Tallmadge's softball team has built a reputation of either reigning in the Suburban League or having a say in which team does. In the case of Thursday's game, the Blue Devils (1-1, 1-1) foiled Highland's bid to go unbeaten in a 6-3 victory as sophomore Kristen Lightel toed the rubber for Tallmadge, and she held the Colts (5-1, 1-1)...

Tallmadge's softball team has built a reputation of either reigning in the Suburban League or having a say in which team does.

In the case of Thursday's game, the Blue Devils (1-1, 1-1) foiled Highland's bid to go unbeaten in a 6-3 victory as sophomore Kristen Lightel toed the rubber for Tallmadge, and she held the Colts (5-1, 1-1) to two hits while striking out six. The Blue Devils countered with 10 hits, including two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored by Karley Salter.

Copley 8, Revere 0 The defending Suburban League champion Indians (3-0, 2-0) got a three-hit, six-strikeout performance from pitcher Kenzie Wallace, who also contributed two hits and an RBI.

North Olmsted 1, Magnificat 0 (8 innings) The Eagles (2-0) are off to high-flying start under first-year coach John Wadas as Aryn Kurcsak's two-out triple in the top of the eighth inning scored Kayla Runyon, who reached on a walk.

Highland 9, Green 5 The Hornets (3-0, 2-0) parlayed five Green errors into a Suburban League win. Taylor Domasky's bases-loaded homer and Alexa Holztrager's two doubles headed Highland's seven-hit attack.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights 3, Strongsville 1 The Bees stung Strongsville in their season opener under new coach Rex Mack as Perris Stevens delivered the winning hit with two outs in the fifth inning of the NOC crossover game.

Riverside 12, Euclid 0 Kayla Lynch blanked the Panthers on no hits and 10 strikeouts and also had a run-scoring hit. Riverside (2-0) designated hitter Samantha Szwejbka finished with a double and a triple, good for four RBI.

Nordonia 8, Wadsworth 3 The Knights (1-2, 1-1) got in the win column for the first time thanks to Catherine Svoboda's two RBI.

Baseball

St. Ignatius 7, Amherst 3 (10 innings) The Wildcats (2-1) got a single, double and triple, three RBI and two runs scored from Dan Rowbottom to prevail in the extra-inning nonleague game. Corey Stamco's two hits and Aaron Bledsoe's triple and three RBI led Amherst.

Keystone 7, Kenston 6 Tyler Young collected a hit and two RBI, and Caleb Schillace scored the winning run on a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh for the Wildcats (2-0).

Track and field

Champion Relays Cardinal ran away with the girls team championship with 94 points, while Garrettsville Garfield was edged by Conneaut, 84-77, for the boys team title.

Ashley Lucarelli, Alyssa Shirkey, Christy Griffin and Kourtney Kelly won the 4x200 relay in 1:56.80, while Sarah White joined Griffin, Kelly and Shirkey on the victorious 800 sprint medley, won in 1:59.50. Cardinal also won the 4x400 as Shirkey, Becca Klein, White and Kelly ran 4:25.40. Griffin also headed the first-place high jump and long jump relays with effort of 5-0 and 14-4, respectively.

Garfield turned in first-place performances when Andy Lininger, Matt Pratt, Josh Moore and Tyler Covey ran the 4x800 in 9:10.70, and the 4x100 relay of Chris Radwanski, Andy Anderson, Jacob Bowden and Logan Trent hit the tape at 51.40. The G-Men also reigned in the high jump relay as Radwanski cleared 6-0.

With fans already looking toward the draft and the possibilities for next season, here's a suggestion: Why not shift starting center Tristan Thompson to his natural position of power forward and let Antawn Jamison come off the bench for the remainder of the season?

View full sizeLisa DeJong, Plain Dealer file photoThe Cavs might want to consider moving Tristan Thompson (13) to his natural position of power forward for the remainder of the season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — One of the many disadvantages of the NBA lockout is how it condensed the preseason and dissuaded coaches from experimenting because they lacked time.

One of the few advantages to the Cavaliers falling out of the playoff race is it restores that time lost in December.

Coach Byron Scott adroitly handled his rotation when he had a full complement of players, affording the Cavaliers one of the league's most athletic and productive benches. But injuries to Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson and the trade of Ramon Sessions altered the course of the season. The rebuilding Cavaliers have lost eight of nine heading into tonight's game against Milwaukee and remain playoff-eligible only in the eyes of mathematicians.

The coaching staff can't make many moves that could benefit the club -- short-term or long-term. But with fans already looking toward the draft and the possibilities for next season, here's a suggestion: Why not shift starting center Tristan Thompson to his natural position of power forward and let Antawn Jamison come off the bench for the remainder of the season?

It allows Thompson the chance to start meaningful games at the position where Scott plans to use him in the future and it gives the coach the opportunity to have either Jamison or rookie point guard Kyrie Irving -- the team's best two scoring options -- on the floor almost the entire game. With all the roster turnover, Scott has been searching for ways to inject offense into the second unit since he had to elevate Thompson and Alonzo Gee into the starting lineup.

Having the 35-year-old Jamison anchor the reserves is no reflection on what he has provided. He is the team's second-leading scorer (17.9 points), a stretch forward who creates space for Irving and a leader in the locker room.

But he's not part of the long-term plans here and with the Cavs out of the race, it's time to see how Irving and Thompson play together in their natural positions.

