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Cleveland Indians close mathematical first half at 38-43 after loss at Pirates: DMan's Report, Game 81

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The Indians went 5-5 on a three-city trip but lost the final two games against the Pirates.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Gerrit Cole allowed three runs in eight innings and Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run double in a five-run fifth as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cleveland Indians, 5-3, Sunday afternoon at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa. Cole improved to 12-3 with a 2.28 ERA.

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

Underwhelming: The Indians reached the mathematical halfway point of their season at 38-43. Given that the expectations coming out of spring training were high internally and externally, they rank among MLB's most disappointing clubs.

Unless the Indians magically become more consistent, particularly offensively, it is difficult to envision a turnaround dramatic enough to make the playoffs. But stranger things have happened, and the Indians have Terry Francona as their manager.  

Interesting route: The Indians closed their three-city trip at 5-5.

They opened by getting swept in a three-game series against Baltimore; swept a four-game series against Tampa Bay and won the first of a three-game series against Pittsburgh; and dropped the final two.

Bitter pills: The Tribe can talk about how a 5-5 trip is acceptable, especially when the three opponents are above .500 at the beginning of the respective series. But the Tribe needed to be, and could have been, better. Three games stand out as missed opportunities:

*June 26 at Baltimore (L, 4-3): Led, 2-1, after 5 1/2 innings with Corey Kluber dealing. And the score was tied, 3-3, after 7 1/2.

*Saturday at Pittsburgh (L, 1-0): Managed two singles in eight innings against lefty Jeff Locke, who is not to be confused with Steve Carlton. Locke retired the final 19 he faced. He pitched eight innings for just the second time this season.

*Sunday at Pittsburgh (L, 5-3): Led a terrific pitcher, Cole, 3-0, after 4 1/2 innings with Danny Salazar dealing. Cole retired the final 16 he faced (accounting for 17 outs).

Operation shutdown: On Saturday and Sunday, Tribe bats produced a combined three runs on eight hits, two walks and two HBPs. From the fourth through the ninth innings, they produced a total of three runners -- all in the ninth against closer Mark Melancon (walk, infield single, HBP).

So much for that: Salazar allowed one hit and walked one through four, but he did not make it out of the fifth.

His final line: 4.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, BB, 7 K (88 P)

Salazar's start unraveled because he failed to put away batters after being ahead in the count and because he made bad pitches to Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker and McCutchen.

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

FIRST INNING

(R) Josh Harrison -- 93 fastball called strike; 96 fastball outside; 95 fastball swinging strike; 96 fastball, swinging strikeout (up and in).

(L) Neil Walker -- 94 fastball bunt foul; 95 fastball high and outside; 85 changeup inside; 83 changeup swinging strike (down and in); 96 fastball down and in; 97 fastball, fly to left.

Skinny: Pitch to hit but Walker tardy.

(R) Andrew McCutchen -- 97 fastball outside; 88 slider outside; 96 fastball swinging strike; 86 changeup, grounder to catcher.

(14 pitches)

SECOND INNING

(R) Starling Marte -- fastball called strike; 94 fastball called strike (inside corner); 97 fastball outside; 86 changeup, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Salazar and catcher Roberto Perez masterfully set up Marte. It helped that the changeup was nasty. 

(R) Jung Ho Kang -- 87 changeup in dirt; fastball called strike; 84 changeup swinging strike; 96 fastball up and in; 86 changeup low; 97 fastball, swinging strikeout.

(L) Pedro Alvarez -- 95 fastball called strike; 97 fastball foul; 97 fastball, swinging strikeout.

(13 pitches)

THIRD INNING

(R) Jordy Mercer -- fastball high; 95 fastball high; 95 fastball down and away; 95 fastball called strike; 95 fastball outside, walk.

(R) Chris Stewart -- 95 fastball up and in; 96 fastball called strike; 96 fastball called strike; 86 changeup in dirt; 95 fastball, single to left (inside).

Skinny: Good piece of hitting results in bloop.

(R) Gerrit Cole -- 95 fastball bunt foul; 96 fastball outside; 94 fastball bunt foul; fastball, fielder's choice/3-5.

(R) Josh Harrison -- 96 fastball foul; 96 fastball foul; 87 changeup, swinging strikeout (in dirt).

(L) Neil Walker -- 85 changeup down and in; 85 changeup foul; 96 fastball swinging strike (catcher Roberto Perez throws to shortstop Francisco Lindor to pick off Stewart).

(20 pitches)

FOURTH INNING

(L) Neil Walker -- fastball called strike; 81 curve foul; 96 fastball foul; 86 changeup, swinging strikeout.

(R) Andrew McCutchen -- 85 changeup low; 95 fastball outside; 96 fastball away; 95 fastball called strike; 96 fastball called strike; 96 fastball, swinging strikeout (at belt)

(R) Starling Marte -- 87 changeup swinging strike; 87 changeup swinging strike; (Marte winces because of discomfort in right side); 97 fastball foul (outer thiird; emergency hack); 87 changeup in dirt; 87 changeup foul. (Marte exits game); (L) Gregory Polanco -- 97 fastball, grounder to short.

(16 pitches)

FIFTH INNING

(R) Jung Ho Kang -- 95 fastball foul; 96 fastball called strike; 96 fastball outside; 86 changeup in dirt; 86 changeup, single to left (down and away).

Skinny: Good piece of hitting results in looping liner over leaping Lindor.

(L) Pedro Alvarez -- 93 fastball outside; 95 fastball foul (outer half); 96 fastball swinging strike (above belt); 97 fastball, two-run homer to left (Perez set up outside; outer third at thighs).

Skinny: Why Salazar and Perez did not opt for a 1-2 changeup away is puzzling. Exclusive fastballs worked in the second inning, and the Indians didn't think Alvarez could catch up to Salazar's heater and didn't want to speed up his bat. Still, Alvarez is bound to run into one if given enough consecutive chances, especially when provided swinging room.

(R) Jordy Mercer -- 95 fastball foul; 96 fastball foul; 86 changeup down and away; 87 changeup down and away; 96 fastball outside; 95 fastball, fly to right.

(R) Chris Stewart -- 96 fastball called strike; 86 changeup foul; 81 curve, single to shortstop (up middle).

Skinny: Stewart initially was called out after terrific play by Lindor; Pirates won challenge. Salazar is too good not to put away Chris Stewart when ahead, 0-2.

(R) Gerrit Cole -- 94 fastball, sacrifice bunt to pitcher (Stewart to second).

(R) Josh Harrison -- 84 changeup swinging strike; 86 changeup down and away; 95 fastball called strike; 85 changeup, single to third.

Skinny: Harrison's slow chopper was a bad break for Salazar. At the same time, another Pirate found a way to reach after count 0-2 or 1-2.

(Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway visits mound.)

(L) Neil Walker -- 95 fastball, RBI single to left-center (outer half).

