"I really like the direction the Browns are going in, but I think they need an impact linebacker and have been calling for them to draft Vontaze Burfict from Arizona State with their first pick in 2012. A lot can happen between now and then, but he seems to be the middle linebacker that this team has been lacking for a long time." - d3dawgpound

View full sizeAP Photo | Rick BowmerVontaze Burfict (right) is a player some Browns fans have their eyes on when they look to rebuilding the linebacking corps.

In response to the story Terry Pluto's Talkin' ... about Browns' linebacking needs, the need for Cavaliers patience and why the Tribe can't rely on retreads, cleveland.com reader d3dawgpound has his eyes on a player that could help the Browns in 2012. This reader writes,

"I really like the direction the Browns are going in, but I think they need an impact linebacker and have been calling for them to draft Vontaze Burfict from Arizona State with their first pick in 2012. A lot can happen between now and then, but he seems to be the middle linebacker that this team has been lacking for a long time."

"I'll give Carmona a little credit. He pitched well enough to have a chance at a victory. Giving up 3 runs in 6 innings isn't great, but it's serviceable. He kept them in the game and a team with actual Major League hitters should be able to score 4 runs to win. The thing with Carmona is that he's a confidence guy. When he going great and pitching from the windup with nobody on, he's tough. But shake his confidence and his mechanics break down and he starts throwing meat pitches." - lbj4glory

View full sizeFausto Carmona.

In response to the story Team-wide batting slump defies easy answers for Tribe: Indians Insider, cleveland.com reader lbj4glory thinks it's all about confidence with Fausto Carmona. This reader writes,

"I'll give Carmona a little credit. He pitched well enough to have a chance at a victory. Giving up 3 runs in 6 innings isn't great, but it's serviceable. He kept them in the game and a team with actual Major League hitters should be able to score 4 runs to win. The thing with Carmona is that he's a confidence guy. When he going great and pitching from the windup with nobody on, he's tough. But shake his confidence and his mechanics break down and he starts throwing meat pitches."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Keystone junior pitcher/infielder Kenzie Conrad elevated her game during crunch time because that's the only way she knows how to play. "I want to have the ball in my hand in big games," said Conrad, The Plain Dealer's Softball Player of the Year and an Akron recruit. "I love the pressure of being in the circle...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Keystone junior pitcher/infielder Kenzie Conrad elevated her game during crunch time because that's the only way she knows how to play.

"I want to have the ball in my hand in big games," said Conrad, The Plain Dealer's Softball Player of the Year and an Akron recruit. "I love the pressure of being in the circle when the game's on the line."

The Grafton resident went 22-2 with an 0.98 ERA. She used her devastating drop curve and 60 mph fastball to pitch three no-hitters, including a perfect game, as the Wildcats finished second at the Division II state tournament behind Poland Seminary.

"We're disappointed we didn't win it all but playing in the state tournament [at Akron's Firestone Stadium] was an amazing experience," said Conrad. "The crowds were big, there's a sense of electricity that's hard to describe and the two games we played were full of emotion."

The Wildcats won 18 straight games until six errors did them in during a 7-5 loss to Canfield. They didn't lose again until the state title game.

"We beat ourselves against Canfield, but it was an eye-opener and the turning point of our season," said Conrad.

Graduating just one senior and with a move to Division III possible, the chances of the Wildcats returning to the final four are good.

"We now know what it feels like to lose down there," Conrad said. "That's incentive enough to make us work harder in the off-season because we have some unfinished business."

Softball All-Stars

Player Of The Year

Kenzie Conrad

Keystone

Junior pitcher/infielder

College: Akron

Notable: Exemplified consistency when toeing the rubber or playing first base. Went 22-2 with an 0.98 ERA, 141 strikeouts and 27 walks in 135 2/3 innings. Batted .440 with 26 runs scored, 12 doubles, nine home runs, 39 RBI and didn't commit an error in 107 chances.

Other All-Stars

Kristen Boros

Elyria

Senior pitcher/infielder

College: Butler

Notable: Two-time All-Star was a clutch performer for perennial state-power Pioneers. Compiled an 18-5 record on the mound with a 2.71 ERA and made just three errors in 120 chances despite being called on to also play first base and shortstop. Batted .516 with 39 RBI and six homers.

Presley Destro

Mogadore

Senior catcher

College: Catawba

Notable: Played just two seasons of high school ball but the 5-11 backstop was a big reason the Wildcats were one win away from reaching the Division IV final four. Batted .449 with 10 home runs and 30 RBI, picked off six runners at first and seven of 10 runners trying to steal second base.

Jasmin Filiaggi

Elyria Catholic

Senior outfielder

College: Cleveland State

Notable: Elyria resident was an efficient leadoff batter who mastered the art of slap hitting the past two seasons. Batted .585, scored 16 runs, had a .682 on-base average, .610 slugging percentage and stole 24 bases despite the fact she coaxed only three walks. Had a .950 fielding average with three assists.

Kim Kirkpatrick

Olmsted Falls

Senior infielder

College: Kent State

Notable: Two-time All-Star once again proved a left-hander can play shortstop because she didn't make an error in 60 attempts. Leadoff hitter batted .581, scored and drove in 16 runs, had a .632 on-base and .977 slugging percentage. A pulled hamstring limited her to 20 stolen bases.

Erin Pond

Keystone

Junior infielder

College: Akron

Notable: Two-time All-Star is the other half of state-power Wildcats' 1-2 punch. Batted .539 with a 1.029 slugging percentage thanks to 15 doubles, four triples and nine homers. Scored 53 runs, had 36 RBI and 13 stolen bases while batting in the leadoff spot. Committed six errors in 106 chances.

Dani Ramos

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin

Senior outfielder

College: Kent State

Notable: South Euclid resident and three-time All-Star. She's the prototypical leadoff hitter/base stealer who can slap or hit with power from both sides of the plate. Batted .563, scored 49 runs and had 20 RBI. Stole 33 bases in 34 attempts, had a .633 on-base average and played flawlessly in 14 chances.

