Kalil (6-6, 306) is expected to go No. 3 to Minnesota, but the Vikings will listen to trade offers and might pass on Kalil.

Associated Press fileSouthern California offensive lineman Matt Kalil will work out privately for the Browns today.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Just eight days before the NFL draft, the Browns traveled to conduct a private workout Wednesday with top-rated USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil, a league source told The Plain Dealer.

The Browns have also hosted Kalil in Cleveland as one of their predraft visits.

Kalil (6-6, 306) is expected to go No. 3 to Minnesota, but the Vikings will listen to trade offers, and reports have surfaced recently that they might pass on Kalil. Minnesota is also reportedly pondering Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne and possibly even Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.

At the NFL annual meeting last month, Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said the Browns would have to consider Kalil if he's available. The other candidates at No. 4 are Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, Alabama running back Trent Richardson and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.

The fourth pick seems high for a right tackle, but the Browns need a quality starter there and Kalil would certainly step in immediately and solidify the position. The Browns would also be set on the offensive line for conceivably the next six or seven years. Although he started at left tackle his final two seasons at USC, he did serve as a backup right tackle in 2009 and started one game at that spot against Boston College.

If Kalil falls, the Browns would also most likely field offers from teams interested in trading up for a starting left tackle. Kalil has most often been compared to Browns five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas.

At the NFL meetings, Browns coach Shurmur acknowledged "that's a fair comparison." ESPN's Todd McShay agreed on a conference call Tuesday, "Joe Thomas to me is a good comparison. I think Kalil has a little bit more -- I don't want to say nasty in him, but he's got a nasty side."

ESPN's Mel Kiper said on a conference call Wednesday that it wouldn't make sense for the Browns to draft Kalil.

"This team needs skill players," he said. "It would be great to say you could bring Matt Kalil in, but are you gonna pass up a running back like Richardson? Are you gonna pass up a wide receiver like Blackmon? The worst skill-position talent in the NFL is in Cleveland, and I'm not talking about the quarterback [Colt McCoy] because the quarterback had no chance. He didn't have a fighting chance with the talent around him. So I can't see [Kalil]."

Heckert speaks: Heckert, fresh off the Kalil workout, will conduct his pre-draft press conference Thursday at 10 a.m.

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Relax. That was only the Browns' 2012 being released by the NFL, not The Kraken, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin Column.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerSure, the 2012 season may -- or may not be -- much of an improvement for Josh Cribbs and the rest of the Browns -- but freaking out about the team's projected wins and losses in the middle of April is unworthy of any Browns fan, says Bud Shaw.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns are currently favored only against the Colts and the Mayans in 2012, according to some analysis...

NFL.com suggests the Browns could "realistically [start] 0-13" in 2012. Good thing these guys aren't at your side handicapping your chances on the first day of a new diet. With that kind of encouragement, you'd be reading a self-help book and eating a bag of Oreos by lunch time.

Look, the Browns are entirely capable of detonating their season when it rolls around in September. They have a knack for it, in fact. The offense will have to rally in support of a defense facing a quarterback roll call that could include Michael Vick, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Tony Romo and Joe Flacco.

However, it's early in the year and a waste of time to project how the home team will do against that kind of competition.

While it seems safe to say based on 2011 the Browns could well match them punt-for-point unless big improvements are made offensively between now and then, it's silly to wire the Browns for explosives and trip the timer in April. They may not find a way to save themselves but the manner in which some "analysts" are reacting you'd think the season is guaranteed to go down like a MacGruber Saturday Night Live skit.

The analysis, if you can call it that, of the Browns' schedule on the NFL's web site concludes they "can't catch a break."

Let's see. For the 13th time in 14 seasons, the Browns open the season at home. This one is against a 8-8 team that Pat Shurmur and Brad Childress ought to know better than most. Not that there's much proof of it locally, but opening at home is considered an advantage throughout the NFL for a reason that's pretty obvious. It beats the alternative.

Other than being the gift that keeps not giving -- they're 1-12 -- opening at home is still a break considering the game could be in Philadelphia where Eagles fans do a pretty good impersonation of the Visigoths and are coming off a season that left them particularly incensed.

The Browns have home games with Buffalo, Kansas City and Washington. Combined record in 2011: 18-30. Since you have to play somebody, this is the definition of the fairly evenly matched somebody you'd want to get at home.

They'll face two rookie quarterbacks (presumably) in Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. Why wouldn't a Browns' defense that held the Steelers to 27 points in two games be up to confusing rookie quarterbacks (not named Dalton)? It's no more helpful to imagine whether Peyton Manning will be his old self in late December when the Browns visit Denver than it is to imagine him in a neck brace by Halloween.

A year ago, you were looking at the schedule and figuring a game at Indy for a loss and a crack at Alex Smith and the 49ers as a possible win. The opposite happened.

View full sizeAP fileHe may not have the face of a world-class athlete, but his swing certainly is.

The Browns play the AFC West and the NFC East this time around. Of the eight teams in those two divisions, only the Giants had a winning record in 2011 (9-7).

The Browns have proven they can turn any schedule into an unnatural disaster. Until it happens in 2012 let's agree to hold off on the doomsday scenarios.

