What are some concerns for the Tribe going into Opening Day? Will Jeanmar Gomez be on a short leash? The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

View full sizePD fileTribe beat writer Paul Hoynes talks about Asdrubal Cabrera's contract extension during his weekly podcast.

What are some concerns for the Tribe going into Opening Day? Will Jeanmar Gomez be on a short leash?

The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• Asdrubal Cabrera's contract extension.

• Who needs to step up and have a big season for the Tribe to compete?

• Any surprises on who made the 25-man roster?

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

Be sure to follow Paul on Twitter.

Sullinger was an All-American as both a freshman and sophomore.

John Kuntz/ The Plain DealerJared Sullinger

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jared Sullinger surprised some people by coming back once. He's not doing it again.

The Ohio State sophomore big man announced his departure for the NBA Draft this afternoon at a press conference in Columbus.

A two-time first-team All-American, Sullinger averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds as a sophomore. As a freshman, he averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds.

He will leave Ohio State 29th on the all-time scoring list with 1,282 points, three behind Clark Kellogg, and 11th on the all-time rebounding list, three behind John Havlicek.

Sullinger could have been a lottery pick in the NBA draft a year ago, but after the Buckeyes lost to Kentucky in the Sweet 16 in 2011, he declared in the losing locker room his intentions to return. He passed on that opportunity when asked after the Buckeyes' loss to Kansas in the Final Four, to no surprise.

This entire season has been a bonus season for Sullinger in Columbus.
    
After winning state titles in high school and national titles in AAU ball, Sullinger got a taste of that success at the college level by reaching the Final Four. After missing two games in December with back problems and rounding into shape during the season, he helped lead the Buckeyes to a share of the Big Ten title and on to New Orleans, the team's first Final Four trip since 2007.

At 6-foot-9 and 265 pounds, Sullinger showed a bit more of an outside game this season but still made most of his offensive impact in the post, with his back to the basket, scoring himself or creating for teammates after opponents double-teamed him. In the NBA he'll be a power forward, not a center, and his game will change to some degree.

He is listed as the No. 11 draft prospect in the nation by ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford.

Freshman Amir Williams is the most likely option to replace Sullinger in the starting lineup next season, though the Buckeyes remain in the hunt for some recruits who fit the Sullinger mold as an inside scorer.
    
Sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas also has a decision to make about his NBA future, but there is no definitive word from Thomas at this point.

- A previous version of this story reported that Sullinger is 28th on the OSU all-time scoring list. He is 29th. 

On Sunday afternoon, Ubaldo Jimenez strode to the mound to make his last Cactus League start of the spring before taking the mound Saturday at Progressive Field. While he was supposed to get his routine work in, maybe Jimenez achieved something more important than just a final tune-up for the season.

View full sizeAssociated PressUbaldo Jimenez, right, needs to have a strong start to calm the worries of Tribe fans everywhere.

William Buford's legacy is still unknown.

APOhio State's William Buford.

William Buford's legacy is still a question mark. After four years at Ohio State, reporter Michael Periatt writes on The Lantern how he's still not sure what he saw when it comes to Buford's career.

His career had more ups and downs than Kirstie Alley’s weight and was a role model for being consistently inconsistent.

There were times when he was the best player on the floor and times when coach Thad Matta couldn’t get him off the floor fast enough.

So how should we remember Buford? What’s his legacy?

To me, Buford’s legacy comes down to one word.

But.

Everything good you can say about him has a draw back, Periatt writes. He's also not sure what it was, but something was always restraining Buford him from being truly great.

More Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes will compete in women's world hockey (Columbus Dispatch).

Jayme Thompson switches from West Virginia to Ohio State (Toledo Blade).

Updating the five best spring football battles (The Bleacher report).

Trent Richardson is the only choice for the Browns at No. 4.

Michael Conroy, APAlabama running back Trent Richardson.

Jamison Hensley writes on ESPN's AFC North blog about the Cleveland Browns needing to draft running back Trent Richardson.

Simply because he is the best player available at No. 4, and Richardson will take pressure off quarterback Colt McCoy.

Richardson is a complete back who can deliver long runs, catch passes and pass-block. He would take pressure off QB Colt McCoy because he is a workhorse back. Richardson would make the offensive line look better because he breaks tackles.

If there was any hesitation in drafting Richardson, it should have ended when he swept the Browns off their feet on his pro day. Well, he actually knocked them off their feet. During a blocking drill with Browns running back coach Gary Brown holding a pad, Richardson delivered a violent shove that knocked Brown tumbling backward.

The Browns could also select Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. He's the third-rated quarterback in the draft.

More Cleveland Browns

Joe Flacco says he's the best quarterback in the NFL (Washington Post).

USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil is visiting the Browns this week (Cleveland.com).

Bill Polian is pushing for Ryan Tannehill (CantonRep.com).

New Nike uniforms but some things remain the same (The News-Herald).

There are numerous questions about the Indians' lineup, bench and even position player-depth at the minor league level. Has Antonetti done well under the circumstances, or left the team at a disadvantage?

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerGeneral manager Chris Antonetti as the Indians were at spring training in Goodyear, Arizona.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians play their season opener on Thursday, against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field.

The Indians open the season with basically the same nucleus they had last season, when they went 80-82 and finished second in the American League Central Division, 15 games behind the Detroit Tigers.

During the past offseason, there was a general consensus that it would be OK for the Tribe to enter this season with a pitching staff similar in makeup to the 2011 staff. Even though there were, and remain, questions about the starting rotation, it had shown enough promise to merit beginning another season virtually intact. And, there was acceptable starting depth at the upper levels of Cleveland's minor league system -- which has already become relevant since it remains unknown when Roberto Hernandez (formerly Fausto Carmona) will be able to pitch for the Indians.

The bullpen has been superb the last 1 1/2 seasons, and its key members remain.

When considering general manager Chris Antonetti's work in putting together a team that can win for manager Manny Acta, the primary questions regard what he has done, or failed to do, in building a credible group of position players.

Has Antonetti done the best he can with a limited budget, or has he not spent wisely with the resources he did have?

Why wasn't he able to bolster the Indians' right-handed hitting, or are the left-handers and switch-hitters good enough to negate the imbalance that seems to give opposing managers a strategic advantage?

Was it a mistake for Antonetti to give Grady Sizemore -- who has missed 249 of the Indians' last 353 games with injuries -- a one-year contract for $5 million, and another $4 million in bonuses based on plate appearances? Or was Sizemore once so good that it was worth the risk?

Was it a good move to sign left-handed hitting first baseman Casey Kotchman -- a good fielder, solid batting-average hitter, but mediocre run-producer -- to a reasonable one-year, $3 million contract? And, at the same time, seemingly, and at least temporarily, giving up on Matt LaPorta, who sometimes looks awful at the plate, but is a right-handed hitter, 27, and drove in runs at a pace last season that would have given him 80 RBI in 530 at bats? And, makes well under $1 million a year.

