Choo starts and bats leadoff Friday night against the Twins, going 1-for-4 with a run scored and a strikeout.

View full sizeMark Duncan, Associated PressAlthough former Indian Jim Thome has never been linked to steroids, his pursuit of 600 home runs is getting an underwhelming response.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Indians right fielder Shin-Soo Choo had vowed to return earlier than expected from a broken left thumb.

He was true to his word.

The Indians activated Choo from the disabled list Friday and designated veteran outfielder Austin Kearns for assignment.

On June 24 in San Francisco, Choo was hit by a pitch from Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez. Dr. Thomas Graham performed surgery June 28 at Cleveland Clinic, piecing the bone back together with the aid of a metal plate and screws.

The Indians projected Choo to be sidelined eight to 10 weeks. Choo began his rehab assignment Monday at Class A Lake County, but played in just three games. One was rained out.

"I'm ready, I think," Choo said. "[Thursday night], I felt real good. I didn't feel any pain the last three games. But I haven't been jammed yet, so I don't know for sure."

Choo started and batted leadoff Friday night against the Twins. He went 1-for-4 with a run scored and a strikeout in the Indians' 3-2 victory.

"He swung the bat well in batting practice the last couple of days, he swung the bat well in Lake County, and he proclaimed himself ready to go," Tribe manager Manny Acta said. "We figure that, even when he's not on top of his game, he can give us pretty much what some of these guys are giving us."

Batting leadoff is a first for Choo in the majors. He recalled doing so in the Seattle system in the mid-2000s.

"Right now the main thing is get him at-bats, as many at-bats as possible in the next couple of days," Acta said. "It's not going to be permanent."

The Indians' regular leadoff batter, outfielder Michael Brantley, did not start his third straight game because of a sore right wrist. He pinch ran in the eighth inning.

Acta, asked in the afternoon if the disabled list might be a possibility for Brantley, said "No. He's going to take batting practice for the first time in a couple of days. After that, [head trainer] Lonnie [Soloff] is going to evaluate him and see how he is. Then we'll go from there."

Brantley appeared to get through batting practice without incident. Before taking the field, he was asked about the possibility of going on the DL.

"I don't make that decision," he said.

Brantley, who said the wrist is "hanging in there," is not sure when he will return.

"That's up to management and the training staff," he said. "Whenever they feel I'm ready. We're kind of feeding information back and forth. They'll make that call, not me. I always want to play."

Brantley said the wrist problem occurred gradually.

"I really can't point out what caused it, or exactly when I did it," he said. "We're doing everything we can. The training staff is taking great care of me. They're working me night and day. I thank them for how much effort they're putting in to help me."

Choo, after putting up impressive numbers in 2009 and 2010, has struggled this season. He entered Friday hitting .244 (65-for-266) with 10 doubles, two triples, five homers and 28 RBI in 72 games. Choo was hitting .357 (10-for-28) in nine games before the injury.

Choo will have the thumb taped and wear a protective cover when he plays. He bats and throws left-handed.

Kearns played well for the Indians early in 2010. He was traded to the Yankees on July 30. In December, he signed with Cleveland as a free agent for $1.3 million.

Kearns struggled to adjust to his role as a bench player and never really got in a groove. He hit .200 (30-for-150) with two homers and seven RBI in 57 games. The Indians have 10 days to trade, release or try to get Kearns through waivers.

Acta also managed Kearns with the Washington Nationals.

"It's always tough to let guys go, but with him, it was very tough for me because I have a long-standing relationship," Acta said. "He's just a quality human being, a quality teammate, and a guy who did a lot for us in the clubhouse."

The Thomenator: A decidedly under-the-radar pursuit of a milestone continues this weekend at Progressive Field. Former Indian Jim Thome was sitting on 598 homers as the Twins and Tribe began a three-game series.

Listen closely and you might hear a whisper or two outside of clubhouses about Thome's quest to join the 600-homer club. The club has just seven members.

"It is disappointing that more people aren't making a bigger deal out of it," said Indians right-hander Justin Masterson, who started Friday. "This is a story you'd think people would want to push. It's quite a number, and we're talking about a guy who, we know for sure, is just good ol' country strong. . . . You know what I am saying?"

What Masterson is saying is, Thome never has been linked to performance-enhancing drugs. It is no secret that home run milestones have lost their luster because of the steroid era, which Major League Baseball presumably brought to a close in the past decade with stringent testing. Among members of the 500-homer club to be tainted by PED allegations, admissions or links are Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro and Mark McGwire.

That Thome's "fault" was having played in the steroid era should not be held against him, Tribe reliever Chad Durbin said.

"Jim Thome has done it the old-fashioned way, so why should his total be downplayed?" he said. "Isn't that what people want -- for players to do it the right way?"

Durbin and Thome are Illinois natives. Durbin rooted for Thome until he was forced to face him.

"What Thome's doing should be celebrated because there were no shortcuts," Durbin said. "And because he's a professional in every sense of the word. I've never heard a bad word said about him from the people around him in this game. He stands for what's good about baseball."

Plain Dealer reporter Paul Hoynes contributed to this article.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

The Kinston Indians, Lake County Captains and Lake Erie Crushers also get wins on Friday night.

View full sizeAPClippers pitcher Nick Hagadone.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 6-4, Red Wings 3-3 RH Brett Brach (1-0, 3.86) and LH Nick Hagadone (5.73, two saves) held Rochester (N.Y.) to two runs over six innings as visiting Columbus beat the Red Wings in the completion of a game suspended after three innings on June 10.

In the nightcap (regularly scheduled game), RH Zach McAllister (9-3, 3.27) recorded a quality start and 2B Cord Phelps (.301, 12 HRs) homered to lead Columbus to the wins.

McAllister allowed three earned runs on nine hits in 6 innings. He struck out six and walked none.

AA Akron Aeros

Fisher Cats 7, Aeros 1 RH Steven Wright (1-2, 6.35) gave up seven earned runs in six innings as Akron got pounded in Manchester, N.H.

3B Kyle Bellows (.229) had two of the Aeros' five hits.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians 6, Red Sox 2 LF Tyler Cannon (.248) hit a three-run homer and LH Francisco Jimenez (3.66) threw one-hit ball for 4 innings as the K-Tribe won in Salem, Va.

A Lake County Captains

Captains 4, Loons 3 1B Chase Burnett (.196) hit a two-out double in the bottom of the eighth to rally Lake County past visiting Great Lakes.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Cyclones 10, Scrappers 6 St. Ed grad Alex Lavisky (.207) had two hits and two RBI but Mahoning Valley lost to visiting Brooklyn (N.Y.)

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 9, Otters 5 Lake Erie won at Evansville (Ind.) to extend its franchise-record winning streak to 10.

A Kirtland man and his friends manage to get some front-page exposure after the big game.

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 Norm Locker of Kirtland:

I have been going to Indians games for about 55 years and have been a season ticket-holder for the last 20 years. My most unforgettable day at an Indians game would have to be July 19, 1974, when Dick Bosman pitched a no-hitter. Every pitch from the seventh inning on was so exciting. There were only about 2,000 people there on the humid Friday night, and to do it to the defending world champion Oakland A's made it that much more memorable.

I went with five of my friends at the last moment. Those were carefree days, since we were all single. We took one older guy who hadn't been to a game for 25 years, and he sees a game like that.

I can prove that I was there because the next morning one of my friends and me were on the front page of The Plain Dealer sports section. I was shaking hands with Dick Bosman with my right hand while a cop was grabbing my left.

We were standing on the visitors' dugout and were pushed onto the field by a couple of our friends at the conclusion of the game. My one friend sat in the Oakland dugout next to Reggie Jackson, who kept shaking his head, saying, 'I can't believe the Cleveland Indians no-hit the world champs.'

My runner-up unforgettable game was when Tony Pena hit the home run in the 13th inning of the first playoff game in 1995 against Boston.

Cleveland, thanks for the memories.

It's premature to pronounce Woods "done," even for this calendar year. But his reign as king of the hill is over, maybe for good.

View full sizeDavid J. Phillip, Associated PressOnce the most dominant golfer on the planet, Tiger Woods missed the cut on Friday by six strokes.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Everyone who wanted their pound of flesh has it now, and more.

Nearly two years into his free fall, it seemed Tiger Woods couldn't go any lower. He just did.

Love Woods or hate him, the takeaway from his second round Friday at the PGA Championship -- where he shot 73 for a 10-over 150 total and missed the cut by six strokes -- should be sadness. Once the greatest golfer of his generation, and arguably the best of all time, the same golf swing that thrilled millions around the globe no longer scares anyone in the field.

It's premature to pronounce Woods "done," even for this calendar year. At the latest, he will be back on the golf course by November, in the Australian Open. Maybe sooner. And if he's desperate, Woods could still pick up a tournament round or two stateside or somewhere in Europe.

But his reign as king of the hill is over, maybe for good.

Every golfer suffers through lean stretches. Woods was never like any other golfer, but he's already mired in year two of the longest drought of his professional career. He walked off the course at the Atlanta Athletic Club with his head held high; more telling was the glazed-over look in his eyes. Once he opened his mouth, the words spilled out as if delivered by a punch-drunk heavyweight, certain there was more fight left in him.

"Now I'll have nothing to do but work on my game. That's going to be good," he began.

Asked if this was a step backward, Woods conceded it was, "in the sense that I didn't make the cut and I'm not contending in the tournament.

"But it's a giant leap forward," he added a moment later, "in the fact that I played two straight weeks healthy. That's great for our practice sessions coming up. We are going to now be able to work and get after it."

He went on to parrot all the optimism and plenty of the mumbo-jumbo that his latest swing coach, Sean Foley, packages as instruction. Woods says he's "hitting the ball further and that's something I have to adjust for. I have way more compression now than I ever have, so the ball is coming off cleaner, faster and I've got to get used to that.

"So again, today was another example ... a lot of my shots I missed were over the greens, over the flags," he added.

Several went into the woods and ponds, too, and another 22 into bunkers, but who's counting? Maybe Woods is in denial. What's abundantly clear in any case is how far his game has declined.

It hasn't been a steady fall, interrupted by the occasional top five finish and time off to rehab his increasingly injured left leg. Here, though, Woods came out of the starting gate on fire, making birdies on three of his first five holes, and then skidded all the way out of the tournament. He hit the same number of fairways and greens both days -- just six of 14 and 10 of 18, respectively -- was slightly better saving pars out of the sand and needed one fewer putt, 28 vs. 29 on Thursday. That explained the four strokes Woods managed to shave off his opening round.

