Carmelo Anthony is enjoying arguably his best season but playoff success has proven elusive for the member of the star-studded 2003 draft class.

View full size The Plain Dealer Sports Section from Nov. 5, 2003, before rookies LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony played against each other for the first time.  

INDIANAPOLIS -- Carmelo Anthony walked across the visitors' locker room swaddled in two giant towels, one wrapped around his waist, the other draped over his left shoulder, looking like a basketball Caesar.

It was a cold February night in the heartland – almost two years to the day Anthony had forced his way out of Denver through a trade to the New York Knicks – and he stood encircled by reporters wanting answers for the worst loss of the season, a 125-91 defeat to the Indiana Pacers.

"There wasn't [any] effort," Anthony said. "We didn't compete tonight. You can sum it up in that way."

After a torrid 18-5 start, one that squarely placed Anthony in the MVP conversation, the Knicks have been a virtual .500 team heading into Monday night's game against the Cavaliers at The Q. It's not a popular topic with the 28-year-old Anthony.

"We don't look at it like that," he said. "We don't look at ourselves as a .500 team over the last couple of months. We take it day by day. Yeah, we started off great, hit a little bump in the road. But we still look at ourselves as being one of the top teams in the East. . . . There are just some things we need to tune up."

Northeast Ohio basketball fans have known "Melo" since his days at Oak Hill Academy as he dueled LeBron James and Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary. He's part of the iconic 2003 rookie class, one of the best in a generation, which produced eight All-Stars including James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

Ten years ago, Plain Dealer designers produced a "Tale of the Tape" to commemorate the first NBA meeting between Anthony and James in Cleveland.

"You look at Magic [Johnson] and Larry Bird," Knicks guard Jason Kidd said. "They both pushed each other. They both wanted to win and they did win. That friendly rivalry with LeBron should push Melo and everyone else involved."

While enjoying tremendous individual success and Olympic achievement, Anthony appears no closer to an NBA title than when he debuted in Cleveland on Nov. 5, 2003. He's won two playoff rounds in nine seasons – both with the Nuggets in 2009 – and is spending his prime years on the NBA's oldest team, the Knicks, who don't seem equipped to beat the Pacers let alone unseat the Miami Heat.

Last season, Anthony watched his good friend James win his first championship in his third trip to the NBA Finals and ascend to the game's most dominant player. Does James' title add more urgency to Anthony's quest?

The Knicks' small forward wasn't available to reporters prior to the Feb. 20 loss in Indiana and the question hardly seemed relevant during his limited post-game availability following a 34-point thrashing. Others, however, took a crack at it.

"I don't know if it adds urgency, but that's what you work for, that's the ultimate goal," said Kidd before the Indiana game. "At the end of the day, that's how you are remembered: Can (you) win a championship or not? [John] Stockton, [Karl] Malone, [Charles] Barkley are still among the greatest 50 players in the game, but had they won a championship it would have put them in a higher class."

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott was asked Saturday about Anthony's legacy and his place in the Class of 2003.

"I think he wants to be put in that conversation," Scott said. "I don't know if it bothers him. I think he's aware of it. I think he's one of those guys who wants to win a championship bad because two of his buddies [James and Wade] have won championships. He wants to be in that class because once they get around [each other] in the summer and they're talking about championships he doesn't have a whole lot to say when it comes to that when you're with those two other guys.

"That's just how it is. I'm sure they use that as a little bit of a tease to mess with him. I'm sure in the summertime if he doesn't win one this year, those guys will be messing with him a little bit more. But, at the end of the day, it is all about your legacy and I think he wants to make sure he gets himself in a position where he has a chance to win a championship and right now they have a very good team in New York."

Unburdened by past failures, James has lifted his play to another strata as evidenced again Sunday in the Heat's 14th consecutive win, a 99-93 triumph over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Anthony delivered 32 points, but after James began guarding him in the second half he hit just 3 of his last 11 field-goal attempts.

The Brooklyn native is arguably enjoying his best season, averaging a league-leading 28.6 points a game even though he requires a copious amount of shots to produce them. His .441 field-goal percentage ranks him 76th in the league and his player efficiency rating of 23.37, as measured by ESPN, is 11th best.

When Anthony followed James' lead in bolting to a larger market he probably envisioned more help than he's receiving in New York. Other than defensive stalwart Tyson Chandler, the Knicks show little in the way of consistency or commitment to defending. High-priced power forward Amar'e Stoudemire, who lost a fight with a fire extinguisher last spring in the playoffs, looks arthritic and his minutes are being governed by the coaching staff.

The Knicks are 85-65 since dealing Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov and Raymond Felton to the Nuggets. (Felton has returned to New York via another trade.) Denver is 94-57 post-Melo.

In some ways, Anthony remains the volume scorer who thrives on isolation plays. But like James a season earlier, he's made changes to his game such as playing stretches at power forward with his back to the basket. Anthony also appears more driven after winning his second Olympic gold medal last summer in London.

The Knicks (35-21) rank third in the Eastern Conference.

"I see a focus about him and a willingness to do what's best for the team," Chandler said. "It seems coming off that U.S. experience he really wants to continue his winning ways."

Anthony is a six-time All-Star and he's destined for the Hall of Fame, but unless the Knicks can reshuffle the deck there doesn't appear to be a championship any time soon.

A decade ago, Anthony arrived at The Q, his future wide open. So much and little has changed for a jump-shooter who can still fill the baskets but rarely finds his way out of the postseason's first round.

Plain Dealer reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer contributed to this report.

First baseman Mike McDade is hitting .471 in Arizona for the Cleveland Indians after being claimed on waivers from Toronto in November.

Mike McDade has nine RBI in spring training for the Cleveland Indians, including a three-run double and a three-run homer. Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer  

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- From a young age, Mike McDade had a lot on his baseball plate. Not only did he start switch-hitting when he was playing T-ball, he hit cross-handed as well.

"My dad wanted me to switch-hit right away," said McDade. "And I hit cross-handed right up until Little League or Pony League. I've got [video] tape of it.

"My dad didn't try to change me. He said eventually I'd change and I did."

Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron were cross-handed hitters, Mantle changing to a traditional grip when he was 12 and Aaron after his first year of pro ball. No one with the Indians is drawing such lofty comparisons for McDade, but he has been swinging the bat well this spring. The 6-1, 250-pounder is hitting .471 (8-for-17) with two doubles, one homer and nine RBI. McDade's hits include a walk-off three-run double and a three-run homer.

The Indians claimed him on waivers from Toronto in November after he hit a combined .285 (128-for-449) with 19 doubles, 17 homers and 67 RBI in 118 games at Class AA New Hampshire and Class AAA Las Vegas.

McDade started at first base Sunday in the Indians' 5-1 loss to the Dodgers. In the seventh, his single sent Yan Gomes from first to third base. Juan Diaz hit a sacrifice fly to score pinch-runner Tony Wolters to tie the score, 1-1.

"He's going to go as far as his bat carries him," said manager Terry Francona. "He actually does a pretty good job at first. I don't know if nimble is the right word, but he's going to catch what he gets to and his hands are pretty soft."

Said McDade: "I just want to come out and show them I can play. I have no say in what happens."

McDade will probably open the season at Class AAA Columbus.

Scooter power: Francona is contemplating using a unique mode of transportation to Progressive Field this year -- an electric scooter.

Francona was driving the scooter around the Tribe's Goodyear training complex Sunday morning. He even drove it about a half-mile to a Cleveland Magazine photo shoot at Goodyear Ballpark.

"I live a block and a half from the ballpark in Cleveland," said Francona. "Unless we're really playing bad, I'm thinking about driving that to the ballpark. I'll have to use my judgment if we're playing bad."

They all count: After two bad appearances, Corey Kluber pitched three scoreless innings Sunday against the Dodgers. He's just the second Tribe starter to go three innings.

