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MAC East Division teams all have issues to overcome for a title

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Bowling Green is the favorite in the MAC East football race, but there are questions about its defense. Akron and Ohio have questions at quarterback and UMass is somewhat unknown.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- College football practice has started around the Mid-American Conference this week with typical high expectations at every stop. Here is a quick look at the MAC's East Division, in the order picked by the MAC media poll.

Yes, it is a head-scratcher, all around. Bowling Green was picked No. 1, a clear slap in the face of the familiar refrain, "defense wins championships." Defense is BG's biggest concern.

Then consider that the two teams picked tied for second -- Akron and Ohio University -- are still settling on starting quarterbacks. Meanwhile, No. 4 UMass might have the best QB in the division and the league, with a veteran cast around him.

Each MAC East team below is ranked by it's final media day vote tally and first-place votes:

1. Bowling Green 160/18 - Coach Dino Babers expects his high-octane offense (30 ppg, 432.9 ypg) to flourish with the return of proven senior QB Matt Johnson from injury. The question for the second straight season is can the defense (493.1 ypg, 33.5 ppg allowed) get enough stops to prop the offense up.

2. Akron 118/2 - Just when coach Terry Bowden's rebuilding plan should be in full bloom, he's closing practices and changing things. This is coming off a season when Akron's pass-happy offense cost the Zips at least two, probably three, wins while capable tailbacks stood idle. Big year for Bowden and the Zips with experienced talent on hand.

2. Ohio University 118/1 - Frank Solich has built a program that should be bowl eligible most seasons and title contenders in some. Ditto for 2015, with the difference likely coming down to the Bobcats ability to keep injuries to a minimum, particularly along the lines, and getting quality play at quarterback from senior Derrius Vick.

4. UMass 113/3 - Two names to remember; quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and coach Mark Whipple. In the 6-6, 238-pound Frohnapfel, the Minutemen likely have the MAC's next NFL QB. More importantly, in Whipple, the veteran coach is well respected among his peers, who won't be as surprised as the media if UMass wins the division.

5. Buffalo 70 - A new head coach in Lance Leipold from Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater points to being a solid tactician and program builder. So the question will be how quick he can get up to speed with conference play. Veteran QB Joe Licata should be a plus in that regard.

6. Miami 47 - The second year of coach Chuck Martin's regime will include having a first-year quarterback, albeit with a more experienced offensive line and more seasoned skill position players around him.

7. Kent State 46 - Not much respect for the Golden Flashes, just two seasons removed from winning a MAC East Division title. Nothing sexy about Kent, but a very experienced team just the same that should finish better than predicted.


Lonnie Chisenhall latest Cleveland Indian to make bus stop in right field

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Lonnie Chisenhall, the Indians opening day third baseman, is trying to reinvent himself as a right fielder. So far the experiment has gone well.

CLEVELAND -- Right field has been a Greyhound bus station for the Indians this year. It seems like everyone stops there to play at least one game before moving on to another position or team.

This season manager Terry Francona has started seven different players in right field. Brandon Moss, the clubhouse leader with 77 starts, was traded to St. Louis. David Murphy (10 starts) was traded to the Angels and Nick Swisher (one start) was dealt to Atlanta. Tyler Holt (one stat) was optioned to Class AAA Columbus.

Lonnie Chisenhall, Ryan Raburn and Jerry Sands have started seven games each in right field and are still employed by the Indians. Chisenhall's seven starts have come since he was recalled from Columbus on July 30 following the Moss trade.

It has been an interesting move for Chisenhall, who opened the season at third base, but lost the job to rookie Giovanny Urshela when he was optioned to Columbus on June 7. The Indians not only sent Chisenhall and his .209 batting average to Columbus that day, but shortstop Jose Ramirez as well as they swapped out the left side of their infield.

Chisenhall, during his time at Columbus, scanned the landscape and asked if he could play some right field. He played a little first base last year with the Indians and played outfield in college.

"Versatility is valuable not only to the Indians, but everybody else," said Chisenhall, who is hitting .345 (10-for-29) since his recall. "You want to be versatile."

Things have gone well for Chisenhall in right field with the exception of a hard meeting with the outfield turf at Angel Stadium on Aug. 3. After diving for a soft fly ball by catcher Carlos Perez and coming up short in the third inning, he was removed the next inning with a case of whiplash.

Chisenhall saw stars and spots upon contact with the ground.

He batted in the fourth and then was replaced by Sands, who moved from left to right field.

"It was a cautionary thing," said Chisenhall. "I let them know what I was feeling and the feeling was to get me out of the ballgame.

"You can't be too cautious when it comes to head and neck stuff. That was their thought. I agreed with it at the time."

The Indians flew outfielder Abraham Almonte to Anaheim, Calif., so they wouldn't play short handed if Chisenhall had to be placed on the disabled list. Chisenhall, however, was back in the lineup the next day. He hit a leadoff single in the 12th inning and scored on Urshela's game-winning two-run homer.

"I talked to the concussion consultant," said Chisenhall. "He encouraged me to go out and have a rigorous workout and see how I felt. He said if you feel OK, go play. It wasn't a situation here I hit my head. "

Francona has been impressed with what Chisenhall has done in right field.

"I'm sure there are times when he's looking around out there because he hasn't played there forever," said Francona. "But I think his tools and ability play real well out there.

"He goes after the ball fine. He throws really well. He used to run around out there in batting practice. If he can maintain that and just remember game situations, he'll be just fine."

Chisenhall said throwing has been the easiest part about moving from the infield to the outfield.

"You just throw it through the cutoff man and hope for the best," he said. "It's not as fine a line as in the infield.

"If you take a jab step or make the wrong move, you don't have to take a ball off the shoulder like you would at third base. So throwing probably came the easiest. Now it's about getting reads an the correct reads on fly balls."

Chisenhall threw out Oakland's Max Muncy on Aug. 1 at O.co Coliseum when he tried to score from second on a single to right.

"He's got plenty of arm," said Francona.

Chisenhall, 26, has been up, down and all around with the Indians. The former No.1 pick has played parts of five seasons in Cleveland and is still trying to establish himself.

He's making $2.25 million this season, the first year he's been eligible for arbitration. Third base has apparently been lost to Urshela. Can Chisenhall, who is out of options, win a job outright in right field or carve out a spot as a utility player on next year's Indians roster?

He could also be playing for another team next year.

Asked if he thought about his place in the organization, Chisenhall said, "Not really. I know Gio is a good defender and he's got pop from watching him in batting practice. He's always been right behind me in spring training taking ground balls. He works hard.

"It's just baseball. It's not me versus him or me versus the Indians or anything like that. You just play and you want to play baseball for a living."

Cleveland Browns training camp: Day 11 updates from Berea

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Training camp continues on Tuesday. Get live updates from Berea throughout the morning.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns are back at it on Tuesday. Training camp continues as the team moves closer to their preseason opener against the Redskins on Thursday.

Practice is open to the public. However, all tickets for training camp practices have been distributed. Practice runs from 9:30 a.m. until noon with coach and player availability after.

The high on Monday is expected to be 75 degrees with rain possible. Temperatures will start in the mid-60s during practice and hit 70 by the time practice is over. There is a chance of rain during the entire practice window.

Get updates from Day 11 of camp here from Browns reporters Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed, among others. I'll also be tweeting updates throughout practice.



Browns' Terrelle Pryor, Dwayne Bowe and Duke Johnson all ruled out of Redskins game with hamstrings

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Browns wide receivers Terrelle Pryor, Dwayne Bowe, Duke Johnson and Pierre Desir have all been ruled out of the Redskins preseason opener with hamstring injuries. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns receivers Terrelle Pryor and Dwayne Bowe and running back Duke Johnson, who all have hamstring injuries, will be among the 15 or so players sitting out Thursday night's preseason opener against the Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Pettine acknowledged that Pryor's absence for the past week hasn't helped him, especially because he's making the leap from quarterback to receiver.

"But you deal in reality,'' said Pettine. "Right now, he can't be out there. He's taking all the mental reps that he can, but that only gets you so far. It is unfortunate, similar to Duke. We need to know what we have in both those guys, and when they're not out there, it hurts us."

Johnson has been out about 10 days and Pryor about a week. All or most of the other players on the Browns injury list will sit out the game, including Barkevious Mingo and Glenn Winston, who underwent knee scopes last week.

Running back Shaun Draughn still has the cast on his injured left thumb and won't play. Cornerback Pierre Desir, who had leapfrogged Justin Gilbert and was subbing for the Joe Haden and Tramon Williams on their veteran rest days, will be idle with his hamstring and is losing ground in the heated battle for playing time.

