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Nick Swisher's game plan; power to the (bull)pen: Cleveland Indians quick hits

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Wednesday, Nick Swisher said he probably should have had his knee surgery earlier than he did. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Some quick hits from the Indians and manager Terry Francona before Wednesday's game against the Royals at Progressive Field.

Swish is back: Nick Swisher rejoined the Indians on Wednesday following double knee surgery on Aug. 20 in Los Angeles.

"It was nice to go out and get that process started," said Swisher, regarding his surgery. "It's something that I really had to do. It's something that's been bothering me all year long."

Swisher, however, missed his teammates.

"Man, I just wanted to get back here," he said. "I was like, 'Hey, man, can I come back?' They were like, 'No, you've got some work you've still got to do.'

"So just to be able to get back and see the guys, just to see where we've come. We've dealt with a lot of injuries, so to be at the end of the season right now and to be playing meaningful games, I couldn't be more proud of these guys. I just wish I could've been with them through the end."

Swisher said his right knee started bothering him in the last exhibition game of spring training when the Indians played the Padres in San Diego. He hyperextended his left knee at the end of May, went on the disabled list, but kept playing after being activated.

He was finally shut down for good on Aug. 10.

On Wednesday Swisher said he probably should have had the surgery earlier than he did.

"Man, I don't complain a lot about things," said Swisher. "I was brought here to come and play on the field and be here every day, and that's what I wanted to do whether I was hurt or I wasn't.

"I'm never going to be one of those guys that says I can't do something. So, I think that looking back on it, maybe this should've been handled a little earlier, but hey, man, you live and you learn."

Swisher, who hit .208 (75-for-360) with eight homers and 42 RBI in 97 games, said he still has rehab work to do, but should be 100 percent by the start of spring training in February.

"I feel great -- I really do," he said. "I've still got probably another month of (physical therapy) that I need to get under my belt, but what I think is great about it is just the time frame. My game plan is to be ready for the first day of spring training. We've got all the guys in line and it's just up to me to make that happen."

One of the best things about rejoining his teammates is that Swisher got to wear an Indians uniform again.

"Just in general, I'm just stoked to be back, man," said Swisher. I just think it's been hard to be at home and watching all the games on TV and not being able to do anything."

Power of the (bull)pen: The Indians are the first team in AL history to have four relievers with 70 or more appearances in the same season. Bryan Shaw leads the way with an MLB-high 78 appearances followed by Cody Allen 74, Marc Rzepczynski 71 and Scott Atchison 70.

Shaw is one short of tying the club record of 79 set by Bobby Howry in 2005. He was tied with Allen for second place at 77 until making an appearance in Tuesday's 7-1 loss to the Royals.

The Indians have already set an AL record for appearances by relievers, breaking the record Francona set with the Tribe last year.

"Normally, you're probably think your bullpen is getting roughed up if that's the case," said manager Terry Francona. "But our bullpen just continues to be a weapon. That is all because of their ability and work ethic.

"I mean they are just answering the call. They really compliment each other. There is zero ego there. You tell them to pitch and they pitch. I've said this before, but they are a fun bullpen to be associated with.

Rotation update: After Thursday's off day, the first scheduled one since Sept. 8, they will start Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar against the Rays in the final three games of the season. T.J. House will be in the bullpen.

Finally: Carlos Santana's walk in the first inning Wednesday gave him 110 for the season, seventh most in Tribe history.


Live updates and chat with Zack Meisel: Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals, Game 159

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Get scoring updates and analysis as the Indians take on the Royals at Progressive Field and chat with cleveland.com's Zack Meisel in the comments section.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Get scoring updates and analysis as the Indians take on the Royals at Progressive Field and chat with cleveland.com's Zack Meisel in the comments section.

Game 159: Indians (82-76) vs. Royals (86-71)

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

TV/radio: STO; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS 100.7

Mark Dantonio's College Football Playoff opinion was self-serving ... but it was also dead-on right

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Want to make the playoffs? Win your league. That would eliminate so much of the subjectivity of the playoff selection process.

Was Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio being self-serving when he opined Tuesday that only conference champions should be allowed into the four-team College Football Playoff?

Sure he was.

If Michigan State is one of several one-loss teams under consideration for those playoff slots at the end of the season, the Spartans stand a good chance of being the one left out given the sad state of the Big Ten this year. Sparty has already lost to Pac-12 power Oregon, and the Big Ten is clearly weaker than the SEC, Big 12 and ACC this year.

So it figures that he would take a position that rationalizes his team's inclusion in the playoff where it otherwise might not make it. If his team's only loss was to (hypothetically) unbeaten Big Ten rival Ohio State, I'm sure he'd be advocating that the Big Ten should get two teams in the playoff.

That's the nature of the beast, isn't it?

But he also happens to be dead-on right, regardless of whether he's being self-serving or not.

If, as college football supporters claim, the sport has such a great regular season because the games matter more in the national championship process than they do in other sports, then let's make them really matter.

Want to make the playoffs? Win your league. That would eliminate so much of the subjectivity of the playoff selection process and, as a result, it would also eliminate a lot of the controversy.

Because, let's face it, it's inevitable that there will be as much controversy in the new playoff system as there was with the BCS -- not because the playoff field isn't big enough, but because there's way too much subjectivity in the process.

We never see that kind of controversy with pro sports, and it's entirely because there is no subjectivity to how playoff teams are selected.

If the 8-8 Denver Broncos make the NFL playoffs over the 9-7 Tennessee Titans, as was the case in 2011 when the Broncos won a watered down AFC West and the Titans didn't quite earn a wild card, it's chalked up to a quirk in the system.

Every time it happens -- remember the Seahawks winning the NFC West and making the playoffs at 7-9 in 2010? -- there's a little grumbling that the process should be tweaked. Just last season there was grumbling that maybe the NBA should do away with conferences after Phoenix failed to make the Western Conference playoffs at 48-34, a record that would have been one of the top four in the weaker Eastern Conference.

At the end of the day, there is discussion for change, but it's not the scandalous accusations you can get with the college process. Those discussions don't bring nearly the same level of discontent as what you have seen with the BCS and inevitably will see again with the College Football Playoff.

oregonlsu.jpgLSU and Oregon played in Arlington, Texas to start the 2011 season. There is no such match up this year between SEC and Pac-12 powers, so how can we honestly compare the two leagues? 

After all, how do you compare dozens of teams that mostly don't play each other? How do you, for example, compare a Pac-12 team to an SEC team when there isn't one SEC vs. Pac-12 game this season?

Regardless of what league you support, the answer is inevitably the same: You can't do it. So trying to make that comparison, regardless of your process for doing so, will always lead to controversy.

Imagine what Alabama fans would say if an 11-1 Tide team didn't make a playoff over 11-1 Stanford. Or the outcry from the Big Ten if a one-loss conference champion gets left out in favor of that same Alabama team which, say, doesn't even win the SEC West (like the 2011 Tide team that won the national championship in the LSU rematch, or last year's team that would have qualified for the playoffs despite finishing second to Auburn in the West).

In these cases, you'd have fans who once blasted poll voters now taking aim at the competency and integrity of committee members.

Let's eliminate as much of that as possible. To be clear, we'll never eliminate all subjectivity from a college football postseason discussion. Even if we go with only champions, the committee would still leave at least one major conference champion out (maybe more, if the committee decides to give a bid to Notre Dame, BYU or one of the "Group of Five" smaller conference champions). That process would still be subjective.

We could go to eight teams, including auto bids for all five major conference champions, plus three wildcards (perhaps one reserved for the top "Group of Five" team).

Again, there would be some subjective decisions with the wild cards.

But let's say they go to eight teams and an 11-1 Ohio State team is left out because it lost to Michigan State, didn't make the Big Ten title game, and didn't get a wildcard invite.

Controversial? Probably. But there would be this comeback to Ohio State complainers:

"Next time, win your league."

