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On Deck: Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins

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The Indians begin a three-game series against the Twins tonight at Progressive Field.

joe mauer.jpgView full sizeTwins catcher Joe Mauer is batting .325 this season.

When: Tonight through Sunday.

Where: Progressive Field.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio all games, WKYC Channel 3 on Sunday; WTAM AM/1100.

Series: Twins lead, 7-5. Indians lead, 359-337, overall.

Pitching matchups: RHP Fausto Carmona (11-14, 4.05) vs. RHP Carl Pavano (16-10, 3.52) tonight at 7:05; RHP Carlos Carrasco (0-0, 3.38) vs. RHP Nick Blackburn (9-9, 5.85) Saturday at 7:05 p.m.; RHP Mitch Talbot (9-11, 4.40) vs. RHP Kevin Slowey (11-6, 4.39) Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

Indians update: Indians had off-day Thursday after losing at the Angels, 4-3, in 16 innings. . . . Carmona has lost six consecutive starts. He is coming off complete game at Seattle in which he gave up one run on four hits, walked five and struck out six. . . . Carmona is 0-2 with 7.43 ERA against Twins this season; 1B Matt LaPorta is 13-for-35 with two homers in 10 games. . . . Closer Chris Perez has a 0.65 ERA in 27 games since June 28. . . . Columbus Blue Jackets winger Jared Boll and defenseman Mike Commodore will sign autographs in concourse before tonight's game.

Twins update: Twins had off-day Thursday after three-game sweep of Royals at home. They have won six straight and eight of nine. . . . DH Jim Thome has homered in three straight games -- first player age 40 or older to do so since Barry Bonds in 2006. Thome did not play Wednesday because of a mild abdominal strain. . . . Thome is 6-for-19 with three homers against Cleveland this season; Slowey is 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA. . . . C Joe Mauer, three-time AL batting champion, is hitting .325 with eight homers and 70 RBI. He hit .344 in July and .380 in August.

Injuries: Indians -- RHP Anthony Reyes (elbow) is on disabled list. OF Grady Sizemore (left knee) and C Carlos Santana (left knee) are out for season. Twins -- 1B Justin Morneau (concussion), LHP Ron Mahay (shoulder), INF Nick Punto (left hamstring) and LHP Jose Mijares (right knee) are on DL. RHP Joe Nathan (elbow) and RHP Clay Condrey (elbow) are out for season. DH Thome (abdomen), LHP Brian Fuentes (back) and INF Danny Valencia (hamstring) are day-to-day.

Next for Indians: Homestand concludes with three-game series against Angels beginning Tuesday.

-- Dennis Manoloff


Willougbhy's Kyle McPhillips loses doubles match at U.S. Open junior championships

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McPhillips and her partner, Nicole Gibbs, had reached the quarterfinals.

Kyle McPhillips of Willoughby and doubles partner, Nicole Gibbs, of Manhattan Beach, Calif., lost to Jana Cepelova and Chantal Skamlova, both of Slovakia, 6-2, 6-2, in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open junior championships in New York.

Ohio State-Miami leads slate of college football games this weekend

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Akron, Lake Erie College and Baldwin-Wallace have home games this weekend.

Billy Deitmen.jpgView full sizeCase Western Reserve University running back Bill Deitmen.

Division I

Saturday

No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 12 Miami (Fla.)

Kickoff: 3:40 p.m. at Ohio Stadium, Columbus.

TV/radio: ESPN; WKNR AM/850.

Notable: Miami announced Thursday that DT Jeremy Lewis and three other players are out for the year with injuries. Lewis hurt his right leg early in the 45-0 opening win over Florida A&M. FB John Calhoun, RB Darion Hall and LB Travis Williams are out after undisclosed surgeries. RB Graig Cooper is listed as doubtful, but is expected to play against OSU. The Buckeyes whipped Marshall in their opener, 45-7. OSU QB Terrelle Pryor was solid in the win, going 17-of-25 passing for 247 yards and three TDs.'

Next for OSU: Sept. 25 vs. E. Michigan, TBA.

Akron vs. Gardner-Webb

Kickoff: Noon, InfoCision Stadium, Akron.

Radio: WARF AM/1350.

Notable: Akron (0-1) gets a welcome tuneup before road games at Kentucky and Indiana. The Zips defense forced three turnovers in last weekend's 29-3 loss to Syracuse and should be more than enough to keep Gardner-Webb (1-0) under control. G-W is without several injured skill position players. Akron had 166 yards of total offense in the opener. G-W, located about 40 miles from Charlotte, N.C., plays in the Big South and is 0-2 lifetime against MAC competition.

Next for Akron: Sept. 18 at Kentucky, 7 p.m.

Kent State at Boston College

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m., Alumni Stadium, Boston.

TV/radio: ESPNU; WNIR FM/100.1.

Notable: Kent State (1-0) showed it had enough offensive explosiveness to handle Murray State in its opener, 41-10. QB Spencer Keith had 275 yards passing and three touchdowns. Now the Golden Flashes step up in class to see if they have enough offense to be competitive with Boston College (1-0) out of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Kent's defense held Murray State to minus-65 yards rushing.

Next for KSU: Sept. 18 at Penn State, noon.

Bowling Green at Tulsa

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Chapman Stadium, Tulsa, Okla.

Notable: Both teams are 0-1. Tulsa lost a stunner at East Carolina, 51-49, when ECU completed a Hail Mary. The Hurricanes rely on QB G.J. Kinne, who was 28-of-43 for 399 yards and five TDs last week. BG QB Matt Schilz was 22-of-43 for 221 yards and a touchdown in a 30-27 loss to Troy. Willie Geter had a strong day in the loss with 93 yards rushing and a TD.

Next for BG: Sept. 18 vs. Marshall, 7 p.m.

Miami (Ohio) vs. Eastern Michigan

Kickoff: 2 p.m., Yager Stadium, Oxford, Ohio.

TV: SportsTime Ohio.

Notable: A pair of 0-1 teams showed enough in their openers to make this game compelling. Miami's defense held then-No. 4 Florida to 24 yards of total offense through three quarters and forced three turnovers in a loss to the Gators. EMU had 285 yards rushing -- 142 yards by RB Dwayne Priest -- in a loss to Army.

Next for Miami: Sept. 18 vs. Colorado State, 3:30 p.m.

Toledo at Ohio University

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Peden Stadium, Athens, Ohio.

Notable: Quarterback play will be the focus as OU (1-0) plans to play at least two QBs, Boo Jackson and Phil Bates. Toledo (0-1), which lost to Arizona last week, will try to get rookie QB starter Austin Dantin and its entire offense (183 yards in the opener) on track.

Next for OU: Sept. 18 at Ohio State, noon.

Next for Toledo: Sept. 18 at W. Michigan, 7 p.m.

Division II

Lake Erie vs. Michigan Tech

Kickoff: 1 p.m., Jack Britt Memorial Stadium, Painesville.

