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Cleveland Indians farm report

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MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT AAA Columbus Clippers Clippers 5, Indians 4 RF Chad Huffman (.364) had two hits, including his second homer of the season, and host Columbus on Thursday beat Indianapolis in an International League game. RHP Corey Kluber (2-0, 3.60) started and pitched five innings. He allowed four earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out...


MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 5, Indians 4 RF Chad Huffman (.364) had two hits, including his second homer of the season, and host Columbus on Thursday beat Indianapolis in an International League game.

RHP Corey Kluber (2-0, 3.60) started and pitched five innings. He allowed four earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out eight.

kluber.JPGView full sizeCorey Kluber improved to 2-0 on Thursday as Class AAA Columbus beat Indianapolis.


RHP Frank Herrmann (3.60) pitched two innings, LHP Nick Hagadone (0.00) pitched the eighth and RHP Chris Ray (3.60) worked the ninth for his second save.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 6, Thunder 1 Aeros left-handed starter T.J. McFarland (2-0, 0.82) threw six shutout innings as Akron beat Trenton in an Eastern League game at Canal Park.

McFarland allowed three hits and one walk. He struck out four.

3B Kyle Bellows (.214) hit a three-run homer.

A Lake County Captains

Hot Rods 5, Captains 2 SS Francisco Lindor (.353) had three hits and C Alex Lavisky (.389), a Lakewood native, had two doubles, but Lake County lost the Midwest League game to visiting Bowling Green.

Left-handed starter Elvis Araujo (0-2, 4.00) allowed four runs (three earned) in five innings.


Cleveland Indians' Travis Hafner is healthy and isn't thinking about the what-ifs

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In likely his last season with the Indians, Travis Hafner is finally healthy and ready to produce.


Travis Hafner paused to think back through the years the other day, and the Tribe's designated hitter stumbled in midthought. His face contorted in concentration before he quickly gave up trying to remember the last time he felt this good, this solid, this healthy.

"I don't really know," Hafner said. "I don't know. I guess I just never think about it."

Hafner prefers not to think about how this might be the first time in three seasons he hasn't been hampered by a sore right shoulder that required surgery in October 2008, limited him to 57 games that season and hurt him in 2010 and 2011, too.

travishafner.JPGView full sizeIndians DH Travis Hafner is batting .267 with one home run and four RBI in four games this season.


And he isn't thinking about how this is likely to be his last season in Cleveland. The Indians hold a $13 million club option for 2013 on his current four-year, $57 million extension signed in 2007, and it won't be exercised.

This season is probably Hafner's chance to show Cleveland what might have been if he had stayed healthy. Already, he's off to a good start.

Hafner is third on the team, batting .267. That's after a spring training in which he hit .314, with 10 RBI -- his best spring since 2006, when he hit .354.

Against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, he had two hits -- including his first homer of the season -- and three RBI, his first flash of displaying the kind of talent at the plate that he had in his early years in Cleveland.

He's 34 now, and he's not the same player who averaged 32 home runs and 109 RBI per year from 2004 to '07.

But for the first time, Tribe manager Manny Acta has no restrictions on his designated hitter's playing time. For Hafner's past two seasons, Acta had to keep track of how many games Hafner played, how many consecutive days he played. He wasn't healthy enough to endure the 162-game grind.

"I'm just looking for durability," Acta said. "He came into spring training from Day One just determined to have a good year and feeling the best he has in the last three years. I can't sit here and put numbers on him, but I know if he can stay healthy for the whole season, he's going to be very productive because that's what he's shown me over the last two years."

Typically, the first question reporters ask Hafner is about his health.

These days, he talks more about how he hopes to show Cleveland what he is capable of when finally fully healthy.

"My goal is just to make the playoffs and have a good season, where we win as many games as we can," Hafner said. "Get to the playoffs and then, hopefully, make a run there."

It's early, but Hafner already seems to be showing what he can do to help the Tribe get there.

"I expect him to do some damage for us," Acta said.

2 Ohio State swimmers take on big fish in hopes of making Olympic team

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Ohio State swimmers Tim Phillips and Elliott Keefer chasing Michael Phelps.

Elliott KeeferFormer OSU swimmer Elliott Keefer, a Cincinnati native, graduated last year. The 22-year-old Keefer's best event is the 200 breaststroke, an event in which he's trying to make up ground on two-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist Brendan Hansen and 2008 Olympian Eric Shanteau.

Columbus – So you're chasing Michael Phelps?

“I've really never been intimidated,” said Ohio State swimmer Tim Phillips. “I'm confident in what I can do. I love to race. I love to get out there and push people and, hopefully, have people push me back. So I don't find myself getting that intimidated.

“It's awesome to swim with Michael. We watch video review, and you get to see how he swims a race and how I swim a race. But I feel like, when it comes down to the end, I'm going to be right there.”

So the chase is on. And Phillips and former OSU teammate Elliott Keefer are united by the chase this summer.

Both were third in the nation last season in their best events, the 100 butterfly for Phillips and the 200 breaststroke for Keefer, knowing that the top two finishers in each event at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Omaha, Neb., from June 25 to July 2 will make the Olympic team. Staying at No. 3 won't cut it.

“It puts me in a great spot, where I don't have too much pressure on me. The target is not on my back, and I get to go hunting instead of being hunted,” Keefer said. “Tim and I are in the exact same spot.”

The two are training with the same club team in North Carolina. Keefer, a Cincinnati native, graduated from Ohio State in 2011, while Phillips, of Vienna, W.Va., is taking a redshirt year away from Ohio State after swimming two seasons with the Buckeyes. He plans to return for two more years at Ohio State after making this Olympic run.

“At my club team, it's all professionals and it's all focused on one goal, which is the trials and the Olympics,” Phillips said. “[At college], it's dual meets every weekend and school every day. So to improve myself, I thought this was a better thing to do.”

They have to throw themselves into it knowing how close they are to their dreams.

Phillips, 21, finished behind 14-time gold medalist Phelps, 26, and Tyler McGill, 24, last year. Keefer, 22, is chasing two-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist Brendan Hansen, 30, and 2008 Olympian Eric Shanteau, 28. Both Phillips and Keefer know they have time on their side, but they also don't want to wait to experience the Olympics.

“They are a lot older than me, which makes it fun,” Keefer said, “because I get to be the young guy out there with nothing to lose. I am the next generation, keeping them honest, and if they slip up, I'm right there, and they know that.”

Tim PhillipsOhio State swimmer Tim Phillips is taking a redshirt year off in an attempt to make the U.S. Olympic team in the 100 butterfly.

Both Keefer and Phillips have been racing in the Grand Prix series this summer, which is intended to prep swimmers for the Olympic trials. They spoke to The Plain Dealer before the race in Columbus in March. Two more Grand Prix meets remain, in which they will continue to fine-tune their turns and race strategies and plan to move up from No. 3 to No. 2 and find their way to London.

According to USA Swimming, Phillips' best time this season is 52.86, compared with 52.23 for Phelps and 52.41 for McGill. Keefer's best time this season is 2:12.40, compared with 2:09.64 for Hansen and 2:10.47 for Shanteau.

“I know about the time I'm going to have to go,” Keefer said. “And the time is important. But it's also unimportant. You've got to get your hand to the wall, preferably first. If not first, you'd better be second.”

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479


Gladiators defense faces big challenge against Storm

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The Gladiators (3-1) and Storm (2-2) are scheduled for a 7:30 kickoff tonight at Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Cleveland Gladiators defenseKansas City Command kick retuner Bret Smith is brought down by the Gladiators Levy Brown Friday, March 23, 2012.

