Former Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes could be a part of the Indians' revamped front office once Chris Antonetti succeeds Mark Shapiro as general manager on Nov. 1. Shapiro will become team president.

View full sizeAPJosh Byrnes

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Former Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes could be a part of the Indians' revamped front office once Chris Antonetti succeeds Mark Shapiro as general manager on Nov. 1. Shapiro will become team president.

Byrnes, in a story first reported Friday by Foxsports.com, was in Cleveland last week visiting with Shapiro and Antonetti. Byrnes started his front office career with the Indians in 1994. He rose to director of scouting in 1998 before joining Dan O'Dowd as an assistant GM in Colorado after the 1999 season.

He spent three years with the Rockies before moving to Boston in 2002 when he was the assistant GM to Theo Epstein. After three years with the Red Sox, Byrnes was hired as Arizona's GM in 2005.

Shapiro, Antonetti and Byrnes worked together with the Indians. Antonetti joined the team before the 1999 season, which was Byrnes' last in Cleveland.

"Mark and I did meet with Josh last week," said Antonetti. "He's a terrific baseball executive, but I don't think he's anywhere close to making up his mind what he wants to do."

Byrnes doesn't have to do much. Fired on July 1 along with hand-picked manager, A.J. Hinch, Byrnes' contract runs through 2015.

If Byrnes is hired, let's hope he doesn't have much to do with the draft. He ran the 1998 and 1999 drafts for the Tribe. Outside of CC Sabathia, their No. 1 pick in 1998, those two drafts did not produce one player who made a significant contribution to the big-league club. That's one hit in 106 swings.

Those two years dug a hole that the Indians are still trying to climb out of where the draft is concerned.

Besides the possible hiring of Byrnes, don't expect many changes in the front office. Look for Mike Chernoff to get promoted from director of baseball operations to assistant general manager. If Byrnes isn't their guy, the Indians might bring in another executive type.

It would be nice if they hired some consultants with big-league experience to replace Jason Bere and Ellis Burks. Bere and Burks were let go in budget-cutting measures after last season. The Indians used to have four former players in that capacity. Now they have one, Robby Thompson. Tim Belcher moved from that position to become pitching coach for the 2010 season.

Wish department: If the Indians have the money, or the necessary spare parts to make a trade, here are two things they should do this winter.

They need a veteran starting pitcher to pair with Fausto Carmona. It's not going to be Cliff Lee, but another Carl Pavano or Jake Westbrook, who will no longer be making $11 million a year, will do.

A veteran No. 2 starter would give the Indians time to finish the development of starters Josh Tomlin, Carlos Carrasco and Jeanmar Gomez if they don't make the rotation out of spring training. Add Carmona, Mitch Talbot, Justin Masterson, David Huff and Alex White to those three and the Indians are starting to build the king of depth them need to compete in the AL Central.

A third baseman is a must as well. Stunning news, right?

There's a good chance Jayson Nix will play winter ball to continue his education at third base, but at the best that will help him make the club in 2011 as a utility infielder. The Indians need a third baseman to keep the hot corner warm until Lonnie Chisenhall, Jared Goedert, or someone else, becomes the permanent solution.

Nice list: Don Mattingly, who will replace Joe Torre as the Dodgers manager at the end of the season, interviewed to be the Indians manager in October when they were searching for Eric Wedge's replacement.

He was a finalist, but didn't show for the final interview in Cleveland. The Dodgers weren't going to let him get away.

Mattingly impressed the Indians in preliminary interviews. He came across as humble, but confident with a ton of baseball knowledge and a passion for the game. Mattingly is the third person who interviewed for the Indians job to be hired as a big-league manager. Acta and Arizona's Kirk Gibson were the other two.

Paul Hoynes lets you know what "leveraged" bullpen work means.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: I read your column where manager Manny Acta is mimicking the front office now talking about "leveraged" bullpen work. Is the term distinct to the Indians? What the heck does it mean? -- Annie Walker, Washington, D.C.

A: Hey, Annie: It's a pet phrase for a lot of baseball people on a lot of different teams. It's shop talk for pitching in pressure situations.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: The Indians started the year with an estimated $61 million payroll. Texas and San Diego lead the teams with a lower payroll. Why can't the Indians make better use of their money? -- Phil Criswell, Strongsville

A: Hey, Phil: Three reasons -- Travis Hafner, Kerry Wood and Jake Westbrook. Those three players accounted for more than 50 percent of the Indians' payroll this year. That's no way to run a ballclub.

Wood was on the disabled list twice before being traded. Westbrook missed almost two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He spent much of the first half trying to recapture the ability to pitch before being traded. Hafner could not be traded because of a drastic drop in production and a contract that will pay him $13 million in 2011 and $13 million in 2012.

Those deals made sense when they were negotiated, but injuries and poor performances turned them into millstones, which hurt the Indians payroll flexibility.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Might there be a chance that the Tribe is adopting the Miami Heat model. Stripping the club to bare bones so that it can rebuild through free agency? -- Raymond Drecker, Detroit

A: Hey, Raymond: No, a thousand times no. As long as the Dolan family owns the Indians, they will never rebuild primarily through free agency. It's a risky and expensive venture as the signing of Kerry Wood shows.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Why so few September call-ups considering the quality of our 25-man roster? Is the farm system that bad? Or is it economics so the Indians don't have to pay players big-league salary? -- Jason Stackhouse, Oberlin

A: Hey, Jason: If the Indians were in contention, they would have called up more players in September. There have already been a couple of extra inning games this month where the Indians have been caught short on relievers and bench players.

Four or five more players are expected to be promoted after Class AAA Columbus recently won the Governor's Cup championship against Durham.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: For next year the outfield looks like Shin-Soo Choo, Grady Sizemore, Michael Brantley with Trevor Crowe in reserve. The infield has Matt LaPorta, Asdrubal Cabrera, at first and shortstop, maybe Jason Donald at second and maybe Jayson Nix as a utility guy, but who in the world will play third base? -- Mark Lasher, Bangor, Pa.

A: Hey, Mark: The Indians are going to have to go outside the organization to find a third baseman through trade or free agency to play the position until Lonnie Chisenhall or Jared Goedert are deemed ready. The competition among Jayson Nix, Luis Valbuena and Andy Marte to see if they could play third next year has become an error-fest.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Last year GM Mark Shapiro said that the trades he made would not inhibit the Indians' ability to compete in 2010. Will they finally be rebuilding the 25-man roster this winter? -- Ari Gold, Los Angeles

A: Hey, Ari: I seem to remember that Shapiro said the Indians could compete this year "if everything went right." That did not happen.

Rebuilding-wise, I don't think there's going to be a lot of changes between the end of this season and next year. I would imagine they'll sign a third baseman and a veteran starter. Maybe they'll bring a few veterans on minor-league deals to spring training.

