It will be David Huff and Fausto Carmona starting for the Tribe in Monday's day-night doubleheader against the Twins. Shelley Duncan optioned to make room for Sunday's starter Jeanmar Gomez.

AP Photo, Keith SrakocicDavid Huff will make his first big league start of the season Monday in the first game of a doubleheader against the Twins.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- A fluid two days regarding the Indians roster began Sunday morning with outfielder Shelley Duncan being optioned to Class AAA Columbus so Jeanmar Gomez could be activated and start against the Orioles.

Manager Manny Acta said left-hander David Huff will be recalled from Columbus and start the first game of a day-night doubleheader Monday against the Twins at Target Field. Fausto Carmona will start the second game, but he has to be activated from the disabled list.

Acta said the move to make room for Huff will be announced Monday. There are plenty of candidates including utility man Luis Valbuena and outfielders Ezequiel Carrera and Travis Buck.

The move to activate Carmona will probably be made between games of the doubleheader. It could involve Huff being sent down because Acta said he anticipates Gomez staying in the rotation in place of injured Mitch Talbot. The Indians put Talbot on the disabled list with a sore lower back during the All-Star break.

Gomez was 9-3 with a 2.40 ERA at Columbus. This is his second tour with the Tribe this season. When he was sent down the first time, the Indians wanted him to work on making his stride toward the plate more consistent.

"We felt he was cutting off his delivery and that was affection his velocity," said Acta.

Huff is 8-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 17 starts at Columbus. He's allowed 43 earned runs and 105 hits in 100 1/3 innings. He struck out 63 and walked 28.

"He's been pitching very well -- Huff, Gomez and Zach McAllister have been pitching very well," said Acta. "Huff deserves it.

"He's made some adjustments. They're happy with the progress he's made. We still believe in this guy so he'll get that start."

Huff led the Indians with 11 victories as a rookie in 2008. He went 2-11 last year. Locating his fastball was one of his big problems.

"They feel he's made progress locating his fastball to his arm side, which is low and away to right-handed hitters," said Acta. "That's a key at this level. He's been very aggressive in the strike zone."

After Monday, Huff, Gomez and McAllister will have all made starts in the big leagues since July 7. The Indians, looking for a right-handed hitter and a veteran starting pitcher, will have showcased all them as the July 31st trading dealing approaches.

McAllister couldn't have been brought back for Monday's start because he hadn't been in the minors for 10 days since his July 7 start against Toronto.

Today's lineups:

Indians (49-43): LF Michael Brantley (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), C Carlos Santana (S), CF Grady Sizemore (L), 1B Matt LaPorta (R), RF Travis Buck (L), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (L), 2B Luis Valbuena (L), RHP Jeanmar Gomez (0-1, 4.91).

Orioles (37-54): LF Matt Angle (L), SS J.J. Hardy (R), RF Nick Markakis (L), CF Adam Jones (R), DH Matt Wieters (S), 1B Derek Lee (R), 3B Mark Reynolds (R), 2B Robert Andino (R), C Craig Tatum (R), RHP Mitch Atkins (0-0, 8.22).

Lineup notes: Ohio State's Matt Angle, called up Saturday night, will be making his big league debut for the Orioles today. . .Matt LaPorta and Grady Sizemore are back in the lineup after not starting in Saturday's 6-5 loss.

Him vs. me: Hardy is 2-for-5 against Gomez. Atkins has never faced anyone on the Indians roster in the big leagues.

Lefty righty: Lefties are hitting .368 (14-for-38) and righties .318 (14-for-44) with one homer against Gomez. The Orioles have six right-handers and one switch-hitter in the lineup.

Lefties are hitting .455 (5-for-11) and righties .400 (10-for-25) with three homers against Atkins. The Indians have eight lefties, including two switch hitters, in the lineup.

Umpires: H Chris Conroy, 1B Hunter Wendlestedt, 2B Bob Davidson, 3B Brian Knight. Davidson, crew chief.

Quote of the day: "Pitchers did me a favor when they knocked me down. It made me more determined. I wouldn't let that pitcher get me out. They say you can't hit if you're on your back, but I didn't hit on my back. I got up," Frank Robinson, Hall of Famer and long-time Baltimore Oriole.

Next: LHP David Huff and RHP Fausto Carmona will face the RHP Scott Baker and RHP Anthony Swarzak in a day-night doubleheader against the Twins at Target Field. STO/WTAM will carry both games.

The 42-year-old came into the week as an afterthought, but three straight scores in the 60s and a par 70 in the final round lifted him to a comfortable three-stroke victory over Americans Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.

View full sizeAPNorthern Ireland's Darren Clarke reacts after putting on the second hole today during the final day of the British Open Golf Championship at Royal St George's golf course Sandwich, England.

SANDWICH, England — Darren Clarke gave little Northern Ireland another big championship Sunday at the British Open.

The 42-year-old came into the week as an afterthought, but three straight scores in the 60s and a par 70 in the final round lifted him to a comfortable three-stroke victory over Americans Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson made an impressive charge on the front side, actually moving into a share of the lead with an eagle at No. 7. But Clarke came along and put up an eagle of his own at the same hole, then watched Mickelson fade down the stretch for a 68.

Clarke won his first major championship with a 5-under 275, following the path of younger countrymen Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. They won the last two U.S. Opens.

No one could've seen this coming. It had been a decade since Clarke was a serious contender in a Grand Slam event, and the one-time face of Northern Ireland golf was thought to be long past his prime.

Well, he showed the kids a thing or two at wet and windy Royal St. George's.

