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Kevin Love knows just how close Cavaliers are to winning a title -- Bud Shaw's Spinoffs

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Free agency is calling but Kevin Love should re-sign with the Cavs short-term and try to win a championship with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. He can always opt out again next year. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Assuming Kevin Love wasn't pulling up a chair for the first annual Marco Polo fantasy draft and LeBron James showed up unannounced for the same reason, teammates hanging poolside in L.A. could be considered encouraging, no?

Even if it didn't make so much sense for Love to re-sign with the Cavs (which it does), the picture shared on social media would seem to qualify as a "fit-in" moment in a relationship more over-analyzed than the NFL draft.

The Cavs need Love. Ignore the argument that they reached the NBA Finals and won two games without him. James can't shoulder that burden forever, maybe even not for another postseason. Besides, the idea for the Cavs' front office (that's not you, LeBron) should be to make it easier to win a title, not harder.

Love needs the Cavs just as much, at least short term, if his goal is to win a title. Signing short term -- given the increase to come in TV money and salary cap -- makes the most sense for him despite the risk of injury.

It's set up perfectly for Love to give it another year in Cleveland, with James still in his prime and with Kyrie Irving vaulting into his, and with an owner willing to pay a fortune in luxury taxes (at least for now). Even if Love is unhappy with the way David Blatt used him, even if he's less than thrilled being the third option behind James and Irving, he has longed to be in the position he found himself in before dislocating his shoulder against the Celtics.

Next season should be better for all involved. After that, who knows?

Love could find some of the same benefits through free agency with Western Conference teams expected to come calling - and perhaps even a day or two more of sun per year - but the path to the NBA Finals won't be as easy.

Love keeps saying winning means everything to him. He could win in Houston for sure. But his surest route to the NBA Finals is in the East. The Rockets (and pretty much everyone else except the Warriors) are more of a projection. Love watched a team without him and Irving, a team starting Matthew Dellavedova at guard against Steph Curry, come within two wins of a parade.

Love should give it another season.

At least.

* ESPN.com headline: "LeBron, Cavs interested in Dunleavy."

In that order?

Call me old school, but I like to live in the fantasy world where David Griffin is making decisions of far greater importance than calling ahead to reserve a cabana for his superstar.

* Luke Ridnour was traded for the fourth time since the off-season began, this time from the Thunder to the Raptors. Previously, he'd gone from the Magic to the Grizzlies to the Hornets to the Thunder. Fourth trade, fifth team.

A couple more and he'll have as many exes as Larry King.

* Russell Wilson says he'd play just as hard for $1.5 million as he would for $25 million.

Seahawks: "OK, let's make it $1.5 then."

* Giants punter Steve Weatherford did a radio interview as part of a fund-raiser and was asked his opinions about the rival Eagles. He gave his thoughts on Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford.

Apparently Jason Kelce of the Eagles didn't much care for Weatherford drifting out of his lane.

"Of course a player who is literally not allowed to be touched is talking s--," Kelce Tweeted. "Is interviewing punters a thing now?"

A punter and a center in a disagreement maybe the tamest thing that's happened in the Giants-Eagles rivalry -- certainly in the stands.

* Boxer Oscar De La Hoya, who hinted at a comeback to fight Floyd Mayweather, says he will stay retired. And when a 42-year-old boxer says he's retired, it's pretty clear what he means.

Check back next week.

* Quote of the Week:

The San Antonio Spurs are poised to recruit free agents, most notable LaMarcus Aldridge. At least some of the Spurs.

"I'm not calling anyone at midnight," Gregg Popovich told the San Antonio Express-News. "I'll be in bed. And if that's the difference in someone coming or not coming, then I don't want them."


Cleveland Heights boys basketball hires former Central Catholic coach Jeremy Holmes

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Former Central Catholic coach Jeremy Holmes will return to Cleveland Heights to coach the Tigers.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Former Central Catholic boys basketball coach Jeremy Holmes accepted an offer to become the head coach at Cleveland Heights on Tuesday.

The hiring is pending school board approval on July 7.


Holmes was an assistant at Cleveland Heights for three seasons before being hired in May of 2014 as the head coach at Central Catholic. In his first and only season as head coach, Holmes led the Ironmen to a 24-5 record and the Division II state title game, which they lost in overtime to Defiance, 49-45.


"I feel like that I'm in a position where I can help put my community back on the map and getting this program what it needs to be successful," Holmes said. "It definitely hurt me to leave, and hurt me to leave those guys.


"But I did get encouraging words from them and they told me they would support me regardless. They understood that my roots are deeply rooted in Cleveland Heights. Going home is something that's important. They told me they would do the same."


Holmes said he applied for the job after his former coach, Andy Suttell, stepped down in April after four seasons, and spoke with Suttell often about the job.


"We're friends first. Besides being coworkers, we're friends first," Holmes said. "We talked throughout the entire process about moving forward and things that he felt that could help me with the kids that I didn't know, and some of the nuances with the program, period, being a head coach. He's helped me out a lot, and he gave me a lot of great advice going forward."


Cleveland Heights finished 8-17 last season, but had a young team led by freshman Yahel Hill and sophomore Jaylen Harris. The Tigers should be a more experienced team heading into Holmes' first season at Cleveland Heights.


Holmes' experience with the program as an assistant offered him some familiarity with some of the players he will coach this season.


"Even though I wasn't around those kids who are younger in the program, I have known most of them since they were third, fourth or fifth graders," Holmes said. "I've watched them grow up from afar, and always have admired their game and what they've brought to the game of basketball.


"I think that knowing some of them, and knowing a few of the parents, it helps out a lot. And I think that this year's coaching experience for me brings some validity to who I am as a basketball coach besides being a Cleveland Heights guy."

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday at 7:10 p.m., Game 76

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Indians right-hander Danny Salazar will be making his first career appearance against the Rays on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.

ST. PETERSBURG -- Get live updates and chat with beat writer Paul Hoynes in the comments section below as the Indians play the Rays at Tropicana Field on Tuesday Monday night in the secondt game of a four-game series. Tribe right-hander Danny Salazar will face right-hander Erasmo Ramirez.

Game 76: Indians (34-41) vs. Rays (42-36)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field.

TV/radio: STO; WMMS FM/100.7; WTAM 1100.

What time, channel is England vs. Japan 2015 Women's World Cup semifinal? (photos, poll)

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Defending FIFA Women's World Cup champion Japan is the favorite against England, which has never before reached the semifinals, but is on a roll with four straight 2-1 victories.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinal match between England and Japan is 7 p.m. ET Wednesday in Edmonton, Canada. The game will be broadcast on cable network Fox Sports 1. Coverage begins at 6 p.m.

The third-place game is 4 p.m. Saturday in Edmonton (Fox).

The final is 7 p.m. Sunday in Vancouver (Fox).

The Japan-England winner plays the United States, which defeated Germany, 2-0, in Tuesday's semifinal.

