Dayton-area junior quarterback Braxton Miller is expected to announce his oral commitment to Ohio State today, giving the Buckeyes the perfect recruit to follow in the footsteps of Terrelle Pryor.

Jim Noelker / Dayton Daily NewsBraxton Miller has impressed all scouting services as a true dual-threat quarterback and is expected to announce plans to attend Ohio State in 2011. “It would probably be one of the bigger recruiting upsets if he ended up anywhere other than Ohio State,” Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Jeremy Crabtree said.

THE BRAXTON MILLER FILE
• High school: Huber Heights Wayne, just outside Dayton.
• Position: Quarterback.
• Ht./wt.: 6-3, 195 pounds.
• Career stats: 225 of 408 passing (55.2 percent) for 2,628 yards; 938 rushing yards.
Recruiting rankings
Rivals: No. 56 player, No. 2 QB.
Scout: No. 4 player, No. 1 QB.
ESPN: No. 16 player, No. 2 QB.
MaxPreps: No. 8 player, No. 1 QB.
Scholarship offers: More than 40, including Ohio State, Alabama, Florida, USC, Notre Dame and Michigan.
-- Doug LesmerisesCOLUMBUS, Ohio -- The last time Ohio State secured its quarterback of the future, the Buckeyes were forced to wait, earning the commitment of Terrelle Pryor in March of 2008, only six months before Pryor took over as a starter as a freshman.

If things go as expected at Huber Heights Wayne High School in the Dayton suburbs today, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel's latest QB plan will fall into place much earlier in the recruiting cycle.

Braxton Miller, a junior ranked as either the No. 1 or No. 2 quarterback in the Class of 2011 by every major recruiting service, is expected to announce his oral commitment to Ohio State in a noon news conference after narrowing his offers from almost every major football program to the Buckeyes and Florida.

Then he should fall into the already established Pryor Plan as a dual-threat quarterback ready to run Ohio State's multiple offense early in his career.

"It would probably be one of the bigger recruiting upsets if he ended up anywhere other than Ohio State," Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Jeremy Crabtree said. "I think with what we've seen with Ohio State's offense, a dual-threat quarterback can be successful if you have the right guy to run it, and there's no better dual-threat quarterback in the country than Braxton."

At 6-foot-3 and about 195 pounds, Miller is three inches shorter and 35 pounds lighter than Pryor was in high school. But in terms of what his commitment would mean to Ohio State and the skills he brings to the quarterback position, the Buckeyes weren't going to find a much better Pryor successor than the cousin of former OSU receiver Dee Miller.

"He makes all the throws," CBS College Sports recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. "He's similar to Terrelle Pryor and he may be a little bit better passer. Terrelle's a much better all-around athlete, one of the best we've seen for somebody that size, but Braxton can put the ball on the money. So Ohio State is getting the perfect answer to Terrelle Pryor."

Since snagging Pryor, the Buckeyes haven't landed another highly-rated QB recruit, forced to reach for Kenny Guiton to fill out the Class of 2009, then getting Taylor Graham, who was listed as the No. 14 pro-style quarterback, and the No. 236 overall player, in the Class of 2010. Guiton has shown good progress, and Graham certainly has potential as a different style of quarterback, but Miller has been a Tressel target since his sophomore season.

"He talked about me taking over after Pryor in a couple years," Miller said as a sophomore after receiving Tressel's offer of a scholarship. "I've got a similar style to him, but I usually pass more than I run."

Regardless of the comparison, the point is that Miller possesses game-changing skills, and he's just 65 miles from Ohio State's campus, as important a recruit for the Buckeyes as when they won the national battle to pull Pryor out of Western Pennsylvania.

"The term dual-threat quarterback too many times references a player that typically is a better athlete than passer," Scout.com national recruiting analyst Scott Kennedy said. "A true dual-threat quarterback can beat a team without moving his feet. Braxton Miller is a true dual-threat.

"Miller has the skill set to be a dropback passer in a pro-style offense, and he has the athleticism to run a wishbone. Players like him don't come around very often."

People are willing to do all kinds of ridiculous things to keep LeBron in Cleveland. Are you, and if so, what?

Lorenzo Bevilaqua,
CNNNo, Larry King did not offer to make LeBron James Wife No. 9 if he re-signs with the Cavs. But people have done other things, just as silly.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Brandon George is a Middleburg Heights resident who is studying advertising in Atlanta. He's also one of the biggest Cavs fans in the free world. Or more accurate, one of the biggest LeBron James fans.

