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Tony and Mary Kay report on Day 1 of Cleveland Browns Training Camp (video)

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Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot give you the news of Day 1 at Training Camp in Berea. Watch video


Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot give you the news of Day 1 at Training Camp in Berea.


Carlos Carrasco needs to get his head on straight: Cleveland Indians daily briefing

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Carlos Carrasco has to learn never to let the opposition see you sweat.

carrasco-slam-royals-vert-to.jpgView full sizeCarlos Carrasco's emotional outburst after Melky Cabrera's grand slam Friday night reaffirmed a continuing problem for the Indians' young starting pitcher.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Carlos Carrasco still has a lot to learn about pitching, the good and the bad parts of it.

I remember a game when Chuck Finley was pitching a game in Detroit and getting hammered. The Tigers were hitting him hard and often.

It was a hot day and Finley had to be miserable. I watched him through the binoculars. He never gave an indication that the Tigers had him flustered, even though they were hitting line drives all over the ballpark.

It was a great example of a pitcher being beaten, but not losing.

Friday night Carrasco not only was beaten, but lost as well. He gave up seven runs on seven hits, including three homers, in 3 1/3 innings. Then he did a dumb thing. After giving up a grand slam to Melky Cabrera in the fourth, he threw at Billy Butler's head and was ejected.

He'll be fined and face a possible suspension depending on what the umpire's report contains. But that's not the big thing.

Carrasco's early exit -- maybe he wanted out, maybe he didn't -- forced manager Manny Acta to use the underside of his bullpen more than he wanted. Carrasco also put his teammates in jeopardy.

The Royals have plenty of time to retaliate before the end of the season. The last time I checked, Carrasco won't be going to the plate with a bat in his hand between then and now.

"We've talked to him about it," said Acta. "Every day you're not going to be on top of the world. We talked to him about not showing the whole world when you're struggling.

"I just hope it was a lesson for him. He feels bad. He knows he let us down a little bit. We had to use two guys out of the pen (Chad Durbin and Frank Herrmann) who threw a lot of pitches. He just didn't handle himself right."

Carrasco was upset that Cabrera admired his grand slam. If he was that upset, he should have pitched well enough to stay in the game. When Cabrera came to the plate the next time, he could have hit him in the waist or the leg.

Then the matter would have been settled. The Indians have had a couple of players hit in the head by pitches this year. It is always frightening and should never be done intentionally.

Tonight's lineups:

Royals (45-61): LF Alex Gordon (L), CF Melky Cabrera (S), DH Billy Butler (R), 1B Eric Hosmer (L), RF Jeff Francoeur (R), 3B Mike Moustakas (L), C Matt Treanor (R), 2B Chris Getz (L), SS Alcides Escobar (R), RHP Felipe Paulino (1-4, 3.86).  

Indians (52-51): LF Michael Brantley (L), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), C Carlos Santana (S), RF Kosuke Fukudome (L), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (L), 1B Matt LaPorta (R), CF Ezequiel Carrera (L), RHP Justin Masterson (8-7, 2.57).

Him vs. me: Orlando Cabrera and Fukudome are 1-for-7 and 1-for-8 against Paulino. Melky Cabrera is 6-for-11 against Masterson.

Lefty-righty: Lefties are hitting .278 (84-for-302) with three homers and righties are hitting .189 (43-for-228) with one homer against Masterson. The Royals have four lefties and a switch-hitter in their lineup.

Lefties are hitting .307 (35-for-114) with three homers and righties are hitting .239 (28-for-117) with one homer against Paulino. The Indians have six lefties and two switch-hitters in the lineup.

Umpires: H Laz Diaz, 1B Wally Bell, 2B John Hirschbeck, 3B Scott Barry.

Quote of the day: "We need just two players to be a contender. Just Babe Ruth and Sandy Koufax," Whitey Herzog, who managed the Royals from 1975-79.

Next: RHP Fausto Carmona (5-10, 5.34) will face RHP Kyle Davies (1-9, 6.75) Sunday at 1:05 p.m. STO and WTAM will cover the game.

Five questions ... with Indians reliever Chad Durbin

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A quick conversation with the Tribe's middle reliever.

Tribe bullpen: Chad DurbinView full sizeChad Durbin keeps his World Series ring from the Phillies in a safe place.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A quick conversation with the Tribe's middle reliever.

Q: Where is the World Series ring you won with the Phillies in 2008 and do you wear it?

A: It's in a safe. I wore it the first year. I'm sure I'll wear it to any alumni type of events 20 years from now when people are wondering who the other 20 guys were on the team.

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

A: Robinson Cano can be a headache because he can cover both sides of the plate. He can really do some damage. When I was younger it was Magglio Ordonez. ... He just owned me.

Q: What sticks out most about your first tour with the Indians from 2003 through 2004?

A: The rehab sticks out to me. I was coming off my Tommy John surgery. The experience down in Winter Haven, Fla., getting to know trainer Lee Kuntz. Meeting Eric Wedge and Carl Willis. Making the team out of spring training in 2004 and me and Jake Westbrook trying to find our way.

Q: What's your best moment in the game?

A: It has to be winning the World Series. The only thing you can relate it to is your big-league debut. That was on Sept. 26, 1999 at old Tiger Stadium. It was the last series played there and it was packed. Those two things walk hand-in-hand.

Q: Talk about the Web site (showcaseu.com) you co-founded that helps high school athletes enhance their chances of getting recruited or signed professionally?

A: It's a recruiting tool for high school athletes. It's an online profile with video that you can get verified by a coach or by going to a combine. ... Then you can take a look at the video as a coach and let your eyes tell you what they're going to tell you.

We probably have 30,000 to 40,000 kids who have come and gone over the last few years.

Cleveland Indians-Colorado Rockies deal for Jimenez gaining momentum

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Pitching prospects Drew Pomeranz and Alex White scratched from Saturday night's game at Class AA Akron.

ubaldo-jimenez-vert-colo-ap.jpgView full sizeThe Indians are reportedly very close to obtaining Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez in a deal that would send Drew Pomeranz, Alex White and Matt McBride to the Rockies.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The possibility of the Indians trading for right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez seems to be growing stronger.

The Rockies were looking for a big haul of prospects to trade Jimenez, who won 19 games last year. If the Indians make the deal, it could start with left-hander Drew Pomeranz, their No.1 pick from last year.

Pomeranz was scheduled to start Saturday night for Class AA Akron. He was scratched from that start. Alex White, the Indians No.1 pick from 2009, was scheduled to pitch a rehab inning at Akron as well.

He was scratched as well. DH/first baseman Matt McBride was also scratched from Akron's lineup.

The Denver Post is reporting that talks for Jimenez may involve Pomeranz, White and second baseman Jason Kipnis. Kipnis started for the Indians Saturday night against the Royals.

Jimenez was scheduled to start tonight for the Rockies in San Diego. There have been reports that he's been scratched from that start.

The deadline for making a deal without waivers is Sunday at 4 p.m.


Cleveland Gladiators activate QB John Dutton for backup role in Sunday's playoff game

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The Gladiators initially thought QB Dutton's injury would be season-ending. As it stands, he is not 100 percent.

john-dutton-locked-and-loaded.JPGView full sizeGladiators quarterback John Dutton will only play Sunday if starter Kurt Rocco is injured.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- John Dutton, who opened the season as the Gladiators' starting quarterback, will be activated for Sunday's 3 p.m. first-round playoff game against Georgia at The Q.

Dutton, though, is not coming back as the starter. He will back up Kurt Rocco, who replaced him in the Gladiators' season opener at Spokane on March 19. That night, Dutton suffered a serious injury to his left Achilles tendon in the fourth quarter of a 61-55 victory.

The Gladiators initially thought Dutton's injury would be season-ending. As it stands, he is not 100 percent.

"We weren't really going to pursue activating John, but we were kind of forced to," Gladiators coach Steve Thonn said.

The Browns, of all teams, triggered the move when they signed Troy Weatherhead, who had been Rocco's backup. Dutton resumed practicing this week.

"We got the clearance from his doctors and physical therapists," Thonn said. "If he's forced to play, we can get him all taped up."

Emphasis on forced. The last thing Thonn wants at this time of year is for Rocco, a rookie from Mount Union, to be looking over his shoulder. Dutton happens to be one of the Arena Football League's all-time greats at his position and started all 16 games for the Gladiators in 2010.

"I want to emphasize: John is not playing unless Kurt gets hurt," Thonn said. "John knows his role at this point. He's fine with it."

Rocco has periodically struggled, but, on balance, played well in leading the injury-riddled Gladiators to a 10-8 record and American Conference East Division title. He passed for 3,834 yards and 72 touchdowns and rushed for 132 yards and 13 touchdowns. He took relatively good care of the ball, throwing 14 interceptions.

Rocco was exceptional at home in the regular season, completing 158-of-237 for 1,914 yards and 45 touchdowns as the Gladiators went 7-2. Rocco threw four picks, but has not been intercepted at home since the fourth quarter against New Orleans on April 16 -- a span of 171 attempts.

"From the get-go, I knew I was not going to start over John Dutton based on the player he is," Rocco said. "I came into the year thinking this would just be a learning process, where I would sit behind John and absorb as much as I could each week. As it turned out, I got put into the fire pretty quickly, and I've been forced to pick up things fast."

Earlier in the week, Rocco and the Gladiators did not think they would have one of their best receivers, Troy Bergeron, Sunday. Bergeron caught 77 passes for 1,113 yards and 30 touchdowns in 13 starts, but he effectively was on loan from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. Soon after the lockout ended, Bergeron reported to the Cowboys.