Radio: WFUN AM/970.

Notable: LEC will be playing its first game ever as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. LEC also is playing its first game on the newly installed artificial surface. LEC lost its opener at Gannon, 26-20, on Sept. 2. Sean Bedevelsky (Brunswick) threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns, but the Storm committed four turnovers. The Storm's Gus Armbruster had 12 tackles, including two sacks. Michigan Tech is playing its season opener. Before the game, LEC will offer free admission to active service men and women, veterans, police, fire and emergency rescue personnel with valid I.D.

Next for LEC: Sept. 25 at Hillsdale, 1 p.m.

Notre Dame College at Fairmont State

Kickoff: 1 p.m., Duvall-Rosier Field, Fairmont, W.Va.

Radio: WKNR2 AM/1540.

Notable: After losing its opener to Mercyhurst, 23-0, NDC (1-1) bounced back with a 14-10 win over Lindsey Wilson last week in Columbia, Ky. Notre Dame's DE Bob Hansen (6-2, 255) already has five sacks this season. Fairmont State is an NCAA Division II program.

Next for NDC: Sept. 18 vs. Walsh, 1 p.m.

Division III

Baldwin-Wallace vs. Capital

Kickoff: 6:30 p.m., The George Finnie Stadium, Berea.

Radio: WBWC FM/88.3.

Notable: B-W hosts Capital on Family and Community Day at 6:30 p.m. The Community Day picnic begins on campus at 4 p.m. B-W (1-0) opened with a 38-14 win over Wooster. Capital is playing its opener. B-W sophomore transfer QB Ryan O'Rourke (Avon) earned Ohio Athletic Conference player of the week honors in his first game as a Yellow Jacket when he completed 9-of-13 passes for 154 yards and three TDs against Wooster. Senior MLB Ryan Kish (Amherst Steele) led the defense with nine tackles.'

Next for B-W: Sept. 18 at Heidelberg, 2 p.m.

Case Western Reserve at Rochester

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Fauver Stadium, Rochester, N.Y.

Notable: CWRU is 1-0 following last Saturday's 30-13 win over John Carroll. The Spartans have won 32 consecutive regular-season games and have defeated Rochester in each of the past two seasons by a combined score of 83-20. Senior RB Billy Deitmen (Mentor) rushed for a career-high 164 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries in the opener. Defensively, CWRU allowed 277 yards of offense and recorded three sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble.

Next for CWRU: Sept. 25 vs. Denison, 7 p.m.

-- Compiled with information from the schools' sports information departments.

Golf legend Mary Ann Bierman, 70, wins titles, cherishes family moments

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Mary Ann Bierman is an icon in local golfing circles and is still going strong at age 70.

Mary Ann Bierman.jpgView full sizeMary Ann Bierman, 70, recently won her 12th Cleveland Women's Golf Association title.

In her long and illustrious career, local golf legend Mary Ann Bierman has faced hundreds of competitors, but her toughest opponent grew up under the same roof.

"My daughter Anne [Caja]," Bierman said without hesitation when asked to name the toughest competitor she ever played. "She wanted to win maybe more than I did."

But the fact is no one has won more in local golf circles than Bierman, who will turn 71 in October. She recently won her 12th championship in the Cleveland Women's Golf Association. She has won at least one title in each of the past six decades.

"Her record speaks for itself," said Judd Stephenson, head pro at Avon Oaks Country Club. "Her swing has stood the test of time."

Whereas Bierman's reputation may strike fear into golfers who step up to the first tee against her in local tournaments, she is anything but intimidating while drinking a cup of coffee in the kitchen of her home in South Russell one late summer morning. It's like visiting your favorite aunt.

Conversation ranges from the weather to politics, and like any proud mother or grandmother, she takes a chance to brag about her children and grandchildren. In fact, the most memorable events in her career were having her 14-year-old son Bill caddy for her when she won the Cleveland district championship at Chagrin Valley in 1981 and having her 20-year-old grandson Kevin Caja caddy for her when she won her 12th CWGA title last month at Lake Forest.

Still deliberate, she still hits a long, straight ball, averaging 220 yards off the tee, and still has incredible finesse around the greens.

Indeed, it has been quite a ride for the little girl who picked up her first club at 12, won her first tournament at 14 and recorded her first of six career holes in one at 15. Growing up as Mary Ann Sherry in Pittsburgh, she started playing at the urging of her father, Jim Sherry.

"I took to it right away," Bierman said, recalling her first score was a 113.

Of course, in the 1950s, there weren't a lot of athletic outlets for girls. There were no high school teams, so all her competition came in summer tournaments.

She won the Western Pennsylvania Junior Girls title in 1954, 1956 and 1959 and the Pennsylvania Junior Girls title in 1957. She was 16 when she played in an LPGA tournament and 17 when she played in the USGA women's open in Pittsburgh.

But she never really thought about turning pro. It was expensive and time-consuming, and the travel didn't appeal to her. She had married Bill Bierman at 22. They raised their three children here after relocating in 1968 for Bill's job in sales with U.S. Steel. Daughter Anne became an All-American at William & Mary. Now Anne Caja, she's the junior varsity boys golf coach at Gilmour Academy. Kathy was a synchronized swimmer at the University of Richmond and Miami University and Bill, a runner-up in the state boys golf tournament as a high school senior, played golf at the University of Virginia.

But it's their mother who has been the dominant athlete in the family. At one point, she held or tied 11 course records for women. Last year, she shot her age -- 69 -- on a course in Florida.

For all the championships, honors and awards Bierman has won, however, the thing she is most proud of is founding the Ohio Girls Golf Foundation in 1994.

Anne actually was the impetus. When she attended Chagrin Falls High in 1980, there was no girls golf team so she played on the boys team -- becoming a co-captain and the No. 1 player. In fact, as recently as 1994 there were virtually no girls golf teams in the metropolitan area. Today there are more than 250, a direct result of the efforts of Bierman, Caja, Stephenson, Burke and people like LPGA pro Barb Mucha and Northern Ohio PGA Executive Director Dominic Antenucci along with supporters like Laura Briedis Tomko, Zachary Bruell, Terry Fergus, Patty Jacobson, Betty Peppard, Dorothea Polster and Margaret Swope.

"I just felt girls needed an opportunity to participate and be the best they could be," said Bierman, who taught junior high math, English and history at St. Joan of Arc and later taught English at Cuyahoga Community College.

The mission of the OGGF is to encourage, sponsor and support the game of golf for girls by providing college scholarships, golf training programs and financial assistance to attend designated golf tournaments.

Bierman never had that kind of support, and the organization came along too late to actually help Caja. But the two still enjoyed plenty of success as well as a healthy competition, one that never carried over off the course.

Caja was 14 the first time she faced her mother in a tournament. She said she wasn't as nervous playing against her mom as she was playing opponents she didn't know.

