Browns coach Pat Shurmur is learning more about his team every week, and he took several ideas away from the Indianapolis game that he believes will help the Browns in the future.

Sam Riche, MCTRookie Jabaal Sheard, who got his first pro sack on this play against the Colts' Kerry Collins on Sunday, will stay on the left side of the Browns defensive line, coach Pat Shurmur says.

Berea, Ohio -- Browns coach Pat Shurmur met his new players only about seven weeks ago, and he's learning things about them every day. Some of those things make him laugh (see Greg Little), and some of those things make him want to cry (see Bengals' quick snap in Week 1 and receiving the game ball from Colt McCoy in Week 2).

Every game is an adventure, and he never knows exactly what he's going to get from this newly assembled group of players -- especially considering that 24 of them -- or 45 percent of the roster -- are in their first or second year in the NFL.

But coming out of Sunday's 27-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Shurmur learned four things that will help this fledgling team moving forward:

1. Use Hardesty earlier: Shurmur realized he needs to get Montario Hardesty involved in the game sooner to keep Peyton Hillis explosive throughout. Hardesty saw the field only two times before he was thrown into a crucial red zone situation in the fourth quarter with the Browns clinging to a 14-12 lead.

Hardesty struggled, losing 1 yard, fumbling (Joe Thomas recovered) and then gaining 2 more yards to the 2. Hillis then came back in for the crucial third-and-2, an incompletion in the back of the end zone, and the Browns kicked a field goal.

"We wanted to get him in the game," said Shurmur. "I wish we could have gotten him in the game sooner. He needs to play. Peyton is a bruising-type runner that needs relief at times. That's what we'll try to do a better job of next week."

He had no regrets about using Hardesty in place of Hillis in the red zone/goal-line offense.

"Well, I think it's OK," Shurmur said. "Regardless of where you put a player in, you don't want him to put the ball on the ground. Fortunately, we got it. The more critical the situation, the more heightened the awareness from everybody's standpoint. I feel like he's made huge progress in training camp, and for us to win over a consistent time frame, we're going to need him. So I need to play him some."

2. Keep Sheard on the left: After the Bengals ran at rookie defensive end Jabaal Sheard on the right side in week one, Shurmur flip-flopped his ends in Indy, returning Sheard to his more natural left side and moving Jayme Mitchell to the right. In his new spot, Sheard made five tackles -- and hit the trifecta with a sack-strip-recovery in the fourth quarter.

"We flipped the ends, and I think that's probably the way we're going to go with it now," said Shurmur. "Keep Jabaal on the defensive left, offensive right. Watching him compete, we felt like he was more effective playing on the left than the right. I think [Sheard and fellow rookie Phil Taylor] did a good job and they're getting better. I'm seeing improvement each week."

3. Focus on Greg, Josh, Mo: Shurmur identified Little, Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs as his playmaking receivers and focused on getting them the ball.

Little caught four passes for 38 yards, Massaquoi caught three for 45 and Cribbs caught three for 41, including a 25-yarder on a third-down bubble screen that led to a touchdown.

"I did like the way Josh, Greg and Mo all performed," said Shurmur. "I felt like it was important to get the ball in [their] hands, and we found a way to do that and I think we got some results from it."

On Little, he said: "He's grown a lot in my eyes. He's one of those guys who loves Sunday. His eyes get real big when the lights are on. He's very excitable. He had his chances [Sunday] and did some good things. We'll try to build on that. He's a very competitive guy. He sees things well. He, like some of the other receivers, comes to the sideline and says: 'Hey coach, we can get them on this. He can't cover me on this.' For a young guy, he gets right in there with the mix with all those suggestions."

On Cribbs, Shurmur said: "He can make big plays, and it's just a part of his nature. The third down, we had time to talk about it on the sideline, and I had one thought in mind, and then we had a quick screen up just to get the ball out, and I said, 'You want it?' And he said, 'Just throw it to me,' and he did it."

4. Dust off Alex Smith: Tight end Alex Smith was hauled Sunday out of cold storage, where he spent most of last season with Cleveland. Smith, a four-year starter in Tampa Bay, played only three games for the Browns last season and was inactive for 11. Shurmur not only loves his blocking ability (he helped spring Cribbs on that 25-yard screen), but also likes his hands. McCoy threw to him five times, and he caught three for 19 yards.

"He's a steady player, and I really have a strong appreciation for what he is," said Shurmur. "He's primarily a blocker, but we threw him the ball a couple times, and he made big plays. In games where you're battling it out for 5-yard chunks, that's when you see a guy like Alex show up, and I think he did that."

Of course, Shurmur might stumble upon a whole new set of ideas this week against the Dolphins while he continues to learn his new crew.

"There were some real good things to build on, and keep in mind that this is a sport that as you go through the season, you try to find ways to improve each week," said Shurmur. "I feel like that's the direction we'll go."

The Browns' defense gave up some yardage in the win over the Colts, but limited the damage -- as some old Browns' teams often did. Links to stories on Alex Mack, Pat Shurmur, T.J. Ward, Josh Cribbs, Colt McCoy, the Miami Dolphins and more.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns safety T.J. Ward (left) and cornerback Joe Haden (right) in pass coverage against the Colts' Pierre Garcon during Cleveland's 27-19 win at Indianapolis on Sunday.

Coach Blanton Collier's Browns of the mid- to late-60s were perennial contenders with their dynamic offense and a defense that gave up yards but was stingy with points.

The 2011 Browns' defense somewhat resembled that of the 60s teams on Sunday during Cleveland's 27-19 win over the Colts in Indianapolis, a contest described by Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi in his Browns-Colts game story.

Be reasonable. As good as rookie defensive end Jabaal Sheard looked, he has a ways to go to play like Bill Glass or Paul Wiggin. Maybe, at tackle, emerging difference-maker Ahtyba Rubin and first-round pick Phil Taylor -- they are looking quite good -- can emulate the impact that then-aging Dick Modzelewski had on the 1964 champion Browns, or that Walter Johnson asserted for years.

Scott Fujita, as solid a player as he has been for years, can't play outside linebacker like Jim Houston or Galen Fiss did, but maybe cornerback Joe Haden can be as good or even better than star coverage men Bernie Parrish and Erich Barnes were.

Regardless, the Browns' defense displayed some resiliency in the win over the Colts, and Mike Wilkening of ProFootballWeekly.com recognizes it in his Browns' report: 

The defense — The Browns allowed just one touchdown, and that came with Cleveland nursing a 15-point lead late. The Colts had four drives of nine plays or more end in field goals. Credit Cleveland for slamming the door when Indianapolis moved into scoring range and forcing the Colts to settle for field-goal attempts.

The Browns' 4-3 defense and West Coast offense will try to continue their strides forward on Sunday at Browns Stadium, when Cleveland plays the Miami Dolphins (0-2).