But as we noted at the end of the first day, Woods' ranking in several crucial driving, short game and putting categories have all tumbled more than 100 places since his 2009 season. He still oozes talent. What he can't produce anymore are results.

Woods and Foley have been working together for a year. Asked whether even in that short time he's convinced the changes he's undertaken will succeed in the long run, Woods replied, "Absolutely."

"So it's just a matter of just doing the work. I need to go out there and spend hours getting it done," he said.

It seems a fair question to ask whether Woods couldn't have plowed some of that work back into his game before this. Deep as the hole looked even before he stepped back out on tour two just weeks ago, it suddenly looks a whole lot deeper now.

Jim Litke is a national sports columnist for the Associated Press. Write to him at jlitke@ap.org. Follow him at http:twitter.com/JimLitke

Plain Dealer sportswriter Elton Alexander offers a breakdown of the MAC's East Division.

View full sizeDavid Kohl, Associated PressMiami's Zac Dysert is one of the best quarterbacks in the Mid-American Conference.

When the Mid-American Conference football regular season ends, expect to see a repeat of the 2010 MAC Championship between the Miami RedHawks and Northern Illinois Huskies.

Arguably the best three quarterbacks in the league are at Miami (Zac Dysert, Austin Boucher) and NIU (Chandler Harnish), along with two of the better defenses. Yet both teams enter the season with the same Achilles' heel: a first-year head coach and a questionable running game.

Temple, with yet another first-year coach, has the best tailback in the league in Bernard Pierce, but must prove it can win a big game. The Owls have yet to beat a winning team in the MAC since joining the league.

Here is a breakdown of the MAC East, in predicted order of finish (returning number of starters in parentheses for each team):

-- Elton Alexander

Coach: Don Treadwell, first year.

Last season: 10-4, 7-1.

Offense (8): Not many teams have two proven high-quality QBs, but in junior starter Zac Dysert (2,406 yards, 13 TDs) and sophomore backup Austin Boucher (1,120 yards, 6 TDs), the RedHawks are covered like few others. If Miami can find a good starting TB, then WR Nick Harwell (64 receptions, 8 TDs) can round out a potent offense that includes four of five returning OL starters.

Defense (9): A young defense that forced a MAC-best 35 turnovers last season returns almost complete, with senior LB Jerrell Wedge (101 tackles, 31/2 sacks), junior LB Evan Harris (94 tackles, 6 INTs), sophomore DL Jason Semmes (48 tackles, 6 sacks) and sophomore DB Dayonne Nunley (51 tackles, 5 INTs).

Special teams: P Zac Murphy (39.1 average) returns, but place-kicker is unproven.

Overview: Treadwell inherits a young MAC title team that should be better now that it is seasoned. If Miami can run the ball, it could go undefeated in the conference.

Key game: Oct. 22 at Toledo. Potentially a MAC Championship preview.

2. Temple Owls

Coach: Steve Addazio, first year.

Last season: 8-4, 5-3.

Offense (8): Junior QB Mike Gerardi (1,290 yards, 10 TDs) came on the second half of last season to solidify the position. Junior RB Bernard Pierce (728 yards, 10 TDs) should return to 1,000-yard form after an injury-plagued second season. With four of five OL starters back plus senior WR Rod Streater (30 receptions, 4 TDs), the Owls should not be lacking in offense.

Defense (5): Owls should maintain a reputation as the most physical unit in the league with three returning defensive linemen. The defense is anchored by senior Adrian Robinson (38 tackles, 31/2 sacks, 2 blocked kicks), senior LB Tahir Whitehead (56 tackles, 2 sacks) and senior DB Kee-ayre Griffin (51 tackles 1 INT).

Special teams: Junior K Brandon McManus (13-of-20 FG; six of 40-plus yards) is a dual threat (42.2 yards per punt).

Overview: If Pierce has an All-American-caliber season, the Owls are arguably the only team that can threaten Miami in the MAC East.

Key game: Nov. 9 vs. Miami. Game possibly decides MAC East title, and likely postseason bowl berth.

3. Ohio Bobcats

Coach: Frank Solich, 40-36, 30-18, six years.

Last season: 8-5, 6-2.

Offense (8): All five starting offensive linemen are back, plus two starting WRs in senior Riley Dunlop (27 receptions, 3 TDs) and senior LaVon Brazill (12 receptions). But where will multitalented but often-injured senior Phil Bates play? QB or RB, and for how long? If it's QB, then who is the RB? And vice-versa.

Defense (4): Three starting LBs -- Eric Benjamin (56 tackles, 3 sacks), Noah Keller (26 tackles) and Alphonso Lewis (38 tackles, 1 INT) -- plus DB Omar Leftwich (31 tackles, 2 INTs) will have to rally a slew of newcomers quickly, particularly on the line. Soft early MAC schedule features Kent, Buffalo, Ball State and Akron.

Special teams: Junior K Matt Weller (11-of-14 FG) is a weapon. Senior P Paul Hershey (41.0) is solid.

Overview: Coaching stability and continuity in the program should mean most offensive questions (QB, RB) are answered quickly in camp. The 6-2, 226-pound Bates is key if he can stay healthy for a full season. Should be bowl-bound again with a tepid crossover MAC schedule.

Key game: Oct. 1 vs. Kent State. First MAC game can't be a loss at home to a first-year head coach.

4. Bowling Green Falcons

Coach: Dave Clawson, 9-16, 7-9, third season.

Last season: 2-10, 1-7.

Offense (6): Four of five starters on line return, along with sophomore QB Matt Schilz (2,223 yards, 8 TDs) and prolific senior WR Kamar Jorden (96 receptions, 1,109 yards, 4 TDs). The Falcons need sophomore TB Jordan Hopgood (167 yards, 2.2 ypc) to step up.

Defense (6): Defensive tackles Chris Jones (39 tackles, 11 TFL, 6 sacks, 1 FF) and Kevin Moore (34 tackles, 2 sacks), MLB Dwayne Woods (134 tackles, 21/2 sacks) and S Jovan Leacock (91 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 FFs) should make the Falcons strong up the middle.

Special teams: Senior PR Eugene Cooper (2 TDs) can expect to see his duties extended to kickoffs. A new K and P must be found.

Overview: BG's defense caused enough turnovers (15 fumbles, 14 INTs) last season, but otherwise could not stop anybody (33.6 ppg allowed). Major improvement there will make the Falcons division contenders. BG's traditional high-octane offense returns to form after a down (21.2 ppg) season in 2010.

Key game: Oct. 22 vs. Temple. Early win vs. Owls sets the stage for a soft MAC East landing (Kent, OU, Buffalo) late in the season.

5. Kent State Golden Flashes

Coach: Darrell Hazell, first year.

Last season: 5-7, 4-4.

Offense (9): Junior QB Spencer Keith (2,212 yards, 8 TDs) is 100 percent healthy (shoulder). With senior RB Jacquise Terry (542 yards, 7 TDs) and junior WR Tyshon Goode (59 receptions, 5 TDs), Kent should score more than 21.3 ppg. The OL returns four of five starters. Freshman TB Trayion Durham (6-1, 257) is one to watch.

Defense (5): Sophomore DL Roosevelt Nix, the reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year, is not one of the returning starters, as his numbers (10 sacks, 20 TFL, 4 FFs, 2 blocked kicks) all came off the bench. But add LB Luke Batton (68 tackles) and DBs Josh Pleasant (45 tackles, 2 INTs) and Norman Wolfe (75 tackles, 5 INTs), and rebuilding this unit should not take long.

Special teams: P Matt Rinehart (42.7) and K Freddy Cortez (17 FGs, 31-of-31 PATs) are back. Returners are needed.

Overview: Offense has to carry its weight early as recently dominant defense must be rebuilt. QB Keith and experienced WRs, along with young tailbacks, must show improved red-zone scoring. Four of final six games are at home.

Key game: Oct. 1 at Ohio. Must win this one to signal at least a .500 season.

6. Buffalo Bulls

Coach: Jeff Quinn, 2-10, 1-7, second season.

Last season: 2-10, 1-7.

Offense (9): Lots of experience, but marginal production returns. Sophomore QB Alex Zordich (428 yards passing, 1 TD) took over the last five games of 2010 to diversify the offense and to aid sophomore TB Branden Oliver (298 yards rushing). Both should improve behind OL that returns four of five starters.

Defense (3): A major rebuilding effort, as only LBs Khalil Mack (68 tackles, 41/2 sacks) and Jaleel Verser (14 tackles, 1 sack) and DL Steve Means (50 tackles, 41/2 sacks 1 INT, 2 FFs) return with starting experience. Bulls ranked among MAC's best (340.5 ypg allowed) last season.

Special teams: P Jacob Schum (38.5), returner Terrell Jackson (19.6 KOR/16.7 PR) are back; new kicker must be found.

Overview: Only three TDs rushing in 2010 shows where the Bulls must start to improve.

Key game: Nov. 19 vs. Akron. Loser might be facing a winless MAC season.

7. Akron Zips

Coach: Rob Ianello, 1-11, 1-7, second year.

Last season: 1-11, 1-7.

Offense (5): Junior QB Patrick Nicely (166-366, 1,753 yards, 10 TDs), a two-year starter, can expect a challenge for his job from junior-college transfer Clayton Moore. But finding replacements for three starting WRs and a starting TB from last season is the big concern. Three returning offensive linemen (Jake Anderson, Zac Kasparek and Mitch Straight) should give adequate protection.

Defense (8): This should be a team strength anchored by junior LB Brian Wagner (130 tackles, 2 INTs), but it must show up in the pass-rush department where returning DL starters Hasan Hazime (46 tackles), and Dan Marcoux (45 tackles) could use help. Zips had only 17 sacks last season.

Special teams: Only veteran P Zack Campbell (37.8) returns.

Overview: If the Zips solidify their skill positions during the first three tough weeks of the season (Ohio State, Temple, Cincinnati), the schedule turns favorable (VMI, Eastern Michigan, Fla. International) for a rise to .500 going into an Oct. 15 bye week.

Key game: Nov. 12 vs. Kent State. Could be the difference between a winning or losing season.

The Browns, who have required the services of a good punter ever since they returned with a perennially struggling offense, might have found their man in free agent Richmond McGee.

View full sizeLisa DeJong, The Plain DealerFree agent Richmond McGee has looked good in training camp so far, could he be the next punter to excel for the Browns?

They are a team within a team, members of an often thankless lodge. They play cards together in the locker room. They hang out together at the other end of the practice field when the offense and defense are smacking pads.

They are each NFL team's long snapper, place-kicker and punter.

