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Ohio State basketball adds Italian guard Della Valle

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Della Valle was ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, and he picked the Buckeyes over Arizona and Texas A&M.

Amedeo Della Valle is No. 2 in this prep video



COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State will have four scholarship guards next season, now including one that should be a shooter above all else. Amedeo Della Valle, an Italian native who played at nationally-ranked Findlay Prep in Nevada last season, officially signed a national letter of intent with the Buckeyes this week.

He joins natural point guards Aaron Craft and Shannon Scott and defense-first two guard Lenzelle Smith Jr. in the OSU backcourt. He also brings the Buckeyes to 10 scholarship players, after Ohio State lost Jared Sullinger to the NBA early and Jordan Sibert and J.D. Weatherspoon to transfers.

Della Valle was ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, and he picked the Buckeyes over Arizona and Texas A&M. The 6-foot-4, 180-pounder scored 15.1 points per game for the Italian national team in the under-18 European Championship last year. He is the only player in Ohio State's 2012 recruiting class.


It's a matter of adjustments for Ubaldo Jimenez: Indians Insider

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The White Sox, in battering Ubaldo Jimenez on Tuesday night, swung and missed at just three of his 105 pitches.

Ubaldo JimenezUbaldo Jimenez is trying to make some changes in his delivery.

CHICAGO -- The Indians aren't trying to overhaul Ubaldo Jimenez's mechanics. They're much too complicated. What they want to do is make a slight change in hopes that it lets Jimenez avoid a repeat of Tuesday's performance at U.S. Cellular Field.

Jimenez says the adjustment has to do with his left shoulder.

"I've been trying to create more power and torque with my front [left] shoulder," he said.

Jimenez said pitching coach Scott Radinsky, in comparing video from his starts in 2010 to those in 2011 and this year, found that his left shoulder isn't in the same position it was in 2010 when he won 19 games for the Rockies.

"I've been trying to get myself to have a better delivery," said Jimenez. "I haven't been doing that. My front shoulder is probably too open ... I didn't know I was doing it until the pitching coach showed me video of 2010, 2011 and this year."

Jimenez gave up seven runs, four earned, in 4 2/3 innings in Tuesday's 7-2 loss. He walked six, struck out one and threw 105 pitches. He felt the adjustment worked for the first two innings. Outside of A.J. Pierzynski's homer in the second, he felt good.

Then came the Indians' ugliest inning of the season, a four-run third in which third baseman Jason Donald lost a fly ball in the smoke from the fireworks that celebrated Gordon Beckham's leadoff homer. Asdrubal Cabrera made an error at shortstop and dropped another pop up on the mound.

Jimenez did not help matters with consecutive walks to Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko to force home a run following Cabrera's error.

In Jimenez's 105 pitches, the White Sox swung and missed just three times. They did not swing and miss until his 92nd pitch. Jimenez hit 96 mph during the game, but in general his velocity was down. Manager Manny Acta said it was because of the adjustment.

"This is the first game he's tried it," said Acta. "In Colorado his [left arm] was up during his delivery. He's been pitching with it down [with the Indians]."

Acta says they've continually checked with Jimenez to see if he's healthy. Jimenez has told them since spring training that he's not injured.

Up in smoke: Donald blamed the people who ignited the fireworks after Beckham's homer for causing Alejandro De Aza's fly ball disappear in a puff of smoke.

The same cloud hovered over the infield after Pierzynski's homer in the first. Jimenez, however, stepped off the mound and waited for it to clear. He did not wait after Beckham's homer.

"I said to myself, 'If someone hits a ball in the air, no one is going to see it,'" said Donald. "I saw the ball go off the bat and I knew I was in the general vicinity, but as for knowing exactly where it was, I had no clue."

Added Donald, "It's unfortunate that something like happens in a big-league park. You have to have a feel for something like that. The first time you see it happen, you can't allow it to happen again.

"It's not going to magically disappear the second time. It's going to do the exact same thing it did the first time."

Surprise: Cabrera received a gift Wednesday when MLB overturned an error call in Sunday's 4-0 victory over the Angels and awarded him a two-run double. The play in question took place in the fifth inning when Gold Glove right fielder Torii Hunter lost Cabrera's fly ball in the sun.

The ball fell right next to Hunter as two Indians scored for a 2-0 lead. Indians players petitioned the team PR department to get the play reviewed by MLB, which ruled in Cabrera's favor.

The ruling flies in the face of what MLB told official scorers during the off-season. They said if a player lost a ball in the sun at the last moment, it should be ruled an error. Hunter never signaled for help and seemed to see the ball until the very end when he fanned on it.

In another scoring change from the series, Angels shortstop Erick Aybar was credited with an infield hit in the fourth inning of Saturday's 2-1 victory. Second baseman Jason Kipnis was originally charged with an error.

Finally: Shin-Soo Choo returned to the lineup after missing six games with a strained left hamstring. Choo hit sixth for the first time this year. He's spent 15 games in the No.3 spot. ... As for how Acta will use Johnny Damon and Shelley Duncan in left field, it sounds like Acta will go series by series until he sees how much Damon has left. Damon, who made his debut Wednesday, will start again Thursday.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Cleveland Indians ride a power surge, top Chicago White Sox, 6-3

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UPDATED: Jack Hannahan's RBI double breaks tie and Carlos Santana and Travis Hafner homer to halt Chicago's win streak vs. Tribe. Johnny Damon leaves game with cramps.

