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Hard cap likely won't dent elite NBA teams' dominance of talent

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With a hard salary cap, the middle class mostly would be lost. Teams would max out for star talent, with the rest of the talent pool largely scrambling for equal scraps.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The scariest two words in basketball from a Miami Heat standpoint, at least currently, have to be "hard cap."

When you're carrying the contracts of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, such an eventuality would leave little wiggle room when it comes to roster building and maintenance.

But if any new agreement is phased in, there could be an upside to the concept for the Heat and other current high-end, elite teams.

Foremost, with a hard salary cap, the middle class mostly would be lost. Teams would max out for star talent, with the rest of the talent pool largely scrambling for equal scraps.

So for the same amount of money, would you choose Sacramento or South Beach?

To play for an organization with unproven management and ownership, or Pat Riley and Micky Arison?

To experience 10 below and snowy, or 80 degrees and sunny?

In a world without a mid-level exception and a middle class, a best-of-the-rest free agent could do a lot worse than South Florida.

The very owners dismayed by the Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and other prime-destination franchises exacting added benefit under the just-expired collective-bargaining agreement could find much the same with a hard cap.

Says who?

Says Agent Zero.

In tweeting up a storm in the wake of the lockout, Orlando Magic guard Gilbert Arenas actually offered a few cogent points (yes, we're shocked, too) about the stacked deck the NBA will maintain regardless of the structure of a new agreement.

The essence of Arenas' thoughts, in a neatly packaged Twitter translation:

"Lakers, Dallas, Miami, Knicks, Magic, Bulls, Boston, and a few others always have the best chance at the top free agents due to city and money.

"So the smaller cities team can't compete. So they can never get better and they're always losing money."

Comforting, isn't it, Memphis, Sacramento, Salt Lake City?

In recent years, when a secondary-market team could mass max cap space, they at least could put themselves on the free-agent map. It's how Utah landed Carlos Boozer in the first place, how Orlando lured Rashard Lewis.

But when those star slots are gone, a hard cap could leave equivalent salary spots throughout the league, making some landing spots more attractive to top-tier B-list possibilities.

Think larger markets, warmer weather, and, apparently, east rather than west.

Asked last week by the New York Times, "Where do you prefer living, in the East or West?," Knicks power forward Amare Stoudemire responded, "The East Coast is more entertaining. You have so many great cities here, like Miami, New York and Philadelphia, that have so much to offer culturally. These are intriguing cities to me. They're fun to visit and explore."

The perfect world for Arison's billions and the Heat's current roster composition would remain a spend-as-you-like soft cap that allows for exceptions and the exceeding of the cap via luxury-tax payments.

But the alternative might not prove as punitive as some think. Not when the money is equal and the deliberations for free agents come down to Miami or Memphis, South Beach or Sacramento, Coconut Grove or Charlotte.

Location might not mean as much as in a 16-week sport that ends shortly after the turn of the calendar, but when you're going six months through the dead of winter, all things being equal (which they just might be the case cash-wise under a new NBA agreement), the ultimate deciding factor in filling out rosters could be location, location, location.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel


Big sixth inning carries Akron Aeros to win over Erie SeaWolves: Minor League Report

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Columbus, Kinston, Lake County and Lake Erie all lose on Saturday, but Mahoning Valley wins.

Beau Mills.JPGView full sizeBeau Mills hit a two-run home run for the Aeros on Saturday.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Mud Hens 5, Clippers 2 Toledo scored a pair of runs in both the seventh and eighth innings as it defeated visiting Columbus in an International League game. Columbus reliever Carlton Smith (2-2) was charged with both the loss and a blown save, his second of the season. Smith surrendered two runs, both earned, three hits and a walk in just two-thirds of an inning.

Notes: Clippers right fielder Ezequiel Carrera was 3-for-4 with two runs scored. For the season in Columbus, he is hitting .293, with 94 hits in 317 at-bats.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 8, SeaWolves 6 Akron scored six in the sixth, which carried them to an Eastern League victory over Erie, Pa., at Canal Park. Ben Copeland socked a two-run double in the inning, and Raul Padron drove in another run with a double. Beau Mills blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning that cleared the bleachers in right field.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Keys 10, Indians 7 Frederick, Md., outslugged Kinston, N.C., in a Carolina League game. The host Keys slugged four home runs and the Indians three. Strongsville native Anthony Gallas hit his second homer of the year for the Indians, a three-run shot in the fifth inning.

Notes: Gallas, an outfielder, is hitting .169, with 14 hits and 13 RBI in 83 at-bats.

A Lake County Captains

Lugnuts 7, Captains 6 Lansing, Mich. rallied for three runs in the top of the eighth inning and won a Midwest League game at Classic Park in Eastlake. The Lugnuts' rally was aided by a Captains error and a wild pitch. The Lugnuts helped themselves with two singles and a triple. Nickolas Sarianides (4-4) took the loss in relief. He was charged with three runs, two earned, and three hits in 1 innings.

Notes: The Captains were 4-for-15 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 4, Crosscutters 3 Williamsport, Pa., scored two in the bottom of the ninth but came up short and lost to Mahoning Valley in a New York-Penn League game. The Scrappers scored all their runs in the first two innings. Mahoning Valley's Daniel Jimenez (1-0) pitched five innings and gave up one earned run on four hits. Enosil Tejada gave up both Crosscutters runs in the ninth but still picked up his second save.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers Rascals 5, Crushers 1 River City belted 14 hits and defeated lake Erie in a Frontier League game in O'Fallon, Mo.

Cleveland Browns coaching staff must earn players' trust once NFL lockout ends: Terry Pluto's Talkin'

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When a new coaching staff comes in with new ideas, some players naturally are uneasy. They don't know their new bosses, and they are suspicious of major changes -- and the Browns plan major changes.

pat shurmur.JPGView full sizeNew Browns coach Pat Shurmur has his work cut out for him when the lockout ends.
About the Browns . . .

1. Most fans know about the obvious challenges facing the Browns at the end of the lockout. They have a new head coach in Pat Shurmur, who also will call the plays for the new West Coast offense. They have a new defensive coordinator in Dick Jauron, who will install the new 4-3 defense. And it all must be done in a tight time frame because of the mini-camps being lost to the labor problems.

2. But another issue is relationships. As one NFL coach recently explained to me, when a new staff comes in with new ideas, some players naturally are uneasy. They don't know their new bosses, and they are suspicious of major changes -- and the Browns plan major changes.

3. One way to speed the understanding of X's and O's is for coaches and players to get to know each other. Good communication is critical. Shurmur did retain some coaches from Eric Mangini's staff: Gary Brown (running backs), Jerome Henderson (defensive backs), Steve Hagen (tight ends), George Warhop (offensive linemen), Kent Johnson (strength coach) and Rick Lyle (assistant strength coach). That can help with the players, and it also is a good sign about Shurmur -- too many guys become head coaches and then want to fire the entire staff.

Montario Hardesty.JPGView full sizeRunning back Montario Hardesty was injured in the final preseason game last year.

4. I hear the Browns will look for another running back once free agency begins. The new coaches absolutely love what they saw of Montario Hardesty on film from his days at Tennessee. And Hardesty is supposed to be fully recovered from his knee surgery. But he does have a history of injuries and surgeries. The Browns don't want to risk him being hurt again and Peyton Hillis being worn down as he was at the end of last season.

5. They won't spend huge money on a running back, but they will look for someone with experience who can be a decent backup. They also plan to shop the list of undrafted college free agents for a back -- and they may sign between 10 and 15 players who were passed over in the last draft.

6. At the end of the season, Floyd "Porkchop" Womack indicated he'd like to re-sign with the Browns. If the interest remains, the Browns may bring back Womack -- and add him to Tony Pashos, hoping to hold down right tackle. According to profootballfocus.com, Womack played 174 snaps at right tackle and came out with higher grades than Pashos or John St. Clair (whose ratings were poor).

7. One area where the Browns may be in decent shape is the offensive line, because there aren't many changes. Warhop returns as coach. Pro Bowlers Alex Mack (center) and Joe Thomas (left tackle) are back. Veteran Eric Steinbach will be the left guard, and the Browns have high hopes for second-year man Shawn Lauvao at right guard. As of now, the projected candidates for right tackle are Womack and Pashos.

8. The Browns picked first- team All-Big East left tackle Jason Pinkston in the fifth round. They believe he can play guard or tackle, but it's hard to imagine him playing a lot immediately. Nonetheless, it is important to keep adding young blockers with some talent.

9. Before the lockout, the Browns had scheduled rookies to report on July 25, the entire squad on July 28. Whenever they do arrive, a big concern will be the physical condition of the players. That will vary widely, as some took workouts seriously and others did not. But very few will be in the same condition as players who work out in their team's facility during the off-seasons when there is no lockout.

10. The fact that Colt McCoy has been able to get most of the receivers into his voluntary camps is an asset, because the quarterback does have the basic patterns and passing plays that will be used in the West Coast offense. They can work on those and develop some timing.

11. It's doubtful the Browns will use Joshua Cribbs much as a wide receiver. They want to sort through the group of Mohamed Massaquoi, Greg Little, Brian Robiskie and Carlton Mitchell (the front office likes him a lot). But they will have open competition for a slot receiver, and Cribbs could be in that mix along with Jordan Norwood and perhaps a veteran who is signed.

12. I will be talking about my book "Things I've Learned From Watching The Browns" and other subjects at the Bay Village Library on Thursday at 7 p.m. Call 440-871-6392 for more information.

About the Cavs . . .

If LeBron James had made a different decision and stayed, would the Cavaliers have been in better shape today?

You know the answer to that.

But they also would always be thinking short-term. Hanging over every move would be these questions: "Does this work with LeBron? Does it make him happy? Will it convince him to stay?"

That's because it's doubtful that James would have made a five-year commitment to the Cavs.

You have to wonder whether a championship team can be built with one player being so central to the thinking of an organization -- and an organization operating in fear of one player leaving.

Yes, Michael Jordan was in the middle of everything done by the Bulls -- but there never was any real reason to believe he'd flee Chicago. So the Bulls traded one of his best friends -- Clevelander Charles Oakley -- because they believed they needed a center to win a title. Bill Cartwright came to Chicago, did blend well with Jordan and helped No. 23 secure his first championship ring.

There was a point when Tim Duncan seriously considered leaving San Antonio for Orlando but changed his mind. The Spurs have made moves to keep Duncan and Tony Parker content, but those two stars don't try to run the franchise. They have won four titles. Good or bad, the moves made by the Spurs were to improve the team, not just to placate some stars.

Orlando is going through the same agony as the Cavs did a year ago. Dwight Howard has said he's interested in staying, but he hasn't signed an extension. The Magic went to the NBA Finals in 2009 and the Eastern Conference finals in 2010, but it was knocked out in the first round in 2011. It has made some strange trades, adding quick fixes such as Vince Carter (now traded) and Gilbert Arenas.

