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Northeast Ohio fishing report for July 8

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 Yellow perch are in the spotlight from Cleveland to Lorain, with good catches also reported northwest of Fairport Harbor and north of Ashtabula. The walleye fishing hot spot has been on the inside and outside edges of the Lorain sandbar off Beaver Park. Walleye fishing has picked up a bit around the western side of the Niagara Reef complex....

 Yellow perch are in the spotlight from Cleveland to Lorain, with good catches also reported northwest of Fairport Harbor and north of Ashtabula. The walleye fishing hot spot has been on the inside and outside edges of the Lorain sandbar off Beaver Park. Walleye fishing has picked up a bit around the western side of the Niagara Reef complex. The inland bass fishing is good, bluegill are biting and catfish are being caught most everywhere.

Cleveland area

Yellow perch are getting lots of attention along the Cleveland area shoreline, with the best perch fishing in 40 to 43 feet of water from the Rocky River to Euclid. Cleveland walleye fishermen are doing best in 62 to 72 feet of water, with some steelhead trout also being caught. Spinner rigs are best for walleye, while spoons are picking off a mixed bag of steelhead trout and walleye.

Small white bass are being caught around the Avon Lake and Cleveland power plants while casting small in-line spinners and spoons, as well as poppers trailing a white fly. The schools of bigger perch from Lorain to Avon Lake are generally hanging around in 28 to 34 feet of water.

Central Lake Erie

The Lorain Sand Bar is giving up good numbers of walleye from both the inside and outside edges of the sandbar. The area north of Beaver Creek has been best while trolling large spoons, minnow-style plugs and big tandem-bladed spinner rigs in pink, purple and chartreuse and tipped with a nightcrawler. The best depths for walleye have been 39 to 42 feet on the inside edges of the sandbar, and 40 to 48 feet on the outside drop-offs.

Walleye fishing has been good in 71 to 73 feet of water northwest of Fairport Harbor, and 60 to 72 feet of water off Geneva and Ashtabula. Large spoons have been most productive for a mixed bag of walleye and steelhead, while big spinner rigs are catching suspended walleye.

Inland lakes

and reservoirs

Largemouth bass fishing has been good all around the area. Bass are being caught at Wingfoot Lake on Carolina rigs tipped with soft plastic baits, spinnerbaits cast along the shoreline, lead-head jigs pitched to shoreline timber and 10-inch plastic worms. Also good for largemouth bass are Wellington Upground Reservoir and Pymatuning Lake, where both largemouth and smallmouth bass are being caught.

Walleye fishing has slowed at Mosquito Reservoir, with most of the action coming from casting the weed beds with jigs tipped with night crawlers and leeches. Mosquito bass fishing has been good, but the Northern Open Bass Tournament will crowd the lake this weekend. Bluegill are biting at LaDue, Mogadore, Pymatuning and East Reservoir in the Portage Lakes. Catfish are being caught all over northern Ohio, and especially after dark. Night crawlers, processed catfish baits, chicken livers and shrimp have been good for catfish within casting distance of the shoreline.

Pymatuning Reservoir walleye fishing has slowed, with some small walleye still being caught while trolling deeper water with minnow-style plugs and spinner rigs.

Rivers and streams

Smallmouth bass fishing has been good all throughout the Rocky River as it winds through the Cleveland Metroparks, with tube jigs, jigs and twister tails, small in-line spinners and live crayfish a good bet in the cooler, deeper pools. The upper Cuyahoga River is a good spot for northern pike on spinners and diving plugs, as well as top-water baits, reports the Division of Wildlife. Catfish and white perch are being caught from the lower Grand River.

Western Lake Erie

Walleye fishing has begun to heat up a little bit on the west end of the Niagara Reef complex on small spinners and night crawlers and weight-forward spinners and night crawlers. Some walleye are hitting minnow-style plugs, spoons and spinners trolled off the reefs in deeper water. Walleye are also being caught around the Pelee Island reefs in Canadian waters, and west of West Sister Island.

The best yellow perch fishing is still in the Ballast Island area, as well as northwest and straight east of Kelleys Island.

-- D'Arcy Egan


NFL lockout 2011: Owners and players union hold long meeting; neither side announces details

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Players and owners have been meeting around the country the last several weeks, with pressure mounting to make a deal. A sticking point has been how to divide revenues for the $9 billion business.

roger-goodell-demaurice-smith9.jpgNFL commissioner Roger Goodell (left), players union boss DeMaurice Smith (front) - here in a June 29 photo - and others involved in labor contract talks had nothing to say about details of Thursday's meeting.

NEW YORK, New York -- NFL teams owners and players' association leaders met for another long negotiating session Thursday, hoping to finally break the labor lockout that has now lasted more than 16 weeks.

As NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith joined in the sixth set of recent talks between the two sides, a regularly scheduled conference call involving players in a lawsuit against the league was planned for Thursday, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.

The person, who said the call was not related to Thursday's developments at the negotiating table, spoke on condition of anonymity because the two sides are not announcing details of the talks.

The players group at the meeting included NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, while the NFL owners were represented by Robert Kraft of the Patriots, John Mara of the New York Giants and Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.

Lawyers for both sides gathered on Tuesday and Wednesday to put together some of the paperwork that will be needed when a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement is struck.

Players and owners have been holding meetings around the country over the last several weeks, with pressure mounting to make a deal. A major sticking point has been how to divide revenues for a $9 billion business that is easily the most popular professional sports league in America.

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. Hall of Fame president Steve Perry has said the plan now is that the game will go on as scheduled.

The pressure on both sides was turned up another notch by the New York attorney general's office, which this week launched an investigation into whether the lockout violates state antitrust laws. The players' lawsuit, filed in federal court in Minnesota, also is an antitrust case.