Rachael Ratcliffe

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin

Senior infielder

College: Akron

Notable: Bristolville resident is a power-hitting/run-producing first baseman who committed just one error in 178 chances. Batted .610 with 32 runs scored, 15 doubles, four triples and 51 RBI. Two of her five home runs came off Poland Seminary junior/Tennessee recruit Erin Gabriel.

Kenzie Wallace

Copley

Junior pitcher

College: Undecided

Notable: Team leader excelled with her arm and her bat. Compiled a 22-2 pitching record with a 1.06 ERA, 223 strikeouts and 20 walks in 132 innings. Leadoff batter hit .642 with 38 runs scored, 15 RBI and 25 stolen bases while making just one error in 168 opportunities.

Cynthia Woodard

Elyria

Senior infielder/outfielder

College: Cleveland State

Notable: Two-time All-Star played shortstop or centerfield, depending on defensive schemes or needs and did both efficiently. Had a .943 fielding average and batted .408 with 30 runs scored, 22 RBI, five home runs and stole eight bases in 10 attempts.

Coach Of The Year

Glenn McCoy

Copley

Notable: The Indians had a stellar season under the fourth-year coach, who formerly led St. Vincent-St. Mary. Copley ran off 22 straight victories after an opening loss to Division II state runner-up Keystone. The Indians captured the program's first Suburban League title before having their season end in a regional semifinal loss to Division I state runner-up Gahanna Lincoln. McCoy, 52 and an Ellet resident, has compiled an 82-23 record at Copley (165-39 overall) and graduates just two starters.

-- Bob Fortuna

Are the Indians paralyzed by indecision? Trades or promotions have to be considered as the season tilts downward.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerWhile manager Manny Acta has been creative with lineups because of injuries and slumping players, Indians GM Chris Antonetti and the front office are facing a major challenge, says Bill Livingston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What if the Indians' season ends with a whimper, when before it has so often begun with one?

Would that make the Dolan family any more relevant than they were in the done-by-Memorial Day years? Without a shake-up, would there be any more bang for fans' bucks in the last half of a season that began so well than there is in the Indians' bats?

It wouldn't be anything new if contention ended early. Cliff Lee was traded early, in a Cy Young salary dump the season after CC Sabathia was traded in another Cy salary shedding.

After that, the Indians can't trade now?

Somehow, as July nears, the Indians are still in the division race, despite a team-wide exhibition of synchronized Acapulco cliff diving throughout June. The bullpen is good and deep and versatile. Why not trade an arm for a bat? Particularly since this is the most pathetic hitting team in the American League.

How much leverage is gained by waiting until the July 31 trading deadline? The buzz that finally developed when the weather turned decent can be killed by inaction long before then.

The Indians' front office seemed paralyzed until Monday's elevation to the major-league roster of third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. Columbus is only two hours away. How much worse can the kids down there be than the handbags and glad rags who were signed in the off-season?

Before the season, fans were told Chisenhall, just named the International League's Player of the Week, wasn't ready defensively at third. So Orlando Cabrera, struggling with the bat along with almost everyone else, was the answer, even though he had never played third base in his life? Or was Adam Everett, a Mendoza Line scuffler (.217) at the plate and Sunday's third baseman, the answer?

Chisenhall's weekly IL award followed his return to action after suffering a concussion. The injury bug has been drawn to the Tribe like midges to Progressive Field's lights.

It is not an excuse, but too many players have been hurt on too thin a roster. The loss of Shin-Soo Choo for two months, just as his batting stroke was coming around, is critical. So is the stupid designated hitter schism between the leagues that will put Travis Hafner on the bench for this week's games, just as he seemed fully recovered from an earlier injury. Not too many teams could handle that, as well as another injury to the player who used to be known as Grady Sizemore.

Still, the loss of Choo presents an opening in the outfield, which could be filled by Jason Kipnis in Columbus except, oops, he has been switched from the outfield to middle infield by the front office. Even with the adjustment back to the outfield, which was his position for years, Kipnis can't be much worse than Austin Kearns, who is hitting less than .200 as a corner outfielder.

Finally, there is the curious case of Fausto Carmona. It's understandable that the Indians' front office wants to let him pitch his way out of his funk. When he is "on," Carmona's stuff is as good as that of anyone, except perhaps Justin Verlander. But his mechanics come and go. While Carmona was a flop in the bullpen in an ill-fated experiment five years ago, waiting around for the Fausto who pitched through the Yankees and the clouds of real bugs in 2007 looks like a long shot.

This is the same thought as the one about Kipnis and the one about Chisenhall and the one about making a trade now: How much worse could Jeanmar Gomez be if he were promoted? He has looked good when he got a chance.

For all Carmona's difficulties, the big worries are about the everyday lineup: Can the Indians identify and develop major-league hitters? Will ownership spend for proven veteran hitters if the answer to the previous question is no?

"When you have a chance to win, you have to try," said Hank Peters, the man who laid the foundation for the great Indians teams of the 1990s.

In the rest of the season, we'll see about that.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

St. Edward's only Greater Cleveland opponents this fall are the opener against Glenville and the finale against St. Ignatius.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerExultant last December when the Eagles won the state title, St. Edward coach Rick Finotti knows this season's schedule will provide an emotional roller-coaster every week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Having conquered Ohio, St. Edward is looking far beyond the state's borders this fall for football opponents.

In what could be the season's premier game nationally, the Eagles play Ramsey (N.J.) superpower Don Bosco Prep at West Point on Oct. 8. Bosco is ranked No. 1 in MaxPreps' preseason poll, and St. Edward is No. 9. Both teams were undefeated state champs last year.

The Oct. 8 undercard pits Youngstown Ursuline against Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep.