On the Browns, two of them are as well-known and highly regarded as such positions permit. Ryan Pontbriand of Rice, the first long-snapping specialist ever taken in the draft (by the Browns in the fifth round in 2003), has twice been a Pro Bowler. Phil Dawson of Texas, the last of the original Browns from the 1999 franchise restoration, is a former second-team All-NFL kicker and the team's designated franchise player.

The third, the new punter, Richmond McGee of Texas, hopes to make his own name. If it is done at all, it will be done in a hurry.

"I'm a fast punter," said McGee who will handle punting chores Saturday against Green Bay in the exhibition opener. "Most punters have their toes on the 15-yard line [meaning 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage.] My heels are on the 14-yard line. The 10-yard line is the block point. I only need 3 yards to get it off."

Special teams in football are as stopwatch-and-measurement geeky as track and field. A 15-yard snap should reach the punter's hands in 0.08 of a second. McGee is about 4 feet closer to the long snapper, counting the distance from his heels to his toes, so the snap to him at the same velocity would take 0.073 of second. Seven milliseconds difference might not seem like much, but every little bit of time saved helps in a discipline in which the ball is supposed to be in the air, snap to thump, in a total of 2.0-to-2.1 seconds.

"I've only ever had one punt blocked," said McGee, who was a senior on Texas' 2005 national championship team. "It was against K-State. We had a missed protection."

View full sizeAPPunter Richmond McGee hopes to stick around the Browns long enough to sign lots of autographs.

He was not the most noticeable Longhorn, punting only 34 times in 2005, the second-fewest among major college teams, as Texas scored an NCAA record 652 points. "Vince Young didn't give me a lot of chances," McGee said, grinning. "But if we were going to win, that's what he was supposed to do."

McGee was signed after previous stints in the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp and on the Chicago Bears practice squad to replace Reggie Hodges after Hodges snapped his Achilles tendon early in training camp.

In this regard, unlike Pontbriand and Dawson, who have set their own standards of excellence, McGee has some big shoes to fill, no matter how far behind the line of scrimmage they are positioned. Hodges was one of the NFL's best at pinning opponents inside their 20. He also ran 68 yards on a fake punt against the defending Super Bowl champion Saints in New Orleans. It was the longest dash by a punter in NFL history.

"He might have run out of gas," the affable McGee said. "I know I would have. Punters aren't used to running that far."

At Texas, McGee executed one fake punt for a 2-yard gain. "I missed the first down by a yard. My tight end, David Thomas [now with the Saints] was trying to hold off three guys," said McGee.

The Browns have often had good punters (Chris Gardocki, Dave Zastudil, Hodges), possibly because they have gotten so much practice at it with their offense. After Hodges' injury, McGee is the only punter in camp. He is also the holder on Dawson's field-goal tries. It is the first time he has been a regular holder.

Coach Pat Shurmur has been impressed with his punting. So was former Browns coach Sam Rutigliano. Observing practice Thursday in Berea, Rutigliano said, almost under his breath, "That punter is pretty good."

In addition to the national championship at Texas, McGee was on a state championship high school team in the Dallas suburb of Garland. "My record is incredible. I think I've lost six games my whole career," he said.

Told that that is probably going to change, McGee said, "You said that, I didn't."

Browns founder Paul Brown called the seemingly humble punt, because of the huge amount of yardage that is at stake, "the most important play in football." Jim Tressel made it a special teams mantra at Ohio State.

McGee said he had never heard the saying before. "But I'm in favor of it," he said.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur is excited to get started in the preseason opener against the Packers tonight, but is pretty sure his fledgling team will look like it’s got a long ways to go against the defending Super Bowl champs.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerCoach Pat Shurmur and rookie receiver Greg Little will make their Browns' debuts Saturday night in the exhibition opener.

BEREA, Ohio — Browns coach Pat Shurmur cautioned that tonight's preseason opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Packers might not look like a sneak preview of February's Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.

"To start the year out against the Super Bowl champs will be a good gauge," Shurmur said. "I know they're not going to come in here and flop around. My sense is we're going to find we have a long way to go."

The Browns, who will play their starters for one quarter, will face a Green Bay team that's returning 10 starters on offense and 10 on defense, although some of their defensive starters might not play tonight. They'll face the Super Bowl MVP in quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year in linebacker Clay Matthews.

They'll face a top-10 offense and the league's second-stingiest defense (15 points per game). The Packers' defense finished second in the league with 47 sacks, including 13 1/2 by Matthews.

"I'm going to see how they respond in this game," said Shurmur. "You're looking at a situation where 90 players and 20 coaches have gotten together for the first time for two weeks. I told them, 'Make it as hard on us as we can to decide on who the 53 guys are going to be.' I hope a lot of guys show up and make plays. That's what we're looking for."

Browns quarterback Colt McCoy warned that the Browns' edition of the West Coast offense -- one that's had a total of 11 practices together -- might not look as polished as Green Bay's, a top-10 finisher in each of the past four seasons.

"We're still installing some plays and looking for consistency," McCoy said. "The biggest thing wide-receiver wise is we haven't really developed a rhythm with everyone. Some guys get nicked up, they miss a couple practices, then they come back, another guy gets hurt. So it's been a challenge. But I will say this: The receivers are working their tails off and there's a lot for them to learn."

The game marks the debut of second-round pick Greg Little, a receiver who hasn't played since 2009 because he was suspended last season at North Carolina. Over the first two weeks of camp, Little has made substantial improvement.

"I wouldn't be surprised at all [if I started]," Little said. "But if I don't start I'm perfectly fine with that, too. I've only been in this thing a couple of weeks. I'm just happy to be here, happy to be getting into a game again. But I hope that I do get early reps because you want to compete against the better half."

The Browns will also get a good look at new running back and former Packer Brandon Jackson, who will see action as a third-down back with the starters and as the featured back with the second string.

Jackson is excited to team with Peyton Hillis.

"It brings more confidence and more of a competitive edge to the game," he said. "Peyton had a great year and he's on the cover of Madden. I'm coming in with a Super Bowl ring and five years of experience. The backfield is going to be great this year. I feel it."

The game also marks the debut of the Browns' two new starting rookie defensive linemen, No. 1 pick Phil Taylor at tackle and No. 2 pick Jabaal Sheard at right end.

"I'm excited about it but I'm humble, too, because it's a big learning step for me," said Taylor, who is catching up after a four-day holdout. "I'm going to take all the coaching I had last week and this week and go in and play hard every play. I think I'm coming [along] real well. I've got the defense down pat and it's just getting the little things better."

Sheard, who has been learning from four-time Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas every day in camp, will try to muscle past Packers two-time Pro Bowler Chad Clifton and sack the Super Bowl MVP.

"That'd be awesome," Sheard said. "I'll have to count on the rest of my D-linemen to hold up with Joe Haden back there and that would be great. My mom will be at the game, my family will be there. That would be just crazy, [against)] the Super Bowl champs."

Shurmur admitted he's excited for his NFL head coaching debut.

"I'm trying not to show it, but it's down in there," he said. "I wouldn't call it anxiety or being nervous. For us, this is very fun to go out there and compete and see how good we are."

Rookie Eric Hagg also is out with a knee injury.

Lisa DeJong | The Plain DealerReceiver Carlton Mitchell had surgery on a finger, lessening his chances of breaking out at the club's trouble position.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Pre-game notes and observations ...

• Another receiver out: Browns wide receiver Carlton Mitchell is out tonight. The club reported he had surgery on a finger on Friday.

There was no immediate update on how long Mitchell will be out or the nature of his injury. On the current depth chart, Mitchell is listed as the backup to Brian Robiskie. He was trying to separate from a pack of 12 receivers on the camp roster.

The other Browns inactives are: WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot), S Eric Hagg (knee), FS Usama Young (hamstring), RB Montario Hardesty (knee), LB Chris Gocong (neck) and DL Jabari Fletcher (knee).

 Mike Adams will replace Young and Kaluka Maiava will replace Gocong.

 A healthy Pack: The Packers are relatively healthy and will be missing only one starter on offense and defense, CB Charles Woodson, who is proceeding cautiously from a broken collarbone in the Super Bowl.

 Other Packers inactives are: WR Brett Swain, S Brandon Underwood, CB Davon House, CB Sam Shields, CB Brandian Ross, LB Diyral Briggs, NT Chris Donaldson, OG Adrian Battles and OT Chris Campbell. Pat Lee will start for Woodson. 

Some recent preseason data to chew on:

• The Browns beat Green Bay in last year's preseason opener, 27-24. The Packers went on to claim the Super Bowl championship.

• Indianapolis and Chicago were the only teams to go 0-4 in exhibition games last year. Each won their respective division.

• San Francisco was the only team to go 4-0. The 49ers finished 6-10 in the regular season.

• Dressing for success: In steamy conditions, the Browns chose to dress in their brown jerseys and white pants. The Packers are in white jerseys and gold pants.

Thome stands both on the brink of history and of suspicion. The former he earned, the latter he did not.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerOther than his prodigious home runs, there has been none of the typical signs of steroid use around Jim Thome. But some cynical fans will always be suspicious.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jim Thome belongs to a bygone era, when farm boys played in the big leagues, when travel was by train, when players got big only on hotdogs and beer, and when they were bound in servitude to the same team for their entire career.

The servitude part might have been fine with Thome. He once said they would have to rip the Indians uniform off his back -- before taking, under heavy pressure from the players union, an outlandish free-agent offer from Philadelphia. That has hurt him forevermore in Cleveland, particularly after the Indians made a big, showy public relations gesture of an offer when they knew it was too late in 2003.

Now 40 years old and 264 home runs, four teams and nine seasons removed from an Indians franchise he helped to reach two World Series, Thome came to the Minnesota Twins' weekend series at Progressive Field on the verge of joining the "600 Club" in career homers, just two away entering Saturday night.

Only seven men in history have hit 600 or more homers, and the only certifiably clean ones as far as steroid abuse goes are the old timers, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays. Ken Griffey Jr. is widely thought to have been clean; Alex Rodriguez is an admitted user in the past; and Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa are even more widely presumed to have been dirty.

So Thome stood both on the brink of history and of suspicion. The former he earned, the latter he did not.

As in track and field with doping, so with baseball: Awe yields to doubt. Genuine accomplishments are more tainted than they would have been had a ball-and-chain of asterisks clattered after them. It is hard to prove a negative, that Thome did not take steroids. That is particularly true because his body thickened during his first years with the Tribe.

The rebuttal is to look at a photo of a Thome family reunion. They are all big men and women. His father, Chuck Jr., all but tanned the leather covers of pristine white softballs with his bat on the playing fields of Peoria, Ill. His aunt, Carolyn, was such a prospect that the hometown Caterpillar Tractor Co. gave her a mail room job at the age of 15 so she could slug away for their women's team, the Dieselettes.

