Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao gained a few new fans recently when he helped a couple of stranded travelers at Cleveland Hopkins airport.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Humberto Kukhyun Choi had never heard of Anderson Varejao until 10 days ago.

"But now I know,'' said Choi, a pulmonary and critical care doctor at the Cleveland Clinic.

Choi dropped off his mother, Sook Kwak, and 29-year-old brother, Victor Choi, at Cleveland Hopkins Airport on Aug. 4 for their flight back home to Brazil. What they didn't realize was that the first leg of the trip to Miami had been cancelled.

Kwak and Victor Choi speak only Portuguese and Korean, and they didn't have a cell phone that worked in the United States, so they were struggling to communicate with American Airlines employees. As it happened, Varejao, on his way home to Brazil for his wedding next month, also was on the flight and was pressed into service as a translator.

Not only did he help the pair get another flight, but he also helped them find a hotel room in Miami that night before their flight the next day.

After she got home, Kwak searched the Internet for information on Brazilian basketball players in Cleveland and came up with Varejao's name. Her son didn't recognize it, but when he asked his co-workers at the Clinic, they all filled him in on the Cavs' popular center.

Brendan Bowers, founder and managing editor of the Stepien Rules blog (stepienrules.com), got a tip about the story and wrote about it on Tuesday. According to the blog, "She didn't know his name,'' Humberto Kukhyun Choi told Bowers. "She only knew that he was a tall guy, with funny hair who plays basketball. She asked me to thank this guy for his patience and generosity! Well, this guy turned out to be Anderson Varejao!! Man you are awesome! Thank you so much for helping them!

"You have no idea how helpful he was. Imagine my mom who don't speak English and my brother who is mentally challenged totally lost at the airport. And this guy comes and helped them to find a new flight to MIA.

"Once in MIA he helped them get into the hotel in the middle of the night. Obviously American Airlines was not helpful at all but this guy basically did everything for them. And I had no clue that this was happening as there was no way to communicate with them. Funny that my mom had no idea who he was. And just asked to thank him for all his help."

A text message to Varejao was not returned and he declined an interview request through the Cavs, although he did confirm the story.

For Humberto Kukhyun Choi, "It was a hell of a day. "I'm so thankful that something that could have been so terrible turned out to be fine.''

But his family's troubles were only part of his day. Long before dropping his mother and brother off at the airport, he took part in the Cleveland Triathlon. In the middle of the bike race, a fellow competitor had a heart attack and Choi jumped off his bike to do chest compressions until the EMTs arrived, likely saving the man's life.

In this case, one good turn really did deserve another.

"What goes around comes around,'' Choi said.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are box scores and highlights from boys and girls golf matches played Tuesday, Aug. 13 in Northeast Ohio.  

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are box scores and highlights from boys and girls golf matches played Tuesday, Aug. 13 in Northeast Ohio.

BOYS GOLF

NORDONIA CLASSIC

At Ellsworth Meadows

How they finished: 1. Highland 320; 2. St. Vincent-St. Mary 323; 3. Wadsworth 328; 4. Nordonia 329; 5. Brecksville 341; 6. West Geauga 354; 7. Streetsboro 358; 8. Firestone 364; 9. Mayfield 365; T10. Shaker Heights 370; Trinity 370; 12. Barberton 418.

Top Individuals: 1. Scherler (H) 77; T2. Brown (N) 78; Armao (B) 78; Weiss (H) 78; 5. Krcmar (Br) 79; T6. Kovalchick (SVSM) 81; Hofacker (SVSM) 81; Johnson (St) 81; T9. Merous (Br) 82; Bell (N) 82; Lago (St) 82.

Highlights: Ryan Scherler was medalist with a 77 as Highland edged St. Vincent-St. Mary by three strokes.

GREEN WAVE INVITATIONAL

At Columbia Hills

How they finished: 1. Berea-Midpark 327; 2. Holy Name 331; T3. Independence 347; Bay 347; 5. Normandy 360; 6. North Olmsted 364; 7. Valley Forge 383; 8. Parma 460.

Top Individuals: 1. Schumer (BM) 76; T2. Ellis (BM) 79; Genchi (HN) 79; 4. O’Donnel (N) 80; 5. Kilgore (BM) 81.

Riverside 153, Madison 172

At Painesville

1. Poyar (R) 36; 2. Jeddy 38; 3. Irish 39.

Highlights: Riverside’s Jake Poyar was medalist with an even-par 36.

Cuyahoga Heights 184, Garfield Heights 191

At Astorhurst

T1. Orr (CH) 41; Paternak (GH) 41; 3. Drckton (CH) 42.

GIRLS GOLF

CHAGRIN VALLEY CONFERENCE

PRESEASON TOURNAMENT

At Kent State

How they finished: 1. Hawken 319; 2. Kenston 328; 3. Aurora 351; 4. Perry 420; 5. Orange 445; 6. Berkshire 452.

Top Individuals: 1. Poe (K) 74; 2. Cohen (H) 77; 3. Lerner (A) 78; T4. Gole (H) 80; Joseph (H) 80; 6. Nelson (A) 81; T7. Newman (H) 82; Mikus (K) 82; 10. Miller (P) 83.

Highlights: Senior Kelly Poe was medalist with a 5-over-par 74, but it wasn’t enough for second-place Kenston as Hawken claimed the CVC preseason event.

Beaumont 191, Twinsburg 239

At Gleneagles

1. Jen Corrado (B) 46.

cleveland.com's Glenn Moore recapped today's Browns practice with cleveland.com's Tom Reed.

Is there really a quarterback competition going on in Berea? Tom Reed talks about this and more with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore. (John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer)  

The Indians signed former No.1 pick David Cooper to a minor league on Tuesday. Cooper, recovering from experimental back surgery, could get a shot with the Tribe in September.

GM Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona will assess how new first baseman David Cooper plays in the coming weeks to see if he'll be called up in September. (Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer) 

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Depending on what David Cooper does in the next couple of weeks, there's a chance the Indians could take a look at the first baseman in September. They signed the former No.1 pick to a minor-league deal Tuesday and sent him to their spring training site in Goodyear, Ariz.

Cooper, 26, is recovering from experimental back surgery in April that has threatened his career. Before that he was a prospect with the Blue Jays, who selected him with their No.1 pick in 2008.

The plan right is for Cooper to knock off some rust in Goodyear and join Class AAA Columbus in about a week. As for a September call-up, that will depend on several things including where the Indians are in the standings and how Cooper is playing.

"He needs to play regularly," said GM Chris Antonetti. "Once he does, we can assess his September possibilities."

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported that Cooper's deal includes an escape clause for later this month if he's not added to the big-league roster.

Cooper has not played since being released by the Blue Jays in March. Last year he hit .300 (42-for-140) with 11 doubles, four homers and 11 RBI in 45 games with Toronto before suffering a sprained back in August. After being released by Toronto, Cooper had surgery in April. The operation involved removing a herniated thoracic disk and inserting a titanium plate and two titanium screws.

Cooper, a left-handed hitter, started last year at Class AAA Las Vegas, where he hit .314 (83-for-261) with 27 doubles, 10 homers and 52 RBI in 62 games. He played in parts of the 2011 and 2012 seasons for Toronto.

Whip it good: Justin Masterson threw a bullpen session Wednesday and apparently the whip is back. Against the Angels on Sunday, Masterson turned in his shortest start of the season, lasting only 4 1/3 innings.

"He told me the whip wasn't there," said manager Terry Francona. "I kept asking him if he needed an extra day's rest, but he said no."

Masterson said Wednesday's pen went well.

"I got that nice good feel again that I didn't have in my last start," said Masterson, who starts against Oakland on Friday. "My leverage was a little bit off."

Testing, testing: A week after spraining the middle finger of his right hand while throwing 7 1/3 scoreless innings against Detroit, Corey Kluber threw a baseball for the first time Tuesday afternoon.

He played catch at about 60 feet with head trainer Lonnie Soloff for about 10 to 15 minutes. Kluber had the injured finger taped while he played catch.

"It's a start," said Kluber.

Kluber is expected to miss four to six weeks, so his season could still be over.

"He's progressing really well," said Francona. "He's at the mercy of the way the finger heals, but he seems to be healing quickly. In the meantime, he's been in the weight room killing it."

No worries: Before Monday's game, Ryan Raburn and Soloff were seen walking down the concourse at Target Field. Raburn didn't play Monday night so there was some concern about his health.

"I'm fine," said Raburn on Tuesday. "We were just going to complete my physical for my contract."

Last week Raburn signed a two-year $4.85 million extension with the Indians. The deal included a $3 million club option for 2016.

In the fold: Cuban right-hander Leandro Linares, who signed with the Indians for $950,000, passed his physical last week in Cleveland and reported to the team's baseball academy in the Dominican Republic.

