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U.S. women's national gymnastics team to appear at Wolstein Center next month

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The Final Five -- Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian and Aly Raisman -- won 9 medals between them in Rio, including golds in the team all-around and individual all-around for Biles.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The gold-medal winning United States Women's National Gymnastics Team will swing into Cleveland when the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics sticks the landing at the Wolstein Center on October 19.

The Final Five -- Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian and Aly Raisman -- won 9 medals between them in Rio, including golds in the team all-around and individual all-around for Biles. They'll be joined on the tour by members of the men's national team, fellow Olympians Chris Brooks, Jake Dalton, Danell Leyva, Sam Mikulak and Alex Naddour.

"This year's Kellogg's Tour is a welcome home party and celebration for the USA's success in Rio," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics said in a statement. "Our athletes won the hearts of fans around the globe last month, and this is a chance for America to see them up close and personal."

The tour also marks the return to the mat for former Olympians turned "Dancing with the Stars" contestants Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson. Promoters, however, note the cast will vary from city to city due to performers' schedules.

The show will feature rhythmic, acrobatic and trampoline gymnasts as well. You can view the full tour lineup here.

Tickets range from $26-$82 with VIP packages available for $147 and $296. They can be purchased online at wolsteincenter.com, by phone at (844) 407-2279 or in person at the venue box office or Northeast Ohio Discount Drug Mart locations.


Ohio State football ranked No. 4 in Associated Press poll, three Big Ten teams in top 10

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The Buckeyes moved up two spots after beating Bowling Green 77-10 on Saturday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- What's a blowout over Bowling Green worth for Ohio State in the eyes of college football poll voters?

A two spot jump in the rankings.

The Buckeyes moved up from No. 6 to No. 4 in this week's Associate Press top 25 poll after a 77-10 win over Bowling Green.

The Big Ten has three teams in the top 10, with Wisconsin moving from unranked to No. 10 after beating LSU in Green Bay this week. Texas was the other big move this week, going from unranked to No. 11 after beating Notre Dame.

Alabama remained No. 1, followed by Clemson, Florida State, the Buckeyes and Michigan.

Alabama, Clemson, Florida State and Michigan received first-place votes

The Buckeyes were ranked No. 4 in the Amway coaches poll, which was released earlier on Tuesday. Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State and Stanford made up the top five of that poll.

You can see the full coaches poll below under the full AP poll.

Bill Landis Week 2 AP poll ballot

Associated Press college football poll

1. Alabama (54 first-place votes)

2. Clemson (2)

3. Florida State (4)

4. Ohio State

5. Michigan (1)

6. Houston

7. Stanford

8. Washington

9. Georgia

10. Wisconsin

11. Texas

12. Michigan State

13. Louisville

14. Oklahoma

15. TCU

16. Iowa

17. Tennessee

18. Notre Dame

19. Ole Miss

20. Texas A&M

21. LSU

22. Oklahoma State

23. Baylor

24. Oregon

25. Miami (Fla.)

Amway coaches poll

1. Alabama

2. Clemson

3. Florida State

4. Ohio State

5. Stanford

6. Michigan

7. Houston

8. Michigan State

9. Georgia

10. Iowa

11. Washington

12. TCU

13. Oklahoma

14. Tennessee

15. Louisville

16. Wisconsin

17. Oklahoma State

18. Ole Miss

19. Baylor

20. Texas

21. Notre Dame

22. LSU

23. Oregon

24. Texas A&M

25. Florida

-- Subscribe to the Buckeye Talk podcast channel on iTunes

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MAC Basketball 2016: League schedules released and computer points to Buffalo

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Buffalo, winners of last two straight MAC Tournament titles, ends with four of five at home and two soft crossovers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Mid-American Conference announced its computer generated league basketball schedule Tuesday. And for the second year in a row, it leans heavily toward the anticipated preseason favorite. For 2016-17, that would be the Buffalo Bulls.

Here is the complete MAC regular season basketball slate for 2017.

Last season the favored Akron Zips, who indeed won the regular season title by two games, finished the regular season with three straight home games, all victories. Akron was reeling prior to that, losing three of four, all on the road, and holding a one-game lead as the battle for one of the coveted four byes to the MAC Tournament heated up.

This season Buffalo, winners of the last two straight MAC Tournament titles, will finish with four of its final five games at home. That will include a three-game stretch vs. Miami, Kent State and Akron. As a bonus, the Bulls also get the two anticipated weaker teams in the MAC's West Division -- Ball State and Central Michigan -- as crossover games.

Each MAC team plays its division rivals home-and-home. It plays MAC West teams once each, except for two crossovers (home and home) for a total of 18 MAC games.

Meanwhile Akron, one of the Bulls' main rivals in the MAC East Division, not only plays three of its final five games on the road, but two of those final five against local rival Kent State in addition to the road game at Buffalo.

Perhaps Buffalo's main division challenger, Ohio University, plays three of its final five games at home, including one at home with Buffalo -- plus three of its final five overall against Miami and Bowling Green, projected at the back of the MAC pack.

