Here is Wednesday's essay by Ray Todd of Cleveland.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerIt's every fan for themselves when it comes to getting a precious souvenir at the ball park.

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

It was a Friday evening in July. I received free tickets to a game with the Minnesota Twins that were the best seats I've had in my 60 years of going to see the Indians whenever I get the chance.

My friend and I got to the game early and found the seats five or six rows up from the field and just a few sections past third base. We talked about possibly going home with a souvenir.

It was the third inning. I had just returned from the concessions stand with two cups of beer. As I handed my friend a beer, I looked toward home plate and heard the crack of the bat. I never took my eyes off the bat until I jerked around in my seat to keep the ball from knocking the cup out of my hand. As the ball soared over the dugout, I thought at least a dozen people would take a stab at it before reaching me, but I was wrong.

The sting of the ball hitting me in the lower right of my back was not really as bad as the embarrassment I felt for throwing beer all over the people around me. (Next time, I will drop the beer and try to catch the ball.)

The ushers came in bunches trying to take me to the first-aid station. It took me an inning to convince them I didn't want to go and that I was going to be fine. No matter how much I pleaded to get my beer replaced, none of them would hear of it.

To make matters worse, after the ushers left, I turned to the young man behind me who was holding onto the ball ever since it fell in his lap. For just a second, he held out the ball as if to hand it to me. His friend grabbed his hand and the ball and asked him if he was crazy. He said, "That's your ball. You don't have to give it to him."

Nothing I tried the rest of the game, including an offer to buy the ball, could get him to change his mind.

This was by far the most unforgettable Indians game I ever attended.

Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Indians baseball. If the Indians make the playoffs, can they do some damage? Is the front office still looking to add a bat before the August 31st waiver deadline?

Paul Hoynes answers your Indians questions on Wednesdays at noon.

Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Indians baseball.

If the Indians make the playoffs, can they do some damage? Is the front office still looking to add a bat before the August 31st waiver deadline?

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Hoynsie's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

Which Ohio pro quarterback is in the best position to succeed

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerCleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

The Cleveland Browns will open the season against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 11.

A young quarterback will start for each team. Rookie Andy Dalton for the Bengals and second-year quarterback Colt McCoy for the Browns.

James Walker of ESPN raised an interesting question on which quarterback is in the best position to succeed? Walker considers Dalton in the best position because he has  first-round receiver (A.J. Green), a first-round tight end (Jermaine Gresham) and a former first-round pick at running back (Cedric Benson).

Walker adds that Dalton's weapons are better than the Browns because Cincinnati's third (Jordan Shipley) and fourth receivers (Andre Caldwell) caught more passes combined (77) last season than Cleveland starters Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie (65).

It may have slipped Walker's mind that the Browns have one of the best offensive lines in the league, and one of the best running backs in Peyton Hillis, who will take pressure off McCoy. Tight end Ben Watson will also provide an outlet for McCoy and rookie Greg Little could become a missing piece.

But is a prime line and a top running back enough?

"I don't personally begrudge LeBron anything, but he has earned all the heat he gets on and off the court. After all, the NBA is nothing but sports entertainment, and he's the one who chose to turn heel." - krazyk47

View full sizeAP Photo | Tony DejakLeBron James speaks during a dedication of the LeBron James Clubhouse on Tuesday in Akron.

In response to the story LeBron James, SVSM teammates revel in school's Hall of Fame honor, cleveland.com reader krazyk47 thinks LeBron James deserves most of the criticism that comes his way. This reader writes,

"I don't personally begrudge LeBron anything, but he has earned all the heat he gets on and off the court. After all, the NBA is nothing but sports entertainment, and he's the one who chose to turn heel."

"This is just another example of how big the jump is from college to the NFL. Jabaal is fortunate to get schooled by Joe Thomas. If he can take the beating and learn from the experience, it will only make him better. Hey Jabaal, everyone is good in the NFL." - TriceUp

View full sizeAP Photo | Mark DuncanJabaal Sheard.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns rookie DE Jabaal Sheard absorbing his lessons from the School of Joe Thomas, cleveland.com reader TriceUp thinks Sheard has a steep learning curve ahead. This reader writes,

"This is just another example of how big the jump is from college to the NFL. Jabaal is fortunate to get schooled by Joe Thomas. If he can take the beating and learn from the experience, it will only make him better. Hey Jabaal, everyone is good in the NFL."