New York Assistant Attorney General Richard Schwartz said in a letter to Goodell that the lockout will "inflict significant economic injuries statewide." Already, the Jets have canceled their planned training camp in the small upstate city of Cortland, he noted.

Santana joins shaved-head club for men: Indians chatter

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Clubhouse confidential: Catcher Carlos Santana went to work Thursday night against the Blue Jays with a shaved head. Justin Masterson, who also shaves his head, walked over to Santana in the locker room before the game, patted Santana on the head and said, "Finally."

Clubhouse confidential: Catcher Carlos Santana went to work Thursday night against the Blue Jays with a shaved head. Justin Masterson, who also shaves his head, walked over to Santana in the locker room before the game, patted Santana on the head and said, "Finally."

Santana did not have to go far to find a barber. Manager Manny Acta did the honors Thursday afternoon. Acta shaves his head as well.

Small world: The Indians didn't have to do much negotiating to retrieve Lonnie Chisenhall's first big-league home run ball. Chisenhall hit it Wednesday night in the seventh inning of a 5-3 victory over the Yankees.

It was recovered by the 6-year-old son of Alex Slemc, who used to work for the Indians in their broadcasting department. Slemc was once chased around the Indians locker room by an angry Albert Belle.

A.J. Slemc turned over the ball willingly and received a Grady Sizemore autographed ball in return.

Stat of the day: Lefties are hitting .093 (4-for-43) against lefty Tony Sipp. Two of the four hits have been homers.

-- Paul Hoynes

LeBron James' Skills Academy attracting big-name coaches

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JOHN KUNTZ/PLAIN DEALERShaker Heights Terry Rozier is making a big impression at the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron. AKRON - Shaker Heights guard Terry Rozier may not have been a hot name coming into the 2011 LeBron James Skills Academy at Rhodes Arena. But he made his presence felt Thursday before just about every major college basketball coach in...

rozier.jpgShaker Heights Terry Rozier is making a big impression at the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron.

AKRON - Shaker Heights guard Terry Rozier may not have been a hot name coming into the 2011 LeBron James Skills Academy at Rhodes Arena. But he made his presence felt Thursday before just about every major college basketball coach in the country. The 6-1, 168-pound guard displayed speed, quickness and a solid shooting touch as he worked on his transition from a combo guard to a true point guard.

"I've always been a combo," Rozier said of his ability to play both guard positions. "Now I'm adjusting to being a pure point."

According to various recruiting sites, Rozier is one of the fastest rising guards in the country in a year in which point guards are considered at a premium. "Kent State was the first school to offer me, you always keep the first one [on the list]," Rozier said. Now it's clear that list has expanded. Apparently he fits the Big East style of play as he lists Louisville, West Virginia and Cincinnati among his favorites along with the Big Ten's Illinois.

Rozier also said, "If I was to stay home, Cleveland State."

That would be a nice score for CSU, which recently had point guard Norris Cole picked in the first round of the NBA Draft, and former Shaker Heights point guard Anthony Wells leave the program . But the Vikings will not be short on point guards in the as 5-9 Charles Lee from Milwaukee, considered an Earl Boykins clone, joins the team this season along with 6-4 point guard Sebastian Douglas, a prized 2010 recruit from Houston, who was injured and sat out as a redshirt last season.

Front and center: The list of coaches grew throughout the day, but sitting front and center, midcourt of court one, was Cleveland State head coach Gary Waters. Not far away was Ohio State's Thad Matta, Illinois' Bruce Webber, Michigan State's Tom Izzo, and Kansas' Bill Self, Duke's Mike Krzyzweski, Georgetown's John Thompson III, and Kent State's Rob Senderoff, Florida International's Isaiah Thomas and Gonzaga's Mark Few among many, many others. Who they watching?: No matter where 6-11, 258-pound Mitch McGary from Indiana played, coaches followed. Just call him "Big Block" because he plays as if he has a big block Chevy engine in his chest. McGary's game has been compared to former North Carolina All-American Tyler Hansbrough. In reality, the comparison is to Hansbrough's motor, which was nonstop, because McGary is far and away a better offensive threat than the former Tar Heel, both facing the basket, with his back to it, and putting the ball on the floor. Time will tell if he can draw as many fouls from the opposition as Hansbrough, but with his relentless style of play, he should.

In a camp where bigs were plentiful, 7-0, 222-pound Adam Woodbury from Iowa drew a crowd, as did 6-10, 230-pound Daniel Ochefu from Pennsylvania. In a thin point guard crop, Rozier certainly held his own, while 6-1 Texan J-Mychal Reese, Chicago's 6-3 Kendrick Nunn, Indiana's 6-6 Gary Harris and North Carolina's 6-4 Allerik Freeman all stood out. Who's that?: Yes, it's "World Wide Wes." William Wesley, known as a confidante to many NBA players, including LeBron James, not to mention NBA team owners, college basketball coaches and agents. Wesley was quietly working the crowd of parents and coaches along with being on the court with James, plus the college and prep players Thursday at Rhodes Arena.

Blue Jays lead Indians, 3-0, through 6; Tribe 3B Lonnie Chisenhall leaves game in 2nd (HBP)

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Blue Jays lead Indians, 3-0, through six innings. Tribe third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall (HBP in helmet) left in the second.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Blue Jays led the Indians, 3-0, through six innings Thursday night at Progressive Field.

Toronto righty Carlos Villanueva allowed six hits. The Indians left nine on base.

The Blue Jays scored in the second when Travis Snider drove in Aaron Hill with a single to center off Tribe right-hander Zach McAllister, who is making his major-league debut. The run was unearned because of an error by shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.

Indians third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall was hit in the helmet by a pitch from Toronto righty Carlos Villanueva in the second inning. Chisenhall exited and was replaced by Jack Hannahan.

Villanueva's pitch to Chisenhall struck the right ear flap and moved across the face. Indians head trainer Lonnie Soloff treated Chisenhall, who went to his knees for a half-minute before standing.