The two projected favorites in the MAC West, Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois, both play three of their final five MAC games on the road. Eastern, however, also has the toughest crossovers, drawing both the Bobcats and the Zips for two games each. NIU gets Miami and Kent State.

Cincinnati Colerain remains No. 1, St. Ignatius rises in cleveland.com Ohio Super 25 football rankings for Week 3, 2016

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St. Ignatius' 49-7 football win Saturday vs. Mentor caused ripple effects in the Ohio Super 25 entering Week 3.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- St. Ignatius' 49-7 win Saturday vs. Mentor caused ripple effects in the Ohio Super 25 entering Week 3. A few high-ranking teams also suffered losses, but not enough to drop anyone from the Top 25.

Mentor dropped from ninth to 21st. The biggest fall? Massillon Perry's loss to Canton Central Catholic cost it 14 spots. The Panthers now sit at No. 24.


Reporters Tim Bielik, Nathaniel Cline and Matt Goul are among the cleveland.com panel that picks the Super 25, which is released each Tuesday. Here is this week's edition:


1. Cincinnati Colerain (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 1, beat Cincinnati St. Xavier, 20-14 in OT.


This week: Friday vs. No. 3 Cincinnati LaSalle.


2. Huber Heights Wayne (1-0-1)


Last week: Ranked No. 2, beat Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller, 35-17.


This week: Friday at Lakota West.


3. Cincinnati La Salle (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 3, beat East Central (Ind.), 31-0.


This week: Friday at No. 1 Cincinnati Colerain.


4. St. Edward (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 4, beat Archbishop Hoban, 10-7.


This week: Saturday vs. Glenville.


5. Stow (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 7, Kent Roosevelt, 56-14.


This week: Friday at No. 20 Solon.


6. Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller (1-1)


Last week: Ranked No. 5, lost to Huber Heights Wayne, 35-17.


This week: Friday at Mason.


7. St. Ignatius (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 20, beat Mentor, 49-7.


This week: Saturday vs. Valley Forge.


8. Archbishop Hoban (1-1)


Last week: Ranked No. 8, lost to St. Edward, 10-7.


This week: Friday vs. Youngstown Ursuline.


9. Cincinnati St. Xavier (0-2)


Last week: Ranked No. 6, lost to Cincinnati Colerain, 20-14 in OT.


This week: Friday at No. 21 Mentor.


10. Toledo Central Catholic (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 11, beat Athol Springs (N.Y.) St. Francis, 48-18.


This week: Friday vs. Bishop Timon (N.Y.).


11. Fairfield (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 12, beat Clayton Northmont, 27-13.


This week: Friday at Dublin Coffman.


12. Perrysburg (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 13, beat Toledo St. Francis DeSales, 34-14


This week: Friday vs. No. 25 Toledo Whitmer.


13. Pickerington Central (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 14, beat Columbus Independence, 43-0.


This week: Friday vs. Football North (Ontario, Canada).


14. Worthington Kilbourne (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 16, beat Sunbury Big Walnut, 38-14.


This week: Friday at Hamilton Township.


15. Olentangy Liberty (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 18, beat Glenville, 20-14.


This week: Friday vs. St. Thomas More (Ontario, Canada).


16. Upper Arlington (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 17, beat Westerville Central, 24-20.


This week: Friday vs. Westerville North.


17. Hudson (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 19, beat Strongsville, 35-20.


This week: Friday vs. Canton McKinley.


18. St. Vincent-St. Mary (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 21, beat Walsh Jesuit, 10-3.


This week: Friday vs. Canada Prep (Ontario).


19. Hilliard Davidson (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 23, beat Hilliard Darby, 13-10.


This week: Friday vs. Hilliard Bradley.


20. Solon (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 24, beat Twinsburg, 43-7.


This week: Friday vs. No. 5 Stow.


21. Mentor (1-1)


Last week: Ranked No. 9, lost to St. Ignatius, 49-7.


This week: Friday vs. No. 9 St. Xavier.


22. Lewis Center Olentangy (2-0)


Last week: Ranked No. 25, beat Grove City, 35-13.


This week: Friday vs. Reynoldsburg.


23. Trotwood-Madison (1-1)


Last week: Ranked No. 22, beat Piqua, 38-6.


This week: Friday at Middletown.


24. Massillon Perry (1-1)


Last week: Ranked No. 10, lost to Canton Central Catholic, 19-14.


This week: Friday at New Philadelphia.


25. Toledo Whitmer (1-1)


Last week: Ranked No. 15, lost to Detroit Central Catholic, 29-7.


This week: Friday at Perrysburg.


DROPPED OUT


None.


KEEP AN EYE ON


Gahanna Lincoln (2-0, Division I, Region 3), Kings (2-0, Division II, Region 8), Miamisburg (2-0, Division II, Region 8), Mason (2-0, Division I, Region 4), Youngstown Ursuline (2-0, Division IV, Region 13).

Starting lineups, Game 137: Cleveland Indians vs. Houston Astros

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Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Tuesday's meeting between Cleveland and Houston.

