Former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel had reportedly been a candidate for the Colts job. Pagano has been the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator.

The Plain DealerChuck Pagano in 2004, when he was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- The Indianapolis Colts hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as their new head coach on Wednesday.

The team said Pagano will be introduced at a news conference on Thursday. It will be the first head coaching job for the 51-year-old Pagano, who has been a career assistant until now with stops in Oakland and Cleveland in the NFL and stints at schools including Miami and North Carolina.

He replaces Jim Caldwell, who was fired after the Colts’ 2-14 season in which quarterback Peyton Manning never played a down as he recovered from neck surgery.

The move is just the latest in a dizzying series of changes by owner Jim Irsay.

The Colts fired Caldwell last week after three seasons. The team went to the Super Bowl during Caldwell’s first year, but this year locked up the No. 1 overall draft pick with a horrid performance that also cost team vice chairman Bill Polian and his son, general manager Chris, their jobs.

Irsay has since hired 39-year-old Ryan Grigson as the new GM while letting go of Caldwell’s staff. In all, 11 of the 20 coaches who started the season are gone and others they may go, too, once Pagano arrives.

Pagano spent three years as the Ravens’ secondary coach before replacing Bryan Mattison as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator a year ago. The Ravens ranked third in total defense and allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL.

Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan and Rex Ryan all held the position before becoming head coaches in the NFL, and now it’s Pagano’s turn.

The Wyoming graduate and former strong safety for the Cowboys began his coaching career in 1984 as a graduate assistant at Southern California and spent time at in the college ranks at Boise State, UNLV, East Carolina and Miami before joining Cleveland to coach the secondary. In 2005-06, he was defensive backs job at Oakland, then served as defensive coordinator at North Carolina before joining the Ravens when John Harbaugh became head coach four years ago.

“Chuck is unorthodox,” Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “He’s like The Joker. You never really expect what he’s going to do, and everything has a motive.”

The Ravens considered Pagano to be just one of the guys.

“What makes him good? He relates to the players a whole lot,” defensive end Cory Redding said. “He’s almost like a player in a D-coordinator’s position. The guy has so much fun with us. He treats you like more than a player. It’s like we’re his sons. He wants us to do well. He keeps it fresh. He knows everybody’s strengths and puts them in position to make plays.”

Asked last month if he had aspirations to be a head coach, Pagano replied, “When I was a kid growing up, my dad being a football coach, he asked the same question of all the assistants that he ever hired: ‘Is your goal to be a head football coach?’ He always said if somebody had answered him, ‘Not really, I’m OK just being a position coach,’ then I don’t think he really wanted him on his staff because he wanted ambitious guys.

“I think if you ask anybody they’d say yeah. That would be something you always work for and toward.”

Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger believes Pagano has what it takes to be a head coach in the NFL.

“Chuck has a leadership quality about him. He’s humble but he also knows when to take the reins and take charge,” Kruger said. “He doesn’t try to dominate you in every meeting. He’s just a coach that knows exactly how players are and what direction they need. He’s a hell of a coach and I really think he’ll be a head coach one day.”

The Cavaliers are back in town to face the New York Knicks after losing last night to the Miami Heat. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

The Cavaliers are back in town to face the New York Knicks after losing last night to the Miami Heat. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider in the box below. Check out the in-game box score here. Read on for a game preview. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

View full sizeStephen Chernin / Associated PressThe Cavaliers face-off against Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks tonight.

How would Jim Tressel have fared as an NFL head coach? He didn't get the Indianapolis Colts' job, but he has enough qualifications to deserve consideration.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerHow would Jim Tressel look -- and more importantly, fare -- if his sweater vest carried an NFL color? There are few good reasons why he shouldn't get a chance to find out, says Bill Livingston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Vest versus the Hoodie?

Vs. a Harbaugh -- any Harbaugh?

Vs. Rex Ryan?

Vs. Pete Carroll?

These were all intriguing potential matchups that arose when Jim Tressel tossed his sweater vest into the ring and was interviewed for the Indianapolis Colts' head coaching job. After being forced out amid scandal at Ohio State and serving as a consultant with the Colts for part of last season, Tressel was passed over for the Colts' job Wednesday in favor of Baltimore defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano.

Fans had seen Carroll vs. Tressel when Ohio State lost to Southern California in 2008 and 2009. Other matchups, such as Tressel vs. Bill Belichick, or vs. Jim or John Harbaugh, or Ryan might seem unlikely right now. But because Tressel faces a five-year "show cause" ruling on returning to the college ranks, amounting to a virtual lifetime ban for a man who is 59, the NFL is what is left for him. How good would he be in the NFL?

You underestimate Jim Tressel at your peril. I proved that by chuckling at the very idea that Ohio State would hire Tressel, a Division I-AA coach, in 2001.

Tressel's record at OSU was simply staggering. On the field, he was 106-22 with seven Big Ten championships. But because of the jump in competitiveness in the NFL, the focus should be on Tressel's record against BCS conference intersectional opponents, in BCS bowl games and against the traditional powers of the Big Ten.

Tressel was 5-4 in the intersectional games. (Cincinnati doesn't count. It was in Conference USA in 2002). Under his direction, OSU was 5-3 on the field in BCS bowls.

Tressel was 4-4 vs. Wisconsin and 7-3 vs. Penn State. His 9-1 record against Michigan is skewed by the three years of the Rich Rodriguez folly. So in the games that usually commanded the brightest lights, Tressel was 30-15. Or 27-15, if you throw out Rodriguez, which Michigan eventually did.

Seeing that Pat Shurmur went 0-for the division with the Browns last season, Tressel's mark against the big opponents looks pretty good.

I thought Tressel was outcoached by Carroll and Urban Meyer, his successor at Ohio State. But Tressel used surprise tactics to beat Miami for the national championship and to defeat Oregon and Arkansas in his last two bowl games.

