David Murphy has been scratched from Tuesday's lineup. No reason was immediately provided.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- David Murphy has been scratched from Tuesday's lineup. No reason was immediately provided.

Murphy was slotted in the No. 4 spot in manager Terry Francona's batting order. Instead, Jason Kipnis will take over as designated hitter and Mike Aviles will bat ninth and play second base.

Murphy has been the subject of trade rumors, with the Angels reportedly expressing interest in the outfielder. The non-waiver trade deadline is Friday at 4 p.m. ET. 

Murphy, 33, is batting .296 with a .781 OPS. He is making $6 million this season and the Indians hold a $7 million team option -- or a $500,000 buyout -- on him for next year.

The Indians' bench will be comprised of Yan Gomes and Ryan Raburn on Tuesday, barring any further movement.

LeBron James taking questions from fans.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Got a question for LeBron James?

The Cavaliers superstar said on Twitter that he would take questions from fans tonight at 7. And, although he initially said he'd continue for up to 30 minutes, James would up interacting until about 8 p.m. 

He was asked about everything from the superpower he'd like to have for a day (teleportation) to his most difficult defensive assignment.

My fans today is the day, I'll be doing "ask me anything" Q&A at 7pmEst for 15-30 mins. I've missed y'all. Talk soon #StriveForGreatness

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

The club has reportedly dealt veteran outfielder David Murphy to the Angels. The Indians will receive Double-A shortstop Eric Stamets in return.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have entered the trade deadline fray.

The club has dealt veteran outfielder David Murphy to the Angels. The Indians will receive Double-A shortstop Eric Stamets in return.

The Indians officially announced the trade at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Angels seem to have a monopoly on the veteran corner outfielder market. They have also acquired Shane Victorino from Boston and David DeJesus from Tampa Bay this week.

Murphy was scratched from the Indians' lineup less than an hour before the first pitch on Tuesday. The 33-year-old batted .296 with a .781 OPS, five home runs and 27 RBI for the Indians this season. Last year, his first with the Tribe, he hit .262 with a .703 OPS.

Murphy is earning $6 million this year. His contract comes with a $7 million team option for next year, or a $500,000 buyout. To clear a spot on their 40-man roster, the Angels designated former Tribe reliever Vinnie Pestano for assignment.

Murphy and Ryan Raburn formed a platoon for manager Terry Francona in the corner outfield spots and at designated hitter. He figures to do the same in Los Angeles with the Angels' new influx of outfielders.

Stamets, known for his defense, was hitting .248 with a .306 on-base percentage, .360 slugging percentage, three home runs and 23 RBI for Double-A Arkansas. The 23-year-old, a native of Dublin, Ohio, was the Angels' sixth-round selection in the 2012 amateur draft. He owns a career .262/.317/.351 slash line in 356 minor-league games.

MLB.com provided this scouting report on Stamets:

"A very polished infielder, Stamets combines tremendous defensive tools with good instincts and game awareness. He has well above-average speed, which helps to give him good range. Offensively, he isn't as accomplished and will need to improve at the plate to become an everyday shortstop in the big leagues. He makes a lot of contact, but it's rarely hard contact and he has minimal power.

Stamets' glove is good enough to get him to the Major Leagues. His bat will dictate if he can start or if he ends up as a utilityman in the future."

The Indians entered Tuesday's affair against Kansas City with a 15-game deficit in the American League Central and with eight teams standing in their way of the second wild card spot. 

In a Q and A session on Twitter, James also declared that the 2015-16 season will be his best, he is excited to reunite with guard Mo Williams, he wants to appear in a movie with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Lawrence and he wants to bring a championship to Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James answered fans' questions on his Twitter account on Tuesday evening. Topics discussed -- briefly, in 140 characters or fewer -- included whether Tristan Thompson will re-sign with the Cavs, whether he dreams of playing in the NFL one day, his favorite NBA cities to visit, his favorite Seinfeld episode and, of course, whether he will star in "Space Jam 2."

James also declared that the 2015-16 season will be his best; he is excited to reunite with guard Mo Williams; he wants to appear in a movie with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Lawrence; and he wants to bring a championship to Cleveland.

On Wednesday it was announced James is partnering with Warner Bros. in an "unprecedented arrangement," according to the entertainment giant.

The partnership is between Warner, James, and SpringHill Entertainment, the production company owned by James and run on a day-day basis by James' friend and long-time business partner, Maverick Carter.

Per the agreement, SpringHill will work on movies, TV, and original digital content for Warner. Warner Bros. owns the rights to "Space Jam," which starred Michael Jordan.

The fit for a sequel is obvious, and last month Warner Bros. filed new trademarks -- a possible sign of plans for new merchandise, according to Capital New York media editor Alex Weprin.

@KingJRob21 Maybe.......Guess we'll just have to wait and see. #LooneyToonsRock

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

As for Thompson, a restricted free agent, James expects him to remain in Cleveland for the long haul.

@YrNGiovanni @RealTristan13 Yeah of course he will. Means way too much to our team success!

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

If so, James will play alongside him and not those on the gridiron.

@Rudolphhh Naw they have more than enough over in that sport, don't need me! Love it still though

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

Here is a sampling from the rest of James' Q & A.

@brokecrayons I love what I do! And I wanna be the Greatest!

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

@JarrettFeldhaus Yeah that boi can hoop! Mo Gotti!

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

@benbriant3 Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Lawrence

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

@frannyleee Trainwreck, 40 year old virgin, Ol school, Friday, Coming to America

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

@Seinfeld2000 Aww man it's impossible to say 1 favorite. I'm actually watching it now as I speak to you guys. Haha

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

@T_Rawww_24 this coming season 15-16

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

@nathanmedi SA, GS, Bos, Atl, Mia offense

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

@FranzenLuca He's a problem on that court! Love him!

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

@charlie592013 I swear to you that I will try as hard as I can plus more!! I want to win and that's it.

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015

The Indians have talked to the Marlins about center fielder Marcell Ozuna. The Marlins, reportedly, are interested in the Indians' starting pitchers. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians need a center fielder and have reportedly talked to Miami about Marcell Ozuna, who hit 23 home runs for the Marlins last year, but is now in the minors.

Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reported that the Marlins aren't shopping Ozuna, but the Indians and several other clubs have called the Marlins about him.

Ozuna, 24, hit .269 (152-for-565) last year with 26 doubles, 23 homers and 85 RBI. He's played 79 games with the Marlins this year, hitting .249 (74-for-297) with four homers and 26 RBI.

It's also been reported the Miami has sent scouts to check out the Tribe's starting pitchers.

GM Chris Antonetti is on record as saying he's not motivated to trade any of his starting pitchers. The non-waiver trade deadline is 4 p.m. Friday.

Ozuna has played parts of three seasons in the big leagues.

When asked about Ozuna, Antonetti said, "We are having a lot of discussions. Some that have become public and others that haven't."

The Indians have also been linked with Carlos Gomez, Milwaukee's center fielder. He's signed through 2016.

Gomez, who has spent some time on the disabled list this year, is hitting .266 (74-for-278) with eight homers and 42 RBI. He has a .761 OPS.

