The Indians rookie second baseman has homered in four straight games. He and Al Rosen are the only Indians rookies to do so.

Elise Amendola, AP PhotoJason Kipnis is congratulated by third base coach Steve Smith after hitting his fourth homer in as many games Wednesday night against Boston.

BOSTON, Mass. -- When manager Manny Acta moved rookie second baseman Jason Kipnis into the No.2 spot in the lineup on Saturday, he said was trying to find a spark to re-ignite an offense with a dead battery.

Well, the battery is still dead, but Kipnis is trying his best to recharge it.

The left-handed hitting Kipnis, starting Sunday against Kansas City, has homered in four straight games from the No. 2 spot. Here's the breakdown:

-Sunday: Kipnis hits solo homer in fifth inning of 5-3 loss to Royals.
-Monday: Kipnis hits solo homer in ninth inning of 9-6 win over Red Sox.
-Tuesday: Kipnis hits solo homer in first inning of 3-2 loss to Red Sox.
-Wednesday: Kipnis hits solo homer in the fourth inning of 4-3 loss to Red Sox.

As you may guessed, this does not happen every day. Here's what Elias Sports Bureau says about Kipnis' homer streak.

-Last Indians rookie to homer in four straight games: Al Rosen in June of 1950. Rosen and Kipnis are the only rookies to do it in club history.

-Kipnis is the first player in major-league history to homer in four consecutive games within two weeks of his debut.

-Kipnis is the first Indians second baseman in franchise history to homer in four straight games.

-The last Indian to homer in four straight games was Travis Hafner from Aug. 2 through Aug. 5, 2006.

-The last Indian with homers in five straight games was Travis Hafner in September of 2006. Hafner homered in six straight during that streak.

-The last rookie to homer in four straight games was Pittsburgh's Garrett Jones in July of 2009.

-The last big-league second baseman to do it was Philadelphia's Chase Utley is April 0 2010.

-Kipnis' fourth homer in as many games came in his 10th career game. The last player to do that was Minnesota's Graig Nettles, who homered in four straight games within his first 10 big-league games of his career.

Kipnis seems as surprised as anybody that this is going on.

"It's nothing I would have predicted. It's nothing I would have guessed would happen," he said after Wednesday's homer. "I'm starting to come down on the ball more and take better swings at better pitches in better counts. It's all just a product of that.

"But as enjoyable as these are, they don't mean too much if we don't get a W."

Kipnis made his big-league debut on July 21. His first big-league hit and RBI came on July 25, a game-winning, walkoff single in a 3-2 victory over the Angels.

He's been working hard to control the adrenaline kick that comes from playing in the big leagues for the first time.

"Facing the Angels pitching staff and now playing at Fenway in front of sold out crowds, there's not too much of a better introduction to the big leagues," said Kipnis. "I think I've done a good job of slowing the game down in my head and not trying to do too much."

Acta sees the same thing.

"Jason is loose now," he said. "The first week has gone by he's in a pretty good groove at the plate. It's always good when kids come up to the big leagues that they have success at the beginning. That way no pressure mounts on them.

"Right now, I like to see him at the plate."

Akron Zips football begins second season under head coach Rob Ianello. Akron Zips soccer voted No. 1.

ABJAkron head coach Rob Ianello.

The second season of the Rob Ianello regime began when players took the field for preseason camp this morning. It was the first of several split-squad workouts from 9:30 a.m.-12:50 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium.

Akron returns 13 starters (five offense, eight defense) and opens the season at Ohio State on Sept. 3 in a game scheduled to kick off at noon. Akron's home opener, and Mid-American Conference opener, will be Sept. 10 vs. Temple.

The split workouts will have first- and third-string players on the field for 90 minutes while second- and fourth-string players are lifting weights. The two groups will come together for special teams practices, then split again for opposite workouts for another 90 minutes.

This is designed to give players some early specialized attention, while also identifying players who may be able to impact the two-deep faster.

Ianello said the team made strides at the end of last season, and again in spring football. "I'd expect another big jump with our team,'' he said of preseason camp.

If the Zips are indeed, improved, the schedule sets up nicely for a push toward a .500 season after going 1-11, 1-7 last season. Akron plays five of seven games at home after opening at Ohio State.

A salute

Akron will have a special ticket plan this season for members of the U.S. military under its "Stars and Stripes Ticket Program." 

Active, reserve and retired members of the armed services will be admitted free of charge to any Zips exhibition or regular-season home game. All military personnel with a valid military identification card may receive one general admission ticket for any of Akron's five ticketed sports – football, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s soccer while supplies last.

To redeem a complimentary ticket, armed services members must present their ID from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chima Athletics Ticket Office located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets.

The “Stars and Stripes Ticket Program” also includes a donation process that enables the general public to purchase a ticket at a discounted rate and gift it back to Akron Athletics for use by a military member or underprivileged Akron-area youth, with 100 percent of the ticket price being tax-eductible. UA season ticket holders can also donate back tickets they don’t intend to use for that purpose as well.

They're No. 1

The Akron Zips soccer team ended the 2010 season No. 1 in the nation and national champions. Cach Caleb Porter's Zips will begin the 2011 season at No. 1 as well in a preseason poll posted by Goal.com.

UCLA will begin the year ranked No. 2 followed by North Carolina and Louisville. Three Akron opponents this season are listed in the top 20, including No. 15 Wake Forest, which will make the trip to Akron on Oct. 29. UC Santa Barbara (16) and Michigan (18) are on the road schedule, while the Zips will play No. 8 Creighton in a pre-season exhibition game, also on the road.

