Former Nationals infielder Anderson Hernandez promoted from Columbus.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerMark Grudzielanek didn't have an extra-base hit in his two months on the Indians' big-league roster, prior to being designated for assignment on Tuesday.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This is a daily briefing of the Indians' 2010 regular season. The Tribe plays the Red Sox tonight in the second of a four-game series at Progressive Field.
 
Pre-game notes:

Mark Grudzielanek was designated for assignment by the Indians on Tuesday afternoon. Utility infielder Anderson Hernandez, promoted from Class AAA Columbus, will take Grudzielanek's spot.

Grudzielanek is the second veteran jettisoned by the Indians in the last five days. Jamey Wright was designated for assignment over the weekend when the Indians were in Chicago to play the White Sox.

On Sunday, Grudzielanek started but left the game with a strained right hamstring. Manager Manny Acta said Grudzielanek was better Monday, but he did not play against Boston.

The Indians claimed Hernandez on waivers from the Mets in spring training. He was Acta's starting second baseman in Washington for the first half of last season. They needed to purchase his contract from Columbus because he was not on the 40-man roster.

Hernandez was hitting .234 (39-for-167) with four doubles, one homer and 17 RBI in 46 games at Columbus.

Grudzielanek, 39, batted .273 (30-for-110) with the Indians. All of his hits were singles. Arguably the hardest ball he hit all season was an out, Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson making a terrific running catch in the ninth inning June 2 at Detroit. Minutes later, Jason Donald grounded to first...and all heck broke loose.

Game 57
LINEUPS

Red Sox (34-25): SS Marco Scutaro (R), 2B Dustin Pedroia (R), C Victor Martinez (S), 1B Kevin Youkilis (R), DH David Ortiz (L), 3B Adrian Beltre (R), LF Bill Hall (R), CF Mike Cameron (R), RF Darnell McDonald (L) and RHP Tim Wakefield  (1-4, 5.49)

Indians (21-35): CF Trevor Crowe (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), LF Austin Kearns (L), LF Austin Kearns (R), 3B Jhonny Peralta (R), 1B Russell Branyan (L), DH Shelley Duncan (R), 2B Luis Valbuena (R), C Lou Marson (R), SS Jason Donald (R) and LHP David Huff (2-6, 6.08).
 
Umpires: H Mike Everitt, 1B Todd Tichenor, 2B Andy Fletcher, 3B Adrian Johnson
 
Quote of the day: "I never worry about it (the knuckleball). I just take my three swings and go sit on the bench. I'm afraid if I even think about hitting it, I'll mess up my swing for life." -- former major leaguer Richie Allen, in the Baseball Almanac.

Next: RHP Clay Buchholz (8-3, 2.39) vs. RHP Justin Masterson (1-5, 5.46) Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

Chris Grant was in a resplendent blue suit for his official promotion to GM. But there was no room for pleasantries.

Amy Sancetta / Associated PressNew Cavaliers GM Chris Grant, along with owner Dan Gilbert (right), attempted to downplay LeBron James' influence in the team's off-season changes during Grant's introductory press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts on Tuesday.

• If he comes to Cleveland, Tom Izzo had better be "all-in": Terry PlutoINDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Say this for the Cavaliers, they know drama.

The last time they introduced a new general manager, in 2005, Danny Ferry didn't even wear a suit to a hastily-arranged press conference. In just his second day on the job, he didn't have time for such formalities. He'd been hired just a couple of days before the NBA Draft and the start of free agency and needed to figure out how to spend $28 million in salary cap room.

This time, on Tuesday, Chris Grant was in a resplendent blue suit for his official promotion to GM. But just like when Ferry was hired, there was no room for pleasantries with so much else going on.

Amy Sancetta / Associated Press"The concept that this franchise has been handed to (LeBron James) who is running it and making the decisions is completely false," Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said Tuesday. "He’ll tell you that, Chris will tell you that, I’ll tell you that. The truth is the truth.”Now it is a coaching search and LeBron James' huge free agency. Maybe in that order. Maybe not.

In discussing the coaching unknown, Grant acknowledged reports that the Cavs have been in contact with Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo. But both he and owner Dan Gilbert, as would be expected, would go no farther.

Sources have indicated Gilbert began talking with Izzo shortly after Mike Brown was fired last month. Gilbert informally offered Izzo the job early last week, prior to Ferry's announcement to leave his GM post. The offer is believed to be at least $6 million a year for up to five years.

Now Izzo is waiting and mulling. Despite what Grant and Gilbert might say about talking to multiple candidates, they are waiting for Izzo's answer. It has already taken over a week and the Cavs are not expecting an immediate answer because of the weight of Izzo's decision.

Why all the waiting? Well, let Gilbert explain it.

Clearly upset with stories in the national media speculating on James' lording over the Cavs' decisions, Gilbert sought to send out a message that he and Grant are the ones in charge.

"The concept that LeBron James has been involved in any way, shape or form of firing our head coach, involved in the transition of our general manager, or will be involved in future of coaching decisions or hires is totally and patently false," Gilbert said. "It is unfair to him, it is unfair to the franchise.

"Nor has he been involved heavily in past major trades. He's a basketball player and a great one and his interests are aligned with ours. The concept that this franchise has been handed to a player who is running it and making the decisions is completely false. He'll tell you that, Chris will tell you that, I'll tell you that. The truth is the truth."

According to multiple sources from both within the organization and close to James, this is indeed the case. James hasn't even had a protracted conversation with team officials since the season ended, one source said.

However, in re-establishing that he's running the show, Gilbert also described the rub. And why there could be a lot of waiting.

Izzo, and perhaps other potential coaching candidates, are likely going to take a long time even when considering lucrative offers. Without getting a sense from James about what he might do, it will be hard to commit.

James, as he's said both publicly and privately, doesn't plan on committing to anything until at least July.

"We're not going to get into specifics in our conversations with LeBron," Grant said. "We have a plan in place and a system and we're going to follow that. It wouldn't be fair for any negotiation to be public, it is not something we'd do."

The Cavs' path to re-signing James, it is believed, is the same strategy they had under Ferry. That is to mimic what the San Antonio Spurs did when they were threatened with the loss of MVP Tim Duncan in free agency a decade ago. The Spurs attempted to make decisions that would improve the team without consulting Duncan on every move. The hope was the Duncan would evaluate the moves and re-sign.

Duncan made the Spurs sweat, taking a high-profile recruiting visit to Orlando, before re-signing and winning three more championships. The plan worked and, with a few variations, the Cavs have been attempting the same idea.

There is, however, one significant difference: A lack of the stability the Spurs had in their leadership at the time.

So despite a public assumption that James is calling the shots, Gilbert appears to be sticking to that plan.

