With today's final 18 holes remaining at Quail Hollow in Concord Township there are 11 players within five shots of leader Dennis Miller.

CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The drive to the wire at the Ohio Open resembles downtown commuters rushing to catch a train out of Tower City Center.

The leaderboard at Quail Hollow Country Club is so crowded you could almost visualize guys trying to elbow their way to the top, or at least to the cut at 2-over 144. The field was trimmed to the top 50 scores and ties, resulting in 52 players making the cut.

With today's final 18 holes remaining on the Devlin Course there are 11 players within five shots of leader Dennis Miller, the pro at Mill Creek Park Golf Course.

Miller, the 1996 champion from Canfield, maintained his first-round lead with a 2-under 69 on Tuesday on the Devlin Course for a 54-hole total of 8 under. Defending champion Vaughn Snyder reeled off 10 birdies en route to a 6-under 65 and trails by one, sharing second place with New Albany pro Bob Sowards.

"It was a pretty stress-free round," said Miller, who had 13 two-putt greens. "For most of the day I just got the ball on the green, lagged it up there and two-putted."

Third place had an Akron flavor as it was shared by Firestone pro David Champagne and former University of Akron player Garrett Frank, now competing on the Canadian Tour. Frank shot a tournament-best 7-under 64, also on the Devlin Course, to get into contention at 6 under.

Snyder, 23, won this tournament last year in his first professional start. He has since played in 21 events on the FuZion Tour with nine top-10 finishes. He is attempting to become the Open's first repeat winner since Bob Wynn won three in a row (1970-72).

That was of no consequence to Snyder, who played two years at Akron before transferring to Ohio State.

"People talk about defending, but it's a new year and a new championship," said Snyder, who opened with a 70. "I just want to play to the best of my abilities and not make any mistakes."

His 10 birdies -- six of which came on the back nine -- were accompanied by four bogeys. He missed three putts of about four feet and three-putted the 550-yard third hole for par.

"I basically gave away four shots," he said.

Some of the putts he made were round-makers. Starting on the back side, he rolled in a 20-footer on the 10th, a 15-footer on the 11th, a 15-footer on the 15th, a 40-footer on the 16th and a 20-footer on the 18th.

Those within striking distance includes three amateurs -- Rocky River's Matt Gerard (67-72), a junior at St. Ignatius; Dublin's Michael Cress (68-71); and Michael Shonk of Columbus (68-71).

Three-time champ Rob Moss (67-71) and former St. Vincent-St, Mary standout Brian Unk (69-69) also are in contention.

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

Sports Illustrated finds James -- third last year -- making nearly $16 million in salary/winnings and $30 million in endorsements. Woods, the leader all seven years of the survey, loses millions because of his sex scandal, but still exceeds $90 million.

David Adame, Sharpie/APLeBron James signing his six-year, $110 million contract with the Miami Heat.

Cleveland, Ohio -- LeBron James is the fourth highest-earning American athlete in 2010, according to Sports Illustrated's annual analysis, one spot below where he ranked in 2009.

Jonah Freedman details the earnings of America's top 50 money-making athletes on Sports Illustrated's SI.com.

This is the seventh year that SI has totaled salaries, winnings and estimated endorsement earnings for athletes. Tiger Woods is first, as he has been every year. Woods is the world's first-ranked golfer. Coincidentally, Phil Mickelson is again second to Woods on SI's earnings list, and he's the No. 2-ranked golfer, too.

It will be interesting to see how James' endorsements are affected by his leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat as a free agent. He has been ridiculed not so much for his departure, as by the way he handled it. Many fans, media and NBA personnel have been put off by indications of James' apparent plotting, maybe for years, with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to play together in Miami; James' failure to inform the Cavaliers of his intentions until his bizarre "The Decision" show on ESPN; and reports of James' demanding personality over the last several years.

Jonah Freedman writes about James, who "settled" for a six-year, $110 million contract with Miami, about $17 million less than he could have got from Cleveland:

King James left millions on the table by choosing to bolt Cleveland for Miami. But will James be the same kind of star -- on and off the court –- playing alongside Dwyane Wade?

Despite dropping one spot, James is projected to make almost $4 million more this year than last. He's earning nearly $16 million in salary and winnings this year, about $1.6 million more than in 2009. James' estimated 2010 endorsement money is $30 million, up $2 million from a year ago.

Woods will total an estimated $90 million this year. Two years ago, though, he pulled in about $128 million, and in 2009, just over $99 million. He has lost some endorsements in the last several months, after his numerous extra-marital affairs were disclosed. Reports indicate he could lose a few hundred million dollars of worth in a divorce settlement with his wife, Elin Nordegren, if they end their marriage.

Shaquille O'Neal, a free agent who played last season with the Cavaliers but will likely play elsewhere next season, is sixth on the list. New York Yankees' pitcher CC Sabathia, a Cleveland Indian from 2001 until traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in June, 2008, is 13th. Almost all of his earnings are from his salary.

Click here for the 2009 top 50 list. Click here for the 20 highest-earning international athletes.

Jonah Freedman writes how Sports Illustrated formed its rankings:

Our findings consisted solely of salary, winnings, bonuses, endorsements and appearance fees. We consulted players' associations, tour records, agents and news reports. Our endorsement estimates for 2010 came from Burns Entertainment & Sports Marketing, other sports-marketing executives and analysts, and agents. Salary figures were based on current or most recently completed seasons (the upcoming 2010 season for the NFL). For winnings-based sports (auto racing, golf, tennis), we used the '09 calendar year. Boxing purses are from July '09 to June 2010. Candidates for the U.S. 50 had to be American citizens and currently active in their sports.

Joe Haden may not be in camp when rookies report on Friday.

View full sizeLonnie Timmons III,
The Plain DealerColt McCoy signs autographs at a Cleveland Browns youth football camp in June. One blogger is convinced the young quarterback is not going to be the savior he's been painted as for the Browns.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Mike Florio of profootballtalk.com is reporting that it seems likely that rookie defensive back Joe Haden will not be in camp when rookies report on Friday.

When Browns coach Eric Mangini on Monday's edition of "The Dan Patrick Show" . . . Mangini expressed optimism that the team's top three draft picks -- cornerback Joe Haden, running back Montario Hardesty and quarterback Colt McCoy -- would sign their contracts in time for camp. (We forgot to mention second-rounder T.J. Ward.)

But the rookies report Friday, and camp opens several days later. And while it's possible that Hardesty and McCoy will be signed, Haden's deal presents a couple of challenges.

For starters, Haden is represented by a relatively inexperienced agent, Malik Shareef. Then there's the fact that Haden is operating out of the same No. 7 overall slot occupied in 2009 by receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, to whom the Raiders paid a whopper of a deal – five years, with $23.5 million guaranteed.

The floor for Haden's deal will be set by another Raiders' top-ten pick, linebacker Rolando McClain. It would be foolish not to wait and see whether the Raiders do another foolish deal.

Um, Joe and Malik, Starting Blocks advises not holding your breath. The Raiders are the same Raiders who paid JaMarcus Russell $61 million to stink up Oakland (coincidence that the Raiders share colors with a skunk? We think not!). Mike Holmgren is not Al Davis.

Colt not the ride the Browns need?

Apparently, Geremy Graham doesn't think Colt McCoy is . . . nah, we can't say it. Too easy. Let's just say that the bleacherreport.com contributor doesn't think McCoy is going to be the savior Browns fans apparently feel he may be.

It's hard to say this, because he is a class act, but Colt McCoy just doesn't have what it takes to win in the city of Cleveland.

That is too much to ask of even Peyton Manning, let alone Colt McCoy.

Colt McCoy was a fantastic college quarterback, there is no arguing that, but he played under a system which wasn't a pro-style offense like the West Coast offense he will face in Cleveland.

That is a tough transition for any college quarterback to make, even someone who was as successful during college as Colt McCoy.

His arm strength is average at best, which means he is going to have lots of trouble completing passes at the highest level where athletes are faster and stronger than they have ever been.

Another knock to McCoy is his fragility.

In the 2009 BCS title game, he looked to continue his winning ways holding the reins in Texas, but the sheer physicality for the Alabama defense proved to be too much for McCoy.

They bullied McCoy from the starting whistle, knocking him out of the game on just the fifth play from scrimmage.

This is just a taste of what he will face when he plays with the big boys in the NFL. The athletes are bigger, meaner, and more ferocious.

Could you imagine what is going to happen to Colt McCoy when he plays against the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers?

Graham may be right. But a decent line and a good running back make any quarterback better. The Browns have a better than average line, anchored by a potential Hall of Famer in Joe Thomas, and a good, deep corps of running backs with Jerome Harrison and (if he signs) Montario Hardesty.

Plus, Texans like overwhelming odds. Remember the Alamo!

From The Plain Dealer

Browns beat writer Tony Grossi takes a look at the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. The short version: They're going to be tough to beat. He labels them "a Super Bowl contender." It's all part of Grossi's AFC North Preview series.

RECREATION CALENDAR BASEBALL 10U tryouts for CVBA open travel for P.B. Baseball, World Series Champions. Call Chuck at 216-235-1173. 28 & over Adult Wood Bat Baseball League is looking for experienced pitchers. Call Mike at 440-823-6387. ACE Program will be running a youth baseball camp on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer at Hilltopper Field in Valley View....

RECREATION CALENDAR

BASEBALL

10U tryouts for CVBA open travel for P.B. Baseball, World Series Champions. Call Chuck at 216-235-1173.

28 & over Adult Wood Bat Baseball League is looking for experienced pitchers. Call Mike at 440-823-6387.

ACE Program will be running a youth baseball camp on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer at Hilltopper Field in Valley View. Visit www.amateurcoacheseducation.com or call 440-539-4428.

ACE Program is taking registrations for youth (played in Strongsville) and high school fall leagues (JV played at Rocky River High School and varsity played at Lakewood High School). League play begins Sept. 12 and participants can sign-up as individuals, groups, or whole teams (spots are limited). The high school leagues use wood bats. Please visit www.acebaseball.com or call (440) 539-4428 for more information.

Aspiring Athletes/Buckeyes Scout is holding a showcase for high school baseball players who are 2010 graduates. Call 440-331-3730. The Web site is www.aspiringathletes.org.

Brownlee Baseball Academy begins its 19th season. Classes are offered in hitting, pitching, catching and defense. An all-skills program is also available. Lessons are given in groups as well as one-on-one, no matter the skill level, for boys and girls ages 5-7, 8-12, 13-14, and 15-18. Team programs are also available and can be tailored to a coach's individual needs. Call 330-807-2889. The Web site is www.brownlees.com.

