Outfielder Johnny Damon is expected to join the Indians on Tuesday in Chicago for a three-game series against the White Sox. Damon has spent the last two weeks in expended spring training in Goodyear, Ariz., after signing a minor league deal with the Indians on April 17.

Patrick Semansky, Associated PressOutfielder Johnny Damon is expected to join the Indians on Tuesday in Chicago. The Tribe hopes the veteran, who played for Tampa Bay last year, will provide a boost to the team's struggling offense.

Johnny Damon is expected to join the Indians on Tuesday when they open a three- game series against Chicago at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Indians signed Damon to a minor-league deal worth $1.25 million on April 17. He's been playing games in extended spring training at the team's training site in Goodyear, Ariz., for the past two weeks.

When Damon was signed, the Indians said they expected him to go from extended spring training to Class AAA Columbus before coming to the big leagues. Those plans have changed.

Over the weekend, manager Manny Acta said the Indians were comfortable with what Damon was doing in Goodyear. Tuesday is May 1, the date of Damon's out clause in his contract. If he's not in the big leagues by then, he could ask for his release and become a free agent.

Damon, 38, did not go through spring training because he went unsigned after playing 150 games with Tampa Bay last year. He hit .261 (152-for-582) with 29 doubles, seven triples, 16 homers, 79 runs and 73 RBI.

The Indians' offense could a jolt. They've scored 17 runs in their past seven games.

When Damon joins the Indians, he's expected to share playing time with Shelley Duncan in left field. Duncan, who drove in a run in Sunday's 4-0 win over the Angels, is hitting .230 (14-for-61) with one double, two homers, eight RBI. He's struck out 22 times and walked 13.

A roster spot will have to created to make room for Damon.

Welcome back? Along with Damon, another outfielder might be joining the Indians in Chicago. Make that rejoining.

Shin-Soo Choo (left hamstring) says his goal is be back in the lineup Tuesday night. He has missed the last five games.

Sunday morning, Choo ran controlled sprints and did some agility drills. He played catch and took batting practice in the cages.

"It's getting better every day," said Choo. "I'm waiting for the day when it's 100 percent. My goal is play on Tuesday. I can still feel it a little when I run. But I'm fine hitting and throwing."

Choo said he's never had a hamstring problem.

"First time for hamstring and last year was first time for an oblique," said Choo. "I do everything the first time and then no more."

Slow start: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols, sitting on a new 10-year, $254 million contract, started Sunday hitting .357 (10-for-28) with one homer and 10 RBI against Tribe starter Derek Lowe.

Pujols went 0-for-3 against Lowe and 0-for-4 in the game. He is hitting .216 and has yet to hit a homer this year in 88 at-bats.

"Obviously, he's not swinging the same," said Lowe. "I don't care if you're a Hall of Fame player like he is, confidence is everything in this game. When you start losing it, and you start questioning yourself. . . ."

Lowe didn't finish that thought, but added: "I think the only difference I've noticed is that he's swinging at more pitches that he normally doesn't swing at. I've thrown him the same breaking balls I did today and he just watches them go by. I think that's the only thing I've seen in this series . . . he's a little more aggressive swinging at pitches he normally doesn't swing at."

Acta was glad Pujols left town without knocking down a portion of Progressive Field.

"I feel sorry for the people who are going to see him going forward," said Acta. "He's going to go off now. He's starting to get his timing. . . . I'm just glad he's out of here."

Surgery: Outfielder LeVon Washington will undergo surgery on his right hip Monday and miss two to four months. Washington was the No.2 pick in the 2010 draft.

Dr. Marc Philippon of the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo. will perform the surgery. Washington, out of Chipola (Fla.) Junior College, was hitting .440 (11-for-25) for Class A Lake County at the time of the injury.

Columbus had two goals disallowed in the Vancouver match, one of them was correctly called offside, while the other is still being debated.

AP File PhotoVancouver Whitecaps manager Martin Rennie spent two seasons in charge of the Cleveland City Stars, guiding them to a USL Second Division championship in 2008.

The Crew dropped a 1-0 decision at home to the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday with the lone goal coming on a perfectly-placed (accidental?) free kick by South Korean international Lee Young-Pyo. Columbus had two goals disallowed in the match, one of them was correctly called offside, while the other is still being debated.

