Thursday night's preseason game at Philadelphia is expecially important for an undrafted rookie like Dockery, who has had an impressive training camp. Many more Browns links.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerCornerback James Dockery (left) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Chris Matthews during a Browns training camp practice.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns play the third of their four preseason games on Thursday night, when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles.

The final score won't matter nearly as much for the Browns as will their progress in transitioning to a West Coast offense and to a 4-3 defense.

It will be important to come out of the game as injury-free as possible.

For some players who have a roster spot secured, a strong outing could move them up the depth chart.

Then, there are guys like undrafted free agent James Dockery, with the No. 1 priority of simply making the team.

Dockery, a cornerback from Oregon State, has made a good impression on the Browns' decision-makers.

Tyler Robinson of the National Football Authority writes about Dockery's efforts to stick with the Browns:

He has been a consistent presence during practice, seemingly making contributions everyday.

Head coach Pat Shurmur has taken notice.

"[Dockery's] a player that right now has flashed," Shurmur said. "Which you need to have happen at corner. He's got some size [6-1, 185]. He's got what I would consider to be a really good start to this training camp."

With projected nickelback Eric Wright leaving Cleveland for Detroit, there are several spots open behind starters Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown in the defensive backfield. Dockery has also shown promise on special teams, returning kicks and punts. He has also played some safety—displaying necessary versatility for making the team.

"Much like any back-up role player, you've got to get it done on special teams and then you have to be somewhat flexible," Shurmur said. "For a guy that's caught our eye in some ways, to be able to line up at safety, I think it's a good thing."

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Tony Grossi's story that the Browns are happy to be playing an aggressive offense; Mary Kay Cabot's Browns Insider, highlighting the contract extension of all-pro offensive tackle Joe Thomas; Grossi's training camp log; a David I. Andersen video of the training camp report by Grossi and Cabot; and, much more. 

Post patterns

Browns notes, leading off with Joe Thomas, by Fred Greetham for Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report.

The Browns are in good shape at tight end, Jeff Schudel writes for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

A story on cornerback Joe Haden by Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Scouts Inc. has Joe Thomas rated the ninth-best player in the NFL, writes James Walker of ESPN.com.

A look at the Browns on Sports Illustrated's SI.com, by Damon Hack.

History shows that backup quarterbacks like the Browns' Seneca Wallace often get to start at some time during an NFL season, Steve Doerschuk writes for the Canton Repository.

Browns notes by Scott Petrak for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette.

Browns notes by Bob Finnan for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Spot starter Zach McAllister struggles as Indians split twinbill. Cord Phelps is recalled from Columbus after the game.

View full sizeMark Duncan, Associated PressKosuke Fukudome can't handle a ball hit by Seattle's Wily Mo Pena in the fourth inning of Tuesday's second game at Progressive Field. Two runs scored on Fukudome's error.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Mariners had short memories Tuesday.

Hours after losing on a walk-off homer, Seattle rebounded to roll over the Indians, 12-7, in the finale of a day-night doubleheader at Progressive Field.

Eric Wedge's Mariners (55-73) have won two of three in a four-game series that concludes Wednesday afternoon. Mariners ace Felix Hernandez pitches Wednesday.

The Indians (63-63) failed to sustain momentum from a comeback in the ninth inning of Game 1, which ended when Shin-Soo Choo hit a three-run homer for a 7-5 victory.

Based on the way the Mariners swung the bats Tuesday, it is difficult to believe they lost 17 straight games earlier this season. They followed an 11-hit performance in the loss with a 17-hit display.

The Mariners scored five in the third, five in the fourth and one in the fifth. They led,  10-2, after 3 1/2 and 11-4 after 4 1/2.

The Tribe pulled within 11-6 in the sixth and had the bases loaded with one out. Struggling All-Star Asdrubal Cabrera struck out and Shin-Soo Choo grounded to second.

Cabrera, the Tribe's most dependable player this season, is swinging like a guy who needs a day off.

The Indians loaded the bases with one out in the eighth but only were able to score one. After Choo walked to drive in a run, Carlos Santana popped out on a 2-0 pitch and Shelley Duncan lined to third.

The Tribe finished 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

The Indians took a 1-0 lead when Kosuke Fukudome led off the second with a homer to right. He crushed a 2-1 pitch from lefty Anthony Vasquez into the Seattle bullpen.

Fukudome, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles in the first game of the day-night doubleheader, homered for the first time since June 16.  

Seattle erupted in the third against righty Zach McAllister in the third. McAllister was recalled from Class AAA Columbus earlier in the day.

Former Indian Josh Bard led off with a five-pitch walk. No. 9 batter Trayvon Robinson battled back from an 0-2 count to slap a 2-2 pitch to left for a single. The speed-challenged Bard stopped at second.

Ichiro Suzuki grounded into a 6-4 fielder's choice. Cabrera made a quality play up the middle and flipped to Jason Donald.

Former Indian Franklin Gutierrez chopped an RBI double over the third-base bag. A second run scored after left fielder Ezequiel Carrera bobbled the ball.

Dustin Ackley had an RBI single and Mike Carp hit a two-run homer, the latter traveling an estimated 438 feet to right.

In the bottom of the third, Choo cut the Tribe deficit to three with a homer to right.

Seattle's five-run outburst in the fourth knocked out McAllister. Frank Herrmann relieved in the middle of the mess. McAllister gave up eight earned runs. After the game, McAllister was sent back to Columbus and infielder Cord Phelps was recalled to the Indians.

Donald (single) and Lou Marson (grounder) drove in runs in the Tribe fourth.

After Seattle scored in the fifth, the Indians got two back in the sixth on RBI singles by Jack Hannahan and Ezequiel Carrera.

Hannahan finished with a career-high four hits.  

In the top of the first, Hannahan reached far over the Tribe dugout railing to catch a pop by Gutierrez. Hannahan continues to play Gold Glove-caliber defense.

In the bottom of the inning, Carrera led off with a single. He was caught stealing moments before Choo tripled to left-center.

