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All-Star Game A.M. Links: Asdrubal Cabrera and Chris Perez; Josh Tomlin excels with great control; Game stories

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The American League falls to the National League but Cleveland Indians players Asdrubal Cabrera and Chris Perez enjoyed their experience.

Cleveland Indians lose to Yankees, 11-2Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Chris Perez.

The All-Star Game was a great experience for Cleveland Indians players Asdrubal Cabrera and Chris Perez.

Both experienced satisfying but uneventful games, writes MLB.com's Tom Singer.

Cabrera, promoted into the starting lineup by Derek Jeter's decision to miss the game for physical and mental healing, was hitless in two at-bats and had only one ball hit to him in the field.

Perez, as he'd been forewarned by AL manager Ron Washington prior to the game, entered to pitch the sixth, and worked his way around a two-out double by Yadier Molina to put up a zero and keep the NL's lead at 4-1, in a game they would win, 5-1.

Cabrera was excited during his first at bat. He was also happy to get the start.

"Just being here is great. I did my job to get here," said Cabrera, originally a players' choice for a reserve role. "You don't really care whether you start or not, because just being here with all these great players is an honor. But when you do get that chance, you are extra grateful."

 

Control freak

Ohio.com reporter Stephanie Storm writes how pitcher Josh Tomlin was taught about control at an early age. Tomlin's dad knew velocity was not going to be his son's ticket to success.

“If I didn’t get it exactly, he’d make me keep at it all day and keep trying to throw it there until I got it,” Josh Tomlin said.

Dad knew velocity wasn’t going to be Josh Tomlin’s ticket to success; control was.

“I was never a big guy able to get on top of the ball and throw 100 miles per hour,” said Tomlin, who is 30 starts into his major-league career with the Indians. “So he knew I was going to have to be a finesse-type pitcher. Ever since I could remember, he was always on me about control.”

 

Game stories

Cleveland.com: National League wins two in a row.

New York Times: Fielder's blast leads the way.

The Arizona Republic: Pablo Sandoval comes up big.

 

 


NBA teams need to spend smarter - Cavaliers Comment of the Day

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"I do not think a franchise tag, a hard salary cap or a revised version of the current salary cap is going to help some teams. Giving a max contract to a player of unique talent and ability is one thing. But giving a max contract to good players who are undeserving of superstar pay is another. The owners need to stop giving out bad contracts to undeserving players." - benny1699

Joe Johnson, Anderson VarejaoView full sizeAtlanta's Joe Johnson is a good player, but should he be paid like a superstar?

In response to the story NBA seriously needs franchise-player tag: Bill Livingston, cleveland.com reader benny1699 thinks the owners need to share in the blame for the NBA's current state. This reader writes,

"I do not think a franchise tag, a hard salary cap or a revised version of the current salary cap is going to help some teams. Giving a max contract to a player of unique talent and ability is one thing. But giving a max contract to good players who are undeserving of superstar pay is another. The owners need to stop giving out bad contracts to undeserving players."

To respond to benny1699's comment, go here.

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

Best record should determine World Series homefield advantage

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"I am with Chris Perez on having the team with the best regular season record have home field advantage in the World Series. The All-Star game should be just a show providing fans with the opportunity to see today's stars and for the players to have the honor of being selected to play." - durhamlou

national-league-wins.JPGView full sizeThe National League pennant winner will have homefield advantage in the World Series this season.

In response to the story Manny Acta can serve up gopher balls quite well, thank you: All-Star Game Chatter, cleveland.com reader durhamlou thinks best record should determine homefield. This reader writes,

"I am with Chris Perez on having the team with the best regular season record have homefield advantage in the World Series. The All-Star game should be just a show providing fans with the opportunity to see today's stars and for the players to have the honor of being selected to play."

To respond to durhamlou's comment, go here.

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

James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, rips Roger Goodell and Ben Roethlisberger

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison opens up his big mouth again.

harrison-steelers-vert-ap.jpgJames Harrison

James Harrison is one of the best linebackers in the game (and that's not just because he's from Ohio and went to Kent State), and many of us won't hold it him against him that he plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Well, yes we will.

And just because there is a lockout, it doesn't mean Harrison will put a lock on his mouth.

Harrison again shared his dislike of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell when he says in Men's Journal magazine:

"Up until last year, there was no word of me being dirty -- till Roger Goodell, who's a crook and a puppet, said I was the dirtiest player in the league," Harrison said. "If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn't do it. I hate him and will never respect him."

 

OK, we get that Harrison does not like Goodell, especially because of the amount of fines Harrison has paid out for his late hits.

And we also agree with Harrison when it comes to Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, when Harrison was asked about Roethlisberger's two interceptions in the Super Bowl.

"Hey, at least throw a pick on their side of the field instead of asking the D to bail you out again," Harrison said. "Or hand the ball off and stop trying to act like Peyton Manning. You ain't that and you know it, man; you just get paid like he does."

 

On Browns player camps, the lockout and Hall of Fame game -- Tony Grossi's blog

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Colt McCoy and Scott Fujita are leading the way in Browns player camps, but attendance has been less than spectacular.

Gallery preview

CLEVELAND -- Thinking out loud while waiting for football to start ...

 * Browns coaches have to be pleased with the leadership shown by Colt McCoy and Scott Fujita during the owners lockout. But only 30 players reportedly attended the fourth Camp Colt in Austin, Texas. That's not great, especially considering about one-half of those are backups, special teamers and camp hopefuls.