The following are other players who were idle Tuesday: DB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (knee), RB Luke Lundy (concussion), OL Joe Madsen (concussion), OL Andrew McDonald (concussion), DB Robert Nelson Jr. (hamstring), DB De'Ante Saunders (calf), TE Randall Telfer (foot), OL Joe Thomas (rest), DL Billy Winn (knee/ankle).

HOUSLER'S HANDS: Pettine acknowledged that tight end Rob Housler, signed as an unrestricted in April, has dropped too many balls in practice, including a couple more Tuesday. "That's something that's obvious that he needs to work on,'' Pettine said. "The rest of his game has been solid, but that's something that the ball gets thrown to you, you've got to catch it. We're in a bottom line business. If the ball gets thrown to you, you have to catch it. I'm confident that he'll put in the work that he needs to do. When we get out there in the preseason games - that's when it counts the most - we'll see how it plays out."

ON TERRANCE WEST: Pettine agreed with running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery that Terrance West has matured. "I think he's taken a step. I think there's still room for improvement but I think Terrance is headed in the right direction on that front."

Receiver Brian Hartline brings an attitude, precision to Cleveland Browns' offense

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Hartline feeds off detractors and wants to prove the Browns' offense can thrive. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - There's an edge to Brian Hartline and it defines everything about him as a football player.

The Browns receiver doesn't waste time in training camp or words around reporters. Jocularity is not a strong suit. The seventh-year pro is armed with a sense of purpose that teammates are quick to recognize.

"Especially when you step onto the practice field, you can tell the guy (is) a pro's pro, a guy that comes out when he hits the practice field and there's an urgency to that day's work and to getting better and to maximizing the time," quarterback Josh McCown said. "And Brian does that as well as anybody ..."

Most of the team's attitude resides with the defense. Hartline brings it to the other side of the ball, where continuity and production have been in short supply.

The Canton GlenOak product is happy to be home after six seasons with the Dolphins, but his return to Northeast Ohio is not just about playing in front of his old high school buddies and family. Hartline wants to win and prove he has plenty to offer despite Miami's decision to release him. 

He's been among the most impressive players in camp, running precise routes and catching lots of passes. He bristles at the suggestion the Browns don't have a good passing game and that the club, whose last winning season came in 2007, can't contend after posting a 7-9 mark a year ago.

"Last year was a great foundation year," Hartline said. "We're done with the foundation and we've moved on from that and (want to) compete for division titles. Again, that's our goal."

Hartline has flirted with playoff contention most of his career, winning six to eight games in every season since turning pro in 2009. The Browns, meanwhile, needed their best season in eight years just reach mediocrity, but Hartline sees potential here. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder also feeds off detractors.

It's been that way dating to his years with the Buckeyes.

Some thought he made a mistake forgoing his senior season and declaring for the draft. The Dolphins chose him in the fourth round, however, and he posted back-to-back 70-plus catch seasons in 2012-13.

Several factors conspired against him last season as his targets (63) and receptions (39) dipped significantly. The emergence of youngster Jarvis Landry cut into his production and as did Ryan Tannehill's inability to connect with speedy Mike Wallace on deep balls. Wallace began running more intermediate patterns, muscling into what Hartline does best.

The veteran admitted it was a "little troubling" not knowing what his future held after the Dolphins released him. Other teams were interested, including the Patriots, but his greatest impact can be made with the Browns. Along with Andrew Hawkins, Hartline gives their young receivers a model route runner who knows only one speed in practice.

"I just prepare every day like it's a game and if the quarterback is willing to give me an opportunity and the play gives me the opportunity than it's my job to make the play," he explained. "That's how I go about things."

His hustle and commitment have not been lost on team leaders.

"I've enjoyed having Brian," left tackle Joe Thomas said. "Anytime you bring a kid that's from Ohio that grew up a Browns fan, I think they've got a little bit more urgency of turning this thing around. You could see how important it is to Brian from the first day that he got here."

Hartline doesn't back away from the homecoming angle, but he's got news for friends looking for hookups to choice seats to Thursday's exhibition game against the Redskins.

"Anyone who knows me knows I'm not paying for one ticket," said the receiver who signed a team-friendly two-year, $6 million deal. "If you're my mom you're lucky to get a ticket."

OK, that's an exaggeration from a budding entrepreneur who's careful with his money and has worked behind the register of convenient stores he owns.

Hartline, though, takes a serious approach to every endeavor. He's focused on his craft and his objectives in Cleveland.

"Everyone has to be able to produce, everyone has to do their part or we're looking at another 8-8, 7-9 year," he said. "The talent is here to go .500. We don't want to be .500."

Nellie Rodriguez's grand slam leads Akron RubberDucks to 5th straight win

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Third baseman Yandy Diaz was 3-for-5 with an RBI, and second baseman Todd Hankins was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Nellie Rodriguez hit a grand slam in the first inning, giving the RubberDucks a lead they would never surrender as Akron defeated the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 10-3, in a Class AA Eastern League game Tuesday in Manchester, N.H.

It was a big night at the plate for Akron, which piled up 15 hits and won its fifth straight. Third baseman Yandy Diaz was 3-for-5 with an RBI, and second baseman Todd Hankins was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. 

Outfielder Bradley Zimmer was 2-for-4 with a homer.

The RubberDucks started the first inning with two quick outs, but then got singles by Diaz and Zimmer. Second baseman Ronny Rodriguez loaded the bases after getting hit by a pitch from Fisher Cats right-hander Austin Bibens-Dirkx (4-6, 4.82 ERA).

Nellie Rodriguez then sent the ball into the left-field stands to give Akron a 4-0 lead.

New Hampshire narrowed the lead to 4-3 with three runs in the third inning off RubberDucks right-hander Adam Plutko (7-4, 2.84).

Zimmer hit a solo shot in the fifth, Diaz brought in two runs with a single in the sixth, and RBI hits from Hankins and shortstop Eric Stamets were part of a three-run seventh that gave Akron a 10-3 lead.

The RubberDucks (62-54) are now alone in second place in the Western Division, 4 1/2 games behind the first-place Bowie Bay Sox.

Sources: LeBron James may participate in Team USA's practice on Wednesday

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There's a chance LeBron James will practice for Team USA on Wednesday morning, according to league sources.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James is reconsidering his initial plan of sitting out Team USA's minicamp in Las Vegas this week, league sources told Northeast Ohio Media Group.

According to sources, James may partake in parts of Wednesday's morning non-contact session at the campus of UNLV before heading back to Cleveland for a LeBron James Foundation event on Thursday.

He's seriously contemplating joining the practice, one source said.

Originally the idea was for James to appear at the camp to satisfy requirements set by the Director of USA Basketball, Jerry Colangelo, for roster consideration in the 2016 Brazil Olympics. 

Surprisingly, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks decided to participate in a practice or two.

James, 30, has been mum on whether he'll play for his country next summer. He has competed in three Olympics.

Cleveland Indians beat New York Yankees, 5-4, on Michael Brantley's single in 16th inning

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Indians relievers retired the last 14 Yankees to come to the plate in Tuesday night's win. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -The Indians rallied once in extra innings Tuesday night, so why not twice?

After Carlos Carrasco rolled out another gem in a no-decision effort, they owed him at least that much.

Michael Brantley paid the debt as he singled home Jose Ramirez in the 16th inning to give the Indians a 5-4 victory over the Yankees at Progressive Field. Ramirez and Francisco Lindor set up the rally with consecutive one-out singles.

It was only the Indians second walk-off win of the season. They combined for 22 walk-off wins in 2013 and 2014.

The 16-inning game was the longest by the Indians since they went 16 innings against Toronto on April 5, 2012. The Indians lost that game, 7-4.

Tribe relievers retired the last 14 Yankees batters. The win went to Austin Adams (2-0). Branden Pinder (0-2) took the loss.

Overall, Indians pitchers recorded 16 strikeouts. 

The Indians missed scoring chances in the 13th and 14th innings.

Abraham Almonte singled and reached second with two out in the 13th, but was stranded. They loaded the bases with two out in the 14th, but Yan Gomes grounded out to short.

The Tribe entered the 10th trailing, 4-2, with Yankees closer Andrew Miller on the mound.

Lindor beat out an infield hit and Brantley doubled into the left-field corner to advance Lindor to third. Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly scored Lindor and a bloop single by Gomes scored Brantley to tie it.

It was Miller's first blown save of the season. He converted his first 24 save chances.