He has always idolized Paul Brown, who went from Ohio State to legendary coaching status in the NFL with the Browns and Bengals. The jump to the NFL is a quantum one, though. In terms of parity, everybody can play in the NFL on that given Sunday. You can't schedule Mid-American Conference opponents. There are no Golden Gophers or Hoosiers to bring in at Homecoming.

Without trades, each team gets one of 32 picks in each round of the draft. There are no inherent advantages in visibility and facilities, such as Ohio State holds in the college ranks. Many NFL free agents didn't grow up idolizing the Buckeyes.

College coaches usually struggle in their first try at the NFL level. Jimmy Johnson was an exception in Dallas. Barry Switzer also won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys, using Johnson's players. Jim Harbaugh of Stanford, however, just came within a couple special teams' mistakes of the Super Bowl in his first season with the 49ers. Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback and Raiders assistant coach, ran a high-powered pro-style offense with quarterback Andrew Luck at Stanford. The transition to NFL schemes was negligible.

Too many college coaches are wedded to the spread offense, which is incompatible with the dynamics of the NFL game. When Oregon's Chip Kelly backed off the Tampa Bay job that was his for the taking, it might have been because he knew his high-speed spread attack in the NFL would result in a lot of three-and-outs, exhausting his defense.

Tressel, however, adapts to his personnel, much like Jim Harbaugh, who used a power running game and a game-managing quarterback in Alex Smith to reach the NFC Championship game. Tressel won a national championship with a game manager in Craig Krenzel.

Tressel always valued the power game and incorporated it with Beanie Wells into a pass-oriented spread offense when he had his best quarterback, Heisman Trophy-winning Troy Smith.

Tressel would, of course, need to recruit top-flight assistant coaches and not micro-manage the offense, as he did at OSU. How would his beliefs about family and attitude play in the NFL? I think some qualities simply are virtues. Bernie Kosar once told me he believes in the same set of values that Tressel invoked with his Buckeye teams.

Looked at from the proper perspective, Tressel showed he was a players' coach by not throwing Terrelle Pryor to the wolves after he was the instigator of the scandal that sank Tressel. At Pryor's pro day workout, Tressel was present to lend support. He was trying to land Maurice Clarett a job in the old NFL-Europe ranks almost up to the moment the jail door slammed behind his former running back.

Letting team discipline slide, Switzer's failing in Dallas, is unlikely with Tressel. His organizational abilities also would be a big strength with any team.

Overall, Tressel would not be my first choice to be an NFL head coach. But he would not be really far down the list.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

"It could have been better," the Parma teen said in a phone interview Wednesday. "It gives me a lot to work on for next year."

View full sizeLonnie Timmons III, PD"Next year, I'll be better prepared," says Troy Tomasello of his U.S. Figure Skating experience, "and be the person everybody is talking about going in."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Parma resident and Normandy High senior Troy Tomasello is trying to shake off the disappointment and look toward improving after his eighth-place finish Tuesday night among Junior Men at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, Calif.

"It could have been better," Tomasello, 17, said in a phone interview Wednesday. "It gives me a lot to work on for next year.

"I need my jumps to be more consistent. Next year, if I want to place, I'll need to hit a triple Axel."

Tomasello said he was not relaxed enough and fell on a triple flip. This is his first year in Junior Men and he said he'll stay in the division another year.

"Next year, I'll be better prepared ... and be the person everybody is talking about going in," he said.

Tomasello scored a 93.46 on his free-skate at HP Pavilion, and combined with his short program Sunday, his total score was 147.36. In an arena nicknamed the "Shark Tank," Tomasello skated to the theme from the movie "Jaws," wearing a gray costume studded with white shark teeth on rows of red. He plans to keep the "Jaws" theme, which he said was well-received, but will revamp his program.

Tomasello, out of Strongsville Skating Club, entered the final event seventh after the short program.

The winner was Nathan Chen, a 13-year-old sensation from Salt Lake City who is too young to compete in the world championships. Chen totaled 190.93 points, including a 130.75 free skate. Placing second and third were Timothy Dolensky and Philip Warren.

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

The Indians' infield for 2012 has some moving parts, but the big question is who will play first base?

View full sizePD file photoAsdrubal Cabrera was the breakout star of the Indians' infield in 2011, earning his first All-Star Game nod. Will he be able to replicate his 25 homers and 92 RBI in 2012?

(Editor's note: This is the third of a four-part preview of the Indians with spring training looming next month. Previously: The starting rotation, and the bullpen. Tomorrow: The outfield.)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' infield is like Cleveland's weather. It changes by the hour, not the day.

Last year, veteran Orlando Cabrera was signed at the start of spring training to play second base, a position he'd rarely played in the big leagues. Jason Donald was the favorite to start at third, but broke his hand and Jack Hannahan, a non-roster player, won the job. All the while the road between Cleveland and Class AAA Columbus was being paved for prospects Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall.

Kipnis and Chisenhall eventually arrived to play second and third base, respectively. This spring we'll find out if they're ready to make those positions their own. The early line has Kipnis having a better grip on second than Chisenhall does on third. Chisenhall has to contend with Hannahan, while there is no clear-cut rival for Kipnis.

The big infield question is at first base. Will it be Matt LaPorta, overcoming 2 1/2 years of mediocrity? Or an in-house hybrid of LaPorta, Carlos Santana, Shelley Duncan and others?

Perhaps the Indians will eventually land that elusive big bat they've been chasing to play first. Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder weren't in the picture because of money, but so far they've missed on Carlos Pena and others. It might come down to another late February addition like Cabrera last year or Russell Branyan the year before.

"There are a variety of different ways we can go at first base depending on how things go in spring training," said GM Chris Antonetti. "I think we've considered everything through Plan Q."