To date, Linares is the top international free agent signed by the Indians this year. The signing season started July 2.

Coming home: Cleveland's girls 18-under fast-pitch softball team came within one victory of qualifying for the RBI World Series on Tuesday in Minneapolis. Playing in single elimination, they beat Nobu Yamauchi RBI from Hawaii, 3-1, in the morning, but lost to Atlanta, 3-2, in the game that could have put them in title game Wednesday at the University of Minnesota.

The RBI program is sponsored by MLB. RBI stands for Reviving Baseball in the Inner City.

Finally: Class A Carolina right-hander Cody Anderson was named the Indians' minor league player of the week. Anderson allowed one run and struck out five in seven innings as Carolina beat Frederick Keys, 12-1, on Friday. He struck out five, walked one and didn't allow a runner past second. Anderson is 9-4 with a 2.34 ERA in 23 starts.

Chudzinski said he plans to use the running back for a 'couple series

BEREA, Ohio – Trent Richardson rushed for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago, but he will experience an NFL first on Thursday at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The second-year halfback will appear in his first preseason game. Not a big deal? You wouldn't have said that judging by his reaction to the news Tuesday afternoon.

Coach Rob Chudzinski confirmed his plans to use Richardson for a “couple series” against the Detroit Lions as the running back continues to recover from a strained shin. Other starters will play into the second quarter and potentially the entire first half, the coach added.

Richardson acted surprised when reporters relayed Chudzinski's comments.

“Oh, he told you I'm playing?” Richardson said after he practiced extensively with the first unit. “Hey, I'm surprised like y’all and I'm happy and I can't wait to get up out there. I kind of had a feeling he was going to say yeah today because he had me going in there with . . . the group of starters. So it felt good when I was out there and I'm happy Coach told y'all I can play."

The Browns have been cautious with Richardson's shin injury, one he suffered in spring practices. The running back, who missed virtually all of training camp last year due to arthroscopic knee surgery, has said he could have played last week in the preseason opener if it had been a regular-season game.

“It's a big relief,” he said. “I want to play, all the time and I'm just real happy with the decision Coach has made.”

Some wonder why the Browns would risk injury to Richardson, who played much of last season with broken ribs. He believes it’s important to play for purposes of timing and conditioning.

“(Also to) see what I need to work on game wise and see what I need to study more on,” Richardson added.

Mo’ pain: Montario Hardesty suffered a dislocated right thumb in practice Monday, Chudzinski confirmed, and will not play Thursday. The reserve back returned to practice Tuesday, wearing a protective wrap, and was extremely limited.

Hardesty, who had just returned to team drills Monday, has missed all or parts of 11 of the 16 training-camp practices with hamstring tendon and thumb injuries. He is fighting for a roster spot with Dion Lewis, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya. Hardesty entered camp as the No. 2 back behind Richardson, but has since fallen behind Lewis for that role because of the injuries.

Bogotay gets nod: Chudzinski said rookie Brandon Bogotay will attempt all the kicks against the Lions. Asked if veteran Shayne Graham will kick in the third preseason game versus Indianapolis, the coach replied: “We will see after this game.”

“It’s a pretty tight competition,’’ the coach said. “It’s a day-to-day thing. We will kick Brandon Bogotay in this game. Only Brandon. We want to give him an opportunity to be put him in a situation where he has to kick them all.”

Bogotay, who converted 1-of-2 field-goal attempts in the opener, is excited for the opportunity to kick again in the stadium. The last two preseason games are on the road.

“The stadium does have a bit of a breeze, but it's something that if you kick there a couple times you get a feel for it and what the wind does,” Bogotay said.

Radio days: On Tuesday, Browns CEO Joe Banner appeared on 92.3 The Fan. He addressed an array of topics, including receiver Josh Gordon and the Bernie Kosar flap.

Regarding Gordon: “It would be dishonest to say we didn’t have concerns. There’s too much history there. On the other hand, Josh seems to be taking responsibility of what he can control. Despite some rumors and stories out there, we feel like he’s working hard and trying to improve. He’s developing a good relationship with Chud and his position coaches.”

Regarding Kosar: “It was never a question of whether to keep him on the broadcast or not. We feel there’s an appropriate kind of dialogue to use.”

Practice opponent?: The Browns might get the opportunity to compete against someone other than their teammates next year in training camp.

Chudzinski left open the possibility of conducting several practice sessions with one of their preseason opponents before the game. The Browns have trained with other teams years ago, most often against the Buffalo Bills. They last did it in 2004.

The Cincinnati Bengals spent several days practicing with the Atlanta Falcons last week in advance of their preseason opener. With a new coaching staff installing offensive and defensive systems, Chudzinski didn’t consider such practices feasible this season.

“I’ve done it before and I think it’s a good thing,” he said. “This year, it was a little more focus on ourselves and getting ourselves straight to begin with . . . Some of it has something to do with how the schedule comes out and the teams you are playing and when you are playing them, but I generally like the idea . . . I would consider it."

Several veteran players expressed support for the idea. As a member of the Oakland Raiders, defensive end Desmond Bryant held practices with the San Francisco 49ers.

“It’s good,” Bryant said. “It breaks up the monotony but it’s also good not to be hitting your own guys every day because it can get rough. When you get another team, there’s a chance to go full go and I think that’s good.”

Brownies: Cornerback Chris Owens (foot) returned to practice . . . Browns owner Jimmy Haslam attended practice as did Glenville coach Ted Ginn and members of his team . . . Tuesday was the final practice opened to the public.

Chudzinski said he still wants to see more from the quarterbacks before naming his starter.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns coach Rob Chudzinski revealed today that the quarterback competition between Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell remains tight despite Weeden taking all the first-team reps in camp.

"I think it's still close and we're finding out every game, and these games are important opportunities for guys to show what they can do,'' said Chudzinski.

Chudzinski, who will play his starters a half, or close to it, Thursday night against the Lions, said he still wants to see the quarterbacks more in preseason before naming his starter. Weeden has been working exclusively with the ones, Campbell with the twos, and Hoyer with the threes.

“There’s a point where I will name a starting quarterback, (but) not yet,'' Chudzinski said. "That plan is to find the right guy. At whatever point is the right time to do that, we'll name a starter.”

But how can Chudzinski realistically call it close when Campbell has yet to take a snap with the first team offense?

"There's still three preseason games left so there's still a lot of work to be done, and we've still got plenty of practice time as well,'' said Chudzinski. "Every day is an evaluation and they've each done well and shown good things along the way.''

Chudzinski insisted he can get a good read on Campbell despite the fact he's working exclusively with the backups.

"I think you can tell,'' said Chudzinski. "I think the things that he's demonstrated with that group are what I would expect and I think that he's shown well.''

He said Weeden hasn't done anything to make Chudzinski question his status as the first-team quarterback.

"I don’t look at it like that,'' said Chudzinski. "You look at maybe a day or a play or a throw or something that you would like him to improve on. You see him start to improve and make the corrections and you see the progress.”

He said Campbell's also displayed plenty of the qualities he's looking for in a starting quarterback.

"He played on an offense that was similar, so that familiarity has been good,'' said Chudzinski. "In terms of leadership, you see him do all of the extra things with helping receivers out and helping young guys out, helping getting guys lined up.''

Weeden, who put up 10 points against the Rams and earned a 127.7 rating in two series of work, took Chudzinski's assessment of the competition in stride.

"He makes all the decisions,'' said Weeden. "I guess I just need to keep continuing to work, go out and play like last Thursday night and keep continuing to put together drives and first downs. All I can really control is what I do out here. If I continue to impress and do all of those things, everything will take care of itself.''

Could it be that Chudzinski wants to keep the pressure on Weeden, keep pushing him to be the best he can be?

"I can’t really say (if) he’s challenging me, but I can’t worry about it,'' said Weeden. "I’ve got a lot of other things to worry about. I’m about to go play a game in two days. That's my main focus is playing against Detroit and playing well.''

But even Weeden acknowledged that competition brings out the best in everyone.

"Yeah, absolutely,'' he said. "Competition is good. I've told you guys that all along. It makes everybody better regardless of position. It challenges guys to come focused each and every day to work and keep continuing to play better.''

Campbell seemed to think Chudzinski was primarily keeping the competitive spirit alive.

"I think the one thing coach wants to do is just keep pushing all of us and not to get complacent and not to get comfortable,'' he said. "When you have a competitive environment, I think it makes everyone better because you’re not sitting down and not just becoming settled or complacent. You have to continue push and push and get better because we’re all still being watched.”

But wouldn't he be surprised if he were the guy on Sept. 8 against the Dolphins?

"I’m just practicing my butt off trying to get better,'' he said. "I don’t have any foreseeing or anything like that. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to get out here and grow and get better and just keep playing.''

Campbell, who went 11-7 in his last two years as a starter in Oakland before breaking his collarbone in a game against the Browns, feels he's improved a lot in the new scheme.