The Indians have several minor-league center field prospects, but they don't appear to be ready to start in the big leagues. Michael Bourn, their opening day center field, has been reduced to a bench role.

Weary elbow: Nick Hagadone's left arm has been through a lot -- Tommy John surgery in 2008, a broken radius in 2012 and now a broken bone in the elbow suffered during a rehab assignment over the All-Star break at Class A Mahoning Valley.

"I did it on one pitch," said Hagadone, recovering from a strained lower back at the time of his rehab appearance. "It was the fourth pitch of my rehab outing. It felt like my elbow exploded. It's not really what you want to feel when you're on the mound."

Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery on Hagadone's elbow on July 23. He re-attached the fractured medial epicondyle bone to his left elbow with a screw.

He'll be sidelined six to nine months.

"A tendon pulled off the bone and took a piece of the bone with it," said Hagadone.

Hagadone felt fortunate he didn't need another Tommy John surgery.

"That would have taken longer to come back from," he said. "I just consider this part of the job."

New arm: The Indians have a new left-hander in the bullpen.

They purchased the contract of Michael Roth from Class AAA Columbus. First baseman Jesus Aguilar was optioned to Columbus and Hagadone was moved from the 15 to the 60-day disabled list

The Indians signed Roth to a minor-league deal over the off-season. He opened the season in the Columbus' rotation and went 7-6 with a 4.16 ERA.

Roth pitched out of the pen for the Angels in parts of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He was the Angels' ninth-round pick in 2012. The Indians drafted him in the 31^st round in 3011, but he did not sign.

It's unclear how long Roth will be with the Indians. He was scheduled to start Tuesday in Columbus, but manager Terry Francona wanted some protection because his bullpen has seen a lot of use during this homestand.

Roth said he would have no trouble working out of the pen.

"It's a different approach as far as preparation goes, but not as far as pitching goes," he said. "You're going out there to get outs, to count outs. You try to go after each guy and be aggressive."

Roth gives the Indians two lefties along with Marc Rzepczynski, who has pitched in four of the last five games. With Hagadone injured and Kyle Crockett at Columbus, Roth gives Francona another option, no matter how long he'll be here.

"Roth isn't here to go left-on-left or anything like that," said Francona. "He's here to give us length out of the bullpen and protect us in case something happens."

Francona said it wasn't that critical to add another lefty reliever because right-hander Cody Allen, Jeff Manship, Bryan Shaw and Ryan Webb have been effective against lefties.

Finally: Nick Swisher continued his rehab Tuesday night at Class AA Akron. Swisher started in right field on Monday and went 0-for-3 with one strikeout. ... Trevor Bauer is among 15 big league players nominated for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award. Swisher and Justin Verlander are previous winners for the award named after Indians' Hall of Famer.

It is the second loss in a row for the RubberDucks.

The RubberDucks' woes at the plate continued Tuesday night as they managed only six hits in a 6-3 loss to the Bowie Baysox in a Class AA Eastern League game at Canal Park in Akron.

The Indians' Nick Swisher, on a rehab assignment, got his first hit with the RubberDucks, a single to right field in the first inning. Swisher finished 1-for-3 with a run scored.

No other RubberDucks player had more than one hit, although third baseman Yandy Diaz had a two-run double.

That came in the third inning with Akron trailing, 4-0. Shortstop Ryan Rohlinger started the inning with a single, and catcher Jake Lowery followed with a double. With one out, Swisher was hit by a pitch from Baysox righthander Joe Gunkel (7-3, 3.20 ERA) to load the bases.

Diaz then came through with a double to bring in two runs. Swisher scored on a groundout by outfielder Bradley Zimmer to make it 4-3.

It was a tough game for Zimmer, the Indians' No. 1 draft pick in 2014, who went 0-for-4 and dropped a fly ball in center field with two outs in the third inning that allowed three runs to score.

Akron would get no closer as Bowie extended its lead with a run in the fourth and another in the seventh.

Akron starter Jordan Cooper (0-2, 3.79) took the loss, giving up five runs, two earned, on five hits in 4 2/3 innings.

The Indians have lost eight straight at home for the first time since 1975.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Eric Hosmer went 3-for-4 with an RBI single in the fourth inning and solo homer in the ninth as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Cleveland Indians, 2-1, Tuesday night at Progressive Field. Tribe righty Trevor Bauer allowed five hits in his first career complete game.

Here is a capsule look at Game 99 after a DVR review of the Fox SportsTime Ohio telecast:

Favor needed: Those who watched the game in-person or on television, please explain in the comments section of this post how the Indians managed to lose.

Cold-blooded: First baseman Hosmer, in 11 games against the Tribe this season, is a tidy 19-for-45 (.422) with five homers and 19 RBI.

Reeling: The last-place Indians (45-54) have lost six straight, all at Progressive Field.

They have lost eight in a row at home, where they are 19-32. The home losing streak is the franchise's longest since 1975.

Rolling: The first-place Royals (61-38) have won four straight.

Mind-boggling: The Indians lost despite:

*Bauer pitching, on balance, superbly.

*Royals righty Chris Young throwing 96 pitches and lasting 4 2/3 innings.

*Holding an 8-5 advantage in hits and 4-1 advantage in walks. (The Royals led in HBPs, 1-0.)

*Stealing not one, not two, not three, but....six bases.

*Tribe center fielder Michael Bourn, seemingly determined to earn $13.5 million in one night, going 2-for-3 with a walk, three steals and a run.

Bauer power: Bauer allowed five hits, walked one, hit one and struck out six. He threw 78 of 112 pitches for strikes, including 26 of 32 on the first pitch. 

Bauer dominated the Royals for eight innings, allowing one run on four hits.

The run came with an asterisk. With two outs, Lorenzo Cain hit a drive to deep right that Brandon Moss initially caught on the run at the track. But the ball popped loose after Moss banged into the wall. Cain was credited with a triple.

Hosmer fought off a 1-1 fastball and dumped it over shortstop Francisco Lindor for the RBI single to make it 1-0. It was the second time that Hosmer muscled a fastball on the inner third into left for a single.

With one out in the ninth and the score tied, 1-1, Cain reached when his grounder shot through Tribe second baseman Mike Aviles's legs. On a 2-2 pitch inside to Hosmer, Cain was erased attempting to steal because of a terrific throw by catcher Roberto Perez.

The Tribe's celebration was short-lived.

The next pitch was a curve down and on the inside corner, and Hosmer parked it over the right-field wall for his 11th.

Hosmer is the one player on the Royals whom the Indians can't allow to beat them. Yet he did. In a 3-2 count against a right-hander with none on and two outs in the ninth.

Kendrys Morales grounded Bauer's 112th pitch of the game to first.

"It's just been one of those years, man, where you just can't get anything rolling. You're always one step forward, two steps back. It's been a tough one. It's very tough to sit here and be in here and go through it, because I know what we go through and I know how much we all care. I know how much we all want to win. I know how much we all want to bring fans to the stadium and give them something to root for, but it's just not getting done."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Chris Antonetti knows where his team stands.