For instance, if catcher Lou Marson came to spring training and showed he could hit as well as he catches, the Indians would consider making Santana the regular first baseman. As for now, Santana is their main catcher. Matt Pagnozzi, Luke Carlin, Chun Chen and Michel Hernandez will also be in camp.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera had an All-Star season last year. He faded in the second half, but had played only 97 games in 2010 because of injury and never experienced the burden of carrying an offense as he did last year. Donald is in line to back up Cabrera and Kipnis at short and second. Other utility candidates are Jose Lopez, Andy LaRoche and Hannahan, should he not win the third-base job. Veteran shortstop Julio Lugo is expected to join that group as a spring training invitee once the Indians are satisfied with his medical reports.

Infielders Cord Phelps and Juan Diaz, both on the 40-man roster, will be in camp as well. Phelps got a shot at second base last year. Diaz played 127 games at short last year at Class AA Akron.

Defensively, the infield will be tested because starters Justin Masterson and Derek Lowe throw a lot of ground balls. Chisenhall and Kipnis are converted players and defense is not their best asset. Cabrera, blessed with great hands, lost range in the second half last year.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerSecond baseman Jason Kipnis showed considerable potential before injury ended his rookie season. Will he be able to assume the full-time responsibilities in 2012?

The Indians finished tied for eighth in fielding percentage last year in the American League with 110 errors. The Rays had the fewest errors in the AL with 73 and the A's had the most at 124.

This season should be DH Travis Hafner's last as an Indian. He's in the final year of his contract. Bill James, in his 2012 handbook, projects Hafner to hit .268 (101-for-377) with 23 doubles, 15 homers, 63 RBI and an .817 OPS (on base + slugging percentage).

Here's a look at the Indians' infield options for this season (with age, bats/throws, last season's average, homers and RBI):

• 1B LaPorta, 27, R/R, .247, 11 HR, 53 RBI: Needs to refine his swing so he can produce and stay in the lineup.

• 2B Kipnis, 24, L/R, .272, 7, 19: Needs to stay healthy after having oblique and hamstring injuries last year. Slugged .507 in 36 games.

• 3B Chisenhall, 23, L/R, .255, 7, 22: Showed power and improved against lefties late in the season.

• 3B Hannahan, 31, L/R, .250, 8, 40: Plays the best defense at third in Cleveland since Matt Williams in 1997.

• SS Cabrera, 26, S/R, .273, 25, 92: His 92 RBI are the most by an Indians shortstop since Lou Boudreau had 106 in 1948.

• DH Hafner, 34, L/R, .280, 13, 57: Hit .383 (31-for-81) with runners in scoring position.

• C/1B Santana, 25, S/R, .239, 27, 79: His 97 walks helped overcome low batting average.

• C Marson, 25, R/R, .230, 1, 19: Threw out 33.3 percent (24 of 72) of the baserunners he faced to finish second in the AL to Baltimore's Matt Wieters at 35.6 percent.

• C Pagnozzi, 29, R/R, .276, 0, 3: Played 12 games with Colorado and Pittsburgh last year.

• C Chen, 24, R/R, .262, 16, 70 at Class AA Akron: Communicating with pitchers in English is a problem for Taiwan native.

• C Carlin, 31, S/R, .213, 5, 63 at Class AAA Columbus: Has big-league times with Indians and Padres.

• C Hernandez, 33, R/R, .273, 2, 27 at Class AAA Norfolk (Baltimore), Columbus and Akron: Last played in the big leagues in 2009 with the Rays.

• UT Donald, 27, R/R, .310, 4, 15: If he stays healthy, Donald could see time at second, short, third, center and left field.

• UT LaRoche, 28, R/R, .247, 0, 5 with Oakland: Played all four infield positions with the A's, concentrating on third base.

• UT Lopez, 28, R/R, .216, 8, 21 with Colorado and Florida: Played 39 games at third, also saw action at second and first.

• UT Lugo, 36, R/R, .136, 0, 3 with Atlanta: Indians have not officially announced his signing.

• UT Diaz, 24, S/R, .255, 9, 60 at Akron: Tall shortstop acquired from Seattle along with Ezequiel Carrera for Branyan.

• UT Phelps, 25, S/R, .155, 1, 1: Tribe gave him a chance at second base, but he struggled. Hit .294 with 14 homers and 63 RBI at Columbus.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

The 19-year-old point guard, averaging just 27.7 minutes per game, is going to see his playing time increase in the coming games.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerKyrie Irving has been surprisingly efficient so far in his rookie season, and Cavaliers coach Byron Scott says irving will be rewarded with more playing time.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Few NBA rookies are doing more offensively with less minutes than Kyrie Irving.

That will soon change, Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said.

The 19-year-old point guard, averaging just 27.7 minutes per game, is going to see his playing time increase in the coming games. Eventually, Irving could be playing in the 30- to 33-minute range.

Scott offered the assessment Wednesday, a day after Irving played just five fourth-quarter minutes in a 92-85 loss to the Miami Heat. The point guard contributed seven points and two assists in that stretch and helped the Cavaliers cut the deficit to three points with nine seconds remaining.

"I should have played him a little more," Scott admitted. "I thought the second unit was playing well and I kind of rolled with them a little bit more than I usually would. Right now, he's at the point where he should be in the 29- to 31-minute range.

"Last night was one of those things where I got lost in watching our second unit play as well as they were playing on both ends of the floor."

Irving entered play Wednesday ranked ninth in scoring (17.4 points) among all guards, but 48th in playing time. Four rookie guards -- Ricky Rubio (32.6), Iman Shumpert (32.0), Brandon Knight (31.8) and MarShon Brooks (29.8) -- are averaging more time on the court.

Scott said Irving is "pretty close" to playing in the 30- to 33-minute range. The coach works more by feel than relying on a timetable regarding minutes distribution, he said.