The Zips return four starters from the 2010 championship team including All-American striker Darren Mattocks, and a pair of All-MAC First Team honorees in defender Chad Barson and goal keeper David Meves. Also returning is midfielder Scott Caldwell, who recorded the game-winning goal in the national title game.

Former Browns coach Eric Mangini has joined ESPN as a NFL analyst, the cable network announced today. Mangini will appear on a variety of programs, including NFL Live, SportsCenter and First Take.

AP PhotoEric Mangini is taking his talents to ESPN.

Former Browns coach Eric Mangini has joined ESPN as a NFL analyst, the cable network announced today.

Mangini will appear on a variety of programs, including NFL Live, SportsCenter and First Take.

The web site, TV By the Numbers, reports,

“Eric brings a wealth of knowledge from his experiences as an assistant and a head coach,” said Seth Markman, ESPN senior coordinating producer for NFL studio shows.
...

Mangini, who worked as an ESPN guest analyst during the 2010 NFL playoffs previewing the AFC Divisional Playoff matchup between the Jets and Patriots, added:

“I am excited to join the ESPN team for the upcoming season. With my reputation for access and ease with the media, it seems like a natural fit. I am always impressed by how knowledgeable fans are and by their passion to learn more about their team, The League and the strategy of the game, and I hope to add meaningful insight.

“As for my new role, I have been preparing diligently, by picking out tribal tattoos for my lower leg and doing triple shots of espresso to match Herm Edwards’ energy level.”

Mangini went 10-22 in two seasons as Browns head coach. He was fired by team president Mike Holmgren on January 3.

Is Eric Mangini a good for for TV? Post your comments below.

Miles, 29, was booked andreleased on Wednesday, and no charges have been filed.

APDarius Miles

ST. LOUIS -- Former NBA player Darius Miles was arrested after guards found him trying to take a loaded gun through security at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, a jail official said today.

Miles, 29, played for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2002-03 and 2003-04. He was booked then released on Wednesday and no charges have been filed, according to Ginna Jones, a bonding specialist at the St Louis County jail.

Transportation Security Administration spokesman Greg Soule would not confirm that Miles was arrested, but said TSA officials contacted police after a passenger was discovered with a gun during X-ray screening around 3 p.m. Wednesday. Soule did not say what kind of gun was found or how it was concealed.

Messages left with Miles' attorney and with the St. Louis County prosecutor's office were not returned. Miles' phone number is not listed.

Miles grew up in East St. Louis, Ill., and now lives in Swansea, Ill., a St. Louis suburb. The 6-foot-9 forward was a highly regarded player out of East St. Louis High School. He was drafted straight out of high school No. 3 overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2000. He later played for Cleveland, Portland and Memphis, where he last played in 2009. He was invited to try out for the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010 but did not make the team.

In 446 career games, Miles averaged 10.1 points and 4.9 rebounds.

This is not Miles' first run-in with the law. He was arrested in May 2009 after police in Fairview Heights, Ill., said they found a small amount of marijuana during a traffic stop for failing to use a turn signal. He was also ticketed for driving with a suspended license.

Police searched Miles' 1996 Chevrolet Impala and said they found the marijuana in a plastic bag in the passenger compartment. The drug charge was dismissed in May 2011 after Miles successfully completed a drug education course, according to online court records. He pleaded guilty in December 2010 on the driving while suspended charge and was placed under court supervision for one year and assessed $1,000 in fines and court costs.

Miles was suspended for 10 games in the 2008-09 season while with Memphis for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

The TSA says passengers can carry firearms, parts and ammunition on airplanes, but only in checked bags. The weapons must be unloaded and packed in a hard-sided container, and declared to the airline during the counter check-in process. The agency also urges passengers to contact their airline for its firearm and ammunition policies.

Follow updates from The Plain Dealer on Twitter as Tiger Woods makes his return to the golf course in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron. Woodsl teed off at 1:40 p.m.

AP PhotoTiger Woods returned to the PGA Tour after an 11-week absence today.

Tiger Woods teed off at 1:40 p.m. from the first tee at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, marking his return to golf after an 11-week absence.

"Welcome back", several patrons in the gallery yelled at Woods on the first hole.

Follow updates from The Plain Dealer on Twitter as reporters Dennis Manoloff, Tim Rogers, Bill Lubinger and the Starting Blocks team follow Tiger along with the rest of the field throughout the weekend, bringing you updates from almost every hole along with photos along the way.

WGC-Bridgestone Invitational coverage:

• Check the latest leaderboard

• Photo galleries from Firestone Country Club

• WGC-Bridgestone Invitational: What you need to know | More coverage »

 An opening for a varsity boys basketball coach at Firestone High School has been posted by the Akron City School District, but the future of Joe Wojcik has not yet been determined.  Wojcik, who posted a 32-31 record in three seasons, was informed his supplemental contract will not be renewed because of undisclosed allegations, but the coach is going...

 An opening for a varsity boys basketball coach at Firestone High School has been posted by the Akron City School District, but the future of Joe Wojcik has not yet been determined.

 Wojcik, who posted a 32-31 record in three seasons, was informed his supplemental contract will not be renewed because of undisclosed allegations, but the coach is going to arbitration.

 "There were a few parents who approached me and the coach on some issues but I'm not going to detail those issues,'' said Akron Superintendent David W. James. "We posted the opening right around July 1 because it was our intention not to renew Mr. Wojcik's supplemental contract.''