 * Although club GMs have been forbidden to speak to player agents about potential deals during the lockout, I've read or heard nothing about not being able to have trade conversations between themselves. We might see a flurry of trades immediately after the resumption of NFL business.

 * Josh Cribbs, 240 pounds?

 * I am at peace with the Browns' apparent lack of desire to sign a free agent receiver. I still can't understand their stance on not re-signing Lawrence Vickers, however.

 * The NFL should do everything it can to save the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 7. Even if the Rams and Bears have only three days to prepare, they could use the game as a glorified scrimmage. That's what it is, anyway.

 

Paul Hoynes chat and podcast will return next Wednesday at noon

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Join Paul again next week as he'll answer your Indians questions live at noon.

hoynes.jpgView full sizePaul Hoynes.
Today's chat with Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes has been cancelled.

You can join us again next Wednesday at noon where Paul will answer your questions about the Indians in the second half of the season and as the trade deadline approaches.

College athletes should get paid, says ESPN reporter

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Why should college athletes get paid? Here's why and how.

cam newton.JPGFormer Auburn quarterback Cam Newton.

The cry for college athletes to get paid is nothing new. The cry has become even louder recently because of recent incidents like at Auburn and Ohio State.

Pat Forde of ESPN writes why and how college athletes should get paid.

Forde explains how schools within major conferences are able to tap into TV funds that are generating up to a quarter of a billion dollars annually.

Forde is writes about pay-for-play because bragging North Carolina football players made it clear last year via Facebook and Twitter that they were being wined and dined by agents and runners.

Cam Newton and cost of attendance. Don't forget about them.

We're talking about pay-for-play because Newton's quarterbacking services were offered to at least one school by his father for six figures coming out of junior college. The alleged asking price: $180,000. Cam said he didn't know he was being sold, Auburn says it didn't pay, and Newton survived and thrived amid the controversy on the way to an undefeated season, Heisman Trophy and national title. The 180 grand turned out to be chump change compared to the financial windfall Newton helped bring to the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

Forde writes that playing for pay in college is a topic whose time has come.

 

Chicago White Sox, not the Cleveland Indians, will win the AL Central Division, says Dennis Manoloff (SBTV)

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Plain Dealer reporter says Chicago hasn't yet gotten hot, and has the most talent in the division. Watch video


CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

The National League won last night's Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Arizona, earning home-field advantage for the NL representative in the World Series. Do you think the All-Star Game is the right way to decide home field for the World Series? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.


Today's guest is Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff, who says he has done a reversal on how he feels about the All-Star Game's role in the World Series.


The Cleveland Indians leave the All-Star break a half-game behind Detroit in the race for the American League Central Division title. Dman says to expect the Tribe to make a trade, but nothing eye-popping like the move the Milwaukee Brewers made Tuesday night.


He also talks about whether a demotion in the starting rotation will affect Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona; and which team he thinks will win the AL Central.


SBTV will return Thursday with Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto as the guest.







Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees: 'It is time' to end NFL lockout

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With training camps scheduled to open next week, owners and players resume face-to-face talks today with hopes of ending NFL lockout.

tombrady.JPGNew England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks with members of the media during a Best Buddies event at Harvard Stadium last month in Boston.

NEW YORK — Calling the players' offer "fair for both sides," star quarterbacks Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees — plaintiffs in the antitrust suit against the NFL — said Wednesday "it is time" to wrap up negotiations on a deal to end the league's lockout.

Brady, Manning and Brees spoke as a group publicly for the first time with talks in a critical phase, four months into the league's first work stoppage since 1987. Players and owners were gathering Wednesday morning at a Manhattan office building for the latest round of discussions.

Deadlines are coming up next week to get training camps and the preseason started on time. Although it seems the sides have agreed on the basic elements of how to split more than $9 billion in annual revenues, among the key sticking points recently have been how to structure a new rookie salary system and what free agency will look like.

In a statement released to The Associated Press via the NFL Players Association, New England's Brady, Indianapolis' Manning and New Orleans' Brees said: "We believe the overall proposal made by the players is fair for both sides and it is time to get this deal done."

The statement continued: "This is the time of year we as players turn our attention to the game on the field. We hope the owners feel the same way."

Brady, Manning and Brees are among 10 players who are named plaintiffs in the antitrust suit that is pending in federal court in Minnesota. That class-action lawsuit was filed March 11, hours after federally mediated negotiations to arrive at a new collective bargaining agreement broke down, and the old labor contract expired. The NFLPA immediately dissolved itself, meaning players no longer were protected under labor law but instead were allowed to take their chances under antitrust law.

On March 12, the owners imposed a lockout on the players, a right management has to shut down a business when a CBA expires. During the lockout, there can be no communication between the teams and current NFL players; no players — including those drafted in April — can be signed; teams won't pay for players' health insurance.

A series of court rulings followed, including one last week from an appeals court that said the lockout could continue.

Talks resumed in May, overseen by a court-appointed mediator, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, who is on vacation this week. Boylan ordered both sides to speak with him in Minneapolis next Tuesday, and the owners have a special meeting set for July 21 in Atlanta, where they could vote to ratify a new deal if one is reached.

That means there's intense pressure on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith to keep things moving in a positive direction. Disruptions to the planned preseason schedule would decrease the overall revenue pie.

Smith was among those arriving Wednesday morning for talks, along with powerful team owners Robert Kraft of the Patriots, John Mara of the New York Giants and Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.