Brunswick B.A.T. Cage will host its annual baseball league Aug. 14 through Oct. 9. Athletes ages 8-17 will participate in a seven-week league to be played outdoors. The cost for each athlete is $90. Registration ends July 20. For more information or to register call 330-273-9559 or go to www.brunswickbatcage.com.

Catcher training classes are forming for ages 8-12 at Pinnacle Sports in Medina. Instructors are Kent State All-American and Florida Marlins draftee Drew Saylor, along with coach Bill Goddard. Call Pinnacle Sports at 330-239-0616 or Goddard at 330-687-3956.

Cleveland adult wood bat baseball team needs semi-pro, college and college-level players. Seven pitchers, left field, right field, designated hitter, infielders and a catcher. Players play free. Contact Joe at 216-288-2333.

Fielder's Choice Baseball in Brecksville continues to accept students for private/semi-private instruction, clinics, camps and group/team instruction. FC is equipped with five indoor automated pitching machines for its token-operated batting cages. Batting cage rentals are available. Call 440-838-5138. E-mail fielderschoicebb@sbcglobal.net. The Web site is www.fielderschoice.com.

Great Lakes Baseball League will be holding their 10th Annual Labor Day Weekend Tournament Sept. 3-6. Games will be played at Painesville Township Park & Garfield Park, Mentor. Information is available at: www.glbl.org , by email: hoschip@glbl.org , or by calling 440.954.9400.

Independent baseball team (wood bat) needs players for all positions for 35-45 games. E-mail baseball71684@yahoo.com.

Mentor Baseball League is accepting player registrations for 4U through 17U and adults online at www.mentorbaseball.com. Players must reside in Mentor.

Northeast Ohio Elite Baseball League is accepting open travel teams from ages U12 to U18 from the Greater Cleveland and Akron areas. Call 440-331-3730. The Web site is aspiringathletes.org.

Northeast Ohio Roy Hobbs baseball registration for the 2010 season is under way. Players and teams come from Warren-Youngstown on the East, Cuyahoga County on the North and Tuscarawas County on the South. Most games will be played in Summit County. Call Rob Giffen at 330-923-3400 with any questions.

Northern Ohio High Heat 9U baseball will hold tryouts for the 2010 CVBA team out of Wellington. Call 419-706-8979 or 440-647-3131.

Northwestern Regional Baseball Showcase is coming to Flaherty Field in New Castle, Pa., on July 26. The showcase is for players ages 15-25 who are interested in playing at the collegiate or professional level. Enrollment is limited. Call 412-400-1523 for registration information.

Ohio Eagles Youth Baseball has openings on its travel teams that will be playing in the summer of 2010. Call Ed at 330-673-6532 or 330-389-1229.

Premier Baseball Academy will be conducting tryouts for all age groups in July and August. At Rocky River High School: Age groups U9-U13 July 31st, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., check-in at 8:30 a.m.; Age groups U14-U18 from 11:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m., check-in at 11:00 am.

At Premier Baseball Academy, 5460 Wegman Drive, Valley City: Age groups U9-U13 will be Aug. 1st, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., check-in at 8:30; U14-U18 from 11:30-2:00 am. Check-in at 11:00 am. The second round of tryouts will be conducted as follows: At Nichols Field in Strongsville: Age groups U9-U13 on Saturday, August 7th from 9:00-11:00 am. Check-in at 8:30.; Age groups U14-U18 from 11:30 a.m. –2 p.m., check-in at 11:00 am.

At Premier Baseball Academy: Age groups U9-U13 Aug. 8th, 9 a.m. –11 a.m., check-in at 8:30. Age groups U14-U18, Aug. 1st, 11:30 a.m. –2 p.m., check-in at 11:00.

In case of bad weather, all tryouts will be hel at Premier Baseball Academy. Visit www.pbsacademy.net. for information.

Pinnacle Sports indoor/outdoor is forming Sunday leagues, U10 and U12. Instructional classes included. Call 330-239-0616 or register at www.pinnaclesports.org.

Strongsville Dirtbags American Legion baseball team tryouts will be held in early August. Tryouts will be announced after the state tournament (July 26-30). The organization has both a 19U team and a 17U team. Local high school players interested in competing and developing their skills should contact Dirtbags coaches Neal Packanik or Kevin Mementowski, 440-539-4428 for more information, or visit www.acebaseball.com .

Wolves baseball tournament CBA 12U World Series is July 23-30), Sylvania. Register online at www.wolvestournaments.com.

Youngstown Ohio Babe Ruth League needs teams in the 13-year-old and 14- to 15-year-old age divisions. Call 330-788-0686.

Youngstown Class B Baseball League is holding tryouts for 2010 regular-season teams. Call 330-565-7974.

BASKETBALL

Adult 4-on-4 short court basketball leagues for adults 30 and over and 18 and over. League fee is $175 plus a weekly referee fee of $8. Contact the Lorain County Park District at 440-458-5121.

Aviators Basketball at Lost Nation Sports Park is now taking registrations for all summer leagues and evening fundamentals which begin in mid-June. Sign up online at www.LNSportsPark.com or contact Ed (440-602-4000 ext. 232), Kirk (440-669-2417) or Bob (440-488-4809).

Camp Fighting Scot boys camp at College of Wooster, July 25-28, for boys entering grades 4-12; Call coach Steve Moore at 330-263-2176 or assistant coach Doug Cline at 330-263-2518 for more information.

Cavaliers and National Basketball Academy will host Cavaliers summer basketball camps and clinics. There will be 18 camps offered. Camps are located across Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Campers will be grouped by age, skill and gender, ranging in age from 7-16. Call 216-378-0932 or visit the basketballacademy.com or cavs.com to register online.

Charity 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament hosted by Egoz and UZ Ballerware is Aug. 7-8 at Turney Town Shopping Center in Garfield Heights. Come out and show off your skills on the blacktop. For more information email 3on3tournament@egozonline.com or call 216-539-1300.

Cleveland Basketball School offers group basketball and speed and agility skills training on a monthly basis for ages 6 to 18. Call Paul at 440-570-6861 or e-mail paulh89431@aol.com.

Committed to Excellence Athletics offers group and individual basketball speed and agility skills training year-round for boys and girls, ages 6 to 18. Call Chris at 440-539-1731 or e-mail ccallend@cteathletics.com. The Web site is www.cteathletics.com.

Daniel "Boobie" Gibson camp, July 26-30, 9 a.m. to noon, at Avon's French Creek YMCA; ages 7-15, grades 2-8; $150 event fee. YMCA member receives a $25 discount. Call the YMCA at 440-934-9622.

The Elyria Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting registration for its "Run & Fun" summer youth basketball league. The league, for boys and girls entering grades 4-6, begins Aug. 2 with a skill evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on equal playing time and having fun with no pressure to win. A six game schedule will be played the week of Aug. 2 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon at the South Recreation Center. Participants must register on an individual basis at the Parks main office, 131 Court St. (City Hall), by July 27. The registration fee is $35 for residents and $40 for non-residents. For additional information call the main office at 326-1500.

Fairview Park Recreation Department will be offering a men's open height basketball league. Contact FPRD at 440-356-4444 ext. 103.

Friends4Life AAU team is holding tryouts for fifth- and eighth-grade teams. Call coach Eugene White at 216-256-5888 to set up an appointment.

Girls Basketball Association will be hosting over 45 tournaments in 2010. All tournaments are open to girls ages 9U-17U. For a listing of all tournaments visit www.gbabasketball.com or call 740-685-2468. The tournaments are open to all AAU, YBOA, GBA and any other teams.

Grovewood Salvation Army is hosting a men's open basketball league to be played on Monday and Wednesday nights. Call Steve Robinson at 216-212-5532.

Jason Rodak 3 on 3 Basketball Hoopfest begins at 10 a.m. Aug. 14 at Scoreboards Grille and Pub in LaGrange. Cost is $25 for Open Division players (men and women) and $20 for ninth grade and lower players. All proceeds benefit the Jason Rodak Scholarship Fund. For information and reservations, call Mike Conrad, 440-371-2726; email mtconrad44@yahoo.com; or Megan, 419-929-8295; email meganr_22@yahoo.com.

Men's 30-and-over basketball league forming now. Individual and team trophies given. Cost is $270 per person. Call Steve at 216-212-5532 or Lee at 216-324-5220.

Next Level AAU is offering free skills workouts for boys and girls in grades 5-12 every Saturday at 2 p.m. Visit www.nextlevel-aau.com or e-mail ohiobasketball@yahoo.com or call 440-574-1832.

Oberlin Recreation Department is hosting a basketball festival 5-on-5 double elimination tournament for adults 18 years and older with a 16-team limit. Call 440-775-7254 or 440-776-4804.

Ohio Basketball Club will be holding fifth grade AAU tryouts soon. Call Michael Duncan at 216-544-3922 or send an e-mail to mdu7569448@aol.com. The Web site is www.cbcaau.com.

Open basketball at Gameday Sports Center in Oberlin, Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 5-8 p.m. Cost is $1. The web site is www.gamedaysportscenter.com.

Pre-Olympic 3-on-3 tournament at St. Edward High sponsored by USA Basketball and St. Edward, July 24-25. Open to boys and girls teams, grades 3-12. For more information visit www.sehs.net. Call Eric Flannery at 216-521-8828 ext. 252.

St. Peter Chanel is accepting applications for its Drills For Skills basketball camp. Call 440-232-5900 ext. 162.

West Park/Fairview YMCA now accepting teams for Fall, 2010, 4 on 4 league. 6-3 height and under, (18 and older), plus age 40+ open height divisions available. Deadline for entry is August 27. Call or register at WPY, 216-941-5410

Western Reserve Academy will host Shooting Stars instructional basketball camps for boys and girls entering grades 3-8, July 26-30, Indy Field House, Independence; Chagrin Falls Middle School, August 2-6. To register, call 330-699-1234.

COMMISSIONERS

Cleveland CYO is looking for part-time sports commissioners for volleyball, football and basketball. Fax a letter of interest and resume to 216-334-1270 or e-mail clevelandcyo@clevelandcatholiccharities.org.

DODGEBALL

Gameday Sports Center in Oberlin holds open dodgeball on Friday nights. Kids 15 years and younger is from 8-9 p.m. and 16 years and older is from 9-10 p.m. Cost is $5. Call 440-774-2637.

