Uhh...Scrabbling Claws and Azusa

[LotusHead]

Scrabbling Claws says basically: 1, Sacrifice Scrabbling Claws: Remove Target card in target player's graveyard from the game. Draw a card.

When using this ability, is it possible to "cantrip it" even if there are no cards in a graveyard? That is, pay 1, sacrifice the Claws (hence putting it into the graveyard) and either "not finding a valid target" or even targeting the fresh new Claw in my graveyard.

Obviously this would be a desperate attempt to topdeck something cool to save your butt.

Basically, for this activated ability, do I pay it's cost first, then read the text for what happens, or do I announce the target, THEN pay the activated cost, or what?

Next Question: Azusa, Lost but Seeking.

I cast Azusa, and already have a Crucible of Worlds in play.  When Azusa resolves (and hence, comes into play) may I keep priority, and make two quick land drops from the grave (or hand) before my opponent  can bolt it?  

I assumed that you can make land drops (which don't use the stack) if the stack is empty, it's my turn and I have priority. Thus I hope that I can maintain priority to get those two quick land drops in before Azusa goes sleeping with the fishes.

Thanks!

[Addolorisi]

You need to have a legal target to announce any spell or ability. You choose targets when you pay costs, so you can't use the Claws as a target.

Unless you decide to play spells after Azusa's resolution, you will have priority and can play both lands.

[Jebus]

You need to have a legal target to announce any spell or ability. You choose targets when you pay costs, so you can't use the Claws as a target.

Minor technical correction:  You pay targets before you pay costs, not at the same time.

The answer remains the same though.

[Nazdakka]

Unless you decide to play spells after Azusa's resolution, you will have priority and can play both lands.

That's a wierd little anomaly... if Azusa had a CIP ability she couldn't dodge removal that way, so in some ways the LACK of a CIP makes her better!