Even though Mangini didn't rule Delhomme out, there's a good chance Seneca Wallace will get his first career start against the Ravens.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerWith Jake Delhomme still unable to take part in practice, it's looking like Seneca Wallace will get his second start for the Browns on Sunday in Baltimore.

BEREA, Ohio -- Jake Delhomme rested his ailing right ankle on Wednesday and could miss his second straight game Sunday in Baltimore.

"I don't really have a percentage for you but it gets better each day, which is a good thing," said coach Eric Mangini. "He's doing everything he possibly can. He's here first thing in the morning, here late at night.

"I'm optimistic, I think we're obviously further ahead than where we were. I was optimistic last week, we'll just have to see how it goes."

Delhomme, who was inactive against the Chiefs and stood on the sidelines in his walking boot, was not available in the locker room or on the field during the first 30 minutes of practice open to the media. Even though Mangini didn't rule him out, there's a good chance Seneca Wallace will get his first career start against the Ravens.

"I think even the guys that have been in the division have a tough time with [the Ravens defense]," said Mangini. "I think that one of the difficulties that they're able to create is, they can generate pressure from three [rushing linemen], four and they have a pressure package as well.

"It's not just a function of 'OK, if we handle their pressures and pick them up and get a hat for hat then we'll be able to do the things we want to do.'"

Against the Chiefs, Wallace completed 16 of 31 attempts for 229 yards with one TD and one interception, which was returned 33 yards for a TD.

Harrison, Robiskie idle: Jerome Harrison and Brian Robiskie were among eight players who missed Wednesday's practice because of injuries. Harrison was a surprise scratch with a thigh injury apparently suffered against the Chiefs, and Robiskie walked off the practice field with a hamstring injury.

The extent of Harrison's injury is unknown but Robiskie's is not believed to be serious. The other players -- in addition to Delhomme -- who sat out were Shawn Lauvao (ankle), tight end Evan Moore (concussion), Derrick Roberson, Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip) and Robaire Smith (ankle).

No rush with Moore: Mangini said he doesn't think the Browns lacked caution in sending Moore back into the Chiefs game three plays after he sustained a blow to the head that caused his concussion.

"I don't think it was a function of, 'Forget about what happened, send him back in,'" said Mangini. "Everybody is doing the best they can to make sure the players' safety is first. I know how good [head trainer] Joe [Sheehan] is and how good our doctors are and we are going to work each game to make sure that we don't put a guy in a spot that he shouldn't be in. It's important to us not to do that."

Mangini said Moore has made "tremendous strides" and there's a possibility he can play Sunday.

Kosar's criticism: The Browns took in stride the comments of Bernie Kosar calling out the receivers, specifically for drifting too close to the sideline on their out routes.

"The quarterbacks throw the ball and it's our job to catch it," said Josh Cribbs. "When it's on the sideline we have to go get it. It's our job to stay in bounds. We have to do a better job of staying in bounds. ... It's a matter of practicing it."

Mangini said he respects Kosar, and didn't disagree with his assessment.

"It is a young group, they're going to keep developing," he said. "In year two, you're going to make some mistakes and want some plays back, but they'll work at it and get it corrected. I believe that next time we have that chance, they will do a better job."

A case in point is Robiskie, who failed to keep his feet inbounds twice in the first game but did so in the second.

"Obviously when you make a mistake, you want to come back and get it corrected," said Robiskie. "I think anytime a big play hasn't been made, there's always something you can work on."

Jackson closer: Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (pectoral injury) said he expects to play Sunday in Baltimore -- his first action since Week 6 of last season.

"But I also have to be smart," he said. "I'll do whatever I can. Hopefully I'm not too sore to go Thursday and then we'll gauge it from there. I won't cheat myself and I won't cheat the guys around me. If I don't feel like I can, I won't jeopardize that and I'll give the other guys a chance to play."

Cleveland Clinic joins concussion study: The Cleveland Clinic and Rawlings will team up to study the causes of concussions and other sports-related head and neck injuries.

The study will include research on protective headwear and accessories used in both baseball and football, measuring the ability of the helmets to minimize the impacts at different levels of force and velocity.

The Delaware County Fairgrounds in central Ohio is hosting one of the greatest shows in harness racing Thursday afternoon, with 23 three-year-old pacers battling in the 65th Little Brown Jug.

Mark Hall / Associated PressA year ago, driver Ron Pierce was able to enjoy the cheers of the crowd at the Delaware County Fairgrounds after steering Well Said to the Little Brown Jug crown.

$604,100 LITTLE BROWN JUG
$64,437 First Elimination (Race 13)
Post position, name, driver and morning odds
1. Kyle Major (Mark McDonald) 7-2
2. Rock N Roll Heaven (Daniel Dube) 2-1
3. Fred and Ginger (Dave Palone) 6-1
4. Dreamland’s Art (George Brennan) 12-1
5. Razzle Dazzle (John Campbell) 15-1
6. Foreign Officer (Ron Pierce) 10-1
7. We Will See (Brett Miller) 4-1
8. Aracache Hanover (Doug McNair) 8-1

$64,437 Second Elimination (Race 14)
1. Delmarvalous (Brian Sears) 3-2
2. Classic Rock NRoll (Campbell) 7-1
3. Piece of the Rock (Paul McDonald) 5-1
4. Doc’s Yankee (Dan Noble) 10-1
5. Fools Gold (Tim Tetrick) 20-1
6. Versado (Palone) 7-2
7. Just Crowned (Dan Charlino) 25-1
8. Urgent Action (David Miller) 15-1

$64,437 Third Elimination (Race 15)
1. Valentino (Brennan) 6-1
2. Four Starz (Trace Luc Ouellette) 8-1
3. I’m Gorgeous (Andy Miller) 4-1
4. Allthatgltrsisgold (Dave Magee) 10-1
5. Malicious (D. Miller) 12-1
6. Rockin Image (Yannick Gingras) 7-2
7. One More Laugh (Tetrick) 2-1

$289,969 Little Brown Jug Second Heat (Race 18)
Top three finishers in each elimination returns for second heat. An elimination winner that wins second heat also wins the Little Brown Jug.

