No player with three or more NBA MVP awards has failed to win a league championship. LeBron James, still ring-less, is expected to win his third MVP.

View full sizeDavid Santiago, Miami HeraldAs LeBron James continues his domination of the NBA's regular season, his expected third MVP award would place him alone among players still chasing their first NBA championship.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NBA has named a Most Valuable Player every season since the 1955-56 campaign. It is a regular-season award, but only six of the winners failed to win an NBA championship during their career.

A dozen players have been repeat MVP winners. Only two of those failed to win a title. No one who has won three or more MVP awards has failed to win it all.

LeBron James, once the Cavaliers' savior, is a heavy favorite to win his third MVP award this season in Miami. He needs a better postseason than the two that have gone before to save himself from the embarrassment of being the first three-time King without a ring.

Legacies, however, are defined by the playoffs.

Said Cavaliers coach Byron Scott, who started alongside multiple MVP winners Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with the Los Angeles Lakers, "I don't think they thought about the MVP at all. What those guys thought about was the championship. An MVP was an added bonus. If they won the MVP and we didn't win the championship than they thought the season was a loss. That was just their outlook.

"We went into a season thinking championship or bust. Being in that organization and playing with them it wasn't about MVP trophies, it was all about the NBA trophy."

Some great players -- Oscar Robertson, Julius Erving, Bob Cousy, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal -- only won one MVP. Jerry West and John Stockton never won one. Sometimes, the award becomes a burden. Dirk Nowitski's MVP season with Dallas in 2006-07 was spoiled by a first-round playoff ouster by a Golden State team that had won 25 fewer games.

Or it becomes an embarrassment. Abdul-Jabbar won the MVP award in 1975-76, but the Lakers had a losing record and missed the playoffs. Kareem's award led to a debate about the value of even a superb player on a losing team.

For all that, Scott dislikes the idea of simply naming one overall MVP after the playoffs. "You've got the regular season and you have the postseason. I think it should be separate," he said.

Soon, the debate might begin in earnest about James, a player who has it all except the ability to play his best in the biggest moments of the biggest games.

Expected to shine on championship teams ("not four, not five, not six, not seven," as James said, forecasting titles in Miami), he has instead dulled his luster with two straight passive, flawed and at times almost fearful playoff performances, first with the Cavs in 2010, then with the Heat in last season's Finals.

History might be a frail reed on which to lean, but James could be bolstered by the examples of Wilt Chamberlain and Moses Malone. In each case, their third MVP award came during their first NBA championship season. In those seasons, both were surrounded with the best talent of their careers. The 76ers were 68-13 in 1966-67, Wilt's first championship season. They were 65-17 in 1982-83, Malone's only championship season.

Like James in 2010-11, Moses was a reigning MVP when he changed teams. The difference is that Malone was a restricted free agent. Philadelphia finalized the deal by trading Caldwell Jones and a first-round draft pick to Houston for Malone.

James joined a stacked Miami team through unrestricted free agency and what amounted to player collusion. This made James' quest for the ring somewhat less compelling than Karl Malone's attempt late in his career to win one as a second banana with the Lakers and Charles Barkley's similar effort at the same stage with the Rockets.

The six MVPs without a ring include Barkley, Allen Iverson, 2010-11 winner Derrick Rose and two-time winners Malone and Steve Nash. Plus James.

There is a fascinating tension within James' game. He is a player with a vast ego, hence the "King James" nickname, which he has embraced since high school and uses for his Twitter account. He became the greatest stat-monger since Oscar Robertson.

Yet in the clutch, his much-praised ability to incorporate his teammates in the offense has become deferential and downright abdication in the last two postseasons. The plays when a crown is at stake become his uncrowning moments.

A third MVP without a ring would be no charm. It might lead to a reconsideration of what constitutes value in pro basketball.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid 3-1 on penalties Wednesday to secure its place against Chelsea in the Champions League final following a memorable contest between the longtime European rivals.

AP PhotoBayern Munich players celebrate after winning a semi final second leg Champions League soccer match against Real Madrid’s at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, in Madrid, Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

MADRID — Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid 3-1 on penalties Wednesday to secure its place against Chelsea in the Champions League final following a memorable contest between the longtime European rivals.

Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have put the home side on its way to the final with two early goals, but just like its Spanish rival Barcelona the evening before, Madrid faltered and Arjen Robben’s 27th-minute penalty leveled the score over two legs at 3-3.

In the shootout, Manuel Neuer saved from Ronaldo and Kaka to put Bayern on course after it had scored its opening two kicks, but counterpart Iker Casillas denied Toni Kroos and Philipp Lahm to drag Madrid back into it.

After Xabi Alonso scored Madrid’s first, Sergio Ramos sent his shot high over the bar and Schweinsteiger sent his effort straight down the middle to ensure four-time champion Bayern will become the first team to play the final on its home ground.

The final is on May 19 at the Allianz Arena.

Defending champion Barcelona was knocked out by underdog Chelsea on Tuesday despite the London side being down to 10 men for most of the match. Barca star Lionel Messi missed a penalty early in the second half and left the Camp Nou pitch in tears.

Some of Madrid’s players were also crying as they walked off with their heads hanging after coming so close to reaching their first final in 10 years.

“It’s a big blow for us. It was a very exciting game, but penalties are always a lottery,” Casillas said. “We played well, but Bayern are a great team. We now have to concentrate on the league.”

Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona at the weekend gave Jose Mourinho’s side a seven-point lead in the league with four games remaining, but its wait for a first Champions League title since 2002 goes on.

The 20th meeting between Madrid and Bayern maintained a relentless pace in the first half.

Madrid charged out into an early lead after David Alaba handled when sliding to block Angel Di Maria’s cross. Ronaldo showed no jitters as he stepped up to drill the spot kick into the right of goal with goalkeeper Neuer guessing left.

Bayern could easily have canceled out Ronaldo’s opener minutes later as Robben shot over with only Casillas to beat.

Ronaldo’s 10th goal of the tournament made it 2-0 following an excellent buildup that saw the Spanish leaders spread the ball around with Sami Khedira finding Mesut Oezil, who spotted a wide open Ronaldo outside the area to coolly pick his spot low and to the left.

While Madrid thrived off the break, Bayern’s reliance on possession and wingers Franck Ribery and Robben finally paid off in the 26th when Pepe was late to cover Mario Gomez, the Portugal centerback booked for bundling the Germany striker down as they chased a ball into the area.

Casillas guessed right and got a touch but could not keep Robben’s powerful spot kick out.

Ronaldo and Karim Benzema continued to create problems for Bayern as Benzema curled around the far post after the half hour mark, while Neuer denied Ronaldo from long-range.

Casillas saved from Gomez moments later before capping an electric first half by diving to push Robben’s free kick from just outside the area wide.

The European heavyweights kept pushing forward in the second half but, with the stakes rising, neither wanted to expose itself and the chances dwindled, with Gomez heading wide before Neuer pushed Benzema’s shot out in the 56th.

Ronaldo couldn’t muster up much either as he tamely sent several free kicks straight at Neuer. Gomez wasted a golden opportunity for Bayern when he delayed his shot too long in the 86th, allowing Sergio Ramos and Khedira to smother the chance.

The tempo dipped dramatically in extra-time, when Thomas Mueller replaced Ribery and Gonzalo Higuain came on for Benzema. Madrid conjured up a few more opportunities than its opponent with substitute Kaka misplaying a fine chance in the 112th.

Alaba and Gomez scored Bayern’s first two penalties to pressure Madrid, which came apart with its first final appearance in 10 years so close.

When it comes to the draft and the Browns, I am shocked and wrong a lot.