FOOTBALL

Full Contact Alumni Football for past high school players representing their old school against top rivals. All games will be played in August. Only the first 40 guys on each roster will get to play. The teams are: Washington, McKinley, St. Edward, St. Ignatius, Cardinal Mooney, Ursuline, Austintown-Fitch, Boardman, Chaney, Youngstown East, Liberty Girard, Canfield, Poland Seminary, Collinwood, Cleveland East, East Tech, John Adams, Cleveland JFK, John Marshall, Lincoln-West, Glenville, Warren Harding, John Hay, Cuyahoga Heights, Cleveland South, Akron East, Firestone, Buchtel, Garfield, GlenOak, Hoover, Jackson and Perry. Call Beau at 877-578-8547 or visit AlumniFootballUSA.com.

Jump Start Sports Flag Football, a recreational and instructional program for children in grades K-5, is being offered in Beachwood, Hudson and Twinsburg. Call Rick Hart at 330-656-0090. The Web site is www.JumpStartSports.com.

MCFFU/USSSA is looking for organizations and/or individuals interested in starting leagues throughout the U.S. Teams include 9-Man Ineligible (contact), 8-Man Eligible (contact), 8-Man Semi-Conduct, Screen, 5-Man, 4-Man, women, coed and youth. The Web site is mcffu@mcffu.com.

Ohio Athletic Committee, a nonprofit organization, is partnering with the Middle School Athletic Association (MSAA) to host the second annual Ohio Youth State Football Championship. These championships will allow fourth through sixth graders in four divisions the opportunity to compete for a state title. The tournament will be limited to 32 teams and will be held in Sandusky on Nov. 6-7. For more information visit www.ohioathletics.com or e-mail info@ohioathletics.com.

Public address announcers clinics: Aug. 7, 9 a.m. to noon, Gahanna Lincoln High, hosted by Bob Kennedy, P.A. announcer for Ohio State University; Aug. 7, 9 a.m. to noon, Cincinnati Princeton High, hosted by Tom Kinder, P.A. announcer for Cincinnati Bengals; Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to noon, Hudson High, hosted by Jeff Kurtz, P.A. announcer for Kent State University. Clinics are for P.A. announcers at junior high/middle school, high school, college and youth levels. Substitute announcers as well as high school and college students who would like to learn how to announce are encouraged to register. Visit for more information.

USFTL Adult Flag Football Willoughby Summer NIT, July 24-25 (deadline July 16). Call 440-974-8735 or email usftl@usftl.com or visit www.usftl@usftl.com

USFTL Referees Cup is Aug. 14-15. Registration deadline is Aug. 6. Call 440-974-8735 or email usftl@usftl.com

Registration deadline for USFTL Adult Flag Fall League (men, women, coed) is Sept. 3. Wednesday night league begins Sept. 8; Saturday morning league begins Sept. 11; and Sunday morning league begins Sept. 12. Call 440-974-8735 or email usftl@usftl.com

Registration deadline for USFTL/NFL Saturday Youth Fall League is Aug. 23. League play is Sept. 11-Oct. 30. Call 440-974-8735 or email usftl@usftl.com.

GENERAL

Boys and Girls Club of Lorain County has gym rental time available at the Nordson Community Center, 1821 Middle Ave., in Elyria. Call 440-328-3226 or e-mail sports@bgcloraincounty.org.

Cascades Cycling Club in Jackson, Mich., is sponsoring a one-day bicycle ride Aug. 1 for the 24th Minard Mills Bicycle Tour and Wienie Roast, in south Michigan. Pre-registration through July 17 is $17 for individuals and $34 for families (one or two adults plus children ages 5-17). After July 17 registration is $22 and $44, respectively. The entry fee includes lunch, SAG stops, detailed maps, and SAG vehicle service on the cycling routes. Registration forms are available at www.cascadescyclingclub.org or by calling 517-784-4634.

Jump Start Sports after school programs, recreational and instructional programs for children in grades K-5, are being offered in Berea, Hudson and Orange. Call Rick Hart at 330-656-0090. The Web site is www.JumpStartSports.com.

Splash Zone Field House in Oberlin is available for rentals with two full-size basketball courts and four volleyball courts incorporated in the basketball courts. Contact the Lorain County Park District at 440-458-5121.

United States Specialty Sports Association world and national qualifiers July 24-25 in Bowling Green, Oh. Call 419-680-1464 or 567-855-5043 for information.

ICE SKATING

The City of Euclid's Penguins program for children age 5 and under teaches the basic concept of ice skating. Cost is $20 for residents, $35 for non-residents. Pre-registration is requested in the recreation department. Call 216-289-8114.

OFFICIATING

Cleveland Football Officials Association will hold an OSHAA-approved football officials class at Bedford High from July 7 through Aug. 20 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call Bob at 440-460-1742 or e-mail rjm44143@att.net.

Football officials training program sponsored by the Northeastern Ohio Football Association will be conducted at Mentor High and Perry High. Classes began July 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Mentor. Approved training programs are required to become at licensed OHSAA football official. Contact Bill Sopchak at 440-354-3003 or by e-mail at Bchak1@aol.com; or Gene Mileusnich at 440-428-2000 or by e-mail at gmileusnich@windstream.net.

Geauga County Umpires Association will be holding classes for umpire training for baseball and softball. Contact Dave Henry for baseball at 440-564-7379 and Mike Hannan for softball at 440-564-7336.

Summit and Portage Officials Association is holding football officiating classes. Contact Ed Markowski at 330-212-7600.

RUNNING

B'nai B'rith 24th annual health run is Aug. 15 at Rascal House Pizza in University Heights. Rewards presented to top three overall winners in all 5K and 1 mile events. Starting time for 1 mile run is 8:30 a.m.; 9 a.m. for 5K. Cost is $11 for 1 mile race and $ 15 for 5K but pre-registration discounts available. First 200 to register will receive tie dye T-shirts and race packet. Refreshments and award ceremony afterward. For information, call 216-381-6000 or 216-291-40445.

SOCCER

Brunswick B.A.T. cage is offering soccer classes with All-Star Hector Marinaro. Call 330-273-9559. The Web site is www.brunswickbatcage.com.

Elyria Pioneer camp: boys, Aug. 2-6, 3:30-5 p.m.; girls, Aug. 2-6, 5-6:30 p.m. Held at Pioneer Field, Abbe Road, Elyria. Contact Coach Venera or Mike Ilievski at 440-365-0627.

Firebird Soccer Camp for boys entering grades 5-9, July 26-30, 6:30-9 p.m. at St. Peter Chanel High, 480 Northfield Road, Bedford. Cost is $25 and includes soccer ball and T-shirt. Contact Nick Urban at 440-232-5900 ext. 161 or visit www.stpeterchanel.com.

Gameday Sports Center in Oberlin holds open soccer on Sundays. Times for 30-year-olds and over is 4-5 p.m. and 16- to 29-year-olds is 5-6 p.m. Call 440-774-2637.

HandsOnSoccer summer camps are available in 22 Northeast Ohio communities with full- and half-day options for boys and girls ages 4-18. Openings are limited. Visit www.HandsOnSoccer.com.

Jump Start Sports Hummingbirds Soccer, a recreational and instructional program for children ages 3-6, is being offered in Beachwood, Berea, Chagrin Falls, Chesterland, Hudson and Richfield. Call Rick Hart at 330-656-0090. The Web site is www.JumpStartSports.com.

Earlybird registration deadline is July 31 and final deadline is Aug. 7 for YMCA Outdoor Family Center Youth Soccer Fall Session. Registration fee for children ages 6–12: $52 for members before July 31 and $62 after early bird registration deadline. Non-member rate: $62 before July 31 and $72 after early registration deadline. Children ages 4–5 can register through September 3: $43 for members and $53 for non-members. Registration can be completed in-person at the Outdoor Family Center in Perry (or any Lake County YMCABranch); call OFC Youth Program Director Dave Duricky at the Outdoor Family Center, 440-259-2724; or complete the online form at www.lakecountyymca.org (members only). NOTE: Parents and teens are needed as volunteer coaches and referees. Training is scheduled before the season starts for all volunteers to prepare for the program. Call Dave Duricky, for details.

ONSC is a sanctioned, coed soccer league comprised of highly-skilled men and women with premier, national or collegiate experience. It is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation and Federation International Football Association. ONSC is looking for competitive teams and individual players at least 18 years old to play in the summer season. Call 216-392-9536 or e-mail coedsoccer05@hotmail.com.

SOFTBALL

City of Mayfield Heights is accepting teams for its men's, women's and coed leagues. Call Mark Rispoli at 440-461-1973.

DiamondChix Fastpitch Softball Academy seeks high quality instruction. They offer clinics, camps, private and small group lessons to the general public year round either at your fields or the Medina Fieldhouse, our homefacility. In addition to training programs, DiamondCHIX offers a full fastpitch club program for interested girls. Registrants in the club program get year round training as well as participate on DiamondCHIX teams in tournaments during the summer season. Visit medinasportscampus.com/chix for more information.

Eastlake Crushers U12 girls traveling team is looking for players for fall ball, the local traveling team, and for the summer team. Call coach Mike Nagy at 440-343-5805 or e-mail mnagy@heritagebev.com.

Euclid men's weeknight slo-pitch league and Euclid women's Monday and Wednesday League. Call Paul Serra at 216-486-8882 or the Euclid Recreation Department at 216-289-2700.

Euclid Recreation Department is now accepting applications for Men's Fall Softball League slated to open in September. Three divisions are offered, including single games each Tuesday, doubleheaders on Sunday and make-up games each Thursday. For information, call Paul Serra, 216-486-8882 or Euclid Recreation Department, 216-289-2700.

Female players are needed for women's and co-ed softball teams in Mayfield Heights. Call Mark at 440-781-1313.

Gameday Sports Center in Oberlin is offering all you can hit on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. Call 440-774-2637.

JRC softball has openings in all leagues: Sunday morning and evening, Tuesday evening, Wednesday evening and Thursday evening. Contact Bert at 216-509-9990.

Mayfield Heights is accepting teams for its fall coed softball league. Call Mark at 440-781-1313.

Medina U14 travel team seeks a pitcher for LMOGSO league. Call Amy at 330-321-8430.

North Olmsted Softball Association is accepting applications for adult men and women softball for the 2010 season. Call 440-235-4026.

Oberlin Recreation Department adult fall coed softball league, $250 per team, 16 game season plus tournament. Play is Wednesday night doubleheaders, 18 years or older, 20-person team roster. Contact ORD at 440-775-7254 or e-mail ivarber@cityofoberlin.com.

