Watney shoots 8-under 27 on back nine, missing PGA Tour nine-hole record by one stroke.

Associated PressNick Watney at a press conference after carding an 8-under 27 on the back nine of the third round during Saturday's AT&T National.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pennsylvania -- Before he even teed off, Rickie Fowler knew this was going to be a different day at the AT&T National. The course record already had been matched, with several other low rounds in progress at suddenly soft Aronimink Golf Club.

One thought crossed his mind: Go time.

That's the message Fowler always puts on Twitter right before he plays, and off he went. He birdied six of his opening 10 holes — and missed two other chances inside 10 feet. He wound up with a 6-under 64 on Saturday and a share of the lead with Nick Watney, who set the course record with a 62.

"I got out, and my game has been feeling good all week," Fowler said. "Went out and started off well, hit some good shots and kept moving from there."

Watney took a while to get moving. He made a mess of the par-5 ninth and was even-par on the front nine, going nowhere. What happened after that, not even Watney can explain.

"The hole looked really big on the back," said Watney, a World Golf Championship winner. "The ball was going where I was looking, and by the time I looked up, I was 8 under."

That's 8 under for his round, and the back nine alone.

After three straight birdies, he then made a 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 16th. Facing a dangerous pin on the par-3 17th, he went after it with a wedge to 5 feet and another birdie. Watney shot 27 on the back, missing by one the PGA Tour's nine-hole record.

When the massacre of Aronimink was over — 40 of 76 players shot in the 60s, including 14 rounds at 66 or better — nothing had really been settled except for a lot of birdies being made.

Fowler and Watney were at 9-under 201, one shot ahead of 36-hole leader K.J. Choi, who came to life late in his round with two birdies on the final three holes to salvage a 69.

Steve Marino, who had a 63 to own the course record for about 20 minutes, was two shots behind at 7-under 205 along with Webb Simpson (64) and Adam Scott (66). The group another shot back included Chris Kirk, whose 63 was in the record book much longer — about an hour.

Scott was tempted to start firing at flags when he saw all low scores, but stuck to his plan and meticulously worked his way around the golf course.

"I'm quite happy with a 66, to be honest," Scott said. "But yeah, it doesn't really stack up against a 62, does it?"

For all the hype over the fashionable Fowler, the 22-year-old hasn't won on the PGA Tour in 46 starts as a pro. He gave himself another chance at Aronimink.

But he isn't the only player going for his first win. Eight of the top 12 players on the leaderboard have yet to win on the PGA Tour.

Marino is regarded as among the best to have never collected a PGA Tour trophy, and he and Simpson — also winless on tour — could have even more at stake Sunday. The leading player among the top five not already eligible will be exempt for the British Open. Marino and Simpson also are battling for a higher ranking to see who will be the top alternate — which becomes more significant with Tiger Woods not expected to compete at Royal St. George's.

Watney, the highest-ranked player at Aronimink at No. 15 in the world, didn't figure to be part of the mix when he ended his front nine with back-to-back bogeys. He birdied his next two holes, then played a five-hole stretch in 6 under capped by his birdie on the 17th.

"I guess anything is possible," Watney said. "But I don't think you ever expect to shoot that low. You don't go on to the golf course very often anticipating a 62."

Certainly not this golf course.

In the opening round Thursday, only four of the holes average under par. On Saturday, with softer greens, tees moved forward and some hole locations that allowed shots to funnel toward the pin, half of the holes played under par.

Not everyone took advantage.

Chris Riley, playing in the last group with Choi, wound up with a 75. Justin Leonard and Bo Van Pelt each had a 71 to fall five shots behind, although they are still very much in the game.

Mark Russell, a vice president of competition in charge of setting up the course, said the watering pattern didn't change and attributed the soft conditions to more humidity in the air. It doesn't figure to change much for the final round, with storms in the forecast. The starting times for Sunday where moved up to try to avoid any weather delays.

Watney's last win was his biggest — a big drive on the 18th hole of the Blue Monster at Doral for a birdie and a two-shot win, proving to himself that he could deliver key shots under pressure.

Fowler is trying to draw on the experience of being a runner-up. He had two good chances last year, laying up on a par 5 late in his round in Phoenix, then losing a lead at the Memorial when he hit a tee shot into the water on the par-3 12th hole.

"I think the biggest thing is just go out and be patient, not get ahead of myself and not get too excited or anxious, just sit back, relax, go through things the same way tonight and just go have some fun tomorrow," Fowler said.

It looks like Fausto Carmona will be headed to the disabled list with a strained right quadriceps muscle. The Indians will have to reach down to Class AAA Columbus to replace him, but at least they have some options.

View full sizeAl Behrman, Associated PressTrainer Lonnie Soloff, left, helps Indians starting pitcher Fausto Carmona walk off the field after Carmona injured his leg while running to first on Saturday in Cincinnati.

They'll have several choices:

Right-hander Jeanmar Gomez, who has already been up once this year, is 8-2 with a 2.49 ERA in 12 starts. He's struck out 68, walked 27 and allowed 71 hits in 79 2/3 innings. The opposition is hitting .247 against him.

Left-hander David Huff is 8-2 with a 3.74 ERA in 14 starts. He's struck out 51, walked 23 and allowed 89 hits in 84 1/3 innings. The opposition is hitting .267 against him.

Right-hander Zach McAllister is 8-3 with a 2.97 ERA in 15 starts. He has 71 strikeouts, 21 walks and has allowed 86 hits in 97 innings.

Left-hander Scott Barnes is 7-2 with a 3.40 ERA in 14 games, including 13 starts. He's struck out 82, walked 31 and allowed 66 hits in 76 2/3 innings.

Carmona's next start is scheduled for Thursday against Toronto at Progressive Field.

Saturday was the halfway point of the Indians' season. They stayed in first place in the American League Central thanks to a 3-1 victory over the Reds, but they continue to be hit hard with injuries.

They lost right fielder Shin-Soo Choo at the start of this trip to a broken left thumb. He'll be out for eight to 10 weeks.

Center fielder Grady Sizemore returned from the disabled list for the second time on May 27, but still hasn't rediscovered his swing. DH Travis Hafner missed almost a month with a strained right oblique muscle. Alex White, who probably would have been the front office's choice to replace Carmona, is on the disabled list with a strained tendon in the middle finger of his right hand. First baseman Matt LaPorta is still on the disabled list with a sprained right ankle.

"I'm very impressed what these guys have been able to accomplish as a team," said Indians manager Manny Acta. "When you take into consideration the injuries we've had, these guys have kept battling.

"We've weathered a lot of storms. It's been impressive."

Sign here: Baseball America reported that the Indians have signed 16-year-old shortstop Dorssys Paulino for $1.1 million. Paulino is an international free-agent in the Dominican Republic.

The Indians are close to a deal, but since Paulino is only 16, his parents have to sign the contract. John Mirabelli, Indians director of scouting, is in the Dominican, but the deal isn't done yet.

Easy does it: Outfielder Travis Buck will miss two to three games with a "mild strain" of his left hamstring. He suffered the injury Friday running to first base after hitting a two-run single in the fifth inning.

"I was thinking double and just as I went to switch gears, I felt it," Buck said. "We've got nine games left before the break and I'd like to play in as many as I can."

After a long slump, Buck was 6-for-14 on this nine-game trip when he was injured.

It's a race: When Carmona left Saturday's game after reaching first on a attempted sacrifice bunt, but injuring himself in the process, right-hander Josh Tomlin pinch ran for him.

Tomlin scored on Michael Brantley's three-run homer. It's the first time he's scored a run in the big leagues.

Asked how he picked Tomlin, Acta said: "It was between him and Mitch Talbot. Naturally, one put his spikes on quicker than the other one."

Finally: No word on whether the Indians are interested in outfielder Mike Cameron, who was released this week by the Boston Red Sox. . . . Heard the Chicago Cubs would be more than willing to talk to the Tribe about outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.

To reach this Plain Dealer Reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

Twitter: @hoynsie

Rocco's 8-yard touchdown scramble with three seconds left snaps a five-game road losing streak as the Gladiators rally for a 62-58 victory, giving them first place in the East Division.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Kurt Rocco saved the day for the Cleveland Gladiators.

Rocco's 8-yard touchdown scramble through the Milwaukee Mustangs' defense with three seconds left snapped a five-game road losing streak as the Gladiators rallied for a 62-58 victory Saturday night at the Bradley Center.

The victory gave the Gladiators (9-6) a one-game lead over the Pittsburgh Power in the American Conference East Division. The Power lost, 62-54, to the Orlando Predators on Friday to fall to 8-7.

Rocco threw for four touchdowns and completed 20 of 36 passes for 257 yards. His winning rush was set up by a 17-yard pass to Troy Bergeron as the clock wound down to 10 seconds.

The Gladiators had lost five straight on the road after opening the season with wins at Spokane, Wash., on March 19 and Tampa Bay on March 27. They improved to 3-5 on the road.

The Gladiators looked like they would hold on with a minute to go, but an illegal contact penalty on Brown gave the Mustangs hope. On the next play, Gino Guidugli lofted a 49-yard floater to Dwayne Eley Jr., which he pulled in over Brown for a 58-55 lead.

The Mustangs' Justin Lawrence was called for a face-mask penalty as he rushed Rocco. The penalty put the ball on the Mustangs' 15-yard line. On the next play, Bergeron caught a 15-yard pass from Rocco. The point after was blocked and returned for two points, trimming the Gladiators' margin to 55-51 with 60 seconds left.

With the Gladiators clinging to a 49-42 in the fourth, Quorey Payne let a kickoff bounce off the screen and into the arms of the Mustangs' Antoine Burns with about four minutes to play. One play later, Guidugli scored to tie the game at 49.

The Gladiators led, 42-28, at the end of the third quarter.

Rocco hit a wide-open Bergeron for a 29-yard touchdown pass on their opening drive of the second half. Then Tim Cheatwood forced his second fumble when he hit Guidugli as he set up for a pass. One play later, Rocco hit Robert Redd with a 22-yard touchdown pass as Cleveland went ahead, 35-28.

Mike Bragg returned an interception 16 yards for a touchdown just before the third quarter ended as the Gladiators increased their lead.

The Gladiators took the opening kickoff and scored when Rocco hooked up with Dominick Goodman for an 8-yard touchdown. Milwaukee came right back when Dwayne Eley, Jr. scored from 6 yards out on a pass from Guidugli in front of Levy Brown, Week 16's Defensive Player of the Week.

Eley victimized Brown again as the Mustangs went up, 14-7, early in the second quarter. Guidugli hit Eley, who eluded Brown on a crossing pattern for a 20-yard score.

Rocco needed seven plays after the ensuing kickoff to pull the Gladiators back into a tie. After a 17-yard pass completion to Goodman that put the ball on the goal line, Rocco took it in himself with 9:07 left in the second.

Guidugli put the Mustangs ahead when his 8-yard pass to Victor Williams made it 21-14.

The Mustangs had the ball deep in their own territory with 50 seconds left before the half. Colin Bryant broke through the offensive line and forced Guidugli to fumble at the 9-yard line. Cheatwood tried to recover the ball, but it squirted into the end zone where Anthony Hoke fell on it and tie the game at 21.

Joe Totoraitis is a freelance writer in Milwaukee.

Birthday wishes from the press box, where life has often been, pardon the pun, a ball.

View full sizeMichael Steele, Getty ImagesIt was scorching sitting in the grass of Ancient Stadium of Olympia in Greece during the 2004 Olympics, but the memories were worth it, says Bill Livingston.