Obviously, the referee doesn't have the benefit of replay, and, usually when they see a defender go down on a corner kick, most of the time the defender will get the call. (And if you're a goalkeeper, you'll get the call about 98 percent of the time, just ask Chad Marshall about his yellow card in the 81st minute)

Since we do have the benefit of replay (SEE BELOW), it clearly shows that both players had a hold of each other, but Vancouver defender Jay DeMerit slips, which is what caught the eye of the referee and drew the whistle the nullified what would have been an impressive way for Josh Williams to score his first MLS goal in the third minute. He would say after the game, "Usually on set pieces I go to the back post and I was able to lose the guy marking me. I knew the ball was going over Chad (Marshall’s) head and I just focused on hitting it hard. I was getting ready to celebrate but unfortunately it got called back.” 

Was this a foul on Chad Marshall?

It was a day of tough breaks for Williams, a Cleveland State alum, because 13 minutes later, the defender, making his second career start, smacked the crossbar on an incredible bicycle kick attempt.

Josh Williams hits the cross bar 

In the end, it was a goal by Young-Pyo that made the difference. Former Cleveland City Stars manager, and current Whitecaps boss Martin Rennie called the goal "fortuitous." Crew manager Robert Warzycha said after the game, "The guy was trying to cross the ball, and it ended up in the back of the net. If you ask him to hit 1,000 balls like this, probably he would never score with a goalkeeper between the posts."

Likely accidental, but Young-Pyo's free kick will be a Goal of the Week nominee

HELP IS ON THE WAY?

Optimistic Crew fans are looking forward to June when the Black and Gold's offense could get a jump start in the form of Costa Rican striker Jairo Arrieta. It was announced recently that Arrieta will join the team on a free transfer as soon as the transfer window opens on June 27.

Arrieta will join the team from Deportivo Saprissa of the Costa Rican First Division, where he has scored 45 goals in the last five seasons.

He will join the Crew being quite familiar with Major League Soccer having played against some of the league's best in the CONCACAF Champions League, including his new team.

Saprissa is 5-2-3 against MLS clubs since Arrieta joined the club. In 2008, Arrieta scored to help eliminate the Houston Dynamo in the Semifinals, and later scored in the second leg of the Final, but Pachuca won the title on aggregate.

In 2008-09, Arrieta scored in a 2-0 win over DC United, followed by a 2-2 draw in group play. The year after that, the Crew would hand Arrieta his first loss to an MLS club in group play, 1-0 on a goal from Eddie Gaven. Saprissa and Columbus would draw 1-1 in the second game, with the Costa Ricans missing the cut and the Crew moving on to the knockout round.

And in his last appearance in the Champions League, Arrieta helped Saprissa sweep both group games against the Seattle Sounders before losing to Real Salt Lake 2-0 in the first leg of the Semifinals, beating RSL in the second leg, but losing 3-2 on aggregate. 

Arrieta is excited to play with fellow Costa Rican and former teammate Olman Vargas and according to Adam Jardy's article in the Dispatch, Columbus had attempted to sign both players in the winter, but were unable to make that happen. Now, they will get Arrieta on a free transfer, and can focus on shopping for a new designated player, which will also bolster the Crew offense. 

If Arrieta can bring his goalscoring touch to Crew Stadium, it could be the spark the front line needs. Unfortunately for impatient Columbus fans who are frustrated with the team scoring six goals in their first seven games, they will have to wait until the end of June for relief. 

Highlights include NBA and NHL playoffs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV and radio sports listings

BASEBALL

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

7 p.m. Texas at Toronto, ESPN

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

COLLEGE BASEBALL

7 p.m. Virginia at Miami (Fla.), ESPNU

NBA PLAYOFFS

7 p.m. New York at Miami, TNT

7:30 p.m. Orlando at Indiana, NBATV

9:30 p.m. Dallas at Oklahoma City, TNT

NHL PLAYOFFS

7:30 p.m. Washington at N.Y. Rangers, NBCSN

9 p.m. Los Angeles at St. Louis, CNBC

SOCCER

2:30 p.m. Premier League, Man U at Man City, ESPN2

Frankly, I'm tired of all the buzz around the NHL postseason. "There's nothing better than playoff hockey." Oh, really? I'll tell you what's better than playoff hockey: April in Paris, Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk, my wife, Toni, and the NBA postseason, writes Norman Chad.

