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Cleveland Indians P.M. links: Tribe begins visit to Texas Rangers on Tuesday night, not as contender, but potential spoiler

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While Detroit Tigers have all but locked up Cleveland's Central Division, defending AL champion Rangers are trying to hold off Angels in AL West. And, more Indians links.

justin-masterson.jpgJustin Masterson, who starts for the Indians against the Rangers in Texas on Tuesday night, is tied for seventh in the American League with a 3.01 ERA.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians begin a three-game series in Texas against the defending American League champion Rangers on Tuesday night.

For the Indians, they will be cast in the role they wanted to avoid -- that of a potential spoiler. The first-place Rangers led the Los Angeles Angels by 2 1/2 games in the American League West Division prior to LA's game at Oakland against the Athletics.

Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes previews the Indians-Rangers series, which includes a Tuesday night matchup of starting pitchers Justin Masterson (11-9, 3.01) for Cleveland and Matt Harrison (11-9, 3.50) for Texas. 

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage also includes Paul Hoynes' breakdown of the trade deadline deals made by the Indians and their division rival Detroit Tigers, the team all but certain to win the AL Central.

Hoynes writes about Indians reliever Chad Durbin, who was scheduled to pitch for the Kansas City Royals against the Indians on Sept. 11, 2001, a game that was, of course, postponed after the terrorist attacks on the United States that morning.

Rounding the bases

The Indians' approach doesn't change, and notes on reliever Vinnie Pestano, infielder Luis Valbuena and outfielder Trevor Crowe. By Jordan Bastian for MLB.com.

Indians notes, led off by Chad Durbin's recollection of Sept. 11, 2001, by Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal.

The new ESPN.com power rankings have the Indians slipping out of the top 15.

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com answers readers' questions about the Indians.

A look back to the 2005 June draft, one that has paid some dividends for the Indians -- in part because another team failed to sign one of Cleveland's top young players. On BaseballAmerica.com.

A couple Indians' mentions on CBSSports.com's "3 Up, 3 Down."

A re-cap of the past week for the Columbus Clippers, the Indians Class AAA team that is playing for the International League championship. On Indians Prospect Insider.

A Cleveland Indians team report on USAToday.com.

The Rangers plan to expand their pitching staff for the series against the Indians. From the Dallas Morning News.

The Rangers re-charge as they have today off, before beginning the stretch drive with their series against the Indians. By Randy Jennings for ESPN.com.


Punting auditions likely Tuesday after Richmond McGee's wobbly debut: Browns Insider

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The Browns will most likely hold punting tryouts on Tuesday, an off-day for the players.

mcgee-punt-practice-2011-mf.jpgView full size"I'm all-around disappointed," Browns punter Richmond McGee said after a shaky outing Sunday that will likely lead to challengers auditioning in Berea on Tuesday. "I would definitely like to have done better for myself and the team."

BEREA, Ohio -- Richmond McGee might be grateful he still has the day job.

The Browns' rookie punter, who's a wealth manager for a large brokerage firm in Austin, Texas, is on the hot seat following his woeful performance against the Bengals on Sunday. McGee shanked punts of 20, 28 and 30 yards, with the 20-yarder coming on his first kick. It started the Bengals in Browns' territory and led to a field goal.

"We reviewed it today," said coach Pat Shurmur on Monday. "We're going through it. We're going to make decisions there as we move forward. They'll become obvious, I'm sure."

Is McGee's fate sealed?

"I wouldn't say he's lost his job right now," said Shurmur. "But we're evaluating it."

The Browns will most likely hold tryouts on Tuesday, an off-day for the players.

"I'm all-around disappointed," McGee said. "I would definitely like to have done better for myself and the team. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I have to get back to work and do better next week."

Right tackle uncertainty: Shurmur said the Browns may be without starting right tackle Tony Pashos (ankle) again this week in Indianapolis. "Beyond that I don't know," Shurmur said, adding he might continue to rotate Oniel Cousins and Artis Hicks.