"I knew her," Caja said. "I knew her game and what she was capable of."

So when Caja defeated her mother to win the CWGA championship in 1983, it was a special moment.

"To beat my mom," Caja said, "it's an accomplishment."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

Elyria Catholic's Danny Reaser throws for 503 yards, six TDs in win over Elyria

With pride, two former high school rivals in Lorain come together

Former Cleveland Indians star Jim Thome gives Minnesota Twins all they bargained for

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The Twins signed Thome as a risk-free "investment," and it's paying off with big dividends. And now the former Indians star has the 600-homer milestone within reach.

jim thome.jpgView full sizeJim Thome cutline goes here and here and here

As the calendar flipped to 2010, the 600-homer milestone seemed a long way off for Jim Thome.

He had finished the previous season with 564 for his career, but his 23rd and last of 2009 came Aug. 21.

The homerless stretch spanned 52 official at-bats with two teams. After the White Sox traded Thome to the Dodgers on Aug. 31, he went 4-for-17 with three RBI as a pinch hitter.

Employment also was an issue: Thome needed a team. He was a 39-year-old who could not play in the field because of a creaky back, effectively limiting him to the American League. Thome wanted to rejoin the White Sox, but manager Ozzie Guillen could not guarantee enough at-bats to make it worthwhile. The White Sox preferred to go with DH-by-committee.

Thome also considered Tampa Bay before signing in late January with the reigning AL Central champion Minnesota Twins. He agreed to a base salary of $1.5 million, plus $750,000 in incentives based on plate appearances.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that somehow, some way, he would find at-bats for Thome. The slugger bought in because he believed in the manager, the club and the organization.

"We just signed a guy who's going to be in the Hall of Fame, and it doesn't get much better than that," Gardenhire said at the time. "He's going to let it fly, and if he hits it, it's going to hurt somebody."

Even Gardenhire, as wise as he is, could not have foreseen the return the Twins have gotten on their virtually risk-free "investment." Thome enters a three-game series against the Indians hitting .278 with 22 homers and 52 RBI in 241 at-bats in 96 games as a designated hitter and pinch-hitter. He has a .407 on-base percentage and .635 slugging percentage.

His 586 career homers are tied with Frank Robinson for eighth all-time. This season, alone, Thome has passed Rafael Palmeiro (569), Harmon Killebrew (573) and Mark McGwire (583).

On the legitimate home-run list -- otherwise known as the list that features players never linked to performance-enhancing drugs -- Thome ranks tied for fifth, trailing Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714), Willie Mays (660), Ken Griffey Jr. (630) and tied with Robinson.

Now the 600-homer milestone is only a matter of when. At the rate Thome is going, it will be sooner than later. A lot sooner.

Thome has homered in three straight games, during which he is 5-for-6 with four long balls, five walks, seven RBI and eight runs. He was a precautionary scratch from the lineup Wednesday against the Royals because of a slight abdominal strain. The Twins had an off-day Thursday.

The two most recent homers are the stuff of legend, Minnesota baseball's version of Paul Bunyan having swapped his axe for a bat and taken swings at the moon.

Last Monday against the Royals, Thome hurt the top of the flagpole well beyond the right-field wall at Target Field. Twins media relations estimated the ball would have traveled 480 feet.

jim thome indians.jpgView full sizeJim Thome began his major-league career with the Indians in 1991 and played in Cleveland through the 2002 season.

The next night against the Royals, Thome launched one high and 452 feet to right to tie Robinson. One reporter apparently was awed enough that he wrote it traveled 552 feet.

"It's fun to watch, and it's a tough act to follow," teammate Delmon Young told reporters Tuesday.

The Twins are in first place, six games ahead of the White Sox heading into Friday. Who knows where they would be without Thome? Not only has Thome filled the power void caused by Justin Morneau's concussion in July, he has proved invaluable in a young clubhouse. Gardenhire and other Twins personnel rave about, among other things, a relentless approach to the craft.

Imagine what the standings would look like if Thome had signed again with Chicago, and Guillen managed to find at-bats for him. Thome is hitting .353 (12-for-34) with two homers, five RBI and six runs against the White Sox. On Aug. 17 at Target Field, his two-run, 450-footer off Matt Thornton in the 10th inning gave Minnesota a 7-6 victory in the opener of a three-game series.

The walkoff homer was the 12th of Thome's career, tied for first all-time with five fairly decent players: Jimmie Foxx, Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth and Robinson.

Ten days later, Thome turned 40.

Guillen has been asked more than a few what-if questions on the Thome matter. The White Sox manager, asked Wednesday in Detroit if he was feeling heat about the decision, told reporters, "I don't put any attention to that. I don't." Yet he kept talking about it, at one point saying, "They can say, 'Blame it on Ozzie.' Why not? I will take the blame."

Thome entered Thursday night tied for 18th in the American League, and tied for 36th in the majors, in homers. He is the only player with at least 20 homers and fewer than 300 official trips to the plate. The next-closest, Russell Branyan, had 24 homers in 353 at-bats for Cleveland and Seattle.

Thome leads the Twins in homers. He would lead the Indians and other clubs including the Mariners, Athletics, Royals and Pirates.

If Thome were making $5 million, he would be worth it. At $1.5 million, he is a steal, precisely what teams in mid-to-small markets need to compete. Among those making at least $1 million, Thome arguably is baseball's best bargain.

There are plenty of players making significantly more and producing considerably less. Among the notables is Derrek Lee of the Cubs/Braves. Lee hit .306 with 35 homers and 111 RBI last season. He entered Thursday night with a lower batting average (.251), on-base percentage (.336), slugging percentage (.408) and fewer homers (16) than Thome, despite 237 more official at-bats -- at a cost of $13.25 million.

Oh, by the way: Thome is the Indians' franchise leader with 334 homers. He played for the Tribe from 1991 through 2002.

Imagine Thome playing for another AL club in 2011, sitting on 599 homers and coming to Progressive Field for a three-game series. Then envision Thome wearing an Indians cap on his Hall of Fame plaque.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

NFL's Jimmy Johnson becomes 'Survivor' celebrity

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Jimmy Johnson has become a "Survivor" celebrity, even though he has yet to appear on the show. Johnson says he knew the CBS reality series was popular, but lately he's surprised to find himself talking more about his experience on "Survivor: Nicaragua" than about football.

jimmy-johnson.jpgJimmy Johnson was a hot interview in 1996 when reporters sought him out because of his position as head coach of the NFL's Miami Dolphins. Now, the reporters are after him again, this time because he's been named to the cast of the hit reality show, "Survivor."
STEVEN WINE, AP Sports Writer

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Johnson has become a "Survivor" celebrity, even though he has yet to appear on the show. Johnson says he knew the CBS reality series was popular, but lately he's surprised to find himself talking more about his experience on "Survivor: Nicaragua" than about football.

