From Fausto Carmona to Jon Garland to Grady Sizemore, GM Chris Antonetti addresses all things Indians as spring training approaches. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians GM Chris Antonetti, with pitchers and catchers scheduled to report to Goodyear, Ariz., Monday for the start of spring training, stopped by The 'PD Sports Insider' for a noon chat Monday.

Among the subjects he talked about was the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona. Antonetti said that the Indians have receive official documentation that Carmona is really Roberto Hernandez Heredia. If and when he is allowed to rejoin the Indians, he'll be known as Roberto Hernandez.

Hernandez was arrested in January on the front steps of the U.S. Consulate in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was going to apply for a visa to join the Indians this season. Dominican authorities reported then that Carmona's real name is Roberto Hernandez and that he's 31 instead of his listed age of 28.

Antonetti was clear that the Indians still want Carmona on the team. He's signed to a one-year $7 million contract, but won't get paid until he joins the team in the United States.

Before Antonetti joined The "PD Sports Insider,' it was reported that the Indians had signed veteran right-hander Jon Garland to a minor league contract. The deal, along with a spring training invitation to big league camp, was contingent on him passing a physical. Garland had rotator cuff surgery last year with the Dodgers.

When questioned about Garland, Antonetti steered around the subject, saying he's always interested in adding depth to the pitching staff.

Other highlights:

-Ideally, Antonetti would like to see Grady Sizemore play between 100 to 120 games this season.

-Yes, he thinks the Indians took a gamble on re-signing Sizemore to a one-year $5 million deal. Sizemore, however, showed the Indians last year from late April until he injured his right knee in mid-May that he can still be an exceptional offensive player.

-He is interested in pursuing a multiyear deal with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, but it takes two to tango.

-He thinks the Indians are capable of winning the AL Central this year if their key players can stay healthy and their young players make the necessary improvements.

-Antonetti feels last year's trade of Ubaldo Jimenez did open a two-year window for the Indians to contend. Those two years would be 2012 and 2013.

-He'd welcome a second playoff team being added to each league this year. The deadline for MLB to make such a decision is early March.

-Antonetti said that he called Matt LaPorta and his agent, Scott Boras, before the signing of first baseman Casey Kotchman was announced.

-Antonetti called scouts "the life blood' of the Indians organization. The Tribe's front office has a reputation of leaning heavily on sabermetrics. Antonetti said he want the best of both worlds -- good scouting and good analytical work.

-Antonetti believes new pitching coach Scott Radinksy has a good working knowledge of Jimenez's delivery and will work well with him.

Related video: 30 minutes with Chris Antonetti on PD Sports Insider

"This could end up being the best pitching sign of the off-season ... though that's not saying much. Garland had arguably his best season in 2010 with San Diego ... gave up much fewer hits than innings pitched for the first time and went 14-12 with a bad-hitting team." - martygit

AP Photo/Brian KerseyIndians are set to sign right-hander Jon Garland, pending physical. One cleveland.com reader states this could be the best signing all off-season.

"This could end up being the best pitching sign of the off-season ... though that's not saying much. Garland had arguably his best season in 2010 with San Diego ... gave up much fewer hits than innings pitched for the first time and went 14-12 with a bad-hitting team.

If he's healthy (big if) it's a good addition. Slowey and Garland are better than Carmona right now.

I think the Indians are gathering tons of pitchers to trade one or two (starter or reliever) for a right-handed power bat. At least I hope that's what they're doing."

As the battle at first-base is wide open, Chris Antonetti talked about what the Casey Kotchman signing does to Matt LaPorta, who will have to impress the front office if he wants to make the Opening Day roster. Watch video

"I did reach out to Matt before we announced Casey's signing. I talked to not only to Matt, but his representative, Scott Boras to talk through the rational of the decision. And then also what it means for Matt.

And I think most importantly the message I communicated to Matt is that we as an organization continue to believe in him. We still think he has a chance to be a very good major league player. But our focus is to trying to win this year. And trying do everything we can to do that.

And he's going to have to come to camp to compete for a spot. If that doesn't happen, he may to continue to develop in Triple-A. Most importantly, we continue to committed as an organization to him and to his develop.

To that, our Major League hitting coach went down earlier this off-season when we still had some uncertainly about our first-base situation. Visited with Matt for four days, spent some time with him one-on-one, working on his swing and fundamentals and hopefully putting him in a better position coming into spring training."

"An ELITE QB is an absolute NECESSITY to building a championship team. I will go even further than the article. Look back at every Super Bowl champion. Only 4 teams in history won a Super Bowl without a 1st or high 2nd rd or HOF ("ELITE") QB. The remaining 42 all had Elite QBs." - smossdaddy

AP Photo/Jerry LarsonWhether it's Robert Griffin III or another quarterback, one cleveland.com reader wants the Browns to draft an elite player to go under center in order to compete.

"An ELITE QB is an absolute NECESSITY to building a championship team. I will go even further than the article. Look back at every Super Bowl champion. Only 4 teams in history won a Super Bowl without a 1st or high 2nd rd or HOF ("ELITE") QB. The remaining 42 all had Elite QBs.

Browns need to do whatever it takes to draft Luck or RG3. The time is now. End of conversation."

Guard-forward is among several youngsters getting a chance to earn playing time. Links to more Cavaliers stories.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerGuard-forward Christian Eyenga is trying to establish himself as a mainstay in the Cavaliers' rotation.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This is a season of opportunity for several youthful Cleveland Cavaliers players.

That was already a priority for a Cavs team coming off a 19-63 record last season. Now, after several injuries, playing the youngsters has become just as much a necessity.

Second-year guard-forward Christian Eyenga is among the young Cavs getting the chance to find favor with coach Byron Scott and his staff.

Bob Finnan writes for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal that Eyenga can make a good impression by playing solid defense: 

Someone has gotten in his ear and told him he needs to focus on his defense. Now, he says it's his primary goal.

"It's all about defense," the Republic of Congo native said.

Eyenga's biggest concerns were his weakside defense and defensive rotations. He's concentrated so much on defense, his offense has suffered. He's averaging a team-low 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds.

Eyenga said it's exciting to get back on the court.

"It's fun," he said. "It hadn't happened in a long time. I hope to keep playing."

He had his computer on his lap in the locker room, watching video clips of — what else? — defense.

"I can do this," Eyenga said. "I don't want to mess up while I'm in there."