At least until 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept 9, when we get a glimpse as to whether the NFL Mayans are on to something.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Golfer Carl Pettersson and Corey Harrison of "Pawn Stars" -- David Boettner

Byron Scott and Louis Gossett, Jr. -- Al Dadas, Garfield Heights

SPINOFFS

View full sizeAP fileHe doesn't do anything on a diamond, but will happily give you cash for your rock.

The only way the Browns should take Matt Kalil at No. 4 is if they plan to employ a passing attack that makes liberal use of tackle-eligible...

Feel free to look over the Browns' 2012 schedule and see what you want to see. What isn't optional is asking Mike Holmgren for extra playoff tickets...

Another positive to the 2012 schedule: Kansas City and Peyton Hillis visit in December, otherwise known as cold, flu and strep throat season...

The headline "Kentucky Starting 5 Declares for NBA Draft" is a great recruiting pitch for UK basketball but sad when you think of how it interrupts the breakneck progress being made toward college degrees...

Someone working for the London Olympics contacted the manager of the legendary rock group The Who to ask about having drummer Keith Moon take part in an Olympic celebration of British pop culture at the Games this summer. Long-time manager Bill Curbishley said Moon was unavailable, playing the flimsy "He's Been Dead Since 1978" card...

Jamie Moyer became the oldest starting pitcher in MLB history to win a game. In related news, former Indians' right-hander Alex White has become one of the youngest pitchers in history not to be able to beat out a 49-year-old for a spot in the rotation...

Tuesday night, the Cavs became only the fifth team in the last 20 years to trail by 50 points according to the Elias Sports Bureau, and perhaps the first to do it against an equally bad opponent (Detroit).

Not out of sympathy -- just coincidence -- Bruce Springsteen spent the same night at The Q singing "Wrecking Ball..."

Watch Springsteen move, jump, slide, even perform an advanced yoga backbend on stage over three non-stop hours at age 62 and you can only say one thing. If the Browns truly subscribed to best athlete available, they'd take him with one of their compensatory picks...

New England's Vince Wilfork is complaining that the NFL does too much to protect "wimpy" quarterbacks. You know, because 70,000 fans show up every week to watch defensive lineman mind their gaps...

More fans of NFL teams could be required to complete an online behavior class to regain entry to stadiums if they've been ejected for unruly conduct.A sample question from the web site fanconductclass.com: "True or false. 'Every fan has a right to like any team they wish. Using abusive language towards fans who support teams you don't like will not be tolerated.'"

Miss that one and you also lose the right to make fun of any draft prospect's Wonderlic score for 10 years...

HE SAID IT

"We are two warriors out there battling. I forgot the NBA is a gentleman's game." -- Mavericks' guard Delonte West, after getting a technical for sticking a wet finger in the ear of Utah's Gordon Hayward.As I'm sure SEAL Team 6 would attest, nothing says professional "warrior" quite like a wet willie.

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Midweek Edition)

"Bud:

"Would you ever volunteer to take a 17 year old to her prom like our possible first-round draft pick Trent Richardson did?" -- Michael Sarro

I volunteered to take six different 17-year-olds to their prom back when I was 17. Crazy coincidence. They all said they had to stay home and wash their hair that night.

"Dear Bud:

"No matter who they pick, who's calling the plays, want to bet the Browns' first play (of 2012) is a two-yard run up the middle, followed by an incomplete pass and a seven-yard completion on third-and-eight?" -- Jim O., Chardon

This is that optimistic time of year when fans get carried away and completely dismiss the possibility of a fumble or interception.

"Dear Bud:

"Taking a page from the [Johnny Damon signing], I understand henceforth you will be sharing Spin writing duties with an aging, over-the-hill sportswriter, who actually wrote only 15 columns last year." -- Vince G., Cincinnati

Yes. And I dare anybody to tell us apart.

"Bud:

"I have it from reliable sources. The 'plan,' as the Browns call it, derives from the fact that since Easter and the draft both land in April, they're putting all their eggs in one basket." -- Frank, Strongsville

That would explain walking on eggshells in free agency.

"Hey Bud:

"Lamar Odom cut, Reggie Bush ran out of town, Kris Humphries booed every time he touches the ball, Bruce Jenner (nothing more really needs to be said). What do you think your fate would be if you hooked up with one of the Kardashians?" -- Dan Coughlin

Though I'm sure like most women, the Kardashian girls have dreamed of someday meeting a balding sports writer who's personal best with the Shake Weight is three seconds, I haven't given such a relationship any thought.

"Hey Bud:

"Do you think Bishop Lennon will reopen the end zone for the Browns in the 2012 season?" -- Matt D., Brunswick

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

"Bud:

"Do the Lake Erie Monsters have a bounty out on anyone dumping Asian Carp in the Great Lakes?" -- Jim D., Richmond Heights

Repeat winners swim upstream.

On Twitter: @budshaw

Next thing you know MLB will fine the Indians for breathing. Jeanmar Gomez was suspended for five games and Jack Hannahan and Manny Acta were fined for their part in Saturday night's roughhousing with Kansas City. Plus, Chris Perez was fined for Tweeting.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerJeanmar Gomez will appeal his five-game suspension.

SEATTLE -- The Indians are beating everybody but The Man these days. The Man would be Major League Baseball and it slapped the Indians on the wrist again for their walk on the wild side Saturday night.

MLB even fined Chris Perez's thumbs for a stray Tweet.

