"Would the Browns really be considering paying a guy 40 Million who has only played in two NFL games. Granted one of them was a pretty great game, the other was okay. One was this pass year and the other was two years ago. $40 million or more on a multi-year contract seems kind of pricey for a guy with only two games under his belt. A draft pick would be cost a whole lot less and be just as risky. Things to think about." - Bigg Dawg

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerOne cleveland.com reader states the Browns should take a risk on drafting a quarterback more than signing Matt Flynn.

"Would the Browns really be considering paying a guy 40 Million who has only played in two NFL games. Granted one of them was a pretty great game, the other was okay. One was this pass year and the other was two years ago. $40 million or more on a multi-year contract seems kind of pricey for a guy with only two games under his belt. A draft pick would be cost a whole lot less and be just as risky. Things to think about."

Next up are road games against Denver and Oklahoma City, and a home contest against Houston. Links to more Cavaliers stories.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerCavaliers coach Byron Scott faces a challenge in getting his team back on track during a tough portion of the schedule.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On their way to a 19-63 record last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers followed a string of 10 straight losses with a win, and then with an NBA-record 26-game losing streak.

This lockout-shortened season, which features a 66-game regular season instead of 82, is nothing like the 2010-11 campaign for the Cavs.

Cleveland is 13-23. It is an improved team from a year ago, though, obviously, it has a long way to go before returning to contender status.

Yet, there's no way the Cavaliers will lose 26 games in a row.

Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal writes, though, that over the next few days, it will be difficult for Cleveland to end the losing streak that now stands at six games: 

The Cavs have road games this week at Denver and Oklahoma City. The Cavs never seem to play well in Denver and the game against the Thunder looks almost unwinnable at this point. That takes the losing streak to eight games with a home game Sunday against the Houston Rockets, who sit sixth in the Western Conference and have plenty at stake.

It’s easy to see how this losing skid could spiral out of control rather quickly, how a five-game skid can quickly become 10. And then what?

This team is more talented than last season just by the simple addition of Kyrie Irving. The youngsters who were around for all those beatings last season seemed determined not to let it happen again. At least, that’s how it felt during the first half of this season. Antawn Jamison said officials and players from other teams would come up to him after games and compliment him for how hard the Cavs were playing.

They haven’t played very hard since the All-Star break. Not surprisingly, they haven’t won since then, either. Looking at the schedule, they may not get another one anytime soon.

The Cavaliers visit the Nuggets on Wednesday and the Thunder on Friday before hosting the Rockets on Sunday. The Toronto Raptors, struggling like the Cavaliers, visit Cleveland next Tuesday.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage includes Tom Reed's "Days of Wine-n-Gold;" a Starting Blocks breakdown of the Cavs' field goal shooting problems; Reed's Cavaliers Insider, leading off with his report that former Cavs star center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, currently a special assistant to Cavs general manager Chris Grant, will work with the team's big men over the summer; Reed's story that star rookie point guard Kyrie Irving will not play for Australia, where he was born, in the Olympics; Reed's game story on the Cavs' 109-100 homecourt loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night; Terry Pluto's podcast; and more. 

Cavs post-ups

Cavs coach Byron Scott wants his players to get a little more upset about the team's current struggles. By Rick Noland for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette.

Why Kyrie Irving will probably be a Hall of Famer, by Dan Diamond for the blog "truth About It."

From postseason hopes to ping pong balls in two weeks, by Scott Sargent for the blog "WaitingForNextYear."

A three-team trade that the Cavs should be involved in, one featuring their backup point guard, Ramon Sessions. By Greg Swartz for the Bleacher Report.

Links to video of interviews with the Cavs following the loss to the Jazz, and also following Tuesday's practice. From nba.com/cavaliers.

Cavaliers notebook by Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

The Cavs and the March 15 NBA trade deadline. A Bleacher Report slideshow.

Utah 109, Cleveland 100. By Bob Finnan for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Jazz top the Cavs. By Brian T. Smith for the Salt Lake Tribune.

Pro days offer players who struggled at the recent Scouting Combine a chance to improve their draft stock in front of NFL evaluators. It's also an opportunity for those who choose to not work out in Indianapolis to show their skills. The player rankings below are based on how successful we believe they will be in the NFL, not how high or low they might be drafted.

Tony Gutierrez, Associated PressBaylor quarterback Robert Griffin III sits at No. 1 in the Sporting News Top 100 NFL draft prospects.

"I hope Jeanmar Gomez gets a shot at starting the year in the rotation. He has 3rd starter talent and could make the rotation solid. You have to wonder what will happen if Carmona(or whatever his latest name is) returns and pitches well. Carrasco also is due to return late in the year although coming off surgery he is not likely to be good yet." - WilWeEverWinAnything

View full sizeAP Photo/Nick WassOne cleveland.com reader hopes Tribe youngster Jeanmar Gomez gets a shot in the starting rotation this season.

"Lowe should be a really good innings eater at the 4th starter spot and maybe bring back a nice prospect at trade deadline.

I hope Jeanmar Gomez gets a shot at starting the year in the rotation. He has 3rd starter talent and could make the rotation solid. You have to wonder what will happen if Carmona(or whatever his latest name is) returns and pitches well. Carrasco also is due to return late in the year although coming off surgery he is not likely to be good yet.