View full sizeMary Altaffer, Associated PressSomebody up on that ledge will be a Brown this fall ... hey, be careful up there!

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my Browns draft-day notebook...

1. I want the Browns to take Trent Richardson. I believe they will pick Mo Claiborne. So that means they'll select Justin Blackmon.

2. If the Browns do trade at No. 4, it probably will be a few slots down. I do think it's more likely that a deal involves No. 22 or No. 37. I'd be shocked if they actually draft at No. 4, 22 and 37.

3. Of course, when it comes to the draft, I am shocked and wrong a lot.

4. If the Browns don't pick Claiborne, look for them to take a defensive back in the first two rounds. Over and over, they have talked about the need for a cornerback. They took Joe Haden in the first round of 2010, and they also traded for cornerback Sheldon Brown. Last year, they signed Dimitri Patterson and drafted two defensive backs in the lower rounds -- Buster Skrine (fifth round) and Eric Hagg (seventh).

5. The Browns' stats show they had at least three cornerbacks on the field for 60 percent of the snaps. Don't he surprised if Brown is moved to safety -- where they need someone to replace Michael Adams. So that leaves Patterson, Haden and Skrine as cornerbacks. They want another starter at that spot.

6. Over and over, people say, "The Browns have to get Colt McCoy more weapons." Or they say, "McCoy is not the answer, the Browns need a new quarterback." Think about this -- no matter who is the quarterback, don't they need more weapons?

7. That's why I favor Richardson, who has a chance to be a great running back. Doesn't he make any quarterback better simply because he forces the defense to pay attention to the run?

8. Suppose the Browns draft Blackmon, the same question lingers: Doesn't he help make any quarterback better?

9. Doesn't it make more sense to gather the best talent available at running back and/or wide receiver than force the issue on a quarterback? That's why I don't buy into the Ryan Tannehill hype.

10. This is from Greg Cosell of NFL Films for the Browns at No. 22: "LSU WR Rueben Randle. Having chosen Richardson at No. 4, the Browns now select the big (6-3, 210 pounds) and athletic Randle. He pairs with another big WR, Greg Little, Cleveland's second-round pick a year ago, to give the Browns a young and physically imposing tandem that is a nice scheme fit in the Pat Shurmur/Brad Childress version of the West Coast offense. Randle, as I've said before, showed some similarities to the Giants' Hakeem Nicks in terms of athletic movement and deceptive vertical speed. There were times watching tape I felt he was quicker and more athletic than both Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd."

11. I've heard Randle in connection with the Browns, but at No. 37. One of the few good draft ideas that I had for the Browns was Nicks in 2009, the year they kept trading down and eventually took Alex Mack in the first round. At LSU, Randle dealt with rather poor quarterback play. Some scouts think he has a lot of physical ability, but needs more experience to become a polished receiver. The same was said of Little, and the Browns took him -- but that was at No. 59.

12. The last first-round running back for the Browns was William Green in 2002. They knew he came with character issues -- Butch Davis never cared about that. But those issues did catch up quickly to Green, who gained 887 yards as a rookie. He had a lot of personal problems and his final season was 2005. He never approached his potential.

13. The Browns have done such a poor job drafting running backs since they returned, that I'd vote for Jerome Harrison as the best. He rushed for 862 yards in 2009. He also was the Browns' fifth-round pick in 2006. Another reason that I like Richardson is the Browns have not drafted an impact back -- someone who reached 1,000 yards -- since Kevin Mack in 1984.

D.J. Kennedy led Cleveland with 12 points in his NBA debut.

View full sizeTony Dejak, Associated PressKyrie Irving, right, dribbles past Washington's John Wall in the first quarter of Wednesday night's home finale for the Cavaliers at The Q. Irving played just 10 minutes and scored five points in the 96-85 loss to the Wizards.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- John Wall had 21 points and 13 assists as the Washington Wizards won their fifth straight to extend their longest winning streak since 2007, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers, 96-85, on Wednesday night.

Wall had 12 points, six assists and four steals in the third quarter, when he accounted for 24 of Washington's 28 points and helped the Wizards open a 14-point lead. Wall added seven rebounds and seven steals.

While Washington's star guard put on a show, Cleveland's watched. Kyrie Irving, expected to be named the NBA's rookie of the year next month, played only 10 minutes -- all in the first quarter -- of the Cavs' home finale.

D.J. Kennedy led Cleveland with 12 points in his NBA debut.

Washington rookie Jan Vesely had a season-high 12 rebounds.

The arrival of the team's latest rookie sensation, Kyrie Irving, is increasing expectations and season-ticket renewals.

View full sizeTony Dejak, Associated PressThe Cavaliers' D.J. Kennedy (12) scored 12 points in his NBA debut Wednesday night, finding room around Washington's Cartier Martin on this second-quarter drive.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers will finish with their worst home attendance since the season before they drafted LeBron James in 2003.

But the arrival of the team's latest rookie sensation, Kyrie Irving, is increasing expectations and season-ticket renewals. The Cavs' season-ticket renewal rate already stands at 75 percent and is ahead of initial projections, a team spokesman confirmed.

It's welcome news for a franchise that averaged 15,927 fans in the lockout-shortened season -- a 4,185 decline from last season, when they finished third in the NBA in attendance. The home finale against Washington drew 18,086 on Wednesday night.

The decrease was completely expected after James' departure in July 2010 and a 19-63 record last season. The Cavs will finish 19th in a 30-team league, but they still outdrew three playoff teams: Memphis, Atlanta and Indiana. Heading into Wednesday's action, the Chicago Bulls (22,148) led the league, while the New Jersey Nets (13,961) were last.

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott appreciates the support his team received, especially after perusing half-empty arena bowls in some NBA cities

"Our fans have been unbelievable," he said. "Like at almost every arena we go to and we stand up for the national anthem and you look around at some of the crowds. Then we come home and see our crowd and I just shake my head. Same thing in Memphis, a team that's in the fifth [playoff] spot in the Western Conference ... and not even half the fans that we have.

"It kind of boggles your mind at times, but it makes me want to work harder to make sure we get a winner here again, and we will. Our fans have been very patient and supportive."

The play of Irving and the Cavs' ability to stay in the playoff race until the trade deadline helped improved attendance. Things could have been much worse. The team is believed to have had only a 30 to 40 percent renewal rate from the 2010-11 season.

Summer plans: Alonzo Gee said he plans to do yoga this summer to supplement his training program. He took Pilates while a student at Alabama. Gee would not be the first Cavs player to take yoga. James began incorporating it into training regimen in 2007.

Big Z update: Former Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, working as a special assistant to general manager Chris Grant, did extensive college scouting this season. He attended the home finale.

Dribbles: D-League recall D.J. Kennedy made his NBA debut against the Wizards. He played 31 minutes and scored 12 points. ... Washington's Jordan Crawford missed Wednesday's game due to a sprained ankle.

On a scale of 0-10, Spin columnist Bud Shaw looks at the ways the Browns can satisfy -- or not -- their fan base in Thursday's first round of the NFL draft.

View full sizeMary Altaffer, Associated PressBrowns fans (from left) Craig Smialek, Daniel Clarke, Jason Darwish, and Chris Wenz were the first in line Wednesday to obtain tickets for Thursday's first round of the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Think the cameras were be on them when the fourth pick is announced.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "Hey Bud:

"With anticipation of draft day finally here, I keep getting the chills, sweats and sick feeling that the Browns will somehow mess up the No. 4 pick. How about you?" -- Doug, Westlake

Didn't Browns' GM Tom Heckert put that concern to rest in January when he said it would be "tough" to mess up the No. 4 pick? Being a Cleveland fan, I can see where that statement might worry you, that it could seem like tempting the fates.

