Jordan Smith has a big night as the Carolina Mudcats beat Winston-Salem, 7-2.

Class AAA: Columbus 3, Durham 2 The Clippers scored two runs on errors in the seventh inning and rallied past the visiting Bulls on Friday.

T.J. House (4.79 ERA) started for Columbus and allowed one run in five innings. He gave up six hits, walked one and struck out five. Fernando Nieve (5-2, 1.69) earned the win with 1 innings of scoreless relief and Nick Hagadone (2.89) pitched the ninth for his first save.

Class AA: Richmond 9, Akron 4 The visiting Flying Squirrels scored seven runs in the first three innings off Akron starter Brett Brach (6-7, 5.04) and cruised to the win. Aeros 1B Jesus Aguilar (.262) hit his 11th home run, LF Cedric Hunter (.290) hit his ninth and RF Carlos Moncrief hit his 14th (.307).

Class A Advanced: Carolina 7, Winston-Salem 2

Mudcats RF Jordan Smith (.276) went 4-for-5 with a triple, home run, two RBI and three runs scored in Carolina's win over the host Dash. Nick Pasquale (3-6, 4.31) started for the Mudcats, going seven innings and allowing one unearned run on three hits and one walk. He struck out three.

Class A: South Bend 7, Lake County 4 Captains RF Jorge Martinez (.190) hit a grand slam in Lake County's loss to the host Silver Hawks. It was his second homer of the season.

Reliever Luis Morel (2-2, 5.16) took the loss after allowing four runs, three earned, on eight hits in four innings.

Class A Short-season: Batavia 10, Mahoning Valley 3 Scrappers reliever Harold Guerrero walked four straight batters to start the eighth inning before he got yanked and all four scored in Mahoning Valley's loss to the visiting Muckdogs. 1B Nellie Rodriguez (.331) had two hits for the Scrappers, including his sixth home run.

Independent: River City 3, Lake Erie 1 Crushers starter Alex Kaminsky allowed two runs on seven hits in seven innings as Lake Erie fell to the visiting Rascals.

Browns cornerback Joe Haden hopes to avenge the four-game suspension that unraveled the Browns' 2012 season.

BEREA, Ohio -- At this time last year, Joe Haden was hangin' with his boys, cruising in one of his six luxury cars, getting kicked out of practice by an irate Pat Shurmur and dodging reporters who were onto his looming four-game suspension for Adderall use.

How things have changed for Haden since that tumultuous August of 2012.

"I’m approaching it just with a fresh start,'' he said. "You know, last year was last year. What happened is in the past. So just coming in, and I feel like I honestly owe the team, I owe myself, I owe the fans, I owe the Browns just everything I've got this year to keep going and just be elite and hold things down.''

For starters, Haden married his longtime sweetheart last month, loving life with his Sarah-Moo. He still hangs with his boys, but not every night. He's got the swagger back in his step and the wide grin back on his face.

"I'd say things are a lot different,'' he said. "I mean, everything back at home is a lot more settled. It’s just a security blanket. I’ve got my wife back at home now, it’s not my girlfriend. I don’t have my boys coming over all the time. She's like, 'alright, we’re grabbing dinner tonight.' That's good. It's just a lot more relaxed. I have to focus on a whole lot less about my friends coming over, whatever. Just chill with my wife and come out here and do my thing with football.''

 

It's still painful for Haden to reflect on the four-game suspension for Adderall. He's always maintained that the stimulant was prescribed for an attention problem, but he knows he hurt the team, his family, friends and fans. By the time it was over (he missed weeks two through five), the Browns were 0-5 and the season was lost.

“It was a humbling thing," he said Friday. "It was one of the lowest points. Basically, I don’t really like talking about it. But it was a low point in my life, and now everything seems like it’s on the up and up. So I’m just happy and praying every day.”

The suspension was a turning point for Haden, who got engaged during those four weeks away from the team.

"Things are going really good for me now," he said.

It took Haden, Cleveland's man-about-town, a little time to win back his fans. But Haden Nation is back in full force.

"At first, it was all bad,'' he said. "But then, I just chilled. I messed up and when I came back, it was the same love. They just embraced me. I went out there and just had to do what I could do on the field. That’s the only way that you can get back.”

Haden's best friend on the team, safety T.J. Ward, saw how the suspension changed his life.

"He's one year better, one year smarter, one year more mature," said Ward. "Definitely that incident last year affected him. It opened his eyes to what can happen and this game isn't promised to everyone. You have to slow down and be aware of everything and he's done that and become more mature he knows you can't take this for granted."

Ward also credits Sarah with having a positive influence. "We spend a lot of time together -- him and his girl and me and my girl -- and she's a great person. She keeps him grounded. I think she's really good for him.''

He's convinced that this is the year Haden, the seventh pick in the first round in 2010, will make the Pro Bowl.

"He's been a Pro Bowl-caliber player the last few years and I think this year with everything coming together, with him in his fourth year, he's definitely ready to take over and be one of the best corners if not the best corner in the league.''

Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who urged Haden to get his priorities straight last year, has seen the change he hoped for. It was evident in practice Friday, when Haden jumped a short out route by Josh Gordon, snatched a Brandon Weeden pass and raced it to the end zone. Two plays later, he swatted down another pass.

Haden wasn't happy with performance on the first day of camp, so he came back with a vengeance on Friday.

"In my opinion, he's a Pro Bowl player and he's been a Pro Bowl player, and with the system we're running, he's gaining more and more confidence,'' said Jackson. "You saw him make a great interception today and once he makes his mind up which way he's going, there's not too many receivers that can beat him to the spot. Joe is learning to study the game and he's on the verge of becoming one of the top five corners in the league. He's one of the best in my opinion.''

When coach Rob Chudzinski took over in January, he wiped the slate clean. He has come to know and like Haden.

"We meet several times and we have an open relationship," Haden said. "I like coach Chud. He believes in me and I believe in myself and with this defense that coach (Ray) Horton's running, there's no reason why we shouldn't be elite.''

Haden's definition of an elite cornerback "is a top 5 corner. ... There's not too many people that can use the word elite and I want to be one of the five that can use it.''

Horton has already called on Haden to be like Arizona's two-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson.

"When I first came in, he said 'you're going to be the Pat on this team,'" said Haden. "He said, 'you're that corner.' He basically he put it on me to just go out there and do my thing, just grow as a corner and he believes in me. As long as I know they got my back, everything's going to be cool.''

And as long as Joe stays cool, he should be the Pro Bowl corner everyone expects him to be.

Favored Title Contender with Hector Rosario Jr. in the saddle caught early leader Mongolian Saturday turning for home.

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio -- Title Contender began the year as a high-strung, hard-to-handle 3-year-old, but on Saturday afternoon he was almost all business in winning the 79th running of the $100,000 Ohio Derby at ThistleDown Racino.

Monogolian Saturday, with Carlos Montalvo in the saddle, set the pace from the starting gate all the way to the final turn as jockey Hector Rosario Jr. kept Title Contender a close second. Title Contender didn't seem ready to make a late charge until jockey Pablo Morales and Braveman tried to pass him in the final turn and chase down the leader.

"Hitting the last quarter mile, Title Contender was playing around," said Rosario. "When Braveman came up to challenge him (for second), Title Contender put it into second gear and just took off. The other horse (Mongolian Saturday) started to fade and we moved up to get the win."

Favored Title Contender covered the 1 1/16-mile event in 1:43.4 to win by a length, returning $6, 3.80, 3.40. Braveman was second, $3.60, 4.20, and Handsome Tiger roared up to take third, $6.

It was the first victory in five starts this season for Title Contender, owned by Nebraska's Gary and Mary West and a member of the powerhouse stable of Chicago trainer Wayne Catalano. Once a highly regard freshman, Title Contender had been saddled by Southern California trainer Bob Baffert, even making a start in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last fall at Santa Anita.

"As a two-year-old, Title Contender wanted to go right to the front and would keep on going until he burned out," said assistant trainer Mark Danner, who handled Title Contender at ThistleDown. "When we got him in March, he was a stone lunatic. It was really difficult just to put a saddle on him."

That's when the young stallion was converted to a gelding. The move seems to have made him into a race horse.

"Title Contender has been getting bigger, stronger and more mature," said Danner. "He's keeping his mind on racing these days, learning to relax in a race. That's what he finally showed today. Title Contender realized he didn't have to be up front, pushing the pace. Rosario settled him in second, and Title Contender had something left at the end."

Needmore Flattery and jockey Irwin Rosendo easily won the $50,000 Miss Ohio Stakes, capturing the  5 1/2-furlong dash for 2-year-old fillies in 1:06 by an impressive 8 1/4 lengths. Crafty Blue Kat was second, followed by Abslewtly Divine in a stake that was a late scratch away from becoming a match race.