"I don't have the luxury to try and work on stuff to get ready for the season," said Kluber, competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. "This is the season."

Said Francona: "That's what you want to see. Get your first two outings out of the way, get your legs under you and start to compete."

After burners: Michael Bourn saved Kluber a run by chasing down Matt Kemp's long drive to the fence in center field to end the third inning.

"That's part of the package," said Francona. "That's a big outfield. That's [usually] a triple."

Decision time: Frank Herrmann said he could be facing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow after injuring it against Oakland on Feb. 25.

"I'm ready for whatever comes my way," said Herrmann. "Whether it's pitching later this year, having to sit out a year or the off chance you never get an opportunity to pitch again. That's just the way it goes."

He's No. 2: Francona said unless something "silly" happens, Ubaldo Jimenez will be the Tribe's No. 2 starter behind Justin Masterson.

Finally: Cody Allen, who pitched a scoreless sixth Sunday, has allowed one hit in three scoreless innings. "I just stay out of his way, pat him on the back and say, 'Way, to go, kid,' " Francona said. . . . Brett Myers, T.J. House, Danny Salazar and Matt Capps will pitch against the Indians' minor-league players today at Goodyear, while the Indians will face the Cubs in Mesa, Ariz.

The Buckeyes lost seven starters on defense, leaving Shazier as the only veteran starter in the front seven.

View full size Linebacker Ryan Shazier is the lone starter returning on Ohio State's front seven. Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer  

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ryan Shazier needs to leave some time for intros on the first day of Ohio State's spring football practice Tuesday.

“Hey, I'm Ryan, second-leading tackler in the Big Ten last year, first-team All-Big Ten, should be an All-American candidate in the fall as a junior. Who … are you?”

While Shazier obviously knows his teammates, he doesn't know much about playing with them, as he'll be the only returning starter among the front seven from the Buckeyes' 12-0 team from 2012.

Gone are defensive linemen Johnathan Hankins, John Simon, Nathan Williams and Garrett Goebel, and linebackers Etienne Sabino and Zach Boren. For an OSU team that will be the favorite to win the Big Ten now that the one-year NCAA postseason ban is gone, that's a lot to lose and be forced to replace.

“I think with that whole group, it'll be an exciting time,” OSU linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said on National Signing Day in February, after noting Shazier's lone wolf status. “I know that I'm excited. I know (defensive like coach Mike) Vrabel is excited. … It'll be a big spring.”

While the Buckeyes are missing everyone up front, they actually return their four leading tacklers from last season in Shazier (115 tackles), senior safety Christian Bryant (71), junior cornerback Bradley Roby (63) and senior safety C.J. Barnett (56). Throw in junior Doran Grant as the projected other starting cornerback, replacing the departed Travis Howard, and senior Corey “Pittsburgh” Brown as the leading candidate to be the fifth defensive back on passing down at the star position, and that's a lot of experience and talent in the secondary.

Roby should be a candidate for the Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in the nation, while both Bryant and Barnett will be entering their third seasons as starters.

While there may not be a lot of playing time available in the secondary, there's good young talent in sophomore safety Devan Bogard, who was growing into a Meyer favorite before he tore his ACL last season, and sophomore Armani Reeves. And the 2013 recruiting class featured three secondary standouts in corners Cam Burrows and Eli Apple (both in school early for spring ball) and safety Vonn Bell, all of whom could be ready to step into starting roles as sophomores in 2014 when three starting spots should open up, assuming Roby turns pro after this season.

On the defensive line, everyone is already gone. The major recruiting hauls on the defensive line in 2011 and 2012 need to come through.

From the 2011 class are Michael Bennett, Joel Hale and Steve Miller, while the 2012 class brought in Adolphus Washington, Noah Spence, Tommy Schutt and Se'Von Pittman. And a couple guys from the incoming 2013 group that includes Joey Bosa, Billy Price, Michael Hill, Tracy Sprinkle (in school early for spring ball), Donovan Munger and Tyquan Lewis (in early for spring ball) could help.

That's a lot of options. And a lot to be worked out.

Washington, Spence, Bennett and Hale are the best guesses as potential starters, while Miller, Schutt, Pittman and Bosa should also play.

At linebacker, there are options, but the Buckeyes might trade all of them for one more sure thing. Fullback Zach Boren was forced to switch to defense midway through last year because no one else at the position was ready when Sabino got hurt.

“Zach Boren made Ryan Shazier a better football player,” Fickell said, “because then Ryan didn't have to worry about who was next to him.”

Shazier could be worrying a lot now. Junior Curtis Grant, a former five-star recruit who hasn't put it all together yet, and sophomore Camren Williams should battle for the middle linebacker job, which Fickell thinks is the toughest position on the field as the quarterback of the defense.

Second-year linebackers Josh Perry, David Perkins, Jamal Marcus and Luke Roberts are also in the fight. And 2013 recruits Trey Johnson and Mike Mitchell, who won't report until this summer, could jump up later if no one emerges.

“It doesn't matter which guy is the guy in the middle helping everyone out as long as there is one,” Fickell said. “That's why they call us coaches. And that's why we have spring ball.”

Although the Akron Zips can no longer post a perfect conference record, their goal of a MAC Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth are still well within their grasp.

View full size Akron center Zeke Marshall says the Zips will not "lay down and die'' after losing to Buffalo. Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer  

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Center Zeke Marshall put the Mid-American Conference on notice after the Zips were upset by the Buffalo Bulls.

"What we're going to do is come back in the next game and make a statement," Marshall said after Saturday's 81-67 loss to the Bulls. "Don't think we're going to lay down and die, because we're not."

With two straight conference road games last week, the odds favored Akron losing one of them, even while ranked No. 24 in the coaches polls and holding a 19-game win streak. College upsets of equal or greater magnitude have happened almost nightly this season. When Marshall amazingly had three of his shots blocked in one game, it just wasn't Akron's night.

But this one still stings, even as Akron (23-5, 13-1 MAC) looks to wrap up its second straight MAC regular-season title with wins in its final two home games: Tuesday vs. Miami and Friday vs. Kent State. Then it's on to the MAC Tournament, where the Zips have secured a bye to the semifinals.

"Our season comes down to four games now," Akron head coach Keith Dambrot said.

In or out: So what do the numbers say, when it comes to the Zips' chances of landing a NCAA Tournament at-large slot?

After Buffalo, the Zips dropped 12 RPI spots and are now No. 46 according to RPIRatings.com. Looking at teams with RPI rankings between 30 and 46 -- prime spots for picking NCAA at-large teams -- here is what you get:

•Akron has the third best non-conference strength of schedule (49) among the 17 teams, trailing Illinois (22) and Creighton (46).

•The Zips, of the 17th-rated MAC, are the only team in that group from a conference rated outside the Top 11.

•Of those 17 teams, 11 are in the top seven leagues and appear to be in line to get an at-large bid.

•Only two of the 17 have played fewer than 10 opponents in the top 100 of the RPI rankings: Akron (seven) and Southern Mississippi (nine).

•Only two have an overall Strength of Schedule/RPI higher than 100: Akron (135) and St. Mary's (115).

So what does all this mean? There are six teams, including Akron, hoping for no upsets when conference tournament begins this week. The more upsets, the less chance for the six teams to earn an at-large NCAA slot. The other teams that appear to be in the mix with Akron are Missouri, Southern Miss, Creighton, St. Mary's and Wichita State.

Cleveland State: The Vikings (14-17) play on the road Tuesday at Illinois-Chicago (16-14) to start the Horizon League Tournament as the No. 8 seed. The Vikings, who won two of their final four regular-season games, defeated the Flames twice in Horizon play, 60-50 and 77-66.

The winner advances to the quarterfinals at Valparaiso, the league regular-season champion.

MAC -- the end game: With a week of regular-season action left, five teams are in a battle for the final two byes in the MAC Tournament.

