A healthy Tony Pashos and Shawn Lauvao could result in the offensive line becoming the strength of the Browns.

View full sizeLynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer"It's up to me to get back in the groove of things, set my feet and go," says Browns offensive tackle Tony Pashos (blocking on a running drill for Peyton Hillis). The Browns are feeling increasingly bullish about their offensive line during training camp. "Hopefully I've got that [injury] bug out of me," says Pashos.

BEREA, Ohio -- Everyone knows the Browns are a young team with many unanswered questions. One of the questions may surprise you.

Could the offensive line be one of the best in the NFL?

"It's going to be a work in progress, but all the potential is there to be one of the best in the league. There's no doubt about that," said right tackle Tony Pashos.

Nobody doubts the quality of three-fifths of the starting unit -- left tackle Joe Thomas, left guard Eric Steinbach and center Alex Mack. The right side has been the problem. The Browns addressed that problem this off-season by ... doing nothing. Well, they did subtract veteran tackle John St. Clair and failed to re-sign free agent Floyd Womack. But, essentially, they stood pat as second-year guard Shawn Lauvao and Pashos came back from injuries.

Lauvao suffered a high ankle sprain a few days before the 2010 season opener. He was never right in a trying rookie season. Pashos tore a tendon in an ankle early in the first Pittsburgh game in October and was shut down for surgery.

As a result, the Browns suffered four different guard-tackle combinations on the right side.

"Last year we kind of lacked that cohesiveness and stability," Lauvao said. "At same time, you want guys comfortable with each other."

Lauvao clearly was uncomfortable in his first rookie camp.

"It's definitely night and day with Coach [Pat] Shurmur compared to Coach [Eric] Mangini, just the way things are run and the way people are picking things up," he said.

Was it a culture shock for the third-round pick from Arizona State?

"Not necessarily culture shock," he answered. "But just kind of the atmosphere of what was expected. It was pretty physically demanding and it was frustrating my body didn't hold up the way I wanted to. People have different philosophies and views of things."

Pashos was out of sight and mind after his first season with the Browns was submarined by the ankle injury. It was the second NFL campaign in a row Pashos failed to stay healthy. Critics howled for a new right tackle in the draft or free agency, someone to depend on.

View full sizeLynn Ischay, The Plain DealerSecond-year right guard Shawn Lauvao is pleased with the new offense and coaching staff with the Browns. "It's definitely night and day with Coach [Pat] Shurmur compared to Coach [Eric] Mangini," he said, "just the way things are run and the way people are picking things up."

"I think my coaches and guys around me know I'm definitely that guy," Pashos said. "Now it's up to me to get back in the groove of things, set my feet and go. Hopefully I've got that [injury] bug out of me."

The starting unit has been intact for two weeks at practice. There is depth with versatile veterans Billy Yates, John Greco and Steve Vallos, and young up-and-comers like Branndon Braxton and Jason Pinkston. The line is one area of comfort for the new coaching staff implementing the West Coast offense, one less thing to worry about.

"They are the strong point on our offense," said quarterback Colt McCoy. "They are the foundation of what we need to do. Those guys are playing well."

Last year's offense was an unsolved Rubik's cube. Whatever was installed was eroded by multiple injuries at the quarterback position. But the one thing last year's Browns were able to do offensively was create a smash-mouth mentality running the ball.

Now that the Browns have joined the modern era and are attempting to throw the ball, you wonder if the gains made in the running game will carry over.

"Oh yeah," Pashos said. "You can't lose that. That's in the bank. That's the foundation now. That's stored away. Peyton Hillis ain't going away and neither is the running game.

"We have the ability to do what we're geared to do -- pound it and throw it when we need it. Peyton's a stud, you know that. Then when teams have to address that, then we can go to the outside."

McCoy points out, "For this offense to work, we've got to throw and catch the football. That's the bottom line."

McCoy is not concerned about weakening the running game by emphasizing the new pass offense in camp.

"I think the great thing about this offense is it plays to your strengths," he said. "Part of the West Coast is throwing and catching the football. But you've got a guy like Peyton in the backfield. You've got an experienced offensive line. And you've got coaches who've won a lot of games. So they're going to put us in situations based on what we do well and we're going to make it work."

Offensive line as a team strength? It can be if the right side comes through.

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi

Beard, Franek thinking about London riots and London Olympics as they prepare for the World Championships.

View full sizeAP photoTexas A&M's Jessica Beard, left, a Euclid High grad, believes the current unrest in London won't be an issue for the 2012 Olympics. "If they can't get that solved within a year, then that's going to have to be something to worry about," she said.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As they prepare for the World Track and Field Championships in South Korea later this month, the London riots are on the minds of local track stars Bridget Franek and Jessica Beard almost as much as the 2012 London Olympics.

Franek, who is in London, said Tuesday on her Twitter account, "All these riots in London are making me scared to go out and enjoy the city -- not so good for your international reputation."

Franek and Beard competed last weekend in the Aviva London Grand Prix. Franek, a Hiram native, plans to remain there until leaving for South Korea next week, said her agent, John Nubani.

"She's safe, staying at a training center," he said.

Beard, a Euclid native who just completed her senior year at Texas A&M, left London on Monday and flew back to College Station, Texas. She was unaware of the rioting until friends asked her repeatedly about it this week.

"I know it won't be an issue [next year]," she said in a phone interview. "I'm sure the government will have a handle it by that time. If they can't get that solved within a year, then that's going to have to be something to worry about."

Beard (4x400), Franek (3,000 steeplechase) and Akron's LaShaunte'a Moore (4x100) are headed to their second world championships, and are among six Ohioans who were named to Team USA's final roster Wednesday. The meet is in Daegu, South Korea, Aug. 27-Sept. 4.

Also on the team are high jumper Erik Kynard of Toledo, steeplechaser Daniel Huling of Columbus and 2008 Olympic pentathlon silver medalist Hyleas Fountain of Kettering in Southwest Ohio.

Beard won a gold medal at the world 4x400 in 2009. She ran the prelims and not the final then, and said her goal is to be picked for the final this time. She also is an alternate in the 400, and could run if Allyson Felix decides not to compete in the 200 and 400.

"A lot of people believe that [Felix won't run the 400], but I'm not sure," Beard said. "I'm just going on that she is doubling right now. As for me right now, I'm in the relay pool and I know Allyson won't run the prelims because it's on the same day as the 200 final."

Beard, who won the NCAA 400 and ran on two winning relays, is a finalist for this year's Bowerman Award given to the top college track athlete. Franek, the 2010 NCAA champ out of Penn State, also was on the 2009 world team. The veteran Moore is in the 4x100 relay pool. She was seventh in the 200 at worlds in 2007 and qualified for the 2004 Olympics.

None of Ashland hammer throw coach Jud Logan's stable of elite throwers is headed to Korea. Two-time Olympian A.G. Kruger had the second-longest throw by an American this year, but missed the world minimum standard by five feet. Former Ashland thrower Kibwe Johnson is on the world team, but he currently lives and trains in Canada while competing for the U.S.

Rangy receiver figures to get opportunities both at tight end and wide receiver this season.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain Dealer"I know it sounds cliche, I've got to take it day to day," Browns tight end Evan Moore says of 2011. "When the plays come to you, just make them. Then all this other stuff -- a big year -- will take care of itself."

BEREA, Ohio -- If training camp is any indication, Browns fans will be seeing plenty more of Evan Moore this season.

The 6-6 tight end has been the star of camp -- or All-Berea as former coach Butch Davis used to say -- since he joined practice last Thursday after standing around for the first five days in labor-agreement limbo.

It began in his first practice when he made a sensational one-handed touchdown grab, then jumped up and said "I'm back, I'm back," to the cheer of the crowd.

The next day, he said he was "running in sand" after the layoff, but by Saturday, he was rounding into shape. At the Family Day practice on Saturday, he caught four TD passes, including a laser from Colt McCoy and a 46-yard catch and run. He's continued to make big plays and score touchdowns ever since, quickly becoming the standout receiver in camp.

"Evan's provided a big spark for us offensively," said McCoy. "He's a big body, big target. I think I said at the beginning of camp we're going to have to utilize our tight ends. When you have those big bodies, those are quarterback-friendly targets. You can find an area with them and they can go make a play. So we've got some weapons."

Moore hasn't kept track of all his touchdowns in camp, "but I hope to keep it going."

