Zach McAllister displayed some never-before-seen skills typically reserved for soccer goalies or hacky sack aficionados.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' infielders gathered at the pitcher's mound and peered up at the Progressive Field scoreboard.

They had to get another look.

Zach McAllister displayed some never-before-seen skills typically reserved for soccer goalies or hacky sack aficionados. Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki lined McAllister's offering back up the middle in the top of the sixth. The baseball caromed off of McAllister's left leg. The reliever did a pirouette on the mound and hauled in the baseball for the out.

McAllister maintained a stoic expression until he made eye contact with his teammates. The infielders joined him near the mound, shared a laugh and watched the replay on the scoreboard. Francisco Lindor hunched over, laughing.

"That was just reaction," said McAllister, who sported a red mark on his calf after the game. "There's nothing more than that. It's a ball coming back at you and hopefully you either stop it and make the play, or it goes through the middle and it's probably a base hit. It just worked in my favor tonight."

McAllister recorded a 1-2-3 inning of relief.

"I think he's been practicing hacky sack with [Mike] Clevinger before the games," quipped reliever Dan Otero. "So I think we can thank Clev for that one, too." 

Kick-save and a beauty: https://t.co/j7g6bUI9MP pic.twitter.com/MZuh5M2ZIQ

-- MLB (@MLB) August 31, 2016

 

Josh Tomlin turned in the shortest start of his career, but the offense did just enough and the bullpen came through with 7 1/3 scoreless innings. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Josh Tomlin once again didn't pitch well. The Indians had two runners thrown out at third and one at the plate.

The bullpen, however, put up zeroes as the Tribe slipped past the Twins, 5-4, Tuesday night in front of a small gathering of family and friends at Progressive Field.

Tomlin was gone after the second inning, leaving manager Terry Francona with the task of finding enough arms to finish the game. Shawn Armstrong, Dan Otero, Zach McAllister, Bryan Shaw and Andrew Miller did the job, holding the Twins scoreless over 7 1/3 innings.

Otero (4-1) pitched 2 2/3 innings for the win. Miller went 1 1/3 innings for his third save with the Indians and 12th of the season.

"Both bullpens pitched well," said Francona. "Thankfully we got the last run and made it hold up. That was a lot to ask. You have to find a way to win."

The Tribe's bullpen has not allowed a run in its last 21 innings.

"The bullpen did an unbelievable job," said Tomlin, 0-5 in his last six starts with an 11.48 ERA. "They've been doing that for a while."

Francona, when asked what he would do with Tomlin's spot in the rotation, said, "We've got an off day on Thursday. We could juggled the rotation."

Said Tomlin, "I don't know how I could be disappointed with that. Whatever move he makes, I understand. It's not like I'm going out there and throwing eight shutout innings every time.

"I'm struggling and I know I'm struggling. I take full ownership of that."

The Indians improved to 41-23 at home and 35-17 in the AL Central. The Twins have lost 12 straight, the third-longest single-season losing streak in franchise history.

The game started with a flurry of runs and then the offenses stalled. The Tribe scored the winning run on Francisco Lindor's double in the fourth inning. Chris Gimenez opened with a walk, but tried to go from first to third on Rajai Davis' double past third. Gimenez was called safe, but the Twins challenged and the call on the field was overturned.

After Jason Kipnis walked, Lindor doubled to deep center for a 5-4 lead. Davis scored, but Kipnis was cut down at the plate.

The Twins took a 2-0 lead in the first. Brian Dozier hit Tomlin's first pitch 430 feet for a leadoff homer. It was Dozier's 31st blast and the 35th Tomlin has allowed this season. Joe Mauer followed with a double and Miguel Sano's one-out single to left made it 2-0. Tomlin retired the next two batters, but wasn't long for the game.

The Indians, meanwhile, went to work on lefty Andrew Albers. Davis didn't greet Albers with a leadoff homer, but he did hit a double. Then he tried to steal third and it cost the Indians a run when he was called out.

Francona said he didn't mind the aggressive baserunning by the Tribe.

"I like that (kind of aggressive baserunning) if it's at the right time," said Francona. "I thought they were all the right time. Gimenez going to third was good. The guy (Max Kepler) made a really good throw.

"I thought Rajai got pulled off the bag (by Miguel Sano)," said Francona. "I still think that. I think when Jerry (Meals, crew chief) goes and looks at it, he'll think the same thing.

"The play at home, again it's a perfect throw. I thought it was all good fundamental baseball -- being aggressive and they made some good plays."

The Twins quickly made it 4-2 in the second against Tomlin, when he was removed. Eddie Rosario and Logan Schafer singled with one out. Tomlin struck out Dozier, but Mauer singled to make 3-1. For Mauer it was his 202nd career hit against the Indians, the most in Twins history.

Trevor Plouffe followed with a single to score Schafer, who took third on left fielder Brandon Guyer's error on Mauer's hit. Armstrong relieved Tomlin to end the inning.

Tomlin allowed four runs on seven hits in 1 2/3 innings. It was the shortest start of his career.

Davis pulled the Indians into a 4-4 tie in the second with a three-run homer to left. Abraham Almonte doubled and Gimenez walked with one out to get Davis to the plate. It was Davis' 12th homer and first since Aug. 15.

The pitches

Tomlin threw 41 pitches, 28 or 68 percent for strikes. Albers threw 58 pitches, 34 or 59 percent for strikes.

Kick save and a beauty

McAllister, while pitching a scoreless sixth inning, made the out of the game when Kurt Suzuki sent a liner back to the mound that hit him in the left cal, shot into the air and landed in McAllister's glove for the second out of the inning.

Great reflexes by McAllister.

"It was just reaction," said McAllister. "Nothing more than that. The ball is coming right back at you. Hopefully, you can make a play or it's probably a base hit."

Thanks for coming

The Twins and Indians drew 11,937 to Progressive Field on Tuesday night. First pitch was at 7:10 p.m. and the temperature was 78 degrees.

Indians attendance is 1,255,546 for 64 home dates.

What's next?

Tribe right-hander Corey Kluber (14-8, 3.07) wll face LHP Pat Dean (1-4, 6.24) on Wednesday night in the final game of this series. Game time is 7:10 and SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.

Kluber is 6-0 in his last eight starts. He's 0-1 against the Twins this year and 6-5 in his career. Trevor Plouffe is hitting .310 (13-for-42) against him.

Dean is 0-3 in his last eight appearances after going 5-7 with a 5.98 ERA in 16 starts at Rochester. This will be his first appearance against the Indians.

Rajai Davis and the Cleveland Indians' bullpen were outstanding in a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio --Rajai Davis went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer and sliding catch and five Cleveland Indians relievers combined for 7 1/3 shutout innings in a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Progressive Field. Tribe catcher Chris Gimenez was 1-for-1 with one run and three walks.

Here is a capsule look at the key aspect(s) of the game, which was televised by Fox Sports Time Ohio:

Holding serve: The Indians (75-56) won the first two of a three-game series. They remain 4.5 games ahead of second-place Detroit (71-61) in the AL Central. The Tigers won the first two of a three-game series against the White Sox in Detroit.

Reeling: The Twins (49-83), last place in the AL Central, have lost 12 straight.

Remember, Tribe fans: Don't ask how; just, how many. It is too deep into the season to worry about whether the opponent is in a bad place. All that matters is whether the game ended in a W.

And the Twins still lead the season series, 8-7. 

Tip of the helmet: The Tribe's offense, which scored a total of two runs in the previous three games, rallied from deficits of 2-0 after one-half inning and 4-1 after 1 1/2.

Overcoming themselves: The Indians won despite:

*Their starting pitcher, Josh Tomlin, giving up four runs on seven hits in 1 2/3 innings.

*Two runners thrown out at third (Davis attempting to steal; Gimenez trying to rumble from first to third on Davis' hit to left.)

*A runner thrown out at home (Kipnis attempting to score from first on Francisco Lindor's double in the fourth.)

Lindor drove in Davis from second to give the Tribe a 5-4 lead. Kipnis would have made it 6-4 if not for a terrific relay by Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar.  

