Sorting through a spring-training edition of Paul Hoynes' Indians mailbag.

View full sizeAP fileWill Roberto Hernandez be a better pitcher without carrying the deceit of his false identity? It's an interesting question for Paul Hoynes, who isn't sure he knows the answer.

Hey, Hoynsie: Since you know him better than most, do you feel that now that the truth is out about Roberto Hernandez/Fausto Carmona, that he will be more relaxed and less anxious and therefore be a better pitcher? Or will there be no change? -- John J. Berezo, Culloden, W. Va.

Hey, John: Great question. I talked to Luis Isaac, the best judge of pitchers I've come across in 30 years on the Indians beat, and asked him the same question. The former bullpen coach said it should be liberating for Hernandez to pitch under his real name and not have to live a lie. Isaac thought he would be a better pitcher because of it.

We won't know if that translates into Hernandez pitching more quality innings until the Department of Homeland Security gives him access to the United States.

Hey, Hoynsie: Well, that didn't take long. Grady Sizemore is out for eight to 12 weeks following back surgery. So, who stands to benefit the most in terms of making the team and getting playing time? -- Steve Alex, Gainesville, Fla.

Hey, Steve: Michael Brantley gets to move from left to center so he can play his natural position. As for the opening in left, it's too early to name a favorite, but players such as Ryan Spilborghs, Felix Pie, Trevor Crowe, Chad Huffman and Fred Lewis will certainly get a longer look. Swing guys such as Matt LaPorta and Russ Canzler can't be discounted as well.

Hey, Hoynsie: Is there any real explanation as to why Jon Garland voided his minor-league deal by not showing up for his physical with the Indians? -- Al Ramm, Flowery Branch, Ga.

Hey, Al: It doesn't sound as if he was ready to compete coming off rotator cuff surgery last year with the Dodgers. I'm not saying this happened, but there are cases when a player will take a physical, fail to pass it and the parties quietly agree to go their separate ways. The team doesn't say anything so the player's value isn't damaged if and when he does get healthy.

Hey, Hoynsie: Are the Indians going to make another move before the season starts? They need a right-handed bat. -- Jeff Dale, Parma

Hey, Jeff: In light of Grady Sizemore's back surgery, I would think they'll add another outfielder before Opening Day.

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you feel that perhaps failures in developing minor-league talent could be because coaching is not demanding? You have now quoted manager Manny Acta saying that third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and first baseman Matt LaPorta are good defenders. That just isn't true. -- James James Jr.

Hey, James: I've seen lots of young infielders struggle in their first couple of years in the big leagues. Julio Franco and Brook Jacoby come to mind. The reason they stayed in the lineup was because they could hit. We have yet to see if Chisenhall and LaPorta can be productive hitters. If they do, the Indians will find a place for them to play.

Hey, Hoynsie: Are there any members of the 1948 Indians' World Series championship team still alive? -- Keith Allie, Cleveland

Hey, Keith: Al Rosen, Eddie Robinson and Allie Clark, according to baseball-reference.com, are still alive from the 1948 championship team.

Hey, Hoynsie: I see a lot of fans arguing that the Indians need a lefty in the rotation. The Tribe's pitching depth is quite deep this year. Is it worth it to yield a rotation spot to a pitcher simply because he's left-handed? -- Evan R., Dayton

Hey, Evan: Not to me it isn't. If it's a left-hander like Cliff Lee, OK. But if it's a left-hander just to have a left-hander in the rotation, what's the point?

Hey, Hoynsie: On paper it seems Justin Masterson has become the clear-cut ace of the pitching staff. Do you find that to be the case? Does this alarm you? -- Tim Umpleby, Toronto, Ohio

Hey, Tim: Manager Manny Acta said Friday the Masterson will be his Opening Day starter. That makes him the ace of the staff. I am not alarmed by that.

Hey, Hoynsie: I'm planning a trip to Arizona the first week of March and already have a game circled when the Indians are playing at Goodyear Ballpark. Having said that, what is the best way for me to make the most of my trip? Does the organization release any fan guides, etc? Does the team still do morning workouts on game days? -- Kevin Koval, Youngstown

Hey, Kevin: The Indians do hold morning workouts before their Cactus League games. They hold them at their training complex between 9-10 a.m. The complex is about a half-mile away from the ballpark. Fan access isn't great, but it has improved over the last couple of years so fans can get autographs. I would suggest hanging out by Field No.1 for autographs and pictures.

Fifteen teams train in the Phoenix area, so if you miss the Tribe in Goodyear, it would be easy to go watch them on the road. Have fun.

-- Hoynsie

This week's mailbag is ... somewhat predictable?

View full sizeAP fileRedskins owner Daniel Snyder is dominating the thoughts of several Browns fans, who wonder just how expensive moving two spots up in the NFL draft must be.

Hey, Mary Kay: If the Browns want to trade up to No. 2 in the draft, do they need to give up draft choices equivalent to the values on a chart that someone made up or do they just need to give up more than their competitors are willing to give up? If the latter, what would other teams need to give up just to equal the "chart value" of the Browns' first- and second-round draft choices? -- Paul Thiel, Crescent Springs, Ky.

Hey, Paul: The draft value chart is just a guideline, but it all depends on what the competing teams are offering. Word out of Washington is that the Redskins are willing to part with their No. 6 overall pick, their first-rounder next year, and two other early- to mid-round picks.

Hey, Mary Kay: With all the talk of the Browns drafting RGIII, why is it that I lack confidence in the staff's ability or willingness to sell out to whatever system will totally suit him 100 percent? I believe this is the only way it could ever work and that we can't afford another 15 years of rebuilding. -- Brian Damon, McCook Lake S.D.

Hey, Brian: Pat Shurmur has already said he'd tailor an offense to suit the strengths of a quarterback such as Robert Griffin III. His West Coast mentor, Eagles coach Andy Reid, set the precedence with Mike Vick.

Hey, Mary Kay: Does RG3 not throwing at the combine raise any questions about how he will perform with different receivers other than the ones he is comfortable with at Baylor? -- Carley Weber, Cleveland

Hey, Carley: Not an issue at all. RG3 is a tremendous passer, and he'll only get better when throwing to NFL receivers.

Hey, Mary Kay: With all this QB talk, would it be safe to say that Senaca Wallace is history and that we would have an additional $3 million in cap space for free agency? -- Satch Wilson, Mansfield

Hey, Satch: Not necessarily. Even if the Browns draft RG3, they can keep Colt McCoy and Wallace as backups, with reasonable 2012 base salaries of $540,000 and $2.4 million respectively.

Hey, Mary Kay: If Matt Kalil slips to us at number 4, do you take him? -- Casey Phelps, Lakewood

Hey, Casey: I know the Browns are taking a good, hard look at Kalil, but I see them taking a playmaker if they stay in that spot. If Kalil happened to fall, he'd probably bring trade opportunities.

View full sizeRich Danzi, Bloomington News-GazetteIllinois' Whitney Mercilus might be the pass-rushing defensive end that intrigues the Browns in the second round in April.

Hey, Mary Kay: A lot of fan and media focus has been on the Browns' first-round choice or choices. What are your thoughts on the possible selections for rounds two through four? -- Mark Stanley, Lancaster, Pa.

Hey, Mark: If the Browns don't get a receiver with either of their two first-round picks, they'll look hard at one with their No. 37 and later picks. Some to keep an eye on are Notre Dame's Michael Floyd, Georgia Tech's burner Stephen Hill and Baylor's Kendall Wright. The Browns also spent time at the combine with Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus, the Akron native who led the nation with 16 sacks. They also visited with Georgia CB Brandon Boykin and will have a workout March 12 with Cinci RB Isaiah Pead.

Hey, Mary Kay: I'm a huge Peyton Hillis fan and was wondering if you had any inside information. Anybody who can put up 100 yards on the Steelers is worth bringing back! -- Brian Ayers, New London

Hey, Brian: Hillis would love to stay in Cleveland, and the Browns might try to re-sign him. But he'll most likely test the free agent market first. Hillis told the Plain Dealer Friday that a report that he contemplated retiring and joining the CIA was false and made him look insane.

Hey, Mary Kay: It's assumed we can get RG3 because we have the highest first-round picks to trade. But what if Washington offers their whole draft, or a first rounder next year in addition to this year's first rounders? How much should/would the Browns give up if it becomes a bidding war? -- Bill DeShurko, Centerville

Hey, Bill: I'd go about as far as the Giants did to get Eli Manning: the No. 4, the No. 22, a third and a fifth, especially if they can add some starters in free agency and through trades.

Hey, Mary Kay: I was actually happy to hear that Mike Adams had a difficult combine. I certainly wish him the best, but I would love for him to fall to the Browns in the early second round. Is this possible? I don't care how much he can bench. Hopefully, he will never be called to lift someone off of himself while lying on his back! -- Nancy H., Baltimore, Md.

Hey, Nancy: I do think it's possible for Adams to slip to No. 37 and I think the Browns would take a good look. They're impressed with his massive size (6-7, 323) but need answers about his strength after the measly 19 bench press reps at the combine.

Hey, Mary Kay: The only team St. Louis would trade with is the Browns. They don't want to trade down any further and risk losing Justin Blackmon. It would be a big mistake for the Browns to trade up for RG3! If the Browns don't trade up and Washington does, St. Louis will not get Blackmon, or Kalil. Am I looking at this the wrong way? It just seems like we would be throwing away our 22nd pick! -- Todd

Hey, Todd: It's a virtual lock that RG3 will be drafted No. 2. The Rams would be willing to trade down to No. 6 with the Redskins and have already had preliminary talks about doing so. Ideally, they'd like the No. 4, but the Browns would also most likely have to surrender No. 22.

Hey, Mary Kay: The cost for the No. 2 pick seems to be going higher by the day. Would the Browns be able to recoup a draft pick by trading Colt McCoy? Maybe to a team in the Lone Star State? -- Richard Foderaro, Parma

Hey, Richard: The trade value for a former third-round pick with a 6-15 record wouldn't be that great -- perhaps a mid-rounder. But if the Browns throw an extra pick into the RG3 sweepstakes, it could help make up for that.

Hey, Mary Kay: I would like to see the QB position settled, like everyone else. But I just don't think the trade will be worth it with all the holes we have. How exciting is it to have three picks in the top 36! Everyone is talking Flynn as a FA option. What do you think about Jason Campbell? He could run this offense really well and would be cheap compared to others while allowing us to build the team. -- Art Vandelay, Bowling Green

Hey, Art: I don't see the Browns signing Campbell despite his 4-2 record last season before the broken collarbone. If the Browns decided to move on from Colt McCoy, I think they'll draft either RG3 or Ryan Tannehill.