I think the big pieces for rebuilding are in place. Make of that what you will.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: I'm concerned that no quality free agents will entertain offers from the Tribe this winter due to the quality of our team and ownerships' lack of interest in winning. What do you think? -- John Chase III, Cleveland

A: Hey, John: Quality free agents like two things -- money and a chance to win.

Unless it's a special situation, let's say the Indians pursue Jake Westbrook, you won't have to worry about such things. No. 1, I'd be stunned if the Indians made a large expenditure on the free agent market. No. 2, since the Indians aren't going to be competitive next year, a quality free agent is probably going to look elsewhere.

-- Hoynsie

Why build part of baseball's mystique on mistakes that can be corrected? How can baseball's tradition be tarnished by getting the play right?

View full sizeAPDerek Jeter puts on a display on Wednesday.

Derek Jeter's acting job in the seventh inning Wednesday against Tampa Bay only underlines baseball's need for an expanded use of instant replay.

Bud Selig's term as commissioner has been highlighted by his refusal to let cobwebs grow on the grand old game. I don't understand why he's been so slow to act in this regard. So many people seem afraid of taking the human element -- in other words blown calls by umpires -- out of the game.

Why build part of baseball's mystique on mistakes that can be corrected? How can baseball's tradition be tarnished by getting the play right?

A blown call can change a team's season and a player's career. A strike should have been called on Jeter when Chad Qualis' pitch hit Jeter's bat and went foul. Jeter, instead, acted as if he'd been bit by a rattler and plate umpire Lance Barksdale bought it. He ruled Jeter had been hit by the pitch and sent him to first base. Curtis Granderson followed with a two-run homer to give the Yankees the lead in a game they eventually lost.

With replay, Barksdale could have made the right call. With replay, Armando Galarraga would have a perfect game and first base umpire Jim Joyce would be off the hook. With replay, Travis Hafner would have scored on Jason Donald's squeeze bunt on Sept. 11 instead of plate umpire Brian Gorman incorrectly calling Donald out.

It makes no sense not to use instant replay for more than determining home runs. The postseason is almost here. Sometime soon the human element will be responsible for the wrong call at a critical time. The remedy is available, so why isn't it being used?

Seneca Wallace is the latest addition to a not-so-exclusive quarterback club whose members lived to talk about their days with the Browns but would rather not.

Lisa DeJong / The Plain DEalerHow will Seneca Wallace do at quarterback against the Chiefs? Going by the theory that there's nothing Browns fans love more than a quarterback controversy, odds are good that Wallace will do enough to get a significant portion of the fan base behind him.

So, you got your ring and you got your carousel. One deserves a drumroll.

The other deserves merry-go-round music. Wallace is the latest addition to a not-so-exclusive quarterback club whose members lived to talk about their days with the Browns but would rather not.

Chronologically, Wallace follows Delhomme, Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. Alphabetically, he's second-to-last in the roll call, sandwiched between Kevin Thompson and Spergon Wynn.

That's like getting nominated for an Oscar along with Vin Diesel and Steven Segal.

As ceremonial introductions go, chronological vs. alphabetical is a pick-your-poison proposition but if it came to it I'd probably opt for the chronology.

Proximity to Delhomme serves to remind those people in the seats who might mistake an early-season quarterback shuffle for "Groundhog Day" that Wallace comes with team President Mike Holmgren's stamp of approval, too.

In fact, Holmgren had more personal knowledge of Wallace than he did Delhomme since Wallace spent the last seven seasons in Seattle.

If you're looking for a general theme today, it's Holmgren's decision-making in everything from the Ring of Honor idea to the reduction in Jim Brown's role at the center of Brown's decision to skip the ceremony, to the two quarterbacks brought in after the team parted ways with Anderson and Quinn.

Quarterback is Holmgren's bailiwick. I think even Jim Brown would acknowledge Holmgren's expertise in that area. Then again, probably not.

While Delhomme didn't exactly validate that opinion with his two interceptions in Tampa, Fla., last Sunday, it's fair to reserve judgment since he limped through the second half on a sore ankle.

Knowing Delhomme's recent struggles in Carolina, Holmgren had to bring in another quarterback who could step in and start. He turned to Wallace for better or worse.

We'll find out today.

What to expect?

Wallace has started 14 games in his NFL career. He's 5-9, which suggests he already has what it takes to be a Browns starter.

But he put up 25 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. Only Anderson in 2007 had as respectable a TD-to-interception ratio.

Chris O'Meara / The Associated PressAmazingly, Derek Jeter's acting job that got him awarded first base on a hit by pitch did not bring an end to the civilized world. But it did underscore how the civilized world has moved far away from sports talk radio.

Which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about quarterbacking in Cleveland since 1999.

One reason to suspect Wallace will do well, though -- at least initially:

Somewhere it is written that there must be a quarterback controversy in Cleveland.

Take your base

Derek Jeter isn't having his best year unless you consider his Emmy potential.

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter somehow caused a stir when he pretended a pitch from Tampa Bay's Chad Qualls hit him. He admitted later the pitch instead hit the handle of his bat as replays clearly showed.

Jeter was awarded first base and scored on a two-run homer.

The incident got the obligatory media treatment, meaning a continuous slow-motion loop on ESPN and a radio-talk show debate over whether Jeter's act was insidious enough to bring about the fall of civilization or merely gamesmanship.

"It's part of the game," Jeter told reporters. "My job is to get on base."

He's right. He didn't have to scream like Janet Leigh in a Bates Motel shower. But he's right.

Forfeiting respect

He isn't apologizing, he just got tired of dusting his biggest knickknack.

Reggie Bush says forfeiting his 2005 Heisman Trophy was not an admission of guilt.

Frank Franklin II / Associated PressReggie Bush and his Heisman Trophy, before the breakup.

"It's me showing respect to the Heisman Trophy itself and to the people who came before me and the people coming after," Bush told reporters after a Saints practice. "I just felt like it was the best thing to do, the most respectful thing to do because obviously I do respect the Heisman. I do respect all the things it stands for."

Obviously.

I come down on the side of Washington Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian, who was on USC's offensive staff in 2005.

Said Sarkisian: "He had a chance to apologize, look like the good guy. But in giving it back and not apologizing, he just looks like an idiot again."

He said it

"Obviously we snacked together." -- Browns head coach Eric Mangini, joking about the time he shared a house with former Browns head coach and current Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

After a couple of near fires, I'm told, Mangini took over the clock management of the oven and microwave.

You said it

(The Expanded Sunday Edition)

"Bud: Now you know why you'll never see Jim Brown and Albert Belle in the same place at the same time. They're the same bitter person." -- Jack, Lyndhurst

Not so fast. Albert has mellowed as he's grown older and is now helping old ladies halfway across busy streets.

"Bud: After Jimmy Dimora's experience, should Ben Roethlisberger get nervous if somebody says 'Bring out the chains?' " -- Joe Percio

Roethlisberger was never charged with a crime. As for Dimora, agents, citing FBI Scouting Combine reports, decided on the chains because they did not want to risk a foot race with him.

