Irving's driving layup with four seconds left was the difference when Ty Lawson's driving layup at the buzzer missed.

View full sizeJack Dempsey, Associated PressAfter his driving layup had given the Cavaliers their last lead of the night, Kyrie Irving played aggressive -- but clean -- defense to deny Ty Lawson's last-second bid to give Denver the victory Wednesday night.

DENVER -- They never played against each other in college, but Duke product Kyrie Irving and North Carolina alum Ty Lawson engaged in a little March Madness of their own on Wednesday night at Pepsi Center.

The two went back and forth, making big play after big play, as the Cavaliers and the Denver Nuggets battled down to the wire in a game that had no business being as close as it was.

In the end, it was the rookie Irving's driving layup with four seconds left that was the difference when Lawson's driving layup at the buzzer missed and the Cavs escaped with a surprising 100-99 victory.

"He picked me up full court, and I take that as a test when people pick me up full court,'' Irving said of Lawson. "I'm pretty confident in my offensive skill set in the fourth quarter, and the lane opened up when I got down there. It was a tough shot.''

After Nene's layup put Denver ahead, 99-98, with 15 seconds left, the Cavs took a timeout, and every Cavs fan knew where they were going to go.

"Obviously with 15 seconds left we knew we had a lot of time,'' Cavs coach Byron Scott said. "We really wanted to take it full court and just let Kyrie go. We just wanted to spread the floor for him and he did a great job getting to the basket again and finishing. He didn't give them a whole hell of a lot of time left -- four seconds. I thought Ty Lawson did a pretty good job of getting to the basket. But I thought Kyrie did a great job of affecting the shot.

"So he did it really tonight on both ends.''

Especially impressive was the fact that Irving picked up his fifth foul with 2:15 left.

"That's the big thing,'' Scott said. "He had five fouls for a little while and still was able to take the challenge. He did a good job. That's an area he knows he needs to improve in, and he's been doing a much better job.''

Cleveland (14-23) snapped a six-game losing streak. Denver's four-game winning streak ended as the Nuggets slipped to 22-18.

The ageless Antawn Jamison, a North Carolina alum who was either not bothered by the altitude or used to it after so many years, finished with 33 points, while Alonzo Gee added 19 and Irving 18 and eight assists. It was Irving's third game-winning layup, and he beat Sacramento with a pair of late free throws.

Al Harrington led Denver with 22 points, while Lawson added 18 points and six assists and former Cav Andre Miller had 16 points.

Jamison had 26 points in the first half, which ended with the Cavs ahead, 57-55. He made 8 of 13 field goals, and 8 of 9 free throws, with four rebounds thrown in for good measure. The Cavs needed every contribution, because Irving, their leading scorer, had just four points in the half. Gee had 10 points, including a monstrous dunk that knocked down Denver's Chris Andersen and may have displaced one or two of his tattoos.

Al Harrington was the only Nugget in double figures in the first half. He had 12 points as the Nuggets outshot the Cavs in the first 24 minutes, 50 percent to 47.6 percent, and outrebounded them, 23-16.

Cleveland trailed after the first quarter, 27-26, but actually had a 55-49 lead late in the second quarter after scoring eight straight points on a 3-pointer by Parker, a Jamison layup after an Irving steal, one free throw by Gee and two more by Jamison. The Cavs still led, 57-51, before Harrington hit a fadeaway jumper and Lawson made two free throws to close out the half.

The 35-year-old Jamison cooled off in the third quarter, scoring just four points, but Gee picked up the slack with seven to help the Cavs build a 76-72 lead. Cleveland's defense limited Denver to 31.6 percent shooting in the third quarter (6 of 19).

The teams battled through the fourth quarter, neither leading by more than two points through the first nine minutes. The score was tied, 88-88, after two free throws by Ramon Sessions with 3:18 left. Harrington hit a 20-footer, but a three-point play by Irving put the Cavs up, 91-90. A three-point play by Lawson restored Denver's lead to 93-91, but another three-point play by Irving made it 94-93.

It went on that way to the finish as neither team gave an inch, which hasn't been one of the Cavs' strengths of late.

"Playing hard doesn't guarantee you anything, but without it you have no chance,'' Scott said. "I thought we did that tonight. We competed. We played hard for 48 minutes and we got a victory.''

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Rian Pearson and Julius Brown combine for 38 points as the Rockets lead big in the second half, then outlast Chips' comeback.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerToledo's Rian Pearson lost the ball on this strip by Central Michigan's Trey Zeigler in the first half Wednesday, but Pearson's 20 points and 15 rebounds led the Rockets past the Chippewas in the final MAC second-round game of the day at The Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There is a reason Toledo's Julius Brown was named the MAC Freshman of the Year. The point guard has an uncanny knack for hitting shots when his Rockets need them most.

There is a reason, too, that Toledo sophomore Rian Pearson was one of four players to earn votes for Player of the Year. The guard has been the team's most consistent scorer, a reliable and tenacious player all season.

Pearson drained 20 points and added 15 rebounds, while Brown had five of his 18 points when the Rockets pulled away at the start of the second half, and hit five free throws in the final minute as Toledo outlasted CMU and the Chippewas' vexing full-court press, 75-72.

The Rockets face third-seeded Ohio in Thursday's Mid-American Conference quarterfinals.