For 40 years, I have been a newspaperman. You know you've been around the press box a few times when you find yourself covering the sons of the players you covered years ago. Doug Collins' son Chris, a former Duke player whom I wrote about at a 1990s Final Four, is a veteran assistant coach at the school now. He was in diapers in the Philadelphia 76ers' locker room the first time I saw him.

"Show everybody what Dr. J does," Doug would say, and the little boy would dunk a Nerf basketball on a small goal.

I've known Joe Paterno since 1974, and carbon-dating may some day prove that Joe is older than dirt. As for me, I'm way older than AstroTurf, anyway.

Over the years, I learned that establishing a little common ground, fertilized with a dollop of ingratiation, is never a bad idea at the start of an interview with a coach or player.

"I grew up as a Texas fan, but I always admired the way your team played," I said to Barry Switzer over lunch at the Renaissance Hotel one day. "Your Oklahoma teams could lose six fumbles and still put up 77 points on K- State."

"Darlin'," Switzer said after a long pause, "this might be love."

Well, it was a good interview, anyway.

Soon, Switzer was crooning songs from the Great Depression to me: "Dear Okie, if you see Arkie/Tell 'im Tex got a job for him out in Californy/Pickin' up prunes, squeezin' oil out of olives."

Switzer was in fine form that day, although he claimed he was "under the weather" after a long night of renewing acquaintances with former Oklahoma and Browns running back Greg Pruitt.

"We went to some place in the Flats with a grand piano," Switzer said.

"Howl at the Moon?" I said.

"Hell, I guess I did," said Switzer.

The most emotional moment I have ever experienced as a reporter came when I was in the bowels of the concrete hulk that was Seattle's Kingdome in 1995, pushing in a sweaty mob into the visiting clubhouse. The Indians had just won the pennant. As geysers of champagne foamed, I started thinking about the 41 years the team had spent in the wilderness, about the awful boating accident two years earlier, and about how much the victory meant to the fans in Cleveland. Soon, I had to step away from the celebration, into an empty hallway for a moment. Must've had something in my eye.

I spent many Father's Days just before my birthdays at the U.S. Open. If four rounds of golf weren't enough to determine a winner, the Open, and only the Open, brought everyone back for the anti-climax of a Monday playoff. The late Jack Saylor of the Detroit Free Press would always say with feigned disgust, "Just what I wanted for Father's Day -- a tie."

The greatest event to cover, as well as the hardest, is the Olympics. I did seven of them.

The trip to ancient Olympia for the shot put competition in Greece in 2004, a 4 1/2-hour bus ride from Athens, is the greatest excursion I ever took on the company dime. That's even though it was 25 hours from wake-up to lights out, and even though it featured a press "seat" on the scorched grass and dirt of a hillside in Olympia, in the burning sun, on a day when only mad dogs, sportswriters and throwers of iron balls were out.

With the dust of millenia from the birthplace of the Olympics on our feet, with "Zorba the Greek" music from the town square in our ears, with love for the spirit of pure competition in our hearts, we reporters returned to Athens, filled with fond memories. A few days later, the women's shot put winner, Russia's Irina Korzhanenko, was disqualified after testing positive for steroids.

That's the thing. The story can always revise itself. See Jim Tressel, Terrelle Pryor and LeBron James. It really ain't over till it's over.

It was hard writing at a high level at 4 a.m. in Athens, which was seven hours ahead of Eastern Time. But that was the task many nights.

In any Olympics, the dreams of an athlete's lifetime are compressed into one chance every four years. That is why it is so special. When Tim Mack, the Westlake and St. Ignatius pole vaulter, won the gold medal in Athens, the bar was literally set high. In Mack's case, it was at an Olympic record height. He ran, he planted the pole, he swung upward. Mere inches separated his knee and then his arm from the bar as he wriggled over it on his third and final attempt. Clenching his fists in triumph all the way down to the pads, Mack came screaming jubilantly out of the landing pit.

That's the stuff sportswriters live to cover. That's what we hired on for. That's why being a sportswriter can be a privilege, as well as job.

My birthday wish is for the whole city of Cleveland some day to feel the way Mack did.

To reach Bill Livingston: blivingston@plaind.com, 216-999-4672

Twitter: @LivyPD

David Haugh, Chicago Tribune Somebody needs to find the punk who threatened Lizzy Seeberg with a text message two days after she accused a Notre Dame football player of sexual battery to tell him he was wrong. Turns out you really can mess with Notre Dame football. The U.S. government just did. A university that brags about its integrity...

David Haugh, Chicago Tribune

Somebody needs to find the punk who threatened Lizzy Seeberg with a text message two days after she accused a Notre Dame football player of sexual battery to tell him he was wrong.

Turns out you really can mess with Notre Dame football.

The U.S. government just did.

A university that brags about its integrity shouldn't need federal intervention to find its way. But in a potentially significant defeat of the status quo, the Department of Education has required Notre Dame to make comprehensive reforms to improve its response to sexual attack reports such as the one involving Seeberg.

Last week's agreement between the DOE and Notre Dame completed a seven-month investigation that began after the Chicago Tribune detailed the final days of Seeberg, a Northbrook, Ill., teen who killed herself in her Saint Mary's College dorm nine days after the incident.

It represents a good start and a reminder that clarity often comes from the perspective outside Notre Dame's campus, where the Golden Dome can be less blinding.

No, the word "football" appears nowhere in the nine-page document. Though to try to separate football from these findings is like trying to envision the Notre Dame campus without a stadium. The football culture served as the backdrop for the tragic Seeberg saga from the beginning and was a primary reason the way it was handled received unwanted national attention.

You can see now why the university preferred to keep this quiet in an effort to protect its reputation.

Notre Dame's president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, praised campus police last December for conducting a "thorough and judicious investigation." Coach Brian Kelly, whose player was never charged, crowed about how proud he was about "the university process."

Sorry, but the DOE findings confirm the process Notre Dame blindly defended was a sham.

If it was "thorough and judicious," why did the DOE urge putting a "preponderance of the evidence" standard in writing to steer administrators toward assuming an alleged attack more likely occurred than not?

If the process was so effective, why did the DOE recommend a 60-day deadline on internal reviews of incidents or change an archaic rule so the alleged victim no longer needs to be in the same room as the accused during campus hearings?

Why should the government have to tell the nation's pre-eminent Catholic university how to treat women, anyway?

Lizzy Seeberg and every woman on the Notre Dame campus ignored or intimidated after making similar accusations deserved better.

Maybe now at Notre Dame and everywhere, more victims will begin to get the respect they deserve no matter whom they accuse.

Maybe the positive impact of the DOE's investigation will be felt at campuses such as Marquette, whose athletic director resigned last week after the Tribune's report of a scandal related to two sexual-assault allegations against athletes.

Or maybe it's still too idealistic to think the accuser in a sexual attack ever will receive her due respect if the accused is an athlete on a campus fueled by sports.

If Notre Dame's press release is any indication, it could require sweeping change at the top in South Bend before anything truly changes. According to Saturday's story on the university website, the DOE "recognizes Notre Dame's wide array of effective policies and procedures related to sexual misconduct and calls upon the university to make several minor modifications to those existing practices."

Effective policies? Minor modifications?

Among others, the spin annoyed Tom Seeberg, Lizzy's father.

"Their assault on the truth is indefensible," said Seeberg, who has yet to hear from Jenkins since his daughter's death. "Notre Dame's lawyers have cut a deal, signing the resolution without an admission of failure in policy and procedures. However, implicit in the agreement with the DOE is just such an admission. Lizzy's case speaks with quiet persistence from every cold and lawyerly sentence of the resolution. Notre Dame is now legally obligated to clean up its house."

It has become cluttered by lapses in judgment.

Notre Dame's clumsy handling of the accident that killed student videographer Declan Sullivan has been well-documented. The university paid a reduced $42,000 penalty Friday to the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration and agreed to launch educational initiatives on the safe use of scissor lifts. But IOSHA's investigation into that tragedy revealed more questions than answers about the discretion of Kelly and Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick.

More doubts arose last month after Kelly cleared Michael Floyd to resume voluntary team workouts, effectively ending the wide receiver's suspension. Floyd was arrested in March after his third alcohol-related issue in three years. Yet Kelly has taken an odd all-in or all-out approach with Floyd's eligibility based on him meeting certain unspecified conditions.

In opening the door, Kelly basically is saying to Floyd: Which starting quarterback do you want throwing you the ball Sept. 3?

It doesn't take a federal investigation to see what's going on at Notre Dame, only a clear view from a different zip code.

The selection of Texas forward Tristan Thompson with the No. 4 pick doesn't sit well with many Cavaliers fans, but Mary says Thompson deserves a chance to prove his worth.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerCavs GM Chris Grant. A drafting genius, or a draft botcher? Time will tell.

Q: Hey, Mary: Can you please get Cavs GM Chris Grant fired? Seriously? Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson? What were they thinking? He should have drafted Derrick Williams (who's a million times better than future-bust Thompson), and then they could have gotten Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker who are both very good point guards (not much of a drop off from Irving). -- Kyle Chormanski, Los Angeles

Q: Hey, Mary: Tristan Thompson at No. 4? What scouting. They were brilliant with the trade to get the extra lottery pick. What they should have done was take the best basketball player in Derrick Williams at No. 1 then at No. 4 take Brandon Knight or Enes Kanter, then trade back in the first for an extra pick. What a waste at No. 4 and waste of a draft. Kyrie Irving is good but Thompson isn't good at four, maybe in mid-round. Same old Cavs. Sure hope they've got something up their sleeves. -- Kevin K., Westerville, Ohio

Q: Hey, Mary: Is the combination of Kyrie Irving-Tristan Thompson really preferable to Derrick Williams-Brandon Knight in either the short term or the long term? -- Bob McCloskey, Bluffton, S.C.

A: Hey, Kyle, Kevin and Bob: I am willing to give these players (and the Cavs) a chance here. It is impossible to tell how a draft class pans out for about three years. The Cavs did plenty of homework on this and decided those two players were the best available at those two spots. If it turns out in three years all of you were right, I suspect Grant will be long gone.

Q: Hey, Mary: I liked the Cavs' first-round selections in the draft. But what happened in the second round? I liked Chandler Parsons at No. 32 and why on earth did we pass on David Lighty at No. 54? That one seemed like a no-brainer to me. I don't really understand the use of a pick on a Euro player who may never play a game in the NBA in the future. Your thoughts please? -- Don Manuszak, Parma

Q: Hey, Mary: Since the Cavs traded the first of their second-round picks and are likely to stash their second pick overseas, it appears they got nothing from the second round this year. But late last year they got Semih Erden and Luke Harangody from the Celtics. Couldn't those be considered their second-round picks for this year? Also, will the Cavs pursue David Lighty as an undrafted free agent? -- Rich Smith, Columbus

A: Hey, Don and Rich: I didn't care for what happened in the second round either, although if we take Rich's suggestion, it doesn't seem so bad. I, too, thought Lighty was a possibility and I know the Cavs have talked to him. But with the lockout, everything is on hold.

Q: Hey, Mary: Over the last several years it has become apparent that numerous foreign-born players have been selected. The analysts say they will stay overseas as projects for several years. I'm trying to think of at least one player of this type that has developed into an NBA-ready player. Is it just me or do they all just fade into oblivion? -- Jerry Tamulewicz Jr., Richfield

A: Hey, Jerry: How about Dirk Nowitzki or Zydrunas Ilgauskas? Or if you mean a foreign player who was drafted one year and stayed overseas for a couple years before coming to the NBA, how about Manu Ginobili? He was drafted by the Spurs in 1999 but played in Italy until coming to the NBA for the 2002-03 season. I'd say he's worked out pretty well.