 
 The hiring of a new coach is on hold.

 "We had 20 individuals apply for the job but nothing can be done until an arbitration hearing is held,'' said Joe Howard, the district's program manager for athletics.

 An arbitrator has been chosen but a date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled.

 Wojcik had no comment when reached by phone.

Buckeyes ranked well lbelow their customary standing. Coaches recognize the fallout from the memorabilia for tattoos/cash scandal.

Associated PressInterim coach Luke Fickell leads an Ohio State team that is getting less preseason respect than in most years.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The turmoil that has engulfed the Ohio State football program is reflected in the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll.

The Buckeyes are ranked No. 16, well below their customary preseason standing. The memorabiila for tattoos/cash scandal that ultimately led to the forced resignation of coach Jim Tressel, the premature departure of quarterback Terrelle Pryor and the season-opening five-game suspensions for some key players have dampened expectations for Ohio State.

The Buckeyes and No. 23 Florida are the only schools that have been included in the preseason Top 25 since USA Today began the ranking two decades ago.

Oklahoma holds the No. 1 spot in the poll, followed by Alabama.

Jack Carey writes about the Coaches Poll for USA Today.

Since USA TODAY took over the poll, the preseason No. 1 team has won the national championship three times: Florida State took it in 1993 and 1999 and Southern California in 2004 (although the Trojans vacated the BCS title because of NCAA violations).

The preseason No. 1 team played for the BCS crown in four other seasons: (Miami, Fla., in 2002, Oklahoma in 2003, USC in 2005 and Ohio State in 2006). The preseason No. 1 squad has finished outside the top 10 just once. That happened last season when Alabama ended 11th.

Last season's champion, Auburn, which returns only six starters, is ranked 19th. That's the lowest spot for a defending champ since since USA TODAY has been administering the poll. The previous two national titlists, Florida and Alabama, both were No. 1 the following preseason.

No. 3 Oregon, which lost to Auburn in last season's national championship game, and No. 4 Louisiana State play each other in a Sept. 3 season-opener.

Auburn, ranked 19th, returns just six starters. Among the players no longer with the Tigers is the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner, Cam Newton.

The highest-ranked Big Teen team is No. 10 Wisconsin. Nebraska, new to the Big Ten after leaving the Big 12, is 11th. Michigan State is 17th and Penn State 25th.

Ohio State rival Michigan is in the "others receiving votes" category. The Wolverines garnered the 35th most voting points. The lone Mid-American Conference school to receive votes is Northern Illinois, with the 45th most points.

"Mid-major" fans favorite Boise State is No. 7.

Carey also writes:

For the first time since 2002, two teams that had losing records the previous year made the preseason Top 25. No. 22 Georgia was 6-7, and No. 24 Texas finished 5-7.

For the second consecutive year, Southern California is ineligible to be ranked in the coaches poll and cannot go to a bowl game because of NCAA sanctions.

Big Ten has played an eight-game schedule since 1985.

The Big Ten Conference football teams will begin playing nine league games in 2017 instead of eight.

The conference announced the change today and it came as no surprise. When the league expanded to 12 teams by adding Nebraska this season, Commissioner Jim Delany said a nine-game conference schedule was being strongly considered.

The Big Ten split into two six-team divisions this season and will hold a football championship game for the first time.

The Big Ten has been playing an eight-game conference schedule since 1985.

Jason Day takes an early lead at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club, with a first round 7-under 63.

Mark Duncan/Associated PressJason Day shoots a 7-under 63 to take an early first-round lead at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron Thursday.

AKRON - Jason Day took an early lead at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club, shooting a first round 7-under 63. He's three strokes better than five golfers tied for second at 4-under 66 through their first round Thursday. (Rory Sabbatini, D.A. Points, Thomas Bjorn, Stewart Cink and Brandt Snedeker.)   

WGC-Bridgestone Invitational coverage:

• Check the latest leaderboard

• Photo galleries from Firestone Country Club

• WGC-Bridgestone Invitational: What you need to know | More coverage »

"Aeros" in competition with "Vulcans," "Gum Dippers," "Rubber Ducks" and "Tire Jacks," names recognizing Akron's rubber industry history.

Akron Aeros

CLEVELAND, OHIO -- The Cleveland Indians' Class AA Akron team may not be known as the Aeros after this season.

It's up to the fans, who have been considering name changes for the last two months.

Potential Cleveland Indians might still play for the Akron named the "Aeros," but could also wear Akron jerseys bearing the monikers "Vulcans," "Gum Dippers," "Rubber Ducks" or "Tire Jacks."

Votes can be cast in the "Akron Aeros Re-branding Contest" on ohioverticals.com.

The winning name will be announced on Oct. 6. 

Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal writes about the team name contest:  

Save from the original Aeros nickname, which at the time was made with a nod to the area’s involvment in aeronautical advances, the new four choices center around a rubber theme - no doubt a nod to Akron’s history of involvement in the tire/rubber industry.

“We had a lot of people get excited about a lot of different names that came in,” said Jim Pfander, the Aeros first-year executive vice president/chief operating officer. “Once the voting started, it’s been interesting to see how people have responded. It’s been fun to see the names that have come together.”  

The contest began on June 5th, when the Aeros kicked off the contest by asking fans to submit name ideas (online at Ohio.com and via a write-in vote to the Beacon Journal) for a two-week period.

The list was then narrowed down to a Top 15 vote, then down to a Top 10 and on to the current Top 5 list.