As for seeking a breakout year, he's not making any predictions.

"Those thoughts do cross my mind, but I'm trying not to think about that because I don't want to get ahead of myself," he said. "I know it sounds cliche, I've got to take it day to day. When the plays come to you, just make them. Then all this other stuff -- a big year -- will take care of itself."

Saturday, Moore will play against his former Packers team. Originally signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford in 2008, Moore was waived by New Orleans and signed a few weeks later by the Packers. But he suffered a knee injury in camp and was placed on injured reserve for the 2008 season. In September of 2009, Moore was waived by the Packers and signed to the Browns practice squad in November.

Once promoted to the active roster, he immediately showed great promise, catching six passes for 80 yards in his NFL debut against the Chargers. Moore, a wide receiver at Stanford, wasn't called upon much last season, catching only 16 passes for 322 yards before landing on injured reserve with a sports hernia that required surgery.

This season, Moore figures to play a larger role in the pass-oriented offense, both as a tight end and wideout.

"He'll play tight end, but tight ends are interchangeable guys," said coach Pat Shurmur. "They can be next to the tackle, the slot or even outside of the receiver. He's a big target and he runs extremely well. We're hopeful he can be a tough match up for the linebacker and the safety."

Moore, who knows the West Coast offense well from his days at Stanford and Green Bay, hopes to make the kind of impact that Ben Watson did last season, when he led the Browns with 68 catches for 763 yards and three TDs.

"We're all trying to match the bar that Ben set for this tight end group," he said.

Mo out of cast: Mohamed Massaquoi got his cast off Wednesday and is in a walking boot to protect the chipped bone in his left foot. Shurmur said there's "a possibility he could be out here running around next week."

Pryor delays pro day: Former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor has postponed his Pro Day in the Pittsburgh area until the NFL decides whether or not to declare him eligible for the Aug. 17 supplemental draft. The workout was to be Friday, and a number of teams including the Browns were planning to attend.

Guiton has a chance in the chase for Terrelle Pryor's old job. Links to stories on Etienne Sabino, Storm Klein, OSU's QB coach, Michigan and "what if Nebraska...," etc.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerKenny Guiton scores a fourth-quarter touchdown during Ohio State's 73-20 win over Eastern Michigan last season.

Guiton got offers from Kansas and Rice, but those were pulled when others accepted first. Ohio State’s offer came out of the blue. He redshirted in 2009 and played only briefly a year ago, completing 1 of 2 passes for 5 yards.

Even now, Guiton is a bit overlooked. Senior Joe Bauserman was Pryor’s backup last year and took the first snaps with the starters this week. Freshman Braxton Miller arrives as a highly touted recruit. Redshirt freshman Taylor Graham, whose father, Kent, is a former Buckeyes and NFL quarterback, has opened eyes with his arm strength.

It is way too early to project a starter, and Guiton isn’t getting caught up in that anyway.

“I try not to think about it,” he said. “We’re all together. We’re all on the same team. We’re all brothers.”

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage includes Doug Lesmerises' story that, according to a report, the NCAA is continuing to investigate the OSU football program; his story on this being a season of change for Buckeyes quarterback coach Nick Siciliano. 

Buckeyes banter

The Big Ten Network is simulating what might have happened in the conference over the last 15 years if Nebraska had been in it -- as the Cornhuskers now are.

Linebacker Etienne Sabino hopes to be a key contributor this season, Brandon Castel writes for the-ozone.net.

Storm Klein, currently first on the dpeth chart at middle linebacker, is hopeful that work and patience are paying off. By Tony Gerdeman for the-ozone.net.

The NCAA is still investigating the Ohio State football program, Pat Forde writes for ESPN.com.

A Bleacher Report slideshow looking at every game on Ohio State's schedule.

Is Ohio State rival Michigan, with new coach Brady Hoke, gaining the recruiting edge on other Big Ten teams? By Austin Fox for the Bleacher Report.

Some Big Ten non-seniors and freshmen to watch, by Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com. 

Brown and Joe Haden must have good, healthy seasons at cornerback. Links to stories on Eric Steinbach, Evan Moore, Usama Young, Jabaal Sheard, Colt McCoy and more.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns cornerback Sheldon Brown (24) intercepts a pass despite the efforts of Kansas City's Chris Chambers (of Bedford High School) during Cleveland's 16-14 loss to the Chiefs last Sept. 19.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns are lacking in depth at the defensive position that can most dramatically take a team right out of a game -- cornerback.

Joe Haden, coming of a strong rookie season, will start at one of the corners. On the other side of the field will be Sheldon Brown, a longtime starter who has not missed a game in his nine NFL seasons -- eight of them with the Philadelphia Eagles before joining the Browns last year.

Should Brown or Haden struggle, or succumb to injury, the Browns' already precarious cornerback situation could bring down the entire defense.

Brown, though, is optimistic that the team's new defense will help him excel, as Scott Petrak writes for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette:

Brown, 32, appears fully recovered from offseason surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. He feels more comfortable this season — his second in Cleveland — because he’s back in a 4-3 scheme and familiar with new coach Pat Shurmur’s style from their similar upbringing with the Eagles.

“I’m pretty sure I look like a different player this year than I did last year,” Brown said. “It’s because I’m familiar with the scheme, I understand what the rotations are, I understand the concepts.

“Sometimes when you go to a different situation where it’s not the same system, you’re going to be a step slower, you’re not going to be able to anticipate things and you’re going to look bad. But it’s things that people on the outside won’t know that’s going on.”

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Tony Grossi's story that the Browns' offensive line could be very good; Mary Kay Cabot's story on how well tight end Evan Moore has performed in training camp; and, much more.  

Goal to goal

Eric Steinbach provides durability and skill at left guard, Jeff Schudel writes for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

A transcript of coach Pat Shurmur's Wednesday press conference, on clevelandbrowns.com.

Evan Moore, playing at tight end, creates mis-matches. From FoxSportsOhio.com. And, for SportingNews.com, Steve Doerschuk writes that Moore has had an impressive camp.

Quarterback Colt McCoy answers questions after Wednesday's practice. From the Dayton Daily News.

A Bleacher Report slideshow features predictions for the first half of the Browns season.

A CBSSports.com podcast previewing the AFC North.

Usama Young is competing for a starting job at safety, Scott Petrak writes for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette.

Rookie defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard faces quite a test going against all-pro Joe Thomas during practice, Mike McLain writes for the Warren Tribune Chronicle.

What kind of level can the Browns compete at? Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository considers the question.

When does it feel good to get hit by big-league pitch? When it drives in the winning run. Just ask Kosuke Fukudome.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerKosuke Fukudome was wearing the badge of victory Wednesday during batting practice, with a bandage covering where he was hit by a Joaquin Benoit pitch in the 14th inning early Wednesday morning.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Before Wednesday morning, not only had Kosuke Fukudome never been hit by a pitch to win a game, he'd never seen it happen.

"That might be the only time I've gotten hit by a pitch and been happy about it," said Fukudome Wednesday afternoon, through his interpreter.

Tigers reliever David Pauley started the 14th inning of Tuesday's rain-interrupted marathon with the score tied, 2-2. The Indians' bullpen had already pitched 12 scoreless innings following a 123-minute rain delay that knocked out starters Justin Masterson and Doug Fister. After the rain stopped, it was all great pitching and very little hitting.

The Indians entered the 14th with six hits. Jason Kipnis struck out, but Asdrubal Cabrera walked. Travis Hafner singled to right as Cabrera went to third. After Carlos Santana was intentionally walked, Fukudome was down in the count, 1-2. He was 0-for-5 coming into the at-bat with four straight strikeouts.

Pauley's next pitch hit Fukudome on the left forearm, making the Indians a 3-2 winner with their 13th last at-bat victory at home.

"A win is a win," said Fukudome.

The last time the Indians won a game in walk-off fashion with a batter getting hit by a pitch was June 11, 1991. Alex Cole was hit in the 12th inning to produce a victory over Toronto.

In the opener of this three-game series, seven Tribe relievers allowed six hits, three walks and struck out 12. The last time Indians relievers pitched at least 12 scoreless innings in a game, according to Elias, was Aug. 20, 1982 against Seattle.

"It was just remarkable," said manager Manny Acta. "Especially considering the way these guys had to battle in those seven games against the Red Sox and the Rangers."

Acta called the Tigers the third-best hitting team in the AL, with three of the top 10 hitters in the league -- Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta -- in the middle of the lineup.