Skinny: Walker, a hot hitter, was sitting on the first-pitch fastball after a pitching coach visit. Location helped him serve it the opposite way. 

(R) Andrew McCutchen -- 85 changeup, two-run double to center (hanger).

Skinny: Good idea to open off-speed, bad execution. Salazar's worst pitch of the day was the equivalent of a batting-practice fastball.

(25 pitches)

(Nick Hagadone relieves Salazar.)


Cavaliers considering trade for Joe Johnson, report says, but could it cost them Anderson Varejao?

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The Cavaliers could be looking to replace J.R. Smith with Joe Johnson, but it may cost them, wait for it, Anderson Varejao to do it.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers could be looking to replace J.R. Smith with Joe Johnson, but it may cost them, wait for it, Anderson Varejao to do it.

That's the word from ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who says the Cavs are considering a trade for Brooklyn's six-time All-Star swingman.

However, because Johnson, 34, makes a whopping $24.8 million, to make the deal work, the Cavaliers would have to give up more than Brendan Haywood's $10.5 million, cap-relieving contract. That's where Windhorst says Varejao could come into play. Varejao is a favorite of fans and LeBron James alike, but he's also coming off an Achilles injury and his $9.6 million contract could be attractive to a Nets team desperate to shave millions off its payroll by dumping Johnson.

The Nets, by the way, talked to the Memphis Grizzlies about a trade involving Johnson earlier in the offseason, ESPN reported.

The possibility of moving Varejao may also be the reason for the Cavaliers' interest in power forward David West, Windhorst suggests. After all, signing West makes curious sense if you intend to keep both Tristan Thompson (at a potentially max price) and Varejao. Not, especially, when you just signed Kevin Love to a five-year contract and have Timofey Mozgov firmly in place as your starting center. 

The interest in West, of course, could also just be a negotiating tactic as talks between the Cavs and Thompson have stalled.

Johnson averaged 14.4 points and shot 36 percent (121 of 337) from three-point range last season. If acquired, it would likely mean the end of Smith's time in Cleveland. He turned down his $6.4 million option with the Cavaliers and it doesn't appear they are interested in committing to him long term.

Faith in defense paying dividends for Tribe pitchers: Cleveland Indians notes

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"Our defense has really improved in the last three or four weeks. I think they're really starting to trust that they can let them put the ball in play now and get some outs."

PITTSBURGH -- A sufficient defense can make a good pitching staff great.

Entering Sunday's series finale in Pittsburgh, Tribe starting pitchers had racked up a 1.74 ERA over their previous six games. During that stretch, they held the opposition to a .135 batting average (21-for-156), with 38 strikeouts and six walks.

That strikeout rate (7.3 per nine innings) is actually down from the unit's mark for the season. Tribe hurlers relied on the club's defense this week.

"Our strikeout numbers have been down," said pitching coach Mickey Callaway. "But they're going out there, attacking and letting the other team put the ball in play and trusting our defense. Our defense has really improved in the last three or four weeks. I think they're really starting to trust that they can let them put the ball in play now and get some outs."

That timetable coincides with the promotions of third baseman Giovanny Urshela and shortstop Francisco Lindor to the big league roster. The rookies have given the Indians a defensive boost while replacing Lonnie Chisenhall and Jose Ramirez on the left side of the infield.

The two have also watched Tribe starters find a groove on the mound.

"The guys have been on a good roll," Callaway said. "They're feeding off of each other right now. They're doing the little things right. It makes it easy on them. They're not trying to strike every guy out."

Prior to Sunday's affair, Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer and Danny Salazar all possessed an ERA between 3.64 and 3.88. All but Bauer are averaging more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings.

"It's been great," said second baseman Jason Kipnis. "It's well-known what kind of staff we have here. They throw strikes. They compete. They strike people out. They keep you in the game. You know you're going to have a chance to win a ballgame every day. I don't think any position player could ever complain about that."

Renewal by Anderson: Count pitching coach Mickey Callaway and catcher Yan Gomes among those impressed by the first three big league starts submitted by Tribe righty Cody Anderson. The rookie has posted a 0.76 ERA through his first three outings, with one walk and two runs allowed over 23 2/3 innings.

"He seems to impress you every time, man," Gomes said. "He's a horse out there. He pitches. He's really aggressive -- gets ahead of guys. You can see some of the swings that guys are taking. He's not afraid to sometimes just try to pound the strike zone and see what happens."

Callaway marveled at Anderson's changeup, which he used routinely to keep the Pirates off-balance in Friday's outing. He limited Pittsburgh to one run on six hits across eight frames.

"There's deception. There's location," Callaway said. "That changeup is way above average. It's really good. He sells it well. He has good depth to it. His command with it, to be able to go in and out, east and west, with it, is something you don't see very often."

Day of rest: With no designated hitter spot available, Tribe manager Terry Francona omitted David Murphy from Sunday's starting lineup. Murphy, who has recently served as the club's clean-up hitter against righties, carried a .325/.368/.482 slash line into Sunday's matinee. As a pinch-hitter, he had collected eight hits in 24 at-bats (.333 average) with three home runs. He flied to center in his only at-bat on Sunday.

"I thought about a bunch of things," Francona said. "I thought about sitting Carlos [Santana] again, thought about sitting [Michael] Bourn again. With Murphy on the bench, he's such a good pinch hitter that maybe we can pick a spot."

End of an era: Giovanny Urshela's 13-game hitting streak came to an end in Sunday's 5-3 loss. The rookie third baseman grounded out in each of his three trips to the plate.

"The more I play, the more confident and comfortable I feel," Urshela said.

Courtney Force comes close to NHRA win No. 1 on the season at Summit Motorsports Park

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Lots of upsets and changes in the points standings following the NHRA drag races at Summit Motorsports Park.

NORWALK, Ohio - Upsets were the dominant theme for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals by the end of Sunday's finals.

The major NHRA event winners for the day were Doug Kalitta in Top Fuel, Jack Beckman in Funny Car and Greg Anderson in Pro Stock. But the upsets behind them were just as much a part of the story for the day at Summit Motorsports Park. Along with a near miss by Courtney Force in the Funny Car finals.

The only "true to form" victory of the day was by Kalitta who qualified No. 1 in Top Fuel and finished there. Force, who wanted to match fiance Graham Rahal's win in her home state last week, nearly did the same in Ohio.

In the end only one series leader dropped a spot, as Erica Enders fell behind the hard-charging Anderson in Pro Stock. But Jack Beckman drew closer to No. 1 Matt Hagan in Funny Car while No. 1 Top Fuel driver Antron Brown had to get past his boss, Tony Schumacher, in the semifinals to keep a fingertip grip on his lead.  

The only thing that kept Hagan in the top Funny Car spot was the fact his closest pursuers, Ron Capps and John Force, were on the upset sidelines along with Hagan by the end of the second round.

In Top Fuel, Brown and Schumacher were tied before Brown breezed past him to the finals. As for Pro Stock, Enders' surprising first-round exit, combined with both No. 2 Anderson and Jason Line advancing to the semis, guaranteed she would fall from her perch.