Scott has held fairly steady to his rotation to this point and has received good production from his bench. He's challenged Irving to improve his defense. The rookie is doing a better job at picking up the terminology and recognizing his mistakes on defensive end, Scott said.

Irving wasn't available for comment prior to Wednesday's game.

Forbes report: The Cavaliers had a brutal 2010-11 season on the court -- the first without LeBron James -- but the franchise's bottom line was not nearly as bad, according to Forbes.

While the club suffered a seven-percent decline in estimated franchise value from a year ago, it reaped $33 million in profit, the highest total in club history. That figure is before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Forbes' annual "business of basketball" report said the $30 million drop in payroll was a major factor in the Cavaliers' record sum. So was staying out of the league's luxury tax, which cost them $16 million in the 2009-10 season.

The Cavaliers declined comment on the report through a team spokesman.

The club's estimated value is $329 million, ranking them 18th in a 30-team league. The Cavaliers were worth $355 million a year ago, according to Forbes. The Los Angeles Lakers ($900 million) and New York Knicks ($780 million) occupy the top two spots.

Baron update: Baron Davis was back in The Q, but not in uniform Wednesday. He remains out of the New York Knicks' lineup as he's recovers from a herniated disk in his back.

Davis said he had a feeling the Cavs were going to waive him through the amnesty clause in December because of his injury, his contract and the emergence of Irving.

"They have an opportunity to move in a new direction with these young dudes and this young talent they have," Davis said. "I was ready to do whatever it took, but I could tell on the first day I got here that was pretty much going to be the move."

Davis, owed $24 million by the Cavs, said he's watched highlights of his former team and believes it has a special player in Irving.

Dribbles: Tristan Thompson missed his second straight game with a sprained ankle. ... In the past week, Scott has begun making his team run in practice after every turnover. They are tied with Miami for the most turnovers in the league, averaging 17.1.

Knicks have not won at The Q since Nov. 29, 2006, a streak spanning nine games.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerAnderson Varejao slams down two of his 10 points with this second-quarter dunk Wednesday night at The Q. Varejao posted a double double with 16 rebounds, adding four steals and four assists in the Cavaliers' victory over New York.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It was an ugly game played between a pair of desperate teams.

Basketballs sailed into seats. Elbows flew into chins. The Cavaliers couldn't stop the bleeding before six stitches were required.

In other words, it was a perfect environment for Anderson Varejao.

The Cavaliers center was at his hustling, disruptive best Wednesday night at The Q as he helped the home side end a four-game losing streak with a 91-81 victory over the New York Knicks before 16,760 fans.

On an evening when rookie sensation Kyrie Irving managed just seven points, Varejao led a group effort to halt the Cavaliers' longest slide of the season.  It also enabled them to win on the second night of back-to-back games for the first time in five tries.

The bushy-haired Brazilian contributed 10 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, four steals and added a monster dunk late in the fourth quarter. The Knicks, who saw Varejao grab eight offensive boards, had their fill of him by night's end as center Tyson Chandler earned a technical for a forearm to the face of the Cavaliers' pivot.

"He's a stat stuffer, that's one thing about Andy," said coach Byron Scott of Varejao who also was guilty of five turnovers. "He's going to give you a little bit of everything and tonight was no different."

The Cavaliers (7-10) beat the Knicks for the ninth consecutive time at The Q -- a streak dating to Nov. 29, 2006 -- behind one of their most balanced efforts. Cleveland placed four players in double figures and eight players recorded at least six points.

Antawn Jamison had 15 points while Anthony Parker and Omri Casspi added 13 each. Casspi required six stitches in his chin after catching an inadvertent elbow from Landry Fields as the Knicks guard was following through on a third-quarter shot. Casspi not only required medical attention, but was assessed a foul on the play.

"Maybe I got a little too close to him," Casspi said. [But] I thought he went into me, too."

There was nothing pretty about the performance. The Cavs committed 19 turnovers. The Knicks, losers of seven of their last eight games, had 23 giveaways. The clubs took turns at looking bad. Varejao threw an errant pass that sent Irving (seven assists, two turnovers), diving out of bounds and colliding with an official. The miscue left Scott shaking his head.

The Knicks had a 17-2 run that the Cavs answered with a 14-1 spurt. The teams went to intermission appropriately tied at 45.

But the Cavaliers were slightly more efficient in the second half. They moved the ball better, cut down on their turnovers and finished the night with 28 assists.

The Knicks, meanwhile, managed just 36 second-half points in part because of Varejao's tenacious work against the Knicks' front line of Amar'e Stoudemire (19 points), Chandler and Carmelo Anthony (15 points).

Scott had a chat with Varejao after Saturday's loss in Atlanta. He didn't think the center had his typical energy. He certainly supplied it the past two nights. He drove the Knicks to distraction.

"He was running up my back every play," Chandler said. "I'm trying to get him off so he doesn't get an offensive rebound and I get a technical."

Varejao punctuated his night with a thundering dunk, giving the Cavs an 86-75 lead with 3:05 left.

"I only dunk every three years," he said. "It happened tonight so I was happy we could help us win."

Ohio State freshman Sam Thompson added to his sixth man credentials in a blowout win.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The 35-footer slipped through the net Wednesday, and it was a bit disappointing. Sure, Ohio State got three points when Aaron Craft's alley-oop gone wrong dropped in, but Sam Thompson was right there. Man, the dunk probably would have been pretty sweet.

"For the record, I would much rather Sam catch it and dunk it," Craft said. "I think people get more excited about that. But I'll take anything I can get.

"That's how we drew it up in the huddle. I was going to streak down the left side, Craft was going to throw it up from halfcourt and it was just going to go in," Thompson said with a sly smile, showing some freshman confidence with his sarcasm. "I was kind of like a decoy on the play."

