The fans' ongoing debate over the Browns' receiving corps remains one of the constants in each week's mailbag for beat writer Tony Grossi.

View full sizeKarl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunThe sight of Lee Evans catching passes for the Baltimore offense this fall has some fans questioning the Browns' insistence on developing their young receiving corps.

Hey, Tony: I came home from work today to find out that the Ravens acquired Lee Evans from Buffalo for a fourth-round pick. How do the Browns not manage to make similarly low-priced acquisitions? Is it something about those players not wanting to play in Cleveland, or do the Browns somehow not think 1,000-yard receivers are worth a fourth-round pick? -- Dan Christler, Olmsted Township

Hey, Dan: I am at a loss to explain the Browns' non-interest in Evans, other than to reiterate their claim that they are satisfied with their receivers.

Hey, Tony: 1. Do you think with the current rules in place there will be a single kick return for a touchdown (barring fluke plays)? 2. Do you think the Browns aren't paying much attention to special teams in comparison to the previous regime because of these new rules making it nearly impossible to return one to the house? -- Kyle Chormanski, Los Angeles

Hey, Kyle: 1. There may be a 109-yard kickoff return because returners will be more apt to run everything out. But there will be far fewer return TDs as a result of the new rules. 2. The previous regime was obsessed with special teams and devoted more attention to them. The current coaching staff spends more time on offense and defense, which is good.

Hey, Tony: Any chance the Browns buy low and provide some defensive depth with another FA or two? For pennies on the dollar wouldn't Kirk Morrison be solid insurance at MLB? Doesn't it make more sense to bring a few guys in now, at the risk of hurting someone's feelings, instead of waiting for final roster cuts? -- Bryan G, Delaware, Ohio

Hey, Bryan: The non-existent minicamp season robbed teams of assessing their younger players. So I think many teams, not just the Browns, are staying with younger players longer in preseason to fully evaluate what they have on hand. I think the Browns will add a veteran player, or two, after the final roster cuts. But remember that veterans who are on a roster on the season's first week are guaranteed their base salary for the year. So what happens is teams wait until the second week of the season to pick up some veterans.

Hey, Tony: Does the success of the Paul Brown offense of the '50s really translate into a projection of success for the West Coast offense in Cleveland now? Don't forget that the weather the Browns now face is much more severe than in those days. During Paul Brown's career with the 12-game schedule, the season generally ended on the third Sunday of December, followed by only one postseason game. Also schedule-makers generally put snow-belt teams like the Browns and Packers on the road the last two, or sometimes even three weeks. I specifically remember one season when the last home game was in November. Otto Graham was great, but he almost never had to face the conditions the Browns deal with week after week in December and January. -- Norman Cox, Indianapolis, Ind.

Hey, Norman: What about global warming?

View full sizeMike Stewart, Associated PressThe Browns may have four touchdown passes from the first team offense in two preseason games, but fans are still wondering about the Falcon who got away.

Hey, Tony: I was wondering if you saw Julio Jones first preseason game? My question is do you really think Heckert would have drafted Julio Jones at number 6? I know you have been against the trade and felt we should have taken Jones, but I think Heckert would have taken D-line no matter what, just felt the quality was deep enough to fall 15 picks. Your take? -- Levi Mendenhall, Springfield

Hey, Levi: Obviously Heckert did not want to take a receiver. I have not seen Jones play in a preseason game. My sources say he has been "phenomenal" in the Falcons' camp.

Hey, Tony: Maybe it's me. The Browns look fresh and invigorated. This team looks like new air. What say you ? -- Sherman Flakes, Akron

Hey, Sherman: Young and hungry.

Hey, Tony: After watching the game against Green Bay, I notice the Browns have trouble covering the Packers' receivers. Do you see this as a problem, or is because they haven't practice enough? -- Donald Pasqualetti, Reading

Hey, Donald: I believe everybody had trouble covering Green Bay receivers last year.

Hey, Tony: I was wondering why the Browns haven't made a move for Asante Samuel. He sounds as if he isn't happy in Philly and along with Joe Haden it gives the Browns a much-improved pass defense. Second, much as I think Terrelle Pryor is immature and probably not QB material, I think he would fit in the west coast offense nicely as a WR. For what would amount to a fourth-round pick we get a possible QB and a utility WR. Seems win-win. -- Steven Ritchie, Lima

Hey, Steven: Trading for Samuel doesn't make sense to me. I think the Browns should concentrate on developing young cornerbacks. As for Terrelle Pryor, I would pass, thank you.

Hey, Tony: I am always interested in the "palace intrigue" of the Browns. How would you describe the difference with Holmgrem/Heckert this year compared with last year? Is Holmgren more involved or engaged with Shurmur than with Mangini? Was the Holmgren/Mangini relationship non-existent or was it based solely on wins and losses? -- Cuyler Hunter, Columbus

Hey, Cuyler: Holmgren has done more coaching in the first two weeks of training camp than he did all of last year. There's no doubt the chemistry in the building is better now.

Hey, Tony: Andrew Luck was a lock for the first pick this year. Won't he make less money next year with the new agreement? Would he rather play in Cincinnati or Buffalo over Carolina? I am sure he is a smart guy, but what is he thinking? -- George Maris, Villa, Ky.

Hey, George: The new agreement kicked in this year, so it didn't matter that Luck elected to return to Stanford. If he had come out, he would be subject to the same reduction in rookie contracts. He wanted to enjoy his final year of college. What's wrong with that?

Hey, Tony: Will Jeff Wolfert have a shot at beating out Phil Dawson? At 25 he could be the Browns' kicker for the next ten years and Dawson will probably be gone for 2012. -- Tom Thomas, Fla.

Hey Tom: Incredible. Next.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerIt just wouldn't be a real Hey, Tony! mailbag if there wasn't a debate over Colt McCoy's arm strength -- now, would there?

Hey, Tony: Thank goodness for the Internet or I would never know what is going on with the Browns. As much as I enjoy reading your reports as well as Mary Kay's, I grow increasingly weary of what I interpret as negative reporting on Colt McCoy. I hear much about his lack of arm strength, but if arm strength was a key to success, then Jeff George and JaMarcus Russell would be enshrined in the Hall of Fame (Russell albeit prematurely). Heck, even Vince Young's physical abilities exceed McCoy's and look what a head case he turned out to be.

There comes a time when you have to measure what is inside a player and I think what is inside McCoy is the same thing that was inside Brian Sipe and Bernie Kosar: A desire to win. I am an OU Sooner fan who watched McCoy and the Longhorns beat the Sooners two out of three games in Dallas. I have not changed my tune. When will you change your tune on Colt McCoy? -- Jim Albertson, Norman, Okla.

Hey, Jim: I don't apologize for questioning McCoy's arm strength. He has everything else you want in a quarterback. I would have less concern if McCoy played in a dome or warm weather city. Arm strength alone does not make a quarterback great, of course. But it does matter when playing in Cleveland or Buffalo in December. Montana played in San Francisco. Big difference. Sipe was a marvelous, iconic Cleveland sports figure who never won a playoff game. Kosar's arm was above-average until his elbow injury in 1988. I don't doubt that McCoy can succeed in the West Coast offense. Perhaps the system can compensate for his arm. But in January, with all the chips on the line, he will have to make a play with his arm. I hope that he can make that play.

Hey, Tony: One pre-season game doesn't make a contender, but something that really encouraged me in the opener were the receivers. I'm not trying to take anything away from Colt McCoy, but it was refreshing to see Little, Watson and Cribbs catching the ball away from their bodies, and adjusting to where the ball was in the air. Does McCoy throw a more catchable ball? Secondly: Is it just me or does Seneca Wallace throw a very questionable deep ball? No touch, no timing, just sort of heaved up there, maybe in bounds, maybe not. -- Doug Shaffer, Orange, Calif.

Hey, Doug: It's amazing what a professional offensive system can do for everybody on offense. I agree with your assessment of Wallace.

Hey, Tony: 1) Pat Shurmur seems must more approachable and willing to answer questions during press conferences (plus he seems like a nice guy). It's refreshing to see after years of secrets, secrets, and more secrets. What are your thoughts from a reporter's perspective on Shurmur?

2) You're the expert here who sees him every day, so I'm asking what your impression is of McCoy. Please don't say "well it depends on x, y, and z" or "only time will tell." Just looking for your gut feeling after doing this for so many years. In your opinion, is he the long-term solution? Why or why not? -- Mitch Weiss, Tallahassee, Fla.

Hey, Mitch: Shurmur's off to a good start. He seems like a normal person who happens to be a football coach. No hidden agendas. As for McCoy, I feel we'll all be able to tell by the end of this year if he is the long-term solution.

