jayhawks (34-2) avoided revisiting their loss to another No. 9 seed, Northern Iowa, exactly a year earlier and also on Oklahoma soil. Instead, they're moving on in a bracket filled with upsets.

No. 11 seed VCU and 12th-seeded Richmond will join them in the Southwest regional semifinals in San Antonio. Kansas plays Richmond on Friday.

Mike Davis led the Fighting Illini (20-14) with 17 points and seven rebounds.


2011 NCAA Tournament: Florida State upsets Notre Dame, 71-57

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Florida State (23-10) now faces upstart Virginia Commonwealth in the Southwest regional semifinals Friday in San Antonio. The 11th-seeded Rams, maligned as not worthy of being in the 68-team field, stunned third-seeded Purdue earlier Sunday for their third win in five nights.

notre-dame-florida-state.jpgNotre Dame guard Ben Hansbrough (23) loses the control of the ball against Florida State forward/center Xavier Gibson, left, and guard Michael Snaer (21) in the first half of a third-round NCAA Southwest Regional tournament college basketball game in Chicago, Sunday.
CHICAGO — Bernard James scored 14 points, Michael Snaer added 13 and Florida State showed there's more to its game than defense with a 71-57 upset of second-seeded Notre Dame on Sunday night that put the Seminoles in the regional semifinals for the first time since 1993.

It was an impressive effort by the 10th-seeded Seminoles, who had four players in double figures and were 9 of 19 from 3-point range.

Florida State (23-10) now faces upstart Virginia Commonwealth in the Southwest regional semifinals Friday in San Antonio. The 11th-seeded Rams, maligned as not worthy of being in the 68-team field, stunned third-seeded Purdue earlier Sunday for their third win in five nights.

For Notre Dame, meanwhile, it was another disappointing showing in the NCAA tournament. Ben Hansbrough scored 18 on 5-of-13 shooting before fouling out with 3:19 left.


On the 7th day, Grady Sizemore played a game: Indians spring training

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Until the last two years, Sizemore seemed indestructible. In 2009, however, his season ended prematurely because of surgery on his left elbow and left groin. Last year, he injured his left knee April 1 in an exhibition game and aggravated it May 16 in Baltimore. Sunday's game was his first since that day in Camden Yards.

Grady SizemoreHe's heard that one before: Grady Sizemore finally got to run around the bases Sunday in Arizona

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Joe Urbon looked out at his back yard Saturday and Grady Sizemore was running around after his kids. Urbon, Sizemore's agent, started thinking, "Grady, I don't think you should be doing that."

People have been saying the same thing to Sizemore, in different ways, for the last 10 months as he recovers from microfracture surgery on his left knee. Sizemore finally did something he was supposed to do Sunday at Goodyear Ballpark. He played a game of baseball.

It didn't last long, just two at-bats. Sizemore did hit leadoff, but he was anchored to the designated hitter position, a long way from his usual spot in center field. He grounded out to second in the first inning and flied out to center in the second.

He faced five pitches from Arizona's Armando Galarraga.

"My game plan for today was not to be patient," said Sizemore. "I wanted to get out there and swing the bat. I wanted to see what it felt like."

Sizemore and Galarraga have faced each other 22 times in the regular season. Sizemore has a .500 (11-for-22) career batting average with four homers and seven RBI against him. On Sunday, however, it was a meeting of star-crossed players.

Until the last two years, Sizemore seemed indestructible. In 2009, however, his season ended prematurely because of surgery on his left elbow and left groin. Last year, he injured his left knee April 1 in an exhibition game and aggravated it May 16 in Baltimore. Sunday's game was his first since that day in Camden Yards.

Meanwhile, last June 2, Galarraga threw the perfect game that wasn't against the Indians because first base umpire Jim Joyce botched a call on what should have been the final out of the game. Detroit designated him for assignment in January and traded him to Arizona. Would the Tigers have traded Galarraga if he'd been credited with the perfect game, as he should have been?

So, who carried the most baggage into the game? It had to be Sizemore, because no one knows how much of the talent that led to his 30-30 season of 2008 is still there.

One thing that was apparent in Sizemore's two quick at-bats: He can still run. He ran out the first-inning grounder like he has his whole career -- hard and fast. The same with the fly ball to center field.

"It was good to see him run effortless," said manager Manny Acta. "If you didn't know what he's been through, you wouldn't know."

Sizemore will not open the season with the Indians on April 1 at Progressive Field. There's not enough time left in the Cactus League season to get him game ready. That does not mean the tests stop.

He'll make his debut in center field on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks in Scottsdale, Ariz. Acta said he'll probably play three innings.

"It was good to get out on the field," said Sizemore. "I was anxious. I wasn't that nervous. I just wanted to get out there. It's been a long time."

Sizemore's comeback has been a series of baby steps, each greeted with bold headlines. First swing, first time taking batting practice, first sprints, first sprints while cutting, first time catching fly balls in the outfield, first time running the bases, first time sliding.

After every step, the same question was asked: "How do you feel, Grady?"

It has taught him patience with the media that he probably didn't have before. The patience extends beyond reporters.

"There are so many people involved," said Sizemore. "It's not just you guys asking. It's teammates, coaches, the training staff. I've learned to be very patient with this. In the end, everyone just wants you to get healthy and get back on the field.