How's that for ending an argument? Win your league and you're part of the postseason. Cut. Dried. No controversy.

Of course, we won't have an 8-team field any time soon. But let's start by going all champions with the 4-team field as soon as possible. Let's quit comparing a second-place team from one league with the champion of another league when none of those teams play each other.

We can add some minimal qualification for Notre Dame to be considered (no more than one loss, perhaps ... and if the Irish complain, we can tell them to join a league already). In most years, the committee would be picking out of the five major conference champions, no more.

And for those left out in that process -- except for that one major conference champion left out -- we'd have one thing to say:

"Next time, win your league."

Ari Wasserman previews Ohio State-Cincinnati and talks about whether Brady Hoke is the right coach for Michigan: Podcast

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What is the key to the game for Ohio State against Cincinnati? What would a loss against Cincinnati mean to the Buckeyes? Can J.T. Barrett build on his performance against Kent State? Ohio State beat reporter Ari Wasserman answered those questions and more during today's podcast.

Ohio State Football Podcast, Sept. 25, 2014

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What is the key to the game for Ohio State against Cincinnati? What would a loss against Cincinnati mean to the Buckeyes? Can J.T. Barrett build on his performance against Kent State?

Cleveland.com's Ohio State beat reporter Ari Wasserman answered those questions and more during today's podcast with Chris Fedor.

Among other topics discussed:

• Is Brady Hoke the right coach for Michigan?

• Has Urban Meyer's recruiting been overstated?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.

What time and which channel is the Ohio State-Cincinnati game on?

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TV/Radio info for Ohio State's Saturday evening game against Cincinnati at Ohio Stadium.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The No. 22 Ohio State Buckeyes return to action this weekend when they host Cincinnati on Saturday night at Ohio Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network, with Thom Brennaman, Glen Mason and Lisa Byington on the call. A full list of Ohio State's radio affiliates can be found here.

The Buckeyes (2-1) were idle last week, using their first of two bye weeks this season to shore some things up on the offensive line and the pass defense. Cincinnati (2-0) didn't play the first two weeks of the season, but is coming off wins against Toledo and Miami (Ohio).

The Bearcats have been one of the most prolific offenses in the country the past two weeks, with sophomore quarterback Gunner Kiel throwing for 10 touchdowns in two games.

Steelheading seminars get anglers ready for fall season: Outdoor Calendar for Sept. 26

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Steelhead trout fishing seminars on Oct. 4 at the 21st annual Steelhead Expo at the Rocky River Nature Center and at Chagrin River Outfitters will help area anglers get ready for fall season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Outdoors Calendar for Sept. 26.

Sept. 27: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Delaware Lake. For information visit ombtt.com.

Sept. 26-27: Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit qualifying tournament, two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. For information, entries visit masterswalleyecircuit.com. Weigh-ins at 4 p.m. at Huron Boat Basin. MWC Championship held Oct. 8-11 at Devils Lake, N.D.

Sept. 28: Steve Johnson Memorial All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham. To enter call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Sept. 30: Archery for Adults sessions at 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park Archery Range, 1940 W. Steel Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. For beginning and advanced archers. Equipment provided. Registration required beginning Sept. 23. Call 330-865-8065.

Oct. 2-5: Lake and Trails Youth Outdoor Camp for kids 10 to 17 years old, FFA Camp Muskingum, Leesville Lake, Carrollton, Ohio. Outdoors-related classes, seminars, target shooting and pheasant hunt for older campers. Adult supervision mandatory. One adult can bring up to three children. Pre-registration needed. Visit lakeandtrails.org or call Karen Metzger, 330-725-8747.

Oct. 3: Archery for Adults, 3-4:30 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. Learn the basics and test their marksmanship on the park range. Beginner and advanced archers. Equipment provided. Advance registration required starting Sept. 20. Call 330-865-8065.

Oct. 3: Archery for Kids, 5-7 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. Kids 9 to 12 can learn the basics and test their marksmanship on the park range. Beginner and advanced archers. Equipment provided. Advance registration required starting Sept. 20. Call 330-865-8065.

Oct. 4: 21st annual Steelhead Expo, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted. Free. Hosted by the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders and the Cleveland Metroparks. Vendors include Rodmakers Shop, Backpackers Shop and Chagrin River Outfitters. Seminars on steelhead trout fishing topics from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For complete list visit ohiosteelheaders.com.

Oct. 4: Introduction to Fly Fishing the Lake Erie Tributaries, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Chagrin River Outfitters, 100 N. Main St., Chagrin Falls. Introduction to Lake Erie steelhead trout at 10 a.m.; Guide Tactics for Steelhead at noon; Fly Casting for Everyone at 1 p.m. All-day hands-on seminars. For information visit chagrinriveroutfitters.com or call 440-247-7110.

Oct. 4: 6th annual Fall Walleye Challenge, Huron Boat Basin, Huron. Entries closed. Weigh-in at 3:30 p.m. at Huron Boat Basin. For information visit fishhuronohio.com.

Oct. 4: Dove hunt for disabled and youth hunters, Maple Country Chapter of the National Wild turkey Foundation. Morning or afternoon hunts in the Parkman, Ohio area with lunch provided. Visit maplecountrynwtf.com.

Oct. 4-5: Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend. For information visit wildohio.gov or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Oct. 5: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Water Trial, 8 a.m., Crooked Creek Conservation Club, 4323 Rt. 534, Hartsgrove, Ohio. To enter call Cindy Rogge, 440-858-2855. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Oct. 11-12: Championship of the Great Lakes Largemouth Series, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Oct. 12: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Youth Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Holly Dr., Hinckley. To enter contact Bert Scali, Scalli44212@aol.com or 216-513-9147. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Oct. 14: Archery for Adults. Sessions at 10-11:30 a.m and 1-2:30 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. Learn the basics and test their marksmanship on the park range. Beginner and advanced archers. Equipment provided. Advance registration required starting Sept. 20. Call 330-865-8065.

Oct. 15: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.com.

Oct.16-18: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Regional Championship, Kentucky Lake. For entries, information visit flwoutdoors.com.

Oct. 18: Lake Erie Marsh Zone duck and goose seasons open. Duck seasons are Oct. 18-Nov. 2 and Nov. 15-Dec. 28. Goose seasons are Oct. 18-Nov. 2, Nov. 15-Dec. 28 and Jan. 14-31. For information visit wildohio.gov or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Oct. 18: Walleye Fall Brawl Fishing Derby sign-up gathering, 1-3 p.m., Erie Outfitters, 5404 Lake Rd., Sheffield Lake. Visit lakeeriefishingderby.com. Derby is Oct. 24-Nov. 30.

Oct. 18: SCSA Annual Clambake, 5:30 p.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets $25, available until Oct. 11. Call Kevin Nestor (216-401-4100), Stephen Dusek (216-973-1859) or John Raiter (440-237-67570).

Oct. 19: 19th annual Central Basin BASS Benefit Bass Tournament, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., State Park Ramp, Portage Lakes, Akron. Tournament benefits the Child Life & Education Department of MetroHealth Medical Center. Entry $75 before Oct. 10, $85 at the ramp. Entry form available at ohiobass.org/centralbasin/2014_CBBC_Entry.pdf. for information call Mike at MK Automotive, 440-779-0088.

Oct. 19: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Youth Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Rt. 224, Sullivan. To enter call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Oct. 24: Walleye Fall Brawl Fishing Derby on Lake Erie through Nov. 30. Entry $25. Visit lakeeriefishingderby.com for rules, information. Weigh-in station is Erie Outfitters, 5404 Lake Rd., Sheffield Lake. Awards party is 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Elmwood Park Cabin, 600 Elmwood Rd., Rocky River.

