Quick impressions after watching two Tribe games in person.

View full sizeMark Duncan, Associated PressMatt LaPorta had a sacrifice fly in Saturday's game against the Dodgers, but otherwise he has had a poor spring and is headed to Class AAA Columbus, says Terry Pluto.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Scribbles in my Tribe notebook...

1. When Derek Lowe is pitching well, he is fun to watch. He works quickly. He gives up a lot of ground balls. He stays ahead in the count. He threw six strong innings, allowing two runs (one earned) against the Dodgers. Lowe became the first Tribe starter to work six innings this spring. I love how he said this after the game: "I may be good or bad, but I'll work fast." And he did.

2. Lowe also said that this time of the spring, pitchers should be working to get people out, "Or at least, I do." He has allowed five earned runs in 15 spring innings. Adding Lowe could be a very good move for the Tribe.

3. Jose Lopez has been hitting, but he's looked rather iffy at second base. Lopez is batting a team-high .394 (13-of-33) with two homers and five doubles. He has an excellent chance to make the team.

4. I've only seen two games, but what I've watched is how Aaron Cunningham (7-of-32, .219) and Ryan Spilborghs (6-of-33, .182) have played. Not much there in terms of power -- they have combined for three doubles, no homers. Shelley Duncan (.235, 5 HR, 15 RBI) certainly will play a lot in left. After that, who knows?

5. Shin-Soo Choo (.316, 2 HR) looks in the best shape of his career. Same for Casey Kotchman, batting .308 and playing an excellent first base.

6. The Tribe claimed Rick van den Hurk from Toronto. He does throw hard, but control is an issue. This spring, he's pitched seven innings, allowing 11 hits, nine earned runs and six walks. He is out of options, but it's hard to see him making the Tribe. Perhaps they believe he'll clear waivers.

7. Frank Herrmann (7.36 ERA) is not having a good spring. He came to camp with a bullpen spot to lose ... and he could.

8. Matt LaPorta knows he's headed to the minors, and he's not doing much to change anyone's mind. He's batting .172 (5-of-29) with no homers and a double. Given how little Cunningham and Spilborghs have hit, if LaPorta was hot he could be in the middle of a spot as a reserve outfielder. But he's not.

9. Vinnie Pestano has a 1.08 ERA ... and yes, he's looked that good.

10. Travis Hafner (.324) is hitting the ball hard and having a good (and healthy) spring ... so far. This is as of March 24, so I'm not drawing any grand conclusions because of his injury history. But at least, there is some good news.

With the entire starting five returning, great things are expected from the Bobcats next season.

View full sizeKyle Robertson, Columbus DispatchThe disappointment of the end of Ohio's Cinderella run in March Madness is eased by the knowledge that there is plenty of optimism for 2012-13 with the Bobcats.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio University's magical season ended Friday night with a stomach-turning overtime loss to No. 1 North Carolina in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. A 29-9 record is the best in school history. With the entire starting five returning, great things are expected from the Bobcats next season.

Yet much like Akron in 2011, and the Bobcats in 2010, and Akron in 2009, repeating this magic will be a challenge, perhaps surpassed only by the pressure inside and out of the program to do this all again.

The national perception, based on their run in the NCAA Tournament, is the Bobcats sat atop the Mid-American Conference this past season. They, of course, finished third.

Then again, Akron didn't claim the regular-season title in 2011 (fourth) and 2009 (third), and OU (fifth) didn't in 2010. They all got hot in the MAC Tournament, while teams with better seasons fell by the wayside, or simply came up one possession short.

The Bobcats' Walter Offutt said as much, following the 73-65 OT loss to the Tar Heels in the Midwest Regionals.

"Obviously, we went on a heck of a run," he said. "If we don't win the MAC Tournament, we wouldn't be in the situation we're in."

Even that came down to the final game of the regular season, where a loss could have forced the Bobcats to play a daunting six games in eight days to win the conference tournament. Instead, they won and earned a bye to the quarterfinals -- and four days of rest.

"We had to win three games in three days, and really it came down to a one-possession game against Akron whether we were going to be in this tournament or not," Offutt said. "So it's just a humbling experience to know that we came together as a group and able to achieve what we did."

The first order of business for OU will be keeping head coach John Groce in the fold. His name will be a hot one as big-name coaching jobs open. Groce's name has already surfaced as a potential candidate at Illinois.

The second challenge for the Bobcats will be to improve.

That seems entirely possible as 6-8 Missouri transfer Kadeem Green, if he is ruled eligible to play after the first semester next season, will give the Bobcats a needed body inside. If 6-11 sophomore Ethan Jacobs can work his way into the rotation, the team gets even better. On paper, only regular-season champion Akron, which also returns the bulk of its lineup, looms as a conference threat, with Eastern Michigan and its bevy of major college transfers the big conference unknown.

The Bobcats will also have to toughen up its non-conference schedule considerably to position themselves for an at-large bid. At least six Top 75 RPI teams on the slate, three inside the Top 50, would likely be needed.

But with Groce back on the sidelines, Offutt, D.J. Cooper and Nick Kellogg and Co., back on the court, OU could be the first MAC team since 2001-02 Kent State to win back-to-back MAC tournaments, and create NCAA magic once again.

Beat writer Paul Hoynes sorts through this week's mailbag.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerWhat, him worry? Manny Acta has been all smiles during spring training, and with reason, says Paul Hoynes.

Hey, Hoynsie: How long do you give Manny Acta before they turn on him for not going to the playoffs or winning a championship? I mean it's critical that this isn't like 2006 with all the expectations of going to the postseason after the end of 2005. Why didn't they go after Clint Hurdle harder? -- Tim Umpleby, Toronto, Ohio

Hey, Tim: Not sure who you're referring to in regards to turning on Acta. The Indians exercised his option for 2013. The 2005 team won 93 games and was in contention to the last day of the season. Last year's team finished 15 games out of first place after a good start. I don't think you can compare the two.

I think Clint Hurdle was on the Indians' list of managerial candidates when Eric Wedge was fired. I don't think the interview process ever became serious.

One more thing, as Terry Pluto always says, "Give the man a chance to fail before you say he's failed and people are turning on him."

Hey, Hoynsie: The CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee trades have not been very successful, the Ubaldo Jimenez trade is shaping up to be a complete disaster, and the Grady Sizemore and Roberto Hernandez/Fausto Carmona gambles blew up before the season even started. Will there be consequences for the front office for these personnel decisions? -- Steve Alex, Gainesville, Fla.

Hey, Steve: This season will tell us a lot.

Hey, Hoynsie: The Tribe has a glut of people who could play third, Jack Hannahan, Jose Lopez, Andy LaRoche and Christian Guzman, but they are in need of help in the outfield. The A's need a third baseman now that Scott Sizemore is out for the season. They have some extra outfielders. Is a trade of one of our infielders for either Coco Crisp or Seth Smith a possibility? I would even throw in Ryan Spilborghs or Felix Pie to make the deal. -- Denny Pinch, Arlington, Va.

Hey, Denny: I like the way your brain is working, but the third basemen you named, outside of Hannahan, are in camp on non-roster contracts. The same with Spilborghs and Pie. If the A's wanted any of these guys they could wait to the end of spring training and see who the Indians keep, cut loose or try to send to the minors and get them for next to nothing. It wouldn't cost a player such as Crisp or Smith.

Hey, Hoynsie: What about offering Josh Tomlin to the Rockies for Alex White? Tomlin is a fairly dependable pitcher but not much upside. White would be a gamble, given his recent injuries, but he has the potential to be very good. With Drew Pomeranz having some physical problems this spring, the Rockies might be willing to backtrack and give White back for the more durable Tomlin. What do you think? -- Geoffrey Lee, Strongsville

Hey, Geoffrey: Tomlin is a fly ball pitcher, as I'm sure you know. I don't think he'd fare well at Coors Field, which is why I don't think the Rockies would make that deal.

Hey, Hoynsie: If your moustache faced off against Mike Holmgren's, who would win? -- Keith, Cleveland

Hey, Keith: He's got me by a couple of years in experience, but I know I have more gray in mine than he does in his.

Hey, Hoynsie: After 11 starts for the Tribe last season and five in spring training this year, haven't we seen enough of Ubaldo Jimenez to conclude that he's not the ace the Indians hoped they were getting? What more do they expect to see? -- Jeffrey Bendix, Cleveland Heights

Hey, Jeffrey: We'll all know a lot more about Jimenez by the end of the year.

Hey, Hoynsie: I'd like to see Casey Kotchman lead off as he hits for the highest average and his being on base opens up the right side for Michael Brantley, hitting second. It takes pressure off Brantley, as well. -- Geoffrey Lee, Strongsville

Hey, Geoffrey: I know Kotchman had 18 infield hits last year, but the guy is not fast. When I read your question, I thought of when the Indians led off with Mike Hargrove because he had a good on-base percentage. Hargrove didn't like it because he couldn't run. I think Brantley is a better choice.

Hey, Hoynsie: When Roberto Hernandez comes back, will he be eligible to win the AL Rookie of the Year award? -- Bruce Holderead, North Royalton

Hey, Bruce: I'm laughing, but you may have an argument there.

Hey, Hoynsie: How is Grady Sizemore's rehab progressing? Why did the Indians lie to the media and fans by saying that he had a back strain, when they knew otherwise? -- Mark Terry, Oxford

Hey, Mark: Sizemore has yet to start baseball activities. He had surgery on March 1 and his timetable for returning to action in seven to 12 weeks has not changed.

Most professional organizations play cat-and-mouse games with the media over injuries. The Indians are no different. Is it smart? No. It just builds a distrust between the team and reporters. Then again a healthy distrust between the two is probably a good thing.

Hey, Hoynsie: Former All-Star Jose Lopez is having a good spring. Can he play left field? -- Paul Welling, Rossford

Hey, Paul: His best positions are first and third base. Lopez has never played the outfield in the big leagues.