"I feel my footwork has got a lot faster,'' he said. "We do a lot of quarterback drills which are very important to our footwork in the pocket having to move around and make plays. Sunday and preseason games, you’re not just standing back there. There are speed people coming to get you. You’re a live target at that point. Things we do on the practice field we try to carry over into each game. Each preseason game is important to each player on this team, because we’re all still learning each other. We’re all still learning a new system on offense, defense and special teams.”

Campbell said he felt good against the Rams despite warming up and then sitting on the bench waiting to play. His first drive, he completed 5-of-6 attempts and then settled for a field goal after a slightly high third-down pass glanced off Chris Ogbonnaya's hands.

"Once we got out there and started going, I felt like the flow of the game was good, I thought the first team did an outstanding job,'' he said "I thought once the second team got out there we continued that chemistry down the field. I thought the most important part about last Thursday was the third-down conversions. (But) you don't get too high off of one preseason game, you don't get too low off one preseason game. It's a work in progress.''

Browns CEO Joe Banner re-iterated to 92.3 The Fan today that the Browns are giving Weeden every opportunity to succeed, but that the jury is still out.

"Only time will tell,” Banner said. “He’s definitely come in and put in tremendous work, clearly showing he wants to do what it takes to be the best he can be. Now we have to get through camp and get into regular-season games and see how he does and whether in those tougher situations if the development you want to see is there. Nobody is ready to be negative about it. Nobody is ready to endorse it yet. But we’re hopeful, and we’re seeing a lot of encouraging signs.”

Weeden is still confident that he'll keep his job.

"But I've got to prove it to the other guys, the guys upstairs that I am the guy,'' he said. "The only way I can do that is to play well and keep continuing to get better.''

Watch Mary Kay Cabot's and Tom Reed's analysis of Tuesday's Training Camp practice plus a video on the quarterback competition. Watch video

 BEREA, Ohio -- Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed recap what happened at yesterday's Training Camp practice.

Highlights include:  Trent Richardson will play in at least a couple series Thursday night against the Lions.  Montario Hardesty suffered a dislocated  thumb Monday when taking a high snap from center.  Head coach Rob Chudzinski saying that the quarterback competition is "still close" between Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell.

Tuesday was the last day of Training Camp.  Check in daily on cleveland.com/browns for more Browns videos throughout the season.

Follow on Twitter: @CLEvideos

With more than 80 players in NFL camps between the two schools, Buckeyes and Wolverines need to get along when they turn pro.

The OSU that Michael Brewster said he left in Denard Robinson's locker, which the former Wolverine apparently wrote on and returned.Michael Brewster

COLUMBUS, Ohio – One of the realities of NFL life is that Buckeyes and Wolverines must learn to get along. There are about 48 former Ohio State players in NFL camps right now, with the preseason still in its early stages. Michigan has about 34. And sometimes, they cross paths.

St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis, for instance, told me this offseason that one of the reasons he was excited that the Rams signed former Michigan left tackle Jake Long was because now he'd have someone to bet against when The Game comes around.

In Philadelphia, former Buckeye Kurt Coleman can do the same with Jason Avant or Brandon Graham. New York Giants rookies Johnathan Hankins and Etienne Sabino can join Jim Cordle and Bryant Browning in ganging up on David Baas and Stevie Brown. In Houston, Travis Howard, Orhian Johnson, Zach Boren and DeVier Posey can hash it out with Tim Jamison. With the New York Jets, Nick Mangold, Santonio Holmes and newcomer J.B. Shugarts must hold their own against Braylon Edwards, William Campbell and David Harris. In Miami, Brian Hartline could find himself covered in practice by safety Jordan Kovacs. In New England, who knows what Michael Jenkins, Jake Ballard or Nate Ebner could say to Tom Brady.

In Jacksonville, the Buckeyes and Wolverines are still getting to know each other.

Former OSU center Michael Brewster is trying to lock down an offensive line spot in his second year in the league. Brewster isn't shy about tweeting about his OSU days, with tweets like this one.

Big thanks to my mom for leaving this at my hotel today! JT bobble head!! Hell yea #gobucks http://t.co/F9yxe530QQ

— Michael Brewster (@Brewster50) July 28, 2013

Robinson already has drawn the ire of Ohio State fans and players with his appearance on the EA Sports college football video game for this season.

Brewster apparently left a present in Robinson's locker recently, but as Brewster wrote on his Twitter account Tuesday, the gift was returned. Still, it's nice to see those Buckeyes and Wolverines spending some quality time together.

Was kind enough to put this hat in @DenardX locker and he returned it with some dirty 4 letter words on it 😂 pic.twitter.com/dqHyyJY3J1

— Michael Brewster (@Brewster50) August 13, 2013

The seven gray leaves are intended to honor the school's seven national titles.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Squint from the stands or press your face against your HDTV screen and you may notice one of the small changes to the Ohio State jerseys this season.

After some first noticed the potential changes in July, Ohio State's media day on Sunday, which the players attended in their jerseys, helped confirm the existence of new Buckeye leaves. And then Ohio State officially confirmed the addition Tuesday.

The gray leaves are along the back collar of the jerseys, above where the players' names are stitched. The seven gray leaves are intended to represent Ohio State's seven national titles.

One change that was discussed on the Internet that isn't coming, apparently, is to the facemask. A photo was taken of a Block O imbedded in a facemask, but I asked sports information director Jerry Emig and athletic director Gene Smith about the facemask, and they said they didn't know of any plans for the Buckeyes to wear them this season.

It is an interesting look, though.

Check out this cool OSU face mask: pic.twitter.com/PGEqvJGWsz

— Ari Wasserman (@AriWassermanBSB) August 1, 2013

The Indians used a good start by Zach McAllister and a resourceful offense Tuesday night to beat the Twins at Target Field.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- A resilient offense and good starting pitching can take a team a long way.

For the last week or so, the Indians seemed to forget those two baseball basics. Tuesday night they remembered. Zach McAllister pitched six innings and the offense scored in a variety ways to beat the Twins, 5-2, at Target Field.

"This was a good team win," said Ryan Raburn, who contributed with a two-run homer in the sixth.

It was just the second win in the last nine games for the Indians. They are a pedestrian 13-12 since the All-Star break, but the victory moved them back into second place in the AL Central following Kansas City's 1-0 loss to Miami.

It was a night of firsts for McAllister. It was his first win since May 23 against Boston, first win since coming off the disabled list on July 23 and his first win against the Twins. McAllister went 0-3 with a 8.00 ERA (eight earned runs in nine innings) against Minnesota last year.

"It definitely feels good to pitch well against the Twins," said McAllister. "Josh Willingham, especially, had my number. He had it again in the second inning so it was nice to get him out in the next two at-bats. It definitely a confidence booster."

Willingham gave the Twins a 1-0 lead with a leadoff homer in the second. The homer gave him five career hits, including three homers, in as many at-bats against McAllister. The streak ended when McAllister retired him on a grounder in the fourth and struck him out with a runner on third in the sixth.

"Zach got to two strikes on 18 of the 23 hitters he faced," said manager Terry Francona. "So he was pitching ahead in the count. As he got into the game, he started getting more comfortable with his off-speed pitches. His cutter was effective and he flipped enough breaking balls in there to make them respect that."

Offensively, the Indians worked hard in the early going to take a 3-1 lead. Then they coasted as Raburn homered off Sam Deduno (7-6, 3.54) for a 5-1 lead in the sixth. The Indians are not a team that can coast, as has been proven time and time again in this streaky season.

• Indians-Twins boxscore | Scoreboard | Standings

Just when they appeared to have the game under control, an error brought the Twins within striking distance. After Joe Mauer singled with one out in the sixth, Justin Morneau sent a single to center. Michael Bourn, who owns two Gold Gloves for his defensive play, didn't get his body in front of the ball, as it skipped past his glove and rolled to deep center field.

Mauer scored to make it 5-2 and Morneau reached third on the error. McAllister (5-7, 3.47) picked up Bourn by striking out Willingham and Oswaldo Arcia to end the inning.

"Our defense has been great for us all year long," said McAllister. "For us as pitchers, it's our job to pick them up when they don't always do what we expect of them. . .To pick them up is exciting."

McAllister struck out seven, allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits in six innings. He threw 105 pitches, 76 for strikes. The seven strikeouts matched a season high.

"Zach really set up the game for us, especially the bullpen," said Francona. "He goes six innings and then the guys can come in with clean innings."

McAllister, who spent seven weeks on the disabled list with a sprained middle finger on his right hand, was 0-2 in his first four starts following his activation. In his last start, he lasted just 2 1/3 innings against Detroit, allowing six runs, five earned, on four hits and four walks.

