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Cleveland Cavaliers intro video for 2014 preseason shows off team and city

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The Cavs are not waiting until Opening Night to try and get fans excited for what could be a special season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It's safe to say The Q will be an emotional place on Oct. 30 when the rebuilt Cavaliers begin the regular season against the New York Knicks.

The Cavs are not waiting until then to try and get fans excited for what could be a special season. During a preseason game last Sunday at The Q, the team debuted a new intro video.

The nearly one-minute video shows off scenes of the city interspersed with shots of the players, and of course prominently features one certain star.

It ends with the Cavs logo and the Twitter hashtag #AllForCle.

Check out the new intro below.


St. Edward golfer Anton Krecic wins Division I district tournament, St. Ignatius takes team title (slideshow, videos)

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Teams from St. Ignatius, St. Edward, Hudson and Walsh Jesuit advanced to the 2014 Division I boys state golf tournament.

Teams from St. Ignatius, St. Edward, Hudson and Walsh Jesuit advanced to the 2014 Division I boys state golf tournament.

Brian Hoyer and Travis Benjamin have jerseys on display at HOF to honor NFL's biggest road comeback

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Brian Hoyer and Travis Benjamin made history Sunday when they connected on the gamewinning touchdown pass to produce the biggest road comeback in the history of the NFL.

BEREA, Ohio -- Brian Hoyer dreamed of being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day as a kid, and at least a part of him is there now.

The jerseys of Hoyer and receiver Travis Benjamin were put on exhibit Wednesday in the Hall's Pro Football Today Gallery, where they'll remain throughout the 2014 NFL Season (see below).

"It's pretty cool, especially a kid growing up here going to Canton all the time – field trips, whatever it might be,'' said Hoyer. "To have something that I wore on display there is pretty cool, but with my luck, that record will get broken this week.''

 Hoyer and Benjamin made history when they connected on the gamewinning 6-yard touchdown pass to beat the Titans 29-28 and erase a 25-point second-quarter deficit.  The victory marked the largest comeback victory on the road in the history of the NFL.

It also marked the largest comeback in Browns history and the third-largest in NFL annals.

One Browns fan visiting the Hall in Canton Wednesday for the second time, Josh Linton of Lorain, Ohio, was selected to help display the jerseys.

"This ranks as one of the best moments of my life," Linton told the Hall.

Another Browns fan picked the right day to visit the Hall.

Ohio native Tom Kloss, head of the Honolulu Browns Backers, came back home for the Steelers game here on Sunday, and originally planned to make the trip on Monday. He waited a day and was thrilled to see the new display.

Hoyer explained Monday that his never-say-die mentality is "something I've always had. Whether that's a football game or rehab or whatever it might be. You just have to press on and deal with adversity.''

And now, just seven starts into this NFL career, he has an exhibit in the Pro Football Hall of Fame to show for it.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer not concerned about QB J.T. Barrett taking hits: Buckeye Breakfast

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Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday that he isn't concerned about the number of hits quarterback J.T. Barrett has taken running the football this season. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio — J.T. the Distributor has turned into J.T. the Runner.

Not really, but Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett has shown a knack for running the football through the Buckeyes' first five games.

Barrett is second on the team in carries (71) and rushing yards (276). Described in the offseason as more the type of player to sit back and get the ball out to his playmakers, Barrett has made more than a handful of plays himself with his legs.

He's not Braxton Miller when it comes to running the ball. Not even close.

But it's likely Barrett is running the ball more than anyone anticipated, and taking the hits that come along with it.

Just don't count Buckeyes' coach Urban Meyer among those concerned about the number of hits Barrett is taking.

"I haven't seen that big of hits," Meyer said Wednesday. "He does a pretty good job of getting down."

Barrett, a 6-1, 225-pound redshirt freshman, has proven pretty durable this season. To be fair, the hits he's taken seem to be mostly routine tackles. He doesn't seem to be the type to fight for extra yardage after getting hit, leaving himself open to taking more shots.

But it's also hard to imagine the 71 carries, and however many more he has in the Buckeyes' remaining games, won't take a toll on his body. Barrett is playing his first full season of football since his junior year of high school.

This isn't a situation like last year when the Buckeyes had two capable quarterbacks in Miller and Kenny Guiton. There is no safety net.

If Barrett goes down, Ohio State's remaining quarterback options are Cardale Jones and Stephen Collier. Jones has made some nice plays late in the Buckeyes' blowout wins, but it's doubtful the offense would be able to maintain it's current pace with anyone but Barrett at the helm this season.

Meyer said co-offensive coordinator Tom Herman talks with all the quarterbacks about minimizing hits in the run game, but Barrett isn't a concern at this point. 

It will be interesting to see if that changes as the season wears on.

Here's our Ohio State coverage from Wednesday

Urban Meyer says college football is 'wide open,' where does Ohio State fit in? Buckeyes quick hits

How do you feel about Ohio State's season so far? (video and poll)

Here's more from our continuing series on quarterback recruiting

The exceptions — Jimmy Clausen, Andrew Luck, Matthew Stafford, others left home: QB Quest

Recruiting elite Southern QBs is a risk, but Torrance Gibson is the right bet for Ohio State: QB Quest

Here's some national links

Michigan State has third-best odds to win national championship

Brady Hoke, Michigan preparing for 'salty' Penn State defensive front

Former Alabama QB A.J. McCarron criticized the Crimson Tide's lack of leadership, then backed off his comments

Verbal commitment compilation of NCAA pledges for week of October 6

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Check out a listing of the verbal commitments given by area athletes to Division I schools.