The fourth-place finisher gets a bye to the quarterfinals, and would have to win three games for a MAC title. The fifth-place team gets a bye to the second round at The Q and would have to win four games to get the title. First-round games will be March 11 at campus sites.

The fifth bye is a result of Toledo being ineligible for postseason play because of NCAA sanctions. The first three byes are pretty secure with Akron, Ohio University (21-8, 12-2) and Western Michigan (18-10, 9-5). After that, it's a scrum.

All five teams in contention have one home and one road game left. Eastern Michigan, Buffalo and Kent State are 7-7 in league play with Bowling Green and Ball State at 6-8. Tuesday's games have BG (13-16) at Kent (17-12); Ball State (13-14) at Western; Buffalo (12-17) hosting OU and Eastern (14-15) at Central Michigan (10-18, 3-11).

Do you remember: Buffalo was the only team to defeat Kent State in 2002. KSU finished MAC play at 17-1, then advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

The Lake Erie Monsters are 3-7-0-5 since the All-Star break.

View full size Lake Erie Monsters  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Slumps hurt no matter the time of season, but those occurring after the All-Star break are magnified because the deadline to qualify for the postseason is that much closer.

The Monsters, instead of shifting into a higher gear, are reeling. Their problems continued Sunday afternoon when the Rochester Americans dictated terms and won, 4-2, at The Q. An assemblage of 8,136 humans and 500 dogs attended the franchise's annual "Pucks & Paws" promotion.

The Monsters (26-23-2-7) have lost two in a row and four of five. More alarmingly, they are 3-7-0-5 since the All-Star break in late January.

Not long ago, Lake Erie was comfortably inside the Western Conference playoff cut line. With 18 games remaining in their regular season, they are on the outside, having slipped to ninth place out of 15 clubs. Rochester (29-22-2-1) hopped over Lake Erie into the eighth and final available spot.

The Monsters, Americans and Chicago Wolves sit at 61 points. But the Americans and Wolves are ranked ahead of the Monsters because they have played fewer games.

"We've got to get back to [good] practice habits, how we do things," Monsters coach Dean Chynoweth said. "And this is a tough time of the season, especially for the first-year guys -- from the tired aspect to the number of games you're playing. There's a great lesson to be learned in how you need to take care of yourselves and be prepared to play, night in and night out."

Goals have been scarce for the Monsters since the break. In nine of the 15 games, they have scored two or fewer. Chynoweth had been able to stomach the low outputs because his players were working hard and creating legitimate chances. It was more a case of being snake-bit. Over the weekend, though, Chynoweth's tone went from relatively encouraged to disgusted.

On Saturday night, the last-place Hamilton Bulldogs out-hustled the Monsters en route to a 2-0 victory at The Q. Then the Americans thoroughly enjoyed themselves for 21/2 periods. They scored twice in the second and twice early in the third to take a 4-0 lead. The Monsters did not get on the board until 13:12 of the third.

"We didn't have a consistent effort," Chynoweth said of the weekend set. "The only way out of [the slump] is to work your way out of it."

Monsters nemesis David Leggio made 38 saves as he and the Americans improved to 5-0 in the six-game season series. Rochester has outscored Lake Erie, 12-4, in the past three meetings. Leggio leads the AHL in victories (28) and saves (1,416).

"We generated some chances early, but we didn't get enough traffic in front of him," Chynoweth said. "He saw everything and made saves. When we started to generate some quality chances, we managed to get a couple of goals."

Andrew Agozzino, assisted by Luke Walker, made it 4-1. Walker, assisted by Mike Connolly, accounted for the final margin at 18:41.

"There are really no excuses for the way we've been playing," Walker said. "We have to turn this ship around. We need to work harder."

Monsters goalie Sami Aittokallio made 22 saves in his first game since Jan. 26. He had been sidelined because of a lower-body injury.

Goalie Calvin Pickard joined the parent Colorado Avalanche in Columbus late Saturday night. He was coverage for Jean-Sebastien Giguere (personal reasons) as the Avalanche played the Blue Jackets on Sunday. Pickard headed back to Cleveland after the game.

Rochester 0 2 2--4

Lake Erie 0 0 2--2

FIRST PERIOD: No Scoring. Penalties-McNabb Rch (interference), 5:23; Roy Rch (interference), 9:20; Tarnasky Rch (fighting), 19:04; Maggio Le (fighting), 19:04.

SECOND PERIOD: 1, Rochester, Adam 12 (Rissmiller, McNabb), 5:45. 2, Rochester, Mancari 18 (McNabb, Varone), 10:55. Penalties-McNabb Rch (delay of game), 11:17; Beaupre Le (holding), 14:12.

THIRD PERIOD: 3, Rochester, Legault 4 (Schofield, Ellis), 0:45. 4, Rochester, Legault 5 (Mancari, McNabb), 5:07 (PP). 5, Lake Erie, Agozzino 14 (Walker), 13:12. 6, Lake Erie, Walker 7 (Connolly), 18:41. Penalties-Carey Le (interference), 4:06; Roy Rch (fighting), 5:09; McNeely Le (fighting), 5:09.

Goalies: Rochester, Leggio 28-17-1 (40 shots-38 saves). Lake Erie, Aittokallio 11-9-1 (26 shots-22 saves). Shots on goal: Rochester 26; Lake Erie 40. Power plays: Rochester 1-2; Lake Erie 0-3. Ref: Chmielewski (68), Koharski (10). Linesmen: Grandt (98), Wisner (35). A: 8,136.

Khalil Edney grabbed a loose ball and made a 55-footer as time expired to give New Rochelle a 61-60 victory over rival Mt. Vernon in the New York Section 1 Class AA final on Sunday.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- It's going to be tough to beat this buzzer beater just three days into March.

Khalil Edney grabbed a loose ball and made a 55-footer as time expired to give New Rochelle a 61-60 victory over rival Mt. Vernon in the New York Section 1 Class AA final on Sunday.

Video of the shot became an immediate sensation online. Duke guard Seth Curry tweeted "Wow!" to go along with a YouTube link for Edney's heave, and New Rochelle alum Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens also offered his congratulations online.

The sequence started when Edney's inbounds pass was broken up and a Mount Vernon player tried to run out the clock by flipping the ball in the air. Edney then brought it in and let fly for the win.

The shot was initially waved off, but the referees eventually reversed the call.

Carl Edwards pulled away on a late restart and snapped a 70-race winless streak on Sunday, the second long drought he’s ended in a NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix.

View full size Carl Edwards snapped a 70-race winless streak with a victory on Sunday in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press  

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Carl Edwards climbed from his car, stood on the door and landed a backflip near the finish line. He then hopped up on the wall in front of the grandstand, grabbed the checkered flag and waded into the crowd, trading high-fives with fans.

After a miserable week at Daytona, Edwards had plenty to celebrate.

That it came at Phoenix International Raceway only seemed fitting.

Coming through on his promise to dominate after his Daytona disaster, Edwards pulled away on a late restart and snapped a 70-race winless streak on Sunday, the second long drought he's ended at Phoenix.

"This win feels as good or better as any win I've ever had," Edwards said.

Edwards had a rough 2012 season, missing the Chase for the championship. His downward spiral continued at Daytona, where he wrecked five cars. On his way out of Florida, Edwards said he was ready to dominate and win at Phoenix.

He did just that, leading the final 78 laps on the 312-lap race around PIR's odd-shaped oval in the first non-restrictor-plate race with NASCAR's new Gen-6 car.

Edwards got a good push from defending Sprint Cup champion Brad Keselowski on the restart with two laps left and pulled away from there, winning for the first time since Las Vegas in 2011.

After parking his car at the finish line, Edwards landed his first backflip in nearly two years and celebrated with the fans -- just like he did at PIR after ending another 70-race winless streak in 2010.

"I'm sure it's a relief for someone like Carl," said Denny Hamlin, who finished third and had a long winless streak end at Phoenix last year. "He's now relevant again, he really is and it's a good sign for their race team for things to come."