Trailing 1-0, the Indians tied it with a run in the third. Raburn, who has 14 homers in 192 at-bats, drew a leadoff walk and Lonnie Chisenhall reached on Mauer's error at first. Yan Gomes, with runners on first and second, singled to load the bases. Bourn's fielder's choice tied the score.

The Indians took a 2-1 lead in the fourth. Jason Kipnis, who entered the game hitting .429 (18-for-42) against the Twins this year, singled to start the inning. He took second on a wild pitch and scored on Michael Brantley's single to center.

The Tribe made it 3-1 in the fifth. Gomes hit a leadoff double and moved to third on Bourn's sacrifice bunt. After Nick Swisher walked, Kipnis sent a grounder to first to deliver Gomes.

Cody Allen and Joe Smith followed McAllister and each pitched a scoreless inning. Chris Perez pitched the ninth for his 19th save.

The Twins, 14-11 since the break, lost for just the fourth time in the last 12 games.

Deduno allowed five runs, four earned, on five hits in six innings. It was his first loss to the Indians against two wins.

Post-game video: Francona, McAllister talk

Why doesn't Andrew Bynum get a free pass from fans like Greg Oden does? Hey, Mary!

Hey, Mary: How come the fans rag on Andrew Bynum for being injured one year, but Greg Oden gets a pass after being injured three years for doing nothing in the NBA? -- Ronald Mitchell, Somerset, N.J.

Hey, Ronald: You have to look at where those fans are. The always tough Philadelphia fans naturally are upset that their team took a huge gamble on Bynum that didn't pay off. As a result, their team was gutted. Here in Ohio, where Oden played a season at Ohio State and helped the Buckeyes to the Final Four, the fans are more forgiving about what they see as a bad break that's out of Oden's control.

Hey, Mary: Assuming everybody is healthy for the start of the regular season, including Andrew Bynum and Anderson Varejao, who do you think will be in the starting lineup? -- Amy Perez, Cleveland

Hey, Amy: That's still a big assumption, but if everybody is healthy, I think the starting lineup is Bynum, Tristan Thompson, Earl Clark, Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving.

Hey, Mary: While Andrew Bynum wants to play a full season, we all know that won't be the case. Do you know if the Cavs have a plan to rest Bynum -- such as resting him every three games, and also sitting him during the back end of back-to-back games? -- Chris Taylor, Columbus

Hey, Chris: It's just too early to know that. There's still six weeks until training camp opens, then they'll have to see what he's ready to do and how long he can do it. It would stand to reason that there would be some sort of plan, especially in the early going, but the Cavs can't possibly have determined that yet.

Hey, Mary: Lately everyone has been making their ROY predictions, or who they think will "have the greatest impact.'' The thing is, Mr. Bennett isn't on any of them! I understand he's a little banged up but I was under the impression it wasn't serious, any updates on the shoulder and his weight? -- Jason Moyer, Moreno Valley, Calif.

Hey, Jason: I wouldn't really be concerned with Rookie of the Year predictions in August. Bennett's shoulder is healing fine after the surgery and he has been cleared to run and shoot. He can't have any contact yet. No word on his weight, though reporters who saw him at the recent rookie orientation in New York thought he looked bigger. That's not surprising given that he couldn't work out normally most of the summer.

Hey, Mary: The scouting report on Anthony Bennett is that he's suspect on defense, so why are they talking about playing him at SF? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland

Hey, Angelo: The Cavs insist that Bennett will be a power forward this season.

Hey, Mary: We all know Mike Brown to be a defensive specialist. This is where he will make his mark on this young team. Who will primarily run the offense -- Bickerstaff or Boylan? -- J. Davis, Akron

Hey, J: While all the coaches will have input in all areas. the offensive specialist actually is Igor Kokoskov.

Hey, Mary: What are the main teams standing in the way of the Cavaliers for a playoff spot? -- Lathyn Barbee, Orlando

Hey, Lathyn: I'm sure you're not talking about the upper tier of Eastern Conference playoff teams that includes Miami, Indiana, Chicago, Brooklyn and New York. Right now it looks as if the Cavs will battle Atlanta, Detroit and Washington for playoff spots six through eight.

Hey, Mary: I have read elsewhere that Tristan Thompson has decided to switch his shooting hand. This is a big deal and very difficult to do at this stage of his career. Can you confirm and any comments available from the Cavs coaches on this news? -- Tim Corbett, Ladera Ranch, Calif.

Hey, Tim: I'm assuming you sent in your question before my colleague Jodie Valade confirmed that and wrote about it twice last week. Here are the links to her stories: Tristan Thompson makes right-handed debut for Team Canada and Tristan Thompson's switch to right-handed shooting is a first (we think)

It has been a poor season to date for Asdrubal Cabrera. Just what the heck is going on?

Asdrubal Cabrera has done a lot of swinging and missing this season.Associated Press

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Just what the heck is going on with the Indians' former All-Star shortstop? We'll tackle that question and others in today's mailbag.

Hey, Hoynsie: Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has been awful in 2013. He claimed he would come to camp in great shape, but his play and his conditioning has been a disappointment. Is it time to trade him? -- John Rooney, Chicago.

Hey, John: Cabrera did come to spring training in great shape. From all appearances, he's maintained his conditioning through the first 4 1/2 months of the season. His main problem is that he keeps swinging and missing pitches. That certainly hasn't helped his market value if the Indians are considering trading him.

From a contract standpoint, Cabrera is signed through the 2014 season.

Hey, Hoynsie: Has manager Terry Francona told his hitters to take on the first pitch all the time? It seems that way. Also, why do they throw to first base when a player is on third? -- Jan Swetel, Painesville.

Hey, Jan: Francona likes to talk about swinging at good pitches. He says the more times a hitter swings at a good pitch, the more success he'll have. I'm pretty sure if an Indians' batter sees a good pitch and it's the first one in the at-bat, he'll swing. But maybe he won't because he's waiting to see a better pitch. I think I just wrote like Casey Stengel used to talk.

With runners on first and third, it always seems like a risky proposition to keep throwing to first base to keep that runner close. But sometimes it's done to see if the hitter at the plate will tip his hand. Perhaps he's trying to squeeze the runner home from third. Or maybe the pitcher just doesn't want pitch to that hitter and is trying to convince Francona to take him out of the game. (I'm kidding).

Hey, Hoynsie: Did you happen to ask why the Tribe didn't claim Alex Rios? Wouldn't he have been a quality upgrade in right field? His salary roughly equals what they wasted on Brett Myers and Mark Reynolds and they could have controlled him for two-plus seasons. -- Patrick Osborne, Cleveland.

Hey, Patrick: Rios would have definitely helped, but the fact that he'll make $12.5 million next year along with a $1 million buyout if they didn't pick up his $13.5 million club option in 2015 stopped that from happening.

Hey,Hoynsie: So what's the deal with Kenny Lofton's lack of votes to remain on the Hall of Fame ballot? Sure, he's not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but don't his career stats warrant at least being kept on the ballot? Do you writers know something that's never come to light, and if so, are you ready to spill the beans? -- Adam Zeitz, Charlottesville, Va.

Hey, Adam: You're asking a guy who voted for Lofton in December, so I have no beans to spill. There was so much talk about the December ballot containing so many players with links to steroids, that I believe Lofton's accomplishments got lost in all the gnashing of teeth. I hope he gets another shot someday with the veterans' committee. I think he deserves it.

Hey, Hoynsie: The Tribe entered the Detroit series with an outstanding record at Progressive Field. Although I felt it would be a stretch to think they could sweep or even win three of the four games, splitting the series was doable. The destruction that occurred and then losing two straight to the Angels did not seem likely one week ago. Did you see this coming at all? -- Tim Corbetter, Ladera Ranch, Calif.

Hey, Tim: The Tigers have beaten the Indians up one side and down the other all year. Still, I never saw a four-game sweep coming. Realistically, they should have split, but Chris Perez blew a 2-0 lead in the opener and Terry Francona stayed with rookie Danny Salazar way too long in Game 3. But they won three of four games prior to Friday's narrow loss to the A's. If nothing else, they are resilient.

Michael Brantley has had a good year at the plate, but his play in left field has been even more impressive.Associated Press

Hey, Hoynsie: Where is Michael Brantley in terms of Gold Glove consideration? Could the small market he plays in keep him from winning it? -- F. Scivittaro, Irving, Texas.

Hey, F: American League managers and coaches vote for the Gold Glove so I don't think market size will hurt Brantley. Last year, Kansas City's Alex Gordon, another player from a small market club, won the Gold Glove in left, so there is a precedent.

As strange as it seems, I think offense plays a role in winning the Gold Glove. Brantley doesn't hit a lot of home runs, so that could hurt him, but defensively, I don't think anyone has played better.

Hey, Hoynsie: When an Indians' starting pitcher has a bad day, they often leave him in until he loses the game. Why not remove him promptly and have him pitch a little relief the next day? He would be ready for his next scheduled start, without burdening the bullpen: -- Paul Hambourger, South Euclid.