St. Edward and Bosco feature close to a dozen major-college recruits, and college coaches will salivate over a matchup between St. Edward offensive tackle Kyle Kalis (6-5, 305) and Bosco defensive end Darius Hamilton (6-4, 245), whose fathers were NFL linemen (Todd Kalis and Keith Hamilton). Both boys are five-star recruits, and neither has a current commitment.

Kalis recently withdrew an oral commitment to Ohio State. St. Edward coach Rick Finotti said Monday that Ohio State still is in the mix and Kalis might not decide until after the season.

The St Edward-Bosco game likely will be on national TV, though nothing has been announced. If the NFL lockout persists, expect a regular diet of televised high school football games this fall.

As St. Ignatius has known for decades and St. Edward has come to learn, it's lonely at the top when it comes to scheduling. The choices are few. Most teams that can compete at that level either are not readily available the last seven weeks because of league commitments, or don't have a taste for playing private school powers because of perceived recruiting advantages.

St. Edward's only Greater Cleveland opponents are the opener against Glenville and the finale against St. Ignatius. Off the 2010 schedule are Mentor, Benedictine, Columbus DeSales and Inkster (Mich.). Added to the 2011 docket are Glenville, Ursuline, Tampa (Fla.) Jefferson and Bosco.

In one three-week stretch, St. Edward faces three state champs who were a combined 42-0 last year -- Jefferson, Ursuline and Bosco. The schedule also includes Pittsburgh Penn Hills, Mooney, and Cincinnati Catholic powers Elder, St. Xavier and Moeller.

It's a bumpy road ahead, but Finotti and Athletic Director Paul Michalko didn't have many better routes to take. Asked how he expect his kids to cope with such scheduling madness, Finotti said it's better not to think about it.

"The way the schedule has been, you kind of get numb to it," he said.

Mary Schmitt Boyer lists the biggest winners, losers and surprises in the 2011 NBA draft

View full sizeAP photoAn exasperating evening for David Lighty was one of the more surprising developments from last Thursday's NBA Draft, says Mary Schmitt Boyer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Five days ago, the Cavaliers drafted Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson with the first and fourth picks in the NBA draft.

Now that the smoke has cleared, let's look back at what transpired. Here are some observations on the 2011 version of the annual event.

1. Biggest shocker: This distinction belongs to the Cavs, who blew millions of mock drafts out of the water by taking Thompson.

ESPN did have him ranked second among power forwards, behind Arizona's Derrick Williams, taken No. 2 by Minnesota. But most mock drafts had the Cavs picking Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas. Toronto, drafting No. 5, was only too happy to jump on the unexpected availability of the young center.

1a. Role reversal: Ohio State's David Lighty not getting drafted and Jon Diebler going to Portland at No. 51, though he could wind up traded to Detroit.

With his varied skill set, Lighty was thought to be a high second-rounder. Diebler was widely viewed as the best shooter in the draft, but most thought he'd be such a liability on defense that he wouldn't get drafted.

2. Best business decision: Sacramento, trading for the rights to Jimmer Fredette.

Sacramento won a one-year reprieve from the Kings relocating to Anaheim, although that remains a possibility if the city does not come up with a plan for a new arena. Adding Fredette, the leading scorer in the nation last year and potential drawing card, can only help boost the team's profile and, hopefully, increase revenue.

Most league executives would frown on acquiring a player in an effort to sell tickets, but in this case, it might be justified. That being said, it's still the city's problem to work things out, not the Kings. Fredette will be just as popular in Southern California.

As an indication of how important Fredette is to the plans, Mayor Kevin Johnson, the former Cavs point guard, issued a statement after Fredette was drafted saying, "Jimmer is exactly what the Kings need right now. He's electric, a fan favorite and a competitor. ... Congrats to the Kings on an exciting pick."

3. International men of mystery: Enes Kanter, Valanciunas et al.

That four international players went in the top seven picks suggested to some that this was a particularly weak draft. To others, it was a perfect storm of a huge international class at least theoretically ready to contribute.

Kanter, for instance, went No. 3 to Utah despite not really playing competitive basketball for two years since leaving Turkey to attend high school in the United States. Valanciunas still has contract issues back home that may prevent coming to the U.S. for a year or more.

4. Most memorable moment: Some might say Jan Vesely kissing his girlfriend after being picked No. 6 by Washington. But for me it was Kemba Walker brushing away tears after being selected No. 9 by Charlotte. (Also, his two-toned pink and beige spats.)

He led Connecticut to the NCAA title, but Walker's stock seemed to be dropping as the draft neared, and it was feared he could be the Brady Quinn of the 2011 NBA draft. That he still managed to be drafted in the top 10 clearly was a relief to the Bronx native, who was one of the most popular players with the crowd in Newark's Prudential Center.

5. Biggest winner (tie): Utah and Washington.

The Jazz came away with Turkish center Kanter and Colorado scorer Alec Burks. Washington picked up Vesely, Florida State's Chris Singleton and Butler's Shelvin Mack.

6. Biggest loser: Until the New York Knicks made the No. 17 pick in the draft, the fans were content to boo NBA commissioner David Stern every time he stepped to the podium and LeBron James and the Miami Heat every time they were shown on the scoreboard.

But when New York picked defensive-minded point guard Iman Shumpert of Georgia Tech, the booing went up a notch. That was followed by massive head-scratching when the Knicks added Kentucky big man Josh Harrellson in the second round in a trade with Charlotte. Many don't think he has any chance to play in the league.

7. Nice landing: Cleveland State point guard Norris Cole wound up with the Heat, who likely will be contenders for years to come. Since Miami really needed a point guard, he likely will earn minutes in the rotation.

Cavs note: The Cavs still have not heard whether they'll receive an extension on the $14.5 million trade exception they received in the LeBron James deal last summer. The exception is set to expire on July 11 (actually, it's July 9, but since that falls on a Saturday, the Cavs get until the next business day to use it).