The Yankees took a 4-2 lead in the 10th when right-hander Bryan Shaw, facing six straight left-handed hitters, gave up a bases-loaded two-out single to Chase Headley. Headley, pinch-hitting for Brendan Ryan, lined Shaw's 3-2 pitch into right field to score Carlos Beltran and Didi Gregorious.

Shaw came into the game limiting lefties to a .160 (8-for-50) batting average. He started the 10th by retiring Mark Teixeira on a grounder to third. But he walked Brian McCann and gave up singles to Beltran and Gregorious to load the bases. Stephen Drew hit into a force play at home to bring Headley to the plate.    

Carrasco, working with a 2-0 lead, looked in control until Drew hit a leadoff homer in the sixth and Beltran hit another leadoff homer in the eighth to pull the Yankees into a 2-2 tie.

Drew hit a 3-2 pitch into the right field seats. Beltran hit a 1-0 pitch into the right field seats as well.

Carrasco has allowed three earned runs in 26 innings over his last three starts. In that span he's struck out 22, walked two and allowed seven hits. Carrasco has won just one of those games.

The Indians took an early 2-0 lead against New York's impressive rookie, Luis Severino.

Lindor, who came into the game hitting .300 (9-for-30) in August, singled to left with one out in the first. Severino hit Brantley in the foot with a pitch and Santana delivered Lindor with a bloop single to right for a 1-0 lead.

The Indians made it 2-0 in the second on Jose Ramirez's two-out single.

Chris Johnson, in his second start with the Tribe since being acquired from Atlanta on Friday, singled to start the inning. The single made Johnson 5-for-5 in his two starts with the Tribe.

Lonnie Chisenhall moved Johnson to second with a single to left, but Gregorious made a nice diving stop in the hole at short against Giovanny Urshela to start a 6-4-3 double play as Johnson went to third.

Ramirez's bloop single salvaged one run from what looked like a much bigger inning.

Brantley opened the third with a double, but Severino pitched around it. Severino allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings. He struck out two and walked one in his second big-league start.

The Indians came into the game having scored 34 runs on 47 hits in a three-game series against the Twins over the weekend.

The Yankees arrived at Progressive Field after being swept in a three-game series by Toronto. The Blue Jays outscored them, 10-1.

New York had scored just four runs in five games before playing the Indians.

What it means

The Indians (52-59) have won three straight and four of their last six games.

The Yankees (61-50) have lost four straight and seven of their last 11 games. New York's lead in the AL East is down to a half-game over Toronto.

End of the line

Carrasco's consecutive scoreless-inning streak ended at 22 innings when Drew started the sixth inning with a homer into the right field seats to cut the Tribe's lead to 2-1.

It was the first run Carrasco allowed since the first inning against Oakland on July 30 at O.co Coliseum.

Gold Glove moment

Urshela, the Tribe's rookie third baseman, made the play of the game, and perhaps the season, for the Indians to start the fourth inning.

Urshela caught a tough-hop grounder from fleet Brett Gardner. The momentum of the player carried him into foul territory, but he stopped, righted himself and made a strong throw to get Gardner by a half-step.

The homer ended the Yankees scoreless inning streak at 31.

That's a lot of hits

Johnson, after going 4-for-4 in Sunday's 8-1 victory over the Twins, had three hits Tuesday night.

He's 7-for-9 since joining the Tribe.

Thanks for coming

The Yankees and Indians drew 23,618 fans to Progressive Field on Tuesday night. Total attendance for the year is 1,031,890.

What's next?

RHP Danny Salazar (9-6, 3.38) will face Yankee lefty CC Sabathia (4-8, 5.34) on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM AM/1100 and WMMS FM/100.7 will carry the game.

Salazar will be making his 21st start. He received a six-inning no decision in his last start, allowing one run on three hits in six innings against the Angels on Aug. 5. He's making his first career start against the Yankees.

Sabathia, the Tribe's former No. 1 pick, is the all-time leader in wins (51), starts (221), innings pitched (775 1/3) and strikeouts (702) at Progressive Field. Sabathia is 4-1 with a 2.94 ERA lifetime against the Indians.


Michael Brantley smoothly propels Cleveland Indians past New York Yankees in 16th: DMan's Report, Game 111

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Michael Brantley's RBI single in the 16th inning gave the Tribe a 5-4 victory over the Yankees in a game that lasted 5 hours, 4 minutes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Michael Brantley singled to drive in Jose Ramirez from second with one out in the 16th inning as the Cleveland Indians defeated the New York Yankees, 5-4, Tuesday night at Progressive Field. Tribe right-hander Carlos Carrasco allowed two runs on four hits in eight innings in a matchup with Yankees right-hander Luis Severino (6 IP, 7 H, 2 R).

Here is a capsule look at the game, which lasted 5 hours, 4 minutes, and required 471 pitches:

Entertainment value through 10 innings, and bottom of 16 (scale of 1-10): 11.

Streaks extended: The Indians (52-59) have won three in a row.

The Yankees (61-50) have lost four straight. Their lead over the Toronto Blue Jays (62-52) in the AL East is down to one-half game.

Dr. Smooth's world: With one out in the 16th, Ramirez singled to right against righty Branden Pinder. Francisco Lindor singled to center. Brantley ripped Pinder's 1-0 pitch off first baseman Mark Teixeira and into right field. Ramirez beat the throw, which was wide.

Brantley notched his fourth career walkoff plate appearance and third walkoff hit. The Tribe has two walkoffs this season (one hit).

Brantley finished 3-for-6 with two doubles (Nos. 34, 35), the RBI, a run, a walk and an HBP. He owns three straight three-hit games; four straight games with at least one double; and six straight multi-hit starts.

Extra-inning drama: The Yankees took a 4-2 lead in the 10th on pinch-hitter Chase Headley's two-out, two-run single with the bases loaded against Bryan Shaw. Headley smacked a full-count pitch to right.

The Tribe tied it against a closer, lefty Andrew Miller, who entered 24-for-24 in save opportunities. Francisco Lindor reached on a single to first base and advanced to third on Brantley's double into the left-field corner. Lindor scored on Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly to center (1-2 pitch) and Brantley scored from second on Yan Gomes' single to right.

Gomes dug out a good pitch and muscled it into shallow right.

Oh-so-close: With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 14th, Gomes grounded to short against righty Bryan Mitchell.

Decisive disparity: The Tribe's Nos. 1-4 batters (Ramirez, Lindor, Brantley,   Santana) combined to go 10-for-27 with four RBI, four runs, two walks and one HBP. The Yankees' Nos. 1-4 (Jacoby Ellsbury, Brett Gardner, Alex Rodriguez, Teixeira) combined to go 1-for-25 with two walks.

Ramirez, continuing to excel from the leadoff spot, went 3-for-8 with an RBI single and the run. He owns three consecutive multi-hit games and a six-game hitting streak.

Lindor was 3-for-8 with two runs. He saw a game-high 36 pitches; only one other player, Tribe center fielder Abraham Almonte, saw at least 30 (30).

Don't forget about me: Tribe first baseman Chris Johnson went 3-for-4 with a run before being lifted for a pinch-runner. In two starts since being acquired from the Atlanta Braves for Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn, Johnson is a tidy 7-for-8 with three runs.

Webb-star: Tribe reliever Ryan Webb worked perfect 13th, 14th and 15th innings in a total of just 22 pitches (18 strikes).

Five-star defense: Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius triggered a spectacular double play in the second inning.

With runners on first and second and none out, Tribe third baseman Giovanny Urshela grounded sharply into the hole at short. Gregorius dived, gloved and fired from one knee to second baseman Stephen Drew, who threw to Teixeira.

Urshela did what he could to pay back the Yankees in the fourth.

Speedy Gardner, a left-handed batter, led off by slapping a 1-1 fastball down the third-base line. Urshela reached to backhand the ball as he crossed the bag into foul territory, planted with the left leg and made a high-elevation jump-throw while fading away. He put enough on the throw, and was accurate enough, to beat Gardner by a step.

Gregorius and Urshela were far from the only ones who excelled with the glove. Players all over the field repeatedly made difficult plays seem routine during the best defensive game in which the Tribe has been involved this season.   

Cookie Express: Carrasco walked none and struck out eight in his third straight superb outing. In the previous two, he allowed a total of three hits and one run in 18 innings.

Here is a breakdown of Carrasco's start Tuesday:

FIRST INNING

(L) Jacoby Ellsbury -- 95 fastball called strike (outside corner); 95 fastball, grounder to short.

Skinny: Francisco Lindor fielded near bag.

