The Cleveland Cavaliers don't just look good on paper. Their short-handed effort against Golden State in the NBA FInals raises hopes in a way rarely seen in this title-starved sports town Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Iman Shumpert is lost for three months, an announcement that comes less than 24 hours after the Cavs trotted out their embarrassment of roster riches for media day.

This is new territory here. Not injuries getting in the way of a good time. Certainly not that.

The reaction to it is what's new. Which, if I'm reading people correctly, amounts to a yawn and a count backwards from April.

Six months? If the Cavs are full strength in six months, even if they don't reach full strength until five months and 29 days, who wouldn't still like their chances in the playoffs?

We've never seen this before. Twenty years ago when the 1927 Yankees lineup walked out of the cornfield and dressed in Indians' uniforms, the Tribe was coming off a strike that killed the 1994 World Series.

There was little drum beat for that '95 team in large part because that season was shortened by labor madness, too. You knew the Indians would be good but it had also been 41 years since the last American League pennant, 47 years since the last championship parade.

The Indians were the class of the American League. We just didn't know it before that season proved it so emphatically.

Maybe 1996 for the Indians had that hint of pre-destinated greatness. But baseball is such a different animal than basketball, where superstar talent can carry a team and an entire city on a playoff run.

This Cavaliers season is so different. Different even from a year ago when LeBron James announced his return. James was the first to caution against expecting too much too soon, and the first half of the season validated his warnings.

The Cavs had to reach the point where James and Kyrie Irving were singing from the same hymnal, to borrow a Mike Pettine phrase. Kevin Love had to fit in, then fit out. Or was it the other way around? I lost track.

The Cavs had to assimilate Shumpert, Timofey Mozgov and J.R. Smith in January after losing Anderson Varejao. And a new head coach (who wasn't a rookie, OK, got it? ) who had to learn his roster and the league on the fly.

By the end of the regular season, the NBA Finals were everyone's expectations but this year that's the case from Day One. And if Day Two brings news of a key player lost for three months, ho-hum.

This is different because even as the Cavaliers were losing the NBA Finals to Golden State, they were ascending, proving themselves, in most everyone's estimation.

Anyone of sound mind and with a modicum of basketball knowledge (residing outside northern California) might reach the same conclusion: the Cavs might've won a title a year ago with Kyrie Irving or Kevin Love, and surely would've won it with both, right?

So this year is different.

This season will begin without Shumpert, probably without Irving, with Mozgov coming off a July knee cleanup, with Varejao turning 33 after another injury-plagued year. Maybe even with Tristan Thompson less than happy.

And absolutely nobody seems worried.

Short of LeBron James announcing he's going to take a year or two off to see if he can hit the curve ball, the vibe is all good.

This is different. This is something.

This is Cleveland?

Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Tuesday's affair between Cleveland and Minnesota.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Tuesday's affair between Cleveland and Minnesota.

Pitching matchup: Cody Anderson (6-3, 3.31 ERA) vs. Kyle Gibson (10-11, 3.96 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. DH Jason Kipnis

2. 2B Jose Ramirez

3. SS Francisco Lindor

4. 1B Carlos Santana

5. C Yan Gomes

6. RF Lonnie Chisenhall

7. LF Jerry Sands

8. CF Abraham Almonte

9. 3B Mike Aviles

Twins

1. 2B Brian Dozier

2. 1B Joe Mauer

3. DH Miguel Sano

4. 3B Trevor Plouffe

5. LF Eddie Rosario

6. RF Torii Hunter

7. CF Aaron Hicks

8. C Kurt Suzuki

9. SS Eduardo Escobar

The Browns and Andy Moeller mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns and offensive line coach Andy Moeller have parted ways in the wake of a domestic incident at Moeller's Berea home, the team announced Tuesday in a joint statement with Moeller's agent.

A woman who called 911 after a Sept. 5 incident at Moeller's Berea home said she was his fiancee; and told dispatchers that he assaulted her.

Moeller flatly denied that he choked the woman by putting his forearm against her neck. Charges were never filed.

Wednesday's statement from a Browns spokesman and ProStar Sports Agency's Paul R. Sheehy read as follows:

"The Browns and Offensive Line Coach Andy Moeller have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately. While no charges were filed in connection with the recent accusations asserted against him, and which Andy vehemently denies, he has advised the Browns that he desires to devote his full attention and focus on his family. Andy states that this was a difficult decision but the right one for him, his family, and the Club at this point in time."

In declining to press charges, Berea prosecutor Jim Walters wrote in a two-page decision Sept. 23 that "it is quite clear an incident of volatile nature took place." However, he said the actions of the two people involved are less clear.

The Browns suspended Moeller from the team soon after the incident.

The incident began shortly after the two returned from a night of drinking at an Oktoberfest event at the Berea Fairgrounds. The consumption of alcohol "contributed significantly" to the incident, Walters said in his decision.

The woman told Walters that she has been in a relationship with Moeller for years and that the two normally got along. She added that things "occasionally and unpredictably" turn volatile.

Walters' report also noted that Moeller was involved in a road-rage incident as the couple left the fairgrounds.

The woman filed a complaint against Moeller the day of the incident, but later said that she did not want to pursue charges. Investigators forwarded the report to Walters for review.

Moeller, who was also suspended in 2011 by the NFL for drunken driving, had three alcohol-related incidents between 2007-11 and almost lost his job with the Baltimore Ravens as a result.

- Northeast Ohio Media Group reporter Evan MacDonald contributed to this report.

The emergence of quarterback Tommy Woodson has the Akron Zips looking like the MAC East Division threat they were predicted to be.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Victory is the tonic that cures in football, and the Akron Zips (2-2) are suddenly in very good shape. A Mid-American Conference football season that had disaster written all over it two weeks ago has been rescued by redshirt sophomore quarterback Tommy Woodson.

His play has not only lifted the Zips' spirits, Woodson has pretty much solved the quarterback question that coach Terry Bowden raised with his Tra'Von Chapman experiment.

In two games since replacing Chapman, Woodson has gone 25-of-50 for 445 yards with three touchdown passes and two interceptions. He is averaging 17.8 yards per completion. And he is also on the run, gaining 186 yards on 22 carries (8.5 yards per carry, with two more touchdowns). The Zips have scored 52 and 35 points in the two games with Woodson at the throttle.

His play has opened the door for a return to high expectations in this week's MAC opener -- and homecoming game -- against Ohio University (3-1) on Saturday at 2 p.m. in InfoCision Stadium. In recent years, this game has traditionally signaled when the Zips have turned south for the season. Last season Akron was 3-1 going into its road game at OU, with Woodson filling in for Kyle Pohl.

But the outcome from that game was a stinging 23-20 setback, which ultimately led to a disappointing 5-7 season.

At least one Akron player, senior defensive tackle Cody Grice, is well aware of what this game means. "I want OU, and I mean that,'' he said before the season even began. "It seems like every year that's always the game where we go through our slump. I have no problems with anybody on their team, nothing like that, but I want OU."