Needmore Flattery was one of five Tim Hamm-trained fillies in the six-horse field, but Hamm's s Luvaflatterer, Dream Bling and Natural Bling were all late scratches due to injury, the most serious Luvaflatterer's broken hip in a stall accident. Needmore Flattery was the only freshman filly to have won this season, notching her third victory in as many starts for Hamm's Blazing Meadows Farm of North Jackson, Ohio, and Cincinnati owner Bruce Ryan. With only win wagering, the 1-5 Needmore Flattery returned $2.60.

"Needmore Flattery is one of our top young fillies. She's calm and relaxed, and I believe she has the talent to run in big races outside of Ohio," said Hamm. "She wants to go a mile or more, rather than the 5- or 6-furlong races she's won. Her next start might be against the boys (in the $50,000 Kindergarten at ThistleDown on Aug. 10).

Justin Masterson and Yu Darvish face off tonight in a battle of aces.

Game 103: Indians (54-48) vs. Rangers (56-47)

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Trevor Bauer is back pitching out of the windup at Class AAA Columbus. The Indians are hoping that's another step to the former No.1 draft pick finding consistency in his delivery and his way to the big leagues.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Trevor Bauer threw his first complete game as a member of the Indians' organization last week. As always with Bauer's quest for the perfect delivery, it was neither a starting point nor an end point. It was just another mile marker on the way to some distant point on the horizon.

The last time anyone in the big leagues took a good look at Bauer, he was starting the first game of a doubleheader against the White Sox on June 28 at U.S. Cellular Field. Feeling uncomfortable with his regular delivery, Bauer decided to open the game pitching out of the stretch, something he said he'd never done before.

"Because a stretch delivery is a simpler delivery to execute, Trevor felt he was able to do that more consistently," said GM Chris Antonetti. "That's why he used it at the major-league level because that's where results matter the most."

Bauer lasted two-thirds of an inning, allowing five runs on six hits, including two home runs, and one walk. That he opened the game pitching out of the stretch mattered little because six of the 10 batters he faced batted with at least one runner on base, which meant he had to pitch out of the stretch regardless.

After the game, Bauer acknowledged he'd put the bullpen in a vulnerable position in the first game of a doubleheader. Otherwise he seemed to treat the start as just one more notch on his pitching chemistry set, the fact that it came in the big leagues didn't seem to matter to him.

Antonetti disagreed with that assessment.

"Trevor's focus was trying to do the best he could in trying to get the Chicago White Sox hitters out," said Antonetti. "That's why he pitched out of the stretch. He's very thoughtful. It's not something he whimsically decided, 'This is what I'm going to do.'"

Still, Bauer's decision did not go over well in the clubhouse and caught more than a few people by surprise up and down the organizational food chain.

On Monday, Bauer pitched a nine-inning complete game victory for Class AAA Columbus over Buffalo. He started the game pitching out of the windup and went to the stretch when a runner reached. Does that mean he's turned a corner? That the delivery he patterned long ago after Tim Lincecum was back in working order?

"He's working on being more consistent with his delivery," said Antonetti. "The windup and pitching out of the stretch aren't separate. . .In the end, he's going to need to execute a stretch delivery and a windup delivery effectively."

In other words, Bauer's days of pitching strictly out of the stretch are over, but he's not big-league ready. In fact, if the Indians had to do it over again, they may have gone with a different pitcher in the spot start against Chicago because of the changes Bauer's has been making in his delivery.

In spring training, he told reporters he was trying to "overwrite eight to 10 years of neuromuscular programming" in his delivery. The overwriting is still going on.

As to why the Indians picked Bauer to make four spot starts while he was retooling, Antonetti said, "We felt he was equipped well enough at the time to do it."

The Indians acquired Bauer on Dec. 11 from Arizona in a three-team deal that included Cincinnati. Arizona used the third pick in the 2011 draft to take Bauer out of UCLA, where he went 38-4 with a 2.36 ERA in three seasons. A personality clash among Bauer, the Diamondbacks' front office and his teammates quickly developed and he was sent packing to the Indians.

When the Indians acquired Bauer, they didn't know he'd started overhauling his delivery in November. In a meeting at The Baseball Ranch in Houston, where Bauer trains in the off-season, the Indians agreed that "technically" the changes were sound.

Now they're waiting for them to bear fruit.

"I think he's much closer to that end point now ... but it's obviously not a finished product," said Antonetti. "The encouraging thing is that Trevor continues to work tirelessly to get consistency with his delivery. Once he does that, I'm confident the results will follow."

Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury leads the big leagues in stolen bases.Associated Press 

This week in baseball

Baseball is a game of threes. Three strikes and you're out and three outs in each half of an inning. Here are two more sets of threes to consider from last week in baseball. All stats are through Friday.

Three up

1. St. Louis right-hander Jake Westbrook is 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA on the mound and 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI at the plate in his last two starts.

2. Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury leads the big leagues with 37 steals in 40 attempts for a 92.5 percent success rate.

3. The Dodgers' Hanley Ramirez is hitting .386 (34-for-88) with 21 runs, eight doubles, five homers and 15 RBI in July.

Three down

1. The Astros have had five losing streaks of six games or more, but finally beat the A's for the first time in 12 games this season.

2. The Indians weren't the only team kicking the ball around last week. In a four-game series against the Tigers, the White Sox made nine errors, including three by shortstop Alexei Ramirez.

3. Detroit's Justin Verlander this season has allowed five or more earned runs in six of 22 starts. In the last two seasons, he allowed five or more earned runs in five of 67 starts.

Stat-o-matic

Luv ya, Cleveland: Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager took an 0-for-3 Wednesday, but in 19 career games against the Indians, he's hitting .377 (29-for-77) with 11 doubles, two homers and five RBI.

Good hands people: Cincinnati center fielder Shin-Soo Choo made a throwing error Thursday against the Dodgers. It was the first error by a Reds outfielder, according to billyball.com, since April 28. Reds outfielders have made just four errors, three by Choo.

Cold spell: In their six-game losing streak, the Phillies haven't held a lead since the first inning against the Mets on July 20, a stretch of 53 consecutive innings.

David Scott, 72, is from New Orleans and has participated in all four bike distances at the National Senior Games.

View full sizeGetting on the bike has proven to be exactly David Scott's speed. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- David Scott, 72, is from New Orleans and has participated in all four bike races at the National Senior Games (5K, 10K, 20K, 40K).

1. How did you get started in this?

A: I retired five years ago as a golf retailer. My doctor said I was overweight and needed a double knee replacement.

2. Based on what your doctor said, it was time to get moving?

A: You bet. I took up spinning three and a half years ago. I didn't exercise too much before that, and the doctor gave me a wake-up call.

3. You said this is a labor of love?

A: It is. I started this and fell in love. I love it because you don't have your cell phone, so no one can bother you. I am up at 6:30 a.m. and am gone.

4. Does the weather here in Cleveland have an effect on you?

A: Louisiana is much more humid then here in the North, so you have to get out here early.

5. Has cycling in the Senior Games revitalized you?

A: It has. My lifestyle was lethargic before. This is a sport that consumes you and makes you concentrate on what really matters: your health.

-- Christopher Siders, Sun News

Defensive tackle Phil Taylor and tight end Kellen Davis returned to practice on a limited basis. Oniel Cousins wasn't so lucky. He'll be out a few weeks with a sprained ankle.

BEREA, Ohio -- Defensive tackle Phil Taylor (calf strain) and tight end Kellen Davis (knee strain) returned to Browns practice today, but on a limited basis.

Taylor participated only in individual drills and was held out of team sessions. Davis was also held out of 11-on-11s. John Hughes continues to replace Taylor at nose tackle until he's ready for full action.

• Offensive lineman Oniel Cousins, who rolled his ankle on Friday, will miss a couple of weeks with a sprain, coach Rob Chudzinski said.

• Fullback Brock Bolen sat out with a strained calf. Brad Smelley, who's been primarily working at tight end, got in some work at fullback.

• Practice was moved indoors and closed to the public because of the rain. It was supposed to be the first day in full pads, but the team practiced only in shoulder pads. The first full-pad practice is now set for Sunday.

“I was hoping to get out,” Chudzinksi said. “When I came in here, early in the morning, it was drizzling, and I saw the forecast for the day. We had a lot of wetness on the field. So, it was a combination of the forecast and the fields all being wet and not wanting to tear those up.”

