Not only is Yan Gomes moving up in the Indians' lineup, but also in the eyes of manager Terry Francona.

Yan Gomes, getting congratulated by Jason Kipnis, is improving his game at the plate and behind it.(Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer) 

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Catcher Yan Gomes hit sixth in the Indians lineup Monday night for just the fourth time this season. He's spent the majority of the year hitting seventh, eighth or ninth.

"I think he's earned it," said manager Terry Francona. "Especially with what he's done against left-handers."

Gomes went into Monday's game against the Twins hitting .323 (21-for-65) with four homers and 10 RBI against lefties. The Indians just so happened to be facing left-hander Andrew Albers, a rookie making his second big-league start.

"Early in the year, I was trying to protect him because we'd pinch-hit for him early," said Francona. "Now we've gotten to the point where we're not going to do that. He's been swinging the bat really well."

Gomes is hitting .310 (52-for-168) with 10 doubles, two triples, eight homers and 28 RBI in 51 games. Francona said he pinch-hit for Gomes early in the season because he didn't have much of a track record in the big leagues.

"Until a younger guy proves himself, sometimes you pinch hit for him," said Francona. "Maybe I shouldn't have been. He covers the whole field. He hits the ball to right field with authority and when you make a mistake down and in, he golfs it to left field. If he does that, he's going to be successful."

Gomes has helped himself behind the plate as well. He's thrown out 50 percent (12-for-24) of the baserunners he's faced.

"The average time it takes a big league catcher to catch a pitch and throw it to second base is two seconds," said Sandy Alomar Jr., Indians catching instructor. "Gomes' times have been phenomenal. He's been at 1.9 or below all year.

"He's got a good transfer (moving the ball from glove to throw hand), good feet and a good arm. Put those three things together and you're going to be pretty accurate."

Listen up: Francona leans heavily on his veteran players to police the clubhouse, but there are times when he knows he has to say something. One of those times came Saturday night after a 7-2 loss to the Angels in which the Indians made a season-high four errors.

"I do it when I think it's productive," said Francona. "If you do it too many times during a baseball season, the players go deaf on you.

"We have good veterans on our team, who do a good job, but sometimes I need to tell them how I feel. That's what I did."

Francona said he's called about three meetings this season.

"This is a fun group for me. I've grown attached to them," he said. "I want them to put their best foot forward every night. But we can't just throw our gloves out there and play. We have to be a lunch-pail team. . .and we have to make sure we do that."

Kazmir starts Sunday: Scott Kazmir's dead arm is coming back to life. So much so that manager Terry Francona says the left-hander will start Sunday in Oakland against the Athletics.

In Friday's start against the Angels, Kazmir lasted just three innings in a 5-2 loss. He left with a fatigued left arm, something that had been bothering him in his previous start.

"I played a little catch the day after my last start, but I took Sunday and today off," said Kazmir, before the Indians opened a three-game series Monday night against the Twins at Target Field. "I just did some rotator cuff and elbow exercises and my arm is feeling better."

Kazmir is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday. Counting Thursday's off day, he'll go eight days between starts, twice the normal rest a starter usually receives.

He's gone: The Indians put Mark Reynolds on waivers Monday for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release. He was designated for assignment Thursday.

Reynolds, who still ranks second on the Indians with 14 homers, must clear waivers before he can sign with another team. The Orioles are rumored to be interested.

Finally: Lonnie Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer, said Corey Kluber should be able to start playing catch in the next day or two. Kluber, on the 15-day disabled list, has been shut down for a week since injuring the middle finger of his right hand in a start against Detroit on Aug. 5. . .Francona said Josh Tomlin, returning from right elbow surgery, will start pitching every five days as he continues his rehab. Tomlin pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings Sunday for Class A Lake County. He struck out three and allowed one hit. "He's starting to get stretched out now," said Francona.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are box scores and highlights from boys and girls golf matches played Monday, Aug. 12 in Northeast Ohio. Boys golf

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are box scores and highlights from boys and girls golf matches played Monday, Aug. 12 in Northeast Ohio.

Boys golf

Wolverine Shootout

At Fowler's Mill 

How they finished: 1. Independence 339; T2. Perry 344; West Geauga 344; 4. Beachwood 345; 5. Hawken 348; 6. Berkshire 349; 7. Wickliffe 395; 8. Cardinal 471.

Top individuals: 1. Brett Dubin (Beach) 76; T2. Stephen Horvath (Berk) 79; Tyler Wilson (Ind) 79; T4. Eric Giesler (H) 80; Matt Forrai (WG) 80; 6. CJ Bagdonas (P) 81; 7. Nick Paul (Berk) 82; 8. Zack Goodman (H) 83; 9. Zack Kurchner (WG) 85; T10. Kyle Smith (Ind) 86; Elliot Small (Beach) 86.

Amherst Invitational

At Oberlin

How they finished: 1. Westlake 316; 2. (on tiebreaker) Olmsted Falls 321; 3. Avon Lake 321; 4. Berea-Midpark 326; 5. Avon 330; 6. Brecksville 331; 7. Rocky River 332; 8. North Ridgeville 338; 9. Amherst 349; 10. Elyria 351; 11. North Olmsted 357; 12. Bay 365; 13. Vermilion 370; 14. Keystone 383; 15.Firelands 590.

Top individuals: 1. Kyle Krcmar (Breck) 71; T2. Mike Campana (Amh) 75; Grant Harley (AL) 75;  T4. Frank Steffen (W) 76; Alex Tomko (Avon) 76; T6. Tyler Ellis (BM) 77; Alex Torres (OF) 77; T8. Brian Jones (OF) 78; Jackson Farling (RR) 78; T9. Garrett Orseno (NR) 79; Jules Blakely (W) 79; AJ Outcalt (AL) 79; Michael Schuller (BM) 79.

Highlights: Brecksville's Kyle Krcmar is the first player to break par at this tournament since it was moved to Oberlin Golf Club six years ago.