Gallery preview

CHICAGO, Ill. — It does not appear as if Johnny Damon turned into Juan Gonzalez on Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. He's scheduled to be back in the lineup tonight despite a case of "general cramping" that cut short his Indians debut and rekindled memories of Gonzalez's ill-fated comeback.

Damon left the game after his sixth-inning pop-up because of cramping throughout his body. After spending two weeks in the Arizona desert getting ready to join the Indians, he said the humidity on the south side of Chicago dehydrated him and forced him out of the Indians' 6-3 victory.

In 2005, Gonzalez, a two-time American League MVP, tried to make a comeback with the Tribe. It lasted one at-bat as he tore his hamstring coming out of the batter's box on a grounder at the Metrodome. It was Gonzalez's last big-league at-bat. He was 35, three years younger than Damon.

If this had been Damon's last game with the Tribe, at least he would have gone out a winner. The Indians struck late to beat Chicago for the first time in four games this season. Jack Hannahan broke a 3-3 tie with a two-out RBI double in the eighth and Travis Hafner provided security with a two-run homer in the ninth.

Michael Brantley, demoted to the seventh spot in the lineup so Damon could lead off, singled to center with two out against Will Ohman (0-1) in the eighth. Casey Kotchman worked Ohman for a walk and right-hander Addison Reed relieved to allow Hannahan's double past third.

Hannahan is hitting .615 (8-for-13) with 12 RBI with two out and runners in scoring position. He's hitting .500 (9-for-18) with 15 RBI with runners in scoring position and less than two outs.

"Jack Hannahan is a two-out, RBI machine," said sidearmer Joe Smith, who struck out the side in the seventh to earn the victory.

Hafner's third homer came off lefty Matt Thornton. After going 11 games without a homer, the Indians have hit three in the past two games. Carlos Santana hit a three-run homer in the fifth.

On his trip around the bases, Hafner was limping after getting hit in the right knee in the third inning.

"That ball squared him out pretty good," said manager Manny Acta. "I think he should keep hitting the ball like he did at the end. That way he doesn't have to run very hard."

The Indians signed Damon on April 17 and sent him to Goodyear, Ariz., to get in shape.

"It is a little embarrassing coming out like that in my first game back," said Damon. "I consider myself very healthy and was running very well in Arizona. But the humidity got me the first day.

"We normally don't talk about humidity in Chicago in May."

Damon said his blood pressure medication may have played a part in dehydrating him and taking the potassium out of his body.

The starting pitchers were Josh Tomlin and Phil Humber. They are workout partners in the winter and good friends. They each went six innings, allowing three runs, but were not involved in the decision.

Smith, Tony Sipp, Vinnie Pestano and Chris Perez followed Tomlin with three scoreless innings. Perez earned his eighth save and the pen has gone five games, a total of 15 innings, without allowing a run.

"There's one thing about us, we have a sense of urgency," said Smith. "We weren't pitching well at the start of the season. We talked about it. None of us like to give up runs."

The Indians took a 3-1 lead on Santana's 430-foot homer in the fifth. It was Santana's fourth homer and first since April 17, when he hit a three-run drive against Seattle at Safeco Field.

Santana hammered a 1-1 pitch high into the seats in the right-field bleachers. The ball nearly reached the concourse.

As soon as Tomlin got the lead, he gave it right back. Alexei Ramirez hit a two-out, two-run single in the fifth to tie the game at 3. Tomlin had two out and two on when he walked leadoff hitter Alejandro Pena on four pitches to load the bases and bring Ramirez to the plate.

"After you get a lead like that, you want to get the boys back in the dugout as fast as you can so they can swing the bats," said Tomlin. "I've got to get better at that."

The Indians missed two great early chances against Humber. They loaded the bases in the first and third and got nothing out of it.

The Indians are hitting .115 (3-for-26) with the bases loaded.

Adam Dunn gave Chicago a 1-0 lead with a homer in the fourth. It was the first hit Tomlin allowed.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Columbus Clippers split doubleheader with Gwinnett Braves: Minor League Report

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Pitcher Giovanni Soto gets his third victory of the season in Akron's 3-1 win over Binghamton, Carolina tops Lynchburg, and Lake County defeats Dayton.

cord phelps.JPGView full sizeCord Phelps of the Columbus Clippers.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Braves 7-2, Clippers 4-3 LF Matt LaPorta (.384) knocked in two runs, and 2B Cord Phelps (.275) scored twice to help host Columbus split a doubleheader with Gwinnett in the International League.

Zach McAllister (3-1, 2.83 ERA) pitched five strong innings for the Clippers, striking out six. Jeremy Accardo (2.63) got the last two outs for his fourth save.

In the first game, which was suspended in the fourth inning on Tuesday, 3B Andy LaRoche (.172) and LaPorta homered, but the bullpen gave up six runs in 61/3 innings.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 3, Mets 1 Giovanni Soto (3-0, 3.33) struck out nine in seven strong innings as Akron defeated Binghamton in an Eastern League game at home.