But a shoulder problem, which cost Bergeron a chunk of the regular season, ended up leading to a failed physical, Thonn said. Bergeron flew back to Cleveland and is expected to be in the lineup.

Another Gladiator who moved to the NFL after the lockout ended is offensive lineman/tight end Cliff Louis. Louis reported to the Arizona Cardinals and will not be available Sunday, Thonn said.

The Gladiators are counting on Adam Tadisch to fill the void on the offensive line. Tadisch opened the season as the starter at guard but left in June to join the UFL.

Tadisch returns after the United Football League delayed the start of its season. Tadisch, a 2010 All-Arena first-team offensive lineman, is in his second season with the Gladiators.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

U.S. Senior Open turning into duel between Olin Browne, Mark O'Meara

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O'Meara and Browne turned the traditionally demanding back nine of the Inverness Club into their private birdie sanctuary.

browne-omeara-horiz-ap.jpgView full sizeOlin Browne, left, fist bumps Mark O'Meara after they both birdied the 17th hole during Saturday's third round of the U.S. Senior Open at the Inverness Club in Toledo.

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Mark O'Meara did just about everything he could on Saturday to play his way into the lead of the U.S. Senior Open.

Olin Browne did just everything he could not to give it up.

O'Meara and Browne, whose professional careers reside at opposite ends of the spectrum, turned the traditionally demanding back nine of the Inverness Club into their private birdie sanctuary on and appear to have turned the 156-player event into a two-horse race.

O'Meara shot a 5-under 66 on moving day. But he didn't move, and stands two shots behind in second place -- where he began the day -- at 13-under 200 heading into Sunday's final 18.

Third-round leaderboard at U.S. Senior Open

"When you're one shot behind and you shoot 5-under on Saturday, you're going to be pleased," said O'Meara. "You think you'd still be right there, maybe leading, and I'm two shots back."

That's because Browne answered every big shot O'Meara threw at him with a 6-under 65 for a Senior Open-record 54-hole score of 15-under 198, thanks mostly to a record 5-under 29 on the back nine.

Former PGA champ Jeff Sluman, former British Open champ Mark Calcavecchia, former Ohio State standout Joey Sindelar and Peter Senior, a multiple European Tour winner, are tied for third at 204. Hale Irwin, whose 45 wins on the Champions Tour are 16 more than nearest pursuer Lee Trevino, shares seventh place with former Senior PGA champ Michael Allen and sectional qualifier Jeff Roth, all at 206.

Three times down the stretch, Browne poured in birdie putts on top of O'Meara's birdie putts. Browne had five birdies over the final nine holes, seven on the day; O'Meara had three over the final four holes, six on the day.

"I just made one more birdie more than Mark, that's all," said Browne.

O'Meara and Browne couldn't have traveled more diverse paths to the final round. O'Meara took up the game as a 13-year old and was an All-American at Long Beach State. Browne didn't start playing until his freshman year at Occidental College.

O'Meara won the U.S. Amateur. Browne won the Bakersfield Open. O'Meara won the British Open and the Masters in 1998 and has 16 other PGA Tour wins. Browne won three times on the PGA Tour, with his biggest triumph coming in the 2005 Deutsche Bank Championship. O'Meara, 54, has won four times in a little more than three Champions Tour seasons. Browne, 52, has not won in nearly three seasons.

Yet, here they are, going head-to-head for arguably the biggest championship for the over-50 set. By their comments, you would never know it. Maybe it's because they've reached comfortable spots in their lives.

"I'm willing to accept whatever happens out there [Sunday], but I'd like to go out there and play well, for sure," said O'Meara.

"I feel very fortunate to have had this kind of a career," said Browne. "Whatever happens is okay with me. I've had a nice run. I've got no complaints."

Of course, that does not mean they won't try to win. While losing your flexibility is a fear on the Champions Tour, the will to compete remains.

Royals lead Indians, 1-0, through 6; trade rumors swirling

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Cleveland offense once again silent in the early innings against Felipe Paulino.

kipnis-royals-vert-jk.jpgView full sizeJason Kipnis and Kansas City's Chris Getz have a close encounter after Getz doubled in the first inning of Saturday night's game at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Royals led the Indians, 1-0, through six innings Saturday night at Progressive Field.

During the first three innings, it was learned that Class AA Akron Aeros lefty Drew Pomeranz was scratched from a scheduled start in Akron, and Tribe righty Alex White had not appeared for a scheduled rehab appearance.

Then, Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez reportedly was scratched from a scheduled start against San Diego. By the middle innings, it was learned Jimenez did, in fact, start against the Padres. 

The Indians are rumored to be the front-runner for Jimenez. They are also pursuing Padres left fielder Ryan Ludwick, a former Indian.

The Royals scored in the first off right-hander Justin Masterson.

Alex Gordon worked the count full and walked. Melky Cabrera, who hit a grand slam in the series opener Friday, doubled to right. Third-base coach Eddie Rodriguez held Gordon.

Billy Butler, who riding a four-game homer streak, struck out swinging. Eric Hosmer grounded to second to drive in Gordon.

Royals righty Felipe Paulino struck out the side in the first and was perfect through two.

Lonnie Chisenhall led off the Tribe third with a walk. Matt LaPorta got ahead in the count, 3-1, but eventually popped to first. Ezequiel Cabrera grounded into a 6-3 double play.

Michael Brantley led off the Tribe fourth with a walk but was caught stealing.

The Indians' first hit came with one out in the fifth. Carlos Santana doubled off the wall in right-center. Santana went nowhere as Kosuke Fukudome flied to left and Lonnie Chisenall finished a 10-pitch at-bat with a pop to third.

In the top of the sixth, Indians second baseman Jason triggered a double play with a diving stop while moving to his left. He whirled and threw to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to force Hosmer. Cabrera threw to LaPorta to erase Mike Moustakas.

The Indians put runners on first and third in the sixth and failed to score. LaPorta led off weith a double to left. Carrera singled to center, third-base coach Steve Smith being forced to hold LaPorta.

Michael Brantley flied to medium-depth in left, where Alex Gordon made the catch and threw a dart to catcher Matt Treanor. LaPorta plowed into Treanor, who held onto the ball for the double play. It was good, hard baseball -- but it sent a dazed Treanor to the clubhouse.

Gordon, a converted third baseman, notched his 17th outfield assist, which ties a franchise record.

Carrera advanced to second on the flyout. Kipnis struck out to end the threat.

 

The behind-the-scenes stories as the trade deadline looms: MLB Insider

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Check out what you may have missed last week in MLB.

kuroda-dodgers-squ-ap.jpgView full sizeThe Indians couldn't put together a deal that could make the Dodgers part with right-hander Hiroki Kuroda.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Twenty things that happened last week in baseball that you should know.

1. The Indians bowed out of the running for Dodgers right-hander Hiroki Kuroda and infielder Jamey Carroll. Negotiations never got to the point where the Dodgers asked Kuroda if he would lift his no-trade clause and go to the North Coast.

As it turned out, the Indians had a pretty interesting backup plan for pitching help.

2. Outfielder Carlos Beltran said he never saw the Indians' trade proposal for him and he's probably right. Beltran, as a five-and-10 player, had the right to refuse any trade. The Mets knew the Tribe's offer wouldn't fly with Beltran's camp, so things never really got far.

The Indians would have paid estimated $6 million to $7 million left on Beltran's $18.5 million, plus a player. The Giants paid only $2 million of Beltran's contract, but they dealt right-hander Zack Wheeler, their No.1 pick from 2009. No word on the talent-level of the player the Indians offered the Mets.

3. Beltran is just what the Giants' struggling offense needed. That's why the Indians wanted him as well.

4. Through Friday the Indians were eighth in runs, 11th in average and 13th in hits in the AL. The Giants are 15th in runs, 14th in average and 13th in hits in the NL. What does pitching mean? The Giants are in first place in the NL West and the Indians in second place in the AL Central.

5. In a 20-6 victory over the Twins on Monday, Texas scored three runs in the first, second and third innings. They added five in the fourth and four more in the fifth. In 111 years, only two other teams have scored three or more runs in each of the first five innings of a game.

6. It took six Twins pitchers, including outfielder Michael Cuddyer, 203 pitches to allow 20 runs and 27 hits to the Rangers.

7. In a seven-game stretch from July 22 through Friday, the Indians were shut out twice and no-hit once.

8. The season is almost four months old and here's a month-by-month look at the Tribe's offense: April .272, 141 runs, May .248, 108 runs, June .228, 91 runs, July .235, 92 runs.

9. The Indians showed off a remodeled loge at Progressive Field last week. They are considering renovations to the ballpark and this could be part of them. If the renovations take place, look for the team to bid on the All-Star Game, which hasn't been played in Cleveland since 1997.

10. Heard this from a guy who should know: Ronny Rodriguez, Indians shortstop at Class A Lake County, can play big-league defense right now.

11. Happiest guy in the big leagues today? Has to be manager Charlie Manuel. The Phillies are running away with the NL East, but Manuel kept fretting about his offense. Hunter Pence should ease those concerns.

12. Phillies gave up prospects Jonathan Singleton, Jarred Cosart and Josh Zeid for Pence. Houston will receive a fourth player later. Singleton, a first baseman, is good hitter and drew a lot of interest from other teams. Cosart is a right-hander, who had arm problems at 19. Zeid, 25, was pitching at Class AA Reading.

