The Tribe will try to extend their lead over the White Sox tonight.
The Plain DealerTribe starter Fausto Carmona.
The Indians maintained its 1 1/2-game lead over the White Sox for second place in the AL Central after splitting Tuesday's doubleheader, and the Tribe will seek to extend their lead when starter Ubaldo Jimenez takes the mound.
Jimenez has been streaking in a positive direction, writes MLB.com reporter Paul Casella. He continues to write how Jimenez has gone 3-1 with a 2.78 ERA over his last five starts, showing glimpses of what the Indians hoped he'd bring to the club when it acquired him from Colorado on July 30.
But when Mark Buehrle takes the mound for the White Sox tonight, his outing will carry more significance than might be expected in a matchup of two non-contending teams, writes Casella.
First, there's the fact that it will be his 30th start of the season, marking his 11th straight year of recording at least 30 starts. The veteran lefty also needs just 7 2/3 innings to reach 200 for the 11th straight season, the longest streak of its kind in the Major Leagues.
Not to be forgotten is the fact that Buehrle, who will become a free agent following the season, could be making his next-to-last start in a White Sox uniform.
The Plain DealerBrowns wide receiver Greg Little evades the tackle.
Is Greg Little the No. 1 receiver the Cleveland Browns have been look for?
News-Herald reporter Jeff Schudel writes how Little, at least, wants to be that guy. And Schudel writes how Little has improved more than any receiver on the roster since training camp started on July 30. He was shaky in the beginning.
So what separates a true No. 1 from all the Brian Robiskies of the NFL? It is more than an ability to catch a football and run a 40-yard dash quickly.
Little said he worked out in the offseason with Larry Fitzgerald from the Cardinals and Wes Welker from the Patriots. That pair knows all about what it takes to be "the guy" in a receiving corps.
Approved by the fans
After a loss to open the season, Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur got the Browns their first win last week against the Colts.
And in typical fashion, he's gone from questionable by the fans to a high approval rating.
Browns return specialist Josh Cribbs is named AFC special teams player of the week.
Lisa DeJong, The Plain DealerRichmond McGee is getting a second opinion today on the back injury that caused a bad game and landed him on injured reserve.
BEREA -- Former Browns punter Richmond McGee is seeing the same spine specialist today that treated Peyton Manning.
McGee, whose agent said he suffered a herniated disc prior to the team's home opener against Cincinnati, is in southern California to receive a second opinion on the injury from Dr. Robert Watkins in Marina Del Ray, Calif.
The Browns placed McGee on injured reserve last week. He was replaced by veteran Brad Maynard, who had a big game in the Browns' win in Indianpolis.
David Canter, McGee's agent, said there has been no discussion with the Browns about an injury settlement. "He's still injured," Canter said.
Cribbs honored: Josh Cribbs was named AFC Special teams player of the week by the NFL. Cribbs jumpstarted the Browns in Indianapolis with a 52-yard kickoff return to set up one touchdown and spurred another with a 43-yard punt return in the Browns' 27-19 win. It's the fourth time in his career Cribbs won the weekly award. He also has three monthly awrds.
Metta World Peace needs to hang up his dancing shoes.
Chris Carlson / Associated PressIt's a better world since Metta World Peace was eliminated on Dancing With The Stars.
The NBA lockout can't end soon enough, especially for Metta World Peace, the basketball player formerly known as Ron Artest.
At a time when he would probably be working out and getting ready for the upcoming NBA season, Peace put his high tops on the shelf and competed on Dancing With The Stars.
Peace was so bad, that he scored 14 points (out of a possible 30). Maybe he'll leave the dancing to the experts.
cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer continue to bring high school sports fans access to their favorite schools and teams like no one else in Northeast Ohio. Now fans can follow their teams on their mobile device with our newly-upgraded high school sports app.This free app, available for iPhone and Android devices, brings you all the latest news, scores...
cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer continue to bring high school sports fans access to their favorite schools and teams like no one else in Northeast Ohio. Now fans can follow their teams on their mobile device with our newly-upgraded high school sports app. This free app, available for iPhone and Android devices, brings you all the latest news, scores and schedules for your teams. You can select as many teams to follow as you’d like and you can receive push notifications of final scores for that team.