Cleveland Indians wrap up three-city road trip with 5-5 record

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Danny Salazar owns a 14.18 ERA in the fifth inning this season. That number increased after Sunday's outing, in which he surrendered five runs on six hits. That translated into a 5-3 loss and a 5-5 road trip for the Indians. Here is what Salazar, manager Terry Francona and second baseman Jason Kipnis had to say after the game.

PITTSBURGH -- Danny Salazar owns a 14.18 ERA in the fifth inning this season. That number increased after Sunday's outing, in which he surrendered five runs on six hits. That translated into a 5-3 loss and a 5-5 road trip for the Indians. Here is what Salazar, manager Terry Francona and second baseman Jason Kipnis had to say after the game.

Salazar, on what changed in the fifth inning:

"It wasn't a big difference. I think I made some good pitches and they got on base with it. I followed by game plan. The pitches they hit, those were pitches I wanted to throw there. We tried to throw the pitch there, except for [Andrew] McCutchen. That changeup didn't break too much. I felt pretty good. Sometimes, a game will turn around just like this."

Francona, on Salazar's outing, in which he allowed five runs on seven hits and a walk over 4 2/3 innings:

"He started out really good. I mean really good. And then in the fifth, first hitter gets him up 0-2, lets him fight back into the count and he actually hit a ball -- it was a ball -- for a hit. And then it got to [Pedro] Alvarez and he tried to elevate because he was ahead again, didn't get it up enough and he hit the home run.

Francona, on a 3-0 lead morphing into a 5-3 deficit in a matter of minutes:

"We were in a pretty good spot. In a National League game, they were down three and you could see over there, they're thinking about possibly going to the bullpen because they might have to. As soon as Alvarez hit the home run, that ended that. And they tacked onto it from there. I don't think [Salazar] made a lot of bad pitches. I thought they made a lot of adjustments the third time around. Some of those guys are pretty good hitters."

Kipnis, on how Sunday's game unfolded:

"I thought we did a good job of getting on [Gerrit Cole] early. With Salazar, you never know. Sometimes one run is all you need, because he can be just as dominant. He was good through [four] and then probably got a little tired. He started leaving a couple pitches over the plate and they have some good hitters in that lineup and they did what they were supposed to do with them."

Francona, on Salazar's fifth-inning struggles:

"Every game's different. How do you know the fifth inning, who's hitting, things like that? Good hitters especially, when they come around after you've seen them a couple times they are going to make adjustments. It's something we need to look at."

Salazar, on if he needs to make more adjustments when he faces batters for the second or third time in a game:

"Yes. I think I just need to keep on working and try to figure it out, and see if I'm doing something different than when I start a game."

Francona, on the Indians jumping ahead against Pirates ace Gerrit Cole (12-3, 2.28 ERA):

"I thought it was outstanding. We scratched and clawed and had very good at-bats and got a bunt down and drove it in. That guy's got really good stuff. And you saw once they got the lead what he did with it. It's like he has another gear."

Salazar, on batting left-handed:

"I can throw pretty hard left-handed, too. That's the only thing I do left-handed. I'm afraid up there sometimes, because my right elbow is in front. But, I don't find my way batting right-handed."

Kipnis, on the 5-5 road trip:

"The way it started, pretty happy, if you're going off the Baltimore series. I think we have a better idea of what kind of baseball we need to play to win games. Pittsburgh is a good team. We're not going to hang our heads just because we lost this series. I think we're figuring it out and playing better baseball. We're going to need more wins coming down the road here."

Upsets rule at NHRA: Kalitta, Anderson, Beckman, Force all benefit

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Upsets are the order of the day for NHRA drag races at Summit Motorsports Park.

NORWALK, Ohio - Upsets were the dominant theme for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals by the end of Sunday's finals.


The major NHRA event winners for the day were Doug Kalitta in Top Fuel, Jack Beckman in Funny Car and Greg Anderson in Pro Stock.

"When you win your sponsors event that's pretty good,'' Anderson said. "That sounds like a good day at the office. A tough day of racing, but a fun day of racing. We got it right today."

Still, the upsets behind Anderson and the rest were just as much a part of the story, allowing a lot of movement in the standings, including a Funny Car bump for previously struggling Courtney Force.

The only "true to form" victory of the day was by Kalitta who qualified No. 1 in Top Fuel and finished there, taking out series points leader Antron Brown in the finals.

"There was never a doubt in my mind,'' said Kalitta, who noted it was only the second time ever his mother had seen him race. "It was our opportunity today to win. A great weekend."

Kalitta also moved from sixth in the Top Fuel points race to third, but Brown still leads with 925 ahead of Tony Shumacher No. 2 (905) then Kalitta (791).

In the end only one series points leader dropped a spot, Erica Enders to hard-charging Anderson (1065-1005) in Pro Stock. He has won five of the last six events to take over the lead.

196-JackBeckmanAction-Sunday-Norwalk.JPGJack Beckman picks up a Funny Car victory Sunday over Courtney Force at Summit Motorsports Park. 

Jack Beckman, now third, drew closer to No. 1 Matt Hagan in Funny Car as all the  drivers around him suffered early defeats by the end of the second round, as Beckman advanced.

As for Pro Stock, Enders' surprising first-round exit, combined with both No. 2 Anderson and No. 3 Jason Line advancing to the semis, guaranteed she would fall from her perch.

"It hooked right on me right away,'' Enders said of her start. "The track was tricky."

As for the big winner, consider that to be Force, who began the weekend on the outside looking in, on many levels. She was not only looking for her first event win of the season, but also to get inside the Top 10 of the Funny Car points race.

She advanced with impressive runs against Ron Capps, Hagan and Del Worsham to the finals against Beckman, then seemed to have that one, too.

Force was fastest off the line against Beckman, and a nose in front halfway down the strip. But Force suddenly began to smoke the tires, then lost grip as Beckman smoothly drove to the victory.

Still, Force got enough points on the day to pull within five points of the Top 10, along with her first trip to the finals in 2015, and some much-needed inspiration going forward.

"We had a great pass and had Beckman covered the whole way,'' Force said. "We had a fast race car, but it spun down track. I tried to pedal it, but he was already crossing the finish line for the win.

"But at this point, this is exactly what we needed. We are climbing up the ladder and getting those points.''

In the end, Beckman took out the entire Force team on the day; John Force in the first round, Robert Hight in the second round and Courtney Force to earn the victory.

"This race was awesome,'' a satisfied Beckman said.

Did you know: The fourth pro event, Pro Stock Motorcycles, had a pair of women advance to the finals for just the second time in series history. True to the day's upset theme, Karen Stoffer who qualified 12th, upset her way to the victory. She lined up against Angelle Sampey at the end, who qualified 14th. Then sprinted to the victory.  