Toledo needed every valuable point from both Brown and Pearson, and still did a little bit of hand-wringing in the end. Down, 59-44, with 7:12 remaining, CMU turned to a full-court press to confound the Rockets, force them to 17 total turnovers and rattle off a 20-7 spurt that sliced the Toledo lead to 66-64 with 2:13 remaining.

The tension continued when Chippewas freshman point guard Austin McBroom sank a 3-pointer with five seconds remaining that sliced Toledo's lead to 73-72. But Rockets guard Dominique Buckley, an 86-percent free-throw shooter, was fouled and sank both free throws to secure the victory.

The two teams had split their regular-season games. Wednesday did not reflect the teams' disparate records; seventh-seed Toledo entered 17-15, while No. 11 CMU was 11-20.

Down, 20-9, midway through the first half, the Chippewas dashed off an 11-1 run that included a 3-pointer and a three-point play from forward Olivier Mbaigoto. By halftime, Mbaigoto had 10 points on 4-for-7 shooting, and five rebounds. Sophomore Trey Zeigler had 10 points for CMU, as well, as the two players accounted for nearly 66 percent of the Chippewas' offense.

Trey Zeigler led CMU with 17 points, while Cleveland native Derek Jackson had 16 points for the Chippewas.

Kotchman knows things can happen fast in life and baseball. The key, says the Indians' first baseman, is to be ready when change presents an opportunity.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain Dealer"It's an interesting process," Indians first baseman Casey Kotchman said of a winter of being a free agent looking for a team. "You're just trying to find a fit that works for both sides. Fortunately, I ended up in Cleveland."

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- It is a fast-twitch world. Casey Kotchman knows all about it.

Last year, he went to spring training with the Tampa Bay Rays on a minor-league contract after playing nearly six years in the big leagues. He didn't make the Opening Day roster and started the season at Class AAA Durham.

The world, however, can twitch at the most unexpected times.

After one game at Durham, the Rays recalled him when Manny Ramirez retired rather than face a 100-game suspension following his second positive test for a banned substance. Ramirez, once one of baseball's best right-handed hitters, was gone and the left-handed hitting Kotchman was his replacement.

"Things happen real quick in life: from blink to blink, from heartbeat to heartbeat," said Kotchman.

At first he was a late-inning defensive replacement. Baseball people love Kotchman's glove at first base. His bat, not so much. But by the end of April, Kotchman was hitting .341. By the end of May, his average was up to .361. In June, he was the regular first baseman.

"You have to make the most out of the opportunities that you get," said Kotchman, "and give yourself a chance to have some success."

Kotchman ended the year with a career-high .306 (153-for-500) average. He was eligible for free agency and took the plunge. Over the winter, the world's fast-twitch fiber slowed. Kotchman was a free agent in a crowded market. Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Carlos Pena found jobs before him. When Pena signed with the Rays, Kotchman knew he wasn't going back to Tropicana Field and that Cleveland was probably his next home.

"It's an interesting process," said Kotchman. "I think a lot of teams were sitting back and waiting to see if somebody signs here or somebody is available in a trade. You're just trying to find a fit that works for both sides. Fortunately, I ended up in Cleveland."

The Indians signed him to a one-year, $3 million contract. They have not been disappointed. Mike Hargrove played first base for 12 years in the big leagues. He's in camp with the Indians specifically to work with the first basemen.

When asked if he'd offered any suggestions to Kotchman, Hargrove laughed and said, "No way. I don't want to screw him up. He's got great hands and feet."

Kotchman played his fourth Cactus League game Tuesday in the Indians' 10-2 victory over Arizona. It's not a lot of time to make a judgment, but manager Manny Acta is working from a deeper file of information.

"I saw Casey in Atlanta when I was in the National League," said Acta. "I saw him in Seattle a couple of years ago. Numbers don't lie. They don't show everything, but they don't lie.

"The guy has the highest fielding percentage (.998) of any first baseman with at least 700 games in history."

Kotchman will help the defense, especially if youngsters Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall start at second and third base. The defense might be even better if Jack Hannahan wins the job to anchor the defense at third.

Whatever happens, Kotchman sees similarities between the Indians and the 2011 Rays, a team that reached the postseason with good pitching and defense and a so-so offense. The Rays started September trailing Boston in the AL East by nine games. They went 17-10 in September to snatch the wild card from the Red Sox, who went 7-20 in one of baseball's biggest collapses.

"We absolutely believed we could do it," said Kotchman. "If the other team doesn't score, you don't lose. When you have good pitching, you're going to be one swing away from winning every single night. It's not hard to run off a hot streak and that's exactly what happened."

One more thing about how the world's fast-twitch nature has interwoven itself with Kotchman. Last year he led the Rays with 18 infield hits. First baseman can't run and Kotchman is no exception.

Just something to remember if you feel a twitch this year.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

KSU is 20-10 going into Thursday's 7 p.m. Mid-American Conference tournament quarterfinal against Western Michigan.

View full sizeEd Suba Jr., Akron Beacon-Journal"Our goal is to win (the MAC Tournament)," says Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff. "I think we can. I like our kids and their approach. But this season is about more than the tournament."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "I don't know nearly as much as I thought I did."