Preview: With the possible exception of quarterfinal hero Mana Iwabuchi, defending World Cup champion Japan doesn't feature a star player, but doesn't lack for talent and perseverance. In other words, little has changed since came it from behind to stun the U.S. in the 2011 final. Japan has won five consecutive one-goal games in this tournament, and has had seven different players score. Japan is the overwhelming favorite because of its relentless offense and a defense that has allowed just two goals.

England also has a formidable attack with eight goals in its last four games, but there is a sense of vulnerability in the back end for the Brits. But England showed something in its quarterfinal win against the Canadians in Vancouver. The Brits made big plays when they had to, and they'll have to make several against the disciplined, fast Japanese.

Players to watch: England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley is expected to play after leaving the quarterfinal with swelling under her right eye. She was replaced in the second half by Siobhan Chamberlain. Bardsley has had numerous highlight saves in the tournament with 15 rejections 15 overall. Lucy Bronze has a goal in each of the two knockout phase games and is the player Japan must stop. Midfielder Karen Carney also has two goals in the tournament and midfielder Fara Williams has a goal and two assists.

Japan's Mana Iwabuchi only has one goal, but it was the biggest goal of the tournament and the energetic 22-year-old has a game well beyond her years. Aya Miyama has a goal and two assists. With a defense that consistently repels attacks in front of her, goalie Ayumi Kaihori has made six saves and allowed two goals.

England stats, click here.

Japan stats, click here.

How they got here: Japan is 5-0 in the tournament with five one-goal victories. Iwabuchi scored in the 87th minute to beat Australia, 1-0, in the quarterfinals. She netted close-rang shot after Azusa Iwashimizu's attempt was blocked. Japan owned a 15-8 shot advantage.

After opening with a lackluster, 1-0 loss to France, England has won four straight 2-1 games. It took the home crowd down a notch in its quarterfinal win against host Canada. Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze scored in the opening 15 minutes and the Brits held on for another 2-1 victory. Canada outshot England, 14-8.

World Cup bracket, click here.

History: England has never before reached the semifinals. Japan became the first Asian team to win the women's World Cup in 2011 in Germany, where it beat the United States in a shootout for the championship. (The U.S. avenged that loss a year later, beating Japan in Olympic final.) It's worth noting the last team to beat Japan in World Cup play was England, 2-0, in the final group play game of 2011.

USA-Germany semifinal preview, click here.

Team USA stats, click here.

Germany stats, click here.

Grady Sizemore, Asdrubal Cabrera reunited with Rays: Cleveland Indians notes

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Former Indians teammates Grady Sizemore and Asdrubal Cabrera once again find themselves in the same lineup.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Grady Sizemore and Asdrubal Cabrera have spent 335 big-league games in the same lineup - 332 as members of the Indians and three with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Sizemore and Cabrera were regulars in the Indians lineup from 2007-11. Sizemore was their Gold Glove/All-Star center fielder. Cabrera was their two-time All-Star shortstop. After the 2011 season, injuries took Sizemore out of the picture for three years before he made it back with the Red Sox. The Indians traded Cabrera last year to Washington.

Now they have been reunited under the roof of Tropicana Field.

The Rays signed Cabrera over the winter with the idea of making him their second baseman. He came to spring training in great shape and won the starting shortstop's job.

"Washington wanted me to play third base," said Cabrera, 29. "A couple of other teams were interested as well. They wanted me to play third, too. I'm not ready to play third just yet."

Sizemore started this year with Philadelphia, but was designated for assignment on June 1. The Rays signed him to a minor-league deal on June 15 and brought him to the big leagues Sunday.

"After I got released, I wanted to see what my options were," said Sizemore, 32. "I definitely wanted to keep playing. I wasn't sure how it would play out or if it would play out."

It's gone well for two games. Sizemore had three hits Sunday against Boston in his Rays' debut. On Monday, he ended Cody Anderson's bid for a perfect game with a one-out homer in the seventh inning.

"I was happy to get the opportunity here," said Sizemore. "I'll continue to keep playing and try to get back to where I can contribute at this level."

Sizemore is still recovering from his numerous knee, back and elbow surgeries. He says the trouble now is getting regular playing time. Right now teams look at him as a bench player.

"The tough part is you just want to play," said Sizemore. "That's the hard part. For me physically, I'm still trying to get back and trying to get my timing and feel for that kind of thing. I want more reps. That is the hard part - trying to find those reps at this level."

Cabrera went into Tuesday's game hitting .223 (59-for-64) with 11 doubles, four triples, five homers and 19 RBI.

"I like it here," said Cabrera. "I like playing for Big Cash."

Kevin Cash, the Indians' former bullpen coach, is the manager of a team in a virtual three-way tie for first place in the AL East.

"We're playing good ball," said Cabrera. "We have a lot of young guys who can play. We don't have any big name guys, but we're playing good baseball."

Cabrera spent his first 7 1/2 years in the big leagues with the Indians. He played his first game against them on June 19, hitting a home run in his first at-bat at Progressive Field. It was the first homer Cabrera has hit against the Indians. Sizemore did the same thing Monday night.

"I miss Cleveland and the fans," said Cabrera. "I still have a lot of friends in the city. They gave me an opportunity and I grew up with the Indians.

"But (getting traded) is part of the business. I was very excited to go back there to play."

Cheering section: Third baseman Giovanny Urshela has his own cheering section at Tropicana Field.

"I've got about 21 people here, including my parents from Colombia," said Urshela.

Finally: Jason Kipnis recorded his AL-leading 12th three-hit game Monday night. Kipnis leads the big leagues with 84 hits and a .486 on-base percentage since May 1.

2015 Women's World Cup: US advances to final with 2-0 win over Germany

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The top-ranked Germans had been 17 for 17 on World Cup penalty kicks, but Celia Sasic's miss helped pave the way for a 2-0 win for the U.S.

MONTREAL -- Carli Lloyd buried a penalty kick, Hope Solo got another shutout and the United States beat top-ranked Germany 2-0 on Tuesday night to advance to the title match at the Women's World Cup.

Lloyd's penalty kick in the 69th minute went into the right side of the goal less than 10 minutes after Celia Sasic shot wide on a penalty kick for Germany.

"Just slotted it home. I knew what I had to do," Lloyd said.

Solo has posted five straight shutouts for the United States in the tournament. Kelley O'Hara came in off the bench and scored in the 85th minute, delighting the pro-American crowd.

The second-ranked United States will play the winner of Wednesday night's match in Edmonton between defending champion Japan, ranked No. 4, and sixth-ranked England. The final is set for Sunday at Vancouver's BC Place.

"It's a dream come true," Lloyd said. "This is what we trained for."

It was the fourth World Cup meeting between Germany and the U.S. In each of the first three games, the winner went on to win the title.

The marquee matchup led to lines of fans waiting to get in about three hours before the game. The line for the main souvenir stand snaked up a half-dozen ramps to the building's third level at one point.

