The emphasis on an offensive-minded coaching staff will help. But the Browns must add a player who can find the end zone without a GPS strapped to his wrist.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerWhatever helps the Browns do more of this -- score touchdowns -- in the 2011 season should drive their draft strategy, says Tony Grossi.

1. Think touchdowns: In my scouting report on the wide receiver position last week, my research found the Browns have scored 12 fewer touchdowns in each of the past two seasons than the NFL average of 39. Think about that. Just to catch up to the middle of the pack, they have to add 12 touchdowns to their season total -- almost one per game. Now, I believe the emphasis on an offensive-minded coaching staff will help. But they must add a player who can find the end zone without a GPS strapped to his wrist.

2. Head-to-head among the best: I realize most people have LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson being measured for his imminent bronzed bust in Canton. But consider these numbers before planning for his enshrinement. Georgia receiver A.J. Green faced LSU twice. Green had five catches for 99 yards and one touchdown in 2009 and three for 89 and one TD in '08. Alabama receiver Julio Jones played LSU three times. Jones had 10 catches for 89 yards and one TD in 2010, four for 102 and one TD in '09 and seven for 128 in '08. In those five games, Peterson was credited with 17 tackles, eight passes defensed and zero interceptions. I find those statistics very interesting.

3. Eye of the Bengals: I've maintained Cincinnati's actions with the No. 4 pick will affect the Browns more than any of the other teams ahead of them. The Bengals are said to really love Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller and Georgia's Green. My gut still says the Bengals will take a quarterback with their top pick. I'm in the minority and I'll probably go down in flames believing it.

4. Wheeler-dealer: Patriots mastermind Bill Belichick is the only GM-coach holding two picks in the first round (Nos. 17 and 28). The Patriots also own the first pick in the second round, No. 33, as a result of a trade with Carolina last year. Everyone expects Belichick to trade one of his picks for a No. 1 in 2012. Belichick perpetuates his annual draft-day largesse by constantly rolling one pick into the next draft. This is a luxury that only a team with a Hall of Fame-bound quarterback still in his prime can afford.

A reliever will be recalled to take Carrasco's spot, while a replacement starter will be determined for Saturday.

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain DealerAlex White could get his big-league debut on Saturday if he's summoned to replace the ailing Carlos Carrasco for a start against the Tigers at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco, dealing with elbow tightness, will be placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

Indians manager Manny Acta said after Wednesday's 7-2 victory over Kansas City that a reliever will be recalled to take Carrasco's spot. A starter still needs to be determined for Saturday.

Right-hander Alex White, the 15th overall pick in 2009, is a strong candidate, though he would need to be added to the 40-man roster.

White is 1-0 with a 1.90 ERA in four starts for the Clippers. He has given up 19 hits in 23 2/3 innings, struck out 28 and walked five. The opposition is hitting .211 against him.

Lefty David Huff would have been in the running to replace Carrasco, but he pitched seven innings for the Clippers on Tuesday. Huff, 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four starts, led the Indians with 11 victories in 2009.

Carrasco exited last Sunday's start against the Twins after three innings, complaining of tightness in the elbow. Results of an MRI scan Monday came back clean. Carrasco played catch at 60 feet Tuesday and said he felt fine. He was scheduled to throw 30-plus pitches in a bullpen session Wednesday.

But Carrasco never got to the bullpen. He told reporters he experienced shoulder soreness at about 105 feet during catch and decided to shut it down.

"Carlos is doing better, and he was able to play catch with more intensity than [Tuesday]," Acta said. "But he wasn't good enough to throw his bullpen, he just didn't feel good enough to get on the mound, so he's not going to start Saturday and we'll have to put him on the DL."

Carrasco, 24, is 1-1 with a 4.97 ERA in five starts. Acta made it a point not to sound alarmist when discussing Carrasco's status.

"You have to be careful with him. So we're just going to slow it down."

Acta said the revised plan is to see if Carrasco can throw a bullpen this weekend.

Coming along slowly: Carrasco joins right-hander Mitch Talbot as members ofthe Tribe rotation on the DL. Talbot was shelved April 17 (retroactive to April 12) because of an elbow strain. He is not expected to return until late May.

"Everything's coming along well," Talbot said. "I feel a lot better, I feel more comfortable, playing catch. There's not a lot of pain.

"I feel like I could be back in a couple of weeks, but I know that's not realistic. We need to let the injury heal and not risk making it worse."

Talbot threw long toss Wednesday and said he felt good. He will continue to play catch until this weekend, when he is scheduled to throw fastballs off the mound.

Lineup moves: Catcher Carlos Santana, batting .189 in 21 games, sat out Wednesday night. Shelley Duncan batted cleanup and played first; Austin Kearns batted seventh and played left field; and Lou Marson batted ninth and caught.

Acta, asked about Santana, said: "What do you mean -- Carlos? What about Kearns? What about Duncan? It's not about Carlos, it's about this is the American League and we have to keep guys involved.

"In the National League, you can pinch-hit and double-switch to keep guys involved. We don't want these guys to get all rusty on the bench. We have to keep Austin and Shelley and Lou sharp."

Kearns, Duncan and Marson entered Wednesday with a combined 57 at-bats in 21 games.

Acta, asked whether Santana would be back in the lineup Thursday, chuckled and said: "There's no guarantee we'll be alive. I'll tell you at 4 o'clock. You'll see the lineup.

"You can't [promise] that. What if Lou hits four homers and Shelley hits three? You couldn't sit those guys the next day, could you?"