Jamison and the rookie power forward could not be more different in their styles of play. Thompson, averaging 7.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, is an athletic defender with limited shooting range who's still learning the nuances of offense. He will spend part of his summer and next season's training camp working with former Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and others to improve his jump shot and play around the basket.

It will not only be an adjustment for Thompson, but for Irving as well. Why wait for summer league and preseason games to adapt to the different spacing? Irving already is dealing with defenses starting to pack the paint and daring the Cavs to convert jump shots.

There is another factor to consider. How will Thompson and Varejao mesh? The Brazilian center said Wednesday he plans to play again this season once his fractured wrist heals.

Can the two big men, who have similar strengths and limitations, coexist in the same front court? Can they produce enough offense? Better to find out in late April before General Manager Chris Grant begins reshaping the roster in the off-season.

Jamison hardly would be forgotten in the equation. He leads the team in minutes played (33.6 minutes) and would get ample overlapping opportunities with Irving. He's an unrestricted free agent and interested suitors likely will want him coming off the bench. How would he respond? Here's an 18-game trial run.

The injury to Varejao forced Scott to use Thompson at center as the Cavs tried to stay in postseason contention. The 21-year-old has become the best option after Semih Erden and the recently waived Ryan Hollins failed in the role.

The coaching staff probably won't return Thompson to power forward and replace a respected veteran like Jamison, who's had a good season, but as attention turns to the franchise's future it's intriguing to consider all the possibilities.

Dribbles: The Cavaliers did not practice Thursday. . . . Scott said Wednesday he wouldn't mind adding another player via a 10-day contract or free agency if for no other reason than to help them through practices. The team roster stands at 14. . . . Gibson received a second opinion on the torn tendon in his left foot and ankle from the Colorado-based Steadman Clinic and is likely headed for season-ending surgery, according to a league source. Gibson injured the foot March 19 against New Jersey, but the tear wasn't detected until this week. News of Gibson's visit to the clinic was first reported by the Akron Beacon Journal.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: treed@plaind.com, 216-999-4370

TV highlights include Bucks at Cavaliers.

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerKyrie Irving (with the basketball) and the Cavaliers host the Milwaukee Bucks tonight in a game that will be televised at 7:30 by Fox Sports Ohio and broadcast on WTAM/1100-AM.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's sports TV and radio listings

AUTO RACING

12:30 p.m. Goody’s Fast Relief 500 practice, Speed Channel

2 p.m. Kroger 250 practice, Speed Channel

3:30 p.m. Goody’s Fast Relief 500 “Happy Hour Series, Speed Channel

BOXING

9 p.m. Hank Lundy vs. Dannie Williams, ESPN2

GOLF

8:30 a.m. Sicilian Open, Golf Channel

Noon Kraft Nabisco Championship, Golf Channel

3 p.m. Houston Open, Golf Channel

6:30 p.m. Kraft Nabisco Championship, Golf Channel

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

11:30 a.m. National Invitational semifinal, Montverde (Fla.) vs. Montrose (Md.), ESPN2

1:30 p.m. National Invitational semifinal, ESPN2

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

3:30 p.m. National Invitational semifinal, Riverdale Baptist (Md.) vs. Edgewater (Fla.), ESPNU

5:30 p.m. National Invitational semifinal, Dr. Phillips (Fla.) vs. Woodson (D.C.), ESPNU

HOCKEY

7:30 p.m. NHL, Montreal at N.Y. Rangers, NHL Network

10 p.m. NHL, Dallas at Vancouver, NBC Sports Network

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

4 p.m. Exhibition, Arizona vs. L.A. Angels, MLB Network

7 p.m. Exhibition, Philadelphia vs. N.Y. Yankees, MLB Network

7:05 p.m. Exhibition, INDIANS vs. Cincinnati (tape), WMMS/100.7-FM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage)

MEN’S COLLEGE LACROSSE

7 p.m. Lehigh at Navy, CBS Sports Network

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

10 p.m. Ultimate Fighter, Myles Jury vs. Al Iaquinta, FX

NBA

7:30 p.m. Milwaukee at CAVALIERS, Fox Sports Ohio; WTAM/1100-AM (preview)

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage)

8 p.m. Dallas at Orlando, ESPN

10:30 p.m. Portland at Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN

SOCCER

7:30 p.m. MLS, Dallas at DC United, NBC Sports Network

TENNIS

3 p.m. Sony Ericsson Open, men’s semifinal, ESPN2

7 p.m. Sony Ericsson Open, men’s semifinal, ESPN2

One draft expert says the Browns need Ryan Tannehill.

AP Ryan Tannehill

Reporter Mary Kay Cabot writes on Cleveland.com how some NFL Draft experts say the Browns would be insane to take Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill at No. 4, but the NFL Network's Mike Mayock said the Browns would be crazy not to draft him at No. 4.

Do you agree?

Mayock makes a point that maybe Tannehill doesn't play right away, but he considers him a franchise quarterback that will eventually be ready.

But this is the same Mayock who said at this time last year that Blaine Gabbert should be taken over Cam Newton.  

"I like Abreu a lot - 5 years ago! He is 38 years old, because of rapidly diminishing OF skills only played 11 games in the field last year and showed up this year overweight and out of shape, a classic Tribe pick up." -- son of common sense!

APBobby Abreu is 38 years old.

After kicking the tires on Vladimir Guerrero earlier this week, there's a rumor that the Indians might be considering a trade for Bobby Abreu. Being a 38-year old, left-handed hitter who doesn't play the field much any longer, he's a player Tribe fans have difficulty embracing. In trying to select a Comment of the Day, I just couldn't pick one. So, I chose four.

