Coaches are being encouraged to wear a white shirt and tie during their season openers next month to honor Tressel.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerBy mimicking his white shirt and red tie, Ohio high school football coaches are hoping to honor Jim Tressel during the upcoming season's opening games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jim Tressel is gone and some would say disgraced, but he is not forgotten by Ohio high school football coaches.

Coaches are being encouraged to wear a white shirt and tie during their season openers next month to honor Tressel.

The idea was proposed by Solon coach Jim McQuaide last week when Tressel was inducted into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association's Hall of Fame. The OHSFCA quickly advanced the recommendation to its more than 750 head coaches.

Tressel was forced to resign last month in the wake of an NCAA investigation, and Ohio State has since vacated all its 2010 victories. The controversy apparently has done little to lessen a strong bond Tressel built with high school coaches during his 26 years at Ohio State and Youngstown State.

"Whether he was he right or wrong, that's not our place," McQuaide said. "This is not to say he was fired wrongly. This is purely an appreciation for what he did."

McQuaide said Tressel's annual participation in the organization's clinics and banquet helped raised thousands of dollars for scholarships. A dozen area coaches contacted Wednesday all expressed support for honoring Tressel. Several pointed to his emphasis on recruiting Ohio players from a wide cross-section of urban, suburban and rural schools.

"I don't do ties, but I would do it for him," Shaw coach Rodney Brown said. "I would jump at the opportunity to honor Coach Tressel. He's a great man who fell on the sword for his players. He's an honorable man. I have T.Y. (Williams, a wide receiver) there, and I have no regrets."

Coaches rarely wear ties these days, especially in August.

"That first game could be smoking hot, but I'll give it a shot," Rhodes coach Phil Gary said. "He gave a lot of kids from the Senate the opportunity to play at a high level and I'm all for that."

The coaching fraternity apparently is willing to overlook the notion it is in effect honoring a coach who broke NCAA rules.

"I guess you could say that, but I look at what he did for the kids and Ohio State in a lot of ways," Mentor coach Steve Trivisonno said. "I don't think he did anything majorly wrong. He's still a great man and people shouldn't forget that."

Longtime Kent Roosevelt coach John Nemec said he will encourage all of his colleagues to don the formal sideline wear. "I don't want to see a fragmented effort," Nemec said. "I would do anything I could to honor Coach Tressel. He's one of the finest men I've met in this game."

Nemec said much of what Tressel did for high school football players went unnoticed. He said when former Roosevelt player Benny Cowgill lost an arm to cancer, Tressel invited him to Youngstown State to learn placekicking. When Roosevelt lineman Ryan Anderson was diagnosed with cancer last spring, Tressel had his players join him in sending more than 90 hand-written notes of encouragement to Anderson.

Nemec said it's easy to forgive Tressel, even though the ink of his forced resignation has barely dried.

"I don't think anyone is happy with the events that took place, including Coach Tressel," Nemec said. "We all make mistakes. He has done such a remarkable job, I haven't got a problem forgiving him for his mistakes."

In a bit of an ironic twist, thanks to the OHSFCA, Tressel will be honored in a permanent display in Ohio Stadium. OHSFCA Hall of Famers have a plaque with their image installed in a special room at Ohio Stadium near the upper deck, an area that was developed with Tressel's support. Because the organization inducted Tressel, who never coached on the high school level, the display now is to include the deposed coach.

Nemec was asked what would happen if Ohio State declined to hang that plaque.

"Good luck recruiting in Ohio then," Nemec said.

Breaking down the first series after the All-Star break as the Indians head to Maryland.

View full sizeTony Gutierrez, Associated PressIt's been a difficult season for former Indians pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, who brings a 3-12 record into Thursday's game against the Indians and Justin Masterson.

When: Thursday through Sunday.

Where: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Md.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio Thursday, Friday and Saturday; WKYC/Ch. 3 on Sunday; WTAM AM/1100.

Series: Indians lead, 3-0, this season. They lead, 418-383, all-time.

Pitching matchups: RHP Justin Masterson (7-6, 2.64 ERA) vs. RHP Jeremy Guthrie (3-12, 4.23), Thursday at 7:05 p.m.; RHP Josh Tomlin (10-4, 3.81) vs. RHP Jake Arrieta (9-6, 4.90), Friday at 7:05 p.m.; RHP Carlos Carrasco (8-6, 4.28) vs. RHP Alfredo Simon (1-2, 4.85), Saturday at 7:05 p.m.; and RHP Jeanmar Gomez (0-1, 4.91) vs. TBA, Sunday at 1:35 p.m.

Indians update: Indians lost the last three of a four-game series against Toronto to enter All-Star break at 47-42. They are a half-game behind Detroit in AL Central. ... Tomlin has worked at least five innings in each of his 30 major-league starts.

Orioles update: Orioles were swept in Cleveland, April 15-17, by scores of 8-2, 8-3 and 4-2. Masterson and Tomlin each earned a victory.

Injuries: Indians -- OF Trevor Crowe (right shoulder), RHP Alex White (middle finger), RHP Mitch Talbot (back), RHP Fausto Carmona (right quadriceps) and OF Shin-Soo Choo (left thumb) are on disabled list. Orioles -- RHP Justin Duchscherer (back), SS Cesar Izturis (right elbow), OF Luke Scott (right shoulder), 2B Brian Roberts (concussion-like symptoms) are on disabled list.

Next for Indians: Trip continues with four games in Minnesota beginning Monday.

If winds occur as expected, players teeing off early Thursday and late Friday could get the worst of it. That would theoretically hinder Rory McIlroy and help Phil Mickelson, who usually struggles at the tourney.

Associated Press(Left to right) Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy and defending British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen practicing for the British Open which will begin on Thursday at Royal St. George's.

SANDWICH, England -- Steve Stricker can appreciate better than most how the British Open is unlike any other major.

One day after winning the John Deere Classic with a birdie-birdie finish on the green, manicured fairways of a TPC course in America’s heartland, Stricker was trying to stand upright on the lunar links of Royal St. George’s. The yardage book was more of a guide than the gospel. It was tough to control his golf ball through the air, even harder when it was bouncing along the ground.