"I think they both had some good plays and there were some things that makes it tough to say 'this guy is your starter right now,'" Shurmur said. "As we move forward, we'll keep an eye on what's happening at left guard, but as we move forward you might still see a rotation over there at the right side."

The tackles will have their hands full this week with formidable Colts ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Good reviews: Shurmur complimented rookie left guard Jason Pinkston, saying he "did a heckuva job at left guard" for his debut. But, he cautioned, "his performance needs to be better if we're going to win. I think that needs to be the focus."

Key play? 'Nothing to it': Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden told the Cincinnati Enquirer of the quick-snap TD: "It was a legal play. We substituted but we huddled and we broke the huddle and snapped it. There was nothing to it really. We broke the huddle, the receivers got set and we snapped the ball. They just weren't ready.

"It's a play where we feel there's no risk involved and the reward is great. Worse case scenario is they get ready and we have a good pattern called if they are ready. Very well executed. The receivers did a great job getting set and [center] Kyle Cook did a great job of not snapping it until the linemen were ready. And the quarterback did a good job of disguising his attempt."

Dealing with the pain: Dimitri Patterson explained the ankle injury that had him in and out of the game and led to 12 men being on the field on the deciding touchdown.

"I had a really bad sprain in training camp, so it never really fully healed," he said. "So if it gets stepped on or I roll it, there's a time period to where I need a little time off, but then I can go back on even though it's still painful, but it's tolerable. That's what I was experiencing during the game. The pain is bad, but it's tolerable."

He said he'll be fine for the Colts game. "No doubt about it," he said.

Finding reasons to believe: Shurmur is certain the team won't have another embarrassing performance. "Very confident. Very confident," he said. "Because I saw things in this game where it didn't start off so well and we came right back.

"The easiest thing to do after this happen is get discouraged. Don't do that," he said. "It's also easy to come in and start hollering and screaming and throwing furniture and you don't do that either. The important thing is for the guys to understand their mistakes and then talk about specifically how you're going to correct them. And then you go to work beating the next opponent, because it's a long season."

"Places I've been, we've lost the first game or two and still been in the playoffs and had terrific years. So I think that's the important piece is to keep the focus and move on."

Missed opportunity: Shurmur said tight end Evan Moore probably should've had the third-quarter deep ball near the right sidelines that went off his right hand, with safety Chris Crocker covering. A TD there would've put the Browns up, 24-13.

"I think if you ask him he'll tell you that he should make that play," said Shurmur.

Big hit by Little: Shurmur praised Greg Little's block on punter Kevin Huber even though it sent Huber crashing into Josh Cribbs on a punt return with big potential late in the fourth quarter, knocking both down.

"I'll tell you what he did, he knocked the daylights out of that guy," said Shurmur. "The only thing I would say is do it a little bit quicker so there's a little bit more room between you and Josh. Because that was quite a block. He had the responsibility of forcing the punt, and then peeling back."

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Wildcats' Beau Titsworth has a record day in Kiely Cup win

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- St. Ignatius senior Beau Titsworth shot a tournament record in winning medalist honors in the annual Kiely Cup at Canterbury Golf Club on Monday. "I'll take it," he said emphatically, a short time after his 3-under 68 helped the Wildcats win the team title for the first time since 2006 with a score of 304, one...

An early eagle gave Beau Titsworth early momentum in winning the Kiely Cup medalist honors Monday. - (Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- St. Ignatius senior Beau Titsworth shot a tournament record in winning medalist honors in the annual Kiely Cup at Canterbury Golf Club on Monday.

"I'll take it," he said emphatically, a short time after his 3-under 68 helped the Wildcats win the team title for the first time since 2006 with a score of 304, one stroke more than when they finished second last year to Walsh Jesuit.

He'll take that too.

"We didn't win here last year and that was not good," he said. "It was about the only thing we didn't win. We had that on our minds. I wasn't going to let us leave here without winning."

In typical Kiely Cup fashion -- three of the previous six tournaments were decided by a single stroke and another ended in a tie -- the team race was no run-away. Canton Central Catholic was second at 307 and defending champ Walsh Jesuit was third at 311. Medina and Avon Lake shared fourth place at 312.

