Justin Masterson and the Indians look to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat to the visiting Tigers, who'll try to win their fourth straight in the opener of a key four-game set Friday night.

Game 86: Indians (45-40) vs. Tigers (46-38)

First pitch: 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Field.

TV/radio: TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WMMS FM/100.7, WTAM AM/ 1100

Starting pitchers: RHP Justin Masterson (10-6, 3.48 ERA) vs. RHP Rich Porcello (4-8, 5.21).

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Signing Iguodala doesn't necessarily mean the Warriors have given up in their hopes of signing Dwight Howard, but it decreases the chances of Golden State adding the free agent center. More free agency and trade news and rumors.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Movement in NBA free agency continues, with trades in the news, too.

The Golden State Warriors have reportedly made a key acquisition, and it's not center Dwight Howard, who's trying to decide whether he should leave the Los Angeles Lakers and if so, for which team.

Adrian Wojnarowski writes for Yahoo! Sports about a move that should help continue to Warriors' upward trend:

Andre Iguodala has reached agreement on a four-year, $48 million contract with the Golden State Warriors, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The agreement came after the Warriors cleared $24 million in salary-cap room by agreeing to send the expiring contracts of Richard Jefferson, Andris Biedrins and Brandon Rush to the Utah Jazz, league sources told Y! Sports. Golden State also will send multiple draft picks to Utah, including its 2014 first-round pick, sources told Y! Sports.

No, it's not blockbuster news, but the acquisition of free agent forward Earl Clark will help the Cavaliers. (By Sam Amico, FoxSportsOhio.com)

It's beginning to look like Dwight Howard will agree to sign with the Houston Rockets of Golden State Warriors, or decide to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers. (By Sam Amick, USA Today)

Keeping track of all of the NBA's free agents. (NBA.com)

There's some chance that guard Chauncey Billups could return to the Detroit Pistons. (By Vincent Goodwill, Detroit News)

Forward Matt Barnes agrees to a three-year deal that will keep him with the Los Angeles Clippers. (By Zach Harper, CBSSports.com)

The Cavaliers reportedly offered a better contract to guard Marco Belinelli, but he signed with the San Antonio Spurs. (By Jacob Rosen, WaitingForNextYear)

Forward Josh McRoberts agrees to a two-year contract that will keep him with the Charlotte Bobcats. (By Zach Harper, CBSSports.com)

Forward Josh Smith, who has spent several seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, is the free agent that Detroit Pistons general manager Joe Dumars really wants. Seven positives and three negatives about Smith. (By Dan Feldman, PistonPowered)

Video: From CineSport, former Butler coach Brad Stevens is introduced on Friday as the Boston Celtics' new coach:

Brian "Gunny" Zins of Girard will have a big target on his back at the National Rifle & Pistol Matches as the country's premier marksmen try to knock off the Top Shot television star.

Brian "Gunny" Zins of Girard will step to the firing line this week at the National Rifle & Pistol Championships at Camp Perry, trying to win the National Pistol Championship for the 12th time. Mathieu Young 

OAK HARBOR, Ohio - As marksmen shoot at the National Rifle & Pistol Matches at Camp Perry next week, their aim will be to knock off Brian “Gunny” Zins of Girard.

The premier pistol shooter in the country and a star of the "Top Shot All-Stars" on the History Channel, Zins has long been the marksman to beat if a shooter is going to win the National Pistol title.

Zins, 44, has won the crown an unprecedented 11 times, including the 2012 title, and doesn't appear to be slowing down.

"For me, winning the National Pistol Championship is all about bragging rights," he said. "I could probably go somewhere else and shoot for a bigger purse. But there's no competition other than the International Free Pistol Shoot that is nearly as challenging and fundamentally disciplined.

"Coming to Camp Perry is also a big shooter reunion for most of us. It's the one time each year I'll have the chance to visit with many of my good friends."

The National Rifle & Pistol Matches begin Monday with the First Shot Ceremony at 10 a.m. on the Rodriguez Range. The smallbore-rifle, pistol and high-power-rifle matches will run through Aug. 14 at the Ohio National Guard facility on the shoreline of Lake Erie, just west of Port Clinton. There is no admission charge to watch the matches or tour Commercial Row, a collection of companies selling shooting gear.

The competition attracts everyday shooters from clubs around the country, top civilian marksmen and teams of competitors from all branches of the military.

The National Pistol Matches are Wednesday-Saturday and comprise three separate competitions: .22-caliber, center-fire and .45-caliber. Each competition is broken into rapid fire, slow fire, National Match course and timed fire.

Shooters of all ages can test their skills at the Civilian Marksmanship Program's Air Rifle Range while visiting the National Rifle & Pistol Matches at Camp Perry. The 80-point, 10-meter air gun range is open Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-8 p.m. Air rifles are provided. D'Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer 

Zins admits he doesn't practice as much as he did five years ago while a gunnery specialist with the U.S. Marine Corps. This year, he has been training competition shooters and teaching concealed-carry classes at a range near his Trumbull County home.

"It's like riding a bicycle," said Zins, with a laugh. "I shoot about 5,000 rounds a year now, a lot of it just plinking with my friends.

"But I think I have an advantage with my ability to be really focused. I've worked on being able to step to the line and focus only on the target at hand. When the match begins, it's go time for me. Then I'm able to turn off that focus after the match.

"A lot of pistol shooters say they're going to beat me this year, and one of them might do it. Win, lose, whatever, I'm happy as long as it's a good match, my gun stays healthy and I don't lose because of some stupid stuff."

Zins was invited to compete again in a new Top Shot All-Stars after finishing second in his first appearance. In its fifth season, the show will have the sixth of 12 episodes air Wednesday at 10 p.m. The 16 competing marksmen, a group that includes Chris Cerino of Wadsworth and Gary Quesenberry of Medina, are chasing a $100,000 top prize, as well as a custom speed boat.

"This year's Top Shot competition has been more fun than the others because of the camaraderie, and that Chris Cerino and I have taken over the kitchen and cook most of the dinners," said Zins. "We love to cook, and I guarantee you that everyone is eating very well."

His specialty is his Steak Brian. He takes a fillet, smothers it in goat cheese and adds a sauce made of olive oil, red wine and sun-dried tomatoes.

Zins made a surprising comeback at the National Matches last year after being sidelined 18 months with an elbow injury. He says he's now troubled by an arthritic hip, "but it only bothers me when I have to climb out of the car. I plan to keep on shooting and maybe win 20 of these things and see what happens."

NATIONAL RIFLE & PISTOL MATCHES

What: National Rifle Association-sponsored national shooting competitions for pistol, smallbore rifle and high power rifle.

When: July 8-Aug. 14

Where: Camp Perry, the Ohio National Guard facility on Rt. 2, five miles west of Port Clinton, Ohio.

Schedule: Monday - First Shot Ceremony at the Rodriquez Range at 10 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday: Pistol Matches.

July 14: National Trophy Pistol Matches.

July 17-19: Smallbore rifle 3-Position matches.

July 20-25: Smallbore rifle prone matches.

July 29-Aug. 2: National Trophy Rifle Matches.

Aug. 4: Whistler Boy High Power Rifle Match and NRA/Springfield Match.

Aug. 5-9: National High Power Rifle Matches and Mid-Range Rifle Matches.

Aug. 10-14: Long Range Matches.

Admission: Free.

Information: Visit nra.org.

Gladiators (2-12) have lost seven in a row, the past four by a combined 22 points.

Kickoff: Saturday, 7 p.m., The Q. 

Radio: WKRK FM/92.3. 