Oct. 25: North Zone and South Zone duck and goose seasons open. North Zone duck season is Oct. 25-Nov. 9 and Nov. 22-Jan. 4. North Zone goose seasons are Oct. 25-Nov. 9, Nov. 22-Jan. 4 and Jan. 14-31. South Zone duck seasons are Oct. 25-Nov. 9 and Dec. 13-Jan. 25. South Zone goose seasons are Oct. 25-Nov. 9 and Dec. 11-Jan. 31. For information visit wildohio.gov or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Oct. 26: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Water Trial, 8 a.m., Crooked Creek Conservation Club, 4323 Rt. 534, Hartsgrove, Ohio. To enter call Cindy Rogge, 440-858-2855. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Oct. 30: Monthly meeting of the Chagrin River Salmon Association, 7 p.m., 201 Erie Rd., Eastlake. For information call Bruce Fraley, 440-946-1605.

Nov. 2: Reb Bostwick Memorial and Earl Williams All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Holly Dr., Hinckley. To enter contact Bert Scali, Scalli44212@aol.com or 216-513-9147. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Nov. 6: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.

Nov. 9: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Youth Trial, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4990 Secrest Rd., Wooster. To enter call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Nov. 15: Second segments of the duck and goose hunting seasons open in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone through Dec. 28.

Nov. 16: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Youth Trial, 8 a.m., R & G Ventures at Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. To enter call John Rizzo, 440-338-6578. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Nov. 22: Second segment of the duck and goose hunting seasons open in the North Zone through Jan. 4.

Nov. 23: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Water Trial, 8 a.m., Crooked Creek Conservation Club, 4323 Rt. 534, Hartsgrove, Ohio. To enter call Cindy Rogge, 440-858-2855. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Nov. 30: Archery for Teens, noon-1:30 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. Teens 12 to 17 can learn the basics and test their marksmanship on the park range. Beginner and advanced archers. Equipment provided. Advance registration required starting Nov. 22. Call 330-865-8065.

Nov. 30: Archery for Adults, 2-3:30 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. Learn the basics and test your marksmanship on the park range. Beginner and advanced archers. Equipment provided. Advance registration required starting Nov. 22. Call 330-865-8065.

Dec. 5: Walleye Fall Brawl Fishing Derby awards party, 6-9 p.m., Elmwood Park Cabin, 600 Elmwood Rd., Rocky River. Visit lakeeriefishingderby.com for final results.

Dec. 7: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Youth Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Holly Dr., Hinckley. To enter contact Bert Scali, Scalli44212@aol.com or 216-513-9147. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Dec. 11: Second segment of the goose hunting season in the South Zone through Jan. 31.

Dec. 13: Second segment of the duck hunting season opens in the South Zone through Jan, 25.

Dec. 14: Jack Davis Memorial All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Water Trial and Youth Trial, 8 a.m., Crooked Creek Conservation Club, 4323 Rt. 534, Hartsgrove, Ohio. To enter call Cindy Rogge, 440-858-2855. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Dec. 21: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham. To enter call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Dec. 28: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Pine Crest Shooting Preserve, 1035

Derussey Rd., New London. To enter call Tom Reznik, 440-236-9131. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Jan. 4: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., R & G Ventures at Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. To enter call John Rizzo, 440-338-6578. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Jan. 14: Third and final segment of the goose hunting seasons in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone and North Zone through Jan. 31.

Jan. 15-19: Mid-America Boat Show, I-X Center, Cleveland. Show hours: Thursday, Noon-9 p.m.; Friday, noon-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $12, seniors $11, kids 12 and under free. For information visit clevelandboatshow.com.

Jan. 16-18 and Jan. 21-25: Cincinnati Travel, Sport, & Boat Show, Duke Energy Cincinnati Convention Center, Cincinnati. For information visit cincinnatiboatshow.com.

Jan. 18: George Sullivan Memorial All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham. To enter call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Jan. 24: Dave Maiwurm All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4990 Secrest Rd., Wooster. To enter call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Feb. 1: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Holly Dr., Hinckley. To enter contact Bert Scali, Scalli44212@aol.com or 216-513-9147. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Feb. 8: Gus Ferencak Memorial and Del Shamp/Chuck Weber Classic All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Rt. 224, Sullivan. To enter call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Feb. 15: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham. To enter call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

Feb. 22: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Youth Trial, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4990 Secrest Rd., Wooster. To enter call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

March 1: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Holly Dr., Hinckley. To enter contact Bert Scali, Scalli44212@aol.com or 216-513-9147. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

March 8: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., R & G Ventures at Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. To enter call John Rizzo, 440-338-6578. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

March 13-15: Ohio Deer & Turkey Expo, Bricker Building, Ohio Expo Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus. Show hours: Friday, 2-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For information visit deerinfo.com/ohio.

March 15: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Youth Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham. To enter call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

March 22: All-Breed Hunter's Trial and Youth Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Rt. 224, Sullivan. To enter call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679. For rules, complete schedule visit hunterstrial.com.

March 28: 47th annual Invitational Winner's Trial of the All-Breed Hunter's Trial circuit, 8 a.m., Pine Crest Shooting Preserve, 1035 Derussey Rd., New London. Entries closed. For information call Tom Reznik, 440-236-9131

2014-2015 HUNTING SEASONS

Crow: June 6, 2014-March 7, 2015 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)

Coyote and wild boar: No closed season

Groundhog: Closed only during deer gun season.

Squirrel: Sept. 1-Jan. 31

Ruffed grouse: Oct. 11-Jan. 31

American woodcock: Oct. 11-Nov. 24

Youth Small Game: Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 1-2

Cottontail Rabbit: Nov. 7-Feb. 28

Ring-Necked Pheasant: Nov. 7-Jan. 4

Bobwhite Quail: Nov. 7-Nov. 16 (16 counties only)

Fox, Raccoon: Nov. 10-Jan. 31

2014-2015 DEER SEASONS

Deer Archery: Sept. 27-Feb. 1

Deer Antlerless Muzzleloader: Oct. 11-12

Deer Youth Gun: Nov. 22-23

Deer Gun: Dec. 1-7

Deer Statewide Muzzleloader: Jan. 2-5

2014-2015 WATERFOWL

North Zone – Duck hunting from Oct. 25-Nov. 9 and Nov. 22-Jan. 4. Goose hunting from Oct. 25-Nov. 9, Nov. 22-Jan.4 and Jan. 14-31.

Lake Erie Marsh Zone – Duck hunting from Oct. 18-Nov. 2 and Nov. 15-Dec. 28. Goose hunting from Oct. 18-Nov. 2, Nov. 15-Dec. 28 and Jan. 14-31.

South Zone – Duck hunting from Oct. 25-Nov. 9 and Dec. 13-Jan. 25. Goose hunting from Oct. 25-Nov. 9 and Dec. 11-Jan. 31.

Youth Waterfowl Weekend: Oct. 4-5.

Mourning Dove: Sept. 1-Nov. 9 and Dec. 13-Jan. 1

Canada Geese: Sept. 1-15

Early teal season: Sept. 6-21

Rails and moorhens: Sept. 1-Nov. 9

Snipe: Sept. 1-Nov. 30 and Dec. 20-Jan. 4

2014-2015 TRAPPING SEASONS

Fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum, weasel: Nov. 10-Jan. 31

Mink, Muskrat: Nov. 10-Feb. 28

Lake Erie Marsh (mink, muskrat, skink, raccoon, opossum, weasel): Nov. 10-March 15

Beaver, Otter: Dec. 26-Feb. 28

SPRING 2015 SEASONS

Youth Turkey: April 18-19, 2015

Spring Turkey: April 20-May 17, 2015

Talking tight ends, Week 4 starts and sits and more: Fantasy Football Insider

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Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor and Dan Labbe talked all things fantasy football on today's Fantasy Football Insider.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Should you pull the trigger on that desperation trade? Who are some players you should sell high?

Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor and Dan Labbe talked all things fantasy football on today's Fantasy Football Insider. Dan and Chris answered your fantasy questions and more during the show. 