"Bud: I can't hit major-league pitching and I can't field. Do you think the Indians might have a spot for me at third base next year?" -- Dave Graskemper

Why limit your possibilities to third base?

"Bud: I've seen Braylon Edwards drop plenty of passes in Cleveland, but this is the first time I've seen him drop a kicker. Is this an additional sign of continued hand-eye coordination issues? -- Jeff Scott

Yes, though Edwards is claiming he was tossed into the kicker by an ill wind blowing from Ohio.

"Bud: Any speculation as to when Art Modell makes the Browns' Ring of Honor?" -- Edward

According to the Maya's "long count" calendar predicting the end of the world on Dec. 21, 2012, I'd say Dec. 22 of the same year.

"Bud: I have a separated-at-birth for you. Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz and Freddie Mercury of Queen." -- Devin Concord

I thought you were going to say John Boehner and Snookie from "Jersey Shore."

"Dear Bud: I notice the Tribe's deep thinkers are intent on limiting the innings of their young, completely healthy starters (most notably Justin Masterson) in an effort to prevent them from building up arm strength until they reach the Yankees. Does The PD put its young writers on word counts hoping to prevent carpel tunnel syndrome?" -- Jim O, Chardon

First-time "You said it" winners receive a T-shirt from the mental_floss collection.

"Bud: If Jim Brown was a platoon sergeant in the Army, would he only be willing to report to Gen. David Petraeus?" -- Jim D.

Repeat winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Afghanistan.

Terry's Talkin' Browns, Tribe and Sam Rutigliano.

John KUntz / The Plain DealerJerome Harrison got nine carries against the Buccaneers last week, former coach Sam Rutigliano says Harrison should get about double that number of carries per game.

Question: If you coached the Browns this week, how would you handle the 17-14 loss to Tampa Bay?

Answer: I'd talk about Kansas City, a lot about how we beat Kansas City [last year]. I'd show a lot of tape of the good things we did. And the Browns did a lot of good things in Tampa. This is a better team than a year ago.

What about the turnovers?

Yes, I'd show them, but I would not dwell on them. Jake Delhomme is an intellectually honest guy. He knows he made a bad decision. I'd tell the guys that we'll get four to five opportunities to score in the game, and we need to convert on at least three of them. I'd also say the offense is good enough to do that.

How do you deal with the "Here we go again" syndrome, given all the losing since 1999?

I don't. I do what Paul Brown would tell his team in something like this: Just go out and win a game. You win a game, it stops. You win a game, it puts you in position to win another game because you are getting some momentum. I don't spend much time on how we should have won in Tampa; I push them to win this game.

How do you beat Kansas City?

People have been saying that Jerome Harrison has to be more involved, and he has to be more involved. Nine carries are not enough. This team won games last year by running the ball. Get him 18 to 25 touches.

If the Browns lose this game, then they are 0-2 with Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Pittsburgh . . .

You don't talk about that. Just win this game, period.

Are you worried about Kansas City?

A coach worries every week. Kansas City has people Eric [Mangini] knows well. He worked with [General Manager] Scott Pioli. Romeo Crennel was his defensive coordinator in New England, and he has that job in K.C. It's the right job for Romeo. Charlie Weis was in New England when Eric was there. You use the knowledge that you have from working with those guys, but you don't want to make it personal.

Roadell Hickman / The Plain DealerFormer Browns coach Sam Rutigliano.

How do you feel about Seneca Wallace?

So much in the game comes down to the quarterback. As a coach, you can second-guess yourself and beat yourself up. But if Jake [Delhomme] doesn't throw that interception at the end of the first half, at the worst, it's 14-3. Even if [Peyton] Hillis fumbles to start the third quarter, it's still 14-3. Seneca has to be smart. He's mobile. He's got a decent [passing] touch. He can be difficult to defend.

So what's the bottom line?

This is the home opener. The fans are looking for something to get up and cheer for. Do something good early, get the crowd into the game. Then win it. Then you are 1-1, no worse than the day you walked out of training camp.

ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .

1. Knowing the Browns want to run, Tampa Bay put at least eight defenders near the line of scrimmage, daring the Browns to throw. Feeling confident after Jake Delhomme's strong training camp, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll went to the air -- with success for most of the first half. But the Browns never established the running game they needed after Delhomme fizzled. Making matters worse, Peyton Hillis fumbled twice (losing one) when running the ball.

2. The Chiefs will do the same: Try to entice the Browns into throwing. The Browns have to remember how they found a way to win five games last season, completing a grand total of 33 passes. They don't want to play caveman football again, but this is a running team.

3. The offensive line struggled against Tampa Bay, which sometimes had a strong rush from the left side -- where tackle Joe Thomas and guard Eric Steinbach usually keep order. Center Alex Mack also was pushed back on some plays. Fans can dwell on John St. Clair (two penalties) at right tackle, but more is needed from the left side. When rookie Shawn Lauvao's ankle heals, he'll probably start at right guard, with Floyd "Porkchop" Womack replacing St. Clair at right tackle. Womack received the highest marks of any Browns offensive lineman from the coaches last week. Tony Pashos also could see some action at right tackle.

4. Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita also drew praise from the coaches grading films. They think Gocong can be an impact player at inside linebacker. Overall, they were very pleased with the linebackers, and the defensive line was respectable. Tampa's running backs had only 84 yards in 28 carries.

5. The coaches have been trying to break Joe Haden out of the habit of looking back when the receiver slips past him. That's what the rookie did when he was on the wrong end of Micheal Spurlock's 33-yard touchdown catch. When you are beat on a play, don't peek over the shoulder for the ball -- run for your life to catch up with the receiver.

6. Look for more of Evan Moore as a slot receiver. Brian Robiskie was a nonfactor: one catch for 6 yards. They only threw two passes to him in the first three quarters.

ABOUT THE INDIANS . . .

1. If there is any hope for the Indians being at least a .500 team next season, it comes from this stat: The team has a 3.78 ERA since the All-Star break, fourth best in the American League. It's also why the Indians were 26-32 since the break heading into the weekend. It's happened as veterans Jake Westbrook, Austin Kearns, Jhonny Peralta and Kerry Wood were traded for prospects, none on the Tribe's roster right now. It also happened with rookie catcher Carlos Santana needing knee surgery.

2. Considering all that, can manager Manny Acta's critics now admit that he has done a decent job with this team in flux? It's also a team that will finish the season with a $60 million payroll, the lowest in the American League. When Acta's former team -- Washington -- started fast this season, I received e-mails from fans wondering if Acta is the problem. But the Nationals also have had some injuries, and they entered the weekend with a 62-84 record, 23-34 since the All-Star break.

3. We can dwell on the Grand Canyon-size hole at third base . . . somehow, they have to sign a veteran for 2011 who can catch the ball at that spot, giving Lonnie Chisenhall time to develop. There are other positions that need help. But good pitching is the great eraser.