-- Hoynsie

It's the draft, pretty much all the time (and a little Mike Holmgren) in this week's reader mailbag.

View full sizeDave Martin, Associated PressVirginia Tech's David Wilson could be a target of the Browns if they're looking for running backs in the second round of April's NFL draft.

Hey, Mary Kay: We all know who all the high-profile guys coming out in the draft that the Browns are looking at, but have you heard about any players that they really like in the later rounds? Like CB Brandon Boykins out of Georgia, RB Robert Turbin of Utah State or QB Russell Wilson of Wisconsin? -- Ryan Howard, West Jefferson

Hey, Ryan: I know the Browns met with Boykins at the combine, and I know they'll bring in Virginia Tech running back David Wilson for a visit. They'll also spend extra pre-draft time with speedy Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead. We'll find out others in the next few weeks.

Hey, Mary Kay: Assuming that the Dolphins like everybody else agree that Ryan Tannehill is not a top-10 talent, will the Browns draft him at 22? -- Gerard Fitzgerald

Hey, Gerard: I doubt Tannehill lasts until No. 22 -- although we watched Aaron Rodgers tumble to No. 24 in 2005. But if the Browns don't take him at No. 4, the Dolphins at No. 8 or Seahawks at No. 12 are possible landing spots.

Hey, Mary Kay: Do you think the NFL is prepared to suspend half the NFL head coaches, if they also had bounty systems in place? They better be prepared to dole out penalties equally. -- Steve Bohnenkamp, Geneva, Ill.

Hey, Steve: Although we'll hear more stories about bounty systems, the reason Roger Goodell came down so hard in this case is that the Saints were told to stop and didn't, then covered it up. You don't mess with the Commish like that.

Hey, Mary Kay: If Seneca Wallace has proven anything in his time with the Browns it's he's not an NFL starter. Wouldn't it make a lot of sense to cut him and then bring in Matt Hasselbeck -- as a backup with the intention of tutoring Colt McCoy? Let's give our quarterback the best opportunity to excel. -- Aaron Fink, Boulder, Colo.

Hey, Aaron: Hasselbeck would've been the perfect mentor for Colt. Problem is, he's not available now that Peyton Manning isn't going to Tennessee. Coming off a fine season, Hasselbeck will compete for the starting job with Jake Locker.

Hey, Mary Kay: Is it my imagination or does Browns President Mike Holmgren give far more interviews to a Seattle radio station than stations in Cleveland? -- Jim Jones, Las Vegas

Hey, Jim: You're not dreaming. Holmgren is loyal to his longtime Seattle radio buddy Dave "Softy" Mahler of KJR from his coaching days. He hasn't developed those relationships here, in part because as prez, he meets with the media far less than he did as coach.

Hey, Mary Kay: My confidence in Holmgren is shot after the RGIII offer, then his CYA with "McCoy has a high ceiling" comment. Isn't it a foregone conclusion that they will either take Tannehill with the fourth pick or trade down to get him in top 10? If Matt Barkley or Landry Jones come out, Tannehill is nothing more than a third rounder, not the fourth pick. -- Scott Carpenter, Sarasota, Fla.

Hey, Scott: The Browns must decide if Tannehill and his 19 starts at QB are worth the No. 4 pick. If they really like him, they'll probably have to take him there, because Miami is interested at No. 8.

Hey, Mary Kay: With Peyton Hillis gone, do you see the trade rumor of Ben Tate coming true? This could be the best move we make in FA if we do it! -- Matt Jaffe, New York, N.Y.

Hey, Matt: Not gonna happen. Even if the Browns wanted him, the Texans aren't dealing him.

Hey, Mary Kay: Why haven't the Browns targeted a running back or a wide receiver in free agency? -- Alex Smith, Shaker Heights

Hey, Alex: I'm guessing they pursued at least one of the bigger-name receivers but weren't prepared to shell out the big bucks. I'm also betting they'll draft a WR and RB in the early to middle rounds.

Hey, Mary Kay: With the way that free agency has focused more on defense, do you believe it's going to be a more offense-based draft? If so, is Trent Richardson a more impact pick at 4 than Justin Blackmon? -- Kyle Abernathy, Kansas City, Kan.

Hey, Kyle: I do think the Browns will take offensive weapons with at least two of their first three picks. As for Richardson vs. Blackmon, I'd go Blackmon in this pass-oriented offense. Even though he wouldn't touch the ball as much, defenses have to gameplan for him and he'd take pressure off Greg Little.

Hey, Mary Kay: What are the odds of Eric Steinbach returning to the Browns? Is there confidence he can play near the level he did prior to his injury? With him at LG, Jason Pinkston and Shawn Lauvao could compete at RG. Whoever loses out at RG can be further groomed behind Steinbach until he retires. -- Dave V., Akron

Hey, Dave: I doubt the Browns will re-sign Steinbach, who's coming off back surgery. They tried to reduce his $6 million salary before releasing him, and couldn't agree to terms. They're also set now on Pinkston at left guard.

Hey, Mary Kay: Pro Football Talk says the Browns have about 21.6 million left in cap space, where do you see them using the rest of that this year? -- Ryan Johnson, Cleveland

Hey, Ryan: First of all, teams can roll over cap space from one year to the next, so I don't think they'll spend it all. I also think the Browns will re-sign some of their core players to multi-year deals instead of overspending on other teams' castoffs.

Hey, Mary Kay: What's the latest on Marcus Benard? If his hand is healed, and he stays off motorcycles, he can still be a pass rusher. Have they offered him a deal? Is he still a Brown? -- Dave Miller, Windsor, Conn.

Hey, Dave: Benard is under contract for 2012 and the Browns will give him a chance to contribute. He's healing from his broken hand and other injuries from his motorcycle accident, and should be ready to participate in off-season activities.

-- Mary Kay

Lake Erie is winless in its last five (0-2-1-2). It has scored three goals in the last four.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In a fitting end to a compelling season series, the Monsters and Toronto Marlies produced off-the-charts entertainment value Saturday night at The Q.

The Marlies made it that much more enjoyable for themselves by slipping away with a 1-0 shootout victory. The Monsters (32-27-3-6) earned one point, but they very much needed two. They are on the fringe of the Calder Cup playoff putting surface with eight games remaining in their regular season.

Lake Erie is winless in its last five (0-2-1-2). It has scored three goals in the last four.

"It's hard to feel good when you lose, 1-0, in a shootout," Monsters coach David Quinn said, "but we have to feel good about the strides we made. We did a lot of good things offensively. I'm 100 percent sure that, if we do the things we did [Saturday], we'll score goals."

The Monsters have played in 12 consecutive one-goal games. They are 5-2-1-4 in that span.

Toronto (38-22-4-3) leads the Western Conference North Division. It went 6-3-1-0 against the Monsters, including victories in the last four.

That the finale featured minimal scoring made sense, given the goalie matchup. Lake Erie's Cedrick Desjardins and Toronto's Ben Scrivens are two of the AHL's best. Scrivens had a combined 36 saves in regulation and overtime, then was superb in the shootout. Four Lake Erie shooters did nothing against him while Toronto shooters beat Desjardins twice in three attempts.

In the opening minutes of the first period, the pace was fast and faster. It did not seem possible that the teams could keep it up, but they did. They mixed in physicality that, at least from referee Jeff Smith's perspective, managed to avoid crossing the line.

Smith simply did not feel the need to call penalties. His first penalty call came against Monsters winger David van der Gulik for kneeing in the final seconds of the second period. Each team finished with one penalty. That fact did not sit well with Quinn, who unloaded on Smith.

"It's a disgrace," Quinn said. "The referee didn't have enough respect for the game of hockey. What he allowed was ridiculous. That looked like 1974 out there based on what he let go. Both sides.

"It really ticks me off that the game was refereed the way it was. It's a shame. It's ridiculous. Your job is to call the rule book. I don't give a crap if I get fined."

Through two periods, seemingly every Monsters skater led at least one rush. The Monsters out-shot the Marlies, 26-19.

At 10:20 of the third, the Monsters got a bad break, then a good one, to keep the game scoreless. Former Monster Phil Dupuis' seemingly innocent dump along the left boards caromed out to the middle of the ice, where teammate Marcell Mueller was waiting. Mueller flicked a shot past Desjardins, but the puck went into a cage that had been knocked off its moorings moments earlier.

After a brief delay, Smith waved off the goal. Toronto coach Dallas Eakins appeared to take the overrule in stride.

Dupuis -- and several teammates -- thought he had scored the game's first goal with one minute left. But Dupuis' shot from the left circle through traffic clanged off the pipe.

Monsters defenseman Danny Richmond returned from injury and played superbly. He missed the previous eight games. Monsters defenseman Karl Stollery made his professional debut. He had played 37 games for Merrimack College this season.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Often-overlooked guard was a big-time performer after shaking off the effects of a cut about his right eye Saturday.

BOSTON -- Four stitches sewed the gash above Lenzelle Smith Jr.'s right eye closed before he rushed back to the Ohio State bench, barely able to see.

But even now, with the shooting eye that was so sharp at the morning's light practice focused again, with the Buckeyes' ticket to the Final Four punched after beating Syracuse, 77-70, he couldn't say he was feeling no pain.

"I still feel it," Smith said, after he scored 18 points that couldn't have been predicted unless you spied on the shootaround. If you had been there, you would have hoped it implied an even bigger evening than the 15 he scored on Cincinnati in the East semifinals Thursday.

"He made 25 3-pointers in a row from the corner this morning. I was counting," said coach Thad Matta.

The OSU sophomore missed five minutes of the first half after Syracuse's Brandon Triche made a spin move that resulted in his head slamming into Smith's eyebrow. "Busted it wide open," said Smith.