Hey, Tony: This coaching staff has to see that Sheldon Brown is a liability at CB. Why don't they stop this charade and move him to safety? -- Mike B, Dover

Hey, Mike: Very harsh judgment on a very solid player.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerHas Jordan Norwood already staked a claim to the slot receiver's starting position for the season opener?

Hey, Tony: Watching the game against GB, I can see why people are high on Jordan Norwood. He looks like he brings something to the table that none of the other receivers possess: explosiveness. Do you think he'll make the roster this year? -- Keith, Cleveland

Hey, Keith: Barring something unforeseen, I expect Norwood to open the season as the No. 1 slot receiver, though he doesn't have the position locked up. He's got the right shiftiness and quickness to avoid contact in the middle of the field.

Hey, Tony: Since Joe Haden is our shutdown corner, why doesn't he always cover the opposing team's No. 1 receiver? -- Justin Sack, Phoenix, Ariz.

Hey, Justin: Like the majority of teams, the Browns prefer to assign their cornerbacks left and right.

Hey, Tony: From players comments it sounds to me like they have a lot more confidence in Shurmur. Is that the feel you get or is it a matter of them knowing which side of the bread is buttered? The offense already looks better this year than it did all of last year. Do you find it refreshing that they're not rushing on every first and second down? -- Glenn Studevant, Tucson, Ariz.

Hey, Glenn: Everything about the new offense is refreshing. I would even expect the Browns to throw into the end zone on occasion this year instead of dumping the ball inside the 10 and hoping for the best. (Sarcasm.)

Hey, Tony: One of the negatives I read about Colt McCoy is the question of his ability to throw the long ball. If you look up highlights on YouTube, you can see Colt at Texas completing passes from 50 to 60 yards with fairly good accuracy. How far does he have to throw the ball for it to be considered the long ball or am I totally missing the point? -- Greg Dineen, Middletown

Hey, Greg: Yes, highlights are fun to watch. It's not so much the distance, it's the torque on the ball, being able to get the ball on target and on time. Does it float to its target or does it spin? McCoy said after his first season that he suffered a tired arm at times late in the year due to his shoulder injury in his last college game. So we'll see this year in December how well his throws are spinning.

Hey, Tony: I heard Mike Holmgren talking recently on TV about teaching this young team about the legacy of some great Browns teams of the past. Can you deliver a message to Mr. Holmgren for me and thousands of other die-hard fans? The message is that number 57 belongs to a revered and Hall of Fame-caliber linebacker, Clay Matthews. Those of us that are truly aware of the Browns legacy cannot stand to see anyone wearing number 57 miss an open-field tackle like Eric Gordon did last week. Furthermore, I was personally offended last year to see David Veikune wearing number 57. Sign Clay Matthews Jr. someday and let him wear that number. Otherwise let's take it out of circulation for a while. -- John Davis, Brunswick Hills

Hey, John: Yes, it would have been nice to draft Matthews' son in 2009 and give him his father's No. 57. Instead it went to Veikune. That in itself is a metaphor for the franchise's recent woes.

Hey, Tony: Have you heard if the Browns have any interest in Lofa Tatupu? -- Sean Frias, Wayne

Hey, Sean: No.

Hey, Tony: What happens if Terrell Pryor or any of the other players entered into the supplemental draft are not picked? Are they considered undrafted free agents and allowed to sign with any team? If so, why waste a draft pick? Why not just sign him after the draft? -- Jared Smith, Layton, Utah

Hey, Jared: If Pryor is not selected in the supplemental draft, he would be considered a free agent, able to sign with any team. A team that really wants him would risk losing him to a higher bidder (signing bonus) if it passed him in the draft.

Hey, Tony: As much as I love Josh Cribbs, don't you think that we are overpaying him for what our team seems to be getting out of him? He's a great character guy, but don't you think we should shop him and get a good trade or draft pick? I don't believe he's a true wide receiver. To me he just seems to be a overpaid returner/want to be receiver. -- Scott Baker, Cuyahoga Falls

Hey, Scott: A much better idea would be to utilize Cribbs in a fashion that makes him an impact player on offense. I think that's what they're trying to do.

Hey, Tony: It is my understanding, thanks to Jerry Jones, that the NFL may unilaterally reduce the season to 18 games from the current 20 (16 league games, four exhibitions). If the players then insisted that the 18 games be two exhibition games and 16 regular-season games, they would only receive 90 percent of their pay. Is that true? If so, wouldn't you think that we can pretty count on an 18-game league schedule if the league exercises its option? -- Steve Davies-Tight, Cleveland

Hey, Steve: The league wisely has abandoned the idea of forcing an 18-game schedule on the players without their consent. The issue will be revisited in 2013 when the next round of TV contracts are negotiated. The league is hoping the amazing amount of new revenue generated by two games will cause the players to buy into the concept.

-- Tony

The hamstring injury to Jason Kipnis is devastating to the Indians' chances down the stretch, says Terry Pluto.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerThe hamstring injury that placed Jason Kipnis on the disabled list has crippled an Indians offense that struggles at the best of times.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When it comes to pondering the local sports scene, this is anything but the dog days ...

About the Indians ...

1. The Indians won't say so, but the hamstring injury to Jason Kipnis is devastating to the team. The rookie became the big bat that they hoped to acquire in a trade. He was 19-of-68 (.279) with a .950 OPS thanks to six homers and four doubles. His hustle also inspired the team, and he seemed to settle the second-base question that has haunted the franchise for years.

2. Kipnis can come back and take over the spot in September, but he's out for two key weeks. They traded Orlando Cabrera to San Francisco to open the spot for Kipnis. But with Cabrera gone, the Indians were left with Luis Valbuena and Cord Phelps as options.

3. They picked Valbuena, despite his .223 average (.624 OPS) in 717 career major-league at-bats because he can catch a ground ball. Phelps hurt his changes by making five chargeable errors (and two other crucial fielding mistakes) in 12 games earlier in the year. He also hit only .196 in 46 at-bats.

4. I would have preferred to see Phelps get another chance. He has only four errors in 40 games at Columbus, where he's hitting .299 (.871 OPS). But I do understand why the Indians are concerned about his defense, as he played with so little confidence with the Tribe.

5. Jason Donald should receive most of the playing time. Donald is 0-of-15 vs. right-handed pitchers, 6-of-14 vs. lefties. For his career, it's .243 vs. righties, .286 vs. lefties. He is being groomed as the utility man, with Kipnis being the second baseman. But he should play to see if he can at least do something against right-handed pitching. His defense has been solid, three errors in 44 games at second with the Tribe.

6. Heading into Saturday night, Travis Hafner is hitting .223 (.694 OPS) since the All-Star break, only three homers in 112 at-bats. Even worse is 29 strikeouts compared to 11 walks in that span. Hafner hit .325 (.934 OPS) in the first half.

7. Justin Masterson was 1-7 with a 4.45 ERA after coming to the Tribe late in July of 2009. He was 6-13 with a 4.70 ERA last season, but there were some positive signs. After the 2010 All-Star break, Masterson was 3-5 with a 3.84 ERA. He seemed to be figuring out how to start after sitting in Boston's bullpen.

8. Fans know Masterson is 10-7. In 20 of his 26 starts, he has pitched at least six innings and allowed two or fewer earned runs. His 2.71 ERA is fourth-best in the American League. The guy has received miserable support -- in 10 starts, the Indians have scored two or fewer runs.

9. The big change for Masterson is trusting his mid-90s fastball. In 2008, he threw it 67 percent of the time. It has risen to 73-78-82 percent. His ball moves so much, he has thrown the fastball more than 90 percent in some games. In 248 innings since the 2010 All-Star break, Masterson has a 3.04 ERA. He is 26 and developing into a top of the rotation starter.

10. Even more impressive is how Masterson has handle the lack of support from hitters -- he doesn't complain. Many fans heard the story of how he went through the clubhouse to raise $35,000 so Jack Hannahan could make an emergency flight home on a chartered jet from Boston to be present for the birth of his first child. Johnny Hannahan was two pounds and 11 ounces when born.

View full sizeNuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneUbaldo Jimenez appears to be suffering from a lack of control -- and perhaps a lack of confidence -- in his early efforts with the Indians.

About Ubaldo Jimenez ...

1. There are no major warning signs about Ubaldo Jimenez, who was a good (sometimes excellent) starter from 2008 to '10. His strikeouts and walks per nine innings are about the same from 2008-10 as in 2011. He's giving up more hits and homers, but not at an alarming rate. Yet, he's clearly not the same guy.

2. In his previous three seasons, Jimenez had 25, 24 and 18 quality starts -- allowing three or fewer runs in at least six innings. This season, he has 11. His worst season of the previous three was 2008 -- 12-12, 3.99 ERA, 18 quality starts.