But have faith. It would be almost impossible to botch what now amounts to the No. 2 pick with Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III already spoken for. Let's go to the Spin Draft Day Satisfaction Scale for a closer look at the possibilities.

"0" represents the worst case of the sweats and chills this side of H1N1 or the Browns facing third-and-nine.

"10" represents the best feeling you've had about the Browns since the league deemed the city worthy of more bad football back in 1999.

0: Braintrust gathers in Mike Holmgren's office for pre-draft pep talk, get caught up in watching his Arizona vacation slides. In the ultimate clock management debacle, they do not make it to the draft in time to pick No. 4.

1: Trade out of the Top 20 to take Alex Mack's successor. If this happens and you're in position at a nearby sports bar to order a double shot of amnesia, please use a designated driver.

If this happens and you're at home, please, for safety concerns, fight the urge to put your head in the microwave for a minute on high. Thirty seconds should do it.

2: Draft USC LT Matt Kalil and turn him into RT Matt Kalil. This would be like hiring Placido Domingo -- not to be confused with Plaxico Burress -- for your kid's party, then having him hum "Happy Birthday."

3: Draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

The Browns' need to draft guys who find the end zone, so a quarterback shouldn't be out of the question. It's just that you can't take a chance on missing with this pick. Tannehill is a projection, an intriguing one, but a projection along the lines of predicting Spin for a future Pulitzer.

4: Trade down out of Top 15 for extra ammunition. This team needs a big gun on offense, not more peashooters.

View full sizeAP fileSure, Morris Claiborne is an outstanding player and could be a long-time star in the NFL. But his acquisition makes one wonder if the Browns really plan to win games by 7-3 scores.

5: Draft Morris Claiborne, with Alabama running back Trent Richardson still on the board.

You'd expect the reaction to be crickets if this happens. But that's selling crickets short on their football acumen. They would be stunned to silence, too.

6: Trade down out of Top 10.

7: Draft Morris Claiborne, with Trent Richardson already taken.

OK, good player. His standing as the best defender in the draft keeps this from being a "5." But one of the reasons the Browns suffered so much offensively last year is that they passed on a playmaker at the top of the draft.

To pick a corner the next year at No. 4? Why did Randy Lerner hire an offensive-minded president who hired an offensive-minded head coach? After another 4-12 season, he'll be asking that, too.

Then again, if Colt McCoy can complete some passes in practice against Claiborne and Joe Haden, maybe third-and-nine won't seem like Everest.

8: Justin Blackmon. To paraphrase Keyshawn Johnson, just throw him the damn ball.

9: Trent Richardson.

He's 20. He's dynamic. If he's close to Adrian Peterson, I don't think there will be many regrets six or seven years from now when all the pounding takes its toll.

10: In a classic case of Washington gridlock, the Redskins fail to announce RGIII as their selection and the Browns swoop in.

SPINOFFS

"[Metta] World Peace Suspended for Vicious Elbow" is the kind of headline that hopefully encourages other athletes to ironically change their names...

Doug Dieken on STO's Browns' Red Zone Monday remembered that after Peyton Hillis sat out the Miami game last year, a reporter asked head coach Pat Shurmur if Hillis begged the Browns to let him play despite an illness. Dieken said it was the exact opposite, that the Browns unsuccessfully begged Hillis to play.

If only Hillis had changed his name to "Irresistible Force" first...

Forbes Magazine uses poll results to conclude that NASCAR's Jimmy Johnson is America's Most Influential Athlete. While something inspired Josh Cribbs to drive 103 mph on I-71, that's not an America I know...

Deion Sanders, who is going through a messy divorce, posted a Twitter pic of himself filling out a police report. He tweeted, "Pray for me and my kids now! They just witnessed their mother and a friend jump me in my room. She's going to jail n I'm pressing charges! I'm sad my boys witnessed this mess."

At least the kids can count on their dad protecting their privacy...

If the Minnesota Vikings' aren't sure Matt Kalil is a "game changer" as a left tackle at No. 3, what does that make it if the Browns take him at No. 4 and switch him to right tackle?

Other than a jaw dropping conversation stopper...

Chris Berman, who knows his bombastic style isn't for everybody, tells USA Today, "They didn't like Ted Williams either. Now, I'm not Ted Williams."

No. He's fresher.

A judge is letting Rashard Mendenhall's lawsuit against Hanesbrand, the parent company of Champion, to move forward. The athletic apparel company canceled an endorsement deal with Mendenhall after the Steelers' running back Tweeted that no one should celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden and questioned whether hijacked planes were really the cause of the World Trade Center collapse.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, PDThe hammer may or may not be thrown down, but the smile is always on.

If Champion loses, the company will have to pay Mendenhall the rest of the money in his endorsement deal. At which time Mendenhall is free to use it to build a statue of Fidel Castro in Miami...

If God has a sense of humor, Dwight Howard would've been born "Coach's Best Friend"...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Bram Stoker's Dracula and Mel Kiper Jr. -- Bob H, Medina

Austin Carr and former NFL quarterback Warren Moon -- Randy Verner, Chagrin Falls

HE SAID IT

"Need is a terrible evaluator" -- Former Ravens' head coach Brian Billick.

View full sizeAP fileWhether in Washington, Canada or in the NFL, he was always No. 1 on the field.

I never knew Dwight Clark had a nickname.

HE SAID IT (CLASSIC)

"Who is Mel Kiper? He's never been a player, he's never been a coach, he's never been a scout, he's never been an administrator and all of a sudden he's an expert. He has no more credentials to do what he's doing than my neighbor, and my neighbor's a postman." -- GM Bill Tobin after Kiper criticized the Colts for taking Trev Alberts No. 5 overall in 1994.

Kiper has lasted 15 years longer than Alberts, whose hair didn't get any more mussed than Kiper's during three forgettable seasons.

HE SAID WHAT?

"I think one of the worst things about the draft now is how everybody gets beat up. ... There's so much misinformation out there." -- Nick Saban, saying he fielded questions from a scout about some of the people squeaky clean Trent Richardson kept in his circle.

If there's one thing the Alabama coach hates, especially after declaring, "I am not going to be the Alabama coach," it's misinformation.

YOU SAID IT

(The Regular Midweek Edition)

"Bud:

"Do you remember where you were the day the Browns drafted Mike Junkin?" -- Tom Hoffner, Broadview Heights

No, but I believe he was shopping the tofu aisle at his local grocery store.

"Hey Bud:

"Did Josh Cribbs tell the police that he almost always almost drives the speed limit?" -- Bob H, Medina

Yes. In a text from his drive home.

"Bud:

"Could Spin ever branch out beyond sports? It would be spellbinding to get your takes on all the critical issues of the day, such as the GOP primaries, the urgency of being first in line on Black Friday, or maybe even the Kardashians." -- Dale, Medina

By terms of three separate divorce agreements, I am not allowed to write about the Kardashian sisters.

"Hey Bud:

"Should the NBA now refer to Metta World Peace as 'the Artest formerly known as...'" -- Bob H, Medina.

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

"Bud:

"Have you ever been stopped for speeding in your Vega?" -- Joe S

Repeat winners live life in the slow lane.

"Bud:

"Is it true the three other teams in the AFC North pop open a bottle of champagne each year when the Browns pass on a playmaker with their first pick in the draft?" -- Jim Lefkowitz, Pepper Pike

Some repeat winners should put a cork in it.