"You want playoff baseball? This is a preview. Complain all you want, the Tigers are the ones going home with their heads down. One game at a time." - TabbEKatz

View full sizeAP Photo | Amy SancettaThe Indians' improbable season had yet another improbable ending Tuesday night.

In response to the story Kosuke Fukudome's bases-loaded HBP gives Cleveland Indians 3-2 victory over Detroit in 14 innings, cleveland.com reader TabbEKatz is loving playoff-type baseball. This reader writes,

"You want playoff baseball? This is a preview. Complain all you want, the Tigers are the ones going home with their heads down. One game at a time."

MEDINA, Ohio - Medina High School teammates Benny Cunningham and Mason Schreck have kidded about playing each other on the collegiate level. Soon that talk will become reality because Cunningham has given his oral commitment to Akron while Schreck has done the same with Buffalo, two Mid-American Conference schools.

MEDINA, Ohio - Medina High School teammates Benny Cunningham and Mason Schreck have kidded about playing each other on the collegiate level.

Soon that talk will become reality because Cunningham has given his oral commitment to Akron while Schreck has done the same with Buffalo, two Mid-American Conference schools.

"Hopefully, I'll get a few picks off Mason by the time our (college) playing days are over,'' said Cunningham, a 6-2, 190-pound safety who accounted for 46 tackles and an interception as a junior.

Cunningham, who plans on majoring in communications/broadcasting, had the interest of Northwestern, Iowa, Ohio State, Miami (O.), Kent and Toledo but Akron was the only school to make an offer.

"The coaches at Akron told me I'll see time as a true freshman,'' said Cunningham, whose older brother, Seth, is also a safety for the Zips.

"Having my brother there made the decision a little easier. This way our parents only have to go to one college to see both of us play.''

Schreck, a 6-5, 225-pound quarterback, got an offer from Toledo before picking Buffalo.

"People say when you walk on a campus for the first time and it feels good right then and there, then it's the place for you,'' said Schreck, who threw for 677 yards and eight touchdowns last season. "I got that feeling when I visited Buffalo.''

Schreck also visited Iowa, Northwestern, Cincinnati, South Florida, North Carolina State, Ohio State and Bowling Green.

"I'm going to Buffalo and (will) compete the best I can,'' said Schreck, who is undecided about a major but is leaning toward a degree in architecture or business.

"Buffalo has a great program in both majors and not too many people know that. It's great to be going there on scholarship but the main reason I'm going is to get an education.''

Plain Dealer Browns reporter also says the offense under Colt McCoy is coming along after a sluggish start. Watch video

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

The Browns are preparing for Saturday's preseason opener at Browns Stadium against the Green Bay Packers. The opener for the 2011 schedule opens Sept. 11 against Cincinnati, which may start rookie Andy Dalton at quarterback. ESPN's James Walker has a blog today asking whether Cincinnati's offensive weapons give Dalton a better chance to succeed than Colt McCoy will have in Cleveland.

Do you agree that McCoy's offensive teammates are good enough to give him a fair chance to succeed? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest is Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot, who says that she thinks that the Browns do have enough weapons around McCoy to allow him to excel. She also talks about the Browns' feelings toward QB Terrelle Pryor; why tight end Evan Moore is poised to have a breakout season; and what has been the biggest disappointment of training camp so far.

Keep up with the latest on the Browns at cleveland.com/browns and by following Mary Kay on her Twitter account, @marykaycabot.

SBTV will return Thursday.

Colt McCoy sees progress on offense, James Dockery makes a couple more plays, and more tidbits.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerBrowns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi is one step closer to getting back on the field after having the cast removed from his left foot.

BEREA, Ohio -- Observations from Browns practice today ...

 * It was kind of a big day for Mohamed Massaquoi. The wide receiver had the cast removed from his left foot. He still watched practice wearing a walking boot, but ditching the cast means he's one step closer to returning. President Mike Holmgren has said he expected Massaquoi on the field some time next week. The injury is believed to be a chip fracture on the foot. Neither the club nor Massaquoi has confirmed details.

 * Quarterback Colt McCoy and the first-team offense appeared to have a good day. Timing, spacing and rhythm in the passing game is a work in progress and it looks like all of it is coming. McCoy admitted after practice that having a few receivers out -- Massaquoi the whole time, and Josh Cribbs, Jordan Norwood and Carlton Mitchell for short periods -- has made it "challenging" to develop rhythm with the group as a whole. McCoy is indefatigably upbeat, but also refreshingly candid and insightful.