Starting Blocks has run a couple of his stunts aimed at coercing LeBron into re-signing with the Cavs. Most recently, George, who runs a website called InLeBronWeTrust.com, decided to let 23 women -- including a really ugly one with decidedly furry arms and a five o'clock shadow (around the 1:41 mark in the video) -- slap him.

Some of the young ladies really got into it. As for George, well, let's hope he's not planning on a career in mixed martial arts; a glass jaw like that wouldn't last long in the octagon with Rashad "Suga" Evans.

But his video, plus the snippets of LeBron's pro-Cleveland interview with Larry King, which airs on CNN on Friday, got Starting Blocks to thinking about what it would take to get Lebron to re-up with the Cavs. Hence, this poll. If you have some other ideas -- real or just funny -- be sure to add 'em to the comments section.

Hear Hoynsie's thoughts on Wednesday night's blown call and the Tribe's recent play as he answers your questions in his weekly chat.

Paul Hoynes answers your questions in his weekly Tribe chats.

Jump in the chat room below and ask your Indians questions or just listen. Can't make the chat? An archive will be made available in mp3 format shortly after the chat's completion.

Umpire Jim Joyce apologized for blowing Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga's perfect game on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Indians. You all have seen the replay. Jason Donald hits a grounder fielded by first baseman Miguel Cabrera, who threw to Galarraga covering the bag. The throw and Galarraga's foot beat Donald to the bag but Joyce called him safe. So...

Paul Sancya / Associated PressDetroit's Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce.Umpire Jim Joyce apologized for blowing Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga's perfect game on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Indians.

You all have seen the replay. Jason Donald hits a grounder fielded by first baseman Miguel Cabrera, who threw to Galarraga covering the bag. The throw and Galarraga's foot beat Donald to the bag but Joyce called him safe.

So what should be done?

"Can't blame Joyce. The fault is with the replay rules. Minimally, a manager should be able to challenge two calls a game, similar to football. With all the arguing that goes on after close calls, it would not affect the length of a game." - boogie2shoes

View full sizeAP Photo | Paul SancyaJim Joyce and the rest of Wednesday night's umpiring crew did not have the benefit of a replay that everyone else was able to see.

In response to the story A most imperfect finish: Ump's blown call costs Detroit's Armando Galarraga perfect masterpiece against Indians, cleveland.com reader boogie2shoes thinks it's time for instant replay in baseball. This reader writes,

Can't blame Joyce. The fault is with the replay rules. Minimally, a manager should be able to challenge two calls a game, similar to football. With all the arguing that goes on after close calls, it would not affect the length of a game.

"If we cant luck out and get the Zen Master, then Jeff Van Gundy would be my next choice. It seems like he wouldn't have a problem telling LBJ what is what." - cfrye9

View full sizeAP photoWould Jeff Van Gundy have an interest in the Cavaliers head coaching job?

In response to the story ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy says Cavaliers have 'a winning combination to sell' to coaching candidates, cleveland.com reader cfrye9 wouldn't mind seeing the former Knicks and Rockets coach on the Cavaliers sideline. This reader writes,

If we cant luck out and get the Zen Master, then Jeff Van Gundy would be my next choice. It seems like he wouldn't have a problem telling LBJ what is what.

"I would gladly purchase season tickets if it wasn't for the PSL. That is the biggest joke in sports. It doubles - if not triples - the cost of season tickets." - jryan25542

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerSome fans shy away from buying season tickets for the Browns because of the cost of PSLs.

In response to the story Hoping to spark season-ticket sales, Cleveland Browns plan 'open house' on June 12, cleveland.com reader jryan25542 would buy season tickets if not for the cost of a PSL. This reader writes,

I would gladly purchase season tickets if it wasn't for the PSL. That is the biggest joke in sports. It doubles - if not triples - the cost of season tickets.

Cleveland sports bloggers have plenty to discuss today, including LeBron's Larry King interview, why the Indians have struggled since 2007 and the Browns' mostly absentee owner.

View full sizeTracy Boulian | The Plain DealerCavaliers fans have loved seeing LeBron James on the floor the past seven seasons, but are growing tired of the free agency hoopla surrounding the star forward.