Titsworth, an Oklahoma recruit and a Plain Dealer All-Star last year, has played in two events since joining the Wildcats after playing in several national junior events. He lost in a playoff for medalist honors on Saturday in the St. Charles Invitational at Brookside Country Club in Columbus in his first outing and followed up with his win on Monday.

His round at Canterbury, which played to about 7,000 yards, included an eagle on the 522-yard sixth hole, two birdies and one bogey. The bogey was the result of a 3-putt on the ninth. The eagle came when his second shot from about 240 yards stopped five feet from the hole and he made the putt.

Gilmour Academy junior Andrew Bieber, like Titsworth a veteran of numerous national junior events, was second at 1-under 70 and Medina junior Sean Sherman and Avon Lake junior Brendan Aussem tied for third at 2-over 73. Plain Dealer All-Star and Xavier recruit Matt Gerard (77), junior Conor McKiernan (78) and senior Christian Wagner (81) rounded out the St. Ignatius scoring.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: trogers@plaind.com; 216-999-5169

On Twitter: TimRogersPD

 

Browns Insider Skype lines open from 10-11 a.m.

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Got a question for Tony Grossi, Mary Kay Cabot or Dennis Manoloff about the Browns? Want to be part of The Plain Dealer / cleveland.com Browns Insider show? Our Skype lines will be open from 10 - 11 a.m. to take your questions.

skype_logo_.pngWe'll be taking your Skype calls live from noon-1 p.m. Tuesday. Add clevelanddotcom to your Skype contacts.

Got a Browns question for Tony Grossi, Mary Kay Cabot or Dennis Manoloff? Want to be part of The Plain Dealer / cleveland.com Browns Insider show?

If you're answered 'yes' and 'yes,' then we want to hear from you!

Get your question ready, fire up your webcam, make sure you have Skype on your computer and then give us call today from 10-11 a.m.

We'll ask you for your name, your hometown and, in under 30 seconds, to pose your question to our panel of Browns experts.

The call will be recorded and played during Thursday's live show.

Once again, lines will be open from 10-11 a.m.

Here's what to do:

1. Log into your Skype account. Don't have one? Create one and download the software here.

2. Add Skype name "clevelanddotcom" to your contacts list and place a video call to us.

3. A cleveland.com producer will answer your call and record it. Selected videos will be played during Thursday's live show, when Grossi, Cabot and Manoloff will answer the questions.

4. Once again, we'll be taking calls from 10-11 a.m. today. If the line keeps ringing or your call is rejected, that means it's busy. Try again in a few minutes.

5. You can also email your videos to sports@cleveland.com or upload them to YouTube or cleveland.com and send us the link.

Chasing dreams ... and home run balls: Cleveland Indians memories

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Here is Tuesday's essay by Ron Allen of Cleveland Heights.

fan-cap-ball-tribe-jg.jpgView full sizeThe techniques and the stadiums may have changed over the years, but there's still a thrill -- for young and old alike -- in the pursuit of a home run souvenir.

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

My most memorable moment occurred in 1954. The Indians were playing a Sunday doubleheader against the Yankees. There was such a huge crowd that several thousand fans were standing behind the outfield fence. I was a 5-foot-2 14-year-old, and my dad and I were sitting in the bleachers. We had gone early since I loved to watch the great players during batting practice.

Since I had my glove with me, I asked my dad if I could go and stand with the sea of people behind the fence. He said I could, but wanted me to make sure where I was sitting so that I would not get lost.

I took my position in the middle of all the fans. If I stood on my tip toes I could see the wonderful players shagging flies in the outfield. I could hear the crack of the bat as balls flew into the stands in left and right field. I pounded my glove hoping -- or was that my heart?

A catcher, Hal Naragon, stepped to the plate. I heard the crack of the bat. Naragon hit a towering fly ball to deep left-center. I could see the flight of the ball. It was coming my way!