Thomas Ondrey / The Plain DealerTribe closer Chris Perez is one reason to be optimistic about next season's pitching staff. He is 20 of 24 in save situations this year.

4. If the Indians can make progress next season, it's because they have an emerging ace in Fausto Carmona and a real closer in Chris Perez. Those are two keys to a solid staff. Perez entered the weekend with an 0.71 ERA and 13-of-14 in saves since the All-Star break. Overall, he is 20-of-24 in saves. Carmona is 12-14 this season with a 3.81 ERA. His 26 quality starts (three or fewer earned runs in at least six innings) is fifth best in the American League. He is finishing strong, a 1.13 ERA in September.

5. Carmona has refined his change-up, which has helped him against lefty hitters. In 2008-09, lefties batted .320 against Carmona. This season, it's .280. The next area where he needs to improve is holding base runners, as opponents are 26-of-32 in steals. Only two other AL pitchers have allowed more stolen bases.

6. OK, right now some fans are screaming: "The Indians stink. The owners are cheap. They trade all their stars." Yes, I can write something like that every week. But it tells you nothing that you don't already know. Looking to 2011 in terms of the current pitchers is something a bit different, and it's not all false optimism.

7. A year ago, I never thought I'd be writing that Carlos Carrasco looks like a big-league starter. He was totally overmatched last September with the Tribe, and not all that impressive in the first half of this season at Class AAA Columbus. But at 23 with a 93 mph fastball, excellent control and a sharp slider he can throw at any point in the count, he seems ready to take a prominent spot in next season's rotation. That would be a real blessing after it seemed the Cliff Lee deal would yield only role players in Jason Donald and Lou Marson.

8. Since the All-Star break, Justin Masterson is 3-4 with a 3.84 ERA. Jeanmar Gomez and Josh Tomlin both show real promise. A concern is Mitch Talbot, who is 1-4 with a 6.23 ERA since the All-Star break. The Indians think his decline is because of some back problems last month and now shoulder fatigue. He will come into spring training with a spot in the rotation, but if he pitches poorly -- and others are impressive -- he may not be a starter. The Indians think Talbot or Tomlin could help in long relief if either fails to win a spot in the rotation.

9. Since the All-Star break, the Indians have been getting production from Raffy Perez (2.77 ERA), Tony Sipp (2.67) and Joe Smith (3.86) in the bullpen. Give pitching coach Tim Belcher some credit for helping to not only revive Carmona, but to get Smith and Raffy Perez back on track. Both really struggled early in the season.

10. The Indians plan to send Jayson Nix to Puerto Rico to play third base every day. They think he can help next season at that spot, but he seems better suited to be a utility player. Nix is hitting .251 (.683 OPS) with five homers since the All-Star break. He is an acceptable second baseman, but he has been horrible at third.

11. Marson is emerging as one of the better defensive catchers in the league. He has thrown out 36 percent of stealing base runners, the best in the AL for anyone with at least 50 starts. He is doing a much better job blocking pitches in the dirt following some early-season problems. He has some athletic gifts as he's 8-of-9 in stolen bases. But he's hitting only .197 (.573 OPS), and the real problem is that he's hitting .161 against right-handers. The Indians prefer Santana to catch four to five times a week next season then play first or DH in other games -- with Marson as the backup.

12. Never thought I'd write this, but Michael Brantley (.241) seems destined to finish the season with a higher average than Matt LaPorta (.220). Since the All-Star break, it's Brantley (.288, .709 OPS) compared to LaPorta (.188, .604 OPS). All of this is very encouraging about Brantley being a starter next year, but LaPorta has to be considered one of the Tribe's big disappointments. Since the All-Star break, he's fourth in the team in at-bats, so he's playing every day and not doing much with the opportunity.

Terry Pluto scribbles about turnovers, the running game, Seneca Wallace, T.J. Ward and Joe Haden as the Browns prepare to face Kansas City.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain DealerBrowns running back Jerome Harrison does not have a history of fumbling, and the team will need that reliability this season.

1. I'm not going to dwell on the obvious about how important it is to win the home opener and how damaging it would be for the Browns to be 0-2 going into Baltimore next week. But I will stress that the team must stop all the turnovers . . . right now! I have no data to back this up, but it seems that when teams open the season with a lot of turnovers -- it haunts them for most of the year.

2. It's purely mental. You tell yourself, "don't fumble, don't fumble!" So what happens? You fumble. You don't run the ball with your usual comfort level. You don't catch the ball in traffic with confidence. You worry about fumbles.

3. Peyton Hillis had one fumble in his first 81 pro carries before doing it twice (lost one) at Tampa. Jerome Harrison had only two fumbles all last season, and three (two lost) in 280 pro carries. So it's not as if either player has a fumble history. But Harrison fumbled three times (lost one) in the preseason. In fact, it seems offensive coordinator Brian Daboll partly backed away from the run in the second half of the 17-14 loss at Tampa Bay because of fumbles. That thinking has to stop, because the Browns are not a team that can thrive with a passing attack.

4. Joshua Cribbs had a fumble that the Browns recovered. With Cribbs, fumbles are a fact of life. In his five-year pro career, he has 19. But the Browns have only lost five. In the last two seasons, it's six (lost two). Nonetheless, the Browns still need to put the ball in Cribbs' hands. In fact, that should be a part of today's game plan, get the ball to Cribbs.

View full sizePDIt's unlikely that James Davis will get a lot of carries in the near future.

5. After the Tampa Bay game, I received some e-mails from fans wanting to see James Davis in the backfield. That made little sense, because the Browns were not even running enough plays for Harrison and Hillis (nine carries each). If you want to see a third back get the ball, I prefer Cribbs. Davis is a backup.

6. When the Browns were backed up in the shadow of their own goal posts in the fourth quarter at Tampa as Jake Delhomme was hobbling on his sprained ankle, it was a situation that screamed for Sunday's projected starter -- Seneca Wallace. In practice, Wallace showed a knack of using his quickness on rollouts to move the ball -- be it near his own goal line, or near the opponent's end zone. His speed makes him unpredictable for the defense, and it will be something to watch in the Kansas City game.

7. I believe that T.J. Ward had the best first game of any Browns rookie since the team returned in 1999. The safety had 10 tackles, and forced a fumble with a hard hit -- and banged into the quarterback, leading to an interception. The Browns were last in the NFL in forcing turnovers last year, and Ward can change that. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said, "T.J. Ward really is a tough guy and what a special guy he is going to be for a long time."

8. Ryan tried to take the heat off Joe Haden by insisting he made a poor call on a blitz, leaving Haden vulnerable to what became the game-winning 33-yard touchdown pass. But before he was beat, Haden was flagged for pass interference. The coaches want Haden to be physical as he defends receivers, but they are concerned about him committing penalties. He needs to play like Sheldon Brown, the veteran cornerback who is mentoring Haden.