Cavaliers

'64 and Counting: "LeBron has done nothing to earn the undying trust we've bequeathed him thus far. The fickle happenstance of ping-pong balls landed the Akron sensation here in 2003. (Unlike the deft and intentional maneuvering by Bernie Kosar to land on the roster of the Cleveland Browns.) LeBron's existence in Ohio has so far been a matter of convenience, chance and dough. All that, but not loyalty — at least not loyalty to us, as most seem to assume. LeBron might fill that void by re-signing this summer, and by God let's hope he does. For the sake of the Cavaliers and for the chance to validate our belief that he is indeed a civic King — a title he's done little to earn so far but could put a lifelong claim on if he chooses. Either way, it ain't validating you. It ain't validating me. And it ain't validating our city." » Read more

Cleveland Frowns: "The transcript of the Larry King interview is clear enough. An hour of pure self-indulgence, an apt microcosm for the whole free-agency drama. The coy schoolgirl bit really isn't coming off well at all. Worse that it's so hard to see how LeBron could take it someplace better from here, the meaninglessness of it all taking on a pulsating glare thanks to LeBron's titanic failure in the playoffs coming into it." » Read more

Cavs HQ: "Also in that picture, you will see Mr. Larry King. That is because King actually flew to Akron to do this interview at LeBron's house. This is why we have stopped reading all of the stories of how LeBron has to leave Ohio in order to reach his marketing potential. LeBron James is arguably the most marketable athlete on the planet right now, and as such he can make people come to him." » Read more

Cavs: the blog breaks down the good, the bad and the ugly on Cavaliers coaching candidate Byron Scott.

Stepien Rules updates us on Cavaliers' first round pick Christian Eyenga.

Indians

WaitingForNextYear: "Wanna know why your Cleveland Indians are a last place team and have been such a disappointment over the last three years? I've got the answer. After months and months of over-thinking, trying to understand why GM Mark Shapiro does what he does, watching game after game of maddeningly inconsistent baseball and seeing our high-priced (or soon-to-be high-priced), talented players sent packing for prospects, I've figured it out. Take your two index fingers on each hand and point them in the direction of two men – Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner." » Read more

Browns

Cleveland Reboot: "To sum up the two most convincing arguments Browns fans make regarding Lerner: 1. He's not Art Modell. 2. He cares. He just cares so much. As to point No. 1, great. It's good to have an owner with money. As for No. 2, merely 'caring' is not quite enough. If Lerner truly 'cared' as much as people claim he does, he would have hired a Mike Holmgren type seven years ago, ignored the whispers of every single Browns great in the process and created the type of functional management found by every other successful NFL organization. But at least he 'cares.' That counts for something, right?" » Read more

Those New York folks are not real happy about LeBron James' interview with Larry King. New York Post columnist Marc Berman writes how James sounded more excited about remaining in Cleveland. Berman also wondered why Brooklyn-born Larry King must not be a New York Knicks or Nets fan because he didn't ask James about joining either team. Based on the way James...

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerLeBron JamesThose New York folks are not real happy about LeBron James' interview with Larry King. New York Post columnist Marc Berman writes how James sounded more excited about remaining in Cleveland.

Berman also wondered why Brooklyn-born Larry King must not be a New York Knicks or Nets fan because he didn't ask James about joining either team.

Based on the way James played in that second-round series vs. Boston, shrinking away in Game 5, committing nine turnovers in Game 6, maybe he feels he is not up to the enormous Page Six scrutiny New York brings, that it is too much of a risk to come here.

Maybe, writes Berman, James will sign another three-year deal with the Cavaliers, opt-out and come to New York when he's better prepared to deal with the New York media.

But by next June, if James’ Cavaliers are out of the playoffs early again, the King’s crown — not Larry’s — will have more tarnish and, worse, not as many fans outside Cleveland will care.

 

Heat it up with Miami

LeBron James never mentioned Miami Heat during his interview with Larry King that will air on Friday, but Ira Winderman writes on SunSentinel.com how James indicated he would be in touch with Dwyane Wade and other top free agents in advance of the free-agency.

Should the Heat be able to trade 2008 No. 2 overall draft pick Michael Beasley without taking on additional 2010-11 salary, the Heat could create a possible opening to re-sign Wade and add two maximum-level free agents from the pool of James, Bosh, Johnson, Amare Stoudemire and others.

It is a possibility that seems to intrigue James.