• Cornerback Leon McFadden, working with the second team behind Chris Owens and Buster Skrine, had a nice breakup of a Brian Hoyer pass to Josh Gordon. Owens and Skrine are alternating first-team reps opposite Joe Haden.

• Joe Haden tweeted this today:

Jim brown pulled me 2 the side at practice and told me keep the great work! He's watching! #blessed! #GOAT

— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) July 27, 2013

• Running back Dion Lewis looked lightning quick on a couple of screens, and should provide a great change-of-pace.

“It was something that was in our installation today,” Chudzinski said of the screens. “After a few days, we get those guys rushing up the field so much. Screens have always been something that Norv has really excelled (at) . . . I have been fortunate to be around Norv and learn a thing or two about screens.

Chudzinksi is anxious to see Lewis in pads.

“Running backs really tend to show more when the pads come on,” he said. “You see their running skills and the blocking schemes develop a little bit better. Like you saw today, with pads on it’s a lot different. We will continue to look at him as well as all of those guys. We will put them in situations so they can show what they can do.”

• Linebacker Barkevious Mingo almost picked off a Hoyer pass 20 yards downfield.

• Chudzinski yanked guard Jason Pinkston out of the lineup after a false start, which was a point of emphasis at that point in the practice.

“You saw that, didn’t you?” Chudzinski said. “Sometimes, it just depends. There is not always a hard, fast rule with things. In that particular case it was a point of emphasis . . . In other cases it could be an accumulation.”

(Plain Dealer reporter Tom Reed contributed to this report)

Nick Swisher likes what the team has to offer in the years to come.

Nick Swisher has high hopes for the Indians futureChuck Crow, The Plain Dealer 

CLEVELAND, Wash. -- Seen and heard at Progressive Field on Saturday.

Clubhouse confidential: First baseman Nick Swisher is not only excited about this year's Indians, but he likes what the team has to offer in the years to come.

"The future of this team, not just 2013, is all kind of falling into place," said Swisher, signed through 2016 with a vesting option for 2017. "We've got pitchers coming up that guys have never even heard of and they're throwing 97 and 98 mph. On a personal note that gets me so excited because this is a young team and we're only going to gain experience and we're only going to get better because of what we're going through."

One of those pitchers would be Danny Salazar, who made his big league debut July 11 against Toronto.

New look: It took catcher Carlos Santana over a year to grow his dreadlocks just the way he liked them. It took a barber a lot less time than that to remove them Thursday.

"I got my hair cut Thursday," said Santana. "I was just trying to change things up. I look professional, right?"

Stat of the day: The Indians entered Saturday with seven walk-off victories this season. Jason Kipnis is the only player with two walk-off plate appearances in those games.

All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is bringing a new, more mature attitude to training camp this season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LAS VEGAS -- Even before he stole the show in the USA Basketball Showcase on Thursday night in UNLV, Kyrie Irving was turning heads here.

He seemed more upbeat, more engaging than he was at the end of last season. While his game was every bit as dazzling -- he led all scorers with 23 points in his White team's 128-106 victory over the Blue -- there also seemed to be a new maturity befitting his third season in the NBA -- even if he is just 21.

It's not an accident.

"This is part of the plan that I’ve kind of planned out for my career and how I want it to go in terms of the third year for different guys in the league,'' Irving said. "They either get worse or they continue to get better. The third year is a big year for a person in my position ... kind of on the cusp, on the fence between being good and great."

As the 2011 Rookie of the Year and a 2012 All-Star and winner of the 3-point shootout, most already would put him in the great category. But if the 2013 All-Star Weekend was his career pinnacle so far, he took a nosedive at the end of a very long, very hard season.

USA Basketball highlights of Kyrie Irving at scrimmage

There was the sore knee and the shoulder sprain, not to mention losing 16 of the last 18 games, including the last home game on Fan Appreciation Night when Miami's Norris Cole stripped the ball from Irving on what could have been a game-winning shot.

So what happened? Did the losses get to him? And why the change in attitude?

"I wouldn't blame it solely on the losing, but just a lot of maturing, things that I had to get rid of," he said. "It's about being OK with being in that position and having all the expectations put on me, taking responsibility for the team, taking control of this team head on. I felt like I shied away from it at times.

"Now I'm ready to take this team full on and be the leader. Like I said, I had a lot of growing up to do."

Irving sounds a lot more introspective than the petulant young star who ran off the court at the end of the finale without sticking around for the traditional jersey and shoe giveaway.

"Obviously, it was a mistake on my end after Fan Appreciation Night," said Irving, who reportedly had a sore heel. "But losing a game that way in front of those fans. ... I'm pretty sure everybody understood, but it still wasn't the right way to leave on Fan Appreciation Night. I apologized for it. It's in the past now.''

Much introspection seems to have followed.

"I had to reevaluate myself and what I really want to become, or what I want to be known for," he said. "I don't want to be known as a guy who gives up games or takes plays off or anything like that. I want to have a consistent effort and be known as a great player. What makes those great players great is consistency every single night. That's what I have to bring.''

He demonstrated his new leadership by organizing off-season workouts in Las Vegas before the summer league and the USA Basketball minicamp, and he expects to hold another round in September at a location to be determined.

"Get away, be with one another, go out to dinner, enjoy one another's company," Irving said.

The Cavaliers reassemble in two months for a season of promise. There's talk of Irving playing off the ball with Jarrett Jack, a plan that never quite worked out last season with Dion Waiters.

What Irving does on the court never ceases to amaze, but it's the changes he seems to be making off the court that may make the biggest difference this season.

Watch as Cleveland Browns Greg Little talks about his fellow wide receivers, leading by example and learning a new offense.

BEREA, Ohio --  Greg Little, in his third year as a Cleveland Browns receiver, wants his group to compete at the highest level in the NFL.  He likes to lead by example with his play on field.

Little is learning a new offense for the first time in his NFL career.  Former head coach Pat Shurmur's offense the past two seasons was similar to what he ran in college.

Follow on Twitter: @CLEvideos

While he only participated in individual drills, Taylor was happy to return from a calf strain that forced him to miss the first two days of camp.

BEREA, Ohio – Phil Taylor probably forgot what it was like to take part in training camp.

For the first time in two years, the Browns' defensive lineman joined teammates on the field for summer practices Saturday afternoon. While he only participated in individual drills, Taylor was happy to return from a calf strain that forced him to miss the first two days of camp.

A torn pectoral muscle sidelined him for all of last season’s camp and the first eight games. The calf injury -- he sustained it several weeks ago running -- isn’t nearly as serious. But Taylor said there’s no timetable for returning to team drills and 11-on-11 scrimmaging.

John Hughes continues to take first-team reps in his absence.

“It is what it is and I’ve been working hard to get back,” Taylor said. “Today, I did my individuals (workout) and it felt good. We’ll take it day by day.”

Fellow defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin knows how nettlesome a calf injury is. He missed three games and a part of a fourth with it last season. Rubin tried returning to the lineup after one game only to re-injure his calf.

“It’s like you can’t use your legs, you can’t push off, you can’t exert power,” Rubin said. “It’s real difficult to do anything real positive on that kind of injury. I just told (Taylor) to listen to the trainers. ... because they know best.”

Taylor (6-3, 335 pounds) said his ailment is not as bad as the one Rubin suffered. He’s anxious to rejoin team drills and practice his assignments in Ray Horton’s defense. Taylor is expected to play nose tackle in the 3-4 alignment.

“I like it a lot,” Taylor said. “It’s a fun defense. Just have to know your assignments that’s all.”

His off-season included charitable work for grieving families in Texas. The Baylor product helped raise awareness and $2,500 for victims of a fertilizer-plant explosion in West, Texas. The April 17 blast killed at least 14 people, injured many others and destroyed sections of the small town.

He started a “We Are West, TX” campaign and sold T-shirts with the slogan on them. Taylor said he and his manager are exploring other avenues to generate money.

July has not treated reliever Joe Smith well, but physically he's feeling much better and sees only good things ahead for him and the Indians

Joe Smith is trying to put a couple of tough outings behind him.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Joe Smith's last two appearances are gnawing at him. That is not a good thing, because it pays to have a short memory as a relief pitcher.

Then again, it's understandable.

In the eighth inning Friday night, Smith had two out, two on and an 0-2 count on Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler. More importantly, he had a 8-6 lead.

Smith threw a pitch down and away to the right-handed hitting Kinsler, who flicked it into right field to make it an 8-8 game. The Indians went on to win 11-8 in 11 innings, which made things a little easier on Smith, but not much.

"Stupid pitch," said Smith.