"To go through those guys for 12 innings, I can't say enough," said Acta.

Masterson went two innings and threw 37 pitches before the game was delayed. The Indians will bring him back Friday to start the opener of a three-game series against the Twins.

"Masterson should be good to go," said Acta.

Sore wrist: Michael Brantley was out of the lineup Wednesday with a sore right wrist. He missed two games on the recent trip with the same problem.

"Our medical staff recommended that he get a day off," said Acta. "His wrist still isn't 100 percent."

Hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham has examined Brantley, who is not expected to need a visit to the disabled list, said Acta.

Testing, testing: Shin-Soo Choo, rehabbing his broken left thumb, took batting practice with the Indians on Wednesday after playing two games with Class A Lake County.

"I'm feeling better every day," said Choo.

Acta said the Indians are planning the rest of Choo's rehab assignment based on how he feels. Choo said he may join Class AAA Columbus on a trip to Rochester this weekend.

No. 600: With Jim Thome sitting at 598 homers and the Twins arriving in Cleveland on Friday, Thome just may hit No. 600 in his old backyard.

Charley Walters, columnist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, researched what the ball may be worth.

• Heritage Auctions, Dallas: $10,000 to $20,000.

• Memory Lane, Tustin, Calif.: $25,000 to $50,000.

• Steiner Sports Memorabilia, New Rochelle, N.Y.: $50,000.

The Twins are finishing a home stand against Boston at Target Field. They have staff members in right and right center fields to try and retrieve the ball or make a deal with the fan who catches it.

MLB will authenticate all baseballs pitched to Thome once he reaches 599. Only seven players have hit 600 or more homers: Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Sammy Sosa.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Ubaldo Jimenez picks up his first win as an Indian with eight strong innings in Progressive Field debut.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerJason Kipnis capped a three-run second inning for the Indians Wednesday with a two-run homer that also scored Ezequiel Carrera. Kipnis' five hits were complemented by four runs scored and three RBI.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This much was certain about Indians fans among the paid attendance of 23,258 on Wednesday night at Progressive Field:

They were all Kipnises.

Rookie second baseman Jason Kipnis went 5-for-5 with a homer, double, three RBI and four runs as the Tribe ripped the Tigers, 10-3.

The Indians have pulled within two of Detroit in the AL Central by taking the first two of a three-game series. Tigers ace Justin Verlander opposes Fausto Carmona in the finale Thursday night.

The Tribe finished with 18 hits in support of right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, who earned his first victory as an Indian. Jimenez, acquired from the Rockies on July 31, allowed the three runs on six hits in eight innings. He walked one and struck out six.

Jimenez debuted with the Tribe in Texas on Aug. 5, giving up five runs on seven hits in five innings of a no-decision.

Jimenez gave manager Manny Acta exactly what was needed: quality length. Indians relievers needed a break after working 12 innings in a 14-inning victory Tuesday.

Kipnis singled and scored in the first; hit a two-run homer in the second; hit an RBI single and scored in the fourth; doubled and scored in the sixth; and singled in the seventh.

After the fifth hit, Kipnis received a standing ovation. He is the sixth Indian since 1946 with five-plus hits and four-plus runs in one game.

The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the first against Detroit righty Rick Porcello. With one out, Kipnis singled. With two outs, Travis Hafner fought off an inside fastball and dumped it into center, Kipnis sprinting to third. Carlos Santana hit an RBI single into the hole at second.

The Tribe made it 4-0 in the second. Lonnie Chisenhall hit a one-out double and scored on Ezequiel Carrera's two-out double. Carrera hooked an off-speed pitch into the right-field corner.

Porcello fell behind Kipnis, 3-0, then got the count to full. Porcello defied the scouting reports and attempted to go inside with a fastball. Kipnis pulled in his hands and drilled it over the right-field wall for his sixth homer in 16 games.

Acta put seven lefties in the lineup. Lefties entered Wednesday hitting .318 against Porcello, who was 4-0 with a 2.32 ERA in eight starts against the Indians.

The Tigers scored three in the fourth. The uprising was set up when first baseman Santana failed to hold onto a throw from shortstop Cabrera on a grounder by Victor Martinez for the third out. Wilson Betemit's double drove in a pair of the runs.

The Tribe answered with four in its half. Kipnis was in the middle of the fun.

Porcello gave up eight runs on 11 hits in 3 2/3 innings.

There are conflicting reports about a knee injury that could keep Casspi out of the upcoming EuroBasket tournament in Lithuania.

View full sizeAssociated PressAccording to eurobasket.com, Cavaliers forward Omri Casspi slipped practicing with the Israeli basketball team, will have physical therapy for two weeks and is questionable for the EuroBasket championships in Lithuania.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - There are conflicting reports about a knee injury suffered by Cavaliers forward Omri Casspi during training with the Israeli basketball team. Because of the NBA lockout, the Cavaliers cannot contact Casspi or comment on the reports.

According to eurobasket.com, Casspi, the first Israeli-born player in the NBA, slipped during practice on Wednesday, will have physical therapy for two weeks and is questionable for the EuroBasket championships in Lithuania. The team is trying to finish in the top six in the EuroBasket tournament, which would qualify it for next summer's last-chance Olympic qualifying tournament, where the final three teams to win London 2012 bids will be decided.

"The knee is not something you play around with," the website quotes Casspi as saying. "I will not play again until I know I'm 100 percent capable.

"I'm not sure if I will play in the EuroBasket. It's too early to decide now, but I feel horrible pains and can barely move. I will need around six weeks to recuperate, two of those playing no basketball at all and then the doctors will check my knee again."

The website says Casspi pulled a muscle and walked off the court alone to get an MRI. But the website said the MRI results showed Casspi pulled a muscle on the inner side of his fibula and was instructed to stay home and not travel with Israel's team to Holland for its second exhibition tournament.

However, a source close to Casspi said the injury was minor and the player was fine. A call to Casspi's agent, Steve Heumann, was not returned.

Irving camp: Cavs No. 1 draft choice Kyrie Irving, who has been studying and working out at Duke during the NBA lockout, will hold a two-day basketball camp for boys and girls ages 7-18 at the Westlake Recreation Center on September 24-25. The cost is $99. For more information or to register, go to kyrieirvingcamp.com.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Pitching coach Tim Belcher thinks the addition of Ubaldo Jimenez will light a fire under Fausto Carmona.

Charles Krupa, Associated PressPitching coach Tim Belcher thinks Fausto Carmona will benefit from the addition of Ubaldo Jimenez.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What kind of influence, if any, will the Big U have on the Big F?

The Big U is Ubaldo Jimenez who won his home debut with the Indians on Wednesday with eight good innings in a 10-3 victory over Detroit. Then the Indians gave him a house-warming present.

They asked the official scorer to review a play in the fourth inning. The scorer changed the call from a infield hit for Detroit's Victor Martinez to an error on first baseman Carlos Santana. That mean the three runs Jimenez allowed were unearned, dropping his ERA in two starts with the Tribe from 5.54 to 3.46.

The Big F is Fausto Carmona, who faced Justin Verlander on Thursday as the Indians faced Detroit in the series finale after winning the first two games to cut the Tigers lead in the AL Central to two games.

Pitching coach Tim Belcher was more than a little interested to see how Carmona pitched against the Tigers following Jimenez's performance.

"I think the addition of Ubaldo is really going help Fausto," said Belcher. "I think it's going to create a little friendly competition within the rotation that will help him and the others.

"Fausto has been the guy here the last few years since CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee have gone other places. Now all of a sudden someone is here with top-of-the-rotation stuff who is a countryman, similar age, similar tying stuff and build.

"Instinctively, whether he admits it or not, it will pick his game up. It did in Boston on the first day Ubaldo joined us. Ubaldo threw a bullpen and five minutes later Fausto threw a bullpen and it was the best bullpen he's thrown all year."

Carmona is only 5-11 with a 5.19 ERA, but over his last four starts since coming off the disabled list, he's 1-1 with 2.81 ERA entering Thursday's game.

The Indians acquired Jimenez from Colorado on July 31 for No.1 picks Drew Pomeranz and Alex White and two other minor leaguers.

Tonight's lineups:

Tigers (61-55): CF Austin Jackson (R), LF Ryan Rayburn (R), RF Magglio Ordonez (R), 1B Miguel Cabrera (R), DH Victor Martinez (S), SS Jhonny Peralta (R), 2B Carlos Guillen (S), C Alex Avila (L), 3B Wilson Betemit (S), RHP Justin Verlander (16-5, 2.30).