Right-hander Jeanmar Gomez was suspended for five games and third baseman Jack Hannahan and manager Manny Acta were fined for their part in Saturday melee with the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Hannahan was fined $500, but the amount of Acta's fine was not known.

Just to show that MLB's enforcers are checking their social media platforms, Perez was fined $750 for a Tweet he sent after the Indians' 11-9 victory.

Gomez will appeal his suspension and start Saturday against the A's in Oakland. Acta said he will drop his appeal after the start and serve his five-game suspension.

"After the suspension he should be able to start the very next Saturday [April 28 vs. the Angels]," said Acta.

Gomez still says he did not hit Kansas City's Mike Moustakas intentionally in the bottom of the third inning Saturday. Joe Garagiola Jr., MLB's dean of discipline, disagreed and said the pitch was intentional.

"For me the pitch wasn't intentional," said Gomez. "I was trying to open up the inside corner of the plate."

In the top of the third, Kansas City left-hander Jonathan Sanchez hit Shin-Soo Choo in the right knee. Last year, Sanchez broke Choo's left thumb when he pitched for the Giants. The benches cleared after Choo and Moustakas were hit.

Gomez, Hannahan and Acta were ejected in the bottom of the third. Gomez and Acta had to leave because a warning had been issued after Sanchez hit Choo. Hannahan was run because of his aggressive behavior in both bench-clearing incidents.

After the game Perez Tweeted, "Huge team win tonight, time for a sweep of the Royals. It's not 'Our Time,' it's TribeTime. P.S. You hit us, we it you. Period."

The Royals slogan this year is "Our Time."

Perez is one of several players who have been fined over the last two seasons for what MLB determined to be inappropriate Tweets. MLB informed Perez that he "crossed the line."

"I would have been really surprised if I got suspended," said Hannahan. "I didn't throw any punches. It was just a lot of talking. I really don't think it was a big deal.

"That's how baseball is. That's the way it's supposed to be played. I'm glad there wasn't a suspension. I got fined and you just go about your business."

Hannahan knew Gomez would get suspended. "I expected that," he said. "But it's not like he was throwing at his head. He hit Moustakas in the butt. He was just protecting his position players. That's what pitchers are supposed to do.

"I was surprised no one on Kansas City was ejected or fined. You just live and learn and go about your business."

The Indians and Royals play each other 15 more times this year.

"I absolutely think it's over with," said Hannahan. "That's the good thing about baseball. You can get it over and done with in one game. Baseball players have long-term memories.

"Once a guy gets hit and you have all the warnings, it builds over time and blows up all at once. If you can get it all over and done with in one game, you can get past it and just go out and play."

Gomez is the second pitcher the Indians have had suspended this year. Ubaldo Jimenez was suspended for hitting Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki on April 1 in a Cactus League game.

Said Acta, "We respect the league's decision and we'll make the proper adjustments."

Teams are not allowed to replace a suspended player on the 25-man roster.

Still the one: Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager is still wearing out the Indians. After going 2-for-5 Tuesday, Seager is hitting .636 (14-for-22) against the Tribe since he made his big-league debut last year.

Finally: The Indians' comeback from an 8-1 deficit Tuesday was just the sixth time since 1918 that they've been able to overcome a deficit that large for a road victory. STATS LLC did the research on that.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

A competitive Kyrie Irving doesn't realize the best thing for the Cavaliers right now is to lose games, not win them.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kyrie Irving is still new to this.

The Cavaliers rookie desperately wanted to return before the end of the season when it was probably in his best interest _ and the Cavs _ for him to sit out the final games of this season.

But Irving is so competitive, he could not sit by and watch his team struggle night after night while resting his sore right shoulder.

"I'm going out there to try to win as many games as possible,'' he told reporters after Wednesday's 103-87 loss to Philadelphia at The Q.

No, no, no. At this point, the more games the Cavs win the worst their chances in the lottery. Right now they have the fourth worst win total in the league at 20-41, tied with Sacramento. Charlotte and Washington have the Nos. 1 and 2 spots wrapped up, but Cleveland, Sacramento and New Orleans are battling it out for No. 3, and with four of the Cavs final five games against teams that were in the playoffs as of Wednesday night, the Cavs have a real shot at it.

That's the focus of this team at this point. Irving will catch on one of these days.

Ohio State will throw a lot but not get very fancy in the run game for Saturday's spring game.

View full sizePD fileUrban Meyer doesn't want to expose quarterback Braxton Miller to many hits in Saturday's spring game, so the running game will not get much action.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The plan is for the Buckeyes to throw the ball a lot in Saturday's spring game at Ohio Stadium.

"I don't know if it's going to be caught a lot," Ohio State coach Urban Meyer joked Wednesday.

Meyer spoke earlier in the spring about the Buckeyes getting their perimeter run game rolling, and though getting quarterback Braxton Miller and the running backs out in the open field will be a major part of the fall gameplan, it's not what Meyer wants to see at the end of spring.

First of all, he doesn't want Miller taking a lot of hits. The plan, as was typically the case in recent years, is for the quarterbacks to be off-limits to hits from the defense on Saturday.

Secondly, "I know he can do that," Meyer said of Miller. "I want to see him do the other stuff."

So the first look at the Meyer offense that the general public gets on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. won't be the full look. But it should offer an overview of what's to come.