The flight of the ball was in descent. The crowd of fans started to scatter. The ball was coming down, down, down! I turned my head and stuck out my glove. The ball smacked into my glove while the crowd scurried frantically looking for the prized baseball. Someone cried out, "Hey, the kid caught it!"

I returned to my seat to a proud dad and cheers from the bleacher throng. I sat there pounding the ball -- or was that my heart? The ball -- and memory -- was mine forever.

Former Indians slugger Manny Ramirez arrested

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Former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez was arrested and charged with battery Monday after a domestic dispute at his South Florida home, police said.

manny-ramirez-booking-mug.JPGView full sizeManny Ramirez's booking photo.
WESTON, Fla. — Former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez was arrested and charged with battery Monday after a domestic dispute at his South Florida home, police said.

Ramirez, 39, and his wife were arguing in their bedroom when he slapped her face, causing her to hit her head on their bed's headboard, according to a police report. She told the deputy she was afraid the situation would escalate and called police.

Ramirez denied hitting his wife, according to the report, telling a deputy "he grabbed his wife by the shoulders and when he shrugged her, she hit her head."

Ramirez's wife, Juliana, had red swelling on her face and a small bruise on the back of her head, the police report said. She did not want medical treatment.

Ramirez retired in April from the Tampa Bay Rays after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Rather than face a 100-game suspension for a second violation of Major League Baseball's drug policy, the 12-time All-Star left the game.

Ramirez previously served a 50-game ban in 2009 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Second-time offenders get double that penalty.

One of the games great sluggers, Ramirez was named MVP of the World Series in 2004 and helped Boston end an 86-year title drought.

He was selected 13th overall by the Cleveland Indians in the 1991 amateur draft and rose quickly through the minor leagues with a youthful exuberance and natural charisma.

He broke into the majors in 1993 and played his first full season the following year, when he finished second to the Royals' Bob Hamlin in voting for Rookie of the Year. Ramirez went on to establish himself as one of the game's most feared hitters, adopting a dreadlock hairdo that seemed to mirror his happy-go-lucky demeanor.

He signed with the Red Sox as a free agent in December 2000, helping the long-suffering franchise win the World Series a few years later, then doing it again in 2007.

The Red Sox traded him to the Dodgers in July 2008. He instantly became a fan favorite on the West Coast, with "Mannywood" signs popping up around town, as he led Los Angeles to the NL West title and a sweep of the Chicago Cubs in the playoffs. The clutch performances earned Ramirez a $45 million, two-year contract.

All that good will fizzled the following May, when Ramirez tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin, a banned female fertility drug often used to help mask steroid use.

The Rays had hoped Ramirez could add some pop to a lineup that lost several key pieces off last year's AL East champions, but he played in only five games for the Rays, with one hit in 17 at-bats.

Ramirez was a .312 career hitter with 13 seasons of 100-plus RBIs and 555 home runs, 14th on the all-time list.

It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney. Jail records did not list one for him. A woman who answered the phone at a home listing for Ramirez said it was the wrong number and hung up.


Joe Thomas at Taste of the Browns charity event: Video interview

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Co-chairman of the "Taste of the Browns" and Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas talks about being involved with the event, being up close and personal with fans, and having his teammates help out as well. Watch video

Co-chairman of the "Taste of the Browns" and Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas talks about being involved with the event, being up close and personal with fans, and having his teammates help out as well.

The 13th annual event benefits money for the Cleveland Foodbank. Every dollar raised by the Taste of the Browns will help the Foodbank provide enough food for four healthy meals. Over 25 restaurants participated in the event.

-- Glenn Moore

Browns' Seneca Wallace talks about loss to Bengals: Video interview

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Cleveland Browns backup quaterback Seneca Wallace talks about being a guest at the "Taste of the Browns" and being able to talk with fans and help out a great cause. He mentions his favorite Cleveland restaurants as well. He also talks about the team's loss Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Watch video

Cleveland Browns backup quaterback Seneca Wallace talks about being a guest at the "Taste of the Browns" and being able to talk with fans and help out a great cause. He mentions his favorite Cleveland restaurants as well. He also talks about the team's loss Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Taste of the Browns is an annual charity event that raises money for the Cleveland Foodbank.

