Cantu will play in the Euroleague in 2011-12.

Jay LaPrete / Associated PressOhio State's David Lighty puts down a dunk over Cleveland State's Jared Cunningham.

How active are the Indians in looking to make a trade right now? What type of resources does Chris Antonetti have to work with from ownership? Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerThe Indians' braintrust has a decision to make at this year's trading deadline.

How active are the Indians in looking to make a trade right now? What type of resources does Chris Antonetti have to work with from ownership?

Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• Will this team make a move with Cord Phelps and bring up someone else from Columbus?

• Will we see any of the young arms in Columbus get a longterm shot in the rotation?

• Do you think there was anyone on the roster that deserved more All-Star consideration than they received?

• If this team were to get to the World Series, do you think they would play Travis Hafner at first base in the N.L. park?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Gillam, who played for seven NBA teams, was 47 years old.

APArmen Gilliam

Senior center has said he and his teammates will begin to restore Buckeyes' diminished image. More links.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerOhio State center Mike Brewster, here stretching before a game, is considered one of college football's premier offensive linemen.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The reputation of the Ohio State football program has taken quite a hit in recent months, in the wake of the memorabilia for tattoos/cash scandal and the ensuing coverup that not only worsened matters, but eventually cost coach Jim Tressel his job.

There remain some anchors that help keep the proud program afloat. Ohio State's two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin, willingly serves as a spokesman for the positive qualities the Buckeyes have represented over the years.

And, a solid core of current Buckeyes seek to maintain a semblance of stability for the besieged program.

Count among them center Mike Brewster, who enters his senior season as a projected first-round pick in the NFL draft.

Dave Curtis writes for SportingNews.com that Brewster will be among the high-profile college football personalities who will be glad when the season begins:

Mike Brewster, OL, Ohio State: Never mentioned amid the recent issues in Columbus, Brewster has ended up a de facto spokesman for the program’s integrity. On Twitter all offseason, and in interviews on campus last month, the All-American center preached that he and his teammates would start rebuilding Ohio State’s image come September. Then, he’ll take out an offseason’s worth of frustration on Toledo, Akron and the rest.

Buckeyes banter

Continue to check The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com for Ohio State coverage.

On the Bleacher Report, a photo gallery of the seven best defensive players on the Ohio State roster.

Ohio State plans to make its response to NCAA allegations by Friday, Steve Wieberg writes for USAToday.com.

Ohio State basketball and football has, and might, fill assistant coach openings with familiar faces. By V.R. Bryant for uweekly.com.

Ohio State's problems are just the tip of the iceberg for college football's, writes Nate Atkins for The Maneater, a Missouri University students publication.

Point/counterpoint on how much trouble Ohio State's football program is in, by Ted Glover for offtackleempire.com.

Big Ten 2011 predictions by AthlonSports.com. 

"I appreciate the sentiment, but it won't work in my case. I've wanted to quit the NFL and this team so many times over the years, with all the awful things they've put us through, but I can't, no matter how hard I try." - prdoctor

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerAs bad as the Browns have been over the years, fans keep coming back for more.

In response to the story A year without the NFL? At least one person wouldn't miss it - Browns Comment of the Day, cleveland.com reader prdoctor couldn't quit the Browns if he tried. This reader writes,

"I appreciate the sentiment, but it won't work in my case. I've wanted to quit the NFL and this team so many times over the years, with all the awful things they've put us through, but I can't, no matter how hard I try."

"Dangerous time for the Indians. You've heard of 'the best trade we never made?' I don't think there is much out there that is going to help this team without giving up one, two or three quality, young ballplayers for a half-season rent-a-player. With Choo gone for two months, I think the Indians' chances at the playoff have dropped off considerably. I'm still hoping, but I think Antonetti has to be hardheaded in judging whether this year is 'the year' or stick to the plan. Until we get an owner who will really spend the bucks, that's the best we can hope for." - fliegeroh

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerChris Antonetti is faced with a tough decision as the trade deadline approaches in his first full season on the job.

In response to the story Opportunity has arrived, can Tribe take advantage? Cleveland Indians daily briefing, cleveland.com reader fliegeroh thinks Chris Antonetti has a tough decision ahead. This reader writes,

"Dangerous time for the Indians. You've heard of 'the best trade we never made?' I don't think there is much out there that is going to help this team without giving up one, two or three quality, young ballplayers for a half-season rent-a-player. With Choo gone for two months, I think the Indians' chances at the playoff have dropped off considerably. I'm still hoping, but I think Antonetti has to be hardheaded in judging whether this year is 'the year' or stick to the plan. Until we get an owner who will really spend the bucks, that's the best we can hope for."

First baseman Matt LaPorta activated and in the Indians lineup. Asdrubal Cabrera starting at short after leaving Tuesday's game with sprained right ankle.

Chris O'Meara, The Associated PressDerek Jeter, the Yankees shortstop, is four hits shy of 3,000 hits and baseball immortality.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Manager Manny Acta is a baseball fan. As a fan, he was asked if his version of a perfect game would be to see the Indians win and Derek Jeter reach 3,000 hits Wednesday night in the last regular season games between New York and Cleveland.

Jeter, the Yankees shortstop, entered Wednesday's game four hits short 3,000.

"I would love for him do it in New York," said Acta. "I think it would be great for the game, for him, for the franchise.

"If he gets seven hits tonight and we win, I'm fine with it. But I think it would be great if he could do it in New York. I think it would be great if he took an 0-fer (0-for-4) tonight."

Jeter had two hits Tuesday in the Yankees 9-2 victory over the Indians.

Only 27 other players have reached 3,000 hits. Jeter would be the first Yankee to do it.

He has 170 hits against the Indians and 92 at Progressive Field.