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

Pitching matchup: RHP Corey Kluber (15-8, 3.09 ERA) vs. RHP Brad Peacock (0-0, 3.86 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. DH Carlos Santana

2. 2B Jason Kipnis

3. SS Francisco Lindor

4. 1B Mike Napoli

5. 3B Jose Ramirez

6. RF Lonnie Chisenhall

7. LF Coco Crisp

8. CF Tyler Naquin

9. C Roberto Perez

Astros

1. RF George Springer

2. 3B Alex Bregman

3. 2B Jose Altuve

4. SS Carlos Correa

5. DH Yuli Gurriel

6. C Evan Gattis

7. CF Colby Rasmus

8. 1B Marwin Gonzalez

9. LF Tony Kemp

Ezekiel Elliott will not be charged for domestic abuse allegations due to 'conflicting and inconsistent information'

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According to a press release attained by Drew Davison of the Star-Telegram on Tuesday afternoon, Elliott will not be charged for any crimes.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott was accused of being involved in a domestic violence incident in late July.

Accusations is where it will end.

According to a press release attained by Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Tuesday afternoon, Elliott will not be charged for any crimes.

"A final evaluation of the complaint for potential charges involved an assessment of the credibility of all identified witnesses based on the accuracy and thoroughness of their statements both standing alone and in comparison to one another," the release read. "Moreover, there was a careful examination of all injuries and an attempt to determine the source for their cause. Finally, the potential motive, if any, of all parties was examined. 

"The City Attorney's office, Prosecutor Division is declining to approve criminal charges in this matter for any of the five alleged incidents. This is primarily due to conflicting and inconsistent information across all incidents resulting in concern regarding the sufficiency of the evidence to support the filing of criminal charges." 

You can read the full release below: 

 

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Houston Astros, Game 137

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The Indians and Astros will play the second contest of a four-game series at Progressive Field on Tuesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians and Astros will play the second contest of a four-game series at Progressive Field on Tuesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

Game 137: Indians (79-57) vs. Astros (73-64)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m.

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

Pitching matchup: RHP Corey Kluber (15-8, 3.09 ERA) vs. RHP Brad Peacock (0-0, 3.86 ERA)

Fact du jour: Mike Napoli is the first Tribe player with 30 or more homers in a season since Grady Sizemore in 2008.

Can the Detroit Tigers catch the Cleveland Indians? -- Terry Pluto (video)

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Despite their recent six-game winning streak, the Cleveland Indians can't shake the Detroit Tigers, and that has me nervous: Terry Pluto video. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Can the Cleveland Indians hold off the Detroit Tigers and win the American League Central Division title?

The Indians have been playing well, but I'm nervous.

The Tigers have won 11-of-14. They have a big-time closer in Francisco Rodriguez, who has 39 saves. That's something they haven't had in a few seasons.

Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, J.D. Martinez, Justin Verlander ... lots of talent; veteran talent that knows what a pennant race is all about.

The Indians are in first place because they are 11-1 vs. Detroit this year.

Those seven games left with the Tigers should be HUGE games for the Tribe.


Cleveland Cavaliers agree to training camp deal with Markel Brown

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have invited former Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Markel Brown to training camp, which begins at the end of this month.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have invited former Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Markel Brown to training camp.

Brown, 24, has played the last two seasons in Brooklyn, averaging 5.3 points on 38.2 percent from the field, including 29.7 percent from 3-point range in 109 career games. Following this season, one in which he played 62 games, Brown reportedly received a qualifying offer from the Nets.

However, the 6-foot-3 swingman became expendable after the Nets drafted Caris LeVert and Isaiah Whitehead to go along with mainstays Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Bojan Bogdanovic on the perimeter.

Brown was originally selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2014 draft before being sent to Brooklyn on draft night.

He earned playing time early because of his defense, using a 6-foot-9 wingspan to defend multiple positions, something likely appealing to the Cavs who value versatility and athleticism on the defensive end. 

When training camp begins at the end of the month, Brown will get a chance to compete for a spot on Cleveland's 15-man roster. The Cavs currently have 12 fully guaranteed contracts and continue to wait on free agent sharpshooter J.R. Smith.

Cory Jefferson and DeAndre Liggins have also reportedly received invites to training camp, which begins on Sept. 27, the day after Cavaliers Media Day. 

The Vertical first reported the deal. 

The Cavs won't officially announce invites until closer to camp. 

Is Johnny Manziel really ready to turn his life around?

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Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is returning to Texas A&M as an online student.

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is returning to Texas A&M as an online student. According to Brent Zwerneman of the Houston Chronicle, Johnny will remain in Los Angeles while completing his degree in recreation, parks and tourism sciences. Johnny's NFL career has been put on hold due to many legal issues. While supporters think it's a good move for Johnny, cynics have a hard time believing he's ready to turn over a new leaf. What do you think? Vote now!

PERSPECTIVES

Johnny is trying to turn his life around, and his supporters couldn't be more proud.

And they think his critics should back off.

Allegedly, Johnny is still up to his partying ways though!

And cynics don't think he can keep his head on straight... EVER!