Does the bench, and do the potential call-ups at Class AAA Columbus, provide little hope for help? Or does Antonetti get the benefit of the doubt because of the Indians' budget and the lack of major league-caliber position players?

Cavaliers rookie guard out 7-10 days after aggravating shoulder injury against San Antonio.

Gus Chan, The Plain DealerKyrie Irving

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Cavaliers rookie guard Kyrie Irving will be out 7-10 days after aggravating his sprained right shoulder Tuesday night against San Antonio. Starting Wednesday night in Milwaukee, the Cavs have six games in the next 10 days.

Irving, who had 13 points and 5 assists in 29:41 against the Spurs, orginally suffered the injury in Friday's home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Irving did not travel with the Cavaliers to Milwaukee for Wednesday's rematch. Instead he had an MRI at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Sports Health on Wednesday.

Irving, who leads the Cavs and all rookies in scoring and won the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for the third straight time on Monday, will now undergo a period of rest and treatment for the shoulder and then transition into a period of rehabilitation, according to a release issued by the team.

This will be the sixth game Irving has missed this season. He missed three games with a concussion from Feb. 8-11; missed a game against Chicago on March 2 when he was ill; and then sat out Saturday's game at New York with the shoulder injury.

Jared Sullinger declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft today.

APOhio State's Jared Sullinger.

Ohio State's Jared Sullinger decided to enter the NBA Draft today. Many so-called experts have Sullinger getting drafted as the ninth-pick or later in the first round.

So knowing this, did Sullinger make the right move? Or should he have remained in college for at least one more season?

Specific dates and game times to be announced soon.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerCleveland linebacker Titus Brown returns a fumble recovery for a touchdown during the Browns' preseason opener last Aug. 13, a 27-17 win over the Green Bay Packers in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns have announced their opponents for the 2012 preseason schedule.

It's the same group of teams that Cleveland faced during the 2011 preseason.

The Browns' first two exhibition games will be on the road, against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Cleveland then plays home exhibition games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears.

Detroit and Chicago have become regular preseason opponents for the Browns. This will be the 11th straight preseason that the Browns and Lions play, and the ninth straight time that the Browns and Bears will meet.

Dates for the specific games have been announced within a window of a few days. Exact game dates and the game times will be announced in the near future.

              DATES        OPPONENT                       SITE

Game 1: Aug. 9-13     at DETROIT LIONS            Ford Field

Game 2: Aug. 16-20   at GREEN BAY PACKERS      Lambeau Field

Game 3: Aug. 23-26   vs. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES   Cleveland Browns Stadium

Game 4: Aug. 29-30   vs. CHICAGO BEARS           Cleveland Browns Stadium

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

AP photoShould Nike have made more changes to the Browns uniform?

"‘Tradition’ is the reason given for why the Browns made the white jersey the standard for the team to wear at home this past season. Of course by choosing to wear the white uniforms at home, the Browns ended up wearing the same look for all 16 games. The funny thing about ‘tradition’ is that the Browns have a pretty long history of wearing Brown uniforms as well.

Regardless, I’m sure most were pleased that the Browns didn’t get the ‘Full-Nike’ treatment on the uniforms. The only team that did get significant changes to their design was the Seattle Seahawks."

"Support for McCoy, a smokescreen or reality? A team such as the Browns, holding a valuable #4 pick in the draft that is seeking to add picks by trading down will usually stress interest in a player such as Tannehill hoping to draw offers from teams seeking a quarterback--faking interest to draw the highest bidder. If this is the case the Browns are resembling Maxwell Smart more-so than the CIA for their support for McCoy via the media is counter-productive. A team such as Miami would possibly be willing to approach the Browns about a trade if they felt the Browns truly had interest in snagging Tannehill--this due to Miamis' need for a quarterback."

AP PhotoCould the Tribe package closer Chris Perez in a deal if they are out of race in July?

"In the meantime, the team will be especially fortified in its pen with an eighth relief specialist. The guess would be Herrmann is farmed for two primary reasons: he has an option remaining and it must be the desire for an upgrade from him that so many relievers were imported since the finish of last season---unless, of course, the motivation was to possibly free-up one from the Bullpen Mafia for inclusion in a trade."

"Jim Piascik: I think that the Indians have somehow found a way to be deep at shortstop with Lindor, Wolters, and Ronny Rodriguez, all IPI top 10 prospects. That depth at a key position bodes very well for the Tribe down the road. Even if one of them moves to another position (it seems likely as of right now that Wolters will end up at second base), the Indians are still pretty set up the middle in the lower levels. Combine that with decent guys like Asdrubal Cabrera, Jason Kipnis, Jason Donald, Cord Phelps, and Juan Diaz in the upper levels, and I see a major strength up the middle for the Indians."

AP fileCoaches around the NBA are taking notice to the play of Alonzo Gee.

"In fact, you may not even remember he was a Spur. He only saw 18 minutes for the team last season, and 15 of those were in a blowout win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Now Gee is the starting small forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers and he’s taken his opportunity to become one of the NBA’s most improved players. This season, he is averaging 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists in 29.2 minutes per game."

"This Cavs season, for me, ended when Ramon Sessions was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. It was over then. I've already begun the process of reflecting back upon the good times we had this year too. Those game winning shots by Kyrie Irving were fun. The times Tristan Thompson went for double/doubles were encouraging. The improved play of Alonzo Gee was cool too. The fact that I know Anthony Parker's career in Cleveland is coming to a close is a relief, and the shared understanding that Ryan Hollins now plays for Boston is also. I'm satisfied with the progress made in year one of the Kyrie Irving Era, and I am not going to spend any time complaining about the avalanche of losses that will continue to mount as this season dwindles to its ultimate close."

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy throws passes to high school students and it raises questions.

PDColt McCoy

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy made an appearance at a high school in Springfield, Ill. last month. He was there for the school's annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet.

There was no issue with that. What did become an issue is that McCoy threw passes to some of the high school students, including a football player. The state could view the pass and catch by McCoy to the high school football player as the high schooler gaining an advantage.

Dave Kane of The State Journal-Register writes how Rick Sanders, coordinator of athletics for District 186, contacted the IHSA and raised questions about whether McCoy’s passing workout represented an illegal practice for SHG.

“We were straight up with (IHSA executive director) Marty (Hickman) about it,” Leonard said. “Colt McCoy came out and was a great role model. He talked about what it takes to be a man.

“We had some kids who were out of study hall. Some of the kids didn’t even play football. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for them. We’re not making a big deal of it. We don’t want to force the issue. It’s in (the IHSA’s) hands. We’ll do what they tell us to do.”

Kane writes how a final decision still has not been made.

It was the Cavaliers' ninth straight loss, their 12th in 13 games.