"I understand the process. It's not frustrating at all."

When Sizemore's name was announced in the starting lineup Sunday, the crowd of 4,058 applauded. Sizemore did not miss it.

"It was definitely nice," he said. "The fans have been great. The people out here have been very supportive. They've said nothing but good things and [they] want to see me back on the field."

Sizemore had friends, including Urbon, and family members at the game. Asked if they came specifically to see him play, Sizemore deadpanned, "You'd have to ask them."

What would have happened if Sizemore doubled into the gap in his first at-bat instead of grounding out to second? Would he have slid into second, testing the padding he's wearing around his knee?

"I would have done what I normally do," he said. "If it was a close play, I would have slid. If I could have gone in standing up, I would have gone in standing up. I have no restriction on what I can or can't do."

Acta said Sizemore will probably open the season in extended spring training in Goodyear. When he's ready, and when the weather cooperates, he'll probably move on to one of the Indians' minor-league clubs to begin his rehab.

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

Young players get all the cussing in NCAA tournament action: Q&A

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Which players get yelled at most?

buzz-williams-marquette.JPGView full sizeDavante Gardner and some of the other young Marquette players get the wrath of Buzz Williams.

A quick question and answer session with NCAA Tournament players at The Q.

Which player on your team do the coaches yell at the most?

Chris Otule, Marquette sophomore center: "Davante Gardner or some of the other young guys. They're young and it's been a long year, but coach [Buzz Williams] will get into it, with cuss words and he's moving his head a lot. The older guys are used to it, so some of them are laughing. But it's all constructive criticism."

Mark Lyons, Xavier sophomore guard: "The young guys and me. I'm used to it. Coach [Chris] Mack is trying to make me better. He was the one who recruited me as an assistant coach, so when he got the head job, you've got to change the way you coach, so it kind of caught me by surprise. But it's good. It's real good."

Kris Joseph, Syracuse junior forward: "Dion Waiters. It's for little things. He'll be standing in the back of the line instead of the front of the line and he'll get yelled at, but he's a freshman so of course that happens. It's baby steps. Everyone goes through it as a freshman, but when you see it, it's just funny."

-- Doug Lesmerises

Indians' outfield still riddled with questions: Terry Pluto

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No matter what happens with Grady Sizemore, Michael Brantley has to become an everyday outfielder.

michael-brantley.jpgLook for Michael Brantley to be the starting center fielder for a while as Grady Sizemore recovers.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Grady Sizemore made two outs on five pitches. He ran as far as second base on his fly ball to center field without limping. Afterward, the Tribe's designated hitter on this Sunday afternoon said he felt fine -- and hopes to play the field on Tuesday for a few innings.

That passes for huge news in the final weeks of spring training. And yes, it is encouraging that Sizemore is making progress from his major microfracture knee surgery.

But the Indians must know that it's unreasonable to expect Sizemore to have 500 at-bats this season, or to be ready for baseball in early April. It would be a near miracle for him not to have a minor setback at some point, be it swelling or general fatigue.

Sizemore's last game was May 16. His knee surgery was extremely serious. It takes a minimum of 10 months for a recovery, as Sizemore said after leaving Sunday's game in the third inning.

So look for Michael Brantley to be the starting center fielder, and the Indians need him to play as he did in Sunday's 5-3 Cactus League victory over Arizona at Goodyear Ballpark.

He lashed a double down the right-field line. He made a nice running catch in right-center field. On another play, he caught a fly ball and threw out a runner at third base. It was the kind of athletic performance the Indians will expect from Brantley this season.

He will be 24 on May 15. He has played in 100 major-league games over the past two seasons, batting .264 (.645 on-base plus slugging) in 409 at-bats.

"There will be no more tryouts for Michael," said manager Manny Acta. "We are not going to look at how he's doing after two weeks or a month. He's here to play."

A healthy Sizemore means Brantley moves to left field. Brantley made two different trips to Class AAA Columbus, before returning to stay in Cleveland on Aug. 6 -- batting .292 in his final 46 games.

The point is, no matter what happens with Sizemore, Brantley has to become an everyday outfielder. The Indians have no one else ready in the top level of the minors. That's especially true after highly regarded and often-injured prospect Nick Weglarz is hurt again. This time, it's his knee, and he is expected to have surgery.

The lack of outfield depth is something rarely mentioned, but the Indians have a problem in that area. That is why veterans Travis Buck and Chad Huffman are in camp. Buck is likely to make the team despite never playing 100 games in any of his past five years because of injuries.

Brantley is just as important in the outfield as Matt LaPorta is at first base, another spot with little depth.

"Michael is an everyday guy," said Acta. "He's driven the ball well. He's played solid in center."

Brantley is hitting .256 with two doubles in 39 at-bats this spring. He has the speed to be a leadoff hitter. Acta isn't saying it, but it seems wise to drop Sizemore in the order when he comes back. Who knows if he can steal bases this season, or even if it's worth the risk on that surgically repaired knee.

Right now, the Indians' starting outfield will be Austin Kearns in left, Shin-Soo Choo in right and Brantley in center. Buck is the key reserve, and he also played first base on Sunday -- another reason his roster spot seems secure. But he has to stay healthy. It's a challenge as he's been on the disabled list five times in the past four years.