AP PhotoCarmelo Anthony and the Knicks have their hands full with LeBron James and the Heat in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Frankly, I’m tired of all the buzz around the NHL postseason. “There’s nothing better than playoff hockey.” Oh, really? I’ll tell you what’s better than playoff hockey: April in Paris, Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk, my wife, Toni, and the NBA postseason.

Yeah, the NBA postseason.

Besides, who is watching the NHL postseason? Ratings are way up this year, yet at any given time, twice as many people are watching “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” reunion show on Bravo than watching the NHL playoffs on NBC Sports Network. Heck, most prison TVs will put “Storage Wars” on before they put on a Predators-Coyotes game.

Anyway, the NBA playoffs are under way — my always-tainted money is on the Oklahoma City Thunder — and here are some of the fascinating story lines to follow:

For LeBron James, the Heat is on. Again. We all know how this tale ends — no title in Miami. Ultimately, “The Decision” will become “The Disaster,” leaving post-LeBron South Beach with 423 singles bars and zero NBA rings. In King James’ defense, when the Heat had that in-your-face Super Team celebration in July 2010 after LeBron, D-Wade and The Other Guy came together, it appears LeBron was misunderstood; he actually said the Heat would win “not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven” division titles.

With “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” gone, the Lakers are now America’s No. 1 soap opera. (1) Will Kobe Bryant get his deeply desired sixth NBA title? (2) Will Andrew Bynum keep his shirt on this postseason? (3) Will Mike Brown — a likeable fella — eventually be known as the guy who didn’t coach LeBron James or Kobe Bryant to an NBA championship? (4) Metta World Peace, I believe, is at war with his inner self.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the San Antonio Spurs. Without much fanfare, Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan have won four NBA titles since 1999. As Spurs coach, Popovich is 847-399 in the regular season and 108-73 in the postseason. Duncan has been around so long, he has played with David Robinson and George Mikan.

(Column Intermission: My good buddy Mark Kram Jr. has written a sublime book, “Like Any Normal Day,” a heart-wrenching tale of two athletic brothers. As Larry King would say, “Rush to your nearest Barnes & Noble to pick up this page-turner.” Keep the receipt: If you don’t find it riveting and poignant, it’s on me.)

Speaking of knuckleheads, the Mavericks will not go back-to-back. Dallas acquired Vince Carter in the off-season, and I once again must cite The Vince Carter Rule: No team he plays on will ever win an NBA title. Fans sometimes forget his nickname, “Half-Man/Half-Amazing/Half-Baked.” The Mavs are Carter’s fifth team in 14 seasons; he could play for all 30 NBA teams over 50 seasons and still not win a league title.

Can anyone in Clipper Nation protect Blake Griffin? Somebody has to have his back other than opponents climbing it. I’ve seen most Clippers games this season, and Griffin has been tackled, waylaid, knocked down or horse-collared more than Bodacious the Bull, and, unlike Bodacious, Blake doesn’t kick back. If I were the Clippers, I would trade for World Peace and just have him run alongside Griffin for 48 minutes.

Here’s a pretty good team you probably never think about during the course of your workweek — the Pacers. They had the third-best record in the East, yet 99 out of 100 Americans outside of Indianapolis cannot name a single Pacers starter.

Oh, yeah, let’s not forget about the Knicks. First, there was Linsanity. Then Woodsonsanity, Melosanity, Novaksanity and soon enough, maybe even Zenmastersanity. But now? It’s time for Oneanddoneintheplayoffssanity. And let me say it again: Spike Lee, SIT DOWN.

(Column Postscript: I would feel bad if I left my readers hanging about the Pacers. Their five starters are George Hill, Paul George, David West, Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert. For those of you who guessed Reggie Miller, he retired seven years ago; for those who guessed George McGinnis, he retired 30 years ago. And the Pacers’ coach is Frank Vogel, who is unknown even within much of the Vogel family.)

Ask The Slouch

Q. Sailor Matt Rutherford was sustained on the tail-end of his 10-month solo trip around the Americas by an 18-pack of PBR. How long would 18 PBRs sustain you? — Mike Burke, Virginia Beach, Va.