Critics are placing bets on when he's going to mess up this latest turnaround.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

Richard Jefferson flashes sneak peek of Cavaliers championship ring on Snapchat

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The ring features the Cavaliers' familiar "C" logo -- the team's alternate trademark and the logo on the chest of their black sleeved jerseys that were worn on the road during Game 5 and Game 7 of the NBA Finals -- wrapped around the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cavaliers ring night, a celebration of the first pro sports championship for Cleveland in 52 years, is scheduled for Oct. 25 against the New York Knicks. 

But thanks to Richard Jefferson and his Snapchat, fans don't have to wait that long to see the diamond encrusted band that will be handed out to the players.

He showed it off Tuesday. 

The ring features the Cavaliers' familiar "C" logo -- the team's alternate trademark and the logo on the chest of the black sleeved jerseys worn during the title-clinching Game 7 victory in the NBA Finals -- wrapped around the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. 

The player's number, Cleveland skyline and an image of the state of Ohio appear to be some of the special features on each side. 

Cavs championship ringRichard Jefferson showed off the Cleveland Cavaliers' championship ring Tuesday.  

Cleveland Indians' brass meets to decide if they'll do another bullpen game

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Manager Terry Francona said he'll meet with Chris Antonetti, Mickey Callaway and others to decide if they'll go with another bullpen game Saturday against the Twins. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If the Indians are going to do another bullpen game, it would come Saturday against the Twins at Target Field. That's the next time they'd need a fifth starter.

Manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that a decision hasn't been made on what kind of pitching arrangement the Indians will use.

"We're going to circle back with Chris (Antonetti, president of baseball operations), Mickey (Callaway, pitching coach) and everybody and talk about it a little bit," said Francona before Tuesday night's game against Houston. "We talked about it a little bit Monday night and talked about it a little more today.

"Then we'll talk to the pitchers so they know how to go about their week."

The Indians used eight pitchers Monday night in a 6-2 loss to Houston. A variety of circumstances, including the struggles of Josh Tomlin, have left them without a clear-cut fifth starter to fall in behind Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar and Trevor Bauer.

Tomlin, who pitched the ninth inning Monday, said he's willing to do whatever the Indians ask.

"If they tell me to start in four or five more days, I'll start," said Tomlin. "My job, as of right now, is to take the ball whenever they tell me to take the ball and try to get outs."

Tomlin is 0-5 with an 11.47 ERA in his last six starts. He's 11-8 with a 4.85 ERA overall.

On Monday, the Indians trailed Houston, 3-2, entering the seventh inning. The Astros scored three times in the inning to put the game away.

The Indians gave Tomlin a two-day rest after they made the decision to skip his start Monday. Since then he's been doing film study to see if there is a reason for his recent struggles.

"I'm making mistakes with guys on base," said Tomlin. "It's just minimizing mistakes with guys on base. That's the thing I've noticed going from pre All-Star break to post All-Star break."

Tomlin was 9-2 with a 3.51 ERA going into the break. He's 2-6 with a 7.63 ERA since the break.

Problems, problems: While the Indians are trying to find the answer to one spot in the rotation, the Astros are making changes on the fly.

Tuesday's starter Brad Peacock replaced injured Dallas Keuchel, who is in Houston having his left shoulder examined. The ripple effect of losing Keuchel caused the Astros to recall right-hander David Paulino and start him Thursday against the Indians in his big league debut.

Paulino's arrival from Class AAA Fresno means scheduled starter Joe Musgrove will start Friday against the Cubs. Paulino, a 6-7 right-hander, has pitched at three levels for the Astros this season, going 5-4 with a 2.00 ERA in 20 games, including 15 starts. He's struck out 106 in 90 innings.

Cy Young showdown scratched

Nominee: Carrasco is the Indians' nominee for the annual Roberto Clemente Award. Each team nominates a player with the winner being announced during the World Series.

"I'm honored to be nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award," said Carrasco. "He did a lot of things to help people. I want to do things outside of baseball to help people the same way that people did for me when I was growing up."

Among Carrasco's charitable works are partnering with United Way in a book drive, visiting patients at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, donating books and reading to children at Luis Munoz Marin School and helping build a playground for children during spring training in Goodyear, Ariz.

Carrasco has also started a foundation to promote early childhood education. Fans can vote for Carrasco receive the award by using the hashtag #VoteCookie on Twitter and Facebook.

Gomes update: Catcher Yan Gomes went 2-for-3 with an RBI on Monday at DH in a rehab game at Class AA Akron.

Tribe's Gomes work way through rehab assignment

Gomes, recovering from a separated right shoulder, will DH Wednesday for Class AAA Columbus as the Clippers start the postseason. Francona said Gomes could move behind the plate for a rehab game sometime this weekend.

He is can come off the disabled list on Sept. 16.

New arm: The Indians recalled right-hander Shawn Armstrong from Class A Lake County on Tuesday. Armstrong gives the Indians a 33-man roster, including 12 relievers.