So it was nice to see Sizemore on the field, but just as important, Brantley seems ready to claim his place in the Tribe outfield.

The real reason behind the NFL lockout: Ask the Slouch

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Just pay the man, Shirley.

brett-favre-streak.jpgThe NFL lockout: Money issues, or injury issues for Brett Favre?

Q: In your opinion, is the NFL lockout a monetary issue or is it a way of getting Brett Favre some badly needed rest so he can return in 2012? -- Geno DaRonco, Pewaukee, Wis.

A: Pay the man, Shirley.

Q: Should the owners of Food Network be forced to provide long-term care benefits to the gluttons they exploit, after their eating days are over? -- John Swope, Irwin, Pa.

A: Pay the man, Shirley.

Q: When will ESPN.com and CBSSports.com start offering an online bracket manager for the NIT? -- Sean Christensen, Salt Lake City

A: Pay the man, Shirley.

Q: According to Answers.com, there are 6,900 known languages worldwide. Which one of these languages is Bill Raftery speaking? -- Robert McMillan, Knoxville, Md.

A: Pay the man, Shirley.

Q: If a Duke player falls in the forest and there is no official there, is it still a charge? -- Kevin McCleaf, Columbia, Md.

A: Pay the man, Shirley. (FYI: Under our new collective bargaining agreement, Shirley must work overtime whenever asked.)


23 facts on sports and TV: The Book of Norman

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Considering it ended up hiring Eliot Spitzer and Piers Morgan, I think CNN might want to retool its annual scouting combine.

hubie-brown.JPGHubie Brown: Take those timeouts.

These are 23 (more) facts, tried and true, about the widening world of sports television:

1. I just passed the 50,000-hour mark lifetime for watching TV. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 2,000 hours.

2. ESPN has hired a "director of production analytics." It's a stats job; I was not considered for the position.

3. Per Hubie Brown's advice, when I go to my grave, I hope I remember I can't take my timeouts with me.

4. Considering it ended up hiring Eliot Spitzer and Piers Morgan, I think CNN might want to retool its annual scouting combine.

5. I don't care how many times Subway advertises when I'm tuning in to a game -- they could be $5 yard-long subs and I'm still not eating them.

6. The biggest difference between a booming baritone at an opera and Kevin Harlan at a game is that the singer only hits the high notes when he's supposed to.

7. Heck, I always thought Jon Cryer would be the one to flip out.

8. I have a friend who only reads book reviews rather than books; similarly, I only watch "SportsCenter" commercials.

9. I took in the final season of he fabulous "Friday Night Lights" on DirecTV. It begins airing in April on NBC. Spoiler alert: Everyone dies.

10. If things don't work out for Keith Olbermann over at Current TV, my condo complex could use a savvy cable newscaster.

11. Yes, I am hooked on TLC's "Extreme Couponing."

12. Every time I get back from my weekly Divorcees Anonymous meeting, I could swear ESPN's poker commentator is on TV talking about his divorces.

(Column Intermission: Congratulations to Toni, aka She Is The One And Then Some, who just broke the longest-marriage-to-Couch-Slouch-before-separation record. Through a steely combination of tolerance and medication, Toni has surpassed Ex-Wife No. 1's longstanding mark, once thought unapproachable. The current wedlock -- initially written off by the naysayers -- hesitatingly began in July 2007, and here's hoping the little lady puts up a number that will be hard to beat. Recently reached by a horde of reporters, Toni smiled ruefully but declined to comment.)

13. Standing in solidarity with the full-throated TV talking-head baying wolves who could not fathom Colorado and Virginia Tech denied their rightful entry into March Madness, I refused to watch a single second of the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

14. Jimmy Kimmel sort of reminds me of Vinny Del Negro, except he never gets fired.

15. As I watched college basketball on a Virgin America flight the other week, it struck me that I could barely hear Dick Vitale over the sound of the jet engines.

16. They say baseball's too slow for TV, but they've never seen Charlie Rose on PBS.

17. Grazing upon "Pigman, The Series," on Sportsman Channel, I recalled the late George Carlin's sage words: "You think hunting is a sport? Ask the deer."

18. Does ESPNews ever close for routine maintenance?

19. The New York Times just wrote up CBS's Gus Johnson as the greatest sports broadcaster in sports broadcasting history. Couch Slouch stands corrected.

20. If Eliot Spitzer's career survives credit-card call girls and "Parker Spitzer," he's the most resilient man in America.

21. Between Ernie Johnson's efficiency and Charles Barkley's bombast on TNT, you sometimes overlook Kenny Smith's soulful sustenance.

22. Not only was "The Fighter" -- in my estimation -- a better movie than "The King's Speech," but I also believe the fighter gave a better speech than the king.

23. It seems to me that sideline reporters would have come a lot earlier in the evolutionary cycle.

NCAA Tournament is down to Sweet 16; pick your Final Four / Poll

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Pick your Final Four out of the Sweet 16.

david-lighty-dad.JPGView full sizeOne of Ohio State's newest grads, David Lighty Jr., gets a congratulatory buss from his pop, David Sr., after the Buckeyes easily dispatched George Mason on Sunday, 98-66. Earlier in the day, Lighty received his bachelor's degree in family resource management.


Spring arrived this weekend and brought with it (temporarily) warm weather and, of course, NCAA tournament basketball.