2015 Women's World Cup: USA's Carli Lloyd makes three goals in first half of final vs. Japan (videos)

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What a way to get a hat trick!

A hat trick? In the World Cup final? In the first 16 minutes of the World Cup final?

Carli Lloyd is having one of the best games in U.S. Women's National Team history, helping Team USA grab a 4-0 lead in against Japan with the World Cup title on the line. If you were slow to leave your holiday barbecue to get in front of the TV, you might have missed it. So here's the recap.

Goal No. 1:

Goal #2

And, finally, the ridiculous midfield shot that gave the U.S. a 4-0 lead and cemented the Delran, N.J. resident and former Rutgers star as the World Cup MVP:

In a word: Wow.

Or, in three letters: U-S-A!  

2015 Women's World Cup: US beats Japan 5-2 for record third title

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Carli Lloyd scored a hat trick as the U.S. burst to a four-goal lead in the first 16 minutes, and the Americans overwhelmed defending champion Japan 5-2 Sunday for their record third championship and first since 1999.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- Carli Lloyd came up big again. Three times.

And with it came the Americans' elusive third Women's World Cup title.

Lloyd scored a hat trick as the U.S. burst to a four-goal lead in the first 16 minutes, and the Americans overwhelmed defending champion Japan 5-2 Sunday for their record third championship and first since 1999.

A sellout crowd that included U.S. Vice President Joe Biden roared in approval for Lloyd's hat trick, the first ever in a Women's World Cup final.

"We just made history," Lloyd said. "I was on a mission."

When it was over, Lloyd collapsed to her knees and pumped her fists. Forward Abby Wambach bear-hugged teary-eyed coach Jill Ellis, lifting her off the ground.

Lloyd, voted the Golden Ball as player of the tournament, scored twice in a span of about 135 seconds as the U.S. led 2-0 by the fifth minute.

Lauren Holiday boosted the lead in the 14th and two minutes later Lloyd made it 4-0 with an audacious 54-yard, right-footed shot from midfield that sailed over goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

Japan closed on Yuki Ogimi's goal in the 27th and an own goal by Julie Johnston in the 52nd. Tobin Heath scored two minutes later for the Americans, who had struggled in the World Cup since winning the inaugural tournament in 1991 and then again at the Rose Bowl eight years later.

Christie Rampone, the only holdover from the 1999 team, lifted the trophy with Wambach, the 35-year-old former FIFA Player of the Year who lost her regular starting job with age. Wambach was among the most vocal opponents of FIFA's decision to play the tournament on artificial turf.

With FIFA President Sepp Blatter staying away during a U.S. criminal investigation of soccer officials, the trophy was presented by FIFA Senior Vice President Issa Hayatou of Cameroon, the head of African soccer's governing body.

Hope Solo won the Golden Glove as top goalkeeper of the tournament. She played despite critics who urged the U.S. Soccer Federation to drop her after she initially faced two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence from a June 2014 altercation at her half-sister's house, charges that were dismissed on procedural grounds.

The title also vindicated the U.S. Soccer Federation for its decision in April 2014 to fire coach Tom Sermanni, who had replaced Pia Sundhage the previous year, and replace him with Ellis, the British-born American who had been an assistant on the coaching staff.

Japan returned eight starters from the 2011 final, when it beat the U.S. on penalty kicks. The Americans, turning their roster over more, started just four of the 11 players who opened that game in Germany.

Lloyd, a 32-year-old midfielder, had come up big before, scoring the winning goals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic finals.

She put the U.S. ahead in the third minute off a corner kick from Megan Rapinoe, then made it 2-0 when she poked the ball between two defenders and past the Kaihori's outstretched arms.

Lloyd's third goal came when Kaihori came far off her line. The keeper backpedaled and got a hand on it, but it bounced into the goal.

It was also the fastest hat trick in World Cup history -- men or women -- and Lloyd became the first American since Michelle Akers in 1991 to score multiple goals in a World Cup final. The only other hat trick in a World Cup final was when England's Geoff Hurst scored three times against Germany in the men's 1966 final at Wembley.

Lloyd scored six goals in seven matches during the monthlong tournament, raising her international total to 69.

Holiday added her goal in the 16th minute, volleying a header by a Japanese defender.

Ogimi's goal in the 27th minute was the first Solo had allowed after five straight shutouts. The only other goal scored against her came in the first half of the tournament opener against Australia.

The United States went 540 minutes without conceding a goal, the longest streak in the World Cup since Germany went 679 scoreless minutes from 2003-11.

Japan's victory over the United States four years ago its first World Cup title and it came just months after the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan, killing more than 20,000 people and touching off the worst nuclear catastrophe since Chernobyl in 1986.

The United States has a 25-1-6 record against Japan, and a 3-1 advantage in World Cup meetings.

The tournament was been played while FIFA, soccer's international governing body, has been rocked by a widening American corruption probe that alleges bribery and racketeering worth more than $150 million involving high-ranking FIFA officials over a 24-year span.

___

AP sports writer Anne M. Peterson wrote this report.


MLB All-Star Game 2015 starting lineups: AL roster flush with Royals

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AL champion Kansas City will be represented in the starting lineup by outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon, catcher Salvador Perez and shortstop Alcides Escobar.

NEW YORK -- The All-Star Game will have a Kansas City flavor, just not as much as it appeared last month.

And the hometown Reds can celebrate a starter, too, despite Cincinnati's sorry season.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve passed Kansas City's Omar Infante in the final days of voting, leaving four Royals as starters for the All-Star Game.

Cincinnati's Todd Frazier leapfrogged St. Louis third baseman Matt Carpenter and will be in the NL starting lineup for the July 14 game at Great American Ball Park, according to final results announced Sunday.

AL champion Kansas City will be represented in the starting lineup by outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon, catcher Salvador Perez and shortstop Alcides Escobar. Four players ties the AL record for fan-elected starters, achieved nine times previously.

Kansas City had not had any starters since outfielder Jermaine Dye in 2000.

"Winning brings attention, and that's what we've been doing," Gordon said. "I think we play with a lot of energy, a lot of fun. People have noticed it."

Eight Royals were on track to start in vote totals announced June 15, but first baseman Eric Hosmer, third baseman Mike Moustakas and designated hitter Kendrys Morales also were overtaken.

"We're going to have a blast," said Royals manager Ned Yost, manager of the AL team. "The All-Star Game is an experience you never forget, and to do it with so many of our teammates there is really special."

Yost already has made one decision: Cain will play right field and Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels will play center. Trout will make his fourth straight All-Star appearance.

Seattle's Nelson Cruz, suspended for the final 50 games of the 2013 season for violating baseball's drug agreement, was elected to start for the second straight year. In the closest vote at any position, Cruz's 10.6 million votes edged Morales' 10.32 million at designated hitter.

Toronto's Josh Donaldson will start at third for the second straight year after receiving a record vote total of 14.09 million, topping Josh Hamilton's 11.07 million in 2012. Trout was second this year with 14 million.