Hey, Mary Kay: If the Browns trade up for RG3 this will set us back a bit because of the learning curve for QBs to learn the West Coast offense. What are the odds Peyton Manning goes to Arizona because of the dome and we can work a deal with them for Kevin Kolb? -- Charles Smitz, Reno, Nev.

Hey, Charles: The Arizona situation is an interesting one to watch. But the Browns weren't as interested in Kolb last year as everyone thought. He's due a $7 million bonus this month, and could be released if the Cards go in another direction. The Browns would at least have to give it some thought, considering Tom Heckert drafted him in Philly and he's a West Coast QB.

Hey, Mary Kay: Let's suppose, as reported, that during free agency the Dolphins sign Flynn and the Redskins sign Manning. Would the Browns still need to pay a king's ransom to move up or could they stay with their fourth pick and get a QB? Would they take someone else? -- Bob Niemchak, Canton

Hey, Bob: Even if Washington and Miami drop out of the sweepstakes, other teams will come forward with a boatload of picks. Kansas City at No. 11 and Seattle at No. 12 are two possibilities, but there are other unnamed teams that have already expressed interest.

-- Mary Kay

The Monsters are 9-3-0-2 since the All-Star break.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Monsters on Saturday continued their strong performance since the All-Star break, defeating the Charlotte Checkers, 3-2, in a shootout at The Q.

A crowd of 10,916 watched on "Cleveland Browns Night." Among the guests were Browns cornerback Joe Haden and returner Josh Cribbs.

The Monsters (29-25-2-3) are 9-3-0-2 since the break. They are playing the way coach David Quinn thought they would when the roster was relatively healthy and featured quality goaltenders. The Monsters won for the second time in as many nights, having defeated Hamilton, 2-1, in a shootout on the road Friday. Their bus did not arrive at The Q until 4:30 a.m.

The Checkers already were in town and rested.

"It was a gutsy, gutsy win for us," Quinn said. "It was a playoff-type hockey game. There wasn't a lot of space out there."

Charlotte slipped to 31-19-2-5.

"This gives us a good idea of where we stand, because that's a good team we just played," Quinn said. "I'm very proud of the guys. They never gave in."

Lake Erie has played in three straight shootouts. On Feb. 25, it lost at Rochester, 4-3, in a 15-rounder.

Friday night, Hamilton did not score in the shootout against goalie Cedrick Desjardins. Saturday night, Charlotte did not score against Gerald Coleman (10-4-2), who had 19 saves in regulation and one in overtime.

The Monsters' Mike Connolly and Patrick Rissmiller notched shootout tallies.

Charlotte took a 1-0 lead at 1:27 of the first period. Defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti beat Coleman.

"In the first five minutes, they blitzed us," Quinn said. "We weathered the storm."

The Monsters tied it six minutes later when David van der Gulik scored. Credit Mike Brennan and Evan Brophey with the assists.

Midway through the third period, the Monsters thought they had taken a 2-1 lead. But the officials waved it off. At 8:25 of the third, Lake Erie did, in fact, gain a 2-1 advantage. Winger Luke Walker unleashed a shot that clipped goalie Mike Murphy and worked its way over the goal line.

At 18:23, Charlotte winger Nicholas Blanchard made it 2-2. The puck bounced off Coleman's stick.

The Monsters did a terrific job in the penalty kill. They were 5-for-5 and limited Charlotte's legitimate chances to a handful.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

The Crusaders routed the Bulldogs behind Player of the Year Ryan Broekhoff, who finished with 19 points and 16 rebounds.

VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Valparaiso made a clear and impressive statement against an Horizon League icon Saturday night, delivering a 65-46 thumping to Butler, ending the Bulldogs' hopes for another Cinderella run to the NCAA Tournament while lifting its own.

The Crusaders (22-10) were led by Horizon Player of the Year Ryan Broekhoff, who finished with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Valparaiso advances to Tuesday's 9 p.m. title game on their home court against Detroit. Butler ended its season at 20-14.

The Titans defeated Cleveland State, 63-58, in the opening semifinal.

The final lesson: No disgrace, but in defeat CSU's freshman class learned its last lesson of the season. There is a different level of play expected in the postseason.

Charlie Lee, Ike Nwamu, Marlin Mason and Anton Grady were expected to anchor a run that hopefully led to the NCAA Tournament. Instead their first game on the big stage was their last.

"I knew something like that could happen," head coach Gary Waters said. "We needed that something extra to get us over the hump, especially with our senior guards struggling, and we just couldn't come up with it."

The numbers were not pretty. Grady, voted to the HL Newcomer Team, was scoreless (0-for-7) from the field with two free throws and five rebounds in 20 minutes. Lee went without a basket (0-for-5) with two turnovers in 19 minutes. Mason, who started, played nine minutes and was scoreless while Nwamu hit a pair of free throws in two minutes. Combined, that was 0-for-17 from the field in 50 minutes.

High praise: Detroit coach Ray McCallum was thankful his Titans built an 11-point lead midway through the second half. He knew there was a run coming.

The Titans went scoreless more than six minutes.

"It was their defense," McCallum said. "Credit their defense; man-to-man, zone, box-and-one, hard pressure getting the ball inbounds. We couldn't buy a basket. We knew it was coming, we just didn't know when."

It took a steal from Chase Simon and a bustout dunk to get Detroit back on the board, 51-49, and rolling toward a victory.

Hathaway Brown's girls basketball team continued its gradual ascension Saturday with a convincing win in a district final. The Blazers routed St. Vincent-St. Mary, 61-39, to win the district crown at Nordonia, moving closer to what would be their fourth straight Division II state championship. A state title run wasn't so certain after HB stumbled to a 4-3 start....

Hathaway Brown girls basketball player Vanessa Smith scored 26 points Saturday in the Blazers' 61-39 win over St. Vincent-St. Mary in a Division II district final. - (Special to The Plain Dealer)

Hathaway Brown's girls basketball team continued its gradual ascension Saturday with a convincing win in a district final.

The Blazers routed St. Vincent-St. Mary, 61-39, to win the district crown at Nordonia, moving closer to what would be their fourth straight Division II state championship. A state title run wasn't so certain after HB stumbled to a 4-3 start. The Blazers have won 14 of their past 16 games and are headed back to the regionals.

Vanessa Smith and Stephanie Poland combined for 46 points Saturday, and the top-seeded Blazers, ranked fourth by The Plain Dealer and seventh in the state, surged ahead with a 20-point third quarter.

Second-seeded SVSM (16-8) had one player in double figures in scoring as Shannon Jack finished with 14 points.

Twinsburg 66, Warren Howland 45 Backed by a 39-point effort from Maryland recruit Malina Howard, the defending Division I state champions are headed back to the regionals.

Howard, a center, converted 17 field goals and five free throws for the top-seeded Tigers (21-3) in the district final at Ellet. Twinsburg, ranked first by The Plain Dealer and second in the state, and Howland were tied at 23 at halftime.

Ashley Morrissette added 13 points as Twinsburg dealt fifth-seeded Howland just its second loss of the season.

Solon 57, Shaker Heights 39 The top-seeded Comets had three players score in double figures in winning the Division I district title at Bedford.

Sophomore Kristen Confroy led the way with 13, followed by junior Martha Thompson (12) and Kristen Low (10).

Solon, which is 21-3 and ranked second by The Plain Dealer, opened with an 11-2 run.

Third-seeded Shaker Heights, ranked 20th by The Plain Dealer, got 12 points from senior Jordyn Peck and ends its season at 15-8.

Midpark 74, Medina 56 Three Meteors collected at least 15 points as they claimed the Division I district championship at Valley Forge.

Rachel Theriot led all players with 19, followed by Korie Maryo (17) and Stasha Carey (15). Theriot, who will play for Nebraska next year, added 16 assists and six rebounds as top-seeded Midpark moved to 21-2.

Second-seeded Medina ends its season at 18-5.

Magnificat 64, Westlake 53 Gulf Coast recruit Stephanie Haas scored 22 points and senior teammate Paige Wise added 19 as the top-seeded Blue Streaks (20-4) claimed the Division I district title at Elyria Catholic.

Westlake, the second seed, ends its year at 21-4.

Wadsworth 54, Brunswick 32 The top-seeded Grizzlies outscored the No. 5 Blue Devils, 31-6, in the second and third quarters to win the Division I district final at Medina.

Wadsworth (21-3) got 18 points from Kara Long.

Lake Catholic 56, Geneva 36 Katlyn Spahar led all scorers with 17 as the Cougars downed the top seed to win the Division II district title at Pymatuning Valley.

Second-seeded Lake Catholic moves to 17-7.

Manchester 56, Archbishop Hoban 52 The top-seeded Panthers held off the No. 2 Knight's late comeback attempt in the Division II district final at Uniontown Lake.

Michelle Noble paced Manchester (24-0 and ranked first in the state) with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Hoban (19-4) had just three players score with Meghan Donohue leading the way with 19, in addition to nine rebounds.

Rocky River 29, Keystone 20 The Pirates knocked off the No. 1 seed in the Division II district at Elyria behind senior post Hannah McCue's 13-point effort.

Second-seeded Rocky River (18-6) limited Keystone (22-2) to three points in both the second and fourth quarters.

Laurel 65, Gilmour 60 Nicole Felice and Alexis Guy led the Gators to an upset of the top-seeded team at the Division III district tournament at St. Joseph Academy.

Felice netted 20 points and Guy had 19 for the third-seeded Gators (19-4).

Gilmour ends its season at 20-4.

Berkshire 49, Rootstown 30 The Badgers coasted after opening with a 17-2 lead in the Division III district title game at Barberton.

Seven players scored for second-seeded Berkshire (16-8), including Kayla Byler with 16 and Harley Adler with 15. Byler converted 10 of 14 free throws.

No. 4 Rootstown (11-12) got 11 points from Ashleigh Pickens.

Windham 73, Warren JFK 53 Jessica Isler netted 25 points and Caitlyn Isler added 23 as the fourth-seeded Bombers won the Division IV district title at Rootstown.

Boys basketball

Olmsted Falls 81, Lorain 75 (2 OT) The Bulldogs upset fourth-seeded Lorain behind an impressive performance by Eric Meehan.

Meehan scored 21 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and four blocked shots for the eighth-seeded Bulldogs (7-14), who won a Division I sectional championship at Midview.