(L) Brett Gardner -- 94 fastball, bunt to catcher.

Skinny: Catcher Yan Gomes was quick to the ball on third-base side.

(R) Alex Rodriguez -- 96 fastball called strike; 96 fastball high; 87 changeup down and in; 88 changeup, grounder to third (outer half).

(7 pitches)

SECOND INNING 

(L) Mark Teixeira -- 94 fastball outside; 94 fastball inside; 94 fastball foul; 95 fastball low; 95 fastball, fly to right-center.

Skinny: Center fielder Abraham Almonte made the catch.

(L) Brian McCann -- 95 fastball called strike; 84 off-speed high; 94 fastball foul; 96 fastball, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: McCann chased a pitch at letters.

(L) Carlos Beltran -- 96 fastball high and outside; 95 fastball outside; 94 fastball swinging strike; 95 fastball inside; 94 fastball foul; 89 changeup foul; 96 fastball foul; 96 fastball (ripped foul to right); 83 changeup foul; 90 changeup, swinging strikeout (down and away).

Skinny: Carrasco eventually prevailed thanks in part to speed variance of final two pitches. Location was superb.

(19 pitches)

THIRD INNING

(L) Didi Gregorius -- 94 fastball called strike; 84 changeup swinging strike; 95 fastball, double to left-center (off outside corner).

Skinny: Gregorius did not try to do too much and stayed compact.

(L) Stephen Drew -- 94 fastball called strike; 89 changeup outside; 94 fastball, pop to center.

(R) Brendan Ryan -- 88 changeup called strike; 96 fastball called strike; 89 changeup in dirt; 96 fastball, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Carrasco and catcher Yan Gomes did not over-think matters: They challenged and won.

(Gomes chats with Carrasco.)

(L) Jacoby Ellsbury -- 96 fastball outside; 95 fastball foul; 89 changeup foul; 86 changeup, swinging strikeout (in dirt).

(14 pitches)

FOURTH INNING

(L) Brett Gardner -- 94 fastball called strike (outside corner); 86 off-speed low; 94 fastball, grounder to third.

Skinny: Ridiculously good play by Urshela.

(R) Alex Rodriguez -- called strike; 82 breaking pitch low and inside; 89 slider foul; 84 breaking pitch, called strikeout.

Skinny: Nasty 12-to-6.

(L) Mark Teixeira -- 94 fastball, grounder to second.

Skinny: Jose Ramirez, as part of the shift, fielded in shallow right.

(8 pitches)

FIFTH INNING

(L) Brian McCann -- 83 breaking pitch in dirt; 95 fastball in dirt; 95 fastball outside; 94 fastball called strike; 95 fastball, grounder to short.

Skinny: Lindor, as part of the shift, fielded on right side.

(L) Carlos Beltran -- 95 fastball called strike; 86 changeup in dirt; 89 changeup low; 95 fastball outside; 95 fastball, grounder to second.

Skinny: Ramirez, as part of the shift, fielded the sharply hit ball in shallow right.

(L) Didi Gregorius -- 96 fastball called strike; 90 changeup outside (barely); 95 fastball, grounder to second.

(13 pitches)

SIXTH INNING

(L) Stephen Drew -- 94 fastball called strike; 93 fastball down and in; 88 changeup foul; 95 fastball foul; 85 breaking pitch high; 95 fastball high; 95 fastball foul; 89 changeup foul; 94 fastball, homer to right.

Skinny: Drew punished Carrasco for a pitch that did not have much on it. 

Homer snapped Yankees' scoreless-innings streak at 31.

(R) Brendan Ryan -- 94 fastball foul (high); 95 fastball, liner to center.

Skinny: Almonte with sliding catch while moving in.

(L) Jacoby Ellsbury -- 88 changeup foul; 94 fastball high (barely); 93 fastball, grounder to second.

(L) Brett Gardner -- 83 breaking pitch outside; 93 fastball called strike; 88 changeup outside (barely); 94 fastball called strike; 91 off-speed low (barely); 94 fastball, called strikeout.

Skinny: Gardner disagreed with plate umpire Bob Davidson about the final pitch, and Gardner was correct: It was outside. But Carrasco appeared to get squeezed on the third pitch, and the fifth was borderline.

(20 pitches)

SEVENTH INNING

(R) Alex Rodriguez -- 91 fastball low and away; 93 fastball, single to left.

Skinny: Rodriguez dug out a decent pitch.

(L) Mark Teixeira -- 94 fastball inside; 94 fastball high; 93 fastball called strike;  fastball, LODP-3.

Skinny: Carrasco was living right: Teixeira scorched the ball directly to Chris Johnson, who stepped on bag to double off Rodriguez.

(L) Brian McCann -- 94 fastball, fly to left.

(7 pitches)

EIGHTH INNING

(L) Carlos Beltran -- 88 changeup outside; 92 fastball, homer to right.

Skinny: Unlike the pitch that Drew hit for the homer, this one came with a wrinkle. Problem for Carrasco is, it veered over the plate at the thighs. Beltran and his classic swing zipped it over the wall. For the opposition, it is easier to stomach a homer from Beltran than from Drew -- although, for this season, at least, Drew has 14 and Beltran 10.

(L) Didi Gregorius -- 92 fastball called strike; 83 off-speed outside; 93 fastball inside; 92 fastball called strike; 88 changeup foul; 88 changeup, fly to center.

(L) Stephen Drew -- 93 fastball called strike; 93 fastball foul; 89 changeup in dirt; 89 changeup, swinging strikeout (in dirt).

(R) Brendan Ryan -- 88 breaking pitch called strike; 88 breaking pitch swinging strike; 89 breaking pitch foul (emergency hack); 83 breaking pitch, swinging strikeout.

(16 pitches)

Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett explains how he spent his summer: Ohio State QB Battle

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Cardale Jones is an open book. What did J.T. Barrett do this summer? Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett had a big summer. He got a new bathing suit, and he went swimming.

Oh, you did that too? Not that exciting? That's the point.

In the search for information during the summer about what Ohio State's quarterbacks were up to, one merely needed access to the Internet to get a good idea of what Cardale Jones was doing. That's how Jones lives his life, not afraid to be in the public eye or express himself in a place where everybody can hear it or read it.

Barrett is a bit more reserved. He doesn't have the same social media presence as Jones. He wasn't available to the media at all once spring practice ended. It was difficult to get a gauge on what Barrett was doing.

Neither approach is wrong. It's just how each guy chooses to live his life.

But in a quarterback battle like this, one where everything -- on the field, and off -- will be weighed and measured by Urban Meyer, it begs the question: What was Barrett doing this summer?

"A lot of ball," Barrett said Monday, the first day the Buckeyes were on the field for fall training camp.

J.T. barrettOSU quarterback No. 16 J.T. Barrett runs through a practice drill with No. 12 Cardale Jones aS WR No. 1 Braxton Miller looks on August 10, 2015.  

OK, how about this: What was the most fun or exciting thing you did away from football this summer?

"We went to Zoombezi Bay, that was a big-time deal," Barrett said. "I got in the water this time. Last year I didn't get in the water, I just went to the zoo. This time I decided to do the whole swim thing. I had swim trunks and everything, it was nice."

Whoa, man. Slow down. Don't have too much fun.

Maybe Barrett had other things pop up in the summer that normal people would consider fun, but it took him a few seconds to rack his brain just to find that answer. The fact is, most of Barrett's summer was consumed by football. There were his summer classes at Ohio State, the mandatory football workouts, and then the countless hours of extra work he put in at night at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

That's not to say Jones didn't do that same. If he wants to beat Barrett for the job, which he does, than that requires going the extra step on his part too. But we know that Jones' summer also included throwing out the first pitch at a Cleveland Indians game, spending time at Browns training camp, traveling to Los Angeles and getting the red-carpet treatment at the ESPY Awards, and some daring attempts at flirtation with UFC champion Ronda Rousey. That's a loaded summer.

J.T., what were you doing?

"I was just working," Barrett said. "Whether it be in there in the training room trying to get right as far as health, or working extra with the guys. I feel like that was the way to go about it. It was nothing crazy."

Barrett said there were some nights where he was in the Woody until 10:30 p.m., other nights where he fell asleep while watching film.

"Mostly Virginia Tech," Barrett said. He wants another shot at that one.

He did get away though. He went home twice to Wichita Falls, Texas. Once to see one his brothers graduate, and another time just get home for a few days before the start of camp.

But even when he was home, Barrett found time to work in some football. His high school football stadium is just a short walk up the block from his home, so that's where Barrett went to get in a workout with his old high school, Rider, during a Midnight Madness practice.