Ohio Emerald Girls fastpitch organization is seeking softball players ages 10-14 for travel tournament teams. Also seeking a U-10 manager. Call 440-371-8836 or e-mail zoltai@sbcglobal.net.

Ohio Sports Park in North Ridgeville is looking for adult men, coed and women softball teams. Call Tony Ballachino at 216-676-4574 or e-mail tmb458@aol.com.

Pinnacle Sports has indoor/outdoor Saturday leagues for U10, U12 and U14. Instructional classes included. Call 330-239-0616 or register online at www.pinnaclesports.org.

Senior Olympic softball teams seek female players ages 50-54 and 55-59. Call Marcia at 216-941-4815.

Summit County Slo-Pitch Softball League has openings for men's teams in its Sunday 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. doubleheader divisions. Contact Tom Brent at 330-671-7728 or visit scslopitch.tripod.com.

TRACK & FIELD

Brunswick High School will be hosting open pole vaulting practice. Open to boys and girls, grades 7-12. Call Dave Johnson at 216-324-4225 (day) and 330-726-6649 (evening).

TRAINING

Westlake Recreation Center is offering an all-sports boot camp for the serious-minded athlete, working on speed, stamina and endurance using your body weight for resistance. Open to boys and girls in grades 7-12; two classes per week for six weeks. Classes taught by a certified personal trainer (ISSA certified) and a competitive body builder. Call Westlake Recreation at 440-808-5700, ext. 3428.

VOLLEYBALL

Elyria South Recreation Facility is hosting volleyball skills training. Individual sessions for hitting, blocking, setting and libero/defensive specialists. Call 440-960-0357. The Web site is www.loraincounty.com/advance.

Lorain County Community College is accepting teams for its Saturday night coed volleyball league. Contact Jim Powers at 440-366-7652.

WRESTLING

Summer wrestling camp at Baldwin-Wallace, July 25-29. Technique and training, personalized instruction, systematic curriculum, specialized youth camps, team discounts and more. E-mail SuperGold@kenchertow.com or call Ken Chertow at 814-466-3466.

To submit items for the recreation calendar, fax (216-999-6276) or e-mail (recreation@plaind.com) the information. Listings are free.

Derby officials say the competition has operated in debt for six years. Organization has cut operating expenses and reduced management and staff to deal with lower revenue.

View full sizeLonnie Timmons III / The Plain DealerDale Markowski, representing Parma, on Wednesday waxes his car in preparation for Saturday's races at the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron.

AKRON, Ohio -- For a moment anyway, it was easy to forget the Soap Box Derby's financial misery when watching a North Ridgeville family's enthusiasm as they prepared a car for a trial run Wednesday.

The Dyer family doesn't even want to think about how much they've spent racing. They've accumulated more than 12 cars in the last decade for three daughters, and will race one in this Saturday's competition.

But organizers of the All-American Soap Box Derby keep close track of money. In each of the last two years, revenues have come up $250,000 short of expenses.

"It's a combination of economic effects. We're working very hard to run a lean operation," said Bob Troyer, spokesperson for the group. The 73-year-old event has been without a national sponsorship for three years. Troyer said one could be in place for 2011.

In the meantime, the Akron community has provided more support. Businesses have given $300,000 to the organization.

"We're pleased to have Akron helping us," said Bill Evans, chairman of the competition.

Organizers expect more money to come from the upcoming Soap Box Derby movie "25 Hill." Team Cherokee Productions, owned by director-actor Corbin Bernsen, has already donated $50,000 and will give part of the film's proceeds to the organization. Filming continues in Akron. In fact, scenes will be shot between races Saturday.

Still, the additional help hasn't been enough, as deficits roll up seemingly as fast as the motorless cars get to the bottom of the Derby's hill.

The operating budget is $1.4 million, down $400,000 from last year, Troyer said. The organization has cut operating expenses and reduced event management and staffing.

View full sizePDJim Overmyer, representing Oregon, Ill., peers through a small opening during a test run at Akron.

Local racing groups also are taking a hit. Chris Dyer, Cleveland's derby president for the last five years, said the smaller operations get less assistance from the national office.

The added burden, as well as lack of exposure for the racers, factor into the Cleveland area's loss of competitors, he said.

Ten years ago, a Disney channel movie about Soap Box Derby racing made the sport relevant again.

"All those kids have aged out, and we're not getting new kids to take their place," Dyer said. Participation dropped 25 percent this year alone.

Local groups that want to hold a Derby-sanctioned race must pay the national organization upwards of $1,000 for license fees, depending on how many divisions are competing, according to organizers.

Once you add in insurance, prizes, T-shirts, and facility use, a local race can cost almost $5,000, said Anne Dyer, Chris's wife.

The national office needs the license fees since they are one of its three major revenue streams, Evans said. Donations, of course, are another. The third is what the organization takes in by charging competitors for car kits and wheels. For a single racer, the cost can exceed $500.

The price is too high for many.

"People aren't committing to it," Chris Dyer said. "People looking for things to do can't spend that much."

The Dyer family, however, is willing to absorb the cost, saying family involvement is worth the investment.

"There aren't a lot of things a father can do with his daughter," said Anne, as she watched her youngest, 17-year-old Morgan, and husband wax the car three days before the big race.

"You're working with your children as opposed to watching them do something," Chris said. "It has made it all worth it."

Clevelanders thought they knew LeBron James. In many regards, we didn't have a clue.

Associated PressLeBron James went running after Bosh to Miami, where he, Dwyane Wade and Bosh resemble three seventh-graders who schemed to sit together during lunch period, writes Bill Livingston.

The things we thought we had learned about LeBron James over seven years were illusory.

We filtered them through the lenses of our own experiences. We thought he was one of us. He was in fact as different as could be.

Because he was a student of basketball and knew its history, we thought he understood the spirit of the game. He in fact had no grasp of it. The history he makes will not be the history he studied.

He knew who "Pistol" Pete Maravich was. The great college star of the 1960s and the ball-handling magician of the NBA in the 1970s is lost in the mists of time to most of today's players. James also knew what Julius Erving did when he mocked gravity on his reverse layup in The Finals against the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar/Magic Johnson Lakers.

James knew many of the plays that made memories. We did not know until the end that he would make memories we will never forget, try as we might.

We loved when opponents taunted him. We thought it was like twisting the dragon's tail. Hadn't he humiliated the Toronto Raptors after Chris Bosh's girlfriend heckled him?

We were wrong about that, too. James went running after Bosh to Miami, where he, Dwyane Wade and Bosh resemble three seventh-graders who schemed to sit together during lunch period.

After James and Kevin Garnett jawed at each other in the last regular-season game, we pitied the fool, Garnett. Instead, Garnett and the rest of the Celtics could have given James a wet willie, a noogie, and a wedgie, too, in the disgraceful closing games of their series. James would have not done anything about it.

We thought he was tough, despite his histrionics after receiving hard fouls. But in the case of his famous sore elbow, Cavaliers doctors found nothing seriously wrong. We are still waiting for a good explanation for why he tried and missed a left-handed free throw late in a one-possession playoff game when the Bulls could advance the ball with a timeout and try to tie.

We thought James was "all in" for the playoffs. In fact, he was "all out." The farther the Cavs went, the harder it would have been for him to leave.

Because James could pass, we saw that skill as proof that he made his teammates better. We did not know that he could never make himself good enough to withstand the pressure of winning a championship in the alpha-male role. So he jumped to the Heat to be the beta-force on a stacked team.

Erving, to whom James has been compared because of their shared ability to make amazing moves on the court, said a player had to "dare to be great." He meant he had to be able to withstand the doubts and the criticism when he failed. In that regard, James failed miserably.

James said his goal in Miami is to win as many as 10 championships. He does not realize the glory of even a single championship is in the journey, in the ups and downs, in the challenges faced, in the great rivals overcome, in the effort expended. Competitors should be cherished because they bring the best out in a player. James chose to try to beat the league as part of a cartel of mercenaries.

We thought he was a great gate attraction. But he actually was a groupie, savoring his connection to entertainers and captains of industry.

James always said he was a football player, although he played only in high school, and you could count the times he went over the middle on pass patterns on a few fingers. But he was good at claiming to be things he wasn't, like a leader.

We thought he talked to Terrelle Pryor, the prodigy who plays quarterback at Ohio State, to give him advice. But it was actually to recruit him for his sports management company.

In Miami, he has done the type of recruiting he never deigned to bother with here, wooing other free agents to the Heat.

We did not realize he had already recruited his "team" here, in the sycophants who were given the run of the Cavaliers franchise.

We thought the love the entire area gave him would be reciprocated. We did not realize that his love was only for himself.

We thought we knew him. We didn't have a clue.

A line shot from the Twins' Orlando Hudson catches the Indians infielder off-guard.

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain DealerJhonny Peralta in pinstripes? FoxSports.com reports the Yankees are interested in the Tribe third baseman.

Clubhouse confidential: Jason Donald said he never saw Orlando Hudson's liner Tuesday until it was almost too late. Donald, moving over to second base because of Asdrubal Cabrera's return to short, was greeted by the liner on the second batter of the game against the Minnesota Twins.

"I saw it off the bat and never saw it again until it was right in front of my face," said Donald. "It freaked me out."

Donald jumped for the ball, but it sailed past him for a first-inning single.

Rumors, rumors everywhere: The Yankees, according to FoxSports.com, are interested in Tribe third baseman Jhonny Peralta as a bat off the bench. Other sources say the Yankees have no interest in Peralta, but have inquired about some of the Tribe's pitchers. Kerry Wood and Jake Westbrook are free agents at the end of the season.

Stat of the day: The Tampa Bay Rays come to Progressive Field for a three-game series beginning Friday. They have lost 17 straight games there. The streak goes back to Sept. 28, 2005.

UPDATED: The Columbus Clippers win in 12 innings, and Karexon Sanchez has a big game for the Class A Kinston Indians.

Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer The Indians hope that Nick Weglarz can develop into a run-producer in the big leagues.

Updated at 12:15 a.m.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 8, Bulls 6 (12) Josh Judy (2-0) pitched two scoreless innings and Columbus scored two in the 12th inning to defeat the Bulls in International League play in Durham, N.C.