"I always believed I would get myself back up here," Clarke said. "I always believed I had enough talent to challenge and win one."

The victory was especially poignant given Clarke's difficulties off the course. His wife, Heather, died in 2006 after a long battle with breast cancer. Clarke teared up as he remembered her.

"Somebody up there," he said, glancing toward the sky as he collected the claret jug, "is watching down as well."

Johnson was within two strokes of the lead when he made a huge blunder, knocking an iron shot out of bounds from the 14th fairway. He wound taking a double-bogey that ended his chances, another disappointment playing in the final group of a major.

Johnson settled for a 72, leaving him tied with Mickelson at 278.

Last year, Johnson threw away a lead at the U.S. Open with a closing 82, and he will forever be remembered for taking a two-stroke penalty of the 72nd hole of the PGA Championship to miss out on a playoff.

Beginning the day five strokes behind Clarke, Mickelson surged up the leaderboard with a brilliant start, even as the wind gusted to more than 30 mph and frequent spurts of heavy rain pelted the seaside course.

Lefty made three birdies in the first six holes, pumping his fist as the ball kept dropping in the cup. Then he rolled in a 25-footer for eagle at the seventh, moving into a share of the lead.

Clarke didn't falter. Coming along four groups later in the final pairing, the Ulsterman rolled in a 20-foot eagle at the seventh, reclaiming a two-stroke edge. He never gave it up.

Mickelson went out in 30 and made another birdie at the 10th, then was bitten by a familiar bugaboo: a 2-footer lipped out at the 11th to give him his first bogey. He made three more bogeys before slamming his approach off the grandstands at the 18th.

Johnson, who played with Clarke in the final pairing, re-emerged as Clarke's main challenger with two birdies at the beginning of the inward nine.

Then, from the middle of the fairway at the par-5 14th, Johnson made the sort of mistake for which he is becoming known. He inexplicably knocked the ball out of bounds with a 2-iron. That led to a double-bogey and, suddenly, Clarke's lead had gone from a tenuous two strokes to a commanding four.

Grady Sizemore injured as he beats out bloop double in first inning. Travis Hafner and Carlos Carrasco hit consecutive homers in first inning for early lead over Baltimore.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Center fielder Grady Sizemore left Sunday's game in the first inning with a bruised right knee as the Indians built a 3-1 lead over the Orioles at Camden Yards after three innings.

Following consecutive homers by Travis Hafner and Carlos Santana off rookie right-hander Mitch Atkins, Sizemore blooped a hit into short left field. As he was rounding first, he pulled up not once, but twice before reaching second with a head-first slide for a double.

During his slide, Sizemore was hit by left fielder Matt Angle's throw to second. Sizemore came up limping as manager Manny Acta and trainer Rick Jameyson came out to check on him. After jogging for a bit in center field, Sizemore walked to the dugout and was replaced by pinch-runner Ezequiel Carrera.

Camden Yards has not been kind to Sizemore. Last year he injured his left knee sliding back into first base in May. He needed microfracture surgery in June and missed the rest of the season.

Sizemore has been trying to come back from that surgery, along with an injury to his right knee earlier this season. Sizemore injured his right knee in May sliding into second base against Tampa Bay. He apparently re-injured the knee when he hit first base in the first inning.

Santana's homer, a shot down the right field line, landed on Eutaw Street outside the ballpark. Orioles manager Buck Showalter asked for it to be reviewed and the umpires upheld their original call.

It was the 56th homer to land on Eutaw Street since Camden Yards opened.

It was the fourth time the Indians have hit consecutive this season. It was Hafner's ninth homer and Santana's 15th.

After Sizemore left the game, Atkins hit Matt LaPorta with a pitch. Travis Buck singled off second baseman Robert Andino's glove to score Carrera for a 3-0 lead. Lonnie Chisenhall ended the inning with a grounder to third.

Jeanmar Gomez, activated before the game and making his fourth start of the season, gave up a leadoff homer to Adam Jones in the second to make it 3-1. It was the only hit he allowed in the first three innings.

Atkins, making his third start of the season, was gone after three innings. He allowed three runs on six hits in 77 pitches. He struck out three and walked two.

Japan scores late in regulation and in extra time to force shootout, caps improbable run to capture crown.

View full sizeMartin Meissner, Associated PressJapan's Homare Sawa leads the celebration after scoring the tying goal late in extra time against the U.S. women in the World Cup final Sunday in Frankfurt, Germany. Japan won the penalty kick, 3-1, to capture the title.

FRANKFURT, Germany -- Japan has won the Women's World Cup, stunning the United States, 3-1, in a penalty shootout Sunday night after finishing in a 2-2 tie.

Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath all missed penalties for the Americans, who squandered dozens of chances throughout the game and blew a lead just six minutes from winning their third World Cup title.

The Americans had taken the lead in the 104th minute off a header by Abby Wambach. Alex Morgan, who scored the first American goal, came up with a blocked cross and sent it to Wambach, who was camped in front of the goal on the 6-yard line. Standing a head taller -- and then some -- from defenders on either side of her, she needed only to nod the ball into the net.

But Homare Sawa flicked in corner kick -- earned after 36-year-old captain Christie Rampone raced to clear Yukari Kinga's chip over Hope Solo off the line.

Japan is the first Asian nation to win the World Cup.

The Indians are in trouble, but not for the reasons you may think.

View full sizeNick Wass, Associated PressAs Grady Sizemore walked off the field at Camden Yards on Sunday, Tribe fans could see more storm clouds forming over the Indians' improbable season, says Terry Pluto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians are in trouble.

