Plain Dealer reporter says Brantley's contributions at the top of the lineup will be missed the longer he's sidelined. Watch video

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

The Indians stand 2 1/2 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central standings, and have a few starters out of the lineup with injuries right now. Which of those players do you think needs to return quickly to most help the Tribe's chances? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest is Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff, who says he thinks outfielder Michael Brantley needs to return soon, because he has been a consistent producer for the Indians all season.

Dman also has thoughts on whether the injury to second baseman Jason Kipnis is a big deal; which team he thinks will come out of a three-team race to win the Central; and discusses why he thinks Browns fans should be encouraged in the aftermath of Saturday's preseason win over the Green Bay Packers at Browns Stadium.

SBTV will return Tuesday.

Dockery, and undrafted free agent cornerback from Oregon State, is trying to defy the odds and make it to the NFL.

View full sizeCraig Lyndall | waitingfornextyear.comJames Dockery runs through drills during Browns training camp.

The Indians won't have many days off in their run for a division title.

APCleveland Indians' manager Manny Acta argues his case.

Sunday's rain out means the Tribe will not have much time off in their pursuit of the Central Division title, writes MLB.com reporter Jordan Bastian.

The Indians (60-57) are currently fighting to gain ground on the first-place Tigers in the race for the American League Central crown. Cleveland also has to contend with a tough slate the rest of the way. Due to Sunday's postponement, the Indians now face a stretch of 45 games in 44 days, following Monday's scheduled off-day.

Including the day off on Monday, the Indians have only three days off through the remainder of the season.

Those games include a doubleheader against Seattle on Aug. 23, and another makeup game with the Mariners for Sept. 19. On Sept. 20, the Tribe will host the White Sox in a doubleheader.

With the exception of the Sept. 19 meeting with the Mariners, the Indians' schedule included AL Central foes for 13 of the final 14 contests. If the Indians and Twins opt to make up Sunday's game during Minnesota's trip back to Cleveland (Sept. 23-25), the Tribe could face nine games in a period of seven days.

"The only thing that's worrisome," Indians manager Manny Acta said, "is the amount of games that we're piling up toward the end of the season. This makes nine games in seven days, because this game is probably going to take effect the last time that they come over here, and we already have a doubleheader scheduled with the White Sox."

Elite pitching

Sheldon Ocker of Ohio.com writes how despite a 2.69 ERA and some solid outings this season, pitcher Justin Masterson isn't often mentioned as one of the top pitchers in the American League.

Masteron, writes Ocker, doesn't really care.

“I’m just happy to consistently do my job,’’ Masterson said Sunday. “Everybody else can look at numbers.’’

The numbers are impressive over and above his ERA, which ranks fourth in the AL. Masterson is giving up an average of 2.4 walks per nine innings compared to 3.7 last year. He also has improved his ratio of hits per nine innings from 9.9 in 2010 to 8.1 this year.

Huff and stuff

News-Herald reporter Jim Ingraham writes how Pitcher David Huff has pitched well in his three appearances. He's been so good that he's turned into Sandy Koufax, writes Huff.

Well, sort of.

In three starts since being recalled from Columbus, Huff is 1-1 with a microscopic 0.51 ERA. In 17 2/3 innings, he has allowed one earned run, with 15 strikeouts and four walks. Opposing batters are hitting .197 against him.

"We're very encouraged by the way he's throwing the ball," said Acta. "You saw it today. He's throwing fastballs by guys. He's more aggressive with his delivery. His breaking ball is better, and he's pitching with a lot of confidence."

Browns running back Montario Hardesty returned to practice today and guard Billy Yates is retiring. Safety T.J. Ward was absent with a tooth problem and is visiting the dentist.

Amy Sancetta l The Plain DealerRunning back Montario Hardesty looked good in his return to team drills today.

CLEVELAND -- Browns running back Montario Hardesty, who's been held out of practice since the third day of camp Aug. 1, returned today and went fullspeed in team drills, including some inside running drills.

Hardesty took plenty of reps and also caught several nice passes out of the backfield. He didn't appear to be favoring his surgically-repaired left knee at all.

"It was fun to get back in football mode again,'' said Hardesty. "It was tough (sitting out) but it let me get my legs back up under me.''

Coach Pat Shurmur said there's a chance Hardesty might be held out of Friday's preseason game against the Lions.

"We haven't really talked about it yet, but I'm ready to play whenever they let me,'' Hardesty said.

Other news and notes from Monday's practice, which was closed to the public because of inclement weather:

* Browns safety T.J. Ward was absent today while visiting the dentist. Shurmur said Ward showed up for work with a swollen cheek. "It looked like he'd been punched in the cheek,'' said Shurmur. He said he doesn't know how long Ward will be out. He was replaced by Ray Ventrone.