Brunswick Tee Off Classic

At Quail Hollow

How they finished: 1. Brunswick 318; T2. Highland 319; Padua 319; 4. North Royalton 322; 5. Green 332; 6. Solon 336; 7. Lake 341; 8. Wooster 341; 9. NDCL 342; 10. Mentor 344; T11. Massillon Perry 350; Wadsworth 350; 13. Willoughby South 352; 14. Nordonia 354; 15. Midview 359; 16. Chardon 364; 17. Mansfield Madison 377; 18. Lakewood 381.

Top individuals: 1. Schley (P) 73; T2. Carile (NR) 75; Jones (P) 75; Mandry (Solon) 75; T5. Scherler (H) 76; Dubiel (H) 76; Brown (Nord) 76; T8. Roth (B) 78; Monroe (B) 78. T10. Conley (G) 79; Francisco (NR) 79.

Highlights: The win marks the third consecutive team title for Brunswick in this event.

Girls golf

SUBURBAN LEAGUE

Preseason tournament

At Barberton Brookside

How they finished: 1. Highland 308; 2. Green 329; 3. Copley 360; 4. Nordonia 377; 5. Cloverleaf 388; 6. Revere 396; 7. Tallmadge 399; 8. Wadsworth 438.

Top individuals: 1. Chloe McKinzie (H) 72; 2. Alice Ho (W) 73; 3. Madison Butler (H) 76; T4. Brooke Babbin (G) 79; Karly Alexander (H) 79.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are box scores and highlights from girls tennis matches played Monday, Aug. 12 in Northeast Ohio.  Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 3, Bay 2

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are box scores and highlights from girls tennis matches played Monday, Aug. 12 in Northeast Ohio. 

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 3, Bay 2

Singles: Quillin (B) d. Dittrich 6–1, 5-7, 6-2. Pile (CVCA) d. Priemer 6-2, 6-0. Haskell (CVCA) d. Messina 6-3, 6-0.

Doubles: Petrinec/Andrew (CVCA) d. Kapes/Aleksandrovic 7-5, 0-6, 6-3.  Poretsky/Hansen (B) d. Bolinger/Mellott 6-4, 6-1.

Magnificat 4, Twinsburg 1

Singles: Claire Robenal (M) d. A. Lesko 6-2, 6-0. Grace Swartz (M) d. L. Handler 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Christiana Miley (M) d. P. Peketi 7-6 (7-2), 6-4.

Doubles: A. Karapendrish/N. Sharma (T) d. Julia Fatica/Gabs Minotti 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Delaney Nock/Abby Thompson (M) d. R. Bambara/M. Muvva 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Laurel 5, Gilmour 0

Singles: Buchinsky d. Althans 6-2, 6-0. Fen d. Hollis 6-1, 6-0. Hata d. Jacobs 6-4, 6-1.

Doubles: Slater/Moore d. Doe/Lawrence 6-0, 6-2. Preiser/Lauster d. Hawkins/Ertz 6-2, 6-0.

Browns running back Montario Hardesty, who's roster spot was already in jeopardy, suffered a right thumb injury early on in team drills and had to leave the practice. The extent of the injury is unknown.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns running back Montario Hardesty can't catch a break. Or in this case, he's hoping a break doesn't catch him.

Hardesty underwent X-rays Monday to determine if he suffered a broken thumb on his second snap in team drills. He also likely underwent other exams to determine the nature and extent of the injury.

"It's a tough deal,'' said coach Rob Chudzinski after practice. "We'll see what the status is (tomorrow) and how soon he'll be back.''

The frustrating thing for Hardesty and for the Browns is the fact that he had just returned to 11-on-11s on Monday for the first time since July 31st because of an injured hamstring tendon. In fact, Hardesty has missed all or part of 10 practices, and had just finally gotten back to limited action on Sunday after missing seven straight practices and the Rams game.

As it was, his roster spot was already in jeopardy because of missing so much time.

And then this cruel little twist of fate.

The thumb injury occurred when the Browns were practicing direct snaps to their backs and some receivers early on in the session. Hardesty's first rep went fine. He caught the snap, ran hard and was tackled. Fans at training camp cheered and were happy to see him back.

But on his second rep, things went awry. Second-string center Jarrod Shaw sent the snap sailing over his Hardesty's head -- one of several errant missiles in the period -- and he leaped to grab it. But the ball smacked his thumb awkardly and he came down in pain. He left the drill immediately and was seen by the medical staff. Teammates came over to see what was wrong and he pointed to the thumb and explained.

For awhile, he knelt on the sidelines with his head down. Within minutes, the trainers wrapped his whole hand, presumably with ice. Twenty minutes later, he walked into the locker room and never returned.

After practice, his teammates shook their heads over Hardesty's misfortune.

"Right now, I don't know what his situation is, but to see this guy work hard every day to fight back, to get back and for him to come back (and have this happen), it's kind of like we've got to keep his spirits held high,'' said Trent Richardson. "We're praying for him. We're going to be behind him 100% and we want Montario to know 'we're your boys, we're your brothers and we're not going to let you down, if you're out there with us or not.'''

Said linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who's watched Hardesty battle injuries since he was drafted in the second round in 2010 out of Tennessee: "I can personally say from watching him throughout the building, he does everything possible to make sure his legs are fresh. He does the massage, he does the stretching, he's in the ice tub. I saw him in the ice tub earlier today when we had a break. He's doing everything he needs to do to keep himself healthy, but when that bug jumps on you, it's hard to shake. The most important thing is just trying to stay positive.''

Jackson said he's hoping it's just a jammed thumb and nothing serious.

"In my world, as long as your legs can move, as long as you can run, you can play with a bum finger,'' said Jackson. "I'm, sure he'll be okay.''

Jackson, who knows firsthand what it's like to miss full seasons with injuries, has been tackling Hardesty in practice for four years now.

"From the day we drafted him, when he's healthy and he's rolling, he's a problem,'' said Jackson. "He's definitely one of those change-of-pace backs and he can get it done. He's one of those guys that you keep an eye out for. You just pray and hope that he can stay on the field, because if he's on the field, anything he wants out of this game, he'll get.''