Notable: Gladiators (2-12) have lost seven in a row, the past four by a combined 22 points. They have lost to the Power once as part of the skid — 55-44 on May 25 at Pittsburgh. Entering the weekend, Gladiators somehow were still alive in the American Conference playoff chase.

Pittsburgh (3-11) has lost five straight since its comeback victory over Gladiators in Week 10, a game in which the Power trailed by as many as 16 in the fourth quarter but put together a 27-0 run to close. Pittsburgh’s other two victories have come on the road. ...

Gladiators are coming off loss to Philadelphia at The Q. QB Chris Dieker threw for a career-high 339 yards; he was 27-of-41 with five touchdowns. WR Dominick Goodman led Cleveland with 11 receptions, amassing 113 receiving yards and a touchdown as he topped the century mark in receiving yards for the third time this season. WR Carlese Franklin set a season high with nine receptions and amassed a career-high 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns. ...

Mike Washington is the most dangerous receiver on the Power. He is 17 receiving yards from reaching 1,300 in each of his three AFL seasons, and is two touchdown receptions from his third consecutive season with 30. He had six catches for 68 yards and three touchdowns May 25. He is coming off his biggest performance of the season: nine catches for 139 yards and five touchdowns in a 59-54 loss to New Orleans. 

McAllister mixed fastballs, cutters, split-fingers and change-ups in throwing session. He's been out with an injured right middle finger.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians right-hander Zach McAllister, on the disabled list since early June because of a middle finger sprain, threw a 60-pitch bullpen Friday afternoon and said he felt good.

McAllister mixed fastballs, cutters, split-fingers and change-ups in two sets of 30.

"It's another step in the right direction,'' he said. "I feel like I'm getting closer and closer.''

McAllister said a bigger test will come Saturday, when he spins curveballs from flat ground. Some have wondered if the finger problem originated from the grip of his curve June 2 against Tampa Bay, but McAllister is not convinced.

"I don't know exactly what caused it,'' he said. "Usually, guys feel it on one pitch. For me, it wasn't one pitch. I felt it throughout the game and it gradually got worse.''

If McAllister gets through Saturday OK, the plan is for him to throw several simulated innings Monday at Progressive Field. The Indians will import hitters from Class A Lake County.

"Then we'll se where he goes from there,'' Tribe manager Terry Francona said. There is no timetable for McAllister's return, although Francona said a rehab assignment after the All-Star break is a "distinct possibility.''

"Rather than set a date, it's about how he's doing -- and he's doing terrific,'' Francona said. "That's the good news. We want him back yesterday, but you can't do it that way.''

McAllister was placed on the DL on June 8, retroactive to June 3. It is his first DL stint. He is 4-5 with a 3.43 ERA in 11 starts.

False starts: Seven innings should not be an unreasonable expectation for a starter, even in the offense-rich American League. But it largely has been a mirage for the Indians' rotation in recent weeks.

Tribe starters have not posted back-to-back starts of seven-plus innings since June 16-17, when Corey Kluber (8 innings, zero runs) defeated Washington and Carlos Carrasco (7 1/3 innings, one run) had a no-decision against Kansas City.

Of the 16 games from June 18 through Thursday, Tribe starters have managed six-plus innings just five times. Three of those starts belonged to Justin Masterson, who worked Friday.

Here is the log from June 18 through Thursday:

June 18 vs. Kansas City: Ubaldo Jimenez (5.2 innings, two runs, no-decision).

June 19 vs. Kansas City: Masterson (6.1 innings, two runs, victory).

June 21 vs. Minnesota: Scott Kazmir (7.0 innings, one run, victory).

June 22 vs. Minnesota: Kluber (5.2 innings, three runs, victory).

June 23 vs. Minnesota: Carrasco (4.2 innings, three runs, loss).

June 24 @ Baltimore: Jimenez (5.1 innings, two runs, victory).

June 25 @ Baltimore: Masterson (6.1 innings, six runs, loss).

June 26 @ Baltimore: Kazmir (7.0 innings, one run, no-decision).

June 27 @ Baltimore: Kluber (4.2 innings, seven runs, loss).

June 28 @ White Sox: Trevor Bauer (0.2 innings, five runs, no-decision).

June 28 @ White Sox: Carrasco (5.2 innings, six runs, no-decision).

June 29 @ White Sox: Jimenez (5.0 innings, three runs, no-decision).

June 30 @ White Sox: Masterson (9.0 innings, zero runs, victory).

July 2 @ Kansas City: Kluber (5.1 innings, four runs, no-decision).

July 3 @ Kansas City: Kazmir (5.0 innings, three runs, no-decision).

July 4 @ Kansas City: Jimenez (5.0 innings, four runs, no-decision).

In most of those games, the starter gave his team a chance to win, but being unable to achieve length has taxed the bullpen.

"When your bullpen is tending to struggle, sometimes it's not just that,'' Francona said. "If your starters aren't getting deep enough into games, you're going to your bullpen early. And if somebody is struggling down there, you can't really protect him as much.

"The easiest way to have a good bullpen is to not go to them every day, or get deeper into games.''

Having said that, Francona disagreed with an assertion that his starters are in a collective slump.

"I don't think we're in a funk," he said.

Tough stretch: Mark Reynolds entered Friday night's game against Detroit batting .224 with 15 homers and 47 RBI. He was the designated hitter and hit seventh.

Reynolds batted .301 with eight homers and 22 RBI in April. In his previous 31 games through Thursday, he was at .183 with two homers.

"He's had a little bit of movement with his body, so his bat is in and out of the zone a little quicker than normal," Francona said. "That's really all it is. The last week or so, he's been better."

Big picture: Francona recognizes the importance of a four-game series against Detroit that ends Monday, but he will not over-emphasize it. The Tigers entered Friday with a 1 1/2-game lead over Cleveland in the AL Central.

"It will be a fun series to play, but they're all important," Francona said. "We've got to beat everybody. You can't just beat one team. That's why every series is so big."

Calling all stars: Major League Baseball will announce the All-Star teams Saturday evening. Detroit's Jim Leyland, as manager of the American League, will be part of the roster selection.

"The All-Star process itself is not fair,'' Francona said. "There always will be deserving players left off. We all know that. If anybody's known Jim Leyland for 30 seconds, you know he's going to treat it with so much integrity and a lot of passion. He'll do it right."

"He hasn't finalized his decision but we hope and expect him to make a decision today or tomorrow," said Dan Fegan, Howard’s agent, on Friday.

Mike Bresnahan

Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — Multiple media outlets reported that Dwight Howard agreed to join the Houston Rockets, but in a curious twist, his agent denied a deal was done and the Los Angeles Lakers still had not been told of Howard’s decision as of late Friday afternoon.

USA Today Sports broke the initial story that Howard would sign a four-year, $88 million deal with the Rockets, leaving the Lakers after only one season. ESPN and Yahoo! Sports followed it up with confirmations.

Howard was leaning strongly toward the Rockets earlier Friday but hesitated because of the “enormous financial implications” he would lose by going to Houston, even though the state of Texas offers more favorable tax scenarios. Howard, 27, could sign for five years and $118 million with the Lakers or four years and $88 million with anybody else.

“He hasn’t finalized his decision but we hope and expect him to make a decision today or tomorrow,” said Dan Fegan, Howard’s agent.

Howard was on a plane from Colorado to Los Angeles as of 7:30 p.m. EDT and planned to talk with Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak later Friday.

Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey said on Twitter that the Rockets were “excited and cautiously optimistic” but added they had not received a final answer from Howard.

Howard narrowed down his choices Friday to the Lakers and Rockets after also meeting with Dallas, Atlanta and Golden State. 

Canadian participants in the Continental Cup excited by success of Cavaliers Tristan Thompson and Anthony Bennett.