Thome was raised in that era, when tortured diminutives like "Dieselettes" were used in women's sports and sluggers were naturally corn-fed and brawny.

"My father would beat me if I ever did that," he once said of steroids. Unfortunately, a player's word is no more his bond now than his contract is his bondage in these days of free-wheeling free agency.

Still, Thome, although bothered for years by a bad back, has never suffered the soft tissue injuries, the pulls when muscles are too big for the sheaths around them, that are endemic to steroid abuse. His head never inflated, either from praise or as a result of using steroids.

Relatively unsophisticated players who try doping regimens also seem to get caught. See Manny Ramirez. Moreover, no one in baseball circles has ever suggested that Thome juiced. Yet he is a victim of the fallout from those who did.

Another rebuttal is softer and hazier, but it has value with those who covered the Indians in their heyday in the 1990s. Thome showed a strong sense of personal accountability then, unlike many of his teammates.

He willingly moved across the diamond to play first base when the Indians acquired third baseman Matt Williams in 1997. In that same era, future Hall of Famer Eddie Murray, although a former Gold Glover at first, balked at playing the position when the Indians were hit by a siege of injuries. Murray happened to be battling a sore contract.

When the Indians lost important games, the only regulars available for interviews when the clubhouse doors swung open were Thome and Omar Vizquel. The young Thome watched closely after Vizquel committed three errors in one of his first games with the Indians in 1994, then stood at his locker afterward and answered every question without making excuses. Thome privately vowed he would always do the same.

Even Vizquel, justifiably beloved for his flair and for wanting to stay here, ripped Albert Belle and Jose Mesa in his book. Thome never publicly spoke ill of a single teammate.

Baseball's grandest numbers have been devalued because of the steroid era, so 600 is not an automatic guarantee of Hall of Fame induction. Thome also has mostly played batter since rejoining the American League (except for a 17-game stint with the Dodgers) in 2006. But Hall of Famer Paul Molitor was a designated hitter for much of his career. So was Murray.

For his part, Thome is still dangerous. He hit 25 homers last season with the Twins while getting only 276 at-bats.

Although he has the second-most strikeouts ever, behind only Reggie Jackson, Thome also has the eighth-most walks. If not a first-ballot inductee, he is sure to be in Cooperstown eventually. He will be wearing an Indians cap when he is inducted, because this is where he had the most success.

Hopefully that honor will come sooner, not later. Because there is little doubt Thome always gave an honest account of himself.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Join cleveland.com tonight for a live chat as the Browns open their preseason against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

View full sizecleveland.comJoin cleveland.com's live chat from Browns Stadium Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Join cleveland.com tonight for a live chat as the Browns open their preseason against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

Scribbles in my Browns notebook as the exhibition season gets underway.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs looked just fine in the first drive of the preseason, which ended with his touchdown reception.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my Browns notebook as the Browns and Packers play the first half Saturday night...

1. The Browns' first drive is one for coach Pat Shurmur (also the play-caller) to save and savor. Colt McCoy completed all five of his pass attempts -- using four receivers. He completed three from the pocket, two while rolling out. The Browns looked crisp. Love how they needed nine yards for a first down -- and Joshua Cribbs ran a 10-yard pattern, turned and caught a perfect pass in the middle of the field for a first down.

2. Cribbs also used his strength to fight off defensive back Pat Lee and catch a 27-yard pass from McCoy near the right sideline for a touchdown. Cribbs is a very strong guy. He does have decent hands. The question about becoming a receiver is if he can run the proper routes and get open quickly.

3. Brian Robiskie made a nice catch for 15 yards and a first down. Compare that on their second series when the Browns had a 3rd-and-1 and threw a sideways pass to Evan Moore. The tight end was split out wide -- and standing a yard behind the line of scrimmage. He caught it and was immediately tackled. When you needed one yard for a first down and you are throwing to a tight end -- make him run a couple of yards. The play went for minus-1, and the Browns had to punt.

4. McCoy was 7-of-7 in his first two series, mostly short passes. The timing was good. And give the receivers (and tight ends) credit for catching the ball. McCoy's only incompletion was knocked down by a defensive lineman.

5. Some players and fans didn't like how former coach Eric Mangini made players run a lap if they committed a mental error and drew a penalty in practice. I thought it was the way to make players understand the importance of staying away from silly mistakes. On the first play of the game, the Browns had to call a time out to avoid being flagged for 12 guys on the field. There's no excuse for that. Derrick Robinson also was flagged twice for being offsides.

6. Jayme Mitchell had an excellent sack in the first quarter, showing some real speed.

7. Jordan Norwood had two very impressive punt returns -- 22 and 15 yards.

8. McCoy was 9-of-10 for 135 yards and a score. He completed passes to six receivers. The West Coast offense is supposed to be tight end friendly, and Ben Watson showed it with two key catches on the third drive of the game. Watson proved last season that he's a very viable receiver. It will be interesting to see if the Browns will indeed stay committed to the running game out of this offense -- because that is important with Peyton Hillis. You can see that McCoy loves throwing the ball out of these sets.

McCoy finishes 9 of 10 for 135 yards and 1 TD, leading to two scores in three drives overall.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs capped the first drive of the Browns' exhibition season with a touchdown catch against Green Bay's Pat Lee.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Notes, observations and some facts about the first half ...

• The Browns haven't formally elected season captains, but last night's game might be a tip-off. Representing the team at the coin toss were quarterback Colt McCoy, linebacker Scott Fujita and kicker Phil Dawson.

• Camp sensation James Dockery was on the first kickoff coverage team, an indication he's rising up the depth chart. Dockerty helped on the tackle, too.

• The Browns had to call timeout before the first play when it appeared they had 12 men on defense.

• Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson gets his first chance to hit and wrap up on the second play, a short pass to Ryan Grant. The two repaired pectoral muscles/tendons held up. It's Jackson's first game in 22 months.

• On the Browns' first offensive play, Colt McCoy was flushed out of the pocket and threw incomplete for fullback Owen Marecic. It was clearly a backwards pass -- technically a lateral -- but Marecic let the ball lay on the ground. The Packers didn't recover and the officials blew the play dead as one Browns coach waved frantically for Marecic to pick it up and run. (Thought he went to Stanford.)

• McCoy then went 5 for 5 in taking the offense 71 yards in eight plays. Josh Cribbs made the catch over cornerback Pat Lee on McCoy's perfectly thrown pass to Cribbs' outside shoulder at the right corner of the goal line. McCoy looked left before seeing Cribbs in single coverage on the right.

• Irritated, the Packers go into no-huddle mode on their next drive. Aaron Rodgers matches McCoy, going 5 for 5 for 69 yards. His 21-yard touchdown is to Greg Jennings. The throw and catch beat Sheldon Brown at the left pylon at the goal line.

• Buster Skrine returned the first Green Bay kickoff. Took it five yards deep in the end zone to the 21 for a 26-yard return.

• Richmond McGee had a 46-yard effort on his first punt for the Browns.

• Matt Flynn replaces Aaron Rodgers with 2:39 left in the quarter. Browns defensive starters still in.

• Jayme Mitchell gets his first preseason sack, beating backup tackle Marshall Newhouse.

• In the second quarter, Marcus Benard plays off a block and sacks Flynn.

• Great throw by Flynn to Randall Cobb, beats Buster Skrine for 19 yards on third down. Cobb, the rookie from Kentucky, then gains 28 on a crossing route.

• Flynn takes them to the 3 as Browns' second-team defense is dragging. Green Bay scores TD when Flynn's pass for Tori Gurley is deflected to Spencer Havner. Looked like Ramzee Robinson might have gotten a finger on the pass, too.

Ohio State has a lot of options at safety, and sophomore Christian Bryant is one choice the Buckeyes may have to find room for.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerInjuries gave Christian Bryant (right) a chance to play as a freshman in 2010, and then interrupted his season. This fall, Bryant figures to be part of the Buckeyes' experienced defensive depth -- unless injuries come into play again.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Injuries do this to a team from one year to the next -- not enough players to too many.

When the injuries happen in bunches, as they did to Ohio State's secondary a year ago, there's a scramble to find guys who can play. When everyone is healthy a year later, there's a scramble to find spots for everyone who's shown they can handle themselves.

"Once you get out there, you get confidence that you can be out there," safeties coach Paul Haynes said. "I think sometimes as a backup it's hard to prepare. We always tell them you've got to prepare like you're going to play, but I think that's easier said than done. ... But now you showed us you can do it, now you have to continue to get better."

In the crunch for the Buckeyes right now is sophomore safety and Glenville grad Christian Bryant.

"Christian is a player, and like [defensive coordinator Jim] Heacock always says, we'll play our best 11," senior Tyler Moeller said. "And I think he's one of our best 11."

So far through the first week of preseason camp, Bryant hasn't appeared much with the first team. That's because at one safety spot the Buckeyes have junior Orhian Johnson, who wasn't a starter when the 2010 season began but who would up starting 11 games after, you guessed it, injuries.

At the other safety spot, the Buckeyes have sophomore C.J. Barnett, who in a bit of a surprise beat out Johnson for a starting spot a year ago. But then Barnett blew out his knee in the second game of the year against Miami and was lost for the season.

At the star position, the fifth defensive back in Ohio State's popular nickel defense, the Buckeyes have Moeller, a sixth-year senior who held down that spot for the first five games last season before a torn pectoral muscle against Illinois ended his season.

Beyond them, the Buckeyes also have Corey Brown, Zach Domicone, Jamie Wood and true freshmen Jeremy Cash and Ron Tanner among their safety options. But after those top three, it's clear Bryant is next up on the back end of the defense. Is he really one of the best 11?

"I would say so, but we've got a lot of talent on this team, on this overall defense," Bryant said. "Anybody can play and step in and make plays."

A year ago, it was Bryant who stepped in as a true freshman after Moeller's injury, starting against Indiana the following week. But after playing at Wisconsin a week later, an infected foot progressed to the point of requiring surgery and a week-long hospital stay. Bryant missed the last five games before returning to his role against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl, getting 17 minutes of action.

"I had to kind of stay mentally strong last year," Bryant said. "I was just getting into my groove and then I went down."

He should find his groove again because of his versatility. Bryant has been working as both a second-team safety and second-team star, and he knows the cornerback position as well. Moeller is a linebacker at heart, a great blitzer from the star position and certainly one of the best 11 defenders on the team. The Buckeyes have to get him on the field.