DH Adam Abraham (.265) went 2-for-3 for the Aeros, while SS Ryan Rohlinger (.211), Thomas Neal (.281) and 3B Kyle Bellows (.231) each knocked in a run.

Kyle Landis (0.61) pitched two scoreless innings for his first save.

Advanced A Carolina Mudcats

Mudcats 5, Hillcats 2 Carolina scored three runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by an RBI single from 3B Tyler Cannon (.250), as the Mudcats rallied to win the Carolina League game in Lynchburg, Va.

Cannon also knocked in a run in the ninth inning with a sacrifice fly.

Kyle Petter (1-1, 7.71) got the victory with two scoreless innings in relief of starter Francisco Jimenez (3.74). Jose Flores (1.42) pitched a scoreless ninth for his fifth save.

1B Jesus Aguilar (.325) went 4-for-4 for Carolina, and SS Tony Wolters (.151) went 2-for-4.

The Hillcats made five errors.

A Lake County Captains

Captains 5, Dragons 3 3B Leonardo Castillo (.163) hit his first homer of the season, and SS Francisco Lindor (.327) had three hits, two runs scored and a stolen base as Lake County won the Midwest League game in Dayton.

Felix Sterling (1-0, 3.56) pitched 5 1/3 innings for the victory, giving up two earned runs and striking out five. Jeff Johnson (.9.64) pitched a perfect ninth inning to get his second save.

LF Bryson Myles went 3-for-4, raising his batting average to .319.

Jered Weaver throws no-hitter in Los Angeles Angels' 9-0 win over Minnesota Twins

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UPDATED, with photo gallery: The Twins never come close to getting a hit against the right-handed Weaver, who struck out nine and walked one.

Gallery preview

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jered Weaver pitched the second no-hitter in the majors in less than two weeks, completely overmatching Minnesota on Wednesday night and leading the Los Angeles Angels to a 9-0 win over the Twins.

Weaver struck out nine and walked one. The Twins never came close to getting a hit against the All-Star right-hander.

"It was an easy ride," Weaver said.

Phil Humber of the Chicago White Sox threw a perfect game at Seattle on April 21.

Weaver (4-0), a California native who played at Long Beach State, began the ninth by quickly retiring Jamey Carroll on a routine fly and striking out Denard Span looking.

Weaver then got Alexi Casilla to lift a long fly that right fielder Torii Hunter easily caught at the warning track. The Angels' ace watched his Gold Glove outfielder make the play, and put his hands on his head as the Angels rushed out to mob him.

"Spider-Man out there. I knew he had a bead on it," Weaver said of Hunter. "Casilla put a charge in it and Spider-Man tracked it down."

An inning earlier, Weaver and his teammates could only hope when Trevor Plouffe lined a shot that hooked foul a few feet before reaching the left-field foul pole.

After that, Weaver finished off the Twins in fast order.

His gem complete, Weaver hugged his wife, his dad and his mom, who was crying on the field.

"I was locked in for the most part," he said. "My mom, dad, wife, this was awesome."

Weaver will soon get a chance to do it again against the Twins -- his next start is scheduled for Monday at Minnesota.

"I'm at a loss for words right now. It hasn't kicked in yet," he said. "Thank you for all your support. Couldn't have done it without the defense. The guys were picking me up left and right."

This was the second Angels no-hitter in less than a year -- Ervin Santana pitched one July 27 at Cleveland -- and the 10th for the Angels franchise, including four by Nolan Ryan.

Weaver threw 121 pitches, and the cheers from the crowd of 27,288 kept growing louder.

"Fastball command was good. Able to fill up the zone get some early strikes," Weaver said.

"This is so surreal I can't even believe this," he said.

Only one Minnesota batter reached base through the first seven innings, and that was when catcher Chris Iannetta committed a passed ball on strike three to Chris Parmelee with two out in the second. Josh Willingham drew the only walk Weaver allowed with two outs in the seventh.

"He dominated us, there's no question about it," Span said. "He was doing everything. He kept us off-balance, changed speeds and finished strong."

The no-hitter was the highlight for a 29-year-old pitcher who has already compiled quite a resume.

Weaver finished second in the AL Cy Young voting last year after going 18-8 with a 2.41 ERA. He and winner Justin Verlander were the only pitchers listed on every ballot.

Kendrys Morales and Howie Kendrick homered to back Weaver, not that he needed much support.

The Angels' three-game sweep of the Twins included a complete-game three-hit shutout on Tuesday night by Jerome Williams, who retired 18 of his last 19 batters.

The Twins haven't had a hit in the last 15 innings.

It was the first time the Angels had back-to-back complete game wins since 1993 when Chuck Finley and Mark Langston did it.

The Angels built a 6-0 lead against Australian-born Liam Hendriks (0-2).