 * Rookie receiver Greg Little did his thing on a McCoy pass in the end zone. Little soared above safety Usama Young and plucked the ball out of the air. Nobody else on the team comes down with that pass.

 * This James Dockery makes a play or two every day. The undrafted cornerback from Oregon State had a good breakup underneath on a pass to towering Chris Matthews. Dockery clapped his hands, like he let an interception get away. A few plays later he leaped high for an interception on a sideline route. Dockery currently is listed fourth at right cornerback. He's made more plays in a week than we've seen in two years from Coye Francies, a guy listed ahead of him.

 * Defensive end Jayme Mitchell (leg) watched from the sideline. Also out were linebacker Chris Gocong (neck), running back Montario Hardesty (knee) and Massaquoi (foot).

 * Undrafted offensive lineman Dominic Alford was carted off the field after suffering an undisclosed injury in one-on-one drills.

Will the Indians try to add a bat before the August 31st waiver deadline? Will David Huff be a significant contributor for this team if they make the playoffs? Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

View full sizeAssociated PressUbaldo Jimenez (right) will make his Indians home debut Wednesday night against the Tigers.

Will the Indians try to add a bat before the August 31st waiver deadline? Will David Huff be a significant contributor for this team if they make the playoffs?

Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• Did making the move to acquire Ubaldo Jimenez energize this clubhouse at all?

• What will the outfield look like when Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo are healthy?

• Do you think this team will call up a reliever for a few days at least considering hwo the bullpen was taxed on Tuesday night?

• What did you think of Jimenez's debut on Friday night in Texas?

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

Masters collapse followed by U.S. Open win made McIlroy golf's rising star, with his movements tracked on Twitter and fans showing up at his Northern Ireland home at all hours.

Associated PressRory McIlroy set a U.S. Open record in June with a 16-under par, 268 score.

JOHNS CREEK, Georgia -- Rory McIlroy is glad to be back at work, especially after the last two months.

McIlroy said during a press conference Wednesday at the PGA Championship that it’s been a steady stream of photo shoots, celebrity gossip and attention since his U.S. Open victory last June.

The 22-year-old with the tight, dark curls from Northern Ireland became a worldwide sensation after rebounding from a final-round collapse at the Masters with his runaway win at Congressional Country Club where he set a the U.S. Open scoring record at 16-under 268.

McIlroy instantly became golf’s new rising star, with his movements tracked on Twitter and people blogging that he was certainly heir apparent to Tiger Woods’ championship legacy. Even McIlroy’s recent friendship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki had the Internet ablaze with speculation about their status.

All of it took the focus off McIlroy’s golf. That changed, he said, with last week’s showing, a tie for sixth at the World Golf Championship’s Bridgestone Invitational.

“It was a little bit of a whirlwind after what happened at Congressional,” McIlroy said. “But it’s nice to feel like you’re back out there and finally working hard again.”

McIlroy couldn’t pick a better time to re-hone his game. He tied for third at the last two PGA Championships and said it may be the major that best fits his talents.

“I love how the PGA of America set the golf course up at this event,” he said. “I think it really suits my game, puts a premium on ball-striking.”

It’s probably a relief for McIlroy to concentrate on golf. It’s one thing to play out sinking the winning birdie putt on the 18th hole at Augusta National and quite another to live out the experience at 22, McIlroy said.

As a teenager on the range, “all you think about is the golf, and you think about how great it is to hopefully be one of the best players in the world,” McIlroy said. “And you never really think of the other side of it, the attention, the spotlight.”

McIlroy’s learning about the other side.

He’s said he’s had fans show up at his home in Northern Ireland at all hours, prompting regular security at times. He told a critic at the Irish Open to “Shut up” on Twitter after harsh comments about his caddie, JP Fitzgerald.

It’s been reported that McIlroy’s choice to play more events on the PGA Tour next year was an escape from the attention, a chance to play somewhere his life wouldn’t be subject to round-the-clock scrutiny.

McIlroy said the decision about 2012 is in the best interest of his career. It doesn’t hurt that American fans have embraced him like one of their own. They stood several deep outside the clubhouse here Tuesday when McIlroy came out, children shrieking his name for an autograph.

“I get a great response from the crowds,” he said. “I feel like the reception I get over here is like an American player. It’s nice to have.”