Well, maybe the team isn't really standing at all. After all, the Indians have been kicked in the shins this week by Chicago and Kansas City.

Six straight losses have dropped the club to nine games below the .500 mark. The Indians sit at the bottom of the American League Central and near the bottom of the AL in general.

And so now, with the non-waiver trade deadline looming at 4 p.m. ET on Friday, the club is peering toward next year. On Tuesday, the Indians dealt veteran outfielder David Murphy to the Angels, who lead the AL West. 

"I don't think we anticipated being in this spot," Antonetti said after Tuesday's 2-1 loss, the club's eighth straight at Progressive Field, "where we would be trading a veteran like Murphy, who is not only a contributing player on the field, but a great guy in the clubhouse and has been a big part of our team the last few years. This is the situation we're in now and there was an opportunity for us to get back a player we liked and also, as important, may provide an opportunity for a younger player to come up and get some at-bats."

In exchange for Murphy, the Indians received minor league shortstop Eric Stamets. He will report to Double-A Akron. Stamets owns a career .262 average over parts of four minor league seasons.

"He's a defensive-oriented shortstop," Antonetti said. "He's a really good defender at short and is developing with the bat. He's a guy that will add depth to our upper-level infielders in our system."

Of course, Antonetti didn't expect to have to resort to this kind of deal. He anticipated that the Indians would be buyers at the deadline. A week ago, he said, the team was seeking additions to the roster.

"We were looking at all options and actively pursuing ways to add players to our major league team that were short-term fits," Antonetti said. "I think our focus is a little bit more long-term, though we're still discussing players coming back to our major league team, but only players whose control extends beyond this year. So, it's shifted our focus a little bit."

That shift, Antonetti said, is "really disappointing."

"The most important thing is that we make something of it," he said, "and play as well as we can for the balance of the season and make sure that we enter 2016 in a better spot than we are in right now."

Can it get any worse? The Indians' eight-game losing streak at home is the franchise's longest since 1975. The club sits 16 games behind division-leading Kansas City.

"Nobody's happy. Nobody's enjoyed this season," said outfielder Brandon Moss. "Even [Jason] Kipnis can't enjoy the season he's having, because of the way we've played as a team. It's just one of those things where, the more you try, the more you try, the more you try, the more adjustments you try to make, we're just not making them. Whether we try to make them, whether we go up there with a different approach, everything seems to fall apart. You have a game like last night where it's played like it was, and then you have a game like tonight where you can't score, and are limited to a few scoring opportunities, but then don't get it done. One bad break and we could still be playing, but we're not.

"It's just been one of those years, man, where you just can't get anything rolling. You're always one step forward, two steps back. It's been a tough one. It's very tough to sit here and be in here and go through it, because I know what we go through and I know how much we all care. I know how much we all want to win. I know how much we all want to bring fans to the stadium and give them something to root for, but it's just not getting done."

Here's what Terry Francona, Chris Antonetti and Brandon Moss had to say about Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Kansas City, the trade of David Murphy to the Angels and what went wrong this season. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The direction of Tuesday night's game changed on one pitch. The direction of the Indians' season changed in one homestand.

In the ninth inning, catcher Roberto Perez threw out Kansas City speedster Lorenzo Cain at second base on an attempted steal for the second out of the inning. There were two out and Trevor Bauer had a 3-2 count on Eric Hosmer with the score tied, 1-1.

The crowd was still buzzing about Perez erasing one of baseball's fastest men when Bauer threw a curveball that Hosmer drove into the right field seats for s 2-1 lead. The Tribe still had three outs left, but the game was over as Hosmer circled the bases.

"A 3-2 breaking ball, coming on the heels of Roberto coming out of there with a bazooka (to get Cain)," said manager Terry Francona. "You talk about a change of emotion, one pitch, that's just a really good hitter."

The Indians are 0-6 on this homestand. They've been outscored, 37-10, and trail the first-place Royals by a season-high 15 games in the AL Central.

Before the game, the Indians traded outfielder David Murphy to the Angels for a minor league shortstop. More players could be dealt before Friday's 4 p.m. trade deadline or the Aug. 31 waiver deadline. But from a competitive standpoint, this season is over.

GM Chris Antonetti

"I don't think we anticipated being in this spot, where we would be trading veteran like Murphy, who is not only a contributing player on the field, but a great guy in the clubhouse and has been a big part of our team the last few years."

On when the Indians went from being buyer's to sellers

"A week ago at this point, we were looking at all options and actively pursuing ways to add players to our major league that were shot-term fits. I think our focus (now) is a little bit longer term, though we're still discussing players coming back to our major league team, but only the players whose control extends beyond this year. So it's shifted a little bit."

Francona on Bauer's first complete game the big leagues.

""I thought he was really good. That was one of the better games. He filled up the strike zone from the very beginning. He changed speeds. I really thought he pitched a [great game]. That was one of the better games we've seen [from him]."

Explanation: Bauer allowed two runs on five hits in nine innings. He struck out six and walked one and threw 70 percent of his 112 pitches for strikes.

On the Indians stealing six bases, including three by Michael Bourn.

"I just think our core guys, Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis, they're taking it upon themselves to try to stay aggressive and set a tone

On Bourn stealing second and third base in the fifth inning and scoring the Indians only run on catcher Salvador Perez's throwing at third.

"That was so exciting to see. Creating a run with his legs, I was fired up when we saw that."

On Brandon Moss's near catch of Cain's triple in the fourth inning.

"That was an unbelievable play. If you're a fan watching the game, that's what you pay for, but it wasn't real fun from our standpoint. But that was a heck of a play."

Explanation: Moss put a glove on Cain's drive to the gap in right center field, but dropped it when he hit the fence. Second base umpire Eric Cooper ruled it a non-catch and Cain was at third with a triple.

The Indians challenged the plate, but the decision on the field stood. Hosmer followed with a single to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.

Brandon Moss.

Did you catch the ball?

"Yeah, I felt like I did. I really did. It wasn't moving around in my glove. I took three or four steps, hit the wall and after I bounced off the wall, it came out.

"I understand that he (Cooper) is all the way at second base and it's tough to see . . .And if you go to replay, it's got to be overwhelming evidence to overturn it."

On the front office pointing toward next year as trade deadline approaches.

"The front office is playing the hand that they've been dealt. We've definitely under performed . . .As far as how we've played, nobody is happy. Nobody's enjoyed this season. Even Kip (Jason Kipnis) can't enjoy the season he's having because of the way we've played as a team.

"It's just one of those things where the more you try, the more adjustments you make, we're just not making them. Whether we try to make them, whether we go up there (to the plate) with a different approach, everything seems to fall apart."

What do you think happened?

"It's been one of years, man, where you just can't get rolling. You're always one step forward, two steps back. It's been a tough one. It's very tough to sit here and be in here and go through it because I know what we go through and I know how much we all care."

The Ohio State Buckeyes won it all by turning setbacks into advantages. Now they look to repeat.

CHICAGO -- Urban Meyer has never successfully defended a football national championship.

Nor has Ohio State.