$120,820 Little Brown Jug Third Heat (Race 20)
If needed, four heat winners return for final race-off.

DELAWARE, Ohio -- The Delaware County Fairgrounds in central Ohio is hosting one of the greatest shows in harness racing Thursday afternoon, with 23 three-year-old pacers battling in the 65th Little Brown Jug.

It's a unique athletic contest for the sophomore pacers, a test of both a horse's speed and stamina and the expertise of trainers and drivers. While each mile contest will last less than two minutes, it will take a hot afternoon of racing to decide a winner of the $604,100 Jug, the second jewel of harness racing's Triple Crown.

The 23 standardbreds are split into three divisions, races 13 through 15 on a program that will have 19 races -- and possibly one more if the Jug demands it. It takes a pair of victories for a sophomore pacer to win the Little Brown Jug.

The top three horses in each of the $64,437 Jug divisions return to battle in the $289,969 second heat, the 18th race on the card. If a horse other than the three division winners makes it to the winner's circle, it's race-off time, sending the four heat winners out in a $120,820 final to determine this year's champ.

Division favorites are Cane Pace winner One More Laugh, Delmarvalous and Rock N Roll Heaven. The local favorite has to be Doc's Yankee, an unheralded Ohio-bred son of Yankee Cruiser that won his last start on Sept. 5 in an Ohio Sires Stakes race at Northfield Park. While the powerhouse pacers come from all over the country, Doc's Yankee is the very first hometown hero.

Doc's Yankee is owned by Bud and Janet Bay and trained by Ron Potter, all from Delaware. The gelding has won seven of 13 this year with four seconds, a race record of 1:52.3 and career earnings of $150,984. The top driver in last year's Grand Circuit races at Delaware with eight wins, Dan Noble, 27, gets his first Jug assignment behind Doc's Yankee.

Favored Western Silk paced to a pair of wins for driver Mark McDonald to capture Wednesday's $353,400 Jugette for three-year-old pacing fillies, taking the final in 1:53.1. Trained by Ontario-based Casie Coleman, Western Silk horse is owned by Coleman and Tom Hill of Great Britain.

Western Silk took the first elimination by two lengths in 1:52.1. Yannick Gingras drove Rock N Soul to victory in the second elimination with a 1:52 mile as favored Dancinwiththestarz had early problems and finished third.

The Cleveland native decided to take the team’s one-year, $1 million qualifying offer last week.

PD photoForward Jawad Williams signed his one-year contract with the Cavaliers on Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers officially announced the signing of forward Jawad Williams on Wednesday.

The Cleveland native, who decided to take the team’s one-year, $1 million qualifying offer last week, will begin his third season with the team when training camp opens next week.

Williams averaged 4.1 points and 1.5 rebounds in 54 games last season. He started the season without a guaranteed contract but made the team and eventually worked his way into the rotation.

He's expected to compete for the starting small forward spot with Joey Graham and Jamario Moon.

The Buckeyes aren't as much of a running team as they've been in the past.

Marvin Fong / The Plain DealerThe Ohio State offense is finding more and more success passing the ball (as DeVier Posey found on this play against Ohio last Saturday), at least in part because opposing defenses remain convinced the Buckeyes plan to feature the run.

FINDING A BALANCE
For only the third time in Jim Tressel’s 10 seasons, less than 60 percent of Ohio State’s offense is comprised of running the ball, at least through three games. The Buckeyes are handing the ball to their running backs less than they ever have.
Box shows OSU offense’s yearly percentage of runs, followed by percentage of running back carries:
2001: 65.7 percent, 52.9 percent
2002: 69.2 percent, 53.0 percent
2003: 61.4 percent, 40.1 percent
2004: 58.7 percent, 39.8 percent
2005: 62.6 percent, 42.0 percent
2006: 58.5 percent, 47.8 percent
2007: 62.7 percent, 52.1 percent
2008: 66.9 percent, 45.1 percent
2009: 64.1 percent, 42.0 percent
2010: 59.0 percent, 38.3 percent
— Doug Lesmerises

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As Terrelle Pryor completed 16 consecutive throws last Saturday, Ohio University's defense still played the run first, with a safety near the line of scrimmage. As for stopping the run, that worked. Ohio State's tailbacks ran nine times for 24 yards during Pryor's record-breaking passing streak in the first half.

But should that be a defense's focus? The Buckeyes aren't as much of a running team as they've been in the past, as Ohio State is turning and handing the ball to the tailbacks less than in any of Jim Tressel's previous nine seasons.

But three games into the schedule, defenses don't seem to buy that Ohio State really is throwing.

"I think it's because we've been a running team and I don't think teams believe that Terrelle can throw yet, which I don't understand why," OSU tight end Jake Stoneburner said. "They're baiting Terrelle to throw, and that's why we're beating teams, by throwing. So I think teams eventually have to take some guys out of the box. If not, we'll keep throwing it."