On July 19, Smith was facing Minnesota's Joe Mauer in the eighth inning of a 2-2 game. There were two out with a man on third and Smith was ahead in the count 1-2. Mauer sent the next pitch into center for what turned out to be a game-winning single in the Twins' 3-2 victory.

"Having moved into the eighth inning, and not throwing the ball well, that hurts," Smith said before Saturday night's game. "Especially when we have opportunities to pick up ground against Detroit. That eats me up more than anything."

July will not be a month Smith remembers fondly. Until lately he's been dragging physically. He wouldn't go into specifics other than to say, "It's just the grind of the season."

Smith wasn't throwing off the mound between appearances as much as he usually does because he was conserving himself for games. It caught up to him.

"Every year I have a bad month," Smith said. "Every year I'll have something like a 5.00 ERA in one month. This year I have an 8.00 (8.22) in July. But with the All-Star break and some of the work we've done, I feel great physically."

Smith (4-1, 3.3) didn't allow a run in eight innings in April. He followed that with a 1.80 ERA in May and a 3.65 ERA in June. In July, he's 0-1 with a 8.22 ERA (seven earned runs in 7 2/3 innings).

In early July, Smith replaced struggling Vinnie Pestano in the eighth inning as closer Chris Perez's set-up man. It does not sound as if manager Terry Francona is ready to take him out of that spot.

"Smitty has walked a few more people lately than normal," said Francona. "Then he made a bad 0-2 pitch to Kinsler. Other than that he's fine. He comes out every night with the same stuff. He's walked six guys in his last 13 innings, but that will change.

"He's about as a dependable guy as we have. I love when he pitches because normally he doesn't walk people, he keeps the ball down and he's hard to run on. You've got to bunch your hits to beat him and that's hard to do."

Smith said the key to pitching well is retiring the first batter he faces.

"I've got to bear down and get ahead of guys and just start throwing strikes," he said. "I feel good. I've been through bad times before. I know when I feel good, it translates into me throwing strikes and getting outs."

Smith ended the eighth inning in Saturday's 1-0 victory by getting Adrian Beltre to fly to left with Nelson Cruz on first. He has retired 68 percent (30-for-44) of the first batters he's faced this year.

Bike-a-thon: To keep Corey Kluber's left hip from tightening during a couple long innings Friday, the Indians brought a stationary bike down to the dugout for him to ride.

"It got a little tight, but nothing that would have stopped me from pitching," said Kluber. "It's something I'm going to have to stay ahead of."

Kluber left his start against the Twins on July 20 with tightness in the hip after five scoreless innings. In Friday's victory over Texas, Kluber turned in a quality start: six innings, three earned runs, seven hits, one walk and three strikeouts.

"I think he's pretty good," said Francona. "The hip got a little tight in a couple of those long innings, but I don't think it's anything anyone is really worried about. If (trainer) Lonnie Soloff isn't that worried, that's good."

Hit man: Texas shortstop Elvis Andrus, in his first at-bat Saturday night, singled to right to give him hits in all 36 of his games against the Indians. It is the longest hitting streak by one player ever against the Indians. Andrus had been tied with Ken Griffey Jr. at 35 games.

Regarding the Rangers, its the longest streak ever by one of their hitters against one team (career-opening or not).

Justin Masterson out-dueled Yu Darvish in a matchup of All-Star right-handers Saturday night at Progressive Field . Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Catcher Carlos Santana said Justin Masterson's slider was perfect. Justin Masterson begged to differ.

"He's too kind," said Masterson. "Carlos likes to use the word perfect a little too often."

After Masterson out-dueled Yu Darvish on Saturday night in the Indians' 1-0 victory over Texas at Progressive Field, Masterson was the only one objecting to his catcher's critique.

"Tonight his slider was perfect," said Santana. "He threw it for strikes no matter what the count. With his sinker going into right-handers, the slider was a great pitch for him."

The Rangers went 0-8 with five strikeouts in at-bats that ended with Masterson throwing his slider.

 • Rangers-Indians boxscore | Scoreboard | Standings

Michael Bourn supplied the only run of the game, driving Darvish's second pitch of the night over the right-field fence for the seventh leadoff homer of his career and the second this season.

"Any homer I hit is an accident," said Bourn. "There's only one time I ever hit a homer when I was trying to and that was in Double-A."

Bourn was facing Darvish (9-5, 2.80) for the first time in his career.

"I heard a lot about him," said Bourn. "Let's just say I believe the hype."

Bourn's leadoff homer didn't rattle Darvish, it ticked him off. He retired the next five batters, four on strikeouts.

Masterson (12-7, 3.42) and Darvish represented the American League at the All-Star Game, and they pitched like it on Saturday. Masterson went 7 2/3 innings, striking out eight, walking one and allowing five hits.

Darvish pitched six innings, struck out 11, walked four and allowed three hits. Darvish, who leads the big leagues with 172 strikeouts, has struck out 10 or more in seven games this season.

"That was impressive on both sides," said Indians manager Terry Francona. "Bournie kind of ambushed Darvish, who was very impressive ... and Masty just competed his rear end off because that's a tough game to win."

Masterson threw 113 pitches, including 70 strikes. Darvish threw 123 pitches, 76 for strikes.

It was the 13th shutout by Indians' pitchers this season, tying Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh for the most in the big leagues. Masterson has been involved in four of them. He threw three complete-game shutouts before the All-Star break. Saturday he combined with Joe Smith and Chris Perez on a five-hitter.

"You walk the tightrope in those games one step at a time," said Masterson. "You just have to go out and control what you can. You can't worry about what's going on in the other side.

"For me, I've got to try and keep the ball low in the zone, keep guys off balance and hopefully that works out in my favor."

Smith got the last out of the eighth and Perez worked a one-two-three ninth on six pitches for his 14th save. Perez was especially impressive because he pitched two innings in Friday's 11-8 victory over Texas.

"That's the best I've seen Perez all year," said Francona.

Added Smith: "CP looked like the CP of the last two years. He looked like the All-Star closer we're used to seeing."

The Indians have won three straight games. The Rangers have lost 11 of 14.

The Rangers loaded the bases against Masterson in the fifth. After Geovany Soto singled, Masterson hit Ian Kinsler with a pitch and gave up a single to Engel Beltre with two out to bring Nelson Cruz to the plate.

"I had Nelson Cruz at the plate and I threw him a slider away," said Masterson. "You could tell he was looking for that sinker in to pull down the line. He still got the bat to the sinker away, but hit a nice ground ball to Cabbie (shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera)."

In his two starts since the All-Star break, Masterson is 2-0 and has allowed one run in 14 2/3 innings. It seems the 10-day break he got over the All-Star break has served him well.

"I think the break helped him," said Francona. "Not only in velocity, but finish on his fastball."

Breaking down the racquetball competition which continues through Wednesday.

View full size 

Racquetball

Dates of competition: Runs daily through Wednesday, beginning at 8 a.m. See detailed schedule here.

Where: Lou Higgins Recreation Center at Baldwin Wallace (136 E. Bagley Road, Berea), Life Works (7390 Old Oak Road, Middleburg Heights), Berea Recreation Center (451 Front St., Berea).

Notable: The Senior Games has singles and doubles racquetball. All matches are best-of-three. The first two games are played to 15 points and the third, if necessary, is played to 11. For age divisions with more than six entries, the tournament begins with round-robin pool play to establish the seeding for the championship bracket. Smaller age divisions use a double round-robin format.

Who to watch: Mary Chambers of Pennsylvania won singles and doubles championships in the 55-59 age division at the 2011 Senior Games. She returns this year, along with her doubles partner, Virginia McGovern of Pennsylvania, to defend both titles. John Paulette of California is also defending a pair of championships this week. He and Louis Botte, his doubles partner and fellow Californian, will compete in the 85-89 age division.

Did you know? Racquetball is a relatively new sport. Joe Sobek is credited with inventing the game in 1950 in Connecticut, meaning many of the racquetball players at this year's Senior Games are older than the sport.

-- Teddy Cahill

Most of the top players in the world will take on the famed South Course at Firestone Country Club.

Where: Firestone Country Club, South Course, East Warner Road, Akron. Call 330-644-2299

When: Tournament play, Thursday through Sunday.

Format: 72 holes, stroke play. No cut.

The course: Par 35-35--70; approximately 7,400 yards

The field: Approximately 75 players.

The purse: $8.5 million.

Winner's share: $1.4 million.

FedExCup points: Winner receives 550 points.