A. That usually gets me through the last five minutes of any Big East basketball game.

Q. Can you give Andrew Luck some firsthand advice on how to deal with failing to meet expectations? — John Cain, Brookfield, Wis.

A. You’re sadly mistaken, sir — who exactly had expectations for me?

Q. In its attempt to be the first to identify sleepers in the draft, how long until NFL Network goes to analyzing sonograms? — John Swope, Irwin, Pa.

A. Pay the man, Shirley.

You, too, can enter the $1.25 Ask The Slouch Cash Giveaway. Just email asktheslouch@aol.com and, if your question is used, you win $1.25 in cash!

Norman Chad is a freelance writer in Los Angeles.

Akron offensive lineman Jake Anderson signed with the Browns, while three Kent State players signed pro deals.

Now that the NFL teams have made their choices with the three-day draft, the remaining players can do the same as free agents. Locally, Jake Stoller, a product of University School and Yale, has cast his lot with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is one of five undrafted area players known to sign with NFL teams.

Stoller, the 6-4, 290-pound defensive lineman, decided to sign with a franchise known for having a keen eye for small-college players and free agents.

Akron offensive lineman Jake Anderson signed with the Browns, while three Kent State players signed pro deals. Center Chris Anzevino and defensive tackle Ishmaa'ily Kitchen signed with the Baltimore Ravens, and receiver Sam Kirkland signed with the Washington Redskins.

“I was real excited when they called,” Stoller said. “You can't get a better organization than the Steelers. I grew up in Cleveland, so for an AFC Central team to like me, I'm excited.

“I talked to the D-line coach up there. They run a 3-4, and I played in a 3-4 my first two years in college. I think I'll be able to catch on pretty quick. I'm heading up there on Friday this week [for rookie camp]. My last final is Wednesday, so it's a busy week.”

• Related: Unofficial list of Browns undrafted free agent signings

Will the Miami Heat win the NBA Title?

Ben Margot | Associated PressTim Duncan

The NBA playoffs started last Saturday and we already have plenty of surprises. Now that Derrick Rose is out for the season due to injury, does this mean the Miami Heat will have a cake walk to the Finals?

Or how about the Los Angeles Lakers that everyone considered dead? Can the Lakers pull off the surprise and win it all under coach Mike Brown?

Who do you choose?

"Quarterbacks get hurt all of the time. You need a good backup and Colt has the attributes to be just that. High character, not a whiner, adequate reach of the offense. He can and will be a good backup, no need to get rid of him. Wallace makes much more and should be the QB cut." - nsmithNYC

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerOne cleveland.com reader feels Colt McCoy would be a great backup quarterback option for the Browns.

"Quarterbacks get hurt all of the time. You need a good backup and Colt has the attributes to be just that. High character, not a whiner, adequate reach of the offense. He can and will be a good backup, no need to get rid of him. Wallace makes much more and should be the QB cut."

"Damon can't do anything but help. Duncan is just lunging at everything at the plate now. He needs a break. He's a decent platoon against lefties/occasional DH for Hafner. But, once Damon is fully ready to go, he should be the "everyday" left fielder. It's a shame that all of this recent great pitching is not being backed up with runs by the offense. Any offense at all, and they would have a 3 game lead in the division by now." - NWBuckeye

View full sizeTony Gutierrez, Associated PressOne cleveland.com reader says Johnny Damon coming to the Tribe couldn't have been at a better time.

"Damon can't do anything but help. Duncan is just lunging at everything at the plate now. He needs a break. He's a decent platoon against lefties/occasional DH for Hafner. But, once Damon is fully ready to go, he should be the "everyday" left fielder. It's a shame that all of this recent great pitching is not being backed up with runs by the offense. Any offense at all, and they would have a 3 game lead in the division by now."

"If Jamison would be willing to come off the bench with the second unit, I'd resign him to a one or two year deal. I love how he has mentored the young players and helped them learn how to keep playing hard even through a losing season. I think having that leadership is worth a few bad shots and some shotty defense." - jsmi53081

View full sizeAP Photo/Tony DejakOne cleveland.com reader believes the Cavaliers should bring back Antawn Jamison next season off the bench.