The Zips and Bobcats were tied in preseason polls to finish second in the East race behind Bowling Green. If either OU or Akron is to win the division, which is possible as both teams have defenses superior to BG, the first order of business will be coming out on top in this head-to-head matchup.

• Akron has not defeated OU since 2007.
• Akron's last home loss to OU (2013) was 43-3.
• TB Conor Hundley is just under a 1,000-yard pace with 294 yards rushing.
• LB Dylan Evans leads the Zips with 38 tackles, 4.5 for lost yardage, 1 sack.
• Akron is No. 20 in rush defense allowing 103.3 yards per game.

Get scoring updates and join beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes for a live chat as the Indians and Twins play the second game of a four-game set Tuesday night at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Get scoring updates and join beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes for a live chat as the Indians and Twins play the second game of a four-game set Tuesday night at Progressive Field.

Game 156: Indians (77-78) vs. Twins (81-75).

First pitch: 7:10 pm. ET.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio, WMMS FM/100.7, WTAM 1100

The second game of a four-game set between the Indians and Twins at Progressive Field on Tuesday night has been delayed by rain.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The start of Game 2 of a four-game set between the Indians and Twins on Tuesday night has been delayed by rain at Progressive Field. The original start time was 7:10 p.m.

The Twins won the first game of this critical four-game series, 4-2, on Monday night. The loss reduced the Indians tragic number to two to be eliminated in the face of the wild wild card spot. Any combination of Houston wins and Indians losses that equal two will end the Tribe's postseason plans.

The Indians are scheduled to start rookie right-hander Cody Anderson against Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson. Anderson is 6-3 with a 3.31 ERA and has won his last four starts.

Anderson beat Gibson and the Twins last week at Target Field.

The Indians must make decisions on potential free agents Mike Aviles, Ryan Raburn, Gavin Floyd and Ryan Webb when the season ends.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians don't have any pressing questions involving players on the 40-man roster as they head into the off-season, but they do have work to do.

Mike Aviles, Ryan Raburn, Gavin Floyd and Ryan Webb are eligible for free agency. Closer Cody Allen, along with several other players, will be eligible for arbitration. Allen, in particular, could be in line for a multiyear deal.

The Indians exercised Aviles' $3.5 million club option for 2015 at the end of last season. Raburn has a $3 million club option for 2016 with a $1 million buyout. Floyd and Webb have no strings attached.

GM Chris Antonetti acquired Aviles and catcher Yan Gomes from Toronto in November of 2012. It's turned into one of his best trades with Aviles being a productive utility player and Gomes developing into a starting catcher.

Aviles is hitting .235 (66-for-281) with 10 doubles, five homers and 17 RBI this season, while playing five positions. Raburn has had a bounce-back season, hitting .298 (89-for-168) with 16 doubles, seven homers and 28 RBI. He plays almost strictly against left-handers.

The Indians signed Floyd in December to a one-year, $4 million deal and promised him a spot in the rotation. He fractured his right elbow in spring training and didn't pitch again until September. Floyd has made six appearances and says he'd be interested in re-signing with the Indians.

The Tribe, however, would have to determine if Floyd's right elbow is healthy enough to compete as a starter after he's undergone Tommy John surgery and two surgeries for elbow fractures since 2013.

The Indians signed Webb in April after the Dodgers, who acquired him in a trade with the Orioles, released him. The Dodgers paid the majority of his $2.75 million ($2,688,910) deal. Webb has done a solid job in long relief. He's a ground ball pitcher who has had success against lefties.

Aviles, Floyd, Raburn and Webb have all expressed an interest in staying.

The Indians, besides Allen, could have at least six players eligible for arbitration. Bryan Shaw, Lonnie Chisenhall, Nick Hagadone, Zach McAllister and Josh Tomlin will be eligible. Jeff Manship could be eligible as a Super Two player.

Front office update: Mike Chernoff, the Indians' assistant GM, has drawn interest from several clubs looking for a general manager. Chernoff, however, is staying with the Indians.

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports Tweeted that Chernoff could be named Indians' GM with Antonetti being promoted to president of baseball operations. A change in titles, however, is still being discussed.

With President Mark Shapiro leaving to run the Toronto Blue Jays at the end of the season, there has been speculation that Antonetti would replace Shapiro. Antonetti and Chernoff, however, will stay on the baseball side of the organization.

Shut down: Left fielder Michael Brantley, who did not play Tuesday night, had his right shoulder examined by an orthopedic specialist and could be held out of the Tribe's remaining six games.

"We'll get him looked at and see how it goes from there," said manager Terry Francona. "He's done such a good job of trying to play and we appreciate so much. Let's just see how he does today."

Brantley injured his right shoulder a week ago diving for a ball in left center at Target Field. He missed four games before returning to the lineup Sunday in Kansas City. He played Monday night in the Tribe's 4-2 loss to the Twins.

Asked if he would consider shutting Brantley down for the final week of the season, Francona said, "If we need to. I don't think you do it unless you need to. I think our guys have done a really good job of playing through a lot of adversity and challenges."

Brantley has dealt with a back problem since spring training. In August, he received a cortisone shot in his left shoulder. He's hitting .310 (164-for-529) with 45 doubles, 15 homers and 84 RBI. Brantley has scored 68 runs and stolen 15 bases in 16 attempts in 137 games.

Finally: The Indians went into Tuesday's game against the Twins with the second-best ERA in the AL at 3.73. The bullpen ranks third (3.18) and the rotation is tied for fifth (4.01). ... Regarding third baseman Giovanny Urshela and his sore right elbow Francona said he'd let the medical staff determine if he plays again before the season ends Sunday. Pat Murray, director of Indians TV broadcasts for 25 years, will retire at the end of this season.

The Indians and Twins will play twice on Wednesday, after Tuesday evening's affair was washed away by rain.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians and Twins will play twice on Wednesday, after Tuesday evening's affair was washed away by rain.

The American League Central adversaries will play a traditional double header beginning at 4:10 p.m. The second tilt of the twin bill will start about 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.

Carlos Carrasco (14-11, 3.44 ERA) is scheduled to pitch in the opener and Cody Anderson (6-3, 3.31 ERA) will toe the rubber in the nightcap. Minnesota will counter with Kyle Gibson and Mike Pelfrey.

Tuesday's first pitch was delayed by one hour and 10 minutes before the game was postponed. The Indians' tragic number entering Tuesday's action was two, meaning any combination of two Tribe losses or Astros wins would officially eliminate Cleveland from the chase for the second AL Wild Card spot. So, the Tribe will -- technically speaking -- live to see another day.

Fans with tickets for Tuesday's contest can exchange them for tickets to Wednesday's games. Progressive Field gates will open at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The number change was a long time coming. Marshall has had this change in mind since the summer, and, behind the scenes on his team folder, he made the switch long ago. Now he's earned that number.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Urban Meyer's three-year search for his prototypical H-Back came to an end when Jalin Marshall erupted for a four-touchdown performance against Indiana last November. 