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper set a mark for NL players at 13.86 million, topping the previous record of 7.62 million set three years ago by San Francisco catcher Buster Posey, who was elected to start again this year.

MLB said 620 million votes were cast, breaking the old mark of 391 million in 2012. The New York Yankees do not have any fan-elected starters for the first time since 2001.

At least two elected starters will miss the game because of injuries: Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton broke a hand on June 26, and Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera hurt his left calf Friday. In addition, the Cardinals' Matt Holliday, who finished third among NL outfielders behind Harper and Stanton, has been sidelined since straining a quadriceps on June 8 and is uncertain when he will return.

"I'm getting there," Holliday said. "I've got a few more hurdles to clear with my running, but I feel like I'm getting pretty close."

Each fan could cast up to 35 ballots in the first year of all-online voting. Pitchers and reserves will be announced Monday.

Altuve overturned a 232,000-vote deficit in Monday's update and finished with 9.63 million to top Infante, who was just shy of 9 million. Frazier trailed Carpenter by 2.5 million votes in mid-June and by 63,000 at the start of the week but finished ahead by 2.1 million.

"I was really nervous. I was excited. It was a huge comeback," Frazier said. "I'm pretty much on Cloud Nine."

NL starters include Arizona first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Miami second baseman Dee Gordon and St. Louis shortstop Jhonny Peralta, who also was suspended 50 games following MLB's investigation of the Biogenesis of America clinic.

Dee Gordon remembered attending All-Star Games when his dad, pitcher Tom Gordon, made the roster.

"In 2004 I got kicked off the field for trying to rob Home Run Derby homers," he said.

Danny Salazar done in by arch nemesis, the fifth inning, as Cleveland Indians drop second straight, 5-3

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For Sunday's matinee, the Indians watched "Danny Salazar and the Fifth-Inning Blues."

PITTSBURGH -- For Sunday's matinee, the Indians watched "Danny Salazar and the Fifth-Inning Blues."

The Indians flashed two thumbs up for the hurler's efforts through the first four frames. The fifth inning, however, has proven to be Salazar's kryptonite.

The Pirates spoiled the Indians' bid for a winning road trip, as they struck for five runs in the fifth frame. The Indians left PNC Park with a 5-3 loss.

Cleveland's lineup backed Salazar with an early advantage. Michael Bourn and Roberto Perez delivered two-out RBI singles in the second inning. Michael Brantley followed suit with a one-out RBI single in the third.

Salazar breezed through the first four frames. He tallied seven strikeouts and yielded only one walk and one hit. He struck out the side in the second and blew away batters with a fastball in the 95-97 mph range.

The right-hander imploded in the fifth. Jung-Ho Kang opened the inning with a single. He scored on Pedro Alvarez's two-run blast to left-center. Alvarez socked a 97-mph heater on the outer part of the plate.

With two outs and a runner on second, Salazar permitted three straight base knocks. Andrew McCutchen provided the definitive swing, as he clubbed Salazar's first offering to center for a two-run double. In all, Pittsburgh tagged Salazar for five runs on six hits in the fifth.

That handed Pittsburgh a 5-3 lead, which was plenty for Gerrit Cole. He limited the Tribe to three runs on five hits and a walk over eight innings. He set down the final 16 batters he faced, before Pirates closer Mark Melancon retired the side in the ninth.

What it means

The Indians wrapped up their 10-game road trip with a 5-5 record. The club dropped three straight in Baltimore, won four straight in Tampa Bay and then lost two of three in Pittsburgh.

Fifth-inning woes

Salazar owns a 14.18 ERA in the fifth inning this season, his highest mark for any inning in which he has logged at least one, full frame. His sixth-inning ERA of 4.50 is his second-highest showing. Opponents are batting .438 (28-for-64) against Salazar in the fifth.

Wreaking havoc

Bourn collected four RBIs over the weekend, which matched his total over his previous 30 games. Bourn did not register an RBI in the month of June. He has six hits in 15 at-bats (.400 average) in his last five games. He also stole a base on Sunday, his seventh steal in 11 attempts this season.

Getting defensive

With one out in the fifth and the Indians clinging to a 3-2 lead, Pirates catcher Chris Stewart slapped a grounder up the middle. Tribe shortstop Francisco Lindor made a sliding stop, popped up to his feet and fired a throw to first. Stewart was ruled out, but a successful manager challenge reversed the call.

In the seventh, Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison sent a chopper toward Lindor, who charged the baseball, corralled it, bobbled it and threw to first. Harrison was ruled safe. Tribe skipper Terry Francona challenged the call, but a review upheld the initial verdict.

Pain in the side

Pirates left fielder Starling Marte exited the game during his fourth-inning at-bat because of discomfort in his left side. Gregory Polanco finished his plate appearance and grounded out.

They came, they saw

An announced crowd of 36,812 watched the affair at PNC Park. It marked the Pirates' ninth sellout of the season.

What's next

The Indians begin a seven-game homestand on Monday evening. Houston will venture to Progressive Field for four games before the Oakland Athletics arrive for three. In Monday's series opener Tribe right-hander Carlos Carrasco (10-6, 3.88 ERA) will oppose Astros southpaw Dallas Keuchel (10-3, 2.03). Corey Kluber (3-9, 3.64) and Vincent Velazquez (0-0, 4.21) will battle on Tuesday. Trevor Bauer (7-5, 3.88) and Dan Straily (0-0, 7.71) will duel on Wednesday. Cody Anderson (1-1, 0.76) and Collin McHugh (9-4, 4.54) will pitch the finale on Thursday.

NFL.com ranks Mike Pettine 28th best coach: Cleveland Browns & NFL links

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NFL.com's head coach power rankings have Mike Pettine near the bottom.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mike Pettine came out of nowhere to land the Browns' head coaching gig in 2014. It was a tumultuous, lengthy coaching search that followed the firing of another out-of-nowhere hire a year earlier. The search ended with a complete front office shakeup that saw Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi gone and Ray Farmer promoted.

So it's kind of wild that Pettine is entering Year Two, coming off a surprising 7-9 season that saw the Browns briefly in first place, and he's the guy that looks the best of everyone in the front office. Except at NFL.com.

The site (as pointed out by Dawg Pound Daily) ranked all 32 NFL head coaches. The top is predictable: Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll and John Harbaugh go 1-2-3. Pettine checks in ahead of only three guys who have never coached an NFL game before and only Jay Gruden ranks behind him as far as head coaches with experience. Here's what writer Elliot Harrison says of Pettine:

"Pettine looked to have things turned around in Cleveland last season, getting off to a promising 7-4 start -- and then the bottom fell out. Turning to Johnny Manziel at quarterback didn't do anything to brighten the gloomy finish to the year. Pettine's defensive background should come in handy, as the Browns have plenty of young talent to work with, players -- like former first-round pick Justin Gilbert -- who, if they pan out, could make quite a difference going forward. However, Pettine must also prove he and his staff can work wonders with quarterbacks."

