Hannahan is a guy who can't wait to get his uniform dirty. He's a throwback and perhaps the biggest surprise of the past two Tribe seasons.

View full sizeMarcio Jose Sanchez, Associated PressJack Hannahan drove in two more runs for the Indians Tuesday night against Kansas City, providing surprising production from third base.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You're Jack Hannahan and you're not supposed to be here.

Not at third base when the Indians opened their six-game homestand at Progressive Field against Kansas City on Tuesday night.

Forget that, you're in Wahoo red, white in blue.

You're 32 years old and you're supposed to be done. Career bush-leaguer. Maybe in training to one day become a minor-league coach. For years, next to your name was this scouting report: Good glove, bad hit, no future.

But the present finds you with your baseball pants pulled up, your socks out and your cap down over your eyes as if this were 1965 and you were in the same Tribe lineup as Rocky Colavito and Leon Wagner.

You look like a guy who can't wait to get his uniform dirty. You're a throwback. And perhaps the biggest surprise of the past two Tribe seasons.

As Tribe manager Manny Acta said, "Admit it, when we signed Jack, people made fun of us."

It was such a small announcement, no one even noticed enough to yawn about it.

Early in spring 2011, Acta manager called you in and said, "To make this club, you have to hit."

Would he hit?

You knew that. Just as you knew the Indians had a phenom named Lonnie Chisenhall being prepared to play third base. Just as you knew you were 31 with a career .228 big-league average with three different teams.

Just as you knew that in 2010 you batted .237 with two teams in Class AAA. Just as you knew that if Jason Donald hadn't broken his hand in spring training -- you would have been again sent to Class AAA Columbus.

"Players in Jack's spot sometimes need a break," Acta said. "They need someone to believe in them."

You wanted to believe that they believed. But that's hard after being cut so many times. You dreaded hearing the words, "The manager wants to see you."

But in April 2011, Acta put you at third base. You batted .273 with four homers. When you're Jack Hannahan, there's nothing wrong with being Mr. April. It gives you a chance to stay in the majors in May.

"You get labeled," you said. "You have to prove them wrong. I'll always have to bob and weave around all the prospects."

Chisenhall is only 23. He is hitting .315 with four homers at Class AAA Columbus. You know all about baseball being "here today, gone tomorrow" for players such as yourself ... players called JAG ... Just Another Guy.

But Acta says you "may be figuring it out" at the plate. That something happened in the middle of last season when you switched to a heavier bat and a lighter swing. You batted .322 (.871 OPS) after the All-Star break.

The new birth

That also coincided with the birth of John Joseph Hannahan. Jenny, your wife, was in the hospital for a month before John's birth. Every night you were in town, you were with her at the hospital. The expected birthdate was Oct. 26.

But on Aug. 4, the doctors knew they had to go get the baby. You were at Fenway Park with the Tribe, and your teammates took up a collection to pay $35,000 to rent a private jet so you could be there in time for the birth at 3:11 a.m. Your first child weighed 2 pounds, 11 ounces. Jenny made it through the ordeal.

You batted .368 after the birth, compared to .213 before.

So many good things happened at once. You felt the love and respect of your teammates. While Chisenhall had been promoted to Cleveland, you remained on the roster. Your manager raved about your defense. You sensed that you belonged, you who so often had been the last guy to make the team in spring training and one of the first to return to the minors in the summer.

And you began to hit.

Last week, you charged on the field twice in Kansas City because you were upset when Royals pitcher Jonathan Sanchez hit Shin-Soo Choo. The idea that someone was trying to hurt one of your guys was maddening, and you were tired of people throwing at Choo.

Tribe players and fans had never seen that side, the Mad Jack Hannahan whose favorite movie is "Braveheart."

You're Jack Hannahan and you came into Tuesday's game hitting .341 with 11 RBI in 12 games, later delivering two runs on a fifth-inning double off Sanchez. It's more of what fans saw in the second half of last season.

You said that you've "stopped trying to be someone else." Acta said not to worry about power, just catch the ball. Don't be afraid to settle for singles and doubles. Play the game the right way.

You were the 2000 Big Ten Player of the Year at Minnesota, a third-round pick by the Detroit Tigers. You were supposed to hit home runs. But that didn't happen. You spent part of three years in Class AA Erie, parts of three more years in Class AAA Toledo. You were traded and sold and told you were a disappointment.

Until now. Until you came here. Until you felt the cheers of the fans.

"I'm a blue-collar guy [from St. Paul, Minn.] and this is a blue-collar town," you said. "I'm just thankful to be here."

News and notes from Northeast Ohio golf.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Classic Auto North Coast Junior Golf Tour will hold the first of three registration sessions and new member orientation classes on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Quail Hollow in Concord.

The tour will include 14 regular season events, two championships, two invitationals and eight Osborne Junior Series events, a new series that is included in the Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS) ranking system. Many college coaches subscribe to the JGS.

Other registration dates are May 19 and May 31. Go to ncjt.org for more information.

Praise from his peers: There were about 200 congratulatory messages to Ben Curtis posted on the PGA Tour web site following his victory Sunday in the Valero Texas Open. Curtis said he received about 100 text messages, including notes from fellow pros Steve Stricker, Graeme McDowell, Robert Allenby, Trevor Immelman, Tim Herron and Carl Pettersson.

13th on the 13th: The 13th annual Joe Haase Cup, a Ryder Cup-like team competition between four junior golf tours in the area, will be held May 13 on the North and West courses at Firestone Country Club.

The North Coast team is the defending champion and shares the all-time lead with the Spitale Tour. Each has won four times with the Lake Erie and Southwest tours winning twice. The event is named after the late Pine Ridge and Shaker Heights pro.

Free service: Bridgestone Golf will conduct a free ball-fitting session May 10 at the Washington Golf Course Learning Center in Newburgh Heights from 2-7 p.m. Technicians will use state-of-the-art launch monitor/simulator technology to gauge a golfer's performance. Appointments are recommended. Call 216-641-1864 to schedule an appointment.