Hardesty was already in a position to have to try to win his No. 2 job back from Dion Lewis, who's seized the moment to become Richardson's backup. Lewis, acquired in a trade with the Eagles, caught a touchdown pass, ran hard for a first down and caught a 16-yard screen pass during Thursday's 27-19 victory over the Rams. In practice, he's demonstrated his explosiveness in space despite his 5-8, 195-pound frame.

"You know, that dude (Lewis) is great, man,'' said Richardson. "He's a good dude. He's a special dude when it comes to being a playmaker on the field. Even off the field he's a special guy. The stuff he can bring to the table, it's much like a (Saints and former Chargers running back Darren) Sproles and what he does it's very rare that you find a smaller guy like him that moves and plays hard just like him every down.''

The Browns believe that Hardesty is a talented runner, and they're hoping he doesn't get lost in the shuffle. But running backs coach John Settle acknowledged last week that Hardesty is falling far behind the others.

"It presents a great challenge for us,'' Settle said. "He's a young man that has shown flashes of what he can be -- what he was last year what we would hope he'd be in 2013. But not having him, it does hurt his advancement and it hurts us as a team.''

Settle admitted it would be a little tougher for Hardesty to make the team given all the competition at the position.

"But is it impossible? No,'' said Settle. "That decision is way above my head, but he's a young man that enjoys playing the game and wants to be out there. For us to be the best we can be, we need to have him out there. We have confidence in the fact that he knows what he's doing and we can trust him. (But) it makes it a little tough to evaluate him with the other guys that are out there and continuing to improve.''

Browns running back Trent Richardson probably won't know until Wednesay if he'll face the Lions Thursday night.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns coach Rob Chudzinski probably won't reveal until Wednesday if running back Trent Richardson will play Thursday night against the Lions.

"I have an idea what I want to do,'' he said. "We'll talk in detail and I'll give you a little more outline tomorrow.''

Even Richardson has no idea if he'll get the green light.

"I don't know,'' Richardson said. "That's what I'm hoping for. I can't wait to see what Detroit's got and when coach Chud tells me when I can go or no, I'll be happy with either say-so from him.''

Richardson, who's been limited with a strained shin but moreso because the coaches have him on pitch count, said he can go either way in regards to playing at all this preseason Last year, he missed all four preseason games with a knee injury that required a scope.

"It's good and bad,'' Richardson said. "I feel like I can be ready to go Sept. 8 without playing preseason and I feel like I can be ready with playing preseason. Coach (Nick Saban) always taught me when I was at Alabama that you win your games on Wednesdays and Thursday, so you practice like you play.''

He said he's got his sights on September regardless of whether or not he sees preseason action.

"I really can't wait until September,'' he said. "That's the big story for me. I'm really taking one day at a time, but when it comes September I'll be ready.''

Asked if the Browns are being too cautious, he said, "I don't know how you can be too careful with somebody. Coach (Rob Chudzinski) knows the best decision for me. He's taking his time and we're taking our time together.''

In regards to the right shin, he joked, "I feel good. I don't even know what shin you're talking about.''

Richardson has been running hard in team drills the past two days and appears ready for live action.

"It's the best I've felt in a long time, even since college,'' he said. "I feel ready to go and when coach gives me that green light, I'll be in there for my team and I'll be working hard for them.''

INS AND OUTS: Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson sat out today's practice, but just to get him some rest. He was replaced in the lineup by L.J. Fort. ...Cornerback Chris Owens (foot), who's battling Buster Skrine for the starting job on the right side, returned to practice and saw some action in team drills today. ...Receiver Jordan Norwood (hamstring) and offensive lineman Oniel Cousins (ankle) were also back on the field.

SIGHTINGS: Cavs GM Chris Grant attended practice today, and spent some time talking to Browns President Alec Scheiner.

FISHER OVER IT: Rams coach Jeff Fisher acknowledged that he received a call from Bernie Kosar apologizing for ripping the Rams throughout the broadcast of the game on WKYC.

"It's a dead issue,'' Fisher told reporters after practice today. "It's all behind us.''

Third-string quarterback Kellen Clemens, who took the brunt of Kosar's criticism, said, "After five years in New York, it wasn’t that big of a deal.''

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS: Brandon Weeden made a fine backshoulder throw to his ol' college teammate Josh Cooper for a TD, with Buster Skrine in tight coverage. ...Brandon Jackson caught a deflected pass in the end zone from Brian Hoyer. ...Joe Haden picked off Weeden again, but intended receiver Josh Gordon slipped and fell during the 7-on-7 drill.

ONE MORE CHANCE: Tuesday's practice will be the last one of training camp open to the public. It's from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported late Monday that a man died after falling from the upper deck at Turner Field during an Atlanta Braves baseball game.

A man died after falling from the upper deck of a baseball stadium.iStock photo 

A man died Monday night after falling at least 30 feet from an upper deck at Turner Field, landing outside of the stadium.

The man, whose name was not released, was transported to the hospital, where he later died, Atlanta police said. Investigators remained at the scene late Monday, but foul play is not suspected.

The center's specialized cancer workout was not only sensitive and carefully crafted but also surprisingly vigorous.

Fitness doesn’t end when cancer strikes. In fact, sometimes, that’s right when it begins.

Just ask Stephen Cerne, head trainer at The Gathering Place in Beachwood. In his quest to help cancer patients exercise, he’s witnessed the profound difference even a little movement can make.

Little, though, doesn’t mean minimal, or easy. On the contrary. The specialized cancer workout he put me through was not only sensitive and carefully crafted but also surprisingly vigorous.

Now, I can’t testify to the strengths of Cerne’s program from an authentic perspective. After all, I don’t have cancer, and therefore wasn’t able to test his nationally-certified ability to respond to such concerns as chemotherapy ports, surgical wounds, pain and dizziness.

Neither did I experience what Cerne is best known for at The Gathering Place: a group circuit class, often recommended by doctors, where visitors go through cycles of exercises under his watch. Instead, I received one-on-one instruction, so as to grasp both the physical sense and purpose of each movement.

What I can say is that Cerne’s workout covers all the important bases, all while leaving room for the individual to set the pace and level of difficulty. What’s more, it addresses issues many mainstream workouts have been known to overlook.