Some fans will argue that Boston trading for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to join Paul Pierce was a win-now move. That's very true. But Allen and Garnett came to Boston in 2007 late in their careers. They had to come together to win -- time was running out.

For all his grumbling, no one ever believed Kobe Bryant would leave the Lakers. That allowed them to build a team with a sense of urgency but no panic about retaining a star.

In an attempt to win now, the Cavs traded draft choices. Young players were not given much time to develop. The anxiety about James possibly leaving seemed to skew the thinking of the organization -- at least, that's how it looks in the rearview mirror.

Who knows whether the Cavs will ever build a title winner? Or whether James will win a title in Miami?

But from now on, the Cavs can make pure basketball decisions -- asking what is best for the team and not being overly concerned with the wishes and whims of one player.

About the Tribe . . .

1. Mitch Talbot has a 6.33 ERA, Fausto Carmona is at 5.78. Those are the two highest ERAs among American League starters, according to ESPN's stats. The two highest. The Indians are in a playoff race with a team that is based on pitching, and they can't have two guys who have been so ineffective.

2. That's why Talbot must be replaced in the rotation after the All-Star break with Jeanmar Gomez, who is 9-3 with a 2.40 ERA at Columbus. The story on Talbot is that he had arm troubles in 2009 at Class AAA, starting only 10 games. He was 3-3 with a 3.99 ERA at the 2010 All-Star break. Since then, he's 4-11 with a 5.78 ERA. He also has had two trips to the disabled list in the past 12 months.

3. Talbot is out of minor- league options, meaning he has to be placed on waivers to be sent to Class AAA, or put in the bullpen for long relief. But Frank Herrmann has done an excellent job lately in long relief; it seems unfair to send him back to the minors. Since June 1, Herrmann has allowed only two earned runs in 161/3 innings.

4. Why did the Tribe promote Luis Valbuena over Jason Donald? The Tribe explained it like this: It begins with wanting Orlando Cabrera to play against left-handed pitchers. O-Cab is hitting .301 (.830 OPS) vs. lefties, .232 (.533 OPS) vs. righties. The idea is to rest O-Cab against some righties.

5. That was why they called up Cord Phelps, but Phelps was horrible defensively. So they wanted a lefty hitter to sometimes play second base. It was not good to hear that Phelps made an error in his first game back at Columbus, and then bobbled another grounder. Clearly, it's a mental battle in the field, and he needs to settle down before it becomes something serious.

6. Donald bats right-handed; Valbuena hits from the left side. Since July 1, Donald is batting .236. In 105 at-bats for Columbus, Donald is hitting .276 (.767 OPS) with three homers and nine RBI. Valbuena was having a super season at Columbus, hitting .313 (.890 OPS) with 12 homers and 56 RBI. He was batting .290 vs. lefties, .324 vs. righties.

7. The plan is for O-Cab to play second against lefties and Jack Hannahan to play third instead of Lonnie Chisenhall. The Tribe rookie hit .209 vs. lefties in the minors this season. Yes, Hannahan is a left-handed hitter, but he's 17-of-55 (.309) vs. lefties, 30-of-165 (.184) vs. righties. He's outstanding defensively, and they'd rather have him at third when Chisenhall sits -- as opposed to O-Cab, who never played third before a few games this season.

8. In parts of the past four seasons, Valbuena's Class AAA batting averages are .302, .313, .321 and .313. He's 25, and the Indians may want to see whether he can finally help them. He also could be used in a deal. The same with David Huff, who is 5-0 with a 2.66 ERA in his past six starts in Columbus. He changed his motion, and his fastball now is in the 90-92 mph range, hitting 94 mph. He usually was in the high 80s before. Huff is 8-2 with a 3.84 ERA at Columbus. He could be attractive to another team or even earn a chance with the Tribe.

9. Valbuena was awful last season, batting .193 (.531 OPS) in 275 at-bats for the Tribe. They hope he can show the talent that comes out in Class AAA. If not, they can always recall Donald.

10. As for Carmona, he is on the disabled list with a thigh injury. The Tribe says it will make him the No. 5 starter after the All-Star break, but don't be surprised if he makes a minor-league rehabilitation start. With Zach McAllister, Gomez and Huff, the Indians believe they have starters who can fill in the gaps.

Travis Hafner's comeback season is worth shouting about: Major League Baseball Insider

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Can too much be read into one game-winning grand slam? When the player that hits it is Travis Hafner, the answer is no.

hafner.JPGView full sizeTravis Hafner's yell on Thursday after hitting a game-winning grand slam seems to indicate he's telling the baseball world that he's back to his old self.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Wouldn't you love to know what Travis Hafner shouted the second after his bat made contact with Luis Perez's fastball Friday night in the ninth inning?

He shouted, flipped the bat, clapped his hands, did a double-fist pump, and took a couple of sideways shuffle steps out of the box before pointing himself to first base and running into the waiting delirium. The dead-in-the-water Indians entered the ninth looking at a 4-0 deficit against Toronto. Hafner's slam gave them a 5-4 victory.

Reliever Chad Durbin, in a Tweet, called what came out of Hafner's mouth a combination growl and shout. Durbin, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning, was in the dugout to hear it.

Hafner, long after the noise had stopped and the ballpark was empty, told a reporter that he yelled because he correctly followed his internal instructions. With the Indians down, 3-0, in the seventh, he hit a ground ball to second base to start an inning-ending double play and was mad at himself.

"I had a pitch to hit that inning and I said, 'Come, on, swing the bat,' " said Hafner.

In the ninth, Perez gave Hafner a first-pitch fastball to hit. This time, he swung the bat well.

If that's what Hafner felt, fine, but perhaps there was more to it. The growl-shout, the bat flip, the clap, double-fist pump and shuffle, maybe they were Hafner's way of saying: "I'm still here. And what's more, I'm back."

Back from having his $13 million-a-year contract viewed as a millstone around the neck of the organization.

Back from three years in the shadows when a slow-to-heal right shoulder made him a power hitter without power. He drove in 24 runs in 2008, 49 in 2009 and 50 in 2010. He drove in 325 the three previous years.

Back from all the unfounded whispers of steroid use.

It could have been just the pure adrenaline rush of hitting a game-winning grand slam in front of the home crowd that made Hafner react the way he did.

"There's nothing like it," he said. "It's like the most fun you can have on the baseball field. It's great."

Did the emotion of the moment run deeper than Hafner's initial reaction? It's hard to say.

Hafner's nickname is Pronk. It means half project, half donkey and was given to him a long time ago. At 34, the only project he has left is trying to get himself back to being a productive player after nearly three lost years.

He's headed in the right direction. Hafner is hitting .332 (103-for-310) since the All-Star break last year. Over 81 games, he's scored 39 runs, hit 24 doubles, mashed 13 homers and delivered 56 RBI. That's half a season. Put two halves together like that, and what's not to like?

Hafner is hitting .335 (52-for-155) with eight homers and 35 RBI through 49 games this year. He missed 29 games with a strained right oblique muscle, but so far, his right shoulder has stayed strong.

The Indians have leaned heavily on Hafner. They went 11-18 when he was on the disabled list. When he returned, they played a nine-game interleague trip in which he could only pinch hit. Somehow they emerged with a 4-5 record and still in first place in the AL Central.

"Travis is a force in our lineup," said manager Manny Acta. "That's the reason we were whining when he wasn't in our lineup in those interleague games."

In the ninth inning Friday, the Indians had one thought -- put the game in Hafner's hands.

Travis Buck hit a leadoff single. Matt LaPorta doubled him to third. Jack Hannahan walked to load the bases. Michael Brantley struck out, but All-Star Asdrubal Cabrera singled to drive in the Indians' first run. More importantly, he brought Hafner to the plate.

"All I'm trying to do is not hit into a double play because Hafner is hitting behind me," said Cabrera. "He's the guy we need in that situation to try and hit a home run. He did it, and it was great for us."

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

Kyle Busch the first winner of the Quaker State 400: Video

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Kyle Busch rolled to victory in the inaugural Sprint Cup race at the 1.5-mile oval, pulling away from Jimmie Johnson on a restart with three laps to go to collect his third victory of the season and jump into the points lead with two months to go before NASCAR's Chase for the championship begins.

Kyle BuschCrew members change tires and add fuel to Kyle Busch's car during the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., Saturday, July 9, 2011. Busch went on to win the race. (AP Photo/Jonathan Palmer)

SPARTA, Ky. -- Kyle Busch figured the best way to beat the traffic on Saturday night at Kentucky Speedway.

He simply stayed out of it.

Busch rolled to victory in the inaugural Sprint Cup race at the 1.5-mile oval, pulling away from Jimmie Johnson on a restart with three laps to go to collect his third victory of the season and jump into the points lead with two months to go before NASCAR's Chase for the championship begins.

"This is cool man," Busch said. "This is right up there with the best of them."

For now anyway. The way Busch is surging, better days almost certainly lay ahead.

Track officials hope they can say the same for their venue, which experienced some ugly growing pains during its first step into the spotlight. A massive traffic jam made the trip in a tortuous test of patience.

Even the drivers weren't immune. Denny Hamlin nearly missed the driver's meeting while getting stuck in the snarl.

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

Not exactly the kind of Cup debut Speedway Motorsports Inc. owner Bruton Smith was hoping for when he successfully lobbied NASCAR officials to let him move a date from Atlanta Motor Speedway to the quirky oval in the northern Kentucky hills.

"It was one of those things," said Hamlin, who finished 11th after starting from the back of the 43-car field. "You've got a lot of fans that want to watch the first race. You can't do anything about a two-lane road."

And the drivers can't seem to do anything about Busch, who moved into the points lead as the season reached its halfway point. He leads Edwards by four points heading into next week's race at New Hampshire with about two months to go before the Chase for the championship begins.

Kevin Harvick began the night with the points lead, but slipped to third in the standings after finishing 16th.

"It's certainly good to know we're figuring things out," said Busch, who has 99 career victories across NASCAR's top three series.

David Reutimann slipped past Johnson to finish second. Ryan Newman was fourth, followed by Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth.

"He was strong all night long," Johnson said of Busch. "Spent a lot of time chasing him (and) watched him inch away from me the longer the run went on."

It's a feeling the fans who spent hours in gridlock on Interstate 71 could echo. Cars were still packed up several miles from the track when the race began, with some eventually turning around when track officials went to their exit plan when the race reached its halfway point.

Speedway officials acknowledged the traffic was worse than they anticipated and promised to work on remedying issue before next year's event.

"We expect the track to address this head on and have a much better situation for the fans moving forward," NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said.

Providing a more compelling race next time would certainly help.

The drivers spent the week talking openly about the buzz created by the Cup's first new venue since Chicago and Kansas were added to the schedule in 2001 and the challenge of getting over the track's signature bumps in Turns 3 and 4.

It was much ado about nothing. The three-wide racing promised by Smith never materialized and the bumps provided little drama as the race unfolded in a series of long green flag runs, most of them dominated by Busch, who led 125 of the 267 laps to win for the second time in three days.