Rookie head coach Fickell inherits circumstances that, for the first time in several years, could make the Buckeyes an also-ran in 2011. More Ohio State links.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerLuke Fickell, Ohio State's defensive coordinator last season, is now the interim head coach.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Interim head coach Luke Fickell takes over an Ohio State football program that won 106 of 128 games over the last 10 seasons.

That doesn't count the vacating of the 12 wins by the 2010 Buckeyes' team. Those victories are deleted from the offical record book for the same reasons that Fickell is the coach.

The memorabilia for tattoos/cash scandal that involved several key players led to the forced resignation of coach Jim Tressel, the coach during that storied, but now somewhat tainted, decade.

Fickell is among the 24 new head coaches that Stewart Mandel writes about for Sports Illustrated's SI.com:

• Luke Fickell, Ohio State: As if succeeding one of the most successful coaches in school history isn't hard enough, Fickell also has to break in a new quarterback (either senior Joe Bauserman or highly touted true freshman Braxton Miller) following the early exit of Terrelle Pryor and will be without suspended starters Dan Herron, DeVier Posey and Mike Adams for the season's first five games. A senior-depleted defense must reload, too. Even a program as stacked as OSU isn't immune to a down year. Predicted 2011 record: 8-4.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage includes Bill Livingston's column on Luke Fickell.

Ohio State and Akron's Zips play in a season-opener at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 3 -- a week from Saturday.

About the Buckeyes

An Ohio State preview by Matt Baxendell for the National Football Authority.

The defensive line is coming along, Tony Gerdeman writes for the-ozone.net.

The Buckeyes are motivated by others' low expectations for them, writes Bill Rabinowitz for the Columbus Dispatch.

Big Ten predictions -- including a specific one for Ohio State- by Brian Bennett and Adam Rittenberg for ESPN.com.

How good are the Buckeyes? Zac Jackson asks that question for FoxSportsOhio.com.

The Big Ten mailblog, by Adam Rittenberg on ESPN.com.

A report on the offense and on Tuesday's "kick scrimmage," by Brandon Castel for the-ozone.net.

Think you've got enough game to bring this 600-yard public monster to its knees?

View full size

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- How long is too long?

Sure, if you're a Bubba Watson clone and your average distance off the tee is north of 325, a 600-yard par 5 is just another square on the scorecard. But for the rest of us, Hinckley Hills' slender ninth hole is a lot of acreage to deal with.

Since his arrival as course pro in 1994, Michael Smith has never heard of a golfer reaching the green in two shots. That's enough for us to make this mammoth test our hole of the week.

Dufner is having the best year of his career with more than $2 million in earnings.

View full sizeAP photo"It was important for me to learn how to hit fairways and greens and to be able to use the scoring clubs well if I am going to compete," PGA Tour pro and Cleveland native Jason Dufner says. "I pride myself on being able to do that."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Nine questions with former Clevelander and PGA Championship runner-up Jason Dufner. While Dufner's bid to become Cleveland's first major tournament winner in almost 75 years ended with a disappointing loss to Keegan Bradley in a 3-hole playoff two weeks ago, Dufner is having the best year of his career with more than $2 million in earnings.

A graduate of Auburn with a degree in economics, Dufner did the interview via phone while preparing to play in The Barclays at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, N.J., the first step in the PGA Tour's four-tier playoffs, culminating with the Tour Championship in Atlanta in late September.

Age: 34

Residence: Auburn, Ala.

Q: The Auburn football team invited you to a practice after the PGA and the players and coaches gave you a standing ovation when you walked into the fieldhouse. What did that feel like?

A: It was a great feeling. It was cool to hear that so many guys were watching the tournament and it was great to know that so many of them were rooting for me. We are a pretty close-knit family at Auburn and I like being a part of that. It's unique.

Q: Let's go beyond the PGA Championship. You are having a superb year with 12 cuts made in 19 starts, five top-10 finishes and six in the top 25. Your averages in driving accuracy and greens in regulation are above the PGA Tour averages. Your thoughts?

A: I learned about four years ago that I wasn't going to overpower a golf course, so it was important for me to learn how to hit fairways and greens and to be able to use the scoring clubs well if I am going to compete. I pride myself on being able to do that.

Q: Which of your statistics are you most proud?

A: Probably the driving accuracy. I feel pretty confident that I can find the fairway. I've worked pretty hard on that.

Q: Do you think too many people overlooked the fact that Bradley made a beautiful first putt from about 30 feet on the 18th hole in regulation at the PGA?

A: A little bit. But, he played great and he did what he had to do to win. He played great on those last three holes in regulation and the playoff. He birdied 16 twice and 17 once. I didn't play as well as I would have liked over the last three holes and Keegan did.

Q: Who joins you in your dream foursome?

A: My dad, Ben Hogan and Tiger Woods.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your career?

A: My swing coach, Chuck Cook. When I started going to him in 2008 I was ranked somewhere in the 600s in the world. Now I've cracked the top 50, I'm playing well and I've been competitive.

Q: Best advice you can give a golf parent?

A: Just let your child find their own way. I played a lot of sports growing up and really didn't get real interested in golf until I was 14 or 15. You can't pressure kids into doing things they don't really want to do. If they like it they'll practice on their own. Then you know there's something there.

Q: Tell us about your Birdies For 'Bama program. You've donated $7,700 so far by pledging $100 for each birdie and $500 for each eagle that you make with most of the money going to the Boys and Girls Club of Tuscaloosa.

A: My fiance (Amanda Boyd) and me came up with the idea after the tornadoes hit northern Alabama in April. So many people were left in difficult situations and tragic circumstances. So, we came up with the Jason Dufner Charitable Foundation. I just felt I could do some good and help some people out.

Q: Your mother told us you remain a big Cleveland pro sports fan. How do you think the Browns will make out this year?

A: I think they'll be okay. I just wish they would have been more aggressive in the free agency market and picked up an explosive playmaker on both sides of the ball.

John Altavilla The Hartford Courant For the past 16 years, UConn and Tennessee have battled to possess every prize women's basketball has to offer. Their Hall of Fame coaches, Geno Auriemma and Pat Summitt, have competed for players and national championships, and, most recently, courted public opinion while waging a divisive war of words about improprieties allegedly committed and...