USA vs. France in Women's World Cup Semifinal: Get updates

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The U.S. Women are one game away from reaching their first World Cup final since 1999 - the last time they won soccer's biggest prize. After a historic and thrilling win over Brazil, the United States takes on France in Germany.

hope soloHope Solo is the United States' goalkeeper.
The U.S. women are one game away from reaching their first World Cup final since 1999 - the last time they won soccer's biggest prize. After a historic and thrilling win over Brazil, the United States takes on France in Moenchengladbach, Germany.

This is France's first trip to the World Cup semifinals, having never beaten the Americans. France is 0-11-1 against the U.S., having scored just 8 goals.

Can't watch the game at work? Follow along with the Twitter updates below or check out the official FIFA game tracker here.

Mary Kay Cabot reports on 'Camp Colt' - Podcast

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What gains are players making by participating in "Camp Colt?" Once free agency begins, what areas will the Browns be most aggressive in? Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot, the only reporter in attendance at this week's camp, answered those questions and more in a podcast today.

camp-colt.jpgView full sizeColt McCoy ran another edition of "Camp Colt" this week in Austin.

What gains are players making by participating in "Camp Colt?" Once free agency begins, what areas will the Browns be most aggressive in?

Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot, the only reporter in attendance at this week's camp, answered those questions and more in a podcast today.

Among other topics discussed:

• Does Greg Little look like a receiver that can make an immediate impact?

• How did the defense approach this week's camp?

• Did you get any sense from any players in attendance that the NFL lockout is any closer to being resolved?

• Is there some benefit to the fact that players haven't had to go through OTAs and are facing a much shorter training camp?

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


Ohio State Buckeyes football players focusing on 2011 season in midst of NCAA investigation

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'There's nothing we can really do about that,' offensive lineman J.B. Shugarts says of the NCAA probe.

shugarts.jpgOhio State lineman J.B. Shugarts.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's football players say they are resigned to make the best of the school's self-imposed penalties, no matter how hurt or angry some may feel.

"There's nothing we can really do about that," offensive lineman J.B. Shugarts said after a conditioning workout this week. "The university decided to make that call. We've got to accept it."

Athletic director Gene Smith announced Friday that the university would vacate the 2010 season, including the Sugar Bowl victory. It also self-imposed a two-year NCAA probation, in addition to suspending six players for the first five games and accepting the resignation of coach Jim Tressel. All the sanctions resulted from a cash-for-memorabilia scandal that has rocked the program for the past eight months.

The next big date is Aug. 12, when Ohio State meets with the NCAA's committee on infractions. That committee could accept the penalties Ohio State placed on itself or could pile on recruiting restrictions, bowl bans, return of bowl money and other stiffer sanctions.

Left in the wake of the uncertainty are the players who didn't do anything wrong but who are left to make the best of the situation.

Tight end Jake Stoneburner has come to terms with the fact that, officially at least, the 12-1 season a year ago never happened in the eyes of the NCAA or Ohio State's record book.

"It hurts a little bit because I was a part of that. I was out there sweating, bleeding and trying to get those wins," he said. "If that's what they've got to do, we have to move on and try to repeat them (wins) this season. The films are there and everyone saw what happened. Everyone knows what happened in the 2010 season."

Among the games erased from the books is Ohio State's seventh straight win over archrival Michigan.

Vacating that game is asking a lot, said senior linebacker Tony Jackson.

"If you say of the Michigan game, 'You didn't win' -- you and I can look eye-to-eye and know what happened that day," he said of the 37-7 victory.

It's the uncertainty of possible additional penalties that makes it even harder to focus on the fast-approaching season.

"As long as we know what we have to deal with right now until the NCAA (decision) comes, that gives us a little bit of relief," Stoneburner said.

Defensive back Tyler Moeller has missed most of the past two seasons. He suffered a severe brain injury when he was assaulted at a Florida bar while on vacation with his family. That cost him all of the 2009 season.

A year ago, he stunned many of his doctors when he recovered enough -- he'd been told he would never play again -- to return to the Buckeyes. But just a few games into the season he tore a chest muscle, which again put a premature end to his senior season. Now he's been granted a sixth season of eligibility. He hopes to be one of the elder statesmen on the team, showing the way to brighter days.

He said that, just as in years past, the Buckeyes are still setting their sights on national and Big Ten championships.

"What people forget is we're Ohio State. We all came here to win," he said. "One person or one coach doesn't define our team. We're still talking about the same things but maybe with a little more intensity about it."

Shugarts said the almost daily controversies surrounding the program have brought the players closer.

If the NCAA comes down even harder on the Buckeyes, that unity will help them cope.

"Whatever happens, happens," he said. "We just have to be strong as a team."

P.M. Ohio State Buckeyes links: Offensive depth chart in confusion thanks to 5-game suspensions and Terrelle Pryor's departure

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Buckeyes offense seeks stability after the departure of their veteran quarterback and with three stars facing five-game suspensions.

jake-stoneburner.jpgJake Stoneburner (11), shown here after catching a pass against Ohio, and Reid Fragel give Ohio State skill and stability at tight end.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio State's quarterback for the last three seasons, Terrelle Pryor, is hoping to launch an NFL career within the next few weeks.


Buckeyes offensive tackle Mike Adams, wide receiver DeVier Posey and tailback Dan Herron are all bona-fide NFL prospects -- Adams, in fact, now projected by most talent scouts as a first-round pick in the 2012 draft.