The Division I tourney produced its share of upsets and of courses. Butler over Pitt? Really? Marquette over Syracuse? Are you kiddin'? Then there was the way Ohio State rolled through UTSA and George Mason as if they were high school jayvee teams.

So we're down now to the Sweet 16. On paper, some of the matchups seem pretty unfair. But as they say, you don't play the game on paper. So who are your Final Four? Pick 'em in today's poll. Remember to pick four teams, two from the eight marked (L) and two from the eight marked (R).























A.M. Ohio State links: Kentucky's surprise hero awaits matchup with Buckeyes' Jared Sullinger

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Superman stepped out of a phone booth; Kentucky's Josh Harrellson stepped out of a ... bathroom stall?

josh-harrellson-ap.JPGView full sizeKentucky's Josh Harrellson (55) tips in a basket at West Virginia's Cam Thoroughman (2) defends during the second half of the third-round East regional NCAA tournament. The Wildcats' win means they'll face the Buckeyes in Newark, N.J. on Friday night.
A long time ago, so long ago, adventurous (i.e. stupid) little boys had our own way of having fun.

How long ago? Well, so long ago that Dad's idea of a remote was a nearby shoe, suitable for tossing.

So if we didn't want to spend a Saturday dodging the Old Man's footwear, we went outside to play. And by play, we mean doing adventurous (i.e. stupid) stuff like blowing up model cars with firecrackers.

That's what Sunday's Ohio State shellacking of George Mason reminded us of. Only instead of teeny little firecrackers blowing a glue-spattered Nova SS to smithereens, the Buckeyes touched off a gross of M80s in the Patriots.

Nobody got out of THAT one alive.

Ya think Kentucky is worried about going for a ride on the Buckeye Express? Maybe the Wildcats aren't, but John Clay, a columnist for the 'Cats' hometown paper, the Lexington Herald-Leader, seems to be.

The good news is no way the Buckeyes can play that well again.

Can they?

Come on, if Ohio State performs the way it did in flat-out bashing poor George Mason 98-66 in Cleveland on Sunday in the third round of the NCAA Tournament, then Kentucky has no chance come Friday night in Newark.

Seemed like Thad Matta's men hit every shot, grabbed every rebound, snatched every loose ball. The Buckeyes set a school tournament record by making 16 three-pointers. They shot 61 percent for the game. First half, they doubled the poor Patriots 52-26.
Of course, Clay is a columnist, and in true columnist fashion, he argues both sides of the case.

But here's the thing about the NCAA Tournament, the law of averages always seems to take over. A wondrous performance one game doesn't guarantee a dominant one the next.

For example, last year, No. 1 seed Syracuse drubbed No. 8 seed Gonzaga 87-65 in the round of 32. The Orange then proceeded to lose next time out to Butler. In 2009, Louisville slaughtered Arizona 103-64 in the Sweet 16. Two days later, the Cards scored all of 49 points against Michigan State and lost by three.
Yeah, yeah. But honestly, that glue-spattered Nova SS stood a better chance than the Wildcats do when they take on the Buckeyes at 9:45 p.m. Friday in New Jersey.

Here, kitty-kitty
Earlier this season, Kentucky coach John Calipari actually questioned the toughness of his team. He's not doing after Saturday's win over West Virginia. Rick Bozich of the Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal brought up that old complaint in order to dismiss it in his column about the Wildcats' 71-63 victory over the very physical Mountaineers.

Scoring against the West Virginia basketball team is like running the football against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They'll take the ball, skin off your nose and your chances of winning.

Forget about being tougher than Bob Huggins' team. You can't do it.

Kentucky did it.

Did it with gusto Saturday while rallying from eight points behind to beat the Mountaineers 71-63 in the third round of the NCAA Tournament East Regional at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Did it by pushing West Virginia players out of the way for loose balls. Did it with sharp elbows extended while scrambling for difficult rebounds. Did it defensively with teeth clenched in the second half while eliminating clear paths to the basket for the Mountaineers.
OK, OK, we get it. They actually played basketball as if you shot a puck into a net instead of a ball into a basket. Somehow, we don't see Jared Sullinger or David Lighty shaking in their sneakers.

So that leaves only one question: Did he REALLY have to use a Steelers analogy?

Paper trail?
If you've read these blogs for any amount of time, you knew we would stoop to toilet humor sooner or later. But we're done stalling, so here it comes, courtesy of the Sporting News' David Whitley, by way of Kentucky.

The big guy for the Wildcats is 6-foot-10 center Josh Harrellson. He is the unlikeliest of heroes, according to Whitley.

You know how the last player on the bench is always a fan favorite? Harrellson used to be beyond the bench.

He was banished to the toilet two years ago during halftime at Vanderbilt. (Then-)Coach Billy Gillispie was so frustrated with Harrellson, he made him go to a bathroom stall and shut the door behind him.

Harrellson should have flushed the toilet throughout Gillispie’s speech, but he resisted the symbolic gesture toward a coach who left all of Kentucky holding its nose. Gillispie obviously wasn’t impressed with Harrellson, and neither was his replacement.

(John) Calipari (Gillispie's successor) played him all of 88 minutes last season. Kentucky wasn’t counting on much more this year, then super recruit Enes Kanter was declared ineligible by the NCAA for taking $33,000 in “educational expenses” from a pro team in Turkey.