The Haney Experience: Jennah Romansky, a junior at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, and Isaac Dolan, a freshman at Nordonia, have been chosen to attend the First Tee Training Program at Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy on Hilton Head Island, S.C. June 3-9. Both youngsters are members of First Tee Cleveland and are two of 52 junior players selected from more than 200 First Tee chapters nationwide.

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

Derek Lowe's pitching and Jack Hannahan's hitting propel Indians over Royals, who have lost 12 straight.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The previous time the Indians faced the Royals, during a mid-April series at Kauffman Stadium, third baseman Jack Hannahan seemingly wanted a piece of everybody wearing their uniform.

Tuesday night at Progressive Field, Hannahan was considerably calmer -- but every bit as dangerous. He went 2-for-3 with a two-run double as part of the Tribe's 4-3 victory in front of 9,137 paid.

The Indians (9-6) have won eight of 10.

The Royals have lost 12 straight to slip to 3-14.

Tribe right-hander Derek Lowe (3-1, 3.00 ERA) helped make sure Kansas City stayed down. He gave up one run on eight hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out five in defeating the Royals for the second time in 12 days.

Chris Perez earned his seventh save. He allowed one run in the ninth and stranded a runner at first.

"We played really good defense and got timely hitting," Lowe said. "That's what this game's about. Typical team win."

Not all the news was good for Cleveland: Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo exited in the latter stages because of left hamstring tightness. Indians manager Manny Acta termed the tightness "mild" and said Choo is day to day.

Royals left-hander Jonathan Sanchez was no match for Lowe. Sanchez gave up four runs on four hits in 4-2/3 innings, walked seven and whiffed five.

Given Sanchez's hit-by-pitch history with Choo, Tribe faithful eagerly anticipated their first-inning matchup. As it turned out, the fans did not need to wait long to boo Sanchez -- but it had nothing to do with Choo.

Leadoff batter Jason Kipnis, in a 2-2 count, got hit on the arm. Personnel on both clubs stayed put.

"There are times when he's going to be a little erratic," Acta said of Sanchez.

Kipnis advanced to third on Asdrubal Cabrera's double to left, bringing Choo to the plate. Choo was not wearing body armor.

On June 24, 2011, at San Francisco, Sanchez -- then with the Giants -- drilled Choo in his second at-bat. The pitch broke his left thumb. Over the winter, Sanchez was acquired by Kansas City in a trade. He hit Choo again April 14, setting in motion two benches-clearing incidents that had Hannahan hopping mad and brought an ejection and $500 fine.

In the first at-bat Tuesday, Choo was over-amped. He took a strike, then swung through two pitches as if he were trying to reach Eagle Avenue. Choo finished 0-for-3 with two strikeouts against Sanchez.

Carlos Santana drove in Kipnis with a sacrifice fly for the game's first run. Royals left fielder Alex Gordon made a shoe-top catch to prevent further damage.

In the second inning, the Indians squandered a wonderful opportunity hand-delivered by Sanchez. Hannahan led off with a four-pitch walk. Casey Kotchman walked on six pitches and Aaron Cunningham on seven.

Kipnis, unwilling to see if Sanchez's wildness might continue, swung at the first pitch and popped to Gordon. Cabrera grounded a 1-1 pitch to shortstop Alcides Escobar, who triggered a double play.

The Royals tied the score in the fourth. Mitch Maier's two-out single to center drove in Mike Moustakas. The next two Royals reached on little balls up the third-base line (bunt, infield single) before Lowe retired Gordon on a grounder to first.

Given a second chance at a walks-fueled rally in the fifth, the Tribe cashed in. Cabrera led off with a walk. Santana and Travis Hafner drew one-out walks. Shelley Duncan hit a sacrifice fly and Hannahan smoked the double to right-center on a full-count pitch.

"Jack's been having a lot of quality at-bats and staying within himself," Acta said. "He's putting the bat on balls and giving himself a chance instead of over-swinging."

Hannahan is hitting .364 in 13 games. He is 7-for-12 with runners in scoring position, including 6-for-8 with RISP and two outs.

"I like him because he gives me a professional at-bat," Acta said. "He's playing with a lot of confidence. He's been around. There's nothing like experience."

Tony Sipp relieved Lowe to begin the seventh and was dominant. Vinnie Pestano struggled in the eighth, giving up a run and stranding runners at second and third.

The Indians loaded the bases with none out in the eighth. Jason Donald, pinch-hitting for Choo, struck out on three pitches. Santana popped out, and Hafner flied to deep left-center.

Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said in a press conference Tuesday that trade talks are heating up for the No. 3 pick.

View full sizePD fileThe Minnesota Vikings are projected to take USC tackle Matt Kalil, but GM Rick Spielman is doing his best to drum up trade interest in the third pick of Thursday's first round.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Will a team jump into the third pick in Thursday's first round of the NFL Draft and draft Alabama running back Trent Richardson?

Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said in a press conference Tuesday that trade talks are heating up for the No. 3 pick, and that he's open to trading down.

"I'm sure it will continue to heat up as we head for Thursday night," Spielman said.

He declined to say which players teams are coveting, but at least one analyst, NFL Network's Mike Lombardi, speculates that the Vikings might be trying to bait the Rams into trading up for Richardson, in part because star running back Steven Jackson is heading into the last year of his contract and wants a new deal.

The Rams have ammunition to trade up because they acquired an extra second-round pick this year, the 39th overall, in the trade with the Redskins for the No. 2 overall pick. Last month, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said he's open to trading up or down, and identified the Browns at No. 4 as a potential trade partner. The Rams are also believed to like Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon.

The Buccaneers at No. 5 have also been suggested by some analysts as a team that might want to move up, but no actual reports to that effect have surfaced.

Browns GM Tom Heckert said during his pre-draft press conference Thursday that the Browns are prepared to stay at No. 4 and take one of the top two players on their board. They're most likely from the trio of Richardson, Blackmon and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.

Spielman re-iterated Tuesday that the Vikings have narrowed their choices to three players if they don't trade the pick: USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil, Blackmon and Claiborne. All three are on the Browns' radar.