If the team stays fairly healthy in key spots, unlike last year, the team could have a decent season and while unlikely to beat out the Tigers, could win in the mid 80s even with Acta managing."

The controversial Moss, 35, last played in the NFL in 2010. He has 954 career receptions for 14,858 yards and 153 touchdowns.

Associated PressRandy Moss during the 2010 season with the Tennessee Titans, the last team he played for before sitting out the 2011 season.

METAIRIE, Louisiana -- The New Orleans Saints held a workout on Tuesday with veteran receiver Randy Moss, who is trying to make a comeback after spending a year out of pro football.

General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the workout took place, but the club did not provide any details on how the 35-year-old Moss performed.

New Orleans may be in the market for a receiver this offseason because two of quarterback Drew Brees' regular targets, Marques Colston and Robert Meachem, are entering free agency, and it remains to be seen whether the Saints can offer the type of contracts that both of them want.

Colston's agent is Joel Segal, who also represents Moss. He could not immediately be reached for comment on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-4 Moss last played in the NFL in 2010, a turbulent season for him in which he bounced from New England to Minnesota and then to Tennessee.

His best season was with New England in 2007, when he caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and single-season record 23 touchdowns in helping the Patriots to a 16-0 regular season record.

Moss, a standout at Marshall before beginning his NFL career with the Vikings in 1998, has 954 catches for 14,858 yards and 153 TDs in a career that has ranged from the spectacular to the bizarre.

Moss has had more than 1,000 yards receiving in a season 10 times, second only to Jerry Rice, who did that 14 times.

Yet he also infamously once said, "I play when I want to play," essentially confirming criticism that he periodically took plays off when the ball wasn't coming to him.

During the 2010 season, after he had been traded from New England to Minnesota, then played for the Vikings in a loss to the Patriots, he praised New England coach Bill Belichick and criticized Vikings coaches. He released by Minnesota shortly afterward and claimed by Tennessee for the final eight games of the season, but had only six receptions for 80 yards and no TDs for the Titans.

Saints coach Sean Payton has often spoken of placing a priority on players' character and limiting off-the-field distractions, but the coach is apparently open to seeing whether Moss can still play, and giving the receiver a chance to persuade him that some of the odd outbursts for which he has been known are a thing of the past.

"Let's keep one thing in mind, here. This is a young team with a couple of rookies who have never played as many games in one season as they are now. Add to that the shortened season with many back-to-back games and several games in one weeks and you get not only physical, but mental fatigue as well." - mdjake

View full sizePD FileWhile the Cavs won't compete for a playoff spot this year, the experience and adding another high draft pick is a step in the right direction for next season.

"Let's keep one thing in mind, here. This is a young team with a couple of rookies who have never played as many games in one season as they are now. Add to that the shortened season with many back-to-back games and several games in one weeks and you get not only physical, but mental fatigue as well. Next year they will have more experience and be better prepared for the rigors of an 82-game schedule that is spread out more plus a real training camp. Also, didn't the majority of us want another high draft pick from the very beginning of the season?"

According to AHL by-laws, only players listed on these rosters are eligible for the remainder of the regular season and Calder Cup playoffs -- unless emergencies arise.

View full sizeAHL/NHL photoMonsters goalie Gerald Coleman is not on the team's submitted playoff roster, but has an exemption because he is filling in for the injured Trevor Cann.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The American Hockey League released Tuesday the "Clear Day Period" lists for each of its 30 clubs. Each Clear Day roster consists of a maximum of 22 players.

According to AHL by-laws, only players listed on these rosters are eligible to compete in the remainder of the AHL regular season and Calder Cup playoffs -- unless emergency conditions arise as a result of recall, injury or suspension.

Goalie Gerald Coleman, who is 10-4-2 for the Monsters, is not listed on the Lake Erie's playoff roster. But he is part of an "In Residence" list, which makes him eligible because goalie Trevor Cann is on the Clear Day roster but injured.

Teams also may add signed draft choices and players signed to amateur tryout contracts, provided that their respective junior or college seasons are complete.

Here is the Monsters' Clear Day roster:

Trevor Cann (G); Cedrick Desjardins (G); Tyson Barrie (D); Patrick Bordeleau (F); Mike Brennan (D); Evan Brophey (F); Joel Chouinard (D); Zach Cohen (F); Mike Connolly (F); Stefan Elliott (D); Cameron Gaunce (D); Eric Hunter (F); David Liffiton (D);Brad Malone (F); Greg Mauldin (F); Justin Mercier (F); Danny Richmond (D); Patrick Rissmiller (F); Ryan Stoa (F); Dean Strong (F); David van der Gulik (F); Luke Walker (F).

Sources close to the team told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen about the decision to pass on the $28 million bonus owed Manning and not to pick up the four remaining years on his contract.

Associated PressESPN is reporting that the Indianapolis Colts will announce on Wednesday that they are not picking up the final four years on Peyton Manning's contract, making him a free agent.

Quarterback Peyton Manning’s 14-year career as a member of the Indianapolis Colts is coming to an end, according to ESPN.