- Glenn Moore



Browns' Mike Adams on key play in Bengals game: Video interview

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Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams talks about helping out co-chairman of "Taste of the Browns," Joe Thomas. He also lets us know what his favorite places to eat in the Cleveland area. He then talks about if the play that won the game for the Cincinnati Bengals was legal. Watch video

Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams talks about helping out at Taste of the Browns and co-chairman Joe Thomas. He also lets us know what his favorite places to eat in the Cleveland area. He then talks about if the play that won the game for the Cincinnati Bengals was legal. 

Taste of the Browns is an annual charity event that raises money for the Cleveland Foodbank. Over 25 restaurants participated.

- Glenn Moore

Cleveland Browns: How can the Browns beat the Colts? Poll

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The Cleveland Browns play anothe winnable game on Sunday, but what do they need to do to beat the Colts?

colt-mccoy.jpgColt McCoy

The Cleveland Browns, against what was supposed to be one of the worst teams in the league,  were sloppy and folded down the stretch against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Browns allowed 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. And some of the same old problems resurfaced for the Browns. The team still needs a playmaker, and they need to stop committing unnecessary penalties.

So the Browns play another winnable game on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. What do the Browns need to do to win?



 

















Ohio State to honor 1961 Buckeyes with uniforms for Wisconsin game

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This is the third year the Buckeyes are wearing a special uniform, but in 2009 and 2010 it was for the Michigan game.

 

JerseysforWis.jpgOhio State jerseys honoring the 1961 Buckeyes for the Wisconsin game

COLUMBUS - For the third straight year, Ohio State will be wearing special uniforms for one game intended to honor a former team of Buckeyes.

This year Ohio State intends to honor the 1961 OSU team with its uniform. Instead of the Michigan game, this year the uniforms will be worn for the home game with Wisconsin Oct. 29.

Ohio State's first special uniforms, for the 2009 Michigan game, were to honor the 1954 OSU national title team. Last year's uniforms for the Michigan game were for the 1942 OSU national champions.

Here is part of the news release from Ohio State and Nike:

COLUMBUS, Ohio – This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Ohio State University's undefeated 1961 championship season -- a distinctive milestone that provides a source of inspiration for a program steeped in tradition and rooted in pride. The 2011 Nike Pro Combat system of dress design for the Buckeyes harkens back to that team, whose offensive power lived in its backfield, led by the 6-0, 227-pound All-American fullback, Bob Ferguson. The Heisman runner-up was a power runner and contributed immensely to the team's noteworthy speed, aggression and smarts. This uniform acknowledges the dominance of the 1961 team and will deliver an undeniable motivation for the current Buckeyes when they face off against Wisconsin on October 29.

Distinctive white block lettering on Ohio State's bold scarlet jersey is accompanied by gray sleeve and collar accents that provide a retro look high in contrast. An inscription of the year "1961" on the inner neckline, socks and sleeves act as a silent reminder of the indisputable determination of that year's lineup. A steel gray baselayer and matching arm sleeves feature a print reminiscent of a buckeye tree.  These two pieces are patterned after Buckeye Grove – home to a collection of buckeye trees planted in honor of each first team All-American player, like Ferguson, whose presence always commanded respect. Dark gray pants complement the baselayer design, emblazoned with a prominent block 'O' on the hip alongside a scarlet streak on the pant leg.

Here is a link to video featuring the uniforms.

Cleveland Browns A.M. Links: Sunday grades; Richmond McGee's stint is just about over; don't make any excuses

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Unfortunately, Ohio.com reporter Nate Ulrich didn't grade the Browns on a curve. If it wasn't for the tight ends and the secondary, the Browns would have flunked the course. When it comes to the offense, Ulrich gives the Browns an overall C grade. Quarterback: C+. Colt McCoy completed 19-of-40 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He threw one interception by...

Browns Camp 2011 Day 3Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur and Jayme Mitchell.

Unfortunately, Ohio.com reporter Nate Ulrich didn't grade the Browns on a curve. If it wasn't for the tight ends and the secondary, the Browns would have flunked the course.