As Indians fans found out from the Cliff Lee deal, the Phillies know their prospects well.

13. Carlos Carrasco, one of those prospects, will get fined and possibly suspended for throwing at Billy Butler's head Friday.

14. Houston GM Ed Wade has traded Pence, Roy Oswalt and Brad Lidge to the Phillies. Wade, of course, is a former Philadelphia GM.

15. Still can't figure out why Colorado wanted to trade Ubaldo Jimenez. He had blister problems early, but is said to be healthy.

16. The Orioles beat the Yankees on Friday, but are still only 5-16 at new Yankee Stadium.

17. After driving in 89 runs last year, Matt Kemp reached 80 for the Dodgers on Friday.

18. Jake Westbrook improved to 9-4 for St. Louis on Tuesday. He's 7-1 in his last 13 starts and 13-8 overall since the Indians traded him a year ago.

19. After Seattle ended its 17-game losing streak, manager Eric Wedge said, "When you've got a monkey on your back that size, it's damn hard to get off."

20. Tigers helped themselves with Saturday's acquisitions of starter Doug Fister and reliever David Pauley from Seattle.


USA Masters Track & Field Championships -- third-day results

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At Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea MEN 100 meter 30: Danny Tutskey 10.74; 35: Nelson 10.90; 40: Eric Prince 11.24; 45: Kevin Ellis 11.80; 50: Kenneth Eaton 11.68. 55: Tom Smith 12.23; 60: Charles Allie 12.24; 65: Stephen Robbins 12.51; 70: Robert Lida 13.79; 75: Robert Whilden 13.67; 80: Jack Greenwald (Seville) 16.42; 85: George Riser (Lyndhurst) 17.97; 90: John Means...

At Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea

MEN

100 meter

30: Danny Tutskey 10.74; 35: Nelson 10.90; 40: Eric Prince 11.24; 45: Kevin Ellis 11.80; 50: Kenneth Eaton 11.68.

55: Tom Smith 12.23; 60: Charles Allie 12.24; 65: Stephen Robbins 12.51; 70: Robert Lida 13.79; 75: Robert Whilden 13.67; 80: Jack Greenwald (Seville) 16.42; 85: George Riser (Lyndhurst) 17.97; 90: John Means (Richmond Heights) 18.13. 95: Leland McPhie 30.86.

800 meter

35: Andrew Hogue 2:03.38; 40: Mark Gomes 1:58.38; 45: Landen Summay 2:03.04; 50: Thomas Cawley 2:08.41; 55: Robert Scott 2:15.02; 60: Tom Bernhard 2:17.52; 65: Gary Patton 2:29.57; 70: Maurice McDonald 2:34.74; 75: Charles Rose 2:49.48; 80: John McMahon 3:55.06; 85: Craig McMicken 4:53.67; 90: John Boots 4:57.15.

10,000 meter

35: Paul Mainwaring 33:28.60; 40: Robert Marchinko 33:34.17; 45: Kevin Forde 35:27.46; 50: Brian Pilcher 34:17.04; 55: Lane Custer 39:01.32; 60: Nolan Shaheed 40:19.63; 65: Ronald Legg 40:52.96; 70: Richard Gauntner 46.34.53.

3,000 steeplechase

30: Timothy Budic 9:55.05; 35: Thomas Thomasson 11:37.46; 40: Liam Collins 9:59.11; 45: Ted Poulos 11:49.10; 50: William Fain 12:06.29.

2,000 steeplechase

55: Douglas Labar 12:51.55; 60: William Weigel 8:58.15; 65: Ross Bolding 8:23.06; 70: Roland Cormier 10:11.82; 75: Ken Ogden 12:02.02; 85: Charles Ross 17:23.43.

Triple jump

70: Roger Vergin 8.44m; 75: Glen Stone 7.17m; 80: James Stookey 6.48m; 85: Denver Smith (Louisville) 6.03m; 95: Leland McPhie 2.76.

High jump

35: Jeremy Willis 1.73m; 40: Brian Ashley 1.83; 45: Steven Johnson 1.78m; 50: Bruce McBarnette 1.83m; 55: Donald Watson 1.63; 60: James Sauers 1.60m; 65: David Montieth 1.52m.

Pole vault

55: William Jankovich 2.10m; 60: John Large 3.50m; 65: Matt Kilpelainen 3.35m

Discus

35: Kunle Lawson 45.11m; 40: John Wirtz (Avon Lake) 52.20m; 45: Glenn Thompson 45.43m; 50: Warren Taylor 48.22m; 55: Bruce Kennedy 38.97m; 60: Robert Hume 49.55m; 65: William Harvey 39.94m.

Weight throw

70: Jerry Harwood 12.15m; 75: William Gramley 14.43m; 80: Karlis Ezerins 11.96; 85: George Roudebush 7.03; 95: Leland McPhie 4.63.

WOMEN

100 meter

30: Brandi Bernert 12.16; 35: Turner Cypress 13.32; 40: Toccata Murphy 13.19; 45: Terri Rath 14.47; 50: Kathleen Shook 14.20; 55: Karla Del Grande 13.71; 60: Brenda Matthews 14.55; 65: Kathy Jager 15.27; 70: Christ. Bortignon 16.16; 75: Barbara Jordan 16.46; 80: Magdalena Kuehne 20.00; 85: Patricia Peterson 22.38.

800 meter

35: Janet Lewis 2:31.04; 40: Sonja Friend-Uhl 2:10.56; 45: Lorraine Jasper 2:26.05; 50: Lynda deBoer 2:39.31; 55: Alison Suckling 2:48.11; 60: Coreen Steinbach 2:42.44; 65: Jolen Steigerwalt 3:53.68; 70: Madeline Bost 4:06.35; 75: Mary Harada 4:01.98.

5,000 meter

35: Sheri Kidwell 20:19.54; 40: Lisa Ryan 18:10.87; 45: Julie Hankin 19:35.44; 50: Lynda deBoer 20:36.92; 55: Kathryn Martin 19:25.83; 60: Barbara Broad (Pepper Pike) 20:37.54; 75: Mary Harada 29:19.21

10,000 meter

35: Roxana Wroblewski 42:50.44; 40: Stephanie Timmer 54:40.30; 45: Julie Hankin 42.07.73; 50: Christine Ganz (Broadview Heights) 43:29.73; 55: Kathryn Martin 41.39.65; 60: Karen Bowler 44:50.11; 70: Joynce Hodges-Hite 1:39.30.13.

100 short hurdles

35: Anne Sluder 16.56.

80 short hurdles

40: Lizanne Stephan 14.83; 45: Christine Roemer 15.05; 55: Kay Glynn 15.46; 60: Mary Trotto, dq; 75: Florence Meiler 19.69.

2,000 steeplechase

35: Danelle Readinger 8:58.26; 40: Lisa Ryan 7:23.31; 55: Kathryn Martin 8:18.87; 60: Ashley Childs 10:24.24; 70: Jane Simpson 14:28.04; 75: Florence Meiler 14:03.36.

Triple Jump

30: Amy Russell 8.66m; 35: Turner Cypress 10.20m; 40: Tracey Battle 9.29m; 55: Kay Glynn 8.64m; 60: Brenda Mathews 7.39m; 65: Sharada Sarnaik 7.14m; 70: Christ. Bortignon 6.87m; 75: Audrey Lary 6.77m; 80: Magdalena Kuehne 5.78.

Shot put 3k

50: Oneithea Lewis 12.50m; 55: Ruth Welding 10.15m; 60: Mary Hartzler (Gahanna) 9.48m; 65: Cindy Wyatt 10.29m; 70: Carol Young 7.07.

Shot put 2k

75: Mary Roman 8.83m; 80: Magdalena Kuehne 6.30m; 85: Johnnye Valien 6.32m.

Javelin

70: Carol Young 17.57m; 75: Christel Donley 16.10m.

Weight throw

30: Jaime Flynn 5.87m; 35: Jennifer Stephens 11.75; 40: Patricia Mosley 9.13m; 45: Gina Lanier 8.58m; 50: Oneithea Lewis 16.83m; 55: Ruth Welding 13.60m; 60: Mary Hartzler (Gahanna) 14.17; 65: Georgia Cutler 10.23; 70: Carol Young 12.73m; 75: Audrey Lary 9.90m.

Was Orlando Cabrera played too often by Manny Acta? Hey, Hoynsie!

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The trade deadline will eventually pass, but the fans' interest in getting answers from Paul Hoynes never ends.

Cleveland Indians beat Detroit Tigers, 3-2, after 13 innings of playView full sizeOh Orlando, we hardly knew ye.

Hey, Hoynsie: I really like Manny Acta. However, why does he play Orlando Cabrera so often. My real beef is that he often bats him fifth in the order. Bat him seven, eight, or nine and you might live with that. -- Alan Wilson, Fredonia, Wis.

Hey, Alan: Have you taken a close look at the rest of the Indians' lineup? It's not brimming with a lot of hitters better than Cabrera. Then again, after Saturday night's trade with the Giants, you won't have to worry about it anymore.

Hey, Hoynsie: It's unbelievable that Grady Sizemore played from May to July with asports hernia. I asked my surgeon about playing major-league baseball with a hernia for two months, and he said that Sizemore is either the toughest cookie to ever play the game or he flat-out is Superman. -- Lenny Ripinski, Jr., Dubuque, Iowa

Hey, Lenny: Sizemore has proven he can play through injuries. In 2009, he played with basically the same injury from April until he had surgery in September. When you play like that, there has to be a cost at some point in your career. But that's the way Sizemore has always played.