Busch won the Trucks race on Thursday despite starting from the back. He wound up on the pole for the Cup race after rain washed out qualifying, and he didn't let the advantage go to waste as he moved within one victory of becoming the third driver in NASCAR history to collect 100 wins across the sport's top three series. The 26-year-old has 22 career Cup wins, 48 in the Nationwide Series and 29 in Trucks.

"I'm hoping (No. 100) comes at Loudon (next week)," Busch said.

Kentucky Speedway is located halfway between Louisville and Cincinnati in northern Kentucky has been clamoring for a Cup date from almost the moment it opened in 2000.

Smith believed adding a new venue to the schedule would give the series' dog days a much-needed boost.

Instead the fans who managed to make it inside were treated to a parade. There were no green flag passes and no kind of chaos that dominated last week's race at Daytona as drivers played nice at a track they're still trying to get to know.

"I think it's a challenging place," Johnson said.

Not for Busch. There were few anxious moments, though he allowed Reutimann may have had the best car at the end of the night. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Busch found himself pulling for Reutimann on the final lap, hoping Reutimann could give Johnson so much trouble the five-time defending series champion wouldn't have enough to chase Busch down.

"I was like, `C'mon, Reuty. If you start racing him and hold him up, that's going to help me,'" Busch said. "I cannot just cruise through turns three and four but concentrate on hitting my marks rather than seeing if somebody would get in my mirror."

No one did, with Johnson ceding second place to Reutimann after inadvertently letting off the gas just a bit right before the finish line. He laughed about it afterward, but then again, he didn't have to face a lengthy commute home.

"This is such a great market, so many fans are enthused and want to be here," Johnson said. "To not get them all in the door is kind of a bummer."


On top of world, Jose Bautista still puts his team first: Paul Hoynes' Rant of the Week

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When asked to move from right field to third base in order to help the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup, Bautista readily agrees.

jose bautista.JPGView full sizeToronto's Jose Bautista.
After today's game, Jose Bautista is headed for Phoenix leading the big leagues in All-Star votes and home runs. Last year, he led the big leagues with 54 homers for the year.

If you're the Toronto Blue Jays, you defer to Bautista. You give him respect and sign him to a big contract. They did that in spring training, signing Bautista for five years at $64 million. So far so good, but then the train came off the track.

Manager John Farrell recently asked Bautista if he would move from right field to third base so he could add another bat to the lineup. Right field is the position of baseball royalty. The lineage includes Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Frank Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Al Kaline and Reggie Jackson. A move to third requires good reflexes and a paid-up life insurance policy.

Bautista, no stranger to the hot corner, said yes. That may have confused some of the record 7.4 million fans who cast All-Star votes for him, but not the Jays.

"You're talking about a Gold Glove right fielder, who was very selfless to make the move back to third base for what our current needs are," said Farrell. "He put the team first . . . and plays for the name on the front of the jersey as opposed to the one on the back."

There's a message there, and it's a good one.

Five Questions With ... Cleveland Indians reliever Vinnie Pestano

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The Indians pitcher recalls how tough it was to come back from an elbow injury in 2006.

Vinnie Pestano.JPGView full size

Q: Just before the 2006 amateur draft, you injured your right elbow while pitching at Cal State-Fullerton and needed Tommy John surgery. What was going through your mind?

A: "It was devastating. I knew my elbow was messed up right away. They needed three MRIs to find the tear. I was throwing on it all that time because I was trying to stay ready for the conference series. By the time they went in and did the surgery, I'd almost torn the ligament off the bone.

"I was still getting calls from teams, but now they were telling me I might go in the 10th round instead of between the second and fourth. I was very surprised when the Indians drafted in the 20th round on the second day. I hadn't really talked to them, but I was very excited."

Q: What's the first three months in the big leagues been like?

A: "I'm just keeping my head down and controlling what I can control. Instead of saying to myself, 'OK, I've got Derek Jeter with the bases loaded,' I'm saying, 'OK, I've got just another right-hander.' "

Q: Who's the toughest hitter you've faced?

A: "Any lefty in a Yankee uniform that I'm 2-0 against. Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson have had some good at-bats against me. As far as pitcher-hitter battles go, I'd say Kelly Johnson from Arizona and Magglio Ordonez from the Tigers were my two toughest."

Q: What has made this bullpen so effective?

A: "We take pride in the fact that we want to shut you down. We want to know that from the sixth inning on, if we have the lead, that we're in the driver's seat and we're going to be in control of the baseball game. We want the other team to know that, too."

Q: Do you have any superstitions?

A: "I've got a few. I always wear the same undershirt under my jersey. I don't usually get my cleats cleaned. That's like washing all the outs off of them.

"When I do bad, I get them scrubbed pretty good to get all of that off them.

"I use the same game glove. I've got the initials of my two grandfathers on it -- KW for [Ken Webster] and SP for [Scratch Pestano]. They're deceased."

Carlos Santana had little time to get ready for cleanup duty: Hey, Hoynsie!

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By comparison, Albert Belle and Manny Ramirez piled up hundreds of at-bats before moving permanently into the lineup.

carlos santana.JPGView full sizeCarlos Santana is on pace to hit .238 with 24 homers and 80 RBI.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: It seems that there are high expectations of Carlos Santana this year and that he has been a disappointment because of his batting average. Yet he is on pace for 24 to 25 homers with 78 to 80 RBI. Has any former Indian, such as Albert Belle, Jim Thome or Manny Ramirez, been expected to bat cleanup in their first full season? How does Santana's projected first full season compare to these other Indians sluggers? -- Rich Smith, Columbus.

A: Hey, Rich: Belle's first full season was 1991. He hit .282 with 28 homers and 95 RBI. He spent 101 games in the cleanup spot.

Ramirez's first full season was 1995. He hit .308 with 31 homers and 107 RBI. He spent most of his time batting seventh.

Thome's first full season was 1995. He hit .314 with 25 homers and 73 RBI. He hit sixth most of the year.

Here's where they had an advantage over Santana. Before Belle's first full season, he collected 259 at-bats in the big leagues over two seasons. Ramirez had 340 at-bats in two years before he was ready for full-time duty. Thome spent four years going back and forth between Cleveland and the minors, getting 690 at-bats.

Santana prepared for his first full season this year with 150 at-bats and a blown-out left knee last season. He's on pace, according to baseball-reference.com, to hit .238 with 24 homers and 80 RBI. Through Friday, he'd hit cleanup in 66 games this season.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Why is Travis Hafner strictly limited to pinch hitting in National League parks? Do elbow and shoulder injury concerns keep him from seeing time at first base? -- David Bruno, Chagrin Falls.

A: Hey, David: You answered your own question.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: What is the secret that Austin Kearns holds over Manny Acta? I saw the games in Phoenix. Austin was overmatched even by Zach Duke, who couldn't get any other right-handers out. -- Arthur Flicker, Albuquerque, N.M.

A: Hey, Arthur: Did you see the three-run homer Kearns hit Monday night in the seventh inning to erase a 2-0 deficit against the Yankees and lead the Tribe to a 6-3 win? Then you know the answer to Kearns' secret.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: I see that Luis Valbuena has hit seven homers this month with a good average. Do you think he's a late bloomer ready for another shot or is he a 4-A guy who only plays well in the minors? -- Steve Alex, Gainesville, Fla.

A: Hey, Steve: As I'm sure you know, the Indians are giving Valbuena another shot. Let's hope he takes advantage of it. I do know offense is the best part of his game, and he'll have to hit to stay in the big leagues.

-- Hoynsie


NBA lockout creates plenty of scenarios with no clear answers: Hey, Mary!

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The duration of the lockout is not yet known, and all of the post-lockout rules will be based on a negotiated settlement agreement between the NBA and the players.

joetait.JPGView full sizeThe Cavs have not hired a replacement for radio voice Joe Tait.

Q: Hey, Mary: Would a full-year lockout still count toward the number of years a player is signed for? So if a player has a three-year contract then after the one year of "nothing," does he only have two years left? -- Bob Montana, Bozeman, Mont.

Q: Hey, Mary: If there is no season, what will the draft order be? -- Eddie Colantonio, Concord Township

A: Hey, Bob and Eddie: According to Mark Termini, the Cleveland-based agent who has represented players over the course of five collective bargaining agreements and who has worked with the players association as an agent adviser during several CBA negotiations, there are no certain answers to these questions. The duration of the lockout is not yet known, and all of the post-lockout rules will be based on a negotiated settlement agreement between the NBA and the union (if there still is one at that time). However, in Termini's opinion, since the sole purpose of an NBA-imposed lockout is to inflict economic pain on the players, it is almost certain that the players would forfeit the current year (or partial year) of their contracts and the salary due for the period of the lockout. The details regarding credit for years of service and free-agency status upon the end of the lockout would be part of the final agreement between the league and the players. There are no rules on these issues at this time.

Q: Hey, Mary: Who will the Cavs sign to replace the departing Chris Jent? Did the Cavs use their trade exception in the trade with the Kings? -- Mike Langshaw, North Royalton

A: Hey, Mike: The Cavs could go several ways with that hire, although I don't see them adding an older veteran assistant. One possibility would be to add Byron Scott's son, Thomas, to the staff. He has worked a lot with Christian Eyenga, especially when Eyenga spent time in the D-League. If they decide they actually want to hire a shooting coach, Mark Price is available and has worked with a number of different NBA teams. And here's one way-out idea -- Anthony Parker. The Cavs love the guy. I'm sure his first preference would be to extend his playing career. But if that doesn't work out -- he is a free agent -- how about hiring him as the shooting coach? And the Cavs did not use their trade exception in the trade with the Kings. It is unclear whether they still can use it.

Q: Hey, Mary: Who's going to be the radio voice of the Cavs in 2011, replacing the legendary Joe Tait? -- Dick, Dayton

A: Hey, Dick: The Cavs are still reviewing the applications they have gotten, but they're in no hurry to hire anyone with all the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming season.

Q: Hey, Mary: Have you heard anything regarding the investigation Dan Gilbert launched into LeBron's free-agent tampering situation? -- Erik

A: Hey, Erik: With everything else Gilbert has going on, I believe that has been tabled at least for the moment, if not permanently.

-- Mary

'Cash floor' proposal won't necessarily mean an influx of free agents: Hey, Tony!

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Plain Dealer beat writer Tony Grossi answers readers' questions.

greg little.JPGView full sizeBrowns draft pick Greg Little, above at North Carolina, might bring some physical qualities to the receiver position.

Q: Hey, Tony: Greg Little's best college year does not look as good as Mohamed Massaquoi's. His vital stats of height, weight and speed don't look better either. What is your take on what he can bring to the team that Mo Mass doesn't already offer? Is Little that "dramatically better" on [yards after catch] than Mo Mass? I just get a bad feeling they burned a high draft pick on a player that brings nothing more to the table than someone already on the roster does. Your thoughts? -- Fernando Fernandez, Parma

A: Hey, Fernando: Little comes advertised as a really physical receiver who breaks tackles and runs through defenders after a catch. He also supposedly uses his body well going up for balls. If that is the case, he brings qualities that haven't been evident in Massaquoi's game.