"If Jamison would be willing to come off the bench with the second unit, I'd resign him to a one or two year deal. I love how he has mentored the young players and helped them learn how to keep playing hard even through a losing season. I think having that leadership is worth a few bad shots and some shotty defense. And crazy as some people may think I am, I love Luke Walton on our team. He has played with the best player in this era of the NBA, and if he learned some things from Kobe during those championship years and can impart that wisdom to the young cavs players...but we still need to be prepared to watch the growing pains of young players for the next 2 or 3 seasons."

Today, live at noon, on PD Sports Insider: Browns Edition, join Dennis Manoloff and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, along with Mary Kay Cabot to recap the 2012 NFL draft and discuss how each player will impact the team next season.

Watch PD Sports Insider live at noon every Monday and Thursday on cleveland.com

Today, live at noon, on PD Sports Insider: Browns Edition, brought to you by Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Avon Lake, join Dennis Manoloff and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, along with Mary Kay Cabot to recap the 2012 NFL draft and discuss how each player will impact the team next season. Bud Shaw is off today.

Be sure to Like PD Sports Insider on Facebook.

Note: To turn off audio alerts in the chatroom, click on the round button on bottom left of the chat room, then preferences. Uncheck all audio options and save.

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

Viewers have to the opportunity to ask questions and post comments in a live chat room during the show. They can also email their video questions during the week.

Trent Richardson grew up in the shadow of Emmitt Smith.

Associated PressEmmitt Smith rambles for a few of his all-time leading 18,355 career rushing yards.

The comparisons are hard to avoid. Not only did Trent Richardson graduate from the same high school as Emmitt Smith, but the two players have similar running styles.

Emmitt Smith has recently stepped in to offer Richardson advice, writes Marla Ridenour of Ohio.com.

“He let Trent grow up on his own and not be a major influence or a distraction,” Boyd said of Smith in a recent telephone interview. “Now Emmitt is providing a little bit more guidance.”

The two got together at the Doak Walker awards after last season. Hall of famer Smith will remain in Richardson’s corner.

“Our relationship is pretty strong,” said Richardson, who was, selected third overall by the Browns on Thursday. “He always tells me that anything I need, ‘make sure you come and talk to me and make sure you use me as best you can.’ That dude, he is tremendous when it comes to knowing this game of football and building a relationship with people.”

Richardson hopes to take advantage of Smith's knowledge.

More Cleveland Browns

Grading the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Draft (SBNation.com).

Brandon Weeden needs what Colt McCoy didn't get (Cleveland.com).

Mel Kiper wonders what happened  (ESPN).

Draft ranks the Browns' draft fourth in the AFC North (The News-Herald).

Sizing up the wide receivers (CantonRep.com).

Cleveland Browns draft one wide receiver (National Football Authority).

Complete list of undrafted free agents (NEPatriotsdraft.com).

Today, live at noon, on PD Sports Insider: Browns Edition, brought to you by Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Avon Lake, join Dennis Manoloff and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, along with Mary Kay Cabot to recap the 2012 NFL draft and discuss how each player will impact the team next season. Bud Shaw was off today. Watch video

Today's PD Sports Insider is brought to you by Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Avon Lake. Stay tuned for the next show Thursday, May 3 at noon.

Be sure to like PD Sports Insider on Facebook

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

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

Plain Dealer Cavs writer says draft's depth will mean Cavaliers - picking No. 6 or better - will be able to address an area of need. Watch video

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

The NBA playoffs started over the weekend. Which team are you picking to win it all? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat reporter Tom Reed, who says he is still picking the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Tom also talks with Branson about how deep the 2012 NBA draft will be, and whether the Cavs will be able to help themselves with their first-round picks, which will be No. 24, and no lower than sixth, based on the results of the draft lottery one month from now.

They also talk about why Tom voted for San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich as his NBA Coach of the Year.

Mary Kay Cabot says no when asked if the Browns should sign free agent Braylon Edwards.

APWould you like to see Braylon Edwards return to Cleveland?

The draft is over and the Cleveland Browns still need a wide receiver. The Browns did draft a wide receiver in Miami's Travis Benjamin, but it isn't enough.

The Browns could certainly use another addition at the wide receiver spot, and that could come via free agency. There are several receivers available on the free agent market, including former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards.

Yes, Edwards has had his issues here in Cleveland, but he has also done at least one good thing.

Mary Kay Cabot says on 92.3 The Fan that signing Edwards would be a disaster.