Most Tribe fans know that, especially when they watched Grady Sizemore limp off the field Sunday in the 8-3 loss at Baltimore. The first prognosis is Sizemore has a bruised right knee, and the outfielder is listed as day-to-day.

This the same thing the Indians said when Sizemore injured the same knee in April. He ended up on the disabled list for three weeks. Never forget the microfracture surgery on his left knee, the most severe knee operation for any athlete.

Sizemore admitted to Plain Dealer baseball writer Paul Hoynes that he has been "beat up" for the last few years. He said that Saturday, before latest injury.

Sunday's game inspired Ed Spellman of Lakewood to send this email: "If Sizemore's injury keeps him out for any length of time, the Indians have to make a trade. I'm tired of them calling people up from Columbus who can't hit. They need someone in the middle of the lineup. [Travis] Buck, [Austin] Kearns and [Shelley] Duncan are not the answer.

"It's great to have prospects, but the time is now. I don't believe the White Sox and the Twins are going to be bad all year. I'm sick of hearing that now is not the time to take on additional salary. It is the middle of July and we are in first place."

Ed is probably speaking for most fans, who saw the Tribe leave enough runners on base to populate the next Cleveland Marathon. Yes, the Indians need an outfielder who can hit -- even if Sizemore's injury turns out to more scary than serious.

I've been told the Indians can add at least $3 million to the payroll for "the right guy" to help this season. That puts them in the market for most of the right-handed bats that may be available. The bigger question -- how many prospects are they willing to trade?

Here come the Twins

Ed also is right about the White Sox and Twins ... especially Minnesota.

The Twins have Kevin Slowey, Scott Baker, Justin Morneau, Dennard Span and Jason Kubel on the disabled list. One-time MVP Joe Mauer has been hurt and is hitting only .260 with no homers in 35 games. They switched back-and-forth between Matt Capps and Joe Nathan as closers.

But they are five games out of first, with the Indians heading to Target Field for four games. The Twins have won seven of 10, the only Central team with a winning record in that span. Thank heavens for a mediocre division, where the Indians (49-44) and Detroit (50-45) are tied for first.

The Indians will start David Huff and Fausto Carmona in Monday's doubleheader. That doesn't inspire much confidence for fans in the Wahoo red, white and blue.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerCarlos Carrasco and the rest of the Indians' pitching staff have wobbled considerably in recent weeks -- which may be the most troubling problem facing the team with 10 weeks remaining in the season.

It's Huff's first big-league start this season. Carmona has been a mess for most of the summer, and he's coming of the disabled list. The best news for Carmona is inter-league play is over, and he won't be asked to bunt and run to first anymore this season. But who knows how he'll pitch?

Meanwhile, the Twins are going with a couple of kids -- Scott Diamond and Anthony Swarzak. It doesn't seem to matter who pitches for the Twins or who is injured, manager Ron Gardenhire's team is a like a big glob of bubblegum stuck to the bottom of your shoe -- you just can't get rid of it.

But something else is happening to the Tribe, something that is even more frightening than losing Sizemore.

Fix the pitching

What happened to the pitching?

The Tribe has a 5.29 ERA in July, yet somehow are 7-7. They actually are scoring more runs lately. But they're giving up more. Lots more. And that's why they are in trouble.

In the 14 starts this month, only Justin Masterson (three times), Josh Tomlin (once) and Carlos Carrasco (once) have pitched at least six innings. The starters' ERAs for July: Masterson (1.96), Tomlin (5.00), Carrasco (9.00), and Mitch Talbot (13.50). Jeanmar Gomez and Zach McAllister have come up from the minors to start a pair of games, allowing seven runs in 9 1/3 innings.

All the early exits by the starters is putting strain on the bullpen, which is beginning to break down.

So yes, losing Sizemore hurts. And yes, they desperately need another hitter. But just as important, they must fix the starting pitching.

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

Veteran pro Candice King of Wellington, Fla., led the way in show jumping competition at the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic Sunday, topping a field of 19 entries.

MORELAND HILLS, Ohio -- Veteran pro Candice King of Wellington, Fla., led the way in show jumping competition at the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic Sunday, winning the $30,000 Cleveland Grand Prix over a field of 19 entries.

Only six of the 19 starters were able to score faultless first rounds over the demanding course.

Returning to the ring for the tie-breaking jump-off, 17-year-old Shawn Casady of Midtown, Tenn., aboard Skara Glen's Basel, set the early pace with another faultless ride, finishing the course in 39.623 seconds. His lead held until King, competing in the fifth post position on AAA Equestrian's Toronto, pulled out all the stops, crossing the wire fault free in 39.606 seconds to account for the victory.

Third place went to Charlie Jayne of Elgin, Ill., on Alex Jayne's Sylvester, with the fastest of the four fault jump-off scores, and fourth to Liza Finsness of Wellington, Fla., who had a four fault score on her horse, Ormsby Hill.

Rebecca Conway of Salt Lake City accounted for fifth place on Blue Hill Farm's Twister, and sixth went to Jill Prieto of Upperville, Va., aboard Barbara Roux's Capone 21.

King said after the event that she was very pleased with Toronto's performance despite his habit of bucking between the jumps.

"I've had him six years now, and he's always been like that," she commented. "He's really like a part of our family. He always tries for me, and he's always very kind. He did have a confidence problem for a while, but he felt great today."

There are no events scheduled for Monday. The Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic resumes at 8 a.m. Tuesday and continues through Saturday at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field show grounds in Moreland Hills. The new $25,000 Chagrin Valley Professional Horsemen's Association Grand Prix will debut Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Admission on all days is free of charge.