View full sizeJeffrey Phelps, Associated PressAnthony Parker battles with Milwaukee's Monta Ellis for a loose ball in the second half of Wednesday's game. Parker led the Cavaliers with 27 points in the 107-98 loss.

MILWAUKEE -- Anthony Parker doesn't actually remember the last time he scored 27 points in a game.

But he did it on Wednesday night at Bradley Center to help the short-handed Cavaliers battle before falling to the Milwaukee Bucks, 107-98. The last time before Wednesday came against Chicago on April 8, 2007, when he was with the Toronto Raptors.

"2007, huh?" Parker said. "You know how sometimes when people are on their deathbed, they have a little bit of life? I don't know how much more I got left, but this was one of those days where I showed a little bit of life."

It was more life than the Cavs have shown previously this week, and it couldn't have come at a more opportune time. With rookie sensation Kyrie Irving out up to 10 days after aggravating his sprained right shoulder, the Cavs needed someone to step up, and Parker took the lead.

"He was fantastic," coach Byron Scott said. "He just made shots. He got a little tired in that third quarter, so I tried to give him a couple of minutes break and he came back and continued where he left off."

Parker had 10 points in the third quarter and 10 more in the fourth as the Cavs cut the Bucks' 17-point lead to six on four different occasions. But every single time, Monta Ellis hit a shot to keep the Bucks in front. Ellis finished with 30 points, 16 in the fourth quarter, and he scored the last 12 as the Bucks beat the Cavs for the seventh straight time.

The loss extended the Cavs' losing streak to a season-high nine and was their 12th in 13 games. They have lost five straight on the road, where they're 8-17. But unlike many of those losses, the Cavs were in this one down the stretch, if only they could have found a way to stop Ellis.

"The last four or five minutes of the game Monta took over, just made some shots," Scott said. "But it wasn't because of bad defense. He's so deadly from 19 or 20 feet on in. You've just got to give him credit. He was the closer for them tonight."

Parker denied that he was trying to take over the scoring load for Irving, who leads the Cavs with 18.8 points per game.

"Just be more assertive and aggressive and try to create some offense and gets guys in the right spots and try to execute," said Parker, who played alongside backup point guards Donald Sloan and Lester Hudson. "I thought we had some great looks. Unfortunately it was one of those days where some of the easiest shots we convert on just weren't falling. Give our guys credit, we fought through that. We had our chances late in the game to try and make a game of it."

Historic effort: The Cavs are the first team in NBA history to lose consecutive home games by 35 points or more. They lost to San Antonio on Tuesday, 125-90, after a 121-84 loss to Milwaukee on Friday. The 37-point loss to the Bucks was the second worst of the season, after a 114-75 Chicago victory on Jan. 20.

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Justin Masterson has never made an Opening Day start in the big leagues until Thursday. He says he's going to enjoy the moment, but not forget that the reason he's on the mound is to help the Indians beat Toronto at Progressive Field.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain Dealer"The emotions are going to be there, but it will be a fun experience," Indians Opening Day starter Justin Masterson said Wednesday. "That's what will keep things in check is realizing that it is fun, that this is a good time and that we can go out there and try and shine."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's the first time around for Justin Masterson, and he's just going to run with it.

The shoulder juice is in the right place in his surgically repaired left shoulder. He's coming off an Arizona spring when sometimes his pitches sliced and diced and sometimes they were hit a long way.

Typical stuff for Masterson, except for starting Thursday's season opener against Ricky Romero and the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. This is new ground, a challenge to be sure, but something to be savored.

"I've never been there so I can't say how I'll do it," said Masterson. "I think I'll appreciate everything that comes with it. There will be excitement, joy. There will be some nerves and intensity as you go out there."

Masterson always comes at things from a different angle than expected. Throwing the first pitch of the season is no different.

"Part of you is going to just appreciate it and appreciate the moment," he said. "You never know when you'll have it again. Maybe this is my last year playing baseball, whether an injury takes you away or some other circumstance."

Beneath the anticipated adrenaline and buzz from a sold-out crowd, there is the reason why manager Manny Acta gave Masterson the start. He needs to pitch well against a dangerous Toronto offense and help the Indians start the season in style.

"You realize you have to go out and do your job," said Masterson. "The emotions are going to be there, but it will be a fun experience. That's what will keep things in check is realizing that it is fun, that this is a good time and that we can go out there and try and shine."

Masterson earned the right to face the Blue Jays by going 12-10 with a 3.21 ERA in 34 games, including 33 starts, last year. It was his first full season as a starter after 1 1/2 years of trial and error following the July 31, 2009 trade that brought him to Cleveland from Boston in exchange for Victor Martinez.

With the powerful Red Sox, Masterson pitched where he was needed. Sometimes it was the rotation, more often it was the bullpen. The Indians almost immediately made him a starter.

"Last year was nice," said Masterson, when asked if it gave him confidence, "but [confidence] was already there. My confidence level was and is and, I think always, has to be high. If you lose confidence, that's when you start feeling sorry for yourself. If something goes a little bit wrong than you're as frazzled as you can be."

Masterson was certainly tested after joining the Indians. Last year, he won his first five starts. Then he went 0-6 in his next 11. He had a 3.34 ERA during that stretch, but the offense scored just 22 runs.

In 2009, after he entered the rotation, Masterson ended the season 0-6 in seven starts. In 2010, he went 0-5 in his first 10 starts, making him 0-11 over 17 consecutive starts. It was the longest stretch by a starter without a victory in franchise history. The offense scored 39 runs in those games.

Through it all Masterson's personality didn't change. He stayed calm and cool.

"He keeps his emotions in check," said Acta. "He keeps things in perspective very well. That doesn't mean he's as passive as he looks when he's on the mound."

In the second half of the 2010 season, the 6-6, 250-pound Masterson was able to tame his delivery. Scouts and baseball people kept saying was a right-on-right bullpen guy, not a starter. Masterson, however, made a case for himself as a starter. He carried it into last season for the best year of his career. When it ended, he underwent surgery on his left shoulder to remove a cyst.

Here's how Masterson described the surgery on March 3 when Acta named him the Opening Day starter. "What was fueling the cyst was the tear in the labrum," he said. "My shoulder juice was leaking out of the tear and filling the cyst."

That would be shoulder juice ... as in shoulder juice?

"That's a technical term for you guys," said Masterson. "It was one of those things where you have to repair the leak and get rid of the cyst."

With that cleared up, let the season begin.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Quarterback Braxton Miller hit on a couple of throws, but the Ohio State defense remained ahead of the offense at spring football practice.

View full sizeAP fileBraxton Miller had a few good moments in Wednesday's practice, but the Ohio State defense continued to dominate as the Buckeyes work on learning Urban Meyer's system.

COLUMBUS, Ohio --Braxton Miller pumped his arm and rolled to his right before chucking a pass to Corey "Philly" Brown on Wednesday afternoon. Brown reached the end zone for a 45-yard score, a chest bump with tight end Jake Stoneburner, and a 15-yard hug from center Corey Linsley as they ran back to the line of scrimmage.