Teammate Steve Johnson added 25 points.

Cleveland Heights 56, Bedford 53 The top-seeded Tigers rallied from behind in the fourth quarter to win their playoff opener, and the Bearcats missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

Heights trailed the seventh-seeded Bearcats, 36-34, entering the fourth quarter. Delonte Davis and Najeeb Johnson carried the Tigers to the Division I sectional title at Solon, combining for 13 points in the fourth. Each finished with 11 to lead Cleveland Heights, ranked sixth by The Plain Dealer.

The high scorer was Bedford's J.J. Woodson with 18.

Garfield Heights 61, Maple Heights 37 The third-seeded Bulldogs had little trouble in their postseason opener.

Guard Terrell Byrd and forward Tony Farmer each scored 12 points as Garfield Heights, ranked second by The Plain Dealer, won a Division I sectional title at Solon.

Eastlake North 74, Glenville 52 Dylan Contento scored a game-best 22 points and teammate Paul Lang added 20 as the third-seeded Rangers claimed a Division I sectional title at Euclid.

North Royalton 71, Lakewood 61 Travis Tarnowski led the third-seeded Bears with 20 points in a Division I sectional final at Brecksville.

Midview 46, Solon 40 Patrick Linn paced the second-seeded Middies with 12 points in the other Division I sectional final at Brecksville.

Orange 61, Buchtel 59 (OT) Julian Turner and Spencer Williams each netted 17 points in a Division II sectional final win at Stow.

Second-seeded Orange overcame an early 20-10 deficit. Sixth-seeded Buchtel got 24 points from Elijah Bell.

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 73, Streetsboro 58 The fifth-seeded Lions won the other Division II sectional final at Stow behind 20 points from Chris Shkil.

J.R. Randolph added 15.

Third-seeded Streetsboro stayed in the game thanks to Ben Gency's 29 points, including six 3-pointers.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph 82, Fairport 49 The second-seeded Vikings rolled to the Division IV sectional title at Garfield Heights, getting 16 points from Demonte Flannigan and Karl Garner.

A little pessimism creeps into this week's mailbag for beat writer Tom Reed.

View full sizeNick Wass, Associated PressWashington's John Wall had a slight edge in Saturday's No. 1 draft pick battle with Kyrie Irving, with a 24-20 edge in points and 5-1 in rebounds. Irving had six assists to Wall's five.

Hey, Tom: Is it too early to determine if Kyrie Irving wants to be a Cavalier for seven or eight years? Or can we start the questions if he stays or not? -- Gregory Hunter, Cleveland

Hey, Gregory: Yes, it's too early. We will have to wait and see what the landscape looks like in three or four more years. If the Cavs can surround him with good pieces, it only increases their chances.

Hey, Tom: What does the Celtics shopping Rajon Rondo do to Ramon Sessions' trade value?-- Pete F., South Euclid

Hey, Pete: The Celtics claim they are not shopping Rondo -- what else are they going to say, right? -- but it certainly could dilute the market. My hunch is Rondo stays put and Sessions doesn't.

Hey, Tom: My understanding is that the Cavs, Pacers and Kings are the only teams with the cap space to put Denver's wishes to re-sign Wilson Chandler to the test. I would think that the odds of the Cavs landing a young top-10 SF prospect in the open FA market would be slim to none. But with only four teams having the ability to sign Chandler for more than an exemption and the other three teams already having young talented SFs on their roster, it appears that the Cavs would have a good shot at acquiring Chandler. Do you think the Cavs will make a run at Chandler, or stand pat and wait until the off-season to acquire some more scoring punch? -- Jay Reed, Bedford Heights

Hey, Jay: Not a single team signed Chandler to an offer sheet. The Cavaliers have the cap space but do not expect them to use much of it in free agency. They will use it to absorb contracts and acquire draft choices through trades. The Cavs are trying to remain patient and build through the draft and trades.

Hey, Tom: Anthony Davis is the clear No. 1 pick in this year's draft class. If the Cavs were to luck into the first pick again, how do you see them incorporating him into the lineup? Do they play him at the 4 and keep Thompson as an eternal backup, or do they try to play him at the 3? Would they trade Thompson if they got that pick? Would they look to trade back slightly and pick up a player/extra pick? -- J Smith, Rocky River

Hey, J: Have you looked at the standings? The Cavs are not likely in the hunt for Anthony Davis. The Kentucky product would be a great addition, however. Byron Scott is fond of saying you build a franchise with a point guard and then a big man. They have the point guard.

-- Tom

Peyton Hillis says he wants to stay in Cleveland. With free agency looming, we'll soon find out how badly.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerIf there's a conspiracy to drive down the league-wide value of Peyton Hillis, they're doing a fine job, writes Bud Shaw.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- This column, like a "Mission Impossible" tape and Peyton Hillis' 2011 season, will self-destruct in five seconds...

Hillis swears he never told anybody he thought of retiring last season and possibly joining the CIA. Exactly what you'd expect to hear from a guy trying to get into the CIA.

"It makes me sound insane," Hillis told The Plain Dealer.

Other teams might think so, too, which could work to the Browns' advantage. Their familiarity with him should allow them to better judge the red flags raised over the past season and whether all together they amount to one big "Stop" sign.

Hillis says he thinks someone planted the story with ESPN to devalue him in free agency. Since the report cited "team sources," that's an interesting take.

Who would do such a thing? A teammate? A coach? A team president? Why? Are the Browns running a clandestine operation to scare other teams off? Or maybe trying to make it go down easier with the Hillis-friendly segment of the fan base if they don't bring him back?

Unfortunately, this is more of the same with Hillis. Whatever the source, lots of unnecessary drama -- some of it self-created. One plot line hasn't changed, though. For many different reasons, Hillis only makes sense at the right price.

His running style invites injury at a position with an already short life span. Pat Shurmur's offense is pass-first, no matter how he chooses to frame it. He didn't make great use of Hillis even when his injuries weren't an issue.

Coincidentally, Hillis hasn't made great use of his agents. He frames his decision to fire yet another agent in a positive light. Kennard McGuire, he says, wasn't doing enough to get a contract done with the Browns. But his reasons for going through three agents in a year's time reflect poorly on him, not them. He fired Jimmy Sexton because he wanted more out of the marketing end. After one good season, he was already worried about that?

He fired Kelli Masters because she hadn't done too many big contracts. So why'd he hire her?

A guy so anxious for a big payday after a single breakout season is suddenly going to be happy playing for much less in 2012? Are the Browns convinced? Knowing what everyone knows now about Hillis and his erratic behavior, the Browns should be thrilled he didn't take them up on their first offer.

"Honestly, I feel like a lot of that was blown up by the media," Browns' GM Tom Heckert told ESPN.

That might come as news to Browns' players. The reason teammates staged an intervention wasn't to assure Hillis that the media was making more of his issues than they were worth. They staged it after he didn't play against Miami and got married back in Arkansas on Tuesday of a game week instead of rehabbing.

They staged it because his behavior invited it.

Now Hillis says he's willing to offer a "hometown discount." He is likely to find out his value has been discounted nationally.

He was smart to come out and debunk the ESPN report and that could help. But whatever team he plays for in 2012 has as much reason to be concerned about him as any undersized safety coming up to stop the run.

SPINOFFS

To the list of the least secure jobs in America -- typewriter salesman, Larry King's wife, Spin columnist -- add Hillis' fourth agent...

In addition to Shurmur denying Hillis ever told him of a retirement to join the CIA, the Browns also deny Montario Hardesty has spent the past two seasons in a witness protection program...

From Tiger Woods' former swing coach, Hank Haney, comes word that Woods has seriously considered becoming a Navy SEAL.

Who doesn't find it perfectly reasonable that a guy who couldn't maneuver a car down his driveway while being chased by an angry woman would be high on the recruiting list of SEAL Team Six? ...

In talking about his off-season surgery, Justin Masterson said his "shoulder juice was leaking." File that under "Things You Don't Want to Hear Your Surgeon Say As The Anesthesia Takes Effect"...

So the attorney for Ryan Braun is upset. Why? Because the collector of Braun's urine sample publicly defended the protocol he followed.

"The collector's attempt to re-litigate his conduct is inappropriate, and his efforts will only be persuasive to those who do not understand the evidence or the rules," said Braun's lawyer, David Cornwell.

Since Braun insinuated that the collector might have tampered with his urine sample, Braun's camp already cornered the market on "inappropriate."...

Wildly unsuccessful Charlotte Bobcats' majority owner Michael Jordan is selling his mansion in Chicago for $29 million. The home has a full indoor basketball court, 15 bathrooms, five fireplaces and a three-bedroom guest house.

But the best thing the house has going for it? Jordan didn't build it. ...

NASCAR suspended Chad Knaus, the crew chief for Jimmie Johnson, for six races and fined him $100,000 for a violation of the No. 48 car's setup. Knaus said he is not concerned about his reputation and that the team will appeal the decision.

No replacement has been announced, though Braun and Barry Bonds should be under consideration if they're not.

Sources say that during a particularly restful night's sleep Robert Griffin III grew another 1/32nd of an inch, prompting the Rams to ask for a fifth No. 1 draft choice from teams interested in moving up...

View full sizeAP fileA fiery competitor who may have mellowed with age.

Say what you will, but Fausto Carmona will be sorely missed on Opening Day, according to the Chicago White Sox...

The New Orleans Saints, the focus of the NFL's investigation into bounty hunting, need to come completely clean about the scope of the operation and admit they've been targeting Grady Sizemore since 2007...

Re-signing Sizemore for $5 million and picking up Carmona's $7 million option may not look like money well-spent #understatementoftheyear...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

(The Faceoff Edition)

Albert Belle and Romeo Crennel (stolen from my brother Bill) -- Gary Zupancic

View full sizeAP photoJovial and mellow in most situations, he can't wait to compete against the best in 2012.

Belle and actor James Avery, who played Uncle Phil in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air -- J.B., Avon Lake

HE SAID IT

"There was more urgency and less fun. He never mentioned Nicklaus' record, but it started to weigh more heavily at every major." -- Haney, in his new book on Tiger Woods' chase of Jack Nicklaus' 18 career wins in majors.

Just to clarify, Haney is sure of this because, you know, Woods never mentioned it even once during their six years together.

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Sunday Edition)

"Hey Bud:

"Did you ever blow five million bucks?" -- Ron

Maybe. But I like to think my recent investment in a startup phone booth business will pay dividends.