After a day off, it's back to work this afternoon for the Browns at training camp in Berea. Can't make it? Read live tweets below 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 and more from 76 Lou Groza Blvd.

D'Qwell Jackson and the cutest Browns fans ever! Photo submitted by Dawn Majors.

After a day off, it's back to work this afternoon for the Browns at training camp in Berea. Can't make it? Read live tweets below 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 and more from 76 Lou Groza Blvd.

Fans today will get their first look at No. 1 pick Phil Taylor as well punter Richmond McGee, free agent cornerback Dimitri Patterson along with new players Usama Young, Brandon Jackson, Jayme Mitchell and John Greco.

Today's open practice runs from 4:10-6 p.m. Get the complete training camp schedule here.

• See more photos from training camp or post your own

• Watch videos from Berea

• Browns sign free agent punter Richmond McGee, get top pick Phil Taylor acclimated

Belichick's recipe for losing as the Browns coach didn't diminish his appetite for a favorite food.

Gus Chan, The Plain DealerBrowns coach Bill Belichick (left) and owner Art Modell (right) just before the Nov. 8, 1993 press conference to explain the release of Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Bill Belichick's Cleveland Browns won 37 games and lost 45 when he was their coach from 1991-95.

He apparently knew how to concoct a losing mix.

Remember how, in 1993, he dismissed quarterback Bernie Kosar, citing "diminished skills" for the fans' favorite?

The Browns were 5-3 and leading the AFC Central Division when Kosar was let go. Remarkably, veteran QB Vinny Testaverde was sidelined with an injury when the move was made. Belichick, though, in rejecting Kosar, saw no problem in trying to blend inexperienced quarterback Todd Philcox into the offensive mix.

The results were disastrous, as evidenced by the game story written by The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot on Nov. 14, 1993.

About the Seattle Seahawks' 22-5 win over the Philcox-led Browns, Cabot wrote:

The Browns turned the ball over seven times, including once on the first play when Philcox was sacked and forced to fumble, resulting in a Seahawks touchdown.

Five of those turnovers came in the first half, including three inside the 10 - on three straight possessions.

Could it possibly be that the Browns were still shaken from the release of Kosar and the all the controversy that surrounded it?

"It was the most chaotic week in my six years," said defensive tackle Michael Dean Perry. "The atmosphere was very bad in 1990 (3-13 season) and I see a lot of similarities. But this is worse than 1990."

How so?

"In every way possible," he said.

(The Plain Dealer game story on every regular season and playoff game the Browns have played since their inception in 1946 can be found on the PD/cleveland.com Browns History Database)

Belichick left a bad taste with Browns fans. He left with the team for Baltimore when owner Art Modell betrayed Cleveland following the 1995 season. Modell fired Belichick before the Ravens played a game.

A few years later, Belichick learned how to satsify his appetite for winning, becoming the coach for the New England Patriots, and helping them win three Super Bowls and become an annual contender.

Video: From youtube.com, Bill Belichick, when he was the Browns coach, making what he called the "BBPBJ" -- for Bill Belichick Peanut Butter Jelly sandwich -- for a "SportsMockLive" pilot:

This spring, we asked readers to tell us their best memory at an Indians game. More than 600 responded. The five finalists and winner were featured during the week leading up to Opening Day. All season long, The Plain Dealer will publish other fan memories -- one each day the Indians are scheduled to play. Here is today's essay...

This spring, we asked readers to tell us their best memory at an Indians game. More than 600 responded. The five finalists and winner were featured during the week leading up to Opening Day. All season long, The Plain Dealer will publish other fan memories -- one each day the Indians are scheduled to play. Here is today's essay by Ray Yoder of Bay Village:

When I first moved to Northeast Ohio in 1977, I attended a lot of Indians games down at the old stadium. I think I was trying to make up for not ever having lived in an area where a major-league team was closer than two to three hours away.

One weekday evening game, as I entered Gate A, I was selected from the crowd to "take three swings at Mudcat," as were about 14 to 15 other fans. It must have been a much less litigious society back then, as I can't imagine this happening today.

I was about the 10th batter, and none of the prior batters had made contact, even though Mudcat Grant was lobbing 55- to 65-mph slowballs. Then it was my turn. I must have looked pretty silly, because I used an old Boog Powell bat that was about 36 inches long and I was choked up about five to six inches. (As a youth, I had always used thick-handled bats – actually the old Nellie Fox model -- and Boog's bat was the thickest-handled bat available. The selection of bats was limited to those from former Indians.)

On Mudcat's first pitch, I drilled a clean single to right, and Mudcat flashed a huge smile and pointed at me with both hands to recognize my accomplishment. I knew what was coming next. He threw me a beautiful curveball that was headed for the middle of the plate, but broke way out of the strike zone, low and outside. I didn't bite, and pointed back at him with both hands (as he had done) . . . .and he was grinning even more than before. It was evident that he was having as much fun as I was. He then proceeded to lob two more slowballs that I ended up hitting again.

It was the "highlight" of my limited baseball career.

AKRON, Ohio -- How an Australian came to enjoy a home-course advantage in Akron is a love story more than a golf story. Aussie-born Jason Day is a 23 years old with a thick husk of chin whiskers and a smile the size of the Sydney Opera House. He fired 7-under 63 in Thursday's first round of the World...

AKRON, Ohio -- How an Australian came to enjoy a home-course advantage in Akron is a love story more than a golf story.

Aussie-born Jason Day is a 23 years old with a thick husk of chin whiskers and a smile the size of the Sydney Opera House.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerJason Day, 23, is two shots out of the lead after the first round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron.