"There are no negatives on those three players," Spielman said. "I can tell you those three picks have exactly the same grade and just leave it at that."

Spielman made a case for all three:

On Blackmon: "Our philosophy is trying to get our young quarterback [Christian Ponder] as many weapons around him as we can. You look at some of the teams that have a lot of success in this league and they have a lot of weapons around their quarterback."

On Kalil: "How many times do you get a chance to get a blue-chip offensive tackle? You also have to look at [whether] these guys are ever going to become available on the unrestricted free agent market. ... How important is having a left tackle compared to having another playmaker on offense?"

On Claiborne: "Mo Claiborne is maybe one of the more talented corners I've seen come out in a long time. He has very unique ball skills. ... You look at the quarterbacks we play and the receivers that we play in this division, to have a shutdown corner also is intriguing."

Spielman said he'll most likely wait until the draft begins to deal.

"I really believe in being patient and settling and seeing what comes to you," Spielman said. "[We're] not soliciting, going out there and making calls. There have been X amount of teams that have already started to call. Everything's intriguing this time of year."

Collins to announce pick: Former Browns All-Pro receiver Gary Collins will announce the Browns' second-round pick, the 37th overall, Friday in New York City. Collins was MVP of the Browns' 1964 NFL championship victory over the Colts.

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Twinsburg ended visiting Mayfield's 14-game baseball winning streak Tuesday by blanking the Wildcats, 10-0, in a game stopped in the fifth inning because of the 10-run rule. Tigers senior pitcher Scott Effross retired the first 11 Wildcats, then hit a batter and allowed a walk as the only blemishes on his line. The Indiana recruit helped his cause by...

Twinsburg ended visiting Mayfield's 14-game baseball winning streak Tuesday by blanking the Wildcats, 10-0, in a game stopped in the fifth inning because of the 10-run rule.

Tigers senior pitcher Scott Effross retired the first 11 Wildcats, then hit a batter and allowed a walk as the only blemishes on his line. The Indiana recruit helped his cause by doubling home two runs in the first inning.

Leading, 4-0, the Tigers (10-8, 3-4 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division) scored six runs in their half of the fifth. Junior Brady Haba, who had three hits, doubled home two runs and senior Andrew Tozzi got the final two runs home with another double as Twinsburg collected 13 hits.

Mayfield (14-2, 6-1) suffered its first league loss but gets a shot at revenge today when the teams meet at Mayfield at 4:30 p.m.

Fairport 4, Kirtland 1: Sophomore Nathan Vale doubled home two runs and junior Tyson Lautanen hit a solo home run as the visiting Skippers improved to 14-2 overall and 8-0 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division. Junior Logan Dennison had five strikeouts in five innings of work to improve to 5-0.

Lorain 12, Euclid 8: Junior Ryan Osko went 4-for-4, driving in two runs and scoring twice, as the visiting Titans (8-5, 4-1) beat the Panthers (10-6, 6-2) in a Lake Erie League game.

North Royalton 7, Brunswick 2: The Bears (12-3, 4-3) scored six runs in the top of the third, highlighted by consecutive home runs by Adam Vasil, Mike Hudec and Carl Lint. Jake Lark allowed six hits in picking up the NOC River Division win against the Blue Devils (12-3, 5-1).

Valley Forge 1, Normandy 0: Jake Cantrell's squeeze bunt scored Sean Dennis for the game's only run in the top of the fifth inning as the Patriots (3-11, 2-5) topped the Invaders (3-12, 2-5) in the NOC Lake Division game. Senior Justin Schnur allowed four hits and struck out five in going the distance for the win.

Crestwood 3, Springfield 2: The host Red Devils (9-8, 4-3) scored in the bottom of the eighth to reward the 13-strikeout effort of winning pitcher David Brock.

Softball

Woodridge 6, Garrettsville 4: Amy Donze had 14 strikeouts and allowed four hits, as the Bulldogs improved to 13-1 and 8-0 in the Portage Trail Conference County Division.

NDCL 3, Willoughby South 1: Senior shortstop Erin Ruff went 3-for-3, including a home run, as visiting Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin improved to 15-1 after the nonleague game. Junior Jill Hetki improved to 11-1 as she tossed a one-hitter, striking out eight.

Eastlake North 7, Lakeside 0: Bri Kiel had 10 strikeouts in pitching a no-hitter for the host Rangers (10-5, 4-1) in the Premier Athletic Conference game.

Beaumont 9, Mayfield 5: Freshman Emily Iott had 10 strikeouts in going the distance for the visiting Blue Streaks (11-5) in the nonleague game. Junior Andrea Herrera went 3-for-4 and scored three runs and senior Kat Hyland hit a solo home run.

Padua 15, St. Peter Chanel 0: Sophomore Nikki Fritz did not allow a hit in the five-inning game, drove in four runs and scored three times for the Bruins (4-7) in the North Coast League crossover game.

Track and field

Potopsky Invitational: Cardinal won the girls division with 153 points and Cuyahoga Heights took the boys side with 173 points in the meet hosted by Independence.

Cardinal senior Christy Griffin won the long jump, high jump and 300 hurdles. Sophomore Elizabeth Timas won the 1,600, junior Kourtney Kelly took the 400 and the Huskies won the 4x400 relay. Cuyahoga Heights was second with 131 points.

The Redskins' boys won all four relays, with senior Jordan D'Orazio winning the 300 hurdles. Junior Ricky Rospierski won the pole vault and senior Darin Lewis the long jump for the team champions.

Second-place Cardinal (127.5 points) had multiple winners as junior Muhammad Qureshi won the high jump and 110-hurdles. Independence freshman Brian Calvey won the 100, 200 and 400.

The 89-year-old Beachwood resident, in a great display of optimism last year, bought a new set of clubs.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain Dealer"I've never been a real good player," contends Richard Engel, 89. "But I'm playing better now than I ever have before."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Golf is a game for a lifetime. Richard Engel is proof.