However, since the collective bargaining agreement expires at midnight Thursday and a lockout could start the next day, in reality they probably have to use it in the next two days or lose it. They have tried hard to make a deal, but have maintained all along that they'd rather let it expire than make a bad deal.

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Arrival of former N.C. State star prompts some concern in this week's OSU mailbag.

View full sizeAP photoWisconsin's chances of winning the Big Ten's new Leaders Division got a boost Monday with the arrival of former North Carolina State QB Russell Wilson.

The Heys include Twitter. You can continue to send Doug Lesmerises Hey Doug questions, but now you can also follow him on Twitter and ask questions to @PDBuckeyes.

Hey, Doug: So is Wisconsin the team to beat in the Big Ten now? -- @jhavers1000

Hey, @jhavers1000: Obviously you're referencing the news Monday that former North Carolina State QB Russell Wilson has officially transferred to Wisconsin. He's the established quarterback the Badgers were lacking after the graduation of Scott Tolzein. While I think Nebraska may be the best team in the Big Ten, this does make Wisconsin the probable favorite in the Leaders Division ahead of Ohio State or Penn State, with Nebraska vs. Wisconsin the showdown I'd predict at the moment for the first Big Ten championship game. But remember, the Buckeyes do get the Badgers in Ohio Stadium, at night, this season. And there's a lot for Ohio State to avenge.

Hey, Doug: Which is more alarming, zero out-of-state recruits as of this date for football, or Michigan getting 8 of Ohio States "targets"? -- @MICHIGANvsOSU

Hey, @MICHIGANvsOSU: This isn't going to be a great recruiting season for Ohio State, but whether Michigan, specifically, can capitalize is the most interesting recruiting question at hand. The Wolverines have 18 oral commits so far, seven from Ohio, while Ohio State has nine oral commits, all from Ohio. It's understandable that Ohio State is going to have trouble recruiting out of state during these turbulent times, but that should rebound when coaching stability returns at the end of this season.

There are about eight Michigan recruits that Ohio State had interest in, including three with offers, but the trend isn't devastating for Ohio State at the moment. What would be most alarming for Ohio State is if Michigan can take advantage of this year to establish some pipelines in the Midwest that continue even after Ohio State's program gets back on its feet.

Hey, Doug: Which new recruit shows most the promise for having an on-field impact this year? -- @ClvlandK8

Hey, @ClvlandK8: There are several strong candidates, starting with Braxton Miller, the guy a lot of people, me included, are expecting to start most of the games at quarterback. There is also a lot of opportunity on defense, where linebacker Curtis Grant, defensive tackles Michael Bennett and Joel Hale and defensive backs Doran Grant and Jeremy Cash could fight to play immediately.

But beyond Miller, the true freshman to watch is Massillon Washington receiver Devin Smith, who dominated both the state track meet and the Big 33 Classic and could wind up as a starter at a position where Ohio State lacks experience.

-- Doug

McLaughlin, a incoming junior at Virginia and a former Plain Dealer Player of the Year from University School, built a comfortable margin with a 69 in the morning round.

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Two shots can go a long way in deciding the final outcome of a 72-hole golf tournament.

Mac McLaughlin wasn't about to label the two short shots he hit on the back nine as the two that won him the 81st annual Northeast Ohio Amateur, but he said they were two of the most important he hit during Monday's final 36 holes at the Shaker Country Club.

McLaughlin, who recently finished his sophomore year at Virginia and is a former Plain Dealer Player of the Year out of University School, built a comfortable margin in the morning round and had enough in the tank for a three-stroke victory and his first NEOAm title.

McLaughlin, the runner-up to Nick Latimer last year, shot a final-round 4-over 75 to finish with a 72-hole score of 2-under 284. The first two rounds were played last week at Silver Lake and Elyria, where McLaughlin shot a pair of 70s.

Zach Glassman, also a University School grad and former Plain Dealer All-Star, closed with a 70 for second, while Concord's Brad Steven closed with a 69 -- the lowest score in the final round -- to finish third at 290.

"I knew it was going to be a long day and I was able to take care of business in the morning and build myself a little cushion," said McLaughlin, whose 69 gave him a six-shot lead over Glassman heading into the final 18.

Back to those two short, but all important, shots. The first came on the 264-yard, par-4 10th. The second came out of a bunker guarding the front of the 116-yard 16th.

McLaughlin, medalist in the 2007 Division II state tournament, came within eight inches of knocking his drive out of bounds on the 10th, the ball coming to rest on top of a hill, pin-high to the right of the green. He hit a marvelous downhill lob shot to within four feet and made the putt. What almost was a sure bogey turned into a birdie. That was important because Glassman also made birdie after driving the green.

The 10th was kind to McLaughlin. In the morning round he drove the green and made about a 3-footer for eagle.

"That was a key hole," he said. "It probably was the turning point of the day because Zach made birdie there, too. It could have been a two-shot swing."

His final heroic came on the 16th, when his tee shot found the front bunker while Glassman applied pressure with a shot to six feet that led to another birdie. McLaughlin nearly holed out, the ball running about two inches past the cup for par.

"Funny, but I had been having trouble getting out of bunkers coming into this tournament," McLaughlin said. "I worked on some things and found out it was just a matter of me not concentrating and not committing to the shot."

Glassman, a recent William & Mary graduate who has been named golf coach at US, dug a deep hole with a third-round 77.

Lonnie Chisenhall had two hits and an RBI in his big-league debut for the Indians.

View full sizeMatt York, Associated PressAsdrubal Cabrera's two-run homer in the first inning gave the Indians a short-lived 2-0 lead Monday night against Arizona.

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Orlando Cabrera's solo homer with two out in the top of the ninth inning gave the Cleveland Indians a much-needed 5-4 victory over Arizona Monday night.

The Indians had a 4-3 lead in the eighth -- thanks to Lonnie Chisenhall's first big-league RBI in the sixth inning, when Kelly Johnson tripled off Vinnie Pestano to drive in Wily Mo Pena to tie it with no outs.