Defending champion: Keegan Bradley rallied from a 6-shot deficit with 13 holes to play and clinched his title when he made a par putt of 15 feet, 8 inches on the final hole for a 7-under 64, a 72-hole total of 13-under 267 and a one-stroke victory over Jim Furyk. A double-bogey on the final hole cost Furyk his first WGC-Bridgestone title. Bradley's comeback from a 4-stroke deficit heading into the final round was the largest in the 13 previous Bridgestone events. He became the third player in tourney history to post four rounds in the 60s, joining Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh.

Tickets: Practice round tickets are $25 at the gate. Daily tickets, Thursday-Sunday, are $48. Buy early by calling 330-644-2299, or through www.worldgolfchampionships.com. Save $5 on practice round tickets and $13 on daily tickets by placing order in advance of each day. A five-day grounds ticket book, valid Wednesday-Sunday, $85 per person, if purchased in advance and $95 at the gate.

Military tickets: All active and retired military personnel -- as well as accompanying spouse and children 18-and-under -- will be admitted free with valid military identification.

Children ticket policy: Children 18-and-under are admitted free if accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Parking: The tournament charges $5 per car in the parking area at Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems and Lockheed Martin. Traffic should proceed eastbound on SR 224 to 1204 Massillon Road, near Waterloo Road. Follow the signs. Shuttles will transport spectators back and forth beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and 6:45 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The shuttle will operate for one hour after play ends each day. The parking fee is cash only and cannot be purchased in advance.

Alternative public parking: Residents along East Warner Road and some adjacent streets also sell reasonably-priced parking spots in their yards within walking distance of the entrances. No shuttle provided.

Hospitality parking: Follow signs off all major highways for the designated lot number.

Handicap parking: Available at 2234 Arlington Road. Follow posted signs for directions. A state-issued handicapped sticker must be displayed. Special needs carts staffed by volunteers will be available.

Will call: Located in the Metro Parks parking lot on Warner Road, less than one-quarter mile from the main entrance to Firestone. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; and 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

You can bring: Cell phones permitted in designated areas only. Phones must be silent. Taking pictures with cell phones is prohibited after the Wednesday practice round.

You can also bring: Cameras during practice rounds, fanny packs and small folding chairs.

Prohibited items: Coolers, signs, periscopes, banners, radios, step ladders, weapons, food and beverages, bags and backpacks larger than 6x6x6. Cameras are not permitted after the Wednesday practice round.

Just suggesting: Depending on the weather, drink plenty of fluids before you arrive and while you are on the course. Use suntan lotion. Do not wear high heels. Wear comfortable, light and appropriate clothing. Concession stands will accept cash and credit cards.

TV: Thursday and Friday, The Golf Channel, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, The Golf Channel, 12-1:30 p.m.; WOIO Ch. 19 (CBS), 2-6 p.m.

Schedule:

Sunday: Course closed. Akron Susan G. Komen 5K Race for the Cure. Kids Dash, 8 a.m.; 5K race/walk starts, 8:30 a.m.; Survivor ceremony, 10:15 a.m. Race begins at Firestone Stadium on South Main Street and finishes at Firestone Country Club.

Monday: Course closed to public.

Tuesday: Course closed to public. Executive Women’s Day, 8:30 a.m. Event is sold out. Acme Fresh Market Cup, Raymond C. Firestone Public Course, 600 Schwartz Road. The First Tee chapters from Akron, Canton and Cleveland play nine holes with shotgun start at 9:45 a.m.

Wednesday: Practice rounds. Ticket required. Gates open 7:30 a.m.

Thursday: First round, 8:40 a.m. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Twosomes off first and 10th tees.

Friday: Second round, 8:40 a.m. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Twosomes off first and 10th tees.

Saturday: Third round, 8 a.m. Gates open at 7 a.m. Twosomes off first tee. Military Recognition ceremony takes place at 16th hole Championship Club, 9:30 a.m.

Sunday: Final round, 8 a.m.; Gates open, 7 a.m. Twosomes off first tee.

Hey Mary Kay! Will the D-line be dominant? Is there speed behind Trent Richardson?

Hey, Mary Kay: Do you think the Browns' defensive line can potentially become the best in the NFL?? If so, why do you believe so? -- Devan Mason, Marysville, Ohio

Hey, Devan: I think the whole defensive front has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL in the coming years, not just the defensive line. If Jabaal Sheard, Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo all reach their potential in this scheme, this will be a formidable front. It should rival the defenses of Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the next couple of years if all goes as planned. Of course, it won't be easy to keep defensive coordinator Ray Horton, who was a head coach candidate this season.

Hey, Mary Kay: Losing two team leaders in Josh Cribbs and Phil Dawson in one off-season has me concerned. Who will step up and be the team leader? D'Qwell Jackson seems like an obvious choice, with his veteran role he already plays. But, who will join him in that role? I loved the way Trent Richardson tried last year, gathering the team before the season started for a "pep talk." -- Tom Martin, Cincinnati

Hey, Tom: Joe Haden and T.J. Ward have already established themselves as the next generation of Browns leaders. On Friday, they stood up in the defensive backs meeting room and challenged their fellow DBs to improve on a lackluster first day of training camp. The group responded with fervor, intercepting passes and breaking them up all afternoon. Richardson and Brandon Weeden also plan to step up as leaders this year of the young offense.

Hey, Mary Kay: Most of Browns training camp practices are scheduled from 4-6:30 PM which is the hottest time of time. Why is that? -- Andrew Brodhead, Mayfield Heights

Hey, Andrew: I  think earlier in the afternoon would be hotter, but coach Rob Chudzinski conducts his practices later in the day so he can install the new material in team meetings and a walkthrough first. Then, the players go out and try to execute what they've learned in a full practice.

Hey, Mary Kay: The more I learn about the Browns' new defense, the players obtained, and the more I hear from Ray Horton, the more excited I get about his hire. He just looks, sounds and acts like a winner. I can't believe he didn't get a head coaching job. With this in mind, if he has success his first season in Cleveland, I doubt he'll last past the season. Do you think the front office is prepared for his possible departure after this season and already has his successor-in-training on the staff? -- Joel E., South Euclid

Hey, Joel: Ray Horton did have a number of interviews this year and will be on teams' radars again this year. He cut off his braids this year after seven years, which might mean he's serious about stepping into a head job after this year. Some folks think that the braids may have prevented him from being taken seriously for a head coaching job this year. I find that incredibly sad if it's true.

Hey, Mary Kay: I maintain that the Browns should be able to establish a sound running game with a healthy Trent Richardson and a more conventional philosophy than last year. I have also had several cocktails within the last hour. Am I right to be optimistic? -- Dan Patrick, Chagrin Falls

Hey, Dan: Oh, Danny Boy, just a few more drinks and you'll surely be talking playoffs. I do think they'll have a sound running game this year. Richardson looks so much lighter on his feet this camp. He's at his college weight of 225 and looking fleet-footed. He's also catching the ball well out of the backfield and Norv Turner will know how to use him.

Hey, Mary Kay: What is the shelf life of a left tackle. I'm just wondering how long the Browns have to get things right before Joe Thomas runs out of gas. -- Nate Workman, Cincinnati

Hey, Nate: I'm a glass half-full kind of girl, which means I think Joe has at least another good six years left before he runs on empty. I also think he's got a bunch of Pro Bowls left in him and is well on his way to the pretty gold jacket. It's one position they still don't have to worry about for awhile.

Hey, Mary Kay: Will the browns have any speed in the backfield behind Trent Richardson this year? -- Joe Kello, Youngstown

Hey, Joe: Yes, the Browns will have speed in the backfield behind Richardson. Montario Hardesty has good speed, and Dion Lewis has looked quick and explosive in practice. Looking forward to seeing if he still stands out when the pads go on. Brandon Jackson also has fresh legs and is displaying good burst.

Hey, Mary Kay: What are the Browns going to do about the fullback position? The front office must know that the weather gets pretty bad in December and if we have to protect the lead by running the ball I don't want to see a no-talent fullback in Owen Marecic! How many chances can they give this guy? -- Jeff Lerner, Avon

Hey, Jeff: The Browns can use Chris Ogbonnaya or Brad Smelley at fullback. They also brought in fourth-year fullback Brock Bolen, who's currently sidelined with calf strain. They'll keep looking at the list of free agents and the waiver wire, but they can get the FB job accomplished with what they have now on the roster.

Hey, Mary Kay: Can David Nelson fill the role Joe Jurevicius played for the Browns' offense or is he a different kind of player than Joe was? -- SL Smith, North Canton

Hey, SL: Nelson can fill a similar role. He's big, tall, sure-handed and excels in the slot. Problem is, he hasn't been on the field much yet because he's still recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament from last season. He'll have to take it easy this preseason, but can probably be worked in some time during the season.

