Who's the next to go as Indians continue to shuffle their pitching staff? The answer still isn't clear.

UPDATED: 10:14 p.m.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerJoe Smith has rejoined the Indians' bullpen, but the team will still need to make a move to add a starting pitcher this week.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Joe Smith is here for the bullpen and manager Manny Acta said left-hander Aaron Laffey will start Friday's game -- replacing the demoted David Huff.

Now for the intriguing part. Who gets sent down when Laffey is added to the roster Friday to face Cincinnati at Great American Ballpark? It's not like there's a shortage of choices.

Smith, who arrived Tuesday morning from Rochester, N.Y., where Class AAA Columbus was playing, could be sent back down.

Jensen Lewis with 13 strikeouts and 13 walks in 19 2/3 innings, is a candidate. So is struggling Tony Sipp with a 7.04 ERA and six homers allowed in 23 innings. Smith, Lewis and Sipp all have options.

Rafael Perez has done little to distinguish himself, but he's out of options. The opposition is hitting .358 against him. Hector Ambriz hasn't been overly productive, but as a Rule 5 pick, he'd have to be offered back to Arizona.

When Acta told reporters that he'd announce the starter after Tuesday's game, he added, "but we're not going to give you the whole move."

Hard to blame him. It's far from a snap judgment.

New man? Smith put up impressive numbers at Columbus. He went 2-1 with two saves in three opportunities. He had a 1.96 ERA and allowed one earned run in his last 12 appearances.

Keith Srakocic / Associated PressCharlie Manuel would have loved to have Indians coach Sandy Alomar Jr. on his Philadelphia staff.

INDIANS CHATTER
Clubhouse confidential: If Phillies manager Charlie Manuel had his way, Sandy Alomar Jr. would be wearing a Philadelphia uniform instead of an Indians jersey.
“I tried to get Sandy over here as a player, but he didn’t pass his physical because of his knee,” said Manuel. “Then he signed with the White Sox.
“I wanted him as a coach as well, but he always seemed to be tied up.”
Alomar, who played for Manuel in Cleveland in 2000, is the Indians’ first-base and catching coach.

No way: In Sunday’s 5-3 loss to Pittsburgh, Austin Kearns was at third base with no outs and the score tied, 3-3, in the eighth. Jhonny Peralta sent a fly ball to center field, but Kearns didn’t try to score. Anderson Hernandez followed with a grounder to second that Neil Walker grabbed and ran all the way to first to make the out.
Kearns again stayed at third. He stayed there until the end of the inning.
“I don’t think I could have scored on either ball,” said Kearns. “I didn’t think I should try and score [on the fly ball] because you don’t want to make the first out at the plate. I know the catcher caught it in front of the plate, but if I was coming, I think he would have stayed back and let it bounce to him.
“The second play looked strange because the second baseman made the out at first, but I’m just not fast enough to score on that play.”

Stat of the day: The Indians outscored the opposition, 62-54, in their last 11 games entering Tuesday night. They’re 5-6 in those games.
— Paul Hoynes

"When I got down there [catcher] Chris Gimenez asked me why I wasn't throwing inside anymore to right-handed hitters," said Smith. "Somehow I'd just fallen away from that. I guess it took me going down there to figure it out. So it was worth the trip."

Philadelphia story: Charlie Manuel is alive and well. He's in his sixth season as the Phillies manager.

"Charlie has his own radio show and his own TV show," said GM Ruben Amaro. "He's like the mayor around here."

Here is Manuel's take on three of the four players the Indians received from the Phillies for Cliff Lee last season.

• Right-hander Carlos Carrasco: "He's got good stuff. He's young. He's a prospect, but he has to be consistent. That's the whole ball of wax for a pitcher."

• Infielder Jason Donald: "I like Donald. He's an overachiever. He puts me in mind of Craig Biggio."

• Catcher Lou Marson: "The power is in there. He's just got to get it out. I used to talk to him about that. I'd tell him to work to get ahead in the count and then look for a pitch out front to drive.

"He hit around .300 in Class AA one year and didn't strike out much. He improved his hitting, but he was hitting the ball inside out. It wasn't like you wanted him to hit."

Right-hander Jason Knapp was the other player the Indians received in the deal. He was on the disabled list when the Indians acquired him and then he underwent shoulder surgery. Knapp is scheduled to start facing hitters for the first time since the operation in the next week or so.

"The kid is a monster," said Amaro. "I'm sorry he needed surgery, but I didn't want to give him up. He was the last guy in the deal."

Tough luck: Ruben Niebla, a coaching assistant with the Indians, is expected to miss considerable time after injuring his right knee before Sunday's game while shagging fly balls in the outfield. Niebla returned to Cleveland on Sunday to undergo an MRI and other tests.

"Eventually we'll probably call someone up to throw batting practice," said Acta. "Ruben is a big part of our operations as far as assisting the pitching coach and bullpen coach."

Finally: When asked about his pitchers problems fielding bunts, Acta said, "We're going through a rough stretch right now. There's a couple of guys who need work and they're getting it."

Justin Masterson and Rafael Perez made errors in Sunday's 5-3 loss to Pittsburgh.