Hey, Hoynsie: Does Jason Donald have any experience playing the outfield? The Indians were obviously sold on him by all but handing him the third-base job in spring training prior to his injury. Now he's hitting the cover off the ball at Class AAA Columbus, but hasn't been given a shot yet at the major-league level. I would think it's easier to convert from infield to outfield than the other way around. -- Nick Steimle, North Olmsted

Hey, Nick: Infielders moving to the outfield usually have an easier time than outfielders moving to the infield. That being said, I think Donald's best chance to make a big-league club is as a utility infielder.

I think injuries more than anything have held Donald back this year. It doesn't appear Donald has played the outfield as a professional.

Hey, Hoynsie: When Travis Buck was optioned to Class AAA Columbus at one point this year, one of the Indians players got hurt and Buck was recalled right away. However, I read where after Shelley Duncan was sent to Columbus, he had to stay there for 10 days. Why is that? -- Barry Elliott, Jackson Center

Hey, Barry: You answered your own question. If a player gets optioned to the minors from the big leagues, he must stay there for at least 10 days unless there is an injury.

Hey, Hoynsie: I see where former Indians' manager Eric Wedge is already setting epicrecords in Seattle by managing the Mariners to 17 straight losses. And, believe it or not, after the first dozen losses, Eric -- without accepting any personal responsibility -- told the media that his players had to be "tougher" to win. Do you think that someday Eric will actually accept responsibility for his own actions, or will he continue to blame others as he had throughout his career? -- Jon Dibinski, Johnsontown, Pa.

Hey, Jon: I covered Wedge as Indians manager from his first day to the last. He always took full responsibility for the club's record and performance. He expected the players to do the same thing.

Hey, Hoynsie: After last Sunday's game, Acta said a couple times that people would be surprised at the efforts the Indians had made to acquire players before the deadline. Does this mean we will get an idea of trades that fell through? -- Joe Winnfield, Columbus

Hey, Joe: Well, we already saw what happened in the case of Carlos Beltran turning down the Tribe. I think Acta was just stating on how hard the front office was working on trying to make a deal. That was proven on Saturday night.

Cleveland Indians lose to Twins, 6-4View full sizeAsdrubal Cabrera has been the Indians' most dynamic player in 2011, but he doesn't have a resume that equals the Mets' Jose Reyes quite yet, says Paul Hoynes.

Hey, Hoynsie: At this point in their careers, who is a better shortstop -- Asdrubal Cabrera or Jose Reyes? Assuming Reyes gets paid like rumors suggest ($15 million to $18 million per year) what will Cabrera's value be when it's his turn to get paid and will the Indians pony up the dough to keep him? -- Jeff Miller, New Haven, Conn.

Hey, Jeff: Not only has Jose Reyes received more publicity than Asdrubal Cabrera, but he must be considered a better player at this point in his career.

The Indians control Cabrera for 2012 and 2013, until he's eligible for free agency. If he's a $15 million to $18 million a year shortstop by then, he won't be staying in Cleveland.

Hey, Hoynsie: How long do the Indians wait for Matt LaPorta to improve? -- Rick Sigrist, Marion

Hey, Rick: The ankle injury didn't help LaPorta, but no doubt it's been a frustrating year for the first baseman to this point. Big things were expected of him coming out of spring training.

Hey, Hoynsie: What are the Tribe's offensive stats and won-loss record after the change from Jon Nunnally to Bruce Fields as hitting coach? -- Chuck Walker, Olmsted Township

Hey, Chuck: The Indians announced the firing of Nunnally before the June 19th game against Pittsburgh. They were 38-31 at the time and hitting .251 (582-for-2,318) with 302 runs as a team.

Since the change, the Indians are 14-20 and hitting .233 (264-for-1,131) with 130 runs as a team.

Don't forget the Indians have been without Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore for a big chunk of time since the change was made.

-- Hoynsie

Will the Cleveland Browns have interest in ex-Packers LB Nick Barnett? Hey, Tony!

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Camp is underway, which just prompts a new series of questions in this week's mailbag.

barnett-packers-squ-ap.jpgView full sizeFormer Packers linebacker Nick Barnett would offer the Browns a lot of savvy for a linebacking corps that needs some depth.

Hey, Tony: With their possible releases coming up, do you see the Browns having any interest in Nick Barnett or Joey Porter to bolster the LB corps? -- Alex Thompson, Olmsted Falls

Hey, Alex: Porter restructured his deal to stay in Arizona. Barnett, who came out in the D'Qwell Jackson draft class, would be an interesting addition to compete at middle linebacker.

Hey, Tony: Under the new collective bargaining agreement, will there be a 16- or 18-game season? It's something I've been unable to glean, even after a lot of web searching.-- Greg Stelz, Durango, Colo.

Hey, Greg: The 18-game season is dead for now, but language was inserted in the labor agreement to allow it to be revisited. This will happen in the next round of negotiations with the broadcast networks. By then, many players opposed to the idea will be out of the sport and the new blood might agree with the owners that an expanded schedule means millions of dollars of new revenue for each side to bathe in.

Hey, Tony: I once read that when Bill Parcells took over the Jets, he walked in on the first staff meeting and dropped a thick pile of injury reports from the previous year and said sternly, "This is going to stop NOW." Considering the dark cloud of bad luck that seems to hang over the Browns, how much can the coaches really do to reduce injuries? Was Parcells' first year markedly better than the previous year? -- Wayne Rohricht, Newark, Del.

Hey, Wayne: Coaches have to be cognizant of not overworking players in camp and practices. There definitely is renewed awareness of practice habits as a result of the new labor agreement. But a lot of injuries are unavoidable -- freakish things -- no matter the training regimen or who's the head coach.

Hey, Tony: I was shocked with the Vikings pick of Christian Ponder with the 12th overall pick in the draft. Do you think the Vikings would have preferred Colt McCoy and a mid-round pick over Ponder? And if so, would you have made the trade if you were Tom Heckert? -- R.M., Mission, Texas

Hey, R.M.: McCoy was a third-round pick in 2010 and the Vikings passed him up at least twice. That answers your first question. Plus, I think the Browns are committed to McCoy from the top of their organization to the bottom, and, thus, would not have made that deal.

ravens-newsome-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeOzzie Newsome still has his fans in Northeast Ohio, but there are others who have chosen to overlook his Browns playing career because of his success with the Ravens.

Hey, Tony: I'm a lifetime Browns fan but I live a few hours outside of Cleveland. With that being said, I have always wondered what the local fans think of Ozzie Newsome. Do fans in and around Cleveland view him as an all-time Browns great and Hall of Famer, or do they view him as somewhat of a sell-out for working for (and being very successful) with the Ravens?-- Matt Wellbaum, Urbana, Ohio

Hey, Matt: To this day, I'm finding fans are split on this issue. I would say more fans support Newsome, but there is a big chunk still upset with him. I think Newsome's success with the Ravens feeds the polarity. Fans should get off Newsome's back.

Hey, Tony: It sounds like the whole reason the player held out is for health care after they retire, and to end two-a-days. The rookie salary cap is for the owners, if you ask me. What they should do is mandate they invest 25 percent of their salary into their retirement/healthcare. Why should the owners be responsible for their health care? I work for the State of Ohio, you think after I retire they should pay all of my health care? Tony, what am I missing here? -- Todd Davis, Creston, Ohio

Hey, Todd: By the time they retire, NFL players usually have pre-existing medical conditions that make it hard to even find a health provider. Those medical conditions are the result of doing their jobs. I don't want to debate this issue, but they certainly are in a high-risk profession and should be considered for that.

Hey, Tony: Tony, keep an eye out for the availability of Adrian Arrington off New Orleans. If New Orleans lets him slip, the Browns need to grab him. He'd be a valuable pickup ... a Marques Colston type. -- Fred Gibson, Georgetown, Texas

Hey, Fred: Arrington is not an unrestricted free agent. Plus, don't you think the team that scored big on Colston would recognize another value pick on their own team?

Hey, Tony: As someone who group up in Canton and still comes home every year for HOF weekend, I think it is sad the NFL did not make a bigger push to get in the HOF game. If there was no deal close, I would have no problem. However, owners are pushing hard to make sure they don't miss a single preseason game in their own stadiums due to revenue loss, but the traditional kickoff to the season will be taken away from fans and of course business owners in Canton as well. Any way the NFL can go an extra step for the folks in Canton or the HOF as a token gesture? -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio

Hey, Michael: I've got to believe the NFL will take care of the Hall of Fame. I wish they would do the same for Canton, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for it.

Hey, Tony: With all the talk about the concerns with Colt McCoy's arm strength, no one seems to mention his leadership ability. This got me thinking about how No Knees Bill Nelson made things work through leadership. Since the lockout, I see McCoy through deeds -- not words -- has shown leadership. -- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.

Hey, Alan: Everyone I talk to -- players, coaches, NFL execs -- gives McCoy high marks on all the intangibles required of the position, especially leadership.

Hey, Tony: I don't understand the players being upset over the labor deal that the owners approved. They are accused of putting in things at the last minute and needing time to read the fine print. I thought this deal was put together through negotiations with Goodell, owners, DeMaurice Smith, their so-called union, counsel and player reps. Is this correct? If so, shouldn't the players find better representation? They obviously don't trust their current representation to act on their behalf. -- Ed Todd, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Hey, Ed: I think players were upset about the NFL owners announcing their version of the deal before the players had a chance to comprehend the full settlement. Let's be thankful they resolved their differences.

dawson-wave-steelers-horiz-jg.jpgView full sizePhil Dawson thought he was waving good-bye to Browns fans after the final game of 2010, but he's back in camp this week.