The stadium built for the 1976 Olympics, where the East German men won the gold medal, was filled nearly to its blue fabric roof, mostly with fans cheering for the United States. The crowd was announced at 51,176.

Previous games in Montreal had the stadium less than half full, with the upper bowl completely empty.

The United States had several good chances from the start. Julie Johnston missed on a header off a corner kick from Megan Rapinoe, and Alex Morgan's breakaway in the 15th minute was stopped by goaltender Nadine Angerer.

There was a scary moment in the first half when Germany's Alexandra Popp and American midfielder Morgan Brian collided in front of the U.S. goal following a free kick from about 25 yards out.

Television cameras caught blood in Popp's hair, and Brian was prone on the field for several minutes. Both players returned to the match.

After a scoreless first half, Lloyd had a header bounce inches wide to open the second.

Sasic's penalty kick came after Johnston fouled Popp in the box. Sasic fooled Solo, who went right, but her kick went wide left, prompting a roar from the crowd.

Sasic went into the match as the tournament's high scorer with six goals.

Shortly thereafter, Annike Krahn got a yellow card for fouling Morgan in the box, but replays showed it occurred just outside. Lloyd's penalty kick was her third goal in three matches.

O'Hara scored on Lloyd's left-footed cross.


The United States tweaked its formation for the match. Morgan started up top, with Lloyd as an attacking midfielder with Rapinoe and Tobin Heath on the wings.

The U.S. had success in its quarterfinal against China when it had Lloyd roaming up top and Brian back as a holding midfielder. Lloyd scored the lone goal in the 1-0 victory.

The United States improved to 3-1 against Germany in World Cup matches and 19-4-7 overall.

The United States has won two World Cup titles, but none since 1999. The Americans have appeared in the semifinals of all seven of the women's tournaments.

Germany has also won the title twice, in consecutive tournaments in 2003 and '07.

This tournament has played out with FIFA embroiled in scandal.

Earlier Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that President Sepp Blatter would skip the World Cup final, as U.S. officials pursue a criminal investigation into the game's ruling body.

Blatter's second-in-command, secretary general Jerome Valcke, also will be absent from the biggest event in women's soccer "due to their current commitments in Zurich," FIFA said in a statement Tuesday.

NBA free agency: LeBron James is free, yet he isn't Cleveland Cavaliers' most pressing concern

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The Cavaliers have much work to do beyond re-signing LeBron James during free agency.

The Northeast Ohio Media Group's Chris Haynes contributed to the reporting of this story.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James is the NBA's best player and once again a free agent.

And yet, he's not even the Cavaliers' most pressing concern.

In part because of James' known intention to re-sign with Cleveland, in part because of the Cavs' fluid roster, and in part because of the pressure James is applying simply by becoming a free agent, General Manager David Griffin enters the free agency period at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday with much to do beyond simply re-signing his best player.

The Cavs have six free agents, counting James, their eye on a couple of free-agent options not currently on the roster, and the non-guaranteed contract of Brendan Haywood to trade for a veteran guard or wing.

It was not known if the Cavs will immediately submit offers to James, Kevin Love, and Tristan Thompson when the clock moves past midnight.

James will want a one-year, $22 million contract with a player's option for 2016-17, though he'll wait to sign it until the Cavs see through a couple other moves.

Love may want a one-year deal with a player's option worth about $19 million, but Cleveland may offer him a five-year deal worth about $100 million. League sources expect Love to return to the Cavs one way or the other, in no small part because of his repeatedly-stated intentions to return.

But late Tuesday night, ESPN's Chris Broussard reported Love would meet with the Lakers.

Thompson was one of three players to receive qualifying offers from the Cavs on Tuesday, which made him a restricted free agent and allows the team to match any offer. The Cavs may offer a four-year, $70 million contract. They could wait to see what he gets on the open market, but Thompson is represented by James' agent, Rich Paul, and James has made it clear he wants Thompson back.

The other Cavs who are restricted free agents are Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova. Cleveland would be more likely to see what each gets from other teams. The Northeast Ohio Media Group reported that Shumpert could generate an offer worth $8 million a year.

July 9 is the first day free agents can sign new contracts.

Cleveland's sixth free agent is J.R. Smith, who declined his $6.4 million player option last week.

"I know they do not value him there," a league source said of the Cavs' attitude toward Smith, who was brilliant starting at shooting guard when he arrived in a trade from the Knicks in January but suffered notable missteps in the playoffs.

On Tuesday, the Northeast Ohio Media Group reported that former Cav Mo Williams expects to meet with Cleveland as a free agent and that Cleveland is "very interested," according to a source. All the Cavaliers can offer is the taxpayer mid-level exception, which pays approximately $3.4 million.

NEOMG was also able to confirm an ESPN report that James liked Chicago Bulls free agent wing Mike Dunleavy.

Haywood's contract is worth $10.5 million. If another team trades for him and waives him by Aug. 1, his salary would not count against the cap. In the meantime, the Cavs could get a veteran paid somewhere between $12-$14 million by trading Haywood and other assets.

Reports circulated Tuesday that the Cavs were in talks with the Spurs to trade Haywood (which allow San Antonio to create cap space to sign LaMarcus Aldridge), but those reports were denied.

The Cavs are limited in what they can do for free agents outside the organization. They were already $27 million over the cap, and $12.3 million over the luxury tax line, before free agency started. Those numbers are likely to shoot up - total salaries will certainly eclipse $100 million - and league rules prohibit teams from making certain roster moves to sign new players when payrolls are that high.

(Actually, the roster restrictions kick in at much lower payroll figures than what the Cavs will pay next year).

James' camp has suggested the superstar may wait until all the aforementioned dust settles before re-signing. He may not actually wait that long, but he won't be the first to sign, either.

"The organization has guys in place to make the right decisions for the future of the franchise," said a source close to James.

One other roster note: Veteran forward Mike Miller exercised his $2.85 million option to remain with the Cavaliers, as expected.

RHP Danny Salazar, 3B Giovanny Urshela help Cleveland Indians defeat Tampa Bay Rays: DMan's Report, Game 76

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The Indians have outscored the Tampa Bay Rays, 13-3, in winning the first two of a four-game series in St. Petersburg, Fla.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Danny Salazar allowed one earned run in 7 2/3 innings and Jason Kipnis, Giovanny Urshela and David Murphy homered as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 6-2, Tuesday night at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Here is a capsule look at the game after a DVR review of the Fox SportsTime Ohio telecast:

Impressive two-pack: The Indians, who were swept in a three-game series in Baltimore this past weekend, have won the first two of a four-game series against the contending Rays.

The Tribe is 2-0 since manager Terry Francona held a meeting and told his players to chillax and, well, perform better.

Finally: With no room to spare, the Tribe won back-to-back games for the first time in June. They finished the month at 11-15.

Road preferred: The Indians (35-41) are 20-18 on the road. The Rays (42-37) are 21-25 at home.