Marson went 1-for-3 with an RBI and Duncan was 2-for-4 with a double on Wednesday.

Masterful: Tribe right-hander Justin Masterson is 5-0 with a 2.18 ERA. According to Elias, he joins Cliff Lee and Bob Lemon as the only Indians since 1955 to win their first five starts of the season and have a sub-2.20 ERA. Lee did so in 2008, Lemon in 1955.

Finally: Indians starting pitchers entered Wednesday at 11-3 with a 2.86 ERA in their last 20 games. They own a 3.78 ERA for the season.

"We knew our offense would be OK, but the way our starters have gone is pretty remarkable," Acta said. "You keep an ERA under 4.00 all year in the American League, you have a chance."

Expect the Browns to do a little wheeling and dealing with their No. 1 pick, the sixth overall, in tonight's NFL Draft 2011.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's Draft Day edition of Starting Blocks TV,  hosted by the bespectacled (it makes him look smarter) Branson Wright and Chuck "Guns" Yarborough. The "Guns" part is in homage to Browns running back Peyton Hillis, who yesterday beat out Eagles quarterback Michael Vick to appear on the cover of the Madden '12 video game.

Will the Cleveland Browns trade their first-round pick tonight?

Chuck Crow | The Plain DealerBrowns General Manager Tom Heckert.

Will the Cleveland Browns actually trade their No. 6 overall pick? The Browns are at least listening to offers, writes James Walker of ESPN.

Several things have to happen for the Browns to actually make a trade, but Walker writes about the possible trade partners for the Browns if they deal their No. 6 pick. Walker writes that Tennessee, Washington, Minnesota and Miami are all possible teams that could make a deal with the Browns.

Tennessee Titans

Pick: No. 8 overall

Analysis: The Titans are in a pretty good spot if one of the top quarterbacks slides in this draft. Therefore, they could sit and take their chances at No. 8. But with the threat of other teams willing to move ahead, taking matters into their own hands also is an option for the Titans.

Washington Redskins

Pick: No. 10

Analysis: The Redskins are expected to let go of Donovan McNabb once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. So if Gabbert or Newton starts to fall within reach, look out.

Minnesota Vikings

Pick: No. 12

Analysis: The Vikings are a veteran team and they are desperate, which is why I think Minnesota is the most likely of this group to trade up to land a quarterback. Minnesota has a lot of good pieces in place on offense and defense.

Miami Dolphins

Pick: No. 15 overall

Analysis: The Dolphins also are searching for a quarterback, but they are less likely to be a trade partner than the other aforementioned teams. For starters, Miami doesn't have a second-round pick.

Top pick

News-Herald reporter Jeff Schudel predicts the Cleveland Browns will select Julio Jones of Alabama today.

The reason?

Jones catches the ball over the middle. He's fast, he is tough and he is willing to play hurt. He will fight a defender for the ball. He'll block, too, and he enjoys knocking defenders on their butts.

Jones has been compared to Hines Ward, the Steelers' receiver who loves to get under the skin of opponents. Be honest, Browns fans: Wouldn't you like Hines Ward if he wore an orange helmet? Jones would add a dimension missing in the Browns' offense and their locker room.

By all accounts, Jones will be available when the Browns are on the clock if they stay with the sixth pick. There is no guarantee they will.

Schudel also writes that the Browns need to find a wide receiver, a defensive end, a right tackle, a cornerback, an outside linebacker and a defensive tackle before they play another game.

Cover guy 

Peyton Hillis will grace the cover of EA Sports' Madden NFL 12 video game. Here's what everyone is saying about Hillis and the possible jinx.

Cleveland.com: Hillis to appear on cover.

Ohio.com: Hillis scores Madden cover. 

ESPN.com: Madden curse.

Forbes.com: Hillis beats out Vick.

NBC Philadelphia: Vick won't grace cover.

Just because you weren't a great high school player doesn't mean you won't become a first-round pick.

APJ.J. Watt

The NFL Draft (finally) starts tonight with the first round. That means the best college players in the country will get selected.

Most of the top college players were the top high school players in the country. And many of these top college players, like Cam Newton, were ranked out of high school as a can't miss kind of player.

In other words, the NFL was definitely in their future. But not everyone who will get selected in the first round tonight were high school All Americans. Which means some players develop later, and the so-called experts don't always get it right when it comes to desire and work ethic.

Here are few players who may get their names called tonight who weren't considered the cream of the crop when they were coming out of high school, writes Andy Staples of SI.com.

Here's one of the best examples:

Draft day arrived Thursday with an escalating court fight between the NFL and its players, who were being pushed to go back to work even without clear rules on how the $9 billion business is being governed.

National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell is surrounded by media at an NFL predraft event in New York, Wednesday, April 27, 2011. NFL players are urging a federal judge to deny the league's request to essentially restore the lockout, saying their careers are at stake. Goodell, meanwhile, says owners are preparing for every contingency. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Draft day arrived Thursday with an escalating court fight between the NFL and its players, who were being pushed to go back to work even without clear rules on how the $9 billion business is being governed.

The NFL took its fight over the now-lifted lockout to a federal appeals court. With that pending, the teams still wouldn't let players lift weights as they waited for promised guidance from the league.

Attorneys for the players said it was no time to wait. They sent a memo telling players that the decision lifting the lockout "is in full, immediate force." Attorneys Jeffrey Kessler and James Quinn wrote that the league year "now has to begin," that players must be allowed to lift weights at team facilities, meet with coaches "and otherwise perform their jobs."