The Indians later announced that Chisenhall left because of a facial contusion.

Earlier this season at Class AAA Columbus, Chisenhall suffered concussion-like symptoms after a head-first slide. He missed time because of it.

The Blue Jays scored two in the fourth for a three-run advantage and had the bases loaded with one out and Eric Thames in a 3-0 count. McAllister came back to get Thames to pop to left. The ultra-dangerous Jose Bautista grounded sharply into the hole at short, where Asdrubal Cabrera turned what could have been a two-run single into a 6-4 force by making a superb grab-and-spin.

In the first inning, McAllister worked around a two-out walk to Bautista. Bautista is the leading home-run hitter in the majors since the start of 2010.

Rafael Perez replaced McAllister to begin the fifth. McAllister gave up five hits and the three runs (two earned). He threw 94 pitches.

 

Carmona moved down in rotation: Indians Insider

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chance that he'd juggle the Indians starting rotation over the All-Star break. Acta said it was important to move the starters who give the Indians the best chance to win to the front of the rotation.

INDIANS INSIDER

By Paul Hoynes Plain Dealer Reporter

carmona.jpgFausto Carmona will be moved to the No. 5 man in the Indians pitching rotation

Last weekend in Cincinnati, Indians manager Manny Acta said there was a good chance that he'd juggle the Indians starting rotation over the All-Star break. Acta said it was important to move the starters who give the Indians the best chance to win to the front of the rotation.

Thursday night he gave an indication of what the reworked rotation might look like when he said that Fausto Carmona would be moved back to the fifth spot. Carmona was the Opening Day starter on April 1.

Part of the reason is because Carmona is on the disabled list after straining his right quadriceps muscle running to first base on Saturday against the Reds. The soonest he'd be able to rejoin the rotation would be July 18, the Tribe's fifth game coming out of the break.

The move may have been made even if Carmona was healthy. He's 1-7 in his last nine starts and 4-10 with a 5.78 ERA overall.

"We're pushing Fausto to the back end of the rotation so he can have as much time as possible [to get healthy]," said Acta. "I'll make news for you guys in a day or two with the rotation in the second half. I don't want to give you everything in one day."

The Tribe's top three starters are Josh Tomlin (10-4, 3.86), Justin Masterson (7-6, 2.66) and Carlos Carrasco (8-5, 3.95).

Carmona played catch Thursday and was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday when the Indians hold a workout to get ready to resume play nextThursday in Baltimore. He'll probably make a rehab start as well.

Now you see him: Right-hander Zach McAllister made his big-league debut Thursday night, starting in place of Carmona. Infielder Cord Phelps was optioned to Class AAA Columbus to make room for McAllister.

The Indians were expected to send McAllister back to Columbus after the game and promote Jason Donald or Luis Valbuena so they're not caught short in the infield over the last three games before the break.

"We're probably have a move following the game," said Acta. "We're not going to stay with an extra pitcher when it wouldn't be useful."

McAllister, acquired from the Yankees last year for Austin Kearns, went 8-3 with a 2.97 ERA in 15 starts at Columbus. He struck out 71, walked 21 and allowed 86 hits in 97 innings. He had a 1.10 WHIP (walks plus hits divided by innings) and the opposition hit .241 against him.

Phelps was recalled on June 8 from Columbus to platoon at second with Orlando Cabrera. He hit .196 (9-for-46) and made five errors in 19 games.

Valbuena, the Indians Opening Day second baseman in 2010, is hitting .314 (86-for-274) with 47 runs, 19 doubles, 12 homers and 55 RBI in 76 games. He's played five games at second, 10 at third, 45 at shortstop and 11 in the outfield.

Donald has been hampered by injuries, starting with a broken bone in his left hand during spring training. He's split time between Columbus and Class AA Akron. Donald is hitting .276 (27-for-98) with two homers and seven RBI at Columbus. He's played eight games at third and 16 at short. Easy street: Two years ago John Farrell was trying to figure ways to get Jose Bautista out as Boston's pitching coach. This year he's sitting and watching Bautista hit as Toronto's manager.

"This way is a heckuva a lot better," said Farrell.

Bautista, who hit 54 homers last year, leads the AL this year with 28. He entered Thursday's game second in the AL with a .335 batting average and sixth with 60 RBI.

Farrell pitched for the Indians and was their farm director. He has been impressed with their play in the first half.

"They pitch, they play good defense and that allows them to do what we saw earlier in the season when they seemed to be doing something late every night with a walkoff homer or hit," said Farrell. "It's allowed them to stay in first place for a long time." Finally: Travis Buck returned to the lineup Thursday for the first time since straining his left hamstring last Friday.

Travis Hafner's grand slam caps five-run ninth-inning rally as Cleveland Indians beat Toronto Blue Jays

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Hafner breaks the silence at Progressive Field on Thursday night with a game-winning grand slam with one out in the ninth inning. The Tribe entered the ninth trailing Toronto, 4-0.

travishafner.JPGView full sizeTravis Hafner heads toward home into a waiting celebration with teammates after his walk-off grand slam on Thursday at Progressive Field.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — There were 18,816 fans at Progressive Field on Thursday night. They blended their voices to sound like 16. Until the ninth inning.

Then it was bedlam. It was New Year's Eve at Times Square.

Travis Hafner hit a grand slam with one out in the ninth to give the Indians a 5-4 victory over Toronto. The Indians had done nothing, nada, zilch until Hafner sent a moon ball from lefty Luis Perez into the right field seats to win it.

It was the 12th grand slam of Hafner's career. It was the second walkoff grand slam by the Tribe this season. Carlos Santana did it to the Tigers on April 29.

The Indians entered the ninth trailing, 4-0. They were out on their feet. Manager Manny Acta was ready to throw in the towel.