BEREA, Ohio – The Canadian Invasion is upon us.

In Cleveland, that usually means bugs, millions of mayflies also known known as Canadian Soldiers.

Nowadays, it means basketball players, too, and Cleveland is the latest beachhead. Looks like they're here to stay, because their numbers in the U.S. are rising, especially in the NCAA and NBA.

None of this was lost Team Ontario as it got off to a 3-0 start in the Grade 10 Division of the Continental Cup, which continues today at Baldwin Wallace.

The Canadian teens were abuzz Friday about being in Cleveland, home to two of their own. Cavaliers players Tristan Thompson and Anthony Bennett are from Brampton, Ont., a suburb of Toronto. Bennett played four years for Team Ontario's two age-group all-star squads.

“That makes us feel like we have a chance,'' said Jurell Jones, a 6-1 guard from Mississauga, Ont.

• Facts and figures on the Continental Cup

The 16- and 17-year-olds who play for Team Ontario, some of whom are looking to play at U.S. schools, see themselves as part of the gathering wave.

“It's a really big deal in Canada,'' said Danylo Kostecki, a 6-5 forward from Mississauga. “We're making a name down here for ourselves. Every player who comes down here, makes a name not just for themselves, but for everybody else in the province and in Canada.

“This team, just by coming here, we open doors for Canadians, and for American people to see how we play.''

Last year, the NBA had a record eight Canadians, including, eight-time All-Star Steve Nash. This year, there could be as many as 11. The Cavs selected UNLV freshman Bennett No. 1 overall in last month's NBA draft, and Dallas drafted Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk 13th overall. Another Canadian, Myck Kabongo of Texas, was not drafted, but is playing for Miami's Summer League team.

Bennett was among more than 80 Canadian NCAA Division I men's basketball players last season, according to Canada Basketball, the sport's governing body. Cleveland State has two Canuks, Luda Ndaye and Junior Lomomba, who both are from Montreal.

Many expect the No. 1 pick next year to be another Canadian, Andrew Wiggins, a Kansas recruit and Toronto native who is the son of former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins and Canadian Olympic sprinter Marita Payne-Wiggins.

“Bennett was the first Canadian to go No. 1 overall and kids look up to that say, 'I can do that, too,'” said Adrian Wadden, a 6-5 forward from Mississauga. “We haven't had that before.''

Kostecki and Wadden, who dabbled in hockey as young kids, said Bennett's impact will be “huge'' for Canadian basketball.

“The programs up in Canada will be a lot stronger now that we have people like Bennett going first overall,'' Kostecki said. “Everybody is building up on that, and the game of basketball is rising in Canada. We're growing and getting better.''

The Team Ontario squad competing at BW this week is part of that expansion. In the past, the province assembled just one U17 all-star team to travel the U.S. during the summer. The Continental Cup squad is Team Ontario's second team, and is headed to Indianapolis and Cincinnati next.

“When I first started coaching, when we came to the United States, there was an intimidation and fear thing. We weren't sure if we could compete,'' said Team Ontario coach Warren Williams, who has coached in Ontario for 23 years. “We know we can compete. Now, it's just a matter of executing.''

Williams has known Bennett for years.

“When I first met him, he was uncoordinated gangly kid all over the place,'' Williams said, flailing his arms. “It's great to see him progress to where he is now, basically a Larry Johnson clone. He's going to be very successful.''

Like most top Canadian players, Bennett eventually honed his talent in the U.S., playing at Findlay Prep in Nevada, the same school where Thompson finished his high school career. Wiggins played for Huntington (W.Va.) Prep.

Kostecki, 17, is headed to Episcopal High School, a boarding school and basketball power in Virginia.

“It's a great opportunity to get better and develop,'' he said. “It's hard leaving your family and friends, but it's going to make a better future, and hopefully it will open doors for other Canadians behind me who will want to come.''

Poll of ESPN writers give All-Star nod to both Masterson and Kipnis.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Seen at heard at Progressive Field before Friday's series opener against the Tigers.

Clubhouse confidential: If a sampling of ESPN.com writers is any indication, Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis and right-hander Justin Masterson are strong bets to make the American League All-Star Team.

ESPN.com recently asked six of its contributors -- Jim Bowden, Jerry Crasnick, Tim Kurkjian, Buster Olney, David Schoenfield, Jayson Stark -- to select players they thought should be All-Stars. Crasnick, Kurkjian, Olney and Schoenfield picked Masterson and Kipnis. Crasnick added Tribe catcher Carlos Santana. Bowden picked only Kipnis; Stark, only Masterson.

MLB will announce the teams Saturday night.

Kipnis entered Friday at .301 with 13 homers and 54 RBI. Masterson was 10-6 with a 3.48 ERA; he started against Detroit righty Rick Porcello.

All for one: Indians manager Terry Francona is a believer in team chemistry, but he doesn't think all of his players need to be buddies.

"As long as, when they're on the field, they're ferociously protective of each other," Francona said, "that's what's important."

He's back: Francona confirmed that right-hander Carlos Carrasco officially will be recalled Saturday to start a late-afternoon game against Detroit right-hander Anibal Sanchez.

Familiar faces: Ryan Raburn is the only active member of the Indians to have played for the Tigers. Detroit's Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta are former Indians.

Stat of the day: The Tribe is 14-10-5 in series.

Weather plays a big part at Norwalk's drag strip in who wins as NHRA weekend continues.

View full sizeJeg Coughlin is riding considerable momentum into this weekend's Pro Stock competition at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk.PD file 

NORWALK, Ohio -- The NHRA competition is close enough in every series to be a challenge. But over the seven years the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals have been at Summit Motorsports Park, another annual element comes into play; the weather.

"You can't use it as an excuse, because every team has to deal with it," Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria said. "But last year it was so hot, we didn't qualify. Trying to get the right setup, it definitely changes the way you tune the cars, for sure.

"If you're down to the last run, and you are not qualified yet, it can be nerve-wracking. But like I said it's the same for everybody, and it changes."

Friday's morning sessions were cut short at 10:30 a.m. when the rains came and not resumed until 1:10 p.m. What had been cool gray skies with a soft breeze turned into overcast and sticky with the sun playing peek-a-boo. There was night qualifying on the Friday schedule, so conditions would likely change once again.

"We got to work with what we got,'' Pro Stock racer Jeg Coughlin said. "We could end up with a short day this weekend, or maybe even lose a day. It was so hot here the last two years, now we have this."

• Friday's racing results | Weekend schedule

Coughlin is coming off a winning weekend in Chicago that put the Columbus, Ohio native second in the Pro Stock standings, 128 points behind leader Mike Edwards, who hasn't advanced to an event finals in over a month.

"We are really hitting our stride right now,'' Coughlin said.

The key has been a seamless first-year team effort with Allen Johnson, who is third, just two points behind Coughlin. The compatibility between the two Mopar teams is everything Coughlin hoped, but more than he probably expected.

"We've gotten along probably better than any teams I've been with the last 15 years," Coughlin said. "We never really contemplated racing together until late last year. We have surrounded our teams with each other and it clicked really early in the year. I've been really, really impressed with the workmanship and the sportsmanship between everybody on both teams.

"That's easy to talk about, it's easy to ask for, it's easy to preach; but man it's hard to have it happen, especially right from the start. We're very fortunate. It has been a good year."

In Friday's first qualifying session. Coughlin had a tough start and placed 13th, putting a lot of pressure on the last session under the Norwalk lights.

Happy Birthday: The Norwalk facility was built in 1963. As a 50th anniversary tribute, the host Bader family has come up with a trophy to be given out annually to the winners that reflects the $1 ice creams still available to fans. Inside a solid walnut case, the winners in each NHRA division will get a one-pound aluminum ice cream scoop.