I think the Browns have something in Pettine. I think the players respond to him. I think he trusts his coordinators and position coaches to do their jobs. I think he knows how to win. He's not perfect and he has to prove it on the field, but I think there's something good there.

Are Gus Bradley (27th) and Bill O'Brien (23rd) that much better? They beat Pettine last season, so that should give them the nod at this point, but if Pettine can turn this combination of good defense and shaky offense into an eight-win team next season? Well, the Browns might have something in this guy.

(NFL.com: NFL coach power rankings)

More links

Is the Cleveland Browns Secondary as Good as Their Players Claim It Is? (Bleacher Report)

AFC North Q&A: How have other teams done what the Browns can't: find a QB? (ESPN.com)

Undrafted TE E.J. Bibbs has 'come out of nowhere,' Mike Pettine says (ClevelandBrowns.com)

See a lot of former Ohio State lineman Jack Mewhort in ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue"

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Mewhort said he thought he was getting punked when he was invited to appear in the issue.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It makes you wonder what a younger Jack Mewhort would tweet about this.

Three years ago, I wrote a story about Mewhort's intriguing thoughts on Twitter, hoping to give Ohio State fans a deeper look into the mind of a left tackle who would write things like, "Olympic event proposal for 2016: eating chips on the highway with the windows down."

Now Mewhort has given fans a look into everything else.

Entering his second season in the NFL, Mewhort is featured with two Indianapolis Colts teammates in ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue." It's not quite like Kevin Love's appearance on the cover.

As Mewhort told ESPN, when he was invited to appear in the issue, "I thought I was getting punked."

But it's real. All real. See the video below to watch the photo shoot unfold. 

 

Tristan Thompson's camp continues dialogue with Cleveland Cavaliers, but no agreement in sight

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Tristan Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to chatter, but not much is getting resolved.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Five days have passed during this free-agency period, and yet, no agreement has been reached between the Cleveland Cavaliers and restricted free agent Tristan Thompson.

Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert finished their deals early in the process, but a standstill persists in the Thompson negotiations.

Which begs the question: Why?

There was ample time to get this resolved. A verbal pact could have -- and probably should have -- been established before July 1, the opening day of free-agency. That was the case in Love's situation, I'm told.

So, in reality, it has been much longer than merely five days of failing to secure a deal.

When Thompson's agent, Rich Paul, took a calculated and educated risk by turning down Cleveland's four-year, $52 million extension in October, both parties knew where the other stood. Each had an idea of what it would take to hammer out an arrangement this summer. You have to believe figures were discussed throughout the season.

It happens all the time. However, Thompson still remains a restricted free agent.

On a brighter note, dialogue between the sides is active and ongoing. But according to a league source with knowledge of the proceedings, "There's a lot of talking, but no one is saying anything."

With talks stalled, it prevents the Cavaliers from executing the re-signing of LeBron James, whom Paul also represents. Paul has made it clear that Thompson is his main focus. Getting Thompson finalized is essential in moving the Cavaliers' offseason strategy along.

The longer James, the undisputed best player in the game, is dangling out there unsigned, it's only a matter of time before frustration starts to creep into the superstar if it hasn't already done so.

Teams are closely monitoring how this situation plays out and how the Cavaliers choose to handle it.

Thompson and the Cavaliers need one another. This has to get resolved in a timely and respectful fashion. There's time to do so, but with each passing day, they risk alienation and that's exactly what the rest of the league wants to happen.

Cleveland Browns 2015 training camp opens July 30 featuring 11 free practices in Berea

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Cleveland Browns 2015 training camp opens July 30 in Berea. Find full dates and times here. With camp possibly set to move to Columbus next summer, it could be the last full one at the Berea facility for awhile.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Will Josh McCown return to winning football this season? Will Johnny Manziel look better this summer than he did last year? Will first-round pick Danny Shelton be able to shore up the 32nd-ranked run defense? Will Cameron Erving beat out John Greco for the right guard spot?

These and other questions will begin to be answered July 30 when the Browns open training camp in Berea. The Browns announced dates and times for training camp Monday afternoon.

The camp, which is free and open to the public, will feature 11 practices over the span of a little more than two weeks ending on Aug. 15.

This year's training camp has an added sense of urgency not just because the Browns need to get back on the winning track, but because the club is poised to move training camp to Columbus next season. As it is, the Browns will conduct an Orange and Brown scrimmage Saturday, August 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ohio Stadium on the Ohio State campus. All 60,000 free tickets were accounted for in a matter of days.

In addition, the Browns will break up training camp this year by traveling to St. John Fisher College outside of Rochester, N.Y. for a pair of practices against the Buffalo Bills Aug. 17th at 10 a.m. and Aug. 18th at 6 p.m.

The two clubs will then head back this way for the second preseason game Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium.

For the training camp practices in Berea, fans may register online and print a free admission ticket. Browns 2015 season ticket holders can begin registering from July 14-16 and the general public can begin on July 17th at 10 a.m.

Tickets can be obtained on  www.ClevelandBrowns.com or the Browns Mobile App, which will also provide daily updates, including weather and additional information for each practice.

Fans can register for a maximum of three practices in Berea for up to five guests per session. Those wishing to attend more practices or bring larger groups  can contact the Browns ticket office directly (440-891-5050).

Last summer, the Browns' 13 training camp practices -- not including Family Day -- set the third-highest combined attendance since 2005 with a total of 43,740 fans, who came from 40 states, plus Washington, D.C.  Attendance for 12 of those sessions topped 3,000, while only 11 practices from 2005-2013 did so.

The Browns conducted their Family Day last year at the University of Akron's InfoCision Stadium in front of 20,673 fans.

Gates for camp open one hour before practice, and fans can enter the Browns training facility through the Beech Street entrance. Guest services stations will be available inside and out of the complex to assist fans.

Parking is available on the campus of Baldwin-Wallace University, near the intersection of Beech Street and Bagley Road.

The following events will also take place at camp, per the Browns release:

* On Saturday, Aug. 1, the Browns will be supporting the Northeast Ohio community through First and Ten by hosting the Annual Cleveland Browns Blood Drive, hosted at more than 10 sites across northern Ohio to benefit the American Red Cross.
 
* For the eighth consecutive year, the Cleveland Browns Foundation and Shoes and Clothes for Kids have partnered for the Back to School Campaign to raise awareness of kids' needs for new shoes and clothes in the Greater Cleveland area, with the goal of increasing donations to provide children shoes, clothing and learning supplies as they return to school.  Volunteers will be at camp entrances July 30-31 to collect new school supplies and monetary donations to support the initiative.
 
* On Saturday, Aug. 22, the team will host the Cleveland Browns Moms Clinic, an interactive and educational forum designed to educate mothers about how the game is being played safer and better than ever before. The event is one of a series of Football Safety Clinics for moms around the NFL, working directly with the Cleveland Browns and USA Football to improve the game of football. Registration details will be provided at a later date.