The big duel came behind Edwards.

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<!-- End CineSport Code -->Despite struggling with his car most of the day, Hamlin made a bold move on the last lap with a pass on the apron below the dogleg. He popped up alongside Daytona 500 winner Jimmie Johnson and the two drag-raced to the finish, where Johnson edged him by a few inches.

Keselowski, who was outside Johnson during Hamlin's move, finished fourth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. ended up fifth.

"As far down as I was, I was committed, there was nothing that I was going to do where I would back out," Hamlin said. "I just hoped I would have just slid in front of the 48, then you risk getting punted and spun, and your whole day you've worked everything for is taken away in a corner. I held my line and thought I really did the right thing and gave those guys room to pass me back -- and one of them did."

The last Phoenix race, in November, set up Keselowski for his first Sprint Cup title after Johnson blew a tire. It also featured quite a sideshow.

A running feud between Clint Bowyer and Jeff Gordon boiled over late in the race, setting off a brawl in the pits and Bowyer on a WWE-style dash to Gordon's hauler.

The drivers tried to downplay the confrontation after arriving in the desert this week, but it's been hard to avoid, with video of the scrap-and-dash being shown all over in promos for the race and replays.

Ryan Newman had the only dash this time around, running across the track and away from his car after it blew a right-front tire for the second time in 140 laps.

Inside his car, Mark Martin failed in his bid to become the oldest Sprint Cup winner.

The 54-year-old became the second-oldest driver to start on the pole in a Sprint Cup car, a few months short of Harry Gant's mark. Martin led the first 49 laps and 26 more later on, but couldn't sustain it in his bid to become the oldest Sprint Cup winner, finishing 21st.

"Obviously, it's a disappointing result for a great effort on the weekend," Martin said. "The car was pretty fast, but we had multiple problems today."

So did Danica Patrick, who had a rough follow-up to her breakthrough week at the Daytona 500.

Patrick became the first woman to win a pole and lead green-flag laps during NASCAR's season opener, sending her popularity to a new level.

But she couldn't stay with the leaders at Phoenix, ending her day with one of the hardest hits of her career. It happened with about 100 laps left, when the right-front tire on Patrick's No. 10 Chevrolet went down and slammed her into the wall.

Patrick's car careened back into David Ragan, flipping her hood over the windshield and shredding the left front fender as protective foam from the driver's side door flew onto the track.

She came to a stop along the inside wall with a trail of debris covering about half the home straightaway behind her. She climbed from the car and was quickly cleared by the medical center.

"Whenever those right-fronts go, they always hit hard because you don't broadside, you hit more straight on," said Patrick, who finished 39th. "It took a hard hit both sides and I'm fine, so NASCAR is doing a good job at safety. But no real good warning. The car wasn't all that tight and most of the (problems) were in the rear, so there was no real vibration that told me that was going to happen."

Edwards set himself up for this victory with a late-night call to new crew chief Jimmy Fennig, knocking on his door around midnight Saturday to go over some last-minute details. For race morning, Edwards went for a hike to clear his mind and focused.

It paid off, ending two years of frustration and self-doubt that grew as the streak grew.

"Last year we didn't even make the Chase," Edwards said. "For me to sit home while everybody was at the Chase stuff and in Vegas, that was a little bit of a shock to me and I did not like that at all. To get a victory puts us in better position to be in the Chase, it just feels good to win and I'm just very glad to be here."

Highlights include the Cavaliers' home game against the New York Knicks.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV and radio sports listings

BASEBALL  

5:30 a.m. WBC, South Korea vs. Australia, MLB Network 

11:30 p.m. WBC, Australia vs. Netherlands, MLB Network 

3 a.m. (Tues.) WBC, Brazil vs. China, MLB Network 

CYCLING  

4:30 p.m. Paris-Nice, stage 1 (tape), NBCSN 

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL  

7 p.m. cm-bdOberlin/Orrville vs. Elyria Catholic/Northwestern, AM/930 

MENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL  

7 p.m. Cincinnati at Louisville, ESPN  

9 p.m. Baylor at Texas, ESPN 

NBA  

7 p.m. New York Knicks at CLEVELAND CAVALIERS, Fox Sports Ohio; AM/1100 

NHL  

7:30 p.m. Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, NBCSN 

SOCCER  

2 p.m. Premier League, Tottenham vs. Arsenal (tape), Fox Sports Ohio  

2:55 p.m. Premier League, Man City at Aston Villa, ESPN2 

TENNIS  

9 p.m. Exhibition, Rafael Nadal vs. Juan Martin del Potro, ESPN2 

WOMENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL  

7 p.m. UConn at Notre Dame, ESPN2 

8 p.m. Cincinnati at Marquette, TWCS  

9 p.m. Louisville at Syracuse, CBSSN

Joe Flacco's impeccable timing earned him the richest contract for a quarterback in NFL history. That doesn't mean he's the game's best QB.

Joe Flacco's impeccable timing earned him the richest contract for a quarterback in NFL history. That doesn't mean he's the game's best QB.

Flacco agreed to a six-year, $120.6 million deal Friday after leading the Baltimore Ravens to the Super Bowl title. He gambled by playing out his five-year rookie contract rather than renegotiate before last season. And it paid off, catapulting him to the top of the money list at the game's glamor position.

A look at perhaps the league's 10 best quarterbacks shows Flacco the equal of Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers for championship rings with one each. At 28, his chances of adding to those titles seem better than those for Manning (37 this month), and Brees (34).

Even though Flacco has surpassed the future earnings of every NFL quarterback — for now — does he measure up as a player? And where in the top 10 does he belong?

Here's a look at the resumes of those quarterbacks, in order of how much they will make in base salary for 2013:

• Joe Flacco, Baltimore — Flacco already has set records for road playoff victories (six) and is the only QB to win postseason games in his first five seasons. But this was the first time he could get the Ravens to the Super Bowl in five tries. Of course, they won, and he was superb in January and February.

His base salary is unknown until details of his new contract become available when he signs it, likely this week.

•  Peyton Manning, Denver — His $20 million base is befitting the NFL's only four-time MVP, all with Indianapolis. After missing 2011 because of neck operations, he moved to Denver and nearly won the award again. No one with the Broncos is complaining about Manning's salary after he helped turn the team into a title favorite again.

— Eli Manning, New York Giants — Peyton's younger brother has one more Super Bowl championship to his credit, and his postseason work in the 2007 and 2011 seasons more than offset some inconsistent regular-season performances. He will make $13 million in base salary and his salary cap hit, including signing bonus tops the league: $20.85 million.

— Philip Rivers, San Diego — No Super Bowls to go with the $12 million the Chargers owe him in salary this year. Then again, Rivers has seen the talent base around him diminished by trades, free agency, injuries and bad management decisions, even as he entered the prime of his career. A tough player — he once played an AFC championship game with torn knee ligaments — and aggressive leader who flourished with stars around him, but no more.

• Tony Romo, Dallas — Some would say Romo's inability to produce in big games, regular season or playoffs, makes his $11.5 million payday (plus another $5.3 million against the salary cap) ludicrous. Others would argue the Cowboys never would contend without him. Regardless, he is making more this year than four Super Bowl winners.

• Matt Ryan, Atlanta — After finally winning a playoff game following three losses, maybe Ryan won't be heavily criticized for how much he makes ($10 million). His improvement has been steady, though, and some rate him as more efficient than Flacco.

• Drew Brees, New Orleans — Brees had the biggest QB contract at $100 million over five years before Flacco one-upped him. The unquestionable leader of the Saints, and a record-setting passer, Brees is in the perfect place with the perfect offense for his skills. At a $9.75 million salary in 2013, he's a Big Easy bargain.

• Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay — Probably the next quarterback to get a huge new deal, Rodgers has been so good the last three years, including one NFL title, that the folks in Titletown no longer miss Brett Favre. So his $9.25 million salary looks cheap.

• Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh — At $2.6 million, the two-time Super Bowl winner is scheduled to make less in salary than Carson Palmer or Kevin Kolb this year. Again, this is a situation where the total compensation is wrapped up in bonuses — just under $11 million. It's difficult to argue that Roethlisberger hasn't lived up to those numbers with three Super Bowl trips in nine pro seasons.

• Tom Brady, New England — How in the world did Brady land this low? Well, the three-time Super Bowl champ and two-time MVP always has done cap-friendly deals with the Patriots. He renegotiated last week and upped his guaranteed money to $33 million over the next five years, but gets only $1 million in salary in 2013.

Brady plans to play until he is 40, desperately seeking another championship; the last one came in 2004. Who knows how much he might be earning then?

Michael Thompson's dream of winning his first PGA Tour event was walking up the final fairway with a big lead and very little stress.

Michael Thompson holds the trophy after winning the Honda Classic golf tournament, Sunday, March 3, 2013 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)  

After missing out on the job of managing the Colorado Rockies, Jason Giambi seems to have found a home as a left-handed-hitting role player for Terry Francona and the Cleveland Indians.

View full size Jason Giambi says he has long respected Terry Francona and jumped at the chance to play for him when he didn't get the manager's job in Colorado. Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer  

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Terry Francona doesn't bother with the hypothetical when he talks about Jason Giambi. It can only curb his enthusiasm.

"He's not going to play against left-handers this season," Francona said Sunday before Giambi batted third in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Josh Beckett.

Nothing's final roster-wise, just more evidence of how much the manager wants Giambi in the dugout and clubhouse this season.

Francona was especially upbeat Sunday, talking about the scooter he was seen riding around the spring-training complex. He said because he will live within a block-and-a-half of Progressive Field he plans to ride the scooter to games "unless we're playing really bad."

He sounds almost that cheery every time Giambi's name is mentioned. The way Francona talks about him, Giambi would have to accidentally get run over by a Vespa peloton not to make the Indians' roster out of spring training.

"He has a presence about him," Francona said when asked about Giambi's at-bats in camp. "He doesn't swing at bad pitches ever. He'll take a walk. He still has his bat speed. I've been very impressed.

"If you watch him in batting practice, he hits till he feels good and then he gets out. It's a veteran knowing his body. He's smart about what he's doing . . . he's 42 years old. We didn't get him here to run a marathon."

Francona says he has wanted to manage Giambi forever. Giambi talks about playing against Francona in Double A Huntsville when Francona managed Michael Jordan in Birmingham for the White Sox. Then came years of shared Red Sox-Yankees drama.

"There's always been that [mutual] admiration," said Giambi, who flatly calls Francona the reason the Red Sox started winning World Series titles. "I had a high school buddy who played for Tito and said what an incredible manager he was. His boundaries are unbelievable. He can be your best friend yet you still know at the end of the day that he has to manage you."

Giambi has found the perfect situation. Well, check that. Ideally, he'd be managing the Colorado Rockies after interviewing with them last October.

The Rockies thought so much of him they gave thought to Giambi moving directly into the manager's office from the clubhouse where last year he played primarily as a pinch-hitter. After the Rockies hired Walt Weiss to manage, Giambi declined an invitation to become Colorado's hitting coach.

Next came the call from Francona. Giambi says he had no trouble thinking like a player again.

"I always thought of myself as still playing and then that opportunity to interview came about," he said. "I saw myself in the game maybe as a hitting coach and someday moving into the manager's office. To have a chance to jump right to the forefront [as a manager] I couldn't pass that up."

Now, he can't lose. He has a manager who wants him around, a manager he wants to be around. He gets to produce for Francona while learning from him as he transitions to a staff position in baseball.

His role is clear. Left-handed bat to spell Mark Reynolds at DH. Late-game pinch-hitter. Full-time clubhouse presence.

"Help the kids. Help some of the veteran guys like Swish [Nick Swisher] and Reynolds [get] further into their careers," Giambi said. "They're in their primes. [Help] especially [Jason] Kipinis, [Lonnie] Chisenhall, [Carlos] Santana, guys who are in the younger part of their careers."

A fan heckled Giambi in Goodyear Saturday, hollering "HGH" at him during his last at-bat. Giambi admitted to using PEDs in the early part of the BALCO scandal.

There's no statute of limitations on heckling but, really now, that was a decade ago. He owned his mistake to a federal grand jury in 2003. The Rockies couldn't have cared less about his PED use. Put the Indians in the same category.

The only concern for Francona is how Giambi making the team will affect his decision on other extra players. He admitted his bench would need to be even more versatile than normal.

The mix includes Giambi, Ryan Raburn, Ezequiel Carrera and Yan Gomes. The Indians will likely keep two of the four to go along with backup catcher Lou Marson and infielder Mike Aviles.

It's an open competition.

So long as you think of Raburn, Carrera and Gomes as the three guys who aren't Jason Giambi.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco says he was only kidding about tackling Ted Ginn Jr. during the final seconds of the Super Bowl.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mr. Steady, Joe Flacco, says it was nerves when it came to his comments about tackling Ted Ginn Jr. during the last few seconds of the Super Bowl.

When the Baltimore Ravens set up for the free kick to returner Ginn, Flacco is picked up on audio telling teammates to do whatever necessary to stop Ginn -- even come off the sideline for the tackle.

Of course, Ginn didn't score, and the Ravens won the Super Bowl, but Flacco was asked about those comments at Monday's press conference to announce his $120.6 million deal.

"I saw that people were kind of getting a little mad at me for that," Flacco said Monday afternoon. "There was 4 seconds left in the game, and that was probably the only time all year that I was really, really nervous. I thought it was a pretty funny thing to kind of get my mind off of the fact that there is a possibility that he could run this thing back. I'm sure if I did do that, I'm sure that they could probably give the guy a touchdown."

Chris Weinke is working with quarterback Brandon Weeden (Cleveland.com).

In this mock draft, the Browns select Dion Jordan in the first round (SBNation.com).

The NFL's possible return to LA hits a snag (Yahoo.com).

Former NFL linebacker and Glenville High standout Pierre Woods tries Arena Football (Cleveland.com).

Here are the winners and losers when it comes to the franchise tag (CBSSports.com).

Pigskin preview from A to Z (Fox Sports Ohio)

Let's break down the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation (Fox Sports).

The pro days are a sign of coming down the draft homestretch (ESPNCleveland.com).

Joe Flacco says being the highest-paid player in the league was never his goal (Baltimore Sun).

Galen Fiss is No. 40 on our list of the Top 100 Browns players of all-time  (Cleveland.com).

Will Chris Perez's injury linger into the season? Will Brandon Weeden working with Chris Weinke help the Browns quarterback? Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

Will working with Chris Weinke help Brandon Weeden? Terry Pluto discusses this and more during his weekly podcast. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)  

Will Chris Perez's injury linger into the season? Will Brandon Weeden working with Chris Weinke help the Browns quarterback?

Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com’s Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Cavs' loss to the Knicks.

• Kyrie Irving's injuries.

• Tribe's rotation.

• Free agent targets for Browns.

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

Be sure to also like Terry Pluto on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

Lefty pitcher Huff must be exposed to the waiver wire if he doesn't make the Indians out of spring training. Outfielders Michael Brantley, Michael Bourn and Drew Stubbs should save the pitchers some runs. More Indians story links.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians visit Scottsdale, Arizona today for an exhibition game against the World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

The Indians have a 7-5 record in Cactus League play.

A spring training win-loss record might mean a little bit more than nothing, but not much. What does count begins four weeks from today, April 2, when the Indians open their season in Toronto against the Blue Jays. Then, on Monday, April 8, the Indians play their home opener against the New York Yankees.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes Bud Shaw's column on Trevor Bauer and his approach to pitching; Paul Hoynes' report on the Indians making their first roster cuts of the spring; Shaw's Indians Insider and Indians Chatter, leading off with relief pitcher Cody Allen; Shaw's story on the Indians' 13-5 exhibition game win over the Chicago Cubs on Monday; Terry Pluto's podcast, talking about the Indians, Cavaliers and Browns.