Meyer is 0-for-2, both at Florida with a third, maybe charmed try, coming up at Ohio State this season. The Buckeyes are 0-for-8 in the titles they claim.

All of that could change.

As Big Ten coaches and players gather in Chicago on Thursday for the ceremonial start of the season, who can stop the Buckeyes?

The amazing thing is that Ohio State has had so many serious steps backward, season-defining stuff, even an era-changing reverse, in 2014 and before that, yet the program has emerged all the stronger.

The coach

It can be called many things, among them good coaching, great recruiting, serendipity and pure, dumb luck, but the rebuilding began after the Buckeyes' great coach Jim Tressel was forced out in a scandal involving tattoos and the coach's honesty.

Amazingly, an even greater coach, Meyer, refreshed after a one-year sabbatical with ESPN, re-energized after his burn-out at Florida, was available.

He also possessed the same native son ties that bound Ohio State so closely to the most influential Ohio high school coaches in during Tressel's tenure.

The hybrid back

Now that Braxton Miller, his shoulder still not 100 percent, has moved to H-back/wide receiver from quarterback, he has brought the explosiveness of college football's best open field runner to the edge, where havoc is practically begging, "Please wreak me."

The first injury to the shoulder of Miller's throwing arm, occurring early in the Orange Bowl shootout loss to Clemson in 2014, kept him from turning pro.

In his new position, Miller also might finally be the long-sought successor to Percy Harvin of Florida, Meyer's all-time spread offense dream threat.

Miller can also throw, of course. Just another worry for opposing defensive coordinators.

The starting quarterback

Miller's second injury, occurring without contact in last summer's drills, allowed the coaching staff to promote Barrett, who already possessed all the leadership instincts Miller had to be taught and Jones had to be force fed.

Many felt the season was lost after Barrett lost his second game decisively after he took over for Miller. Instead, Barrett roared on to the Heisman short list and set a record for the school and league in touchdowns.

Ezekiel Elliott, who replaced the almost irreplaceable Carlos Hyde, is an overwhelming choice before the games begin to be the Big Ten's best offensive player. But the second-best might be whoever wins the quarterback derby. On overall consistency, it figures to be Barrett. 

The back-up quarterback

As dazed coach Nick Saban said after Alabama fell to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, he and his staff had no idea the Buckeyes had such gifted play-makers downfield. He said they never saw that on film.

This was because no one could throw the deep ball as well as the third-stringer, Glenville's Cardale Jones. Barrett and Jones might even both play, on Meyer's Chris Leak-Tim Tebow precedent in 2006.

The Big Ten Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

The best defensive player in the league looks to be Joey Bosa, the Buckeyes' defensive end.

Bosa was so impressive that he started as a true freshman in 2013, one who just got to Ohio State in time for summer drills. Miller, Barrett and others had the advantage of playing spring football as either early graduates from high school or redshirts.

But Bosa did not really embrace the role of dominant edge rusher until after  heralded defensive end Noah Spence left Ohio State before last season began  in the wake of drug infractions.

Against this five-spot of fortuitous events, only three things seem capable of stopping the Buckeyes.

Sparty

Michigan State, which scored 37 points and still wasn't really in the game in the fourth quarter because Ohio State scored 49, at East Lansing, Mich. The game is in Columbus this year. The Spartans are stilla  strong second pick int he East Division behind Ohio State.

Harbaugh

Before the chorus starts of "not this soon," remember that new coach Jim Harbaugh turned around Stanford with its tough entrance requirements and the San Francisco 49ers, the latter after the previous full-season coach, Mike Singletary, "mooned" his own players.

Harbaugh also "guaranteed" a victory at Ohio State in 1986 with the Big Ten championship on the line and backed it up.

Such braggadocio was nearly unheard of in the Bo Schembechler-Woody Hayes era and rare in the Bo-Earle Bruce era.

When John Cooper became the Ohio State coach, the Buckeyes did a lot of empty boasting before "The Game," but Michigan did more after it.

Brutus

Much boasting is possible at Ohio State, which has 19 players on various "watch" lists for college football's positional awards. Michigan State is next in the conference with 10.

Complacency, overconfidence, by any name, Meyer, a superb psychologist, will be out to throttle it in the cradle.

Because the biggest obstacle to Ohio State repeating just might be Ohio State.

What did the 40 voters in our cleveland.com say about the Buckeyes winning back-to-back titles?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Big Ten Media Days in Chicago on Thursday and Friday will illuminate the season to come, which will begin just over a month from now. But the real question of the Big Ten and college football season may be well over five months away.

Is Ohio State going to repeat as National Champion?

Everything about this Big Ten season feels like a given, which may be dangerous. But all 40 voters in our cleveland.com preseason Big Ten poll, the most official prediction of the Big Ten year, picked the Buckeyes as conference champs.

Not much drama.

Then we asked more questions. For instance, how many Big Ten teams will make the four-team College Football Playoff? Is it possible some think the Big Ten champion might miss the playoff? Or that a team like Michigan State, with just a loss to Ohio State and a nonconference win over Oregon, could get in as a one-loss team, giving the Big Ten two berths?

Nope. Everyone thinks the same again. Every voter said the Big Ten will put one team in the playoff - Ohio State.

So what's left is that big question. Not just Ohio State against the Big Ten. Ohio State against everyone.

Will the Buckeyes repeat?

Consecutive national titles don't come easy. Alabama did it in 2011 and 2012. USC won a share of a title, taking the AP crown in 2003, then won again in 2004. And Nebraska went back-to-back in 1994 and 1995.

Before that? Oklahoma in 1974 and 1975. 

Will it happen again this time?

It's a coin flip. 

That's what 40 voters said about the Buckeyes winning it all -  20 voted yes, 20 voted no.

Glad we cleared that up.

Cleveland.com preseason Big Ten college football poll

* Ohio State unanimous league favorite

* Joey Bosa preseason Defensive Player of the Year

* Ezekiel Elliott preseason Offensive Player of the Year

* Projected wins for Jim Harbaugh's first year at Michigan

Mid-American Conference football media day agenda includes morning poll and 'State of the MAC' from commissioner Jon Steinbrecher.

DETROIT, Michigan -- Who is No. 1 in the MAC? The annual Mid-American Conference Football Media Day is today here at Ford Field and the first order of business is the announcement of the preseason poll. Check back here later today for live updates and other posts, including the poll and a 'State of the MAC' from Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. And you can join in the conversation by using the hashtag #MACMD15.

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As usual, the MAC's West Division is loaded with power teams. Traditional power Northern Illinois, usual contender Toledo, upstart Western Michigan and even Central Michigan are all likely to get votes to play in the MAC Championship Game in Detroit's Ford Field.

Who do you like to win the MAC? Vote in our poll here and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The MAC East looks to have its legitimate contenders as well, including Bowling Green and UMass at the top and Ohio University lurking as a dark horse. The wild card could be the Akron Zips, but there is an air of mystery surrounding Terry Bowden's team.

While the Zips have a savvy senior quarterback in Kyle Pohl, who engineered Akron's upset over Pitt last season and near upset over Michigan before that, the sentiment is Bowden wants to go in a new direction.