Mary Kay Cabot Record: 0-1 Browns 23, Chiefs 20 Comment: With a grueling stretch coming up, the Browns can ill-afford 0-2. Tony Grossi Record: 0-1 Browns 30, Chiefs 24 Comment: No way do the Chiefs march in here and spoil the Ring of Honor day, do they? Bill Livingston Record: 0-1 Browns 20, Chiefs 17 Comment: I like what...

Interact live with us in the press box at Cleveland Browns Stadium as we describe the action on the field and posts scoring updates, plus get updates and analysis from The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot via Twitter starting at 1 p.m.

Seneca Wallace gets his first start with the Browns today against the Chiefs.

How will the Browns respond after their disappointing loss in Week 1? How will Seneca Wallace do as starting quarterback in the home opener? How will Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel be welcomed by the fans?

Get answers to these questions and more during cleveland.com's live chat during the Browns vs. Chiefs home opener Sunday at 1 p.m.  Interact with our producer Joey Morona in the press box at Cleveland Browns Stadium as he describes the action on the field and posts scoring updates, plus get updates and analysis from The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot via Twitter.

Click here to open the game box score in a new window.

Note: This is a moderated chat. All comments must be approved prior to appearing in the live chat. Approval is based on content of post, volume of incoming posts and other factors.

Stay tuned after the game for a complete recap, photos and post-game video at cleveland.com/browns.

The Chiefs have a tough task trying to maintain momentum after a big win on Monday night.

View full sizeAPKansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel.

1. Monday night hangover: Playing on Monday night is a blessing and a burden. Yes, it amps up your home crowd. Sometimes that energy carries you over a tougher opponent. The burden is picking up your guts off the field, turning the page and going on to the next game. If it happens to be on the road in another time zone -- as is the case with the Chiefs today -- it takes a strong team and an excellent coaching job to win again. It's quite a challenge.

2. Seneca Wallace, NFL quarterback: Mike Holmgren and Gil Haskell, who coached him, know him. Eric Mangini and Todd Haley, who coached against him, know him. But the 70,000 or so of us in Cleveland Browns Stadium who've never seen Wallace play in a regular-season game are intrigued by the thought of seeing him perform in a full game for the first time. In stop-and-go stretches in training camp and preseason, Wallace displayed a strong, accurate arm, nice mobility, and the ability to make pinpoint throws on the move. But we've not seen him long enough to develop a rhythm and "manage" the game.

3. Speed kills The Chiefs' new speed on both sides of the ball was evident in their upset win over San Diego on Monday night. Last week, the same was true of Tampa Bay. So that's two opponents in two games with more of that ingredient than the Browns. Which raises the question: How do you make a team faster once the roster is set?

4. Jerome and Jamaal Jerome Harrison and Jamaal Charles -- the underappreciated running backs of each team -- exchanged haymakers in the teams' meeting in Kansas City last year. Charles with a 47-yard TD run. Harrison with one of 71 yards and another of 28. Back and forth they went and in the end Charles piled up 154 yards and one TD and Harrison had 286 and three TDs. Harrison mused that that never happens a second time. We shall see.

Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace will start vs. the Chiefs in place of the injured Jake Delhomme.

Lisa DeJong / The Plain DEalerSeneca Wallace will start vs. the Chiefs today in place of Jake Delhomme (ankle).

CLEVELAND -- As expected Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace will start vs. the Chiefs in place of Jake Delhomme, who's inactive with his ankle injury.

It will be Wallace's 15th NFL start, having gone 5-9 in his first 14. Wallace admitted this week that it's "a crash course'' every time he steps on the field for the Browns, but that he feels ready. "All the learning is done,'' he said.

Rookie Colt McCoy will be the backup quarterback. "I've worked really hard all week,'' said McCoy on Thursday. "I got a lot more reps and I'll be ready to go if called upon.''

The NFL commissioner and boycotting Browns Hall of Famer were together in Washington, D.C., last night. Goodell made it to Cleveland. Brown did not.

Updated at 12:43 p.m.

CLEVELAND -- While members of the Browns Ring of Honor inductees and their families got together at a special dinner in Cleveland Browns Stadium Saturday night, Jim Brown was in Washington, D.C., attending a meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus.

 NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell joined Brown at the meeting.

 On Sunday morning, Goodell took an airplane to Cleveland to attend the Browns' Ring of Honor ceremony. But Brown did not join Goodell in Cleveland.

 Goodell said he and Brown spoke about his boycott of the event and his rift with Browns President Mike Holmgren, but he would not share what was said.

 Historians will note that in the 1957 draft, it was Paul Brown's wish to find his successor to quarterback Otto Graham. Brown's first choice was Len Dawson of Purdue. But Dawson was taken just ahead of the Browns' pick, by the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 5. Brown then "settled" for Jim Brown at No. 6.

 For a long time, Dawson has been an analyst on Chiefs' radio broadcasts. Thus, in an ironic twist, Dawson was present for the Ring of Honor ceremony, and Brown was not.

Doctors say damage to MSU coach's heart was "minimal," but Dantonio will be hospitalized for an undetermined period of time.

Al Goldis / Associated PressMichigan State head coach Mark Dantonio was resting comfortably Sunday afternoon after a surgical procedure to place a stent near his heart following a heart attack late Saturday night.

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio was hospitalized with symptoms consistent with a heart attack shortly after an overtime victory against Notre Dame Saturday night.

The school, which called a news conference for Sunday afternoon, said Dantonio had a stent put in a blocked blood vessel leading to the heart.

"The procedure was successful and blood flow to the heart muscle was restored," Dr. Chris D'Haem said in a statement. "I'm very pleased with the outcome of the procedure. Coach Dantonio is resting comfortably following his procedure and is expected to make a full recovery.

"He is young, in excellent shape and the damage to his heart was minimal."

The 54-year-old Dantonio is expected to stay at Sparrow Hospital near campus for a few days.

Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell will lead the team during Dantonio's indefinite absence. The No. 25 Spartans play Northern Colorado on Saturday.

"This is a time for Spartan Nation to rally around Coach D and the football program," Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said in a statement. "We all look forward to his return to the sidelines. The thoughts of the entire Spartan family are with Coach D, his wife Becky and his daughters Kristen and Lauren."

Dantonio certainly isn't the first high-profile coach to experience health problems.

Florida coach Urban Meyer was hospitalized with chest pains in December after his Gators lost the Southeastern Conference championship game to Alabama. A couple weeks later, Meyer resigned citing health concerns, but less than 24 hours later, he took back his resignation.

Meyer was later diagnosed esophageal spasms and he is taking medication to fight the problem.

Dantonio went to the hospital soon after making an audacious call that led to one of the biggest wins of his career -- and one of the signature moments of the season so far.

He decided to fake a field goal that could've forced a second overtime against the Irish, choosing instead to have holder Aaron Bates throw a pass that turned into a 29-yard touchdown that lifted the Spartans to a 34-31 victory.