Homer-happy: All of the Tribe's runs came via the long ball. Kipnis's solo shot off  Erasmo Ramirez with two outs in the third made it 1-0. Urshela's three-run blast off Steven Geltz with two outs in the seventh created a 4-0 cushion. Murphy's two-run shot off Kirby Yates with one out in the eighth made it 6-0.

Urshela's and Murphy's homers occurred on first pitches.

Third baseman Urshela and shortstop Francisco Lindor put on a show defensively, Lindor's throwing error notwithstanding.

Following the lead: On Monday night, Tribe right-hander Cody Anderson was perfect through 6 1/3 innings and finished with one run allowed on two hits in eight innings of a 7-1 victory.

On Tuesday, Salazar was perfect through five innings and did not allow a hit through 5 2/3. Former Indian Asdrubal Cabrera led off the sixth with a walk. After Jake Elmore grounded into a double play, Curt Casali doubled to left-center.

Salazar's final line: 7 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, ER, 2 BB, 2 K (109 pitches).

Whereas Anderson leaned on a fastball/changeup combination, Salazar used fastball after fastball after fastball. Salazar and catcher Yan Gomes did not need to get fancy because the Rays swung as if they were allergic to fastballs.

Another reason Salazar relied on the heater was, his splitter did not feature its usual bite. The splitter has been a strikeout pitch for him this season, so it is no wonder that his total was down Tuesday.      

Here is a pitch-by-pitch breakdown of Salazar's start:

FIRST INNING

(L) Kevin Kiermaier -- fastball outside; fastball swinging strike; fastball foul; fastball, called strikeout (inner third).

(L) Grady Sizemore -- fastball high; fastball high and away; fastball called strike (outer third); fastball, grounder to second.

(R) Evan Longoria -- fastball, fly to center.

(9 pitches)

SECOND INNING

(L) David DeJesus -- fastball high; fastball called strike; fastball outside; fastball outside; fastball, grounder to first (down).

(R) Logan Forsythe -- fastball called strike; fastball, fly to right.

(R) Steven Souza Jr. -- fastball swinging strike; fastball outside; slider low and outside; fastball low and outside; fastball called strike (outer third); fastball, swinging strikeout.

(13 pitches)

THIRD INNING

(L) Asdrubal Cabrera -- fastball called strike; fastball, liner to left.

(R) Jake Elmore -- fastball low and outside; fastball outside; fastball foul; fastball high; fastball called strike (scraped knees); fastball, grounder to third.

(R) Curt Casali -- fastball called strike; fastball foul; off-speed inside; off-speed, foul pop to third.

(12 pitches)

FOURTH INNING

(L) Kevin Kiermaier -- fastball foul; breaking pitch high; fastball inside; fastball high and outside; fastball swinging strike; fastball foul; fastball, liner to short.

(L) Grady Sizemore -- fastball, fly to center (track).

(R) Evan Longoria -- fastball called strike; slider low; splitter, grounder to short (terrific diving play by Francisco Lindor up middle).

(11 pitches)

FIFTH INNING

(L) David DeJesus -- fastball called strike; fastball, fly to left.

(R) Logan Forsythe -- fastball called strike; slider swinging strike; fastball outside; splitter, grounder to short (good play by Lindor up middle).

(R) Steven Souza Jr. -- slider swinging strike; fastball up and in; fastball up and in; fastball foul; fastball up; fastball, fly to center.

(12 pitches)

SIXTH INNING

(L) Asdrubal Cabrera -- fastball low; fastball foul; off-speed outside; fastball high; fastball swinging strike; fastball high and outside, walk.

(R) Jake Elmore -- fastball foul; fastball foul (inside); fastball foul; splitter, GIDP 4-6-3.

(R) Curt Casali -- fastball high; fastball swinging strike; off-speed low; fastball, double to left-center.

(L) Kevin Kiermaier -- fastball low; fastball outside; fastball, fly to left.

(17 pitches)

SEVENTH INNING

(L) Grady Sizemore -- fastball outside; fastball outside; fastball, grounder to third.

(R) Evan Longoria -- fastball high, fastball low; fastball high; fastball called strike; fastball swinging strike; fastball foul; fastball, fly to right.

(L) David DeJesus -- breaking pitch outside; fastball, grounder to third (diving stop by Giovanny Urshela).

(12 pitches)

EIGHTH INNING

(R) Logan Forsythe -- fastball up and in; fastball inside; fastball low; fastball called strike; fastball swinging strike; fastball low and away, walk.

(R) Steven Souza Jr. -- fastball foul; fastball in dirt; fastball, fly to right.

(L) Asdrubal Cabrera -- fastball down and away; fastball, RBI double to right-center (over plate at knees).

(R) Jake Elmore -- fastball called strike; breaking pitch foul; fastball foul; fastball high and away; off-speed, grounder to short.

(R) Curt Casali -- fastball called strike; breaking pitch inside; splitter swinging strike; splitter foul; splitter low and in; fastball outside; fastball, error/shortstop (run scores).

(23 pitches)

(Zach McAllister relieves Salazar.)


Triston McKenzie on signing with Cleveland Indians: "It's a dream-like moment'

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Triston McKenzie, the second player selected in the June draft by the Indians, signed his contract Tuesday at Tropicana Field. He received a $2,303,500 signing bonus. Watch video

ST. PETERSBURG - Triston McKenzie came to Tropicana Field on Tuesday looking like a million bucks.

Wait, make that $2,302,500, which is the signing bonus the Indians gave the 6-5, 160-pound high school right-hander to turn professional instead of attending Vanderbilt University.

McKenzie wore a white shirt, red tie and dark pants when he talked to reporters after signing his contract. He looked like a high school senior going on a job interview, but he already has this job.

The Indians used their second pick in the draft, the 42nd overall, to select McKenzie out of Royal Palm Beach High School in West Palm, Fla. From the visitor's dugout at Tropicana Field, McKenzie will soon be training in Goodyear, Ariz., with other members of the Indians' 2015 draft class.

"This is a dream-like moment for me," said McKenzie. "You always dream of playing for a professional baseball team and it's coming to fruition for me. "

McKenzie said it was a tough decision to turn pro instead of attending Vanderbilt.

"It was a very tough decision," he said. "In the end it came down my love of the game and my drive to play baseball. It's been my dream to play professional baseball."

The signing bonus helped make the decision a little easier. Reportedly it was the largest for a high school right-hander in this year's draft. The Indians exceeded McKenzie's draft slot by over $800,000.

McKenzie went 9-5 with a 0.79 ERA in 15 starts as a senior. He struck out 157 batters and walked 16 in 91 innings. In the Florida High School state tournament, he pitched five complete games before Royal Palm Beach High was beaten in the semifinals.

He throws a fastball, curveball and a change up. He hit 95 mph this year, but sits around 89 to 92.

The Indians used their competitive balance pick to select McKenzie between the first and second rounds.

