The Browns' special-team ailments are one of the most critical areas of improvement needed in 2012.

View full sizePaul Sakuma, Associated PressShane Lechler's TD pass off a fake field goal against the Browns in October was just one of a series of special-team disasters that befell Cleveland throughout the 2011 season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- One season's over, another is two weeks underway, and it's just a little more than a month to pitchers and catchers. So we're talkin' ...

About the Browns coaching staff...

1. I'm with Mike Holmgren when it comes to making radical changes ... no reason to "blow it up." I want Tom Heckert running the draft. I want to see what Pat Shurmur can do in his second year, especially if he brings in an offensive coordinator to call plays. I want them to stick with the 4-3 defense, with Dick Jauron calling the signals. I want them to be wise in free agency -- bolder than last year, but turning into the Washington Redskins and dumping millions on guys past their prime makes no sense and wastes huge dollars.

2. But there must be changes, starting with special teams. As Holmgren said: "Special teams, I saw crazy things happen I have never seen before in my life." OK, why is that? You guys had Brad Seely -- one of the best special-team coaches -- and didn't make a big effort to keep him. Maybe Seely would not have stayed even with a huge raise. But you compounded the mistake by bringing in Chris Tabor, the assistant special teams coach from Chicago.

3. The Browns not only need an experienced coach, they have to admit that Eric Mangini had a point when he reserved a couple of roster spots for premier special-team players. These units are like bullpens in baseball. You need depth, and they aren't noticed until they fall apart. When they do, they cost you games.

4. Holmgren talked about a few more games that could have been won -- well, they beat St. Louis if they can snap the ball and block. They gave up touchdowns on punt and kick returns --- the first time since 1999 that they allowed two returns for touchdowns. Only Baltimore, Seattle and Detroit had three punts/kicks returned for touchdowns.

5. In the previous two years under Seely, no kicks or punts were returned for scores. The longest kickoff return was for 46 yards, the longest punt return was 36. Josh Cribbs led the team with 14 special-team tackles -- four more than anyone else. He didn't start on coverage teams until the fifth game, after Oakland returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

6. The Browns did rank 12th in kickoff return average, 23rd in punt returns. Put them together, and the Browns were sort of average. Cribbs did return a punt for a touchdown. A positive stat is the average starting point on kickoff was 24.5 yard line, No. 2 in the league.

7. Kicker Phil Dawson had perhaps his best pro season -- or would have had the Browns been able to consistently snap the ball and block. Those things did improve near the end of the season when the Browns replaced long snapper Ryan Pontbriand with Chris Yount. But there were at least three kicks blocked, perhaps four, depending on how you count them. No excuse for that.

8. Shurmur will hire an offensive coordinator. He needs to let the man call plays. The head coach of a young team must view the big picture -- all three facets of the game. The offense and special teams did regress from a year ago.

9. Holmgren on why no offensive coordinator was hired last season: "If you remember, we interviewed a couple guys and that's the way we wanted to go ... then what I told [Shurmur] as the process went on 'If you don't get the guy you want, do it yourself.' ... We started out, a couple guys got jobs that we wanted. Instead of settling, we just said, 'We'll do it this way,' and see how this works ... it proved to be a difficult thing, really."

10. The offense dropped from 16.9 to 13.7 points per game. They ranked 30th in scoring, 29th in the red zone. They were 28th in rushing, 24th in passing. Yes, they need playmakers, but they also need a new approach. Shurmur being the coach and play-caller was too much to ask for in his rookie season. It just makes sense to give him help and redefine his role as the team leader.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerGreg Little showed potential of developing into a solid NFL player, but he alone isn't enough to back up Mike Holmgren's continued confidence in an underperforming receiving corps.

About the Browns needs...

1. I'm not going to discuss the quarterback situation, as it will be continually discussed until the draft. It is worth mentioning that two QBs made Holmgren's head coaching career -- Brett Favre and Matt Hasselbeck. Both were backups obtained by trades and given a chance to start. So it is worth paying attention to Green Bay's Matt Flynn (a West Coast offense guy) who may be available.

2. Yes, they need wide receivers. I wish Holmgren would not have said the Browns have a "pretty good group of receivers." They have one real receiver for 2012 -- Greg Little. Cribbs had some nice moments, but he is so needed on special teams -- as much for his coverage as his returns. But fans know the need for a receiver.

3. Not a word was said about the linebackers, other than they want to re-sign D'Qwell Jackson. I expect him to return. They also have Chris Gocong and Kaluka Maiava starting at the end of the year. Scott Fujita, 32, has been hurt the last three years, playing 30 of 48 games. He'll be back, but they desperately need depth at this position.

4. What about Titus Brown? Let's just say that Colt McCoy had more tackles (2) than the injury-prone linebacker (1).

5. Sheldon Brown, 32, is a future safety. The Browns need more cornerbacks besides Joe Haden and Dimitri Patterson. Rookie Buster Skrine showed some promise, but this is another area of little depth.

6. Ah, the offensive line. Suppose Eric Steinbach fully recovers from back surgery, which is possible. He moves back to left guard, allowing Jason Pinkston to either battle Shawn Lauvao for right guard or serve as a backup. Right tackle Tony Pashos had another injury-marred season, his third in a row. They need a real right tackle to bring depth to the line.

7. At running back, Brandon Jackson, Chris Ogbonnaya and Montario Hardesty are under contract for next season. None inspire confidence as a starter.

8. Finally, there is defensive end, where Jayme Mitchell proved to be mediocre. They need someone to play the other side from Jabaal Sheard. Obviously, not all these needs can filled -- but they're real.

About the Tribe...

View full sizeAP fileCarlos Pena has 172 home runs over the last five big-league seasons with the Rays and Cubs, but he hasn't mustered a batting average over .250 since 2007.

1. Don't be shocked if the Indians sign a left-handed hitting first baseman such as Carlos Pena or Casey Kotchman. Or even if they trade for a lefty who plays first. Why would a team loaded with lefty hitters do that? Here's the Tribe thinking, and it starts with switch-hitting Carlos Santana playing first base against lefties, with Lou Marson catching. Marson was a .297 hitter (.794 OPS) vs. lefties last season. They love his work behind the plate. Only Matt Wieters (37 percent) threw out more base runners than Marson (33 percent) in the American League.

2. The Indians obviously would prefer Matt LaPorta to figure out big-league pitching, but they aren't counting on it. He has a minor-league option and could start the year at Columbus. The Tribe is building a bench with righty hitters. Don't be surprised if Jason Donald plays center when some lefties pitch. Even if healthy, Grady Sizemore (.228 career vs. lefties) shouldn't play every day. Donald has batted .328 vs. lefties in the majors. He played very well in center and left during the instructional league this off-season.

3. If Donald can play center against lefties, then Shelley Duncan or Aaron Cunningham could be in left. They both could be in the lineup, as Duncan could be the DH. Travis Hafner (.233) also has a hard time facing lefties. The Indians hope that Cunningham (.256, .741 OPS vs. lefties in the majors) can become a role player. Cunningham and Duncan are both out of minor-league options.

4. While Jack Hannahan is a lefty hitter, the third baseman batted .296 vs. lefties. Lonnie Chisenhall historically had trouble with lefties in the minors, but he did bat .260 against them (13-of-50 with 5 HR) with the Tribe. Chisenhall is not promised a starting spot at third. He has to play reasonably well this spring, or the Indians will go with Hannahan and send Chisenhall to Class AAA. I doubt that will happen, but the Indians don't want Chisenhall to assume he's the starter.

5. Against lefties, the Indians (in theory) would only have three left-handed hitters in the lineup -- Shin-Soo Choo, Jason Kipnis and Hannahan. None have been destroyed by lefty pitching. Do the Indians want to sink at least $5 million into someone such as Pena? He hit 28 homers with 80 RBI and 101 walks for the Cubs last year. But he also struck out 161 times! And batted .225. He is a very good fielder. In the last three years, he's averaged 32 homers, 85 RBI while hitting a mere .216 and fanning 160 times.

6. Pena, 33, has been much better vs. righties (.233, .862 OPS) than lefties (.179, .704 OPS) in the last three seasons. So if the Indians do sign him, it would be as a platoon player with Santana at first base.

7. Kotchman, 28, is much different than Pena, other than also being strong defensively. He is a contact hitter. His .306 average (.800 OPS) is strong, but he had only 10 homers and 48 RBI for Tampa. In the last three seasons, he's a .266 hitter (.719 OPS), averaging nine homers and 49 RBI a year as a regular.

About the Cavaliers ...

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerRamon Sessions' improved offensive game has given the Cavaliers a boost at point guard -- along with the good start of rookie Kyrie Irving.

1. Imagine having a point guard who is averaging 24.7 points, 10.7 assists, 8.0 rebounds and shooting 88 percent from the foul line. That's what Kyrie Irving and Ramon Sessions are producing. They are playing 49 total minutes, meaning they overlap only about a minute each game. So the numbers are meaningful. One of the reasons the Cavs are 4-3 (along with a soft schedule) is the stunning combined play of their point guards.

2. Byron Scott is playing Irving 26.4 minutes, Sessions 22.6. They both can play more, and the Cavs have talked about pairing them in some situations. But the key is the Cavs don't have to wear out the 19-year-old Irving with major minutes in a condensed 66-game schedule. Remember that Irving played only 11 games last season because of a foot injury.

3. Minnesota's Derrick Williams has a chance to become a significant scorer in the NBA, even if it's unclear what is his best position. Williams is probably an undersized power forward, but he can score. He is shooting 51 percent and averaging 9.1 points in 19 minutes.

