"The MLB Draft is a dirty business. It's all smoke and mirrors. Not all of the best players are taken in the first few rounds, as you would want to believe. Some players want big signing bonuses so they fall to the lower rounds or really want to go to college, meaning they need big money to pass that up. The players and their agents stick to their guns and if a team meets their demands - usually well over the MLB slot recommended value - they will sign." - pnt39

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerOne of the keys for Chris Antonetti when he takes over as Indians' GM is consistently getting draft picks signed.

In response to the story Florida State's Tyler Holt cashes in on Tribe offer, top four draftees still unsigned: Indians Insider, cleveland.com reader pnt39 understands how tough it can be to get draft picks signed. This reader writes,

"The MLB Draft is a dirty business. It's all smoke and mirrors. Not all of the best players are taken in the first few rounds, as you would want to believe. Some players want big signing bonuses so they fall to the lower rounds or really want to go to college, meaning they need big money to pass that up. The players and their agents stick to their guns and if a team meets their demands - usually well over the MLB slot recommended value - they will sign."

Gerard Warren, the Browns' No. 1 pick in 2001, has signed with New England to play for ex-Browns coach Bill Belichick.

View full sizeLarry Hamel-Lambert,
The Plain DealerDefensive tackle Gerard Warren and coach Butch Davis look awfully pleased with themselves in announcing Warren as Davis' first pick in his tenure as head coach of the Browns back in 2001. Warren has since played for Denver, then Oakland (who released him) and now with New England.

Foxborough, Mass. – Former Cleveland Browns No. 1 pick Gerard Warren already faced an intense training camp as the defensive lineman learned a new system upon joining the Patriots.

Now there's even more pressure after Ty Warren was placed on injured reserve Friday with a hip injury.

Gerard Warren, the third overall pick in the 2001 draft when then-Browns coach Butch Davis made him Cleveland's No. 1 choice, is being counted on heavily as he lines up next to All-Pro nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

"It's called stepping-your-game-up time around here," he said. "I have to step up to another level now. I was going through at a learning pace but now it's more of a ramp it up -- I just want to go out and prepare."

The 10-year veteran signed with New England in April after being released by the Oakland Raiders, who had acquired him from the Denver Broncos. Warren said he has been able to eliminate some of the errors he was making earlier in camp as he adjusts from playing mainly in a 4-3 system to the Patriots' 3-4.

"There's no room for mistakes and errors now," he said. "Everything has to be on point."

Warren said he has found Patriots camp "very professional" and has been fortunate to play alongside Wilfork and Ty Warren, before he was hurt.

"It's great to have dependable veterans who have been here for a while and have been productive in the system," he said. "I lean on his (Wilfork's) shoulders as much as possible."

Warren talked about New England with former Patriot Richard Seymour, who was traded to the Raiders just before the start of the regular season in 2009, and Seymour recommended the Pats as a possible landing spot for Warren.

"He said if I had an opportunity to come out to New England, it was a place I wanted to be," Warren said.

Interesting, given Seymour's unhappiness with the trade.

"He didn't leave on the best of terms, but he didn't have anything negative to say with the way things were run," Warren said.

Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said both Warren and fellow defensive line newcomer Damione Lewis, another 10-year veteran signed in April, have made progress during camp.

"They've made a conscientious effort to take the coaching and just kind of understand how the defense is played," he said. "I think they're both smart football players. They've learned the techniques of how to play in our defense. Predominantly they've played in 4-3 systems, four down fronts for most of their careers. Gerard has played a little bit in the 3-4 at different points, but in the end, regardless of who the player is and where they've played, we're going to train them in our system and then teach them the techniques that we believe in and that we preach."

Indians GM Mark Shapiro shares a little of his philosophy.

View full sizeChuck Crow,
The Plain DealerFormer Indian Aaron Boone, left, chats with General Manager Mark Shapiro and manager Manny Acta during spring training this year. It will be Shapiro's last spring training as GM of the Tribe. He will become president when the season ends.

"Typical Ryan defense. May as well hold up signs: 'We're Blitzin'!' His last five defenses have fared no better than 25th, so why should I expect anything more? His mouth talks a good game, though." - HowEYEseesit

View full sizeLisa DeJong | The Plain DealerRob Ryan has gotten plenty of love from Browns fans, but not all agree he deserves it.

In response to the story Browns use a steady offense (and Phil Dawson's leg) to nip Green Bay, 27-24, in preseason opener, cleveland.com reader HowEYEseesit doesn't see what other Browns fans see in Rob Ryan. This reader writes,

"Typical Ryan defense. May as well hold up signs: 'We're Blitzin'!' His last five defenses have fared no better than 25th, so why should I expect anything more? His mouth talks a good game, though."

The first Browns preseason game shows why both Eric Mangini and Mike Holmgren had some very good ideas.