But Travis Buck opened with a single off Frank Francisco. Matt LaPorta followed with a double and Jack Hannahan worked a walk to load the bases. Out went Francisco and in came Perez (1-2).

Perez struck out Michael Brantley, but Asdrubal Cabrera singled home Buck to make it 4-1. Then Hafner drove Perez's first pitch to the moon, but it only seemed that way.

The victory went to Tony Sipp (4-1), who worked the ninth. He gave up Jose Bautista's 29th homer with one out. It looked like the end, but it was only the beginning for an Indians team that has won seven of its last 10 games.

For nine innings Progressive Field sounded like a college library on spring break. It seemed as if the Indians had hung a do not disturb sign on the locker room door and made sure everyone got the message.

Carlos Villanueva, who started the season in the bullpen, pitched six scoreless innings for the Blue Jays. He allowed six hits, two walks and struck out seven. Along the way he knocked rookie third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall out of the game with a pitch in the second inning. Chisenhall left the game with "facial contusions."

Zach McAllister, filling in for injured Fausto Carmona, made his big-league debut for the Tribe. McAllister threw a lot of pitches (94), but not many innings (four). McAllister was in line for the loss until Hafner saved him.

The Indians, who stranded 13 runners in Wednesday's win against the Yankees, picked up right where they left off. In the first five innings they left nine men on base and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. In the seventh and eighth, they changed tactics as Hafner and Orlando Cabrera hit into inning-ending double plays.

Every time the Indians created a scoring chance, there seemed to be two outs. Brantley started the game with a single, but Villanueva retired the next two batters. Santana and Grady Sizemore walked to load the bases, but Orlando Cabrera flied out to right.

In the fourth, Hannahan tripled with two out, but Brantley flied out to center. Hannahan replaced Chisenhall after he was hit.

Villanueva started this season with Toronto by making 13 relief appearances. He moved into the rotation on May 23 and has gone 4-1 with a 3.60 ERA.

Toronto scratched out a 1-0 lead in the second. Aaron Hill drew a leadoff walk and stole second with one out. He continued to third when Asdrubal Cabrera, covering second, couldn't handle Santana's throw to the bag and was charged with an error.

Travis Snider singled home Hill. McAllister struck out J.P. Arencibia and should have been out of the inning when Rajai Davis sent a bouncer back to the mound. McAllister, however, threw the ball into the seats behind third base for the second error of the inning.

The Jays made it 3-0 with another long inning in the fourth. Aaron Hill reached on a single to third. A single by Edwin Encarnacion put runners on first and second. Hill moved to third when Encarnacion hit into a force play at second.

Arencibia made it 2-0 with a bloop single to center to break an 0-for-18 skip. Then Davis singled off Orlando Cabrera's glove behind second to make it 3-0. McAllister faced eight batters in the inning.

Paul Padron has homer, three RBI to lead Akron Aeros to win: Minor League Report

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Poor weather cancels three minor league games on Thursday.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 6, Mud Hens 3 Jerad Head's three-run homer highlighted the Clippers' six-run eighth inning as Columbus rallied to win the International League game over visiting Toledo. It was Head's 13th homer of the season.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 4, Curve 2 Akron 1B Raul Padron (.333) homered, doubled and drove in three runs to lead the Aeros to the Eastern League win in Altoona, Pa.

Aeros starter Matt Packer (3-8, 5.71) went seven innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out five.

Cory Burns (2.29) worked the ninth for his 23rd save.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians vs. Hillcats, ppd. Rain forced the postponement of the Carolina League game in Kinston, N.C. The K-Tribe and Lynchburg will make up the game today as part of a 4 p.m. doubleheader.

A Lake County Captains

Captains at Hot Rods, ppd. A wet and unplayable field forced the postponement of the Midwest League game in Bowling Green, Ky. The game will be made up today as part of a doubleheader beginning at 5:35 p.m.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 8, Crosscutters 3 2B Todd Hankins (.269) had two hits and an RBI and the Scrappers scored five unearned runs to win the New York-Penn League game in Niles, Ohio.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers at Grizzlies, ccd. Inclement weather in Sauget, Ill., forced the cancellation of Lake Erie's Frontier League game against Gateway. The game will not be made up.


Fan dies after falling over railing while catching ball at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas

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The fan falls head-first and lands behind a 14-foot-high wall supporting a video board after trying to catch a baseball tossed his way.

fan falls.JPGView full sizeSecurity guards and fans at Rangers Ballbpark in Arlington peer into the space between the scoreboard and the stands after a fan fell out of the seating area while trying to get a ball in the second inning. The fall killed the fan.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers say a fan died after falling out of the stands while trying to catch a baseball tossed his way during the game.

Rangers President Nolan Ryan said after Thursday night's game that the team was "deeply saddened" to learn that the man "has passed away as a result of this tragic accident."

The Rangers did not identify the man; they said he fell about 20 feet.

The fan fell head-first and landed behind a 14-foot-high wall supporting a video board that shows replays and scores from other games.

The accident happened in the second inning after Oakland's Conor Jackson hit a foul ball that ricocheted into left field. Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton retrieved the ball and tossed it into the stands.

Replays on Oakland's television broadcast show the man reaching for the ball and apparently catching it before tumbling.

Cleveland Gladiators don't want to trip up against Soul in Philadelphia

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The Gladiators are on upset alert as they get ready for the 5-11 Soul, but they say they're taking nothing for granted.

thonngr.jpgView full sizeGladiators coach Steve Thonn.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — On paper, the Gladiators appear to be in good shape when they play the Soul tonight in Philadelphia.

The Gladiators are 9-6, in first place in the Arena Football League's American East Division. They have won two in a row and three of four.

The Soul is 5-11, third in the American East. It has lost four straight. On May 21 in Cleveland, Philadelphia fell, 59-41.

Given that the game will be played on carpet, not paper, the Gladiators are on upset alert. They maintain nothing will be taken for granted.