On Twitter: @budshaw

Kansas City wins its first game since April 10 with impressive power show.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerIndians reliever Jairo Asencio waits to throw his next pitch as Kansas City's Alex Gordon circles the bases with a three-run homer in the ninth inning Wednesday night. Moments later, Asencio served up a solo homer to Billy Butler -- Butler's second of the evening.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kansas City hit four homers, including two by Billy Butler, on Wednesday night to end its 12-game losing streak with a 8-2 victory over the Indians at Progressive Field.

The losing streak was tied for the third longest in Royals history. In 2008, they ended another 12-game losing streak by beating the Indians on May 31.

Luke Hochevar (2-1, 4.98) pitched 6 1/3 innings for the win. The Indians beat Hochevar on April 13, the Royals' home opener, by scoring seven runs in the first inning. In the fourth, Carlos Santana knocked him out of the game by lining a drive off his left ankle.

Hochevar avoided that kind of trouble Wednesday as he struck out four, walked three and allowed two runs. He held the Indians scoreless until the sixth when they loaded the bases, but managed to score only one run on Travis Hafner's RBI grounder.

Butler put the Royals ahead, 2-0, with a homer in the first. Jimenez (2-1, 4.50) started the game with a walk to Chris Getz and retired Alex Gordon on a foul pop to third. Butler launched a 2-1 pitch into the right field seats.

Eric Hosmer made it 4-0 with a two-run drive to left field with two out in the fifth. The inning should have never reached that point. Gordon, with one out, dribbled a single through the right side of the infield with one out. The defense was shifted against the left-handed hitting Gordon, but his hit bounced between shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and second baseman Jason Kipnis as they stopped to see who was going to make the play.

Jimenez retired Butler on a pop to third for what should have been the third out.

The game was still close in the ninth, with the Royals leading, 4-2. That ended quickly as Alex Gordon hit a three-run homer followed by Butler's solo shot off Jairo Asencio.

It was the Royals' first victory since they beat Oakland, 3-0, on April 10. It was the first time they've had a 4-0 lead in a game since they beat the Angels, 7-4, on April 8.

The Indians made it 4-2 on Aaron Cunningham's RBI single in the seventh after Tommy Hottovy relieved Hochevar following a walk to Kipnis. Cunningham singled through the middle to score Kipnis. A wild pitch by Hottovy put runners on second and third, but Michael Brantley struck out and Asdrubal Cabrera flied out to left.

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

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

Logan Dennison, Fairport
Sport: Baseball
Class: Junior
Age: 17
Ht: 6-1
Wt: 183

What Logan did last week: Infielder/pitcher went 10-for-14, with seven runs, two doubles, a home run and 11 RBI. Threw a no-hitter, with nine strikeouts, against Cardinal and had a save against Kirtland.

About Logan: Also plays football and basketball. Enjoys ultimate frisbee. Wants to study physical therapy. Favorites include the Indians, "The Sandlot" movie, "NBA 2K12" video game, "Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller" book, Spaghetti Warehouse restaurant and government class. Will remember advancing to regionals with his brother, a senior. Wants to try lacrosse.

Cory Nager, Mayfield
Sport: Baseball
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 5-9
Wt: 160

What Cory did last week: Shortstop went 16-for-21, with 15 runs, eight RBI, five doubles and two triples as the Wildcats went 5-0.

About Cory: Plays indoor soccer. Enjoys playing cards and pottery. Favorites include the Miami Marlins and shortstop Jose Reyes, "Shooter" movie, "That 70's Show" TV show, "Shoot Me Down" song by Lil Wayne, Twitter.com, "FIFA 12" video game, "A Tale of Two Cities" book, tacos, Tasty Pizza restaurant, Nike clothes and government class. Wants to travel in Europe.

Alexis Thomas, Avon Lake
Sport: Softball
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 5-6

What Alexis did last week: Third baseman/pitcher went 13-for-19, with four home runs, 13 RBI, three doubles and a triple as her team went 6-0. She also pitched a no-hitter against Oberlin, 18-0.

About Alexis: Enjoys yoga, reading and listening to music. Wants to study nutrition or sociology in college. Favorites include Florida Gators softball, Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving, "The Butterfly Effect" movie, "Jersey Shore" TV show, Twitter.com, Nintendo video games, frozen yogurt, Olive Garden restaurant, Forever 21 clothes and English class. Wants to run a 5K.

Liz Karako, Lake Catholic
Sport: Softball
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 5-4

What Liz did last week: Catcher went 7-for-13, with three doubles, two home runs and seven RBI. Threw out four baserunners. The Cougars defeated Padua, Willoughby South, Walsh Jesuit and Canton McKinley.

About Liz: Enjoys being with friends Katlyn Spahar and Haley Russo. Favorites include the St. Louis Cardinals, Indians infielder Jack Hannahan, "The Hangover" movie, "NCIS" TV show and music by Rascal Flatts. Will always remember her car getting towed at boys state game in Columbus and not having money or adults along. Wants to try snorkeling.

Jordan Altpater, Lorain
Sport: Track
Class: Junior
Age: 17
Ht: 6-0
Wt: 160

What Jordan did last week: At Weingart Relays, won the 100 meters (11.34 seconds) and anchored winning 4x100 (44.60). Ran on second-place 4x200 (1:34.09) and the 100 leg on second-place 800 sprint medley team (1:39.08).

About Jordan: Enjoys playing basketball with friends. Eats a bagel before meets. Favorites include the Browns, LeBron James, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" TV show, Youtube.com, "NBA 2K12" video game, chicken wings, Olive Garden restaurant, Gucci clothes and English class. Wants to vacation in Puerto Rico and try playing tennis.

Anne Kramer, Archbishop Hoban
Sport: Track
Class: Sophomore
Age: 15
Ht: 5-6

What Anne did last week: At Trinity Invitational, set meet record in the 400 (58.48). Was a member of record-setting 4x400 (4:00.08). In triangular against St. Vincent-St. Mary and Our Lady of the Elms, won the 400 (59.6) and anchored winning 4x200 (1:46).

About Anne: Also member of tennis and gymnastics teams. Favorites include Ohio State, Jets quarterback Tim Tebow, "Remember the Titans" movie, "The Office" TV show, Twitter.com, "The Hunger Games" book, apple pie, Forever 21 clothes and anatomy class. Wants to vacation in Dubai and would like to try the pole vault.

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.

Highlights include Los Angeles Angels at Indians and the second and third rounds of the NFL draft.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerJustin Masterson will start for the Indians as they host the Los Angeles Angels in a 7:05 game tonight that will be televised on SportsTime Ohio and WKYC and broadcast on WTAM/1100-AM.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV and radio sports listings

AUTO RACING

Noon Sprint Cup Series 400 practice, Speed Channel

2:30 p.m. Sprint Cup Series 400 "Happy Hour Series," Speed Channel 

4 p.m. Nationwide Series 250 qualifying, ESPN2

5:30 p.m. Sprint Cup Series 400 qualifying, Speed Channel 

7:30 p.m. Nationwide Series 250, ESPN2

BASEBALL

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

7 p.m. Detroit at N.Y. Yankees, MLBN

7:05 p.m. Altoona at AKRON AEROS, AM/1350

7:05 p.m. L.A. Angels at INDIANS, STO, WKYC; AM/1100

BOXING

10 p.m. Denis Grachev vs. Ismayl Sillakh, ESPN2

11 p.m. Jose Pedraza vs. Gil Garcia;

Luis Orlando del Valle vs. Christopher Martin;

Thomas Oosthuizen vs. Marcus Johnson, Showtime

COLLEGE BASEBALL

7 p.m. Indiana at Michigan, BTN

CYCLING

5 p.m. Tour de Romandie, stage 3 (tape), NBCSN

GOLF

9 a.m. Ballantine's Championship (tape), Golf Channel

12:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Classic, Golf Channel

3 p.m. Zurich Classic, Golf Channel

MEN'S COLLEGE LACROSSE

5 p.m. Colgate vs. Bucknell, CBSSN

8 p.m. Army vs. Lehigh, CBSSN

NFL

7 p.m. Draft, rounds 2-3, ESPN

NHL PLAYOFFS

9 p.m. Nashville at Phoenix, NBCSN

Akron sportsman and conservationist George R. Klein, 70, was named to the eight-member Ohio Wildlife Council.