Now 21 games into his Ohio State career, after the No. 4 Buckeyes easily handled Penn State, 78-54, the wing player from Chicago is far from a decoy. He's looking more like a potential sixth man.

Through his tenure at OSU, coach Thad Matta has used a variety of players as his first guy off the bench, from Craft as a point guard last season to B.J. Mullens as a big man in 2009 to Daequan Cook as a shooter in 2007. What Matta always wanted was energy and a different look. At 6-7, Thompson can treat the court as his personal trampoline, offering high-flying options at both ends of the court.

"For as young as Sam is, he gets it," Matta said. "He has a great sense of what he needs to do to help the team."

In the eight conference games for the Buckeyes (18-3, 6-2) Thompson has played more than any other bench player, on the court for 103 minutes, an average of 13 per game. Six weeks ago, he was averaging 10 minutes per game and hoping to gain a role. He may be finding it.

"Sam is always known for his energy," sophomore Jared Sullinger said. "And that's what we look for."

Thompson admitted that it took some time for him to get adjusted to playing fewer minutes compared to high school, but now he knows what to do while he waits to enter a game. He watches the players he might defend to see which spots on the floor they're trying to get to, trying to get a feel for the game.

"When you first think of Sam, people think of his leaping ability and athleticism," Craft said. "But one of the great things he brings to the table is his willingness to learn."

There were plenty of opportunities to learn against the overmatched, last-place Nittany Lions (10-12, 2-7) who were never in the game, with the Buckeyes taking an 11-point lead less than seven minutes in.

Sullinger finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds, his sixth 20-point game of the season, while William Buford added 15 and nine rebounds and Craft scored 11, making that one 3-pointer. Thompson in 17 minutes had six points on 2-of-3 shooting, two rebounds and three assists. He did get a dunk on an in-bounds alley-oop from Craft later in the game.

The win was the 37th straight at home for Ohio State, the second-longest streak in the nation. That will be tested when No. 20 Michigan comes to Value City Arena on Sunday for a battle between the two teams currently tied for first in the Big Ten standings.

Matta might want to call for that 35-foot fake alley-oop again. If not, at the very least, he may again call on Thompson when he looks to the bench for the first time.

Detroit's signing of Prince Fielder casts a shadow over the Indians in 2012, but the real heavyweight is agent Scott boras, who also happens to represent a couple of Indians.

View full sizeBenny Sieu, MCT"I'll take a double cheese, with ham, pineapple and green peppers and make sure it's this big!" Be careful, Tigers, says Bud Shaw, who wonders if there will be a scale available in the Comerica Park clubhouse this year.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Consider it a jumbo with extra dough...

Take a good look at Prince Fielder, now under contract with the Detroit Tigers for the next nine years. Nine years is 3,285 dinners, counting post-game buffets.

Try to remember this is what he looked like before joining a team owned by a pizza magnate.

It's possible, I guess, that his Milwaukee years will be known as his salad days. The Pentagon tank budget aside, no one has ever invested so much money ($214 million) in a body this size. The Tigers are heavy favorites to win the AL Central with Fielder and Miguel Cabrera hitting in the middle of the lineup. And he is only 27. But when Victor Martinez comes back in 2013, they'll have three designated hitter/first basemen making almost $60 million a year.

The long-range feasibility of the deal is seriously challenged, which means agent Scott Boras must've been behind it. Boras casts the biggest shadow in the Fielder signing, which is saying something. A baseball GM once said that Boras wasn't really all that difficult to deal with, despite his reputation. So long as you gave him what he wanted. Then he was an absolutely delightful negotiating partner.

Boras is famous for playing nameless suitors against one another, eventually driving up the price well beyond the reach of all but one successful -- if deceived -- team.

It's too early to say the Fielder signing will be one deal the Tigers regret. There is, however, a precedent or five: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Barry Zito, Jayson Werth, Pudge Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez -- the 37-year-old Ordonez having had consecutive seasons of 50, 59 and 32 RBI.

No team seemed willing to extend itself to Albert Pujols' territory where Fielder was concerned, not with Boras demanding his usual no-trade clause for star talent. Tigers' GM Dave Dombrowski said Detroit couldn't afford Fielder's services long term. Actually he said that Fielder was "probably not a fit for us."

That's apparently the point where Boras went to work directly on ownership. A week after Martinez blew out his knee and reports predicted he'd miss the 2012 season, Boras cashed in on 82-year-old Detroit owner Mike Ilitch's sense of urgency.

Some GMs will try their best not to deal with Boras. The Indians can vouch for that. They overspent on Jeremy Guthrie, a Boras client, giving him one of the biggest signing bonuses in team history as part of a major-league deal. Once was enough. It's a good way to quickly run out of options on a player, and they did.

Boras steering Fielder to Detroit makes life more difficult for the Indians but that may only be the start. He also represents Shin-Soo Choo, who will become a free agent after 2013. It's probably more likely that Cecil Fielder, Prince's estranged father, will come back to the Tribe and hit 45 homers than it is the Indians will keep Choo.

Anyone who prematurely thought Boras was losing his touch knows better after the Prince Fielder signing. But lots of agents could shop Fielder and strike it rich. If Boras really wants to prove he's got the golden touch once and for all, let's see him get huge dollars for his other Indians' client when the time comes.

Matt LaPorta.

Anybody? Anybody?

America: Love it, or lecture it...

Goalie Tim Thomas, one of only two Americans on the Boston Bruins, skipped the White House celebration staged for the Stanley Cup champs this week.

Said Thomas, who wears the Tea Party slogan of "Don't Tread on Me" on his goalie mask: "I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People. ...

"This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an individual."

Yes, that team stuff is overblown, said Tim with an "i."

SPINOFFS

Golfer Bubba Watson paid $110,000 to buy the General Lee, the high-flying 1969 Dodge Charger made famous in the TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard." You could not get odds in Vegas on the winner of the bid being named Bubba...