John Altavilla

The Hartford Courant

For the past 16 years, UConn and Tennessee have battled to possess every prize women's basketball has to offer. Their Hall of Fame coaches, Geno Auriemma and Pat Summitt, have competed for players and national championships, and, most recently, courted public opinion while waging a divisive war of words about improprieties allegedly committed and insults needlessly dispensed.

So furious was one with the other that in 2008 Summitt canceled further regular-season meetings with UConn, a move that floored their sport as if the Red Sox suddenly said they were no longer interested in playing the Yankees.

It all seems so silly now, since life has found a way to potentially soften hearts and mediate disagreements.

Summitt, who has more victories and national championships than any coach in Division I women's basketball history, has announced she has early-stage dementia. And on Tuesday, her fiercest rival reacted with compassion.

"I was shocked and saddened to hear about the news regarding Pat Summitt's diagnosis," Auriemma said in a statement released from Italy, where the Huskies are touring. "You don't necessarily associate dementia with people our age [Summitt is 59, Auriemma is 57] so this announcement really put things in perspective.

"Pat has great support from her family, friends and staff and I know they will help her immensely. There is no doubt in my mind that Pat will take on this challenge as she has all others during her Hall of Fame career -- head on. I wish her all the best."

Summitt received her diagnosis after visiting the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., in May, after noticing a change in her cognitive behavior and response. She was losing her keys much too often, arriving late to work and forgetting important aspects of her own playbook.

"News like this naturally leaves you feeling very discouraged," said veteran Villanova coach Harry Perretta, who last saw Summitt at the Nike AAU Nationals in late July. "I don't even know what the right word is to describe it. But I know Pat would not want people to feel sorry for her. It's not her personality. You never know in life. But I don't want anyone sitting around and talking as if it's over for her. We don't know that. You never know what tomorrow is going to bring."

Summitt is not the only iconic Division I Hall of Fame basketball coach to have a serious neurological disorder. Former North Carolina men's basketball coach Dean Smith, 80, also is fighting progressive neurocognitive affliction.

According to the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Summitt's first reaction was anger and denial. Now she is fighting, taking medication, reading and doing puzzles before going to sleep.

"I'm stunned and saddened by the news about Pat," said ESPN's Doris Burke. "I knew for over a year now she's been really struggling with her health. But that diagnosis is shocking. You'd never expect somebody in her demographic to get that kind of diagnosis."

Connecticut Sun guard Kara Lawson, who played for Summitt at Tennessee, issued a statement: "Coach Summitt has an incredible passion for basketball and an incredible passion for life. She has been, and will continue to be, a mentor and a major influence in my life. As heartbreaking as the day has been ... we can take comfort in knowing that this disease has never crossed a person like Coach Summitt before."

Summitt, who has won 1,071 games and led the Lady Vols to eight national championships, is planning to return for her 38th season, something the university's administration enthusiastically supports.

She told Tennessee administrators of her illness last week and was planning to tell her team Tuesday, pending the return of Glory Johnson and Shekinna Sticklen from China, where they played for USA Basketball's World University Games team.

"There's not going to be any pity party and I'll make sure of that," Summitt told the News-Sentinel.

"There were some mornings I would wake up and think I don't even want to go [to work]," she said. "That didn't last long but it was like 'What's wrong with me? What's going on with me?'"

Summitt, whose paternal grandmother had severe dementia, has rheumatoid arthritis and was concerned that medication for that condition might have been causing emotional distress. A series of tests, including a spinal tap, revealed the new reality.

"I feel better just knowing what I'm dealing with," she said. "And as far as I'm concerned it's not going to keep me from living my life, not going to keep me from coaching."

And as she fights, she can expect support from all corners.

"Coach Summitt is a role model, trailblazer and icon for women's basketball," the NCAA said in a statement. "For years she has given so much of herself to the game she loves, always serving as a staunch advocate and supporter for her players, her teams and the women's game in general. The NCAA stands shoulder to shoulder with Coach Summitt, salutes her courage and candor in announcing her illness and applauds her determination to move forward."

When Rebecca Lobo's mother, RuthAnn, died in July after a long battle with cancer, one of the nicest floral arrangements at the wake was from Summitt and the Lady Vols program.

"I feel so bad for Coach Summitt and her son, Tyler," Lobo said. "I really, really like Pat Summitt a lot. I feel for her, her players, her former players. But perhaps this will unite the women's basketball community, much like when Kay Yow was battling [cancer]."

The great rivalry between UConn and Tennessee began in 1995 and ended when Summitt abruptly stopped it before the 2008-09 season.

The Huskies hold a 13-9 series advantage, but Tennessee won the last three meetings, from 2005-07.

With a more comfortable kicker and lots of young speed racing down the field, Ohio State hopes its kickoff coverage doesn't give up some of the big plays it did a year ago.

View full sizeChris Russell, Columbus DispatchSights like this one, when Wisconsin's David Gilreath ran back an Ohio State kickoff for a touchdown at a raucous Camp Randall Stadium, is exactly what the Buckeyes' special teams hope to avoid in 2011.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Drew Basil copped to his nervousness at the start of preseason camp. Ohio State assistant Dick Tressel admitted the Buckeyes may have mishandled Basil last year and when Basil lined up for a 49-yard field goal to end practice Tuesday, he banged his kick off the left upright.

That said, Ohio State's field goals seem to be in good hands and feet with the sophomore, who's taking over for departed senior Devin Barclay. Basil has a strong leg, and after a slow start, he's kicked well in camp.

"Just knowing I'm the first man up, I'm not going to lie, my legs were shaking a little bit," Basil said of his early jitters.

"He really in the last week-and-half has stepped up to the plate," Tressel said.

But Basil's most important kicks may not go through the uprights. A year ago, Ohio State's special teams coverage was a year-long issue, the Buckeyes one of 16 out of 120 teams in major college football to give up multiple kickoff returns for touchdowns. Some of that fell on the way the Buckeyes attacked the coverage and the players who raced down the field. Some of it fell on the kick, with Basil serving as OSU's kickoff specialist as a true freshman.

"Last year, we asked him to do things that were a little out of character, and I think that put him in a bad situation, because his leg was so strong," Tressel said. "That probably wasn't the best idea. We probably should have just had him kick field goals and not try to be some super leg."