"He was pretty calm," said Ohio State team doctor Grant Jones, "especially after getting hit in the head and with blood all over the place."

Asked if he was told to hurry the patchwork, Jones said, "That was implied."

At first, the question seemed to be: Why bother? Smith missed all four of his shots in the first half, scoring only two points, both at the line. All hands had to be chipping in then, because Jared Sullinger was limited to only six minutes because of an unfathomably bad foul call that anchored him to the bench with two personals.

There was a reason for Smith's misses. His contact lens did not fit snugly into the swollen eye, and the lights of TD Garden seemed to be flaring like some crazy, out-of-season Fourth of July celebration.

"We had to change up our defense, because I couldn't see from the right side. So I started taking anybody on the left," Smith said.

A 29-29 halftime tie seemed like a victory for Ohio State with the foul trouble and the fallen eight-count Smith had taken, and everything else that had gone wrong. By the second half, though, it was like a new dawn for Smith. It was as it had been in the morning, when he simply could not miss.

He made all three of his three-pointers in the half, missed only twice in a half-dozen tries, and was the night's most sizzling southpaw on a team that includes Deshaun Thomas.

"I knew other teams would concentrate on Jared and Deshaun, so I packed my offensive game in my bag and took it with me," Smith said.

He buried a three from the sweet spot of the corner for a 38-33 lead. Then, with Matta worrying that Smith didn't have it at the moment after some loose plays, he swished another.

The third one, though, was the one to remember. This was a road game for the Buckeyes, with orange-clad Syracuse fans drowning out the hardy contingent of Ohio State supporters and most of the neutrals in what was Big East country for decades going with the Cuse, too.

With Syracuse down only 52-51 and over seven minutes remaining, the noise seemed to climb to a peak, then swelled even more. Each tick of the clock was a countdown to frustration as the Buckeyes passed and probed.

The long, athletic players in the Orange's 2-3 zone closed the passing lanes. Sullinger had no clearance. Thomas flashed to the middle of the lane, but Syracuse executes "slides" in its zone coverage the way a great base-stealer does in baseball. William Buford was again quiet, making only 3 of 12 shots after hitting his first two.

Smith had shown flashes before -- 17 points and 10 rebounds against Michigan, 28 points against Indiana. This time, When the Buckeyes needed a good look, or even any look at all, they went to the guy with the restored vision.

Smith uncoiled his third 3-pointer on the right wing. "I had my feet aligned real well all game. I was confident," he said. Splashdown came with 7:11 left on the game clock, 3 on the shot clock.

Suddenly, it was as though a giant "off" switch had been hit, silencing the crowd. OSU led, 55-51, and Syracuse had just mounted its biggest challenge.

"He hit a pretty tough three," said Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim. "We did a good job on everybody but him."

Smith's final basket was what is called a floater, a runner or a teardrop. It has to be soft and high and against a team like Syracuse, this one comes with a degree of difficulty of "surely you jest." It was another swish. OSU led, 62-55, and the game was down to shooting free throws. In the clutch, OSU could.

Sullinger was named the regional's top player, but Smith was the X-factor, taking up much of the slack for Buford.

Asked if he felt like the MVP for his handiwork on Smith, Dr. Jones said "I will not take the honor."

Smith could have, though.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

The New Orleans Saints bounty program gives NFL head disciplinarian Roger Goodell a bigger paddle than he's ever wielded, Bud Shaw writes in his Sunday Spin.

View full sizeAP fileRoger Goodell is proving he's an equal-opportunity judge, jury and executioner when it comes to changing the way the NFL plays its games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- They can gripe all they want, but the Complaint Department has been shut down...

NFL players have lost their right to complain about the heavy-handed punishments of Commissioner Roger Goodell, whose sentencing record suggests he keeps a sledgehammer handy inside Goodell Manor to deal with intruding house flies.

The complaint that Goodell had a different standard in punishing players is momentarily suspended in the wake of the discipline meted out to New Orleans head coach Sean Payton, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and Saints' GM Mickey Loomis. Goodell still works for the owners, of course. That always colors how the rank and file views him. But despite that, the Saints' ownership has learned along with everyone else there no exemptions on the safety issue, no matter Goodell's motivations.

Even if his punitive steps taken against New Orleans were spurred by former players suing the league over health and safety issues, his whacking of the Saints gives him some currency the next time players moan that he's out to get them and wants to change the way the game is played.

On that count, they'd be half right. He is out to change the way they play the game. Now the Saints' bounty system has given him an even bigger mandate. If the way they play the game includes incentives to go after each other's heads or knees for bonus pay, what argument can they possibly mount against Goodell?

So what if that was only the most extreme aspect of a pay-for-play system? So what if many players are like Browns' linebacker Scott Fujita, who say the plan offered incentives for big tackles, for interceptions, etc, that changed games and did not target players for injury? They handed Goodell a two-ton gavel. Now they can only hope he uses it judiciously.

Is Fujita different from Jonathan Vilma, reported to have offered bounties on specific players? Fujita would say so. If he paid out cash in a program that rewarded only big plays and not for causing injury, he has a case, but it's still against NFL rules and a suspension is no doubt in order.

As for future discipline for hits on defenseless receivers and helmet-to-helmet contact, players will continue to be fined and/or suspended sometimes for plays they can't avoid. Some won't like being told they can't return to games because of hits to the head. You'll hear them complain loudly.

What they can't argue anymore is that it's their choice to play a violent game and live with the consequences.

Former players suffering the consequences are suing the NFL. The Saints' bounty program is another reason for Goodell to determine that players need to be protected from themselves.

View full sizeAP fileAsdrubal Cabrera wasn't out of shape at all this spring. He just needed some exercise to ... you know ... get in shape.

SPINOFFS

Josh Cribbs' Saturday morning Tweet: "Vegas!!!" If it's not a coincidence that Mike Tyson is rehearsing a one-man show in Vegas these days, I think I've seen this movie...

The Indians insist Asdrubal Cabrera did not report to camp out of shape. He's just, you know, using camp to work himself into shape...

Running back Cedric Benson, no longer with the Bengals, helped an older woman across the street in Austin, Texas a few weeks ago. Checking out a rumor that he felt under-appreciated and quit halfway across...

Sen. Dick Durbin wants to set up a Judiciary Committee hearing about bounties in professional football and other major sports.

"Let's be real basic about it here," said Durbin, the assistant Senate majority leader. "If this activity were taking place off of a sporting field, away from a court, nobody would have a second thought [about whether it's wrong]."

Let's be even more basic. It did take place on a sporting field. And that sport's commissioner just handled it. Can we all chip in $1 and pay Congress to get something more important done?...

Semih Erden came from Boston to the Cavaliers. Now Ryan Hollins goes from the Cavaliers to the Celtics. Can we call a truce before one team really gets hurt here?...

Boston Red Sox reliever Bobby Jenks, on the 60-days disabled list, was arrested Friday and booked at 3:45 a.m. on five misdemeanors, including driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash. Jenks blamed a failed field sobriety test on taking "too many muscle relaxers."

He admitted he hit a car in the parking lot of "Babes" which, I'm assuming, is a 24-hour day-care center...

First-year Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine and GM Ben Cherington are said to be divided in a "power struggle" -- happily for those who took the Opening Day "under"...

If you're still wondering why the Indians hired Manny Acta instead of Valentine to work with new GM Chris Antonetti, stop...

The pancake house made famous by Tiger Woods near Orlando is closing to make way for a new upscale sports bar. Wrote Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, "Maybe there should have been a memorial booth where he used to sit and order his favorite breakfast -- legs benedict."...

Veteran safety Brian Dawkins tells Sirius XM NFL Radio of Bible study in Denver last year that included attempts to heal Dawkins' injured neck through prayer.

"In our Bible study sessions when my neck was pretty bad and I'm hurting, [Tim Tebow] along with our chaplain and [Broncos director of player development] Jerry Butler laid hands and prayed on me pretty good," Dawkins said. "They brought snot and tears to my eyes and all that type of good stuff with prayer."

Yet another reason for Peyton Manning to pick the Broncos...

Yankees' pitcher Joba Chamberlain suffered a nasty ankle dislocation while jumping on a trampoline with his son. Apologies to him for the fact that I heard "pro athlete" and "injury" and "trampoline" and automatically thought "Kardashian."

View full sizeAP fileJust two games away from glory, he inspires his mates to defend with honor.

The Houston Texans lost Mario Williams, linebacker DeMeco Ryans and offensive lineman Eric Winston this off-season, giving the Browns reason to feel good about their 2012 winter...

Diamondbacks' outfield prospect Adam Eaton mistakenly received six licensing checks worth at least $20,000 each meant for former pitcher Adam Eaton, according to the Arizona Republic.

Confession: In an attempt to cash in, I once spent a day under the officially changed name of Adam "Pacman" Jones and received six summons and a call from the Bengals...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Aaron Craft and Shia LeBouf -- Matthew Bonanno

HE SAID IT

View full sizeAP fileDon't know if he can play hoops, but he does have an Indiana Jones.

"Why can't that happen here?" -- Ubaldo Jimenez, on the 2007 Colorado Rockies' unlikely run to the World Series.

If you couldn't already tell, he's new around town.

HE SAID WHAT?

"I think we can win the pennant." -- Washington Nationals' manager Davey Johnson.

The Nats are expected to hold the parade on Dec. 22, according to the Mayans.

SHE SAID IT

"We need more men like him in this world," an older woman helped across an Austin, Texas street by often-troubled Cedric Benson.

That was the Bengals' talent-acquisition philosophy for years.

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Sunday Edition)

"Hey Bud:

"What do you say to offering cash for exceptionally petulant questions in Sports Spin?" -- Tom Hoffner, Broadview Heights

I thought it was obvious by now that for me "Spin" is a labor of love, without, you know, the love part.