Ron Artest says stay

New York native Ron Artest loves his city but he hopes LeBron James doesn't join the New York Knicks. In an interview with The New York Daily News, Artest says LeBron should stay in Cleveland.

"I don't know what he's going to do," Artest said. "But he should stay."

That view from a former St. John's player and Queensbridge product might not sit well with Knicks fans and other New Yorkers who are hopeful that James will come to New York to make the team relevant again.

PD reporter says she could see LeBron wanting to be the leader of a 'summit' of NBA free agents this summer.

Lorenzo Bevilaqua, CNN via AP"The King" and King: CNN's Larry King interviews LeBron James at James' home near Akron during a taping of "Larry King Live." The show airs Friday.Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports.

On today's show, hosts Branson Wright and Chuck Yarborough:

• Talk about the blown call last night that cost Detroit's Armando Galarraga a perfect game against the Indians. What should MLB do, if anything, to rectify the situation? Take the poll now posted on the Starting Blocks blog.

• Talk with Plain Dealer reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer about tracking LeBron James rumors. She compiles the LeBron James Rumor Mill each day and says keeping up with the latest rumors is a 24-hour-a-day job. She also has thoughts on the LeBron interview with CNN's Larry King, which will air on Friday night (see complete transcript here).

SBTV will return Friday with PD reporter Doug Lesmerises, who will talk about today's announcement by five-star high school quarterback Braxton Miller and how it affects the Ohio State football program. Miller, from Huber Heights Wayne High School near Dayton, has narrowed his choices to Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama, Florida and Southern Cal. Have a question about Miller or Buckeyes football? Post it in the comments and we'll include the best ones in Friday's show.

Commissioner Bud Selig has the power to reverse umpire Jim Joyce's missed call with two outs in the ninth inning Wednesday night in Detroit. Joyce ruled Jason Donald safe, then admitted he got it wrong. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa says the call should be overturned.

Chicago Bulls fans, like so many other fans when it comes to LeBron James, have lost their minds. One fan was slapped numerous times to show support for LeBron. He also had his chest waxed. Bulls fans have wooed NBA free-agent-to-be LeBron James with songs and videos, writes  Daarel Burnette II of The Chicago Tribune. "Chicago wants LeBron," is printed...

Scott Shaw, The PDLeBron James

One fan was slapped numerous times to show support for LeBron. He also had his chest waxed.

Bulls fans have wooed NBA free-agent-to-be LeBron James with songs and videos, writes  Daarel Burnette II of The Chicago Tribune.

"Chicago wants LeBron," is printed on the billboard in big bold letters. "Unfinished business," it continues, alluding to the possibility of a seventh Bulls championship with James on the team.

AJ Barthold, 28, said he and a group of friends were able to raise $1,750 through his Web site, SendLeBrontochicago.com, enough to pay for the billboard's placement for two weeks.

Burnette II writes Chicago isn't as close to James' hometown of Akron as Cleveland, but James has said his favorite team growing up was the Bulls, and he's been seen in the past wearing a Michael Jordan jersey.

The extent of Sizemore's injury, and how long he'll need to recuperate, won't be known until Dr. Richard Steadman begins the procedure.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerCleveland Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore

DETROIT, Mich. -- Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore will undergo surgery Friday on his left knee. The surgery, which could end Sizemore's season, will be performed by Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colo.

Sizemore bruised his knee sliding into a base in April. He re-injured the knee diving back into first base against Baltimore on May 16 and was placed on the disabled list. Lonnie Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer, said he'll miss at least six to eight weeks.

"I hope and pray that when Steadman goes in it's not so bad and he can do the simplest procedure," said manager Manny Acta, "and have the kid back as soon as possible healthy for his own good. Then he can play for us whenever he's ready."

Soloff said the Indians won't know the extent of Sizemore's injury until Steadman begins the procedure. He said he should have an update on Sizemore's condition by Friday or Saturday. 

Sizemore was the Indians version of the Iron Horse through his first four years. Last season he played in 105 games and missed most of September due to surgery on his left elbow and left groin.

Miller chose the Buckeyes over Florida, Notre Dame, Alabama and many other offers.

Dayton Daily News photoHuber Heights Wayne quarterback Braxton Miller.

HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio - Braxton Miller, ranked by every major recruiting service as the No. 1 or No. 2 quarterback in the Class of 2011, gave an oral commitment to Ohio State just after noon today during a press conference at his high school.