Thursday, May 3 television and radio sports listings for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

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Highlights include Indians at White Sox and NBA and NHL playoff games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV and radio sports listings

BASEBALL

7 p.m. LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS at Dayton, AM/1330

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

8 p.m. N.Y. Yankees at Kansas City, MLBN

8:10 p.m. INDIANS at Chicago White Sox, STO; AM/1100

COLLEGE BASEBALL

7:30 p.m. Florida at Kentucky, ESPNU

GOLF

8:30 a.m. Open de Espana, Golf Channel

3 p.m. Wells Fargo Championship, Golf Channel

HOCKEY

5 a.m. World Championships, U.S. vs. France, NBCSN

NBA PLAYOFFS

7 p.m. Miami at New York, TNT

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

NHL PLAYOFFS

7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at New Jersey, NBCSN

10 p.m. St. Louis at Los Angeles, NBCSN

WOMENS COLLEGE LACROSSE

5:30 p.m. Big East semifinal, CBSSN

8 p.m. Big East semifinal, CBSSN

Floyd Mayweather Jr. back in the ring Saturday: Boxing Insider

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The ongoing saga of Floyd Mayweather Jr. takes over once again Saturday when boxing’s biggest moneymaker challenges WBA super welterweight champion Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

floyd mayweather miguel cottoFloyd Mayweather, left, and Miguel Cotto pose for a photo during a news conference Wednesday, May 2, 2012, in Las Vegas. Mayweather and Cotto are scheduled to box for a super welterweight title on Saturday.

The ongoing saga of Floyd Mayweather Jr. takes over once again Saturday when boxing’s biggest moneymaker challenges WBA super welterweight champion Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

As usual, with all of his pay-per-view televised appearances, it has been an HBO hyperactive promotion to pull in every dollar possible for this “Ring Kings” affair. Since many of his fights have resembled programmed wins without challenge, Mayweather (42-0, 26 KOs) has gone out of his way to give Cotto (37-2, 29 KOs) his due, especially since his opponent is the bigger man.

Still, Mayweather could not go against his nature.

“Last time I checked, all 42 [of my opponents] have been dangerous,” he said last week during a conference call.

“But they all ended up in the same place.”

Unless Cotto can summon the skills, with power, the talk about Mayweather finally facing pound-for-pound rival Manny Pacquiao will start early. That’s how it has gone when either man fought the past three years.

The HBO PPV telecast ($54.95) also has Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez (39-0-1, 29 KOs) defending his WBC 154-pound title against three-division champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley (46-7-1, 39 KOs) at 9 p.m. Alvarez is 21, Mosley is 40.

On Friday, HBO will show the weigh-ins live at 6 p.m.

Team Cleveland: Nine boxers are representing Northeast Ohio at this week’s Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions tournament in Mesquite, Nev.

They are: Anthony Taylor from Youngstown’s South Side Boxing Club at 108 pounds; Willard Osborn II from Cory Recreation (123); Christian Maynor from Thurgood/PAL (132); Montana Love from the Salvation Army Boxing Academy (141); Darren Wilder from Thurgood/PAL (152); Fred Wilson Jr. from Inner City B.C. (165); unattached Bryan Pegues (178); heavyweight Enam Danley from Empire B.C.; and super heavyweight LeSean Edge from South Side.

They will try to bring home the area’s first national title since Shawn Porter (165) in 2007.

The coaches are Forrest Caldwell from Thurgood Marshall and Fred Wilson from Inner City, along with GG President Terry Gallagher and GG Treasurer Clytee Dunn.

Results: Age finally caught up with 47-year-old Bernard Hopkins on Saturday in Atlantic City, N.J.

No matter all the urging from the Boardwalk Hall partisans, Hopkins (52-6-2, 32 KOs) could not muster the energy to punch more than once at a time and lost a majority decision in a rematch against WBC light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (31-1, 17 KOs).

The scores were 117-111 twice, with the third judge’s card a suspect 114-114.

Other than headbutting Dawson to cause several cuts, Hopkins was not busy enough to earn consistent points. . . . On that undercard, Porter, now 24 and fighting as a junior middleweight, was much the best against overmatched 39-year-old Patrick Thompson (18-18-1, 8 KOs). It was just a matter of time before Porter (19-0, 14 KOs) wore down his man and finally stopped him at 1:39 of the sixth round. It was Porter’s first bout in 14 months. . . . The night before in Austin, Texas, nothing went right for Cleveland featherweight Yuandale Evans, as he was dropped twice and stopped in the first round by Javier Fortuna (19-0, 14 KOs). It was the first loss for Evans (16-1, 12 KOs).

Saturday: If you are not paying to watch Mayweather-Cotto, ESPN2 has a special-edition telecast with middleweight Demetrius Andrade (16-0, 11 KOs) taking on Rudy Cisneros (12-3, 11 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut at 10 p.m.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse


Brandon Weeden on PD Sports Insider live at noon

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Watch and chat live at noon as new Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden joins Mary Kay Cabot, Dennis Manoloff and Bud Shaw via telephone on today's show.

brandon weedenBrandon Weeden joins the PD Sports Insider crew live at noon.

New Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden will make a guest appearance via telephone on PD Sports Insider live at noon today.

Weeden, the 22nd overall pick in the NFL draft, will talk about joining the Browns, what he brings to the team and answer questions from Mary Kay Cabot, Dennis Manoloff and Bud Shaw.

Other topics on today's show include Scott Fujita's suspension, Seneca Wallace's comments and more analysis of the draft.