Check out a listing of the verbal commitments given by area athletes to Division I schools.

Forbes: LeBron James' brand value up $10M in a year

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LeBron James, who is spending the week with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Brazil, is now the world's most valuable athlete according to Forbes.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- LeBron James' "brand" value went up $10 million from 2013, making his the most valuable sports brand in the world at $37 million, according to Forbes.

So, how did you do over the last year?

On Wednesday, the Northeast Ohio Media Group wrote about James' star power in the NBA, his recognition of that power and his intent to use it. The Forbes' ranking is another example of James' expanding empire, which was also discussed in Wednesday's piece.

According to Forbes, James' "brand" is now more valuable than Tiger Woods ($36 million), Roger Federer ($32 million, down from $46 million in 2013), and Phil Mickelson ($29 million).

Which sports team is the most valuable, according to Forbes? James' favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees, valued at $521 million in franchise legend Derek Jeter's final season.

One of James' chief endorsements is Nike. Mere, unsubstantiated discussion that James could appear Thursday at a Nike store on a Rio de Janeiro beach is creating a stir down here -- where James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are spending the week.

Keeping with the international theme, Akron Public Schools announced that James' foundation is bringing Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang to the Miller South School for Visual and Performing Arts for a concert Friday.

Cleveland Browns' Justin Gilbert: 'It's been a rocky road, up and down, trying to get it to stay steady'

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Cleveland Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert knows he has to play better but has "100% confidence" he can perform well if pressed into service against the Steelers.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert, the No. 8 overall pick, has gone from playing a ton in the opener to being benched in Tennessee and now fighting for time with two undrafted rookies.

"It's been a rocky road – up and down, up and down,'' said Gilbert. "It's trying to get it to stay steady and continue on a straight path beyond now."

Gilbert said his confidence wasn't crushed in Tennessee when K'Waun Williams replaced him as the third cornerback off the bench behind Joe Haden and Buster Skrine.

"(Williams is) a good player,'' said Gilbert. "He's a great player. I'm not sure why he was undrafted, but he was. He's been working his tail off here, so that's maybe why he's on the field now. So I take nothing away from him and I'm glad he's on our team."

In addition to taking backseat to Williams and watching his reps dwindle from 59 in the opener against Pittsburgh to nine in Tennessee, Gilbert is now trying to fight off undrafted rookie Robert Nelson for playing time Sunday against the Steelers in the event Joe Haden can't play. Haden has sat out practice each of the past two days, and his status for the game will be updated Friday. Williams is still expected to play as the nickel back, with Skrine starting at one of the outside spots. If Haden can't go, either Gilbert or Nelson will start on the outside, or the two split time.

"Both of those guys are hard-working guys but there's nothing I can do about it but continue to fight my tail off in practice and compete for the spot,'' said Gilbert. "Right now, all I can control is what I do on the practice field."

Gilbert acknowledged that he's playing one of the toughest positions in football and that it takes some time.

"It's a position like no other,'' he said. "Very few people can do it. That's why the top corners in the league get paid the most money. It's a hard job, but if you can do it, you can do it."

Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil echoed the sentiments of coach Mike Pettine in saying that the Browns haven't given up on Gilbert -- even though he's gone from playing 83% of the snaps in the opener to 13% in Tennessee.
"I'm not down on Justin,'' he said. "He's a rookie. He's learning his way in this league. He's got to learn how to bring the technique that we're teaching him, the fundamentals, to the game field. I think he, like every rookie, when you're coming in the NFL you get slapped in the face with how hard it is to play in this league, especially at corner.

 "A lot of guys who are elite athletes can get away with a lot of stuff at the college level. Then you get into the NFL, and that guy is just athletic as you. You've got to rely on your fundamentals and technique. He's flashed very good coverage skills at times during games, and then when he relies on some old habits and some old technique, that's when he gets himself into trouble. I've got his back. I want him to be successful. We knew that there were going to be growing pains with a rookie corner. There is with every rookie corner in this league, and Justin may or may not be a big part of the game plan this week."

 O'Neil acknowledged that Gilbert sometimes keeps to himself, but that it's not a negative thing.

 "He's a quiet but confident kid,'' said O'Neil. "I think he's getting some tough love probably in that DB room, but we have his back. The DBs have his back. I think everybody wants everybody to play at what they can play at. I hope that answers your question."

He said Gilbert has accepted his reduce role with aplomb.

"He's been great,'' said O'Neil. "If you guys get out there early today, I guarantee he's out there working press technique. I know you guys aren't out there at the end of practice, but he's on the JUGS machine. He's always working something with (secondary coach) Jeff Hafley or (assistant defensive backs coach (Aaron Glenn) after practice. He's always picking Joe Haden's brain, or 'Hey, what did you think about this.'

"There's nothing that I'll complain about with Justin when it comes to any of that stuff. He's attacking the classroom. He attacks the practice field, but those reps that you get on gameday are so valuable. It's just cumulative reps, and he'll build and build and build as a player. Then one day he'll be the guy that we all knew he was. That's why we drafted him."