"It is our view that the NFL and the clubs will be in contempt of court if they do not comply with the order," the memo said.

Ten Denver Broncos players visited their facility and met with the team president for about 10 minutes, told that "everything is on hold" as the NFL figures out how to proceed. Washington linebacker Lorenzo Alexander showed up at Redskins headquarters for a third straight day and was told by his general manager he couldn't work out because the team is "waiting for the appeals process."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said late Wednesday that the league would advise teams Thursday morning on how to proceed.

The NFL Players Association, now a trade group and not a union, accused the league of stalling.

"On the eve of one of the greatest fan events in sports, the players moved another step closer to bringing the fans football," spokesman George Atallah said in an email to The Associated Press. "Owners seem determined to prevent that from happening. The NFL owners are not litigating to protect the game. They're litigating to protect a lockout."

The weird holding pattern arrived just a few hours before the NFL draft, one of the league's signature events. The first round was set for Thursday night, with later rounds Friday and Saturday.

U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson late Wednesday rejected the NFL's request to put her order lifting the lockout on hold pending further appeals. The league wasted no time in filing its appeal.

In a motion for a stay of Nelson's order filed with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, the league said her decision "blinks reality" and is "deeply flawed."

The NFL complained that the order has forced teams to "produce their collective product" and expose themselves to antitrust claims by the players — claims that if held true can result in treble, or triple, damages. An antitrust lawsuit filed by Tom Brady, Drew Brees and other players is still pending before Nelson, but has not been heard.

Nelson dismissed the NFL's argument that she didn't have jurisdiction and that it's facing irreparable harm because of her decision Monday to end the 45-day lockout at the request of the players.

"The world of 'chaos' the NFL claims it has been thrust into — essentially the 'free-market' system this nation otherwise willfully operates under — is not compelled by this court's order," Nelson wrote.

The NFL said the appeals court is "likely to reverse" Nelson's decision and claimed her injunction that lifted the lockout is "skewing" the collective bargaining process.

Owners and players must eventually reach a new CBA to ensure a 2011 season. The two sides met for 16 days with a federal mediator earlier this year and for four more days under court order, with no signs of progress. The union was dissolved March 11, clearing the way for the legal fight, so a new CBA would presumably require the union to be reformed.

The NFL argued that a stay is necessary to avoid irreparable harm to league operations, even quoting an unidentified NFLPA executive: "If the lockout is lifted and a stay isn't granted, it could be utter chaos."

Without a stay, the NFL said, it would be impossible to "unscramble the egg in terms of player transactions (trades, signings, cuts) that would occur in the interim" before a ruling from the appeals court.

The league has proposed a specific timeline for the 8th Circuit appeal: a written opening argument due May 10, the same due for the players May 24, the NFL's reply due May 31 and a hearing after that "as soon as possible."

The clerk for the appeals court, Michael Gans, said a three-judge panel to hear the appeal had not yet been finalized.

Such a timeline would mean the legal fight would stretch well into June, a month before training camps and only weeks before the first scheduled preseason game on Aug. 8.

In the 23-page motion, the league reiterated three main arguments it unsuccessfully made to Nelson: that she had no jurisdiction while a bad-faith negotiation charge against the players is pending with the National Labor Relations Board; that federal law prevents the court from overseeing cases stemming from labor disputes; and that it shouldn't be subject to antitrust claims with the collective bargaining deal barely expired.

The league said Nelson "brushed aside all three legal obstacles with the simple rationale that the NFLPA's unilateral disclaimer changes everything and renders the labor laws irrelevant." The NFL, citing comments by players Mike Vrabel and Derrick Mason, argued again that the union's breakup was only temporary and tactical and not permanent.

Nelson's ruling was not a surprise, given her questioning of NFL attorney David Boies during an April 6 hearing and her 89-page order lifting the lockout. She wrote another 20 pages in her denial, declaring the public's interest in the resumption of league operations.

League rules have effectively been shelved since the collective bargaining agreement ended on March 11 and the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987 began.

Nelson said that needn't be the case.

She suggested that the NFL "make a decision about how to proceed and accept the consequences" of that choice. In saying the NFL could go about its business, Nelson noted that the league had already gone forward with the draft and announced the 2011 schedule.

Nelson also pointed to the contract tenders teams issued to restricted free agents in March before the lockout, "treating them as if the league intended to operate with the 2010 rules in place."

___

AP Football Writers Howard Fendrich and Arnie Stapleton and AP Sports Writers John Wawrow, Joseph White, and R.B. Fallstrom contributed to this report.

Marcellis Williamson, a 23-year-old Ohio University Bobcats defensive tackle, died Wednesday afternoon in Euclid Hospital.

View full sizeiStock

EUCLID, Ohio -- Marcellis Williamson, a 23-year-old former Ohio University Bobcats defensive tackle, died Wednesday afternoon in Euclid Hospital.

The Cuyahoga County coroner's office said an autopsy will be performed today to determine what killed Williamson, who was stricken at his home on Lakeshore Boulevard in Euclid.

He was pronounced dead at 4:32 p.m.

Williamson was a starting nose guard and started all 13 games, said Jason Corriher, director of media relations for the university's athletic department. He was a fifth year player and graduated at the end of the fall quarter with a degree in recreation management. Corriher said coaches and players were stunned by his death.

"He was very well-liked, one of the leaders on the team," he said. "He had a really great personality and was devoted to being a great athlete."

Williamson was a 6-foot-1 inch, 327-pound athlete, who had played on the football team at Warrensville Heights High School.