Testing, testing: The Indians activated first baseman Matt LaPorta on Wednesday and optioned right-hander Josh Judy to Class AAA Columbus.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was back in the lineup Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's game for a pinch-hitter in the fourth inning with a sprained right ankle.

Travis Buck was available off the bench Wednesday and should be ready to play Thursday. He's recovering from a strained left hamstring.

The Indians need to make another roster move with Zach McAllister being promoted from Class AAA Columbus to start Thursday.

Tonight's lineups:

Yankees (51-33): SS Derek Jeter (R), CF Curtis Granderson (L), 1B Mark Teixeira (S), 3B Alex Rodriguez (R), 2B Robinson Cano (L), RF Nick Swisher (S), DH Jorge Posada (S), C Russell Martin (R), LF Brett Gardner (L), Phil Hughes (0-1, 13.94).

Indians (45-39): LF Michael Brantley (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), C Carlos Santana (S), CF Grady Sizemore (L), 3B Orlando Cabrera (R), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (L), 1B Matt LaPorta (R), RF Austin Kearns (R), RHP Justin Masterson (6-6, 2.85).

Him vs. me: Robinson Cano is hitting .500 (5-for-10) vs. Masterson. Asdrubal Cabrera is 2-for-3 with a double against Hughes.

Lefty righty: Lefties are hitting .306 (74-for-242) with three homers and righties are hitting .189 (34-for-180) with one homer against Masterson.

Lefties are hitting .429 (12-for-28) with one homer and righties are hitting .350 (7-for-20) with three homers against Hughes.

Umpires: H Marty Foster, 1B Bill Welke, 2B Mike Estabrook, 3B Jeff Nelson.

Quote of the day: "I couldn't quit, because of all the kids, and the blacks, and the little people pulling for me. I represent both the underdog and the overdog in our society," Yankee Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

Next: McAllister will make his first start in the big leagues on Thursday when the Indians open a four-game series against the Blue Jays. McAllister is taking Fausto Carmona's spot in the rotation. McAllister will face right-hander Carlos Villanueva.

It's the fourth loss since November for the world's No. 1 team after going more than two years without a defeat, and its second to Sweden this year.

Associated PressSweden's women's soccer team celebrates a 2-1 World Cup win over the United States.

WOLFSBURG, Germany -- Lisa Dahlkvist converted a penalty, Nilla Fischer scored on a free kick and Sweden beat the Americans for the first time in World Cup play on Wednesday night, a 2-1 victory that forces the U.S. to play Brazil in the quarterfinals.

Abby Wambach got the Americans back in the game in the 67th minute with her first goal of the tournament. But just as they have all year, the Americans squandered many other chances to score. It's the fourth loss since November for the world's No. 1 team after going more than two years without a defeat, and their second to Sweden this year.

"We think the road to the World Cup's top podium is going to be difficult," Wambach said. "That's kind of been our journey so far, so why change things now?"

It's only Sweden's fifth victory against the U.S. in 30 games, and first in four World Cup meetings.

As the Group C winner, Sweden will play Australia on Sunday in Augsburg. The Americans will face Brazil, whom they beat in the last two Olympic finals, in Dresden.

As the final whistle sounded, Sweden's players rushed onto the field, gathered in a circle and began dancing. They then took a victory lap around the field, delighting the many Swedish fans in the crowd of 23,468 who whistled and cheered.

"It was one of the better matches," Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby said. "To get nine points in the group phrase, that's really good."

Both teams were already through to the quarterfinals. But, with the edge in goal differential, the Americans needed only a draw to avoid meeting Brazil. Led by Marta, the five-time FIFA player of the year, Brazil was runner-up to the U.S. at the 2008 and 2004 Olympics, and finished second to Germany at the 2007 World Cup.

But the Americans have been spotty all year, and this game was no different.

With German chancellor Angela Merkel watching with the Germany squad, Sweden put the U.S. on its heels early after Amy LePeilbet tripped Lotta Schelin in the box in the 14th minute to earn a penalty kick. Dahlkvist took the penalty, curling it into the left side of the net. Hope Solo dived in full stretch, but the ball was just beyond her fingertips.

"I was thinking that she's smaller than me now in this moment," Dahlkvist said. "She's afraid of me."

The Swedes gathered for a group hug in front of the goal while Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl waved her hands at the other end, urging the Swedish fans to cheer even louder. The goal snapped Solo's scoreless streak at 796 minutes, second longest in U.S. history. It also ended a run of eight shutouts, dating back to March 2010.

Sloppy defending cost the Americans again in the 35th, when Rachel Buehler was whistled for dragging down Therese Sjogran about 25 yards out. Fischer, filling in as captain with Caroline Seger suspended, hammered a free kick into LePeilbet's thigh. Solo, already moving to her left, was caught off-guard and could do nothing to stop the ball from bouncing into the net.

"It was very unfortunate," Solo said. "I felt like I didn't have a chance to make a play on them, and that's frustrating."

The U.S. pulled a goal back in the 67th when Wambach headed -- actually, it was more like shouldered -- in a corner kick from Lauren Cheney with an assist from the head of Sweden's Fischer. It was the first goal of the tournament for Wambach and her 10th overall at the World Cup, second among Americans to the 12 scored by Michelle Akers.

"Like I said, if I score and we don't win, I won't be happy," said Wambach, who played despite missing the previous two days of practice with tendinitis in her right Achilles tendon.

The Americans had plenty of chances to equalize, but struggled once again to finish. Lindahl punched away Lauren Cheney's cross to Wambach at the far post in the 29th minute, and Amy Rodriguez banged a gimme chip over Lindahl off the crossbar three minutes later. Lindahl punched away a hard shot by Megan Rapinoe in the 54th after Rapinoe neatly sidestepped Sara Thunebro, and World Cup rookie Kelly O'Hara missed a wide-open net from about 8 yards in the 86th.