Gilbert said he hasn't lost any faith in his ability and has "100 percent confidence" he'll succeed if pressed into service Sunday against Ben Roethlisberger, who picked on him in the first meeting. Roethlisberger -- who threw for 365 yards in the 30-27 victory in the opener -- looked for Markus Wheaton whenever he was singled up with Gilbert, to the tune of most of his six catches for 97 yards.

He also went after Gilbert on the final gamewinning field goal drive, completing an 11-yarder to Wheaton and then a 20-yarder to set up the field goal after Gilbert slipped.

"It's not so much what they did,'' he said. "It's mostly what I didn't do. There were a couple plays I could have plays on the ball. I didn't get my head around or I didn't finish all the play. It all just comes down to what I do and how I play."

Gilbert is gearing up to face Roethlisberger, who's 18-1 against the Browns, but is also confident that Haden will rally. The Browns might be tasked with trying to limit premier receiver Antonio Brown without their best corner -- and even he struggles against Brown.

"I'm pretty confident he'll be able to play this week as well,'' said Gilbert. "I have faith in him to get back on the field. But if he's not, then we have younger guys that can step up and be able to make plays and know the system pretty well."

The Oklahoma State product was asked what Pettine told him about why his role diminished.

"I don't really talk to him much,'' Gilbert said.

Still, he doesn't view his demotion as a wake-up call.

 "No, just continue to work out on the practice field is all I can control,'' he said.

He said he doesn't feel like he's competing with Nelson for the starting nod if Haden can't go.

 "We'll see what happens,'' he said. "I'm not sure. It all depends on what the coaches feel is best for the team."

O'Neil said it will come down to how the two look in practice.

"Both those guys have looked pretty good,'' he said. "They've responded, so I'm happy with where we are right now with that group. Those guys are going to have to go out and prove it on Sunday."

Gilbert said he received words of encouragement last week from his Oklahoma State cornerbacks coach Van Malone.

"Yeah, (he) called me last week, reached out to me and just talked to me about a couple of things, how younger people are looking up to me and are expecting me to do well,'' said Gilbert. "I plan on being a role model for the younger kids out there, the college kids and high school kids that look up to me....most definitely, it was a relief to hear from him.''

O'Neil has said said on several occasions that Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson struggled as a rookie, but Gilbert hasn't felt the need to reach out to the Pro Bowler.

"Not at all,'' he said. "I don't think I need to talk too much about this. I know what I'm capable of. I just have to make plays. That's all I can say."

Pettine stressed Wednesday that "it's not an attitude thing, at all'' with Gilbert but that he needs to trust the coaching.

"I just think when you get into a game situation, that sometimes, young guys that haven't had an extreme amount of reps in a system to get it coached, to get it engrained, they fall back on old habits, and that can tend to get you in trouble,'' he said. "Justin's been inconsistent....That's the problem. He's had his issues, and he knows he's been picked on when he's in there, and there's a lot of things that we need to get right with Justin, but we're confident that we're going to do it.''
Gilbert declined to break down the differences between his college technique and the pro coaching tips that he's been struggling with.

"No, not really,'' he said. "It's corner talk. It's just a little bit different. It takes some getting used to. But it's definitely doable."

Pettine has stressed that he won't try to jumpstart Gilbert by letting him return kicks, because he wants him to focus on getting right at cornerback right now.

 "I wouldn't say that (I'm out of the mix),'' said Gilbert. "I work out with the returners every game. I always catch it in practice and before the games. (But)
 I guess I have to do it myself on defense – take one away."
 
Providing he gets on the field enough to have that chance.

Fantasy football 2014: Last-chance waiver wire pickups for Week 6

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Will Raiders receiver James Jones be the player to jump off the scrap heap to rescue your fantasy team this weekend?

*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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The fantasy football waiver wire is a place that can make or break your team's season. If didn't have the kind of draft you had hoped for, this is your chance to pick up some players who may emerge as fantasy threats next week and during the course of the season.

A couple days ago we took a look at the best available options on the waiver wire who could help your team in Week 6, 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:

Storm Johnson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars regular starter, Toby Gerhart, has seen both his production and carries decline in the last three weeks and will likely sit out this game with a sprained foot. Meanwhile, Denard Robinson has proven he cannot handle the load. Johnson only had 4 carries for 27 yards last week, but he'll be getting a real shot to play against the Tennessee Titans this week according to what coaches have been saying in media sessions this week. He's a risky play, as he is an unproven commodity, but if you are really in need of a spot start, he might help you. Especially against a struggling Titans team who will not have Jake Locker playing at quarterback this week.

Tim Wright, TE, New England Patriots: Is this guy the next in line to be a breakout star tight end for a resurgent Tom Brady? Maybe not, but he could be. He was impressive in a big win for the Patriots last week catching 5 balls for 85 yards and a touchdown while playing on only 19 of the Patriots 84 offensive snaps. I'm sure Tom Brady would love to see someone fill the role of the departed Aaron Hernandez and give Ron Gronkowski a new counterpart in the kind of two tight end sets New England loves to run. Bill Belichick said good things about him all week, but will it translate to more snaps this weekend? That's the risk your facing. At the least, he may be a guy to draft and keep on your roster who develops into an impact player a couple of weeks down the road.

Blake Bortles, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Bortles wasn't impressive last week, going 22-of-36 passing for 191 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions in a 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, I like Jacksonville players this week as they are facing a Tennessee Titans team that is in disarray with a struggling secondary and will again miss quarterback Jake Locker to injury. If there's any game that might give Bortles a chance to improve, this is it. Still, it's a risky play unless you really need a quarterback this week.