If you've already downloaded the app, be sure to download the latest upgrade which now allows you to see all scores and schedules for your selected teams. You also have the ability to upload photos, videos and even submit scores right from your phone.
Pro Baseline Fan by Reflect7 is a new application with roster data, player stats, box scores, and player bios fans will be able to keep up with all the news concerning the Cavaliers.
Find out about team history staffing selections, standout seasons, and championship victories. Join up with facebook connect to chat with other fans and get your opinion heard. Available at the App Store for $0.99 this application will even let fans view sections of the stadium to see where they are sitting.
Basketball Fans – Cleveland by Brighthouse Labs contains all relevant information about the team.
Cleveland Basketball News and Rumors by RC3, INC. is a great way for fans to monitor their team.
Cleveland Pro Basketball Trivia by Phoenix Venture, LLC is the best way for fans to test their knowledge of the team. With 100 in depth questions users can adapt time limits to make the trivia tense and also turn on the correct answer section.
These apps are compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises, who says Colorado is still trying to rebuild its program and might not be as good as the Toledo team the Buckeyes defeated two Saturdays ago.
Griffin's former teammate Baron Davis, now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been offered an intern position with local advertising company Liggett Stashower.
Here's a portion of the letter directed to Davis:
We recently heard you're taking advantage of your time off from basketball by going back to college. We wish you the best of luck as you look to finish your degree.
We're not sure of UCLA's regulations, but many universities require that students complete an internship to graduate. Frankly, every student should pursue an internship. It's the best way to try out a career while you still have time to change your mind. That said, Liggett Stashower would like to offer you an intern position.
Would finishing second this season mean anything in the big picture? Will Fausto Carmona be back next season? Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.
View full sizePlain Dealer file photoThe Indians will have a decision to make on Fausto Carmona this offseason.
Audio: Paul Hoynes podcast
Indians beat writer talks about the team.
Would finishing second this season mean anything in the big picture? Will Fausto Carmona be back next season?
Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.
Among other topics discussed:
• Will this team bring back essentially the same bullpen in 2012?
• Who are the front runners for the back end of the rotation next year?
• What are your thoughts on some of the Columbus relievers we've gotten a look at in September?
• With the Indians sending cash to the Twins to complete the Jim Thome trade, what impact did the deal ultimately have?
You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.
KIRTLAND, Ohio - Kirtland senior fullback/linebacker Christian Hauber has made an oral commitment to Air Force. Hauber (6-1, 218) said he visited the school two weeks ago.
Kirtland senior fullback/linebacker Christian Hauber made an oral commitment to Air Force after visiting the campus two weeks ago. - (Special to The Plain Dealer)
KIRTLAND, Ohio - Kirtland senior fullback/linebacker Christian Hauber has made an oral commitment to Air Force.
Hauber (6-1, 218) said he visited the school two weeks ago.
"I knew it was a great opportunity for me," he said. "It was a great atmosphere and I really liked the coaches a lot. The stadium was beautiful. That caught me off guard a little bit."
Hauber said several other schools contacted him about playing linebacker, but had not made offers. Air Force was the only school interested in him as fullback.
"I like that a lot more. They run the triple option, and the fullback gets the ball a lot," he said.
Hauber said he will attend Air Force's prep school for one year before enrolling in the academy.
"I've heard a decent amount of 'writing off' of the Dolphins this week on the local sports radio stations. This team is not a bad team. Forget that they are 0-2, because it was against top notch teams. I hope the Browns win, but I'm not counting on it. If the Browns play well, limit penalties and turnovers, they can be in the game in the 4th." - thuperbowl
View full sizeRobert Duyos | Sun Sentinel | MCTChad Henne and the 0-2 Dolphins come to town on Sunday.
"I've heard a decent amount of 'writing off' of the Dolphins this week on the local sports radio stations. This team is not a bad team. Forget that they are 0-2, because it was against top notch teams. I hope the Browns win, but I'm not counting on it. If the Browns play well, limit penalties and turnovers, they can be in the game in the 4th."