"The intent is to watch guys perform in a gameday atmosphere," Meyer said. "I've been fortunate to coach in some of these big spring game atmospheres and there's nothing like it. It's priceless. You can't simulate that indoors or out on the practice field, so I'm real anxious to see them do it."

The two teams for Saturday will be picked Thursday morning, with offensive coordinator Tom Herman choosing and running one team and defensive coordinator Luke Fickell once again getting back in head coach mode by running the other.

Meyer also said the losing team will have to do a community service project in the fall, perhaps cleaning up Buckeye Grove, where trees are planted to represent OSU football All-Americans.

Injury update: Several key players missed practice Wednesday or were limited, but Meyer said the overall injury outlook was pretty good.

Starting middle linebacker Curtis Grant was limited by a shoulder stinger he suffered Saturday, and both starting safeties, Christian Bryant and C.J. Barnett, were out with what Meyer said were muscle injuries in their lower body.

Starting weakside linebacker Ryan Shazier and third-string quarterback Cardale Jones were out sick Wednesday, and kicker Drew Basil was sidelined by a sprained ankle.

"I've been in much worse [injury] situations for the spring game," Meyer said.

He also thought that, in general, the team looked "leg weary" on Wednesday and didn't have a great practice. He wasn't too upset by that near the end of a long spring, but a week earlier he had called the Wednesday practice one of the best spring practices he had ever seen.

Notes: With Basil out, backup kicker Kyle Clinton missed a field goal at the end of practice that meant the offense and defense tied in their end of practice scrimmage. According to Ohio State, the defense leads the offense, 3-1, with two ties in the practice scrimmages this spring. ... Meyer spoke of how excited he was by Saturday's practice that was open to OSU students, saying it was "awesome" and plans to make it a yearly event. Students were able to crowd around the play while Basil kicked field goals Saturday. Next year, Meyer said he'll have a student try a field goal. ... Asked about the nine freshmen who enrolled early, Meyer mentioned offensive tackle Taylor Decker was the player who is probably the furthest along in his development.

AAA Columbus Clippers Indians 4, Clippers 3 Columbus rallied with two runs in the seventh inning, but fell Wednesday to host Indianapolis in an International League game. 2B Cord Phelps (.355) went 4-for-5 with a stolen base and DH Ryan Spilborghs had two hits and an RBI for the Clippers. Scott Barnes (0-2, 5.06 ERA) took the loss, giving up...

Indians 4, Clippers 3 Columbus rallied with two runs in the seventh inning, but fell Wednesday to host Indianapolis in an International League game. 2B Cord Phelps (.355) went 4-for-5 with a stolen base and DH Ryan Spilborghs had two hits and an RBI for the Clippers.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerInfielder Cord Phelps is hitting .355 (22-for-62) with eight doubles, one triple and six RBI in 14 games for the Class AAA Columbus Clippers.

Scott Barnes (0-2, 5.06 ERA) took the loss, giving up four runs in five innings while striking out four.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 4, Baysox 3 Steven Wright (2-1, 1.56) pitched six strong innings and three relievers held off Bowie as host Akron won the Eastern League game.

1B Chun-Hsui Chen (.317) and 3B Kyle Bellows (.281) had three hits each for the Aeros.

Advanced A Carolina Mudcats

Mudcats 1, Blue Rocks 0 Mike Rayl (1-2, 3.06), J.D. Reichenbach (0.00) and Jose Flores (1.59, two saves) combined on a six-hit shutout to lead Carolina over host Wilmington in a Carolina League game.

1B Jesus Aguilar (.375) knocked in the run with a fourth-inning single.

A Lake County Captains

Whitecaps 8, Captains 5 Visiting West Michigan scored four runs in the ninth inning to rally past Lake County in a Midwest League game. The Whitecaps tagged Jeff Johnson (0-1, 33.75) for all four runs.

CF Luigi Rodriguez (.367) had three hits for the Captains.

Europe's top club soccer tournament is starting to make similar inroads on the work days of American sports fans, despite the fact the overwhelming majority have no tangible connection to the participating teams.

AP photoPowerhouse clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United are regular offseason visitors to the States.

The Indians offense, running on full throttle for the first four games of this trip, was halted Wednesday night at Safeco Field by Jason Vargas and the Mariners.

SEATTLE, Wash. --  After four games of big hits and bigger innings, the Indians offense was finally stopped Wednesday night at Safeco Field.

 Seattle's Jason Vargas has not pitched particularly well against the Tribe in his career, but he does have one thing working in his favor -- he's left-handed. Vargas, with the help of first-inning homers by Chone Figgins and Ichiro Suzuki, out-pitched Derek Lowe to end the Indians four-game winning streak with a 4-1 victory at Safeco Field.

 The Indians hit .333 (53-for-159) with 41 runs during their four-game winning streak. In each game, they had one inning where they scored at least five runs. Vargas (2-1, 2.84) turned their bats to ice as he allowed one run on four hits in seven innings. He struck out seven and walked three.

 "Vargas was the story," said manager Manny Acta. "He held us in check the whole night."

 The Tribe is 0-4 this season in games started by opposing left-handers. Acta had five right-handers, counting switch-hitter Carlos Santana, in the lineup, but it wasn't enough to offset Vargas. The Tribe's right-handers went 3-for-15 against Vargas. The left-handers went 1-for-8, including three straight bouncers back to Vargas by Casey Kotchman.