So far, the Buckeyes are running the ball 59 percent of the time, with all of Pryor's runs counted as running plays. In only two of Tressel's previous nine seasons -- 2004 and 2006 -- did the Buckeyes run less than 60 percent of the time.

Handing off to the tailbacks is at an all-time Tressel low, with their running plays accounting for just 38.3 percent of the offensive calls. Compare that to 2007, when with Beanie Wells in the backfield, running backs carried the ball on more than 52 percent of the snaps.

So will defenses adjust to defending the pass first? Running backs coach Dick Tressel isn't expecting them to, because stopping Pryor as a runner will always be a top priority, and that means playing the run first.

"I still think people feel like 'give me a choice between Terrelle running in the open spaces and him throwing to someone else,' they'd still rather have him get it into someone else's hands," Tressel said, "so they get someone else in the box and get him to throw it."

So the Buckeyes are doing that, just as Jim Tressel said before the season, when he thought Pryor could throw between 25 and 35 times a game. Pryor is averaging 27 passes, and that's with sitting out the entire fourth quarter against Ohio and much of the last quarter against Marshall. It doesn't mean the Buckeyes are a "passing team," but as Jim Tressel said this week, he thinks the Buckeyes have better run-pass balance than in some previous years.

Dick Tressel attributed that all to Pryor's growth, and he said it makes defenses less certain of everything they do.

"As a quarterback matures and grows, he becomes that point guard kind of guy," Dick Tressel said. "You get it distributed in different ways, and our goal is to put opponents in situations where they are truly taking a chance if they guess.

"If they say, 'These guys in that setting, they're going to run it and we're really going to gang up on the run,' we want to put them in a situation where that could be a disaster for them, so they have to be a little more tentative."

So far, defenses are loading up on the run, and one result is that the OSU tailbacks and offensive line sometimes don't look good. But many tackles last week were made by unblocked defenders who selling out against the run.

"I haven't heard anybody say we haven't been running it effectively," said Dick Tressel, who hasn't seen any problems with the players or the play calling in the run game, though he did say there have been some missed assignments.

"I'm not unhappy with the running game," he said. "I think we've got good people and great potential there."

Maybe this is the week for the running backs, with Eastern Michigan ranked 117th in the nation in run defense, giving up 253 rushing yards per game. While running backs Brandon Saine and Dan Herron are veterans with some skills, and they helped carry the team when the Buckeyes averaged more than 200 rushing yards per game last November, that's not what this offense does best.

But the Buckeyes may be able to run it well enough to persuade defenses to still play run first. Then Ohio State should keep throwing.

"Our passing game is what's really been clicking right now, so why go away from it?" Stoneburner said. "It's whatever's working, and right now, it's the passing."

Those who looked at Bowling Green (1-2, 0-0) as a rebuilding football team this season perhaps have not looked at the history of the Falcons.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Those who looked at Bowling Green (1-2, 0-0) as a rebuilding football team this season perhaps have not looked at the history of the Falcons.

From the outside, the departures of quarterback Tyler Sheehan and receiver Freddie Barnes certainly looked ominous heading into this season.

But it has been an almost seamless transition from quarterback Josh Harris in 2003 to Omar Jacobs to Tyler Sheehan and now freshman Matt Schilz. Through it all, BG has remained competitive.

So it should have been no surprise that after Schilz suffered a shoulder injury in their home opener against Marshall, sophomore backup Aaron Pankratz stepped in and the Falcons went on to win, 44-28. Pankratz went 5-of-8 for 111 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

The Falcons showed the pedigree of their program by pulling out the victory.

"When Marshall tied the game at 28-28, we needed to show some character, some backbone," BG head coach Dave Clawson told the media after the game. "I've been through this before. It's important, when you're young, to get one of those win early so you can build on it."

Now it is on to Michigan (3-0). Schilz will be out for Saturday's game, and BG will know soon if he will be out longer.

Bounce-back Bobcats? Ohio (1-2, 0-1) travels across the river this week to play the same Marshall team that is 0-3 after games vs. Ohio State, West Virginia and BG.

OU must cut down on the turnovers (11 in three games) and finally settle in at quarterback.

"Our quarterback play has got to be more consistent," coach Frank Solich said. "We've got to start moving the football and putting points on the board."

State of the Zips: Akron (0-3, 0-0) has been outscored, 114-50, by teams picked to finish at the bottom of their respective conferences. Another one is on the ledger this week at Indiana. Just one year ago, the Zips went into the season expected to contend for a Mid-American Conference title before starting QB Chris Jacquemain was dismissed from the team and senior WR Deryn Bowser broke his leg.

After three games, how does new coach Rob Ianello see his Zips?

"Well, we've made progress in three games," the coach began. "But we've certainly not made enough progress by what you are measured by, which is the score. I thought there were some things we did better Saturday night [in a 47-10 loss at Kentucky], but we did not do consistently like I hoped we would do after three games.

"Certainly I thought we would tackle a lot better. Certainly I thought, when put in position to make some plays, I thought we would."

Quote to note: "We're not real sure how good we are right now." -- Kent State head coach Doug Martin on his offense, which scored 41 points vs. Murray State (0-3), then just 13 points total vs. Boston College (2-0) and Penn State (2-1).

Braylon Edwards doesn't learn from his own mistakes or -- as it turns out -- from Donte Stallworth's either, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin column.

Steven Hirsch / Associated PressThere are plenty of jokes that could be made at Braylon Edwards' expense after his court hearing on DWI charges, but the biggest emotion is of a career running aground, says Bud Shaw.

Someday Cleveland sports fans may be too busy celebrating their own successes to revel in the failures of those on their enemies list ... just not today.