But if the Buckeyes are playing pass-happy teams that employ multiple receivers, Bryant brings a better set of coverage skills as a fifth defensive back. He's still in the fight at safety behind Johnson and Barnett.

"I'm a football player, man," Bryant said. "I'll do whatever it takes to play on this team."

"I think you'll see him on the field this year," Moeller said. "Where you'll see him I'm not sure. But he's a great player and he brings a unique style, and you'll see him on the field."

If the Buckeyes run into another round of injuries in the secondary this season, they won't have to worry. They'll have plenty of answers.

Manny Acta asked Cabrera to become more of a team leader, but the shortstop said the words he exchanged with Santana had nothing to do with his new role.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerJason Donald was safe at third base with a two-out triple in the seventh inning Saturday night, but was unable to score against the Twins.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Manny Acta asked shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to become more of a team leader after Orlando Cabrera was traded to the Giants on July 30.

"It's not hard for me," said Cabrera. "I'm just trying to be the same guy."

Acta is looking for a leader to settle a young and untested infield on a contending team. On most nights the Indians start rookie third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and rookie second baseman Jason Kipnis. Depending on the opponent, catcher Carlos Santana or Matt LaPorta will start at first.

Santana, in his first full big-league season, just started playing first base in spring training. LaPorta, who has more experience at first, is in his first full season as well.

Cabrera said his new role is not why he exchanged words with Santana on Thursday night against Detroit in the dugout after Santana failed to catch a high throw from Chisenhall at first base. It led to an unearned run in the Tigers' 4-3 victory over the Indians.

"I just thought he had a chance to catch the ball," said Cabrera. "We had a chance to get within two games [of Detroit] if we win that game."

As for being a security blanket for the infield, Cabrera said, "There's no pressure on me. I'm just trying to help those kids. I just want to make sure they feel comfortable."

Waiting on the wrist: Outfielder Michael Brantley is going to be out of the starting lineup until Tuesday when the Indians open a three-game series against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field because of a sore right wrist.

If Brantley's wrist is still bothering him by then, the Indians could put him on the disabled list.

"We'll wait until Tuesday and see where he's at," said Acta. "If the medication hasn't kicked in by then, and he's not ready to play, then we'll probably have to make a decision."

The Indians won't say what the problem is. In the last nine games, he's missed five starts. He did not start Friday night's game against the Twins, but pinch ran.

"They've done an MRI and everything," said Acta. "The doctor doesn't think it's too serious, but when he swings he feels it. ... We just don't want him picking up a bat for a couple of days."

No problem: Justin Masterson pitched 7 2/3 innings and threw 116 pitches Friday against the Twins. Three days earlier, he pitched two innings and 37 pitches against Detroit in a game that was interrupted by a 123-minute rain delay.

"I feel good," said Masterson before Saturday's game. "I feel even better that we won [Friday].

"I don't think I've necessarily done it before, but it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for me," said Masterson. "I've been blessed with somewhat of a rubber arm. I doesn't mean it doesn't get sore or this or that. But it seems to have come back pretty good.

"I probably wasn't as strong at times, but I was still under control and able to throw the ball where I wanted to for the most part."

Sign here: The Indians have signed catcher Eric Haase and infielder Zach MacPhee.

Haase was their seventh-round pick from Divine Child (Dearborn, Mich.) High School for $580,000. MacPhee was the 13th-round pick from Arizona State and signed for $150,000.

The Indians have signed 13 of their top 16 picks. The deadline for signing draft picks in midnight Monday.

Lineup note: Acta rested Chisenhall and Kipnis on Saturday against Twins lefty Brian Duensing. He said the Indians are trying to protect Chisenhall against certain lefties. Kipnis, he said, just needed a break.

Chisenhall is hitting .133 (2-for-13) with one homer against lefties.

Finally: The Twins put second baseman Alexi Casilla on the disabled list before Saturday's game with a strained right hamstring. He came off the disabled list before Friday's game, but re-injured the hamstring trying to beat out a bunt. Trevor Plouffe replaced him, but won't arrive until Sunday.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Don't be alarmed, but the Indians, after treading water for almost 2 1/2 months, are starting to generate some heat. Is it enough to be called a hot streak? Stay tuned.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerAsdrubal Cabrera's three-run homer in the third inning gave the Indians an early lead over the Twins Saturday night at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It has been a long time since anyone put the adjective hot in front of the Indians. Even now there is a hesitancy to do so, since they haven't won three straight games since before the All-Star break.

They have specialized in staying afloat, keeping their head above water as their manager, Manny Acta, likes to say. Two wins there, three losses here. The back-and-forth of a team living off a fast start and its pitching staff.

Now when they need it most, there is hint of heat. Not enough to warm the soul, but enough to shake off the cold.

Asdrubal Cabrera hit a three-run homer and Josh Tomlin won his first game in almost a month as the Indians beat the Twins, 3-1, Saturday night at Progressive Field to stay three games back of first-place Detroit in the AL Central. The Indians have won five of their last seven games and they have not been any hotter in the second half.

"There are a lot of signs of how we played in April when we got off to that fast start," said closer Chris Perez.

The Indians went 18-8 in April. What could be better than a repeat of that while trying to run down the Tigers and hold off the White Sox in the last seven weeks of the season?

Cabrera homered against lefty Brian Duensing (8-11, 4.53) in the third inning after Shin-Soo Choo, spending his second day in the leadoff spot, opened the inning with a walk and Jason Donald singled.

The homer came on a 1-0 pitch and gave Cabrera 20 for the season. He's just the third Indians shortstop to hit 20 or more homers in a season. Woodie Held and Jhonny Peralta each did it three times. Cabrera never hit more than six homers in any previous season and entered the year with 18 in his career.

Cabrera hit a change-up right in the middle of the plate for the homer.

Asked if he ever imagined hitting 20 homers in a season, Cabrera said, "Not really." He's hitting .292 (136-for-465) with four homers hitting right-handed and 16 left-handed.

In the seventh Cabrera stole his 16th base in 19 attempts. Four more and he'll be a 20-20 man.

"Cabby was our offensive hero tonight," said Acta. "He's done it pretty much the whole year and he'll continue to do it if he stays healthy."

Acta ended that quote by knocking on top of his wooden desk for good luck. Cabrera has played all but one of the Indians' 117 games. There have been times where he's looked tired at the plate or in the field, but much like the Indians, he has persisted.

"I just want to play. I want to help my team," said Cabrera.

Tomlin (12-5, 3.97) allowed one run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings. It was his first win since beating Baltimore on July 15 and his first victory over the Twins in three starts. He was 0-1 against Minnesota this year, allowing 10 earned runs on 17 hits in 12 innings.

"They had a lot of lefties in there tonight and I was able to locate my cutter inside against them," said Tomlin, who threw 84 pitches. "I had to make them conscious of that part of the plate. That way I could work back down and away."

The Twins had five lefties and two switch-hitters in the starting lineup. The lefties hit .211 (4-for-19) with no homers against Tomlin. He's allowed 20 homers this year, 11 by lefties.

Joe Smith, Rafael Perez, Tony Sipp and Chris Perez held the Twins scoreless over the last 2 2/3 innings. Perez retired the Twins in order in the ninth for his 25th save and second in as many nights. He has not had consecutive saves since July 4 and 6 against the Yankees.

"I'll take this every series," said Perez. "It's much easier to do it this way than to try and get work on the side or in 10-1 games."

The Indians beat Duensing for the first time. He entered the game with a 3-0 record against them.

"He always pitches well against us. Other than Cabrera's homer, we couldn't do anything against him," said Acta.

The Twins, who still lead the Tribe, 6-5, this year, have lost eight of their last nine games. They are 2-9 in August.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

An encouraging start for Colt McCoy and the Browns.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerThis display of good hands by Ben Watson in the second quarter set up a short TD run by Peyton Hillis against the Packers Saturday night at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I make no apology for writing about how the Browns' first-team offense was superb, or how Colt McCoy was outstanding.

Yes, the offense was on the field for only three drives and slightly more than a quarter against Green Bay. Yes, this was the first exhibition game. The Super Bowl champs were not exactly playing the same type of defense they will once it begins to snow in Wisconsin -- around the middle of September.

But I'll say it again, McCoy was sharp. The offensive line was strong and protected their quarterback. The receivers caught the ball.

And the quick, crisp West Coast offense seemed to be a keeper here on the North Coast in the hands of a quarterback from Texas throwing passes to a quarterback-turned receiver from Kent State.

How's that for football diversity?

McCoy completed nine passes to six receivers. Most fans will remember the 27-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Cribbs, a superb throw-and-catch combination. McCoy put the ball between Cribbs and the sideline, so that there was no chance of it being intercepted. The former Kent State quarterback used his strength to keep defender Pat Lee behind him and catch the ball.

Cribbs had only one touchdown catch last season, so it was something for him to savor.

But the play that signaled a change in the Browns and Cribbs was on the first drive. It was a third-and-7 situation. Cribbs ran to the middle of the field -- 10 yards from line of scrimmage. He turned and caught a perfect pass for a first down. Cribbs ran the right pattern the right way and McCoy threw the right pass at the right time in a tight spot.

These two often practiced together during the lockout and at the various Camp Colts. The Browns believe those off-season workouts should help the receivers. McCoy had the basic concepts of the offense and the receivers worked on the patterns and timing needed to make the West Coast work.

McCoy completed nine of 10 passes for 135 yards. His only incompletion was a pass batted down by a Green Bay lineman.

Here's something to remember about this offense -- it puts a priority on accuracy. McCoy completed a stunning 71 percent of his passes at Texas. He was at 61 percent in his eight games with the Browns last year. Consider that in 2008 and 2009, the Browns barely completed 50 percent of their passes, the lowest in the NFL over those two seasons.

Coach Pat Shurmur was absolutely correct when he said the Browns "have a long way to go before we're a real good football team." You can mention all the disclaimers about it being the preseason. But this was a young quarterback in a new offense looking as if he's been playing for years. Twice, he found tight end Ben Watson for gains of 37 and 19 yards. Brian Robiskie had a fine catch for 15 yards.

None of the key receivers dropped a pass. When the Browns needed to run the ball into the end zone, they did from three yards out thanks to the bullish Peyton Hillis.

Yes, it's very early. Yes, so many things can go wrong.

But on a night when so much went right, Browns fans should give themselves permission to smile.

Colt McCoy engineered two touchdowns in three possessions and the backups made them hold up in a 27-17 victory.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerPeyton Hillis was back in the end zone once again for the Browns, scoring the team's second touchdown of Saturday's victory over Green Bay from three yards out Saturday night at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Thrown together in two weeks and still missing some parts, the new Browns' offense made an impressive preseason debut Saturday night.