Lynn Ischay / The Plain DealerFans had to take on faith for seven months that the pairing of Eric Mangini and Mike Holmgren would bear fruit for the Cleveland Browns. On one Saturday night in Green Bay, Terry Pluto says real proof was provided that validated the two men and the rest of the revamped Browns braintrust.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Why did the Browns look so good in Saturday's 27-24 preseason victory at Green Bay?

Begin with new team President Mike Holmgren, and his decision to keep Eric Mangini as coach.

Holmgren certainly is not afraid of change; just check all the new names, beginning with General Manager Tom Heckert to the scouts, advisors and others in the front office.

But he thought Mangini deserved more than a single season as head coach. He knew that a year ago, Mangini arrived with soft voice, but fire in his eyes to establish some discipline and dump those players who were unwilling to get with his program.

What program is that?

We saw it in the final four games of last season, when the Browns played savvy, gritty football with very limited talent. They were 4-0 in lousy weather when most bad teams quit on their coach.

We really saw it Saturday in Green Bay, where they again played smart, tough football -- and showed at least a little more talent than last season's 5-11 team.

A year ago, the Browns couldn't even stay on the field with Green Bay. There was a 31-3 spanking in Cleveland on October 25, and a deceiving 17-0 loss in the preseason opener where the Browns were totally overwhelmed.

If Saturday's game counted and if Aaron Rodgers (12-of-13 passing, 159 yards) had remained in the game, would the Browns have won in Green Bay? Probably not.

But at the very least, the Browns made it interesting.

That's because the Browns -- ranked last offensively a year ago -- looked very professional when they had the ball. Starter Jake Delhomme (6-of-7, 66 yards) was poised. You could tell that backup Seneca Wallace (4-of-8, 72 yards, 2 TDs) has started 10 games in the last two seasons. His ability to scramble and throw on the run makes him a very valuable weapon.

Passes were thrown to three different tight ends -- love that Evan Moore! New running back Peyton Hillis showed he could be a third-down back who can catch a pass. Running behind the bulldozer of fullback Lawrence Vickers, Jerome Harrison scored from five yards out.

Lots of variety and competence from the first team offense. When was the last time we could say that?

The Browns were flagged for five penalties, none from the starters. People lined up in the right spots. They clearly have been practicing with a purpose. They may have found gold with two second-rounders. Rookie safety T.J. Ward lived up to his hard-hitting, teeth-rattling hype. A year ago, Brian Robiskie was the forgotten rookie. Saturday, he was the main receiver.

This is not about being giddy, talking about a 10-6 record and the playoffs.

But it is about how Mangini does have the attention of his players. It about how Holmgren took the right approach in importing Delhomme and Wallace.

Did you see what Brady Quinn did in his opener for Denver? He was 6-of-16 passing for 68 yards, an interception and several poorly thrown balls that have led to speculation he's headed to being the No. 3 quarterback behind Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow. Quinn's passing has been erratic in practice.

Derek Anderson was 12-of-22 for 88 yards for Arizona. He did throw for a touchdown, but had two passes picked off and a few others nearly intercepted. Can you imagine another year of Brady/DA?

Maybe Delhomme will fade into the guy who kept throwing the ball to the other team last season. Maybe the defense has more problems than trying to stop an elite quarterback in Rodgers. Maybe the lack of talented impact players will prevent even a .500 season playing the NFL's 10th toughest schedule.

But it's the middle of August, and the Browns look good.

For that, fans can feel relieved.

Right-hander Kyle Blair, Indians fourth round pick, will report to Class A Mahoning Valley.

UPDATED: 6:28 p.m.

Lynn Ischay / The Plain DealerSt.. Edward's Alex Lavisky has signed with the Indians after posting a .459 batting average with 13 home runs and 38 RBI last season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have signed St. Edward catcher Alex Lavisky to a $1 million signing bonus. He was their eighth-round pick and will report to the team's Arizona Rookie League club in Goodyear, Ariz.

Lavisky, a Cleveland native, passed up a schorlaship to Georgia Tech to sign with his hometown team.

Stetson Allie, the other half of the battery that led the Eagles to the Division I state title this year, has signed with the Pirates, according to sources. He was the Pirates' second-round pick and 52nd player taken in the draft.

Lavisky, 19, hit .450 (36-for-80) with nine doubles, 13 homers and 40 RBI as a senior. Baseball America ranked him as the seventh best catcher in the draft.

The Indians are still trying to sign their top three picks before today's midnight deadline. They did sign their fourth-round pick, University of San Diego right-hander Kyle Blair, for a $580,000 signing bonus. MLB 's suggested bonus for that pick was $247,500.

Still unsigned are No.1 pick left-hander Drew Pomeranz, the fifth player taken overall, from the University of Mississippi; No.2 pick LeVon Washington from Chipola Junior College in Florida and No.3 pick shortstop Tony Wolters from Rancho Buena Vista High School in California. Wolters has committed to the University of San Diego.