Like many events nationwide, the newly renamed Cleveland Junior Open has hit a rocky financial road and its future beyond next week is uncertain.

Kent State photoKent State's John Hahn led local qualifying for next month's U.S. Public Links tournament in Greensboro, N.C.

• Hole of the week
• Hey, T.R.!
• On The Green
• Bud Shaw's tips video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's the same American Junior Golf Association event, played at the same venue, but with a new name.

The Cleveland Junior Open, formerly known as the SAP Junior Open, will take place next week at Red Tail Golf Club in Avon. Like many events nationwide, the Red Tail event has hit a rocky financial road and its future beyond next week is uncertain.

The biggest hurdle is landing a title sponsor, which can cost $35,000 per year for three years. SAP withdrew after last year's event.

"I don't want to say we are in jeopardy, but it's all reliant upon landing a title sponsor," said tournament founder and chairman Tom Kmiecik. "And that can be difficult, especially in these tough economic times."

Kmiecik vowed not to give up on trying to lure a new sponsor.

"We'll just have to dig deeper, that's all," he said.

Medical Mutual of Ohio and Wal-Mart have signed on as tournament partners, but their input is well short of the cost of being a title sponsor.

The 54-hole event for boys and girls between the ages of 12-18, will run Tuesday through Thursday. It will have a field of 120 (90 boys and 30 girls) from 15 states and six countries. The field will be cut after 36 holes. Defending champions Patrick Rodgers (Avon, Ind.) and Emma Talley (Princeton, Ky.) will not defend their titles.

Taking over: Dante D'Andrea has been promoted to golf operations coordinator at municipally-owned Good Park Golf Course in Akron following the death of Dave Barnes last month. It has been a difficult transition for D'Andrea, 37, who has been employed by the city for the last eight years as an assistant at Mud Run. D'Andrea, a 1991 graduate of St. Vincent-St. Mary, was a pallbearer at Barnes' funeral.

"I saw Dave practically every day for the last eight years," said D'Andrea, who also will oversee the operations at Mud Run. "He was one of the best men I've ever known and a close friend. I never, ever dreamed that I would be in this position under these circumstances."

Warren Lynum Jr., who had been an assistant at Good Park, moves over to Mud Run.

Not missing Links: Kent State's John Hahn, building on a superb season, and reigning NAIA national champion Justin Lower of Malone College were the top two scorers in the USGA's Amateur Public Links qualifying tournament Monday at Pine Hills in Hinckley. Both men advance to the national tournament at Bryan Park Golf and Conference Center in Greensboro, N.C., July 12-17.

Hahn, who finished sixth in the NCAA nationals last month, was medallist with rounds of 69-68 for a 7-under 137. Lower, who won his national title last month at the TPC Deere Run course in Silvis, Ill., was two shots back. The winner of the tournament earns an invitation to next year's Masters.

Good showing: The Northern Ohio PGA will be well represented next week at the PGA Professional National Championship (previously known as the Club Pro Championship) at the French Lick (Ind.) Resort and Casino. Nine players from the section will compete, led by Westwood's Todd Lancaster, who tied for eighth last year and is exempt. Other qualifiers are Rob Moss (Pepper Pike), 2009 NOPGA player of the year Jaysen Hansen (Inverness), David Engram (Barrington), Steve Parker (Firestone), Mitch Flemming (GolfTec), Dennis Miller (Mill Creek), Ron DeJacimo (Alliance) and Jon Jones (Youngstown Country Club).

Moving on: Shaker Heights' Andrew Bieber and Medina's Austin Schreiber will play in the USGA's Junior Amateur after posting the top two scores in the sectional qualifier on Monday at The Country Club. Bieber, a sophomore at Gilmour Academy, was the medallist (73-77 for an 8-over 150). Schreiber was second at 75-77. They advance to Junior Amateur at Egypt Valley Country Club, in Ada, Mich., July 18-24.

A worthy play: Emerald Woods' 45 holes in Columbia Station will host "A day to play for Charity" on July 3 to help various charities throughout the area. Highlighted will be a Battle of the Bars -- a four-man scramble sponsored by area watering holes -- and a putting contest. All entry fees will be donated to a charity chosen by the winning team. A round of golf will be $5 on the nine-hole course, with every greens fee donated to Father Bob Sanson's Children of El Salvador charity.

Participants also can save $5 on a nine or 18-hole greens fee on any of the other courses when donating two non-perishable food items to the West Side Catholic Center. Fees from the putting contest will benefit the USO of Northern Ohio. Call 440-236-8940.

South Korea reached the second round of the World Cup by holding Nigeria to a 2-2 draw Tuesday in their final group game.

South Korea's Park Chu-young, right, tries to score a goal as Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, left, prepares to punch it away during the World Cup group B soccer match between Nigeria and South Korea at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Tuesday, June 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Look out, world. Even playing mostly backups Argentina looks good. Martin Demichelis and Martin Palermo scored second-half goals Tuesday as Argentina beat Greece 2-0 at the World Cup to win Group B.