Notes: Going into Wednesday night's game, 2B Cord Phelps (.389; 42-for-108) was on a nine-game hitting streak, going 15-for-32 (.469) with two doubles, one triple and one home run. Phelps was batting .422 (35-for-83) in his last 23 games, and had hit in 16 straight road games, going 29-for-59 (.492)....OF Nick Weglarz (.286) was 14-for-31 (.452) with four doubles and two homers in his last eight games....OF Jose Constanza (.300) was tied for the International League lead with 25 stolen bases (in 27 attempts) and been safe on his last 13 tries....RH reliever Vinnie Pestano (1-1, seven saves, 2.00) was 1-0 with four saves in his last seven games, pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings and fanning eight while allowing three hits and one walk. Pestano had struck out 35 and walked eight in 27 innings....RH reliever Josh Judy (1-0, 3.12) had struck out 35 and walked eight in 26 innings.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 4, Curve 2 Jerad Head's two-run homer, his ninth this season, led Akron to an Eastern League victory over visiting Altoona, Pa.

Notes: The Aeros were on a six-game winning streak going into Wednesday night's game....OF Matt McBride (.280) was batting .364 (28-for-77) with 11 home runs, seven doubles and 24 RBI in his last 20 games....2B Jason Kipnis (.338) was 15-for-25 (.600) with four doubles and two homers in his last six games -- getting three hits in each of three games and two hits in each of the other three games....3B Lonnie Chisenhall (.276) was on a seven-game hitting streak, going 10-for-27 (.370) with two doubles and a homer....RH reliever Chen Lee (4-3, 4.29) had allowed one run (unearned) in his last six games, striking out 17 in 10 1/3 innings, while giving up three hits and three walks....RH reliever Omar Aguilar (1-2, five saves, 3.63) was 0-0 with two saves and am 0.77 ERA in his last eight games, fanning 13 in 11 2/3 innings while yielding one walk and five hits....In his last four games, RH reliever Bryan Price (4-2, 3.55) had pitched 8 2/3 scoreless innings, getting one win while striking out nine, walking one and allowing three hits....RH reliever Shane Lindsay was 1-0 with an 0.84 ERA in nine games with the Aeros, striking out 16 and allowing two hits in 10 2/3 innings, but walking 11.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians 5, Winston-Salem 1 Second baseman Karexon Sanchez (.262) slugged his ninth homer, a solo clout, slapped an RBI single and doubled and scored as the host Indians put together a 14-hit attack in support of right-handed starter and winner Austin Adams (2-0, 1.25). Adams pitched five scoreless, two-hit innings, before Marty Popham earned his third save, yielding one unearned run in four innings.

Notes: DH Juan Diaz (.179) singled three times, drove in one run and scored another. Catcher Chun Chen (.263) had a double, single, run and RBI, and CF Donnie Webb (.256) singled twice and scored a run....Adams has pitched 21 2/3 innings for Kinston in five games (four starts), striking out 23 while yielding seven walks and 16 hits. He has held opponents to a .203 batting average, after beginning the season at Lake County, where he was 2-4 with one save and a 3.54 ERA in 13 games (eight starts). With the Captains, Adams struck out 61 in 53 1/3 innings, while allowing 21 walks, 40 hits and a .206 batting average....After three so-so outings, RH starter Joseph Gardner is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA over 13 innings in his last two games. Gardner is 8-4 with a 2.62 ERA in 14 starts with Kinston, after going 1-0 with a 3.24 ERA in six starts at Lake County. He has struck out a combined 113 batters and walked 42 in 104 innings, while giving up just 69 hits and four homers. At Kinston, he is holding batters to a .189 average after a .185-average-against at Lake County.

A Lake County Captains

Bees 6, Captains 4 Jake Kuelbler drove in three runs to lead Burlington (Iowa) to a Midwest League win over host Lake County.

Notes: Going into Wednesday night's game, 1B Chris Kersten (.284) had four home runs and 11 RBI in his last five games....LHP Matt Packer (8-4) leads the Midwest League with a 1.65 ERA. He has pitched in 22 games -- the first 11 in relief and the last 11 starts -- and has struck out 78 while allowing 12 walks and 67 hits in 82 innings....RH reliever Jeremy Johnson (3-1, 3.60) had pitched 8 2/3 scoreless, three-hit innings in his last three games, earning his first save while striking out 10 and walking two....LH reliever Francisco Jimenez (6-1, one save, 3.46) was 1-0 and has not allowed a run in his last five games, spanning 9 2/3 innings....SS Argenis Martinez, 20, was 11-for-36 (.306) in his last 10 games, boosting his batting average from .158 to .184.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 6, Spikes 4 Brian Heere had two hits and two RBI to lead Mahoning Valley's 13-hit attack in its 11-inning New York-Penn League victory at State College, Pa.

Notes: Going into Wednesday night's game, RH reliever James Ehlert (0-2, two saves, 2.55) had struck out 25, walked four and not allowed a home run in 17 2/3 innings....OF Jonathan Burnette (.316) was on a five-game hitting streak, going 7-for-17 (.412)....RH starter Alex Kaminsky is fourth in the New York-Penn League in wins (four) and seventh in ERA (2.04). He has given up just two homers in 35 1/3 innings.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Traverse City 7, Crushers 5 Shortstop Jodam Rivera (.294) and 2B Andrew Saylor (.214) both hit solo home runs, but it wasn't enough for the host Crushers to lose their fourth straight game. 3B Andrew Davis (.346) singled, doubled and got his 40th RBI. Rivera's homer was his third; Saylor's, his fourth.

Notes: Crushers RHP Alberto Rolon (2-0, seven saves, 3.62) will make his first start of the season when the Crushers host Oakland County at All Pro Freight Stadium on Thursday night. Rolon has pitched 36 2/3 innings, striking out 42 while allowing 12 walks and 28 hits....LH Ronnie Morales pitched 2 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings in relief for the Crushers on Wednesday, fanning three and walking two.

Francisco Liriano pitches like an ace and one bad inning from Jake Westbrook helps end the Tribe's winning streak at six.

View full sizeJim Mone / AP Indians right fielder Shelley Duncan can't make the play on a bloop double off the bat of the Twins' Drew Butera during the third inning of the Tribe's 6-0 loss Wednesday in Minneapolis.

MINNEAPOLIS -- It was a case of too much Francisco Liriano and not enough early fire from Jake Westbrook on Wednesday afternoon at Target Field.

Those were the biggest moving parts in the Indians' 6-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins that ended their six-game winning streak. Not only was it their longest winning streak of the season, but it was the longest winning streak in club history following the All-Star break.

Then again, did anyone really think the Indians were going to go 74-0 coming out of the break?

The Twins won the game with four runs in the third inning off Westbrook. They sent nine men to the plate with Westbrook contributing three walks, one intentional. Westbrook was done in by the old pitcher's curse of one bad inning.

His first two innings were scoreless as were his last three. That did not appease him. The third inning upset Westbrook so much that it took him several seconds to find a word to describe it.

Finally he settled on irritated.

"I was irritated," Westbrook said. "Big innings hurt us. What they do is they get you down a lot, especially early in the game, and especially against a very good club like the Twins. That's frustrating for a team and that's what I was fired up about."

Westbrook (6-6, 4.74 ERA) said he should have had that kind of internal fire from the first pitch.

"There's a fine line as a pitcher," Westbrook said. "You don't want to get too amped up or frustrated because it can hurt you. It's just a matter of finding that earlier in the game so it doesn't take a big inning [to get you going]."

Drew Butera, batting ninth, started the third with a bloop double to right. Shelley Duncan charged the ball, tried to make a sliding catch, but the ball bounced out of his glove.

"It was an awkward moment for me," Duncan said. "I should have caught that. It should have been a piece of cake."

After Denard Span bounced out and Orlando Hudson walked, Delmon Young doubled for a 1-0 lead. Westbrook intentionally walked Jason Kubel to load the bases, but the strategy didn't work as Michael Cuddyer singled to left to make it 2-0. Trevor Crowe cut down Young at the plate for the second out, but Westbrook continued to struggle.

He reloaded the bases by walking Jim Thome for the second of three straight times. J.J. Hardy followed with a two-run double past third. Thome is a .385 lifetime hitter against Westbrook with three homers and 10 RBI.

Liriano (8-7, 3.54) wasn't perfect, but he still pitched seven scoreless innings. The Indians reached him for six hits and four walks, but after hitting .429 (12-for-28) with runners in scoring position in the first two games of the series, they went 0-for-6 Wednesday.

"Liriano just got tougher and tougher anytime we got runners in scoring position," manager Manny Acta said. "We had enough traffic to do some damage, but it seemed like anytime we got somebody on second or third, he stepped it up."

The Twins' defense assisted Liriano with three double plays. The biggest came in the fifth when the Tribe loaded the bases with one out. Jayson Nix sent a bouncer back to the mound to start a 1-2-3 double play.

In the sixth, Jhonny Peralta singled with one out, but Matt LaPorta lined into a double play at first to end the inning. Duncan grounded into a double play to end the second with runners on first and second.

Liriano, like Westbrook, has taken the long way back from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow after his dominant 2006 season.

"He's very good right now," Acta said. "I don't think [Liriano] will ever get back to 2006 . . . that's a lot to ask. But 93 mph to 95 mph with the slider and changeup, and being left-handed, is very good."

The Twins added the final two runs on Young's bad hop single past shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera with two out in the eighth. Liriano, Jesse Crain and Anthony Slama, making his big-league debut, combined on a seven-hitter.

It was the Indians' eighth shutout this season. That's an AL high.

The Indians are trying to find out if Laffey is merely going through a "tired arm" period or if something is wrong with his left shoulder.

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain Dealer Aaron Laffey says bouncing between the starting rotation and the bullpen the past two years has taken a toll on his arm.

MINNEAPOLIS — Aaron Laffey's left shoulder is in line for an MRI scan Thursday. The news is better for prospect Carlos Carrasco.

The Indians are trying to find out if Laffey is merely going through a "tired arm" period or if something is wrong with his left shoulder. Laffey's velocity has dropped in his past two starts after joining the Indians on June 25 from Class AAA Columbus.

Carrasco, pitching for Columbus, left Tuesday's game against Durham in the fourth inning with pain in his right forearm. The Indians wanted an extended look at Carrasco in the second half, but this could change their plans.

"He had a mild cramp in his right forearm," said Ross Atkins, Indians director of player development. "It was on the outside of the forearm and wasn't near any ligaments.

"It's nothing we're concerned about. We should know more when he throws [Thursday]."

Laffey said bouncing between the rotation and bullpen the past two years has taken a toll on his arm. He came to spring training this year as a starter, switched to the bullpen late in camp and made the big-league pen.

