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Cleveland Indians beat San Francisco Giants, 4-3, on homer in 9th by catcher Roberto Perez

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The Indians used a ninth-inning homer by minor league catcher Roberto Perez to beat the Giants, 4-3, Tuesday at Scottsdale Stadium.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- In the Indians farm system, catcher Roberto Perez is known for his defensive skills.

This afternoon, he made a statement for the offensive side of the game as he homered in the ninth inning to give the Indians a 4-3 victory over the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium.

Perez's homer off Daniel Otero was the Tribe's third of the game. The Indians have hit six in the last two spring games.

The Indians are 8-5 in the Cactus League. The eight wins are one more than they won all last spring.

The Tribe took a 1-0 lead in the second when Ezequiel Carrera reached on a fielder's choice, stole second and third base and scored on Luis Hernandez's single to left.

Shortstop Juan Diaz made it 2-0 with his first Cactus League homer, a drive to right field with one out in the fourth off Ramon Ramirez.

The Giants tied the score, 2-2, on Brandon Crawford's two-run homer in the fourth. Joe Smith, making his first appearance of the spring, retired the first two batters in the inning, but gave up a single to Francisco Peguero to bring Crawford to the plate.

The Indians reclaimed the lead, 3-2, on Nick Swisher's leadoff homer in the fifth. It was Swisher's second Cactus League homer.

The Giants pulled into a 3-3 tie in the sixth as Brandon Belt homered off left-hander David Huff. It was the only run Huff allowed in three innings of work. Huff is trying to win a job on the Tribe's pitching staff whether it's in the rotation or the bullpen.

Huff is out of options.

Daisuke Matsuzaka started for the Tribe and went three scoreless innings. He pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the first when Belt sent a short fly ball to Ryan Raburn in left field, who threw home to get Kensuke Tanaka for an inning-ending double play.

The Giants put runners on first and second with one out in the second, but Matsuzaka induced a 1-6-3 double play from Hector Sanchez, who sent a bouncer back to the mound.  Matsuzaka allowed five hits and struck out two.

He was throwing between 87 mph and 90 mph.

While the Giants had a run erased at the plate in the first, the Indians suffered the same fate in the third. After Ben Francisco doubled and went to third on a wild pitch, Swisher walked to bring Raburn to the plate. Raburn sent a bouncer to third with Francisco going on contact. Joaquin Arias threw to Buster Posey at home, where Francisco was an easy out.  




Cleveland Browns don't have many free agents worth keeping: Terry Pluto

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The fact the most-discussed free agent on the Cleveland Browns is kicker Phil Dawson underscores how little the team will miss most of the players who are poised to leave.

terry-dawson.jpg View full size Was this the last year on the Lakefront for Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson? New CEO Joe Banner has a history of not paying a lot of money to older players and Dawson is 38.  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking to myself about the Browns as free agency looms . . .

Question: Would you re-sign Phil Dawson?

Answer: The fact that the first question about retaining a Browns free agent is about a kicker is significant.

Q: Meaning what?

A: Meaning the Browns have 16 free agents, and Dawson (a kicker) is the most prized by the fans. The second is Joshua Cribbs, a special teams player. Part of the reason is they have actually been with the team for a while: Dawson since 1999, Cribbs since 2005.

Q: So would you re-sign Dawson?

A. Yes, to a lucrative two-year deal. I doubt they will.

Q: Why?

A: Because Dawson is 38. At the end of the 2010 season, Eagles President Joe Banner decided not to keep 36-year-old kicker David Akers, who had made the 2010 Pro Bowl. Instead, the Eagles picked Alex Henery in the fourth round from Nebraska, and paid the rookie kicker $2.5 million over four seasons. Akers signed a three-year, $9 million deal with the 49ers. In 2011, Akers was a Pro Bowler again. While the 49ers made the Super Bowl this season, Akers had a rocky season -- connecting on 29-of-42 attempts -- and was cut.

Q: You think Banner will take the same road with Dawson?

A: My guess is he'd rather drop a player a year too early than a year too late. I also wouldn't be shocked if Dawson ends up with the 49ers to kick for Brad Seely, the Browns' former special teams coach.

Q: What about Cribbs?

A: He'll be 30 in June, considered old for a return man. The new kickoff rules also have hurt his value because more are kicked out of the end zone. But my point wasn't to dwell on Dawson and Cribbs.

Q: OK, what is the point?

A: That one of the free agents leaving is Mohamed Massaquoi. That means the Browns had three picks in the second-round of the 2009 draft -- Brian Robiskie, David Veikune and Massaquoi. All are gone. None made any real impact. The Browns wasted those valuable choices.

Q: You've been writing how the new Browns coaching staff loves tight ends, so why not keep Ben Watson?

A: He caught 49 passes and played in every game, but Watson is 32 and has a history of three concussions. They want younger players. They will look at free agent tight ends such as Dustin Keller and Jared Cook.

Q: They need linebackers who can play in the 3-4 defense, what about Scott Fujita?

A: Fujita will be 34 in April. The Browns signed him to a three-year deal at the age of 31. He was on the injured list to finish all three seasons with the Browns. This front office seems to want to avoid signing a 30-something free agent to a significant deal. With the Eagles, Banner was always worried about being stuck with older players.

Q: Is that why he traded Sheldon Brown to the Browns?

A: Yes, he shipped Brown (then 31) and Chris Gocong to the Browns for Alex Hall and a fifth-round pick. Brown is a free agent and won't be back. Gocong signed a four-year, $17 million deal ($8 million guaranteed) in 2011. He missed all of 2012 with an Achilles injury. He can be a 3-4 linebacker, assuming he stays healthy.