They are,

-- son of common sense!

"I like Abreu a lot - 5 years ago! He is 38 years old, because of rapidly diminishing OF skills only played 11 games in the field last year and showed up this year overweight and out of shape, a classic Tribe pick up."

"Please tell me this is The PD's version of 'The Onion' for sports. If not, I can hear those phone lines listing up for season tickets now."

"Typical Indians!!! This Keith Henandez all over again. NO!!!!! Keep Trevor Crowe and nix this bone headed trade for Abreu"

"I feel bad for Duncan. He has done everything that was asked of him, finished strong last year and played pretty decent this spring and now, right before breaking traing camp they want to bring in a washed up Bobby Abreu and platoon left field. Typical Tribe nonsense. I would rather they brought in Vladimir Guerrero. He could be the right-handed bat they need and maybe play some outfield if his knees are okay and if he still has anything left in the tank."

What do you think of this potential move? Post your comments below.

"I would only take Cousins if he was there with one of our 4th round picks. I watched a lot of Big 10 football and I never came away that impressed with him." -- finchy4

AP Photo/Chris O'MearaKirk Cousins: Really?

While Texas A&M Ryan Tannehill received a solid endorsement from NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock, Michigan State's Kirk Cousins' name is starting to float around as a potential target of the Browns.

As Mary Kay Cabot reported first on Thursday, the Browns will bring in Cousins for a pre-draft visit in Berea in the coming days. In the story, Pro Football Weekly Nolan Nawrocki said he favors Cousins over Tannehill and Weeden for the Browns.

Here's a sampling of what fans are saying about Cousins:

-- Kirk

"While I have concerns about Kirk Cousins I think he's a good leader and would be a great qb to bring in to teach and prepare for the future and let compete with McCoy down the road."

"I would only take Cousins if he was there with one of our 4th round picks. I watched a lot of Big 10 football and I never came away that impressed with him. He barely led MSU to a win over Ohio State last year, one of the worst years OSU has had in more than a decade. He'd be a fine back-up or 3rd string quarterback, but to call him a project as if he could possibly start some day is a joke."

"There's no reason to think that Cousins is an improvement over McCoy. What is good and bad about Cousins is what McCoy is already doing here in Cleveland. McCoy can hit receivers, but frequently leaves them out-to-dry because they can't run with the ball after the catch. No, the Browns should be taking an OT or WR with the 37th pick. Not Cousins."

If not Tannehill or Weeden, then Cousins? What do you think?

WIth the loss of guard Daniel Gibson with a torn tendon in his left, the Cavaliers have signed guard Lester Hudson from the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – WIth the loss of guard Daniel Gibson with a torn tendon in his left, the Cavaliers have signed guard Lester Hudson from the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League, Cavs general manager Chris Grant announced Friday. WIth the loss of guard Daniel Gibson with a torn tendon in his left, the Cavaliers have signed guard Lester Hudson from the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League, riday. riday. The signing of Hudson marks the 46th call up of the 2011-'12 season. Hudson will wear No. 14 for the Cavaliers and is available for Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Hudson has appeared in five games (two starts) for the Toros this season, averaging 17.6 points on .532 shooting, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.4 steals in 29.2 minutes per game. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound guard from the University of Tennessee-Martin was originally drafted in the second round with the 58th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2009 NBA Draft.

During his rookie year in 2009-10, Hudson played in 25 total games for the Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies, posting averages of 2.3 points and 0.7 rebounds in 5.4 minutes per game. He also appeared in 20 D-League games for the Dakota Wizards and Maine Red Claws, averaging 16.0 points on .435 shooting, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 27.2 minutes per game. During the 2010-11 season, Lester appeared in 11 games for the Washington Wizards and posted averages of 1.6 points and 1.5 assists in 6.9 minutes per game.

Colorado Springs Gazette columnist says QB has all the tools if he can clean up his throwing mechanics. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio -- Welcome to a special edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright.

Today's special guest on SBTV is David Ramsey, a columnist for the Colorado Springs Gazette who has covered two Final Fours and been a sports writer for 25-plus years.

Ramsey talks with Chuck and Branson about the recent trade of Tim Tebow to the New York Jets, and whether he thinks Tebow has a chance to be a successful quarterback there. Ramsey covered Tebow during his time with the Denver Broncos.

He also discusses the Final Four, and whether he thinks Ohio State can knock off Kansas in Saturday night's game; and whether anyone this weekend can knock off John Calipari's impressive Kentucky squad.

Check back later today for Friday's regularly scheduled edition of SBTV, which will have Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot answering fan questions from her weekly Hey, Mary Kay! feature.

 CLEVELAND -- Five thoughts for Friday:  

Michael Conroy, AP Alabama running back Trent Richardson is making more and more sense at No. 4 for the Browns

 CLEVELAND -- Five thoughts for Friday:

•  I'm coming around to the idea of Trent Richardson at No. 4. You can find a wide receiver at No. 22 who isn't a huge step down from Justin Blackmon. That's not the case if you wait to get a running back. Richardson makes sense for a team in desperate need of playmakers since he'd touch the ball 20 times a game (um, he would, Pat, wouldn't he?)

• I've said this before. With Mike Holmgren, Brad Childress and Pat Shurmur, the Browns ought to be able to evaluate and identify a franchise quarterback. Their two No. 1 picks give them a chance to be bold (though not bold enough, apparently, in the RG3 pursuit.) If they decided on Ryan Tannehill,  you'd have no choice but to take their word for it. But drafting the third-best QB prospect at No. 4 would be the hardest sell to a Cleveland fan base this side of the Cliff Lee trade.