Q: Hey, Mary: If the Cavs would have bought another first-round pick where would it have been slotted? And, when will the Cavs lose the salary-cap exemption? -- Brad Burge, Valley City

A: Hey, Brad: A team can only "buy" another pick from another team on draft night, but what it really amounts to is making a trade for a pick. Just for argument's sake, let's say the Cavs "bought" the No. 30 pick from Chicago for $3 million. Then the Bulls would pick the player the Cavs wanted. Since a team can't trade just cash, the Cavs would have had to throw in a future second-rounder or something to complete the deal. The Cavs still don't have an answer on whether the NBA will grant them an extension on the exemption scheduled to expire July 11.

Q: Hey, Mary: Are the Cavs interested in Terrence Williams or Courtney Lee? We would trade Manny Harris and Ramon Sessions. Your thoughts? -- Jimmy Fuller, Euclid

A: Hey, Jimmy: I don't think that's going to happen, but I guess I wouldn't be surprised if the Cavs traded Sessions. He drew some interest before the lockout.

Q: Hey, Mary: Chris Grant said that he felt better exploring free agency to address the Cavs' roster needs rather than keeping the No. 32 pick. Since Christian Eyenga is the only shooting guard, I wonder if Michael Redd is an option. He's long been rumored to be a target of the Cavs. Coming off injury and entering free agency, do you think the Cavs would consider him as a cheap, low-risk option for the rotation? -- Mike R., Boca Raton, Fla.

A: Hey, Mike: I don't think Redd figures in the Cavs plans.

Q: Hey, Mary: What's the possibilities of the Cavs landing Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph? Since Minnesota just added Derrick Williams there isn't really that much room left to play everyone because of something called egos. Beasley is a proven scorer and can get up 20 points and 10 rebounds willingly on any given night. And what are the possibilities of shipping away Joey Graham and Semih Erden? -- Alvonte Harris, Cleveland

A: Hey, Alvonte: The Cavs have no interest in Beasley and I don't sense any interest in Randolph, either. I don't see Graham making the team next season, but the Cavs are very intrigued by Semih Erden.

Q: Hey, Mary: Do you feel the Cavaliers chose the right Thompson when they took the rugged power forward Tristan from Texas, or should they have given a serious look at Washington State's sharp-shooting small forward Klay? Also, since we have no real starting quality shooting guards or small forwards on the roster, do the free agent names Mike Dunleavy, Sasha Vujacic or Willie Green sound like reasonable options for the Cavs? I especially think with Dunleavy's injury past, he may come cheap but as a coach's son he may have just the type of leadership we need. -- David Buona, Erie, Pa.

A: Hey, David: The Cavs liked Tristan Thompson enough to trade J.J. Hickson, who may have been their best player at certain times last year. They weren't afraid to take Tristan Thompson earlier than many expected, so they wouldn't have been afraid to take Klay Thompson if they thought he was worth it. The Cavs addressed their small forward situation with Thursday's trade that brought Omri Casspi from Sacramento. I don't think they're interested in the other players you mentioned.

Q: Hey, Mary: I noticed you answered this already but now that the season is over how likely do you think it is that the Cavs might go after Greg Oden? I think it would be a good move to go after him seeing as how most of our centers are true power forwards and Ryan Hollins seems to play kind of weak at times. I think we could get him for not huge money, then maybe trade Ramon Sessions with LeBron trade exceptions to get Andre Iguodala. Do you think that is likely at all? -- Bernard Davis, Cleveland

A: Hey, Bernard: Portland has made a qualifying offer worth more than $8 million to Oden, making him a restricted free agent. The Blazers could match any offer Oden received, and $8 million is probably more than the Cavs would be willing to risk no matter how much they like Oden. As for Sessions and Iguodala, you can't combine players and the exception.

Q: Hey, Mary: I have tried to find information on Sasha Kaun on the Internet. The information is about the 2009-10 season. Can you ask the Cavs how he did in 2010-11, and if and when they plan on bringing him over here to play? I understand that with the lockout, this year is not an option, but if he stays healthy, could he be ready to come over in 2012-13? I also have heard that the last selection in the second round of this year's draft, Milan Macvan, has no intention of coming over to play. Is that rumor true, or has he expressed an interest in playing for the Cavs? -- David Smith, Lakewood

A: Hey, David: Kaun was injured most of this year after having surgery last fall. That's why there are no stats available from this season. The Cavs don't have any plans for either player to come over in the near future.

-- Mary

Luis Valbuena hits his 12th homer of the season and drives in three runs to lead the Clippers past Louisville. Kinston, Lake County and Mahoning Valley all lose.

View full sizeAPLuis Valbuena had a home run and three RBI for Columbus on Saturday.

Clippers 6, Bats 5 SS Luis Valbuena (.318) hit his 12th homer of the season and drove in three runs to lead the Clippers past Louisville in an International League game Saturday in Columbus.

The Clippers' bullpen bailed out starter Corey Kluber (6.38), who allowed five earned runs in 5 1/3 innings. The right-hander gave up six hits, including two home runs.

Chen Lee (1-0, 2.00) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 7, SeaWolves 6 Catcher Michel Hernandez, playing his second game for Akron after being signed as a minor-league free agent, singled home 3B Kyle Bellows (.206), who had also singled, with two outs in the top of the ninth inning to give the Aeros an Eastern League win at Erie (Pa.).

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Keys 3, Indians 0 RH Oliver Drake shut down host Kinston (N.C.) on three hits in 8 1/3 innings to lead Frederick (Md.) to the Carolina League win. CF Tyler Holt (.247) tripled and singled for the Indians. LH starter T.J. House (5-7, 4.19) took the loss, giving up three runs on five hits in six innings. Indians' RH reliever Rob Bryson pitched two scoreless innings, fanning four and giving up one hit.

A Lake County Captains

Silver Hawks 15, Captains 2 RH starter and loser Mike Goodnight (5-7, 3.56) allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits and four walks in 2 innings, and threw five of the Captains' seven wild pitches in the Midwest League game at Eastlake's Classic Park.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Muckdogs 8, Scrappers 3 St. Ed grad Alex Lavisky (.180) had two hits and an RBI, but Mahoning Valley committed three errors and lost the New York-Penn League game to visiting Batavia (N.Y.).

It's the July 4th weekend and the Indians are in a pennant race. Who'd have ever guessed it?

View full sizeAl Behrman, Associated PressThe Indians are a flawed team dealing with some key injuries ... but the fact they're competing for first place in the AL Central on the July 4 weekend is worth a few high-fives.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — How did the Tigers do?

What about the White Sox? Bet they end up in the middle of this thing before it's over.

This thing is the race for first place in the Central Division, and yes, the Indians are in the middle of it.

It's the July 4th weekend, and what Tribe fan saw this coming on March 4 or even April 4?

You can say that the Indians started the season at 30-15, but are only 14-22 after that following Saturday's win in 'Cincinnati.

I say that one day they are in first place, one day they are not.

But every day, they are very close to the top spot.

And I say, "Would you rather start the season at 15-30, then sit around and watch the NFL and NBA lawyers argue over a labor agreement?"

And I say the Indians started June at 2-9, and they are 10-8 since.

It's the July 4th weekend and Tribe fans can complain about how the team needs to make a trade or call up someone else from the minors to stay in the race.

Would anyone really care that Austin Kearns was still on the roster if the Tribe had a 32-48 record, which is what it was a year ago? Or 31-49, as was the case in 2009?

The reason I've begged for a fast start from the Tribe is for a year like this -- when the division is weak and when fans need a diversion for the summer.

That 30-15 start means the Indians aren't about to run another summer sale on their veteran players.

It also means that they are able to add another $3 million to their payroll for the rest of the season -- or at least, that's what I've heard from Tribe operatives. There is no pressure to cut payroll.

They are not about to trade any of their significant prospects for a short-term fix such as veteran outfielder Ryan Ludwick, but they are looking for immediate help on the trade front.

Other than Asdrubal Cabrera and Travis Hafner (when healthy), name another non-pitcher who has overachieved? If you talk about players who have even played up to modest expectations, it's Michael Brantley . . . and Orlando Cabrera . . . and . . . well . . . anyone else?

But these guys can really pitch.

The Indians rank sixth in the AL with a 3.80 ERA; their bullpen is No. 2 at 3.07.

Those Tigers?

They can hit, but their pitching (4.33) is No. 12, their bullpen (4.91 ERA) is dead last.

The White Sox ranked No. 7 (3.83) in pitching, so they could end up being a bigger threat than Detroit.

Do you realize there is a legitimate reason for Tribe fans to compare themselves to the others in the division? OK, so the division stinks.

In 1997, the Indians had a modest 86-76 record. They won the Central by six games. They also went to the World Series. This is not to say that this season will be another 1997.

But it is worth remembering that while the Tribe is a very flawed team, so is everyone else in the Central.

So this is a summer when we can debate keeping Fausto Carmona in the rotation.

And did the Indians wait too long to bring up Lonnie Chisenhall? Is it time to promote Jason Kipnis to play second, or does it make more sense to bring up Jason Donald to be a utility man? Will they actually make a trade like they did in 2007, adding a veteran outfielder named Kenny Lofton for one last Wahoo on the last Tribe team to make the playoffs?

Can the Indians actually win this thing with Shin-Soo Choo out until September? With Grady Sizemore playing on two aching knees and an ailing bat? Or with a bottom of the lineup that looks as if it should say hello to Class AAA Columbus?

Who knows?

But this much is certain -- the Indians have become a team worth talking about.

To reach Terry Pluto: terrypluto2003@yahoo.com, 216-999-4674

Acta says his main goal is for the team to just keep winning.

View full sizePDPitcher Josh Judy says losing is a rare and strange event for the Columbus Clippers.

Clubhouse confidential: Asked before Saturday's game how it felt to win the Ohio Cup, manager Manny Acta said, "Win what?"

Friday's win gave the Indians a 4-0 record against the Reds in their six-game series. It's the first time the Tribe has won the Cup and the series since 2005. The Indians beat the Reds on Saturday as well to up their record to 5-0 this season.

"It's good for the fans because it gives them bragging rights," said Acta. "Our main thing is to win ballgames regardless of who we play and what cups we bring home. We just want to keep winning."

Clipper power: Josh Judy, promoted from Class AAA Columbus to fill out the bullpen in the absence of Chris Perez, says the Clippers have been so hot that when they lose a game no one knows how to act.

"It's almost like everyone is in shock," said Judy, the Clippers' closer. "People don't know how to act. Do we play music or don't we?"

Columbus has 55 victories, more than any team in the majors or minors.

Stat of the day: In case you were wondering, the first 89 of Brandon Phillips' 1,000 hits were recorded as an Indian. Phillips reached 1,000 hits Friday night with a homer in the ninth inning.

-- Paul Hoynes

The Indians ignored the defense in the first round of the draft from 2002-2009 ... but the first-round picks they have used on defenders before 2010 did not work out well.

View full sizePlain Dealer file photoGerard Warren, left, and Courtney Brown were two first-round picks on defense that did not work out well for the Browns ... maybe that's why the team took only one defensive player in the first round from 2002 to 2009.

ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .

1. Every new Browns regime lives with the mistakes of the ones which came before. We all know that, but Eric Grinnell pointed out a different aspect of that in this email:

"I found that from 2002-2009 (eight drafts), the Browns spent only one first-round pick on defense (Kamerion Wimbley, 2006). An even more outrageous fact is that in those same drafts, the Browns picked zero total defensive linemen in rounds 2-4 . . . Although I've been conscious of the fact that the previous regimes didn't spend a lot of draft picks on defense, I never realized how appalling the numbers really are."