A successful week at the Atlanta Athletic Club would certainly speed up the fourth-ranked McIlroy’s rise to the top both here and abroad.

McIlroy’s already shown the grit to recover from disappointment. He said he now relies on himself after his disappointing Masters finish—McIlroy shot 80 after entering the final round with a four-shot lead—and not change who he was to suit the moment.

“I felt as if I was a completely different person on that Sunday at Augusta and I didn’t need to be,” he said. “I didn’t need to change. I didn’t need to be more focused. I didn’t need to concentrate more.”

McIlroy has maintained that perspective at the year’s final major. He’s gotten in some solid practice and is ready for the heat, moreso than the changing weather McIlroy decried at last month’s British Open, saying he preferred warmer conditions to the rain and wind at Royal St. George’s. “Who wouldn’t like to play in warmer weather?” he said Wednesday.

Not that McIlroy will have it easy with a field that’s packed with the world’s best, all eager to end the season with a major title. “There’s a little bit of added tension there, a little bit more anxiety to try and perform well,” said Luke Donald, the world’s top-ranked golfer.

McIlroy feels fresh and ready to stamp the 2011 season as his own with a second major. He’s also ready for the extra attention that will bring to his life in the spotlight.

“It’s part of my life now and something I’ll definitely have to get used to,” McIlroy said. “But it’s definitely better this way than no one wanting to know what you’re up to.”

Things are moving rather smoothly for Colt McCoy.

The Plain DealerCleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

Things are going rather smoothly for Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy, but this article from Yahoo.com states that wasn't always the case, especially under former coach Eric Mangini.

It was Browns president Mike Holmgren who strongly “suggested” the team pick McCoy in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft. Once McCoy arrived, Mangini gave his new quarterback something of a silent treatment.

When McCoy arrived in the spring, ready to work out, a source familiar with the situation says, his new coaches barely spoke to him.

When the season began, the other quarterbacks got the weekly game plan on Monday. McCoy didn’t see his until Wednesday. No explanation provided; it was as if he didn’t exist at all.

Some Man-genius.

Now things are different this summer. All in a good way.

For example:

McCoy says he didn’t learn he was going to start the team’s final exhibition game in 2010 until about five minutes before the contest started. A coach looked at him and said: “You’re starting,” then McCoy raced into a huddle with players he barely knew.

“There had been no reps [in practice], nothing,” McCoy said.

That he completed all 13 of the passes he threw that evening was a shock – “13 for 13, where did that come from?” he said, his voice filled with wonder.

 

Young starter

It appears that former Kent State defensive back Usama Young could become a starter at free safety for the Browns, writes Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com. Young appears to be on the brink of receiving the biggest break of his NFL career, Ulrich writes.

Young is battling Mike Adams for the starting spot.

“We’re looking for Usama to emerge and be our starter, and Mike’s doing a good job of competing there,” Browns coach Pat Shurmur said. “I think that’s what you want. We want to play the best guy. I think that’s what you’re seeing at that position.”

The 6-foot, 200-pound Young signed with the Browns as an unrestricted free agent on July 30. 

 

Durable

Eric Steinbach is one of the most dependable players on the Browns, writes Bob Finnan of The News-Herald.

He's been so reliable that offensive tackle Steinbach hasn't missed a snap in the previous two seasons. In fact, he's missed just three games in his eight-year career.

His durability — and obvious talent — is why he's so valuable to the Browns.

"To be productive, you have to be on the field," Steinbach said. "That's my goal, and it should be everyone's goal.

"When you get older, you don't want to miss any games. I was fortunate not to miss many in my first eight years."

 

Ubaldo Jimenez makes his home debut for the Tribe tonight.

APCleveland Indians' Kosuke Fukudome.

This isn't for the die-hard fans who stayed up late this morning watching the Tribe pull out an extra innings victory over the Detroit Tigers.

The finish was neither classic nor dramatic, but Kosuke Fukudome was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 14th inning, giving the Cleveland Indians a 3-2 victory over the Tigers.

The Indians are now three games behind the first-place Tigers. Action resumes tonight.

New guy

Ubaldo Jimenez will make his home debut at Progressive Field tonight. It comes at a great time for the Tribe.

From MLB.com:

What matters in the here and now is that the Tigers are in town, a three-game deficit is staring the Indians in the face, the bullpen is completely taxed after a rain-soaked, 14-inning win in the series opener, and this would be a fine time for Jimenez to live up to the ace label.