Hey, Tony: I read on ESPN that Phil Dawson didn't sign his franchise tag. Are the Browns going to sign him or is he set to leave Matt Roth style? -- Chris Zanon, Canton

Hey, Chris: After submitting your question, Dawson agreed to sign the team's one-year franchise tender to stay with the Browns.

Hey, Tony: With the Browns lacking an adequate third-down back, do you foresee Josh Cribbs being the guy? I think the defense would have a tough time matching up with him in the backfield. -- Tony Megan, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Hey, Tony: I agree with you. But since your question arrived, the Browns signed Brandon Jackson of Green Bay for the third-down role. I believe Cribbs now is earmarked as a slot receiver in the new offense.

Hey, Tony: With a rush for teams to sign free agents and make trades, is there any chance of signing a big name like Sidney Rice, Santonio Holmes, or Nnamdi Asomugha? -- Jason Rose, Utica, N.Y.

Hey, Jason: No, no and no. And I would have answered the same way in March.

Hey, Tony: With the new cap rules, I'm interested in how it will affect the Browns' roster this year. Building through the draft is the only tried and true method of building a solid team, but with 90 percent of the cap needing to be spent, where will that money go? With the Browns' present talent level, I have to believe that picking up a couple quality free agents to plug into the roster would be a wise move. -- Ron Falstaff, Ft Wayne, Ind.

Hey, Ron: The rules of the so-called salary floor allow for teams to reach that level by the end of the year. Thus, if Heckert follows through with his plan to not over-indulge in free agency, the beneficiaries will be players already under contract who will receive extensions. Heckert said his philosophy is to build through the draft and invest money in the team's nucleus players through new deals.

Hey, Tony: Is there anyone that compares to Jim Donovan? He is by far the most exciting announcer to listen to. I remember back when the Browns had Tim Couch, I would mute the TV and turn on the radio to listen to him announcing. Nowadays I have watched NFL Red Zone, and they have radio announcers on there announcing top plays of every game, and no one compares to Jim Donovan. I hope he announces forever, he makes every game enjoyable. -- Tyler Grolemund, Erie, Pa.

Hey, Tyler: On the pantheon of great Cleveland sports announcers, Donovan ranks with the best.

Hey, Tony: Do you think the Browns will look at Donte Whitner? -- Samuel Calhoun, Cleveland

Hey, Samuel: Probably not. He's mostly an in-the-box strong safety -- the role filled by T.J. Ward. After the Browns signed Usama Young to play free safety, it's doubtful Whitner is in their plans.

Hey, Tony: Will there be another Family Day at Browns Stadium this year? -- Chris Topher, Parma Heights

Hey, Chris: Yes, it is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 6, from 2-4 p.m. Admission is free.

Hey, Tony: So the owners opt out of the last CBA, lock out the players, get great Draft Day ratings, lose no games (sorry Canton, not fair), still charge full price for preseason, pay less for rookies with anti-holdout language, reduce player overall take percentage, AND they have all the networks over a barrel in the next round of negotiations. Why are some corners saying the owners lost? Sure doesn't sound like it. -- Mark Monroe, Martinez, Calif.

Hey, Mark: I'm not aware of anyone saying the owners lost. Why do you think they came out of their meeting high-fiving each other?

Hey, Tony: FYI, the Browns have shut down ticket exchange for season-ticket holders. You might want to investigate this. It appears that they will not let season ticket holders sell probably because they are trying to sell their own tickets. Lockout ends for players and owners, continues for the season ticket holders. -- Reggie Kaplan, Los Angeles

Hey, Reggie: Fans deserve an explanation from the team.

Hey, Tony: What is the media's obsession with Montario Hardesty? It seems kind of disrespectful to Peyton Hillis and his breakout season last year. -- Dan Desai, Toledo

Hey, Dan: Can only speak for myself. In only six carries last summer, Hardesty looked like a dynamic runner. This is not to disrespect Hillis, who had a tremendous season, but if Hardesty can stay healthy, he needs to be on the field.

Hey, Tony: I have two questions. The first is: Why do the Browns seem to try to be so tight-lipped about their plans? And the second is: Why do the Browns not recognize that they are woefully short of playmakers on both sides of the ball and seem to settle for "solid players" rather than guys other teams have to game plan around? We will never make up ground on the Ravens or Steelers without them. Both the Eagles and the Seahawks/Packers had them while H&H were there respectively. We can still build through the draft but the Browns' salary cap position this year should have given them the ability to upgrade several positions significantly. -- David Allen, Tipp City, Ohio

Hey, David: 1. It seems to me that the flow of information gets worse every time the franchise changes regimes. 2. Since your question arrived, the Browns signed free agents Usama Young and Brandon Jackson. Neither is considered the playmaker-type of which you speak. I offer two examples of what you're talking about -- trading down from No. 5 to No. 22 in 2009 and trading down from No. 6 to No. 27 and then giving up a third-round pick to move up to No. 21 in 2011. That's a lot of playmakers in between those selections to pass up.

Hey, Tony: Where was Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis at (the labor agreement ratification) meeting? -- J.J. Jordan, Sandusky

Hey, J.J.: The Raiders abstained from voting on the new deal, but that's not surprising. I can't think of an economic issue over the last 10 years on which they did not abstain. They abstained on the vote on Art Modell's move of his team in 1996.

-- Tony

Bridgestone Invitational offers another chance for U.S. to defend against the European invasion of golf

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Is Europe the dominant continent in the golf world? It sure seems that way.

luke-donald-2011-horiz-ap.jpgView full sizeLuke Donald is the world's No. 1 golfer, but has European talent really surpassed the best of the United States? Local fans will get a close look at next weekend's Bridgestone Invitational.

TOLEDO, Ohio -- It might fly in England. Or Ireland. Or Germany. Or anyplace else in Europe.

It might even fly South Africa. Or Australia. That doesn't necessarily mean it's going to fly in Akron and Firestone Country Club.

Is Europe the dominant continent in the golf world? It sure seems that way.

• European golfers have won four of the last six majors and the U.S. has gone an unprecedented six tournaments without producing a major champion.

• Europe has won six of the last eight Ryder Cups.

• In the latest world rankings, Europeans hold down the top four spots and 14 of the top 31.

• England's Luke Donald is in his ninth consecutive week of sitting on top of the rankings after replacing Germany's Martin Kaymer.

• Yes, in the 24 years that the World Golf Rankings have been kept, 15 players have been ranked No. 1. Seven -- Bernhard Langer, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Martin Kaymer and current top dog Luke Donald -- have been from England, Wales, Spain or Germany. Only four -- Tiger Woods, David Duval, Tom Lehman and Fred Couples -- have been from the United States.

Some might feel the European players are dominating professional golf, with Rory McIroy, Graeme McDowell, the aforementioned Donald and the resurgent Darren Clarke, who won his first major title two weeks ago at the British Open. Others will tell your statistics to shut up, especially when it comes to playing the South Course at Firestone.

• A European player has never won the Bridgestone Invitational, which will be played for the sixth time next week.

• In 48 Firestone events over the last 57 years only two Europeans -- Northern Ireland's Clarke and Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal -- have left as champions. Ireland's Padraig Harrington and England's Lee Westwood and Justin Rose have challenged. But, challenging isn't winning.

"They have to play a different style of golf at Firestone, like on a lot of U.S. courses," offered former PGA Tour player Peter Jacobsen, now on the Champions Tour. "Over there the game is played on the ground. Over here, the game is played more in the air."

Some American players hold the world rankings in disdain, feeling they are slanted toward players who spend most of their time overseas. They find it difficult to designate a player such as Westwood as the second-best player in the world when he has yet to win a major.

"I don't even pay attention to them," John Cook, another Tour graduate, said of the rankings. "They are so skewed towards the European events."

Pete Cowen, swing coach to Westwood and McDowell, disagrees. "The Americans say the world rankings are biased towards the Europeans, but they are only biased towards Europe because we have the better players," Cowen told Lawrence Donegan of The Guardian, a paper based in the United Kingdom. In the same article, published during the U.S. Open, Donegan referred to Donald, Westwood and Kaymer, ranked 1-2-3, as a once unthinkable prospect -- America's sporting culture is famously insular -- but now it seems perfectly reasonable."

He also quoted South African Ernie Els as saying, "I remember back in the 1990s, Europe was dominating like they are now on the world rankings. You had Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Seve Ballesteros, those kinds of guys. Now you've got the same with Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell. They've definitely got the upper hand at the moment."

Westwood believes Europe has the upper hand because its players compete more frequently on a bigger stage.

"That's the way I've always tried to play," said Westwood, who has been ranked second to Donald for most of the season. "I've tried to play everywhere. It's a world game now and you've got quality South Africans, two major champions from Northern Ireland [McIlroy, McDowell] and another from Germany [Kaymer]. The game is global and you have to accept that."

Donald, who has one U.S. victory -- but no majors -- to his credit, believes dominance swings from one continent to another.

"I think these things go in cycles and Americans proved for many years that they are very strong, and they still are very strong," he said. "They have great players over there, and you know, even on paper, at The Ryder Cup in Wales, we were much the stronger side on paper, it was still a very close match. I'm sure the Americans will come back."

Harrington, who has won three majors but none since 2008, believes history plays a part.