Sources close to the team told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that the announcement will come at a press conference in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

The decision to pass on the $28 million bonus owed Manning and not to pick up the four remaining years on his contract means Manning will become a free agent, and sources say that he intends to continue to play.

The Colts decided not to pick up Manning’s option because of concerns they had over his readiness to play in the NFL again.

By releasing Manning, the Colts will use the top overall pick on Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck in next month’s NFL Draft.

Fujita played for the Saints in the first year of their controversial "bounty program." Sports Illustrated's Peter King quotes Fujita, who admits to paying money for "big plays," but says, "But I've never made a payment for intentionally injuring another player."

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerBrowns linebacker Scott Fujita admits to paying money to teammates "over the years" for "big plays," but never to intentionally hurt an opponent,

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, who faces possible sanctions for participating in the Saints' bounty system, told Sports Illustrated's Peter King that he paid teammates for making big defensive players, but not for injuring opponents.

A source told King that Fujita and two other Saints defensive leaders contributed between $2,000 and $10,000 to the performance and bounty pool, which was administered by former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. But Fujita told King that he handed the reward money directly to teammates instead of contributing to the pool.

"Over the years I've paid out a lot of money for big plays like interceptions, sacks and special teams tackles inside the 20," Fujita told King. "But I've never made a payment for intentionally injuring another player."

Fujita, a member of the NFL Players Association's Executive Committee, has been an outspoken advocate for players' health and safety. During negotiations last off-season for the new collective bargaining agreement, Fujita and former Cardinal and Steelers special teams star Sean Morey called for -- and won -- fewer full-pad practices during the season. Morey retired from the NFL after multiple concussions and a warning from doctors not to play.

Fujita also advocated lifetime care of players with ALS, such his close friend and former Saints safety Steve Gleason. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, has been linked to concussions.

"You don't spend time with guys like Sean Morey and other former players, or have close friends whose health fails them, possibly because of this game, and not be affected by that," Fujita told King. "I wanted to be part of the paradigm shift."

Fujita, who played for the Saints from 2006-09, suffered a concussion last season and sat out a game. He expressed concern about the long-term effects, and his ability to interact with his children. His wife gave birth to their third daughter on Thursday.

The Browns declined to comment on Fujita's possible involvement in the investigation.

The NFL's investigation into the Saints' bounty system involves 22 to 27 defensive players, the league said. Browns safety Usama Young declined to comment through his agent Andy Simms.

Williams has already apologized for his wrongdoing and the Saints issued a joint statement Tuesday from coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis.

"We acknowledge that the violations disclosed by the NFL during their investigation of our club happened under our watch. We take full responsibility.

"This has brought undue hardship on [team owner Tom] Benson, who had nothing to do with this activity. He has been nothing but supportive, and for that we both apologize to him.

"These are serious violations, and we understand the negative impact it has had on our game. Both of us have made it clear within our organization that this will never happen again, and make that same promise to the NFL, and most importantly to all of our fans."

Hillis rehiring agent: Browns running back is set to rehire his original agent Jimmy Sexton, profootballtalk.com reported Tuesday. Sexton, who's now with Creative Artists Agency, negotiated Hillis' rookie contract with the Broncos. Hillis told The Plain Dealer he fired Sexton last off-season because he wanted more marketing. He then hired Kelli Masters for a brief period and then Kennard McGuire to try to get a new deal done with the Browns.

Hillis is set to become an unrestricted free agent March 13 unless he re-signs with the Browns before then.

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Thomas may have the fourth-highest profile among the Buckeyes, but he's averaging 15.2 points and playing fine overall basketball. Links to more Ohio State stories.

Associated PressOhio State sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas (1) is averaging 15.2 points and 4.9 rebounds, and making 53 percent of his field goal attempts.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Ohio State Buckeyes may have fallen short of some regular-season expectations, going 25-6 and sharing the Big Ten championship with Michigan State and Michigan.

Those are solid credentials for the Buckeyes, who play a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal game on Friday night in Indianapolis, against the winner of a Thursday night contest between Purdue and Nebraska.

Many, maybe most, analysts expected Ohio State to do better, given the presence of its Big Three: All-American power forward Jared Sullinger, point guard Aaron Craft and guard William Buford.

Or, actually, a Big Four. Sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas has had a superb season.

Jason King of ESPN.com wraps up the regular season and presents a few awards, including the "Rodney Dangerfield Award," going to a player who got less respect than he deserved.

King lists the nominees, then picks a winner, writing:

Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State: The sophomore forward has been the best player on the court at times for the Buckeyes this season. He's averaging 15.2 points and 4.9 boards while shooting 53 percent from the field.

Winner: Thomas. Jared Sullinger, Aaron Craft and William Buford command most of the headlines, but the fearless, versatile Thomas is one of the main reasons Ohio State is hailed as a Final Four contender.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage includes PD Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises' story on Aaron Craft being named the Big Ten's defensive Player of the Year, and how the Buckeyes fared in other Big Ten award voting.

Also, Lesmerises updates Ohio State football, writing that first-year Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer is waiting for spring practice to get a read on his team.

About the Buckeyes

Jared Sullinger is on the ballot for the Wooden Award. By Brandon Castel for the-Ozone.net.

Aaron Craft is named the Big Ten's best defensive player. By Bob Baptist of the Columbus Dispatch.