Q: Hey, Tony: John Clayton did an interesting article last week about whether the new collective bargaining agreement mandates a floor for spending cash on players salaries vs. cap numbers and funny money. He said teams like Tampa and Cincy have in excess of $60 million they would be forced to spend to get to the cash floor. With that kind of money, teams are going to be able to lure excellent free agents away from the Jets- and Cowboys-type teams. This could make the league even more competitive than it already is. Assuming [Browns GM Tom] Heckert would be very wise and efficient in spending his boss's money, does this change how he will go about free agency? The rules have changed, and by all reports, there are 500 free agents out there. -- Austin Lindsay, Logan

A: Hey, Austin: Heckert repeatedly has said the Browns will not be aggressive in free agency. One way for them -- and other teams who spent lightly last season -- to get to the cash floor is by using the cap room to extend players already under contract. In other words, they could extend the contracts of some nucleus players who may qualify for free agency in 2012. This would be an example of investing in your own players, rather than in free agents who might not be the best fit for the Browns.

Q: Hey, Tony: I sure miss following the mid/late '80s Browns for a lot of reasons. One of which was the way the opposing division coaches took shots at us ("You're not in Cleveland," the nail in the locker room to hang Glanville's suit, etc.). Which of these were your favorite? How about a top five?

-- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake

A: Hey, Steve: Former Bengals coach Sam Wyche and Oilers coach Jerry Glanville both were fun coaches to write about. Neither held back in interviews. Wyche was one of the most candid coaches I've come across. Glanville was a clown -- fun to cover from afar but disliked by the local Houston scribes. I liked them both and miss their twice-a-year conference calls.

Q: Hey, Tony: You were asked for an example of any college QBs who turned into good WRs. You only named Brad Smith of the Jets. I think you overlooked Antwaan Randle El from Indiana. I think Randle El (previously of the Steelers) is a good reason why Cleveland may want to consider trying out the much (over)hyped Pryor. Randle El helped Pittspuke win a Super Bowl and was an additional threat on the field (he could legitimately throw the ball if required). Pryor is all this, plus he is tall (helpful when jumping for balls over cornerbacks). All that aside, I agree with you -- Pryor's attitude of "I'm such a good Buckeye, I should get paid" says volumes about how much effort he might give an NFL team. If it had to be a Buckeye, I'd rather the Browns bring in undrafted Dane Sanzenbacher. I see him as a valuable third-down and possession receiver -- something we haven't had since Joe Jurevicius. He will come in with experience at the position, decent attitude, and be more kind to the payroll. -- Steve M., Dayton

A: Hey, Steve: Yes, Randle El escaped my memory. He was a full-time quarterback at Indiana. Other readers have brought up Hines Ward. He was mostly a receiver at Georgia and played quarterback only one season. I don't think the dual-threat, quarterback-receiver type is particularly valued by Browns coach Pat Shurmur. He is not a fan of the Wildcat formation.

Q: Hey, Tony: I've been watching the Browns religiously since 1970 and often scoff at my father's belief that it is the Cleveland media who runs off talented players and uses its "bully pulpit" to chase good coaches away. But after seeing players like Earnest Byner and Braylon Edwards, and coaches like Bill Belichick and Eric Mangini ruthlessly criticized, how should I justify the press' reporting? Do you really represent the totality of the fan base?

-- Bruce Hoover, Groveport

A: Hey, Bruce: Did the media run Paul Brown out of town, or did Art Modell fire him? Same with Belichick, who was fired over the phone after Modell moved his club to Baltimore. Marty Schottenheimer? He left after Modell demanded changes in his coaching staff. Earnest Byner? He was traded by GM Ernie Accorsi, who later called it a big mistake. Braylon Edwards? Traded by Mangini. Mangini? Fired by Mike Holmgren after a second successive 5-11 season. The media get the blame for these moves? Amazing.

Q: Hey, Tony: I feel as if I am talking about the same teams when I mention the Cavs, Indians, and Browns. All three have completely different owners, but end up with the same result year after year. . . no championships. I am not sure what can change that trend. It would be nice to get some real quality free agents for all these teams, but even that seems like a dream. That being said, who are some realistic players/positions that the Browns may be able to grab during free agency whenever that happens?

-- Matt Davin, Wildwood, Fla.

A: Hey, Matt: I'm sure the Browns will sign a couple of free agents, but fans have to understand that the current management does not want to build the team through free agency. Don't get your hopes up. GM Tom Heckert is intent on building the team through the draft.

Q: Hey, Tony: Holmgren and Heckert have said they will not be active in free agency. You were correct when you said the team is incomplete going into training camp. With so many holes to fill and expectations somewhat high for the team, I doubt these holes will be filled with undrafted rookies. I envision a quick strike as soon as the lockout is over with the Browns pursuing Ray Edwards, Donte Whitner and Jonathan Joseph. Each of these guys have 3 to 4 more good years in them. These players, combined with the good fortune of finding a gem or two with the undrafted rookies, to fill holes at LB and RT, will allow us to be able to say that we have made significant progress on the roster going into 2011.

-- Doug Furtado, Battle Mountain, Nev.

A: Hey, Doug: I figure the Browns' "quick strikes" in free agency will be used on a defensive lineman and safety. I don't know about Edwards and Whitner, however. As for Joseph, he will command one of the biggest contracts ever given a cornerback. I don't think the Browns want to spend big at cornerback.

Q: Hey, Tony: It will be a shame to see Lawrence Vickers go; it looks like that is going to be the case with the implementation of the West Coast offense. Maybe he's not the best fullback in the league, although he is certainly in the top ten, but he plays with something that very few Browns have displayed since the 1999 return and that's called PASSION. There's something to be said for players like this and right now we need all the Lawrence Vickers-type players we can get.

-- Scott Cordle, Blacklick

A: Hey, Scott: I'm at a loss to explain the Browns' thinking on Vickers. Perhaps they surprise us and bring him back. But it doesn't look that way.

Q: Hey, Tony: One thing that has bothered me about the lockout negotiations is the time spent not in the negotiating room: the owners only meeting, the trip to Florida to talk to the rookies, the full three-day fourth of July weekend, we could also include the lost time waiting for the different judges to make their decisions. Do you have any thoughts, were the times apart helpful for both sides to think over their positions?

-- Greg Dineen, Middletown

A: Hey, Greg: My initial feeling was the lockout would last through October. If they are able to reach an agreement in July, I will be pleasantly surprised. Nobody knows what's going on in those meetings except the persons involved.

Q: Hey, Tony: Seeing as we are in this lockout and due to a lack of player acquisitions and minicamps etc., I am left with nothing else to ask. I read on Wikipedia that the Browns will be wearing their white jerseys at home this year. Is there any truth to this rumor?

-- Pat McNally, Rochester, N.Y.

A: Hey, Pat: Unbeknownst to most, my moratorium on jersey questions was lifted briefly at the onset of the lockout. So I am willing to answer your question. I don't know if the rumor is true, but it makes sense. Traditionally, the Browns wear whites at home.

Q: Hey, Tony: You may see this question or comment several times, but Peyton Hillis not making the top 100 list (as voted by players)? Really? Here's a guy who performed despite no passing attack to counter him, yet no mention at all? Do you have a theory here? If you look that list over objectively there are a lot of players you could easily remove and put Peyton in their place.

-- Doug Shaffer, Orange, Calif.

A: Hey, Doug: Top 100 lists are provocative and fun to argue about. I haven't put much thought in the list put together by the players on NFL Network. Joe Thomas and Josh Cribbs were the only Browns to make it, and both arguably had their worst seasons in 2010. It's just like the Pro Bowl voting. Reputation goes a long way in winning votes. Hillis didn't have a reputation before he burst on the scene last season.

Q: Hey, Tony: Since the return of Browns Football, they have suffered a host of summer camp/early season injuries to high draft picks and key free agent acquisitions, starting with DL Courtney Brown. Fans almost think we are cursed. Reading yours and others' PD OpEds, the most recent ones are RT Tony Pashos and RB Montario Hardesty both with a history of season-ending injuries. In reviewing all of yours, you seem to imply a confidence that RT Pashos can/will come back this season to fix the RT situation that is a source of constant fan notes. Could you, without violating a confidence go into more detail about RT Pashos' progress from his series of injuries to gain your perceived confidence in his comeback?

-- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.

A: Hey, Alan: All I know is every time the right tackle has been brought up to GM Tom Heckert he says the position is in good hands with Pashos and he'll be fine this year.

Q: Hey, Tony: In 2010 the Rams and Browns offenses were essentially the same statistically. In fact, the Rams averaged a paltry 6 yds/comp. (30th), the Browns averaged 6.7 yds/comp (21st). What makes Shurmur's dink and dunk West Coast Offense better than Mangini's dink and dunk "hybrid" offense?

-- Tim Marcus, Des Moines, Iowa

A: Hey, Tim: Yes, there are a number of statistical similarities. All I can say is we'll find out whether Shurmur's offense is more effective in Cleveland, where he is the head coach and not just the play-caller. Offensive coordinators who serve under defensive-minded head coaches often are restricted in what they can do offensively in game situations. I don't know if that was the case in St. Louis. I do know the Rams started rookies at quarterback and left tackle and had a receiving corps that was less than stellar.

Q: Hey, Tony: In your article on Thursday, July 7, you identified the Browns number 5 area of need as "Locate a third down, change of pace back." How do you think Josh Cribbs would fit in that role?

-- Chad Brubeck, Brunswick

A: Hey, Chad: I've long held the opinion -- like many -- that Cribbs' skill-set would be best utilized as a third-down back. I would seek to get the ball in his hands in the quickest way possible, and that is more easily done with him in the backfield.

Q: Hey, Tony: Be objective for a second and look at the Browns as an outsider coming into this season. The coach is beyond a no name coordinator. The GM admits he had no final say at all in Philly; all picks were up to Andy Reid. The O cord. . . oops, forgot, no O cord for this rookie coach. The D cord is the very definition of a journeyman. The team president has never done this job, and decided in year two of his regime to not only change coaches but to change the entire D and O on a year he knew 100% there would be a lock out. As a season ticket holder, tell me why any of this should excite me.

-- Michael Spitale, Galena

A: Hey, Michael: I would counter that: 1. The coach is offensive-minded and has been trained for many years by one of the best head coaches in the NFL (Reid). 2. The GM had an outstanding first draft in Cleveland in 2010 and at least contributed to some outstanding drafts in Philadelphia. 3. The no-offensive coordinator issue is overblown, in my opinion, when the head coach is from the offensive side. 4. The defensive coordinator (Dick Jauron) is highly respected and liked by players he has coached. 5. The president (Mike Holmgren) is a smart man who has coached two teams to the Super Bowl. And I would add 6. the team is constantly monitored and kept on its toes by an excellent and seasoned group of media.