"Bud:

"Do you own the intellectual property of 'You said it?'" -- Paul Schmidt

Whatever the legal terminology is for the opposite of bragging rights, I own 100 percent of that.

"Hey Bud:

"Noticed the PD doesn't list the Daytona 500 under 'Motorsports.' What, are they pedaling now?" -- Pat

Don't be ridiculous. If they pedaled, race coverage would start on a Sunday and not finish until Monday night.

"Bud:

"ESPN's 'Browns source' was totally confused and mixed up the letters regarding the Hillis/CIA story. Hillis was actually talking ICA -- Incessantly Changing Agents.'" -- Dale, Medina

Or so the CIA would like you to believe.

"Bud:

"Isn't it true Peyton Hillis fired his agent immediately after seeing a Tim Misny commercial?" -- Joe, Medina

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

"Bud:

"With Tiger wanting to be a SEAL and Hillis a CIA agent, will Pat Shurmur announce his wish to be a Keystone Cop?" -- Michael Sarro

Repeat winners get my autographed list of Outdated Cultural References.

"Bud:

"I don't know about you but I really hope LeBron brings his talents back to Cleveland. The Browns need a good passer." -- Bob S

Repeat winners get credited with an assist.

On Twitter: @budshaw

EUCLID, Ohio -- Chardon's boys basketball team motto is "Earn the right to play," meaning nothing is handed to you. The Hilltoppers' heavily-favored foe in the Division I sectional final Saturday at Euclid got a little taste of that sentiment. The Arcs won, 74-58, but they had to scramble through the noise and overhang of emotion to do it....

Brush forward Pharaoh Brown, demonstrates his support for Chardon players, from left, Joe Connick, Joe Fodor and Ryan Thompson, before their game Saturday. - (Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer)

EUCLID, Ohio -- Chardon's boys basketball team motto is "Earn the right to play," meaning nothing is handed to you.

The Hilltoppers' heavily-favored foe in the Division I sectional final Saturday at Euclid got a little taste of that sentiment. The Arcs won, 74-58, but they had to scramble through the noise and overhang of emotion to do it.

If not for a late 16-3 run to close out the game, we might be talking about Chardon pulling off a stunning upset.

"The effort was unbelievable," Chardon coach Nick Gustin told his players in the locker room after leading the student section to one last "We are ... Chardon!" chant, ending not just the season, but a week no one will ever forget.

"I think we had them a little worried," he said.

After Thursday's emotional sectional semifinal win over Madison, Chardon took the floor again less than eight hours after the funeral for 16-year-old Danny Parmertor -- the first of three services for classmates killed in shootings at the school Monday. Some of the players had attended the funeral, but not as a group.

• Check out The Plain Dealer's photo gallery from this game.

If that weren't enough to overcome, the Hilltoppers entered the game as big underdogs against Brush, the tournament's second seed behind Mentor and The Plain Dealer's fifth-ranked team.

Brush coach Jayson Macauda tried to warn his team about the atmosphere beforehand. He had even handed out copies of newspaper clippings at practice to remind his players about the magnitude of what the Chardon players and fans had been through.

"In a basketball sense," he said, "we got out of character, big time."

It was tough for anyone not to get caught up.

For player introductions, one by one, the Brush starters handed the Chardon starters a black wristband, then the rest of the team hustled to the Chardon bench to do the same for the reserves.

The Brush players came out for pregame warmups with red ribbons on their chests; some wore red or red and black socks.

The Brush athletic director presented his Chardon counterpart with a donation at center court before the game.

The Chardon student cheering section, which filed into the gym to a standing ovation, bounced, wagged pompoms and chanted "One Heartbeat," "Topper Power" and "We are . . . Chardon!" all night.

This wasn't supposed to be close.

The Arcs finished the regular season at 17-3 and as Northeast Ohio Conference River Division champions.

Chardon, even without all the added emotional weight, is a building program. The Hilltoppers, who were 4-17 last season in Gustin's first season, improved to 8-13 heading into Saturday's game.

Chardon even pulled of a four-game winning streak in early February. Gustin couldn't remember the most recent time the Hilltoppers won four straight.

But out they came.

The Hilltoppers led, 14-12, after the first quarter after racing out to a 14-4 lead. Senior guard Ryan Thompson scored 12 points on four 3-pointers to lead all first-half scorers and finished with 15 for the game.

"We're on the outside looking in," Curtis Oakley Jr., Brush's 6-4 senior, said after the game. "I can't even imagine what they were going through."

When Chardon took a 29-26 lead into halftime, the student section repeatedly shouted "We are ... Chardon!" as the players skipped to the locker room.

"They're playing with a lot of heart, a lot of emotion," Ed Nichols, a Chardon resident, said at the break.

"We're still the same strong community we were Thursday," said Chardon senior Jake Kirsh, one of the vocal "Chardon Crazies." "Just a different day."

But by continually feeding their inside force, 6-7, 220-pound senior forward Pharaoh Brown, Brush took a 45-42 lead into the fourth quarter.

Brown, a tight end headed to play football at Oregon, led all scorers with 20 points.

Brush plays Eastlake, who topped Glenville, 74-52, in the first game, on Wednesday.

"I'd actually like to see [Chardon] move on," said Oakley, who chipped in 19, "because it's a beautiful thing."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: blubinger@plaind.com, 216-999-5531

BEYOND THE MAT Division II insider

Nate Skonieczny of Walsh Jesuit reacts after winning the 138-pound state wrestling championship in Division II at Value City Arena in Columbus. - (Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)

BEYOND THE MAT

Division II insider

Match of the day

Cory Stainbrook vs. Ryan Taylor: Stainbrook, a senior 120-pounder from Walsh Jesuit, rallied from a 6-1 second-period deficit against two-time defending champion Taylor from St. Paris Graham with a four-point flurry, including a takedown with just five seconds remaining. However, it wasn't enough to snap a six-match losing skid against the three-time state champion, and Stainbrook, a four-time state placer and two-time state runner-up, lost, 7-5.

Wrestler of the day

Nate Skonieczny, Walsh Jesuit: The senior four-time state placer became a two-time state champion Saturday night with a dominating 13-5 major decision over Wauseon senior Dalton Nicely. Skonieczny (42-1), who will wrestle for Iowa next season, was a state runner-up as a freshman and took third as a sophomore.

Upsets of the day

There were back-to-back upsets in the state championship round at 170 and 182. Clyde junior Chris Moore, the projected runner-up, defeated projected state champ Brandon O'Neill of Clear Fork, 4-2. However, that was mere window-dressing compared to the shocker Goshen's Chaz Gresham (32-0), a three-time state placer and defending state champion, pulled on St. Paris Graham's Huston Evans (45-2), a former state champion, three-time state placer and defending state runner-up. Gresham, the projected runner-up, defeated projected champ Evans, 4-2.

Embrace of the day

Padua senior 132-pounder Brent Fickel sprinted off the stage following his 7-0 state championship win over Lima Shawnee's Colin McDermitt, found his way into the stands, sprinted up about 20 rows and ran into the arms of his father and mother. Fickel credits his father's total support for all the work he put into winning his first-career state wrestling championship.

Quote of the day

"Like I said [Friday], I was training 365 days for this match. I worked all summer. To come up short really hurts a lot. We had 6:30 a.m. workouts, we did it all, but . . ."-- Walsh Jesuit senior 120-pounder Cory Stainbrook, who came up just short in his state championship rematch with Graham senior Ryan Taylor, 7-5.

Ohio State is among several Big Ten teams that have been looking for the right team chemistry this season. Michigan State is at the top of the league because the Spartans have it.

View full sizeTerry Gilliam, Associated PressShowing the passion that has helped him lead Michigan State to at least a share of the Big Ten title, Draymond Green wrested this rebound away from Ohio State's Jared Sullinger in the Spartans' win in Columbus on Feb. 11.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- What has been lacking with Ohio State this season -- the togetherness, the leadership -- sounds an awful lot like what Michigan State went through last season.

"We had a disappointing year, and we didn't do the things championship teams do with our chemistry and our camaraderie," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said of his Spartans of a year ago.

What has been right about Michigan State this season -- the togetherness, the leadership -- sounds an awful lot like what Ohio State had last season.

"This has been the most unselfish team I might have ever coached," Izzo said of this season's Spartans.

When the Spartans were off last season they went 9-9 in Big Ten to finish in a four-way tie for fourth before losing, as a No. 10 seed, to UCLA in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. When the Buckeyes were right last season, they went 16-2 in the Big Ten to win the conference by two games, and entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed before they were upset by the Kentucky in the Sweet 16.

That brings us to Sunday. The Spartans have it. The Buckeyes continue to look for it. Yet as No. 10 Ohio State (24-6, 12-5 Big Ten) visits the Breslin Center, the Big Ten title remains at stake.

The Spartans are led by senior Draymond Green, one of the best leaders Izzo said he has ever coached. The Buckeyes have been missing David Lighty, their leader from a year ago and a player that OSU coach Thad Matta sees as a Green comparison. Matta has seen Green "kind of put guys on his shoulder and said, 'I'll lead us to where we want to go.'"

Picked fourth in a preseason Big Ten media poll and unranked to start the year, the No. 5 Spartans (24-6, 13-4 Big Ten) have clinched a share of first and are looking for an outright title. The Buckeyes, who were the unanimous pick of that 24-voter poll to win the Big Ten, still want a piece of the title despite a rough last three weeks, as they've gone 3-3.

"I think that's just life in the Big Ten," OSU sophomore Jared Sullinger said.

For several Big Ten teams, life this season has included the search for what is missing.

Illinois coach Bruce Weber has questioned his players and his handling of them for weeks, Purdue coach Matt Painter discovered his best mix only after Kelsey Barlow was kicked off the team, which one Boilermaker called "addition by subtraction," and the Buckeyes have talked about a lack of togetherness after all five of their Big Ten losses. It has been the kind of year that reinforces how more than talent is needed, and just how far a team can go when it plays as one.

"When you have it, it makes it so easy on you as a coach," Weber said of team chemistry. "When your best players are your hardest workers and your leaders, it makes coaching so much easier. So I'm not sure you appreciate it when you have it. When it's not there, then you really wish you had it."

In talking about teams that have that chemistry, first-year Penn State coach Pat Chambers mentioned Michigan State, Northwestern and Purdue, and singled out players like Wisconsin's Jordan Taylor, Northwestern's John Shurna and Michigan State's Green. He also mentioned the challenge any team can face in bringing in McDonald's All-Americans as freshmen and then trying to have them find roles and keep team chemistry.