Argentina's Lionel Messi, right, and Greece's Sokratis Papastathopoulos challenge for the ball during the World Cup group B soccer match between Greece and Argentina at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, Tuesday, June 22, 2010. Argentina won 2-0. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

As Terry Pluto noted in a column in today's Plain Dealer, Cleveland is a city of survivors. Nobody wants LeBron James to leave, but if he does, we will move forward. The question is, what to do with those days and nights we might have spent watching him at The Q.

View full sizeAmy Sancetta,
Associated PressWorkers clean the giant banner of LeBron James on the building opposite The Q.

But these are not normal times. LeBron James could easily be headed elsewhere. Only he knows for sure, and he's not talking. So rather than be held hostage, it might be time to think about what we're going to do as a city if the King decides to move his court.

In today's paper, columnist Terry Pluto notes that Cleveland has survived all kinds of adversity, up to and including the abrupt departure of the Browns and their three-year absence. A city that despite World Series and NBA playoff appearances still  found things to do to fill the void.

So that's today's question: If LeBron James leaves, how will you fill the time? We don't claim to have all the answers, so please, DO use the comment space to add your suggestions.

"Cliff Lee would possibly have added a couple wins to the Tribe this year. That would put them in...last place. Would he have won the game last night where Talbot only gave up 2 runs? Probably not. Yet he'd be here, ready to become a free agent and get a $120 - $150 million contract from New York or Boston, and the Tribe would get nothing. You can beat your head against the wall and complain about the Dolans and Shapiro all you want; until they get a salary cap in MLB, there is no other choice. Those are the facts and complaining doesn't change them." - sadsamjones

View full sizeThe Plain DealerCliff Lee has become a symbol for fans of the Indians' struggles to keep top-tier free agents - or maximize their trade value.

In response to the story Joe Smith returns to bullpen, Tribe will promote Laffey: Indians Insider, cleveland.com reader sadsamjones knows the Indians had to trade Cliff Lee before he hit free agency. This reader writes,

"Cliff Lee would possibly have added a couple wins to the Tribe this year. That would put them in...last place. Would he have won the game last night where Talbot only gave up 2 runs? Probably not. Yet he'd be here ready to become a free agent and get a $120-$150 million contract from New York or Boston and the Tribe would get nothing. You can beat your head against the wall and complain about the Dolans and Shapiro all you want; until they get a salary cap in MLB, there is no other choice. Those are the facts and complaining doesn't change them."

ESPN.com reports the New Orleans point guard's priority is to play for a winner. Report says executives around the NBA think cash-strapped Hornets owner George Shinn may have to deal Paul's rich contract. Paul and LeBron James are close friends.

Douglas C. PizacSpeculation continues that star New Orleans point guard Chris Paul could be traded.

 Apparently, speculation about the possibility of New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul being available in trade has some legitimacy. This morning, Chris Broussard of ESPN.com reports that Paul, considered by many as the NBA's best point guard, is open to being traded if the Hornets aren't intent on becoming a contender.

Broussard writes, quoting Paul:

"My first choice is to be in New Orleans,'' Paul said in a telephone interview from London. "I just want to make sure we're committed to winning. If we're not committed to winning and trying to get better so we can contend with the Lakers, the Celtics and all these other top teams, then I'm open to being traded.''

Reports that clubs have been making offers for Paul surfaced earlier this week. Hornets general manager Jeff Bower denied that the club was shopping its three-time All-Star point guard, but admitted to having dialogue with other teams concerning "all of our players.''

The Plain Dealer's Mary Schmitt Boyer reports on some speculation about Chris Paul in "The LeBron rumor mill" and Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst writes about the possibility of the Cavaliers acquiring a pick in Thursday night's draft.

The NBA draft is on Thursday night. Trades are often made on the day before or the day of the draft. Broussard writes about why New Orleans might be willing to trade Paul:

But around the league, speculation remains that the Hornets may move Paul. With owner George Shinn's proposed sale to Gary Chouest being delayed for financial reasons, opposing executives believe New Orleans may have to trade Paul and the $50 million owed to him over the next three seasons.

"If George Shinn can't sell the team, I think Chris Paul will be traded," an executive from an Eastern Conference team said. "Shinn's strapped for money. He's going to have to move him."

Broussard mentions a scenario that would be difficult -- because of the salary cap and other considerations -- though not impossible, to unfold; a scenario that could impact the Cavaliers and their potential free agent, NBA two-time MVP LeBron James.

Broussard writes: 

While Paul did not say anything about playing with James, it's well-known that the two are close friends who would love to be on the same team. If a club with significant cap room, such as New Jersey, landed Paul, its chances of getting James would certainly increase.

"If he leaves, it will be worse than losing to Boston, Orlando, Detroit and San Antonio. What would really get me is seeing LeBron in another uniform and hearing the smugness of some other team's fans cheering him on. LeBron leaving means that I can't watch him play basketball anymore. Not won't - can't. Because it would make me sick." - Z-Fence

View full sizeJeffrey Phelps, APSeeing LeBron James in anything but a Cavaliers uniform next season would make him unwatchable to some fans.