Q: Hey, Tony: So what you're saying is Matt Roth and other players lie publicly for the fans' consumption? Kinda puts into question the believability of what you and others report. If the players are lying publicly why bother reporting? Once again the fan gets banged whether it's $10 beers or lies.

-- Mike B., Dover

A: Hey, Mike: I never said players lie. I said what they say publicly isn't always what they say or feel privately. It depends on the person and the subject. Generally, players try to avoid controversial comments because the grief they receive for them isn't worth it. I didn't think this was such a revelation as you're making it.

-- Tony

Ohio State might get NCAA off its back with a few more self-imposed 'penalties': Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

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Perhaps having the Ohio State band form a script "Tressel Did It" before every game in 2011 will appease investigators. No? There are other things the Buckeyes can do.

ohio state bowl.JPGView full sizeOhio State likes its football team going to those end-season-games called bowls, so it's self-imposed "punishment" doesn't prohibit the team from going to one in any future seasons. The NCAA might have some thoughts on that, though.

You've heard of throwing yourself on your sword? In the latest developments, Ohio State threw itself on a cocktail toothpick . . .

It seems rather convenient that Ohio State's suggested penalties do not include loss of scholarships or a bowl ban.

The Buckeyes' most recent definition of tough self-love is to pretend all the wins from 2010 never happened.

They will refer to themselves as winners of five consecutive Big Ten titles instead of six.

At least publicly.

Oh, the shame.

In addition, OSU wants to put itself on a toothless two-year probation.

One theory is OSU is leaving itself some wiggle room between now and when the NCAA gets ready to mete out its peculiar brand of justice.

The question is whether it's doing so as a strategy or out of delusion. Delusion is the leader in the clubhouse.

The Buckeyes started out looking nonchalant in all this, remember. Now, they just look arrogant.

Early on, they opened themselves to charges that their internal investigation amounted to, "Nothing to see here, move along."

This is an administration that initially wrist-slapped Tressel with a two-game ban, then increased it to five, then sought his resignation and now is fitting him for a pillory for display before the NCAA.

Will that impress? Tressel's face poking through the hole. Gene Smith and Gordon Gee getting their arms loose for the subsequent tomato barrage. Or is it too late?

Based on the latest light sentence devoid of scholarship reductions and postseason bans, there's a country mile's worth of wiggle room.

Expect OSU to take any and all of the following 10 steps over the next month to show it's truly willing to get tough with itself:

• As the NCAA ponders how much muscle to flex, OSU's review of its compliance department will be downgraded from "great" to "really, really good."

• Players will not be able to display bumper stickers that read, "My Other Loaner Car is a Lexus."

• Gee will delay -- for a period not to exceed two years -- getting the bow tie tattoo he's always wanted.

• The Ohio State band will form a script "Tressel Did It" before every game in 2011.

• In all written publications and correspondence, OSU will agree not to capitalize the "t" in the Ohio State University. (Note: only on Tuesdays. In alternate weeks. Not to exceed one month.)

• The opposing team's mascot can rough up Brutus in pregame shenanigans with no charges being filed.

• The Sugar Bowl trophy will not be on display except in the living rooms of OSU recruits.

• University trustee Jerry Jurgensen can repeat his opinion that OSU showed "cracks in a value system" and say it needs to do some "soul searching" without being immediately shouted down by other trustees. His peers do reserve the right to secretly tee-pee his oak trees, however.

• Since they are considered "gateway" apparel that could lead to irresponsible behavior, sweater-vests will be banned from the Horseshoe.

• OK, maybe a half a scholarship reduction.

Spinoffs

Indians manager Manny Acta shaved Carlos Santana's head. You gotta love baseball. Imagine a Browns player getting his head shaved by Eric Mangini. Willingly, I mean.

derek jeter.JPGView full sizeIt would be nice if Derek Jeter could get a little recognition.

Don't confuse the Cavs' new Developmental League team in Canton with the one that played at The Q last season.

If you had to win one game, you'd give the ball to Justin Masterson. If you had to avoid starting one pitcher in the playoffs, you'd flip the commemorative Romeo Crennel coin between Fausto Carmona and Mitch Talbot.

Derek Jeter got his 3,000th hit? I hadn't heard he was close.

If Jeter played for the Kansas City Royals, word of his march on 3,000 would arrive by Pony Express a year from now. Then again, if he played for the Kansas City Royals, the Yankees would've bought him on the free-agent market 10 years ago.

Investopedia.com estimates the Yankees have paid Jeter $205 million over his career, or approximately $68,000 a hit. And that stat is proof you can take the romance out of anything.

One more All-Star roster defection and Austin Kearns is hitting cleanup for the AL.

Someone said it

"He's not a well-liked kid. Very self-absorbed. He doesn't have the leadership you want in a quarterback. I've got more issues with that than his arm." -- unnamed NFL executive, on Terrelle Pryor, to the Washington Examiner.

Certainly, Pryor doesn't have the character of an adult who would anonymously rip a 22-year-old.

She said it

"If [Roger Clemens] were sitting there, I would not know who he was." -- a woman selected for the jury pool in Roger Clemens' perjury trial while Clemens sat facing her.

Hint: He's the one feigning innocence.

You said it: The Expanded-By-Modest-Demand Sunday Edition

Bud: If the only reason people play soccer is so they don't have to watch it, tell me then why do I read your column? -- Joseph Nay

For the obvious street cred.

Bud: After looking at the Separated at Birth section of your column every week and seeing very little resemblance, is it safe to assume the people pictured are fraternal twins? -- Scott S, Mentor

Good observation. But are you telling me Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger don't look alike?

Bud: Nancy Grace called and wants a Sports Spin expose. Are you in? -- Tom Hoffner, Broadview Heights

Only if it keeps Geraldo away.

Dear Bud: Since we have clearly reached the last resort zone with Fausto Carmona, perhaps Manny Acta could plant midges all over Carmona's neck and face just before he takes the mound. What do you think? -- Jonathan, Parma

Since it took Carmona two weeks -- the approximate life span of a midge -- to run to first base in Cincinnati, there does seem to be a man-insect kinship at work.

Bud: Portland rewards Greg Oden with an $8.7 million offer, and the NBA owners blame the NBA players for their money woes? Are the NBA players also to blame for your hairline? -- Chuck Levin

As soon as I locate it, I'll let you know.

Bud: Size no longer matters. -- Joe S

I just know he strikes out too much.

Hey, Bud: Do you think the NCAA would have looked more kindly on Ohio State if they would have instituted a self-imposed, double-secret probation? -- Nate Johnson, Brunswick

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

Bud: Given some of the Yankees' bullpen struggles, do you think they'll push for an end to revenue sharing in the next CBA so they can finally afford a few good arms? -- Adam, Columbia Station

Repeat winners get hit with a luxury tax.

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

Indians SS Asdrubal Cabrera does not start for first time this season (rest)

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Indians All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera will not start for the first time this season (rest). The Indians face the Blue Jays this afternoon at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera will not start today against the Blue Jays, snapping his streak of 88 starts to begin the season.

Tribe manager Manny Acta wants to give Cabrera the day off, but Cabrera will be available to pinch-hit.

Orlando Cabrera fills in at short for the Tribe.

The Indians (47-41) and Blue Jays (44-47) play their final games before the All-Star break. Tribe righty Carlos Carrasco (8-5, 3.95 ERA) faces lefty Brett Cecil (1-4, 6.37) at Progressive Field.

Toronto has won the last two of the four-game series.

Big-league Choo: Tribe right fielder Shin-Soo Choo (broken left thumb) will have the second and final cast on his left arm removed tomorrow. A larger cast came off  last week.

Choo said the thumb will be examined by Dr. Timothy Graham in Cleveland as soon as the second cast comes off.

Choo began light cardio Saturday.

Halfway home: Indians right-hander Justin Masterson's goals entering the season were not rooted in statistics.

 "I'm not a numbers guy,'' he said. "For me it was: Make every start; compete within every start; and make adjustments within each start.''

 By those measures -- and almost all others -- Masterson's "first half'' has been  highly successful. He is 7-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 18 starts and one relief appearance.

 In his final start before the All-Star break, Masterson allowed three hits in eight shutout innings of a 5-3 victory over the Yankees last Wednesday. It was the Indians' 85th of 162 games.

 Masterson pitched at least five innings every start. Only once did he appear out of sorts, when the Tampa Bay Rays scored seven runs (six earned) off him in five innings May 29 at Tampa Bay.

 "If you would have told me I'd have one bad start in the first half, I would have taken it,'' he said. "The challenge now is to keep it going, to keep giving the team a chance to win.''

 Masterson's first start after the break will be Thursday at Baltimore.

 Masterson easily could own double-digit victories if not for a lack of run support in May and June. In 11 starts during those two months, he went 0-6 with a 3.34 ERA (27 earned runs in 72 2/3 innings). The Indians scored a total of 22 runs.

 During the dry spell, Masterson never whined or bemoaned his fate.

 "Until you're shutting out teams every day, striking everybody out, only then can you start complaining about anything,'' he said. "I'm not doing this on my own. You put me out there with no position players...and I look like a fool.

  "We win together, lose together. As a starting pitcher, you wear it a little more -- and that's OK. We haven't thrown away any games. Guys are working their tails off, so there's no point in me or any other starter getting down when things don't go right.''

 In his last 22 starts dating to late last season, Masterson is 9-6 with a 2.47 ERA. He has allowed 138 hits in 149 1/3 innings, walked 44 and struck out 107.

 As well as he has been pitching, it is difficult to imagine that one year ago today there was doubt about his viability as a starter. Many inside the game wondered if Masterson, a 6-6, 250-pounder who essentially throws sidearm, could repeat his delivery consistently enough.

   Masterson found amusing the talk about him being destined to join the bullpen, which started during  his time in Boston (2008-2009). He was acquired by Cleveland in the Victor Martinez trade July 31, 2009.

 "I've always liked starting, and I thought I could be good at it, but people kept saying I should go to the bullpen,'' Masterson said. "It made for an interesting debate. I guess they needed to have something to write about.''

 To avoid rust and keep the adrenaline pumping, Masterson pitched in relief Saturday against the Blue Jays. He worked a scoreless ninth. He is available today.

 Masterson relies on a four-seamer, sinker and slider. He mixes in a mystery pitch, nicknamed, "The Loch Ness Monster,'' which features slider spin and splitter drop and moves more than anything in his repertoire. Masterson has said he is not even sure when the Loch Ness will "shoot'' out of his arm.

 When the pitch does come plateward, hitters typically miss by plenty. Masterson threw a season-high seven against the Yankees, two of them resulting in swinging third strikes by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.

 Lineups:

Blue Jays -- 1. Escobar ss; 2. Thames dh; 3. Bautista 3b; 4. Lind 1b; 5. Hill 2b; 6. Snider lf; 7. Arencibia c; 8. Patterson rf; 9. Davis cf; and Cecil lhp.