"I had a call from my stockbroker today," Johnson said during a conference call Thursday. "He said, 'Coach, my wife could care less if you won national championships or Super Bowls — and we live in Dallas. Could you send her an autographed picture? Because she's a huge "Survivor" fan.' "That's the typical response I'm getting."

The premiere airs Wednesday, and the 67-year-old Johnson's involvement has already received considerable attention since taping concluded this summer.

The former coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, University of Miami and Oklahoma State spent more than a month as one of 20 castaways. He was part of a team of 10 contestants over the age of 40 competing against a group 30 and under.

The famous ex-coach and former psychology major said he got along well with the others.

"They're fans, and they enjoy talking football," he said. "When things were kind of rough and we were lying on the bamboo at night, they'd say, 'Jimmy, give us a football story.' We really had a great relationship."

To preserve the show's suspense, Johnson didn't say how he fared, or even how much weight he lost. But he said he has only gained about half back.

Johnson's a longtime fan of the show and loves the outdoors. But he said that while he's glad he had the experience, he wouldn't do it again.

"The other day I was talking about how we all smelled, and someone said, 'Why didn't you just go take a shower?'" Johnson said. "I said, 'What, do you think there's a Ritz Carlton down the street? I didn't have any other clothes. I was soaking wet the whole time.'

"It was grueling. It was so much more difficult than I ever imagined."

Johnson's not only thinner, but his famous hair is shorter. He cut it before the show to simplify maintenance.

"I did have my hair shorter than it has been since I've been in high school," he said. "A big part of the show, I was standing there in my underwear, so I wasn't really concerned what I looked like."

Johnson said he doesn't expect "Survivor" celebrity to alter his image, because it was already well established.

"I've gone through national championships, a couple of Super Bowls, I've had my ups and downs," he said. "I went through a 1-15 season in Dallas. I went through a season in high school of not winning a game. I've been through the whole gamut.

"My image is out there, whatever it is. Maybe the Redskins fans and Eagles fans can't stand me, and a lot of Cowboys fans love me. I don't think 'Survivor' is going to change that."


Cleveland Browns regular season record, poll

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The Cleveland Browns will open the regular season on Sunday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now that the regular season is finally here, and that we've seen the Browns during the preseason, how well will the team play this season?  

Browns lose to Detroit Lions, 38-37Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini.
 

The Cleveland Browns will open the regular season on Sunday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Now that the regular season is finally here, and that we've seen the Browns during the preseason, how well will the team play this season?

 

NFL Week 1: Game Previews

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The Plain Dealer gives you the skinny on the first week of the 2010 NFL season.

Terrell OwensTerrell Owens along with Chad Ochocinco grabbed the spotlight as charismatic members of the Bengals receiving corps. Now they'll see how that partnership works on the field in the regular season. (AP Photo/ David Duprey, File)
Plain Dealer previews for this week's NFL games appear below. Tony Grossi's NFL picks as well as the Browns-Buccaneers preview will appear in Sunday's Plain Dealer.

Cincinnati at New England
Kickoff: 1 p.m. Sunday at Gillette Stadium
Early line: Patriots by 4½
The skinny: Game matches two of the most dangerous receiver combinations in NFL: Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens of Cincinnati and Randy Moss and Wes Welker of New England. . . . Both teams won their divisions last season with 10-6 records but lost in first round of playoffs. . . . Patriots are 6-1 in their past seven games against Bengals. . . . RB Cedric Benson missed 3½ games last year but still rushed for 1,251 yards. . . . Welker, whose 346 receptions over past three seasons lead the NFL, is expected to start after making strong recovery from serious knee injury sustained in last season’s final regular-season game.


Atlanta at Pittsburgh
Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Heinz Field
Early line: Even

TV: WJW Channel 8

The skinny: Falcons coach Mike Smith is 2-0 in openers; Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 3-0. . . . Falcons QB Matt Ryan has thrown for 6,356 yards in first two NFL seasons. . . . Falcons RB Michael Turner has 27 rushing TDs since ’08, tied for second most in league. . . . Falcons are 13-1 when Turner carries 22 or more times. . . . With Ben Roethlisberger beginning four-game suspension, third-year Steelers QB Dennis Dixon makes second career start. . . . Steelers have won seven consecutive openers, the NFL’s longest current streak. . . . Steelers own NFL’s best home record since the 1970 merger (222-85-1, .722) and are tied with Miami for the best overall record (372-242-2).

Green Bay at Philadelphia
Kickoff: 4:15 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field
Early line: Even

TV: WJW Channel 8

The skinny: Packers won most recent meeting but lost previous five to Eagles. . . . Packers QB Aaron Rodgers coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he threw for 4,434 yards, 30 TDs and only seven interceptions. . . . Packers feature two 1,000-yard WRs — Donald Driver and Greg Jennings — and a 1,200-yard rusher — Ryan Grant — in an offense that ranked sixth overall last year. . . . Eagles QB Kevin Kolb makes third career start, taking over for departed Donovan McNabb. . . . Rookies Brandon Graham (DE) and Nate Allen (FS) will start for Philadelphia. . . . Average age of the skill position starters for the Eagles is 24.1.

Dallas at Washington
Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. at FedEx Field
Early line: Cowboys by 3

TV: WKYC Channel 3

The skinny: Cowboys celebrate 50th anniversary with 101st meeting against Redskins, 99th in regular season. . . . Game features familiar NFC East QB foes Tony Romo and Donovan McNabb, with McNabb making his Redskins debut. . . . Romo has won his past three starts vs. Redskins. . . . Mike Shanahan makes debut as Redskins coach, looking for first win since Dec. 7, 2008, when his Broncos beat Kansas City. . . . Redskins went 0-6 vs. NFC East last year. . . . Washington LB and Cleveland native London Fletcher expected to play in 193rd consecutive game, tied for second longest active streak among nonspecialists. . . . Redskins unveil new 3-4 defense under coordinator Jim Haslett.

Carolina at New York Giants
Kickoff: 1 p.m. at New Meadowlands Stadium
Early line: Giants by 7

The skinny: Panthers embarrassed New York in its final game at Giants Stadium last season and get a chance to spoil the opening of the Giants’ new $1.6 billion facility. . . . Off-season purge of veterans has left Panthers with NFL’s youngest roster. . . . Panthers were first team in at least 14 years to not score an offensive touchdown in the preseason. . . . WR Steve Smith and RB Jonathan Stewart didn’t play in preseason because of injuries, but are ready for Week 1. . . . Giants lost eight of final 11 in missing playoffs for first time since 2005. . . . Game will be the first under new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. . . . QB Eli Manning coming off career season, throwing for 4,021 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Denver at Jacksonville
Kickoff: 1 p.m. at EverBank Field
Early line: Jaguars by 11⁄2

The skinny: All eyes are on Broncos QB Tim Tebow, the former Florida icon expected to make his NFL debut in his hometown. Coach Josh McDaniels insists Tebow and former Brown Brady Quinn are still vying to be Kyle Orton’s backup. . . . Broncos have won 16 of past 21 openers and own the best mark in AFC on opening weekend (32-17-1). . . . Jaguars have lost three straight home openers. . . . After blacking out nine of 10 home games in 2009, Jaguars have sold enough tickets for opener to be on local TV. But franchise might not be able to sustain fan interest with a slow start, prompting several players to call the opener one of the most important games in team history.