* Eighth-year guard Billy Yates was seen leaving the Browns facility before practice this morning and is most likely retiring. Shurmur said he likes Yates, was surprised to hear he wants to retire and was hoping to talk him out of it. The fact that he left the facility means his mind is probably made up. Yates started three games at right guard last season but landed on IR at the end with a biceps injury.

* Receiver Mohamed Massaquoi was on the sidelines in his shoes today and out of the walking boot that was protecting his left foot (bone chip). Shurmur said he hopes Massaquoi can be worked back into practice soon.

* Plenty of other Browns sat out with bumps and bruises today: linebacker Scott Fujita (thigh), linebacker Chris Gocong (neck), tight end Ben Watson (hamstring), and free safety Usama Young (hamstring). Defensive lineman Brian Schaefering also left practice after his foot was stepped on.

* Shurmur provided a little more detail on receiver Carlton Mitchell, who underwent finger surgery Friday and rookie safety Eric Hagg, who will undergo minor knee surgery today. Shurmur said Mitchell had screws inserted to stabilize the finger and that he'll be out a few weeks. He hopes to have him back by the start of the season. He said he doesn't expect Hagg to be out long. The Browns also picked up free safety Brett Johnson today off waivers from Seattle.

* Former Browns cornerback Eric Wright, who will visit on Friday, is battling a groin injury.

* Shurmur opened his press conference today by apologizing to fans for having to close the practice because of weather. The team ended up outside anyway because the fields were dry enough to work on.

* The only other practice open to the public this week is Tuesday from 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

cleveland.com will bring you live high school football this season during all ten weeks of the 2011 high school football season. cleveland.com's Dan Labbe will be joined by Glenn Moore of The Dugout Sports Show to bring you live play-by-play action of some of the area's best matchups. You'll be able to listen to the games live and interact...

Strike up the band! High school football is right around the corner.

cleveland.com will bring you live high school football this season during all ten weeks of the 2011 high school football season.

cleveland.com's Dan Labbe will be joined by Glenn Moore of The Dugout Sports Show to bring you live play-by-play action of some of the area's best matchups. You'll be able to listen to the games live and interact with the guys in the booth via a live chat room. If you can't listen live, we'll offer full archives of the game available right on their box score pages.

You can see the full schedule below.

"Now that the Bills have released Aaron Maybin, the Browns need to take a serious look into adding him for our DE depth. He should come cheap and maybe he'll be better than Jayme Mitchell." - clvfan27

View full sizeAP Photo | David DupreySome fans think Aaron Maybin might work in brown and orange.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns running back Montario Hardesty returns to practice, guard Billy Yates retiring, cleveland.com reader clvfan27 thinks the Browns should look at Aaron Maybin. This reader writes,

"Now that the Bills have released Aaron Maybin, the Browns need to take a serious look into adding him for our DE depth. He should come cheap and maybe he'll be better than Jayme Mitchell."

Madden Curse will work in reverse for Hillis, Browns, writes reporter in Washington Post story.

The Plain DealerCleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis.

Brian Tarcy admits in this Washington Post article he's a Cleveland Browns fan when he writes that Peyton Hillis will avoid the so-called Madden cover curse.

The Madden cover has been a jinx every other year. Amidst huge expectations, there has been disappointment. From Eddie George’s career decline in 2001 to Troy Polamalu’s knee injury in 2009, the video game cover is littered with sad stories. After appearing on the cover in 2004, Michael Vick broke his leg and then was arrested for dog fighting.

Because Hillis is such an unexpected cover boy, writes Tracy, the jinx is going to work in reverse this year.

Tracy predicts a monster year for Hillis.

Hillis, who a lot of people are writing off as a one-year wonder, is just getting started, and the Browns are about to turn the proverbial corner into playoff contention. Yes, the Cleveland Browns are going to compete in the AFC North this year.

Sights and Sounds of Day 16 at Cleveland Browns Training Camp in Berea as they prepare for their pre-season game against the Detroit Lions Friday night, The Great Lakes Classic. Watch video

"With Carrasco on the DL and then needing to serve a 6-game suspension when he returns, Huff should have at least 3-4 starts to prove he should have a permanent spot in the rotation. If he pitches like he has been, he will make management's decision for them." - sadsamjones

View full sizeAP Photo | Jim MoneDavid Huff has pitched well since getting another shot with the big club this season.

In response to the story Rainout can't dampen a brighter outlook for Cleveland Indians' David Huff: Bud Shaw, cleveland.com reader sadsamjones thinks David Huff is in line to earn a permanent spot in the rotation. This reader writes,

"With Carrasco on the DL and then needing to serve a 6-game suspension when he returns, Huff should have at least 3-4 starts to prove he should have a permanent spot in the rotation. If he pitches like he has been, he will make management's decision for them."