Engel made his first round of 2012 a memorable one Thursday by making the first hole in one of his life at Manakiki Golf Course in Willoughby Hills, with playing partner Harry Zeid as a witness.

There may have been other aces recorded that day by area golfers. But this one was special, an effort that went beyond mention on The Plain Dealer's Super Shooters list.

Engel will turn 90 next month. A spry, sharp-as-a-tack 90 years old. The Beachwood resident estimates he has been playing golf for 75 years. Last year, in a great display of optimism, he bought a new set of clubs.

Is this a great game, or what?

"I've never been a real good player," said the self-taught Engel, who recently began reading tips on the Internet. "But I'm playing better now than I ever have before. I have a new putter. I like it a lot."

Engel did not need his putter on Manakiki's 131-yard seventh hole.

"It took until last year for me to get it through my thick skull that the best thing you can do is not try to kill the ball," said Engel, a retired dentist. "That's the most important lesson of all."

Engel, a native of Bloomfield, N.J., who relocated to Cleveland 73 years ago to attend Western Reserve University, used a 3-wood for his shot. But, like many ace-makers, he never saw the ball go in the hole.

"I saw it bounce on the front edge of the green, but I never saw where it bounced to," he said. "We looked around. Harry found it in the cup."

Engel, who retired eight years ago, said he was lucky in more ways than one. He escaped the tradition of buying many post-round drinks.

"It was just Harry and me," he said. "I'm lucky because our league starts next week. I'm glad I got it out of the way or else I would have had to buy for all those other guys."

As you might have guessed, Engel is not a typical soon-to-be nonagenarian. In addition to playing golf at least once a week and frequenting the Internet, he plays tennis four times a week at the Cleveland Racquet Club and conducts an exercise class once a week for residents of his apartment complex. He also writes poetry and has a great sense of humor.

"You should be talking to Harry," he said of his playing partner. "He's going to be 97 in July. I'm just a youngster."

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

AAA Columbus Clippers Mud Hens 12, Clippers 8 Columbus 1B Matt LaPorta went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run and three RBI but visiting Toledo won the International League game Tuesday. LaPorta is hitting .344 (22-for-64) with five homers and 10 RBI. Left-handed Columbus starter Chris Seddon (2-1, 4.66) allowed 10 runs (four earned) on 10 hits, including...

AAA Columbus Clippers

Mud Hens 12, Clippers 8 Columbus 1B Matt LaPorta went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run and three RBI but visiting Toledo won the International League game Tuesday.

LaPorta is hitting .344 (22-for-64) with five homers and 10 RBI.

Left-handed Columbus starter Chris Seddon (2-1, 4.66) allowed 10 runs (four earned) on 10 hits, including four home runs, in 3-1/3 innings. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall's sixth error of the season helped lead to six unearned runs, five of which came on back-to-back-to-back homers in the third inning.

Toledo 1B Brad Eldred (.390) hit three home runs and knocked in seven runs.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 5, Baysox 1 Lefty T.J. McFarland (3-1, 2.11) held the Baysox to one run on five hits in 5 innings, 3B Jared Goedert (.393) hit his second homer of the season, and Akron won the Eastern League game in Bowie, Md. McFarland walked three and struck out six.

Akron RF Thomas Neal (.278) went 3-for-4 with a double.

Advanced A Carolina Mudcats

Hillcats 13, Mudcats 8 Carolina DH Jeremie Tice (.278) went 3-for-4 with a double and three runs but the Mudcats lost the Carolina League game in Zebulon, N.C.

Righty Michael Goodnight (5.30) started for Carolina and pitched four innings, allowing one run (earned) on three hits. Kyle Petter relieved (0-1, 13.50) and got shelled. In 11/3 innings, the left-hander gave up five runs (all earned) on seven hits.

A Lake County Captains

Cougars 6, Captains 5 Lake County rallied for five runs in the ninth but fell short in the Midwest League game in Geneva, Ill.

2B Robel Garcia (.212) and 3B Leonardo Castillo (.162) each had two hits and an RBI for the Captains.

Joseph Colon (1-2, 4.26) started for Lake County and pitched 41/3 innings. He allowed three runs (all earned) on seven hits and one walk. The right-hander struck out one.

Lionel Messi walked off the Camp Nou pitch in tears, as one of the most dominant eras in European club football came to a crashing halt.

AP PhotoChelsea's Fernando Torres takes the ball round FC Barcelona's goalkeeper Victor Valdes to score a goal during a semifinal second leg Champions League soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Chelsea drew 2-2 with Barcelona to win the match 3-2 on aggregate.

BARCELONA, Spain — Lionel Messi walked off the Camp Nou pitch in tears, as one of the most dominant eras in European club football came to a crashing halt.

He wasn't the only one shaking his head in disbelief.

Despite going a man and two goals down in the first half, Chelsea pulled off one of the unlikeliest comebacks in Champions League history on Tuesday, earning a 2-2 draw against Barcelona that sent the London club into the final 3-2 on aggregate and eliminated the defending champion.

For the second time in two weeks, Chelsea withstood a continuous onslaught from the Spanish giants and displayed ruthless efficiency when their rare opportunities finally presented themselves.

"It's a historical night for the club (and) I believe we deserve to be in the final," said Chelsea's interim manager Roberto Di Matteo, whose team will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the May 19 final at Munich's Allianz Arena. "We had a difficult season but we seem to always get something special out when we need to. That's part of the DNA of these players."

For Barcelona, the result could mark the end of one of the most successful spells in European club football. The team was bidding for a third Champions League title in four years, and this loss came right on the heels of a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid that all but ended its hopes of a fourth straight domestic league crown.

With coach Pep Guardiola yet to decide whether to stay at the club, it means his reign could end without a major this year — although the Copa del Rey is still up for grabs as a consolation.

"It hurts to lose this way because we were better and we gave it our all," said Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. "We needed the perfect game but we weren't' perfect because we lacked goals."

Despite coming into the second leg with a 1-0 lead, Chelsea's hopes had looked all but over after going down 2-0 and having captain John Terry sent off for a needless foul in the first half.