The Athens News reported Williamson had been training to take a shot at making an NFL roster.

The newspaper said friends reported that he was taken to the hospital after having difficulty breathing.

The Post, the college newspaper, said friends believed he had suffered a heart attack.

The last post from Williamson on his Facebook page was: "I am blessed to have waken up this morning!! Enjoy today because tomorrow isn't guaranteed!!"

The letter outlines all the OSU memorabilia originally seized from tattoo parlor owner Edward Rife.

Marvin Fong / The Plain DealerThe letter from the DOJ eventually led Jim Tressel, left, and OSU president Gordon Gee to this March news conference about Tressel's NCAA violations.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State today released the letter that started it all, the letter received from the U.S. Department of Justice on Dec. 7, 2010, that first outlined the OSU memorabilia seized from Columbus tattoo parlor owner Edward Rife.

The school eventually found that six current Ohio State football players had either sold items to Rife and/or received discounted tattoos from him in violation of NCAA rules. They were suspended for the start of the 2011 season. The fact that OSU coach Jim Tressel didn't share his knowledge of his players' involvement with Rife with his bosses later led to Tressel's NCAA violations.

As first reported by the Columbus Dispatch today, the letter from the Department of Justice includes more items than previously disclosed publicly by Ohio State, but OSU spokesperson Jim Lynch told the Dispatch that not all of the items constitute NCAA violations, and that the NCAA has been aware of all of the items listed in the DOJ letter.

Here is the orginal letter received by Ohio State from the Department of Justice.

OhioStateDOJletter.pdf

Frank Herrmann replaces injured Carlos Carrasco on the Indians 25-man roster, but the Tribe still needs a starter for Saturday against Detroit.

Paging Mr. Herrmann, Mr. Herrmann...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have recalled right-hander Frank Herrmann from Class AAA Columbus and Carlos Carrasco was officially placed on the disabled list with a sore right elbow.

Just how long Herrmann stays with the Tribe is a matter of conjecture. The Indians still need a starter for Saturday to take Carrasco's spot in the rotation. Carrasco left Sunday's start against the Twins with a sore right elbow.

Herrmann started the season in the Tribe's bullpen. He was optioned to Columbus when Joe Smith came off the disabled list. Herrmann made four relief appearances before getting demoted.

Alex White could get the call from Columbus on Saturday to face the Tigers, but he would have to be added to the 40-man roster.

Sporting News' Clifton Brown and Russ Lande talk about tonight's draft, including where Patrick Peterson might end up and which teams are looking to make a trade in this video from Cinesport

Will Cam Newton be the No. 1 pick in the draft? Cinesport's Noah Coslov talks to Sporting News draft guru Russ Lande about what to expect in the first round, including where Patrick Peterson might end up.

In this next video, Coslov talks with Lande again as well as Sporting News NFL writer Clifton Brown about teams looking to make a trade and move up in the draft.

NFL players can go back to work Friday, under strict guidelines, the league announces.

Updated at 2:31p.m.

View full sizeChuck Crow,
The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs, captured in a 2010 training camp photo, and his veteran teammates will be allowed to return to work Friday.

MINNEAPOLIS — The NFL has told its teams and players to get back to football, at least for now.

In a memo released Thursday hours before the draft, the NFL said players could resume voluntary workouts at team facilities, meet with coaches and go over playbooks beginning Friday. It also promised to distribute detailed procedures for signing free agents or making trades and other roster moves.

Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, who served as the player rep for the team in the now-disbanded NFL Players Association, said in an email that he's already been in contact with head coach Pat Shurmur and General Manager Tom Heckert:

"Swamped right now. Had great communication with Pat & Heckert. Updating all the guys now. Browns will be allowing guys to workout, get treatment, meet with their coaches, etc.

"I consider us one of the organizations that will legitimately do the right thing with all this. Guys who choose to report right away just have to be flexible & realize that if a stay is granted from the Appellate Court, then we're locked out again."

That memo, the league says, will spell out the timing for the start of the league year.

Things could change depending on how the league fares in court. It is asking a federal appeals court to put the lockout back in place.

But for now, there are some guidelines to follow.

Clubs are free to contact players immediately to advise them of the hours that the facility will be open for their use, to schedule medical and rehabilitation activity, and to arrange meetings with coaches or related activity, such as film study or classroom work,” the NFL said.

The memo was released even as the court fight escalated over to run the $9 billion business and attorneys told players that a judge's decision lifting the lockout "is in full, immediate force."

Attorneys Jeffrey Kessler and James Quinn wrote that the league year "now has to begin," that players must be allowed to lift weights at team facilities, meet with coaches "and otherwise perform their jobs."

"It is our view that the NFL and the clubs will be in contempt of court if they do not comply with the order," the memo said.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tweeted a link to the rules under which clubs will operate, including one provision that will permit players to meet with coaches, undergo supervised medical treatment and rehabilitation, and pick up playbooks.

A portion of the announcement, sent through nfllabor.com:

The NFL clubs have been notified that we have requested from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals a stay of the preliminary injunction issued late Monday afternoon by the Federal District Court. Pending further guidance from the Eighth Circuit, we believe it is appropriate for clubs to take additional steps in response to the preliminary injunction. The clubs were informed of the steps below that will be effective on Friday at 8 am ET following tonight’s first round of the NFL Draft. Clubs are free to contact players immediately to advise them of the hours that the facility will be open for their use, to schedule medical and rehabilitation activity, and to arrange meetings with coaches or related activity, such as film study or classroom work.