"The are two reasons why Europe is having the success it's having at the moment," he said. "First, all the players who are successful now were at an age in the 1980s when we were watching golf for the first time and we watched Seve, Faldo, Woosie and Sandy Lyle. So when I was growing up I didn't think it was unusual for a European to win majors and be the best in the world."

Harrington believes the success being enjoyed by his generation is rubbing off on the younger players and that Europe will continue its success.

"So there's more coming up and there's more Europeans, there's definitely going to be," he said. "We are in a golden period at the moment. The players are only maturing at this stage."

To which a diehard American fan, many of whom will turn out this week at Firestone, might say, "Bring it on."

David Ragan wins pole at Indianapolis

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David Ragan, in the midst of a career breakthrough, added the pole for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to his suddenly improved resume.

david-ragan.jpgDavid Ragan drives through the first turn during practice for the NASCAR Brickyard 400 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — David Ragan, in the midst of a career breakthrough, added the pole for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to his suddenly improved resume.

Ragan earned his first career Sprint Cup Series victory earlier this month at Daytona, a track long considered to be the crown jewel track of NASCAR. Indianapolis ranks among the most prestigious tracks in the world, and Ragan's pole-winning run Saturday was no small feat.

He made his run late in the session, with three-time Brickyard winner Jimmie Johnson holding down the top spot on the leaderboard. Ragan turned a lap of 182.994 mph in his Roush Fenway Racing Ford to bump Johnson from the pole.

"It will be cool to lead the pack," Ragan said. "It's an honor to be here and to be the fastest guy at Indy. This is a great track. Any type of accomplishment you get here is cool."

It's Ragan's second career pole. His first came in April at Texas.

"It was a good lap, I didn't make a mistake," Ragan said. "It wasn't as aggressive as I wanted to be. But I knew if I hit my marks, had a conservative lap, I'd at least have a top-five."

Kasey Kahne made his qualifying run after Ragan and jumped in front of Johnson with a lap at 182.927 mph in a Toyota from Red Bull Racing.

"We just have to be there at the end," Kahne said. "It seems that's how this race is won, being up front at the end. You're not just going to pass five, six cars. When you get to turn one, you've got to be one of those top couple of cars more times than not."

Johnson, the five-time defending series champion, fell to third. His lap of 182.801 mph in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet had led the qualifying session until the late runs by Ragan and Kahne. He wasn't upset though, and knows his past success at Indy will come into play on Sunday.

"This track is clearly unique and we don't race on anything else like it," Johnson said. "When you get it right, you have an advantage."

Penske Racing teammates Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski qualified fourth and fifth in their Dodges for Sunday's race, and the drivers have already heard from team owner Roger Penske on what they'll need to do to win.

"He made a phone call last night and reminded us that we needed to try two tires in practice," Keselowski said. "He's got this whole game plan and how the strategy is going to play out. He definitely studies this race. He loves coming here."

AJ Allmendinger, Juan Pablo Montoya, Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth and series points leader Carl Edwards rounded out the top 10.

David Stremme, Travis Kvapil, Erik Darnell, JJ Yeley and Scott Wimmer were the five drivers who failed to qualify for the race.

Denny Hamlin qualified 14th, but he'll have to drop to the back of the field at the start of the race as a penalty for changing his engine. The move was necessary because the engine in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota blew up late in Friday's final practice.

It's at least the 11th engine failure by a JGR car this season, and comes as speculation mounts that the team will close its engine shop and lease engines next season from manufacturer Toyota.

Dropping to the back of the field probably won't work to Hamlin's advantage, either. Only four of the previous 17 Brickyard winners started worse than 15th, and the farthest back a winning driver has started was Jeff Gordon at 27th in 2001.

"It's just going to be a tough task coming from the back," Hamlin said. "Everybody runs the same speed, so it's fairly impossible to pass. You can have a 20th-place car, and transplant that guy to coming out of pit road first and go win the race. It's just one of the deals where we know we're going to fight track position."

It may not be much easier at the front for Ragan: The pole-winner has only gone on to win Indianapolis twice before, Kevin Harvick in 2003 and Johnson in 2008.

"I think you've got to be fast to sit on the pole, and to win the race, you've got to be fast 400 miles worth," Ragan said. "You've got to be good throughout the afternoon when it's hot and slick and rubber builds up and you have to make changes. There's a lot that goes into a race than just being fast ... but leading the first lap is certainly a start.

"I'm not saying we're the No. 1 contender, but if we go out and win, I certainly wouldn't be surprised."

It would be a huge victory for Ragan, who suddenly finds himself in contention for a spot in the 12-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. He's currently 13th in the standings, but the final two spots in the Chase field will go to the drivers ranked highest in points who also have a win.

Ragan has that with the Daytona victory, and three drivers ranked ahead of him are currently winless.

Ragan likes his current position, but is hesitant to get too excited because he's sandwiched between Clint Bowyer in 12th place and teammate Greg Biffle in 14th.

"I think about that and I want to get happy, but then I look to my left, I see Bowyer. I look to my right and I see Greg Biffle, (Juan Pablo) Montoya. That puts me down to reality pretty quick. A lot of good race car drivers around me and my team — we can't get confident that we're just going to get in because we've got a win.

''We can make the Chase, no doubt about it. We're prepared for the fight and can't wait."

Cinesport video: Brickyard 400

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


Terry Pluto's Talkin' ... about realistic expectations for the Browns, a new running back's needed skills, the troubles of Butch Davis and the Tribe's vexing young arm

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Browns fans will need to accept that 2011 is clearly a construction season for their team.

Joe Haden Joe Haden is just one of the many young Browns who will hopefully be the foundation for success in future seasons, says Terry Pluto. Fans just shouldn't expect too much in 2011.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Blue skies and an open camp in Berea. So there's plenty to be talkin' ...

About the Browns ...

1. This is going to be hard for fans to accept, but the Browns are in a serious building mode. They are not taking any major free-agent short cuts. Most of the players being signed are in their middle 20s -- Usama Young, Brandon Jackson and Brodrick Bunkley, a 27-year-old defensive lineman obtained from Philadelphia. They plan to force-feed draft picks Greg Little, Phil Taylor, Jabaal Sheard into action, along with 2010 third-rounder Shawn Lauvao. Remember that 2010 draft picks Colt McCoy, T.J. Ward and Joe Haden are already established as starters.

2. So the Browns may be starting at least seven players from their last two drafts, engineered by Tom Heckert. It's possible even more draft picks from the last two years may play key roles-- but when you are talking seven possible starters from two drafts, you have to hope Heckert picked 'em right. They certainly will get a chance to prove it.

3. Some fans care less that Eric Wright signed with Detroit. I wish the Browns could have kept him as the third cornerback -- which was the plan. He wouldn't be covering the top guys. Wright turned 26 on July 24. It's very possible that he can bounce back to the form of 2008-09 when he was a respectable cornerback.

4. Glad to see the Browns signed Young. Hard to know if he's ready to start, but that safety spot next to Ward is wide open. While he played 33 percent of the defensive snaps for New Orleans, the numbers from 2010 don't reveal much. He was targeted with nine passes, six were caught. But the gains were small -- the six catches went for 44 total yards. The Kent State product is 26, so he fits into the plan of acquiring younger guys who seem ready to take a step up in their careers.

5. Wright's departure leaves Sheldon Brown and Haden as the starting cornerbacks, with only Michael Adams as a veteran backup. Adams also plays safety. Young was a cornerback at New Orleans, so he may be able to help. But the Browns are thin at safety -- Ward, Adams and Young. No one is saying Wright is another Hanford Dixon, but he did supply depth. Keep in mind that Brown is 32 and coming off shoulder surgery.

6. It's hard to believe D'Qwell Jackson is only 27, because it seems as if he's been around forever. He was a second-round pick in 2006. If he is indeed healthy, that's a major bonus. But he has to prove it after playing only six games (none in 2010) because of repeated pectoral injuries. I do wish the Browns would sign a 20-something linebacker with starting potential to join Scott Fujita, Chris Gocong and Jackson in the new 4-3 defense.

holmgren-jackson-vert-lt.jpgView full sizeNew running back Brandon Jackson (with Browns President Mike Holmgren) brings the skills needed to help execute the team's new West Coast offense.

About Brandon Jackson ...

1. There are several reasons to like this signing, and let's start with the fact that Jackson is only 25. Bill Barnwell of Pro Football Outsiders wrote an essay called "Free Agents You Meet in Hell." First on his list is the veteran running back, the guys in their late 20s or older who have good stats but lifeless and sometimes aching legs after years of pounding.

2. Jackson has played only four years, 347 career carries. He had 13 starts last season for Green Bay, only 16 in his career. He could be like Peyton Hillis coming to the Browns in that he's been around long enough to figure out the NFL -- but is not physically worn down by the league. He should be more than a stopgap for a season or two.

3. Profootballfocus rated Jackson as the No. 6 receiver among NFL backs. At the top was Arian Foster, next came Hillis. Jackson caught 48 of 57 passes in his direction and had only two drops. In the West Coast offense where backs have to catch the ball, this is important. The Browns should be in great shape with Jackson and Hillis.

4. Among blockers, Jackson and Hillis tied for sixth among running backs, according to Profootballfocus. Remember, the Web site's evaluations are subjective. But to the average fan who watched Hillis, it was clear the guy could catch the ball ... and really block. So his high ranking made sense, and that's why we can feel reasonably confident the same is true of Jackson.

5. Hillis led running backs with six fumbles in 2010. Jackson had only one in 190 carries. He has only three in his career, so that's impressive. Jackson played 48 percent of the snaps for the Packers.