"Bud:

"If all the PD sports reporters who are eligible for Social Security retired simultaneously, would it bankrupt the system?" -- Keith, Cleveland

No worries. The PD makes us sign an agreement not to retire until the Browns win a Super Bowl or "You said it" gets funny.

"Bud:

"Since Sean Payton has to stay away from professional football for a year, how long before the Browns make him an offer?" -- Jeff, Westlake

I saw that coming like a seven-yard route on third-and-9.

"Dear Bud:

"In the last election, the people picked 'hope and change' over 'staying the course.' I guess we know how Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert voted." -- Vince G, Cincinnati

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

"Bud:

"Now that Tim Tebow is with the Jets, will New York be known as the Big Chapel?" -- Michael Sarro

Repeat winners do not receive dispensation.

"Hey Bud:

"Is it true an NFL investigation has determined that some teams routinely fined their players for game-ending injuries on Cleveland Browns quarterbacks?" -- Pat

Some repeat winners get tested for concussions.

On Twitter: @budshaw

More than 2,000 Indians game tickets were on the block Saturday at the Harry Buffalo restaurant in Cleveland as a group of Tribe fans held their annual ticket draft.

Lonnie Timmons III, The Plain DealerThese are among the 2,268 tickets that are given to 117 members of a ticket draft after they choose their games for the 2012 season.

But no bets were laid and no laws broken during the all-day event on Saturday. In fact no one even turned a profit except for the bar and grill that housed the event.

It was the 20th anniversary for the annual ticket draft. It has 117 members, and five of the original 16 are still involved, said organizer Thom Foley.

Foley, of Cortland, is in charge of obtaining season tickets for 28 seats in a variety of sections. Sometimes he can upgrade to better seats if another season ticket holder doesn't renew.

Thus the quality of the seats and the process by which the 81 home games are allotted have evolved.

Participants pay a fee and commit to buying so many seats in specific sections, ranging from prime field box locations to more modestly priced locations. They can buy two or four tickets per game.

Each section is a separate draft. The order in which participants get to claim specific dates is determined by a random computerized selection process.

View full sizeLonnie Timmons III, The Plain DealerJeff Jordan of Hartville waits for the 20th annual draft to begin on Saturday.

"We used to pull them out of the hat," said Foley, who teaches business at Kent State University's Twinsburg and Geauga County campuses.

Game dates in June and July go fastest, and weekend games go more quickly than weekdays. And certain opponents -- like the New York Yankees -- are big draws.

"It's a way for people to get season-ticket prices without having to get 81 tickets," Foley said. The prices are about 20 percent less than at the box office. One further cost saving is that everyone pays the same price regardless of the game, even though games in April cost less than those in July or August.

On the annual ticket draft day, some people step in for others who can't participate because of scheduling conflicts. The process, and the costs, are spread evenly over the whole group, and so are the chances of getting the best seats.

But Foley wouldn't call it socialized baseball.

"There are no politics here," he said. "It's a mix of people who just love the game."

Members are from all over Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and what Foley calls "that state to the north."

If awards were given Saturday, Steve Jackson might have won the Most Loyal Tribe Fan. He just moved to Philadelphia but bought 100 tickets -- that is, four seats at 25 home games. Will he come back for all them? "Yes," he said. "And some Browns games, too."

Jeff Pinnick of Wooster is one of the newest members of the draft. He works in retail at a Best Buy store and is studying business management at Ashland University. "I can't afford all the home games," he said. "But I can handle four."

Each member purchases two or four tickets for about eight games a season.

Pete Raphael, an emergency room doctor at Euclid Hospital, found his way into the group three years ago, he said, after inquiring on Facebook. Saturday found him a bit groggy because he had just finished an overnight shift.

Word of mouth is a great feeder, too.

Foley pointed to a woman whose family runs a monument business. "They got in through someone who owns a cemetery," he said. " And they got in through someone who owns a funeral home."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jewinger@plaind.com, 216-999-3905

The referees were the big losers on Saturday night.

BOSTON -- Four things I think after the East Regional final.

1. The referees were the big losers on Saturday night.

There's only so much fan complaint about the refs that anyone can take, but everyone was mad at them in this game. OSU coach Thad Matta asked the TV broadcasters whether Jared Sullinger's second foul was really a foul, when it didn't look like one. Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim drew a technical foul -- he said it was his first in three years -- when angered by a charge call that looked like a block on the Buckeyes.

College basketball analysts were ripping the officiating all over Twitter, and even current Dayton assistant and former OSU video coordinator Kevin Kuwik commented about the whistle-happy officials. When Ohio State was called for a foul late in the first half, the Syracuse fans cheered derisively, and it happened again early in the second half.

The Buckeyes were called for 20 fouls, while Syracuse was called for 29. Ohio State was 31 of 42 at the line (74 percent), while Syracuse was 20 of 25 (80 percent).

"No comment," Boeheim said when asked about the officiating.

Regardless of the foul numbers, when it came to the officiating in general, the game deserved better.

2. High quality game anyway.

3. So Chris Jent is heading to his Final Four, the only way he vowed he would ever attend one.

I wrote about Jent on Saturday and the shot he missed 20 years ago for the Buckeyes as they lost in overtime to Michigan in a regional final. Jent ended his Ohio State career in tears in the locker room, one game short of the Final Four, and after the win Saturday, he explained that he promised himself he'd never go to the Final Four unless he earned it on a team.

Now he has.

"Obviously we have love and passion for Ohio State, and that's what brought me into the fray, along with wanting to work with Coach Matta," Jent said standing on the court in the midst of the celebration. "To do this with The Ohio State University has been phenomenal."

Then Matta called to Jent to stop talking and come cut down a part of the net.

4. When Ohio State played and lost at Kansas, 78-67, in December, it was disappointing that Jared Sullinger couldn't play because of his back injury. Everyone wanted to see the matchup between Sullinger and Kansas big man All-American Thomas Robinson. Now it will happen if the Jayhawks beat North Carolina.

If the Tar Heels win, I think they are a tougher matchup for Ohio State with the size of their front line, though if UNC point guard Kendall Marshall still can't play at the Final Four, the backcourt edge would go to Ohio State.

Freshman Amir Williams was almost unbelievably good after OSU's Jared Sullinger and Evan Ravenel got into foul trouble.

BOSTON -- Four things I think about the NCAA Tournament.

1. The refs got it wrong most of the first half, but the egregious charging call on which Jim Boeheim drew a technical was not as bad as the "air" foul on Jared Sullinger. That forced Thad Matta to bench Sully with two personals the last 13 1/2 minutes.

2. Amir Williams was almost unbelievably good after Sullinger and Evan Ravenel got into foul trouble. The 6-11 freshman had four points, three rebounds and two blocks in nine minutes. He allowed OSU to fight another half. If Will Buford keeps slumping, would Matta possibly consider the freshman, who averaged only 10 minutes per game, in the Final Four in a pairing at times with Sullinger?

3. So maybe MSU's Tom Izzo was right? After the Spartans shut down OSU in Columbus, his team looked like it had an answer for everything the Buckeyes tried.

"I still think they're the best team in the Big Ten," said Izzo. At the time, it seemed to be sweet-talking a rival and deflecting attention from Izzo's own team. But the Buckeyes are the only ones still playing from the league now.

4. Lenzelle Smith Jr. wears the name "Smith Jr." on the back of his jersey, which seems odd because his father, after all, is not in the Buckeyes' lineup. Smith Jr. said it is to make sure he doesn't get his mail mixed up with letters to the elder Smith. It seems a prudent step, given the fan mail that is sure to come now.

Little-used big man provided an inside presence when Ohio State desperately needed it in the first half Saturday.

View full sizeMichael Dwyer, Associated PressThis Amir Williams dunk was an offensive bonus, but the freshman's impact on defense was a big part of Ohio State weathering Jared Sullinger's foul trouble in the first half of Saturday's East Region final against Syracuse.

BOSTON -- Amir Williams had played 12 minutes in his previous nine games, but when Jared Sullinger's second foul in the first half Saturday night was followed by Evan Ravenel's second foul in the first half, the freshman OSU forward got the call against Syracuse.

"It was one of the biggest moments for me ever," Williams said, "going in and having a chance to factor in to going to the Final Four. That was one of the greatest things ever and I was just excited to be a part of it."

Williams seldom looks excited, and at moments he can actually look overwhelmed by the moment and uncertain of how to handle himself on the court. He looked that way for a few minutes Saturday night. Then he started rebounding. And blocking shots. And getting to the foul line, even though he missed three of four free throws. And making a quick, sharp pass to Deshaun Thomas inside.

Overall, he had three points, four rebounds and two blocks in nine first-half minutes before not playing in the second half.

"I think he gave us energy, he gave us blocks and rebounds and he played really well," Thomas said. "That's what we needed off the bench."

There was a time earlier this season when I thought Williams was going to start getting more time. That didn't happen. But assuming Sullinger leaves for the NBA, which is a reasonable assumption, Williams will be the starting center next season.

"Amir always had talent," Sullinger said. "Unfortunately he's playing behind me and Evan, so watch out for him next year."

Though he's not nearly as smooth or skilled as Sullinger on offense, the 6-11 Williams has a chance to be more of a difference maker on the defensive end. Depending how games unfold, he could even play that role in the Final Four. He clearly made it more difficult for the Syracuse guards to drive and get good looks at the basket Saturday.

"That's just me being at the rim and being able to defend the pick and roll," Williams said. "That's something we talked about all season. I was just happy to do that again."

'Cuse didn't capitalize: Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim was glad to get Sullinger in foul trouble, forcing him to play just six minutes in the first half, but wasn't happy his team didn't take better advantage of the situation.

"You know when he comes back in he's going to be difficult," Boeheim said. "But I thought the first half it got away from us. We got down 10, we made an unbelievable comeback, got it to one. All year we've been able to make a play in that situation, and we just didn't.