The Ohio State offense should have enjoyed that play about two-thirds of the way into the fifth of 15 practices this spring. The defense won most of the rest of the day.

Always vocal cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs walked through warmups Wednesday yelling that it was a beautiful day and "Are you a winner or a loser? You decide."

In the second of coach Urban Meyer's winner and loser days this spring, it was the offense that wound up running sprints at the end of practice; the defense, not surprisingly, in front as the Buckeyes go about the business of learning a new offense. There's not much defensive linemen like senior John Simon and junior Johnathan Hankins had to learn about getting after guys.

"They'd better win," Meyer said after practice. "It's early yet. They're playing well and the defensive coaches are doing a nice job.

"I'd expect our offense to be a little bit more competitive right now. They're trying, they are."

That starts with Miller, who began his practice day leading his line during warmups, with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tom Herman on Miller's hip.

Miller worked on inside handoffs and option pitches with his running backs, then showed clearly the quickest feet of the five quarterbacks while sliding through pads on the ground, with his eyes downfield, in a drill that tested his maneuverability in the pocket.

He threw quick slants and corner routes from the 5 yard line -- on target more often than not -- ran the first-team offense against the first-team defense, then was at the other end of the field hitting Stoneburner with a quick slant for a touchdown while Linsley and defensive lineman Joel Hale engaged in a brief scuffle.

Miller missed several throws in a seven-on-seven drill, bounced some out routes while working on rolling to his left on a side field with the other quarterbacks, and fumbled a handoff that was recovered by Hankins. But he remains just a piece, though the most important piece, of an offense still coming together.

"A quarterback is the product of those around him. He gets far too much credit and far too much blame. Guys have to help him out. And he has to do better," Meyer said. "I'm actually not that disappointed where we're at this point."

Meyer said he may ease up on installing some of the new offense to focus on the execution of the plays the Buckeyes do know. But the defense will not make it easy. Sophomore linebacker Curtis Grant, still locked in as the first-team middle linebacker, made several nice tackles and continues to grow into his role, and Meyer called him "much improved."

Sophomore Michael Bennett moved up the depth chart on the defensive line from the first day of practice and replaced Adam Bellamy on Wednesday in joining Simon, Hankins and Garrett Goebel with the ones. Meyer said he wasn't as high on Bennett in the off-season as defensive coordinator Luke Fickell was, but "I can see it now on the field. He's doing really well. ... He's hard to block."

When Steve Miller worked in as the second-team Leo rush end and got a touch sack on backup quarterback Kenny Guiton, Miller got a flying chest bump from defensive line coach Mike Vrabel.

Another win for the defense. The offense will keep trying.

Cabrera will make $6.5 million in 2013 and $10 million in 2014. His 2012 salary of $4.45 was not altered by the extension.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Yes, Asdrubal Cabrera wanted a longer contract extension than the one the Indians made official Wednesday.

How about 10 years, Cabrera was asked?

"Why not? This is the team I want to spend my career with," said last year's All-Star shortstop.

The Indians weren't signing on for anything that grand. The two-year, $16.5 million extension was four months in the making. Compromise definitely was involved along with many proposals and counter proposals between GM Chris Antonetti and Alan Nero, Cabrera's agent. Cabrera will make $6.5 million in 2013 and $10 million in 2014. His 2012 salary of $4.45 was not altered by the extension.

Word of the deal broke on Sunday. The Indians wouldn't confirm it until Wednesday. It is the first extension the Indians have given a player since Roberto Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, signed one in 2008.

It went over well in the clubhouse.

"It's nice to see the club going in the right direction, signing a solid individual that we know is going to be there for a couple of years," said Justin Masterson. "It excites everyone else who is planning to be around, too.

"It makes things look good in the future. Hey, you know the team is willing to reward people that do great things for you."

Said Antonetti, "This deal stems from the fundamental appreciation that we have for the player Asdrubal has developed into, his presence on our team and the fact that he has developed into one of the best shortstops in baseball."

Cabrera will be 29 and eligible for free agency when the extension is complete. If he still feels the same about the Indians, perhaps another deal could be worked out.

"While we only extended his contract two years, there is a fundamental appreciation of the relationship, our appreciation for Asdrubal as a player and Asdrubal's desire to stay an Indian," said Antonetti.

Cabrera hit 25 homers last year, a franchise record for a shortstop, while batting .273 with 87 runs, 32 doubles, three triples, 25 homers and 92 RBI.

"I'm really happy with the contract and with the chance to play the next couple of years with this organization."

Roster moves: The Indians shuffled the roster before Thursday's opener.

• Grady Sizemore was placed on the 60-day disabled list and outfielder Thomas Neal was designated for assignment to make room for Jose Lopez and Dan Wheeler on the 40-man roster.

• Left-hander David Huff (right hamstring) was placed on the disabled list.

• Matt Pagnozzi, Gregorio Petit, Jeremy Accardo and Ryan Spilborghs were reassigned to the minors.

• Outfielder Felix Pie was released.

Antonetti said the soonest Sizemore could be back playing for the Indians is June 3. He is recovering from March 1 surgery on a herniated disc.

"He hasn't started baseball activities yet, but he's making progress," said Antonetti. "It's good to see a smile on Grady's face again."

Suspension talk: Ubaldo Jimenez on getting suspended five games and fined for hitting former teammate Troy Tulowitzki on the left elbow Sunday in Scottsdale, "I was surprised, but what else can I do? I walked five guys in the game. I walked the leadoff batter three times."

The Indians appealed the suspension, which will allow Jimenez to face Toronto on Saturday. He said he did not know when his appeal would be heard.

Left-on-left: Toronto left-hander Ricky Romero will face an Indians lineup with six left-handed starters in Thursday's season opener. Asked if he felt that gave him an advantage, Romero said, "No, that's a tough lineup. Obviously, those lefties are there for a reason."

Romero, 2-1 lifetime against the Tribe, did not face them last year. In his career, lefties have hit .280 and righties .231.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Cavaliers Anthony Parker, and Antawn Jamison, are demonstrating veteran leadership even in tough times.

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin -- Anthony Parker has his detractors. Lots of them.

Cavaliers fans think he's too old at 36. They can't see why the Cavs were so eager to bring him back as a free agent. They want him out of the starting lineup.

But Wednesday night, Parker showed why Cavs management and his teammates think so highly of him.

He wound up tying his career high with 27 points. The last time he scored that many was in April, 2007. And yes, he was matched up against Milwaukee's Monte Ellis, who scored 30.

But it wasn't just the points. It was the fact that with the Cavs struggling mightily even before getting the news that rookie sensation Kyrie Irving would be out 7-10 days after aggravating his sprained right shoulder in Tuesday night's blowout loss to San Antonio, Parker stepped up in an effort to bail out this sinking ship. That's what leaders do.