For the record: David Grubnic may have qualified second in Top Fuel, but he set a track record at Summit Motorsports Park with a posted a fast run of 324.67 mph down the 1,000-foot strip. That broke the record set by Spencer Massey just last season at 322.73 mph.

Rick Porcello much better than Justin Masterson as Tigers take first of four-game series against Indians at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Friday afternoon, Indians President Mark Shapiro tweeted: "You can feel the buzz down here. Expecting close to a sellout crowd + Masty dealing on the bump. Could be a great night for Tribe baseball.''

On Friday night, Progressive Field had a palpable buzz for the opener of a four-game series against the Detroit Tigers. A sellout did, in fact, occur. But right-hander Justin Masterson was far from nasty and his offense stagnant, leading to a not-so-great night for Tribe baseball.

Right-hander Rick Porcello allowed five hits and struck out six in seven innings as the Tigers cruised, 7-0. Former Indian Victor Martinez went 3-for-3 with a walk and two RBI. Tribe fans in the paid attendance of 40,167 were forced to take solace in dollar dogs and fireworks. Progressive Field had not been sold out for a non-opener since July 4, 2011, against the Yankees.

The Indians (45-41) pitched and swung as if they had stage fright in losing their third in a row overall and sixth straight to Detroit. The Indians slipped to 24-16 at home, where they played for the first time since June 23. The Tigers (47-38) have won four in a row and lead the second-place Indians by 2 1/2 games in the AL Central. It seemed like five minutes ago when Detroit trailed the Tribe by one-half game in the division. It actually was Monday.

• Tigers-Indians boxscore | Scoreboard | Standings

Porcello (5-6, 4.82 ERA) is supposed to be the vulnerable spot in Detroit's rotation. Tigers starters for the remainder of the series will be Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 2.76), Doug Fister (6-5, 3.80) and Max Scherzer (13-0, 3.09). The Indians avoid Justin Verlander, who dominated the Blue Jays in Toronto on Thursday.

Porcello improved to 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in three starts against the Indians this season. He has given up three earned runs in 19 innings.

The game featured two of baseball's hottest hitters, and the two most recent AL players of the month: Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera (May) and Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (June). Cabrera, who entered at .364 with 26 homers and 85 RBI, was 1-for-5 with an RBI single. He returned to the lineup after missing his first game of the season Thursday in Toronto because of back issues.

Cabrera owns 92 career RBI against Cleveland.

Kipnis, who entered at .301 with 13 homers and 54 RBI, went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts. His single with one out in the sixth extended his hitting streak to 16 games and his on-base streak to 35. Kipnis advanced to second on Nick Swisher's single. Michael Brantley grounded into a fielder's choice and Carlos Santana flied deep to center. That was as dicey as it got for Porcello.

Masterson (10-7, 3.78 ERA) allowed six runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out six. He needed 108 pitches to get his 14 outs. He continues to have all sorts of trouble with the Tigers. In 13 career starts, he is 2-8 with a 5.86 ERA.

Masterson was coming off a six-hit shutout of the White Sox in Chicago that bolstered his candidacy for the AL All-Star Team. The outing Friday could be doubly problematic because it unfolded in front of Detroit's Jim Leyland, who will manage the American League. Teams will be announced Saturday.

Masterson cruised through the first, then stumbled in the second. With one out, Martinez singled past diving first baseman Swisher. Former Indian Jhonny Peralta chopped into a fielder's choice at shortstop.

Don Kelly, who entered hitting .240, lined a single to right. On June 9 at Comerica Park, Kelly's three-run homer against Masterson carried Detroit to a 4-1 victory.

Kelly, Avila and Santiago are left-handed batters. Lefties have not been as much of a pain for Masterson as in seasons past, but they entered considerably better than righties (.250 to .180).

Another lefty stung Masterson in the third, Andy Dirks leading off with a double to right-center. Dirks scored on Cabrera's single up the middle.

Masterson retired the side in order in the fourth and began the fifth with a strikeout of Austin Jackson. Dirks walked and scooted to second on a wild pitch. Cabrera grounded out, putting Masterson one strike from keeping the deficit at three.

Prince Fielder walked. Martinez spoiled a 2-2 pitch before showing excellent plate coverage by flipping an RBI single to right-center. Two pitches later, Peralta shot the gap in right-center for a two-run double. Rich Hill relieved Masterson.

The Indians managed two hits through four. Santana singled in the second and Drew Stubbs singled to open the third. Stubbs took off for second as Michael Bourn lined to Jackson, who made a catch at the knees and easily doubled off Stubbs.

Porcello is appealing a six-game suspension for plunking Rays' Ben Zobrist last Sunday.

Terry Francona's respect for the game made him deny that Friday's game against division-leading Detroit was a big one. But it was.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On the video board, pages of this newspaper whirled by from the rip-roaring days of the past.

"Pressure on Kid," read a headline about one-time child prodigy Bob Feller. And there was Larry Doby's turn as the American League's Jackie Robinson, and, mentioning no names, some vivid, yet tastefully restrained prose from a distinguished, gray-haired gentleman then in his middle years about Sandy Alomar's All-Star Game-winning home run.

These, however, aren't the good old days. Progressive Field was sold out Friday night with the majority of the 40,167 fans getting deflated early and often. Detroit beat the Indians like drums along the Mohawk, 7-0. It was the first sellout since the home opener.

Sellouts in Alomar's era occurred without dollar hotdogs, post-game fireworks, condiment races or invasion by Detroit fans, all of which were on the program Friday. The sellouts also, tellingly, occurred without the Browns in town and with the Indians comporting themselves, because of the newness of the ballpark and the gate receipts it created, as a big-market team.

The Tigers were a good draw after a 7-4 Tribe road trip that actually left a bad taste because of two ugly come-from-ahead losses at the end in Kansas City. The Tigers and the Indians have been juggling the division lead back and forth, like either a hot potato or Ubaldo Jimenez fielding a toss from the first baseman.

There should be no discount deals required for the Tigers. They now rule the weak Central Division and lead the Indians by 2 1/2 games. The Indians would be fifth in the American League East.

Asked earlier when the Indians, now 2-7 on the season against the Tigers, will start playing "crucial" games -- August, September, the 12th of Never, or what -- Tribe manager Terry Francona said, "April First." If it was an April fool joke, it was only because the season began on April 2.

"Every single game is crucial. That's what makes our game so much fun," Francona said.

Tito, Tito. It's supposed to be the Browns whose every game is important, due to the short season and games with That Team Down the Turnpike that are deemed almost college-like in the intensity of the alleged rivalry, despite the one-sided results.

For their part, the Cavaliers swear they'll start playing games for more than added ping-pong balls in the draft lottery next year in the "third year of the rebuild," although it's, y'know, really the fourth.

"We've got to beat everybody. You can't just beat one team," insisted Francona. "That's why every series is so big. They all count the same. If you play a team head-up, if you beat them, you're guaranteed they're losing. I'm not smart, but that helps."

Francona, in the only major sport in this country without a salary cap, is an egalitarian in an unfair world. Still, this  probably is as big as a pre-All-Star Game four-game series gets, particularly in Cleveland, which has proven to be, at the moment, far from the baseball town and Tribe town Francona says it is in the commercials.

So this loss was a little bigger than most, too.

Cleveland fans have a reason to be standoffish, though. They were burned during Cy Young Sell-A-Thon days in back-to-back years, and enthusiasm also waned after the synchronized diving exhibitions in the second half of the last two seasons.