The Cavaliers (10-16) host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. It will be the fourth game in Cleveland's nine-game homestand.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage includes Tom Reed's story that the Cavs' problems at center -- due especially to Anderson Varejao being sidelined with a fractured wrist -- should provide more opportunity for another youngster, rookie Tristan Thompson; Mary Schmitt Boyer's report that standout rookie point guard Kyrie Irving, who has missed the last three games with a concussion, participated in non-contact segments of the Cavs' practice on Monday; and more Cavaliers news.

Pick-and-rolls

Anderson Varejao's injury puts the Cavs back on the path that had been anticipated this season. By Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Updating the Cavaliers' injuries. By Bob Finnan for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Though his playing time will almost certainly increase, rookie Tristan Thompson probably won't, at least for now, start at center. On the blog "Fear The Sword."

Several reasons that it's great to be a Cavaliers fan. A Bleacher Report slideshow.

Addressing some Cavs roster questions. On the blog "Fear The Sword."

Injuries contribute to a drop for the Cavaliers in ESPN.com's new power rankings. The Cavs also drop a bit in NBA.com's rankings of the league's teams.

"I wish Thompson would play more like Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace. He needs to stop trying to score unless he has an easy dunk or the shot clock is about to expire, and focus all of his attention on defense and rebounding. Every time Thompson is on the court there are always 4 better scorers than him. So he needs to learn to pass the ball. Way too often the ball gets stuck in his hands regardless of how much time is left on the shot clock." - benny1699

The Plain DealerCleveland.com readers would like to see Tristan Thompson work on his rebounding and defensive game before becoming a scoring threat.

"I wish Thompson would play more like Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace. He needs to stop trying to score unless he has an easy dunk or the shot clock is about to expire, and focus all of his attention on defense and rebounding. Every time Thompson is on the court there are always 4 better scorers than him. So he needs to learn to pass the ball. Way too often the ball gets stuck in his hands regardless of how much time is left on the shot clock.

I wish Byron Scott would take him out of the game immediately following a play in which he tries to create his own offense with at least 10 seconds on the shot clock. If he does that a couple of times, Thompson will start to pass the ball so he can stay on the court."

Moss, 35 on Monday, didn't play in 2011 and has sometimes created controversy, but is among the NFL's all-time leaders in most statistical categories for receivers.

Associated PressRandy Moss, who turned 35 on Monday, didn't play in 2011 but is among the NFL's all-time leaders in most statistical categories for receivers.

(Starting Blocks poll on whether the Cleveland Browns should try to sign Randy Moss at the bottom of this report)

CHARLESTON, West Virginia -- Randy Moss once said, "I play when I want to play."

Six months after retiring, the veteran NFL wide receiver wants to play again.

Moss announced on a webchat Monday -- his 35th birthday -- that he's planning a comeback.

His agent, Joel Segal, wouldn't go into his client's available options.

"Randy and I have discussed it," Segal said of Moss coming out of retirement. "He still has his fire and he's looking forward to playing football. He's excited."

Moss posted on his Twitter page: "Now back to biz!! There's good an bad an u have to b ready for both! its in gods hand now."

Moss retired last August, compiling 14,858 receiving yards and 153 touchdowns in 13 seasons.

He last played in 2010, getting traded by the New England Patriots to the Minnesota Vikings before finishing the season with Tennessee. That year he had career lows of 28 catches for 393 yards.

Moss' 23 TD catches in 2007 that helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl are a single-season NFL record.

His 10 seasons of at least 1,000 yards are second only to Jerry Rice's 14. He's tied with Terrell Owens for second on the career TD receptions list, well behind Rice's 197.

There were questions when Moss retired whether it would last.

Then came Monday's announcement.

"It didn't surprise me when he retired, and it doesn't surprise me he wants to come back," said Bob Pruett, Moss' college coach at Marshall. "I think he can be a great player for whoever picks him up."

It's now up to NFL teams to decide whether they want to take a chance on the six-time Pro Bowler. Former Patriots teammate Tom Brady has said he'd like to throw to Moss again.

A prospective employer would not only get one of the top deep threats in NFL history, but one with a history of controversy.

While with the Vikings, Moss bumped a traffic cop in downtown Minneapolis, squirted a referee with a water bottle during a game, left the field early in a game against Washington and berated a caterer at team headquarters.

Trouble off the field in high school prevented Moss from attending Notre Dame or Florida State. He landed with father-figure Pruett at Marshall, where he scored 54 touchdowns in two seasons.

"Randy's a team guy," Pruett said. "Sometimes he wears his emotions on his sleeve. He's also a great player."

Moss' personal assistant, Donnie Jones, said Moss is "ready to rock 'n' roll."

Records through Sunday. (Previous week's rankings in parentheses.)

Records through Sunday.

(Previous week's rankings in parentheses.)

1. Mentor, 16-1 (1): Hosts No. 21 Elyria Tuesday.

2. Cleveland Heights, 13-2 (4): At Euclid Tuesday. There was no doubting the Tigers during Saturday's impressive win over rival Shaker Heights.

3. Garfield Heights, 13-4 (3): At Strongsville Tuesday.

4. Shaker Heights, 14-2 (2): At Warrensville Tuesday. Raiders have to prove they're capable of bouncing back after loss to Cleveland Heights.

5. Lake Catholic, 15-2 (6): At Padua on Friday.

6. St. Edward, 11-6 (5): Hosts Collinwood on Friday.

7. Brush, 14-3 (7): At Solon Tuesday.

8. John F. Kennedy, 15-1 (11): Hosts No. 10 St. Peter Chanel Tuesday.

9. Richmond Heights, 16-1 (12): Hosts Cuyahoga Heights Tuesday. Questionable schedule makes it difficult to justify ranking them any higher but Spartans climb three spots.

10. St. Peter Chanel, 15-1 (9): Hosts No. 8 John F. Kennedy Tuesday.

11. St. Ignatius, 12-4 (8): Hosts No. 2 Cleveland Heights on Thursday. Wildcats need to regroup.

12. Stow, 13-3 (13): Hosts Hudson Tuesday.

13. Akron East, 16-1 (15): Hosts Archbishop Hoban Tuesday. Dragons have won 11 in a row since a 13-point setback to Richmond Heights in late December. Another talented squad restricted by a suspect schedule.