"I think we took a couple bad pull-up jumpers. Ohio State is a very good defensive team with or without Sully, but they might be better without him. ... But we just didn't play well offensively in that time period."

Goodbye Craft: OSU point guard Aaron Craft picked up all five of his fouls in the second half and fouled out with 48.8 seconds to play and the Buckeyes ahead by four. That brought freshman point guard Shannon Scott off the bench for his first action of the game, and Craft, who had five points, four assists and four rebounds, gathered his teammates before he left the court.

"I had a couple words for everybody, but I don't know if they were too good," Craft said. "I was just trying to keep us all together, help everyone understand the game wasn't over. We had great confidence in Shannon. I harass him every day in practice, so I hope that helps him when he gets in games like this."

The Buckeyes did not turn the ball over after Craft left and hit nine of 10 free throws to put the win away.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Even with a bizarre sequence of events that cost Tiger Woods a comfortable lead Saturday, he walked off the 18th green at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as close as he has ever been to ending 30 months without a PGA Tour victory. He had a one-shot lead, and no one in golf has a more...

Associated PressTiger Woods watches the path of his tee shot on the 16th hole during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament at Bay Hill in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, March 24, 2012.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Even with a bizarre sequence of events that cost Tiger Woods a comfortable lead Saturday, he walked off the 18th green at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as close as he has ever been to ending 30 months without a PGA Tour victory.

He had a one-shot lead, and no one in golf has a more formidable record as a frontrunner.

He was hitting the ball so well that Woods had the putter in his hand for a birdie attempt on 38 consecutive holes.

And he was at Bay Hill, where he already has won six times.

"If you're in the lead, you've done some good things," Woods said after recovering from a late double bogey for a 1-under 71. "That's how I've always looked at it. And it's a nice position to be in."

Better yet would be posing with Palmer in a trophy presentation.

But there's still one round to go before that happens, and a familiar face alongside him in the final group.

Graeme McDowell, the former U.S. Open champion who rallied from four shots behind to beat Woods in the Chevron World Challenge at the end of 2010, didn't make a birdie until the 17th hole but kept bogeys off his card for a 71.

"There's a fair bit of expectations on Tiger," McDowell said. "He's looking to complete the comeback tomorrow, because there's no doubt he's playing great. He's got the ball under control. But he's got to go out there and try to win tomorrow, the same way I do and a lot of other players that have got the opportunity to win."

It will be the 40th time Woods has taken the lead into the final round on the PGA Tour. He has failed to win just twice, one of those times as a 20-year-old in his third start as a pro.

Woods was more interested in winning for the 72nd time on tour than the 30 months it has taken to get to this point.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I'm looking forward to getting out there and playing and competing again," Woods said. "As far as what it would mean? It would mean No. 72. Not a bad number, either."

Woods last won a PGA Tour event at the BMW Championship on Sept. 13, 2009. He won in Australia two months later to close out his season, but his life changed forever a short time later in perhaps the most spectacular downfall of any athlete.

That all seems to be such a distant memory, even two weeks ago when he withdrew in the middle of the final round at Doral with tightness in his left Achilles tendon.

Woods cut a more familiar figure Saturday.

"It was a solid day," said Woods, who was at 11-under 205. "Just happened to have one little fluke thing where a kid passed out."

He had a four-shot lead after a birdie on the 13th hole when he made what he called his one bad swing, pulling his tee shot into a buried lie in the bunker on the 14th for a bogey.

On the 15th tee, an 18-year-old passed out and a woman screamed when she saw it — all while Woods was in the middle of his swing. He was too far along to stop, and hooked his tee shot out-of-bounds near a swimming pool.

That led to a double bogey, and McDowell tied him for the lead with his birdie on the 17th. Woods, however, hit a daring shot out of the fairway bunker and over the water to 20 feet for a two-putt birdie on the 16th to regain the lead.

Woods was runner-up at the Honda Classic three weeks ago when he closed with a 62, though he never had the outright lead. He was in the second-to-last group at Pebble Beach, though he closed with a 75 and watched Phil Mickelson rally for the win.

This time, it's all on him.

And he'll be alongside McDowell, who last August was asked whether Woods' mystique had eroded. Woods had not played for three months because of leg injuries, and McDowell was asked if that red shirt meant anything.

"That's his trademark," McDowell said. "Really, I think that's all it is right now. What it means to him is obviously a different thing. What it means to the rest of us ... it's not really something to be intimidated by anymore."

McDowell is aware how well Woods is playing, and how dominant Woods can be in the game. His focus was on a Bay Hill course that was dry, firm and reminiscent of some U.S. Open setups.

"The golf course is going to be the main competitor tomorrow," McDowell said.

Indeed, it might not be just them.

Ernie Els rekindled his hopes of getting into the Masters with six birdies in a round of 67 that left him only three shots behind. Ian Poulter had a 68 and also was tied for third, while Charles Howell III (68) and Sony Open winner Johnson Wagner (69) were four behind.

Els is No. 62 in the world and needs to crack the top 50 after Sunday to get an invitation to Augusta. He could get there by finishing alone in third place — provided Matteo Manassero doesn't win in Morocco on the European Tour, or Howell doesn't finish alone in second place at Bay Hill.

It gets complicated with the world ranking, even without a calculator. Els hasn't even bothered to do the math.

"I know I've got to finish ... really, almost winning. I've got to almost win, or something like that," Els said. "But if I'm in, I'm in. And if I'm not, I'm just glad my game is coming around. Whatever happens, I feel like I can have a good year now. I feel like the hard work is starting to pay off."

Els rolled in a 30-foot birdie putt on the ninth hole for a 32 on the front, getting him into the picture. His lone lapse came on the 15th, and he did well to escape with bogey. His ball was sitting slightly down in a fairway bunker, and Els hit the lip with his approach, the ball coming back into the sand. He blasted the next out onto the green and two-putted.

But he birdied the 16th, got up-and-down from a front bunker on the 17th, and knocked in a 15-foot birdie on the 18th. Even then, he was five shots behind against Woods, his longtime nemesis and a six-time at Bay Hill.

"I don't want to talk too badly about Tiger, but hope he makes a couple of bogeys and I have a bit of a chance tomorrow," Els said.

He laughed — and he got his wish.

Charlie Wi was tied with Woods for the 36-hole lead, but not for long. He started off pushing his shots to the right, made three bogeys out of the gate and fell back. Wi wound up with a 76 and was five shots behind.

He wasn't the only one.

Jason Dufner, who turned 35 on Saturday, had a birthday to forget. After driving into the water on the par-5 sixth and making double bogey, he followed with three straight bogeys for a 42 on the front nine. He shot 77.

Bubba Watson was hanging around until he three-putted from just outside 3 feet for double bogey on the 11th. Doral winner Justin Rose twice made bogey on par 5s in a 74. Vijay Singh and Sergio Garcia each shot 75.

McDowell was the only player who never left the lead pack, even though he made only one birdie. He got some help from Woods in the final hour, however, and now gets another shot at him.

"The atmosphere is going to be fantastic out there tomorrow, due to him being in the mix," McDowell said.

It was only a seven-pitch test, but closer Chris Perez passed it with ease Saturday in a minor-league game. Manager Manny Acta is confident Perez will be ready for Opening Day.

View full sizeMark Duncan, Associated PressIndians infielder Andy LaRoche got the worst of this collision with the Dodgers' Mark Ellis in the sixth inning of Saturday's game in Glendale, Ariz. LaRoche was doubled up on a ground ball hit by Ryan Spilborghs.

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- It was only seven pitches, but they were seven important pitches for Chris Perez and the Indians.

Perez, in his first official game of spring training, retired three straight batters Saturday morning in a minor-league game on Field 3 at the Indians' training complex. He faced Tribe minor leaguers Delvi Cid, Tyler Holt and Tony Wolters. Cid grounded out to short. Holt sent a long drive to center that Trevor Crowe caught on the dead run. Wolters sent a grounder to first with Perez covering the bag for the final out.

"Chris looked good," said manager Manny Acta. "The impressive thing is that even when he was throwing his bullpens and facing hitters in simulated games before this, he had command of his slider. He was able to backdoor it against lefties.

"Unless he takes a step back, and I'm not anticipating that, he's going to be ready to go."

Acta is talking about Perez being ready for the season opener on April 5. When he strained his left oblique during his first bullpen session of spring training on Feb. 23, Opening Day was in doubt.

"The next step, as you're familiar with, [head trainer] Lonnie Soloff will re-evaluate him and we'll make a decision on whether he pitches another minor-league game or he'll pitch in a Cactus League game," said Acta.

Acta would have liked to seen Perez throw more pitches, but other than that, "it was everything you want to see."

Ready to go: Derek Lowe returned to his regular off-season conditioning program this winter. He strayed from it before the 2011 season and the results were not good. Lowe lost 17 games with the Braves last year before they traded him to the Indians.

"I played catch up all last year and I never caught up," said Lowe, who said he weighed 220 pounds at the end of last season. He gained 20 this winter and is back to his normal playing weight.

In Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Dodgers, he allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings. He struck out four and didn't walk a batter.

"I'm ready to go," said Lowe, referring to the regular season. "This is the first game that has felt like an actual game. Mentally, you know you're going to be out there long enough to continue to make pitches. You know you're not going to be out there just two or three innings.

"They had their whole regular team out there. It was good. I didn't walk anyone. I was happy with it. You're going to give up runs and hits and all that fun stuff, but for the most part when there was a possibility for a big inning we were able to get the key third out."

Bad news: Infielder Cristian Guzman, who strained his right hamstring Friday night against the Angels, will miss at least a week. It's doubtful Guzman would have made the final 25-man roster, but the injury seals his fate.

Said Acta, "It's not looking good right now."