He said you find whether teams have it or not on the road. "When things are going against you -- the refs, the fans, you're not making shots," Chambers said.

Painter said it matters most in any close game. "In tight situations, whatever they may be," he said.

Weber sees it through the grind of the season. "It comes down in the gut-check time of the season, in the dog days of February, when it gets tough on everybody," Weber said. "The teams that have adversity and inner conflict, it usually shows up when you get to that point."

Ohio State was 19-3 entering February and then went 5-3 in the month. Losses to Michigan and Wisconsin were there for the taking, and the Buckeyes fell in tight games at the end. That, again, brings us to Sunday -- on the road, at the end of a long year, with a title on the line.

When it's over, the Buckeyes should know just where they stand. It's not only whether they win or lose, but what they show, or don't show, while it's happening.

The latest bizarre episode around the Browns' free-agent running back is entertaining, but doesn't change the discussion between the two sides.

View full sizePlain Dealer file photoFor all of the drama surrounding Peyton Hillis, the Browns must stay focused on whether he's a good fit for their 2012 offense.

VALPARAISO, Ind. -- With the gusty winds, plenty of opinions about our local teams are always available, as we're talkin' ...

About the Browns ...

1. It was wise for Peyton Hillis to deny the "I want to retire and be a CIA agent" story in an interview with the PD's Mary Kay Cabot. The moment I first heard it reported by ESPN, my response matched that of Hillis' -- "ridiculous." It also was smart of him to say he's looking for a new agent to cut a deal with the Browns, because many fans were wondering if he wanted to stay here.

2. This is not to say Hillis was the most mature guy wearing an orange helmet last season. But his goal was to cash in on one good season -- not cash out and spy on terrorists. In fact, that was the start of his troubles ... wanting to turn his 1,177 yards rushing and Madden cover appearance into a contract that would take care of him for the rest of his career.

3. Those dancing dollar signs led to Hillis firing a very solid and experienced agent in Jimmy Sexton. Probably not a good move. His next agent was Kelli Masters, who is not a major player among NFL agents. Then he turned to Kennard McGuire, a high-powered agent whose goal was to bring in big bucks for Hillis.

4. McGuire is a respected agent, but he made a poor decision when he told some media people that he advised Hillis to sit out the Miami game because of illness. It sounded to many media members and fans as if Hillis were being controlled by his agent, rather than working with the coaches and team doctors. I talked to several members of the Browns brass, and Hillis was sick.

5. The real problem for Hillis was a significant hamstring injury, which cost him five games. Nor was he 100 percent when he returned. His work ethic was questioned by some players while he was hurt.

6. Did Hillis grow depressed during his injury? No doubt. Was he frustrated that his new agent couldn't secure a major contract extension? Of course. Did he handle it well? Not at all.

7. But does this make him a bad guy not worth re-signing? No, the Browns should continue to talk to him.

8. By the end of the season, the Browns say Hillis was working hard and his positive attitude had returned. He rushed for 99 yards at Arizona and 112 the following week at Baltimore. He showed much of his 2010 form. For the year, his numbers were a modest 587 yards in 161 carries.

9. As the Browns consider bringing back Hillis, they ask three questions: A) Can he run the ball effectively? B) Can he catch it as a receiver in the backfield? C) Can he block and pick up blitzes? All three questions received positive answers. The next question is can he stay healthy? The hamstrings are a concern because he tore one at the end of the 2008 season in Denver. While this season's injury was to the other leg, it's obvious he can be prone to issues.

10. The Browns don't consider Hillis, 26, an elite back, but they believe he is a valuable one. They think he may have learned a few things during his season of emotional and physical pain. The will keep talking, but they don't want to pay him like a star for only one healthy and productive season.

11. Hillis was a seventh-round pick by Denver in 2008, and never received big money by NFL standards. He received a $50,000 signing bonus, and $1.7 million over four years. His 2011 salary was $555,000. That's why he was especially concerned about this contract.

12. Hillis said the Browns "offered $25 million or $26 million over four or five years," but only $1.2 million was guaranteed in the first few seasons. That part may be true, but most extensions have major signing bonuses paid up front. It makes no sense for the Browns to offer a salary like that with no real signing bonus.

13. Chris Gocong signed a 4-year, $18.5 million extension. From what I've uncovered, he received a $1.25 million bonus plus a first-year salary of $3 million -- making it $4.25 million guaranteed. In 2012, about $3.75 million of his $4.5 million salary is guaranteed. After that, not much.

14. D'Qwell Jackson received a $7 million signing bonus as part of the $19 million guaranteed of his 5-year, $42.5 million extension. Contracts can be complicated in the NFL because of the large up-front bonus and unguaranteed years.

15. So what about Hillis? Hopefully, his new agent will see he does have a major role with this team. He will understand the Browns have a right to put a lot of incentives in the contract because of his injury history. It sounds as if Hillis believes the Browns are the right place for him.

16. Lost in the combine hype is Jackson signing a five-year contract. Since the end of last season, the Browns have signed Ahtbya Rubin, Joe Thomas, Gocong and Jackson to extensions. The Browns say this indicates some key veterans are trusting the current front office can put a winning team on the field.

17. Yes, the Browns paid all of these players very well. But they also could have headed to free agency if they had no hope. The market for Thomas and Rubin would have been especially strong.

18. Granted, Rubin and Thomas signed before this 4-12 season. But Jackson signed after, and made it clear to his agent that he wanted to remain. While the Browns plan to continue to build through the draft, it is critical that they have some key veterans who can be a positive influence in the dressing room and during practice.

19. Finally, it is great news that Phil Dawson received the franchise tag of $3.8 million. Never underestimate what a good kicker means, especially a veteran such as Dawson who can kick in the wind at Browns Stadium. I'd like to see him receive a two-year deal. Yes, he's 37. He was 24-of-29 on field goals, but only two were actual misses. The others were snap/blocking problems. His 83 percent on field goals is 10th best in NFL history. He was 7-of-8 on kicks from at least 50 yards.

About the Tribe...

View full sizeJae C. Hong, Associated PressAsdrubal Cabrera may need spring training to get into better shape, says Terry Pluto.

1. The Indians don't want to talk about it, but Asdrubal Cabrera showed up in training camp in less than ideal condition. The shortstop has long battled weight problems. He was in pretty good shape last spring, leading to his breakout season (.273, 25 HR, 92 RBI, .792 OPS). But this spring, he is heavier than a year ago ... although I can't find out how much.

2. Cabrera had struggles with his weight in 2008 and 2010. He has a stocky build and has to be careful with his diet because it's easy to put on pounds. As a shortstop, his only weakness is very ordinary range ... and the weight doesn't help. Now, it's up to him to use this time to get into shape, because the 26-year-old is blessed with a lot of ability. His conditioning issues also are why any team has to be careful when giving him a long-term contract.

3. The good news is Carlos Santana is in excellent condition after working out in the winter with assistant strength coach Nelson Perez, who spent the off-season in the Dominican Republic. In his first full big-league season, Santana hit 27 homers with 79 RBI. His average (.239) was low, but his OPS (.808) showed his ability to draw walks and hit for power.

4. The Indians are extremely pleased with how Derek Lowe is throwing. They made a small adjustment to his windup, and it seems to have helped him regain the sharp sinker that has been his best pitch for more than a decade.

5. Cord Phelps has added 12 pounds of muscle ... the Indians are pleased with his upper body strength and how he has looked early in camp. He opened last season at shortstop in Class AAA, then moved to second base when promoted to Cleveland. He was shaky in the field and at bat. Second is his primary position, and the Indians plan to keep him at that spot.

6. At the start of last spring, Phelps was projected to be more big-league ready than Jason Kipnis -- although Kipnis was the higher prospect. Phelps turned 25 in January, so it's premature to write him off. He is a .304 hitter (.880 OPS) in 163 Class AAA games. He is not expected to make the team out of camp, but could be recalled if Kipnis is injured.

7. The Indians are very excited with what Kipnis has shown. In addition to infield coach Steve Smith, the Indians have former infielder Adam Everett working with Kipnis at second base. Everett is with the team as a special assistant. He opened last season on the Tribe roster, but was cut on June 30.

8. With Grady Sizemore out with back surgery, only two outfielders are guaranteed roster spots -- Shin-Soo Choo and Michael Brantley. Shelley Duncan and Aaron Cunningham are both out of options, so they are likely to make the cut. They do have Jason Donald, who can play some outfield. But they may pick one more outfielder from Ryan Spilborghs, Russ Canzler, Felix Pie and some others. Zeke Carrera would only make the team if he beats out Brantley as the starting centerfielder, and that's not likely to happen.

9. Some fans asked about the Indians not signing Kosuke Fukudome. He will be 35 on April 26. For the Tribe, he did a decent job as a fill-in, but hit only .249 with 5 HR and 22 RBI in 237 at-bats. He signed with the White Sox for $1 million as a backup. I'd rather see Brantley, Duncan and others get a chance to play.

10. So glad Manny Acta went with Justin Masterson to start the opener. He earned it. Also, the less pressure on Ubaldo Jimenez, the better. Masterson was 12-10 with a 3.21 ERA. In 11 of his 33 starts, the Indians scored two or fewer runs. Seven times, it was one or no runs. He earned those 12 wins.

About Wilt Chamberlain...

View full sizeAP fileWilt Chamberlain often seemed embarrassed by his big night in Hershey, Pa.

It was 50 years ago (March 2, 1962) that Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game as his Philadelphia Warriors beat New York, 169-147. For my book Tall Tales -- an oral history of the NBA of the 1950s and 1960s -- I interviewed Wilt for about 90 minutes. Here is some of what he told me -- and what my research shows -- about the game:

1. He was embarrassed by it, couldn't believe he took 63 shots (made 36). He never considered it a "great" game because it came near the end of the season, had no impact on the standings and it became about getting him the 100 points. Other players that I interviewed considered it a bit of joke because Wilt's teammates kept throwing him the ball and wanting him to shoot it.

2. Wilt told me: "What I like best about the game is that there is not film of it." Wilt said "10,000 people" have told him that they saw him score 100 points at Madison Square Garden. But the game was in Hershey, Pa., in front of 4,124 fans.

3. Wilt said, "Over the years, the memories get better. It's like your first girlfriend -- the picture you have in your head is always better than how she looked in real life."