 Akron sportsman and conservationist George R. Klein, 70, was named to the eight-member Ohio Wildlife Council on Thursday by Gov. John Kasich.

 The long-time owner of Klein Newspaper Services in Cleveland, Klein made conservation a priority over the years. A board member for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, he serves on the Natural Area Committee, which oversees 38 preserves in northeast Ohio. Klein is also chairman of the Winous Point Marsh Conservancy on Sandusky Bay, focusing on research projects and internships with colleges and universities.

 He is on the board of the Trust for Public Land and helped convert the former Richfield Coliseum into a meadow gifted to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Klein's 470-member Hill'n Dale Club in Medina offers fishing, hunting and shooting, and has one of the top sporting clays courses in the country.

 "George is  involved in so many aspects of the outdoors," said Hill'n Dale manager Shawn Spindel. "He certainly  isn't a one-dimensional fisherman, hunter or conservationist."

 Klein replaced Jim Lynch of Upper Arlington.

 Boats at Catawba: The spring Catawba Island Boat Show is May 4-6, a free boat show that fills the docks at the Catawba Island Club. Boat dealers are offering demo rides on many of the boats, including sailboat rides with Huron-based Harbor North. There is also an antique boat display, wine tasting and island music with Steve Brownell. Show hours are noon-6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

 Turkey totals: Ohio's spring weather hasn't been friendly to the flocks of wild turkeys around the Buckeye State, or to spring turkey hunters.

 The opening-day turkey totals were down on Monday, with Ohio hunters reporting 2,227 gobblers, a big drop of the first-day kill of 2,646 turkeys in 2011. Only male turkeys are legal game during the four-week spring season, which runs through May 20.

 With north winds gusting to more than 50 miles per hour on Monday, it was surprising hunters were that successful, said district game management supervisor Scott Peters. There was optimism, with 1,632 turkeys checked during the two-day youth turkey season last weekend, an increase from the 1,490 turkeys bagged last year.

 "Ohio has had rainy, wet conditions during spring and early summer the past couple of years," said Peters. The inclement weather has hampered the spring turkey nesting season, reducing the population to an estimated 180,000 hens and gobblers. The turkey harvest last spring was 18,485 gobblers, a major drop from a robust harvest of 23,421 in 2010.

 Ashtabula County, Ohio's premier turkey-hunting county, was tops with 93 gobblers killed on opening day and 73 during the youth season.

 Fish for free: The annual Fish for Free Days in Ohio are May 5-6, allowing people to fish any waters without first buying an Ohio fishing license. Party boat owner Wayne Bratton of Cleveland is making it into a big deal. Bratton is offering free fishing both days on his boat, The Holiday, docked on the Cuyahoga River at 1800 Scranton Rd. Reservations are needed at 216-991-3474. Bratton charges $35 an angler the rest of the summer.

 PerchFest cancelled: The popular Lake County PerchFest in Fairport Harbor has been cancelled. It brings to an end the perch extravaganza held after Labor Day each year that featured perch dinners and the largest perch fishing contest on the Great Lakes. The 10-man board of trustees of the Lake County Visitors Bureau decided to spread the funding to a wider variety of county events.

 Steelhead stocked: This spring's steelhead trout stockings on the Vermilion River will again be a community affair. The Division of Wildlife is releasing 30,000 trout today at the Vermilion City Boat Launch at 10 a.m.

 Expensive new digs: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have become a common sight around Western Lake Erie as they patrol on the water in go-fast boats and on land in new green-and-white trucks. The agency's expansive $25 million facility being built on Ohio 53 in Port Clinton, just north of Ohio 2, is also drawing attention in the resort town. It's expected the federal law enforcement agency of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security will move from Sandusky to the new facility in June, housing as many as 90 agents.

 Venison burgers: Ohio deer hunters parlayed 104,400 pounds of venison into 417,600 meals for Ohio food banks this year. Sportsmen donated 2,088 deer they killed to the Farmers and Hunters Feed the Hungry program, which processed the venison for free.

 New fish boss: Rich Carter is Ohio's new fish boss for the Division of Wildlife. Carter was named executive administrator of the Fish Management Group this week, replacing retiring Ray Petering. Carter has a master's degree in fish biology from Ohio State University. He worked for the Ohio EPA before  joining the wildlife agency in 2005. He will supervise 80 employees conducting fisheries research.

 Wild Ohio subscription: The Wild Ohio Magazine published for many years by the Ohio Division of Wildlife is no longer free. Six issues per year are now $10, $5 if you also buy a hunting or fishing license.

 Last-minute licenses: Anglers who need a last-minute fishing license can buy one with a telephone call. For a one-day tag for $11 (residents and non-residents) or a three-day tourist license ($19) call 1-866-703-1928. There is a small additional fee. Also available this year is an $11 Lake Erie Charter License. It can be bought in advance, and not activated until the fishermen is heading out on the water. Visit wildohio.com for details.

 Women's days: Several Women In the Outdoors events are being held by the National Wild Turkey Federation around the area this summer. The Grand River Chapter has a May 12 lineup of clinics and classes at the Crooked Creek Conservation Club. There is a paddling version at NTA Canoe Livery in Bolivar on July 14, a one-day session at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association on July 21 and the three-day state gathering at FFA Camp Muskingum in Carroll County. Check nwtf.org for details.

 Bat fungus:  Canadian researchers report the white-nose syndrome that has killed more than 6 million bats in Ohio and around the country might be an import. A study noted that the white-nose syndrome may be a mutation of a European fungus, and first introduced in the U.S. by tourists visiting bat caves in New York State.

 Bacon, no eggs: Sportsmen love to wrap a slice of bacon around a venison steak, goose breast or a plucked dove. How about a whole can of bacon for that special hunting or fishing trip? Check out Tactical Bacon at thinkgeek.com. A $20 can has 54 slices of bacon with an amazing 10-year shelf life. Enough for 10 man-sized BLT sandwiches. Or just barely enough to feed a hungry crew in the duck blind, and only if Krispy Kreme donuts are included. 
 

The spring doubleheader of crappie and rainbow trout are luring fishermen to small waters all around the area.

D'Arcy Egan, The Plain DealerThe spring doubleheader of crappie and rainbow trout are luring fishermen to small waters all around the area.

 The spring doubleheader of crappie and rainbow trout are luring fishermen to small waters all around the area. The windy weather the past week, with more wind in the forecast, has muddied Lake Erie's shoreline waters, shutting down the yellow perch fishing and slowing the walleye bite. Keep an eye on the weather this weekend, with today's north winds expected to be followed on Saturday by brisk easterly winds.

 CLEVELAND AREA

 The yellow perch fishing in the near-shore waters of Lake Erie has been very slow because of muddy waters, and has slowed the walleye night bite. A few perch are being caught around the river mouths if clear water can be found. 