Miller, a 6-3, 195-pounder, made his announcement at Huber Heights Wayne High School in the Dayton suburbs. He is the 12th high school junior to give a pledge to Ohio State.

Miller is a quarterback in the same mold as the Buckeyes' Terrelle Pryor, and he is the leading candidate to take over when Pryor's time in Columbus ends. CBS College Sports recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said Miller would be best served by redshirting in 2011 in his first year with the Buckeyes and learning for a year while Pryor is a senior, assuming that Pryor returns for his last season at Ohio State.

Pryor took over as the starter in the fourth game of his freshman season in 2008.

Check back later for more news and quotes from Miller's announcement.

Hear Paul Hoynes' thoughts on the Tribe's recent play, Wednesday night's blown call and more.

Paul Hoynes fields your questions live every Thursday at noon.

Six fishermen from Georgia and Tennessee caught plundering Lake Erie's smallmouth bass on a week-long fishing trip in late April paid a high price for taking 141 bass over the Ohio limit. The total in fines, restitution and forfeiture of three bass boats cost them $48,290.

Six fishermen from Georgia and Tennessee caught plundering Lake Erie's smallmouth bass on a week-long fishing trip in late April paid a high price for taking 141 bass over the Ohio limit. The total in fines, restitution and forfeiture of three bass boats cost them $48,290.

Magistrate Lou Wargo of Ottawa County Municipal Court on Wednesday suspended a collective 900 days of jail time, but fined the men the maximum of $250 and $58 in court costs for each of  30 counts, a total of $9,240. They were ordered to pay $7,050 in restitution to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, $50 for each bass. One boat was valued at $16,000, the other two at $8,000 each.

The six men are: Freelan C. Leffew, 66, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn.; his son, Michael Todd Leffew, 38, of Hixson, Tenn.; Freddie Warren, 63, of Wildwood, Ga.; Charles H. Burkhart, 67, and Samuel J. Carroll, 65, of Ringgold, Ga.; and Herbert Samuel Stephens, 58, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn. They lost their Ohio fishing privileges for three years. Ohio is a member of the 34-state Violators Compact, so the men can't legally buy a license in those states, either, including their home states of Tennessee and Georgia.

"Their attorney argued the men felt they could take a trip limit," said Lake Erie law enforcement supervisor Gino Barna of the ODOW. "If that were the case, there would be no need for daily bag limits.

"They said they faced the wrath of bass fishermen from around the country after the story got out," Barna said. "One guy was apprehensive about parking his truck at the court house in Port Clinton, worried his tires might be slashed."

The ODOW received a tip in late April that the men, who were staying on South Bass Island, were making multiple fishing trips each day to catch bass before the season closed on May 1. They released the walleye they caught, but kept and filleted the bass, filling two freezers. They forfeited the bass and freezers.

Boating Fest on weekend: The 11th annual North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest drops anchor in Cleveland on Saturday and Sunday, with free power boat and sail boat rides, kids' perch fishing from the Holiday party fishing boat and free life jackets and fishing gear for youngsters.

"The event gets bigger every year, and everyone loves it," said Jamey Graham, an information specialist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. "There's so much to see and do, and it's a free event with lots of parking."
 Visitors can climb aboard the 65-foot schooner Journey, operated by B-About Sail Ministries, and a 20-person dragon boat canoe piloted by the Cleveland Rowing Association. There are giveaways, food concessions, live music and educational exhibits. The Boating & Fishing Fest is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Perch biting shallow: Bringing home a bucket of Lake Erie yellow perch is always a bonus in the Cleveland area. This week, the perch bite was a little friendlier, reported Marlene Kijauskas at Wildwood Marina at Wildwood State Park, as schools of perch moved closer to shore. Wildwood Marina hosts its 9th annual Battle of Lake Erie Perch Tournament on June 12-13. Entry is $20, $10 for kids 15 and under. There are prizes for the top five perch - three perch in the kids division - and for the biggest perch caught from shore or boat.

Dog training seminar: The Wayne Coon Hunters Association and bird dog trainer Bruce Minard of Wisconsin's Hifive Kennels are teaming for a two-day pointing dog training seminar June 12-13 at the Wooster club grounds. Call Chris DeMattio (330-287-1755). Registration deadline is Saturday. The fee is $150, which includes birds and lunch.