"LeBron James is a significant, important, MVP basketball player," Gilbert said. "We believe his interests and philosophy are aligned with ours. We try to make sure our decisions, they are our decisions not his decisions, will philosophically align with winning."

Whether that plan will work or won't will be determined sometime in the future -- even if it isn't the near future. That is something the team seems realistic about, admitting they could be in for a long search no matter what Izzo's final answer will be.

"I want to find the right guy and I want to find the right fit," Grant said. "That could be in a week and that could be in a month and a half. We're going to make the decisions based on who that right person is and the best fit for our team."

Tom Izzo is a truly great college coach. But does he truly want to coach in the NBA?

UPDATED: 6:59 p.m.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Tom Izzo as the next coach of the Cavaliers?

Only if this is what the Michigan State coach, absolutely, positively, without-a-doubt, no-looking-back wants at this point in his life.

That's because hiring a lifetime college coach at the age of 55 is a major gamble for the Cavaliers. The track record of college coaches in the NBA may be worse than tricycles winning the Daytona 500.

Izzo may be the best college coach today. What else can you say about a coach who has led six teams to the NCAA Final Four since 1999? He knows how to recruit. He knows how to teach. He knows how to motivate his players to win big games.

But does he know how to win in the NBA? No one knows that answer, not even Izzo.

He's never been in the league in any capacity. He's never had to surrender complete control of his schedule, as college coaches often have input in picking non-league opponents.

A college coach also selects his own roster. He isn't stuck with an aging star or a disgruntled talent because of the huge contract and the salary cap -- meaning it's impossible to cut or trade the guy for months.

Nor had Izzo ever coached a player who is making more money than he does -- a common occurrence in the NBA where the average salary is $5.5 million. The average NBA coach survives about three years with the same team. It's why Mike Brown used to quote Spurs coach Gregg Popovich when saying that James or another star, "allows me to coach him."

In college, Izzo is called Coach. In the pros, he will be Tom.

Most college coaches are control freaks. The pros quickly teach you how little is under your control. If an owner allows a college coach to select players, is that a wise idea? What background does he have in really knowing what players thrive in the NBA?

Izzo has been courted and rejected the NBA before, serious offers coming from Atlanta and Detroit. While he wishes Michigan State would be mentioned in the same breath with high-profile programs such as Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina and Duke -- he seems pretty content making $3 million a year in East Lansing.

Izzo consistently takes good talent and makes it great by preaching unselfishness and defense with an iron will and demanding practices. Most of his former players do love the guy, but there was more than a little fear when they played for Izzo.

Is he the right coach for the Cavs? An NBA executive told me, "If you have to pick between Mo Cheeks, Monty Williams, Jeff Van Gundy, Byron Scott, some inexperienced NBA assistants -- or Izzo -- you may go with Tom. But he has to be fully committed. Also, he has to have LeBron James, or why do it?"

Who knows where James is in this question. The Cavs can talk to him. Perhaps owner Dan Gilbert has done just that, although he denies it. But it's doubtful James will commit to Gilbert, Izzo or anyone else at this point.

The history of NBA coaches whose primary experience is college is dismal. The failures include Rick Pitino, John Calipari, Lon Kruger, Mike Montgomery, P.J. Carlisimo and Jerry Tarkanian. You can mention Larry Brown, but first he was a pro player in the old American Basketball Association, then coached in the ABA before making some college stops.

You probably have to spin back to the 1960s and 1970s with Bill Fitch, Dick Motta, Cotton Fitzsimmons and John MacLeod to find some success stories.

If Izzo takes the job, it can't be because of the money. This has to be his dream job because it will require an attitude adjustment. He should hire a veteran NBA assistant -- perhaps a former head coach -- to give advice. If James returns, it will mean that the coach wins because of his star. When the team loses, it's the fault of the coach.

Both the Cavs and Izzo must be sure that he's emotionally ready for a league where winning comes from so much more than just knowing your Xs and Os.

Our focus has been on New York and Chicago for so long, perhaps we should shift our gaze to the West Coast for a bit.

UPDATED: 8:22 p.m.

(Chasing down rumors about LeBron James' basketball future could be a full-time job. Now it's my full-time job. Just call me The Rumor Monger. Every day we'll compile a list of the rumors we're hearing about James and his next contract. Just remember these are just rumors, not necessarily facts. It's going to be a long and rough ride, Cavs fans. Buckle up. -- Mary Schmitt Boyer)

Gus Ruelas / Associated PressHere's a long-shot scenario -- instead of abusing Chris Kaman and the Los Angeles Clippers, is there a possibility of LeBron James joining the "other" team in Tinseltown?CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Our focus has been on New York and Chicago for so long, perhaps we should shift our gaze to the West Coast for a bit. Peter Vecsey says an "impeccable" source tells him DreamWorks co-founder David Geffen wants to buy 51 percent of the Los Angeles Clippers and had dinner Friday with Clippers owner Donald Sterling to discuss that. The source told Vecsey he could deliver James if that happened.

Just FYI, James business associate Maverick Carter sat with Geffen for Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday.

Of course, Vecsey also says a source told him James will re-sign with the Cavaliers for three more years and if the team doesn't win a title after his 10th season in Cleveland, he'll leave for the Nets, playing in Brooklyn for pal Jay-Z.

• Wacky as it sounds, the Harlem Globetrotters are interested in signing James and Dwyane Wade, reaching out to representatives for both players on Tuesday. They’re preparing to offer part ownership to both players as well as 51 percent of revenue from licensed merchandise sales bearing their name or likeness (neither matchable under terms of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.) They have no other salary cap restrictions, either.

• Native New Yorker Lamar Odom wants James to go to New York, where he's sure James can handle the pressure.

"Of course he can handle the pressure," Odom told the New York Post's Marc Berman. "Obviously he can. He's so well established. ... To get a player of his caliber would be great for New York City. As a player in the NBA, I'm always kind of rooting for the Knicks, wishing them well. It would be great for the city and so many more people would be following him."

• Cleveland native Charles Oakley, a former Knick, disagrees.

"I can't tell him to go to New York," Oakley told a Miami radio station. "New York treated me bad. ... When I go to the Knicks games, do you know that they have somebody that follows me around to see what I say to the press? I said maybe Chicago or Miami. I think him and [Dwyane] Wade would be great together."

• There are widely varying opinions on how playing in New York impacts James' earning potential, but most seem to think where he plays won't matter on that front.

"The knee-jerk reaction and conventional wisdom is that by coming to New York, he would further his chances for endorsements," Andrew Forman, an associate professor of marketing at Hofstra, tells Neil Best of Newsday. "He's already the highest-earning endorser in the NBA without being in New York. It's hard to say he's been hurt by being in Cleveland to this point."