But Ramires' audacious lob right before halftime gave the advantage back to the Blues on aggregate, and the Spanish giants never found away to recover after the break. After Messi blasted a penalty against the crossbar and hit the post with another shot, substitute Fernando Torres netted in injury time to make it 3-2 on aggregate and ensure that Chelsea reached the May 19 final at Allianz Arena in Munich.

While Chelsea's players celebrated, Messi trudged off the field with his head buried in his shirt.

"We're here because of this kid," Guardiola said. "I have no doubt he's going through a bad moment. That's the sad thing about this sport is that these things exist."

For Chelsea, this was the crowning achievement in a remarkable and improbable turnaround led by di Matteo, who has also guided the team into the FA Cup final after manager Andre Villas-Boas was fired in March.

Chelsea won the first leg 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last week after Didier Drogba scored with the hosts' only shot on target amid a series of wasted chances by Barcelona.

It is Chelsea's first Champions League final since losing to Manchester United on penalties four years ago, and gives owner Roman Abramovich another chance to finally capture the elusive title in Europe's premier club competition.

Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta had put Barcelona up 2-0 by the 44th as the Spanish club again dominated possession from the start — owning 73 percent for the game. In between those goals, Terry was given a straight red card for putting his knee into the back of Alexis Sanchez, making a Chelsea fightback look even more unlikely.

"I feel as I let them down, I've apologized to them," said Terry, who will be absent from the final alongside another three Chelsea players to suspension. "Looking at the replay, it does look like a red card."

But just like at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea proved very opportunistic once it created a rare counterattack.

Ramires ran onto a long through ball from Frank Lampard to send an impressive lob over Victor Valdes to calm Chelsea's nerves and boost the visitors morale as they headed back into the dressing room.

"With 2-0 at halftime we would have believed we could get it but this 2-1 was a little bit psychologically bad for us," said Guardiola, whose team also lost Gerard Pique in the first half to a concussion. "The penalty we didn't score and they got stronger."

Barcelona's inability to convert its possession advantage into goals was symbolized by Messi's rare miss from the spot in the 49th, as the Argentina winger has now been held scoreless in seven meetings against Chelsea. Barcelona hasn't been able to beat Chelsea in the last seven meetings, either.

Messi hasn't scored in his last three games, after netting 63 times previously this season.

Torres, who has struggled all season, was then sent clear in acres of space and rounded Valdes to slot the ball into an empty net in injury time — his eighth goal in 11 games against Barcelona.

"We knew this is how we had to play against Barcelona, even if sometimes it's not so attractive," said Torres, who replaced Drogba with 10 minutes left. "We used our strengths well and it worked for us in both games. They had their chances but they didn't finish and Ramires' goal gave us life."

Cech was solid in Chelsea's goal as he stuck his foot out in the 19th to deny Messi following a slick exchange with Fabregas and also denied Javier Mascherano late in the second half. Sanchez saw his 54th-minute header fall wide of the near post before Cech stepped out to block Cuenca's shot after Drogba had tested Valdes with a long ball from inside the Chelsea half.

Chelsea, which was eliminated by Barcelona in the 2009 semifinals after a contentious second leg, will be missing four players for the Munich final after Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles were all booked.

The 32nd and final poll in the fans' mock draft advises the Super Bowl champion Giants which player they should draft.

Associated PressSyracuse defensive end Chandler Jones -- here celebrating a quarterback sack -- has very good quickness around the line of scrimmage and seldom misses a tackle.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns and NFL fans, you have done a great job advising who the league's teams should pick in the first round of the draft on Thursday.

You have made 31 picks, with one to go right here, the selection for the champion New York Giants. It completes the 32-pick first round.

The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com cover the Browns, the NFL and the draft. All of the polls for the fans mock draft can be found here.

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, DE-LB, Illinois

19. Chicago Bears: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

20. Tennessee Titans: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OT-G, Georgia

22. Cleveland Browns: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

23. Detroit Lions: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

25. Denver Broncos: Michael Brockers, DT, Louisiana State

26. Houston Texans: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

27. New England Patriots: Nick Perry, DE, Southern Cal

28. Green Bay Packers: Shea McClellin, DE-LB, Boise State

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C-G, Wisconsin

30. San Francisco 49ers: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

31. New England Patriots: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

The 32nd and last pick in the first round of the draft belongs to the New York Giants. The Giants finished the 2011 season with a 9-7 record, then defeated the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers in playoff games, before defeating the New England Patriots, 21-17, in the Super Bowl.

The Giants' primary needs include offensive tackle, guard, cornerback, the defensive line and depth at running back and tight end.

Sporting Kansas City finally lost, but their 1-0 setback in Portland was accompanied by a few mitigating circumstances.

AP File PhotoThe Galaxy are starting to look like champions again

Sporting Kansas City finally lost, but their 1-0 setback in Portland was accompanied by a few mitigating circumstances.

The bandbox that is Jeld-Wen Field is an unforgiving place to play, the Timbers were desperate, the visitors were on their third match in eight days, and the game’s only goal was scored by SKC defender Chance Myers.

“Stuff happens sometimes. You’ve got to be able to dig out of it. You don’t want it to happen, but it does,” Sporting coach Peter Vermes told reporters after the game. “We didn’t have much against us. We went out on the road and took the match to them.”

Meanwhile, the San Jose Earthquakes benefited from an absurd red card to Real Salt Lake defender Jamison Olave in their 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake.

As a result, while the ‘Quakes climb to No. 2, Sporting remains the top team in this week’s MLS power rankings. The Seattle Sounders, who had a bye this past weekend, and RSL round out the top four. But they’re all on notice: D.C. United (fueled by some unheralded talent) and the L.A. Galaxy (who appear to have finally found their legs) are charging fast.

RISING

L.A.’s offensive chemistry. The quadriceps injury, the bronchitis and the bad luck finally seem to be behind L.A. captain Landon Donovan, who scored for the second straight game in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Colorado. He credited the work of frontrunners Robbie Keane and Edson Buddle, as the pair finally may be finding the understanding the Galaxy have been waiting for.