"After, what I said to the team is, my glass is half-full," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. "Even though we lost, we can come out as a winner if we take a different path. ... We really want to play in the final. But we have to play some great games, play some great teams. I really want us to embrace this process. I think the team will get stronger. That's the plan."

Although both sides say progress has been made in trying to reach a new labor deal, the prospect of postponing the opening of training camps grows stronger every day.

Associated PressNFL team facilities such as Ralph Wilson Stadium -- where the Buffalo Bills play -- remain locked out for players.

NEW YORK, New York -- NFL owners and players need to go into hurry-up mode as time gets short to reach labor peace.

Although both sides say progress has been made in the last month of meetings in various locations, the prospect of postponing the opening of training camps grows stronger every day. Lawyers for the NFL and the players' association sorted out contract language and details Wednesday for a second straight day, hoping it could speed the process in reaching a new collective bargaining agreement.

A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that attorneys met at a Manhattan law firm's headquarters. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because a judge has directed that details of the court-ordered mediated negotiations not be disclosed.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith plan to return to the negotiations Thursday, along with several owners and players. They all know that some training camps are set to open in less than three weeks and the first exhibition game, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductions, is Aug. 7 in Canton, Ohio. The St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears are scheduled for that game.

"Everyone's back is up against the wall," said economic consultant Dr. Jessica Horewitz, a director at Gnarus Advisors who consulted with Smith on the finer points of NFL labor before he was elected executive director of the players association. "The last few details of the contract have to be hammered out, but I believe the big issues are pretty wrapped up: the salary cap and revenue share with the players.

"I think it will be steady progress, and if we don't have something by the 15th. I don't think it will long after that."

Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based sports business consulting firm Sportscorp Ltd., and a keen observer of the league's business side, also sees something getting done in the next week or so.

"They are now up against a hard deadline," Ganis said. "July 15 is effectively a hard deadline to make sure to get all the preseason games in. If they go beyond July 15, you likely start losing preseason games and it means less money is available overall to do a deal to satisfy both parties.

"Once you start losing real and serious money that can't be replaced, getting a deal done becomes much more difficult."

Canceling a full weekend of preseason games would cost upward of $60 million in lost revenues. That lessens the overall income for the league that the two sides are battling over. Sure, players don't get paid for the preseason (except for a per diem), but reducing the total pie certainly affects them.

Ralph Cindrich, an attorney and player agent who has been involved in every NFL labor dispute, believes neither the owners nor the players felt any motivation to close a deal until now. He cites late June and very early in July as normally a dead time in pro football, anyway.

"It is now that time when pressure has to be put on both sides," he said. "This is just too strong of a business not to find a solution. You go worldwide and spend a month overseas, you can see how we are in a fragile economy, and to mess with this successful business will have a devastating effect.

"I do see it getting done, it's too good a product not to get done. But I can see the tough owners taking it into overtime, causing a cancellation of the first preseason game."

Hall of Fame president Steve Perry has said the game is being planned to go on as scheduled on Aug. 7.

There's much more than opening up training camps and staging preseason games that must be straightened out soon. Free agency, for example. Depending on the rules, hundreds of players could become available. The longer it takes to reach a deal, the more frenzied the free agency signing period will be.

Teams still need to instruct rookies they drafted and sign rookies who were not selected in April. Those clubs with new coaches haven't been able to install offenses or defenses or learn unfamiliar playbooks.

General managers don't know what the salary cap will be; 2010 didn't have a cap.

The regular season is scheduled to begin Sept. 8 with New Orleans at Green Bay.

"They are within a range on almost everything," Ganis said, "and 48 hours of continued serious negotiations could get it done."

Whispers continue that the NFL and the players union are making progress toward a new contract, but what if the lockout goes on and on?

Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer What most of Cleveland Browns Stadium would look like if the NFL conducted "replacement games" during an extended lockout.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fans of the Cleveland Browns and the 31 other NFL teams couldn't have felt all that betrayed when the over-hyped "organized team activities" were cancelled because of the lockout, right?

Regardless, fans WILL begin to lose their patience if training camp openings are delayed, and moreso should those drama-filled exhibition contests, which the NFL insists on calling preseason games, begin to fall by the wayside.

As for the regular season, owners wouldn't bring back the infamous "replacement teams" they employed when players went on strike for three weeks early in the 1987 season, would they?

The Browns went 2-1 in those games. Cleveland.com features the Browns History Database, which includes The Plain Dealer game stories on every regular season and playoff game the Browns have played -- including the replacement player games.

Browns beat writer Tony Grossi wrote game stories on all of them: a 20-10 Browns win over the Patriots in New England on Oct. 4, 1987; a 15-10 loss to the replacement team-juggernaut Houston Oilers on Oct. 11 at Cleveland Stadium; a 34-0 rout of the woefully out-manned Bengals on Oct. 18 in Cincinnati.

The history database goes on to document the rest of the season, beginning the next week, after the striking players returned to work. The Browns finished off a fine season that, unfortunately, ended with another of the "thes" that have so frustrated recent Cleveland sports history.

The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com continues our Browns coverage.

Fourth-and-goal

A story on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy's youth football camp at Abilene Christian University, by Steven Berkowsky for the Abilene Reporter.

Vic Carucci of clevelandbrowns.com tells Pro Football Talk that former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor wouldn't be a logical fit with the Browns. Carucci talks more about the Browns in Part 2 of the interview. 

Colt McCoy has what it takes to run the Browns offense, writes Dale Grdnic for footballnewsnow.com.

Greg Gabriel writes for the National Football Post about the effect of the lockout on rookies at various position groups.