As a Knicks fan, Forman would love to see James in New York. But as far as earnings go, he said, "I'm not sure it really makes much of a difference. ... You could almost spin it another way, that him staying in Cleveland is a feel-good story about the local kid who stays after he could have had fame and fortune elsewhere. ... I can't envision a company like Coca-Cola or Nike saying we can pay him less because he plays in Cleveland.

"Michael Jordan wasn't in New York. [James] is at the point where he has enough celebrity where if he wanted to launch a fashion line the way Michael Jordan launched a cologne line and restaurant, I don't think it's as limiting as the conventional wisdom might be."

Rick Horrow, CEO of Horrow Sports Ventures and author of the book "Beyond the Box $core," tells Newsday, "I do think there is some incremental value in being a stone's throw from your Madison Avenue sponsors and advertisers -- for the Knicks or the Nets."

Maury Gostfrand, president of Vision Sports Group, whose clients include Michael Strahan and Joe Torre, told Newsday, "I do believe his people will be able to negotiate more dollars for these deals as a result of playing in New York. ... A big advantage of playing in New York for someone like LeBron is potential business opportunities that may be presented to him, whether it's partnering with a company on a new product or crossing over to other ventures in music, fashion or even real estate. If he plays in New York, he will meet a lot of successful and wealthy business people who want to align themselves with him."

Cliff Kaplan, president of Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment, told Newsday, "He's a global figure, and no matter what market he is in, he will have a strong portfolio of endorsements. He would be in the No. 1 media market [in New York], the hub of finance. ... The people he gets to rub shoulders with here on a more regular basis can provide various business opportunities."

• Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News says Tom Izzo should not leave Michigan State unless James remains with the Cavs.

"The Cavs are an Eastern Conference contender with the King," Weiss said. "They will be a sinking franchise in Lake Erie if this Elvis leaves the building for good. ... Sure, East Lansing is no Durham, N.C., but it's also no Cleveland. And if Izzo leaves Michigan State without the guarantee of coaching the King, he could end with a royal mess on his hands."

Weiss says Izzo has a great reputation and job security in East Lansing, which could change with one bad season in the NBA.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and new GM Chris Grant were so muddled in their explanation of how decisions were made -- in the end, it seemed no one made them.

Amy Sancetta / Associated PressWhile new Cavaliers GM Chris Grant and owner Dan Gilbert said most of the right things in Tuesday's press conference, there were enough odd notes to catch Terry Pluto's attention.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles while listening to the Cavs' press conference on Tuesday...

1. Perhaps new General Manager Chris Grant will have the usual authority that you expect from a general manager -- namely, the main voice in basketball decisions. It would be the same basic responsibility that former GM Danny Ferry had. But owner Dan Gilbert and Grant were so muddled in their explanation of how decisions were made -- in the end, it seemed no one made them.

2. You want input from key people before making a trade, signing a free agent or hiring a coach. Yes, a variety of educated opinions are valued. But in the end, someone makes the final decision. The owner has to approve moves for financial reasons, but no team can be run by a committee and expect to have success.

3. Grant has to know this. He spent 10 years in several positions with the Hawks, and the last five as Ferry's assistant. In every organization, either the head coach or the GM has the strongest voice in major basketball decisions. You can insist that everyone just reaches a consensus, but can that actually happen every time? Not in the real world.

4. Grant said: "The way we operate and the culture we've established, we work together to make the right decision. It doesn't matter if it is my idea or Dan's idea or the coach's idea. We're going to work together and challenge one another and have deep conversations to make the best decision. Whether it is a trade or free agency or draft pick. And we're going to move together as we go through the process. It isn't a situation where this person is going to have final say or that person is going to have final say. That's virtually impossible and that's not how we've operated for the last five years."

5. Gilbert said: "Within the front office with [assistant GM] Lance Blanks and Chris and Danny when he was here, they worked together. It is has always been a team approach."

6. It may be, but someone has to be the captain. Why not just say that Grant will have the usual responsibility that you'd expect from a general manager? At some point, someone has the final say, no matter how the Cavs talk around that issue.

7. The good news is Gilbert seems understand that a coach can't run the operation. "I don't see that happening at all. The head coach -- of course they'll always have opinion -- we want a coach who will coach and get this franchise over the hump."

8. If Michigan State's Tom Izzo does accept the job, it is imperative that he understands his limitations when it comes to picking pro talent. He has been a career college coach, he'll need Grant and the scouts to guide him through the draft, free agency, etc. Gilbert seems to know that, which is positive.

9. Gilbert also said: "The concept that LeBron James has been involved in any way, shape or form of firing our head coach, involved in the transition of our general manager, or will be involved in future of coaching decisions or hires is totally and patently false. ... It is unfair to him, it is unfair to the franchise."

10. Suppose James had publicly (or even in private) said that he believed Mike Brown should remain at coach? Do you think he would be fired? James' silence on the subject of Brown spoke loud and clear.

11. Gilbert also said: "Nor has [James] been involved heavily in past major trades. He's a basketball player and a great one and he his interests are aligned with ours. The concept that this franchise has been handed to a player who is running it an making the decision is completely false. He'll tell you that, Chris will tell you that, I'll tell you that. The truth is the truth."

12. I'm glad Gilbert said "heavily involved" in trades. In many NBA franchises, key players are asked about people who may be acquired in deals. It's also not uncommon for key players to be told, "We are considering these three guys as coach, is there anyone on the list who is a big problem for you?" Sometimes, this communication is done between a representative of the team and the player's agent or someone close to the player.

13. This is not to say the Cavs looked overmatched or disorganized in their press conference. The promotion of Grant was overwhelmed by all the Izzo rumors, and that seemed to have them off message. They could have done a better job of explaining what Grant will do in his new position.

The 6-8 Ravenel averaged 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 39 games for the Eagles the last two seasons. He will be a junior when he becomes eligible to play for Ohio State in the 2011-12 season.

Conventional thinking is it's risky to ask a college coach to succeed in the NBA. But the history of such moves offers mixed results.

Mike Peticca and Branson Wright

Plain Dealer Reporters

Plain Dealer Historical Photograph CollectionBill Fitch had a difficult initiation to the NBA when he moved from the University of Minnesota to the Cavaliers for their debut season in 1970-71. But Fitch was eventually a championship coach with the Celtics.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In recent years, several coaches who guided successful college programs have been hired as NBA head coaches without any prior experience as a player, coach or executive.

Conventional thinking is it's risky to ask a coach to translate success from the one level to the sport's highest level. It's said that college coaches can't cut it right away in the NBA, where the challenges, the players and the game are all much different.

The transition is a concern some observers have about the possibility of the Cavaliers hiring famed Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.