Q: Aren't the Browns $48 million under the salary cap?

A: Yes, that's the second most cap room in the NFL. The Browns have so many needs. While some fans would say linebackers, I think the prime need is a starting corner, and a strong backup cornerback to join Joe Haden in pass coverage. Other than T.J. Ward, I don't like any of the safeties -- although the last coaching staff thought Johnson Bademosi had real promise.

Q: Doesn't the switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 create more vacancies?

A: At first, I thought it was a major mistake. But looking at the linebackers, they have four on the roster: D'Qwell Jackson, James-Michael Johnson, Craig Robertson and Gocong. They were going to need to add one or two for the 4-3. So they need linebackers, period.

Q: Why switch defenses again?

A: At the NFL Combine, Banner said, "The game is fundamentally about preventing pressure on your quarterback and putting pressure on the opponent's quarterback." He believes the Browns didn't create enough defensive pressure from the 4-3 defense. New defensive coordinator Ray Horton blitzed on 42 percent of his plays, second most in the NFL. He did it out of the 3-4 set. That's what Banner wants, and they need to add players to make that happen.

Q: So Paul Kruger from the Ravens would fit?

A: He had eight sacks, played in the 3-4 and is 27 years old. He also played in the AFC North. Seems like a good fit with the Ravens having salary cap problems.

Q: Do you see them keeping anyone?

A: Long snapper Christian Yount is a restricted free agent and he did a good job. Kaluka Maiava may return if the price is cheap, as he's a backup linebacker and special teams player. They don't like Reggie Hodges and have already brought in punter Spencer Lanning, so Hodges is gone.

Q: Didn't Juqua Parker have a good year?

A: He had six sacks as a backup defensive end. But he's a 4-3 defensive end and he'll be 35 in May. He doesn't fit.

Q: So the shopping list is long?

A: It may be at least two defensive backs, two linebackers, a kicker, a veteran receiver and a veteran offensive guard. And yes, maybe two tight ends. They probably will spend through the $48 million quick.

Q: What about a quarterback?

A: I've written for weeks that they may sign free agent Matt Moore, and I think that remains a real possibility. So Banner, General Manager Michael Lombardi and his assistant general manager Ray Farmer will have to be smart in how they spend their free agent money -- but the situation demands that they spend it because the team has so many needs.

Ohio State spring football: Updates from today's first practice

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Bedford's Tyvis Powell was the starting nickelback and Urban Meyer said he was impressed with how hard Powell has worked, and he earned that spot. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Notes from watching Ohio State's first day of spring practice today and talking to Urban Meyer afterward:

Bedford's Tyvis Powell made a big move this off-season, and Meyer said he earned the right to be the starting nickel back, at the star position, for the first day of practice. Meyer said he told the players he is looking for the next guys to win the “Fragel Award,” named for Reid Fragel, last year's starting right tackle, who can come from nowhere to become great players.

Starting linebacker Ryan Shazier, the only sure thing at that spot, sat out practice with what Meyer said is a sports hernia. The starters were Curtis Grant and David Perkins, and the Buckeyes were in a nickel defense almost all day and only using two linebackers.

Jordan Hall hauled in about a 40-yard pass from Braxton Miller, and after redshirting last year, he looked very good in his move from running back to the H-back spot in the slot, where he can catch the ball and run it. Meyer said he thought Hall looked great, and he had to caution himself to not get too excited about it.

ohio-state-braxton-miller-practice Quarterback Braxton Miller had good footwork and fundamentals on the first day of spring practice Tuesday, according to coach Urban Meyer.

Meyer said he thought Miller had a great first day, and he really praised the quarterback's footwork,.

Bradley Roby had two interceptions during the scrimmage time and Meyer made a point to say how glad he is Roby came back instead of leaving for the NFL. Johnathan Hankins, who did leave early for the pros, was watching practice.

Drew Basil, Frank Epitropoulos and Jake Russell all punted, as the Buckeyes search for a punter. Meyer said a lot of good things about Basil and it certainly sounds for now like he leans toward having Basil both kick and punt.

Receiver Philly Brown sat out with a slight sprain, but Meyer said he should be back for the second practice on Thursday. The starting receivers were Devin Smith, who changed to No. 9 from No. 15, and Evan Spencer.

The four seniors on the offensive line looked solid, with sophomore Taylor Decker working the most as the first-team right tackle. But Chase Farris also got plenty of reps there. Freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett, who enrolled early for the spring, was in an orange jersey that indicated an injury, but he did most of the work of the other quarterbacks. He tore his ACL during his senior season of high school, and Meyer said they are being cautious with him, but he looks more ready than may have been expected.

Meyer said if the Buckeyes don't make improvements on the defensive line and linebacker, they won't be a good football team. If they do improve there, they will. Meyer said he missed the leaders from last year, but otherwise he likes this team and liked how they looked on the first day of practice.

Practice two of the 15 practices this spring is on Thursday.


Scouting Wednesday and Thursday girls basketball regionals

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Here is a look at girls basketball regionals being played Wednesday and Thursday involving local teams. Wednesday

The Ohio High School Athletic Association's girls basketball regionals run this week at sites across the state.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Here is a look at girls basketball regionals being played Wednesday and Thursday involving local teams.

Wednesday

Division III

CUYAHOGA FALLS

Where: Cuyahoga Falls High, 2300 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls. Call 330-926-3808.

Semifinals: Mogadore (13-13) vs. Beachwood (22-2), 6:15 p.m.; Orrville (24-2) vs. Hanoverton United (24-2), 8 p.m.