In listing some strengths of AFC North coaches, ESPN.com's James Walker has no record to go on regarding Browns' first-year coach Pat Shurmur.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com ranks the top 50 NFL free agents. Little, if anything, has changed since he listed the 50, except that the lockout is nine days older.

The Indians take a 2-0 lead with a pair of runs in the first inning against Yankee right-hander Pat Hughes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians lead the Yankees, 2-0, Wednesday night after four innings at Progressive Field.

Facing Yankee right-hander Phil Hughes, making his first start since April 14, the Indians took a 2-0 lead in the first. After Michael Brantley drew a leadoff walk, Asdrubal Cabrera singled him to second. Travis Hafner's single made it 1-0.

Hughes struck out Carlos Santana on a breaking ball in the dirt that got past catcher Russell Martin. Cabrera, who left Tuesday's game with a sprained right ankle, advanced to third on the play and scored when Martin's throw skipped past Alex Rodriguez and into left field.

Martinez was charged with an error as Hafner advanced to second. Grady Sizemore flied out to the wall in left field, but Orlando Cabrera singled to right as Hafner stopped at third. The inning ended when Lonnie Chisenhall grounded out sharply to second.

Justin Masterson, coming off his first victory since April 26 when he beat the Reds on Friday, held the Yankees scoreless through four innings. After retiring the Yankees in order in the first, Masterson pitched out of trouble in the second.

Rodriguez opened with a single. Robinson Cano sent a sharp grounder to shortstop. Asdrubal Cabrera made a spinning stop, but the ball came out of his glove to put runners on first and second on the error.

First baseman Matt LaPorta, just off the disabled list, made a diving stop along the right field line to save at least one run on Nick Swisher's hard grounder. The runners advanced as LaPorta retired Swisher.

Masterson struck out Jorge Posada and LaPorta made another nice play by charging Martin bouncer at first to end the inning.

Derek Jeter, who entered the game four hits shy of 3,000, struck out in the first and flied out to center in the third.

This spring, we asked readers to tell us their best memory at an Indians game. More than 600 responded. The five finalists and winner were featured during the week leading up to Opening Day. All season, The Plain Dealer will publish other fan memories -- one each day the Indians are scheduled to play. Here is today's essay by Gail Knaus of Seven Hills:

This spring, we asked readers to tell us their best memory at an Indians game. More than 600 responded. The five finalists and winner were featured during the week leading up to Opening Day. All season, The Plain Dealer will publish other fan memories -- one each day the Indians are scheduled to play. Here is today's essay by Gail Knaus of Seven Hills:

Everything I know about baseball I should have learned from my father. In fact, I should have learned much more -- but I didn't. My father talked to me nonstop during each game about anything he considered important or interesting. But I was just a little girl whose interests were about snacks and souvenirs.

Although my father tolerated some inattentiveness from a small child during the game, there was no tolerance for misbehavior or lack of attention during any revered ritual of the game. During the national anthem, you stood still and proudly sang all the words. The same held true for the spirited and fun-filled song, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." He taught me to really enjoy and celebrate the song and the game.

I grew up and my interests changed to boys and rock 'n' roll, and Dad had to find another companion to accompany him to baseball games. My cousin Will fit the need perfectly. He was well-behaved and loved learning about the sport. They became fast friends and baseball buddies.

Dad never lost his love for baseball. As he aged, he listened to many games on the radio, but really was not able to attend any. In 1989, his fragile health received a devastating diagnosis and continually deteriorated. He was quite handicapped, in a wheelchair and in a nursing home. One day while I was visiting, he told me that my cousin Will was going to take us to a ballgame. Dad just couldn't contain his excitement. Will made all the arrangements.

The day was beautiful and sunny and Dad had a million-dollar smile from ear to ear. We struggled to get the wheelchair to a good seating area. Soon after we were situated, we heard the national anthem being played. Will and I, seated on either side of Dad, noticed him struggling and trying so very hard to get up. There was just no way he was going to remain seated. Of course we both helped him to stand. How very happy and proud he was to participate. How very proud we were of him. That certainly made a poignant, unforgettable memory of my Dad at a most unforgettable Indians game.

Oh! . . . and yes, he repeated the same performance in the seventh inning for "Take Me Out To The Ballgame."

By Elton Alexander Plain Dealer Reporter AKRON -- Ohio State's Jared Sullinger just did not look like himself during the second day of the LeBron James Skills Academy for high school and college players at James A. Rhodes Arena. And without his pair of glowing orange gym shoes, Sullinger was hard to distinguish from the rest of the players...

By Elton Alexander Plain Dealer Reporter

AKRON -- Ohio State's Jared Sullinger just did not look like himself during the second day of the LeBron James Skills Academy for high school and college players at James A. Rhodes Arena. And without his pair of glowing orange gym shoes, Sullinger was hard to distinguish from the rest of the players at the camp.

He has a waist now, and appears to have lost so much weight one has to wonder if the loss of his formally wide axis on the block will now make him a less lethal post player. The Buckeye sophomore was listed at 6-10, 281 pounds, but he looked possibly 30 pounds lighter than that, and moved like it, too.

Yet Sullinger said the moves were real, but the weight loss was only a mirage.

"I weigh 275," he said. "I've lost 10 to 15 pounds since the end of the season. I want to get down to 255-260 and stay there."

Which means he has a way to go, "seven more weeks," to get there.

At the same time, it is clear, if he hasn't lost as much as it appears, Sullinger has certainly redistributed it.

"That's true," he said.

"Even with the weight I have lost so far, I still wear the same size jeans, they fit around the waist with no belt, but they look baggier now."

Sullinger may be trimming suet, but gaining muscle by lifting weights regularly, running the stairs at Jesse Owens Field House, and boxing.