A look, though, at a history of coaches moving directly from a college bench to one in the NBA reveals that most went into losing situations and, not surprisingly, had mixed results.

Dick Motta: Prior college job: Weber State, six seasons. First NBA job: Coached the 1968-69 Chicago Bulls to a 33-49 record after the 67-68 team was 29-53. Led the Bulls to the Western Conference Finals in 1974 and 1975 and the Washington Bullets to the 1978 title and 1979 Eastern Conference Finals.

Bill Fitch: Prior college job: Minnesota, two seasons. First NBA job: Coached the 1970-71 Cavaliers to a 15-67 record in the franchise's first season. Led the Cavs to the 1976 East Finals; the Boston Celtics to the 1981 championship; the Houston Rockets to the 1986 Finals.

Cotton Fitzsimmons: Prior college job: Kansas State, two seasons. First NBA job: Coached the 1970-71 Phoenix Suns to a 48-34 record after the 69-70 team was 39-43. Coached three teams to the West Finals: the Kansas City Kings in 1981 and, in his second stint with Phoenix, the Suns in 1989 and 1990.

Roy Rubin: Prior college job: Long Island University, two years. First NBA job: Coached the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers to a 4-47 record before being fired. The 76ers went 5-26 the rest of the way to finish an all-time NBA-worst 9-73. The team had been 30-52 in 1971-72, and all-star forward Billy Cunningham left to sign with the American Basketball Association's Carolina Cougars one day before Rubin was hired.

John MacLeod: Prior college job: Oklahoma, six years. First NBA job: Coached the 1973-74 Suns to a 30-52 record after the 72-73 team was 38-44. Eight games into the 73-74 season, Phoenix traded all-star forward Connie Hawkins to the Los Angeles Lakers for role player Keith Erickson and a draft pick. Led the Suns to the 1976 Finals, to the 1979 and 1984 West Finals, and the Dallas Mavericks to the 1988 West Finals.

Jerry Tarkanian: Prior college job: UNLV, 19 years. First NBA job: Coached the 1992-93 San Antonio Spurs to a 9-11 record before being fired. The Spurs finished 49-33 after going 47-35 in the 91-92 season. Despite having won the 1990 national title, Tarkanian was forced to resign by UNLV in 1992 because of his program's problems with the NCAA.

P.J. Carlesimo: Prior college job: Seton Hall, 12 years. First NBA job: Coached the 1994-95 Portland Trailblazers to a 44-38 record after the 93-94 team was 47-35. Had a solid season despite the mid-season trade of all-star forward-guard Clyde Drexler.

John Calipari: Prior college job: Massachusetts, eight years. First NBA job: Coached the 1996-97 New Jersey Nets to a 26-56 record after the 95-96 team was 30-52. Inherited poorly-conceived roster. His second Nets team was 43-39 before he was fired early in his third season.

Tim Floyd: Prior college job: Iowa State, four years. First NBA job: Coached the Bulls to a 13-37 record in the 1998-99 lockout season after the 97-98 team went 62-20 and won the NBA title. Phil Jackson's last Bulls team had Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Floyd's first Bulls team did not.

Lon Kruger: Prior college job: Illinois, four years. First NBA job: Coached the 2000-01 Atlanta Hawks to a 25-57 record after the 1999-2000 team was 28-54. Who could blame him, after Hall of Fame coach (and player) Lenny Wilkens and the Hawks stumbled in 99-00?

Leonard Hamilton: Prior college job: Miami (Fla.), 10 years. First NBA job: Coached the 2000-01 Washington Wizards to a 19-63 record after the 1999-2000 team was 29-53. Age, injuries and questionable trades led to predictable result.

Mike Montgomery: Prior college job: Stanford, 18 years. First NBA job: Coached the 2004-05 Golden State Warriors to a 34-48 record after the 03-04 team was 37-45. Warriors had a zero-defense mindset before, during and after 04-05.

Note: Rick Pitino, contrary to some reports, was an NBA assistant (New York Knicks, 1983-85) before becoming the Knicks' head coach in 1987 after two seasons at Providence.

Stephen Strasburg went beyond the hype -- and anyone's reasonable expectations -- by striking out 14 batters in his electric major league debut.

Chuck Myers / McClatchy-TribuneStephen Strasburg was far superior to the hype on Tuesday, making his major-league debut a stunning success with 14 strikeouts over seven innings in a 5-2 Washington Nationals victory over the Pirates. WASHINGTON -- Over-hyped? Are you kidding? Stephen Strasburg went beyond the hype -- and anyone's reasonable expectations -- by striking out 14 batters in his electric major league debut.

With a standing-room-only crowd cheering every pitch, the Washington Nationals phenom put on a dazzling display of pitching power Tuesday night in a 5-2 win over Pittsburgh. His fastballs reached 100 mph, and the Pirates found his nasty curves nearly impossible to hit.

Last year's No. 1 overall draft pick -- the one with the record $15.1 million contract -- threw his first pitch 97 mph and got stronger as the game progressed. He struck out the last seven batters he faced, and all nine Pirates in the starting lineup fanned at least once.

The 21-year-old right-hander took a curtain call after pitching seven innings. He allowed four hits, two earned runs and didn't walk a batter, piling up the most strikeouts in a major league debut since J.R. Richard fanned 15 for Houston in 1971.

Strasburg's next start is expected to be Sunday at Progressive Field against the Indians.

Harry E. Walker / McClatchey-TribuneRonny Cedeno struck out looking as his knees buckled on a Stephen Strasburg pitch in the fifth inning Tuesday night.Karl Spooner also struck out 15 in his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954. He and Richard are the only two pitchers with more strikeouts than Strasburg in a big league debut since 1920 -- and Spooner and Richard both had three walks.

Strasburg also tied Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers for most strikeouts in a game in the majors this season. Scherzer had 14 on May 30 against Oakland.

Strasburg was removed for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the seventh with a 4-2 lead. When it was announced that he had set a team record for strikeouts since the franchise's move to Washington in 2005, the crowd roared again -- and Strasburg emerged to the top step of the dugout and tipped his cap.

He threw 94 pitches -- roughly the limit imposed by management before the game -- and 65 were strikes. He made one noticeable mistake, a 90 mph changeup golfed by Delwyn Young into the first row in right field for a two-run homer in the fourth inning. The ball would have made a great souvenir, but a fan threw it back onto the field.

The homer gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead, but the Nationals put their rookie in position to win with three runs in the sixth. Adam Dunn hit a two-run homer, and Josh Willingham followed with a solo shot, allowing Strasburg to leave the game with a two-run lead.

Ryan Zimmerman also homered for the Nationals, another solo shot in the first inning. All three of Washington's home runs came off Pirates starter Jeff Karstens.