In response to the story LeBron James matters to Northeast Ohio, but essential to life? Hardly: Terry Pluto, cleveland.com reader Z-Fence wouldn't be able to watch LeBron in another uniform. This reader writes,

"If he leaves, it will be worse than losing to Boston, Orlando, Detroit and San Antonio. What would really get me is seeing LeBron in another uniform and hearing the smugness of some other team's fans cheering him on. LeBron leaving means that I can't watch him play basketball anymore. Not won't - can't. Because it would make me sick."

The L.A. Lakers' series-clinching win over the Boston Celtics was seen by 28.2 million viewers last week, making it the most-watched NBA game since Michael Jordan won his sixth and final championship in 1998.

APLos Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant react as the ball bounces away for the final second of Game 7 of the NBA basketball finals against the Boston Celtics Thursday, June 17, 2010, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 83-79.

By David Bauder, AP Television Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The L.A. Lakers' series-clinching win over the Boston Celtics was seen by 28.2 million viewers last week, making it the most-watched NBA game since Michael Jordan won his sixth and final championship in 1998. The Nielsen Co. said Thursday's game on ABC was the most-watched event during television's summer season since the first "Survivor" finale in 2000, with the exception of the Olympics. During the game's deciding moments in the fourth quarter, viewership peaked at 36.5 million — even though it was after 11:30 p.m. on the East Coast.

It continues a trend of big events in sports and entertainment getting big ratings, attributed in part to the rapid acceptance of high-definition television. This year's Super Bowl ranks as the most most-watched program in U.S. television history.

As a whole, the seven-game championship series between the NBA's two most successful franchises had better ratings than any NBA finals since the Lakers took on the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001.

Meanwhile, HBO's "True Blood" was seen by 4.3 million viewers for its second episode of the season on Sunday, Nielsen said. The season debut, seen by the 5.1 million the week before, led HBO to place an order for another season that will air next summer.

For the week, ABC averaged 7.5 million viewers (4.6 rating, 8 share). CBS was second with a 6.4 million viewer average (4.1, 8), followed by NBC's 5.9 million (3.7, 7), Fox's 4.6 million (2.8, 5), ION Television's 1.2 million (0.8, 2) and the CW's 920,000 (0.6, 1).

Among the Spanish-language networks, Univision led with a prime-time average of 3.3 million (1.7 rating, 3 share). Telemundo had 1 million (0.5, 1), TeleFutura had 810,000 (0.4, 1), Azteca had 180,000 and Estrella had 170,000 (both 0.1, 0).

NBC's "Nightly News" topped the evening newscasts with an average of 7.6 million viewers (5.1, 11). ABC's "World News" was second with 6.7 million (4.6, 10) and the "CBS Evening News" had 5.2 million viewers (3.6, 8).

A ratings point represents 1,149,000 households, or 1 percent of the nation's estimated 114.9 million TV homes. The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given show.

For the week of June 14-20, the top 10 shows, their networks and viewerships: NBA Finals: Boston vs. L.A. Lakers, Game 7, ABC, 28.2 million; NBA Finals: Boston vs. L.A. Lakers, Game 6, ABC, 17.96 million; "America's Got Talent" (Wednesday), NBC, 11.65 million; "America's Got Talent" (Tuesday), NBC, 10.55 million; "NCIS," CBS, 9.64 million; "Two and a Half Men," CBS, 9.21 million; "NCIS: Los Angeles," CBS, 9.11 million; "The Big Bang Theory," CBS, 8.88 million; "The Bachelorette," ABC, 8.41 million; "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 8.33 million.

It's all Cavaliers talk today as Cleveland sports bloggers talk about tomorrow night's draft, the influence (or lack thereof) of Worldwide Wes and the lack of youth on the Cavaliers' roster.

View full sizeJason DeCrow | APThe Cavaliers used their first round pick last season on overseas project Christian Eyenga.

Cavs HQ: "Too bad that decision is coming a year after Danny Ferry passed on a number of good second round picks like DeJuan Blair, Chase Budinger, Sam Young and Jonas Jerebko to draft Christian Eyenga, who is not close to coming to the NBA from Europe. While there is always a chance that Eyenga will become a serviceable NBA player, the decision to draft Eyenga never made any sense to me. Last season was a go-for-broke season for the Cavaliers, and Ferry decided to use his draft pick to save money and keep roster spots open for guys like Jawad Williams and Darnell Jackson. Those two notions seem incongruous." » Read more

WaitingForNextYear: "The Cavaliers have been on a championship or bust run since '07. They have traded away nearly every asset available in order to win that elusive title. ... The only young, promising player on the roster is J.J. Hickson. ... I think [Danny Green] could be a role player down the road, and you need those players on a roster too. The point remains the more talented players on this team are certainly not getting any younger." » Read more

Cleveland Frowns: "First leaked reports of LeBron and John Calipari as a package deal, now meaningless chatter that a team improves its chances of signing LeBron if it signs Chris Paul. One wonders if Wes thinks that if he throws enough backchannel whispers against the wall that one might stick. But with each one that doesn't, Wes comes off as increasingly less credible and, of course, increasingly less mysterious. Again, access and influence are two entirely different things." » Read more

LeBrowns Town: "So I suppose my aforementioned premise is the only real takeaway from this column: Trade Mo and don't worry about what comes back in return! Anything in return beats hanging onto Mo and his three remaining years and $26 million paycheck. Sorry Mo and sorry Cavs fans. ... His playoff nightmares the last two seasons have just left a taste in my mouth so sour that logic is being thrown (partly) out the window." » Read more

Also, PD columnist has ideas on how the World Cup can be better.