"Actions speak louder than words. And like Richardson said, he's got a lot to prove if he's going to be measured up against the greats who have played the game... including Jim Brown. For the sake of Cleveland Brown fans everywhere... I hope he makes Jim Brown eat his words... though that would be even MORE of a stretch!" - medtron

View full sizeAP Photo/Mark DuncanOne cleveland.com reader hopes Trent Richardson makes Jim Brown eat his own words.

"It will be a long time, if ever, that Cleveland gets a running back that will erase Jim Brown's records. The game has changed too much for a running back to get as many carries to even have a shot at it. And with a West Coast offense - there's not a chance of it happening.

Jim Brown has always been a man who speaks his mind, and with his ego, I seriously doubt he cares much about disparaging the Cleveland Browns organization by discounting Trent Richardson. Jim Brown's opinion means more to him than that.

When you compare the potential of a college running back to the greats who have played the professional game, it's not a stretch to call ANY recruit "ordinary". But that all changes with that first snap from scrimmage. Actions speak louder than words. And like Richardson said, he's got a lot to prove if he's going to be measured up against the greats who have played the game... including Jim Brown. For the sake of Cleveland Brown fans everywhere... I hope he makes Jim Brown eat his words... though that would be even MORE of a stretch!"

"Gibson should be released. The Cavs could draft a specialist to replace him on the roster in the second round. A bigger, cheaper, taller, developing player like William Bufford. He would be a major upgrade to the Boobie." - lt1906

View full sizeScott Shaw/Plain DealerOne cleveland.com reader thinks the Cavs should cut ties with Daniel Gibson, and fill his void with a better player in the upcoming draft.

"Gibson should be released. The Cavs could draft a specialist to replace him on the roster in the second round. A bigger, cheaper, taller, developing player like William Bufford. He would be a major upgrade to the Boobie. Don't forget, in his junior year he ran the point for OSU. He can create his own shot, shoot the three and handle. This team had no scorers coming off the bench, so this draft needs to provide scorers. We should not bring back anyone who does not have scoring skills. The draft has to provide someone with post up skills, a scorer, and a playmaker. The Cavs should not trade any picks unless it for a first rounder in 2013 draft."

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

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

AP fileGet to know your new quarterback, Brandon Weeden.

"Most Browns fans seemed enthusiastic about the first round, but that quickly dissolved into confusion and frustration when the team chose to address the offensive and defensive lines with its early picks on the draft’s second day."

"More than anything, they’re getting a gamer. There are guys in the league (looking at you, Jay Cutler) less interested in winning games and being great than they are with being famous, or so it would seem. All Weeden is concerned about every week is competing and making plays and winning games. I think his 23-3 record in college speaks for itself."

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerWhat is up with Justin Masterson this year?

"When Masterson finds himself pitching with men on base this year, it’s like he forgets he can dominate any batter in the game. With the bases empty opponents post a .520 OPS against Justin. It leaps to a Ruthian 1.101 with men on. It seems like he can’t bear down, if you will, recording only five strikeouts with seven walks with men on base in 54 plate appearances as opposed to 15 punchouts and 10 walks with the bases empty through 80 PAs. In the A’s game especially, he just looked shaken on the hill. Again, is it just because it’s early, and we’re overreacting here to a blip on the radar of the long season, or is this Carmona all over again?"

"After setting a franchise record by homering in their first nine games of the season, the Cleveland Indians have now gone 11 straight contests without clearing the fence once. “That’s pretty pathetic,” you say, not even glancing up from your iPhone, “but it doesn’t explain why the Browns drafted Brandon Weeden in the first effing round.” Well, dearest reader, what if I told you it actually DOES explain it? That’s right. Prepare to have your fragile, one-track minds blown, Ohio."

Getty ImagesShould Byron Scott have his team geared for a playoff spot next season?

Byron Scott preached playoffs this year anyways, however, for as long as he could without sounding completely ridiculous. After using just about ever press conference two seasons ago to specifically distance himself from the record setting mark for ineptitude his team set in 2010, I appreciated the fact that he put himself out there to a degree by doing the opposite this time around. He said his goal was to make the playoffs, pushed his team as much as he could in that direction this year, and his team made progress moving forward as a result. It wasn't obviously his fault they ended up completely tanking and finishing with the third worst record in the League in the end, but the fact that he somewhat put himself out there was important I think."