• So Tannehill ran a good 40 time? Even though we've seen a lot of quarterbacks in need of a jet pack to escape the rush here since 1999, not sure that's a critical stat. Give me Ben Roethlisberger's escapability. Don't ever remember hearing what he ran in the 40.

• Bobby Abreu? This is the point in spring training when teams take a hard look at their rosters.  So it's not a surprise the Indians are looking around. But Abreu is 38. He had eight homers last year, one more than Shelley Ducan had in September alone.

• Add this to the Indians' marketing campaign. What if ... Bobby Abreu never played in Cleveland? I'd be alright with that.

Reporter writes how the NFL Draft is full of rumors, speculation, intrigue and misinformation.

AP PhotoTrent Richardson

The NFL Draft is one of the favorite times of year for many Cleveland Browns' fans. Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram sets the stage for the next four weeks. He promises the next month will be filled with rumors, speculation, intrigue and misinformation.

General manager Tom Heckert said this week at the league meetings the Browns won’t move up from No. 4 to No. 3, which makes sense. He added they are open to moving down within the top 10, which also makes sense.

The best offensive options are Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, Alabama running back Trent Richardson and perhaps Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

I suspect none has a top-five grade from the Browns’ scouting department. So instead of reaching slightly or taking LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne — the best player available but not a pressing need — a small trade down would allow the Browns to select one of the aforementioned trio at a spot they feel is more suitable.

Petrak also writes how the fourth pick is high for a running back, and how Heckert may be compelled to simply grab Justin Blackmon.  

More Cleveland Browns

Pat Shurmur and Tom Heckert on hand to watch Trent Richardson (The News-Herald).

This is what the Browns should do for a right tackle (CantonRep.com).

Take Trent Richardson with the No. 4 pick, writes Bud Shaw on Cleveland.com.

Trent Richardson says he will knock down anyone who stands in his way (NFL.com).

Mary Kay Cabot would not be surprised if the Browns drafted Ryan Tannehill with the No. 4 overall pick. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Bill Lubinger and Branson Wright.

Draft, draft and more on the NFL Draft. Some so-called NFL Draft guru says the Cleveland Browns would be crazy not to go after quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the No. 4 overall pick.

As much as many Browns' fans believe this is crazy, Mary Kay Cabot says it could happen during today's Hey, Mary Kay.

Mary Kay also talks about what the Browns would have to give up if they went after Pittsburgh Steelers wide out Mike Wallace.

SBTV will return on Monday.

ESPN's Todd McShay thinks there's not much dropoff between Robert Griffin III and Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill and that the Browns should draft him at No. 4.

AP Will the Browns draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the No. 4 overall pick?

CLEVELAND -- Another top draft analyst agrees with NFL Network's Mike Mayock that Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill can be a franchise quarterback and that the Browns should draft him at No. 4.

 "I don't think the difference between Robert Griffin III and Tannehill is all that big, I really don't,'' ESPN's Todd McShay said on a conference call today. "I'd have a very difficult time passing on him at that No. 4 pick. I just think he has everything you look for in a future franchise quarterback if you develop him properly and you're willing to be patient.''

 McShay said Tannehill's stock is climbing so high that he's not sure if he'll be available at No. 4. The Dolphins are one team that might be interested in trading up for him.

 "It'll be interesting to see if Minnesota trades out and a team tries to trade in ahead of them, maybe Cleveland won't have a chance to get Tannehill at that No. 4 spot,'' said McShay. "I think it's going to be a huge internal struggle trying to figure out if they're going to go with Tannehill and if not, what do you do? I think the whole draft swings at No. 4.''

 He said he'd go with Alabama running back Trent Richardson over Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon if Tannehill is gone at No. 4. But a franchise-type quarterback trumps those two positions if he's there, McShay said.

 "You can have Trent Richardson and he's going to be a phenomenal back,'' said McShay. "You can have Justin Blackmon, and he's probably going to be in that second tier of wide receivers in the NFL. and that's great, but they don't win Super Bowls. We haven't seen Adrian Peterson win a Super Bowl. We haven't seen Andre Johnson win a Super Bowl. You have a great quarterback you win Super Bowls and I think Tannehill has a chance - if developed properly and you're patient with him -- to become a great quarterback. That's kind of what they're up against.''

 McShay said he understands that Tannehill won't be ready to start from day one, but that Colt McCoy is professional enough to compete hard in the interim.

 "If you bring in Tannehill and you sit him ideally for a year or the majority of the year, and put him in toward the end of this year to get him some experience, I do think that now you're looking at an organization that has its future franchise quarterback, has a guy that has all the physical tools, the size the arm strength, the accuracy, which continues to improve, has the right mentality, can handle pressure, and has just intangibles through the roof,'' said McShay. "That turns everything around.''

 McShay said he's moved Tannehill up to No. 8 on his board after watching the rest of his film over the past four or five days/

"In my mind he was a mid- to late- first-round prospect with a lot of upside, but when you start to look at it and you take your initial bias out of it, he has everything you look for,'' said McShay. "It took taking a step back and looking at everything I had down on paper on this guy to realize he belongs in the top 10 and he has a chance to be an elite quarterback in the NFL. I think he belongs in the top 10 and I'd have no problem pulling the trigger on this guy.''