"You hear it said a lot, but in our league, it's really true: Anything can happen," receiver Troy Bergeron said. "You see it week after week. The indoor game being what it is, so many things can go wrong."

Last weekend provided two prime examples of how wild the AFL can get:

• In San Jose, Calif., the heretofore sad-sack SaberCats defeated the powerful Jacksonville Sharks, 83-70. San Jose snapped a seven-game losing streak, which included an 82-21 drubbing by the Gladiators on June 25 at The Q. The Sharks had won 13 straight.

• In Milwaukee, the Gladiators lost, then won, then lost, then won their game against the Mustangs. Quarterback Kurt Rocco's 8-yard scramble for a touchdown in the final seconds secured a 62-58 victory. It was Cleveland's first road victory since March 27 and third overall.

"I was really proud of the way our guys fought through adversity," Gladiators coach Steve Thonn said. "When bad things happen, especially on the road, it's easy to get down. But our guys never gave in. We kept our composure and rallied."

Among the issues for Thonn's club that night was the loss of hard-nosed center Billy Eisenhardt to a season-ending left-leg injury. Eisenhardt had started every game.

Jeff Maddux, who started the previous two games at guard, replaced Eisenhardt. Maddux never had played center in the AFL.

The Gladiators' line against Philadelphia will be completely overhauled from the one at the outset of the season. It has gone from guard Adam Tadisch, center Eisenhardt and tight end Calvin Wilson to guard Carlos Downey, center Maddux and tight end Cliff Louis. Downey started the season at fullback.

Wilson also has a left-leg injury and is out for the season. Tadisch recently went to the United Football League. Fluctuation on the line against Milwaukee made Rocco's performance all the more impressive. He went 20-of-36 for 257 yards and four touchdowns and rushed three times for 12 yards and three scores. On the game-winning run, Rocco eluded two defenders who seemed to be in prime position to bring him down.

Rocco, a Mount Union product, continues to rebound strongly from rough patches in his rookie season. He has thrown for 3,218 yards and 58 touchdowns and rushed for 12 TDs.

Bergeron, who missed four games because of a shoulder injury in late May, caught seven passes for 113 yards and two TDs against the Mustangs.

The Gladiators close the road portion of their schedule tonight. They return home to face the Pittsburgh Power on July 15 and the Utah Blaze in the regular-season finale July 22. Pittsburgh trails the Gladiators by one game in the American East.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Night that Joe DiMaggio's hitting streak ended was magic: Cleveland Indians Memories

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The Indians' success at stopping DiMaggio is met with both disappointment and wonder by Joseph Oriti of Cleveland Heights.

joe dimaggio.JPGView full sizeJoe DiMaggio's record hitting streak ended in Cleveland.
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 Joseph Oriti of Cleveland Heights:

I am 88 years old and a lifelong fan of Major League Baseball. The most memorable Indians game I attended, bar none, was on July 17, 1941, between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians. Joe DiMaggio came to Cleveland with a 56-game hit streak on the line. Joe D was revered by millions. Sportswriters dubbed him "elegant," "magnificent" and "pure class."

Before and during the game, there was tension and great anticipation. It was an electric atmosphere. A steady drone even made it difficult to carry on a conversation with the guy next to you. When "Joltin' Joe" came to bat, the entire Yankees bench stood at the edge of the dugout and exhorted him to get a hit. Every at-bat had a heightened dimension.

I recall that he hit three hard ground balls that looked like sure hits when they left the bat. Only the spectacular fielding of Ken Keltner and tenacious pitching of Al Smith and Jim Bagby kept Joe at bay. The streak had ended! Despite being a tried and true Indians fan all my life, I was disappointed. However, I knew that historians, writers and pundits would allocate great prestige to the Cleveland Indians and our city.

A quick glance at the Yankees dugout revealed that they were crestfallen. When the final out was made, the fans arose in unison. Spontaneous exhilaration erupted and bedlam ensued. Fans hugged, clapped, grasped hands and displayed unabashed emotion. No one made an effort to leave. No one made an effort to leave. We all milled around rehashing the game to no one in particular.

What transpired that night was a magical sight to behold. It still resonates far beyond any game I ever saw. Any fan in attendance would attest that they witnessed a game unparalleled in the realm of baseball.

Audio: Tom Hamilton calls Travis Hafner's walkoff grand slam

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Is this Hamilton's best call ever?

Cleveland Indians beat Toronto Blue Jays, 5-4, on Hafner grand slamTravis Hafner launches a grand slam Thursday.
Travis Hafner ended Thursday's game with the Tribe's second walkoff slam of the season. Fans are naturally ecstatic to see the Indians win in such a dramatic fashion. The Plain Dealer's described the scene at Progessive Field as "New Year's Eve at Times Square."

But Tribe fans are equally raving about radio announcer Tom Hamilton's call of the home run.

On Twitter, fans are labeling it:
#classic #goosebumps #amazing
#chilling

Is this Hamilton's best ever? Let us know in the comments.

Click play to listen to the call, courtesy of the WTAM game highlights podcast.

LeBron James and 'The Decision' one year later: How things have changed

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People often say 'what a different a year makes,' and that phrase is certainly true when talking about the 365 days that have passed since 'The Decision.' Take a look at our now vs. then list.

lebron james heatDifferent year, different team, same questions about disappearing in big games.

LeBron James. What a difference a decision and a year make.

One year ago today, James crushed Cleveland's collective heart by breaking up with us on national TV, turning himself from hero to villain in, literally, an instant.

But James' place in our hearts isn't the only thing that has changed over the course of the last 365 days. Consider that a year ago today, Jim Tressel was the most popular coach in Ohio, Jimmy Dimora and Frank Russo still had jobs, the Indians were in last place and nobody had ever heard of Pat Shurmur.

Related story: LeBron & The Decision: Where are they now?