It seems impossible, but the police pulling Braylon Edwards' car over and charging him with DWI in Manhattan early Tuesday morning were not sufficiently wowed by his "New York essence" to let him off the hook.

The scent they picked up on was instead alcohol mixed with celebrity delusion.

Now the guy who ridiculously traced much of his trouble in Cleveland to being a Michigan Man behind enemy lines, faces possible league discipline, and also a parole violation stemming from the punch he threw at one of LeBron James' lightweight friends.

An ESPN report Wednesday that mentioned Edwards' statement of apology said Edwards hinted there were some factors that led to his failed breathalyzer test but that he couldn't talk about them.

I guess he means something more than drinking too much.

Had Edwards grown up at all over the last year, Browns fans might have reason to lament his departure. The Browns' passing game, after all, is still a pea-shooter in his absence. Edwards at least commanded attention as a wide receiver here. The Browns had to convert Josh Cribbs from return man to fabricate a playmaker on offense.

But Edwards makes it impossible -- on the field (41 catches in 14 games) and off -- for anyone to miss him. My guess is it'll be the same in New York when his contract expires.

Sunday he caught a TD pass and a two-point conversion, got a taunting penalty on the TD and easily could've drawn another on the PAT. When Jets' head coach Rex Ryan gave out game balls, he skipped over Edwards. He called Edwards' behavior "selfish."

One word can't capture the whole of any man, so Edwards went out Monday night and added a few more to the scouting report.

"Reckless" comes instantly to mind. Edwards tested 0.16. That's twice the legal limit. Coincidentally, it's also close to his receptions per game last year with the Jets.

Edwards asked for a break, of course. How about if he just parked his car and took a cab, he asked the police. You know, no harm, no foul?

What did he think? The arresting officers would be so enthralled with his "flash" they'd say, "Hey, great idea, why didn't we think of that? Give us the keys. We'll park it for you."

Unfortunately for Edwards, the cops on the scene did not attend the Romeo Crennel School of Leniency.

Edwards' other misfortune is that he doesn't seem capable of learning from his own mistakes, let alone someone else's.

One night in March 2009, Donte Stallworth was driving drunk and killed a pedestrian. Stallworth spent the evening celebrating his contract riches. One of his drinking buddies that night? Braylon Edwards.

So there are no excuses now.

But something tells me Braylon Edwards will find some anyway.

Eli Manning had no better luck throwing deep...

Darron Cummings / Associated PressToday's lesson for NFL players suffering from anger management issues -- road crowds are not likely to be helpful in letting you get back into the game if you insist on handing your gear to them.

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs was so upset after leaving the field during Sunday night's game in Indianapolis he threw his helmet 10 rows deep into the stands at Lucas Oil Field.

A commotion ensued. First, arguments between fans and Jacobs. Then a fan's refusal to turn the helmet over to Colts' security.

NBC's Andrea Kremer attributed a report to Giants' officials that said Jacobs had thrown the helmet in rage after getting pulled from the game but intended to hit the bench with it. It slipped and landed almost 10 rows up.

Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin immediately canceled plans to use the halfback pass.

HE SAID IT

"I was charged with entertaining -- as a green Muppet -- the same fans that booed Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and now puke on people they don't like." -- Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic and current mascot consultant.

Another sign pointing to the end of the world in 2012: mascots need consultants.

YOU SAID IT

"Bud:

"Whom has injured the Northeast Ohio economy more, LeBron James or Cuyahoga County government?" -- Tom Shackleton

I don't know. But I'm told Dan Gilbert has marked down his Jimmy Dimora Fatheads to 1823, the birth year of Boss Tweed.

"Dear Bud:

"If Manny Acta's managerial skills depend on his math skills, we are in trouble. In talking about young pitchers needing to finish innings, he said 'When you have two out, you're three-fourths of the way there.' Could this be the new math?" -- Craig Barbee

Given the number of Indians' errors this season, Acta is accustomed to giving the opposition four outs per inning.

"When Matt Underwood says that a homer is going to 'Souvenir City,' technically, isn't every foul ball that goes into the stands also going to that city?" -- Allen, Highland Heights

Only if there are fans in attendance.

"Bud:

"Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio had a heart attack after beating Notre Dame. Are you worried about Eric Mangini's health if the Browns win one?" -- Terry, Solon

A win? Team doctors have been put on alert just on the off chance the Browns convert a second-half field goal.

"Bud:

"In the late 80's Sports Illustrated named Bob DiBiasio as baseball's best PR person, seeing as the woeful Indians made his job so hard. Does your current position covering the Indians put you in line for a Pulitzer Prize?"

I don't cover the Indians. Paul Hoynes does. The way this season has gone he's in line for all of the following: A Pulitzer, combat pay and group therapy.

"Bud:

"I blame the New York police for Braylon's arrest. They never would have pulled him over if he didn't have so much flash." -- Michael Gardner, Ashtabula

Let's see. Driving while intoxicated. In a car with heavily tinted windows. Rocking a Taliban beard in Manhattan. Now there's a recipe for an uneventful night on the town.

"Bud:

"Can you explain why Cleveland.com STILL has a dedicated section for LeBron? Can we expect Cleveland.com to soon be adding dedicated sections for Charlie Spikes, Fair Hooker and Joe "Turkey" Jones?" -- David M. Orloff

I am told the dedicated section for James will be gone and replaced as soon the Cavs pull off the much-anticipated signing of Jazz big man Kyrylo Fesenko.