The Indians 25-man roster is coming into focus. With Dan Wheeler making the club, there's only one open spot left in the bullpen with Jeremy Accardo, Frank Herrmann and Jairo Asencio competing for it.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerVeteran right-hander Dan Wheeler was told Friday that he'd made the Indians Opening Day roster.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Slowly, but surely the Indians roster is coming into focus.

They cut seven players Friday and told utility man Jason Donald and veteran right-hander Dan Wheeler that they've made the opening day roster. Wheeler's good news means there is just one open spot in the bullpen to be decided among Jeremy Accardo, Jairo Asencio and Frank Herrmann. Asencio, acquired from Atlanta for cash on Thursday, is out of options and scheduled to join the Indians today.

Among the players cut were infielder/outfielder Russ Canzler and left-hander Nick Hagadone, who were
optioned to Class AAA Columbus. Catcher Luke Carlin, infielder Andy LaRoche and relievers Chris Ray, Chris Seddon and Robinson Tejeda were re-assigned to minor league camp.

In other roster news:

-GM Chris Antonetti said Shelley Duncan has made the club. Antonetti wouldn't say if Duncan will be the starting left fielder, but all signs point to him getting plenty of at bats.

-The Indians paid utility man Jose Lopez a $100,ooo bonus, a rule passed in the new basic agreement, which binds him to the club in the big leagues or at Class AAA until June 1. If he's not on the big league club by June 1, he can become a free agent.

Unless the Indians add another infielder, Lopez should be on the Opening Day roster.

-Felix Pie, Matt Pagnozzi and Gregorio Petit were told they did not make the club, but will stay in big league camp. It's likely they'll travel with the team to Zebulon, N.C. after Monday's final Cactus League game. The Indians will play an exhibition against their new Class A club before flying to Cleveland.

-Ryan Spilborghs or Aaron Cunningham will make the club as the fourth outfielder. They can each play the three outfield spots, but they have been disappointments offensively this spring.

-Concerning rumors that the Indians and Angels were talking about a trade involving DH Bobby Abreu, Antonetti said, "There's nothing to report.  We continue to look for ways to improve our roster. We've made a couple of deals already and if there are other opportunities to improve the team, we'll certainly pursue them."

-Regarding starters Derek Lowe and David Huff, who left Thursday's games with injuries, Antonetti did not know if either player would go on the disabled list.

"The initial read on Derek's injury is that it's not too concerning," said Antonetti. " We'll have a better sense of it after Derek is evaluated (Friday). We were encouraged by the results."

Lowe said he had pain and stiffness in his right rib cage after leaving Thursday's start against the Rockies after three innings.

Huff suffered a strained right hamstring while attempting to field a grounder by Willie Bloomquist to start Thursday's game against Arizona. The injury knocked him out of the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation.

"We don't know if David will open on the disabled lost or not," said Antonetti. "He's getting re-evaluated."

There are 34 players still in camp.

The Indians open the season Thursday against Toronto at Progressive Field.
 

Check out what area bloggers have to say about drafting Ryan Tannehill fourth, Ohio State's Final Four opponent and the Indians' left field job.

View full sizeAP Photo | Bryan-College Station Eagle, Dave McDermandWill the Browns draft Ryan Tannehill fourth overall?

Deshaun Thomas could join Jared Sullinger in the NBA.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerDeshaun Thomas and Jared Sullinger.

Columbus Dispatch reporter Bob Hunter writes how Deshaun Thomas could go from being not as well known to in this year's NBA Draft.

He's come on strong in recent games, one of the reason why the Buckeyes are in the Final Four. But the last time an Ohio State player came on this strong at the end of the season, freshman point guard Mike Conley Jr. went from being a certain returnee to the fourth pick in the 2007 NBA draft, writes Hunter.

It is a Buckeyes fan’s worst fear, but Thomas said that hasn’t been a motivation for him.

“Naw, I’m just trying to play,” he said. “I’m just trying to get my teammates involved, to get a national championship and to be successful out there on the court for my team and for myself. I never really thought about the NBA really. If a chance like that comes, then it’s probably something I have to look at. But right now I’m just more focused on trying to get to the national championship.”

More NCAA News

Reporter Doug Lesmerises gives out awards to the Buckeyes (Cleveland.com).

Louisville doesn't have a chance against Kentucky in the Final Four (Yahoo.com).

Surprise! Rick Pitinio and John Calipari don't get along (CBSSports.com).

All of the pressure is on Kentucky, but will it matter (SI.com)?

Will recent history help Kansas, or motivate the Buckeyes (New York Times)?

Jeanmar Gomez leaves game against Reds with "mild sprain' of right hip after stretching to complete a double play at first base in the fourth inning. The injury may knock him out of the race for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP PhotoJeanmar Gomez has been the Indians most impressive start in spring training until being injujred Friday.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Right-hander Jeanmar Gomez, pitching to win the fifth spot in the Indians starting rotation,  left Friday's Cactus League game against Cincinnati in the fourth inning with a "mild right hip strain" after stretching to catch a low throw from shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera at first base to complete a double play.

The Reds rallied to a 6-5 victory over the Indians, who have lost nine straight and 10 of their last 11 exhibition games.

In the last two days the Indians have lost more than games. Manager Manny Acta has watched three starting pitchers go down with injuries.   Derek Lowe (right rib cage) and David Huff (right hamstring) left Thursday's split-squad starts against Colorado and Arizona, respectively. The Indians think Lowe will be ready to pitch when the Indians open the season Thursday at home against Toronto.  Huff, however, appears headed for the disabled list.