If the expected move is to emphasize a better-than-average Akron running game Bowden never fully embraced in the past, then the Zips could be a player down the stretch. But if its just a coaching search for another arm passing to a fleet of inconsistent receivers, then .500 could be about it.

After a 2014 season of injury and strugle, Kent State now returns very experienced on both sides of the football, but sans a breakout star.

Here is my vote to compare with what comes out later this morning. Remember, a team's schedule can have as big an impact on winning as a proven quarterback.

MAC East

1. UMass - Manageble schedule; best passing QB in the MAC.
2. Bowling Green - Very good QB; good offense, ??? defense.
3. Ohio University - Sound, consistent program on the reload.
4. Kent State - Nothing sexy, just solid and experienced.
5. Akron - Too many questions around team, program.
6. Buffalo - Early struggles, late success.
7. Miami - First-year quarterback, second year regime.

MAC West

1. Toledo - Best tailback (Kareem Hunt) in the MAC, best team.
2. Northern Illinois - Nothing succeeds like success.
3. Western Michigan - Tough schedule has an impact.
4. Central Michigan - QB keeps team above .500.
5. Ball State - Perhaps a year away from contending.
6. Eastern Michigan - Better, but still not good enough.

MAC Football Media Day 2015

When: 9 a.m.
Where: Detroit's Ford Field
Who: MAC coaches, players and commissioner Jon Steinbrecher
Media: Live updates on Cleveland.com/sports, #MACMD15, and live production on ESPN3.

Whether Barrett wins the job or not isn't going to take away from his future. He still has three years of eligibility left, which means he should be Ohio State's starter for at least two more years (if not three). He's Ohio State's quarterback of the future, it's just unclear if the future begins this season or the two after it.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The running countdown of the Northeast Ohio Media Group's top 50 Big Ten football players for the 2015 season.

No. 6, J.T. Barrett, Ohio State 

Redshirt sophomore quarterback, 6-foot-2, 225 pounds

* On Twitter: @JT_theQB4th

* See players No. 50 through No. 31

* See players No. 30 through No. 11

* See players No. 10 through No. 1

What he's done: If everything would have gone according to Ohio State's plan last year, you may just know Barrett as one of the Buckeyes' backup quarterbacks. But when Braxton Miller unexpectedly went down with a season-ending shoulder surgery before last season, Barrett was unexpectedly thrown into the fire. 

The season was supposed to be over for Ohio State, hope gone with the loss of Miller. Barrett, however, stepped in and saved a season that eventually culminated in a national championship for the Buckeyes. 

Though he started the year rough around the edges -- he was a redshirt freshman with no game experience -- and the Buckeyes lost to Virginia Tech in the second game of the season, Barrett bounced back big. He ended up breaking the single-season Big Ten touchdowns record previously held by former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees. He tallied up 2,834 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 938 yards and 11 more scores. 

Barrett's season, however, came to a premature end when he broke his ankle in the second half of Ohio State's win over Michigan in the regular-season finale. That forced him to miss the remainder of the season. Ohio State ended up winning a national title behind third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, but the Buckeyes wouldn't have rings if it weren't for Barrett's heroic efforts. 

How he got here: A former four-star quarterback of Wichita Falls, Texas, Barrett was the first quarterback recruit hand-picked by Urban Meyer and former offensive coordinator Tom Herman at Ohio State. Though he was rated by 247Sports the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the 2013 recruiting class, Barrett didn't have an offer for Texas, which opened the door for the Buckeyes to sign him. 

What's ahead: Isn't this the question to which everyone is looking for an answer? Unfortunately, whether Barrett is Ohio State's starting quarterback this season won't be known until sometime during fall camp. 

The path to being the starter got a little bit easier recently when Miller announced he was going to give wideout a chance, leaving Ohio State's high-profile quarterback competition between Jones and Barrett. 

Who do you start? Jones, the quarterback who helped Ohio State win a national title with an impressive -- and, frankly, shocking -- postseason run? Or Barrett, the regular-season star who didn't get a chance to finish what he started because he broke his ankle? 

The good news for Barrett is that he has impressed everyone with his leadership ability, his strong decision-making and his overall command of the team. Though he missed spring practice while recovering from his injury, he looks much bigger in his upper body and should be a better version of himself from last year. That means he could be in for a huge sophomore season. 

But whether he wins the job or not isn't going to take away from Barrett's future. He still has three years of eligibility left, which means he should be Ohio State's starter for at least two more years (if not three). He's Ohio State's quarterback of the future, it's just unclear if the future begins this season or the two after it. 

Elsewhere: 

* Inside the Texas high school that saw Ohio State's J.T. Barrett rally from injury before: 'He'll be back'

* Who is J.T. Barrett? How a North Texas town raised an Ohio State quarterback

* On the scene in Wichita Falls, Texas: 5 new things to know about Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett

* How the Texas offer that never came helped make J.T. Barrett an Ohio State Buckeye

Trevor Bauer pitched his first complete game, but saw it ruined by Eric Hosmer's two-out homer in the ninth. The Indians have lost a season-high six straight games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Michael Bourn and the Indians came out running Tuesday night at Progressive Field. That's right, running.

Bourn stole three bases and the Indians totaled six for the game, but it still wasn't enough to beat Kansas City.

Eric Hosmer, who is trying to replace Detroit's Miguel Cabrera as Public Enemy No.1 where the Indians are concerned, hit a two-out homer in the ninth inning to give the Royals a 2-1 victory over the Indians.

The Indians are 0-6 on this homestand. They have been outscored 37-10.

Trevor Bauer (8-8, 4.13) had two out in the ninth when Hosmer lined his 3-2 curveball into the right field seats. As Hosmer sprinted toward first, he pointed into the Royals' dugout.

It was the sixth homer Bauer has allowed in his last three starts.

On the pitch before, catcher Roberto Perez threw out Lorenzo Cain on an attempted steal of second base for the second out. It seemed like the Indians were going to take the tie game into the bottom of the ninth.

Hosmer, who drove in both of Kansas City's runs, has five homers and 19 RBI against the Indians this season.

The Royals took a 1-0 lead in the fourth despite a fine effort by right fielder Brandon Moss. Cain hit a drive to right center that Moss, traveling at top speed, put a glove on. Moss' momentum sent him into the wall and the ball came loose.

It was ruled a triple, but the Indians challenged the call. The call on the field stood and Hosmer made it sting more with a soft single to left center to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.

In this series, Hosmer is 6-for-9 with two homers and six RBI.

Bourn tied the game in the fifth, all on his own. He opened the inning with a single and stole second against Chris Young. The 6-10 Young doesn't have the fastest move to the plate and the Indians took advantage.

With one out and Jason Kipnis at the plate, Bourn stole third and scored on catcher Salvador Perez's throwing error.

This is the kind of game the Indians were expecting from Bourn when they signed him to a four-year, $48 million contract before the 2013 season. Unfortunately, they haven't seen enough of it which explains why he's been reduced to a role player.