Gladiators defensive players had every right to feel good about themselves after last Sunday’s game against Orlando at The Q. They had made Predators quarterback Collin Drafts’ life miserable in a 41-24 victory.

To a man, though, humility was the order of the postgame locker room because of what was next on the schedule. With no disrespect meant for the 0-4 Predators, the Gladiators knew that beating them at home was not the same as trying to topple the high-powered Tampa Bay Storm on the road.

The Gladiators (3-1) and Storm (2-2) are scheduled for a 7:30 kickoff tonight at Tampa Bay Times Forum.

The Gladiators, who have won three straight, feature the Arena Football League’s top-ranked defense, which allows 41.5 points and 240.2 yards per game. The unit has held quarterbacks to a league-low 54.1-percent completion rate.

Tampa Bay counters with the AFL’s fourth-ranked passing offense (302 ypg) and sixth-ranked total offense (316).

Storm quarterback Stephen Wasil has thrown for 1,246 yards and 22 touchdowns. His favorite target, Prechae Rodriguez, has 43 catches for 572 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Gladiators quarterback John Dutton trails Wasil by plenty in passing yards (992) but has 24 touchdowns. In his past two games, Dutton has thrown 15 TDs and one pick.

The Gladiators are 1-1 on the road. They lost at Georgia, 41-39, in their season opener March 12 and won at Philadelphia, 68-62, April 1.

The Storm is 2-0 at home, having defeated Georgia, 50-47, March 16 and Jacksonville, 71-69, March 30.

A victory by the Gladiators would give them a franchise-best four-game winning streak and their best five-game start.


Party boat lawbreakers become fish in a barrel: Outdoors Notebook

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Anglers have been complaining about citations the undercover wardens have handed out for snagged walleye and catching more than the daily bag limit of four walleye per person.

walleye lake erie fishingWalleye fishing on Lake Erie.

Ohio wildlife officers have been roaming western Lake Erie in recent weeks — and even taking a ride on party fishing boats out of Port Clinton.

Anglers have been complaining about citations the undercover wardens have handed out for snagged walleye and catching more than the daily bag limit of four walleye per person.

The Lake Erie walleye limit jumps to six fish per day May 1.

Paul Kurfis, head of law enforcement in Northeast Ohio for the Division of Wildlife, said wildlife officers in plainclothes had paid to join a party-boat fishing trip last weekend out of Port Clinton.

He wouldn’t identify the boat, or who was cited, until all the charges were filed.

“We were there because of complaints from fishermen,” Kurfis said.

“We were told the boat captain and other fishermen were taking more than their limits of walleye and illegally keeping snagged walleye. Our officers documented that was happening and issued citations.”

Plainclothes officers also went fishing on the reefs to monitor nearby boat anglers in case they were snagging and keeping walleye or catching more than their limit.

Kurfis said a number of fishermen were cited once they returned to the launch ramps, but he didn’t know how many until the reports come in.

“We keep a close eye on walleye fishermen on the Maumee and Sandusky rivers every spring, as well as on Lake Erie,” Kurfis said.

“Snagging isn’t allowed, or taking more than the limit. It’s pretty cut-and-dried.”

Causing confusion is the so-called “boat limit” on Lake Erie. Many anglers believe as long as they don’t exceed the maximum number of walleye all the people aboard a boat are allowed to catch, it doesn’t matter if one angler catches more than the limit while another doesn’t. Kurfis said that unless wildlife officers watch a fisherman exceed the bag limit, they generally won’t issue a citation if the total number of fish in the boat’s cooler is no more than the combined limit of everyone aboard.

Fishing guides are allowed to give their four walleye to customers, Kurfis said. But if a guide is making two trips a day, which is common in spring, they are only allowed to catch and keep a total of four walleye each day, Kurfis said, not four walleye on each trip.

NFL Draft contest: Bagging the top three draft choices of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Draft could help a local sportsman get new gear for tagging a turkey or hooking a walleye. Atlantic Gun & Tackle, which has stores in Bedford and Brecksville, has created the free draft contest, with the winner earning a $500 gift certificate, said owner Sam Borsellino Jr. Visit either store to enter.

Outdoor expansion: Fin, Feather and Fur Outfitters in Ashland, which opened a satellite store recently in Middleburg Heights, will soon add a Canton-area store in Jackson Township, near Belden Village Mall. The new store is expected to open in late May or early June.

Outdoor retail giant Cabela’s is coming to Ohio, building a store about half the size of the Cabela’s stores in Wheeling, W.Va., and Dundee, Mich.

The Nebraska-based chain is setting up shop in the Polaris Centers development just north of Columbus. It plans to open the doors in early 2013. Cabela’s has 32 U.S. stores.

Out and about: Mike Samsel (216-241-0333) still has tickets for Saturday’s Safari Club banquet in Avon Lake. . . . The top bird dogs from the All-Breed Hunter’s Trials compete in the championship Saturday at the Wayne Coon Hunters Association in Wooster. . . . Check out the exotic fishing trips (cmnhtc.org) to be auctioned by The Trout Club of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History at its annual banquet April 21. . . . Host Jack Kiser and the “Buckeye Angler” fishing show premieres Saturday at 7 a.m. on the Ohio News Network cable station. . . . The Grand River Canoe & Kayak Race launches at Harpersfield Dam in Ashtabula County April 21. . . . The Hunting Beagle Nationals are held at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday.

For details on events, check Egan’s Outdoor Calendar at cleveland.com/outdoors

Wejebe dies in crash: Jose Wejebe, the popular host of the “Spanish Fly” television show, died in a plane crash after takeoff from Everglades Airpark in Florida on April 6. Wejebe, 54, was the sole occupant of a single-engine plane.

The Cuban-born Wejebe had been the colorful host of “Spanish Fly” since 1995. He is survived by his 28-year-old daughter, Kristin. The family is holding a memorial Sunday at IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

degan@plaind.com, 216-999-5158


Beaumont softball team claims S.C. tournament title: High School Roundup

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Beaumont's softball team completed a successful spring trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Blue Streaks (9-2) won all five games, culminated by Thursday's 9-1 title-game victory against Lechter County (Ky.) at the Grand Strand Classic.

Beaumont's softball team completed a successful spring trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The Blue Streaks (9-2) won all five games, culminated by Thursday's 9-1 title-game victory against Lechter County (Ky.) at the Grand Strand Classic.

Pitcher Emily Iott went the distance, tossing a no-hitter and striking out six. She also collected four singles in five at-bats, while shortstop Kat Hyland belted two doubles and had a sacrifice fly, good for three RBI.

Amherst 8, Olmsted Falls 1

The Comets (8-2, 4-0) remained atop the Southwestern Conference as Karina Del Valle ripped two doubles, scored two runs and drove in two more.

Copley 3, Cloverleaf 2

The Indians (7-0, 6-0) kept a firm grasp on first place in the Suburban League thanks to pitcher Kenzie Wallace, who allowed six hits, struck out 10 and walked two. Battery mate Emma Fish drove in two runs with a single and a home run.

Avon Lake 14, Midpark 4

The Shoregals (6-3, 2-2) garnered 14 hits in the SWC romp, with Alexis Thomas, Abby Rogers and Allison Balthaser accounting for 10. Annie Wennerburg handcuffed the Meteors with four hits and seven strikeouts.

Midview 8, Vermilion 3

The Middies (6-6, 4-1) bumped Vermilion from the West Shore Conference's unbeaten ranks with Lexie Hamker's three hits and two RBI.

Mayfield 10, Brush 9

The Wildcats (6-5, 2-0) pulled out the Northeast Ohio Conference Lake Division game in the top of the seventh inning on Mikki Vance's two-run double and Kelly Bassett's run-scoring double.