With a golden opportunity to take the lead, the Diamondbacks were turned aside by Pestano -- who got Stephen Drew to fly to shallow left-center and then struck out Chris Young -- and Rafael Perez, who struck out Miguel Montero.

Trailing 3-2, the Indians scored twice in the sixth off Ian Kennedy to take the lead. Travis Buck, in a 17-for-76 slump, singled to tie the score. Chisenhall, in his big-league debut, followed with a single to right for the lead.

It was Chisenhall's second hit of the game and his first big-league RBI. Chisenhall's first big-league hit came in the fifth, when he doubled past first base.

Asdrubal Cabrera started the inning with a double. Carlos Santana followed with his 53rd walk. Buck's single to right delivered Cabrera. Chisenhall scored Santana and the Indians still had two outs to work with.

Lou Marson, with Buck at third, popped out to short. Travis Hafner, pinch-hitting for starter Mitch Talbot, struck out. 

The Indians took a 2-0 lead in the first on Asdrubal Cabrera's two-run homer off  Kennedy. Cord Phelps started the rally with a single to center. Cabrera followed by driving Kennedy's first pitch into the seats in left field. It was Cabrera's 13th homer and first since June 6.

Cabrera started this season with 18 homers in his career.

The Diamondbacks quickly erased that lead as they took batting practice against  Talbot. Kelly Johnson opened the first with a walk and scored on Stephen Drew's triple to center. Grady Sizemore tried to make a diving catch, but missed and the ball rolled into deep center field.

Justin Upton blooped a single down the right field line that fell just fair to make it 2-2. Chris Young followed with an RBI triple for a 3-2 lead.

Talbot, seemingly in serious trouble, found whatever he was lacking against the first four Diamondbacks and retired three straight.

Following Sizemore's two-out single in the first, Kennedy retired 10 straight before Chisenhall's double broke the spell to start the fifth.

Talbot, like Kennedy, found himself after the first and worked four scoreless innings. He did not allow another after retired the last 10 batters he faced. In his first start ever against Arizona, Talbot allowed three runs on three hits in five innings. He walked and struck out two in 71 pitches.

Paul Hoynes answers your Cleveland Indians questions.

Mark Duncan l Associated PressWith the 1981 Indians hitting just 39 homers in a 103-game, strike-shortened season, Len Barker and the rest of the Tribe starters that year had little margin for error.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Everytime I watch the Lenny Barker perfect game, I hear the announcers say the Indians now have nine home runs on the year, What? Only nine taters? -- Chuck Wilson, Shaker Heights

A: Hey, Chuck: Barker pitched his perfect game came on May 15, 1981. It was the 24th game of the season. You're right, the Indians only had nine homers as a team.

What's more, they finished with 39 in a season that lasted only 103 games because of a strike.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: With the Indians winning, and the injuries piling up, wouldn't it be now or never for ownership to spend money on acquiring proven talent? Is this period of time the best indicator of the ownership's commitment to winning? -- Eliot Clasen, Cape Coral, Fla.

A: Hey, Eliot: It's too early to make a deal. Teams, no matter what their record, aren't going to start making trades now with the season not even two months old. Be patient. If the Indians are still in the race in July and August, they'll make a move.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Whenever I watch an Indians game, and a left-hander is at bat, the TV camera picks up an old guy and his wife who sit a few rows up. The old guy wears DayGlo hats and changes them every few innings -- yellow, green, pink, orange, red, etc. I've seen him on TV for the past three years. What is his story? -- Pete Freeman, Union, Ky.

A: Hey, Pete: I saw him, as well, but all I know about him is that he has bad taste in caps.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: With Jack Hannahan's hitting falling back to his career norms and the Super-2 time soon to pass, how is Lonnie Chisenhall doing defensively in Columbus? It seems to me that the Tribe's D is a big reason for its early success. At the same time, adding Chisenhall's bat to replace Hannahan's would be a major upgrade. -- Jack Bacevice, Cleveland

A: Hey, Jack: Chisenhall has made seven errors at third and is hitting .287 (49-for-171) with 11 doubles, seven homers and 32 RBI in 46 games at Columbus. I don't see the front office messing with the big-league team right now as long as it's winning.

If they need help offensively in late June or July, and think the price of finding it outside the organization is too high, Chisenhall makes sense.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: I read that last Saturday's game against the Reds was sold out, but looking at the box score attendance was only 89.9 percent of capacity. What is the disparity? -- John Halsey, Houston

A: Hey, John: Saturday's attendance was 40,131 and the Indians announced it as a sellout. Capacity at Progressive Field is 43,441. The announced crowd did not include comp (free) tickets and season-ticket holders exchanging tickets for that game. Those did not count toward tickets sold.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: I was at the game last Friday night against the Reds. I watched "SportsCenter" that night and not a word about Shin-Soo Choo getting hit to force in a run. Is a hit batter counted as a walk or is there another stat that is kept for that? -- Mike Wason, Cleveland Heights

A: Hey, Mike: The hitter is credited with a hit by pitch and the pitcher is charged with a hit batter. Choo also received credit for an RBI. It's a painful way to get one, but he'll take it.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Caught a few games this year and have noticed something. In right field, right at the base of the escalator, is a statute of an elephant. No display, no plaque, no scene around it, just an elephant. Is this the year of the rally elephant? -- Joe Winnfield, Columbus

A: Hey, Joe: I'm wondering if it's part of the children's play land in right field. If not, maybe JoeBoo has been reincarnated as Dumbo.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: After Ezequiel Carrera drove in the winning run with a drag bunt against the Reds last Friday, one of the Indians announcers said that the drag bunt has become very rare in the Major Leagues. My husband says that his high school team practiced executing and defending the drag bunt, but he is talking prehistoric times.

Why is the drag bunt so rare in MLB? -- Sarah Werner, Solon

A: Hey, Sarah: First of all it's hard to do. Secondly, as manager Manny Acta said recently, a lot of players think bunting for a base hit is an affront to their manhood.