He fired 7-under 63 in Thursday's first round of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational -- good for second place, a stroke behind leader Adam Scott.

It was the magic of an old putter Day chose to put back in his bag. It was nailing his driver well all day. And it was playing within two hours of home at Firestone County Club, with about 10 friends and family members tagging along.

"I've got good vibes up here in the Akron area, Cleveland area," he said.

Day, who earned $1.1 million for winning the 2010 Byron Nelson Championship -- his only PGA Tour victory -- was paired with Phil Mickelson, who shot 3-under 67.

Day turned pro in 2006. A year later, he won his first pro championship, a Nationwide Tour stop at StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights.

In between, he won someone's heart.

The former Ellie Harvey grew up in Lucas, Ohio, a town of about 600 people near Mansfield. She graduated eighth of about 35 students in the Lucas High School class of 2004.

"It's farms and it's not really 'golfy,' " she said, "so I didn't grow up with it. I didn't know anything about golf."

That was all about to change.

After her senior year, she moved to Twinsburg for beauty school and worked as a server at the local Mavis Winkle's Irish Pub.

Day was a super shy 17-year-old amateur when he first walked into the restaurant with Colin Swanton, his golf coach for 10 years and his caddie for six. Swanton was helping a friend start up a golf academy in Twinsburg. Mavis Winkle's became a regular stop.

Ellie was 19. Day was afraid to talk to her because she was older.

But by 2006, he started texting her. She was so busy working that she pretty much blew him off. He kept up the communication.

In town for the StoneWater tournament, they ran into each other at a graduation party for mutual friends at the restaurant.

"He made up some excuse why he owed me dinner, and I said, 'OK.' Ended up watching him play that weekend at the tournament and he won," she said. "It was the first time I ever watched golf. I didn't really realize how big a deal it was. I was like, OK, that's great, that's awesome, exciting."

The following weekend, she drove to Columbus for a tournament and their first date -- dinner at Applebee's and a horror movie, with Swanton as a third wheel.

Like Day's seven-birdie round Thursday, their lives became a whirlwind.

"We fell for each other really fast," she said.

They were married in October 2009 in a barn near Lucas, where her father works for an insurance company and her mother is known for her custom slipcovers.

Most PGA Tour players live where winters favor their sport and the tax code favors their wallets.

The Days gave up both for Westerville, near Columbus, so Ellie could be close to family.

"You know, we're probably going to start up a family soon," he said, "so it's obviously good to be here with them."

And them with him.

The roars at Firestone South gave voice to Tiger Woods, returning to play after injuries, and his new sense of confidence.

Golf fans never forgot the roars at Augusta National, when Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus defined a generation in the game. There is just the chance that the roars Thursday of Firestone South, one of Tiger Woods' favorite places in the golf world, defined the start of his restoration to the ranks of the game's elite.

Woods shot 2-under 68 in the first round of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational in his return to tournament golf after an 11-week layoff due to injuries. He is six shots back, but he had only one bogey against three birdies. His shots screamed off the face of his long metals or rolled true off the blade of his putter, bringing roars from a devoted weekday crowd that were echoes of his best days here. He was much better than many expected him to be.

He made a bundle of par-saving putts on the front nine, birdied 10 and 11, bogeyed 14 from a greenside bunker, and then hit the shots that became the day's instant memories on the iconic 16th hole, the 667-yard, par-5 Monster.

Woods got out of the right rough on his second shot with the strength that used to let him play a downsized course, compared to everyone else. His whole body twisted on impact, and his right leg swung in an arc as he lurched to the left. Walking quickly, Woods peered to see the landing spot, which revealed that the ball was perfectly placed in front of the guardian pond.

"Today, some of the drives I hit out there, I got my power back," Woods said.

"My swing used to be more of a wipey swing, so I wasn't getting full transfer of energy," he said. "Now I'm swinging easier and getting more ball compression at impact. I'm not even hitting it hard yet."

He did not get what he wanted out of his third shot on 16, leaving himself on the upper tier at the rear of the green, at use-your-imagination distance from a birdie.

"Two-putt par," a misguided reporter (blush) said to a companion, as they moved toward the 17th tee.

The next sound startled the crickets singing in the heat into silence. It was a roar that had been waiting all day, a roar that has never been sounded for a tap-in par, a roar that said this birdie stuff used to be Woods' stock in trade and the sonic store was doing booming business again.

From the first tee on the sweltering afternoon, the crowds had been welcoming. Big roars greeted the first glimpse of Woods. Clad in a purple shirt that seemed to salute a vintage year for something with a cork in it, Woods sipped a pink drink from an unlabeled water bottle. He used to make millions from Gatorade, which marketed an "eye of the Tiger" flavor array, with Woods' eyes peering out from the label at the consumer. But the company took note of the serial infidelities that shattered Woods' marriage and dropped him like a habit bad enough to require rehab.

"Who's your caddie?" someone shouted amid the hurrahs. It was a play on the "Who's your daddy?" chant in vogue a few years ago, as well as a reference to the ongoing turmoil in Woods' professional life.

Woods teed off, and his new caddie and friend Bryon Bell trundled off with the bag after the ball landed in a fairway bunker. It was Woods' first competitive shot since withdrawing from The Players Championship 11 weeks ago after nine holes due to injuries to his knee and Achilles tendon.