14. Benedictine, 9-6 (10): Hosts Walsh Jesuit on Friday.

15. Brunswick, 13-4 (14): At Medina Tuesday.

16. St. Vincent-St. Mary, 10-7 (16): Hosts Walsh Jesuit Tuesday.

17. Villa Angela-St. Joseph, 9-7 (17): Hosts No. 22 John Hay Tuesday.

18. Kenston, 16-1 (18): Hosts Bedford on Wednesday.

19. Nordonia, 14-2 (19): At Green Tuesday.

20. Midview, 16-2 (21): Hosts Lakewood on Feb. 21.

21. Elyria, 11-6 (22): At No. 1 Mentor Tuesday.

22. John Hay, 11-7 (24): At No. 17 VASJ Tuesday.

23. Brecksville, 13-4 (--): Hosts Glenville Tuesday. Bees return to the poll following decisive win over Westlake on Friday.

24. Westlake, 15-2 (20): Hosts Midpark on Friday.

25. Barberton, 11-5 (--): Hosts Collinwood Tuesday. Magics earn third-seed behind Canton Timken and McKinley at Canton sectional.

Dropped out: East Tech, Kent Roosevelt.

Records through Sunday (Previous week's ranking in parentheses)

Records through Sunday

(Previous week's ranking in parentheses)

1. Twinsburg, 16-3 (1): At Strongsville on Wednesday.

2. Solon, 16-3, (3): Hosts No. 21 Stow on Wednesday. Comets edged Hudson to clinch second place in rugged Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division.

3. Wadsworth, 16-3 (5): At Highland on Wednesday.

4. Magnificat, 15-3 (7): At No. 5 Hathaway Brown on Wednesday. Blue Streaks entered week with seven consecutive victories.

5. Hathaway Brown, 14-5 (8): Hosts No. 4 Magnificat on Wednesday. Defending Division II state champion Blazers thumped Midpark and Youngstown Ursuline.

6. Midpark, 17-2 (2): Hosts Berea on Wednesday.

7. Manchester, 19-0 (6): At Rittman on Thursday.

8. Walsh Jesuit, 15-4 (9): Hosts No. 11 Archbishop Hoban on Wednesday.

9. Hudson, 15-4 (4): At Mentor on Wednesday.

10. Ravenna, 19-0 (10): At Springfield on Wednesday.

11. Archbishop Hoban, 17-2 (11): At No. 8 Walsh Jesuit on Wednesday.

12. Lorain, 15-3 (12): At No. 13 Cleveland Heights on Wednesday.

13. Cleveland Heights, 15-3 (14): Hosts No. 12 Lorain on Wednesday.

14. Lake Catholic, 12-7 (13): Hosts Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin on Wednesday.

15. Gilmour Academy, 16-3 (15): Hosts Western Reserve Academy on Wednesday.

16. Firestone, 15-4 (16): At North Canton Hoover on Wednesday.

17. St. Vincent-St. Mary, 11-7 (17): Played at North Canton Hoover on Monday.

18. Woodridge, 19-0 (18): Hosts Waterloo on Wednesday.

19. Medina, 15-4 (20): Hosts Mayfield on Wednesday.

20. Shaker Heights, 11-6 (21): At Bedford on Wednesday.

21. Stow, 12-7 (22): At No. 2 Solon on Wednesday.

22. Eastlake North, 17-3 (--): Plays in a Division I sectional final on Feb. 24 at Perry. Rangers avenged earlier season loss to Geneva to muster co-championship in Premier Athletic Conference.

23. Norton, 13-4 (24): At Northwestern Tuesday.

24. Laurel, 16-2 (--): Played at Brecksville-Broadview Heights on Monday. Gators made 17 of 19 from the foul line to defeat Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division champion Cuyahoga Heights.

25. Keystone, 19-1 (25): Plays Vermilion in a Division II sectional semifinal on Feb. 20 at Elyria.

Dropped out: Cuyahoga Heights and Westlake

Brunswick native playing in New York league as he awaits call from D-League.

Photo courtesy of Brian KortovichBrian Kortovich takes a shot during an ACPBL game in New York.

Brian Kortovich, who was born and raised in Brunswick and attended Holy Name and Brunswick High School, is on a quest to make the NBA as a guard. He played two years at Cuyahoga Community College before being recruited to play at Manhattan College in New York.

It was in New York City where he honed his game, eventually turning pro and playing in leagues in Kuwait, Italy, France, Israel and the Dominican Republic.

Kortovich’s nickname is “Smokin Aces,” a moniker given to him while he was playing at the legendary Rucker Park in Harlem.

Kortovich is writing a blog for cleveland.com as he tries to gain the attention of NBA teams:

Hello Cleveland!

Its been a awhile since I last checked in, so wanted to start off wishing you nothing but the best in 2012.

How nice is it to see the NBA back in full swing? I feel like these past weeks have shown why this game is the best in the world. Every night something crazy happens, every night there is some incredible matchup that leaves me shaking my head.

And the best part about squeezing in 66 games in over 120 days? It's going to be one of those unique years when anything can happen.

That's how I feel too -- anything can happen. I'm still on the grind working toward that ultimate goal -- an NBA contract. When the lockout ended, it was a flurry of action. My team, contacts and I were working day and night trying to land a training camp invite. The process is/was a hustle, and frankly it was more exhausting than any run on the court that I can remember. Contacting teams, making calls, sending out emails, setting up meetings -- you name it.

To be honest, I liked my chances for a camp invite, thanks to the people I had in my corner; past impressive NBA workouts; and the work I put in not only on the court but off of it as well.

I'm in the best shape of my life -- hitting the gym five days a week, and especially those two-a-day workouts.

But unfortunately -- for whatever reason -- I didn't get a call for camp. As in life, it's no time to hang your head, you have to keep it moving. And trust me, I'm doing just that.

To stay in basketball shape and be ready for the call, I've been crazy busy. I've been jacking about 500 shots a day, shots on the run, off the dribble, changing direction, you name it, I'm shooting it. Also footwork drills, ball handling, defensive slides, all key components of the workout.

On-the-court drills are only half the battle. You've got to maintain your strength and flexibility by hitting the weight room. Maybe I'll share that regimen next time, it's a good circuit for staying lean and strong.

Also I have been playing with a pro team out of the Atlantic Coast Professional Basketball League (Team 524 NYC) to also stay in game shape and help the team get a few wins.

After a couple games, I was averaging 24 points and 8 rebounds a game, while shooting over 55 percent form 3-point range and getting other players involved. Good to know that my workout regime during the week keeps me fresh for the games.