Not everything has changed though. Tiger Woods is still not playing golf, Ke$ha is inexplicably still at the top of the music charts, the iPhone 4 is exactly the same and, perhaps most importantly, LeBron James is still ringless.

  Then Now
Gas prices

$2.72 $3.58
Ticket to Disney World

$79 $85
Facebook users

500 million 750 million
Google's foray into social media

Google Buzz Google+
Tweets from @KingJames

2 1,149
Cavaliers wins

61 19
Cavs players named J.J., Jamario or Mo

3 0
Indians record

34-52 47-39
Ohio State coach

Jim Tressel Luke Fickell
Ohio State QB

Terrelle Pryor ???????
Browns QB

Jake Delhomme Colt McCoy
No. 1 ranked golfer

Tiger Woods Luke Donald
Jose Bautista career home runs

82 142
President Obama's approval rating

44% 46%
Unemployment rate

9.5% 9.2%
Tea Party favorite

Sarah Palin Michele Bachmann
Keith Olbermann's viewers

254,000 (MSNBC) 93,000 (Current TV)
Star of 'The Office'

Steve Carell James Spader
'Bachelorette' bad boy

Justin 'Rated-R' Bentley...
Justin Bieber

Just a kid Tattooed & dating Selena Gomez
Casey Anthony

Presumed guilty Not guilty
Championships for LeBron James

0 0

Here's how cleveland.com's home page looked at 10:18 p.m. on July 8, 2010



Related stories

GONE! LeBron James and 'The Decision': A Look Back

'The Decision' one year later: Where are they now?

'The Decision' one year later: Share your memories of that night

LeBron James: The anniversary of The Decision


LeBron James and 'The Decision' one year later: Where are they now?

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Look back at some of the key figures surrounding LeBron James' free agency and "The Decision" and see where they are now.

lbj-tv-grab-dp.jpg"Hopefully the fans will be respectful but at the same time I don't expect them to be," LeBron James said of Cavaliers fans after announcing his move to Miami.

On the one-year anniversary of 'The Decision,' we take a look at where LeBron James and the major players of the events surrounding July 8, 2010 are now.

LeBron James

Then: According to this story on SI.com, James flew out of Cleveland and arrived in Connecticut around 2 p.m. on July 8, 2010 and stayed at the house of Mark Dowley until it was time to go to the Boys and Girls Club. He was visited there by Kanye West.

Since 'The Decision': James averaged 26.7 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds per game for Miami in 2010-2011. The Heat advanced to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in six games. James played well against Boston and Chicago in the playoffs, but his struggles against Dallas in the Finals, especially in fourth quarters, left many wondering if he'll ever be able to lead a team to a championship.


Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh

Then: On July 7th, it was reported that Bosh agreed to join Wade in Miami. No one was sure at the time if LeBron James would also join them. There were reports that James had tried to convince Bosh to come to Cleveland.

Since 'The Decision': Bosh averaged 18.7 ppg for Miami, his lowest since '04-'05, to go with 8.3 rpg. Many questioned Bosh's fit in Miami as the season went along and he failed to provide them with the low-post presence they needed. Dwyane Wade became the Heat's second-leading scorer behind James, but re-established himself as the leader of the team during the NBA Finals. In fact, many wondered if Wade's apparent yelling at LeBron during Game 3 led to James' poor performance for the remainder of the series.


Dan Gilbert

Then: Like most Cavaliers' fans, Gilbert was unsure on the day of 'The Decision' if LeBron James would return or if he would leave. After 'The Decision,' Gilbert wrote a now
infamous and controversial letter guaranteeing the Cavaliers would win a championship before LeBron James.

Since 'The Decision': Gilbert has been front-and-center for the Cavaliers as he has taken to Twitter, his most famous Tweet coming after the Cavaliers' defeated Miami at The Q in March. Gilbert's company, Rock Gaming, has also started construction on a downtown casino. Gilbert has been both the target of praise for his willingness to spend and his outspoken nature and also a target of criticism for his public feud with LeBron James and the preferential treatment the Cavaliers gave James while he was in Cleveland.


Pat Riley

Then: LeBron James gets the hate, but Pat Riley may be the most controversial figure in the run-up to James leaving. Riley had a meeting with LeBron James in Miami in December 2009 that caused Dan Gilbert to eventually launch a tampering investigation. In fact, according to a Brian Windhorst article from July 2010, Riley and the Heat began laying the foundation for Bosh, Wade and James as early as 2006.

Since 'The Decision': Riley remains in his role with the Heat and, despite chatter coming up every now and again that he would come down and replace Eric Spoelstra as coach of the Heat, he has remained in his executive role. Riley received a co-Executive of the Year award this past season.


Maverick Carter

Then: Carter receives much of the credit - and much of the blame - for the choice to do 'The Decision' as well as what most observers saw as its poor execution.

Since 'The Decision': Carter remains in his role with LeBron James and remains a villain in the eyes of Cavaliers' fans. Carter also remains a lightning rod for controversy, as some in the media see him as a brilliant, young business man and others question whether he can handle his role managing LeBron James' off-court activities.


Chris Grant

Then: Grant took over for Danny Ferry following his resignation and was immediately charged with trying to keep LeBron James. The Cavaliers met with James for 90 minutes on July 3rd, focusing their pitch on family, home, and showed him a "Family Guy"-style cartoon featuring James and his friends.

Since 'The Decision': Grant's moves in the post-LeBron James era include acquiring Ramon Sessions and Ryan Hollins, bringing Christian Eyenga over to the NBA, and trading Mo Williams and Jamario Moon to the Clippers in exchange for Baron Davis and an unprotected lottery pick that became the No. 1 pick and point guard Kyrie Irving. Grant also took Texas forward Tristan Thompson with the No. 4 pick and traded J.J. Hickson to Sacramento for Omri Casspi.