James Jones, WR, Oakland Raiders: It's going to be a tough matchup for the Raiders going up against a red-hot San Diego team, but Derek Carr looks like he might be back after practicing on Wednesday and that would be a very good thing for Jones. He's clearly been the Raiders best receiver this year and this is a game where the Raiders look like they will be playing catchup, having to throw the ball early and often. Jones is also coming off the bye week. He should be very well rested and ready to go on Sunday.


Videos: Paul Kruger misses practice with a bad back - Cleveland Browns Berea report

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Watch Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed recap the news from Browns practice Thursday in Berea. Also watch videos on Justin Gilbert and head coach Mike Pettine on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio --  Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed fill you in on what happened at practice Thursday as the Browns (2-2) continue their preparations for their game against division rival Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium. 

Topics discussed include:

  • It's Steelers week!
  • Linebacker Paul Kruger misses practice with an injured back.
  • Joe Haden is still idle with his injured hip.
  • Defensive linemen John Hughes and Ishmaa'ily Kitchen will fill in for Phil Taylor who had surgery on his knee this week.
  • Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel making big plays on offense.
  • And finally, Jordan Poyer replaces Travis Benjamin on punt returns.

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

Facebook page: CLEvideos

Players of the Week profiles for field hockey, football, soccer, volleyball for Oct. 9, 2014 (slideshow, poll)

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See the Players of the Week for Oct. 9, 2014.

See the Players of the Week for Oct. 9, 2014.

Mentor freshman football player injured in game, airlifted to MetroHealth

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According to coaches the Mentor player has "full feeling" in arms and legs after suffering a head injury.

According to coaches the Mentor player has "full feeling" in arms and legs after suffering a head injury.

Ohio high school football statewide football scores for October 9, 2014

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Seen Ohio high school football statewide scores for Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014.

Seen Ohio high school football statewide scores for Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014.

Katy Perry will perform at halftime of Super Bowl, reports say

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News reports say Katy Perry will perform during halftime of the Super Bowl on Feb. 1.

Pop star Katy Perry will perform during the halftime of Super Bowl XLIX in February, according to news reports.

Billboard says sources have confirmed Perry will perform during the game in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1. Other rumored possibilities had been Coldplay and Rihanna, according to reports.

"A deal is being hammered out for Katy to play the Super Bowl," the New York Post quotes an "entertainment insider" in regard to Perry.

The news is somewhat surprising because the NFL had recently suggested that artists should pay to perform during halftime because of the huge ratings the game draws. Perry, during an appearance on ESPN's "College Gameday" last Saturday, said she's "not the kind of girl to pay to play the Super Bowl."

No details of the deal are being reported.

A record 111.5 million viewers watched last season's Super Bowl.

Billboard cites reasons the NFL would want Perry to perform, including her current hits, her family-friendly catalog, and her international popularity (she has 58.1 million Twitter followers).

Perry does bring more star power than Bruno Mars, who gave a mostly well-received performance during last year's Super Bowl.

2014 ALCS preview: Paul Hoynes picks Kansas City to beat Baltimore in six games

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The winner of the American League Championship Series, whether it's the Orioles or Kansas City, will return to the World Series after a long absence.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The long wait to return to the World Series will finally end for the Royals or Orioles as soon as they settle the American League Championship Series, which begins Friday night at Camden Yards.

The last time the Orioles played in the World Series, 1983 to be exact, Members Only jackets were all the rage among the country's young males.

Kansas City has not been to the World Series since 1985, when gas was $1.05 a gallon. In fact, manager Ned Yost's wild-card Royals are in their first postseason of any kind since their 1985 forefathers beat St. Louis in seven games to win baseball's championship.

The power-laden Orioles reached the ALCS by winning the AL East by 12 games over the Yankees with a 96-66 record. They swept Detroit in the best-of-five American League Division Series with two of their three wins coming by one run.

In beating the Tigers, the Orioles did the Royals a favor. The Tigers (90-72) clinched the AL Central on the last day of the regular season with the Royals one game back at 89-73. If the Tigers had beaten the Orioles in the ALDS, the Royals chances of playing in the World Series later this month would have taken a hit.

The Tigers went 13-6 against Kansas City during the regular season. The Royals went 4-3 against the Orioles.

Kansas City had to scrap to get to this point in the postseason. They scored twice in the bottom of the 12th inning to beat Oakland, 9-8, in the wild card game. In a three-game sweep of the Angles in the ALDS, they won Games 1 and Games 2 in the 11th inning to give them three straight extra-inning postseason wins.

The Orioles led the big leagues with 211 homers in the regular season. Nelson Cruz led the way with 40 in the regular season and two more in the ALDS. Adam Jones added 29 and first baseman Steve Pearce, designated for assignment during the regular season, hit 21.

The Royals ranked last in the big leagues with 95 homers. In the ALDS, however, Mike Moustakas hit a game-winning homer in the 11th in Game 1 and Eric Hosmer hit a two-run, tie-breaking homer in the 11th in Game 2 on the way to beating the Angels, who led the big leagues with 98 wins.

What the Royals do well is run. They've stolen 12 bases in the postseason, including seven in the wild card game.