"Bud:

"Now who wants the Browns to play 18 games?" -- Patty D

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

"Bud:

"All ballparks leave center field dark and empty for the benefit of the batters. Isn't it nice that Progressive Field has extended a similar courtesy to the outfielders?" -- Terry, Solon

Repeat winners receive a CD of crickets chirping.

Sophomore linebacker Jonathan Newsome from Glenville could be among many young players to get an extended look against Eastern Michigan.

Terry Gilliam / Associated PressOhio State's Jonathan Newsome (right) and Aaron Gant (8) join Ohio's Dallas Brown in chasing a Brown fumble in the third quarter of last Saturday's game. The Buckeyes' Devon Torrence eventually recovered the ball.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jonathan Newsome's big break last week didn't lead to much.

Starting strongside linebacker Andrew Sweat missed Saturday's game against Ohio University with an injury, which elevated sophomore Newsome onto the first team. But against the Bobcats, Ohio State stayed in a nickel defense most of the game, so there wasn't a need for a strongside linebacker.

Against 44-point underdog Eastern Michigan this week, plenty of OSU backups could see playing time, so Newsome may get a bigger chance, even though Sweat is scheduled to return to the starting lineup.

The Buckeyes have two senior starting linebackers in Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, so Saturday's game, the last before Big Ten play, could be something of a very early tryout for the next generation of linebackers. That group includes Sweat; Etienne Sabino, who is scheduled to redshirt at middle linebacker this season and be a junior next year; sophomore middle linebacker Storm Klein; and redshirt freshman weakside linebacker Dorian Bell.

Don't forget Newsome.

"I just try to do my best every day and then hard work pays off and hopefully one day I'll be a starter," said Newsome, who is 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. "I'll be that SAM linebacker one day."

In practice and scrimmages, Newsome has shown a nose for the ball, and his size gives him versatility. While Sweat and Sabino, both new to strongside linebacker, battled for that starting spot in the preseason, Newsome made it clear he's been the No. 2 guy on the depth chart there since last season.

"I feel like I can't let anybody come in and try to take anything," Newsome said. "So if I'm No. 2, I'll be the best No. 2 I can be. And when they move me into the starting lineup, I'll be the best starter I can be."

For now, Newsome knows he's needed on the struggling kick coverage unit, especially with Bell out this week with an injury. If he does his job there, he's certain he'll be asked to do more in the future.

"I'm still young, so I'm not in a hurry," Newsome said. "I want to get out there, but I know what my role is and I'm happy with my role. That's special teams right now, but I know special teams will open the door for me to get out there with the regular defense."

Newsome, and many other young backups, may have their last best shot at regular roles this season on Saturday.

Transfer works: Florida State transfer Dionte Allen, just weeks after joining the Buckeyes, was awarded one of Ohio State's scout team awards for his practice work before the Ohio game. Allen was a high school roommate in Michigan of OSU senior receiver Taurian Washington, was recruited by the Buckeyes out of high school and was a logical fit in Columbus once he decided to move on.

He has a year of eligibility left and could fight for a starting spot next season when the secondary loses a lot of seniors.

"He's a competitive guy," OSU coach Jim Tressel said. "Anytime you walk into a new group, you feel as if that group's sizing you up and you want to show people what you're made of."

Indians begin final homestand of the season tonight against Royals.

View full sizeAssociated PressTribe fans have seven more chances to see Indians star Shin-Soo Choo this season. Cleveland opens a seven-game homestand against the Royals tonight.

One long national nightmare soon will be over, but cheer up: We still have the winless Browns and the LeBronless Cavs going for us. Oh, and like the Cavaliers, the Lake Erie Monsters start camp next week. All the Monsters did was lose 37 out of 80 games in regulation, then another eight by shootout.

Oh, boy. It's going to be a looooooooooooooong winter.

A little help
Minnesota completed a three-game, AL Central-clinching sweep of the Tribe Wednesday with a 5-1 victory at Target Field in Minneapolis. The win gave the Twins 92 victories on the season, 30 more than Cleveland. But it hasn't been easy, as Minneapolis Star-Tribune columnist Jim Souhan so eloquently noted:

The 2010 Twins became baseball origami. Folded and twisted by fate, they emerged as something beautiful.

That's what this long, trying, injury-filled, slump-interrupted season produced: A baseball version of beauty, whether defined by Joe Mauer's lyrical swing or Target Field's atmospheric lights; Jim Thome's downtown-bound home runs or Michael Cuddyer's unexpectedly necessary jai alai scoops at first base; or merely the inspiration derived from watching men of disparate ages and backgrounds become, however temporarily, one cohesive and resilient organism.

Here's how mlb.com tells it:

"The first half was going great," Talbot said. "The second half, I was struggling to get a win, whether I pitched well or not. I just wasn't getting it done. It's about just learning where to be mentally and what to worry about and what not to worry about. I didn't know if I needed to change what I was doing or keep going at them the same way. It's just kind of a learning curve."

Perhaps Talbot could piggyback off the recent success of the rest of the Indians' pitching staff.

Through Tuesday, Tribe hurlers sported the seventh-lowest ERA in the Majors since September. And despite giving up five runs to Minnesota on Wednesday, that ERA still stood at 3.39 for the month.

A seasonlong ERA like that would pretty much guarantee at least a division crown. Right now, the Twins' team ERA is at 3.74. San Diego and San Francisco, who are tied for the lead in the NL West, have a Major League-best 3.42 and 3.41, respectively.