Fans have never been able to get enough of Tiger in Ohio. He owned the Memorial Tournament, in Jack's backyard, winning it four times. In the glory days -- and few were greater than at Firestone, where he has won seven times -- he would board a jet a scant time after yet another victory, flying to some desert course or California playground, where lights would be strung in the trees the next night, like Christmas in August, for a primetime in the East televised exhibition match.

He has won here close. He has won here in routs. He has won here in playoffs. He beat Stewart Cink here in a four-hole playoff, striking the shot that set up the clincher in a steady rain, which obediently subsided by the time the ball nestled close to the pin. He beat Jim Furyk here in a seven-hole playoff. He has won here in the dark, and he has won here after hitting a ball off the roof of the clubhouse.

Woods praises the course constantly, calling it simple and straightforward, with all the trouble in view. Given his past, he could have been speaking wistfully about life outside the ropes too.

The goal here is to win, but also to prepare his mind and body for next week's PGA Championship. Tiger used to feed off intimidation. Now he feeds off others' doubts. The roars gave voice to his new and growing sense of confidence.

The Indians split four-game series with Boston to win season-series, 6-4.

BOSTON, Mass. -- Justin Masterson continued to pitch well at his old ballpark and Jacoby Ellsbury was nowhere to be found in the ninth inning Thursday night, which could only mean good things for the Indians.

Masterson allowed three runs on five hits in six innings as the Indians beat Boston, 7-3, at Fenway Park. He's 3-0 with a 1.95 ERA against Boston since they traded him to the Indians for Victor Martinez on July 31, 2009.

The Indians won the season series, 6-4, against Boston and cut Detroit's lead in the AL Central to three games. The Tigers lost to Texas, 5-2, Thursday afternoon.

In his career at Fenway Park, Masterson is 10-2 with a 3.57 ERA.

Masterson (9-7, 2.63) struck out nine, including four in the second inning, and walked one on a season-high 118 pitches.

The Indians won the first and last game of the series. In between they lost 3-2 and 4-3 decisions when Ellsbury beat them in the ninth inning with consecutive game-winning hits.

Carlos Santana gave the Indians a 5-3 lead with a booming two-run homer in the sixth off Franklin Morales (0-1). It was Santana's 16th homer, but just his second batting right-handed. The drive to deep left-center field followed Travis Hafner's double off the top of the wall in center.

Santana, after striking out four times Wednesday, went 3-for-4 with two RBI.

Hafner's RBI double in the seventh made it 6-3. Hafner, not moving well on a sore foot, was replaced by pinch-runner Lonnie Chisenhall. Pronk went 3-for-4 with two doubles.

Kosuke Fukudome added an RBI double in the ninth. Fukudome, in his best game since the Indians acquired him from the Cubs, went 3-for-5 with an RBI. 

Masterson pitched his way out of trouble in the sixth when rookie second baseman dropped a potential double play feed from third baseman Jason Donald to put David Ortiz on second and Carl Crawford on first with one out. Masterson retired Josh Reddick on a liner to left and struck out Jason Varitek.

The Indians bullpen, beaten in the ninth inning Tuesday and Wednesday, protected the lead Thursday. Vinnie Pestano pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Tony Sipp, making his fifth appearance in the also six games, retired the last two batters in the eighth. Chris Perez, in need of work, pitched the ninth.  

In the third, Santana scored Asdrubal Cabrera on a bloop single to right for a 3-2 lead against lefty Erik Bedard, making his first start for Boston since being acquired in a deadline deal on Sunday from Seattle. Kipnis kept the inning going when he took out Dustin Pedroia with a clean hard slide at second on Cabrera's potential inning-ending double play grounder to short.

Hafner singled Cabrera to third and Santana delivered him for the lead.

Reddick made it, 3-3, with a two-out homer off Masterson in the fourth. It was just the fifth homer Masterson has allowed this season, four by left-handed hitters. Masterson entered the game with the lowest percentage of homers allowed per nine innings in the AL at .24 homers per nine innings.

Boston took a 2-0 lead against Masterson in the first. Ellsbury started the game with a single and scored on Adrian Gonzalez's double off the Green Monster in left center field.

Ortiz scored Gonzalez on a single to right.

In the second, Masterson struck out four straight. No, the rules of the grand old game haven't change. It's still three outs to an inning, but Reddick started the inning by striking out and reaching first on a wild pitch. Masterson proceeded to strikeout the next three Red Sox.

It's the sixth time in franchise history that an Indians pitcher has struck our four batters in one inning. Chuck Finley was the last to do it on April 16, 2000 against Texas.

The Indians tied the score, 2-2, with two runs in the second. Santana and  Fukudome hit consecutive singles with one out. Santana went to third and Fukudome advanced to second on a throwing error by Reddick in right field.

Matt LaPorta sent a grounder to first that Adrian Gonzalez had trouble fielding. To make matters worse, Bedard didn't cover first as Santana scored, Fukudome went to third and LaPorta was credited with an infield single.

Austin Kearns delivered Fukudome with the tying run on another grounder to first. This time Bedard did cover the bag for the out.

Jason Donald, starting at third, sent a sharp single to left. LaPorta was waived home from second, but was cut down at the plate on good throws from Crawford and third baseman Kevin Youkilis.

Bedard allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings. He struck out five and didn't walk a batter on 70 pitches.
 

Right guard and right tackle were among the Browns weak spots last season. Links to Phil Taylor, Jabaal Sheard, Tony Pashos, Usama Young, Greg Little stories, etc.