On May 30, he was sent to Columbus to get stretched out as a starter. When left-hander David Huff was sent to Columbus, Laffey was called up to take his place.

Last year Laffey opened the year as starter, but moved to the bullpen when the Indians needed help there. He tore an oblique muscle and went on the disabled list. When he returned, he did so as a starter.

"It's easier going from starting to the bullpen because the work load decreases," Laffey said. "But going from relieving to starting again, it's a little tougher. It's a little tougher on the body.

View full sizeChuck Crow / PDCarlos Carrasco left a game Tuesday with pain in his right forearm while pitching for Columbus, but the Indians say it's not a concern at the moment.

"You're basically increasing the work load by four. You go from throwing a maximum of 30 pitches to throwing 100 pitches. It takes a toll over a period of time."

Laffey is scheduled to start Sunday against Tampa Bay.

"I won't guess if Aaron is going to make his next start," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "He'll get an MRI [scan Thursday]. He'll continue to be evaluated by Lonnie [Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer], while we're waiting to get the results of the MRI before making a decision."

Laffey said his arm has been bothering him for longer than just the past two starts. If Laffey can't start and Carrasco is unavailable, the Indians best options are probably Jeanmar Gomez, Huff or Josh Tomlin. They're both in the rotation at Columbus.

Gomez, of course, made a spot start last Sunday. He beat Detroit in his big-league debut after allowing two unearned runs in seven innings. Gomez was optioned back to Columbus after the victory.

He's 6-8 with a 5.70 ERA in 18 starts at Columbus.

Huff started the year with the Indians, but was optioned to Columbus on June 21 with a 2-9 record. He's 4-0 with a 3.14 ERA in five starts at Columbus.

Tomlin is 8-4 with a 2.66 ERA in 19 games, including 16 starts, at Columbus. He's not on the 40-man roster so someone would have to be taken off the roster to make room.

Player moves: The Houston Astros claimed infielder Anderson Hernandez off waivers. The Tribe designated Hernandez for assignment Sunday to make room for Gomez.

Meanwhile, Jensen Lewis was optioned to Columbus and added to the 40-man roster. He was designated for assignment Tuesday when shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera rejoined the team even though he still had an option left.

Day of rest: Austin Kearns (right knee) and Michael Brantley (right shoulder) missed their second straight starts Wednesday. Coupled with Thursday's off day, Acta hopes they'll be available Friday.

Finally: Kerry Wood, on the disabled list with a blister on his right index finger, is close to starting a throwing program.

Matta says he remains a fan of LeBron James as a player, but also wishes the former Cavaliers star had remained in Cleveland.

View full sizeJohn Raoux / Associated PressFormer Ohio State star Evan Turner, above, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, struggled a bit during NBA Summer League games, but Buckeyes coach Thad Matta says he believes Turner is just rusty and will be fine.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — LeBron James is still welcome at Ohio State.

In October 2009, Ohio State presented James with a No. 23 Ohio State basketball jersey before a Cavaliers exhibition game in Columbus. When Nike created James apparel, the Buckeyes were the first to put his logo on their uniforms in 2007. (The Buckeyes' jerseys have sported only a regular Nike logo for the past two years, but the Buckeyes still wear James' shoes.)

Though James left Cleveland, Ohio State coach Thad Matta hopes his team continues its association with James on some level. "In my opinion, LeBron still loves Ohio, still loves Ohio State," Matta said Wednesday. "I hope that he remains a huge fan of ours because I'm still a huge fan of his. In my position, it's more who he is as a basketball player, not who he's playing for.

"Obviously, I view LeBron as one of the all-time greats. I do wish he would have stayed in Cleveland."

On Kosta Koufos: Matta spoke with reporters for about half an hour Wednesday during a quick break from summer recruiting, providing updates on several current players. But when asked about a former player, Kosta Koufos, Matta gave an answer he'd been holding in for a while.

Koufos, the former Canton GlenOak star, left Ohio State in 2008, after the Buckeyes missed the NCAA Tournament in his only season.

Soon after, Jack Greynolds Jr., his high school coach, told the Canton Repository: "If you can't get along with a kid like Kosta, then you're clueless. If you're making $2 million a season and can't figure out how to use a 7-foot-1 kid, you're clueless. If you can't get along with a kid who comes early, stays late and gets good grades, you're clueless, and you've got the problem."

Koufos was recently traded from Utah to Minnesota, and when asked what Koufos needed to do to help his NBA career, Matta said: "You probably need to ask his high school coach that. I don't know."

Also: With the NCAA investigating several college football players for contact with agents, Matta said the issue of agents has worried him for years.

"Hopefully we can get that a little bit under control," Matta said, "But it's hard. The head coach is responsible, but you're sleeping with your fingers crossed." . . . In addition to previously signed nonconference games with Florida and South Carolina, Matta said the Buckeyes would host Miami (Ohio) on Nov. 26. . . . Matta compared the wrist surgery on incoming freshman Lenzelle Smith to Greg Oden's wrist injury four years ago. Both had surgery in mid-June, and Oden didn't play his first game until Dec. 2, missing seven contests. . . . Of Evan Turner's slow start to his NBA career in summer league play, Matta said Turner was rusty after a long layoff. "I think it was a little bit eye-opening for him," Matta said. "Talking to him, it was great motivation and an understanding that, hey, this is the real world and they're going to come after you every night. He's going to be just fine."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

Ohio Derby Day on July 31 tops the list of events at Thistledown each year. This racing season, a major change in ownership for the big day could make it even more of a milestone event.

View full sizePlain Dealer file photographHarrah’s is not planning any major changes right away after it finalizes the $43 million purchase of Thistledown in North Randall.

The Ohio Derby on July 31 tops the list of events at Thistledown each year. This racing season, a major change in ownership for the big day could make it even more of a milestone event.

Harrah's Entertainment plans to close the deal on its purchase of Thistledown on or before July 31, said marketing head Gary Thompson. No major changes will be made right away, with Harrah's planning to "go slow and not disrupt things," Thompson said.

"We are looking forward to enhancing the entertainment offerings at the track," he said. "A lot of ideas are being kicked around."

The present Thistledown management team is expected to continue operating the track with input from Harrah's, which bought Thistledown on May 25 for $43 million. The casino giant has a great deal of experience in the horse-racing game. It owns Harrah's Louisiana Downs in Louisiana, Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack in Pennsylvania and Players Bluegrass Downs in Kentucky. It is co-owner of Turfway Park in Kentucky.

Derby horses: Nominations for the $100,000 Ohio Derby closed Tuesday. Director of Racing William Couch will release the list this morning. The draw for the race is July 27.

Slots, but with horses: A new pari-mutuel gambling game resembling slot machines was approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday. Similar to Instant Racing offered at Arkansas tracks, the machines allow betting on randomly chosen past races. Bettors would be given odds and other information on the resurrected races, with wagers put into a common betting pool.

The new game is getting support from horse racing tracks, if only because it could provide ad ditional revenue. As in Ohio, Kentucky tracks are suffering as tracks in neighboring states offer expanded casino games.

Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson said the new game "would be another tool we could use to help generate additional revenue to boost purses and assist our industry."

President Bob Elliston of Turfway Park said he appreciates the decision, but his track will still have to reduce the number of racing dates to stay competitive.

Charlino keeps winning: Pennsylvania's Dan Charlino slipped past injured Aaron Merriman to take the driving lead at Northfield Park with 228 wins. That is seven victories more than Merriman, who has missed more than five weeks of racing after being badly injured in a crash at Pennsylvania's The Meadows.

Merriman, with two broken wrists and an elbow that needed reconstructive surgery, has not been in a sulky since the June 11 accident.

Charlino has been the "Friday Man "at Northfield, guiding 15 winners on the past two Friday night cards. In the North American driving standings, George Napolitano Jr. finally slipped past Merriman, nailing his 367th victory of 2010. On track to win the national driving title this year, Merriman most likely finished his season with 355 wins.

Oro dominates Thistle: Ernesto Oro finished the 52-day Summit-Thistledown Meeting with 39 winners, easily bagging the jockey's crown. Christian Pilares was second with 29 wins. Faith Schorr, who finished third with 26, was the top apprentice jockey of the meeting.

The training title was too close to call, right to the very end. Veteran Jeff Radosevich and Jamie Ness finished in a tie for the title, each saddling 21 winners. The trainers' race went right down to the final two days of the long meeting. Radosevich, who was Thistledown's top trainer in nine of 10 meetings before being denied a title in 2009, won on Monday with Emotional and Free to grab the lead.

Ness, the defending champ, responded Tuesday. He climbed back into a tie with Radosevich when his Kinky Boots scored in the 12th race on the last card of the meeting.

The 70-day Randall-Cranwood Meeting begins Friday. It keeps the thoroughbreds racing through Nov. 6.

Back to Track: Joining a wide range of harness racing tracks around the country, Northfield Park will jump into the Back to the Track promotion Aug. 14-15.

The promotion was developed by the U.S. Trotting Association and features a national Pick Four wager Aug. 14. There is free parking, admission, programs and a free $1,000 handicapping contest at Northfield that Saturday night.

Northfield's reinsmen will move to the grandstand side of the track during the program to interact with fans. Railbirds can enter a contest for rides in the track's starting gate.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: degan@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

Admission is free to the event at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field show grounds in Moreland Hills.

EQUESTRIAN

Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic II

What: The second of two national competitions for show jumpers and hunters, rated "A" by the U.S. Equestrian Federation.

When: 8 a.m. today through Sunday.

Where: Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field show grounds, Ohio 87 and River Road, Moreland Hills.

Feature events: North American League Jumper Classics for Children's Jumpers, Adult Jumpers, and Junior/Amateur Jumpers Sunday.

Admission: Free.

For more information: clevelandhorseshow.com or 330-903-9915.

-- Marge Fernbacher, Special to The Plain Dealer

Jesse Jackson and Dan Gilbert have managed to get more mileage than they should have out of LeBron James' departure.

View full sizeMichael Dwyer / Associated PressJesse Jackson isn't exactly speaking up for the "little guy" when he defends LeBron James.

Thank you, sir, may I have another humiliating million-dollar contract?

People have different ways of pronouncing words.

You say "tomato." I say "tomahto." Jesse Jackson says "predicament." I say "bonanza."

That's the word Jackson used in a recent radio interview in which he once again showed why putting a microphone in front of his face is the most worthless exercise in American media.

Predicament.