* Urban Meyer's three-year search for an H-Back ends with Jalin Marshall as the answer

Marshall wants a similar performance when the Buckeyes open up Big Ten play at Indiana on Saturday. 

Now he's going to look a little different. 

That's because Marshall is changing his jersey number from No. 17 to No. 7 -- his high school number -- for his second game against the Hoosiers, a source told Northeast Ohio Media Group on Tuesday evening. 

The number change was a long time coming. Marshall has had this change in mind since the summer, and, behind the scenes on his team folder, he made the switch long ago. Now he's earned that number. 

"(Jalin) is starting to grow through the immaturity he experienced when he first got here," Urban Meyer said Tuesday on the Big Ten coaches teleconference. "I like the trajectory he's on right now." 

The other player who wears No. 7 is defensive back Damon Webb, but Ohio State announced before the Northern Illinois game that he's suspended. In the Hawaii game, Webb was on punt return with Marshall. Two players cannot wear the same number on the field at the same time. 

So far this season, Marshall has six receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Marshall scored on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Cardale Jones in Ohio State's 38-12 win over Western Michigan on Saturday. 

McKenah Peters of Keystone's girls basketball team committed to Youngstown State on Tuesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Keystone junior McKenah Peters verbally committed on Tuesday to continue playing basketball at Youngstown State University.

The shooting guard made her decision following her visit two months ago to the school.

“Why not commit now,” Peters asked. “Youngstown State is close, it has my major, I wanted to play Division 1 basketball and I didn’t want to go far. Youngstown seemed like a good fit.”

The 5-foot-8 guard is a two-time all conference and district team member. Last year she earned her first selection to the All-Ohio Team after averaging 17.7 points per game.

Peters wished to thank her family members, friends and coaches Kevin McNamara from TNBA and Scott Terry of Keystone. North Royalton graduate and TNBA teammate Alison Smolinski was also recruited by Youngstown State.

Blessed to say I have officially committed to Youngstown State University 🏀 #GoPenguins 🐧

— McKenah Peters (@kenah34) September 30, 2015

For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact Nathaniel Cline on Twitter (@nathanielcline), by email (ncline@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Browns left tackle Joe Thomas says the TMZ Sport report about Johnny Manziel is fiction and John Greco said it won't divide the locker room. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- All five Browns starting offensive linemen told Northeast Ohio Media Group Tuesday they support Josh McCown and are skeptical of the TMZ Sports report that three anonymous offensive starters are furious that Johnny Manziel is on the bench.

Center Alex Mack acknowledged "it's possible'' it happened, but that it's wrong to handle team business that way.

In addition to the linemen, receiver Andrew Hawkins tweeted that the story is "%1000 made up.''

"My first take was that it sounded like a story that came from The Onion and not TMZ, not that TMZ's really a reputable news source with hard-hitting journalism,'' left tackle Joe Thomas said Tuesday at the The Cleveland Kids in Need Resource Center, where he had the other linemen and their significant others stacked shelves with school supplies for needy children. "But to me it was just something that was crafted from thin air.

"I'd be surprised if it even happened.''

He said the language in the quotes strained credulity.

"They used the word 'chemistry,''' he said. "Media and coaches use the word 'chemistry,' not players. It didn't sound real.''

He stressed that the communication with the coaching staff is good and that the door is always open.

"We feel that if there was some deep-seated revolution going on backing Johnny over Josh, I think the coaches would listen and they would take what we have to say seriously and bring that into the equation,'' said Thomas. "But I just don't really give the story a whole lot of credit because I think it's off-base.''

Right guard John Greco was equally skeptical about the report, which did not have a by-line.

"Initially my reaction was I wanted to know if anyone said it because I can't imagine any of our guys saying that,'' he said. "We have full support in Josh -- as well as Johnny -- but that's not the type of room we are. I can't see any of our guys doing that and I just can't think of who it would be.

"There's no reason for anyone to hide behind anything. If someone has an opinion, they should bring it up and I know we all would. When I read that, my thought was, 'I kind of find that hard to believe,' but we'll see.''

Greco doesn't believe the report will divide the locker room, but he suspects that was the intent.

"No, I think people know better than that,'' he said. "Obviously this is something where maybe someone is trying to divide the locker room but I don't think it will.
It's kind of like a brotherhood, with our team especially.

"We're such a tight-knit group and we have each other's back. I just can't see anyone going outside ....Yes, they're trying to divide us, but I think you'll see everyone will pull together and try to get back to 2-2.''

Greco said he doesn't believe the Browns need a players-only team meeting to get the bottom of it or clear the air.

"I'd assume that if someone did speak out like that anonymously, that they'd come forward after this all came out and own up to it,'' he said. "I'm sure (coach Mike Pettine's) already addressed it or he will. Maybe he'll say it in a team format. I'm not sure. But we're just going to go to work like it never happened.''

Center Alex Mack acknowledged "it's possible'' that three players vented to TMZ Sports, adding that he wasn't one of them.

"It's not a great way to go about it,'' he said. "We should also keep a lot of things within the team, and I don't see a reason to go out and speak behind someone's back about anything.''

Mack noted that the 27-20 loss to the Raiders, which dropped the Browns to 1-2, took a toll. After three straight scoring drives to pull to within 27-20, McCown was intercepted by Charles Woodson with 38 seconds remaining on a deep ball for Travis Benjamin down the right side.

"We had a tough game,'' said Mack. "I think Josh actually played really well if he didn't throw the interception. After one game it's a little early to start hitting the panic button in game three.

"He added, "I believe in Josh. He's done a good job. I support the quarterback we've chosen to be our starter. We've got a good thing going.''

Mack noted that the story is overblown to begin with.

"I brushed it off pretty quickly,'' he said. "I wouldn't read too deeply into that story. I really don't think it's a big deal.''

Like most of the other linemen, right tackle Mitchell Schwartz doubts that three of his teammates -- all offensive starters no less -- sounded off to TMZ Sports.

"I would struggle to come up with one guy who would do something like that,'' said Schwartz. "It's just really hard to believe and I have implicit trust in everyone. We'll come out Wednesday ready to work and get back on the field and winning cures all of that kind of stuff.''

Schwartz added "stuff like that just sounds silly. Josh does an incredible job. He's had so many years in the league and he understands a lot of nuances and stuff and we appreciate having him back there. Whatever coach says is best, we trust.''

Left guard Joel Bitonio, like the rest of the linemen, said it wasn't him.

"I would never do an anonymous thing,'' he said. "If I ever had a problem or thought something needed to change on the team, I'd go straight  to coach Pett. As an offense, I have all the faith in whatever the coaches say and Josh is our guy right now, so I'm 100% behind that.

He said he doubts offensive guys will be poking around Wednesday to find out who the sources were when the reconvene for practice.