The Tigers can try to couch it any way they want, but Detroit signing Fielder had to be a direct response to the Indians signing Julio Lugo.

Game on...

Long-time TV host Larry King is part of one of the many ownership groups looking to buy the L.A. Dodgers. Best case scenario if his group gets it: uniforms with suspenders.

Worst case scenario -- given what Dodgers' fans have just gone through with the McCourt ownership: King's eighth wife gets half the team in a divorce settlement...

Dick Pound, the former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, says there is both known and suspected use of HGH in the NFL. He's critical of the NFL players association's perceived heel-dragging on instituting testing for human growth hormone.

Besides 300-pounders bench-pressing team buses and running stride for stride with Usain Bolt, no word on what could've raised Pound's suspicions...

HE SAID IT

"It's just the epitome of stupidity that we would allow ourselves to be used so other corporations can make tens, if not hundreds of millions, of dollars." -- Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who correctly says individual NBA teams assume too much risk and get nothing in return for letting star players compete in the Olympics.

View full sizeAP fileHe wears his emotions right at the tip of that famous jaw -- but will he ever go back into the spotlight?

Especially if the star player is Kyrie Irving and the country is Australia.

HE TWEETED IT

"The bigger they are the harder they fall." -- Indians' second baseman Jason Kipnis after the Tigers signed Fielder.

Except, you know, for when they win the division by 15 games.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Colt McCoy and Ponyboy Curtis (The Outsiders) -- Shawn Paul, Tremont

Elliot Spitzer and Bill Cowher -- Billy Q

YOU SAID IT

(The Greatly Expanded Midweek Edition)

"Bud:

View full sizeAP fileIt wasn't his chin that got this big-time politician in trouble, and he's remained close to the shadows ever since.

"A lot was made of [Tim] Tebow's '316' yards against the Steelers. Eli Manning totaled 316 yards against the San Francisco. Maybe the Mayans were right?" -- John Harman, Parma

You'll know the Mayans were right if on Dec. 20 the Browns are undefeated and in first place.

"Bud:

"What is your real name?" -- Tim

I thought my picture would've given it away. Fabio.

"Bud:

"After seeing Steven Tyler singing the National Anthem, all I can say is Dude looks like a very ugly lady." -- Angelo, Cleveland

I didn't think it was possible to make Roseanne sound like Sarah Brightman.

"Bud:

"'Big Show.' 'Big Money.' Similar names, same results!" -- Charlie, North Ridgeville

By that can I assume you don't mean because Gerard Warren is in the Super Bowl now, too?

"Bud:

"Do you grunt when you play tennis?" -- Tom Hoffner

I prefer cartoon sound effects.

"Hey Bud:

"What's Ubaldo Jimenez's real name, Nuke LaLoosh?" -- Mary, Macedonia

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

"Hey Bud:

"During half-time of the Heat-Cavs game, the refs took back a Cleveland basket even though another play happened. Why do I feel this strange urge to throw a plastic beer bottle at the first zebra I see?" -- Pat

Repeat winners get excused by Carmen Policy.

"Bud:

"If Grady Sizemore got down on a knee to propose, does that mean he starts the year on the DL?" -- Rob Walker, Medina

Repeat winners do not get a honeymoon period.

On Twitter: @budshaw

Against the Huskies, Kent improved its perimeter defense, forcing 14 turnovers in the opening half and 22 overall.

KENT, Ohio -- Kent State received the moment to exhale that its basketball team needed Wednesday night, easily dispatching Northern Illinois, 90-56, in the M.A.C. Center.

Now comes the game that could define the season for the Golden Flashes. KSU (13-6, 3-3 Mid-American Conference) play at Toledo Saturday in desperate need of a road victory in conference action.

"Absolutely," head coach Rob Senderoff said. "We have to find a way to get one. We have got to step up."

All three of Kent's MAC setbacks have been on the road, including an 84-75 setback at Akron after holding an eight-point second-half lead. Following that game, Senderoff called his seniors and junior Randal Holt into his office to watch the video of the game's end.

"He jumped us," senior center Justin Greene said. "We're the ones who gave up the eight-point lead. It wasn't [freshmen] on the floor, it was the seniors and Randal on the floor. We can't let that happen. Coach did what he had to do. He ripped us."

In recent weeks, the Flashes have developed some warts, allowing opponents to dominate the second half while being an alarmingly poor rebounding team while trying to repeat as the regular-season Mid-American Conference champion.

"We are not a great rebounding team," Senderoff said. "Rebounding is a concern, without question."

Against the Huskies (2-16, 1-5), Kent improved its perimeter defense, forcing 14 turnovers in the opening half and 22 overall. The Flashes jumped to leads of 21-3 and 40-15 as the offense ran smoothly with 27 assists on 32 baskets and shot 57.1 percent from the floor.

NIU made 37.3 percent of its shots. But the rebounding, even against the woeful Huskies, labored again as Kent lost that battle, 38-29, including 17 offensive boards for NIU. For the fourth straight game, Kent gave up more points in the second half (32) than the first (24).

One good outcome was a chance for freshman guard Kris Brewer to see extended action. He responded with a career-high 15 points to lead five Flashes in double figures. Brewer, along with junior small forward Chris Evans (14) were the spark in Kent's offense.

"Glad to see him playing the way he played tonight," Senderoff said of the 6-4 Brewer.

Still, the defense and rebounding still need attention. The next test comes at 7 p.m. Saturday against the Rockets (10-10, 2-4), which average 72.0 points a game.

"It's all on us," Greene said. "We got another one Saturday, and we've still got a lot to prove."

The Cavaliers built on the effort in Tuesday's loss in Miami

CLEVELAND -- The victory came Wednesday night at The Q. The effort required to earn it began an evening earlier in Miami.