Final: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

What to watch: The opener should be a low-scoring affair. Mogadore and Beachwood aren't particularly tall teams and they rely on perimeter shooting and drive-and-dish, so foul shooting will probably be a factor. Beachwood, ranked 10th in the final state poll, can't get Mikah Aldridge in foul trouble, and ditto for unranked Mogadore with Ashley Barker. Although this is the Wildcats' second season in Division III, they experienced regionals on the Division IV level. Beachwood has never made it this far. Look for 15th-ranked United, which plays scrappy defense, to get as much as it can from the 3-point arc from Mackenzie Gatchel. No. 4-ranked Orrville sports Wayne County's all-time leading scorer in Hannah Plybon and coach Mark Alberts Sr. has over 500 career victories.

PD pick: Orrville over Mogadore.

Thursday

Division IV

Where: Massillon Perry High, 3737 13th Street SW, Massillon. Call 330-209-8325.

Semifinals: Maplewood (25-1) vs. Lowellville (23-3), 6:15 p.m.; Berlin Hiland (23-3) vs. Lake Ridge Academy (22-3).

Final: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

What to watch: Lowellville is in its fifth straight regional but is on quite a run this winter considering it graduated three 1,000-point scorers. A lot of the credit falls on senior starters Kaye Solak (also a 1,000-point scorer), Madison Opritza and Rachel Durbin. Maplewood won its first district title with a balanced offense, led by Allison Bell, Miranda Sloan and Brooke Dawson. Tradition-rich Berlin Hiland, ranked second in the state, and eighth-ranked Lake Ridge Academy play challenging schedules. Hiland, with a good mixture of experience and youth, is headed by seniors Emily Yoder, Regina Hochstetler, Jasmine Goings, Natalie Nickol and junior Jenica Schrock. Sydney Clark, Monet Saunders, Sharday Baines and Kyndall Wellons headline senior-dominated Lake Ridge. Depth is in Hiland's favor and because it thrives on pressure and transition, it could pose a problem for the Royals.

PD pick: Berlin Hiland over Lowellville.

Fantasy cast for Cleveland Browns movie, Draft Day (photo gallery)

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Kevin Costner is reportedly starring in "Draft Day," a Cleveland Browns movie that may be shot in Cleveland. Check out our Fantasy football cast for the movie.

Gallery previewKevin Costner is reportedly starring in "Draft Day," a Cleveland Browns movie that may be shot in Cleveland. Not knowing which role he might play, we decided to cast the movie ourselves. See if you agree with our choices.


Despite injury, Michael Brantley will keep sliding head-first: Cleveland Indians Insider

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Although he needed 15 stitches after he was spiked sliding head-first into third base, Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley will continue to dive into bases.

intribe-michaelbrantley.jpg View full size Next time he's running the bases, Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley says he won't hesitate to slide head-first.  

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Left fielder Michael Brantley still has 15 stitches in his left forearm, but has no intention of taking the head-first slide out of his game when he returns to the Indians' lineup.

Brantley was spiked sliding head-first into third base Feb. 25 against Oakland after hitting an RBI double. He's been sidelined since, but he could be ready to start playing again by the end of the week.

"I'm doing everything except taking batting practice," said Brantley. "I've been throwing and hitting off the tee for the last couple of days. I'm just waiting for them to take the stitches out and I'll be ready to go."

Brantley said his slides after split fairly evenly between head-first and feet-first.

"It's a spur of the moment thing," he said. "But I'm not going to stop sliding head-first because of this. This is something that just happened."

The risk of injury is greater sliding head-first compared to feet-first. Brantley agrees when it comes to going head-first into home against a padded-up catcher. As for the other three bases, Brantley said: "It's a matter of opinion. A lot of guys slide head-first and then you see Michael Bourn and Carl Crawford who always go feet-first."

Escapability: Manager Terry Francona's initial reaction to Daisuke Matsuzaka when he managed him in Boston in 2007 was that he was an escape artist. No matter how bad the jam, Matsuzaka usually escaped.

He saw the same thing Tuesday in a 4-3 victory over the Giants. Matsuzaka stranded five runners in the first two innings as he pitched three scoreless innings.

"There is no panic in him," said Francona.

"I understand it's part of how I pitch," said Matsuzaka, through interpreter Jeff Cutler. "It's not ideal, but it's something I always think about when I'm on the mound and I get runners on."

Will homer for food: First baseman Nick Swisher must have forgotten to eat breakfast. He wandered over to the grandstand Tuesday behind first base after chasing a foul pop that he had no chance of catching. He stayed there talking to Giants and Indians fans.

"I was wondering if anybody had any food over there," said Swisher, with a laugh. "There was no popcorn, no nothing. I said, 'Man, you're sitting field side.' "

Swisher returned to the field of play and hit a leadoff homer in the fifth. It was his second of the spring.

"I don't know what it's been like around here in the past, but it seems like there's awful lot of buzz going around this team, especially in the 216 (Cleveland area code)," said Swisher.

No.2: Catcher Lou Marson, for the second time this spring, hit second Tuesday. Marson knows Francona did it so he could get a couple of extra at-bats, but it still makes him feel good.

"It gives me a little more confidence hitting at the top or the order instead of the No. 9 hole," he said.

In his first at-bat Tuesday against the Giants, Marson singled off the glove of shortstop Brandon Crawford.

First cut: The Indians reassigned first baseman Jesus Aguilar, left-hander Edward Paredes and outfield Jeremy Hermida to the minors on Wednesday.

Aguilar, one of the few power-hitting bats in the farm system, could be knocking on the door of the big leagues by 2014. Hermida, who has eight years in the big leagues, will stay with the Indians until the minor-leaguers start playing games. Minor league intrasquad games start March 13.