Indians (58-55): CF Ezequiel Carrera (L), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), 1B Carlos Santana (S), RF Kosuke Fukudome (L), LF Shelley Duncan (R), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (L), C Lou Marson (R), RHP Fausto Carmona (5-11, 5.19).

Lineup note: Michael Brantley missed his second straight game with a sore right wrist. Manager Manny Acta indicated he could be back in the lineup Friday. Asdrubal Cabrera (right heel) wasn't assured that he was starting until he went through batting practice and infield practice. He was hit in the heel Wednesday night and left the game in the seventh inning.  

Him vs. me: Miguel Cabrera is hitting .290 (9-for-31) with three homers and six RBI against Carmona. Michael Brantley is hitting .438 (7-for-16) with four RBI against Verlander, but he's not in the lineup with a sore right wrist. Hafner is hitting .286 (12-for-42) with two homers and 10 RBI against Verlander. 

Quote of the day: "If I ever find a pitcher who has heat, a good curve, and a slider, I might seriously consider marrying him, or at least proposing," Sparky Anderson, the Tigers late, great Hall of Fame manager.

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

Next: The Indians open a three-game series against the Twins on Friday with Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.71) facing Carl Pavano (6-9, 4.71) at 7:05 p.m. WTAM/STO will carry the game.

Cleveland Indians chatter.

Mike Fuentes, Associated PressOutfielder Michael Brantley was not in the starting lineup again on Thursday night against the Tigers.

Clubhouse confidential

"I'm ready to go," said Brantley. "It's up to the manager and the training staff on when they put me in."

Brantley referred questions about the nature of his injury and the kind of treatment he's receiving to Lonnie Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer.

Manager Manny Acta said one more day off would help Brantley. Acta said Brantley feels the most pain when he swings and misses. Since the Indians faced AL strikeout leader Justin Verlander on Thursday, Acta rested Brantley one more day even though he's a lifetime .438 (7-for-16) hitter against Verlander.

Wild ones: First base coach Sandy Alomar Jr., Indians catching coach, took exception to those who have criticized catcher Carlos Santana for not doing a good job blocking balls in the dirt.

"We have the second fewest wild pitches in the American League," said Alomar. "Carlos has done a good job with balls in the dirt."

The Indians entered Thursday with 25 wild pitches. Baltimore has the fewest in the league with 23.

Stat of the day: Chad Durbin has allowed only four of 24 inherited runners to score this season.

-- Paul Hoynes

Rookie cornerback Buster Skrine has been a hit in training camp for the Browns.

BEREA, Ohio — Nobody is challenging Browns rookie cornerback Buster Skrine to a race in the 40-yard dash. His 4.29-second speed in the 40 is quite evident on the field.

But Skrine has been challenged at cornerback. And one of the surprises of camp is that Skrine is winning his fair share of those challenges.

Coach Pat Shurmur took note of a couple of one-on-one battles Skrine had with rookie receiver Greg Little on Thursday. Little, 6-2 and 220 pounds, might be the most physical receiver in camp. Skrine is one of the smallest players at 5-9 1/2 and 185 pounds.

"Neither one is intimidated by the other and they get after each other. It's been good," Shurmur said.

Skrine won twice in the span of about two minutes Thursday. On the first, Little beat Skrine on a move, but Skrine recovered and deflected the pass with the flick of his backhand at the last instant. On the second, Little reached behind Skrine to catch a Colt McCoy pass. Skrine held his concentration and ripped the ball away, cradling the interception while tumbling to the ground.

"That was a great play by him," Little said. "He does well for himself. He's a hard worker. He's a scrappy guy. He's super fast, has great recovery speed and I think that helps him a lot in those one-on-one drills."

Skrine is trying to overcome a few obstacles in his first camp -- his size, the stereotype that he's just a "speed" guy, and a college career that didn't exactly prepare him for the NFL. At Tennessee-Chattanooga, Skrine played for four different position coaches and four coordinators.

"He's having to absorb much more than he did in college and then go out there and perform," Shurmur said. "There's something about him that's fun to be around. He's very competitive."

Skrine is listed second at left cornerback behind Joe Haden. The addition of Dimitri Patterson moved him to second-team nickel (third) cornerback, though he's gotten a few reps in the first-team nickel package.

"At Tennessee-Chattanooga, I could play just with my athleticism. Now that I'm here, that's not gonna cut it anymore," Skrine said. "Coach Jerome [Henderson] been emphasizing technique a lot."

Little said that Skrine's diminutive size sometimes works to his advantage.

"When I'm trying to come down with the ball in between traffic, sometimes he's right there at the midsection to rip it out," Little said. "He's doing some great things for the team."

Skrine is the second kick returner behind Josh Cribbs and also has taken reps at punt returner. He might get his chance for a few kick returns after the first quarter Saturday night against Green Bay in Cleveland Browns Stadium. Skrine is used to playing in front of about 14,000 fans at Chattanooga.

"There'll probably be a little nervousness on the first play. But once I get in there, everything will settle down and I'll just feed off the crowd," Skrine said.

Help wanted: The most experienced backup linebacker on the roster is Kaluka Maiava with 18 games played in two NFL seasons. Next is Titus Brown, who has six games played on defense in two years. Five of the other six backups are undrafted rookie free agents.

It's definitely a position the Browns will consider when teams make roster cuts later this month.

"There's a chance there could be guys playing on other teams that might be here. We'll see," Shurmur said.

One veteran linebacker who is unsigned and available now is Dhani Jones, a one-time Philadelphia Eagle who was most recently with the Bengals. Jones, 33, has played weakside and middle linebacker in the 4-3.

A one, a two, a three: Shurmur said his plans are to play the No. 1 teams for the first quarter against Green Bay, the No. 2 teams for the second and third quarters, and the No. 3s and others in the fourth quarter. He said he did not alter his original plan for playing time because of the compressed off-season.

Hold, please: Punter Richmond McGee has been working on holds with the kicking team. There isn't another experienced candidate for the job, so McGee could relieve some anxiety by handling the job flawlessly in the Green Bay game.

Tidbits: Shurmur had his players practice in shorts and shells after three straight days with pads. He also reduced the work of some players to refresh them for Saturday's game. . . . The longer Montario Hardesty is out, Brandon Jackson becomes a more important addition. "He's a key guy for us," Shurmur said of the ex-Packer. "You've got to have more than one running back. Nobody can do it alone at that position." . . . Saturday marks Little's first competitive game in 22 months. "It's not like I have been sitting on the couch, but I have been preparing myself for this day," he said. . . . Rookie fullback Owen Marecic is the new upback in punt formation. He calls the signals and is the last blocker in front of the punter.

What the OSU administrators say today will matter, but what has happened over the past eight months, since the initial player violations involving a tattoo parlor were disclosed in December, matters more.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerTerrelle Pryor's exit from the Ohio State football program will be a plus for the Buckeyes when they go before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions on Friday.

Ohio State appears before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions today, facing the NCAA violations committed by former coach Jim Tressel and several players. What the OSU administrators say today will matter, but what has happened over the past eight months, since the initial player violations involving a tattoo parlor were disclosed in December, matters more.

Here's what is working for and against Ohio State when it comes to the committee's ruling, which is expected in about six weeks:

FOR OHIO STATE

1. Ohio State self-reported the initial violations of players selling memorabilia in December and began working hand-in-hand with the NCAA after discovering the Tressel emails in January that revealed his previous knowledge. Ohio State then self-reported those violations in March. Considering the way some schools have fought investigations in the past, cooperation is key.

2. Tressel's resignation was forced May 30, a point Ohio State now proudly claims in its NCAA response as proof of serious action it already has taken. Ohio State hopes Tressel absorbs most of the blame himself, and the fact he will attend today's meeting has to help OSU. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, another figure in the investigations, also has left the school.

3. Athletic Director Gene Smith is a former member of the Committee on Infractions and other NCAA committees and is well-connected in NCAA circles. OSU President Gordon Gee formerly worked with NCAA President Mark Emmert. Relationships don't hurt.

4. Ohio State has been the dominant program in Big Ten football for six years. As a practical point, the NCAA, which is there to represent its members, may be hesitant to punish Ohio State too harshly, which could harm the Big Ten Conference as a whole. And Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany is a heavy hitter in college athletics.