North Royalton 10, Hudson 3

The Bears (6-2) prevailed in the NOC crossover game on Lauren Oster's two hits and two RBI.

Medina 3, Nordonia 2

The Battling Bees (11-0) barely stayed unbeaten, as Vanessa Scoarste's triple, RBI and run scored resulted in a nonleague win.

Baseball

Green 5, Tallmadge 2

Evan Steel went 2-for-3, with a two-run homer in the second inning, and scored a run in leading the Bulldogs (4-6, 3-3) to the Suburban League upset. Mark Zimmerman and Ronny Brant also finished with two hits apiece.

Mentor 10-8, Riverside 0-3

The Cardinals (6-2) totaled 17 hits in the nonleague doubleheader sweep, but it was pitcher Anthony Gallo who stole the show in the five-inning opener. Gallo silenced the Beavers on no hits and eight strikeouts, while walking two.

Amherst 5, Olmsted Falls 4

The Comets (6-4, 3-1) took the lead for good in the sixth inning of the SWC game when Brandon Chesmar executed a perfect hit-and-run, with Seth Zavodny taking off at first base. Chesmar doubled into the left-field gap, scoring Zavodny, and Connor Morris then laid down a squeeze bunt that plated Chesmar with the winning run.

Beachwood 1, Wickliffe 0

Bison (4-4, 3-1) junior Todd Goldberg pitched a three-hit, 14-strikeout gem in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division victory. Ryan Moss had two hits, including the game-winner, in the bottom of the third inning.

St. Ignatius 3, Peters Township (Pa.) 2

Senior right-hander Scott Chase pitched two innings for the Southeastern Baseball Classic win. Junior righty Matt Lynch relieved in the top of the seventh inning with the bases loaded and escaped the no-out jam for the Wildcats (6-1) with a pop-up sandwiched between a pair of strikeouts.

Euclid 8, Maple Heights 0

The Panthers (8-1, 4-0) earned the Lake Erie League win on the strength of Cameron Fuller's arm and bat. The sophomore pitched a two-hitter, with seven strikeouts and also mustered two hits, two stolen bases and two runs scored.

OHSAA votes to add seventh division in 2012

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Glenville has been unable to win a Division I state football title, but could the talent-laden program fare better in a lower division? The Tarblooders will find out starting in 2013, when the Ohio High School Athletic Association adds a seventh football division and moves Glenville to Division II.

The new alignment would mean Senate Athletic League schools like Glenville and John F. Kennedy would move from Division I to Division II. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

Glenville has been unable to win a Division I state football title, but could the talent-laden program fare better in a lower division?

The Tarblooders will find out starting in 2013, when the Ohio High School Athletic Association adds a seventh football division and moves Glenville to Division II.

The OHSAA said Thursday that its board of directors voted, 6-3, to approve the measure, which is an effort to reduce the enrollment disparity among the state's largest schools. Now, Division I enrollments can range from 494 to 1,164 boys — which could leave smaller schools like Glenville (enrollment 506) or Willoughby South (enrollment 529) at a disadvantage when matched up with much larger schools like St. Ignatius (enrollment 1,121).

The new alignment would mean Senate Athletic League schools like Glenville and John F. Kennedy would move from Division I to Division II.

"I don't care what division we're in because it's not about winning," said Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. "I care about saving lives and giving kids the opportunity to be productive in the world."

The new Division I will be made up of the top 10 percent of schools based on enrollment, 72 schools overall. The lower end of Division I enrollments would increase to 600 boys based on current enrollment data, the OHSAA said.

"Being in Division II won't make anyone think less of Glenville. It'll still be a quality program, one which I'm sure we'd think about scheduling again."

Jim McQuaide, Solon football coach

"It's good for competitive balance and I think [the OHSAA] is really making an attempt to bring better parity and this move certainly does that," said JFK coach Scott Wodtly, whose Eagles qualified for the Division I playoffs last season for the first time in school history.

Solon, which would compete in the new Division I, plays the first of a two-year series with Glenville this coming season.

The Tarblooders would switch to Division II in the second year of the contract, but Comets coach Jim McQuaide doesn't see that as a problem.

"Being in Division II won't make anyone think less of Glenville," McQuaide said. "It'll still be a quality program, one which I'm sure we'd think about scheduling again."

The remaining 644 schools will be divided evenly among the next six divisions, with about 108 schools in each group. Enrollment is based on three-year figures.

Each of the seven divisions will continue to qualify 32 teams to the tournament. The added division will mean that about 31 percent of schools will qualify for the playoffs.

Avon Lake, which missed the playoffs last season after finishing ninth in Division I, Region 2, would move to Division II.

"We were one of the smallest Division I schools last year, and the major problem is depth when you go against those teams with rosters much bigger than yours," said Shoremen coach Dave Dlugosz. "When I lose a 250-pound starting lineman during a game because of an injury, I usually have to replace that guy with a 190-pound lineman and that's where the bigger schools have the advantage. They can replace a 250-pound lineman with another 250-pounder."

A committee will be formed with OHSAA board and staff members, school administrators and Ohio High School Football Coaches Association officials to finalize the details, including adjustments to the playoff computer ratings, regional breakdowns and tournament dates.

If the competitive balance referendum passes in May, the "athletic count" enrollment figures would be factored in before placing schools into divisions. Also, the next two-year cycle for reassigning schools to tournament divisions begins in fall 2013.

Twinsburg missed the playoffs last year by two spots after finishing 10th in Division I, Region 2, but Tigers coach Joe Schiavone doesn't feel his team will have any easier road to the postseason by moving to Division II.

"It's indifferent to me because we'll play anyone," said Schiavone. "It's good for the kids because it will give more of them a chance to experience playoff football."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

bfortuna@plaind.com, 216-999-4665

On Twitter: @BobFortuna

Cleveland Browns: When should the Browns draft a wide receiver? Poll

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How long will it take the Browns to draft a wide receiver?

Justin BlackmonOklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon.

The Cleveland Browns have several needs when it comes to the NFL Draft (right tackle, running back, cornerback, quarterback, linebacker) but one of the team's major needs in wide receiver.

With the No. 4 pick, the Browns could select the best wide receiver in the draft in Justin Blackmon. The Browns could also wait and select a receiver with the No. 22 overall pick.

But top wide receivers have been selected in the later rounds and have become top notch receivers, like Marques Colston and Steve Johnson (seventh round) and Miles Austin who was undrafted.

Should the Browns wait and roll the dice, or go after someone in the early rounds? 









Egan's Outdoor Calendar: Championship bird dog trial, trout stockings top week of April 13-20

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There is a full lineup of outdoor events in Egan's Outdoor Calendar for April 13-20. Rainbow trout stockings, the local bird dog All-Breed championships and sportsmen's banquets top this week's list.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

Hunting and trapping seasons listed at end of Outdoor Calendar

April 14: Ohio Chapter of Safari Club International Banquet and Reverse Raffle, 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 211, 31972 Walker Rd., Avon Lake. Tickets $50. Call Mike Samsel, 216-241-0333.

April 14: Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club Trout Derby, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Little Turtle Pond, Firestone Metro Park, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron. For anglers 15 years old and younger. Prizes and stocked trout. Call 330-865-8065 or visit summitmetroparks.org.

April 14: Spring rainbow trout stocking, Punderson Lake, Punderson State Park, Newbury. Youth only fishing from 9 a.m.-noon.

April 14: 45th annual Invitational Winners Trial of the All-Breed Hunter's Trial Circuit, hosted by the Fin Feather Fur Club at the Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 8 a.m., Honeytown Rd., Wooster. Entries closed. Season schedule at www.hunterstrial.com.