The day was nicknamed "Strasmus" -- and it was the biggest baseball event in the nation's capital since the sport returned in 2005 after a 33-year absence. To go real deep into history, one could argue that Strasburg had the most anticipated Washington rookie pitching debut since Walter Johnson at the long-forgotten American League Park on Aug. 2, 1907.

Cameras flashed as Strasburg threw his first pitch at 7:06 p.m. -- well inside to leadoff hitter Andrew McCutchen. Fans booed when umpire Tom Hallion called it a ball.

Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez then handed the ball to Hallion and it was removed from play for posterity.

McCutchen lined out to shortstop on a 2-0 pitch. Strasburg then got Neil Walker on a grounder to first and struck out Lastings Milledge with a pair of wicked curveballs for a 1-2-3 inning.

Only one Pirates batter reached against Strasburg in the first three innings. In the fourth, Strasburg allowed back-to-back singles. One of the runners was erased by a double play, but Young followed with his third homer of the season.

Strasburg was promoted after dominating the minors, going 7-2 with a 1.30 ERA, 65 strikeouts and only 13 walks in 11 starts in Double-A and Triple-A. His debut came nearly a year to the day after he was drafted No. 1 overall, and one day after the Nationals -- who have lost 100 games in consecutive seasons -- chose 17-year-old hitting sensation Bryce Harper with the No. 1 overall selection in this year's draft.

Strasburg is a low-key kid in a high-hype world, a focused youngster whose fastball is much more lively than his news conferences. He quietly went about his business preparing to take the mound, fiddling with his glove a few hours before the game at his new locker, located between those of Wil Nieves and J.D. Martin.

Washington sold out Nationals Park for only the second time all season, and went through an extra 2,000 standing-room-only tickets a few hours before the game. Fans cheered when Strasburg emerged from the dugout at 6:24 p.m. with pitching coach Steve McCatty. Surrounded by photographers and cameramen, Strasburg grinned at McCatty and said, "Let's go."

Strasburg used the center-field wall to do some stretching and then warmed up in the bullpen, where fans stood six-deep to watch. He received a standing ovation when he walked back to the dugout after the national anthem, and it was a funny moment when McCatty -- not Strasburg -- doffed his cap to acknowledge the cheers.

Among those in attendance was Strasburg's coach at San Diego State, Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.

Asked what he told the rookie before the game, Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said he asked Strasburg the distance from the mound to home plate in the minors.

When Strasburg answered 60 feet, 6 inches, Riggleman said: "You've got a good chance -- because that's what it is here, too."

Rodriguez, a 20-year big league veteran, was activated from the 15-day disabled list in time to catch the game.

"He knows what day it is," Riggleman said.

Sparked by a Trevor Crowe error, the Red Sox scored three in the fourth inning and claimed the second game of a four-game series.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerTrevor Crowe's drop of a two-out fly ball to deep center by Boston's Victor Martinez set up the Red Sox for a three-run fourth inning in the Indians' 3-2 loss Tuesday night at Progressive Field.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Trevor Crowe makes the catch in his sleep.

When Crowe was wide awake in the fourth inning, however, he dropped the ball.

Crowe's miscue factored heavily in the Indians' 3-2 loss to Boston on Tuesday night at Progressive Field. The Tribe (21-36) has lost the first two of a four-game series against the Red Sox (35-25).

Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield limited the Tribe to one earned run in 7 1/3 innings. With the second out in the seventh, Wakefield became Boston's all-time leader in innings, inching past Roger Clemens.

Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg struck out 14 Pirates in seven innings of his major-league debut. He allowed two runs and earned the victory. 

Strasburg, one of the most-hyped prospects in baseball history, is scheduled to make his next start Sunday at Progressive Field. His counterpart will be David Huff.

Huff gave up three unearned runs in six innings against the Red Sox, who did all their damage after Crowe's error with two outs and nobody on in the fourth.

Crowe settled under Victor Martinez's fly to deep center, but the ball bounced out of his glove for a two-base error.

Kevin Youkilis doubled off the scoreboard in left to drive in Martinez and tie the score, 1-1. David Ortiz followed with an RBI single off a diving Luis Valbuena in shallow right.

Ortiz advanced to second on a single by Adrian Beltre and came home on Bill Hall's double to left.

Jensen Lewis relieved Huff to begin the seventh.

The Indians managed two hits -- both by Shin-Soo Choo -- against Wakefield through six. Wakefield retired 15 straight before Choo singled with two outs in the sixth.

Shelley Duncan homered off Wakefield in the seventh to pull the Tribe within 3-2.

The Indians led, 1-0, in the first inning. With one out, Choo tripled to center. Mike Cameron made a dive but the ball hit the ground under his glove and shot past him. Austin Kearns whiffed on a curveball. Jhonny Peralta grounded to third, where Beltre mishandled the ball. The throw was late as Choo scored.

Huff held the Red Sox to one hit through three thanks in part to terrific defense.

Crowe robbed leadoff batter Marco Scutaro with a diving catch. Shortstop Jason Donald started a double play with a backhanded stop of Martinez's hard grounder to end the first.

Beltre lined into a 6-4 double play to end the second. Donald erased Youkilis, who had singled.

Huff faced the minimum through three, walking one and striking out two.

Drew Pomeranz and LeVon Washington, the Indians' first two picks in the draft, were available because they said no to other teams. The Tribe picked Pomeranz in the first round and Washington in the second.

UPDATED: 11:01 p.m.

Andrew Shurtleff / Associated PressThree years after turning down an offer by the Texas Rangers to bypass college, Mississippi lefty Drew Pomeranz will likely command a big contract as the No. 5 pick in the 2010 draft.

• MLB.com breakdown of the Indians' selections

INDIANS CHATTER
Clubhouse confidential: Boston catcher Victor Martinez threw batting practice to his five-year-old son, Victor Jose, Tuesday afternoon. Victor Jose, just a couple of inches taller than his bat, was hitting the ball all over the infield while decked out in a Red Sox uniform and batting gloves.
He wore No. 41, just like his dad. He was even switch-hitting.

Return plans: When Matt LaPorta rejoins the Indians later this season, manager Manny Acta says he’ll play every day. Whether that’s at first base, left field or both remains to be seen.
LaPorta was optioned to Class AAA Columbus on Monday to make room for Andy Marte. The Indians want LaPorta to play every day, which he wasn’t doing in Cleveland.

Stat of the day: Shin-Soo Choo entered Tuesday’s game ranked eighth in the AL with 32 walks. He led the Indians in the category.
-- Paul HoynesCLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Rangers didn't miss signing left-hander Drew Pomeranz by much after drafting him in the 12th round as a high school senior in 2007.

"They came up a little short of what I was asking for," said Pomeranz.