2. Grinnell started with the 2002 draft because the Browns selected DT Gerard Warren in 2001 with the No. 3 pick. The lesson from that draft is to never pick a defensive lineman (or anyone else) nicknamed "Big Money." Since the team came back in 1999, the only defensive first-round picks have been Courtney Brown (2000), Warren, Wimbley, Joe Haden (2010) and Phil Taylor (2011).

3. The only first-rounders still with the team since it returned in 1999 are Joe Thomas (2007), Alex Mack (2009), Haden and Taylor. That's not very many. It's also an indication of different people doing the drafting -- and how the new regime often is eager to deal the old regime's players.

View full sizePD fileBrowns' 2011 first-round draft pick Phillip Taylor.

4. First-rounders Braylon Edwards (2005), Kellen Winslow II (2004), Jeff Faine (2003) and Wimbley have been traded. Those deals produced Colt McCoy (for Wimbley), Mohamed Massaquoi (Winslow), Chansi Stuckey (Edwards), Jason Trusnik (Edwards), Shawn Lauvao (Edwards) and D'Qwell Jackson (Faine).

5. Grinnell's point is that the Browns have paid little attention to the defensive line in the draft -- which is why there are so many holes today. It's also why the Browns made defensive tackle Taylor and defensive end Jabaal Sheard their first two picks in 2011.

6. The Browns have had 13 second-rounders since 2002. Four have been wide receivers (Andre Davis, Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie and Greg Little). Three have been linebackers (Jackson, Chaun Thompson and David Veikune). Four have been defensive backs (Sean Jones, Brodney Pool, T.J. Ward and Eric Wright). In 2010 the second-rounder was running back Montario Hardesty, and Sheard and Little were 2011 picks

7. Can any of those 13 second- rounders be considered an impact player -- probably not, unless Sheard or Little have big rookie years, or Hardesty stays healthy. This season, only Massaquoi, Robiskie and Jackson are expected to start for the Browns. That assumes Jackson stays healthy.

8. From an emotional standpoint, it's often hard for a new front office (or a losing one) to draft linemen at the top of the draft. Linemen rarely generate much excitement from the fan base. Yet two of the Browns' best first-round picks this century have been offensive linemen -- Thomas and Mack.

9. Who is the best defensive lineman the Browns have drafted since 1999? It's probably Ahtyba Rubin, a sixth-rounder in 2008. Next would be Warren. Yes, it's a sad state of affairs.

10. Since 1999, only the following draft choices have made the Pro Bowl: Edwards (2008), Winslow (2008), Thomas (2008-11), Mack (2011), and Ryan Pontbriand (2009). Undrafted Joshua Cribbs made it in 2008 and 2010. But the only real star in this group is Thomas -- one big-time player for all those picks between 1999 and 2009.

11. It's too early to fully evaluate the 2010 draft, but the Browns did come out of it with three starters in Haden, Ward and McCoy -- a good start for GM Tom Heckert.

12. There have been five regimes doing the drafting since 1999: (Dwight Clark, 1999-2000), Butch Davis (2001-04), Phil Savage (2005-08), Eric Mangini (2009) and Heckert (2010-11). With all that change, it's no surprise so many picks have been wasted and traded.

ABOUT THE INDIANS . . .

1. The Tribe is giving serious consideration to promoting Jason Kipnis from Class AAA Columbus in the near future -- especially if Cord Phelps continues to struggle defensively at second base. Kipnis has been sensational lately, hitting .368 with three homers and eight RBI in his past 10 games (through Friday) and his defense has been improving.

View full sizePD fileSecond baseman Jason Kipnis.

2. Phelps made five errors in his first 10 games at second. While that's out of character for Phelps -- he had only 20 errors in 240 minor-league games at second since 2009 -- his struggles with the glove have made the Indians consider Kipnis.

3. The 24-year-old Kipnis was hitting .301 (.907 OPS) with 11 homers and 50 RBI heading into Saturday. The Tribe loves that Kipnis seems to hit everyone . . . everywhere. The left-handed batter is hitting .333 against lefties, .286 against righties. He's at .305 (.915 OPS) at the Clippers' hitter-friendly park, compared with .298 (.900 OPS) on the road. He's hitting .329 with runners in scoring position.

4. Kipnis has a .305 average in 21/2 minor-league seasons. He was the Tribe's second-round pick in 2009, and converted from the outfield to second base in 2010. The Indians had a brief discussion about using him in the outfield because of the lack of depth in Cleveland. But they believe he is the second baseman of the future -- and want to keep him at second.

5. Phelps began his pro career in 2008, so he's a year ahead of Kipnis in terms of development. He also was a second baseman at Stanford, and the Indians still believe he can be a significant part of the team in 2012. But Kipnis is playing better in Columbus than Phelps did. Kipnis is second in the International League in total bases and runs scored, third in OPS (.907), third in slugging percentage (.526) and sixth with 50 RBI.

6. Kipnis started 2010 at Class A Kinston and was promoted after 54 games to Class AA Akron. He played 79 games with the Aeros before batting .455 (10-of-22) for Columbus in the playoffs. I have always favored Phelps getting the first shot with Cleveland because he had 521 Class AAA at-bats, and was a better defensive second baseman than Kipnis in the minors. I still think Phelps will hit and settle down in the field.

7. The Indians say they are playing to win now. It's why they promoted Alex White early this season -- not worrying about future free agency and arbitration dates. It's why they turned to Lonnie Chisenhall last week to play third, rather than Jason Donald. And it's why they are talking about Kipnis replacing Phelps.

8. If they don't promote Kipnis, it could be Donald -- hitting .314 in his past 10 games. He's finally healthy after his spring training hand injury, which was followed by a knee injury. With Chisenhall in Cleveland, Donald is playing a lot of third base. He batted .253 (.690 OPS) with four homers and 24 RBI in 296 at- bats as a rookie with the Tribe last season. A right-handed batter, he hit .286 (.833 OPS) against lefties.

9. Some fans have been pushing for Jared Head to be promoted. The outfielder is hitting .298 (.861 OPS) with 11 HRs and 38 RBI. Most of his production is at Columbus' Huntington Park. He's batting .342 (1.053 OPS) at home and .258 (.687 OPS) on the road. He's 28 and considered a so-so prospect.

10. The Tribe rates Ezequiel Carrera higher than Head because he's only 23 and has excellent speed. Carrera is 27-of-31 in stolen bases and considered an above-average center fielder. He is hitting .287 (.726 OPS) this season but has only 13 extra-base hits in 289 at-bats.

11. Nick Johnson's surgically repaired wrist has been giving him some trouble, and he was in Cleveland this week to have it re-examined. The veteran first baseman is expected to be out a few more days, and then try to play again. He is hitting .220 with no power.

12. Luis Valbuena is having a big year at Columbus -- .314 (.892 OPS) with 11 HRs and 51 RBI. He is only 25 and has hit .321, .313 and .314 in parts of the past three seasons at Class AAA. That may persuade a team to deal for him when the Indians try to acquire a veteran outfielder.

ABOUT THE CAVS . . .

1. Now there are three. That's right, three Cavs under contract for next season who were with the team when they walked off the court after Game 6 of the 2010 playoffs in Boston: Daniel Gibson, Antawn Jamison and Anderson Varejao. Everyone else is gone, although the Cavs may try to re-sign free agent Anthony Parker for a year to play shooting guard.

2. This is what happens when a team switches from playing for a title to trying to build for the future. It's possible Jamison could be traded before the end of the season. He's in the final year of his contract. It's likely Ramon Sessions will be dealt, but Gibson also could go as the Cavs sort through their four point guards.

3. That's right, they have four point guards: Baron Davis, Kyrie Irving, Sessions and Gibson. Irving is the present and the future. There's a small chance Davis could be traded, but his enormous contract makes it unlikely.

4. As the Cavs try to bring order to the point guard position, the most likely to go is Sessions. He is 25, very quick and would be excellent for an up-tempo team such as the Knicks. The Cavs would probably prefer to keep Gibson, because he is a strong outside shooter who in certain situations can play next to Davis or Irving.

5. If you had to pick a starting lineup for the Cavs right now, it would be Davis and Irving in the backcourt. Yes, it's two point guards, but the only other guards on the roster are Manny Harris, Gibson and Sessions. That's why they will try to keep Parker, or perhaps trade for more of a long-term answer at shooting guard. Of course, nothing can happen in terms of deals during the lockout.

6. Omri Casspi immediately takes over at small forward. They still have Christian Eyenga and Alonzo Gee. The Cavs remain alarmingly weak at the two positions requiring the most athleticism -- small forward and shooting guard.

7. Jamison will open the season at power forward, but it's obvious the Cavs are counting on rookie Tristan Thompson and second-year man Samardo Samuels. A year from now, it's possible Thompson and Samuels will be the power forwards. Luke Harangody is on the roster, but it's hard to imagine a significant role for him.

8. Varejao will start at center, and the Cavs also want to develop Semih Erden. Some teams will want to deal for Varejao, but it's doubtful the Cavs will trade him. They believe Varejao and Thompson can greatly improve their inside defense.

Carpenter had an impressive rookie season as the Browns' top running back in 1956, but moved to wide receiver in 1957, after Cleveland drafted Jim Brown.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerPreston Carpenter, at a golf event in the Cleveland area in 2001.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Preston Carpenter, the Cleveland Browns’ first pick in the 1956 draft who made a position change after Jim Brown joined the Browns the following season, died on Thursday at age 77.

Published reports in Arkansas indicate Carpenter died of natural causes after a brief illness.

Carpenter was an Arkansas star halfback drafted by the Browns with the 13th overall pick. He rushed for 756 yards in his rookie season with Cleveland, then moved to wide receiver the next season, when Brown began his Hall of Fame career. Carpenter totaled 96 receptions for 1,368 yards and five touchdowns in his four years with the Browns.

(Preston Carpenter was included when The Plain Dealer recently ranked the Browns' 100 best draft picks of all-time. He is not related to Ken Carpenter, who is included in the rankings, but is the brother of Lew Carpenter, who is mentioned later in this report)

Carpenter played for five teams in 12 NFL seasons, catching 305 passes for 4,457 yards and 23 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl team in 1962 while with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Robbie Neiswanger of the Arkansas News writes about a highlight of Carpenter's career at Arkansas:

Carpenter lettered at Arkansas from 1953-55 and is remembered for teaming with Buddy Bob Benson for a 66-yard touchdown on “The Powder River Play.” Carpenter’s catch and run was the only score in the 6-0 win against No. 5 Ole Miss in 1954, a season in which coach Bowden Wyatt’s “25 Little Pigs” won the Southwest Conference title.

Neiswanger writes that Carpenter was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 and the UA Sports Hall of Honor in 1996. He also writes, with a quote about Carpenter:

“He loved the University of Arkansas,” Harold Horton, executive director of the Razorback Foundation, said Thursday night. “He loved coming back to our reunions in the spring. He enjoyed being in the lettermen’s room prior to games. He was the life of the group. Wherever he was, he just added to where he was. People enjoyed being around him."

Carpenter's brother Lew began a 10-year NFL career in 1953 with the Detroit Lions, and played on the Browns with Preston in the 1957 and 1958 seasons. Lew Carpenter died at age 78 in 2010.

Tristan Thompson was the surprise No. 4 pick in the NBA draft for most Cavaliers fans, but he has been planning on this entrance for a long time.

View full sizeCharlie Riedel, Associated PressCavs first-round pick Tristan Thompson was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year at Texas last season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Maybe you were one of the Cavaliers fans who did a double-take when Tristan Thompson's name was called as the fourth selection in the NBA Draft. Maybe you were expecting something different; a player who doesn't roam the paint like a handful of other big men on the rebuilding franchise, or a foreign player who has more experience and more intrigue.