Washington is represented by Scott Boras. The two sides have been negotiating, but it's probably going to take at least $1.5 million to sign him. It's been rumored that Wolters is seeking a $2 million signing bonus.

The Indians took Washington with the 55th pick in the entire draft. Kansas City took Brett Eibner, an outfielder/right-handed pitcher, with the 54th pick and paid him $1.25 million. It would not be surprising if Boras' camp is saying that Washington is the more talented of the two players.

Washington was Tampa Bay's No.1 pick last year, but did not sign. The Rays reportedly offered him $1.1 million.

Blair was the 120th player taken in the June draft. He was 8-4 with a 2.54 ERA for San Diego. The 6-3, 200-pounder struck out 126, walked 28 and allowed 79 hits in 98 1/3 innings. In 15 starts, he held the opposition to a .219 batting average.

The Dodgers drafted Blair in the fifth round out of high school in 2007, but he elected to go to college.

Blair will report to Class A Mahoning Valley.

The Indians have signed 22 of the 50 players they drafted in June.

Donald has delivered a mixed bag offensively and defensively for the Indians since being promoted from Class AAA Columbus on May 18.

Thomas Ondrey / The Plain DealerJason Donald has proven he's willing to accept the physical contact that goes with playing the middle infield. But he has committed 11 errors in his rookie season. But that hasn't lessened his belief in his ability to be a full-time regular in the majors.

ON DECK: INDIANS AT ROYALS
When: Tuesday through Thursday.
Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WTAM AM/1100.
Series: Royals lead, 3-2, this season. Indians lead, 275-267, all-time.
Pitching matchups: RHP Jeanmar Gomez (3-0, 1.54 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Greinke (7-11, 3.99) Tuesday at 8:10; RHP Fausto Carmona (11-10, 3.87) vs. LHP Bruce Chen (7-6, 4.50) Wednesday at 8:10 p.m.; RHP Mitch Talbot (8-10, 4.25) vs. RHP Kyle Davies (6-7, 5.22) Thursday at 8:10 p.m.
Indians update: Indians are coming off a 3-6 homestand, losing three series, 2-1. They defeated Mariners and Felix Hernandez, 9-1, Sunday. Travis Hafner hit a grand slam. Jayson Nix and Michael Brantley also homered. ... Tribe won two of three in Kauffman Stadium, May 11-13. Carmona defeated Davies, 4-0, May 12. ... SS Asdrubal Cabrera is 10-for-23 in his last six games.
Royals update: They split a four-game series at home against the Yankees, ending Sunday. They won, 1-0, in the finale. ... Greinke beat Indians, 6-4, May 13. He is the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner. ... Royals have scored three or fewer runs in 11 of 14 games in August. ... Closer Joakim Soria is 0-2 with 33 saves and a 2.02 ERA.
Injuries: Indians — RHP Anthony Reyes (elbow), LHP Aaron Laffey (shoulder), OF Grady Sizemore (left knee) and C Carlos Santana (left knee) are on disabled list. Royals — INF Josh Fields (right hip), OF David DeJesus (right thumb), RHP Gil Meche (shoulder), RHP Luke Hochevar (elbow) and RHP Robinson Tejeda (biceps) are on disabled list.
Next for Indians: Trip continues with three-game series against Detroit beginning Friday.
— Dennis Manoloff

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jason Donald respectfully labels it clutter.

It is the noise that comes from baseball insiders who already have made up their minds about him -- specifically, that he is destined to be a utility infielder in the majors.

"How many years have I played in the big leagues?" he said.

He knows the answer is months, not years. Four months.

"In the big leagues, you're under a microscope and you're going to get picked apart," Donald said. "You've just got to be mentally tough and fight through it. I absolutely believe I can be an everyday player. If I didn't, I shouldn't be here."

Donald has delivered a mixed bag offensively and defensively for the Indians since being promoted from Class AAA Columbus on May 18. He is batting .258 with 23 extra-base hits, 18 walks and 48 strikeouts in 68 games. He has made 11 errors.

Donald has started 43 games at shortstop, the vast majority coming when Asdrubal Cabrera was sidelined because of a fractured left forearm from mid-May to mid-July, and 23 at second base. If Donald is going to be a regular in Cleveland, it will be as a second baseman.

"Playing at this level on an everyday basis, the learning curve shoots up tremendously," he said. "It's a world of difference from Triple-A. I've made a lot of adjustments and feel like I've improved in all aspects, but it's not going to happen all at once. You wish it could, but it doesn't work that way. I need to be patient."

At the same time, Donald, 25, understands the sense of urgency that comes with being a young major leaguer with something to prove. If the proving doesn't happen fast enough, somebody else will be more than happy to take the spot.