Tampa Bay missed by a wider margin in trying to sign outfielder LeVon Washington last year after drafting him in the first round. The Indians opened the second day of MLB's first-year player draft Tuesday by taking Washington out of Chipola Junior College with their second pick. Last year, Washington walked away from a rumored signing bonus between $1.08 million and $1.1 million from the Rays.

Sports Illustrated.com reported Tuesday that the Indians have already signed Washington, a Scott Boras client, to a one-year deal worth $1.55 million.

"We have not come to an agreement with any of our players," said Brad Grant, director of amateur scouting.

As for reports that Washington doesn't always play hard, Grant said they have no issues with his play.

"I talked to him over the winter," said Grant. "LeVon is a good kid."

Tuesday's drafting ended at 30 rounds. The final 20 rounds will start at noon Wednesday. Here are their top 10 picks: LHP Pomeranz, University of Mississippi; OF Washington, Chipola JC; SS Tony Wolters, Rancho Buena High School (Calif.); RHP Kyle Blair, University of San Diego; RHP Cole Cook, Pepperdine; SS Nick Bartolone, Chabot College; RHP Robbie Aviles, Suffern (N.Y.) High School; C Alex Lavisky, St. Edward (Cleveland) High School; RHP Jordan Cooper, Wichita State; OF Tyler Holt, Florida State.

There were other forces pulling Pomeranz toward the halls of higher learning besides cash. Stuart Pomeranz, his older brother, told Drew he wished that he went to college instead of signing with St. Louis out of high school in 2003. Pomeranz's father played at the University of Mississippi and his mother wanted him to go to college as well.

So Pomeranz enrolled at Ole Miss and the Indians selected him with the fifth overall pick Monday in MLB's first-year player draft.

"I think [Texas' offer] has grown a little bit in three years of college," said the 6-5, 230-pound Pomeranz, who is advised by the Beverly Hills Sports Council.

"I have no idea how long the negotiations are going to take," he said.

In August of 2008, Pomeranz was charged with refusal to take a breath-alcohol test, giving false information to a police officer and possessing fake identification.

"It was dumb kid thing to do," said Pomeranz. "It makes you grow up a little."

Said Grant, "We've spent a lot of time with Drew. We're very, very confident with him as a person."

Pomeranz went 9-2 with a 2.24 ERA in 16 starts at Mississippi this year. He struck out 139 and walked 49 in 139 100 2/3 innings.

Washington, coming off right shoulder surgery, hit .327 (48-for-147) with 11 doubles, one triple, eight homers and 25 RBI in 41 games. He scored 39 runs and stole nine bases in 12 attempts.

The Indians see him as a leadoff/center fielder. Grant says he has "seven speed" on a scouting scale of two to eight and above average bat speed.

Another day, another move: Before Tuesday's game, Mark Grudzielanek was designated for assignment and Anderson Hernandez's contract was purchased from Class AAA Columbus because he wasn't on the 40-man roster.

Grudzielanek was designated with a strained right hamstring. The Indians gave him the option of going on the 60-man roster, but manager Manny Acta said, "A guy Mark's age [39] doesn't want to sit that long."

The Indians couldn't put him on the 15-day disabled list because they couldn't create a roster space for Hernandez. Acta said they needed Hernandez so they wouldn't wear out rookie Jason Donald at shortstop. Donald has been starting at short since Asdrubal Cabrera broke his left forearm May 17.

Acta said Donald and Luis Valbuena will get the majority of playing time at short and second. He said Donald will also get some time at second base. Hernandez can play second and short.

The Indians shuffled middle infielders on Tuesday, promoting Anderson Hernandez from Columbus.

More than 40 members have joined the club in the last several months and membership now stands around 180.

Courtesy Grubb & EllisA quality Donald Ross layout, Acacia Country Club is trying to rebuild its membership while looking for new ownership.

• Hole of the week: No. 10 at Good Park | Hey, T.R.! | Bud Shaw tips video | Charity listingsCLEVELAND, Ohio -- John Clapacs wants people to know that things are looking up at Acacia County Club in Lyndhurst.

Clapacs, the club's membership director, said more than 40 members have joined the Lyndhurst club in the last several months and membership now stands around 180. The club, however, still is for sale.

"We are seeing the culture and personality of the club changing," said Clapacs. "We are becoming more vibrant, more younger. I think we are creating a more fun environment."

The club is offering several new membership packages with in hopes of bolstering the membership, which at one time topped out at several hundred.

"Our top goal is to generate enough members in order to enable the dues for our shareholders to return to their normal levels," he said. He estimated that in recent years shareholders are paying nearly double of what normal dues had been.

"Acacia is a fantastic place," he said. "It is a Donald Ross course that is always in tournament shape and our location is awesome."

For membership information contact Clapacs at jclapacs@acaciacountryclub.com.

Full house: A total of 128 players, hailing from five countries and 14 states, have entered the 32rd annual Hudson Junior Invitational, to be played June 15-16 at the Country Club of Hudson.

Boys champion Boo Timko, from Girard, will return to defend the title he shared last year with Texan Trey Sullivan. Girls champ, Florida's Jordan Lippetz, will not defend. The field includes 92 boys and 36 girls.

Tournament officials have decided not to induct anyone into the tournament's hall of fame this year for lack of suitable candidates. Some of the past inductees included Phil Mickelson, Ben Curtis, John Daly, Jim Furyk, Mike Weir and Grace Park. Daly and Mickelson also are former champs.

Spots open: Applications are being accepted for the 73rd annual Phil Rogers Good Park Junior tournament -- the longest-running continuing junior tournament in the country -- to be held July 7-8-9. Entry deadline is June 30. Call 330-864-0020.

Remembering: The passing of John Wooden reminds us that the former UCLA coaching great was also a pretty good golfer in his day. In fact, in 1947 he had a hole-in-one and a double eagle in the same round at South Bend Country Club.

Heading west: The sixth annual Ohio Women's Open will be held at Kettenring Country Club in Defiance, June 21-22, with a projected purse of $25,000. Women do not need to be residents of Ohio and the event is open to all female golfers whose maximum index does not exceed 14.0. Entry fee is $200 for professionals and $150 for amateurs. Registration is open until June 12. Go to ohiowomensopen.com.

On to the Open: Stow's Ben Curtis is the only local player to qualify for the U.S. Open. The former British Open champ was one of 15 players to make it out of the 36-hole sectional at two courses in Columbus.

Some notables who failed to advance to Pebble Beach out of Columbus included Rocco Mediate, Justin Rose, Tim Petrovic, Bubba Watson, Bobby Clampett, Woody Austin, John Cook and Robert Gamez. Mediate has a chance for a reprieve, as he is the first alternate losing a six-man playoff for the final spot.