Before you say it, yes, the reed-thin McKenzie knows he has to put on a few pounds.

"Everybody has been telling me that since I was six," he said. "I've done some research on the Indians developmental system. I think I'll be doing just fine in future.

"I'll fill out."

Cleveland Indians use Danny Salazar's arm, power bats to beat Tampa Bay, 6-2

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Danny Salazar holds Rays to two runs in 7 2/3 innings, while Jason Kipnis, Giovanny Urshela and David Murphy homer in Indians victory. Watch video

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Great starting pitching and homers; is there any better combination in baseball?

The Indians will answer a resounding no after the way the first two games of this four-game set have gone against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

For the second straight night an Indians pitcher, take a bow Danny Salazar, flirted with a perfect game and no-hitter on the way to a 6-2 victory over Tampa Bay. The six runs that made Salazar a winner came on homers by Jason Kipnis, rookie Giovanny Urshela and David Murphy.

Kipnis gave Salazar a 1-0 lead with a two-out homer in the third off Erasmo Ramirez (6-3, 4.01). It was Kipnis' sixth and first since May 26.

The score didn't change until Urshela hit a first-pitch, three-run homer with two out in the seventh off Steve Geltz. The Urshela cheering section - over 20 strong including his parents from Colombia - came out of their seats as the homer sneaked over the wall in left field.

Murphy, the Indians' new cleanup hitter, added a two-run homer in the eighth off Kirby Yates. The three homers were like manna from heaven for the Tribe's run-starved starting rotation.

Salazar retired 15 straight before walking Asdrubal Cabrera to start the sixth. Jake Elmore hit into a double play to keep the no-hitter intact, but it didn't last. Catcher Curt Casali, the next batter, lined a double off the wall in left center.

After a quick visit from catcher Yan Gomes, Salazar retired Kevin Kiermaier to end the inning.

On Monday night, rookie right-hander Cody Anderson took a perfect game in the seventh inning before Grady Sizemore homered with one out.

Salazar (7-3, 3.80) has always been known for his velocity and strikeout totals. Tuesday he set a single-season high in victories by inducing contact and keeping his pitch count down. He struck out a season-low two batters.

In the eighth, with a shutout still within reach, Salazar walked Logan Forsythe and and gave up a long double to Cabrera to make it 7-1. A throwing error by shortstop Francisco Lindor allowed Cabrera to score from second.

Salazar allowed two runs on two hits in 7 2/3 innings. He walked two and threw 109 pitches.  

What it means

The Indians (35-41) improved to 2-3 on this 10-game trip. They have still lost eight of their last 13.

The Rays (42-37) entered in a virtual tie for first place with Baltimore in the AL East. They have lost seven of their last nine.

Slapping leather

Salazar carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning thanks to some good defense by Lindor, who ended the fourth by robbing Evan Longoria with a diving stop.

After Salazar lost his perfect game by walking Cabrera to start the sixth, Kipnis and Lindor combined on a quick double play against Elmore, but there was no defense for the line-drive double by Casali that followed.

In the eighth, after retiring Elmore on a long throw from the outfield grass, Lindor booted Casali's grounder and compounded the problem by throwing wildly past first to allow Cabrera to score from second.  

Urshela, a rookie like Lindor, contributed as well. He ended the seventh with a diving stop against David DeJesus.

What happens next?

RHP Carlos Carrasco (9-6, 4.16) will face Tampa Bay RHP Alex Colome (3-3, 4.50) on Wednesday night at 7:10. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM AM/1100 and WMMS FM/100.7 will carry the game.

Carrasco lost to the Rays on June 19, 4-1. He scattered 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings, but allowed just three runs. Carrasco is 5-2 on the road this season.

Colome threw seven scoreless innings against the Indians on June 21, but had to settle for a no decision as the Indians won in the ninth, 1-0. Colome had a no-hitter through 5 1/3 innings before Michael Bourn singled.

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays at 7:10 pm. Wednesday, Game 77

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The Indians have won the first two games of this four-game set against the Rays. The Indians have scored six or more runs in the first two games. It's just the second time this season they've done that consecutively.

ST. PETERSBURG -- Get live updates and chat with beat writer Paul Hoynes in the comments section below as the Indians play the Rays at Tropicana Field on Wednesday night in the third game of a four-game series. Tribe right-hander Carlos Carrasco will face Tampa right-hander Alex Colome.

Game 77: Indians (35-41) vs. Rays (42-37)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field.

TV/radio: STO; WMMS FM/100.7; WTAM 1100.

A clunker interview? That's Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh being Jim Harbaugh, but does it affect Ohio State?

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Check out several other examples of Jim Harbaugh, interview subject, and decide whether any of it matters to you or college football recruits. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jim Harbaugh won't always win the interview. But that may be part of his plan.

When he was hired at Michigan, it was easy to position Harbaugh and his expected success on the opposite side of the Big Ten corral as a clear challenge to Urban Meyer and Ohio State. 

Harbaugh isn't really over there. He's bobbing in and out, giving the impression that you're never quite sure where he is or what he might do next. In every instance, he makes everyone else react to him.

Tuesday, he was on the radio with ESPN's Colin Cowherd, and the ensuing awkward interview was deemed by Cowherd "the clunkiest" of his broadcast career. (See the full interview at the bottom of this post.)

Not a shock. It wasn't that different from many other Harbaugh interview sessions, including his debut on the Big Ten teleconference during spring football. You probably don't, and shouldn't, care too much about a coach's interview style. But it became a story today, keeping Cowherd and Harbaugh in the news.

Hmmm.

* Harbaugh, Meyer, Dantonio: A shoulder slap and awkward moments

The video posted at the top of this page is from a hallway of a Detroit high school in June, after Harbaugh addressed hundreds of high school football players at a recruiting camp. As detailed then, Harbaugh was fully engaged in that talk, throwing his body around the stage, walking into the crowd, enacting stories from his youth. And then he met with waiting Michigan reporters afterward, who had been given few opportunities to speak with Harbaugh since his hiring.

And though that interview wasn't terrible, there were the awkward pauses that are part of the Harbaugh interview platter. I stopped the video, but I tried an inelegant question about his switch from the NFL to college, and whether he enjoyed speaking to a high school audience, and caught a fairly sizable dose of a blank stare before a short answer in which he said he'd always done talks like this.

Awkward. More my fault than his.

So does it matter?

Cowherd said after the interview that if he was an 18-year-old recruit and heard that Harbaugh interview, he'd chose Urban Meyer and Ohio State.

And former Buckeye and Ohio State assistant Mike Vrabel, now an assistant with the Houston Texans, expressed a similar idea.

But if you've read stories about Harbaugh, he's clearly capable of being an engaged, interesting interview subject when he wants to be.

Dealing with the media, especially as a way of reaching fans, it part of a head coach's job. Meyer manages to be both smooth and straight forward most of the time. He does it well.

Harbaugh doesn't do his job like most people.

That includes interviews.