The goal for the kickoffs is four seconds of hang time, with the ball landing between the goal line and the 5. On the biggest returns surrendered last year, hang time was a problem.

"Absolutely," Tressel said. "Hang-time issues and trying-too-hard issues for the placekicker. I think he's a lot more comfortable this year and we'll be in a better situation to effectively cover the kicks."

Tuesday, Ohio State held a modified version of a kick scrimmage, devoting several periods of practice time to covering punts and kicks. In the past, former coach Jim Tressel used an entire practice in Ohio Stadium on special teams. In the kicks they did cover, the Buckeyes were attacking with more youth and speed than a year ago.

Check out the roster of athletes on the first kickoff coverage unit that took the field: safeties Orhian Johnson, Corey Brown, Jamie Wood and Ron Tanner; cornerbacks Dominic Clarke and Doran Grant; running backs Rod Smith and Carlos Hyde; linebacker Ryan Shazier; and receiver Verlon Reed. Players on the second coverage unit included linebacker Curtis Grant, cornerback Bradley Roby and receivers Corey Brown, Devin Smith and Evan Spencer.

Dick Tressel said finding cover guys is difficult, because the Buckeyes take so few full-speed reps at what can be a dangerous, physical play.

"But you start with your best hunch after watching a few reps with the guys that are athletes and seem to want to," Tressel said. "I think that's a big part of it when trying to find out who your best cover guys are. Usually, it ends up being guys who want to."

For instance, Curtis Grant, the five-star recruit and freshman linebacker, is one who said he wants to.

"I've been on a lot of coverage units, but every day the list changes," Grant said. "All you can do is work hard and pray you get that spot."

Then Basil and the 10 cover guys joining him have to work hard to keep the opposition out of the end zone.

Practice notes: Running back Jaamal Berry remained sidelined for Tuesday's practice with his hamstring injury. If healthy, he should join running back Jordan Hall in returning kicks, while Hall is again the top punt returner. ... Head coach Luke Fickell was putting pressure on Basil. The offense walked back from Ohio Stadium to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center after Basil's last-play miss, while the defense went on team buses. ... Curtis Grant blocked a punt when Ben Buchanan was punting from the back line of the end zone, but Buchanan overall had a very good day. ... Sophomore George Makridis is leading scholarship freshman Bryce Haynes in the battle to replace graduated long-snapper Jake McQuaide, who has won a roster spot with the St. Louis Rams.

Evan Moore calls NFL's top-paid offensive lineman "the ultimate professional." Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Colt McCoy slept soundly easy Monday night, knowing left tackle Joe Thomas will be protecting his blindside for the foreseeable future.

"Yeah, I'm not worried about him too much," said the Browns' quarterback.

Thomas, a four-time Pro Bowler, signed a seven-year contract extension Monday worth $84 million, including about $44 million guaranteed. The deal makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the game.

"To know that you're going to have a guy like Joe protecting you for a long time, that's obviously a good comfort, and it's very well-deserved," said McCoy. "He's worked hard and hasn't missed a snap. That's hard to do in the NFL. Speaking for the team, we're all thrilled, excited for him. Now we've got to continue to keep pressing on. I think Joe feels the same way. He's excited about what we're doing and it's good."

Tight end Evan Moore wasn't surprised to see Thomas holding court in the end zone of the practice field instead of standing up at the podium.

"It's typical Joe," said Moore. "He's like the ultimate professional in my eyes. As a tight end, I try to use him as well and learn some blocking techniques, and he's more than willing to help me out. He's so consistent. I don't think he's ever even missed a practice, let alone a game.

"He's always working on his body in the weight room and working on staying healthy. Now you see him get rewarded like that and to me he just really sets the example of this is how you do it. He's a steady presence, and I'm not surprised in the least bit that they want him here for the next seven years."

Coach Pat Shurmur mirrored the players' reactions.

"I think that's terrific for the Cleveland Browns, it's terrific for Cleveland," he said. "You're talking about a guy that's been to Pro Bowls, knock-on-wood, he's been at every practice and game. He's done great things for this city and our organization and we're glad he's going to be with us."

Joe by the numbers: Thomas' deal makes him not only the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league by 20 percent, but the highest-paid lineman, period. It's the second-highest non-quarterback deal in NFL history.

Gocong progressing: Linebacker Chris Gocong, who's missed most of camp with a neck stinger, is aiming to be back in practice next week. He suffered the pinched nerve when he took a hit to the head and it whipped to the side. He said it proved to be more serious than he originally thought.

"Yeah, definitely," he said. "I figured I'd be back two weeks ago, but I'm still waiting. Nerve things are tricky. It's something they don't take lightly."

Gocong talked about the stinger with McCoy, who suffered one in the BCS title game in 2010 and didn't feel 100 percent until this off-season. The key is regaining arm strength.

"He said the same thing, it's a slow process," said Gocong. "There's really not too much you can physically do to make it go any faster. It's kind of up to my nerves to come back."

He said he suffered a stinger in his first NFL season in 2006 and had the same symptoms.

Still sidelined: Peyton Hillis sat out Tuesday with a sore back. If he misses the Eagles game, the Browns will be thin at running back, because Brandon Jackson is out indefinitely with a toe injury. Montario Hardesty will play in the first half, and the Browns will rely on Quinn Porter and Armond Smith after halftime.

Shurmur said he assumes Hillis will play, but doesn't know for sure.

Moore OK: The Browns tight end, who suffered what was described as a mild concussion during the Lions game, said it was nothing to be concerned about.

"It was minor and more precautionary than anything," Moore said. "I'm 100 percent fine, and there are no issue at all."

He said he's not worried about the effects of multiple concussions. He had one early last season, too. "This last one, I was 100 percent fine," he said. "They're just taking precautions, and it's not an issue."

Playing time: Shurmur said his starters will play at least a half in Philadelphia, "then we'll see how it goes from there."

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Most area coaches will not participate in the tribute to the ousted Buckeyes coach.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerThe suggestion that Ohio high school coaches should offer a tribute to fired OSU coach Jim Tressel sparked plenty of controversy and a decidedly split decision from the region's coaches as the first week of the season approaches.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As with all things football in Ohio -- and especially where Ohio State is concerned -- passionate debate flowed after OSU coach Jim Tressel's resignation in June.