On the current Tribe roster, Luis Valbuena and Jayson Nix are competition for Donald. Valbuena was the regular second baseman at the outset of the season following a decent second half last year as a rookie. Valbuena lost his job to Mark Grudzielanek, was sent to Columbus on June 24 and returned July 28. Valbuena has struggled mightily at the plate all year in Cleveland, hitting .163 in 59 games.

Donald unofficially beat out Nix at second once Cabrera returned from the DL. Nix, who has started at second, third, left and DH for the Tribe, is hitting .238 in 61 games. He has 10 homers in 185 official trips.

The farm system might provide Donald's biggest near-future challenges -- provided, of course, the cash-starved Indians don't suddenly stumble into pots 'o gold at Progressive Field and shell out for free agents.

At Columbus, Cord Phelps is on fire after playing well at Class AA Akron earlier in the season. Phelps, a third-round pick in 2008 out of Stanford, entered Monday hitting .333 with 37 runs in 52 games for the Clippers.

At Akron, Jason Kipnis is on fire after playing well at advanced-Class A Kinston earlier this season. Kipnis, a second-round pick in 2009 out of Arizona State, entered Monday hitting .339 with 47 runs in 56 games for the Aeros.

Donald, a third-round pick by Philadelphia in 2006 out of Arizona, does not need to be told about prospects smelling major-league jobs. At the beginning of this season, he was considered the likely next in line if Valbuena faltered.

"It's everywhere -- not just here," said Donald, acquired from the Phillies in the Cliff Lee trade last July. "New York, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Boston. It's the nature of the beast. I can't worry about it.

"What I can do is compete. I can only promise myself one thing in this game: That I'm going to work hard and get after it. If you promise yourself that you'll be relentless, you can live with how it all shakes out."

This pro season marked the first that Donald, a natural shortstop, logged significant time at second. He has shown steady improvement as instincts have begun to supplement athleticism.

"Jason's always been a shortstop, but I think he's well-suited for second," said Indians third-base coach Steve Smith, who doubles as infield-defense coordinator. "He's a good athlete and a quick learner."

Browns rookie safety T.J. Ward learned a lot and showed a lot in his first preseason game in Green Bay.

Lisa DeJong / The Plain DealerIt's taken just one exhibition game for Browns rookie safety T.J. Ward to figure out a priority in learning his craft in the NFL. "From here on out, I'm going to wrap up more," he said Monday. "That's what preseason's for, to get those things out of your system."

BEREA, Ohio -- Most rookies say the speed of the action is what surprises them most in their first NFL game.

That's not what struck T.J. Ward. The rookie safety is a hitter first. He was more surprised by the size of his opponents.

The particular collision that drove it home was near the Green Bay goal line at the start of the second quarter. John Kuhn, a 250-pound backup fullback, took the ball at the 2, bounced off linebacker Scott Fujita and then off Ward for the Packers' second touchdown.

Ward was giving up 50 pounds in that confrontation, but it's a play he expects to make. Has to make.

"I just didn't wrap him. I tried to thud him, but I should have wrapped up. He kind of slipped off me and rolled into the end zone," Ward said.

"Thudding" is what the Browns do every day in practice instead of tackling to avoid injury. Defenders are instructed to deliver one thud and let up. Nobody tackles much in practice anymore.

"It's something I can learn from, definitely," Ward said. "There's a couple plays where I just tried to thud guys. They're pretty bigger than I thought.

"From here on out, I'm going to wrap up more. That's what preseason's for, to get those things out of your system."

Ward was all over the field in his NFL preseason debut Saturday night at Lambeau Field. He made the tackle on the Browns' first two kickoffs. On his first extended defensive series, he made tackles on three plays in a row. At the end of that series, Ward was beat on a perfect touchdown throw by Aaron Rodgers to veteran 1,000-yard receiver Greg Jennings.

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerSaturday victory in Green Bay was a learning experience for both T.J. Ward (left) and Joe Haden, but both had strong moments against the Packers.

Coach Eric Mangini said the key to the play was rookie cornerback Joe Haden showing blitz too early, affirming to Rodgers that Jennings was singled up on a rookie safety. It wasn't a fair matchup, but Mangini was pleased with Ward's coverage. Rodgers laid the ball in perfectly from 25 yards out.

"I feel if I would've looked back or played his hand a little sooner, I could have made a play. But it was just a great catch by him," Ward said. "Sometimes when you're out of position, or out of phase as we say, you don't look back because soon as you do the ball floats right over your head, so that's what I was thinking. But in hindsight, I had time to look back, but I just chose not to."

Another lesson learned. But Ward showed everyone, particularly his coaches and teammates, that the game was not too big for him. He broke in against one of the elite passing offenses and more than held his own. He led everyone with nine total tackles.