Defensively, the Orioles finished in a three-way tie for the highest fielding percentage in the AL at .986. Kansas City tied for 10th at .982, but is still considered an excellent defensive club with Gold Glove caliber defenders in shortstop Alcides Escobar, catcher Salvador Perez, center fielder Lorenzo Cain and left fielder Alex Gordon.

Here's how the two teams matchup position by position:

First base

Royals: Hosmer is an excellent defender, who missed time because of a right hand injury. He hit only nine homers during the regular season, but is hitting .500 (7-for-14) with two homers and five RBI in the postseason.

Orioles: Pearce has filled in well for Chris Davis, who was left off the ALCS roster as he finishes serving a 25-game suspension for amphetamines. Pearce, hitting .300 in the postseason, hit .315 with five homers and 12 RBI in September.

Edge: Royals, Pearce has more power, but Hosmer is swinging a hotter bat.

Second base

Royals: Omar Infante drove in a career-high 66 runs during the regular season. He's playoff tested and a solid defender. He's hitting .125 (2-for-16) in the postseason and drove in six runs against the Orioles on April 27.

Orioles: Jonathan Schoop is a rookie with power. He hit .209 during the regular season, but padded that with 16 homers and 45 RBI. He's hitting .300 (3-for-10) with two RBI in the postseason.

Edge: Royals, Infante is an accomplished veteran.

Shortstop

Royals: Escobar, who played 162 games during the regular season, has pulled the Royals' defense together over the last few years. Escobar moved into the leadoff spot over the last two weeks of the season and hit .362 (25-for-69) with nine runs and a .397 on base percentage.

Orioles: J.J. Hardy's power declined this season as he went from 25 homers and 76 RBI in 2013 to nine and 15 this year. He still hit .315 with runners in scoring position and .360 against the Royals. By most defensive metrics, Hardy is considered one of the best shortstops in the AL.

Edge: Orioles in a close call.

Third base

Royals: After a disappointing regular season in which he hit .212, Moustakas is hitting .286 (4-for-14) with two homers and two RBI in the postseason. His glove is suspect.

Orioles: Utility man Ryan Flaherty, with regular Manny Machado out for the season following right knee surgery, started all three ALDS games at third. The left-handed hitter batted .288 with eight RBI in September and is 1-for-6 in the ALDS.

Edge: Even.

Catcher

Royals: Perez is hitting only .153 in the postseason, but the All-Star makes the Royals go on both sides of the ball. He won the wild-card game with a single past third in the 12th and hit .260 with 17 homers and 70 RBI during the regular season.

Orioles: With Matt Wieters out for the season with Tommy John surgery, it will be interesting to see who starts behind the plate for the Orioles. In the ALDS, Nick Hundley started twice and Caleb Joseph once. Joseph threw out over 38 percent of the runners who challenged him during the season. He could slow down the Royals' running game, but he hit only .207 during the season.

Edge: Royals have a big advantage.

Designated hitter

Royals: Billy Butler, headed into free agency, didn't have a great walk year. He hit .271 with nine home and 66 RBI. He's 0-for-9 in the postseason. Butler is still dangerous against lefties, but the Orioles have just one left-handed starter in Wei-Yin Chen.

Orioles: One of the reasons the Orioles are in the postseason is because they took a chance on signing Cruz in February when no one else would. All he did was hit .271 and set career highs in homers and RBI (108). He's hitting .500 (6-for-12) with two homers and five RBI in the postseason.

Edge: Orioles in a landslide.

Left field

Royals: Gordon might be the best left fielder in baseball and that's saying something after watching Michael Brantley play this season. His three-run double in the first inning of Game 3 of the ALDS put KC's sweep in motion. Gordon, with four RBI in four postseason games, hit .345 with two homers and nine RBI against the Orioles during the season.

Orioles: Alejandro De Aza was acquired from the White Sox for the stretch run and he delivered. He hit .293 with three homers and 10 RBI in the 20 games after the deal. In the postseason, he's hitting .375 with two RBI. De Aza's defense is suspect.

Edge: Orioles, Gordon's the better player, but De Aza is trending up, while Gordon is tending down.

Center field

Royals: Cain has put on a defensive clinic in the postseason. He did it most of the regular season as well. During the season, he hit .301, but struck out 108 times in 471 at-bats. In the postseason, he's hitting .211.

Orioles: Jones hit .287 with 96 RBI during the season while hitting third and fourth. With runners in scoring position, he hit .320 so his .182 average in three postseason games shouldn't fool anyone.

Edge: Orioles, Jones is the more complete player, but sometimes that doesn't compute in a best-of-seven series.

Right field:

Royals: Nori Aoki had a great September, hitting .379, 10 RBI and a .926 OPS. He's slowed considerably in the postseason, hitting .235 (4-for-17), but he's talented slap hitter with a good throwing arm.

Orioles: Leadoff hitter Nick Markakis hit .271 with 81 runs in 642 at-bats during the season. He faded in September (.234) and is hitting .250 with one homer and three RBI in the postseason.

Edge: Orioles, Markakis is the more dangerous hitter of the two.

Rotation:

Royals vs. Orioles: It will be Kansas City's James Shields vs. Chris Tillman in Game 1. The rest of the starters have yet to be named, but this will already be Shields third start of the postseason including the wild card game and Game 3 of the ALDS. Lefty Jason Vargas and rookie Yordano Ventura started Games 1 and 2 in the ALDS. Tillman started Game 1 against Detroit followed by Chen and Bud Norris.