High school football coaches across the state are leaping into the froth. Beginning Wednesday, many coaches will wear ties, as Tressel always did during games, in a symbolic show of appreciation for the deposed coach on opening weekend.

But if a Plain Dealer survey is any indication, most area coaches will not participate in the tribute.

The Plain Dealer asked about 150 area head coaches if they will don a tie and more than half responded: 48 said they will not, 25 said they will. Nine others were undecided. The vast majority of the "no" responses said they have some appreciation for Tressel's support of high school football, but preferred their players be the center of attention instead.

"I will be wearing 'Lakewood Ranger' apparel," Lakewood coach Ron Lewis said.

Appropriately, two of the strongest responses came from outspoken venerable coaches who have roamed opposite sidelines in numerous big games -- Strongsville's Russ Jacques and St. Ignatius' Chuck Kyle.

"I cannot stand in front of my team honoring someone who talked about 'trust,' 'honesty' and 'doing the right things on and off the field,' as we do in our program, and have this same man go against everything he preached," Jacques said in an email. "He has done a lot for high school football, but what he did by lying is inexcusable as far as the integrity of our game and our profession.

"When [former OSU] Coach [Woody] Hayes was fired, did the high school football coaches honor him that first week of the season? He did a lot more for high school football and Ohio State than Tressel did.

"And he didn't 'lie!'"

Football coaches are a tight fraternity who nearly all have been, or will be, fired at some time. They are loyal to each other and, in that context, it comes as little surprise they would rally to Tressel's side. Coaches said such loyalty should not be viewed as vacating their responsibilities as role models.

"Jim Tressel made a mistake and has certainly received the consequences. The friendship and good will that he has for Ohio high school football should not be discarded because of that mistake," Kyle said in an email.

"Young people can learn that a friend can make a mistake, serve a consequence, and still be a friend. Hopefully young people can still see the good within the person. Maybe we all need to re-read 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne."

The Tressel ties began with an email by Solon coach Jim McQuaide to the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association. His idea was to thank Tressel for his contributions to high school football and the OHSFCA scholarship fund. The OHSFCA board agreed, and in July unanimously recommended its members wear a tie to recognize Tressel during opening weekend.

"Then the next thing I know, I'm talking on this radio station in Tennessee and getting calls from Oregon and Hawaii and USA Today," McQuaide said. "I'm just a simple coach at Solon. I just thought of it one day, and people are giving me way too much power."

McQuaide said a key point is that he did not want to "honor" Tressel, but simply show appreciation.

"He did a tremendous amount for high school football in the state as the leader of the leading football university in the state," McQuaide said. "If they disagree, that's fine. I don't keep a tally sheet. Some people have gotten very upset and expressed that to me, and it was just meant to say 'thank you.'"

Tressel grew up in Mentor and Berea, the son of legendary coach Lee Tressel and Eloise Tressel, who was active in many local charities. Jim Tressel won five national championships in 26 years at Youngstown State and Ohio State. He could not be reached for comment, but his brother, OSU assistant coach Dick Tressel, was not surprised by the high school coaches' gratitude.

“Certainly Jim Tressel would have to feel honored in that regard,” Dick Tressel said. “I think that he would be humbled by that, and I think that whether they do that or not, I think Jim Tressel understands how they feel about him. If they want to make sure everybody else does, that’s great for them.”

Tressel is beloved by many coaches because he paid more attention to them and the OHSFCA than his predecessor, John Cooper, and he recruited more heavily in Ohio. Tressel had an open-door policy for coaches who wanted to attend camps or practices and ask advice. Tressel also was instrumental in the OHSFCA receiving a special room at Ohio Stadium where its Hall of Fame members' plaques hang, including Tressel's. He often quietly reached out to injured or sick high school students and kept tabs on coaches.

"How many big-time college coaches would make a personal phone call the night before a Big Ten game at 10 p.m. to a nobody Division IV head football coach to add congratulations for a significant victory? Jim Tressel did," Manchester coach Jim France recalled about the 2006 September night when he coached his 300th career victory.

Less often cited is Tressel's support of moving the state high school finals from Stark County to Ohio State in 2014 and 2015. He did so saying it was good for Ohio high school football, though many in Northeast Ohio would vehemently disagree.

Perhaps the best way to illustrate Tressel's influence and his legacy among coaches is through his book "The Winners Manual," which is a common sight in coaches' offices.

"He has been a big influence on me as a head coach. I have patterned a lot of things we do in our program around 'The Winners Manual,'" Chagrin Falls coach Mark Iammarino said in an email. "I am disappointed that all the good he has done for OSU is being attacked."

Independence coach Jim Jackson also read Tressel's book.

"The Tressel family has done great things for a lot of young men who have participated in the state's favorite sport," Jackson wrote. "Unfortunately, Coach Tressel's actions contradict many of his philosophies published in his book ... If you're going to talk the talk, you better walk the walk."

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Plain Dealer reporters Bob Fortuna, Doug Lesmerises, Joe Maxse and Tim Rogers contributed to this story.

Browns have had two winning seasons in 12 years. Will they improve on last season's 5-11 finish, or fade even more?

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerQuarterback Colt McCoy and coach Pat Shurmur will be key figures for the Browns as the team tries to improve on last season's 5-11 record.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns fans, it's time to tell us what you think the Browns' final record will be this season.

Cast your vote, and the results will be published in The Plain Dealer's Browns Season Preview special section and on cleveland.com on Sept. 11.

Also, please click here to predict where the Browns will finish in the AFC North standings.

The Browns went 5-11 last season, and are 64-128 since returning to the NFL as a franchise in 1999.

In those 12 seasons, the Browns have posted two winning records: 9-7 in 2002 and 10-6 in 2007.

Cleveland went 2-14 in its first season, 1999, and 3-13 the following campaign. The Browns have finished 7-9 once and 6-10 once. Their final records have been 4-12 in three seasons and 5-11 in three other years.

Will this season be much like the others, worse than most or better than most? Or, maybe, the best or the worst?