Hey, Paul: In an extreme situation, such as the postseason, you might handle your rotation that way. To do it during the regular season would lead to a revolt by the pitching staff and a long line of starting pitchers waiting for arm surgery.

Hey,Hoynsie: With the release of Mark Reynolds, do you think that the front office will try and trade for someone like Kendrys Morales, because they desperately need a No.4 hitter? -- Ric McElroy, Travelers East, S.C.

Hey, Ric: I think they'd love to fill the hole in the middle of their lineup, but not only are those kind of hitters expensive, but they're hard to find. Remember, Reynolds made only five starts in the cleanup spot when he was with the Indians. He spent most of his time hitting fifth, sixth and seventh because he struck out so much.

Hey, Hoynsie: Are you sensing any front-office pressure or tension? There have been many stories about how badly Paul Dolan wants to get to the playoffs. Is he upset that the organization hasn't been able to negotiate a meaningful deadline deal in the past three years? -- Walter White, Albuquerque, N.M.

Hey, Walter: Not sure where those stories you're reading about Paul Dolan are coming from. I know I haven't seen or read them. I don't sense any tension coming from the front office and seeping into the club. This team has a good vibe about it.

Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo was released from the Cleveland Clinic this morning after two nights for observation of his bruised lung, but he was back at the Browns facility and looking fine. He will miss at least some time while the bruise heals.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo was released from the Cleveland Clinic this morning, and was back at the Browns facility, where he looked perfectly fine and no one would ever guess that he had a bruised lung.

But he's likely to miss the third and possibly fourth preseason games while the bruise heals. Mingo will miss at least one to two weeks, a source told cleveland.com. 

"I just saw him at lunch,'' said defensive coordinator Ray Horton. "He looks great. As far as a projection, the doctors will make that decision. We just want him to get healthy, and we're just glad that everything's okay. The projection will be whenever his body says it's ready to go.''

Pressed for a timetable, Horton kidded, "I can tell you what he had for lunch, but as far when he's going to be ready....''

So what did he have lunch?

"Gumbo.''

Kidding aside, Horton acknowledged that a bruised lung is nothing to take lightly.

"They’re all serious when somebody misses,'' he said. "I don’t think it’s necessarily the type of injury. It’s just he’s going to miss some time. We’re just happy it’s not a career- or season-ending injury. They’re all bad when they miss playing time.''

He added that he didn't think he's ever known a player with a bruised lung during his 30 years in the NFL as a coach and player.

But coach Rob Chudzinski had firsthand experience with it when he was offensive coordinator of the Panthers last season. In the second-last game, Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer suffered a cracked rib and bruised lung when he was hit by a linebacker. Palmer was hospitalized overnight and sat out the final game of the season.

Bruised lungs are usually accompanied by a broken rib, but Chudzinski said it's not the case with Mingo.

Horton acknowledged that it will hurt if Mingo has to miss the third and possibly fourth preseason games, Aug. 24 in Indianapolis and Aug. 29th in Chicago.

"For a young guy, he needs every rep he can get,'' said Horton. "He's on page, he's very smart, so for us it's just reps. It's just seeing a different look, it's seeing (Colts quarterback) Andrew Luck, it's seeing different fronts and how they want to block him. So it will retard a little bit, but he's pretty gifted in what he does, and he picks things up fast so how much, I can't give you a quantitative answer, but it'll hurt him a little bit.''

Horton said Mingo thinks he suffered the bruised lung on his first play on special teams, which may have been the opening kickoff of Thursday's 24-6 victory over the Lions. 

"It didn't happen on defense,'' he said. "It happened somewhere else. He didn't play any defensive snaps. He thinks it happened on the first play. I don't think anybody knows.''

Mingo's last play of the game was at the end of the first quarter when he blocked for Travis Benjamin on the 82-yard punt return for a touchdown that was nullified by Joe Haden's holding call. Mingo may have been speared in the chest area early on by safety Tyrell Johnson, but sprinted down the field and blocked the punter at about the 7 before rolling over onto his backside.

No violent blow to the chest was apparent on film, and Chudzinski said there wasn't one.

Horton also defended the use of star players on special teams.

"I think you put your best 11 players on the field at any one time to give you the best opportunity to win,'' he said. "It doesn’t matter if it’s your quarterback holding for extra points or your running back or wide receiver; you’re trying to win and evaluate people and the sad part of this business is people will get hurt because it’s a physical game and that’s part of the process and part of the depth and he’ll be back. It’s just like if he had a stinger or something else, the philosophy is do what you do to win the game and that’s the most important thing.”

Horton admitted that losing Mingo, the No. 6 overall pick, for any length of time is a blow, but he's got quality starters in Paul Kruger and Jabaal Sheard ahead of him.

"Will it hurt our team? Yeah, it will hurt our team because of our depth,'' he said. "But we'll get him back soon and plug him right back in.''

Mingo spent an extra night in the Clinic, but for precautionary reasons, Chudzinski said.

A noted thoracic surgeon, Dr. Clark Fuller of Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Ca., told cleveland.com that he'd keep Mingo off the field for a minimum of two to three weeks to let the bruise fully heal.

The Phillies fired Charlie Manuel as manager on Friday. This is just a guess, but it sounds like Manuel was calling the shots to the end.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- On Monday, Charlie Manuel won his 1,000th game as a big-league manager. On Friday, the Phillies fired him and I've got an idea how it went down.

Manuel has more managerial wins than anyone in Phillies' history. I would imagine GM Ruben Amaro Jr., one of Manuel's pupils when he was the Indians' hitting coach back in the late 1990s, asked him to step down at the end of this disappointing season. It would give the Phillies a chance to thank Manuel for his service and pass the torch to Ryne Sandberg, the manager in waiting. It would have been a nice clean cut.

But when the Phillies were in Cleveland earlier this season, Manuel made it clear that he wasn't ready to retire even though it was evident that's what the front office wanted. So rather than finish the season, Manuel made the Phillies fire him, just as he made Mark Shapiro fire him as Indians manager during the All-Star break in 2002.

Whenever possible, Manuel is going to do it his way.

Manuel, 69, took the Phillies to the postseason five straight years from 2007-11. They won the World Series in 2008 and returned in 2009 only to lose the Yankees.

The last two years the Phillies looked old and beaten. Manuel mirrored his team, but I think he liked it that way. Manuel was always at his best when people discounted him for how he butchered the language while speaking in his Virginia drawl. He knew all along what it took a lot of people far too long to discover -- that he was a much better manager than anyone could have imagined.

Richard Quinn is happy to be back in his home state.

BEREA, Ohio -- It's common for many NFL players who are natives of Cleveland to hear some jeers and some all-in-fun needling if they are not members of the Browns.

The mocking often becomes even louder if the particular player is a member of a division rival.

So far, that hasn't been the case for Cincinnati Bengals tight end Richard Quinn, a graduate of Maple Heights High School.

"Actually, I haven't heard anything," said Quinn, a second-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2009. "I'm getting a lot of love because of the fact that I'm back in the home state. No one has given me hard time, especially my family who are happy that I'm playing close to home. They'll have the opportunity to check me out."

Quinn, who played at North Carolina, probably hasn't been verbally ambushed because his career has been marred with injuries in Denver (he was released on a injury settlement), played only one game with Washington before he was released and now he's trying to make it with the Bengals.

Presently, Quinn is third on the depth chart behind Jermaine Gresham and rookie Tyler Eifert.

A.J. Allmendinger holds on to win the inaugural NASCAR Nationwide event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

LEXINGTON, Ohio -- A.J. Allmendinger continues to shine in his season of redemption as he won his second straight NASCAR Nationwide race Saturday afternoon in the first-ever Nationwide Children's 200 race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

While he dominated, leading 73 of 94 laps, Allmendinger needed a green-white-checker finish on fumes to reach the checkered flag, 1.165-seconds ahead of pole-sitter Michael McDowell with Penske Racing teammate Sam Hornish Jr. finishing third.

It was Allmendinger's second Nationwide race of the season and his second victory to go with Road America.

The seventh caution of the day came out with Allmendinger within 100 yards of the white flag that signaled one to go. Driving with just two pit stops for the day, the four extra laps around the 13-turn, 2.258-mile circuit, the last two at full throttle, had the driver who last year was suspended for suspected drug use, praying while driving.

"With a green-white-checkers, it's a free-for-all on a road course,'' he said.

But it was the same for all the front runners. "I can tell you we were all nervous,'' McDowell said.

Allmendinger was cruising with a two-second lead for 23 straight green laps on a course that was suspected to be a bumper car track. After 18 green laps to start the race, it was the longest stretch of the day without a yellow. Yet Allmendinger was still wary.

"I could see that green-white-checkers coming,'' he said.