Plain Dealer file photoLeBron James walking through the crowd at the recent Sprite Slamfest, which he helped judge.

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports. Today's show is hosted by Chuck Yarborough and birthday boy Bill Lubinger. Today's highlights:

• Terry Pluto had a column today about how he would love LeBron James to stay with the Cavs, but if he doesn't, life in Northeast Ohio will go on. Today's SBTV guest, Bill Livingston, says that he'd still want to go to The Q to see the NBA's top talent when it comes to town. What will you do if LeBron leaves town? Cast your vote in the poll now posted on the Starting Blocks blog.

• Livingston talks about the Chris Paul trade rumors that are heating up, and Lubinger asks him about how much Julius Erving benefited from the guard play of Andrew Toney and Moe Cheeks during their 1983 title run. Livingston covered that Sixers team when he was a columnist in Philadelphia.

• Also, Livingston has ideas on how the World Cup can be better, which is the focus of his column on cleveland.com today and in tomorrow's Plain Dealer. Livy thinks the officiating has plenty of room for improvement.

SBTV will return Thursday with Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto as the guest. Have a question you'd like to ask Terry about the Cavs, Browns or Tribe? Post it in the comments below and we'll pick the best ones for Thursday's show.

Like soccer? Want to improve it? Read on.

Elise Amendola, Associated PressThe USA's Clint Dempsey (left) argues with referee Koman Coulibaly of Mali (second from right) during the 2-2 tie between the USA and Slovenia in a World Cup match last Friday.

• Clearly, the field is so huge, with the play swinging from end to end so swiftly, that one referee cannot see everything. The Europa League is considering as an experiment an official behind each goal, acting as a goal judge in all but name. This should be used at the World Cup, too.

Qualifications for referees must also, obviously, be more stringent.

The referee from Mali who blew the call on the American goal that should have won the Slovenia game was unqualified for the world stage he was on. He had several mistakes on his record. His appointment to the game was done for political motives. This happens far too often. 

•  Because referees are human, mistakes happen. Instant replay review, but only on goals, should be available one time per game for each coach on a challenge.

Purists say replay review interrupts soccer's flow, corrupts its spirit, and adds the burden of technology to a spare game. They say soccer's beauty is that it can be played as deftly in developing nations as in modern, post-industrial ones. They might think review stunts it growth too.

Two reviews per game, maximum, are not an affront to the flow, though. So much celebrating goes on after goals that play would not be hindered that seriously.

Replay review is not perfect. But if viewers can see goals from four or five angles in games from Argentina, why not use such a tool at the highest level of the sport?

By the way, the infamous "Hand of God'' goal by Argentina against England in the 1986 World Cup never happens with replay review.

But the same people who convinced "Blind Bud" Selig not to overturn the umpiring error on the last play of a perfect game this season will argue that life is imperfect, so why should sports not be? This Luddite impulse to enshrine error is hard to grasp.

•  Restore the Golden Goal.

What, the players haven't proven their endurance by playing for 90 minutes and running up to four miles each?

First goal by any means in the 30 minutes of OT ends it. End the game with a bang, not a whimper.

•  No more ties in the round-robin stage.

Overtime and then penalty kicks (PK's) decide games in the knockout round. That should hold for the first round, too.

The opening games of the World Cup are often tedious, conservatively-played exercises in risk aversion. Teams want to ease into the competition, get the single point from a tie if nothing better turns up, see how the other half of their draw shakes out,and then begin chasing points in earnest in the second game.

There is no easing in if the game is played to a win-or-lose decision, though. The stronger side would play more aggressively, because of their reluctance to go to the PK's crapshoot.

At the same time, this would expose the more dominant team to more counter-attacks. Teams get three points for winning in regulation or OT, one for winning on penalties.

• Change the offside rule on an experimental basis at the club level.

Few people understand the rule. It is extremely hard to officiate without a superhuman field of vision.

Make it read: Any pass in the offensive end is not offside.

If that is too radical -- and I believe that was several ESPN announcers with British accents who just went pitching to the floor -- then make it for the one-third of the field around the goal. This would require a new line on the field, however, and probably lead to the announcers being removed on stretchers.

The fear is that players will "snowbird," to borrow a basketball term, and hang back in the area near the opposing goal. But the new definition would prevent goalkeepers from trying to connect with them on long kicks. That would be offside.

It's only an experimental change, anyway.

• Absolutely, positively no vuvuzelas permitted.

Art Modell, the man who broke Cleveland's heart by moving their beloved Browns to Baltimore, turns 85 today, wondering if the Hall of Fame ever will come calling.

View full sizeMichael Evans,
The Plain DealerBrowns owner Art Modell, left, posing with quarterback Frank Ryan in 1967, turns 85 today.