The Cavaliers fell short against LeBron James and the Heat, 92-85, but the intensity and competitiveness so evident early in the season returned to their game. It carried over versus the Knicks and helped them to a 91-81 win before 16,760 fans.

"The one thing we talked about before the game (against Miami) was just getting back to playing the way we are capable of playing, especially on the defensive end. I thought we did that (Tuesday) night.  The (22) turnovers cost us dearly against a team like Miami, but tonight the effort on the defensive end was just as good, if not better. I thought the energy was just as good, if not better, and I thought our focus was there for 48 minutes."

Make no mistake, it was an ugly game. But the Cavs (7-10) deserved to break their four-game losing streak based on the hustle. Anderson Varejao recorded 10 points and 16 rebounds for his 11th double-double of the season. He also had four steals, four assists and two blocked shots. Anthony Parker and Omri Casspi chipped in 13 points apiece and the Cavs' got plenty of quality minutes from the bench. Special mention to backup center Ryan Hollins, who scored a season-high nine points with a couple of jumpers and a sky hook. He was 4-of-4 from the field.

"Everybody seemed to pitch in tonight," Scott said. "I think from the beginning of the game until the end our guys were really focused on stopping the bleeding, especially here at home."

Yes, they still threw the ball all over the gym. Arena workers might want to just leave the hockey plexiglass in place to protect Cavs fans from errant passes. They committed 19 more turnovers. They entered action tied with Miami for the league's most giveaways -- 17.1 per game.

But the Cavs kept working and didn't get discouraged as they seemed to do in blowout losses to Chicago and Atlanta. The Cavs got jumped in those games and offered no blow back. They had to endure two days of questions about whether they were backsliding into the dark ages of last season.

In the second quarter, they shot 35 percent and turned it over seven times. But the Cavs responded with a 14-1 run late which helped tie it 45-45 at the half.

Many fans understand there will be plenty more losses in a rebuilding season, yet they don't want to see the glazed eyes and overwhelmed expressions they witnessed in the losses against the Bulls and Hawks. Say this for the Cavs, they have done well for themselves in winnable games. They have another one on Friday against New Jersey.

NOTES

-- The Knicks (7-11) are brutal. They are a poorly constructed team, heavy on forwards, light on bench support and lacking in guards. New York's top three guards combined for six assists. If injured Baron Davis isn't the answer, the Knicks might have to pluck Spike Lee from the front row to play point.

-- The Cavaliers had 28 assists and moved the ball better tonight in the second half.

-- Samardo Samuels put together a second decent effort. He had six points and grabbed six boards after a 15-point showing in Miami.

-- Kyrie Irving had a tough shooting night (1-of-7 for seven points), but he did log seven assists and committed just two turnovers. That's an encouraging sign, but again the Knicks' guard play is bad.

-- Casspi has been in double figures in five of the last seven games. He was 5-of-8 before catching an elbow to the chin and requiring six stitches. Scott has been extremely patient with Casspi and at least he's getting some offensive production now. 

-- Antawn Jamison scored 15 points and was 3-of-4 from behind the arc, but he's had a rough stretch on the defensive end. The Cavs are anxious to get Tristan Thompson (sprained ankle) back into the lineup.

-- Good night for Anthony Parker. After working so hard defensively against James in Miami he registered 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting.

-- Cavs were 9-of-20 from behind the arc. Knicks were 3-of-20.

-- Cavaliers are off Thursday before returning to action against the Nets.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

Here's today's sports listings on TV and the radio for the Cleveland area.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerTrevor Cann has been in goal for 56 percent of the minutes for the Lake Erie Monsters this season. The Monsters host the Toronto Marlies tonight at 7 in a game televised by Fox Sports Ohio and broadcast on WKNR AM/850.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today on the air

(Click on to links for more team or event information)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

2 p.m. Joe Paterno memorial service, Big Ten Network

10 p.m. Joe Paterno memorial service (tape), Big Ten Network

EXTREME SPORTS

9 p.m. Winter X Games, ESPN

2:30 a.m. Winter X Games (tape), ESPN2

GOLF

3 p.m. Farmers Insurance Open, Golf Channel

4 a.m. (Friday) Abu Dhabi Championship, Golf Channel

MENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Florida at Mississippi, ESPN2 (Preview)

7 p.m. Navy at Lehigh, CBS Sports Network

7 p.m. Nebraska at Iowa, ESPNU

7 p.m. N.C. State at North Carolina, ESPN (Preview)

9 p.m. Boston College at Virginia, ESPNU (Preview)

9 p.m. Indiana at Wisconsin, ESPN2 (Preview)

10:30 p.m. Washington State at Arizona, Fox Sports Ohio

11 p.m. Gonzaga at Portland, ESPN2

NBA

8 p.m. Boston at Orlando, TNT (Preview)

10:30 p.m. Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TNT

HOCKEY

7 p.m. AHL, Toronto at MONSTERS, Fox Sports Ohio; AM/850

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Monsters coverage)

8 p.m. NHL, All-Star Game Draft, NBC Sports Network*

(*Formerly Versus)

TENNIS

11 p.m. Australian Open, mixed doubles semifinal, womens doubles final, Tennis Channel

3:30 a.m. (Fri.) Australian Open, mens semifinal, ESPN2

WOMENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL

6 p.m. Illinois at Michigan State, Big Ten Network

8 p.m. OHIO STATE at Indiana, Big Ten Network

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage)

9 p.m. LMU at Gonzaga, CBS Sports Network

Today live at noon on "PD Sports Insider," join Bud Shaw, Dennis Manoloff along with special guest Mary Kay Cabot to talk Browns, Super Bowl XLVI and answer your chat room questions.

Today's live show is over. Stay tuned this afternoon to watch the archive.

Watch today live at noon.

What's the latest on the Browns' search for an offensive coordinator? Anything new on who the Browns might draft? What are the most intriguing storylines of Super Bowl XLVI?