"This kid needs to put some serious work in on his game if he's ever to be worth having on the roster. This could be very good for the Cavs if he can raise his level of play while most others are sitting around doing little or nothing." - Sorry, but you're wrong
View full sizeAP Photo | Jeffrey PhelpsSemih Erden was acquired by the Cavaliers at the trade deadline last season.
"This kid needs to put some serious work in on his game if he's ever to be worth having on the roster. This could be very good for the Cavs if he can raise his level of play while most others are sitting around doing little or nothing."
To respond to Sorry, but you're wrong's comment, go here.
"Second place or third place? Neither is first place so what's the difference? Early spring training has begun and we have to see the young guys sometime. Why wear out the vets in battling for second place?" - fliegeroh
View full sizeAP Photo | Tony DejakTravis Hafner and the Indians are playing for second in the AL Central.
"Second place or third place? Neither is first place so what's the difference? Early spring training has begun and we have to see the young guys sometime. Why wear out the vets in battling for second place?"
Teams have split 14 regular season games, some memorable. Unfortunately, the Dolphins used fourth-quarter touchdowns to win both playoff games between the teams -- one of them, a game that, with a different outcome, would have prevented history in the making.
Plain Dealer(Left to right) The Browns' Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Kellen Winslow, Jr. and Braylon Edwards after a Cleveland touchdown during a 41-31 win over the Dolphins in 2007.
The teams have played 14 regular season games, each team winning seven. Twice, the Browns have visited Miami in the playoffs, and both times, lost on late Dolphins' touchdowns.
Several of the Browns-Dolphins games are memorable for late-game drama. The Plain Dealer covered all of them, and PD game stories can be found on cleveland.com's Browns History Database.
Plain Dealer stories on a few of the most memorable games:
Browns 28, Dolphins 0, Oct. 25, 1970 in Miami. By Chuck Heaton. The first meeting ever between the two teams, in the first season of realignment following the National Football League's merger with the American Football League. It was also noteworthy because the Browns had traded future Hall of Fame wide receiver Paul Warfield to the Dolphins several months earlier for the draft rights to Purdue quarterback Mike Phipps. It was also Painesville native Don Shula's first season as Miami's coach.
Dolphins 20, Browns 14, playoff game, Dec. 24, 1972 in Miami. By Chuck Heaton. The Browns nearly pulled off what would have been one of the biggest upsets in team history. It also would have changed NFL history. Miami went on to become what remains the only NFL team to complete a perfect season. Paul Warfield and Mike Phipps played major roles in the outcome.
Dolphins 17, Browns 9, Oct. 15, 1973 in Cleveland. By Chuck Heaton. A Monday Night Football Game at old Municipal Stadium, and the first Browns' home game to be televised live in the Cleveland viewing area, after the lifting of the NFL local TV blackout rule. Miami, on the way to a second straight Super Bowl championship, got a big game from future Hall of Fame running back Larry Csonka, a Stow High School graduate.
Browns 30, Dolphins 24, overtime, Nov. 18, 1979 in Cleveland. By Russell Schneider. One of the signature games of the Browns "Kardiac Kids" era, featuring quarterback Brian Sipe and several big-play receivers.
Dolphins 24, Browns 21, playoff game, Jan.4, 1986 in Miami. By Tony Grossi. Earnest Byner's running keyed the Browns to a stunning 21-3 lead. Rookie Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar returned to the Orange Bowl, where he had led Miami (Fla.) to an NCAA national championship. The Dolphins, though, had Dan Marino.
Browns 26, Dolphins 16, Nov. 10, 1986 in Cleveland. By Tony Grossi. Kosar and his receivers prove how much the Browns' passing game had developed since the teams' last meeting 10 months prior.
Browns 41, Dolphins 31, Oct. 14, 2007 in Cleveland. By Tony Grossi. One of the big games during the season-out-of-nowhere for Browns quarterback Derek Anderson.
Browns 13, Dolphins 10, Dec. 5, 2010 at Miami. By Tony Grossi. Memorable only because it's the most recent.