Parker said he wasn't really trying to replace Irving's scoring -- he leads the Cavs in scoring with 18.8 points per game -- but rather help new point guards Donald Sloan and Lester Hudson relax and adjust as quickly as possible.

Face it. Lots of guys would throw in the towel. The Cavs have lost nine straight. Their best two players are out. They're going nowhere fast. They were down by 19 in the first half and could have lost by 37, like they did in the last meeting with Milwaukee last week.

But Parker _ and to some extent Antawn Jamison, who finished with 17 points after a slow start _ wouldn't let them. That's what veterans do. That's why the Cavs wanted the two of them here.

It may not result in more victories. But if the young Cavs learn how to compete even during tough times, that's a win-win situation.

Before the Indians begin a new season, it is time to take one more look at the previous one.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerFor a good part of the 2011 season, there was a steady flow of late game heroics by the Indians -- in this case, a Travis Hafner grand-slam walkoff against Toronto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Before the Indians begin a new season, it is time to take one more look at the previous one. How well do you remember the pieces and parts of Tribe 2011?

Five points for each correct answer. 90-100 is quality; anything less is uncivilized.

(Be honest with yourself. No surfing the Internet).

1. The Indians finished 80-82. The victory total was an improvement of how many over 2010?

A. 5; B. 8; C. 11; D. 14.

2. The Indians lost how many days to disabled-list injury?

A. 526; B. 626; C. 726; D. 826.

3. How many times did a runner attempt to steal against right-hander Josh Tomlin?

A. 0; B. 1; C. 2; D. 3.

4. Who had Indians' longest hitting streak (10 games)?

A. Asdrubal Cabrera; B. Shin-Soo Choo; C. Jason Kipnis; D. Carlos Baerga.

5. How many times did an Indians player hit two homers in a game?

A. 2; B. 4; C. 6; D. 8.

6. How many times did Indians hit a walk-off homer?

A. 5; B. 7; C. 9; D. 11.

7. Which Indians pitcher went 2-for-2 to hit 1.000 for the season?

A. Justin Masterson; B. Josh Tomlin; C. Fausto Carmona; D. Roberto Hernandez.

8. Who led Indians with a .273 average (min. 350 official ABs)?

A. Michael Brantley; B. Matt LaPorta; C. Ezequiel Carrera; D. Asdrubal Cabrera.

9. Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin tied for club lead with 12 victories. Who was third with 8?

A. Carlos Carrasco; B. Fausto Carmona; C. Tony Sipp; D. George "The Bull" Uhle.

10. Who had Indians' first hit of the season (April 1 vs. CWS)?

A. Grady Sizemore; B. Ezequiel Carrera; C. Asdrubal Cabrera; D. Michael Brantley.

11. Who went 4-for-4 with 4 RBI in Indians' 19-1 victory May 16 at Kansas City?

A. Michael Brantley; B. Matt LaPorta; C. Shin-Soo Choo; D. Travis Hafner.

12. Who had a game-winning drag bunt in his first career plate appearance, May 20 vs. Cincinnati?

A. Jason Kipnis; B. Lonnie Chisenhall; C. Ezequiel Carrera; D. Miguel Dilone.

13. Travis Hafner hit a walkoff grand slam July 7 against Toronto, giving him how many career slams?

A. 11; B. 12; C. 13: D. 14.

14. Which Angels pitcher no-hit Indians on July 27 at Progressive Field?

A. Jered Weaver; B. Dan Haren; C. Ervin Santana; D. Frank Tanana.

15. In the no-hitter loss, what was Indians' final line for runs-hits-errors?

A. 0-0-0; B. 1-0-1; C. 1-0-3; D. 1-0-5?

16. Who doubled in the third inning Aug. 23 as Progressive Field shook, the result of rumblings from a 5.8 earthquake that struck south of Mineral, Va.?

A. Carlos Santana; B. Shin-Soo Choo; C. Travis Hafner; D. Jason Donald.

17. In a September game at Progressive Field, Shelley Duncan hit two homers off whom?

A. Francisco Liriano, Min; B. Mark Buehrle, CWS; C. Felix Hernandez, Sea; D. Justin Verlander, Det.

18. Who made final out of Indians' 2011 season (Sept. 28 at Detroit)?

A. Asdrubal Cabrera, strikeout; B. Grady Sizemore, strikeout; C. Jason Kipnis, strikeout; Ezequiel Carrera, flyout.

19. How many consecutive games did Indians lose to Detroit to close their season series?

A. 4; B. 7; C. 10; D. 13.

20. How many games comprised Indians' swing from largest Central Division lead to final deficit to Detroit?

A. 8 (4 up, 4 back); B. 15 (5 up, 10 back); C. 22 (7 up, 15 back); D. 29 (10 up, 19 back).

Answers: 1. C; 2. D; 3. A; 4. A; 5. D; 6. B; 7. B; 8. D; 9. A; 10. D; 11.B; 12. C; 13. B; 14. C; 15. D; 16. B; 17. D; 18. A; 19. C; 20. C.

The Indians have made no secret that contention is based on pitching and defense. But is there enough hitting to make it count?

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerIndians Opening Day starter Justin Masterson has clearly emerged as the No. 1 pitcher on the staff, but can he match up against other teams' aces?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- How will the Indians fare this season? The answer takes 162 games, but here's a quick Opening Day evaluation of the roster.

Pitching

Starting rotation

Summary: Once again the Indians open with an all right-handed rotation in Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Derek Lowe, Josh Tomlin and Jeanmar Gomez. This will be Masterson's first year as a No. 1 starter and he seems ready for the role. All eyes will be on Jimenez, who needs a good season to re-establish himself as a front-of-the-rotation starter and justify last year's trade with the Rockies. Newcomer Lowe enters needing to rebound from a 17-loss season with Atlanta. Gomez was the Tribe's top pitcher in camp and won the No. 5 spot.

Immediate help: Kevin Slowey, Zach McAllister, Scott Barnes and David Huff will be waiting at Class AAA Columbus. Huff (right hamstring) won't be ready for a month or so. Roberto Hernandez, depending on when his visa problems are settled, could give the Indians another option.

Long-distance calling: Austin Adams (Class AA Akron), Danny Salazar (Class A Carolina) and Dillon Howard (Class A Lake County) are arms to watch. Adams missed all of big-league camp with an impingement in his right shoulder, but should be ready to pitch in May.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerChris Perez hasn't worked consecutive games yet this spring, but he appears ready to close out games for the Tribe.

Bullpen

Summary: The core five are back with closer Chris Perez and set-up men Rafael Perez, Vinnie Pestano, Joe Smith and Tony Sipp. Chris Perez (left oblique) and Rafael Perez (left shoulder) missed a big chunk of camp and may not be 100 percent early in the year. Veteran Dan Wheeler and Jairo Asencio fill the sixth and seventh spots. Asencio was acquired from Atlanta late in camp and beat out impressive Jeremy Accardo for the last spot.