"It's kind of funny because I never was really nervous until I got on the field before the first kickoff," he said. "Then I kind of remembered I've been doing this my whole life. After that first kickoff I settled down and felt comfortable out there.

"It kind of was a necessity," he said of making the tackle on his first play. "I wanted to do it, but it was just playing the game."

The Browns prioritized tackling and hitting in their secondary in the draft when they took Haden first and Ward second. After missing on Tennessee safety Eric Berry, who went No. 5 overall, the Browns passed on Earl Thomas and Taylor Mays, safeties with higher profiles than Ward.

"He was one of those guys that really had a lot of big hits, was a good tackler, and you could see the aggressiveness in practice, though we're not hitting here," Mangini said.

Ward can fill the role of Don Rogers or Eric Turner, former Browns safeties who intimidated with big hits.

"I just want to be a physical safety who can cover and that teams fear," Ward said. "[A big hit] definitely gets the team fired up. It kind of changes the pace of a game. It gets everybody pumped up and kind of lowers the morale of the offense, especially for wide receivers and quarterbacks because next time they're going to think, 'Should I throw it and try to squeeze it in there?' or 'Should I run this route with him standing there?'"

Last year, Mangini chafed at the sight of "guys running free, fair-catching passes in the end zone." The Browns were among the worst teams in allowing yards after catch.

"They should get what they've earned through the completion, but it shouldn't be more than that," he said.

On his third defensive series, Ward delivered a textbook example of what Mangini wants.

Facing third-and-6, Rodgers fired to favorite receiver Donald Driver right off the line of scrimmage. Ward was there in flash. He picked Driver off his feet and tossed him down.

No gain.

Punt.

Thomson's dramatic homer not only capped the New York Giants' 5-4 win in a decisive playoff game over the rival Brooklyn Dodgers. The Giants had won 37 of 44 games to erase their 13-game deficit to the Dodgers in the standings, and force the best-of-3 playoff.

Associated PressBobby Thomson (hand raised) about to reach home plate and his happy Giants' teammates after slugging his famous "Shot Heard 'Round the World" home run.

New York -- Bobby Thomson, who hit the famed "Shot Heard 'Round the World" that won the 1951 National League pennant for the New York Giants, has died. He was 86.

Thomson's death was confirmed Tuesday by the funeral home in Savannah, Ga., that is handling the arrangements. He had been in failing health for several years and died at home nearby Monday night, funeral director Joe Wall said.

Thomson connected off Brooklyn ace Ralph Branca for a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning at Polo Grounds in the decisive game of a best-of-three playoff.

The homer and broadcaster Russ Hodges' ecstatic call of "The Giants win the pennant!" remain one of the signature moments in major league history.

A three-time All-Star as an infielder and outfielder, Thomson hit .270 with 264 career home runs and 1,026 RBIs from 1946-60 with several teams.

Thomson's famous homer that Oct. 3 capped the Giants' four-run, ninth-inning rally for the 5-4 win. Not only that, but it was the defining moment in New York's remarkable late-season surge. The Giants (now of San Francisco) were 59-51 and trailed the Dodgers (now of Los Angeles) by 13 games on Aug. 11. The Giants, though, went 37-7 the rest of the way to finish 96-58 and force a best-of-three playoff between teams that formed what some experts consider baseball's greatest rivalry.

The Giants won Game 1, 3-1, at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field on Oct. 1. The Dodgers tied the series the next day, with a 10-0 rout at the Polo Grounds.

Trailing, 4-1, in the decisive third game, New York's Alvin Dark singled leading off the bottom of the ninth against Dodgers ace Don Newcombe. Don Mueller singled, too, before Newcombe retired Monte Irvin on a foul pop.

Whitey Lockman, though, doubled, driving in Dark and sending Mueller to third, trimming the Brooklyn lead to 4-2.

Brooklyn manager Chuck Dressen then replaced Newcombe with Branca, a former 21-game winner. Thomson had been 4-for-12 with a triple and two homers off Branca during that 1951 season. One of Thomson's homers off Branca had been two days before, in the first playoff game, giving New York a 2-1 lead in its 3-1 win.

In a less significant move, Giants manager Leo Durocher had Clint Hartung pinch-run for Mueller. 

Thomson took Branca's first pitch for a strike. He drove the right-hander's next delivery over the left-field wall, a no-doubter, three-run home run that set off a wild celebration.

In the course of baseball history, it mattered little that the Giants went on to lose the World Series, 4 games to 2, to the dynastic New York Yankees. 

From Baseball-Reference.com, the box scores and play-by-plays for Game 1 of the Giants-Dodgers series; Game 2; and Game 3. And, the World Series. 

-- The Associated Press contributed to this report

Defensive end Nathan Williams was among four defensive starters who missed practice today.