Browns fans may call Browns membership services (440-891-5050) for more information on registration and practice times. Details are also available at www.ClevelandBrowns.com, on Twitter by messaging @BrownsFanSquad or e-mailing tickets@ClevelandBrowns.com

Here are the dates and times, as released by the Browns:

  • Thursday, July 30: 9:30 a.m.-noon 
  • Friday, July 31: 9:30 a.m.-noon
  • Saturday, Aug. 1: 9:30 a.m.-noon
  • Sunday, Aug. 2: 9:30 a.m.-noon
  • Monday, Aug. 3: No practice
  • Tuesday, Aug. 4: 9:30 a.m.-noon
  • Wednesday, Aug. 5: 9:30 a.m.-noon
  • Thursday, Aug. 6: 9:30 a.m.-noon
  • Friday, Aug. 7: Orange & Brown Scrimmage, Ohio Stadium, Columbus
  • Saturday, Aug. 8: No practice
  • Sunday, Aug. 9: 10:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 10: 9:30 a.m.-noon
  • Tuesday, Aug. 11: 9:30 a.m.-noon
  • Wednesday, Aug. 12: No practice
  • Thursday, Aug. 13: Washington at Browns, 8, WEWS Ch. 5
  • Friday, Aug. 14: No practice
  • Saturday, Aug. 15: 10:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 16: Practice closed
  • Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 17-18: Joint practices with Buffalo Bills at St. John Fisher College, Rochester, N.Y.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 19: No practice
  • Thursday, Aug. 20: Buffalo at Browns, 8, ESPN/WKYC Ch. 3
  • Friday, Aug. 21: No practice
  • Saturday-Monday, Aug. 22-24: Practices closed

Cleveland Cavaliers Scribbles about Joe Johnson, Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson -- Terry Pluto (photos)

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Terry Pluto: Here's why a deal for Joe Johnson, including if Anderson Varejao is included, makes sense for Johnson, the Cavs -- and LeBron James.

CLEVELAND, Ohio  -- Scribbles in my Cavaliers notebook about Tristan Thompson, Joe Johnson and Anderson Varejao:

1. Before talking about the money, let's start with this question: Would you rather have Joe Johnson or J.R. Smith as a shooting guard? The basketball answer should be Johnson, the 6-foot-7 veteran who averaged 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and shot .435 from the field (.359 on 3-pointers) for New Jersey last season.

2. Johnson is durable, having missed only five games in the last two seasons. He's a good teammate, a quiet guy. His game should blend into what the Cavs need at shooting guard -- a guy who can shoot, but doesn't dominate the ball. He is also a decent defender. He can play some small forward.

3. For what it's worth, I've heard that LeBron James likes Johnson's game. If the Cavs don't bring back Smith, they need someone like Smith or Johnson. When Smith walked away from his $6.4 million player option for 2015-16, he pretty much signed his exit papers from the Cavs. The team doesn't think it's wise to commit long-term to the volatile Smith, and they are right about that. Smith wants a multi-year deal.

4. Now, the money. Johnson will be paid $25 million next season! OK, it's $24.8 million to be exact, but it's staggering. It's the second-highest contract in the NBA. But his contract has only one more season to run. So Johnson is a "one-and-done" proposition for the Cavs.

5. In case you are wondering, only Kobe Bryant ($25 million) will make more than Johnson next season.

6. The Nets are in salary cap prison and are a financial mess. They owe luxury tax. They are a bottom level playoff team. They are going nowhere. The math is complicated, but they can save about $50 million by dumping Johnson. In the summer of 2010, Johnson signed a 6-year, $124 million contract with the Hawks. That was the largest deal given any player at that time. This is the final season on that contract.

7. How can the Cavs add a $25-million player to the salary cap? They can trade Brendan Haywood's non-guaranteed $10.5 million contract for 2015-16 and Anderson Varejao to the Nets. Varejao will be paid $9.7 million in 2015-16. He is guaranteed $10 million in 2016-17 and has a non-guaranteed $10.3 million deal in 2017-18. According to salary cap rules, the $20.2 million sent away by the Cavs would be close enough to cover Johnson's contract.

8. Yes, James likes Varejao. But James also likes to win. And he knows that time is short. Varejao is coming off Achilles tendon surgery. In the last four seasons, Varejao has missed 56-17-57-41 games due to various injuries. What are the odds of him even playing 50 of the 82 games next season?

9. From a financial point of view, the Cavs can take on Johnson's $25 million for 2015-16. They could wipe out about $20 million owed to Varejao in the next two seasons. In 2016-17, Johnson's $25 million comes off the books.

10. You also can subtract whatever you were going to pay to add a Smith-like shooting guard, because Johnson fills that role. Entering the final year of his contract, Johnson also has tremendous incentive to play well in 2015-16 so he can prove his value to the Cavs or another team.

11. It's very possible that General Manager David Griffin has better options for the $10.5 million Haywood contract. I've heard rumors about the Cavs and Jamal Crawford of the Clippers. Griffin would probably love to find a way to turn Haywood's deal into a point guard and a wing player. So I'm not claiming the Johnson trade is extremely close.

12. But I am saying the Cavs are on the clock because Haywood must be traded in July. I'm saying Johnson makes some sense, despite the mega-dollars. As for what owner Dan Gilbert will pay in the luxury tax, I can't even guess.

13. As for the Cavs contract talks with Tristan Thompson, it's important to understand that it's more than Thompson and James being represented by Cleveland native Rich Paul. It's not James driving contract talks. It's the fact that Paul (and chief contract negotiator Mark Termini) are not afraid to take their time and drive good deals for their clients.

14. Last summer, Paul was in serious contract talks with Phoenix about Eric Bledsoe. The Suns offered $48 million for four years. As I wrote, the Suns considered that a fair deal. But Paul and Termini thought Bledsoe had a much higher value. The talks dragged on all summer. On September 24, 2014, the Suns gave Bledsoe a 5-year, $70 million deal.

15. Bledsoe was a backup in his first three NBA seasons, averaging 6.7-3.3-8.5 points for the Clippers. In 2013-14, he was traded to Phoenix, and averaged 17.7 points, shooting .477 from the field. But Bledsoe missed 39 games in that 2013-14 season because of a knee injury. He was a restricted free agent in the summer of 2014, just as Thompson is right now.

16. Bledsoe's agents held firm. The Suns met his target price of $70 million. Bledsoe then played 81 games for the Suns this season, averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists and shooting .447 from the field. He is a very good guard. My guess is both sides are now happy with the contract.

17. So Paul has that recent history of Bledsoe's contract behind him. His agency recently was able to secure a 4-year, $33-million deal for Kosta Koufos from Sacramento. The Ohio State product averaged 5.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 16 minutes a game as a back-up center in Memphis last season. I do like his game, and he would be more productive with more minutes.