Will the Cleveland Cavaliers' fans rally around the Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat?

APLeBron James

Finally, the Boston Cavaliers Celtics with play the Miami Cheat Heat on Sunday to start the second-round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

And after nearly 10 months of build-up, writes ESPN's Chris Frosberg, the game most fans wanted has arrived.

It's certainly a series that most Cleveland Cavaliers' fans will do something they haven't done before and that's to cheer on the Celtics. It's a waste of good blog space to go into why Cavaliers' fans will cheer on the Celtics, but it has a little something to do with someone's decision last summer.

Even without the support of the Cavaliers' fans, the Celtics know this series is full of hype.

"I know there's going to be a lot of hype around it, like it's a championship series, but you've got to understand it's still just the second round," said Pierce. "But a very big second round because you've got two potential teams that can win it all. I'm excited. This is a great stage for basketball. It's going to be great for fans and the guys that we have here love these type of series.

"We knew it was going to probably eventually happen at one point or another. Before the season if we were going to where we needed to be as a championship team we knew we were going to have to play Miami. So it's finally here and I'm sure it's the much-anticipated battle everybody's been waiting on."

Boozer is snoozing

Steve Rosenbloom of The Chicago Tribune has gown tired of Carlos Boozer of the Chicago Bulls. Rosenbloom was especially disappointed in Boozer's game in Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers where Boozer had two points, five rebounds, and four fouls in 16 minutes.

Part of the act is that he can put up the kind of line he authored in Game 5, but the more aggravating part of the act is that he appears to be mentally or emotionally unable to rebound from a bad start to finish with a good game. If he doesn’t get off early, it seems, he never gets off. He just gets worse.

The Bulls are supposed to depend on that guy for the next two months? Yeesh.

Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets

Everything you need to know about tonight's Game 6.

Colt McCoy told Fox Business Network that bolstering the office would be just fine with him.

CLEVELAND -- Browns quarterback Colt McCoy said he'd love the team to draft some receivers tonight and addressed the labor issue during an interview with Fox Business Network. Here are some excerpts:

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerCleveland Browns' quarterback Colt McCoy would welcome some more targets in the draft.

On who he would like to see the Cleveland Browns pick in tonight's draft:

"Selfishly, as a quarterback, you can't have too many weapons on offense. Let's get all the receivers we can. I do know Tom Heckert, Mike Holmgren, Coach Pat Shurmer, they have been through this before, this is their draft, and I trust them to make the right decisions for our football team. If that's offense, defense; whatever we need I know they are going to do their best to get the right people in the right places. As a player I trust them with that. I am anxious to see how it goes down."

On the labor dispute:

"There is so much uncertainty right now. We are just waiting to find out what is going on. I hope it won't come to that point where you have to sit out a year not get paid. There are a lot of other guys in worse situations than I am. I think the owners goal and the players goal is to have a season this year. It's just a matter of finding a way to make it work. It think that's where we are headed, it's just taking more time than what I would like. For a while there was a big concern, as to are we even going to get to go back. Now that there is some ruling going on here it's looking positive."

On being a third round draft pick last year:

"The draft day is full of uncertainty. I was coming off a shoulder injury that people were skeptical about. Looking back on it now I understand, I get it, I fell to the third round. But it's all about the opportunity you make it and so far I have made the most of it and will continue to improve."

See thumbnail index of this week's players of the week.

See thumbnail index of this week's players of the week.

Jim Parker, Midpark
Sport: Baseball
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 6-0
Wt: 185

What Jim did last week: Catcher went 5-for-10 with a grand slam, a double, 10 RBI, three runs scored and a walk in two victories against Clearview and one win against Brecksville-Broadview Heights.

About Jim: Enjoys weightlifting, fishing and hunting. Will play baseball at Cuyahoga County Community College and major in physical education. Favorites include the Indians, Twins catcher Joe Mauer, "The 40 Year Old Virgin" movie, steak meal, Outback Steakhouse restaurant and Nike clothes. Has visited Florida and wants to go to Hawaii.

Brittany Helmink, North Ridgeville
Sport: Softball
Class: Sophomore
Age: 16
Ht: 5-5

What Brittany did last week: In a doubleheader sweep against Rocky River, first baseman was 5-for-8 with seven RBI and six runs scored, including two home runs. She is hitting .474 (18-for-38), with four home runs and 23 RBI.

About Brittany: Likes to cook. Wants to become a forensic scientist. Favorites include the Indians and Travis Hafner, "Saw" movie, "CSI: Miami" TV show, facebook.com, "Just Dance" video game, pizza meal, Olive Garden restaurant and math class. Wants to vacation in Hawaii and try snowboarding.

Jocelyn Rivera, Brooklyn
Sport: Softball
Class: Sophomore
Age: 15
Ht: 5-8

What Jocelyn did last week: Pitched seven innings in a 5-4 win against Lutheran West, allowing two hits and striking out 10. Had three hits, including two doubles to drive in two runs. In a 4-1 victory against Oberlin and a 4-3 loss to Buckeye, combined for 24 strikeouts, allowing three hits and two earned runs in 14 innings.

About Jocelyn: Wants to play softball in college and become an athletic trainer. Favorites include the Indians, "A League of their Own" movie, "Law and Order: SVU" TV show, Applebee's restaurant and English class.

Donovan Robertson, Berea
Sport: Track
Class: Junior
Age: 17
Ht: 6-1
Wt: 155

What Donovan did last week: At the Amherst Comet Relays, won three events and set two meet records. Won 110-meter hurdles in meet and stadium record 13.75 seconds, 300 hurdles in meet record 37.86 and 100 in 10.71. In a dual against Olmsted Falls, won 110 hurdles, 200 and was on winning 4x400 relay.