It might be best to accept Francona's view of the big leagues as the natural one of a former utility player. After he blew out his knee, he was never -- both with the Indians and other teams -- the player he had been in college, or the player that his father, former Indian Tito, had been. Terry brings to a lifer's love of the game a fringe player's deep respect for how hard and how beautiful it is.

It is a game of slivers of the plate, chalky slices of the baseline, half-steps and bang-bang plays. This was not the case Friday, however. The bangs all came from Detroit, which chased Indians ace Justin Masterson after only 4 2/3 innings.

In the long run it is that respect that informs Francona's teams. (Obligatory pause for Boston fans to scream, "Beer and fried chicken in the clubhouse!") Francona chased the Indians' managerial job as avidly as Bernie Kosar chased that of Browns quarterback a generation ago.

In the land of Art Modell, LeBron James and salary dumps, getting a hug isn't the same as a victory parade. But to bring the good times back, you have to start somewhere.

Carlos Carrasco takes the mound for the Indians today at Progressive Field.

What: Indians vs. Tigers.

When: 4:05 p.m.

Where: Progressive Field.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WMMS FM/100.7,
WTAM AM/1100.

Pitchers: RHP Carlos Carrasco (0-3, 8.17 ERA)
vs. RHP Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 2.76).

» Box score | MLB scoreboard

» Get updates from the pressbox here

» You can also follow Tweets about the game and post your comments below.

Tweets from @clevelanddotcom/indians

Since the lottery began in 1985, 10 NBA teams have never had the No. 1 pick.

Hey, Mary: How many times have the Cavs had the first overall pick in the lottery? How many NBA teams have never had the top pick? -- Dan Last, Westlake

Hey, Dan: The Cavs have had the No. 1 pick five times since the lottery began in 1985. In addition to Anthony Bennett this year, their No. 1 picks have been Kyrie Irving in 2011, LeBron James in 2003, Brad Daugherty in 1986 and Austin Carr in 1971. Since 1985, the teams that have never drafted first are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Indiana, Memphis (Vancouver), Oklahoma City (Seattle), Phoenix and Utah.

Hey, Mary:Many fans are holding their breath and waiting for LeBron to opt out of his contract and return to Cleveland in 2014. While I would love for him to return, I don't think he will because that would actually be a huge risk at him repeating as a champion over and over like Michael Jordan. LeBron wants to be the greatest that ever did it and I believe the only way to get more rings than MJ or Kobe is to do it how they did it and stick with the same team.

Also media and fans tend to believe that he wants to redeem himself for The Decision. I think the most we will ever get is an apology. If we were called the Akron Cavaliers, then perhaps he would come back. But we are the Cleveland Cavaliers, and I really think LeBron could care less. -- Mike Guinther, Lakewood

Hey, Mike: I don't think LeBron has made his mind up one way or another about coming back, but I have been told it is not out of the question by any means.

Hey, Mary: Who has a higher ceiling, Dion Waiters or Ben McLemore? -- Darryl Smith, Brooklyn

Hey, Darryl: That's impossible to answer now. Teams were trying to determine McLemore's ceiling this year the same way they were trying to determine Waiters' last year. We are going to have to give each of them a few years before we can tell.

Hey, Mary: Do you think the Cavs are emulating the Spurs' approach to building a team by getting non-USA players who Popovich claims "work harder"? With the new foreign-born assistant coaches and Z in place, are the Cavs building a supportive coaching staff within the organization that complements drafting overseas-born players? If so, it is clever when one connects the dots. -- Rod Miller, Rocky River

Hey, Rod: I never saw a quote from Popovich saying non-U.S. players worked harder. That being said, the Cavs certainly have had some success with foreign-born players like Vitaly Potapenko and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. They hope Sergey Karasev follows in their footsteps. Mike Brown had roots in the Spurs system, as did Danny Ferry before Chris Grant. So it's not a complete accident that the Cavs organization is following the model established by San Antonio. Looking at their successful history, who wouldn't want to be like the Spurs?

-- Mary

Backup catcher talks about learning the game and working on his defense.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A quick conversation with the Indians’ Brazilian-born catcher, who has six home runs and 20 RBI as Carlos Santana’s backup. 

Q: Did you play baseball in Brazil when you were growing up or did you start when you moved to Florida?

A: I started playing in Brazil when I was around six. So I had the basics. When I moved to Florida when I was 12, I continued playing. Around school, they didn’t even know baseball was a sport. It was more popular around the Japanese and Cuban communities in Brazil and that’s where I grew up. 

Q: Why did you major in psychology at Barry University in Miami?

A: I only took a couple of classes in my junior year. I like the people-watching kind of thing. I like to see what people are thinking, that’s kind of what goes into this game. In my mind, I like to think it helps me relate to pitchers, but sometimes it just doesn’t work.

Q: Any second thoughts on not playing for Brazil in the World Baseball Classic in spring training?

A: I talked to our manager Barry Larkin about it and he understood. I wish I was there with them, but I had to make a decision on my future with the Indians. I don’t regret it at all. I got to show what I could do in spring training and it worked out all right.

Q: You’ve had a lot of success throwing out potential basestealers. What goes into that for you?

A: The key is anticipating it. I work with [bullpen coach] Kevin Cash and [bench coach] Sandy Alomar all the time. I’m just trying to understand the game a little more and get consistent with my throws. A catcher can have a great arm, but if you’re not set in the right position, your throws are going to tail off.

Q: What was your reaction to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire saying you blocked the plate without the ball and tripped Ryan Doumit at the plate on June 23?

A: I was shocked that he accused me of that. That’s not the kind of player I am. I went over [the play] a ton of times. I felt I definitely gave him the plate and the throw took me that way. It bothered me a lot, especially him thinking I tried to trip him. I didn’t do that at all.

For Mongolia, the experience this weekend is about more than results at the Continental Cup, the annual youth sports festival held by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

Teddy Cahill

Special to The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio — As his teammates positioned themselves for the opening tip on one of the basketball courts in the Baldwin Wallace recreation center Thursday morning, Enkhsaikhan Bayarsaikhan, one of Team Mongolia’s two substitutes, pulled out a camera.

He wasn’t going to let the beginning of their game against the Lake Erie Defenders, their first of the Continental Cup, go undocumented. As the ball rose toward the ceiling, Bayarsaikhan snapped a few pictures before preparing to enter the game.

The Defenders won the tip and easily won the game 60-28. Mongolia lost both of its games Friday, though the scores were closer. For Mongolia, the experience this weekend is about more than results at the Continental Cup, the annual youth sports festival held by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

• Facts and figures on the 2013 Continental Cup

The team of eighth-grade boys was created after a Continental Cup representative visited the Mongolian embassy in Washington last fall. Players were selected from four schools and have only been playing together for about a month. This is the first time Mongolia has sent such a team to America.

Coach Tugsjargal Sambuu said he hopes this is the next step of Mongolian basketball.

“We can get lots of experience from when they’re teenagers,” he said through interpreter/player Bodikhan Bayarsaikhan. “America is one of the biggest places on Earth and has big competitions. So our kids in Mongolia can get more experience in competitions like this.”

The process of getting to Cleveland was a feat of its own. Three players were unable to get the necessary visas, leaving Mongolia with just seven players this weekend. But the experience brought those who did make the 21-hour flight from Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital, closer.

“We had long trips where we had more time to discuss with each other about things and we’ve gotten to know each other better than before,” team captain Boldbaaar Yumchinsuren said. “The team is almost one body. We have to work together as a team, make strategies and try to do our best.”

The visa issues cost Mongolia some of its bigger players. The lack of a post presence hurt Mongolia against Lake Erie, which had a significant advantage in rebounding and blocked several shots. But Lake Erie coach Dave Albert was impressed with the skills Mongolia displayed.