Adams, Posey and Herron will each serve five-game suspensions to being their 2011 senior seasons. Their individual penalties and Pryor's departure with one season of eligibility remaining are due to their involvement in the memorabilia for tattoos/cash scandal that has rocked the football program and cost coach Jim Tressel his job.


The consequences have wreaked havoc with the Buckeyes' offense more than the defense, which will be without end Solomon Thomas for the first five games, too.


Still, Tim Bielik of the Bleacher Report makes a solid effort to project the Ohio State offensive depth chart -- with comments and a slideshow -- for the Buckeyes' opener on Sept. 3 against Akron's Zips.


One position which has not been directly affected by the chaos surrounding the Buckeyes is tight end. Bielik writes:  




As much as people are concerned about the WRs and the offensive line, there is almost nobody worried about the talent at TE.


And both Jake Stoneburner and Reid Fragel showed last year that each guy can be the starter on this team.


Stoneburner, who can also be flexed out as a WR, is a better pure receiver, using his frame and speed to create mismatches against whoever he lines up against.


Fragel is more of a traditional TE, but has incredible height for the position at 6'8'', which makes him a great red zone option.


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


Buckeyes banter


The ultimate Ohio State fan, in fact, "the permanent 'I' " in O-H-I-O. On osu.edu.


Defensive back coach Paul Haynes on the virtues of faith and humility in a talk with some young football players. By Mark Monroe for the Toledo Blade.


Players are seeing emotion and energy from a younger coaching staff, writes Ken Gordon for the Columbus Dispatch.


How Jim Tressel's forced resignation came to be, by Zack Meisel for the Ohio State student newspaper, The Lantern.


Former Buckeyes star Maurice Clarett warns Terrelle Pryor to not make the same mistakes he did. By Ryan Wilson for CBSSports.com.


Ohio State's problems have hurt more than the "big names," writes Michael Bullock for PennLive.com.


Buckeyes players are focusing on the upcoming season while the football program is in the midst of an NCAA investigation. An Associated Press story.



Indians RHP Mitch Talbot placed on DL; OF Ezequiel Carrera recalled from Class AAA Columbus

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Indians RHP Mitch Talbot was placed on the disabled list because of a lower back strain.

mitch talbot.JPGIndians starting pitcher Mitch Talbot has struggled this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The decision on Indians right-hander Mitch Talbot has been postponed because of injury.

Talbot was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of a lower back strain, retroactive to July 9. Outfielder Ezequiel Carrera will be recalled from Class AAA Columbus before Thursday night’s game in Baltimore.

 Right-hander Jeanmar Gomez is expected to be promoted from Columbus to take Talbot's spot in the rotation beginning Sunday in Baltimore.

 Columbus righty Zach McAllister is the leading candidate to make a spot-start for the Indians as part of a doubleheader Monday in Minnesota. McAllister made his major-league debut in a start last Thursday against Toronto (4IP, 2ER). 

  Talbot pitched last Friday against the Blue Jays (5.1IP, 11H, 8R/ER). He is 2-6 w/a 6.33 ERA in 11 starts (58.1IP, 81H, 41ER, 24BB, 35K, .338AVG).

 After the start against Toronto, Indians manager Manny Acta essentially said the hierarchy was not sure what to do about Talbot, who is out of options.

 The injury buys time. The cynic would contend the injury appeared out of thin air to save the Indians from designating Talbot. In his meeting with reporters after the Blue Jays game, Talbot gave no indication of injury. 

 Talbot has been on the DL three times in his major-league career, twice this season. He was sidelined from April 12-May 24 because of a strained elbow.

 Carrera has spent most of the season at Columbus, where he is hitting .288 (94-for-326) with two homers and 25 RBI in 81 games (.373 on-base%). He has scored 63 runs and stolen 35 bases in 39 attempts. 

 Carrera made his major-league debut May 20. He had a game-winning RBI bunt single in his first plate appearance against the Reds that day. In five games before being sent down, Carrera was 2-for-8 (.250) with two RBI.

 The Indians have five players on the major-league disabled list (Shin-Soo Choo, Alex White, Fausto Carmona, Trevor Crowe and  Talbot). 

 

World Cup 2011: United States women defeat France, 3-1; play Japan for title on Sunday: Update

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The United States' Abby Wambach broke a tie in the 79th minute Wednesday with a header off of a Lauren Cheney corner kick. Then, Japan got past Sweden, 3-1.


Cinesport video: USA 3, France 1


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

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany -- Abby Wambach sure knows how to deliver.

A goal, a promise and soon, she hopes, a World Cup title.

The U.S. women had fans on edge once again until Wambach broke a tense tie with her header off a corner kick in the 79th minute Wednesday. Alex Morgan scored three minutes later to seal a 3-1 semifinal victory over France, and the Americans let loose with a party that carried all the way across the Atlantic Ocean.

Next up, a trip to the World Cup final Sunday in Frankfurt that will be the first for Americans since 1999, when they last won it all. They'll play Japan, which upset Sweden, 3-1, to move one step away from realizing its own dream.

"We've achieved part of our goal. We're in the final," Wambach said. "We want to complete it. We want to be world champs."

So do their fans, new and old.

The Americans captivated the crowd back home with their epic, come-from-behind win over Brazil on Sunday, and a little thing called a workday wasn't going to deter them. Some fans skipped work -- bars opened early for the noon EDT kickoff -- while others sneaked peeks at the game in the office. At the Phoenix airport, dozens of fans crowded around TVs to watch the game.