"Didn't you read Bill Rhoden's book 'Forty Million Dollar Slaves?' " Jackson said. "I'm sure you did. The point is that people, whatever price they may be, who can be bought, sold or leased are in that predicament. . . .

"[Players] play hurt, they play injured and they are, in fact, owned by a contract. . . . Don't focus on the analogy, focus on [Cavs owner Dan Gilbert] saying 'We've covered for you [LeBron James] and five specific games you quit.' That's a very heavy allegation and it's illegal, as well as illicit."

It's difficult not to focus on the analogy to slavery since Jackson keeps mentioning it every time he makes the case about how Gilbert did James wrong.

Owned? By a multiyear million-dollar contract? You mean the kind that makes it possible for James to house hunt for a $49 million, 20,000 square-foot mansion in Coral Gables?

How demeaning.

Just so no one else is thusly put upon, I volunteer to throw myself on that grenade.

Where do I sign up?

By the way, synonyms for "predicament" include "plight," "difficulty," "jam." Antonyms are "ease" and "comfort."

I think I speak for everyone worried about keeping a job they'll probably need until they're 80 or 85 when I say it's about time somebody spoke up for the little guy.

Blue-collar special

The Cavs haven't signed any free agents. Was it something Dan Gilbert said?

Just to make one point clear, I'm not taking Gilbert's side in how he dealt with James' departure.

People are treating him like a folk hero. Why, I'm not exactly sure.

View full sizeMarvin Fong / PDCavaliers owner Dan Gilbert didn't exactly take the high road in regard to LeBron James.

Because he matched the passion and vitriol found on any stool at the neighborhood bar the night James shamelessly dissed his hometown fans?

Because he made a personal guarantee he can't keep?

Because he acted like a cross between Lewis Black and a gypsy fortune teller, suggesting that James would carry the Cleveland Curse with him to his death bed?

The standards for hero status in any town should be higher than that. Only in Cleveland do people making $25,000 a year offer to pay the rich man's $100,000 fine simply because he put on a blue collar for a few minutes.

Gilbert found a unique way to slam James' professionalism. By being even more unprofessional than James.

That said, even Jesse Jackson should have seen Gilbert's statement for what it was. Gilbert simply came off like a school kid talking bad about his ex-girlfriend.

And now we'll see who lines up to date him next.

Spinoffs

Overheard: Shin-Soo Choo DH'ed and wore No. 23 for the Akron Aeros on Monday on "Ship Out LeBron James" night, prompting a young fan to refer to him "the Choo-sen One."

In the latest Harris Poll of most popular American athletes, Kobe Bryant caught up to Tiger Woods. . . . Like that's a good thing?

View full sizeAPGreg LeMond must really dislike Lance Armstrong, judging by who he's teaming up with now.

Shocking, I know, but the Minnesota Vikings aren't giving Brett Favre any hard and fast deadline to decide if he'll return to the team for next season. Unofficially, Favre has until the first third-down conversion in the season opener.

LeBron James is coming out with a children's furniture line, meaning now kids can lie in their beds at night concocting plans to run away from home.

Other than South Florida, no matter where I lived, pulling for Miami and its team-stacking superstars would be like rooting for BP, Wall Street banks and Mel Gibson combined.

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese, on the disabled list with a right foot injury, dropped a weight on his left big toe and fractured it. I'll save you the "You said it" e-mail by saying, "How long before the Indians trade for David Freese?"

Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond will testify in an investigation of possible fraud and doping charges against Lance Armstrong and his associates. LeMond predicts the evidence against Armstrong will be "overwhelming." That puts LeMond on the same side of the issue as Floyd Landis. Here's how bad it's going for Armstrong: Just three years ago, Landis' manager tried to keep LeMond from testifying against Landis by threatening to reveal that LeMond was sexually molested as a child.

Ah, mom, apple pie, and cycling.

You said it

(The Greatly Expanded "Did-I-Miss-Anything-While-I-Was-On-Vacation" Edition)

"Dear Bud: My worry with your alarming absence during LeDefection was that The Miami Herald got you in a deal that paid you the max and left a lot of cap room for the PD sports section." -- Michael S.

Many people -- and by that I mean one other person -- shared your concern. But Bud Shaw had to do what made Bud Shaw happy. And that involved two weeks of sitting in Bud Shaw's underwear eating Doritos' Late Night All Nighter Cheeseburger chips.

"Bud: Is there any truth to the rumor that the reason you haven't been seen since "The Decision" is you also were taking your talents to South Beach?" -- Angelo

I will clear this up once and for all. As I told Jim Gray, the truth is, after two weeks of self-indulgence, I am taking my expanding talents to the South Beach Diet.

"Bud: Was Mike Redmond hurried out of town?" -- Mike G

Not for lack of effort, the veteran catcher left town the way he ran the bases. With his hazard lights flashing.

"How do you see Cavs fans reacting when LeBron and 'Z' are introduced when the Heat play in Cleveland next season?" -- Tom H

You mean on Garlic Necklace and Wooden Stake Night?

"Bud: LeBron's first game back at The Q, will he play, not travel with the team because of personal reasons, or not play because of the now infamous 'elbow strain?' -- Bob

I suspect in keeping with the way he left town, he will take all shots underhanded.

"Dear Mr. Shaw: After watching 'The Decision,' I can't decide . . . is LeBron more humble or more loyal?" -- Jim O

That's only been asked of two people. And no one could decide about Mother Teresa either.

"Bud: In retrospect, was it a mistake for Dan Gilbert to ask Mel Gibson to help with his letter to Cavs fans? -- Jim

First-time "You said it" winners receive a T-shirt from the mental-floss collection.

"Bud: Can David Stern at least throw Cleveland a bone and force Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to change their jersey numbers to "6," too, so that when they line up on the court with LeBron, the world will see them for who they are?" -- Mark N

Repeat winners get a copy of "Dante's Inferno."

"Bud: Is it true that LeBron will be appearing on Charlie Daniels' next TV ad, playing second fiddle?" -- Vince

Or a copy of "Robin: My Life With Batman."

"Bud: Can I trademark 'The Three MiamEgos'?" -- Pat

Or a "Miami Vice" DVD collection.

To reach Bud Shaw: bshaw@plaind.com, 216-999-5639

The eagles and two birdies helped offset four bogeys and enabled Sowards to become the ninth player to win at least three Open titles.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey / The Plain DealerOhio Open winner Bob Sowards gives a little encouragement to his putt on the 16th green Wednesday at Quail Hollow Country Club.

CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — When the eagles landed, they scattered the rest of the flock.

Teaching pro and former Tour player Bob Sowards used a pair of eagles Wednesday, including a game-clincher with five holes to play, to win the 87th annual Ohio Open, on the Devlin Course at Quail Hollow Country Club.

The eagles and two birdies helped offset four bogeys and enabled Sowards to become the ninth player to win at least three Open titles.

He had a 54-hole score of 9-under 204, capped by a 2-under 69 in the final round.

Mill Creek Park Golf Course pro Dennis Miller, who led after the first two rounds, finished second at 205 after a closing 71 and four players tied for third at 206. The win was worth $8,000 and Miller, from Canfield, received $4,000.

The most recent player to win three titles is Pepper Pike pro Rob Moss, who was in contention after the first two rounds, but fell to a tie for 11th.

"I haven't been in contention for a long time so I was really nervous out there," said Sowards, who played on the PGA Tour in 2008, the Nationwide Tour last year and now teaches at New Albany Country Club in his hometown.

"It felt good to be able to come through."

Sowards, who also won at Barrington in 2004 and Tam O'Shanter in 2002, trailed Miller by two shots heading into the final nine holes, despite an eagle on the 550-yard third.

That changed on the par-4 10th when Sowards rolled in a 20-foot birdie putt and Miller made bogey.

View full sizePDDespite leading most of the tournament, Dennis Miller couldn't hang on during the final round.

When Sowards stepped onto the tee of the 504-yard 14th, he was tied with former Strongsville standout and current mini-tour player Jake Scott, who was playing one group ahead. Both were at 8 under.

After a perfect tee shot, he had 223 yards to reach the green.

"The wind kept switching and I didn't know if I could get there with a 5-wood but I ended up hitting it perfect," said Sowards, who left himself with a 35-foot putt.

"I saw a line in the green like it was burned in there."

The putt was more perfect than the 5-wood, rolling into the hole with exact speed.

Sowards, whose first tournament as a professional was a Hogan Tour stop at Quail Hollow in 1991, gave a slight fist pump to celebrate his two-shot cushion at 10 under.

Although he followed with a bogey on the 15th hole, no one was able to take advantage until Miller pulled to within one with a birdie on the 17th. Sowards played the 18th in regulation, lagging a 40-foot birdie putt to within two feet.

Scott had pulled into a tie for the lead at 8 under with a birdie at the 14th hole but a bogey on the next hole cost him.

Rookie pro Trevor Bowman of Harpster shared low-round of the day with Westwood pro Todd Lancaster, both at 66. The hot finish lifted Bowman into a tie for third place, along with former Akron player Garrett Frank, defending champion Vaughn Snyder and Scott, all at 206.

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

The small forward reportedly is leaning toward taking less money in order to play for a team with a better shot at contending next season.

View full sizeMatt Slocum / Associated PressWhile the Cavaliers are interested in signing Matt Barnes, they are not interested in getting into a bidding war with other teams.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Matt Barnes has a tough choice in front of him and it involves the Cavaliers in a role they're not familiar with.

He has to choose, apparently, between taking less money to play with a likely championship contender or taking a richer contract offered to him by a team with less expectations, the Cavs. In the past, it was the contender Cavs trying to steal free agents on the cheap.

Barnes is taking several days to decide. Wednesday, a source close to Barnes said the lanky but tough small forward was leaning toward accepting an offer from a contending team even if it meant leaving several million on the table. But no final decision had been reached.

The Cavs are believed to like Barnes because of his toughness -- he famously got into a physical battle with Kobe Bryant in a game last season -- and feel he brings certain intangibles beyond his modest statistics of 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Orlando Magic.

But already spurned once this week when it appeared Barnes had accepted a deal with the Toronto Raptors, the Cavs aren't just waiting on Barnes. According to a prominent player agent, the Cavs have been in trade talks to acquire a small forward this week.

Sources said the team has several trade scenarios it is working on with Delonte West, who has a trade-friendly non-guaranteed contract. Trading for a small forward is one of General Manager Chris Grant's options.

View full sizeScott Shaw / The Plain DealerGuard Delonte West reportedly is on the trading block.