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot's story on safety T.J. Ward; video by David I. Andersen of interviews with some Browns; Bill Livingston's column on Browns star kickoff-punt returner Josh Cribbs; a Starting Blocks poll on how the Browns-Dolphins game will turn out; and, much more.

Also, to read about some of the great 1960s Browns defensive players, check cleveland.com's Browns History Database, which includes the Plain Dealer game story on every regular season and playoff game in Browns history.

About the Browns

Browns center Alex Mack prefers the coaching of Pat Shurmur to that of former coach Eric Mangini, Jeff Schudel writes for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Jounral.

Josh Cribbs got the Browns going with not only his returns, but also some offensive plays -- that, with some Browns' notes, by Fred Greetham for Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report.

Coach Pat Shurmur talks about the Browns. By Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

An NFL television broadcast rule might prevent some fans in Mahoning County and other points south from watching some Browns games, writes Guy Vogrin for the Warren Tribune Chronicle.

The Browns' business-like win over the Colts is a good sign, Mike Wilkening writes for ProFootballWeekly.com.

Some Browns observations by Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.

A report on the Browns' AFC North, where all four teams have 1-1 records. By Zach Jackson for FoxSportsOhio.com.

A Cleveland Browns Team Report on USAToday.com.

Miami defensive end Jason Taylor -- a former University of Akron star and a future NFL Hall of Famer -- says the Dolphins' bad practice habits are translating into their game performances. By Armando Salguero for the Miami Herald.

A successful road trip for quarterback Colt McCoy and the Browns, by Phillip B. Wilson for the Indianapolis Star.

Browns safety T.J. Ward says his coverage skills are right up there with the best safeties in the NFL. Watch video

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerT.J. Ward understands why people might question his coverage skills, but says he considers himself a good coverage safety.

Browns safety T.J. Ward has no idea why some folks dog his coverage skills.

"I've always thought I was one of the better cover safeties, even in college and still now," he said. "You compare me to any safety, and I think my cover skills are right there with some of the best. But for some reason, I guess me being a tackler, a big hitter, I can't cover. But I never fell into that trap."

During Sunday's 27-19 victory over the Colts, Ward effectively shut down two-time All-Pro tight end Dallas Clark, helping to hold him to 32 yards on four catches. He caught a 6-yard TD against Ward with 24 seconds remaining, but the Browns had the game in hand by then.

"I just tried to focus in," said Ward. "I knew he was going to be one of the main targets. I tried to keep him with no catches. He got that one at the end, but overall, I think we played him as a team pretty well."

Ward was aware that NFL observers were questioning during the week whether he would be able to man the middle and handle Clark.

"After that first game [Bengals tight end Jermaine] Gresham had I think two catches on me, one for a touchdown, and I just had to bounce back," said Ward. "Not to make any excuses, but I wasn't completely healthy that game [with an injured hamstring], and I just knew that I had to prove myself against one of the best tight ends."

Ward, who also knocked a crucial third-down pass away from Austin Collie in the Browns' red zone, said his pulled hamstring -- the one that plagued him throughout camp -- felt much better in Indy than against the Bengals.

"I'm good," he said.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur was impressed with Ward's game.

"T.J. is a competitor," he said. "He's a terrific player against the run, and he covers well. T.J. was a guy I was excited about, and then he missed some training camp. I've seen him work his way back in and come back from a minor injury. I've seen him compete extremely well. He's the kind of guy you want playing safety because he's a gritty guy. He understands how to play, and he's competitive."

Ward praises rookies: Ward paid compliments to rookie defensive linemen Jabaal Sheard and Phil Taylor.

"I think they're going to have good careers," said Ward. "They're focused, and they work really hard. They'll be two future Hall of Famers and All-Pros."

Ward said the two remind him of himself and cornerback Joe Haden as rookies last year.

Ward also praised the defensive line in general.

"They played outstanding," he said. "Big Phil and Rub [Ahtyba Rubin] in the middle, and Jabaal, he played his butt off, and so did [Jayme] Mitchell. I think those two in the middle are going to make this defense really good.

"It makes me feel like I don't have to come up for any run at all because they have it handled. It lets the corners and safeties play pass and get those interceptions."

Shurmur on Joe: Shurmur agreed with left tackle Joe Thomas that he had an outstanding game against Dwight Freeney.

"Joe played a fine game," Shurmur said. "Both our guys playing the tackle positions had tough matchups. Everybody does when you play the Colts. I thought Joe played very, very well."

Thomas was singled up on Freeney "quite a bit," Shurmur said.

Colt in pocket? Browns quarterback Colt McCoy made some of his biggest plays on the run, but Shurmur complimented his pocket passing, too.

"He made some really fine throws from the pocket when you sit and watch it," said Shurmur. "Some of the throws he made on the move were because he . . . got flushed. Some were designed moving-type plays. I thought he played a pretty good game. He made some big plays. A lot of times, some of the biggest, most explosive plays are when things break down. He escaped and extended plays that ended up being some of our bigger plays."

What about Robo? Brian Robiskie didn't have a pass thrown his way in Indy and had two balls thrown to him against Cincinnati, but no catches that game either.

"I'm not down on Brian," said Shurmur. "We saw a little bit less of Brian, but he still played over 25 snaps, so he was in there quite a bit. We'll see how the numbers work out."

He dismissed the idea that Robiskie is more of a blocking receiver. "Brian's a real receiver," he said. "I don't have any problems throwing him the football."

Mack doesn't miss Mangini: Browns center Alex Mack discussed how much more positive the team is under Shurmur than former coach Eric Mangini.

"The atmosphere is really nice," he said. "To come to work and not be dreading it from what's going to happen and how you're going to get yelled at or what's going to show up on the screen and just knowing that like, 'Here, guys, we made mistakes, and let's get better,' and have a kind of lighter atmosphere is going to help guys stay upbeat. It's easier to learn.

"It's not acceptable to make mistakes, but it's a learning experience more than a [chastising] experience."

He said players felt humiliated under Mangini's watch by having their mistakes pointed out in front of the whole squad, instead of in smaller position meetings.

The Seattle Mariners pounded Tribe pitching again in a rain-shortened 12-6 win in Progressive Field.

The Mariners are offensive offensively -- except when they face the Indians at Progressive Field. Rain or no rain, they mash.

Eric Wedge's grinders kept the train moving Monday afternoon and early evening, amassing 11 hits in a 12-6 victory that unfolded over seven wet innings.

Paid attendance for the makeup from a postponement May 15 was 15,354. If there were 354 in the seats by first pitch at 4:06 p.m., they fooled those counting.

A miserable day for the Indians got prolonged at 6:33 p.m., when umpire Jeff Nelson signaled for the tarp as the Mariners prepared to bat in the top of the eighth.

The game was called at 7:17 p.m.. It became the Indians' first rain-shortened contest at Progressive Field this season.

"Ugly day, disappointing loss," Indians manager Manny Acta said.

The Mariners (64-89) lost the season series, 5-4, but went 4-2 in Cleveland. In the six road games, they batted a combined .308 with 26 extra-base hits and scored 45 times.