"That boy don't go nowhere without his cleats and a football," Barrett's mother Stacy told Northeast Ohio Media Group during a brief phone interview Tuesday. "That's just the way he is."

Barrett also spent time in Oregon for the Elite 11 quarterback camp, where he served as a college mentor with guys like Penn State's Christian Hackenberg and USC's Cody Kessler. He found time to get in work there, too.

Prostyle QB #E11 [?]

A video posted by JT Barrett (@jt_theqbiv) on

He spent a week in Los Angeles in May, working out with quarterback guru Tom House, the second time Barrrett has worked out with House. See, anyone who thought Barrett might have been mad about missing out on the ESPY's trip, he wasn't. Because he got his trip to California in early.

It's difficult in this quarterback battle to write anything about one guy without it seeming like your dismissing the other. That's not the case, and this is still very much a 50-50 battle in the early stages of camp.

We know how Jones spent at least part of his summer. And now we know what Barrett did, too.

"I was up here (in the Woody) for a minute," Barrett said. "Why not? I didn't have nothing else to do. I wasn't gonna go home and watch Netflix like other students do."

Gallery preview 

4 high school sports stories from Tuesday worth another look, including St. Edward-Cleveland Heights football scrimmage highlights

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Here are four of Tuesday’s cleveland.com high school sports stories that are worth another look:

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Here are four of Tuesday’s cleveland.com high school sports stories that are worth another look: 

1. Defending Division I football state champion St. Edward faced Cleveland Heights in the first preseason scrimmage for both teams. The matchup featured a few high-profile college recruits, including St. Edward running back and Indiana commit Cole Gest, Eagles defensive back Tony Butler (offers from Clemson and Michigan, among others) and Cleveland Heights wide receiver Jaylen Harris, whose offer list is topped by Ohio State and Alabama. Check out a photo gallery from the scrimmage, as well as a bunch of highlight video.


2. The cleveland.com Preseason Top 25 countdown continued Tuesday with a profile of No. 17 Nordonia. The Knights reached the Division II state championship game last season, but many of the big names from that team have graduated. How will the team fare this season in a revamped Suburban League? We take a look at what they need to do to make another playoff run.


3. St. Edward offensive lineman Kyle Tomshack was the latest player profiled in our Top Targets series on local NCAA football  prospects.  Smart, strong and talented, Tomshack enters 2015 with a few scholarship offers in hand. Tomshack is one of 50 players we’ll profile leading up to the start of the 2015 season.


4. USA Today released its Super 25 national preseason football rankings, and St. Edward landed at No. 19. Cincinnati Colerain wa the top-ranked Ohio school at No. 10.


For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

The Cleveland Indians' youth movement, Carlos Carrasco's year-long rule and a super-soaker celebration: Zack Meisel's musings

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"You do something good, you get beat up for it," Brantley said. "I don't understand how that works, so I was trying to spread it out so they all didn't attack me at once."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Once the winning run scored -- five hours and four minutes after first pitch -- Michael Brantley ran past second base and continued to the outfield.

He sprinted into the vast, open area, away from his teammates, who chased after him with super soakers and intent to playfully maul him.

"You do something good, you get beat up for it," Brantley said. "I don't understand how that works, so I was trying to spread it out so they all didn't attack me at once."

Here are 10 thoughts on the Tribe following a 16-inning victory against the Yankees.

1. Doctor is in: Brantley has collected multiple hits in the last six games he has started. In those contests, he has 15 hits in 28 at-bats (.536 average). Since the All-Star break, the left fielder is batting .398 (35-for-88) with a .485 on-base percentage and a .625 slugging percentage.

2. Kids are all right: The Indians have spoken in recent days about how the infusion of young players and new faces onto the roster has given the club a jolt of energy.

"We've been fighting all year to try to get a personality or identity, however you want to say it," said manager Terry Francona. "And then all of a sudden we've got a bunch of new guys and we seem to kind of be finding it."

3. Leading off: Jose Ramirez, who has filled in for Jason Kipnis in the top spot in Francona's lineup, tallied three hits on Tuesday. In seven games since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus, he is batting .344 (11-for-32) with a .462 on-base percentage and seven RBIs.

4. Hot corner: Giovanny Urshela earned his way onto ESPN's SportsCenter top plays montage with a nifty pick and long, off-balance throw from foul territory beside third base. Francona said it prompted memories of Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson. Urshela's throw reached Chris Johnson's glove on the fly to retire Yankees speedster Brett Gardner.

"That was pretty special right there," Brantley said.

5. Home cooking: The Indians improved to 3-16 in the first game of a series at Progressive Field. They are 8-10 in such contests on the road. They are 23-33 overall at home.

6. Cookie express: In his last three starts, Carlos Carrasco has limited the opposition to three runs on seven hits and two walks over 26 innings. He has totaled 22 strikeouts. He threw 104 pitches on Tuesday. Francona said he considered sending the right-hander to the mound for the ninth, but he ultimately opted to turn to closer Cody Allen.

Carrasco had a 22-inning scoreless streak snapped in the sixth inning. The streak was the longest by a Tribe starter since Roberto Hernandez -- the artist formerly known as Fausto Carmona -- in 2010.

7. Productive year: Carrasco rejoined the Indians' rotation on Aug. 10, 2014, following a stint in the bullpen. In a full year as a starter -- a span of 33 starts -- he has posted a 2.91 ERA over 213 1/3 innings, with 39 walks (1.6 per nine innings), 233 strikeouts (9.8 per nine) and 169 hits allowed (7.1 hits per nine).

8. Windmill: Zach Walters struck out in all three of his trips to the plate on Tuesday. In 30 plate appearances this season, he has 15 strikeouts, no walks and four singles. Francona often remarks about the pop in Walters' bat, and rightfully so. Maybe there's a hole in the bat, too.

9. Walking off: The Indians notched just their second walk-off victory of the season. The first came on a David Murphy sacrifice fly, which scored Roberto Perez, on June 21 against Tampa Bay.

10. Arms race: Austin Adams earned the win on Tuesday -- technically Wednesday, since the game ended after midnight. Francona said Adams would have pitched another inning if necessary. After Adams, the Tribe would have turned to Shawn Armstrong. Then, it would have been up to Danny Salazar. The right-hander, slated to start for Cleveland on Wednesday evening, relocated to the bullpen late in the game as an emergency option.

What former Buckeyes are featured on Ohio State's new position group banners?

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The new banners hang at one end of the indoor field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

No. 16 Maple Heights football looks to build off last year's playoff berth: Preseason Top 25 countdown (video, poll)

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Maple Heights enters the season ranked 16th in the cleveland.com top 25 poll.

LORAIN, Ohio – The cleveland.com high school football Preseason Top 25 countdown continues today with the unveiling of Northeast Ohio's No. 16 team, the Maple Heights Mustangs.

Check cleveland.com/hssports daily as the Top 25 is revealed one team per day, leading up to the announcement of the area's top-ranked team on Aug. 27.  


PREVIOUSLY: No. 25 MadisonNo. 24 Elyria, No. 23 Wadsworth, No. 22 Highland, No. 21 North Olmsted, No. 20 Cleveland Heights,No. 19 Hudson, No. 18 Lorain and No. 17 Nordonia.


Here is more on Maple Heights' football team as it enters the 2015 season, which begins on the road at John Adams on Aug. 28.


3 keys to qualifying for the playoffs


1. Get the ball to Kierre Hawkins, early and often:The Ohio State commit is a special talent who possesses the ability to dominate a game in many different ways. He will see time in the backfield, as well as split out at wide receiver. However, what makes him truly a difference maker is his ability to block down field, something he showed he can do in a scrimmage against Glenville earlier this week.




2. Get off to another fast start: The Mustangs showed early last season they had the look of a playoff team, as they started off 7-1. While they lost their final three games, getting off to another fast start early this season could really help a team having to add new pieces with some very talented players.


3. Find a guy to come in at quarterback: Last year, Lamar Smith threw for over 700 yards, while rushing for 660 yards and scoring 18 total touchdowns. His ability to make plays with his feet played a huge role in allowing his talented receivers to get open.


MORE ABOUT MAPLE HEIGHTS


Click here to see 2015 schedule


OHSAA division, region: Division I, Region 1.


Conference: Lake Erie League.


2014 record: 7-4.


Coach: Devlin Culliver.


Coach's record at school: 15-16 in three seasons.


Returning starters: 5 offense, 3 defense.


Key players:


Derrick Brumfield, DE, Sr., 6-4, 220.