Immediate help: Lefty Nick Hagadone, Chen-Chang Lee, Frank Herrmann, Corey Kluber and veterans Chris Ray, Robinson Tejeda and Accardo could be available at Class AAA Columbus.

Long-distance calling: Tyler Sturdevant (Akron) and Trey Haley, Cody Allen and Shawn Armstrong (Class A Carolina) offer help for the future. Sturdevant, who missed most of big-league camp with a sore shoulder, is still slightly behind.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerCan Carlos Santana deliver the offensive production that the Indians' lineup so desperately needs?

Catching

Summary: Carlos Santana and Lou Marson return from last season. Look for Santana to spend more time behind the plate because the Indians signed Casey Kotchman to play first. Last year Santana started 88 games at catcher and 63 at first. When he needs a break this year, he'll DH. Marson made 74 starts at catcher last year, but his playing time is expected to shrink.

Immediate help: Luke Carlin and Matt Pagnozzi are at Class AAA Columbus. Carlin is a switch-hitter and Pagnozzi a right-handed hitter. They both have time in the big leagues.

Long-distance calling: Robert Perez and Chun Chen will be at Akron. Perez can catch and throw; Chen can hit. Prospects at lower levels include Alex Monsalve, Jake Lowery, Eric Haase and Alex Lavisky. Monsalve is the best of that group and he'll play at Class A Lake County.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerCasey Kotchman may not have a power bat, but if he can repeat his .300 season from 2011, he should be able to keep rallies going for the Indians.

First base

Summary: Casey Kotchman, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal, had a quiet spring. He missed a week with back spasms. Shelley Duncan, Jose Lopez, Jack Hannahan and Santana can play first if Kotchman needs a break.

Immediate help: Matt LaPorta and Russ Canzler will split time at first and left field at Class AAA Columbus. LaPorta had a terrible big-league camp. Canzler swung the bat fairly well. Beau Mills made a good impression this spring, but it's unclear if he'll be at Columbus or Class AA Akron.

Long-distance calling: Jesus Aguilar, a right-handed hitter, has some big power. He's 6-3, 260 pounds and will be at Class A Carolina. Last year he hit 23 homers between Class A affiliates Lake County and Kinston. Has to monitor his weight.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerJason Kipnis earned a chance at the majors because of his bat, but the Indians need him to make the routine plays at second base.

Second base

Summary: Jason Kipnis makes the Opening Day roster for the first time. Like most of his teammates, he didn't make a lot of noise with his bat in spring. He'll probably bat sixth or seventh in the lineup. Jason Donald and Lopez will back him up.

Immediate help: Switch-hitting Cord Phelps, who had a tough introduction to the big leagues last year, will be at Class AAA Columbus. He hit well there last year, but didn't hit much at all with the Tribe.

Long-distance calling: Switch-hitting Robel Garcia will be at Class A Lake County and Tony Wolters will be at Class A Carolina. Wolters, a third-round pick in 2010, will also see time at shortstop, his natural position.

Shortstop

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerAsdrubal Cabrera had a quiet spring, but he must deliver numbers close to 2011 for the Indians to contend in 2012.

Summary: One of the most silent Indians this spring was Asdrubal Cabrera. He needed much of camp to play himself into shape. He's coming off a career season in which he went to the All-Star Game and won the AL Silver Slugger award. At the end of camp, he agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $16.5 million. Donald will be his backup.

Immediate help: Gregorio Petit, who had a decent spring after missing all of last season with a knee injury suffered in winter ball, will play short at Columbus. Juan Diaz, who impressed the Indians with his defense in big-league camp, will be at Columbus or Akron.

Long distance calling: The Indians have four young shortstops in Francisco Lindor (Lake County), Ronny Rodriguez (Lake County), Wolters (Carolina) and Dorssys Paulino (Arizona Rookie League) who are going to be fun to watch in the coming years. Lindor is the Indians' No.1 pick from last year. He's three to five years away from the big leagues.

View full sizeMark Duncan, Associated PressJack Hannahan beat out Lonnie Chisenhall at third base because the Indians know his defense won't go into a slump.

Third base

Summary: Jack Hannahan beat out Lonnie Chisenhall for the starting job. How badly did Chisenhall struggle? Hannahan missed over a week with back spasms and still was named the starter a week before camp broke. Hannahan can play defense, but needs to stay healthy and hit or Chisenhall will soon be back. Hannahan hit .320 (29-for-90) with 17 RBI in 36 games in the second half.

Immediate help: Chisenhall will start at third in Columbus. The Indians rushed him to the big leagues last year before he got a chance to sand the rough edges on his offensive game. Perhaps he can finish them this year.

Long-distance calling: Giovanny Urshella, Leonardo Castillo and Kyle Bellows are three young third baseman who can play the position defensively, but so far haven't hit themselves into prospect status. The Indians believe all three are young enough that if they can produce at the plate, they could one day help the big-league club.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerShelley Duncan isn't always the smoothest looking big-league player, but his power bat helped earn him a starting spot in left --- for now.

Left field

Summary: Shelley Duncan emerged as the main left fielder with Aaron Cunningham serving as a defensive replacement and utility outfielder. It will be interesting to see how much playing time Duncan and Cunningham, both right-handed hitters, get. Look for Duncan to bat sixth or seventh.

Immediate help: LaPorta, Canzler and Chad Huffman will share time at Columbus. Ryan Spilborghs might be in the mix if he decides to go to the Clippers. Former third-round pick Nick Weglarz will start the season in Akron. If he can stay healthy and can play the outfield regularly, there's a chance he could help the Tribe this year.

Long-distance calling: The Indians have some versatile outfielders in Tim Fedroff and Tyler Holt, but no difference-makers at this point.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerMichael Brantley has just a .318 on-base percentage as a major leaguer, but he'll need to be considerably better than that to succeed as a leadoff man for the Tribe.

Center field

Summary: Michael Brantley is the starter and will bat leadoff. How long he stays there will depend on his performance and how quickly Grady Sizemore heals from his March 1 back surgery. If the Indians are going to be an effective offensive team, Brantley needs to jump-start a suspect offense and stay healthy. Cunningham and Donald will be the backups.

Immediate help: Ezequiel Carrera and Felix Pie will be at Class AAA Columbus.

Long-distance calling: LeVon Washington and Luigi Rodriguez will split time at Lake County. Washington had a good spring after struggling last year in his first pro season. They both can hit at the top of the order and have enough speed to steal a base.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerA refocused Shin-Soo Choo will need to be the reliable middle of the Indians' lineup.

Right field

Summary: Shin-Soo Choo has given every indication that he's closed the book on a disappointing 2011 season and will be a consistent and productive hitter again. He came to camp 20 pounds lighter and is one of the few Indians who looked comfortable at the plate throughout much of spring training. Cunningham will back him up.