Maybe you were like Samardo Samuels, the Cavaliers forward who played one year in high school with Thompson, and scowled his skepticism the first time the scrawny boy showed up at practice.

"Canada?" Samuels recalls saying, questioning Thompson's homeland. And then he demanded, "Who are these little kids?" of the two Toronto natives who joined St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey that year.

"And then I saw he had some skills," Samuels admitted recently. "A lot of skills. He kind of plays the same way now, but he got older and bigger."

Now 6-8 and 20 years old, Thompson spent a year at Texas as a defensive force, was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year, and got enough attention that Cavaliers GM Chris Grant claims he's been tracking the long power forward since he was in high school. The fact that he was the fourth pick wouldn't have been a surprise if you saw what the Cavaliers' scouting team did: The team's scouts salivated over Thompson's 7-2 wingspan, his 38.5-inch vertical leap and his 2.4 blocks per game. (Though not so much over his 49 percent free-throw shooting.)

"We just love what he's about and how he would fit into our organization," Grant said when introducing Thompson and No. 1 pick Kyrie Irving.

"This was a very easy pick," Grant said.

It was such an easy pick that Grant promptly made room on the squad for Thompson to grow and develop when he traded J.J. Hickson to Sacramento on Thursday. The glut of power forwards is now somewhat smaller, and Thompson's path to a starting position is more direct.

So, maybe you were like Andrea Thompson -- though probably not. Tristan's mother predicted this back in January or February, in fact, expected it all along. That was when the Cavaliers were in the depths of their league-record 26-game losing streak, and when Andrea Thompson had a vision that her son would play in Cleveland in the next NBA season, whenever that might begin after the lockout. She credits the foresight to her strong faith in God leading her to understand what was in store for her eldest son.

When David Stern called Tristan Thompson's name fourth, he turned to his mother and said, "Mama, you were right." Thompson also owed the fact that he declared for this year's draft after one season at Texas to his mother. When he wavered on his decision, she told him it was time.

"He knew it was time, but he was a little bit nervous, so I told him, 'No, it is time,' " said Andrea Thompson, who speaks with the clipped, singsong accent acquired during a childhood in Jamaica. "I told him: 'No, it is time. You are ready. You must show the whole world that you are ready.' "

Preparing for this moment is something Thompson has spent a lifetime doing. As a child, he would scribble inspirational words on his bathroom mirror. Each time he accomplished one of the goals, he would cross it off. He listed aspirations such as, "Be the best player in the country," and "Get a college scholarship."

By the time he left for college in Texas the only word left uncrossed was "motivation."

Even now, Thompson is prone to litter his Twitter feed (@RealTristan13) with inspirational quotes that some have jokingly labeled Confuciuslike.

"I only give one warning, and than take action," he entered June 17. "Happiness is something we all want," he wrote June 20. And on June 21, "One man trash, is another man treasure. So you better know what you got, before it's gone."

What does it all mean? Phrases he wants to share to inspire others, or phrases that inspire him?

Regardless, he's taking it all in.

"He's a sponge," Texas coach Rick Barnes told reporters last season. "It's one of the reasons his knowledge about the game is at such a high level. He's got a great work ethic and a great attitude."

Maybe you're like a lot of other NBA fans who didn't expect much from any player coming from Canada. The country to the north isn't exactly known as a hotbed of hoops talent, despite being the homeland of two-time MVP Steve Nash.

Thompson grew up in Toronto playing with athletes who were older and wiser, until he outgrew them and came to the United States for high school. He spent his sophomore and part of his junior year at St. Benedict's before proving another Canadian stereotype wrong: they're not all laid-back and mellow. During a game in his junior year, Thompson and coach Dan Hurley argued during a timeout. Not only was Thompson sent off the court, he was removed from the team.

He transferred to Findlay Prep, where he finished his high school career.

"When he had a falling out with the coach at St. Benedict's Prep school, immediately God opened another scholarship at Findlay Prep in Nevada and look how it worked out -- for the better," Andrea Thompson said recently.

So maybe you think the questions about whether Thompson should have been the fourth pick in the NBA Draft will motivate him even more, will inspire him more than his motivational phrases to improve his somewhat suspect outside jumper, strengthen his shaky free-throw shooting, and help him to become the starting power forward he seems destined to become for the Cavaliers.

Maybe. But maybe we're all wrong, too.

"I'm a self-starter, a self-motivator, so the whole, 'Going No. 4 motivation,' . . . I don't look at it that way," Thompson said. "It's just a number."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jvalade@plaind.com, 216-999-4654

Valbuena, hitting .318 overall, has five homers in last 11 games. Aeros win. Captains routed, Kinston blanked and Scrappers lose. Crushers win.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerLuis Valbuena with the Indians last season. Catching is the White Sox' A.J. Pierzynski.

MINOR LEAGUE REPORT

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 7, Bats 6 SS Luis Valbuena (.318) slugged a solo home run leading off the bottom of the 10th inning to give Columbus an International League win over Louisville (Ky.). Valbuena was 2-for-3 with three RBI, a walk and a sacrifice fly. RF Matt McBride, in his third game with the Clippers since being promoted from Akron, clouted a solo homer. 2B Jason Kipnis (.305) was 2-for-3 with two walks and two runs, and CF Ezequiel Carrera (.290) was 2-for-4 with a run and two stolen bases. Carrera has 29 steals in 33 attempts this season.

RH Chen Lee pitched two scoreless, hitless innings for the win, striking out four and walking one. He followed RH reliever Zach Putnam, who retired all six batters he faced, with one strikeout.

Notes: Valbuena is 16-for-40 (.400) with five homers, two doubles, 12 RBI and nine runs in his last 11 games....LH Scott Barnes (7-2, 3.40) is 5-1 with a 1.88 ERA in his last eight starts, striking out 55 while allowing 35 hits and 16 walks in 48 innings....RH Jeanmar Gomez (8-2, 2.49) is 6-1 with a 2.08 ERA in his last eight starts, fanning 45 in 56 1/3 innings while yielding 46 hits and 19 walks....LH David Huff (8-2, 3.74) has won his last five starts, with a 2.14 ERA in 33 2/3 innings, during which he's struck out 27, walked six and allowed 26 hits....Going into Saturday night's game, 2B Jason Kipnis (.301) was on a six-game hitting streak, going 11-for-23 (.478) with three homers, one double, seven RBI and seven runs....1B Wes Hodges (.219) was 11-for-36 (.306) with five doubles and a homer in his last nine games....3B Jared Goedert (.210) was 6-for-15 (.400) with one homer in his last four games.   

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 7, SeaWolves 6 Catcher Michel Hernandez, playing his second game for Akron after being signed as a minor league free agent, singled home 3B Kyle Bellows (.206), who had also singled, with two outs in the top of the ninth inning to give the Aeros an Eastern League win at Erie (Pa.). Hernandez was 3-for-5 with three RBI. 2B Karexon Sanchez (.228) was 3-for-5 with a triple and RBI, and 1B Raul Padron, in his third Aeros’ game, was 2-for-3 with two walks, two runs and an RBI. RH reliever Bryan Price (2-2, 2.84) got the win, allowing one run in 2 2/3 innings, before RH Cory Burns pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his 21st save.

Notes: LH T.J. McFarland (4-4, 4.55) has won his last two starts, posting an 0.69 ERA in 13 innings. He has fanned 10, walked three and allowed five hits....Going into Saturday night's game, RH closer Cory Burns (2-3, 20 saves, 2.51) had not given up a run in his last 13 games. He was 2-0 with eight saves during the stretch, fanning 13 while allowing five hits and three walks in 13 1/3 innings....RH reliever Bryan Price (1-2, 2.79) had a 1.04 ERA in his last nine outings, spanning 17 1/3 innings....RH reliever Adam Miller (1-1, one save, 2.77), an elite prospect before suffering finger injuries that caused him to miss almost all of the last three seasons, had not allowed a run in his last seven games. In nine innings, he had struck out nine, walked five and given up five hits....OF Jordan Henry (.279) was 18-for-42 (.429) in his last 10 games. Overall, he had stolen 23 bases in 28 attempts.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Keys 3, Indians 0 RH Oliver Drake shut down host Kinston (N.C.) on three hits in 8 1/3 innings to lead Frederick (Md.) to the Carolina League win. CF Tyler Holt (.247) tripled and singled for the Indians. LH starter T.J. House (5-7, 4.19) took the loss, giving up three runs on five hits in six innings. Indians’ RH reliever Rob Bryson pitched two scoreless innings, fanning four and giving up one hit.

Notes: RH Clayton Cook (6-4, 3.18) is 5-2 with a 2.12 ERA in his last 10 starts, striking out 51, walking 19 and holding opponents to a .205 batting average in 59 1/3 innings....RH Brett Brach (5-5, 2.80) is 2-2 with a 2.25 ERA in 48 innings over his last eight starts, fanning 28, walking 11 and giving up 38 hits....LH Drew Pomeranz led Carolina League pitchers with a 2.06 ERA going into Saturday's games. Pomeranz, the Indians' first pick and the fifth overall in the 2010 draft, is 2-2 in 14 starts, striking out 88, walking 30 and holding opponents to a .208 batting average -- including just two home runs -- in 70 innings....After pitching a scoreless inning Saturday night, RH reliever Kyle Landis is 3-0 with one save and a 1.02 ERA with Kinston. He has struck out 22, walked two and allowed eight hits in 17 2/3 innings....Going into Saturday night's game, 3B Adam Abraham (.256) was 12-for-32 (.375) with five doubles and a homer in his last eight games....SS Tyler Cannon (.248) was 10-for-33 (.303) with two doubles, one triple, two homers and nine RBI in his last 10 games.

A Lake County Captains

Silver Hawks 15, Captains 2 RH starter and loser Mike Goodnight (5-7, 3.56) allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits and four walks in 2 2/3 innings, and threw five of the Captains’ seven wild pitches in the Midwest League game at Eastlake’s Classic Park. South Bend (Ind.) led, 15-0, before Lake County got an RBI double by DH Brian Heere (.214) and RBI single by 2B Nick Bartolone (.227) in the eighth inning.

Notes: LH Mike Rayl (5-2, 1.53) has struck out 50, walked one and allowed 24 hits in 41 1/3 innings over his last eight starts, going 3-2 with an 0.87 ERA....Going into Saturday night's game, 1B Jesus Aguilar (.287) was 40-for-103 (.388) with 12 doubles, eight homers and 22 RBI in his last 28 games....C Alex Monsalve (.272) was 14-for-39 (.359) with five doubles, one triple, two homers, nine RBI and 10 runs in his last nine games....2B Argenis Martinez (.233) was 9-for-22 (.409) with seven runs in his last six games....OF LeVon Washington (.229) was 11-for-36 (.306) with two doubles and two triples in his last seven games....3B Giovanny Urshela (.224) was 8-for-25 (.320) with two doubles, one triple, one homer, seven RBI and six runs in his last six games....RH reliever Dale Dickerson was 1-0 with one save and an 0.00 ERA in his last nine games. He had given up one unearned run in 12 1/3 innings, striking out 10, walking none and allowing 10 hits. 

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Muckdogs 8, Scrappers 3 Batavia scored three first-inning runs and led all the way for the New York-Penn League win at Mahoning Valley. Scrappers SS Tony Wolters (.276) drilled his first homer, a solo clout, and DH Alex Lavisky (.180) -- of Lakewood St. Edward High School -- was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. RF Bryson Myles (.339) was 2-for-3 with a walk. Mahoning Valley RH Nathan Striz sparkled in relief, allowing one unearned run on two hits and no walks, with six strikeouts, in 3 1/3 innings.