When it comes to the offense, Ulrich gives the Browns an overall C grade.

Quarterback: C+. Colt McCoy completed 19-of-40 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He threw one interception by the time the outcome had been decided.

Running backs: C. Peyton Hillis had 17 carries for 57 yards (3.4 average) and team-high six catches for 30 yards. Montario Hardesty had five carries for 18 yards (3.6 average).   

Tight ends: B-. Benjamin Watson caught a 34-yard touchdown pass that sailed over the reach of Bengals cornerback Leon Hall. Evan Moore later ran a slant route, positioned himself in front of Hall in the end zone and caught a 2-yard scoring strike.   

The special teams finished with a C grade. Soon-to-be waived punter Richmond McGee averaged 36 yards per punt. Josh Cribbs, however,  changed the game with a 51-yard kickoff return.

Ulrich wasn't kind (but he tells the truth) in giving coach Pat Shurmur an F grade.

  

Up and down the field

It doesn't look like Richmond McGee's stint with the Cleveland Browns is probably over due to his subpar punting performance last Sunday, writes Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer.

Don't make any excuses for the Cleveland Browns, because they are not, writes News-Herald reporter Jeff Schudel.

Todd Porter of CantonRep.com writes how the Browns will have to improve in more than one area if they want to win this season . . . The Browns just got caught napping.

Cleveland Indians A.M. Links: Manny Acta says the goal remains the same; no problems with the Tribe; Indians are about to set a franchise record

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Manager Manny Acta has not given up.

Cleveland Indians beat the Twins, 2-0Cleveland Indians' Fausto Carmona gets a hug from manager Manny Acta.

Everyone knows the Detroit Tigers are about to win the Central Division. Everyone knows this except the Cleveland Indians.

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com writes how manager Manny Acta insists that the goal remains the same for his ballclub.

"We're still trying to win every single game," Acta said. "Then, once they put the 'X' right next to us, then maybe we can change plans."

Acta was referring to the "X" that appears in the standings, alongside to the names of the teams that have been officially eliminated from the postseason picture. Entering Monday's off-day, the Indians (72-72) were in third place in the division and 11 games behind the first-place Tigers.

That's some positive thinking on Acta's part, but on Aug. 19, the Tribe entered a three-game series with Detroit only 1 1/2 games back in the standings. But since then, writes Bastian, the Tribe is 10-14 and the Tigers have gone 19-4, entering Monday's action. 

"A lot of things can change in a week," Acta said. "If you didn't know the history of this season, you probably would think we've never been in it. It's just one bad week by us and a good week by them, so we just need to continue to battle with what we have and try to win every game."

Around the horn 

There's nothing wrong with the Tribe, especially since they are a mediocre team at best, writes News-Herald reporter Jim Ingraham.

The Indians are about to set a franchise record that is nothing to be proud of.

The race in the Central Division may have been slowed, but the Texas Rangers are in the midst of a heated battle in the American League West.

 

 

Ohio State Buckeyes A.M. Links: Homecoming in Florida for several Buckeyes; Woody Hayes returns; is Luke Fickell the man for the job?

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Ten Buckeyes will return home this weekend against Miami.

Luke Fickell, Braxton MillerOhio State head coach Luke Fickell, left, watches quarterback Braxton Miller (5).

Ten Ohio State Buckeyes will return home to Florida this weekend when the Buckeyes play at Miami.

This article in The Columbus Dispatch describes how the Buckeyes who are Florida natives are excited about returning home.

“I’m going to have a couple of family members come to the game that probably wouldn’t be able to make it up to Ohio,” said junior safety Orhian Johnson, originally from St. Petersburg, Fla. “So I’m looking forward to it.”

And the game is also a matchup of two teams that have been investigated by the NCAA and had players suspended for receiving improper benefits.

 “I know a lot of guys on that (Miami) team, and I know how they’re going to have to deal with it,” said OSU backup running back Jaamal Berry, from Miami. “Just like us, we had a lot of adversity we had to handle, and I’m pretty sure they’re going to do the same.”