Several reports on McCoy and Shurmur. Links to stories on Montario Hardesty, D'Qwell Jackson, Browns' West Coast wideouts, youthful Browns' defense, etc.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerQuarterback Colt McCoy (12) and coach Pat Shurmur talk during a Browns training camp practice in Berea.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy and coach Pat Shurmur are off to a good start in the eyes of NFL analysts.

The Browns' 27-17 win over the Green Bay Packers to open preseason play on Saturday night will not count for anything once the regular season opens.

Yet, McCoy's play, and the sense of organization under the leadership of first-year head coach Shurmur, made for solid first impressions.

James Walker of ESPN.com writes about some of the good and some of the bad showings for AFC North teams in the first week of preseason play.

Among the good:

1. Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy: There is a lot of pressure on McCoy to show growth this year as the full-time starter. He made a great first step with a near-perfect performance against the Packers. McCoy was 9 of 10 for 135 yards and a touchdown. He led two touchdown drives -- one against Green Bay's starters and the other against the Packers' second unit. This should give McCoy and the first-team offense things to build on in the preseason.

2. Browns coach Pat Shurmur: The Browns looked solid and played with energy in Shurmur's head-coaching debut. Shurmur was solid in his dual role as head coach and offensive coordinator. The Browns looked prepared and the offense moved the ball. His play calling went a long way to giving McCoy and his younger players confidence.

The Browns play their second preseason game on Friday night, against the Detroit Lions at Browns Stadium. 

Browns coverage by The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com includes Mary Kay Cabot's report that running back Montario Hardesty practiced today and veteran guard Billy Ray Yates is retiring; Twitter updates from training camp in Berea; Tony Grossi's report that the Browns have acquired safety Brett Johnson via the waiver wire; a Starting Blocks poll on impressions from the Browns-Packers game.

Goal to goal

Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson's comeback attempt, by Jeff Schudel for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal also writes about Jackson's return to the field.

The youth of the Browns' defense, and other notes, by Mike McLain of the Warren Tribune Chronicle.

Browns players feel confident with Pat Shurmur's coaching style. By Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Colt McCoy is providing leadership, too. By Albert Breer of the NFL Network.

News and observations from Browns' training camp, by Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Montario Hardesty is happy to be back on the field, Steve Doerschuk writes for the Canton Repository.

The wide receivers looked good in the West Coast offense, Daniel Wolf writes for the National Football Authority.

Colt McCoy getting the job done, by Zac Jackson for FoxSportsOhio.com.

Montario Hardesty back practicing after being sidelined for about one year. By Daniel Wolf of the National Football Authority.

An early miscue didn't untrack Pat Shurmur, Mike McLain writes for the Warren Tribune Chronicle.

Further review of the Browns-Packers game, by Dave Kolonich for Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report.

Colt McCoy is off to a fast start, Scott Petrak writes for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette.

GM Ray Shero says it's too early to tell if Crosby will be ready when training camp begins next month. Crosby missed final 48 games last season with a concussion.

Associated PressSidney Crosby (left) helped the Pittsburgh Penguins to the 2008-09 NHL title, then won the Maurice Richard Trophy the following season.

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania -- The Pittsburgh Penguins have no plans on rushing star Sidney Crosby back to the ice.

General manager Ray Shero said Monday it’s too early to tell if Crosby will be ready when training camp begins next month. The former MVP hasn’t played since being diagnosed with a concussion in January. He missed Pittsburgh’s final 48 games, including a loss to Tampa Bay in the playoffs.

Crosby has spent the summer working out in Canada and Shero said the 24-year-old is “progressing well.” Shero acknowledged Crosby continues to deal with symptoms related to the concussion, but added the issues have not forced him to stop training.

Shero expects Crosby to return to Pittsburgh a week before camp opens and said Crosby won’t play until he is “100 percent.”

Browns quarterback Colt McCoy worked out with Brett Favre in Mississippi in the offseason to learn Mike Holmgren's version of the West Coast offense.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy worked out with Brett Favre during the offseason near Favre's home in Mississippi.

CLEVELAND -- Browns quarterback Colt McCoy did a lot more to get ready for this season than conduct four Camp Colts to teach his teammates the West Coast offense.

He also called 11-time Pro Bowl quarterback Brett Favre and asked if he could come down to Mississippi and learn the scheme from him. Favre obliged, and the two spent several days together working out at a high school near where Favre lives.

McCoy's visit was first reported by NFL Network's Steve Mariucci, and McCoy -- who was not available to the media today -- confirmed the report.

Favre played for Browns President Mike Holmgren in Green Bay and the two won a Super Bowl there together in 1996, 35-21 over the Patriots.

Apparently, all of the hard work McCoy did on his own and with others during the offseason paid off. During Saturday night's preseason opener, he completed 9-of-10 attempts for 135 yards and a TD. He earned a superb 152.1 rating, which is near perfect.

Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot deliver the news of Day 16 at Training Camp in Berea. Watch video

Star-gazing in sports is sometimes a subjective thing, just as is the definition of what makes a star. But sports arguments are made for debates like this, so let them begin.

View full sizeAP photoThe magnitude of the sports world's stars can sometimes dim, but there are some legendary heroes who never lose their brilliance, says Bill Livingston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I can't define what a star is, but I know one when I see one.

Did Homer describe Helen of Troy, the most beautiful woman in the world, in the Iliad? In what was probably the first fantasy dating site, he left her appearance to each man's imagination. He let each man make the call.

Then again, Homer was blind.

Anyway, let the arguments begin:

Josh Cribbs will not be a star, even if he becomes a good receiver. Not with the new kickoff rules.

It's way too soon to predict Colt McCoy's chances for the quarterbacks' constellation, but I lean more to star than not a star.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. never was a star. He was just the next one in line.

Ken Griffey Jr. was a star, started getting hurt and was not a star, then hit enough homers to go out as a star all over again.

LeBron James is still a star after a terrible NBA Finals, but only because media sycophants and product pushers say he is.

Chris Bosh is not a star, Dwayne Wade still is a star, but he needs to be careful with whom he dances.

Dirk Nowitzki is a black hole who turned into a star.

Tiger Woods is no longer a star.

Jack Nicklaus is a reborn star, and Tiger was the incubator.

Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood never will be stars. Rory McIlroy, however, will.

Michelle Wie is not a star.

Roger Federer is still a star, just not as big.

Alex Rodriguez shouldn't be a star anymore, but he plays in New York for the Yankees so it's hard to say he's not.

Now that the World Cup is over, American women's soccer players are no longer stars. It's America. It's women's sports. We love spectacle, not soccer.

Jurgen Klinsmann was a star in Germany. In America? Doubtful.

Jim Tressel is a fallen star.

Terrelle Pryor was a star twice, in the bowl wins. Three times, if you count in Tressel's eyes.

Terrell Owens was not a star, he was a cancer. Randy Moss was a star for a while, particularly in New England, but then he became a cancer again.

Chad Ochocinco is not a star, he is a curiosity.

Bill Belichick, because of the spying, is a dark star.

Reggie Miller might have been the only out-and-out, pure shooter to be a star.

Peyton Manning is still a star, although people ought to pay more attention to his big-game record, both in college and the pros.

Eli Manning is not a star. But Drew Brees is.

Tom Brady is a star. Ben Roethlisberger is one kegger from not being one.

Usain Bolt will be a star again -- in 2012.

Justin Verlander is a star.

Justin Masterson, because of lack of run support that ought to invite a lawsuit, is not.

Cliff Lee is a star. So is everyone else in the Phillies' rotation.

Charlie Manuel is too home-spun to be a star, but another World Series victory and he might be.

Ndamukong Suh is a star.

Jim Thome is not a star, not that he ever sought to be one.

Omar Vizquel will always be a star.

Asdrubal Cabrera could be a star just on his first name.

Michael Jordan will always be a star. Scottie Pippen will always be a planet orbiting him.

Albert Belle was too angry to be a star.

Mark Price and Brad Daugherty were too nice to be stars.

The Dallas Cowboys have reached the point where they only wear stars.

Joe Torre was a star in New York, not so much anywhere else.

Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire and Manny Ramirez were supernovas and blew up.

The University of Southern California football team is no longer a galaxy of stars.

Thank goodness L.A. still has Kobe Bryant, who is still a star, but doesn't twinkle as often.

Then again, Mike Brown will never be a star. Phil Jackson always was.

Derek Jeter is a star, but Jose Reyes is better.

James Harrison is a thug, but he is also a star. So is Ray Lewis.

Jim Brown, agree or disagree with him, will be a star until the day he dies.

Bob Feller was just that.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Breaking down this week's three-game series on the south side of Chicago.

View full sizeAP photoMark Buehrle has always been a difficult lefty for the Indians to figure out, and will face the Tribe on Wednesday.

Where: U.S. Cellular Field.

When: Tuesday through Thursday.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WTAM AM/1100.

Pitching matchups: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (7-9, 4.37) vs. RHP Gavin Floyd (10-10, 4.53) Tuesday at 8:10; RHP Fausto Carmona (5-12, 5.12) vs. LHP Mark Buehrle (10-5, 3.06) Wednesday at 8:10 p.m. and RHP Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.69) vs. RHP Phil Humber (8-8, 3.67) Thursday at 8:10 p.m.

Season series: The Indians are 1-6 against Chicago. Chicago leads, 1,030-987, overall.