Harrellson became the center by default, and Kentucky fans feared a long, cold winter. Instead they got a college reincarnation of Bill Laimbeer, minus the jumper.
Harrellson had 30 points and 19 rebounds in the 'Cats first two games of the tournament. And at 275 pounds, he's a good match sizewise for Ohio State's 6-9, 280-pound Jared Sullinger.

Truth be told, Harrellson doesn't have anywhere near the same degree of skill and talent as Sullinger. But there is one thing you can say for the guy once relegated to the crapper: He's got a can-do attitude.

From The Plain Dealer
As you might expect, the paper's staff was all over the Buckeyes' two wins to move into the Sweet 16.

Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises's game story notes that the rest of the college basketball world might be saying a collective "uh-oh."

The theory developed during the course of the season, in a way serving as a backhanded insult to the team that was ranked No. 1 much of the year.

There's no great team in college basketball.

"I heard it multiple times," Ohio State freshman Jared Sullinger said. "Multiple times."

Sunday was No. 1-ranked Ohio State's argument to the contrary.

The Buckeyes blitzed No. 8 seed George Mason, winning 98-66 at The Q, advancing to a Sweet 16 showdown with No. 4 Kentucky in the East Regional in Newark, N.J., on Friday and putting the rest of the tournament on notice.
Doug also had an account of how George Mason tried -- in vain -- to guard Sullinger.

Writer Jodie Valade put together a column called The Q Quotient: Quips, Quotes and Quirks, and included in it an observation of the scoring machine that is the Kentucky frehshman Brandon Knight. Jodie's piece also detailed the four new grads on the Buckeye hoops squad: David Lighty, Jon Diebler, Dallas Lauderdale and Nikola Kecman.
 
Columnist Bill Livingston took a look at senior -- and new Ohio Stat grad -- David Lighty.



Cleveland Gladiators QB John Dutton tears left Achilles' tendon, will miss remainder of season

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Gladiators quarterback John Dutton will miss the remainder of the season because of a torn left Achilles' tendon.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Gladiators quarterback John Dutton will miss the remainder of the season because of a torn left Achilles' tendon suffered in the opener last Saturday night.

Dutton, one of the Arena Football League's all-time greats at his position, will undergo surgery this week.

"It's very unfortunate to see such a dominant player suffer an injury like this, and our prayers are with John for a speedy recovery'' Gladiators Assistant General Manager Phil Tesar said. "But we can't undo what happened. We have to keep moving forward.''

Dutton went to the bench in the fourth quarter of the Gladiators' 61-55 victory over the Spokane Shock in Spokane, Wash. Dutton told Tesar he felt as if "a baseball bat hit the back of my lower leg'' while throwing a pass that sailed high and incomplete. Tests Monday in Cleveland confirmed the tear.

Mount Union product Kurt Rocco replaced Dutton and played the final two series. Rocco threw one pass -- a 12-yard touchdown to Troy Bergeron for a 61-48 lead. It was the first pass of his AFL career.

"Kurt Rocco is a good quarterback, and he's our guy for now,'' Tesar said.

Tesar said Gladiators coach Steve Thonn will make the decision on whom to contact as a possible replacement for Dutton or backup to Rocco. Among those potentially available are Raymond Philyaw and Chris Greisen. Both played in the league last year but are not on an active roster this season, Tesar said.

Philyaw was terrific with the Gladiators in 2008, his one season in Cleveland. Greisen set the AFL single-season record with 117 TD passes for Georgia in 2007 and is familiar with Thonn's system.

Last Saturday, Dutton made his 97th consecutive AFL start -- a league record. He threw six touchdown passes and ran for one. It marked the 62nd time he has thrown for six or more TDs in a game.

Dutton is in his second year with the Gladiators. Last season, he threw for 5,104  yards and 100 touchdowns but the Gladiators went 7-9 and missed the playoffs. He was in terrific shape at the opening of this year's camp and predicted big things for an offense stacked at receiver.

Before coming to Cleveland, Dutton played three seasons with San Jose and six with Colorado. He led each team to an ArenaBowl championship and was MVP of ArenaBowl XVI with San Jose.

The Gladiators played the Shock after having a Week 1 bye. They are at Tampa Bay on Sunday night.

 

Chisenhall needs time at AAA - Indians Comment of the Day

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"I'm sick of everyone ragging on the Tribe for sending Chisenhall down due to service time issues. The kid is 22 years old and has never even hit .300 in the minors. He had a good spring, but has never played above AA. Rather than set him up for failure, they are actually making the smart move by sending him down. If he can prove he's ready, believe me, service time or not, he'll be up." - TribeGuru

lonnie-chisenhall.jpgView full sizeLonnie Chisnehall hit over .400 in spring training this year, but has never hit over .300 in his minor league career.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns likely are fishing for a trade with talk of drafting Cam Newton: Terry Pluto's Talkin', cleveland.com reader TribeGuru thinks the Indians are making the right move sending Chisenhall down. This reader writes,

"I'm sick of everyone ragging on the Tribe for sending Chisenhall down due to service time issues. The kid is 22 years old and has never even hit .300 in the minors. He had a good spring, but has never played above AA. Rather than set him up for failure, they are actually making the smart move by sending him down. If he can prove he's ready, believe me, service time or not, he'll be up."