4. But Irving will probably make the bigger impact because he is a pure point guard who passes well, and can get to the rim almost at will. Sessions has the same ability to drive to the basket. The nice thing is Sessions has upgraded his jumper, and is an improved passer in his second full season with Scott. Sessions is only 25 and in his fifth NBA season. This is the first time that he's had the same coach for two years in a row. He came to the Cavs with some lazy habits on defense and always looking to score -- that comes from being on bad teams. You can see him becoming more of a team player.

5. Sessions is averaging slightly more assists (5.4) than Irving (5.3). He has made fewer turnovers (20-14). Irving is 44 percent on 3-pointers, and his jumper means he probably can play some shooting guard next to Sessions. It will be fun to watch Scott handle his two young guards.

6. After seven games, no one is averaging more than 31 minutes (Anderson Varejao and Antawn Jamison) in Scott's 10-man rotation. It's a great way for give several young players experience. A few fans have mentioned that maybe the Cavs will win "too many games" and mess up their draft position. Relax. They are 4-3, but have yet to play a team with a winning record from last season. Only Indiana (37-45) made the playoffs. As the schedule kicks in, we won't have to worry about the Cavs being "too good."

Veteran guard's role on the rebuilding roster baffles one reader to Tom Reed's mailbag.

View full sizeDavid Guralnik, Detroit NewsAt least one Cavaliers fan isn't certain what Anthony Parker brings to the Cavaliers besides the much-touted leadership characteristics.

Hey, Tom: What does not make sense to me in a rebuilding year is the resigning of Anthony Parker. He is a non-driver of the basketball and does not create, rarely gets fouled, and is just taking minutes away from younger players. Might be a great locker-room type guy but he will not help the Cavs in 2012 and beyond. What is the gain to play him now? -- Tim Corbett, Ladera Ranch, Calif.

Hey, Tim: In time, the Cavs will upgrade at that position. But Parker can still hit some big shots -- as he did against Indiana -- and he has the trust of Byron Scott. He's also on a one-year deal. As for the leadership aspect, his locker is right next to the one occupied by Kyrie Irving. That's not a coincidence.

Hey, Tom: How come the Cavs haven't looked into signing David Lighty? He'sa great defender, can shoot the 3-ball and is a hometown guy. -- Vinny Horvath, Euclid

Hey, Vinny: The lockout really hurt undrafted players like Lighty because it gave them no opportunity to impress scouts and GMs during a summer league. He made the choice to play in Europe and probably will reassess his options at season's end.

Hey, Tom: Is there any chance the Cavaliers will get rid of those ugly uniforms they're wearing and go to something classy like they had two seasons ago? High school teams have better looking uniforms than these. -- Robert Pierce, Elizabethton, Tenn.

Hey, Robert: I haven't heard that complaint from many fans, but I'm quite sure that is well down the Cavs' list of concerns behind finding a more athletic shooting guard and small forward and putting more butts in the seats.

Hey, Tom: I've haven't been very impressed with Omri Casspi's play this season and was wondering why Christian Eyenga is stuck on the bench. I understand Gee's revival, but there has to be more to Eyenga's lack of opportunity. -- Stephen B., Cleveland

Hey, Stephen: The Cavs love Eyenga's athleticism, but his struggles on defense and hispenchant for coasting through practice earned him a trip to the D-League. His quickness and size could make him a lockdown defender, but Eyenga has to commit to Byron Scott's plan. He needs to get some playing time and sending him to Canton during the extended road trip was wise.

-- Tom

Draft talk is definitely percolating ... and it's only the first week in January.

View full sizeTed S. Warren, Associated PressKellen Moore is one of college football's all-time most productive quarterbacks -- just like Colt McCoy. And that's not the only similarity between the two, says Tony Grossi.

Hey, Tony: What do you think about the Browns drafting Kellen Moore from Boise State? I have watched him every chance I get, he has an arm, plays in cold weather, has mobility, and his accuracy is pretty good. I'm not saying he's worthy of a first-round pick but maybe fourth round. I think the Browns should take a look at him. -- Anne Luxon, Hinckley

Hey, Anne: Moore broke Colt McCoy's career record for most college wins. Unfortunately, he's shorter and lighter than McCoy and has dubious arm strength.

Hey, Tony: Mike Sherman is out as Texas A&M coach. Any rumors on him being the Browns' OC. Also if that happens I can see the Browns selecting A&M QB Ryan Tannehill with their second-round pick. -- Moe C. Las Vegas

Hey, Moe: There doesn't seem to be a connection between Sherman and Pat Shurmur, though Sherman worked with Mike Holmgren before. He reportedly was interviewed for the Tampa Bay head coach vacancy.

Hey, Tony: On Browns Insider you mentioned that a new OC would come from the group represented by Holmgren's agent. The team doesn't limit itself to drafting players from one conference or represented by one agent, why would they limit the talent pool they are drawing from, and more importantly why would Randy Lerner allow this practice? -- Brian Schorr, Frisco, Texas

Hey, Brian: We'll see if Holmgren allows Pat Shurmur to step outside the Bob LaMonte client base to hire the offensive coordinator. Shurmur is also represented by LaMonte.

Hey, Tony: Going into the season with a rookie head coach, I had some optimism given the veterans on both sides of the ball: Mike Holmgren, Gil Haskell, Ray Rhodes, and Dick Jauron were all in the house. Yet Shurmur has looked like an overwhelmed rookie. Also, with Jim Harbaugh, Mike Munchak (and John Fox) as first-year head coaches in the same lockout offseason and in playoff contention, how can Shurmur be given a pass? I believe I've seen enough to say that Shurmur doesn't have IT as a head coach and Holmgren doesn't have IT as a team president. I love Cleveland, the Browns history, but in all seriousness why should I follow this team until after they're gone? I don't think I will. -- Michael Bluth, O.C., Calif.

Hey, Michael: Harbaugh and Munchak definitely had more talent to work with. Fox simply is one of the best coaches in the NFL at finding ways to win games. Why should you keep following the Browns? You'll want to be there when they win again.

Hey, Tony: Do you think the organization missed a golden opportunity to address the bigger issue during the McCoy-Harrison saga regarding the reality of the violent culture in the AFC North? The Ravens' and Steelers' linebackers knock you out first, then worry about the consequences -- that's called football. Don't you think a team that actually understood the mentality it took to succeed in this brutal division would focus on efforts to identify, scout and develop playmakers like that? -- Dan Lind, New York City

Hey, Dan: More than ever, I'm of the opinion the Browns need a bigger, stronger quarterback to compete in their brutal division. Yes, everyone scoffs at Derek Anderson, with good reason. But the fact is they won 10 games when he was flinging the ball to Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow. No, I don't want Anderson back. But the Browns need to think big at the quarterback position. The key, of course, is to find a bigger quarterback with a strong arm and many of the same intangibles as McCoy.

Hey, Tony: How is the strength of schedule decided for teams finishing with the same record and does that come before a head-to-head result? Also with so many needs for the team can we afford to trade up to get Robert Griffin?-- Andy Dawson, Liverpool, UK

Hey, Andy: The strength of schedule is determined by adding the final records of all the teams played in a given year. It is used to break ties in draft order only. The team with the lower strength of schedule -- easier schedule -- wins the tie-breaker among teams with the same final record. I think Griffin needs to be evaluated carefully by the Browns and should not be dismissed as a possibility with their first pick.

Hey, Tony: According to everyone we hear from, the Browns have horrible receivers, a patchwork O-line, a couple of decent D-lineman, a couple of linebackers, a young struggling QB, average special teams, a horrible head coach, an injury riddled running game and defensive backfield, yet they're relatively close in almost every game? With supposedly nothing above average, how is it they don't get consistently beat up? -- Dave Slavick, Eastlake

Hey, Dave: Your point is made. But the fact is, more NFL games than ever are close. As one player told me this year, "You've got to be really bad to consistently get blown out in this league." What was encouraging, I believe, was that the Browns played tough through 16 games and didn't get blown out in their last two or three -- as they have in the past.

Hey, Tony: I had a dream last night that the Browns traded down in the draft, swapping their first pick with Washington (who want RGIII) and in addition getting Washington's number one next year. Which will be a very high pick. Plausible scenario? -- Spike, Tampa, Fla.

Hey, Spike: I don't think there's any way the Browns could command a future No. 1 to move down from No. 4 to No. 6. That's usually worth a third-round draft pick.

Hey, Tony: Rather than draft a QB in the first round, do you think the Browns are interested in Nick Foles from Arizona? He is very accurate with great size and arm strength. He would be available in round 2 or even round 3. -- Ronnie Rickabaugh, Madison, Ala.

Hey, Ronnie: Foles is gaining traction with fans and draftniks as a viable option. He has great size (6-5 and 240 pounds), good arm strength and decent accuracy. But there are reasons he isn't mentioned as a first-round talent. With him, the negatives are a 15-18 career record, 33 career interceptions and most of his college experience in a shotgun offense. But his size alone should merit him a long look, in my opinion.

View full sizeMichael Conroy, Associated PressSo you want the Browns to get Andrew Luck? You'll have to convince this man -- Colts owner Jim Irsay -- to give up the No. 1 pick. That won't come cheaply, says Tony.

Hey, Tony: I'm getting a little tired of listening to some fans trying to convince us that we should not acquire another (elite) QB and that McCoy just needs weapons. McCoy has regressed from last year. After 13 years, we need to finally quit screwing around and get an elite franchise guy in here. Do you think at this point we need to do everything in our power to get Andrew Luck? -- Steve Jones, Youngstown, Ohio

Hey, Steve: I would give up the two No. 1s this year and one next year for Luck. Now, that doesn't mean instant success his rookie season. But having him in place would enable the Browns to concentrate exclusively on filling out the rest of the team. Without "the guy" in place, a team is just spinning its wheels. Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff once told me when you don't have "the guy," you waste time, energy and resources searching for him and you don't get the other things done.