4. Wilt scored his 100th point with 46 seconds left. No one remembers how he scored the last two points. Wilt thinks it was a fall-away jumper. News reports either had it as a dunk or a tip-in. I interviewed an official, a coach and several players. Their accounts vary, but only Wilt seemed to think it was an outside shot.

5. Wilt stared at the stat sheet and said: "You take 63 shots on the playground and no one wants you on their team again."

6. He was proud of making 28 of 32 free throws. He averaged 50.4 points, 25.7 rebounds and 48.5 minutes per game in that 1961-62 season. He played every second of every game, except being ejected once with 8:33 left. He was "especially proud to be the only center to lead the league in assists during a season."

7. The famous picture of Wilt holding up "100" scrawled on a white piece of paper came from Warriors public relations director Harvey Pollack. He told me the photographers wanted something to indicate 100 points, so Pollack wrote it on the paper, handed it to Wilt and told him to hold it up for pictures. Pollack says he is certain Wilt made a layup with 46 seconds left for points 99 and 100.

8. Wilt gave the ball from that game to Al Attles, a guard and his best friend on the team.

About the Cavaliers...

View full sizeGary W. Green, Orlando SentinelTristan Thompson is a work in progress, but that's hardly a surprise when it comes to the NBA's young big men.

1. Most fans know Kyrie Irving (18.5 points) leads all rookies in scoring. But consider that the top nine rookie scorers are guards. Usually, guards have an faster adjustment to the NBA than big men. You have to drop down to No. 2 pick Derrick Williams (7.8 points) to find a forward, and he's No. 10 in scoring. Tristan Thompson ranks 14th with 7.3 points.

2. The top rookie rebounder is Denver's Kenneth Faried (6.3), followed by Thompson (6.0). The Cavs are pleased to see Thompson improving. He averaged 7.8 points and 8.6 rebounds in February, coming off a sprained ankle. They believe he can develop into a double double player -- at least 10 rebounds and 10 points. He was 50 percent at the foul line.

3. When there is media criticism about Thompson at No. 4, the best players have been guards, especially point guards. No. 3 pick Enes Kanter is averaging 4.9 points and 5.0 rebounds as a backup big man in Utah. He could be more productive with more minutes, as he's at 14.5 per game. No. 6 pick Jan Vesely is at 2.7 points (7-of-19 at the foul line) in 15 minutes for Washington. No. 7 pick Bismack Biyombo is scoring 3.8 for Charlotte.

4. The Cavs strongly considered picking 7-foot Jonas Valanciunas, who went No. 5 to Toronto. He is still playing in Europe, averaging 10.8 points and 7.8 rebounds. Toronto hopes to have the 19-year-old for next season, assuming they can work out his contract details with his European team. They couldn't do it this season.

5. The Cavs took Thompson also because they knew J.J. Hickson was headed to free agency in the summer of 2012, and they didn't think he was worth a long-term deal. Hickson was traded to Sacramento, where he's done nothing to enhance his value -- averaging 4.9 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 37 percent.

6. The Cavs will continue to look for young big men in the draft and through trades. They will build for next season around Anderson Varejao and Thompson in the front court. Antawn Jamison and Ryan Hollins have expiring contracts. Samardo Samuels and Semih Erden still have a lot to prove. I do hope Samuels receives some more minutes in the final months of the season.

Auto racing NASCAR Sprint Cup, Subway Fresh Fit 500, 2:30, WJW Channel 8 Cycling Paris-Nice Stage 1, Dampierre-en-Yvelines to Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse, 3 (tape), NBC Sports Network Golf PGA Tour: The Honda Classic, final round, 1, Golf Channel; 3, WKYC Channel 3 Hockey NHL: Boston at N.Y. Rangers, 12:30, WKYC Channel 3 Chicago at Detroit, 4, NHL Network Philadelphia at Washington,...

Auto racing

NASCAR Sprint Cup, Subway Fresh Fit 500, 2:30, WJW Channel 8

Cycling

Paris-Nice Stage 1, Dampierre-en-Yvelines to Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse, 3 (tape), NBC Sports Network

Golf

PGA Tour: The Honda Classic, final round, 1, Golf Channel; 3, WKYC Channel 3

Hockey

NHL: Boston at N.Y. Rangers, 12:30, WKYC Channel 3

Chicago at Detroit, 4, NHL Network

Philadelphia at Washington, 7, NBC Sports Network

AHL: Monsters vs. Charlotte, 3, Fox Sports Ohio

Men's college basketball

Ohio Valley Tournament game, 10:30 a.m., ESPNU

Kentucky at Florida, noon, WOIO Channel 19

Clemson at Florida State, noon, ESPN2

Illinois at Wisconsin, 1, Big Ten Network

Michigan at Penn State, 1, ESPN

Missouri Valley Conference Tournament final, 2, WOIO Channel 19

Ohio State at Michigan State, 4, WOIO Channel 19

California at Stanford, 5:30, Fox Sports Ohio

Purdue at Indiana, 6, Big Ten Network

North Carolina State at Virginia Tech, 6, ESPNU

Men's college lacrosse

Syracuse at Virginia, 4:30, ESPN

Men's college wrestling

Big Ten championships, 3, Big Ten Network

NBA

New York at Boston, 1, WEWS Channel 5

Miami at L.A. Lakers, 3:30, WEWS Channel 5

Chicago at Philadelphia, 7, ESPN

Denver at San Antonio, 9:30, ESPN

Women's college basketball

Big East Tournament game, noon, ESPNU

Atlantic 10 semifinal, noon, CBS Sports Network

Texas A&M at Texas, 1, Fox Sports Ohio

Big East Tournament game, 2, ESPNU

Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament final, 2, ESPN2

Atlantic 10 semifinal, 2:30, CBS Sports Network

Big Ten Conference Tournament final, 4, ESPN2

Southeastern Conference Tournament final, 6, ESPN2

Big East Tournament game, 8:30, ESPNU

Stanford at California, 9, Fox Sports Ohio

The Browns are unwilling at this point to give up their No. 22 overall pick to move up to draft RG3, league sources told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Will the Browns be willing to give up their No. 22 pick to move up to draft RG3?

CLEVELAND -- The Browns aren't willing to surrender their No. 22 pick at this point as part of a trade package to move up to No. 2 with the Rams to draft Robert Griffin III, league sources told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The paper reported that Rams would like to have an agreement in principle before the big-name free agent quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn hit the market March 13. A trade can't be executed until that day.

Although the Browns (No.4) and Redskins (No. 6) are still considered the front-runners, the Browns are unwilling to part with their second first-round pick along with the No. 4 overall, the sources said. The Browns acquired the No. 22 in last year's draft day trade with the Falcons.

The league source cautioned that any trade information leaking out at this time of year must be taken with a grain of salt.

Jim Thomas of The Post-Dispatch reported that in addition to the Browns being unwilling to give up their No. 22 right now:

• The Redskins would give up their No. 6 this year and their first-rounder next year, but aren't willing to surrender a second-round pick this year.

• The Dolphins (No. 8) aren't eager to deal with the Rams after losing Jeff Fisher to them in the head coach sweepstakes. Sources told Thomas this option is currently dead in the water.

• The Seahawks (No. 12) aren't a viable option because the Rams don't want to ship RG3 to a division rival. Same for Arizona, which picks 13th.

The Rams know that the value of the pick could decrease if interested teams sign a veteran quarterback. In addition to Manning, who's been linked to the Redskins, and Flynn, linked to the Dolphins, Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell is expected to hit the open market.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur re-iterated at the Greater Cleveland Auto Show at the I-X Center Thursday night that anything is possible with the first-round picks.

"We have some flexibility," he said. "We have a lot of picks, and a lot of the experts think that they might be valuable, so we'll see. I think we need to approach this thing from a position of strength and do what we can to make our roster better."

He said the Browns are still gathering information on RG3, but that the team was impressed with him during their 15-minute interview at the NFL Combine. With the new rookie wage scale, the Browns would only have to pay Griffin about $22 million over four years, a far cry from the five-year, $68 million deal former No. 2 pick Ndamukong Suh signed with Detroit under the old CBA.

"I thought the meeting [with RG3] went well," said Shurmur. "A very sharp, very well-spoken young man. Everybody knows how accomplished he was on the field. Again, it was a 15-minute meeting, so you had a chance to interact with him. You try to get a lot out of that, and I think we learned a lot -- just like we did with all the other players. But we've still got to do more work."

If the Browns decide they don't want to sacrifice multiple high picks, they'll consider Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who may now go in the top 10, according to NFL Network's Mike Mayock.

"I was equally impressed with Ryan," Shurmur said. "Very intelligent young man. Did a nice job in the interview. It's important in the interview that they're able to talk about what they did when we watch their film, and I thought he did a very nice job of that. He was very productive this year after being a receiver. He played receiver for 30 games and quarterback for 21. That's not always easy to do."

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Justin Masterson likes what he sees in the Indians starting rotation.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated PressJustin Masterson will make his first Cactus League start on Monday.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Manager Manny Acta named Justin Masterson as the Indians' opening day starter Friday. Masterson was excited about the opportunity and also about the rest of the rotation.

"You've got guys who have been doing it for a long time in Ubaldo Jimenez and Derek Lowe," said Masterson, who will make his first Cactus League start Monday against the Reds. "They've both been aces before.

"Then we have Josh Tomlin, who proved to be great last year. He'd get out there and eat up innings. He'd get to the seventh or eighth inning and only have 60 pitches. That's impressive, no matter who you are."

Acta said Masterson and Jimenez will be his first two starters. Just how Tomlin and Lowe align will be determined later in camp.

In the fifth spot, the Indians have several options. The arms in camp include David Huff, Jeanmar Gomez, Zach McAllister or Kevin Slowey. Roberto Hernandez, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona, is still trying to solve his visa problems in the Dominican Republic after being arrested for using a false identification Jan. 19.

"I like what we have," said Masterson. "I like the four guys we're working with an whoever that fifth guy might be. Whether it's good old Rob (Hernandez), Jeanmar Gomez, David Huff, Zach McAllister or Kevin Slowey.

"They've had experience and they know what they need to do. If they don't come at the beginning of the year, you know we'll need them sometime during the year. I want them to continue to work hard and I know they will and I know they'll be ready."

Dotted line: The Indians, approaching the March 11 renewal deadline, signed 15 players to one-year deals on Friday. The signees included: Pitchers Carlos Carrasco, Gomez, Huff, Corey Kluber, Danny Salazar, Tony Sipp and Tomlin; outfielders Michael Brantley, Aaron Cunningham, Thomas Neal and Nick Weglarz; infielders Jason Donald, Matt LaPorta and Cord Phelps; and catcher Carlos Santana.