Fernbacher is a freelance writer based in Willoughby Hills.

Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart delivered quite the 1-2 punch in New Hampshire. Newman and Stewart started first and second. They crossed the finish line that way, too.

Ryan Newman drives through the pit area with a U.S. flag after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., Sunday, July 17, 2011. (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)

LOUDON, N.H. — Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart delivered quite the 1-2 punch in New Hampshire.

Newman and Stewart started first and second. They crossed the finish line that way, too.

Not a bad way to stamp Stewart-Haas Racing as an organization that intends to be in the hunt for Chase spots.

Newman held off Stewart, his boss and teammate, Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for his first victory of the season.

"We'll relish this moment and figure out what we did right so we can keep doing it," Newman said.

Newman and Stewart made it the first front-row start for SHR in qualifying Friday and they followed up with first- and second-place finishes for the first time on race day. It was a banner weekend for SHR, and Newman and Stewart have jostled themselves in position to qualify for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Even the usually gruff Stewart enjoyed this celebration.

"It was a perfect day for the organization for sure," Stewart said.

It was needed, too.

Newman won for the first time since April 2010 in Phoenix and Stewart earned only his second top-five of the season. It was a pair of near-flawless runs for the drivers as they gear up for a championship run.

Stewart joked that he asked for just one day where something didn't go wrong with the race teams. They got it on a day when only four of the top-10 drivers in the points standings had a top-10 finish.

"It's no secret we've been struggling this year," Stewart said. "But it really shows me the depth of the people we got in our organization. It's been one of the weirdest years as far as weird things and bad luck happening to both of us."

Newman became the 13th driver to win in Sprint Cup this year, matching the total from last season after only 19 of 36 races.

Only seven races remain until the Chase field is set. The top-10 drivers automatically earn a spot. Two spots in the Chase will go to the winningest drivers ranked between 11 and 20.

Stewart is peeking outside the contenders in 11th place. Newman is in eighth.

"It puts us in a lot better position that's for sure," Newman said.

Newman was at home in New Hampshire's Victory Lane. He also won the Modified Tour race Saturday.

He choked up after taking the checkered flag as he dedicated the victory to the military and a close friend who died of cancer. There was a catch in his voice as he talked about the friend who died in April. Newman wears a bracelet in his honor.

Newman drives the No. 39 Chevrolet for the U.S. Army and there was a healthy military presence in Victory Lane and at his news conference.

"I told him I was proud of him and it was a great day for our organization, great day for the Army," Stewart said.

Newman carried the burden of trying to win for so many supporters, especially Stewart. But ease up because his boss was on his bumper? Never.

"He was the one I didn't mind seeing in my mirror," Newman said.

He also saw the rest of the field. Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and five-time champion Jimmie Johnson rounded out the top five.

Hamlin nipped at Newman late and made a serious push until fuel concerns forced him to ease off.

"As bad as I wanted to go up there and race those guys, I had to make the smart move and finish the race," he said.

Johnson and Jeff Gordon, who finished 11th, both rallied from major setbacks for strong finishes. Kyle Busch, who started the race as the points leader, had tire issues, was forced to the garage and finished 36th.

Carl Edwards finished 13th and retook the points lead.

With some of the top drivers scuffling, Newman and Stewart stayed out front down the stretch. Newman led 119 of the 301 laps for his 15th career Cup victory and third at New Hampshire.

Newman's major concern was stretching his fuel tank over the long, sweeping corners to the end. Crew chief Tony Gibson warned him several times he was running low and to conserve gas.

"I didn't think he was going to make it," Gibson said.

Stewart shared those concerns.

"I don't mind running second and having him win the race, versus us winning the race and him running out of fuel," Stewart said. "This is a much more gratifying weekend for me."

More gratifying, yes. Perhaps just as puzzling, though, as why the duo have failed to find the winning combination before this weekend. Whatever they hit on worked and the off weekend before the Brickyard 400 should be a fun one.

"We need to sit down and figure out why this weekend was so great," Newman said.

They need more great ones ahead if they want to race for the title in September.

Here is Monday's essay by Lenny Weiss of Lakewood.

sportslogos.net

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 Monday's essay by Lenny Weiss of Lakewood:

1954. World Series against the N.Y. Giants. I was a peanut vendor in the lower deck. We were told that, as a vendor, we could not keep a foul ball. If we got caught we would be fired.

I was walking along behind the field boxes when a foul ball landed in my basket that I was carrying with my peanuts, etc. Now comes the biggest decision at 14 -- keep the ball and get caught and lose my job and a big World Series paycheck? I buried the ball under the peanut bags.

I finished the rest of the game and ran to take the streetcar back to Kinsman. The sadness with the Indians losing the Series in four straight and the unbelievable emotion of having a souvenir from a Series...

So, what happened to the ball? After sitting on the mantel of our house for a year, it was kidnapped by my brothers and used on the street for their ball games. The ball suffered a very undignified demise. After the cover and some of the strings came off from the street surface, it was wrapped in so much black tape you couldn't recognize the ball.

It sure would be nice to have a replacement to put on my mantel.

P.S. Don't worry, my brothers are too old to play softball anymore.

As part of a new continuing series – funded in part by the Smithsonian Institution, the Corp. for Public Broadcasting, the Heritage Foundation, the Center for Strategic and International Studies and In-N-Out Burger – Couch Slouch brings you the first installment of “Stupidest Things in Sports”:

Associated PressIs there really a reason for an 80-year old manager like Jack McKeon to wear a baseball uniform to work?