A lot of people ask how the lockout affected me. The simple answer is, heck yeah it affected me.

I lost a chance for preseason workouts. Also, all NBA facilities were off limits to players and free agents during that time.

But the one advantage it did have was the stars were out and playing all around the U.S., especially in New York City. I was able to link up with Carmelo Anthony here in Manhattan for some full-court pick up over at a local gym, playing well enough to pick up an endorsement from the man himself. He said I have the talent, work ethic and jump shot to play in the NBA.

Courtesy of giveBKashot.comBrian Kortovich

The good news is I have signed a D-League contract and am currently in the player pool, which means any team in the D-League can pick me up. With the new CBA that passed, there is an added emphasis on so-called low-cost talent, making D-League players more attractive than ever.

Like I said before, anything can happen.

If you'd like to keep track of what I'm up to, check out www.GiveBKaShot.com.

Team Kortovich, as they like to call themselves, (shoutout to the team: Jimmy Stones, Devin Murphy, Keith Bielory, Andy Pray, Martin Salazar, Lirra Schiebler, Ben Buysse, Jacqueline Badler, Josh and Calvin Morrissey) continues to do an incredible job spreading the word. I'm truly blessed for their support, and yours.

OK, I'm off to the gym. I've got about 500 or so jumpers to knock down. And check out some of my game highlights below.

Till next time,

Smokin' Aces

Hillis is eligible for free agency, and if the Browns and/or he decide to part ways, another running back must be found. Links to more Browns stories.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns running back Peyton Hillis is eligible to become a free agent. The NFL free agency period begins on March 13.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns have a multitude of needs as these key NFL dates approach:

March 13 -- the free agency period begins.

April 26-28 -- the draft of college players.

There is a division of opinion among observers as to what the Browns should do about their situation at running back.

Cleveland running back Peyton Hillis is eligible for free agency. In 2010, Hillis excelled, despite playing on an offense that featured a limited passing game that allowed opponents to key on stopping him. Still, Hillis ran over, past, around and through defenders, and when he wasn't doing that, he was nimbly catching passes or effectively pass blocking.

The 2011 season was, certainly, a disappointment for Hillis. The overall Browns' offense was no better, to say the least. Hillis missed one game with strep throat and, with a severe hamstring injury, missed five full games and most of another. 

The blog "Dawgs By Nature" addresses the Browns and free agency, and has this to say about Hillis:

First and foremost, I feel that the smartest move the Browns can make in free agency this year is retaining Peyton Hillis. That is, as always, if the price is right. It’s true that last season Hillis was plagued by injuries and was generally unproductive. But I’m still not buying into the manufactured controversy. It’s also not worth ignoring the potential that we saw the year before. Even by the end of the season we saw his return to form, at least against the Ravens in Week 16. With a full recovery and without the target on his back coming from the Madden cover, I still think Hillis can be the running back that the Browns' offense needs him to be. He fits the system and if the front office can come to terms, I think he wants to be here.

Alas, "Dawgs By Nature" concludes:

Now, as much as I think the Browns should bring back Hillis, the chances of that actually happening are much slimmer. This time in past years, the front office was pretty open about the guys they wanted back. On the Hillis situation, quite the opposite seems to be the case. I don’t expect to see Hillis in a Browns jersey next season, but I hope whatever decision they make that it turns out to be the right one.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Bill Lubinger's analysis of how recent NFL champions have built their teams; a Starting Blocks poll asking if the Browns should try to sign controversial wide receiver Randy Moss, 35, who didn't play in the NFL last season; a Starting Blocks poll asking who should be the Browns quarterback in 2012; Starting Blocks' Sunday Browns P.M. links, with a poll asking if the Browns should try to sign free agent wide receivers DeSean Jackson and/or Danny Amendola; and more.

Goal to goal

Could any AFC North teams, such as the Browns, have an interest in Randy Moss? By Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.

A look at NFL free agent defensive ends that the Browns might consider. On the blog "WaitingForNextYear."

Letting the Browns' NFL draft plans run their course. By Kevin Nye for the blog "Dawg Pound Daily."

What the Browns might do at wide receiver as they look at NFL free agency. By Dave Kolonich for Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report.

The top 50 NFL free agents, by Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com.

An NFL analyst believes the Browns must consider a way to draft Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. By Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository.

The Buckeyes aren't what they used to be in basketball, although they are still very good. The biggest reason for the decline is the graduation of three-point marksman Jon Diebler.

View full sizeTerry Gilliam, Associated PressWilliam Buford has been occasionally spectacular, but inconsistent, as a long-distance threat this season. Considering how much Ohio State relies upon its inside game, Buford -- or someone else -- may be needed to provide a lift when tournament time arrives, says Bill Livingston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When the revolution was at hand last year, Ohio State missed it.

Or at least, the Buckeyes missed passing to the player who most embodied its doctrine and best implemented its principles.

On the last play of a crushing Sweet 16 loss to Kentucky, 62-60, last March, point guard Aaron Craft got the ball to William Buford, who hadn't made much of anything all game (2-of-16) and didn't on the three-pointer that would have won it at the buzzer. Running free on the opposite side of the court, a deadly dagger neglected in the frenzied scramble situation, was senior dead-eye Jon Diebler.

Jonny "3" D was my nickname for him, although I reluctantly concede Jon Threebler became a more fashionable monicker. Diebler made just over half his treys (114-for-227) last season, and the last one he tried tied the Kentucky game at 60.

"We had the best team in the country," Ohio State basketball coach Thad Matta told former football coach Jim Tressel. "But we weren't the best that night. That's what makes it so tough."

The basketball savants like to talk about the graduation of David Lighty, the Buckeyes' toughest defender, in explaining the current team's four losses. Recently, attention has also gone to the weight loss of 6-9, 265-pound sophomore Jared Sullinger, which might better equip him to play farther out on the floor in the NBA, but which robs him of some of the bulk needed to bang efficiently in the paint now.

But I make the graduation of Diebler the biggest factor. The three-pointer has been in the college game for a quarter-century now. It can have a disproportionate effect on the outcome of games in the hands of a Diebler-like player.

The goal is to shoot at least 33.3 percent (say, 6-of-18, for 18 points) on three-pointers. The same percentage on two's (6-of-18) would net only 12 points. The trey is always going to be worth 50 percent more than the deuce.