Fly Fishers celebrate: Celebrating its fifth year, Firelands Fly Fishers is taking a break for the summer. An affiliate of the Federation of Fly Fishers, the club has developed into a champion of fly fishing in the area. It hosts free fly tying sessions at Gander Mountain in Sheffield, plans fishing trips for members, features experts at its monthly meetings and supports local conservation projects and river clean-up efforts. That includes Saturday's Rocky River Watershed Clean-Up beginning at 9 a.m. at the Scenic Park Picnic Area, just south of the Cleveland Metroparks boat launch.

Club meetings resume Sept. 8 at the French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village. To jump aboard, contact membership director Steve Bell (steve.bell@bendix.com).

Parrott punished: The five-year-old saga of trophy Ohio white-tailed deer being illegally shipped to South Carolina has finally been wrapped up in federal court. Danny Parrott, 62, of Kimbolton, in southeast Ohio's Guernsey County, was sentenced recently for sending  54 deer to a Bamberg County, S.C. hunting preserve owned by James Schaffer, 61, of Charleston, S.C. The domestically-raised deer had not been tested, violating a regulation to prevent the spread of diseases, including the brain malady Chronic Wasting Disease.
 Ohio and South Carolina have never had a positive test for CWD in either wild or domestic populations of deer or elk.

Parrott was sentenced to 21 months in prison in Ohio federal court in Columbus. Schaffer was fined $235,000 in 2009. A week ago, he was sentenced to six months of monitored house arrest and 500 hours of community service in the South Carolina park system. 

Foxworthy a Sentry: Comedian Jeff Foxworthy, an avid deer hunter, is the latest celebrity to sign up for the Sentry Program, a volunteer program to promote hunting and the shooting sports developed by the Columbus-based U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance.

"I am a lifelong sportsman, a hunter and fisherman and have a deep respect for conservation and the outdoors," said Foxworthy. "I am glad to be able to help an organization like the USSA defend our rights to be in the field."
 For program information, visit ussportsmen.org.

Wetlands grant for Ohio: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded $1.8 million in grants for wetlands around the Great Lakes. Projects will include a Magee Marsh Wildlife Area project in northwest Ohio. The grants are part of the Great Lakes restoration initiative that includes $475 in cleanup funding.

The Browns made several changes to their personnel department, including naming former Eagles scout as their director of college scouting.

Chuck Crow / PDBrowns senior advisor Paul Warfield has retired from the club.

That's two Hall of Famers gone from the front office in recent days. Last week, Jim Brown had his title of executive advisor removed, but will remain active with the club in an unofficial capacity.

 Warfield also worked for the Browns from 1981 to 1987 as Director of Player Relations. His main responsibilities as senior advisor included college scouting, talent evaluation and special projects.

Warfield starred for the Browns from 1964-1969 and again from 1976-1977. He also spent five seasons with the Dolphins. Warfield led the Browns in receiving as a rookie, catching 52 passes for 920 yards and nine touchdowns. An eight-time Pro Bowler, he was enshrined in 1983 after a 13-year career that featured 85 touchdowns.

The Browns also promoted former Eagles scout John Spytek to Director of College Scouting. Spytek spent the previous five seasons with Philadelphia as a scout under current Browns general manager Tom Heckert.

To make room for Spytek, who joined the Browns in January, the Browns re-assigned former director of college scouting Pat Roberts to senior national scout. It's similar to the position he held with the Browns from 2005-2008.

The Browns also announced the addition of Johnathon Stigall as an area scout, which was reported by the Plain Dealer last week. He held a similar post in Philadelphia the past four seasons, scouting the Midwest.

Perfect game blown call gives a chance for class to surface in Detroit, and throughout MLB.

Paul Sancya,
Associated PressUmpire Jim Joyce argues the unarguable. He later admitted he blew the call, costing pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game.

Dude, you blew a call. Yeah, it cost Armando Galarraga the 21st perfect game in Major League history. The irony is that your namesake, Irish-born writer James Joyce, nearly a century ago wrote a poem that almost fits.

They mouth love's language. Gnash
The thirteen teeth
Your lean jaws grin with. Lash
Your itch and quailing, nude greed of the flesh.
Love's breath in you is stale, worded or sung,
As sour as cat's breath,
Harsh of tongue.


This grey that stares
Lies not, stark skin and bone.
Leave greasy lips their kissing. None
Will choose her what you see to mouth upon.
Dire hunger holds his hour.
Pluck forth your heart, saltblood, a fruit of tears.
Pluck and devour!