Hey, Mary Kay: You've said before that if the Browns get pressure on the QB that the lackluster secondary won't be as big of an issue, but what if the Browns don't get pressure on the QB? The secondary will be in for a long year. -- Thomas Ryan, Fostoria, Ohio

Hey, Thomas: First of all, I've never said the secondary was 'lackluster.' Joe Haden and T.J. Ward should provide some sparkle, even if the other two spots are up for grabs. And if the Browns can't get to the quarterback this season, they've wasted some $80 million upgrading the defense to do so. I am betting they're going to sack the quarterback a time or two this season, or at least rattle him a bit.

Hey, Mary Kay: I am aware that codeine is on the NFL's prohibited drug list; however, based on what's been reported by the local media, Josh Gordon was taking the codeine for a legitimate illness. Moreover, it was reportedly prescribed by a legitimate physician. So, why would the NFL penalize him? And why didn't the NFLPA step in and appeal the NFL sanction? This charge seems to be the kind of allegation any union would stand up for its membership about. What details (about his offense) are we (the public) not hearing? -- Duane Lumpkin , Columbus, Ohio

Hey, Duane: NFL drug-testing info is highly confidential, so there's plenty that the public will never know. Josh Gordon could have had a prescription for the cough syrup with codeine in it, but we may never know the truth. The NFL punishes players for banned substances regardless if they were inadvertently ingested or not.

Is there something wrong with being upbeat as training camp opens? Terry Pluto doesn't believe so.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The pads are popping, so we're talkin' ...

About the Browns...

Is there something wrong with being upbeat as training camp opens? I'm not talking about thinking playoffs -- although Brandon Weeden uttered the P-word the other day.

But is it unreasonable to think that Weeden would improve in his second season, especially being guided by two solid offensive coaches in Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner? Doesn't it make some sense that Weeden would be more effective with a relatively healthy Trent Richardson? And with Davone Bess, the type of veteran receiver that this team has needed for years?

Or that he'd simply be better because he's no longer a rookie?

I sense fans are not only tired of a team that has spent five years in the 4-12 and 5-11 rut, but it's also a team that has been so boring. How about a team that averages 21 points a game, a rather modest goal in the offense-happy NFL? The Browns scored 18.9 last season, 24th in the NFL. That was their best offensive showing since 2007.

From 2008-11, they never ranked higher than 29th in scoring, never averaged more than 16.9 points. It was mind-numbing, because the offense was mostly Phil Dawson kicking field goals. On Tuesday, Turner talked about scoring -- touchdowns!

"This system is really a quarterback-friendly system," he said. "We've had a lot of quarterbacks play at an awfully high level, and we've had some guys not have great years in this system because that's part of this league.

"I think our fans will enjoy watching what we do. We want to be productive, we want to be explosive and we want to score points. That's why you come to games."

Yes, it's why fans come to the games -- to see some offense. To see big plays. To see ... touchdowns!

Can that happen? Not sure about the "explosive" part of the prediction, but it's possible that Greg Little will emerge as a productive receiver in his third season. Josh Gordon can be terrific, or a big tease. That depends on Gordon.

It's interesting to see what Turner and Chudzinski do with Travis Benjamin, who does have speed and impact play potential. The same with Dion Lewis, acquired in a small trade with the Eagles. The Browns believe he can be effective as a backup runner. Bess and a now healthy David Nelson bring experience to the receivers.

Obviously, the main guys on offense are Weeden, Richardson, Little and Gordon. They need at least three of them to come through. But with the new staff, there is reason to pay attention to this team -- because, just maybe, the offense will be different.

About Ray Horton ...

View full sizeAhtyba Rubin has already impressed Ray Horton with a quiet intensity, and the coach thinks the veteran lineman may emerge as a leader.John Kuntz, The Plain Dealer 

I had some material left over from my interview with the defensive coordinator. Here's what he had to say about some of his players:

Barkevious Mingo: "He will be evaluated on splash plays -- sacks, pressuring the quarterback, batting down passes. That's what we expect from him this season. ... I don't worry about his weight. It can be 235, 240, 241, whatever. I just want him to get to the quarterback."

D'Qwell Jackson: "Our vocal leader, just a great leader."

Quentin Groves: "He can help because he played in Arizona [for Horton] and can say, 'Guys, this works. Just trust what he says.' That will mean a lot."

Joe Haden: "He has a young guy who wants to be a leader. There is a lot of responsibility with leadership -- on and off the field. I hope he grows into it because that would mean a lot to us."

Desmond Bryant: "He can play inside or outside [on the defensive line]. He's been all we've hoped for."

Ahtyba Rubin: "He's so quiet, but I see him coming out of his shell. He's gaining confidence. He can open his mouth because the other guys will listen to him. He has earned respect."

T.J. Ward: "I heard some things about him, and it's been 180 degrees the opposite ... by that, I mean in a positive direction. I'm pleased with him so far."

Leon McFadden: "Like with most of our rookies, it's too early to know. We are just getting on the pads now. I'm hopeful, but I have to see him play."

Tashaun Gipson: "I'm keeping my fingers crossed about him. He's becoming what I call a self-made man. He's a guy who came into the league with no accolades [undrafted from Wyoming], and you watch him play and think, 'He's pretty good.' You don't want to take him off the field."

Billy Winn: "I like what I've seen from him. Like Tashaun, another self-made man. Winn [a sixth-round pick in 2012] has the speed and athleticism that you like on the defensive line. Our expectations are that he can grow into a pretty good player."

Craig Robertson: "My ace in the hole. I watched him on film, and he was young, athletic, fast and tough. Then I saw him on the field, I saw the same things. Sometimes, [an undrafted] player falls through the cracks and he falls to you."

About Lonnie Chisenhall ...

View full sizeTerry Pluto and Terry Francona both agree: It's too early to give up on Lonnie Chisenhall.John Kuntz, The Plain Dealer 

Some fans wanted the Indians to trade Chisenhall to the Cubs for Matt Garza. Not me.

Garza makes $10.2 million a season. He's 7-1 this season with a 3.02 ERA. He makes any rotation better. But he would not have signed with the Tribe after the season because he's in line for a whopper of a contract. Despite last winter's spending on Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher, the Tribe prefers to pay for happy meals rather than whoppers in free agency.

Besides, Chisenhall remains a legitimate third-base prospect. No one at Class AAA can make that claim.

At Class AA Akron, Giovanny Urshela is batting .272 (.701 OPS) with 7 HR, 32 RBI. He has walked only 12 times. While those numbers are rather mundane, the Indians like Urshela because he's in the Eastern League at 21, and he's an exceptional defensive glove. But he remains a long-range prospect.

After a dismal road trip with four errors in six games, the temptation is to say, "Just dump the guy. It seems like we've been waiting forever for him to do something." That's because this is Chisenhall's third season with the Tribe, and it was frustrating to see him open the year here only to be sent back to the minors after batting .213 in 26 games.

He changed his batting stance and hand position slightly at Columbus, and hit .390. Since coming back to the Tribe, he's at .270 (.776 OPS) with three homers and 14 RBI in 89 at-bats.

In some ways, Chisenhall mirrors Alex Gordon, who was a first-round pick for the Royals and first arrived in the majors at 23. He was a third baseman, a left-handed hitter and supposed to be the next George Brett. But in his first four seasons, he averaged .236 with 14 homers and 41 RBI per season. There were several trips to the minors.

At 27, he became an All-Star. He also moved from third base to left field.

Chisenhall has problems, especially against lefties (3-of-34 this season). So platoon him.But I agree with Terry Francona, who said: "I don't think he's even tapped into what he's going to be. There's going to be a day when it clicks. There's going to be thunder in that bat."

About the Tribe ...

1. It's been really painful to watch Mark Reynolds, batting .159 (22-of-138) with only two homers since June 1. As the strikeouts pile up, there is no extra-base power to compensate. It appears the Indians are going to cut back his playing time.

2. It would help if Reynolds hit lefties, but he is .218 vs. lefties, .213 vs. righties. The Indians believe he could have another April-type hot streak (.301, 8 HR, 22 RBI), but there's no signs of it happening. In July, he is 5-of-47 (all singles) and one RBI.

3. The Indians have been impressed with Yan Gomes' catching, having thrown out 53 percent of attemped steals. He entered the weekend batting .270 (.799 OPS) with 7 HR in 141 at-bats. Gomes is a righty hitter with some power, so Carlos Santana can play some first base or DH. Nick Swisher also can play some first. That means the Indians can play without Reynolds.

4. I checked on a couple of former Tribe pitchers -- Jeanmar Gomez and Roberto Hernandez (Fausto Carmona). Gomez is having a solid year with the Pirates (2-0, 2.65) switching between the bullpen and the fifth spot in the rotation. Hernandez is 5-11 with a 4.92 ERA for Tampa Bay.