Topics discussed include:

  • The best tight ends
  • Who to start and who to sit this week
  • Should a struggling team sitting on Josh Gordon trade him?

Watch Fantasy Football Insider and ask your questions every Thursday at 12:30.

With Corey Kluber at the forefront, the Cleveland Indians' stout starting rotation could remain intact for years to come

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All five starters -- Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar, Trevor Bauer and T.J. House -- are under contractual control for at least three more seasons.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' rotation has churned out quality start after quality start over the last two months.

Certainly, much can -- and likely will -- change from week to week, month to month and season to season. The Indians will make additions to their rotation. Some pitchers' production will decline. Others' will improve. Injuries will factor into the equation.

As it stands, however, the Tribe's fearsome fivesome could remain intact for the foreseeable future. All five starters -- Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar, Trevor Bauer and T.J. House -- are under contractual control for at least three more seasons.

INDIANS STARTERS' FUTURE CONTRACTS
Trevor Bauer (23 yrs. old)
After 2014: Pre-arbitration
After 2015: Pre-arbitration
After 2016: Arbitration
After 2017: Arbitration
After 2018: Arbitration
After 2019: Free agent
Carlos Carrasco (27)
After 2014: Arbitration
After 2015: Arbitration
After 2016: Arbitration
After 2017: Free agent
T.J. House (24)
After 2014: Pre-arbitration
After 2015: Pre-arbitration
After 2016: Arbitration
After 2017: Arbitration
After 2018: Arbitration
After 2019: Free agent
Corey Kluber (28)
After 2014: Pre-arbitration
After 2015: Arbitration
After 2016: Arbitration
After 2017: Arbitration
After 2018: Free agent
Danny Salazar (24)
After 2014: Pre-arbitration
After 2015: Pre-arbitration
After 2016: Arbitration
After 2017: Arbitration
After 2018: Arbitration
After 2019: Free agent

Prior to Bauer's outing on Wednesday, the Indians' rotation owned an American League-low 2.49 ERA since Aug. 9, with 293 strikeouts and 57 walks in 267 innings. The starters limited the opposition to a .225 batting average during that stretch.

Kluber is in contention for the AL Cy Young Award.

Carrasco has posted a 5-2 record and 1.32 ERA, with eight walks and 68 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings in nine starts since returning to the rotation. In that span, he has held the opposition to a .452 OPS.

Salazar has suffered bumps and bruises during his first full big league season. He has logged a 3.50 ERA in 12 starts since returning from a two-month demotion to Triple-A.

Bauer has experienced highs and lows during his first full major league campaign, but his numbers are better across the board than they were in a handful of big league cameos the last two seasons.

House's career has been revived since teetering on the brink of a release from the organization. He has compiled a 3.43 ERA in 18 outings this season.

"We have young pitching that has done a really good job, especially in the second half of the year," said manager Terry Francona.

"Saying that, you don't want to get too caught up in patting yourself on the back. Things happen over the course of years, especially with pitchers. I fall back on when you think you have enough pitching, get more. Whether that's develop it -- you need to have pitching.

"This year is a really good example. Masty is a guy we were really counting on. He's not even here. T.J. House was inserted and really did an admirable job. Carrasco is back in the rotation and is dealing. You just don't know."


Week 4 NFL picks: Check out our picks and make yours

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Who did we pick to win the Week 4 NFL matchups?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Chris Fedor is looking to follow up a 13-3 week in Week 4, and he's doing it with the help of Siri. Fedor turns to Apple's voice assistant today to pick our three featured games -- Philadelphia at San Francisco, Green Bay at Chicago and Carolina at Baltimore.

Meanwhile, Jen Steer and I use our good old-fashioned intuition to make our picks (which is why I'm in first place) and Joey mails it in this week. Literally. He's on vacation.

Watch the video above, check out the outtakes after and make your picks in the comments below.

Dan's picks (Last week 12-4; Overall 30-18)

  • Giants over Redskins
  • Texans over Bills
  • Panthers over Ravens
  • Bears over Packers
  • Lions over Jets
  • Colts over Titans
  • Dolphins over Raiders
  • Steelers over Buccaneers
  • Chargers over Jaguars
  • Falcons over Vikings
  • 49ers over Eagles
  • Cowboys over Saints
  • Patriots over Chiefs

Chris' picks (Last week 13-3; Overall 29-19)

  • Redskins over Giants
  • Texans over Bills
  • Ravens over Panthers
  • Packers over Bears
  • Lions over Jets
  • Colts over Titans
  • Dolphins over Raiders
  • Steelers over Buccaneers
  • Chargers over Jaguars
  • Vikings over Falcons
  • 49ers over Eagles
  • Saints over Cowboys
  • Patriots over Chiefs

Jen's picks (Last week 11-5; Overall 28-20)

  • Redskins over Giants
  • Texans over Bills
  • Ravens over Panthers
  • Packers over Bears
  • Lions over Jets
  • Colts over Titans
  • Dolphins over Raiders
  • Steelers over Buccaneers
  • Chargers over Jaguars
  • Falcons over Vikings
  • 49ers over Eagles
  • Saints over Cowboys
  • Chiefs over Patriots

Joey's picks (Last week 13-3; Overall 28-20)

  • Redskins over Giants
  • Bills over Texans
  • Ravens over Panthers
  • Bears over Packers
  • Lions over Jets
  • Colts over Titans
  • Dolphins over Raiders
  • Steelers over Buccaneers
  • Chargers over Jaguars
  • Falcons over Vikings
  • Eagles over 49ers
  • Cowboys over Saints
  • Patriots over Chiefs

Cleveland Indians top five pitching performances as seen by beat writer Paul Hoynes

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Cliff Lee's 2008 Cy Young winning performance tops Indians' best pitching performances in the eyes of beat writer Paul Hoynes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – As part of Corey Kluber Appreciation Day, I was asked to rank Kluber's 2014 season against the performances of other Indians' pitchers I've covered since 1983.

With apologies to Jamie "The Rat' Easterly, Bryan "Gas Can' Clark and Ernie Camacho, all of whom did not make the list, here are my top five Indians' pitching performances.

No.1 Cliff Lee, 2008

I once covered a golf tournament in which Jack Nicklaus was playing. I followed him for several holes and noticed that every time he hit the ball, his swing looked the same. The swing was almost robotic in its repetitiveness.

When I think about Cliff Lee and his Cy Young winning season in 2008, that's what I think about. Every start looked the same. He never threw more than 91 mph, hardly walked a batter and almost never got beat.

The left-hander opened the season on a roll and never got off it. On May 7, after beating the Yankees, 3-0, he was 6-0 with a 0.81 ERA in six starts. He had 39 strikeouts, two walks and allowed four earned runs in 44 2/3 innings.

From July 11 through Sept. 17, Lee went 11-0 in 14 starts. He lost to Boston on Sept. 23, his last start of the season.

Lee was pitching with a chip on his shoulder. In 2007 the Indians came within one game of reaching the World Series, but they left him off the postseason roster. He'd been sent to Class AAA Buffalo during the season and the Indians let him stew there. The left-hander said all the right things when he returned, but he never forgot.

Lee started the All-Star Game for the AL after going 12-2 with a 2.31 ERA in the first half. On Sept. 1, he beat the White Sox, 5-0, to become the Tribe's first 20-game winner since Gaylord Perry in 1974. Chicago was needling him from the bench during the game and at the end of several innings, Lee would scream at them as he left the mound.

He finished the year at 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA in 31 starts. Lee struck out 170, walked 34 and allowed 214 hits in 223 1/3 innings.

No. 2 Corey Kluber, 2014

Kluber's innings and strikeouts earned him the No.2 spot.