Danny Ferry

Then: Ferry unexpectedly resigned as the Cavaliers' general manager on June 4th. Ferry stepped down after years of trying to build a team that could win a championship right away for LeBron James. His most significant deals involved signing Larry Hughes, pulling off a complicated deal that netted Ben Wallace, Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak, trading for Mo Williams in the summer of 2008, acquiring Shaquille O'Neal during the summer of 2009 and trading for Antawn Jamison at the trading deadline in 2010.

Since 'The Decision': Ferry returned to the place he left to become Cavaliers' GM, San Antonio, as their vice president of basketball operations.


Mike Brown

Then: Mike Brown was fired after five seasons as Cavaliers head coach in May of 2010 after the team lost to Boston in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brown won 272 regular season games and 42 playoff games.

Since 'The Decision': Brown sat out the 2010-2011 season, but did make regular appearances on ESPN as a studio analyst and color commentator. Brown also was a regular at his son's basketball practices and games with St. Edward. Nearly a year to the day that he was fired, Brown became the surprise replacement for Phil Jackson as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.


Tom Izzo

Then: The Cavaliers and owner Dan Gilbert made no secret of their pursuit of Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo to replace Mike Brown. After a visit to Cleveland and
a weekend to think it over, Izzo decided to stay at Michigan State.

Since 'The Decision': Izzo remains the head coach of the Spartans.


Byron Scott

Then: Scott was introduced as the Cavaliers' head coach on July 2, 2010. He instantly began trying to sell LeBron James on the merits of winning titles at home and his system's emphasis on running.

Since 'The Decision': Scott endured a difficult season that ended with just 19 wins and included a NBA-record 26-game losing streak. While some rumors popped up that Scott could jump ship to coach the Lakers, none of them gained traction and he remains the Cavaliers' coach.


Mo Williams

Then: Mo Williams was brought to Cleveland to provide LeBron James with an outside scoring threat. Williams made the Eastern Conference All-Star team in 2009, but struggled in his two postseasons with the Cavaliers.

Since 'The Decision': Following a Twitter meltdown in the early morning hours following James' announcement, Williams contemplated retirement but returned to the Cavaliers. He was traded in February to the Clippers for point guard Baron Davis and an unprotected lottery pick, which ended up becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft.


gone.jpgView full size

Brian Windhorst

Then: Windhorst covered all the run-up to 'The Decision,' including the Cavaliers' coach and general manager changes, LeBron James' meetings with teams in Cleveland and 'The Decision' aftermath for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.

Since 'The Decision': After years of covering the buildup to LeBron's free agency and his eventual departure, Windhorst set off on a worldwide trip chronicled on cleveland.com and in The Plain Dealer. Prior to the start of the 2010-2011 season, he announced that he was leaving The Plain Dealer to write for ESPN's newly-launched Heat Index dedicated to covering the Miami Heat. Windhorst remains a presence in Cleveland, however, doing interviews on cleveland.com and on local sports radio and writing guest pieces for The Plain Dealer.


Shaquille O'Neal

Then: O'Neal was brought to Cleveland to try to, as he put it, "win a ring for the King." O'Neal had a mostly up-and-down season and was never able to blend back in with the team after missing time with a thumb injury. He became a free agent following the 2009-2010 season, but it was unclear of the Cavaliers' plans for him at the time of 'The Decision.'

Since 'The Decision': O'Neal had trouble finding takers the free agent market and eventually settled on Boston. He played in just 37 games for the Celtics and saw action in only two playoff games. He announced his retirement on Twitter following the season.


Antawn Jamison

Then: The Cavaliers acquired Antawn Jamison late in the 2009-2010 season hoping he would be the missing piece to their championship puzzle. Jamison immediately went in to the starting lineup, but struggled defensively against Kevin Garnett in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Since 'The Decision': Jamison went from eyeing his first title to being a big contract on a bad team. Now entering the final year of his contract, a player who didn't even win a game in the second round of the playoffs until 2010 could end up with yet another team - if there is a next season - or retired without a ring.


Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Then: A fan favorite, Ilgauskas was dealt to Washington as part of the Antawn Jamison deal. He returned to the Cavaliers after being waived, but there was little playing time available for him in the postseason.

Since 'The Decision': Ilgauskas, a free agent in the summer of 2010, followed LeBron James to Miami in hopes of winning a championship. He became Miami's starting center on November 13th before relinquishing the role in February. He actually returned to the starting lineup for the Heat's first 8 playoff games, but by the time the Finals rolled around, Ilgauskas watched games in street clothes. He recently exercised his 2011-2012 option to stay with the Heat.


The Fans

Then: After getting their hearts torn out in front of national TV, many Cavaliers fans went to the streets, burning LeBron jerseys or making obscene gestures in front of the 'Witness' billboard outside The Q. cleveland.com readers ripped LeBron in its comments section, lifting the site to its best day ever with over 3.8 million page views.

Since 'The Decision': Despite a 12-29 record at home this past season, Cavaliers fans packed The Q with an average attendance of 20,112 (98% capacity), third best in the league. Fans booed James mercilessly in his return on Dec. 2. cleveland.com readers continue to be interested in stories about LeBron James, despite some comments asking us to quit posting news about him. Once again, cleveland.com's biggest traffic day of year was LeBron driven: 1.65 million page views on the day after James and the Heat lost the NBA Finals.

LeBron James and 'The Decision' one year later: Share your memories of that night

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Where were you when LeBron James decided to leave the Cavaliers and play for the Miami Heat? Share your memories of July 8, 2010.

Gallery preview
It's hard to think of a sports story that received the coverage LeBron James' free agency received.

There have been plenty of stories more significant. There have been plenty of stories with more impact on society.

But LeBron James combined so much. It was arguably the best player in the sport courting the biggest markets in an age of media like no other - and, let's not forget to factor in that he was thinking about leaving his hometown team which hasn't seen a championship since 1964.