Art Modell. Now, wait. Before you go all "Network" on us and throw the computer out the window, take a deep breath and find your center. Got it? OK, good.

The man who broke a city's heart turns 85 today. He's had two strokes, two heart attacks and is confined to a wheelchair. To some Browns fans, the man who absconded with their team deserves such a fate. But to Kevin Cowherd, writing for the Baltimore Sun, the vitriol and hatred that have kept him out of the Hall of Fame is an unjust punishment for a man who did so much for the National Football League:

Sometimes, you forget what a giant Modell was in the league's early years.

Look at all he did. He headed the owners' labor committee that negotiated the league's first collective bargaining agreement with the players.

He played an instrumental role in the merger of the NFL and AFL by agreeing to move the Browns to the AFC. He helped broker the contract for ABC's "Monday Night Football." And he spearheaded the first TV deals between the league and the networks that made the NFL's popularity skyrocket.

"There wasn't anything innovative or new to the game that he wasn't a part of," said Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens' general manager and executive vice president.

Said Modell: "Television was my game. And that was the game that made the league famous. ... One thing 'Monday Night Football' did: More women were attracted to the game. I'm very proud of that."

 

Art Modell is now the owner emeritus of the Ravens, in the city where he's loved as much as he's hated here. It likely will be easier for Clevelanders to open their hearts and forgive him if and when the Browns are able to return to respectability, That could happen in this Mike Holmgren era. But until then, he's not likely to catch a lot of sympathy in Northeast Ohio.

When that does finally happen, we'll be able to say we're glad that you didn't jump, Art.

Landon Donovan scored in the first minute of stoppage time off a rebound, advancing the United States to the second round at the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Algeria.

View full sizeAP Photo | Elise AmendolaUnited States' Landon Donovan, foreground left, celebrates after scoring a goal with fellow team member Edson Buddle, foreground right, as Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi, second from left in background, reacts during the World Cup group C soccer match between the United States and Algeria at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — Landon Donovan scored in the first minute of stoppage time off a rebound, advancing the United States to the second round at the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Algeria.

With the U.S. perhaps three minutes from elimination, Jozy Altidore was stopped on a breakaway by goalkeeper Rais Bolihi. Donovan hustled in and kicked in the rebound to win Group C Wednesday.

After his U.S. record 44th international goal, Donovan joyously ran to the corner flag and his teammates ran down the touchline to mob him. Donovan was in tears when the game ended and the United States had moved into the second round.

With just its fifth shutout in World Cup play, the United States (1-0-2) won a World Cup group for the first time since 1930 and will face the runner-up in Group D this weekend.

England (1-0-2), which beat Slovenia moments earlier, also had five points but finished second because the U.S. scored four goals to two for the English. Slovenia (1-1-1) was third with four points, missing advancing because of Donovan's heroics. and Algeria (0-2-1) was last with one.

Until Donovan's goal, it appeared the officiating would again be the focus.

Clint Dempsey put the ball in the net in the 21st minute off the rebound of Herculez Gomez's shot. But the goal was called offside, just as Maurice Edu's late goal was disallowed against Slovenia last week, a score that would have given the Americans a victory. Replays appeared to show Dempsey was onside.

Dempsey had another great chance in the 57th minute when Michael Bradley stole the ball and sent Altidore streaking down the right side. Altidore crossed, but Dempsey's hit the goalpost. He shot wide on the rebound.

Former New York Giants linebacker has been indicted by a suburban New York grand jury on charges including rape, criminal sexual act and sexual abuse. Prosecutors say he paid a 16-year-old girl for sex.

Kathy Willens, Associated PressLawrence Taylor (right) with his lawyer, Arthur Idala, as they leave the Ramapo (N.Y.) Police Department after Taylor was indicted on May 6.

NEW YORK -- Pro football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor has been indicted by a suburban New York grand jury on charges of rape, criminal sexual act and sexual abuse.

The indictment Wednesday comes after his May 6 arrest at a Holiday Inn. Prosecutors say he paid a 16-year-old girl $300 to have sex with him.

The former New York Giant was also indicted on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and patronizing a prostitute.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe says the 16-year-old told investigators that she had been verbally threatened and physically assaulted. She said she was brought to the hotel room by a pimp later arrested by New York City police.

Taylor has denied the charges. His attorney did not respond to calls seeking comment.

Jamie Moyer ties Bob Feller with 266th win by beating the Tribe, 2-1.

View full sizeAP FileFeisty Bob Feller probably wouldn't mind being reactivated by the Tribe to try for career victory No. 267, which would put him one ahead of Philadelphia's Jamie Moyer. Moyer beat the Tribe 2-1 Tuesday night to tie Feller at No. 35 for all-time wins.

That's the bad news; the good news is that the Tribe won't have to face him anymore. At least not this season. At 47, Moyer has that easy lefty motion that seems like it could keep him on a big league mound for another 23 years.