When you start passing Herb Score and Bob Feller on the team's all-time strikeout list, you're doing something right. Kluber has 258 strikeouts in 227 2/3 innings this year. It's the highest single-season strikeout mark by an Indian since Feller struck out 246 in 1939. Kluber is in 10th place with one start to go. Feller is ahead of him in the eighth and ninth spots with 260 and 261 strikeouts.

"He's not doing it with smoke and mirrors," said manager Terry Francona. "He's legit."

Kluber (17-9, 2.53) hasn't been overwhelmed with run support by an erratic offense. The Indians have averaged 4.45 runs in Kluber's 33 starts. In his nine losses, they've scored 18 runs.

Defensively, he's been backed by the worst defense in the big leagues. So Kluber has had to walk the razor's edge in every start.

When Kluber gets on a roll, he can sustain it. He's had stretches where he's gone 4-0 in five starts and 6-0 in seven starts. He's currently on a four-start winning streak.

No. 3 CC Sabathia, 2007

Sabathia was the Indians' No.1 pick in 1998. The 2007 season was a culmination of years of work by Sabathia and the organization to turn the 6-7, 300-pound left-hander from a hard-throwing high-school prospect into a polished big-league pitcher.

He started the year quickly, going 5-0 in his first eight starts. The Indians, meanwhile, were on the way to an AL Central Division title and a meeting with Boston in the ALCS.

They won 96 games that year and Sabathia led them. He went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA in 34 starts to become the first Indian to win the Cy Young since Gaylord Perry in 1972. Sabathia struck out 209, walked 37 and allowed 238 hits.

Sabathia's 241 innings led the big leagues. It was the first time a Tribe pitcher had done that since Bob Feller in 1947.

The next year the Indians traded Sabathia to Milwaukee because he was approaching free agency and they couldn't afford to keep him. They did the same thing with Lee in 2009.

This year it appears they've finally started to recover on the pitching front after trading two Cy Young winners in consecutive years.

No. 4 Jose Mesa, 1995

Mesa was a so-so starter until the Indians made him a reliever in 1994. It was a move that helped take them to the World Series for the first time in 41 years in 1995.

After pitching in the set-up role in 1994, Mesa moved to closer in 1995. He reveled in the job, converting his first 38 save chances.

"No doubt about it – one, two, three," said Mesa after every save.

He didn't blow a save until Aug. 25 against Detroit. By that time the Indians, on the way to winning the AL Central by 30 games, were lapping the field and Mesa was one of the reasons why.

Mesa finished the year at 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA and 46 saves in 48 chances. He was the perfect door-slammer for manager Mike Hargrove's powerhouse team.

Yes, I remember what happened in 1997. Mesa, however, was the most dominant closer in baseball in 1995. He received MVP votes that year and he deserved them.

No. 5 Bert Blyleven, 1984

The Indians lost 87 games in 1984. Manager Pat Corrales' club finished sixth in the AL East, 29½ games out of first place. Somehow Blyleven managed to go 19-7 with a 2.97 ERA. It's one of the reasons he's in the Hall of Fame.

Blyleven had unpredictable Ernie Camacho closing for him and the even more unpredictable Julio Franco playing shortstop. Still, Blyleven prospered.

He won his 18th game on Sept. 26, beating Seattle 1-0 on a complete-game shutout. He came back three days later on Sept. 30, the last game of the season, to win his 19th in a 7-4 win against the Twins.

Blyleven went 7 2/3 innings and Camacho pitched the last 1 1/3 for his 23rd save. He pitched nine more seasons, but never won that many games again.

Blyleven's final numbers for 1984: 245 innings, 170 strikeouts, 74 walks and 204 hits.

Lake Erie yellow perch back in the spotlight -- Fishing Report for Sept. 26

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Lake Erie has settled nicely, with near-shore waters clearing and yellow perch biting along the Ohio shoreline.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Lake Erie had settled nicely on Thursday, with clearing waters and the yellow perch biting along the Ohio shoreline. The Lake Erie walleye fishing was still slow in most areas, and lots of white bass and white perch were being inadvertently caught. Inland lake anglers have been catching fair numbers of largemouth bass, some walleye and lots of catfish.

CLEVELAND AREA

Limits of Lake Erie yellow perch were still hard to find off Cleveland Harbor, but fair numbers of fish were being caught in 41 to 43 feet of water. The best areas have been off the Cuyahoga River lighthouse, Wildwood and Euclid General Hospital and the Rocky River in 45 to 47 feet of water. Expect good numbers of perch to return to the pier and breakwall areas at Edgewater and East 72nd Street for shoreline fishing success.

Few are trolling for walleye off Cleveland Harbor. There have been reports of some walleye being taken after dark while trolling outside the Cleveland breakwall and off Bratenahl. White bass and white perch are again moving into the harbor area.

Steelhead trout staging around the mouths of the Rocky River and Euclid Creek are being caught while trolling or casting spoons, spinners and working black jigs tipped with maggots under a float.

CENTRAL LAKE ERIE

Walleye have been scattered since last weekend's windy weather and while they're showing up on sonar fish-finding gear, it's been hard to get walleye to bite. The best walleye waters are still off Geneva, Ashtabula and Conneaut in 68 to 72 feet of water. A few walleye are being caught along the western edge of the Lorain Sand Bar off Vermilion and around the weather buoy on the Ontario line north of Vermilion. Hordes of white perch and large white bass are making the walleye fishing difficult.

Conneaut has been a top spot for big yellow perch in 68 to 70 feet of water. The Fairport Harbor area perch are easier to get to, with good fishing in 56 to 62 feet of water. Perch are also moving back to the 38-foot depths off Fairport Harbor.

Steelhead trout are being caught while casting from the short pier on the east side of the mouth of the Grand River on black jigs tipped with maggots and casting spoons, including silver-blue and chartreuse-orange Little Cleos. The smallmouth bass fishing has been very good off the Perry Power Plant.

Excellent numbers of perch are being caught from Vermilion to Avon Point in 43 to 49 feet of water.

WESTERN LAKE ERIE

Good numbers of yellow perch are being caught around the Western Basin, but jumbo perch are in short supply. The top areas have been north of the Niagara Reef complex, the green buoy off Catawba Island State park and south, southeast and northwest of Kelleys Island.

Walleye fishing remains slow. Drift-and-cast anglers report some success around Gull Shoal and Kelleys Shoal. Trolling fishermen have focused on waters northwest of North Bass Island and east of Kelleys Island.

INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS

This week's warming trend should have the bass, walleye, crappie, bluegills and catfish biting.

The best bass fishing has been around weed beds while casting spinnerbaits, buzz baits and topwater frogs and pitching jigs and trailers. Mosquito Reservoir has been a top bass lake, with smallmouth bass in the spotlight at Lake Milton.

The Portage Lakes and Wingfoot Lake have been good locations for largemouth bass, crappie and catfish.

Catfish are starting to bite again just about everywhere as the water continues to warm. Top catfish lakes include Mosquito, Pymatuning, LaDue and West Branch. West Branch muskie fishing has been very good in recent days while casting or trolling medium-sized diving plugs.

RIVERS AND STREAMS

Steelhead trout have begun to move up northeastern Ohio rivers and streams, but the big migration from Lake Erie won't begin for a while. Steelhead trout have been caught from the lower stretches of the Rocky River and the Grand River, with the Uniroyal Hole an early hot spot. Smallmouth bass are hitting tube jigs, crayfish and large emerald shiner minnows in the lower stretches, as well.

FISHING TOURNAMENTS

Electric Elite invitationals (Mogadore Reservoir): 1. Ray Halter Sr. and Ray Halter Jr., 5 bass, 13.62 pounds, $1,083; 2. Jim Halls and Jason Harlen, 5 bass, 12.66 pounds, $350; 3. Steve McClung and John Shriver, 5 bass, 11.84 pounds, $245. Big Bass: Halter and Halter, 5.07 pounds.