Seattle entered Monday ranked last in the American League -- by plenty --in average (.233) and runs (517).

The Indians, having revised their goals to finish second in the AL Central and/or above .500, slipped to 75-76. They were coming off a three-game sweep of the Twins in Minneapolis.

Tribe left-hander David Huff squandered leads of 3-0 after one inning and 4-2 after two. He was knocked out during Seattle's nine-run third.

"We gave David some runs to work with; unfortunately, he had a really rough day," Acta said.

Huff (2-6, 4.20 ERA) allowed nine runs (five earned) on seven hits in 2 innings. He walked three and struck out one. He needed 80 pitches to get his eight outs.

"It was really frustrating," Huff said. "I'm really disappointed in myself. It came down to stupid pitch selection on my part. I know better. I've got to be smarter."

Huff is 0-4 with a 7.11 ERA in his last four starts. He went 2-2 with a 2.08 ERA in his first five after being recalled from Class AAA Columbus the first time July 18.

With one out in the bottom of the first, Jason Donald singled to left in a mist. As rain fell harder, Asdrubal Cabrera ripped lefty Charlie Furbush's first pitch over the left-field wall for his 23rd homer. Cabrera is one homer from tying Jhonny Peralta's single-season club record by a shortstop.

Two pitches later, Carlos Santana homered to left. Santana's 26th long ball set the single-season franchise record for a switch-hitter, eclipsing Victor Martinez's mark from 2007.

"I'm so excited Carlos was able to break the record," Acta said. "For him to do it in his first full season in the big leagues is a great accomplishment. A lot of switch-hitters have come through this organization, so it says a lot about him."

Seattle scored twice in the second when third baseman Alex Liddi lifted a curveball from Huff over the left-field wall for a two-run homer. Cabrera made it 4-2 in the bottom of the inning when he doubled to drive in Donald, who had singled.

Cabrera finished 3-for-4 for his 16th game of three-plus hits this season. Donald went 3-for-4 and has hit in 15 of 19 games (.324).

The Mariners' game-changing third began when Luis Rodriguez grounded to the left of third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, who failed to field the ball cleanly and was charged with an error. Rodriguez scored on Mike Carp's double to left-center. Carp was just getting warmed up.

With one out, Kyle Seager delivered an RBI single to center. During the Mariners' visit in late August, Seager went 10-for-13 with five doubles and one homer in three games.

Later in the inning, Trayvon Robinson grounded a two-run single up the middle with the bases loaded. Center fielder Grady Sizemore picked up the ball in shallow center but had no shot to get trailer Wily Mo Pena.

After a flyout, Ichiro Suzuki flipped a double down the left-field line for an RBI. Acta hooked Huff for Chad Durbin.

The Mariners loaded the bases for Carp, who launched a rocket into what used to be known as Pronkville. Carp's homer traveled an estimated 455 feet.

Furbush struck out the final two batters of the third, the side in the fourth and the first batter in the fifth. Cabrera snapped the streak with a single to center. Santana doubled into the right-field corner, Cabrera stopping at third. Travis Hafner kept the hands back and poked an off-speed pitch into the hole at second for a two-run single. Shelley Duncan flied to deep left-center and Sizemore grounded to second.

Seattle strung three one-out singles together against Frank Herrmann in the sixth to score once.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is now in lockstep with the small-market contingent in the NBA.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerDan Gilbert is now fully aligned with the NBA's small-market teams.

Dan Gilbert owned a small-market team, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, from the moment he purchased the franchise in 2005. During the LeBron James era, however, the Cavaliers' presence in the NBA seemed larger.

James never quite made "Cleveland light up like Vegas," as promised, but there's little doubt The Q had a gravitational pull to it during those seasons. The networks wanted the Cavaliers on Christmas Day and they became regulars in the national rotation with the Lakers, Celtics and other marquee franchises.

In 2006, they were a franchise on the come. Their problems didn't seem aligned with those in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Portland, Salt Lake, etc. And when owners in eight small markets wrote a letter to NBA Commissioner David Stern, stressing the need for increased revenue sharing, it was sent without the signature of Gilbert.

"We are asking you to embrace this issue because the hard truth is that our current economic system works only for larger-market teams and a few teams that have extraordinary success on the court and for the latter group of teams, only when they experience extraordinary success," the letter read. "The rest of us are looking at significant and unacceptable financial losses."

It's unclear whether Gilbert was asked to sign the letter. The Plain Dealer hasn't spoken to him about it and, Thursday's Twitter rant toward "NBA bloggissists" aside, he's not said much publicly about labor issues. But as the league lockout threatens the start of the season, it would seem Gilbert's cause is now intertwined with the causes of those who signed the Sept. 29, 2006 letter.

He's an owner, like many others, looking to protect his best interests. And in the post-LeBron era, they are changing. He is no longer one of the free-spending, luxury-tax contributing owners. Gilbert's apoplectic reaction to The Decision in July 2010 engendered varied opinions. So has his reported hard-line stance in the labor negotiations last week that led union President Derek Fisher, among others, to conclude there's a rift among owners. He is taking a beating from some national pundits, who see hypocrisy in the juxtaposition of his alleged desire for union capitulation and a track record of big-ticket signings with the Cavs.

Again, we don't know what's being said in the meeting rooms other than what's being reported from the national outlets. But if the attitude and perspective of Gilbert -- an NBA labor relations committee member -- has shifted in the past five years, he's not alone.

Eight owners signed the letter in 2006. In April, Stern said 22 of 30 teams lost money last season.

The Cavs have been fairly insulated from the economic downturn. Even last season, one in which they finished with the Eastern Conference's worst record, the Cavs boasted the league's third-highest average paid attendance at 20,112 fans per game. The total was bolstered by season tickets purchased before James' decision. They likely won't be close to those figures this season.

The clubs clamoring for change want financial concessions from the union, a larger revenue-sharing pool among the franchises and a more competitive balance. Since 1980, just nine teams have won NBA titles compared to 15 in the NFL, 15 in the NHL and 18 in Major League Baseball. The Big Three's assembly in Miami and Carmelo Anthony's departure from Denver for New York does nothing to change the perception the league cares only about the vitality of its marquee franchises while the Bucks, Pacers, Cavs, Timberwolves, Grizzlies, etc., should be satisfied with their occasional run into the playoffs' second round.

Gilbert spent three straight seasons paying into a revenue-sharing system that following the 2009-10 season was projected to be at $60 million -- or $336 million less than Major League Baseball's redistribution plan. It stands to reason the Cavs and others want the Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, etc., to share more profits from their local revenue streams. The last four NBA champions represent the second (Los Angeles), fifth (Boston) and seventh (Dallas) media markets.

If the lockout continues into the season, Gilbert likely will remain an inviting target. But if the past is any guide, that's unlikely to detour his pursuits.