Kenny Habul spun into the gravel in Turn 11. Just ahead, Allmendinger was coming out of Turn 13 and could see the white flag rolled in the flag-waver's hands. Suddenly, a dominating performance was in jeopardy for all the front runners, spoiling what had been an interesting first race.

McDowell began the race on the pole with a fast qualifying lap of 96.256 mph, but had six drivers behind him who qualified at 96 mph or better. That included Allmendinger, who was fast throughout the three-day event. McDowell, in his fifth race this season with no finish higher than 22nd, was whiffing rarified air as his last pole came in 2011.

McDowell has, however, flashed potential, including a ninth-place finish at Daytona this past spring. Allmendinger, on the other hand, is in the midst of rebuilding his career and this season has already posted a victory at Road America in the stock car ranks, and an impressive Top 10 finish at the Indianapolis 500.

"I'm playing with house money,'' he said. "I never expected to be back this year, but I'm as busy as I've ever been."

McDowell and Almendinger started the field cleanly with McDowell taking the early lead. But Allmendinger made his move on Lap 9 in the second turn, slid inside of McDowell and by the start/finish to signal Lap 10 already had a lead of three car lengths.

Not far behind was his teammmate, Hornish, who began the race eighth on the grid but was up to fourth in short order. The front order was Allmendinger, McDowell and Hornish when the first caution came out on Lap 20 when Jeffery Earnhardt went off the track.

After the pace car came out, that sent everyone into the pits where the Hornish team proved to be the quickest out followed by McDowell and Allmendinger. By the time the pit rotations and three-lap yellow were done Hornish had the lead, with Allmendinger behind him. Yet just as that happened the second caution came out on Lap 27.

Back to green at the start of Lap 30. This time it was Allmendinger who got the best of Hornish in the early corners, just moments before the third yellow came out for Justin Algaier, who was pushed off course and into the sand pits. After another two-lap pause the race settled in again with Allmendinger, McDowell and Hornish leading the way.

Allmendinger was the dominant car through the first half of the race, but much of that was run under caution as five full course flags were waved by lap 45. Indeed, after the clean start, 12 of the next 30 laps were yellow, but each in Allmendinger's mirrors.

His flawless driving continued as he maintained his lead after every restart, and when there was a string of green lap racing, Allmendinger, with McDowell again as his primary challenger, was able to distance himself from the field. With 20 laps to go his lead was just under a second. With 15 laps to go his lead was better than two seconds over the field.

The only question was if there would be a nail-biting finish.

"He had the car to beat us today,'' McDowell said.

If MLB's new replay proposal is approved, it will lead to more correct calls being made on the field. It might also bail out a pitcher like Armando Galarraga and an umpire like Jim Joyce.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Somewhere around the corner and down the street in baseball's not too distant future the next Armando Galarraga and Jim Joyce just caught the break of their careers.

It's not official yet, but the momentum carrying MLB's new replay proposal is strong. After being tied to the "human-element' millstone for far too long, baseball is about to do something radical. It's going to try and get as many calls right as it can during a game. What a concept.

The crux of the proposal gives a manager three challenges per game to have a play reviewed. There will be one challenge for the first six innings and two. If a manager doesn't use his first challenge, it does not carry over, but if his challenge is upheld by replay, he retains it.

All managers are gamblers because of the nature of the game. This will intensify it.

"That's going to add a lot of interest to the game," said Tribe DH Jason Giambi, a manager in waiting. "It adds another element of strategy. When do you do it? You have to pick your spots."

If a manager challenges a play, he'll inform the plate umpire or crew chief. He cannot argue a reviewable play without using a challenge.

The umpires will then contact MLB's Advanced Media's facilities in New York where umpires will review the play via video. Their decision is final.

As to what plays can and cannot be reviewed, that is still being determined.

When the proposal was announced at last week's owners' meeting in Cooperstown, N.Y., Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz told reporters, "Reviewable plays will cover 89 percent of those incorrect calls that were made in the past. The 11 percent remaining are in the non-reviewable [category], which can still be argued by the manager. And the manager can still request that the umpires get together and discuss it to see if anybody else on the crew saw it differently. But it's not reviewable."

It's believed the non-reviewable plays will deal mostly with plays involving placement of baserunners.

"Most of those (non-reviewable) plays, when you see them, are plays that if they are turned over, the reset of the runners and the play would be mind-boggling," Schuerholz said. "It would be a nightmare. So that's the way we've chosen to start."

MLB introduced the use of replay in 2008 to determine boundary calls on home runs. Those rules will be added to the new agreement.

Commissioner Bud Selig is ever vigilant about baseball's pace of game. Said Schuerholz, "Now our replays take three minutes and four seconds on average. And we expect now that [future] replays will take a minute [and] 15 [seconds]."

The owners, players and umpires must agree to the proposal. The owners are expected to vote in November.

The reaction of Indians' players Friday afternoon was mixed.

"I can see the pluses and the minuses to it," said center fielder Michael Bourn. "But no matter what they do, there's still going to be conflict. You want to get plays right because they can affect the game. But 10 years from now, they'll be changing it again."

Bourn is right about conflict. There will be tension as well.

On June 2, 2010, Galarraga, pitching for the Tigers at Comerica Park, needed one more out for a perfect game against the Indians. Jason Donald, the 27th batter, sent a grounder to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. He grabbed it and threw to Galarraga, who was covering first.

The imperfect game

It was a close play, but Donald was out. Galarraga had just pitched a perfect game. Except for one thing, the well-respected Joyce called Donald safe. It set off an uproar on the field, but the call stood.

As soon as Joyce left the field and saw the replay, he knew he'd blown it. He talked to reporters with tears in his eyes.

"I cost that kid a perfect game," he kept saying.

Jim Joyce agonizes after realizing he missed the call

The new proposal would prevent that from happening as long as Tiger manager Jim Leyland still had a late-inning challenge available. If not, an obvious blown call late in the game would stand.

Schuerholz said that could change in the years to come, but for now it's three challenges and you're out.

This week in baseball

View full sizeA.J. Ellis (7) is just one of several Dodgers who are getting the big hits and scoring the big runs during Los Angeles' sizzling summer of 2013.Christopher Szagola, Associated Press 

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. The Dodgers, with five winning streaks of five or more games, are 41-10 since June 20.

2. Tiger reliever Bruce Rondon, according to Jeff Passan from Yahoo.com, has averaged 99.9 mph on the first 195 fastballs he's thrown this season.

3. Detroit's Miguel Cabrera, in 11 games from Aug. 7 through Friday, hit .333 (15-for-45) with one double, five walks, six homers, 16 RBI and eight runs.

Three down

1. The Phillies ended a 12-game road losing streak Monday against Atlanta. They hit .194 during the slump.

2. Washington's Bryce Harper, 20, might be the face of MLB's future, but he entered the weekend hitting .169 (15-for-28) against lefties.

3. Last year, the Orioles were 16-2 in extra innings and 29-9 in one-run games. This year they entered the weekend at 6-5 and 14-21.

• Horn of plenty: After driving in six runs against the Angels on Tuesday, Yankees outfielder Alfonso Soriano drove in seven Wednesday. No other player, according to Elias Sports Bureau, has set consecutive single-game RBI highs this late in his career. Soriano played his 1,867th big league game Wednesday.

• Mr. K: Yu Darvish, who leads the big leagues with 207 strikeouts, has struck out 10 or batters in nine of 23 starts. He's struck out 14 or more in five of those starts.

• Fantastic Fish: Miami's Jose Fernandez is 6-2 with a 1.65 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 87 1/3 innings in his last 13 starts. He's had four starts where he's struck out 10 or more batters.

Every player has a favorite ballpark where they feel comfortable. Joe Smith, Rich Hill, Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher and Ubaldo Jimenez talk about their favorites.

Joe Smith, celebrating with catcher Carlos Santana, says his favorite ballpark is Busch Stadium.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Five Indians players identify their favorite big league ballpark and provide their reasons.

RHP Joe Smith: "The first game I ever played was at Busch Stadium in 2007. That's a beautiful ballpark. I thought I was just coming to watch a game, but somebody told me get warmed up, you're going in."

RHP Rich Hill: "I grew up in Boston so it has to be Fenway Park. I went to games there when I was younger and was a huge fan of the Red Sox."

CF Michael Bourn: "I like playing in Wrigley Field. The fans are always there. It's loud and there's a buzz in park all the time."

1B Nick Swisher: "It would be hard for me not to say Yankee Stadium. I like the older ballparks. Yankee Stadium is obviously new, but there's a tradition that goes with that. I mean, they slam the people in that place."

RHP Ubaldo Jimenez: "I used to love Petco Park in San Diego because it's a big ballpark and nice to pitch in. But my favorites are Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium just because of the fans. Every game is like a playoff game there."

Brandon Weeden hopes to raise his rate of completions on long passes. He ranked 26th in completing passes of at least 20 yards last season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two wins in a row, even in preseason, are cause for optimism among Browns' fans ...