Not much video that chronicles the Browns-Dolphins series is available on the internet. Some, though, follows, from youtube.com:
Video: About four minutes into a segment from a 1986 program, "20 Years of the Miami Dolphins," Paul Warfield talks about undefeated Miami's tense 20-14 win over the Browns in a Dec. 24, 1972 playoff game, with video of Warfield making a key, difficult catch and Jim Kiick's game-winning touchdown run, which followed Warfield's catch by a few plays:
Video: Highlights of comeback wins for the 1979-80 "Kardiac Kids" includes, about 1:25 in, Brian Sipe's game-winning touchdown pass to Reggie Rucker that gave the Browns a 30-24 home win over the Dolphins on Nov. 18, 1979. Enjoy the calls on that play and several others by the late Gib Shanley, the Browns' legendary radio play-by-play announcer for nearly three decades:
Video: Don't blink, or you will miss (about 1:25 in) Ozzie Newsome running into the end zone on a touchdown pass from Brian Sipe, forcing overtime, and then (about 15 seconds later) Reggie Rucker catching the game-winning TD pass from Sipe in the Browns' 30-24 home win over the Dolphins on Nov. 18, 1979:
Video: Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots of CBS wrap up the Browns' 41-31 home win over the Dolphins on Oct. 14, 2007:
Video: Highlights of the Browns' 13-10 win at Miami last Dec. 5 in Miami:
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy talked with the media following practice about throwing in and out of the pocket. McCoy also discussed what they have to do to this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Watch video
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy talked with the media following practice about throwing in and out of the pocket. McCoy also discussed what they have to do to this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Redskins cornerback wants Romo, Cowboys QB who also has a punctured lung, to play when teams meet Monday night. "I want to get a chance to put my helmet on whatever's hurt," Hall says. Poll -- what kind of talk is that?
Associated PressDallas' Tony Romo after getting hit during the Cowboys' 27-24 overtime win last Sunday at San Francisco. Romo was injured on Dallas' first offensive series, but went on to complete 20 of 33 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns.
ASHBURN, Virginia (AP) -- Tony Romo has a fractured rib. DeAngelo Hall sees it as a bull's-eye.
The Washington Redskins cornerback said Wednesday he's hoping the Dallas Cowboys quarterback plays when the NFC East rivals meet Monday night; if only for the chance to inflict more damage.
"Absolutely. I want to get a chance to put my helmet on whatever's hurt," Hall said. "Romo's ribs; I'm going to be asking for some corner blitzes. If I know Felix Jones' shoulder's hurt, I'm not going to cut him. I'm definitely going to try to hit him up high, so that's just part of it.
"If you know something's wrong with an opponent, you're going to try to target in on that. We're going to try to definitely get as many hats on that team as possible."
Romo suffered a fractured rib and punctured lung at San Francisco on Sunday, but he returned to the game to lead an overtime win.
The Cowboys had an extra day off Wednesday, but Dallas coach Jason Garrett told Redskins reporters on a conference call that he remains hopeful that Romo will play against Washington.
"I think he's doing fine," Garrett said. "He got knocked around a little bit on Sunday, but he's getting his rehab and hopefully he'll be ready to play for this ballgame. We'll take it day to day, the next few days."
Garrett gave no specific updates on the other notable Cowboys injuries. Receiver Miles Austin aggravated a hamstring injury Sunday, starting center Phil Costa reinjured his right knee, receiver Dez Bryant has been out with a bruised thigh, and running back Jones has the ailing shoulder.
Hall was asked if Romo should just go ahead and put a target on the rib that was broken.
"He ain't got to," Hall said. "I already know where it is. We'll be all right. We find it. I'll find it."
Gilbert returns to the prestigious list for the first time since 2006
John Kuntz, The Plain Dealer Businessman and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is ranked as the 293rd richest American, according to Forbes. His estimated worth is $1.5 billion.
Dan Gilbert's basketball team took a mighty tumble in the NBA standings a season ago.
But the Cavaliers owner has rocketed up a chart that measures another bottom line.