As part of a new continuing series – funded in part by the Smithsonian Institution, the Corp. for Public Broadcasting, the Heritage Foundation, the Center for Strategic and International Studies and In-N-Out Burger – Couch Slouch brings you the first installment of “Stupidest Things in Sports”:

State troopers escorting the coach as he leaves the football field.

Throughout the course of history, I understand when polarizing political figures – Napoleon, Mussolini, Gandhi, Sarah Palin, et al – are heavily protected in public arenas. But football coaches? I'm sure Bob Stoops knows the way to the locker room by now. Considering the state of the economy, aren't there better ways for our tax dollars to be at work? Frankly, I would rather see a state trooper getting a cup of coffee at Dunkin' Donuts than running alongside Mack Brown through a stadium tunnel.

“Quiet Please” signs at golf tournaments.

Kobe Bryant can make free throws at the end of a basketball game with 15,000 fans screaming and waving stuff behind the basket, but Matt Kuchar can't putt unless he's in the library? Olympic gymnasts can perform intricate moves on a four-inch-wide balance beam with a flurry of activity around them and crowds cheering for floor-exercise routines, but Steve Stricker can't hit a 5 iron unless he's in a Broadway theater? Hey, the ball doesn't move. The hole doesn't move. Step up and play, pal.

The guy whose job is to squirt water into football players' mouths.

You have seen it a thousand times – during a timeout, some fella comes over to the players and squirts water into their mouths. Uh, really? Take the wide receivers – they have great hands; they can't manage a plastic bottle? There are no hazardous materials or sharp objects here. It's not like asking Itzhak Perlman to shuck oysters. OK, so they don't want to squirt their own water; would it kill them to catch the ball once in a while?

Baseball managers wearing a uniform.

Granted, a baseball dugout is not the board room of Goldman Sachs or the sales floor of a Lexus dealership; it's not even as dignified as courtside at a basketball game. But the sight of these 50-, 60- and even 80-year-old men – yes, you Jack McKeon – donning the play clothes of their players is laughable. Now, they don't have to go full-throttle, Armani-suit Pat Riley on us, but I wouldn't mind seeing a manager or two in a nice golf shirt and khakis for a change.

The two-minute warning in football.

Does the referee really have to go over to each sideline and tell the coaches that there are two minutes left in the half? What, they can't see the stadium clock? IT'S HUGE. Rather than warning the coaches in regard to time remaining, what would be more helpful – particularly if you're, say, Lovie Smith – is if the referee could warn a coach that Jay Cutler is about to throw a game-changing interception.

Penalty kicks in soccer (and the shootout in the NHL).

Even though basketball has become a foul-fest joke in a game's final minutes, at least if the game is tied through overtime, each team doesn't shoot free throws to determine the winner. How do you play 90 minutes of soccer, then 30 minutes of OT, before deciding the outcome by repeating a play that virtually never occurs during the context of a game? Besides, I could make a penalty kick four times out of five while sitting on my couch. Just let them keep playing until someone scores – if it takes a week, it takes a week; it's good for beer sales.

Coach-speak on football broadcasts, aka “Grudenese” or “Jaworskification.”

“They were in max protect.” (This sounds like an ad slogan for Trojan condoms.) “They were game planning.” (As opposed to what, wedding planning? Estate planning?) “You try not to lose contain.” (I'm trying not to lose my mind.) And don't get me started on “scheme.”

After a basketball player shoots an air ball, the crowd chants, “Air ball, air ball!!!”

If you're at a Yo-Yo Ma concert and he makes a mistake, does the gallery chant, “Wrong chord, wrong chord!!!”?

There's one stupid thing disappearing that I would like to see come back: The bullpen car.

This has always been a hilarious baseball (and American) tradition: driving the relief pitcher 275 feet from the bullpen to the infield. We're the richest nation on Earth – why not? Only nowadays – to be politically and environmentally correct – let's make the bullpen car a hybrid!

Ask the Slouch!

Q:What is the penalty if a ballplayer plays pepper in a no pepper zone? — Fred Lawrence; Laurel, Md.

A:Every time you get traded and move into a new neighborhood, you have to register as a “pepper offender” with the local police.

Q:Ohio State just vacated the 2010 season. Have you ever thought about vacating one of your previous marriages? — Radu Marinescu; Fairfax, Va.

A:Actually, I believe it has been done for me.

Q:If Derek Jeter went face down in his soup, would the media oooooohh and aaaaaahh over the bubbles? — Phil Linden; Linden, N.J.

A:Pay the man, Shirley.

You, too, can enter the $1.25 Ask The Slouch Cash Giveaway. Just email asktheslouch@aol.com and, if your question is used, you win $1.25 in cash!

Norman Chad is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.

How long with the Tribe remain in first place?

PD FileGrady Sizemore

Columnist Terry Pluto writes on Cleveland.com how the Cleveland Indians are in trouble. It goes beyond the latest injury to Grady Sizemore.

The team is in a slump, and they are in need of an outfielder that can hit.

That's not all. Pluto also wants to know what happened to the pitching.

The Tribe has a 5.29 ERA in July, yet somehow are 7-7. They actually are scoring more runs lately. But they're giving up more. Lots more. And that's why they are in trouble.

In the 14 starts this month, only Justin Masterson (three times), Josh Tomlin (once) and Carlos Carrasco (once) have pitched at least six innings. The starters' ERAs for July: Masterson (1.96), Tomlin (5.00), Carrasco (9.00), and Mitch Talbot (13.50). Jeanmar Gomez and Zach McAllister have come up from the minors to start a pair of games, allowing seven runs in 9 1/3 innings. 