“We did a good job of using the ball well and on that play, I started on my right and got it into Robbie,” Donovan said. “Myself, Edson and him took off and Edson did a good job dragging a few defenders away and Robbie got it to me and I just wanted to hit the target hard from there and it went in.”

L.A. still has some work to do, but with give goals in the past two games, it looks like the crisis is over.

The Ching-Bruin partnership. Battered by a lengthy season-opening road trip, suspensions and injuries to the likes of 2011 MVP candidate Brad Davis, the Dynamo are an impressive 2-1-2 following Saturday’s tie in Columbus. A good chunk of the credit goes to captain Brian Ching, now in his 12th season, and strike partner Will Bruin, who’s in his second. The pair have tallied a combined three goals and two assists over the past two games. Against the Crew, Bruin hit a perfect cross to Ching for the 81st-minute equalizer.

Once the upheaval ends and Houston open its new stadium, the blossoming forward tandem should give the club a dynamic offensive threat they’ve lacked in recent seasons.

Ben Olsen’s options. The United coach started Sunday’s big game vs. New York with two Designated Players, his U.S. national team goalkeeper and the 2010 MLS rookie of the year on the bench. And D.C. still thrashed the Red Bulls, 4-1.

Chris Pontius, who’d been a reserve himself until last week, tallied a hat trick, while journeyman Maicon Santos continued his torrid start with his fourth goal of the season. United now is so deep that they’ve gone unbeaten in six games without a single goal from last year’s league MVP, Dwayne De Rosario, or either DP.

“We said in the offseason, we can’t rely on one guy. We need to get help around him so we don’t have to rely on Dwayne,” Olsen said.

Mission accomplished.

HIGHLIGHTS: DC United 4:1 New York Red Bulls

FALLING

Aron Winter’s rope. The vultures are circling in Toronto, where a six-game MLS losing streak has prompted a warning from club ownership. “They have to get this straightened out. Our fans deserve better,” Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment chief Tom Anselmi said in a statement.

But there doesn’t appear to be much hope for immediate improvement. Winter’s questionable tactics, his inability to get the most out of his players and the TFC’s nonexistent defense don’t inspire much confidence. The Dutchman totally overhauled the roster last year and said following Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Chicago that his team is “on the right track,” but that it also “need(s) some better players.”

Rumors of discontent in both the locker room and front office are spreading, and goalkeeper Milos Kocic told the Toronto Star that the club’s problems are “not about the players. It’s about the organization.”

Steven Lenhart’s reputation. Olave and referee Elias Bazakos should have known better. Lenhart had just one plan when he raced for the ball in the 69th minute of San Jose’s game vs. RSL on Saturday and everybody but the hulking defender and the official knew it. Lenhart grabbed Olave’s shorts, leaned to his left and flopped to the turf. Bazakos, who must have skipped the scouting report on the opportunistic Earthquakes forward, presented Olave with a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity. The defender would’ve been better off easing up and letting Lenhart take his chances against RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

It’s the second time Lenhart has snookered a ref this season. He fell over Seattle’s Marc Burch to draw the game-winning penalty kick last month. There was contact, but not nearly enough to send a 6-1, 190-pound man to the ground. Lenhart’s antics are effective, but they’re winning few admirers outside of San Jose.

“He’s an inexperienced referee. It was a difficult circumstance for him and he struggled,” RSL coach Jason Kreis said of Bazakos. “I hope the folks who do the teaching do a lot of teaching with him in the upcoming week.”

New York’s depth. D.C.’s Olsen acknowledged that excitement over United’s 4-1 win should be tempered by the fact that New York “came here with a little bit of a watered-down team.” But from a Red Bulls perspective, the stunning capitulation at RFK should be cause for concern. Without the suspended Rafa Márquez or the injured Wilman Conde, Roy Miller and Teemu Tainio, New York defended like minor leaguers. The MLS season is long and injuries, national team call-ups and other distractions take their toll. Right now, the Red Bulls won’t contend without a more effective bench.

POWER RANKINGS

(last week’s ranking listed in parentheses)

1. Sporting Kansas City 7-1-0 (LW: 1)

2. San Jose Earthquakes 5-1-1 (3)

3. Seattle Sounders 3-1-1 (4)

4. Real Salt Lake 5-3-0 (2)

5. Houston Dynamo 2-1-2 (7)

6. D.C. United 3-2-3 (8)

7. L.A. Galaxy 3-3-0 (10)

8. New York Red Bulls 3-3-1 (6)

9. FC Dallas 3-3-1 (5)

10. Chicago Fire 2-1-2 (12)

11. Vancouver Whitecaps 3-2-2 (13)

12. Chivas USA 3-4-0 (9)

13. Philadelphia Union 2-3-1 (16)

14. Columbus Crew 2-3-1 (15)

15. Colorado Rapids 3-4-0 (11)

16. Portland Timbers 2-4-1 (17)

17. New England Revolution 2-4-0 (14)

18. Montreal Impact 1-5-2 (18)

19. Toronto FC 0-6-0 (19)

-- This article originally appeared on SportingNews.com

Highlights include Kansas City at Indians and Washington at Cavaliers.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerKyrie Irving (with the basketball) and the Cavaliers play their final home game of the season tonight against the Washington Wizards. The game will be televised at 7 on Fox Sports Ohio and broadcast on WTAM/1100-AM.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV and radio sports listings

BASEBALL

11:05 a.m. AKRON AEROS at Bowie, AM/1350

2:10 p.m. St. Louis at Chicago Cubs, WGN

6:30 p.m. Peoria at LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS, AM/1330

7 p.m. L.A. Angels at Tampa Bay, ESPN

7:05 p.m. Kansas City at INDIANS, STO; FM/100.7

CYCLING

5 p.m. Tour de Romandie, stage 1 (tape) NBCSN

NBA

7 p.m. Washington at CAVALIERS, FSO; AM/1100

8 p.m. L.A. Clippers at New York, ESPN

10:30 p.m. San Antonio at Phoenix, ESPN

NHL PLAYOFFS

7:30 p.m. Washington at Boston, NBCSN

SOCCER

2 p.m. Champions League, Bayern Munich at Real Madrid, FX

First round or second round for Mike Adams?