“They really had some good ball movement,” Albert said. “I was surprised, personally, at the ball movement and passing they had. They worked well together as a team, I thought. They complemented each other well.” Sambuu said basketball has become “quite popular” in Mongolia, located just north of China in Central Asia. Yumchinsuren said he watches the NBA on TV whenever he can and said his favorite player is Bulls point guard Derrick Rose.

As basketball grows in Mongolia, Sambuu is hopeful the young players here in Cleveland this week will be able to help elevate the game’s presence back home.

“This is our first time in America playing,” Sambuu said. “Starting next year we’re trying to expand our players and add more people.”

Team Mongolia is confident their experience this weekend will help improve their level of basketball back home. For now, however, the players are happy they have the opportunity to learn and compete in such a big tournament.

“It’s a great team, it’s a lovely team,” Yumchinsuren said. “I think everybody here is a great friend. We’re really nice to each other and we’ll try our best.” 

Teddy Cahill is a freelance writer in Cleveland Heights. 

Jack was a backup combo guard for Golden State last season, where he averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers' hopes to strengthen their backcourt took a big step forward Saturday when they agreed to a four-year, $25 million deal with free-agent guard Jarrett Jack, according to a league source. The fourth year is for a team option.

Jack became available when the Golden State Warriors renounced their rights to him on Friday to free up salary-cap space to agree to terms with free agent forward Andre Iguodala. Soon afterward, Jack (@Jarrettjack03) Tweeted, "Well it was fun while it lasted."

That cleared the way for Cleveland to swoop in to acquire Jack, a combo guard who is expected to back up All-Star Kyrie Irving and help mentor the Cavaliers' young backcourt that also features second-year shoot guard Dion Waiters.

With Jack playing both point and shooting guard, the Cavaliers are hopeful to have one of the more explosive backcourts in the league.

Jack, 29, is an 8-year veteran who has played for New Orleans, Toronto, Indiana and Portland. Last season was one of his most productive as part of a three-guard rotation that included Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Jack averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists for the Warriors, his only season in Golden State.

With the signing of Jack, Cavaliers' veteran free agent guard Shaun Livingston agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, a league source said.

Additionally, free agent swingman Omri Casspi agreed to a two-year deal with Houston on Saturday, multiple media outlets reported.

The Jack deal does not shut the door on Cavaliers free agent guards Daniel Gibson and Wayne Ellington, who remain possibilities to sign when the NBA's free-agent negotiation period ends Wednesday.

Jason Kipnis and Justin Masterson are All-Stars for the first time, the announcement coming Saturday night. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis and right-hander Justin Masterson can check off a big box on their career to-do lists.

Kipnis and Masterson are All-Stars for the first time, the announcement coming Saturday night. The American League's starting second baseman, as voted by the fans, will be Robinson Cano of the Yankees.

The All-Star Game unfolds July 16 at Citi Field in New York.

• Full rosters for American League and National League teams

Kipnis entered Saturday afternoon's game against Detroit batting .300 with 13 homers and 54 RBI in 76 games. He was riding a 16-game hitting streak and 36-game on-base streak -- both career bests.

Masterson is 10-7 with a 3.78 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 19 starts. He was rocked Friday night against the Tigers in front of American League manager Jim Leyland, but it ended up not costing him.

"Kip and Masty absolutely deserve to be All-Stars,'' Tribe reliever Joe Smith said. "Kip's been carrying us offensively, and Masty's been our leader in the rotation.''

Catcher Carlos Santana, who entered Saturday at .270 with 10 homers, 38 RBI and 49 walks, was the Tribe's only other legitimate All-Star candidate.

View full sizeJustin Masterson has rebounded nicely from a disappointing 2012 season, earning an All-Star nod on Saturday.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer 

The Indians have two representatives for a third straight year. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and closer Chris Perez went in 2011 and 2012.

Kipnis dealt with injuries to both elbows and batted .200 with one homer and four RBI in 17 games in April. He turned it up in May (.261, seven homers, 22 RBI) before inhabiting Planet Miguel Cabrera in June.

Kipnis hit .419 (39-for-93) with 12 doubles, one triple, four homers and 25 RBI in 27 games last month. He scored 17 runs, stole nine bases and drew 20 walks. The American League named him its player of the month. He became the first Indian to earn the monthly award since Shin-Soo Choo in September 2008.

Among AL candidates with a minimum of 81 June plate appearances, Kipnis ranked first in batting average and on-base percentage (.517), tied for first in hits and was second in doubles, RBI, slugging percentage (.699) and extra base hits (17).

"You guys keep asking me this question about what happened,” Kipnis said earlier this week. “There was no drastic change in approach or my swing. In the past, I’ve been prone to getting greedy with some swings or going away from the approach that’s working in certain situations.

“This time I’ve stayed with the same plan, against lefties or righties.”

When Kipnis struggled in April, Indians manager Terry Francona preached patience.

"Guys have a way of getting to their level,'' Francona said. "That's just how this game is. And sometimes guy do things and get better. Kip is turning into one of the best players in the game. It's exciting.''

The Indians drafted Kipnis in the second round in 2009 out of Arizona State. He made his major-league debut in 2011 and finished with a .272 average in 36 games.

Masterson ranks among AL leaders in starts, victories, losses, strikeouts, innings (128.2), complete games (three) and shutouts (three). The Indians acquired Masterson from Boston in the Victor Martinez trade July 31, 2009. He primarily was a reliever, but the Indians wanted him to start.

Masterson was 1-7 with the Tribe to finish 2009. He went 6-13 with a 4.70 ERA in 34 appearances (29 starts) in 2010. He appeared to have turned the corner in 2011, going 12-10 with a 3.21 ERA in 34 games (33 starts) but struggled last year, going 11-15 with a 4.93 ERA in 34 starts.

Masterson, 28, relied heavily on a two-seam/four-seam mix in 2012. He needed another pitch to get hitters, especially lefties, off the fastballs, and added a slider that has been effective.

It's still the quiet period for the NFL, but that doesn't stop a busy mailbag for beat writer Mary Kay Cabot.

Hey, Mary Kay: How is Trent Richardson coming along in his rehab from the pulled leg muscle and do you think he’ll be ready for training camp? — Joe C., Sandusky 

Hey, Joe: Richardson has begun his running program, as scheduled, at home in Pensacola, Fla., so he’s still on track for camp. But the Browns will err on the side of caution and do whatever it takes to get him to the season healthy. If he’s somewhat limited early on in camp, it wouldn’t be the worst decision. 

Hey, Mary Kay: What did you think of ESPN’s Ron Jaworski ranking Brandon Weeden No. 26 in his quarterback countdown? — Karen Young, Sugar Hill, Ga. 

Hey, Karen: Jaws’ comments about Weeden were actually much more favorable than his bottom-six ranking. He said he came away from his film study very impressed with Weeden and thinks he’ll be a rock-solid starter in Norv Turner’s offense. He cited Weeden’s poise in the pocket and his superior spin on the ball. Weeden can take heart in the fact he’s in some good company in the 20s, including fellow second-year passer Ryan Tannehill at No. 24 and former No. 1 pick Sam Bradford at No. 22. 

Hey, Mary Kay: Which running back will replace Trent Richardson if he is injured or just performs poorly this year? — John Horns, Port Clinton 

Hey, John: Montario Hardesty is next on the depth chart in the event Richardson needs any reps off. I do think the Browns will change it up more this season, giving backs such as Hardesty and Dion Lewis a chance to carry the ball. Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya are also back and vying for time. Jackson averaged 6.8 yards per carry in his only action last season and has fresh legs from almost two years off. 