3. Masterson has 20 quality starts. Josh Tomlin is next on the Tribe with 17. The rest of the rotation: Carlos Carrasco (12), Fausto Carmona (12) and Jimenez (11, with the Tribe and Rockies). Carmona has a 2-2 record and 2.63 ERA since coming off the disabled list. That covers six starts, and he's averaged 6 innings per outing. He has pitched at least six innings each time.

4. So what is the problem with Jimenez? His first-pitch strikes (54 percent) are down slightly from 56 percent. His swinging strikes (7.8) are down from the previous three seasons (9.4). The Tribe's internal stats reveal that while he isn't walking more hitters than in previous seasons, he is pitching behind in the count far more often.

5. His fastball is still in the 93-mph range, but that's down two or three mph from a year ago. He's allowed 12 homers this season, not excessive. But he had allowed only 12, 10 and 13 the previous three seasons. Hitters simply are making better contact.

6. From 2008 to '10, he held lefties to a .230 average, righties to .224. This season, it's .233 against lefties, .273 against righties. So suddenly, the 27-year-old right-hander is having trouble with righties -- perhaps because he can't get his breaking pitch over the plate as often.

7. Another issue is pitch count. Jimenez averaged 108 in 2009, 109 in 2010. But he also was averaging about 6 innings per start. This season, he's at 101 pitches in 5 innings. His pitch count is up partly because more of his pitches are being fouled off (rather than missed), creating longer at-bats. Could having been ranked No. 5 in all of baseball in pitches thrown in 2009 and 2010 have something to do with his drop in velocity?

8. Drew Pomeranz threw seven scoreless innings (retiring 19 batters in a row) in his first Class AA start for the Rockies on Wednesday. The next night at Class AAA Tulsa (Okla.), Alex White threw 7 scoreless innings. White is expected to soon be in Colorado's rotation. As for Jimenez, the Indians believe there are some mechanical issues in his windup that can be fixed, and they believe he is very open to suggestions.

About growing local interest in baseball ...

Here is some data from the Tribe:

1. Ticket sales are up 45 percent, single-game tickets sold for the year are up 67 percent from last season.

2. Average attendance is 22,196. That ranks No. 25. The Indians projected 1.3 million at the start of this season, and they are at 1,287,371. They drew 1,391,644 in 2010.

3. Television ratings on SportsTime Ohio are up nearly 100 percent compared with last season. The Tribe's Aug. 11 game against the Tigers had a 9.4 rating, second highest of the season. The top-rated game was April 30, also against Detroit.

4. Of the top five TV broadcasts for the week of Aug. 1, Indians games were four of the five. They also had seven of the top 15 broadcasts that week. This month, Indians games are the only prime-time program in the top 20 that didn't come from Fox, NBC, CBS and ABC.

5. The Indians average about 200,000 viewers for most night games, which is outstanding. But then there's the Browns, who had their preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 13. The game was the highest-rated program in the Cleveland market since Game 6 of the NBA Finals on June 12 (Dallas beating You Know Who and Miami). The Browns game averaged 443,000 viewers.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerAhtyba Rubin seems to be ready for the regular season for the Browns, but there's plenty of questions yet to be answered for the rest of the Cleveland defense.

About the Browns...

1. Most fans know I have been very upbeat about Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense and how Colt McCoy fits into that quick pass attack. I also believe the Browns can run the ball, simply because of what Peyton Hillis did last season. We've not seen much of the running game in the preseason. Hillis sat out Friday's game, and Brandon Jackson did little (19 yards in seven carries) against Detroit's defense.

2. I do hope they work on the running game at Philadelphia Thursday. You must be able to run the ball in the AFC North. In his two years as the Rams' offensive coordinator, Shurmur had a 1,200-yard rusher in Steven Jackson. So he does know the running game matters. But with so much emphasis on McCoy throwing in the first two games, they now need to also run it. And they need to see if Montario Hardesty can at least get through a preseason game, something that didn't happen last season.

3. What comes next is not really a criticism of Shurmur and his staff, but there are real reasons for concern. Some fans and players were critical of how former coach Eric Mangini made players run a lap in practice when they jumped offsides or committed a dumb penalty. That never bothered me. The players jogged and the message that attention to detail is serious was clear.

4. This is not to say Shurmur should have guys run after those mistakes in practice. He has to find his own style. But the sloppy play against Detroit was alarming. There is a lot to be cleaned up, and that has to start now. Yes, some of the penalties were committed by guys who will be cut -- but the Browns had seven flags in the first half when the regulars and key backups were on the field.

5. When it comes to defense, it's hard to know what to think -- other than no matter who is on the field, they seem to lack speed. Ahtyba Rubin is one of those gifted linemen who can play in the Eric Mangini 3-4 or the Dick Jauron 4-3. The most impressive Browns defender in the first quarter was rookie Jabaal Sheard, who forced a fumble and also chased Matt Stafford out of the pocket twice. You notice him on the field, and he's the kind of quick, 250-pound defensive end who looks good in this defense.

6. Not sure what to say about Phil Taylor, the rookie is in the middle of the line and I confess to not watching him much. I wonder if Marcus Benard will push Jaymee Mitchell for playing time in passing situations. Playing against the Browns starting defensive line, the Lions did have 74 yards on 18 carries (4.1 average) in the first half.

7. The defensive line consists of the reliable Rubin, two rookies in Taylor and Sheard and Mitchell, who has played only 75 snaps in the last three seasons. Marcus Benard (who I like), Brian Schaefering and other guys are trying to make a team. If the linebackers were deep and effective, that would not be as much of a concern. Even if the rookies come through, they are still rookies.

8. Some of the problems could be the linebackers. D'Qwell Jackson showed more quickness than I expected and was a factor in the middle. More importantly, Jackson has been healthy after being haunted by injuries to both shoulders the last two years. Starting outside linebackers Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita didn't play, and the backups didn't show much. The lack of depth must be a major concern, although I do like what Titus Brown has shown.

9. The real issue won't be the scheme. No matter 3-4 or 4-3, the key will be talent level and team speed. Usama Young has never been a starting safety before, and he has only six starts (at cornerback) in four seasons. The Kent State product will be a key this season.

10. So glad Shurmur publicly called out rookie Greg Little for drop-kicking the ball into the seats after his touchdown. Shurmur said he told Little, "You tarnished a great effort." On TV, Bernie Kosar (doing a great job with his commentary) quoted Jim Brown: "Act like you have been there before."

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerZeke Marshall is a defensive force for Akron's Zips, which will be looking for big things from some newcomers to the starting lineup in 2011-12.

About Akron basketball ...

With the NBA doing nothing during its labor duel, I wrote about Cleveland State hoops a few weeks ago. This time, it's the University of Akron -- coming off a 23-13 season and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

1. The Zips just completed a summer trip to play some Canadian schools, and coach Keith Dambrot believes his team will have more scoring this season. A year ago, Nik Cvetinovic (11.7) led the team, followed by Brett McKnight (10.2) and Brett McClanahan (10.0). Cvetinovic and McClanahan are returning, along with 7-foot center Zeke Marshall and point guard Alex Abreu.

2. The top two scorers on the trip were Chauney Gilliam and Nick Harney. Gilliam, a transfer from Maryland-Baltimore County where he averaged 12 points for two years, is 6-5, 235 pounds. Dambrot isn't thrilled with Gilliam's defense, but believes Gilliam and returning small forward Quincy Diggs provide offense and athleticism. "I really like how Diggs is playing," Dambrot said.

3. Harney played his last two high school seasons at Benedictine and then had to improve his grades (Proposition 48) before he could play at Akron. He put his academics in order, and the 6-7 power forward averaged 11 points during the trip. Dambrot believes he'll make an immediate impact.

4. Another transfer is 6-4 Brian Walsh, who began his college career at Xavier. Josh Egner (Massillon Jackson) also is expected to see some action. Demetrius Treadwell was a Prop 48 who will be eligible this season. He averaged 23 points and 16 rebounds as a senior at Euclid.

5. The Zips had an incredible run in the MAC Tournament, winning four games in five days -- two in overtime. Marshall was often the key with shot-blocking and defense. The Zips are hoping to improve his offense, as he averaged 8.5 points per game last season.

What will it take to embarrass the NCAA into change? Allegations about the Miami Hurricanes may have just provided the answer, Bud Shaw writes in his Sunday Spin.

View full sizeAP photoNCAA president Mark Emmert thought he had a busy enough summer before the revelations surrounding the University of Miami became public. Has college football finally reached its crisis point for major changes? Bud Shaw isn't believing quite yet.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- College sports remains as pure as the snow driven upon by an overturned coal truck...