It's believed Ventura will start Game 2 for the Royals on Saturday.

In the regular season, the Royals rotation finished fifth in the AL with a 3.60 ERA. The Orioles were sixth at 3.61. Shields went 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA against the Orioles during the season. Tillman, who will be making his second start of the postseason, threw a five-hit shutout at the Orioles on May 16.

The Royals have more depth with Jeremy Guthrie and Danny Duffy behind Shields, Vargas and Ventura.

Edge: The Royals have more depth with Jeremy Guthrie and Danny Duffy behind Shields, Vargas and Ventura.

Bullpen:

Royals and Orioles: Both teams have great closers in Greg Holland (46 saves regular season, two postseason) and Baltimore's Zach Britton (37 saves regular season, two postseason). If the Royals get an early lead, Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Holland could bring the ALCS to a quick end. Herrera injured his right forearm in Game 1 of the ALDS, but came back to pitch in Game 3. Andrew Miller, acquired from Boston, has made a big difference in Baltimore's pen with 34 strikeouts in 20 innings.

Edge: Even.

Bench

Royals and Orioles: Kansas City can bring speed off the bench in the form of Jarrod Dyson (37 steals in 42 attempts) and Terrance Gore, who the Royals believe is the fastest man in baseball. Gore stole 47 bases in 54 attempts in the minors this year and is 7-for-7 with the Royals, including two steals in the ALDS. Baltimore counters with the bat of Delmon Young, 10-for-20 as a pinch-hitter this season. The former ALCS MVP helped dispatch the Tigers in the ALDS with a three-run double in Game 2.

Edge: Orioles.

Managers

Royals vs. Orioles: Kansas City's Ned Yost took a lot of heat this year for some of his moves, but he delivered his team to the promised land for the first time in 29 years. Buck Showalter did a great job with the Orioles despite losing Machado, Davis and Wieters. He's smart, likes to work ahead of the curve and can annoy the heck out of his opponents.

Edge: Showalter.

Prediction: I'm picking the Royals in six games. I think their starting pitcher will neutralize the Orioles' offensive advantage.

How good has Ohio State's offense been? Breaking down the numbers: Buckeye Breakfast

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Taking a look at some of the numbers Ohio State's offense has put up this season. Can the Buckeyes' success continue? Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio — How good is this Ohio State offense?

That's a question that will be asked until the Buckeyes play Michigan State on Nov. 8. But there's no denying this: They've been pretty good over the last three games.

How good? Here's a look at some of the numbers:

• Ohio State is 15th in the country and second in the Big Ten in yards per game (524).

• Buckeyes' quarterback J.T. Barrett is fourth in the nation in passing efficiency (186.3) and 13th in total offense (326).

• The Buckeyes have amassed 500 yards or more of total offense in their last three games. Another outing like that next week against Rutgers and the Buckeyes will tie the school record for consecutive 500-yard games set in 1998.

• The 1,871 yards over the last three games are the second most over a three-game stretch in program history. The Buckeyes racked up 1,917 yards against Penn State, Purdue and Illinois last year.

• A 50-point game against Rutgers would mark the first four-game streak of 50 points or more in Ohio State history, and the first for an Urban Meyer-coached team.

"I think we've been doing a good job, but we have to keep getting better," Buckeyes' center Jacoby Boren said Wednesday. "We're happy with what we've done, but we're not happy with where we're at right now. We have to get better and keep grinding."

The numbers could keep getting better.

Ohio State hosts Rutgers next Saturday, the Scarlet Knights are 97th in the country in total defense. After that, the Buckeyes travel to Penn State. The Nittany Lions are 10th in the country in total defense, but have played two offenses ranked in the 100s in five games. Then Ohio State hosts Illinois, which ranks 124th in the nation in total defense.

Michigan State will most likely be the first true test the Buckeyes face since losing to Virginia Tech. The Spartans are ranked 13th in total defense, that's with two games against Oregon and Nebraska, both top 25 offenses.

Here's our Ohio State coverage from Thursday

Benedictine WR Justin Layne earns his offer from Ohio State: Buckeyes recruiting

Ohio State commit Justin Hilliard visiting Iowa, Michigan commit Garrett Taylor to visit Ohio State: Buckeyes recruiting

Urban Meyer says Ohio State's crowded QB picture isn't a recruiting issue: Radio show quick hits

What grade would you give Ohio State's offense so far? (video and poll)

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer not concerned about QB J.T. Barrett taking hits: Buckeye Breakfast

Here's the latest installment of our series on QB recruiting

Joey Burrow, Ohio State's QB security blanket they had to lock down in their backyard: QB Quest

Here are some national links

Georgia RB Todd Gurley suspended indefinitely

Does Indiana's location contribute to football failures?

Michigan State receiver Aaron Burbridge ready to fulfill potential


Sizing up the AL Central: What might the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals look like in 2015?

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This could be a critical offseason in Motown. Any rotation with Price at the top stands a chance, and Cabrera can anchor any lineup, but the team has plenty of question marks.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Winter's cold grip can squeeze the life out of the Midwest, but there could be plenty of movement in the American League Central this offseason.

It took until late September to ultimately decide the division's pecking order. The Tigers were dismissed from October's action rather swiftly. The Royals have reached the sport's final four. The Indians, White Sox and Twins embarked on their vacations a little early.