Bourn finished the game with three steals. It was his first time he's stolen three bases in a game since Aug. 3, 2013 against the Marlins. This year he's 10-for-14 in steals.

The six steals by the Indians were their most since thet stole six in that same game against the Marlins.

What it means

The Indians (45-54) have lost eight straight at home. The current six-game skid is the longest of the season.

It is their longest losing streak at home since the Indians lost eight straight in June of 1975.

The Royals (61-38) lead the season series, 7-4.

Sanity reigns

After his last start, Bauer said he had to make some adjustments. In his two starts after the All-Star break, he was 0-2 with a 9.99 ERA (11 earned runs in 10 innings).

"The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result," Bauer told reporters at the time. "I'm not insane so I've got to try something else."

Whatever he tried worked.

Bauer, in his first career complete game, allowed two runs on five hits. He struck out six and walked one.

He threw 70 percent (78-for-112) of his pitches for strikes.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and Royals drew 18,064 fans to Progressive Field. The Tribe's attendance through 51 home dates is 905,169.

What's next?

RHP Corey Kluber (5-11, 3.59) will face Kansas City's Jeremy Guthrie (7-6, 5.35) on Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM and WMMS will carry the game.

Kluber will be trying to get back on the winning track against the Royals. He's 0-3 against them this season. In his career, Kluber is 4-4 with a 3.59 ERA against Kansas City.

Guthrie is coming off a loss against Houston. He is 20-13 in the second half with the Royals since the All-Star Game in 2012. Guthrie, a former No.1 pick of the Indians, is 5-5 with a 5.21 ERA against the Tribe.

The Indians scored 12 on Wednesday -- two more runs than in their previous six games combined.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Corey Kluber pitched a complete game and the Cleveland Indians amassed a season-high 18 hits in a 12-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon at Progressive Field. Giovanny Urshela, Francisco Lindor, Michael Brantley and Yan Gomes homered to account for seven runs.

Tribe second baseman Jason Kipnis went 3-for-5 -- his third straight three-hit performance and 15th this season. He owns 38 multi-hit games.

Here is a capsule look at Game 100 after a DVR review of the Fox SportsTime Ohio telecast:

Off the deck: The Indians (46-54) accomplished much, including:

*Snapped six-game losing streak, all at home.

*Avoided a winless homestand (1-6 vs. White Sox and Royals).

*Snapped eight-game home losing streak, which dated to July 11 against Oakland.

*Defeated the team with American League's best record (Royals now 61-39).

*Snapped Kansas City's winning streak at four.

*Scored two more runs than in previous six games combined.

*Won a game in which Kluber started (now 7-15).

Offensive fireworks: The Tribe nine went 18-for-41 with seven extra-base hits, two walks and three hit-by-pitches. Each starter notched at least one hit and scored at least one run. There were no substitutions.

The Indians pounded right-hander Jeremy Guthrie (5 1/3 IP, 10 H, 8 R, 7 ER). After lefty reliever Franklin Morales was effective (1 2/3 IP, 2 H), the Indians pounded righty Luke Hochevar (IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER).

The Tribe amassed six staight hits twice:

*Sixth inning -- Urshela homer, Michael Bourn single, Tyler Holt single, Kipnis RBI single, Lindor three-run homer, Brantley homer.

*Eighth inning -- Brantley single, Carlos Santana double, Brandon Moss two-run single, Gomes two-run homer, Urshela single, Bourn single.

Bourn finished 4-for-5 with two runs. In the Tribe's 2-1 loss Tuesday night, he was 2-for-3 with a walk, run and three steals.

Klubot delivers: Kluber allowed five hits, walked one and struck out six. He threw 77 of 112 pitches for strikes.

Kansas City's walk and run came in the ninth.

Kluber (6-11, 3.44 ERA) defeated an AL Central opponent for the first time this season (1-6).

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

First inning

(R) Alcides Escobar -- 87 cutter inside; 92 fastball foul; 88 cutter foul; 94 fastball, grounder to pitcher.

Skinny: Kluber declined to give Escobar what he likes -- a first-pitch fastball.  Decisive pitch was letter-high.

(L) Mike Moustakas -- 86 changeup outside (barely); 90 cutter, grounder to second.

Skinny: Jason Kipnis, as part of shift, fielded in short right.

(L) Kendrys Morales -- 93 fastball outside; 87 changeup down and away; 94 fastball called strike; 90 cutter, grounder to first.

Skinny: Carlos Santana fielded behind bag at line.

(10 pitches)

Second inning

(L) Eric Hosmer -- 91 fastball high; 85 changeup called strike (outside corner); 88 cutter supposedly high; 88 cutter, grounder to first.

Skinny: Third pitch was a strike -- inside corner at belt -- but umpire Tom Woodring missed it.

(R) Alex Rios -- 88 cutter outside; 92 fastball swinging strike; 92 fastball called strike; 84 curve supposedly low; 88 cutter foul; 93 fastball foul; 84 curve, called strikeout.

Skinny: Rios could have been erased with 1-2 curve but Woodring squeezed Kluber.

(R) Omar Infante -- 93 fastball called strike; 91 fastball foul; 88 cutter, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Nasty cutter on outside corner.

(14 pitches)

Third inning

(R) Paulo Orlando  -- 91 fastball called strike; 92 fastball, grounder to short.

Skinny: Francisco ranged over the middle to make a quality play.

(R) Drew Butera -- 88 cutter swinging strike; 91 fastball, fly to right.

(R) Jarrod Dyson -- 89 cutter, grounder to first.

(5 pitches)

Fourth inning

(R) Alcides Escobar --  81 curve inside; 92 fastball called strike; 87 cutter foul; 83 curve low; 89 cutter foul (emergency hack); 95 fastball foul; 94 fastball, grounder to short.

Skinny: Lindor made a backhanded pick of the short hop of a line drive.

(L) Mike Moustakas -- 81 curve high and away; 86 changeup outside; 92 fastball foul; 88 cutter called strike; 84 curve, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Nasty curve in dirt.

(L) Kendrys Morales -- 82 curve outside; 88 cutter called strike; 82 curve, grounder to second.

Skinny: Kipnis, as part of the shift, fielded in short right.

(15 pitches)

Fifth inning

(L) Eric Hosmer -- 85 changeup called strike; 93 fastball, double to left.

Skinny: No matter where the Indians pitch Hosmer, he finds a way to do damage. Hosmer stayed on a pitch away and zipped it into the corner.

(R) Alex Rios -- 93 fastball supposedly high; 86 breaking pitch, fly to center.

Skinny: Good pitch on outside corner.

(R) Omar Infante -- 88 cutter swinging strike (outside); 88 cutter, bunt single to pitcher.

Skinny: Infante surprised Indians with bunt to third-base side of mound, where Kluber gloved in front of charging third baseman Giovanny Urshela. Hosmer to third.

(R) Paulo Orlando -- 92 fastball called strike (showed bunt); 89 cutter foul; 94 fastball foul; 83 curve low; 89 cutter foul; 85 curve, swinging strikeout (in dirt).