*Jose Ramirez going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Living right: The Indians were fortunate that the Twins scored no more than four. One play stood out:

*With the bases loaded and one out in the third inning, Dan Otero replaced Shawn Armstrong. Lefty Logan Schafer lined a 2-1 pitch toward the mound, where Otero used cat-quick reflexes to snatch it. Otero flipped to shortstop Lindor to double off Eddie Rosario at second and end the threat.

Based on the replay from behind the catcher, the ball almost certainly would have zipped into center field for a two-run single to give the Twins a 6-4 lead.

(Otero was not the only Tribe pitcher who excelled defensively. With one out in the sixth, Zach McAllister deflected Kurt Suzuki's liner with his leg and caught it.)

Locking them down: Armstrong (2/3 IP, H, 2 BB), Otero (2 2/3 IP, 3 K), McAllister (IP), Bryan Shaw (1 1/3 IP, H, BB, K) and Andrew Miller (1 2/3 IP, H, 2 K) stretched the Tribe bullpen's scoreless streak to 21.

Armstrong made a mess for Otero in the third, but Armstrong had stranded two of Tomlin's runners in the second by retiring dangerous Miguel Sano on a fielder's choice grounder.

Otero did what Otero does. He lowered his season's ERA to 1.25.

Z-Mac continued the momentum from an appearance the previous night, when he replaced Cody Allen with the bases loaded and two outs in the 10th inning and retired Max Kepler on a fly to center. The Indians won, 1-0.

Shaw walked Brian Dozier to lead off the seventh and gave up a one-out single to Trevor Plouffe. With the runners on first and second, Shaw threw a wicked 2-2 slider to strike out Sano swinging and got Kepler to ground to first.

Miller was not quite as nasty as usual, but he was plenty good. Minnesota's hit against him was a Schafer dribbler along the first-base line. With two outs and Schafer on first in the ninth, Plouffe hit a first-pitch fastball high and deep to left that Brandon Guyer caught on the track.

Month to forget: In six August starts, Tomlin allowed 34 earned runs in 26 2/3 innings.

Dozier drilled Tomlin's first pitch of the game, a fastball (89 mph) over the plate and above the knees, into the bleachers in left-center. Dozier has hit 12 homers in August.

In August, Tomlin gave up 10 homers that accounted for 21 runs.

The Twins had three hits in the first inning and four in the second. They swung and missed at three of Tomlin's 41 pitches overall.

Tribe manager Terry Francona might have saved the game for his team by not letting Tomlin face Sano in the second.

Ragin' Rajai: Davis' three-run homer off lefty Andrew Albers tied the score, 4-4, in the second. Davis attacked a high-80s fastball and launched it to left.

Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe talk about the day at Browns practice in Berea. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns held their final practice on Tuesday before their final preseason game on Thursday night against the Bears. Following practice, Mary Kay Cabot and I recapped the day.

We talked about Robert Griffin III and what he needs to show on Thursday night. We also talked about Josh Gordon and whether he, like he said, really does look like 2013 Josh Gordon. Then we touched on Corey Coleman and his frustrating night in Tampa and what we're expecting Thursday.

Check out our full report above.

A quick look at the quarterback position in 2016 fantasy football leagues with the position's tier structure, followed by rankings, sleepers and busts.

A quick look at the quarterback position in 2016 fantasy football leagues with the position's tier structure, followed by rankings, sleepers and busts.

TIER STRUCTURE

TIER 1
1. Cam Newton, CAR
2. Aaron Rodgers, GB
3. Russell Wilson, SEA

TIER 2
4. Andrew Luck, IND
5. Drew Brees, NO
6. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT

TIER 3
7. Tom Brady, NE
8. Derek Carr, OAK
9. Matthew Stafford, DET
10. Carson Palmer, ARI

TIER 4
11. Jameis Winston, TB
12. Blake Bortles, JAC
13. Philip Rivers, SD
14. Eli Manning, NYG

TIER 5
15. Kirk Cousins, WAS
16. Dak Prescott, DAL
17. Marcus Mariota, TEN
18. Tyrod Taylor, BUF
19. Andy Dalton, CIN
20. Brock Osweiler, HOU

Offseason moves and their fantasy impact

TOP 20 RANKINGS

1. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

2015 stats: 296 of 495 for 3,837 yards, 35 TD, 10 INT; 132 rush, 636 yards, 10 TD
2016 projections: 310 of 515 for 4,000 yards, 31 TDs, 12 INTs; 122 rush, 590 yards, 7 TDs

The tighter the field got last season, the better Newton was, which helped fuel his MVP campaign. He emerged as perhaps the NFL's best red-zone force with a higher completion percentage (61.4%) and 34 total touchdowns (10 rush) in the red zone, compared to 50 percent completions and 15 total scores in 2014. Newton made the leap without his top receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, who returns to the lineup this season to play alongside Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen and another emerging young wideout in Devin Funchess, who got better in the second half of his rookie season. Newton might not quite match his touchdown production from 2015, but he's no fluke, either.

2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

2015 stats: 347 of 572 for 3,821 yards, 31 TD, 8 INT; 58 rush, 344 yards, 1 TD
2016 projections: 355 of 500 for 4,100 yards, 39 TD, 7 INT; 60 rush, 310 yards, 3 TD

Rodgers was dealt a tough hand almost immediately last summer when top target Jordy Nelson was lost with an ACL injury. Not only that, but running back Eddie Lacy struggled in his third season, Davante Adams fell short of expectations and tight end Andrew Quarless was lost to a knee injury. The end result was the worst completion percentage of Rodgers' career (60.7%) and a huge drop in his yards per attempt (6.68), passer rating (92.7) and touchdowns (31). Rodgers willed himself to a QB1 effort with minimal support. Nelson isn't a sure thing to be 100 percent early in 2016, but he's bound to return and help Rodgers bounce back in a big way.

3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

2015 stats: 329 of 483 for 4,024 yards, 34 TD, 8 INT; 103 rush, 553 yards, 1 TD
2016 projections: 335 of 500 for 4,150 yards, 33 TD, 7 INT; 100 rush, 600 yards, 4 TD

Wilson took a huge leap forward as a passer, continuing a trend of Seattle giving the young star more and more responsibility in the 'Hawks' offense. Statistical improvements across the board did plenty to offset the inevitable regression in his rushing numbers (553 yards, 1 TD) after a superhuman effort in 2014, when he rushed for 849 yards and six touchdowns. Wilson has more to offer with his legs and could still be asked to do more as a passer with the retirement of Marshawn Lynch and arguably the best collection of receivers in his career with Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, Jimmy Graham and dynamic rookie running back C.J. Prosise.

4. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

2015 stats: 162 of 293 for 1,881 yards, 15 TD, 12 INT; 33 rush, 196 yards, 0 TD
2016 projections: 390 of 620 for 4,600 yards, 33 TD, 15 INT; 61 rush, 300 yards, 3 TD

Luck was battered physically and emotionally last season, which was compounded by huge expectations placed on the Colts from the outset. Luck regressed from the 40-touchdown form he showed in 2014 as his accuracy suffered and turnovers soared. He missed a total of nine games with broken ribs and was ineffective early, which masked the progress he began to show before being put on the shelf after Week 9. Assuming he's upright and rediscovers his accuracy -- his completion percentage dropped 6.4 points to 55.3 percent in 2015 -- Luck is a good bet to get back on track. A heavy volume will help make up for a likely big turnover number.

5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

2015 stats: 428 of 627 for 4,870 yards, 32 TD, 11 INT; 24 rush, 14 yards, 1 TD
2016 projections: 450 of 660 for 5,100 yards, 36 TD, 14 INT; 29 rush, 50 yards, 1 TD

Brees got off to a slow start and endured an early-season shoulder injury that limited his productivity with eight touchdown passes through six games. He was also breaking in a new group of wide receivers with zero proven commodities behind No. 1 Brandin Cooks, which contributed to the early issues as well. Neither the shoulder nor the playmakers should be problems early in 2016, which gives Brees sleeper potential as fantasy owners overlook him for age concerns. Impressive rookie Michael Thomas and free agent tight end Colby Fleener add to that collection of weapons. Brees has topped 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns every season since arriving in New Orleans in 2006. Even at 37, he's a virtual lock to do it again, potentially much more, in 2016.