A topsy-turvy season led the two-time NASCAR champion to cross his name off the list of drivers he believes are legitimate title contenders, and nothing he did on track at Chicagoland Speedway changed his mind. That includes winning.

Tony Stewart celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Geico 400 auto race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Monday, Sept. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

JOLIET, Ill. — Tony Stewart took himself out of title contention before the opening race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

A topsy-turvy season led the two-time NASCAR champion to cross his name off the list of drivers he believes are legitimate title contenders, and nothing he did on track at Chicagoland Speedway changed his mind.

That includes winning.

Stewart picked up his first win of the season Monday — a day after rain washed out the opening round of the 10-race Chase — by flawlessly conserving fuel to the finish. The victory, his 40th career win in the Cup Series, tied him with Mark Martin for 16th on the all-time wins list.

More importantly, it vaulted him from ninth in the standings to second, and he trails leader Kevin Harvick by a mere seven points.

So, Smoke, you sure you aren't in the mix for a third NASCAR championship?

"One day doesn't change the whole season," he said.

Stewart, who likely benefited the most from the rain out because he was plagued with a migraine headache all day Sunday, seemed subdued in his victory celebration. He's had, by his own admission, "a rough year," and it was just last month when he said the No. 14 team didn't even deserve a spot in the Chase.

But his Stewart-Haas Racing team has turned it up a notch, evidenced by three-straight top-10 finishes and, on Monday, the end of a 32-race losing streak. Round 2 of the Chase shifts to New Hampshire, where Ryan Newman led a 1-2 finish for SHR in July.

So Stewart may not like his title chances, but this recent upswing has crew chief Darian Grubb believing the team is in the mix.

"That's Tony's mind-set," Grubb said. "We all work too hard to ever come to feeling that way."

His rivals tend to agree with Grubb.

"If you believed him when he said (that) ... you've never raced Tony Stewart," said Steve Letarte, crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr. "He's a master of deflection. He seems to always be there."

"Counting Tony Stewart out? That's pretty funny that he counts himself out," added Harvick.

But there are likely some drivers wondering if Chicago didn't crush their title chances.

While Stewart was able to stretch his gas to the finish — ironic, since he ran out of gas while leading with one lap to go in last year's Chase opener at New Hampshire — at least five Chase drivers ran their tanks dry in the closing laps.

Five-time defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, points leader Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon were among the drivers who ran out of gas on the last lap, and all plummeted in the final finishing order.

Harvick, who started the race tied with Busch for the points lead, held on for second after his crew chief told him to run wide open and not worry about fuel.

"When he turned me loose, I probably should have just listened to him, I was really gun shy," said Harvick, who called the closing laps "nerve-racking."

Dale Earnhardt Jr. capitalized other drivers' fuel problems to finish third, his best showing since he was second at Kansas 14 weeks ago. The strong result pushed him from 10th to fifth in the standings.

"Obviously we gained a lot of spots there at the end with guys that were short of fuel," said Earnhardt, "but we were running really well at the end."

Johnson wound up 10th, and dropped two spots to eighth in the standings.

"I really felt like I had done enough," Johnson said. "I don't know what I did so desperately wrong."

For more Cinesport video, go here.

Matt Kenseth led four times for 46 laps, had to save gas at the end and still ran out. Even worse, because JJ Yeley pushed him across the finish line — apparently in eighth-place — NASCAR ruled the last-lap assistance was illegal and dropped Kenseth to 21st in the final running order.

"I don't know what to do about the fuel mileage," said Kenseth, the pole-sitter, who dropped six spots in the standings to 10th.

"It is really frustrating to be a race car driver and they drop the green on the last run of the day when you are supposed to put on a show for the fans, and you have to run half throttle and can't floor it or you will run out of gas. It is pretty aggravating to do all the work and qualifying and pit stops and adjustments but none of it makes a difference."

Kyle Busch, who began the day tied with Harvick for the points lead, ran out of gas and finish 22nd. He's now ninth in points.

"I saved as much fuel as I could, but I guess it just wasn't enough and we ran out with two to go," said Busch. "Just really disappointing day."

Same for Jeff Gordon, who rallied back into the top-10 from an early tire issue, only to run out of gas and finish 24th. He dropped from third in points to 11th.

"It was definitely not the race we wanted to start the Chase off with," Gordon said. "We're going to fight like crazy these next nine races and we could still get it done."

Hardest hit on Monday, though, was Denny Hamlin. He used the second wild-card spot to make it into the Chase and had the worst day of the 12 championship contending drivers.

A vibration forced him to pit out of sequence, which dropped him a lap down from the leaders. He could never make it back, and a flat tire later sealed his 31st-place finish.

A year after nearly ending Johnson's run, Hamlin is probably now out of title contention and left the track without commenting.

Carl Edwards finished fourth and was followed by teammates Brad Keselowski and Kurt Busch. Clint Bowyer finished seventh, and Newman, Martin and Johnson rounded out the top 10.

Ever since he was a young boy, my son loved baseball and the Indians.

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 Tracie Dover:

My name is Tracie Dover, and when I saw the front page of the paper, I thought of my son, Michael Wankowski. He is such a fan of the Indians, a real all-American boy. Well, man now.

Ever since he was a young boy, he loved baseball and the Indians. He started playing ball when he was 4 years old. Started with T-ball and went on to play fast-pitch in high school. He even played a game one evening and got hit in the face with a pitch, had to go to the hospital and wanted to stay at the game and keep playing instead. Coach said, “No, you have to go.”

He and his sister would play ball every day at the park and at the school playground — every day, all spring, summer and fall. If he wasn’t playing ball, he was watching the games on TV.

We didn’t have a lot of money because I was a single mom raising three children — not a lot of child support — but I did my best to try to take him to the games when I could.

When we did go, he would beg me to try to get autographs from ballplayers. We would stay there sometimes until everyone was gone.

When he was about 9 or 10, he asked me, “Can we go to the Indians game on Mother’s Day?” I said, “I’ll try to get off work.” Meanwhile, he told me, “I saved money from grass-cutting, so I could take you.”

Of course, I got off work, and we went to the game. We had hot dogs, peanuts and pop, picked the hot dog that would win the race, and my son bought me my first Mother’s Day Indians pin. He tried to take me every year after that. He made it a tradition to go and buy me a pin.

When he started college, it was hard for him to take the time to go. So he would take me to other games if we couldn’t go on Mother’s Day. Last year, he made it a point to go on Mother’s Day again, and we went with the whole family. Michael and his girlfriend, his sisters and their boyfriends and myself.

My daughter, Kristal, bought me a Mother’s Day pin, and my son was not happy. “That is my tradition, not yours,” he said. But it was the best day yet. My son graduated from Kent State with a business degree in December 2010, after working full-time at Best Buy and going to school full time. I’m very proud of him for all that he has accomplished in his life.

“Things happen, and what goes around, comes around,” said Floyd Mayweather in the post-fight news conference. “He was going to get knocked out anyway.”