"No, guys have been around long enough to understand that things like this happen,'' he said. "It's part of the job. We're just trying to do our best to go out and beat San Diego on Sunday.''

Bitonio said he doesn't believe a players-only meeting is necessary.

"I think our team is in a good place,'' he said. "We really trust our coaches and coach Pett is making the right choice and I don't think it's something that the players are going to be freaking out over.''

He added, "I can't see three of our players going over there and being anonymous sources for something that doesn't even cover us on a daily basis.''

Thomas, the elder statesman of the team in terms of tenure, doesn't want a players-only team meeting either.

"I've been involved in a few players-only type meetings and usually they're more destructive than they are productive,'' he said. "It's more just people complaining at each other than anything and it doesn't really seem to help anything.

He also said he doubted Pettine would address it.

"You can't address every single news story,'' he said. "There's so many news outlets and so many websites that call themselves news outlets that really aren't. You can't address every little rumor that's out there.

Greco agreed that the loss, in front of the home fans, hurt.

"You can tell there are a lot of guys upset,'' he said. "But (Josh) is not the reason we're 1-2. The only thing we can do is get back to .500. Pointing fingers, blaming guys, hitting the panic button is not what we're about right now. We're about what do we do to get to 2-2. I think you'll see a focused team this week and I'm proud to say that.''

Thomas agreed that the players are firmly behind McCown and that there's no drumbeat to replace him with Manziel.

"I definitely think the confidence is there with Josh -- as it is with Johnny too,'' he said. "I think having Johnny in there and getting the experience that he did was great, but I definitely think people still believe in Josh.''

 TMZ Sports reported that the three anonymous starters are furious and ready to overthrow McCown.

"I love both Johnny and Josh but its f**ked up when you have Johnny come in and play well and has proven to the team that he is the right person for the job," one player told the site. "It's frustrating to him and us when you sit a player down when he is playing well. Coach has got to understand you are messing up the chemistry and timing with players and its f**ked up."

Another player told TMZ Sports,  "The team plays better when [Manziel] is in the game. I play better when he plays.

"You can't get better unless you play. We won when he played and coach has got to trust him like he trusts Josh."

A third player said, "When Johnny in the game it puts the defense on edge. He doesn't just sit in the pocket, he makes plays. Coach has got to make the change now." 

Here is some information the Cleveland Kids in Need Resource Center that the linemen volunteered for Tuesday:

The Cleveland Kids in Need Resource Center is a local, independent non-profit that provides free school supplies, books, uniforms and classroom materials to teachers in schools in Cuyahoga County, where more than 65 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Opened in 2001, the Cleveland Kids in Need Resource Center's mission is to ensure that all students have the tools to learn and succeed by providing free school supplies to students most in need. Visit http://clevelandkidsinneed.org/ for more information.

Browns offensive linemen at the First and Ten event on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015. Mary Kay Cabot, NEOMG 

TMZ stands by its report that three anonymous Browns offensive starters told the site that they're furious Johnny Manziel is not starting. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- In the wake of Browns receiver Andrew Hawkins saying that the TMZ.com report on Johnny Manziel is 1,000 percent "made up,'' and Joe Thomas saying it was fabricated, the site is standing by its story.

Northeast Ohio Media Group called TMZ today to ask about the story, and was directed to the Twitter account of TMZ Executive Producer Evan Rosenblum.

He declined to talk, but relayed through a staffer that his tweet on @EvanTMZ would speak for itself.

It read:

Re: Browns ... we stand by our story, period. 3 Browns starters. Real quotes. Nothing fabricated.

-- evan rosenblum (@EvanTMZ) September 30, 2015

NEOMG asked coach Mike Pettine on Wednesday if he believes that three of his players talked anonymously to TMZ. He declined to answer.

"I've said all I'm going to say on that,'' he said.

Guard John Greco said Pettine addressed the team about the report Wednesday.

"He was just like, 'I can't imagine anyone saying that.''

When initially asked about the report Wednesday, Pettine said he's certain his locker room is unified.

"We're confident in that our players know that my door is open, that their position coach's door is open, that the coordinator's door is open,'' he said. "We have a leadership council, where there's a player in each room, so there's certainly resources available.

"Are we going to have 1000% agreement on how we're using players and how we're doing that? No, but it falls into coaches coach and players go out, they have their jobs to do.

"Are they going to have opinions? Certainly. I'm confident that there's no rift in the locker room. I think the way our players reacted signifies that. We always talk about controlling the controlables, and external debate, as you put it, is something that we don't control, so we're confident in our plan and we'll move ahead, forward with it.'' 

Pettine said he's addressed the team on occasion about not talking off the record, but didn't say he specifically talked to them about the TMZ report, in which three offensive starters anonymously demanded Manziel be put back on the field.

"We've talked to the team periodically just about media policy and if you want to (talk), put your name on something. As far as multiple players being off the record, we talk to them about it, but that's not something that I'm concerned with,'' he said.

"I know it makes for good copy and clicks outside of here but given the veterans that we have in the room and being on inside and talking to the players constantly, and getting feedback whether it's other coaches or other players, and getting a sense for the pulse of the locker room, I'm confident this is not an issue.''

Asked if the controversy puts Josh McCown in a tough spot, Pettine said he's not worried about his starting quarterback.

"There aren't too many NFL quarterbacks that aren't in a 'tough' spot,'' he said. "It comes with the job. I think he has tremendous mental toughness. He's been in this league a long time, and whether he's personally gone through it, or a quarterback that he's worked with has gone through it, I don't think he's any stranger to situations like this, so I think that would be the least of our problems, worrying about how Josh is handling this.''

On Tuesday, TMZ Sports posted the report on tmz.com, with the headline that Browns players are furious over Manziel's benching.

"I love both Johnny and Josh but its (messed) up when you have Johnny come in and play well and has proven to the team that he is the right person for the job," one player was quoted anonymously as saying by the site. "It's frustrating to him and us when you sit a player down when he is playing well. Coach has got to understand you are messing up the chemistry and timing with players and its (messed) up."

Another anonymous player was quoted by TMZ Sports, "The team plays better when [Manziel] is in the game. I play better when he plays.

"You can't get better unless you play. We won when he played and coach has got to trust him like he trusts Josh."

A third anonymous player was quoted: "When Johnny in the game it puts the defense on edge. He doesn't just sit in the pocket, he makes plays. Coach has got to make the change now."

Shortly after the report hit, Hawkins tweeted that it's "%1000 made up.''

Later that afternoon, NEOMG talked to all five Browns starting offensive linemen, most of whom doubted that three of their teammates would vent to TMZ. All of them said it wasn't them. One, center Alex Mack, acknowledged it was possible that three of their teammates did so.

"I think it's not a great way to go about it,'' he said. "I think we should also keep a lot of things within the team, and I don't see a reason to go out and speak behind someone's back about anything.''

Thomas agreed with Hawkins that the story, which has no by-line, was fabricated.