The Indians have 12 players unsigned in camp.

Testing, testing: MLB drug testers are in camp today. They were set-up in the restroom in the Indians' locker room. Tribe players were already tested for HGH during their physicals.

Also available: Scheduled to follow Jimenez to the mound on Sunday against the Reds are Tomlin, Gomez, Joe Smith, Chris Ray and Hector Ambriz. Minor leaguers Steve Wright and Rob Bryson will also dress for the game.

Sick bay: Aaron Cunningham will start in right field. He hadn't played in the Tribe's two intrasquad games and their first Cactus League game Saturday because of a sore left hand.

Prospect Austin Adams has been unable to throw in the early stages of camp because of a sore right shoulder.

"It's getting better," said Adams before Sunday's game. "I started playing catch on Thursday."

Adams hit 101 mph last year with Class AA Akron.

Finally: Happy birthday to Jack Hannahan (32) and Kevin Slowey (28).

Today's lineups:

Reds: CF Drew Stubbs, SS Zach Cozart, LF Chris Heisey, 1B Todd Frazier, 3B Miguel Cairo, 2B Wilson Valdez, C Ryan Hanigan, RF Willie Harris, DH Henry Rodriguez, RHP Homer Bailey.

Indians: CF Ezequiel Carrera, SS Cristian Guzman, 1B Russ Canzler, LF Shelley Duncan, RF Aaron Cunningham, DH Matt LaPorta, 2B Jason Donald, 3B Jack Hannahan, C Lou Marson and RHP Ubaldo Jimenez.

Browns, barring a trade, own the fourth and 22nd overall picks in the April 26-28 draft.

Associated PressIllinois' Whitney Mercilus (85), here in on a tackle of Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5), might be able to play defensive end or outside linebacker in the NFL. He's a player the Browns might consider with the No. 22 pick if they don't trade it, and if he's still on the board.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 2012 NFL draft will be held on April 26-28.

The league's 32 teams used the scouting combine during the last week of February to learn more about the prospects coming out of the college football ranks to join the pros.

The Cleveland Browns' top three picks include two first-rounders: overall picks Nos. 4 and 22; and a second-rounder, at overall No. 22.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Mary Kay Cabot's story that for now, the Browns don't want to include the No. 22 pick in any trade to the St. Louis Rams for the No. 2 overall pick, which would presumably be used to draft Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III; "Terry Pluto's Talkin,' " including his thoughts on the status of Browns running back Peyton Hillis; Cabot's "Hey, Mary Kay!;" video by Glenn Moore of Browns wide receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs talking about the Browns; video by Moore of Browns cornerback Joe Haden also talking about the Browns.

As the draft approaches, the NFL mock drafts continue.

Mock draft updates

Browns, while holding on to their No. 22 pick, make a trade with St. Louis to acquire the No. 2 pick. A Bleacher Report mock draft.

This time, it's the Washington Redskins who make a trade with St. Louis, while the Browns use their two first-rounders to take a cornerback and a defensive end/linebacker. On newnfldraft.com.

The Browns stand pat, and select a running back and wide receiver in the first round. From Press Box Scouting.

Trade! Trade! Cleveland and St. Louis. The Browns get a quarterback with the second overall pick. A four-round mock draft on WalterFootball.com.

Browns get the star quarterback without making a trade, and -- here's a new one -- take a tight end at No. 22. From SportingNews.com.

Mock drafts by four NFL.com and NFL Network analysts. Three of them have the Browns and Rams making a trade.

There are multiple issues for the Cavs as they carry a season-long, five-game losing streak into Monday's game against Utah.

View full sizeNick Wass, Associated PressAntawn Jamison -- along with rookie Kyrie Irving -- has proven to be one of the Cavaliers' few consistent offensive options this season. With struggles at center and shooting guard, the short-handed Cavaliers are dealing with their longest losing streak of the season.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Seven days ago, Kyrie Irving was basking in the afterglow of a breakout performance at All-Star Weekend and the Cavaliers were readying for a playoff push that included games against the two teams directly ahead of them in the standings.

This morning, a run-down Irving is trying to regain his health after taking ill last week and his teammates are dressing their wounds from four straight losses to Eastern Conference opponents.

How have the Cavaliers' fortunes swung so dramatically? There are multiple factors to consider as they carry a season-long, five-game losing streak into Monday's game against Utah at The Q.

• Deficiencies the Cavaliers have overcome all season are catching up to them.

• The impact of Anderson Varejao's absence is growing.

• And veteran teams are focusing on their postseason runs and Irving and the Cavaliers no longer are sneaking up on opponents.

Here's the anatomy of a losing streak.

Too much from too few: Nobody would ever consider dubbing Irving and Antawn Jamison the Big Two. But the Cavaliers remain almost totally reliant on them for offense. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Cleveland has the second-largest gap in the league between their second (Jamison) and third-leading (Varejao) scorers at 6.6 points.

Small forward Alonzo Gee, inserted into the starting lineup Saturday, and backup point guard Ramon Sessions are the closest thing to alternative options.

The Cavaliers' 101-98 loss to Washington was just the latest example of how much they depend on the 35-year-old Jamison, averaging 17.4 points. Coach Byron Scott played him 38-plus minutes on the second night of a back-to-back out of necessity.

With Irving ailing, the coach tried to give the power forward about six minutes of rest to open the fourth quarter, but after going scoreless in the first four minutes, he summoned Jamison. The 13-year veteran was held scoreless down the stretch of a game in which he scored 29 points.

Irving, averaging 18.5 points, could have used the four-day respite during All-Star Weekend, but he competed in the Rising Stars Challenge and skills competition.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerThe loss of Anderson Varejao with his broken wrist has emphasized the lack of depth on the Cavaliers' roster, especially among the big men.

Varejao factor: When Varejao was not selected as an All-Star reserve, he comforted himself with the fact the Cavaliers were in the playoff hunt. A day later the Brazilian center fractured his wrist. His loss -- the Cavaliers are 3-8 without him -- is becoming more glaring by the game.

The Cavaliers allowed 100 points or more seven times in their first 24 games, averaging 96.9 points. In the past 11 games, opponents have scored at least 100 on six occasions and averaged 101.6. Think of how many times in the past few weeks opponents have tallied second-chance buckets while their guards have blown through the lane for uncontested layups.

Varejao is averaging 10.8 points, but that total doesn't necessarily reflect how many possessions he keeps alive with offensive rebounds, tips and hustle plays. Meanwhile, Scott is not satisfied with any of his veteran big-man options -- he moved Ryan Hollins into the starting lineup -- and is playing rookie power forward Tristan Thompson out of position for long stretches.

The club hopes Varejao can return for the final 25 games, but it could be too late for the playoff run Varejao so desired.

No lead safe: With little more than 16 minutes remaining, the Cavaliers held an eight-point lead Saturday night against an the Wizards, an opponent winless in its previous six games.

Early in the season, the Cavaliers were good at protecting second-half advantages. At the All-Star break they were 9-3 in games in which they led or were tied at halftime and 11-1 in games in which they led or were tied after three quarters.

They lost three such games last week, giving back a 12-point halftime advantage in New York. The Cavaliers are not just squandering leads, but doing so in rapid fashion. The cushion in New York was gone in a matter of minutes. Same for the one in Washington. Rarely are they getting a second-chance basket or 3-point bucket to stifle an opponent's momentum.

What to do at the two? Shooting guards Anthony Parker and Daniel Gibson were a combined 1-of-10 against the Wizards. Parker, playing through back problems, missed his second potential game-tying, 3-point shot in a week.

The Cavs need a major upgrade at this position, along with small forward, next season. Scott is playing Irving and Sessions together with increasing frequency trying to generate offense.

Why not offer youngster Manny Harris some meaningful minutes? He never left the bench against the Wizards a day after Scott said he wanted to give Harris more playing time.If you consider yourself in the playoff race, every option needs to be exhausted.

The cream rises: The lockout is a distant memory. Veteran players are fit and focused; veteran teams are engaged and gearing up for the playoffs. The Cavs witnessed it this week with Boston, New York and Chicago.

The Cavaliers caught some teams by surprise with how hard they play early in the season. That's not going to be the case from now until April 26. Good teams shift to another gear at this time of season. Do the Cavaliers have another gear left?

"After the All-Star break is over, teams do come back and try to ramp it up," Scott said. "A lot of guys come back rejuvenated and ready to go and we tried to relay that message to our guys. I understand how young we are, but you want to at least imprint that in their minds.

"We haven't had the start we wanted out of the break ... and we have to start playing at both ends of the floor if we have a chance for that seventh or eighth spot."

Ubaldo Jimenez's first start of spring training was a lot like several of his starts last year with the Indians. Jimenez, however, says he's strong, healthy and feeling good.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerUbaldo Jimenez allowed five runs in his first inning of spring training work Sunday, but wasn't that disappointed. "Whoever knows anything about baseball knows things like this will happen," he said afterward. "They only hit the ball hard one time."

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Ubaldo Jimenez knew this wasn't going to look good in Monday's Plain Dealer or Sunday's cleveland.com blog. Given the chance, he probably could have written the headline himself.

Instead he asked a throng of baseball writers to plead his case. Now that's a leap of faith.

Jimenez, operating under the spotlight of public scrutiny this spring, allowed five runs on five hits in the first inning as the Indians lost, 8-6, to Cincinnati on Sunday in his Cactus League debut. Four runs were unearned, but his work resembled many of his starts from last year after the Indians acquired him from Colorado in one of the biggest trades of the season.

The one thing balancing the scales at the moment is that the Indians apparently sent the Beastie Boys to the Rockies. You remember departed No.1 picks Alex White and Drew Pomeranz? White was arrested Saturday night for a DUI. Pomeranz was arrested during the off-season for disorderly conduct. Who knew two of the top pitching prospects in baseball were pledging the Hell's Angels?

For the record, the Indians never had a question about White's makeup. Pomeranz, well, that may have been a different story. But they're both big and strong and legitimate No.1 picks.

"It's up to you guys to say they hit the ball soft," Jimenez told reporters Sunday. "Probably it doesn't look good in the paper. But I felt good.

"Whoever knows anything about baseball knows things like this will happen. They only hit the ball hard one time."

Jimenez was scheduled to pitch two innings, but was gone after the first because he threw 37 pitches and faced 10 batters. Errors by first baseman Russ Canzler and right fielder Aaron Cunningham extended the inning, but Jimenez did little to stop the negative momentum.