Ohio State vs. Texas-Arlington in a first-round NCAA Tournament game? That's what Joe Lunardi projects in his "Bracketology" on ESPN.com.

Big Ten basketball awards by the staff of the-ozone.net.

Bob Baptist of the Columbus Dispatch looks back at the Big Ten predictions he made before the start of the season.

The Buckeyes are named collegehoopsnet.com's Team of the Week. By Greg Mengelt.

The public may not fully understand it, but there is a major difference between players rewarding excellence such as turnovers or sacks as opposed to paying for cheap shots.

View full sizeAP fileFormer Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has admitted and apologized for his actions in creating a bounty system for knockout shots by his players. But a change in policy is a long way from where the NFL needs to stand on this issue, says Terry Pluto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The last thing the NFL wanted was to investigate one of its best franchises because a defensive coordinator was paying players to injure opponents. The league has been trying to clean up its image when it comes to dealing with concussions and the long-term injuries plaguing some former players.

That's why you must know that the New Orleans situation with former coordinator Gregg Williams has to be bad. Real bad.

Or, as former Cleveland Browns receiver Reggie Rucker said, "This is very damaging to the league, especially considering the lawsuits that several former players have against the league [for lack of medical care]."

This is not the media reporting, it's the NFL's own investigation that revealed members of the New Orleans Saints' defense under Williams were being paid $1,500 for physically knocking a player out of game -- and another $1,000 if he's taken off in a cart. By the time of the 2009 playoff game between New Orleans and Minnesota, the NFL says Saints captain Jonathan Vilma had a $10,000 reward for any player who hit Brett Favre hard enough so he had to leave the game.

"That's just awful," said Paul Wiggin. The former Browns defensive linemen (1957-67) said his teams had rewards for good plays.

"It was done between the players," he said. "If you tackled a guy inside the 20-yard line, it was $25. If you intercepted a pass or blocked a punt, it could be $50. The players may have put in about $500 to be divided up after the game for big plays."

But the coaches took no part in it.

"We weren't paying guys to hurt someone or knock them out of the game," Wiggin said. "I never heard that. I coached at New Orleans, San Francisco and Kansas City. We never talked about hurting guys. We wanted good, hard, clean hits."

Not crossing the line

View full sizeAP fileIn a 2007 game in New Orleans, Carolina quarterback David Carr was carted off the field with an injury. Given that the nature of pro football includes a high likelihood of physical injury, the revelation that at least one team was endorsing efforts to injure opponents is beyond the pale of what the sport should be, say several former pros in Northeast Ohio. "This is much worse," says former Browns receiver Reggie Rucker. (The Saints) should lose a couple of draft picks and the coaches involved should be fired."

Rucker has a story much like Wiggin's -- players paying each other for good plays.

"Mostly, it was the special team guys because they weren't making that much," said Rucker. "I'm not naive. The coaches probably knew about it. But I don't think anyone saw anything wrong with it. We're talking about $100 for forcing a fumble, maybe more for blocking a punt. Stuff like that."

Former Ohio State defensive back Dustin Fox played from 2005-08 with three NFL teams.

"Someone may say 'here's $200 for the first [interception]," said Fox, now a talk show host on 92.3 The Fan. "The players did it, and it was for football plays."

Rucker and Fox said the public may not fully understand it, but there is a major difference between players rewarding excellence such as turnovers or sacks as opposed to paying for cheap shots.

The NFL considers it illegal for players to pay each other for the type of performances that Rucker, Fox and Wiggin described. It's a form of getting around the salary cap. But it's also hard to enforce that rule because it's an informal arrangement between the players.

Coaches may have been aware of it, but they certainly didn't sanction it.

"It's nothing like what went on with New Orleans," said Rucker. "[Bill] Belichick got what? A $750,000 fine and the Patriots lost a [first-round] draft pick for 'Spygate.' This is much worse. They should lose a couple of draft picks and the coaches involved should be fired. I fault the coaches much more than the players."

Rucker is correct.

Major penalties needed

Williams should be suspended without pay for at least a season. The same with Saints head coach Sean Payton, if reports are true that he was informed of the charges but didn't do his own investigation. General Manager Mickey Loomis also should be in trouble if he ignored warnings from the NFL about what Williams was doing.

"I was surprised to hear about this, but I wasn't," said Wiggin. "By that, I mean the pressure to win in the league these days is so enormous, I guess it could lead to this. But it still really bothers me to hear about guys being paid to injure other players."

Now a senior consultant for the Minnesota Vikings, Wiggin thought New Orleans was taking some cheap shots at Favre in the 2009 NFC Championship. Two Saints defensive linemen were fined a combined $25,000 for illegal hits on Favre.

Williams may have run this same system when he was the head coach at Buffalo and an assistant at Washington. More will probably come out as the investigation continues. The Browns also have an interest in this case as linebacker Scott Fujita admitted to Sports Illustrated's Peter King that he paid teammates "for interceptions, sacks and special teams tackles inside the 20. But I never made a payment for injuring another player."

Fujita has been with the Browns since 2010 and is a team captain.

"I tend to believe Scott," said Rucker. "He's involved in the union, cares about player safety and seems like a good guy. I just hope he's not involved. But in my mind, this is much bigger than any of the players -- the real problem is the coaches and anyone in the front office who knew what was going on."