Here's how Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer tells the story of last night's Phillies win at Citizens Bank Park:

In his last two starts, Moyer has allowed just three runs and five hits over 16 innings and if you erase his one disastrous start at Fenway Park earlier this month, he is 8-5 with a 3.57 ERA. Moyer, 8-6, picked up his 266th career victory, tying Hall of Famers Eppa Rixey – a former Phillie - and Bob Feller for 35th on the all-time list."He was a great pitcher in his day," Moyer said when asked about Feller. "He was another guy I didn't see pitch. I guess if you stick around long enough you're going to catch some guys."

Moyer also caught Robin Roberts, another former Phillie, in a more dubious category. When Russell Branyan launched a two-out home run into the second deck in the fourth inning, it was the 505th home run allowed in his career, tying the late Roberts for the most ever.

"He's probably laughing at me right now," Moyer said. "The only thing I think about when I hear that is I had a lot of chances to do it."

Just to state the obvious, it took Moyer 23 seasons to do what Feller was able to do in 18, including the 1945 season, in which he went 5-3 in only nine starts. Had Rapid Robert not interrupted his career to serve in the Navy during World War II, there's little doubt he'd easily have exceeded 300 wins.

Which doesn't say diddly about Tuesday night's debacle. Call it a Pyhrric victory at best (look it up).

Talbot (7-6, 4.08) . . . allowed two runs in seven innings. The Phillies scored both runs in the first inning.

Talbot, 26, was asked if he'd like to be pitching at 47.

"If the game lets me and my body lets me, I'll be here," he said.

Besides, Starting Blocks thinks it'd be only fair if Talbot got another shot at beating Moyer, who probably will still be pitching.

And in his Indians Insider column, Hoynesie reports that lefty Aaron Laffey would get the start on Friday that normally would have belonged to demoted starter David Huff.

Still TBD: "Who gets sent down when Laffey is added to the roster Friday to face Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park?"

Just in time, England appeared at the World Cup. Jermain Defoe knocked in a goal for the revived Three Lions as they beat Slovenia 1-0 on Wednesday, advancing to the tournament's second round.

View full sizeAP Photo | Roberto CandiaEngland's Jermain Defoe, right, scores a goal past Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, left, during the World Cup group C soccer match between Slovenia and England at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) — Just in time, England appeared at the World Cup.

Jermain Defoe knocked in a goal for the revived Three Lions as they beat Slovenia 1-0 on Wednesday, advancing to the tournament's second round.

It was a narrow but welcome escape for England, a pre-tournament favorite that was fighting off talk of internal strife after disappointing ties against the United States and Algeria.

The English needed a victory to move on and they got it, dictating the pace for much of the game.

"This team, this spirit, played together and tried together," said England coach Fabio Capello. "I am really happy because I found the team I know. We now go forward. We can play against all the teams because the mind is now free."

The victory gave England second place in Group C behind the United States, which beat Algeria 1-0. Slovenia entered the day the surprise leader in the group but finished with four points to five for the U.S. and England. The U.S. earned first place based on tiebreakers.

Playing more aggressively than they did in draws with the Americans and Algerians, the English went ahead when Defoe put in James Milner's cross from five yards out with a right-footed shot.

"I'm lost for words to be honest," Defoe said. "What a moment. Everyone was focused before the game. We are through, that's the most important thing."

England continued to dominate after the goal, and Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic had to make two saves within a few seconds of each other to stop shots from Defoe and Steven Gerrard.

Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Glen Johnson also had shots on goal.

Bad defense by Slovenia handed Defoe another chance in the opening minute of the second half, but he flicked the ball wide off Gareth Barry's headed pass.

At the end of the game, relieved England players — who had met with Caello to discuss what went wrong against Algeria — embraced in a group hug.

"I think it was just a show of unity in the team and the determination we've had before this game," Lampard said. "No one wanted to go home with their tails between their legs after the group stage. We wanted go further that that, we want to go all the way."

Slovenia's best chance to tie the game came in the 68th minute after Barry lost possession and Terry and Johnson blocked shots from Zlatko Dedic and Milivoje Novakovic.

"It's been difficult for the supporters because they weren't happy with the performances," Defoe said. "A lot of the top teams have struggled so it was important to keep the spirit, which we have done."

The smallest nation in the tournament, plucky Slovenia beat Algeria and then built 2-0 lead on the United States before giving up two second-half goals for a 2-2 draw. Against England, the talent difference quickly became apparent.

Slovenia still had a chance to advance, even with a loss, but when the Americans scored a goal in injury time against Algeria to win that match it also knocked Slovenia out of the tournament.

"This is indescribable, but this is sport," Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek said. "I can only hope our sport will be able to gain from this defeat."

Kek said he hoped Slovenia soccer would benefit from getting so close to the final 16.

"I hope these players will be role models for (those) who might play for Slovenia in the future," he said. "They are maturing a lot and they will come to a point where they will play their best. We have created huge potential and it's up to us to use it. We need to benefit from this."

Part of a statement released by Shinn, prompted by trade rumors involving Paul: "We will continue to build around Chris Paul, and we want to see him in a Hornets uniform for the remainder of his career."

Plain Dealer file photoNew Orleans point guard Chris Paul warming up for a game against the Cavaliers.

By Jimmy Smith

New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn issued a statement indicating the team's committment to winning, and keeping All-Star guard Chris Paul in a Hornets' uniform.