5. Tressel's unethical conduct violations are very serious. But in terms of what is being dealt with at this hearing, the underlying violations aren't as substantive as paying recruits or academic fraud. Players sold memorabilia and autographs. What started the problem that led to Tressel's serious missteps will be considered.

AGAINST OHIO STATE

1. Because of violations with the football program and basketball program within the past five years, Ohio State is eligible for repeat-violator status. That allows the committee to hand out more serious penalties. Ohio State has argued that though it qualifies by the letter of the rule, it shouldn't be considered a repeat violator.

2. As pointed out by one NCAA expert, though the Buckeyes did self-report the initial tattoo-related violations, it's not like they found them on their own. They were forced into action by the Justice Department findings during a drug raid of a tattoo parlor. Without that, this very well may never have come to light.

3. Yes, Tressel was forced out, but only after Ohio State vehemently defended him at a March 8 news conference and initially gave him only a two-game suspension and a $250,000 fine. The administration wasn't quick to reach the decision with Tressel they are now leaning on.

4. Ohio State's initial 12-day investigation in December, which led to the conclusion that the tattoo problems were an isolated case and didn't uncover Tressel's previous knowledge, could be seen as shoddy. And that helped lead to the decision for the suspended players to be allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl.

5. This could be a time for the NCAA to make a point, with reform and a desire to seriously punish violators in the air. And the NCAA hit USC, another popular, dominant program, with huge penalties, a loss of 30 scholarships and a two-year bowl ban, in 2010. So the committee may not be afraid to hurt a marquee program.

Stricker matches lowest round ever in a major. Shaun Micheel trails by three. Rory McIlroy cards a 70, Phil Mickelson 71.

Associated PressSteve Stricker's record-tying round of 63 included seven birdies and 11 pars.

JOHNS CREEK, Georgia -- Steve Stricker had a shot at history and Tiger Woods made some of his own.

Just not the kind he wanted.

What a wild first day at the PGA Championship.

Stricker missed a 10-foot birdie putt at his final hole Thursday, just a hair away from becoming the first player to shoot 62 in a major championship. He had no complaints, though, about settling for a 7-under score and the opening-round lead at Atlanta Athletic Club.

"I realized it was for 62 but didn't realize it was for history," Stricker said. "I hit a good putt. It just didn't go in. All in all, a good day."

For Woods, a miserable one.

Seemingly spending as much time in water and sand as he did on the green stuff, Woods returned to the major scene with a major thud — a 77 that was his worst round ever at the PGA.

A 15th major title? Forget about it.

Woods will need a major turnaround just to make the cut.

Beyond Stricker and Woods, there was Rory McIlroy banging his hand on an ill-advised shot off a tree root, Ryo Ishikawa spending so much time in the water he needed a snorkel, and two patched-up greens caused by mowers gone wild.

Stricker showed it was possible to go low by keeping the ball in the fairway. He tore up the tough back nine with a 5-under 30 and played a bogey-free round, leaving him two shots ahead of Jerry Kelly among those with morning tee times.

It was the 11th time a player has shot 63 in the year's final major, and the 25th time overall.

"I really had no expectations coming into today's round," the 44-year-old Stricker said. "I didn't make too many birdies the first three days during the practice rounds. I got off to a good start, and it kind of got me going."

McIlroy, the U.S. Open champion, got off to a painful start, taking an ill-advised swing at his ball resting against a tree root on the third hole.

He let the 7-iron fall from his hands as soon as he struck the ball, and flexed his wrist in obvious pain. He walked to the next hole holding an ice compress on his arm. Finally, at the fifth, he was checked out by PGA Tour physical therapist Jeff Hendra.

Apparently reassured that he couldn't hurt it any worse, McIlroy played on. He had the wrist taped up to provide extra support and managed to grind out an even-par 70.

Stricker has never won one of golf's biggest championships — he's 0-for-52 — and the Americans are mired in their longest major drought of the modern era.

It's early, but maybe he'll take care of both in the same week.

Stricker amazingly made birdies at both the 15th — the longest par-3 on the course — and the 18th, a lengthy par-4 that has water hugging the left side of the fairway and guarding the front of the green.

The Americans sure need a boost. They haven't won a major since Phil Mickelson triumphed at the 2010 Masters, coming up short at six in a row. During that span, Northern Ireland has captured three championships, South Africa two and Germany one.

Stricker is the highest-ranked American in the world rankings, a spot that used to be controlled by Woods.

Not anymore.

Woods knocked two balls in the water and spent enough time in the bunkers to feel like he was on a beach vacation. The result was predictable: Three double bogeys and five bogeys.

He headed to the clubhouse a colossal 14 strokes off the lead, having put up the same score as 57-year-old Jerry Pate.

"I'm not down," Woods said. "I'm really angry right now."

His previous worst round in the PGA was a 75, and the only time he posted a higher score in a major was that 81 in the third round of the British Open, played in awful conditions at Muirfield.

That result was stunning because Woods was in his prime, a superb player in the midst of winning 14 major titles.

Now, he looks like just one of the crowd, at best. Woods hasn't won a major championship since his stirring playoff win at the 2008 U.S. Open — on a leg that needed major surgery.

Since then, his marriage has fallen apart, his reputation has taken a beating and his game is not the least bit intimidating.

Fully recovered from a leg injury that caused him to miss both the U.S. Open and the British Open, Woods got off to a strong start with birdies on three of the first five holes, briefly grabbing a share of the lead.

Then Bad Tiger showed up again.

The trouble began at the 253-yard 15th, the over-the-top par 3 that is both long and protected by water. Woods went with an iron but it wasn't quite enough, the ball plopping into the pond that runs along the right side of the hole. He reached down slowly to retrieve his tee and went on to make the first of his double bogeys.

At the 16th, a wild drive led to more problems. Woods landed in a fairway bunker to the right, knocked his approach into the gallery on the left, flopped it into another bunker and settled for a bogey.

Woods took another double bogey at the brutal 18th after plugging his tee shot in, yes, another bunker. He could only gouge it out, found more sand with his third shot and failed to get up-and-down from there.

His momentum totally stymied by a 2-over 37 at the turn, Woods staggered toward the finish. He started the front side with three more bogeys in the first four holes, then dunked another ball in the water at the sixth to set up his third double bogey on a sweltering day in the Deep South.

Woods closed with an appropriate finish. His approach landed in the bunker in front of the ninth green, his blast-out went far past the flag, and he missed the par putt.

At least Woods fared better than Ishikawa, the Japanese star thought to be a contender coming off a strong showing at Firestone last week.

The 19-year-old put six balls in the water and finishing with an 85 — pretty much assured of missing the cut before much of the field even got on the course.

Dustin Johnson was looking to make up for a gaffe on the 72nd hole that cost him a chance to win last year's PGA.

Johnson appeared headed for a three-way playoff at Whistling Straits until the PGA of America pointed out that he grounded his club in a ragged patch of dirt that was actually a bunker.

He had to assess himself a two-stroke penalty, which left Martin Kaymer to beat Bubba Watson for the Wanamaker Trophy.

Johnson has a lot of work to do just to put himself in that position again, opening with a 75.

Kaymer began defense of his title with 72. Watson had a wild round on his way to a 74, stringing together four straight birdies early in the round, then stumbling through five straight bogeys — and a double bogey at the end.

Shaun Micheel, one of the PGA's most surprising winners in 2003, is at it again. He opened with a 66.

Everyone raved about the condition of the 7,467-yard course in the sprawling suburbs northeast of Atlanta, which was the home club of Bobby Jones and had hosted three previous majors.

But a baffling mishap the evening before left two ugly patches in the 14th and 17th greens.

Apparently, a quick rise in the humidity caused the brushes on two movers to stick in the grass, ripping the impeccable greens. Head groundskeeper Ken Mangum had to bring in sod for a quick patch job and the PGA of America ruled that the affected areas would be treated as ground under repair, allowing golfers to move their ball if it landed there or they had to putt through it.

"We felt like our hearts had been ripped out," Mangum said. "It's a little bit like cutting yourself with a razor on your wedding day."

***

63s in majors

Players who have scored 63s in major championship with round, year and course:

Masters

Greg Norman, first, 1996.