 Lowe (2-1, 3.50) was hit early and often in his shortest start as an Indian. He needed 113 pitches to go 4 1/3 innings.

 "When you throw that many pitches, I was just happy the position players were still awake," said Lowe. "I mean 113 pitches in four innings lulls you into a little bit of a nap."

 Lowe allowed eight hits and six walks, but allowed just four runs.

 "It was a lot of non-competitive pitches," said Lowe. "I think I was on Plan G by the time I was taken out of the game. There were times I could have easily made a pitch and gotten out of the inning. It just wasn't going to happen."

 The Indians, who beat Seattle on Tuesday thanks largely to a seven-run fifth inning, caused one rumble in the game. Vargas lost the strike zone in the sixth as Shin-Soo Choo walked, Carlos Santana singled and Travis Hafner walked to load the bases. This is how those other big innings started on the trip, but Vargas wouldn't let it happen on another cold April night at Safeco.

 He struck out Shelley Duncan and induced Jose Lopez to hit into a force play for the third out.

 "We felt that was our opportunity, especially with Shelley up because he hits lefties so well," said Acta. "But he missed a pitch, but Vargas made some great pitches. He ran the ball in and then threw a great change up to strike him out."

 Lopez, a former teammate of Vargas, started at third for the Tribe. He had one of the Tribe's four hits.

 "He threw a lot of pitches inside for strikes," said Lopez. "He's changed his delivery and hides that ball better. This is the best I've seen him in the last three years."

 Brandon League pitched the ninth for his fifth save for Seattle. Vargas, Tom Wilhelmsen and League combined to hold the Indians to four hits. It was their fewest hits in a game this year.

 Seattle stretched its lead to 4-1 in the fourth. Brendan Ryan drew a leadoff walk and went to third on Figgins single to right. He scored on Dustin Ackley's single and Lowe didn't appear to have much left.

 Aaron Cunningham kept Lowe in the game with a nice running catch on the track in center field against Suzuki. Jesus Montero grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning on Lowe's 100th pitch.

 "Derek is a veteran guy who isn't going to back down," said Acta. "But he ran his pitch count up there and we couldn't do anything with Vargas and their bullpen."

 Lowe came out for the fifth, but left with runners on the corners and one out after Michael Saunders walked and went to third on a run-and-hit single by Miguel Olivo. Jairo Asencio relieved and pitched out of trouble.

 The Indians came into the game .326 (28-for-86) lifetime batting against Vargas. They hit just .174 (4-for-23) against him Wednesday as he improved to 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA against the Tribe.

 Lowe's problems from the first followed him into the second. He loaded the bases with two out and forced home a run by walking Montero for a 3-0 lead.

 The Indians only run came in the third when Cunningham scored on a sacrifice fly by Jason Kipnis. Cunningham started the inning with a double off the top of the fence in left field. The umpires reviewed it upon Acta's request to see if it was a homer, but the double stood.

When the review went against the Indians, it ended their start-of-the-season home run streak at nine games. They hit 16 homers in that streak. Since 1918 the team's longst such streak is 14 games in 2002.

 Jason Donald, undoubtedly acting on his own, bunted Cunningham to third. Kipnis delivered him for his eighth RBI.

 Seattle took a 2-0 lead on homers by Figgins and Suzuki in the first. Figgins, batting leadoff, sent a 3-2 pitch into the seats in right. Ichiro, with one out, hit a 1-0 pitch into the same area.

With the 18th pick in the first round, the San Diego Chargers select....Who do you say? This is another pick -- by voting in a poll -- made by you in Cleveland.com's fans' mock draft.

Associated PressQuickness, strength and a variety of moves give Southern Cal defensive end Nick Perry a chance to become a superb NFL pass rusher.

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 Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State

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

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

13. Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, LB-DE, Alabama

17: Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The 18th pick in the first round of the draft belongs to the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers finished the 2011 season with an 8-8 record.

The Chargers' primary needs include a pass rusher, outside linebacker, cornerback, strong safety and offensive line depth.

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

Tom Heckert says Hillis' exit opens the door for Richardson.

Plain Dealer fileFormer Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis.

Steve Doerschuk writes on CantonRep.com about the riddle of what happened to Peyton Hillis.

Well he actually doesn't try to find the answer, but the solution could come in running back Trent Richardson.

When asked today if Hillis wasn’t retained because the Browns want to get faster at running back, General Manager Tom Heckert said:

“Ehhhhh ... Wellll ... getting Brandon Jackson back ... and if we add somebody in this draft somewhere ... it was a little bit, there was no room at the inn.”

Browns Nation awaits to see if the vacancy will be filled by Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Heckert would only say the Browns know who they will pick if they don’t trade out of the No. 4 spot.

If not Richardson, writes Doerschuk, other candidates are wide receiver Justin Blackmon and cornerback Morris Claiborne.

More Cleveland Browns

More on Tom Heckert and the NFL Draft by Mary Kay Cabot (Cleveland.com).

Mel Kiper says the Browns should stay away from Kalil (Ohio.com).

Check out Mel Kiper's picks when it comes to the first four for the Browns (ESPN).

Feeling good about Browns' tightend prospects (WFNY).

The Cavaliers are getting ready for next season.

Scott Shaw, The Plain DealerKyrie Irving goes to the basket against Indiana Pacers.