AP Photo/Las Vegas Review-Journal, John LocherFloyd Mayweather lands a knock out punch to Victor Ortiz, left, as referee Joe Cortez, right, watches during their WBC Welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011. This hit knocked out Ortiz ending the fight in the fourth round.

Protect yourself at all times.

Victor Ortiz did not, and it cost him dearly on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Floyd Mayweather Jr. ended their welterweight title bout by stopping Ortiz when he least expected it, landing a left and then a right when it appeared Ortiz wanted to touch gloves after head-butting Mayweather earlier in the fourth round.

“Things happen, and what goes around, comes around,” said Mayweather in the post-fight news conference. “He was going to get knocked out anyway.”

Maybe, maybe not.

Mayweather left nothing to chance in landing his punches, blows the 24-year-old Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KOs) should have seen coming. Ortiz and his camp called them “sucker punches,” but after butting Mayweather on purpose three times, with referee Joe Cortez taking a point away after the third violation, Ortiz should not have reverted to Mr. Nice Guy against a wounded opponent.

“I was looking at [Cortez], and he said ‘break’ or something,” said Ortiz, who earned $2.5 million for losing his World Boxing Council 147-pound title. “I spaced a bit.”

For sure, there was no apology coming from the 34-year-old May-

weather (42-0, 26 KOs) after pocketing a guaranteed $25 million payday for his pay-per-view television effort. However, “Money May,” as he is known in some circles, should man up and give HBO analyst Larry Merchant some consideration. Mayweather hopped on Merchant in the ring with a stream of vulgarity as the announcer was trying to do his post-fight job.

It was all expletives, with the 80-year-old Merchant finally coming back with the classic: “I wish I was 50 years younger, and I’d kick your [rear end].”

In other words, respect your elders.

You can judge for yourself when HBO replays it Saturday at 9:45 p.m.

Not his night: Ranked heavyweight contender Tyson Fury improved to 16-0 by scoring his 11th knockout against Akron’s Nicolai Firtha (20-9-1, 8 KOs) on Saturday night in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

According to press reports, Firtha took a lot of punishment early but came on in the third round to stagger the 6-9 Fury. However, Firtha was knocked down in the fourth round, and the match was waved off at 2:19 of the fifth.

Visitors: Next year marks 100 years since Cleveland’s Johnny Kilbane won the featherweight title against Abe Attell in San Francisco.

Des Kilbane, 57, from County Mayo, Ireland, spent the past week in Cleveland doing some preliminary research for a documentary film he is putting together on his great uncle. He is working with his cousin, Mike Gavin of Medina.

Kilbane would appreciate hearing from anyone with information, anecdotes or collectibles on the Cleveland boxer, who died in 1956.

Contact Kilbane at des.kilbane@o2.ie or Gavin at spike52330@yahoo.com.

Date change: The West Side Boxing Club has moved its “Battle in the Ballroom IV” amateur show at Cleveland’s Slovenian National Ballroom, 6417 St. Clair Ave., to Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. It had been scheduled for Saturday, and tickets purchased for that date will be honored.

Tickets begin at $15. For more information, call Kincaid/Godhard Promotions at 440-223-7409.

Farewell: Hall of Fame trainer George Benton died Monday in his hometown of Philadelphia at age 78. Benton posted a 63-13-1 record as a middleweight but became better known as “The Professor” for working with fighters, including Leon Spinks, Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor and Michael Moorer.

This date: Muhammad Ali stopped Floyd Patterson in the seventh round in New York in 1972.

Reminder: Local writer/historian Jerry Fitch will have a film presentation on the career of Cleveland heavyweight legend Jimmy Bivins at the Cleveland Public Library on Thursday at 3 p.m. It will be in the Louis Stokes Wing Social Sciences Deptartment on the fifth floor.

Fitch also will discuss his recent book, “James Louis Bivins: The Man Who Would Be Champion.” A reception will follow the program.

For more information, call the Social Sciences Department at 216-623-2860.

Contact Fitch for a book at jerryfitch@aol.com or go to amazon.com. The cost is $14.99.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse

Having worked with offensive coordinator Jim Bollman and the rest of the offensive coaches for years, I think head coach Luke Fickell was wary of stepping on toes.

APBraxton Miller and the OSU offense couldn't muster anything against Miami.

Got an Ohio State question? Send it in. Submit your question to cleveland.com/heydoug, and Plain Dealer Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises will choose several to answer here in the Sports section. You also can follow Doug on Twitter and send questions to @PDBuckeyes. All of Doug's answers are archived online.

Q:Hey, Doug: As a head coach, why isn't Luke Fickell having input in the offense? – @jimmycaudill

A:Having worked with offensive coordinator Jim Bollman and the rest of the offensive coaches for years, I think Fickell was wary of stepping on toes. He isn't going to get into X's and O's with his offensive coaches, but I'll guess that he spends more time with the offensive game plan this week, telling his coaches what he wants this offense to be.

Q:Hey, Doug: What is Ohio State's offensive identity? They never seem to have one. I'd rather they practice five plays and run them well. – @frotuss

A:It has to be running the ball. I'll be curious if we see more zone-read running plays with Braxton Miller and Jordan Hall. That was working for a series against Miami before Miller's fumble. The Buckeyes did that with Terrelle Pryor for an entire game against Illinois while finding themselves in 2009.

Q:Hey, Doug: If this season is Luke Fickell's “yearlong job interview,” then what does his performance vs. Miami suggest about his future beyond 2011? – @RyanPfef

A:It tells us everybody has rough spots when they start a new gig. What will matter more is what happens the next time the Buckeyes are in a tight game against equal talent. I don't think Fickell could have locked down the long-term job after three games, but I don't think he lost his chance at it either.

Q:Hey, Doug: Are we too hard on Fickell? – @wolverine_killa

A:If you're ruling him out as head coach based on one loss, yes. Ohio State lost seven senior starters on defense, three seniors on offense, then lost quarterback Terrelle Pryor and has three other top offensive players suspended. And Fickell has never done this before. And Jim Tressel went 7-5 his first season. Are fans really giving up at 2-1?

Q:Hey, Doug: Was that the worst OSU has played in the last six years? – @Mikespear26

A:Offensively, yes. Overall, I think the Southern Cal loss in 2008 was worse. But USC was also much better than Miami.

Strongsville, ranked second in the state in Division I behind Dublin Coffman, held off previously unbeaten Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 3-1, Monday in high school girls soccer. The Bees (7-1) entered the match just outside the state's top 10 and missed a golden opportunity to move up.

Strongsville, ranked second in the state in Division I behind Dublin Coffman, held off previously unbeaten Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 3-1, Monday in high school girls soccer.

The Bees (7-1) entered the match just outside the state's top 10 and missed a golden opportunity to move up.

The Mustangs (7-2) were led by sophomore Emily Ogle, who scored a goal in each half, while junior Alexis Manoa also added a second-half goal.