"It’s quite a turnaround," Stricker said Wednesday. "To learn and adapt to this style in 21/2 days is a challenge."

That short time was all he needed, however, to learn what most others have about this links course in the southeast of England. It’s a strong test for golf’s oldest championship on a mild day. When the wind is up, which it has been all week, it can be a beast.

The 140th edition of this championship gets under way Thursday at Royal St. George’s, as unpredictable as any links on the Open rotation. This is the course where Greg Norman in 1993 became the first Open champion to win with all four rounds in the 60s. It’s the same course where Ben Curtis was the only player to break par when it was last here in 2003.

A dry spring has kept the rough from getting too thick, which is but a small reprieve.

"It’s a big challenge, and we are the best players in the world here," PGA champion Martin Kaymer said. "So it should be tough. At the end of the day, everybody has to deal with the same golf course."

Even so, it’s not always the same for everyone.

The piece of information getting most of the attention on the eve of the British Open was the weather report. The forecast is for gusts up to 25 mph Thursday morning with patches of rain, before the wind tapers off in the afternoon. The wind is expected to remain moderate Friday morning, then switch directions and return to gusts upward of 25 mph by the end of the day.

If that holds true, the players teeing off early Thursday and late Friday could get the worst of it. And as a reminder of how significant the tee times can be, remember that Louis Oosthuizen teed off at 6:41 a.m. in the second round last year at St. Andrews, missed the worst of the weather in his round of 67 and was on his way to a seven-shot win.

Among the early starters Thursday: Rory McIlroy, the overwhelming favorite to add the claret jug to his U.S. Open trophy.

McIlroy, who has not played since his record-setting win at Congressional last month, did most of his preparation last week at Royal St. George’s. He played in a strong, southwesterly wind, which is typical this time of the year. The 22-year-old from Northern Ireland played at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday in a wind coming out of the opposite direction.

He played at the same time Tiger Woods used to practice, and while the gallery for McIlroy wasn’t quite as large, the kid caused a frenzy when fans tried to get his autograph after he finished. For the rest of the day, officials banned autographs in the area leading from the 18th green.

It’s a different test for McIlroy, with conditions much more firm and dry than at the U.S. Open.

"It’s firm. It’s fast," he said. "But the thing is with this wind, you’re going to have to keep the ball low. But sometimes it’s hard to run the ball into these greens because they’re so undulating and they can go so many different ways."

The wind direction during three days’ of practice has the Royal & Ancient concerned enough that it might move some tees forward. Chief executive Peter Dawson said the most likely candidates were the par-5 seventh (some players couldn’t reach the fairway) and the par-3 11th (Phil Mickelson couldn’t reach the green with a driver).

APPhil Mickelson during his British Open practice round on Wednesday.

Then there’s the par-4 13th, where Stricker hit driver off the tee and driver off the deck to get it near the green.

"Now, if the wind turns around, it’s a different story," Dawson said.

It’s different for everybody — even in the same group.

Stewart Cink, who won at Turnberry two years ago, was reminded of that while playing a practice round with Davis Love III, Lucas Glover and two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington. They came to the par-3 sixth hole, which measures 162 yards to the front edge of a green that is 35 yards deep. They all hit pitching wedge with the wind in their favor.

"Some of them were short by about 50 feet, and some of them went through the green into the rough," Cink said. "And they all landed within 5 yards of each other."

So what does it take on this most difficult links?

McIlroy believes the second shot will be key. Luke Donald, the No. 1 player in the world, emphasized chipping and putting because the greens are so difficult. Kaymer favored the 10-foot putts, many of which will be for par.

K.J. Choi, who won The Players Championship in May and is having one of his best years, spoke in English to describe his experience, and while the sentences were short, the meaning was clear.

Without this successful bullpen, the Indians likely would be staring at a third straight season of 90-plus losses. (Photo gallery included)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- They prefer to be known by a nickname not necessarily endorsed by their family friendly, law-abiding organization.

But their bosses don't raise a public complaint because, in a results-oriented business, these guys get results.

They are "The Bullpen Mafia," a group of relievers that typically comprises most, if not all, of the Cleveland Indians' bullpen. Its specialty: eliminating opposing hitters.

Without the bullpen, the Indians likely would be staring at a third straight season of 90-plus losses. Instead, the Tribe is 47-42, a half-game out of first in the American League Central Division as the "second half" begins Thursday.

Tribe relievers are 15-9 with a 3.18 ERA and 22 saves in 28 chances. They have given up 92 earned runs in 260 1/3 innings and struck out 212. The bullpen is tied for second in the American League in victories and is third in ERA and fifth in innings.

Beyond the near-guarantee of success on most nights, the group is cloaked in ambiguity and mystery. It likes to keep outsiders guessing.

"Like the real Mafia, the makings are kind of convoluted and, uh, cloudy," closer Chris Perez said. "There are legends and tales, but nothing's been confirmed."

In a pre-batting practice clubhouse card game last week, recognized charter members Joe Smith and Tony Sipp decided to play it coy. Because they could.

Asked about The Bullpen Mafia, Smith said: "I don't know what you're talking about."

Laughter.

"No, really," Smith said, "I don't."

Sipp effectively zipped his lip, too.

"Oh, no," he said. "You're not going to get any information out of me."

Later, when pressed near his locker, Smith cracked a smile and filled in some blanks. He is virtually certain the nickname came from a fan via Twitter; the relievers immediately liked it and ran with it -- as far as they could, given the violent connotation.

Officially licensed merchandise is on hold.

The Bullpen Mafia holds out hope on account of precedent. The Yankees had "Murderers' Row." The Astros had "The Killer B's." Royals reliever Joakim Soria is nicknamed "The Mexicutioner." So why can't the 2011 Tribe bullpen have its slice of the pie? All in fun, of course.