Today live at noon on "PD Sports Insider: Browns Edition," join Bud Shaw, Dennis Manoloff along with special guest Mary Kay Cabot to talk Browns, Super Bowl XLVI and answer your chat room questions.

Note: To turn off audio alerts in the chatroom, click on the round button on bottom left of the chat room, then preferences. Uncheck all audio options and save.

About the show: "PD Sports Insider" airs live every Monday and Thursday at noon. Co-hosted by Bud Shaw and Dennis Manoloff, the show features a timely and lively debate of the biggest sports topics of the day and gives readers a chance to interact directly with PD sportswriters and columnists.

Viewers have to the opportunity to ask questions and post comments in a live chat room during the show. They can also Skype in or email their video questions during the week.

The Cleveland Cavaliers could improve in several areas, which position should the team address in the offseason?

APFreshman Anthony Davis has already set Kentucky's single-season record in shots blocked.

Moving forward, the point guard position is probably the only position the Cleveland Cavaliers don't need to see focus on when it comes to free agency and the NBA Draft in the upcoming offseason.

Point guard Kyrie Irving is the team's future. But when it comes to the other positions on the roster, the Cavaliers can certainly use an upgrade.

Anderson Varejao is playing center, but Varejao is better suited for the power forward spot. The Cavaliers could certainly use an upgrade at the shooting guard spot, and small forward is a position that could use a spark.

Harangody has appeared in just five games for the club this season

View full sizeAPLuke Harangody has appeared in just five games for the Cavaliers this season

Tampa Bay may have found its coach in Greg Schiano of Rutgers.

APGreg Schiano

MACEDONIA, Ohio - Jeff Fox, whose talents as an offensive coordinator helped turn Willoughby South's program into a prolific scoring machine, is expected to become the new head coach at Nordonia. Fox, 29, will be the recommendation submitted at the school board's meeting on Feb. 13 and his hiring is expected to be a formality. He was chosen from...

Nordonia is expected to hire Jeff Fox as its football coach, replacing Al Huge, who resigned in November after two seasons. - (Helmet image courtesy of OhioHelmetProject.com)

MACEDONIA, Ohio - Jeff Fox, whose talents as an offensive coordinator helped turn Willoughby South's program into a prolific scoring machine, is expected to become the new head coach at Nordonia.

Fox, 29, will be the recommendation submitted at the school board's meeting on Feb. 13 and his hiring is expected to be a formality. He was chosen from an original field of 60 applicants, Nordonia Athletic Director Rob Eckenrode said.

A former two-time Academic All-American at Baldwin-Wallace, Fox has been the offensive coordinator at Willoughby South for the past seven years. During that span the Rebels averaged 35 points a game and made four playoff appearances.

Fox replaces Al Huge, who resigned in November after four seasons.

Plain Dealer Cavs reporter says turnovers and spotty ballhandling have defined the season so far. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

The Cavaliers outplayed the New York Knicks on Wednesday night at The Q. As you look at this Cavs team, which position do you think most needs to be upgraded during the offseason? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Cavs reporter Tom Reed, who says he has two positions in mind that the team will look to bolster.

Tom also talks about whether he thinks the compressed NBA schedule this season is causing more injuries; and what has impressed him most about this season so far.

SBTV will return Friday.

By placing Fausto Carmona on the restricted list, he does not count against the Indians' 40- and 25-man roster. He also does not get paid until he joins the Indians in the United States.

Manuel Diaz, Associated PressFausto Carmona/Roberto Hernandez Heredia will not be paid until he rejoins the Indians in the United States.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have placed Roberto Hernandez Heredia, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona, on the restricted list.

The move means Heredia does not count against the Indians 40 and 25-man rosters. It means he does not get paid or is credited with service time until he joins the Indians in the United States. The Indians picked up Heredia's $7 million club option after the World Series.

Carmona, who signed with the Indians in December of 2000, was arrested last week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic while trying to get a visa to report to spring training with the Indians next month in Goodyear, Ariz. Dominican officials said Carmona was really Heredia and was 31 instead of 28.

The Indians 40-man roster, with Carmona on the restricted list, stands at 39. It means the Indians could add another player to bring to spring training.

As for spending Carmona's salary on another player, it's unclear what the Indians are thinking. If he does rejoin the team, he would be eligible to get paid on a prorated basis should he miss part of the regular season.   

No on knows how much time Carmona will miss. He has several legal hurdles to clear.

First he has to establish his real identity with the Dominican Republic government. What is his real name, birth date, etc? After that, he must apply to the United States government for a visa to join the Indians.

The same thing happened with Miami Marlins pitcher Leo Nunez, who was arrested in the Dominican in September. His real name is reportedly Juan Carlos Oviedo and he is still trying to work his way through the legal system of both countries so he can report to spring training with the Marlins.

Nunez just agreed to a $6 million deal with the Marlins. Like Carmona, however, he's on the restricted list.   

"The Cavs front office and coaching staff are slowly putting together a contender by building a good, young team...but not this year. I like the youth and talent of Irving, T. Thompson, Gee, Sessions, Gibson, Samuels and Erdin. They can build off this base." - clevebrown1

View full sizeAP Photo/Mark DuncanWhile Cavalier fans are optimistic about the future, some believe they should start trading away veterans, like Antawn Jamison and Anderson Varejao.

"The Cavs front office and coaching staff are slowly putting together a contender by building a good, young team, but not this year. I like the youth and talent of Irving, Thompson, Gee, Sessions, Gibson, Samuels and Erden. They can build off this base.

What they need to do is trade Varejao while he is hot to a contender for NO LESS than a first round pick. Andy would appreciate that, too!

They don't have a lot of other chips to deal with, though. The older guys can hang on for less money if they want to until the young base is expanded. It will take a couple of more years to build a real contender."