When the final whistle blew, Hollywood celebrities, pro athletes and ordinary folks who didn't know a free kick from a corner kick just a few days ago flooded Twitter with congratulations. "My heroes. Wambach. Boxx. Rapinoe. Solo. That TEAM! Our team!" actor Tom Hanks tweeted. Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers said, "Awesome job US Women, finish it off Sunday now."

Wambach and company were glad to share the moment.

"These wins, we can't do it alone. We know a whole nation is cheering us on," Wambach said. "We believe in ourselves and we're in the final. I couldn't be happier."

A little relieved, too.

France was the surprise of the tournament, making the semifinals with a creativity and flair that was breathtaking to behold. And for much of the game, the U.S. couldn't contain Les Bleues.

"We didn't play well today," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. "However, we find a way to win and that's a credit to the players' hearts. That's what makes it so wonderful to be coach of this team."

With the U.S. struggling to create opportunities in the middle, Sundhage replaced Carli Lloyd with sparkplug Megan Rapinoe early in the second half, moved Lauren Cheney inside and pulled Wambach back to the midfield.

The difference was noticeable immediately. The Americans were able to push forward and began threatening French goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz.

Finally, in the 79th, the Americans won a corner kick.

"I told [Cheney] at halftime, 'Put the ball to the back post, and we're going to get a goal,'" Wambach said.

Cheney delivered the ball perfectly to the far post and, just as Wambach had predicted, she soared over the scrum and pushed the ball past Sapowicz.

"I knew Abby was going to beat her," Cheney said, referring to the French defender who practically mugged Wambach to try and contain her.

Asked how, Cheney said, "Because she's Abby Wambach."

Wambach let out a scream and did a sliding sprint into the corner, where she was mobbed by her teammates. It was her third goal of the tournament and 12th of her career, tying fellow American Michelle Akers for third on the all-time World Cup scoring list.

Morgan then put the game out of reach, outracing four defenders and then stutter-stepping in front of the goal, throwing Sapowicz off and leaving the American with a wide-open shot.

"The priority is not to accept another goal," France coach Bruno Bini said through a translator. "When that happens, you've had it. We conceded another goal and that was it for us."

Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy and Co. got the rock-star treatment during the '99 World Cup, and every team since then has lived in their shadow. Part of the problem is no team's been able to duplicate that group's success. But nobody's been able to captivate the U.S. public like that golden group, either.

Until now.

"Nothing to take away from them because what they did was special. What they did gave us the opportunities all of us have here," Wambach said. "This generation is cool because we want to make a name for ourselves. We want the next generation to be ours."

Despite the loss, the World Cup was a resounding success for the French. In just their second World Cup appearance, they reached the semifinals and qualified for next summer's London Olympics.

"Do you know any coach who will tell you it's fantastic to lose?" Bini asked. "But we must give credit where credit is due."

The U.S. was staked to an early lead by Cheney's goal in the ninth minute. But with the silky smooth Louisa Necib calling the shots, France dominated for most of the game, finishing with a whopping 25-11 advantage in shots. The French missed two great chances in the first half, with goalkeeper Hope Solo having to tip a Gaetane Thiney shot away in the 30th and Sonia Bompastor rattling the crossbar two minutes later.

Finally, in the 55th, France got its equalizer. Bompastor floated in a cross from about 30 yards and, with the dangerous Gaetane Thiney right in front of her, Solo had little opportunity to move. The ball flew right past her.

But part of the blame goes to Becky Sauerbrunn, who was starting in place of the suspended Rachel Buehler and fell behind Thiney.

"I think [Thiney] got a step ahead of her," Solo said. "But I definitely expect our defenders, when the ball goes in the box, to get it out of there."

But just as they did Sunday against Brazil, the Americans got stronger and stronger as the game went on before Wambach -- who scored a critical goal in the waning moments against the Brazilians -- came through.

"In the end, we're in the finals," Wambach said, "and that's all that matters."


Cleveland Browns P.M. Links: Joe Haden is a future star; Hillis will benefit from new offense; Real McCoy; Around the web

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Joe Haden is a future star of the league, writes ESPN's James Walker.

Cleveland Browns lose to Ravens, 20-10Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden.

James Walker of ESPN put together a team-by-team look at the players he expects to be the most dominant in the AFC North from 2014 to 2016.  

Walker predicts that Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden will be among those stars.

There was some skepticism a year ago about whether Haden was worthy of the No. 7 overall pick. Despite a slow start, Haden put all those concerns to rest once he entered the starting lineup in the second half of the season and finished with 64 tackles and six interceptions. Haden displayed very good ball skills, solid tackling and the willingness to mix it up and compete with the physical receivers in the AFC North.   

 

Coaching scheme

Just like many Cleveland Browns fans, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com is tired of hearing that Peyton Hillis is a one-year wonder.

He is one of the best runners in the game, and the Cleveland Browns would be wise to build their offense around his remarkable talents.

That might appear presumptuous based on only one full season of major work, but those who've watched Hillis closely since his NFL arrival realize he is a special back with versatility that is uncommon for a player of his size.

Hillis will especially benefit from having Pat Shurmur as his coach, writes Brooks.

If Hillis' sensational one-year run has placed him on the cusp of being regarded as one of the league's top backs, Shurmur's arrival and his creative game plan should push Hillis over the top.

 

Real McCoy

If Colt McCoy was not busy enough conducting a camp with his teammates, McCoy also held a camp for children in Texas.