"My first take was that it sounded like a story that came from The Onion and not TMZ, not that TMZ's really a reputable news source with hard-hitting journalism,''  Thomas said. "But to me it was just something that was crafted from thin air.'' Thomas added, "I'd be surprised if it even happened.''

Thomas said the language in the quotes strained credulity.

"They used the word 'chemistry,''' he said. "Media and coaches use the word 'chemistry,' not players.''

He stressed that the communication with the coaching staff is good and that the door is always open.

"We feel that if there was some deep-seated revolution going on backing Johnny over Josh, I think the coaches would listen and they would take what we have to say seriously and bring that into the equation,'' said Thomas. "But I just don't really give the story a whole lot of credit because I think it's off-base.''

Right guard John Greco was equally skeptical about the report, which did not have a by-line.

"Initially my reaction was I wanted to know if anyone said it because I can't imagine any of our guys saying that,'' he said. "We have full support in Josh -- as well as Johnny -- but that's not the type of room we are. I can't see any of our guys doing that. I just can't think of who it would be.

"There's no reason for anyone to hide behind anything. If someone has an opinion, they should bring it up and I know we all would. When I read that, my thought was, 'I kind of find that hard to believe,' but we'll see.''

Ten stories about Sprint Car legend Tony Stewart, who said 2016 will be his final season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - NASCAR driver and owner Tony Stewart announced he will retire after the 2016 season at a press conference Wednesday at his Stewart-Haas Racing shop in North Carolina.

Here are 10 stories about Stewart and his retirement:

1. Decision was "100 percent" his choice: Tony Stewart says retirement was "100 percent" his choice. His planned departure is not a surprise. Stewart will be 45 next season, hasn't won a race in over two years and has been privately working on finding a successor for the No. 14 Chevrolet all year. (AL.com)

2. Clint Bowyer will drive No. 14: Clint Bowyer will changing cars for the 2016 Sprint Cup season, but he knows whose car he will pilot in '17: the one being vacated by Tony Stewart. Stewart and his Stewart-Haas Racing operation made it official on Wednesday that the three-time Cup champion will retire after next season. An announcement also was made that Bowyer would join the team as Stewart's replacement. (Sporting News)

3. Career highlights, stats 1978-2015: A look at Stewart's career highlights, year-by-year from go-karts to dirt-track to IndyCar and NASCAR. (TonyStewart.com) 

A breakdown of Stewart's career in each racing series he competed. (Racing Reference) 

4. Retirement brings freedom: It's no secret that NASCAR and all its pomp and circumstance have always been the necessary evil in Stewart's storied career. NASCAR money pays his bills, has afforded him a lifestyle he never imagined, allowed him to collect toys such as ownership of race tracks and a sprint car series. But NASCAR has never been his love. It's always been his job. (Associated Press)

5. A Hall of Fame "lock": He drove his way into rarefied status as one of the best racers in motorsports history. Although he has never won the country's two biggest races - the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500, Stewart will be remembered as one of the leading drivers of his era, and he's a lock for the NASCAR Hall of Fame and numerous others. (USA Today)

6. Smoke still rises: Tony Stewart may be retiring from NASCAR after next season, but that's not going to stop the No. 14 driver's temper from flaring this season, as evidenced by Sunday's race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "Smoke" was upset with the Chip Ganassi Racing duo of Kyle Larson and Jamie McMurray and let his team know about it on the radio. (Sporting News)

7. Professional and personal struggles: You don't have to be a pop psychologist to understand that Stewart is in the throes of professional and personal struggles the last two seasons. He is 25th in the points standings after failing to make the cut in the 16-driver Chase playoff format. He has yet to finish in the top five this season. He didn't qualify for the Chase the last two years either, missing 15 races relating to an accident in a dirt-track race in the summer of 2013, when he sustained a compound fracture of his right leg. The emotional carnage is connected to a tragic dirt-track accident at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in New York last year. (OrlandoSentinel.com)

8. IndyCar career still stands out: Like many Hoosier short-trackers, Tony Stewart dreamed of racing in the Indianapolis 500. Unlike many, Stewart actually got that chance. With his USAC career at its absolute peak after an unprecedented sweep of the Midget, Sprint and Silver Crown series titles in 1995, the Rushville, Indiana, native was perfectly positioned to be a part of the newly formed Indy Racing League. (ESPN.com)

9. First Jeff Gordon, now Tony Stewart: By the end of next year, NASCAR will have said goodbye to arguably two of its three biggest stars in a span of two seasons. This generation's starpower drain has begun. It started with Jeff Gordon, who is wrapping up his final season. Now, with Tony Stewart leaving, it's realistic to think more will follow him out the door. No one can race forever, but many fans hoped Mark Martin's example -- racing and being competitive until his early 50s -- would be the model their favorite drivers followed for years to come. (USA Today)

10. Judge denies motion in lawsuit over death of driver: A lawsuit against Stewart over the death of another driver will remain in Central New York, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. U.S. District Judge David Hurd rejected a request from Stewart's lawyers to have the case transferred to a federal court in Rochester. Kevin Ward Jr.'s family is suing Stewart over an Aug. 9, 2014, crash at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in Ontario County. Under a yellow caution flag, Ward was out of his car when Stewart's car fatally struck him. (Syracuse.com)

The usually talkative Adrien Broner is refusing to talk with the media in advance of his title fight with Khabib Allakhverdiev on Saturday.

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- No matter how beautiful boxing may appear within the ring, there are always events outside of the ring that are dumbfounding.

Take for instance Adrien Broner (30-2, 22 KOs), who is fighting Khabib Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KOs) for the 140 pound vacant title here Saturday. Broner fighting for a title after losing to Shawn Porter in June at 144 pounds is not necessarily an issue because Broner is a better fighter at the lighter weight. But Broner's approach to this fight is an issue.

The often loquacious and sometimes over-the-top Broner is giving the media the silent treatment. Broner said only one (derogatory) word during the kickoff press conference three weeks ago. Showtime cancelled the media call with the fighters because of Broner's position.

The final press conference is at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Hopefully Broner will realize that neither his extreme position of silence nor his previous, and sometimes obnoxious soliloquies, are good for boxing.

But that's nothing new.

No mas for Mayweather?

Floyd Mayweather told reporters in Las Vegas on Tuesday night that he will not come back and resume his career in 2016.

Sure Floyd.

I've stated many times how it isn't likely Mayweather will stay away from the ring because of the potential lucrative deals he can make with a second fight against Manny Pacquiao on a network of Mayweather's choice since his deal with Showtime is over. And Mayweather's return would possibly happen at the new Las Vegas Arena that opens next spring.

Stay tuned.

Hometown news

Cleveland native Terrell Gausha (16-0) remained on track in his young career with a unanimous decision over Eliezer Gonzalez (15-2) in a super welterweight bout last Saturday.

Cleveland's Mickey Bey was scheduled to be on the undercard of junior lightweight titlist Javier Fortuna's defense against Carlos Velasquez on Tuesday, but the bout was scratched when his opponent did not make weight. Fortuna defeated Velasquez by knockout.