"I'm really excited about my first start in Cleveland," Jimenez said. "But then especially pitching against Detroit. We're competing against them, and we have to do everything we can to stay close."

Excitement

CantonRep.com reporter Todd Porter writes how the fun has returned to Progressive Field. Fans here haven't seen the Tribe in a pennant race in four years. Porter reminds us how the Tribe were in first place by a half-game at this time in 2007. They hung on and won the division.

Cleveland has a chance when no one believed this window would open for at least another season.

Tonight’s game is more important, particularly given that Justin Verlander is on the mound for Detroit in the finale Thursday. There’s a series at Detroit next weekend and then another one back in Cleveland in September. Then there’s the final three games of the season at Comerica Park.

“It depends on how many games we’re trailing them the last three games of the season,” Acta said, perhaps not even realizing the defeatist foreshadowing in his words.

Motor City News

Here's what reporter Michael Rosenberg had to say in the Detroit Free Press about the Tigers' loss to the Tribe . . . Here's the Detroit News on the extra-inning game.

Last American to win a major was Phil Mickelson at the 2010 Masters. Golf seems to be flailing a bit, looking for an identity as Woods' struggles continue.

Associated PressTiger Woods (left) and his new caddie, Bryon Bell, during a PGA Championship practice round on Wednesday at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga.

JOHNS CREEK, Georgia -- The world's top-ranked player faced more empty seats than actual reporters when he met with the media before the PGA Championship.

The golfer who triumphed just last weekend has been overshadowed by the guy who carries his bag.

This is what the sport has come to without Tiger Woods winning with such regularity, with such dominance, that everyone else knew they were playing for second before they even got to the course.

Some might say, good riddance! No one wants to see the same champion week after week, year after year.

Then again, this parity thing doesn't seem to be working out quite as well for golf as it does for, say, the NFL. Transcendent stars such as Woods and Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer are the ones who lure fans through the gates, pump up the TV ratings and move merchandise for the all-important sponsors.

Woods grew up in Southern California watching the Los Angeles Lakers face the Boston Celtics year after year in the NBA Finals. Then along came Michael Jordan, who won six titles in eight years during the 1990s.

"That's as good as it gets," Woods said Wednesday.

Golf used to have a similar force in Woods, who captured a staggering 14 major titles over a dozen years. Now, there's no clear-cut favorite at the biggest events, including the PGA Championship that begins Thursday at Atlanta Athletic Club.

"You can't say that when Tiger was winning lots of major championships, it was boring or dull," Lee Westwood said. "It was exciting to watch and see what he would do next."

Rory McIlroy notwithstanding, golf seems to be flailing just a bit, looking desperately for the next big thing just in case Woods doesn't come all way back from personal chaos and a faltering body.

The last 11 majors have produced 11 winners. Nine of those were first-time major champions, including the current run of six in a row — Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, Martin Kaymer, Charl Schwartzel, McIlroy and Darren Clarke.

Maybe that shows the depth of the game.

That doesn't mean it's good for the game.

"I'm not sure which is better," said world No. 1 Luke Donald, speaking to about 20 reporters Tuesday in a room that could've held a whole lot more. "I'd probably sway toward one person dominating. I think it brings a little bit more focus to the sport."

Woods hasn't won a major since his remarkable victory at the 2008 U.S. Open, hobbling through an 18-hole playoff on a knee that needed major surgery. The following year, his marriage fell apart amid allegations of serial philandering. This year, another leg injury kept him from playing in either the U.S. Open or the British Open.

After a three-month layoff, Woods returned last week at Firestone but wasn't a factor, finishing 18 strokes behind winner Adam Scott.

Hardly anyone is picking Woods to win this week. He's slipped to 30th in the world and is getting more attention for dumping longtime caddie Steve Williams than anything he's done lately on the course.

Clarke, for one, misses the good ol' days when Woods was at his peak.

"Tiger was the best player for a very long time and he raised the bar in terms of what everybody else did and everybody else's preparation," said Clarke, who became one of golf's oldest first-time major champions when he captured the British Open at age 42. "Tiger has been wonderful for the game. He really has."

Donald knows it will be a lot easier to win his first major if you-know-who never regains the form he once had. Still, the Englishman recognizes that a player such as Woods appeals to everyone from the serious fan to someone who doesn't know the difference between a birdie and a bogey.