Despite the issues, the Tribe barely remain in first place in the Central Division. But for how long?

Sunday was the anniversary of the end of Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak.

APJoe DiMaggio

Sunday was the 70th anniversary of the end of Joe DiMaggio's storied 56-game hitting streak, which captured the attention of this country in 1941.

It was also the same season Ted Williams hit .406, becoming the last Major League player to achieve that feat.

So which record is more impressive?

"The Tribe ownership and front office are at a crossroads. There are no guarantees they will ever sniff first place next season or any season thereafter. They are in contention now. To preserve the value of the franchise and the loyalty of the fan base, a major trade or two is in order right now. Not next year. Now. And Sizemore's injury dictates that a prospect or member of the rotation will have to be surrendered. We can't pitch everyone. And if leaving 18 runners on base against one of the worst A.L. teams doesn't scream volumes, what will?" - Common Sense

View full sizePDIn the mind of some Tribe fans, it's now or never for Chris Antonetti.

In response to the story Warning flags are fluttering for the Cleveland Indians: Terry Pluto, cleveland.com reader Common Sense thinks the Indians need to seize their opportunity this season. This reader writes,

"The Tribe ownership and front office are at a crossroads. There are no guarantees they will ever sniff first place next season or any season thereafter. They are in contention now. To preserve the value of the franchise and the loyalty of the fan base, a major trade or two is in order right now. Not next year. Now. And Sizemore's injury dictates that a prospect or member of the rotation will have to be surrendered. We can't pitch everyone. And if leaving 18 runners on base against one of the worst A.L. teams doesn't scream volumes, what will?"

"Greg Little is young. I think most of us did dumb stuff at 18-22 years old. We can hope he matures as he enters this new phase in his life. If he does not, he'll find out that NFL can stand for 'not for long.'" - tribefever32

View full sizeBob Donnan | US PRESSWIREFans hope Greg Little can have an immediate impact on the Browns' receiving corps.

In response to the story Terry Pluto's Talkin' ... about the Browns' leaders, Cleveland State's revamped hoops roster and trade targets for the Tribe, cleveland.com reader tribefever32 doesn't care about perceived character issues with Greg Little. This reader writes,

"Greg Little is young. I think most of us did dumb stuff at 18-22 years old. We can hope he matures as he enters this new phase in his life. If he does not, he'll find out that NFL can stand for 'not for long.'"

"Second round picks are not going to make or break this team. The last time we were at this point, there was a rush to build this team because of you-know-who. We threw money at players that helped us make the playoffs but couldn't do much else. Let's not make the same mistake again. I'll take whatever improvement there is this year and get another lottery pick or two next year." - larryscheap

View full sizeRoadell Hickman | The Plain DealerThe Cavaliers threw a lot of money at players like Larry Hughes in the summer of 2005.

In response to the story Are the Cleveland Cavaliers doing enough to improve this off-season? Hey, Mary!, cleveland.com reader larryscheap thinks the Cavaliers need to take their time in rebuilding. This reader writes,

"Second round picks are not going to make or break this team. The last time we were at this point, there was a rush to build this team because of you-know-who. We threw money at players that helped us make the playoffs but couldn't do much else. Let's not make the same mistake again. I'll take whatever improvement there is this year and get another lottery pick or two next year."

Dark days may be ahead for the struggling Cleveland Indians, writer Dennis Manoloff says. Watch video

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

The Indians dropped two games to lowly Baltimore and Grady Sizemore hurt his knee (again) and has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. Are the storm clouds gathering for the Tribe, which begins a four-game set with AL Central rival Minnesota with a twinight doubleheader today? Go to today's Starting Blocks poll and cast your vote.

For what it's worth Plain Dealer writer Dennis Manoloff says yes, the Indians are in trouble. It's true that they're still holding onto a piece of the division lead, sharing the spot with Detroit. But unless the Tribe gets a right-handed bat -- and the starting pitching recovers -- it could be a bleak time for Indians fans.

Dman also discusses the importance of Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak, which ended in old Municipal Stadium, courtesy of Tribe third baseman Ken Keltner and a double play started by Indians shortstop Lou Boudreau on Joltin' Joe's last at-bat. The date was July 17, 1941.

It's a streak you'll never see broken, Dman said, because of the increased use of situational pitchers.

Tune in tomorrow when Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson will be the SBTV guest, giving the city's official take on the Cleveland sports scene.

Today starts a huge series for the Central Division when the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins play a day-night doubleheader on Monday at Target Field. MLB.com reporter Christina De Nicola writes how for Cleveland, its options were limited in terms of promoting a starter. For example, Zach McAllister, who was optioned back to Triple-A Columbus on July 8 following a start,...

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerJosh Tomlin, right, talks with Manny Acta in the dugout.

Today starts a huge series for the Central Division when the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins play a day-night doubleheader on Monday at Target Field.

MLB.com reporter Christina De Nicola writes how for Cleveland, its options were limited in terms of promoting a starter.

For example, Zach McAllister, who was optioned back to Triple-A Columbus on July 8 following a start, needs to remain with the club for one more day to complete the required minimum stay of 10 days.

And David Huff will be recalled from Triple-A Columbus and get the nod in the first game for the Tribe, writes De Nicola. The 26-year-old southpaw was 8-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 17 outings for the Clippers.

"He's been pitching very well," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "He deserves to come up. He's made some adjustments down there, and they're happy with the progress that he has made. We still believe in this guy."