He's right, and they should be punished harshly with suspensions and loss of multiple draft picks.

The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly not bringing back all-time great Peyton Manning. The subject of quarterbacks prompts our question.

PD file (provided by Browns; taken by Paul Tepley)Frank Ryan (13) quarterbacked the Browns to their last NFL championship in 1964. Here, he laterals to a Cleveland running back (though not to Jim Brown, who is No. 32).

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indianapolis Colts reportedly will not bring back Peyton Manning for the 2012 season.

Manning is one of the NFL's all-time great quarterbacks, a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer, we presume.

The Cleveland Browns have had just one Hall of Fame quarterback: Otto Graham, who led the team during its first 10 seasons (1946-55). Just Graham, not counting Len Dawson, who was the Browns' backup signal-caller for two seasons (1960-61).

The Browns have had several other accomplished quarterbacks. Unfortunately, taking into account only how they played for the Browns, they were all in Cleveland prior to 1995: the season after which former owner Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore.

So, the younger Browns fans who vote in our poll will make their decision based mostly on what they've heard, rather than what they've seen.

We're using editorial discretion here to claim that, realistically, five Browns can be considered in the voting for the best quarterback in the post-Graham era.

They are, in chronological order and with Pro-Football-Reference.com links to their careers: Milt Plum (1957-61); Frank Ryan (1962-68); Bill Nelsen (1968-72); Brian Sipe (1974-83); Bernie Kosar (1985-93).

Cavaliers have struggled to replace Anderson Varejao and their record reflects it.

View full sizeHarry E. Walker, MCTWashington's Trevor Booker makes sure the Cavaliers' Ryan Hollins doesn't score on this play during the Wizards' victory last Saturday. The play is a reflection of the inconsistent production the Cavaliers have gotten from the position since Anderson Varejao's wrist injury.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Even when the Cavaliers were winning with some regularity,the center position gave coach Byron Scott reason for concern.

Sure, Anderson Varejao was enjoying an All Star-caliber season, but Scott didn't have a backup whom he trusted. Samardo Samuels, Ryan Hollins and Semih Erden embraced opportunities like they were porcupines.

So as doctors told Scott on Feb. 11 that Varejao's right wrist was broken he envisioned the potential hardship ahead. One month and a 3-8 record later, the position remains a source of frustration for the coach.

"You would expect with opportunity someone would step up and take hold of it, but nobody has," Scott said. "All I can keep doing is giving guys opportunities. But like I've told them before, opportunities will run out soon."

The Cavaliers' problems are numerous as they carry a season-long, six-game losing streak into Wednesday's game in Denver. But the inability to replace the energetic and effective Varejao is near the top of the list. Or as Daniel Gibxon waxed Monday after Utah defeated the Cavs, 109-100:

"The big difference is missing that curly-haired dude."

The Cavaliers aren't getting the offensive, defensive or intangible production from Erden, Hollins and Samuels. That probably would be the case with any team that loses a quality pivot as they are so few in the NBA. Opponents have scored 100 points or more in the last four games -- the longest such streak this season for the Cavs -- and nobody seems to be paying a price for coming through the lane.

While point guard Kyrie Irving frequently hits the hardwood after attacking the rim, the likes of John Wall and Derrick Rose have been driving the length of the court for layups without as much as a bump in recent games.

"We can definitely be tougher," said Hollins, the starter the past two games and the center who will commit the occasional hard foul. "We want guys to think twice before they come into the lane. Definitely nothing dirty, but contesting every shot."

Scott won't be offering any bounties, but he's tired of seeing his point guard picking himself off the floor.

"I would rather us return the favor, so to speak," the coach said. "If Kyrie gets knocked down and then the next time their point guard drives he should have the same fate. That's something our guys have to realize as well and that's [just] the other team being more aggressive and physical than we are."

Erden, Hollins and Samuels have all played their way out of the rotation at one time or another. Scott is using rookie power forward Tristan Thompson at center, but won't start him at the position.

Varejao, who still cannot grip a basketball, is averaging 10.8 points and 11.5 rebounds.Erden, Hollins and Samuels are combing for 10 points and 7.7 rebounds in the past 11 games. In seven games, the starting center has scored four points or less. Erden has gone from starter to out of the rotation.

The Cavaliers need talent upgrades at shooting guard and wing, but it's hard to imagine them not adding another big man next season. Scott hasn't gained an appreciation for Varejao in his absence only because he never lost it.

"Andy is a rare bird," he said. "He's not a true center, but he can play that position just like he can play power forward. If he's out there 35 minutes, it's 35 minutes of unbelievable energy. And I think our guys fed off that.

"Trying to find somebody who can do the same thing is going to be very difficult. You're going to have your ups and downs and that's what we've had with guys who have been platooning that position for the last three weeks."

If Shelley Duncan isn't careful, he just might hit his way into a starting job in left field for the Indians.

View full sizeMatt York, Associated PressAaron Cunningham beats the tag of Kansas City's Chris Getz in stealing second base in the third inning of Tuesday's game in Goodyear, Ariz.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Indians need offense and Shelley Duncan is showing them what he can do in spring training.