April 14: Annual banquet of the Ottawa County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, 4:430 p.m., Camp Perry Banquet Hall, Ohio 2, Port Clinton. Tickets $55, couples $75, youth $25. Contact Eric Zgodzinski, 419-265-2484 or eszgod@frontier.com.

April 14-15: Hunting Beagle Nationals, Coshocton County Fairgrounds, 7th St., Coshocton. Hosted by the United Kennel Club and the Coshocton County Beagle Club. For information visit visitcoshocton.com or ukcdogs.com. Competition hunts both days.

April 15: Boy Scout Icebreaker Bass Tournament, Portage Lakes, 7:30-3 p.m., Portage Lakes State Park, Akron. Entry $80. For information visit troop127.us or call John Boychi, 330-825-3336.

April 15: South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association 3-D Archery Shoot, Ridge Road Grounds, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public with traditional and compound bows and crossbows. Registration 8-11 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Doug Davis (216-905-1153) or Patrick Martelon (330-324-2705).

April 18: Spring rainbow trout stocking, Veteran's Park Pond, Mentor.

April 19-20: Buckeye Nationals Disabled Shooting Championship, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. each day, Vienna Fish & Game Club, Vienna, Ohio. For information contact Dick Dietz, 440-582-8643.

April 20: Spring rainbow trout stocking, Forest Hill Pond, East Cleveland; Shadow Lake, South Chagrin Reservation, Solon; Silver Creek Lake, Silver Creek Metro Park, Norton.

April 21: The 34th annual banquet of The Trout Club of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 6 p.m., 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland. Tickets $80, $150 couple. Dinner at 7:30 p.m., live auction at 8:30 p.m. Call Karen Menn, 216-231-4600, Ext. 3278. For list of auction and raffle items, visit Trout Club page at cmnhtc.org.

April 21: 3rd annual Northcoast Limbhangers Patterning Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. McKenzie 3-D turkey targets, various shotgun shell loads available for $1.50 to $3 per round. Choke tubes for various makes of shotguns also available to try and buy. Call 330-220-7185 or email: northcoastlimbhangers@aol.com.

April 21: Grand River Canoe & Kayak Race, 8 a.m., Harpersfield Dam, Harpersfield, Ashtabula County. A 8½-mile canoe and kayak race from the Harpersfield Dam to Hidden Valley Park (in Madison) on the wild and scenic Grand River. Annual tradition features a “maddest hat” contest. Visit lakemetroparks.com, call 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226. Pre-registration required, fee applies.High water date is April 28.

April 21: Fairport Harbor Yacht Club Marine Flea Market, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fairport Harbor Yacht Club, 1177 High St., Fairport Harbor. Boating and supplies, antique and modern fishing gear. Free. Visit fhyc.com, call 440-339-4518.

April 21-22, 2012: Youth spring wild turkey hunting season for kids 17 and under. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

April 22: Spring Fling Sporting Clays at South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. Open to the public, 100-target events. Public entry, $54. Lunch included. Reservations needed. Call Ed Coyne, 216-926-8138 or 330-667-2973.

April 23: Opening day of the spring wild turkey hunting season through May 20. Call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildohio.com.

April 27: Hunters Night Out with the Tinkers Creek Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, Catered Elegance, 1160 Broadway Ave., Bedford. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Raffles, exhibits and games. Tickets $50, $25 spouse, kids $25. Call Matt McCann (330-467-1729) or Dennis Malloy (1-866-WTU-DEER) or visit whitetailsunlimited.com.

April 28: Kids Fishing, 1 - 3 p.m., Firestone Metro Park / Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron. Kids ages 15 and under learn the basics of fishing. A few rods and reels available. Bait is provided. Adults are not permitted to fish. For information, call 330-865-8065 or visit summitmetroparks.org.

April 28: Waldo Pepper's Lakevue Tournament, Lake Erie Walleye Trail, Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit westernbasinsportfishingassociation.com.

May 4: Spring rainbow trout stocking, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation waters, Cuyahoga Heights.

May 4-6: Lake and Trails Organizaiton Youth Fishing Camp, FFA Camp Muskingum, Leesville Lake, Carroll County. For kids 9 years old, an up with adult supervisor. Reservations mandatory. Visit lakeandtrails.org.

May 4-6: Progressive Insurance Catawba Island Boat Show, Catawba Island Club, Catawba Island. Visit catawbaislandboatshow.com or call Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, 440-899-5009. Show hours: Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

May 4-6: Junior Anglers of Ohio youth outdoor education program, 4-H Camp Ohio, St. Louisville, Ohio. For information visit ohwf.org.

May 6: Lone Eagle Bowmen 3-D Target Shoot, 2276 Seeman Street SW, East Sparta. Crossbow events included. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Open to the public. Contact Matt Williams, 330-575-0774 or visit loneeaglebowmen.com.

May 6-7: Medina Open Sporting Clays at South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association and Hill 'n Dale Club. Registered shooters only, $20,000 in cash and prizes. Shooters compete at both South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp., and Hill 'n Dale Club, 3605 Poe Rd., Medina. Reservations needed. Call Ed Coyne, 216-926-8138 or 330-667-2973.

May 10-12: National Guard FLW Walleye Tour, Lake Erie at Port Clinton, Ohio. Visit flwoutdoors.com/walleyefishing/walleyetour/.

May 12: Women in the Outdoors Workshop, National Wild Turkey Federation at the Crooked Creek Conservation Club, Ohio 534, Hartsgrove, Ohio. Contact Leesa Laffere-Thomas (440-968-0150, leesa@gotoadventure.com.

May 18-20: Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit tournament, Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. For information visit www.masterswalleyecircuit.com or call 1-877-893-7947.

May 19: Kids Fishing at the Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron. Fishing from 10 a.m.-noon. Kids 15 and under learn the basics of fishing. A few rods and reels will be available. Bait is provided. Adults are not permitted to fish. For information, call 330-865-8065 or visit summitmetroparks.org.

May 20: South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association 3-D Archery Shoot, Ridge Road Grounds, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public with traditional and compound bows and crossbows. Registration 8-11 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Doug Davis (216-905-1153) or Patrick Martelon (330-324-2705).

May 25: 5th annual Western Reserve Friend of the NRA reverse raffle to benefit the local shooting sports, 6 p.m., LaMalfa Party Center, 5783 Heisley Rd., Mentor. Tickets $120. Call 1-888-752-9119 or westernreserveFNRA@gmail.com.

May 26-27: Medina County Iron Man 150 Registered Sporting Clays at South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. Open to the public, 100-target events. Public entry, $54. Lunch included. Reservations needed. Call Ed Coyne, 216-926-8138 or 330-667-2973. Event benefits the Medina County Sharpshooters 4-H Club.

May 27: Catch of the Day casting lessons with a naturalist, 1-3 p.m., Gorge Metro Park, 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. A limited number of fishign rods available for use. Bait will be provided. For information, call 330-865-8065 or visit summitmetroparks.org.

June 1: Deadline for lottery applications for free Youth Fly-Fishing Clinic at Castalia State Fish Hatchery for kids 15, or younger. Visit wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE for details.

June 2: City of Painesville Youth Fishing Derby, 9 a.m.-noon, Kiwanis Recreation Park, Painesville. Kids 15 and under can fish for bluegill, bass and catfish. Visit painesville.com or call 440-392-5912.

June 2: Hi-Way Bait Lake Erie Walleye Trail, Lake Erie at Sandusky City Ramp, Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit westernbasinsportfishingassociation.com.