That said, it's never too early to attempt to size up what the Indians' AL Central foes have in store this winter as they look ahead to 2015. The White Sox boast one of the best pitchers (Chris Sale) and hitters (Jose Abreu) in the game. Now they need a supporting cast. The Twins will take the next step in their rebuilding phrase as they hire a new manager.

For now, we'll stick to the Tigers and the Royals as we examine the winter ahead and the outlook for next year.

Detroit Tigers

1. They could have the most desirable free-agent pitcher and hitter in the market. Max Scherzer, the 2013 AL Cy Young Award winner, rejected a six-year, $144 million offer before the season. He figures to test the free-agent waters and might be too rich for the Tigers' blood, especially if the club hopes to retain Victor Martinez, the club's top offensive weapon this season.

2. The Tigers already owe a combined $44.8 million to Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez for next season. Arbitration rates will earn David Price and Rick Porcello hefty sums as well. Detroit could be paying those four members of its rotation in the neighborhood of $75 million, and that's without Scherzer or any other viable starter to replace him.

3. Detroit owner Mike Illitch hasn't really operated with restricted pockets over the last decade, but the contracts handed out to Verlander, Sanchez and Miguel Cabrera -- who will earn $22 million in 2015 and at least $28 million each of the following eight seasons -- could hamstring the club in the coming years. The Tigers have plenty of talent, even if they do lose Scherzer and Martinez, but general manager Dave Dombrowski could find it difficult to plug the club's holes. Shortstop Jose Iglesias and hard-throwing right-hander Bruce Rondon are expected to return from injuries that wiped out their 2014 campaigns.

4. Joe Nathan will likely return as the closer for $10 million. He'll turn 40 next month. Joba Chamberlain, Phil Coke, Jim Johnson, Joakim Soria and Joel Hanrahan are scheduled to hit free agency. The bullpen proved to be Detroit's downfall. It has been their Achilles' heel for years now, despite Dombrowski's best efforts to revamp the group. He'll have another crack at it this winter.

5. This could be a critical offseason in Motown. Any rotation with Price at the top stands a chance, and Cabrera can anchor any lineup, but the team has plenty of question marks -- Verlander's inconsistency, Sanchez's health -- and that's before it figures out how to fix its perennially leaky bullpen and replace its departing free agents.

Kansas City Royals

1. The Royals reportedly plan to make ace James Shields a long-term contract offer, but at what price? Kansas City has long operated under a stringent budget and Shields might be able to get more elsewhere, though the starting pitching market will be strong, with him, Scherzer, Jon Lester and others available.

2. The Royals remain young. Yordano Ventura, 23, looks like an ace in the making. Danny Duffy, 25, posted a 2.53 ERA over 149 1/3 innings. Setup man Wade Davis, who logged a 1.00 ERA, is the old man in the bullpen. He turned 29 last month. Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez are only 24. So, as has been the case for the last few years, Kansas City should benefit from natural progression. Playoff experience doesn't hurt, either.

3. Kansas City needs some power. The Royals ranked last in the major leagues with 95 home runs. Only three players socked more than nine homers and Alex Gordon led the club with 19. Their speed helps to make up for it, but a booming bat or two could go a long way. Good luck finding one on the cheap.

4. Designated hitter Billy Butler, 28, will be a free agent. His power has dropped off considerably since he clubbed 29 home runs during an All-Star season in 2012. He hit 15 in 2013 and only nine this season. Kansas City could try to fill that position with a more reliable, veteran run producer, though that's always easier written than done.

5. How good can the Royals actually be? They won 89 games in 2014 and trailed Oakland in the Wild Card Game by four runs in the eighth inning before emerging victorious, advancing and sweeping the Angels. The AL Championship Series against the Orioles could tell us a lot more. Will a deep playoff run spur confidence for next season?

Cleveland Browns' defense needs to give the offense a holiday -- Bud Shaw's You Said It

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Cleveland sports fans wonder about the Browns' defense and Johnny Manziel's sense of humor -- Bud Shaw's You Said It.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You Said It is based on the premise that the only thing Cleveland sports fans need more than a championship is a sense of humor... 

YOU SAID IT

 (The Expanded Weekend Edition)

Hey Bud: So which holiday do we need to wait for before we see the "real" Browns defense? Flag Day? – CM, Houston, Tx.

I'd say the holiday that comes with playing Jacksonville and Oakland back-to-back.

Bud: I detect something in your writing that suggests you have been Tasered by the police more than once. Am I on to something here? – Jim Vittek, Chagrin Falls

Derrick ShelbyThis photo made available by the Broward County Sheriff's Office shows Miami Dolphins reserve defensive lineman Derrick Shelby under arrest on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Davie, Fla. According to a Ft. Lauderdale police report, nightclub security said Shelby was touching women without their permission and appeared intoxicated. He has been suspended indefinitely from the team. 

Is it because I pointed out that Dolphins' defensive lineman Derrick Shelby was Tasered three times at a nightclub last weekend? What you're sensing in my "writing" is that I'd rather be zapped four times than answer You Said It emails.

Bud: If the Cowboys make the playoffs will their GM receive a bonus? – Joe S.

If the Cowboys make the playoffs they will build a statue of the owner handing the GM a bonus.

Hey Bud: If Opulence International (which is listing LeBron James' mansion) listed your West Park estate, what items would the open house guests expect to see? – Nate J, Brunswick

A kitchen that accommodates two people, if they walk in single file; counter space that fits on the head of a pin; and throughout the sprawling 1,500 square feet, two-tone hardwood floors from the Incontinent Dog Collection.