Opening day festivities: The Plain Dealer will once again hold the "Talkin' Tribe Opening Day Breakfast" on April 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The Plain Dealer, 1801 Superior Ave., Cleveland.

Tickets are $25. To reserve a seat go to www.plaindealer.com/homeopener.

Michael McIntyre, The PD's Tipoff columnist, will moderate with guest speakers Terry Pluto, Dennis Manoloff and Paul Hoynes answering questions pertaining to the Indians.

For information, call 216-999-4028.

Finally: The MLB players association visits the Indians on Wednesday morning. . . . Frank Herrmann says he should know this week what course of action will be taken on his injured right elbow. He could be facing Tommy John surgery. . . . No. 1 pick Tyler Naquin (2012) finished Tuesday's game in center field. No. 3 pick Tony Wolters (2010) finished at shortstop.

Cleveland Browns hire Ray Farmer as Assistant General Manager, name Mike Lombardi General Manager

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The Browns today named Ray Farmer as the club's Assistant General Manager and changed Mike Lombardi's title to General Manager.

AX058_7221_9.JPG Michael Lombardi, who had been named Vice President–Player Personnel, is now the team’s General Manager. (Thomas Ondrey/The Plain Dealer)  

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns today changed Mike Lombardi's title from Vice President / Player Personnel to General Manager and hired former Chiefs Director of Pro Personnel Ray Farmer as assistant general manager.

Farmer was one of several candidates the Browns interviewed for their general manager vacancy this offseason.  But CEO Joe Banner stressed that Farmer's addition won't alter Lombardi's role in the slightest.

"The change in Mike's title was a reflection of the need to create the assistant general manager title in order to get permission from Kansas City for Ray to be free to interview with us,'' said Banner. "There's no change in Mike's position at all. It's purely an add of Ray.''

Banner said he didn't name Lombardi GM the day he was hired Jan. 18, because he didn't know for sure if he'd be hiring Farmer as well.
 
"At the time, we didn't know that this would happen, and I like the structure of Vice President of Player Personnel a little bit better,'' Banner said. "Frankly it gives him and the department something to aspire to, and I thought that was a good thing to have. But I thought it was outweighed by the opportunity to add another top-tier person to the department.''

Banner said the Browns' flow chart will remain the same, with both coach Rob Chudzinski and Lombardi reporting directly to Banner.

"Ray will be involved in both the college and pro side of the personnel department,'' he said. "He will be doing everything from participating with Mike in supervising the college and pro scouts in addition to the college and pro directors we have. He will be on the road scouting college players, and he'll be an integral part of all of these strategic decisions we have to make whether it be free agency, draft picks or whatever. He adds a voice that's just a top, top tier player evaluator in the NFL.''

Banner said the personnel department will still be reviewed after the draft April 25-27, "but there's nothing else in terms of adding people at this point.''

Banner has known his new assistant GM since Farmer played linebacker for the Eagles from 1996-98.

"I've followed his career,'' Banner said. "I've been very impressed with him. I've always had him in mind as someone I'd potentially want to bring into an organization I was part of, and the situation presented itself. I've actually been working on this for awhile and was finally able to execute it.''

 Banner said Farmer exhibited leadership qualities even when he knew him in Philadelphia.

"As a player, he was a good hard-working person,'' said Banner. "As I've said before, I've made a practice through the years of just asking people constantly around the league, 'Who do you work with that's sharp? Who are the young up-and-coming people?' And Ray's name started to get mentioned to me all the way back when he was at Atlanta.

"And then I started hearing his name some more in Kansas City, just as a very bright, hard-working guy; understood the elements of putting together a team versus just picking players. And that's what got me to the point where we included him in interviews for the general manager search, where he was just extremely impressive.''

Farmer joins the Browns after spending the previous seven seasons (2006-12) as the Kansas City Chiefs’ Director of Pro Personnel. During his tenure with the Chiefs, Farmer was responsible for scouting all players with professional experience, and evaluating current players in the NFL, Canadian Football League and all other pro leagues. Prior to joining the Chiefs, Farmer spent four seasons (2002-05) as a pro scout with the Atlanta Falcons.

A fourth-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1996 NFL Draft, Farmer played three seasons (1996-98) at linebacker for the Eagles, appearing in 32 games with 16 starts before a knee injury ended his career.

A native of White Plains, N.Y., he and his wife, Vernet, have two children, Boyd and Kennedy.



Brecksville beats Lorain to advance to boys basketball district final: High school roundup

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No. 1-seed Brecksville hasn't won a district championship in boys basketball in more than 30 years. The Bees will get their opportunity Saturday after defeating Lorain, 63-60, in a Division I district semifinal at Midview on Wednesday. Senior Mark Chrzanowski led three Bees in double figures with a game-high 24 points. Junior Tim Tupa and senior Matt Csuhran scored...

No. 1-seed Brecksville hasn't won a district championship in boys basketball in more than 30 years. The Bees will get their opportunity Saturday after defeating Lorain, 63-60, in a Division I district semifinal at Midview on Wednesday.

Senior Mark Chrzanowski led three Bees in double figures with a game-high 24 points. Junior Tim Tupa and senior Matt Csuhran scored 12 each. Lorain was led by sophomore Devon Andrews' 16 points.

Brecksville will face the winner of today's Elyria-Westlake game.