Watch and chat live at noon.

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.

PD Sports Insider is brought to you by Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Avon Lake

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 email their video questions during the week.

Fans who miss the live show can watch the archive, available a few hours later. Stay tuned for the next episode on today at noon.



Cleveland Browns A.M. Links: Former coach praises John Hughes; Scott Fujita will miss three games; Brandon Weeden online today

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John Hughes will play a key role with the Cleveland Browns.

jhughes.jpgJohn Hughes

The most criticised pick in the Browns' 2012 draft, John Hughes of Cincinnati, will rotate with starting tackles Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin, writes Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com.

Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron believes Taylor and Rubin played way too many snaps last season, so the addition of Hughes should help spell them. Stripling said Hughes can play one-technique (across from the center) and three-technique (across from the guard), and that type of versatility appeals to Jauron.

Still, some were surprised Browns General Manager Tom Heckert spent a third-round pick on a defensive tackle even though other pressing needs — namely at wide receiver — had yet to be addressed in the draft. Heckert selected Miami receiver Travis Benjamin in the fourth round (No. 100). But first, he traded down 20 spots in the third round, gaining a fourth-round pick (No. 120) in a deal with the Denver Broncos, and then took Hughes.

Many analysts predicted Hughes would become a late-round pick, not someone whose name would be called during the second day of the draft, writes Ulrich. Even Hughes, a Gahanna native, conceded that he didn’t expect to be selected until later. During a conference call with local media, Hughes explained he and his family had planned a draft-viewing party for Saturday, when the fourth round started, instead of Friday night, when the second and third rounds were held.

Although the pick was not popular among most Browns fans, Stripling believes Hughes will prove he’s worthy in the long run.

  

 

More Cleveland Browns

Reporter Steve Doerschuk takes a look back at several Browns drafts (CantonRep.com). 
 

Watch and listen to Brandon Weeden on PD Sports Insider at Noon (Cleveland.com).

2013 NFL Mock Draft (ESPN).

T.J. Ward and Jabaal Sheard talk part in mentoring program (Cleveland.com).

Scott Fujita plans to appeal suspension (The News-Herald).

Scott Fujita is suspended for role in Saints' bounty system (Cleveland.com).

Getting to know Ryan Miller (WFNY).

Ravens' Terrell Suggs likely out for 2012 with torn Achilles tendon

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Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs reportedly injured himself playing basketball.

Terrell SuggsBaltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs suffered a torn Achilles' tendon.

Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, one of the NFL’s top pass rushers and a five-time Pro Bowler, likely will not play the 2012 season after tearing an Achilles tendon, according to various news reports.

Suggs was injured playing basketball, ESPN reported. A torn Achilles tendon normally takes almost a year of recovery time, which means Suggs will likely be out for the season. The story was first broken by Vinny Cerrato on Baltimore radio station 105.7 The Fan.

The Ravens issued the following statement on Thursday morning: "We are in contact with Terrell. He will see a specialist early next week, and we’ll know more at that time."

The Ravens drafted Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw ostensibly to play opposite Suggs, but now the team might need Upshaw to assume the primary pass-rush role.

Jarret Johnson, a longtime starter opposite Suggs, signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent this offseason.

Suggs, 29, had a career-best 14 sacks last season and has 82.5 in his career. He was a first-round pick by the Ravens in 2003. Suggs was named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 2011.

This story originally appeared on SportingNews.com

Bud Shaw shares his thoughts on Junior Seau, Saints bounties and Johnny Damon's cramping

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Listen to Bud's segment on the Baskin & Phelps radio show from this morning on The Fan, 92.3 FM.

Bud Shaw PD Sports InsiderBud Shaw

Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw had thoughts this morning on Junior Seau's death, the NFL's bounty penalties and Johnny Damon's cramping today during an appearance on the Baskin & Phelps radio show on The Fan, 92.3 FM. Just click on the arrow below to play the segment.


Each weekday, Plain Dealer reporters and writers will share their insights on sports topics on The Fan. You can also catch their views on SBTV on the Starting Blocks blog. And don't miss Bud's appearances on the PD Sports Insider show on Cleveland.com Mondays and Thursdays.







BCS is moving toward a four-team playoff in 2014 --- Poll

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The new four-team playoff format is good or bad for college football?

No. 4 -- Alabama RB Trent Richardson Trent Richardson led Alabama to a BCS title.

It looks like the big brains of college football (the BCS) have finally moved toward a playoff system. Well not exactly, but the four-team playoff format the BCS is proposing is better than only two teams getting a chance at the end of the season.

So is this a good move? Are four teams enough? Should it stay the same? 







Cleveland Cavaliers Kyrie Irving to receive invite to participate on U.S. Select Team

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Irving will be part of a squad of 10 to 14 players who will scrimmage against the U.S. Olympic team

Kyrie IrvingView full size Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving will have a busy July on the basketball court
Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving will have a busy July representing team and country in Las Vegas.

The presumptive NBA Rookie of the Year not only will lead the Cavs’ summer league squad, but also help prepare the U.S. Olympic basketball club as it readies for the Summer Olympics in London.

USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo confirmed that Irving will receive an invite to participate on the U.S. Select Team, which acts as a sparring partner for the Olympic team and serves as a pool of talent from which future international sides will be drawn. The select squad, comprised of 10 to 14 players, will scrimmage against the Olympic team from July 5-11, a Team USA spokesman said.

The Cavs will compete in summer league action from July 13-22. Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said he doesn’t plan to use Irving and Tristan Thompson in all of the team’s games.

Irving, who has dual citizenship, declined a chance to play for Australia in the upcoming Olympics to put himself on track to be part of Team USA in future Olympic and international events. He said several months ago he expected to part of the Select Team.

The point guard figures to have a decent chance at representing the country in the 2014 world championships in Spain. It's unlikely US veterans such as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who will appear in their third Olympics in London, will remain in the program for much longer. 

Irving has played for USA Basketball at the junior level and was coached by U.S. Olympic coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke last season.

The Americans are likely to add a player or two to the 20 finalists for the US Olympic team due to injuries. Point guard Derrick Rose suffered a season-ending knee injury on Saturday that also will sideline him for the Olympic.

Irving could merit consideration since he’s with the U.S. Select team. But short of another injury or two to point guards Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams – who are among the finalists for the 12-man roster – Irving won’t be part of the Olympic team.   

In a text message, Colangelo wrote a youngster like Irving “needs to pay his dues” the way Westbrook, Rose, Kevin Durant and Kevin Love did as US Select members in 2008.

“I think the key word today is flexibility,” Colangelo said in a Tuesday conference call. “Flexibility on time, flexibility with names and roster sizes, etc. I think we have concluded to some degree, although we're not finished with our meetings, that we will probably add one or two players to that pool and that’s because of circumstances.

"We're also excited about some of the young players that we feel can really be part of this and the future of USA Basketball and that’s a consideration for us as we select the Select Team.”

The US Olympic team is supposed to finalize its roster by June 18.

JAMISON FINISHES THIRD: The Cavaliers' Antawn Jamison finished third in the balloting for the NBA Sportsmanship Award. Dallas's Jason Kidd won the honor, while Miami's Shane Battier finished second. Each NBA division was represented with a finalist.

Recap the Cavaliers season with Tom Reed today at 2 P.M.

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Tom will recap the Cavaliers season and preview the possible picks for the Cavs in the upcoming NBA Draft.

tomreed.JPGTom Reed takes your questions today at 2 P.M.
Get your questions ready and join Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed today at 2 p.m. as he talks Cavs basketball.

Tom will recap the Cavaliers season and preview the possible picks for the Cavs in the upcoming NBA Draft.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Reed's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

New BCS system goes from worst to best in major sports, says Doug Lesmerises (SBTV)

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The new BCS playoff system is a step in the right direction, says Doug Lesmerises. Watch video


So finally the BCS is getting things right by changing the current system by adding a four-team playoff in 2014.


It's still not a perfect system, but Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises tells Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright on Starting Blocks TV that this new system is the best playoff system in sports.


Why?


In a perfect world, Lesmerises says he would like to see an eight-team format, but at least the four-team format doesn't dilute the playoffs like in other sports.


Lesmerises also talks about Mike Brewster's chances of sticking in the NFL after signing with Jacksonville; and why Amedeo Della Valle, the only member of the 2012 Ohio State basketball class, is different in so many ways.


SBTV returns on Friday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot answering fan questions from her weekly Hey, Mary Kay! feature.


 


 


 


'PD Sports Insider': Brandon Weeden talks about being drafted by Cleveland Browns

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On today's edition of PD Sports Insider: Browns Edition, brought to you by Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Avon Lake, Dennis Manoloff, Bud Shaw, Mary Kay Cabot and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore were joined by the newest quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, Brandon Weeden. Watch video

On today's PD Sports Insider: Browns Edition, brought to you by Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Avon Lake, Dennis Manoloff, Bud Shaw, Mary Kay Cabot and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore were joined by the newest quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, Brandon Weeden.

He talked about playing in a different style of offense, coming to Cleveland, having his Oklahoma State teammate Josh Cooper come to camp with him and having a mentor as a backup.

Hit play on the video to watch the program as the PD Sports Insider team talks about:

- Do you believe what Seneca Wallace said during an interview that he can be a mentor for Weeden?

- How does the Scott Fujita suspension effect the Browns?

Today's PD Sports Insider is brought to you by Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Avon Lake. Stay tuned for the next show Monday, May 7 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.

Tom Reed recaps the Cavaliers' season and talks about their future : Podcast

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How did Kyrie Irving progress throughout the season? Should the Cavaliers explore trades with Anderson Varejao? Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed answered those questions and more.

kyrie.JPGView full sizeWill Kyrie Irving have enough help next season for the Cavs to compete for a playoff spot?

How did Kyrie Irving progress throughout the season? Should the Cavaliers explore trades with Anderson Varejao?

Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed answered those questions and more in his season recap podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Can Alonzo Gee be a regular contributor?

• Will the Cavs look to bring back Antawn Jamison?

• Did Kyrie Irving's defense improve through the season?

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

Be sure to also follow Tom Reed on Twitter.