Updates from Ohio State's practice this afternoon:

* Lots of Buckeyes were nicked up and on sidelines, most of them in yellow jerseys, either doing exercises or just watching. That group included four defensive starters - linebacker Ross Homan [hamstring, said he's close to 100 percent, back soon], defensive end Nathan Williams [limping with ice on the left knee he injured Saturday], cornerback Devon Torrence [lingering hamstring, getting better] and safety Orhian Johnson [left calf].

Other backups out included running back Carlos Hyde [left shoulder], defensive end Melvin Fellows [looked like he was exercising the left knee that sidelined him last year], receiver James Jackson and freshmen Chad Hagan and Adam Griffin.
 Starting cornerback Chimdi Chekwa and kicker Devin Barclay also missed at least part of practice.

* The biggest issue is Williams, though his teammates said they expected Williams back sooner than later, which sounds like it could be by the season-opener against Marshall on Sept. 2. Backing up Williams at the Leo position, the defensive end who also drops into coverage at times, is Solomon Thomas, who has starred in practice scrimmages in the past but doesn't have much experience in meaningful game situations. The rest of the Leos are even less experienced - walkon Stewart Smith and true freshmen David Durham and J.T. Moore. Moore had a nice pressure of the quarterback running with the second team and was cheered on by Cam Heyward.

Kyle Robertson / Columbus DispatchOhio State linebacker Ross Homan, shown here making an interception in the Rose Bowl, was one of four defensive starters who sat out practice Tuesday, but he said he should be back soon.

So the Buckeyes worked some today with playing John Simon at the Leo spot. That's not his position, and it would be interesting to see how much the Buckeyes might have him drop into coverage, but in the same of getting the four best defensive linemen on the field, that could be a solution if Williams missed extended time. He was joined by starters Heyward and Dexter Larimore, with redshirt freshman Adam Bellamy playing the other defensive line spot.

* An Ohio State spokesperson confirmed Monday that a redshirt is being considered for sophomore tackle Marcus Hall, who had been working a lot at left tackle this preseason but was the primary backup at right tackle last year. Hall was at practice and working as the third-team left tackle. But the reaction to the potential Hall redshirt could involve true freshman Andrew Norwell, who worked as the No. 2 right tackle today, which was a step up as far as I remember.

* True freshman Corey Brown, called Philly Brown by his coaches and teammates so he's not confused with redshirt freshman cornerback Corey Brown from Pittsburgh, showed some skills at receiver today after having a good scrimmage Saturday as a return man.

He looms like the No. 5 receiver now, with Taurian Washington locked in as the No. 3 and Chris Fields the No. 4, but Brown sure comes off as a guy who could move up the depth chart.

* Freshman Drew Basil hit two field goals longer than 50 years today, a 56-yarder just making it over the crossbar.

* On one play today, the Buckeyes had tailbacks Dan Herron and Brandon Saine flanking Terrelle Pryor in the shotgun. That's a grouping I've always liked but the Buckeyes haven't used much.

* Plenty of NFL scouts at practice today, including those from the Browns, Kansas City, New York Jets, Miami and San Diego.

* The Buckeyes typically end practice with what Jim Tressel calls the Maize and Blue period, when individual position groups work on something to make them better for Michigan. Today was the first time I remember the Buckeyes blaring "The Victors" over the loudspeakers during that period, I think because the upgrade of the practice facility includes a new sound system.
 

This week, PGA/LPGA pro Renee Powell of Clearview Golf Club in East Canton demonstrates how to avoid hitting behind the golf ball.

Local golf pros solve your swing problems in a weekly instruction video at cleveland.com/golf with Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw.

This week, PGA/LPGA pro Renee Powell of Clearview Golf Club in East Canton demonstrates how to avoid hitting behind the golf ball.

Need help with your game? Explain your problem to golf@plaind.com in an e-mail. We will select one e-mail each week. All videos are archived.

Browns guard Floyd "Pork Chop'' Womack will miss the rest of preseason after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, a source said.

Tracy Boulian / The Plain DealerPork Chop Womack will miss the rest of preseason with scoped knee.

CLEVELAND -- Browns right guard Floyd "Pork Chop'' Womack underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, a source said, and will miss the rest of preseason.

But he could be back in time for the opener Sept. 12 in Tampa. If not, there's a good chance rookie Shawn Lauvao will get the nod. Lauvao was excused today and will miss the rest of this week for a personal reason, but coach Eric Mangini was encouraged by his performance with the starters in Green Bay.

The whole right side of the line is in a state of flux, with right tackle John St. Clair sitting out today and projected starter Tony Pashos missing his second week with a shoulder injury. At right guard and right tackle today were Billy Yates and Scott Kooistra, respectively.

But Mangini said St. Clair should be back Thursday and that the Browns are getting close on Pashos.