"With a 95% chance at a top five pick, Jared Sullinger probably won’t be on Cleveland’s radar. I wrote a draft profile anyways, because what’s a series like this, on Cavs:the Blog, without discussing the draft’s highest profile Ohioan."

One columnist thinks Richardson should become the third-best running back in Browns' history, behind two Hall of Famers and ahead of another. Links to more Trent Richardson stories.

Associated PressTrent Richardson (3) will begin his Cleveland Browns career with lofty expectations.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns have had losing records in 16 of their last 19 seasons -- including 11 of 13 since returning to the NFL as a franchise in 1999.

The Browns have been rewarded for their futility with a long list of high draft picks.

There have been some big-time college players selected by the Browns over the past two-plus decades. Few lived up to their reputations once they hit the NFL.

Perhaps the biggest name on the long list of high-profile Browns picks during this long stretch is the player Cleveland tabbed with the third overall pick in last week's draft -- Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Check the Plain Dealer and cleveland.com for continued Browns, NFL and draft coverage. Mary Kay Cabot wrote that Browns president Mike Holmgren made it clear that he didn't want the Browns to lose out on Richardson to another team.

Cleveland.com's twice-weekly half-hour video feature, PD Sports Insider, has Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot, with Dennis Manoloff and Glenn Moore, re-capping the Browns' draft.

Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository writes why he thinks Richardson will be so valuable to the Browns (referring to Jim Brown):

Seems to me Thursday’s first pick, Trent Richardson, should become the third-best back in Browns history behind Brown and that long-ago Canton kid, Marion Motley.

Jim Brown and Marion Motley are Hall of Famers. Doerschuk places Richardson potentially ahead of Leroy Kelly, the Hall of Famer who was a Browns running back his entire NFL career. Bobby Mitchell teamed with Brown at running back for four seasons with Cleveland, though his Hall of Fame career was enhanced just as much by his seasons as a Washington Redskins wide receiver.

Trent Richardson story links

The road to fame and riches began in a westside Pensacola neighborhood for Trent Richardson. (By Troy Moon, Pensacola News Journal)

Trent Richardson and the Browns is among the draft pairings that might not work out. (By Jeffri Chadiha, ESPN.com)

Trent Richardson and the Browns is a great pairing. (By Jamison Hensley, ESPN.com)

Grading the Browns' pick of Trent Richardson. (By Mike Hoag, Jr., Bleacher Report)

Trent Richardson has the backing of NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, who went to the same high school as did Richardson. (By Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal)

Trent Richardson will be one of the rookies most likely to have a big season. (By Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News)

First-round picks Trent Richardson and Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden are critical to the Browns' future. (By Mike McLain, Warren Tribune Chronicle) 

The Browns made the right move when they assured themselves of getting Trent Richardson. (By Peter King, Sports Illustrated's SI.com)

"This was a nice win. I remain concerned, however, that because our offense cannot blow out any teams, that Acta continues to use Pestano and Perez in all of our wins. That cannot last for a competitive team that hopes to win, say, 90 games. Why not at least try others in games like this one in which we are up by four runs? Let's not wear out Pestano and Perez. Remember what Wedge did to the two Rafis in 2007. They were pretty bad by the playoffs and useless in 2008." - lernerb

View full sizeAP Photo/Amy SancettaOne cleveland.com reader hopes the offense can blow out some opponents to save the arms of the relievers, like Chris Perez, right.

"This was a nice win. I remain concerned, however, that because our offense cannot blow out any teams, that Acta continues to use Pestano and Perez in all of our wins. That cannot last for a competitive team that hopes to win, say, 90 games. Why not at least try others in games like this one in which we are up by four runs? Let's not wear out Pestano and Perez. Remember what Wedge did to the two Rafis in 2007. They were pretty bad by the playoffs and useless in 2008."

Charlotte finished 7-59 in the lockout-shortened season. Silas coached the Cavs for nearly two full seasons -- the first of LeBron James' NBA career.

Associated PressPaul Silas won't return as Charlotte's coach after the Bobcats finished the 2011-12 lockout-shortened season with the worst winning percentage in NBA history (.106).

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The worst team in NBA history will have a new coach next season.