18. Paul's agency also represents Norris Cole. The Cleveland State product is a restricted free agent. He was traded to New Orleans, and the Pelicans do want to keep him. He also would look good with the Cavs, but that would take some real complicated salary cap dealings to become a reality. Cole averaged 9.9 points and shot .444 from the field in 24 minutes a game for New Orleans.

19. As for what Johnson would cost the Cavs in terms of luxury tax this season, It's mind-boggling. But they already will pay a ton for the tax. Those figures will come out later this month,

20. For a look at the current NBA economy and why all the insane salaries, do read my story from this weekend.


Starting lineups, Game 82: Cleveland Indians vs. Houston Astros

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Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Monday's series opener between Cleveland and Houston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Monday's series opener between Cleveland and Houston.

Pitching matchup: Carlos Carrasco (10-6, 3.88 ERA) vs. Dallas Keuchel (10-3, 2.03 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. 2B Jason Kipnis

2. SS Francisco Lindor

3. CF Michael Brantley

4. DH Ryan Raburn

5. 1B Carlos Santana

6. C Yan Gomes

7. RF Brandon Moss

8. 3B Giovanny Urshela

9. LF Mike Aviles

Astros

1. 2B Jose Altuve

2. RF Preston Tucker

3. SS Carlos Correa

4. DH Evan Gattis

5. LF Colby Rasmus

6. 1B Chris Carter

7. 3B Marwin Gonzalez

8. C Jason Castro

9. CF Jake Marisnick

David West turns down Cleveland Cavaliers, agrees to deal with San Antonio Spurs

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The Cleveland Cavaliers' pursuit of David West has come up short as the free agent power forward reportedly agreed to terms with the San Antonio Spurs Monday evening.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers' pursuit of David West has come up short as the free agent power forward reportedly agreed to terms with the San Antonio Spurs Monday evening. 

West, a burly veteran, opted out of a $12.6 million contract for the 2015-16 season with Indiana to chase his first-ever NBA championship.

"At this point in my career, it's all about winning," West told WTHR.com in Indianapolis recently. "And again, I don't want to be in a position where we're just fighting to make the playoffs, I want to be in a spot where we can legitimately taste the finals."

Eastern Conference contenders Washington and Cleveland as well as NBA champion Golden State all reportedly offered more money. But the 34-year-old forward opted to join the Spurs for the veteran's minimum of roughly $1.5 million, continuing San Antonio's summer splash.

West will likely be the primary backup behind newly acquired LaMarcus Aldridge, serving as an important piece for San Antonio's second unit that lost swingman Marco Belinelli, Aron Baynes and Tiago Splitter this off-season.  

In 66 games, all starts, with the Pacers last season, West averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds.

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Houston Astros, Game 82

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Get live updates and chat with Indians beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes as the Indians and Astros begin their three-game set at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND -- Get live updates and chat with Indians beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes as the Indians and Astros begin their four-game set at Progressive Field.

Game 82: Indians (38-43) vs. Astros (48-36)

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

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

Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat targeting Jamal Crawford via trade

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The Cavaliers and Heat are exploring the possibility of trading for Jamal Crawford.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Northeast Ohio Media Group has confirmed an ESPN report that the Cavaliers are exploring the possibility of trading for one of the most electric sixth men in the league: shooting guard Jamal Crawford of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The club is looking into using the Brendan Haywood non-guaranteed $10.5 million salary to acquire the scoring specialist.

The 15-year veteran is a combo guard, capable of making plays for others and creating his own shot. He's one of the best ball-handlers in the league.

Crawford, 35, missed 17 games last season due to a right calf bruise. He will be entering the final year of his deal that pays him $5.7 million. He spoke to NEOMG on Monday and said he's in great shape, but he's not permitted to discuss potential trade scenarios.

"I'm 100 percent healthy, motivated and ready for next year," Crawford said. "I believe I have a big year in store. I'm just excited and ready for next season."

A Clippers official was adamant that Crawford wasn't being shopped, but that's not stopping teams from inquiring.

The Miami Heat also reached out to Clippers management to gauge what it would take to pry Crawford away, a league source informed NEOMG. His services are being courted to South Beach for scoring assistance and insurance in the event Dwyane Wade misses a game or two.

Crawford posted numbers of 15.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists during the 2014-15 NBA campaign. He's a two-time Sixth Man of the Year winner and is the NBA's all-time leader in four-point plays converted.

The chances of the Cavaliers re-signing J.R. Smith are small. He opted out of the final year of his deal and is seeking a three-year commitment. As of now, it seems the Cavaliers aren't willing to make that type of investment.

Jason Kipnis named Cleveland Indians' lone All-Star Game representative

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"I just think he's one of the best players in the league," Francona said. "And I think I'm probably not in the minority in saying that." Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Terry Francona said he wasn't going to pound his chest. He was going to boast, though.

He called it. Maybe this one projection wasn't enough of a stretch to make Francona some kind of clairvoyant or almighty visionary. Not to mention, Francona isn't exactly the type to publicly voice an unfavorable forecast for one of his players.

Still, Francona called this one.

On Monday afternoon, months after stressing that Jason Kipnis would play the 2015 season "with a vengeance," the manager stepped out onto the grass at Progressive Field and informed his second baseman that he will be representing the Indians at the All-Star Game.

"He's just been a force," Francona said of Kipnis, who carried a .341/.419/.506 slash line into Monday's series opener against Houston. "Whether it's at the plate, at second, on the bases, he's played the game with such a vengeance. It's been fun to watch. We've had our shares of ups and down as a team, and thankfully, he has been a force pretty much the whole time."

Kipnis, voted in by his peers, will be the club's lone representative next week in Cincinnati.

His 2014 campaign was marred by a balky side and hamstring and a slew of bad habits at the plate.

"[I want to be] part of the solution, not part of the problem," Kipnis said. "I think last year you could definitely write me off as more part of the problem."

Kipnis finished last season with a .240/.310/.330 slash line, with six home runs and 41 RBIs. He went the entire month of September -- 79 plate appearances -- without an RBI. He didn't hit the ball over the fence in his last 198 trips to the plate.

"His confidence had taken a hit, and it can happen anybody," Francona said. "This game can humble you so fast that, that's why it's so fun to watch him right now. Because it's been so impressive."

Francona believed in the player he watched in 2013, when Kipnis posted an .818 OPS and was selected to his first All-Star roster. So, when last season ended, the skipper knew his second baseman would have several months to heal his wounds, restore his pride and determine a plan to improve.

"I knew he was beat up physically, and I knew how angry he was about not being able to do what he thought he could do," Francona said. "I just didn't think it was sitting well with him. I just had a feeling that, again, knowing him, he was going to find a way to come back. He hasn't taken his foot off the gas, ever. I think part of that's him maturing as a player and a person."

Kipnis has proven his manager correct. Now he has another All-Star Game nod to show for it.

"I just think he's one of the best players in the league," Francona said. "And I think I'm probably not in the minority in saying that."

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