Hey, Tony: The Browns need to draft playmakers and a team with so many needs cannot afford to stockpile picks and expect to compete. They also cannot make many mistakes when drafting. While I agree with the above assessment, how can you continue your past justification of drafting Montario Hardesty? Why would you take that crazy risk with his injury history ? It made no sense! The Browns don't have the luxury of these types of risks. We can also make this argument with T.J. Ward, who the jury is still out on. -- Chris Domathes, New York, N.Y.

Hey, Chris: The one criticism of the Hardesty selection I always disagreed with was that Tom Heckert gave up too much in the trade to move up and take him. Heckert just gave up two fifth-round picks to move from the third to the second round. That's inconsequential. Obviously, the problem was using a second-round pick on a player with an injury history. So, yes, that move is looking bad. But projecting injuries is problematic. Courtney Brown never was injured at Penn State, yet had his NFL career shortened because of them. Adrian Peterson had an injury history at Oklahoma, but was sturdy and fantastic his first four years. Thurman Thomas was injured his senior year at Oklahoma State and had a Hall of Fame career with Buffalo. You never know when to take a risk and when to back off.

Hey, Tony: With all of the QB talk, how has Thaddeus Lewis looked in practice? I know he's a long shot but seems to be the type of QB Holmgren loves to develop and obviously has a familiarity with Shurmur. -- Phil Smith, Westlake

Hey, Phil: Lewis arrived after the open practices at training camp ended, so we never got to see him practice or play. Once camp is over, NFL teams shorten the time available for the media to view practice. All we saw of Lewis all year was doing position drills, for the most part. So his attraction to Shurmur remains a mystery until next training camp.

Hey, Tony: I really don't care who we draft, but we desperately need to draft legitimate playmakers. How many other GMs and experienced draft wizards really fear the draft board Heckert and Holmgren will put together? I just don't see anyone like a Bill Belichick leap-frogging the Browns on draft day because he knows the Browns are no threat to pick any player coveted by others. -- Mike G., Japan

Hey, Mike: I think the Browns' pick at No. 4 could garner some interest in trade. Washington at No. 6, for instance, might want to leapfrog the Browns or even talk to them about that spot, depending on how the first three picks fall off the board. I think it's early to project possible trade scenarios.

View full sizeTony Dejak, Associated PressWho wouldn't want Ray Rice on their team? Then again, why would the Ravens make him available?

Hey, Tony: Think the Ravens will franchise tag Ray Rice? Do they have the cap space? They still need to re-sign Joe Flacco as well. I would make either a big offer if possible. -- Chris Topher, Parma Heights

Hey, Chris: I love Rice as a player, but I sincerely doubt the Ravens will not find a way to re-sign him and Flacco.

Hey, Tony: Seneca Wallace admitting what we already knew, that he hasn't helped Colt learn the West Coast offense on purpose, is a great microcosm of the season and this organization. I'm not even saying that McCoy is the answer but it is borderline comical how he has repeatedly been set up to fail. Maybe Colt lacks the skill set to be a starting quarterback. Let's not forget that he is also the victim of, as you say, an organization that consistently ruins quarterbacks. -- Matt Jancar, Strongsville

Hey, Matt: I can't disagree with you except to say I don't think he's been purposely "set up to fail." I just think the Browns have done a lousy job of supporting him. You didn't even mention the absurdity of putting him back into the Dec. 8 game in Pittsburgh two plays after getting knocked into the Three Rivers by James Harrison. When you consider the Browns' failure to develop Tim Couch and Brady Quinn, also, it sure does look like this is the franchise where quarterbacks come to die.

Hey, Tony: If the Browns fail to cut a deal for Andrew Luck in next year's draft, and don't trade down (better not!), I predict the following players being selected by the Browns in the first three rounds: Robert Griffin III QB, Michael Floyd WR, Vontaze Burfict LB, and Chase Minnefield CB. Do you think at this point, this scenario would constitute a successful first three rounds? -- Brian Sparks

Hey, Brian: Sure, sign me up. Do you think the other 31 teams might have something to say about it, though?

Hey, Tony: Any chance of the Browns drafting WR Elvis Akpla in the later rounds this coming April? I think he could be a hidden gem. -- Dan Eakin, Bozeman, Mont.

Hey, Dan: Any player named Elvis should be given a thorough look, in my opinion.

Hey, Tony: Why does it take so long for the NFL to release the season schedule? They know years in advance what teams will play each other, but can't release the schedule to the fans. Any way you could put it in the PD sooner? -- Tony Koenig, Parma Heights

Hey, Tony: There are myriad logistical problems to work out first -- availability of stadium dates, conflicts with Major League Baseball playoff schedules, travel issues and, ultimately, network TV issues. Granted, the NFL markets the release of the next season's schedule as an event unto itself, but there's more that goes into it than just knowing a team's future opponents.

Hey, Tony: With all of the other problems this team has, it seems everyone is always focused on the next 1uarterback. No rookie is going to be the guy his first year. Doesn't another rookie QB just set this team back another year? -- Don McFeley, Neffs, Ohio

Hey, Don: It goes back to one of my previous answers. If you don't have the quarterback on board who's going to take you to the Super Bowl, your franchise is always obsessed with finding him. Sure, the rookie year is going to be a learning experience for even the next Hall of Famer. That's why you have to find him, to get it out of the way and start the developmental process.

Hey, Tony: The Patriots are a team known for trading in the draft, the Browns need solid picks. With the Browns likely not taking RGIII, I think a trade down is very reasonable for everyone. The Browns can then address a lot of the holes. -- Brandon M., Akron

Hey, Brandon: So once again you want the Browns to pass up the elite talent available to them in the top 10 picks, trade down and just collect bodies to fill up the roster? I believe that's a recipe for mediocrity.

Hey, Tony: The Browns trade their two number ones to Indy for Manning and perhaps if really lucky they get Wayne, also. Look for a big hitter at LB and DE in the draft, sign Hillis, making an instant effective offense and McCoy gets 3-4 years to learn from one of the best. One more move, get Gruden now! -- Bo Webb, Peachtree, W.Va.

Hey, Bo: And then when Manning and Wayne retire, what are you left with? No, the Browns need players on the way up, not on the way down.

Hey, Tony: So I see your firmly in the "don't run a billionaire owner outta town crowd." How's his tenure worked out so far? BTW, all of your readers are keenly aware of your criticism of Eric Mangini and your apologetic nature toward Shurmur. Hoping for a job? -- Mike B., Dover, Ohio

Hey, Mike: I saw your idol the other day and he said to tell you to stop over and shovel the driveway twice a day next week.

Hey, Tony: During a game an announcer made the point that part of McCoy's problem could be that he has spent his college career taking snaps in the shotgun and Shurmur wants to run the offense from under center. If so isn't this another case of a coach forcing his system on players vs. coaching to your talent? Wouldn't that rule out RG III? Are there any top college QBs that do run an offense from under center? -- Bill Deshurko, Centerville, Ohio

Hey, Bill: The pure shotgun offense does not work in the NFL. Winning QBs have to execute the offense mostly under center and from the pocket to adequately read the field and go through the progressions of the offense. It's a fact. If a quarterback can't adapt, he's not going to win. That's one reason some fantastic college quarterbacks never amount to anything in the NFL. It's a different game. Don't blame the coach for trying to "coach him up." It's the coach's job to make the quarterback better. Don't view it as stubbornly adhering to a system. Cam Newton made the adjustment. If McCoy can't operate under center -- and learn to read the field from the pocket -- then he's not good enough for the NFL. Griffin will have to make the adjustment, too.

Hey, Tony: As of this writing it looks like the Colts take Luck, who is generally considered the second-best QB in the draft. How good do you believe he is? -- Doug Shaffer, Orange, Calif.

Hey, Doug: Luck is the best quarterback in the draft. Griffin had a scintillating year at Baylor, but nine NFL GMs out of 10 would take Luck over him -- I believe. How good is Luck? Peyton Manning is a fair comparison.

Hey, Tony: What QB would you like to see the Browns pursue; either pro or college? -- Brian Ayers, New London, Ohio

Hey, Brian: Luck. And Cam Newton.

Hey, Tony: If the Browns and Redskins orchestrated a draft trade, what could the Browns get to drop down two places? -- Sean Samuels, Chandler, Ariz.

Hey, Sean: I think they could get a third-round pick. Maybe a fourth, also.

Hey, Tony: I've been a fairly harsh critic of Pat Shurmur. However, I don't feel we were able to get a true feel for what kind of head coach he can be due to the extreme lack of talent, especially on offense. I would like to see what he can do with real playmakers. What is your take? -- Matthew Yoder, Newark, Del.

Hey, Matthew: I had high hopes, and then was disappointed as the season went on. However, I do believe Shurmur is smart enough to adjust in his second season. He was never a head coach at any level before this year. I'm not ready to give up on him.

Hey, Tony: Would you agree that Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert's top priority should be to sign Matt Flynn at QB? He comes from a similar West Coast offense, and has been learning behind a future Hall of Famer for the last four seasons. Then, the Browns could use the first pick on either Justin Blackmon or Trent Richardson. -- Ted Hebert, Longmeadow, Mass.

Hey, Ted: Flynn must be thoroughly evaluated. Here's what I don't like about him: 1. His size and arm strength are not much different from McCoy's. 2. I'm not sure how much he can lift a mediocre team -- a requirement of a true franchise quarterback. I believe his surrounding cast has lifted him. 3. You just never know how a backup will react when he is elevated to the starting job and all the responsibility falls on him. These concerns don't disqualify him, in my opinion, but allaying them would take a lot of research. I do agree if the Browns could find their quarterback outside the draft, they could really make some hay in the draft developing a supporting cast.