6. Jackson ranked 46th among running backs when it came to effectiveness as a rusher. He had 703 yards, a 3.7 average. His best games were 115 yards in 10 carries vs. Washington and 99 yards in 22 carries vs. New England. He was shut down by Minnesota (28 yards, 14 carries), Atlanta (26 yards, 10 carries), New York Giants (18 carries, 39 yards) and Chicago (19 carries, 76 yards). So his value is as a receiver.

7. Jackson has played in a form of the West Coast in Green Bay. He is solid: two drops, one fumble, one penalty. He is a wise choice to blend in with Montario Hardesty and Hillis, provide depth in case they are injured and is effective on third downs.

8. Pat Shurmur has said many of his offensive sets begin with two backs. Because of their blocking skills, you can expect to see Jackson and Hillis on the field together during some plays.

butch.jpgView full sizeButch Davis had no idea of any wrongdoing at North Carolina. That's an argument that is pretty hard to accept, says Terry Pluto.

About Butch Davis ...

1. Because it happened in Chapel Hill and not Columbus, most area fans are not aware of how much of a mess Butch Davis made of the North Carolina football program. The remarkable part of this story is how the university waited until this week to fire Davis, whose Tar Heels are accused of nine major NCAA violations.

2. As usual, he walks away with cash. He is expected to be paid about $2.7 million over the next few years -- despite the major NCAA penalty expected to eventually arrive. Davis claims he knew nothing of what was going on, and it has been hard to pin any of the violations directly on him.

3. But the former Browns coach obviously made his team agent-friendly. His top assistant, John Blake, has been accused of taking at least $30,000 from an agent. Blake said it was a loan. The NCAA believes it was to steer players in the agent's direction.

4. Most fans know 14 of North Carolina's players were suspended last season because of dealing with an agent -- including seven for the entire season. One was Greg Little, the Browns' second-round pick. A "quasi agent" mentioned by the NCAA as lurking around the program is Chris Hawkins, who did play for UNC. But he also is the guy charged with buying the jersey from Georgia receiver A.J. Green -- leading to Green being suspended for four games.

5. There also are charges of academic fraud. Two players indicated to the NCAA that parts of papers were written for them by tutors. Twelve players racked up parking tickets worth a combined $13,125.

6. A strange twist is another tutor is charged with paying $1,789 in parking tickets for players and buying a player an airline ticket. This tutor also worked with Drew Davis, the son of the coach who is still in high school. Davis said she was one of five different tutors who worked with his son during his four years in Chapel Hill.

7. What did Davis deliver for all this? A 28-23 record. He was 15-17 in the ACC, and never had a record better than 4-4 in the conference. Davis released this statement after he was fired: "I was honestly shocked to receive word that I will no longer be the head football coach at the University of North Carolina. I can honestly say that I leave with full confidence that I have done nothing wrong. I was the head coach and I realize the responsibility that comes with that role. But I was not personally involved in, nor aware of, any actions that prompted the NCAA investigation."

8. Davis says "honestly" twice in the statement. Well, I can honestly say that it's very hard to believe that he had no idea any of these things were happening in his program.

Cleveland Indians beat Pittsburgh Pirates, 5-1View full sizeCarlos Carrasco has been both brilliant and abominable for the Indians in 2011, which qualifies him as one of the team's most befuddling talents.

About the Indians ...

1. The Indians most frustrating player? I started to go with Matt LaPorta, but it's Carlos Carrasco. That's because I don't know if LaPorta has the ability to be an impact player. But Carrasco has four major-league pitches. He has shown the ability to be dominating -- he was 4-2 with a 1.90 ERA in June.

2. Then came Friday's meltdown in a 12-0 loss to Kansas City. Carrasco was charged with seven runs, made a very foolish (and dangerous) decision to throw at the head of Billy Butler on the pitch after he allowed a grand slam. Butler had homered off Carrasco earlier in the game. The 24-year-old Carrasco's biggest battle is often with his composure and confidence.

3. In July, Carrasco is 0-5 with a 9.13 ERA. He's been spanked for eight homers in 23 innings. This came after Carrasco allowed only seven homers in his first 92 innings this season. Home runs have been a problem, but he seemed to have conquered it earlier this season. What hurts is his homers often come with men on base. Heading into this season, Carrasco had allowed 12 homers in his first 67 big-league innings.

4. Carrasco is the key to the Cliff Lee deal. Lou Marson is a solid defensive catcher and probably could start for some teams. Jason Donald is being groomed to be the team's utility man in 2012. Jason Knapp was a big part of the trade because he once threw 100 mph, but he's had his second serious shoulder operation -- and who knows what he'll deliver.

5. Veteran first baseman Nick Johnson is showing signs that he could help the Tribe this season. The Indians signed the 32-year-old knowing he was coming off major wrist surgery. If you look at his Columbus stats, he was batting .211 (21-of-96) heading into the weekend. But in his last 10 games, Johnson is 8-of-32 (.250) with three homers and two doubles. He showed virtually no power before this, a sign that his wrist is healing and gaining strength.

6. The Tribe didn't advertise it, but they signed Johnson as insurance in case LaPorta struggled or was injured. Johnson's last full season was 2009 when he batted .295 (.810 OPS) with six homers and 44 RBI for Washington, where the manager was Manny Acta. Johnson is not a power hitter. He has a career .401 on-base percentage and usually is a tough out.

7. This email came from Barb Schopp-Miller not long after the Indians were no-hit by the Angels: "On a good note, Tony Sipp came over and signed autographs for a good 20 minutes at the players lot. He even walked back over to a group of teenagers that missed him when he first came out."

8. The Indians are very intrigued by Chen Lee, a 24-year-old right-hander from Taiwan who has a 4-1 record and 1.99 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 54 innings between Class AA Akron and Columbus. Heading into the weekend, he had allowed only one run and fanned 22 in 14 1/3 innings for the Clippers. He is a possibility for the bullpen in 2012.

Cleveland Indians' bold move counters fans' criticism of a no-risk front office: Bill Livingston

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Indians fans hated it when the team trades Cy Young pitchers. Now some are upset they traded for a Cy-caliber ace. You can't have it both ways.

chris antonetti.JPGView full sizeIndians GM Chris Antonetti can't be criticized for being too timid anymore, not after Saturday night, says Bill Livingston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The acquisition of Ubaldo Jimenez is a deal that divides the Indians fan base into those who fear the future has been sent to Colorado with the team's stud pitching prospects, Alex White and Drew Pomeranz, and those who think the future is now.

There was, in truth, concern about White's finger injury in the Tribe front office. There was also a need to show the fan base an active pursuit of a playoff berth that seems to be fading, despite what the standings say.

Jimenez immediately becomes the Indians' No. 1 starter, although changing leagues, particularly going from the pitcher-bats National to the American, the land of the designated hitter, is a dicey proposition. Still, the Indians are only 11/2 games out of first place on the treadmill that is the Central Division. The pitching that is here has kept them afloat with a dreadful offense ravaged by injuries and slumps and non-performing automatic outs and overmatched call-ups from Columbus.

So General Manager Chris Antonetti rolled the dice for more of what his team does best.

The fan grumbling that the Indians are too cautious, that ownership is a pinch-nickel operation has now been replaced by fears that the team plunged too deeply and recklessly into the trade deadline market.

This is wanting to have it both ways. Indians fans hate it when the team trades Cy Young pitchers (CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee, back-to-back, in 2008 and 2009). To those deals, they reacted as if it was the end times for memories of contention that dated all the way back to, oh, 2007.

Now with contention this season, despite all the caveats about the weakness of the division, with August and September maybe becoming a summer that ends with a bang, fans are upset that the Indians traded for a Cy Young-caliber pitcher. Jimenez won 19 games last season, struggled with a blister problem early this season, and is just now coming on. I throw out Saturday's debacle with the Rockies because he was distracted by the trade rumors.

The price was certainly high. I'm not sure if trading both White and Pomeranz is a move that will sell. But Antonetti wasn't ready to settle for a nice try and an incomplete scrapbook of memories in the first half of the season. He had a chance to win and he went for it.

Fans expected a right-hand bat and little deals. They got the reverse of the Sabathia/Lee deals -- a gamble to win now and worry about tomorrow some other day.

They always say you can't have too much pitching. The Jimenez deal will test that belief.

The theories that this is a do-little front office and a franchise too afraid of failure to try to win -- well, they have been tested and found wanting, as well.


Browns Training Camp: Live Tweets from Berea

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Get live tweets from Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot in Berea.

browns-training-camp-ap.jpgCatch the Browns at training camp in Berea now through Aug. 23.

The Browns are back in Berea for the first day of open training camp. Can't make it? Get live tweets from Plain Dealer Browns beat reporters @TonyGrossi and @Mary Kay Cabot as they describe the action on the practice field, fill you in on the latest news and post photos from 76 Lou Groza Blvd.

Today's practice runs from 8:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Get the complete training camp schedule here.

See photos from training camp here

Watch videos from Berea here

Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Cribbs leaves practice with a knee or leg injury, will undergo exams

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Browns receiver Josh Cribbs left practice early with a knee or leg injury Sunday, leaving the team a little thin at the position. Carlton Mitchell also left with a shoulder injury.

 

Josh CribbsJosh Cribbs suffered a leg or knee injury in practice, but is hoping its nothing serious.

CLEVELAND -- Browns receiver Josh Cribbs suffered a left knee or leg injury in practice this morning when a defensive back came down on his leg in one-on-one drills. He sat out the rest of the practice and wore an ice bag on the knee for some of it.