St. Edward 67, Solon 36 Even with the loss of two players for the season, No. 1-seed St. Edward dominated the Comets in a Division I district semifinal at Brecksville. The defending regional champions were without starting guard/forward Tony Vuyancih (knee) and backup guard Malcolm Walters (ineligible). Senior forward Tim Stainbrook led the Eagles with 13 points, and sophomore Mike Ryan scored 12. Josh Glass scored 17 for Solon.

North Royalton 58, Berea 53 Omari Spellman led the Bears with 33 points in a Division I district semifinal at Brecksville. North Royalton's Evan Wypasek scored 11. Berea's Devin Posey had 15 points.

East Tech 69, Brush 60 No. 5 seed East Tech (16-8) jumped to a nine-point first quarter lead and held off Brush in a Division I Euclid district semifinal. Senate Athletic League MVP Kyauta Taylor led the Golden Scarabs with 22 points. Forward Brandon Dawson had 23 points for No. 3 seed Brush.

Buchtel 67, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 57 Elijah Bell had 19 points to lead Buchtel to a Division III district semifinal victory at Stow. The Griffins' Tyler Jones and Sable Cooper combined for 27 points. John Cirillo scored a game-high 32 for the Lions.

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 67, Akron East 52 Caleb Kleibschneidel led CVCA with 15 points to help the Royals advance to the Division II district final at Stow. Luke and Bob Peters combined for 34 points. Akron East's Demetrius Ray scored a game-high 30 points.

Cleveland Central Catholic 65, Bay 55 The No. 1-seed Ironmen got the Division II district semifinal victory at Westlake as Chelvonte Montgomery led Central Catholic (18-6) with 17 points. Ben Chase led Bay (12-13) with 23 points.

 


What's going on with Southwestern Conference expansion? Hey, Tim!

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Hey, Tim: With the Southwestern Conference adding Avon, Lakewood and Midview, what is the plan to handle the logistics of a ten school league? Also, what happens to the remaining schools of the West Shore Conference? - Chris Bommer, Erie, Pa.  

Hey, Tim: With the Southwestern Conference adding Avon, Lakewood and Midview, what is the plan to handle the logistics of a ten school league? Also, what happens to the remaining schools of the West Shore Conference? - Chris Bommer, Erie, Pa.

 

Hey, Chris: At the moment, Avon is the only school that has been accepted into the SWC. It will leave the West Shore Conference for the SWC in August 2015.

 

Lakewood and Midview are not joining the SWC, yet.

 

Avon will be the SWC's eighth member, filling the void left by the Berea-Midpark merger this fall.

 

SWC athletic directors met this week and didn't take any action on the other rumored possibilities, which is said to be interest from WSC members Lakewood, Midview and North Ridgeville.

 

The SWC hasn't even decided it if wants to expand. SWC principals and superintendents also are discussing the topic, but nothing has been proposed.

 

With rumblings from the Northeast Ohio Conference to the Chagrin Valley Conference, it appears another wave of conference changes will be sweeping across the region soon.

 

-Tim

 

Thursday, March 7 television and radio sports listings for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

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AHL 7 p.m. Monsters vs. Peoria AM/850 BASEBALL 3 p.m. WBC, Italy vs. Mexico MLBN 6:30 p.m. WBC, Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic MLBN 10 p.m. WBC, teams TBD MLBN CYCLING 4:30 p.m. Paris-Nice, stage 4 (tape) NBCSN GOLF 2 p.m. Cadillac Championship Golf Channel 6:30 p.m. Puerto Rico Open (tape) Golf Channel HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL 7 p.m. Elyria...

AHL

7 p.m. Monsters vs. Peoria AM/850

BASEBALL

3 p.m. WBC, Italy vs. Mexico MLBN

6:30 p.m. WBC, Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic MLBN

10 p.m. WBC, teams TBD MLBN

CYCLING

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

GOLF

2 p.m. Cadillac Championship Golf Channel

6:30 p.m. Puerto Rico Open (tape) Golf Channel

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Elyria vs. Westlake AM/930; AM/1380

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

8 p.m. Lake Ridge vs. Berlin Hiland AM/1320

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Butler at UMass NBCSN

7 p.m. Kentucky at Georgia ESPN

7 p.m. Penn State at Northwestern ESPNU

7 p.m. Virginia at Florida State ESPN2

9 p.m. Oregon at Colorado ESPN2

9 p.m. Oregon State at Utah ESPNU

9 p.m. Wisconsin at Michigan State ESPN

11 p.m. Long Beach State at UC Davis ESPN2

NBA

8 p.m. Oklahoma City at New York TNT

10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Denver TNT

NHL

7 p.m. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia NHLN

7 p.m. Vancouver at Columbus FSO

WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

12:30 p.m. Big Ten tourney, BTN

3 p.m. Big Ten tourney, BTN

7 p.m. Big Ten tourney, BTN

9:30 p.m. Big Ten tourney, BTN

Talk Cavs basketball with Mary Schmitt Boyer today at 11 a.m.

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Get your questions ready and join Cavaliers beat writer Mary Schmitt Boyer today at 11 a.m. as she talks Cavs basketball with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

AX245_237C_9.JPGTalk Cavs basketball with Mary Schmitt Boyer today at 11 am.
Get your questions ready and join Cavaliers beat writer Mary Schmitt Boyer today at 11 a.m. as she talks Cavs basketball with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

She will talk about the Cavs' win over the Jazz, their bench and giving up big lead to the Knicks.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Mary's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in MP3 format.

Watch PD Sports Insider today at 12:30 p.m.: Former Cavs' guard Mark Price and Mary Kay Cabot

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Watch PD Sports Insider today at 12:30 p.m. as Dennis Manoloff, Branson Wright and Glenn Moore will be joined by Mark Price and Mary Kay Cabot.

pd-sports-insider-logo.jpg Watch PD Sports Insider live at 12:30 p.m. today on cleveland.com.  
Where does Kyrie Irving rank with other point guards in the NBA? Who will the Browns target in free agency?