Steven Berkowsky for the Abilene Reporter-News writes:

Putting together his first football camp wasn't easy. But with a lot of help, he was pleased with the final product.

"It takes a pretty good amount of time," McCoy said. "I really commend my coaches and all the people who helped me to put this together and all the sponsors. Because it does take a lot of time for it to run smoothly. For the first time, we didn't know how many would make it.

"And I appreciate all the campers for coming out. I'm really glad to be having a camp, and spending some time with these kids has been a lot of fun."

And McCoy is glad to be home as well.

 

Around the web

Cleveland.com: Josh Cribbs is pleased; plus, Mary Kay Cabot's podcast from Austin.

DawgPoundDaily.com: Hoping McCoy is the real deal.

ChordCenter.com: Video on Owen Marecic.

NFLSpinZone.com: Workouts could have impact.

Bleacher Report: How does McCoy's arm rank with the rest of the league?

Orange and Brown Report: McCoy is ready to go.

Horse Racing Insider: Catlaunch favored in $50,000 Lewis Memorial at Thistledown

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Catlaunch will chase his 22d Ohio stakes win on Saturday at Thistledown in the $50,000 George Lewis Memorial. If the 10-year-old wins, he'll gallop past the $1 million mark in career earnings.

 

Catlaunch .jpgCatlaunch, whose last appearance at Thistledown was in the $50,000 Rowland Memorial in May, is returning Saturday to chase his 22d Ohio stake victory in the $50,000 George Lewis Memorial.

 

The amazing 10-year-old thoroughbred stakes star Catlaunch could become a millionaire on Saturday at Thistledown.

A homebred owned by Ron Fields's Scioto Farm stable of Chillicothe, Catlaunch returns to his favorite race track for the $50,000 George Lewis Memorial, a one and one-eighth mile test for Ohio-breds. The son of Noble Cat has earnings of $981,844, capturing 37 of 86 career starts. With a win this weekend, the gelding will gallop past the $1 million mark, and notch his 22d stakes victory.

"Catlaunch never seems to grow old," said trainer Ivan Vazquez, who has been carefully picking starts for him in 2011. Vasquez has saddled Catlaunch for only three races, scoring wins in a trio of stakes for Ohio breds. Jockey Luis Gonzalez rode Catlaunch to victory in the $50,000 Babst/Palacios Memorial at Beulah Park on May 7; $50,000 Michael F. Rowland Memorial on May 28 at Thistledown; and $50,000 Sydney Gendelman Memorial at River Downs on June 11.

Catlaunch has a special liking for Thistledown's dirt track, winning $531,000 here over the years.

 "I would hate for Catlaunch to break the $1 million mark at any place other than Thistledown," said Fields. "Thistledown has been a big part his career. I have always had confidence in Catlaunch, though I didn't know he'd still be racing like this at the age of 10. But Catlaunch likes his job, and we like the job he's doing.   

"Catlaunch still has a lot of spunk. He'll tell us when he's ready to retire."
 Thistledown seems to be his favorite racing surface, said Vasquez, who has trained him for eight years.

"Catlaunch didn't win a stake race until he was five, but he's been pretty consistent ever since," said Vazquez.

Catlaunch has had a problem drifting away from the rail in the stretch. It almost cost him in last month's Gendelman Memorial, and figured in an upset in last year's Lewis Memorial, when Bold Captain roared past him along the rail for a major upset at 31-1. But then, said Fields, Bold Captain beat a lot of good horses that day. 

"I don't know what's going on with that," said Vasquez. "Catlaunch usually stays on the rail and never goes to the outside. He might have gone too quick in the second half (at River Downs last month), and just got a little tired."

The early favorite, Catlaunch has the rail in Saturday's eighth race field of nine geldings, and top weight of 120 pounds. On his outside are Hephaestus, Busha', Chapin Ridge, Heisman Star, Raise The Reward, Beau Mec, Powerball Too and Ramblin Mike.

Quick on their hooves: Canadian-owned Hare Craft ($3) sparkled in Ohio Sires Stakes action at Northfield Park last Saturday, pacing a 1:52 mile, the fastest of the season here in the $34,700 stake for three-year-old colts and geldings. With Aaron Byron in the sulky, the favored Yankee Cruiser colt was a wire-to-wire winner for owner Steve Heimbecker of Waterloo, Ontario and trainer Dan Ater.

 The field of three-year-old trotting colts and geldings was split into a pair of $21,100 divisions. Shining Ember ($8.20) took the first division after posting a track record 1:55.2 with Dan Noble in the sulky. The Master Levec gelding nailed an 11-length victory for Ohio owners Jack Dailey of Jamestown, and Laverne Gales II of Spencerville. Dailey also trains Shining Ember.

 Lima Legend ($103.20) needed the disqualification of Rose Run Mac for a major upset in the second trotting division, a 1:59 effort. Rose Run Mac was bumped from first to fourth for interfering with Count the Cost. Chip Noble drove Lima Legend for trainer Dee Hotton and owner Timura Trotters in Wooster.

Thistledown news: This week's Finish Line Friday promotion features a 3:15 p.m. first-race post time, with the party band Disco Inferno on the trackside stage from 4-8 p.m. . . . The combined Summit and Thistledown meetings will wrap up on July 25 . . . The schedule has live thoroughbred racing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through August, with Wednesday afternoon action added through the end of the season on Oct. 31. 