June 2: Lone Eagle Bowmen Senior Olympics Shoot, 2276 Seeman Street SW, East Sparta. Shoot for archers 50 and over starting at 9 a.m. Pre-registration needed at hofseniorolympics.org/2012 registration. Contact Matt Williams, 330-575-0774 or visit loneeaglebowmen.com.

June 3: Lone Eagle Bowmen 3-D Target Shoot, 2276 Seeman Street SW, East Sparta. Crossbow events included. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Open to the public. Contact Matt Williams, 330-575-0774 or visit loneeaglebowmen.com.

June 9-10: North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest, Voinovich Park, Cleveland Harbor, Cleveland. Free. Visit boatingfest.com. Boating displays, boat rides, exhibits and kids boating and fishing events.

June 10: South Cuyahoga Bowmen 3-D Archery Shoot, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Township. Open to the public. Registration 8-10:30 a.m. Entry $10, kids $5. Call Grant Brown, 440-371-4701 or Fred Eckhardt, 216-287-4547.

June 17: South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association 3-D Archery Shoot, Ridge Road Grounds, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public with traditional and compound bows and crossbows. Registration 8-11 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Doug Davis (216-905-1153) or Patrick Martelon (330-324-2705).

June 23-24: Erie Outfitters Open, Lake Erie Walleye Trail,  Lake Erie at Huron City Ramp, Western Basin Sportfishing Association. For information visit westernbasinsportfishingassociation.com.

June 28-30: AIM Pro Walleye Series, Black River Landing and Black River Wharf, Lorain. Pro and co-angler event. For information or entry visit aimfishing.com.

July 1: South Cuyahoga Bowmen 3-D Archery Shoot, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Township. Open to the public. Registration 8-10:30 a.m. Entry $10, kids $5. Call Grant Brown, 440-371-4701 or Fred Eckhardt, 216-287-4547.

July 1: Lone Eagle Bowmen Four Man Team Event/Marengo Warmup Shoot, 2276 Seeman Street SW, East Sparta. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Open to the public. Contact Matt Williams, 330-575-0774 or visit loneeaglebowmen.com.

July 3: 3rd annual Charity Sporting Clays Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. Open to the public, 100-target events. Reservations needed. Call Ed Coyne, 216-926-8138 or 330-667-2973.

July 14: Women on the River/Women in the Outdoors Event, National Wild Turkey Federation, NTR Canoe Livery, Interstate 77 at Bolivar, Ohio. Contact Donna Hutmacher, 330-821-6136.

July 15: South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association 3-D Archery Shoot, Ridge Road Grounds, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public with traditional and compound bows and crossbows. Registration 8-11 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Doug Davis (216-905-1153) or Patrick Martelon (330-324-2705).

July 21: Women in the Outdoors Event, National Wild Turkey Foundation at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, Chatham, Ohio. Contact Bill Suliks (330-635-0878, bsuliks@aol.com.

July 27: Kids Fishing Day and Picnic at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Registration needed.

July 28: Ohio State Canoe & Kayak Marathon Championships, 9:30 a.m., Grand River Landing, 800 North St. Clair St., Fairport Harbor. Six-mile and a 12-mile race. Both begin and end at Grand River Landing. Registration 8 a.m.; first race 9:30 a.m,; 12-mile race begins at noon. Visit lakemetroparks.com or call 440-256-3821.

Aug. 4-5: Lone Eagle Bowmen 100 McKenzie Target Shoot, 2276 Seeman Street SW, East Sparta. Crossbow events included. Registration 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Open to the public. Contact Matt Williams, 330-575-0774 or visit loneeaglebowmen.com.

Aug. 5: South Cuyahoga Bowmen 3-D Archery Shoot, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Township. Open to the public. Registration 8-10:30 a.m. Entry $10, kids $5. Call Grant Brown, 440-371-4701 or Fred Eckhardt, 216-287-4547.

Aug. 18: Steak and Sporting Clays Shoot at South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. Open to the public, 100-target events. Reservations needed. Call Ed Coyne, 216-926-8138 or 330-667-2973.

Aug. 19: South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association Archery Flea Market and 3-D Archery Shoot, Ridge Road Grounds, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public with traditional and compound bows and crossbows. Registration 8-11 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Doug Davis (216-905-1153) or Patrick Martelon (330-324-2705).

Sept. 2: Lone Eagle Bowmen Whitetails Unlimited Fall Classic 3-D Target Shoot, 2276 Seeman Street SW, East Sparta. Crossbow events included. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Open to the public. Contact Matt Williams, 330-575-0774 or visit loneeaglebowmen.com.

Sept. 12-16: Progressive Insurance North American In-Water Boat Show, Cedar Point Marina, Sandusky. Visit cedarpointboatshow.com or call Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, 440-899-5009.

Sept. 14-16: Ohio State Women in the Outdoors Event, National Wild Turkey Federation at FFA Cam p Muskingum, Carrollton, Ohio. Contact Cheryl Clevenger (740-877-9059, clevengerc@windstream.net.

Sept. 16: Class Sporting Clays at South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. Open to the public, 100-target events. Public entry, $54. Lunch included. Reservations needed. Call Ed Coyne, 216-926-8138 or 330-667-2973.

Sept. 16: South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association Dan Whitney Memorial 3-D Deer Target Shoot, Ridge Road Grounds, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public with traditional and compound bows and crossbows. Registration 8-11 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Doug Davis (216-905-1153) or Patrick Martelon (330-324-2705).

Sept. 16: Lone Eagle Bowmen Bowhunter Warmup Target Shoot, 2276 Seeman Street SW, East Sparta. Test and Tune session for tuning bows for nominal fee. Crossbow events included. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Open to the public. Contact Matt Williams, 330-575-0774 or visit loneeaglebowmen.com.

Oct. 4-7: May 4-6: Lake and Trails Organizaiton Youth Outdoor Camp, FFA Camp Muskingum, Leesville Lake, Carroll County. For kids 9 years old, an up with adult supervisor. Reservations mandatory. Visit lakeandtrails.org.

Oct. 13: Three-Bird Sporting Clays at South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., south of W. Smith Rd., Chatham Twp. Open to the public, 100-target events. Public entry, $54. Lunch included. Reservations needed. Call Ed Coyne, 216-926-8138 or 330-667-2973.

Nov. 17-18: Dryland Sled Dog Races, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland. Held by the Trailbreakers Sled Dog Club. Teams of one to six dogs of various breeds pulling wheeled carts, bicycles, scooters or using the Canicross technique where the handler runs behind his dog(s).
Visit lakemetroparks.com or call 440-256-2122 or 800-366-3276.

2012 HUNTING SEASONS
Coyote, Woodchuck - No closed season
Youth Spring Wild Turkey Season - April 21-22
Spring Wild Turkey Season - April 23-May 20
END OUTDOOR CALENDAR

 

Cleveland Indians A.M. Links: See the ball, hit the ball; KC fans are excited about the Royals; Tribe turn to Johnny Damon; Travis Hafner is ready

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Casey Kotchman is hitting better because he can see better.

Cleveland Indians beat Blue Jays,4-3Cleveland Indians Casey Kotchman.

There is no big secret why Casey Kotchman raised his batting average nearly 100 points from the previous year, writes Marla Ridenour on Ohio.com.

Kotchman can simply see better.

“It’s hard enough to hit when you can see clearly,” Kotchman said. “When you’re blurry, it makes it that much more difficult.”

Kotchman underwent Lasik surgery in 2004 while playing in the minor leagues with the Anaheim Angels. He said he’s not sure when his vision began deteriorating again. But he struggled at the plate in 2010, hitting .217 for the Seattle Mariners.