Indians -- 1. Brantley lf; 2. Cabrera ss; 3. Hafner dh; 4. Santana 1b; 5. Sizemore cf; 6. Kearns rf; 7. Marson c; 8. Valbuena 2b; 9. Hannahan 3b; and Carrasco rhp.

Umpires:

P -- Doug Eddings; 1b -- Dana DeMuth; 2b -- Kerwin Danley; 3b -- Vic Carapazza.

  

 

 

   

 

Cleveland Indians' Playoff Express is in dire need of some new parts: Bud Shaw

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After a quick start to the season, the Indians' Playoff Express is in dire need of some new parts, sports columnist Bud Shaw writes.

Austin KearnsIndians' Austin Kearns is hitting .212 with 1 home run and 5 RBI. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland -- When Manny Acta next puts on his uniform, his team's starting outfield will be home run machines Jose Bautista and Curtis Granderson, and reigning American League MVP Josh Hamilton.

Being a coach at an All-Star Game is an honor. For the manager of a modestly funded contender built on pitching and heart who can only hope significant help is coming at the trade deadline, it's Shangri-La.

Acta's field trip to Tuesday's Midsummer Classic gives pause to consider the great gas mileage he got out of his stripped-down and recently sputtering roster in the first half of the season.

With that comes a warning light: the Indians aren't going to take the checkered flag as the AL Central winner without adding some new parts.

Not just because Acta's outfield Sunday was manned by Michael Brantley, Grady Sizemore and Austin Kearns in a punchless 7-1 loss to Toronto.

The right-handed bat the Indians so desperately need would've fit anywhere in a lineup that Sunday featured the following averages from hitters Nos. 4-9: .225 (Carlos Santana), .227 (Sizemore), .211 (Austin Kearns), .239 (Lou Marson), .000 (recently recalled Luis Valbuena) and .220 (Jack Hannahan).

By occupying first place for much of the season, the Indians have done a lot while getting little from Sizemore, Santana and Shin-Soo Choo, who showed signs of stirring before going on the disabled list with a broken left thumb.

GM Chris Antonetti knows the Indians need more than Choo's return. If they start selling the idea that getting Choo back is like getting a new player, run for the hills. It means they're not going shopping in late July.

They can't count on a seamless return from their right fielder. Choo's 2011 season, which included a DUI arrest, was mostly rough edges from the start.

The Indians also need to brace themselves for the possibility (if not the likelihood) that this is the Grady Sizemore they'll see the rest of the season. The only benefit the outfield offers at present is Brantley's speed and defense.

You can't win in the American League giving up offensive production and power in right field and left field, and certainly not if you're getting wallowing mediocrity in center.

Actually, calling Sizemore mediocre is a kindness given he's batting .197 since activation from the disabled list in late May and leads the team in strikeouts despite missing 32 games. His on-base percentage (.291) is better than only Marson, Shelley Duncan and 36-year-old Orlando Cabrera.

Under the circumstances, being within a breath of first place -- more of a gasp after dropping three of four to Toronto -- is a credit to a largely unshakeable bullpen and a surprising starting rotation.

The working parts of this rotation -- Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin and Carlos Carrasco -- are relatively young. It's hardly far-fetched to think they might fade in a late-season pennant race or, at worst, need propping up by the lineup.

Sunday brought an additional warning, this one concerning Carrasco. For the second consecutive game, a tough inning rumbled and shook and then covered him under an avalanche. Acta pulled him after three innings and 72 pitches as much for his fragile mental state as for the five runs Toronto scored.

Acta caught a flight to the All-Star Game immediately following Sunday's loss. So pitching coach Tim Belcher provided the post-mortem, admitting Sunday's loss "could've been four straight pretty easily."

Only Travis Hafner's grand slam Thursday prevented a Toronto sweep.

Belcher was right when he said the Indians exceeded expectations in the first half.

He didn't say it, but they look like they've maxed out.

For their chances to match their postseason hopes, they need some serious help now from management and ownership.

Cleveland Indians fall to Toronto Blue Jays, fall behind Detroit Tigers in AL Central

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Carlos Carrasco gave up five runs on seven hits in three innings of a 7-1 loss to the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field.

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Cleveland -- The Indians -- specifically, Carlos Carrasco -- began the All-Star break one day early.

Carrasco gave up five runs on seven hits in three innings of a 7-1 loss to the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field.

The cynic would contend the Indians began the break four days early. The Tribe was outplayed by the Blue Jays on Thursday before a stunning ninth-inning rally won it, then lost Friday and Saturday.

Instead of feeding off Travis Hafner's walk-off grand slam Thursday, the Indians faltered three times against a sub-.500 club.

As a result of the mini-slide, the Tribe (47-42) failed in its bid to be in first place at the break for the first time since 1999. The Tigers (49-43) jumped ahead by a half-game in the American League Central with a 2-1 victory Sunday at Kansas City. The Tigers-Royals game ended about an hour after the Indians fell.

"If you would have asked any of us, or any of the fan base: If we could get to the All-Star break with a chance to be a half-game up or a half-game down, would you take it?" Tribe pitching coach Tim Belcher said, "I would have said, 'Yeah, let's fast-forward right to the break and get going.' In that aspect, we've probably exceeded many people's expectations. There's no reason for us to think we can't compete and be there in the end."

Belcher pinch hit for manager Manny Acta in the postgame meeting with reporters. Acta caught a late-afternoon flight to Phoenix, where he will be a coach for the American League All-Star team on Tuesday.

Carrasco, so sharp in six June starts, has been staggered in two July outings. On July 5 against the Yankees at Progressive Field, he gave up six runs on 10 hits in four innings of a 9-2 defeat. His past two starts have dropped his record to 8-6 and swelled his ERA from 3.54 to 4.28.

Against the Blue Jays, in particular, Carrasco's arm angle appeared to be lower than normal on a number of pitches. It led to spinning breaking balls and sinkers without typical bite.

"He's not pitching ahead," Belcher said. "He's not being as aggressive with his fastball."

A five-run second inning did in Carrasco against the Yankees. A five-run third got him against the Blue Jays.

Eric Thames hit a two-run homer, J.P. Arencibia had a run-scoring single and Corey Patterson smacked a two-run double for a 5-0 advantage. Patterson and Thames are left-handed batters. Lefties entered hitting .311 against Carrasco; righties were at .198.

"I had one bad inning," Carrasco said. "My fastball wasn't very good."

What happened moments after the Patterson double helped end Carrasco's afternoon prematurely. Rajai Davis grounded to Carrasco, who loaded up and fired a frustration-filled fastball to first baseman Carlos Santana.

Frank Herrmann relieved to begin the fourth even though Carrasco had thrown just 72 pitches. Yes, Carrasco struggled, but the pitch count was his second-lowest of the season.

Belcher was asked if Carrasco got such a quick hook because the bosses didn't like what they saw from him mentally.

" 'Yes and no' is the best answer to that," Belcher said. "Usually, it's a combination of things, and yeah, that's part of it. But the fact of the matter is, they had a bunch of runs on the board in three innings."

In the big inning against the Yankees, Carrasco appeared to come unglued after Cord Phelps did not turn a double play.

"Carlos is a young guy, and he's still learning how to handle himself emotionally and mentally at this level," Belcher said. "For a lot of guys with talent like his, it's the last thing to come."

The Blue Jays made it 7-0 in the sixth when All-Star Jose Bautista hit a two-out, two-run double against lefty Rafael Perez. It came with runners on first and third.

"In a situation where you're down five or six runs, you can't be pitching around people -- Jose Bautista or anybody," Belcher said.

Former Indian John McDonald replaced Bautista in the bottom of the sixth. Bautista finished the series 5-for-15 with three homers.

The Indians did not merely lose. They succumbed to Brett Cecil, who entered with a 1-4 record and 6.37 ERA in six starts. Cecil, a lefty, allowed one unearned run on six hits in six innings.

On May 3, 2010, at Progressive Field, Cecil was perfect through six innings and eventually won, 5-1. But that was last year, when Cecil led Toronto with 15 victories and threw harder.

The Cecil the Indians saw Sunday dialed up fastballs that settled in the high 80s, not the low 90s. He threw a decent slider and mixed in a few changeups.

Regardless of Cecil's status, he finds a way to dominate the Indians. He improved to 2-0 in five career starts against them, having allowed three earned runs in 33 innings.

The Tribe finished with eight hits and six walks. They were 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13.

 

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Cleveland right-hander Alex White to throw bullpen session Wednesday: Indians chatter

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Indians right-hander Alex White, on the disabled list since May 21 because of a sprained middle finger, said he plans to throw a bullpen session Wednesday at Progressive Field. White will throw about 20 fastballs.

alex-white-debut-vert-ap.jpgIndians right-hander Alex White, on the disabled list since May 21 because of a sprained middle finger, said he plans to throw a bullpen session Wednesday at Progressive Field.

Clubhouse confidential: Indians right-hander Alex White, on the disabled list since May 21 because of a sprained middle finger, said he plans to throw a bullpen session Wednesday at Progressive Field. White will throw about 20 fastballs.

It will be White's first time on a mound since May 20, when he suffered the injury while throwing a slider against the Reds.

Big-league Choo: Tribe right fielder Shin-Soo Choo (broken left thumb) will have the second and final cast on his arm removed today. A larger cast came off last week.

Choo said the thumb will be examined by Dr. Timothy Graham in Cleveland as soon as the second cast comes off.

Choo, on the disabled list since June 25, began light cardio work Saturday.

Young stars: Left-hander Drew Pomeranz and second baseman Jason Kipnis, two of the elite prospects in the Indians' organization, were part of the Futures Game on Sunday night at Chase Field in Arizona. The Futures Game is part of festivities for the All-Star Game, which will be played Tuesday.

Pomeranz will begin pitching for Class AA Akron this week. Kipnis is with Class AAA Columbus.

Stat of the day: Indians catcher Carlos Santana has 15 multi-hit games this year.


Cleveland's Justin Masterson consistently gives the Tribe a chance: Indians insider

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Justin Masterson has gone 7-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 18 starts and one relief appearance in the first half of the season.

justin masterson indiansJustin Masterson has pitched consistently well all season.

Cleveland -- Justin Masterson's goals entering the season were not rooted in statistics.

"I'm not a numbers guy," he said. "For me it was: Make every start; compete within every start; and make adjustments within each start."

By those measures -- and almost all others -- Masterson's "first half" was highly successful. He went 7-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 18 starts and one relief appearance.

In his final start before the All-Star break, Masterson allowed three hits in eight shutout innings of a 5-3 victory over the Yankees Wednesday. It was the Indians' 85th of 162 games.

Masterson pitched at least five innings every start. Only once did he appear out of sorts, when the Tampa Bay Rays scored seven runs -- six earned -- off him in five innings May 29 at Tampa Bay.

"If you would have told me I'd have one bad start in the first half, I would have taken it," he said. "The challenge now is to keep it going, to keep giving the team a chance to win."

Masterson's first start post-break will be Thursday at Baltimore.