From The Plain Dealer
Tribe hasn't been "baseball origami" this year, but there has been some fairly artistic play ... and much of it came from right fielder Shin-Soo Choo, who's hit .292, smashed 20 homers and stolen 20 bases, then backed it up with solid defense and one of the best arms in baseball. So Choo is the Indians' equivalent of those old E.F. Hutton commercials: When he talks, people listen. And what he was talking about to beat writer Paul Hoynes Wednesday was just how good the Twins are.

"They have good starting pitching and a good bullpen," said Shin-Soo Choo of the Twins. "Most of their pitchers can throw strikes with any pitch on any count. They don't walk people and they put pressure on the hitters.

"They've got a great leadoff hitter in Denard Span and great clean-up hitters. Joe Mauer didn't play in any of these three games, and he's the best hitter in the big leagues. Justin Morneau is hurt, but they have Jim Thome. It's a great lineup."

In his Indians Insider column, Hoynsie notes that the Tribe has called up two final players from the Class AAA champion Clippers, right-handed reliever Vinnie Pestano and catcher Luke Carlin.

Is Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini to blame for his team's 0-2 start? Or is it something else? ESPN.com reporter James Walker does not put all of the blame on Mangini. Walker writes that hinging the 2010 season on questionable quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace is not Mangini's fault. It's not Mangini's fault that the front office didn't upgrade the...

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns coach Eric Mangini

Is Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini to blame for his team's 0-2 start? Or is it something else?

ESPN.com reporter James Walker does not put all of the blame on Mangini. Walker writes that hinging the 2010 season on questionable quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace is not Mangini's fault.

It's not Mangini's fault that the front office didn't upgrade the receiver position when it was clear this was the weakest area of the team.

Making Delhomme and linebacker Scott Fujita their biggest free-agent signings on offense and defense, respectively, when the Browns needed a much bigger splash in the open market to narrow the talent gap with their rivals.

But there are a few things Mangini can be blamed for. For example, his hiring and sticking with an inexperienced offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, who hasn't done anything with the Browns' offense since arriving to Cleveland.

Gutting the roster, which included several talented players, and replacing them with players with average ability.

Drafting poorly in 2009, which includes whiffing on second-round bust David Veikune and reaching too high for another second-round pick in Brian Robiskie.

Creating a stiff culture in Cleveland that, at times, is not fun or comfortable for players.

No phone call

A radio station out of Philadelphia reports that the Cleveland Browns made a phone call about the availability of Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb.

On Philly.com:

Not true "whatsoever," said a source close to the situation.

Earlier Wednesday morning, Eagles coach Andy Reid could not definitely say that Kolb would not be traded by the Oct. 19 trade deadline.

However, asked if he would listed to trade offers for the 26-year-old, Reid said, "No, I want Kevin Kolb on this football team."

Learning curve

News-Herald reporter wants to know when will the rest of the NFL coaches learn from the mistakes made by Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini?

Frantz writes how the Philadelphia Eagles have played musical quarterbacks with Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick. And even the Oakland Raiders were once focused on  Jason Campbell when he signed to replace draft bust JaMarcus Russell. Now Russell is out and Bruce Gradkowski is in, at least for now.

The Carolina Panthers started Matt Moore for the first two games of the season, but now rookie Jimmy Clausen will start on Sunday.

Last year's nightmare of a quarterback derby between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn might as well have been the latest installment of the "Saw" movie franchise. It was that torturous to watch.

Not only were Anderson and Quinn equally ineffective as NFL signal-callers (Quinn is third string in Denver and Anderson is about to carry the clipboard in Arizona), but Mangini's insistence on yo-yo-ing them in and out of the huddle made the situation even more intolerable. It started in the preseason with the coach's refusal to name a starter until the coin flip before the first regular-season game, and it spiraled steadily downward from there.

Fortunately for Browns fans, Mangini seems to have learned his lesson.

Mr. Wallace

CantonRep.com reporter Steve Doerschuk writes how quarterback Seneca Wallace isn’t getting all worked up about his first career game against the Baltimore Ravens.

It's not offical yet, but Wallace will probably start on Sunday. And if he does, Wallace doesn't plan to press himself just because he's going against one of the best defenses.

Wallace fell to 0-4 in his first start in a season after replacing an injured quarterback. He is 2-1 in second starts.

“Being in the second week helps a lot,” he said. “It’s another week of work. You get in the groove of things.”

 

Get your questions ready and talk Indians baseball with The Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes in a live chat.

Hoynsie answers your Indians questions today at noon.

Jump in the chat room below and ask your Indians questions or just listen. Can't make the chat? An archive will be made available in mp3 format shortly after the chat's completion.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will begin training camp next week with some new faces (coach Byron Scott and guard Ramon Sessions), and with a few absent old faces gone (LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgausaks). James is no longer here, but do the Cavaliers have enough pieces on their roster to extend their playoff streak to six straight years?   Will the Cleveland Cavaliers...

Marvin Fong, Plain Dealer fileNew Cavaliers coach Byron Scott

The Cleveland Cavaliers will begin training camp next week with some new faces (coach Byron Scott and guard Ramon Sessions), and with a few absent old faces gone (LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgausaks).

James is no longer here, but do the Cavaliers have enough pieces on their roster to extend their playoff streak to six straight years?

Will the Browns be able to get their offense going in Baltimore and earn their first win of the season? The Plain Dealer’s Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tony Grossi preview the Browns game against the Ravens this Sunday.

He could be back as soon as next week.

John Kuntz, The PDJake Delhomme hurt his ankle in the season opener against Tampa Bay.

BEREA, Ohio -- The injury to Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme is a high ankle sprain, a league source confirmed.

Recovery time for a high ankle sprain usually is four to six weeks, but quarterbacks have been known to come back as soon as two weeks because they're not subjected to as much sprinting and cutting as other positions.