Justyn Early, LB, Sr., 6-1, 235.


Kierre Hawkins, TE, Sr., 6-4, 225.


Javonte Richardson, WR, Jr., 6-4, 207.


Dwayne Thompson, SS, Sr., 5-7, 155.


Taray Wesley, OT/DT, Sr., 6-3, 220.


Scouting report

Strengths: With Hawkins and Richardson, the Mustangs have two players that opposing defenses must spend a lot of time planning for. Hawkins is especially to prepare for, as he will line up all over the field. With two players capable of scoring on any play, there will be opportunities for other players on the team to have one-on-one matchups.


Concerns: The Mustangs have a lot of speed on the field, but this is not a particularly big team. It will be imperative for the offensive line to give the offense enough time to allow the playmakers to get open downfield.


Bottom Line: For Maple Heights, this is a team last year that showed it has the potential to be a handful in the Lake Erie League. With Hawkins, the Mustangs have one of the best players in the state of Ohio. He is a great receiver, but he also does a tremendous job of downfield blocking. The team was 7-1 at one point last season, but lost its final three games. Look for Maple Heights to once again be in contention for a playoff berth this year.




Follow Maple Heights all season


Bookmark the team's cleveland.com webpage to see every post pertaining to Maple Heights.



Berea-Midpark OL Zach Bycznski latest in series of NCAA football recruiting player pages on 50 local prospects (videos, photos)

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Welcome to another edition of cleveland.com's summer-long series of interactive and multimedia football player profile pages covering NCAA recruiting and high school careers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Welcome to another edition of cleveland.com's summer-long series of interactive and multimedia football player profile pages covering NCAA recruiting and high school careers.

The series – Top Targets: NEO’s Best NCAA Recruiting Prospects – will feature 50 dynamic player pages on the biggest football recruits in the region. Look for recruiting profile pages on elite boys and girls basketball players later in the school year, too.


Today's featured athlete, with the debut of his player page, is Berea-Midpark football player Zach Bycznski.


Player pages include many separate posts. Content includes photo galleries, videos, college offers, career stats, key content about the player by cleveland.com and other media outlets and much more about the prospect on and off the football field.


These pages are rolling out with one posted every Monday through Saturday continuing until Thursday, Aug. 27, the first night games will be played.


Each day there also will be a post like this one with links to find all of the player profile pages that have been published to date. Click on the player’s name below for a direct link to his page. You can also see the most recent football news on the cleveland.com football page. 



Zach Bycznski, Berea-Midpark: A Cincinnati recruit, Bycznski is the anchor of the Berea-Midpark offensive line, which helps protect senior QB Nick Gassman. Bycznski is a physical lineman with the strength at almost 300 lbs to be a strong run blocker in the interior of the Titans' offensive line. With the help of Bycznski, the Titans made the playoffs in only their second season after the merger of Berea and Midpark.



Kyle Tomshack, St. EdwardSmart, big and strong is a good way to describe Tomshack. Not only is he ranked No. 1 in his class academically, he’s perhaps the team’s strongest player. Combine that with great footwork - and his 6-foot-3, 305-pound frame - and you have the makings of a superb lineman. He was a key member of the Eagles' offensive line during last season's state championship drive. Entering 2015 he had Division I offers from Cornell and Davidson, among others.



Max Potokar, St. Edward: Potokar has terrific size for a lineman, as he stands at 6-foot-6, 315 pounds. St. Edward is bringing in a new quarterback to go along with a brand new group of receivers. However, all-state running back Cole Gest is back, which means that the Eagles are going to rely heavily on the ground game. Look for Potokar to play a huge role this season, and look for him to garner a lot more attention from colleges throughout the season.



Michael O'Malley, St. Edward: The Eagles had a lot of stars on the team last season, but it was O'Malley who really showed up in the biggest games. This season, he will have an expanded role, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He has great athleticism for a defensive lineman, and his play will help a team bringing in many new players in the back seven.



Dakari Carter, Streetsboro: With his reputation for being one of the fastest athletes in Northeast Ohio, the junior Rocket perfectly represents his school's mascot. His speed gives college scouts cause to overlook his small stature. Carter is a versatile two-way player -- an impact player at wide receiver, cornerback and on kickoff and punt returns. He holds five Division I offers heading into the 2015 season and will likely get several more before his senior year. 



Lance Billings, Clearview: The Clearview senior has been an impact player in each of the last two seasons, where he earned All-Ohio honors twice as a wide receiver. Billings, an Iowa recruit at defensive back, is very capable on the defensive side after recording three interceptions in 2014 and returning two for touchdowns. At 5-11, Billings is a fast athlete with the ball skills to excel on both sides of the ball.



Alex Mathews, Mentor: Mathews has offers from Air Force, Colgate and Harvard, and with Cardinals coach Steve Trivisonno saying the senior will carry the load this season, expect him to give recruiters an eyeful. He has been a mainstay of the Mentor offense the last two seasons, and as a junior  in a pass-first offense rushed for 938 yards and 15 TDs. He was second-team All-Northeast Lakes District last season. Expect Mathews rushing numbers, district placement and number of Division I offers to all rise this season.



DeMann Wilson, Glenville: The senior Tarblooder could make for a interesting story this season with no offers on the table, but talent to show. According to Scout.com, Ohio State, Purdue and Pitt have expressed interest in having Wilson. The senior linebacker and defensive end has given opposing quarterbacks and linemen problems standing at 6-3 and weighing in at 215-pounds.



Jonah Morris, Archbishop Hoban: The Knights senior ranks among Northeast Ohio's tallest top targets at 6-foot-4, with quickness and elusiveness to match his stature. Morris had a breakout season in 2014 and committed earlier this year to Michigan State. He stands to put up even more impressive numbers in 2015 with the addition of quarterback Danny Clark (an Ohio State commit) to the Hoban lineup.



Joey Johnson, John Adams: The senior athlete plays on both sides of the football and remains a player still under the radar. Johnson is projected to do really well this season and has attracted interested from a handful of MAC schools so far. Last season he threw for 510 yards as a quarterback, but on defense had 17 total tackles. Johnson is quiet on the field, but his play on the field speaks loudly.



Niko Lalos, St. Vincent-St. Mary: The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder impressed in his first full season on varsity last season. The senior did some of his best work on defense where he recorded 61 tackles, including a couple of sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. In addition to defensive end and and linebacker, Lalos is also likely to see a fair amount of playing time at wide receiver and tight end this year. 



Joey Bachie, Berea-Midpark: The senior linebacker and Michigan State recruit is the anchor of Berea-Midpark's defense with the speed to be a disruptive force. Bachie attacks the play well defensively and makes sure to finish each play effectively. With a 4.5-second 40-yard-dash time, Bachie is very athletic and is a true playmaker on defense.



Javonte Richardson, Maple Heights: At 6-foot-4, Richardson is a big target with great hands at receiver. He helped Maple Heights reach the postseason last year. Although his future is at receiver, he can play all over the field for the Mustangs. He has three Division I offers and Big Ten interest.



John Todd, Parma: The 6-foot-3, 305-pound offensive tackle is touted as the best lineman from Parma in more than 30 years by coach Bruce Saban. He received his first Division I offer from Davidson, but after doing the summer camp circuit following his junior season, Todd is hopeful more offers come in. Excellent athleticism and footwork are Todd’s strengths. He graded out at more than 95 percent each game of his junior year.



Logan Bolin, Midview: The Middies' senior wide receiver has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and was the top target of QB Dustin Crum in 2014 where he caught 87 passes for 1,410 yards and 18 touchdowns. At 6-foot-2, Bolin has the ability win one-on-one battles against most defensive backs, particularly in jump ball situations. Bolin has offers from Air Force and Davidson.



Tyrone Chambers, Brush: The Arcs' enormous defensive tackle has been on the recruiting radar since his sophomore season. He registered seven sacks and 35 tackles in 2014 and has drawn offers from Akron, Bowling Green and Toledo. Chambers, who has been scouted by nearly every Big Ten school, says he plans to visit Michigan State and Ohio State soon.



Terek Zingale, Nordonia: An overpowering tackle, Zingale was one of the reasons why Nordonia's offense clicked all the way to reaching the Division II state championship game last December. Colleges took notice of Zingale, and during the off-season, he verbally committed to Maryland.



Jatairis Grant, Akron Garfield: The rising senior is a back-to-back all-district member selling voters on his explosiveness as defensive back. The 6-foot-1 Toledo commit is quick and gives coaches a versatile player on the field. He received offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Cincinnati, James Madison, Kent State, Miami (OH) and Ohio University. He also plays receiver, punt returner and punter for the Rams.