Detroit at Chicago
Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Soldier Field
Early line: Bears by 7

The skinny: Bears have won four straight against Lions. . . . Closed out ’09 with 37-23 win over Lions behind Jay Cutler’s four touchdown passes. . . . Detroit has lost 20 straight road games, the fourth longest streak in the NFL, since they won, 16-7, at Chicago on Oct. 28, 2007. . . . Lions’ 33-111 mark since 2001 is the worst nine-year stretch in the NFL since World War II. . . . Lions drafted Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh and Cal RB Jahvid Best in the first round. . . . Bears made big splash in free agency by luring five-time Pro Bowl DE Julius Peppers away from Carolina. . . . They also signed RB Chester Taylor and blocking TE Brandon Manumaleuna.

Indianapolis at Houston
Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Reliant Stadium

Early line: Colts by 3

The skinny: Colts have won six straight and 15 of 16 overall against Houston. . . . Indianapolis has led NFL in third-down conversion rate every year since 2005. . . . Indianapolis has best road winning percentage over past eight seasons (48-16, .750). . . . Since 2004, WR Reggie Wayne leads NFL in receptions (532) and yards receiving (7,494). . . . The Texans have lost two straight season openers since a 20-3 win over Kansas City in 2007. . . . Texans QB Matt Schaub led NFL with 4,770 yards passing in 2009. . . . Houston WR Andre Johnson has led league in yards receiving past two seasons. Johnson has caught a pass in 66 consecutive games.

Miami at Buffalo

Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Ralph Wilson Stadium
Early line: Dolphins by 2

The skinny: Eighth time AFC East rivals have faced each other to open the season. . . . Dolphins have 4-3 edge, including 4-2 at Buffalo. . . . Dolphins have lost four straight season-openers, and are 1-6 in past seven. . . . Chad Henne becomes sixth quarterback to start a Dolphins season in seven years after going 7-6 in place of Chad Pennington. . . . Chan Gailey makes debut as Bills coach after replacing Dick Jauron, who was fired in November. Gailey is Buffalo’s fifth coach in 10 years. . . . Bills have won five straight against Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium, excluding 16-3 “home” loss at Toronto in 2008. . . . First-round pick C.J. Spiller starts after leading team with three touchdowns rushing in preseason.

Arizona at St. Louis
Kickoff: 4:15 p.m. at Edward Jones Dome
Early line: Cardinals by4

The skinny: Cardinals are two-time defending NFC West champions. . . . Cardinals have won seven in a row in series and five in a row in St. Louis, their former home. . . . QB Derek Anderson starred in lone prior start in St. Louis, throwing three TD passes with no interceptions for Browns on Oct. 28, 2007. . . . Rams rookie QB Sam Bradford completed 60 percent of his passes in preseason with three TDs and no interceptions heading into opening day start. . . . Rams were 0-8 at home last year, their first winless record since going 0-6 in 1959, and have lost 13 in row at home dating to 2007. . . . RB Steven Jackson led NFC last year with 1,416 yards rushing. . . . Rams have four Ohio State LBs, including the three starters (Na’il Diggs, James Laurinaitis and Larry Grant).

San Francisco at Seattle
Kickoff: 4:15 p.m. at Qwest Field

Early line: Seahawks by 1

The skinny: San Francisco begins 2010 as favorite in NFC West. . . . Three new starters on offensive line, including draft picks Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. . . . TE Vernon Davis tied NFL record among tight ends with 13 TD catches in 2009. . . . First NFL game for new Seattle coach Pete Carroll since end of 1999 season with New England. . . . Of the current 53-man roster, only 26 were with Seattle a year ago. . . . WR Mike Williams to start for Seattle after being out of the NFL the past two seasons. . . . RB Justin Forsett to get the start, but Carroll says trio of Forsett, Leon Washington and Julius Jones will see action.

Baltimore at New York Jets
Kickoff: Monday, 7 p.m. at New Meadowlands Stadium
Early line: Jets by 3
TV: ESPN

The skinny: Ravens have won past five meetings vs. Jets, and are 2-0 in season openers under coach John Harbaugh. . . . Matchup features two of league’s toughest defenses: Jets allowed season-low 26 TDs, while Ravens gave up 27. . . . Last season marked first time for Ravens that they had a 3,500-yard passer (Joe Flacco), 1,000-yard receiver (Derrick Mason) and 1,000-yard rusher (Ray Rice). . . . Jets went to AFC championship in first year under the brash Rex Ryan, who predicts a Super Bowl appearance this season. . . . CB Darrelle Revis signed four-year deal, ending 36-day holdout a week before opener, and will play vs. Ravens.

San Diego at Kansas City
Kickoff: Monday, 10:15 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium

Early line: Chargers by 51⁄2
TV: ESPN

The skinny: Close and well-balanced characterize series between two charter members of AFL. Chiefs leading, 50-49-1, and 12 games decided by one point. . . . Chiefs will not miss former Chargers’ RB LaDainian Tomlinson, who had some of his best games and plays against them. . . . Chargers’ rookie RB Ryan Matthews makes his NFL debut. . . . Intriguing matchup will be San Diego LT Brandyn Dombrowski vs. KC LB Tamba Hali. Hali had 8½ sacks last year and Dombrowski will be making first NFL start replacing two-time Pro Bowl player Marcus McNeill. In two meetings last year, McNeill and other Charger blockers prevented KC from sacking Philip Rivers even once.


More: NFL scoreboard

Sen. Sherrod Brown renews call for NFL to revise blackout policy

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Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, citing the dismal economy, calls on the NFL to revise its blackout policy.

sherrod-brown-sarah-wright-chillicothe-gazette.JPGView full sizeDemocratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown has cited the continuing effects of the recession in urging the NFL to revise its blackout policy.
Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, citing the continuing effects of the recession gripping the nation, has called on the NFL to revise its blackout policy.

Brown's hometown Cleveland Browns are playing in Tampa Bay on Sunday; the Buccaneers announced Thursday that the game would be blacked out within a 75-mile radius of Tampa as it did not sell out 72 hours in advance of kickoff, as required by the policy.

(NFL Commissioner Roger) Goodell defended the blackout policy this week as good for the league as USA today reported that as many as 11 teams -- including the Cincinnati Bengals -- could face them this season.

"During these difficult times, working families are struggling to make ends meet," Brown said. "Although appealing, attending a football game is simply cost prohibitive for too many Ohioans. The average price for an NFL game ticket is $77 – nearly ten times the hourly minimum wage. The problem will only become worse, as 18 teams have increased ticket prices for the upcoming 2010 season."