Perhaps telling, perhaps not, the relievers have not held any formal meetings. As a result, no ironclad criteria has been established for inclusion. Smith said they are going with the following, subject to change:

• Must have faced a decent number of hitters. At this point in the season, it is roughly 125.

• Must have worked in at least a few high-leverage situations and gotten more than one important out.

• Must at least feign an interest in Twitter.

• Must be willing to hang out together periodically off the field.

"Twitter is an important part of this whole thing, which I think makes us unique," Smith said. "If you don't tweet, or try to tweet, we've got issues with you."

Twitter, more than other outside mechanisms, has fueled the popularity of The Bullpen Mafia. The relievers don't have enough hours in the day to read all the pertinent tweets.

"It's funny to see this whole thing create its own legs and start walking," veteran right-hander Chad Durbin said.

Lack of interest in Twitter and socializing have put veteran lefty Rafael Perez on the bubble -- at least according to Chris Perez.

"Raffy doesn't conform to any of our mob practices," Chris Perez said. "He's got a Twitter account, but I don't think he's tweeted yet. Even we don't know what he's up to or where he is. We're not sure if he wants to be a member."

Smith respectfully disagreed.

"He's in," Smith said of the wiry left-hander. "It's just taken him a little longer to come around."

Any reliever who suits up for the Tribe this year is free to apply for membership. It does not mean he will make the cut. Justin Germano and Josh Judy are two examples to date; neither pitched enough or lasted long enough.

In Germano's case, he was gone (designated May 19) before the concept really took hold.

"Those who don't get in know it's nothing personal," Chris Perez said. "Just business."

The rank-and-file have decided that the closer, no matter who it is, fills the role of "don," if you will. Chris Perez willingly accepts the responsibility.

"I'm not afraid to delegate, though," he said.

At present, all seven members of the bullpen are confirmed to be in The Bullpen Mafia. No members are on the disabled list or in the minors.

View full sizeChuck Crow, PDChad Durbin, aka The Durbinator.

Here is a capsule look, in alphabetical order:

Chad Durbin, RHP

How acquired: Free agent, March 1.

Role: Short man. Can go long if necessary.

Also known as: The Durbinator.

Season stats: 34G, 2-1, 6.51 ERA. Has allowed just three of 22 inherited runners to score -- tied for fifth-best efficiency in AL.

Skinny: Soft-spoken, savvy veteran. Member of two World Series teams with Phillies. Also pitched for Tribe in 2003 and 2004.

View full sizeAP photoFrank Herrmann, aka The Herrmannator.

Frank Herrmann, RHP

How acquired: Minor-league non-drafted free agent, August 2005.

Role: Long man.

Aka: The Herrmannator; The Professor; Herrmannmeistermeisterburger.

Season stats: 19 G, 1-0, 3.90 ERA. Has allowed one earned run in his last 16 innings.

Skinny: The brains of the operation, Herrmann graduated from Harvard with a degree in economics. His money pitch, a four-seam fastball, has its own nickname: "Harvard Heater." Multisport schoolboy legend in New Jersey, or so he says. Verified to have scored 1,000-plus points for Montclair Kimberley Academy varsity hoops. Carries silver briefcase entrusted to him by former Indian Kerry Wood.

View full sizeChuck Crow, PDChris Perez, aka Pure Rage.

Chris Perez, RHP

How acquired: Trade from Cardinals, June 2009.

Role: Closer.

Aka: Pure Rage; C.P.

Season stats: 36G, 2-4, 2.43 ERA, 21 saves. Has converted 21 of 22 save opportunities this season, 31 of 32 dating to last season. Has, however, given up game-winning homers in two of his last three non-save situations. Among relievers who qualify, ranks 16th in the AL in ERA.

Skinny: Likes crossword puzzles. Diligently signs baseball cards out of envelopes for fans. Readily available to reporters. Known for his facial hair.

View full sizeChuck Crow, PDRafael Perez, aka Raffy Coolo.

Rafael Perez, LHP

How acquired: Non-drafted free agent, January 2002.

Role: Matchup lefty. Can face multiple hitters.

Aka: Raffy Coolo.

Season stats: 40G, 3-1, 1.91 ERA. Didn't allow an earned run in first 12 1/3 innings this year. Hasn't allowed a home run and his WHIP of 1.195 is his best since 2008.

Skinny: Quieter than quiet. Likes to keep to himself. Reasonably tight with starter Fausto Carmona.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, PDVinnie Pestano, aka The Pistol.

Vinnie Pestano, RHP

How acquired: 20th round, 2006.

Role: Setup man.

Aka: The Pistol; My Cousin Vinnie.

Season stats: 37G, 1-0, 2.97 ERA, 1 save, 33.1 IP, 47 K. Indians are 26-11 when he appears. Ranks tied for seventh in AL with 12 holds. Has at least one strikeout in 29 appearances. Owns only save not belonging to Chris Perez.

Skinny: Shy. Needs to be coaxed out of shell. Comedic when he wants to be. Carries pink backpack as part of rookie "hazing." Not satisfied with any of his nicknames to date.

View full sizeChuck Crow, PDTony Sipp, aka Tony Sipprano.

Tony Sipp, LHP

How acquired: 45th round, 2004.

Role: Setup man.

Aka: Tony Sipprano; T-Sipp, Sippy Cup.

Season stats: 40G, 4-1, 2.72 ERA. Ranks among AL leaders with 17 holds. Has given up three earned runs in last 16 appearances. Strikeout to walk ratio of 2.43-1 is the best of his big-league career. Has the fifth-highest number of appearances of any AL pitcher so far this season.

Skinny: Introspective. Constantly on the computer listening to music or studying something. Likes to play cards.

View full sizeChuck Crow, PDJoe Smith, aka Smitty.

Joe Smith, RHP

How acquired: Trade from Mets, December 2008.

Role: Matchup righty.

Aka: Smitty.

Season stats: 34G, 2-1, 0.85 ERA. Has not given up an earned run in his last 25 appearances -- longest active streak in majors, second-longest streak overall. Leads AL relievers in ERA.