Indians update: They're coming off 4-1 homestand, but have been outscored, 40-24, by Chicago. They're hitting .231 (55-for-231) as a team against Chicago with Travis Hafner at .286 (6-for-21) with one homer and three RBI. Masterson is 1-2 with a 1.23 ERA against Chicago. Carmona is 0-2 with a 20.25 ERA against the White Sox this year.

White Sox update: They've won eight of their last 10, but are 26-33 at home. They're hitting .274 (65-for-237) as a team against the Tribe with Carlos Quentin leading the way at .462 (12-for-26) with three homers and 12 RBI. Floyd is 2-0 against the Indians, allowing one earned run in 14 2/3 innings.

Injuries: Indians -- RHP Carlos Carrasco (right elbow), CF Grady Sizemore (right knee, hernia) and OF Trevor Crowe (right shoulder) are on the disabled list. OF Michael Brantley (right wrist) and 2B Jason Kipnis (right side) are day to day. White Sox -- C Ramon Castro (right hand) and RHP Tony Pena (right elbow) are on the disabled list. C A.J. Pierzynski is day to day with a bruised left wrist.

Next: Indians open three-game series against Detroit on Friday at Comerica Park.

Dane Sanzenbacher is with the Chicago Bears and DeVier Posey begins the season with 5-game suspension. Numerous other links to Buckeyes' reports.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerDeVier Posey (8, with the football) is the only wide receiver with extensive experience at Ohio State, but he will be suspended for the first five games because of his involvement in the memorabilia-for-tattoos violations.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The primary question -- from a playing personnel standpoint -- about Ohio State football this season concerns the quarterback position.

Will the starter be Joe Bauserman, Braxton Miller, Ken Guiton or Taylor Graham? Will the player who starts at QB against Akron's Zips in the Sept. 3 season-opener at Ohio Stadium keep the job for the entire season?

Those questions beg another: Who will be the wide receivers catching the passes from whoever the quarterback is, especially since Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State's 2010 MVP, is in training camp with the Chicago Bears, and since senior DeVier Posey is suspended for the first five games of the season?

Tony Gerdeman, writing for the-ozone.net, mentions that besides Posey, the only two wide receivers on the roster who have caught a pass for the Buckeyes are sophomore Corey Brown (not to be confused with defensive back Corey Brown) and sophomore Chris Fields. They combined for 11 receptions last season.

Gerdeman points out that, otherwise, Ohio State will have to depend on some redshirt or true freshman wide receivers.

Gerdeman writes:

For new receivers coach Stan Drayton, youth doesn't necessarily bother him. He told reporters that he didn't care if a receiver was two-years old or 18-years old, the best player was going to play.

"Right now we’ve got to go from point A to point B as fast as we can," he said.

"I'm looking for great effort. If they make a mistake, it’s got to be full speed. I don’t want guys out there hesitating, thinking. We have to overcome some adversity within our football play."

Right now it looks like the opening day starters for the Buckeyes could be Brown and redshirt freshman Verlon Reed out wide, and Fields in the slot.

The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com features extensive Ohio State coverage.

Buckeyes links

Some observations one week into Ohio State's preseason practices. By Lee Hudnell for the Bryan Times and Wilmington News Journal.

Several players Ohio State will depend on. A Scout.com report.

Interim coach Luke Fickell's decision on who will be the starting quarterback is a major one for him. A report, including info on the four QB candidates, by Tim May of the Columbus Dispatch.

It will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes use versatile defensive back Christian Bryant. By Brandon Castel for the-ozone.net.

The Buckeyes at a glance, by Matt Hayes for SportingNews.com, which has OSU ranked No. 17.

Ohio State notebook, leading off with receivers coach Stan Drayton. By Tim May of the Columbus Dispatch.

The competition at quarterback, by Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Ohio State deserves more sanctions than those the school levied on the football program for its memorabilia for tattoos/cash scandal, writes Thayer Evans for FoxSports.com.

A chat with ESPN.com's Brian Bennett about the Big Ten, with some Ohio State mentions.

A look at the Buckeyes by Chris Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times, which has Ohio State ranked No. 17.

Coach Pat Shurmur lamented the team's heavy legs on the day after a day off after the first preseason game.

BEREA, Ohio -- What happened: Coach Pat Shurmur lamented the team's heavy legs on the day after a day off after the first preseason game. He likened the pace of early practice "like moving cattle around."

One player with fresh legs was running back Montario Hardesty, who practiced in full uniform for the first time in all drills. Hardesty, recovering from ACL surgery, didn't miss a rep, ran, skipped up after being knocked down and caught passes.

So sorry: Shurmur apologized to fans for closing practice. He intended to move it indoors because of inclement weather forecasts, and there isn't room for fans in the fieldhouse. When the rains held off, he moved practice back outdoors.

Cover, two: James Dockery broke up a lob from Jarrett Brown intended for Rod Windsor in the left corner of the end zone. ... Buster Skrine draped so tightly over Greg Little that Colt McCoy's pass deflected off Skrine's helmet.