Hey, Mary Kay: Enjoy your work. Why has there been so little mention of Alex Mack. Is he improving? Is he considered an elite center? — Steve Juliano, Syracuse, N.Y. 

Hey, Steve: Thanks! The Browns do like Mack a lot and consider him an elite center. They’ll have an even better idea this year with defenses trending toward taking the quickest and shortest path to the quarterback — up the middle. Mack’s contract expires this year, and he’s one of the few players they’re likely to extend. He’s due to make $3.732 million in 2013. 

Hey, Mary Kay: What are the chances Brian Hoyer makes the team and Jason Campbell does not? — Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland 

Hey, Angelo: At this point, I think all three will remain on the team, especially because their combined salaries are less than that of many starting quarterbacks. The fact the Browns have three quarterbacks on the roster with legitimate starting potential gives them some trade bait in the event a starter goes down. But I anticipate Campbell sticking around based on the fact he’s the most experienced of the three. 

Hey, Mary Kay: Linebackers, linebackers, linebackers. I think that they will again be the weak link. They will be okay, but not consistently dominate. — Doni Rogers, Dallas, Texas 

Hey, Doni: With Paul Kruger, Barkevious Mingo, Jabaal Sheard and D’Qwell Jackson, I hardly think they’ll be the weak link. With all the money invested in Kruger and the first-round pick spent on Mingo, this should be the team’s marquee position. The Browns are also really excited about Sheard as a linebacker, and know they’ll get good play out of Jackson. This is not the position to worry about in 2013. 

Hey, Mary Kay: Is the defensive philosophy of the Browns going to be like a Gen. George Custer attack at little Big Horn? Let’s attack and hope they don’t see our weakness in the secondary? — Rich Ragnanese, Dumaguete, Philippines 

Hey, Rich: Pressure on the QB will definitely help the defensive backs and should bring out the best in Joe Haden and T.J. Ward. Free safety Tashaun Gipson flashed some playmaking ability last year and the Browns are hoping Leon McFadden can win the other starting cornerback job. Haden and Ward are solid starters, and the other two DBs will have to overachieve, because the Browns are playing an all-star lineup of quarterbacks this season. 

— Mary Kay 

John Force keeps his NHRA hot streak going as No. 1 Funny Car qualifier, daughter Courtney Force awaits upcoming ESPN pictoral.

NORWALK, Ohio -- One day this week everyone can see how Funny Car drag racer Courtney Force, 25, has molded her birthday suit.

She has posed in the buff for the annual "body" issue for ESPN Magazine, which will be delivered by mail or at local news stands this week. Courtney is just one half of a family story in the NHRA ranks this week as it stops at Summit Motorsports Park for the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals.

Her dad, John Force, posed for the mag in 2011. He now happens to be the hottest Funny Car driver going in recent weeks as he has jumped from ninth to third in the standings over the last three weeks in his Ford machine, and hopes to keep climbing.

"The driver does what he does, the crew chief and the crew they do what they do,'' Force, 65, said. "Between chassis programs, between clutch programs, and motor programs we have kind of found our niche, for now. Knock on wood. Because this thing can turn around again, and it will bite you.

"Give credit to the team; now see how long we can keep this going.''

• Saturday's racing results | Sunday's racing schedule

It continued through Saturday as Force qualified No. 1 going into Sunday's eliminations on the Funny Car shootout grid while Courtney qualified 10th. Action begins at 11 a.m.

View full sizeTwo weeks ago, Courtney Force topped her father, John, in the funny car finals -- a first for her -- at the New England Nationals in Epping, N.H.Marc Gewertz, NHRA for AP 

"We proved we could run good, but tomorrow can be anybody's race," he said. Indeed, for the ageless Force, the Norwalk race is one of only two he has never won in his racing career.

That's news on the track. Off the track, especially this week, the spotlight will be on Courtney as she anxiously waits for the mail.

"I am definitely nervous about it,'' said Courtney, who has yet to see any of the finished photos to be used. "This is a big step outside of my box. I have done photo shoots before, but always in a fire suit. This was definitely a change."

She was asked to do the photo shoot in 2011, her rookie season in the Funny Car ranks. But without mentioning names, or sports, Courtney said she wanted to establish some winning credentials first, before showing skin and mascara, and running the risk of being all flash, and no dash.

She won two races last season, and started this season off with a win, which gives her more street cred. Her first challenge was getting her family comfortable with the idea. All were quickly on board except for older sister, Ashley.

"That didn't happen overnight,'' Courtney said of her sister's final blessing.

During Lent she began preparing for the photo shoot by giving up her favorite starches, bread and pizza. Then she intensified her strength training.

"I worked on my arms a lot, my legs, too,'' Courtney said. "That's what I do regularly, any way. I have some curves on me, so sometimes there is something you can't really do anything about. But I felt as long as I was comfortable with my body, I could deal with it. I know I don't look perfect.

"I work out hard, but I don't work out to look like a model. I work out to drive my race car. That's a different look, that's an athletic look. My arms and my shoulders are the biggest things that have changed since I started driving. They're a lot bigger dealing with a 10,000-horsepower car."

Courtney then began to study the magazine's past body issues and found some female photos that not only appealed to her, but also showed how tough this assignment was going to be.

"There was a female track athlete in one, she was only in her shoes, in her (starting blocks) position. I thought that was cool,'' she said. "And there was a gymnast who was on her beam, very creative poses that still displayed both their bodies and their sports. That's when I realized, sitting in a car, it would be hard for people to see and understand what I need muscles for.''

And make no mistake, controlling a high-powered funny car, keeping it straight going down a 1,000-yard drag strip, then bringing it to a stop under perfect conditions is a challenge within itself. Correcting any mistake along with way, avoiding a wall-banger or worse, can be the difference between controlling a car, or the car controlling you.

"I definitely set some guidelines about what I was willing to do,'' Courtney Force said of the shoot that was done in June. "There were things I wasn't comfortable with. I didn't want to do. I didn't want to pose, like, up against a car. I didn't want to be a pin-up.''

With the ground rules set, and her younger sister, Brittany, along for support, Courtney said ideas were bounced back and forth, "and if I wasn't comfortable, they said we would try something else.

In the end the one-day photo experience exceeded her expectations.

"It was a really great experience," she said.

There are plenty of topics in this week's reader mailbag for beat writer Paul Hoynes.

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think the Indians would be willing to trade Carlos Santana for a starting pitcher? He seems to be the most expendable with good trade value at this time. Yan Gomes looks more than capable to take over the catching duties. — Don Grubbs, Painesville 

Hey, Don: I think the Indians would be willing to talk trade about any player on their roster, but I believe it would be hard to deal Santana. He is signed to a club-friendly contract through 2016 with a club option for 2017. Finding a pitcher the Indians could control for that long who could match Santana in value would not be easy.

I think they’ll also need Santana in the future to help the offense, regardless of what position he plays, once players like Mark Reynolds, Jason Giambi and Ryan Raburn go elsewhere. 

Hey, Hoynsie: What is the Indians’ record with Drew Stubbs in center field? — Brad Stricker, Willoughby Hills 

Hey, Brad: The Indians, entering the weekend, are 20-10 with Stubbs starting in center. 

Hey, Hoynsie: With Jeremy Guthrie having pitched against the Tribe for Kansas City last week, it had me trying to recall what happened to him in Cleveland. He’s not a superstar, but was a first-round pick and has started 30 plus games in every season since we released him. We could have used a guy like that the past few seasons. — Philip Stevens, Philadelphia 

Hey, Philip: The Indians’ handling of Guthrie is still a head-scratcher. They drafted him as a starter, paid him a $4.5 million signing bonus, including a four-year major-league contract, and only had him start one game in the big leagues. His other 15 appearances were as a reliever.Signing Guthrie to a major-league contract did not help matters. Guthrie ran out of options quicker and that’s why the Indians had to put him on waivers.