The Couch Slouch says Minnesota is the team to watch this year in the NFL.

View full sizeCarlos Gonzalez/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCTAre Donovan McNabb and the Minnesota Viking posed to surprise people this season?

In the NFC North, the Packers are the defending Super Bowl champs, the Bears are the defending division champs and the Lions are supposedly the young team on the rise. The Vikings — 6-10 a year ago — are destined for 6-10 again, according to the experts.

Let me speak bluntly and candidly here:

Fiddlesticks.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me present your 2011 NFL Team of Destiny — the post-Brett Favre, post-Brad Childress, post-Metrodome roof collapse Minnesota Vikings.

Last year, I bet on the team that dumped Donovan McNabb. This year, I’ll bet on the team that acquired Donovan McNabb. Ah, the symmetry and poetry of it all.

The Team of Destiny program remains the most uncannily accurate — and, I must say, cherished — football prognostication mechanism of its generation. Launched in 1996, when I correctly forecast the astonishing, near-Super Bowl run of the second-year expansion Carolina Panthers, the Team of Destiny almost annually lifts a sub-.500 franchise into postseason contention.

Then, saddled with a series of inexplicable setbacks a few years ago, I retooled the Team of Destiny design and hit pay dirt again, first with the Arizona Cardinals’ improbable Super Bowl run in 2008, then with the Philadelphia Eagles’ post-McNabb playoff rise in 2010.

How do I do it? Others watch endless game film, analyze depth charts and crunch numbers. My approach is two parts instinct and one part PBR. I see things — despite failed Lasik surgery — with remarkable clarity. And, when in doubt, I simply go against the consensus of the pundits; pundits are wrong more often than not, particularly on autumn weekends.

(Pundits told God he couldn’t create the world in less than two years. So what did my man do? He created the world in just six days — and brought it in under cost — then spent the seventh day crowing about it on the Sunday morning talk shows.)

When the Eagles traded McNabb in 2010, they were written off; Couch Slouch knew better. Now, after a miserable season saddled by the Curse of Daniel Snyder and the Sheer Pigheadedness of the Shanahan Clan, McNabb has been written off. Couch Slouch knows better.

America — particularly Sports Nation — has a What Have You Done For Me Lately mentality. You guys on Wall Street know what I’m talking about: You’re only as good as your last insider-trading scam. Of course, in the NFL these days, you’re only as good as your last HGH test.

McNabb led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games in 11 seasons; no quarterback in that span went to more conference title contests. Then he was traded to the Redskins, and like many who come to Washington with high expectations, the system got the better of him.

Anyhow, America — particularly Sports Nation — is also about redemption. We love tales of people picking themselves up, even if we were the ones knocking them down, and scaling the heights again.

(Personally, I’m waiting for Charlie Sheen to get to Broadway in the role of King Lear.)

Even when McNabb was winning 65 percent of his starts in Philadelphia, he was constantly vilified. He could thrive on a month’s worth of Sundays, but if he then put two straight passes into the ground in front of open receivers, the mobs would bay that he should be benched.

I don’t appreciate the NFL’s passer rating — and I certainly have no chance of comprehending ESPN’s new Total Quarterback Rating, which appears to be dependent on euclidean geometry, Keynesian economics, Martha Stewart Living and Ron Jaworski’s DVR — but I do understand winning. I can’t tell you how many times I saw McNabb bumble around like Inspector Clouseau in cleats for three quarters or more, then find a way to drive his team to glory in the waning minutes.

So I’ll take my chances on McNabb and Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin. I’ll take my chances on new coach Leslie Frazier, figuring he’s more Don Shula than David Shula. I’ll take my chances on the Vikings bringing joy to Minneapolis-St. Paul and Couch Slouch, USA.

Besides, after Jay Cutler — under nominal pressure — tripped on his way to the altar in the off-season, what, you wanted me to take the Bears as my Team of Destiny?

Norman Chad is a freelance writer in Los Angeles.

Today's essay is from Dewey Hagerman, of Litchfield, who's experience at the ballpark with his father made him want to share every Indians' season with his own sons.

This spring, we asked readers to tell us their best memory at an Indians game. More than 600 responded. The five finalists and winner were featured during the week leading up to Opening Day. All season, The Plain Dealer will publish other fan memories – one each day the Indians are scheduled to play. Here is today's essay by Dewey Hagerman, of Litchfield:

I was 15 years old the summer of 1968, when the Cleveland Press offered free Indians tickets to anyone cutting out a coupon and mailing it in. Envelopes were plenteous; stamps were not. However, when I was able to obtain postage, I licked the back of that envelope as if it were coated with candy and anxiously waited until the tickets arrived. Trouble was, I had a fistful of tickets that didn't get used – my father never took me to a game.

Oh, I watched the televised games, listened to the radio and read the newspaper – always imagining myself in a seat. I had collected so many free tickets that summer and I had begged to go so many times that my father finally caved in, drove me downtown and dropped me off. There, in front of the old stadium, I began the journey that so many were taking that day – a journey to my own little piece of Americana. A seat at a baseball game – my favorite team – the Cleveland Indians, with my glove in hand!

What an adventure as I wandered around, observing, smelling, looking for my upper-deck seat just to watch the game alone. I didn't care. I was there to behold the glory of the game for myself.

That day, Del Unser hit a foul ball into the upper deck. I gazed as the ball bounced into the section next to mine. People flailing, reaching, grabbing and, yet, the ball continued to roll – until it stopped right in front of me. Can you believe it? I still reflect on that day, that feeling, that moment. My father, however, didn't share the same sentiment about the experience as I rambled on and on about it during our drive home.

I determined then and there not be like him.

I have two grown sons now and we share the Tribe seasons together. We attend games together, talk about the players, the draft picks, strategy of coaches and ethics. Last year, I was able to take my grandsons to their first Indians game. The picture is posted on Facebook!

Time has made a change in many things, and the Unser ball, itself, was lost in a house fire. But what hasn't changed is my love for the game and what memories it allows families that share the passion together.

Toledo head coach Tim Beckman was upset because MAC athletic directors now mandate players must attend class until noon when teams play home games during the week.