Despite what all is said about winning this year, the Cleveland Cavaliers have to lose to do any winning next season.

It's about getting into the lottery and drafting the best player available in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Losing probably isn't the issue with many fans who understand it's all about next year. But it's how they Cavaliers are losing that is disappointing.

Sam Amico, reporter for Fox Sports, writes how plenty of blame goes around for how the Cavaliers have lost in recent games.

Well, it's only fair to start with the depleted roster. Anderson Varejao has been out since early February. Kyrie Irving had missed nine games in a row, and 10 of 11, before giving it a go Wednesday. Daniel Gibson had foot surgery, Alonzo Gee has a bum ankle, and Ramon Sessions was traded for a draft pick and Luke Walton. Before all that, the Cavs were the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference and in the running for a playoff spot.

Now, the Cavs are going to war with Donald Sloan, Lester Hudson, Samardo Samuels, Luke Harangody and Manny Harris. Not one has a guaranteed future in the NBA. In fact, all are auditioning for a job next season. Not just in Cleveland, but anywhere.

And it's doubtful Kyrie Irving will play in each of the final five games, writes Amico, and he knows it. This week, after all, is all about next season. And that really makes pretty good sense.

More Cleveland Cavaliers

Not even Kyrie Irving's return could help the Cleveland Cavaliers (Cleveland.com).

Irving returns but may sit again (The News-Herald).

Canton Charge and Autin Toros (CantonRep.com).

The Cavaliers remain in the lottery hunt (The News-Herald).

The Ohio State Buckeyes will test their passing prowess in their spring game on Saturday. CineSport's Noah Coslov and The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises discuss this and how Ohio State will respond to new head coach Urban Meyer.

The Ohio State Buckeyes will test their passing prowess in their spring game on Saturday. CineSport's Noah Coslov and The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises discuss this and how Ohio State will respond to new head coach Urban Meyer.

Hudson demonstrated a flair for the dramatic and had four straight games of 19 points or better

View full sizeAP FileLester Hudson has provided offense for Cavaliers coach Byron Scott.

The Plain Dealer's Bud Shaw and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore were joined by Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot to talk NFL Draft. Each made their case for and against drafting certain players at No. 4, including Justin Blackmon, Trent Richardson, Morris Claiborne, Matt Kalil and Ryan Tannehill. Watch video

Today's PD Sports Insider is brought to you by Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Avon Lake. Stay tuned for the next show Monday, April 23 at noon.

Be sure to like PD Sports Insider on Facebook

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

Viewers have to the opportunity to ask questions and post comments in a live chat room during the show. They can also their video questions during the week. Fans who miss the live show can watch the archive, available a few hours later.

With the 19th pick in the first round, the Chicago Bears select....Who do you say? This is another pick -- by voting in a poll -- made by you in Cleveland.com's fans' mock draft.

Associated PressBaylor wide receiver Kendall Wright had quite a 2011 season teaming up with Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Robert Griffin III. Wright caught 108 passes for 1,663 yards and 14 touchdowns.

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 Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State

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

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

13. Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, LB-DE, Alabama

17: Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, defensive end-linebacker, Illinois

The 19th pick in the first round of the draft belongs to the Chicago Bears. The Bears finished the 2011 season with an 8-8 record.

The Bears' primary needs include the offensive line, wide receiver, tight end, defensive end and the secondary.

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

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 Photo/Amy SancettaHow many games will the Browns win next season?

"The Browns have a tough schedule, initially. But there are always underachieving and overachieving teams in this league, and, of course, anything can happen on a week-to-week basis. Also, one has to keep in mind that it is currently April and so much happens between now and the start of the regular season that it’s almost silly to try and predict a final record now."

"On the other hand, Heckert said wide receivers and running backs are equal producers of touchdowns, but admitted that finding a producer of touchdowns at wide receiver is more difficult than at running back.

Heckert emphatically dismissed suggestions of height and character concerns surrounding Justin Blackmon. He also said that Blackmon stacks up, as a prospect, with last season's top receivers, A.J. Green and Julio Jones."

AP photoCan Justin Masterson get back on track?

"First Base: Matt LaPorta. This is less a vote of confidence for LaPorta than a reflection of the lack of any other options—the Indians’ minor league system is devoid of first base prospects. One possible alternative is Jake Lowery, the Indians’ fourth-round pick in the 2011 MLB amateur draft. He was a catcher in college and he’ll be groomed as a potential backup to Santana, but he could see significant time at first down the road."

"So how are we here again, worrying about Justin Masterson? Through his first three starts in 2012, he has a 6.48 ERA and is yet to “win” a game. The cynics among us would like to point out that if you don’t count his opening day start of 8 innings and 1 run, things would look even worse.*"

Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon JournalKyrie Irving's return to the lineup wasn't enough for the Cavs last night.

"Amazingly, this was the Cleveland Cavaliers' best highlight from Tuesday night's 39-point loss to the Detroit Pistons. Oh, well. If you're going to turn the ball over — as Jamison did four times in the blowout loss during an 0-for-10 shooting night he'll be very eager to forget about — you might as well go for the gusto."