To respond to TribeGuru's comment, go here.

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

Browns fans will never - and should never - give Art Modell credit - Browns Comment of the Day

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"Any credit given to Art Modell for anything positive he ever did will never be acknowledged by Browns fans. Modell wiped out all good will in Northeast Ohio when he slithered away to Baltimore on a dark and stormy night. He deserves all the enmity Browns fans have for him." - namvet888

brownsfans.jpgView full sizeBrowns fans will likely never forgive Art Modell for moving their team.

In response to the story Art Modell was ahead of his time in trying to turn preseason games into events, Tony Grossi says (SBTV), cleveland.com reader namvet888 thinks Art Modell will never get credit for anything from Clevelanders - and that's how it should be. This reader writes,

"Any credit given to Art Modell for anything positive he ever did will never be acknowledged by Browns fans. Modell wiped out all good will in Northeast Ohio when he slithered away to Baltimore on a dark and stormy night. He deserves all the enmity Browns fans have for him."

To respond to namvet888's comment, go here.

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

Cavaliers need to see what Manny Harris can do - Comment of the Day

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"I would like to see what Manny Harris can do in extended time frame with big minutes. The knock in his college career was he was a poor shooter at Michigan. He's shooting just over 40% here. I would like to see if he can develop a little more. The kid's only 21. Parker taking his minutes is just pointless." - Ctown-kb

Cavaliers lose to Blazers, 111- 105View full sizeManny Harris has not been able to get consistent minutes for the Cavaliers.

In response to the story Are Daniel Gibson's days with the Cleveland Cavaliers nearing an end? Hey, Mary!, cleveland.com reader Ctown-kb wants to see more of Manny Harris. This reader writes,

"I would like to see what Manny Harris can do in extended time frame with big minutes. The knock in his college career was he was a poor shooter at Michigan. He's shooting just over 40% here. I would like to see if he can develop a little more.
The kid's only 21. Parker taking his minutes is just pointless."

To respond to Ctown-kb's comment, go here.

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


Cavs no longer benefitting from questionable calls

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With LeBron james no longer in Cleveland, the Cavs are no longer getting "superstar" treatment.

ap-95a3631e98eb4a71893b3a3397bc1be8.jpg

Check out Eric Gordon being "fouled" by Ryan Hollins

Reconciling my relationship with the NBA has been difficult.  On the one hand, when you are on top, as we were when LeBron James was in Cleveland, you can overlook a lot of the negatives about the league.  One thing in particular that is considerably worse since LeBron left town is the Cavaliers’ relationship with NBA referees.  In particular, the Cavs are on the outside looking in when it comes to any kind of benefit of the doubt.

Not everything about the NBA is Fantastic. It is truly amazing that the NBA has led us down this path where “superstar” calls are not only common knowledge, but are an accepted part of the game for fans. From Larry Bird and Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James, it is just one of those things that NBA fans have come to accept.  Only in periods like the Cavs have had before and after James does it seem particularly unfair.

For example, this weekend when the Cavaliers played the Clippers, undrafted rookie Samardo Samuels was matched up against fellow rookie - though super-draft-pick - Blake Griffin.  You might recognize him from his numerous TV commercials and Slam Dunk championship.  In a two-series span, Samuels got ripped off.  First was on the defensive end when Griffin got the benefit of the doubt on a Samuels blocking foul that should have probably been a charge.  Later, one trip over the center line and Samuels is called for a charge on a Griffin flop that would have made Anderson Varejao “squee” with joy if he had been the one with his feet “set.”

I know foul statistics are subject to a lot of variables like playing style, personnel, a given opponent and other factors too numerous to entertain.  Consider this, though:  The Cavaliers under Byron Scott are playing up-tempo. They have about four more shots per game than the Cavaliers did under Mike Brown with LeBron James.  Even with that looser, faster style, the Cavaliers are on pace to attempt over 100 fewer free throws than they did a year ago. 

Normally, I wouldn’t consider that to be a statistically significant change. The Cavaliers were 6th in the league with LeBron personally finishing 2nd in number of free throws attempted league-wide in 09/10.  This season - with a new style that should get them to the line more - the Cavaliers are 11th in the league.

I know that statistically it isn’t 100% conclusive.  Then again, almost nothing ever is.  If you combine these numbers with the anecdotal evidence like when there is a matchup between Blake Griffin and Samardo Samuels it seems pretty obvious.  Unfortunately, it can’t lead me anywhere but bitterness. 

It also leads me down the path of hypocrisy.  I am annoyed and complaining about the way the NBA is now that the Cavaliers aren’t on the receiving end of the benefits.  I certainly wasn’t out front complaining as LeBron was drawing whistles every time he claimed someone breathed in his general direction over the previous seven years, though. 

I won’t be too hard on myself.  I think it is human nature.  There doesn’t appear to be any changes coming anytime soon in the NBA either.  All we can do is continue to hope that the Cavaliers will again have a roster full of guys that NBA referees deem worthy of getting the benefit of the doubt on foul calls.

Tiger Woods' new lady has Cleveland roots, sports blogger reports

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Tiger's new lady is 13 years his junior, an aspiring LPGA golfer and a native of Cleveland.

altyse-lahti-johnston.jpgView full sizeThe only thing less flattering than a driver's license picture is a police mug shot. This is Alyse Lahti Johnston, reportedly Tiger Woods' new girlfriend, after she was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence in Florida last October. The charge was later adjudicated down to improper lane change.