Today, live at 12:30 p.m., on PD Sports Insider, join Dennis Manoloff, Branson Wright and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore as they talk Cavs with former Cavaliers' point guard Mark Price.

Who will the Browns go after in free agency? Mary Kay Cabot will come on and give her take.

Be sure to Like PD Sports Insider on Facebook.







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


About the show: PD Sports Insider airs live every
Thursday at noon. Co-hosted by Bud Shaw, Dennis Manoloff and
cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, 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.com TweetUp with the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field

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Get a look inside the Indians' new Premium Club on March 20th during our TweetUp with the Cleveland Indians.

indians-tweetup.jpg View full size  
As Opening Day draws nearer, cleveland.com and the Indians and are teaming up to host an exclusive TweetUp at Progressive Field. The event will take place in the ballpark's brand new Collection Auto Club at Progressive Field from 5pm - 7pm on Wednesday, March 20.

Participants will get an early glimpse at the newest seating area at Progressive Field: a state-of-the-art 5,000 square foot lounge, located adjacent to the Press Box. Food and beverages will be served at the event, and the Indians will introduce a variety of new initiatives for the 2013 season.

The event will also include a reception in the Club Lounge, and all guests will receive two free drink tickets, as well as the opportunity to preview new concessions items for 2013, and access to a Cash Bar.

Limited free parking will be available - please RSVP early by emailing FanServices@Indians.com to secure your parking and place at the event. Fans attending the event can enter through the Carnegie Tent, and take the elevator directly to the 4th floor.

For more information, visit the Indians event page.

RSVP to the event on our Facebook event page or tweet @dan_labbe.

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.

Live chat tonight at 7 p.m.: Division I, Solon District Semifinal between Bedford and Shaker Heights

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Join The Plain Dealer's Kristen Davis from Solon as Bedford takes on Shaker Heights in the Division I, Solon District Semifinal. Tip off is at 7 p.m. Get updates from press row, chat with other fans and ask your questions in the chat room below. Also watch for pregame and halftime videos inside the locker rooms later tonight.

Join The Plain Dealer's Kristen Davis from Solon as Bedford takes on Shaker Heights in the Division I, Solon District Semifinal. Tip off is at 7 p.m.

Get updates from press row, chat with other fans and ask your questions in the chat room below. Also watch for pregame and halftime videos inside the locker rooms later tonight.

Be sure to use the hashtag #pdvarsity on your game updates from across town.

>> Box score | District bracket

   Live chat: Log in to chat with Kristen and other fans

Related links:

• HS basketball scoreboard | News from The Plain Dealer and Sun News

• Get updates from The Plain Dealer on Twitter 

Video: Watch Blake Griffin's crazy alley-oop dunk

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Blake Griffin threw down a windmill alley-oop jam off a Jamal Crawford between-the-legs lob. The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 117-101. Griffin finished with a triple-double.

Video: Blake Griffin threw down a windmill alley-oop jam off a Jamal Crawford between-the-legs lob. The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 117-101. Griffin finished with a triple-double.

LOS ANGELES — Jamal Crawford didn't make it to the All-Star game. If he had, the Clippers' sixth man had something planned similar to the move he pulled off in setting up Blake Griffin for one of the season's most buzz-worthy dunks.

Crawford and Griffin combined for their memorable moment in the fourth quarter of a 117-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, the Clippers' 10th victory in 13 games.

Griffin's windmill dunk off Crawford's alley-oop pass came after the guard went streaking to the basket on a fast break, threw the ball up, caught it, passed it between his legs, and then threw it over his shoulder to Griffin.

"I got the best jumper in the world, so might as well get creative," said Crawford, who led the Clippers with 25 points despite tweaking his left ankle early in the game. "Blake just took it to a whole other level. We can push that for an ESPY (award)."

As the trailer, Griffin wasn't sure what Crawford had in mind, but figured he would throw it off the glass for Griffin to finish.

Blake Griffin,  Ekpe Udoh,  J.J. Redick, Ersan Ilyasova Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, center, battles by Milwaukee Bucks forward Ekpe Udoh, left, guard J.J. Redick (5) and forward Ersan Ilyasova (7), of Turkey, for a reverse dunk in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 6, 2013, in Los Angeles.(AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

 "He didn't even look back," Griffin said. "He threw it a little low and it was close to the rim. It was a spur of the moment thing. Sometimes he does some things that are unbelievable. Besides all the flash, he's been efficient for us."

Griffin finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his third career triple-double. Matt Barnes added 20 points, while Chris Paul had 14 points and nine assists to help the Pacific Division leaders improve to 24-7 at home.

"It's exciting, but at the same time, without my teammates hitting these shots it doesn't happen," Griffin said.

Monta Ellis scored 18 of his 22 points in the first half and Ersan Ilyasova added 20 points for the Bucks, whose four-game winning streak ended as they fell to 1-12 in Los Angeles against the Clippers since the 2000-01 season. Brandon Jennings hit five 3-pointers for 18 points and 12 assists.

"They made shots," Ellis said. "We couldn't make shots, they got rebounds, got out and ran and executed their offense."

The Clippers opened the fourth quarter with a seven-point lead and quickly extended it to 108-91. Barnes sandwiched 3s around consecutive baskets by Eric Bledsoe, who also hit a 3.

Griffin and Crawford's play got the sellout crowd on its feet roaring heading into a timeout.