Skinny: Constantly on his handheld device. Unofficial traffic cop of clubhouse. Having dealt with the New York media, he is keenly aware of reporters' methods. Former Horizon League pitcher of the year (Wright State). Quality basketball player.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Browns players are sounding optimistic but the owner-orchestrated impasse is putting them behind the eight ball, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin column.

View full sizeErich Schegel, Special to The Plain DealerFor all the good feeling that is created by Colt McCoy (center) and his lockout camps, it's hard for Bud Shaw to believe that the Browns won't be one of the prime victims of an off-season without minicamps and exposure to the team's new offensive and defensive systems.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Would you buy a second-rate product at full cost from these men?

With the highest hopes of turning a bad situation into a slightly less bad situation, Browns players are getting together for workouts.

The workouts carry a catchy name: Camp Colt. That's short for an unproven quarterback (Colt McCoy) interpreting a West Coast offense he's never run while a veteran linebacker (Scott Fujita) plays the role of substitute teacher of a new defensive scheme for players who may or may not fit.

But at least NFL players are making an effort at keeping in shape. They didn't pick this fight, after all.

(By the way, no word on whether Randy Lerner is getting as much out of Camp Cash, the clandestine workouts where NFL owners conduct grueling finger-dexterity exercises so they can more easily count their money without cramping when the lockout ends.)

At this point if you are still of the opinion both sides deserve a pox upon their houses, fine. Just remember the same ownership responsible for the full-cost exhibition game ticket interrupted the greatest ride a professional sports league has ever enjoyed in order to orchestrate an impasse with its players. Based on that alone, I'd take up the players' cause seven days a week.

Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees issued a statement Wednesday calling for players and owners to settle differences and reach an agreement. By players and owners, of course, they meant owners.

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

If Manning, Brady and Brees are worried about the lockout spilling into training camp and sabotaging their respective seasons, just think what an even longer stalemate would mean for a team such as the Browns. New offense. New defense. Rookie head coach serving as his own offensive coordinator. New defensive coordinator. What could go wrong?

Browns' players are putting their best face on things. But they must know every July or August day that goes by severely compromises their hopes for a turnaround.

"We won't have to start from scratch," Josh Cribbs told the PD of the Camp Colt get-togethers. "We're heavily into the playbook and we think the coaches will be surprised."

You have to like the attitude. But instead of starting from scratch they will be starting from near-scratch.

"When camp finally starts we'll be ready to go," Fujita told this newspaper.

Yes, they will. Back to the drawing board.

Somebody better teach this guy what it means to be an American...

View full sizeBill Kostroun, Associated PressChristian Lopez may not have cashed in by selling the ball Derek Jeter sent into the Yankee Stadium stands for his 3,000th hit last Saturday ... but Bud Shaw is certain that doesn't mean Lopez made a poor decision.

Christian Lopez caught the ball from Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit -- a home run -- and thumbed his nose at everything this country stands for in 2011 by giving the souvenir to Jeter.He could've tried to sell it to the Yankees' shortstop. He could've put it up for bid on the Internet. He could've used the money to pay off college loans believed to exceed $100,000.

Instead, he considered Jeter's accomplishment -- a baseball milestone -- greater than his own accomplishment of being in the right place at the right time and falling on the ball.

"Money is cool and all but I'm 23," Lopez said. "I've got a lot of time to make that. It was never about the money."

Apparently, the IRS will tax the suite tickets and signed merchandise Lopez got from the Yankees. So he could actually owe $5,000-$13,000 in gift taxes. Miller High Life and Modell's Sporting Goods separately offered to help Lopez Wednesday with any tax bill. In the meantime, a lot of people are laughing at Lopez and calling him a fool.

What a country.

SPINOFFS

I'm not saying so many top pitchers missing from the All-Star Game was noticeable, but I thought Mitch Talbot pitched well for the AL in a losing effort...

Indians' reliever Chris Perez put it best about why home-field advantage in the World Series should go to the team with the best record, not to the league that wins the All-Star Game. Said Perez: "You work all year for a reason. You play all those games for a reason. Then to have home-field advantage decided by a rookie pitcher in the All-Star Game? I just don't think it's right."

Not to mention a rookie pitcher who might be the fifth alternate after four starters were excused from the game because they pitched Sunday...

Headline: "Ohio State AD likes early work from new coach" ... If you can't trust Gene Smith on the virtues of a Buckeyes coach, who can you trust?...

View full sizeAP fileThis Bob is a former Manager of the Year who tries to find wins for the "other team" in the Bay Area.

Prosecutors in Roger Clemens' perjury trial say needles and cotton balls allegedly used to inject Clemens tested positive for Clemens' DNA and anabolic steroids. That's as conclusive as anything sitting around in trainer Brian McNamee's basement for several years can be...

If an Olympic drug test gets compromised in any way, a positive result would have to be thrown out. I think Clemens juiced, but the evidence seems suspect if it's been lodged between "Jenga Truth or Dare" and an old garden gnome on somebody's work bench...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Bob Huggins and Alec Baldwin -- Tim Tallbacka, Ashtabula

Comedian Bob Saget and A's manager Bob Melvin -- Tom Wilson, Grapevine, Texas

YOU SAID IT

View full sizeAP fileFrom a full house to funny videos, this Bob keeps plenty of his fans smiling.

"Bud:

"In the major leagues, do Latino catchers flash their signs to the pitcher in English or Spanish?" -- Ken Wolnik

Most rely in the universal language known as The Macarena.

"Bud:

"Whatever happened to the home run ball Dwayne Kuiper hit?" -- Joe S

In Kuiper's telling, it hasn't landed yet.

"Bud:

"Do first-base coaches get to keep all of the batting gloves, elbow guards, foot/ankle protectors or any other gear given to them by the batter when he reaches first base?" -- Tim, Twinsburg

Every month or so, they mark a box for Easter Seals pickup and leave it in the coach's box between innings.