Don't forget to duck: Indians STO reporter Andre Knott was grazed in the head by a foul ball off the bat of Houston third baseman Alex Bergman on Monday. Knott, seated in the camera pit next to the Indians' dugout, said several players jokingly offered him bandages to his head. "Danny Salazar asked me, 'What day is it?'" said Knott. "I told him it was Friday."

Finally: Corey Kluber and team owner Paul Dolan will visit veterans Wednesday morning at the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center from 10 a.m. to noon. This will be Kluber and his wife, Amanda's, fifth and final visit for the season.

Hue Jackson's mindset as he heads into his debut against the Eagles

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Hue Jackson reveals what's going through his mind as he prepares for his Browns debut. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hue Jackson is gearing up for his first game as head coach of the Browns, and the players are ready to take on the Eagles Sunday in Philadelphia.

Robert Griffin III is prepared to make this a comeback story to remember, and the Browns will face the quarterback they passed on at No. 2 in Carson Wentz.

Young receivers such as Ricardo Louis know they have to get up to speed quickly, and the Browns are still tinkering with the bottom tier of their roster and practice squad, adding Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan.

In the video above, Hue Jackson and others discuss the game and the Browns' mindset.

Fantasy football 2016 draft kit: Position rankings, sleepers, busts and plenty more

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For those preparing for late fantasy football drafts, we offer a full allotment of coverage with position previews, rankings, projections, sleepers, busts and more.

The 2016 fantasy football season is just days away, so the time is coming to shift focus from preparing for drafts to fine-tuning lineups. For those doing late drafts, we offer a full allotment of coverage with position previews, rankings, projections, sleepers, busts and more.

PLAYER RANKINGS

Nos. 1-25 | 26-50 | 51-75 | 76-100

POSITION PREVIEWS

The quarterback position is deep and presents value opportunities up and down standard fantasy drafts. Cam Newton and Aaron Rodgers are elite options in the early rounds. Jameis Winston, Derek Carr and Matthew Stafford are all sleepers who could be available late. View position preview

While fantasy has evolved into a game that is powered by talented wide receivers, running backs should not be forgotten. In fact, it makes sense in a lot of cases to invest two early-round picks on backs. View position preview

Wide receivers Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham Jr. and Julio Jones are likely to go in the first three picks of 2016 fantasy football drafts. They set off a chain reaction where most owners must scramble to lock down an elite WR1. But can you afford to wait on a WR2? View position preview

Tight ends are perhaps the most difficult valuation in fantasy football. Rob Gronkowski is a force at the top, but a number of sleepers can make a push for TE1 honors. That group includes Green Bay's Jared Cook and Oakland's Clive Walford, who often go undrafted. View position preview

It's not essential to invest an early pick on a dominant defense in fantasy. Plenty of strategies exist that call for drafting sleeper units or streaming defenses based on weekly matchups. View position preview

STRATEGY POSTS

Have the No. 1 pick in your draft? Here's what to expect and how to approach acquiring talent at every position.

Knowing when to handcuff star running backs is a tricky balancing act. It's often hard to stomach dedicating two roster spots for, essentially, the same player. Here's our fantasy football strategy piece on how to prioritize.

New to fantasy football? Check out these basic skills and a broad overview for beginners.

SLEEPERS AND BUSTS


OTHER CONTENT

Marwin Gonzalez, Houston Astros defeat Corey Kluber, Cleveland Indians; Tigers lose: DMan's Report, Game 137

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The Cleveland Indians lost to the Houston Astros, 4-3, Tuesday night in Cleveland. Marwin Gonzalez went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer off Corey Kluber.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Marwin Gonzalez hit a three-run homer off Corey Kluber in the second inning and doubled twice as the Houston Astros defeated the Cleveland Indians, 4-3, Tuesday night at Progressive Field.

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

Nick Camino Scoreboard Watch: The Indians (79-58) remained 4.5 games in front of second-place Detroit (75-63) in the AL Central. The Tigers lost to the White Sox, 2-0, in Chicago. 

Difficult matchup: The Indians are 1-4 in the season series, including losses in the first two of this four-game set.

The Indians have scored just 13 times in 52 innings in the season series. 

Bitter pill: The Indians lost at home when the pitching matchup was Kluber vs. Brad Peacock.

Kluber is an AL Cy Young candidate. He entered with a streak of 10 undefeated John Lowe Quality Starts (6+ IP, 3- ER).     

Righty Peacock was recalled from Class AAA Fresno earlier in the day to substitute for injured lefty Dallas Keuchel. Peacock had not started in the majors since April 14, 2015.

Near-miss: The Indians made matters interesting in the ninth inning, scoring once and putting the potential tying run on second with one out against Ken Giles. Tyler Naquin flied to the edge of the track in left field and Brandon Guyer hit a checked-swing grounder to Giles.

Matter of RISP: The Indians finished 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. On Monday, they were 1-for-10 en route to a 6-2 defeat.

Decisive moments early: What transpired in the bottom of the first inning and top of the second spoke volumes about how the game would turn out.

*Carlos Santana led off the bottom of the first with a single. Jason Kipnis doubled to right, Santana stopping at third. The Indians were set up for a crooked number.