5. In Trevor Bauer's last start at Class AAA Columbus, he threw nine innings, allowing three runs on six hits. He walked four, struck out four. His fastball was between 91-95 mph. Yes, he used his windup. He's 5-2 with a 3.84 ERA for the Clippers.

6. The Indians are looking at Clay Rapada (1-0, 2.78) at Columbus as a possible reliever. He was 3-0 with a 2.82 ERA in the majors last season with the Yankees. He's a side-arming lefty who has been effective against left hitters, but has major problems with righty bats.

7. This is my idea: Carlos Carrasco to the bullpen, rather than Danny Salazar. Former Tribe GM John Hart used to put hard-throwers who struggled as starters into the bullpen, and it often worked with Jose Mesa, Eric Plunk, Steve Karsay and Danys Baez.

8. The Wahoo Club Luncheon will feature Tribe pitcher Joe Smith on August 24 at 11:00 a.m. at the Terrace Club. For more information, call Bob Rosen at 440-724-8350 or go to wahooclub.com.

9. I will be speaking Monday at 7 p.m. at the Jesuit Retreat House in Parma. For more information, check jrh-cleveland.org/book-signing-with-terry-pluto.

About the Tribe experiment that is working ...

View full sizeTransplanted from second base, Tony Wolters is showing signs of adapting nicely to catcher with the Indians' Carolina affiliate.Mudcats/Indians 

Tony Wolters was a third-round pick in the 2010, a middle infielder out of Rancho Vista High in California. Because the organization is loaded with prospects there, Wolters moved to catcher this season.

"We had been talking about Tony changing positions for a while," said General Manager Chris Antonetti. "He did catch a little in high school, so that was in the back of our minds."

Wolters was a .270 (.728 OPS) career hitter in the minors. He was assigned to Class A Carolina, where phenom Francisco Lindor was the starting shortstop, and Joey Wendle (now leading the Carolina League in batting) was set at second. Late in spring training in a meeting with Francona, the manager mentioned the idea of Wolters as a catcher. That led to some serious discussion, and what may become a career-changing decision.

Wolters agreed to the switch. At Class A Carolina, he was batting only .205 on June 1. That's understandable after such a dramatic position change. But since then, Wolters is batting .316 with two homers and 12 RBI.

"Even more impressive is how he's taken to catching," said Antonetti. "He's passionate about the game. He works with the staff. He has a good arm. He now has a real future as a catcher."

For the season, Wolters has thrown out 18 of 61 attempted steals (30 percent). Anything over 20 percent in the minors is considered good. The backup catcher at Carolina is Alex Lavisky, the St. Edward's product who was the Tribe's eighth-round pick in 2010.

Lavisky broke his toe early in the season and was out for more than a month. He's batting .246 (.669 OPS) with one homer and 12 RBI. He has thrown out 7 of 22 runners (32 percent), and seems to be putting his career back on track.

About the Cavaliers ...

View full sizeThe Cavaliers want to keep Dion Waiters in constant motion during the 2013-14 season, in order to prevent the offense from stalling when he's on the floor.Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer 

1. At the Las Vegas Summer League, Mike Brown introduced players to his brand of basketball. You can guess that it's been all about defense. But Brown also has stressed what the Cavs call "role clarity."

2. One of the ways to improve the defense is for the players to simplify what they will be doing. That means learning the defensive responsibilities for one position.

3. Brown told Dion Waiters, "You are a shooting guard." He wants Waiters to learn to play without dominating the ball. He wants Waiters to keep moving, whether going up for a shot, driving or passing. Studying tapes from last season, the coaching staff thought the offense became too stagnant. Sometimes, it was because Waiters dribbled and others watched.

4. Yes, there also were times when Kyrie Irving dribbled and others watched. The goal is to create more movement, with players actually sticking to the offense. Waiters often played the point at Syracuse, and seemed most comfortable at that spot.

5. But the NBA is a league where so many players either want to score 1-on-1, or prefer to play out of a pick-and-roll setup. Brown had that battle in his first tour of duty with the Cavs, when it seemed too much of the offense was throw the ball to LeBron James and get out of the way. Sometimes, that was the plan. Sometimes, James simply broke off from the planned play and tried to create his own shot.

6. They sometimes did that with Irving last year, with Byron Scott putting the ball in his hands and hoping for the best. It's harder to run a full-court offense in the NBA vs. college because of the pro's 24-second clock vs. 35 in college.

7. Irving obviously will be the point guard. When he's not on the court, veteran Jarrett Jack will run the offense. The Cavs believe Jack has strong leadership skills and can make sure Waiters and others follow the game plan. Jack can also play shooting guard next to Irving.

8. Having Jack gives Brown a real alternative when one of his young guards struggles, especially on the defensive end. He also can start if Waiters or Irving is injured. Jack started only four games for Golden State, but averaged 29 minutes a game, scoring 12 points and delivering 5.6 assists.

9. Jack was the Cavs' top target among free-agent guards. They want a role model for Irving and Waiters, and that veteran also still must be able to produce -- so that the young players know there is a game behind all the advice.

10. Irving was dazzling while scoring 23 points in the game at the USA Basketball minicamp. ESPN's Mark Stein wrote: "Irving [is] emerging as the undisputed best player on the floor in a game-conditions scrimmage that attracted an audience of nearly 10,000 to the Thomas & Mack Center."

11. Brown also has said Anthony Bennett will strictly be a power forward. The draft's top pick will probably come off the bench. Rather than having the 6-8, 240-pound Bennett learn small forward as a rookie, let him adapt to the pro game at his natural position.

12. At UNLV, Bennett was criticized for his lack of dedication to defense. By playing only one spot, it will be easier for him to know what expected in Brown's sometimes intricate defensive schemes.

13. While Earl Clark has played both forward spots in the NBA, the Cavs plan to use him strictly at small forward. They are loaded with power forwards (Tristan Thompson, Bennett and even Anderson Varejao). They want Clark and Alonzo Gee to stick to small forward, where the Cavs lack depth.

Browns guard Ryan Miller was knocked out cold during practice and rushed to the Cleveland Clinic Hospital by ambulance.

BEREA, Ohio -- It was supposed to be the most exciting day so far of Browns training camp: the first in full pads, when every hit delights the crowd and dazzles the coaches.

Instead, it was a grim reminder that the next crushing blow could be a player's last.

About 40 minutes into the practice, which was moved indoors and closed to the public because of rain, second-year offensive linemen Ryan Miller -- a mountain of a man at 6-7, 320 pounds -- went down with a thud and didn't get up.

Nor did he move. For what seemed like an eternity.

While Miller -- who ultimately suffered a concussion and was released from the Cleveland Clinic last night -- lay unconscious on his back, drills continued elsewhere on the field until linebacker Quentin Groves frantically alerted everyone that a man was down.

The music stopped abruptly and a hush fell over the fieldhouse. Players dropped to their knees around Miller and began to pray.

Miller, who remained motionless for about five minutes, was immobilized by the medical staff and strapped to a board with his helmet still on. He was then carted to an ambulance that's always at the ready during practices. As Miller left for a hospital, coach Rob Chudzinski gathered his players, joined in a prayer and assured them he'd keep them updated.

“Anytime your brother goes down it’s scary ‘cause you never know,'' said Groves. "We play this game so hard, so violent. Any moment, this game could be taken away, and that’s the thing I want guys to learn from this. Cherish the moments while you’re out here. Cherish tying your cleats up. Cherish the smell of the grass. Cherish snapping that chinstrap on because any moment it can be taken away from you.”

Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson hadn't experienced that knot in his stomach since Josh Cribbs was knocked out in Baltimore last season. Miller's injury occurred during a helmet-to-helmet collision during a one-on-one blocking drill with a defensive lineman.

"I've only witnessed it a few times and anytime that happens you just pray and just hope for the best and hope everything is OK,'' said Jackson. "Coach gave us word that he's fine and that's a good thing. But those are the challenges and the scares that when you sign up for the game there's a possibility of something like that happening.

"I'll tell you what, it made everyone realize that at any moment anything can happen. I thought we had a good practice after that. Guys responded well and that's what it's about, you just take advantage of your opportunities at this point."

About an hour after Miller was taken to the main campus of the Cleveland Clinic, Chudzinski was notified that Miller was alert, awake and moving his arms and legs. He gathered the players in the fieldhouse, shared the good news and a cheer went up.

"Obviously you take the lead in these situations and that's what I did,'' said Chudzinski. "I look forward to seeing Ryan tonight and getting the chance to visit with him."