Guthrie didn’t help matters by under-performing with the Tribe and he has certainly taken his lumps as big-league starter, especially in Baltimore. But he definitely could have helped the Tribe. 

Hey, Hoynsie: If the Phillies offer the Indians Cliff Lee for Francisco Lindor, will they do it? — Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland 

Hey, Angelo: No. Not unless the Phillies want to pay the majority of Lee’s contract, which calls for $25 million in 2013, $25 million in 2014, $25 million in 2015 and a $27.5 million vesting option in 2016.

I don’t think the commissioner would allow that to happen, but Angelo, maybe you could help the Dolans pay Lee’s salary. 

Hey, Hoynsie: In regards to what the Indians should do with Trevor Bauer for the rest of the season, any thoughts about having him in the bullpen, especially if they are in a playoff push down the stretch? — Bryan, Solon 

Hey, Bryan: Bauer walks way too many people as a starter. As a reliever, his lack of control would be a disaster. 

Hey, Hoynsie: How can the Indians draw more fans when all the sports talk shows do is talk Browns and Cavs, even when the Indians are in first place? — Ron Spyker, Wapakoneta 

Hey, Ron: Just keep winning. 

Hey, Hoynsie: The Indians are stockpiling middle infielders at the lower levels. Do you see any with the power potential to play first base, third base or a corner outfield position? Or are the Indians potentially using them as trade bait to replenish the pitching in the farm system? — Will Saunders, Pittsburgh 

Hey, Will: Ronnie Rodriguez and Dorssys Paulino have shown power and could eventually move to third base. They already moved Tony Wolters from second base/shortstop to catcher.As for making a deal, anytime an organization has depth at a certain position, it makes it easier for it to make a trade by using that depth. 

Hey, Hoynsie: Drew Stubbs seemed dismissive the other day discussing the value of trying to bunt for a hit from time to time. If he had 20 bunt hits last year for the Reds, it would have raised his average to a more acceptable .253. Don’t you think Terry Francona should insist that he try to bunt more, if for no other reason than to cut down on his strikeouts? — Greg Boveington, Crofton, Md. 

Hey, Greg: You say dismissive, I’m sure Stubbs would say he’s being realistic. It sounds like Francona would like him to use the bunt more, but Stubbs is the guy with the bat in his hands. As a manager, you want your players to play with confidence, but certain situations dictate certain actions.

When Stubbs homered, singled and drove in four runs Thursday, would you rather have had him bunting for a hit? 

Hey, Hoynsie: What is with the bullpen? It seems like every game they almost blow the lead and a lot of the time they do. How will they look to improve the bullpen? — Ari Ross, Shaker Heights 

Hey, Ari: I think the Indians are hopeful that having the back end of the bullpen reunited is going to help. The key will be the effectiveness of Vinnie Pestano and Chris Perez and the ability of the rest of the pen to get them a lead. 

Hey, Hoynsie: Given the Tribe’s poor attendance numbers in Cleveland with an ever-declining population and bleak economic future, at what point will the Dolans get serious about relocation? Wouldn’t the organization fare better in a 21st century city like Charlotte, Oklahoma City, or Boise? — Chris Niklas, Hudson 

Hey, Chris: Boise, really? 

Hey, Hoynsie: Anibal Sanchez went to Detroit last year and helped them tremendously. I know Ricky Nolasco doesn’t have Sanchez’s strikeout capabilities, but he is another solid Miami pitcher, and has been for some time. Miami might well part with him.

Would you consider trading for him? What about Matt Garza or Kyle Lohse? — Geoffrey Lee, Strongsville 

Hey, Geoffrey: The Indians always talk about doing their due diligence concerning trades. I’m sure they’ve considered the pros and cons of those three pitchers. 

Hey, Hoynsie: During last Sunday’s Tribe game, it was mentioned that as the White Sox continue to tumble, everyone could be available. Do you think the Tribe could put together a package to get Chris Sale? The cost would be heavy. I’m sure the Indians would have to include Francisco Lindor. Yet, putting Sale at the top of the rotation with Justin Masterson could solidify the Tribe as contenders this year and next as well as send a strong message to the fans. — Jack Bacevice, Cleveland 

Hey, Jack: I love Sale and wish the Indians would have drafted him when they had the chance, but they took Drew Pomeranz instead. There is no way the White Sox trade Sale. But if Robin Ventura keeps letting him throw over 120 pitches in a losing effort as he did last Sunday, Sale might not be as valuable as I think. 

Hey, Hoynsie: Yan Gomes to me looks like a real good ballplayer. He’s also very young. I like to see the Indians keep him around for a long time. What do you think the long-term plans are for him? — Johnny D’ambrosia, Garfield Heights 

Hey, Johnny: Gomes is a keeper. I would not be surprised if he’s the Tribe’s starting catcher come 2014. 

Hey, Hoynsie: Can you ask some non-catcher or pitcher on the Indians why baseball is so fatiguing these days? Far less standing or sitting than a desk or retail job? Far fewer swings than tennis or golf? Virtually no running? — Tony Little, Cleveland 

Hey, Tony: I sense some sarcasm here. The last time I looked, I didn’t see Tiger Woods sprinting 90 feet every time he hit a shot. And no one was throwing a 95 mph fastball at his head when he was lining up a putt. 

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you see the Indians bringing back Grady Sizemore this year? He could be the fourth outfielder and a left-handed bat on the bench for a small price. — Ryan Smith, Fort Wayne 

Hey, Ryan: I think the that train has pulled out of the station. Sizemore, however, is scheduled to work out for teams around the All-Star break. Here’s hoping he’s healthy enough to play again. Grady’s a good guy and deserves some good fortune. 

Hey, Hoynsie: My wife and I have noticed that the pants of Mark Reynolds, Nick Swisher and Asdrubal Cabrera vary from down/up game to game. Is there a story here? Or is each of them whimsical? — Keith Conklin, Twinsburg 

Hey, Keith: Most of it has to do with hot and cold hitting streaks. If a player starts hitting with his pant legs up or down, they usually stay with that look for as long as the streak lasts. It can be the same with wins and losses. 

Hey, Hoynsie: Recently the Cubs made a couple of trades that included “international bonus slots.” What the heck are those? I’ve never heard of them nor of them being traded. — Jeff Walker, Independence 

Hey, Jeff: For the first time this year, under terms of the 2011 basic agreement, teams can trade portions of their bonus pool for signing international free agents. The period for signing international free agents started Tuesday (July 2) and runs through June 15, 2014. Each team is given a bonus pool based on the reverse order of the 2012 standings, which gives the Indians the fifth largest pool at just over $3.6 million.

Instead of simply trading cash portions of their pools, teams have each been assigned four slot values. The total of those four slots, plus a $700,000 base allocation for each team, equals their bonus pool. Slot values can be included in trades for big league players.

For more information I suggest going to baseballamerica.com. 

Hey, Hoynsie: Why do Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus take innings off during the game, but Matt Underwood and Rick Manning don’t? I’ve read that it happens a lot with radio guys but not TV. — Jeff Kascsak, Olmsted Township 

Hey, Jeff: I’m guessing Hamilton and Rosenhaus have better agents. Not really, just being a wise guy.

Hamilton has it in his contract that he’ll do seven innings of play-by-play and two innings of color every game. On the flip side, Rosenhaus does two innings of play-by-play and seven innings of color. While it may sound as if there’s only one announcer in the booth, they’re almost always both there.

The dynamic between announcers on TV is different, so the play-by-play duties aren’t interchangeable. 

— Hoynsie 