Lisa DeJong, The Plain DealerBrowns offensive guard Shawn Lauvao (left) goes against defensive tackle Phil Taylor during Thursday's practice.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Whenever the Cleveland Browns offense moved the football at all last season, it was usually achieved despite three handicaps:

(1) Instability at quarterback;

(2) the lack of a wide receiver who could stretch the opponents defense;

(3) ineffective play on the right side of the line.

Shawn Lauvao was picked by the Browns in the third round of the 2010 draft. He made little progress during his rookie season, but now, he's getting a chance to help himself and the Browns, if he can earn the starting job at right guard.

Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository writes about Lauvao's opportunity:

Sometimes he was injured. Sometimes he felt like he was a million miles from his Hawaii home.

“It’s just frustrating,” he says now, “when your body doesn’t act the way you want.

“You’re trying to make sure everything’s up to par and what not. There are things you can’t foresee. It was definitely a learning experience.

“The second time around, you want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity ... every chance you get.”

He’ll have every opportunity to win the starting right guard job that has been a problem child for the Browns.

Lauvao has been practicing with the “ones,” with some success, according to the former offensive lineman who is the head coach.

“(Lauvao) has caught my eye,” Shurmur said, “because he’s a good athlete ... a very good athlete. He’s very physical.

“He doesn’t say much, but you know he’s in there. He’s had a good couple of days ... really good.”

Doerschuk also writes about a favorite to be the starting right offensive tackle, veteran Tony Pashos.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Twitter updates from training camp in Berea. A unique feature is the Browns History Database, which includes The Plain Dealer game story on every Browns regular season and playoff game since the team's inception in 1946.

Post patterns

The competition has begun at various positions, Nate Ulrich writes for the Akron Beacon Journal.

Rookie Phil Taylor, the Browns' first draft pick, is ready to make an impact at defensive tackle, James Walker writes for ESPN.com.

Rookie defensive end Jabaal Sheard could help the pass rush, writes Daniel Wolf for the National Football Authority.

Safety Usama Young begins to practice with the Browns. By Jeff Schudel for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Some Browns updates by Scott Petrak for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette.

Rookie wide receiver Greg Little has a clear path to becoming a key to the Browns offense. By Mike McLain for the Warren Tribune Chronicle.

Grading how NFL teams have fared in free agency. By Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com.

The PGA Tour pros are bullies. They kicked an old lady when she was down. With a little rain, humid conditions and no wind rendering her greens and fairways as soft and defenseless as a trailer in a tornado, the South Course of Firestone Country Club was no match for some of the best golfers in the world Thursday...

The PGA Tour pros are bullies.

They kicked an old lady when she was down.

With a little rain, humid conditions and no wind rendering her greens and fairways as soft and defenseless as a trailer in a tornado, the South Course of Firestone Country Club was no match for some of the best golfers in the world Thursday during the first round of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerAdam Scott shot 8-under 62 Thursday at Firestone, one stroke off the course and tournament record.

Led by record-setting Australian Adam Scott, the first round of the Bridgestone belonged to the players as the field of 76 unloaded against a course that has always been considered one of the toughest on the PGA Tour.

More than half the field beat par of 70, the most in the first round since the tournament became a WGC event six years ago. There were 39 players under par, 32 over par and five at even par. The previous low for scores under par in the opening round was 29 in 2008. In 2007, only 13 players were able to get into red numbers during the first round, which gives an idea of how susceptible the course played

"Everyone is playing pretty good, it seems," said Scott, whose 8-under 62 missed the tournament and course record of 61 set by Tiger Woods in 2000, but was the lowest opening round in tourney history. "If it's like this the next four days it's going to be low scoring around here and I'm going to have to get on the gas."

Jose Maria Olazabal holds a share of the course-record low, shooting 61 in the 1990 NEC World Series of Golf.

"It's about as easy as this course is ever going to be," said Stewart Cink, the 2004 NEC Invitational winner who was one of nine players tied for fourth place at 4 under thanks, in part, to an eagle on the 526-yard second hole.

Scott, a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour whose best finish at Firestone was a tie for ninth last year, hit 15 of 18 greens in regulation and needed just 23 putts in a bogey-free round to put the finishing touches on his ninth start on the South Course.

So, Scott sets a record and shoots 8 under yet only has a one-shot lead.

Scott's countryman, Jason Day, making his second appearance at Firestone and in front of family and friends, was almost as precise as Scott. The 23-year-old, who is married to a Lucas, Ohio, woman, hit 11 of 14 fairways en route to a career-low round on the Tour of 7-under 63.

Nick Watney, currently the leader in the FedExCup standings, was alone in third place at 65.

Woods shot 2-under 68 in his first round of competitive golf in 11 weeks and defending champion Hunter Mahan opened with a 1-over 71.

"Conditions were perfect for scoring," said Scott, who recently hired Steve Williams as his caddie after Woods and Williams split company in early July in the most celebrated breakup since Jen and Brad.

"There were so many good scores, probably not what we're used to seeing around this course," Scott said. "The fairways were soft, so balls were stopping if you landed them in the fairway and they weren't running into the rough. The greens are still moist and were holding nicely so you could fly it right to the hole and that's something that can get a bit dangerous around here if the greens are firm."

"It was definitely soft," said Day, who was second in the Masters and the U.S. Open. "I don't know if we had a lot of rain but it's been soft. Hopefully, we can get sun the next three days to get them baked out a little."

Scott made two monster putts to spike his round. He rolled in a 30-footer on the par-3 15th and followed with a 28-footer on the par-4 17th. For most of his round, however, he was able to hit the ball close to the hole.