"They would rather see Blake dunk than me any time of the day so I just have to figure out the best way to get it to him," Crawford said.

Griffin's assists were a career high and helped him record his first triple-double since he had two late in the 2010-11 season. He secured the triple-double by grabbing a miss by J.J. Redick with about six minutes left in the game, and checked out to a standing ovation with 3:55 remaining.

"He's doing everything. He's finding people, he's making plays," Crawford said of Griffin. "He demands a lot of attention down there, so he's getting double-teamed and kicking out to our shooters. He's making the right play all of the time."

Barnes made six 3s in helping the Clippers go 12 of 29 from long-range and complete a season sweep of the Bucks.

"We've been a team that's been able to hang around with other teams and then suddenly find something in the fourth quarter, but not tonight," Bucks coach Jim Boylan said.

The Clippers led by 15 points in the second quarter, thanks to a 16-2 run that included two 3s by Barnes and one by Chauncey Billups. Both teams shot better than 50 percent in the half, and the Clippers finished at 54 percent for the game.



High School Players of the Week for March 7, 2013

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

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

Montell Goodwin
Warrensville Heights
Sport: Basketball
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 6-2
Wt: 150
What Montell did last week: In sectional tournament wins over Lakeside and Harvey, guard scored 44 points, had four rebounds, four assists and four steals. Was 8-of-14 on 3-point shots.
About Montell: Hopes to play basketball in college and wants to become an air marshal. Favorites include the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kyrie Irving, "Waist Deep" movie, YouTube.com, "NBA 2K13" video game, "To Kill a Mockingbird" book, tacos and history class. Would like to try ice skating.
Kyauta Taylor
East Tech
Sport: Basketball
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 6-2
Wt: 165
What Kyauta did last week: Guard sparked an upset of Glenville and a win over Mayfield in sectional action with 66 points, six steals, 11 rebounds and five assists. Made 25 of 45 field goals and 14 of 15 free throws.
About Kyauta: Listens to "Till I Collapse" by Eminem before games. Would like to attend Cincinnati. Favorites include Kyrie Irving, "He Got Game" movie, "Family Guy" TV show, Instagram.com and "Forged by Fire" book. Would like to try bungee jumping.

Nominations for high school Players of the Week will now be accepted through an online form instead of phone calls. Access the form atcleveland.com/potw. Nominations, which must be submitted by coaches, are due every Monday by noon.

Cleveland Browns and NFL A.M. Links: Kent State's Brian Winters has his Pro Day; Mike Wallace and free agency

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Kent State's Brian Winters says he had a good day in front of the scouts; links from around the NFL.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Kent State lineman Brian Winters was the main attraction along with a host of others in the Flashes' "Pro Day" at the KSU Field House on Wednesday.

Reporter Tom Reed writes on Cleveland.com how Winters, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman, suffered a strained pectoral
muscle at the combine and did not complete his workout. He participated
in all drills Wednesday except for the 225-pound bench press, which he
plans to do sometime ahead of the draft (April 25-27).

Reed also writes about how teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants sent offensive line coaches, to see Winters in action.

Winters, 21, completed the short shuttle in 4.7 seconds, while
registering a 31.5-inch vertical jump and an 8-11 broad jump. The
performance helped atone for the minor injury at the combine.
"It was a letdown, I was really looking forward to it, especially coming from the school I (come) from,” Winters said. “I was excited to turn heads and put up good numbers. But I came here, it was the same crowd (of scouts) and I felt comfortable with all the guys on my team
and had a good day.”

More Browns and NFL links:

Don't miss the weekly Thursday Draft Insider show today at 1:30 with Glenn Moore and Chris Fedor (cleveland.com)

The Browns are after Paul Kruger and Cliff Avril in free agency (Cleveland.com).

Wide receiver Mike Wallace is ranked at the top of the free-agent list (PFT.com).

Another mock draft has the Browns selecting Dion Jordan with their first pick (ESPN).

NFL alums help keep former player from committing suicide (CBSSports.com).

From the looks of it, Jake Long could make the Dolphins' free agency decision tougher (Yahoo.com).

The NFL will address Combine interview questions (Fox Sports).

These "experts" are all over the place when it comes to which player the Browns will select in the first round (NFL.com).

James Harrison and the Pittsburgh Steelers are talking about a contract redo (TribLive.com).

Baltimore Ravens show the city of New Orleans their appreciation (CSNBaltimore).

Terrelle Pryor is selling himself as the Oakland Raiders' starter (NFL.com).



 

Mary Schmitt Boyer on Kyrie Irving's impact, Cavs' win over Jazz: Podcast

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Should the Cavs be worried about Kyrie Irving becoming injury prone? Should Marreese Speights start at center? Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Mary Schmitt Boyer answered those questions and more in her weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

AX230_54A3_9.JPG Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving and power forward Tristan Thompson celebrate going up on the Utah Jazz in the second half.  

Should the Cavs be worried about Kyrie Irving becoming injury prone? Should Marreese Speights start at center?

Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Mary Schmitt Boyer answered those questions and more in her weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Cavs' win over the Jazz.

• Losing a 22-point lead to the Knicks.

• Bench playing well; should Cavs lock them up?


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

Be sure to also follow Mary Schmitt Boyer on Twitter.

Cleveland Indians LF Michael Brantley has returned to practice after being sidelined with spike wound

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It looks as if left fielder Michael Brantley could be back in the Indians lineup by Sunday.

intribe-brantley-sept24.JPG Michael Brantley is close to recovering from Feb. 25 spike wound against Oakland.  