Strategy: What to do with the No. 1 pick

6. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

2015 stats: 319 of 469 for 3,938 yards, 21 TD, 16 INT; 15 rush, 29 yards, 0 TD
2016 projections: 380 of 570 for 4,400 yards, 30 TD, 12 INT; 26 rush, 80 yards, 0 TD

Roethlisberger is one of the biggest, most physical quarterbacks in the NFL, which works against him in his quest to stay healthy. He takes a pounding, some unnecessarily, and it shows in the fact he's played 16 games just three times in 12 career seasons. But unquestionably, Roethlisberger is a better, more efficient quarterback under coordinator Todd Haley with five straight increases in his completion percentage and some of the best yardage totals of his career. Red-zone weapons, or lack there of, are worth watching. But with Antonio Brown on his side and a scheme that maximizes the short attack, Roethlisberger will be a consistent top-5 option whose volume ranks among his position's elite, provided he stays healthy.

8. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

2015 stats: 402 of 624 for 4,770 yards, 36 TD, 7 INT; 34 rush, 53 yards, 3 TD
2016 projections: 300 of 460 for 3,700 yards, 27 TD, 6 INT; 25 rush, 44 yards, TD

Brady is suspended for the first four games of the season as a penalty for the long, drawn-out "Deflategate" scandal that threatened the start of his 2015 season as well. He represents a difficult valuation in fantasy drafts, but his stability and the perfection of his craft still make him a borderline-elite option. Brady has shown no discernible signs of decline, in large part because the Patriots have successfully masked his limitations with a revamped approach. Instead of pushing the ball downfield, New England has focused on the short passing attack, which has allowed Brady to not miss a beat in recent seasons. He will be a high-end QB1 for 12 games, making him worth pursuing and pairing with a strong backup to serve the life of his suspension.

8. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

2015 stats: 350 of 573 for 3,987 yards, 32 TD, 13 INT; 33 rush, 138 yards, 0 TD
2016 projections: 362 of 565 for 4,075 yards, 34 TD, 12 INT; 30 rush, 95 yards, 1 TD

Carr took a huge step forward last season after flashing his ability in the midst of rookie struggles in 2014. He strung together 11 multi-touchdown performances and tied for sixth in the NFL with 32 touchdown passes, all while improving his accuracy (61.1%) and yards per attempt (6.96). He's shown enough through two seasons to believe superstardom is within his reach, particularly as the Raiders load up for a playoff run this season. In addition to adding offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, the Raiders can still get more from young playmakers Amari Cooper, Clive Walford, Latavius Murray and DeAndre Washington. All the makings are here for Carr to jump into the elite QB1 conversation, making him a key target for late-round quarterback strategists everywhere.

9. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

2015 stats: 398 of 592 for 4,262 yards, 32 TD, 13 INT; 44 rush, 159 yards, 1 TD
2016 projections: 425 of 650, 4,600 yards, 33 TD, 12 INT; 40 rush, 110 yards, 2 TD

The days of elite volume for Stafford, which began to slowly disapper over the past three seasons, could come back in a big way in 2016. The Lions are ill-equipped to pound the ball on the ground but have a more diverse set of options in the passing game, even without Calvin Johnson, who retired after the 2015 season. Stafford was a different quarterback following the transition to offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, throwing 19 touchdowns to three interceptions in his final eight games. The loss of Johnson could make life more difficult for Stafford, or it could free him from the burden of forcing it to Megatron in double and triple coverage. The addition of Marvin Jones can help replace some of Johnson's red-zone prowess without commanding targets into blanket coverage.

10. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals

2015 stats: 342 of 537 for 4,671 yards, 35 TD, 11 INT; 25 rush, 24 yards, 1 TD
2016 projections: 330 of 530 for 4,300 yards, 32 TD, 13 INT; 22 rush, 30 yards, 1 TD

Palmer took his late resurgence to another level last season with, in many respects, the best performance of his career. He led the NFL in passing average (8.7 ypa) and engineered a league-high five game-winning drives as he served as the ideal engineer in Arizona's downfield attack. His weapons were plentiful and diverse last season, but they should be even better with the expected rise to stardom of young running back David Johnson. Palmer has such command of Arizona's offense and a strong enough supporting cast to believe he can still elevate his play. With his age (36) and injury history, he comes with more red flags than his elite peers. But Palmer's production is legit after ranking No. 5 in fantasy scoring among quarterbacks a year ago. 

11. Jameis Winston, QB, TB

2015 stats: 312 of 535 for 4,042 yards, 22 TD, 15 INT; 54 rush, 213 yards, 6 TD
2016 projections: 345 of 570 for 4,400 yards, 30 TD, 14 INT; 58 rush, 230 yards, 4 TD

Winston has the frame, the arm and the mind to make the leap to stardom sooner than later, considering he was one of just four rookies in NFL history to top 4,000 yards last season. He also had a higher passer rating (84.2) than both Peyton Manning (71.2) and Andrew Luck (76.5) did as rookies. Manning and Luck made significant Year 2 strides on their way to becoming fantasy forces. Winston should, too. And if Winston's efficiency improves and turnovers drop, he can surge into QB1 contention. His Week 3 preseason performance (259 yards, 2 TDs) suggests Winston has a chance to hit the ground running as a sophomore.

12. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars

2015 stats: 355 of 606 yards for 4,428 yards, 35 TD, 18 INT; 52 rush, 310 yards, 2 TD
2016 projections: 360 of 600 for 4,000 yards, 30 TD, 16 INT; 55 rush, 350 yards, 1 TD

Bortles still has plenty of untapped potential, which keeps him in the QB1 conversation in fantasy drafts despite legit concerns that he can't replicate his breakout 2015 season. He threw 32 of his 35 touchdown passes when the Jaguars were tied or trailing last season, a dynamic that could change with high-profile additions on both sides of the ball. Bortles is talented and provides sneaky value with his rushing ability, so predicting his demise would be a mistake. He should be approached with a good, healthy amount of pessimism, though, that any improvements he makes as a player will be offset by fewer scoring opportunities.

13. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

2015 stats: 437 of 661 for 4,792 yards, 29 TD, 13 INT; 17 rush, 28 yards, 0 TD
2016 projections: 395 of 595 for 4,400 yards, 32 TD, 11 INT; 27 rush, 50 yards, 0 TD

Given the Chargers' struggles to establish the run, Rivers cruised past new career-highs in completions (437), attempts (661) and yards (4,792) last season. Hard luck was also part of the equation with the season-opening suspension to Antonio Gates and the season-ending kidney injury suffered by Keenan Allen. Rivers has plenty of room for better fortune but also gets new weapons in Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams and talented rookie tight end Hunter Henry. The improvement of the rushing attack might take away a handful of opportunities, but it's otherwise key to a more functional, higher-scoring offense. Rivers hasn't lost much from his game after 12 career seasons, which gives him potential for a resurgence if his O-line holds up and his playmakers perform as advertised. 

14. Eli Manning, New York Giants

2015 stats: 387 of 618 for 4,436 yards, 35 TD, 14 INT; 20 rush, 61 yards, 0 TD
2016 projections: 380 of 600 for 4,400 yards, 31 TD, 13 INT; 28 rush, 55 yards, 0 TD

Manning has found new life under Ben McAdoo, who was his coordinator for two seasons before accepting the head coaching position in the offseason. He's thrown 65 touchdown passes to 28 interceptions over the past two seasons, slashing his interception rate to 2.3 percent in both 2014 and '15, which are two of the best three marks of his career. And there's still promise for more, though it comes with a virtual certainty for multiple disastrous performances. Manning's weapons have improved with the addition of touted rookies Sterling Shepard and Paul Perkins, which add to the depth and diversity of the Giants' attack. Manning should again produce QB1 numbers while keeping his turnovers in check. Just beware of disasters ahead. 

15. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

2015 stats: 379 of 543 for 4,166 yards, 29 TD, 11 INT; 26 rush, 48 yards, 5 TD
2016 projections: 345 of 530 for 4,000 yards, 30 TD, 14 INT; 22 rush, 40 yards, 2 TD

Cousins flipped a switch midway through the 2015 season and was among the top performers in fantasy football down the stretch. He and the Redskins couldn't agree to a long-term deal, so both sides will take a wait-and-see approach to the 2016 season. Fantasy owners would be wise to do the same. There's good reason to believe Cousins turned a corner last season as he surged with 23 touchdowns to just three interceptions over his final 10 games after posting a 6-to-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his first six. But he's got little more than half a season of QB1 play under his belt and is unlikely to match the five rushing touchdowns he scored a year ago. Cousins finished eighth among fantasy quarterbacks last season, which should be viewed as his upside in 2016.

16. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

2015 stats (college): 316 of 477 for 3,793 yards, 29 TD, 5 INT; 160 rush, 588 yards, 10 TD
2016: 185 of 300 for 2,700 yards, 20 TD, 10 INT; 80 rush, 420 yards, 3 TD

Prescott is the new Week 1 starter in Dallas after Tony Romo suffered a back injury that will sideline him for 6-10 weeks. The Cowboys are confident in the rookie's abilities, and everything they've seen from in the preseason suggests he has the right mix of arm, accuracy and "it" factor to do more than simply survive. Prescott has completed 39 of 50 passes for 454 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions while adding 53 rushing yards and two more scores in three preseason contests. If Prescott can manage games and continue to make plays with his legs, he has a chance to replicate Russell Wilson's success as a rookie, when he threw for 3,118 yards and 26 TDs in 2012. And who knows if or when Romo is well enough to return.

17. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

2015 stats: 230 of 370 for 2,818 yards, 19 TD, 10 INT; 34 rush, 252 yards, 2 TD
2016 projections: 320 of 500 for 3,800 yards, 25 TD, 9 INT; 55 rush, 340 yards, 4 TD

Mariota was a one-man band in Tennessee as a rookie starter in 2015. The Titans ranked No. 30 in the NFL in total offense, No. 28 in scoring and No. 25 in rushing with erratic play from the offensive line and Mariota's playmakers. The roster issues exaggerated Mariota's learning curve, but the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft still showed flashes of brilliance that look twice as promising in 2016. Tennessee invested in its offensive line, traded for DeMarco Murray, signed veteran receivers Andre Johnson and Rishard Matthews and drafted Derrick Henry and Tajae Sharpe. Throw in Mariota's expected Year 2 bump and the potential for even more rushing contributions, and it all adds up huge breakout potential.

18. Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills

2015 stats: 242 of 380 for 3,035 yards, 20 TD, 6 INT; 104 rush, 568 yards, 4 TD
2016 projections: 275 of 425 for 3,400 yards, 22 TD, 8 INT; 110 rush, 600 yards, 3 TD

Taylor is being approached -- and drafted -- under the assumption he's a one-year wonder, which is understandable after his unlikely rise from obscurity. But his skill set is legitimate and he has the ability to make a wide variety of plays and protect the ball. In addition to ranking second among quarterbacks with 568 rushing yards last season, Taylor also ranked seventh in passer rating (99.1) and fifth in yards per attempt (7.99). He was dynamic and lived up to his billing as a true dual threat under a coach in Rex Ryan who trusted him completely. The big issue in projecting Taylor in 2016 isn't that he'll regress, but rather he will get injured. Taylor has a small frame and exposes himself to hits when he eludes the pocket. 

19. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

2015 stats: 255 of 386 for 3,250 yards, 25 TD, 7 INT; 57 rush, 142 yards, 3 TD
2016 projections: 330 of 510 for 3,900 yards, 28 TD, 12 INT; 62 rush, 175 yards, 3 TD

Dalton "arrived" in a lot of ways last season with career-best marks in completion percentage (66.1%), yards per attempt (8.42) and rating (106.3), but a thumb injury cost him a shot at a true breakout. The offseason brought more upheaval when the Bengals opted not to re-sign Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu and lost offensive coordinator Hue Jackson to the Cleveland Browns. Pro Bowl tight end Tyler Eifert is also out at least four weeks with an ankle injury. Those are variables in projecting Dalton's fantasy fortunes, but to assume a major setback would be to credit others with too much of Dalton's success. The transition to first-year coordinator Ken Zampese should be smooth. Rookie Tyler Boyd and a healthy A.J. Green can help offset the personnel losses.

20. Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans

2015 stats: 170 of 275 for 1,967 yards, 10 TD, 6 INT; 21 rush, 61 yards, 1 TD
2016 projections: 350 of 560 for 3,900 yards, 29 TD, 13 INT; 40 rush, 130 yards, 1 TD

Osweiler left Denver for Houston as the new centerpiece of a reloaded offense that also picked up running back Lamar Miller and rookie wide receivers Will Fuller and Braxton Miller. The unit has already flashed more excitement in the preseason with Osweiler showing a steady hand and Fuller, a first-round pick in the 2016 draft, stretching the field opposite Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins. Texans coach Bill O'Brien pushes his quarterbacks hard and tends to get results, and now he gets a former second-round pick in Osweiler who spent his first four seasons as an understudy to Peyton Manning. All the pieces are in place for Osweiler, who completed 170 of 275 passes for 1,967 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Broncos last season. Now, he must go out and prove it.

SLEEPERS

Derek Carr, OAK: Carr still has a thing or two to prove, so fantasy owners aren't quite taking the plunge in preseason drafts. The Raiders made a deep commitment to loading up on weapons and protection in front of him, and it should pay off.

Dak Prescott, DAL: Prescott's value is soaring, and for good reason. He has the arm, the legs and the supporting cast to make a smooth transition into an NFL starter. Consistency might be a problem, so he remains in QB2 territory.

Jameis Winston, TB: Winston isn't getting enough buzz as a candidate to make a huge leap. He entered the league with pro-ready qualities and arrived in a favorable situation with big playmakers Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson.

BUSTS

Cam Newton, CAR: Newton is a running and throwing force who could very well lead quarterbacks in fantasy scoring again. But even if he repeats his '15 numbers, which he won't, the cost of a second-rounder is too steep at fantasy's deepest position.

Carson Palmer, ARI: The Cardinals offense has struggled in the preseason, which might or might not be meaningful for Palmer. But the veteran played the best football in his career in '15, and he's being drafted as if he'll do it again, which isn't guaranteed.

Blake Bortles, JAC: Bortles had so much success when he was in positions to air it out when the Jaguars led or trailed. With so many improvements up and down the Jacksonville roster, those opportunities are bound to dry up in his third season.

Others joining LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Los Angeles include Ben Simmons and Cavs Richard Jefferson and Jordan McRae.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are working out together in Los Angeles, and this time it's no big deal.

Now that Wade, one of James' closest friends, plays for the Chicago Bulls and not the Miami Heat, where he and James once won two NBA championship together, their joint, summer sessions draw little more than a yawn.

James posted a couple pictures to his Instagram account Wednesday indicating that he is indeed preparing for the 2016-17 season by working out with, among others, Wade.

The workouts are taking place at UCLA, near James' home in Los Angeles, and appear to include James' Cavs teammates Richard Jefferson and Jordan McRae, as well as Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons.

Man What a class!!! #RiseNation was on point this am. Love everything about it! #StriveForGreatness

A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Aug 31, 2016 at 9:29am PDT

Championships & future greatness all in one picture @KingJames @BenSimmons25 @DwyaneWade @JordyMac52 pic.twitter.com/B0VZ9kP8ws

-- #WorldHooperFed (@WORLDHOOPERFED) August 31, 2016

At least four members of the Cavs' support staff, including assistant coach Phil Handy and Mike Mancias, James' trainer, are also participating in Los Angeles, as is Wade's trainer David Alexander, who has a business relationship with James' wife, Savannah.

Simmons and James are linked by the agent they share -- Rich Paul. The 76ers drafted Simmons first overall in June.