"Kyrie Irving was back in action tonight. He was on a short leash in terms of minutes (he only played 19, though that was due in part to the fact that ballgame got out of hand in the third quarter and there was no reason to bring him back for the fourth), but he looked himself. He took a couple spills, got right back up, and never favored his shoulder while he was on the court. I think he’s probably fine, and the Cavs are just being cautious. Which is smart, obviously. Irving finished with nine points and four assists on 4-for-10 shooting. I expect he’ll be in the lineup against the Knicks on Friday, perhaps with similar floor time-limiting provisions."

The Scarlet squad also has four starters on the offensive line to protect Miller.

APDefensive coordinator Luke Fickell will lead the Gray team in the Ohio State spring game on Saturday, and his side may have an uphill battle.

COLUMBUS - Ohio State just announced the rosters for Saturday's spring game. In the past, the Buckeyes typically had the seniors draft teams, with the draft open to the media. This year, the teams were drafted by offensive coordinator Tom Herman on the scarlet side and defensive coordinator Luke Fickell on the Gray side and the draft was conducted this morning

The Scarlet captains are fullback Zach Boren and left tackle Jack Mewhort. The Gray captains are defensive lineman John Simon and linebacker Etienne Sabino.

Given the rosters, here are my potential starting lineups for each team.

And I have to say, I'm making the Scarlet team about a six-point favorite based on having Braxton Miller, four of the five starting offensive linemen, a solid defensive line, the best linebacker in Ryan Shazier and three of the four starters in the secondary.

SCARLET

Offense

QB - Braxton Miller

TB - Carlos Hyde

FB - Zach Boren

TE - Jeff Heuerman

WR - Chris Fields

WR - Michael Thomas

WR - Tyrone Williams

LT - Jack Mewhort

LG - Eric Kramer

C - Corey Linsley

RG - Marcus Hall

RT - Reid Fragel

Defense

DL - Johnathan Hankins

DL - Michael Bennett

DL - Joel Hale

DL - J.T. Moore

LB - Ryan Shazier

LB - Connor Crowell

LB - Storm Klein

S - C.J. Barnett

S - Christian Bryant

CB - Travis Howard

CB - Doran Grant

GRAY

Offense

QB - Kenny Guiton

TB - Jordan Hall

FB - Adam Homan

TE - Jake Stoneburner

WR - Corey "Philly" Brown

WR - Devin Smith

WR - Taylor Rice

LT - Taylor Decker

LG - Andrew Norwell

C - Brian Bobek

RG - Tony Underwood

RT - Tommy Brown

Defense

DL - John Simon

DL - Garrett Goebel

DL - Adam Bellamy

DL - Steve Miller

LB - Crutis Grant

LB - Etienne Sabino

LB - Luke Roberts

S - Orhian Johnson

S - Corey Brown

CB - Bradley Roby

CB - Adam Griffin

Here are the full rosters as released by Ohio State:

Team Scarlet

Head Coach – Tom Herman

Assistant Coaches – Everett Withers, Mike Vrabel, Tim Hinton

Game Captains – Zach Boren and Jack Mewhort

QBs Braxton Miller, Justin Siems

OL Darryl Baldwin, Reid Fragel, Marcus Hall, Eric Kramer, Corey Linsley, Jack Mewhort, Tim Trummer

RBs Carlos Hyde, Rod Smith

FB Zach Boren

TEs Jeff Heuerman, Derek Burkholder, Nick Vannett

WRs Chris Fields, Frank Kangah, Ryan Ross, Evan Spencer, Michael Thomas, Tyrone Williams

DL Michael Bennett, Logan Beougher, Chase Farris, Joel Hale, Johnathan Hankins, William McCary, J.T. Moore, Se’Von Pittman, Kharim Stephens

LBs Connor Crowell, Storm Klein, Ryan Shazier, Stewart Smith

DBs C.J. Barnett, Christian Bryant, Doran Grant, Zach Domicone, Travis Howard, Vincent Petrella, Ron Tanner, Julian Vann, Jamie Wood

K/P Drew Basil, Kyle Clinton, Kevin Niehoff

LS Bryce Haynes

Team Gray

Head Coach – Luke Fickell

Assistant Coaches – Kerry Coombs, Ed Warinner, Stan Drayton, Zach Smith

Team Captains – Etienne Sabino and John Simon

QBs Kenny Guiton, Cardale Jones

OL Ivon Blackman, Brian Bobek, Jacoby Boren, Tommy Brown, Taylor Decker, Andrew Norwell, Ben St. John, Antonio Underwood

RBs Bri’onte Dunn, Jordan Hall

FB Adam Homan

TEs Kyle Schuck, Jake Stoneburner

WRs Corey Brown, Peter Gwilym, Verlon Reed, Taylor Rice, Devin Smith

DL Adam Bellamy, Dalton Britt, Chris Carter, Garrett Goebel, Steve Miller, John Simon, Nathan Williams

LBs Curtis Grant, Ross Oltorik, Joshua Perry, Andy Reed, Luke Roberts, Etienne Sabino

DBs Corey Brown, Adam Griffin, Orhian Johnson, Tyvis Powell, Bradley Roby, Nick Sarac

K/P Ben Buchanan, Kyle Clinton, Russell Doup

LS George Makridis

Mary Kay Cabot and Dennis Manoloff of The Plain Dealer break down the top DBs available in this year's draft. Watch video

Plain Dealer reporters Mary Kay Cabot and Dennis Manoloff break down the Browns and how they figure into the 2012 NFL Draft in this seven-day series of videos that will run through Wednesday.