 

You get the feeling that a lot of Detroit fans would like to "pluck and devour" umpire Jim Joyce's heart.

"He was robbed," Granholm said of Armando Galarraga's one-call-short of a perfect game Wednesday night. "But I'll declare it a perfect game."

Granholm, speaking at a news conference, said she would press for a resolution noting the day as "a historic moment."

An event like Joyce's blown call can be a good thing, believe it or not. It lets you see whether the little devil on one shoulder is more powerful than the angel on the other. In this case, the angel won, all the way around.

No matter what happens for the rest of his career, Joyce will be known as the ump who cost Armando Galarraga a chance at baseball history.

But more important, Galarraga and Joyce himself also will be known as men of true character. Detroit Free Press sportswriter Michael Rosenberg's story says it all:

I told Galarraga that Joyce said he felt terrible, that he cost Galarraga a perfect game and that he was really beating himself up over it.

Galarraga did not hesitate.

"Tell him no problem," Galarraga said. "I can go tell him."

He smiled. "I should probably talk to him. It will be better." And he did.

Class. Pure class.

Joyce showed up to work Thursday in Detroit, looking as if he hadn't slept. He appreciated the outpouring of support from umpires, family and friends but lamented strangers lashing out at his wife and children.

"I wish my family was out of this," Joyce said, holding back tears as he spoke nearly two hours before the Cleveland-Detroit series finale. "I wish they would direct it all to me. It's a big problem. My wife is a rock. My kids are very strong. They don't deserve this."

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said the team will not ask MLB to overturn the call. Selig would likely consult with his top advisers before making such a ruling. St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa says the call should be overturned.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said MLB gave Joyce the option to not work Thursday's game, but Joyce chose to stick with his job behind the plate. Leyland added that Galarraga would present the lineup card and shake hands with Joyce at home plate before the afternoon game.

More class.

"It's a new day," Laird said, declaring it won't be hard to work next to Joyce today. "If anyone is going to be all right, it's going to be Jim. I'll just go back there and be the best I can. ... I can't go back there and be frustrated about yesterday's game. Knowing Jim, he'll be out here tomorrow giving his best performance behind the plate. I haven't lost any respect for him."

Tiger GM Dave Dombrowski wants instant replay expanded. Indians manager Manny Acta doesn't agree.

 DETROIT, Mich. -- This is a daily briefing of the Indians 2010 season. They play the Tigers today in the final game of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The dimensions at Comerica are 345 feet to left field, 347 to left center, 420 to center, 365 to right center and 330 to right.

 Game 52: Observations from the perfect game that wasn't:

 -Give points to Armando Galarraga for agreeing to take the lineup card out to home plate today to show there was no hard feelings with plate umpire Jim Joyce. Joyce, of course, cost Galarraga a perfect game Wednesday night when he called Jason Donald safe with two out in the ninth.

 Donald was clearly out and Joyce admitted he blew the call.

 -I was walking down the steps when Tigers officials broached the subject with Galarraga. His initial response, "Really?' But they told him it was the right thing to do. Galarraga, a good kid, said yes.

 Before the game, the Tigers and Chevrolet presented Galarraga with a 2010 cherry red Corvette. When Galarraga took the lineup card out to the umpires, and handed it to Joyce, there were a few boos, but not many.

 -Tiger manager Jim Leyland said MLB gave Joyce and out. They said he could take today off and another umpire would be assigned to the game. Joyce said no.

 "This isn't a day to boo a bad call," said Leyland. "It's a day to cheer integrity of the umpire and to feel bad for Armando Galarraga. I feel bad for Armando, but I feel more saddened for the umpire.

 "It's just not fair. Don Denkinger has probably lived with that call in the World Series (1985) forever. And he was another very good umpire."

 Said Tribe first baseman Russell Branyan: "Jim Joyce has the eyes of an eagle, ice water in his veins and a lot of stones.

 -More Leyland: Asked if the umpires should have huddled to get the play right, "No huddle. We're talking silly stuff."

 Leyland on the game itself: "This game will never be forgotten. This game will be talked about forever even though it didn't turn out exactly perfect."

 -Call from home: Galarraga talked to his mother and father after the game in Venezuela.

 "My dad told me, "In my heart you threw a perfect game.' He told me to save the ball and the CD of the game."