He was heading in to see the doctors and will probably undergo and MRI.

He might miss some practice, but should be okay for the first preseason game Aug. 13.

"I just don't want to push myself to the point where I can't play in the preseason games,'' said Cribbs. "They would've told me to push through it if I was a rookie fighting for a spot or something, but they told me to take it easy.''

Cribbs said he was one-on-one with a defensive back and "he put his leg down on mine. Our legs kind of got tangled. I don't know what it is. Just a little strain. Probably a muscle strain or something like that."

Fellow receiver Carlton Mitchell also left the field with what coach Pat Shurmur called "a shoulder episode'' leaving the team thin at receiver. Starter Mohamed Massaquoi is wearing a hard walking cast on his left foot and is out for at least a little while. He's on the non-footbal injury list.

The injuries have opened the door for rookie receiver Greg Little, the team's second-round pick out of North Carolina, to receive first-team reps. He's currently in the starting lineup alongside Brian Robiskie.

"I think the fact that I played in the West Coast offense in college has helped me to be able to move up and work with the ones,'' said Little.

In other Browns news:

* First-round pick Phil Taylor, the defensive tackle, is still holding out in a contract dispute. Apparently, the two sides are still talking. A source said the deal could be done very soon.

* Tight end Ben Watson suffered what's believed to be a concussion on Saturday. He sat out Sunday and watched practice in a ballcap.

* New acquisitions Broderick Bunkley, the defensive tackle from Philadelphia, and John Greco, the guard from St. Louis, were not yet on the field today.

* Free agent signee Jayme Mitchell, the defensive end, was supposed to arrive in town today but was not in attendance. He's not allowed to start practicing until Aug. 4, the start of the league year.

* Running back Montario Hardesty has looked solid and has held up well through some spirited drills. Pads go on for the first time tomorrow.

* The Browns might need to look for some outside help at receiver because of the injuries. 

Tribe doesn't make deal on final day of trading deadline: Cleveland Indians daily briefing

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Rumored trade for Ryan Ludwick foiled when Padres send outfielder to Pirates.

Jason Donald, Denard SpanJason Donald is back with the Indians following the trade of Orlando Cabrera, but for how long?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians went into the final countdown before Sunday's 4 p.m. deadline trying to make another deal for someone to help their offense, but came up empty.

They traded veteran second baseman Orlando Cabrera to the Giants after Saturday night's 5-2 victory. Jason Donald was recalled from Class AAA Columbus to replace Cabrera. He started at third baseman Sunday, but it's questionable how long he'll stay here.

Donald, a right-handed hitter, could give rookies Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis days off at third and second base, respectively, but it sounds as if the Indians would like a more veteran type player for the stretch run.

One player it won't be is former Indians Jamey Carroll. The Indians tried to get Carroll from the Dodgers, but they wouldn't part with the players that the Dodgers wanted. After the Dodgers traded shortstop Rafael Furcal to St. Louis, it meant Carroll was staying in Los Angeles.

There was a possibility that they could have added outfielder Ryan Ludwick from San Diego, but he was dealt to Pittsburgh just before the deadline.

Ludwick played for the Indians from 2003-05. He's hitting .238 (90-for-378) with 18 doubles, 11 homers and 64 RBI for the Padres.  He struck out 87 times with 32 walks.

St. Louis traded Ludwick to Padres last year as part of a three-team deal in which the Indians sent the Cardinals Jake Westbrook. He's played 95 games in left field this year.

GM Chris Antonetti has been a busy man. He acquired outfielder Kosuke Fukudome from the Cubs on Thursday. On Saturday, he acquired right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez from Colorado for prospects Alex White, Matt McBride, Joe Gardner and a player to be named. Drew Pomeranz is the player to be named.

The deal was finalized Sunday when Jimenez passed a at the Indians spring-training site in Goodyear, Ariz.

Check him out: McBride, one of the players in the Jimenez trade, was hit in the eye Friday by a ball that bounced off the batting cage. He's getting checked out at an Akron hospital.

The injury was not serious enough to stop the trade. 

Today's lineups:

Royals (45-62): LF Alex Gordon (L), CF Melky Cabrera (S), DH Billy Butler (R), 1B Eric Hosmer (L), RF Jeff Francoeur (R), 3B Mike Moustakas (L), C Brayan Pena (S), 2B Chris Getz (L), SS Alcides Escobar (R), LHP Danny Duffy (2-4, 5.17).  

Indians (53-51): LF Michael Brantley (L), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), 1B Carlos Santana (S), 1B Matt LaPorta (R), RF Kosuke Fukudome (L), LF Austin Kearns (R), 3B Jason Donald (R), C Lou Marson (R), RHP Fausto Carmona (5-10, 5.34).

Lineup notes: DH Travis Hafner and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall had scheduled days off. Duffy replaced Kyle Davies, who was originally scheduled to start Sunday. Davies was scratched because of a sore right shoulder.

Him vs. me: Duffy has never faced a member of the Indians. Gordon is 12-for-26 with three doubles and a triple against Carmona.

Lefty-righty: Lefties are hitting .283 (72-for-254) with eight homers and righties are hitting .257 (53-for-206) with eight homers against Carmona. The Royals have four lefties and two switch-hitters in the lineup.

Lefties are hitting .271 (16-for-59) with one homer and righties are hitting .298 (56-for-186) with nine homers against Duffy. The Indians have four righties and two switch-hitters in the lineup.

Umpires: H Wally Bell, 1B John Hirschbeck, 2B Scott Barry, 3B Laz Diaz.

Quote of the day: "The Royals and the Yankees hated each other. To this day, whenever I see Lou Piniella or one of those Yankees, we talk about how we hated those guys. One time I didn't even have the ball and (Piniella) tried to spike me at third base," Royals Hall of Famer George Brett the rivalry with the Yankees.

Next: Indians hit the road for nine-game trip against division leaders Boston and Texas. RHP Josh Tomlin faces RHP John Lackey on Monday night at Fenway Park. STO/WTAM will carry the game.

Cleveland Indians lose to Royals, 5-3, finish homestand with 2-6 record

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Jeff Francoeur, Alex Gordon homers lead Royals past Fausto Carmona and the Indians..

hosmer-tag-acab-squ-ap.jpgView full sizeKansas City first baseman Eric Hosmer tags out Asdrubal Cabrera following a botched steal attempt Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians ended a disappointing homestand with a 5-3 loss to the Royals on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field.

The Tribe went 2-6  and fell to 2 1/2 games behind first-place Detroit in the AL Central. Now they start a seven-game trip against division leaders Boston and Texas.

Kansas City entered the ninth with a 4-3 lead, but added an insurance run on Alcides Escobar's two-out single to score Chris Getz. Escobar singled on the 14th pitch he saw from Tony Sipp in the at bat.

The Royals took a 4-2 lead in the eighth off Fausto Carmona (5-11, 5.31 ERA). Alex Gordon drew a leadoff walk, took third on a double by Melky Cabrera and scored on Billy Butler's sacrifice fly for a 4-2 lead.

The Indians scored in the bottom of the eighth to make it 4-3 on pinch-hitter Travis Hafner's grounder to short. Ezequiel Carrera, another pinch-hitter, opened the inning with a double. After Hafner's RBI grounder, Greg Holland struck out Lonnie Chisenhall and Michael Brantley.

The win went to rookie left-hander Danny Duffy (3-4, 5.05). Joakim Soria pitched the ninth for his 20th save.

Kansas City moved out to a 3-0 lead through the top of the fifth on Gordon's solo homer off Carmona. It was the second homer Carmona allowed in the game and the 18th this season.

The Indians made it 3-2 with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Jason Kipnis started the two-out rally with his first big-league homer, a drive to right field off Duffy's 3-2 pitch. Asdrubal Cabrera doubled and scored on Carlos Santana's triple off the wall in right field.

Jeff Francoeur's leadoff homer in the second gave the Royals a 1-0 lead. It was his 14th of the season.

The Royals made it 2-0 in the fourth when Eric Hosmer scored from first on Mike Moustakas double and right fielder Kosuke Fukudome's throwing error. The error was originally charged to Kipnis, who failed to catch Fukudome's throw as the cut-off man.

The Indians seemed to catch a break in the first. With runners on first and second and one out, Hosmer sent a grounder to Cabrera behind second base. Cabrera appeared to make a phantom tag of second before throwing to first for an inning-ending double play.

Royals manager Ned Yost argued the call, but second base umpire showed no sympathy.

Duffy started for the Royals after Kyle Davies was scratched because of a sore right shoulder. Duffy, making his 13th start, loaded the bases in the second, but struck out Lou Marson to end the threat.

The Indians missed a great scoring chance in the sixth. Fukudome opened the inning with a double for his first AL hit. Louis Coleman relieved Duff and retired Austin Kearns and Jason Donald without advancing Fukudome. When he walked Lou Marson, Tim Collins relieved and retired Michael Brantley on a pop up to short.

Carmona allowed four runs on six hits in 7 1/3 innings. He walked three and struck out two on 96 pitches.

Duffy allowed two runs on eight hits in five innings. He walked two and struck out six on 89 pitches.

Cleveland Browns open the doors of Training Camp to fans (video)

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The Cleveland Browns opened the doors to Training Camp in Berea so the fans could get their first look at to new offense and defense being installed by Head Coach Pat Shurmur. Watch video


The Cleveland Browns opened the doors to Training Camp in Berea so the fans could get their first look at to new offense and defense being installed by Head Coach Pat Shurmur.

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