That's what Rob Senderoff has learned as he comes to the end of his first season as Kent State's men's basketball coach.

Senderoff had the ideal background for a KSU coach. He spent six years as an assistant at the school, under Jim Christian (2002-06) and Geno Ford (2008-11). When Ford departed for Bradley last spring, Senderoff was promoted.

"I knew there would be a difference between being an assistant and a head coach, and that's so true," Senderoff said. As an assistant, he was a big brother who listened to the other siblings complain about their parents. He'd give advice, help with problems and allow them to vent. When players went to an assistant, it was the head coach who was the target of their frustration.

"Now, that guy is me," Senderoff said. "I make the final call. For three years, some of these guys went to me to talk about Geno Ford when they were unhappy with their minutes, their shots ... stuff like that. The dynamic has changed."

Don't misunderstand, Senderoff has had a solid rookie season. KSU is 20-10 going into Thursday's 7 p.m. Mid-American Conference tournament quarterfinal against Western Michigan. Yes, the Golden Flashes were picked to win the league, and finished fourth. They lost twice to rival Akron, which eats away at Kent State fans. But 20 wins is 20 wins, and a 10-6 record in the MAC is still respectable.

"The bar here has been set so high," Senderoff said. "This is the 13th time in 14 years that we've won 20 games. We're one of only four teams [along with Kansas, Gonzaga and Creighton] to have won at least 10 conference games in each of the last 14 years. We've had so many terrific seasons, people take this for granted."

That's especially true as Senderoff is the fifth KSU basketball coach in the past 14 years.

"I think if someone says we had a bad year if we fail to win the MAC Tournament -- well, that person needs to have his head examined," he said. "Our goal is to win it. I think we can. I like our kids and their approach. But this season is about more than the tournament."

Northeast Ohio rivalries

His challenge may not be greater than what Gary Waters faced when he began this streak, coaching KSU to a 23-7 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 1999. At that time, Akron and Cleveland State were not cranking out 20-win seasons as they do now. The door was wide open for a dynamic coach like Waters to revive the local mid-major basketball scene.

But this season, Akron, CSU and Kent State have all won 20 games. Waters, now at Cleveland State, has done so four of the past five years. Keith Dambrot has turned Akron into a power with seven consecutive seasons of at least 20 victories.

Senderoff said one of his mistakes this season was his approach to the Cleveland State game, a 57-53 loss at home.

"I made it too big," he said. "It's an important game, but I notice how Gary talked about how it's not a conference game and it's just a good local rivalry. That's the right approach. I put too much pressure on the kids because they beat us last year. That game is on me."

Kent State went to the NCAA Tournament four times between 1999 and 2008. Since then, CSU went in 2009, as did Akron. The Zips did it again in 2011.

So it's a battle for Senderoff, who is a rookie head coach at 38 facing two veteran mid-major coaches in his backyard. The recruiting battles are tougher, the expectations higher.

Maintenance isn't easy

Senderoff realizes most fans think because one coach after another at KSU keeps the program winning, there are few stalls and sputters in the transition periods. But that's not true.

In 2002, Jim Christian took over a 30-6 team that went to the Elite Eight. He lost some key players, but still finished at 22-9 and went to the NIT.

"But some people were disappointed because we still had the MAC Player of the Year [Antonio Gates] and didn't win the MAC," said Senderoff, who joined Christian's staff in 2002.

Christian spent six years a KSU before going to Texas Christian in 2008. Gene Ford was promoted to head coach, and the Flashes were 19-15 in his first year.

"Even though Geno was on the staff, there still was a period of adjustment," Senderoff said.

The next two seasons, Ford was 24-10 and 25-12 with two NIT appearances.

Ever since Stan Heath left after the 2001-02 season for Arkansas, KSU has replaced the head coach with promoted assistants. With Senderoff, the school took a chance. He was sanctioned by the NCAA during his two seasons (2006-08) at Indiana, where head coach Kelvin Sampson was penalized for making too many calls to recruits. Some say Senderoff took part of the fall for Sampson; others say he was just as guilty.

Either way, former Kent Athletic Director Laing Kennedy believed in Senderoff and allowed him to return and help Ford. Then current AD Joel Nielsen promoted him. Now, he's sitting in Ford's seat, "and I'm really grateful for the chance."

He talked about being a mediocre high school player who was cut from his Division III Albany basketball team.

"Kent has become a very special place to play basketball," he said. "It's my job to keep it that way."

We have our reasons to begin with 2002. Only key players who have at least four seasons of big-league service with the Indians are eligible.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerThe Indians' Travis Hafner (48) and Victor Martinez (41) greet Jhonny Peralta (right) after they scored on Peralta's home run against the Yankees on April 25, 2008, in Cleveland. The Indians won, 6-4.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Players come and go, but it's the ones who stick around for a few years who are remembered most by a team's fans.

The Cleveland Indians put together one of their best eras of winning baseball from 1994-2001. Tribe fans could hardly believe the sustained excellence of their favorite team and mainstay players. Many backers remembered the futility of previous decades. Remarkably, from 1960 through 1993 (except for the strike-shortened 1981 season), the Indians never finished fewer than ELEVEN games out of first place.