James and Wade are always tied together, from the vacations they take (banana boats, anyone?), to the stands for social justice they make, to James' desire to one day reunite and add Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul to the mix for an aging super team. 

But, until Wade left Miami this summer for the Bulls, James would often go to South Beach to visit or work out with Wade, and those trips usually caused minor controversies (however ridiculous this sounds, some would speculate that James' trips there signaled his interest in rejoining the Heat).

James signed a three-year, $100 million deal (with a player's option for the third year) to stay with the Cavs this month.

Virtually all of the Cavs are supposed to join James in Los Angeles for pre-training camp workouts in September, but the dates of those sessions are unclear. James is also going to Asia for his annual tour with Nike sometime in September.

Cleveland's media day is Sept. 26, and the first practice for defending the Cavs' 2016 title is the next day.

For those of you keeping score, today was also the first day of school for James' sons -- LeBron Jr. (11) and Bryce (9). Junior is now a sixth grader, while Bryce is in the fourth grade.

Man my boys are getting to big on their pops! Man please time slow down some. Flies by before u even know it. First day back to school for Bryce (4th grade) and Bronny(6th grade). What!! Did I just say 6th grade?!?! My first born already in middle school. Smh! Enjoy the growth people with your kids cause if u don't it'll pass u right by. To my young Kings(Bryce and Bronny) continue to enjoy the process/journey and know I'll always have your back! Love! #JamesGang #BackToSchool #StriveForGreatness #RWTW

A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Aug 31, 2016 at 7:17am PDT

Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Wednesday's series finale between the Indians and Twins.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Wednesday's series finale between the Indians and Twins.

Pitching matchup: RHP Corey Kluber (14-8, 3.07 ERA) vs. LHP Pat Dean (1-4, 6.24 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. CF Rajai Davis

2. 2B Jason Kipnis

3. SS Francisco Lindor

4. 1B Mike Napoli

5. DH Carlos Santana

6. 3B Jose Ramirez

7. LF Brandon Guyer

8. RF Abraham Almonte

9. C Roberto Perez

Twins

1. 2B Brian Dozier

2. 1B Joe Mauer

3. 3B Trevor Plouffe

4. DH Miguel Sano

5. LF Eddie Rosario

6. SS Jorge Polanco

7. RF Max Kepler

8. C Juan Centeno

9. CF Logan Schafer

The Cavs are highly skeptical that Mo Williams plays for them next season, but chose not waive him now.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers decided not to waive veteran guard Mo Williams by Wednesday's deadline to do so and "stretch" the $2.2 million they owe him next season over three years, which would've saved the team millions in luxury tax penalties.

However, the Cavs are also highly skeptical that Williams, 33, is planning to return in 2016-17, according to a team source. On Saturday, cleveland.com reported that Williams was strongly considering retirement, according to multiple sources close to him.

The front office has heard the same thing, on numerous occasions, just not from the player. Williams, who battled knee and thumb injuries for much of Cleveland's 2016 title run, will now probably make the full $2.2 million he's owed, unless he reaches a buyout agreement with the Cavs as part of his retirement -- should he choose to end his career after 13 seasons.

Williams considering retirement

Had the Cavs waived him Wednesday, they would've saved millions next summer in luxury-tax penalties. The team is already nearly $24 million over the $94 million salary cap and $4 million over the threshold to have to pay a luxury tax, and that's without the likely re-signing of free agent guard J.R. Smith.

The Cavs weighed waiving Williams now -- influenced by the appearance that he doesn't seem to intend on playing -- and having his salary spread out over three years (which will save them money now but add to their luxury tax penalties in each year), versus paying a larger penalty for Williams now in the final year of Williams' contract.

Unless Williams convinces the team he is healthy enough to contribute, the Cavs are left with a big hole behind starting point guard Kyrie Irving. They have rookie Kay Felder, but may try to find a trade partner to take Williams' salary in an effort to find a backup guard.

Also, former Baylor power forward Cory Jefferson will likely attend training camp as a non-guaranteed invitee, a source said. Jefferson's plans to come to camp with Cleveland was first reported by international basketball writer David Pick.

Training camp starts Sept. 26.

The Indians and Twins will conclude their three-game set at Progressive Field on Wednesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians and Twins will conclude their three-game set at Progressive Field on Wednesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

Game 103: Indians (75-56) vs. Twins (49-83)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m.

Broadcast info: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7 FM, Indians Radio Network

Pitching matchup: RHP Corey Kluber (14-8, 3.07 ERA) vs. LHP Pat Dean (1-4, 6.24 ERA)

Fact du jour: The Twins have lost 12 consecutive games.

Indians new outfielder Coco Crisp could have vetoed trade to Indians by exercising his 10 and five rights -- 10 years in the big leagues and five years with the same team. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians' acquisition of Coco Crisp followed a much different path than their failed bid for Jonathan Lucroy. Crisp, like Lucroy, had the right to veto the deal because of his 10 and five rights - 10 years in the big leagues and five with the same team.

Unlike Lucroy, who vetoed his proposed trade from Milwaukee because the Indians were on his no-trade list, Crisp waived his 10 and five rights to clear the way for his trade to Cleveland.

Crisp, who started his big league career with the Indians in 2002, will be in uniform Friday following Thursday's off day.

"In talking to Coco, he was pretty excited," said Chris Antonetti, Indians president of baseball operations. "As a player with 10 years of service and five consecutive with Oakland, he had the ability to not go anywhere.

"He could veto any trade because of his 10 and five rights. Coco chose to come here. (Terry Francona) and I talked to him before we completed the trade and he seemed really excited to come over here and we're excited to get him."

The Indians acquired Crisp and cash from Oakland in exchange for Colt Hynes, a minor league left-hander they signed on Aug. 4. The Indians, according to Associated Press, received $1,673,497 from the A's. Crisp is still owed just over $2 million on his current $11 million contract.

By acquiring him before Wednesday's midnight deadline, Crisp will be eligible for the postseason. The Indians entered Wednesday night's game against the Twins with a 4-game lead in the AL Central after Detroit's afternoon win over the White Sox.

Tribe gets Crisp, cash from Oakland

Crisp, 36, played for Francona in Boston from 2007-10. He helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2007.

"Coco has history here in Cleveland and I have history with him," said Francona. "That makes adding somebody at this time of the season a lot easier. We've been through so much as a team and we want to remain a team. I think Coco has a really good chance of sliding in here and being a part of what we're doing really quickly."

This was Crisp's seventh year with the A's. He was unhappy with the front office, feeling they were limiting his playing time so he couldn't vest a $13 million option for 2017.

Antonetti and Francona addressed that with Crisp before the trade.

"We were pretty candid with Coco about that," said Antonetti. "We understood that was out there and he'd has some discussion with Oakland about it. So when Tito and I talked to him we walked through that.

"The way he'll likely be used here and the way he'll integrate into our team, he won't get enough plate appearances or games to have that vest. Coco was good with that, he understood."

Crisp, for the option to vest, would need 550 plate appearances or 130 games played this year. This season he has 434 plate appearances, while playing in 102 games.

Antonetti said a big reason for the deal was because Abraham Almonte will not be eligible for the postseason. Almonte is a switch-hitting outfielder like Crisp, who is ineligible because of his 80-game suspension for performance enhancing drugs.

"That was a big part of it," said Antonetti. "It was a little bit of a complicated calculus that we haven't had to work through before in having a player that can help in the regular season and not the postseason."

For Tribe's Abraham Almonte the postseason is now

Crisp, who played just 44 games in 2015 because of injuries, is hitting .235 (92-for-393) with 24 doubles, four triples, 11 homers and 47 RBI this season. He's hitting .345 (39-for-119) with runners on base and leads the big leagues with a .424 (28-for-66) batting average with runners in scoring position.

This season the switch-hitting Crisp has played left and center field. He was expected to arrive in Cleveland on Wednesday night.

The Indians acquired Crisp after the A's obtained waivers on him. They did not claim him on waivers.