"Bud:

"Was Mohamed Massaquoi serious when he said none of the guys he worked out with -- Ochocinco, Ward, C. Johnson, Welker, Fitzgerald -- have big egos? Did he make these comments while out on the town with Hines Ward?" -- Bob

Dunno. I just know the Browns under Eric Mangini tried to control diva egos by never completing a pass over five yards.

"Bud:

"When did the MLB All-Star Game become the Pro Bowl?" -- Jonathan Hull

There's still a slight difference; namely, there's more contact in the All-Star Game.

"Bud:

"Don't take this the wrong way, but were you destined to write the Spin column because your initials are B.S.?" -- Chas K

Would you believe I have a brother named Phil who always tries to get in the last word?

"Bud:

"Do you think the NCAA would take the Buckeyes more seriously if their self-imposed sanctions included a five-game no dotting of the I?" -- Jim Lefkowitz

If you're a first-time "You Said It" winner you receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"How far do you think the momentum from [Travis Hafner's] walk-off grand slam against the Blue Jays will take the Indians?" -- Vince G

Repeat winners get a one-way ticket to Pronkville.

The sport's national landscape is altered by the shake-up of tradition-laden leagues and rivalries.

Associated PressNorth Dakota athletic director Brian Faison (left) and Denver head coach George Gwozdecky (right) unveil the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference name on a banner during Wednesday's news conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado -- NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth and five other top hockey programs will make up the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference at the start of the 2013-14 season, the schools announced Wednesday.

Minnesota Duluth, Colorado College, Denver, Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association will join current Central Collegiate Hockey Association member Miami of Ohio in the new league.

The upstart conference hopes to also add Notre Dame, but an agreement with the Fighting Irish hasn't been made yet.

"Notre Dame is in conversations with us," North Dakota athletic director Brian Faison said. "They're certainly a program that meets our core values of our conference and we have an interest in them, but we'll continue to explore other options."

The conference laid out its immediate priorities, which include hiring a commissioner and adding other schools.

"I don't think there's a magic number. It still needs to be discussed," Minnesota Duluth coach Scott Sandelin said of how many teams would eventually make up the conference.

"We all feel there are going to be other expressions of interest," Colorado College athletic director Ken Ralph said. "I don't think you'll see us stay at six. We'll grow to seven, maybe eight."

The landscape of college hockey changed this year when the Big Ten announced a plan to form a hockey conference in two seasons.

The new Big Ten hockey league will take Minnesota and Wisconsin from the 50-year-old WCHA to play with Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State of the CCHA and the startup program at Penn State. That shake up led to the formation of the NCHC.

"Talks of Big Ten hockey go back 15 years," Denver athletic director Peg Bradley-Doppes said. "When Big Ten hockey was formed, it created a tipping point. That tipping point created more discussions."

The WCHA will have only five teams remaining when the National Collegiate Hockey Conference begins — Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji State, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State in Mankato and St. Cloud State.

"Obviously, it's a tough day for the WCHA and a sad one for me personally, and it's one that is not easy to put into perspective," WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod said in a statement. "We wish everyone well, but make no mistake, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is not going away.

"The league will proudly mark its 60th season this fall and we will continue to operate as a full-fledged association and continue to do business."

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference boasts a strong contingent of teams. In the past 12 seasons the schools account for 14 Frozen Four appearances and four national championships. Besides Minnesota Duluth's title this spring, Denver won back-to-back titles in 2004-05, and North Dakota won the championship in 2000.

All six teams in the new conference competed in the NCAA tournament this year.

"This type of conference, where you have the best playing each other every weekend starting in October is a daunting task," Denver coach George Gwozdecky said. "We want to play the best. We understand it's going to be difficult."

The competitiveness of the teams was a big draw for Nebraska-Omaha.

"We've made a huge commitment to hockey," athletic director Trev Alberts said. "This is exactly what we envisioned two and a half years ago, aligning with programs that have really competed at the highest level of hockey."

Keeping rivalries intact was also important to Denver and Colorado College, which are located 75 miles apart.

"For our fan bases and college hockey on the front range, it was important to keep us together," Ralph said. "It's a happening event and we wanted to make sure it continued."

Here is Thursday's essay by Tim Ray of South Amherst.

View full sizeAP fileWatching (from left) Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel, Jim Thome and the rest of the Indians storm through the American League in 1995 was an emotional experience for Cleveland fans.

This spring, we asked readers to tell us their best memory at an Indians game. More than 600 responded. All season, The Plain Dealer will publish fan memories -- one each day the Indians are scheduled to play. Here is Thursday's essay by Tim Ray of South Amherst:

I am 61 and have been an Indians fan for over 50 years. I've been to a number of memorable games. I was at Opening Day in 1960 after the Rocky Colavito trade. I was at Len Barker's perfect game. I remember my father taking me to Sunday doubleheaders. In particular, I remember one in the early 1960s against the Yankees. It was standing-room only, with fans lined up behind the outfield fence. My late father was a huge Indians fan who loved the 1948 Indians.

However, my most memorable game was on Sept. 8, 1995. My wife, Sue, and I saw the Indians clinch their first pennant in over 40 years. The Indians had a commanding lead in the pennant race, but there was still electricity in the stands. I remember few details about the game, but the aftermath of the game has stayed with me.

As the last batter was retired, I felt a flood of emotions. I felt joy and sadness.

I felt joy at finally seeing the rebirth of the Indians. I marveled at the talent of the team. I felt joy as the players raced out to raise the pennant. I hugged my wife so hard I took her breath away.

I felt sadness as they played Garth Brooks' "The Dance" as I thought of the tragic deaths of Steve Olin and Tim Crews. I also remember thinking how much my father would have enjoyed this moment and wishing he was there to share it with me.

I remember looking around and seeing young children with their fathers. I wondered if these children realized how truly special this night was. I hope they didn't take it for granted. I hope these young children are still fans today. I would tell them the wait is what makes those nights so special.

With new coaching staff and new offense, numerous players will compete for a featured receiver role.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerBen Watson (photo) led the Browns with 68 pass receptions in 2011. Peyton Hillis was second with 61.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns will have numerous issues to address once (assuming) the NFL lockout ends and training camp opens.