I refer here to balance and core strength, two realms of fitness vital not just to cancer patients but to everyone, and especially to senior citizens. By taking time to work on these matters, Cerne is preventing potentially devastating falls and enabling his wards to continue taking care of themselves.

I could probably stand to take Cerne’s class myself, given how poorly I fared in this portion of the workout. Lifting and swinging my right leg while balancing on my left, I nearly toppled over several times. More to my taste were the core exercises: forward and side plank poses, held for about 30 seconds each.

Also gratifying were the upper- and lower-body strength maneuvers. Not only did they prove more demanding than I would have predicted but they also struck me as uniquely practical and well suited to those battling many common types of cancer.

Standing several feet away from a weighted pulley machine, I held a handle tethered to perhaps 50 lbs. and executed a few squats, using the weight for leverage and support. This move, Cerne said, develops critical strength in posterior muscles and assists people in using chairs and toilets more safely.

In that same position, using the same equipment, I also did a few upright rows. Though an exercise with which I’m well acquainted, the few repetitions I did were harder than usual, given Cerne’s insistence I direct the effort to my arms.

Whether this motion would be suitable for women with breast cancer, I can’t say for sure, and probably depends on the individual. But it certainly struck me as gentle in that respect, less demanding on the chest than on the biceps and muscles in the upper back.

Cardio was the last major element of Cerne’s workout. Instead of walking or jogging, however, I did “speed-skaters,” crouching slightly on one leg while crossing the other behind and across, and switching legs every few seconds. In effect, it’s similar to running, but without impact on the joints.

I left The Gathering Place feeling not so much exhausted as inspired. Sure, Cerne had raised my heart-rate, tested my balance, and caused me to break a sweat. But I was more moved by the spirit of the place than I was by any one exercise.

Cerne, I realized, isn’t fighting cancer directly. Rather, like a military drill instructor, he’s training the troops.

Atlanta police said the fall appears to be accidental.

ATLANTA -- A man who fell more than 60 feet from an upper-level platform at Atlanta's Turner Field onto a parking lot during a baseball game died Monday night, police said.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office early today identified the man as Ronald Homer, 29, of Conyers, Ga., and said an autopsy is planned for today.

Atlanta police spokesman John Chafee said Homer fell during Monday night's game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.

"At this time there's no indication of foul play and the fall appears accidental," Chafee said late Monday. "It appears he fell from an upper-level platform to a secured lot below."

Chafee said police received the report of the fall just before 9 p.m. Monday. When officers arrived, they located Homer, who appeared to have fallen 65 feet, or about six stories.

Homer was transported to Atlanta Medical Center and died of his injuries.

Chafee said the fall occurred on the stadium's back side. He said witnesses described the fall as accidental, but that police were not releasing other details of what they said.

He said he did not know if wet conditions or alcohol were factors.

Heavy rains had led to a nearly two-hour delay of the game, which was scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m.

A Braves spokeswoman declined comment earlier Monday night, referring calls to the Atlanta police.

Monday's accident wasn't the first of its kind to happen at Turner Field, and marked at least the third time a sports fan has fallen from the stands in Atlanta in about a year.

Isaac Grubb, 20, of Lenoir City, Tenn. died after falling over a railing at the Georgia Dome during a football game between Tennessee and North Carolina State on Aug. 31, 2012. Authorities said he landed on another man seated in the lower level, and that alcohol was a factor.

A man fell about 25 feet over a staircase railing at a Georgia Tech-Miami football game on Sept. 22, 2012 and was not seriously injured.

In May 2008, a 25-year-old Cumming, Ga. man suffered head injuries when he fell down a stairwell at Turner Field during a game between the Braves and the New York Mets and later died. Police found that alcohol had factored into that accident, which the Braves had said was the first non-medical fatality to happen at the ballpark.

Turner Field became the home of the Braves in 1997, a year after serving as the site of events for the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Phillip Lucas, Associated Press

Watch Mary Kay Cabot's analysis of Monday's Training Camp practice plus a video on Trent Richardson ready to play Thursday night. Watch video

 BEREA, Ohio -- Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot recaps what happened at yesterday's Training Camp practice.

Highlights include:  Montario Hardesty injured on his second day back from his last injury.  Trent Richardson ready to play Thursday night, but will not know until probably Wednesday if they play him. Chris Owens, Jordan Norwood and Oniel Cousins all returning to practice.

Players are back on the practice field today in Berea at 4 p.m., the last day the public can attend Training Camp.

Follow on Twitter: @CLEvideos

The Ohio Soccer Stars 3v3 team, featuring players from Strongsville, Medina and Brunswick, won the 3v3 Live Regional Soccer Tournament July 27 in Pittsburgh.

The Ohio Soccer Stars 3v3 team, featuring players from Strongsville, Medina and Brunswick, won the 3v3 Live Regional Soccer Tournament July 27 in Pittsburgh. The team competed in the U12-U13 girls division. Team members are (Top, left to right) Tara Roller, Kayla Wypasek, and Madeline Blakley. (Bottom, left to right) Claire Bourquin and Ariella Pitty.  

T.J. Ward and several members of the Cleveland Browns will participate in a charity bowling event on Friday.

BEREA, Ohio - Training camp is about to end but T.J. Ward will continue to support community efforts with his latest venture.

On Friday, Ward and many of his friends and teammates will participate in the T.J. Ward Strikes for Kids Bowling Classic starting at 6:30p.m. on Friday at the Yorktown Lanes, 6218 Pearl Road in Parma Heights.

The event will help raise funds to support the T.J. Ward Foundation and the National Kidney Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase necessary goods for these children, such as backpacks, toys, and school supplies.

Ward, safety with the Cleveland Browns, said the event is for the children and for many of the participating fans.

"We're in the final stages of camp and it's a good way to get out, interact with the fans and have fun with the kids at the event," Ward said. "It also helps us to bond as a team as we're doing something for a good cause."

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio – For the second straight year, Chagrin Falls hopes the loss of a prolific senior class doesn’t keep it from accomplishing great things. Two seasons ago the Tigers graduated a class that went 48-8. Last season it bid farewell to seniors that went 51-6 and experienced four straight conference titles. That leaves the Tigers with just...