The win put Michigan State in this week's Associated Press poll at No. 25.

Another Jerome Harrison fumble sets up Kansas City field goal.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerBrowns quarterback Seneca Wallace hands the ball to Jerome Harrison during the first quarter of Sunday's game against Kansas City at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Observations, opinions and some facts on first quarter ...

• With all the talk about fumbles in preseason and in the season opener, we forgot about dropped passes. Fact is, they haven't been a problem this year. Well, on Seneca Wallace's first series, he was victimized by dropped passes by tight end Evan Moore and receiver Chansi Stuckey.

• The Chiefs came out with a quick-tempo offense. Not a no-huddle, but they got the plays off quick and threw off three-step drops. The Browns rested between plays with their hands on their hips a lot, but they retired the drive after two first downs. Browns' first sub package was their 1-5-5 alignment with Shaun Rogers the lone lineman.

• Jerome Harrison fumbled on his second carry of the game after a hit three yards behind the line of scrimmage by linebacker Mike Vrabel. Glenn Dorsey recovered at the Browns' 22. It looked like Harrison hit the ground first. Eric Mangini's challenge was no good.

• Matt Cassel couldn't push it in and the Chiefs settled for a field goal. Cassel scrambled for five yards when nobody was open, misfired on a simple swing pass to Dexter McCluster and fired wildly for tight end Tony Moeaki, who was closely covered by Mike Adams.

• The Chiefs pooched their first two kickoffs out of respect to Josh Cribbs. The Browns took the ball at their 35- and 25-yard lines on those occasions.

• Wallace was finally able to string together a couple first downs on his third series. But the drive ended around mid-field when a Benjamin Watson false start forced third-and-12 and Wallace threw long on a deep route by Moore.

• Marcus Benard nailed Cassel on a sack from the backside. Cassel had time to scan the field but couldn't find anyone open. He did well not to cough up the ball. On the ensuing punt, a Browns penalty moved the ball back to their 2.

• Biggest play of the quarter for the Browns: 23 yards on a screen pass to Harrison. Then Benjamin Watson takes a short pass and breaks it 44 yards down to the Chiefs' 8.

Seneca Wallace overcomes one INT and puts two TDs on the board.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Observations, opinions and some facts on second quarter ...

• Jerome Harrison hurt his left hand on a four-yard run to the Chiefs' 4. Looked like it had TD potential but rookie safety Kendrick Lewis shot in to make the tackle after good blocks by Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach.

• The Browns hammer it in on a Peyton Hillis 1-yard run. He was stopped initially, but bounced off the pile and reached the ball barely over the goal line for the touchdown. Completes a 98-yard drive in 10 plays.

• Kaluka Maiava is hurt on the ensuing kickoff and helped off. T.J. Ward tripped up Kanas City returner Dexter McCluster after a return to the Chiefs' 23.

• The Chiefs are terrified of Josh Cribbs' returns. This time punter Dustin Colquitt pull-yanked a punt out of bounds rather than give Cribbs a chance at a big return. Another Browns penalty, however, moved it back 10 yards to their 28.

• Seneca Wallace threw late and off his back foot for Chansi Stuckey. Cornerback Brandon Flowers intercepted and run untouched 33 yards for a touchdown. That's two turnovers in two quarters.

• Wallace redeems himself on his next third down. Needing one yard for the first down, he play-faked to Peyton Hillis and hit Josh Cribbs perfectly in stride beating cornerback Brandon Carr. Cribbs caught the ball at the Chiefs' 29 and skipped through Carr's tackle attempt for the TD. Nice call. Nice throw.

• Sheldon Brown made a nice catch for an interception, outleaping Chris Chambers for the ball on a deep route. Matt Cassel felt pressure from his right side.

• The Browns punted after three plays. On third down, Mohamed Massaquoi battled Flowers down the field -- lots of contact -- and recovered to make the catch, but was out of bounds.

• First Wildcat play for the Browns -- a Cribbs run, what else? -- netted one yard on third-and-3.

• Rookies T.J. Ward and Joe Haden are having outstanding games on special teams.

• Nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin came down with his first career interception -- possibly first of his life -- on a Cassel pass deflected at the line by Matt Roth.

• The Browns squander the turnover at the Chiefs' 27. An unnecessary roughness call on center Alex Mack moved the ball back. After a nice catch by Brian Robiskie, Phil Dawon's 42-yard field goal is missed wide left.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Halftime scribbles from Browns Stadium... 1. You had to love how Seneca Wallace came back from that horrible interception that led to a Kansas City touchdown to throw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Cribbs on his next throw. Team president Mikew Holmgren said Wallace is a very confident guy, and he showed it. It's also...

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerSeneca Wallace had more good moments than bad as the Browns took a halftime lead over Kansas City.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Halftime scribbles from Browns Stadium...

1. You had to love how Seneca Wallace came back from that horrible interception that led to a Kansas City touchdown to throw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Cribbs on his next throw. Team president Mikew Holmgren said Wallace is a very confident guy, and he showed it. It's also worth noting that Kansas City was determined not to let Cribbs make a big play -- the Chiefs kept kicking the ball away from him. But he delivered a touchdown anyway.

2. The 65-yard pass to Cribbs is longer than any pass play for the Browns last season.

3. Rob Ryan's defense had a terrific first half. Marcus Benard had a sack. Sheldon Brown an interception. When Jerome Harrison fumbled on the Browns' 26, the Chiefs gained only six yards in three plays and had to settle for a field goal. The other Chiefs points were on Wallace throwing an interception.

4. Yes, Wallace's interception was a sidearm floater, but overall, he seems to be an accurate passer. He did complete 61 percent of his passes (13 touchdowns to four interceptions) in 10 starts over the previous two seasons. He also put together scoring drives of 98 and 74 yards. Last season, Wallace was 0-of-8 in passes of at least 30 yards. So the 65-yarder to Cribbs (thrown about 40 yards in the air) helped Wallace show defenses he can throw down field.

5. Benard has 2.5 sacks already this season. Maybe he will develop into the sack specialist that Ryan has been seeking.

6. Too many dumb penalties: Benard lined up offside. Ben Watson jumped offsides. Blake Costanzo was flagged for unnecessary roughness on a punt that bounced out of bounds and Alex Mack did the same on the Browns' final drive of the half.

7. A couple of times, the Browns showed a 3-man defensive front with Shaun Rogers and two linebackers. Ryan is doing a great job of mixing up formations. Scott Fujita, Chris Gocong, Matt Roth and Eric Barton all had nice moments at linebacker.

Browns have yet to score a point after halftime in two games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Observations, opinions and some facts on third quarter ...

• Halftime adjustments? The Chiefs go straight down the field, but they're stopped on their 10th play when linebacker Eric Barton and cornerback Eric Wright take down Jamaal Charles for a 2-yard loss on a toss play. Ryan Succop's 25-yard field goal closes the Browns' lead to 14-13.