Hey, Tony: I thought the Browns won a small victory with the Steelers by neutralizing James Harrison. He had two tackles and one assist with no sacks in the New Year's Day game. Nice not to see him celebrating over another one of our horizontal players. -- Nancy H., Baltimore

Hey, Nancy: My initial thought was Harrison basically coasted so as not to jeopardize his playing status for the playoffs. One more offense could merit a multi-game suspension in the playoffs and I believe his coach had a sitdown with him to warn against doing anything stupid.

-- Tony

Additional tweaks to the Indians' 2012 roster continues to fill up the mailbag for beat writer Paul Hoynes.

View full sizeAP fileVladimir Guerrero's production against left-handed pitchers has waned in recent years, as he hit just two homers in 153 at-bats against lefties in 2011 while playing with Baltimore.

Hey, Hoynsie: What do you think about Vlad Guerrero and Casey Kotchman? Could the Tribe sign Guerrero to a one-year deal to help against left-handed pitching and Kotchman to play first base? -- Jeff Koz, Olmsted Falls

Hey, Jeff: Guerrero hit .291 against righties and .288 against lefties so he could help, but where is he going to play unless the Indians decide to platoon at DH? I don't see that happening.

Kotchman, like Guerrero, is still a free agent. He had a good year at Tampa Bay in 2011, hitting .306 (153-for-500) with 24 doubles, three triples, 10 homers and 48 RBI. So it's logical to assume the Indians have some interest, but Matt LaPorta's offensive production was equal or a tad better in 148 fewer at-bats.

Hey, Hoynsie: If the Indians had landed Carlos Beltran, would they have moved Shin-Soo Choo, Grady Sizemore or Michael Brantley to a position they had never played or just benched Travis Hafner? -- James Keller, Copley

Hey, James: Just a guess on my part, but I think Brantley would have gone to the bench or the minors.

Hey, Hoynsie: If the Indians acquire a first basemen and Matt LaPorta is the odd man out, does he have any trade value? -- Jeremy Cronig, Shaker Heights

Hey, Jeremy: I don't think the return would be great for LaPorta in a trade, but he has some value. He also has an option, which would allow him to go to the minors for 2012.

Hey, Hoynsie: What is up with Kosuke Fukudome? Sign him, please. -- Scott Shelton, Cleveland

Hey, Scott: Fukudome is a free agent. It does not appear the Indians will re-sign him because they already have three left-handed hitting outfielders.

Hey, Hoynsie: Was the Tribe's interest in Carlos Beltran indicative that Grady Sizemore's rehab is behind schedule? -- Chris Dermond, Cleveland

Hey, Chris: No. If Beltran did sign with the Indians, he wasn't going to play center. Sizemore's rehab from right knee surgery is on schedule. He'll get the knee examined this week by Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colo. If the test goes well, he'll begin baseball activities in preparation for spring training.

Hey, Hoynsie: While watching a show on the MLB network it got me thinking about the Hall of Fame. Is there any accountability for the writers who select Hall of Fame members? For instance, Ted Williams is a first-ballot member, but received "only" 93 percent of the ballots. How on earth could someone not vote for him? (not a fan of the Red Sox, but he is my example.) Other times it seems that a player is elected on a weak ballot. Just wondering how the process works and how are the writers held accountable. -- Steve Davis, Vermilion

Hey, Steve: To vote for the Hall of Fame one must be a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America for at least 10 years. A screening committee of BBWAA members selects the players' ballot. To be considered, a player must be retired for five years and have played at least 10 years in the big leagues in the previous 20 years before retiring.

Voters can vote for as many as 10 players on the ballot. Write-in votes are not permitted. A player must receive at least 75 percent of the votes cast to be elected. A player can stay on the ballot for 15 years, but to do so he must receive at least five percent of the vote annually.

Voters are fickle in any election. It's no different in the BBWAA. Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Cy Young and Cal Ripken Jr. didn't receive 100 percent of the vote. Actually, no one has.

Votes are supposed to be cast based on a player's record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contributions to the teams he played on. Personalities, however, are part of the process. Williams' relationship with the writers when he played in Boston was not good. These days voters must deal with steroids.

Voters must sign their ballot. If a question or controversy arises about their ballot, they can be scrutinized that way.

Hey, Hoynsie: What is the status of Shelley Duncan regarding his contract and management plans for him? He is a right-handed hitter who had a great September in 2011 and can play left field and first base. Will he be on the 25-man roster? If not, why? -- Al Harley, Strongsville

Hey, Al: Duncan is on the 40-man roster and at the moment is scheduled to report to spring training and compete for a big-league job. He does not have enough big-league time to be eligible for arbitration, so the Indians hold the upper hand in contract negotiations.

He is out of options, which means he cannot be sent down without being exposed to waivers. Duncan bounced between Cleveland and Class AAA four times last year. Duncan played well last year and should have a good shot at making the 25-man roster.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why is the Tribe a "small-market" team that can't spend the money to go after a big-time player like Prince Fielder yet the Cavs have a dedicated owner who will spend whatever it takes to win? Aren't both these teams in Cleveland? I think the owner of the Indians should sell the team to someone who has the money to field a pennant-winning team. -- Bob Price, Erie, Pa.

Hey, Bob: As I'm sure you know, the NBA has a salary cap, which levels the playing field and allows teams such as the Cavs to compete. There is no salary cap in baseball, which puts teams such as the Indians at a great disadvantage.

It's easy to say the Dolan family should just sell the Indians, but first you have to have a desire to sell the club and then you have to find a buyer. It's hard to call the Indians an attractive product right now.

Hey, Hoynsie: Would the Indians consider trading Chris Perez to the Angels for Mark Trumbo? That would solve our problem at first base and Trumbo needs to go with Albert Pujols there. The Angels are loaded with options anyway and the owner said the next step is to work on their bullpen. -- Frank Wrick, North Olmsted

Hey, Frank: You're not the first person to talk about a Perez for Trumbo deal. Trumbo, however, is still recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot that could keep him out until the start of spring training and delay his move from first to third.

The Angels do have young Jonathan Walden to close. He throws 99 mph and converted 32 of 42 save chances last year. Still, I think the Indians would kick the tires on such a proposal if they haven't already.

-- Paul

Tim Tebow should be judged as a football player. Religious bias is as antithetical to the idea of sports as a merit system as racial biases were in the past.

View full sizeJoe Mahoney, Associated PressThe divergence of opinion on Tim Tebow is a reflection of fans and media confusing Tebow's religious convictions with his ability to help his team win. It's an uncomfortable reflection of religious bias, says Bill Livingston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Many sportswriters, indeed many journalists overall, are not deeply religious.

We have covered too many phonies and hypocrites through the years. Most promised some version of "Success with Honor," the Penn State slogan that went into the cesspool with the cover-up of child abuse allegations. We have seen too many professed ideals subverted to just win, baby. Speaking metaphorically, we have pretty much concluded there are no saints in big-time sports, and few virgins.

All of this makes Denver quarterback Tim Tebow a difficult player for us to evaluate.

By absolutely all accounts, Tebow is a God-fearing, respectful young man with fundamentalist Christian beliefs, wearing scripturally inscribed eye-black patches and possessing an unorthodox skill set at quarterback that has created a sensation in the NFL.

The Broncos play visiting Pittsburgh Sunday in the first round of the NFL playoffs, with the Broncos dragging a three-game losing streak behind them. So suspect are Tebow's passing skills that the Steelers, on the road, are nine-point favorites.

It seems improbable that Tebow, mired in a deep slump, can lead his team to victory, but nothing else about his season has been an odds-on favorite to occur either.

He stands so clearly in opposition to the secular concerns and egomania of many modern athletes that fans who do not share many of his religious beliefs nonetheless admire him.

When the Detroit Lions, in routing the Broncos, mocked his "Tebowing" gesture of kneeling in prayer after a touchdown, they confirmed that tastelessness had gone viral. In crotch-grabbing, taunting and exalting themselves while mocking humility, modern athletes have all but abolished the very idea of excess.

But a problem also arises in the excessive zeal with which fundamentalists view Tebow. He has become a transcendent figure to them, God's Quarterback. Victory is ascribed to divine will, not earthly skill.

Repeatedly, he led fourth-quarter comebacks after becoming the starter. The Broncos won three overtime games as they galloped to the lead in the AFC West. Many of us football skeptics felt the Broncos' defense kept them in those games and covered up for Tebow's inaccurate passes. We also wondered exactly how much Tebow had to do with the 59-yard field goal that tied one game and then the 51-yarder that won it in overtime.

Still, 12 teams made the playoffs and of them, only three -- San Francisco, Cincinnati and Denver -- came into the season with questions at quarterback. Only one, Denver, changed quarterbacks in midseason for reasons other than injury. Only one, Denver, changed the entire offense on the run.

The Broncos use a college option-read attack, turning the powerful Tebow into a fullback carrying the ball. It challenged all the assumptions about how the game is played at its most important position and at its highest level.

In sports, the goal is to quantify everything. The computer age brought with it a revolution in statistical information. The NFL Combine is the biggest geek convention, with all the timing and measuring this side of a track meet. But among all the 40-yard dash times and bench-press reps, there is always a place reserved for qualities that fall under the rubric of "leadership."

Think of this metamorphosis by a previously struggling player into a crunch-time closer as the anti-LeBron factor. Whether Tebow's fantastic finishes come from the sharpening of his focus then, the urgency of his willpower or the support of teammates who play harder because they believe he gives them the best chance to win, it is a remarkable upgrade in performance.