 Division of Wildlife stockings of rainbow trout have fishermen casting lines in a wide range of lakes and ponds around northeast Ohio. Trout have been released recently at Hinckley Lake in Medina County; Punderson Lake in Geauga County; Little Turtle Pond in the Firestone Metropark in Akron; Veteran's Park Pond in Mentor;  Forest Hill Pond in East Cleveland; Shadow Lake in the South Chagrin Reservation in Solon; and Silver Creek Lake in Norton's Silver Creek Metro Park.

 The rainbow trout stockings in the East Branch of the Rocky River this spring were short-circuited by a major fish kill last weekend.

 LAKE ERIE

 Look for the walleye fishing around the Western Basin reefs to improve when the windy, cool weather goes away. Some walleye could be caught from stained waters this weekend while trolling minnow-style lures in the deeper water off the reefs. The jig fishing on top of the reefs has been slow. The perch fishing off the Marblehead Lighthouse and the southeast corner of Kelleys Island has slowed to a crawl.

 The hot fishing all along the Lake Erie shoreline has been crappie fishing in the harbors and bays, with anglers casting tiny tube jigs and working small hooks baited with minnows around docks and shoreline structure.

 RIVERS AND STREAMS

 There are still remnant populations of steelhead trout in the Northeast Ohio rivers and streams, with most of the big trout having already headed back to Lake Erie. Work the deeper pools with small spawn bags, tiny jigs and maggots or small flies, including egg patterns, nymphs and small streamers.

 Good numbers of smallmouth bass continue to move into the lower stretches of the rivers, where tube jigs and jig-leech rigs have been tops.

 White bass are starting spring runs up the Maumee and Sandusky rivers this week. The Maumee walleye fishing has slowed, while, walleye are still being caught on the Sandusky River.

 INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS

 It's crappie time, with the cool evenings obviously not inhibiting big crappie from heading to near-shore spawning areas. Excellent numbers of crappie are being caught on tiny tube jigs, jigs with small twister tails in chartreuse or white and jigs or bare hooks baited with minnows and worked under a float. Good crappie waters this week have been West Branch, Berlin and Mogadore lakes, with Turkeyfoot Lake a top performer around the Portage Lakes.

 Pymatuning Reservoir reports including crappie being caught on minnows around stumps and fish attractors in 9 to 12 feet of water around the south end of the big lake.

 Walleye are being caught in fair to good numbers at Pymatuning, Mosquito and Berlin lakes. Anglers are casting jig-minnow rigs and jerk baits on the points, especially early and late in the day. Some anglers are finding success casting No. 5 and No. 7 Rapala Shad Raps along the points and around the bays.

 Largemouth bass are starting to bite, with fishermen flipping jigs and plastic worms as well as creature baits, such as the Strike King Rodent and the Sweet Beaver.

 TOURNAMENTS

 Northern Open Anglers Association (Mosquito Reservoir): 1. Wally Masink and David Trautman, 5 bass, 15.30 pounds, $7,000; 2. Gabe Cooper and Nate Randolph, 5 bass, 14.93 pounds, $2,040; 3. Rich Chapman and Dan Mansky, 5 bass, 14.71 pounds, $1,500. Big Bass: Chapman and Mansky, 5.23 pounds.
- D'Arcy Egan

An NBA official will conduct a random drawing in New York to break any ties heading into the NBA lottery and draft. After it’s settled, the league will send out an email announcing the results, which could significantly affect where the Cavs draft.

Chicago — Today will be a huge day for the future of the Cavaliers — and there’s nothing they can do about it.

An NBA official will conduct a random drawing in New York to break any ties heading into the NBA lottery and draft. After it’s settled, the league will send out an email announcing the results, which could significantly affect where the Cavs draft.

After Thursday night’s loss to the Bulls, Cleveland (21-45) was tied for the third-worst record in the league with New Orleans (21-45). Sacramento won last night, so  Cleveland and New Orleans are tied for the third-worst record. Nos. 1 and 2 are locked in to Charlotte (7-59) and Washington 20-46.

Cleveland and New Orleans will split 275 chances, with one team getting 138 chances and the other 137.

Positioning is important. Once the drawing is held for the top three spots, the rest of the order is determined by record and tiebreakers. The team with the third-most chances in the lottery will draft no lower than sixth, but the team with the sixth-most chances could draft as low as ninth.

Wait till next year: The much-anticipated matchup between star guards Derrick Rose and Kyrie Irving did not happen. Rose, the reigning MVP, missed Chicago’s first game against the Cavs on Jan. 20 in Cleveland with a toe injury. Irving, the No. 1 pick in the 2011 Draft, missed the second game on March 2 in Cleveland because he was ill. Neither played Thursday.

“We’ve got next year,” Cavs coach Byron Scott said. “Both of those guys are really young. They’re going to battle each other for a long time. I think next year will be pretty interesting.

“I think everybody would have loved to have seen that matchup, especially in the middle of the season. It didn’t happen, but it will.”

Asked to describe Irving’s rookie season in one word, Scott said: “Fantastic. I expected him to be good, but I don’t think anybody expected him to be as good as he was, especially as early as he was. There’s not many rookies in this league who come in and lead the league in scoring in the fourth quarter. That says a lot about him right there.

“One word? It was a fantastic season for Kyrie, and a lot to build on.”

Although Irving led the league in fourth-quarter scoring at one point, he finished fifth in the league in fourth-quarter scoring, averaging 6.4 points per fourth. He is behind Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Rose and Kevin Love, in that order. Irving is second in points per final three minutes at 3.2, trailing Chris Paul.

Ratings up: Though the Cavs’ attendance was down, television viewership was up. NBA TV’s 96-game schedule delivered a 33 percent increase in viewers, up to 337,000 from 253,000. NBA TV is available in 59 million households. In addition, going into Thursday’s final telecast, the Cavs’ average household rating on Fox Sports Ohio was 4.2, up 7 percent from last season and among the top six local markets in the NBA.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

At the U.S. Olympic wrestling team trials last weekend in Iowa, it was clear women's wrestling has established a firm foothold, and is growing on all levels, which partially is attributable to Title IX.

AP PhotoWrestler Clarissa Chun, right, embraces Alyssa Lampe after Chun won their 48-kilogram freestyle finals at the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team Trials in Iowa City, Iowa.

Can women save wrestling?

For decades, wrestling coaches and fans cursed Title IX because it put collegiate men's programs on the chopping block in the name of gender equity. In order to close the gap between men's and women's scholarships, which the federal act requires, many colleges resorted to eliminating men's wrestling. There are just 77 Division I men's programs remaining, less than a quarter of their former numbers.

At the U.S. Olympic wrestling team trials last weekend in Iowa, it was clear women's wrestling has established a firm foothold, and is growing on all levels, which partially is attributable to Title IX.

In the long run, women could play an important role in the sport's hoped-for rejuvenation, but that day remains a long way off. It's not a sprint to the finish. It's an ultramarathon.

It was interesting to see the juxtaposition of passionate Iowa fans and the women's competitors at the Trials. All an Iowa men's wrestler such as Mike Zadick had to do was walk out of the tunnel, and he received a standing ovation. The women wrestled simultaneously during men's matches, on four mats atop a raised stage, and they were largely ignored until the finals. That was sad to see. Fans had little familiarity with the individual women.

Clarissa Chun, who became the first American two-time Olympic women's wrestler, said there's a simple way to fix that problem.

“Win,” she said. “The U.S. loves gold medalists, and for us to come in to the spotlight for women's wrestling, I feel like four golds would be a statement and be like, 'Whoa, wrestling.' ”

That's unlikely at the London Games this summer. There are just four weight classes in women's freestyle, and Japan dominated the first two Olympiads for the sport in 2004 and 2008. It has a pair of wrestlers going for their third gold medals in London this summer.