"We need to finish spring training quick so I can get out of here and have a rotation," said Acta.

Gomez, making his last start of spring training, pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings before racing to cover first  on a 3-6-1 double play grounder  by Jay Bruce. He stretched out to make a lunging catch of Cabrera's throw.

Lonnie Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer, said Gomez felt a "pinching' in his hip after making the catch. Gomez stayed in the game after an initial visit from Soloff and Acta. He threw two pitches
to Chris Heisey before catcher Carlos Santana went to the mound. Soloff came out again and Acta removed Gomez from the game.

 "Gomez has a mild right hip strain," said Acta. "We're not anticipating anything serious, but we didn't want to take any chances. He looked uncomfortable to us."

Asked if the injury took Gomez out of the race for the fifth spot, Acta said, "If he wins the fifth spot, he won't pitch until Halloween. So he's got plenty of time. If he isn't (seriously) hurt, it doesn't take him out of the race."

The fifth starter isn't going to pitch until April 11 against Chicago.

Gomez has been the Indians most impressive starter this spring. He has allowed three runs in 19 2/3 innings in six appearances.

Homers by Carlos Santana in the second and Asdrubal Cabrera in the fourth gave the Indians a 2-0 lead. They made it 5-1 with three runs in the seventh on Michael Brantley's RBI single and Jose Lopez's two-run double.

The Reds won it with five runs in the eighth. Dan Wheeler, told he'd made the club earlier in the day by Acta and GM Chris Antonetti, allowed three homers in the inning. The third and most damaging was a three-run shot by Ryan LaMarre.

Ohio State's basketball accomplishments stack up pretty well for a "football school" when compared to the other universities at the Final Four.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerAlthough it is known primarily as a football school, Ohio State has had great success in basketball, too, with two trips to the Final Four since 2007 and three straight trips to the Sweet 16.

The NCAA Final Four only seems like the riddle: Which one of these is not like the others?

Kansas, Kentucky and Louisville are celebrated "basketball schools" that also field football teams.

Nationally, Ohio State is known as a "football school" with a basketball team. But the label discounts an outstanding run for Buckeye men's basketball over the last decade: more than 25 wins per year, two Final Four appearances since 2007 and a rich legacy comparable to the other three schools in New Orleans this weekend.

For some, lost in the love of Buckeye football is how Ohio State has excelled in both sports, and just how rare and difficult that is.

"There's probably only a handful of schools in the country that have the resources, tradition," said Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer, "and this is certainly one of them."

In fact, when it comes to average winning percentage in football and men's basketball over the last 10 years, only Texas can top Ohio State. And if Ohio State had not been forced to vacate 12 football wins in 2010 for NCAA violations, the Buckeyes would be No. 1.

Among the other Final Four schools, Louisville ranks 11th in both sports combined, Kansas 17th and Kentucky 28th.

"For fans, hopefully people don't say we're a football school -- just a football school," said Ohio State sophomore forward Jared Sullinger. "Now they can switch that and say we're a basketball school and football school, but I probably doubt that would happen."

Reputation rules

Sullinger's probably right: It's not easy for a basketball program to escape the shadow of a championship-caliber football program.

Dale Brown, former basketball coach at football powerhouse Louisiana State, had to scratch and claw for his program to earn some respect, much less a share of the spotlight, on his own campus.

Brown recalled how former Tigers basketball great Joe Dean warned him when he took the job in 1972 what a football-crazy school and state it was. Dean told him, "To show you how uninterested in basketball they are, don't be surprised if you have to sweep the floor, sing the National Anthem and maybe even keep score sometimes."

Brown thought that had to be an exaggeration, but when he walked into the gym for the first day of practice in Baton Rouge, the glass backboards and court were filthy.

"I had to get the managers, the trainers, the assistant coaches and myself, we actually swept the floor, lowered the baskets and used Windex and cleaned them ourselves," he said.

While Brown said the advantage in those early years was "literally no pressure," because basketball was such a non-factor, he remembered how his team had to ride an old, noisy yellow school bus with no heat to the airport for road games. That was until one Friday night, when he noticed a line of sleek new buses waiting outside the athletic complex. He found out they were there to take the football team to the movies downtown.

Luckily, Brown said, the athletic director listened and responded to his gripes.

The Ohio State basketball team doesn't travel in rickety buses or have to scrub down its gym. But the Buckeyes, who practice and play in first-rate facilities, still had to wait for improvements that had been talked about since 2007.

The basketball locker rooms are finally being upgraded, and a second practice court and strength-and-conditioning area are being added to the Schottenstein Center. The work is being done in phases because fundraising has taken longer than expected -- something that would be hard to imagine for the Buckeye football program.

A two-way street

But playing sidekick to a powerhouse can also present an opportunity.

"We embraced it," said former Michigan basketball coach Steve Fisher, now coaching San Diego State. "We used every ounce of football to recruit, just like I'm sure Thad Matta and others have done at Ohio State. You take young guys into that atmosphere and it sells. It's appealing."

And so true. On most fall Saturdays at Ohio Stadium, Matta can be spotted during pregame warm-ups schmoozing groups of tall high school boys in basketball varsity jackets and their parents.

"I've always said there is no greater feeling than being on the field when 105,000 people are cheering for the Buckeyes to come out and you've got recruits with you," Matta said. "That is the ultimate right there."

Wyoming coach Larry Shyatt, a Cleveland Heights native and former Cleveland State assistant, used the same mesmerizing aura of big-time college football as a powerful basketball recruiting tool.