Colt McCoy engineered two touchdowns in three possessions and the backups made them hold up in a 27-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers, making a winner of Pat Shurmur in his first exhibition game as an NFL head coach.

The Browns also scored on a 43-yard fumble return by linebacker Titus Brown after a strip-sack of Green Bay quarterback Graham Harrell by undrafted rookie linebacker Brian Smith. Camp kicker Jeff Wolfert added field goals of 46 and 44 yards.

Shurmur even scored his first victory on a coaches challenge, overturning a Green Bay reception.

"It was fun. It was very exciting," Shurmur said. "I learned from Andy Reid a long time ago it's hard to win in this league. So even though this game didn't count, that feeling you get for winning a game is something we all long for."

The Packers, fresh off a White House visit to celebrate their Super Bowl championship, left their first teams in for only two series. So it's dangerous to read too much into what you see in August, particularly in the first practice game. But considering their non-existent off-season caused by the NFL lockout, the Browns were surprisingly sharp and in sync in their passing game.

They looked, in a word, coordinated. There was a sense of purpose in what they tried to do and a tempo that was faster than we've seen here for a while. The trigger man, Colt McCoy, was on target.

McCoy was almost perfect on his two scoring drives. He was 9-of-10 for 135 yards, tossing a 27-yard touchdown pass to Josh Cribbs and setting up a Peyton Hillis TD on a 37-yard seam pass to tight end Benjamin Watson.

Six players caught passes from McCoy, including four by wideouts Cribbs, Brian Robiskie and rookie Greg Little. It wasn't dink and dunk.

"For the first time out, I thought we did pretty well," said running back Peyton Hillis, who had a 3-yard scoring run and 16 yards overall on five carries.

McCoy's only incompletion was a pass batted at the line of scrimmage by Green Bay second-team nose tackle Howard Green.

There were some hiccups -- a defensive timeout on the first play because of 12 men on the field and a brain cramp by rookie fullback Owen Marecic on the first offensive play. Marecic let an incomplete backwards pass -- technically a lateral -- lay on the ground when coaches were hollering to him to pick up the live ball. Watson had a false start.

"(McCoy) came right back and said, 'Coach, I should have just run with it,'" Shurmur said. "As he gets more comfortable with his players and this system, I think he'll progress."

McCoy overcame those miscues on the first series and marched the offense 71 yards in eight plays against the No. 1 Green Bay defense. Packers coordinator Dom Capers didn't throw many of his exotic zone blitz schemes at McCoy, but so what? The timing and rhythm that McCoy worked on all week seemed to come together.

Once McCoy crossed the 50 on a blitz-beating pass to Peyton Hillis, he thirsted for the end zone. He connected in the middle of the field on a 15-yard pass to Robiskie and then tossed a perfect ball to Cribbs' outside shoulder over cornerback Pat Lee near the right pylon at the goal line.

"That's the mark of a quarterback, getting you in the end zone," Shurmur said.

After a three-and-out sequence in his second possession, McCoy was allowed to stay in as his final series stretched into the second quarter. He teamed with Watson for successive gains of 19 and 37 yards -- firing over linebacker Erik Walden on the latter -- to set up Hillis, who rammed it in behind right tackle Tony Pashos from three yards out.

"I thought he was pretty sharp," Shurmur said of McCoy. "He executed well. He was pretty efficient with his throws. He worked us down the field twice."

McCoy called the night "pretty good."

"I thought the operation went well. We wanted to create a tempo and I think we did that early on," he said. "We're nowhere where we need to be. It was fun just to see where we are as an offense."

Defensively, the Browns forced a punt after three plays to lead off the game, then fell victim to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' no-huddle attack. Rodgers completed all six of his passes on a 73-yard scoring drive. He connected with Greg Jennings for a 21-yard touchdown on a laser throw that beat cornerback Sheldon Brown at the left pylon.

After Rodgers was pulled, the Browns got a sacks of backup Matt Flynn by Jayme Mitchell and Marcus Benard. Brian Sanford and Austin English also notched sacks of Grahame Harrell.

Flynn put together an 89-yard touchdown drive at the end of the first half against the Browns' second team. The TD was scored on a pass deflected jointly off the hands of intended receiver Tori Gurley and Browns defensive back Ramzee Robinson and caught by tight end Spencer Havner.

In the third quarter, a blindside hit by Smith of Harrell popped the ball free and Brown rumbled 43 yards for the winning points.

Two Browns players were seeing their first action in a competitive game in over a year. Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who last played 22 months ago because of two torn pectoral muscles, made a hit and wrapped up Green Bay running back Ryan Grant after a short gain. Also, rookie Little, who last played a college game 19 months ago, had two catches for 20 yards.

In relief of McCoy, Seneca Wallace was 11 of 17 for 99 yards. He was intercepted once when he threw high for Jordan Norwood. Wallace accounted for three points. No. 3 quarterback Jarrett Brown also suffered an interception in the fourth quarter, and put three points on the board.

Ex-Packer running back Brandon Jackson carried eight times for 28 yards in relief of Hillis.

The Browns' backups also had a defensive stand at their 2-yard line when Harrell fumbled a snap. He recovered to complete a pass but the Browns mobbed the receiver for a 3-yard loss.

Shurmur also scored his first victory on a coaches challenge, which nullified a Green Bay reception at the Browns' 3.

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi

The pennant race is bringing out the best in this week's mailbag for beat writer Paul Hoynes.

View full sizePD file photoTom Hamilton has a great voice, a summer's night and the best seat in the house. Why wouldn't he be excited about the Indians?

Hey, Hoynsie: How do the Indians' radio and TV announcers, being grown men, get so excited after all these years? -- Ben Stein, Garfield Heights

Hey, Ben: First, they like their job. Second, I'm sure they all realize, that getting paid to talk about and watch baseball games is a pretty good gig.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why not keep David Huff and send Carlos Carrasco down? I hope that's what they do after Carrasco serves his suspension. -- Edward Brandyberry, Moon Township, Pa.

Hey, Edward: As you know by now, Carrasco is on the disabled list with a sore right elbow. When he's activated, he'll still have to serve his six-game suspension for throwing at Kansas City's Billy Butler.

The Indians need a starter for Sunday's game against the Twins. Huff is the logical choice, which means he's going to get at least a three-week look during a race for the AL Central title. A pitcher can't ask for much more of an opportunity.

Hey, Hoynsie: There have some bright spots for the team early this year, but the last month or two have been sort of sloppy. Do you think Manny Acta is the right manager to lead this team to the next level? -- Lou Kovach, Cary, N.C.

Hey, Lou: I don't think Acta is keeping this team from reaching the next level. What could keep them from hitting the up button on the elevator is starting rookies at third base, second base and center field for much of the second half. Not to mention Carlos Santana going through some defensive problems at catcher and first base in his first full season in the big leagues.

Talent can make a team great, but it must be tempered with experience. That takes time, something the Indians are running out of this year.

Hey, Hoynsie: Is it my imagination, or does catcher Carlos Santana try to catch all the low pitches in the dirt, or other wild pitches, and not move too much to block the ball? Wasn't Sandy Alomar pretty good at blocking pitches? Doesn't he work with him? -- Rose Falorio, Cleveland

Hey, Rose: Alomar was good at blocking balls in the dirt as a big-league catcher. He works with Santana and Lou Marson on a daily basis. He feels Santana does a decent job blocking balls in the dirt -- Alomar said he does have a habit of coming up on balls instead of staying low -- but that his main problem is staying focused from pitch to pitch during the game.

Remember, the Indians are asking a lot of Santana, who is in his first full season.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why don't the Indians release Austin Kearns and give Jared Head a chance? Seems like he would be just as good and maybe better. -- Ray Foster, Hiram, Maine

Hey, Ray: As you know by now, Kearns was designated for assignment Friday to make room for Shin-Soo Choo. Head is having a solid year at Class AAA Columbus, but the Indians want to see him become more disciplined at the plate.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerAdam Miller continues the long, hard path back to being a big-league prospect in the Indians' farm system.

Hey, Hoynsie: What's happening with Adam Miller these days? -- Scott Shupe, Parma

Hey, Scott: Miller is still at Class AA Akron. He's 1-3, with one save in two chances and a 6.59 ERA in 20 games. He's appeared in 20 games in which he's allowed 12 walks, 21 earned runs and 38 hits in 28 2/3 innings. He has 23 strikeouts and the opposition is hitting .333 against him.

Hey, Hoynsie: What does your crystal ball say: will the Tribe win a World Series championship in my lifetime? I turn 45 in October. -- Joe Monti, Winter Springs, Fla.

Hey, Joe: No whining, please. Especially among Tribe fans who still qualify as spring chicks. You've watched the Tribe go to the World Series in 1995 and 1997. You're ahead of the game where Tribe fans are concerned.

As for my crystal ball, it's not only foggy, but cracked. Just like my head.

Hey, Hoynsie: When Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore return, what do they plan to do with the outfield? Who's the odd man out? -- Jeremy Munroe, Twin Falls, Idaho

Hey, Jeremy: Choo returned Friday and Kearns was designated for assignment. If and when Sizemore returns, the starting outfield will be Michael Brantley in left, Sizemore in center and Choo in right.

If Sizemore does return, it won't be until the rosters are expanded. That means Ezequiel Carrera and Kosuke Fukudome should keep their roster spots. Fukudome, as an aside, played a lot of center field for the Cubs.

Hey, Hoynsie: Someone asked you about Jhonny Peralta this week and you actually wrote, "I always thought Peralta got a raw deal." And you wrote, "The thing Peralta didn't do in Cleveland was hit." That is a wrong answer. The thing he did do in Cleveland (and Detroit) is play SS like a statue. -- Richard Milter, Shaker Heights

Hey, Richard: You and I are obviously watching different players. I'm watching Jhonny Peralta, shortstop for the AL Central-leading Tigers. Who have you been watching?

Hey, Hoynsie: Cord Phelps seems to be a good hitter but not a great fielder. Do you think the Indians should give him some time in LF to increase his value to the team? -- Joe Eversole, Pelham, Ala.

Hey, Joe: I think there was some discussion of that in spring training. Phelps, however, has not played the outfield this year at Class AAA Columbus.

Hey, Hoynsie: Jim Thome's about to crack his 600th bomb, which would put him as one of the best home-run hitters ever. My question is, will those 600 be legitimate? I can't find anyone in the baseball biz who will unquestionably defend Big Jim. What do you think? -- Dave McKay, Kansas City, Mo.