To make up for that difference, the shooting percentage on two-pointers in the same sample size would have to be ratcheted up to improbable heights. It would take 50 percent shooting (9-of-18) to total the same number of points on 18 shots. The trey in this example is almost 16.7 percent more efficient.

View full sizeAP fileAs a 50 percent shooter from beyond the arc, Jon Diebler gave the Buckeyes a long-range threat that kept teams honest in 2010-11. No one has emerged to fill Diebler's shoes, which is OSU's biggest postseason concern.

But what if a shooter makes 40 percent on treys? Let's say he has a tolerant coach, who lets him shoot 8-of-20. That's 24 points. On shots inside the arc, he would have to make 60 percent (12 of 20) to match the 24 points. The trey is now 20 percent more powerful than the lowly deuce.

At 50 percent, a three-point ace would realize 30 points on 10 of 20 shooting. He would have to wear a fire-retardant suit, like a NASCAR driver, because he would need to be utterly en fuego, making 15-of-20, or 75 percent, on two-pointers to match the 30 points. The trey rules! The production gap for a sharpshooter on treys vs. shorter shots is now a staggering 25 percent.

Last year should have been the year at Ohio State. The Buckeyes had a great outside shooter, and other teams didn't have a scouting "book" yet on Sullinger. John Calipari might have a rascal's reputation, and he might run what amounts to an NBA D-League team at Kentucky. But he devised the method to cope best with Sullinger -- single coverage with a physical defender and "digs" at the ball by guards helping out on him, yet recovering to guard the arc.

Of the shooters now at Ohio State, Buford's game comes and goes, with never a clue as to which it will be. He hit the biggest shot, a trey, in what seemed to be a landmark victory at Wisconsin and then ripped Purdue for a career-high 29 points in the "trap" game that followed it and preceded Michigan State.

Yet Buford was only 2-for-12 against the Spartans, missing both of his triples. He is a senior. He is, and will be, what he is. Deshaun Thomas, the other scorer in the starting lineup, was also 2-for-12 and missed all five of his triples vs. the Spartans. Thomas is a sophomore. He will improve.

Three-pointers can create an avalanche of momentum. Against Kent State, Akron buried four triples in a row, often on the type of transition shot Buford missed against Kentucky, all while the home crowd howled and spurred on the Zips in what became a rout.

At Ohio State, Jonny "3" D.'s shooting just leaped out at you, like all that stuff that goes flying around flinching viewers in their special glasses at a 3-D movie.

A different effect is produced by the inexplicable booms and busts of the OSU shooters now, although it is not very special.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Mike Turk's relentless promotion of wrestling, accompanied by his history lessons of past Euclid successes, and some skill as a coach have given the program a foothold.

View full sizeEuclid H.S. "I think we can make a difference in these kids' lives," says Euclid High School wrestling coach Mike Turk.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In his day job, wrestling coach Mike Turk teaches high school history. By the end of each evening, when he emerges from Euclid's dilapidated wrestling room, the lesson he has taught is the past can come alive again if you want it bad enough.

The challenge every history teacher faces is to inspire students to understand how past events and people shape their lives today. Turk has plenty of material to work with at Euclid.

He points to the hallway display featuring Mr. Football winners and former pros Robert Smith and Antoine Fisher. His students read newspaper clippings hanging in his classroom about Euclid grad and reigning world track gold medalist Jessica Beard. And, for his wrestlers, especially, he often makes a point of the three state championship trophies still gleaming in a display case near Turk's room.

"I keep telling them about the history, that we had state titles in 1949, '52, and '58, and that we've had 26 individual state champs and 22 runners-up, so we've had a strong history," said Turk, a 1994 Euclid graduate. "Our last champion was in 1986, and I teach that as well."

That's the connection that keeps programs like Euclid alive. Wrestling, at its core, is the essential individual event. It's one guy (and sometimes girl) trying to deck the other guy. Simple as that. But for the sport to thrive, it needs strong teams whose past success attracts new wrestlers.

Euclid wrestling was in danger of becoming, well, history a few years ago as its numbers dwindled to single digits. Like many similar "inner-ring" suburban programs, the Panthers suffered from dwindling interest and support. Two youth feeder programs disbanded. High school student interest waned. The district neglected the wrestlers' uniforms, equipment and its now sad-looking wrestling room. The team practices on decades-old mats missing more chunks than Lake Shore Boulevard after a harsh winter.

"[The conditions] don't matter. We just want to wrestle and have fun down here," junior Darsheed Mustafa said. "It's rugged. We just keep it clean."

In four years as head coach, Turk has revitalized Euclid to a respectable level despite the challenges. His relentless promotion of wrestling in the schools, accompanied by his history lessons, and some skill as a coach have given the program a foothold.

View full sizeEuclid H.S."We want to be even better than what they were," says Euclid wrester Rynell Roper of powerful Panther wrestling teams of the past.

Euclid began this year with 46 high school wrestlers. Attrition and the lack of a junior varsity program whittled that number to about 30.

The Panthers (13-6) missed tying the school record for dual-meet victories by one. They even hosted their own dual-meet tournament. They also won their first tournaments in a decade, at Geneva and Normandy, and they were third at the Lake Erie League meet.

Those milestones give Euclid a solid foundation on which to build. Euclid will host a kids' clinic and tournament next month with the hope of restarting a youth program. The 1952 team recently donated money for new uniforms, which Turk designed to include the state championship years.

"We want to do just like they did," said senior Rynell Roper of the past champs. "We want to be even better than what they were."

While Euclid might not repeat its historic past, the real lesson is it survives and serves as a guidepost for similar programs.

"We're never going to be a St. Edward," Turk said. "But I think we can make a difference in these kids' lives. It's been rough, but the last two years have been really rewarding. It's great to see the success the kids are having."

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Knicks were 8-15 with the undrafted, twice-cut Lin seldom getting off the bench. Since then, he's led them to five straight wins, and his jersey sales are tops among all NBA players since Feb. 4.

Associated PressJeremy Lin (17) played just 55 minutes in the Knicks' first 23 games, as they went 8-15. Since then, New York is 5-0, with Lin averaging 26.8 points and eight assists.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- NBA fans have become familiar with the Jeremy Lin story within mere days.

Lin, whose parents were born in Taiwan, received no athletic scholarship offers coming out of high school in Palo Alto, Cal. He became a star player at Harvard, and earned a degree in economics, but wasn't picked in the 2010 draft.