Notes: LH Kirk Wetmore is 2-1 with an 0.00 ERA in his three starts, allowing three unearned runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out 15 in 15 innings....Going into Saturday night's game, OF Jordan Smith (.349) was 11-for-29 (.379) with three doubles and six RBI in his last seven games....OF Bryson Myles was 14-for-36 (.389) with three doubles, two triples, nine runs and seven stolen bases in seven tries in his last nine games....C Jake Lowery (.313) was 8-for-21 (.381) with four doubles, two homers, five RBI and five runs in his last five games.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers win, 7-3, at Florence (Ky.) Freedom

Notes: LH Paul Fagan (3-4, 3.57) has won his last three starts, posting a 2.29 ERA in 19 2/3 innings....Going into Saturday night's game, C Joel Collins (.309) was 11-for-28 (.393) with two doubles in his last eight games.

Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi answers readers questions.

View full sizePlain Dealer file photoDon't expect to see fullback Lawrence Vickers getting a shot at playing linebacker for the Browns.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think the Browns have a good chance to finish their season 7-9 or higher? -- Malek Abumeri, Cleveland

A: Hey, Malek: Let's reserve our predictions until free agency has run its course. The roster is incomplete, to say the least.

Q: Hey, Tony: If players after four years will be "unrestricted" free agents with the new CBA, who on the Browns qualify for this? -- Ken Dobrowolski, Cincinnati

A: Hey, Ken: Eric Wright, Lawrence Vickers, Matt Roth, Billy Yates, Floyd Womack, Chansi Stuckey, Abe Elam, Jason Trusnik.

Q: Hey, Tony: With a glaring need for veteran WR support, I read recently that the Jags' Mike Sims-Walker would fall under the proposed four-year free agent plan. Prior to the lockout, the team told Sims-Walker that "they'd be going another direction." Do you see him as someone we would be interested in? -- Travis Foshe, Phoenix

A: Hey, Travis: I don't see the Browns making a move on any receiver in free agency. They already have a cast of thousands at the position and have consistently expressed confidence in the receivers on their roster.

Q: Hey, Tony: In 2007, the last time the AFC Central played the NFC West, the Browns played at Arizona and home to Seattle. Why do they play at Arizona and home to Seattle again in 2011? Doesn't the NFL alternate as part of the scheduling rotation? -- Brent Silver, Orange Village

A: Hey, Brent: The league stopped automatically alternating home sites in interconference games a few years ago to accommodate Western-based teams, which always lead in travel miles. So there is nothing to guarantee unfamiliar NFC foes play in Cleveland at least once every eight years.

Q: Hey, Tony: Any thoughts on whether Randy Lerner and the Browns are one of the small-market teams holding back from agreeing on the CBA? An article on Yahoo indicates the Browns would be forced to spend a lot more than they have been under the new CBA with a cap floor.-- Ben Williamson, Fairfield , Conn.

A: Hey, Ben: The Browns are not going to stick out their necks and hold up any CBA deal. They may be considered "small market," but they are owned by a multibillionaire.

Q: Hey, Tony: Back in the '80s before we could research anything on the Internet, my dad, siblings, and I kept up with the Brownies via a newspaper/newsletter. It recapped that week's game, looked ahead to the next week, and the middle had a full poster of a player that we used to decorate our rooms with (my siblings and I had to pick a number for who got to keep it). It was delivered from Ohio to N.Y. about midweek and came on a weekly basis. My question is, do you know/remember the name of this newspaper/newsletter? Hope you can help this burning question in my mind. -- Rebecca Pratt, Northville, N.Y.

A: Hey, Rebecca: You're thinking of Browns News/Illustrated, a fine publication formerly produced by former Akron Beacon Journal beat writer Ray Yannucci. BNI was one of the innocent victims of the loss of football for three seasons as a result of Art Modell's move to Baltimore. The paper took a beating while trying to publish without a team.

Q: Hey, Tony: My question is about the supplemental draft. Assuming that it does take place, do the Browns get to take any of Atlanta's turns? We have their first- and fourth-round picks next year and when you take a player in this draft, you forfeit next year's corresponding draft pick. So, since the Falcons don't have those rounds, do we get to take their place? -- Nick Snyder, Atlanta

A: Hey, Nick: I submitted this question to an NFL official. Here was the response: Clubs are reminded that the priority does not reflect the actual order of each round, which may be affected by previously completed trades involving 2011 draft choices. Clubs are also reminded that choices to which they do not own clear title may not be exercised in the Supplemental Draft. Clubs who own clear title to an additional selection choice in a round must specify which selection choice they are exercising.

Q: Hey, Tony: Since the Browns drafted fullback/linebacker Owen Marecic to replace Lawrence Vickers at fullback, any chance the Browns might see if Vickers can play linebacker? If Marecic can go both ways, why not see if Vickers can too? -- Mike Mucha, Marion, Va.

A: Hey, Mike: Surely you jest.

Q: Hey, Tony: This may be a moot question if a new CBA is reached soon, but have the players considered hiring a former coach to work with them at their workout sessions? I would think it would be valuable to bring in someone like Jon Gruden or Steve Mariucci to a "Camp Colt" session for a few days to help get the players more familiar with the West Coast offense. -- Chris Michlik, Toronto

A: Hey, Chris: It's a nice thought, but if the owners don't care whether their players are prepared for the 2011 season -- they've locked them out -- why should the players care?

Q: Hey, Tony: How involved has Randy Lerner been during this whole CBA thing? Does Mike Holmgren just take his place? Where does Randy Lerner stand? I hear a lot of owners names but never Lerner, does he even care about his money? -- Dan Desai, Toledo

A: Hey, Dan: Lerner is not that active in NFL league affairs. To some extent, that's why he's paying Holmgren so much to represent him at league meetings. Lerner and Holmgren both attended the most recent owners meeting.

Q: Hey, Tony: The lockout might be lifted soon. Do you see them losing some preseason games? If so, do you think that will make a big difference? -- Johnny D'ambrosia, Garfield Heights

A: Hey, Johnny: The owners don't want to lose preseason games because they are such a nice source of revenue. My educated guess is that a preseason game or two might be lost because of a protracted lockout. Will it make a big difference? The loss of the off-season will matter more to teams with new coaches, like the Browns.

Q: Hey, Tony: I'm worried about the injury rumor about Phil Taylor's toes and that it's something he has to play with because the condition is inoperable. That's not good considering he's 337 pounds. Did you hear anything about that? -- Thaddeus Landers, Youngstown

A: Hey, Thaddeus: In interviews after the draft, Taylor said reports of an unusual foot condition were not true. We shall see.

Q: Hey, Tony: Tell the Browns to check into a practice-squad player, Adrian Arrington, at New Orleans. He'll be a great pickup for the Browns. He's a beast of a receiver. -- Fred Gibson, Georgetown, Texas

A: Hey, Fred: Would Browns fans accept another receiver from Michigan?

Q: Hey, Tony: Why do you think the Camp Colt sessions are so worthless? Isn't the West Coast offense highly predicated on having great timing between your quarterback and receivers? Aren't these camps allowing Colt to do just that with his receiving corps? I think it's time we gave Colt the credit he is due for going out of his way to organize these highly productive and extremely valuable practice sessions. -- Art Core, New York,

A: Hey, Art: McCoy should be commended for taking charge of the offense. But, in truth, most of the quarterbacks are doing the same thing. It's part of the job description and why they get the big bucks.

Q: Hey, Tony: A lot of people are calling for the Browns to pick up Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft and justify it by saying he could be moved to WR if he doesn't develop as a QB in the NFL. I know Josh Cribbs was a QB in college but one could hardly make a case that he's a great NFL WR. He's really just a great KR. Are there really any good examples of college QBs turned great NFL WRs? -- John Arend, Enid, Okla.

A: Hey, John: I can't think of two athletes more opposite than Cribbs and Pryor. One worked hard for everything he earned (Cribbs) and the other felt entitled to everything he was given (Pryor). I wouldn't fathom Pryor putting in the hard work required of a position switch at this point of his career. There aren't a lot of college QBs who turned into great NFL WRs. Other than Cribbs, the best current example would be Brad Smith of the Jets, who, like Cribbs, is more of a specialist than a bona fide wide receiver.

Q: Hey, Tony: The Cleveland Browns gave up several of the traditions from the era when the teams were very good. Over the last several years they brought back the true mascot "Brownie the Elf" but they didn't bring back the Browns theme music which was always played before and during the games. Question is, why, when it was a fan favorite? -- Robert Arthur, Shaker Heights

A: Hey, Robert: I don't know the answer. I do know that since the Browns were reborn in expansion, the new organization has struggled to balance old traditions with new, modern innovations. There has been no guidebook for them to follow and the lack of a constant voice and conscience in the organization has hurt them on these matters.

Q: Hey, Tony: Tom Heckert has come out recently and said the Browns won't be active in free agency when it resumes. My question is, why not? Is there a salary cap issue? Only four out of our 12 first-round draft selections (since they returned in 1999) will be on the roster. We've already parted ways with several veterans, and probably won't re-sign several other key starters. . . . So after Thomas, Mack, Haden, & Taylor, who's making the "big money" around here this coming season? Is there a Pro Bowler in the bunch? -- Sean McNabb, Berea

A: Hey, Sean: This is not really a money issue. Free agency is best utilized when a team needs one or two players to put it over the top, or a couple to fill prominent roles. Teams that lean on free agency too heavily historically have failed miserably (e.g. Washington). Heckert's experience with the Eagles taught him that winning teams are built through the draft and free agency is no panacea.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you see the Browns making any selections during the 2011 NFL Supplemental Draft? Maybe CB Janoris Jenkins, Florida? -- Nate Workman, Cincinnati

A: Hey, Nate: Jenkins has enrolled in another university and will not be in the supplemental draft. I don't expect the Browns to participate.

Q: Hey, Tony: I could care less what info you report, you assumed Matt Roth didn't like playing for Eric Mangini and your assumption was wrong. -- Mike B, Dover

A: Hey, Mike: Players sometimes state opinions for public consumption that differ, if not contradict, opinions they've stated in private.

Q: Hey, Tony: For the sake of discussion, let's say that by mid August, the temperament of NFL owner and player negotiators truly worsens. Is there any truth to the rumor that the TV networks have approached the NCAA with a Plan C to get them to reschedule and expand the number of televised college games to cover Saturdays & Sundays along with special games for Monday Night Football? -- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.

A: Hey, Alan: If the NFL doesn't have a 2011 season, I would expect college football to do everything to fill the void.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think Colt McCoy is the franchise QB of the Browns? I agree with you that the elite teams have a franchise QB in place. Colt seems like a bright kid, but does he have enough tools (arm strength, can he stay healthy) to lead the Browns to the "promised land" (Super Bowl)? I'm tired of these arrogant Squeeler fans (they do win). The city of Cleveland needs a championship. Should we apologize to the Brown family (Paul Brown) for what Modell did to him (hahaha) to break "the curse"? I and Cleveland fans want a winner in our lifetime! -- Thaddeus Landers, Youngstown

A: Hey, Thaddeus: Lots to chew on here. 1. My feeling on McCoy is that we will know by the end of this year if he is "the guy." He was thrust in ahead of his time last year in an offensive system that was not quarterback-friendly. Now, in his second year, he has the support system in place to bring out the best in him. We will know by season's end if he has "it." I can't quantify "it" in terms of wins and losses. But we will know it when we see it. 2. The Steelers have one of the top three organizations in the NFL and their fans know it. Deal with it. 3. The "curse" can only be lifted by an elite quarterback who beats the Steelers and Ravens and takes this team deep into the playoffs. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees broke their franchise's "curses."