AP Ohio State offensive lineman Mike Adams.

Ohio State offensive lineman Mike Adams appeared as a lock in terms of getting selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

But now that's in jeopardy because Adams reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine in February.

In addition, although Adams has the size at 6-7 and 323 pounds, there are also questions about his strength. Adams only bench pressed 225 pounds only 19 times. That's considered low for a lineman.

But Adams is a three-year starter and still considered one of the better lineman in the draft.

As BCS examines options this week, Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter says anything short of that would be a disappointment for fans. Watch video

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

The 2012 NFL Draft is coming up Thursday, and Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams is one of the Buckeyes' top prospects. Do you think he will be taken in the first round? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV, Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises, who says he thinks Adams won't be selected until the second round. Doug also talks about the Ohio State football prime-time TV schedule, which was announced Tuesday; and what he thinks will happen when the Bowl Championship Series begins the process of improving itself this week.

SBTV will return Thursday with former Buckeye and Browns linebacker Chris Spielman as the guest.

"Thanks Antawn. Thanks Anthony. You helped build a foundation for a team that will be competitive for years to come!" -- posted by drewpickles

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerAntawn Jamison is averaging 17.4 points for the Cavs this season.

Antawn Jamison and Anthony Parker will likely suit up in their Cavalier home white jerseys for the last time tonight as the team plays its last game at The Q this season. As The Plain Dealer's Tom Reed wrote, the two veterans came to the Cavaliers hoping to help LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal win a championship in 2010, but ended up as role models for a young team that has lost a lot of games the last two years.

In today's Comment of the Day, cleveland.com reader drewpickles pays respect to Jamison and Parker as their Cavalier careers come to a close,

"All the respect in the world for these two fine gentlemen. Neither have a ring, and both could have lobbied for a trade to a contender, but they decided to do something more than winning. They showed many young men on our team (Kyrie, Tristan, Harris, Gee, Casspi, Samuels, Sloan) that TRUST and LEADERSHIP are the two components that make a team successful. They both understood that if they taught them these priceless intangibles, that they would become a successful team in the future and would do it in the right way. Very selfless actions by these two guys, and both were fun to watch when they were on their games as well. Nothing but the best for them. Thanks Antawn. Thanks Anthony. You helped build a foundation for a team that will be competitive for years to come!"

The Buckeyes were pass happy during the spring, but Urban Meyer's not sure how pleased he'll be with the offense in the fall.

APBraxton Miller

Did you see the spring game?

By design, coach Urban Meyer had the Buckeyes throw the ball all over the place, writes Todd Porter for CantonRep.com.

Why?

Because Meyer inherited the 115th-ranked passing offense, out of 120 teams. However, last year Braxton Miller was pressed into action with the Terrelle Pryor’s departure.

“Offensively, that is not who we are,” Meyer said of the imbalanced offense. “I wanted to get some things done. We’re going to be a balanced offense. But you’re taking one of the worst passing teams in America a year ago, and we have got to find out if we can do that.

“What we don’t know, and unfortunately even after this spring game, I still don’t know if we can throw the ball. I have a better opinion of some guys right now.”

The pecking order at quarterback isn’t going to change, writes Porter. Braxton Miller will start. Kenny Guiton is likely to begin the season as his backup. Neither left Meyer with a warm feeling that Ohio State’s new spread offense will excel through the air next season.

Guiton’s pick late in the scrimmage wasn’t a poor read. In fact, it was the right read. Guiton, however, didn’t throw a bullet and instead took something off the throw.

“His arm strength is there, but he doesn’t let it go for some reason,” Meyer said. “We have to figure out why. He threw that pick, and if he let’s it go, it wouldn’t have been a pick. Those two guys had good springs.”

More Ohio State Buckeyes

Former OSU great Chris Spielman releases book about his life and his wife (CBSSports.com).

Nate Ebner has a special NFL dream (Cleveland.com).

Ohio State will play in prime time three times (Cleveland.com).

Tippy Dye is remembered for his great OSU years (The Lantern).

When will Johnny Damon join the Indians? Can Jack Hannahan keep on hitting? The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerIt's not just Jack Hannahan's glove helping the Indians so far in 2012. His bat is doing some work, too.

When will Johnny Damon join the Indians? Can Jack Hannahan keep on hitting?

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

Among other topics discussed:

• Should we be concerned about Ubaldo Jimenez's velocity?

• Is Shin-Soo Choo's hamstring anything to be worried about?

• What's the latest on Grady Sizemore?

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

Be sure to follow Hoynes on Twitter.

The Browns should draft Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon at No. 4.

Sue Ogrocki, Associated PressOklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon should be the Browns pick at No. 4.

CLEVELAND -- On the eve of the draft, I'm sticking with what I've been saying all along: the Browns should draft Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon at No. 4.

And not only if Trent Richardson is gone at No. 3. The Browns should jump at the chance to draft the best receiver in the draft even if Richardson is available.

Has everyone forgotten what it took for Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff to get Julio Jones last year? In moving up from No. 27 to No. 6, he gave the Browns a second, two fourths and this year's first (No. 22 overall).

The Browns can draft the No. 1 receiver in this class by merely plucking him off their board -- unless the Vikings take him at No. 3 or a team such as the Rams trade up with the Vikings to get him.

I know all about how great Richardson is. But the Browns can still get a good running back such as Boise State's Doug Martin at No. 22 or No. 37. That would give Cleveland the best wideout in the draft and a dynamic, exciting back in Martin to add to Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya.

The Browns have said they'll surround Colt McCoy with weapons, and Blackmon is just what he needs. He caught 38 TD passes over his past two seasons, can fight for the ball and is great at run-after-the-catch.

Look at what No. 4 overall pick A.J. Green did for Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton last season: helped him get to the playoffs. The Browns will still be able to run the ball effectively -- behind their stellar offensive line -- with a lesser back than Richardson.