Sophomores Sarah Baskey and Sam Ortenzi combined for five saves for Strongsville.

Parma 1, Lakewood 0

Junior midfielder Ashley Myer scored an unassisted goal to lead the Redmen (1-5-1, 1-1) to their first win of the season as junior goalie Nancy Lewis pitched the shutout.

Westlake 1, Bay 0

Senior forward Lauren Wichman scored the game-winning goal on an assist from sophomore Megan Konrad with 7:14 remaining to beat rival Bay (4-3-1) and move to 5-1-2. Sophomore goalie Alexis Carpenter recorded eight saves for her fifth shutout.

Medina 2, Archbishop Hoban 1

Second-half goals by seniors Beth Lang and Jen Jankowski paced the Bees (5-1-3) to a non-league win over previously unbeaten Hoban (5-1-1).

Rocky River 3, North Olmsted 2

The Pirates (9-0-1) led, 2-0, with eight minutes left when (2-4-2) North Olmsted's Caitlin Follen scored twice within five minutes to tie it. Rocky River's Hannah McCue scored the game-winner with an assist from Sarah Molina.

Volleyball

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 3, Kirtland 0

Senior Cassie Kuchta had 10 kills and 18 digs, while junior Lauren Beck added 13 kills and four blocks to lead NDCL (9-2) past the Hornets, 25-20, 25-16, 25-16. Kirtland fell to 7-2.

Beaumont 3, St. Joseph Academy 1

Sophomore outside/middle hitter Molly Davet led Beaumont (3-2) with 12 kills, 13 digs and two blocks to hold off St. Joseph, 25-15, 18-25, 25-18, 25-11. St. Joseph fell to 6-3.

Boys golf

All-Catholic Championship

Ben Meole shot a 3-under 68 to lead Lake Catholic to a first-place finish in the nine-school tournament at Legend Lake Golf Club in Chardon. The Cougars shot a 301 — 10 strokes better than second-place Walsh Jesuit — paced by Chase Johnson's 2-over 73.

Gilmour and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary each scored 321 to finish tied for third, while the Lancers' Andrew Bieber shot a 3-over 74 for the third-lowest individual score.

Records through Sunday with the previous week's ranking in parentheses. 1. St. Edward, 4-0 (1): Hosts Tampa (Fla.) Jefferson on Saturday.

St. Edward remains No. 1 in Plain Dealer Top 25 football poll.

Records through Sunday with the previous week's ranking in parentheses.

1. St. Edward, 4-0 (1): Hosts Tampa (Fla.) Jefferson on Saturday.

2. Solon, 4-0 (2): At Normandy on Thursday.

3. Mentor, 4-0 (3): Hosts Parma on Friday.

4. St. Vincent-St. Mary, 4-0 (4): Plays Archbishop Hoban on Friday.

5. St. Ignatius, 3-1 (5): Hosts John Adams on Saturday.

6. Maple Heights, 4-0 (7): Hosts Shaw on Friday.

7. Walsh Jesuit, 2-1 (6): At No. 9 Lake Catholic on Saturday.

8. Avon, 4-0 (8): Hosts Elyria Catholic on Friday.

9. Lake Catholic, 4-0 (11): A win’s a win and Cougars will take 27-22 edging over host Youngstown Cardinal Mooney. Hosts No. 7 Walsh Jesuit on Saturday.

10. Chagrin Falls, 4-0 (12): Tigers pulled out key Chagrin Valley
Conference Chagrin Division overtime win over previously unbeaten Aurora. Hosts Kenston on Friday.

11. Glenville, 1-2 (10): Hosts Collinwood on Saturday.

12. Elyria, 4-0 (13): At North Royalton on Friday.

13. Aurora, 3-1 (9): At Orange on Friday.

14. Wadsworth, 4-0 (14): Hosts Revere on Friday.

15. Brunswick, 4-0 (16): Blue Devils continued to prove the doubters wrong with a 31-28  nail-biting win over previously unbeaten Hudson. At Garfield Heights on Friday.

16. Hudson, 3-1 (15): At Cuyahoga Falls on Friday.

17. Benedictine, 4-0 (17): Hosts Cleveland Central Catholic on Friday.

18. Ravenna, 3-1 (21): Hosts Coventry on Friday.

19. Copley, 3-1 (—): Indians have been on a roll since their seasonopening
loss to Massillon Jackson. At Nordonia on Friday.

20. Cleveland Heights, 4-0 (21): At Euclid on Friday.

21. University School, 4-0 (25):  Preppers handed Madison its first loss in
Premier Athletic Conference opener. At Willoughby South on Friday.

22. Eastlake North, 4-0 (23): At Riverside on Friday.

23. Ellet, 3-1 (22): At Kenmore on Saturday.

24. West Geauga, 4-0 (24): At Perry on Friday.

25. Midview, 3-1 (—): Middies welcomed Elyria Catholic into the West Shore Conference with a convincing 34-7 victory. At Rocky River on Friday.

Dropped out: Elyria Catholic, Madison.

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? Skype us today from 10-11 a.m.

We'll be taking your Skype calls live from 10-11 a.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!

Did Pat Shurmur convince you he's an NFL head coach? What do the Browns need to do beat Miami?

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.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — How a state panel of sports writers and broadcasters rates Ohio high school football teams in the second weekly Associated Press poll of 2011, by OHSAA divisions, with wonlostrecord and total points (first-place votes in parentheses):DIVISION I1. St. Edward (24) 4-0 2782. Cin. Moeller (2) 4-0 2253. Mentor 4-0 2034. Tol. Whitmer 4-0 1345. Hill. Davidson 3-0 1096. Middletown 4-0...

Chagrin Falls is ranked No. 6 in Division III following their win over Aurora last Friday night. - (John Kuntz | The Plain Dealer)

 Defending Division I state champion St. Edward improved from No. 34 to 30th in the recent Rivals national poll, stayed No. 8 in ESPN but dropped from fourth to ninth in USA Today and from ninth to 12th in MaxPreps.    Solon remained 42nd in Rivals while Mentor slipped to 57th from 55th. Cincinnati Moeller stayed at 13th in...

 Defending Division I state champion St. Edward improved from No. 34 to 30th in the recent Rivals national poll, stayed No. 8 in ESPN but dropped from fourth to ninth in USA Today and from ninth to 12th in MaxPreps.
 

 Solon remained 42nd in Rivals while Mentor slipped to 57th from 55th. Cincinnati Moeller stayed at 13th in Rivals and St. Xavier is downs 10 places to 28th in ESPN. Colerain stayed at 44th in ESPN but is 32nd in Rivals compared to last week's ranking of 23rd.

The teams begin a four-game set with a day-night doubleheader Tuesday at Progressive Field, where Chicago has won four of five meetings.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerFausto Carmona starts Game 1 of today's doubleheader.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Not long ago, the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians were contenders in the AL Central race. Now, both are playing out the string as a disappointing season draws to a close.