Zach Corrigall, St. Vincent-St. Mary: Corrigall is a Kent State commit who prides himself on his relentless work ethic and willingness to always look for ways to improve various aspects of his game. His strength and dedication to his craft of protecting his quarterback and opening up holes for his running backs make him a cornerstone of the Irish's offense as the team looks to make another deep playoff run after a state semifinal appearance last year and state titles in 2012 and 2013. 



Dustin Crum, Midview: A sophomore in 2014, Crum helped lead Midview to a 12-1 record and had almost 4,500 yards of total offense. He threw for 3,323 yards and 39 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,175 yards and 17 scores. Crum is the type of quarterback who is just as capable of making plays with his legs as he is with his arm. With the Middies moving into the Southwestern Conference, Crum will be one of many top quarterbacks in the 10-team league.



Anthony Johnson Jr., Euclid: The transfer from Cleveland Heights is one of the top defensive back prospects in Ohio and holds nine Division I offers. Rated three stars by multiple recruiting services, Johnson is a tall defender able to cover man-to-man and make the big hit. He’s expected to make his college choice before the end of July, with his finalists narrowed down to Cincinnati, Kentucky and Toledo. He has offers from most Mid-American Conference schools.



Kierre Hawkins, Maple Heights: An Ohio State commit, Hawkins is the focal point of the Maple Heights offense. Although he is projected as a tight end or a receiver in college, Hawkins sees the majority of his work out of the backfield for the Mustangs. He helped take the team to the playoffs last season.



Carlos Chavis, LorainNow the focal running back on the team, Chavis could be in store for a huge junior year. In a limited role last season, he rushed for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has the ability to read the hole, while also taking it the distance at any given moment. Look for Chavis to start to get some offers during his junior campaign.



Cameron Odom, Bedford: The Ohio University commit is a speedy runner both on the track and on the football field. He can also catch the football. With Odom having such Bedford alumni members and pro football receivers such as Chris Chambers and Lee Evans, he's in good company to blossom as a wide out.



Tyler Tupa, Brecksville: Tupa, an Ohio commit, is a senior receiver with a knack for hauling in passes and finding the endzone. Tupa also has received scholarship offers from Kent State and Bowling Green. He's part of the Tupa family, which has experienced a lot of football success, including his father, Tom, who played in the NFL as a punter. Last season, Tyler Tupa had 17 receiving touchdowns for Brecksville.



Nick Sokolowski, Brecksville: The senior is a cornerstone of the Bees' defense and has begun to catch the attention of more college scouts but still is regarded as somewhat underrated. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive end possesses quick feet and agility in addition to size and strength. He has a Division I offer from Bowling Green and has taken unofficial visits to Toledo and Cincinnati. Other big name schools such as Purdue also have expressed interest in what Sokolowski has to offer. 



Jack Wohlabaugh, Walsh Jesuit: Wohlabaugh, an Ohio State commit, is a heady and athletic interior lineman who finishes off every play. He is the son of former Browns center and nine-year NFL veteran Dave Wohlabaugh, and last season he displayed the savvy and leadership that comes with having a father who started 128 professional games. Wohlabaugh is nasty and aggressive, smart and strategic.



Tony Butler, St. Edward: The senior is the main holdover from a defensive backfield that dominated opponents during last season’s Division I state championship season. Originally a Pitt commit, he recently decommitted to pursue other offers. A rarity as a 6-foot-2 defensive back, Butler is a three-star prospect and likely to be the Eagles defender opposing quarterbacks try to avoid most this season.



Cole Gest, St. EdwardThe three-star running back is undersized, but the Indiana commit has impressed talent evaluators with his speed and physicality. Heading into last season, it was the passing game of St. Edward that had opponents' focus, and Gest exploited them. This year, it will be the opposite as opposing defenses will add another defender in the box to try and stop the talented senior.



Jake Sopko, Avon: The senior quarterback committed to Cincinnati in May. He led the Eagles to a 10-2 record and the Division II regional semifinals last season, throwing for 2,864 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was a first-team All-Northeast Lakes District selection.



Chawntez Moss, Bedford: The senior running back committed to Pittsburgh in April. Moss led the Bearcats in rushing last season, with more than 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, and was selected as a cleveland.com All-Star. Moss helped lead Bedford to a perfect regular season and playoff run that ended with a 34-32 loss to Mayfield in a Division II regional final.



Nik Urban, Willoughby South: The senior offensive guard committed to Northwestern in April. He opened eyes during a dominant junior season in which the cleveland.com All-Star selection's play helping allow teammate D.J. Greene to rush for 1,900 yards and 26 touchdowns. Urban has 10 offers in all, including fellow Big Ten members Illinois and Maryland. He is a consensus three-star prospect among the main national recruiting services. 



Luke Farrell, Perry: The senior TE has 14 Division I offers after three spectacular seasons for the Pirates. As a junior, Farrell caught 43 passes for 730 yards and six touchdowns, upping his career totals to 91 catches for 1,544 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a DE, he recorded 19 solo tackles and 21 assists last season as well as 10 sacks. He has 198 total tackles in over the last three seasons including 68 as a sophomore, of which 40 were solo tackles. Imposing size, speed and strength and the will to continue to improve on those aspects make Farrell a promising collegiate prospect. 



Demario McCall, North Ridgeville: The senior RB is an Ohio State commit after two outstanding full seasons for the Rangers. As a junior, McCall rushed for 2,302 yards and 35 touchdowns, and caught 14 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown. He has 60 touchdowns in two seasons. McCall is a game-breaker because of his speed and elusiveness in the open field. Any time he touches the ball, he is a threat to get into the end zone.



A.J. Rose, Garfield Heights: The senior QB/RB holds more than 13 Division I offers, including Minnesota and Syracuse. Rose committed to Kentucky in February. Scouts like Rose's size and speed, combined with his ability to run through tacklers at the line of scrimmage. Last year, Rose rushed for more than 700 yards and 12 touchdowns while passing for more than 600 yards and 10 scores.


For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on TwitterContact Mark Kern on Twitter (@Markkern11) or by email (mkern@cleveland.comor log in and leave a message in the comments section below.




Watch action, off-field videos of Berea-Midpark football player Zach Bycznski

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See highlights of Berea-Midpark football player Zach Bycznski.

BEREA, Ohio — Here is a compliation of videos featuring Berea-Midpark senior offensive lineman Zach Bycznski.

Look for the amount of videos to grow rapidly when the season begins and to include action as well as feature footage and postgame interviews. The most recent video appears first.


Bycznski is among dozens of Northeast Ohio football players with his own personalized cleveland.com player page, which will be updated by Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters throughout his career with all the latest news on his college recruiting and high school performance.


The 50 player pages are rolling out one per day, Monday through Saturday, through the season openers on Aug. 27. Check out the latest post with links to all the player pages that have been published to date.


Have you seen additional videos featuring Bycznski? If so we invite you to paste a link to the video in the comments section at the bottom of this post.


Junior season vs. North Royalton



Freshman highlights


Berea-Midpark OL Zach Bycznski: Photos and index of content on football standout (updated throughout career)

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Welcome to a gateway to lots of content about Berea-Midpark football player Zach Bycznski including pictures and videos.


BEREA, Ohio — Welcome to a gateway to lots of content about Berea-Midpark football star Zach Bycznski, including pictures and videos.


Bycznski is among dozens of Northeast Ohio football players with his own personalized cleveland.com player page, which will be updated by Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters throughout his career with all the latest news on his college recruiting and high school performance.


Also be sure to check out one webpage where you can access every player’s individual page.


Check out the photo gallery above, including some pictures the player shared with us from his cell phone, and look for the slideshow to be updated throughout the season.


Below is a compilation of content about Bycznski by NEOMG reporters, as well as other media outlets in the region and state and the national recruiting services. Look for it to grow rapidly when the season begins.


Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest on Bycznski. The most recent content appears first.


UC football adds two more recruiting commitments (Cincinnati.com)


Bycznski was one of cleveland.com's Players to Watch in 2015.


He was also a member of the cleveland.com 2014 Varsity Blitz Elite Top 100 Players.

MAC West tailbacks, led by Kareem Hunt, likely to decide division title

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Tough and physical tailbacks dominate the landscape in the West Division of the Mid-American Conference, led by Toledo's Kareem Hunt and Western Michigan's Jarvion Franklin.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The West Division of the Mid-American Conference is traditionally the deepest and toughest and this season should be no exception. Any of the top three teams as selected in the recent news media poll could easily win the conference, as their poll votes indicate.