Drew Stubbs opened with a pop up to second. Zack Cozart followed with an infield single to third. Jimenez fell behind Chris Heisey at 3-2 before walking him. Todd Frazier sent a pop up behind first that Canzler dropped to load the bases.

Miguel Cairo hit a two-run single to right. Frazier went to third when Cunningham bounced his throw past catcher Lou Marson.

Wilson Valdez chopped a ball off the plate. Jimenez had to wait for it to come down and Valdez beat his throw to first, with Frazier scoring. Jimenez struck out Ryan Hanigan, but Willie Harris lined a two-run single to right to make it 5-0.

To Jimenez's way of thinking, that was the only hard hit ball of the inning.

At least a dozen scouts were sitting behind the plate. Every time Jimenez went into his delivery, their radar guns popped up like telescopes from a fleet of submarines. Jimenez didn't disappoint. He was clocked consistency between 94-96 mph. Not bad for March 4.

"What can I say?" said Jimenez. "You never want the score to be like that. But I was throwing a lot of strikes. I used only my slider, fastball and split.

"This is the first game of spring training. I don't want to be using five pitches and driving the catcher crazy."

Jimenez has been working on the stride in his delivery all winter and through the first two weeks of spring training. Manager Manny Acta and GM Chris Antonetti were pleased with the results.

"Their hitters let you know that Ubaldo's delivery was working," said Acta. "A lot of guys got jammed. I think he had good stuff."

Said Jimenez, "The delivery probably it wasn't the same every time, but it was close."

Jimenez's pitching motion sometimes looks like an overturned jigsaw puzzle. When he was young, he tried to copy Pedro Martinez's delivery. In 2004, he strained his right shoulder in Class A ball. He worked on a way to avoid the pain and keep pitching. He found one and the rest is part of his pitching evolution.

"A lot of people would say no [to the delivery]," said Jimenez. "No one wants to see you go like that.

"But it's been good for me. They tried to change me in the minor leagues, but it didn't work. Once they let me go, they said, 'Do what ever you think is good.' I just kept moving up after that."

On Twitter: @hoynsie

McIlroy finishes 12-under par, two strokes ahead of Woods and Tom Gillis.

Associated PressRory McIlroy on Sunday at the Honda Classic. McIlroy won the tournament, and moved to No. 1 in the world golf rankings.

.......

Rory McIlroy, the 22-year-old from Northern Ireland, has won the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and moved into the No. 1 spot in the world golf rankings.

McIlroy shot a 1-under par 69 to finish the tournament at 12-under par. He replaces Luke Donald at the top of the Official World Golf Rankings.

Tiger Woods, who hasn't won a full-field tournament in nearly 2 1/2 years, carded one of the best rounds of his career, a bogey-free, 8-under 62. He tied 43-year old Tom Gillis for second place at 10-under for the tournament. The finish is the highest for Gillis in his PGA Tour career.

Lee Westwood rallied to a fourth-place showing, carding a 7-under 63 to finish his tournament at 8-under par.

William Buford's jumper with one second remaining lifted the Buckeyes, who share Big Ten title with Michigan State and Michigan.

View full sizeAl Goldis, Associated PressJared Sullinger, who finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, flips a shot over Michigan State's Adreian Payne in the first half of Sunday's game in East Lansing, Mich. The Buckeyes earned a share of the Big Ten title with the Spartans and Michigan with their 72-70 victory.

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The shot brought the smiles and the hugs and the tears in the postgame hallway for Ohio State. Aaron Craft gripped his father in a tight embrace, William Buford grinned with a championship cap sitting on his head, someone shouting "O-H" in the middle of it all.

The shot took the life out of Michigan State's postgame Senior Day celebration, with Spartans coach Tom Izzo apologizing a bit for a shared title, then vowing to the fans that at the Big Ten Tournament, "We're gonna go win our championship back."

The shot forged the three-way tie for first between Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan at 13-5 in the final Big Ten standings, turning the Wolverines into Ohio State fans just for the day and giving the Buckeyes their third straight conference crown and the fifth in coach Thad Matta's eight seasons.

But the comeback ... the comeback from 15 down in the second half, in the Breslin Center, one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten, for an Ohio State team that's been looking to come together ...

Even if William Buford's 20-foot jumper with one second left hadn't given No. 10 Ohio State a 72-70 win on Sunday, what the Buckeyes showed to get into that position was what should give them and their fans reason for hope entering the postseason.

"Earlier in this season, we don't win this game, we fall apart, we don't stick together as a team," said point guard Craft, the same thing the Buckeyes were saying after their two-point win at Northwestern on Wednesday, though the degree of difficulty Sunday was significantly higher. "But today we were positive in the huddles, we weren't worrying about the negative, we were trying to think of the positive and that was the biggest thing."

The comeback and the outcome for the Buckeyes (25-6, 13-5 Big Ten) showed they were prepared for the Big Ten Tournament that starts for Ohio State, the No. 3 seed, with a quarterfinal Friday against the winner of No. 6 Purdue and No. 11 Nebraska. Ohio State has a tough road for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but should have a No. 2 seed in its sights.

Regardless of the seed, if they play like they did in the second half Sunday, the Buckeyes will have a shot in March.

"What you just saw from the Buckeyes, that's championship ball," said former Buckeye J.J. Sullinger, the older brother of OSU sophomore Jared Sullinger. "We've known they can play at that high level all season long, but being down in an arena like this -- they're clicking at the right time."

The Buckeyes weren't early, shooting just 25 percent in the first half as Jared Sullinger couldn't get going, making just two of 10 first-half shots. Nothing was easy inside, and Izzo called the game, on both ends, "probably the most physical game I've even been a part of."

When Michigan State lost Branden Dawson in the middle of the first half to what turned out to be a torn ACL, it took away Buford's primary defender. That was a break for the Buckeyes, who trailed, 38-29, at the half. When Sullinger went to the bench with four fouls with 8:32 to play and the Buckeyes down five, Evan Ravenel gave Ohio State a surprising, and needed, lift.

Averaging 2.3 points and 8.5 minutes in Big Ten play, Ravenel gave the Buckeyes seven points in a seven-minute burst and also hit Deshaun Thomas with a great pass for a layup that put the Buckeyes up, 64-63, with 3:39 left. At that point, Ravenel was playing so well, Sullinger told Matta to keep him in.

"I told coach, 'Let him flow,'" Sullinger said. "I just wanted Evan to play because he had a nice little groove going."

In the end, all of them did. From a 64-64 tie, the Buckeyes' last four baskets were a Sullinger tip-in off a Buford missed 3-pointer, a Thomas jumper off a Sullinger pass, a Craft jumper off a Sullinger pass and Buford's final contested jumper, over Keith Appling.

"Will hit the big shot, but in the last four minutes, we had guy after guy after guy step up and make the plays that we needed," Craft said.

Buford finished with 25 points, Sullinger with 14 points and 10 rebounds, Thomas with 12 points and Craft with nine points, seven rebounds and six assists. The Buckeyes finished their regular season with a win they won't forget.

"I think we've grown," Matta said. "I like the fact that when they get knocked down, they've shown they get back up. You're always looking for cohesiveness though the hard times, but it's hard.

"It hasn't been perfect. But to end this way, I'm very happy for them."

Defenseman Cameron Gaunce scored unconventionally to make a winner of goalie Cedrick Desjardins, who delivered 34 saves.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Now that was a weekend.

While some were lounging on the couch watching games on TV, the Monsters were busy winning them in extra time. The Monsters capped arguably the best three-day stretch in the five-season history of the franchise Sunday afternoon, kicking aside the Charlotte Checkers, 2-1, in overtime at The Q.

Defenseman Cameron Gaunce scored unconventionally at 1:20 of OT to make a winner of goalie Cedrick Desjardins, whose outstanding performance featured 34 saves.

"We just found a way," Monsters coach David Quinn said. "This was no beauty contest, but we got it done. A gutty win, for sure. I can't say enough about our effort the past three days -- really, 2 1/2."

Friday night, the Monsters won at Hamilton, 2-1, in a shootout. Their bus arrived back in Cleveland at 4:30 a.m. Saturday. That night, they defeated the rested Checkers, 3-2, in a shootout at The Q. Sunday, Gaunce used hustle and a toe cap to make sure the Monsters did not have to deal with a fourth consecutive shootout.

As Patrick Rissmiller's shot bounced away from goalie Justin Peters, Gaunce crashed the net and attempted to put away the rebound. The Checker assigned to Gaunce denied the stick option but could not account for his feet. The puck banked off Gaunce's left skate and into the right corner of the cage.

Checkers personnel argued that Gaunce had kicked it in; after a brief huddle with a linesman, referee Ryan Murphy signaled good, again.

"It did hit my toe cap, but there was no distinct kicking motion," Gaunce said of his fourth goal in 59 games. "I don't think my coordination's good enough to kick it in if I tried."

Quinn said: "If you keep going to the net over and over, you're going to get a bounce like that. We're certainly not going to apologize for it, because it's happened to us enough this year."

The Monsters (30-25-2-3) are on the playoff fringe with 16 games remaining. They have gotten there by going 10-3-0-2 since the All-Star break.

The Checkers took a 1-0 lead at 9:37 of the second period. Seconds after the Monsters turned over the puck in their zone, Chris Terry beat Desjardins from the edge of the left circle.

Late in the second, Monsters winger Greg Mauldin made the second-best play of the game. With Charlotte on the power play, Lake Erie center Evan Brophey pressured the point. The puck trickled to open ice, where Mauldin pounced and took off up the left side. He zoomed past a Charlotte defenseman, darted into the slot and chipped a forehand over Peters' right shoulder for a short-handed goal at 15:30.

"A great play by Mauldy on multiple fronts," Quinn said.

The Checkers pressured for the remainder of their power play, but Desjardins answered the challenge.

"Cedrick did exactly what I thought he would do," Quinn said.

Early in the third period, Monsters defenseman David Liffiton absorbed a puck to the face. Liffiton, one of the AHL's toughest players, skated off and was treated in the locker room.

The Monsters played without defenseman Danny Richmond, who suffered a lower-body injury Saturday and will miss several weeks. They also were without winger Patrick Bordeleau; the AHL suspended Bordeleau for three games beginning Sunday for a boarding incident last Friday.

As part of the Monsters' "Pucks & Paws" promotion, more than 400 dogs attended. Cavaliers rookie Tristan Thompson was among those who brought a dog.

On Twitter: @dmansworld