Q: Hey, Tony: You remember the beginning of free agency periods when deals were announced a short time after midnight? Obviously the deals were made days or weeks before. Do you think that some teams have made some wink and nod deals with unrestricted free agents and that signings will come quickly after a new contract agreement is reached? -- Ray DuMont, Foley, Ala.

A: Hey, Ray: As soon as free agency gets the green light, I would expect signings to occur immediately. Twenty signings in the first 24 hours, 100 or so in the first week.

Q: Hey, Tony: C'mon, you can tell the truth about the real hangup in the NFL negotiations with the players. The real sticking point is Jerry Jones' demand that he be shown on TV six times per quarter and the players sticking to the mandatory three times required by the old contract. Do you think they can get over this hump so that we can have a season? -- John Hruby, Poland, Ohio

A: Hey, John: I think having a season is now possible. I was thinking otherwise a month ago.

Q: Hey, Tony: When do you think this thing will be over? -- Mike Love, Merritt Island, Fla.

A: Hey, Mike: Never have we longed for a training camp more than this year.

Q: Hey, Tony: When Bill Belichick cited Bernie Kosar's "diminishing skills" for his reason in cutting him, did you agree with Bill? In regards to his skills being in serious decline, and the decision to cut him? I've been reading your stuff for years, but am not certain I ever saw your take this on. -- Joshua Jones, Fullerton, Calif.

A: Hey, Joshua: I thought it was appalling that the situation came to Belichick cutting Kosar. Surely his skills were declining. But to cut a player of his stature in the middle of the season -- with the team at 5-3 -- was uncommonly stupid. What happened was the unfortunate confluence of a young, inexperienced head coach failing to resolve his differences with a hard-headed, immensely popular player in decline. They butted heads and egos. The coach felt his authority was threatened. The player felt he was being marginalized by the coach and his top assistant, Mike Lombardi, and his career was being systematically destroyed. Both the coach and player could have reacted better, but they were caught in the emotions of the moment. The situation begged for a strong owner -- or general manager -- to intercede and defuse the bomb. It didn't happen.

Q: Hey, Tony: I'm watching a NFL Network show where they're discussing the relationship between the media and players and coaches. In it they mention that Herm Edwards once had a mini-camp for reporters to help educate them on what really is involved in the game. Considering that we have a lockout and that Pat Shurmur is a first-time head coach, do you think it would be a good idea for him to have such a camp? It would help him build relationships with the media and also might slightly, very slightly, kind of dry run some of the stuff he'll do with real players later. My other question is how well do you think current coaches in the modern NFL understand that reporters are representing the fans? -- Glenn Studevant, Tucson, Ariz.

A: Hey, Glenn: The Browns and the NFL have been on hiatus since March, yet the team never had a formal meet-and-greet with the media or any other introduction of their new coaches, other than Shurmur. So what does that tell you? Do I think current coaches in the modern NFL understand that reporters are representing the fans? Some do. But to be honest, I have not seen that to be the case here on a consistent basis.

-- Tony

The Indians need outfield help and it doesn't look like they're going to find it from within the organization. It means they're going to have to make a trade, but it won't be on their timetable.

View full sizeEd Zurga, Associated PressKansas City right fielder Jeff Francoeur appears incredulous after umpire Eric Cooper calls him out on an attempted steal of third base last Sunday. The strong-armed outfielder could be a credible asset to the Tribe lineup in the second half of the season.

GM Chris Antonetti feels there is enough talent in the minors to take care of needs that may arise with the big-league infield or pitching staff. Such is not the case in the outfield and that's where the Indians are going to have to go outside the organization to find assistance.

Travis Buck and Shelley Duncan are the Tribe's best internal options with Shin-Soo Choo out for eight to 10 weeks with a broken left thumb. But it's clear they're going to try to get better.

There are outfielders available, but it's going to be a seller's market and the market may develop late because so many teams are in contention. The deadline for making trades without placing a player on waivers is July 31. The deadline for making trades with waivers is Aug. 31, so there's still plenty of time to deal.

Some outfielders to consider:

• Ryan Ludwick, San Diego, RH: Former Indian who offers right-handed balance.

• Melky Cabrera, Kansas City, SH: Switch-hitter having a bounce-back year.

• Jeff Francoeur, Kansas City, RH: Indians showed some interest in him during the winter.

• Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota, RH: Could help in the infield and outfield, but are the Twins really out of the AL Central race? And how much would it cost to rent the free-agent-in-waiting for three months?

• Jason Kubel, Minnesota, LH: Probably not a full-time solution in the outfield, but he's a dangerous hitter.

• Others to consider: Juan Rivera, Toronto; Garrett Jones, Pittsburgh; Luke Scott, Baltimore; Josh Willingham, Oakland and Melvin Mora, just released by Arizona.

Regardless of what outfielder the Indians acquire, it won't matter unless Grady Sizemore, Carlos Santana and Michael Brantley don't start hitting closer to expectations. If those three continue to struggle, one outside addition isn't going to make that much of a difference.

Sizemore went into the Cincinnati series hitting .185 (20-for-108) since coming off the disabled list for the second time on May 27. It's clear he's not fully recovered from missing parts of the last two seasons because of injuries.''

Much has been asked of Santana. He's catching, playing first base and hitting in the middle of the lineup. He entered the series against the Reds in a 3-for-25 slump and hit .221 (21-for-95) with five homers and 12 RBI in June.

He led the club with 52 walks and is second with 11 homers and 36 RBI.

Brantley has played well, hitting .297 in April and .278 in May. He slowed in June, entering the Reds series in an 11-for-63 slump. In the first six games of this nine-game interleague trip, he went 4-for-22.

The Indians should receive help when Matt LaPorta, recovering from a sprained right ankle, comes off the disabled list, but they won't know his status until he starts taking batting practice this week. Veteran first baseman Nick Johnson, trying to rebound from wrist surgery at Columbus, isn't an option.

Columbus infielders Jason Kipnis, Jason Donald and Luis Valbuena are much closer to helping. Kipnis, a left-handed hitter, is putting up big numbers at second base. There has been talk about letting him play the outfield for the Indians, but it sounds as if that would happen only in an emergency.

Kipnis, a second round pick in 2009, played the outfield at Arizona State.

"We're committed to continuing Jason's development at second base," said Antonetti.

As for a choice between Donald and Valbuena, Donald is probably a better fit because he hits right-handed.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answers readers' questions.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerThe Indians are not going to take any chances with Travis Hafner and his problematic right shoulder.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Manny Acta continuously bemoans losing Travis Hafner in NL parks, as if to imply the Indians are handcuffed. I find it mind-boggling and unacceptable that a $13 million-a-year-player, who broke into the majors as a first baseman, cannot play the field, especially while Matt LaPorta is on the disabled list.

I understand Hafner has a bad shoulder, but at most, he will have to make one or two throws per game from first base, and the shoulder ostensibly hasn't affected his hitting this season. How can the Indians justify losing their best bat for nine games while in the midst of a pennant race? -- Zahid Nakhooda, Chicago

A: Hey, Zahid: The reason Hafner has hit well this year is because his right shoulder is stronger than it has been since his surgery in 2008. I think the Indians would rather go nine games without him playing every day rather than putting him at first base for the first time since 2007 and risk injuring the shoulder again with one throw or one diving stop.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: How in the world does Austin Kearns stay on this roster? Is there no one at Class AAA Columbus? -- Tom Goodsite, Kirksville, Mo.

A: Hey, Tom: The Indians' best outfield alternatives, Travis Buck and Shelley Duncan, are already in the big leagues. Buck strained his left hamstring on Friday so the Indians were fortunate to have Kearns to replace him, which is why he's on the roster in the first place.

Kearns also netted them Zack McAllister from the Yankees last year. Who's to say they can't deal him again to a contender if they fall out of the race?

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Please, enough of Travis Buck. Isn't there someone else in the minors that can help? -- Ken Stockdale, Raleigh, N.C.

A: Hey, Ken: If Buck's strained left hamstring, suffered Friday night against the Reds, is serious, we'll be getting a look at his replacement soon. The injury came at a bad time because Buck was just starting to hit after a long slump.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Jason Kipnis played the outfield at Arizona State. He seems like a legit major-league hitter. If you were the GM, wouldn't you give him a shot now that the Indians need offense so badly? Shin-Soo Choo was having an off-year and I think Kipnis would hit at least as well as Choo and better than Shelley Duncan, Travis Buck or Austin Kearns. -- Joe Eversole, Pelham, Ala.

A: Hey, Joe: The Indians have invested a lot of time and effort into making Kipnis a second baseman. I wouldn't derail those plans right now by moving him back to the outfield.

I know they've talked about Kipnis helping out in the outfield on the big-league club, but I think they'd try to fill that need through a trade before asking him to switch positions again.

Besides, you're making a pretty big leap of faith in saying Kipnis is automatically going to be a good hitter in the big leagues. Why don't we let him get there first.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: I would not make a trade now, but is it time to see what an excellent crop of talent in Triple-A can do given the Indians offensive woes? I would think about bringing up Ezequiel Carrera in place of Grady Sizemore in the leadoff spot, Lonnie Chisenhall at third base and Nick Johnson at first base. Something has to change. -- Brian Sullivan, Parma

A: Hey, Brian: Chisenhall is already here and Johnson still needs more time at Class AAA Columbus as he recovers from right wrist surgery.

Wondering if you still feel the same about Sizemore after he homered and doubled on Friday night against the Reds? Sizemore is coming back from two years of injuries. I think you have to stay with him and let him play.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: How many times have the Indians been shut out? What percentage of their games have they scored two runs or less? I love that we're contending, but just can't see them continuing it without scoring any runs. -- Andy Pacna, Milwaukee

A: Hey, Andy: The Indians have been shut out nine times in their first 81 games. They're tied with Oakland for the second most in the AL. The Angels have been shut out a league-high 10 times.

They've scored two or fewer runs in 32 percent (26-of-81) of their games.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: How many more times are we going to have to watch Fausto Carmona go out and implode once he has a runner on base? The Plain Dealer reports every day how good the Clippers are doing. One of the three young pitchers down there have to be able to pitch better than Carmona is right now. -- Zachary Hitchcock, Fort Campbell, Ky.

A: Hey, Zachary: Look for Carmona to stay in the rotation for the immediate future. Manager Manny Acta and pitching coaches Tim Belcher and Scott Radinsky feel he's making progress.

Teams do adjust their rotations over the All-Star break. Perhaps the Indians will slide Carmona farther down in the rotation coming out of the break.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: In your opinion, how long will the Indians front office fiddle while the team burns? Do they have blinders on and can't see what is happening? It's always the same tired old excuses. At least they could make up some new ones. -- Bob Carpenter, Glen Allen, Va.

A: Hey, Bob: At least the Indians have a precedent. Nero was working without a net.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Perhaps the word "slump" doesn't accurately describe what the Tribe has been going through the past 30-plus games. Do you think that this is all they are? -- Ted Belak, Sierra Madre, Calif.

A: Hey, Ted: When I first started covering baseball, Gabe Paul was running the Indians. He always said, "No team is as good as it looks when it's winning or as bad as it looks when it's losing." I always try to remember that.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: With Shin-Soo Choo out 8 to 10 weeks and the prospect of seeing Buck/Duncan/Kearns try to man right field, I find myself missing ... Trevor Crowe. I know he never lived up to being a first round pick, but he did hit .251 with 24 doubles and 20 steals last year. Defensively, Crowe brings more speed to the outfield. When can he help and will he get a chance to help? -- Jack Bacevice, Cleveland

A: Hey, Jack: I liked the way Crowe played last year. High-energy, switch-hitter, tempo-changing type player off the bench. Tough, too. Played last year with a bum right elbow and right shoulder. He's still recovering from surgery on the shoulder, but he was playing catch and hitting off a tee as of last week in Goodyear, Ariz.