“I think it might have been a gradual thing and it came to a head in 2010,” he said before Tuesday’s postponed game at Progressive Field. “That offseason I had a procedure done on my eyes and got my vision cleaned up. I had some gland and tear issues that got corrected.”

In the past 50 years, only three other players had started the season in the minors and hit higher than Kotchman (with a qualifying number of plate appearances), writes Ridenour.

They were the Indians’ Miguel Dilone (.341 in 1980), the Florida Marlins’ Chris Coughlin (.321 in 2009) and Jose Guillen of the Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds (.311 in 2003).

“I was trying to clean up some flaws in my swing from the previous year,” Kotchman said of his 2011 success. “When my eyes were messed up, I got into some bad habits. I’m still working on those things.”

    

More Tribe News

Recent signings an extension of 1990's Tribe (MLB.com).

Kansas City fans are excited about the Royals (The Kansas City Star).

Indians at Royals series preview (CantonRep.com).

Indians turn to Johnny Damon for some offense (Cleveland.com).

The Akron Aeros win their home opener (CantonRep.com).

Travis Hafner is healthy and ready to role (Cleveland.com).

Signing Johnny Damon is a good move (The News-Herald).

The Indians farm report (Cleveland.com).

 

 

 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars on the clock: Cleveland.com Fans NFL Mock Draft 2012

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With the seventh pick in the first round, the Jacksonville Jaguars select....Who do you say? This is another pick -- by voting in a poll -- made by you in Cleveland.com's fans' mock draft.

coples-glenn.jpgNorth Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples (left) goes against Georgia offensive lineman Cordy Glenn (right) during a Senior Bowl practice in January.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns and NFL fans, it's time for you to say who all of the teams should pick in the first round of the draft on April 26.


Through April 22, via polls, we're asking you every day to make first-round picks for each of two teams. The polls go up on cleveland.com at approximate 12-hour intervals, around 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day. We list 10 prospects for you to pick from in each poll. On April 23-24, you'll be asked to make the picks for each of three teams (at approximate eight-hour intervals) both days, completing the 32-pick first round.


Here's who the fans have selected so far:


1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford


2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor


3: Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Southern Cal


4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama


5. Tampa Bay Buccaneeers: Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State


6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State


The seventh pick in the first round of the draft belongs to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars finished the 2011 season with a 5-11 record.


The Jaguars' primary needs include wide receiver, offensive tackle, defensive end and outside linebacker.


Continue to check The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com for Browns and NFL coverage.




Bird-hunting dogs in spotlight at unique Invitational Winner's Trial in Wooster

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The top birds dogs from the All-Breed Trials around northern Ohio are competing in today's 45th annual Invitational Winner's Trial in Wooster.

 

Team Birds.jpgDavid Miller of Wakeman, and his son, Ryan, train their seven-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Rayne, in the bird fields at Pine Crest Shooting Preserve in Huron County.

 NEW LONDON, OHIO
 A well-trained bird dog is invaluable whether you're after pheasants, quail or waterfowl, and sportsmen are most delighted when their four-legged partner shows off for their two-legged hunting buddies.

In a nutshell, that's why a crowd of men and women who train bird hunting dogs are gathering today at the Wayne Coon Hunters Association grounds in Wooster for the 45th annual Invitational Winner's Trial. It's the season championship of the All-Breed Hunter's Trials, a bird dog circuit unique to northern Ohio held at eight local sportsmen's clubs from fall through spring.

For dog trainers Chuck Fashing of New London, and Dave White and David Miller of Wakeman, training dogs is an everyday event. They have excellent bird fields at Pine Crest Shooting Preserve here in rural Huron County where they can hone the skills of both hunters and dogs.

They also help one another, a bonus when a trainer is trying to handle a dynamic dog.

They're outdoorsmen through and through. Fashing and Williams are construction workers, and White owns a landscaping company.

"We're at it about 300 days a year, either training dogs here or trialing somewhere around the country," said Fashing, during a Saturday visit. "The All-Breed Hunter's Trials are fun, and we like to run our dogs in them. We're also on the road a lot, though, competing in the tough national trials. Our dogs have been consistent winners on the United Field Trialers Association and Pheasant Hunters Unlimited Association circuits."

Watching their dogs scour the Pine Crest fields and quickly pinpoint the faint scent of a game bird, it was easy to understand why these trainers and their well-bred dogs are successful. Storm and his son, Thunder, a pair of yellow Labrador retrievers owned by White, were relentless but always under control. Storm was last year's Flushing Dog of the Day in the Invitational Winner's Trial. Miller's Labrador retrievers, Rayne and Rumble, were impressive and Fashing's German shorthaired pointer, Apache, was a bird-finding machine and rock solid pointer.

When Miller's 11-year-old son, Ryan, caught the bird dog bug, he became the youngest member of the dog-training team. He won't be left out of today's Invitational Winner's Trial. Fashing and young Miller share ownership in Sioux, a nine-year-old English setter the youngster qualified for the championship.

The judge's criteria for picking today's top dogs from among a wide variety of age groups has not changed in more than a half century.

The judge's mission, according to the rules, is to select as top dog the one a judge would most like to take afield for a day of bird hunting. Recruited to judge an Invitational Winner's Trial a few years ago, the criteria seemed a bit confusing to me at first.

When that special dog glided into the bird field, it was evident it had the right combination of  stellar scenting and hunting ability, burning desire and a willingness to be part of the hunting team. There was little doubt it would be the winner. 
 

Quest for Sunday hunting helps create All-Breed Trials

 The All-Breed Hunter's Trials were created in the 1950s to give local hunters extra time in the pheasant fields.

Some of the local clubs raised and released pheasants more than a half-century ago for members to hunt, even though wild birds were fairly plentiful. A few clubs catered to members with beagles and released lots of rabbits. Unfortunately, Sunday hunting was not allowed then, severely limiting sportsmen who could only hunt on weekends.

George Sullivan and friends at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, then located in Parma, came up with the notion of Sunday bird dog trials. They would charge a small fee, plant a pair of pheasants in a trial field, and test the ability of sportsman and dog to bag a bird.

Hunters flocked to the clubs to show off their dogs, try to win a ribbon and usually take home a couple of pheasants for Sunday dinner.

The first Invitational Winner's Trial matched the season's winners at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association and the Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association. The number of local clubs hosting trials grew and, while clubs came and went over the years, those two original clubs are now joined by the Columbia Game Club, Crooked Creek Conservation Club, Fin Feather Fur Trial Club, Huron Township Conservation Club, Pine Crest Shooting Preserve and Wayne Coon Hunters Association.

Today's Invitational Winner's Trial starts at 7:30 a.m. Hosted by the Fin, Feather Fur Trial Club, it is being held at the Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4990 Secrest Rd., Wooster.

Cavs decide rest is best heading into 3 games in 3 nights

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The Cavaliers, facing their only three-games-in-three-nights stretch of this condensed season, decided the best way to start off was rested. So after back-to-back home games on Tuesday and Wednesday, they took a day off on Thursday and decided not to hold their usual morning shootaround before Friday night's game against the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

byron scott.JPGCoach Scott is giving his team plenty of rest going into this weekend's three games.

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- The Cavaliers, facing their only three-games-in-three-nights stretch of this condensed season, decided the best way to start off was rested.

So after back-to-back home games on Tuesday and Wednesday, they took a day off on Thursday and decided not to hold their usual morning shootaround before Friday night's game against the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Instead, the team held a meeting and watched video at their downtown hotel. They're going to need to come up with a strong effort against the Pacers, who can clinch a playoff spot with a victory. Indiana beat Cleveland in overtime at The Q on Wednesday.