View full sizeAP Photo | J.D. PooleyToledo head football coach Tim Beckman.

Say one thing for Toledo football coach Tim Beckman: He’s a class act.

Following the Rockets’ expectedly easy 58-22 victory over New Hampshire of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) on Thursday, the former Ohio State assistant showed his inner Buckeye, standing at the postgame pulpit and blustering about the “adversity” his team had to deal with to get a victory.

“Some things not any other football team has had to go through before,” Beckman said.

Considering the adversity — albeit mostly self-inflicted — teams such as Ohio State, LSU and Miami had to go through last week alone, Toledo’s unknown adversity had to be huge. So Beckman was asked what this overwhelming adversity was.

“That doesn’t need to be mentioned,” Beckman said.

Huh? Beckman was the one who, seconds earlier, first “mentioned” what had to be a climactic “adversity.”

“You’re in the media, you can find out what we had to do,” Beckman said.

So here it is. Administrative sources at UT and the Mid-American Conference both confirmed Toledo’s “adversity”:

Toledo players had to go to class.

Beckman was upset because MAC athletic directors, including UT’s Mike O’Brien, now mandate players must attend class until noon when teams play home games during the week. Apparently, in the past, midweek game days were “off days” academically for MAC football players.

Players going to morning class last Thursday disrupted Beckman’s baby-sitting his football team, which stayed at a Toledo hotel the night before a home game during the week.

That begs this question, considering the financial constraints all athletic departments face these days: Why would any football team have to stay at a hotel the night before a 7 p.m. home game?

Looking back and ahead: MAC teams ended the first weekend of play with a combined 8-5 record with just one mild upset — on the positive side — for the midmajor football league. An early trend to watch is to see if the tailback is returning as a staple in MAC offenses. Last season, no MAC backs averaged 100 or more yards rushing per game, and only two gained 1,000 or more on the season.

A red-letter day: Ball State, picked to finish last in the MAC’s West Division, upset instate rival Indiana, 27-20, Saturday at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. Sophomore quarterback Keith Wenning was an impressive 23 of 29 for 173 yards passing and rushed for 61 yards. Ball State rushed for 210 yards against the Big Ten Hoosiers.

Who dat? The Temple Owls (1-0) showed, unlike most MAC teams, they will be playing power football this season. In Temple’s easy 42-7 win over Villanova, tailback Bernard Pierce carried the ball 20 times for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Overall, the Owls ran the ball 45 times and passed it just 20, while compiling 475 yards of total offense.

Ground game: Another impressive MAC road win was turned in by Bowling Green, 32-15, at Idaho. The Falcons’ passing game was in fine form, with eight receivers catching passes from Matt Schilz. But the real eye-opener was freshman tailback Anthon Samuel. The 5-11, 183-pound product of Florida delivered 141 yards and a TD on 22 carries.

On the run: Several others also had strong efforts on the ground in the opening week.

Toledo’s Adonis Thomas gave OSU something to think about this week, rushing for 115 yards and a TD on just nine carries.

Northern Illinois, perhaps the MAC team most noted for its tailbacks in recent seasons, unveiled its newest one: Jasmin Hopkins, who gained 138 yards on 14 carries in a 46-26 win over Army.

Also, Buffalo’s Branden Oliver rushed for 114 yards and a TD in a 35-16 loss to Pittsburgh.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: ealexand@plaind.com, 216-999-4253

Manager Manny Acta is happy to have Grady Sizemore back, but says he won't be able to play every day.

View full sizeOrlin Wagner | Associated PressGrady Sizemore will bat leadoff this afternooon against Detroit.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Manager Manny Acta spent the weekend in Kansas City hinting that Grady Sizemore might come off the disabled list this week. Turned out there was merit to his hints.

The Indians activated Sizemore and inserted him in the lineup today to start a critical three-game series against the Tigers. Sizemore was playing center field and hitting leadoff.

The Tribe enters the series trailing the Tigers by 6 1/2 games in the AL Central. As closer Chris Perez said following Sunday's 9-6 victory over Kansas City, "It's go time."

Said Sizemore, "I wouldn't say I'm 100 percent -- you're never 100 percent -- but I'm going to go out and do what I can."

This is the third time Sizemore has been activated from the disabled list this season. He's currently recovering from a bruised right knee and hernia surgery. The knee is still an issue, but Sizemore seems almost fully recovered from the hernia surgery.

"It's exciting to have Grady back," said Acta. "In a normal situation he could use more time at Class AAA Columbus (on a rehab assignment). We also understand he won't be able to play every day. But just adding him to our lineup and clubhouse is a plus."

Acta said Sizemore will be limited to a certain number of games per week.

"We'll map it out that way according to our medical staff," said Acta.

Travis Hafner and Jason Kipnis, two other injured regulars, took batting practice Monday with Sizemore. Kipnis could be ready to play before the Tigers series ends on Wednesday.

"We didn't plan it this way," said Sizemore, when asked if he was scheduled to return against the Tigers. "It just worked out this way. It's exciting to come back in a series like this."

Sizemore is hitting .237 (55-for-232) with 21 doubles, one triple, 10 homers and 29 RBI in 61 games. He opened the year on the disabled list while recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee. He went back on the DL on July 18 with a bruised right knee. On July 21, he has surgery for a sports hernia.

Sidelined: Acta said third baseman Jack Hannahan will be sidelined at least five to seven days with a strained left calf. Hannahan, one of the Indians hottest hitters,  strained the calf coming out of the batter's box after a single in the third inning Sunday against the Royals.

Today's lineups:

Tigers (78-62): CF Austin Jackson (R), RF Andy Dirks (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), Doug Fister (6-13, 3.26).

Indians (70-67): CF Grady Sizemore (L), RF Kosuke Fukudome (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), 1B Carlos Santana (S), DH Jim Thome (L), LF Shelley Duncan (R), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (L), 2B Jason Donald (R), C Lou Marson (R), RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (8-10, 4.70, 2-1, 5.6).

Umpires: H Jim Wolf, 1B Larry Vanover, 2B Brian Gorman, 3B Tony Randazzo.

Him vs. me: Young is 6-for-9 with a double, homer and four RBI against Ubaldo. Asdrubal Cabrera is 5-for-17 against Fister.