As former Indians manager Charlie Manuel loved saying, "Home run hitters drive Cadillacs."

If you noted the transactions on Friday, Ezequiel Carrera was optioned to Class AAA Columbus. The drag bunt was exciting and well executed, but it didn't keep him in the big leagues.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Would it be wise for the Indians to send Carlos Carrasco to Class AAA Columbus?

He hasn't been that good so far. How about giving David Huff another try while Carrasco tries to find his mojo? -- Ricky Stehlik, Strongsville

A: Hey, Ricky: If Alex White had stayed healthy, the Indians may have thought about sending Carrasco down, but not now. In his first three starts since coming off the disabled list, he's 2-1.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: With the Twins practically out of the Central Division race and Travis Hafner out for a while, would the Indians consider going after Jim Thome? I think he could bring great leadership and help mentor Matt LaPorta, not to mention there would be the possibility of him hitting HR No. 600 in an Indians uniform. -- Alex H., Northfield

A: Hey, Alex: I'm sure the Twins would consider trading Thome, but not until he hits his 600th homer. They need to put fannies in the seats at Target Field just like any other team. By the time Thome reaches 600, Hafner could be activated. What would manager Manny Acta do with two injury-prone, left-handed hitters who can't do anything but DH? Can't see it happening.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Asdrubal Cabrera is sensational this year. Whose idea was it to move him to second base so that Jhonny Peralta could play shortstop? -- S.J. Germanotta, Mansfield

A: Hey, S.J: The Indians acquired Cabrera in June of 2006. He didn't make his big-league debut until Aug. 7, 2007.

The Indians were in first place and on the way to 96 victories when he joined the ball club. They had no problem with Peralta's play at shortstop, but knew they needed a second baseman to replace Josh Barfield.

Peralta is still playing well at short. Check his numbers with the Tigers.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: What is your opinion of Zach McAllister as a potential starter for the Indians? -- Joe Eversole, Pelham, Ala.

A: Hey, Joe: I think McAllister is in the pipeline. He's certainly doing the job at Class AAA Columbus. The next time the Indians need a starter, I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a look.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Why is Carlos Santana still batting cleanup? Isn't it obvious that he is not ready for this at this point in his career? How much more of this does manager Manny Acta need to see? It's time to move Santana down to eighth or ninth and let Travis Hafner protect Shin-Soo Choo in the cleanup spot. -- Rob Hill, York Township

A: Hey, Rob: Santana batted seventh on Friday against Tampa Bay. If Hafner wasn't on the disabled list, he might be batting cleanup. It looks like manager Manny Acta is going to experiment with the middle of the lineup -- Shelley Duncan vs. lefties, Shin-Soo Choo vs. righties -- until Santana gets his swing in order or Hafner comes off the disabled list.

-- Hoynsie

Here is Tuesday's essay by Michael Wick of Parma Heights.

View full sizeLeron Lee's dash around the bases and into Carlton Fisk's knee in 1974 gave Gaylord Perry a 14th consecutive victory.

This spring, we asked readers to tell us their best memory at an Indians game. More than 600 of you responded. All season, The Plain Dealer will publish fan memories -- one each day the Indians are scheduled to play. Here is Tuesday's essay by Michael Wick of Parma Heights:

It was June 28, 1974. Gaylord Perry was going for his 14th win in a row against the Boston Red Sox on a Friday night. A crowd of over 20,000 (officially 33,020) was there to see their hero, Gaylord. These were diehard Tribe fans. Ten-Cent Beer Night was only three weeks earlier. The Indians were contending with the Red Sox for first place in the American League East.

The game was deadlocked, 1-1, going into the bottom of the ninth. Leron Lee walked. George Hendrick hit a screaming double behind the runner Lee. Leron took off from first like Jesse Owens. He charged around third base. The catcher, Carlton Fisk, was blocking the plate, looking to his right for the throw from the outfield. Leron crashes into Carlton and the umpire calls him safe. The Indians win the game and Gaylord Perry wins his 14th consecutive game to start the season.

Carlton is withering in pain at home plate. Leron Lee crashing into Fisk resulted in an injury that required major knee reconstruction. The athletic perseverance displayed by the runner and catcher that night in 1974 is imbedded in my memory as one of the best plays I've ever seen at an Indians game.

1974 was almost a miracle year for the Tribe. They contested all the way to August. I went to 30 games that season and saw Ten-Cent Beer Night and Dick Bosman's no-hitter. But Lee and Fisk put their bodies and souls into that exciting play at the plate. That is why I go to Progressive Field today no matter what record the Tribe has, in hopes of seeing another great play like that winning play from 1974.

Cleveland State guard Norris Cole knows he won't receive much love from Cleveland fans because he's now a member of the Miami Heat.

Amy Sancetta / Associated PressNorris Cole

MIAMI -- Cleveland State guard Norris Cole says fans there are happy he was taken in the first round of the NBA draft, even if he's joining the despised Miami Heat.

"They know it wasn't really my choice," Cole said with a smile Monday.

Cole was in Miami for an introductory visit after being drafted 28th overall Thursday night, then traded by Minnesota to the Heat for the rights to guard Bojan Bogdanovic, a second-round pick in 2014 and cash.

Cleveland fans have been rooting against the Heat ever since LeBron James chose them over the Cavaliers last summer, but Cole said his new team's unpopularity back in Ohio doesn't bother him.

 
"I've liked the Heat anyway," he said. "I was cheering for them. Some people didn't like the fact I was cheering for them, but they're happy for me and my success. Some people have bad comments to say about LeBron, but I ignore them."

A native of Dayton, Cole said he doesn't know James, and since the draft he hasn't heard from the Heat's so-called "Big 3" -- James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

He'll meet the trio eventually, but perhaps not for a while. With the NBA's collective bargaining agreement set to expire Thursday, a lockout looms, which could mean the postponement of summer sessions designed to speed the development of rookies.