Francisco Lindor, once again too eager with runners in scoring position, fouled the first two pitches to put himself in an 0-2 hole. At least one could be categorized as a pitcher's pitch.

Lindor fouled two more times, took two balls and popped a fastball (93 mph) over the plate to right. Santana bluffed a tag; George Springer would have thrown him out by plenty.

Mike Napoli took a strike and fouled to fall behind, 0-2. In a 2-2 count, Napoli was off-balance against a changeup (78) and popped to short.

Jose Ramirez. so effective with RISP this season, fouled a curve and sent an elevated fastball (92) to center for an out.

*Kluber, who cruised through a perfect first inning in nine pitches, retired the first two in the second. Evan Gattis walked in five pitches and lefty Colby Rasmus, who had been down in the count, 1-2, walked in six.

Entering Tuesday, Gattis had 34 walks and 106 strikeouts; Rasmus, 37 and 113.

Kluber, ahead of lefty Gonzalez, 0-2, threw a breaking pitch (85) that stayed up on the inner half. Gonzalez parked it into the right-field seats to give Houston a 3-0 lead.

According to ESPN "SweetSpot'' blogger David Schoenfield, batters had been 31-for-310 (.100) with three homers in an 0-2 count against Kluber the past three seasons. Schoenfield also tweeted that Gonzalez notched his first career three-run homer.

Gonzalez has hit 36 MLB homers. Thirty-two are solo, including the first 25.

Gonzalez continues to antagonize the Indians with timely long balls. On May 11 in Houston, he hit a two-run homer off Cody Anderson in the 16th inning to deliver a 5-3 victory.

Not quite good enough: Kluber (15-9, 3.16 ERA) allowed a run in the third, then locked back in to being dominant. His final line: 7 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 9 K.

Foremost among the Astros who could testify as to the quality of Kluber's stuff was talented shortstop Carlos Correa, who struck out swinging in the second, third and fifth innings. Correa singled to right off Zach McAllister in the eighth.

Impressive: The Astros (74-64), contending for a wild card, won despite hitting machine Jose Altuve having gone 0-for-4. Altuve's average dropped to .344 and his hit total remained at 187.

Can't happen: The Indians managed just one run on five hits and one walk in 3 2/3 innings against Peacock. The Astros were overjoyed.

The Tribe's failure to do more damage against the vulnerable Peacock came back to haunt.

Five Houston relievers combined to allow two runs. Carlos Santana led off the eighth with a homer off Luke Gregerson.


Cleveland Indians sunk by early homer as bats go cold in 4-3 loss to Houston Astros

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Corey Kluber allowed a three-run homer to Marwin Gonzalez in the second inning Tuesday night and the Indians could never recover in a second straight loss to Houston. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As Marwin Gonzalez circled the bases Tuesday night, Corey Kluber called catcher Roberto Perez to the mound for a brief meeting.

It's not hard to figure out what they spoke about because Gonzalez hit a 0-2 curve into the right field seats for a three-run homer that helped Houston beat the Indians, 4-3, for the second straight night at Progressive Field.

To make matters worse, the homer came with two out after Kluber walked two straight batters to bring Gonzalez to the plate. Gonzalez, as you might recall, beat the Indians on May 11 with a walk-off homer in the 16th inning at Minute Maid Park.

"The pitch he hit for a homer was a bad pitch, but the two walks before that were more of a concern," said Kluber.

As for his conversation with Perez, Kluber said, "It was about (pitch) sequencing. Nothing that we haven't done before."

Perez, who called for the curveball, agreed that sequencing was the post-homer topic of conversation.

"Kluber's curveball has been really good for I don't know how many outings," said Perez. "I wanted him to bounce it, but he hung it."

Still, the Indians, with nine walk-off wins and 30 comeback wins this season, had plenty of time to get back into the game. It just never quite happened.

In their last two games, the Indians have gone 1-for-22 with runners in scoring position. They're hitting .193 (17-for-88) with RISP on this homestand. That they're 6-2 on this 10-game stand tells you something about their late-inning magic.

"You can't make it any deeper than it has to be," said Jason Kipnis, when asked about the Tribe's failure in the clutch. "It might be just an off night."

The Indians threw a bullpen game against the Astros on Monday and lost 6-2. The Astros did something similar Wednesday with one difference. Emergency starter Brad Peacock, replacing injured Dallas Keuchel, pitched the Astros into the fourth inning. From there five relievers held the Indians at bay.

After Gonzalez's homer, the Indians made it 3-1 as Lonnie Chisenhall doubled in the second inning and scored on a ground ball by Tyler Naquin.

The Astros came right back in the third when George Springer blooped a lead-off double into into short right and scored on Alex Bergman's triple for a 4-1 lead. Kluber allowed just two more baserunners through the seventh, but the offense couldn't give him a lead to work with.

Kluber (15-9, 3.16) went seven innings, striking out nine, walking four and allowing four runs. It's the most runs he's allowed in his last 11 starts. The AL Pitcher of the Month in August entered the game with a 7-0 record in his last 10 starts.