Left-handed pitcher David Huff has spent parts of the last four seasons with the Indians. He has been impressive at times, but overall, has an 18-26 major league record, with a 5.30 ERA in 55 games, including 52 starts.

In six late-season appearances, including four starts, with the Tribe last season, Huff was 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 26 2/3 innings.

Huff is competing this spring to be the Indians' fifth starter or a long/middle reliever. His chances of making Cleveland's Opening Day roster are probably not expecially good.

Bob Toth writes about Huff, his career and current situation for Did The Tribe Win Last Night? He concludes:

If Huff is not among the 25 players to break camp with the Indians, he will be exposed to waivers. As a left-handed pitcher with some previous success at the major league level and consistent success at Triple-A, he may not clear waivers unclaimed by another ball club, which would spell the end of his time with the Indians.

While Huff may be in Spring Training fighting for a spot with Cleveland, he is really auditioning for the entire league and could be facing that possibility at the end of the month.

Indians story links

How improved might the Indians' outfield defense be with Michael Bourn and Drew Stubbs joining Michael Brantley? It might mean a few more wins. (WaitingForNextYear)

A ranking of the top 10 prospects in the Cleveland organization. A slideshow. (By Mike Rosenbaum, Bleacher Report)

Shortstop Francisco Lindor, the Indians' first pick in the 2011 draft, is making a good impression on manager Terry Francona. (By Jordan Bastian, cleveland.indians.mlb.com)

Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco was alright after being hit by a line drive ..... And other Indians info. (By Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon Journal)

The Indians already get a chance to reap dividends from the 2011 draft. (Let's Go Tribe)

It won't be easy for infielder Cord Phelps to break camp with the Indians. (By Craig Gifford, Did The Tribe Win Last Night?)

The top Indians, Cavaliers or Browns player to wear the uniform No. 29 is, for numerous reasons, first baseman-designated hitter Andre Thornton. (By Jesse Lamovsky, The Cleveland Fan)

In a countdown of the top 100 all-time Indians, at No. 60, shortstop (then second baseman) Julio Franco. (By Jason Lukehart, Let's Go Tribe)

Pitcher Danny Salazar is among the Indians organization's top prospects. (By Geordy Boveroux, Wahoo's on First)

A rundown of what's going on with the Indians in spring training. (By Nino Colla, The Tribe Daily)

A preview of this season for center fielder Michael Bourn, based on statistics analysis. (By Lewie Pollis, Wahoo's on First)

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are Dawgs By Nature, Wahoo's On First and Cavs: The Blog.

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

Will the Browns draft Barkevious Mingo at No. 6? (AP Photo/Bill Haber)





 

"Barkevious Mingo is a tremendous talent. He has the skill set and athletic qualities to be a dominating pass rusher at the next level. His burst off the snap is elite. He has a good stock of pass rush moves to develop at the next level. Mingo does a good job of disrupting passing lanes when unable to get to QB. He shows good hand usage but will need a lot of work in this area at the next level. Questions need to be answered whether he can play at his current weight and if he has the strength to consistently get free from NFL level tackles.

If the Browns are to consider taking Mingo @ 6, they would have to be confident that his talent will render production at the NFL level with proper coaching and motivation. He certainly doesn't have the versatility that Dion Jordan brings and if Jordan is there @ 6 he is the player I prefer. But if Jordan is gone, and Mingo is on the board, he could certainly be the name called to address the pass rush vacancy on the Browns."

Nick Swisher at first base. (Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)





 

"The move to first also allows the Tribe to field their best possible defensive outfield. While the team could have played Swisher in right, Brantley on left, and Bourn in center, Swisher’s move to first allows Drew Stubbs to slide over to right field. Bourn was the top center fielder in baseball based on UZR, OOZ, and DRS last season, and should have won a Gold Glove award. Stubbs is too good defensively to be relegated to the fourth outfielder spot, and although he hasn’t played right field since Triple-A, he should make the move with no trouble.

In addition to allowing the Indians to field their best possible defensive lineup, the move will also allow the Indians to maximize the production and flexibility of their hitting. Before the Michael Bourn signing, the Indians would have been forced to utilize a revolving door of designated hitters, using players like Mike Aviles, Yan Gomes, or Ezequiel Carrera at DH. But with Reynolds at DH and Swisher at first, the team will not be pushed into inserting these bench-level (or worse) players into their lineup on a daily basis."

Is Josh Smith a potential free agent target? (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)





 

"Dwight Howard would probably be at the top of it, but he’s not coming to Cleveland, and he is apparently a clown. Chris Paul is on that list, but he plays the same position that Kyrie Irving does. However, they could very easily play together, and CP3 could show Kyrie how to be GREAT. It’s an intriguing option, as Cp3 and an unnamed 2014 perspective free agent are reportedly good friends. But Cp3 will be looking for an $80 million over four years contract, and unless things absolutely blow up in Clipperland, he’s not leaving Los Angeles. If you’re the Clippers, do you swallow that contract and pray his knees hold out?

This leaves Josh Smith who can play the 3, but will also want $80 million over four years and plays the same position as 2014 Player X. If you’re the Cavs do you go after Smith, hoping you can move him in 2014, or because you’re afraid 2014 won’t pan out? Smith is a great two way player who can be electric at times, but can also be a headache who takes bad shots at times, and is not a go-to scorer.

Al Jefferson? He’s probably going to get too much money since he’s a legit center. Andre Iguodala? In the words of Bill Simmons, he’s a third banana making second banana money who wants first banana money."

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - Strongsville school officials have suspended athletics and extra-curricular activities during the teacher's strike but have no power to stop informal practices by student athletes at off-site facilities. "We have suspended all athletic events and school-related extra-curricular activities for this week," said assistant superintendent Cameron Ryba. "We have no announcement about what could happen beyond this week. If...

Strongsville baseball coach Josh Sorge is not conducting practice this week after school officials suspended athletics and extra-curricular activities during the teacher's strike. - (Phil Long, Special to The Plain Dealer)

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - Strongsville school officials have suspended athletics and extra-curricular activities during the teacher's strike but have no power to stop informal practices by student athletes at off-site facilities.

"We have suspended all athletic events and school-related extra-curricular activities for this week," said assistant superintendent Cameron Ryba. "We have no announcement about what could happen beyond this week. If the strike lasts longer than this week we will make another statement next week."

The winter sports season has come to an end at the school, with its boys and girls basketball and hockey teams having been eliminated from the postseason and the wrestling, swimming and gymnastics seasons concluded.

Baseball and softball teams across the state were permitted to begin practice on Feb. 25, per Ohio High School Athletic Association rules. Operations were suspended Monday when the strike began, baseball coach Josh Sorge said.

Practice for the boys tennis and track and field teams cannot begin until Monday, accoording to OHSAA regulations.

"We are not sanctioning any school events involving athletics, but if our kids want to get together informally, as kids like to do, we cannot stop them," said Ryba.

Sorge, who teaches English and journalism at the high school, said he had heard some members of his team were holding informal practice sessions on their own at an off-school site. He said he has not attended the practices and neither have pitching coach Jason Frederick or junior varsity coach Doug Cicerchi. Both men are Strongsville teachers.

Baseball, softball and track teams are permitted to begin competition on March 30. Tennis matches can begin April 1.

The baseball team is supposed to open its season on March 30 with a doubleheader in Cincinnati against Moeller and St. Xavier. Sorge said the trip has not yet been canceled.

Boys tennis coach Paul Martins, a retired Parma teacher, has suspended preseason conditioning. He said he did not know what is planned for formal practice until he talks with school administrators.