Bud: I would like to get a couple playoff tickets to an NFL game but I am not sure where Mike Holmgren will land. Can you advise me with some inside info so I can approach him early and avoid the rush? – Ken, Strongsville

Not sure where he will end up. But if by "early" you mean before 11 a.m., best of luck to you.




Bud: Has anyone seen Clayton Kershaw or Andy Dalton during playoff season? -- Drew, Broadview Hts.

All I know is friends in Cincinnati tell me Dalton and Scut Farkus have never been seen in the same room.

Hey Yankee: What your momma use to whip your butt when you were bad -- Bubba Kiln, Mississippi

Her use of the silent treatment was an effective punishment, in addition to preparing me for asking girls to the prom.



Bud: Separated at birth: TV/Movie star Mr. Peabody, and Journalist Bud Shaw – Chas K

Thanks. You're kind for considering this journalism.

Hey Bud: What's the big deal with the way Johnny Manziel looked on the sideline with the score 28-3? I thought we needed a QB who could laugh in the face of adversity -- Pat

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

Bud: Did you hear about the affluent Steelers' fan who lost his 'infinity' pool after he jiggled the handle? – Jim Corrigan, Fairview Park

Repeat winners' attempts to get a second shirt go down the drain. 

Ellet football experimenting with Ivery and Burch in backfield in Akron City Series play: Best of the beat (video)

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Ellet is now trying to utilize its' two best offensive weapons in the backfield together.

Ellet is now trying to utilize its' two best offensive weapons in the backfield together.

St. Edward wrestler L.J. Bentley commits to Pitt; Copley, Black River make hires: Wrestling notebook

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Bentley is a two-time Division I state qualifier who was fourth last season at 113 pounds.

Bentley is a two-time Division I state qualifier who was fourth last season at 113 pounds.

LeBron James vs. Miami Heat matters in Rio: Joe Vardon's Brazilian beat notes

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It's a big week for LeBron James and the Miami Heat, no matter what they say. This, and other thoughts from Rio from Joe Vardon

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – With an ice bag wrapped around each knee, the Miami Heat's Dwayne Wade did the best job of anyone Thursday

IMG_0376.jpgChrist the Redeemer, lit up at night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat have visited the statue on top of a mountain this week. 

to put this week in perspective.

"It will be good to get this one out of the way in the preseason," he said.

Yes, there is all sorts of extra baggage when LeBron James plays against his old team for the first time. In this case, it's James' Cleveland Cavaliers playing against the Heat Saturday in Brazil for the first time since James chose to leave Miami for Cleveland in July.

Will this game have the same emotion as, say, Dec. 2, 2010? In Cleveland? When James and the Heat visited The Q for the first time? Of course not.

But barring injury, James squaring off against the Heat and specifically old friends Wade and Chris Bosh is the top story this week. The most important part of that story probably comes Saturday night, when the two sides eye each other with James wearing a Cavaliers uniform, and how each team looks in competition with James playing for Cleveland.

There have been attempts this week to downplay and perhaps walk back some of the off-court intrigue surrounding the game, but Wade's assessment is probably the closest to the truth.

Some other thoughts swirling in my head as I sip some Brazilian coffee after two full days here:

I've been writing a lot about James' star power in Rio this week – ranging from the unlimited enthusiasm surrounding his presence here, to the lack of James gear in the local Nike store, to the reaction he drew from Brazilian media compared with countryman and fellow Cavalier Anderson Varejao.

If James playing against his old team is this week's top story, then No. 2 on that list is probably gauging James' status as a burgeoning global celebrity.

Only, world travel is nothing new to him. In fact, he was just in Rio for the World Cup. He saw the sights then, including a trip to Christ the Redeemer. He also went to Greece and China this summer.

Wow

Speaking of Christ the Redeemer, the amazing statute of Jesus Christ on top of a mountain overlooking Rio, the Heat were so kind to let me tag along on its team trip there Thursday.

Wade and Bosh weren't there, but Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra were among the many at the top of Corcovado (the mountain on which the statue sits) snapping selfies and gazing in awe at the statue and the view of this city.

There isn't a ton of room for thank yous in this business, but I want to take a timeout to offer one to the Heat organization. Just the site of the statue from Rio's streets is striking, climbing the mountain and getting so close is an experience worthy of its own essay.

Some Cavaliers took the same trip Thursday morning.

Where everybody knows your name

The two main political parties in the United States hold conventions every four years to nominate a candidate for president. You may have heard, Cleveland is hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Well, at these conventions, delegations from each state have their own dwelling for the week. For the Cavaliers in Rio, that's the JW Marriott on Copacabana Beach.

The Northeast Ohio Media Group's Chris Haynes and I aren't staying there, but we've spent most of our time at the Cavaliers' hotel, and for me the hours spent there have felt a little like one of those political conventions.

We're all far from home, but so many familiar faces to see and Cleveland accents to hear.

A quick trip through the lobby and you might see Cavaliers coach David Blatt talking to a friend, or general manager David Griffin catching a quick bite, or former great and current announcer Austin Carr holding court before dinner.

Who'd a thought, but it's true, that in a Rio hotel there would be at least a mention of whether or not the Browns-Steelers game could be found on TV down here?

Only in Cleveland.

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