Tiger Woods says his golf game is coming around just in time for the Masters. Now, maybe we know why: He's got a new lady in his life, a Cleveland native who now lives in Orlando, according to sports blogger TerezOwens.com.

Alyse Lahti Johnston is the stepdaughter of Alistair JOhnston, a high-ranking exec at Cleveland-based IMG. Her biological dad, according to the London Daily Mail, is former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jeff Lahti.

Radaronline.com reports that she's 22, 13 years younger than Woods.

Like Tiger, she's had a run-in with the law.  Her record includes an arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. After she completed several conditions -- substance abuse evaluation, a DUI counterattack class and a victims awareness class -- the charge was later reduced to improper lane change. The case is now closed.

She's reportedly attending the West Palm Beach campus of the Ohio-based Northwood University. Radaronline and the Daily Mail said that she has aspirations of becoming a professional golfer and is working with a coach.

Presumably using her own 5-iron and not the one Tiger's ex, Elin Nordegren, reportedly used "only to break the window" of his SUV on Thanksgiving night two years ago, when she apparently first learned of his many infidelities.


Ohio State Buckeyes have been the most impressive NCAA Tournament team so far, says Dennis Manoloff (SBTV)

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PD sports writer also talks Grady Sizemore, Luis Valbuena and Gladiators football. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's "Spring Has Sprung" edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Bill Lubinger. Usual co-host Branson Wright is off today.

The NCAA Tournament has narrowed down to the Sweet 16. Who do you have making the Final Four out of that group? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV, Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff, says Ohio State has been the most impressive team in the tournament so far, and he also likes Florida to go a long way.

Dman also talks about the prospects of Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore coming back soon from his knee surgery; where Luis Valbuena fits into the Tribe roster; and about the season-ending Achilles' tendon injury to John Dutton, starting QB for the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League.

SBTV will return Tuesday.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Baron Davis expected to soon start at point guard

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One day soon -- if not tonight against New Jersey, then almost certainly Friday against Detroit -- Baron Davis is going to make his debut as the Cavaliers starting point guard.

baron.jpgThe Cavaliers' Baron Davis has yet to start at point guard for the team. That is expected to change soon.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — One day soon -- if not Wednesday night against New Jersey, then almost certainly Friday against Detroit -- Baron Davis is going to make his debut as the Cavaliers starting point guard.

Since the trading-deadline deal on Feb. 24 that brought Davis and a No. 1 draft choice from the Los Angeles Clippers for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon, one thing or another has prevented that from happening.

When he first arrived, Ramon Sessions was playing well and Davis' balky left knee was sore. He helped the Cavs upset the Knicks at New York in his first game on March 4, then played well in back-to-back home losses to New Orleans and Golden State before missing the next three games after the death of his beloved grandmother in Los Angeles.

He tried to come back without practicing last Thursday at Portland, but he was forced out of that game and the next two with back spasms. Davis says he doesn't care about starting this season, but Cavs coach Byron Scott has said that he wants to see how the rest of his players look with the Davis.

"From an experience standpoint, he's head and shoulders above a lot of guys," said Scott, who coached Davis in New Orleans. "He understands exactly what's going on on the floor. He sees plays way before they happen."

Davis was the last player out of the gym after Wednesday's shootaround and Thursday's practice. When he spoke to reporters on Wednesday, sweat was pouring off his face as he talked about rediscovering some of his offensive creativity.

"The first two years with the Clippers I was running an offense as a set-up point guard," he said. "Last year I had more freedom to get in the lane and explore a little, but I didn't have any plays called for me or opportunities to get spot-up shots.

"I'm getting back to shooting my 3-point shot, which is encouraged here. It's a very encouraging environment, and I know I'm going to have the freedom to explore everything I can do offensively here.

"When I say 'rediscovering,' I'm going through my imagination on the floor, seeing what I see and playing one-on-one. I love being in the gym. I could be in gym for hours just working on moves, creating shots, working on different situations. I just want to continue to do that."

Scott is convinced Davis can regain the form that made him an All-Star in 2002 and 2004. The coach said NBA legend and longtime Laker general manager Jerry West once told him a player doesn't reach him prime until he's between 29 and 33. Davis is 31.

"I think the system that he was in at Golden State was the system that fit him the best," Scott said of Davis. "It was up and down and allowed him to make decisions on the fly, and that's what he's really good at. It's similar to our system as far as wanting to get up and down the floor. So I think he will really excel in our system. Once he gets it, which won't take him long, I think he's going to have a phenomenal year."

It was unclear whether Scott meant this year, which seems unlikely with 13 games remaining, or next year, when Davis likely will open the season as the team's starting point guard and mentor to a young draft choice like Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker, just to name a couple of possibilities.

Scott already views Davis as a fifth assistant coach, and teammate Daniel Gibson has been impressed with Davis' leadership on and off the court.

"He's always in my ear telling me things I could or should do," Gibson said, "and I've seen him talking to every guy. He has so much experience, people listen."