There were 22 blackouts last season, a five-year high that was up from nine the previous season.

As recently as last November, the Browns came within proverbial inches of facing a blackout when their Nov. 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland didn't sell out. ESPN, which was broadcasting the game nationally, and WJW-Channel 8, which had the local rights, teamed with sponsor Bud Light to purchase the remaining tickets so the game could make the local airwaves, according to broadcastingcable.com.




Ohio State A.M. Links: Brandon Saine; Miami still bitter; for the love of LeBron James

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Ohio State will continue its running back by committee philosophy, but Columbus Dispatch reporter Tim May writes how Brandon Saine is looking more and more like the lead runner. From spectacular catches and leaping plays in the Rose Bowl to a 103-yard, two-touchdown performance last week against Marshall, Saine isn't merely toting the ball anymore. He is putting on a show,...

jimt.jpgJim Tressel

Ohio State will continue its running back by committee philosophy, but Columbus Dispatch reporter Tim May writes how Brandon Saine is looking more and more like the lead runner.

From spectacular catches and leaping plays in the Rose Bowl to a 103-yard, two-touchdown performance last week against Marshall, Saine isn't merely toting the ball anymore. He is putting on a show, one he hopes to keep playing right on through a game Saturday against No. 12 University of Miami.

"You just get out there, and it's like you're a different person on the field," Saine said. "You just do what you do and have fun. I have been playing football for so long, what happens comes naturally."

Saine has shared duties with Daniel Herron, but even Herron has noticed an improvement in Saine.

"It just seems like he's more free, he's more outspoken," Herron said. "Brandon is kind of a quiet guy, but now he talks a little more. He just feels comfortable now."

 

 

History lesson

Miami nation is still smarts over Ohio State's victory in the national championship. Field judge Terry Porter, who made the call, is not one of Miami's favorite people.

In The Miami Herald:

Nearly eight years later, as Miami and Ohio State play Saturday for the first time since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, many UM fans still blame Porter.

They say Porter should not have made the call, even though a meticulous review vindicated him. They say his four-second hesitation was proof of his doubt.

``I replayed it in my mind,'' Porter said after the game in his only public comment on it. ``I wanted to make double sure that it was the right call.''

 

 

 

Support for LeBron

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor and Columbus Dispatch reporter Michael Arace love LeBron James, and they want you to love him too.

Good enough for me. I will seek out and hug LeBron James, Maverick Carter, World Wide Wes, Jim Gray - any and all conspirators - if they show up Saturday. I want to tell them how ashamed I am about feeling manipulated and abandoned. What a fool I am.

 

Off the field

Miami may keep the Big Ten's defensive player of the week off the field Saturday by playing its normal offense.

Against Marshall, writes Ken Gordon of The Columbus Dispatch, the Buckeyes were in a standard "base" defense, because Marshall played predominantly with three receivers. So Ohio State was mostly in the nickel.

Tyler Moeller had seven tackles, including a sack and forced fumble, on the way to winning the conference honor.

Miami, though, spends a lot of time in a conventional two-receiver, two-running back set. Haynes said the Buckeyes would not jump through hoops to get Moeller on the field more often.

"It's kind of tough," Haynes said of who plays and how much. "It goes week to week and just based off of what we see. Our linebacking corps is good, too."

 

A.M. Cleveland Browns links: Dave Zastudil is out; Kellen Winslow is out there

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Kicker Dave Zastudil's absence due to injury could have dire consequences for the Browns.

dave-zastudil-john-kuntz.JPGView full sizeDave Zastudil's loss as he recovers from knee surgery could be one of the biggest obstacles for the Browns to overcome.
Cleveland, Ohio -- Montario Hardesty is out for the season. D'Qwell Jackson is still sidelined by pectoral muscle injury. It may be a while before safety/special teamer Nick Sorensen gets back on the field following a nasty collision in Detroit when two Lions knocked him unconscious.

And the injury that could mean most?

NFLfanhouse.com's Barry Barnes
says it could be punter Dave Zastudil. The Bay Village native had off-season surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon. His slow recovery prompted the team to place him on injured reserve.

However, the loss of punter Dave Zastudil may hurt them the most because he helped the Browns in the battle of field positioning with his timely, deep kicks to give the defense a fighting chance.

Still Barnes is convinced the Browns will improve on last season's 5-11 record by two games and turn in a 7-9 mark. The reason? Mike  Holmgren.

From his days with the San Francisco 49ers to the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks, Holmgren either helped or led those franchises to championship form, especially the Packers and Seahawks, who weren't performing well before his arrival.

For now, Holmgren isn't expected to turn the Browns into a Super Bowl contender overnight, but he wants to have the team competitive right away. Other than wide receiver Josh Cribbs, no one on the Browns' roster jumps out as a threat. When Holmgren arrived, the Browns looked like an episode from "Clean House" as he cleared out former general manager Phil Savage's selected players, quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, tight end Kellen Winslow and wide receiver Braylon Edwards. Veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme, long time Carolina Panthers' signal caller, was brought in by Holmgren, along with quarterback Seneca Wallace who came over from the Seahawks.

Hard to disagree with any of Barnes' logic ... especially one piece: "Holmgren isn't expected to turn the Browns into a Super Bowl contender overnight." Cleveland fans are nothing if not patient. It doesn't have to happen overnight. Any time between now and Sunday will do.

Winslow matures
We all know the story about the Cleveland athlete who took his talents to a place where the phrase "wind chill factor" means what blows and musses your hair when you roll down the windows. But LeBron James wasn't the first to exit. Here's how the St. Petersburg Times tells the story:

King James wasn't the only one eager to abdicate the throne in Cleveland for palm trees and sunshine. But the decision for (Kellen) Winslow was made for him in February 2009 when the Bucs dealt two draft picks to the Browns and made him one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends.

Winslow, 27, responded last season by leading the Bucs in receptions (77), receiving yards (884) and touchdowns (five).

Also, knee surgeries (six).

After a minor procedure in the spring on his right knee, which was severely injured in a motorcycle accident in 2005, the Bucs' goal this offseason was to get their biggest offensive weapon to the starting line.

The fact that the season opener Sunday comes against Winslow's former team is like throwing Delmonico steaks to Dobermans.

But that's the writer talking, not Winslow. He says all the right things (which is definitely different than when he was a Brown).

"It's really just another team," said Winslow, who played in just one preseason game — and one just one series in that one. "It's a blessing to be here. It's where I want to be, and I'm fortunate.

"Everything that went on up there with Cleveland was a growing process for me. I really grew up and matured. It was hard up there because we weren't winning a lot, and it was just frustrating at times. But I'm here now, and I'm having fun."