Without Woods at his peak, there's just not the same buzz, much as it was for the NBA after Jordan faded away.

"The fans always enjoy the hero, the one player who does dominate that they can cheer for," Donald said. "Tiger was that person, obviously."

After getting dumped this summer, Williams hooked up with Scott and was on the bag for his four-stroke win at last week's World Golf Championship. The caddie wound up getting more attention than the winner, which shows both the power of anything related to Woods and perhaps the lack of anyone really compelling to assume the lead role.

Scott was still answering questions about Williams on Tuesday, though the Aussie insists the state of the game remains strong.

"It's a really interesting time right now," Scott said. "What we've seen this year have been a lot of great stories, with some really high-quality young players who are living up to their potential quickly."

No one has more potential star power than McIlroy, who captured his first major title in June with a record-breaking romp at the U.S. Open. But it's still a bit early in the game to declare him the next Tiger.

There are other possible stars, everyone from 22-year-old American Rickie Fowler to 19-year-old Japanese phenom Ryo Ishikawa to 18-year-old Matteo Manassero of Italy. Twenty-somethings Jason Day of Australia and Dustin Johnson of the U.S. are both ranked in the top 10 and have been serious contenders in recent majors.

All provide hope that the generation to come is in good hands.

Then again, many of the players who had been on that tier right below Woods have fallen off dramatically, sapping the average fan's interest even more. Padraig Harrington won three of five majors during a stretch in 2007 and '08, but he's slumped to 69th in the world rankings. Jim Furyk (25th) and Ernie Els (27th) have fallen off, as well.

If Woods hits the ball as erratically as he did last week at Firestone, he won't be much of a factor in the PGA. There very well could be another first-time champion. Maybe Donald will finally break through. Or perhaps it will be Westwood, ranked No. 2 but also lacking a major title.

"There are obviously people out there who like to see a bit more variance and variety, that other people do have a chance to win," Donald said. "That's been the case the last two or three years, where it has been very wide open."

But rest assured, there will be a lot more people watching Sunday if Woods is in contention.

Everyone loves a star, no matter how tainted he might be.

Indians and Tigers square off for second straight tonight with the Tribe looking to close the gap in the AL Central.

View full sizeAP Photo | Matt StrasenUbaldo Jimenez will make his home debut for the Indians tonight.

(AP) -- Ubaldo Jimenez was not very effective in his Cleveland debut. He'll likely need to be better if the Indians are going to put more pressure on the first-place Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

The right-hander makes his Progressive Field debut trying to help the Indians move closer to the division leaders with a 13th straight home victory over the Tigers on Wednesday night.

Coming off a 19-win 2010, Jimenez was a disappointing 6-9 with a 4.46 ERA in 21 starts this season for Colorado. In his first start since being acquired by Cleveland (57-56) at the trade deadline, Jimenez allowed five runs, walked three and struck out seven in five innings of an 8-7, 11-inning loss at Texas on Friday in a game where the Indians held a pair of five-run leads.

"I'm really disappointed," Jimenez said. "We have a five-run lead but I wasn't able to hold it. I really take it personally. I have to be ready for my next one."

Jimenez faced Detroit this season while with the Rockies, giving up three runs in five innings of a 5-4 win June 18. However, he knows this outing carries more importance.

"I'm really excited about my first start in Cleveland," Jimenez told the Indians' official website. "But then especially pitching against Detroit. We're competing against them, and we have to do everything we can to stay close."

The Indians moved to within three games of the Tigers (61-54) with a 3-2, 14-inning victory in Tuesday's marathon series opener that featured a rain delay of just over two hours.

"It's unbelievable," Indians rookie second baseman Jason Kipnis said. "We'll take them any way we can and hopefully get another one (Wednesday)."

The Indians managed just seven hits, but won after Kosuke Fukudome was hit by a pitch from David Pauley with the bases loaded. Cleveland is 5-2 this season versus Detroit, which has lost 12 straight at Progressive Field since a 6-4 win on May 8, 2010.

"It's a tough way to end the game," said Detroit's Duane Below, who threw four hitless innings of relief.

Cleveland is 4-0 at home against the Tigers this season with all four coming in the final at-bat - three on walkoffs.

Asdrubal Cabrera went 2 for 4 with an RBI and scored the winning run for the Indians, who returned home after going 3-4 at division leaders Boston and Texas. Cabrera is batting .357 with five RBIs in his last 11 games overall and .294 (5 for 17) against Rick Porcello (11-6, 4.49 ERA), who is 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in five starts at Progressive Field.