"It wasn't his best performance," said manager Terry Francona. "Yet if not for a hanging 0-2 pitch, he gives up one run. He's pretty good."

Carlos Santana's leadoff homer in the eighth off Luke Gregerson made it 4-2. It was Santana's 29th, a career high. The Indians added another run in the ninth when Jose Ramirez singled, took second on a passed ball, third on a wild pitch and scored on catcher Evan Gattis' throwing error as Coco Crisp stole second.

But that's as far as the comeback went.

The Indians missed a great chance early when Santana opened the game with a single and went to third on a double by Kipnis. Peacock, however, stopped the potential rally by retiring Francisco Lindor, Mike Napoli and Ramirez.

"I hoped that first inning didn't come into play much, but it looks like it bit us a bit," said Kipnis.  "It is what it is. Those are guys who usually come through for us."

What it means

The Indians are 1-4 against Houston this season and 16-16 against the AL West. The Astros have won eight of their last 11.

The Tigers missed a chance to gain ground on the Tribe as they fell to the White Sox, 2-0. The Tribe's lead in the AL Central stayed at 4 1/2 games.

The pitches

Kluber threw 112 pitches, 73 (65 percent) for strikes. Peacock threw 72 pitches, 46 (64 percent) for strikes.

Quality control

Kluber's streak of 10 straight quality starts ended in the third inning when Bergman tripled home Springer to give the Astros a 4-1 lead. A pitcher needs to throw at least six innings and allow three or fewer earned runs to qualify for a quality start.

This season Kluber is 20-for-28 in quality starts, ranking third in the AL.

Thanks for coming

The Astros and Indians drew 11,023 to Progressive Field on Tuesday night. Indians attendance for the season is 1,369,249 in 70 home dates.

First pitch was at 7:11 p.m. with a temperature of 84 degrees.

What's next?

Right-hander Carlos Carrasco (10-7, 3.06) will face Houston's Doug Fister (12-10, 3.91) Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.

Carrasco is 3-1 in his last five starts. He's 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA against the Astros in his career. Colby Rasmus is hitting .286 (2-for-7) against him.

Fister, who had a seven-inning no-decision against the Tribe in May, is 1-3 in his last four starts. He's 5-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 15 career starts against the Indians. Jason Kipnis is hitting .480 (12-for-25).

Hue Jackson on Isaiah Crowell's goal of 1,000 yards: 'Why not more?'

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Crowell wants to run for 1,000 yards this season and head coach Hue Jackson believes he can. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Isaiah Crowell has a number in mind when it comes to what he wants to accomplish this season. 

"I want to run for 1,000 yards," Crowell said before practice on Wednesday. "That's my personal goal." 

"Only a thousand?" head coach Hue Jackson replied when told about the prediction. "Why not more?" 

Crowell's optimism is well-founded. It starts with having a coach who believes in him and a system that should put an emphasis on the run game. 

"I feel like everything I've been waiting for is here now," Crowell said. "I feel like we have a coach that wants to establish the run game and I really appreciate that because I feel like that's something that's very important. I want to be a part of it." 

Jackson took a few people by surprise this off-season when he said on the team's draft review show, after a running back wasn't one of the team's 14 draft picks, that he believes Crowell and backfield mate Duke Johnson "are as good as I've seen in a while" and called their talent "extreme." 

Crowell said that the high praise that has been coming from the coaching staff doesn't add any pressure on him or Johnson. 

"I just feel like he has a lot of confidence in us," Crowell said, "and I feel like we've already had a lot of confidence in ourselves so I feel it just boosts our confidence a little bit and makes us want to go out there and go harder."

Jackson reiterated that confidence on Wednesday. 

"I like Crow. Crow's done some good things," Jackson said. "I think he's a very talented player. We've just got to get a rhythm and play football the way we know we can." 

Rhythm has been something that Crowell has been seeking since his rookie season. On more than one occasion, he's brought up struggling to find one. What does rhythm look like, though? 

"I don't feel like it means a certain amount of carries," Crowell said. "I just feel like getting it going, positive runs and being able to read the gaps, know penetration, being able to read the whole play out." 

Jackson knows what he needs to do to help Crowell and the running game. 

"Coach Jackson's got to be at his best on Sunday," he said. "That's what it is. This is not preseason football anymore. This is the regular season. This is a challenge, just like it is for the players, for me as well. I have to get our offensive football team along with the rest of our coaches ready to go." 

Crowell, who holds the distinction of scoring the Browns' final touchdown of the preseason, is coming off of a season which, in many ways, was a disappointment following a promising rookie year. His carries and yards both increased in 2015, but his yards per attempt and rushing touchdowns both decreased. He went through a stretch of five games, from Oct. 25 through Nov. 30, in which he carried the ball 41 times and gained just 63 yards. He pointed to a lack of execution last season as part of the problem. 

"It's on us as players to go out there and execute," Crowell said. "That's basically it, because the reason why we didn't run (well) last year was because there wasn't enough execution for whatever reason." 

He's hoping that this year marks the return of 'Feed the Crow,' especially if he's able to bank some good runs early on.