DOG TRIAL RESULTS

 

All-Breed Hunter's Trial

Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, Hinckley

All-Age – Pointing: Gary Thozeski, Brittany (Brit), Ember; Gary Thozeski, Brit, Chili; Terry Friedl, German shorthaired pointer (GSP), Allie. Flushing: Terry Reckart, English cocker spaniel (ECS), Hammer; Terry Reckart, ECS, Tracer; John Masseria, English springer Spaniel (ESS), Coriander.

Open – Pointing: Brett Staschke, English setter, Star; Terry Friedl, English pointer (EP), Reba; Terry Friedl, EP, Susie. Flushing: John Rizzo, Labrador retriever (Lab), Martie; John Rizzo, Lab, Deke; Dave Rydzinski, Lab, Ambur.

Derby – Pointing: Robert Dines, GSP, Sammie; Frank Ames, EP, Tally. Flushing: Tim Jason, Lab, Hunter; Jason Samuels, ESS, Sadie; Don Spice, golden retriever, Jaxon.

Puppy – Pointing: Cliff Sustaric, GSP, Roxy. Flushing: Nick Divita, Lab, Mya; Nick Schewtzow, Lab, Moose; Dino Trinetti, Lab, Maddie

Johnny Manziel gets same message as everyone heading into bye: 'Surround yourself with good people, make good choices'

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Johnny Manziel will go watch the Texas A&M Aggies plays Arkansas at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, but he's been warned -- like everyone else on the team -- to surround himself with good people and make good choices during the bye weekend.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns coach Mike Pettine had the same message for jetsetter Johnny Manziel that he did for the rest of the team heading into the bye weekend: be smart and do the right thing.

"No. Nothing special,'' said Pettine. "The position coaches handle that just as far as 'Hey, where are you going to be? What are you up to? To me,  we'll check in with our guys over the time, but we didn't treat him any different."

The mandate for all of the players was to recharge the batteries, but not get too amped up.
 
"We want to make sure that we come back fresh and focused,'' said Pettine. "At the same time, you hate dwelling on the negative, but we've very aware of the scrutiny that NFL players are under. We're – coaches and players – more under a microscope than most.''

Manziel, for one, can't take two steps out on the town without his mug being plastered all over twitter and Instagram, Deadspin and TMZ.

"They represent not just themselves, but their families and the Cleveland Browns – their teammates – when they're out of the building,'' said Pettine. "I just kept stressing it to them. Surround yourself with good people. Make good choices. It's a good group, and I think that the time off will be well spent. I'm certain they're going to come back fresh and focused."

Pettine gave the players their required four days off Friday through Monday and they'll reconvene Tuesday in Berea in preparation for their next game Oct. 5 in Tennessee. Most couldn't get out of the locker room fast enough Thursday to catch planes, including Manziel. By the time reporters were let in five minutes after practice, he was already gone. One thing on his agenda: watching his former Texas A&M Aggies play Arkansas Saturday afternoon at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

"I think (the bye week) will go well (for him),'' said quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains, who played for Arkansas. "I think he'll go watch the Aggies get beat by the Razorbacks.''

Receiver Andrew Hawkins was headed to sunny Florida, right tackle Mitchell Schwartz was bound for New York to visit his brother Geoff, a guard for the Giants, and linebacker Craig Robertson was rushing off to the hospital to hold his infant daughter, born Wednesday morning. Safety Jim Leonhard and quarterback Brian Hoyer -- each with a toddler and a baby -- were staying put.

"Having the bye week so early...I mean yeah, it's good to get away, but do you really need to get away?'' said Hoyer. "It's only been three weeks. I know I'll be in here and focused on Tennessee, and I'm not worried about (guys losing focus). We're a mature enough team to handle that. I think as a group, we're committed to this. We realize where we're at. We realize how close we are.''

Pettine refused to be drawn into a debate about whether or not Manziel -- who lived it up every weekend between the draft and training camp -- should be sticking around, like Hoyer.    

"I just think the fact that (Hoyer's) from here,'' he said. "If he was from Wyoming, he'd probably be headed there. That's an advantage for him that he's from here and that he truly gets the best of both worlds, that he gets his own facility and he's home."

Loggains, a huge Manziel fan since before the draft, had no problem with him heading back to Texas, where Loggains is also from.

"Well, I'm not going to say anything because I'm going home,'' said Loggains. "I'm going to Dallas to see my family. I don't know what Johnny's plans are. I'm sure coach Pettine and Mr. (Ray) Farmer will address that with him, but we trust Johnny to do the right things. He understands that and that's up to the powers that be and Johnny.

Despite visions of fruity drinks and sandy beaches, the players and coaches remained focused in practice throughout the week, Pettine said.

"I thought it was time well spent,'' Pettine said. "We met at length last night as a staff just to trade information on opposite sides of the ball. We broke each other down. I though there were some real positive things that came out of it. I know it was very helpful to both coordinators. Practice-wise, our guys showed up. They were very professional. Today wasn't ragged at all.

"I joked – I said hopefully no cars were running in the parking lot, but the guys handled it well. We got a lot of work done. Yesterday especially was a much longer practice in pads. That was one of our better practices of the year, which to me was a tribute to those guys. Very easily practice could have unraveled – lack of focus. I thought they handled it well."

Pettine didn't waste his breath complaining about an early bye, just three games into the season.

"You'd prefer it to be later, but that's a circumstance we don't control,'' he said. "The only other thing you can look at is we have the mini-bye early in November, I believe, after we play Cincinnati (Nov. 6). So, it really does segment our season into three parts. You play the hand that you're dealt."

Besides, he sends his players forth feeling like there's plenty of hope and excitement for the season.

"In talking to the team and just kind of getting a pulse with the guys, we're about as confident a 1-2 team as you can be,'' he said. "I think we've proved over the first three weeks that we can win football games in this league, that we're close. As I said, pass-fail league, we failed two out of three, but there's a different feel to it just because I know our guys have confidence coming out of it and that if we go out and execute a game plan that we can beat any team in this league."

With that, Pettine said 'bye.'

Pink salmon, sea lamprey surprise catches in local rivers -- Outdoors Notes

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When aquatic biologist Mike Durkalec of the Cleveland Metroparks surveyed some local steelhead trout streams in recent days, he found some surprises.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Steelhead trout start to leave their summer waters of Lake Erie at this time of year and head up the Northeast Ohio rivers and streams. When aquatic biologist Mike Durkalec of the Cleveland Metroparks surveyed some of those waters in recent days, he found some surprises.

Durkalec and his crew were checking Euclid Creek during an electroshocking survey on Sept. 19 and were delighted to find a pink salmon, especially such a big one.

"I looked up the Ohio pink salmon record, a 3.06-pounder that was just over 20 inches long caught (by Andy Janoski of Chagrin Falls) from Conneaut Creek in 2004," said Durkalec. "The pink salmon we caught and photographed was bigger than that."

While the pink salmon, also known as a humpback salmon, was cause for elation, Durkalec's survey of the Rocky River last Friday was disheartening.

Sea Lamprey from Rocky River .jpgThe numbers of invasive sea lamprey that kill Great Lakes salmon and trout has risen dramatically in recent years around Lake Erie. Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec of the Cleveland Metroparks shows off the raspy, tooth-filled circular mouth of one of two lampreys removed from trout captured during a survey of the Rocky River. 

"We checked 11 steelhead trout, an impressive number in the river for this early in the season," he said. "Two of them had invasive sea lamprey attached to their bodies. We know lamprey numbers are up, but to have lamprey attached to two of 11 trout surveyed does not bode well for the fishery."

Lampreys attach themselves to trout and salmon with a circular, raspy-toothed mouth and drain them of bodily fluids, often killing them. For many years, state and federal officials have treated Ohio streams with a poison that kills lamprey. The experts are still puzzled at the increase in lamprey numbers in recent years after having had the saltwater invaders under control.