(The strike-shortened 1994 campaign ended for good in August, with Cleveland trailing the first-place Chicago White Sox by one game, but that's another story)

The Indians came back to earth in 2002. In the 10 seasons beginning then, there have been the normal ups and downs experienced by most teams -- maybe a bit more on the downside, with just one postseason berth in an era of expanded playoff fields.

After the 2001 season, not much remained from the nucleus of the team that had made the playoffs six times in the previous seven years, and had reached the World Series in 1995 and 1997.

First baseman Jim Thome was still an Indian in 2002, but he left as a free agent after the season and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Third baseman Travis Fryman, just 33 but slowed by a succession of injuries, retired after the 2002 season. Shortstop Omar Vizquel stayed with the Indians through the 2004 campaign, but Cleveland didn't re-sign him when his contract was up and he joined the San Francisco Giants.

The 2001 Indians won the American League Central Division with a 91-71 record before losing an AL Division Series to the Seattle Mariners, three games to two. The 2002 Indians limped to a 74-88 finish.

Thus, 2001-2002 is one of those lines of demarcation in Indians history.

That's why we're asking you to pick your favorite player who began his Indians career no earlier than some time during the 2002 season. Not eligible for the poll, for instance, is pitcher CC Sabathia, who was an Indians rookie in 2001.

Vote for not necessarily who you think was the best player, but for your fave.

We limit the candidates to players of some note, who earned at least four years of major league playing time with the Indians.

We link to their careers here, in alphabetical order: Rafael Betancourt (2003-09); Casey Blake (2003-08); Ben Broussard ((2002-06); Asdrubal Cabrera (2007-present); Fausto Carmona/Roberto Hernandez (2006-present, though not yet with team); Shin-Soo Choo (2006-present); Coco Crisp (2002-05); Travis Hafner (2003-present); Cliff Lee (2002-09); Victor Martinez (2002-09); Jhonny Peralta (2003-10); Rafael Perez (2006-present); Kelly Shoppach (2006-09); Grady Sizemore (2004-present).

DENVER, Colorado -- The funny thing was, before the game between the Cavaliers and the Nuggets on Wednesday night at Pepsi Center, everyone was joking about the Duke-North Carolina rivalry. Denver coach George Karl, a North Carolina guy, teased that he didn't even want to talk about Kyrie Irving, the rookie from Duke, even though he'd lavished praise on...

DENVER, Colorado -- The funny thing was, before the game between the Cavaliers and the Nuggets on Wednesday night at Pepsi Center, everyone was joking about the Duke-North Carolina rivalry.

Denver coach George Karl, a North Carolina guy, teased that he didn't even want to talk about Kyrie Irving, the rookie from Duke, even though he'd lavished praise on irving during Wednesday morning's shootaround.

"I'm not a Duke guy,'' Karl said with a smile, "but he definitely is impressive.''

Imagine what he thinks now that Irving's driving layup with four seconds left lifted the Cavs to a surprising 100-99 victory. Not only that, but Irving, with five fouls, successfully defended against former North Carolina star Ty Lawson's attempt at a game-winning layup at the buzzer. Lawson hit the game-winning shot against Sacramento in Denver's last victory.

"To lose the game by giving up layups is everyone's fault,'' a chagrined Karl said. "It's my fault. You can't let a guy drive 84 feet and get a layup without him making at pass at the end of the game. It just can't be done.''

Of course, it was the third time Irving had done just that this season _ also beating Boston and Dallas. (He also beat Sacramento with two late free throws.)

Down the stretch, it was Irving and Lawson, battling as if the ACC championship was on the line. In the fourth quarter, Irving made 4 of 5 field goals and 2 of 2 free throws for 10 points, while Lawson made 2 of 6 field goals and 3 of 3 free throws for 7 points.

Whereas previously highly anticipated point guard matchups between Irving and Derrick Rose or Rajon Rondo haven't come off at all or haven't lived up to the pre-game hype, this one was much better than any of them with very little fanfare going in.

At least outside the locker room. Before the game, Karl was asked about a Dukie going against a Tar Heel. "I believe that was mentioned,'' he said, referring to his pre-game talk with Lawson. "I told him that if he does a good job on him early that we might get him a post-up. Ty wants a post-up. I don't know if I could handle posting him up, but Ty says that he has a good post-up game.''

He didn't get to use it against Irving on Wednesday. Maybe next time. This is a matchup that looks like it could be a good one for years to come.

Today live at noon on "PD Sports Insider: Browns Edition," join Dennis Manoloff and Glenn Moore along with special guest Mary Kay Cabot to talk Browns. Bud Shaw will also join the show live from Arizona.

Watch today live at noon.

What does the effect of Peyton Manning have on the Browns? Who are some remaining free agents the Browns might target this month?

Today, live at noon on "PD Sports Insider: Browns Edition," join Dennis Manoloff and Glenn Moore along with Mary Kay Cabot to talk Browns. Bud Shaw will also join the show live from Arizona.

Be sure to Like PD Sports Insider on Facebook.

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

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

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

Browns GM Tom Heckert said the Browns won't pursue Peyton Manning, and probably won't go after any other big-name free agent quarterbacks either.

Chuck Crow, Plain Dealer file photoBrowns General Manager Tom Heckert said the Browns won't pursue Peyton Manning, and probably won't go after another big-name free agent quarterback.