 

Game stories

Cleveland.com: Grady injuries knee.

Ohio.com: Indians stranded on offense.

MLB.com: Indians drop finale to Baltimore.

"Let's see if Huff learned his lesson in AAA. First southpaw to start for the Tribe this year. I see more upside to Gomez and McAllister, but hopefully Huff pitches well enough to pique the interest of another team." - DocLogic

View full sizeAP Photo | Keith SrakocicDavid Huff has pitched well in AAA, making some wonder if he could be trade bait later this month.

In response to the story Tribe's roster keeps spinning as Huff, Carmona prepare for Monday's twinbill: Indians Insider, cleveland.com reader DocLogic hopes David Huff can at least get some other teams interested in his arm. This reader writes,

"Let's see if Huff learned his lesson in AAA. First southpaw to start for the Tribe this year. I see more upside to Gomez and McAllister, but hopefully Huff pitches well enough to pique the interest of another team."

Steelers fans' jeers turned to cheers as McCoy impressed the Heinz Field crowd in his NFL rookie debut, won by Pittsburgh.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerColt McCoy's first NFL touchdown comes in the late moments of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Just received my copy of "Growing Up Colt -- A Father, a Son, a Life in Football." It's the book co-written by Browns quarterback Colt McCoy and his father, Brad.

The book is mostly a memoir of Colt's early development, of lessons taught, told in his voice and that of his father.

There are some revealing glimpses into McCoy's first season in Cleveland. Such as:

• As the season began, McCoy found it difficult to cope with a role he termed as "the forgotten man on the roster."

• McCoy was despondent when he was passed over to relieve Seneca Wallace in Game 4 against Atlanta. Wallace suffered a high ankle sprain just before the first half ended. Jake Delhomme, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Game 1, was rushed in to relieve Wallace instead.

Everyone knew Jake's ankle wasn't ready, but Coach Mangini sent him back on the field to play anyway. That sent a signal loud and clear that Coach was doing everything he could to not give me the ball.

• The next day, after Delhomme reinjured his ankle by hobbling through the second half against Atlanta, McCoy was told he would start the next game in Pittsburgh.

Ever since I reported to training camp, I had gotten the message loud and clear: Colt, you're not going to play this year. Your job is to watch and listen. When I walked into the Browns' headquarters that morning, however, I was greeted like a long-lost family member who had unexpectedly shown up at a McCoy summer reunion.

I marched into Coach Mangini's office, and he warmly greeted me and offered me a chair. 'Colt, we need to get you ready for this weekend against Pittsburgh. You're starting.'

• On the eve of his first start in Pittsburgh, McCoy stood and addressed his teammates to relieve their fears about playing the Steelers with a raw rookie at quarterback.

I know you have no idea what it's going to be like tomorrow. Everyone in here is scared stiff about a rookie going into Pittsburgh and having his firs start. If you want to be scared, be scared. I'm not scared. I'm ready to play. I'm excited. I'm fired up. This is my passion. This is what I love to do. And I can't wait to get out there and play with all you guys tomorrow.

Our game tomorrow is going to be the start of something great. Bring your all because I know I'm bringing all mine. The hay is in the barn. Let's go.

• McCoy's dad and mom, Debra, attended the game in Heinz Field with McCoy's eventual wife, Rachel. A few Steelers fans taunted them after they were identified.

"[Troy] Polamalu is going to kill your son. I wouldn't watch if I was you," Brad McCoy says one person called. "You better hope Colt's life insurance is paid up today," he says another taunted.

• After McCoy acquitted himself well against the fired-up Pittsburgh defense, Steelers fans were more respectful.

One said to the family, "No rookie has ever come in here and done this," Brad McCoy writes.

Another said, "Your son is unbelievable!"

• McCoy was encouraged by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after the game, won by Pittsburgh, 28-10.

McCoy writes that Roethlisberger said, "Great job. I thought you played well today. Keep your head up. You're going to be a great player."

"If any other country was to win this, then I'm really happy and proud for Japan," the United States' Carli Lloyd said. "Deep down inside I really thought it was our destiny to win it. But maybe it was Japan's."

Associated PressFans in Japan cheer on the Japanese women's World Cup team during its championship win over the United States.

Their country's misery was never far from their hearts.

Thousands dead or missing. Villages erased. Homes destroyed.

The players on Japan's Women's World Cup team invoked the slow recovery from a devastating tsunami and earthquake time and again. Whatever they could do, they vowed, they would.

True to their word, the gleaming World Cup trophy will ride back on the plane with them — a prize, they hope, that will lift the gloom, even if only for a short while.

"Before we went to the match tonight we had some commentary on television and we heard comments on the situation in Japan," coach Norio Sasaki said after Japan upset the Americans for the World Cup title in a riveting final Sunday night, 3-1 on penalty kicks, after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie.

"We wanted to use this opportunity to thank the people back home for the support that has been given."

This was Japan's first appearance in the final of a major tournament, and it hadn't beaten the Americans in their first 25 meetings, including a pair of 2-0 losses in warm-up games a month before the World Cup. But the Nadeshiko pushed ahead, playing inspired soccer and hoping their success could provide even a small emotional lift to their nation, where nearly 23,000 people died or were reported missing in the March 11 catastrophe.

Following each of their games in Germany, the players made a solemn parade around the field with a banner that read, "To our Friends Around the World — Thank You for Your Support." Before Japan upset Germany in the quarter-finals, Sasaki showed his players images of the destruction to remind them of their higher purpose.

"They touched us deep in our souls," star Aya Miyama said about the photos at the time.