"I did the boxing spring quarter against the [heavy] bag. I did boxing, kicks, punches. I would do jabs with each arm, a minute straight; hooks each arm a minute straight, and body blows, left-right-left, a minute straight," he said. "With all the running we do, the strength and conditioning we do, all the open gyms we have, it's only a matter of time before the weight starts to fall off."

On site: Yes, LeBron James was on hand to speak with the campers the first few days. Yes, he went through some drills. And yes, he had some company with him; Dwyane Wade was also on hand. Double-duty: That would be what power forward Ken Kaminski from Medina has been up to this summer. The 6-8, 246-pound forward is working out preparing for his senior year playing football and basketball.

"I work out with the football team five days a week, tight-end, defensive end, play open gym twice a week," Kaminski said. "Last week I was also at the Kevin Durrant Skills Academy, had a couple of days off and went to a football combine, then I came right here."

Playing two sports at an elite level is becoming rare anymore, and hardly any do it in college. But Kaminski, who has already given a verbal commitment to Michigan State, does not rule it out with the Spartans.

"I like doing both," he said. "I like football as much as basketball. I haven't talked to [MSU] much about it, but I have talked about it with my dad. He wants me to play football. Of course my mom doesn't want me to."

Her apprehension may come from Kaminski's two broken collarbones, one suffered in the eighth grade and one as a sophomore. Between sessions: The Akron Zips held open gym and it is clear the new faces added to the Zips 2011 NCAA Tournament team will give Akron a new look. Not only will 6-6 Benedictine High product Nick Harney and 6-8 Euclid High product Demetrius Treadwill have the Zips playing well above the rim, but the perimeter marksmanship of transfers 6-4 Chauncy Gilliam (Loyola-Baltimore) and 6-4 Brian Walsh (Xavier) will also be an added plus. On tap: College coaches will arrive today for the final two days of the annual event with high school games set for 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Rhodes Arena.

Manager Manny Acta is finding out more and more that it's hard to keep shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera out of the lineup.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerAsdrubal Cabrera injured his ankle on Tuesday, but it didn't keep him out of Wednesday's lineup, and it didn't stop him from making some big defensive plays in the eighth inning.

"He was bombarding me, telling me he was ready to play," said Acta.

Cabrera left Tuesday's 9-2 loss to the Yankees for a pinch hitter in the fourth inning. He sprained his right ankle in the third while making a throw to second for a force.

He stayed in the game, but not for long. Even then, Cabrera argued, trying to persuade Acta to let him play.

"Asdrubal wanted to stay in," said Acta. "He kept saying it was early and that we could still rally. For us as managers, you want 25 guys just like that."

Guess who was back in the lineup Wednesday against the Yankees? It was the All-Star shortstop at Progressive Field not named Derek Jeter.

"I was worried when I turned the ankle," said Cabrera. "I've had trouble with both ankles before. But I'm feeling good right now.

"I didn't think about taking a day off. I told Manny after the game, 'I'll be ready.' "

Acta became aware of Cabrera's desire to play last year when he returned early after fracturing his left forearm in a collision with former Indian Jhonny Peralta.

"He sacrificed his numbers and everything else by coming back early," said Acta. "We could see he wasn't 100 percent."

When Cabrera left Tuesday's game, Orlando Cabrera moved over from third base to short. He has spent most of his career at short, but Tuesday was his first appearance there this season.

"I was thinking all day I was going to play shortstop today," said Orlando Cabrera. "I didn't think he'd be able to play. I'm surprised. He's growing up. He's learning.

"He's starting to understand that sometimes a little of you is better than the whole of somebody else."

Asdrubal Cabrera has played in all of the Tribe's 85 games. Acta says he will get a day off during the four-game series against Toronto.

"His goal in spring training was to play every day," said Acta. "That's hard to do. . . . Usually you try to build a relationship with a guy that they'll come clean with you and tell you when they need a day off.

"That's something I've tried to do with him. He's been telling me for three months now, 'I'll let you know, I'll let you know, I'll let you know,' every time I come and ask if he wants a day off," said Acta.

As expected: Zach McAllister, who will make his big-league debut tonight for the Indians when they open a four-game series against Toronto, told the Journal Star in Peoria, Ill.: "I knew something was going on at the big-league level. I thought something was going to happen, but I didn't know if it would involve me.

"Once I found out that I was the one being called up, I was very excited."

McAllister is taking the place of injured Fausto Carmona. McAllister is 8-3 with a 2.97 ERA at Class AAA Columbus. The Indians acquired him last year from the Yankees for Austin Kearns.

McAllister's father, Steve, is a scout for the Diamondbacks.

He's back: Matt LaPorta was activated before Wednesday's game, and right-hander Josh Judy was optioned to Columbus to make room. LaPorta, returning from a sprained right ankle, started at first base and made a nice diving stop against Nick Swisher in the second inning.

The Indians could have sent LaPorta on a rehab assignment, but decided against it.

"We've only go five games left before the All-Star break," said LaPorta. "If I go down for a couple of games, I'd lose out on some games here. If we can push through these next five games, we'll get a nice three-day breather."

Finally: Right-hander Alex White (right middle finger) will stay in Cleveland over the All-Star break. He is scheduled to play catch at 120 feet on Friday. If things go well, he could be throwing off the mound coming out of the break.

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

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Also, Shin-Soo Choo has the cast removed from his broken left thumb and says he might be ready to play by the second week of August.

View full sizeAPFausto Carmona was injured last weekend in Cincinnati.

Clubhouse confidential: While rookie Zach McAllister will make his big-league debut today in a start against Toronto, look for the pitcher he is replacing, Fausto Carmona, to make at least one rehab start before he rejoins the rotation after the All-Star break.