Coach Eric Mangini didn't address the specifics of Delhomme's injury today, but said he's "progressing."

Delhomme hasn't practiced since suffering the injury in the season opener against Tampa Bay on Sept. 12.

Ohio State tunes up for the Big 10 by taking on a small-school team on a 15-game losing streak.

View full sizeMarvin Fong,
The Plain DealerTight end Jake Stoneburner (11) rumbles through the Ohio University defense in last Saturday's 43-7 Ohio State win. Stoneburner and other receivers are the beneficiaries of a more balanced air and ground attack, made possible by the maturation of quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

So, in its preview, si.com asks, what's at stake?

Not much, judging from the line. The Buckeyes needed to fill out the schedule with another home date before opening Big Ten play next week at Illinois and Eastern Michigan, which has lost its last 15 games, needed an $850,000 check to underwrite its athletic program. Ohio State's third- and fourth-teamers should get lots of work.

KEY MATCHUP: Ohio State vs. itself. The Buckeyes have been Keystone Kops on kick coverage so far, allowing one punt and two kickoffs (one disallowed by a penalty) to be returned for touchdowns. In addition, they've had a punt and a field goal blocked. Much of the problem has been missed assignments. Priority one will be tightening things up and throttling the Eagles early.

Hmmm. Sounds like this might be the weekend to stockpile some significant other points: Tell your sweetie you love her so much that you'd even be willing to go shoe-shopping on an Ohio State game day.

From the other side
Teams compile won-loss records, but real joy -- and pain -- is felt by individual players. Bob Baptist of the Columbus Dispatch talked to Ryan Downard, a defensive back from Lima, Ohio, who plays for Eastern Michigan. The fifth-year senior has been part of exactly six wins in his college career.

The hardest part, Downard said, is seeing improvement in practice and on video but not on the ledger.

"We're close. We just haven't gotten over that hump," Downard said. "We've had two games this year already that were very winnable games for us," losses by four points to Army and seven points at Miami University in which Eastern Michigan led in the second half of each.

"We're just in that transition process, and it's hard turning a program around. Only certain guys are meant to be in that position. A lot of guys couldn't handle it."

Downard wants to go into coaching when his playing days are done. If so, going through what he's endured with the Eagles should help make him a better coach. Assuming, of course, that he survives Saturday.

From The Plain Dealer
Beat writer Doug Lesmerises noted that Ohio University, like previous Buckeyes opponents this season, kept trying to stack the box against the run. Problem is, according to Lesmerises and tight end Jake Stoneburner, the Bucks are a more balanced team, just about as likely to pass as they are to run.

"I think it's because we've been a running team and I don't think teams believe that (quarterback) Terrelle (Pryor) can throw yet, which I don't understand why," OSU tight end Jake Stoneburner said. "They're baiting Terrelle to throw, and that's why we're beating teams, by throwing. So I think teams eventually have to take some guys out of the box. If not, we'll keep throwing it."

PD Cavs beat writer says Dan Gilbert must resist short-term gains at the cost of building for the long term.

Tracy Boulian / The Plain DealerMo Williams (2) needs to make sure he is sending out positive vibes when training camp starts on Tuesday, Brian Windhorst says.

• The retooled Cavaliers open camp Tuesday. They have a new general manager in Chris Grant and a new coach in Byron Scott.

 Is this team good enough to make the NBA playoffs? Vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.

• Today's guest, Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst, says he doesn't think the Cavs will make the playoffs, although he does think that under Scott, the team will have more movement on offense. He also talks about Mo Williams, and the kind of message Williams needs to send as a veteran returning to a team that needs to look forward, not behind.

SBTV will return Friday morning with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi, who will answer fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature. And don't forget to play our new You Pick the Winners Contest where you can outpick Chuck and Branson each week and earn an appearance on SBTV and a chance at a $250 gift card.

Progressive Field will be transformed into a winter wonderland starting on November 26. The Indians announced details today for the first-ever Indians Snow Days, running through January 2, 2011.

View full sizeCleveland IndiansIndians Snow Days will feature a 10-lane, 60' 6" tubing hill that will take riders from the top of the bleachers to left center field. Cost for the tubing hill is $20 for two hours.

Should the Indians consider signing Jim Thome this offseason? Where does a healthy Grady Sizemore fit in the lineup in 2011? Find out Paul Hoynes' thoughts on the team's recent play and more.

• Does the fact that the Indians had two farm teams win titles mean anything for the future of the big league club?

• Does Shin-Soo Choo still have some room to develop more power?

• Is it safe to assume that both Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley will be mainstays for the Tribe in 2011?

• If healthy, can this team improve significantly at the plate next season?

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

Several NBA owners, including Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, and a contingent of players that included union president Derek Fisher, met in New York on Wednesday. The players and the owners are still trying to come to an agreement to prevent another NBA lockout. Right now the two sides seem far apart, but each side was encouraged after Wednesday's...

Gus Chan, The Plain DealerDan Gilbert

Several NBA owners, including Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, and a contingent of players that included union president Derek Fisher, met in New York on Wednesday.

The players and the owners are still trying to come to an agreement to prevent another NBA lockout. Right now the two sides seem far apart, but each side was encouraged after Wednesday's meeting.

It comes down to this:

The owners want more of a hard salary cap and a reduction in how much players receive in the revenue split.

The players, however, say there is nothing wrong with the current system and if anything, it should be tweaked to add more revenue sharing between teams.

This current agreement expires at the end of this coming season.