(L) Drew Butera -- 88 cutter low; 93 fastball foul; 93 fastball swinging strike; 95 fastball, grounder to second.

Skinny: Credit Kluber and catcher Yan Gomes for not trying to get cute against the backup catcher: They challenged Butera to hit the fastball.

(16 pitches)

Sixth inning

(L) Jarrod Dyson -- 88 cutter called strike; 85 changeup outside; 93 fastball, grounder to pitcher.

(R) Alcides Escobar --  87 cutter, fly to center.

Skinny: Escobar missed a pitch over the plate.

(L) Mike Moustakas -- 84 changeup outside; 88 cutter outside; 92 fastball called strike; 89 cutter foul; 83 curve, single to left.

Skinny: Moose stayed on backdoor pitch and slapped it to left.

(L) Kendrys Morales -- 87 cutter outside; 92 fastball called strike; 85 changeup foul (down and away); 93 fastball high; 85 curve, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Kluber targeted the back foot -- excellent choice after the previous two pitches.

(14 pitches)

Seventh inning

(L) Eric Hosmer -- 91 fastball, grounder to third.

Skinny: Urshela made slick backhanded pick.

(R) Alex Rios -- 91 fastball outside; 88 cutter outside; 92 fastball foul; 88 cutter outside; 93 fastball foul; 93 fastball, fly to right.

(R) Omar Infante -- 92 fastball, single to center.

(R) Paulo Orlando --  87 high and inside; 93 fastball, foul pop to first.

(10 pitches)

Eighth inning

(R) Drew Butera -- 91 fastball foul; 91 fastball, grounder to second.

(L) Jarrod Dyson -- 81 curve called strike; 88 cutter high and inside; 89 cutter foul; 82 curve low; 93 fastball, pop to left.

(R) Alcides Escobar -- 92 fastball foul; 92 fastball supposedly low; 82 curve, fly to right.

(10 pitches)

Ninth inning

(L) Mike Moustakas -- called strike; 91 fastball outside; 83 curve foul; 92 foul; 87 cutter foul; 82 curve, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Down and in.

(L) Kendrys Morales -- 80 curve outside; 92 fastball high; 92 fastball high and away; 91 fastball outside.

Skinny: First walk by Kluber is four-pitch.

(L) Eric Hosmer -- 84 changeup called strike; 92 fastball outside; 85 changeup foul; 94 fastball, double to center.

Skinny: Hosmer improved to 21-for-49 against Indians this season.

(R) Alex Rios -- 93 fastball called strike; 89 cutter down and away; 88 cutter, RBI grounder to third.

Skinny: Urshela handled wicked hop.

(R) Cheslor Cuthbert -- 86 grounder to third.

(18 pitches)

The Northern Illinois Huskies and Oregon are the only FBS teams in the nation to record 11 or more victories in each of the last five seasons.

DETROIT -- The Ohio State Buckeyes are more than the elephant in the room when it comes to the Northern Illinois football schedule this fall.

A victory in Columbus on Sept. 19 would be a colossal upset for the Huskies, but they play another formidable non-conference foe in Boston College the following week.

NIU coach Rod Carey will not ignore the two big non-conference games on his schedule, but he has spent the summer reminding his team about the most important game -- the season opener.

"We've also got UNLV coming in during our first week," said Carey, during Wednesday's MAC Football Media Day at Ford Field. "It's a cliche, but we're taking one game at a time. We've been talking about UNLV all off-season."

The Huskies have had success against teams from the top conferences. Last year's victory over Northwestern gave them victories over the Power 5 conferences five times over the last six years.

That history won't be a concern or focus this fall.

"All of our eggs each week are in that basket," Carey said. "We're not holding anything back or save anything [for Ohio State or Boston College] because if you do that, you'll get run out of the building."

NIU was picked No. 3 in the West Division preseason poll. The Huskies return 19 starters (seven offense, eight defensive and two specialists). Cornerback Paris Logan and linebacker Boomer Mays will lead one of the better defenses in the conferences.

Despite an expected solid defense and 19 starters, Carey says challenges remain.

"I'm excited because last year we had a brand new squad and we had to jell together," Carey said. "This year we got more back on paper but we still have to jell. The process isn't any different but the end result can be. It excites me to see how they'll play for each other this coming season."

Terrelle Pryor said Josh Gordon reached out to him and offered to help him at wide receiver, saying he thinks he can be great.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor jumped at the chance to learn his new craft from suspended Browns receiver Josh Gordon, who reached out and offered to help him at the Randy Moss Academy.

"As soon as he heard I was making the switch -- he's staying in Raleigh, N.C. with family and he's doing a great job -- he got in touch with me and said, 'hey man, I want to work with you on some of the stuff at receiver because I think you can be great,''' Pryor told Northeast Ohio Media Group this week.

Pryor, acquired by the Browns June 22 via waivers from the Bengals, immediately took Gordon up on the offer and has been working out with him for the past month at the Academy in Charlotte, N.C., along with other elite receivers. The two were even joined there last week by Browns quarterback Josh McCown, a resident of Charlotte.

"I've known Josh (Gordon) for about three years now,'' said Pryor, who shares the same agent with Gordon in Drew Rosenhaus. "I had the opportunity to work out with him over the past few years, obviously throwing the ball to him and stuff before. He's a big role model for me.''

Pryor said Gordon, suspended for at least all of 2015 for violating the substance abuse policy, has envisioned the two of them being on the field together next season in Browns uniforms.

"He said 'me and you together, one day when I get back in, I think it could be a great thing, so I really want to teach you some stuff,''' said Pryor, who will take the field as a receiver for the first time when Browns training camp opens Thursday morning in Berea. "And he's been so great for me. I really can't explain it. His work ethic -- he's been working very hard and it's been a treat to work with him.''

Pryor said he initially met Gordon through mutual friends, including Steelers' star receiver Antonio Brown, who's also tutoring Pryor.

"I'm a very quiet guy and he is as well,'' said Pryor. "He has great style and he's savvy. The way he talks, he cares. I like to surround myself with people that have big hearts. He's a joy to be around.''

Pryor, who made the switch to receiver after not catching on at quarterback with the Seahawks, Chiefs and Bengals, said the Gordon he knows is nothing like his public persona.

"He's a great guy,'' said Pryor. "If you really spend time with him the way I've spent time with him over the years, of course he got into a little trouble but he's a great kid. He's made a couple of mistakes and he knows it and he's fixed that. He's working on his (charitable) foundation and talking about visiting kids in hospitals in Cleveland. He knows he's a role model and he's looking to make that change.''

Pryor has also envisioned the two of them streaking downfield together and confounding defensive backs.

"If that's a possibility to one day be on the field with Josh, from all the work and all advice he's given me, that would be great,'' said Pryor. "That's a 6-5 guy and a 6-3 guy -- that's some big dudes right there. Hopefully he'll be back out there soon.''

First time. Catching this week from a NFL quarterback on actual routes and we cleaned it u... https://t.co/PUkF0TOL0K pic.twitter.com/kAF6skN9jG

— Terrelle Pryor (@TerrellePryor) July 24, 2015

Pryor said Moss, who's also taken him under his wing, has compared Pryor's route-running and receiving ability favorably to some of the other big wideouts at the Academy.