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Michael Brantley returned to practice on Thursday after getting spiked Feb. 25 against Oakland and taking 15 stitches in his left forearm. Manager Terry Francona said Brantley is expected to to return to the lineup on Sunday against Texas.

In other medical news, Francona said closer Chris Perez could start his throwing program on Sunday. Perez has been shut down with a strained right shoulder on Feb. 26 against Kansas City.

Brantley got the stitches removed Thursday.

"We'll give him a couple of days to practice and the probably play him three or four innings Sunday," said Francona.

Brantley is hitting .833 (5-for-6) with four doubles in three games this spring.

"Chris has a couple of more days without picking up ball," said Francona. "Then we'll take another look at the situation. He's doing very well."

When Perez does start throwing again, he is not expected to participate in games for three to four weeks, which could put his availability for opening day at risk. The Indians open the season against Toronto on April 2.

Signings: Brantley was among 11 pre-arbitration Indians who were signed to one-year deals today. The others are: RHP Cody Allen, INF Lonnie Chisenhall, OF Tim Fedroff, RHP Trey Haley, LHP TJ House, RHP Corey Kluber, RHP Zach McAllister, INF Chris McGuiness, RHP Danny Salazar, RHP Bryan Shaw.

    

Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the nation's hottest teams, moving up NCAA Tournament 2013 bracket projections

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In a comprehensive look at 50 brackets, the Buckeyes are the overall No. 15 team in the country and a No. 4 seed, but they could keep improving as other teams lose.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State's four-game winning streak has the Buckeyes moving up in imaginary brackets, and they could keep creeping higher as other teams around them keep losing.

Wednesday night No. 5 Georgetown, No. 6 Miami, No. 13 Oklahoma State and No. 16 St. Louis all lost.

How a team finishes is a major factor for the selection committee, so the fact that the Buckeyes are on a four-game winning streak that includes one of the best five road wins in the nation – by nine points over a projected 1 seed that was playing to clinch an outright conference title – counts extra.

The Buckeyes continue to better their seed and their geographic chances.

As pointed out on Twitter by Greg Shaheen, the former NCAA employee who knows March Madness as well as anyone, Big Ten teams aren't just playing for a title now, they are playing for the chance at a No. 1 seed in the Midwest, with that region's final to be hosted in Indianapolis. Among the committee's rules are keeping conference teams seeded in the top four away from each other as much as possible.

So if, for instance, Indiana is the No. 1 seed in the Midwest, that means the Big Ten teams expected to be No. 2 or No. 3 seeds will wind up in other regions, with the other three Sweet 16 sites in Washington D.C., Dallas and Los Angeles.

If Michigan beats Indiana on Sunday, and then Michigan or Ohio State advances further in the Big Ten Tournament than Indiana, with one of them beating the Hoosiers along the way, then the Midwest could be up for grabs.

Kansas also would have a claim on the No. 1 seed in that region, but the Big Ten winner would be in the mix.

Tuesday's win opened up a whole new world for the Buckeyes. As I've said before, keep an eye on six specific teams as they compare to Ohio State when trying to figure out where the Buckeyes will end up.

Those teams are: Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Louisville, Florida and Miami. And don't forget about Marquette or Syracuse, either.

At the moment, the Bracket Matrix compilation of 50 brackets has Ohio State as the third No. 4 seed, which means they'd get dropped in the bracket wherever there is an open spot left, which would likely be San Jose. But not all those brackets have been updated today, and the Buckeyes may be moving up as fast as any team in the country.

Let's use one bracket updated this morning, from Jerry Palm at CBS Sports, as an example.

He has Duke, Indiana, Louisville and Gonzaga as his 1 seeds.

Duke starts in Philly, then would move on to D.C.

Indiana starts in Dayton, then would move on to Indy.

Louisville starts in Lexington, then would move on to Dallas.

Gonzaga starts in Salt Lake City, then would go to L.A.

He has Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico and Georgetown as his 2 seeds.

Kansas starts in Kansas City, then would move on to Dallas.

Michigan starts in Auburn Hills outside Detroit, then would move on to D.C.

Georgetown starts in Philly, then would go to Indy.

New Mexico starts in Austin, then would go to L.A.

He has Miami, Florida, Michigan State and Arizona as his 3 seeds.

Miami starts in Lexington, then would move on to Indy.

Florida starts in Dayton, then would head to D.C.

Michigan State starts in Auburn Hills, then would go to Dallas.

Arizona starts in Salt Lake City, then would go to L.A.

That means the last four open spots for the 4 seeds are two in San Jose and one each in Austin and Kansas City.

This is why before Ohio State's win over Indiana, I booked a flight to San Jose, figuring the Buckeyes had a good shot to be a 4 or 5 seed out there. After that IU win, according to Palm:

Ohio State starts in Austin, then would go to Dallas.

Kansas State starts in Kansas City, then would go to L.A.

Marquette starts in San Jose, then would go to Indy.

Syracuse starts in San Jose, then would go to D.C.

So with a strong finish, it's certainly possible Ohio State could wind up a higher seed than Michigan State, which would give the Buckeyes dibs on Auburn Hills and bump the Spartans to whatever is left. Ohio State also could move past Miami or Florida and get priority seeding in Dayton or Lexington.

But if Indiana beats Michigan and makes at least the semifinal of the Big Ten Tournament, the Hoosiers are a good bet for a No. 1 seed and Indianapolis. If that happens, the Buckeyes could wind up anywhere between D.C., L.A. or Dallas for their region.

However, if Kansas would wind up as the No. 1 seed in Indy, that opens up the region for a Big Ten team to go there as a 2 seed. If the Buckeyes win out, that could be them.







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