Bey (21-1-1, 10 KOs) has not fought since his world title victory on Sept. 13. 2014. Bey has since given up the title because he did not fight a mandatory challenger.

Short jabs

The heavyweight championship bout between Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury has been postponed because Klitschko tore a tendon in his left calf. The new date will be reset by this weekend. ... Military academies are taking a second look at boxing. ... A possible bout between Manny Pacquiao and Amri Khan is being discussed.

This week in boxing history

Youngstown's Kelly Pavlik knocked out Jermain Taylor in the seventh round to win the middleweight title on Sept. 29 in 2007.

The first round was similar to the Thomas Hearns-Marvin Hagler classic as each fighter traded bombs.

Taylor knocked down Pavlik in the second round but Pavlik recovered and countered with his own bombs. Pavlik hurt Taylor early in the seventh round. Taylor could not stand up to the barrage of punishment and the fight was stopped.

Boxing schedule

Friday: Victor Emilio Ramirez vs. Ovill McKenzie, 12 rounds, for Ramirez's IBF cruiserweight title.

Saturday: (HBO) Lucas Matthysse vs. Viktor Postol, 12 rounds, for vacant WBC junior welterweight title; (Showtime) Adrien Broner vs. Khabib Allakhverdiev, 12 rounds, for vacant WBA junior welterweight title; Jose Pedraza vs. Edner Cherry, 12 rounds, for Pedraza's IBF junior lightweight title.

Oct. 24: (HBO) Terence Crawford vs. Dierry Jean, 12 rounds, for Crawford's WBO junior welterweight title. (Showtime): Kell Brook vs. Diego Chaves, 12 rounds, for Brook's IBF welterweight title. Johnriel Casimero vs. McWilliams Arroyo, 12 rounds, IBF flyweight eliminator.

Oct. 30: Stephane Jamoye vs. Ryan Farrag, 12 rounds, for vacant European bantamweight title.

A small gathering flocked to Progressive Field for the first tilt of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A small gathering flocked to Progressive Field for the first tilt of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.

At first pitch at 4:10 p.m., with the wind whipping and the temperature hovering around 60 degrees, much of the upper deck and bleacher seats remained empty. Tuesday's rainout forced the teams to play a traditional twin bill on Wednesday. Fans could attend both games with a ticket to either contest.

The Twins entered Wednesday's action with an 81-75 record and still in the hunt for the American League's second wild card berth. The Indians (77-78) could be eliminated with two losses or with a loss and a win by the Los Angeles Angels, who stake claim to the second wild-card spot.

Fans in Cleveland are pumped for this game! pic.twitter.com/7qgwFTf8GG

-- Tyler Mason (@tylermason21) September 30, 2015

Wednesday's major league slate included three doubleheaders. The Pirates and Cardinals also reportedly drew a sparse crowd to PNC Park for the first pitch of their first game. 

With about five minutes to go before game time, Pirates look like they will be playing game 1 in front of a very small home crowd.

-- Shelby Cassesse (@Cassesse5news) September 30, 2015

Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed report on what happened in Berea Wednesday as the Browns prepare for the Chargers. Also, videos with Josh McCown and Mike Pettine. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed take a look what happened in Berea on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015 as the team begins preparations to play the SanDiego Chargers Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium. 

Topics include:

The TMZ report from yesterday that three anonymous offensive starters said they thought Johnny Manziel under center gave them a better chance to win.

The general feeling in Berea is that Josh McCown has the support of the locker room. 

McCown's hand still looks a bit swollen after injuring it in the Raiders game, but plans on starting Sunday.

Tashaun Gipson (groin) and  K'Waun Williams (concussion) did not practice Wednesday.

The run game continues to be an issue with Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson.

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

On Facebook: CLEvideos

Carlos Carrasco's breakout season ends with whimper instead of a bang as he exits early in loss to Twins in first game of a doubleheader.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - This was not the way Carlos Carrasco wanted his season to end.

Carrasco, who spent the year proving that he was a front-of-the-rotation starter, was hit hard and driven from the mound early Wednesday as the Twins beat the Indians, 7-1, in the first game of a doubleheader at Progressive Field.

Joe Mauer, hitting .500 (8-for-16) against Carrasco, gave the Twins a 1-0 lead with the game only one out old. Mauer hit a 3-2 pitch into the shrubs behind the center field fence for his 10^th homer of the season.

Carrasco righted himself and retired eight straight, but that was all he had to give. The Twins, still a factor in the wild-card race, put their first six batters on base to start the fourth before manager Terry Francona removed Carrasco. The second game could have started right then because the Indians offered little resistance from that point on.

Mauer started with a double to wall in left center. Miguel Sano moved him to third with a single and Trevor Plouffe made it 2-0 with another single. Carrasco walked Eddie Rosario to load the bases and bring Torii Hunter to the plate.

Hunter, like Mauer, hits all pitchers in an Indians uniform. He delivered three runs with a double to left to make it 5-0. Hunter has 16 RBI this season and 130 in 210 games against the Indians in his career.

Carrasco (14-12, 3.52) set career highs in wins, innings pitched, starts and strikeouts this season. In his last start, he threw a one-hitter and struck out a career-high 15 batters. That version of Carrasco was missing Wednesday.

The last time Kyle Gibson faced the Indians he was rocked for six runs on seven hits in 2 2/3 innings on Sept. 24 at Target Field. He was a different pitcher on Wednesday. Gibson (11-11, 3.84) struck out nine and threw six scoreless innings. He's 2-2 lifetime against the Indians. The Indians manged four hits, two by Jason Kipnis and two by Francisco Lindor.

The Indians scored their only run in the seventh. Kipnis, with his third hit of the game, delivered Jerry Sands with a single to right.

The Twins added two runs late, both off the bat of rookie Byron Buxton. He singled home a run in the seventh and homered in the ninth. 

What it means

The Indians, who entered the game with a Tragic Number of 2, are 77-79. They have lost three straight and fell to 6-11 in the season against the Twins.

The Twins (82-75) have won four straight. They started the day trailing the Angels for the second wild card by 11/2 games. Manager Paul Molitor's team is 15-12 in September.

En fuego

Lindor reached base in his first three plate appearances as he singled twice and walked. In his first two at-bats, he singled to right and stole second base.

Lindor has 13 steals in 15 attempts.

The Tribe's switch-hitting shortstop finished Game 1 leading all MLB rookies with a .322 batting average. He has 119 hits, third most in the AL since he was recalled from Class AAA Columbus on June 14.

What's next?

The Indians and Twins played Game 2 about a half hour after the last out of the first game.

Rookie right-hander Cody Anderson (6-3, 3.31) will face Twins right-hand Mike Pelfrey (6-10, 4.09). SportsTime Ohio, WTAM and WMMS will carry the game.