  

 

Around the horse shoe

Actor will take on his toughest role as Woody Hayes next week in Columbus.

Doug Lesmerises writes how Mark Tripodi, a co-founder of Cornerstone for Hope, a charity for grieving families, told The Plain Dealer in an interview Monday that he wasn't aware of the $200 given to each of three Buckeyes -- Jordan Hall, Travis Howard and Corey Brown -- at the dinner and charity auction.

Is Luke Fickell the man for the job? Chad Conant of MansfieldNewsJournal.com says no.

Despite all of the issues, Miami's coach says the Buckeyes will be ready on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleveland Browns' Colt McCoy deserves more blame for loss to Bengals than he has received, says Dennis Manoloff (SBTV)

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Plain Dealer reporter says QB didn't show the pocket presence against Bengals that we've seen in the past. Watch video

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


After opening with a loss, the Browns will try to bounce back Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. How can they beat the Colts? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.


Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff, who has thoughts on that and other topics after reviewing the Bengals game tape. Dman says Browns quarterback Colt McCoy did not play especially well and deserves more of the blame for Sunday's loss than he has received so far.


Dman also talks about the "falling asleep" play that allowed the Bengals' A.J. Green to score a pivotal touchdown; and how disastrous an 0-2 start would be for the Browns.


SBTV will return Wednesday with Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston.


 


Cleveland Cavaliers: Canton NBDL team will assist the Cavaliers

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Canton's NBDL team is ready, thanks to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

wilcox-cavs-mug.jpgWes Wilcox is the general manager of the Canton NBDL team.

Mike Popovich of CantonRep.com writes how the city of Canton would not have been in position to get an NBDL team without Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert.

Why?

The Cavs bought the New Mexico D-League franchise and relocated it to Canton. Their previous D-League affiliate was in Erie, Pa., but it was a shared affiliate with the Toronto Raptors.

Sharing a minor league team in Erie was not perfect, Canton Chief Operating Officer Scott Woodruff told the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club on Monday.

“We wanted to send players there, have them play the Cavaliers’ style of ball and use the Cavaliers’ terminology,” Woodruff said. “... You can imagine Toronto wanted the same thing.

“Our owner, being who he is and doing things the way he does said. ‘The heck with this. We’re going to start our own team. We’re going to own it. We’re going to operate it. We’re going to install our culture. We’re going to pick the GM. We’re going to pick the coach. They’re going to use our terminology. They’re going to run it the way we run the Cavs.’

The NBDL teams have 10-man rosters. The players are undrafted free agents and players selected in the D-League draft. Popovich also writes how players under NBA contracts last season and those selected in this summer’s draft will not be eligible if the NBA lockout delays the start of the season.

  

CFL sack would probably draw flags, a fine and a suspension in the NFL

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The NFL probably does too much to protect its players, especially its quarterbacks. From the looks of this hit, the CFL could care less.

james.jpgPittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison drills Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi during a game last season. Harrison was fined $75,000 for the hit.

The NFL may have gone overboard with its rules to protect players on the field. Tackles that were considered just good hits years ago, are consider borderline assault by the NFL.


Chad Ochocinco thought a fined levied on a rookie that tackled him was so ridiculous, that Ochocinco wanted to pay the player's fine.


Well, it doesn't look like the CFL has problems with football like in the NFL. Take a look at this hit below.


 


 





NBA labor talks between players union, owners produce only pessimism

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Hunter advising players that half season could be lost.

gilbert-horiz-fistraised-ap.jpg Dan Gilbert was among the owners who attended today's NBA talks between owners and players in New York.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- So much for the cautious optimism of recent days. So much for the cordial talk between the two sides and the increased frequency of meetings.

NBA owners and players remain far apart in their search for a resolution to the lockout. And judging by the pessimistic sound bites pouring from today's meeting, Kyrie Irving could be well on his way to a college diploma before he plays his first game for the Cavaliers.