Nick Price, third, 1986

U.S. Open

Vijay Singh, second, 2003, Olympia Fields

Jack Nicklaus, first, 1980, Baltusrol

Tom Weiskopf, first, 1980, Baltusrol

Johnny Miller, fourth, 1973, Oakmont

British Open

Rory McIlroy, first, 2010, St. Andrews

Payne Stewart, fourth, 1993, Royal St. George

Nick Faldo, second, 1993, Royal St. George

Jodie Mudd, fourth, 1991, Royal Birkdale

Paul Broadhurst, third, 1990, St. Andrews

Greg Norman, second, 1986, Turnberry

Isao Aoki, third, 1980, Muirfield.

Mark Hayes, second, 1977, Turnberry

PGA Championship

Steve Stricker, first, 2011, Atlanta Athletic Club.

Tiger Woods, second, 2007, Southern Hills

Thomas Bjorn, third, 2005, Baltusrol

Mark O'Meara, second, 2001, Atlanta Athletic Club

Jose Maria Olazabal, third, 2000, Valhalla

Brad Faxon, fourth, 1995, Riviera

Michael Bradley, first, 1995, Riviera

Vijay Singh, second, 1993, Inverness

Gary Player, second, 1984, Shoal Creek

Ray Floyd, first, 1982, Southern Hills

Bruce Crampton, second, 1975, Firestone

Brandon Jackson excited about matchup with former team on Saturday. Watch video

Jackson eager: The closer running back Brandon Jackson gets to facing his former Packers teammates, the more excited he gets.

"Anytime you play against your old team, you want to go out and show greatness and continue to do well," said Jackson. "I've been practicing against them for four years now. I'm pretty sure they're gonna blitz a lot and I'm no stranger to that. I'm just gonna go out and have fun. It's gonna be a great opportunity for me to show the head coach and everyone that I'm a great fit for this team."

Jackson caught several nice passes out of the backfield Thursday and showed good burst on his runs.

"I love the way he practices," said coach Pat Shurmur. "He finishes all his runs. Every time he touches the football it's an opportunity to score. He's a stocky and well-built guy. He's a good pass protector and I'm glad he's here."

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerBrandon Jackson, surrounded by defensive teammates in practice, says he's looking forward to Saturday's matchup against his old team, the Green Bay Packers.

Ben's day: Tight end Ben Watson had perhaps his best day since returning last week from a concussion. He was a force in red zone drills, hauling in a TD pass from Colt McCoy despite tight coverage by safety Eric Hagg. "He's a two-dimensional tight end," said Shurmur. "He's a fine blocker and just watching his work last year, he's displayed himself as a pretty fine pass receiver. That's a valuable guy. He's one of those guys that can play on all three downs."

Injury update: The following players were idle: WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot), RB Montario Hardesty (knee), DL Jabari Fletcher (knee), and LB Chris Gocong (neck). S Eric Hagg left practice with a knee injury and S Usama Young left with a hamstring.

Today's schedule: No practice. Next one is Monday, 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Manager Manny Acta makes the call because he says one more day off will help Brantley.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerIndians outfielder Michael Brantley missed Thursday's game with a sore right wrist but says he's ready to play.

Clubhouse confidential: Outfielder Michael Brantley, who missed his fourth start in the past seven games Thursday night because of a sore right wrist, says he can play.

"I'm ready to go," Brantley said. "It's up to the manager and the training staff on when they put me in."

Brantley referred questions about the nature of his injury and the kind of treatment he is receiving to Lonnie Soloff, the Indians' head athletic trainer.

Manager Manny Acta said one more day off would help Brantley. Acta said Brantley feels the most pain when he swings and misses. Since the Indians faced AL strikeout leader Justin Verlander on Thursday, Acta rested Brantley, even though he is a lifetime .438 (7-for-16) hitter against Verlander.

Wild ones: First base coach Sandy Alomar Jr., also the Indians' catching coach, took exception to those who have criticized catcher Carlos Santana for not doing a good job blocking balls in the dirt.

"We have the second fewest wild pitches in the American League," said Alomar. "Carlos has done a good job with balls in the dirt."

The Indians entered Thursday with 25 wild pitches. Baltimore has the fewest in the league with 23.

Stat of the day: Chad Durbin has allowed only four of 24 inherited runners to score this season.

Michael Kudej was only 4 years old when he attended his first game, but the memories remain strong.

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 Michael Kudej of Middleburg Heights:

The most unforgettable day at an Indians game that I've ever had would have to be the very first one with my father. It was April 29, 1994, and the Indians were playing the Texas Rangers in typical Cleveland weather -- chilly with a gray blanket of clouds covering the downtown sky.

Sure, I was only 4 years old at the time, but I vividly remember the sights and feeling of excitement as the two of us headed downtown for my first taste of Major League Baseball. We sat in right-center (I was bundled up in my Indians gear) and enjoyed the timeless father-son bonding that baseball provides every father. We had a fan take a picture of the two of us, and my dad even bought me an Indians baseball on which he wrote: "To Michael. Our first game together at Jacobs Field. Love, Daddy."

Even today, being 20 years old, that baseball sits on the dresser next to my bed. That baseball means so much to me because it represents more than just the memory of being at the game with my father. It represents how much my father cares about being a good father. He is the father of eight, works two jobs to support us and our mom, yet never complains. I don't mean to write this expecting sympathy; that's just our reality, and I wrote this straight from the heart.

We still enjoy about two to three games a year. No matter how well the Tribe is doing in the wins and losses column, I still look forward to traveling downtown to enjoy baseball with my father. There's something about the game and the atmosphere that makes baseball the greatest sport to spend time with your loved ones.

Sixteen years ago, I spent my first game with my dad, and it's something that I will cherish as long as I live. Sixteen years later, as we approach spring training, I feel like that same kid again. I'm looking forward to seeing which players fill out the roster, how Manny Acta handles the batting order and how well our pitching staff responds to a strong second half of last season. But most importantly, I relish the image of being downtown at Progressive Field with my family and enjoying the simplicity of those great summer evenings as we root for the Tribe!

Two players who could be part of the Tribe's long-range future take batting practice at Progressive Field.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerA scoring change on Thursday took three earned runs away from Ubaldo Jimenez from Wednesday night's win over Detroit.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The future is always present on a baseball team. It has to be.

It might be stuck on a bus in Class A ball or playing in the Dominican Summer League, but it is a living, breathing thing.

Two parts of the Indians' future took batting practice Thursday afternoon at Progressive Field. Manager Manny Acta did the pitching and John Mirabelli and Brad Grant, who handle the Indians' professional and amateur scouting, were behind the cage watching.

One part of the future was shortstop Dorsi Paulino. The other was switch-hitting outfielder Anthony Santander. They were the Indians' top two international free agents.

Paulino, from the Dominican Republic, signed for $1.1 million. Santander, from Venezuela, signed for $385,000.

"They're talented," said Acta, on the verge of losing his voice. "I can see why my signing bonus was only $3,000. At that age, I couldn't swing the bat like that."

Paulino and Santander are 16. They'll go to the Arizona Instructional League this fall and play in the Dominican Summer League next year.

"These are the two guys we invested the most money in so we wanted to bring them in here for a physical," said Mirabelli, director of scouting operations. "It's good for them to get this experience and it's good for our strength and conditioning guys to see them so they can get a baseline."

Paulino's father, Jesus Sanchez, pitched in the big leagues.

"Both these guys are good athletes with above-average speed," said Mirabelli. "They passed all investigations by Major League Baseball as to who they are and how old them are. We've got two 16-year-olds with power, who can run. We're excited about both of them."

Homefront: Grant, in charge of the amateur draft, is still talking to the team's No. 1 pick, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and his parents about signing. The deadline is midnight Monday.

Lindor, who just graduated from high school, has a scholarship waiting at Florida State.

No word: Still no official word on who will start for the Indians against the Twins on Sunday, but left-hander David Huff remains the favorite.

Huff beat the Twins in the first game of a day-night doubleheader at Target Field on July 18. He made three good starts with the Indians before being optioned to Class AAA Columbus after his Aug. 2 start against Boston.

Huff is 9-3 with a 3.87 ERA in 18 starts at Columbus. He's scheduled to pitch Saturday.

He's in there: Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was back in the starting lineup Thursday night after getting hit in the right heel in the second inning Wednesday by Rick Porcello. Cabrera left Wednesday's game in the seventh.

"We used a lot of ice on the heel," said Cabrera. "I was in the pool, too. When I woke up in the morning, it felt better than it did the night before."