CLEVELAND -- Browns general manager Tom Heckert said today the Browns won't pursue Peyton Manning, who was released Wednesday by the Colts.

"Not really,'' said Heckert in an informal meeting with the media today. "That's probably not a direction we're going to go.''

Heckert also re-iterated what he said at the end of last season: that the Browns are unlikely to sign a big-name free agent quarterback. That would seem to rule out a strong pitch for Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn, one of the biggest names set to hit the market on Tuesday.

He said the Browns like four quarterbacks in this draft, including the obvious top three of Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill. The fourth appears to be Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden, who's 28, because Heckert gushed about him.

"I really like him a lot,'' said Heckert. "We're going to see him (throw) tomorrow. "He's mature and he's telling you it's a positive. He's a really interesting guy. He's super smart.''

But he emphasized that the Browns are still high on Colt McCoy and haven't made the decision to replace him.

"We still think Colt can play in this league and it's our job to help him out,'' said Heckert. "If we catch more balls, if we protect him more'' he can be much-improved.

Heckert addressed a number of other topics during his 30-minute interview, his first since undergoing heart surgery last month and his first with the media since the end of the season. He said:

* Even though the Browns are up for anything with their No. 4 pick, all the talk about the Browns moving up to No. 2 to draft Griffin III "is crazy. We feel comfortable staying at No. 4 and getting a really good player. We feel comfortable moving back and getting extra picks too.''

* Right tackle Tony Pashos underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday and he's not sure how that position will shake out out.

* The Browns will try to re-sign Peyton Hillis, but probably not until after he hit the market on Tuesday.

* The Browns will stick to their philosophy on free agency. "We're not going to sign a ton a free agents. We're not going to go crazy.''

* The Browns haven't ruled out trading their No. 22 pick. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Browns currently don't want to surrender that pick to move up to No. 2. "Never say never,'' Heckert said.

* His ultimate goal with franchised kicker Phil Dawson is to sign him to a long-term deal. He said he hasn't talked to him since applying the tag last week,

* He's still discussing what to do with left guard Eric Steinbach, who's coming off back surgery and set to make $6 million this year.

* He wants to re-sign free agents Mike Adams, Dimitri Patterson and the other players set to be free on Tuesday.

* Linebacker Marcus Benard is under contract and doesn't need to be tendered.

Kyrie Irving is too much for the Denver Nuggets.

Gus Chan, The Plain DealerCavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving.

On TV, at least, it looked like Kyrie Irving made a good move to the basket and scored in the final seconds to give the Cleveland Cavaliers the victory over the Denver Nuggets.

But Denver Post reporter Benjamin Hochman saw something entirely different. Irving's play reached Biblical proportions.

Wednesday was Purim, the Jewish holiday that commemorates the Jews' salvation from an evil leader. But, really, it was more like Passover, which commemorates, in part, the parting of the sea — because there was Kyrie Irving, basketball's best Moses since Malone, parting the Nuggets' lackadaisical defense for the winning bucket.

Nuggets coach George Karl was not happy with his defense, to say the least. The Cavaliers' final five baskets were layups.

"I don't give a (darn) about offense now," Karl said, when asked about the offense of Al Harrington, who had 22 points. "I just want to figure out our defense."

 

More Cleveland Cavaliers

Duke and North Carolina was part of the discussion prior to Denver and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night (Cleveland.com).

Kyrie Irving hits a big shot to give the Cavaliers the victory over the Nuggets (The News-Herald).

Is there any value for Antawn Jamison? Who will the Cavaliers look to bring back next season? Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Tom Reed takes your questions live every Thursday at 10:30 A.M.

Is there any trade value for Antawn Jamison? Who will the Cavaliers look to bring back next season?

Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• Kyrie Irving's game winning show against the Nuggets.

• What happened in their losses against the Bulls, Wizards and Jazz?

• Is the Omri Casspi trade a wash?

• Are the Orlando Magic the key to starting the NBA trade carousel?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

The live chat with Tom is live every Thursday at 10:30 AM.

Be sure to also follow Tom Reed on Twitter.

Browns GM Tom Heckert says he has a plan for the draft and he's sticking with it.

APCleveland Browns GM Tom Heckert certainly seemed impressed by Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden.

Scribbles from Tom Heckert's Browns draft briefing ...

1. Maybe it's more pre-draft diversion, but Browns General Manager Tom Heckert made it sound as if the team is sticking with its basic plan of building mostly through the draft ... and not trading away picks. Rather than discuss the possibility of trading up for someone such as Robert Griffin III, Heckert brought up the idea of trading down.

2. He said there were "four quarterbacks" in the draft that he liked. He refused to name them, but as he talked about different quarterbacks, it was clear the four were Andrew Luck, Griffin, Ryan Tannehill and Brandon Weeden.

3. I asked him about Weeden, and he probably talked more about the 28-year-old from Oklahoma State than any other player discussed. Heckert said, "I like him a lot ... He's 28, but he's mature ... he's won a lot of games, thrown for a lot of yards ... A great kid, super smart."

That does make me wonder if perhaps Weeden would be someone they would consider at No. 22, or more likely in the second round. That's especially true since several draft experts have Tannehill moving into the top 12.

5. Over and over, Heckert talked about getting "a good player" at No. 4. He praised running back Trent Richardson for his "toughness ... physical running style ... pass protection ... we really like him."