But overall, Tebow completed only 47.3 percent of his passes this season and has only an ordinary 75.3 quarterback rating. Colt McCoy's was 74.5, which is essentially the same.

Most football personnel people do not think Tebow's success is sustainable without marked improvement in mechanics and accuracy. No one will work harder than Tebow, though. He throws around 200 passes in pre-game warmups.

It is, finally, as a football player that Tebow should be judged. Isn't how you play the whole idea of sports as a meritocracy? Judging Tebow with a religious bias is as pernicious as was judging quarterbacks in the past with a racist bias.

Is it possible to admire the strength of Tebow's convictions while doubting their relevance to his performance? Is it possible to enjoy how much a different type of player thrilled and captivated us, while questioning the basis of his game?

Most sportswriters think the miracles have run their course in the Rockies. But some of us could live with being wrong, too. Particularly against the Steelers.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Irving is exhibiting leadership qualities the belie his age and experience level.

View full sizeGus Chan, The Plain Dealer"It seems like each and every game he's starting to get a little bit more comfortable in (leading the team)," Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said of Kyrie Irving. "I still think it's going to take him time to really feel that he can be the leader that we want him to be, which is understandable."

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Omri Casspi was having a miserable start to Tuesday's night game against Charlotte at The Q -- committing a turnover, air-balling a 3-point shot and missing the first of two free throws.

As the Cavaliers' small forward, who's struggled with his confidence, prepared for a second foul shot, teammate Kyrie Irving approached. Like a catcher visiting the mound to help his rattled pitcher locate the strike zone, Irving spoke to Casspi for several seconds. He encouraged him, challenged him and punctuated his pep talk with a slap to Casspi's chest.

The 19-year-old point guard was playing in his fifth NBA game.

"That's probably something I wouldn't have done in the opener," Irving said.

Save for a pair of clunkers against the Toronto Raptors, the Cavaliers rookie is justifying his No.1 overall selection in the draft. He is averaging 14.1 points and 5.3 assists, pushing the pace at every opportunity, slashing to the basket and showing the ability to hit perimeter shots. Irving has played a large role in the Cavaliers' surprising 4-3 start.

But it's moments like the one with Casspi that add a layer of excitement to his development. He is exhibiting leadership qualities the belie his age and experience level.

"It seems like each and every game he's starting to get a little bit more comfortable in that role," coach Byron Scott said. "I still think it's going to take him time to really feel that he can be the leader that we want him to be, which is understandable.

"Chris Paul was the same way. He had problems yelling at P.J. Brown or saying P.J. should be here because he had been in the league so long and was a veteran. That's just respect, and I think Kyrie has that same respect for guys like Antawn [Jamison] and AP [Anthony Parker] and Andy [Anderson Varejao] who have been in this league for a long time and had success."

Irving is showing leadership actions as well as words.

Although the position of point guard requires Irving to direct others, it doesn't demand taking the last shot, the way he did in the dying fourth-quarter seconds against Indiana in a Dec. 30 overtime loss. As the Cavaliers broke their timeout huddle, however, almost everyone in Bankers Life Fieldhouse sensed the moment belonged to Irving.

By comparison, LeBron James did not begin attempting final shots until midway through his rookie season, after the Cavaliers traded Ricky Davis and Darius Miles. Irving has demonstrated on several occasions he isn't afraid of failure. It's a trait that has not escaped the attention of veterans Jamison and Daniel Gibson -- or his coach.

In discussing Irving, Scott often references Paul and his rookie-of-the-year season (2005-06) with New Orleans. Scott coached that team and saw his club make a 20-game improvement in the win column.

Irving still looks to the bench for instruction, Scott said, the way Paul did early in his first season.

"[There's] nothing wrong with that," the coach said. "[It was] halfway through the season when I told [Paul], 'you know everything that we're doing.' You call the play, just to give him more confidence. Kyrie's not there yet, so there's a lot of times where I'll just whistle and call the play for him."

Of course, Paul was 20 as a rookie and had played two full seasons at Wake Forrest. Irving's college career consisted of 11 games at Duke.

He is going to hit some walls -- you can see him sometimes tire during games -- and the Cavs are fortunate to have such a strong backup in Ramon Sessions. But the idea of Irving needing mentoring the way Baron Davis had envisioned it seems unnecessary. He is poised and mature, embracing the challenges of running an offense and becoming the "head of the snake," as Scott terms it.

The coach hopes there's a time when Irving won't have to score as much for the Cavaliers to win. He's tied for the rookie scoring lead with New Jersey's MarShon Brooks. Until then, Scott wants Irving to remain assertive. As his impromptu meeting with Casspi demonstrated, that can take many forms.

The last word

"I think, in time, he could be a heck of a player. He's not fast, but he's quick. He has a good feel for the game. I think he's going to be a real good player in this league." -- Bobcats coach Paul Silas on Irving.

Most people don't want Mike Holmgren to blow it up and start over, just to demand the same pace of progress as an executive he held himself to as a head coach in Green Bay and Seattle, sports columnist Bud Shaw writes in his Sunday Spin.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain DealerMike Holmgren's confidence that it's not business as usual in Berea may indeed be accurate, but that doesn't mean that Browns fans are convinced by the former coach's strategies.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Think of it as another clock management issue...

In addressing your concerns about the state of his organization, Browns' president Mike Holmgren raised a false premise. You may want him to blow things up and start over again. But that's not going to happen. It's not -- Holmgren emphasized -- business as usual in Berea.

Not pushing the detonator seems an awfully low bar for what constitutes a better way of doing things. Actually, most people don't want him to blow it up and start over. They realize he just did that after wasting a year with Eric Mangini.

Precisely because Holmgren has established a tone of "What, me hurry?" in his first two years, people naturally want him to step it up, not blow it up. It's a reasonable expectation.

Holmgren should understand when he asks for trust and faith that people here know him only as a Super Bowl head coach. When he passed on coaching and when Jon Gruden didn't come tumbling out of the Holmgren tree to take over, a certain amount of faith was suspended awaiting evidence he can author a turnaround as an executive -- a capacity in which his previous employer didn't value him as highly.

His coaching resume, not his organization building, was the primary reason for people in Cleveland to have faith in him. It's not that no one has patience for a new regime. It's that the new regime, minus some good draft selections, has so completely failed to impress.

Asked Thursday how far the Browns were from a Super Bowl, Holmgren talked about going to the Biggest Game in his fifth season in Green Bay. That was after finding Brett Favre early in the process. What about Seattle? He talked about going to the Super Bowl in his seventh year there after deciding on Matt Hasselbeck halfway through.

The difference between those timetables and the path thus far in Berea is Holmgren went 9-7 in his first year in Green Bay and Seattle. As the Browns' top executive, his team is 9-23 in his first two seasons. The Browns blundered badly time and again, and raised more questions than they answered about the head coach, quarterback and feature running back.

In a dog-loyal football town like this one, getting thrown a 9-7 bone this year would've been cause for a parade. The Browns did not come close. Even a record approaching .500 would've settled everyone's nerves about the timetable and direction of the franchise.

Holmgren went 9-7 for the first three years in Green Bay, before making the jump to 11-5 in 1995 and then to consecutive 13-3 seasons and Super Bowl appearances in 1996 and 1997. Green Bay won in '96. Seattle was more of a roller coaster: 9-7, 6-10, 9-7, 7-9, then 10-6, 9-7, 13-3, 9-7, 10-6 and 4-12. Maybe it was a coincidence, but his best work record-wise came after ownership took back GM duties in 2002.

He would've heard the same "business as usual" grumping from fans and media at his other stops if his results had been as unimpressive as a head coach as they've been as team president.

Nobody wants him to blow it up in 2012. Just step it up. People want signs that the most important pieces are in place, starting with what Holmgren supposedly knows best -- quarterback.

In general, they want evidence that hiring Mike Holmgren means what they thought it meant -- if not instant contention, a pretty clearly marked path to it.

A new definition of Tebowing -- making the 2011 postseason while setting the passing game back to 1911...

Tim Tebow either becomes a bigger folk hero in Denver Sunday or gives the Broncos reason to scrap plans for him to start in 2012.

Tebow (and a terrible division) is the reason why the Broncos made the playoffs against Pittsburgh. Yet he's coming off two of the worst games played by any quarterback in the NFL this season. He continues to elicit opinions from all corners of the league -- most recently from Baltimore's Terrell Suggs, who told ESPN's "First Take" that Tebow is held to a different standard than other quarterbacks.

If that suggests a defense of Tebow, it's not.

"I'm a Christian," Suggs said. "I have no problem with him being a Christian. But it's like, you know, God forbid anybody say anything against Tim Tebow. Oh, we're just giving him a hard time because he's a Christian? No, that's not it! We're giving him a hard time because he went 6-and-22 for 60 yards!

"That's terrible quarterbacking. Are you kidding me? Donovan McNabb had a game like that [early in the season] and got the hatchet. The hatchet! And we never heard from him again. And then Tim Tebow plays in a game where they need to win the AFC West, and he had a game like that, and we're still talking about the Tim Tebow phenomenon?"

God forbid.

SPINOFFS

Wouldn't you like, just once, to hear somebody rave about the tangibles of a Browns' quarterback?...

If Cam Newton were the Browns' quarterback, would anybody care that the Browns were 4-12? I hear people say they don't have patience for drafting a quarterback high and living with his growing pains for another couple seasons but getting it right at that position makes everything else tolerable...

Holmgren got some things right in his press conference this week -- the tone for one. He connected better with Browns' fans overall. Of course, so long as he didn't ask Donald Trump to speak on his behalf and tell a skeptical fan base, "You're fired," the tone was bound to be better than the one struck during his December lecture...