A Miami Hurricanes' booster in prison for running a Ponzi scheme has told Yahoo! Sports details of a committed effort to trample NCAA rules over a number of seasons. Nevin Shapiro's claims involve at least 72 athletes, eight years of violations, millions of dollars and the knowledge or participation of several coaches in the Miami football and basketball programs.

Other than that, "The U" is clean as a whistle -- if that whistle were directed at one of the prostitutes Shapiro alleges he provided for various players.

Usually the term "prison interview" raises a healthy skepticism about the source of the allegations. It's not quite the same as, say, "church confessional" or even "sworn testimony." Since it's college sports, though, Shapiro's tales of providing athletes with cash, women, yacht time, jewelry and paid trips to expensive restaurants and nightclubs can't be simply dismissed as axe-grinding.

In fact, if he'd throw in a tale of taking tests for athletes to help them stay eligible, he'd pretty much have all the customary bases covered.

NCAA president Mark Emmert says if the allegations are true, the Miami case proves the need for "serious and fundamental change" in big-time college sports. That's like saying Tiger Woods' tryst with his 10th lady friend proved his infidelity. We already knew that from his scores on the front nine.

Sorry, but USC on probation, a stripped Heisman Trophy winner, an unvested Jim Tressel, a scandal at Oregon, the "for sale" sign around Cam Newton's neck as a JC transfer, Butch Davis' school for troubled adolescents at North Carolina -- they all already "suggested" a need for an overhaul.

View full sizeAP photoThe Hurricanes are the controversy of the moment for the NCAA, but that doesn't mean some other new scandal isn't far away. That's not exactly the headlines that officials at big-time programs and conferences covet with the season's kickoff just two weeks away.

But what? Paying players because they have needs that aren't covered in the cost of a free education? Even those advancing the cause of paying players because they don't believe the scholarship is a fair-market return on bringing billions in TV money into college football and basketball -- I used to be in that camp -- would find it impossible to strongly argue that players' "needs" include any of the following:

• Tattoos for memorabilia;

• Jewelry;

• A taste for Wagyu Rib Eye;

• One-on-one time with a professional escort;

• Cruising. On a yacht;

Paying players might eliminate some basic needs but it won't eliminate the temptations for luxuries and it won't stop boosters from singling out the really good players and paying them even more.

The allegations in the Miami case might make Buckeyes fans and fans of other NCAA violators feel much better about their respective schools. They shouldn't but they probably will. Do OSU's violations look minor compared to Shapiro's claims about Miami? Sure, but what wouldn't look minor compared to that?

Knowingly playing ineligble players is serious. When it happens over several years, the offending school should lose its football or basketball program.

You should hope Ohio State gets its sentence and the case is closed before the Miami investigation embarrasses the NCAA into meting out serious punishment, the kind that actually serves as a deterrent.

SPINOFFS

There's still time for the NFL to admit that taking the kickoff return out of the game is a terrible idea. Knowing how league decisions go these days, I'm sure Roger Goodell will bring that motion to the attention of Roger Goodell before announcing the unanimous decision to forge ahead with an unnecessary rule change...

Indians' second baseman Jason Kipnis somehow tweaked a hamstring while stretching to avoid tweaking a hamstring. Kipnis' injury is not quite Kevin Mitchell straining a muscle while vomiting or Glenallen Hill missing a few games after falling out of bed, but if it costs the Indians a division title, it at least makes this city's list of strangest baseball injuries...

Colts' owner Jim Irsay hinted on Twitter his concerns about Peyton Manning, writing, "we got 2 b prepared 4 early season possibility without him." Irsay asked fans to suggest a QB to sign if Manning can't play. If I'm Curtis Painter or Dan Orlovsky and I follow Irsay on Twitter, I tweet him back and suggest going with Curtis Painter or Dan Orlovsky, respectively...

Take It To The Bank, Just Don't Try To Cash It Prediction Department: If Manning can't play Sept. 18, the Browns will go 2-0 to start the season...

Chad Ochocinco offered to reimburse Tampa Bay's Mason Foster if the rookie linebacker is fined by the league for leveling Ochocinco with a shot above the shoulder pads. "That's the way the game should b played," the Patriots receiver said in a tweet that just might raise suspicion of a concussion...

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, PDSure, the offense looks good, but this is not the face of red carpet football quite yet in Cleveland.

Georgetown basketball players in a brawl? Crazy. What's next?...

Kansas City Chiefs' coach Todd Haley was upset Baltimore scored three TDs late in their exhibition game. Ravens' coach John Harbaugh apologized but said (rightly) that he wanted to give his backup players quality time on the field. If there's anything worse than asking fans to pay full price for exhibition games it's asking them to pay full price to see somebody they don't know and never want to see again take a knee in an exhibition game...

HE TWEETED IT

"It's official. Pride 2 the side. Just filled out a application at Home Depot. Lockout ain't a game." -- Delonte West, raising the question, "Do Home Depot employees have to pass through a metal detector on their way into work?"

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

View full sizeAP photoSure, he's a movie star from California, but does he know anything about the West Coast offense?

Richard Gere and Pat Shurmur -- Devin in Euclid's wife

(Editor's note: Pat Shurmur, you're welcome)

Ubaldo Jimenez and Barack Obama -- Mark Novak

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Sunday Edition)

"Hey Bud:

"Well, he may not be 'Automatic Otto,' but I'll happily take a 'Semiautomatic Colt' this year." -- Larry Ulmer

Sorry, but Plaxico Burress already signed with the Jets.

"Bud:

"If Terrelle Pryor were an engineer, accountant or journalist he would have trouble getting a job with his track record of fast and loose with the rules. But the world of pro sports has its own morality or lack of same." -- Bill Litzler

You forgot Wall Street CEO.

"Bud:

"Does Terrelle Pryor now regret choosing Ohio State over the Hurricanes?" -- Michael Sarro

Yes. If you're going to get suspended for getting a tattoo or hanging out with beautiful women on a yacht, the players handbook clearly says take the yacht.

"Bud:

"If Shelley Duncan purchased his own rings to place on his bat in the on-deck circle, would it be proper to call them Duncan's doughnuts?" -- James D, Richmond Heights

Proper? Yes. Funny is a separate issue.

"Bud:

"Some pitchers are kept to strict pitch counts. Do your editors hold you to strict hyphen or dangling participle counts?" -- Keith Jameson, Fairview Park

No. But a list of quality starts to columns is kept for the annual evaluation. A quality start must include a string of sentences of at least six words with no more than three typos.

"Bud:

"Did you catch this on the second tablet of the Goodell proclamations? Terrelle Pryor cannot get his Golden Buckeye Card until he is 60 years and five months old?" -- Jim, Shaker Heights

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"For the fans who still hate Jim Thome for leaving, please stop watching 1940s baseball movies." -- Joe S

Repeat winners get to hold a grudge.

The Browns hit the practice field again today after losing to the Lions Friday. You can read live tweets below from Plain Dealer Browns beat reporters Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot.

View full sizeColt McCoy and the Browns take the practice field again today.

Thoughts on Brian Robiskie, Greg Little, D'Qwell Jackson, Titus Brown, Ahtyba Rubin, Phil Taylor ... and more.

BEREA -- Quick slants on the Browns prior to Sunday morning's practice ...

 * I'm concerned that Brian Robiskie might have taken a step back after going 0 for 1 in the Detroit game. And Mohamed Massaquoi might be coming back this week. It'll be interesting to see if Robiskie is still lining up with the first team at today's practice.

 * Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson and Titus Brown are having very good camps. You wish there was a way to get both MIKE linebackers on the field together.

 * On his best day, Greg Little is the team's best receiver. But that showboating has to stop. I liked the way coach Pat Shurmur got in Little's grill after punting the ball into the stands following a touchdown catch.

 * Ahtyba Rubin is always hustling.

 * I think the Browns finally found a young tackle with potential to develop into a good starter in Branndon Braxton.

 * I'm sure that No. 1 pick Phil Taylor is doing a good job against the run. But he looks like a two-down player to me and won't be on the field on sure passing downs. Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see any pass rush there.

 * Having an offensive-minded head coach calling the plays is going to be such a blast of fresh air, even more so when the games start to count.

 * The new NFL kickoff rules are absurdly bad. The other new rule requiring all scoring plays to be reviewed is equally inane. To clarify, a play has to be called a touchdown (or safety, etc.) on the field for it to be automatically reviewed. The reason Shurmur had to challenge Evan Moore's play in the end zone was because it was ruled "no catch" by the official on the field. Yet Moore's first touchdown -- which had no controversy whatsoever -- was revewed for almost 2 minutes. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

Here are the lineups for the Indians and Tigers game today at Comerica Park.