“The Japanese girls, and I hate to say it because I want to take them down, they produce medals, and all these young girls look up to them. They know who they are,” said Chun, who lived in Japan recently and taught English. “They want to create a legacy that way.”

Wrestling is growing at a substantial pace among American girls and women. There were 7,351 high school female wrestlers last school year, up from 5,527 in 2007-08. The number of college women's programs has increased from five to 20 in seven years – mostly at smaller colleges.

“We're a sport within a sport that is not generally accepted,” U.S. women's national team coach Terry Steiner said. “We're starting to see more and more coaches open up their minds and hearts a little bit. It's coming, never fast enough for my liking, but you can't shove it on people.”

That amount of growth in women's wrestling isn't going to suddenly catapult the sport as a whole. But growth is good, especially when half the population suddenly becomes a target audience.

At the Trials, four sessions crowds of more than 13,500 each were the largest ever to see women's wrestling anywhere in the world, and that was significant. Parts of the tournament were broadcast on a tape-delayed basis on NBC Sports Network.

“There were people in the stands that had never seen [women's] wrestling and had that whole mentality that it's a man's sport,” Chun said. “[When] they open their minds to it, that's when we start breaking barriers.”

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

twarsinskey@plaind.com, 216-999-4661

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Hey, who needs April in Paris when you can play baseball in Bainbridge?

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerA group of 10-year-old baseball fans from Northeast Ohio and France show their enthusiasm Tuesday night when the Tribe played Kansas City. Members of the Bainbridge Lookouts and the Savigny Lions attended the game. It all started with a game of catch two years ago between Bainbridge’s Ty Yurkovich, pictured below at left, and his pal from France, Constant Clermont.

Nothing was lost in translation when Ty Yurkovich and Constant Clermont met two summers ago.

Even though neither 8-year-old could understand the other’s words, the universal language of baseball helped close the gap for the players at the Cal Ripken camp in Baltimore. Bainbridge’s Yurkovich and France’s Clermont hooked up on that first day playing catch and stayed in touch through emails and letters. Clermont was visiting from Savigny-sur-Orge, a Paris suburb.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerBainbridge’s Ty Yurkovich and his pal from France, Constant Clermont.

This past week, an idea hatched last summer at another Ripken camp get-together has come to fruition as Clermont’s Savigny Lions are in town playing games against area youth teams, including Yurkovich’s Bainbridge Lookouts.

“There were 50 or 60 kids that first day and they said everybody should pick someone to play catch with,” said Yurkovich, a fourth-grader at Kenston Intermediate School. “We became friends. His mom asked me to look out for him.”

Constant’s mom, Benedicte Clermont, had been making annual visits to see friends in Baltimore. Since her son and husband, Gilles, who coaches the Lions, were among the few baseball fans in France, she timed her trip to enroll Constant in the Ripken camp.

She has been interpreting during the 10-day excursion, which included trips to the Museum of Natural History, Niagara Falls and Wednesday’s Indians-Royals game. The trip concludes with games in Hudson this weekend.

“The first year, yes, a little,” said Constant, when asked if he was a bit intimidated at the baseball camp surrounded by American boys. “The second time I had more confidence and focus. It was easier because Ty was showing me everything.”

Both boys agreed on Alex Rodriguez as one of their favorites. Constant, whose nickname is “Goof,” went with Jimmy Rollins and Ichiro as his other top picks, with Yurkovich went with Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo.

“Goof” Clermont said his favorite baseball expression is “I got it.” He also likes, what else, french fries, pancakes and hamburgers. The Clermonts also brought their 14-year-old daughter, Adele, along on the trip.

Denis Yurkovich and his wife, Brenda, along with other families, have taken in the visiting players and coaches.

“We were very excited about it,” said Lookouts coach Paul Basel. “We also knew it would be a lot of work setting up host families. Our team has been asking for the last two months when are they getting here.”

The Lions have allowed more than a few runs on this trip. However, they did get a 6-5 win against the Mentor Cardinals Black. After last Sunday’s game against the Munson Township Mudhens, the visitors were each presented with a baseball autographed by the Mudhens.

Gilles Clermont, whose team plays very few games a year in France, said he got the baseball bug watching ESPN highlights.

“It’s the strategy and it’s very elegant,” said Clermont, a professional musician with the clarinet. “That makes the game so interesting. The children want to play the game. There is a good spirit in sports and a positive attitude.”

Gilles Clermont came up with the idea to make the trip. The Lions sold team calendars as a fundraiser and solicited sponsors.

Ty Yurkovich called it a “miracle” that it came off. “Goof” Clermont called it “extraordinaire.”

Even if your French is not up to snuff, you can check out a photo gallery and blog of the trip at lionsusa.over-blog.com online.

Hey, who needs April in Paris when you can play baseball in Bainbridge?

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse

Angels have lost 4 straight and Albert Pujols has not homered in 76 at-bats, his longest streak without a dinger to open the season.

APAngels have lost 4 straight and Albert Pujols has not homered in 76 at-bats, his longest streak without a dinger to open the season.

Where: Progressive Field.

When: Tonight through Sunday.

TV/radio: WKYC Channel 3 and SportsTime Ohio, tonight, FOX Channel 8, Saturday, SportsTime Ohio, Sunday; WTAM AM/1100.

Pitching matchups: RHP Jered Weaver (3-0, 2.43) vs. RHP Justin Masterson (0-2, 6.65) today at 7:05 p.m.; RHP Dan Haren (0-1, 4.07) vs. RHP Jeanmar Gomez (1-0, 1.93) Saturday at 1:05 p.m.; and RHP Ervin Santana (0-4, 7.23) vs. RHP Derek Lowe (3-1, 3.00) Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

Season series: The Angels went 6-3 against the Tribe last year. The Angels lead, 311-287, overall.

Angels update: They have lost four straight and seven of their past nine games. Albert Pujols has not homered in 76 at-bats, his longest streak without a dinger to open the season. Haren went 1-0 with a 1.16 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings last year against the Tribe. Santana threw a no-hitter against them last year.

Indians update: They have lost three of their past four games and are 2-6 at home. Last year, they hit .169 against the Angels, with Carlos Santana leading the way with a .242 (8-for-88) average. Tribe pitchers held the Angels to a .216 average.

Injuries: Indians – CF Grady Sizemore (back) and RHP Carlos Carrasco (right elbow) are on the disabled list. Angels – RHP Bobby Cassevah (right shoulder), RHP Michael Kohn (right forearm) and OF Jeremy Moore (left hip) are on the disabled list.

Next: The Indians open a three-game series in Chicago on Tuesday at U.S. Cellular Field.

After a brief hiccup, Amherst's softball team is back atop the Southwestern Conference, sharing the lead with Westlake. The defending champion Comets (13-5, 8-2) pushed Avon Lake two games behind the pack on Thursday with a 5-2 victory over the host Shoregals.

After a brief hiccup, Amherst's softball team is back atop the Southwestern Conference, sharing the lead with Westlake.

The defending champion Comets (13-5, 8-2) pushed Avon Lake two games behind the pack on Thursday with a 5-2 victory over the host Shoregals.

South Dakota recruit Jennifer Sutton led Amherst by pitching a four-hitter, striking out nine and walking three. The senior also had three of her team's seven hits.

Westlake 6, Berea 3

Julia Kosco went 4-for-4 and scored three runs as the Demons (10-5, 8-2) won the SWC game.

Keystone 11, Columbia 0

The state's top-ranked Division II team remained unbeaten, and Akron recruit Kenzie Conrad limited the Raiders to one hit while striking out three. She also had two hits.