Crowe thinks he has a chance to make it back sometime this year. Hope he makes it.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think the Indians are ever going to invest in some training for Carlos Santana on how to throw out a runner attempting to steal a base? And who would that be, seeing as how the present coaching staff cannot seem to get the job done? -- Bob Carpenter, Glen Allen, Va.

A: Hey, Bob: The Indians have thrown a lot at Santana in his first full season in the big leagues. They want him to catch, play first base, hit in the middle of lineup, run a pitching staff and control the running game.

He has a great arm and a good instructor in Sandy Alomar Jr. They'll figure it out.

Lou Marson, meanwhile, is throwing out almost 50 percent of the runners who challenge him. Alomar is his coach as well.

-- Hoynsie

Masterson's win Friday night was his first 'since April 26, but he's probably the Indians' best starting pitcher.

View full sizeAPA 6-6 record doesn't tell the whole story on Justin Masterson.

Masterson's win Friday night was his first 'since April 26, but he's probably the Indians' best starting pitcher. He won his first five starts this season and came up empty in his next 11. He's pitched well enough where, with a fortunate bounce or two, he could have 10 victories. The offense has not matched his performance.

Indians hitters scored 22 runs in Masterson's 11 starts before Friday. Twice he's lost 1-0 decisions. He pitched a complete game on May 18, but made the mistake of giving up a sacrifice fly in the first inning and lost, 1-0, to Jake Peavy and the White Sox. The Giants beat him on June 25 by the same score when reliever Tony Sipp balked home the winning run.

In six of Masterson's 11 games before Friday, the Indians scored two or fewer runs. Four times they were shut out.

Sabermetrics aside, I still don't believe a pitcher is completely helpless in determining his fate. Many games come down to a big moment where a pitcher has to make a pitch. If he does, he gets to keep pitching. If he doesn't, the bullpen is alerted.

Masterson has made plenty of big pitches. He just hasn't won a lot, and while he bears responsibility through his won-loss record, the blame is not all his.

The Daytona 500 was one big could've, would've, should've for David Ragan.

Associated PressDavid Ragan holds up the winner's trophy as he celebrates after winning the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday, July 2, 2011.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Daytona 500 was one big could've, would've, should've for David Ragan.

With a chance at redemption, the 25-year-old hardly needed a reminder on late-race procedures.

In his return to Daytona International Speedeway, a little over four months after a late-race gaffe in the season-opening Daytona 500 cost him what would have been a life-changing victory, Ragan stayed calm when he found himself out front on the final restart of Saturday night's race.

With teammate Matt Kenseth on his bumper, their spotter tried to warn Ragan to stay in his lane on the restart, the error he made that led to his crushing penalty in February.

"I was on Matt Kenseth's radio that last restart and his spotter mentioned it, and I said 'You don't have to tell me, so don't even say it,' " Ragan said. "That kind of lightened the mood. Everyone was so tense there at the end."

Kenseth pushed Ragan for the final two laps as Ragan cruised to his first career Sprint Cup win in 163 starts.

"I told him, 'I'm not going to leave you and try to pass you,' " said Kenseth, "because I knew that one of us weren't going to win. So that was a plan to work as a team all night and it just so happened he was in front at the end. Both of us were kind of unselfish all night and worked together really well."

It helped Ragan atone for the Daytona 500, when he was black-flagged for passing too early on the restart and slammed his steering wheel three times with his fist. After finishing 14th, he said "It'll take us a long time to forget this one. The sooner we can win one, the sooner we can forget it."

Now he feels a whole lot better.

"It was a tough one in February and coming back here, we knew that we'd have a shot to win," he said. "We got one back at Daytona. It would have been tough to lose another one. I thought about that under the last caution."

With the win, Ragan could be in contention for a berth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Ragan jumped to 17th in the standings, and two spots in the Chase will go to the winningest drivers ranked between 11 and 20.

And it could save the relationship with sponsor UPS, which is in the final year of its contract with RFR. The team learned this week that Crown Royal will not return as primary sponsor for Kenseth, and so far the organization has only one of its four primary sponsors resigned for 2012.

"David has a great future ahead of him and we look forward to many more trips to victory lane with him," Ron Rogowski, UPS vice president of sponsorship and events, said in a statement immediately after the race.

Kenseth finished second to give RFR a 1-2 sweep for Ford.

Joey Logano, who won his first Daytona race Friday night with a Nationwide Series victory, finished third in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Kasey Kahne was fourth in a Toyota for Red Bull Racing and Kyle Busch was fifth for JGR.

Jeff Gordon made a terrific late-race save to avoid a race-ending wreck and finished sixth in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. Kevin Harvick was seventh for Richard Childress Racing and claimed the series points lead after an early accident caused previous leader Carl Edwards to finish 37th.

Paul Menard was eighth, while Juan Pablo Montoya and AJ Allmendinger rounded out the top 10.

The race was, as expected, more of the two-car tandem style that has taken over at Daytona and Talladega, the two restrictor-plate tracks in NASCAR. It was fairly tame until the final 20 or so laps, when the racing got dicey.

It got downright chaotic with just over two scheduled laps remaining, when Gordon needed a beautiful save to prevent a massive accident. That set up the first attempt at overtime, which ended with a 15-car accident triggered when Mark Martin and Logano went for the same piece of track space.

Then came the second overtime, which ended with Ragan crossing the finish line first as a second 15-car accident broke out in the final turn.

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Before he even teed off, Rickie Fowler knew this was going to be a different day at the AT&T National.

Associated PressRickie Fowler waves to the gallery after finishing the third round of the AT&T National golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club, Saturday, July 2, 2011, in Newtown Square, Pa.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. (AP) — Before he even teed off, Rickie Fowler knew this was going to be a different day at the AT&T National. The course record already had been matched, with several other low rounds in progress at suddenly soft Aronimink Golf Club.

One thought crossed his mind: Go time.

That's the message Fowler always puts on Twitter right before he plays, and off he went. He birdied six of his opening 10 holes — and missed two other chances inside 10 feet. He wound up with a 6-under 64 on Saturday and a share of the lead with Nick Watney, who set the course record with a 62.

"I got out, and my game has been feeling good all week," Fowler said. "Went out and started off well, hit some good shots and kept moving from there."

Watney took a while to get moving. He made a mess of the par-5 ninth and was even-par on the front nine, going nowhere. What happened after that, not even Watney can explain.

"The hole looked really big on the back," said Watney, a World Golf Championship winner. "The ball was going where I was looking, and by the time I looked up, I was 8 under."

That's 8 under for his round, and the back nine alone.

After three straight birdies, he then made a 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 16th. Facing a dangerous pin on the par-3 17th, he went after it with a wedge to 5 feet and another birdie. Watney shot 27 on the back, missing by one the PGA Tour's nine-hole record.

When the massacre of Aronimink was over — 40 of 76 players shot in the 60s, including 14 rounds at 66 or better — nothing had really been settled except for a lot of birdies being made.

Fowler and Watney were at 9-under 201, one shot ahead of 36-hole leader K.J. Choi, who came to life late in his round with two birdies on the final three holes to salvage a 69.

Steve Marino, who had a 63 to own the course record for about 20 minutes, was two shots behind at 7-under 205 along with Webb Simpson (64) and Adam Scott (66). The group another shot back included Chris Kirk, whose 63 was in the record book much longer — about an hour.

Scott was tempted to start firing at flags when he saw all low scores, but stuck to his plan and meticulously worked his way around the golf course.

"I'm quite happy with a 66, to be honest," Scott said. "But yeah, it doesn't really stack up against a 62, does it?"

For all the hype over the fashionable Fowler, the 22-year-old hasn't won on the PGA Tour in 46 starts as a pro. He gave himself another chance at Aronimink.

But he isn't the only player going for his first win. Eight of the top 12 players on the leaderboard have yet to win on the PGA Tour.

Marino is regarded as among the best to have never collected a PGA Tour trophy, and he and Simpson — also winless on tour — could have even more at stake Sunday. The leading player among the top five not already eligible will be exempt for the British Open. Marino and Simpson also are battling for a higher ranking to see who will be the top alternate — which becomes more significant with Tiger Woods not expected to compete at Royal St. George's.

Watney, the highest-ranked player at Aronimink at No. 15 in the world, didn't figure to be part of the mix when he ended his front nine with back-to-back bogeys. He birdied his next two holes, then played a five-hole stretch in 6 under capped by his birdie on the 17th.

"I guess anything is possible," Watney said. "But I don't think you ever expect to shoot that low. You don't go on to the golf course very often anticipating a 62."

Certainly not this golf course.

In the opening round Thursday, only four of the holes average under par. On Saturday, with softer greens, tees moved forward and some hole locations that allowed shots to funnel toward the pin, half of the holes played under par.

Not everyone took advantage.

Chris Riley, playing in the last group with Choi, wound up with a 75. Justin Leonard and Bo Van Pelt each had a 71 to fall five shots behind, although they are still very much in the game.

Mark Russell, a vice president of competition in charge of setting up the course, said the watering pattern didn't change and attributed the soft conditions to more humidity in the air. It doesn't figure to change much for the final round, with storms in the forecast. The starting times for Sunday where moved up to try to avoid any weather delays.

Watney's last win was his biggest — a big drive on the 18th hole of the Blue Monster at Doral for a birdie and a two-shot win, proving to himself that he could deliver key shots under pressure.

Fowler is trying to draw on the experience of being a runner-up. He had two good chances last year, laying up on a par 5 late in his round in Phoenix, then losing a lead at the Memorial when he hit a tee shot into the water on the par-3 12th hole.

"I think the biggest thing is just go out and be patient, not get ahead of myself and not get too excited or anxious, just sit back, relax, go through things the same way tonight and just go have some fun tomorrow," Fowler said.

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The three-sport star in high school decided to concentrate on baseball once he arrived at Harvard.

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A: "Probably football. . . . I scored over 1,000 points in basketball. I was all-county in baseball. But football was probably my best sport. I liked being quarterback. I liked being the leader of the team."

Q: Why did you only play baseball when you went to Harvard?

A: "When I got to Harvard, I considered playing football and baseball, but once I saw the workload, I made a commitment to the baseball team and coach [Joe] Walsh.

"They had some good quarterbacks. The quarterback then was Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is the quarterback with the Bills right now."

Q: Did Harvard give you financial help?

A: "They give you need-based financial aid based on what your family needs. My mom is a homemaker and my dad was a detective for the Essex County [N.J.] prosecutor at the time.

"Tuition is $45,000 a year. I'm still paying Harvard off right now."

Q: You were an undrafted free agent after your junior year at Harvard. You're on the way to getting an Ivy League degree. Why risk taking a chance with pro baseball?

A: "When I decided to sign with the Indians, it wasn't the most popular choice with my family. . . . I always felt that if I chose baseball, I could go back to work later on. But if I showed any hesitation, it would be hard to go back to baseball."

Q: When did you get your degree in economics?

A: "When I signed with the Indians, they promised me I could go back to school for two falls and not have to go to the Instructional League. I finished in 2007.

"After the 2006 season, I interned for a private venture capitalist on Wall Street. Two years ago I did a stock-brokerage internship just to stay sharp. As an undrafted free agent nothing is promised to you."