DETROIT, Mich. -- Here are today's lineups:

Indians (62-60): LF Michael Brantley (L), RF Shin-Soo Choo, SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), 1B Carlos Santana (S), CF Kosuke Fukudome (L), 2B Jason Donald (R), 3B Jack Hannahan (L), C Lou Marson (R), RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (7-9, 4.48).

Tigers (67-58): CF Austin Jackson (R), RF Brennan Boesch (L), LF Delmon Young (R), 1B Miguel Cabrera (R), DH Victor Martinez (S), C Alex Avila (L), SS Jhonny Peralta (R), 3B Wilson Betemit (S), 2B Ramon Santiago (S), RHP Rick Porcello (11-8, 4.98).

Umpires: H Paul Schrieber, 1B Chad Fairchild, 2B Joe West, 3B Tim McClelland. 

Lefty-righty: Lefties are hitting .233 (60-for-257) with six homers and righties are hitting .273 (79-for-289) with six homers against Jimenez. The Tigers have seven righties, including three switch-hitters, in the lineup.

Lefties are hitting .334 (107-for-320) with 10 homers and righties are hitting .234 (49-for-209) with three homers against Porcello. The Indians have seven lefties, including two switch-hitters, in the lineup. 

Him vs. me: Miguel Cabrera is hitting .357 (5-for-14) with two RBI against Jimenez. Asdrubal Cabrera is hitting .316 (9-for-16) against Porcello.

Quote of the day: "When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch," Ty Cobb, Hall of Famer for the Tigers.

Next: The Indians open a four-game series against Seattle on Monday night. RHP Fausto Carmona will faced LHP Jason Vargas. STO/WTAM will carry the game.

Running back Montario Hardesty (knee) will play for the first time this preseason Thursday night against the Eagles.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerMontario Hardesty has waited almost a year to get back on the field after his torn ACL.

CLEVELAND -- Browns running back Montario Hardesty said today he's excited to return to the playing field Thursday night against the Eagles.

Hardesty hasn't played since he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the final preseason game  of last season.

"It's been a long time,'' said Hardesty. "I can't wait. I'm ready to go.''

Browns President Mike Holmgren, who stopped over on his golf cart and chatted with the media, said he's looking forward to it too. "Very much so,'' said Holmgren. "He's worked very, very hard. We're keeping our fingers crossed.''

Coach Pat Shurmur feels Hardesty is ready for live action.

"Each day he looks better and better,'' said Shurmur. "He's anxious to get back. We're looking for him to compete. He got a lot of reps today. He's looking more and more comfortable with the knee.''

In other Browns news at training camp today:

* Shurmur said tight end Evan Moore suffered a mild concussion Friday night versus the Lions. He said he's not certain when Moore will be back. Moore also suffered a concussion last season, so the medical staff will be extra cautious.

Moore tweeted today: "I am 100% okay and I appreciate everyone's concern and support.''

* Receiver Josh Cribbs tweaked a hamstring in practice today and had his left leg wrapped with an ice bag for part of the session. "It's just a little minor setback,'' he said. "It's nothing big -- big enough to miss the rest of practice.''

* Running back Brandon Jackson was not outside with the team today and is having his toe evaluated. Jackson hurt it against the Lions, and it was originally thought to be turf toe. 

* Receiver Mohamed Massaquoi  (foot) is expected to do some running this week, but is not expected to play Thursday in Philly.

* A number key players besides Moore and Jackson were still nursing their injuries today. They were T.J. Ward (hamstring), Usama Young (hamstring), Massaquoi (foot), and Chris Gocong.

* Three starters were back on the field after sitting out Friday's game: Peyton Hillis (hamstring), Scott Fujita (thigh) and Ben Watson (hamstring).

* Hamstrings are apparently the "injury du jour of the week'' as Butch Davis used to say. A little more stretching perhaps?

* Rookie right end Jabaal Sheard has changed his number from 90 to 97.

* Coach Shurmur said he talked to Greg Little again about punting the ball into the Dawg Pound stands after his touchdown. But he's not worried about Little's showboating becoming a problem. "He loves to play the game,'' said Shurmur. "I thoroughly enjoy him.'' 

Browns tight end Evan Moore, who's been the offensive MVP of camp so far, is sidelined with a mild concussion.

Tracy Boulian, PD fileEvan Moore has been a favorite target for Colt McCoy this preseason, but has been set back a little with a mild concussion.

CLEVELAND -- Browns tight end Evan Moore suffered a mild concussion Friday night against the Lions and his status for Thursday's "dress rehearsal'' game in Philadelphia is uncertain.

Moore was not at practice today, but tweeted: "I am 100% okay and I appreciate everyone's concern and support.''

The medical staff will be extra cautious with Moore, because he also suffered a concussion in week two last season. However, he was active the following week.

The offensive star of training camp, Moore suffered the concussion after a 17-yard catch over the middle. It came after he had caught two first-half touchdown passes, a 2-yarder and an acrobatic 21-yarder.

The good news for the Browns with Moore being sidelined is the fact that fellow tight end Ben Watson returned to practice today after sitting out Friday night with a hamstring injury.

Indians rally from 7-0 deficit falls short when Kosuke Fukudome is thrown out at the plate to end the game. Travis Hafner leaves game with sprained foot.

View full sizeDuane Burleson, Associated PressDelmon Young's three-run homer was the centerpiece of a seven-run third inning Sunday by the Tigers against Indians starter Ubaldo Jimenez.

DETROIT, Mich. -- The Indians needed a big game from Ubaldo Jimenez on Sunday to stay close in the AL Central race. They didn't get it and as a result left the Motor City trailing the Tigers by 4 1/2 games following an 8-7 loss at Comerica Park.

The Indians arrived at Comerica on Friday 1 1/2 games out of first. The Tigers responded with a three-game sweep to send the Indians staggering back home. The deficit is the largest they've faced this season.

After two scoreless innings, Jimenez allowed seven runs on six hits in the third as the Tigers took a 7-0 lead. Jimenez, never throwing over 92 mph, threw 47 pitches, 25 for strikes, in the inning.

The big hits of the inning were a three-run homer by Delmon Young and a two-run homer by Victor Martinez. Young hit a 3-2 pitch and Martinez a 1-1 pitch.

Jhonny Peralta started the inning with a walk. Wilson Betemit doubled him to third and Ramon Santiago delivered him with a single for a 1-0 lead. Austin Jackson singled to give Detroit its third straight hit before Jimenez finally recorded an out when Brennan Boesch flied out to center.

Young followed with his homer to left. Miguel Cabrera walked and Martinez curled his homer just inside the right-field foul pole. Jimenez struck out Alex Avila, but gave up a double to Peralta and walked Betemit before striking out Santiago to end the onslaught.

After throwing 105 pitches in 4 2/3 innings Tuesday in Chicago, Jimenez threw 74 in three innings Sunday.

The Indians rallied, but not enough.

They scored five runs in the fourth. Carlos Santana hit a long one-out homer to right. Jason Donald, Jack Hannahan and Lou Marson followed with singles, Donald scoring on Marson's hit to center, to make it 7-2. Michael Brantley made it 7-4 with a two-run double to right and Porcello was gone even though he had a three-run lead.

Lefty Duane Below relieved and Shin-Soo Choo beat out an infield single to move Brantley to third. Brantley scored on a wild pitch with Asdrubal Cabrera at the plate. Below issued an unintentional intentional walk to Cabrera so he could face struggling Travis Hafner.

Hafner, in an 0-for-15 slump, popped up to center.

Jimenez started the fourth, but was gone after Young singled home Jackson for an 8-5 lead. Jackson reached on an infield single and stole second on a disputed call. Replays showed Cabrera tagging Jackson's foot before he hit the bag after a great throw by catcher Lou Marson, but second-base umpire Tim McClelland called him safe.

Cabrera and manager Manny Acta argued to no avail. Joe Smith relieved and ended the fourth on a 5-4-3 double play.

The Indians added runs in the fifth and sixth innings to cut Detroit's lead to 8-7. Santana scored from third on Hannahan's RBI grounder in the fifth and Hafner singled home Cabrera in the sixth. Cabrera doubled with one out to put himself in scoring position. Hafner, who has been playing with a foot injury, came up lame as he rounded first trying for second and was tagged out.

Lonnie Chisenhall batted for Hafner in the eighth. The Indians said Hafner left the game with a right foot sprain, the same foot he injured at the end of April sliding into home.

With Choo on third and pinch-runner Ezequiel Carrera on second, Joaquin Benoit struck out Santana on an outside pitch to end the threat.