About Donovan: Plays the trumpet and enjoys cooking. Plans to study pre-med in college. Favorites include the Browns, "Inception" movie, "Family Guy" TV show, "FIFA 11" video game, Red Lobster restaurant and literature class. Will remember going to Disneyland with his friends.

Josh Sabo, Revere
Sport: Track
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-11
Wt: 150

What Josh did last week: In a dual against Tallmadge, won 400 meters in school record 49.7 seconds and 3,200 in 9:59. At New Philadelphia Invitational, won 800 in meet record 1:56 and 1,600, and was on winning 4x400 and 4x800 relays. Has not lost a race this season.

About Josh: Plans to run track at Ohio State. Favorites include Ohio State, Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, "Scream 4" movie, "The Office" TV show, Lady Gaga music, facebook.com, "The Great Gatsby" book, steal meal and AP government class. Wants to try boxing.

Carly Stock, Cuyahoga Heights
Sport: Track
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-8

What Carly did last week: Against Cleveland Central Catholic, Richmond Heights and Open Door, broke school shot put record (39 feet, 6 ¾ inches) and won discus (112-1). At Perry Relays, was m ember of winning shot and discus relay teams.

About Carly: Member of student council and art club. Wants to study business in college. Favorites include University of Mount Union, "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" movie, twitter.com, "Yertle the Turtle" book, Angelo's Pizza restaurant and English class. Wants to visit New Zealand and would like to learn to become a ventriloquist.

Paige Yaeger, Solon
Sport: Track
Class: Junior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-7

What Paige did last week: At Eastlake North's Ranger Relays, won 100-meter hurdles in 15.48 seconds, 300 hurdles in 45.91 and ran legs on shuttle hurdles and 4x400 relay. Was named the girls running MVP.

About Paige: Member of the National Honor Society. Plays soccer and the violin. Favorites include the Indians, "The Last Song" movie, "Off the Map" TV show, facebook.com, "Angry Birds" video game, "Gone for Good" book, macaroni and cheese, Chipotle restaurant, Forever 21 clothes and math class. Wants to visit Australia.

Coaches' nominations for Players of the Week will be taken Mondays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The toll-free number for coaches to call for the seven-county coverage area is 1-800-388-4370.

The NFL has agreed to open facilities to players, allow team activities and distribute playbooks. Browns linebacker/player rep Scott Fujita sounds positive note.

View full sizeChuck Crow,
The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs, captured in a 2010 training camp photo, and his veteran teammates will be allowed to return to work Friday.

Minneapolis -- The NFL has told its teams and players to get back to football, at least for now.

Told twice in three days by a federal judge that its 45-day lockout was illegal, the league assured teams and players they could resume some of the normal day-to-day football operations beginning Friday, including voluntary workouts at team facilities, meetings with coaches and going over playbooks.

The league also promised to distribute detailed procedures for signing free agents, making trades and other roster moves. That memo, the league said, will likely come Friday and spell out the timing for the start of the league year.

The guidelines were released just hours before tonight's draft, where teams were still allowed only to swap picks, not players.

"Swamped right now. Had great communication with Pat & Heckert. Updating all the guys now. Browns will be allowing guys to workout, get treatment, meet with their coaches, etc.

"I consider us one of the organizations that will legitimately do the right thing with all this. Guys who choose to report right away just have to be flexible & realize that if a stay is granted from the Appellate Court, then we're locked out again."

Things are far from normal, however. On a day members of the Tennessee Titans showed up to find two armed guards at their locked-up facility, the NFL pressed forward with the legal fight in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis.

The league wants an immediate stay of U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson's decision on Monday to lift the lockout so it can argue that it should be overturned altogether. The players were told to respond to the league's motion for a stay by noon CDT time Friday, and the NFL's reply to that is due Monday morning.

Michael Gans, the appeals court clerk, said the three-judge panel for the appeal had not yet been finalized. The venue is considered more friendly to businesses like the NFL's $9 billion operation than the federal courts in Minnesota.

Agent Angelo Wright said he has told clients under contract not to worry about visiting headquarters this weekend out of fairness to the teams so they can focus on the draft. He said they should plan to show up on Monday, and said he'd start calling team executives about unsigned players as soon as Sunday night.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus, though, said he'd like for signings and trades to take place during the draft.

"I've been calling teams, and I've been told they've been advised by the NFL to hold off on signings or trades until further notice," Rosenhaus said.

Attorneys for the players said the decision lifting the lockout "is in full, immediate force."

"It is our view that the NFL and the clubs will be in contempt of court if they do not comply with the order," lawyers James Quinn and Jeffrey Kessler wrote.

Quinn, in a tersely worded letter to NFL attorney Gregg Levy, said the players were tired of waiting and even accused the league of "granting itself a temporary stay" of Nelson's order by not immediately opening the doors for football operations.

Now, four days after Nelson lifted the lockout, there are guidelines to follow.

Mandatory minicamps and voluntary offseason practices can begin, under the rules in the old collective bargaining agreement. Team-supervised workouts will count toward such bonuses in player contracts, and players can also work out on their own at team facilities if they have health insurance in place.

The league will "promptly make arrangements" for the substance abuse and steroid programs to resume, and players can participate in team-sponsored community and charity functions.

And in the meantime, they'll continue their fight in court.