Chagrin Falls' Matt Iammarino goes up for a catch over Aurora's Alex Smierciak (8) and Kirk Janoch last season. - (Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio – For the second straight year, Chagrin Falls hopes the loss of a prolific senior class doesn’t keep it from accomplishing great things.

Two seasons ago the Tigers graduated a class that went 48-8. Last season it bid farewell to seniors that went 51-6 and experienced four straight conference titles. That leaves the Tigers with just two Iammarinos now that Division III All-Ohio Offensive Co-Player of the Year Tommy Iammarino will no longer be under center.

Coach Mark Iammarino remains, entering his 19^th season at Chagrin Falls and looking for his 10th playoff appearance and ninth Chagrin Valley Conference title. Also back is All-Ohio wide receiver Matt Iammarino, who had 58 catches for 1,134 yards and 13 touchdowns during last season’s run to the Division III regional final.

Matt Iammarino is one of just four returning starters on offense. Senior Joey Casarona takes over as full-time running back after earning special mention All-Ohio as a defensive back last season. At quarterback, the Tigers will likely turn to senior Ed Shelley, who is an All-Ohio kicker.

Defensively, the Tigers will be led by five returning starters, including senior linebackers Lukas Sontich and Sean Mackin. The secondary will feature Casarona, Iammarino, Shelley and senior Michael Munday, who was a starter on the Tigers’ 2011 state final four team before suffering a knee injury.

Seniors Daniel Herbener (6-foot-1, 265 pounds) and Alex Goebel (6-1, 235) will anchor the offensive and defensive lines.

If the Tigers are to win a regional title for the fourth time in the past five years, it will come in Division IV, where they landed after the Ohio High School Athletic Associaton’s football realignment this summer.

Chagrin Falls Tigers

League: Chagrin Valley Conference (Chagrin Division).

OHSAA Division: Division IV, Region 11.

Coach: Mark Iammarino (143-62 record in 18 seasons at Chagrin Falls).

Last season's record: 11-2 overall, 9-1 in CVC (first place).

Postseason: Division III, Region 9 finalist.

Returning starters: Four on offense, five on defense.

Key returning players: Joey Casarona, Sr., RB/SS, 5-5, 165 (special mention All-Ohio); Matt Iammarino, Sr. WR, 5-7, 150 (first-team All-Ohio); Daniel Herbener, Sr., OT, 6-1, 265; Alex Goebel, Sr., OT, 6-1, 235; Lukas Sontich, Sr., LB, 6-2, 220; Sean Mackin, Jr., LB, 6-2 215; Ed Shelley, Sr., K/P, 6-0, 190 (second-team All-Ohio), Michael Munday, Sr., DB.

Promising newcomers: Sam Zdolshek, Sr. LB; Kurt Stueber, Sr., OL; Blake Eagle, Sr., DB.

The Browns get back to work this afternoon, but beat reporter Tom Reed will be answering your training camp questions here on cleveland.com for 30 minutes starting at noon.

Tom Reed answers your Browns questions today at noon. 

The Browns get back to work this afternoon, but beat reporter Tom Reed will be answering your training camp questions here on cleveland.com for 30 minutes starting at noon.

What needs to be improved in their second preseason game? Can Montario Hardesty overcome injuries to stay on the roster?

Tom will answer those questions and more in the comments section below. You can also check out his profile page here to read all of his answers.

Remember, you'll need a cleveland.com profile to participate in the Q&A. So, register here if you don't have one so you'll be ready to go at noon.

The Indians fell to the Twins on Monday night on a two-hit shutout by lefty Andrew Albers

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Danny Salazar had the heat. Andrew Albers had the control Monday night in a meeting between rookie pitchers at Target Field.

On this night, control won in a big way as the Twins beat the Indians, 3-0, and Albers threw a two-hit shutout. The Indians have lost seven of their last eight games and dropped into third place in the AL Central for the first time since May 10.

"Unfortunately for us, that kid put on a clinic," said manager Terry Francona. "He doesn't overwhelm you with stuff, but he's pitched 17 1/3 major league innings and he doesn't have an ERA yet."

In his first two starts, Salazar has struck out 17 in 17 2/3 innings. He hit 100 mph multiple times and touched 98 and 99 mph in the first inning against Toronto and Detroit.

He didn't have that kind of velocity Monday, at least not according to the Target Field radar gun. It was evident, however, that the Twins were looking for his fastball. Brian Dozier, with an 18-mph wind swirling about the ballpark, sent Salazar's second pitch of the night into the left field seats for a 1-0 lead.

• Box score | Scoreboard | Standings

In the second, following an infield single to short by Oswaldo Arcia, Trevor Plouffe hit a two-run homer in the same direction as Dozier's drive for a 3-0 lead.

"I missed a couple of fastballs tonight and gave them a chance to hit it," said Salazar. "The first pitch to Dozier was supposed to be outside, but it was up and over the plate."

Salazar (1-1, 4.08) pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth, one he created by walking three, and was done for the night. He allowed three runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts.

Francona, after Salazar threw 103 pitches in 7 2/3 innings against Detroit in his previous start, felt like he'd had enough after the fourth.

"He was a little less crisp than he was against Detroit," said Francona. "He was pumped up for that game and got pretty deep into it. So we wanted to keep him kind of short tonight. He's going to pitch for a long time, so we just decided to take him out rather than have him grind through one more inning."

On the radar gun at Target Field, Salazar topped out at 97 mph.

"I don't think that was accurate," said Salazar. "I felt like I was throwing as hard as I usually do."

Marc Rzepczynski, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen followed with four scoreless innings. For the night, Indians pitchers allowed just four hits, but two of them were homers. The way Albers (2-0, 0.00) pitched that's all the Twins needed.

Albers threw 8 1/3 scoreless innings against Kansas City on Aug. 6 to win his big league debut. Against the Indians, besides the two singles he allowed, he struck out two and threw 75 percent of his pitches (76-for-102) for strikes. The big league average is 63 percent.

He retired 12 straight before Jason Kipnis singled with two out in the fourth. Yan Gomes had the only other hit against him with a one-out single in the eighth.

"He dominated the game with a fastball that never touched 90 mph," said Francona.