"Break off a couple, keep getting fed. That's important. If you break off a couple, you establish a good rhythm."

The Browns plan to feed him. The rest is up to Crowell.

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Follow me: on Twitter | on Facebook | on Snapchat: djlobster

Stipe Miocic: 'I'm going to cap the year off with a win' (video)

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UFC Heavyweight Champion and Euclid native Stipe Miocic guaranteed he'll finish the year by beating Alistair Overeem in UFC 203. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Stipe Miocic is calling his shot.

After becoming the UFC's Heavyweight Champion, watching the Cavaliers win the NBA Championship and getting married all in one summer, the Euclid native guaranteed he'd finish the year by beating Alistair Overeem in UFC 203.

"I'm going to cap the year off with a win," Miocic said, following his open workout on Wednesday. "It's going to be amazing."

Related: Details on Saturday's fight

Miocic, 34, will fight Overeem in front of his hometown crowd at Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday, looking to defend his title.

While he admitted that Overeem will be a worthy opponent, Miocic has no doubt in his own ability to bring him down.

"He brings a lot to the table," Miocic said. "He's good on his feet, he's good on the ground, he's a veteran, really savvy, does a lot of good things, but nothing I haven't seen before."

Miocic can't wait to celebrate with his fellow Clevelanders late Saturday night.

"They're going to be going nuts," Miocic said. "That's how we do it in Cleveland."

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Houston Astros, Game 138

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The Indians and Astros will play the third contest of a four-game series at Progressive Field on Wednesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians and Astros will play the third contest of a four-game series at Progressive Field on Wednesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

Game 138: Indians (79-58) vs. Astros (74-64)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m.

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

Pitching matchup: RHP Carlos Carrasco (10-7, 3.06 ERA) vs. RHP Doug Fister (12-10, 3.91 ERA)

Fact du jour: Carlos Santana needs one more home run to join Mike Napoli as the Tribe's first pair of teammates with 30 or more homers since Jim Thome and Ellis Burks in 2002.

Why Hue Jackson was surprised Robert Griffin III was voted a team captain

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Hue Jackson was pleased that quarterback Robert Griffin III was voted a team captain, but also a little surprised -- because he's so new. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Hue Jackson was pleased that Robert Griffin's teammates voted him a captain Wednesday, but also wasn't expecting it.

"I was a little surprised - I'll be very honest with you - because obviously, Robert hasn't been here very long and we haven't played a real football game yet,'' Jackson said. "For him to be voted captain, he should feel good about that. His teammates feel good about him.''

Jackson was asked jokingly if he rigged the election. Others earning the honor were Joe Thomas, Joe Haden, Demario Davis and Tank Carder.

"No, we didn't rig that by no stretch of the imagination,'' Jackson said with a laugh. "No, we didn't do that. I looked at them.''

The best part about the vote, Jackson said, is that it was all from his teammates.

"Coaches had nothing to do with it,'' he said. "This was all his teammates. Obviously, he has embedded himself within the organization and this team, his teammates. I think that he's shown them that he's somebody that they can depend on and look to and that he is working each and every day to not only better himself but also his teammates, along with Joe Thomas on offense and Demario Davis and Joe Haden on defense and Tank Carder.

"I'm excited about the guys who were voted captains because those guys have worked extremely hard to change the culture and also to want to change our fortunes here from what they have been in the past."

The vote came a day after Redskins Hall of Fame quarterback Darrell Green ripped Griffin on 106.7 The Fan in Washington for acting "selfish and childish'' for the way he's living his life, specifically filing for divorce from his wife of three years.

RG3: Darrell Green criticism 'disappointing'

Jackson declined to comment on Green's remarks, but made it clear the team has set the bar high for Griffin.

"Obviously, we have an expectation for Robert and of Robert, and Robert understands that," he said. "Anything that we feel like is out of bounds, trust me, I will address with any player, not just Robert.

"There is a right way to do things and there is a wrong way to do things, and I know sometimes people make mistakes. We deal with everything accordingly. ... I'm going to take our judgment here within our organization with what we are doing when it comes to Robert."

The role is not something Griffin takes lightly. He got off on the wrong foot with some teammates in Washington, and he's determined not to let that happen here.

"You have to go out and lead by example,'' he said. "It's a blessing to be the face of a franchise or be the team leader. I appreciate all these guys in here giving me that opportunity because you have to earn that. Nothing is ever given to you. You have to earn that.

"Coach gave me an opportunity, (Executive Vice President of Football Operations) Sashi (Brown) gave me an opportunity, and the (Dee and Jimmy) Haslams gave me an opportunity to come here and earn that position. I'm forever grateful."

Haden, for one, has gotten close to Griffin.

"He's kind of who I thought he was going to be,'' he said. "He's a super team-first guy. Dude that wants to just bond, he wants to have a friendship. He wants to have a bond between all of his teammates. Like me, he wants to be liked. He doesn't feel like there's no reason to have anybody walking around and not talking to everybody, so that's really special. I think that's the reason the team picked him as the captain.''

Even if his coach was a little surprised.

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