Face in the crowd: Former Packers General Manager Ron Wolf is visiting friend Mike Holmgren for the week.

The big 5-0: About 20 family members surprised grounds supervisor Scott Springer with 50th birthday wishes, including the traditional song and a rented plane that circled above the fields noting his big day.

Injury report: Not practicing were WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot), TE Benjamin Watson (hamstring), LB Scott Fujita (thigh), LB Chris Gocong (neck) and SS T.J. Ward (tooth). DT Brian Schaefering left after suffering a foot injury. Out for undisclosed periods of time after undergoing surgery are WR Carlton Mitchell (finger) and SS Eric Hagg (knee).

Tuesday's schedule: Full pads, 8:45-11:15 a.m.

The Indians' reserve outfielder lives a slice of baseball found at the other end of the bench -- the jumbled, unpredictable, frustrating and, at times, fantastic life of a role player.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain Dealer"I'll never accept the (backup) label," says Indians outfielder/DH/first baseman Shelley Duncan, who is now back in Columbus with the Clippers. "If people want to put that on me, they can do that themselves, but I won't go out there and play like there's a label on me."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's not the living out of a suitcase, or the constant shuttle between an apartment in Cleveland and a Columbus hotel.

It's not even the disappointment of being sent down to the minors -- again.

Shelley Duncan says the hardest part about splitting a season with the Indians and their AAA Columbus Clippers is having to cart his dogs back and forth like his baseball gear.

Whenever he's called up to the Indians or optioned to Columbus, which happened again Sunday to make room for pitcher David Huff, his wife, Elyse, packs up their two little dogs for the trip along Interstate 71.

Never fails. Scrappy, the runt they adopted in the off-season to keep the other one company, always gets car sick.

Welcome to a slice of baseball found at the other end of the bench -- the jumbled, unpredictable, frustrating and, at times, fantastic life of a role player.

Since earning a spot on the Indians' roster in spring training, Duncan, who the Indians signed as a free agent before last season, has had to pack and change uniforms five times. After a career of call-ups and send-downs, there's really no preparing for it.

"There's some times where you understand and some times where it really hurts," he said in the clubhouse before an Indians game last week. "It's the same thing with getting called up. Sometimes you expect it and sometimes you're shocked."

He was off to Columbus on June 8. Back with the Indians on June 24.

Then down to Columbus on July 17. Back in Cleveland on Aug. 5.

And sent south again on Sunday.

Through Monday, he's played 43 games with the Indians and 30 with the Clippers.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerShelley Duncan's father, noted Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, says he believes his son's occasional ungainliness works against his hopes of a full-time spot on a big-league roster. "You may be getting the job done," Dave Duncan said, "but to the eye, it doesn't look pretty."

Better not make any plans. Leave the family calendar blank. He knows to pack extra socks and underwear and a sport coat in case the call comes when he's on the road, because roster changes come with very little notice.

"That's baseball," said Elyse Duncan, surprisingly accepting. "You know it's what you sign up for."

That's become the reality, but Duncan, who turns 32 next month, didn't sign up to be a career role player and he sure didn't look like one setting home run records at the University of Arizona. He sure didn't play like one in 2009, when he was named International League MVP -- an award Jim Thome once won -- for hitting 30 homers with 99 RBI for the New York Yankees' AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre team.

The older son of St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan, a former Indians catcher, the Yankees grabbed baseball pedigree and power in the second round of the 2001 draft. By 2007, Shelley Duncan, who grew up a Mark McGwire fan, had become the first Yankee in 60 years to stroke three homers in his first four games and earned a spot in the divisional playoff series against the Indians.

But he wasn't expected to crack that Yankees' lineup then, so playing a bit part was easier to accept.

"A lot of times, you don't know what your role is," he said. "When I first got called to the Yankees was the only time that I ever really had a defined role. They were real open to me about that and I think I took it for granted, because, you know, after that you get confused."

It's no wonder, given the trips between the majors and minors and back again.

In five major-league seasons, Duncan has played just over 190 games -- the equivalent of about a season and a fifth. He's appeared in as few as 11 games with the Yankees in 2009 and as many as 85 with the Indians last season.

Dave Duncan believes his son hasn't really been given a chance to be an everyday player in the majors because, at 6-5, 230, he may appear awkward compared to more sleek, athletic players.

"You may be getting the job done," he said, "but to the eye, it doesn't look pretty."

Duncan signed with the Indians hoping for a shot at becoming a regular. It hasn't happened. With the club shuffling its roster as needed to cover for injuries, slumps and personal time off, he's not even a regular in the clubhouse.

"You want to play every day, you want to be ready to play every day," he said, "but you don't know if you're going to play every day, so you deal with it.