The Los Angeles Angels will give Albert Pujols four season tickets for free over the next 10 years, presumably because $240 million just doesn't go as far as it used to...

HE SAID IT

"Do I love him? Yes I do. But I love Seneca Wallace." -- Holmgren on Colt McCoy. As commitments go, it's like hearing a guy say, "Do I love my wife? Yes I do. But I love my mistress and I'm also open to dating around."

View full sizeAP fileHe's a good actor, even if he is a big fan of the Baltimore Ravens.

HE SAID WHAT?

"I will put my Butkus [Award] in storage. I will put my Alamo Bowl MVP trophy in storage. Jerseys, anything Penn State, in storage ... I'm done with Penn State." -- Ex-Nittany Lions' LB LaVar Arrington after the hiring of Bill O'Brien as head coach over interim man Tom Bradley.

The answer to the question, "LaVar Arrington couldn't possibly draw the line on what would possibly alienate him from his old school anywhere but at the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal, could he?"

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Cavs' assistant coach Joe Prunty and Senator Rand Paul -- Pat

St. Edward basketball coach Eric Flannery and actor Josh Charles of "The Good Wife" -- Tim R

YOU SAID IT

View full sizePD fileHe doesn't star in front of cameras, but he keeps the Eagles flying high.

(The Sunday Edition)

"Bud:

"Good to hear the Browns' brain trust is not looking to 'blow it up and start all over,' but hasn't that horse already left the barn?" -- Vince G., Cincinnati

Yes. Based on the 2011 season, it galloped directly to the glue factory.

"Bud:

"Did Colt McCoy's lockout minicamps help the Browns last season?" -- Jim D., Richmond Heights

Yes. In the same foolproof way off-season organizational meetings between Eric Mangini and George Kokinis set the Browns up for success.

"Hey Bud:

"Did you ever complete an article after suffering a concussion?" -- Russ

I don't even attempt to answer "You Said It" questions without first failing a concussion test.

"Bud:

"Will the NFL concussion test be known as the Real McCoy?" -- Andy Hill

Yes. Since the only other possible legacy for this season is scoring a single point more than the 1999 expansion team, the Browns will happily take it.

"Bud:

"After this college bowl season, do you believe the Big 10 divisions should be called Slow and Slower?" -- K.P. Walt

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

"Bud:

"Shouldn't the 'AL' on the Browns' sleeves be changed to 'LOL'?" -- Ron

Repeat winners, IMHO, get what they deserve.

On Twitter: @budshaw

The Cleveland Browns will have the No. 22 pick in the first round as a result of the Falcons' 24-2 loss to the Giants. It was acquired in the trade with Atlanta on draft day 2011.

AP FileThe Cleveland Browns have the No. 4 and No,. 22 picks in the first round.

CLEVELAND -- The Falcons' 24-2 loss to the Giants on Sunday was the Browns' gain.

Thanks to the Falcons' early exit in the Wildcard round, the Browns will have the Falcons' No. 22 pick overall from their mega-trade with the Browns on draft day 2011.

The Browns now have the No. 4 and No. 22 picks in the first round, and Browns President Mike Holmgren said that the multiple picks give the Browns some ammunition to play around with in the draft

On draft day last April, the Browns traded their No. 6 overall pick to the Falcons for:  the No. 27,  No. 59 and No. 124 in 2011. They also received the Falcons' first-rounder and fourth-rounder  in 2012.

The Falcons used the No. 6 pick on receiver Julio Jones, and the Browns traded the No. 27 and a third-rounder to Kansas City to move up and take defensive tackle Phil Taylor at No. 21. They used the 59th overall pick on receiver Greg Little and the 124th pick on fullback Owen Marecic.

The Browns will likely take a hard look at top quarterback prospects with their No. 4 pick, such as Baylor's Robert Griffin III and Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. They also have the No. 37 overall pick, in the second round.

The Colts owned last year's No. 22 overall pick, and they used it on starting left tackle Anthony Castonzo from Boston College.

Injuries suffered by Steelers against Browns came into play during Broncos' dramatic overtime win Sunday. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough, who is into "Tebowing" today, and Branson Wright.

The Denver Broncos and quarterback Tim Tebow knocked the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the NFL playoffs Sunday, winning in overtime, 29-23. As a Cleveland fan, do you like seeing the Steelers lose more than, say, the Miami Heat? Or Michigan? Or the New York Yankees? Which team's losses bring you the most pleasure? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest is Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot. She talks about the role the Cleveland Browns played in the Pittsburgh Steelers' loss. She also talks about why she thinks Colt McCoy has the tools to be the Browns' starting QB next year. But she adds that if the Browns do decide to draft a QB fourth overall, she thinks Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M will draw their interest.

SBTV will return Tuesday with Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff.

Former Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel has been named the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

AP PhotoRomeo Crennel

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs made Romeo Crennel the permanent head coach on Monday after he led the floundering team to a pair of wins late in the season.

Crennel had been the interim coach and the leading candidate to replace Todd Haley, who was fired last month. He was scheduled to be introduced at an afternoon news conference.

"We are very excited to name Romeo the new head coach of the Chiefs," Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said in a prepared statement. "In 30 years as a coach in the National Football League, Romeo has established an outstanding track record of success, and we believe his experience and proven ability make him the best person to help us reach our goal of consistently competing for championships."

The former head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Crennel had been serving as defensive coordinator when general manager Scott Pioli made him the interim coach. He quickly united a disjointed locker room and instantly endeared himself to fans in Kansas City, leading a team that had been ransacked by injuries over Green Bay, the Packers' only loss this season.

Crennel's lone defeat came in overtime against Oakland, which knocked the Chiefs (7-9) from playoff contention. But he rallied his team to a season-ending victory over the Broncos, after which players spontaneously began to chant his name in the locker room in Denver.

"Romeo's vast experience and intelligence have helped him achieve success at the highest level," Pioli said. "The way in which he creates accountability and respect amongst the team creates a very productive work environment and will be critical in continuing to develop our young core of players."

Crennel was considered the front-runner to get the full-time job not only because of his work over the final three weeks of the season, but because of his calm demeanor and strong ties to Pioli, whom he worked with during his days running the New England Patriots defense.

"I have a deep appreciation for the vision that Clark Hunt has and his commitment to building a championship-caliber team," Crennel said. "I believe in the types of players that we are trying to win with and the identity we are trying to create."

Pioli also spoke to former Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher, Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin and former Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio before settling on the in-house candidate.

"It is a rare opportunity to be a part of an organization like the Kansas City Chiefs with its storied history and passionate fans," Crennel said, "and I am eager to get to work and bring this franchise and our fans the success they deserve."

Crennel went 24-40 during four years in Cleveland, though the record is somewhat misleading.

He took over a suffering franchise short on talent and went 6-10 and 4-12 in his first two seasons, missing the playoffs each year. But his breakthrough came in 2007, when the Browns went 10-6 and fell just short of the playoffs, earning Crennel a two-year contract extension.

After falling back to 4-12, though, the affable Crennel was summarily fired.

He figures to have a much better chance of success in Kansas City, where Pioli has locked up several young players to long-term deals and continues to overhaul an aging roster.

The Chiefs should be the favorites to win the wide-open AFC West next year. They nearly claimed a second straight division crown despite losing several star players to season-ending injuries.

Tight end Tony Moeaki, All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles and Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry were lost to knee injuries by the second week of the season. Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Cassel joined them on injured reserve in Week 10 after he hurt his throwing hand in a game against Denver.

That left the team in the hands of journeyman Tyler Palko. The Chiefs claimed quarterback Kyle Orton off waivers from Denver, but he hurt his hand on the first pass he attempted against Chicago, and did not return until the final three weeks of the regular season.

By that time, Haley had been fired and Crennel had been given the reins.

"Throughout the year, we were all over a little bit. We came to a common ground over the last three weeks," said fullback Le'Ron McClain, who is a free agent but has said he hopes to return to the team next season. "We started doing good when Romeo stepped in."

Fisher reportedly spoke briefly with the Chiefs about the head coaching job, but he's expected to decide between St. Louis and Miami. Philbin also was linked to the job, and Del Rio's agent, Phil DePicciotto, had conversations with the Chiefs about the former Jaguars coach taking over.

Crennel will likely have to hire a defensive coordinator to replace himself, and also could be in the market for a new offensive coordinator.

The Chiefs struggled to move the ball under longtime assistant Bill Muir, who was in his first season as a coordinator. Muir has been contemplating retirement.

"Trying to put a staff together is a tough deal, because maybe the guys you want aren't available, so you have to look other places. You end up trying to do the best you can, getting the best guys you get," Crennel said. "You have to adapt and adjust as you go along."

Steve Doerschuk of CantonRep.com writes how Tom Heckert said in a recent press conference how it would be tough for the Cleveland Browns to screw up having the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft.   It has happened on several occasions. The No. 4 pick has taken some turns ranging from misfortunate to tragic, writes Doerschuk. Here are a few:...

Joshua Gunter | The Plain DealerBrowns coach Pat Shurmur.

Defensive end Gaines Adams, the fourth pick of the 2007 draft, died from a heart problem while the NFL was playing its 2009 postseason.

Linebacker Aaron Curry, a No. 4 pick in Seattle the year after Mike Holmgren left, was traded to Oakland in October for a 2012 seventh-round pick and a conditional pick in 2013.

Running back Cedric Benson, a No. 4 pick in 2005, has been OK with the Bengals, but he was cut after three bad-news years with the Bears, who drafted him.