The teams begin a four-game set with a day-night doubleheader Tuesday at Progressive Field, where Chicago has won four of five meetings.

The White Sox and Indians both trailed first-place Detroit by 5 1/2 games on Sept. 1, only to falter amidst slumps which took them out of contention. Cleveland (75-75) fell below .500 during a 2-8 stretch, while Chicago (74-78) halted a seven-game losing streak Sunday by beating Kansas City 10-5.

"It was nice to have a good day and get a win. It feels like its been a while," said White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who had two homers among his four hits. "That gives us a chance to relax a bit. You feel like every day you're grinding, grinding, grinding and now we're going towards the offseason."

Paul Konerko added his 30th homer of the season, giving him at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for the fifth time in his career.

"It's one of those things that when I came into the season that I kind of felt like that's my job, to drive in runs," Konerko said.

The Indians gave up plenty of runs Monday, falling 12-6 to Seattle to end their three-game winning streak in a game called due to rain after seven innings.

Asdrubal Cabrera hit a two-run homer and is 7 for 9 over his last two games after an 0-for-20 slump.

Cabrera and the rest of the Indians will face Chicago starter Gavin Floyd (12-11, 4.42 ERA) in Game 1.

Floyd suffered his first loss since Aug. 3 when he allowed four runs in 5 1-3 innings of a 5-0 defeat to Detroit on Tuesday. He's winless with a 5.06 ERA over his last three starts, not pitching through the sixth inning in any of them.

The right-hander has pitched well against Cleveland this season, going 2-0 with a 2.42 ERA in four starts - all White Sox victories.

He'll be opposed by Fausto Carmona (6-15, 5.26), who has fared much worse against Chicago in 2011.

The right-hander is 1-2 with a 9.14 ERA in four starts versus the White Sox this season, including an opening-day outing in which he gave up 10 runs in three innings of a 15-10 loss. Carmona last faced them Sept. 10, when he allowed three runs in 5 1-3 innings of Cleveland's 7-3, 10-inning defeat.

Konerko is 8 for 20 with two homers lifetime off Carmona.

On the positive side for Carmona, he did earn his last victory against the White Sox on Aug. 17, when he gave up one run in a season-high 8 1-3 innings. He's 0-3 with a 6.97 ERA in six starts since after allowing six runs - five earned - in six innings of a 7-4 loss to Texas on Thursday.

The Indians will also be looking for a better performance out of Zach McAllister (0-1, 12.27) in the nightcap.

The 23-year-old rookie right-hander begins his third stint with the Indians after making a pair of spot starts which didn't go very well. He allowed three runs - two earned - in four innings before Cleveland rallied for a 5-4 win over Toronto on July 7, then gave up 10 runs - eight earned - in 3 1-3 innings of a 12-7 loss to Seattle on Aug. 23 - also the second game of a doubleheader.

He'll be opposed by Dylan Axelrod (0-0, 2.25), who is looking to stay hot.

The rookie right-hander is coming off a solid first major league start, allowing two runs and striking out eight in six innings of Chicago's 6-5, 10-inning loss to Detroit on Wednesday.

Plain Dealer sports writer says Colt McCoy's play vs. Colts was even more impressive as you watch the game a second time. Watch video

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

The Browns will try to put a win streak together Sunday when they take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The game will mark the return of Brian Daboll, the Browns' offensive coordinator last season under Eric Mangini. Which team do you think will win, and by how many points? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff, who is talking Browns and Indians. He says he thinks the Browns will win Sunday; and that as he reviewed the game tape from Sunday's win over Indianapolis, he thought Colt McCoy played better than when he watched the game the first time.

APFormer Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll makes his return to Cleveland with the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Dman also discusses whether Greg Little can become the Browns' No. 1 receiver; whether the Indians can build their lineup around slugging first baseman-catcher Carlos Santana, who set a record in Monday's loss to Seattle; and whether it's important that the Indians finish the season with a .500-or-better record.

SBTV will return Wednesday with Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises discussing how the Buckeyes will rebound from Saturday's loss at Miami.

Can the Browns keep the momentum going against Miami on Sunday? Will the Indians pick up the options on Grady Sizemore and Fausto Carmona? Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

View full sizeSam Riche | MCTJabaal Sheard had an impact in Sunday's Browns win over the Colts.

Can the Browns keep the momentum going against Miami on Sunday? Will the Indians pick up the options on Grady Sizemore and Fausto Carmona?

Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• How many carries should Peyton Hills get each week?

• Is it time to give up on talking about Brian Robiskie as a viable option at wide receiver?

• Was it good to see the Browns go on the road and beat a team when they were down?

• Are you concerned that the Indians are sputtering to the finish line now that they're out of the race?

• Can the Indians afford to go in to the 2012 season with some of the same question marks as this season?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

You can catch Terry Pluto speaking at the Columbia Station Library on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. Admission is free and Terry will be glad to sign any books you bring to the event.

Be sure to also like Terry Pluto on Facebook.

The Indians recall Corey Kluber to make sure they're protected in their sprint to the finish line.

APCorey Kluber will get the Indians some depth after being recalled from Class AAA Columbus.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians are not going into the good night slowly. They're sprinting into it, while juggling chain saws and blowtorches.

They are in the midst of playing their last 18 games of the season in 16 days. In this, their last homestand, they will play nine games in seven days, including Tuesday's day-night doubleheader against Chicago and another day-nighter Saturday against the Twins.

Manager Manny Acta is already working with a 10-man bullpen thanks to September callups, but before Tuesday's doubleheader the Indians recalled right-hander Corey Kluber from Class AAA Columbus just to make sure they have enough arms available. Kluber's arrival may have become more imperative after long men Chad Durbin and Frank Herrmann had to pitch in Monday's rain-shortened 12-6 loss to Seattle.

Kluber could also come in handy if Josh Tomlin's simulated game doesn't go well Tuesday. Tomlin, rebounding from a sore right elbow, is in line to pitch one of Saturday's two games.

This is Kluber's second tour with the Tribe this season. The right-hander went 7-11 with a 5.56 ERA in 27 starts at Columbus after being obtained last year from San Diego as part of a three-team deal with the Cardinals for Jake Westbrook.

Kluber was originally recalled Sept. 1 and made his big league debut that night against Oakland. He'll wear No.34.

No go: It will be right-hander Joe Martinez pitching for Columbus tonight against Omaha in the Class AAA title game in Albuquerque, N.M. Columbus announced that Mitch Talbot was going to start, but those plans have been changed.

The Indians want to have Talbot as an option in case their pitching staff gets knocked around in the last homestand.  

Today's lineups (Game 1)

White Sox (74-78): LF Juan Pierre (L), SS Alexei Ramirez (R), 1B Paul Konerko (R), C A.J. Pierzynski (L), CF Alex Rios (R), DH Adam Dunn (L), RF Alejandro De Aza (L), 3B Brent Morel (R), 2B Gordon Beckham (R), RHP Gavin Floyd (12-11, 4.42).