The right-hander allowed only home runs to Michael Brantley and Carlos Santana and struck out seven in seven innings of a 3-2, 13-inning loss at Cleveland on April 30.

Porcello has been very good lately, going 5-0 with a 3.26 ERA in six starts since losing to the New York Mets on June 28. He gave up three runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 4-3, 10-inning win at Kansas City on Friday.

"Every time he goes out there now, we really feel we're going to win," teammate Brennan Boesch said. "He's really been pitching well. He's been growing all season long, getting better as the year goes on. That's what we need from him. He's stepping up big."

Detroit's Victor Martinez had two hits against his former team Tuesday in his return after missing one game with a sprained knee. Martinez is batting .325 in his first season with Detroit and .429 (6 for 14) versus Cleveland this year.

Terrelle Pryor postpones pro day.

Marvin Fong/The Plain DealerEx-Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor.

Terrelle Pryor's pro day workout, which had been scheduled for Friday, has been postponed until the NFL decides on his status for the supplemental draft, a source close to the player told ESPN.

Pryor has has applied for the Aug. 17 draft, but the NFL has not decided whether he is eligible.

In order to qualify for the supplemental draft, a player must show that his status has changed -- such as being declared academically ineligible by his school -- after the NFL's regular college draft has been held.

The only two players eligible for the supplemental draft so far are former Georgia running back Caleb King and former Northern Illinois safety Tracy Wilson.

Pryor is Ohio State's all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks, with 2,164 yards. He also threw 57 touchdown passes, tying a school record.

NCAA investigation cost Ohio State's athletic department.

AP file photoOSU athletic director Gene Smith

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The NCAA investigation into Ohio State's football program has cost the school's athletic department $800,000.

Athletic director Gene Smith confirmed the figure on Wednesday in an email to The Associated Press. The Buckeyes football program has been embroiled in a memorabilia-for-cash scandal that broke late last year and has resulted in coach Jim Tressel losing his job after 10 years. Star quarterback Terrelle Pryor also has left the school.

Ohio State goes before the NCAA's committee on infractions this Friday. The NCAA can either accept Ohio State's self-imposed penalties, which include vacating 12 wins from the 2010 season and a two-year NCAA probation -- or it can add to them.

Tressel was pressured to step down May 30 in the wake of the scandal.

WADSWORTH, Ohio - Michelle DeAngelis has been approved as Wadsworth's new softball coach. She succeeds Mike Schmeltzer, who recently retired after compiling a 249-103 record in 13 seasons.

WADSWORTH, Ohio - Michelle DeAngelis has been approved as Wadsworth's new softball coach.

She succeeds Mike Schmeltzer, who recently retired after compiling a 249-103 record in 13 seasons.

"Mike's retired but he's been a great help with the transition,'' said DeAngelis. "And I will continue to rely on his advice.''

The Grizzlies posted a 22-7 record last spring and was a Division I district finalist. DeAngelis posted a 29-25 mark the last two seasons as head coach at her alma mater, Chippewa.

"My immediate goal is to have the players work hard in the off-season and to get them into a winter league,'' said DeAngelis, a former assistant to Schmeltzer. "One of our goals is to win a Suburban League title.''

DeAngelis, an intervention specialist at Wadsworth, will have a good nucleus to work with since six starters return.

Ohio State will face a Friday NCAA hearing yet could still have the NCAA check out other areas of the program.

APOhio State AD Gene Smith and other school officials will appear at a Friday NCAA hearing, but the NCAA may not be done looking at the Buckeyes.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The NCAA continues to investigate Ohio State, ESPN.com reported today. Reportedly the NCAA sent a letter to Ohio State last week informing the school of the investigation.

Ohio State said that no further allegations have been passed on to the school from the NCAA.
 
"The university has not received any additional allegations from the NCAA," a school spokesman said in a statement sent to reporters after the ESPN report Wednesday afternoon. "As a member institution, we are committed to working together with the NCAA to examine any information concerning potential violations of NCAA legislation.

"We do not anticipate discussing any additional allegations with the Committee on Infractions on Friday other than those self reported in March, 2011."

But allegations may not be the same as investigations. The NCAA could be continuing to look without finding any other violations so far. But that would indicate that Ohio State may not be at the end of the road with its football scandal.