This year's draft will begin with the first round on Thursday. The second and third rounds are on Friday; with the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday. The Browns own the fourth pick and the 22nd pick in the first round. The top three picks, in order, are held by the Indianapolis Colts, the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings.

See how Mary Kay breaks down the top picks in her latest mock draft.

The series:

Wednesday: Running backs

To reach this Plain Dealer videographer: dandersen@plaind.com

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

Eric Lauer
Midview
Sport: Baseball
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 190
What Eric did last week: The first baseman went 8-for-16 with 10 RBI, six runs, a double, two home runs, four walks and three stolen bases. He pitched six hitless innings in an 8-0 win against Bay, with 14 strikeouts.
About Eric: Enjoys fishing, corn hole, dunk contests and poker. Favorites include the Indians, "Talladega Nights" movie, "Tosh.0" TV show,  Addictinggames.com, "Call of Duty" video game, spaghetti, Dick's Last Resort restaurant and shorts. Wants to vacation in Italy and try sky diving.
Adam Vasil
North Royalton
Sport: Baseball
Class: Junior
Age: 17
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 205
What Adam did last week: The catcher went 6-for-17 with eight RBI and five runs. He hit four home runs in five games as the team went 7-0.
About Adam: Member of the Key, Spanish and Spirit clubs. Intends to major in sports medicine. Favorites include the Boston Red Sox, Jim Thome, "Shawshank Redemption" movie, "Modern Family" TV show, Twitter.com, "The Hunger Games" book, Chipotle restaurant, Nike clothes and anatomy class. Wants to try sky diving.
   
Sadie Jones
Stow
Sport: Softball
Class: Freshman
Age: 14
Ht: 5-2
What Sadie did last week: The pitcher went 3-0, allowing three earned runs in wins against Tallmadge, Twinsburg and Solon. She had 12 strikeouts and three walks.
About Sadie: Member of Student Council and Spanish Club. Enjoys photography and community service. Wants to become a physical therapist and play college softball. Favorites include Ohio State, Cat Osterman, "The Proposal" movie, "Amazing Race" TV show, song "What Makes You Beautiful," "Draw Something" video game, grilled chicken, Olive Garden restaurant, American Eagle clothes and math class. Has been to Barcelona, Spain, and wants to try ice skating.
Taylor Goff
Black River
Sport: Softball
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 5-5
What Taylor did last week: The catcher went 8-for-20 with 11 RBI, six runs, five doubles, two triples and three stolen bases as the team went 5-1. Black River is 9-1 on the season.
About Taylor: Plays the piano, also basketball and volleyball. Eats ice cream after games. Plans to attend Capital or Ashland. Favorites include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dot Richardson, "Despicable Me" movie, "Big Bang Theory" TV show, song "Drive By," "Kinect Dance Central" video game, "The Winners Manual" book, pizza, Lorenzo's restaurant and history class. Wants to visit Australia and try sky diving.
    
Taylor McDonald
Nordonia
Sport: Track
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 5-5
What Taylor did last week: Against Revere, she won the 100 and 300 hurdles, was second in the long jump and was on the winning 4x400 relay. At the Willoughby South Invitational, she set a school record in the 100 hurdles with a 14.6, breaking a mark that had stood since 1990; and broke her own school mark in the 300 hurdles with a 43.5.
About Taylor: Enjoys bowling and the movies. Member of the Teen Institute. Intends to major in nursing or sports medicine. Favorites include the University of Oregon, Allyson Felix, "Stomp The Yard" movie, "My Wife and Kids" TV show, Itunes.com, "Rock Band" video game, "The Hunger Games" book, shrimp, Applebee's restaurant, Hollister clothes and math class. Wants to visit the Bahamas.
Jocelynn Rogers
Lorain
Sport: Track
Class: Sophomore
Age: 16
Ht: 5-3
What Jocelynn did last week: At the Lorain County Invitational, she won the 100 and 200, and was on the winning 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams.
About Jocelynn: Enjoys fashion studies, reading and singing. Wants to study fashion design in college. Favorites include the USA Olympic track team, Usain Bolt, "The Wood" movie, "SpongeBob SquarePants" TV show, song "Let Me Love You" by Mario, Google.com, "Wii Sports" video game, "Prom Unfinished" book, spaghetti, Olive Garden restaurant, Polo clothes and geometry class. Wants to try eating with chopsticks.

Coaches' nominations for Players of the Week will be taken Mondays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The toll-free number for coaches to call for the seven-county coverage area is 1-800-388-4370.

"I'm totally against unnecessary violence in sport. This was necessary. Good job Jeanmar and Jack. If KC comes close to hitting anyone again, the whole Tribe dugout needs to respond immediately. Guys in brawls rarely get hurt. Batters are regularly injured by pitched balls and careers are ended and compromised." - terex

View full sizehttp://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2012/04/mlb_suspends_jeanmar_gomez_for.htmlOne cleveland.com reader is happy to see the Indians stick up for each other against the Royals last weekend.

"I'm totally against unnecessary violence in sport. This was necessary. Good job Jeanmar and Jack. If KC comes close to hitting anyone again, the whole Tribe dugout needs to respond immediately. Guys in brawls rarely get hurt. Batters are regularly injured by pitched balls and careers are ended and compromised."