6. That said, I'd be stunned if they took the Alabama running back at No. 4.

7. He seemed very open to talking contract with Jimmy Sexton, the new agent for Peyton Hillis. He's also Hillis' original agent. My guess is Hillis ends up back with the Browns, that's what the running back's interview with The PD's Mary Kay Cabot, along with his returning to Sexton seem designed to do -- showing Hillis still has a sincere interest in the Browns.

8. Right tackle, please, get a right tackle. Heckert announced that Tony Pashos had ankle surgery this week.

9. Heckert said a lot of nice things about Colt McCoy. The point seemed to be that he was not against starting next season with McCoy at quarterback. The question is if he's strongly in favor of that idea.

10. While Heckert talked about not wanting to "go crazy" in free agency and seemed to indicate the Browns would not sign a major free-agent quarterback, I wonder if Matt Flynn is a possibility. Peyton Manning (please, he's not coming the Browns, Heckert said as much) will be the prime target. Others may prefer a draft pick. Perhaps Flynn won't get anywhere near the money he expects, and that could open the door for the Browns. I still think they like him.

Plain Dealer reporter says Wednesday's game-winner was just the latest example of how rookie doesn't feel pressure with game on the line. Watch video

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

The Cavaliers scored a surprising win last night in Denver, thanks to some late heroics by rookie guard Kyrie Irving. That brings us to today's poll question: When will Irving be an NBA All-Star? Cast yiour vote below.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer, who calls in from Denver, where she covered Wednesday's game. She says she hasn't talked to an NBA coach this season who doesn't like what Irving has done. Mary also discusses why Irving is so good in the clutch; whether the Cavs might be involved at the trade deadline; and whether the playoffs are something she sees in the Cavs' future.

SBTV will return Friday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot answering fan questions from her weekly Hey, Mary Kay! feature.

Cristian Guzman took the 2011 season off because of a sore right shoulder. He's back in camp this spring training to make the Indians big-league club.

AP fileCristian Guzman, former Twins and Nationals shortstop, is in camp with the Indians this spring.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Cristian Guzman took last season off. The veteran shortstop was having problems with his right shoulder and didn't play.

Over the winter the Indians contacted Guzman and asked if he still wanted to play. He came to camp in February, worked out and signed a minor league deal.

Now he's trying to make the Opening Day roster as an extra infielder. It will be a difficult task.

"It took me a little time to be 100 percent after missing a year," said Guzman, 33. "You can feel a little rusty, but now I'm fine."

Guzman has appeared in two Cactus League games and is hitting .250 (1-for-4).

"It's not easy to come here and make the big league team after missing a year," said Guzman. "You have to work hard and do everything right."

Manager Manny Acta recruited Guzman over the winter. Guzman played for Acta when he managed the Washington Nationals.

"We're fine with him," said Acta. "He's done everything we've asked him to do. He's been stretched out from four to six innings.

"I don't know why people make such a big deal about a player missing one year. When a guy has Tommy John surgery, he's out for a full season and comes back and pitches. It's one thing if you miss a full season of baseball if you're 41. But Guzman is still in pretty good shape physically. The more at-bats he gets the better he's going to look."

Acta has noticed something different about Guzman's game.

"He's already set a record," said Acta. "It takes him months sometimes to get two walks. He's got two in one week. It means his eyesight is good."

Guzman has two walks in four at-bats. He walked 23 times in 612 at-bats for the Nationals in 2008. In 2009, he walked 16 times in 555 at-bats.

"We used to bet in D.C. when he was going to get his first walk," said Acta. "That's not his game."

Today's lineup:

Angels: 2B Alex Amarista, DH Bobby Abreu, 1B Albert Pujols, CF Vernon Wells, 3B Alberto Callaspo, RF Kole Calhoun, C Bobby Wilson, SS Andrew Romine, LF Doug Deeds, P Dan Haren.

Indians: CF Ezequiel Carrera, SS Asdrubal Cabrera, DH Travis Hafner, LF Shelley Duncan, 1B Russ Canzler, 3B Lonnie Chisenhall, RF Aaron Cunningham, 2B Cord Phelps, C Lou Marson, RHP Ubaldo Jimenez.

In this corner: Ubaldo Jimenez faces the Angels today in his second start of the season. Jimenez allowed five runs, one earned, in one inning against the Reds in his first start.

Next: Derek Lowe will face Milwaukee lefty Randy Wolf on Friday in Phoenix. The game will be carried on cleveland.com's webcast. Justin Masterson will face San Diego on Saturday in Goodyear. STO will televise the game and it will be carried on radio at WTAM at 4:05 p.m. ET.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In what amounted to steel-cage match without the steel cage, Central Michigan defeated Miami, 78-64, Thursday in a Mid-American Conference Women's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal at The Q. Fifth-seeded CMU (19-14) advances to face No. 1 Bowling Green (24-5) on Friday afternoon. Fourth-seeded Miami slipped to 21-9. "I loved our defense,'' Chippewas coach Sue Guevara said. "We did a very nice job of...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In what amounted to steel-cage match without the steel cage, Central Michigan defeated Miami, 78-64, Thursday in a Mid-American Conference Women's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal at The Q.

Fifth-seeded CMU (19-14) advances to face No. 1 Bowling Green (24-5) on Friday afternoon.