Hey, Dave: I'm assuming you're asking me if and when Thome reaches 600 did he do so without the aid of PEDs? I'm not sure who you've asked, or who you know in baseball to ask.

I'm no steroid expert, and I've been fooled before -- Paul Byrd on HGH, who would have guessed? -- but my gut tells me Thome is clean. If he wasn't, someone would have turned up some steroid-related evidence by now. His career has spanned the introduction of steroid testing to where it is now a process with teeth and has never produced a positive test.

Hey, Hoynsie: The Indians could be a major factor next year if they could get a right-handed bat who could hit a fly ball deep enough to score a run from third base. Do you think they'll target someone like a Jeff Francoeur in the off-season? -- Phil Williams, Charlotte, N.C.

Hey, Phil: All indications are that Francouer will stay in Kansas City. I guarantee you by the start of spring training 2012, the Indians will have two or three right-handed bats in camp in an attempt to balance their lineup.

Hey, Hoynsie: I was curious as to whether the Tribe will have some spending money after the season. I could have sworn I heard Indians President Mark Shapiro say, "We have money!" but was that in reference to the trade deadline? Do we finally have some money for some additions in the off-season? -- Evan Crissinger, Palm Bay, Fla.

Hey, Evan: Actually making trades during the season can be more costly than simply signing a free agent during the winter. In a trade, you're not only assuming the salary of the incoming player (Ubaldo Jimenez), but you have to give up players as well.

In the winter, a free agent just costs cash, and perhaps a draft pick or two. Still, I don't think you're going to see the Tribe drop a cool $20 million as they did on Kerry Wood a couple of years ago. I do think they'll outspend last year's big signing of Austin Kearns for $1.3 million.

Hey, Hoynsie: The Indians have put two players on the disabled list when it was very convenient in Mitch Talbot and Carlos Carrasco, who showed no signs of injury. Are there penalties for putting a player on the DL when he's not injured and are there ways for MLB to enforce it? -- Brandon Reyes, Avon Lake

Hey, Brandon: Teams have been known to play fast and loose with the disabled list. Talbot came down with a back injury over the All-Star break. Based on the way he'd been pitching, and his history of back injuries in 2010, that was no surprise.

Carrasco had been struggling when the Indians said his elbow started to ache following a recent start in Boston. He'd also been on the DL once before this season with a sore right elbow. In putting Carrasco on the disabled list, the Indians will not only lose him for at least 15 days, but an additional six days as well. Carrasco was serving a 6-game suspension when he was placed on the disabled list. That doesn't sound like something you'd do intentionally.

There are penalties for manipulating the disabled list. It can get especially ugly if a player files a grievance to the players association.

Hey, Hoynsie: When does the present Tribe radio contract expire? Baseball has always been my escape from the daily unpredictable aggravations to ones I can count on. It's bad enough to deal with the bombardment of ads for Flo and the fine cuisine found at my corner service station, but the ones for the political hacks and sports quacks on that station make me punch my radio in a Pavlovian reflex. -- Len Tymkiw, North Royalton

Hey, Len: WTAM AM/1100's contract with the Indians ends after 2012.

Hey, Hoynsie: You said the Indians will pick up Grady Sizemore's option next year. Do you really think they will pay that much or ask him to take a reduced salary? -- Angelo Constanzo, Cleveland

Hey, Angelo: I wouldn't have said it the first time unless I felt the Indians were going to pick up Sizemore's 2012 option.

-- Hoynsie

With the preseason games at hand, there's more that a little action in this week's mailbag.

View full sizeLynne Sladky, Associated PressAndrew Luck is already considered the certain No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft ... so are the Browns deliberately staying away from free-agent talent that might preclude them from getting the top pick?

Hey, Tony: I first thought the plan of Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren was to basically throw as much young, questionable talent against a wall and see who sticks, mainly because Andrew Luck is there waiting in case things get real ugly. Now I understand you can say the same for eight other teams, so getting Luck doesn't seem so easy. Is the real plan only to get top-tier talent from the draft until we are a major force and a consistent playoff team? -- Eliot Clasen, Cape Coral, Fla.

Hey, Eliot: They are in rebuilding mode. They've stripped the team down to its youngest and best players. There are only eight position players over the age of 30 on hand. I don't see Heckert adding another player over 30 in free agency. Maybe one or two from roster cuts. He has stated consistently he will build through the draft.

Hey, Tony: Could you tell me why the Cleveland Browns are not practicing twice a day like they used to do? They have a new offense and a new defense; they need the practice. -- Frederick Blosser, Sylvania

Hey, Frederick: All teams are abiding by new rules written into the new CBA. They're allowed only one practice in pads per day and must be given one day off every seven days. During the season, teams are allowed only 14 practices in full pads -- one per week over the first 11 weeks and one per week in three of the final five weeks.

Hey, Tony: Assuming Usama Young lands the starting safety position, where does that put Mike Adams? Would you rank him before or after newly acquired Dimitri Patterson? Aren't the Browns allowed to use the money to re-sign current players? I don't mind the Browns not using all their available money on free agents as long as they re-sign current players Joe Thomas, Peyton Hillis and Ahtyba Rubin. -- Brandon Buck, Bucyrus

Hey, Brandon: 1. Adams is a valuable player as a backup safety and cornerback and special teams player. He can play as the third cornerback or as a third safety in dime packages. 2. I'm sure those three players will be addressed during the season. There's no hurry at present.

Hey, Tony: With Colt McCoy primed as the new starter entering the West Coast offense, how has he looked so far in camp? -- Rob Houk, Dayton

Hey, Rob: McCoy is a sponge, absorbing everything he can from the coaches and trying to apply it on the field. He's working hard to develop timing and rhythm with his receivers.

Hey, Tony: I know we should be talking about the start of the season, but I have a draft question. With the new CBA giving all teams a rookie salary cap, do you see teams that have the No. 1 overall pick start to sign college players a few weeks before the draft? -- Jamie, Pelham, Tenn.

Hey, Jamie: There's less incentive for teams to do that now because there is less wiggle room for players to hold out.

Hey, Tony: Why is it that when we get a new coach or a new GM they like to get players from their former teams, even when the player is average at best? -- Pat McNally, Shortsville, N.Y.

Hey, Pat: It's standard practice for new coaches/GMs to favor players they know and are comfortable with. It happens all over. Coaches sometimes lean on their ex-players to educate the locker room on the way the coach operates.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerSeneca Wallace is a solid backup who won't be seeing the field in the regular season unless there's an injury to Colt McCoy.

Hey, Tony: With all the attention on Colt McCoy, we aren't hearing much about Seneca Wallace. With McCoy's accuracy looking like it might become an issue, is Seneca starting to get more reps? -- Dennis Thompson, Akron

Hey, Dennis: I see Wallace getting fewer reps as the season approaches. The team is all-in with McCoy and needs to give him ample reps with the receivers. Wallace knows the offense from his years with Mike Holmgren in Seattle.

Hey, Tony: Why do we continuously sit back and let free agents who can help us pass by? No wonder we never can compete, we never take a chance to break this conservative approach to the game. This isn't the old school! The Browns need to step into the new age and open up their minds! -- Wil Harrison, Frederick, Md.

Hey, Wil: Over the past decade, the Browns have signed more free agents than the NFL average, and it hasn't gotten them anywhere. The current regime is determined to populate the roster with young players acquired in the draft.

Hey, Tony: The most interesting part of preseason for a team like Browns trying to remake itself is the competition for starting roles. What are some of the key position battles we should be looking at? -- Andy Brodhead, St. Clair Shores, Mich.

Hey, Andy: The Browns have surprisingly few battles for starting roles for such a young team. That's a reflection of the roster. There simply aren't enough good players behind the first team to battle for starting spots. The only battles for starting spots are at free safety between Usama Young and Mike Adams and at receiver. The candidates for the top two receiver spots are Brian Robiskie, Josh Cribbs, Greg Little and Mohamed Massaquoi.

Hey, Tony: Do you really think Colt McCoy is really going to be the quarterback the team expects him to be or should we be looking for someone else? -- Donald Pasqualetti, Reading

Hey, Donald: I think we have to find out and we will know by the end of this season.

Hey, Tony: Do the Browns have any interest in T/G Adam Terry? -- Dennis Bartlett, Queensbury, N.Y.

Hey, Dennis: No.

Hey, Tony: Wondering when you will apply for the GM job with the Browns. You have all this knowledge of what they should do. -- Bob Mason, Huron

Hey, Bob: I've covered the Browns and the NFL since 1984. I'm asked my opinions by readers and fans and I give them. I think I'm qualified to have opinions on something I've covered for more than 20 years. We are not talking about splitting atoms here.

Hey, Tony: I've lost track: Where did Lawrence Vickers end up? -- Joe Monti, Winter Springs, Fla.

Hey, Joe: Vickers signed with the Houston Texans.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain DealerPat Shurmur has made no secret of his enthusiasm for defensive end Jayme Mitchell (right), but some Browns fans just aren't buying it.

Hey, Tony: I just don't understand all the love for Jayme Mitchell. First off, NFL teams just don't trade guys who can rush the passer for seventh-round picks. Second, it was mentioned Browns coaches re-assured him that things would be changing. Mitchell is an undrafted DE, who in five years has five sacks and 22 tackles, whom the Browns are counting on to anchor one of the end positions. Are the Browns serious? It's no wonder this organization has spun its wheels for more than a decade when you pin your hopes on undrafted players. -- Gino DiCarlo, North Providence, R.I.

Hey, Gino: Mitchell played as a backup behind one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL. So he didn't get a lot of playing time. But this one is squarely on GM Tom Heckert. I wouldn't say Heckert has staked his reputation on Mitchell, but Mitchell can make Heckert look like a genius or a dunce.

Hey, Tony: Don't Browns fan realize what sorry shape this organization has been in since its return? Sure we would all like an immediate turnaround, but I believe Holmgren did the right thing in keeping Mangini last year. It gave him time to build a front office, which I don't know that this team has ever had since its return. This gave Holmgrem and Heckert time to evaluate the coaching staff they had and now with the changes made they did find some other coaches to keep. As much as I want to win this year, I believe these guys realized with the lockout and new systems being brought in, going hog wild in free agency wouldn't make us better. Look at the Redskins. This year as the coaches come together they can evaluate what young players we have, re-sign our own guys first, then next year try and fill in the holes with free agency and probably three picks in the top 40 of the draft. It reminds me a lot of the building the Indians did in the early 90s. Yes it sucks to wait, but give Holmgren one more year to build a winning organization not just a one-year wonder like 2007. -- Brett F, Charlotte, N.C.