The Charlotte Bobcats have decided not to renew coach Paul Silas' contract after the team finished 7-59 this season for the worst winning percentage in league history (.106).

"We have been talking internally about what is best for us going forward," Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins said at a news conference Monday. "The record kind of speaks for itself. When you look at the youthfulness of this roster ... we just all felt collectively that the change was something we wanted to do at this time."

The 68-year-old Silas, who told The Associated Press late in the season he wanted to "see things through" and coach one more year, said Monday he found out earlier in the day he would not be brought back.

Silas said he was not surprised by the decision.

"I'm ok with that," he said. "I have had a very successful career coaching and playing and it's time to move on."

Silas coached the Cleveland Cavaliers during LeBron James' first two seasons. The Cavs finished 35-47 in the 2003-04 campaign, Silas and James' first with Cleveland. The Cavaliers were 34-30 the next season when they fired Silas and replaced him with Brendan Malone. Cleveland finished 42-40 and was denied the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference by losing a tiebreaker rule to the New Jersey Nets.

Silas was one of the NBA's top power forwards during a 16-year playing career (1964-80). A two-time all-star, he helped the Boston Celtics win championships in 1974 and 1976 and the Seattle SuperSonics win one in 1979.

Silas said he was promised a job in the organization by team owner Michael Jordan and said he's retiring from coaching.

It's unclear who'll replace Silas, who leaves with a 32-88 record at Charlotte. Higgins said a search for his replacement will begin immediately.

"We do not have a timetable. We will start as soon as this presser is over," he said. "I just don't want to say there is a time frame. We plan on interviewing quite a few people. We want to find the right guy."

Higgins said Silas' son, Stephen Silas -- who served as an assistant under his father and led the team in several games -- will be interviewed for the job, but added finding someone with heading coaching experience "is important."

"We want someone who wants to win," Higgins said. "That's the main quality. We will have quite a few candidates. I would say there are quite a few people who come into mind."

Finding someone who might be interested in taking over the last-place Bobcats might not be easy. They're light on talent and experience and it could be a long way from competing for a playoff spot.

Bobcats general manager Rich Cho is aware this job might not be for everyone.

"Those are the type of coaches we don't want to bring in," Cho said. "I want somebody that will relish the opportunity and look at it as a challenge. It's really easy to go to a winning team and take that opportunity. But I want somebody in here that's going to look at this as a great opportunity and a challenge and a chance to build something from the ground up."

Silas was in a difficult situation heading into the season with a young and inexperienced team, plus a shortened offseason that limited practice time. Injuries to top players like Corey Maggette, D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson did not help.

"I respect Paul to the utmost," Higgins said. "He wanted to be successful but it was an unfortunate thing that it didn't happen."

Late in the season, Silas was involved in an altercation with forward Tyrus Thomas, shoving him in the locker room following a loss. The two had gotten into an argument and had to be separated.

But Higgins said that didn't factor into the decision to part ways with Silas.

Players tried to rally to his defense after the season to save his job, but to no avail.

"I think Paul did the best he could with the guys he had on the floor," Maggette said Friday. "We went through a year where night after night guys were going down with injuries and you're shooting under 30 percent from the field. You just can't win any games that way. That's tough. So hopefully they give him an opportunity to show what type of a coach he is and what he can bring to the table here."

But in the end it was hard for the Bobcats to justify keeping him.

They were last in the league in scoring and shooting percentage and lost 22 games by 20 or more points.

Silas said he's unsure what role he'll have with the Bobcats moving forward, but hopes to have some input on personnel decisions.

The Bobcats are guaranteed one of the top four picks in the NBA draft and could have the No. 1 pick overall and a shot at Kentucky's Anthony Davis. They're also expected to be extremely aggressive in free agency, trying to build with some young talent.

"I really know this team and I think I understand this team better than anyone because I've had them for a whole year," Silas said. "So I hope I can be a part of making some decisions as to who we bring in here... All I want to do is see this team be successful. The people in Charlotte deserve it."

Silas entered the season with a career coaching mark of 380-429 and a 13-16 mark in the playoffs in 11 seasons as an NBA coach. He previously coached the San Diego Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Hornets and the Cavaliers.

As for Silas' assistant coaches, their contracts expire on June 30. No decision has been made as to their future.