Colt McCoy was happy to get back on the practice field Tuesday and erase the memory of his two interceptions in his first preseason outing. Missing a practice is something he never did before.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerWith Browns President Mike Holmgren keeping a close eye, rookie quarterback Colt McCoy was back at work Tuesday after missing Monday's Browns practice in Berea with a sprained right thumb. "That was the first practice I ever missed," McCoy said.

BEREA, Ohio -- The low point of Colt McCoy's rookie training camp?

No, not throwing two interceptions in his first NFL exhibition game Saturday in Green Bay. Those weren't fun, of course, but playing 16 snaps against the Packers made him feel like a quarterback again.

Banging his right thumb on the helmet of a teammate? No, that happens. What Cleveland quarterback hasn't done that?

No, the low point -- by far -- came on Monday when McCoy was instructed to sit out practice to give the thumb another day to heal. He stood glumly as President Mike Holmgren gave him a little pep talk from his golf cart.

"That was the first practice I ever missed," McCoy said.

Ever? At any level of football?

"Ever," he repeated.

So McCoy couldn't wait to get back on the field on Tuesday. He needed to erase the memory of the interceptions.

"You don't like to throw interceptions. But the one thing I admire about Brett Favre is the way he responds to those things. He shakes them off and keeps going," McCoy said. "For me, that's the thing I have to do. Especially in the situation that I'm in.

"I'm learning. The games are really the reps I get. I can't let something get me down. Just got to show my teammates and coaches that, 'hey, that happened, I won't make that mistake again and I'm ready to go.'"

The first interception at the end of the first half was the one that McCoy heard loads about. The Browns were in field-goal range at the Green Bay 17 with 37 seconds on the clock. On first down, McCoy and receiver Johnathan Haggerty read the coverage. Haggerty faked a slant inside and converted it to a fade route.

Haggerty was double-covered. McCoy's throw was short and easily intercepted.

"We had points [a sure field goal] on the board," said coach Eric Mangini. "We had an under [receiver] coming free. So, hit the under and move to the next play. You're not in a situation at that point where you have to take a chance to push the ball into double coverage.

Mike Roemer / Associated PressColt McCoy's best moments in Saturday's preseason game against the Packers was when he used his legs to earn first downs for the offense. The bad parts were his two interceptions. "It was good to get in the huddle and run more than three or four plays in a row," he said. "I've just got to build on it and play better this week."

"Sometimes guys want to make a play and maximize their opportunity, but in trying to make a play, you can actually make a play for [the opposition]."

After making his point, Mangini shrugged off McCoy's boo-boo.

"He has historically made good decisions in college and he's a conscientious kid. He could have been a little bit excited, a little bit nervous, a lot of confidence. All of those things," he said.

McCoy admitted he was fired up to play in Green Bay. The hallowed Lambeau Field venue is as good as it gets in the NFL. He wouldn't have been human not to feel some butterflies.

"For the most part, I felt I moved the ball and executed what was called," he said. "But, that was the first [preseason game]. It was good to get in the huddle and run more than three or four plays in a row. I've never done that [here]. I've just got to build on it and play better this week."

In his first exhibition game, McCoy completed five of 10 passes for 25 yards. He converted two third-and-long situations with scramble runs up the middle for gains of 13 and 12 yards. He was pleased with those because he recognized the coverage and took advantage of the seam left open for him.

It's all part of the learning process for the Texas Longhorn turned NFL greenhorn.

The next time he takes the field, Saturday in Cleveland Browns Stadium, McCoy will oppose his college rival from Oklahoma, Sam Bradford, the presumed savior of the St. Louis Rams and No. 1 pick of the NFL draft.

They split their two meetings in the fabled Red River Shootout, but Bradford is the one with the $50 million contract guarantee and the likely one to be behind center when the real season starts next month.

McCoy is locked in a battle with Brett Ratliff to make the Browns' roster as the No. 3 quarterback.

"A lot of people have told me it's going to be different your first year, it's going to be a struggle at times," McCoy said. "For me, I just try to stay upbeat as much as I can. Sometimes you're down. Sometimes you're discouraged. But as a leader, as the quarterback, you can't show those emotions. You've got to be the level-headed guy that's ready to work every day."

That's where McCoy was on Tuesday, back at work. After two hours of practice, and another 30 minutes of signing autographs, McCoy trudged off the field carrying the shoulder pads belonging to Jerome Harrison.

He was smiling and feeling good again.

Dan Gilbert Tweets new uniforms will feature Comic Sans font, but we assume he's joking. Right?

store.nba.comAre these the Cavs' new uniforms?

We know the Cavaliers will unveil their new uniforms tonight. What we're not quite sure yet is what they will look like.

But we have some clues.

These two designs showed up on the NBA.com store site today. Could these be the real deal? If so, where's the dark blue?

In a Tweet yesterday, Cavs beat writer Brian Windhorst said the new uniforms will feature that block lettering style.