The Sporting News rated offensive tackle Mike Williams — chosen No. 4 by the Bills in 2002 — as the fourth-biggest draft bust in a 10-year period.

But it hasn't been all bad. Recently, guys like Jonathan Ogden, Willie McGinest, and 
Edgerrin James, a No. 4 pick by the Colts in 1999, were all picked No. 4.

Hall of Famers chosen there include running back Gale Sayers (Bears, 1965), quarterback Bob Griese (Dolphins, 1967), defensive lineman Joe Greene (Steelers, 1969), guard John Hannah (Patriots, 1973), running back Walter Payton (Bears, 1975) and defensive tackle Dan Hampton (Bears, 1979).

 

Marty Schottenheimer is a candidate for the Tampa Bay coaching vacancy.

Plain Dealer Historical CollectionWill "Marty Ball" be making a comeback in Tampa?

Marty Schottenheimer, former Cleveland Browns coach, whose last season in the NFL was in 2007 after a 14-2 record in 2006 as coach of the San Diego Chargers, will interview Tuesday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their head coaching vacancy, according to ESPN.

Schottenheimer's career record is 200-126-1 during the regular season, but he has acknowledged his 5-13 postseason record has been a failure. In his final season as San Diego's coach, the Chargers suffered a second-round loss to the New England Patriots at home.

The Bucs' leading candidate has appeared to be former Packers coach Mike Sherman, writes Chris Mortensen.

Gladiators owner Jim Ferraro confirmed Monday that he is negotiating to sell the AFL franchise to the Cavaliers ownership group.

Gus Chan, The Plain DealerThe Gladiators won the East Division last season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Gladiators owner Jim Ferraro confirmed Monday that he is negotiating to sell the Arena Football League franchise to Dan Gilbert's Cavaliers. Ferraro termed the talks "serious.''

"We're in direct contact with the powers-that-be at the Cavaliers operating company,'' Ferraro said by phone from his Miami, Fla.-based law firm. "If this is going to happen at all, it's going to happen very quickly, because the season's right around the corner.

"The sooner we make the change -- if we make the change -- the better for everybody. Personally, I'd like to bring it to a head within a week to 10 days.''

The Gladiators are scheduled to begin training camp in February. They open the season March 12 at Georgia and at home March 26 against Kansas City.

Late last week, Cavaliers ownership confirmed interest in acquiring the franchise, which Ferraro relocated from Las Vegas in 2007. Asked Monday to place odds on a deal getting done, Ferraro said: "Tough call.''

Ferraro stressed that, regardless of the outcome of his negotiations with the Cavaliers, the franchise will remain viable and call The Q home.

"The Gladiators aren't going anywhere,'' he said. "They will be owned by me or the Cavaliers operating company -- no if's, and's or but's about that -- and we intend on playing for many, many years to come. We're going to continue playing in Cleveland, and the team will be named the Gladiators.''

Ferraro has owned the franchise since 2000, when it was in New Jersey. He moved it to Las Vegas in December 2002. After the 2007 season, Ferraro aligned with Bernie Kosar and brought it to Cleveland.

The Gladiators enjoyed a strong inaugural season in 2008, drawing five-digit crowds and reaching the playoffs. But the AFL went dark the following year because of a faulty business model. When the Gladiators returned with the league in 2010, they were nowhere near the same off the field.

Last season, the Gladiators won the East Division but generated minimal buzz. Many of the home crowds totaled no more than several thousand in actual number, leading many to wonder if the franchise was in financial distress.

Ferraro said front-office turbulence, not lack of funds, was responsible for any off-field problems in 2010 and 2011. He insisted that, if he remains owner, finances will not be a problem. The assurance, though, came with a caveat.

"Unfortunately, the money keeps coming out of my pocket,'' he said.
 Ferraro has had difficulty finding time to devote to owning the Gladiators -- at least not to the level he did in 2008.

"I am a pretty busy trial lawyer, and to do this properly, it requires constant attention,'' he said.

It makes sense, then, that Ferraro would entertain offers to buy the franchise. He said Gilbert's Cavaliers make the most sense.

"It's mutual interest, and I think it's a natural fit for them,'' he said. "The Gladiators play in their building, and we sell our tickets at their box office. They have a structure in place, with the Cavaliers and the Monsters.

"If it happens, it will be better for the Gladiators, better for the fans. If it doesn't, I'll just look for better (people to run it).''

Ferraro indicated that Kosar would be a good fit to oversee a potential Gilbert-owned Gladiators, just as Kosar was for Ferraro in 2008. Kosar, part owner and club president in the inaugural season, was more of a figurehead last year.

"Bernie had some things he was dealing with, some personal things, that kind of sidetracked him from our operation,'' Ferraro said. "They're resolved now, and Bernie's available again. Dan Gilbert's good friends with Bernie, so if the Cavs take it, I can't imagine they wouldn't want him involved.''

Kosar could not be reached.

"He never answers his cell phone,'' Ferraro said with a chuckle. "I have to wait for him to call me.''

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

President Barack Obama saluted Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks on Monday as NBA champions who staged a season-ending charge to beat LeBron James and the vaunted Miami Heat and claim their first title with a "heart that's the size of Texas."

President Barack Obama shakes hands with Dallas Maverick basketball team center Dirk Nowitzki, Monday, Jan., 9, 2012, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, during a ceremony honoring the 2011 NBA basketball champions Dallas Mavericks. Jason Kidd is second from left, head coach Rick Carlisle is third from left. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama saluted Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks on Monday as NBA champions who staged a season-ending charge to beat LeBron James and the vaunted Miami Heat and claim their first title with a "heart that's the size of Texas."

"This was a remarkable run, a great victory," Obama declared, as owner Mark Cuban and Mavericks stars, including series MVP Nowitzki, looked on. "It's too bad that next year, it'll be the Chicago Bulls here."

The first basketball fan - a passionate supporter of his hometown Bulls - was nonetheless lavish in praising the Mavericks, who beat the Heat in six games last June.

"They know how good teams win," Obama said. "Not just by jumping higher or running faster, but by finding the open man, working together, staying mentally tough, being supportive of each other, playing smarter."

He said that's how Dallas "took down some of the league's best teams ... including the Miami Heat, who got a little bit of attention last year."

The victory was sweet revenge for Dallas after it blew an NBA finals lead to the Heat five years earlier. It also upended the hope of Heat superstars James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for a championship in their first year playing together.

Monday's ceremony reflected both the league's current, lockout-shortened season and the determination of the colorful Cuban to make it happen. Typically, White House visits take place when a championship team plays in Washington. With such a short season, the Mavericks aren't here this year. Cuban insisted on the ceremony anyhow.

"It's tough to say no to Mark Cuban," Obama said, to knowing laughter from his players.

Obama singled out the German-born Nowitzki, noting he played in the finals despite a painful finger injury and fever. "Clearly Dirk is a tough guy, although the most painful thing may have been his rendition of 'We Are the Champions' during the victory celebrations," the president said.

APDelonte West did not meet President Obama today.

Mavericks guard Delonte West did not attend the event in the East Room, even though the Secret Service said he had been cleared along with his teammates.

West pleaded guilty to weapons possession charges after a September 2009 traffic stop in suburban Maryland. He told The Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he was "banned" from the White House on Monday because of the weapons charges, but Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan said in fact West could have taken part.

"I live in D.C. It's going to be a shame the president isn't going to get a chance to meet me. I'm the president of my house," West said.

"I was on the fence with the Julio trade, but we needed picks more than we needed a WR. Julio would've probably gotten us one more win - big deal. We still need picks, but this year they need to find a playmaker." - rickyshade

View full sizeAP Photo | Matt SlocumThe Browns traded the No. 6 pick - and the chance to draft Julio Jones - in the 2010 NFL Draft.

"I was on the fence with the Julio trade, but we needed picks more than we needed a WR. Julio would've probably gotten us one more win - big deal. We still need picks, but this year they need to find a playmaker."

In the tumultuous 14-year history of the BCS, the appetite for change among college football's leaders has never been stronger. What changes would you like to see?

LSU safety Sam Gibson looks at the Coaches' Trophy during media day for the BCS championship NCAA college football game at the Superdome in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

NEW ORLEANS  — The Bowl Championship Series as college football fans have come to know it is going away.

Over the next six months, the people who oversee the much-maligned postseason format will talk about how to reconstruct the system for crowning a national champion. In the tumultuous 14-year history of the BCS, the appetite for change among college football's leaders has never been stronger.

"It's my impression that ... there will be meaningful discussion about possible changes to the BCS," Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive said last week as SEC rivals LSU and Alabama prepared to play in the title game Monday night at the Superdome.

The 11 conference commissioners and Notre Dame's athletic director will meet Tuesday in New Orleans to exchange ideas.

What the changes will be is hard to say because it's all open for debate, from eliminating automatic bids to top-tier bowl games to creating a four-team playoff — an idea that's known as the plus-one model.

What's not a realistic option is exactly what many football fans are clamoring for, a full-scale playoff that would require numerous teams to play additional games.

"Whatever we do we have to protect the regular season," BCS executive director Bill Hancock said Monday at a meeting of the Football Writers Association of America. "I think the larger the playoff field the more damage to the regular season."

Still, there is likely to be a BCS extreme makeover in the 2014 season.

"Everything you can imagine will be discussed," Hancock said. "Everything from format, who plays who, to where they play, to the business aspect of it ... it's all going to be on the table."

The last time changes were considered was 2008. That's when Slive, with the support of Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford, made a push for the plus-one model to the rest of the group.

Slive's proposal was unceremoniously shot down.

Simply put, the plus-one would match the No. 1 team in the BCS standings after the regular season against the No. 4 team in a bowl game, and No. 2 against No. 3 in another, creating two national semifinals.