About Brandon Weeden ...

A year ago, 27 quarterbacks threw at least 50 passes of 20 or more yards. So we're talking reasonably deep throws. Of the 27 quarterbacks firing downfield at least 20 yards, where did the Browns' Brandon Weeden rank in terms of completion percentage?

It was 26th ... 31.6 percent (14-of-57). Only Buffalo's Ryan Fitzpatrick (27.5 percent) was worse.

That's why the Browns coaches have been thrilled with Weeden's accuracy on his long throws. It's more than arm strength ... it's putting the ball in spots where only the receiver can catch it -- as Weeden did on a 34-yard completion to Josh Gordon and a 30-yarder to Jordan Cameron during Thursday's 24-6 victory over Detroit.

Last season, three quarterbacks completed at least 50 percent of those deep throws: Aaron Rodgers (53.2), Peyton Manning (52.8) and Cam Newton (52.4). Newton's offensive coordinator at Carolina was current Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski.

Another indication that there is change coming from the offense designed by coordinator Norv Turner and Chudzinski is this number: 9.2. That's 9.2 yards per pass attempt for Weeden in the preseason. A year ago, Weeden averaged 6.5 yards per attempt -- that was 27th in the league. Carolina ranked third at 7.9.

There has been so much good about Weeden in the first two games. He's 18-of-25 (72 percent), with no interceptions and only one pass batted down. He led the league with 25 passes batted down last year.

He's led the team on six drives, resulting in three touchdowns and two field goals. So he's finding a way to get the ball in the end zone.

Obviously, the sample is small ... covering about three quarters in exhibition games. But you'd rather see Weeden being effective in these games than struggling to learn the new system and throwing interceptions.

About the Browns ...

This could be a big year for Browns tackle Phil TaylorMCT file

1. Is this year that Phil Taylor delivers a monster season worthy of being a first-round pick? In 2011, he showed some promise as a rookie with 4.0 sacks and at times, did well against the run. In other games, he seemed sluggish. Physical conditioning had long been an issue for 335-pound Taylor. Last season, he played only eight games because of injuries.

2. While Taylor has battled a calf problem at times in camp, he has looked exceptional in the first two preseason games. He forced a fumble in the opener, and batted down a pass in Thursday's game. You also could see him clogging up the middle of the line, being a stronger defender against the run. At 25 and with a new coordinator in Ray Horton, along with depth on the line, Taylor could be a force.

3. While the starting linemen are Ahtyba Rubin, Desmond Bryant and Taylor, the Browns are pleased with Billy Winn, Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, John Hughes and Brian Sanford. They believe all four are talented enough to be rotated in games.

4. That's right, the Browns have seven defensive linemen for three spots. It's possible one may be traded (but there are so few deals in the NFL). But after watching two offensive guards (Jason Pinkston and Shawn Lauvao) suffer ankle injuries in the same week, they want to hang on to their linemen.

5. My vote for defensive MVP of the first two preseason games goes to Craig Robertson, the inside linebacker. He seems a natural in Horton's 3-4 defense. Certainly, it helps playing next to captain D'Qwell Jackson, because Jackson sets up the defense in the huddle.

6. The Browns have been reasonably pleased with backup inside linebackers L.J. Fort and Tank Carder. Both are inexperienced, but are talented. James-Michael Johnson is the fifth inside linebacker, third team on the depth chart. He has helped his cause with solid play on special teams, but his roster spot is not safe.

7. While the Browns consider Jordan Cameron just adequate as a blocker, the tight end seems to be willing to work at it. The former Brigham Young basketball player has far more fun catching passes -- but he's needed to block at times.

8. The Browns are watching the waiver wire for running backs and offensive linemen, as they deal with the injuries from Thursday's game. It's very possible to find a useful back in the NFL's different rummage sales. Chris Ogbonnaya came from Houston's practice squad. It's much harder to come up with an offensive linemen who can hold his own in a regular season game.

About batting Michael Brantley cleanup ...

Michael Brantley has emerged as the Tribe's best clutch hitter, batting .371 with runners in scoring position. Chuck Crow, Plain Dealer

Heading into the weekend, Asdrubal Cabrera was batting .189 (16-of-81, 2 HR, 10 RBI) when in the No. 4 spot. Just as the cleanup spot didn't fit Nick Swisher (.249, 9 HR, 27 RBI), and Terry Francona put Swisher back into his old No. 2 spot.

Overall, the Tribe's cleanup batters rank 11th in homers, OPS and batting average. It's 12th in RBI.

Francona is now going with Carlos Santana in the No. 4 spot. Santana is hitting .222 (6-of-27, 3 HR) as a cleanup hitter this season. I guess you can make a case for him.

From 2010-12, Santana often batted fourth (.220, .736 OPS). It seems like he over-swings in the middle of the order, trying to hit homers.

Santana is hitting only .219 since the All-Star break.

Here's a suggestion: Put Michael Brantley into the heart of order for the rest of the season. Don't worry about trying to find a power hitter. How about a clutch hitter instead?

Brantley entered the weekend hitting .363 with runners in scoring position. In the American League, only Miguel Cabrera (.438) has been more productive. He also is second in the league in sacrifice flies.

You can look at Brantley's overall numbers (.283, 8 HR, 58 RBI, .726 OPS) and say, "That's nice," but not consider him a major run-producer. But compare Brantley's consistency to the struggles of Santana, Swisher and Cabrera. He emerges as the best candidate to hit fourth. Brantley doesn't change his swing or approach in any situation or spot in the lineup -- although he seems even better when it means the most.

He also has emerged as one of best defensive left-fielders -- throwing out 10 base runners. And he never complains about where he's asked to bat, or even the switches that he's made between center and left field in his career.

About the Tribe ...

1. Watching the games tells you that Yan Gomes is a superior catcher to Santana. The numbers also agree, as pitchers have a 3.74 ERA with Gomes -- compared to 4.27 with Santana. Gomes has thrown out 13 of 26 baserunners; it's 5-of-52 for Santana. Gomes also does a much better job blocking pitches in the dirt.

2. Terry Francona is playing Gomes more often also because of his bat, with Gomes hitting a stunning .457 since the All-Star break. Overall, he entered the weekend at .318 with eight homers and 28 RBI. Santana can catch a few days a week, play some first base and DH. Plenty of room for both in the lineup, but keep Gomes behind the plate.

3. Super utility man Mike Aviles (.263, 7 HR, 37 RBI) came to the Tribe from Toronto along with Gomes for Esmil Rogers (3-7, 4.91), and this may become one of Chris Antonetti's best trades. Gomes is only is 26 and can be a key part of the team for several years.

4. In September, the Indians may promote Jose Ramirez from Class AA Akron. He is now playing some third base. Ramirez had been a second baseman and shortstop for his minor-league career. He is batting .274 with three homers and 35 RBI for the Akron. He has 35 stolen bases ... the Indians like the idea of Ramirez as a pinch runner. He's only 21 and is a switch-hitter.

5. At Class AAA Columbus, Blake Wood is pitching himself into a September promotion. Wood has fanned 19 in 11 2/3 innings, allowing only one run. Wood missed all of 2012 and the first three months of this season because of elbow surgery. In 2011, he was 5-3 with a 3.71 ERA for the Royals. His fastball has been clocked in the 95-99 mph range this month, so he's healthy.

6. The Tribe plays the "Try to get lucky game" with players such as Wood. Consider that they also signed Ryan Raburn and Scott Kazmir to minor league contracts. Same with Matt Capps and Ben Francisco last spring. Raburn and Kazmir paid off big. Francisco was cut. Capps hurt his arm. Wood is only 28, so he may be a real boost to the bullpen next year.

7. The Tribe's latest baseball lottery ticket is David Cooper, who played briefly in the Arizona summer league before heading to Columbus. Cooper is a first baseman, Toronto's top pick in the 2008 draft. In 2011-12, he batted .346 with 19 HR and 148 RBI in Class AAA (849 plate appearances). But Cooper is coming off major back surgery to remove a herniated thoracic disk and inset a titanium plate and two titanium screws. That's why Toronto cut him.

8. Maybe Carlos Carrasco will figure out how to be a big league starter next year, but his role this season should be the bullpen.

About the Tribe/Yankees ...

Travis Hafner's shoulder injury may end his season for the Yankees. PD, file photo

1. You probably noticed that Mark Reynolds has signed with the Yankees, who hope he has one hot streak left. The Yankees have been looking for a hitter ever since ex-Indian Travis Hafner went on the disabled list in late July with shoulder issues.

2. Hafner was hitting .205 with 12 homers and 37 RBI for the Yankees. After May 1, he was batting .167 as the injuries piled up once again. And yes, Hafner did have three homers against the Tribe this season. And Reynolds did homer in his first game with the Yankees.