"I felt like everything was coming together, my arm, my body, and then Friday night happens," said Guzman. "My timing was not good, but it's OK. I hope it's only a couple of days."

Guzman, hitting .217 (5-for-23), did not play last year because of a sore right shoulder.

Injuries are us: Veteran outfielder Freddy Lewis is out with a sore right elbow and might be out of the race in left field. ... Jack Hannahan (back) and Michael Brantley (right hamstring) took batting practice with the regular Saturday. Hannahan could be back at third base Sunday against the Cubs.

Ouch: Jason Donald and Jose Lopez have drawn the most attention when it comes to who will make the Indians as a utility infielder, but Andy LaRoche has had a good spring as well. He singled home a run in the second inning Saturday and then slid head first into a knee at second base while trying to break up a double play in the sixth.

"LaRoche is OK," said Acta. "He's been good this spring. He's done a nice job for us."

Finally: Jeanmar Gomez will face Cubs right-hander Rodrigo Lopez on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET. WMMS FM/100.7 will carry the game. MLB Network will show a delayed broadcast of the game at 7 a.m. on Monday.

The answer is clear -- the Browns didn't think anyone but RGIII would have been that much of an upgrade over Colt McCoy.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerColt McCoy isn't Robert Griffin III, but the Browns clearly consider him a better alternative than some of the free-agent QBs on the market, and that included new Seattle QB Matt Flynn, says Terry Pluto.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Between spring training and an NFL season that never really ends, I'm ...

Talking to myself about the Browns

QUESTION: Is Colt McCoy really going to be the Browns' starting quarterback?

ANSWER: At least on opening day, unless there is a shocking move to come.

Q: How did the Browns end up back with McCoy?

A: There's no reason to rehash the old hash about what the Browns did or didn't offer for the No. 2 pick and Robert Griffin III. Their point is they tried to move into the top two of the draft for a shot at the Baylor QB -- or Andrew Luck if the Colts stunned everyone and selected Griffin.

Q: But why McCoy?

A: You mean why not someone such as Matt Flynn? He signed a rather modest contract with Seattle -- three years, $19.5 million. It has an $8 million signing bonus/salary for 2012. In 2013, it's $5.25M. In 2014, it's $6.25M. Of the $19.5M, $10M is guaranteed.

Q: So why didn't the Browns sign him?

A: The answer is clear -- they don't think he's much of an upgrade. They looked at the two games (yes, only two) that he started for the Packers and thought he showed the ability to start in the NFL. But they were not sold on him. They haven't said this in a press conference, but their actions spoke loudly. They gave defensive end Frostee Rucker a five-year, $20.5 million deal with $8M guaranteed, so it wasn't money or cap space.

Q: Do you think Flynn is better than McCoy?

A: Who knows? He played two great games for a great team. But my point with this story is to figure out what the Browns are doing with their quarterbacks.

Q: This is news?

A: This is thinking about the news. The Browns didn't go after Flynn. They didn't go after Chad Henne ($6.5M, two years, Jacksonville) or any other free-agent quarterbacks, such as Jason Campbell ($3.5M, Bears) or Kyle Orton ($10.5M, three years, Dallas). The only quarterback move they made was the attempt to trade up in the draft.

Q: Meaning what?

A: They are sincere when they say McCoy should make some significant steps from 2011, in his second season in the same offense and coaching staff. They believe he had some trouble learning the West Coast Offense (WCO), partly because the lockout meant there were no minicamps, etc. They believe he is better than those free agents (OK, not Peyton Manning) who were available.

Q: How does McCoy feel about the Browns trying to trade for a quarterback?

A: The Browns have talked to McCoy. He knows it's a business. Look at all the teams that talked to Manning. The job is still his, and he has a new offensive coordinator in Brad Childress to help him with Pat Shurmur's offense.

Q: So they won't draft a quarterback?

A: Just the opposite, they probably will draft a quarterback, but I doubt it will be Ryan Tannehill at No. 4. They absolutely must use that pick on an impact player -- even if they trade down a few notches. The quarterback could be Brandon Weeden or someone else lower in the draft -- but McCoy is the starter.

Q: Didn't they say there would be a quarterback competition in training camp? What about Seneca Wallace?

A: Wallace will be 32 in August. He has a 6-15 record as a starter, 1-6 with the Browns. His stats were even worse than McCoy's last year. It makes no sense to start Wallace. In fact, the Browns should ask themselves if he is the right guy as a backup, because he has been unhappy in that role -- and it seems he wasn't exactly a lot of help to McCoy.

Q: What would you do?

A: I'd find another backup quarterback, but I'm not sure what they will do.

Q: If McCoy is the guy for this season, are they ever going to get him some help?

A: You mean like a right tackle, a running back, a couple of receivers? I'm hoping for a real big draft day, because those are huge holes that need to be filled.

About the Indians

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerGiven a chance to win the third-base job, Lonnie Chisenhall has not be able to improve his high strikeout numbers during spring training.

1. From the start of spring training, the plan was for Lonnie Chisenhall to prove that he should open at third base by having a big spring where he showed better defense and more plate discipline -- cutting down strikeouts and adding walks. Otherwise, Jack Hannahan would start. Well, otherwise appears to be the case as Hannahan is expected to be named the Tribe's Opening Day third baseman, with Chisenhall sent back to the minors.

2. This spring, Chisenhall has one walk compared with 15 strikeouts in 34 plate appearances. He's hitting .242 (.537 OPS) with no homers and three RBI. There has not been the progress that the Tribe hoped for, and they believe Chisenhall is pressing and needs to go to Columbus to be more patient at the plate.

3. Last season, Chisenhall had only eight walks compared to 49 strikeouts in 220 plate appearances for the Tribe. He hit .255 (.699 OPS) with seven homers and 22 RBI. He had some nice moments, and some weeks when he looked like a 22-year-old in his first trip to the majors.

4. This is not about writing off Chisenhall, 23. He only hit .267 (.784 OPS) with seven homers and 45 RBI in 255 at-bats for Columbus, so it's not as if he destroyed International League pitching a year ago. Most players need at least one return trip to the minors before establishing themselves in the majors.

5. The 32-year-old Hannahan had to battle to make the team last season, and third base is not promised for the entire year. But he was superb with the glove for the Tribe, and batted a surprising (for him) .250 with eight homers and 40 RBI (.719 OPS). The Indians consider him a Gold Glove-caliber fielder, critical to their defense.

6. The Tribe also thinks the infield defense will be above average (after being below average the last few years). Hannahan and new first baseman Casey Kotchman are outstanding in the field. Asdrubal Cabrera is solid at short, and Jason Kipnis is improving at second. A year ago, they opened with Hannahan and Asdrubal Cabrera on the left side of the infield, so that remains the same. The Tribe believes Kipnis has much better range than 2011 opening second baseman Orlando Cabrera. Matt LaPorta is a below average first baseman.

7. If Jeanmar Gomez (11 scoreless innings) continues to pitch well, and Kevin Slowey (6.75 ERA) continues to struggle, the Indians will not hesitate to send Slowey to the minors. Yes, Slowey was 35-20 for the Twins from 2008-10, but he was 0-8 with a 6.67 ERA in 2011. He had injuries last season, but supposedly is healthy now. The Tribe is paying $1.25 million of Slowey's contract, and the 27-year-old has minor-league options left. So they can send him to Columbus and hope he pulls himself together.

8. Gomez has been so strong, there also is talk to putting him in the bullpen to pitch in middle relief. They believe he has the control and temperament to do it. It seems Gomez will make the team in some fashion.

9. The Indians want Carlos Santana to improve his defense behind the plate, to really work with pitchers and concentrate more on blocking balls in the dirt. The average major-league catcher's throws arrive at second base in 2.0 seconds. Santana has had a few in 1.85, but direction is just as important -- his throws sometimes sail high. Lou Marson's average is 1.92, but the key to making him one of the best throwing catchers in baseball is how his throws are right on the bag, knee high -- ideal for an infielder to catch and apply the tag.

10. Asdrubal Cabrera has been working extra to take off the added weight (the Indians don't say how much) that he gained in the off-season. He is playing well, but the Tribe believes he can finish stronger if he stays in better condition. Cabrera batted .244 (.729 OPS) with 11 HR and 41 RBI after the All-Star break compared to .293 (.946 OPS) with 14 HR and 51 RBI in the first half.

11. The Plain Dealer will have its annual Opening Day breakfast on April 5. It's $25 a person from 7:30-9 a.m. at The Plain Dealer. There will be a breakfast buffet with door prizes. I will be there along with Dennis Manoloff and Paul Hoynes. Call 216-999-4028.

About the Cavaliers

View full sizeDuane Burleson, Associated PressManny Harris isn't a top NBA prospect, but Terry Pluto doesn't believe there's much reason not to give the former Michigan star regular minutes for the rest of the Cavaliers' season.

1. In the first 11 games of March, Anthony Parker is averaging 5.8 points, shooting 41 percent from the field, 35 percent on 3-pointers. In those 11 games, he's averaging 27 minutes. Only once has he scored more than seven points. He has been to the foul line only 11 times, making four free throws.

2. Parker will be 37 on June 19. He has battled back problems and clearly is not part of the franchise's future. If Byron Scott still wants to start him, that's fine. But cut the minutes way back. Lately, he has been on the court for 30 minutes a game, and doesn't do much. He is easy to defend because he seldom drives to the basket -- he's a stand-still jump shooter. Nor is he a great defender or passer. He also doesn't move as if he's close to 100 percent physically.

3. This is not about Manny Harris being a future star and being held back by Parker and Scott. It is about how Harris is an interesting prospect, as is Donald Sloan. The Cavs must find out if either (or both) can play next season. They need a backup point behind Kyrie Irving. They have no shooting guard. Daniel Gibson is a backup, and he's had a miserable shooting season. That's an issue, because Gibson's strength is his shooting, but he's at 35 percent from the field this season.