The league told the appeals court that the players "cannot have it both ways" by threatening contempt-of-court sanctions while also asking for a delay to address the NFL's request for a temporary stay.

And the NFL criticized Nelson, who late Wednesday rejected its request to put her order lifting the lockout on hold pending appeals. The league said her decision "blinks reality" and is "deeply flawed."

The NFL complained that the order has forced teams to "produce their collective product" and expose themselves to antitrust claims by the players -- claims that if held true can result in treble, or triple, damages. An antitrust lawsuit filed by Tom Brady, Drew Brees and other players is still pending before Nelson.

Without a stay, the NFL said, it would be impossible to "unscramble the egg in terms of player transactions (trades, signings, cuts) that would occur in the interim" before a ruling from the appeals court.

The league has proposed a specific timeline for the 8th Circuit appeal: a written opening argument due May 10, the same due for the players May 24, the NFL's reply due May 31 and a hearing after that "as soon as possible."

Such a timeline would mean the legal fight would stretch well into June, a month before training camps and only weeks before the first scheduled preseason game on Aug. 8.

In its 23-page motion, the league reiterated three arguments it unsuccessfully made to Nelson: that she had no jurisdiction while a bad-faith negotiation charge against the players is pending with the National Labor Relations Board; that federal law prevents the court from overseeing cases stemming from labor disputes; and that it shouldn't be subject to antitrust claims with the collective bargaining deal barely expired.

The union was dissolved March 11, clearing the way for the legal fight. League rules have effectively been shelved since then.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, at a charity event in Ann Arbor, Mich., said the league year should have begun Monday when Nelson denied the stay request.

"I guess if you're a billionaire, you can tell a judge no," Woodson said.

------

AP Football Writer Arnie Stapleton and AP Sports Writers John Wawrow, Joseph White, Steven Wine, Jon Krawczynski

"If Hollins gets significant playing time next season, this team is in for another long year." - Ctown-kb

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerRyan Hollins got an opportunity to play this season with the Cavaliers.

In response to the story P.M. Cleveland Cavaliers links: Cavs set for the summer; Mike Brown a candidate in Houston, cleveland.com reader Ctown-kb hopes Ryan Hollins has a much lesser role next year. This reader writes,

"If Hollins gets significant playing time next season, this team is in for another long year."

Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell apologizes after fan accuses him of making homophobic comments and obscene gestures towards San Francisco fans.

View full sizeAP FileBraves pitching coach Roger McDowell's reactions to fans in San Francisco have drawn scrutiny of Major League Baseball. His comments and actions could result in a suspension or other form of punishment. McDowell has apologized for his actions.

Atlanta -- The Braves are returning to Atlanta with momentum from a strong finish to a road trip but an ugly new scandal attached to their pitching coach.

Roger McDowell apologized after Wednesday night's 7-0 win at San Diego in response to allegations from a fan that the pitching coach made homophobic comments, crude sexual gestures and threats before a game in San Francisco last weekend.

Commissioner Bud Selig called the allegations "very troubling" on Wednesday and said he is awaiting a report from the Braves before deciding how to proceed.

It's possible McDowell could face a suspension or even stronger punishment, possibly forcing Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez to find a fill-in pitching coach.

The Braves (13-13) won five of their last six games on the 10-game road trip to bring a .500 record to Atlanta.

Atlanta was off on Thursday and will open a weekend series against St. Louis at Turner Field on Friday night.

Justin Quinn, 33, of Fresno said McDowell's comments came in Saturday's pregame batting practice at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Quinn said he attended the game with his wife and 9-year-old twin daughters when McDowell said to three men in the stands "Are you guys a homo couple or a threesome?"

Quinn said McDowell made crude sexual gestures with his hips and a bat.

Quinn said he shouted to McDowell, "Hey there are kids out here" and the coach replied that kids don't belong at a baseball park. Quinn said McDowell picked up a bat, walked up to Quinn and asked him, "How much are your teeth worth?"

Quinn made his allegations at the Los Angeles office of attorney Gloria Allred.

McDowell's apology came in a statement.

"I am deeply sorry that I responded to the heckling fans in San Francisco on Saturday," McDowell said. "I apologize to everyone for my actions."

Braves general manager Frank Wren declined to comment to The Associated Press on Thursday. Gonzalez did not respond to requests for a comment.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said McDowell's apology is only a start.

"The Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball must take real disciplinary action and send the message that anti-gay slurs have no place in sports," said GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios. "Professional sporting events should be an environment that all fans and families can enjoy, not a place where children are exposed to violent threats and discriminatory language."

Alex White, the Indians No.1 pick in 2009, will make his big-league debut Saturday.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerAlex White will make his first start in the big leagues Saturday after four starts at Class AAA Columbus.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Game 25, April 28, 2011: Right-hander Alex White will make his big league debut Saturday against Detroit. Manager Manny Acta made the announcement before Thursday's game against the Royals.

 White was the Indians No.1 pick in 2009 out of the University of North Carolina. He's currently 1-0 with a 1.90 ERA (five earned runs in 23 2/3 innings) in four starts at Class AAA Columbus. He is not on the 40-man roster so a move will have to be made to add him to the roster.

 He was the 15th player taken overall in the first round in 2009. The Indians paid him a signing bonus of $2.25 million.

 "He's thrown the ball very well," said Acta. "We've gotten some good reports on him. At the end the day, we tell every single guy when they go to the minors, "Make sure when we need a guy, make it be you.' He worked himself into that spot."