Cole said he'll work out in the Midwest while waiting out the labor dispute.

"I'm going to control what I can control, and that's getting better on the court," he said. "When I get the call saying I can be back down here, I'm going to be back down here."

Heat president Pat Riley chuckled while acknowledging his reputation for being wary of relying on rookies like Cole.

"That's not true," Riley said. "If he's a player who can play, he's going to be on the court. We can't wait to get started working with Norris."

Riley said Cole possesses the speed to change the pace of a game, which may lead the Heat to play a more uptempo style next season.

As a senior Cole averaged 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists for a team that finished with a 27-9 record. As a sophomore he scored 22 points to lead the Vikings past 12th-ranked Wake Forest in the first round of the NCAA tournament on the Heat's home court.

He was watching the draft at home in Dayton with 80 friends and relatives when he learned he was heading back to Miami.

"We were all gathered around watching TV," he said. "When everyone heard my name called, it went crazy and the house started shaking. It was a great feeling."

As for what kind of support Cole will get from Clevelanders now that he's with Miami, he makes no predictions.

"If they want to cheer for us, that's fine," he said. "If not, that's fine."

Do you care if the NBA has a lockout?

LM Otero / Associated PressDavid Stern

The Collective Bargaining Agreement for the NBA ends on Thursday. And everything points to a work stoppage of some kind. The NBA owners and players are far apart on several issues.

In fact, Charles Barkley said in an interview with ESPN that it would take a miracle for the league to avoid a lockout. Barkley also blamed the potential lockout on the Miami Heat.

I think the owners are dug in, I think they want to send a message to these players.

"I think they’re really upset by this LeBron James/Chris Bosh situation, because their teams don’t have to be really good, but I feel like if they have a star in their market they can make some money. And if all the stars want to play together… we’re almost becoming like baseball where you’ve got a few good teams and the rest of them stink."

So how much do you care if there is an NBA lockout?

Kelly Pavlik and trainer Jack Loew have been together for nearly 20 years. They were back in the gym on Monday as they begin preparation for a bout at the Covelli Centre in their hometown of Youngstown on Aug. 6.

Special to The Plain DealerKelly Pavlik and trainer Jack Loew have been together for nearly 20 years.

Kelly Pavlik and trainer Jack Loew have been together for nearly 20 years.

They were back in the gym on Monday as they begin preparation for a bout at the Covelli Centre in their hometown of Youngstown on Aug. 6.

While promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc. looks for an opponent, Loew said getting in some work before an expected fall title shot against IBF super middleweight champ Lucien Bute (28-0, 23 KOs) makes more sense than waiting until November. Pavlik (36-2, 32 KOs) went 13 months away from the ring before his majority decision against Alfonso Lopez on May 7.

“I don’t want to call it a tuneup,” said Loew, whose fighter had an uneven outing against Lopez. “We’ll deal with the five weeks getting ready for this one, then have a few weeks off and start getting ready for Bute. I didn’t want to go six months in between.”

Loew said they were originally looking to get a match for Aug. 20. But the Showtime Network had the opening and will televise the Aug. 6 affair on its “ShoBox” series. Ticket prices and the opponent should be announced this week.

Branching out: Pavlik and Loew have joined forces to form Ghost Promotions. They are putting on a pro show at the Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St., on Friday at 7 p.m.

“We had talked about it for a while,” said Loew, who will work the corner for several fighters from his South Side Boxing Club. “ Kelly wants to stay involved and busy with boxing.”

Headlining is a 10-rounder between lightweight Dannie Williams (17-1, 14 KOs) of St. Louis and Oscar Cuero (13-6, 10 KOs) of Colombia. Middleweight Billy Lyle (23-9, 5 KOs) of Niles and junior welterweight Jake Giuriceo (11-0, 3 KOs) of Campbell are on the eight-bout show. Super middleweight Darnell Boone (18-17-3, 7 KOs) of Youngstown faces Cleveland’s Romaro Johnson (11-3-1, 6 KOs).

Remaining tickets are $52, $25 and $17 at the Covelli and through ticketmaster.com.

Two-timer: Cleveland’s Cashmere Jackson brought home her second straight USA Boxing national championship on Saturday night in Colorado Springs, Colo. Jackson, 23, won another 141-pound title by outpointing Luvisa Matali of Denver, 27-14.

Now Jackson, who trains under Renard Safo at East Cleveland’s MLK Center, has her sights set on the Police Athletic League national tournament in Toledo in October. She will drop to the 132-pound division, which will be one of the three weights contested when women’s boxing debuts at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

The two boxers reaching the PAL finals qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials in February. The Trials will consist of eight women boxers at 112, 132 and 165 pounds.

On the men’s side, Cleveland featherweight Antonio Nieves won two bouts at 123 pounds before losing on a decision in the semifinals to Joseph Diaz Jr. from El Monte, Calif., 27-12.

CSU amateur show: The Cleveland Boxing Club is putting on an amateur card at Cleveland State’s Woodling Gym on July 9 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30, $25, $20 and $15. Call the boxing club at 216-325-8173 or go to clevelandboxingclub.com.

The CBC is at 2157 E. Superior Ave. in Cleveland.

This date: Mike Tyson bites Evander Holyfield on the ear to lose by disqualification in their Las Vegas rematch in 1997.

Farewell: Condolences to the family and friends of Nick Charles. The longtime television announcer died of bladder cancer on Friday at age 64. He will be missed.

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

Lonnie Chisenhall shone in his Tribe debut, a 5-4 win over Arizona, but is he going to be enough to right a floundering ship?

View full sizeAssociated PressIs the Tribe off and running with the call-up of third-baseman Lonnie Chisenhall? He went 2-for-4 in his debut last night, a 5-4 win over the D'backs in Arizona.