When I first saw the report from Chris Broussard that LeBron was going to make his decision on national TV in prime time, my first thought was, "Of course. He has to. This has all been too big for a press conference in Independence."

Two days later I was sitting on my couch, staring at my TV and moderating cleveland.com's live chat. Miami was the place - at least that's what the reports were - but everyone in Cleveland and New York and New Jersey and Chicago and Los Angeles were hoping something would change. I've been a Cavs fan much longer than I've been in the media, and the knots in my stomach that night proved it.

That's where I was at 9:27 p.m. when I typed in to our live chat, "He's going to Miami." This was seconds after the infamous "taking my talents to South Beach" line. I spent the rest of that night working and feeling like I'd been punched in the gut.

Now, it's your turn. We want to know where you were, what you remember and what you felt when LeBron James made his decision. Do you feel any differently today? Have you moved on? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.



Cleveland Browns wide receivers: Are you confident in them? - Poll

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Are you optimistic about the Cleveland Browns wide receivers?

brian-robiskie-john-kuntz.jpgBrian Robiskie.


Whenever the NFL and the players decided to work together again, James Walker of ESPN wants to know if the fans are hopeful or concerned about the wide receivers.


Despite the criticism of the current corp of receivers, Walker writes that the West Coast offense is the biggest reason for fans to have some hope.




The Browns believe running a better system -- in this case the West Coast offense -- will make Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie better players. Neither starter could get open consistently, but better routes and play-calling might help this upcoming season. The West Coast offense also plays much better to quarterback Colt McCoy's biggest strength, which is his accuracy.


While the West Coast offense brings hope, you still have to throw the ball to someone. And the Browns receivers are not the most athletic bunch of players.




The Browns are one of the slowest teams in the NFL, and it shows in their receiving corps. Neither Massaquoi nor Robiskie is considered a speed burner who can get behind the defense. That makes it easy for opponents to defend Cleveland's offense and stack the line of scrimmage against standout running back Peyton Hillis.


Are you hopeful?


 


 








Not sold on Colt McCoy - Browns Comment of the Day

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"McCoy was a good college quarterback. The Browns need a good NFL quarterback. Colt is a decent, hard-working guy. He's likeable. He just isn't the quarterback that the Browns need to take them to the next level. McCoy is adequate. The Browns need exceptional." - angelballs

carousel-colt-mccoy.jpgView full sizeCan Colt McCoy duplicate his college success in the NFL?

In response to the story McCoy's leadership impressive - Browns Comment of the Day, cleveland.com reader angelballs doesn't think Colt McCoy is the answer for the Browns. This reader writes,

"McCoy was a good college quarterback. The Browns need a good NFL quarterback. Colt is a decent, hard-working guy. He's likeable. He just isn't the quarterback that the Browns need to take them to the next level. McCoy is adequate. The Browns need exceptional."

To respond to angelballs' comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Your suggestions for Canton's new D-League team name

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See some of the suggestions that cleveland.com readers had for the name of the Cavaliers' new D-League team in Canton.

canton-dleague-team.JPGView full sizeThe Cavaliers are taking suggestions for the name of their new D-League team in Canton.

The Cavaliers will operate a NBA Developmental League team in Canton and they are asking fans to submit suggestions for the new team's name. You can send your suggestions in at http://www.cantonnba.com/.

cleveland.com users also submitted suggestions for a team name. Here were some of your suggestions.

Canton Fame - R2C

Canton Greats, Canton Flyers, Canton Aviators - ctowndawg23

Canton Carburetors - hasbeenjim

Canton Can-doers, Canton Rustbelters, Canton Ohioans - kidcle

There is only one real name that it can be. Canton Bulldogs." - Karsa_Toblekai_289

Canton Royals - gcp441

Canton Crusaders. Kind of goes with Cavaliers. - PeteBFree


Travis Hafner not the only hero in Thursday night's win - Indians Comment of the Day

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"Pronk's obviously the hero, but let's not forget three great at bats by the 7-8-9 hitters to set up the inning. Buck lines a two-strike pitch for a single, LaPorta goes the opposite way on the first pitch for a double and Hanahan works a walk to get the sacks loaded." - stlclevefan

hafner-santana.JPGView full sizeCarlos Santana and Travis Hafner have each hit walk-off home runs for the Indians this season.

In response to the story Travis Hafner's grand slam caps five-run ninth-inning rally as Cleveland Indians beat Toronto Blue Jays, cleveland.com reader stlclevefan thinks the hitters that started the rally deserve some credit, too. This reader writes,

"Pronk's obviously the hero, but let's not forget three great at bats by the 7-8-9 hitters to set up the inning. Buck lines a two-strike pitch for a single, LaPorta goes the opposite way on the first pitch for a double and Hanahan works a walk to get the sacks loaded."

To respond to stlclevefan's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

LeBron James: The anniversary of The Decision

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Are we finally over The Decision?

byelebron.jpgLeBron James

Today is the one-year anniversary of The Decision. That wonderful special on ESPN when LeBron James announced on live television that he was taking his talents to South Beach.

It was a year ago today that LeBron's announcement sent a wave of disappointment and disgust throughout the city of Cleveland. It also brought the ire of Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert with this letter.

Cavaliers fans couldn't wait for LeBron's return to Cleveland when the Heat played here on December 2. But it was even better when LeBron made his second trip to The Q.

And just when it seemed like LeBron would get the last laugh as the Miami Heat picked up steam late in the season and ran through the playoffs, LeBron had a horrible series as he fell to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.

And Cleveland celebrated.

Today, over on ESPN.com, NBA experts including Brian Windhorst reflect on 'The Decision,' with four of the five on the panel saying Miami was the right choice. On Ohio.com, the Akron Beacon Journal's Jason Lloyd looks at how the NBA landscape has changed over the course of a year.

So on this anniversary, are we finally over LeBron and his decision?

 

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