However, in a Tweet of his own, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert said the new uniform will use his favorite Comic Sans font, but we assume he is joking. Right? (How cool / lame would that be?)

ITSBXThe video game got Shaq's team wrong, did they get the uniforms wrong too?

Then there's this screen capture from an upcoming video game posted on WaitingForNextYear.com. The gaudy design makes you long for the days of the blue swoosh.

We'll find out the real designs when the Cavs unveil them at a fan event at Cadillac Ranch downtown at 5:30 p.m.

UPDATED: 6:36 p.m.

And here they are, as introduced by Dan Gilbert in a "Tweetup" and during a introduction event Tuesday night.

NBA/Cavaliers

Finding players in the amateur draft is the key to the Indians contending again.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerUntil the Indians start getting first-round production out of draft picks such as 2009 top choice Alex White, the team will never be able to build the foundation for title contention, says Terry Pluto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians spent about $9.3 million to sign their picks in this summer's amateur draft, and it's about time the Tribe begins to have something to show for all the money invested this decade on draft picks.

Who knows if Drew Pomeranz, LeVon Washington and Tony Wolters -- their top three selections -- were the right choices. Very few of us ever heard of these guys before the draft loomed.

So this is not a critique of the selections by scouting director Brad Grant. But it's a fact that the Tribe has been miserable this century, or at least from 1999-2007. Grant took over in 2008 and it's too soon to evaluate his picks.

But here's the good news. Top selections Lonnie Chisenhall (2008) and Alex White (2009) are delivering at Class AA Akron.

Expected to be Cleveland's third baseman in 2012, Chisenhall is hitting .273 (.789 OPS) with 15 homers in the pitching-dominated Eastern League. At 21, he's younger than some of the players drafted this June. White is in his first pro season. He's 7-6 with a 2.39 ERA at Akron. Like Chisenhall, he's 21.

Also at Akron is Jason Kipnis, a second baseman hitting .339 (.982 OPS). He was the second-rounder in 2009, and the 23-year-old may be a contender to play second in Cleveland sometime in 2011.

At second base for Class AAA Columbus is Cord Phelps, also 23. The third-rounder in 2008 is hitting .333 (.936 OPS), and could compete for second base in spring training.

Chuck Crow / PDThe early returns from Brad Grant's first couple of drafts for the Indians are encouraging, but the next couple of years will tell the tale on whether the team has ended its discouraging rate of draft failures, says Terry Pluto.

At the upper echelon of Grant's first two drafts, the only question mark is Trey Haley -- the 2008 second-rounder who is 9-16 with a 5.53 ERA in two seasons at Class A Lake County.

So Grant and his staff seem close to delivering exactly what the Indians need -- some impact players who are signed and developed by the farm system. But until that happens, the Indians can't hope to contend in what usually is a wide-open Central Division.

They do a good job of trading for and polishing other team's prospects, examples being Carlos Santana, Asdrubal Cabrera, Chris Perez, Shin-Soo Choo, Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee and Jake Westbrook. They also have been effective signing Latino players such as Victor Martinez and Fausto Carmona.

But the real problem for this team -- as much as a low budget forcing the trades of veterans -- has been one dismal draft after another.

Consider the current 25-man roster. The only players drafted by the Indians are Trevor Crowe (1st round, 2005), Chris Gimenez (19th, 2004), Josh Tomlin (19th, 2006) and Tony Sipp (45th, 2004). Reliever Frank Herrmann was signed as an undrafted free agent.

Where are all the first rounders, the million-dollar babies? C.C. Sabathia was the top pick in 1998. Here's the list from 2000-2007: Corey Smith, Dan Denham, Alex Horne, Jeremy Guthrie, Mike Aubrey, Brad Snyder, Jeremy Sowers, Crowe and Beau Mills. Only Guthrie and Crowe are in the majors. Not a single player drafted by the Indians since 2000 would be considered a star, although a few such as Luke Scott (Baltimore) and Kevin Kouzmanoff (Oakland) have been productive.

Here were the Indians' top picks from 1987-94: Albert Belle (second round in '87, as the team did not have a first-round pick), Mark Lewis, Charles Nagy, Calvin Murray, Tim Costo, Manny Ramirez, Paul Shuey, Daron Kirkreit and Jaret Wright.

There were some swings and misses, but also some huge hits with Belle, Nagy, Ramirez and Wright. Shuey was a solid reliever. They also struck gold deep in the draft: Jim Thome (13th, 1989), Richie Sexson (24th, 1993), Brian Giles (17th, 1989).

How about the first four picks in 1991: Ramirez, Herbert Perry, Chad Ogea and Paul Byrd.

Drafts like these were a major reason the Indians were a Central Division power from 1995-2001. Until the Indians begin to do that again, there will be more seasons such as this one.