The Browns are coming off a 5-11 season and are a combined 14-34 over the last three campaigns.

They will have a new head coach, Pat Shurmur; run a new offense, a West Coast style; and employ a new defense, the 4-3.

Within each major issue are sub-plots. Among the key questions for the offense is which receivers will emerge as the go-to guys for presumptive starting quarterback Colt McCoy. The Browns must improve a passing game that has not only been hindered by instability at the quarterback position, but also by a lack of play-making receivers.

Click here for a look at the Browns' 2010 statistics, including those for the pass-catchers.

The Browns could acquire a receiver via trade or free agency once the NFL returns to business-as-usual. For now, though, not only they, but we, too, will go with what they have.

The reception-leading candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

Some think Indians' pitching can carry them to the playoffs -- a lot to ask of a staff that works for a team that's scored two runs or less in 22 of its last 50 games

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerThe Indians need more production from Grady Sizemore, who started the season strong but is hitting .193 with 62 strikeouts in 176 at bats since the end of April.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians exit the all-star break in their best position since 2007 to make a run at the playoffs.

The Tribe, 47-42 and one-half game behind the first-place Detroit Tigers in the American League Central Division, plays tonight at Baltimore against the Orioles (36-52). In a match of right-handed pitchers, the Indians start Justin Masterson (7-6, 2.64) against the Orioles' Jeremy Guthrie (3-12, 4.18). As their earned run averages show, both have pitched better than their win-loss records indicate.

For the Indians to stay in the division race, it would seem, they must hit better. Cleveland has scored two or fewer runs in 29 games, including in 22 of the last 50 games.

The Indians' pitching has generally been good. In fact, it's why Jim Ingraham of the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal expects the Indians to win the division.

Ingraham writes:

The Indians are a prime example of that, because their hitting is horrible. Awful. A rally for them is a 2-0 count on their leadoff hitter.

Consider this: In his last 12 starts, Tribe pitcher Justin Masterson has a 2.87 earned-run average — and a record of 2-6! In those six losses, the Indians scored a grand total of six runs. That's one per game. That's awful.

That's the Indians' offense.

But as bad as their offense is, the Indians still were in first place in the division for most of the first half of the season. How? Because their pitching was sensational, especially their bullpen, which is the best, and deepest, in the American League.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes Dennis Manoloff's story about the Tribe's loose, and effective, bullpen; his Indians Insider; his Cleveland Indians at Baltimore Orioles: On deck.

Rounding the bases

Indians-Orioles preview by Spencer Fordin on MLB.com.

The Indians need to add offense at the trade deadline, Marla Ridenour writes for the Akron Beacon Journal.

Manny Acta's managing has helped the Indians play above-.500 baseball, writes Bradley Ross for Pro Sports Blogging.

The Indians look to improve their offense, by the Sports Xchange on FoxSportsOhio.com.

What the Tribe must do to make the postseason, by Indians fan Paul Rados for Yahoo! Sports. Cory Felegy, another Indians fan, writes for Yahoo! Sports about the team's injury situation.

Bill Clark of the Columbia (Missouri) Daily Tribune writes about another Indians fan, Lakewood High School graduate and Columbia resident Moray Loring Kiehl, who is 91 and has fond memories of some great Tribe teams.

The Indians going into the second half of the season. An Associated Prees story by Tom Withers carried on the National Post.

Saturday Night Live comedian Seth Meyers hosted the show for a second straight year. He opened the telecast by joking about the NFL and NBA lockouts before taking some digs at the Miami Heat. He then cracked some jokes about Brian Wilson's unique outfit choice.

LOS ANGELES -- Dirk Nowitzki and his teammates were feeling so good, they broke out in another rendition of "We are the Champions."

It was definitely a fun night to be a member of the Dallas Mavericks.

Nowitzki picked up a pair of trophies, including male athlete of the year, and the Mavericks were chosen as the best team Wednesday night at the ESPY Awards.

Nowitzki also won best NBA player during ESPN's live telecast from the Nokia Theatre. Rick Carlisle was named best coach for leading the Mavericks to the NBA championship.

"I've got to tell you, any party where Dirk is singing 'We are the Champions' is just the best party ever," Dallas owner Mark Cuban told reporters of the Mavs' celebration in South Beach.

Nowitzki, who was the MVP of the NBA finals, is the first NBA player to be named top male athlete since Michael Jordan in 1993. Also nominated for the award were Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and tennis star Rafael Nadal, who each won awards in other categories.

"This is humbling," said Nowitzki, who was talked into singing Queen's famous tune backstage. "I'm very honored to be up here tonight."

Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn won female athlete of the year for the second year in a row. She is the first female to win the honor consecutive times since Annika Sorenstam in 2005-06. Vonn won in a group that included Connecticut basketball star Maya Moore, three-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson and Olympic snowboarder Kelly Clark.

Saturday Night Live comedian Seth Meyers hosted the show for a second straight year. He opened the telecast by joking about the NFL and NBA lockouts before taking some digs at the Miami Heat. He then cracked some jokes about Brian Wilson's unique outfit choice.

The always eccentric Wilson would have won the award for best dressed athlete, had there been one. All eyes were on the San Francisco Giants closer as he walked down the red carpet in a full-body spandex tuxedo, complete with black high-tops and a cane.

"Justin Bieber could have set himself on fire and not have had a crazier outfit than Brian Wilson," Meyers told reporters.

Fresh off leading the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup crown in 39 years, Boston goaltender Tim Thomas won for best championship performance and best NHL player.

"It's been a month, but it still really hasn't sunk in what it means to the city and whole New England area," Thomas said.

Philadelphia's Roy Halladay took home two awards. The Phillies ace won as the best MLB player and for best moment for his playoff no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, who burst onto the scene in winning NBA Rookie of the Year, was chosen as breakthrough athlete. Griffin won the slam dunk competition at All-Star weekend by jumping over a Kia Optima to seal the crown.