"We posted the photo of the lamprey and its sucker-like mouth on the Cleveland Metroparks website on Monday," said Durkalec. "We have had almost 200,000 hits."

Lamprey arrived in Lake Erie in the 1920s through the Welland Canal and quickly spread to upper Great Lakes. Their initial target was lake trout, causing the population to crash.

Pink salmon trying to spawn in Lake Erie tributaries is a display of true grit for the "humpies," which spawn by the millions in Alaskan waters. They were accidentally introduced into Lake Superior in the mid-1950s. Over the last half-century they have managed to reach lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie.

The pink salmon die after spawning as 2 year olds, and few are caught by sport anglers. The spawning males sport a pronounced hump on their backs and generally weigh between two and seven pounds.

Bloom could surface: The harmful algal blooms, or HABs, that now coat parts of Lake Erie every fall could display their ugly side this week. After windy, cool weather seemed to have kept the blooms at bay in recent weeks, the forecast of a warming trend and calm winds could cause slimy, green mats to coat sections of western Lake Erie.

The highest concentrations won't be around Cleveland or the Central Basin of Lake Erie. According to NOAA's Experimental Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin, the potential sliming of Lake Erie will be near Maumee Bay and off the Monroe, Michigan, shoreline in the southwest corner of Lake Erie.

Walleye secrets on stage: The national Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit tournament will bring anglers from around Ohio and the country to Lake Erie today and Saturday. Weigh-ins are at 4 p.m. at the Huron Boat Basin, where big walleye will be on display and walleye fishing secrets might be shared.

The 6th annual Fall Walleye Challenge on Lake Erie has a full field of 110 teams competing on Oct. 4. The weigh-in starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Huron Boat Basin.

Bass tournament news: One of the most popular bass tournaments in Ohio, Mosquito Madness X in 2015 is being held May 2-3 on Mosquito Reservoir. Bass anglers that wait to enter might get shut out. Entries will be accepted starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, and the two-angler event usually fills in hours, not days.

Hosted by Rory Franks of Franks Bass Fishing Promotions, check the website (dobass.com) for details.

Ray Halter Sr. of the Rodmaker's Shop in Strongsville and his son, Ray Jr., won last Saturday's Electric Elite Invitational with a limit of five bass weighing 13.62 pounds. John Shriver and Steve McClung finished third, enough to take home the season points championship after weighing 11.84 pounds.

Deer seasons begin: Ohio's archery season for white-tailed deer, one of the longest in the country, begins on Saturday. The bowhunting season continues through Feb. 1 and season bag limits have been set on a county-by-county system by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. County limits range from two to four deer, although hunters are still limited to only one buck each year.

With too many deer roaming the urban areas of northeast Ohio, the season bag limit for Cuyahoga, Lake, Summit, Portage and Stark counties is four deer. Check the regulations at wildohio.gov. A new rule allows the use of rifles to hunt deer as long as the rifle shoots one of a long list of straight-walled cartridges.

Fantasy football 2014: Last-chance waiver wire pickups for Week 4

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Does your team have injury concerns that need to be addressed before the Thursday night kickoff?

*This content is provided by our sister site, OregonLive.com. For additional resources, check out OregonLive.com's complete fantasy football coverage.

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A couple days ago we took a look at the best available options on the waiver wire who could help your team in Week 4, but if you weren't quick enough to grab them, some of those options may have been snatched up by your competition.

Does your team have injury concerns that need to be addressed before the Thursday night kickoff? Here's a look around the NFL at some of the best options that may still be available on the waiver wire in both deep and shallow leagues:

Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Baltimore Ravens: The rookie shined in his debut putting up 91 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in a 23-21 win over the Cleveland Browns. His Ravens will face off against a Carolina Panthers team that dearly misses star linemen Greg Hardy who remains sidelined by the team for his involvement in a domestic violence case. Last week, the Panthers allowed 264 rushing yards to the Steelers, the highest total by any team playing against Carolina this season. If those troubles continue, Taliaferro could have a big day against them this week.

Niles Paul, TE, Washington: Paul has been a hidden gem all season, but is really starting to become a part of the Washington offense. In his last two outings, he has seen 20 targets, making 14 catches for 167 yards and a touchdown. While the Giants' defense have been tough on tight ends this season, Washington is second in the league in total offense so far on the year (444.0 yards per game) and Kirk Cousins is really starting to settle in as the starter at quarterback filling in for the injured Robert Griffin III. If Paul can ride that wave and make a few catches this week, he could have a nice day and be a nice option to hold onto in the future if he proves to be a reliable target for Cousins.

Jordan Matthews, WR, Phildelphia Eagles: Nick Foles is on fire at the quarterback position and that basically means that any receiver or tight end on the Eagles is seeing their stock rise. After a few early-season dropped passes, the rookie really found his groove against Washington last week when he caught eight passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns. He'll get a tougher test this week, however, as he lines up against a stout San Francisco 49ers defense that boasts a talented secondary. Philadelphia is a team that just puts up points. They're second in the league for points per game (33.7) and have proven they can do it against good teams already, but will Matthews be a beneficiary this week? That's the big question. He's a good option if you need a spot start.

Allen Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: I know what you're thinking: Jacksonville is terrible. They allow more yards a game to opponents than any other team in the league (466.0 per game). That's exactly why you should think about starting Robinson. You know Jacksonville will be throwing the ball, because it's likely that they'll be playing from behind this week when they face a San Diego squad that seems to be clicking on all fronts. Starting opposite of Cecil Shorts, Robinson caught seven of his 10 targets against the Colts last week for 79 yards and played on 42 of the team's 60 offensive snaps. Marquise Lee remains sidelined with an injury, which means Robinson remains a good target for Bortles.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington: As we talked about earlier with Niles Paul, Cousins is really settling in as the starter in Washington. Last week against Philadelphia, Cousins put on a show. He went 30-48 with 427 yards passing, three touchdowns and one interception. Both Washington and the New York Giants need a win to avoid being last place in the division, so you know both teams are going to leave it all on the field. It should be a slugfest, and knowing that Washington has dropped four-straight games when Cousins is a starter, they are due to get him a win. If you need a spot-start at QB, or just don't like the matchup for your regular starter, give Cousins a shot. He's been solid on the year thus far.

Former Ohio State Buckeye Jack Mewhort meets his pale match in comedian Jim Gaffigan

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Mewhort used to be quite a funny guy himself, if you remember his old tweets.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former Ohio State offensive lineman Jack Mewhort was always a funny guy. Before he worked himself into a second-round NFL pick, the Indianapolis Colts rookie was quite the Twitter philosopher, as detailed in this story from 2012.

"Olympic event proposal for 2016: eating chips on the highway with the windows down" was one of his better ones from his Twitter heyday. You know, that kind of observation sounds like it could have come straight from comedian Jim Gaffigan, who frequently offers his opinions on food, like Hot Pockets and bacon.

"If it wasn't for bacon we wouldn't even know what a water chestnut is."

Both like food. Both are funny. Both are blond and pale. Wait, has anyone ever seen Mewhort and Gaffigan in the same room? Are we sure they aren't the same person?

Now we are.

Consider it a great moment in American pale history.

My Twitter joke wasn't as good as Ramzy's.

Gaffigan also filmed a video about getting cut by the Colts. But all those Twitter links was just an excuse to keep looking at that fantastic photo.

Together at last.


Sources: Cavaliers trading for Keith Bogans of the Celtics

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CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cavaliers are trading for Boston's forward Keith Bogans, a league source confirmed. The Cavaliers will send over Malcolm Thomas, Erik Murphy and John Lucas, who each hold non-guaranteed contracts. ESPN was first to report the deal. Bogans holds a salary of $5 million in which is non-guaranteed, as well. This post will update shortly.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cavaliers are trading for Boston's forward Keith Bogans, a league source confirmed.