Depth: Thomas Neal, acquired from San Francisco for Orlando Cabrera, will start at Columbus. Neal showed signs of power with the Giants before he injured his shoulder. If Spilborghs agrees to report, he'd be another option.

Long distance calling: Bryson Myles (Lake Country) is a good athlete with power, but he's a project.

Can the aging Phillies hold off the new-look Nationals and Marlins? Who will emerge from the star-depleted Central? Is there new Magic around the Dodgers?

View full sizeJoe Rimkus Jr., Miami HeraldShortstop Jose Reyes is just one of the many new faces that will help the Miami Marlins christen their new downtown ballpark -- and potentially steal away the NL East from Philadelphia.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Breaking down the National League division races with Plain Dealer beat writer Paul Hoynes.

NL EAST

Projected order of finish: 1. Phillies, 2. Nationals, 3. Marlins, 4. Braves, 5. Mets.

The skinny: The Phillies have won five straight NL East titles, but they're getting old and brittle. Ryan Howard is still recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon and second baseman Chase Utley sounds like the Phillies' version of Grady Sizemore. It's nice to see him on the field, it's just tough getting him there. ...

A couple of other burning health questions: Can the Marlins' Josh Johnson and the Mets' Johan Santana have comeback seasons? The latter probably wouldn't change the course of the season, but the former could do wonders for the Marlins, especially after they added lefty Mark Buehrle, closer Heath Bell and shortstop Jose Reyes through free agency, renamed the franchise, and move into a new ballpark. ...

The Braves pulled a Red-Sox like collapse in September, but heads didn't roll. They didn't fix the offense either, which means Jason Heyward better hit like he did in 2010, not 2011. ...

The Nationals signed Jayson Werth to a seven-year, $126 million deal before the 2011 season. Werth (.232, 20 HRs, 58 RBI) fell on his face. If the Nationals are going to be as good as some people think, he needs to do better.

Top arms: If Roy Halladay (19-6, 2.35), Cliff Lee (17-8, 2.40) and Cole Hamels (14-9, 2.79) don't give the Phillies the top three starters in the National League, they're close. Now they have Jonathan Papelbon (4-1, 2.94, 31 saves) closing. ... Washington closer Drew Storen had a breakout season last year, saving 43 games for a team that won 80 overall. The Nationals should be better this year with Gio Gonzalez (16-12, 3.12) added to the rotation and Stephen Strasburg back from Tommy John surgery. That could mean more save chances for Storen, who will open the season on the disabled list with a sore right elbow. ... Veteran Tim Hudson (16-10, 3.22) has revitalized his career with two solid seasons in Atlanta, but he needs help from rotation-mates Jair Jurrjens (13-6, 2.96), Tommy Hanson (11-7, 3.60), Brandon Beachy (7-3, 3.68) and Mike Minor (5-3, 4.14).

Top bats: NL batting champ Reyes (.337, 31 doubles, 19 triples, 39 steals, 101 runs) has moved from the Mets to Miami. ... Hunter Pence (.314, 22 HRs, 97 RBI) was a nice addition by the Phillies last year. ... Atlanta's Dan Uggla hit 36 homers, but he could use a few more points on the average (.233). Braves catcher Brian McCann (.270, 24, 71) needs to keep on keeping on. ... Michael Morse (.303, 31, 95) can help the Nationals contend. ... You can call him Mike Stanton or you can call him Giancarlo Stanton, either way he has big power (.262, 34, 87) and a big future for the Marlins. One more thing, is Miami's new third baseman Hanley Ramirez (.243, 10, 45) still in the big leagues?

Top gloves: The Phillies have a Gold Glove defender in third baseman Placido Polanco, who underwent sports hernia surgery during the off-season. ... Reyes takes his flashy shortstop play to Miami, where new manager and former shortstop Ozzie Guillen can offer some tips. ... Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino can go get the ball and throws well. ... Atlanta's Chipper Jones, if he can keep his body on the field, will be on display for his final season.

Top newcomer: Flip a coin between Buehrle and Papelbon. Buehrle probably switched leagues at just the right time, considering he's 33.

Top rookie: Everyone is waiting to see Washington outfielder Bryce Harper. He was injured in spring training, but there's still a chance he could help this year.

Crystal ball: Who are you taking in the best-of-three-falls pool, Guillen or new Marlins pitcher Carlos Zambrano? The odds favor Big Z, but Guillen just may talk him off the top rope.

View full sizeChris Carlson, Associated PressDid he or didn't he? Major League Baseball thought it knew for sure, but Ryan Braun won his appeal and will try to repeat an MVP season in Milwaukee without Prince Fielder hitting behind him.

NL CENTRAL

Projected order of finish: 1. Reds, 2. Brewers, 3. Cardinals, 4. Cubs, 5. Pirates, 6. Astros.

The skinny: This is a damaged division. All eyes will be on NL MVP Ryan Braun to see if he can repeat last year's numbers (.332, 33 HRs, 111 RBI) after he beat a positive PED test on a technicality during the off-season. More importantly, he doesn't have Prince Fielder hitting behind him in Milwaukee's lineup. ...

The Cardinals lost Albert Pujols, manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan after their World Series victory in 2011. They added outfielder Carlos Beltran and rookie manager Mike Matheny, but there is still a big void to fill. Chris Carpenter, last year's postseason pitching hero and logger of an NL-high 2371/3 innings, is sidelined indefinitely with nerve damage in his right shoulder. ...

The Reds thought they were set at closer when they signed Ryan Madson to a one-year, $8.5 million deal. Madson injured his elbow in late March and is done for the season with Tommy John surgery. ...

The Cubs have a new manager in Dale Sveum and a new front office led by former Boston GM Theo Epstein. They are rebuilding and Cubs fans will need to be patient for yet another season. ...

The Astros could celebrate their last year in the NL with a second straight last-place finish. They lost 106 games last year. ...

Who knew the Pirates had that much money ($51.5 million for six years) to spend on one player (Andrew McCutchen)?

Top arms: Yovani Gallardo (17-10, 3.52) and Zach Greinke (16-6, 3.83) give the Brewers a nice 1-2 punch. ... The Reds acquired Mat Latos from the Padres and signed set-up man Sean Marshall (6-6, 2.26, five saves). Latos is coming off a bad year, but was a 14-game winner in 2010. Marshall could be their new closer following Madson's surgery. ... There are some good closers in the division with Milwaukee's John Axford (46 saves) and Pittsburgh's Joel Hanrahan (40). Axford's 46 saves were for first in the league. ... Houston's Wandy Rodriguez won 11 games last year, not easy with a team that bad. ... Former 20-game winner Adam Wainwright is back for the Cards after missing last season with right elbow surgery.