And they responded in kind. Joyous fans wearing Japan jerseys hugged and sang in Tokyo as they watched the players hold the trophy aloft, confetti swirling around them and flecking their hair with gold. Special newspaper editions were printed by the national papers and handed out to pedestrians in Tokyo on Monday morning, while scenes from the game were replayed constantly on television.

It was the first World Cup title won by an Asian country.

"If any other country was to win this, then I'm really happy and proud for Japan," Carli Lloyd said. "Deep down inside I really thought it was our destiny to win it. But maybe it was Japan's."

As the Japanese players celebrated, the Americans watched in stunned silence. Through every comeback, to every last second, they believed they were meant to be World Cup champions after their rocky year — needing a playoff to qualify, a loss in group play to Sweden, the epic comeback against Brazil.

They simply couldn't pull off one last thriller.

"The players were patient. They wanted to win this game," Sasaki said. "I think it's because of that the Americans scored only two goals."

The Americans squandered countless chances before Abby Wambach scored in the 104th minute of overtime to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead.

But Homare Sawa, flicked in a corner kick in the 117th to tie it. It was the fifth goal of the tournament for Sawa, who led all scorers in her fifth World Cup.

"We ran and ran," Sawa said. "We were exhausted, but we kept running."

The Americans had beaten Brazil on penalty kicks in a quarter-final, but they didn't have the same touch Sunday. Give feisty goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori credit for some of that. Chirping and yelling, she showed no fear as she faced the Americans. Never mind that she is just under five foot seven, and the goal is eight feet high and 24 feet across.

Shannon Boxx took the first U.S. shot, and it banged off Kaihori's right leg as she dove. After Miyama made her penalty, Lloyd stepped up and sent her shot soaring over the crossbar. As the crowd gasped, Lloyd covered her mouth in dismay.

After Kaihori's impressive two-handed save on a shot by Tobin Heath, Mizuho Sakaguchi converted Japan's third kick. One more, and Japan would win the title.

Wambach made her penalty kick, but Saki Kumagai buried hers and the rest of the Japanese players raced onto the field.

"This is a team effort," Kaihori said. "In the penalty shootout I just had to believe in myself and I was very confident."

It's been 12 years since the United States has won the World Cup, and these players were certain they were the ones to break the drought. They'd needed to beat Italy in a two-game playoff just to get into the World Cup, then lost two games in a three-month span, an unusual "bad streak" for the defending Olympic champions.

After easy wins in their first two games in Germany, the Americans lost to Sweden — their first loss ever in World Cup group play.

But they rallied with one of the most riveting finishes ever in a World Cup game — men's or women's — against Brazil in the quarter-finals. Down a player for almost an hour and on the verge of making their earliest exit from a major tournament, Wambach's magnificent, leaping header in the 122nd minute tied the game.

The Americans beat Brazil on penalty kicks and, just like that, a nation was hooked.

Hollywood celebrities, pro athletes, even folks who don't know a bicycle kick from a Schwinn were captivated by the U.S. women and charmed by their grit and can-do attitude that is proudly American.

The final set the record for tweets per second, eclipsing the wedding of William and Kate and the death of Osama bin Laden. The exciting climax drew 7,196 tweets per second, according to Twitter. Paraguay's penalty shootout win over Brazil in a Copa America quarter-final later the same day came close to beating it with 7,166.

The previous record of 6,939 was set just after midnight in Japan on New Year's Day. Other spikes include bin Laden's death (5,106 per second) and the Super Bowl in February (4,064).

President Barack Obama was a fan, taking to Twitter on Sunday morning to wish the team well.

"Sorry I can't be there to see you play, but I'll be cheering you on from here. Let's go. — BO."

But it was not to be.

Not this time. Not against a team — and a nation — to whom the victory meant so much more than just a title.

"It just seemed like all of Japan suffered so much," Wambach said. "It seemed like their country needed them to win more than ours."

Players and owners have come up with the framework of an agreement that resolves most of the issues that have been blocking a deal.

Associated PressNFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith (foreground center) as he arrived for labor talks in New York last Friday. Walking behind Smith are Baltimore cornerback Domonique Foxworth (left) and Atlanta offensive lineman Tyson Clabo (right).

Lawyers for the NFL Players Association and the league met Monday at a Manhattan law firm to try to work out an agreement to end the four-month lockout.

The court-appointed mediator, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, was expected to arrive in New York later Monday to oversee talks aimed at ending the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987.

The owners have a special meeting set for Thursday in Atlanta, where they potentially could ratify a new deal — if one is reached by then. Any agreement also must be voted on by groups of players, including the named plaintiffs in a federal antitrust suit against the league, and the NFLPA's 32 team representatives.

Players and owners have come up with the framework of an agreement that resolves most of the issues that have been blocking a deal.

That includes:

_ how the more than $9 billion in annual league revenues will be divided;

_ a rookie salary system;

_ free agency rules;

_ a cap of about $120 million for player salaries in 2011, with about another $20 million in benefits.

The lockout began March 12, when negotiations broke down and the old collective bargaining agreement expired. The NFLPA announced it was dissolving itself and would no longer be a union that could bargain for all players under labor law, instead saying it was now a trade association. That allowed players to take their chances against the NFL in federal court under antitrust law.

The sides are trying to put together a tentative agreement in principle in time to keep the preseason completely intact. The exhibition opener is scheduled to be the Hall of Fame game between the St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears on Aug. 7, and as of Sunday, no preseason games had been canceled.

The regular season opener is scheduled for Sept. 8, when the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers are to host the New Orleans Saints.