Cabrera has started every one of the Tribe's 114 games.

"I'm not tired yet," said Cabrera. "I feel very good. I want to go out every day and play."

Welcome wagon: The three earned runs Ubaldo Jimenez was charged with in eight innings Wednesday in his home debut were changed to unearned runs by a scoring change.

All three runs scored in the fourth inning after Victor Martinez was awarded an infield hit with two outs. On Thursday, the play was changed to an error on Carlos Santana. Since that would have been the third out, the three runs that scored later in the inning were unearned.

First timer: In Wednesday's 10-3 victory, Jason Kipnis went 5-for-5 with four runs, a double, homer and three RBI. Elias Sports Bureau said he's the first Indians rookie in franchise history to compile at least five hits, four runs, and three RBI in the same game.

Only 13 other rookies have done that, including Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, since RBI became an official stat in 1920.

Coach's corner: Here's what pitching coach Tim Belcher said about Jimenez after watching him make his second start as an Indian, "His speed variations are really good. . . . Miguel Cabrera told Sandy Alomar at first base that Ubaldo's speed variations are what make him so tough.

"In the first inning, he threw a couple of fastballs to Andy Dirks to start him off at 89 or 91. Then he threw three splitters. Then he goes 95. That's difficult for a hitter to adjust to."

Tigers ace Justin Verlander allows three runs on three hits in seven innings as Detroit defeats the Tribe at Progressive Field. Verlander earns his 100th career victory.

Justin Verlander beat the Indians for the eighth time in 11 starts Thursday night in Detroit's 4-3 victory at Progressive Field. But Manager Manny Acta's club didn't go quietly, even though he could barely speak above a whisper after losing most of his voice over the past two days.

Not only were the Indians barking at Verlander's heels for seven innings, they were barking at each other as well. After first baseman Carlos Santana failed to catch a high throw from third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall to set up Detroit's 1-0 lead in the first inning, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and Santana had to be separated in the dugout.

"I like it," Acta said when asked about the argument. "It means people around here want to win. Asdrubal confronted Carlos about not catching the throw. Carlos didn't like the way he talked to him. That's fire. I like it. People care."

With the trade of Orlando Cabrera at the All-Star break, Acta asked Asdrubal Cabrera and Travis Hafner to assume more of a leadership role. Cabrera, especially, has his hands full.

"He has a kid at third [Chisenhall], a kid at second [Jason Kipnis] and a kid at first [Santana]," Acta said. "He has to take charge and we like that ... the fire [he's shown]."

Said Santana: "Everything is fine. This is something that happens to teams. Me and him are friends."

The Indians trailed Detroit by four games in the American League Central Division at the start of this series. By taking two out of three, they cut one game off the Tigers' lead. The two teams play nine more times.

"There's no chance the Indians are going way," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "They're too good."

Verlander's victory was the 100th of his career and ended the Tigers' 13-game losing streak at Progressive Field. In his past 11 starts against the Indians, he's 8-1 with a 2.65 ERA.

"He's good, but we've seen him better," Acta said. "I thought we battled him tonight."

Verlander (17-5, 2.35) allowed three runs on three hits in seven innings. He struck out 10.

Fausto Carmona, after giving up four runs in the first two innings, pitched five scoreless innings. Carmona (5-12, 5.12) allowed three earned runs and struck out six.

Chisenhall was charged with an error on his first-inning throw on Austin Jackson's grounder. Jackson scored on a grounder and Magglio Ordonez's line-drive sacrifice fly to right. Kosuke Fukudome robbed Ordonez with a diving catch.

"It's a catchable ball and Carlos knows that," Acta said. "He gator-armed the ball because he was staying on the bag ... I can't ask this guy to play first base like Wally Joyner just yet."

The Tigers scored three more runs in the second. Jhonny Peralta singled with one out. Carmona walked Carlos Guillen, who entered the game hitting .213. Alex Avila sent well-placed single between third and short to score Peralta.

Guillen scored from second when Wilson Betemit's single deflected off Carmona's leg and bounced into right field. With one out and runners on the corners, Jackson squeezed home Avila to make it 4-0.

Santana put the Indians back in the game with a homer with one out in the second to make it 4-1. It was Santana's 18th homer and third against Detroit.

Verlander walked Lou Marson with one out and Jason Kipnis with two out in the third. Cabrera, playing on a bruised right heel, pulled a 1-2 pitch into the right-field corner for a two-run double to make it 4-3.

The Indians could get no closer as Verlander, his defense and bullpen turned them away.

Chisenhall started the fifth with a single. Marson followed with a liner just past Guillen at second into right field. Chisenhall, between first and second, broke back toward first thinking Guillen might catch the ball. When the ball got through to right field, Magglio Ordonez threw to second to force Chisenhall.

In the sixth, with Hafner on first, Santana connected on a Verlander fastball and sent it to deep center field. Jackson, covering huge chunks of ground, caught it with a jump in front of the fence for the second out.

"The catch by Santana and the line drive that ended in a force out at second those were our opportunities," said Acta.

Verlander, Joaquin Benoit and closer Jose Valverde retired the last 10 Indians to come to the plate. Valverde earned his 33rd straight save to set a Tiger record.

To reach this Plain Dealer Reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158;

Twitter: @hoynsie

Bruising running back's jersey is the most popular at Browns training camp.

Peyton Hillis turns to hit the showers after signing autographs for fans during Cleveland Browns training camp in Berea. Hillis says he knows popularity can be "here today, gone tomorrow."

BEREA, Ohio — A year ago, more fans at Browns camp wore Chris Spielman's jersey than the No. 40 belonging to Peyton Hills.

Remember that Spielman never played for the Browns, the Ohio State star forced to retire because of injuries during the Browns' 1999 training camp. You still see a few orange and brown No. 54 Spielman shirts in Berea.

But everywhere you look, there's someone in No. 40, the Peyton Hillis jersey. Hillis sees it, too.

He tries to be cool, saying, "I try not to dwell on it."

But the Browns running back then smiled and said, "I love it. I'm blessed."

He talked about how the popularity can be "here today, gone tomorrow." He knows he has to keep producing. But he also knows that his bruising, relentless style of body-punishing running fits this town.

"I just love the game," he said. "I love this team."

And he truly appreciates the fans.

From some players, these words could sound phony and contrived. From Hillis, they are sincere. Everything about Hillis seems as genuine as when he lowers his shoulder and tries to run through the chest of an opposing linebacker for a first down.

Before 2010, Hillis carried the ball a grand total of 81 times for 397 yards in two seasons with Denver. He seemed to be an afterthought in a deal where the Browns sent Brady Quinn to Denver.

Then he exploded under former coach Eric Mangini, bulling his way to 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

Yes, fans loved that, plus the highlights of Hillis occasionally leaping over a tackler who tried to take out the running back's knees.

But it takes more than that for a guy with one good year on a 5-11 team to draw more than 1 million fan votes nationally and be selected for the Madden 2012 video game cover. He knocked off not only Michael Vick in the voting, he also won a head-to-head competition with Super Bowl winning-quarterback Aaron Rodgers of football-crazy Green Bay.

Part of it are the amazing Hillis Highlights, dragging tacklers, making one-handed catches on screen passes and even leveling a blitzing linebacker with a jaw-rattling block.

As Brown coach Pat Shurmur said, "He's a three-dimensional back . . . an impressive guy, a physical presence...but he's critical of himself."

Shurmur said Hillis rarely makes mental errors -- and when he does, he is sure not to repeat it. He cares deeply about "the details," as the coach calls the little things.

But also endearing Hillis to the fans are the stories of Hillis harnessing himself to a half-ton truck and pulling it around the streets of Conway, Ark. He did it again summer, but it goes back for years. Hillis said his high school didn't have a top-flight training program, so he made up his own.

Hillis said he often walks around holding a football, offering money to kids if they can wrestle it away from him. It's another of his self-created drills to cut down on his league-high eight fumbles (six lost) in 2010.

"I carry the ball everywhere and tell kids 'If you knock it out, I'll give you some money,' " said Hillis. "When money's involved, you start protecting things a little bit better."

Have any kids caused him to fumble this summer?

"Nope," he said.

While Joshua Cribbs has not made the cover of Madden, he knows what Browns fans love -- hard-working players who have no sense of entitlement. Just as Hillis seemed to come out of nowhere after being a seventh-round draft choice of Denver in 2008, Cribbs joined the Browns in 2005 after not being drafted out of Kent State.