• Tight end Evan Moore took one in the facemask for the team. Moore was stretching out for a Seneca Wallace pass down a seam on the left side of the field when he was sandwiched by Javier Arenas and Kendrick Lewis. Lewis, coming from Moore's left side, nailed him in the face mask and was penalized 15 yards for hitting a defenseless receiver in the helmet.

• Browns couldn't take advantage of that 15-yard penalty and had to punt. The punt should have been downed at the Chiefs' 1, but Joe Haden was ruled to have already been in the end zone prior to touching the ball and the ball was award to the Chiefs at the 20.

• Linebacker Matt Roth made two good stops on short-yardage runs on second and third downs. They forced a Kansas City punt from the Browns' 44. On the punt, the Chiefs had the same thing happen to them and Browns got the ball at the 20 instead of the 1.

• Moore is out with a head injury. Sounds like a concussion.

• Peyton Hillis makes a first down with second effort after a catch. That could prove to be a big play.

The Browns fail to score in the second half for the second week in a row.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Observations, opinions and some facts on the fourth quarter ...

• Browns open the quarter with their sixth punt of the game. Kansas City has five punts.

• Safety T.J. Ward blasts receiver Dwayne Bowe to the ground after a catch. Bowe hung on, though, for a 19-yard gain. Ward never stops hitting.

• There's a chess match going on. Kansas City calls timeout before a third-down play, and then after several substitutions by the Browns' defense, the Chiefs convert the first down on a Jamaal Charles inside run. They stay out of the huddle in hopes of catching the Browns from substituting again, but the Browns call timeout.

• Chiefs convert key first down at the Browns' 25 on Matt Cassel completion to Tony Moeaki. The Browns had their base personnel and didn't rush much.

• Cassel makes another play, connecting with Chris Chambers crossing in front of Ward at the Browns' 8.

• Marcus Benard drew a holding call on tackle Barry Richardson on Cassel's third-down pass from the 5. It was incomplete. The Browns declined and the Chiefs kicked a 23-yard field goal for a 16-14 lead. Just as importantly, they kept the Browns' defense on the field for 14 plays and 6:31 seconds. Will they have any gas at the end?

• The Browns strategize for Josh Cribbs to finally get a kick return chance, stationing Joe Haden at the goal line and sneaking Cribbs up closer. Cribbs takes the kickoff at the 14 and returns it 19 yards to the 33.

• Holding on Joe Thomas. Second and 20. Punt.

• Reggie Hodges' punt bounces the wrong way and the Browns scramble to down it at the Chiefs' 31. Net punt: 26 yards.

• Kenyon Coleman gives up 15 yards on a roughness penalty. He's called for lowering his helmet and making contact with the quarterback. Aimed it right at Cassel's chest. Cassel was throwing it away. Ball to the 50.

• Here it is: Chiefs' third-and-2 from the Browns 42. Chiefs call their last timeout with 3:55 to go. Benard leaps downfield to deflect Cassel's pass.

• But Browns go three-and-out starting at their 7. Mohamed Massaquoi can't come down with Wallace's third-down pass at the 40.

• Hodges punts 37 yards to the Chiefs' 8. Browns use up their timeouts and Chiefs go for the win on fourth and about a foot at the 36 at the two-minute warning. Thomas Jones dives over the top and makes it by an inch. Of course there's a review. Not a good day for reviews for the Browns, as the first-down call is confirmed. Ballgame.

Browns' offense is punchless once again in the second half as an early lead is wasted for the second consecutive week.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs pulls away from the Chiefs' Brandon Carr for a touchdown reception in the second quarter of Sunday's game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. But Cribbs' score was one of the few bright moments for the Browns' offense in a 16-14 loss to Kansas City.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If this is what the "favorable'' part of the schedule looks like, Browns fans would be wise to  hide their eyes for weeks to come.

The Browns slipped to 0-2 after a 16-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Browns lost at Tampa Bay in Week 1. The Buccaneers and Chiefs were awful last year. Of course, so were the Browns.

The next seven games for the Browns are against the Ravens, Bengals, Falcons, Steelers, Saints, Patriots and Jets.

The Chiefs are 2-0.

The Chiefs took a 16-14 lead on Ryan Succop's 23-yard field goal with 7:41 left in the fourth quarter. It capped a 14-play, 68-yard drive that lasted 6 minutes, 31 seconds.

Among those making plays for the Chiefs was Northeast Ohio native Chris Chambers.

The Browns did nothing on the ensuing possession and punted. The Chiefs moved into Cleveland territory, then punted. Dustin Colquitt pinned the Browns at their 7 with 3:41 left. A three-and-out and punt gave Kansas City the ball at the Cleveland 45.

The Chiefs faced a fourth and a foot from the Cleveland 35 with two minutes left. Thomas Jones leapt over the pile for what was ruled on the field as a first down. Replay confirmed the call. The Chiefs killed the clock.

Third quarter: The Browns led the Chiefs, 14-13, through three quarters.

The Browns faced a third-and-13 in their own territory when the quarter ended.

The Chiefs received the ball to begin the third and sustained a drive that produced a field goal. They used 11 plays to cover 63 yards in 6:15, Ryan Succop's 26-yard field goal cutting the deficit to 14-13.

On the Browns' first possession of the second half, Seneca Wallace missed connections with Evan Moore on third down. But defensive back Kendrick Lewis was flagged for unnecessary roughness when he went high to hit Moore, giving the Browns a first-and-10 at the Kansas City 46. The Browns soon punted.

Moore exited because of a head injury and will not return.

Second quarter: The Browns led the Chiefs, 14-10, at halftime. At halftime of Week 1 at Tampa Bay, the Browns led the Buccaneers, 14-10, before losing, 17-14.

The Browns began the quarter with a first-and-goal at the 8. On the final play of the first quarter, Seneca Wallace had connected with Ben Watson for 44 yards.

The Browns seemingly were stopped on third-and-goal, but Chiefs linebacker Mike Vrabel was flagged for illegal contact. Vrabel bumped into Brian Robiskie in the end zone, giving the Browns a first down.

Peyton Hillis plowed in from one yard out on the right side to give the Browns a 7-3 lead with 12:31 left. The drive covered 98 yards in 10 plays and lasted 5 minutes, 6 seconds.

The Browns gave back the points less than three minutes later. Wallace pumped, reloaded and threw off his back foot intended for Chansi Stuckey. Brandon Flowers stepped in front of Stuckey near the right sideline, intercepted and raced 33 yards for the touchdown at 10:02.

On the ensuing possession, Wallace threw a 65-yard TD pass to Joshua Cribbs as the Browns pulled ahead, 14-10. It came on third-and-1 with 8:43 remaining. Cribbs sprinted past Brandon Carr and into open space.

Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel was intercepted by a leaping Sheldon Brown at 7:52. Brown outdueled Chris Chambers. The Browns failed to capitalize.