Lim managed to catch on with the Warriors last season but played little, and was not brought back to Golden State. Then, the 6-3 point guard was cut by the Houston Rockets as this season was about to begin.

Lin signed with the Knicks but played just 55 minutes in New York's first 23 games. Reportedly, the Knicks were considering a couple weeks ago whether they should release him.

Then, with New York burdened by an 8-15 record -- including losses in 11 of the previous 13 games -- and a short-handed roster, coach Mike D'Antoni brought Lin off the bench in a game against the New Jersey Nets. Bingo! In that game, and the four that have followed, the Knicks are 5-0 and Lin is averaging 26.8 points on 52 percent field goal shooting, with eight assists, 4.2 rebounds and two steals per game.

Lin has become a media sensation, and since Feb. 4, his replica jersey sales rank No. 1 among all NBA players.

Still, some observers are curious to see if Lin's stardom has staying power. Matt Brooks writes for the Washington Post about how the Knicks' on-court makeup is about to change:

The more immediate question is how well will New York's offense perform when Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony return? Will D'Antoni be forced to rein Lin in to allow the team's stars to get their shots? Or will Melo and Amare be told to go with the flow and let Lin continue to run the team?

Few expect two superstars -- with similarly supersized egos -- to simply fall in line behind Lin and morph from the main attraction into a supporting cast. Anthony and Stoudemire will take the ball out of Lin's hands when they return, forcing the point guard to be more a distributor and less of a scorer. But with his ability to get to the rim, Lin has shown he's more of a scorer than the last point guard to succeed in D'Antoni's uptempo offense -- perennial All-Star Steve Nash.

What do you think?

How Montgomery learns the latest, and perhaps toughest, lessons about playing point guard will go a long way in determining how CSU's season ends.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain DealerValparaiso's Matt Kenney (left) and Jay Harris demonstrated the double-team treatment of Jeremy Montgomery that shackled Cleveland State's point guard during last week's two losses.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When times get tough on the basketball court, the first place to look for relief is from the point guard. There have been a lot of lessons learned this season by Cleveland State's Jeremy Montgomery as he adapts to the position.

How Montgomery learns the latest, and perhaps toughest, lessons will go a long way in determining how CSU's season ends. The Vikings are in a two-game tailspin, failing to score 50 points in losses to Valparaiso and Butler. Traveling to Milwaukee for Tuesday's 8 p.m. matchup with the Panthers, the focus will be on Montgomery to get the Vikings' offense jump-started.

Butler made a defensive point of emphasis to trap and pester Montgomery and fellow senior guard Trevon Harmon to keep them from scoring and facilitating the offense. With senior swingman D'Aundray Brown out indefinitely with a groin injury, Montgomery and Co., can expect more of the same until they prove capable of handling the pressure.

"I just have to stay poised, stay confident," Montgomery said before Monday's practice. "We are working every day trying to tweak a couple of things."

Some changes focus on Montgomery. When Butler made him their defensive focus, the 6-1 product of Chicago battled through a six-point, five-turnover game, arguably his worst effort in Horizon League play.

There is more to point guard than dribbling and passing. There is the ability to still run a play when the defense knows what is coming, plus the ability to make a play out of nothing. Not to mention the innate ability to know when to do which. When all else fails, there is also the ability to get your own shot. Against Butler, Montgomery -- who is replacing standout point Norris Cole -- struggled on all counts.

"All these years I've been here, I've seen other point guards handle that," Montgomery said. But this is the first time he has been the defensive focus, and he'll see more of it until he can make teams pay.

"It's still a learning process for him," head coach Gary Waters said. "Better he learn it now than later because there is still a lot more left to the season. J-Mo's been good. People don't realize he has taken leadership of this team both on the floor and off. He will be OK going forward, and we will help him, too."

To his credit, Montgomery shows no signs of backing down from the challenge.

"I just got to get back to J-Mo basketball," he said. "Be aggressive, and take the fight to them."

While Ohio State is part of a four-team scramble for a regular-season title, four other teams are fighting to give the Big Ten the most NCAA bids in conference history.

View full sizeJeff Wheeler, MCTAndre Hollins (left) and Minnesota may be relegated to the second division of the Big Ten this season, but the Golden Gophers maintain a realistic shot at an NCAA Tournament at-large berth -- a goal that would be greatly boosted with a home victory over Ohio State on Tuesday night in Minneapolis.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- When Ohio State coach Thad Matta called for timeouts Saturday, maybe he should have sent his players to the corner to think about their actions.

"We looked like spoiled brats out there, if you look at the tape, arguing with one another, complaining about calls," sophomore Jared Sullinger said Monday. The big man showed his frustration as much as anyone, and he was blunt in his assessment two days later. Ohio State had sole possession of first place in the Big Ten ripped away by Michigan State, and Sullinger hopes that was enough.

"I think we learned our lesson," he said, "so we should be all right and we've got to bounce back."

After the 58-48 defeat, though, when Matta reminded his Buckeyes they were still tied atop the conference, senior William Buford wasn't looking for a bright side.

"I thought it was as bad as it seemed to be," Buford said. "We still thought we played really bad. We just don't want to have any more of those games."

The Buckeyes, who dropped three spots in the AP poll from No. 3, are now part of a four-team race for a title, chasing a fifth Big Ten crown in Matta's eight seasons. But Tuesday at Minnesota they are stepping into a second race that may be even more competitive than the first. If the Buckeyes suffer any hangover from Saturday, they'll lose. And they know it.

While No. 6 Ohio State (9-3), No. 7 Michigan State (9-3), No. 17 Michigan (9-4) and No. 15 Wisconsin (8-4) scramble for a title that some conference coaches thought from the start would go to a five-loss team, four other teams are fighting to give the Big Ten the most NCAA bids in conference history.

No. 18 Indiana (7-6) is out of the title race but an NCAA lock, but Purdue (16-9, 6-6), Illinois (16-9, 5-7), Minnesota (17-8, 5-7) and Northwestern (15-9, 5-7) all have reasonable resumes that could go either way over the final three weeks of the regular season. The conference is looking at eight or nine bids, when it has never received more than seven.

"The Big Ten is the best it's ever been," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said, believing there's no disputing that the conference is the deepest in the nation.

In fact, Izzo said he warned his assistants before Saturday's win that the Spartans could be in line for a four- or five-game losing streak. If that was possible for them, it goes for any of these teams.