"The resolve that my partner Gary Chouest and I have will always remain the same: to continue to build our legacy in New Orleans, and to develop a path and plan to win an NBA Championship for New Orleans and all of Louisiana," the statement said.

"We are about building and sustaining a winning tradition. Chris Paul is the cornerstone of our franchise and brings us unequaled support on and off the court. We will continue to build around Chris Paul, and we want to see him in a Hornets uniform for the remainder of his career. We have an exciting future, and with the leadershipo of our new head coach and players like Chris Paul, we know the best is yet to come. We plan to take advantage of any opportunities to improve our team."

The statement comes in response to continued rumors swirling that Paul could be traded, and Paul's comments that he'd be open to a trade if the Hornets were not committed to winning.

(Cleveland.com note: Earlier today, Chris Broussard of ESPN.com filed this report on the possibility of Paul being traded)

Point guard Williams is rumored to be on the trading block as Thursday's NBA draft approaches. Another candidate to be moved is guard Delonte West.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerCavaliers guard Mo Williams is rumored to be on the trading block, but Williams tweets that he wants to stay in Cleveland.

Cleveland, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers do not have a pick in Thursday's NBA draft, but are known to have interest in acquiring one.

Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst reports on the possibility of the Cavs buying or trading for a pick.

Cavaliers guard Mo Williams has been mentioned in trade rumors. He's just tweeted his feelings on twitter.com.

Mo, or "Mogotti2," tweets:

Pls don't trade me, I'm not ready to go. I'm begging. My work ain't done yet. I'm on both knees....pls. I'm serious

No 1-2

Rick Noland of the Medina County Gazette and Elyria Chronicle-Telegram writes about the Cavaliers' draft status. He explains why they don't have their first- and second-round picks:

Could we see Colt McCoy under center by the time the Browns bye week rolls around?

View full sizeAP FileOne prognosticator says that despite President Mike Holmgren's best intentions, fans shouldn't be surprised if the stars misalign to the point where Colt McCoy, left, ends up taking over for Jake Delhomme by the time the Browns hit their bye week this season.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Jake Delhomme is the Browns starting quarterback, at least going into training camp. But there's no denying that the past few years for the ex-Carolina quarterback have been rocky at best, horrendous at worst. The sense is that he's regained his form and confidence in the Browns OTAs and mini-camp.

But.

Dang that word.

But.

What happens if he falters? Sam Ingro, writing for bleacherreport.com, handled the speculation chores. If Delhomme somehow loses his way in training camp, we'll see Seneca Wallace, a career backup at Seattle behind Matt Hasselbeck, lined up behind center Alex Mack.

But.

Dang it. That word again.

But.

Ingro is sure fan pressure could force the Browns to play rookie Colt McCoy.

To avoid the quarterback controversy that faces Cleveland every year, after the draft Mike Holmgren stated that Colt McCoy would not be starting in 2010.

Problem solved? Not so fast.

Head coach Eric Mangini later stated that he couldn't rule out McCoy playing in the coming season. With Jake being the wild card that he is, and Wallace possibly starting, the fans will not accept Seneca as the quarterback for all of 2010.

In all likelihood, Wallace would start 6-8 games and McCoy would be prematurely thrust into the starting role after the bye week. While smart teams allow their young draft picks to sit for a season, Cleveland has never had that luxury due to inconsistent play at the position.

Holmgren sees Colt as Cleveland's future. It's been reported that Tom Heckert doesn't agree, but Holmgren has missed very rarely on his quarterback predictions.

Trust Starting Blocks: Northeast Ohio will be rocked by an earthquake before that happens.

Hey, what was that?

High school games at the Stadium
The High School Football Charity Game -- actually a doubleheader -- returns to Cleveland Browns Stadium this summer.

St. Edward will face Mentor in the opening game at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, followed by St. Ignatius vs. Lake Catholic at 7 p.m. Tickets, available at the schools and through the Cleveland Browns Stadium Ticket office, are $10 in advance, $12 at the gate. A student at each school will be presented with a scholarship at halftime of each game, according to the Browns official website, clevelandbrowns.com.

For information or tickets, call Home Team Marketing at 216-566-8326.

This could be fun
Braylon Edwards didn't exactly turn himself into a beloved character on a par with Mr. Jingeling when he was with the Browns. Off-field antics, drops and his history as a star for despised Michigan might be factors.

And as much as Cleveland has learned to dislike Edwards, he's learned to dislike Cleveland . . . and Clevelanders. The now New York Jets receiver even managed to bring up Cleveland when he was talking to the Detroit Free Press about this season's Nov. 7 game against the Lions.

But the Lions game isn't the only one on the Jets' schedule that is receiving Edwards' attention.

"Seven days later is the game I'm worried about," he said. "We go to Cleveland. You know I've got a little chip on my shoulder the size of the golden nugget. So I can't wait to go out there."

Edwards went to one Pro Bowl with the Browns, but he had a long list of problems on and off the field over more than four seasons in Cleveland.

"Chips the size of a golden nugget," eh? Starting Blocks foresees a boom day at the drive-thru at a certain fast-food joint on Nov. 14.