Vermilion 21, Lake Ridge Academy 0

Lauren Harcula struck out five en route to pitching a perfect game in the nonleague, five-inning victory for the Sailors (10-7).

Berkshire 10, Chagrin Falls 0

The Badgers (9-4) rebounded from Wednesday's Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division loss to Kirtland behind Angela Moss' no-hit, 11-strikeout, one-walk gem during the CVC crossover-game victory.

Mentor 13, Euclid 3

Lindsey Valvoda had a single, double, three RBI and two runs scored for the Cardinals (9-10) in the nonleague road win.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph 14, Andrews Osborne 3

Vikings (3-8) freshman Lexie DeSico pitched a six-hitter with 12 strikeouts and just missed hitting for the cycle in the nonleague victory. DeSico drove in four runs with a single, double and a home run. Her Phoenix counterpart, freshman Olivia Lucrezi, also hit a homer.

Midview 8, Bay 0

The Middies (14-8, 9-1) kept their grip on first place in the West Shore Conference after cashing in on nine Rocket errors and Kim Stone's three-hitter. Two hits by Cleveland State recruit Kate Thomas and doubles by Megan Wade and CSU recruit Amanda Beursken led their eight-hit attack.

John Hay 20, Glenville 1

Hornets (7-1, 6-0) pitcher Shakira Lewis had a no-hitter, but seven walks ruined her bid for a perfect game in the Senate Athletic League win. Valory Barnosky's two singles, double, three runs scored and three RBI paced Hay's eight-hit attack.

Our Lady of the Elms 13, Kidron Central Christian 6

Northern Kentucky recruit Kaitlin Morse drove in three runs and scored two with a double and a triple for the Panthers (11-4).

Baseball

St. Ignatius 10, Firestone 0

The Wildcats (11-5) got a complete game from senior pitcher Zak Shockley, who allowed just one hit and struck out five in the nonleague game at Baldwin-Wallace. Conor Hennessey and Tim McCoy teamed up for three hits, two RBI and two runs scored.

Avon 9, Rocky River 2

The Eagles (18-0, 9-0) remained unbeaten and lead the West Shore Conference as Greg Harrison had two doubles and two RBI in the home win.

Avon Lake 5, Amherst 4

Luke Latsko's two hits and two RBI led the Comets (13-8, 6-4) to the SWC victory.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights 4, Olmsted Falls 1

Joe Houk's 3-run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning proved to be the difference for the Bees (16-3-1, 9-1) in their SWC victory.

Keystone 13, Columbia 3

Brandon Sittinger and Jake Twining teamed up on a four-hitter with 13 strikeouts in picking up the Patriot Athletic Conference crossover-game victory for the Wildcats (12-7, 8-2).

Aurora 16, Beachwood 5

Tyler Thomas had two doubles, a triple and scored two runs for the Greenmen (14-1) in the CVC crossover-game victory.

Hawken 12, West Geauga 8

The Hawks (12-7) won the CVC crossover game as Mark Murgiano went 2-for-2 with a home run, a triple, three runs scored and two RBI.

How well or bad did the Browns do in the first round?

(John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer)Pat Shurmur

The Cleveland Browns drafted highly-rated running back Trent Richardson with the third- overall pick in the NFL Draft, and quarterback Brandon Weeden at No. 22.

The Browns got the feature running back they needed, but the debate is still out on the Browns drafting a QB who will turn 29 this fall.

The Browns have other needs that they will address in the later rounds, but how good did they do in the first round?

The Browns have remedied their two most glaring voids of the offseason.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerCleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defender Ahmad Brooks in October. McCoy might suffer a sack of a different sort this weekend after the Browns drafted Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden in the first round Thursday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When the Browns said Colt McCoy looked good at the start of offseason workouts, by "good" they obviously meant "expendable."

The next logical step after drafting Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden in the first round is to trade McCoy before the weekend is out.

They can recoup one of the draft choices they gave up to move to No. 3 for the Trent Richardson pick and lend more credence to their claim that they really do have a plan in Berea.

They have remedied the two most glaring voids of the off-season: the failure to land the Rams' No. 2 pick (Robert Griffin III) and letting their starting running back, Peyton Hillis, leave in free agency for a relatively modest salary.

Weeden and Trent Richardson were the answers. Good answers.

Another reason to like what the Browns did on Day 1: They didn't risk another team moving up and taking Richardson at No. 3. They didn't chance a competitor swooping in to grab Weeden late in the first round.

But being bold was only part of it. It also showed a lack of ego -- lack of ego not something routinely associated with the Mike Holmgren regime.

GM Tom Heckert didn't cling to the notion that Montario Hardesty -- a player he previously traded up to get, could be the answer at running back if only given an injury-free season.

Mike Holmgren didn't insist McCoy, his pick, could blossom given another year with more weapons around him.

They saw them for what they are -- backups -- and improved those positions in dramatic fashion.

Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff for a live, pick-by-pick draft chat tonight at 7 p.m. Chat will include live video cut-ins with Mary Kay Cabot.

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerWill this be your reaction tonight?

After taking Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden in the first round, what can the Browns do for encore during tonight's Round 2 and 3 of the 2012 NFL Draft?

Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff for a live, pick-by-pick draft chat tonight at 7 p.m. The Browns have the 37th and 67th overall selections.

Here's what to expect tonight and Saturday:

- Live chat with Manoloff and Moore along with analysis and video cut-ins with Mary Kay Cabot. Tonight's chat starts at 7 p.m. and Saturday chat starts at noon.

- Live draft board with pick-by-pick selections

- Continued breaking news coverage from Plain Dealer reporters and columnists.

- Archived videos from Berea including press conferences with Tom Heckert and the newest members of the Browns

- Photo galleries from Browns headquarters Berea as the newest members of the team arrive.

- Twitter updates from our team of reporters including instant analysis of the picks, breaking news tips and hot rumors

The Browns picked Brandon Weeden after Kendall Wright was gone, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

AP The Browns picked Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden after receiver Kendall Wright was gone, according to a report.

 CLEVELAND -- The Browns would've selected Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright at No. 22 over quarterback Brandon Weeden if he had been there, and told Colt McCoy on draft day that they weren't going to draft a quarterback in the first round, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.

 "We liked Kendall and there were a couple of guys that we liked, but a quarterback is a quarterback, which I think that outweighs everything, at least in our opinion,'' said Browns general manager Tom Heckert.

 Asked if he would've taken Wright, Heckert said, “We didn’t have to make that decision. Brandon was by far the best player for us. There wasn't really even an afterthought. As soon as a couple of guys went, we knew we were going to take him.''

 The Browns had told McCoy and the media all offseason that they were moving forward with McCoy as their starter and that they'd surround him with talent.

 VIKINGS HAD OFFERS: Vikings GM Rick Spielman told ESPN today that he had multiple offers for his No. 3 pick, and that he was talking to teams besides the Browns  up until two hours before the draft. The Tampa Bay Bucs were one of the teams hot after Richardson. The Browns gave up a fourth, fifth and seventh to move up a spot to draft Richardson. The fourth rounder, 118 overall, was acquired last year in the trade with Atlanta.

 SECOND-ROUND OPTIONS: Still available to the Browns heading into the second round of the draft include offensive tackles Cordy Glenn of Georgia, Jonathan Martin of Stanford, Mike Adams of Ohio State and Mississippi State's Bob Massie; and receivers Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech and Rueben Randle of LSU.

 Hill, projected by some to go in the first round, ran a 4.3 in his 40 at the Combine and has tremendous upside. Randle has great size (6-3, 210) and had good production last season, catching 50 passes for 904 yards and eight TDs.