Duncan hit his second three-run homer in three Cactus League games Tuesday as the Indians beat Kansas City's split-squad, 3-2, at Goodyear Ballpark.

Manager Manny Acta knows Duncan can hit. The questionable part of the equation is defense. Is his glove good enough to play every day in left field?

"Every guy in the big leagues can play left field," said Acta. "How well, we're just going to have to see. You've seen him in the outfield. ... We have to look at the other guys."

The Indians have plenty of outfielders, including Trevor Crowe, Chad Huffman, Fred Lewis, Felix Pie, Ryan Spilborghs, Ezequiel Carrera, Aaron Cunningham, Thomas Neal and Nick Weglarz. Matt LaPorta, Russ Canzler and Jason Donald could bounce between the infield and left field as well.

"Duncan is picking up right where he left off last year," said Acta. "It's nice to see him contribute. He's a bat that at any moment can pop one out. He's been valuable ... very valuable for us."

Last September, Duncan hit .265 (22-for-83) with seven doubles, seven homers and 23 RBI in 26 games. He hit .260 (58-for-223) with 17 doubles, 11 homers and 47 RBI in a season that included four trips between Cleveland and Class AAA Columbus. This year he's out of options, which means the Indians have to keep him or risk losing him on waivers.

Good sign: Last year Kevin Slowey spent time on the disabled list with tendinitis in the right shoulder and a strained abdominal muscle. He rehabbed and pitched two scoreless innings Tuesday against Kansas City in his first appearance as he competes for the fifth spot in the rotation.

"It was good," he said. "It's tough to assess much in two innings, but certainly to go out there and throw and feel healthy, was a good thing."

Pick a number: The Indians have 22 non-roster spring-training invitees in camp. Is there another Casey Blake or Jack Hannahan among them?

Don't laugh, it might not happen every spring, but it happens more often than you think.

Hannahan was the 2011 Opening Day third baseman after receiving a spring-training invite. In 2003, the Indians brought Blake to camp under similar conditions. He was 29 and had never been able to hold a steady job in the big leagues. Blake made the club and was a regular in the lineup for 5 1/2 seasons.

The non-roster guys in serious contention for jobs are relievers Jeremy Accardo, Hector Ambriz, Chris Ray, Chris Seddon, Robinson Tejeda and Dan Wheeler, utility infielders Cristian Guzman, Jose Lopez, Gregorio Petit and Andy LaRoche and outfielders Crowe, Huffman, Lewis, Pie and Spilborghs.

Injury report: Grady Sizemore is back in camp after having back surgery last week in Miami, Fla. He started rehabbing Monday. ... Chris Perez (left oblique) made 45 throws at 60 feet on Tuesday. ... Carlos Carrasco (Tommy John surgery right elbow) played catch at 75 feet Monday. ... Rafael Perez (left shoulder) and Austin Adams (right shoulder) are playing catch.

Next: The Indians hit the road Wednesday for the first time this spring when they play Arizona in Scottsdale. David Huff will start and face Trevor Cahill. Ubaldo Jimenez makes his second start of the spring Thursday against Dan Haren of the Angels in Tempe, Ariz. Wednesday's game is on MLB Network TV. Acta, infielders Casey Kotchman, Jason Kipnis, Donald, Hannahan and outfielder Michael Brantley will be miked for the game. So will the umpires.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Donald is content to do a little bit of everything for the Indians this season. But eventually he wants to have one position to call his own.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerJason Donald takes nothing for granted this spring after an injury-filled 2011. "After I got healthy, I realized how much fun it was to play," he said. "I realized how grateful I was to put a major-league uniform on. I know everyone says it, but I wasn't sure if the only chance I ever had might be gone."

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The clubhouse in the Indians' spring training complex is a beautiful place in February and March. It's full of laughter and talent and the constant pull of the approaching season with its dueling faces of success and failure.

In May and June, it's dead. Sixty empty lockers, their purpose for the year already fulfilled. Across the hallway, the minor-league locker rooms are still full of kids getting ready for the short-season clubs in Mahoning Valley and the Arizona Rookie League. The big-league locker room is off limits to them.

The only players who get to use it don't want to be there. It means they've been injured and have been sent to the desert to recover.

"It's a lonely place," said Jason Donald.

Last year, Donald spent over a month in Arizona recovering from a strained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. It was the last of three injuries he had in 2011. As he dressed in the big locker room by himself, Donald wondered if he'd ever be healthy again and if the 88 games he played for the Indians in 2010 might be his last in the big leagues.

"I'm lucky I have strong solid people in my life ... my parents, some of my friends, my girlfriend," said Donald. "[General Manager] Chris Antonetti called me when I was here. He didn't have to do that. He didn't have to do that at all.

"It's such a small thing, but it meant a lot to me. You come here and you feel like you're forgotten. When you're gone, it's out of sight and out of mind."

The injury taught Donald about his friends and the game. It stops for no one. The old saying, "Babe Ruth is dead and they're still playing baseball," is true.

"That's one thing I realized," said Donald. "The game just continues to keep going whether you're there or not. It's a scary thing."