Indians (75-76): RF Kosuke Fukudome (L), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), 1B Carlos Santana (S), LF Shelley Duncan (R), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall, CF Trevor Crowe (S), C Lou Marson (R) and RHP Fausto Carmona (6-15, 5.25)

Him vs. me: Konerko is hitting .400 (8-for-20) with two homers and nine RBI against Carmona. Thome is 4-for-8

Lefty-righty: Lefties are hitting .294 (110-for-374) with 10 homers and righties .252 (81-for-322) with 11 homers against Carmona. The White Sox have four lefties in the lineup.

Lefties are hitting .273 (107-for-392) with 13 homers and righties .220 (63-for-286) with six homers against Floyd. The Indians have seven lefties, including three switch-hitters, in the lineup. 

The Buckeyes' coach said Braxton Miller and Joe Bauserman will continue to compete for playing time in practice. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Plenty to talk about with Ohio State coach Luke Fickell today. I asked him twice about not using his timeouts on defense as the Buckeyes trailed 17-6 late in the Miami game, and also about the TV cameras catching quarterback Joe Bauserman smiling or laughing on the sidelines late in the loss.

And, of course, we talked about quarterbacks. Fickell basically said the competition is on this week, and seemed to hint that he had an idea which way the battle might go, but he wasn't telling us.

Here's his first answer on the quarterbacks.

"We don't know what the plan is just yet. We're going to have these guys compete. We have an idea what's going to happen. Until we see them compete in practice, see how guys handle situations and roles and different things like that, we're not going to make a complete judgment just yet. We're going to focus on ourselves."

And then later, Fickell was asked whether Miller was in the running to start against Colorado on Saturday.

"I don't know. I don't have the crystal ball. We know what we think. We're going to continue to see them battle and work at it. We're going to focus on day to day getting better. Does that mean we have to adjust and do some things? I think the most important thing, talking about the quarterback position, whether it's offense or defense, we got to find a way to get our best 11 on the field.

"I know there's situations when you have to have different guys on the field, whether it's defensively or offensively. The thing we have to make sure we do is try to find a way that we can, A, get better each and every day, but how do we get our best 11 guys on the field."

I think it's fair to guess that Miller will play more than he has.

On the timeouts, here's my first two questions, and Fickell's answer.

Q. Why didn't you call any of your timeouts when you were on defense late in the game?

COACH FICKELL: "We were going to call a timeout on the third down play they converted. There was still a minute and a half to go. They actually ended up calling the timeout for us. We got together, said, You know what, we need two scores, whether they kick a field goal or what happens. The only way we probably best fit is to make sure we've got as many opportunities to call timeouts as possible. 

"Probably if I went back and looked at it, the one they called with 8, 10 seconds left, maybe should have saved ourselves 25 seconds right there. Once they called the timeout on the third down before the last four plays, we decided, Hey, we're going to need to save these unless we get in a situation because we're going to need two scores."

 Q. You didn't consider it earlier in the drive?

COACH FICKELL: "No, we didn't. We still knew we were going to need two scores. Our thought was if we're going to need two scores, we're going to need to have the ability to stop the clock offensively. They were running it out.

If we look back in hindsight, the very last one, maybe it would have saved us 30 seconds in our minds and maybe we could have got a little bit of a breather is something that I always look back at. Our thought was, Hey, we're going to best we can try to make sure we have a couple to score twice."

I asked again to end the news conference, with two more questions before Steve Helwagen of Bucknuts finished up with the final question in this exchange.

Q. I don't want to belabor the point on the timeouts, but I'm going to. Do you regret you ended up with three timeouts in your pocket at the end of that game?

COACH FICKELL: "Well, if we were within striking distance, I would have liked to have them. Do I regret anything? Maybe the very last one that could have saved us an extra 20 seconds before they went for it on fourth down. Other than that, that was our plan when we talked about it."

Q. Did you feel 17-6 was striking distance?
 
COACH FICKELL: "We felt like we needed those timeouts, if we were going to get the ball back, to be able to have a chance to score twice."

Q. Perhaps the most glaring was when there was an injury on the field and they took 40 seconds off the clock. Do you regret not using one at that point to keep a full 40 seconds on the clock?

COACH FICKELL: "That was right there towards that very end. After they had already taken their timeout on third down, we said, They did us a favor, took the timeout. We have to score twice. We're going to need those two if we can get the ball back. The focus needed to be on, yes, stopping it.

"It ultimately didn't end up hurting us. That last one, as I look back and evaluate it, that was the chance to get hindsight, that would probably be the spot."

I think it may have been best to use the timeouts with three or four minutes left, at the same time stopping the clock, giving the defense a breather and making sure the defense was settled while trying to make a stop on second or third down. Fickell talked after the Toledo game about how important it was to call the defensive timeout they used late in the game to organize the defense as Toledo was trying to drive for the winning score.

Also, the only real hope there was to force a turnover, and Miami quarterback Jacory Harris has a history of throwing picks. I would have saved the time earlier, so if that pick would have come, and Harris did throw a dangerous pass on that drive, more time would have remained. Saving the timeouts for offense at that point was too hopeful, and you can control the clock more on offense than you can on defense,. 

And then, my question about Joe Bauserman's sidelines attitude at the end of the game. Fickell defends Bauserman but admits it's something you can't do.

Q. I think the TV cameras near the end of the game caught Joe Bauserman laughing or smiling on the sidelines. Is that anything that's an issue for you while you're losing the game?
 
COACH FICKELL: "I didn't see it. I didn't catch it. I think somebody emailed me something about that. I haven't talked to Joe. I know Joe hurts every bit as bad as I do. Just like me up here, I smile and I show that I'm happy and everything's going great when my stomach down inside is sometimes in a knot. 

"No, that's not something you want to see. Whether he was disguising or masking how his gut felt, I have confidence that Joe hurts every bit as much as I hurt. We try and tell those guys, nothing goes unnoticed whether it's on the sidelines of a game, whether it's in a classroom, wherever you are having something to eat. Just make sure you understand that.

"But I haven't noticed anything that would tell me that Joe isn't 100% with us."

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio - Walsh Jesuit kicker and Plain Dealer All-Star Ross Martin has been selected to play in the ESPN Under Armour All-America Game. The All-Star game is Jan. 5 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. Game representatives will visit Walsh Jesuit on Sept. 27 to present Martin with a jersey.

Walsh Jesuit senior Ross Martin, a Duke recruit, is ranked as the top kicker in the nation by Rivals.com. - (Allison Carey, The Plain Dealer)

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio - Walsh Jesuit kicker and Plain Dealer All-Star Ross Martin has been selected to play in the ESPN Under Armour All-America Game.

The All-Star game is Jan. 5 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. Game representatives will visit Walsh Jesuit on Sept. 27 to present Martin with a jersey.

Martin, a Duke recruit, is ranked as the top kicker in the nation by Rivals.com.