Lefty vs. righty: Righties are hitting .283 (89-for-315) with eight homers and lefties are hitting .240 (72-for-300) with eighth homers against Jimenez. The Tigers have seven right-handers, including three switch-hitters, in the lineup.

Righties are hitting .246 (78-for-317) with two homers and lefties are hitting .265 (100-for-378) with seven homers vs. Fister. The Indians have six lefties, including two switch-hitters, in the lineup.

Next: Fausto Carmona faces Detroit's Rick Porcello on Tuesday night 7:05 p.m. WTAM/STO will cover the game. 

The Indians' season likely hinges on what happens over the next three games against Detroit. Get updates on Twitter.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerUbaldo Jimenez pitches for the Indians this afternoon.

Get updates on Twitter from @hoynsie and @dmansworldpd in the box below.

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Browns linebacker Chris Gocong and tight end Ben Watson are still not practicing with the team and their status for the Bengals game is uncertain.

John Kuntz l Plain Dealer file photoBrowns tight end Ben Watson is trying to make it back from a hip injury in time for the opener.

BEREA --  On the first day of preparation for Sunday's opener against the Bengals today, tight end Ben Watson (hip), linebacker Chris Gocong (neck) and right tackle Tony Pashos did not  practice with the team.

Pashos showed up with a walking boot on his left foot, but coach Shurmur described it as a sore foot and said "don't read too much into it.''

Watson and Gocong worked with the trainers during the practice. Browns general manager Tom Heckert said Sunday that he hoped Gocong would be back for the opener but couldn't say for sure. Gocong has weakness in his arm and can't play until it's at full strength.

Shurmur said he anticipates Watson being back in practice by Wednesday, when most of the installation for the Bengals begins.

* Two others aren't practicing, but their injuries are a little longer term. Linebacker Titus Brown is recovering from a high ankle sprain and rookie safety Eric Hagg is rehabbing from knee surgery.

 * DL Brian Schaefering was absent today, but he's excused for personal reasons.

* A long-awaited sight at practice today: the return of Browns play-by-play man Jim Donovan, who underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat his leukemia. Welcome back Jimmy! He looks and sounds fantastic -- ready to call Sunday's opener.

* Pat Shurmur's mentor and former Michigan State coach George Perles watched practice today.

* The Browns four new additions were on the practice field today: G Artis Hicks, QB Thaddeus Lewis, LB Quinton Spears, and defensive lineman Emmanuel Stephens. Hicks, who will be considered for the starting left guard job, is wearing No. 75.

* Hicks has started 68 games: 8 at left tackle, 27 at left guard, and 30 at right guard. He started 10 gamed for the Redskins last season at right guard.

* Shurmur spent some time during warm-ups chatting with Lewis, who he coached last year in St. Louis. The Browns really like him and think he'll be good. He's got the No. 1 think they look for in a West Coast quarterback: accuracy. He's also got good mobility.

* The Browns are into their regular season mode, meaning reporters are only allowed to watch the first 15 minutes of practice, which is mostly warm-ups. There can be no tweeting during the open period, no reference to game strategy and no reference to which players are practicing with individual units such as goal-line offense, nickel defense, etc.

* The Browns will probably not face Colts quarterback Peyton Manning in week two. The Colts released a statement today saying that Manning's rehab from neck surgery has slowed and that he's doubtful for their opener. Instead, the Browns will probably face Kerry Collins. So in weeks one and two, instead of Carson Palmer and Manning, it will be Andy Dalton and probably Collins.

* Browns receiver Carlton Mitchell is still practicing with a splint on his surgically-repaired ring finger. 

What's going on at your high school? Go to cleveland.com/yourspace to send your pictures of varsity teams from your school. We'll publish the best picture each Tuesday in The Plain Dealer, and the entire photo gallery is featured on cleveland.com.

What's going on at your high school? Go to cleveland.com/yourspace to send your pictures of varsity teams from your school. We'll publish the best picture each Tuesday in The Plain Dealer, and the entire photo gallery is featured on cleveland.com.

This week's gallery features photos from Solon cross country.

"The Browns are in good position for the first nine games. With Manning out, we have a chance of beating the Colts, and all the other games I believe we're as good as the other teams. This could be a very exciting year." - Moosie

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerPeyton Manning may not be in uniform when the Browns are scheduled to play the Colts.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns LB Chris Gocong and TE Ben Watson still idle: news and notes, cleveland.com reader Moosie likes the way the season's first half is shaping up. This reader writes,

"The Browns are in good position for the first nine games. With Manning out, we have a chance of beating the Colts, and all the other games I believe we're as good as the other teams. This could be a very exciting year."

"I don't know if it's from the unnecessary drama of the NFL lockout or because we're coming off a horrible season, but I really don't care what is happening with the NBA lockout. You want to fix the NBA and MLB? Get rid of the fully guaranteed contracts, add a salary cap to baseball and a franchise tag to both sports." - Scott Player

View full sizeAPThe NBA lockout hasn't generated nearly as many headlines as the NFL's.

In response to the story NBA lockout ... will the players give in? Hey, Mary!, cleveland.com reader Scott Player doesn't care much about the NBA labor situation. This reader writes,

"I don't know if it's from the unnecessary drama of the NFL lockout or because we're coming off a horrible season, but I really don't care what is happening with the NBA lockout. You want to fix the NBA and MLB? Get rid of the fully guaranteed contracts, add a salary cap to baseball and a franchise tag to both sports."

"I'm glad to see Grady come back, but why bat him leadoff? We need someone who can get on base and Carrera has done a pretty good job. He doesn't strike out as much as Sizemore and he can run the bases without getting hurt." - jdcage

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerGrady Sizemore is back in an Indians uniform.

In response to the story Tribe activates Grady Sizemore: Cleveland Indians daily briefing, cleveland.com reader jdcage doesn't understand why the Indians are batting Sizemore leadoff. This reader writes,

"I'm glad to see Grady come back, but why bat him leadoff? We need someone who can get on base and Carrera has done a pretty good job. He doesn't strike out as much as Sizemore and he can run the bases without getting hurt."