Barnes is very much in demand. Numerous teams are interested in signing him. Several of the teams are among the best in the league, including the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.

The issue is that none of those teams can pay Barnes more than $1.8 million to start a contract and the Celtics and Heat can only pay him about $1.1 million next season.

Then there are the Cavs, who with their full midlevel exception of $5.8 million, to use in whole or part, can pay him more. Sources indicate the Cavs have offered Barnes significantly more than the other capped-out suitors.

While Barnes is believed to be heavily considering the lesser offers to more directly compete for a title next season, he did briefly agree to a two-year, $9 million offer from the Raptors on Monday. After losing Chris Bosh and trading Hedo Turkoglu, the Raptors are not considered title contenders.

Toronto did offer more than any other team, including the Cavs, which actually got Barnes to agree to the deal before it fell apart because of salary-cap issues the Raptors couldn't resolve.

As a journeyman who has played for seven teams, Barnes hasn't made a great deal of money by NBA standards. His career earnings are between $7 million and $8 million. So, at age 30, this is an important contract for him.

The difference, even on a two-year deal, between what the Cavs are likely offering and what a team like the Celtics can offer, may be as much as $5 million.

With all of that to consider and the wheels of free agency still turning, it is understandable why Barnes may be losing some sleep this week.

Cavs to sign rookie: The Cavs reached an agreement in principle with rookie free-agent power forward Samardo Samuels on a multiyear contract, agent David Bauman confirmed to The Plain Dealer.

Samuels (6-8, 240) is a low-post player expected to play power forward and center. The deal is believed to have a partial guarantee for the first season, which makes it likely Samuels will make the team. He was impressive during the Vegas Summer League with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 12.6 points and 7.4 rebounds. His biggest statement came when he scored 17 points with seven rebounds and outplayed Sacramento Kings draft picks DeMarcus Cousins and Hassan Whiteside in a game last week.

A high-profile recruit when arrived at the University of Louisville, Samuels averaged 15.3 points and seven rebounds as a sophomore last season before declaring for the draft.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: bwindhorst@plaind.com, 216-999-5166

With Ben Roethlisberger's legal problems and NFL suspension, Santonio Holmes traded, and two key players lost for the season with injuries, it's probably going to be a long season for the Steelers.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerThe Steelers are hoping QB Byron Leftwich can keep them afloat until Ben Roethlisberger returns from a six-game suspension.

As NFL training camps prepare to open next week, Plain Dealer pro football and Browns beat reporter Tony Grossi takes a closer look at Cleveland's rivals in the AFC North Division.

No team in the AFC North suffered a worse off-season than the Pittsburgh Steelers.

To wit:

•Franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger drew nationwide and civic scorn, plus a six-game NFL suspension, following accusations that he sexually assaulted a 20-year-old woman March 5 in Milledgeville, Ga.

•Receiver Santonio Holmes, MVP of the team's 2008 season Super Bowl championship, was traded to the Jets after an off-field transgression in March.

•Right tackle Willie Colon and receiver Limas Sweed were lost for the season after suffering Achilles tendon injuries in off-season practices. Charles Scott, a rookie tackle who may have competed to fill Colon's starting spot, broke a bone in his foot working out and will need three months to recover from surgery.

Then came news that top draft choice Maurkice Pouncey, a natural center expected to start at right guard, is the focus of an NCAA investigation of the Florida football program. That won't affect Pouncey's NFL career, of course, but it piled on the bad news for a franchise that has declined steadily since winning the Super Bowl in the 2008 season.

At a youth football camp in Pittsburgh last week, Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' director of football operations, said: "We know we have a huge challenge ahead of us. We didn't have the type of off-season that we're proud of."

Roethlisberger may have his suspension lifted after four games. In his place, the Steelers plan to use Byron Leftwich, who appeared in five games for them in their most recent Super Bowl year. Leftwich was immobile when he was 24 -- six years ago. His effectiveness behind an offensive line in disrepair is a huge question mark.

As always the case with Pittsburgh, there are fewer questions on defense. Draft selections Jason Worilds and Thaddeus Gibson will be phased in gradually as situational rushers, per the Steelers Way. But with age creeping up on their formidable defensive front and rock-solid linebacker James Farrior, who is 35, the Steelers need to have an offense on the rise, not on the descent, to remain an elite contender.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Full camp opens: July 30, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa.

2009 result: 9-7, missed playoffs.

2009 vs. Browns: 1-1. 27-14 in Pittsburgh, 6-13 in Cleveland.

2010 outlook: Back to the pack.

2010 uncommon opponents: Tennessee and Oakland.

Rookie to watch: OL Maurkice Pouncey. The Florida center, who had higher rankings than the Browns' Alex Mack in 2009, will break in as a starting guard.

Veteran to watch: QB Byron Leftwich. Reacquired in a trade with Tampa Bay in April, the immobile passer will start while Ben Roethlisberger serves a six-game league suspension.

Training camp issues: How will Roethlisberger's off-season troubles affect his relationship with teammates while coaches ready Leftwich for the season opener? How does the depleted offensive line scramble to protect the immobile Leftwich? Can safety Troy Polamalu prepare for the season without suffering another injury?

Players and coaches ponder their future in a softball-free Olympics world.

View full sizeSue Agrocki,
Associated PressU.S. coach Jay Miller, shown in Oklahoma City on Wednesday with his team preparing for the upcoming World Cup of Softball, says it could be 2020 before the sport returns to the Olympic fold. And then only if a sympathetic IOC boss takes the helm.

Oklahoma City -- With the world championships approaching, Jay Miller gathered his U.S. national softball team for two days of practice and then headed off to another continent to play.

Gone are the days of a long, national tour to prepare for the competition. With the sport being dropped from the Olympics for at least the rest of the decade, there's a new, sobering reality for USA Softball.

Losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in support from the U.S. Olympic Committee means a limited travel schedule, less time to practice and no stipends that would allow players to give up everyday jobs.

"The biggest thing it hits is funding for the players," said Miller, in his second year as the U.S. head coach. "In the past, our Olympic years especially, kids could make a pretty good living playing for the national team, where now they can't."

The Americans arrived in Oklahoma City this week for the fifth annual World Cup of Softball, and the first since the IOC finalized its decision to keep softball off the program for the 2016 Olympics. It also won't be played in London in 2012.

Only three countries will be represented at this year's World Cup, the fewest yet, as other nations wouldn't pay for their teams to make the trip.

Instead of the tournament being played as a warmup for the world championships -- now the sport's premier event -- the World Cup is taking place three weeks afterward. A major tournament in Canada also was canceled, although the U.S. went ahead with a four-game exhibition series against the Canadians.

Ron Radigonda, the executive director of the Amateur Softball Association that runs USA Softball, said he's already trying to coordinate next year's schedule for the Canada Cup and World Cup so teams from other continents can play both tournaments during a single trip to North America. For 2012, he hopes the World Cup and Canada Cup can be played just before the world championships in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

Those kind of decisions are more critical now that money is tight.

The softball team used to receive big payouts from the USOC each year, in part because it was a regular favorite to win gold.

Not anymore.

"We're at zero," Radigonda said. "We basically were not granted any funding from the USOC, so we went to zero. In non-Olympic years, we were at mid-six figures and in Olympic years we were much greater than that."

As a result, Radigonda said the plan now is for the U.S. team to condense its activities into a span of about two months each summer, between June and early August. In 2008, the team went on a 42-city tour starting in February and players were essentially wrapped up in team activities through the Olympics in August.

There's no way the association can afford to pay players for that long now.

"It's sad but it's true," two-time Olympian Natasha Watley said. "These women on this team, we have lives, we have to make a living. We have to pay rent and eat, and so I think that's a big part of it.

"The money isn't there and it's not as easy to stick around with it not being an Olympic sport."

Radigonda said he has also started talking to other countries about the possibility of creating a world softball tour, which he believes may be marketable to sponsors seeking exposure in other countries and potentially attractive to television.

The bottom line, though, is that the sport is most viable on an international level if it is part of the Olympics.

"You can't underscore enough how important that Olympic platform is because people understand that," Radigonda said. "The softball fans, they'll find us. I don't care if we're playing at 2 in the morning, they're going to figure out where we're at and they'll watch the game.

"What you need to have, though, is that Olympic program. It brings it just to the next level."

At this point, there's no telling when -- or even if -- the sport will get back in. It was initially added in 1996, and the U.S. won the first three gold medals before losing to Japan in the 2008 gold-medal game.

The next possibility would be in 2020, the first Olympics that would be organized after the end of current IOC president Jacques Rogge's term runs out in 2013.

"I don't think that there's any way we're going to get back in until the IOC and international leadership changes, but that's going to change eventually," Miller said. "When we get a new IOC president who might be more favorable to softball, I think we have an opportunity then."

In the meantime, softball players are left to decide whether softball is a sacrifice they can make. Some are able to make a living playing in professional leagues in the U.S., including the four-team National Pro Fastpitch and the touring Pro Fastpitch X-treme, and in Japan. That's not the case with Team USA.

"It's not about the money," said Megan Langenfeld, who won the NCAA title with UCLA last month. "Being a female athlete, that's part of it. You could almost go across every sport. The women don't get paid as much as men do. So, it's definitely about the sport and your love for the game.

"You can't play this sport without having a love for it."

"I'd give anything for the Browns to be on a 'steady decline' if it meant they'd won a Super Bowl in the last two seasons." - Run2Daylight

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerBrowns fans wouldn't trade offseasons with the Steelers this year, but they wouldn't mind having one of their rings.

In response to the story Pittsburgh Steelers are on a steady decline: Tony Grossi's AFC North preview, cleveland.com reader Run2Daylight is envious of at least one thing the Steelers have. This reader writes,

"I'd give anything for the Browns to be on a 'steady decline' if it meant they'd won a Super Bowl in the last two seasons."

"If he chooses to play for $1.1 or $1.8 million per season instead with a contender, I guess that's his choice. Even though he'd be a nice addition, I don't think he's much better than Jamario Moon, so no major loss if he goes elsewhere." - timinflorida

View full sizeCould Matt Barnes spurn Cleveland to go play with LeBron James in Miami?

In response to the story Cleveland Cavaliers' money might not be enough to contend for Matt Barnes, cleveland.com reader timinflorida isn't worried if Matt Barnes decides to play elsewhere. This reader writes,

"If he chooses to play for $1.1 or $1.8 million per season instead with a contender, I guess that's his choice. Even though he'd be a nice addition, I don't think he's much better than Jamario Moon, so no major loss if he goes elsewhere."