Top bats: Can Braun dominate the NL again? Last year he finished second in average, sixth in homers, fourth in RBI, second in runs, fifth in hits and second in total bases. One more question for the Brewers: Can Aramis Ramirez (.305, 26, 93) take Fielder's spot in the lineup and protect Braun? ... Brandon Phillips (.300, 18 HRs, 82 RBI), Joey Votto (.309, 29, 103) and Jay Bruce (.258, 32, 97) give the Reds plenty of thump. ... Revitalized Lance Berkman (.301, 31, 94) will be replacing Pujols at first. ... The much-criticized Alfonso Soriano (.244, 26, 88) is still the Cubs' only real run producer, although shortstop Starlin Castro led the NL in hits last year with 207. ... There's not much in Houston other than Carlos Lee (.275, 18, 94).

Top gloves: The right side of the Reds infield is solid with Gold Glovers in 1B Votto and 2B Phillips. Scott Rolen is as good as there is at third as long as he's healthy. ... St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina won his fourth Gold Glove last year. Jake Westbrook, Molina's batterymate, is a fine defender as well. ... McCutchen covers a lot of ground in center for the Pirates. ... Castro, the Cubs shortstop, is exciting as long as he remembers to face the hitter when his pitcher is pitching. He led the NL with 29 errors last year. ... Shortstop Rafael Furcal showed last year he still has some gas in the tank after being acquired by the Cardinals at midseason.

Top newcomer: Despite bunting a ball into his eye, A.J. Burnett should still help the Pirates at some point this year.

Top rookie: The Reds think shortstop Zack Cozart is ready to play in the big leagues.

Crystal ball: The Pirates streak of 19 straight losing seasons will finally come to an end. No, really, it comes to an end.

NL WEST

How strong is Arizona's Justin Upton? Just watch

Projected order of finish: 1. Diamondbacks, 2. Dodgers, 3. Rockies, 4. Giants, 5. Padres.

The skinny: Is this a great game or what? Former owner Frank McCourt puts the Dodgers and their fans through a seemingly never-ending nightmare and then gets to walk away chuckling after selling the team for $2 billion. Meanwhile the Dodgers helped their rotation with the addition of Aaron Harang (14-7, 3.64) and Chris Capuano (11-12, 4.55). ...

Catcher Buster Posey is back, which makes the Giants better, but don't forget that they finished 16th in the 16-team NL in runs scored last year. 2B Freddy Sanchez is expected to open the season on the disabled list with a bad shoulder. ...

Casey Blake didn't cut it at third base for the Rockies so they turned to Chris Nelson and Jordan Pacheco until Nolan Arenado is ready. ...

The Padres, who finished 15th in the NL in runs, traded for Carlos Quentin (.254, 24, 77) for some much needed power, but he had surgery on his right knee in March and won't be back until late April. ...

The Diamondbacks will start newcomer Jason Kubel (.273, 12, 58) in left, but shortstop Stephen Drew won't be ready to open the year on time as he recovers from a broken right ankle suffered last year.

Top arms: Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers) and Ian Kennedy (Arizona) are each coming off 21-win seasons. Kershaw (2.28 ERA, 248 strikeouts, 233 1/3 innings) won the Cy Young. Kennedy (2.88, 198 strikeouts, 222 innings) went to the postseason. Kennedy has a running mate in Daniel Hudson (16-12, 3.49), something Kershaw needs. ... Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner and Ryan Vogelsong won 13 games each for the Giants last year and none had an ERA above 3.21. That's why they need more offense in the City by the Bay. ... It will be interesting to see how Arizona's J.J. Putz follows up his 45-save season. ... What will Colorado's Jeremy Guthrie do now that he's out of Baltimore, where he lost 60 games in the past four years? ... The Padres are counting on Huston Street to replace Bell at closer.

Top bats: The conversation starts and ends with three hitters: LA's Matt Kemp (.324, 39 HRs, 126 RBI), Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki (.302, 30 HRs, 105 RBI) and Arizona's Justin Upton (.289, 31, 88). Kemp was a legitimate Triple Crown threat, finishing third in batting average and leading the NL in homers and RBI.

Top gloves: The Dodgers have this market cornered with 2011 Gold Glove winners in outfielders Andre Ethier and Kemp and Cy Young winner Kershaw. Arizona's Gerardo Parra won a Gold Glove in left field last year, but this year he'll be coming off the bench.

Top newcomer: There are a lot of new faces, but hanging your hat on Colorado's Michael Cuddyer (.284, 20 HRs, 70 RBI) is a wise bet. The versatile Cuddyer should have a big year at Coors Field.

Top rookie: Lefty Drew Pomeranz, well known by Indians fans, is coming off a solid spring and should open the season in the Rockies' rotation.

Crystal ball: The Dodgers, under new owners that include Magic Johnson, replace the ceremonial first pitch by fans with a jump ball.

When it comes to breaking in your kid's brand new baseball glove, don't forget the family car.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Not only are the Indians opening the baseball season, but T-ballers and Little Leaguers will soon be taking to the diamonds around Greater Cleveland to start their seasons. It means a lot of young players will be going to practice with brand-new gloves that are too stiff to let their owners play their best.

Steve Smith, the Indians' infield coach, has a solution.

"The only way to break in a glove is to play catch," Smith said during training camp in Goodyear, Ariz. "But kids who are just starting to play, I'm talking between six and 10 years old, will never break them in because they don't throw hard enough. Even when they play catch with their dad; he's not going to throw hard, so it never gets broken in."

Enter the family car.

"What I've learned over the years is I take a towel, put it over the glove and put the glove on the driveway," said Smith. "Then I drive the car over it ... back and forth. That breaks the hardness of the glove.

"I put the glove flat. I put the glove on its side, then the other side. I just keep driving over it. You're just softening it. It's the only way to do it for a young kid."

Why cover the glove with a towel?

"You don't leave tire tracks," said Smith.

Rawlings guide on what NOT to do in breaking in your glove

Some people like to dunk a glove in a bucket of water to break it in. Smith says that's a no-no for a young player.

"I don't recommend it," he said. "It makes the glove heavy. I don't like it. You don't want a heavy glove."

Rubbing shaving cream -- the foamy kind, not the gel -- into the leather is thought to be another way of softening a glove.

"That cleans it, but it's not going to soften it," said Smith.

Smith says a pocket on a glove can be formed by hitting it with a hammer or a bat. He says each position requires a different kind of pocket.

"Infielders are trying to make the pocket flat, you don't want a deep pocket like pitchers or outfielders have," he said. "Outfielders use the webbing. Infielders only use the webbing on pop ups, tag plays, backhands and forehands. Other than that, you're catching everything in the middle of the glove.

"When you turn double plays, the pocket has to be flat. You don't want to reach into the glove and not be able to find the ball."

Smith said when a glove isn't being used, a ball should always be placed inside to keep the pocket.

"Don't let kids just throw their gloves in the closet after they've broken them in," said Smith. "They lay flat and get crumbled. Always have a ball in it."

On Twitter: @hoynsie