Antonetti said the Indians put in over 100 claims on players starting on Aug. 1, but weren't able to make a deal. The fact that the Indians have had one of the best records in the American League in August made it difficult to acquire a claimed player because there were usually 25 to 26 teams claiming the same players in front of them.

It was even worse when they put in a claim on a National League team. Teams pick in reverse order of their standings in both leagues.

Burrows was in the mix during the safety battle in training camp.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Cam Burrows was a curious omission from the depth chart Ohio State football chart that was released on Tuesday.

Now we know why.

Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer said on Wednesday that Burrows, a fourth-year junior, is likely to miss the entire 2016 season with a foot injury. Meyer did not go into specifics on the injury, but Burrows missed most of the 2015 season with an undisclosed foot injury.

"Cam Burrows hurt his foot again," Meyer said. "He's going to work in our strength room, and it looks like he won't play football."

An Ohio State spokesperson confirmed that Burrows will serve as a weight room student assistant with the Buckeyes strength staff this season.

Burrows was in the mix to at least get in the depth at safety during training camp.

It always seemed like Malik Hooker and Damon Webb were going to be the starters -- and they will be on Saturday vs. Bowling Green -- but Burrows looked to have a No. 2 spot locked up.

Instead it was true freshman Jordan Fuller who had one of the two backup safety spots. The other backup safety is Erick Smith.

Burrows is a fourth-year junior who graduated from Ohio State in the spring. If his career is truly over, as Meyer seemed to indicate, then that would be an open scholarship for Ohio State to use next season.

In 29 games, Burrows has made 31 tackles as a safety, nickel back and special teams contributor.

"It's been a tough go for him," Meyer said. "He's an awesome guy, a guy who's been a leader on this team. He's an excellent student with a great family."

Other notes from Wednesday:

* Meyer said redshirt freshman Mike Weber was officially named the Buckeyes starting tailback. That would have been news had Weber not been listed as the No. 1 running back already on the depth chart.

* Jaylyn Holmes is officially considered a "starter" at defensive end. He's listed as a co-starter with Sam Hubbard opposite Tyquan Lewis. Hubbard will actually start the game on Saturday.

* Meyer said redshirt freshman K.J. Hill was accidentally omitted from the depth chart. Hill should have been the No. 3 player listed at H-back behind Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson.

The long-time former home of the OSU basketball team now serves as the host of the Skull Session before football games.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- At Ohio State, a new building is always going up. It looks an old one won't be coming down.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the university has changed its mind on demolishing St. John Arena, the former basketball home of the Buckeyes that now serves as the home of the Skull Session, the popular pep rally before football games.

Ohio State announced in 2012 that St. John Arena would likely be demolished and its prime space across from Ohio Stadium used for classrooms or student housing. That was part of the plan as the Buckeyes prepared a new arena that would house some sports that were playing in St. John, like wrestling and volleyball.

That new Covelli Arena eventually became just part of an overhaul that Ohio State last year said would include three new facilities at a cost of more than $67 million.

But the traditionalists appear to have won this one. And it seems like a worthy win.

St. John Arena hosts the pregame Skull Session pep rally before home football games.cleveland.com 

So much had to be redone at St. John that it seemed just taking it down would be cheaper and easier. But what to do with that pep rally on football Saturdays was always a question mark.

Now it's a question that won't need an answer.

The Dispatch reported that that Ohio State Board of Trustees' planning committee will be presented Thursday with three alternate ideas for what to do with St. John.

But tearing it down isn't part of the plan for now.

Former Browns linebacker Paul Kruger wasn't out of work long. On Wednesday, he signed a one-year deal with the Saints.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two days after the Browns shocked their players by cutting linebacker Paul Kruger, he signed a one-year deal with the Saints.

The deal is worth $3 million, but up to $5 million with incentives, according to ESPN. It's less than the $6.5 million he was due from with Browns, but gives him a chance to get his career back on track.

"Couldn't have found a better home,'' Kruger tweeted Wednesday.

The Saints were interested in Kruger three years ago when he signed a five-year, $40.5 million free agent deal with the Browns.

"He still affects the passer. You see a pressure player. He rushes with power," Saints coach Sean Payton said Tuesday, via espn.com. "I think you see a high motor and a guy that plays extremely strong."

Couldn't have found a better home.. #WhoDat pic.twitter.com/mzninh4lx4

-- Paul Kruger (@pkruger99) August 31, 2016

Kruger, whose sacks here dropped off from 11 in 2014 to 2.5 last year, will play defensive end in the Saints' 4-3 scheme.

McCown likely on Vikes' radar, but Browns likely won't part with him

When he was cut on Monday, he tweeted that the Browns mishandled his release and made a big mistake by letting him go.

pic.twitter.com/74ZN0Zdibv

-- Paul Kruger (@pkruger99) August 29, 2016

"That's a Cadillac position in college football right now," Meyer said. "That's (Weber's) spot. When you think of the starting tailbacks that have been here, very confident, or he wouldn't be the starting tailback. His last 10 days have been outstanding."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Urban Meyer announced Wednesday evening that Mike Weber is Ohio State's starting running back. 

That really isn't news. He was listed as the No. 1 tailback on the depth chart on Tuesday, though he does have an "OR" next to his name with Curtis Samuel. 

"That's a Cadillac position in college football right now," Meyer said. "That's (Weber's) spot. When you think of the starting tailbacks that have been here, very confident, or he wouldn't be the starting tailback. His last 10 days have been outstanding."

But Weber is a starter nonetheless. 

As per Ohio State tradition, the coaching staff make calls to a player's parents when he becomes a stater. Ohio State posted a video of running backs coach Tony Alford calling Weber's parents. 

See the video below:

The parents of starting running back @mikeweberjr got a pretty great phone call today [?] pic.twitter.com/CiTKmMwUSs

-- Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2016

Josh Tomlin, 0-5 with an 11.47 ERA in his last six starts, will have his next start in the rotation skipped. The Indians will work with Tomlin to try and get him back to the pitcher that started the season with an 8-1 record. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Manager Terry Francona said Tuesday night that Thursday's off day would allow the Indians to juggle the starting rotation.

Juggle the Indians did, which led to Josh Tomlin being juggled out of the rotation for at least one start.

"We talked to JT today," said Francona before Wednesday night's game against the Twins. "What we're going to do is have him down for a couple of days - not throwing just to reset.

"Then we're going to skip this start and put our heads together - Mickey Callaway and Jason Bere, mostly - and talk about how we think it's best to get him back to being Tomlin."

Callaway is the Indians' pitching coach. Bere is the bullpen coach.

Tomlin's next start would have been Monday against Miami. Thursday's off day will allow Corey Kluber, who started Wednesday night, to fill that spot in the rotation. But the Indians are still going to need a starter for Tuesday.

Francona wouldn't say who Tuesday's starter would be, but the logical choice is rookie Mike Clevinger.

When asked who would take Tomlin's spot, Francona said it would depend on how the pitching staff fared through the weekend. Rosters expand Thursday so there could be some options among the reinforcements that arrive from Class AAA Columbus.

What are the Tribe's options with Josh Tomlin?

Tomlin, who started the season at 8-1, is 0-5 in his last six starts with an 11.47 ERA. He's allowed 34 earned runs in 26 2/3 innings, failing to get through the fifth inning in five of his last six starts.

In those six starts, Tomlin allowed 45 hits, including 10 homers. He leads the American League with 35 homers allowed.

"It doesn't look like Tomlin's tank is on empty," said Francona. "I know he feels good. I think he's gotten away from the way he pitches. His fastball, cutter usage has flip flopped over the last month and he understands that.

"Now we need to figure out what is the best way to get him back. Is it in bullpen sessions? Is it in the bullpen? We'll get to that."

Reason why: Francona was asked what makes Andrew Miller's slider such an effective pitch.

"He's 6-7, so he's got an angle," said Francona. "He has a little bit of crossfire. It's hard and there is a lot of movement. It's probably just as tough as lefties as it is on righties.

Tribe acquires Andrew Miller from Yankees

"You can see why we gave up so many good young players for him."