Martins said he has served as a substitute teacher at Strongsville but has not been called during the strike.

"I would not cross the picket line anyhow," he said.

Other spring coaches could not be reached.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:trogers@plaind.com

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD
  
   

With no RG3 or Andrew Luck available, this year's QB class is full of wildcards at the position. West Virginia's Geno Smith is the consensus top signal-caller in the draft, but who else deserves to be in the Top 5?

There is no Andrew Luck or even Robert Griffin III in this year's NFL Draft class. Luck and RG3 are rare prospects that don't come into the NFL very often, so if that's the new standard at quarterback then many classes will continue to disappoint.

This year's class is full of wildcards at the position and that has created a lot of intrigue. The success of these quarterbacks will have a lot to do with their supporting cast, the situation they are placed in and their development by coaches.

With the combine failing to provide much clarity, all eyes now turn to each quarterback's Pro Day. One thing, however, seems clear as the draft quickly approaches -- they're all chasing West Virginia's Geno Smith.

Here's a look at the top 5 quarterbacks in this year's NFL Draft.

1. Geno Smith, 6-2, 218 lbs, West Virginia

Smith came into this year as the No. 2 quarterback in the class behind USC's Matt Barkley. It didn't take long for him to leapfrog Barkley and take his standing as the top QB. Despite his late season struggles, Smith still finished the year completing over 70-percent of his passes with 42 touchdowns. The former Miami native showed off good speed and athleticism at the combine, but he's a pocket passer that does his best work slicing up a defense through the air. This past season at West Virginia, Smith left too many plays on the field and there were times his footwork got sloppy, leading to inaccuracy. The tools are there though. Geno Smith has the arm-strength to make all the throws necessary at the next level. He has a quick delivery and shows good poise in the pocket. Not to mention, he played in and executed three different offensive systems while with the Mountaineers. The one-time Heisman Trophy frontrunner has the foundation to be a franchise quarterback; he just needs the right coach to pull that ability out of him.

2. Tyler Wilson, 6-2, 215 lbs, Arkansas

At the end of the 2011 college football season, the spotlight was shining on Tyler Wilson. He had just led his team to 11 wins and was named first team All-SEC. Wilson looked like a future first-round pick in the NFL Draft. However, he made the decision to return to school for his senior campaign and 2012 turned into a nightmare. His head coach, Bobby Petrino, was forced to leave the program and Wilson needed to learn a new offensive system. It didn't help that his top three pass-catchers from 2011 all left for the NFL. To make matters even worse, he was playing behind a terrible offensive line that didn't usually give him much of a chance. His production, efficiency, win total and draft stock all dropped, leaving more questions than answers about his game. Wilson is a true pocket passer that has good size and arm strength with an ability to fit the ball into tight windows. The two-time captain is also the toughest quarterback in this year's draft. Wilson has always shown a willingness to stand tall in the pocket, take a hit and bounce right back up which is a necessity at the next level. The former Razorback is a bit of a gunslinger that tends to trust his arm too much and can get sloppy with his footwork, but his talent shouldn't be ignored because of a disappointing and often chaotic senior season.

Where will Matt Barkley land in the upcoming draft? (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)  

Matt Barkley would've likely been a Top 10 pick if he entered last year's NFL Draft. It's a good thing for him it didn't happen. Most times, teams drafting that high need a franchise-changer that can elevate the play of everyone around him. That's not Barkley. He's not physically gifted enough to live up to than standard at the next level. There are a number of things to like about the three-time team captain from USC though. A starter since his freshman year, Barkley has tremendous leadership skills to become the face of an NFL franchise and he has experience playing in a pro-style offense. He's also shown the ability to make pre-snap reads and is the most NFL-ready quarterback in this year's draft. The tangibles are where Barkley comes up bit short. Because of his physical limitations and his lack of arm strength, Barkley will need to attack a defense in the short-to-intermediate passing game with timing, anticipation, touch and accuracy. He was a bit exposed this past season at USC and dealt with a lot of adversity. However, if he gets put into a situation where he's not asked to do too much and has talent surrounding him, Barkley has a chance to be successful at the next level. Much of playing quarterback in the NFL is above the shoulders and no quarterback in the class can match Barkley's football acumen.

4. Ryan Nassib, 6-2, 227 lbs, Syracuse

While Ryan Nassib doesn't have great measurables for the position, he has a lot of starting experience and improved his craft every season at Syracuse. It wasn't until his senior year that he finally started to look most comfortable running the offense for new head coach Doug Marrone. Like every quarterback in this draft, Nassib is far from a finished product, but has intriguing tools. Nassib was the second-best quarterback in the Big East this season behind Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater. The former 'Cuse signal caller has a strong, quick release and showed an ability to make big-time throws at big moments. He also made some maddening throws as well. Nassib is just too erratic at this stage of his career. Not only does he have a horrible tendency to sail balls over the head of his receiver, he doesn't appear to have the arm strength to power the ball downfield either. More than likely, Nassib will need to play in a QB-friendly system surrounded by lots of talent where he won't be asked to do too much in order to succeed at the next level.

Florida State's E.J. Manuel has the size, strength, athleticism and arm strength that teams are looking for in a QB. Associated Press  

5. E.J. Manuel, 6-5, 237 lbs, Florida State

E.J. Manuel had to wait his turn behind current Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder at Florida State. When he finally got his opportunity, Manuel showed to be quite an enigma. He also showed that he's a player with incredible upside. Looking at his measurables, some would think Manuel should be much higher on this list. He is as physically gifted as any quarterback in this class. Manuel has the size, strength, athleticism and arm strength that teams are looking for in a QB. But he also needs a lot of development at the pro level. His decision-making is extremely questionable and his accuracy leaves a lot to be desired, especially under pressure. Manuel is a natural-born playmaker that makes "wow" plays, but also makes decisions that leave you scratching your head too often. However, he was the best QB at the Senior Bowl and his draft stock picked up even more steam at the combine in Indianapolis. Manuel will need to go to a smart coaching staff that understands how to use his physical gifts, but he's an extremely intriguing prospect that has star potential in the right system.

More NFL Draft from Chris Fedor

• 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Browns should take the risk on Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones

• Draft Insider: Glenn Moore and Chris Fedor recap NFL Combine and draft possibilities for Browns

•

Top 10 performances at the NFL Combine: West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin leads the pack

•

2013 NFL Draft Big Board: West Virginia QB Geno Smith belongs in top 10

In spite of a good first half by Mo Speights on Monday, Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott made it clear rookie Tyler Zeller will remain his starting center if he's well enough to play.

View full size The Cleveland Cavaliers' Marreese Speights scored 21 points in the first half on Monday against New York on 10-of-10 shooting from the field. Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If rookie center Tyler Zeller is well enough to play against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, he will start, coach Byron Scott said.

Why?

Because I said so, is basically what Scott said.

The coach was asked if he might consider inserting backup Marreese Speights into the starting lineup permanently after Speights, playing for the ailing Zeller, made all 10 of his shots for 21 points in the first half of the Cavs' 102-97 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night at The Q.

But Scott made it clear he wasn't too impressed with Speights going 0-for-4 in the second half as the Cavs blew a 22-point lead to the Knicks.

"I don't think they did anything," he said of New York's defense. "I thought he missed some shots that he had. I thought he took a couple of bad shots. I thought defensively against the pick and roll he was really not there.

"I thought in the first half he was really focused and into it and the second half I thought he probably stayed in the locker room from a mental standpoint."

Of course, he had a lot of company. Offensively and defensively the Cavs packed it in in the second half. At one point in the first half, the Cavs were shooting better than 81 percent. In the second half, they shot 31 percent. After pulling out to a 52-30 lead in the second quarter, they allowed the Knicks to outscore them the rest of the way, 72-45. New York led by six points late in the fourth quarter, but Cleveland rallied and had a chance to tie the game on a 3-pointer by Kyrie Irving with a second left. New York's Tyson Chandler blocked the shot and J.R. Smith added two free throws with .7 seconds left to account for the final score.