From here, the Cavs will play at Washington on Saturday and at home against Orlando on Monday. After a day off on Monday, they will play at Detroit on Tuesday and against Philadephia at The Q on Wednesday, completing seven games in nine nights in their most rigorous stretch of the season.

Wide receivers are the most talented position in the NFL Draft, says Mary Kay Cabot (SBTV)

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Wide receivers are the top positions in the NFL Draft. Watch video

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


As we get closer to the NFL Draft, the questions continue to pour in for Mary Kay Cabot when it comes to the Cleveland Browns. Mary Kay continues to predict the Browns will take wide receiver Justin Blackmon with the No. 4 pick.


So you won't be surprised by her answer to today's poll question.


She also says the wide receiver position is probably the deepest in the draft. Mary Kay also answers questions about quarterback Brandon Weeden and why history would not prevent the Browns from drafting Trent Richardson.


SBTV will return Monday with Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston.


 

Indians at Royals: Twitter updates and game preview

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The Tribe look to start their first road trip on the winning track this afternoon in Kansas City against the Royals. First pitch is at 4:10 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie.

The Tribe look to start their first road trip on the winning track this afternoon in Kansas City against the Royals. First pitch is at 4:10 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.


Indians lineup: Brantley CF, Cabrera SS, Choo RF, Santana C, Hafner DH, Duncan LF, Kotchman 1B, Kipnis 2B, Hannahan 3B, Lowe P.

Royals lineup: Dyson CF, Francoeur RF, Hosmer 1B, Butler DH, Gordon LF, Betancourt 2B, Moustakas 3B, Quintero C, Escobar SS, Hochevar P.

Note: Hit reload for latest Tweets


royals.JPGView full sizeThe Tribe travel to Kansas City this afternoon to take on Billy Butler, left, Jeff Francoeur and the Royals.
(AP) - Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas finally get to play a home opener for the Kansas City Royals.

The two prized infielders were part of an influx of young talent that matriculated through the minor leagues last season, ultimately arriving on baseball's biggest stage and ushering in what fans in the game's backwater hope will be a new era of success.

Hosmer hit nearly .300 while flashing raw power to spare after getting called up in early May, while Moustakas came on late in the season and showcased a stingy glove at third base.

Both played their first opening day on the road last weekend, but they're even more eager to take the field at Kauffman Stadium on Friday afternoon against the struggling Cleveland Indians.

"It helps having a week under your belt and all that," Hosmer said Thursday, "but it's going to be the first home opener for me, and it's going to be a little like the debut last year."

Moustakas was expecting "a lot of fans, a lot of noise, a lot of excitement in the air."

"I've never had an opening day at home or on the road. This is my first one," Moustakas said. "I absolutely appreciate it. Any time you get to play your first home game in front of your home fans, it shows that you've been out there working hard."

The Royals won't have all their fresh young faces available.

Outfielder Lorenzo Cain was placed on the disabled list Thursday with a strained left groin that he sustained while running into an outfield wall in Oakland earlier in the week. Catcher Salvador Perez is already recuperating from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

The injuries haven't put a damper on the spirit surrounding the Royals, though.

Part of that has to do with an encouraging road trip to start the season.

The Royals went into Los Angeles to face Albert Pujols and the mighty Angels in the official opener to the season. After getting blanked their first time out, they rallied behind some stout starting pitching to take the next two games and the series.

Kansas City dropped a 1-0 decision in the series opener against the Athletics, but rebounded behind newly acquired starter Jonathan Sanchez to take Game 2. The Royals were on the cusp of taking another series when they took a one-run lead in the top of the 12th inning of the finale Wednesday night, only for closer Jonathan Broxton to blow the game in spectacular fashion.

He plunked A's cleanup hitter Yoenis Cespedes to load the bases, and then drilled Jonny Gomes on his very next pitch to send home the winning run.

"He just lost command of his fastball, but he's a two-time All-Star," said Royals manager Ned Yost, dismissing any notion that Broxton would be affected by the late-game meltdown.

Yost also dismissed any notion the rest of the Royals would have a hangover.

Kansas City (3-3) had the day off Thursday, though a workout at Kauffman Stadium had to be squeezed in while rain pelted the metropolitan area. Once players cleared the field, the tarp was rolled into place over the infield - a tough way to head into the opener, if you believe in karma.

The day off allowed the Royals to reset after the way their trip came to an end.

"We had our opportunities," outfielder Alex Gordon said, "but 3-3 on the road isn't bad and I know we'll win those games down the road."

Luke Hochevar will get the assignment of the home opener for Kansas City after a dazzling first turn in the rotation. The former first-round pick allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1-3 innings against the Angels, outdueling Dan Haren in a 6-3 victory.

Even though Hochevar is considered the ace of the rotation, Yost had him start the second game of the season because he wanted Hochevar on the mound for the home opener.

"It's the first time we play at home, in front of our home crowd, at our ballpark. That's a special game regardless of where it is in the season," said Hochevar, who went 1-2 with a 5.31 ERA in three starts against the Indians last season. "I don't think you can ignore it. I think you embrace it."

Cleveland will be hitting the road for the first time following a dreadful 1-4 homestand to open the season. The Indians had scored 14 runs and batted .153 in their first four games before losing 10-6 to Chicago on Wednesday.

"The homestand could have gone a little better, even when we struggled so bad offensively," manager Manny Acta said. "We put ourselves in a position to win a couple of games and things just didn't work out."

Cleveland, which went 12-6 against the Royals last season and won four of the last five matchups in Kansas City, is opening a nine-game trip.

"Five games is not going to make me panic about my bullpen, my offense, defense or anything like that," Acta said. "We have to give it a little more time."

The Indians will send their only pitcher with a win to the mound Friday, as Derek Lowe takes the ball after allowing a pair of unearned runs over seven innings to beat Toronto 4-3 on Sunday in his Cleveland debut.

The right-hander, who spent the past seven years in the NL with Los Angeles and Atlanta, beat Kansas City 6-4 on June 18, 2010, while with the Braves.

Lowe hasn't pitched in Kauffman Stadium since taking the mound for the Dodgers in a 9-6 loss June 16, 2005. He's 2-1 with a 5.72 ERA in 11 appearances - four starts - in Kansas City.

Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, off to a 3-for-18 start, is batting .565 (13 for 23) with three homers and four doubles against Hochevar. Third baseman Jack Hannahan, leading Cleveland with a .313 average, has gone 6 for 11 with two homers and three doubles when facing him.

Cleveland may have found a boost for their stagnant offense Friday, reaching agreement on a $1.25 million, one-year contract with free agent outfielder Johnny Damon.

Johnny Damon is a Cleveland Indian; how long will it take him to get ready to play?

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Johnny Damon deal is confirmed. Now the question is how long will it take him to get ready for the regular season. Damon went unsigned during the offseason and misssed spring training.

Johnny DamonView full sizeJohnny Damon, 38, hit .261 with 16 homers and 73 RBI with the Rays last season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians almost non-existent offensive showing in the first five games of the season has not gone unnoticed.

It is why veteran outfielder Johnny Damon is now an Indian. The Plain Dealer was able to confirm the deal Friday morning, but it's going to take a while before Damon's bat can help.

Damon, 38, will need at least 10 days, and probably longer, to get game ready. Depending on what "game ready' entails, and whether or not Damon would have to play a few games in the minors, he probably wouldn't be ready to join the Indians until early May.

He signed for $1.25 million and can earn another $1.4 million in performance incentives. It's been reported that the deal includes a no-trade clause and an out-clause based on if and when Grady Sizemore comes off the disabled list.

Sizemore underwent surgery for a herniated disc on March 1 and was expected to miss between seven and eight weeks.