 White has 28 strikeouts and five walks in 23 2/3 innings. He's allowed 19 hits and the opposition is hitting .211 against him. White's WHIP (walks plus hits divided by innings) is 1.01.

 This spring White was knocked around in his Cactus League appearances.

 "In spring training it's hard to judge people," said Acta. "You could see the poise and maturity level he had. Going into spring training, he pretty much knew he wasn't making the club so he may have been working on things.

 "His slider has improved in Triple A. His secondary pitches are still a work in progress. But he's pitching well."

 The Indians needed White when Carlos Carrasco was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday after injuring his right elbow in a three-inning start against the Twins. It's not known how long Carrasco will be sidelined, but the move is retroactive to Monday.

 The Indians added reliever Frank Herrmann on Thursday to take Carrasco's place. White probably won't join the team until last Friday or early Saturday. Herrmann would likely be optioned to Columbus to make room for him.

 White was the Indians Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season. He pitched at Class A Kinston and Class AA Akron.

 One problem White had last year was that he was so competitive he wanted to use his best pitch, his sinking fastball, all the time to the detriment to his other pitches.

 White throws a fastball, slider and split.

 "He's used all his pitches," said Acta, referring to this season. "We told the same thing to Drew Pomeranz (No.1 pick in 2010). You can't go through a big league lineup three or four times by just throwing a fastball.

 "The competitive nature of these guys is that when they get their back against the wall, or need to get out of jam, they're going to throw their best pitch."

 Tonight's lineups:

 Royals (12-12): CF Jarrod Dyson, CF Melky Cabrera (S), 1B Alex Gordon (L), DH Billy Butler (R), RF Jeff Francoeur (R), 3B Wilson Betemit (S), 2B Mike Aviles (R), C Matt Treanor (C), SS Alcides Escobar and RHP Kyle Davies (1-2, 6.23).

 Indians (15-8): CF Grady Sizemore (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), C Carlos Santana (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), 2B Orlando Cabrera (R), LF Michael Brantley (L), 1B Matt LaPorta (R), 3B Jack Hannahan (L) and RHP Fausto Carmona (1-3, 5.76).

 Him vs. me: Gordon is hitting .522 (12-for-23) vs. Carmona. Asdrubal Cabrera is hitting .381 (8-for-21) with five RBI against Davies.

 Lineup notes: Tribe catcher Carlos Santana is back in the cleanup spot Thursday after getting Wednesday off. Lefties are hitting .250 (15-for-60) and righties .264 (14-for-53) vs. Carmona. Royals have five righties and two switch hitters in the lineup.

 Lefties are hitting .375 (21-for-56) and righties .265 (13-for-49) against Davies. Indians have five lefties and two switch hitters in the lineup.
 
 Quote of the day: "They broke it to me gently. The manager came up to me before a game and told me they didn't allow visitors in the clubhouse," former big-league catcher and current Milwaukee Brewers Hall of Fame announcer Bob Uecker on getting cut.

 Umpires: H Scott Barry, 1B John Hirschbeck, 2B Wally Bell, 3B Laz Diaz.

 Next: RHP Max Scherzer (4-0, 3.19) vs. RHP Jeanmar Gomez (0-1, 7.36) Friday at 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Field. STO and WTAM/1100 will carry the game.

Browns general manager has been talking trade all day with six or seven teams, but doesn't know if he'll deal the No. 6. The Patriots, he said, have not been one of them.

Gus Chan, The Plain DealerBrowns GM Tom Heckert is all ears as he waits for the draft to begin.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said he's talked to six or seven teams that might be interested in trading up for the No. 6 pick, but that the Patriots weren't one of them.

Reports say the Browns are in talks with the Falcons at No. 27 about swapping picks.

The Falcons are reportedly hoping to move up to draft one of the top two receivers, Georgia's A.J. Green or Alabama's Julio Jones.

The Patriots, who have the No. 17 and No. 28 picks in the first round and are reportedly interested in moving up, but Heckert said at about 6:30 the two teams hadn't discussed a deal.

Heckert also said the teams he's talked to about trading up don't seem to be interested in a quarterback. "I don't know for sure though,'' he said.

Heckert said the number of teams talking trade is about the same as it is every year and that he's not certain whether or not the Browns will actually make a deal. "It's normal stuff, it really is, so I really wouldn't say either way,'' he said.

Browns President Mike Holmgren said "there's a chance'' the Browns will trade the pick. Later, in an interview on WTAM AM/1100, Hecket declined to reveal what it take for him to move back. "You have to weigh your options,'' he said. "If you can get enough players for the pick, it's worthwhile doing it. That's what we have to weigh when we're talking to all of these teams.''

As far as the popular opinion that the Browns need an explosive receiver, Heckert said, "I think there's probably a little difference of opinion on that throughout the fans and media -- everybody wants a great receiver, they really do. We like our receivers, and to say you need a great one to be really successful, I don't think that's true.

"You just have to weigh what other positions that are there, what kind of grades you have on guys. To say we need one, I don't think we need one.'''

He said A.J. Green and Julio Jones are both very good players, "but we think there's also very good players at other positions, so we'll have to see what happens in the next two hours.''

Heckert said he'd love to have more than the eight picks the Browns have in this draft. "The more picks you have, the better chance you have of hitting on them,'' he said.

In other Browns news, running back Peyton Hillis will announce the Browns pick at draft headquarters in New York as part of his reward for winning the Madden 12 cover.

Plain Dealer Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot share their last minute thoughts and final predictions about what the Browns might do with the sixth pick in the first round of the NFL Draft which begins at 8 p.m. tonight.