Masterson easily could own double-digit victories if not for a lack of run support in May and June. In 11 starts during those two months, he went 0-6 with a 3.34 ERA (27 earned runs in 72 innings). The Indians scored a total of 22 runs.

During the dry spell, Masterson never whined or bemoaned his fate.

"Until you're shutting out teams every day, striking everybody out, you can't be complaining about anything," he said. "I'm not doing this on my own. You put me out there with no position players . . . and I look like a fool. "We win together, lose together. As a starting pitcher, you wear it a little more -- and that's OK. We haven't thrown away any games. Guys are working their tails off, so there's no point in me or any other starter getting down when things don't go right."

In his past 22 starts dating to late last season, Masterson is 9-6 with a 2.47 ERA. He has allowed 138 hits in 1491/3 innings, walked 44 and struck out 107.

As well as he has been pitching, it is difficult to imagine that one year ago today there was doubt about his viability as a starter. Many inside the game wondered if Masterson, a 6-6, 250-pounder who essentially throws sidearm, could repeat his delivery consistently enough. Masterson found amusing the talk about him being destined to join the bullpen, which started during his time in Boston (2008-2009). He was acquired by Cleveland in the Victor Martinez trade July 31, 2009.

"I've always liked starting, and I thought I could be good at it, but people kept saying I should go to the bullpen," Masterson said. "It made for an interesting debate. I guess they needed to have something to write about."

To avoid rust and keep the adrenaline pumping, Masterson pitched in relief Saturday against the Blue Jays. He worked a scoreless ninth. He was available Sunday, as well.

Masterson relies on a four-seamer, sinker and slider. He mixes in a mystery pitch, nicknamed, "The Loch Ness Monster," which features slider spin and splitter drop and moves more than anything in his repertoire. Masterson has said he is not even sure when the Loch Ness will "shoot" out of his arm.

When the pitch does come plateward, hitters typically miss by plenty. Masterson threw a season-high seven against the Yankees, two of them resulting in swinging third strikes by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.

Breather: All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who started the Tribe's first 88 games, got the day off Sunday. Substitute Orlando Cabrera went 0-for-5, extending his skid to 0-for-16. Luis Valbuena, playing his second consecutive game at second base, was 1-for-4. Untouchable: Joe Smith worked a scoreless seventh, dropping his ERA to 0.85 in 34 appearances this season. Smith has not allowed an earned run in his past 25 appearances -- second-longest such streak in the majors this season. Florida's Randy Choate did not give up an earned run in 30 games from April 14 to June 25. Joey Bats: Blue Jays third baseman Jose Bautista went 2-for-4 with a two-run double. He enters the break with a .334 average, 31 homers and 65 RBI.

Bautista becomes the first American League player since 1961 to enter the break leading in homers, walks (74), slugging percentage (.702) and on-base percentage (.468). Finally: The Indians-Toronto series meant two of baseball's most dangerous with the bases loaded over the past 30 years were in the house: Travis Hafner and Pat Tabler.

Indians designated hitter Hafner is hitting .319 (29-for-91) with 12 grand slams and 108 RBI in 112 plate appearances.

Blue Jays television broadcaster Tabler, a former Indian, hit a cartoonish .489 (43-for-88) and slugged .693 with the bases loaded in a 12-year career from 1981 to 1992. Tabler hit just two slams but had 108 RBI in 109 plate appearances.

Tabler said he once hit a three-

Defensive end Robaire Smith wants to re-sign with Cleveland: Browns insider

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Browns defensive end Robaire Smith, a free agent, is practicing fully at Camp Colt IV and would love to re-sign with Cleveland.

Browns_Smith_Injured_Footba.jpgRobaire Smith, heading into his 12th season, said he'd love to re-sign with the Browns if they're interested.

Austin, Texas -- Browns defensive end Robaire Smith, who will be an unrestricted free agent when the lockout ends, is participating fully in the full-squad lockout camp here after recovering in February from a bruised spine.

"[Browns linebacker] Scott [Fujita] reached out to me a couple of weeks ago and asked me to come down and be a part of it, which I thought was great," said Smith. "I told him most definitely I'd be there for him, especially coming from a guy like Scott. It meant a lot to me personally. There was no way I was going to turn this down, an opportunity to come here and work out with these guys."

Smith, heading into his 12th season, said he'd love to re-sign with the Browns if they're interested.

"It's something I'm shooting for and that I'd love to do," he said. "[General Manager] Tom Heckert said before the lockout that they'd be interested, but they were waiting to see my medical report. It came out right before the lockout, so there wasn't too much they could say then."

Smith said his neck and spine specialist, Dr. Robert Watkins, cleared him for full football activity in March and that he's been working out hard, even playing in a soccer league. Smith, 33, went on injured reserve in October with the back injury after playing in only five games.

When then-coach Eric Mangini said in a news conference that Smith would have some decisions to make about his future, there was speculation it could be the end of his career.

"It was amazing the way people made it out to be more than what it was," Smith said. "It kind of had me a little upset at first. My doctor never thought it was a big deal right from the start, and I went to three or four people, and they told me the same thing."

The time off, though, has been a gift.

"I feel better than I've ever felt, even coming off my Achilles injury [in 2009]," he said. "My body is just fully, fully recovered. I'm rested, and I feel like a new person. I didn't play those first couple of years in the league, so I have a lot left."

He said he would welcome a chance to play again in the 4-3, which he played for five seasons in Tennessee.

"I think I'm more of a defensive tackle, but I can also play end," he said. "The 4-3 is a little more hit the gaps. I like it."

He also likes coach Pat Shurmur, who was tight ends coach at Michigan State when Smith played there.

"He's a very good coach," said Smith, who drove 160 miles here from his home in Houston. "The players are going to like him."

Camp Colt IV: The full-squad session kicked off Sunday night with a team dinner at a resort in Austin, and then the players will have two days of practice, film study, meetings and workouts. As many as 40 players were expected to attend. It marks the first time this off-season that the defensive players are getting together. "It's great to see everybody again," said defensive back DeAngelo Smith. "It'll be good to get the backpedaling going again and just get out there and get that feel back." . . . Cornerback Coye Francies drove two days from California to attend the camp.

Browns' Mohamed Massaquoi picks brains of experts during lockout

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Austin, Texas -- Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who's yet to have his breakout season, has spent the lockout learning from the masters what it takes to become a Pro Bowl receiver.

mohamed-massaquoi.jpgView full sizeMohamed Massaquoi makes a catch against the Raiders.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who's yet to have his breakout season, has spent the lockout learning from the masters what it takes to become a Pro Bowl receiver.

"I'm looking at this as a fresh start and I wanted to learn from the best," said Massaquoi at Camp Colt IV, the full-squad camp being hosted by quarterback Colt McCoy here through Tuesday. "I wanted to be able to start from scratch and be able to use what they know to help me."

Throughout the lockout, Massaquoi has worked with Pro Bowlers such as Cincinnati's Chad Ochocinco, Pittsburgh's Hines Ward, Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald, Detroit's Calvin Johnson and New England's Wes Welker.

Among them, they have made almost 20 Pro Bowls.

"I got to see firsthand how they got to the level they're at right now," said Massaquoi, one of two second-round receivers from 2009 on the Browns. Brian Robiskie is the other.

Massaquoi, who has caught a total of 70 passes and five TDs in his first two seasons, met up with the stars all over the country, including in Florida, Georgia and Minnesota.

"There's a reason that they're in the league as long as they are," he said. "You really can't fix what you don't know. You see how those guys go about their business, how they work, how they're running routes and how they're adjusting to certain things and it's completely different."

He said he picked up different things from each of the receivers.

"If you watch Chad, you watch his feet," said Massaquoi, who has never had a mentor in Cleveland. "You watch Larry and you see how he adjusts to certain balls. You watch Calvin, how smooth and controlled he is at all times. Hines and Wes Welker, they understand the game so well. It's not always about just running out there and running a route. They really understand what they're doing out there."

From Ward, Massaquoi learned that the mental aspect of the game is as important as the physical.

"Hines is going into his 14th year and he'll be the first one to tell you, he's not the fastest or quickest guy," said Massaquoi. "But he can still play and produce at a high level because he knows the game so well."

Massaquoi also learned to study film the way the All-Pros do.

"It's just different, because somebody actually taught them how to watch film," said Massaquoi. "They know how to break down film. They're not just watching it as a game, or watching it as a fan. They're looking for tendencies and things. Every guy watches film a little bit differently, but you can see the difference it makes in their game."

Massaquoi found all the high-profile receivers to be extremely helpful, even his AFC North rivals.

"It's almost like a big fraternity," said Massaquoi. "None of them have big egos. They're all trying to get better and perfect their craft. In doing so, you get to see them correct their mistakes. They're coaching you up as they're improving their own game."

Massaquoi and Robiskie are also looking forward to a fresh start in the West Coast offense, where they hope to be known as something other than those two underachieving second-rounders.

"I'm really excited about it," said Massaquoi. "You wish you could've come into a more pass-happy offense from the start, but now that it's here, you embrace it and have fun."

In their first two seasons combined, Massaquoi and Robiskie caught a total of 106 passes and eight TDs. For comparison's sake, two players caught more passes last season alone -- Atlanta's Roddy White with 115 and Indianapolis' Reggie Wayne with 111. What's more, White (whose position coach is Robiskie's dad, Terry) caught 10 TD passes in 2010 -- two more than the Browns duo had in their first two years combined.

"I think myself, Colt and all of the receivers are definitely going to flourish in this offense," said Robiskie at the camp. "Coming off the past couple of years, I think it will be great for us."

Massaquoi and Robiskie didn't get many chances the past two years, but they know that's about to change.

"We're all looking forward to showing what we're capable of," said Robiskie, who caught a TD pass in each of the final three games last season.

The two are also glad to have a new second-round receiver in the fold in Greg Little, the 59th overall pick out of North Carolina. On draft day, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Little has a chance to become the Browns' No. 1 receiver.

"I think it just helps when a guy comes in and he's very talented," said Massaquoi. "I've known Greg forever, since high school, and competition makes everybody better. We all push each other and we all get better."

Robiskie is confident the Browns don't need a veteran receiver to complete them.

"With this offense and the right opportunities, we'll be just fine," he said. "We all believe we can be a good receiving corps."

Steve Stricker gets rare three-peat at John Deere Classic: Video

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Steve Stricker's third straight victory in the John Deere Classic certainly was the most challenging - and by far the most dramatic.

Steve StrickerSteve Stricker hits out of a bunker on the 16th hole during the final round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament at TPC Deere Run Sunday, July 10, 2011, in Silvis, Ill. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

SILVIS, Ill. -- Steve Stricker's third straight victory in the John Deere Classic certainly was the most challenging - and by far the most dramatic.

With nine holes to play, Stricker led by five strokes. With two holes left, he was two shots down.

Twice, Stricker buried shots deep in bunkers, one so far under the sand he had a hard time finding the ball. At a third bunker, he had to take an awkward stance just to give himself a chance to swing.