Can the Cleveland Indians salvage Ubaldo Jimenez? Terry Pluto

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The Indians still believe they can help Jimenez regain the form of an effective major-league starter. But they realize it's deeper than just recovering from a 2011 injury.

acta-marson-jimenez-2012-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeAs Indians manager Manny Acta removed Ubaldo Jimenez from Tuesday night's loss to the White Sox in Chicago, two things seemed clear to Terry Pluto. He's not only lost something off his fastball, he's lost a lot of confidence.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dan O'Dowd made it known that Ubaldo Jimenez was available; it was as much a warning as an opportunity.

The Tribe knew that. Just as they know O'Dowd well. He is the team's former assistant general manager from 1988-98. He has been the Rockies' GM since 1999. Colorado is a franchise that always needs pitchers, so why would O'Dowd be willing to trade Jimenez in the summer of 2011?

This was the same Jimenez who started for the National League in the 2010 All-Star Game, who was 19-8 with as 2.88 ERA that season. In July of 2011, Jimenez was only 27. He had a contract running through 2014 at very reasonable dollars.

It would seem the last thing you do is trade a guy like that. But Jimenez was 6-9 with a 4.46 ERA on July 31, 2011, when he was traded to Cleveland. The Indians thought they could fix him. If not in the middle of 2011, certainly by opening day of 2012.

Jimenez had been bothered by a groin pull in 2011 spring training. His fastball velocity was down (from an average of 96.1 in 2010 to 93.5). He also was upset because several teammates had received long and lucrative extensions, but O'Dowd declined to do the same for his ace right-hander.

The Indians were aware of all this.

"We knew his velocity was down a tick," said Tribe GM Chris Antonetti. "We knew he had been injured, and he had some complex mechanics that needed to be worked through. But we thought if we could get him healthy, he could still be a front of the rotation guy for us."

At the least, the Tribe thought they'd have the Jimenez of 2008 (12-12, 3.99) or the Jimenez of 2009 (15-12, 3.47). That Jimenez averaged more than 200 innings a year and was not intimidated by pitching in hitter-friendly Coors Field.

They still believe they can help Jimenez regain the form that makes him an effective major-league starter. But now they realize it's deeper than Jimenez pitching last year with a leg injury.

It's all those moving parts -- the arms and legs flying in different directions rather than flowing together. Jimenez is not trying to do it, but his deliveries are often like a blizzard of snowflakes -- none are exactly the same.

That is causing problems. Big problems.

Major disappointment

Since coming to the Indians, Jimenez is 6-6 with a 5.07 ERA. This season, he's 2-2 and 5.02, averaging more walks per nine innings (5.6) than strikeouts (4.5). His average fastball is now 92.0.

In Colorado, Jimenez averaged 8.2 strikeouts compared to 3.9 walks per nine innings. He still had frustrating moments, because his motion sometimes looked like a man falling down a flight of stairs as he piled up massive pitch counts (usually in the top 10 in the majors).

But Jimenez had a fastball that zinged, a sinker that dove and a change-up that deceived. Yes, he had too many pitches -- claimed to have six. There should be a rule than you can't have more than the catcher has fingers for signals.

And that violent, hiccup of a motion hinted of a future arm injury waiting to strike. But it's still hard to imagine the startling decline of a pitcher in his late 20s -- a pitcher who should be entering his prime.

It's also confusing. Antonetti said Jimenez worked hard in the off-season program assigned to him. He came into spring training in excellent condition.

The Indians didn't worry about him failing to average 96 mph. They believe with decent control, he would win a lot of games with a fastball in the 92-93 mph range, well above the big-league average of 90. But the control is erratic, his fastball is straight and hitters seldom swing and miss -- that rate is down from 7.5 in his mediocre 2011 season to 4.9 this year.

He's not fooling many hitters, period. They foul off a lot of pitches, raising his pitch count to close to 100 in the fifth inning of most starts.

Looking at Jimenez, this much is obvious: He's not only lost something off his fastball, he's lost a lot of confidence. And none of this is going to quickly change.

The arms that were dealt

rockies-pomeranz-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeFormer Indians No. 1 draft pick Drew Pomeranz hasn't won yet this season for Colorado, but he's shown enough to offer the promise of a successful big-league career.

"Keep in mind, there was risk on both sides of the deal," said Tribe president Mark Shapiro. "It's often like that when you trade a lot of pitchers, but they do get hurt [more often than position players]."

The Indians sent prized pitching prospects Drew Pomeranz and Alex White to the Rockies, along with pitcher Joe Gardner. White was coming off a major finger injury. The Indians don't say it, but the organization is skittish when it comes to pitchers with bad fingers -- phenom Adam Miller had his career crash because of an injury to the same finger that White injured in 2011.

White was hammered with the Rockies last season -- 2-4 with an 8.42 ERA and 12 homers in 36 innings. He is 1-3 this season with a 2.92 ERA at Class AAA. While he's in the starting rotation, his future may be in the bullpen -- something the Indians believed when they made him their top pick of the 2009 draft.

Gardner, 24, is 1-0 with a 4.84 ERA at Class AA Tulsa. He was 3-3 with a 2.84 ERA for that same team in 2011. While a starter, he also may end up in the bullpen.