"I'm not going to say I'm not far off, but there's some stuff I look very similar with my cuts,'' he said. "Randy pretty much talks to me about the similarities I have with those guys and some of the stuff I do better than them in terms of some of their routes. Big guys like myself, 6-5, 230, 220, it's not going to be as sharp coming off a cut as a 5-10 guy. (But) I've worked out with Josh (Gordon) and Mike Evans and I've seen how they get out of their breaks. I don't think I'm too far off from that. It's going to be interesting from that perspective.''

And it will be really interesting if Pryor and Gordon can get on the field together.

Vintage Michael Bourn, the version that could fly around the bases -- and reach base often enough to make that speed count -- resurfaced at Progressive Field this week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Vintage Michael Bourn, the version that could fly around the bases -- and reach base often enough to make that speed count -- resurfaced at Progressive Field this week.

Bourn tallied two hits and three stolen bases in Tuesday's loss to Kansas City, as the Indians capitalized on the lengthy delivery of Royals starter Chris Young. Cleveland swiped six bags in all. On Wednesday, Bourn notched four more hits. Since the All-Star break, he is batting .400 (12-for-30).

"This game is about adjustments," Bourn said. "You have to believe in yourself. That's about all it is."

The stretch has boosted his overall slash line to .242/.310/.290. He has stolen 10 bases in 14 attempts. Last year, he stole 10 bases all season.

"I still feel the same," he said. "It's just about the opportunity presenting itself. I think I have a better idea of how to steal bases now than when I was 27. I just think when the opportunity presents itself, I'm ready to go. [On Tuesday], the opportunity presented itself and I was able to take advantage of it."

In the fifth inning on Tuesday, Bourn singled, stole second, stole third and forced an errant throw from catcher Salvador Perez, which allowed Bourn to score.

"Creating a run with his legs," said manager Terry Francona. "I was fired up when we saw that."

The Indians haven't seen much of that since the organization signed him to a four-year, $48 million deal prior to the 2013 campaign. Bourn averaged 51 steals per season from 2008-12 and he logged a .338 on-base percentage. In about two and a half seasons with the Tribe, he has totaled 43 steals and has a .313 OBP.

"I still have my confidence, even when I'm down," Bourn said. "I just want to succeed, simple as that. I have to continue to grind my way back up and take one at-bat at a time. Don't let my confidence waver, never try to take my offense to my defense. I try not to do that but that's an easy thing to do in baseball."

Bourn has plummeted to new depths this season. He has lost playing time against left-handed hurlers.

"I felt like my first year over here I was OK, but I got nicked up and banged up," Bourn said. "Last year, I was hurt as well. This year it just hasn't been working. Until they tell us to stop I'm just going to keep going."

Familiar face: Outfielder Tyler Holt replaced David Murphy on the active roster. Holt started in left field on Wednesday, with Michael Bourn manning center.

"He brings a ton of energy," said manager Terry Francona. "He's done a really good job at Triple-A."

Holt played all three outfield spots with Columbus, where he batted .286 (79-for-276) with 11 doubles, 42 runs scored and 20 stolen bases in 76 games. On Wednesday, his first game with the Tribe since May 2, he tallied one hit in five at-bats.

Gut check: Ryan Raburn underwent an endoscopy earlier this week, which examined his digestive track. The procedure revealed that the outfielder has been battling gastritis over the last few weeks. Raburn has twice exited a game early in recent weeks because he wasn't feeling well. Francona said Raburn is feeling better and available to play.

Testing, testing: Nick Swisher (left knee inflammation) will join Class A Lake County on Thursday. After a weekend with the Captains, he'll transition to Triple-A Columbus. Swisher collected one hit in 15 at-bats with Double-A Akron this week.

"He was kind of joking that he hadn't been on base that much, but he's been moving around pretty well," Francona said. "I think if we expect him to turn into a speed demon, that's not going to happen. That wasn't a part of his game to begin with, but you want him to be able to make all the plays and things like that."

New face: The Indians acquired 22-year-old southpaw Jayson Aquino from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations. Aquino, who will report to Class A Lynchburg, has posted a 3.54 ERA in 18 starts split between the Class A affiliates of the Pirates and Blue Jays. He owns a 2.97 ERA in 93 minor-league outings.

All aboard: Jeff Manship has quietly compiled a 1.17 ERA in 15 1/3 innings. In that span, he has limited the opposition to six hits and he has struck out 12. He entered this season with a 6.46 ERA in 72 career big-league appearances.

"If we use him right, he's kind of like [Scott] Atchison," Francona said. "Atch filled a huge role for us last year. Just trying not to overuse those guys can be difficult."

"We feel like we answered in a big way. That's how you answer. You make them pay for it, so we did that and we had a good game offensively."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Manager Terry Francona didn't get to stick around to see it all, but the Indians' offense exploded for 12 runs on Wednesday. 

Francona was tossed after arguing that Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie should have been ejected for hitting Michael Brantley with a pitch. Both sides had already been warned.

Here is what Francona, outfielder Michael Bourn, shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Corey Kluber had to say after the game.

Francona, on home-plate umpire Tom Woodring ejecting him and opting not to do the same to Guthrie, despite warning both sides a few innings earlier:
"I just thought that the umpire, when he puts that out there, then for him to tell me, 'No.' He stated it as fact. I didn't think that was appropriate. And then, I think they protect the younger umpires. If he's old enough to throw me out, he's old enough to listen to what I have to say."

Bourn, on responding offensively once Francona was ejected, after Guthrie was permitted to stay in the game:
"That's the umpires [discretion]; that's not for us to do. We feel like we answered in a big way. That's how you answer. You make them pay for it, so we did that and we had a good game offensively today, especially with Kluber on the mound."

Francona, on Tyler Holt, who joined the club on Wednesday:
"He kind of plays with his pants on fire, and I mean that in a good way. And as he understands that you can't just run blind -- because his first couple times up, there were a few times he did that. That energy will be very welcome."

Kluber, who tossed a complete game, on having some rare run support:
"It was nice to get that cushion there. Up to that point, it was a close game. I'm trying to keep the lead and then when you get that cushion, you can go out there and attack."

Kluber, on the game plan against the Royals, against whom the right-hander was 0-3 with a 5.85 ERA prior to Wednesday's affair:
"They have the best record in the league, so obviously they've been playing well for a while. It's not just now that they're hot. They're a good team. They had a little bit of success early on in the year, being really aggressive, so Yan and I talked about it before the game, trying to mix speeds early and keep them off-balance a little more."

Lindor, on his three-run homer:
"I was trying to hit a pop up, got a hold of all of it and it went out."

Lindor, on having five home runs in 155 big league at-bats (he had two homers in 228 at-bats at Triple-A this season):
"I'm not going to be a power hitter. I don't want anyone to think I'm going to be a power hitter, because I'm not. I'm going to hit balls down in the gap and eventually I'm going to run into a couple. But I'm not a power hitter."