Albers, pitching out of the stretch the whole game, was helped by several outstanding defensive plays. Center fielder Clete Thomas stole hits from Asdrubal Cabrera in the fourth and Kipnis in the seventh. Nick Swisher was denied a leadoff single in the seventh on a great stop and throw by shortstop Pedro Florimon.

Following Gomes' single, Michael Brantley sent a liner to right that Arcia caught at his shoe tips. Well before that, Dozier made a sprawling catch down the right field line against Carlos Santana in the fifth.

"He has to be fun to play behind," said Francona. "He gets the ball and throws strikes. His defense is always ready because they know he throws strikes."

The game lasted 2 hours and 21 minuntes.

Albers, released by the Padres after he underwent Tommy John surgery on June 17, 2009, went 11-5 with a 2.86 ERA at Class AAA Rochester this year. The Twins have won eight of their last 11 games.

Post-game: Terry Francona spoke highly of Twins starter Andrew Albers, who went the distance for Minnesota Monday night. Francona also broke down Danny Salazar's effort in the loss.

Bernie Kosar can't do much wrong in Cleveland. We didn't need to see fan support after the Browns reprimanded him to know that.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- One finds himself in sticky situations, the other is Teflon.

Jim Brown and Bernie Kosar shared the booth during halftime of the first exhibition game telecast. If the contrast in how they're embraced by Browns fans weren't already stark, it became even more vivid after the groundswell of support this week for Kosar's right to speak his mind.

To paraphrase (in the most generic way) the prevailing sentiment where the two Browns' legends are concerned: Who cares what Jim Brown thinks? That Bernie Kosar? We need more of his outspoken candor and football smarts in Berea.

When Brown and Mike Holmgren split, we largely vilified Brown for wanting full-time pay for part-time work. At the same time, people were saying, hey, by the way, why don't the Browns hire Bernie as a consultant?

Brown is a lightning rod, whose opinions often prompt people to bring up damning episodes of bad behavior in his past, no matter how long ago.

Two Aprils ago, Brown said he didn't think Trent Richardson was anything special. I don't remember many people pointing out that he might be right, or at least that he ought to know. He is the best of all time, after all.

Whatever his opinion, not sure how that equates to emails referencing a woman and an incident on a balcony. I just know how many I received and it wasn't just a few.

By contrast, Kosar is the Teflon Prince, often seen as a victim: of too many concussions, too much financial benevolence for his own economic good, too little opportunity to help return the Browns to a championship contender.

Had Kosar said the same thing when the Browns' drafted Brandon Weeden or even Joe Haden, what would the reaction have been? My guess: not anywhere near as personal as it was with Brown. And likely people would've questioned the Browns' drafting acumen.

Brown is the one who left Cleveland behind for Hollywood. All these years later, can it really be so simple that Kosar is the Ohio kid who wanted Cleveland as much as it wanted him? Can't be, can it? Seems like a low-ish bar.

Part of it is the permanence of Kosar's allegiance to the city. That's understandable. Meanwhile, Brown's opinions are hotter to the touch, sometimes outlandishly off base. But not often do fans celebrate his right to have them, to see his defense of Maurice Clarett and his missive aimed at Holmgren as products of him coming of age in America in the 1960s.

Granted, he's also not shown Kosar's loyal attachment to the city. That's no small difference, but also not my point.

Just saying that this week wasn't about rallying behind Kosar's right to share an honest opinion.

The Rams flap is not a story about censorship of analysis. Kosar wasn't analyzing anything, just ripping a third-string quarterback in an exhibition game to an audience that really had no interest in the Rams' quarterback, coaches or receivers.

The Browns rightly consider it a professional courtesy to extend the same level of respectful commentary to a visiting team it would expect for its own players. Kosar fell way short of that.

No big deal. Not a fireable offense. Just no reason to celebrate him or his "strong" stance.

SPINOFFS

• Adam Jones tells reporters in Cincinnati they have former Steelers' linebacker James Harrison all wrong.

"Regardless of what y'all try to portray him to be, this big angry guy, he's nowhere near as mean as y'all think he is," Jones said.

A Pacman Jones character endorsement is and always will be pure gold.

• A new study shows men think about sex every 28 minutes, women every 51. Both sexes in Cleveland think about championship parades every 50 years or so.

• Still banned from baseball and not eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot, Pete Rose says he is victimized by having the wrong vice -- gambling, instead of drugs or alcohol.

Warnings about his vice were plastered on every clubhouse door every day he walked through as a player and manager, so how was he to know it could keep him out of Cooperstown? It's not as if Rose put his signature on a lifetime ban.

Wait. He did.

• The Philadelphia Phillies had lost 17 of 20 after a weekend sweep.

Charlie Manuel might want to wait a day or 365 before marching in and threatening to quit if he doesn't get a contract extension.

• Atlanta wide receiver Roddy White, who tweeted the night of the George Zimmerman acquittal that jurors should go home and "kill themselves," then apologized, is back opining on Twitter.

They trying to screw Johnny football so bad and it's sad they putting this much on a 20 year old kid

— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) August 8, 2013

Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel might have been a total innocent those first 4,399 autographs for pay, but by the last one he should've known.

• Colts' owner Jim Irsay tweeted his displeasure with his team after a shoddy performance against Buffalo in the preseason opener.

Many starters played briefly or were nursing little injuries,but it was a crap performance,my apologies/My commanders got n earful from me!

— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) August 12, 2013

The guy who should get an earful is Irsay and the NFL for charging full price for exhibition games.

• Jason Dufner hugged his wife, Amanda, after winning the PGA championship at Oak Hill.

Some people got upset that Dufner patted his wife on the backside. Can't we have a champion that doesn't blur the lines between golf and sex?

Like Tiger.

• Lee Westwood went on a three-hour Twitter rant, calling detractors "girly boy trolls." He later apologized to sponsors and followers for his outburst but not before Ian Poulter volunteered to go troll hunting with him next time.

If we could somehow prove Twitter trolls are also the same people who shout "You da man" and "Get in the hole" after every shot, I speak for many in telling Westwood and Poulter they have my complete support.