Until Hillis turned Browns Stadium into his Peyton Place, Cribbs was the team's most popular player. Many fans still wear his No. 16 jersey.

Cribbs said players should "work at it" to connect with fans, something that comes naturally to Hillis. Cribbs earned such respect from the fans that they backed him when he wanted his contract reworked last summer. Usually, fans are resentful when a player wants a new deal in the middle of an old one.

But they knew Cribbs signed for $5,000 out of Kent State, that he played for the minimum salary as a rookie and never made much money by NFL standards -- despite setting kickoff return records.

"It starts with having success on the field," said Cribbs. "But there's more. This is a blue-collar town. Fans like it when you stay late and sign autographs. They appreciate when you show that you care."

Chad Huffman and Cord Phelps on hitting streaks for AAA Clippers. Relief pitchers doing well throughout farm system.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Indians 9, Clippers 1 1B Jared Goedert (.232) hit his eighth home run to account for the Clippers' run in the loss to visiting Indianapolis.

Columbus RH starter Jeanmar Gomez (10-5, 2.45) went six innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits and four walks. He struck out three.

Indianapolis scored four times off RH Josh Judy (3.65) in the ninth.

Notes: The Clippers lost to Indianapolis, 9-1, on Thursday in Columbus....OF Chad Huffman (.244) is on a 10-game hitting streak, going 18-for-33 (.545) with seven doubles, two home runs and eight RBI....IF Cord Phelps (.304) is on a 13-game hitting streak, going 21-for-56 (.375) with four doubles, one triple, three homers and nine RBI....3B Jared Goedert (.232) is 18-for-47 (.383) with three doubles and four homers in his last 15 games....1B Beau Mills (.269) is 10-for-21 (.476) with one double, two homers, five RBI and five runs in his last six games....IF Luis Valbuena (.308) is 16-for-42 (.381) with three home runs and eight RBI in his last 10 games....LH reliever Nick Hagadone (4-1, three saves, 3.26) is 2-0 with two saves and a 1.32 ERA in his last 13 games, striking out 25 and walking three in 20 2/3 innings....RH reliever Chen Lee (3-0, 1.25) has struck out 31, walked five and allowed 15 hits in 21 2/3 innings with the Clippers. Lee is a combined 5-1 with a 2.05 ERA for Columbus and Akron this season, fanning 87 and walking 16 in 61 1/3 innings, while holding hitters to a .198 batting average, including just two home runs.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 13, Sea Dogs 5 Akron LF John Drennen (.248) homered and drove in five runs to lead the Aeros past host Portland (Maine).

Drennen's fifth homer of the season was a three-run shot. RF Donnie Webb (.216) hit his second homer of the season, also a three-run blast.

Aeros LH starter T.J. McFarland (9-6, 3.75) gave up 11 hits and four runs (one earned) in 5 1/3 innings.

Notes: The Clippers won, 13-5, on Thursday at Portland (Maine)....RH Paolo Espino is 6-0 with one save and a 2.44 ERA in 22 games (five starts) with the Aeros this season. He has struck out 78, walked 18 and held hitters to a .224 batting average....LH reliever Eric Berger (2-0, 2.65) has no decisions in his last 10 games, but has allowed just one run in 17 innings (0.53) on 11 hits and five walks, while striking out 17....RH Austin Adams (9-8, 3.81) is 4-0 with a 2.68 ERA in his last six starts....RH reliever Cory Burns (2-4, 31 saves, 2.44) has four saves in his last six games, pitching six scoreless innings with four strikeouts while giving up three hits and a walk....OF John Drennen (.248) is 7-for-13 (.538) with three doubles, one triple, two homers, eight RBI, five runs and three walks in his last four games.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians 11, Red Sox 1 RH Clayton Cook (8-8, 3.98) pitched 6 stellar innings and 1B Jesus Aguilar (.245) had three hits and two RBI as the K-Tribe crushed host Salem (Va.)

Cook gave up one earned run on nine hits while walking one and whiffing six.

Notes: Going into tonight’s game at Salem (Va.) , RH reliever Toru Murata (1-2, two saves, 2.61) had given up no runs on three hits in 16 1/3 innings over his last 10 games, striking out 21 and walking four....RH reliever Kyle Landis was 7-0 with one save and a 1.06 ERA for Kinston. He had pitched 34 innings in 24 games, striking out 36, walking six and holding hitters to a .171 batting average....RH Marty Popham (4-2, 4.25) was 0-2 with a 9.64 ERA in his last four starts. He had given up 30 hits, including five homers, in 18 2/3 innings, while fanning 16 and walking seven....LH T.J. House (6-10, 4.92) was 0-3 with an 8.28 ERA in his last five starts. He had struck out 11, walked 15 and given up 35 hits in 25 innings....3B Adam Abraham (.249) was 8-for-18 (.444) with four RBI, four runs and four walks in his last five games....DH-3B Jeremie Tice (.263) was 1-for-18 (.063) in his last six games.

A Lake County Captains

Loons 4, Captains 3 Captains LF LeVon Washington (.228) hit his third home run of the season but Great Lakes scored two unearned runs and beat host Lake County.

Notes: Going into tonight’s home game against Great Lakes, OF LeVon Washington (.226) was 7-for-15 (.467) in his last four games, with two doubles, three walks, four runs and two RBI....OF Brian Heere (.265) was 12-for-35 (.343) with two doubles, five RBI and five walks in his last 10 games....RH reliever Nickolas Sarianides (5-4, two saves, 3.86) was 1-0 with one save and an 0.75 ERA in his last six games, striking out nine, walking four and allowing 10 hits in 12 innings....RH reliever Clayton Ehlert (1-2, 14 saves, 1.62) had four saves in his last eight games with an 0.00 ERA, pitching 10 innings with four strikeouts while giving up one walk and five hits....LH reliever Kyle Petter (2-2, one save, 3.15) was 1-0 with one save and a 2.63 ERA in his last 10 games, fanning 22, walking eight and giving up nine hits in 13 2/3 innings.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 6, ValleyCats 5 Mahoning Valley DH Jake Lowery (.257) had two doubles and two RBI, SS Tony Wolters (.308) had two hits and scored three runs, and 3B Jordan Smith (.337) had three hits to lead the Scrappers to victory in Troy, N.Y.

Notes: Going into tonight’s game at Tri-City (N.Y.), 2B Todd Hankins (.267) was 13-for-37 (.351) with three doubles, one triple, one home run, eight RBI and nine runs in his last 10 games....OF Bryson Myles (.302) was 6-for-15 (.400) with one double, three runs, two stolen bases and two walks in his last four games....C Alex Lavisky (.205), a 2010 Lakewood St. Edward graduate and an Indians’ eighth-round draft pick that June, was 3-for7 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs in his last two games after going 0-for-11 in his three previous games....OF Jordan Smith (.328) was in a 1-for-14 (.071) mini-slump in his last four games....RH reliever Enosil Tejeda (2-2, eight saves, 3.81) had struck out 46 batters in 26 innings with the Scrappers, walking 13 and holding hitters to a .188 batting average, including no home runs. Tejeda had five saves in his last eight games, with 17 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings....RH reliever Nathan Striz (3-3, one save, 2.25) was 1-1 with a 1.32 ERA in his last six games, fanning 15, walking four and allowing eight hits in 13 2/3 innings....RH reliever Drew Rucinski (1-0, 4.11) was 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA in his last seven games, striking out 15 and waling two in 10 1/3 innings.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 6, Freedom 1 SS Andrew Davis (.333) and 1B Chris Luick (.200) homered, Eric Gonzalez-Diaz (1-0, 1.80) threw five sharp innings in his Crushers debut, and Lake Erie beat Florence (Ky.) to set a franchise record with its ninth-straight win.

Notes: Going into tonight’s game at Evansville (Ind.), 3B Andrew Davis (.330) was hitting .423 (58-for-137) in his last 34 games, with 15 doubles, three triples, three home runs and 31 RBI....Catcher Brian Erie was hitting .421 (16-for-38) in 10 gaems with the Crushers, with three doubles and 11 RBI....RH starter Josh Roberts (8-4, 3.82) was 7-2 with a 3.04 ERA in his last 13 games, fanning 56 and walking 18 in 83 innings. In the 12 games not counting his July 27 loss (eight runs in four innings), Roberts was 7-1 with a 2.28 ERA.