Donald came to Goodyear last spring favored to win the third-base job. On March 5, White Sox right-hander Gavin Floyd broke his left hand with a pitch. Goodbye third base, hello disabled list. While working his way back, Donald strained a groin muscle on a wet field at Class AAA Columbus. After that healed, Gookie Dawkins from Class AAA Charlotte, the top farm team of the White Sox, sent him to Goodyear with a sprained MCL with a take-out slide at second base on May 10. Donald said it was a dirty play.

"I had just been back to Columbus for a week when I hurt my knee," said Donald. "I just said 'Uncle.'"

When the Indians traded Orlando Cabrera to the Giants on July 31, they recalled Donald. He hit .318 (54-for-174) with six doubles, one homer and eight RBI in 47 games. He played second, short and third, while hitting .377 (23-for-61) against lefties.

"He really sees the ball well against lefties and crushes them," said manager Manny Acta. "He's talented, man. He had an opportunity to play last year and took advantage of it."

Donald said the game slowed down for him last year. The parks and the lights didn't look as big and bright as in 2010.

"After I got healthy, I realized how much fun it was to play," said Donald. "I realized how grateful I was to put a major-league uniform on. I know it's a cliche. I know everyone says it, but I wasn't sure if the only chance I ever had might be gone."

When the 2012 season ended, the Indians asked him to go back to Goodyear to learn the outfield. They wanted to increase his versatility so it would give them more chances to use his right-handed bat. The Indians were happy with how Donald responded. He's expected to see time in left and center later this month. For now it will be second, shortstop and third base.

In Tuesday's 3-2 Cactus League victory over Kansas City, Donald batted leadoff and started at third. He moved to short and back to third to end the game.

"Eventually, I want to be an everyday guy at one spot," he said. "In the meantime, if this is a way for me to establish myself with the Indians and in the big leagues, I'm more than happy to do it."

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Now in his eighth season, Dambrot has taken Akron to new heights: the first Mid-American Conference regular-season title and, he hopes, a second straight MAC Tournament title.

View full sizePhil Masturzo, Akron Beacon-Journal"I think what makes guys better, not just me, is when you coach and know this is your last stop," Akron coach Keith Dambrot says when asked about moving on to other collegiate jobs. "When you have no aspirations of going anywhere else, you make better decisions where you are at."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Home is where the heart is for Akron men's basketball coach Keith Dambrot.

Home is Akron.

He grew up in the Rubber City, went to Firestone High, and to college at Akron, where he played baseball for the Zips. His late mother, Faye Dambrot, taught psychology at Akron. His dad, Sid, was a noted basketball player at Duquesne, just 110 miles east in Pittsburgh.

While dreams of big-time coaching would have Dambrot climbing the ladder from Tiffin to being an assistant at Eastern Michigan to Ashland to Central Michigan (1991-1993), tough lessons learned along the way would bring him full circle back to Akron.

In 2001, Dambrot was an Akron assistant. He was hired as head coach in 2004. Now in his eighth season, he has taken the program to new heights: the first Mid-American Conference regular-season title this season, and, he hopes, a second straight MAC Tournament title this weekend at The Q and the NCAA Tournament berth that goes with it.

"Every time I get depressed, I'm just thankful I'm coaching," Dambrot said.

College coaches seem to come in two categories these days: young and trendy or old and seasoned. Dambrot, 53, weathered being the first and has evolved into the second. It shows with these current Zips, arguably his most talented team as well as his toughest to coach.

The peace and relative calm Dambrot displays now are a contrast from his early years as a fiery young coach who formed strong bonds with his players -- and would later pay dearly for being so close. He was the coach on the sidelines with the open-collar shirt and medallion around his neck.

"We called him 'Little Fella,'" former Eastern Michigan star and former Cleveland Cavalier Carl Thomas said. "It wasn't because he had a Napoleon complex or anything like that. He was just one of those guys who wanted to coach you, teach you and beat you. You look at him now, suit and tie, he never dressed like that with us."

Thomas and his twin brother, Charles, now an assistant at Akron, have maintained ties with Dambrot -- professionally and personally -- since playing at EMU from 1986-91.

"My first couple of years, he would run me out of practice," Carl Thomas said. "He'd act like he was the head coach. He was that involved, and that vocal. A very, very caring guy. As a freshman, it was tough making the adjustment to college. He'd bring us over to his apartment, to make sure we understood what was going on in the classroom.

"He has a tough style, but young guys understand he only cares."

A lesson learned

That tough style cost Dambrot early. As a young coach he put his career in jeopardy with an inappropriate halftime speech that crossed a racially sensitive line. It cost him his job as head coach at Central Michigan.

"I know it wasn't personal," Thomas said. "Keith was trying to motivate, I know how he is. He got into a situation where he got too comfortable with the players, and said some stuff he knows he shouldn't have said. I remember calling him and saying, 'What are you doing?' But he just got caught up in the moment."

It would be 11 years before Dambrot was a college head coach again, and the fact it came in his hometown is one big reason he is not anxious to leave.

The Zips are in exhale mode now, the No. 1 seed in the MAC Tournament. Less than a week ago, the Zips had lost two straight and were in danger of letting a stellar conference season fall apart heading into a game at rival Kent State.

The Zips had already weathered injuries and disciplinary suspensions, as well as season-long practice battles that still continue. So Dambrot was surprisingly at ease.