Ohio State will face the NCAA's Committee on Infractions in a hearing in Indianapolis on Friday. The only issues on the table there are the money and tattoos given to several players in exchange for autographs and memorabilia, and Jim Tressel's failure to disclose his previous knowledge of those potential violations.

The case summary sent by the NCAA to Ohio State in July did not differ much from the original Notice of Allegations sent to Ohio State in April that covered those two major violations. But in recent months, media stories had reported on other potential violations within the program, including Terrelle Pryor receiving more money for autographs, players and their families getting discounts at a car dealership, and more players being involved in the tattoo scandal.

The case summary mentioned an investigation into a media report, from Sports Illustrated, about a broader tattoo problem. The NCAA talked to nine players on the current roster, and found one to have committed violations. Also, Talbott told the Plain Dealer today that he has never been contacted by the NCAA. So it appears unlikely that any further investigations would center on those charges.

There was no mention of investigating other media claims, but that is often the case with the NCAA. If nothing is found, nothing is mentioned. The case summary was taken by many, including me, as a very good sign for Ohio State that maybe the worst of the current scandal was behind the program and the NCAA hadn't proven many of the allegations.

However, NCAA experts have said that continuing investigations can take two forms: either delaying a current hearing so everything can be considered at once, or breaking the investigation into pieces so one can go on as planned while the other continues.

So it is possible that Ohio State could be moving toward a Friday hearing while the NCAA continues to check out other aspects of the program. And that would mean this isn't over.

Jason Donald played a ventriloquist in the eighth inning Tuesday night to make sure the squeeze was on.

View full sizeAmy Sancetta, Associated PressJason Donald (center) was more than happy to embrace teammate Kosuke Fukudome after Fukudome was hit by a pitch to decide Tuesday night's 3-2 victory over Detroit that ran into Wednesday morning. Trying to score on a squeeze play earlier in the game didn't go as well for Donald.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the eighth inning on Tuesday night, Jason Donald was on third base when he saw the sign for a suicide squeeze bunt.

The Indians and Tigers were tied, 2-2, there was one out and Michael Brantley was at the plate.

"I've never been on third base for a squeeze," said Donald.

Just to make sure he saw the sign right, Donald checked with third-base coach Steve Smith. But he tried to be sly about it.

"You get paranoid. You think everybody is watching you," said Donald. "So I acted like a ventriloquist. I was talking without moving my lips and asked Smitty, "Are we squeezing?"

Smith said yes.

Unfortunately, it didn't work. Lefty Daniel Schlereth threw Brantley a breaking ball way off the plate. Brantley went to his knees trying to bunt it, but missed. Donald, running on the pitch, had no chance. He stopped and tried to get back to third, but catcher Alex Avila tagged him out.

The Indians won the game, 3-2, in 14 innings when Kosuke Fukudome was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Tonight's lineups:

Tigers (61-53): CF Andy Dirks (L), LF Brennan Boesch (L), RF Magglio Ordonez (R), 1B Miguel Cabrera (R), DH Victor Martinez (S), 2B Ryan Raburn (R), C Alex Avila (L), 3B Wilson Betemit (S), SS Ramon Santiago (S), RHP Rich Porcello (11-6, 4.49).

Indians (56-55): CF Ezequiel Carrera (L), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), RF Kosuke Fukudome (L), 1B Matt LaPorta (R), LF Shelley Duncan (R), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (L), C Lou Marson (R), RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (6-9, 4.49).

Him vs. me: Miguel Cabrera is hitting .400 (4-for-10) with two RBI against Jimenez. Hafner is hitting .286 (4-for-14) with two homers and four RBI against Porcello.

Lefty-righty: Lefties are hitting .236 (54-for-229) with five homers and righties .254 (125-for-492) with six homers against Jimenez.

Lefties are hitting .318 (89-for-280) with eight homers and righties are hitting .234 (47-for-201) with three homers against Porcello.   

Quote of the day: "Every great batter works on the theory that the pitcher is more afraid of him than he is of the pitcher," Tiger Hall of Famer Ty Cobb.

Umpires: H Eric Cooper, 1B Mark Carlson, 2B Tim Timmons, 3B Jeff Kellogg.

Next: Fausto Carmona (5-11, 5.19) faces the Tigers and Justin Verlander (16-5, 2.30) on Thursday night to end this three-game series. WTAM/STO will carry the game.