As head coach at Clemson, he had recruits attend a football game at the stadium with the intimidating nickname, "Death Valley." He made sure they watched the football players make their traditional run down the hill to the Memorial Stadium field and rub the storied "Howard's Rock."

"It sure didn't hurt to be at 'Death Valley' for an 85-degree Saturday football game with the balloons going up and everybody rubbing the rock," he said. "Anytime you can show significant love of institution and passion, young and old, it sends a message that needs no introduction."

Michigan found that advantage can work in reverse, too.

After the Wolverines won the national basketball championship in 1989 and lost back-to-back championships in 1992 and '93, visiting football recruits approached the "Fab Five" -- Michigan's heralded starters -- like rock stars.

"Every one of them wanted to meet our players and watch practice," Fisher said. "And the football people were coming to us saying, 'Will you help us recruit?' "

At LSU, it took a stretch of six straight losing football seasons, several Southeastern Conference basketball championships and two Elite Eight and two Final Four appearances in the 1980s, for basketball to finally get some attention.

"Slowly," Brown said, "we etched away at the boulder that we had, but it wasn't easy -- and it's not easy, even when you win."

Shyatt experienced that as an assistant coach at Florida. The Gators won four SEC tournaments or regular-season titles, reached the Elite Eight in 2011 and were national champions in 2006 and 2007 -- only the seventh team to do so.

None of that mattered to a recruit who rejected Florida for Kentucky because he wanted to play at a "basketball school." And that was just after Florida had won the NCAA Tournament two straight years.

"It was a bit laughable at the time," Shyatt said. "We fought the same perception, even winning back-to-back championships. But the truth is, you can have a love affair with both."

Plain Dealer reporter Doug Lesmerises and data analysis editor Rich Exner contributed to this story.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The competitive balance issue is making a comeback this spring. It was learned Friday that Ohio principals in May will vote on a slightly revised proposal from last year that's aimed at leveling the playing field between private and public schools.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association sent a letter to all of its member principals and superintendents Friday about its decision to put a similar competitive balance proposal on the May referendum.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The competitive balance issue is making a comeback this spring.

It was learned Friday that Ohio principals in May will vote on a slightly revised proposal from last year that's aimed at leveling the playing field between private and public schools.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association sent a letter to all of its member principals and superintendents Friday about the news and outlined the proposal. The letter is also posted on the OHSAA's website. Principals will once again vote on the issue during referendum voting, which is May 1-15. Last year it was narrowly defeated, 332-303.

The OHSAA's Board of Directors approved a proposal from its competitive balance committee last week that is nearly identical to last year. The only change is in the tradition factor, putting the emphasis on longer-term success vs. a four-year period, and enrollment being added just once instead of as many as four times.

If approved by a majority, schools would be placed in tournament divisions in team sports based on a sport-by-sport athletic count. Like last year, the athletic count would start with base enrollment then be adjusted based on three factors -- boundary, tradition and socioeconomic.

The formula for determining the boundary and socioeconomic figures remain unchanged.

The modified tradition factor calls for six percent of the base enrollment to be added on a sport-by-sport basis for appearances in the regional tournament (regional semifinals for football) during four of the previous eight seasons; or 10 percent to be added for appearances in the state tournament in four of the past eight seasons.

The 2011 proposal was limited to the previous four years. Additionally, enrollment was to be added for all four years. For instance, a team that reached the state final all four years would have had 40 percent added to its base enrollment (10 percent for each year).

The boundary factor is as follows:

* Nonpublic schools with no boundaries: 10 percent times enrollment added.

* Nonpublic schools with limited boundaries: 8 percent times enrollment added.

* Public schools with statewide open enrollment: 6 percent times enrollment added.

* Public schools with adjacent open enrollment: 4 percent times enrollment added.

* Public schools with no open enrollment: no percentage added.

The socioeconomic factor is as follows:

The number of free lunch participants at a school will be multiplied by 10 percent. That number would be subtracted from a school's enrollment figure.

If approved, the competitive balance formula would begin for the 2013-14 school year for football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball. Team dual wrestling would be added in 2017-18. Consideration may be given to add other sports in the future.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

trogers@plaind.com; 216-999-5169

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

When it comes to the Indians, there is a bad vibe in left field coming from Goodyear, Terry Pluto writes.

Mark Duncan, Associated PressShelley Duncan appears to be the starter by default in left field, but the Indians would be better served by having Duncan platoon with a left-handed hitter.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — I know, it's just spring training.

But for the Tribe, a big part of spring training is answering questions -- such as, who's in left field?

When the Indians are giving serious thought to Bobby Abreu, then you know the cast of thousands brought in to duel for left field has been batting very close to zero.

Yes, Shelley Duncan is on the team. And Duncan did hit five homers in the first two weeks. And Duncan can be a useful player with about 300 at-bats.

And I love Shelley Duncan for his sheer determination to make himself a big-league player. At 32, he has a chance to stay in the majors all season for the first time in his 12-year pro career.

But you know what Shelley Duncan is hitting this spring? It was .179 heading to Friday afternoon.

So let's not turn Shelley Duncan into a regular. Let's put him in spots where he can be the most productive, because Duncan used wisely can be a very valuable player.

The only reason there is a discussion about Shelley Duncan being the starting left fielder is that right after camp opened, Grady Sizemore went down with a back injury that required surgery. And there went the Tribe's $5 million investment in propping up the outfield.