The Indians sent Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield, Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen to the Yankees for Miller on July 31. Heller has already made three relief appearances for the Yankees.

"I think he's better than his numbers in a couple ways," said Francona. "No.1, he's so versatile. No.2, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen aren't facing the tougher lefties that they have in the past. It's not that they can't get them out, but they have to work hard at it. So this helps them also."

Miller is 7-1 with 12 saves and a 1.35 ERA in 56 games this season. He's struck out 101 batters in 60 innings.

Nice pen: The bullpen took a 21-inning scoreless streak into Wednesday night's game. The relievers threw 7 1/3 scoreless innings in Tuesday's 5-4 win.

In the last 13 games, the pen has allowed five runs in 47 innings for a 0.96 ERA.

"We think we've turned a corner down there," said right-hander Dan Otero, who has made 10 straight scoreless appearances covering 14 innings.

Finally: The Indians, Mike Napoli, 108 Stitches and Nate Crowe will donate $120,000 to Cleveland Clinic and VeloSano from the sale of 'Party at Napoli's' T-shirts. The presentation will be made before Sunday's game at Progressive Field.

Crowe, a season ticket holder, brought a Party At Napoli sign to Progressive Field earlier this year. From there the T-shirt was born. So far over 9,000 have been sold at the Progressive Field team shop and at 108stitches.com.

K'Waun Williams is no longer a Bear because he failed his physical on Wednesday. He's asking the Browns to pay for his ankle surgery.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cornerback K'Waun Williams failed his physical with the Bears Wednesday and is now asking the Browns to pay for ankle surgery, his agent told cleveland.com.

The Browns waived Williams on Monday instead of using the waived/injured designation. If he had been waived/injured, the Browns would have either placed him on injured reserve or reached an injury settlement once he cleared waivers.

The Bears were awarded Williams, but he failed his physical on Wednesday because of bone spurs in the ankle, and is now a free agent. That means he'd receive no money from the Browns to pay for his ankle surgery, which two independent doctors have told him he needs.

Williams' agent, Evan Krakower, told cleveland.com Wednesday that he's asked the Browns to pay for Williams' surgery and care, based on the fact that he was injured while was practicing with the team this spring and summer.

"We're requesting they pay for his medical treatment and hopefully they'll respond appropriately,'' said Krakower.

If the Browns refuse, this messy saga will probably get uglier. Krakower would likely then file a grievance through the NFLPA, and the conflicting reports of what happened in Green Bay on Aug. 12 would be sorted out.

The Browns contend that Williams told them he didn't want to play in the first preseason game, and that he chose to retire instead. Sources say he didn't mention the ankle injury until the next day, and that he also changed his mind the day after the game about retiring.

McCown likely on Vikings' radar, but Browns unlikely to move him

Krakower argues that Williams told the Browns his ankle was bothering him the day of the game and that he couldn't handle a full workload. He said he first injured it during organized team activities in the spring and aggravated it during the Orange and Brown scrimmage at Ohio State Aug. 6. He said Williams felt compelled to either play or retire in Green Bay.

After he refused to play that day, the Browns suspended Williams for two weeks and fined him a game check, which he appealed. He was set to come off the suspension Tuesday, but they waived him on Monday instead.

Since the Green Bay game, an independent foot specialist from the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina both told him he needs ankle surgery to remove bone spurs. The failed physical in Chicago corroborated that. Now it will be up to the Browns to make the next move.

Williams is back in Cleveland, and the Bears are in town for Thursday night's preseason finale at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Corey Kluber struck out 11 in eight innings and Carlos Santana and Roberto Perez homered as the Cleveland Indians topped the Twins, 8-4, Wednesday night in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Corey Kluber allowed three runs and struck out 11 in eight innings, catcher Roberto Perez homered and walked in a five-run fifth and Carlos Santana homered as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins, 8-4, Wednesday night at Progressive Field. The Twins' losing streak is 13.

Here is a capsule look at the key aspect(s) of the game, which was televised by Fox Sports Time Ohio:

Refusing to blink: The Indians (76-56) remained 4.5 games in front of second-place Detroit (72-61) in the AL Central. On the same days that the Tigers swept a three-game series over the White Sox in Detroit, the Indians swept the last-place Twins (49-84).

Stat of the night: The Indians have won 44 consecutive games in which Kluber receives four or more runs.

El Oso flexes: With one out in the fourth, Santana smoked a first-pitch fastball (91 mph) from lefty Pat Dean into the bleachers in left-center to give the Tribe a 2-1 lead.

Another ambush: Leading off the fifth, Perez zipped Dean's first-pitch fastball (89) into the seats in center to make it 3-1. The pitch was mid-thigh.

(Perez's previous at-bat came with runners on second and third and two outs in the second. In a 3-2 count, Dean threw a fastball (91) at the belt that Perez popped to center.)

The Tribe piled on in the fifth with an RBI single by Santana, two-run double by Jose Ramirez and sacrifice fly by Lonnie Chisenhall.

Klubotic: Kluber (15-8, 3.09 ERA) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks. He threw 72 of 109 pitches for strikes.

Kluber is 7-0 in his past 10 starts -- all John Lowe Quality (6+ IP, 3- ER). The Tribe is 8-2 in that span.

Here is the result of each plate appearance against Kluber:

1st inning

Brian Dozier -- called strikeout (2-2 fastball).

(L) Joe Mauer -- grounder to pitcher (0-0 fastball).

Trevor Plouffe -- called strikeout (1-2 fastball).

Skinny: Both strikeouts were comebackers to the outside edge. Dozier disagreed with umpire Paul Nauert's call; FoxTrax supported Dozier. Plouffe was unhappy, as well, but the decisive pitch to him was closer.    

2nd inning

Miguel Sano -- swinging strikeout (1-2 slurve).

(L) Eddie Rosario -- swinging strikeout (2-2 slurve).

(L) Jorge Polanco -- grounder to pitcher (0-0 cutter).

Skinny: Sano flailed at pitch down and away; Rosario, down and in. ... Kluber knocked down soft liner by Polanco.

3rd inning

(L) Max Kepler -- homer to center (1-2 fastball).

(L) Juan Centeno -- grounder to first (2-0 cutter).

(L) Logan Schafer -- grounder to second (0-0 fastball).

Brian Dozier -- walk (3-0 fastball).

(L) Joe Mauer -- grounder to second (3-2 slurve).

Skinny: Kepler attacked pitch off outside edge at thighs. He deserves credit for terrific plate coverage. ... Kluber fell behind Mauer, 2-0.

4th inning

Trevor Plouffe -- foul pop to third (0-0 slurve).

Miguel Sano -- grounder to first (2-2 slurve).

(L) Eddie Rosario -- grounder to second (1-2 slurve).

Skinny: Sano out in front and cued it to Mike Napoli. ... Rosario with emergency hack at shin-high pitch. ... Kluber threw 48 pitches through four innings.

5th inning

(L) Jorge Polanco -- single to right (1-1 slurve).

(L) Max Kepler -- liner to first, double play (0-0 cutter).

(L) Juan Centeno -- swinging strikeout (3-2 fastball).

Skinny: Kluber caught huge break vs. Kepler, who whistled the pitch fair down the line. Napoli was in the neighborhood because he had been holding Polanco; Napoli had made sure not to move too far to his right after Polanco took his secondary lead. ... Kluber rallied from a 3-0 count to get Centeno to wave at fastball high and away.

6th inning

(L) Logan Schafer -- swinging strikeout (1-2 slurve).

Brian Dozier -- grounder to third (1-2 fastball).

(L) Joe Mauer -- double to left (1-0 fastball).

Trevor Plouffe -- fly to center (0-0 cutter).

Skinny: Kluber and catcher Perez crossed up Dozier with fastball to fastball hitter in 1-2 count. ... Mauer notched his 10th double of season series. ... Plouffe thoroughly frustrated. ... Kluber threw 69 pitches through six.

7th inning

Miguel Sano -- called strikeout (1-2 fastball).

(L) Eddie Rosario -- swinging strikeout (1-2 fastball).

(L) Jorge Polanco -- double to right (0-2 slurve).