 

 

 

Dennis Manoloff: What deals say about the Cavs (video)

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Dennis Manoloff of cleveland.com/Cleveland Plain Dealer joins CineSport's Noah Coslov to react to the Kevin Love deal and pending Tristan Thompson contract, and to discuss what's next for the Cavs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dennis Manoloff of cleveland.com/Cleveland Plain Dealer joins CineSport's Noah Coslov to react to the Kevin Love deal and pending Tristan Thompson contract, and to discuss what's next for the Cavs.

Kevin Love signing leaves Cleveland Cavaliers primed for more title chases -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

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In signing Kevin Love, the Cavaliers are clearly saying they believe they would've won the NBA championship had Love and Kyrie Irving stayed healthy. And who's to say they're wrong -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - For all the reports of Kevin Love being less than satisfied in his first year with the Cavaliers, it's pretty hard to detect reticence, let alone resentment, in his recent itinerary.

Pool party with LeBron Sunday. Start working on his "I'm staying in Cleveland" essay sometime after midnight Tuesday. Send word by Wednesday afternoon that he is returning to join James and Kyrie Irving for another go at it.

These are high times here, and that's not only a reference to Dan Gilbert's luxury tax payments.

Unless Gilbert comes knocking on your door asking for donations, let him worry about whether Love is actually worth $110 million. Gilbert can deal with $190 million worth of power forwards. You may have heard he owns a nearby casino.

Love didn't write a valentine to Northeast Ohio in Sports Illustrated. But in his offering via the Players' Tribune, he used a phrase that sounds both familiar and comforting. In Cleveland sports, that's not a common daily double.

"We're all on the same page and we're all in," Love said. "We have unfinished business and now it's time to get back to work."

"Unfinished business" is an old slogan. The Indians wore it on T-shirts as recently as last spring training. Progressive Field is still a championship construction zone.

This is different. This is basketball where a Big One can mean a couple wins in the NBA Finals if James is that one. Where a Big Three is no guarantee but perhaps the next best thing.

Love spoke to what it felt like sitting courtside at the NBA Finals. He'd never even sniffed the playoffs. And here was his team two wins away from a championship without him. That made his decision a pretty simple one. True, it must have been hard fighting the temptation triggered by the rumors that the Celtics hoped to sell Love on a Big Other Two of Robin Lopez and Paul Pierce. (Ahem).

But nobody said the decision to stay with James and Irving would be easy (except lots of people.)

The team that could pay him the most also had the clearest path back to the NBA Finals.

Even if Love wasn't thrilled with how he was used at times, I don't think David Blatt was any more of a factor in Love's decision than the weather. The guy spent his career in Minnesota. I Love has a sidewalk, I know a lot of Cavs' fans who will shovel it for one percent of his new contract.

Or an autographed sling. Cleveland fans are easy. Especially when the carrot is a world championship.

The idea that the Cavs went as far as they did in beating Chicago, Atlanta and Golden State twice without Love was never a good reason to question the plan to re-sign him.

James, despite all appearances, isn't indestructible. He may get hurt next year for all anyone knows. David Griffin's mission should be to win a title with the opportunity James presented in coming home from Miami.

And one good way to make it easier for James to deliver, instead of harder, was to sign Love for as long as he'd like.

Love is 26. Kyrie Irving is 23. The time is now. But maybe later, too.

When's the last time we could say that about a Cleveland team?

Rookies Francisco Lindor, Giovanny Urshela risk-reward proposition for Cleveland Indians

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Jason Kipnis on the rookie left side of the Indians' infield: "They get excited on defense. They give us that spark and that's what we need." Watch video

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Rookies in the big leagues always represent a certain level of risk. They bring reward as well.

Tuesday night the Indians received more reward than worry from the left side of their infield - rookie shortstop Francisco Lindor and rookie third baseman Giovanny Urshela.

Lindor made a diving stop and throw to preserve Danny Salazar's bid for a perfect game in the fourth inning against Evan Longoria.

"At that point I wasn't very aware of the perfect game," said Lindor. "It was just more, I've got to help my teammate. ... If a pitcher makes a good pitch, and does what he's supposed to do, I've got to make that out."

Salazar lost his perfect game and no-hitter in the sixth, but he still had a chance for the shutout with a 1-0 lead. Urshela expanded that lead with a three-run homer in the seventh against Steve Geltz. The homer, on the first pitch to Urshela, barely cleared the left field wall, but it still counted.

It certainly counted for the over 20 members of Urshela' family from Colombia, Orlando and Miami who are here for the series.

"It was exciting to hit that home run," said Urshela.

Defensively, Urshela ended the seventh with a diving stop and throw against David DeJesus.

After the Indians added two more run in the eighth on David Murphy's two-run homer, Salazar had a 6-0 lead with six outs to go for the shutout. Asdrubal Cabrera ended that with an RBI double in the eighth, but the left side of the infield was still playing well.

Lindor threw out Jake Elmore from deep in the hole at short. He was so deep that he was standing on the outfield turf. Then the risk factor emerged.

Catcher Curt Casali sent another grounder to Lindor, who was playing deep. Lindor waited for the ball, bobbled it before throwing wildly past first for an error as Cabrera scored from second. The Indians still won, 6-2, but Lindor said it was a "bad game" because of the error.

"It makes me mad," said Lindor. "It wasn't a good day. Salazar could have gone eight innings."

Salazar was replaced after the error, but he still appreciated the efforts of Lindor and Urshela.

"Their energy out there is awesome," said Salazar. "I know they're going to do the best they can to get the out."

Said second baseman Jason Kipnis: "They get excited on defense. They give us that spark and that's what we need."

Lindor and Urshela started playing together at Class AA Akron in 2013.

"I'm saying it now and I'll be saying it for the rest of my career - this is the most fun I've had since day one," said Lindor. "He makes it more comfortable for me. He makes it more relaxed for me. He makes it more competitive for me because he's such a great player and person.

"It makes me work harder to be as good as him."

Said Urshela, "It's very comfortable to play next to him."

Lindor, who didn't start Wednesday against Tampa Bay's Alex Colome, is hitting .211 (12-for-57) with one double, one homer and five RBI.

Urshela is hitting .271 (16-for-59) with two homers and seven RBI. Fourteen of Urshela's hits have been singles.

"I think it helps them that they both came up around the same time," said manager Terry. "You also have guys like Mike Aviles to sort of explain the expectations. They can put their arm around them instead of just beating on them. We've all seen that and it doesn't help."


Cleveland Cavaliers, Iman Shumpert agree to four-year contract

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a new contract with restricted free agent Iman Shumpert, a league source confirmed to Northeast Ohio Media Group.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a new contract with restricted free agent Iman Shumpert, a league source confirmed to Northeast Ohio Media Group.  

The deal, which was first reported by Alex Kennedy from Basketball Insiders, is a four-year agreement worth $40 million. The final year of the contract includes a player option. 