The winners would play in a championship game the following week.

It's a format that Alabama coach Nick Saban has always liked.

"I just feel that only having two teams sort of takes a lot of teams out of it," he said during media day in New Orleans.

Currently, the top two teams in the BCS standings after the regular season, including conference championships, advance to the title game. It's a format that's led to frequent debates about whether the right teams were getting a shot to play for a national title.

This year's controversy involved whether Alabama (11-1) should get a second chance at undefeated LSU or if Big 12 champion Oklahoma State (12-1, including its bowl victory over Stanford) had earned a shot to play for the national title.

The BCS has often caused as many arguments as settled them, and drawn the ire of fans all over the country in the process. It's also come under pressure from a political action committee called PlayoffPAC, and been the subject of a congressional hearing and a Department of Justice inquiry. Even President Barack Obama has said he doesn't like it.

Apparently, all that consternation is starting to register with the decision-makers in the sport.

"I sense that people who run college football and run the conferences obviously are not tone-deaf," said Burke Magnus, ESPN senior vice president of college sports programming.

The structure in place, with four bowl games — the Orange, Sugar, Rose and Fiesta — each taking turns hosting the championship game, in addition to its bowl, could handle the plus-one.

Slive said that he will not be the one championing the plus-one this time around.

"I'm eager to hear from my colleagues about their views, but I fully anticipate that there will also be a meaningful discussion about the plus-one," he said.

Standing in the way of the plus-one last time were the Big Ten, Pac-10, Big East and Big 12.

Since then, the Pac-10 has become the Pac-12 and it has a new commissioner, Larry Scott, who has quickly established himself as one of the most forward-thinking leaders in college sports. Previous commissioner Tom Hansen was adamantly against a plus-one. Scott is willing to listen.

"We don't have a definite opinion on that or any other model yet," he said. "It's a little premature. Those conversations are going to start in earnest this spring and I'll have opportunities to talk to other people informally within our conference and with other conferences between now and then."

The Big 12 has an interim commissioner, with Chuck Neinas replacing the ousted Dan Beebe, who was a vocal opponent of any type of playoff. The embattled Big East has a new commissioner, too. John Marinatto has been busy trying to save his league, and it's doubtful the conference is in a position to be a force in the upcoming BCS negotiations.

What hasn't changed is the Big Ten's stance, led by its influential commissioner, Jim Delany.

Delany is steadfastly against a full-blown playoff and has said his biggest fear with the plus-one would be that once a four-team playoff becomes a reality it would inevitably grow.

"I don't necessarily think the slippery slope is theoretical," he said last month. "I think the slippery slope is practical."

But Delany has come out in favor of another potentially major change to how all the other marquee bowl games are set: the elimination of automatic bids.

The Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, ACC, SEC and Pac-12 champions receive automatic entry into the BCS. One champion from the Mountain West Conference, the Western Athletic Conference, the Sun Belt Conference, the Mid-American Conference and Conference USA can potentially earn an automatic bid each season by reaching certain BCS standings targets.

That format has allowed teams such as TCU and Boise State to play in the BCS, but it's also created a class system.

A free market would ostensibly mean the most-deserving teams would play in the biggest games. But the free market in college football is often more about earning potential for bowl organizers than performance on the field, which could lead to more opportunities for brand-name teams from the power conferences and less for upstarts such as Boise State in all the bowls, not just the BCS.

"I think it's time to look at the entire system," said Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson, a playoff advocate who appeared with Hancock on Monday.

It's clear there is much work to be done before June, when BCS officials will need to have a new format in place to negotiate the next television contract. The current ESPN deal runs through the 2013 season and the network will get first crack at retaining whatever postseason system is created.

''We've had a fairly lengthy timeline with the current process," Slive said. "It's time to take measure of where we were. What's working. What isn't working. I think it's time. I think it's a good time.

"Maybe the Cavs should start Gee and bring Casspi off the bench. Casspi has not played well and Gee has. Maybe a couple of stints coming off the bench against players who aren't good enough to start might help boost his confidence. But I do not think that Byron Scott should continue to reward Casspi by allowing him to start games over Gee who has, without a doubt, proven during games that he has earned the starting position. I know a lot of coaches hang their hats on how a player practices, but regardless of how well Casspi might look in practice, he looks awful in games." - benny1699

View full sizeJoshua Gunter l The Plain DealerAlonzo Gee.

"Maybe the Cavs should start Gee and bring Casspi off the bench. Casspi has not played well and Gee has. Maybe a couple of stints coming off the bench against players who aren't good enough to start might help boost his confidence. But I do not think that Byron Scott should continue to reward Casspi by allowing him to start games over Gee who has, without a doubt, proven during games that he has earned the starting position. I know a lot of coaches hang their hats on how a player practices, but regardless of how well Casspi might look in practice, he looks awful in games."

"Kotchman would be the best guy for the Indians as they are currently constructed. We have built a rotation of extreme groundball pitchers - even Ubaldo and Masterson induce grounders at above average rates - and as such, upgrading our defense at 1B would make the pitching staff happy. Our defense up the middle is mediocre at best with Cabrera and Kipnis and Chisenhall is not much better. I hate to say it, but Hanahan should be the starting 3B whenever D. Lowe or Josh Tomlin are on the mound. Kotchman's glove at 1B would save as many runs as Pena's might provide on offense." - superjoe

View full sizeAP Photo | Chris O'MearaCasey Kotchman.

"Kotchman would be the best guy for the Indians as they are currently constructed. We have built a rotation of extreme groundball pitchers - even Ubaldo and Masterson induce grounders at above average rates - and as such, upgrading our defense at 1B would make the pitching staff happy. Our defense up the middle is mediocre at best with Cabrera and Kipnis and Chisenhall is not much better. I hate to say it, but Hanahan should be the starting 3B whenever D. Lowe or Josh Tomlin are on the mound. Kotchman's glove at 1B would save as many runs as Pena's might provide on offense."

Cavs offense hit a bump in loss at Portland on Sunday night, but the general feeling so far is that the team is on the right track. Links to more Cavs stories.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerThe promising play of rookies Kyrie Irving (left) and Tristan Thompson (right) is among the reasons the Cavaliers are earning some early-season respect.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers are 4-4 following their 98-78 loss to the Trail Blazers in Portland on Sunday night.

With numerous youngsters playing such prominent roles, who knows which way the Cavs' season will go in terms of wins and losses?

Early on, though, the Cavaliers are earning some respect for their competitiveness. 

The Cavaliers have moved up three spots in ESPN.com's new power rankings, now at No. 22 among the NBA's 30 teams. Modest, yes, but more respectable than at any time since the Cavs were 7-9 last season, when their collapse began.

Marc Stein, commenting in the ESPN.com rankings, writes of one Cavs youngster:

By next Monday's rankings, Kyrie Irving will have played as many games as a pro (11) as he did in his one season at Duke. Throw out his two rough shooting nights against Toronto and the Cavs can have no complaints with what they've seen from him so far.

And, the Cavaliers are doing even better on the new NBA.com power rankings, moving from 24th to 20th.

The Cavaliers visit the Utah Jazz (5-3) on Tuesday night.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage includes Tom Reed's game story on the Cavs' loss at Portland; his story that the game exposed some Cavs' offensive shortcomings; his Cavaliers Insider; a preview of Tuesday night's Cavaliers at Jazz game, by Matt Beardmore for STATS and AP; and much more.

Cavs post-ups

Coach and player quotes following the Cleveland-Portland game, on NBA.com.

Kyrie Irving and Portland guard Nolan Smith -- former Duke teammates -- have a special bond. By Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Cavs notes by Rona Proudfoot for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.

Cavaliers-Trail Blazers game story by Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Kyrie Irving's game is intriguing. On the blog, "Fear The Sword."

Re-capping the Cavaliers-Portland game, by Mike Tokito for the Oregonian.

Blazers-Cavaliers notebook, highlighting Cavs rookie Mychel Thompson, a son of Mychal Thompson, whom the Trail Blazers made the first overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. By Mike Tokito for the Oregonian.

Updates on some of the top prospects for the 2012 NBA draft, by Ben Glicksman for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.

Larkin named on 86 percent of ballots, above the necessary 75 percent. Jack Morris comes close at 67 percent. Former Indian Juan Gonzalez drops off future ballots with 4.6 percent.

Associated PressFormer Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin has been elected to the Hall of Fame, being named on 86 percent of the ballots cast by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

NEW YORK, New York -- Barry Larkin has been elected to baseball's Hall of Fame.

The former Cincinnati Reds shortstop received 495 votes (86 percent) in balloting announced Monday by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, well above the necessary 430 (75 percent). Larkin was on the ballot for the third time after falling 75 votes short last year.

He will be inducted on July 22 in Cooperstown along with the late Ron Santo, elected last month by the Veterans Committee.

Jack Morris was next with 382 votes (67 percent), missing by 48 votes on his 13th try but up sharply from 54 percent last year.

Jeff Bagwell was third with 321 votes, followed by Lee Smith (290), Tim Raines (279), Edgar Martinez (209) and Alan Trammell (211).

Mark McGwire, 10th on the career home run list with 583, received 19.5 percent in his sixth try on the ballot, down from 19.8 percent last year and 23.7 percent in 2010 — a vote before he admitted using steroids and human growth hormone.

Bernie Williams received the most votes among first-time eligibles, with 55. Bill Mueller got just four votes and will be dropped in future years along with Juan Gonzalez (23) and Vinny Castilla (six).

Next year's ballot figures to be the most controversial, with Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, Mike Piazza, Craig Biggio and Curt Schilling eligible for the first time.

Video: Former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin is elected to the baseball Hall of Fame:

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