Hudson's John Hahn, who chose to attempt to qualify at the sectional played in Springfield, also missed the cut by four shots.

Touted prospect Alex White looks sharp for Aeros, as Chisenhall delivers walk-off homer.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerIt was a good night for Tribe prospect Michael Brantley, who had five hits in the Clippers' loss to Rochester.AAA Columbus Clippers

Red Wings 7, Clippers 5: Columbus CF Michael Brantley (.310) singled in each of his five at-bats and drove in two runs, and catcher Carlos Santana (.314) slugged his 12th home run, a solo clout, but the host Clippers fell to 36-24. LHP Aaron Laffey (0-1, 4.66), pitching on three days rest, made his second Clippers start since being sent to Columbus by the Indians. He went five innings and got no decision, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts. LHP Jeremy Sowers (1-3, 5.01) took the loss, yielding two runs in two innings of relief.

Notes: Going into Tuesday night's game, catcher Carlos Santana ranked first in the International League in on-base percentage (.453) and walks (44), fourth in RBI (46) and slugging percentage (.574), tied for fourth in home runs (11) and fifth in batting average (.317). ... RH reliever Jess Todd was pitching well after a slow start to his season, lowering his ERA to 3.08 in 261/3 innings. He was 2-2 with four saves.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 4, Fisher Cats 3: 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (.286) slugged a two-run, walk-off home run, giving the Aeros (28-30) their eighth straight win. Chisenhall's clout followed 2B Cord Phelps' (.296) third hit, a leadoff single. Aeros RHP Alex White, the Indians' first pick in last June's draft, held New Hampshire to one hit in six innings but allowed three runs, none earned. White (2-1, 1.40) got a no-decision, as he struck out two and walked five. RH reliever Omar Aguilar pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and RH reliever Chen Lee (3-3, 5.01) got the win by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

Notes: Going into Tuesday night's game, Chisenhall (.280) was 11-for-29 (.379) in his past eight games, with one double, one triple, two homers, 10 RBI and 10 runs. ... RHP Paolo Espino (6-2, 3.28) was 5-1 with a 2.62 ERA in his past seven games (five starts). In 34.1 innings, he had allowed 23 hits and eight walks while striking out 29.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Blue Rocks 2, Indians 1: The Indians' (29-30) losing streak reached six games despite RH starter Marty Popham pitching seven shutout innings against host Wilmington and 2B Jason Kipnis (.303) drilling three doubles and driving in the lone Kinston run. Popham (0-1, 3.74) did not get a decision, striking out five and allowing six hits.

Notes: Going into Tuesday night's game, LH reliever Chris Jones was 1-0 with a 0.42 ERA in eight games spanning 21 innings, allowing 13 hits and seven walks while fanning 15. Including seven games with Lake County, Jones was 3-2 with two saves and a 1.65 ERA in 43 innings. He had given up 29 hits, walked nine and struck out 35.

A Lake County Captains

Captains 8, LumberKings 2: SS Casey Frawley (.268) drove in five runs with a single, double and sacrifice fly to help the Captains (39-190 win in Clinton. 2B Kyle Smith (.298) singled three times and tripled and 3B Jeremie Tice slugged his seventh homer, giving him the Midwest League RBI lead with 40. LH starter Matt Packer (4-3, 2.37) got the win, going 5 1/3 innings and allowing two runs (one earned). RH relievers Tyler Sturdevant (1.04) and Jose Flores (2.08) finished: Sturdevant pitching 2.2 perfect innings with four strikeouts; Flores striking out the side in the ninth inning.

Notes: Going into Tuesday night's game, catcher/DH Chun Chen was 43-for-102 (.422) since May 1, with 15 doubles, three triples and three home runs. Overall, Chen ranked second in the Midwest League in slugging percentage (.586) and was tied for second in doubles (18).

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 4, Rascals 2: RH starter Travis Risser (1-2, 3.68) got the win for the Crushers (6-8) in River City, as he held the Rascals to two runs (one earned) in 6 2/3 innings. RH reliever Alberto Rolon earned his fourth save, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts. SS Jodam Rivera lifted his team-leading batting average to .354 with three singles.

Notes: Going into Tuesday night's game, SS Jodam Rivera led the Crushers with a .326 batting average, and 3B Andrew Davis was first with three homers and 12 RBI. ... RHP Josh Roberts was 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA in 19 innings over three starts. He had struck out 14 while allowing 15 hits and four walks.

One of the NBA's most reliable outside scorers took 13 shots from the field on Tuesday night and missed every one. The worst playoff shooting performance by any player in at least 18 years followed Allen's finals-record eight 3-pointers on Sunday night.

AP photoAfter Ray Allen's record-breaking shooting performance in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, he couldn't buy a bucket in Game 3. Allen finished with only 2 points on 0-13 shooting from the field.

One of the NBA's most reliable outside scorers took 13 shots from the field on Tuesday night and missed every one. The worst playoff shooting performance by any player in at least 18 years followed Allen's finals-record eight 3-pointers on Sunday night.

Not coincidentally, Allen's misfiring helped the Los Angeles Lakers win 91-84 and take a 2-1 lead in the NBA finals over the Boston Celtics.

"That's why you always have to be humble," Allen said, his low-key demeanor not much different than it is after his good performances. "The game doesn't owe anything to anybody. You've got to work offensively. Every game, every day you have to go out and find your rhythm and make your shots."

On Sunday in Los Angeles, Allen made his first seven 3-point attempts, hit one more, and scored 32 points, 27 in the first half as Boston won 103-94.

On Tuesday, working hard to stay with Kobe Bryant on defense, he was 0 for 8 from beyond the arc with many shots falling short, perhaps because of leg fatigue.

"I know the game's on TV. Everybody's watching," teammate Paul Pierce said, "but there's no script to it. Because you do one thing in one game, it doesn't mean it's going to happen the next."

No one thinks it will in Game 4 on Thursday night in Boston.

"We won't see 0 for 13 on Thursday night, that's for sure," said Los Angeles' Derek Fisher, who shut down Allen two days after being victimized by him.

"Ray is one of our go-to guys," Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo said. "So we're never going to lose confidence and stop going to him even if he's 0 for 20. He usually comes through in the clutch."

Allen had that chance Tuesday, but the result was the same as it was on each of his other shots.

His last attempt came with 57 seconds to play and Los Angeles leading 84-80. Holding the ball in the left corner behind the 3-point line, he launched a high shot. He watched as it headed toward the basket. He saw it clang off the rim.

The Lakers got the ball and moments later Fisher made a layup for an 86-80 lead.