3. Remember how the Indians bid on Kevin Youkilis? He signed a one-year, $12 million deal with New York instead. He batted .219 with two homers in 28 games before having back surgery. After they were turned down by Youkilis, the Indians signed Reynolds to a one-year, $6 million deal.

4. The Yankees just promoted David Huff (1-6, 3.84 ERA in Class AAA). They claimed the lefty from the Tribe earlier in the year.

5. When the Tribe cut Ben Francisco in the spring, he signed with New York. He was 5-of-44 (.114), and now is batting only .210 with no homers in 143 at bats in Class AAA.

About the Cavaliers ...

Mike Brown's first job is to get the Cavs to play some defense.AP file

1. The summer league team was introduced to a couple of three-hour practices by Mike Brown, and the new/old Cavs coach is introducing the players to his world of defense. The Cavs ranked dead last in defensive efficiency last season ... something that ate away at owner Dan Gilbert and the front office. They also were 26th out of 30 teams in defensive field goal percentage.

2. That's why Brown is assigning specific positions to some of the young players. While Dion Waiters can play both guard spots, he will be mostly a shooting guard. Earl Clark can play both forward spots, but he will be a small forward. Rookie Anthony Bennett will concentrate on power forward. Tristan Thompson will mostly play power forward.

3. In the past, some of the young players blamed some of their defensive lapses on changing positions and being unsure of where to play in the different schemes. Brown's goal is to take away that excuse.

4. Veteran Jarrett Jack can play both guard spots, so they can keep the roles clear for Kyrie Irving and Waiters. They also are bringing St. Mary's product Matt Dellavedova to camp. He was an outstanding college point guard, his challenge will be if he has enough athleticism to play in the NBA. The Cavs like his ability to run a team.

5. After the season, the Cavs told C.J. Miles to drop a few pounds -- and he's done that. He's been in town and working out, the coaches like his ability to be an energetic scorer coming off the bench.

6. Thompson's decision to shoot free throws with his right hand rather than his left was not a big surprise to the team. He had been shooting some free throws right-handed during a practices. He also took some right-handed jumpers during games late in the season. It seems the rotation looked better than with his left hand.

7. Thompson often shot the ball with either hand near the basket. He throws a ball right-handed. He eats left-handed. The Cavs just want him to find a way to improve on his career .586 free-throw shooting. They love his rebounding, defense and energy, so they had him work with a shooting coach on the new free throw.

The Buckeyes have some players out with injury, at least five players suspended for the opener and several areas to improve before playing Buffalo on Aug. 31.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two weeks before they'll open a season of unfiltered expectations and unlimited opportunities, the Buckeyes were talking Saturday about lost players, changed positions and added suspensions.

On the day that Ohio State was ranked as the No. 2 team in the preseason by the Associated Press poll, just as they had been in the coaches poll, on a day when they finished a stretch of nine practices in six days with another scrimmage, there was one clear realization.

They're not ready. Not now. Not yet.

The hype train has been rolling since the Buckeyes finished off a 12-0 season with a win over Michigan nine months ago, and Urban Meyer has been trying to apply the brakes. As the OSU students filled campus on a day of new beginnings to move into their dorms for the start of school, about 100 football players could catch their breath and let a simple realization wash over them.

There is time, and there is talent, and nothing for this team starts now. But there's a football season to get ready for, starting with Buffalo on Aug. 31. And maybe it's not such a bad thing that Vanderbilt, a legitimate top 40 team from the SEC, backed out as the opponent for the opener.

“We're not ready to play a game yet,” Meyer said. “The good thing is we don't have to be.”

Let's count the speed bumps:

• Suspensions: Meyer announced two more one-game suspensions Saturday, for junior cornerback Bradley Roby and junior running back Rod Smith. They join senior running back Carlos Hyde (three games), freshman tight end Marcus Baugh (one game) and sophomore cornerback Najee Murray (indefinite) to make five Buckeyes who will sit out the opener.

The first official word on Roby came despite the fact that his charges stemming from an altercation at an Indiana bar were reduced on Friday to disorderly conduct. Meyer said Roby's suspension could have been worse, and still could be, if the charges were more serious.

“He was there, and he shouldn’t be there,” Meyer said.

Rod Smith (2) has been suspended for the first game, joining Carlos Hyde as the second Ohio State running back forced to sit out the opener against Buffalo.Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

Smith's suspension stems from a violation of team rules this winter, and it probably cost him the starting job for the opener in Hyde's absence. Senior Jordan Hall will start instead, but Meyer wants him to play both running back and the H-back spot. For Buffalo, Hall will be backed up by sophomore Bri'onte Dunn, redshirt freshman Warren Ball and two true freshmen in Ezekiel Elliott and Dontre Wilson”

“He’s going to be a valuable member of this team when he gets back,” Meyer said of Smith. “He’s practicing at a very, very high level. … It's his last call. It's the 11th hour for Rod Smith. He needs to perform.”

• Departures: Redshirt freshman tight end Blake Thomas became the third Buckeye this week to suffer a career-ending injury. Thomas' father told Cleveland.com his son won't play football anymore because of a neck condition. He joins junior special teamer Adam Griffin and senior safety Jamie Woods as being forced to the sideline, permanently, by injury this week. That means the Buckeyes are playing with 77 healthy scholarship players when the NCAA maximum is 85. Ohio State is forced to stay at 82, however, by NCAA sanctions. And they are well below that. With the suspensions, they'll be at 72 for the opener.

• Other injuries: Starting offensive linemen Andrew Norwell and Corey Linsley continued to be out this week because of foot injuries. Meyer said that allowed the Buckeyes to test their depth with players like Pat Elflein, Chase Farris and Jacoby Boren. That's the good spin. The bad is that two weeks out, Linsley still hasn't practiced this preseason after foot surgery. He was seen in a tank top and flip-flops as the players headed to the locker room in their uniforms after the scrimmage. And Norwell's plantar fasciitis has lingered.

Also, freshman receiver Jalin Marshall was kept out of contact this week while recovering from a concussion, and starting middle linebacker Curtis Grant has been limited by a concussion as well. Fellow linebacker Ryan Shazier said he expects Grant to start next to him as the two linebackers in the nickel defense, which the Buckeyes will play most of the time, but Saturday it was walkon Joe Burger out there next to Shazier.

• Position switches: Freshman defensive lineman Billy Price, who along with defensive lineman Michael Hill lost his black helmet stripe Saturday to graduate to status as a full member of the team, has been moved to the offensive line. That's not a huge shock, since some predicted during his recruitment he'd wind up as an interior offensive lineman.

Starting center Corey Linsley (71) has still been missing preseason practice after offseason foot surgery.John Kuntz, The Plain Dealer

Fourth-year junior defensive end J.T. Moore, who has lots of competition at the Leo spot, has been moved to tight end. With the loss of Thomas, the Buckeyes had only junior Jeff Heuerman, redshirt sophomore Nick Vannett and Baugh, a freshman there. And Meyer likes to play two tight ends at times.

Other than that, everything has been smooth. Well, there's the quarterback, the preseason Big Ten offensive player of the year.

Meyer said Braxton Miller was good in Saturday's scrimmage, but didn't run the offense “exactly like I wanted,” Meyer said. “I'm starting to see a little bit of the ceiling. Last year he had no idea. He's throwing the ball at a very efficient level right now. His leadership skills still need to improve, but they have improved.”

So good. But room for improvement.

And there are the linebackers, which include the preseason Big Ten defensive player of the year.

“Linebacker is one unit that is not performing at a (high enough) level,” Meyer said. “I've got to go watch video. Shazier was better, though.”

Shazier is expected by many to take his game to an All-American level this season as a defensive leader and the only returning starter among the front seven. And he's been feeling that pressure.

“I'm going up and down right now,” Shazier said. “There's a lot of fundamental things I've go to work on right now and I've got to focus on being a great leader, too. If I focus on my fundamentals more and just start playing and having fun, I feel like I can play better. I feel like I've been stressing this camp.”

He'll get a break.

Once the scrimmage ended around noon Saturday, Meyer said the players will have 46 hours off their feet before getting back at it Monday morning. That's a lifetime of rest compared to a week of sleeping on mattresses between exhausting practices.

Survival was the idea last week. Next week will be preparation. And then the following week, it's the gameplan for Buffalo.

But as Meyer headed into his office Saturday, he was asked about competing at the highest level, and whether his time in the SEC, the conference that has won the last seven national titles and which features Alabama, the two-defending champ and preseason No. 1, will help him get the Buckeyes ready for this.

For the chase they've talked about all offseason. For what's coming in two weeks with the expectations and opportunities. And Meyer said what he's said before.

“It probably does,” Meyer said. “I'm not worried about the SEC, I'm worried about the Big Ten. But I think it helps.”

He's seen elite.

“We're not elite," he said. "We're not elite.”

And then he got back to work.