Carmona strained his right quadriceps muscle when he fell running to first base Saturday against the Reds. The Indians put him on the disabled list Sunday. A rehab start would not only keep Carmona sharp, but also allow him to work on some of the adjustments suggested by Tim Belcher and Scott Radinsky, the Indians pitching and bullpen coaches, respectively.

If all goes well, Carmona could face the Twins on July 18.

Choo update: Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo had the cast removed from his broken left thumb Wednesday. Choo is telling friends he could be playing by the second week in August.

It took three hours for Dr. Thomas Graham to repair Choo's broken left thumb after he was hit by a Jonathan Sanchez pitch June 24. The bone reportedly shattered like glass and had to be reconstructed.

The Indians put Choo's recovery time at eight to 10 weeks.

Stat of the day: Catcher/first baseman Carlos Santana is on pace to hit 25 homers and drive in 77 runs.

-- Paul Hoynes

The Lake County Captains and Akron Aeros also lose, but the Kinston Indians defeat Lynchburg.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Bats 3, Clippers 2 Louisville (Ky.) scored all its runs in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Columbus in an International League game. After the Bats loaded the bases with no outs, Jeremy Hermida brought in two with a double and the third run scored on a sacrifice fly. Zach Putnam (4-2) was the losing pitcher.

Notes: Going into Wednesday night’s game, SS Luis Valbuena had hit .346 (54-for-156) with eight home runs and 33RBI in his last 44 games....2B Jason Kipnis had hit .327 (51-for-156) with seven homers and 26 RBI in his last 42 games....F Ezequiel Carrera (.290) was leading the International League with 33 stolen bases. He has been caught stealing four times: just once by being thrown out trying to reach the next base, and three times being picked off.

AA Akron Aeros

Curve 4, Aeros 1 An RBI double by 2B Tyler Cannon accounted for the only Akron run in an Eastern League loss at Altoona (Pa.). Joe Gardner (5-6) surrendered four runs, all earned, and eight hits in six innings for Akron.

Notes: Aeros RH closer Cory Burns (2-3, 22 saves, 2.36 going into Wednesday night’s game) has been added to the Western Division roster for the Eastern League All-Star Game on July 13 in Manchester, NH. Burns leads the league in saves and games finished (33), in 33 relief appearances. He joins Aeros RH starter Austin Adams and SS Juan Diaz on the all-star roster. Catcher Chun Chen was also an all-star selection, but will not participate due to injury....Going into Wednesday night’s game, catcher Michel Hernandez, age 32 and with 45 games of big league experience, was 7-for-15 (.467) with two doubles, six RBI and no strikeouts with the Aeros since being signed as a minor league free agent.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians 3, Hillcats 1 LH Drew Pomeranz (3-2, 1.87), Cleveland's first pick and the fifth overall in the 2010 draft, blanked Lynchburg (Va.) on three hits (all singles) and two walks, with seven strikeouts, in seven innings to get the Carolina League win at Kinston (N.C.).

Notes: Pomeranz’ 1.87 ERA leads the league. In 77 unnings, he has struck out 95, walked 32 and held opponents to 56 hits, including just two homers.

A Lake County Captains

Hot Rods 4, Captains 2 Bowling Green (Ky.) scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and won a Midwest League game over Lake County. The Hot Rods' Robi Estrada led off the inning with a home run. Cody Rogers then singled, stole second, advance to third on a balk by losing pitcher Kyle Petter (0-2) and scored on a sacrifice fly.

Notes: Going into Wednesday night’s game, 1B Jesus Aguilar (.292) had reached base in each of his last 29 games. He was on a six-game hitting streak, going 9-for-21 (.429) with three doubles, two homers and six RBI....3B Giovanny Urshela (.232) was 12-for-32 (.375) with two doubles, one triple and one homer in his last eight games.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Crosscutters 5, Scrappers 2 Williamsport (Pa.) scored three runs in the final two innings and won a New York-Penn League game over Mahoning Valley in Niles.

Notes: RH Rob Nixon (1-1, 3.32) is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his last three starts. In 18 innings, he has struck out 13, walked none and allowed 12 hits.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 4, Grizzlies 1 Lake Erie scored two in the eighth and one in the ninth and won a Frontier League game in Sauget, Ill.

Notes: LH Paul Fagan (3-5, 4.11) is 3-1 with a 2.05 ERA in his last four starts, pitching 26 2/3 innings.

Clemens could have had this all behind him if he had admitted he gave in to the temptations of the steroid era. Instead, he picked this fight.

View full sizeCliff Owen, Associated PressFormer pitcher Roger Clemens doesn't come across as a guy you want to root for in court ... kind of like his baseball career.

The next high-profile defendant to go on trial can't help but come off as more sympathetic than Casey Anthony.

Oh? Right.

Roger Clemens.

Scratch that.

Jury selection began Wednesday in Clemens' trial for perjury, making false statements and obstruction of Congress.

(By the way, if they start putting people on trial for obstruction of Congress, congressmen are in serious trouble.)

Prospective jurors will hear a long list of names of potential witnesses. Some may never be called, but the court needs to ferret out possible conflicts of interest.

(If you're a Red Sox fan, that probably means you're out.)

The names: Andy Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch, Mike Stanton, GM Brian Cashman, Jorge Posada, Wade Boggs, David Cone, Mark McGwire and a number of other former players, including Jose Canseco.

Everybody loves a parade.

This one could be quite the spectacle if Clemens' legal team goes ahead with its intended defense. It claims trainer Brian McNamee conjured up evidence to blackmail Clemens -- even while other players (Pettitte, Knoblauch and Stanton) admit McNamee injected them with steroids.

And you thought J.K. Rowling had a fantastic imagination.