All access: Fox Sports Ohio will present another Cavaliers All Access Night Wednesday against the Nets. This telecast will offer fans a behind-the-scenes view of the game with more access to players, coaches and fans as well as live, online interaction with the broadcast team. To take part, fans should visit www.foxsportsohio.com and click on the "Cavaliers All Access" graphic to log in to "Cover It Live." Once logged in, they can submit questions that may be answered during the telecast.

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

Patience is Cleveland Indians' call on Lonnie Chisenhall: Terry Pluto

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The Tribe wants Chisenhall to gain more experience at the Class AAA level so that when he's called up to the majors, it hopefully will be for good.

lonnie chisenhall.JPGView full sizeThe Indians say Lonnie Chisenhall, above, loves to "pick on fastballs," and he needs to deal with more breaking pitches as he advances.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- It was about 11 a.m. under a powder-blue desert sky when Tribe phenom Lonnie Chisenhall stepped up to bat. He was on one of four minor-league diamonds, perhaps a half-mile away from where the Indians play their major-league spring training preseason games at Goodyear Stadium.

On the mound was Josh Tomlin, who seems to have already clinched a spot in the Tribe's rotation. Tomlin was pitching for Class AA Akron against Class AAA Columbus, where Chisenhall will be the Clippers' Opening Day third baseman.

That bothers some fans, who wanted Chisenhall to play third for the Tribe on Opening Day.

There were perhaps a dozen fans watching -- mostly wives, girlfriends and parents of the players.

Standing near me was Travis Fryman, the former Tribe third baseman who is now a minor-league infielder instructor for the Indians.

"Is Chisenhall like you?" I asked.

"Oh, he's a much better hitter," Fryman said.

Wait a minute. Fryman hit 223 major-league homers. He made five All-Star teams.

"He's a natural hitter," Fryman said. "He doesn't have a lot to learn there, but he's still young."

The 22-year-old Chisenhall suddenly looked his age against Tomlin, who switched speeds with three different pitches, slyly slipping fastballs on both corners -- then whiffing Chisenhall on a change-up that drifted low and away.

Tomlin "carved up" the Columbus hitters, to quote pitching coach Tim Belcher. Also in the lineup was another phenom -- Jason Kipnis -- who hit a couple of weak groundballs off Tomlin.

In his second at bat, Chisenhall fell behind 1-and-2 in the count, fouling off a few pitches, then popped up to second base.

Hello, Columbus

Ross Atkins, the Indians' minor-league director, said one reason for sending Chisenhall to the minors was to face savvy pitchers such as Tomlin.

"In Class AA, you don't have as many experienced guys who really know how to pitch," Atkins said. "Lonnie hit a lot of fastballs in big-league camp. Look, he's a really good hitter, but it makes sense for him to see some Class AAA pitching first."

The Indians say Chisenhall loves to "pick on fastballs," and that he will have to deal with more breaking pitches as he advances. But they also believe his rather controlled left-handed swing should help him quickly make that adjustment.

Chisenhall was the Tribe's first pick in the 2008 draft. He was a shortstop, a position he played for Fryman -- his manager at Class A Mahoning Valley in Niles, Ohio. After that season, Fryman was consulted about switching Chisenhall to third, and then assigned to help the North Carolina native make the conversion.

"I went from short to third at the big-league level," Fryman said. "It's better to do it in the minors where there is less pressure, more time to settle in."

Chisenhall seemed ready for the majors in camp, hitting .500. But he was told before camp opened that he'd be headed to Class AAA. He batted .278 (.801 OPS) with 17 homers and 84 RBI at Akron in 2010. The Indians point out that Chisenhall played very well in the Eastern League at age 21, but it was not a dominating performance.

"When Lonnie comes up, we want him to come up to stay," Atkins said. "More time here [in the minors] will just help him."

Goal: No bounce back

The Indians have had a recent group of prospects such as Michael Brantley, Matt Laporta, Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, Aaron Laffey and Jensen Lewis who have bounced back and forth between Columbus and Cleveland.

Another determining factor to send Chisenhall to Columbus was if he were to open the season with the Tribe, he can become a "Super-2," meaning he can qualify a year early for arbitration and especially, free agency. Some view the decision to ship out Chisenhall as simply a matter of the Indians being cheap, wanting to postpone free agency as long as possible.

The Indians don't deny the business aspect of the decision, but they maintain Chisenhall will benefit from more time in the minors, more time with Fryman coaching him about the nuances of third base.

Fryman launched into a technical explanation about Chisenhall needing to improve his footwork on his throws, and to be on his toes and in perfect fielding position on each pitch. He said Chisenhall had "great fielding instincts," but some of his poor throws were the result of being off balance. Chisenhall had 17 errors in 96 games at third last season.

"You can skip Class AAA, but it's hard for most guys to do it," Fryman said. "Lonnie has made a lot of progress from a year ago, but [Columbus] will really help him."

The Indians also want, to quote Atkins, "all our players to earn it" when it comes to a big-league promotion. There is a tendency for losing teams with high draft picks to force them to the majors quickly. Give the fans something to cheer about. The plan is for Chisenhall to come to Cleveland in June, much like Carlos Santana did a year ago.

"Lonnie is in a very good place in his life," Fryman said. "He is not afraid of hard work. He took [the demotion] well, and when he gets to Cleveland, I'm telling you, the fans are going to see a really good player for a long time."

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