(L) Max Kepler -- walk (3-0 fastball).

(L) Juan Centeno -- called strikeout (3-2 fastball).

Skinny: Sano confused as to what is coming next. ... Fastball to Rosario had teeth. ... Polanco did a good job against a pitch under the hands and lined it down right-field line. ... Kluber and Perez thought they had Centeno struck out looking at a 2-2 comeback fastball on the inside edge. PitchTrax showed it was a 50-50 call. Centeno tried to sell the 3-2 comebacker to Nauert, but Nauert (correctly) did not buy.

8th inning

(L) Logan Schafer -- single to left (1-1 cutter).

Brian Dozier -- two-run homer to left (0-0 fastball).

(L) Joe Mauer -- swinging strikeout (0-2 slurve).

Trevor Plouffe -- grounder to short (1-2 slurve).

Miguel Sano -- swinging strikeout (1-2 slurve).

Skinny: Dozier pounced on a pitch on the inner half for his 13th homer in August. ... Decisive pitch to Mauer was Kluber's best slurve of night. Wicked tilt to feet. ... Sano knew the slurve was coming and still couldn't hit it.

The SeaWolves tied the game in the bottom of the ninth.

ERIE, Pennsylvania -- Dominic Ficociello's RBI single tied the game for the SeaWolves in the bottom of the ninth and Austin Green's RBI single won it in the 13th as the RubberDucks lost Wednesday night, 3-2.

Akron right-hander Julian Merryweather had a strong outing, giving up just one run and six hits in seven innings, and striking out six.

The SeaWolves' Artie Lewicki was just as good, holding the RubberDucks to one run and three hits in seven innings, striking out seven.

Mike Papi put the RubberDucks on the board with a solo homer in the fifth inning to tie the game, 1-1.

Eric Stamets' RBI singled in the eighth gave Akron a 2-1 lead, but the RubberDucks were unable to close out the game.

Go here to see a box score from the game.

Comedian Mike Polk Jr's latest video shows Cleveland fans confused by their recent sports success. Watch video

Cleveland's championship summer has driven local comedian and YouTube sensation Mike Polk Jr into the throes of an existential crisis.

With Cavaliers fans still basking in the glow of the team's first NBA title, and Indians fans surfing a first-place wave toward next month's postseason, Polk appears to be searching for a new narrative among his popular video productions.

In light of Cleveland's recent success, Polk -- who put together a "Hastily-made Cleveland Tourism Video" and famously dubbed the Browns' home field a "Factory of Sadness," -- asks in a new clip: Who are we now?

The video, which has a slightly R-rated tone, was commissioned by HBO's Bill Simmons (he, of the unabashed Boston bias and longtime LeBron hatred) to tide over his audience while "Any Given Wednesday" is on a one-week hiatus.

No @anygivenweds until Sep. 7 ... but we had @mikepolkjr make a video gift for Cleveland for winning the summer. https://t.co/eNiARAohZr

-- Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) August 31, 2016

Polk's clip debuted yesterday and depicts the Warren, Ohio native opining about Cleveland losing its "brand" as a national doormat. Without it, he asks: "are we just a neutered Guy Fieri?"

Other quips from the three-minute clip include:

"We survived the Hough riots, and Dion Waiters."

"We used to cry ourselves to sleep every night, now we're partying like Johnny Manziel."

And:

"Now that we're a trendy city, we're not expected to start acting like those spoiled, pompous Boston fans, are we? I just don't think we have that kind of darkness in us."

Polk closes the ditty by pointing out that Browns season is starting soon, and "everything should start making sense again then," before giving an eerily foreboding shout-out to Robert Griffin III.

Watch the video above (heads up: it contains a few instances of coarse language) and let us know in the comments below if you think Polk has a point.

Thanks to the Cavaliers, 'Only In Cleveland' has a sweet, new meaning

Corey Kluber improved to 7-0 in his last two starts as the Indians completed a three-game sweep of the Twins on Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Corey Kluber on the mound and a big-inning offense is a good way to start a homestand after a rough journey through the AL West.

Kluber struck out 11 batters Wednesday night and Carlos Santana and Roberto Perez homered as the Indians completed a three-game sweep of the Twins with a 8-4 victory at Progressive Field.

The Indians improved to 42-23 at home, while the Twins lost their 13th straight game, equaling the second longest single-season losing streak in franchise history.

The Indians, who slipped past the Twins by one-run margins in the first two games of this 10-game homestand, put the game away with a five-run fifth inning. Perez started the inning with a long homer to center field off lefty Pat Dean (1-5, 6.75). The homer was Perez's second of the season.

The other big hit of the inning came off the bat of Jose Ramirez, who drove a two-run double to right.

Kluber (15-8, 3.09) went eight innings to improve to 7-0 with a 1.94 ERA in his last 10 starts. It's the second time this season he's struck out 10 or more batters and the 23rd time in his career.

In 17 career starts against the Twins, Kluber is 7-5. This was his first win against them this season.

"That's a nice feeling knowing you have him every five days -- not that we don't have other good pitchers -- but he's so consistent at a high level," said manager Terry Francona.

In his last 10 starts, Kluber hasn't pitched fewer than six innings. He's pitched 183 2/3 inning for the season, an average of almost seven innings a start.

Francona has so much trust in Kluber that he emptied the bullpen in Tuesday's 5-4 win after Josh Tomlin lasted just 1 2/3 innings.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with that," said Francona. "You have to prepare in case something happens, but certainly you think like that."

The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the second with a Abraham Almonte's two-out double. Mike Napoli, who started the inning with a single, scored.

The Twins tied the score on Max Kepler's leadoff homer in the third. It was Kepler's 11th homer of the season, six coming against the Indians. The rookie outfielder has hit five at Progressive Field.

Santana put the Indians back in front with a one-out homer in the fourth. It was his 28th homer, a career-high, and his sixth in August. The first-pitch shot to the bleachers in left gave him the single-season club record for homers by a switch-hitter.

"I'm happy," said Santana. "I'm happy that the team won and I'll remember that home run for a long time."

The Indians flew home Sunday night after a 2-5 trip through Oakland and Arlington, Texas. They were in need of some home cooking and Progressive Field provided it.

While Perez and Ramirez did the heavy lifting in the five-run fifth, Santana and Lonnie Chisenhall added RBI as well. Santana singled home a run and Chisenhall, pinch-hitting for Brandon Guyer, hit a sacrifice fly.

Kluber, after Kepler's homer, had no problems with the Twins until the eighth when the long ball bit him again. Following a leadoff single by Logan Schafer, Brian Dozier hammered a two-run homer to center field. It was Dozier's second homer in as many games and his 32nd of the season.

Dozier, like Kepler, likes Indians pitching. It was his sixth of the year against the Tribe.

Rookie Perci Garner, promoted from Class AAA Columbus on Wednesday, started the ninth. He recorded two outs, but left with the bases loaded. Bryan Shaw, after wild pitching a run home, struck out Dozier for his first save since July 7, 2015.

"I have no idea when my last save was," said Shaw. "I think it was sometime last year. To me it's just another inning."

What it means

The Indians kept their 4 1/2-game lead over Detroit in the AL Central. The Tigers rallied late to beat the White Sox on Wednesday afternoon for the second straight game.

The Twins, swept 14 times this season, finished August at 9-20. The Tribe went 16-14 in August.

The pitches

Kluber threw 109 pitches, 72 or 66 percent for strikes. Dean threw 64 pitches, 40 for or 63 percent for strikes.

Thanks for coming

The Twins and Indians drew 11,811 to Progressive Field on Wednesday night at Progressive Field. First pitch was at 7:11 p.m. and the temperature was 75 degrees.

The Indians' attendance for this year is 1,267,356 in 65 home dates. The three-game series drew 35,075.

What's next?

The Indians have an off day Thursday before opening a three-game series against Miami on Friday night. It is the Indians' last interleague series of the season.

Carlos Carrasco (9-7, 3.23) will faces Miami right-hander Andrew Cashner (4-10, 4.73) on Friday at 7:10 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.