"We lost those two straight games, with a relatively good chance of losing at Kent, but I could live with it, because I'm lucky to coach," he said. "A lot of guys never get a second chance at redemption. If more people looked at it like that, they'd be better. To be a Division I head coach, there are only 340 of those jobs, right? And less than half of them are good jobs.

"That's something I understand now, too. There are some jobs where you just can't win. Not consistently."

Akron won the game at Kent, 61-55.

When the Zips take the court at The Q in Friday's semifinals, they chase their third MAC Tournament title, and NCAA bid, in four years.

Up and down in Cleveland

Even with that success, the MAC Tournament has been an uneasy experience. In the two years Akron won it, the Zips had to survive first-round overtime scares to move on.

In 2007, Dambrot's most celebrated Akron team could not close out the title game, losing to Miami on a buzzer-beater. Up by five with less than four minutes to play, Akron went 1-of-7 from the field down the stretch, and with 4.1 seconds left missed critical free throws.

"The Miami thing was low, from the perspective of that was the last go-round for those kids," Dambrot said of a team that included Dru Joyce and Romeo Travis, whom Dambrot coached in high school, along with LeBron James, at St. Vincent-St. Mary.

"We were clearly the best team in the league that year, and don't even get into the NIT," Dambrot said.

Now in his eighth year with the Zips, Dambrot has been a consistent winner, going 183-85 without a losing season. Only once, his first season, has he failed to win 20 games. Success like that traditionally means a phone call from a program with more money than is paid by a MAC school.

"He's the best coach in the conference," Akron AD Tom Wistrcill said. "Sure, absolutely other ADs have called about him."

But Dambrot is rooted too deeply at Akron to be swayed away easily. He is signed at Akron through 2018. His 14 years of head-coaching experience has taught him that the next opportunity is not always the better opportunity.

"I think at times I wanted that next job, just like everybody else," Dambrot said. "I'm not going to lie about that. When I was 25, I wanted to be the head coach at Ohio State. But sometimes you make a bad decision. Don't make two of them.

"I think what makes guys better, not just me, is when you coach and know this is your last stop. When you have no aspirations of going anywhere else, you make better decisions where you are at."

Keith Dambrot is pleased and happy to be home, and the head coach of the Akron Zips.

Get your questions ready and join Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes today at 11 as he talks Indians baseball. What are some position battles we should keep an eye on? Should we worry about Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez's rough spring training debuts?

Paul Hoynes talks Tribe baseball and answers your questions in his weekly chat every Wednesday.

Get your questions ready and join Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes today at 11 as he talks Indians baseball.

What are some position battles we should keep an eye on? Should we worry about Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez's rough spring training debuts? Can Shelley Duncan win the job in LF?

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Paul's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

Be sure to follow Paul on Twitter.

The Buckeyes are entering the tournament on a roll.

Terry Gilliam, Associated PressWilliam Buford

Columbus Dispatch reporter Bob Baptist writes how the Ohio State Buckeyes heading into the Big Ten Conference Tournament.

Did you know the Buckeyes are the first team to win three straight Big Ten championships since Michigan State won four in a row from 1998 to 2001. Ohio State’s last such sustained run was five titles in a row from 1960 to ’64, writes Baptist.

How good are they?They proved again on Sunday that when they put their minds to it and play selflessly and cohesively, they are as good as anyone in the Big Ten and have the talent to make a run in the NCAA Tournament if they limit quick shots and dial into defense for 35 seconds per possession. But that has been easier said than consistently done. Regardless, they jumped three spots, to No.?7, in the polls this week and also solidified themselves with bracketologists as a No.?2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They will find out officially what line they land on when the field of 68 is announced on Sunday night after the Big Ten championship game.

When it comes to who’s and what’s hot, Baptist writes about William Buford’s second half at Michigan State (7 of 10 from the field, 19 points, winning shot), and on Ohio State having 31 offensive rebounds and 33 second-chance points in the team's last two wins.

Big Ten Tournament

Big Ten Tournament news on BigTen.org.

The Big Ten Tournament could be all about the Indiana Hoosiers (Chicago Sun-Times).

Is The Big Ten Tournament really that wide open (HTRNews.com)? 

Which school will win the conference tournament (Cleveland.com)?

Have a question for Indians closer Chris Perez? Now's your chance to ask him. Join Glenn Moore today at 2:00 P.M. for the sixth edition of "30 Minutes of Pure Rage".

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerChris Perez answers your questions live today at 2 p.m.

Join Glenn Moore today at 2:00 P.M. for the sixth edition of "30 Minutes of Pure Rage".

We will talk about his injury and any updates on when he will be able to come back. We will also talk about the main sports stories, including who he would draft if he were the Browns.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Chris' remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

You will be able to call in to ask Chris your question as well. The number to call is 440-678-7599.

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

Which Joe should be on the cover of Madden 13?

APJoe Thomas

Cornerback Joe Haden and left offensive tackle Joe Thomas could don the cover of Madden NFL 13.

The two players were chosen as the Browns’ representatives in the online fan voting that will determine who appears on the cover of the  video game.

Last year, Peyton Hillis won the online voting and appeared on the cover. And unfortunately, Hillis lived up to the "curse" associated with the game.

Two players from each team will enter a 64-man bracket in the play-in round.