Day, who returned his old putter to his bag this week, got off to quick start while playing back nine holes first. He made the turn in 4-under 31 with birdies at 10, 13, 16 and 18. He added three more on the front when he made putts of 5 feet on the second, 13 on the fifth and 19 on the ninth.

Watney, a two-time winner with eight top-10 finishes this season, found just six of 14 fairways but made up for it by needing just 24 putts, the second-lowest total in the field.

Edwards played with the Jets the last 1 1/2 seasons. Among 49ers receivers is Ted Ginn, Jr., a former Glenville High and Ohio State teammate of safety Donte Whitner, who also signed with the 49ers today.

Associated PressBraylon Edwards with the New York Jets last season.

SANTA CLARA, California -- Braylon Edwards signed a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday to add a proven playmaker to the wide receivers.

Edwards' agent, Ben Dogra, confirmed the deal to The Associated Press, less than an hour before San Francisco's free agents could take the field for the first time under new coach Jim Harbaugh — who, like Edwards, is a former Michigan man.

The Niners made an announcement about getting Edwards shortly after practiced started. They hoped he would get on the field alongside quarterback Alex Smith at some point Thursday night, but he wasn't outside for the beginning of practice.

Edwards also tweeted that he agreed to a deal with the 49ers, who will certainly count on the proven wideout to make an immediate contribution for a franchise that hasn't had a winning record or reached the playoffs since 2002.

Michael Crabtree is sidelined at the start of training camp for the third straight year, nursing a left foot injury sustained during offseason workouts that has him sporting a walking boot. Crabtree has yet to live up to the hype around him after he was drafted 10th overall in 2009 out of Texas Tech. After a 71-day stalemate between Crabtree and the team, he agreed to a six-year deal with $17 million guaranteed.

Crabtree had 55 catches for six touchdowns and 741 yards last season. Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn Jr. are the two other regulars back from 2010, though neither has demonstrated the ability to carry the offense and consistently take pressure off running back Frank Gore.

"It's official," Edwards said. "We have moved to the bay. I'm a proud member of the San Francisco 49ers."

Dogra was hopeful his client would be on the field with the rest of the Niners' offense Thursday.

The 28-year-old Edwards made 53 receptions for 904 yards and seven touchdowns last season in his second year with the New York Jets. He spent his first five NFL seasons with Cleveland, making the Pro Bowl in 2007.

"He's really excited about the offense with Jim Harbaugh," Dogra said. "He has a legitimate chance to play early and often. He's looking for a fresh start and felt good about his conversations with Coach Harbaugh and (general manager) Trent Baalke. That's what made the biggest difference for him. They also have the chance to win this year and are expected to compete for the division. If he does well, hopefully there's an opportunity to prolong his career there."

Safety Donte Whitner also said on Twitter that he has joined San Francisco, then sent a tweet to Edwards.

"Bray I signed there today also...let's get a RING!"

The 26-year-old Whitner, the eighth overall pick out of Ohio State in 2006, ranked fifth in the NFL with 140 tackles last season for Buffalo and also had one forced fumble, an interception and half a sack. He apparently had been close to signing with the Cincinnati Bengals.

With the addition of Edwards, the Niners now have the No. 1 (Smith), No. 3 (Edwards) and No. 9 (cornerback Carlos Rogers) overall picks from the '05 draft.

Second-year safety Taylor Mays, a second-round draft pick out of Southern California last year, was on the field for practice amid reports the 49ers are reaching out to teams across the league in an effort to trade him. San Francisco had no comment on the status of Mays.

Tiger Woods at a glance: Round 1 Summary: He shot 2-under 68 in his first competitive round since mid-May. Made nine pars on front. Birdied 10 and 11, bogeyed 14 and birdied 16. Ears plugged: During Woods' second-shot swing from the fairway bunker on No. 2, a fan's cellphone ringtone made a loud noise. Everybody within 10 miles heard...

Tiger Woods at a glance: Round 1

Summary: He shot 2-under 68 in his first competitive round since mid-May. Made nine pars on front. Birdied 10 and 11, bogeyed 14 and birdied 16.

Ears plugged: During Woods' second-shot swing from the fairway bunker on No. 2, a fan's cellphone ringtone made a loud noise. Everybody within 10 miles heard it -- except, apparently, Woods. He continued up the fairway.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerTiger Woods rips his drive on No. 4 Thursday at Firestone in Akron.

Quiet man: Interim caddie Bryon Bell might not have said 50 words to Woods the entire round. He often walked alone as Woods conversed with playing partner Darren Clarke. On the greens, the boss did everything himself.

Eagle eyes: Course officials were on the lookout for fans trying to take photos of Woods and Clarke with their handhelds. More than a few fans were caught in the act and admonished.

Noise, noise, noise: As usual, Woods was forced to listen to countless yells of "You the man!" and "In the hole!" The latter was especially annoying when it was clear the ball had no chance of going in (read: tee shots).

Hi, there: As Woods moved to a tee box on the front nine, a fan calmly said, "Welcome back." Woods looked up and said, "Thanks."

Shot of the day: For his second shot on the par-5 16th, Woods used a fairway metal from the right rough to hit a wicked slice around trees and deep down the middle. The club-head speed and noise of the ball coming out of the rough were a sight and sound to behold.

Near-miss: On the par-3 fifth, he hit a terrific tee shot just to the left of the stick. But his putt slid past.

Familiar sight: His scramble to save par on No. 9 was capped by the sinking of a difficult putt, which was followed by his first fist pump of the day.