4. Some fans want all the veterans to sit ... but Antawn Jamison has been an asset with his attitude, rebounding and scoring. Yes, his shooting is streaky (42 percent). On the season, he's averaging 18.4 points, 6.7 rebounds in 33 minutes a game. He's at 21.9 points in March. He takes some of the offensive load off Irving, who doesn't always have to create a shot as the 24-second clock ticks town.

5. That's part of the problem when the Cavs have Gibson and Parker on the court (especially together) with Omri Casspi at small forward. None can create their own shot when a play breaks down. It appears Harris has some of that ability. Let's see if he can help. And let's definitely see if Sloan can be the backup point guard. This is how the Cavs learned Alonzo Gee was a keeper last season -- they gave him an opportunity.

6. With Tristan Thompson at center and Jamison at power forward, that creates minutes for Samardo Samuels (another interesting prospect). That's especially true as it appears Anderson Varejao will be out at least two more weeks, while Ryan Hollins was bought out (and signed by Boston). Semih Erden has not shown enough to earn regular minutes off the bench.

Cavs and Suns tip off at 3 p.m. on FSO.

APByron Scott and the Cavaliers take on the Phoenix Suns today at 3 p.m. on Fox Sports Ohio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's sports TV and radio listings

AUTO RACING

12:30 p.m. Grand Prix of St. Petersburg WEWS

2:30 p.m. Auto Club 400 WJW

BASEBALL

1 p.m. MLB, Miami vs. Tampa Bay MLBN

4 p.m. MLB, Texas vs. L.A. Angels MLBN

4:05 p.m. MLB, INDIANS vs. Chicago Cubs WGN; FM/100.7

CYCLING

11 p.m. Criterium International, final stage (tape) NBCSN

GOLF

9 a.m. Trophee Hassan II Golf Channel

1 p.m. Arnold Palmer Invitational Golf Channel

2:30 p.m. Arnold Palmer Invitational WKYC

2:30 p.m. Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic Golf Channel

7 p.m. Kia Classic Golf Channel

HOCKEY

5 p.m. NHL, Minnesota at Washington NBCSN

7:30 p.m. NHL, Nashville at Chicago NBCSN

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

2:10 p.m. NCAA regional final WOIO

4:45 p.m. NCAA regional final WOIO

MEN'S COLLEGE HOCKEY

5:30 p.m. NCAA tourney, Minnesota/Boston U. vs. W. Michigan/N. Dakota ESPNU

8 p.m. NCAA tourney, Boston College/Air Force vs. Minn.-Duluth/Maine ESPNU

NBA

3 p.m. CAVALIERS vs. Suns FSO, NBATV; AM/1100

8 p.m. Miami at Oklahoma City ESPN

10:30 p.m. Memphis at L.A. Lakers ESPN

RUGBY

2:30 p.m. Sevens World Series NBCSN

SOCCER

4 p.m. MLS, Colorado at New York ESPN

WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Noon NCAA regional semifinal ESPN

2:30 p.m. NCAA regional semifinal ESPN2

4:30 p.m. NCAA regional semifinal ESPN2

7 p.m. NCAA regional semifinal ESPN2

The Cavaliers host Phoenix this afternoon, hoping to get back on the winning path. Get a preview and follow in-game updates from @pdcavsinsider on Twitter. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

Associated PressSteve Nash looks to lead the Phoenix Suns to another win this afternoon against the Cavaliers.

(AP) -- Steve Nash matched a season high in assists during the Phoenix Suns' last game, leading his team to a much-needed win.

The scuffling Cleveland Cavaliers may want to take a lesson from the Suns' eight-time All-Star.

Phoenix looks to carry that momentum into the finale of a four-game road trip Sunday against Cleveland, loser of five of six.

After opening this trek with back-to-back losses at Miami and Orlando, the Suns (24-24) bounced back with Friday's 113-111 win at Indiana. Marcin Gortat and Grant Hill combined for 45 points while Nash scored 12 and had 17 assists.

"It would have been real tough to go 0-for-4 on this trip or go into the Cleveland game 0-and-3 and put all that pressure on ourselves," said Nash, who leads the league with 11.2 assists per game. "We got some good feelings back. Got some confidence back. So we've got a big game in Cleveland we've got to win."

Phoenix is tied for the second-best record in the league since the All-Star break, going 10-4 to become a factor in the Western Conference playoff race.

The Cavaliers (17-28), in contrast, appear to be headed in the opposite direction. Cleveland was handed its 11th loss in 15 games Friday, falling 93-80 at Orlando.

The Cavaliers trailed by 15 at the break, and despite cutting the deficit to seven late in the third quarter, couldn't get any closer.

"It was one of those games guys, where I thought; it's not Wall Street. It's not the stock market. You can't have the lulls we had. When we started off, we didn't play hard," coach Byron Scott said. "Then we started playing real hard. Then we went down again. We just can't do that. We're not good enough to afford ourselves that luxury of trying to play that way, especially against a good team."

Though shooting just 37.8 percent certainly didn't help, some of Cleveland's struggles Friday can be attributed to posting a season-low 10 assists. The Cavaliers are 4-20 when recording 20 assists or fewer and 13-8 when compiling at least 21.

"I just feel like we have to make regular basketball plays. When we are making plays for each other, it opens up opportunities for others on our team," said rookie point guard Kyrie Irving, who had 13 points and six assists. "There were times we became stagnate (Friday), but it happens. We just have to go back to the lab and work on getting better offensively and defensively. It is just about peaks and valleys right now. We have to have a consistent effort."

Irving had one of his better games when the teams met Jan. 12, scoring 26 points to go along with six assists as Cleveland overcame 16 points and 15 assists from Nash in a 101-90 road win. Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao, currently out with a broken wrist, had 17 rebounds in that game while Antawn Jamison scored 23 points.

Daniel Gibson, who had 10 points in the first meeting, is uncertain to be available after missing Cleveland's last two contests with a sprained ankle.

The Cavaliers have been limited to 40.8 percent shooting in dropping six of seven at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Suns have lost five of seven in the series, with both wins coming in a two-game sweep last season.

Andy LaRoche and Jose Lopez putting up good numbers in race for utility infielder's spot.

Mark Duncan, Associated PressIndians' Andy LaRoche is OK after getting kneed in the head by Dodgers' infielder Mark Ellis in the sixth inning Saturday as he slid into second base.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- After trying to break up a double play with his head Saturday against the Dodgers, Andy LaRoche walked into the Indians' clubhouse Sunday morning smiling and under his own power.

"I got kneed in the jaw, just below my left ear," said LaRoche. "I just slid into second trying to break it up. Probably not a good idea. I ended up trying to break up the double play with my head."

LaRoche was checked for a concussion, but the test was negative.

"I'm all right," said LaRoche. "I saw doctors today. Everything was all right Saturday night after the game. I'm good to go."

LaRoche is in camp on a minor-league deal. He's getting a shot at third base and the utility infielder spot. He's hitting .389 (7-for-18) with four RBI.

"He's done a nice job for us," said manager Manny Acta.

To make the Indians, LaRoche has to beat out Jason Donald and/or Jose Lopez, the current front-runners for the utility infielder's job.

"There are a lot of things I still have to work on," said LaRoche. "I've been playing quite a bit (at third base), but I haven't been getting a lot of action over there. At the plate, there is still a lot to work on with my approach."

As for the competition, LaRoche said, "I don't know what they're thinking for me. . .utility or third base. All I can do is whenever they put me in the lineup is do whatever I can. As far as where I see myself, as long as I'm still in big-league camp, there's a chance for anything."

LaRoche, son of former Tribe reliever Dave LaRoche, played 40 games for Oakland last year.

No quarter: Lopez, like LaRoche, has hit the ground running this spring. Donald has an advantage in the race because he can play short and is getting a look in center field.

Lopez and LaRoche are going to have to hit their way onto the club. Lopez is hitting .394 (13-for-33) with two homers and seven RBI.

After playing 82 games last year for Colorado and Miami, Lopez, 28, went to Venezuela and played 43 games for Lara over the winter. He hit .310 (52-for-168) with 12 doubles, five homers and 24 RBI and came to camp with an edge.

"I'm fighting for a spot," said Lopez. "I played almost three months in Venezuela. ... I told Manny Acta just give me a glove. I'll play any position."

In 2006, Lopez went to the All-Star Game for Seattle. In 2008, he hit .297 (191-for-644) with 41 doubles, 17 homers and 89 RBI. In 2009, he hit .272 (167-for-613) with 42 doubles, 25 homers and 96 RBI.

In the last two years, Lopez's numbers and production have dropped dramatically.

"He's swung the bat well," said GM Chris Antonetti. "He's had success at the major-league level. He got out of shape and played his way off second base and didn't hit as much as needed as a third baseman. Jose has had a good camp. He's in the mix."

Slowly but surely: Third baseman Jack Hannahan (back) says he should be on the field in the next couple of days. Center fielder Michael Brantley (right hamstring) took fly balls is the outfield Sunday after running on Friday and Saturday.

"I'm feeling good," said Brantley. "When I see my name in the lineup, I'll be ready to play."

Testing, testing: Closer Chris Perez, who pitched one inning in a minor league game Saturday, is scheduled for another minor-league appearance as he recovers from a strained left oblique.

Today's lineup:

Cubs: RF Reed Johnson, LF Blake DeWitt, SS Starlin Castro, DH Alfonso Soriano, 1B Bryan LaHair, C Geovany Soto, 3B Ian Stewart, 2B Jeff Baker, CF Joe Mather, P Rodrigo Lopez.

Indians: 2B Jason Kipnis, SS Asdrubal Cabrera, RF Shin-Soo Choo, C Carlos Santana, DH Travis Hafner, 1B Casey Kotchman, LF Russ Canzler, 3B Lonnie Chisenhall, CF Felix Pie, P Jeanmar Gomez.