Hey, Brett: You have a good understanding of what Holmgren and Heckert are trying to do.

Hey, Tony: If the Browns have a poor season and end up in the top five of the draft, will they pursue a QB? How long do you think they will stick with McCoy? -- Patrick Cleary, Tallmadge

Hey, Patrick: If McCoy develops as the Browns envision, they will not have a poor season and will not end up in the top five of the draft. If they do -- and if McCoy clearly proves he is not the guy -- I would expect them to make a run at Andrew Luck. However, I don't see McCoy falling on his face. I just don't know if he's the quarterback to take them to the Super Bowl.

Hey, Tony: How much money do the Browns still owe former coaches and executives and when will those contracts finally be finished? Also what's the latest on Carlton Mitchell? I kept hearing how the front office liked him so much during the off-season. -- Greg Tesoriero, Hermitage, Pa.

Hey, Greg: The Browns are still paying Phil Savage, Rob Chudzinski, Romeo Crennel and Eric Mangini. I'm estimating they owe those four gentlemen about $13 million. Mitchell so far has not separated from the pack at wide receiver. The games will determine how that position flushes out.

Hey, Tony: Do you think this will be the year when there are home games blacked out? I am a transplanted Browns fan who moved from Ashtabula to the Pittsburgh area 15 years ago. I have driven up to at least two Browns home games since they came back in 1999. I am not wasting my time or money on a franchise which just can't get it right! I will watch them every week on the Sunday Ticket, but will not spend a dime in Browns Stadium until they start to show some progress towards being a playoff team. -- Kris Kent, Canonsburg, Pa.

Hey, Kris: Long-suffering ticket-buyers have to be rewarded at some point, or the team will lose their support.

Hey, Tony: Many of your questions rip the Browns for the free-agent signings or lack thereof. Why not take their word, they will re-sign their own players. The cap is at 2009 levels, so many vets will be left to pick from as injuries hit late in camp and they will sign for one year at low numbers. Many vets will be sign for less than they want, just like Braylon Edwards did. -- Irish Dog, Perry

Hey, Irish: I understand what they are doing. I also understand the frustration expressed by fans. I do think the Browns could've been a little more aggressive in filling some holes without mortgaging their future. We'll see how it all shakes out.

Hey, Tony: In what little you have seen of the Browns this year, do they look to be a better, faster, younger football team? Do you really feel Holmgren and Heckert are building a solid, tough winner? They are making me nervous with the lack of depth at some portions and lack playmaking difference makers. -- Justin Coulter, Austintown

Hey, Justin: Some days I come away from the practice field thinking the Browns are really on the right track. Other days I come away thinking they are three or four years from competing with Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Ultimately, it comes down to the quarterback.

Hey, Tony: I just watched a tape of one of our undrafted free agents, guard Dominic Alford of Minnesota go up against Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn in their 2010 Big Ten matchup. Clayborn went in the first round to Tampa Bay at No. 20 just before we took Phil Taylor. Alford played left tackle (not guard) that game and had Clayborn in his grill all day. Big underdog Minnesota won the game and Alford made Clayborn disappear to the tune of zero sacks, zero pressures and zero tackles for the game. Alford didn't out-muscle or out-hustle Clayborn, who looked like the better athlete. Alford simply outplayed him by outsmarting him. How is Alford doing in camp? -- Jan Bilson, Bradenton, Fla.

Hey, Jan: Thanks for the scouting report. Alford, of Shaker Heights, was virtually unnoticed by amateurs like me until he was carted off the field with a back injury on Wednesday. The good news is he was back out there the next day. I'll try to take a closer look at him this week.

Hey, Tony: I know the Browns aren't looking to add big-name players and instead build through youth and the draft. If there was a chance they could add a young player like Taylor Mays to play either safety or linebacker, would they do it? -- Chris Zanon, Canton

Hey, Chris: No.

Hey, Tony: I greatly enjoyed your article on the West Coast offense returning home to the North Coast. Particularly relevant to the Browns WR problems was your explanation of how Bill Walsh overcame a similar problem with multiple TEs and third-down RBs. What do you think about going with a three TE set-up or two TE/one WR set-up with one TE in the slot ? Would their blocking and catching strengths help our running game? -- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.

Hey, Alan: I think we'll see a lot of sets with Benjamin Watson and Evan Moore on the field together.

Hey, Tony: How is Brian Robiskie looking? He is only 23 and has so many attributes of a prototypical West Coast receiver (size, strength, good hands) that he just might be a real contributor this year. -- Keith, Cleveland

Hey, Keith: Robiskie will never look flashy, but he is very disciplined and dependable. I think this is a big year for him. The West Coast offense should bring out the best in him.

Hey, Tony: Just reading the recaps from Mary Kay and yourself, it seems as if undrafted rookie James Dockery has had a couple of interceptions and good plays. What do you make of him so far? -- Joshua Jones, Anaheim, Calif.

Hey, Joshua: Dockery is always around the ball. He's off to a good start toward making the team as an undrafted free agent.

Hey, Tony: Am I the only Browns fan outraged that the new regime/coaching staff refuses to re-sign Matt Roth? The guy's a hustler and a force on defense. -- Patrick Pellegrino, Rochester, N.Y.

Hey, Patrick: Roth signed with Jacksonville for $3 million for one year. The Browns never expressed an interest in bringing him back.

Hey, Tony: Does anybody believe that Montario Hardesty's absence from the practice field is just to save his knee for the regular season? It seems obvious he is not ready to play. -- Nick Hansen, Tucson, Ariz.

Hey, Nick: We were told Hardesty would be ready to go at the opening of camp. Obviously that is not the case. Historically, a player needs a full season on the field after ACL surgery to return to form. In Hardesty's case, we don't know what that form is.

Hey, Tony: What local Cleveland TV station carries all the Browns games? -- Darrell Brown, Batavia

Hey, Darrell: All preseason games are on WKYC Channel 3. Whenever the Browns are on the road, or the visiting team is from the AFC, the games are on WOIO Channel 19. The home games against St. Louis and Arizona are on FOX 8. The game at Pittsburgh is on NFL Network and will be shown on a local network that bids for the game.

Hey, Tony: What do you think the odds are that Terrelle Pryor ends up with the Browns? They've got to be slim, correct? I never thought he would mesh well in a West Coast scheme as timing and accuracy never seemed to be his strong suits. -- Scott S., Philadelphia

Hey, Scott: I would think that Pryor does not fit in the Browns' offense. But I would not entirely rule him out for two reasons -- Jon Gruden likes him and he has the ear of Holmgren, and Pryor's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has a good relationship with Heckert.

-- Tony

Josh Cribbs caught a TD pass on Colt McCoy's opening drive, getting some early opportunities to solidify his place as a wide receiver. Watch video

Cribbs streaked down the right side of the field and caught a perfect pass from Colt McCoy over cornerback Pat Lee on the Browns' opening drive. It put them up, 7-0, against the defending Super Bowl champion Packers.

"It was just a simple throw and catch,'' said Cribbs. "There was great blocking up front and a great throw by Colt. He laid it up there real nice and I went and got it. I guess I can catch.''

On the third play of the drive, Cribbs also caught a 10-yarder over the middle to convert a third down. He was a major reason McCoy looked sharp in his West Coast debut, going 5-for-5 on the drive for 72 yards and the TD.

"People say 'he's not a receiver, he's not a threat,'" said Cribbs this week. "But all I have to do is get the football in my hands and that's the threat. Me on the field is a threat. I'm going to demand the football when I'm on the field and once I have it, good things will happen."

Last season, for all of Eric Mangini's talk about using Cribbs as a wideout, he didn't have many opportunities, catching only 23 passes for one touchdown. It was more fuel for his detractors.

"I love hearing [the criticism], so I'm trying to increase my catches this year and stay healthy," said Cribbs, who acknowledged he's still a work in progress.

"Route-running, getting open for the quarterback [are areas of improvement]," he said. "If the quarterback wants to throw you the ball, you have to be open and you have to run a nice crisp route.

"The West Coast offense has a lot to do with timing. That's why Camp Colt was very beneficial for us this year. We got the timing down pat, and it's looking really good for us."

Mitchell surgery: Second-year receiver Carlton Mitchell, expected to challenge for some playing time, suffered a finger injury on Thursday and underwent surgery on Friday.

"He'll be out a couple of weeks,'' said coach Pat Shurmur.

The injury moves Demetrius Williams up the depth chart behind starter Brian Robiskie. Williams, signed as a free agent last October after being released by Baltimore, made a nice 7-yard catch from Seneca Wallace in the third quarter. The Browns are also still without Mohamed Massaquoi, who's been out with a bone chip in his foot but might return this week.

Headed to surgery: Rookie safety Eric Hagg, the seventh-round pick out of Nebraska, will undergo minor knee surgery on Monday, Shurmur said. He suffered the injury in practice on Thursday.

Young, Gocong inactive: Free safety Usama Young and linebacker Chris Gocong were among the Browns' inactive. Young, who's trying to stave off Mike Adams for the starting job, suffered a hamstring injury on Thursday. Gocong, who had a neck stinger during the week, was replaced by Kaluka Maiava. Running back Montario Hardesty is still resting his repaired knee.

Little's debut: Rookie receiver Greg Little caught two of the five passes thrown his way in the first half, including a 12-yard for a first down on the opening TD drive. He also had an 8-yarder from Wallace in the second quarter. One of the passes was batted away at the line of scrimmage, another was an overthrown deep ball and the final one was a Hail Mary.

Brown shines: Linebacker Titus Brown made two tackles on a second-quarter field goal drive and returned a third-quarter fumble 43 yards for a TD after a Brian Smith strip-sack.

Mitchell's sack: Rookie right end Jabaal Sheard was hoping for a sack in his first NFL game, but it was new right end Jayme Mitchell who got the honors, dropping Matt Flynn for a 5-yard loss to stymie a Packers drive. Sheard couldn't get past two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Chad Clifton.

McGee strong: New punter Richmond McGee had a good first outing, with punts of 59, 46 and 42 yard. Browns kicker Phil Dawson, also a Texas alum, thinks McGee has tremendous potential.

Extra points: Fourth-year cornerback Ramzee Robinson had several pass breakups, including one that forced the Packers to settle for a second-quarter field goal. ... Rookie cornerback James Dockery appeared on the first-team kick coverage unit and also returned kicks. He played as a reserve cornerback. ... Cornerback Coye Francies left the game with an undisclosed injury after being shaken up on a running play. ... Running back Brandon Jackson averaged 3.5 yards on his first eight carries.

On Twitter: @marykaycabot