But he won nevertheless, sinking a 25-foot putt from off the 18th green Sunday to beat rookie Kyle Stanley by one stroke.

"It became hard, real hard," said Stricker, who was grateful for the encouraging words from caddie Jimmy Johnson.

"Jimmy was right there telling me the whole time, you know, it's not over yet, just keep plugging, you never know what's going to happen," Stricker said. "And sure enough, he was right. Just play it all the way out and see what happens."

 

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Stricker's clutch putt capped a roller coaster round on a steamy afternoon and gave him a 2-under par 69, good enough to make him the 10th golfer since World War II to win a tournament three straight times.

Despite a double-bogey on No. 5, when he needed two shots to get out of a greenside bunker, and bogeys on 15 and 16, Stricker finished at 22-under 262. Stanley, 23, whose best finish previously had been a tie for 12th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in late March, closed with a 66.

"It was an unbelievable week and an unbelievable finish," Stricker said. "I still can't believe I'm sitting here."

Matt McQuillan, who had missed the cut in his previous 10 tournaments, shot a 64 to tie Zach Johnson (65) for third at 17 under. Charles Howell III (64) and Chez Reavie (72) were another stroke back.

Stanley zoomed in front with birdies on five of the first six holes on the back nine, and kept the lead by salvaging par on 17 after sending his tee shot into a grove of trees. But he missed a 9-foot par putt on 18 to open the door for Stricker, who took advantage.

Stricker had fallen two behind with those back-to-back bogeys, which seemingly ended his hopes of a threepeat.

"I really did feel like the momentum was gone for a while," he said. "Those holes kind of derailed me there."

But he regrouped quickly. Stricker knocked in a 15-foot putt for birdie on 17 to cut Stanley's lead to one stroke, then made what turned out to be a tournament-saving shot from a bunker on the left side of the fairway on 18.

Standing with his left foot in the bunker and his right foot on the lip, Stricker hit the ball solidly and left it on the fringe of the green behind the pin, drawing a huge roar from the crowd.

The next roar was even louder. Using his putter, Stricker sent the ball toward the cup and watched it curl in from the left side. The 44-year-old from Madison, Wis., a crowd favorite at this tournament, backed away as the ball neared the hole, then raised his arms and pumped his fist to celebrate the moment.

"It's weird," Stricker said. "When I get into a situation where I have to make a putt, I feel like my nerves kind of go away and I focus extremely hard on trying to make that putt. And that's kind of like the little zone I got into on 17 and 18, I guess."

With the victory, Stricker joined a small but noteworthy group of golfers who have won a tournament three years running. The list reads like a Who's Who's of the game and includes Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Ben Hogan and Johnny Miller.

Woods has done it six times and Palmer twice.

"I kept telling myself that it's not a big deal and it really wasn't - until today," Stricker said. "That back nine trying to win, it's just really hard. I don't know any other way to say it. It's extremely hard to put it away.

"When you watch guys like Tiger put away all those tournaments, anybody who's put it away down the stretch, it's a difficult thing to do. But I'm happy to come out on top. I made a couple of putts when I had to."

Woods also is one of just four golfers who has won a tournament four straight years. The way Stricker has mastered the TPC Deere Run course, you can't discount his chances of joining that group, too.

Stricker finished 26 under at last year's tournament and was 20 under in his 2009 victory.

So, was he ready talk about four in a row.

"No," Stricker said with a smile.

Stanley claimed a nice consolation prize, earning the spot in the British Open that goes to the highest finisher in this tournament who's not already qualified. But if it hadn't been for Stricker's late heroics, Stanley would have had his first victory on the tour.

"I'm very excited to go over there," he said. "But I'm still trying to calm down from that round."

Stanley trailed by five strokes after Stricker buried a 50-foot birdie putt on No. 9. But showing the poise of a tour veteran, he went on his birdie run to take the lead, making a 26-foot birdie putt on 13, an 18-footer on 14 and a 36-footer on 15 to go up by a stroke.

"I just kept giving myself good looks and putts that I did in practice rounds and putts that I knew what they were going to do," he said. "I just kept trying to make birdies and give myself opportunities."

After his par save on 17, Stanley got into trouble on 18 when he went from the rough to a greenside bunker. He was in good position to salvage par again when he chipped up to 9 feet, but he missed the putt and took bogey, giving Stricker the opportunity he needed.

Stricker won for the second time this year and 11th time in his career, with eight of those victories coming after he turned 40. He won the Memorial a month ago and now has multiple wins in three consecutive years.

Only four others have done that since 2000: Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh and Ernie Els.



U.S. women's soccer team heads to World Cup semifinals

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The Americans advanced to the semifinals with one of the most riveting victories in the history of the World Cup — men's or women's — beating old foe Brazil 5-3 in penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie.

Germany Soccer WWCup Brazil USAUnited States' Abby Wambach scores her side's 2nd goal during the quarterfinal match between Brazil and the United States at the Women's Soccer World Cup in Dresden, Germany, Sunday, July 10, 2011.

DRESDEN, Germany  — Any time she caught a teammate's eye, Abby Wambach held up one finger. It had nothing to do with the shrinking numbers on the clock.

"I kept saying, 'All it takes is one chance. It takes one second to score a goal,' " Wambach said.

Regulation. Overtime. Stoppage time. Penalty kicks. Through it all, the Americans never lost faith they'd pull it out.

Did they ever.

The Americans advanced to the semifinals with one of the most riveting victories in the history of the World Cup — men's or women's — beating old foe Brazil 5-3 in penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie.

When Ali Krieger hammered the last penalty into the bottom left corner of the net, the Americans let loose with a raucous celebration that soon spread back to the United States. Highlights of the game even got time on the Jumbotron at Yankee Stadium.

"There's something to be said about this team. This American attitude of pulling everything together and bringing out the best performance in each other is contagious," said U.S. coach Pia Sundhage, a Swede. "I am very, very proud, and I'm very, very happy to be the coach for the U.S. team."

For Brazil, it is yet another disappointment at a major tournament. And this one is sure to sting more than any others because Marta had it won for the Brazilians, scoring her second goal of the game in the second minute of overtime for the 2-1 lead.

Wambach scored in the 122nd minute — about 90 seconds before the Americans were to make their earliest exit ever from the tournament they've won twice — and Hope Solo continued her mastery of the Brazilians in the penalty shootout by batting down an attempt by Daiane.

"Everything seemed to be on the safe side, but it wasn't," Brazil coach Kleiton Lima said. "Unfortunately there was the goal."

The U.S. victory comes exactly 12 years to the day the Americans beat China in a penalty-kick shootout at the Rose Bowl to win their second World Cup title, a watershed moment for the U.S. team and women's sports in general. This, the Americans insist, is another special group.

With two-time defending champion Germany and Brazil gone, the Americans figure to be favorites to win their third title. They play France in Wednesday night's semifinal, and would face either Japan or Sweden in next Sunday's final. Sweden beat the United States 2-1 in the final group stage game, its second victory this year over the Americans.

"We're just fighting for each other out there," said captain Christie Rampone, the last player left from the 1999 squad. "We were totally believing the whole time."

Marta and the Brazilians, meanwhile, watched in stunned silence as the Americans celebrated, and Cristiane had to wipe away tears several times during postgame interviews. Despite a star-filled roster led by Marta, the FIFA player of the year five times running, Brazil has never won a major tournament. It lost to the Americans in the last two Olympic gold-medal games, and to Germany in the 2007 World Cup final.

The U.S. has eliminated Brazil at five of the last seven major tournaments. The Americans also have won their last five meetings against Brazil, which entered with a 19-game, two-year unbeaten streak.

No victory, however, was more memorable than this.

"They fought, they did everything," Lima said. "They threw their hearts into it."

The lone consolation was that Marta's goals, the 13th and 14th of her career, tied her with Birgit Prinz atop the World Cup career scoring list.

"We will leave with our heads high," Marta said.

The Americans have been questioned and doubted after uncharacteristic inconsistency over the past year. After going more than two years without a loss, they've dropped four just since November. And they squandered the early lead gifted to them by Daiane, who botched a clearance on a Shannon Boxx cross in the second minute, knocking the ball into her own net.

But the players insisted they would be fine when it mattered most, and they proved it in the most dramatic of fashions.

With about a minute left in stoppage time of the final overtime period and down a player since Rachel Buehler's ejection in the 65th, Megan Rapinoe blasted a left-footed cross from 30 yards out on the left side that Andreia didn't come close to getting her hands on. Wambach, one of the best players in the world in the air, made contact and with one furious whip of her head, buried it in the near side of the net from about 5 yards.

"I don't think I've ever hit a cross like that with my left foot," Rapinoe said. "The best header in the world went and got it. Then, I don't know. I think I blacked out."

Wambach let out a primal scream and slid into the corner, pumping her fists and quickly mobbed by teammates. No goal had ever been scored that deep into a World Cup game.

"I'm at a loss and I literally cannot believe what just happened," Wambach said.

The Americans, shooting first, made their three penalty kicks only to have Cristiane and Marta easily match them. But then it was Daiane's turn. She took a hard shot, but Solo dove and batted the ball out of harm's way.

It was four years ago that Solo touched off a firestorm, blasting then-coach Greg Ryan's decision to bench her for the semifinals, a 4-0 loss that was the worst defeat in U.S. history. Any hard feelings her teammates had were erased when Solo led them to the Olympic gold medal in 2008, and everyone else's memories of those dark days get a little dimmer with every game.

"Hope, amazing. She's the best goalkeeper in the world," Rampone said. "We kept saying, 'Hope's gonna get one. Hope's gonna get one. We just have to finish them off'."

The dramatic finish overshadowed a brilliant effort by Marta.

She made a dangerous run into the box in the 65th, beating two U.S. defenders and coming practically nose to nose with Solo before Buehler tracked back and dragged her down. Australian referee Jacqui Melksham not only ruled it a penalty but a red card as well. Cristiane, who already scored one goal off a penalty, took the kick. Solo made a perfect read and smacked it away, pumping her fists as Lloyd ran toward her to grab her in a bearhug.

But Melksham ordered the penalty retaken — and gave Solo a yellow card, ruling the American left her line or a teammate encroached the penalty area before the kick was taken. Replays clearly showed Solo was on her line.

"I have no idea," Solo said. "It is what it is."

As the crowd jeered, Marta stepped up for the retake, staring down her old foe. Solo cost Marta and the Brazilians the gold medal in Beijing, stopping a point-blank blast from Marta in the 72nd minute of the Olympic final. This time, however, Marta got the best of the 'keeper, burying the ball to pull the Brazilians even.

Marta seemed to put the game out of reach with another goal in the 92nd minute — though replays seemed to show that Maurine, the player who fed her the ball, was offside.

But Erika stalled when she went down on a tackle, and the delay contributed to the 3 minutes of stoppage time added to the end game — extra seconds that would prove crucial.

"That is a perfect example of what this country is about. What the history of this team has always been," Wambach said. "We never give up."


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