If there was one consolation for Allen (and there probably wasn't) he fell short of setting another record. Two players were 0 for 14 in finals games — Chick Reiser for Baltimore at Philadelphia in 1948 and Dennis Johnson for Seattle against Washington in 1978.

Allen did hit two free throws.

Before Tuesday, Allen's poorest shooting game in regular or postseason play was 0 for 9 against Memphis on Jan. 4, 2008. And since 1991-92, no player has ever done worse than 0 for 10 in a playoff game. New York's Patrick Ewing did that on May 28, 1994, against Indiana and Philadelphia's Charles Barkley matched that on May 13, 1995, against Houston.

Pierce was better than Allen on Tuesday night, but not by a whole lot. It didn't help that he picked up his fifth foul with 11:21 remaining.

"I'm getting some great looks," Pierce said. "I've just go to keep shooting, that's all."

He made only two of his first nine shots and was 4 for 11 before making a meaningless layup for the last basket of the game with 5.1 seconds remaining. On Sunday, Pierce was even worse, scoring 10 points while missing nine of 11 shots.

The cold shooting of Allen and Pierce overshadowed a major reversal by Kevin Garnett from Game 2, a positive one. Garnett scored the first six points of the game, matching his total for all of Sunday night, and finished with 25.

"I haven't had the type of games that I would like," he said. "Tonight was just a rhythm night for me. It flowed."

He missed only five shots all night.

Allen missed five in the first 10 minutes.

"Every shot I took I felt like it was a good shot. For me, I always think it's going to go in," Allen said. "It was frustrating. We were like one, two points back, just a play here or there could have made the difference."

Just a basket or two by Allen might have been that difference.

"I thought all of his shots looked flat," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "Of the 13, I think eight of them were great looks and all of them were short, all of them were flat.

"It happens to the best of us."

Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert says that he and the organization, not LeBron James, are making the decisions when it comes to trades, hiring, firing and free agent signings. Brian Windhorst writes in The Plain Dealer that sources close to James and sources within the organization also say this is true. But do you believe Gilbert?   How much...

Marvin Fong / The Plain DealerDan Gilbert

Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert says that he and the organization, not LeBron James, are making the decisions when it comes to trades, hiring, firing and free agent signings.

Brian Windhorst writes in The Plain Dealer that sources close to James and sources within the organization also say this is true. But do you believe Gilbert?

The Indians are next in line to face Washington rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg, who fanned 14 Pirates in his Major League debut on Tuesday.

Chuck Myers,
MCTA year ago, Stephen Strasburg was dreaming of a career in pro baseball. Tuesday, he struck out 14 Pirates in his debut for the Washington Nationals. Next in his sights: The Indians. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

The Washington Nationals phenom fanned 14 Bucs in his debut in the nation's capital Tuesday night. Which, to put it into perspective, shouldn't be that hard to do, considering Pittsburgh has a Major League-low .236 team batting average.

Still, it was an impressive debut. Only one pitcher in baseball history, the Astros' intimidating 6-foot-8 J.R. Richard, had more in his first start: 15. A pregame stroke that nearly killed him in 1980 derailed Richard's career when he was only 30. The great Joe Morgan once said he got "goosebumps to think of what he could have become."

Strasburg's next scheduled start is at 1:05 p.m. Sunday ... in Progressive Field against the Indians, according to the Washington Post. Now, not to kick a dead horse -- or at least one that's really, REALLY sick -- the Tribe is only hitting eight points higher than the Senators.

So the question is, how many Indians will be sent back to the bench shaking their heads after becoming Ks in the budding Strasburg legacy?

"This is a very disturbing move. Grudzielanek was the team's best contact hitter. I don't care that all of his hits were singles. It's the fact that he was making contact and had a decent batting average that was important." - MyTribe

View full sizeBen Margot | Associated PressMark Grudzielanek hit .273 for the Indians this season.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians drop Mark Grudzielanek; Anderson Hernandez promoted from Columbus, cleveland.com reader MyTribe doesn't like the Tribe's decision to designate Grudzielanek for assignment. This reader writes,

"This is a very disturbing move. Grudzielanek was the team's best contact hitter. I don't care that all of his hits were singles. It's the fact that he was making contact and had a decent batting average that was important."

"I love Tom Izzo, but this feels like the wrong move. Just not the right time to bring in a guy who will be learning the ins and outs of the NBA." - thespyder

View full sizeAPTom Izzo continues to be the topic of discussion for Cavs fans.

In response to the story Some mixed messages spoiled the show for Cavaliers' Grant, Gilbert: Terry Pluto's scribbles, cleveland.com reader thespyder doesn't think this is the right time to bring in a coach like Tom Izzo. This reader writes,

"I love Tom Izzo, but this feels like the wrong move. Just not the right time to bring in a guy who will be learning the ins and outs of the NBA."

Cavs superfan Brandon George videotapes one more of his 23 challenges aimed at inducing LeBron James to re-sign with Cleveland.

View full sizeAP FileCavs fan Brandon George is hoping that imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, as he's trying to entice LeBron James to remain a Cavalier by performing the talc-toss made famous by James.

George, an advertising student whose dream is to work for the Cavs (can you say cyber/video resume?) has vowed to complete 23 challenges before James becomes a free agent on July 1, all in the hopes of convincing the star to stay home and re-sign with Cleveland. He makes a video of each completed challenge and posts them on the site.

George's latest antic: performing James' celebrated powder toss at 23 different locations throughout Cleveland.

Will it work? Who knows? But if you're a Cavs and/or LeBron fan, it can't hurt.

Plain Dealer sports writer Dennis Manoloff joins SBTV to look back at Stephen Strasburg's debut performance on the hill for the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, and ahead at his scheduled start against the Tribe in Cleveland on Sunday.

View full sizeDave Myers,
MCTStephen Strasburg sliced through the Pirates in his Major League debut Tuesday night. Next up: a Sunday start at Progressive Field against the Indians.

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports.

On today's show, hosts Bill Lubinger and Chuck Yarborough:

• Discuss the stellar Major League debut Tuesday night of Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who struck out 14 batters in seven innings of a 5-2 win over Pittsburgh. Strasburg is slated to make his first road start Sunday against the Indians at Progressive Field. How many Indians will he strike out? Take the poll now posted on the Starting Blocks blog.

• Talk with Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff about Strasburg's debut. Manoloff says Strasburg's performance in his first outing -- 14 strikeouts, four hits, two earned runs and no walks -- is an "amazing accomplishment." Manoloff also talks about the hype and pressure surrounding Strasburg, last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, and the Indians drafting a local player Tuesday -- St. Edward catcher Alex Lavisky -- in the eighth round.

SBTV will return Thursday with Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw. Have a question for Shaw? Post it in the comments below, and we'll ask the best ones during Thursday's show.