According to reports, the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks all had interest in signing the 25-year-old defensive-minded swingman, who appeared to be at an impasse earlier in the day. But the Cavs were determined to bring him back after he helped start the defensive transformation. 

Shumpert, who arrived in a midseason trade from the New York Knicks, averaged 7.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 38 regular season games. His role grew in the playoffs, starting 16 of the 20 contests while playing through injury. 

Shortly after the news, Shumpert posted a message on Instagram, highlighting his reason for staying in Cleveland.

"You don't buy jewelry in this league, you earn it," he wrote. 

You don't buy jewelry in this league, you earn it. Be back soon Cleveland #relativitysports

A photo posted by iMan Shumpert (@imanshumpertthe1st) on

The deal can't be made official until July 9, when the league's moratorium comes to an end. Shumpert joins Kevin Love, who announced he was returning to the Cavaliers on a five-year contract earlier Wednesday. 

LeBron James and Kevin Love: It's always sunny in Cleveland, isn't it?

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Wasn't Kevin Love supposed to leave Cleveland because he didn't feel comfortable around LeBron James?

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Nothing makes one long for the cold, harsh winters on Lake Erie like a poolside party somewhere near Santa Monica.

Or so said Kevin Love.

"It turns out pools are great meeting places," Love said in his Players' Tribune piece announcing his return to the Cavaliers as a free agent.

The reference, of course, was to the widely circulated picture of Love joining LeBron James Sunday under a cabana awning near a pool somewhere in greater Los Angeles.

James and Love had both opted out of their contracts with the Cavs by the time the photo was snapped. Only James seemed a virtual lock to return, even though Love had said on several occasions he would stay in Cleveland, too.

That Love announced some 72 hours after the pool party that he was indeed coming back - for five years and $110 million, no less - leaves one to wonder just what James might've said on Sunday.

Because the reality is Love, 26, didn't just commit the prime years of his career to the Cavs, but to James. It's a stunning statement of Love's belief in the organization and his desire to play alongside James, and it drives home the following lesson of life in the NBA:

What appears to be true in February often isn't come July.

At no point did Love say publicly that he had any intention to play anywhere other than Cleveland next season. And yet, doubts persisted about Love's future almost until the moment his Players' Tribune essay hit the web on Wednesday. Those doubts were perpetuated only in part by the persistent whisper campaign regarding Love's supposed discontent that lasted virtually all season.

Love's problems were in plain view. He wasn't always comfortable in Cleveland's offense, and Love and James were at times openly, publicly, frustrated with one another.

From a purely basketball sense, Love was transitioning from Minnesota's top offensive player into the third option here. While James and Kyrie Irving dominated the ball, the 6-10 Love found himself standing on the three-point line watching instead of getting the touches he was used to in the post.

Love's 16.4 points per game was his lowest average in five seasons. He shot a higher percentage of three-pointers (41 percent of his total field goals) than at any time in his career, and the 952 shots he took were the fewest of any of the last four full seasons he played.

Love occasionally admitted his discomfort and even logged a few complaints. James didn't like that.

After one such lamenting by Love following a November loss to San Antonio, James challenged him to go to the post and ask for the ball. "If he demands it, we'll give it to him," James said. That little skirmish is mostly forgotten, buried by the sands of an incredibly long season and by the rubble from the explosion of awkward between Love and James in February and March.

It started with James, who, reacting to a Love complaint about personal, on-floor struggles in February, called him out on Twitter by turning Love's own words against him.

In March, within the span of a couple hours on the same day, Love said on different, national TV shows that he and James were not "best friends" and that Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook - not James - should be MVP.

The "best friends" blast was in response to questions from ESPN's Mike & Mike spawned by a picture James posted of him and some Cavs teammates - but not Love - after a win with the caption #CliqueUp (thus, proving that the silliness of the Internet played a sizable role in all of this).

Two final jabs from James. The first was on the final day of the regular season when, asked by a reporter who he thought should be league's MVP, James said "Kevin Love." He was joking, but it was a nod to the recent past.

The second came a few days later when, prior to Cleveland's first-round playoff matchup with Boston, James challenged Love and Irving by stating that it was unknown how they'd react to playing in the first playoff series of their careers.

And maybe that's where this James-Love relationship turned, at least for James.

In the three games before the Celtics' Kelly Olynyk yanked Love's left shoulder out of place, ending his season, Love was averaging 18.3 points and 9.0 rebounds in the playoffs. He helped beat Boston in Game 3 with 23 points nine boards, and a crucial three-pointer late. James said after that game:

"I've always believed in him. I don't really get too involved in what everybody said. I know what type of player he is, what type of competitor he is. I know he relishes the opportunity to be a part of this franchise and be a part of the postseason."

Screen Shot 2015-07-01 at 8.06.32 PM.pngKevin Love's essay in the Players' Tribune. 

Love said in the Players' Tribune that watching the Cavs fight and lose Game 1 of the Finals to Golden State sealed it for him. He said he spoke with teammates (including one by a pool!) and with the front office.

"We're all on the same page and we're all in," Love said. "We have unfinished business and now it's time to get back to work."

The truth of the matter is both James and Love realize what the Cavs can be when whole. They crushed the NBA from mid-January until the Finals, battering teams in the regular season when healthy and grinding their way through the playoffs when injuries took away Love and Irving.

On Wednesday, the team completed (or neared) agreements worth at least $230 million to Love, Tristan Thompson, and Iman Shumpert, who are all now cemented in Cleveland for years. Irving's five-year, $90 million contract extension signed last summer kicked in at midnight.

Yes, when James and Love talked Cleveland winters by the pool, the conversation was all sunny.

Iman Shumpert, Cleveland Cavaliers were a distance apart in negotiations, until they weren't

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Iman Shumpert and the Cleveland Cavaliers made a quick agreement early Wednesday evening after seemingly being far apart earlier in the day.

FRESNO, Calif. - It was early afternoon in California when NBA sources suggested strongly that restricted free agent Iman Shumpert and the Cleveland Cavaliers weren't yet close in contract negotiations.

Yet less than two hours later, the sides agreed on pretty much what Shumpert's camp sought -- $10 million annually over four years, with a player option in Year 4. The Cavaliers did so after two wing players -- San Antonio's Danny Green and new Toronto Raptor DeMarre Carroll -- received deals better than $10 million yearly, in Carroll's case up to $15 million per season.

The Cavaliers were always in the driver's seat. They had the ability to match any offer to Shumpert, and apparently decided to reach across any financial divide and settle the issue.

The 24-year-old guard provided the Cavaliers tenacious, ball-hawking defense. It's what they so desperately craved on the perimeter before trading for him in January. From the start, his talents blended well with a star-studded cast centered on LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

In the playoffs James boasted about Shumpert's aggressive defensive tactics, saying he's going to be an All-NBA Defender in the league one day.

Hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo dealing with pressure: Cleveland Indians notes

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Hitting coaches and pitching coaches for struggling big league teams usually find themselves in the crosshairs of public opinion. So it is with Indians' hitting coaches Ty Van Burkleo and Matt Quatraro.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - When a front office and manager are as secure as they seemingly are in Cleveland, the heat of a poor season usually finds its way to the hitting and pitching coaches.

While Mickey Callaway's pitchers have been inconsistent through the first three months of the season, hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo and assistant Matt Quatraro have been spent a lot more time in the crosshairs of public opinion.

The Indians just finished the month of June with an 11-15 record. They hit .249 as a team and averaged just over three runs a game.

"You want to win games, you want to score runs and when you're not it's tough," said Van Burkleo, in his third season with the Indians. "We had a good May and a rough June. You like to see guys coming out of it so the last two days have been great."

The Indians beat the Rays 7-1 and 6-2 in the first two games of this series. It was just the second time this season they scored six or more runs in consecutive games. The Indians scored 79 runs in June, the second-fewest in the AL. They hit .209 (40-for-191) with runners in scoring position.

"We just had a lot of guys pressing," said Van Burkleo. "With runners in scoring position, the guys were trying to do too much. You just talk to them and try to calm their nerves and get them focused on just their approach and the process."

Regarding his job security, Van Burkleo said, "I work the same. I work hard and prepare and go about my business. You try to think of what things you can say to certain hitters when you're home at night.

"You talk to them the next day. You prepare every day."

The Indians are hitting .252 (645-for-2,557) through 76 games. In the American League they're eighth in average, 11th in runs (304), 10th in hits, second in doubles (143), 12th in triples (nine), 12th in homers (65), first in sacrifice hits (22), first in sacrifice flies (29), first in walks (275), third in strikeouts (530), third in on-base percentage (.325), 11th in slugging percentage and 14th in runners left on base (570).

Overall, they're hitting .225 (139-for-617) with runners in scoring position.

"Hitting is contagious, but so is not hitting," said Van Burkleo. "We just keep talking to the players about keeping the line moving. About not trying to do too much."

GM Chris Antonetti did not sound like a man about to make changes in the coaching staff when recently asked about the situation.

"I think our coaching staff has done a phenomenal job," said Antonetti. "They do everything in their power to try and prepare our team for success. The work as hard, if not harder, than any coaching staff I've been around.

"That's what we look for in our coaches - dedication and commitment to try and get guys to improve."

Flirting with perfection: On Monday, rookie Cody Anderson had a perfect game through 6 1/3 innings. On Tuesday, Danny Salazar was perfect through five innings before walking Tampa's Asdrubal Cabrera to start the sixth.

It was the first time, according to Elias Sports Bureau, that a team has had starters remain perfect through five innings since Jim McAndrew and Nolan Ryan did it for the New York Mets on June 24-25, 1969.

Clean it up: David Murphy made his ninth start Wednesday in the cleanup spot. He's hitting .342 (13-for-38) with two homers and eight homers in the middle of the lineup, but he's still trying to get his arms around the whole idea.

"I haven't done this much," said Murphy. "I did it once last year and maybe one or two other times in my career. At the end of the day, it's just another spot in the lineup."

The difference is that he's hitting behind Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley, who are on base a lot. Kipnis has a .421 on-base percentage and Brantley .373.

"It's not like I've hit a bunch of homers this year, so it's not like I'm going to start trying now," he said. "I'm just trying to be productive however possible."

Murphy is hitting .377 (40-for-106) with seven doubles, three homers and 17 RBI since May 9.

2015 Women's World Cup: Japan wins 2-1 on England's own-goal, will face US in final

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Laura Bassett scored into her own net during second-half stoppage time, giving Japan a 2-1 victory over England in a Women's World Cup semifinal.

EDMONTON, Alberta -- Laura Bassett scored into her own net during second-half stoppage time, giving Japan a 2-1 victory over England in a Women's World Cup semifinal.

The decisive goal Wednesday came when Japan's Nahomi Kawasumi drove up the right side and sent a cross into the middle for Yuki Ogimi. Bassett reached out with her right foot and caught the ball flush, inadvertently sending it toward her net. The ball struck the crossbar and bounced in just before goalkeeper Karen Bardsley could get across.

The defending champions advanced to play the United States in the championship game at Vancouver on Sunday. It's a rematch of the 2011 championship game in Germany, when Japan won on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw.

Bassett was inconsolable at the end of the match, lying flat on the ground, her face in the turf. She then needed assistance from teammates and her coach before leaving the field.

It was a torturous finish for the sixth-ranked Lionesses, who have made their deepest run in four World Cup appearances. England had never won an elimination game until this year.

England will remain in Edmonton to play top-ranked Germany in the third-place match Saturday. Germany lost 2-0 to the United States on Tuesday.

England lost despite controlling much of the second half against the fourth-ranked Japanese. And that was despite what Japan coach Norio Sasaki had said a day earlier, when he suggested his players were "superior."

The teams traded penalty kick goals seven minutes apart in the first half.

Aya Miyama opened the scoring in the 33rd minute by driving the ball into the open left corner while Bardsley guessed the wrong way.

The penalty was set up when Mizuho Sakaguchi's long kick from Japan's side of the field found Saori Ariyoshi free up the right side. As Ariyoshi got control of the ball, she was pushed from behind by Claire Rafferty.

The Lionesses responded on Fara Williams' penalty kick in the 40th minute. She threaded a shot just inside the left post, barely out of the reach of diving keeper Ayumi Kaihori.

That penalty came off corner kick to the right of the Japan net. Williams' kick into the area bounced between four players before Steph Houghton got control, took a step toward the net and went down when Ogimi appeared to catch the back of Houghton's foot.

England had the Japanese on their heels during a four-minute span of the second half.

Toni Duggan, from just inside the penalty area, had her line-drive kick go off the crossbar in the 62nd minute. A minute later, Ellen White was set up in the middle, and got a shot off that Kaihori punched away.

And in the 66th minute, Jill Scott headed Williams' corner kick just wide of the left post.

The game was played on Canada Day -- the nation's 148th birthday -- in front of a slow-arriving crowd. The attendance was announced at 31,467 in a stadium that holds more than 53,000. The crowd would've been would have been much larger had England not eliminated the host country in the quarterfinals last weekend.

The Lionesses have already created a buzz back home as just the third English team -- including the men -- to reach a World Cup semifinal, joining the 1966 champion and 1990 men's squads.

England began the day by receiving a royal pep talk from Prince William, who spoke to the players and staff by phone.

Manchester United and English national team captain Wayne Rooney has become a fan. Rooney posted a note of support on his Twitter account Wednesday, writing in part: "We're all behind you, let's go one step closer an get to the final."

Women's coach Mark Sampson also attempted to rally support by providing fans back home an excuse to be late for work Thursday.

Because the game didn't start until midnight in England, Sampson and the nation's Football Federation on Twitter posted a "late-to-work" form that's already signed by the coach.

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