Gilbert was named as one of America's 400 richest people Wednesday, according to Forbes. His estimated worth is $1.5 billion, ranking him 293rd.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates tops the list at $59 billion. The top NBA owner is Portland's Paul Allen, ranked 23rd with $13.2 billion.
Gilbert, 49, returns to the top-400 for the first time since 2006 when Forbes estimated his worth at $1.1 billion. His value was placed at $900 million a year earlier when he purchased the Cavs.
The Quicken Loans patriarch endured the mortgage crisis of 2008-09 and, according to the magazine, wrote $29.4 billion in new loans last year, along with adding a dozen start-up companies.
His most notable loss was LeBron James.
Gilbert continues to build and diversify his financial empire. He's developing casinos in Cleveland and Cincinnati.
Former No. 1 overall pick played 21 seasons, highlighted by a Stanley Cup championship with Dallas, along with 561 goals and 1,374 points.
Associated PressMike Modano with the Detroit Red Wings last season. Here, he acknowledges the applause of Stars fans during a game at Dallas, where he enjoyed some of his best seasons.
One of the greatest American hockey players is hanging up his skates for good.
Mike Modano announced Wednesday that he is retiring after 21 seasons in the NHL, a career that includes a Stanley Cup championship along with 561 goals and 1,374 points -- both of which are records for U.S.-born players.
"It's just time," he said in a phone interview from Dallas, taking a break between playing 36 holes of golf. "I didn't get any calls after July 1 and I figured that was it."
Only it wasn't. The 41-year-old Modano said Vancouver assistant general manager Lorne Henning offered him a chance last week to continue his career with the Canucks.
"I told him I had to pass because I hadn't touched a weight or unzipped my bag since we lost in San Jose," he said.
Modano ended his career as a banged-up player who had lost a step and some zip off his shot during his one-season stint with his hometown Detroit Red Wings. A skate sliced a tendon in his right wrist and limited him to 40 games and career lows with four goals and 15 points with the Red Wings.
"He was on the verge of really producing for us before he got injured," former Red Wings teammate Chris Osgood said. "By the time he was able to play, it was too late. But back in the 1990s, few guys could skate and shoot like him. I can still see him flying down the ice, cutting down the lane and snapping off a shot toward the high glove."
In Modano's prime, he was among the best hockey players on the planet -- shifty, speedy and with a tough-to-stop wrist shot. He also played in three Olympics, helping the Americans win silver in 2002.
"His speed was his strength," said former NHL player Chris Chelios, a teammate in the Olympics. "He had a great shot — hard and heavy — and he was tough to stop once he made a turn and generated speed. He was a great ambassador for the U.S. team."
The executive director of USA Hockey agreed.
"Scores of kids grew up pretending to be Mike Modano, not only in our country, but across the world," Dave Ogrean said. "That fact alone helps frame the enormous impact he's had on the game. His accomplishments on the ice speak for themselves. He's one of our greatest players ever."
The Minnesota North Stars selected the native of Livonia, Mich., No. 1 overall in 1988. Following the franchise's move to Dallas, he helped the Stars hoist the Stanley Cup in 1999.
Modano was in his prime when the Stars were among the NHL's elite a decade ago, including a stretch of 34 home playoff games at rowdy Reunion Arena over three seasons from 1998-2000. When the Stars were at their best, Modano was the most popular player on a team full of fan favorites. The success fueled a 238-game sellout streak and a youth hockey boom that led to the Stars building ice rinks all over the heart of football country.
Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk, who made the difficult decision not to bring his former teammate back a year ago, called Modano an icon in the sport.
"He was invaluable in helping sell the game of hockey in Dallas," Nieuwendyk said. "Mike is the face of our franchise and I think it is safe to say that no one else will wear No. 9 for the Dallas Stars."
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman congratulated Modano on an outstanding career.
"We thank Mike for giving National Hockey League fans 21 years of thrills with his speed, his skill, his craftsmanship and his class," Bettman said. "Mike also excelled on the international stage, representing the NHL and USA Hockey with great distinction."
Tribe starter Fausto Carmona.