"In the first half we were really aggressive and energetic and focused and in the second half we were playing like we were trying not to lose the game," Scott said. "You can't play that way."

Speights, who made his first start for the Cavs since being obtained from Memphis on Jan. 22 along with Wayne Ellington and the recently released Josh Selby, couldn't really explain the difference between his first half and his second half, either.

"That's how the game goes sometimes when you start off hot like that," he said. "Sometimes that comes with being in the right spots on the court and getting shots. The second half, I really didn't get to the right spots on the court and get my shots."

He did think New York's Carmelo Anthony leaving with a right knee injury was what fueled the Knicks after they fell beind by 22.

"You always know when a team's best player goes out like that, other guys are going to step up," Speights said. "They came in and stepped up and won the game for them. We've gotta learn from it and keep playing."

Speights and Ellington moved into the starting lineup when Zeller and Dion Waiters each had a stomach virus and couldn't play. That disrupted the Cavs' productive second unit, with Speights, Ellington, C.J. Miles, Luke Walton and Shaun Livingston.

"We've got a nice bond, all us older players," Speights said. "We understand the game, been in the league for a little minute. We all understand things on the little things on the court -- on offense and defense."

Speights was asked if he thought he'd start against Utah.

"Tyler's back now so I'll go back to the bench," he said. "It's Tyler's spot."

Injury updates: Zeller, who spent Sunday in the hospital, did return to practice on Tuesday, but Waiters was still out. Scott said he wasn't sure whether either would play on Wednesday. Scott also said Irving's sore/hyperextended right knee seemed to be fine. Irving returned to the court Monday after missing three games.

Girls basketball Regional semifinals

Girls basketball

Regional semifinals

Note: Away team listed first

Division I

REGION 4

At Wright State University

Centerville vs. Cincinnati Princeton, 6:15

Kettering Fairmont vs. Mason, 8

Division III

REGION 9

At Cuyahoga Falls H.S.

Beachwood vs. Mogadore, 6:15

Hanover United vs. Orrville, 8

REGION 10

At Lexington H.S.

Bucyrus Winford vs. Columbus Africentric, 7

REGION 11

At Logan H.S.

Beverly Fort Frye vs. Frankfort Adena, 6:15

Proctorville Fairland vs. Johnstown-Monroe, 8

REGION 12

At Springfield H.S.

Middletown Madison vs. Fayetteville-Perry, 6:15

Casstown Miami East vs. Anna, 8

Boys basketball

District semifinals

Note: Away team listed first.

Division I

ALLIANCE DISTRICT

At Alliance H.S.

#1 Uniontown Lake vs. #5 Youngstown East, 7:30

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS DISTRICT

At Brecksville-Broadview Heights H.S.

#1 St. Edward vs. #6 Solon, 6

#2 North Royalton vs. #5 Berea, 7:30

CANTON DISTRICT

At Canton Memorial Civic Center

#4 Timken vs. #1 Massillon Jackson, 7:30

COPLEY DISTRICT

At Copley H.S.

#4 Brunswick vs. #1 Nordonia, 7

EUCLID DISTRICT

At Euclid H.S.

#3 Brush vs. #5 East Tech, 7

GRAFTON DISTRICT

At Midview H.S.

#1 Brecksville-Broadview Heights vs. #6 Lorain, 7:30

SOLON DISTRICT

At Solon H.S.

#1 St. Ignatius vs. #4 Cleveland Heights, 7

Division II

BOARDMAN DISTRICT

At Boardman H.S.

#2 Salem vs. #5 Southeast, 7

CANTON DISTRICT

At Canton Memorial Fieldhouse

#3 St. Vincent-St. Mary vs. #9 Tuslaw, 6:15

#6 Alliance vs. #5 Marlington, 8

STOW DISTRICT

At Stow-Munroe Falls H.S.

#2 Buchtel vs. #4 Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, 6

#1 Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy vs. #3 Akron East, 7:30

WESTLAKE DISTRICT

At Westlake H.S.

#9 Bay vs. #1 Cleveland Central Catholic, 7

Junior middleweight champion Willie Nelson of Cleveland had not trouble retaining his NABF title last Friday against Michael Medina in Atlantic City, N.J.

View full size Willie Nelson hopes to work his way up the boxing ladder to bigger paydays.  

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Willie Nelson keeps telling everyone he is not Thomas Hearns. But the lanky Cleveland junior middleweight laid a couple of Hit Man-like punches on Michael Medina on Friday in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Nelson, 25, was all business as he retained his NABF 154-pound championship inside the first round.

A right hand dropped Medina (26-4-2, 19 KOs) 90 seconds into the bout, and a second one finished matters 30 seconds later.

"I was really surprised," said Nelson, who scored his 12th stoppage to improve to 20-1-1. "I thought I would wear him down in the later rounds. I pretty much wanted to get it over with."

By saving himself all the wear and tear of a grueling bout, Nelson can store up some energy. With the match televised nationally, he made a lot of points with the ringside big shots.

"At this stage in his career, the last thing we need is rounds," said Jack Loew, who trains Nelson at the South Side Boxing Club in Youngstown. "He had one heck of a camp for eight weeks. He lured that kid into the ropes and got a left hand underneath and a right over the top. He's got a bright future."

Coming in ranked No. 5 by the WBC, Nelson should move up. Saul Alvarez (41-0-1, 30 KOs), another Mexican fighter, is the WBC champ.

"I'm not sure, except I'm taking it one step at a time," said Nelson, who is 6-4, the reason for all the comparisons to Hearns. "I know I've got a big fight in my future.

"When I was 18, I wasn't into the workaholic part. Now I realize you have to train and understand what happens outside and inside the ring. I'm happy where my career is at, even though it took a while."

While plans are uncertain, Loew said he would like Nelson's next bout to take place in May, June at the latest.

Amateur news

The Untouchable Boxing Club, which operates out of Cleveland's Lonnie Burten Recreation Center, produced four champs at last weekend's Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival tournament in Columbus.

Isaiah Steen at 138 pounds in the senior division, Ty'Shaun Humphrey at 75 junior, Charles Conwell at 154 senior and Tiarra Conwell at 75 junior  brought home titles.

Elliott Davis at 132 intermediate, Tai'rez Jackson at 75 junior and open super heavyweight Marlon Steen were runners-up. Open heavyweight Kato Montgomery and Delante Johnson at 106 intermediate were in the quarterfinals.

Coaches were Donyelle Bell and Charles Conwell Sr.

Getting close

The 85th Cleveland Golden Gloves amateur tournament is a month away, going April 5, 6, 13 and 20 at the Brook Park Recreation Center, 17400 Holland Rd., in Brook Park. The preliminary rounds begin at 7 p.m., the April 20 finals at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $20, with youth tickets [under 12] at $10 available only at the door. They may be purchased at the recreation center and at the Golden Gloves office, 4500 Lee Rd., in Cleveland. Call the GG office at 216-662-7445.

The registration for boxers, ages 17 to 34, will be open until March 29 at 5 p.m. Competition will be held in sub-novice, novice and open divisions.

Something old

Never-say-retire Bernard Hopkins (52-6-2, 32 KOs) challenges IBF light heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud (24-0, 18 KOs) on Saturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Hopkins turned 48 on Jan. 15.

Friday

The ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" are in Atlantic City, N.J., where 140-pounders Victor Cayo (29-3, 21 KOs) and Emmanuel Taylor (16-1, 11 KOs) meet at 9 p.m.

Showtime's "ShoBox" series is in Indio, Calif., where Hugo Centeno Jr. (15-0, 8 KOs) meets KeAndre Leatherwood (12-1, 8 KOs) at 154 pounds at 11 p.m.

 To reach this Plain Dealer Reporter:
 jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168
 On Twitter: @JoeMaxse