Fourth-seeded Miami slipped to 21-9.

"I loved our defense,'' Chippewas coach Sue Guevara said. "We did a very nice job of disrupting Miami. We pressured the ball and came up with some steals.''

CMU finished with 11 steals and, thanks to an active zone, held Miami to 27.9% shooting (19-of-68). The RedHawks committed 20 turnovers.

"Miami's a pretty good passing team,'' Guevara said. "We hurried them up.''

CMU is 3-0 in the MAC tournament, including victories in the past two days. Miami had not played since a two-point victory over Ohio on Feb. 28. Whether Miami was hurt by too much rest is uncertain, but CMU clearly was helped by having survived a  three-point, low-scoring contest against Ohio on Wednesday. 

This quarterfinal featured teams not necessarily fluid in their movements, but whose players compensate with toughness and competitiveness. They produced the good type of physicality -- nothing dirty, just old-school scratching and clawing on every possession. As a result, fans got plenty of entertainment value for their ticket.

"The more the game gets physical, the better we play,'' freshman guard Brandie Baker said. "We look forward to it.'' 

CMU can pass and shoot when necessary, as well. Their skip passes in the second half, in particular, consistently were on the money and often led to baskets, directly or indirectly.

The Chippewa doing the most catching and scoring was freshman forward Jas'Mine Bracey, who had a game-high 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting. It is no accident that Bracey has superb hands.

"I have to catch them in practice or all the post players have to run,'' she said.

The RedHawks played well enough in the first half. Courtney Osborn's two free throws built a 30-23 lead with 1:28 left.

 But Jessica Green, Bracey and Jalisa Olive scored baskets in the final minute to pull CMU within one.

Miami went 11-of-35 from the floor in the first half; CMU was 12-of-39.

The Chippewas held several double-digit leads in the second half. Miami did not let it get out of hand but never mounted a serious charge. Whenever the Chippewas felt mildly threatened, they found a way to make a big defensive play or basket. 

CMU's defense frustrated Osborn, Miami's All-MAC First Team guard. Osborn finished with eight points on 2-of-15 shooting.     

The Browns must commit to a younger QB, and do it in a way where they can add other players to help the QB.

APPeyton Manning and the Browns are not a good fit.

1. Let's just get this out of the way -- Peyton Manning is not coming to the Browns. Most fans seem to understand that, but I received some emails trying to make the case for Manning to come here.

2. The easiest way to deal with the Manning/Browns question is this: "If you were Manning and you're 35 years old and you had four neck surgeries in the last few years and you have an offer from a team that has not won more than five games in the last four years . . . why would you go there?

And why would you want to throw to a group of receivers that led the league in drops? And why would you believe that they could fix so many problems so fast . . . because you need to win now.

3. Oh, and if you're Peyton Manning, I bet you say, "I really want to play in the AFC North with all that wonderful weather, gimpy defenses and lousy teams . . . especially at 35 when I don't know how much longer I can play."

4. If you're the Browns and had not won more than five games in the last four years, why chew up a huge chunk of your salary cap for a 35-year-old quarterback who has had four neck surgeries in the last few years and didn't even play in 2011? Is that the right way to build a team?

5. General Manager Tom Heckert didn't say so, but those are some of the reasons that he passed on Manning.

6. Many teams are assuming Manning will stay healthy in 2012. No one knows that is true. Neck injuries to 35-year-old quarterbacks are scary. But several teams will make major bids and hope Manning can pull off a huge comeback.

7. And yes, the Browns are still building a team. So the Browns must commit to a younger quarterback, and do it in a way where they can add other players to help the quarterback. Browns fans are so beat up and desperate that they fall into the trap of thinking one big move will fix this franchise. Ain't gonna happen.

8. I'd rather see the Browns go with RG3, another young QB, Matt Flynn or McCoy than Manning or someone else who is supposed to be a quick fix.

There are no quick fixes for this team.

Terry Pluto: terrypluto.com

Facebook: facebook.com/terrypluto

Faith stories: cleveland.com/pluto/faith

On todays "PD Sports Insider," Dennis Manoloff and Glenn Moore, were joined by Mary Cay Cabot, who was live from Berea. Bud Shaw was also live from Goodyear, Ariz. Watch video

Among the other topics discussed:

• Recapping what Tom Heckert said during today's press conference.

• Will the Browns not trade up for Robert Griffin III and try to get a quarterback later in the draft?

• Why the Browns should and should not go after Manning

Click on play to watch the video

Watch today live at noon.

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

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

The Peyton Manning release was not like Bernie Kosar's departure.

Plain DealerBernie Kosar shakes hands with Art Modell after Kosar signed a contract with the Browns in 1985.

The emotional release of Peyton Manning by the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday wasn't close to how Bernie Kosar left the Cleveland Browns many years ago.

It was the complete opposite.

Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald writes how Manning's departure was a complete  contrast to Nov. 8, 1993, when Bill Belichick, cut Bernie Kosar because of what Belichick said were Kosar's "diminishing skills."

Belichick turned Kosar, already a hero in the eyes of Browns fans, into a martyr that day. Headlines in newspapers the next morning were as big and bold as "Japan Bombs Pearl Harbor," and that is no exaggeration.