He's going to be going against rookie T.J. Ward a lot on Sunday. Whether that "fun" continues is up to Ward. And really, did they HAVE to play the LeBron card?

From The Plain Dealer
We mentioned Nick Sorensen in our opening salvo. Browns beat writer Tony Grossi talked to the safety whose gutty professionalism has made him a hero inside the locker room if not to the outside world. He revels in the anonymity of being the ultimate team player. Sorensen isn't likely to play this weekend as recovers from that devastating collision, but his spirit remains in uniform.

Grossi's Browns Insider covers problems on the offensive line and carries nose tackle/end Shaun Rogers' first comments since the start of training camp.



Meet the Browns' uniform inspector; game-by-game Browns picks; and Terrelle Pryor's bad advice

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Cleveland sports bloggers introduce you to a man behind the scenes at Browns stadium, dissect Peter King's prediction of a Steelers' Super Bowl win, respond to Mo Williams' comments on LeBron James and more.

harrisonsquarejg.jpgView full sizeJerome Harrison and the Browns open their season Sunday in Tampa Bay.

Browns

'64 and Counting: "For 10 home dates a year, the 51-year-old former safety for the Browns serves as one of the NFL's 32 official uniform inspectors, emissaries employed at each stadium to maintain the sartorial sanity. Wright has been the inspector at Browns games since 2001, but he also works the annual Hall of Fame Game, a preseason contest that marks the unofficial start of each season. He wandered over to talk to Ochocinco prior to kickoff last month and eventually managed to get him league approval for wearing the orange shoes just this one time. After all, the case to the league office went: He's only playing one series tonight. Then Ochocinco emerged from the locker room just before kickoff with gold cleats on." » Read more

Cleveland Frowns: "Look, it's not just that it only takes the mental capacity of the average goldfish to understand that the Steelers are in the throes of a steep and irreversible decline. Of course we understand that there's no such thing as a good or bad decision per se, but only good or bad reasons for making decisions, so [Peter] King might theoretically have been able to justify his absurdist stance here; given us something to really talk about in the check-cashing line." » Read more

Cleveland Reboot: "Speaking of more things expected – and depressing – the Browns will compete with the Lions for the league's 'team on the rise' billing heading into 2011. Which means that there probably won't be any football played in 2011." » Read more

No Logo Needed makes their game-by-game Browns predictions for 2010.

Cavaliers

Cavs HQ: "Yes, Mo Williams, your relationship with LeBron James is beyond basketball. That's why the only reason you had your deep, heart-to-heart talk with LeBron was because your plane was delayed and you happened to be at the airport at the same time as LeBron. I understand that you don't want to burn your bridges with the most powerful player in professional sports, but I don't know why you have to try to convince yourself and the fans that you and LeBron are good friends. You were co-workers. That's it" » Read more

Cavs: the blog: "The important takeaway is that it isn't really all that important whether Durant is or isn't all the good things people say about him (I think he is). It's that we've been down this road before, whether it was Tiger Woods or LeBron James or Alex Rodriguez or Pete Rose. And it's fine to praise Durant for doing everything right, which he has. It's when we get into 'this guy should be more like that guy!' when things get dangerous" » Read more

Land Loyalty: "Terrelle Pryor you have done nothing. You have not earned the right to tell anybody what to do, let alone Buckeye Nation. When you demand that Buckeye fans not boo LeBron James, it only shows how short-sighted and ignorant you are of the whole situation. When you tell the world that LeBron James is your mentor, it only shows how shallow you are as a human being and how mislead you wish to be." » Read more

Cleveland Browns' rookie RG Shawn Lauvao idle today, S Nick Sorensen will practice

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Browns rookie right guard Shawn Lauvao will sit out practice today with his twisted ankle and safety NIck Sorensen will return to practice for the first time since suffering a concussion in Detroit Aug. 28.

 

Shawn Lauvao.jpgRookie Shawn Lauvao (ankle) will not practice today, but safety Nick Sorensen (concussion)will.

CLEVELAND -- Browns rookie right guard Shawn Lauvao will sit out practice today with his twisted anke and was in a walking boot on Thursday. His availability for Sunday's opener in Tampa is unknown.

But safety Nick Sorensen, who suffered a concussion when he got knocked out cold in Detroit Aug. 28, will practice for the first time since that crushing helmet-to-helmet collision.

Browns coach Eric Mangini declined to name his starters at right guard and right tackle, in part because of the uncertainty over Lauvao. Floyd Womack, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last month, should be available for starting duty at right guard. Either Tony Pashos or John St. Clair will get the nod at right tackle.

 


Cleveland Browns' 2010 record? Tony Grossi stays with his 7-9 prediction (SBTV)

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PD Browns writer also discusses James Davis' future, why Scott Fujita is playing OLB and the NFL's blackout policy.

scott-fujita.jpgScott Fujita: Does he have what it takes to excel at outside linebacker?


Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports. Today's show is hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.


Let's go to the highlights:


• The Browns open the season Sunday in hot, muggy Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. With the season only two days away, what is your prediction for the Browns' record? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.


• Today's guest, Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi, a few weeks ago predicted a 7-9 record on an SBTV during training camp. He says he is sticking with that 7-9 mark.


Also, Tony answers fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature. On today's show, fans ask him about James Davis' future; why the Browns risked picking injury-prone RB Montario Hardesty; why Scott Fujita is listed as the starter at outside linebacker; and how the practice squad works.


SBTV will return Monday. Have a great weekend.





WaitingForNextYear previews the Browns, Ohio State - Podcast

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Get ready for a weekend of football as we welcome WaitingforNextYear.com's Scott Sargent and Rick Grayshock to talk Browns-Bucs, Ohio State-Miami and Terrelle Pryor's comments on LeBron James.

wfny-logo.jpgWaitingfornextyear.com

Get ready for a weekend of football as we welcome WaitingforNextYear.com's Scott Sargent and Rick Grayshock to talk Browns-Bucs, Ohio State-Miami and Terrelle Pryor's comments on LeBron James.

In today's podcast, Rick and Scott discuss the importance of the Browns week 1 contest as well as how much faith they have in Eric Mangini heading into 2010. They also talk about what Ohio State needs from Terrelle Pryor to be successful on Saturday and beyond and whether Pryor erred in telling fans to treat LeBron James with respect.

More from Waitingfornextyear.com:

You can also follow Scott and Rick on Twitter: @WFNYScott and @rickwfny.

Click on the play button below to listen or download the MP3 podcast to listen on the go.

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan loves Joe Haden, thinks the experts picking the Browns to lose big in '10 are dead wrong

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Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan loves Joe Haden, Matt Roth, and a lot of his other defensive players this season. What's more, he thinks the experts picking the Browns to go 2-14 are dead wrong.,

 

Rob Ryan.jpgBrowns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan says the Browns are going to light up every quarterback every week.