• The NFL is cracking down on non-standard facemasks. Some players going with the Hannibal Lecter look are not happy. They think it's stylish and they believe it affords more protection. The league says they must have a medical reason to use it.

And the NFL is the only one that can make changes without having a good reason.

• Saints' defensive coordinator Rob Ryan says of his days on the same job in Dallas, "My time might have been short, but if you don't think I improved that Cowboys defense, you're %$^&# crazy."

What more does Rob Ryan have to prove, other than that he can keep a job?

• So Alex Rodriguez asked Victor Conte for advice on legal performance enhancing supplements.

And that's why he hid in the car to make sure nobody was inside before they talked.

HE SAID IT

"Well, hoo! Thank you, Jesus! It's a compliment. I don't get mad about it at all" -- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson on hearing people suggest PED use led to his remarkable comeback from knee surgery.

Why do I think A-Rod is delusional enough to read this and feel flattered?

View full sizeMaking an appearance at a classroom, Jason Dufner (left) had a brief moment of ... well, maybe Zen? ... which has prompted buddy Bubba Watson (right) and other athletes to enjoy a little "Dufnering." 

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Midweek Edition)

Bud:

Do you accessorize like NBA players or do your glasses actually have lenses? -- Jim Corrigan, Fairview Park

After 22 years writing sports in Cleveland, all my glasses are half empty.

Bud:

Is Johnny Manziel changing his nickname to Johnny Foosball? -- Paul S

If only because Johnny Paycheck is taken.

Hey, Bud!

Couldn't help but notice that the PD's new format includes a promotion for you to the back page. Also took note of your new photo, which cut off the top of your head. Who ordered the "crop job" and why? -- Gary, Wickliffe

Thank you. If I'm "promoted" any further, my column, like my career, will share an unnerving proximity to the obits.

Mr. Bud:

Do the bosses at the PD get upset when someone criticizes your work? -- Bubba, Kiln, Miss.

No. But when someone compliments me, they suspect it's a family member.

Bud:

You're looking good in your new photo. But why did they crop off the top of your head? -- Chas K, Cleveland Hts

I assumed the cropping had something to do with too much forehead and too many chins.

Bud:

Do you remember when being "a person of interest" was considered a good thing? -- Chas K, Cleveland Heights

If it happened before the last five minutes, no.

Bud:

How soon before the Indians and the Cavs only play home games on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday with a bonus game on Saturday? -- Anne

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

Bud:

Did Jason Dufner learn the art of "Dufnering" as a youth watching the Browns and Indians at Old Cleveland Municipal Stadium? -- O. Bill Stone

Repeat winners get the same amount of T-shirts as Cleveland has had championships in the last half century.

After spending over three months in first or second place in the AL Central, the Indians awoke Tuesday in a different zip code.

Justin Masterson says the Indians still have time to reach the postseason.(Jim Mone, Associated Press) 

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Tuesday dawned with the Indians in a painful position. This had nothing to do with sleeping with the air conditioner on and everything to do with being in third place in the AL Central.

Manager Terry Francona's club had been in first or second place in the division for 93 days only to get knocked into third place Monday night by Twins' rookie left-hander Andrew Albers and the relentless Kansas City Royals. Albers, in just his second big league start, threw a two-hit shutout in the Twins' victory over the Tribe and the Royals beat Miami to move into second place by a half-game.

The Royals have won 19 of 24 games since the All-Star break.

"I wish we were in first place," said Francona. "If you get too down about that, it doesn't help. The Royals have been playing great.

"What we need to do is the same as always -- take care of our business. If we do that, those places (in the standings) will take care of themselves."

The Indians, 12-12 since the break, have not recovered from Detroit's four-game sweep at Progressive Field last week. They've lost seven of their last eight games and eight of their last 11. In the last 11 games, the Indians have been outscored, 58-27. They've hit .202 (76-for-376) overall and .187 (14-for-75) with runners in scoring position.

"We've been up and down all year," said right-hander Justin Masterson. "We were pitching well, then we had a few games when we weren't. Our defense hasn't been as sound as we'd like it to be in the second half. The offense has been about the same.

"Whether or not we've hit the dog days, I don't know. Right now, we've just got to turn the hump around a little bit. We've got to get in here feeling nice and just go out there and play."

The Tribe goes into Tuesday night's game seven games out of first in the Central and 4 1/2 out of the second wild card, with the Orioles and Royals in front of them.

Masterson lived through last year's 5-24 August. He does not feel the same about this August, even though the Indians 4-8 in August.

"I don't feel it's anywhere near the same," he said. "We know we have a good team. We know we have the pieces. The performance aspect is just not where it should be right now.

"Compared to last year, we really didn't have as many pieces. We were still hoping. This year it's "Let's compete.' We just haven't competed the best as of late in all aspects of the game. So let's get back to competing."

The Indians entered Tuesday with 43 games left to play.

"We still have a lot of time left, especially with the second wild card," said Masterson. "Look at the runs the Dodgers and Kansas City have been on. Look at the run we've been on for much of the season. Once we start getting on that uptick, it's contagious."

Tuesday night's lineups:

Indians (63-56): CF Bourn, 1B Swisher, 2B Kipnis, SS Cabrera, LF Brantley, DH Santana, RF Raburn, 3B Chisenhall, C Gomes, P McAllister (4-7, 3.90).

Twins (53-63): 2B Dozier, 1B Mauer, DH Morneau, LF Willingham, RF Arcia, 3B Plouffe, C Herrmann, CF Thomas, SS Florimon, P Deduno (7-5, 3.38).

Umpires: H Hamari, 1B Fletcher, 2B Drake, 3B Holbrook.

Cleveland has dropped seven of its last eight overall while its rotation has a 6.00 ERA.

 

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Keith "Josh" Kash Jr. followed in his father's footsteps to become a successful harness racing driver and the 34-year-old Medina horseman reached a major milestone, notching his 2,000th victory on Aug. 9 at Northfield Park.