 Jockeys and trainers: Jamie Ness continues to have the hot hand at Thistledown, with his stable winning 25 of 47 races, a dazzling 53 percent win percentage. Ness's horses have been in the top three an impressive 94 percent of the time. Jevon Crumley is far behind with 18, followed by Robert Gorham's 17 wins. The success of Ness has translated into a banner year for jockey Yamil Rosario, Ness's favored rider. While sitting out a recent seven-day suspension for a riding infraction, Rosario watched newcomer Frederico Mata stretch his lead in the jockey standings to six wins. Since coming back, Rosario has won five races and trails Mata, 45-41. Luis Gonzalez is third with 33 wins.

 Northfield's Battle on tap: Foiled Again and Hypnotic Blue Chip, the last two winners of the $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie, are both nominated for this year's edition on July 23. Declarations are due Wednesday, with the field of eight limited to pacers with the highest 2010-2011 earnings. Also nominated are This Is Wyatt, Giddyup Luck, Fire On The Water, I Wanna Be Fast, Razzle Dazzle, Trick Man, Valentino, Vertical Horison and All Tiger N. 

 Northfield's live racing schedule is Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through October. 

 'Peelers' string still alive: The dazzling three-year-old filly See You at Peelers ran her unbeaten streak to 19 races last Saturday in the $145,208 New York Sires Stakes at Vernon Downs, pacing a track record of 1:51.1. The hot clocking came after being throttled down in the final quarter-mile by driver Marcus Johannson, the son-in-law of trainer Jimmy Takter. See You at Peelers, owned by Takter's wife, Christine, and John and Jim Fielding, has now won $1.2 million.

The Swedish-born Takter is celebrating being named to harness racing's Hall of Fame this week. His horses have won more than  1,000 races and earned $55 million. See You at Peelers is at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. on Saturday, but won't race against the powerhouse three-year-old colts in the $1 million Meadowlands Pace. The filly will shoot for a 20th win in the $127,000 Tarport Hap, and is still being considered for Ohio's $650,000 Little Brown Jug in September.

Last year's two-year-old champion, Big Jim, is the morning line pick in the Meadowlands Pace after winning an elimination last week in 1:50.
 Harness racing competition: Ohio's harness tracks could face another challenge for horses and fans. The Pennsylvania State Racing Commission gave the green light to a fourth harness racing track on Tuesday, but with a new license holder. American Harness Tracks LLC must show it has financing to go forward with the track, now to be located northwest of Pittsburgh. Centaur, which operates Hoosier Park, had been approved to create Valley View Downs and Casino, but was derailed by financial problems.

P.M. Cleveland Indians links: Scrambling but staying in it as post-break play resumes on Thursday

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Indians, who play in Baltimore on Thursday night, are a half-game behind the Tigers after leading the AL Central by as many as seven games.

justin-masterson.jpgJustin Masterson will be the Indians' starting pitcher on Thursday night in Baltimore.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians are 47-42, one-half game behind the first-place Detroit Tigers in the American League Central Division.

They begin an eight-game road trip on Thursday night in Baltimore against the Orioles.

Thursday's games will be the first in Major League Baseball following the all-star break. It's traditional to refer to the re-start as the beginning of the season's "second half," even though about 55 percent of the schedule has been completed.

Observers take advantage of the break to analyze the season's "first half" and look ahead to the "second half."

The Indians led their division by as many as seven games in May, but have stumbled. Yet, Gabe Lacques of USAToday.com writes that the Indians are....

Not going anywhere: The Cleveland Indians. They're just 15-22 since June 1. But we like their young starters to maintain their stuff, a sneaky-deep bullpen to help them steal close games and a second-half infusion of young depth, led by Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis, to keep them afloat in an average division.

The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com covers the Indians with Dennis Manoloff's report that pitcher Mitch Talbot has been placed on the disabled list and outfielder Ezequiel Carrera has been recalled from Columbus; Manoloff, on a Starting Blocks TV interview, commenting on the Central Division race; Paul Hoynes' All-Star Game story, from Arizona; and much more.

Extra innings

MLB.com gives its midseason awards -- including kudos for Indians manager Manny Acta.

The Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates, among baseball's second-half storylines, by Jerry Crasnick on ESPN.com.

Josh Tomlin's superb pitching, by Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Grading the Indians, by Jim Ingraham for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Team rankings and second-half predictions, on CBSSports.com.

The Indians are not satisfied with a solid half-season, by Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

An early look at the 2012 Indians, by Jim Ingraham for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

New Ohio State assistant Mike Vrabel reflects the passion that must fuel the 2011 Buckeyes: Bill Livingston

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This is a season at Ohio State when new coach Luke Fickell and his best friend Mike Vrabel are supporting each other and a damaged program.

vrabel-pats-suit-2008-ap.jpgView full sizeThere's never been any hiding of Mike Vrabel's passion for Ohio State, and the Buckeyes will need that enthusiasm from their new linebackers coach and interim head coach Luke Fickell to overcome their troubled off-season this fall, says Bill Livingston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Luke Fickell and Mike Vrabel were best friends almost a generation ago. They were also big, tough, block-shedding players who gave big problems to whomever Ohio State played.

Now Ohio State has presented them with a big opportunity and an even more outsized task.

After some uncertain moments and some serious backtracking in their support of disgraced former coach Jim Tressel, the leaders of Ohio State finally found their way to the real architects of the program's success, their proud ex-players.