CLEVELAND --Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who provides the most entertaining 15 minutes of the week at the Browns facility every Friday, offered his thoughts on a wide range of topics:

* On experts picking the Browns to go 2-14: "I think we're going to win the Super Bowl, so what the hell. I don't care what people think out there. Is our defense much-improved? Is our quarterback legit? Damn right he is. Do we have guys in here working Eric Mangini's plan for the team? Damn right we do. They can say whatever they want to say.''

* On Kellen Winslow: "He's obviously the big weapon in Tampa's offense. We have a nice plan set up with multiple ways to attack. He really is a special guy and we're looking forward to that matchup. he's a more effective blocker than people think he is. I know he calls himself a soldier, and when you watch him on tape, he really is. He's a fun guy to watch. It's just unfortunate we've got him this week in our matchup.''

* On Browns LB Scott Fujita: "I've admired him for a long time, I wanted to draft him in New England. He was a guy I really wanted. I was really excited about him and I was like please let me have this guy. It never worked out. Eric Barton was that way also. In Oakland, he was a guy I saw on tape and I said 'I really want to coach this guy.' He's tough and fearless. And I have them both right here.''

* On Joe Haden: "This guy gets better every day in practice. The ball is starting to find him. He gets two or three interceptions everyday in practice. He's a unique guy because he can tackle so well. He's outstanding. Another smart, tough guy that we added on our defense. Really, he is going to be a special guy. There's no question. He's a humble guy that comes to work everyday to get better, and man has he improved. He's jumped out and made great strides. He's going to play right away and look for him to do some great things in this ballgame.''

*  On pressuring the quarterback: "We'll light this quarterback up, just like all of them every week. We'll get to the quarterback know what we're doing. We're going to line up and kick some (---) and have a great defense.''

* On LB Matt Roth:  "He's a bully. Whatever tight end they put out there, Matt will be able to beat him up. And that's just a fact. I'm looking forward to Matt being here for a full season. It's going to be great. Cleveland fans will love this guy. He's tough, he's legit. Our run defense improved..and the reason is you had a Matt Roth come in there and play outside 'backer and he did a great job.''

* On Eric Wright:  "We've expanded his role. He's going to be on the slot (receiver) now. It's a whole new world out there for a corner...he can blitz more, gets the quicker receivers. His talent level is as good as there is in football.''

Indians Comment of the Day: No hard feelings towards Thome

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"I find it funny when fans get mad at a player for leaving for 'only' $15 million more. You and me would leave for another year on our contract and $15 million more, too. The Indians didn't want Thome or they would have signed him. Who cares what their reasons are - financial, injury prone - it doesn't matter. Thome is a great player and I hope he goes into the Hall of Fame as an Indian. More importantly I hope Indians fans realize how great he was for our team and city." - d10ballfan

jim thome indians.jpgView full sizeJim Thome spent many productive years in Cleveland.

In response to the story Former Cleveland Indians star Jim Thome gives Minnesota Twins all they bargained for, cleveland.com reader d10ballfan doesn't blame Jim Thome for leaving Cleveland. This reader writes,

"I find it funny when fans get mad at a player for leaving for 'only' $15 million more. You and me would leave for another year on our contract and $15 million more, too. The Indians didn't want Thome or they would have signed him. Who cares what their reasons are - financial, injury prone - it doesn't matter. Thome is a great player and I hope he goes into the Hall of Fame as an Indian. More importantly I hope Indians fans realize how great he was for our team and city."

To respond to d10ballfan's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

P.M. Cleveland Indians links: Former Indians become the Tribe's nemeses

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Ex-Indians take aim at the current Tribe roster when the Twins visit Progressive Field tonight.

carl-pavano-ap.JPGView full sizeFormer Indian Carl Pavano, who is on the hill tonight for Minnesota, has owned the Tribe since being traded to the Twins last year.
Cleveland, Ohio -- Ex-Indians are the Tribe's worst enemies. Seems like CC Sabathia, likely this year's Cy Young winner in the American League, uses 'em to pad his stats.

And now? Well, here come the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins. First up on the mound for 'em? Ex-Indian Carl Pavano.

Uh-oh.

Here's how cbssports.com tells it:

(Carl Pavano is) 2-1 with a 2.93 ERA in four starts against the Indians (57-83), winning 7-2 at Progressive Field on Aug. 7 - a year to the day after Cleveland traded him to Minnesota.

"He's been huge," manager Ron Gardenhire told the Twins' official website after Pavano held the Indians to two hits over seven innings. "I think a lot of our guys are learning from him. He's not afraid to speak his mind in the clubhouse, which is good. He knows how we like to play and he expects the best out of his teammates."

Minnesota hopes to have another former Indian available Friday. Jim Thome was a late scratch Wednesday due to an abdominal strain, and he's considered day to day.

Thome had four homers in his past three games, hitting the 586th of his career Tuesday to tie him for eighth all-time with Frank Robinson.

The slugger is batting .474 (9 for 19) with four homers and nine RBIs in his last seven games in Cleveland.

At this stage, the 57-83 Indians are probably glad Rocky Colavito's playing days are over ... and Colavito might be considering a comeback.

A bright spot
All is not lost in Tribeland. Well, yes it is, for this year. But if 2010 was all about auditioning the kids in the system, it's been a successful one. Catcher Carlos Santana is going to be a star. Michael Brantley and Matt LaPorta have shown flashes of what they could be. And what could be most important in this game where "good pitching will beat good hitting every time," Chris Perez has emerged as a potential star.

Here's how letsgotribe.com states the case:

You can hardly be any better than Chris Perez is right now. In a banner year for pitchers,  Perez's 1.91 ERA is, perhaps, overstating his case a little bit. It's "only" 15th among relievers. Still, bear in mind that Chris Perez is only 24 years old, a pitcher still developing. His progress has been evident this season and manifests in his season statistics. Since participating in the bullpen explosion in New York on May 31 (hey, all the other kids were doing it!), Perez has posted a 1.17 ERA, gone 14/15 on save attempts, struck out a batter per inning, and held batters to a .506 OPS. On the season, Perez has a 206 ERA+, the best for a regularly used Indians pitcher since the brothers Raffy both went nuts in 2007.  The young fireballer has exclusively used his plus fastball (94.5 mph on average) and effective slider (83.3 mph) to great enough effect that he could be traded for ten Mark DeRosas at this point. This is, as far as I can tell, the most clear cut "win" for the Indians in a trade since (Shin-Soo) Choo or (Asdrubal) Cabrera.

The starting pitching has been decent this year, if not stellar. Hitting and defense are where the Tribe has fallen short. If those faults can be fixed -- or at least alleviated -- the 2011 season could be competitive, at least.

From The Plain Dealer
Writer Dennis Manoloff talks about one of those ex-Indians -- Jim Thome -- who will be in town tonight with the Minnesota Twins. Dman goes into great detail about Thome's career, including the fact that 334 of his 586 career home runs were hit while wearing an Indians uniform.

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