At the NFL Annual Meeting last month, Browns general manager Tom Heckert said Blackmon is not the typical prima donna receiver and that he's as good a kid as he is a player. He also said he's completely fine with his 6-1 height. 

It's a pass-oriented league right now and the Browns need to climb aboard. Richardson might be the next Adrian Peterson, but Blackmon is the right man for the Browns job.

Editors' note to commenters

With the three days of the NFL draft looming, we remind our users that comments on Plain Dealer stories are moderated based on this site's community rules. Personal insults, vulgar language, off-topic remarks and other violations may lead to having your account suspended or removed. This applies not only to those who start battles, but those who respond as well.

We know most of you are here to talk about the Browns, not to cause trouble. We'll do our best to boot out the few who don't get it.

NBA Draft lottery standings: The Cleveland Cavs are within striking distance of the third slot in the NBA lottery, Here's the daily update as the season finale approaches on Thursday.

AP fileUConn center Andre Drummond is expected to go high in the 2012 NBA Draft.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers enter their final home game Wednesday night within a loss of moving into a third-place tie in the NBA Draft lottery standings.

However, wins Wednesday night and in the season finale at Chicago on Thursday could drop the Cavs as low as a tie for the seventh-worst record - or, in other words, the seventh or eighth spot in the draft lottery standings.

Fans normally like to see their team win. But in an informal poll Tuesday on cleveland.com, 94 percent of the voters said the Cavs should lose because at this point in the season a better draft pick is more important.

For those fans, good news came Tuesday when New Orleans, won to slip closer to Cleveland. Currently, New Orleans and Sacramento share the third spot at 21-34, with one game to play each. Cleveland is 21-33.

Here are the standings through Tuesday's games followed by the lottery odds. This will updated daily.

The New York Jets could mess up the Browns' plans in the draft.

Associated PressAlabama's Trent Richardson.

Jamison Hensley of ESPN writes how we all know the popular pick for the Cleveland Browns at No. 4 is Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

But there is a chance Richardson may not be there when it comes time for the Browns to make a choice.

ESPN's Sal Paolantonio is hearing rumblings that the New York Jets might trade up to No. 3, one spot ahead of the Browns, to grab Richardson.

Also, according to ESPNNewYork's Rich Cimini, Richardson said the Jets called him Sunday to verify correct contact info just in case they trade up for him.

This would be a costly move up from No. 16 for the Jets, although it won't be as drastic as the Atlanta Falcons jumping up 21 spots last year. The odds are probably against the Jets making such a move, but you can't discount it because the Jets have moved up in the past.

If this happens, writes Hensley, it would be another setback for the Browns, who also lost out on the chance to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III.

 More Cleveland Browns

The Browns should draft Justin Blackmon (Cleveland.com).

Ryan Tannehill could be a wildcard for the Browns (Ohio.com).

Tom Heckert could end up with three picks in the first round (CantonRep.com).

Trent Richardson might be the best player in the NFL Draft (The News-Herald).

Coach Pat Shurmur will speak at Lake Community College in May (CantonRep.com).

Sizemore ran on the field Wednesday and played catch. He could start swinging the bat this weekend as he attempts to come back from back and knee surgery.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerGrady Sizemore, in his recovery from back surgery, started baseall activities this week at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With Shin-Soo Choo out of the lineup with a sore left hamstring and Johnny Damon still getting his game together in extended spring training, the Indians'
thin roster of outfielders has been stretched thinner.

Although he offers no immediate help, center fielder Grady Sizemore ran on the Progressive Field diamond Wednesday for the first time since undergoing surgery on a herniated disc on March 1.

"He's started to play catch and is running on the field," said head trainer Lonnie Soloff. "He had been running on the treadmill at about 90 percent weight-bearing capacity."

When Sizemore underwent back surgery, his timetable to return was put at seven to 12 weeks. The exact date of his return is still not known.

"He felt really good about what he's been doing," said Soloff. "He should be able to start swinging the bat this weekend. He'd just take some dry swings. Our usual progressions go from dry swings, to hitting off the tee to soft toss and then batting practice."

Over the last three seasons, Sizemore's career has stalled because of a series of injuries and operations. The Indians didn't exercise his $9 million option, but did re-sign him as a free agent for $5 million.

When he had the March 1 surgery, the Indians believed Sizemore could return for the "bulk' of the season.

Sizemore is not only recovering from back surgery, but October surgery on his right knee.

"So far so good," said Soloff.

Manager Manny Acta said Choo's hamstring injury would not mean that Damon would be rushed to the big leagues. The Indians signed Damon, 38, to a minor-league deal on April 17.

"We want to make sure Johnny is right physically," said Acta. 

Today's lineup:

Royals (3-14): 2B Chris Getz (L), LF Alex Gordon (L), DH Billy Butler (R), 1B Eric Hosmer (L), RF Jeff Francoeur (R), 3B Mike Moustakas (L), C Humberto Quintero (R), CF Mitch Maier (L), SS Alcides Escobar (R), RHP Luke Hochevar (1-1, 5.87). 

Indians (9-6): CF Michael Brantley, SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), C Carlos Santana (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), LF Shelley Duncan (R), 3B Jack Hannahan (L), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), 1B Casey Kotchman (L), RF Aaron Cunningham (R), RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (2-0, 4.00).

Lineup news: Choo (left hamstring) is day to day.

Indians vs. Hochevar: Hannahan .538 (7-for-13) with 2 homer and six RBI, Brantley .429 (6-for-14) and Cabrera .364 (8-for-22).

Royals vs. Jimenez: Hosmer .500 (2-for-4), Getz .500 (3-for-6), Francoeur .136 (3-for-22) two homers, two RBI.

Umpires: H Doug Eddings, 1B Paul Nauert, 2B Dana DeMuth, 3B Kerwin Danley.

Next: KC's Luis Mendoza (0-2, 6.92) will face RHP Josh Tomlin (1-1, 4.86) Thursday at 12:05 p.m. in the series finale. STO/WTAM will carry the game.