Men at work: Nick Hagadone, Dan Wheeler, Rafael Perez and Joe Smith will follow Gomez to the mound.

Next: Justin Masterson faces Milwaukee's Chris Naverson on Monday at 4:05 p.m. at Goodyear Ballpark. WTAM will carry the game.

What should the Browns do in the draft and how should they fill the many holes on their roster? Tune in, get in on the debate, post your comments and questions for our panel of Browns experts for one full hour tonight starting at 8 p.m.

AP fileMary Kay Cabot has the Browns drafting wide receiver Justin Blackmon with their No. 4 in her first mock draft.

Tonight at 8 p.m., in a special live audio chat, join The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot and Dennis Manoloff, along with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore as they talk about all the possibilities in the draft and what the Browns should do to fill their many holes. What do you think the Browns should do? Tune in, get in on the debate, post your comments and questions for our panel of Browns experts for one full hour tonight starting at 8 p.m.

In the meantime, read what Mary Kay (@marykaycabot), D-Man (@dmansworldpd) and G-Mo (@GlennMooreCLE) have to say about the draft on Twitter. We'll see you at 8 p.m.

Redd is enjoying the Buckeyes' run and hopes to be planning a trip to New Orleans for the title game.

View full sizeLisa DeJong, The Plain DealerAntawn Jamison struggles with the Suns' Channing Frye for this loose ball during the first quarter of Sunday's game at The Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Five days ago, Michael Redd was asked about Ohio State in the NCAA tournament.

"My favorite questions," the Columbus native and former Ohio State star said in a telephone interview before the East Regional semifinals started. He was pinning his hopes for a Final Four appearance on sophomore Jared Sullinger.

"I believe the big fella is due for a big game," Redd said on Wednesday.

"Boom," he said, grinning, in the Phoenix Suns locker room on Sunday afternoon. "The last two games he played great. I knew it was just a matter of time. He had a huge second half [Saturday.]

"And Lenzelle Smith. The two lefties -- Deshaun Thomas and Lenzelle Smith -- played great yesterday. It was almost pick your poison yesterday. [Coach] Thad [Matta] has done a great job with that team this year."

Redd said he watched the game at home in Columbus on Saturday and then texted Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith: "Win it all." If the Buckeyes reach the championship game, he'd like to attend, unlike their last title game in 2007, when a charity event in Milwaukee prevented him from doing so.

"This one I'm going to try not to miss."

He had endless praise for the Buckeyes.

• On Sullinger, after making it clear he didn't know if the big man would turn pro: "He's a lottery pick. He should be. He's a load. That's why the team's off the charts. Great hands, great touch, great feel around the rim. He's good. ... He's going to be terrific [in the NBA]. Sometimes you think too much about certain players, overanalyze. The guy's a great basketball player. I spent a lot of time with him this summer, saw him in the gym every day until the lockout ended.

"He can do it all. Great hands, great feel for the game, basketball IQ is unbelievable."

• On Thomas: "He's a natural scorer. He has improved defensively. He's longer than what people think, more athletic than what people think. Those are all NBA qualities. ... At 6-8, he can stretch the floor and shoot threes. His mid-range game is pure. He can do a lot of things."

• On Aaron Craft: "A great kid -- better kid than player. He's the engine that drives that machine."

• On the victory: "It was a great win. We just looked great -- the total package."

Dress for success: Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry was surprised to learn Cavs rookie Kyrie Irving just turned 20 on Friday.

"I've got suits older than that," Gentry said, laughing. Then he added, "They're getting a little tight."

But he loves Irving.

"He's a terrific player," he said. "I love watching him play. He's got such a command of the game. He really does control the game in the fourth quarter and get guys involved. He's got great quickness. But I think everybody underestimates the strength that he plays with. He can take bumps and he can take hits and still finish at the basket. He's got a real, real bright future."

TV time: The Cavs' game at Philadelphia on Tuesday will now be televised on NBA TV. Games at New York on Saturday and at Memphis on April 23 are also scheduled to be on NBA TV as previously announced.

Title town: Former coach Mike Brown, now coaching the Lakers, took advantage of an off day to watch his son, Elijah, a former St. Edward player, score two points and grab three rebounds as Mater Dei beat Sacramento Shelton, 66-48, for its second straight California high school state title on Saturday in Sacramento. Elijah Brown, a junior, tweeted his support for St. Ed's last week before the Eagles lost to Toledo Whitmer in the state semifinals.

Also, Nirra Fields, a former Regina star who was the ESPN girls high school player of the year, had 24 points and six assists as Mater Dei beat Berkeley, 57-50, for its third straight girls state title. Fields, headed for UCLA, is staying with the Brown family this year.

The last word: From Cavs forward Samardo Samuels, on his alma mater, Louisville, making the Final Four: "I was shocked. It's a great accomplishment for the team...and coach [Rick] Pitino. They deserved it.''

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Kentucky will face state rival Louisville in the national semifinals at New Orleans Saturday.

View full sizeCharles Bertram, Lexington Herald-LeaderKentucky's Anthony Davis let Quincy Miller and the rest of Baylor's Bears know how long an afternoon it was going to be with this first-half block as the Wildcats rolled to the Final Four with an 82-70 triumph in the South Regional final in Atlanta.

ATLANTA -- Kentucky is taking its highlight show back to the Big Easy.

With an NBA-like display from a young team filled with future pros, top-seeded Wildcats advanced to the Final Four for the second year in a row with a 82-70 blitzing of Baylor in the South Regional final on Sunday.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 19 points, Anthony Davis added 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Terrence Jones dazzled in all the overlooked areas, leading the Wildcats (36-2) to a Bluegrass showdown with rival Louisville in the national semifinals next Saturday at New Orleans.

For all the hoopla sure to surround that game in the basketball-crazed state, Kentucky won't consider the season a success unless it wins two more games -- culminating in a national title.

"This team is playing for you and playing for each other," coach John Calipari told the predominantly blue-clad crowd when it was over. "Let's see if we can keep this thing rolling a bit."

This group sure has the look of a champion, shaking off an early blow by the Bears (30-8) -- a very good team with a daring fashion sense that was simply no match for Calipari's latest group of Fab Freshmen. Kentucky took control with an early 16-0 run and led by 20 at halftime.

They might as well have cut down the nets right then.

"This team is better than I thought," Baylor coach Scott Drew said. "This is the best team we faced all year, and probably in a couple of years."

Two years ago, Baylor lost to eventual national champion Duke in another regional final.

"Duke was a good team," Drew said, "but Kentucky is better."

The Wildcats beat Louisville, 69-62, on New Year's Eve, but now they'll meet with the highest stakes ever. Kidd-Gilchrist shrugged when someone asked about playing the Cardinals.

"I'm just worried about us," he said. "That's it. I don't worry about anybody else."

Calipari, in his third season at Kentucky, just keeps recruiting the best high school players in the land, molds them into a top team, then sends most of 'em on to the NBA before they've barely had time to find their way to class.

Then he starts the whole process over again.

Two years ago, John Wall led Kentucky to the regional final. Last season, Brandon Knight helped guide the Wildcats to the Final Four. Now, with those guys in the NBA and Kidd-Gilchrist and Davis stopping off for what will likely be their only season in Lexington, Big Blue has a shot at what those last two teams failed to do -- bringing Kentucky its first national title since 1998.

But for all the talk about Calipari's one-and-done tactics, he's getting plenty of contributions from those who hung around beyond their freshmen year. Take Jones, a sophomore forward who passed up the draft. He scored just one point in the opening half, but his fingerprints were all over Kentucky's dominating performance: nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals -- mostly in the first 10 minutes.

"I was just trying to be aggressive early," Jones said. "That allowed me to get in great position for rebounds and to lead the fast break."

Then there's Darius Miller, one of only two seniors on the roster. He gave up his starting role to Kidd-Gilchrist in this one -- Kentucky essentially has six starters -- but added four points, two assists and two steals to the first-half blowout.

At one point, Kidd-Gilchrist had as many points as Baylor's entire team: 17 apiece. Kentucky led, 42-22, at the break and Baylor never got any closer than 10 points the rest of the way.

"It's kind of hard to play us," Davis said. "We're very long and very athletic. It makes it tough on the other team."

The Wildcats left New Orleans earlier this month disappointed with a loss in the Southeastern Conference championship game. That one's long forgotten. A national championship has been the goal all along.

"I'm not satisfied yet," Kidd-Gilchrist said.

Quincy Acy led Baylor with 22 points.

With Baylor's Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III cheering on the Bears from the stands, Acy tried to send a message early on that Baylor would not be intimidated by the Wildcats.

Jones was in the clear and going in for a fastbreak layup when the 235-pound Acy came up from behind, took a whack at the ball but mainly just crashed into the Kentucky player, sending him flying into the Baylor cheerleaders along the baseline. Jones was OK, and the officials doled out a flagrant foul on Acy after looking at the replay.

Jones made one of the free throws, Kentucky missed a jumper and the Bears, seemingly inspired by Acy's bravado, ripped off an 8-0 run that led Calipari to call a quick timeout. He already had yanked Doron Lamb from the game for trying to make the highlight reels rather than taking a layup. The sophomore guard passed up a clear path to the basket, instead opting for a lob pass to the trailing Davis.

The big man missed the dunk, hanging on the rim as Baylor grabbed the rebound and took off the other way for a basket. After Quincy Miller hit an uncontested 3-pointer from the top of the lane to give Baylor a 10-5 lead, Calipari lashed into his young team -- and did they respond. Sixteen consecutive points, an NBA-like display of defensive dominance and easy baskets that sent the Georgia Dome, and the predominantly blue-clad crowd, into a frenzy.