"I'll never accept the [backup] label. If people want to put that on me, they can do that themselves, but I won't go out there and play like there's a label on me. That I'm this type of player, or that type of person because I know deep in my heart who I am and what I want to be and I'm going to keep working hard to become that."

With the Indians this season, Duncan is hitting .246 with four homers and 23 RBI in 118 at-bats. An impatient, free swinger at the plate, he's also struck out 32 times.

He's had his moments, including a 6-for-19 stretch with a clutch hit to help beat the Yankees before a packed house on the Fourth of July after being recalled on June 24.

Before being sent down Sunday, he was 5-for-18, including a two-hit night with a homer at Texas immediately after rejoining the Indians.

Duncan's contract is for $500,000 this season, but even that gets complicated because of the Cleveland-to-Columbus commute. His salary is pro-rated based on how much time he spends with each team.

Duncan's value, says manager Manny Acta, is an ability to hit left-handed pitchers. The team's starting outfield and designated hitter all bat left-handed. And he's versatile. With the Indians, he's been the DH in 17 games, played left field in 11 games, right in two games and first base in five games. At Columbus he's hitting .216 in 30 games with 97 at-bats, five homers and 19 RBI and he's played 12 games as DH, 11 in right, two in left and four at first.

So, when in Cleveland, Duncan offers an option. And maybe some kind of mysterious mojo. With him this season, the Indians are 48-38. Without him, they're 12-19.

If the repeated demotions sting, Clippers manager Mike Sarbaugh and some former Clippers-turned-Indians say Duncan doesn't show it. In fact, they said he's helped them learn what it takes to prepare for the game and to deal with the mental ups and downs.

Indians infielder Jason Donald called Duncan "probably one of the best teammates I've ever had."

"You kind of listen to what he says," said Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis, "because you know he's been there before."

And will be again, with bags packed.

The former Indians first baseman became the eighth player in big-league history to reach that plateau.

View full sizeAmy Sancetta, Associated PressWith a pair of home runs Monday night in Detroit, Jim Thome became the eighth major-league batter to reach 600 home runs.

DETROIT -- Minnesota slugger Jim Thome hit home runs 599 and 600 Monday night, as the former Indians first baseman became the eight player in big-league history to reach that plateau.

His 599th home run was a two-run shot to left-center field off Rick Porcello that gave the Twins a 5-3 lead over the Tigers in the sixth inning. One inning later, he went opposite field on left-hander Daniel Schlereth with two runners on base to reach 600 -- which brought out all of his Minnesota teammates and family members to celebrate.

Thome lined out and singled earlier in the game, which the Twins led, 9-5, after Thome's 600th blast.

Alex Rodriguez was the most recent player to reach the milestone last August. Fighting injuries during a frustrating season for the Twins, the 40-year-old Thome hasn't received nearly the amount of national publicity that his predecessors who reached the milestone did.

Jim Thome's road to 600

Aug, 27, 1970: Born in Peoria, Ill.

June 5, 1989: Selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 13th round of the amateur draft.

June 18, 1989: Signed by the Indians.

Sept. 4, 1991: Makes his major league debut, playing third base and going 2-for-4 during the Indians' 8-4 win at Minnesota.

Aug. 13, 1993: Promoted to the Indians for good and becomes their regular third baseman, after missing much of the 1992 season with injuries and splitting time between the Indians and the minor leagues. His play at Class AAA Charlotte prior to the call-up earned him his second (also 1990) Lou Boudreau Award as the Indians' Minor League Player of the Year.

1996: Hits at least 30 home runs (38), drives in at least 100 runs (116), scores at least 100 runs (122) and draws at least 100 walks (123) for the first time in his career in each category, while batting .311.

Oct. 30, 1996: Has the broken hamate bone in his right hand removed by surgery, after playing the final three games of the AL Division Series with the injury.

1997: Moved to first base after the Indians' Nov. 13, 1996 trade for San Francisco Giants' all-star third baseman Matt Williams.

May 20, 1997: Signs a contract extension with the Indians for a $3.5 million signing bonus, a four-year, $24.6 million deal from 1998-2001 and a $7.5 million club option for 2002.

July 8, 1997: Plays in the first of his five all-star games (1997-99 as an Indian, including 98-99 as the starting first baseman; 2004 as a Phillie; 2006 as a White Sox). Grounded out as a pinch-hitter during the American League's 3-1 win at Cleveland's Jacobs Field.

1997: Leads the American League for the first of three times in walks, with 120.

Aug. 7, 1998: Breaks a bone in his right hand when hit by a pitch, causing him to miss six weeks during a season in which he finished with 30 homers and 85 RBI.

May 29, 2001: Slugs his 243rd career home run, passing Albert Belle to become the Indians' all-time leader, during a 6-4 Cleveland win at Detroit.