Vonn professed to having "Bieber Fever" during her acceptance speech.

"Justin Bieber, will you take a picture of me for my Facebook page?" she asked the pop star as he sat in the audience.

The best play of the year happened just days ago and went to U.S. women's national team member Abby Wambach, who headed home the game-tying goal in Sunday's dramatic win over Brazil at the World Cup.

Myers and fellow SNL cast member Bill Hader poked fun at Nowitzki in spoofing the German's unorthodox shooting style late in the telecast. The skit centered around a fake Dirk Nowitzki Basketball Camp, featuring a tagline of "The uglier the shot, the more beautiful the result."

Jay Leno presented the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance to Anthony Robles, who also won for best male athlete with a disability. Robles was an NCAA wrestling champion despite being born with just one leg. He said his goal is to become a motivational speaker.

Dewey Bozella received the Arthur Ashe Courage award for his strength and conviction. Actor Kiefer Sutherland handed out the award to the boxer, who was imprisoned 26 years for a crime he didn't commit.

The year's best game went to the Eagles and Giants, in a contest that saw Philadelphia score 28 points in the final 7:18 to rally for a 38-31 win.

Super Bowl MVP Rodgers was honored as best NFL player and Serena Williams won for best female tennis player.

Jim Tressel is gone but defensive back Tyler Moeller still remembers the lessons of his former coach. Rob Oller of The Columbus Dispatch writes: When you spend five seasons, as Moeller has, listening to Jim Tressel tell you not to worry about what you cannot control, it sinks in deep. And so Moeller, perhaps more than any other Buckeyes...

Marvin Fong/The Plain DealerOhio State defensive back Tyler Moeller.

Jim Tressel is gone but defensive back Tyler Moeller still remembers the lessons of his former coach.

Rob Oller of The Columbus Dispatch writes:

When you spend five seasons, as Moeller has, listening to Jim Tressel tell you not to worry about what you cannot control, it sinks in deep. And so Moeller, perhaps more than any other Buckeyes player, is smoothly moving forward despite the drama that has brought a TMZ-meets- 60 Minutes feel to the past seven months.

"A trigger goes off in me: Work hard, get through it and do what you can because you can't do anything about it," Moeller said, echoing his former coach's line of reasoning.

Moeller's attitude came in handy long before chaos broke with the December suspension of teammates for violating NCAA rules, the resignation of Tressel on May 30, the promotion of Fickell the same day and the departure of quarterback Terrelle Pryor, writes Oller. Moeller missed the 2009 season due to getting punched in a restaurant in Florida. He missed five games last season when he tore a pectoral muscle.

Now he's ready.

"I feel fantastic, 10 times better than I felt last year," the sixth-year safety said. "I've gained 15 pounds since this time last year and am actually stronger in my upper body. I'm still trying to get my legs back, but that's expected because I didn't run much in the sling."

Texas coaches rave about Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Tristan Thompson.

APOhio State's Jared Sullinger

Last week's LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron brought out some of the best players high school and college players in the nation.

It also brought out some of the top college coaches.

Joel Steiner and Josh Cochran, reporters for NBADraft.net, took notes on their observations and interviews.

It didn't take long for Steiner and Cochran to see that Ohio State's Jared Sullinger is the best post player in college basketball.

Sporting an improved body that looked toned at 6’10/281, nobody in the camp was able to match up with his physical style of play and improved 15-foot range. 

The duo sports writers also spoke with an assistant coach on the Texas staff about Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Tristan Thompson.

Tristan was described as the hardest worker on the team spending extra time in the gym working out, even at times after games. Combine that with his high character and what the Texas staff described as huge upside as he refines his game and you get why Cleveland traded Hickson and feels that Thompson and Irving are the cornerstones of the franchise.

ESPY's host Seth Meyers talks about Cleveland.

Host Seth Meyers at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

"We all admire Vickers. He's a tough player and a good blocker. Let's not go overboard, though, and act like we're letting go of some superstar. Face it, the guy has stone hands and can't catch the football out of the backfield. He killed more than a few drives last season because he couldn't catch. If he fit in with what the Browns want to do, I think they'd keep him. Holmgren and his guys aren't stupid. Besides, he hasn't even been let go yet, so let's see what will transpire." - geeg

View full sizeTracy Boulian | The Plain DealerLawrence Vickers may not be back with the Browns this season.

In response to the story On Browns player camps, the lockout and Hall of Fame game -- Tony Grossi's blog, cleveland.com reader geeg thinks people are overreacting to the possibility Lawrence Vickers may not return. This reader writes,

"We all admire Vickers. He's a tough player and a good blocker. Let's not go overboard, though, and act like we're letting go of some superstar. Face it, the guy has stone hands and can't catch the football out of the backfield. He killed more than a few drives last season because he couldn't catch. If he fit in with what the Browns want to do, I think they'd keep him. Holmgren and his guys aren't stupid. Besides, he hasn't even been let go yet, so let's see what will transpire."

"Don't forget about Scott Radinsky, the guy who took over as bullpen coach last year. He was the AAA pitching coach for the Tribe prior to that. He deserves a ton of credit for the bullpen work this year. The bullpen coach tends to be the forgotten man on a coaching staff, much like a middle reliever is on a good team. But don't discount his work." - hermie13

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerScott Radinsky took over as Indians' bullpen coach in 2010.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians' stout bullpen offers a tight collection of Goodfellas, cleveland.com reader hermie13 thinks Scott Radinsky deserves some credit, too. This reader writes,

"Don't forget about Scott Radinsky, the guy who took over as bullpen coach last year. He was the AAA pitching coach for the Tribe prior to that. He deserves a ton of credit for the bullpen work this year. The bullpen coach tends to be the forgotten man on a coaching staff, much like a middle reliever is on a good team. But don't discount his work."

"Maybe we should tank another season and increase our chances of getting Harrison Barnes. I'm still not high on Thompson and, had Sullinger come out this season, he would've been an excellent addition to our squad. Hopefully, the balls bounce our way next season." - brownslover3

View full sizeEthan Hyman | Raleigh News & Observer | MCTHarrison Barnes is thought by many to be the prize of next season's NBA Draft lottery.