The two sides reported no progress with the owners rejecting a union proposal that included economic concessions but retained a soft salary cap. The most ominous remark came courtesy of NBA union head Billy Hunter who said he's advising players they might need to sit out the season's first half before a deal is struck, according to CBSSports.com.

For all the talk of compromise, it seems neither owners nor players are straying from their default positions. Players will not start missing paychecks until November.

"We did not have a great day," NBA Commissioner David Stern told reporters after the bargaining session in New York.

No further talks are scheduled.

Owners are seeking pay cuts, shorter contracts and substantial change to the salary cap system. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert was part of the full bargaining committees today.

Stern disputed reports that owners are sticking to their same proposals from June. But he said the players' resistance to a hard cap is "an emotional attachment," according to CBS Sports.

Hunter said the union entered today's negotiations with a new proposal that  reduced player compensation while maintaining the basic economic structure. The owners met separately for three hours, according to the New York Times, before rejecting the offer.

"A GM that's given $100 million to spend compared to a GM with $50 million to spend is at a huge competitive advantage," deputy commissioner Adam Silver told reporters.

Cavaliers union rep Anthony Parker, who was not part of the talks told The Plain Dealer via email: "It sounds like we are no closer to a deal which is disappointing."

Parker said he will participate in a regional union meeting soon.

Today's news almost assures there will be delay to the season's start. Training camps are scheduled to open Oct. 3 with the first exhibition games set for the following week.

The two sides met several times last week and the increased frequency of the talks was interpreted as progress. During the 1998 lockout, the two sides had met only once to this point.


Three suspended Ohio State Buckeyes reinstated by NCAA, can play at Miami

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The NCAA said its investigation into Ohio State is ongoing.

jordan hall.JPGJordan Hall

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The three Ohio State players suspended for the first two games of the season have been reinstated by the NCAA and are eligible to play at Miami on Saturday. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith confirmed their reinstatement Tuesday afternoon.

The NCAA then released a statement on the players' return.

Running back Jordan Hall and cornerback Travis Howard, listed as starters in the preseason, and backup safety Corey Brown had been suspended for taking $200 at a Northeast Ohio State charity event. They must repay $200 to charity to make their reinstatement complete.

The Buckeyes believed the initial suspension would last for one game, and operated under that assumption last week, based on precedent in similar NCAA cases involving extra benefits. However, the school realized on Friday that the players would be suspended for last Saturday's game with Toledo as well.

The NCAA continued to ask questions about the violations committed at the dinner, but cleared the players today. A part of the NCAA statement read, "According to the facts submitted by the university, the money was provided by a university booster."

In Ohio State's initial self-report, two of the suspended players said they received money from a former teammate, while another said it came from a booster.

The NCAA statement also said this case was separate from Ohio State's case before the Committee on Infractions, which was heard on Aug. 12.

"Reinstatement decisions are independent of the NCAA enforcement process and typically are made once the facts of the student-athlete’s involvement are determined," read the NCAA statement. "This is typically well in advance of infractions decisions. The enforcement investigation into the Ohio State University is ongoing."

Hall is expected to join the offensive gameplan, though Carlos Hyde should remain the starter at running back. Howard should be one of the Buckeyes' top three corners, though Dominic Clarke has played well while starting in Howard's absence.

The No. 17 Buckeyes (2-0) play at Miami (0-1) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

In the end, Indians had too many holes to fill - Comment of the Day

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"The Indians needed way more than they could acquire at the trade deadline. They simply could not replace all that had been lost due to injury and poor performance. The Tigers clearly are the better team and were the better team prior to their deals." - lou

Jason Kipnis keeps home-run drive alive but Tribe loses, 4-3View full sizeJason Kipnis provided a brief spark for the Indians, but eventually joined the long list of injured players.

In response to the story Breaking down the deadline deals for Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, cleveland.com reader lou think there were too many holes for the Tribe to fill at the deadline. This reader writes,

"The Indians needed way more than they could acquire at the trade deadline. They simply could not replace all that had been lost due to injury and poor performance. The Tigers clearly are the better team and were the better team prior to their deals."

To respond to lou's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

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