Of the nine contenders, Ohio State has the toughest remaining schedule, its six opponents with a combined .562 Big Ten winning percentage. Four of their six games are on the road, including trips to Michigan and Michigan State. The Wolverines, meanwhile, have the easiest schedule, with its five remaining foes posting a .459 winning percentage.

A few upsets, like Minnesota over Ohio State, would help the teams trying to make the tournament and shift the race at the top.

Here's how the races break down, with each team's record, RPI, NCAA tournament seeding in ESPN's bracket projection from Monday and what remains.

Whatever happens, no whining.

The Title Contenders

View full sizeTerry Gilliam, Associated PressThe regular-season finale between Jared Sullinger (left) and the Buckeyes and Draymond Green's Spartans seems the most likely outcome to determine this season's Big Ten champion.

No. 6 Ohio State (21-4, 9-3)

RPI: 10

ESPN bracket: No. 2 seed

Strength of schedule: 32

Best win: 85-63 vs. No. 5 Duke

Worst loss: 79-74 at Illinois

Remaining schedule (4 road, 2 home): at Minn., at Mich., vs. Ill., vs. Wis., at NW, at MSU

Conference opponents' winning percentage: .562

Breakdown: Traditionally a good road team, the Buckeyes are 3-2 in conference road play and must at least split their four tough trips to win the title, and probably need to win three to have a shot at a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

No. 7 Michigan State (20-5, 9-3)

RPI: 4

ESPN bracket: No. 2 seed

Strength of schedule: 4

Best win: 58-48 at No. 6 Ohio State

Worst loss: 42-41 at Illinois

Remaining schedule (3 home, 3 road): vs. Wis., at Purdue, at Minn., vs. Neb., at Ind., vs. OSU

Conference opponents' winning percentage: .514

Breakdown: If big man Adreian Payne plays like he did against the Buckeyes, Michigan State could run the table up to the season finale vs. OSU.

No. 15 Wisconsin (19-6, 8-4)

RPI: 24

ESPN bracket: No. 4 seed

Strength of schedule: 31

Best win: 62-51 vs. No. 11 UNLV

Worst loss: 72-65 at Iowa

Remaining schedule (3 road, 3 home): at MSU, vs. PSU, at Iowa, at OSU, vs. Minn., vs. Ill.

Conference opponents' winning percentage: .493

Breakdown: Stunningly, the Badgers are 5-1 on the road in Big Ten play and just 3-3 at home. If they can split road games at Michigan State and Ohio State, they have a shot.

View full sizeCarlos Osorio, Associated PressPrecocious freshman point guard Trey Burke and Michigan could be in the driver's seat for the regular-season title if they can pull off a home upset of the Buckeyes on Saturday.

No. 17 Michigan (19-7, 9-4)

RPI: 18

ESPN bracket: No. 4 seed

Strength of schedule: 17

Best win: 60-59 vs. No. 7 Michigan State

Worst loss: 75-59 at Iowa

Remaining schedule (3 road, 2 home): vs. OSU, at NW, vs. Purdue, at Ill., at PSU

Conference opponents' winning percentage: .459

Breakdown: Undefeated at home, and with a mid-week bye, the Wolverines become the conference favorite if they can beat the Buckeyes at home in a 9 p.m. tip Saturday.

The one-team middle

No. 18 Indiana (19-6, 7-6)

RPI: 15

ESPN bracket: No. 4 seed

Strength of schedule: 30

Best win: 72-71 vs. No. 1 Kentucky

Worst loss: 70-69 at Nebraska

Remaining schedule (3 home, 2 road): vs. NW, at Iowa, at Minn., vs. MSU, vs. Purdue

Conference opponents' winning percentage: .500

Breakdown: With wins over Kentucky and Ohio State, the Hoosiers will be dancing even with a collapse, but they are too far behind the leaders.

The Big Ten Bubble

View full sizeMichael Conroy, Associated PressFor now, Purdue and Robbie Hummel appear comfortably off the NCAA bubble, but the Boilermakers don't want to stagger over the next couple of weeks to Selection Sunday.

Purdue (16-9, 6-6)

RPI: 56

ESPN bracket: No. 10 seed

Strength of schedule: 44

Best win: 76-65 vs. Miami

Worst loss: 65-45 at Penn State

Remaining schedule (3 home, 3 road): at Ill., vs. MSU, vs. Neb., at Mich., vs. PSU, at Ind.

Conference opponents' winning percentage: .474

Breakdown: Perhaps as vulnerable as any bubble team because the Boilermakers lack a truly impressive win. Saturday's home game with Michigan State could change that.

Minnesota (17-8, 5-7)

RPI: 61

ESPN bracket: No. 13 seed

Strength of schedule: 70

Best win: 77-74 at No. 18 Indiana

Worst loss: Lost twice to Iowa, 64-62 and 63-59

Remaining schedule (4 home, 2 road): vs. OSU, at NW, vs. MSU, vs. Ind., at Wis., vs. Neb.

Conference opponents' winning percentage: .554

Breakdown: If you're looking for a candidate for a five-game losing streak, this is the team. But they could also jump the Buckeyes Tuesday.

Illinois (16-9, 5-7)

RPI: 46

ESPN bracket: No. 12 seed

Strength of schedule: 18

Best win: 57-56 vs. No. 6 Ohio State

Worst loss: 54-52 at Penn State

Remaining schedule (3 home, 3 road): vs. Purdue, at Neb., at OSU, vs. Iowa, vs. Mich., at Wis.

Conference opponents' winning percentage: .541

Breakdown: The Illini are in free fall, losing three straight and six of seven, and may be playing for coach Bruce Weber's job. Wednesday's home game with Purdue is almost a must-win.

View full sizeJim Prisching, Associated PressOnce again, Reggie Hearn's Northwestern Wildcats are desperately trying to earn their first trip to the Big Dance, and have several opportunities remaining to impress the selection committee.

Northwestern (15-9, 5-7)

RPI: 44

ESPN bracket: Fourth team out of bracket

Strength of schedule: 15

Best win: 81-74 vs. No. 7 Michigan State

Worst loss: 75-52 at Minnesota

Remaining schedule (3 home, 3 road): at Ind., vs. Minn., vs. Mich., at PSU, vs. OSU, at Iowa

Conference opponents' winning percentage: .507

Breakdown: Looking for the first NCAA bid in school history, the Wildcats have a solid win over the Spartans and no terrible losses. But they may need to beat Michigan or Ohio State at home to get in.