 Venezuela TV picked up the game from the seventh inning when word spread that he was throwing a perfect game.

 "I only slept a couple of hours," Galarraga said. "Reporters from Venezuela were calling me all night."

 Replay question: GM Dave Dombrowski thinks replay should be expanded.

 "I've always felt that today's system is fine, a good step," said Dombrowski. "I now will say that we can do something for the next step. There's a very easy reason to tell you why: I don't think an umpire should have to live with that the rest of their lives.
 "When I saw Joyce afterward, that's not going away for a long time. When I see Don Denkinger and what's happened to him. . .I'm not saying that every call should be reviewed, but there has to be some kind of system in place that takes that burden off of him."

 -No instant replay: Indians manager Manny Acta does not way instant replay expanded.

 "That's my personal opinion," said Acta. "That's why I moved to America the Beautiful so I can have my own.

 "I think it's great that we have it for home runs because every new stadium is built like a pinball machine. Other than that, no. I don't want to take human element out of the game.

 "We've played baseball for long time. I don't want to turn baseball into a football game where you have to throw a flag on the field. I feel bad for Jim. Let me tell you what: Jim is what an umpire should be. If I had to pick an All-Star group of umpires to umpire every game I managed, Jim Joyce would be on it."

 So why not use instant replay so a good umpire like Joyce doesn't have to live with a call like that?

 "Then why don't we just grab three guys off the street on the way to the game every day and put them on the bases?" said Acta, a citizen of the United States and Dominican Republic. "That way we don't have to worry about it because anyone can miss a call and we can go look at it on the replay.

 "I don't want to do that. That eliminates people's effort and due diligence to be good at what they do. Why do I have to work hard at anything I do if anything close is going to be reviewed and I'm off the hook?"

 Close eye: Acta said the Indians will be watching how David Huff reacts to balls off the bat today. Huff made his first start since Saturday when he was hit above the left earn at Yankee Stadium on a line drive by Alex Rodriguez.

 "I was on the conservative side from the get go," said Acta. "I said let's DL this guy and give him some time off. But the very next day he was in the dugout for the whole game like nothing happened. We've run every test possible. He's ready to go."

 Acta added, "It's easier to throw a bullpen than to see a ball come off the bat again. That's what we'll be watching. We're going to be watching if he flinches or anything like that."

 Lineups: Indians (19-32): CF Trevor Crowe (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), DH Travis Hafner (L), 3B Jhonny Peralta (R), 1B Russell Branyan (L), LF Matt LaPorta (R), 2B Luis Valbuena (L), C Lou Marson (R), SS Jason Donald (R) and LHP David Huff (2-6, 5.54).

 Tigers (27-25): CF Austin Jackson (R), LF Ryan Raburn (R), RF Magglio Ordonez (R), 1B Miguel Cabrera (R), DH Brennan Boesch (L), 2B Carlos Guillen (S), 3B Brandon Inge (R), C Gerald Laird (R), SS Adam Everett (R) and RHP Rick Porcello (4-5, 5.27).

 Umpires: H Jim Joyce, 1B Jim Wolf, 2B Derry Cousins, 3B Marvin Hudson.

 Quote of the day: "Ideally, the umpire should combine the integrity of a Supreme Court justice, the physical ability of an acrobat, the endurance of Job and the imperturbability of Buddha," from The Villains in Blue," Time, Aug. 25, 1961, as it appeared in Baseball's Greatest Quotations by Paul Dickson.

 Next: RHP Justin Masterson (0-5, 5.87) vs. Chicago's LHP John Danks () Friday at 8:10 p.m. EST at U.S. Cellular Field.

What blown call is the worst in sports history?

Paul Sancya, Associated PressUmpire Jim Joyce (right) listens to the Tigers' Gerald Laird as second base umpire Jim Wolf (center) and Tigers coach Rafael Belliard look on. Joyce had just missed a call at first base, costing Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game.

The call that umpire Jim Joyce admits he missed, costing Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night, certainly ranks among the most significant missed calls in sports history.

With two outs in the top of the ninth inning of the Tigers' 3-0 win, the Indians' Jason Donald hit a groundball that Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera ranged to his right to grab. Cabrera tossed to Galarraga covering the bag at first base. Joyce called Donald safe, though replays show that he was out.

There have been countless blown calls of some magnitude in sports history. We mention just a few in our poll, and invite you to comment and suggest other mistaken calls that rank among the most significant.