The key to the deal for the Rockies is Pomeranz, who allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings against the Dodgers in his last start on Wednesday. He is 0-1 with a 4.05 ERA in four starts. He did miss a start earlier in the season with a sore forearm.

The Tribe's top pick in 2010, Pomeranz had some arm issues in college. Even now, his fastball is averaging 89 mph, below the 92-94 range in college. But the 23-year-old lefty has fanned 18 in 20 innings -- compared to 12 walks. If he stays healthy, he could be an impact starter.

I didn't like the Jimenez deal on the day it was made -- and wrote two negative stories about it. But I also never expected the bottom to fall out of Jimenez, not at the age of 28.

I wonder if Jimenez can put all the pieces back together. He had a 15-1 record with a 2.20 ERA at the 2010 All-Star break. Since then, he's 16-22 with a 4.70 ERA. It's almost a two-year trend.

Both Shapiro and Antonetti stressed that it's "far too early to evaluate the trade." Jimenez was brought in to help the Tribe in the 2011 playoff race, and he flopped. He's not showing any major signs of recovery as he tinkers with his windup during the season.

But in Colorado, no one was thrilled when both White and Pomeranz were arrested on separate DUI incidents. Odd things happened, such as Pomeranz having an appendectomy. White had a 6.12 ERA in spring training before being sent to the minors, where he is building a case for a promotion. There remains anxiety about his finger, even though has been healthy this season.

On the mound, plenty of risk

Trying to figure out pitchers can drive general managers into despair. The Yankees' Brian Cashman is catching heat after trading for prime pitching prospect Michael Pineda, who needs surgery.

"I'm devastated..." Cashman told the New York media. "I'm doing a job and that job involves making very difficult decisions. You hope that those decisions work out."

Then consider the case of 38-year-old Derek Lowe, who was 9-17 with a 5.05 ERA for the Braves in 2011. Who thought he'd open 2012 at 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA for the Tribe? Certainly not Atlanta, which picked up $10 million of Lowe's $15 million salary in a trade for a marginal Tribe prospect named Chris Jones.

The Braves simply wrote off Lowe, who is pitching close to what the Indians hoped they'd receive from Jimenez. The deal is now steal for the Tribe.

Talking about his trade of phenom catcher Jesus Montero to Seattle for Pineda, the Yankees' Cashman said: "I don't think judgment or anything of that nature was compromised. I think the process is strong. The evaluations are accurate. But there's always inherent risk when you deal with pitching. ... It's not looking good at all, so you're experiencing the blowback from that. I see it and I'll wear it."

The Indians have to do the same with the Jimenez trade.

Brandon Weeden impressing fans with personality so far - Browns Comment of the Day

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"Nice interview with Weeden. The kids got a good head on his shoulders. I think he's going to be a keeper, should be a lot of fun this year. TRich another class act who I hope tears up the league. Come on September." - Moosie

brandon-weeden3.jpgView full sizeMany cleveland.com readers are impressed with Brandon Weeden's personality.
In response to the story 'PD Sports Insider': Brandon Weeden talks about being drafted by Cleveland Browns, cleveland.com reader Moosie likes Brandon Weeden's personality so far. This reader writes,

"Nice interview with Weeden. The kids got a good head on his shoulders. I think he's going to be a keeper, should be a lot of fun this year. TRich another class act who I hope tears up the league. Come on September."

To respond to Moosie's comment, go here.

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

What to expect from Trent Richardson, Cavs' magic number and more Matt LaPorta : Blog Roundup

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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.


pat-shurmur-trent-richardson.jpgWhat did the Browns give up exactly to get Trent Richardson?
Cleveland Browns


Andrea Hangst over at Bleacher Report speculates on what the Browns should expect from Trent Richardson in 2012.
"Richardson is the kind of running back that doesn't come around all that often. Tough, durable, able to get yards when other backs would fall, the way he plays the game could carry over to the rest of his Browns teammates, potentially making for an overall mental strengthening of the offense.


The most important stat about Richardson for the Browns are those touchdowns and his nearly six yards per carry average. Touchdowns were clearly elusive for Cleveland last year—they had just 20 rushing and receiving scores combined, one fewer than what Richardson scored on his own in 2011."

laporta-sacfly-spring-2012-ap.jpgAre you ready for another Matt LaPorta try?
Cleveland Indians


Lewie Pollis of Wahoo's On First asks the question, is Matt LaPorta's hot start a bad sign?
"It is important to first note that LaPorta’s numbers would immediately plummet if he were promoted tomorrow just because of the superior competition. Minor-league pitchers are in the minor leagues for a reason, and even if we forget the smallness of the sample size and assume that LaPorta’s numbers to date represent his true talent level he’d be in for a regression as soon as he arrived in Cleveland."

Cleveland Cavaliers


John at Fear The Sword does some math and gives the Cavaliers their magic number.
"The Cavaliers have a 42.6% chance of landing a top 3 pick, while a 23.8% chance of picking fourth and (this gets scary) a 29.0% chance of having the fifth pick. While those picks would allow the Cavaliers to select a nice player, it wouldn't quite be someone who could make that huge difference that is needed to really win, not just be 8 seed in the East next year."

Have a post that you think should be featured in our daily Blog Roundup? Email the link here.
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