Sept. 27, 2002: Hits his 51st (of 52) homer of the season, passing Albert Belle for the Indians' single-season record, during an 8-3 Indians' win over the Royals at Jacobs Field.

Sept. 29, 2002: Plays his last game as an Indian, going 1-for-3 as the designated hitter in Cleveland's 7-3 win over the Royals before 32,018 fans at Jacobs Field. Final at bat was a sixth-inning RBI single off Scott Mullen. Ben Broussard then pinch-ran for Thome.

2002: Leads the American League with a .677 slugging percentage. Sets Indians' single-season record with 52 homers and finishes as the team's all-time career home run leader, with 334.

2002: Given the Roberto Clemente Award, which, according to Major League Baseball's website, is "given annually to a player who demonstrates the values Clemente displayed in his commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others."

Dec. 3, 2002: Signs a six-year, $85 million free agent contract (including a seventh-year, $13 million club option) with the Philadelphia Phillies, turning down a five-year, $60 million deal from the Indians.

2003: Leads the National League with 47 home runs.

2004: Has his fourth straight season of at least 40 home runs; his ninth straight of at least 30; his 11th straight of at least 20.

2004: Given the Lou Gehrig Award, an annual award to a player who exemplifies the character Gehrig displayed and the integrity he had both on and off the field.

Nov. 25, 2005: With three years and $43.5 million left on his contract, traded by Philadelphia with $22 million to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Aaron Rowand, minor league pitcher Daniel Haigwood and a player to be named later (minor league pitcher Gio Gonzalez).

May 1, 2006: Returns to Cleveland for the first time in a visitors' uniform, drawing loud boos from a crowd of 17,845. Goes 1-for-5 with an RBI, one walk and two strikeouts in an 8-6 White Sox win.

2006: Becomes the second player (Alex Rodriguez) to hit at least 40 homers in a season for three different teams (Indians, Phillies, White Sox).

2006: Wins the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award for batting .288 with 42 homers and 109 RBI with the White Sox after an injury-riddled 2005 season with the Phillies. It's his sixth season with at least 40 homers and his 10th with at least 100 RBI.

Aug. 7, 2007: Becomes the fourth player to strike out 2,000 times, as the Indians' Jake Westbrook fans him during a 2-1 Indians' win over the White Sox in Chicago.

Sept. 16, 2007: Belts his 500th career home run during a 9-7 White Sox win over the Angels in Chicago.

June 19, 2008: Draws his 1,500th career walk during a 13-8 White Sox win over the Pirates in Chicago.

July 20, 2008: Gets his 2,000th career hit during an 8-7 White Sox loss to the Royals in Chicago.

2008: White Sox pick up the 2009 option year on his contract which calls for $13 million.

May 1, 2009: Gets his 1,500th career RBI as the White Sox win, 4-3, in Texas.

Aug. 31, 2009: Traded by the White Sox, with cash, to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league infielder Justin Fuller.

Jan. 26, 2010: Signs a one-year, $1.5 million contract as a free agent with the Minnesota Twins.

June 28, 2010: Scores his 1,500th career run during the Twins' 7-5 loss to the Tigers in Minnesota, joining Babe Ruth, Mel Ott, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt and Barry Bonds as the only players with at least 500 home runs, 1,500 RBI, 1,500 runs and 1,500 walks.

Sept. 11, 2010: Hits home run No. 587, passing Frank Robinson for eighth place -- the position he still holds -- on the all-time list, and giving the Twins a 1-0, 12-inning win over the Indians in Cleveland.

Jan. 14, 2011: Signs a one-year, $3 million contract as a free agent with the Twins.

Staff writer Mike Peticca contributed to this report.

Indians started strong then slumped, but have stayed in contention. Like with any team, any number of things could go wrong during the stretch drive.

Scott Shaw, The Plain DealerStarting pitcher Fausto Carmona struggled through much of the season, but has a 3.03 ERA in his last five starts.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians will take a 60-57 record into Tuesday night's game against the White Sox in Chicago.

The Tribe has 45 games left in the 2011 season. Cleveland was in second place in the American League Central Division, 2 1/2 games behind Detroit (64-56), before the Tigers' home game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night.

The Indians hold a 1 1/2 game lead over the White Sox (60-60).

Certainly, the Indians have benefited from the mediocrity of the Central Division. Yet, their season has been a surprise to most pundits, who expected the Tribe and youthful but promising Kansas City Royals to contend for last place.

Yes, the Indians are to some extent still living off their stunning 30-15 start. They followed that with losses in 14 of their next 18 games, Since then, though, the Indians have been a respectable 26-28 when many experts expected them to fold in the face of their youth, injuries, a difficult stretch in the schedule and a shaky batting order.

Obstacles loom as the Indians enter the stretch drive of the division championship race. What is the Indians' biggest concern as they try to make the postseason for the first time since 2007?