U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton didn't sound convinced it would be fair to allow testimony from other players who have admitted McNamee gave them steroids and HGH. He voiced concern it could hurt Clemens in the eyes of the jury.

But he likely will allow that testimony if Clemens goes full speed ahead with the blackmail defense.

Is there a lesson to learn from Barry Bonds' perjury trial, given that Bonds got off with a minor obstruction of justice finding?

Not in any way that benefits Clemens.

One big difference between Clemens and Bonds -- other than Bonds claiming he unwittingly used steroids -- is that Bonds' personal trainer refused to testify.

McNamee has provided the meat of the case against his former client and will happily do so again.

The other issue is Clemens was adamant in his testimony before a House committee (under oath) that he never took a shot of anything stronger than B-12. In doing so, Clemens is leading with his chin.

When hasn't he?

His good buddy (for now) Pettitte admitted steroid use, then said he quickly stopped. Though he made himself out to sound like Bill Clinton ("I didn't inhale"), Pettitte brings a lot of credibility to the stand. He says Clemens told him in 1999 or 2000 about using HGH.

Clemens could have had this all behind him if he had admitted he gave in to the temptations of the steroid era.

Actually, he didn't have to admit anything. He volunteered to testify.

He picked this fight.

Either he's surprisingly innocent, or the least sympathetic figure to be in court in the past two or three days.

Spinoffs

Cowboys receiver Roy Williams is suing for the return of a $76,600 engagement ring he mailed along with a DVD and $5,000 for dental work to his girlfriend (a former Miss Texas) on Valentine's Day. What could be better than a proposal through the mail? Hey, maybe he got down on one knee on Skype. But somehow after such a romantic gesture, she still said no. . . .

Why do I get the impression that six Nigerian princes got a prompt positive response from Williams when they marked their email to him "Urgent Request For Assistance in Transferring Millions out of Africa."? . . .

View full sizeAPBrowns draft pick Greg Little.

Thomas Levet fractured his leg jumping into a pond after winning the French Open. His leg is in a cast and he will miss the British Open. Why again do some people insist golfers are not athletes? . . .

A former North Carolina football player filed a lawsuit seeking reinstatement after being declared ineligible for academic misconduct. Defensive end Michael McAdoo also received $110 in improper benefits during a trip to D.C. with -- you guessed it -- teammate (and Browns draft pick) Greg Little. . . .

No word on whether Little, who accumulated 93 tickets at UNC, tried to park on the White House lawn. . . .

Pyeongchang, South Korea, won the 2018 Winter Olympics on Wednesday despite the Demilitarized Zone running through Gangwon Province. . . .

No word on how they expect to tell the Olympic biathlon from the real thing. . . .

Qatar, which won the 2022 World Cup despite 112-degree temperatures, suddenly looks like a good choice.

He said it

"If they were holding negotiations over here, they'd be done." -- Former NFL coach Jim Mora, during a Middle East NFL-USO Coaches Tour, meaning that war would put the lockout in perspective and bring the two sides to the table.

What Mora is forgetting is that by fighting over how to split $9 billion, the two sides have already established they don't embarrass easily.

He said what?

"It's based loosely on my life." -- Terrell Owens, on a post-career sitcom he's pitching, in which his character lives with his mother, two women he fathered children with, four kids and his best friend.

I'll chip in if some NFL team signs him immediately.

You said it

Bud: Tiger Woods is still recovering from his bad knee and will not play in the British Open. What's your excuse? -- Tom Hoffner, Broadview Heights

I have what doctors consider a dangerously high body-fat percentage.

Bud: Is it true that a watched soccer match never scores? -- Pat

I'll let you know when I watch one.

Bud: Did New York pass its same-sex marriage law so Alex Rodriguez could marry the one person he truly loves -- himself? -- Tim, Solon

Yes. It's hinted at in A-Rod's new book: "Enough About Me. What About You? What Do You Think of Me?"

Bud: If you can get a picture at a certain angle, you'll swear that golfer Sergio Garcia and Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera are identical twins. -- W. Augis, Newbury

I'm reminded of the movie "Arthur" when he says of the fianc e he doesn't want to marry, "Susan's quite beautiful when the light hits her a certain way. Of course, you can't depend on that light."

Bud: After watching over and over again [Fausto] Carmona running down the first-base line, I'm convinced when he's not pitching he's 'Ketchup' in the Ketchup-Mustard-Onion race at Progressive Field. Can you verify this? -- Doug, Westlake

First-time "You said it" winners receive a T-shirt from the mental_floss collection.

Bud: If the Yankees were playing a team composed of Hitler, Mussolini, bin Laden, Saddam, Pinochet, Gaddafi, Pol Pot and Castro, would you root for the lesser of the two evils or would you pull for the Yankees? -- Wayne Kuznar

Repeat winners receive counseling.

Bud: Will Fausto Carmona be the next spokesman for Life-Alert? -- Joe S.

Repeat winners also receive help when they've fallen and can't get up.

To reach Bud Shaw: bshaw@plaind.com, 216-999-5639

The lockout has been a big setback for the Browns, who have a new head coach, two new coordinators and a general manager who has holes to fill on the roster.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerNormally, new Browns coach Pat Shurmur, left, would have used minicamps to get the team used to his system, and General Manager Tom Heckert would have spent the off-season filling holes in the roster. The NFL lockout is a setback for both of them.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — No team has been hurt more by the NFL owners lockout than the Browns.

Of the eight teams that changed head coaches, seven of them also changed both coordinators. Among those teams, the Browns had the worst record in 2010 and, thus, have the longest road to respectability.

(Denver's 4-12 record was one game worse, but the Broncos retained their offensive coordinator and won't change their offense drastically.)

So when the lockout is lifted, the Browns have to act in hyper-speed to try to make up for lost time.