Two hours before Belichick and Browns owner Art Modell met with the media, they met with Kosar to deliver the news. Cutting Kosar was Belichick's idea, but Modell backed it 100 percent.

The departure of Kosar began early that season when stories of Kosar and Belichick disagreeing on offense in the 2 1/2 years Kosar played for Belichick were legendary, but Belichick said that is not why he benched and then cut Kosar.

"I've even heard I sat Bernie because I don't like him," Belichick said a week or so later in a Sports Illustrated story. "Anyone who thinks I'd do all this work and then sit some guy because I don't like him — that's insane. All the decisions I made are for what I feel gives us the best opportunity to win."

More Cleveland Browns

GM Tom Heckert says it's unlikely the Cleveland Browns will go after Peyton Manning, writes Mary Kay Cabot on Cleveland.com.

Tony Grossi leaves The Plain Dealer and moves over to radio station WKNR, writes Bob Finnan of The News-Herald.

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said today the Browns won't "go crazy'' in free agency.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns GM Tom Heckert cautions that the Browns won't sign a bunch of free agents.

CLEVELAND, Ohio --  Browns General Manager Tom Heckert cautioned that the Browns aren't "going to go crazy in free agency'' when it opens Tuesday at 4 p.m.

"You guys know how I feel about free agency,'' he said in an informal chat with reporters today. "I think everybody else is on board with it. We're not going to go crazy in free agency. We're not going to do it.''

He said  the team has targeted several players that it thinks can help, but isn't counting on them making or breaking the team.

"I know Green Bay didn't sign one free agent when they won [the Super Bowl] two years ago,'' he said. "I don't think the Giants signed anybody, or at least anybody you've ever heard of as a free agent.

"You don't win football games by signing a bunch of free agents. You just don't. Now can they help you? Certainly. And if there's guys that we think can help us, we'll definitely do it. But it's easier said than done. Obviously there's a few guys that 31 other teams are interested in as well.

"If we get them, it would be great. But let's say we don't get the guys we want, we're not going to say, 'oh no, we didn't get these guys so we have to go sign three other guys just to sign them.' I think that's the wrong way to do it.''

Heckert reiterated that the Browns are unlikely to sign a big-name free agent quarterback. He effectively ruled out pursuing Peyton Manning, and also virtually took the Browns out of the running for the second-biggest quarterback set to hit the market in Green Bay's Matt Flynn.

He said the Browns will try to re-sign their own free agents, including running back Peyton Hillis, safety Mike Adams and cornerback Dimitri Patterson.

Hillis is back with his original agent Jimmy Sexton of Creative Artsts Agency.

"I wouldn't say we're starting over, but it's a new deal for us,'' said Heckert.

He said the Browns will make a play for Hillis, but probably not until he hits the open market.

Offensive woes continue to follow former Cavaliers coach Mike Brown.

Joshua Gunter/The Plain DealerFormer Cleveland Cavaliers' coach Mike Brown.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown ended his stint in Cleveland as one of the winningest coaches in franchise history in terms of winning percentage (.663).

He's always been known as a defensive specialists, and that also became his problem with the Cavs. That same problem has followed him to Los Angeles, where he is the coach of the Lakers.

Ramona Shelburne writes on ESPN.com how there is growing concern among some Lakers players as to whether first-year coach Mike Brown and his staff have the X-and-O wherewithal to fix a Lakers offense that is averaging its lowest per-game point total (94) since before the advent of the 24-second shot clock in 1954-55.

Brown's effect on the Lakers' defense has been undeniable, ongoing struggles on the road -- with L.A. dropping to 6-14 away from Staples Center following a loss in Detroit and blowing a 21-point lead to the undisciplined Wizards -- have some veterans longing for a return to the trusty Triangle offense preferred by Brown's predecessor, Phil Jackson.

Sources told ESPNLosAngeles.com that multiple players have continued to meet privately since the initial team meeting to discuss running elements of the Triangle offense again, writes Shelburne.

SOLON, Ohio - Can't make it to Solon tonight for the boys basketball playoff game between Garfield Heights and Cleveland Heights? The Plain Dealer has you covered with a live blog from press row, including play-by-play, interaction between blog chat room participants and interviews. The game, a Division I district semifinal between top-seeded Cleveland Heights and third-seeded Garfield Heights,...

Top-seeded Cleveland Heights takes on No. 3 Garfield Heights in a Division I district semifinal tonight at Solon. Follow all the action with an interactive blog at cleveland.com/hssports. - (Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)

SOLON, Ohio - Can't make it to Solon tonight for the boys basketball playoff game between Garfield Heights and Cleveland Heights? The Plain Dealer has you covered with a live blog from press row, including play-by-play, interaction between blog chat room participants and interviews.

The game, a Division I district semifinal between top-seeded Cleveland Heights and third-seeded Garfield Heights, tips off at 7 p.m. The blog will begin around 6:45 and will be moderated by Plain Dealer high school sports editor Kristen Davis.

Shaker Heights standout and Louisville recruit Terry Rozier is among the Raiders scheduled to answer your questions during halftime. Shaker defeated St. Ignatius in the other semifinal Wednesday night and will meet tonight's winner in Saturday's district final.

There will also be a live webcast and blog from Saturday's district championship game, which starts at 2:30 p.m.