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

Associated PressKent State forward Justin Greene and the Golden Flashes will host Buffalo tonight at 7 in a key Mid-American Conference game that will be televised on SportsTime Ohio and broadcast on WNIR/100.1 FM.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today on the air

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

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

7:30 p.m. Clearview at Elyria Catholic, WOBL/1320-AM

MENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Buffalo at KENT STATE, SportsTime Ohio; WNIR/100.1-FM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Kent State, Akron and MAC coverage)

7 p.m. Florida at Alabama, ESPN

7 p.m. Texas A&M at Texas Tech, ESPN2

7 p.m. Virginia at Clemson, ESPNU

9 p.m. Mississippi State at LSU, ESPNU

9 p.m. OHIO STATE at Minnesota, ESPN; WKNR/850-AM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage)

NBA

7 p.m. Miami at Indiana, NBATV

10 p.m. Washington at Portland, NBATV

NHL

7 p.m. St. Louis at COLUMBUS, Fox Sports Ohio

7:30 p.m. Anaheim at Minnesota, NBC Sports Network

SOCCER

2:30 p.m. APOEL Nicosia at Lyon, Fox Sports Ohio

WOMENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. USF at Marquette, CBS Sports Network

Former Indians outfielder to sign one-year, $1 million deal with Chicago White Sox.

AP PhotoKosuke Fukudome played in 59 games with the Indians after getting traded from the Cubs.

Free-agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome is returning to Chicago, but this time he will play for the city’s AL franchise.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Fukudome has agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. Fukudome, 34, spent his first three-plus seasons in the majors with the Chicago Cubs before being dealt to the Cleveland Indians last July.

“Kosuke adds to our outfield depth and gives Robin (Ventura) another lefthanded bat to mix into the lineup based on matchups,” White Sox vice president/assistant general manager Rick Hahn told the newspaper. “He can play center field and right and provides flexibility to our roster.”

Chicago’s projected starting outfield features Alejandro De Aza in left, Alex Rios in center and Dayan Viciedo in right.

Fukudome hit .262 with eight homers, 35 RBIs and a .342 on-base percentage in 146 games in 2011. In his four seasons in the majors, he is a .260 hitter with 42 homers, 191 RBIs and a .361 on-base percentage

National reporter downplays the chances of it happening, but tweets that Indians and Yankees have discussed deal that would send Tribe DH Hafner to New York for struggling starting pitcher Burnett. Links to more Indians stories.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerIndians designated hitter Travis Hafner -- who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons -- and Yankees' starting pitcher A.J. Burnett are reportedly at the center of trade discussions between the teams, though it's not known if the talks are serious.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians' pitchers and catchers will report for spring training in Goodyear, Arizona on Monday.

The rest of the team will report next Thursday, and the first full-team workout will be held two days later.

The Indians and Cincinnati Reds both make Goodyear Ballpark their spring training homes. The teams will open their exhibition game schedules by playing each other on Saturday, March 3.

The Indians, 80-82 last season, open the 2012 campaign at home on Thursday, April 5, with the first pitch scheduled for 3:05 p.m. against the Toronto Blue Jays (81-81) at Progressive Field.

The Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes will again be in Goodyear to report on the Indians.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes Dennis Manoloff's interview on Starting Blocks TV, where he says a key for the Indians is for their outfielders to be healthy; Terry Pluto's podcast; Monday's "PD Sports Insider," a weekly video feature of a half hour or so, this one featuring an in-studio interview with Indians general manager Chris Antonetti discussing the team with Hoynes and Manoloff; Paul Hoynes' report on Antonetti's appearance on "PD Sports Insider;" and more.

A Pronk for A.J.?

The Indians and New York Yankees have apparently had some discussion about a trade that would send Tribe designated hitter Travis Hafner to the Bronx for starting right-handed pitcher A.J. Burnett.

That, according to a tweet from the Twitter account of CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman:

Yankees/indians talk revolves around aj and travis hafner. cleve unsure it would do that swap. yanks also don't mind the FA DH options

Around the horn

There has been a decline in offensive production by big league third basemen, writes David Schoenfield for ESPN.com. He mentions the Indians' Lonnie Chisenhall as a 3B who could help reverse the trend.

A general overview of the Indians farm system, as Indians Prospect Insider is about to begin its comprehensive countdown of the Indians top 50 prospects. By Tony Lastoria.

The number of candidates gives the Indians a chance to ably fill the fifth spot in the starting pitching rotation, Stephanie Liscio writes for the blog "It's pronounced 'Lajaway.' "   

The Indians designate left-handed minor league pitcher Kelvin De La Cruz for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for recently signed free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman. By Tony Lastoria for Indians Prospect Insider.

Some numbers indicate that the Indians could field a solid lineup this season, Charlie Adams writes for Indians Prospect Insider.

What the Indians hope has been a productive winter has them ready for spring training. By Jordan Bastian for MLB.com.

Lyndhurst, Ohio - Brush senior Curtis Oakley Jr. has made an oral commitment to attend Bryant University on a basketball scholarship and said he will sign a national letter of intent on April 11. Bryant is a Division I school located a short distance from Providence, R.I., and is a member of the Northeastern Conference. Former Ohio University coach Tom...

Brush basketball player Curtis Oakley, who is averaging 19 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, will sign with Bryant University. - (Special to The Plain Dealer)

Lyndhurst, Ohio - Brush senior Curtis Oakley Jr. has made an oral commitment to attend Bryant University on a basketball scholarship and said he will sign a national letter of intent on April 11.

Bryant is a Division I school located a short distance from Providence, R.I., and is a member of the Northeastern Conference. Former Ohio University coach Tom O’Shea is in his fourth season as head coach and former St. Edward standout Frankie Dobbs is a member of the team.

Oakley, a 6-4 senior, is averaging 19 points and 7.5 rebounds for Brush, which took a 14-3 record into Tuesday’s game at Solon. The Arcs are ranked seventh in The Plain Dealer Top 25 and share first place in the Northeast Ohio Conference River Division.

Oakley, the nephew of former NBA star Charles Oakley, said Bryant officials contacted him after watching him play in the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout last month at Walsh University. He made an official visit last week and an offer was made.

Oakley said one of the reasons he accepted the offer was to get away from Greater Cleveland.

“I liked the school and the academic side and I felt comfortable,” he said. “I want to get away from home. It’s time to get out and see the world and experience new things.”

 He also said coaches indicated he would have a chance to play right away.