Pat Shurmur and his coaching staff are tasked with familiarizing themselves with their new players and implementing offensive and defensive systems that are new to those players.

In a normal off-season, these would have been nearly accomplished in the practices before the start of training camp. Now they have to be done on the fly, complicating Shurmur's first camp as an NFL head coach.

The No. 1 priority of every NFL coach in training camp is to get his team ready for the season. Shurmur will have to be part-Paul Brown, part-magician to reach that goal.

View full sizePDThe Browns should release quarterback Jake Delhomme so he can rejoin Carolina.

General Manager Tom Heckert's tasks are no less daunting. His roster is incomplete and he has been blocked by lockout rules from doing the normal spade work necessary to facilitate contract deals.

The lockout also held up the major issue of defining free agents as unrestricted or restricted. Reports now say a new collective bargaining agreement will return the free agency distinctions to previous levels.

That means players whose contracts are up qualify for unrestricted free agency after four seasons. Players with three are restricted, giving their old teams rights of first refusal.

A new CBA would void the restricted contract tenders given to cornerback Eric Wright and tight end Evan Moore. Those players would become unrestricted free agents. They could still re-sign with the Browns, but all it takes is one team to change their minds.

When the lockout is lifted and the NFL resumes business, action will be fast and furious. Heckert and the coaching staff have had time during the lockout to formulate decisions. They would have to implement them quickly.

Here is a list of things they should do.

1. Re-sign several of their own unrestricted free agents.

Browns players, besides Wright and Moore, who would qualify as unrestricted (four years or more) are: safety Abram Elam, defensive end Jayme Mitchell, linebacker Matt Roth, receiver Chansi Stuckey, fullback Lawrence Vickers, linebacker Jason Trusnik and offensive linemen Floyd Womack and Billy Yates.

Roth wants to stay in a 3-4 defense and likely will move on. Vickers, Elam, Stuckey and Trusnik appear to be out of the Browns' plans. That leaves Wright, Moore, Mitchell, Womack and Yates as priorities.

Heckert said Mitchell was the team's best pass rusher last year even though he didn't play. Signing him would ease the urgency at defensive end. Womack and Yates are valuable linemen because of their versatility to play two positions well, their experience and their proven track records.

2. Sign a defensive end in free agency.

Even if Mitchell is re-signed and joins rookie Jabaal Sheard at the position, another defensive end is mandatory. Yes, Marcus Benard will be tried as a full-time end. But an experienced, 4-3 starting end must be added -- perhaps Jason Babin, who has played for Mike Holmgren in Seattle and Heckert in Philadelphia among his five NFL stops.

3. Sign a free safety in free agency.

T.J. Ward could be a stalwart in the secondary for a long time, but he needs a ball-hawking, center fielder beside him to cover the deep middle. Ward can't play that role. With Elam expected to depart, the Browns either add one in free agency or make Mike Adams the starting free safety.

Another possibility is converting Sheldon Brown to safety, but that would require adding another quality cornerback. Rookie draft pick Eric Hagg would be a godsend if he could step into a starting role, but that is unrealistic.

4. Sign a veteran offensive line swingman in free agency.

This move would be urgent if Womack and Yates are not retained. A swingman, capable of playing guard and tackle, is more important than adding a starting right tackle, where Tony Pashos is expected to return after a major injury.

5. Locate a third-down, change-of-pace back.

This could be done in free agency, trade or undrafted free agency. The Browns showed their desire to fill this spot by hawking Shane Vereen and DeMarco Murray before the draft. They were unable to land either.

A full off-season might have illuminated Shurmur and his staff to the possibility of converting Josh Cribbs to the backfield -- which he would welcome -- but the lockout spoiled that.

6. Make a decision on Jake Delhomme.

The re-signing of Seneca Wallace to a three-year contract before the lockout surely signaled the exodus of Delhomme. Wallace will be a better quarterback in the West Coast offense, in which he played for seven seasons in Seattle. He opens camp as the top backup to Colt McCoy and the insurance starter if McCoy stumbles.

Delhomme should be released to allow him to rejoin Carolina as a much-needed veteran backup to Cam Newton. The Browns should replace Delhomme with a developmental prospect from the undrafted ranks.

7. Sort out the receiver position.

The good offenses have clearly-defined roles at the receiver position. McCoy needs to develop chemistry and timing with all his receivers, but certainly with his main three. Identify the top three among Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, Greg Little, Carlton Mitchell, Johnathan Haggarty, Jordan Norwood and Demetrius Williams and let them rip.

8. Be aggressive in signing undrafted free agents.

About 500 rookies not drafted are on the market, waiting to be signed to fill out camp rosters. The Browns should concentrate on the following positions when signing undrafted free agents -- cornerback, linebacker, defensive line, offensive line, running back and quarterback.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

justin masterson indiansChuck Crow, The PDJustin Masterson pitched 8 scoreless innings. Plain Dealer Indians beat reporter Paul Hoynes wraps up the series finale between the Tribe and Yankees, a 5-3 win by Cleveland. Indians manager Manny Acta and winning pitcher Justin Masterson talk about the victory in the video.

Chuck Crow, The PDJustin Masterson pitched 8 scoreless innings.

For more Cinesport video on cleveland.com, go here.

Pick the best pitcher in the American League.

Associated PressCC Sabathia

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is next Tuesday, which marks the mid point of the baseball season.

So at this point, who is the best pitcher in the American League? Is Jered Weaver of the Angels the choice because he leads the league with a 1.92 ERA? Or how about Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers who leads the league in strikeouts? C.C. Sabathia of the Yankees could get the nod as he leads the league with 12 wins and his ERA of 2.90 isn't bad either.

So which pitcher is your choice?