Keith Kash Jr. of Medina had a crowd of well wishers in the Northfield Park winner's circle after capturing his 2,000th driving victory at Northfield Park on Aug. 9. Kash won by two lengths with Wildatthebeach, a 45-1 shot. JJ Zamaiko / Special to The Plain Dealer 

NORTHFIELD, Ohio -- Medina horseman Keith "Josh" Kash Jr. was following in his father's footsteps when he drove Improvise Hanover to victory 16 summers ago at the Ashland County Fair, his first victory in his second pari-mutuel start. He's raced at a lot of harness tracks since, but he's still a very familiar face on Ohio's county fair circuit and at Northfield Park.

A consistent winner in the sulky, Kash had one of the most satisfying days of his career last week.

Kash, 34, thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon of racing on Aug. 9 at the Ashtabula County Fair, ringing up four victories on the Jefferson oval. Heading to Northfield Park for the evening races, Kash added four more victories. Capping his stellar day was a major upset with 45-1 Wildatthebeach in the 11th race, Kash's 2,000th career trip to the winner's circle.

"I've raced at tracks in New York, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Michigan the last four or five years, but I'm happy right now racing at Northfield Park," said Kash. "It's where I grew up racing, and I still love Ohio's county fair racing. You can get a lot of work here, as long as you put forth the effort to succeed. There are hills and valleys, but I've made a pretty good living."

His biggest victories have come at Northfield Park. Kash drove Bono Bests to victory in the $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie in 2008, and captured the $100,000 Ohio Sires Stakes two-year-old pacing championship with Osborne's Bullet in 2005. Those wins helped push his career purse earnings to more than $7.8 million.

"I still drive for Eric Hamlet, who trained Osborne's Bullet," said Kash. "I grew up with him playing pinball in the track kitchen."

Kash, who trains a 25-horse stable with his wife, Melinda, says his father, Keith Kash Sr., and noted driver David Hawk were his role models. The senior Kash won almost 1,500 races. Hawk, who drove more than 5,500 winners during his career, died at 50 on June 27 from a stroke and leukemia.

"Dave Hawk was my mentor when I first started driving," Kash said. "He gave me a lot of good advice. He was a critic, but also a very good friend."

Honey Jay on Sunday: The Ohio Sires Stakes races continue at ThistleDown Racino, with a big field expected for Sunday's $50,000 Honey Jay Stakes. The 6-furlong dash is for three-year-olds and up. Almighty O upset favorites two-time Honey Jay winner Sneak a Cold Treat and Klassy Korbin last year, a stable entry that ended up in a dead heat for the place position. Racing Secretary Pat Ellsworth said he has a lot of nominations for the Honey Jay and expects a full entry box for this year's edition.

Open races at Northfield: Tyber Tyke ($2.80) won Monday's $6,000 Open Pace at Northfield Park with Peter Wrenn in the sulky, clocking a 1:54.1 mile to notch a three-length victory for owner Dorothy Miller of Delphos, Ohio. The four-year-old gelding trained by Melanie Wrenn has won seven races this season. In the $6,000 Open Trot, Norma's Rose ($6.60) was a length winner in 1:56.3 for driver Aaron Merriman and owner-trained Lee Blodgett of Warren. Norma's Rose has won nine races this year and 37 in her career, pushing her earnings to $279,517.

Marks fall at Scioto Downs: The trotters and pacers have been setting records at Scioto Downs lately, with three more marks falling on Aug. 10. Rocking Finish with Ronnie Wrenn Jr. in the sulky scorched the five-eighths mile oval with a 1:50 mile in the Capitol City Pace to set the standard for 4-year-old and older stallions; Summer Indian and driver Tony Hall established the standard for 4-year-old trotting geldings with a 1:53 mile in the Heart of Ohio Trot; and Hall returned to guide Dibs to a 1:54.4 clocking, the record for 2-year-old pacing colts.

Super Stakes at Pocono: There is $2,375,000 in purses on the line for Super Stakes Saturday at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Three-year-old pacing star Captaintreacherous, co-owned by Joe Sbrocco of Brecksville, will try to make it seven-for-seven this year in the Battle of Brandywine. Fresh off his Hambletonian win, sophomore Royalty for Life will trot in the Colonial.

Out and about: Plain Ol' Willard finished third to Silver Tongued in the $75,000 Cleveland Gold Cup on July 7, but he's had much better success at Beulah Park in Grove City. On Aug. 10 he won the $50,000 Horizon Stake with Gabe Lagunes in the saddle at Beulah, where he'd won the Green Carpet Stakes two months ago. Uptown Gal won the $50,000 Vivacious Handicap on the same card, with the familiar nine-year-old mare Pay the Man second once again. Uptown Gal had won the Queen City Oaks at Beulah on July 28.

Carlos Santana had success catching Twins starter Samuel Deduno in the World Baseball Classic in March. Hitting him is a completely different story. In other news, Grady Sizemore's agent says his client is expected to sign with a team during the offseason.

Carlos Santana would like to hit Twins starter Samuel Deduno as well as he caught him in the World Baseall Classic.(Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Seen and heard at Target Field.

Clubhouse confidential: In the World Baseball Classic in March, Carlos Santana caught Twins' right-hander Samuel Deduno three times for the Dominican Republic. Deduno went 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA as the Dominican won the championship.

Tuesday night Santana and the Indians faced Deduno. Santana said just because he caught Deduno doesn't mean he has an advantage hitting against him.

"I know what pitches he throws, but it's doesn't help me trying to hit him because he can't throw the ball straight," said Santana, who entered Tuesday's game 0-for-9 against Deduno.

Grady Sizemore update: Agent Joe Urbon says the former Indians center fielder is expected to sign with a team this off-season. Sizemore has not played in the big leagues since 2011 because of a series of knee and back surgeries.

Urbon says Sizemore's rehab has gone well and that several teams have expressed an interest in the 31-year-old. It's unknown if the Indians are interested. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports first reported the latest development in Sizemore's saga.

Stat of the day: Monday's 3-0 loss to the Twins was the seventh time the Indians have been shutout this season. In the AL, only Tampa Bay and Kansas City with six each and Baltimore with five have been shut out fewer times.

Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore as he talks Browns tonight with cleveland.com's Tom Reed at 9 p.m.

Talk Browns training camp tonight at 9 p.m. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan) 

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