The Indians have found themselves in the position of considering a 38-year-old Abreu who is batting .087 (4-of-46) in spring training with the Angels because they:

1. Gambled on Sizemore and lost. He had missed more games in the past three years than he played, and had five different surgeries in that span. Yet they signed him for $5 million. Now, he's out indefinitely and the money can't be used elsewhere.

2. Since Manny Ramirez was the team's first-round pick in 1991, the only other outfielders drafted, signed and developed by the Indians to have any sort of big-league careers are Trevor Crowe and Ben Francisco.

3. They brought in veterans such Ryan Spilborghs, Aaron Cunningham, Russ Canzler, and Felix Pie to add depth to the outfield. They believed at least one of them would grow hot under the Arizona sun where breaking balls tend to go flat and fly balls can climb into the jet stream and carry over the wall. But those four are batting a combined .220 with only seven extra-base hits, zero homers and 11 RBI in 150 at-bats.

That's why General Manager Chris Antonetti gave the standard, "We are always looking to upgrade the team" answer when the subject of Abreu was mentioned. Because he's doing just that, and I hear the Abreu discussions are not finished.

It's why manager Manny Acta said he felt good about finding a left fielder from the new group of imports, but how their performance is "a bit of a downer."

Are they under pressure to make the team? Of course. But as Acta said, if they can't handle the pressure now, what about the regular season?

So that's why they are looking at Abreu, a setting star who batted only .253 (.717 OPS) with eight HRs and 60 RBI in 502 official plate appearances last season. He played 28 games in the outfield last season, and is a designated hitter at this stage of his career.

But the Indians are desperate. It's easy to imagine the conversation such as this: "I know Abreu is a lefty hitter. I know that he may not have much left. I know that he's iffy in the outfield. I know he hit .215 after the All-Star break. But I also know that I'd rather go with Abreu and Shelley Duncan in left than what's out there right now."

Abreu is making $9 million. No doubt, the Angels will have to pick up nearly all of it if they deal him to the Tribe.

I'm hoping the Indians don't settle for Abreu, that they make a bold deal for a real outfielder. Because the left field problem is not about to go away. There are no prime outfield prospects at the upper levels of the minor-league system, and Shelley Duncan can't do it alone.

The Cavaliers look to snap their five-game losing streak tonight at The Q, as the surging new-look Milwaukee Bucks come to town. Get a preview and follow in-game updates from @pdcavsinsider on Twitter. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Cavaliers look to snap their five-game losing streak tonight at The Q, as the surging new-look Milwaukee Bucks come to town. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider in the box below. Check out the in-game box score here. Read on for a game preview. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

CLEVELAND -- After getting off to a slow start with his new team, Monta Ellis broke out in a big way in the Milwaukee Bucks' latest game.

APMonta Ellis is starting to come on strong for the Bucks.

The Bucks have to like their chances of climbing into Eastern Conference playoff position if he can keep it up down the stretch.

Following two off days after five games in six nights, visiting Milwaukee opens another busy stretch Friday seeking a sixth consecutive win over the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers.

While Ellis averaged just 12.2 points on 34.2 percent shooting in his first six games after coming over from Golden State, he carried the Bucks during Tuesday's 108-101 win over Atlanta. Ellis posted 33 points on 15-of-24 from the field to go with eight assists as Milwaukee (23-27) concluded its busy stretch 2-3.

"It was only a matter of time and the time was (Tuesday)," coach Scott Skiles said of Ellis. "He was scoring the ball. He was active. He made big shots. When he was covered, he passed it."

Milwaukee, which begins a set of three games in four days Friday, sits in ninth place in the East - 2 1/2 games in back of eighth-place New York. That margin could prove easier to cut into with Ellis in a groove.

"I was light on my feet. I was just moving. I went into one of my modes. It felt good," he said. "I'm glad I was able to show the Bucks (Tuesday). I want to take this game and build off it."

Ellis and the Bucks will look to do just that against Cleveland (17-31). The Cavaliers have surrendered 109.6 points per game on 49.8 percent shooting in dropping five straight in the series.

Cleveland has also lost five in a row overall, a skid in which it's been outscored by an average of 13.8 points. The Cavaliers concluded a stretch of three games in four nights with Wednesday's 87-75 loss to Detroit.

"I guess you would say (fatigue) is a factor, but we're not trying to make any excuses for ourselves," said rookie standout Kyrie Irving, who had 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists. "It's been a tough stretch of games for us and this is our fifth (loss) in a row.

"We've been in a position like this before. Everyone is down on us, but we just have to pull it together and continue to compete."

The Cavaliers, who lost a season-worst six in a row Feb. 22-March 5, have dropped eight of nine at Quicken Loans Arena - including the last four by 15.2 points per game.

"We've been through this before and we've been through worse," coach Byron Scott said. "The only thing we have to do is continue to stay together as a team and keep encouraging each other and keep fighting. That's all you can do.

"I don't see this group quitting. We're going to keep playing and we're going to keep fighting. That's the only thing we know."

The Cavaliers could catch a break with Milwaukee's Carlos Delfino (right groin) out and Ersan Ilyasova (back spasms) uncertain to suit up after both were held out Tuesday. Ekpe Udoh and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute would likely start again if those two can't go, but Ilyasova could play after returning to practice Thursday.

Delfino and Ilyasova combined for 39 points during a 115-105 win over Cleveland on March 14. Drew Gooden had 15 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds - the second triple-double of his career, both of which have come in his last three games against the Cavaliers.