Cleveland, Ohio -- The kid --  he's only 22 -- who was hitting .500 in spring training went 2-for-4 with an RBI in his Major League debut for the Indians last night in the Tribe's 5-4 win over Arizona.

Now realistically, no one can expect Lonnie Chisenhall, whom the Indians called up from Columbus in time to play third base in last night's game, to hit .500 over the course of a season. Heck, nobody's hit over .400 since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941. George Brett came close with a .390 in 1980, but that's about it.

It's one game into a career, far too early to judge what will happen. But this is baseball, where hope springs eternal, even if spring isn't.

So, Tribe fans, is this the beginning of the end of the Tribe's slump or just a speed bump on the way down to the cellar?

"Forget about strengthening the team through trades. That would not be wise right now since quality bats do not seem to be up for sale or trade. Better to continue getting reinforcements from within. Next step: bring up an outfielder and DFA a non-performing short-term vet. When LaPorta comes back, shed another vet. Keep working on Grady and Fausto. Obvious by now that Grady should not lead off or bat cleanup." - PhiFan

View full sizeAP Photo | Matt YorkLonnie Chisenhall made his debut at third for the Indians last night.

In response to the story Orlando Cabrera's homer in 9th powers Cleveland Indians to 5-4 victory over Arizona, cleveland.com reader PhiFan thinks help for the Indians should keep coming from within. This reader writes,

"Forget about strengthening the team through trades. That would not be wise right now since quality bats do not seem to be up for sale or trade. Better to continue getting reinforcements from within. Next step: bring up an outfielder and DFA a non-performing short-term vet. When LaPorta comes back, shed another vet. Keep working on Grady and Fausto. Obvious by now that Grady should not lead off or bat cleanup."

"A lot of fans fall in love way too quickly around here. Wait until the guy has at least 1 playoff appearance and 2 Pro Bowl appearances. Many are satisfied much too quickly." - Suck4Luck

View full sizeGetty ImagesJoe Haden has impressed with his play on the field and his actions off it, but some fans are still taking a wait-and-see approach.

In response to the story Loving what Joe Haden's doing - Browns Comment of the Day, cleveland.com reader Suck4Luck thinks fans should wait before falling in love with Joe Haden. This reader writes,

"A lot of fans fall in love way too quickly around here. Wait until the guy has at least 1 playoff appearance and 2 Pro Bowl appearances. Many are satisfied much too quickly."

"Unfortunately, Miami isn't a good fit for Norris Cole. The kid is at his best with the ball in his hands. That won't happen often enough for him to succeed there. He would be better suited to play somewhere else, like Denver or Oklahoma City as a solid backup for Ty Lawson or Russell Westbrook." - drewpickles

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerNorris Cole's next basketball game will likely be in a Heat uniform.

In response to the story Norris Cole had no choice but to take his talents to South Beach, cleveland.com reader drewpickles doesn't think Norris Cole fits in Miami. This reader writes,

"Unfortunately, Miami isn't a good fit for Norris Cole. The kid is at his best with the ball in his hands. That won't happen often enough for him to succeed there. He would be better suited to play somewhere else, like Denver or Oklahoma City as a solid backup for Ty Lawson or Russell Westbrook."

Plain Dealer columnist also says Grady Sizemore is not a trade asset the way he's playing lately. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough, who's going solo today without partner Branson Wright.

After dropping a three-game series in San Francisco over the weekend, the Indians bounced back Monday night with a 5-4 win at Arizona. Part of the reason for the win was newly promoted third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, who went 2-for-4 in his major-league debut. Is this a sign of things to come for the rookie? Or beginner's luck? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest, Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw, says he wasn't surprised with Chisenhall's debut, because in spring training, he thought Chisenhall was the best young hitter he'd seen in years.

Bud also talks about his Sunday Spin column from the weekend, in which he suggested the Indians make a run at San Diego Padres outfielder Ryan Ludwick; whether Grady Sizemore is a tradeable commodity at this point; and whether Baron Davis is the right person to mentor new Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving.

SBTV will return Wednesday with Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises talking Buckeye football.

Former Buckeye, an Air Force vet, returns to campus to help with Ohio State football camp.

Photo courtesy of Ohio StateOhio State assistant football coach John Peterson.

Former Buckeye teammates John Peterson and Matt Manifold were roommates at Ohio State in the 1980s. The two players returned to campus recently when Manifold came to visit Peterson, who is now the tight ends coach for the Buckeyes.

The two former players, writes Ken Gordon of The Columbus Dispatch, got a chance to share a few memories.

Manifold is an F-16 pilot, a 20-year Air Force veteran and a colonel at age 43. He has flown combat missions, including many over Iraq and Afghanistan:

Given that, how Manifold spent last week might seem tame in comparison. At Peterson's invitation, Manifold took a week off from his job of training pilots at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas to be a volunteer coach at Ohio State's football camps.

So, on Wednesday, there was battle-hardened Col. Manifold in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, barking at grade-schoolers lined up for drills on the facility's indoor field.

"It's been a blast," he said of the experience. "We like to give back to the community, give back to Ohio State. They gave me a great four, five years of my life."

The two former players became good friends soon after both arrived in Columbus in the fall of 1986, writes Gordon.  Peterson was a scholarship offensive lineman who earned four letters and was a starting guard in 1990; Manifold was a walk-on tight end.

Manifold did not see much playing time, but he was strongly influenced by his football experience and credits former OSU coach Earle Bruce with keeping him on track toward his current career.

"I had a lot going on, being an aeronautical engineering major and ROTC and playing football, and I was getting pretty crushed in the schoolhouse, in academics," Manifold said. "And I said, 'Hey, Coach, I've got to get into an easier major. This aeronautical engineering is killing me.'

"And (Bruce) said, 'Manifold, if you get out of aeronautical engineering, I'm going to kill you. I've never had a football player graduate in aeronautical engineering, so you don't have a choice. You're staying in (that major).'

"So I stayed in."