Chudzinski and his staff managed to get the players' heads back into the practice, a lively one that included a few fisticuffs.

"I thought (the players) did a great job,'' Chudzinski said. "It really says a lot about them, our coaches, our staff and our players to be able to do that. This team is a family and when something happens to a family member like that, it's tough and these guys did a great job of staying focused and really getting a lot of work done today that we needed to get done.''

Chudzinski admitted that the time between Miller's departure and his prognosis was difficult.

"I was very concerned about him,'' he said. "I went over and gave him a tap when he was going out. At that time he was moving around a little bit, so that was encouraging."

The good news on Miller -- moving, responsive and even joking -- let the tension out of the building.

"It’s huge because you never want to ever have heavy hearts in training camp,'' said Groves.

Offensive lineman Joe Thomas, who's become good friends with the second-year guard, had to snap his mind back into practice.

"Sometimes it's hard to get back and focus on playing football when you see a guy laying there not moving,'' said Thomas. "I don't think he was talking. It was two helmets that kind of hit the wrong way. It was kind of a freak thing I think.''

Like everyone else in the fieldhouse, Thomas was relieved by the latest news.

"The thing you worry about is the neck because that's kind of a big one,'' he said. "When we heard it was not neck-related, that was fantastic news and you feel great about that."

Average salary of NFL fullbacks is lower than that of kickers and punters

BEREA, Ohio – Fullback Owen Marecic spent the first three days of Browns training camp  idling among a cluster of players during first- and second-team 11-on-11 drills.

Like a telephone book publisher in the age of iPhones, Marecic knows the service he provides is no longer in high demand. Such is the evolution of the NFL game with its increased emphasis on spread offenses, shotgun formations and versatile tight ends.

Many of the Browns training-camp reps have featured one-back sets. When they employ a second back it’s often Christian Ogbonnaya, who’s no one’s definition of a fullback. Tight end Gary Barnidge also is seeing time as an H-back.

Marecic, a 2011 fourth-round draft pick, tried putting a positive spin on the developments.

“It’s an exciting time in the NFL,” he said. “Now, more than ever you have to be able to do more than one thing. A lot of what the game comes down to is matchups. I don’t want to say it’s position-less, but if a guy can play a lot of positions within one position -- if that make sense -- he’s going to contribute a lot more.”

Marecic’s disappointing play last season – he fell out of favor with the previous coaching staff and earned just 115 snaps – makes him a possible roster casualty. But the role of many fullbacks is diminishing league wide. The Baltimore Ravens unloaded Vonta Leach, a three-time All Pro, and his $3 million salary in June. Lawrence Vickers, who preceded Marecic in Cleveland, was released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month.

While Marecic contends the position has not been devalued, USA Today’s Tom Pelissero noted that just eight NFL fullbacks now earn over $1 million. ESPN’s John Clayton observed the average fullback salary of $1.1 million is less than that of kickers and punters and on the level of veteran long snappers. Leach will sign somewhere, but probably at a reduced rate.

“Both Leach and Vickers are tremendous fullbacks,” Marecic said. “And guys would look to them and say, ‘If I could play like that it would be awesome.’”

The game has transformed dramatically since the bruising likes of Larry Csonka, John Riggins and Mike Pruitt recorded 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Marecic has four carries for eight yards in his two-year Browns’ career.

How much have times changed? The Pittsburgh Steelers went about three seasons without a fullback on the roster toward the end of the last decade. Their current one, Will Johnson, is a converted tight end and his role could decrease if the Steelers rely more on zone-blocking schemes.

As the presence of fullbacks wane, teams are making greater use of tight ends – lining them up in the slot and the backfield. Their hybrid value is reflective in escalating salaries. Before Aaron Hernandez was charged with murder, he and Rob Gronkowski were due a combined $16 million this season.

Barnidge and Brad Smelley are Browns’ tight ends who could see time at the H-back position. The club also recently signed fullback Brock Bolen, who’s nursing a calf injury.

Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner has coordinated fullback-friendly offenses over the years, but it’s too early to tell what place they might play in Cleveland.

“We've used a variety of different styles of fullback and have been very productive, and I can go all the way back into the mid-(1990s) where we had a converted tailback playing fullback with the (Washington) Redskins and Terry Allen rushed for 1,500 yards,” Turner said.

“We're going to make due. We're going to take the guys that we have and find out what they do best and give them a chance to do that. I believe we will end up with a traditional fullback in our offense and how much we'll use him will depend on the style of offense we end up running.”

Marecic, who’s due $657,000 this season according to spotrac,com, hopes he gets another shot at blocking for Trent Richardson. He might need a big camp just to make the club, however. He’s working on his pass catching – he dropped four of five balls intended for him last season – and trying to make himself more versatile.

“The more a guy can do, the greater his value to the team will be,” Marecic said.

But in an era of three-receiver, multi-tight-end formations Marecic realizes evolution is not on the side of the fullback.

Buckeyes' offensive coordinator Tom Herman should have a chance to open up the offense this season, in part because Miller is more comfortable.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – College football coaches can't work with their players during the summer. So they're left to think about how they're going to use them in the fall.

So what will Tom Herman do with this Ohio State offense?

“I don't know, I'll ask him that. That's a good question,” Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller said. “Hopefully he'll do something with all these new guys coming in. I'm going to listen to him and see what he has to say about that.”

We know the second-year offensive coordinator has been out recruiting. And we know he grew a goatee and finally picked up his Ohio driver's license.

@CoachTomHerman FINALLY a legal driver in the great state of OHIO. Thx to the lovely ladies of Powell BMV! pic.twitter.com/B1vpTB4NEc

— michelle herman (@belletjh) July 20, 2013

But waiting to see how the OSU offense looks in year two with Herman and Urban Meyer is one of the most intriguing questions in our preseason countdown with the start of camp just a week away next Sunday …

No. 7: What more will Tom Herman be able to do in his play-calling?

Seven days until the start of preseason camp

Running backs coach Stan Drayton, dropping a tantalizing morsel for OSU fans, said during the spring that the OSU offense operated at about 60 percent last season. Getting the basics out of the way should allow the Buckeyes to get right on the remaining 40 percent on Aug. 4.

“We all know each other now,” left tackle Jack Mewhort said. “Guys are more confident in the system. There's going to be less apprehension and more thinking about what we'll be able to show once the season starts. We've been to war with each other now and we know how people are going to act in the heat of battle.”

Countdown No. 8: Offensive line depth

Countdown No. 9: Playing Michigan twice?

That particularly applies to Miller, who a year ago at this time was just beginning to study for a test he knew he wasn't going to know all the answers to.

“I feel a lot more confident than what I was last year,” Miller said at the Big Ten meetings in Chicago. “With that big ole' playbook, we had the verbiage and things like that. Knowing how I was last year, it just changes my mindset (now). It's like, 'Dang, I know what I'm actually doing this year.' And it can change up the whole offensive gameplan. The plays are in my mind, and I (won't) second-guess myself.”

Meyer understands that the players just knowing the basics of preseason camp this year – what practice field they'll be on at what time, the timing of breaks, etc. - will allow much more focus on things like adding to the offense.

“Routine is something that is undervalued,” Meyer said, before launching into a story from his days as an assistant at Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish were prepping for a team that shifted its defensive coverage just before the snap. On a Thursday practice, Meyer, the receivers coach, figured he'd help quarterback Ron Powlus prepare by ordering the coverage to change at the last second. He didn't clear the idea with head coach Lou Holtz first.

“He dropped back and got flustered and threw a bad ball,” Meyer said, “and it's the last time I've ever done that.”

Why? Meyer said Holtz, or “the guy with glasses,” as he called him, was so angry, Meyer thought he might not make it back to the locker room in one piece.

“It broke up the routine,” Meyer said.

Tom HermanAP file

So now, the Buckeyes know what's happening for camp. Knowing that will give Meyer and Herman more freedom.

And there's always the chance this is the last OSU camp for Herman.

If the Buckeyes have another good season, Herman would be a logical candidate for head coaching jobs elsewhere. Meyer has sent plenty of assistants go on to lead other programs, with two former Meyer hires now running Big Ten teams in Wisconsin's Gary Andersen and Illinois' Tim Beckman.

“Those are high-end people,” Meyer said of his former assistants, also mentioning the likes of Charlie Strong (Louisville), Dan Mullen (Mississippi State) and Kyle Whittingham (Utah). “I didn't really know Tom when I hired him, but he's showing a lot of those same qualities.”

If Herman is next, this season will be his chance to watch his offensive ideas mix with Meyer's with a group of players who may finally grasp them.