Anderson is 1-0 with a 6.74 ERA in two starts against the Twins. Pelfrey is 1-0 with a 4.02 ERA in two starts against the Tribe. He's 2-1 with a 3.35 ERA in his career.

Cleveland Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco did not retire a batter in the fourth inning and lost to the Minnesota Twins in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Torii Hunter hit a three-run double, Byron Buxton homered and Kyle Gibson pitched six shutout innings as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Cleveland Indians, 7-1, in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday at Progressive Field. Tribe right-hander Carlos Carrasco gave up five runs in three-plus innings.

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

Fouls for everyone: The game, rescheduled because of rain Tuesday night, unfolded in front of family and friends.

Season can't end fast enough: The Indians (77-79) have lost three straight, including the first two of this four-game series.

Still ticking: The Twins (82-75) remain in the hunt for the second AL wild card.

Harsh reality: The Tribe fell to 6-11 in the season series against the Twins, who were picked by many to finish last in the AL Central.

Inexcusable: The Tribe is 35-40 at home.

Quite a turnaround: Gibson's previous start, Sept. 24 against the Indians in Minnesota, lasted 2 2/3 innings. He allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks in a 6-3 loss.

In the reversal Wednesday, Gibson (11-11) allowed four hits, walked two and struck out nine. He dominated using a fastball/changeup/breaking pitch combination. Everything was downhill and almost everything came with late movement. Most of the Indians flailed at his off-speed stuff.

Don't blame us: Tribe shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Jason Kipnis  combined to go 4-for-5 with one walk against Gibson. (The rest of the lineup was 0-for-17 with one walk and nine strikeouts against Gibson. Among those overmatched: Yan Gomes, who went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts.)

With two outs in the first, Lindor singled and stole second. He joined Earl Averill and Von Hayes as the only Indians rookies with 10+ homers and 10+ steals.

Carlos Santana grounded to second.

Lindor led off the fourth with a single and stole second. Santana popped to Gibson and Gomes struck out. After Abraham Almonte walked, Jerry Sands grounded to short.

Lindor led off the sixth with a walk. Santana grounded to first and Gomes and Almonte struck out swinging.

Kip, Kip, hooray: Kipnis finished 3-for-4 with an RBI -- his 18th game of three-plus hits.

Cookie crumbles: Carrasco was coming off a 15-strikeout one-hitter in Kansas City. The Royals undoubtedly would find it hard to believe what transpired Wednesday.

Carrasco (14-12) allowed one hit -- a full-count homer to Joe Mauer -- and struck out five in the first three innings. He threw 42 pitches.

Carrasco faced six batters in the fourth and did not retire any (double, single, single, walk, double, walk). He threw 21 pitches.

The Twins capitalized on pitches that were up in the zone. Carrasco had not allowed five or more runs since the White Sox tagged him for six in four innings July 25 in Cleveland.

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

FIRST INNING

(R) Brian Dozier -- 95 fastball, pop to center.

Skinny: Dozier's ambush attempt fails against pitch that was up.

(L) Joe Mauer -- 94 fastball outside; 85 changeup low; 93 fastball called strike (outside corner); 94 fastball outside; 94 fastball foul; 95 fastball, homer to center.

Skinny: Mauer pounced on a pitch that split the plate at the thighs and sent it through the wind into the trees. Mauer rarely drives the ball with such authority to center.

(R) Miguel Sano -- 95 fastball foul; 87 changeup inside; 94 fastball called strike; 89 slider foul; 96 fastball foul; 86 changeup, grounder to third.

(R) Trevor Plouffe -- 94 fastball called strike; 81 curve low and away; 93 fastball swinging strike; 95 fastball foul; 87 slider, called strikeout (inside corner at knees).

Skinny: Strikeout pitch featured severe backup action because Carrasco got underneath it so much. It might have been inside.

SECOND INNING

(L) Eddie Rosario -- 92 fastball foul; 94 fastball outside; 87 changeup outside; 87 changeup foul; 88 changeup foul; 94 fastball foul; 83 curve foul; 95 fastball foul; 87 slider foul; 90 changeup, swinging strikeout (down and in).

Skinny: Nasty pitch finishes off pesky Rosario. 

(R) Torii Hunter -- 88 slider swinging strike; 89 slider foul; 88 changeup, swinging strikeout (down).

Skinny: Hunter unable to check his swing.

(R) Eduardo Nunez -- 95 fastball, pop to first.

THIRD INNING

(R) Kurt Suzuki -- 94 fastball called strike; 93 fastball low; 86 changeup called strike; 88 slider outside; 94 fastball, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Strikeout pitch ran hard inside; Suzuki with three-quarter swing

(R) Byron Buxton  -- 95 fastball called strike; 86 changeup swinging strike; 87 slider, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Buxton had no chance.

(R) Brian Dozier -- 94 fastball called strike (generous inside; 94 fastball, grounder to third.

FOURTH INNING

(L) Joe Mauer -- 94 fastball called strike (generous outside corner); 86 changeup called strike; 89 slider, double to left-center.

Skinny: Mauer is an accomplished hitter, but Carrasco made it too easy for him, especially in 0-2 count.

(R) Miguel Sano -- 95 fastball foul; 82 curve swinging strike; fastball, single to left.

Skinny: Sano pulled in the hands against pitch that didn't get inside deep enough. Why catcher Gomes and Carrasco opted for an 0-2 fastball anywhere against Sano is puzzling. The liner landed in close proximity to left fielder Mike Aviles.   

(R) Trevor Plouffe -- 86 slider, RBI single to left.

Skinny: Plouffe was ready for a pitch that stayed up.

(L) Eddie Rosario -- 84 slider called strike; 87 changeup outside; 94 fastball high and inside; 95 fastball outside; 94 fastball outside, walk.

(Tribe pitching coach Mickey Callaway visits mound.)

(R) Torii Hunter -- 87 slider called strike; 93 fastball outside; 93 fastball, three-run double to left.

Skinny: Hanger. Hunter owns 130 career RBI against Cleveland.

(R) Eduardo Nunez -- 92 fastball called strike; 83 breaking pitch down; 92 fastball up and in; 92 fastball called strike; 91 fastball foul; 87 slider low (barely), walk.

Skinny: Bizarre start ends as Ryan Webb relieves.

(Webb stranded both runners.)

Tip of the helmet: Indians left fielder Michael Brantley did not play and was shut down for the remainder of the season because of right-shoulder inflammation.

Brantley's 2015 was not to the level of his MVP-candidate 2014 -- but it still was plenty good. He batted .310 with 45 doubles, 15 homers, 84 RBI, 68 runs and 15 steals in 137 games. He posted a .379 on-base percentage and .480 slugging percentage. He walked more than he struck out (60-51).

Brantley was his typically dependable self, posting the following batting averages:

• .294 vs. LHP
• .321 vs. RHP
• .316 at home
• .304 on road
• .298 during day
• .315 at night
• .292 pre-All-Star
• .335 post-All-Star
• .293 none on
• .329 runners on
• .324 scoring position

Brantley's production is that much more notable given that he played through back discomfort for most of the season. He also dealt with injuries to both shoulders.

Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Pitching matchup: Cody Anderson (6-3, 3.31 ERA) vs. Mike Pelfrey (6-10, 4.09 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. DH Jason Kipnis

2. 2B Jose Ramirez

3. SS Francisco Lindor

4. 1B Carlos Santana

5. RF Lonnie Chisenhall

6. 3B Chris Johnson

7. CF Abraham Almonte

8. C Adam Moore

9. LF Michael Martinez

Twins

1. 2B Brian Dozier

2. 1B Joe Mauer

3. DH Miguel Sano

4. 3B Trevor Plouffe

5. LF Eddie Rosario

6. RF Torii Hunter

7. CF Aaron Hicks

8. C Chris Herrmann

9. SS Eduardo Escobar

Josh McCown has more important things to worry about than a TMZ report saying three of his fellow offensive starters want Johnny Manziel. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns quarterback Josh McCown made light of the TMZ report that three anonymous Browns players are furious that Johnny Manziel is on the bench.

"It was all me,'' McCown kidded. "I didn't know what TMZ was, but I reached out to 'em.''

In all seriousness, McCown really didn't know if TMZ, the celebrity gossip site that has made a foray into sports, was The Minneapolis Zoo or The Milwaukee Zone.  (Actually it stands for Thirty Mile Zone, the studio territory around Los Angeles).

"I had to ask what TMZ was,'' said McCown. "I don't follow that stuff too much.''

Furthermore, McCown, who's gearing up to record his first Browns victory Sunday in San Diego -- despite a swollen hand -- has more important things to worry about.

"I don't think it was anything that I need to waste my time on,'' said McCown. "That stuff's outside of here and I think the guys in here, we know what we've got going and direction that we're heading in, so I don't really worry about stuff like that.''

Despite the report, which directly quoted three anonymous Browns offensive starters, McCown feels he has the support of his teammates.

"Yeah, we all put the same jersey on and go out there and play, and we're all in each other's corner,'' said McCown. "That's the way it's going to be, and that's the way it's been as long as I've been here, so I don't see that changing for any reason.''

In the wake of several of McCown's teammates saying the story was made up, TMZ Executive producer Evan Rosenblum stood firmly behind the story Wednesday in a tweet: "Re: Browns ... we stand by our story, period. 3 Browns starters. Real quotes. Nothing fabricated.''
 
McCown's teammates have jumped to his defense publicly since the report came out Tuesday morning, and he indicated that they've approached him as well.

"I'm going to leave those conversations inside here,'' he said. "When you talk to guys about what they miss, you miss the guys in the locker room and that special bond so that's where I like to leave that stuff.

"A lot of that is outside noise that a lot of guys don't pay attention to. There's guys that are into that and that'll read that and stuff like that, but for the most part, it's just not an issue.''

McCown, a 13-year pro, said the report, in which supposedly 30% of his fellow starters on offense prefer Manziel, doesn't matter.

"With this career, if you let those things bother you, you generally don't hang around very long,'' he said.

McCown stressed that he's been on both sides of the issue, where he's been the player folks are clamoring for, and  the starter people wanted benched.

"This is a diverse group of guys in here and so there are definitely people that will fall on (a side) of any issue that you talk about, there will people that will have different opinions on anything,'' he said. "But at the end of the day, it's 'do I question whether or not we're going to be on the same page when we step out there Sunday?' Absolutely not.

"Whether you think one guy gives us the better chance to win or not, it doesn't matter, because when we get out there Sunday everybody's giving their best, and that was evident this Sunday and I expect that moving forward. Whether it was 3 guys or 10 guys or whether we knew or not, it doesn't matter. It's just about us being on the same page when we get out there Sunday.''

Browns guard John Greco said coach Mike Pettine addressed it with the team Wednesday, but "just briefly. ...It's not like he's sitting there like, 'OK. Who said it?' He was just like, 'I can't imagine anyone saying that.'''

Receiver Marlon Moore acknowledged that it came up in the receiver room, and that the wideouts all agreed it wasn't them.

"I don't think it was like a meeting, but it was brought up,'' he said. "Nobody on the receiving corps said anything (to TMZ). I'm quite sure nobody on the team even said anything. We're all one. We're all together here. There's no backstabbing, nobody going behind each other's back saying anything.''

All five starting offensive lineman told Northeast Ohio Media Group on Tuesday that they didn't not speak anonymously to TMZ, and Greco stressed that if anyone on the team did, they should come clean and admit it. No one has.

"I'm kind of over it,'' Greco said Wednesday. "I don't know how everyone else feels, but I'm so far past it already."

Coach Mike Pettine was asked during his press conference on Wednesday if he believes any of his players would vent to TMZ anonymously. He declined to answer.

"I've said all I'm going to say on that,'' he said.

He noted earlier in the press conference that the players are well aware of the coaches' open-door policy.

"(And) we have a leadership council, where there's a player in each room, so there's certainly resources available,'' he said. "Are we going to have 1000% agreement on how we're using players? Are they going to have opinions? Certainly. (But) I'm confident that there's no rift in the locker room. We're confident in our plan and we'll move forward with it.''

Pettine acknowledged that he's instructed his players to speak on the record only.

"As far as multiple players being off the record, we talk to them about it, but that's not something that I'm concerned with,'' he said. "I know it makes for good copy and clicks outside of here. ...But I'm confident this is not an issue.''

He said he didn't think the controversy would impact McCown.

"There aren't  too many NFL quarterbacks that aren't in a 'tough' spot,'' he said. "It comes with the job. He has tremendous mental toughness. He's been in this league a long time, and whether he's personally gone through it, or a quarterback that he's worked with has gone through it, I don't think he's any stranger to situations like this, so I that would be the least of our problems, worrying about how Josh is handling this.''

TMZ characterized the players as incensed that the 2014 first-round pick -- who beat the Titans with big TD passes to Travis Benjamin -- was benched in favor of McCown, who got off to a slow start and lost 27-20 to the Raiders.

 "I love both Johnny and Josh but its f**ked up when you have Johnny come in and play well and has proven to the team that he is the right person for the job," one player told the site. "It's frustrating to him and us when you sit a player down when he is playing well. Coach has got to understand you are messing up the chemistry and timing with players and its f**ked up."

Another player told TMZ Sports,  "The team plays better when [Manziel] is in the game. I play better when he plays.

"You can't get better unless you play. We won when he played and coach has got to trust him like he trusts Josh."

A third player said, "When Johnny in the game it puts the defense on edge. He doesn't just sit in the pocket, he makes plays. Coach has got to make the change now."

Shortly after the report surfaced, receiver Andrew Hawkins tweeted that it was 1000 percent "made up'' and left tackle Joe Thomas told NEOMG that it was "crafted out of thin air'' and that the quotes didn't sound like something a player would say.

Greco observed that a victory over the Chargers would quiet the noise.