For the Indians, the search for a left fielder has become something akin to the quest for the Holy Grail. In spring training, there were rumors that they were interested in Damon and fellow free agent Vlad Guerrero. Late in camp a trade for outfielder/DH Bobby Abreu was discussed with the Angels, but fell through.

In spring training, the Indians brought a bunch of outfielders to camp including Felix Pie, Fred Lewis, Ryan Spilborghs, Aaron Cunningham, Chad Huffman, Trevor Crowe, Ezequiel Carrera, Russ Canzler, Thomas Neal and Nick Weglarz. Cunningham made the Opening Day roster, but the overall performance of the group left the Indians in search of more bodies.

The left-handed hitting Damon has played 17 years in the big leagues. Last year with Tampa Bay, he hit .261 (152-for-582) with 29 doubles, seven triples, 16 homers and 73 RBI. He stole 19 bases in 25 attempts and 79 runs.

Damon played only 16 games in the outfield, all of them in left, last year. He DH'd in 135 games and played first base once.

Shelley Duncan and Damon are expected to platoon in left field. Duncan won the left field job by hitting six homers in spring training, but like most of his teammates has failed to hit since the start of the season. In Wednesday's 10-6 loss to the White Sox, Duncan did go 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBI.

Damon is a lifetime .286 hitter. He is 277 hits shy of 3,000.

 

Cleveland Cavaliers P.M. Links: Back to the future; Lester Hudson is confident; Canton Charge news; Pacers' Roy Hibbert

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The Cavaliers will not get much rest over the next few days.

Cavaliers win home opener against the Boston CelticsCoach Byron Scott

The Cleveland Cavaliers will play three games in three nights (four games in five nights). And Bob Finnan of The News-Herald writes how it's been 13 years since the Cavaliers played three games in three nights.

They are in the midst of playing seven games in nine nights — a brutal stretch at any level, writes Finnan.

The last time that happened was April 6-14, 1999, when the last NBA lockout occurred. The Cavs played three games in three nights twice in a week's span.

"If those guys could do it back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, there's no reason why we can't do it," Cavs coach Byron Scott said. "Most of them were smoking at halftime."

They were also taking commercial flights. The Cavs have their own private jet.

The Cavs will make adjustments this weekend. Shoot arounds will be scrapped in favor of pregame meetings.

"We'll try to keep their bodies fresh," Scott said.

Samardo Samuels said he played three games in three nights when he played AAU basketball.

"But I was a lot younger then," the 23-year-old said. Continued...


  

 

 

More Cleveland Cavaliers

Lester Hudson has never lacked confidence in his game (Cleveland.com).

Hudson has given the Cavaliers a steady bench (Ohio.com).

Luke Harangody is making the most of his opportunities with the Canton Charge (CantonRep.com).

Roy Hibbert can do more than score for the Pacers (IndyStar.com).

Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers preview (USA Today).

 

 

 

 

 

Kings' future in Sacramento in jeopardy, again

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Could the Sacramento Kings be on their way out, again?

David STern.JPGNBA Commissioner David Stern.

NEW YORK -- The Kings' future in Sacramento is uncertain again.

A tentative deal for a new arena has fallen through, leaving open the possibility the team's owners could again try to move from California's capital.

The Maloof family said Friday it wants to remain in Sacramento, and commissioner David Stern says he believes them. But Stern also said it was the Maloofs' right to re-examine the deal that had been agreed to last month, and he says there is nothing more the league can do to broker a new one.

The Kings nearly moved to Anaheim after last season before agreeing to stay this season while the city tried to put together a plan to replace Power Balance Pavilion.

 

Lester Hudson brings a great story to Cleveland - Cavs Comment of the Day

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"How many times in a life do we all try something and fail? I am not saying Hudson will be an answer to the Cavs woes. They obviously need more than him. But at least he should be given credit for trying and he gives it all he's got. GO CAVS." - Kaplunk13

lester hudson pacers.JPGView full sizeOne cleveland.com reader enjoys the story of Lester Hudson to the NBA.
In response to the story Cavaliers' Hudson, through good times and bad, has never lost confidence in his abilities, cleveland.com reader Kaplunk13 enjoys the Lester Hudson story. This reader writes,

"How many times in a life do we all try something and fail? I am not saying Hudson will be an answer to the Cavs woes. They obviously need more than him. But at least he should be given credit for trying and he gives it all he's got. GO CAVS."

To respond to Kaplunk13's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Cavaliers at Pacers: Game preview and Twitter updates

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The Cavaliers look to get revenge on the Indiana Pacers from their overtime loss Wednesday, as they travel to Indiana tonight. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

The Cavaliers look to get revenge on the Indiana Pacers from their overtime loss Wednesday, as they travel to Indiana tonight. 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 7:00 p.m.




danny granger.JPGView full sizeDanny Granger and the Indiana Pacers welcome the Cavaliers tonight.
(AP) -- Darren Collison should be back in the Indiana Pacers' lineup after a two-game absence, but Frank Vogel may want to make sure George Hill gets plenty of minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Hill has shined in a pair of starts with Collison out, something the Cavaliers are well aware of heading into Friday's conclusion of a home-and-home set at Bankers Life Fieldhouse after Hill's performance in an overtime win.

The Pacers felt good enough about Hill - who emerged as an impressive backup to Tony Parker in San Antonio the last two seasons - to deal their top two picks the night of the 2011 draft for him to provide a change of pace behind Collison.

He did a solid job of that through his first 41 games - Hill missed 12 due to a chip fracture in his ankle - but has stepped up when it's been Collison ailing with a groin injury. Hill had a team high-tying 18 points and didn't commit a turnover in a 103-98 win over Toronto on Monday, then scored 11 of his 17 in the final 4:18 of regulation and OT in Wednesday's 104-98 victory at Cleveland.

Though Hill missed three free throws in the final 30 seconds after bringing Indiana (36-22) back from a late six-point deficit, he hit a game-sealing 3-pointer in the extra period.

"George Hill made some huge plays," Vogel said after his team improved to 15-4 when Hill scores in double figures. "He's down on himself right now for missing those three free throws, but I told him he was the reason why we got the lead back. He was able to turn the corner and make some plays for us."

The Pacers, winners of six of seven, have a two-game lead on a three-team cluster for the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed and will face sub-.500 teams in their next three contests.

They've had anything but an easy time against Cleveland (19-37), however. Indiana pulled out a 98-91 win in overtime at home Dec. 30 after Kyrie Irving missed a layup at the regulation buzzer, then fell 98-87 at Quicken Loans Arena on Feb. 15 without Hill and Danny Granger.

Granger has routinely had his way with the Cavaliers, averaging 27.4 points while participating in seven straight wins in the series. Though he's been held scoreless in both fourth quarters against Cleveland this season, he's totaled 14 points in overtime.

It's likely Collison will start if he's healthy enough to return, but Vogel shouldn't feel bad if he has to go with Hill again. Indiana's usual backup has averaged 19.0 points, 5.0 boards and 5.0 assists while shooting 49.2 percent in four career starts versus Cleveland.

The Cavaliers have found their own instant offense at the point while Irving remains out with a sprained shoulder. D-League castoff and NBA journeyman Lester Hudson has averaged 23.3 points in Cleveland's last four games, a remarkable 12.5 of which have come in the fourth quarter.

Hudson had 10 in the final 12 minutes Wednesday, including a floater over David West with 1.2 seconds left to send the game to overtime.

"The one thing you know about him in a short period of time is (that) he's been through the ringer as far as being in this league and being out of this league and being back in this league," Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said. "So I think he's trying to make sure that he gets an opportunity where he can stay here for a while."
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