In response to the story Jared Sullinger, despite the weight loss, stands out at LeBron James Skills Academy, cleveland.com reader brownslover3 thinks the Cavaliers would do well to get a high pick in the 2012 draft. This reader writes,

"Maybe we should tank another season and increase our chances of getting Harrison Barnes. I'm still not high on Thompson and, had Sullinger come out this season, he would've been an excellent addition to our squad. Hopefully, the balls bounce our way next season."

Plain Dealer columnist also says RB Montario Hardesy has some receiving abililty, but needs to stay on the field in 2011. Watch video

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

The Cleveland Browns wrapped up the latest edition of Camp Colt this week in Austin, Texas. As they look toward the end of the NFL lockout and the 2011 season, which player do you think will lead the team in receptions for the 2011 season? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto, who thinks tight end Ben Watson will lead the team in catches.

Terry also talks about Colt McCoy and his ability to bring so many Browns players to Texas; what linebacker Scott Fujita means to the team; and how good running back Montario Hardesty can be in 2011 if he can stay healthy.

SBTV will return Friday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi answering fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

Former Ohio State quarterback connected to sports ticket scam.

APArt Schlichter

Former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Art Schlichter could face more criminal charges in connection with a sports ticket scam in which he was allegedly involved, writes 10tv.com.

Schlichter, 51, is accused of stealing more than $1 million from people.  Investigators in the case said that the money is gone.

Prosecutors said that they believe there were more victims in the case which would lead to new charges against Schlichter.

Schlichter has a history that involves illegal gambling and theft.

Judge rules a mistrial in Roger Clemens' case.

APRoger Clemens

WASHINGTON - The judge declared a mistrial in baseball star Roger Clemens’ perjury trial over inadmissible evidence shown to jurors. U.S. District Judge Reggie

Walton said Clemens could not be assured a fair trial after prosecutors showed jurors evidence against his orders in the second day of testimony.

Walton scheduled a Sept. 2 hearing to determine whether to hold a new trial.

Brunswick native writes his latest blog entry with news from the courts of NYC and the Croatian National Team tryouts.

Photo courtesy of Brian KortovichMe in Croatia trying out for the 2012 Olympic Team.

Brian "Smokin' Aces" Kortovich, who was born and raised in Brunswick and attended Holy Name and Brunswick High School, is on a quest to make the NBA. He played two years at Cuyahoga Community College before being recruited to play at Manhattan College in New York.

Kortovich is writing a blog for cleveland.com this summer as he attempts to latch on with an NBA team for the 2011-12 season.

Summer is officially in full swing, with the mercury rising and jump shots falling in the New York City street ball scene.

To name a few, I will be playing in the Entertainers Basketball Classic at Rucker Park, Nike Pro City, Dyckman, and soon enough the first ever Global Slam (www.globalslam.com). I'm telling you; the city is heating up with hoops.

And ballers are coming out of the woodwork these days. The other night I went up to play in a tournament game and none other than Metta World Peace -- the artist formerly known as Ron Artest -- showed up, along with a handful of NCAA blue-chippers who are waiting for their chance in the league.

Metta has nothing to prove on the streets, but I give the man his due -- he played some serious D, diving after balls, swatting shots and playing with his trademark intensity, all for the love of the game.

Speaking of the league, I'd be remiss to not mention the lockout.

Look, I'll be honest. It stinks. I was looking forward to minicamps and the summer league in Vegas, from which I've been working towards for months. With the NBA a mess, I'm thinking the overseas plan might not be such a bad idea. And I'm not the only one. This week's news has Deron Williams looking at playing in Turkey, and I'm telling you I have several friends from the association who are thinking about Spain, Greece, you name it.

After my trip to Croatia recently, it seems like a pretty good Plan B.

I was there for workouts for the Croatian National Team and also the Euroleague Club Cibona. My rigorous and intense workouts leading up to Croatia paid off, as they definitely put me to the test. One drill I liked a lot was called the Star Drill -- five spots on the floor stretched along the Euro 3-point line. Top of the key, both wings and both corners.

You start at the top of the key, then sprint to corner, opposite wing, corner, wing and back to the top of the key. The object of this drill is to get off as many threes as you can in one minute, but also to make as many as possible while stepping into your shot as if it were game situation.

Each of the players in camp did this twice. It's a good drill, something you can try anywhere. My jumper and conditioning was on point, as I hit 13 of 16 the first time, and then 14 of 17 the second time, both the highest marks of any player in the workouts.

I have to mention that getting invited to preseason workouts/camp with both the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets the past two seasons gave me valuable experience and a certain competitive edge, which I use every time I step onto the court no matter where in the world it may be.

Photo provided by Brian KortovichBrian Kortovich playing overseas in Israel in 2007.

Anytime you walk into a gym with the likes of Amare' Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Tony Douglas, Brook Lopez, Anthony Marrow and other roster players -- and hold my own, you know you can have an impact at the highest level.

Now that I am officially a Croatian citizen, I like my chances as a member of the Croatian National Team for the Olympics. I did my part, played very well and left it all on the floor. I hope to hear positive news in the coming months. Others players who have been Croatian citizens their whole lives may have an advantage on paper, but with my workouts and great showings in the two scrimmages, I'm confident things will fall into place for me. Fingers crossed.

The game of basketball that I grew up loving is, in all fact, a big business. I have seen the highs and the lows and everything in between.

But through it all, I have knocked down a lot of walls and obstacles that have stood in my way. They say being 6-foot-1, not having the best resume, from a small school, not big enough, not-known, not fast enough, not strong enough, etc. . . . I heard it all before. But when the lights are on, I perform with the best of them -- at any level.

My time is coming, I have put in the work and am eagerly awaiting my chance to show the world what I can do.

And until that chance? I'll keep on putting in the work, just like my days back in the great state of Ohio, among other places.

Until next time,

Smokin' Aces