Inside the final minute of the half, Phil Dawson missed a field-goal attempt. The Browns' possession had come after a pick.

First quarter: The Chiefs led the Browns, 3-0, although the Browns were driving at the end of the period. They had a first-and-goal after a long pass play from Seneca Wallace to Ben Watson.

The Browns received the opening kickoff and went three-and-out. On third down, Chansi Stuckey dropped a catchable pass that would have resulted in a first down.

Jerome Harrison appeared to have tweaked something while returning the opening kickoff, which was deliberately short to avoid Josh Cribbs.

On the second play of Cleveland's second drive, Harrison was ruled to have fumbled. The Browns were convinced they would win a replay challenge, maintaining the ground had caused the fumble. The officials disagreed, giving Kansas City the ball at the Cleveland 22.

The Chiefs converted the turnover into three points. After quarterback Matt Cassel scrambled for six yards, he threw two incompletions. Ryan Succop kicked a 35-yard yard field goal with 8:43 left.

During the Browns' third possession, Wallace twice completed third-down passes for first downs. The drive stalled near midfield. Punter Reggie Hodges pinned the Chiefs at their 5.

A backside sack by Marcus Benard ended Kansas City's possession at its 36 with three minutes left.  

Wallace started at quarterback for the Browns in place of Jake Delhomme, who injured his right ankle in a Week 1 loss in Tampa Bay. Delhomme was among the inactives for Cleveland.

The Cleveland Browns inducted their 16 members of the NFL Hall of Fame into the Ring of Honor at Cleveland Browns Stadium during a halftime ceremony of the 2010 home opener Sunday.

The Cleveland Browns inducted their 16 members of the NFL Hall of Fame into the Ring of Honor at Cleveland Browns Stadium during a halftime ceremony of the 2010 home opener Sunday.

First baseman Matt LaPorta says he's learned a lot from his struggles this season.

UPDATED: 4:21 p.m.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerMatt LaPorta believes he is making progress as a big-league hitter, even if his statistics are less encouraging.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- This is a daily briefing of the Indians' 2010 regular season. The Indians play the Royals today in the final game of a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium.

Kauffman Stadium dimensions: Left field line 330 feet, left center 387, center field 410, right center 385,  right field line 330.

In-game notes:

Score: Royals 6, Indians 3 after six innings.

Big knock: Kila Ka'aihue hit a two-run double off reliever Aaron Laffey to give the Royals a 6-3 lead in the sixth. Josh Tomlin started the inning and gave up a single to Billy Butler and a double to Wilson Betemit. Laffey, in his first appearance since joining the team Saturday from Class AAA Columbus, came in and gave up the double to Ka'aihue.

20-20 man: Shin-Soo Choo hit his 20th homer in the first inning to give the Indians a 2-0 lead. Then he stole second in the third to give him 20 homers and 20 steals for the season.

It's the second straight year he's done 20-20. He's the second player to do it in the American League this year and the fifth overall. He joins Grady Sizemore, Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar as the only Indians players to do it more than once.

Add on: Luis Valbuena's RBI single in the second gave Tomlin a 3-0 lead, but it did not last.

The Royals scored four runs in the second to take a 4-3 lead. After loading the bases with one out, Tomlin walked Yuniesky Betancourt to force home one run. Mitch Maier tied it with a two-run single and Betancourt stole home on the front end of a double steal for the lead.

Flying Nun: Indians hitting coach Jon Nunnally holds the Kansas City franchise record for steals of home. He did it four times in 1995. 

The lines: Tomlin allowed six runs on six hits in five innings. He walked two and struck out four. He threw 93 pitches, 63 strikes. Luke Hochevar allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings for the Royals. He struck out five and walked one on 101 pitches, 67 strikes.  

Pre-game notes

Game 149: It has not been the best of seasons for first baseman Matt LaPorta. He hit his career first grand slam Saturday night to lead the Indians to a 6-4 victory over Kansas City, but there haven't been a lot of those moments in his first full year in the big leagues.

LaPorta entered Sunday's game hitting .220 (75-for-341) with 13 doubles, 11 homers and RBI. His OPS of .665 (.361 onbase percentage plus .304 slugging percentage) is not encouraging. Most baseball people consider a good OPS to be .800 or above.

"I think this season is helping me get better," said LaPorta. "Everything is
all good when you're swinging the bat well and you don't have to overcome anything. For me, it's nice to go through struggles, just because you can get better from those things.

"You can learn from your mistakes. You learn how to keep your head up through those tough times."

LaPorta, acquired from Milwaukee as part of the CC Sabathia trade in 2008, opened the year with the Indians by hitting .218 with one homer and seven RBI through 35 games. He was coming off surgery on his left hip and left big toe and wasn't playing every day when the year opened.

He was also sharing time at first base with Russell Branyan.

The Indians optioned him to Class AAA Columbus on June 7 where he hit .362 (25-for-69) with five homers and 16 RBI in 18 games. He was recalled on June 27 and given the first-base job after Branyan was traded to Seattle.

LaPorta is hitting .221 (49-for-222) with 26 runs, nine doubles, 10 homers and 32 RBI since the recall.

Lineups:

Indians (62-85): CF Michael Brantley (L), SS Drew Sutton (S), DH Shin-Soo Choo (L), LF Shelley Duncan (R), 1B Matt LaPorta (R), 3B RF Trevor Crowe (S), 3B Andy Marte (R), 2B Luis Valbuena (L), C Chris Gimenez (R) and RHP Josh Tomlin (4-3, 4.17).

Royals (60-87): CF Gregor Blanco (L), 2B Mike Aviles (R), DH Billy Butler (R), 3B Wilson Betemit (S), 1B Kila Ka'aihue (L), C Brayan Pena (S), LF Alex Gordon (L), SS Yuniesky Betancourt (R), RF Mitch Maier and RHP Luke Hochevar (5-5, 4.81).

Lineup notes: Asdrubal Cabrera was given the day off as Sutton made his first start at shortstop for the Indians. Choo started at DH for the first time this year as Travis Hafner was rested after getting being removed for a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning Saturday. Manager Manny Acta said pinch-hitting for Hafner was a precautionary move to keep his troublesome right shoulder from tightening during Saturday's four rain delays. Hafner is hitting .320 (40-for-125) with 14 doubles, three homers and 14 RBI since the All-Star break.

Umpires: H Jim Joyce, 1B Marvin Hudson, 2B Derry Cousins, 3B Mike Estabrook. Cousins, crew chief.

Quote of the day: "I would change policy, bring back natural grass and nickel beer. Baseball is the belly-button of our society. Straighten out baseball, and you straighten out the rest of the world," former Red Sox pitcher Bill "Spaceman' Lee.

Next: Indians open three-game series Monday night against the Twins are Target Field. It will be RHP Jeanmar Gomez (3-4, 4.02) vs. LHP Brian Duensing (9-2, 2.07).