Jose Valverde, the Tigers supersaver, pitched the ninth for his 37th consecutive save, but it did not come easy. He walked Kosuke Fukudome and hit Jason Donald with a pitch. Hannahan advanced the runners with a bunt. Matt LaPorta sent a fly ball to shallow center, where Jackson made the catch and ended the game by throwing Fukudome at the plate.

The season series between the Indians and Tigers is tied, 6-6. Detroit is 5-1 at Comerica.

Tiger manager Jim Leyland was ejected in the sixth by third base umpire Alan Porter for arguing. Betemit was called out at third on a throw by catcher Lou Marson on a bunt by Santiago. It appeared Betemit beat the throw.  

Jimenez allowed eight runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. He walked three and struck out four while throwing 83 pitches, only 58 percent (48-for-83) were strikes.

Porcello allowed five runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings.

In the top of the third, plate umpire Paul Schrieber issued warnings to both benches. Cabrera hit a drive down the right field line that hooked foul at the last moment. He stood at the plate and to see if it would go fair or foul. Porcello apparently didn't like that and threw behind Cabrera with his next pitch.

Cabrera moved toward the mound, but nothing developed except the warnings being issued.

Pat Shurmur isn't concerned whether rookie receiver Greg Little, who punted the ball in the stands after a TD catch on Friday, will become a high-maintenance player.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerWhen Greg Little gathered in this touchdown pass from Colt McCoy in the second quarter Friday night against Detroit, he was demonstrating the skills that made him a second-round draft pick. When he then followed by punting the ball into the stands, he revealed an extroverted nature that didn't draw a penalty flag, but revived pre-draft concerns about his ability to follow rules. "I'm going to keep being that same charismatic guy that's always positive," Little says. "I just have that type of mojo about me."

BEREA, Ohio -- The first reaction when Browns rookie wide receiver Greg Little punted the ball in the stands in celebration of his first touchdown Friday night was, "Act like you've been there before."

Actually, he did the same thing in his last college game for North Carolina on Dec. 29, 2009. After hauling in a touchdown catch in the Meineke Car Care Bowl against Pittsburgh, Little dropped the ball on his right foot and booted it into the stands. That Ray Guy imitation earned him an immediate flag and a tongue-lashing from Tar Heels coach Butch Davis on the sideline.

On Friday, Little was spared a penalty by the Mike Carey officiating crew that threw flags 26 other times on the Browns and Lions. Coach Pat Shurmur didn't chew him out, but delivered a father-to-son type lecture.

Little also heard from some teammates and President Mike Holmgren.

"I told Greg when he got here that I would be involved in his life from the beginning," Holmgren said Sunday. "We had a little chat. It was nice."

Holmgren's comment is acknowledgement that the Browns recognize the reputation Little brought when they drafted him with the second-round pick acquired in the big trade-down with the Atlanta Falcons. Little was suspended his last season at North Carolina for accepting travel accommodations and jewelry from an agent, and being less than honest with NCAA investigators. Later, it was reported that Little collected 93 parking tickets while driving five different vehicles during his years on campus.

Pre-draft scouting reports tempered Little's elite athleticism with questions about immaturity and character, and a "big personality."

"It's kind of a stigma that's stuck with me," Little said. "I'm going to keep being that same charismatic guy that's always positive. I just have that type of mojo about me."

It would seem that managing Little's "mojo" would be somewhere on the list of things Shurmur has to be concerned with in his first season as Browns coach. Because it sure looks as if Shurmur is peppering Little with practice and playing time in an effort to get him up to full speed for the opening game on Sept. 11.

"He's a guy that can be a playmaker for us. He loves to play the game. And when the lights are the brightest, I think he's one of those guys that just gets into it," Shurmur said. "We as coaches will help him in those situations that cropped up Friday night."

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain Dealer"I thoroughly enjoy him," head coach Pat Shurmur (left) says of working with Greg Little. "He's working hard, practicing hard. And when he gets in a game, he loves to play. We'll just help him with the other stuff."

Asked if he's concerned that Little will be a high-maintenance player, Shurmur said, "No, I don't have any concern. And I thoroughly enjoy him. He's working hard, practicing hard. And when he gets in a game, he loves to play. We'll just help him with the other stuff."

It's unavoidable not to bring up Braylon Edwards in any discussion about Little. Former coach Romeo Crennel was able to harness Edwards' immense talents for the 2007 season, but the grandfatherly approach to disciplining Edwards largely failed. So far, Little hasn't done anything worse than celebrate his first touchdown.

"Coach Shurmur knows the kind of scrutiny that comes with that," Little said. "He knows what kind of guy I am. He drafted me. So he understands the things I enjoy and care about and am passionate about. He doesn't want people to get the wrong idea about me."

Josh Cribbs was one of the first players to talk to Little. Cribbs chalked up the "punt" to excitement about Little's first touchdown in two years.

"From missing a year of football, that's an untapped gold mine right there," Cribbs said Sunday. "He's a big receiver, strong, fast -- all the combinations that you want. I think these couple of preseason games are doing him really good. He's getting all the spider webs out of the way and he's going to be big for us."

With 21 days to go before the Browns' season opener, Little is on course to be a significant contributor in Shurmur's West Coast offense. He said his suspension just fueled his desire to "prove I can still make plays."

"But still play in the confines of the game, as well," he added.

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi

Breaking down this week's four-game series at Progressive Field.

View full sizePD file photoJustin Masterson will start Tuesday's first game of a day-night doubleheader against the Mariners at Progressive Field, looking for his 11th win of the season.

Where: Progressive Field.

When: Monday through Wednesday.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio, Monday and Tuesday. No TV Wednesday; WTAM AM/1100.

Pitching matchups: LHP Jason Vargas (7-11, 4.37) vs. RHP Fausto Carmona (6-12, 4.89) Monday at 7:05; RHP Blake Beaven (3-4, 4.10) vs. RHP Justin Masterson (10-7, 2.71) Tuesday at 1:05 p.m.; undecided vs. undecided Tuesday, 7:05 p.m.; RHP Felix Hernandez (11-11, 3.38) vs. RHP Josh Tomlin (12-6, 4.03), Wednesday at 12:05 p.m.

Season series: The Indians are 4-0 against the Mariners. The Indians lead Seattle, 200-154, overall.

Indians update: Coming off 2-4 trip against Chicago and Detroit. The Indians, playing the Mariners for the first time since May, have outscored them, 25-12. Shin-Soo Choo is hitting .400 (6-for-15) against his former team. Tomlin and Masterson are each 1-0 against Seattle.

Mariners update: They've lost five straight. They're hitting only .180 (23-for-128) against the Tribe. Vargas, who has thrown three shutouts this year, is 0-1 against the Indians.

Injuries: Indians -- 2B Jason Kipnis (right oblique, right hamstring), RHP Carlos Carrasco (right elbow), CF Grady Sizemore (right knee, hernia) and OF Trevor Crowe (right shoulder) are on the disabled list. DH Travis Hafner (right foot) is day to day. Mariners -- 3B Chone Figgins (right hip), 1B Justin Smoak (fractured nose), 2B Jack Wilson (left heel), RHP Dave Aardsma (left hip, right shoulder), C Adam Moore (right knee), C Chris Gimenez (left oblique) are on the disabled list. SS Luis Rodriguez (right elbow) and 2B Brendan Ryan (left shoulder) are day to day.

Next: The Royals visit Progressive Field for a three-game series Friday.

Injured players Scott Fujita, Peyton Hillis and Ben Watson return to Sunday's workout.

View full sizeLynn Ischay, The Plain DealerHoney, who shrunk the Browns? A miniature Browns team was part of the crowd that ignored the brooding skies and drizzle to attend Sunday's workout in Berea. The little Browns became a cheering squad, chanting "Here we go Brownies, here we go. Woof woof."

BEREA, Ohio -- What happened: LB Scott Fujita (thigh), RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring) and TE Ben Watson (hamstring) returned to work after missing the Detroit game. Coach Pat Shurmur said that RB Montario Hardesty was on course to see his first playing time Thursday in the third exhibition game in Philadelphia.

Deal with it: Browns President Mike Holmgren, who spoke out against the new kickoff rules at league meetings in March, said there's no chance the controversial changes will be repealed before the regular season. "But I would hope we would revisit it next year," he said.

Face in the crowd: Former Browns VP of player personnel Bill Davis attended. Davis, father of linebackers coach Billy Davis, is largely known for helping to turn around the Browns' fortunes in the mid-1980s by hatching the idea to trade for Chicago's picks in the 1984 USFL supplemental draft, which netted the Browns Kevin Mack, Mike Johnson and Gerald McNeil. Davis also hired Tom Heckert as a Browns scout. Heckert's son, Tom, now is the team's general manager.