This is the division of the tailbacks. And for the most part they are throwbacks; big and thick, powerful runners between the tackles who are capable of scoring from short yardage or long distance.

Toledo's Kareem Hunt may be the most distinguished, but Western Michigan's Jarvion Franklin is equally as capable. Franklin will be one of two MAC West tailbacks who will be seen on the big stage this season against defending national champion Ohio State.

This is also the division where the running quarterback is more than just a scrambler, but a true signature piece of the offense. At Northern Illinois, in particular, history has shown the better the QB is on the hoof, the better the Huskies are on offense.

At some point every season in MAC football the weather dictates the game is played on the ground, not in the air. Perhaps that is why the MAC's West Division is historically the best in the league.

Here is a profile of teams in the MAC West, based on media preseason poll, with poll points and first-place votes:

1. Toledo 121/11 - The Rockets fall under the heading of reloading under head coach Matt Campbell as the entire offensive line must be replaced. But with tailback Kareem Hunt behind them, and solid quarterback play, this is a team that should start solid and get better as the season goes on.

2. Western Michigan 121/8 - The schedule, both non-conference and cross-overs, will probably catch up with the Broncos over the course of the season to keep them from being No. 1. But on any given Saturday, with tailback Jarvion Franklin and quarterback Zach Terrell, this team can be the best in the league.

3. Northern Illinois 113/4 - Is the rest of the MAC catching up to Northern Illinois, or are the Huskies falling back to the pack? Until further notice, it is option A. However, it will be up to quarterback Drew Hare and a stable of tailbacks, plus a traditionally stout defense, to prove it.

4. Ball State 66 - The Cardinals pulled some surprises last season to make what looked to be a down transition season palatable at 5-7. The challenge now is to build on that growth going forward. Sophomore QB Jack Milas has to make a big jump for that to happen.

5. Central Michigan 56/1 - The Chippewas have a quality veteran quarterback in Cooper Rush, but coach John Bonamego is going through a bout with cancer that does cast a shadow over the season. Still, CMU has the pedigree to be a tough out, and if tailback Devon Spaulding proves to be a 1,000-yard performer, a division challenger as well.

6. Eastern Michigan 28 - The biggest mystery in the MAC, almost every season, is what to expect out of Eastern Michigan. This is the second season for coach Chris Creighton, so anything above his 2-10 slate from last season would indicate the Eagles are on the rise.

Cleveland Indians ballpark renovations: Phase 2 includes new club behind home plate at Progressive Field

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The new club will have a glass front so fans have a view of the game on the main level of Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A new club behind home plate on Progressive Field's main level highlights the second phase of renovations to the ballpark, the Indians announced Wednesday.

The Indians also announced an expansion of concessions for the entire ballpark similar to what was done in the right field stands this year, which included offerings from Melt, Barrio, Sweet Moses, Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Dynomite Burgers.

The new club behind home plate will include a full bar, concessions, a customer-service center and a glass front so fans can watch the game. The club will stay open after games and provide season ticket holders a place to go while traffic clears.

The team said the renovations will be done in time for the 2016 season and it plans to work with the Gateway Economic Development Corp. and city leaders to gain final approval for the project.

Both phases of the renovation have meant a reduction in seats. For the renovation heading into the 2015 season, about 7,000 seats were removed; this renovation will include removal of seats from the back sections of the main level behind home plate.

Ohio State football: James Laurinaitis explains his advice to Raekwon McMillan about being a sophomore middle linebacker

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"You have a natural kind of athleticism and talent that's obvious," Laurinaitis told McMillan. "Strive to be better. I don't mean that as something negative about me. I just mean don't put a limit on yourself."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Raekwon McMillan introduced himself to the veteran in the weight room. For Ohio State's sophomore starting middle linebacker, this was the right guy to know.

Not that James Laurinaitis needed to hear the introduction. He knew. He'd watched. He'd been told by Luke Fickell, McMillan's linebackers coach now and Laurinaitis' linebackers coach back when he was the last sophomore to start at middle linebacker for the Buckeyes in 2006. (Curtis Grant started the first three games as middle linebacker in 2012 before losing his job.)

"Fick had told me, 'This McMillan kid reminds me a lot of you,'" Laurinaitis told the Northeast Ohio Media Group in a phone interview Wednesday. 

Leadership, knowledge, focus, soft-spoken but with a purpose - Fickell ticked off the similarities. So could they be similar players on the field?

"I told him I want to be as good as him," McMillan said Wednesday of the three-time first-team All-American and Butkus Award, Nagurski Award and Lott Trophy winner. "He looked at me and told me he wanted me to be better than him."

"You have a natural kind of athleticism and talent that's obvious," Laurinaitis said, recounting his advice. "Strive to be better. I don't mean that as something negative about me. I just mean don't put a limit on yourself."

The steps toward those limits may be timid as first, as McMillan works through the same process Laurinaitis did in 2006. There are differences. McMillan is a five-star recruit who already played a lot last year in what at times was a middle linebacker timeshare with Grant, then a senior. Laurinaitis was a three-star recruit who mostly watched behind veterans A.J. Hawk, Anthony Schlegel and Bobby Carpenter in 2005 before Carpenter's broken leg forced him into the Michigan game.

But at this point, the paths converge. It's about taking over a defense at a young age, when talent alone isn't enough.

"I think at first it's overwhelming," said Laurinaitis, now preparing for his seventh NFL season with the St. Louis Rams. "You have to try to navigate your place in the pecking order. You're the middle linebacker so it's your job to make the calls, you're setting the defense, you're the guy in charge, you're the guy running things. But you're a sophomore.

"Especially if it's your first significant playing time, the idea is, 'Let me prove myself first.' I think Raekwon did that last year. I think he flashed and showed he can play at this level. Now I believe he'll develop this through camp - the consistency, the way he practices and carries himself on the field, that's the way you get your teammates to trust your as a leader.

"They think, 'This guy is always on, he always holds himself accountable, he holds himself to a high standard,' so when when he needs to say something, it's authentic, it has backing. When you're a sophomore, especially early, it's, 'How do I fit in? I want to perform well and prove I belong here,' but while also trying to be a leader."

Laurinaitis knows McMillan won't want to, or need to, overstep his bounds with senior Joshua Perry and redshirt sophomore Darron Lee playing next to him as returning starters. 

But there is something to being the quarterback of the defense. And that's how McMillan said he wants to be viewed.

"The biggest goal for me is to be the captain of the defense, to be out there when guys can trust me," McMillan said.

Sounds like he's listening.

Laurinaitis said his conversations with McMillan took place this spring when he was back working out at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. He said he gave his phone number to McMillan, like he does with all the OSU linebackers, in case he ever wants to talk about anything. That can include how to handle Fickell.

But he has already heard what Fickell has said about McMillan. And that's why he's intrigued. A year ago Fickell was talking up Lee and was proven right. This time it's the five-star from Georgia.

"Fickell is the kind of guy who's not easily impressed," Laurinaitis said.

The key is to keep listening. Fickell sensed some overconfidence from McMillan this summer but said that he, along with strength coach Mickey Marotti and Urban Meyer, helped snap him back to attention. And from the middle of the summer on, he's liked the approach.

Laurinatis' greatest strength at Ohio State, where he wound up as the school's seventh all-time leading tackler, was anticipation born from a combination of instinct and study. He watched film himself, then reviewed the more intricate film breakdowns passed on by Fickell. That's the plan for McMillan to follow - while staying natural in the moment.

"You can study too much and be a robot," Laurinaitis said. "It's a fine line. But focus on the things you have. Your instincts are why you're here, why you're a five-star. But also know the defense.

"As the Mike linebacker you have to know the adjustments, you have to be the guy on the field if you make a check and the safety is supposed to communicate something and he has a brain fart, you can say it for him, because you cover everything up.

"What players don't understand is when they don't know the defense like the back of their hand, it starts messing with your brain and it affects how fast you can play."

From his side of the conversations, with several of them occurring over various lifting sessions, Laurinaitis said he saw a humble, smart, driven kid.

From his side, McMillan saw his future. And someone he couldn't believe was so interested in him.

"It brings you back to earth," McMillan said. "For a guy who's one of the top middle linebackers in the NFL, it's amazing for him to look at me and say he wants me to be better, somebody that he barely knows. That's something that you tell your little brother. It shows that Buckeye pride."

Nine years after Laurinaitis first did it, McMillan can show they don't have to be brothers for them to play like they're related.

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