Gene Smith, the athletic director, and E. Gordon Gee, OSU's president, leaned on Fickell in the darkest hour. With Fickell's appointment on Memorial Day on the heels of Tressel's forced resignation, he becomes the first former player to be head football coach in Columbus since Harry Truman was in the White House and Wes Fesler, a three-time Ohio State All-American in the Roaring '20s, was on the sideline.

Fickell, as ex-players do, quickly leaned on an old teammate. Vrabel, his best friend, was a defensive end who played on the same line in the 1990s when Fickell was the nose guard. Vrabel overshadowed his new boss then, but, after becoming one of the great hybrid defenders in the NFL, he was named Monday to the position of linebacker coach Fickell had vacated.

Everything about the situation is temporary. Most observers expect Fickell to be an interim coach only, with Urban Meyer or one of the Stoops brothers or someone else off a wish list of big names taking over next season.

The Vrabel hiring followed his NFL retirement by hours and brought its own touches of controversy. Vrabel had a legal dust-up in his playing days in 1995 after he and another player fought with a Michigan fan outside a Kent bar. The fan was taunting the two Buckeyes about Tim Biakabutuka's huge game in Michigan's upset victory.

That youthful indiscretion was followed by charges last year that Vrabel stole beer/forgot to pay his tab at a casino in Indiana. Those charges will be dropped if nothing else happens in the next six months.

The hiring is a sop to Fickell, but Vrabel's coaching future is acknowledged to be bright. Both ex-players understand that only overachieving on the field can restore the pride to a humbled program. They made Saturday afternoons special in Columbus in their day. They are the ones who, at a very elemental level, know what it takes to do so again.

Fickell played with enough unquenchable fire that he started in the 1997 Rose Bowl with a torn pectoral muscle and made two tackles in the taut, thrilling, last-minute victory over previously unbeaten Arizona State.

Concerns about how Fickell will handle technical details of the job will also be lessened because this is a season when passion could count for more than calculation.

Fickell and Vrabel both know that adversity is not only a hurdle to surmount, it can be a weapon to use. There are still very good players at Ohio State. Not all of them are marking time until their five-game memorabilia sale suspensions are up. If ever a team ought to have a singular purpose -- playing not to prove points to NFL scouts or to justify national accolades, but for pride -- it should be this one.

Vrabel, for his part, was a fast, smart, standout player who was willing to do whatever it took for the team. He moved from defensive end at OSU to linebacker in the NFL, then from the outside to the less glamorous inside linebacker position. He baffled defenders as a goal-line receiver. He was one of the most versatile players in the league.

Vrabel also has a quick, creative football mind that led him to grill his coaches about the intent behind various schemes and to offer suggestions that were sometimes put in the game plan. Bill Belichick said he never coached a player more prepared to make the transition to coaching than Vrabel, who was practically a player-coach at the end of his career with a young Kansas City team.

His three Super Bowl rings with the Patriots will be recruiting magnets for Ohio State. Also, anybody who could talk football as a near-equal with Eric Mangini and Belichick is obviously going to have a handle on the technical side of the game.

In a landscape of collapse, in a season of scandal, Fickell and Vrabel are not only supporting each other, as they often did on the field. They must also shore up a damaged program and restore its great expectations.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Stephens, Nicholson earn PGA Junior sectional titles

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California transplant and Akron resident Jessie Stephens threw a 4-under 68 on the field to win the Junior PGA sectional championship on the Legacy Course at Sweetbriar Golf Club.

AVON LAKE, Ohio -- It hasn't taken long for Jessie Stephens to establish himself as one of the area's top junior golfers.

But just as we are getting to know him, it will be time for him to leave.

Stephens, whose family relocated to Akron from Chico, Calif., a little more than one month ago, scored the most significant victory of his short Ohio tenure on Wednesday when he threw a 4-under 68 on the field to win the Junior PGA sectional championship on the Legacy Course at Sweetbriar Golf Club.

He finished with a 36-hole score of 4-under 140 to win by four shots. University School graduate Will Reitan (Chagrin Falls) finished second and Avon Lake's Brendan Aussem needed just 18 putts and matched Stephens' 68 to finish in a tie for third at 145.

The victory sends Stephens to the national PGA Junior at Sycamore Hills in Ft. Wayne, Ind., to be played Aug. 2-5. Then, he'll be off to Bradenton, Fla. for his senior year at the IMG Academies.

Stephens, 17, will be joined in Ft. Wayne by 14-year-old Danielle Nicholson, who won the girls competition with a pair of 72s for a total of 144. Nicholson, who will be a freshman at Geneva, had four birdies, six bogeys and an eagle to win by two shots over Leavittsburg's Haylee Harford. A 40-foot chip from just beyond the left side of the green produced her eagle on the 427-yard 14th.

"Everything was pretty much the same," said Nicholson, who had 34 putts in each of her two rounds. "Nothing stood out."

First-round leader Patrick Luth shot a 6-over 78 and joined teammate Sean Sherman (71-74) and Aussem (77-68) in third.

Stephens, who has designs on attending Pepperdine, had four birdies and an eagle to offset two bogeys. His eagle came on the 512-yard 16th, when he made a 30-foot putt following a 6-iron shot that flew 208 yards. He birdied three holes on the front to turn in 3-under. One of the birds came on the par-5, 471-yard eighth, when he recovered from driving into a grove of trees by knocking a 7-iron to 20 feet and making the putt.

"After the eagle I thought that would be the spark," said Stephens, whose family lives in west Akron. "The birdie on eight turned a potential bogey -- or even a double-bogey -- into a birdie."

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