The Cavaliers will send over Malcolm Thomas, Erik Murphy and John Lucas, who each hold non-guaranteed contracts.

ESPN was first to report the deal.

Bogans holds a salary of $5 million in which is non-guaranteed, as well. This post will update shortly.

Cleveland Cavaliers trade for Keith Bogans

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The Cavaliers will send over Malcolm Thomas, Erik Murphy and John Lucas, who each hold non-guaranteed contracts.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – On Thursday, a day before media day, the Cavaliers traded for Boston's swingman Keith Bogans.

In exchange the Cavaliers sent over the non-guaranteed contracts of Malcolm ThomasErik Murphy and John Lucas along with a 2016 second pick and a 2017 second round pick. Dwight Powell, the 45th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, was also included the deal.

Moving these players had been expected for a while. Thomas, Murphy and Lucas were acquired in July with the intention of flipping them.

Bogans, 34, will earn a salary of a little over $5 million this season and next. However, all of his earnings are non-guaranteed, as well. Assuming he makes it through the season, Bogans and center Brendan Haywood would account for roughly $16 million of non-guaranteed salary that could be used towards a huge deal next summer.

The 11-year-veteran has a career average of 6.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and shoots the three-point ball at a 35 percent clip. He is known for his aggressive style of defense and strong locker room presence.

The addition of Bogans adds an abundance of depth at the small forward position, though he will likely be behind Mike MillerShawn Marion and, of course, LeBron James.

This will be the ninth NBA team Bogans has suited up for throughout his career. He has had stints in Orlando, Charlotte, Houston, Milwaukee, San Antonio, Chicago, Brooklyn and Boston.

Unrelated to the transaction, the Cavaliers waived Chris Crawford, the undrafted guard out of Memphis. This brings the number of camp bodies down to 16 from 20.

Josh Gordon understands he can't slip up and current plight 'doesn't sit well with him,' WR coach says

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Josh Gordon has the full support and encouragement of receivers coach Mike McDaniel and others now that he's back at the Browns facility. He knows he has to stay on the straight and narrow to get back on the field Nov. 23rd.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Josh Gordon has run an improbable comeback route to the Browns facility, and he knows that the path back to the Atlanta game Nov. 23 must be a straight one. One more strike in the new drug program, and he faces banishment again.

"Without a doubt (he understands it),'' said receivers coach Mike McDaniel. "There's no question in my mind. Now, do I think originally he understood the ramifications of his actions before he ever had a slip-up? Probably not, but it happens as it goes. That's one thing I've really been taken aback by is how much responsibility he's definitely taking and he needs to continue to take. But he's definitely taking (it) on himself. It doesn't sit well with him that he's in this situation.

"We were talking about the things we can improve on from his remarkable 14-game season the year before and then to be unable to play, I think all of this stuff has really put perspective into his eyes from my gatherings talking to him."

Now that he's back, Gordon is even more grateful than ever to have this opportunity, McDaniel said.

 "Without a doubt,'' said McDaniel. "I think at the end of the day, he's frustrated with the fact that he put himself in this situation in the first place, and he's very accountable in that regard. He's relieved that he gets to be where he wants to be, which is on the football field playing for the Cleveland Browns."

Gordon, who's suspension was reduced from a minimum season-long ban to 10 games, returned to the Browns facility a week ago, and the turn of events was so stunning that at times it seems like he's an apparition moving through the building.

"To be candid, I was very pessimistic from the get-go, so until it was already set in stone, I didn't really even play with the idea that it could be a possibility,'' said McDaniel. "And then once it was, it's funny how an NFL season is for a coach. It's super exciting for (the Atlanta game) and I kind of am pumped."

McDaniel can't get his hands on Gordon until the week leading up to that game, but can still get inside his head. Gordon is permitted to lift weights, condition and attend meetings, but not practice with the team or work on the field with coaches.

"I talk to Josh often and right now my role is to be a supporter because one thing that jumped off the map for me once I started working with him in the spring was that he does want to be great,'' said McDaniel.  "He wants to be great, so I support in everything he does, and I try to my best job to get him what his ultimate desire is, which is to be the best receiver that he can be. And in his mind, he wants to be the best receiver in the league."

McDaniel noted that he things happened quickly for Gordon -- from getting kicked out of two colleges to being an NFL All-Pro -- and that it became overwhelming.

"As a young person being pulled in every sort of direction, you've got to remember that he was a three-star athlete coming out of high school, so then he goes to Baylor and he goes through that process, (then Utah), then he's in the supplemental draft, he's a second-round draft pick and all of the sudden he's an NFL star,'' said McDaniel. "It's a lot to handle. As far as a day-to-day standpoint, I check in on him and we talk and I'm just supportive of the stuff that he's going through and the stuff that he's learning because he's learning on the fly how to be an adult and an NFL player within the confines of our league."
 
McDaniel hasn't dared to dream about what heights the NFL's reigning yardage leader can take the Browns to in the final six games of the season.

 "Umm, no just trying to figure out how to beat the Tennessee Titans to be honest,'' he said. "It's exciting. To have him in the lineup is a very exciting thing to think about."

For Olympian Joan Benoit Samuelson, Akron Marathon is part of bigger story

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Joan Benoit Samuelson, famous as the winner of the first women's Olympic Marathon, says her award as ambassador to the 12th annual Akron Marathon is part of a longer stand to get people on their feet.

AKRON, Ohio -- Joan Benoit Samuelson, famous as the winner of the first women's Olympic Marathon, is in Akron for the first time as ambassador to the 12th annual Akron Marathon. 

Samuelson said she runs about two marathons a year now, down from the years of monthly races and daily long distance runs. Still, Samuelson is a regular presence in the running community. 

"My running now is all about story telling," she said. "If I can tell a story I will go out and run a marathon."

For Samuelson, the ambassadorship is a thread in quilt sewn in the era of Title IX legislation, the first gender equality policy in college sports.

"I grew up with three brothers, it was survival as the fittest, I was always pegged as a tomboy," she said. "When I was out running and cars would pass, I would stop and walk because I didn't want to be running."

Now when she goes out running, she is almost always followed by a parade of runners, she said. An early morning run on the Towpath trail will be the extent of the 57-year-old's athletic activity in the Rubber City.

Her presence here is part of a much larger story, though, one that started when Samuelson ran through the archway into the bright lights of the Los Angeles Coliseum to win the 1984 Women's Olympic Marathon.

"Before I came into the light at the Coliseum I asked myself, are you in a position to win this race? Can you take this win and become a change agent for everyone in a sport and a state that means so much to you," Samuelson said.

Her answer, recorded in the history books, was yes. Her presence in Akron is another piece in a legacy of change, even after she wrote in her younger years that she would not be trying to run marathons as she grew older.

"Being awarded ambassador was a huge honor; to pull people off the sidelines and into the race is huge," Samuelson said. "I think people feel very proud to be part of this event whether they're running a leg in the marathon, or volunteering at a water stop or trying to run a personal best. It's all inclusive and it makes Akron a better place."

For the latest Akron news, like us on Facebook and bookmark our Akron homepage.

Live updates: Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays, Game 160 (chat)

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Get scoring updates and analysis as the Indians take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field and chat with cleveland.com's Joey Morona in the comments section.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 1-0, on Friday night. They now turn their attention the Oakland-Texas game to see if they're still alive in the playoff race. 

The Rangers must win for the Tribe to hang on to their chances.

Jose Ramirez's home run in the first was all Corey Kluber needed for his 18th win of the season. Kluber gave up no runs on 5 hits and struck out 11 in 8 dominate innings.

Cody Allen picked up his 24th save.

Scoring summary

Indians first
Bourn grounded out, shortstop Franklin to first baseman Loney. J.Ramirez homered to right on a 1-2 count. Brantley flied out to center fielder Kiermaier. C. Santana struck out. Indians 1, Rays 0

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