New York Times reporter Jonathan Abrams writes how the union detailed its proposal after unveiling it in June.

“It is going to be a tougher process,” Fisher said. “But it’s very clear in the room, which is why I feel that progress is being made, it’s very clear in the room, that both sides are going to be committed to that process, however many meetings, phone calls, conference calls, e-mails, podcasts, whatever medium you want to use. Everyone is committed to getting the work done, and we recognize that a lockout would be detrimental to our game and everyone loses if there’s a lockout. It’s very apparent in the room. You can touch it, that both sides want to get something done.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let the good times roll. The Indians and Class AAA Columbus Clippers will be partners through 2014.

The Columbus Clippers will continue to be the Indians' Class AAA affiliate.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians and the Class AAA Columbus Clippers have decided to keep a good thing going by extending their player development contract by two years through 2014.

 The extension follows a great postseason by the Clippers. After qualifying as a wild card for the International League playoffs, they won the Governor's Cup, representing the league championship. On Tuesday, they beat Tacoma, 12-6, to win the Class AAA championship in Oklahoma City.

 The Clippers went 79-65 (.549) in the regular season. They beat Scranton (Yankees) and Durham (Tampa Bay) to win the IL championship. It was Columbus eighth Governor's Cup and first since 1996.

 The Clippers became an Indians affiliate before the 2009 after the two organizations signed a four-year deal.

The Ravens are set to take a big ol' bit of NFL cupcake when the Browns come to Baltimore, blogger sneers.

View full sizeBill Kennedy,
The Plain DealerOne Baltimore Sun blogger calls the Browns the "NFL cupcakes" that will satisfy the Ravens' sweet tooth this Sunday.

Vensel opened today's blog talking about the ludicrosity of a couple of Plain Dealer types suggesting it is possible that the Browns, who have a history of beating teams they shouldn't, might actually emerge from M.T. Stadium victorious this Sunday. No way, insists Vensel:

Most important, the Ravens are head and shoulders better than the Browns — think Jared Gaither next to Ray Rice — who just might be the worst team in the NFL.

 

With Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, the Browns are stuck between a rock and another crappy quarterback. Their No. 1 receiver, Mohamed Massaquoi, has more vowels in his last name (five) than catches in 2010 (three). And their defense is allowing 130 rushing yards per game.

No wonder they have lost to the Chiefs and Buccaneers, who had 25 losses combined last season. But hey, how about those special teams, which Ravens coach John Harbaugh called an “all-star group?”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to beat the Browns up. OK, maybe I am a little bit. Sorry, Cleveland.

But the Ravens, coming off that Steve-Buscemi-ugly offensive performance against the Bengals (a 15-10 loss), have been fed an NFL cupcake. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to get Joe Flacco back on track, rediscover the running game and flex their muscles heading into the following week’s showdown in the Steel City.

If the Browns do manage to win and the Ravens choke on a cupcake, better hope someone in Baltimore knows that hind-lick maneuver.

Cribbs notes
The Kansas City Chiefs avoided kicking to Browns standout Joshua Cribbs about as tenaciously as a politician avoids responsibility. It worked, too. Cribbs, accepted league-wide as the one man on the Browns who can turn a game around all by himself, had one kickoff return for 19 yards and one punt return for five yards against the Chiefs.

Edward Lee of the Baltimore Sun writes that the Ravens won't employ the same tactic.

"No, we're not going to shy away from anybody," said rookie David Reed, who leads the team in special-teams tackles with four this season. "We're going to go at him and contain him."

 

That assignment has not been terribly easy for the Ravens, who have had a tortured history with Cribbs. Two of the Browns' top three single-game kickoff return records were registered by Cribbs at the Ravens' expense.

He compiled 245 yards on seven kickoffs to help lift the Browns to a 33-30 overtime victory on Nov. 18, 2007. The following season, he gained 237 yards on seven kickoffs, including a 92-yard touchdown in a 37-27 loss.

"In many ways, he's such an explosive player, one of the best in the league," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Their special teams – I've said this before – but their special teams are like an all-star group. They've just got a bunch of core players. The specialists are all good, and Cribbs is the main guy. And we're going to have our hands full."

The question, then, is whether they'll be kicking to Cribbs on kickoffs or punts. One is good. One, not so good.

You can pick your friends ...
OK, so the Ravens are a teensy bit better than the Browns. But with quarterback Joe Flacco playing like a confused high school sophomore (hey, there's a reason half of the Baltimore sports talk radio audience was calling for Marc Bulger -- MARC BULGER -- to replace him in the Bengals game and beyond), are they so much better than the Browns that picks like these from the Baltimore Sun sports staff are warranted?

Kevin Cowherd: Ravens 21, Browns 3: Ravens offense starts clicking and the defense keeps humming.

 

Jamison Hensley: Ravens 31, Browns 10: Cleveland is improved from a year ago, but the Ravens' offense wants to put on a show for the home crowd.

Edward Lee: Ravens 24, Browns 10 Seneca Wallace is no Peyton Manning, but he's the type of elusive quarterback who can present problems. Still, it would take a major self-implosion on the Ravens' part to lose to the Browns.

Ken Murray: Ravens 24, Browns 12: Wrong time, wrong place for a Cleveland upset.

Mike Preston: Ravens 24, Browns 10. The Browns are a semi-pro team with a lame duck head coach.

Peter Schmuck: Ravens 30, Browns 6: Joe Flacco needs to build some momentum for Pittsburgh. Browns will cooperate.

WJZ's Mark Viviano: Ravens 33, Browns 6: Joe Flacco and the offense come to life at Cleveland's expense.