Injury report: Not practicing were WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot), LB Chris Gocong (neck), TE Evan Moore (concussion), RB Brandon Jackson (turf toe), LG Eric Steinbach (back), FS Usama Young (hamstring), SS T.J. Ward (hamstring). WR Josh Cribbs had a hamstring muscle wrapped and did not finish the practice.

Monday's schedule: Full pads, 8:45-11:15 a.m. Second-last practice open to the public.

Dick Tressel continues to coach at Ohio State while wondering why his younger brother Jim was forced to resign.

View full sizeKarl Kuntz, Columbus Dispatch"I was committed to the kids, and my brother would have been in shock if I had said, 'Do you think I ought to stop?'" says OSU running backs coach Dick Tressel on the suggestion that he could have left the Buckeyes after his brother was fired in May. "He'd have maybe punched me."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nearly three months after his younger brother was forced to resign as Ohio State's head football coach, Dick Tressel posed for the Buckeyes' team photo Sunday afternoon.

While Ohio State separates itself from Jim Tressel and his NCAA violations, it continues to employ Dick Tressel for an 11th season.

"You're coaching kids and doing what's asked and people are counting on you, so to say, 'Nah, if they don't like my brother, I'm not going to be around here,' that wouldn't be sensible," Dick Tressel said Sunday, speaking to reporters for the first time about his brother's departure.

"I don't know why he's not coaching here, to tell you the truth. So it would be hard for me to decide, 'Oh, I shouldn't coach here, either.'"

That's exactly why the Tressel-Ohio State dynamic is so fascinating. Others can debate how Ohio State should have handled Jim Tressel's unethical conduct and how Tressel should have handled himself while committing those violations.

But this is blood. And Dick Tressel obviously has questions about his brother's exit.

"I don't think I see myself as different than anyone else. Every day in the paper, every time you talk to somebody, people wonder," Dick Tressel said. "So I still have my moments of wonder, but you've got to move forward."

Dick Tressel left his position as a successful Division III head coach to join his brother's staff 11 years ago. He's now entering his eighth season as running backs coach, and he's added additional special teams duties this year.

It would seem understandable if Tressel's employment had been ended by either side.

"I was a piece to a pretty tight-knit family," Dick Tressel said, meaning the OSU football family. "I think that you could get to the point where it terms of the family, you could cut off your nose to spite your face.

"Not that I would have been a significant loss if I had said, '[If] my brother's not good enough, I'm not good enough.' I don't know that that would have made much difference to this staff. But I was committed to the kids, and my brother would have been in shock if I had said, 'Do you think I ought to stop?' He'd have maybe punched me."

Dick Tressel said he never asked his brother that question. So one Tressel is gone from Ohio State. And one remains.

Sabino breaks hand: Junior Etienne Sabino, the projected starting strongside linebacker, had surgery on his left hand Sunday after breaking it in Saturday's team scrimmage. His arm was in a sling for the team's photo day, but he expects to be ready to play in the Sept. 3 season opener against Akron.

Sabino expects to be out for seven to 10 days, and then return to play in a cast. After sitting out last season as a redshirt, Sabino said he'd play even if doctors had to cut off his arm.

"I'm ready to hit somebody standing on the field right now," Sabino said Sunday, talking to reporters inside Ohio Stadium.

True freshman Ryan Shazier is probably the Buckeyes' No. 4 linebacker right now in a group lacking depth and is the most likely replacement if Sabino would be sidelined longer.

McVey, Fellows sidelined: Two backups continue to battle injuries that required surgery in the past and led to redshirt seasons. Sophomore defensive lineman Melvin Fellows of Garfield Heights and freshman linebacker Scott McVey of St. Ignatius aggravated injuries during preseason camp. Fellows reinjured his knee, while McVey is again bothered by his shoulder. Neither played in Saturday's scrimmage.

"It's hard not to get down, but I've been dealing with it my whole career," said Fellows, who was fine and practicing during the first week of camp but started having knee pain during the second week.

McVey also was practicing but tweaked his shoulder during a recent drill and is sitting out to be cautious, unsure how serious it is.

"I'm still trying to get back to my normal self," McVey said. "I just need to get my confidence back and my health and just quit thinking and get out there and play fast."

In other injury news, starting nickelback Tyler Moeller expects to practice Monday after missing more than a week with a strained groin. No. 2 tight end Reid Fragel is also ready to return after sitting out with a lingering staph infection.

Webb Simpson won his first Tour title Sunday, shooting a 3-under 67 for a three-stroke victory.

Webb Simpson, right, embraces his wife, Dowd, after winning the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

GREENSBORO, N.C.  — A former Wake Forest player claimed his first PGA Tour victory by holding off a late-charging, ex-Florida State standout.

Not far behind was a former North Carolina State player.

They helped turn the Wyndham Championship into a de facto Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.

Webb Simpson won his first Tour title Sunday, shooting a 3-under 67 for a three-stroke victory.

The 26-year-old Raleigh native finished at 18-under 262 and collected $936,000 in the tournament about a 30-mile drive from the Wake Forest campus where just a few years ago he was a college star.

"I really couldn't think of a better place to win than here in Greensboro," Simpson said.

George McNeill (64) was at 15 under, with Tommy Gainey (69) another stroke back in the final event before the PGA Tour playoffs.

Carl Pettersson (69), Vijay Singh (65), Jerry Kelly (65), Kyung-tae Kim (66) and Charles Howell III (67) finished at 13 under at Sedgefield Country Club.

Simpson's final round had steady, bogey-free play and a strong finish marked by consecutive birdies on Nos. 15 and 16.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

After taking the lead during Round 3 with a late five-hole stretch of four birdies and an eagle, Simpson opened his final round with eight straight pars before moving to 16 under with a birdie on the par-4 ninth.

He stayed there until late in the day. Birdies on the par-5 15th and the par-3 16th gave him a three-shot lead with two holes to go.

"When I made the putt on 15, I asked my caddie for the first time all day, 'Where do we stand?' and he said, 'We're two ahead right now,'" Simpson said. "I knew I needed to play solid golf on the last three holes, and to birdie 16 was so huge. ... I knew I had a three-shot lead on 18, and as soon as I hit the ball in play, I knew it was probably over."

McNeill made a late charge, with the former Florida State player moving to 15 under with a birdie on No. 17, his sixth birdie of the round. But all he could do after that was hope for a few late bogeys from Simpson.

"Honestly, I thought it was going to be a lot lower," McNeill said of the winning score. "I can only control myself. I can't control what everybody else does. I'm very happy with the way I hit it, the way I played, the way I putted."

Several players with strong ACC ties played pivotal roles during the fourth round at the country club where the ACC was founded in 1953 — and in a college-centric region where school ties run deep.

Simpson was the ACC's player of the year for the Demon Deacons in 2008. McNeill was an all-conference player for the Seminoles in the late 1990s.

And Pettersson grew up in Greensboro, played at North Carolina State, serves on this tournament's board of directors, won it in 2008 and made the daily 70-mile commute from his home in Raleigh.

"I'm disappointed. I'm a competitor," Pettersson said. "I wanted to win this one badly, but Webb outplayed us all."

Pettersson turned in perhaps the most remarkable birdie of the tournament on the par-4 first hole. After sending his drive well wide of the fairway and into a flower pot, he wound up chipping in from about 55 feet.

The focus this week wasn't solely on the leaders, but on the names moving up and down the FedEx Cup points list.

The Wyndham annually marks the last chance for players to claim spots in the playoffs, and some big names came to Greensboro hoping to play their way in.

Padraig Harrington, who called off a family vacation so he could try to escape the playoff bubble, finished at 6 under and jumped from No. 130 to No. 124. The top 125 qualify for The Barclays later this week in New Jersey.

Ernie Els, who entered at No. 126, made it into the playoff field despite shooting a final-round 72. His 8-under finish pushed him to 118th. Among those who didn't make it: Justin Leonard missed a 13-foot putt on the 18th, and that left him at No. 126.

"To try and wait until this week to make it through is just — you know," Leonard said. "I mean, come on. I had 25 other weeks to play like this."

For Simpson, the Wyndham has always been special. Now, it's even more so.

He said his first visit to the Greensboro-based tournament came when he was 16. His father brought him to the event's former home across town at Forest Oaks Country Club to caddie for Neal Lancaster during the Wednesday pro-am.

''That was probably the most fun 18 holes I've ever been a part of," Simpson said.

Kyle Busch held off Jimmie Johnson — for the time being, at least. Busch outlasted Johnson to win Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway, pulling away after a late caution for his fourth victory of the season.

Kyle Busch (18) drives next to Jimmie Johnson (48) on a restart on Busch's way to victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011. (AP Photo/Bob Brodbeck)

BROOKLYN, Mich.  — Kyle Busch held off Jimmie Johnson — for the time being, at least.

Busch outlasted Johnson to win Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway, pulling away after a late caution for his fourth victory of the season.

The win gave Busch a 10-point lead over Johnson at the top of the points standings, but there are still three more races before the Chase for the Sprint Cup starts.

Johnson is the five-time defending champion on NASCAR's top circuit, and Busch is merely the latest driver who seems poised to challenge him.

"Certainly it's going to be a run down to the end," Busch said. "The points are tight. With any bad day it seems to hurt you so much, you really have to concentrate on battling back, getting yourself back up in the points."

Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick pushed Johnson to the limit last year, but fell short in the end. Now Busch has his sights on the championship, and although there's plenty of racing still to come, he aced Sunday's test in what became a head-to-head dash to the finish with the man everyone is trying to wrest the title from.

Busch passed Johnson with about a dozen laps remaining and was opening up a comfortable margin when his brother Kurt Busch scraped a wall, forcing a caution from laps 198-201. The yellow flag erased much of Kyle Busch's lead, but he was able to fight off a quick move from Johnson after the restart, then held on to win during the green-white-checkered finish.

"I said this about him a while ago: Once he figured out how to win races, he'd win a lot," Johnson said. "He certainly has done that. His big test is for a championship. Once he understands that and figures that out, I think he'll win a lot of those too."

It was Busch's first Cup win at Michigan.

Brad Keselowski finished third, his third consecutive top-three finish and fifth top-10 in his past six races. Mark Martin was fourth.

Keselowski has been impressive recently despite breaking his left ankle earlier this month during a test session. He's now 12th in the standings, and with two victories, he looks likely to make the Chase as a wild card.

The top 10 drivers and the two drivers ranked 11th to 20th with the most victories earn spots for the Chase.

"I would like to make the top 10 on our own merits, if for no other reason than to push away all the naysayers of the wild-card system," Keselowski said. "It's going to be good either way. I'm a big fan of the wild card. It's going to be something that's going to reward me. I think it's a great way of showing a commitment to our fans to rewarding those who can win races."

Hamlin, Kyle Busch's teammate with Joe Gibbs Racing, would be the other wild card if the regular season ended now, but he did little to help himself Sunday with a 35th-place showing.

Hamlin, who had to stop in at the garage about two-thirds of the way through the race, is 14th in the standings with one win — at Michigan back in June.

Pole-sitter Greg Biffle led for 86 of the first 100 laps Sunday, but it didn't last. Kyle Busch passed him around the midway point of the planned 200-lap, 400-mile race. Jeff Gordon took the lead not long after that, and Johnson appeared to be in great shape when he made a pit stop just before a caution that started on lap 169.

Johnson was able to stay out on the track while other cars made pit stops under the yellow flag, and he led on the restart.

But Kyle Busch was lurking back in third place in his No. 18 Toyota and eventually passed Johnson.

"Wish I could have hung on," Johnson said. "I got away from Kyle, but as I was pulling away, I was sliding the car pretty bad. ... Eventually, he got to me. With that last restart I had a shot once again, got a good restart next to him, but couldn't make it happen."

Busch has three straight top-three showings. He was second to Keselowski at Pocono and third at Watkins Glen.

Busch won his 23rd career Sprint Cup race, pulling even with Kurt Busch in that category. Now, 26-year-old Kyle would like to match another of his brother's accomplishments by winning a series title, as Kurt did in 2004.

''He's always still got that carrot over me," Kyle Busch said. "Certainly, being the younger brother, I've had a little bit shorter time being here, but still, it's great to see both of us be as competitive as we've been and as successful as we've been."

Here is Monday's essay by Gary Schaefer of Mentor.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerWhether the setting is Progressive Field or one of the Indians' earlier homes, a day (or night) at the ballpark can change the heart of even the most indifferent visitor.

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

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The best of my baseball memories took place at the old stadium in the early '90s. Every year since my daughter was nine or 10, I'd take her to an Indians game. My wife, Joanne, never wanted to go, as sports were of no interest to her. She actually detested sports, baseball included. ESPN was the most vulgar of four-letter words.

Finally, one beautiful evening in late May, Joanne decided to join us at an Indians game. By now, our father-daughter night had already included my daughter's first husband. I believe the Texas Rangers were in town and I think John Farrell was pitching for us.

We had upper-deck seats behind home plate. The weather was pristine. Joanne casually mentioned how "nice" the well-manicured, emerald green field looked among the steel and concrete of downtown Cleveland. Beyond the scoreboard in centerfield, Lake Erie sat smooth as glass, reflecting a setting sun.

The crowds were small then, but those who did attend loved the Indians and cheered as though they were part of a much larger group. The hot dog and beer vendors had made their first pass, and we settled into our seats to enjoy the game. And then it happened...

By the bottom of the second inning, my wife, who refused to go to a "stupid baseball game" for over 15 years of asking, leaned over and whispered, "Do you think we could do this every week?"

The aura that is baseball snagged another fan from the unknowing masses.

The Indians won the game that night, but that has little to do with my memory of it. Joanne and I have attended many Indians games since then, but it's that first one I'll never forget. They say that baseball is a game that "transcends the ages." I offer up one more testimonial.

The Cleveland Indians 4 1/2 game deficit is the biggest of the season.

Associated PressUbaldo Jimenez (right) warming up with Indians teammates.

The Cleveland Indians now face their biggest deficit of the season (4 1/2 games) after getting swept by the Detroit Tigers.

Fortunately, the Tribe and Tigers play six more times before the season is over. But what did this past series between the two teams tell you about the Tribe. Or what did it tell you about the Tigers and or the race for the Central Division?

Tribe has to regroup after being swept in Detroit.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerTravis Hafner.

Michael Rosenberg of The Detroit Free Press piles on Tribe fans after the Tigers swept the Indians this past weekend.

Rosenberg isn't writing how this race is over, but he sure is close.

Be glad you are a Tigers fan today. The Indians aren't out of this race by any stretch. But if you were an Indians fan, you would be apoplectic right now.

The last thing the Indians lost Sunday was manager Manny Acta's sense of calm. It wasn't entirely Acta's fault. He was sort of mad at the world, and I can't fault him for that.

So, Manny, why did Jimenez kind of, you know, stink?

"I'm not gonna sit here and analyze everything," Acta said. "We're gonna sit down tomorrow and go over some stuff. But he's not making pitches."

Jimenez pitched so bad that Rosenberg writes how Acta with him.

[Because] the Indians can't tolerate the notion they might have given up their top-two pitching prospects for a damaged pitcher.

Hafner's down

The injuries continue to pile up on the Indians and you can add Travis Hafner to the mix. Hafner suffered a strain in his right foot on Sunday while trying to stretch a single into a double.

On MLB.com:

"Right away, it was really sore," Hafner said following Sunday's defeat in Detroit. "It is feeling better now, but we'll see how it is [Monday]. I'm hoping it'll be all right."

Game stories

Detroit News: Sweep sets up run for Tigers.

Cleveland.com: Tigers take down Tribe.

Ohio.com: Tribe fall.

MLB.com: Tribe can't close gap.

Get local high school football coverage from your cellphone with cleveland.com's new, free and customizable mobile app. The high school sports app, available on iPhone and Android devices, allows users to access content from The Plain Dealer and Sun News. Fans can select and save all their favorite teams to appear on the home screen of the app. From...

Get local high school football coverage from your cellphone with cleveland.com's new, free and customizable mobile app.

The high school sports app, available on iPhone and Android devices, allows users to access content from The Plain Dealer and Sun News. Fans can select
and save all their favorite teams to appear on the home screen of the app. From there they see each team's latest game and upcoming schedule. They also can request "push alert" notifications for whenever their favorite teams have completed a game.

Download the Android app from the Android Market and download the iPhone app from the iTunes App Store. 

Plain Dealer sports writer says a deficit of 5 or more games could leave Indians with too much ground to make up. Watch video

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

The Indians took it on the chin over the weekend in Detroit, where the Tigers earned a sweep to push their lead in the AL Central out to 4 1/2 games. What does the sweep mean in the big picture? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is the birthday boy, Plain Dealer sports writer Dennis Manoloff. Dman says the Tribe is in trouble, but it still has a chance to climb back into the race.

He also talks about whether there is anything manager Manny Acta can do to right the ship; what he thinks so far of the performance of starter Ubaldo Jimenez; and if there are reasons the Browns should take a look at former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor in today's NFL Supplemental Draft.

SBTV will return Tuesday.